Fighting the Fat Kid Within

No Cow: No Go

It’s been a while since I’ve done a food review but I recently tried a couple of new things to share with you.

A coworker of mine recently brought this bar in to work.  After several people testing it we all came to the same conclusion.

…Not our thing.

I don’t like to post negativity so let’s take a look at this bar as a whole and give it the same opportunity as the other products I try.

HOW…

Help Wanted: Accountability Partner

Help Wanted: Accountability Partner [Official Pain in the Ass, Noxious Buddy, Food Nazi, Workout Junkie, Annoying Sidekick]

Have you ever asked a friend or loved one to hold you accountable for your diet or exercise routine?

How did it work out?

There are a few scenarios I can think of.

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I’m officially the heaviest I’ve ever been.

Unfortunately I’m not surprised…but I’m not happy either.

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That moment when you see something that’s too good to pass up despite your limited financial resources.

I like to think that Zac and I are very good with our money and use it responsibly. We often lean toward the frugal side, especially now that we have a mortgage to worry about.  The other day when I was on Facebook a friend of mine was offering a kettlebell set for sale; I of course inquire…

I’m afraid to step on the scale.  I know that I’ve been overindulging and it’s a mighty shame….BUT

BUT!

I’m making strides in the right direction.

Last week I began to get my butt in higher gear than I’ve been in quite some time.

I began going back to the gym on my lunch breaks. For 30 minutes I get to go into my own world.

Sunday:

Elliptical

30 Minutes

5.01 Miles

PLUS an extra 75 squats

Hard…

I feel Burnt Out. Tired. Bummed out.

To the point where I don’t even want to horseback ride anymore…I dread it.

I don’t really want to do anything.

I just want to be home.  Doing nothing. Maybe sleep.

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So this really isn’t about dieting.  It’s not about fitness.  Life doesn’t have to be that way 100% of the time and this blog really doesn’t need to be either (because I say so).  Instead I want to discuss sanity and mental health.

I adopted my cat, Kain, five years ago from the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.   Little did I know back then what an amazing life I’d have with him.  From his cage in…

Thanks for the Thought…

If you don’t subscribe to my other site, The Green Horseman, you would have m8ssed Our big announcement about Our new home. Check it out below:

Our House Announcement

We closed on the house on the 6th and we moved in on the 16th. It’s been a big process and both of us have been working a lot of hours so I’m packing is taking us unpacking is taking us some time. You would think that as normal…

Introvert, Mutant, Outcast….or…Unique, One-of-a-Kind, Happy

Being an introvert has it’s difficulties.  When I’m at work I listen to a lot of podcasts.  Not only do I have a lot to learn and enjoy from podcasts but I also struggle fitting in.

Sometimes I put on Pandora’s comedy channels.  One comedian named Mark Normand spoke to me in his bit called Evil Brain.

“I want you guys to like me but I’m scared of ya.  You bum me out but I need your love.”

-Mark…

I’m Doing a Thing

In the spirit of making new challenges and new habits I started a thing…

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Thriving for Thirty Week 3 Update

Only two weeks ago I launched my “Thriving for Thirty” initiative.

I set out to

Lose the weight that I’ve gained over the last 3 years (60-65 pounds)

Maintain some great relationships with friends and family

Make better use of my finances

Be a more happy individual

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Vermont Smoke and Cure

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In three years so much has changed in my life.  Career, friends, I got a horse, my life’s purpose (and the struggle to even know what it is), oh and did I mention I’ve gained over 60 pounds?

“Brush it off,” they say.  “Don’t beat yourself up.”  “Just eat healthy and exercise and you’ll be okay.”  “You have to want it.” “You’re fine the way you are.” “Just put your mind to it.”

Anyone who has gone through this struggle can relate to my lament.  I just want to yell “Shut Up!”  I can’t brush it off, I DO beat myself up, I KNOW what I need to do.  NO I DON’T WANT YOUR ADVICE.  Go AWAY!  Go eat a cupcake or veggie stick I don’t care.

I have been through the weight gain/weight loss cycle several times.  Call me Duncan because I’m a career yo-yo.

The truth is I know what has kept me from achieving my goals.  Where do I start?

Depression

Bleak outlook for my future (can be included in depression)

Biochemical addiction to sugar

A destroyed self-confidence

Low self-worth

Lack of social support

Lack of a good accountability partner

Sometime in September I was hit with a great burst of hope and energy.  This energy sparked an idea to help get my life back on track.  I have tried several ideas in the last couple of years and failed so I have been hesitant about speaking freely of this new plan.  After some careful planning I have a good feeling about this and I KNOW I can make it happen.

I’m calling my project THRIVING FOR THIRTY.

I will be thirty in 16 months.  I don’t want to just focus on running myself ragged to lose weight. I want to THRIVE!  Based on my timing I only need to lose 4-4.5 pounds per month in order to achieve my wight goals…very reasonable.

In addition to this I am creating new goals every month and every two weeks.

It’s October 1st, My goals for October:

Lose 4.5 pounds

Go on a date with Zac

See my mom

See my grandma

Publish 6 posts in my blog (also check out https://thegreenhorseman.com/

Track my frivolous spending and rein it in

Weeks 1/2 Goals:

5 days: Eat completely clean/healthy

Pilates 4x/week

3x week: 50 Crunches, 50 Jumping Jacks, 50 Squats

1x/week: Horseback Riding

Weeks 3/4 Goals:

5 days: Eat completely clean/healthy

Pilates 4x/week

3x week: 25 Burpees, 50 crunches, 50 Pushups

1x/week: Horseback Riding

Gone are the days where I beat myself up for not living up to my former glory.  The reality is that this is now my starting point.  Like it or not I can no longer do a 40 pound pull-up, a 53 pound pistol squat, or a 70 pound Turkish getup.  It doesn’t mean I won’t get back there but it will take time and I have to forgive myself and move on.

So here it goes….I’m thriving for Thirty!

I feel so sick after eating like poo last weekend, but I regret nothing.  

Lake George hosts a hot air balloon festival every year, this year was the 45th event.  Although I live less than an hour away Ihave never attended.  When Iheard about the festival I asked Zac if he’d like to go and we decided to make it a date.

Saturday morning Iwoke up, fed the horses and we rolled out for the day.  We…