Where did the Week Go?

I can't believe it's Friday already! I actually didn't realize what day it was until I read somebody else's blog with the same opening statement! I was like what?! How did that happen?

It has been a busy, busy week. A quick update:

1) Weight training: I only got 2 weight sessions in this week, but they were both really good. Ever since I came to London (and also during the time I was training on vacation), I've been rotating 3 weight lifting routines (5 different exercises in each routine, 10 reps each). I'm so happy to see progress! I have one more weight training session left of this program before I move on to something a bit different.

2) Cardio: My cardio has mainly been walking and circuit training through MetaFit class. I did a couple days of HIIT training on the treadmill, working in a few sprints, but it's still not easy on my knees. I so desperately want to run, but I keep getting knocked back. I think I need to continue to work on strength training and hopefully that will have a positive impact on my running.

3) Jiujitsu: I finally restarted jiujitsu training this week! I was so happy to get back into it, but not so thrilled to be training in a gi. I just don't find it comfortable. Still, the two sessions were really good. We worked on rear naked chokes and triangle chokes - some of my favorite moves :)

4) Weight Watchers: My first weight watchers weigh in was frustrating. I lost 1/2 kg. I wasn't surprised. I had 3 meals out during the week so I'm sure that didn't help. This week they started talking about pro points but it all sounds a bit complicated for me for where I'm at. I'm sticking to the simple start plan until I see a bit more movement with my weight.

5) My Food: The biggest effort I've made this past week as to cut down my dinner portions. Even though my dinners are clean and healthy, I know that I need to watch how much I'm eating. I've been doing that, but I've been going to bed hungry, and I really hate that feeling. Still, I survive through it. I'm going to keep at it for a while and see where it goes. The discipline has to pay off at some point.

6) Tracking: I wear my Fitbit to track my steps and I've been logging into My Fitness Pal for the past 2 weeks now. I don't rely on the numbers they give for calories burned during activities, but tracking food has been good. I've connected with a few people on My Fitness Pal -- if you're on it, do look me up! I find the extra connection helpful and motivating!

7) Update on my brother: He's still in hospital. There's still no confirmed diagnosis. Today, for the first time after his surgery last week, he was able to move his legs a bit (after an aggressive treatment with steroids). I'll be flying to Bangkok next week - I'm just too far away from my family during such a stressful time. Applying for my visa too huge chunks of time out of my days this week. It's always such a frustrating process. If you don't have to apply for visas to travel, count your blessings!!!

8) Final thoughts: I was so hoping to fall into a more normal routine starting August 1st. However, with my upcoming travel, it looks like that is not going to happen. I know that several blog posts ago I accepted the fact that my norm was to have a chaotic schedule, but still -- the lack of routine is so difficult to deal with. I'm trying to stay positive and keep working at it. Regardless of what's going on, the basics never change -- eat healthy and keep exercising.

My FitBit Flex

I'm really happy with the changes I've made to my lifestyle. I feel healthy and strong. I enjoy exercising, and I enjoy eating clean. I exercise daily (varying intensities), but I know that my wrist injury and not being able to give 100% during my training and having to stay off weight lifting for 4 months has affected my strength, and in turn, it has had an impact on my body (shape, body fat%). Still, I do the best I can whenever I can. My diet is not perfect, but when I do go off track, it really is just that single incident versus an endless binge-fest.

Despite my good habits, my weight is at a standstill. I knew that I needed to be a bit more careful in tracking my food and my movements. That's what led me to buying a FitBit Flex. I asked a number of people who use it (and are all fitness inclined) whether they found it helpful. They all said yes. One of my friends has a similar exercise routine to me, and she said that despite her natural enthusiasm to work hard and push hard all the time, having a FitBit helped motivate her to move more.

So, I decided to get one.

My FitBit Flex

I've only had it for a few days, but I love it so far. It's easy to use, and I love the fact that it syncs up to my phone.

I'm always a bit skeptical of the numbers that appear on calorie counters and other similar gadgets. I feel like they overestimate the numbers. So, even though numbers, such as the ones I got on my first day (pictured below), make me feel happy, I'm taking them with a grain of salt. Just because it says that I burned 4,005 calories doesn't mean that I can eat at least another 1,000 calories and still be able to lose weight.

I think you still have to be sensible - eat at the right time and eat the right foods.

So, I'm using the FitBit as an extra source of knowledge for me. I'm tracking my foods. I'm tracking my movement. I'm monitoring my water intake and my sleep. Hopefully I'll be able to use all of this vigilance to my advantage!

If you're on FitBit and want to connect, look me up!

My Day 1 Stats: I worked out for 4 hours that day 

(1 hour weights, 1 hour Kajukenbo, 2 hours Muay Thai)