Things are chugging along over here in the lab, erm, house … I’m down another inch altogether and the pound I gained during last week’s time of the month has fallen back off.
Overall I’ve lost four pounds and four inches in five weeks. I’m happy with that, especially because I have my medium jeans back on. My brain is no longer thinking in pounds lost though, I’ve switched over to inches smaller. I’m only one inch away from my skinny jeans based on my waist and another inch from my hips. Yay! I am definitely a fan of “The Smarter Science of Slim®” (affiliate link).
Tastes Are Changing
I’m definitely noticing changes in my taste buds and what I crave. I really look forward to my nightly orange after dinner; the sweetness, the flavor, it’s something I enjoy and has become a nightcap of sorts. I also have found myself reprogramming my brain. Walked right by the ice cream shop and did not glance into the window like I normally do. I didn’t want any. How cool is that?
Sugar Addiction
Sugar addiction is a medically-recognized, low-grade addiction that is not helped by our processed food world. When you eliminate these foods from your diet, you get a chance to break that sugar addiction. I did it accidentally in January when I was living on a thrifty budget, then immediately re-sugared for two weeks before I started using “Smarter Science” author Jonathan Bailor’s methods. Now I’ve de-sugared again and my skin feels tauter, I feel calmer; everything feels great.
Exercise Just for Fun
There is an obligation to exercise on Bailor’s plan. You need to do a searing bike workout and a body-shaking weight training routine. These bursts of energy are fast and intense, only 20 minutes total. I have to be honest here and say it’s always 20 minutes for me on the bike (I futz … ), but I’ve added back in Pilates and tons of walking and, honestly, whatever else appeals to me.
I’m exercising because it feels good, not because I feel like I “have to.” That is such a huge mind shift that has taken me weeks to wrap my brain around. I don’t need to go running to get skinny, but because I like running. So I’m not worried about, “Did I go three miles?” I just head out and stop when I’m done. Yay!
Finding My “Smarter Science” Combination
What has always appealed to me about “The Smarter Science of Slim” plan is that you can adjust it according to your lifestyle and your goals. You can live like a fitness model with lots of veggies, fruits, lean protein, and not much else. Or you can live a “fit” lifestyle with a few more indulgences. This is the first diet I’ve seen where one size does not fit all and I love that you can dial it up or down whenever you need to.
I’ve been working with two starches a day and two cheat meals a week, which has been a good combination for me, on top of a goal of 80 grams of protein and nine servings of vegetables and fruit. I’ve been sticking to it because I chose it, I’m not just “following the rules.” This has also been quite liberating.
Still Struggling with Protein
I’m getting between 60 and 80 grams of protein per day; more than that doesn’t seem to sit well with my system. I’m sticking to lean proteins and I always eat protein with every meal. I feel sated. I know this is below the optimal amount that Bailor suggests, but it’s where my body is happy. Jonathan, if you’re reading this and you have a comment, please chime in. I’m just listening to my body and doing what it tells me.
One Week To Go
I’ve got one more week in my six week challenge, then I’ll be on my own. I’m glad I switched to the “my way” plan and shared it with you. I suppose it might make for “better” blog posts to show myself eating super clean and dropping lots of inches. Instead, what you’re seeing is a gradual, steady decline and a happy person who is liking her body a little more than she did five weeks ago.
I can live with that. No, really, I can actually live with this, forever. If you’re on the plan, how are you doing? I also wanted to share Jonathan Bailor’s Facebook page; it’s really active and there are some great recipe ideas as well as studies that he shares with everyone.
Cheers,
Lisa