I know this is a cycle that I have been on.  Start a diet, then stop.  Start 30-day challenges, then stop half way thru.  But this time, I am not putting any pressure on myself to do any more than my body and complicated gastric system can handle.  I truly believe low carb will work, but my plan is to incorporate some fruit into the mix.  And I will not shy away from sugar.  I have learned that the 6 30-day challenges I tried and failed last month were entirely too much for me to handle.  I knew there would be pain because you know that they say, no pain, no gain.  But the pain I was feeling was beyond sore muscles.  I was experiencing cramping to the point that I would double over.  So, I stopped.

This time, things will be different.  I’m going to limit my carbs.  I’m going to drink more water.  I’m going to have fresh fruit and vegetables.  I’m going to do crunches, squats, lunges, and arm circles every day.  And the number I do will increase by 5 every 5 days.  I’m not doing this to lose weight although that would be nice.  I’m doing this because I know I can and because I WANT TO.

With that being said (or written) let’s get started with today and my new series (???) One More Time #1.

Today, like every day began with coffee.  My coffee always has a little sugar and creamer or some sort.  This weeks creamer of choice is Nestle Coffeemate in the flavor Creamy Chocolate.  I have had this before and I really love the flavor.  I will be taking some of this with me when we go on our cruise later this summer.  I did not eat anything for breakfast.

Lunch consisted of leftover citrus chicken and rice (about 1 cup) and a glass of sweet ice tea.  Leftovers are good as long as I am able to get to it before my husband or son do!!!

Late afternoon I snacked on 4 deviled eggs (2 hard boiled eggs, mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper) and 1 ounce of honey roasted almonds.  According to the label, 1 ounce of the almonds totaled 160 calories.  This really filled me up so I did not have anything for dinner.

The night ended with some popcorn.  Nothing special.  Just some microwave popcorn.  I miss the days of making popcorn on the stove.  But convenience is good.

Now for today’s exercises.  I have selected these exercises as they were some that I did in the challenges I tried last month.  I’m starting at a level I feel comfortable with but I will watch myself and adjust accordingly.  The first 5 days the number of each will be 25.  In 5 days, that number will increase by 5.

25 crunches

25 squats

25 side lunges

25 arm circles

And now I’m calling it a night.  If you have any suggestions on recipes I can try or exercises I can do, please send me a message.  I welcome your suggestions and feedback.