ALMOST 10 weeks out! 

LISTENING TO MY BODY AND ITS SIGNALS.........

ENERGY

10 weeks from Friday I will be walking across the stage showing the judges all of the hard work I have been doing over the last year (and then some, really).  The last couple of days I have found my energy a little low, I contribute some to hormone changes, but I am trying to recognize those signals that I am not 100% and respecting my body by listening to those signals.  I was planning a list of errands yesterday but felt a little overwhelmed, so I took a step back, evaluated if anything HAD to be done, and there wasn't anything pressing, so I dialed back my day to be less demanding, I did keep my massage appointment, that was wonderful and I am so glad that I went to do that, I already set up another appointment for next month.  With all of the training and dieting I am doing, I need to make sure I am keeping my stress levels low so that I do not tax myself further.


HUNGER
 I am feeling more hungry more often, but I find if I make myself a glass of cool lemon water or a cup of hot herbal tea, that hunger subsides.   I try to avoid gum when I am hungry because I have learned that the chewing causes the digestive stomach juices to respond and prepare for food, but there isn't any food coming, so it just causes me to be more hungry! I love my BCAA's, especially Xtend in the powser form, I have the grape flavor, it tastes like Kool-Aid and helps to keep my appetite manageable between meals, not to mention it helps with protein synthesis.  I have been working to keep my fiber levels up between 25-55 grams per day and found the Quest Bar is a great source of fiber, without excess fat and sugar, they have about 19 grams of fiber!  That meets almost my daily need in one sitting.  I warm the bar in the microwave for about 25 seconds and put a small amount of canned whipped cream and voila! I have my postworkout treat, delicious!

   
 My weight is steadily coming down though today it popped back up slightly, but I may not have had enough water after my massage yesterday, so we will see what the next few days bring, I am definitely feeling smaller through the hips, which is a good thing.  I am working out every day now, whether it is a lifting workout, HIIT training (2 days per week) or cardio (no more than 30 mins.)  It is a manageable schedule and I have made "margins" in my day to provide time to spend with my family, bible study, or downtime for myself and that has helped tremendously.  I know that God is with me through this and is guiding me every step of the way, the main thing is to listen to Him, and not try to steal back the reins.  Have a blessed week!