Weeks 3 & 4

I started week 3 quite well with a killer workout on Monday but unfortunately it went a bit downhill after that. I couldn't manage my Tuesday workout due to abnormally painful stomach cramps & in total I only managed three workouts--- the Monday, Tuesday & Super Saturday Sessions. However this wasn't such a bad thing as on Wednesday I dropped below 61kg (my desired weight range is 61-63kg) and it allowed me to get my weight back up a bit.

I had two red flags, one on Friday night & one on Saturday night. I ate well within my calorie allowance for Friday by preselecting a healthy meal but I decided to make Saturday my treat day. My partner & I attended a black tie dinner dance and I didn't feel at all guilty eating every course (entree, sorbet, main & dessert). It's the only meal of this type that I've eaten since I started the 12wbt back in July/August and I think it's safe to say I've earned it. I didn't drink any calorie-containing drinks & the portions were quite artistic (aka smallish) so I doubt it was much a of a blow-out.

Today I awoke to find my new heart rate monitor had been delivered! My partner bought it for me for Christmas and I was absolutely thrilled to find a signed picture from Michelle Bridges inside as well. I tried it out for today's back & chest workout---- I burnt 410 calories at the gym & 145 calories walking home! I'm amazed that I'm burning so much, especially on an arms day. Given my BMR is 1466 this suggests that I should be eating roughly 2000 calories to maintain weight. I've been loath to move my calorie intake up but seeing this I don't think I'll be so guilty in the future.

This coming week I hope to really grind through the workouts & get some great burn going. I'm heading off on holiday next Monday morning so I'd like to feel as though I can indulge a little bit---- maybe eat out for a meal or two or have the occasional special drink. My partner & I have deliberately booked hotel rooms containing a full kitchen so I'm planning to cook healthy dinners for us while we're away. I'm also waiting for the week 5 exercise plan to come out so I can write my own non-equipment exercise routine to do in our hotel room. My intention is to come back from this two week holiday at approximately the same weight & fitness level (possibly even a higher fitness level--- we'll be walking a lot!). I really can't wait!!