fitness challenge update

I've just finished my first two weeks of my new meal plan and workout routine and I'm happy to report I've lost a total of nine pounds. 

I started two weeks ago at 253.4, which is quite a bit more than what I was this time last year. As of today, I'm 244.4. I had a much bigger drop last week (7.4 pounds), but it's pretty typical to drop a lot the first week and not much the second week. 

My new meal plan averages about 1,980 calories right now, with a split of 26% carbs, 37% protein, and 37% fat.  That's actually A LOT of calories for me given how small my stomach is after weight loss surgery--I've been struggling to eat everything each day and hit my targets.  I recently bought several Isopure protein powders, which I'll use to boost my protein intake without adding many calories and almost no fat and zero carbs. I also got some lower carb protein bars, as well as a few items I haven't tried before. I'm pretty excited about the brownies. They're pretty big and they have only 7g carbs, which isn't bad compared to some other protein bars.  I've been good about logging everything I eat in MyFitnessPal. Looking over my food journal, I noticed I ate more salt this past week, and I also had a couple days of not feeling well. I'm guessing that's part of why I didn't lose as much this week as I'd hoped. But it's a new week!

I think Caesar might want some of my protein bars!

I've logged all my workouts, too. But that's almost unavoidable since they're planned out and are in an app I use to track them. My new plan consists of six workout days and one rest day. I have two days of all body weight exercises, one HIIT day with kettlebells, one day of kettlebells and dumbbells, one resistance band day (worst day of the week!!), and one day with my coach. So far the hardest one was the body weight day, mainly because there are two exercises that were really tough for me because my piriformis muscles have been killing me:  the single leg drop and step-ups for the same reason. I also had a tough time with the dumbbell renegade row, which is part of the dumbbell and kettlebell workout. I had a really hard time keeping my balance while lifting one hand up off the floor. Practice makes perfect, though! I'll get there.

Overall, I'm feeling much better because I'm not eating crap all day anymore--I ate A LOT of Cheddar Jalapeno Cheetos and Andy Capp Hot Fries this past year! 

On to Week #3!