Comments on: Willpower. It Only Works When Your Heart is Really In It.

By: snarkypants

snarkypants — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:49:32 +0000

Omygod, Guy. You don’t even know… :)

By: Guy Smith

Guy Smith — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:05:27 +0000

Lompoc LSD my Favorite recreation beverage!

By: The Everyday Athlete » Blog Archive » Boogie Monsters: Taking the Fear out of Nighttime Munchies

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:47:58 +0000

[...] – Big thanks to Ed for inspiring this discussion with his comment on my willpower post from December [...]

By: snarkypants

snarkypants — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 04:58:16 +0000

Hey Ed,
Thanks so much for your kind words… I’m glad you went downstairs to kill it this morning. :) Also, the bod pod is an amazing tool but, yes, very hard to locate. I think I may have found the only one that is generally accessible to the public in the Portland area. It was by way of a lucky google search. If you find one there, let me know so I can tell people – I know there are at least a few of you out there from Co. Springs/Denver.
The alternative is the classic water-dunk test – basically almost as accurate, (same exact concept at work, just using water to fill up the space around you instead of air) just a lot more hassle. Having those measurements is really, really motivating, I have to say.

BettyC.,
I love your trainer, too. :) And I’m so stoked that you’re trying it out. Thanks for support, as always. I’m so glad you are reading here.

Cheers,
Heidi

By: BettyC

BettyC — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:52:28 +0000

I think this is very cool.

I have decided to reign some stuff in for myself as well and I signed up with a personal trainer for the first time in my life. People have made similar comments to me about “why at the holidays?” and frankly, I am just tired of making excuses and need to quit it. I want to start marathon training in January and I need to get through December with “no excuses” so that I am where I want to be when I start.

“I’m not being intimidating. I’m doing my job when I hold you accountable,” my trainer said. “You’re telling me what you want and I am not doing anything but reminding you of that. This is your goal, not mine.”

Can you tell that I like him?

By: Ed

Ed — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:48:19 +0000

Reading your posts makes me dig deeper into my own excuses and reasons to put off a deeper level of fitness. Thanks.

Heidi–
You are a constant source of inspiration. And pretty hard core to boot.

We awoke to a deep snow here in Colorado so I didn’t go to my 5:30 am ski conditioning class. I was sitting here drinking coffee and reading your post instead.

I’m now inspired to head to the basement to get in some plyometrics and core work on the ball before I shovel snow and go to work.

I’m anxious to read the night-eating strategies as well. I think that’s the hardest for us all. For me, something hot to drink–herbal tea, no-sugar-added hot chocolate, seems to help.

I’m also trying to find a BodPod in either Co. Springs or Denver. Their site isn’t very helpful…but thanks for the idea. I’m pursuing it.

By: snarkypants

snarkypants — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:03:39 +0000

Hey Murray,
Thanks for the comment (I love love love to hear from readers!) and question. Night-eating is something I have really struggled with too – and I think a lot of people are with us. Seems worth of a blog entry so today I’ll post some strategies!
Cheers,
Heidi

By: Murray

Murray — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 04:30:56 +0000

Heidi,

Long time reader, first time commenter. I really enjoy your blog and it almost inspired me to take up cross but I like sleeping in on rainy, wet, and cold Sundays. Oh, you also know an aquaintence of my mind, Amit K from your team. Great guy.

Anyway, how do you avoid eating some bad stuff at night? I have a hard time feeling full between meals. I want to snack on things too much.

Again, great blog and keep up the great work.

By: snarkypants

snarkypants — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:22:13 +0000

Hey Dillon,
Thanks for your comment – and your concern.
The initial phase is very short and the carbs increase 4 weeks into the program. I’ve done high protein phases before without much issue – Earlier this year I took my bodyfat percentage from 24% to 19.5% with a high-protein approach (not quite so high, but 40-45%) and remained the same weight, in pounds, the entire time, dropping fat and building muscle.
I’m also careful to get the bulk of my carb intake before and closely after my workouts, to ensure my body has enough glucose to work from. In addition, I use an energy drink during workouts toward the same end.
This ratio is not sustainable long term, to be sure, but has been successful in the past for me for working through plateaus.
I’ve found that everyone processes macronutrients differently and guidelines are just that – guidelines. I’m always careful to monitor my energy levels and be realistic about the what kind of intensity I am getting in my workouts. If the quality of the workout is compromised or I find myself sluggish, I adjust accordingly.
I think this is a really interesting debate and it was recently brought on Julie Berg’s site:
http://julieberg.blogspot.com/2007/12/muscle-questions.html

She is an ultramarathoner, burning far more calories than I am, and eating less (1500 calories – 150g protein, 150g carbs). Her post is interesting. You should check it out.

I, like Julie, absolutely do not claim to be an expert, but I have spent a great deal of time determining what works for me and this approach has been successful when carefully tracked and monitored.

Best,
Heidi

By: Dillon

Dillon — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 20:59:12 +0000

Hi,
Just wanted to say that I love reading your blog.

But I have some concerns regarding your c,p,f intake plan. The 50%( protein intake seems very excessive. The body needs at least 13og(30% carbs of 1800kcal diet=135g) of carbs a day. This is for central nervous system, red blood cell production, and tissues dependent on glucose; it does not support any physical activity.
If you start using protein as an energy source then repair and restoration of muscle may be compromised.