A MAJOR MILESTONE -- NAILED IT!

I'm writing after a very productive weekend. I went camping at my friend's off-grid cottage on the lake. This is one of the environments that I feel may contribute to some of my struggles with weight loss as this is the kind of place where regardless of how great I do in the week--a couple hours around the fire can throw it all out the window.

This time, I've got too much skin in the game (literally). I went prepared. My significant other, bless her, seems to be operating at a slower pace these days. Could be her attempt at cutting back doesn't give her as much energy. She doesn't have the secret weapon that I do--whatever is in those Ideal Protein foods. Because, I'm suddenly on fire. If I get any more energy, I'm going to worry people think I'm manic.

All about the prep

I rushed out of work at lunch on Friday and went and weighed in. I was down 4. I don't know why but I felt down. I hear such stories of these huge first weeks that are then followed with moderate losses and I wanted to be one. But, I was happy with what I got and I didn't throw a fit.

Then, I went to the grocery store and took advantage of some nice pink stickers (in Nova Scotia half priced items about ready to expire are marked by a pink triangle--I try not to build any bridges between the whole gay pink triangle thing). I loaded up on chicken breast and pork tenderloin and fresh veggies (3 turnip for $1.49--not bad) and planned meals around what's on sale. After all, I'm kind of on a budget now that I'm paying for these IP foods.

I had hoped P would have it all done by the time I left work. She managed to get the chicken done. So I set to weighing, chopping, and bagging meals for the three of us and packed it all with clear labels about who could have what. I am not normally that controlling but basically, they could eat what I eat (minus the IP) and for the rest, they were on their own.

I then packed a cooler with IP foods, weight scales, measuring cups and spoons and we were on the road.

It was a challenge only cooking on a coleman stove with limited fresh water--but it worked. Cereal in the morning, shake (with 2 oz pork and 2 cups of cucumber) at lunch one day, chicken patties (awesome, by the way) the next with 2 cups cucumber,  turnip and reheated stirfry chicken breast for dinner the first night. I drank lots of water. I did a 2 hour hike and a lake bath/swim so I snuck in my IP bar as a refuel necessity mid-hike. And, each night I kept my salt and vinegar chips for when the snacks came out. They were very satisfying and filling -- thank goodness. If I still felt snack-y, I ate some lettuce that I had cut and bagged in advance. For the most part, given the amount of exercise and environment, I wasn't too hungry. If I felt hungry, I'd check in with some water and then wait and then see. We drank herbal tea.

Change the routine

I guess the big thing was that we didn't have our usual beer. It's not much to give up really. But, I'm thankful for friends and partners who are supportive and try to be as diet-friendly as possible while I figure this all out. Overall, a great weekend. I slept better and enjoyed mornings better, even had time to read Gone Girl--worth it. I might be onto something here. :)

Oh, and yes, by the way, the water was freezing! But, if it comes between me and my hygiene, I'm afraid even a thin coat of ice isn't enough to keep me out.