Day 16/Week 3 - New Energy Protein Drink (PVL Whey Maxx)

Today I threw out my old chalky protein drink and purchased a 10lb bag of PVL Whey Maxx Protein - Vanilla Ice Cream Flavor. Just add water, stir with a spoon for 30 seconds and then 'down the hatch'. It tastes pretty good, not chalky like the garbage I had before and it has 24g of protein per scoop. See below for a pic. Well recommended. I had 2 of these today, 1 after my strenuous morning workout(which by the way - my legs are still a little sore from the leg presses) and one after 2pm. It's good stuff - IMO it tastes pretty good.

PVL Whey Protein



RTP Challenge Status for the Day



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Day 15/ Week 2 in Review

So it's been 2 weeks that I have started this challenge and so far I'm quite impressed. I have "safely" lost a total of 7 lbs in 2 weeks without the need of going on a strict diet(where I failed in my previous years). Believe it or not, my pants feel a little looser and have moved up one notch on the belt. My food consumption lacked this week as I should have been eating more. The truth is, I'm just not hungry. With all the water that I'm consuming, my stomach is constantly feeling full. But as I have read through the RTP guide (module 5 - nutrition), more healthy meals the better. As it explains, the body needs constant food to increase it's metabolism. To overcome this problem, in the last couple of days I have planned my meals ahead of time and set reminders on my Blackberry to ensure I eat enough for the day. See below for my results of the week. You'll see that my muscle measurements have gained a bit and hoping it will continue to increase going into the next week.

Weekly results - Week 2




Week 2 Pic


RTP Challenge Status for the Day


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Day 14/ Week 2 - HIIT Training

So today was HIIT training day. I completed it on the elliptical and was dead tired after I was done. I couldn't wait till it was over. Good thing it was only 15 min - any more time and I would have collapsed! :-)

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Day 13/ Week 2 - Rest Day - Reward day (Thai Food)

I finally did some groceries today and was a little more health conscious when walking in the aisles of the grocery store. I brought a list and kept with it. My grocery bill was however a little larger than usual, seeing that my food consumption will have to nearly double of what I usually eat. Today was my rest and meal reward day - so therefore no cardio or weights - and got take-out that evening from my favorite Tai restaurant - Bangkok Paradise. Well recommended! Food is excellent!

RTP Challenge Status for the Day





 
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Day 12/Week 2 - So what's in the fridge? Nada.....Dealing with meals and calories

For the life of me, I cannot get passed the recommended amount of meals and the right amount of calories. I am actually BELOW the amount of calorie intake(except for today - as I went to a bbq). Today I quickly reviewed over Module 5 (Nutritional guide), and found out where I was going wrong. My eating plan requires more food and good fats. Since I'm broke (as you probably already know), I no longer have any more food in the fridge and need to go to the grocery. I get paid today, but no time today to go grocery shopping. Since I'm now a little more educated on the type of foods I should be eating, along with a few recipes that I grabbed from the the RTP forum, I can now choose a little more wisely as I walk through the grocery store aisles. I'm noticing that each day that goes by when I don't plan out my meals, I'm just bound for failure. I'm trying though - but if I "fail to plan, then I plan to fail". So this is my next hurdle that I must get through, so I ensure that I keep within the guidelines of the RTP system. My planning will start with a food list.

RTP Challenge Status of the Day





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Day 11 Week 2 - A perfect example of sacrafice and rescheduling your workouts.

Today was unbelievable. I didn't think I was going to make it into the gym today. I finally got home at 7:30pm and knowing that not only did I just miss a meal, I still have to eat my dinner before 8 and still reach the gym. So I made something quick and let it digest for about 1.5 hours. I reached the gym for 9:30pm and came out at 10:30pm. This would be the 1st time me going to the gym this late. Surprisingly, there was quite a few people in there too... Anyhow, the sense of accomplishment was well worth the effort and boy did it feel soooo goood coming out! I believe it's going to be moments like these that I will reflect on - reminding me of the sacrifice and hard work that I'm pushing each day.

RTP Challenge Status of the Day

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Day 10/Week 2 - How to cure those boring cardio workouts.

Phhhhew....I'm so happy that I got my cardio out of the way. I came so close to giving up as I am watching each and every second go by, but I prevailed and succeeded!! I understand that the only way to lose weight is to getting your heart pumping - but I wish there was an easier way...Well, if it was all that easy, I don't think I would be sitting here writing a blog and you reading it. And I guess everyone would be slim and lean - no obesity problems and I can eat bacon every day....Ok, ok, ok back to reality.... I think the best way to deal with my cardio is not to think about it, nor look at the time frequently. I have been eying a rip-off version of the itouch for cheap. (btw - I'm not a big fan of apple products and itunes - plus I'm broke) Since my condo does not have fancy LCD screens in every corner, I'm looking to get the below video player and put aside my tiny mp3 player for my cardio days. It's a touch screen and takes all video formats - yes that's right no itunes - just drag and drop! :-) Since I'm broke, I'll have to wait till next week to get this - eventhough it's only $70 bux .....Tough economic times, tough economic times....

Chinese Version of iTouch

RTP Challenge Status for the Day

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Day 9/Week 2 - Chilling at the Starbucks

A beautiful day today....Sun was shining and was a able to take advantage of the beautiful weather and go for a rollerblade to the Starbucks and enjoy an Americano with a good friend of mine. After reading over module 6 again(on weight training), I noticed that last week I was doing something wrong. Instead of using the same weight for the specified amount of sets, I was reducing the weight to reach 20 repetitions each time. I now realize that I have to keep within the same amount of weight lifted and "try" to reach 20 - recording the amount of repetitions completed for the set. As specified within the guide, I have been recording each weight and repetition completed, in hopes that by next week I beat the previously recorded repetitions and weight.

Not looking forward to tomorrow, as I have cardio to deal with. :-(

RTP Challenge Status of the Day:

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Day 8 / Week 1 in Review

So it's been 1 week...and I'm still FAT! WTF??! Just kidding...I understand that miracles don't happen overnight, and will use this passed week as a 1st milestone out of 12 in eating healthier, exercising more and using the gym more effectively. I'll have to be honest though, there were times in the passed week where I was tempted and did indulge. Example, the beers I had on Friday. Another, was a glass of wine on Saturday. So as you can see, I'm not perfect, I'm human...But do also realize that in order for me to challenge this system fairly, I need to be diligent with the programs instructions. And 1 of them is : no alcohol. So tough I tell ya, because I love beer - but going forward, I need to realize that this is the major factor behind my rising gut...Anyhow, enough of me pondering on my dreams of knocking back a 6 pack of Amsterdam Beer - I have my 1st weekly results you all been waiting for :

Drum Roll Please....




Week 1 Pic



So, looking at this weeks results I lost 3 pounds and did not gain 3 pounds. I feel stronger and starting to show a little definition around my arms and chest(some will say in the right shade of light you might see more). My body fat% has decreased and not increased which is good. As Barack Obama had once said (in regards to the economy) "This is a big oceanliner, it's not a speedboat. It doesn't turn around immediately" - So I'm willing to wait to see if my hard work pays off and hoping that in a month's time I will be seeing significant results....I just need to ensure that my game is on each day and change a few things that I did last week to make this week a lot easier and effective.

Also, in an effort to ensure that I stay on track(this week and going forward), I'll create a daily checklist to ensure that I stay within the guidelines of the RTP System. I will also start a calorie journal of what I eat each day and will post my calorie intake for each day as well (eventhough I'm confident that I was within the recommended calorie intake for the week)...

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Day 7/Week 1 - Happy Father's Day!

Happy Fathers Day to all you fathers out there. Today, I met with the fam' and had a huge meal. Today I do get rewarded a cheat meal - and boy did I cheat. :-) Steak and Crab was on the menu, along with macaroni pie and roasted peppers. Very delicious. In the a.m. I did complete with my cardio and have to say it is quite intense. Since, this is the 1st time me trying HIIT training - it was quite a challenge. I did complete it successfully, however I believe that next week's HIIT will go a lot easier(since I'll know what to expect).

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Day 6/Week 1 - Rest Day - No Workout today

Came back from work quite tired(yes I work Saturdays). Cardio will have to wait till tomorrow seeing that tomorrow is a day off. Ate very healthy today and kept within the calorie intake zone.

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Day 5/ Week 1 - My Personal Kryptonite....Beer

Good news and bad news today...Good news is no more soreness! yaay! Bad news is, I got tempted with my ultimate weakness - BEER. Knowing that it was a beautiful Friday evening, my friend and I went to the bar and had a couple of beers on the patio. G-times on the patio, but not exactly good for my gut....I did however worked out before the patio and will make up the beer mishap tomorrow evening when I go do my cardio. I think an extra 15 minutes on the treadmill will be enough punishment for my bad deed.



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Day 4/Week 1 - New Equipment in my Gym! - Cooool! (Good timing)

Excellent workout today. No longer sore and is now just feeling good. Since this week is to figure out my comfortable weight to use, I have reduced the amount of weight to concentrate on form. I still get the burn on the last repetition, but I am confident that I could increase the weight by at least 5 to 10 lbs to feel more of a burn the next week.

I also noticed that my condo has also installed a Leg Press Machine. Very Cool...Could have been useful 2 days ago though, but quite happy that I have it there for future use. Finally, my condo fees are starting to show it's colors. As for eating, I kept on track - having my snacks and lunch ready the night before definitely does help.

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Day 3/Week 1 - Still in Pain....

Today was kind of a write off....Yesterday's workout killed me. I cannot remember the last time I worked out my legs, so since this morning they have been killin' me! Something as simple as going up and down the stairs was a challenge, so I skipped out on my cardio, seeing that it's physically impossible for me to get on a treadmill or elliptical . Looking back at yesterday, I did however rollerblade both Monday and Tuesday to go to Starbucks, so I think missing today's session is not too bad. So I'll get some rest tonight, so I'll be ready for tomorrow. I'll squeeze in a little cardio tomorrow as well to make up anything that is lost(just incase). As for eating, so far so good, I pre-packaged all my foods this evening and have all meals ready for consumption tomorrow. Getting hungry just thinking about it... :-)

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Day 2/Week 1 - No Pain, No Gain - But boy does it hurt!

 So the 2nd workout was a success but now feeling even more sore. I can just imagine how it's gonna feel when I get out of bed tomorrow....I understand this is normal - since I haven't picked up a barbell/weights in quite sometime - so this was kinda expected. As the ol' saying goes, "no pain no gain", right?

Also, instead of driving to the Starbucks this morning, I used my rollerblades. 15 minutes there and 15 minutes back. Today did not call for any cardio, but wouldn't mind changing my ol' habits of either walking or rollerblading to places that are quite close. I therefore knock 2 birds with one stone - save the environment and get more cardio.(I never thought i would see myself saying that)

Minus the pain, today was a good day.

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Day 1 / Week 1- The Start of a New Beginning

So today is the day I get started and I must say I am very motivated. The modules/guides were very uplifting and quite interactive. If you ever heard of Anthony Robbins(world known motivational speaker), the 1st few modules will do the same for you. I can really tell it will help me physically as well as mentally.

For those wondering about Las Vegas, well as the ol' saying goes : "Whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" - no extra wedding bands though - thank goodness...But one thing I have to share is that I had nice juicy burger(shown below) that I ate at Fat Burgers(the name says it all), the buffets at the hotel, the amounts of booze consumed on a 24 hour basis and finally the 10 hours of total sleep that I had for the 5 days I was there...Yes I put my body through hell - and I won't lie - I really enjoyed it..... :-)

Mmmm...I could still taste it... :-)


Bottle Service at XS Nightclub - The largest and best club in Vegas. $500 / Bottle - we started with 3 but ended up ordering 5 total. Good times! =)


Now let's get back to reality. Vacation is over and change is upon me and I need to get myself in shape. So I started today with my 1st workout in many weeks (or is it months?). Needless to say, I'm a little sore. I did however really enjoyed the workout and definitely looking forward to my next workout tomorrow.

As for my eating, I gained some really good tips on the types of foods I should be eating from the online forum included with the exercise program called "ShredderSphere 2.0". Apparently you can only get access to this forum if you paid for the course. Going through the forum gave me further proof of other peoples results - 100's of them(male, female, all ages and sizes) - all with personal blogs proving it's effectiveness. Good for them and good luck to those who are still within their 84 day journey. I just hope that I'll be just as successful as they are.

So as you can see from the picture (which I'll be posting an updated picture every week), I need to lose weight. It's a sad fact and a true reflection of reality. By looking at my disgusting picture, you must be thinking, "what's up with the goggles?" - Well as an avid fan of Vin Diesel in his movie/gaming series : Riddick - I am truly inspired by his toughness and physique. If I had one desire - it would be to look like Riddick/Vin Diesel. It may take me much longer than 84 days, but at least I'll have a direction and hopefully reach close to that goal before heading to Trinidad for Carnival next year. So just bare with me as I go through my Riddick phase please. :-)

RIDDICK : Vin Diesel in "Pitch Black" and "The Chronicles of Riddick". The 3rd Riddick movie will be called "Return to Furia"and filming will begin in 2010. Release date is still yet to be announced.



Pic of me : June 15th, 2009


Paper Date : Monday, June 15th, 2009


My specs as of today : Quite depressing but optimistic to say that it will change - soon. Little Riddick here we come!










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