M3:D62 Food roadblock



What's on my mind today?

As you all know I am trying to bulk right now, albeit not as successfully as I would like.  My major roadblock is that after all these months of eating alot of chicken, the texture finally got to me.  While I was supposed to down 2 chicken breasts at each meal, I was having a hard time downing 1 chicken breast at each meal.  I supplemented with whey protein shakes, but it just doesn't have the same thermic effect as chicken.

After searching for the answer to the problem, Carlos DeJesus (inventor of the Quad Blaster) mentioned a recipe he uses to make chicken into a paste like substance that actually tastes good. (yet another reason to have a mentor who has been there and done that).  I gave it a try and honestly, the roadblock has been removed.  I am able to stomach eating more and more chicken.  I've also gone back to using canned chicken from Costco at times.  The canned chicken gives me alot of options.  I'm learning how important seasoning is to the ability to eat enough food.  It all just gives me alot more respect for people who eat the exact thing every day.  I used to be that way, but due to these texture issues, I have not been up for that lately.

Today found me continuing my reflective mood.  Please understand that what I've been going through is nothing serious.  I mean, it is very important to me, but it isn't life threatening.  It is definitely life changing at this point because it has caused me to look at myself in a different light.  To me that is a positive outcome to a negative situation.  At the same time, as I reflect I realize that the situation isn't really negative, it is only temporary. It will change and when it changes, I will end up being a better person having gone through it.

We all go through our ups and downs in life.  It is definitely a cycle that repeats itself.  Some of it can be controlled and should be controlled but alot of it has to happen for us to grow.   I truly believe in this philosophy.  Change happens when there is friction in your life.  It is all about how you react to that friction that determines the future outcome for you.

Throughout my life I've had alot of different relationship issues, so for me, when I have other issues, I tend to look at them in terms of a relationship.  At times you get too close to a situation and can't see the forest through the trees.  That's when you need to take a step back.  In a relationship this can mean time apart.  While that doesn't always work, if both people are sincere about the reason for the time apart it can work.  It is the same with other problems in life.  You take a step back so that you can see things more clearly.  As long as you are sincere about your reason for stepping back, as long as it isn't to avoid the problem, you can and will solve the problem.

Make sure that you are in touch with your feelings.  Don't bury them.  That's the worst thing that can happen. In a relationship, if you bury your feelings your partner can't make good decisions because every decision they make will be devoid of the truth about your feelings.  It is the same in other areas of your life.  Don't bury your feelings or your decisions will be wrong as they will also be devoid of the truth about your feelings.

Feeling down about your fitness progress?  That's fine, embrace the feelings.  At the same time, realize that feelings are what you make them.  Yes, anxiety can happen to everyone because of the situation they are in and that is next to impossible to control, but happiness or sadness can be controlled.  I have chosen to have a positive attitude.  It isn't easy.  My mind wanders all the time and I think "what if" types of questions, but by choosing to have a positive attitude I get through to the other side.   This has worked for me my entire life, so why would I change that now.

Yes, alot about me has changed in the past few weeks, but even that was a choice on my part.  I saw the flaws and was able to choose change or choose the same path.  If its going to be, its up to me.

Week Begins 7/13/2008
  Sun Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat
Cycle spot HC LC LC LC HC LC LC
M1 * 5:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 5:30 a.m.
M2 * 8:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m.
M3 * 11:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
M4 * 2:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
M5 * 5:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
M6 * 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Weights * N/A Lift N/A Lift N/A Lift N/A
Cardio * N/A N/A AM N/A AM N/A AM
Abs * N/A FYA FYA N/A FYA N/A FYA
Water * 264 oz            
Post-workout nutrition * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pre-sleep nutrition * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Vitamins/Supplements * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Accountability * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cals within 5% (+/-) * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Target Cals 3500 2800 2800 2800 2800 2800 3800
Cals 3625            
Ratios (C/P/F) 35/35/30            
Target Ratios (C/P/F) 35/35/30 10/50/40 10/50/40 10/50/40 10/50/40 10/50/40 35/35/30
Total Completed 15            
Total Possible 15            
Mission 3 Total Complete 854            
Mission 3 Total Possible 855            
* = Counts towards total
Success!
Failed
Not Counted!

 
Find out what I'm doing to my body!

Today was a rest day and indeed, I rested.  I've logged almost 12 miles in 4 days of running this past week.  My right calf muscle has been sore and needs to recover.  Tomorrow is a big lifting day scheduled for me and I want to be ready for it.  Rest is important in any exercise program.  You grow during the time you are resting, not during the time you are working.  I use my time in the gym to destroy my muscles and I use my rest time to recover from that destruction.
 
Exercise the brain with the Thought of the Day!

Take control of your own situation and don't just let yourself float in time and space.
 
Get a discussion started by answering the question!

How do you deal with personal issues—get quiet and reflective, talk alot, just shut down?  Comment this post to answer the question.
 
 
 

Mission 1, Day 62: Ratchet up the accountability

Until tomorrow...GET BACK TO LIFTING!

Posted by Michael Mahony at 7/13/2008 8:29 PM
Categories: Nutrition, Old Missions
 
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  • 7/13/2008 12:57 PM Lynda wrote:
    Hi Michael,
    I read another earlier blog of yours that gave me the idea that you were having an upheaveal in your life, so wasn´t a surprise to read that you are stepping back. I do hope that things will work out the way you most want them too, but remember that 10 miles down the road things will look so different then they do now. I am also one that says that we *decide* to be happy, and am glad you feel that way too. A pity party tho is quite fun, and right now am in the middle of one due to my beastly daughter-in-law that gives me so much grief. Wish I could step back! So, am feeling down and wishing you all the best as life does go so up and so down. I can see that you have taken it upon yourself to do the very best you can with you and your body and am so proud of you for being so dedicated and so informed. Thanx too for your help to me. Very appreciated. I want you to know that you are very much a part of this group and of all our lives, and we think the world of you. Do take care, don´t worry, enjoy your life exactly as it is today. We´re all in a struggle to survive, and survive we will. One way or another. So good to have others to be here when we need it. And we are here for you.
    Lynda
    Reply to this
  • 7/13/2008 10:43 PM dougal wrote:
    Michael,great post on patience, you commented on mine the following day. Sorry bud didn't mean to copy you...just didn't know you had done the subject. Anyway I guess great minds and all that!!!
    Reply to this
    1. 7/14/2008 5:02 PM Michael Mahony wrote:
      Dougal, that seems to happen alot in the Shreddersphere.  No worries.  Patience is an important topic.
      Reply to this
  • 7/13/2008 10:44 PM Mike Groom wrote:
    Mate, with such a positive outlook you'll be bouncing back in no time. Sorry to hear that you are going through a bit of a "down" time. I'm here for you man!

    I still love my chicken! I have gone off Tuna a bit though.

    Great hair today
    Reply to this
    1. 7/14/2008 5:02 PM Michael Mahony wrote:
      Thanks Mike, I really value your friendship and appreciate that you are there for me. 
      Reply to this
  • 7/14/2008 10:14 AM Andrew wrote:
    Hey Michael,

    A very positive outlook on life, I hope that things turn out as you would like, things may very well be changing in my life soon, but that's a whole other different story.

    Glad to see you have your Nike + gizmo sorted too and that the miles are coming for you. Have you tried other forms of protein, such as tuna or pork?

    I hope your calf gets better soon.

    Take care...
    Reply to this
    1. 7/14/2008 5:11 PM Michael Mahony wrote:
      Andrew, I hope that the changes in your life are positive and work out for the best.  Thanks for your comments and your wonderful support. 
      Reply to this
  • 7/14/2008 12:22 PM Juli wrote:
    Hey Michael,

    you are looking great, your smile is back.

    Personal issues make me first refelctive, I pull myself back, think, make a plan and then I start to talk.
    ´
    Communication show the roots already in the word itself, "communis" means in Latin "together". Personal problems has to be solved together... with all parties and also with yourself in an inner communication first.
    Thank you for this very wise post, I love it.
    Reply to this
    1. 7/14/2008 5:12 PM Michael Mahony wrote:
      Juli, thanks for noticing the smile.  I am feeling very positive about things.  I have reason to believe that this temporary setback is for sure only temporary.  Glad you enjoyed the post.
      Reply to this
  • 7/14/2008 12:35 PM Diane wrote:
    Love your post today, especially this quote that spoke to me "It is all about how you react to that friction that determines the future outcome for you"
    Build or break you - we have the power to decide! Ties in with Aussie Mike's quote on today's post.
    Reply to this
    1. 7/14/2008 5:13 PM Michael Mahony wrote:
      Diane, I'm glad that quote spoke to you.  It came from my heart.
      Reply to this
  • 7/14/2008 3:56 PM Larry wrote:
    Michael,
    Just verbalizing your feelings is a good way to help you flesh out what your are really feeling. Sounds like you are growing in many ways.
    Reply to this
    1. 7/14/2008 5:15 PM Michael Mahony wrote:
      Larry, 3 things have been very therapeutic for me.  (1) this blog; (2) running; and (3) lifting.  Each thing has helped in a different way, but they have all benefitted me during this time.  Thanks for your comments and your support.  I appreciate it more than you know.
      Reply to this
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