LocalBrada

@Crystal, Not sure if I'm going to post the numbers I lift at the gym. I know I should, so I can chart my strength increase. But I'm kinda self conscientious about it. I also feel like people won't believe me if I toss up certain numbers. For instance, I did shrugs in a trap cage: 16 rep, 4 sets at 6-45lb plates on a 40-50lb bar. That comes out to roughly 320lbs. And some guy at the gym made the comment, "Oh lord that's heavy!" Yet if you look at my traps they aren't insanely big. And yes I know that physic and strength are two completely different things. But that is my way of avoiding criticism. (A trap cage doesn't assist in the lifting it's just a safety implement so you don't have to pick up or put the bar back down on the ground every set, ie no cables)

I've a question for you as I've seen you've consistently consumed 1-2 avocados a day. Have you noticed any or an increase in the amount of pimples you have?

The reason why I ask is I rarely get pimples and the only thing that I've changed is I'm taking a vegetarian joint pill 3 times a day with avocados as a source of MSM. I like it since it has reduced the "clicking" I have in my left wrist and right shoulder. I might reduce the amount I intake, but 3 servings of it seems to be the sweet spot for my old injury.

Anyway, I await your response with baited breath.

Rest is just as important as training, especially when it comes to meeting goals. Don't feel bad about taking off ANY amount of time to heal up or tend to injuries. Just think of it as PROGRESS towards meeting your goals. I mean if we stretch to avoid injuries and rest inbetween sets to replenish our energy. Then taking time off from the stress that training places on our body is VERY acceptable.

So again Johnny, you're still on track!

Weight: 205.2lbs @21% bf (43.1 lbs fat)

I think that's like 3 lbs of fat in 10 days...pretty sweet! It doesn't look like I'm losing muscle so gonna keep at it.

I'm one year younger, which is why I blushed.

I checked out your cake blog, dang you sure can cook. I don't think I could stick to my meal routine if I had any of those meal options.

I've got to keep mine simple and routine or I'll fall off my diet faster than you can set an egg timer.

Oh yes! Cheesecake was one of my favorites as well. But cheese in general binds me up, so when I went strict vegetarian, giving up cheese was number one on the list since my digestive wellness wasn't so "well". But your absolutely right about cheese and dairy, it actually concerned me GREATLY that vegetarian menus have cheese, dairy or casein in them and somehow these places feel that this is acceptable. I mean where on the food pyramid or ANYWHERE is dairy a vegetable?

Yeah dairy and meat totally puts a crimp in ANY dating scene I make an attempt to get into. Since I can't just say, "Let's go out to dinner." without there being this long conversation. Or saying, "I know this great Thai house!", that doesn't get turned into the dreaded, "Spicy food doesn't sit well with me!", response. And of course inviting a first date over to the house so I can cook her food or trying to invite myself over to her place to cook her food, seems all too imposing for a first encounter.

Shoot, since I'm on the topic, here's my plea to any interested single females out there "I'll go off my (calorie restricted) diet for you."

(Who ever knew, though, that I'd go from having meat as my main course to having a piece of fruit as my main course? lol! My mom's still not sure what to think!) It was hard at first, and still is (especially with the temptations of nearby restaurants and desserts in the stores), but I find that it only gets easier over time. Lately, I've been focusing hard on the positives and benefits, and hammering it into my head that I will refuse to go back to my old way of living (gorging on all the food I desire and being overweight)! I've had a major breakthrough, and am finally pushing for a more positive and healthier lifestyle (inside and out).

Exactly! I never actually noticed until I became vegan how many restaurants, especially Asian and Indian, have modified their menus to insure that it is meat-centric. Bento boxes which should have rice or seeds as the center are now gummed up with heavy sauces and chicken for the American consumer. Tandoor recipients being steak and chicken filled! Anyway before I go off on a rant here, I guess it's a good thing since I haven't eaten out in a long time and THIS is probably what detours me from using these places as a convenient way of being lazy and not preparing my own meal.

Anyway, I'm glad to hear that you've made that psychological breakthrough and wish you all the best on your road to a positive and healthier lifestyle (inside and out).

Happy belated b-day! 29...you got 1 year on me *blush*

I was ringing up a mall employee last week who was telling me about the gym located in the mall and how they had a mall employee discount. So I went in today and checked it out. It was rather affordable as well has had some equipment which is going to take my lifting to the next level. Went in today and pretty much messed around and went heavy on legs, traps and squats. I was pretty impressed and will probably hit it tomorrow right before work and make a habit of hitting heavy composites there. I think I am going to keep my cardio, bicep and delt workouts @HOME. But definitely hit the big movements at the gym.

Welcome back!

I had disturbing dream last night, where someone offered me a taco and I took a bite just as it was visually revealed to me that it was chucked full of meat! I woke up and was immediately emotional, which I cannot say has ever happened to be previously. I don't recall having a nightmare regarding being deceived with food or a food/meat dream.

Anyway I figured I'd share that and ask folks if they have had similar experiences.

Let me wish you luck.

Glad to hear you're healing is coming along.

YEAH BUDDY!

Why do I hear Ronnie Coleman's voice when I read this?

Thx! And please excuse my ignorance.

No problem, I should of used this "smile" instead:

*wave* = the action of waving, as a greeting.

*wave*

*refrains from saying anything about the doctor*

*wave*

Totally scored at work about 5 boxes of Weil, by Nature's Path, Organic/Vegan Bars. I tried a few while I worked there and rather liked it. No idea why they didn't fly off the shelves, but since they were close to expiration, I went ahead and scoop them all up at a sweet price. Anyway, I tossed most of them in the freezer and sure enough they de-thaw in the refrigerator well. So will probably go one a day in the mornings before I start the cardio. It's probably not gonna kill me or jack with my bf loss...I hope. If it does, I'll just keep em in the freezer. Has anyone else had these? I like the Goji ones since it has a fig taste, which I love. At first they all tasted rather sweet for my taste, but nothing like processed sugar.

Welcome Sid!

Welcome to the community.

Question, how long is it taking to do routine A? Also are you doing any stretching or cardio warm up? Just interested.

yeah those are resistance bands.

Welcome to our group.

Hope I wasn't too late for the gift shipping =(. Paypal payment on the way for 2-years.