Dan’s Journal, Part 1
Things have certainly calmed down this last week. It is still very stressful, to be sure, but that’s to be expected. I am finding that stress is a way of life for the industry I am in and the company I work for.
Armand, I was able to get a couple of exercise sessions in this week — once during lunchtime, and a second near midnight. It felt great, and I do not feel light-headed or out of breath anymore. Again, the warm up and cool down periods really help. I actually look forward to exercising, because I am feeling the positive effects it is having on my body.
I am finding though that 4.5 mph is really at my limit on the treadmill, though. It is right at that point where I would break into a jog. So I think I will stick to 4.1 mph, and just increase my time on the treadmill to your recommended 30 minutes.
Taking my pulse has been difficult because the gym does not have a clock (and taking my pulse while walking is impossible because I cannot feel my pulse). Doing the floor stretches has been nearly painful because of the hard floor.
I made a request to the building management to install a clock and provide a floor exercise pad.
Sharon, the most challenging part this week has been trying to figure out calories, fat and protein counts for things that absolutely are not in the “Food Counts” book. (That and the wonky diet log.) My wife thinks I am crazy for spending so much time trying to figure it all out, but it is actually very revealing to see just what my dietary counts are each day.
Based on my rough figures, it still looks like I am not getting enough protein. I am averaging less than half of the 110 grams of protein you recommended. I slacked off completely on the protein drink — for no particular reason — so I will start again.
Overall, however, it looks like I am keeping my daily fat and caloric intake down, but still not getting enough fruits and vegetables.
Self assessment:
Nutrition: B+ (I need to concentrate on getting protein levels up, as well as eating more fruits and vegetables.)
Fitness C+ (I had a couple of great exercise sessions this week, and I have a positive attitude. Now let’s shoot for three times this week and going for 30-minute treadmill sessions.)
Thursday — Exercised during lunch. 20 minutes walking (4.1 to 4.5 miles per hour). Heart rate at 152 beats per minute. 20 abdominal crunches. Stretches.
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