Week 1: Gain to Lose
You’ve heard of things getting worse before they can get better. In my case, things sound worse, even though they’re looking better.
The first week of my THF program has come and gone, and that cruel little hand on the scale bounced a little higher than it had for my initial “weigh-in.” The scale tells us I’ve gained .8 lbs., which my consultant Mike assures me is solid muscle that will help carry me toward my ultimate get-fit goal. (I can handle that. I’ve never been too scale-oriented, anyway. Neither is THF.)
The hardest parts so far? Swallowing my seemingly-massive breakfast and following up with frequent-enough meals throughout the day. Going without candy … though sugar-free Jolly Ranchers aren’t bad. Getting used to protein shakes. And that part of my consultation where I have to bend to the right and have the cushion around my midsection pinched to test my body fat percentage.
The good news? This week the pinch told me my body fat percentage has gone down by .4 percent in just seven days. And I’m going to remember that next time I’m wearing myself out on the leg press machine.
So, at the end of Week One I have:
- Gained .8 lbs.
- Lost .4% body fat
- Decreased my fat mass by .22 lbs. (fat mass = all the fat deposits in our bodies)
- Increased my lean mass by 1.02 lbs. (lean mass = everything else including muscle)
Wish me luck with Week Two!
March 21st, 2008 at 10:06 am
No candy? Even on Easter? Brutal, good luck this week!
March 21st, 2008 at 10:12 am
Woo hoo! Keep up the good work. I’m anxious to see if you make it thru Easter without a sugar high!
March 21st, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Go, Ali! I actually sometimes enjoy fitness regimens in a very ocd, anal way. The structure can be refreshing. I also like any fitness program that focuses on muscle AND fat loss, an overall healthy body–instead of just the scale. Hang in there! Aren’t eggs and carrots easterish, too??