Since I’ve started having a small chocolate protein shake after each workout, and chocolate pancakes in the mornings, sugar free hot chocolate and chocolate cupcakes for snacks, I’ve been a much happier girl. I doubt it’s a coincidence.
The scale at the gym says I’ve gained a pound and a half in two days. I think it’s highly unlikely I’ve consumed an extra 8,750 calories in chocolate. Afterall, that would be 100 cupcakes.
The mirror at the gym also says differently. This morning, if I flexed hard enough, I could see a tiny dimple in my abs that may be the beginning of some definition. I realize mirrors at the gym are terrible liars and make everyone look fabulous, but still.
Most importantly, I feel better. I’m psyched to go in each day to train, and I work hard every second that I’m there. (Indeed, I have the marks to prove it. Yesterday we did indoor sprints with a partner holding us in place via a giant rubber band that left bruises on my hips.) I push myself and I push my friends and we get out of our comfort zones. I leave smiling.
After a hard class, I take my protein shake into the shower with me. Conditioner needs 3 minutes to work anyway, and it’s so nice to let the warm water cool down my muscles while sipping on cold chocolate. Thirty minutes later, I have a protein packed meal. But then sometimes I also have a chocolate cupcake. Yesterday I had two. But afterwards, I’m totally satisfied and happy.
So if I survive the next weigh in without significantly gaining weight, this will be the plan for me. Tonight, I leave for a long weekend to visit my family in Pennsylvania. That’s going to make it tricky, but if I stick to relatively healthy snacks, reasonable portions and get up early to go running, I should be okay. Plus, I love running at home–I take my dog and we hit all the old trails I remember from high school.
At Least It's Not Raining 