30 Day Challenge #3 - Meatless March

This is the third entry in my series of monthly challenges. In January, I quit alcohol and sugar and reported on the things I learned. In February, I took the 100 push-up challenge, logging at least 100 push-ups, usually in four sets of 25, every day for 30 days and wrote about it here. 

An Update

A quick addendum to last month's post. I have some regrets about doing 100 push-ups a day. I needed to visit my osteopath twice in the to try to fix some back issues. When Darren, my osteopath, learned of my challenge he bluntly stated: "That wasn't a good idea".  

The David Clinic in London, Ontario

It seems I over-developed my pecs without compensating for the strain that would put on my back. Additionally, overworking the serratus muscles, along the back of the rib cage. Darren recommended a workout regimen from Russian author and weightlifter, Pavel Tsatsouline, which is detailed in his book Enter The Kettlebell. 

Rather than working on a group of muscles to their maximum on a daily basis, Tsatsouline's system constantly surprises your body which uses kettlebells. However, the fundamentals of the program can be applied to other exercises, such as push-ups. Consequently, I adapted my workouts in March and I think I'll start investing in kettlebells this summer, rather than renewing my gym membership. The savings from one will eventually offset the other.

Meatless March

Although I intended to adapt to a pescatarian diet this month, instead of meat, I really didn't end up eating that much fish. Instead, I embarked on a a mainly vegetarian diet which included about a dozen eggs and a couple cans of tuna over the 31 days.

My main source of protein came from beans and nuts. I made, and purchased, a lot of bean burritos. Burger King also introduced its plant-based Impossible Whopper, so I enjoyed the "fast-food" experience a couple times too.

The meatless Impossible Whopper - now available in Canada

What I learned

Of the three monthly challenges I have taken so far, March was the easiest. Because I like vegetables and beans, making the switch was effortless. It was just a matter of choosing not to consume meat products. I've also been enjoying vegetarian lunches for a few years now, so most of my day was the same.

I plan to continue being "mainly meatless" and I will certainly abstain from any "cheap" or "processed" meats. No more frozen pepperoni pizzas or chicken nuggets, even when they are on sale at Costco. My meat purchases will be fewer, and will come from local, sustainable sources. 

Today, I registered for the wait-list for my Covid vaccine. This made me pause and think about the many zoonotic (animal based) pandemic threats we are likely to face if we don't change our ways. Covid 19 likely came from a wet-market in Wuhan, China. The next could be from a factory farm in Nebraska or Kansas. Collectively, we need to consume less meat. I'm not gong to climb on a soapbox and try to persuade others. I'll just work on the change within my control.

Final Notes

Despite my dietary choices, I gained weight this month because I increased my intake of carbohydrates and sugars. If I am going to continue with this meatless plan, I will have to restrict the comfort-food-carbs and refined sugars my body seems to crave. 

One thing I won't change and that is continuing to be an agreeable dinner guest. When we return to a time when we can break bread with each other, I will enjoy any meal a friend or family member serves up. 

Next Up

In April, I am doing a 15 to 30-minute stretching routine every day. Let's see how that treats me! I'll update next month. 

 

30 Day Challenge #2 - 100 Push-ups a Day

This is the second entry in my series of monthly challenges. In January, I quit alcohol and sugar and reported on the things I learned. In February, I took the 100 push-up challenge, logging at least 100 push-ups, usually in four sets of 25, every day for 30 days. 

I couldn't have done this without preparation. This 55-year-old body wasn't ready to start any intense exercise without some trial runs. While I was abstaining from alcohol and sugar in January, I was also building my upper body strength. 

To facilitate this, I joined a Push-ups Twitter group, promoted by the Teachers on Fire Podcast logging my daily totals into this impressive spreadsheet. I struggled at first, but persisted. By February 1, I was ready for this month's challenge.

So, what did I learn?

I learned that my body, even at this age, responds positively when challenged. I can easily drop and power out 30 without breaking a sweat. Doing 100 push-ups daily became easier and easier.

My posture has improved. I stand slightly taller and more comfortably, especially after a work-out.

It is an amazing way to start your day. At first, I was doing the full 100 in the evening. Mid-month, I switched the routine. I now do 25 when I start the coffee maker and 25 more after my first cup. I'm not sure if it is the exercise or the caffeine that makes me more alert.

What's Next?

I will continue to complete at least 50 push-ups daily. I recently passed the 4000 mark and I am in the top 5 in the group for average push-ups per day. I know I am significantly older than most of the participants, so that has me chuffed.

In March, I am going to try 30 days as a pescetarian. A pescetarian follows a vegetarian diet that includes fish. I'll report again at the end of the month.

Thanks for reading - feel free to join in, I'd love to hear about your discoveries.

30 Day Challenge #1 - "I went alcohol and sugar-free for January" What did I learn?

Every winter we are warned about the perils of over-indulging.  The health-conscious embark on an annual crusade to protect us from ourselves. For if December is sleigh bells, roaring fires and Christmas cheer then January surely follows with bloated bellies, swollen livers, shameful gloom, and promises to reform.

For years, I have smugly boasted of practising sobriety in January or, as it is known in the Social Media world, #DryJanuary. Admittedly, there was always a little bit of cheating involved.

I would start on the first Sunday before returning to school, which could be any date from January 2 - 7. "After all", I would justify, "I am still on vacation!"

Additionally, I would compensate for the lack of boozy-treats with sugary and savory distractions. Without a beer on Saturday, a double-cheese pizza and a few bowls of M&Ms were a fine replacement.

Often, my alcohol abstinence would ended prematurely. If the last Friday in January fell on the 26th and I'd had a tough week, I'd triumphantly announce (to my better instincts): "Good enough" and pour a dram. The siren song of the nearest liquor store summoned, and I would capitulate. Unlike Odysseus, this untethered and sober sailor was quickly dashed on the rocks and bourbon shores.

The abundant selection at a typical LCBO store.

This year was different. I committed to the full 31 days and added to my no-drink policy an abstinence from refined sugars and heavy carbohydrates (no bread, no rice, no pasta, no chips).

So, how did it go?

Wonderfully well. I am writing this on February 4 and have been dry for 35 days having avoided sugars with the exception of a day when my students and I baked cookies during remote learning.

Cookie Ingredients waiting for my virtual class to log in.

What did I learn?

Quitting alcohol was easy. Quitting sugars and carbs was a different story. I craved sweets or salty snacks, especially watching television in the evenings. Additionally, when I spotted anything sugary, I would desperately try to find any justification  or flimsy excuse that would allow me to take a bite. 

The day I made the cookies with my class I wisely baked only nine and froze the remaining dough. This was sagacious. I devoured those nine biscuits like it was my job.

After three days everything gets better.

Sleep is deeper and more restful. I awake energized after 7 hours in the sack. In fact, I started looking forward to sleep. As a friend who was a new parent once said to me: "Eight hours uninterrupted sleep is my new drug of choice."

My mind became sharper, and my mental acuity improved. I found myself quicker-witted and funnier. Due to Covid-isolation, most of my satire was shared through group texts. Sadly, the speed of my clever retorts were hampered by clumsy thumbs. Alas, comedy is tragedy, plus timing.

A significant benefit has been weight loss -- less than hoped for, but 4 kilograms is pretty good. Professional trainers tell us not to fixate on the number on the scale. Bottom line, I felt better, less bloated and my clothes seem to fit more comfortably. No doubt, my blood pressure has also improved.

Finally, I got a lot more done. Whenever I was bored or drawn toward eating -- I poured my energy into positive distractions. I prepared lessons, wrote report cards, played guitar, practised piano and Spanish, or crafted a blog post...like this one.

Coming up next, 100 push-ups a day for 30 days. Four days in, I'm confident of succeeding. I'll update in March.