Week of 05.05.25

I'm killing it honestly if you don't count the carbs (I didn't)

Hi reader! Lots of progress this week and I learned new stuff about my body. I hope to spend the month deliberately learning even more!

Catch Me If You Can

As you know (if you’ve been keeping up), I’ve been going to OrangeTheory classes. This week was the first time I went to a “specialty” class where there was a special challenge. It was called “Catch Me If You Can” where the tread block had a special set of rules. There were time markers where you needed to have run or power walked a certain distance for as long as you can until you don’t pass the distance point in time.

I am a power walker and was able to beat the challenge! I actually came in 4th place in total distance for my location’s power walkers. I was so proud of myself! Downside - my heart rate was in the red zone the whole time even though it didn’t really feel like I was maxing myself out like that. However, I did feel the impact a bit after I finished and left the gym. Either way, my biggest takeaway from the challenge was that I could probably push myself harder in the regular class. I can do more than I thought!

Virta is a Bit Much

I admit I have been slacking on counting my carbs. I’ve generally gone back to a loose mental note throughout the day. And I started introducing higher carb foods outside of the core Virta plan, and I plan to do more of that in the coming weeks.

This week, I ate some fiberous “keto friendly” tortillas with a low net carb count (almost all the carbs were fiber) as well as some Russian dumplings that have been camping in my fridge. I think the tortillas made a positive impact; my digestive system is definitely getting back on track. However, I think the Russian dumplings might have had a negative impact. I had them for dinner a couple of times this week and woke up with a headache the next morning both times. At first, I hypothesized that the timing might have caused the headache (past 9 or 10pm) but I also ate a burrito after 9 and woke up without a headache (just very hungry). So my new hypothesis is the high amount of net carbs combined with late night.

Sunday was a very high carb day for me. I ordered a sandwich that came with a tiny bag of Lay’s chips. I decided to eat both to see what would happen. I peeled as much of the bread off the sandwich as I could. By the time I went to sleep, I had fallen out of ketosis so something from the day was a bit too much for my system.

What I Ate This Week

Trader Joes salad + chicken (a new lunch staple)

Omelette (or) Hard Boiled Eggs + Sausage
- bell peppers & mushrooms in the omelettes

Chicken Tacos
- I used low carb tortillas but also made keto tortillas for a couple of dinners 
- Shredded cabbage 
- Taco sauce
- Shredded cabbage 

My plan of attack next week includes a small serving of oatmeal for breakfast to see how it affects my blood sugar. I don’t anticipate issues since oatmeal has a low glycemic index and is unlikely to cause glucose spikes. I’ll see how it affects my ketosis. I plan to either wear another Stelo device or prick my finger after breakfast.

I want to move away from keto and go back to my low-er carb diet. I’ve been exercising a lot more rigoursly lately and I don’t think I’m eating enough calories to support my routine. Planning for enough calories under the Virta diet has been a challenge and I want to meet myself where I am.

I’ve been doing Virta for about a month now and it has been helpful. This experience has been helpful in cutting off my problem sources cold turkey (sweet snacks + rice, pasta, and bread while dining out) as well as being generally more aware and in control of my food choices. I plan to continue following their general guidelines, but now with their higher carb options. I look forward to the new data!

I’m a Choreographer??

I’ve made great strides in the journey to my pole dancing showcase in June. I had my second open pole session (first one on chrome) and I got to play around with a lot of different moves. I’m stronger and more capable than I thought, which is exciting! I narrowed down the list of moves I want to include and even chose a song. I have a vague sense of how I want the routine to flow and all I have to do now is solidify the pieces. I’m so excited now that I can see the routine in my head!

I feel like a real performer now!