It was a gorgeous day outside again so I spent a good portion of it outside. No, not sitting on the patio reading/listening to my audiobook. I think that’s the biggest difference I see in myself this summer. I’m more willing to move around, to do more around the yard. Even other summers when I would plant a lot of pots I didn’t even take the time to keep them at their best. Yes, some of it is time related, however, I was home last summer and the one before I didn’t leave for work until 3pm in the afternoon.

So looking at the weather forecast I’ve decided to take my rest/maintenance week this coming week. Although the wrist is not perfect it’s really not the issue. I’ve just been having so much fun playing in the garden that I thought I’d keep going and enjoy the weather. So between my stats from June, and wearing the HR monitor all of yesterday and most of today, I’m reasonably convinced that my maintenance level is around 3000 cals a day (possibly higher). That’s without any scheduled exercise. It does include some general gardening and my daily swim though. So for the next week I will attempt to eat at maintenance levels (or even slightly above). Yikes! I’m aiming for 3000 but will consider 2900 - 3200 acceptable. I’m not worrying too much about the protein levels but I will probably still try and keep them above 30%.

I know the concept of taking a break means not planning and eating until satisfied, or even a little full. With the best will in the world I suspect if I tried this I’d either go massively over, or horribly under. So I will pretty much plan what I’m going to eat. Maybe the next time I do this (every 12 weeks) I can manage to let go a little. This time though I have to plan.

I was out shopping tonight for a few things (going to bake tomorrow) so I picked up some chicken bacon (? not so sure about this), some flat bread I usually buy for company, and a cheese ball (nice one, made without cream cheese). This should allow me to add to my usual foods without too much trouble. Oh yes, and there will be a happy hour too! Probably not more than one drink though (something I already do once in a while anyway). I did not buy ice cream or candy or chips. I know I do not have enough willpower to avoid scarfing them all down in one shot. I’ll also get the two lamb rib racks out of the freezer and will see what I can do with them later in the week. Oh yes, and a dinner out at the British pub fare place (that has no really good choices).

And I will not freak out if/when I gain weight from the changes. It’s only a week and I know that back to my usual routine in the following week I will be able to drop anything that I’ve gained. Feel free to remind me of this statement if I start whining mid-week. 

Oh yes - the raspberries from today’s afternoon snack were from the garden (first of the year). The green peas are pod peas which I love eating raw (split the pod and scoop ‘em out.

Food for the day:

Total: 2134 (30% fat, 34% carbs, 34% protein)

Breakfast: cracked wheat oatmeal bread, peanut butter, jam, grapefruit (341)
AM Snack: almonds (164)
Lunch: whole wheat tortillas, smoked turkey, mustard, cheese, apple (497)
PM Snack: soy nuts, protein shake, green peas, raspberries (305)
Dinner: balsamic pork tenderloin, broccoli, butter, salad w/dressing (504)
Late Snack: cherries, protein shake (323)