Although I ate perfect yesterday, I still don't feel like I fully recovered from the weekend. My belly feels bloated, like I can't suck it in, and it kinda hurts. This feeling sucks, so I did some research on possible causes and realized that diet and stress are the two culprits.
I have introduced a few things to my diet that other competitors claim are "safe" foods. However, I don't think my body likes them.
Let's start with my number 2 weakness, coffee. I have read that coffee stimulates the digestive track, which leads to bloating. I have about 2 ventis a day, so I may need to cut that down a bit.
My dessert gums, although sugar free, may have some adverse side effects. Even though I am not eating sugar, the sweetness still triggers the insulin effect. Also, the chewing action causes my body thinks there is food coming so the digestion process begins. Any air I swallow while chewing also bloats my belly. I can't believe I need to cut down on gum.
I am also cutting out all artificial sweeteners, no matter who clean and wholesome they are. Xylitol and stevia, which are naturally derived from plants, have several side effects which range from moderate, such as their laxative effect, to more severe, such as changes to liver function.
Stress might be another reason my stomach feels bloated. There is nothing in my life that is particularly stressful, but after some research I realized that there are things I am doing that may be causing increased cortisol levels in my system. Although I am drinking water, it is very possible that I am not drinking enough. Also, over training could be another cause. Today, my stomach hurt pretty bad after 45 minutes of upper body resistance training followed by a 75 minute run to Hopper's Hands and back. I definitely did not eat enough at 6 am to sustain that level of activity. I burned over 900 calories today in 2 hours, which is a very low estimate. I love my long runs, but I need to rest and eat appropriately around them.
Somethings I used to do to reduce stress include yoga and meditation. I have time for both, but lately I have been filling it up online and in the kitchen. Kelly Howell does my favorite guided meditation. The reason most of us don't lose the weight we want to is mostly psychological. Yes, we do get fatter because we eat more and move less, but why? She has a downloadable track, on ITunes, called Slim Naturally that is amazing. I need to add that back to my nightly routine.
For those of you waiting for today's upper body workout, here it is:
- Circuit 1: 3 sets
- 10-12 assisted pull ups
- 10-12 push ups
- 15 TRX pikes
- Circuit 2: 3 sets
- 10-12 low cable rows
- 15 cable chest press
- 20 BOSU crunches
- Circuit 3: Burnout
- Narrow push up to renegade row.
- Do as many as possible, rest 1 min, and repeat 2 more times.
- Add in a 7 mile run if you want to feel slightly sick.
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