December 15 - Day 25

Thursday - December 15, 2011

Schedule  

  6:30 AM             RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) Testing
  7:00 AM             Breakfast
  8:00 AM             Hike - Volcano
12:00 PM             VO2 Testing
12:30 PM             Lunch
  1:10 PM             Lecture for Departing Guests
  2:30 PM             Treading
  3:30 PM             Ball Works
  5:40 PM             Dinner
  6:15 PM             Menu Planning Lecture

Meals

Breakfast              Peanut Butter, Banana, & Toast             320 Calories
Lunch                   Vegatable Soup                                         42 Calories
                             Turkey Club Pita                                      353 Calories
Dinner                   Cafe Salad                                              494 Calories
                              Apple Cobbler                                         155 Calories     
                                                                                             -------------------
                             Total                                                         1,364 Calories

 

Today was a good day!  This morning I had testing done to determine my Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) which is how many calories you burn a day while at rest (meaning literally doing nothing - just lying in bed).  I discovered that I have metabolism a very high RMR!!  :)  This is wonderful because it means that I can eat more calories in a day without having to worry so much and my body will lose weight a lot faster than someone with a lower RMR. 

An average RMR for someone my age is 1500 calories (which means you could lie in bed doing nothing and eat 1500 calories and maintain your body weight).  My RMR is 2100 calories!!!  On top of this number, I would need to factor in burning calories during other activities throughout the day (getting ready in the morning, walking in the store, playing with kids, etc.).  They guesstimated this number to be an additional 630 calories for me each day.  This means that I have 2730 calories that I could eat everyday and maintain my current weight.  Obviously that is not what I want to do though..... so I will eat significantly less calories per day.  But add exercise to my routine and I will still be able to enjoy eating food (but healthier food) without having to feel so restricted!  This will be great for me so I don't get "burnt out" of healthy eating. 

The hike we went on today, Volcano, was very challanging.  I have been on this one before, but I think I was able to move through it faster though and didn't require as many breaks (but I was still huffing and puffing)!  Today was my last hurrah with Hector, a really fun hike guide.  I am so appreciative of so many of the staff that work here.... they have really made this entire experience so rewarding and memorable for me!

At noon I took my VO2 test which also showed good results.  This measurement is one of the best indicators of an athlete's cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. The way this was measured was by me getting on a treadmill, putting on a mask over my nose and mouth that was also connected to a machine, and then having specific increases in the speed and incline.  The trainer was then able to measure the volume and oxygen concentration of inhaled and exhaled air. This determines how much oxygen I use while exercising.  The results showed that I am rated at an "Excellent Fitness Level" (ranges include very low, low, fair, good, excellent, superior).  My Target Workout Zones are what I would have expected - Low Zone is heart rate 140-156 -- High Zone is heart rate 156-173 -- Peak Zone is heart rate 173-181.

After lunch we had another lecture on our Calorie Budget once we go home.  It is amazing how losing weight simply comes down to math!  Calories In and Calories Out.  It is important to keep track of the math in order to efficiently lose weight.  The non-math methods (smaller portions, reduced calories, don't drink calories, balance meals, etc.) can work, however the long lasting weight loss and maintenance often are not successful with these methods.  Jen (the Life Coach) talked to us about practical weight loss goals when we go home and then plugged in the numbers..... our RMR, Activity, Exercise, Food intake, etc.  I am going to talk one-on-one with Jen tomorrow to really create a plan for when I go home. 

Today in Treading class I fought through muscle pain in my shin and continued to run.  I even hit 8.0 on the treadmill. 

I cannot believe that I only have a day and a half left of working out until I head home!  I am so excited but also feeling nervous.  I have accomplished and achieved so much since I have been here.  I really hope that I will just continue to capitalize on my progress when I go home.