Metabolic Machine

Engine 2 Diet is full stream and in it's 2nd week. This is an interesting experiment on my body and I'm intrigued to see what the blood work will say when it's done. I took weight, body fat, blood pressure, and a full comprehensive blood panel via DirectLabs.com. I've kept the total caloric intake the same over the spam of the week on the diet compared with the weeks prior to the diet to hold a constant. I did this to make sure that I was getting the calories that my already high metabolism would need to continue. I've been having to double and triple some of the recipes in the E2 book and had to add some Vega Sport protein shakes and whole food energy bars to supplement. Even after all that, my body is still increasing it's thermogenics and has actually LOST 9 lbs in 11 days. That needs to stop. So, I've actually increased my weekly caloric consumption as compared with what I was doing before to see if I can stop the weight loss. If I continue to lose weight than I'll be forced to add more fat into the diet since that seems to be the only thing that is lacking. I'm getting plenty of protein, just not animal protein, so I may need to supplement with whey isolate. Regardless, I'm staying away from casein based on the negative studies... before I start to add back any of these things, I will make sure and get my blood work done again.

So far, I must conclude that a plant strong diet definitely makes you into a metabolic burning machine, well at least me. And am hopeful that I have actually lowered my already low cholesterol so I can add that as a success too. The Engine 2 Diet is definitely not for everyone, but I would have no problems suggesting it to clients or patients that come into the gym. Clean eating, renewed energy, and increased thermogenics.

Engine 2

This is the end of the 3rd day on the Engine 2 Diet and my body seems to be OK. I lack some energy every once in awhile between breakfast and lunch and then again between lunch and dinner. I have found some Vega Sport bars and protein supplements to help combat the hunger. The dinners are the hardest. This is where I usually pile on the meat and boost my calories with dense protein foods. I was surprised at how good some of the dishes on the Week 1 menu were. Hoping my energy levels will be there when I need them on Saturday for the Little River 10 Miler.

Kenny reminded me that I should probably take it a little easier tomorrow, but the plan calls for a 5 mile mid tempo paced run and I think I'll try and do my best to stick with that. My ultimate goal is a half marathon in the 1:30s and I need to stay focused to get there. I need to get into the water as well since I haven't been in the pool in 4 weeks. Will try tomorrow to do them both and Friday will just be heavy upper body weights (meat-style with David Hey).

The Little River 10 Miler will definitely be interesting as it is a trail run with lots of ups and downs. These type of races are tough to navigate through the crowd and will be hard to get into a rhythm. We have entered the team competition and our top 4 finishers will place to give the team average. I have recruited a strong team and will most likely be the 4th time with Rachel, Kenny, and David Tallon in front of me.

Happy to have Kenny and Andrea come into town the night before and will most likely take a small one meal break from the E2 Diet to have some pizza and beer with Kenny after the race. I'm planning on using the water on the course for now, although may change my mind and go with the Nathan backpack. I will be taking some Honey Stinger gels with and without caffeine with me...