Trust the process.
Ask a University of Alabama football player what Coach Nick Saban tells them and you’ll hear ”trust the process.”
Coach Saban was the first person I heard use the phrase, however, a little Google research tells me the phrase originated with the Philadelphia 76ers’ former general manager, Sam Hinkie.
“We talk a lot about process – not outcome – and trying to consistently take all the best information you can and consistently make good decisions. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t, but you reevaluate them all.”
Sam Hinkie
When I shared my first post last Sunday, it was the day I submitted my first assessment to my online coach, Kendra Jarratt. She reviewed my assessment, which includes my weight, measurements and photos, and then recommended adjustments. You can imagine how surprised I was for her to increase my carb intake, which also increased my daily caloric intake. How can increasing calories – and carbs! – help lose body fat?
This week was challenging. From a busy calendar to a stressful family matter, sticking to the plan was hard.
Meeting my macro goals was also challenging this week. With the increases Kendra made, I found myself struggling or falling short of meeting them on several days. Protein is my non-negotiable macro, and I met it six out of seven days. I met my calories most days, too, in spite of not feeling hungry a couple of times. Kendra reminded me that I can fill in the extra calories with good things, like fruit, instead of feeling tempted to eat junk.
Despite the challenges (and don’t we all have challenges), I chose to trust Kendra and her recommendations. She is my coach, after all. Adhering to plan doesn’t require perfection, simply consistency. And consistency creates progress. Here’s how things are looking after Week 1:
Health Stats
- Weight: 134.7 – That’s a loss of 1.4 lbs (while I was eating MORE FOOD!)
- Body Fat: 26.2% (down .4)
- Muscle Mass: 32.6% (up .1)
Measurements: there was no change (and again I remind I am terrible with a measuring tape)
Waist: 29 inches
Hips: 36.5 inches
Thigh: 19.25 inches
Current Macros
(Please note these are my macros recommended to me by my very knowledgable, experienced, and certified nutrition coach, Kendra. Macros are very personal numbers based on body composition and health goals.)
Calories: 1668
Protein: 150 grams
Carbs: 150 grams
Fat: 52 grams
My takeaway this week
Trust the process. Positive outcomes are great and all, but you get to them by the process.
Goals for next week:
1. Remain consistent.
2. Stay focused in social settings.
3. Lose another 1.5 lbs.
Favorite meal from this week:
Trader Joe’s Beef Birria over 3/4 cup of brown rice. The Beef Birria alone has 32 grams of protein! Pro tip: Always aim for 20-30 grams of protein with every meal. Protein is where it’s at! You’ll find both in the TJ’s freezer section.