Week 8: Snowboarding, Rice Krispies, and Social Balance
Church of Gainz Family,
Another week down, and we’re now 4 weeks out from stepping on stage. This week was a mix of progress, challenges, and much-needed mindset refreshes. Between snowboarding, making time for social events, and staying consistent with training, I’ve learned some valuable lessons on balance, willpower, and sticking to the plan. Let’s dive into it.
The Week in Numbers
Average Weight: Dropped 1.5 pounds, right on track.
Calories: Reduced to 2,200 calories/day
Training:
5 lifting sessions.
35 minutes of cardio on training days.
Daily posing practice (15 minutes).
Adjustments This Week
1. Sticking to Priorities
After letting work take priority over lifting last week, I’m making sure lifting is back at the top of my schedule. I’ve been doing my workouts too late in the day, and with energy dipping, those workouts just haven’t been as good. This week, I’ll be focusing on getting my lifts done earlier in the afternoon when I have the most energy.
2. Snowboarding Reset
I hit the slopes at Vail this past weekend, and it was exactly what I needed. The conditions were perfect, and snowboarding—one of my favorite hobbies—was a great break from the monotony of prep and work.
Physically, it was a killer workout that burned a ton of calories. The tricky part is managing the food side of things. Snowboarding days often mean carb loading beforehand and replenishing afterward, which can feel like a cheat day. While it's awesome to fuel up, I find that breaking from my usual routine sometimes spikes cravings later in the week. Sticking to a consistent plan usually keeps those cravings at bay, so that’s something I’ll keep an eye on moving forward.
3. Handling Social Situations
I’ve been making an effort to socialize more after realizing how much I was missing it. This week, I scheduled a few lunches at restaurants with healthier options. It went well overall—I was able to stick to my plan by choosing good meals and tracking what I could. Surprisingly, a lot of restaurants are listed in MyFitnessPal, which helped me get close to an accurate calorie count.
That said, I still err on the side of caution. I assume restaurant meals have 10-15% more calories than reported, so I make up for it by adjusting my dinner intake that night. The alternative is not finishing the meal, but if I’m going to participate, I’d rather enjoy it fully.
Lessons from the Week
1. The Rice Krispie Treat Incident
Let’s get real—I slipped up this week and had a evening where I ate three Rice Krispie treats. I felt pretty guilty about it afterward, but it’s important to acknowledge when these things happen and move on. Prep isn’t a straight line, and learning how to handle moments like this is part of the journey.
One thing I’ve realized is that keeping tempting snacks in the house is a recipe for disaster. I’ve decided to just stop buying them altogether. Out of sight, out of mind.
2. The Importance of Mental Engagement
This prep process has made me more aware of how much idle time can mess with your mindset. Without socializing, drinking, or eating out as much, I have a lot more time on my hands. If I don’t keep myself busy with projects or something productive, I start thinking about food all the time, which only makes things harder.
I’ve noticed that staying mentally engaged—whether through work, hobbies, or side projects—makes a huge difference. It’s a strategy I’ll continue using to stay on track.
Wins and Challenges
Wins:
Weight dropped 1.5 pounds, which is right where I want to be.
I prioritized socializing in a way that didn’t derail my nutrition plan.
Snowboarding was a great mental and physical reset.
Challenges:
The Rice Krispie treat incident was a low point for the week.
Managing cravings after breaking my routine with higher-carb days is something I’ll need to monitor.
What’s Ahead
Keep lifting as a top priority—workouts earlier in the day when energy is high.
Maintain 2,200 calories/day and current cardio plan.
Continue socializing with healthy meal options but remain cautious with portion sizes.
Prepare for an upcoming work trip to Barcelona two weeks before the show by planning meals and gym visits in advance. The goal is to be "ready" before the trip and focus on maintaining while I'm there.
Parting Thoughts
This week reminded me how easy it is to let success get to your head. I started the week feeling lean and looking great in the mirror, which gave me a false sense of security. That voice in my head said, “You’re good—go ahead and relax a little.” And sure enough, I slipped up with those Rice Krispie treats.
Key Takeaway: Don’t listen to that voice telling you it’s okay to ease up just because you’re doing well. Stay locked in, stick to the plan, and don’t let one good week fool you into letting your guard down.
Question for You: What strategies do you use to keep cravings in check or avoid slipping up when you’re feeling good about your progress? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for following along. Week 9, let’s keep pushing!
Much Love, Pastor Quest
