Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Under the weather


So this is completely based on unscientific data, but eating crappy makes me feel crappy.

After I completed my 28 day clean living challenge...I allowed myself to eat corn, sugar, dairy, alcohol, and pretty much whatever else I felt like for the next few days. What resulted was lower energy (read missed or piss-poor workouts), an increased craving for sugar, and weakened immune system! I started to feel sick a few days ago, and it has turned into a full-blown sinus infection.

Looks like I'm jumping back into clean living and eating with a few minor adjustments. I'm going to keep some dairy (yogurt, full-fat cheese) and some wine/alcohol in moderation.  I like the idea of 80-90% clean living with the occasional indulgence. The plan is also to keep my carbs around 100/day for now. There will be some modifications in the very near future (so excited to start Indigo!). 

Also, I am looking for some new ideas for recovery. I loved Flooid Yoga but my membership expired. Anyone know of any places offering discounts?

For now, it's back to the couch with a cup of Gypsy Cold Care to cuddle with my perros and get over this damn cold.


Sunday, February 12, 2012

Day 28- Completing the Clean Living Challenge


Today is the final day of Crossfit Southwest's Clean Living Challenge!! I am proud to say I made it through without cheating the program or myself. I ate clean, worked hard, and focused efforts on rehabbing injuries and recovery.

So what are the benefits I have noticed? 
  • I have loads of energy in the afternoon
  • I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go
  • Finally sleeping better (Thanks Danielle!)
  • Lost about 5lbs and 3.5" from my hips/abdomen
  • My um...digestion is more regular than normal
  • I have increased my mobility and range of motion in my shoulders and hips
  • I reconnected with some great friends and made new bonds with fellow challengers
  • My culinary prowess has increased...hello kohlrabi and bacon!
What were some of my challenges?
  • The first week I had nightmares about baked goods. I can't even eat pie without it messing me up but for some reason I was craving cake, cookies, and pie
  • Finding healthy snacks...too often I turned to nuts or fruits which either put me over my carb goal or left me hungry later on
  • Explaining my diet to everyone at work and getting crap for it
  • Planning all my meals ahead can be exhausting
  • Being sober for the Super Bowl. Lame.
  • Missing my Dutch Bro's skinny latte
What happens now?
  • I'm going to enjoy some little cheats (skinny Margarita from Ajo Al's, some Valentine's chocolate)
  • I'll slowly bring back some "forbidden foods" like yogurt and protein shakes
  • I plan to keep my carb intake around 100g for now...allowing for some movement depending on my activity level
  • Continue taking time to recover...AM sun salutation, yoga few times a week, going to bed early
  • Keep pressing forward
Thank you everyone for supporting me through this. It has been a great learning experience.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Day 22- In her honor




Today is a very special day- it has been one year since my gramma passed away. Today, like much of the past year, was filled with tearful moments while feeling the void she left behind then bouts of laughter and a deep sense of calm and serenity as I reveled in the love and strength she gave me. It warmed my heart to hear others speak so kindly of her and honor her today. She is missed greatly. I think of her often and wonder if I am making her proud.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Day 17- “Nimble thought can jump both sea and land.” - William Shakespeare



Here is a great video that shows how will, imagination, and courage can help us overcome great adversities.  By tenaciously visualizing skills, we have the potential to achieve greatness.





"Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop the picture...Do not build up obstacles in your imagination."
Norman Vincent Peale


"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world."
Buddha