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.

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.

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.

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

Day 14- 2 weeks down 2 more to go!

Just a quick update...today marks the halfway point in the Crossfit Southwest Clean Living Challenge!!

Here are a few positives I've noted:

• more energy in the AM
• down some lbs
• runs feel easier
• yoga has become part of my morning routine (the sun salutation is like my 1st cup of java now!)
• the support has been amazing and motivating
• my skin feels softer/smoother
• my cravings have greatly diminished (but still there...grr)
• my recipe repertoire has vastly increased

A few kinks to straighten out:

• still not sleeping all that well (not sure if it's over training, work, or eating later)
• finding snacks that are not carb-rich, made with soy, or processed
• energy wanes in the PM
• getting  more protein and healthier fats

Oh, and did I mention I'm still 100% paleo?! This is the first "challenge" I've successfully been entirely strict. I credit that to all the amazing support from family and friends. Thanks everyone!

Day 12- Confucius Say... Butcher who back into meat-grinder, get a little behind in his orders.

I busted out the meat grinder (on loan from my Dad) and whipped up some Elk/Beef Paleo Meatloaf thanks to a recipe from Civilized Caveman.

I ground up almost 2lbs of elk and mixed it with 1lb of organic ground beef from Sky Island / 47 Ranch. I made a loaf in a 9x13 pan and 12 mini meatloafs with this amount.

Servings: 16-18
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 Cups Almond Flour
• 2.5lbs to 3lbs Ground Meat, your choice
• 2/3 Cup Coconut Milk (can not carton...look in aisle with Thai/Asian food)
• 2 Cloves of garlic, minced
• 8-10 Baby Carrots, shredded or minced
• 3/4 Onion, minced
• 1 Large Zucchini, minced
• 2 Eggs
• 4-5 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Process:

Sauteed veggies mixed with almond flour and coconut milk

1. Preheat your oven to 350 Degrees F
2. Combine your almond flour and coconut milk in a bowl and mix well
3. Heat a saute pan on medium heat and saute your onions, carrots, and zucchini stirring often until cooked.
4. With about a minute left of sauteing add in your garlic
5. Take your sauteed vegetables and combine them in the bowl with the almond flour and coconut milk
6. Add in your grass fed ground beef, egg, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper and using your hands mix well
7. Place your loaf in a greased loaf pan (use rest for 12 mini meatloafs)
8. Bake in the oven for 50 minutes (bake muffins 20minutes)

For added flavor...you could top it with an over easy or sunny side up egg. Super yummy!

Day 10- Chuck Norris once took a nap. The result was the Great Depression

Today was the first "day off" I have had in over a week. As part of the Clean Living Challenge, I made it a goal to give my body at least one day a week to recovery so I don't hit a plateau. Between the serious nap, delicious paleo meals, and the supplements Dani sent me...I think I'm going to tackle the rest of the week like a NFL linebacker at a pop warner practice.

By the way...how freaking funny but ingenious is this pillow hat?! Bulk order anyone? :)