I’ve Come to A Simple Conclusion…

So simple, that I just want to slap myself in the face.  My behavior challenge made me realize something: I’M EXHAUSTED.

And that’s why I can’t focus; that’s why I have no energy or will power…

That’s why I give up and eat…

DUH!!

But instead of realizing that I  have a crazy schedule which I love, it still takes getting used to.  But instead of knowing that, I felt defeated that I couldn’t keep up with all the awesome opportunities each day offers.  Feeling defeated = lack of will power = poor eating choices!  BAM!

After I came this simple conclusion today (yep you heard it – today), I worked out like I did when I first started getting into HIIT.  It was like all my energy came back!  And I did a cardio workout on my BOSU ball; it was so much more intense than my normal cardio, and I loved it!  I love balance training and didn’t know I could take mine to that intense and agile of a level!  I am so excited to incorporate this training into my clients’ plans as well!

A big thing? My appetite…minimized.  My focus has been so ridiculous, and I am excited about what my future has in store!  But I realize that I have to take baby steps instead of thinking I have to punish myself.  Taking one’s body (and career for that matter) to a new level, like I want to take mine, requires some give and take.  I am just so thankful the pathway has been cleared a little.

Instead of just letting go and letting GOD, I actually need to acknowledge my humanity.

Give it a try…

Nothing but love for ya…truly.

My “Cheer Up” List!

I was reading an article on LinkedIn all about how to cheer oneself up.  This is just the perfect thing to read; go along with my 3rd week of my own Behavior Challenge!

I am not ashamed to admit that I still have issues keeping myself from the binge monster; I get tired or bored, maybe a little anxious or sad.  What a novel idea!  Write a list of 6 things that make me happy, and if I find myself in the swamp of sadness or anxiety or boredom, whip it out! So…here it goes!

 

Awesome.

1. Exercise: Obviously, this is my favorite thing ever (especially running), so it is my go to to combat boredom or sadness.

2. Making Coffee or Tea.  It is so soothing and smelling either puts me in a serene state.

3. Read/Write: I have grown to love reading a plethora of books that I have available at any time, usually on my Kindle.  I also find blogging or writing in my journal really satisfying.

4. Making a new recipe: Flexing my foodie muscles is awesomeness.

5. Listen to Music: I love that my Roku has Pandora on it and my Computer has iTunes…I have an iPod…instant happiness is always in reach.

6. Organize my life.  I like to do laundry, clean a cluttered drawer/cabinet, purge unwanted or unnecessary items, wash my car or simply make my bed…it’s nice to have control over something!

So, what can you do to cheer yourself up?  What’s your top six list? Get to writing!

Nothing but love for you!

So, I’ve Dreaded Talking About Week Two…

But it’s week Three, so I need to get over myself. There are lows and highs to this week, but now that I think of it, they were all super necessary.

Day 8 - April 22, 2013: I was filled by family today.  I spent the afternoon with my sister; we talked about nothing and everything, all while getting a much needed pedicure.  Then I worked out with my new ZCut Cardio series from Zuzka Light, who was part of the original Bodyrock.tv team.  Now that Bodyrock.tv is the DailyHIIT, full of new gizmos they’re pushing us to buy, I spent $15 on the DVD collection.

Day 9 – April 23, 2013: After a super stressful day, which included a fender bender and ending it with someone I had been seeing on and off for a few months…all I wanted was TV, wine and something salty.  I ate roasted Brussels Sprouts and flavored tonic water; it did not fill me.  I did not sleep and was pretty pissy, so I ended up eating some Ice Cream Cake.  My morning workout was amazing, though.

Day 10 – April 24th, 2013: I was filled with God‘s Spirit today. After my much needed and probably pre-mature run,  I browsed Facebook, and this beautiful prayer was on my Newsfeed. I prayed it, posted it on my wall and went about my day, which included a Magic School Bus Adventure and a date.  Instead of being jaded because of my recent dating experiences, I decided to be open to meeting him.  After all, we were going to my favorite Tex-Mex, CHUY’s (mmm!), which he picked out, and we had been talking for a few weeks.  I was so glad I met him; we hit it off so well, and I haven’t felt this excited about meeting someone in a long time. I did eat chips and creamy jalapeno dip, but oddly, all I wanted was about 5 chips.  I also drank 2 frozen margarita’s and that was a big no-no in my book.

Day 11 – April 25th, 2013: I was filled with my job!  I had a great nutrition-based session with her, and we really talked about her goals; it was great!  ZCut was awesome!

Day 12 – April 26th, 2013: I was filled with excitement.  On top of a great shows during the day and a great Spelling Bee show at night, I went out with a gentleman I met before Chuy’s Guy (that’s what I’ll call him).  All I could think about was telling non-Chuy’s Guy, I just couldn’t pursue anything with him, and I never thought I would want to say that, but Chuy’s Guy is who I wanted to pursue.  The very desire to actually want to take the Nestea Plunge with someone after over a year of being single. Another ZCut…yep!

Day 13 – April 27th, 2013: I was filled with BUSY and chatting with my mom. Two sessions, Show, Cardio Kickboxing workout…nice.  However, I haven’t heard from Chuy’s Guy…anxiety is starting to kick in; I have to remember…he told me he’d be out of pocket.  And, thankfully, my bestie was there to talk me down.  I did eat a lot of Sunflower Seed butter and handful of raisins…my tummy hurt, and I watched a lot of Breaking Bad…and plopped in my bed.

NEW LOGO!

Day 14 – April 28th, 2013: I was filled with an overwhelming connection with God today.  I missed church last Sunday, and I refused to miss again.  I prayed the special prayer from above and cried it out with him.  It was nice.  I had 2 shows, a super ZCut WOrkout and a few Mojitos with some of the cast from The Bee…

…still no call from Chuy’s Guy.  Not only was I feeling bad about that, I started being nervous about my finances and thought about both on the way home.  I was home and so hungry and tired; I ate dried fruit again and nut butter…too much that my tummy hurt again even into the next morning…I couldn’t sleep, and I knew all I could do was let go and try again tomorrow.  And I did…

Day 15 – April 29th, 2013: I enjoyed being with my Magic School Bus-ers even though I was exhausted. I thanked God for having them to prevent loneliness.  They are always open to chatting, and I appreciate being able to have two close friends in particular. I took a nap to recover from my insomnia a bit and worked a hard ZCut.  I had a great session with two of my newer clients and went to dinner with a friend; it was yummy.

…And…

Chuy’s Guy called…we are going out tomorrow!  I followed my gut and trusted God would provide; I have two new potential clients, date number 2 with a good guy, plus my new LOGO.  Ok…I can breathe and keep going.  Feeling strong!

Nothing but love for ya.

 

 

Try These 3 Recipes for National Raisin Day

Reblogged from Health News / Tips & Trends / Celebrity Health:

• 
• 

Happy National Raisin Day! These tiny snacks are more than just dried up grapes, they're packed with a ton of health benefits.

Low in sodium and high in potassium, raisins may help lower blood pressure. Not a fan of dark raisins? Golden raisins are a bit sweeter and the fiber helps regulate the digestive tract to beat bloat.

Read more… 128 more words

It's National Raisin Day?! Awesome!

Nobody’s Perfect…and I Embrace That!

So people don’t have to get too bogged down with my existence…I decided to make these entries a sentence a day.  I feel a little too over indulgent or ego-filled with all this talk about my days; I will end the 30 day challenge with a nice summary.  I am shortening my entries so I can  focus on the fitness and food again.  I think it’s important to be self-aware, but you don’t need the nitty gritty!!  :-)

Day 5: April 19th, 2013

I was filled with support by family, my brother and sister-in-law and close friends in the audience at the show.

Day 6: April 20th, 2013

I was filled with great fitness sessions with clients, buying lots of fruits, veggies and protein for the weeks ahead and making almond butter; I love knowing how to make it!

Day 7: April 21st, 2013

I was filled with ending my first week feeling like I made some notable differences in my attitude and way I see myself by being able to bring that positive energy to a new and old client!

So, while I did have a bit of wine this weekend (I did go on a date Saturday night) and watched some Netflix (not mindless reality TV) when I was rolling out and stretching my mending hamstring,  I didn’t overdo anything! I also got tons done and feel so revitalized!  Cannot wait for this week!

My goals this week are about self care; exercise, eating and taking care of my body on the outside!!

Nothing but love for ya!

How I Filled My Life…

Day 3, April 16th:

I filled my life with a road trip to Corpus Christi with 6 zany characters (1 stage manager and 5 actors) who tour with me on The Magic School Bus; they are always entertaining and their personalities are so different it makes for quite a ride!  Plus, I’ve been getting better sleep, so I wake refreshed and ready for the ride!  I got home in time to get to my fitness session with a client; we laughed and had a great time.  I finished the night on a coffee date with a nice guy who’s been there on the sidelines, just waiting for me to be ready…that’s worth coffee.

I ate 3 balanced meals and didn’t want anything else.

Day 4, April 17th:

Me as Dorothy Ann in The Magic School Bus

I filled my life with another full day of Magic School Bus and a full night with one of my best friends.  We witnessed brilliance on stage in the form of The Alley Theatre‘s ELEPHANT MAN.  There were so many colleagues in the audience that night; I was so genuinely happy being surrounded by them.  The play was so emotional, and I finished out the night being able to truly be there with an open ear and full heart for my friend.  Even though I did partake in a Skinny Mojito, it was one of those occasions: you don’t let your friend drink alone.  But I drank it slowly and listened to myself as I listened to her; I didn’t need or want another.

I three Salads, and loved every one of them!

Day 5, April 18th:

I filled my life with and early morning session, performing for wide-eyed kiddos at 8:30am, and had a night off…I played catch up, organized my files on my computer, listened to music, and now I’m about to get a little late night core/sweat session on before a shower and off to dream land.  There are some things weighing on my heart today, but I lifted my chin up and know I can get through it, because my life is full of wonderful people.

My new favorite dessert!

I ate 4 small meals today; they were all exactly what I wanted.

This week I’ve been light on the exercising because of my hamstring making great progress in healing.  Next week I start 4 weeks of Zuzana Light’s ZCut Cardio Series, 5 days a week, but I will be adding a resistance circuit 3 times a week as well.  Just in the HIIT I’ve done this week, I feel stronger, and I think it’s because I am letting my body truly recover from months of over training.

I promise, per some of my Facebook friends, that I will also post some Paleo-Friendly recipes next week too!

I’m excited about actually taking care of myself and business!  Go figure!

Nothing but love for ya!

Off to a good start…

Yesterday was the official beginning to what might be a harder journey than I thought, but I am ready for the challenge.  I think it might be the most important one of my life.

Day 1: Sunday, April 14th

Began beautifully; a morning walk to Starbucks for a little reading and blogging, hence my entry from yesterday. I stayed there for a few hours and really enjoyed reading, sipping on my iced black coffee and enjoyed the sunny walk back to the place I house sat for last weekend. I realized how much I loved living in a walkable area of Houston…hmm.  My tummy was hurting from my bad decision that prompted my challenge the night before, so the walk did me good!

Not having TV in my life was kind of difficult, because I always have it on; I don’t like the quiet, so I will turn it on, but it eventually pulls me in, and I waste at least an hour or two watching TV that I really don’t care about anyway.  But my ROKU on my television also has my Pandora account on it…love my ROKU.  So, I played music, which was pleasant, and started getting myself in order…

I purged…and purged.

I didn’t realize how much stuff I had that I didn’t use; I wish I would have done this BEFORE I had to move into one room and a bathroom again, but it wasn’t time for it, and I realize that now.  I got rid of so much old jewelry and accessories, shoes, clothes…yikes.

I went to church for the second week in a row; even though I felt like crap, I knew I had to go…I would just stay home and lay around, so I went, and it was awesome.  I was so full of serenity, that I only ate half the portion I gave myself at dinner; I was full.

I started to organize too, and I came to a ridiculous realization as I picked up 6 bottles of nail polish remover.  How much money am I wasting by buying duplicates? Why am I buying so many duplicates?

This isn’t just nail polish remover, but tons of toiletries, clothes and make up…what the hell?  Thanks for my crazy memory, I am able to pinpoint much of the over spending.  I always buy new things because I didn’t give myself enough time to plan my days accordingly.  I am not as organized as I thought.  I need to give myself more time to plan out my days, and then I realized, I am always running out the door because I tend to sleep later than I should; I’m just scrambling for time all over the place because I am not managing the time I am given.  Then I remembered…

THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

My niece gave me this book last Easter; I devoured it, and ended up attempting to do my own, but failed miserably.  But not this time.  I am going to start with one tiny principle: Go to bed earlier than you’re used to. So, I went to be at 10:00pm, instead of staying up mindlessly in front of the TV munching on something.  I read for a 30 minutes and fell asleep.

I was full of peace, so I didn’t need to fill myself with anything else.

Day 2: Monday, April 15th

I woke up, refreshed at 5:00am…yep that’s what I said.  According to my Sleep Cycle App, I got 73% sleep quality.  For the past two weeks, it’s been below 50%.  Normally, I would wake up a lot later for my 6:15 session, but I wanted to make sure I had all my ducks in a row.  I packed up my bag, made a light breakfast and was out the door…good stuff; I didn’t even need coffee!

Yet…

My session was great, I have wonderful clients!  Call for The Magic School Bus (a touring show for Elementary Schools I’ve been doing for a long time) wasn’t until 12:15pm, so I did some errands…all for my Yaris! Oil Change, while reading and finally getting in my Starbucks Blonde Roast (My favorite!).

I love my car!  It’s such a necessity and I spend so much time in it; and you can tell.  My upholstery was stained, it was dusty and cluttered.  I cleaned, dusted, tossed junk, organized, vacuumed…

…and it was beautiful!  I felt like me again; clean organized me!! I ate the other half of my dinner from last night and an apple; I was ready to go.  I didn’t speed and got to call in plenty of time never feeling rushed or pissy.  I even worked out (12 Minutes Classic Bodyrock.tv) waiting to go to places for the show…it was bliss to have my energy back.

Now, I am getting ready to meet a new client, I was able to update several circuits for future sessions, emailed clients their measurement updates…you know…doing my job!  I ate half the portion of my meal.  I was so full of satisfaction with getting stuff done.  I was so happy that I was being a functioning adult again who likes her job(s)!

I haven’t even touched the Television remote today…

 

Time to REALLY Step Outta My Comfort Zone…

The past couple of weeks have been weird for me.  I’ve been in this weird funk, for lack of a better word.  Essentially, I didn’t really care about anything; like I am just going through the motions, but not really being present in anything…

…it has been simply frustrating.  I mean, I was very aware of what was going on!  All I seemed to be able to do was cry; I just could not shake it, and it caused me to distract myself with…food.  Yep…lots of it.  Not bad food, mind you, but I really wanted to get my mind off of being sad, so I cooked lots of Paleo dishes, which were yummy, but I didn’t need to do it.

And I ate.  And all the results I was hoping to see by now  (and seeing) flew out the window.

So…then I became even more frustrated to the point of even more tears.  WHY?? Why was I feeling so bad?  Why was everything that meant so much to me seem so unimportant?  Why do I not care? Why can’t I sleep? Why am I eating so much?  Why do my workouts not seem rewarding?

And then it hit me…I was still comparing myself to some mold that I would just never conform to…

It all started on Easter.  I was surrounded by my jovial, gorgeous, intelligent, loving family who all seemed so happy.  My parents are still together and all my siblings are married, two of them have awesome kids, and there’s me…at the end of the Easter dinner table…seat number…11; the odd one out.  There they are…talking about careers that are all similar, family and marriage, domestic bliss, and it all seems so distant to me.

I got up and started cleaning ferociously.  I left to house-sit for the next 10 days, and I never felt more alone in my life.  But I think I needed that alone time to really be alone, so I could see what was up…

As soon as I got settled in my “home,” I ate a bunch of ice cream, and drank half a bottle of wine…all by my lonesome…yep…

…then I felt like I was not only letting myself down, but all my clients…I wasn’t superwoman after all.  I have a Cryptonite, and it’s being alone…still.

I know that this is a fitness blog, but being in touch with the root of what’s ailing you helps deal with plateaus and diet pitfalls…I know it’s long winded, but I am getting to the point!  Besides this is also a cathartic release for me.

As I was going through my fitness nutrition course through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) there was a pretty lengthy chapter on eating disorders.  One in particular that stuck out was binge eating; where someone will eat a food they’ve deemed “off limits,” or they eat because of an emotional trigger…then they feel guilty.  Hmm…this sounds like me.  I don’t necessarily eat an off limit food (no food is really off limits to me; I choose to not eat it because of the discomfort it causes), unless I know it’s a special occasion, but I never really crave these foods unless I am bored or feel lonely or sitting in front of the TV.

For some reason, this didn’t really hit me until just then. Now, I am able to see these triggers in my own life and apply the principles to combat them through my Fitness Nutrition Studies; it’s as simple as ABC…

Acknowledge the trigger…got it; drinking, loneliness or boredom.

Behavior detection: I eat for the sake of distraction or comfort.

Change the behavior: find different things to take my mind off of the trigger.  I have tons of things I can do!!

So, instead of an exercise or diet challenge these next 30 days, I have decided to do a behavior change challenge!  I am going to combat my triggers and satiate my palette with other things: reading, doing better work, keeping my attitude positive.  Tackling tasks on my long term and short term “to-do” list, praying, finding a good balance between my work and personal life.  I have so much to do…it’s time to do it!

So, my biggest challenge will be not only to stay on my clean eating regimen, but also no drinking and no TV! This will be interesting, but I am hoping to chronicle each day, even if it’s a sentence.  So, stay tuned friends and readers…it’s going to be a bumpy ride, but one I need to take.

No judgments and nothing but love for ya!

My Last Week of The Challenge…Yes!

Well, I have two words for the last week of my challenge: Over Trained.  My body aches today, but after five solid weeks of training with HIIT and Running, I have learned the value of a truly healthy diet, lots of rest and keeping in shape.

I did not always get lots of rest and I struggled with my diet, but today, I weighed in at 117.5; I started at 124.5.  I thank PALEO for the big weight change…I feel cleaner and lighter because I have detoxed all the hard-to-digest foods out of my body and am now eating lean proteins, natural sugars and carbs found in veggies and fruits and no dairy or starches of any kind…not even potatoes folks!

I haven’t blogged in several days, the last 10 were very hard schedule-wise, and this is where I began my Paleo lifestyle.

Day 21: I allowed myself one more day of my normal eating and a little splurging too!  I did a really intense HIIT that lasted 45 minutes

Days 22 - 52: I began to eat only natural foods, no more cereals or breads of any kind.  I still ate a little bit of dairy; I had yogurt and cheese to get rid of!

I still did HIIT and Ran in those days, but it was tough.  I began to feel my energy depleting because my body was going through a shock of no breads and unnatural sugars.

Day 24 – 30: I started incorporating Paleo meals.  I went to the store and loaded up on…Salmon, Tilapia, Shrimp, Ground Turkey and a Rotisserie Chicken…yes folks…I am eating MEAT.  I also bought eggs…all as organic and wild caught as humanly possible.

I got tons of fruits and veggies: berries, grapes, broccoli, spinach, green leaf lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, avocados, apples, citrus, brussels sprouts, bananas and whatever else my little heart desired.  Plus loaded up on walnuts, almonds, cashews and pistachios.

I started to feel better instantly.  I can use unsweetened vanilla almond milk in my coffee or tea and I wanted to drink tons of water.  I felt so satiated with my new meals…I ate smaller portions more often and never felt hungry at all, and it was instinctive; I didn’t count one calorie or measure one item.  I was sure to have a few snack options while traveling to sessions or shows.

My workouts were so intense…moreso than before!  I sweated so much and really pushed myself to finish what I began.

Now, my body is happy to have a little active rest.  No HIIT or running this week.  Just low impact cardio and light circuit training.  I have to nurse my twinged hamstring!

So, that’s that, and I hope my journey helped you out.  I will definitely be posting weekly circuits and some HIIT in the coming weeks, plus some great Paleo recipes I’ll be trying out!

Stay with me…Nothing but love for ya!

Days 19 and 20: Decided Enough is Enough…

No More Excuses!

I think the closer I get to the end of my 30 Day HIIT challenge, the more apparent my need for a diet and will power overhaul is.  Really?  I work out hard and strong every day for at least 20 intense minutes, and I still struggle with reaching my goals or seeing results.  I should be more defined in my abs and 5 pounds lighter.  Frustrated?  Not really…more like…PISSED…at myself.  I am not practicing what I preach!  I know what I have to do…time to bury the meat hatchet and go Paleo, Caveman…whatever you want to call it.  This is the true lifestyle for highly active peeps, and I am very active and want to reach my full athletic potential, but stuffing my face with quick burning carbs when I run out of minutes in the day is not the right solution.  Now that my patience is wearing out, my will power is weighing in, and I am excited.

Lent is also upon us, and as a Catholic, I do like to try and make this a time of fasting and growth in mind, body and spirit.  I’ve decided to fast from drinking alcohol…yes, I know, it sounds crazy, but it’s an incredible way to work my will power.  Not being able to drink in social situations is going to be hard for me, but I think it is attainable, and will help me feel clear for my 7 day, Paleo change-over.

Yes, I just purchased some essential Paleo literature for my Kindle: Paleo for Beginners and The Top Ten Paleo Diet Foods You Absolutely Need.  I am really excited to start this journey as I continue to fine tune my workout regimen and my life, which will inhibit me from going out so much, which means more money in my pocket and less calories wasted on alcohol and poor food choices and more sleep time; and I know sleep deprivation is a contributing factor in making poor eating choices.  :-)

For the Last Two Days, I did some fun HIIT routines courtesy of Daily HIIT and Zuzka Light:

Day 19: 4 Minute Warm-Up, Sumo Squat into Push Up Plank

12 Rounds @ 10×50

1. 10 High Knees/10 Double Handed Sandbag Swing Jacks

2. Clean and Press Surfer Jumps

3. Modified Woodchop Swing with Side Push Up, Alternating Sides

4. 10 Standard Sandbag Swings with 10 Push Ups

Core Workout 15 rounds @ 10×50

1. Full Sit Up with Lower Body Slide-ins

2. Stability Ball Jackknife (One of my all-time favorites!)

3. Bridge lift with Chest Press

4. Opposite Arm, Oblique Reach with Bridge Hold

5. Shoulder Stand Leg Lifts

Day 20: Not a Ton of Time Today…

ZWOW 56: 16 Rounds @ 25×5

1. High Knee Jump Rope

2. Squat Shoulder Press with Dumbbells

3. High Knee Jump Rope

4. 2 Plank Lat Rows, stand, 2 Upright Rows

5. High Knee Jump Rope

6. Jump Lunge, Twist (Alternating Legs)

7. High Knee Jump Rope

8. One Leg Push Up, Opposite Toe touch

HIIT Lean: 15 Rounds @ 10×50

1. Chest Flys and Press on Stability Ball

2. Narrow Squat, Alternating Kick

3. Bicep Curl and Military Press

4. Figure 8′s (Keeping hips stationary, only moving the upper body)

5. Tricep Dips

These were great low impact but high sweat circuits.  Day 19 incorporated a lot of plyo with heavy weight and core strength, while Day 20 was more of a light weight high cardio day.