Well, hello December!
Eighteen days in, and I'm just starting to cop that it isn't really the beginning of the month anymore. It's the middle of the month. Borderline LATE.
So, how have I been doing with my challenges?
Oil Pulling
I have been so negligent in this! And it's doubly silly of me, as I have been having some serious tooth pain this month. Coconut oil would help! I know it would! And still... I have oil pulled twice this month. Maybe three times.
Tomorrow teeth! I'm coming for you!
Ditch Bad Beauty Habits
Washing My Face in the Shower
This one was pretty easy to quit. I simply took the face wash out of my shower. Ta da! An esthetician told me that the water temperature we use for showers is way too hot for our faces, and it causes a lot of redness in our complexions. Since redness is a big problem for me, I decided to follow her advice. After a few weeks of washing my face after my shower, I am noticing a more even complexion. However, even though there is less redness in my cheeks, I am breaking out a bit more. My assumption is that this is due to stress rather than beauty habits.
Ditch The Towel Turban
Wrapping your wet hair up in a towel leads to breakage. A great alternative is to use an old t-shirt to soak up extra moisture. It's less damaging to hair than a towel, and doesn't cause breakage, leading to those unsightly little wisps around your forehead.
Yep. I know all that is true.... but the towel is so much more convenient! The t-shirt method requires a loose drape around your shoulders, which slips and falls, and my soaking wet hair drips on my shoulders... shudder. It's unpleasant giving up the towel. But in the weeks since I have, my hair has been smoother and shinier.
Stop Using Q-Tips
Ooops. I forgot about this one. I'll start tomorrow :)
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Yikes.
Oh dear. Ohhhhhh dear.
Well. The past 30 days have been... not great, Bob. Not in terms of life, but in terms of me keeping up with the challenges I've set myself. Throughout November, I did meditate a bit, but it was really more like twice a week, rather than every day.
There were reasons, to be sure. I was traveling for work. I was traveling for pleasure. There were weddings, and late nights, and stress. I worked myself into a ball of crazy over hosting a party at my house.
The real reason? It was hard.
It was really hard making time for myself. I was hard to force myself to sit and breathe, when I wanted to be reading, when there was cleaning to be done, when I was at my parent's house, and my adorable nieces & nephew were in the next room, just waiting to play and be awesome.
Plus, when you sit with yourself for 20 minutes, you have to sit with YOURSELF. That is hard, and scary.
So, the end of November arrived, and I thought, welp, I fucked that month up! Onward to December!
Erm, about that.
Ten days into December, and I haven't started in on my goals for the month. And they were pretty easy! Oil pulling, not washing my face in the shower. I HAVE made an effort to ditch the towel turban, and am now using a t-shirt to lightly dry my hair. So, yay! That's one thing!
I was sort of hoping writing this would inspire me to create a new December goal and jump in. But the truth is... I'm feeling a little blue. Maybe I'll oil pull tonight. I'll continue with the t-shirt. Maybe I'll even mediate.
Or maybe I'll just relax. Tomorrow's another day after all.
Well. The past 30 days have been... not great, Bob. Not in terms of life, but in terms of me keeping up with the challenges I've set myself. Throughout November, I did meditate a bit, but it was really more like twice a week, rather than every day.
There were reasons, to be sure. I was traveling for work. I was traveling for pleasure. There were weddings, and late nights, and stress. I worked myself into a ball of crazy over hosting a party at my house.
The real reason? It was hard.
It was really hard making time for myself. I was hard to force myself to sit and breathe, when I wanted to be reading, when there was cleaning to be done, when I was at my parent's house, and my adorable nieces & nephew were in the next room, just waiting to play and be awesome.
Plus, when you sit with yourself for 20 minutes, you have to sit with YOURSELF. That is hard, and scary.
So, the end of November arrived, and I thought, welp, I fucked that month up! Onward to December!
Erm, about that.
Ten days into December, and I haven't started in on my goals for the month. And they were pretty easy! Oil pulling, not washing my face in the shower. I HAVE made an effort to ditch the towel turban, and am now using a t-shirt to lightly dry my hair. So, yay! That's one thing!
I was sort of hoping writing this would inspire me to create a new December goal and jump in. But the truth is... I'm feeling a little blue. Maybe I'll oil pull tonight. I'll continue with the t-shirt. Maybe I'll even mediate.
Or maybe I'll just relax. Tomorrow's another day after all.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Meditate Daily!
November's challenge is to meditate daily.
I thought of doing the day-by-day breakdown of how it felt... but, my God, that sounds boring doesn't it? Day 1, I sat quietly for ten minute. Day 2, I sat quietly for ten minutes.
And really, that's what it is. Sitting quietly. Focusing on my breath. Taking 10-20 minutes a day to calm myself, disengage from the frenzy of the outside world, and focus on being. Just being.
It's a lovely sentiment, but 12 days in, I'm not feeling particularly lovely. I've struggled decided how exactly to meditate. I've been dipping in and out of a 21-day series of guided meditation from Deepak Chopra. It's fine, but I'm never sure what to do with myself in the ten minutes that leads up to the meditation. I've had some luck with apps that play soothing music and quietly turn themselves off after 10 minutes.
I'm thinking perhaps I need more than 10 minutes to fully relax into the practice. Since I was able to find at least 15 minutes in my day to do yoga, I think I'll tweak the mediation to at least 15 minutes.
Namaste!
I thought of doing the day-by-day breakdown of how it felt... but, my God, that sounds boring doesn't it? Day 1, I sat quietly for ten minute. Day 2, I sat quietly for ten minutes.
And really, that's what it is. Sitting quietly. Focusing on my breath. Taking 10-20 minutes a day to calm myself, disengage from the frenzy of the outside world, and focus on being. Just being.
It's a lovely sentiment, but 12 days in, I'm not feeling particularly lovely. I've struggled decided how exactly to meditate. I've been dipping in and out of a 21-day series of guided meditation from Deepak Chopra. It's fine, but I'm never sure what to do with myself in the ten minutes that leads up to the meditation. I've had some luck with apps that play soothing music and quietly turn themselves off after 10 minutes.
I'm thinking perhaps I need more than 10 minutes to fully relax into the practice. Since I was able to find at least 15 minutes in my day to do yoga, I think I'll tweak the mediation to at least 15 minutes.
Namaste!
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Yoga Every Damn Day: A Retrospective
I did yoga every day for 31 days... pretty much.
Though there were a couple days I missed or didn't do enough yoga to meet my 15 minute rule, I'm still ruling this month a success! It's funny-- I had some goals and expectations going into it. I wanted to be able roll out a mat and effortlessly do 60 minutes of flow. That definitely didn't happen. I continued to struggle remembering poses, fighting through the boredom and keeping my attention on the mat. But I certainly improved, and got better at focusing on my breath.
My form on a few poses improved dramatically. Chaturangas, downward facing dogs, standing splits-- they're all more graceful, energetic and dynamic than they were before. Did I master the handstand? Nope. But do I feel more comfortable in my poses than I did a month ago? Definitely.
And of course, one cannot exercise consistently and not discuss the aesthetic results! My arms, guys. My arms! They look different! Slimmer, more defined, and HELLO! I have muscles.
So, that's the wrap up on a month of yoga! The main result-- I'm better at yoga! And best of all, I'm not sick of it. The first 10 days of November have been busy but I've worked in three yoga practices, and I'm looking forward to getting some more time on the mat.
Namaste.
Though there were a couple days I missed or didn't do enough yoga to meet my 15 minute rule, I'm still ruling this month a success! It's funny-- I had some goals and expectations going into it. I wanted to be able roll out a mat and effortlessly do 60 minutes of flow. That definitely didn't happen. I continued to struggle remembering poses, fighting through the boredom and keeping my attention on the mat. But I certainly improved, and got better at focusing on my breath.
My form on a few poses improved dramatically. Chaturangas, downward facing dogs, standing splits-- they're all more graceful, energetic and dynamic than they were before. Did I master the handstand? Nope. But do I feel more comfortable in my poses than I did a month ago? Definitely.
And of course, one cannot exercise consistently and not discuss the aesthetic results! My arms, guys. My arms! They look different! Slimmer, more defined, and HELLO! I have muscles.
So, that's the wrap up on a month of yoga! The main result-- I'm better at yoga! And best of all, I'm not sick of it. The first 10 days of November have been busy but I've worked in three yoga practices, and I'm looking forward to getting some more time on the mat.
Namaste.
Yoga Every Damn Day: Days 29-31
I have been neglecting the account of my challenges. Which make sense, since I've sort of been neglecting my challenges! But rather than dwell on that, I'll dive into the end of my yoga daily challenge.
Day 29
I went to a pal's house to watch the Giants play. They won the world series! It was a very good night, but you know how it goes... we drank beer, we ate pizza. When I got home, I was pretty exhausted. I climbed into bed and while Andrew brushed his teeth, I did some winding down stretches to ready myself for sleep. I do NOT give myself full marks for this day!
Day 30
Tonight is Book Club at a friend's house across town. Rather than let it be an excuse, I decide to arrive fashionably late and get in my yoga time. I do a thirty minute video with yoga celebrity Mandy Ingber. It's a good workout, but I find myself focusing on her personality, and thinking critically of the problem with wrapping up your practice in a single person. So much for staying in the moment!
Day 31
Halloween! There are a few parties we could go to, but Andrew and I are exhausted from our unexpected trip to Southern California. We decide to stick closer to home and head to the local bar around the corner. With easy plans in place, I feel good about going to a 5:45 yoga class. It's an awesome, sweaty practice, and the perfect way to end the month.
Day 29
I went to a pal's house to watch the Giants play. They won the world series! It was a very good night, but you know how it goes... we drank beer, we ate pizza. When I got home, I was pretty exhausted. I climbed into bed and while Andrew brushed his teeth, I did some winding down stretches to ready myself for sleep. I do NOT give myself full marks for this day!
Day 30
Tonight is Book Club at a friend's house across town. Rather than let it be an excuse, I decide to arrive fashionably late and get in my yoga time. I do a thirty minute video with yoga celebrity Mandy Ingber. It's a good workout, but I find myself focusing on her personality, and thinking critically of the problem with wrapping up your practice in a single person. So much for staying in the moment!
Day 31
Halloween! There are a few parties we could go to, but Andrew and I are exhausted from our unexpected trip to Southern California. We decide to stick closer to home and head to the local bar around the corner. With easy plans in place, I feel good about going to a 5:45 yoga class. It's an awesome, sweaty practice, and the perfect way to end the month.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Yoga Every Damn Day: Days 23-29
As I write this, it's day 29 of my 31 day challenge to yoga it up every day. The past seven days have been... challenging, as I document here. For the link-clicking averse, here's a summary: went out of town for a bachelorette party, as I was getting ready to come back home I learned my father had had a stroke and was in the hospital. I went to see him and spent three days back home. And now I'm finally back in San Francisco. So, here's what I managed to do during this crazy few days...
Day 23
Andrew and I went for a run, enjoying the Halloween decorations dotted around our neighborhood. We did a slow three miles, and afterwards I stretched out in a yoga-like way for 15 minutes and called it a day. I still had to pack for my weekend away.
Day 24
I was planning on leaving directly from work to go up to wine country for the bachelorette party, so I woke up early to get some time on the mat. The night before I'd pulled up a Morning Yoga video, but I wish I'd picked better. This particular video was very slow and mellow, which felt great, but I was hoping for something a bit more aerobic. But I did feel pretty good all day, so I suppose it did it's job!
Day 25
When I arrived at the house in the Russian River on Friday night, I took one look at the gorgeous deck and declared "I am doing yoga out there tomorrow!"
Then Saturday arrived with rain clouds. Sigh. I stretched out in my temporary bedroom instead and started saluting the sun. However, after about 5 minutes the sounds of the other girls chatting and drinking coffee enticed me away from my mat. I promised myself I would do 10 minutes of bedtime yoga to fulfill my requirement and rushed out to join in on the fun.
And indeed, even with a belly full of carbs and red wine, I did stretch out and do some gentle nighttime yoga before bed. While all in all I did 15 minutes, and fulfilled my challenge, I didn't feel like I'd honored the spirit of the challenge.
Day 26
I'd had grand plans to do some serious, sweaty yoga when I got back to San Francisco, but all that went out then window when my mom called with the bad news. We rushed down to LA, and I didn't do any yoga. No guilt was felt about this.
Day 27
My dad came home from the hospital this afternoon, and Andrew and I spent the afternoon and evening with him. At about 8pm, the conversation was quieting down and my dad had turned on a football game. I snuck to my childhood bedroom and stretched out for a few minutes, concentrating on breathing. It felt really nice to take a minute to focus on my body and my breathing. While I probably didn't clock 15 minutes, this small amount of time on the mat felt like a small miracle.
Day 28
My dad asked me to take a walk with him. Hooray! I'm so pleased he's inspired to be healthier. We walk about a mile in the Southern California heat, and when I get back, I go into the backyard and use a towel as a make-shift mat. It feels odd to practice on hard concrete, but I try to focus on my breath and flow. When it's time for savasana, I go to close my eyes, but find myself looking straight up at the sky and the trees that shade my parents' backyard. I wonder if open-eyed savasana is as restful as closed, but I can't bear to close my eyes. It's so lovely. This moment is the first time I feel the weight of the past few days on me. It feels heavy, but I feel capable.
Day 29
I woke up at 4:30am to head to the airport. This evening I'm going to a friend's to watch baseball. I'm not sure when yoga will happen today. Honestly, I'm a bit nervous to jump into a routine that was established before. I feel different to last week, like I've lost some of the strength that was getting me through the challenge. I know this is fear, trying to nestle in and take advantage. I suppose, if it's truly scary I could spend 15 minutes touching my toes and call that yoga. Small steps and all that.
Day 23
Andrew and I went for a run, enjoying the Halloween decorations dotted around our neighborhood. We did a slow three miles, and afterwards I stretched out in a yoga-like way for 15 minutes and called it a day. I still had to pack for my weekend away.
Day 24
I was planning on leaving directly from work to go up to wine country for the bachelorette party, so I woke up early to get some time on the mat. The night before I'd pulled up a Morning Yoga video, but I wish I'd picked better. This particular video was very slow and mellow, which felt great, but I was hoping for something a bit more aerobic. But I did feel pretty good all day, so I suppose it did it's job!
Day 25
When I arrived at the house in the Russian River on Friday night, I took one look at the gorgeous deck and declared "I am doing yoga out there tomorrow!"
Then Saturday arrived with rain clouds. Sigh. I stretched out in my temporary bedroom instead and started saluting the sun. However, after about 5 minutes the sounds of the other girls chatting and drinking coffee enticed me away from my mat. I promised myself I would do 10 minutes of bedtime yoga to fulfill my requirement and rushed out to join in on the fun.
And indeed, even with a belly full of carbs and red wine, I did stretch out and do some gentle nighttime yoga before bed. While all in all I did 15 minutes, and fulfilled my challenge, I didn't feel like I'd honored the spirit of the challenge.
Day 26
I'd had grand plans to do some serious, sweaty yoga when I got back to San Francisco, but all that went out then window when my mom called with the bad news. We rushed down to LA, and I didn't do any yoga. No guilt was felt about this.
Day 27
My dad came home from the hospital this afternoon, and Andrew and I spent the afternoon and evening with him. At about 8pm, the conversation was quieting down and my dad had turned on a football game. I snuck to my childhood bedroom and stretched out for a few minutes, concentrating on breathing. It felt really nice to take a minute to focus on my body and my breathing. While I probably didn't clock 15 minutes, this small amount of time on the mat felt like a small miracle.
Day 28
My dad asked me to take a walk with him. Hooray! I'm so pleased he's inspired to be healthier. We walk about a mile in the Southern California heat, and when I get back, I go into the backyard and use a towel as a make-shift mat. It feels odd to practice on hard concrete, but I try to focus on my breath and flow. When it's time for savasana, I go to close my eyes, but find myself looking straight up at the sky and the trees that shade my parents' backyard. I wonder if open-eyed savasana is as restful as closed, but I can't bear to close my eyes. It's so lovely. This moment is the first time I feel the weight of the past few days on me. It feels heavy, but I feel capable.
Day 29
I woke up at 4:30am to head to the airport. This evening I'm going to a friend's to watch baseball. I'm not sure when yoga will happen today. Honestly, I'm a bit nervous to jump into a routine that was established before. I feel different to last week, like I've lost some of the strength that was getting me through the challenge. I know this is fear, trying to nestle in and take advantage. I suppose, if it's truly scary I could spend 15 minutes touching my toes and call that yoga. Small steps and all that.
Life Happens
Ooof. What a week.
Last week I was feeling pretty good. My diet was healthy (ish), I was enjoying my daily yoga (ish). I went up to the Russian River to spend a weekend with some gals for a bachelorette party, and tried not to be too hard on myself for indulging in carbs and doing the bare minimum of yoga. All in all I was feeling... well, not great, but pretty good.
Then I got a call. My father was in the hospital.
Andrew and I dropped everything and drove seven hours to their home. There, we learned that my dad had had a minor stroke. The symptoms were minimal, but it was a rude wake-up call. You only get one body, and my dad isn't taking good enough care of his.
As we stood around the hospital room with my family, the conversation turned to my diet. I was looking leaner and healthier than they'd seen me... well, maybe ever. They asked me about my recent Whole30 experience and I shared with them my limited knowledge about paleo eating, but honestly, I felt like a fraud. I thought back to the wine tasting up in the Russian River, the red velvet cake I'd had at the bachelorette party, not to mention the Subway sandwich (and cookie) I'd scarfed on the drive down. I'd fallen off the wagon, and soon enough my waistline was going to catch-up with my poor eating choices.
Even now, as I write, I'm sipping on a non-fat latte. Last week I was telling people I'd quit drinking coffee since milk didn't agree with me. Oh have the mighty have fallen. Except I was never mighty. And I haven't fallen so much as stumbled.
Anyway, it's time to get back on the horse. I want my father to be healthy. And I want to be healthy too. The Whole30 challenge was a great way to lose a few pounds, but it's time to look into a more sustainable plan.
So! A new challenge for November! I'm going to give the 80/20 eating lifestyle a real go. I have three days to research and make a plan, and then November 1, it's time! I'm feeling pretty jazzed about it.
I'm also supposed to meditate daily in November. I'm a little unsure if two monthly challenges is sustainable for me, so we'll see how that pans out.
Onwards! Upwards! Time to live by example!
Last week I was feeling pretty good. My diet was healthy (ish), I was enjoying my daily yoga (ish). I went up to the Russian River to spend a weekend with some gals for a bachelorette party, and tried not to be too hard on myself for indulging in carbs and doing the bare minimum of yoga. All in all I was feeling... well, not great, but pretty good.
Then I got a call. My father was in the hospital.
Andrew and I dropped everything and drove seven hours to their home. There, we learned that my dad had had a minor stroke. The symptoms were minimal, but it was a rude wake-up call. You only get one body, and my dad isn't taking good enough care of his.
As we stood around the hospital room with my family, the conversation turned to my diet. I was looking leaner and healthier than they'd seen me... well, maybe ever. They asked me about my recent Whole30 experience and I shared with them my limited knowledge about paleo eating, but honestly, I felt like a fraud. I thought back to the wine tasting up in the Russian River, the red velvet cake I'd had at the bachelorette party, not to mention the Subway sandwich (and cookie) I'd scarfed on the drive down. I'd fallen off the wagon, and soon enough my waistline was going to catch-up with my poor eating choices.
Even now, as I write, I'm sipping on a non-fat latte. Last week I was telling people I'd quit drinking coffee since milk didn't agree with me. Oh have the mighty have fallen. Except I was never mighty. And I haven't fallen so much as stumbled.
Anyway, it's time to get back on the horse. I want my father to be healthy. And I want to be healthy too. The Whole30 challenge was a great way to lose a few pounds, but it's time to look into a more sustainable plan.
So! A new challenge for November! I'm going to give the 80/20 eating lifestyle a real go. I have three days to research and make a plan, and then November 1, it's time! I'm feeling pretty jazzed about it.
I'm also supposed to meditate daily in November. I'm a little unsure if two monthly challenges is sustainable for me, so we'll see how that pans out.
Onwards! Upwards! Time to live by example!
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Yoga Every Damn Day: Day 22
Day 22 was an exercise in restraint. I had big plans for the
evening: laundry, yoga and making paleo chicken teriyaki. Then a friend asked
if I wanted to join her a few other friends I hadn’t seen in ages at a bar that’s
around the corner from me. They were watching the Giants in
the World Series, and I wanted to be a part of it. Beer, burgers, a grimy bar
where I take in the buzz of our city. I tried to talk myself into going, justifying it to myself:
“I can do yoga later tonight! (after burgers and beer?) My laundry will keep till tomorrow night! (Don’t you already have plans tomorrow
night? And don’t you sort of NEED to wash those jeans for this trip you’re
taking this weekend?)”
Responsibility won out. I stayed home.
After the laundry was on I pulled out my mat. I was annoyed.
I want it all, you see. The discipline and body that comes with daily yoga. The
carefree life of fun that allows me to breeze to the local bar at a moment’s
notice. I sat on my mat, and decided to do something I don’t often do-- set an
intention for my practice. Immediately the word “present” sprung to mind. Since I had already
decided to not go to the bar, there was no point dwelling on it. I had 30
minutes on my mat, and on the mat is where I wanted my mind to be.
And it worked! I got distracted a few times, but for the
most part I felt connected and really in the moment. And while I still (STILL)
haven’t worked past my limit of 30 minutes, when I was done I felt like there
were more poses I could have done.
And once I was done with yoga and laundry, Andrew and I went
out for sushi, so I got to have my fun too. Not quite having it all, but not a million miles off.
Whole 30 Challenge: Moving on one slice at a time
It’s been almost a month since I stopped strictly following
the Whole30 program. As I mused at the time, I didn’t know how to reintroduce
foods after I had indulged on my camping weekend. So, for the past 30 days I’ve
just been… thoughtful about my food. Making paleo and Whole30 compliant recipes
whenever I cook. When I eat out, mostly sticking to salads with lean protein,
but not being too concerned if the dressing has sugar. Eating omelets during
brunch, and not freaking out when I realize they contain cheese. (Duh. But it
really hadn’t occurred to me!) Having two, not four glasses of wine at a
wedding. Not eating burgers or pizza.
Until today that is.
It was a coworker’s last day in the office, and my company
took us to a pizza place for lunch. Amy, my paleo-pal in the office decided to
order a salad with chicken. I seriously considered it as well, but… well it had
been over a month since I’d had pizza! And I LOVE pizza. So, even though I wasn't actually craving pizza at that moment, I decided to have one slice.
I should mention that that one slice was deep dish, so essentially
it was a brick of melted cheese. And then I had a few bites of a slice of thin
crust of another pal’s plate, because I am not made of stone.
While I was eating I noticed a few things. First, it didn’t
taste that great. The pizza was not completing my soul the way I thought it
would. Secondly, I felt fine! Huzzah!
And then I stood up.
An hour later, as I write this, my head feels foggy and
medicated—I think this is congestion due to all the cheese. And my stomach is
bloated and I feel nauseated. I look back at that salad Amy ate and see a
wasted opportunity to feel good.
So, this is a learning experience. Pizza may not be worth
it. A hard truth to face. I mean, I LOVE pizza. A year ago I would have said it
was my favorite food, but… I don’t know. I’m not loving the way I feel now. And
it wasn’t even that tasty—so why bother?
Obviously I won’t be living my life completely pizza-free,
but this is a valuable lesson. Pizza is one of those foods that can seem to
haunt you. It’s everywhere! It’s practically forced upon us. And I’m willing to
eat it if I really want it. But because I felt awkward eating a salad?
Nah. No more of that.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Yoga Every Damn Day: Days 17-21
Day 17
Friday night is my favorite class of the week, taught by Valerie Starr. Before work, I pack up my yoga clothes, planning on taking her class at 5:45. And... I forget them at home. But then I realize Valerie isn't even teaching that evening, so whatever.
After work I do 30 minutes of yoga on my own, practicing some head stands. I'm not getting much closer, due to the sporadic nature of actually attempting them. But I still enjoy flipping upside down and playing around with balance and arm strength, even if I need the wall for support.
Day 18
I go to a hot, sweaty yoga class at the studio across the street from my house (I am very lucky it's there, I know). I can feel my form getting better as the month progresses. Certain poses, however, still are a huge challenge to me-- half and full bow pose for example. Nope. My body is not into it.
However, I'm seeing some benefits of the poses I can do. Andrew and I go to a friend's house for a drink that night and she comments on my arms. They are looking more toned lately, truth be told.
Day 19
My best friend and I go wedding dress shopping. It's a delightful but exhausting endeavor. While stripped down in a dressing room with a stranger guiding me into gowns, I feel soft and gross. But with the dresses on, I feel slender and awesome. The Whole30 and all this yoga is paying off.
Meanwhile, October is over halfway done and I've been for... what, one run? ONE. Not great. After the dress adventure, I run two easy miles, and use a post running you-tube yoga video to stretch out and relax.
Day 20
Here's a first-- I nearly forget to do any yoga! After work I go to acupuncture, then at home I make dinner, cook up lots of roast veggies for the week (I'm still clinging to some Whole30 habits!) and my fiance looks exhausted, so I send him out of the kitchen and do all the dishes. By the time I stop moving it's 9:45. I'm about to collapse into bed with a book when I remember: Yoga!
Once again, a bedtime video saves the day. I do 20 minutes of gentle stretching and forward bends to relax the mind & body. This isn't what I had in mind with this challenge, but I can't deny that it feels good.
Day 21
Lunchtime class at work again-- it feels awesome. Our teacher is helping me focus on an issue I just realized; my head bows forward A LOT. That's something to focus on for the next few days.
Friday night is my favorite class of the week, taught by Valerie Starr. Before work, I pack up my yoga clothes, planning on taking her class at 5:45. And... I forget them at home. But then I realize Valerie isn't even teaching that evening, so whatever.
After work I do 30 minutes of yoga on my own, practicing some head stands. I'm not getting much closer, due to the sporadic nature of actually attempting them. But I still enjoy flipping upside down and playing around with balance and arm strength, even if I need the wall for support.
Day 18
I go to a hot, sweaty yoga class at the studio across the street from my house (I am very lucky it's there, I know). I can feel my form getting better as the month progresses. Certain poses, however, still are a huge challenge to me-- half and full bow pose for example. Nope. My body is not into it.
However, I'm seeing some benefits of the poses I can do. Andrew and I go to a friend's house for a drink that night and she comments on my arms. They are looking more toned lately, truth be told.
Day 19
My best friend and I go wedding dress shopping. It's a delightful but exhausting endeavor. While stripped down in a dressing room with a stranger guiding me into gowns, I feel soft and gross. But with the dresses on, I feel slender and awesome. The Whole30 and all this yoga is paying off.
Meanwhile, October is over halfway done and I've been for... what, one run? ONE. Not great. After the dress adventure, I run two easy miles, and use a post running you-tube yoga video to stretch out and relax.
Day 20
Here's a first-- I nearly forget to do any yoga! After work I go to acupuncture, then at home I make dinner, cook up lots of roast veggies for the week (I'm still clinging to some Whole30 habits!) and my fiance looks exhausted, so I send him out of the kitchen and do all the dishes. By the time I stop moving it's 9:45. I'm about to collapse into bed with a book when I remember: Yoga!
Once again, a bedtime video saves the day. I do 20 minutes of gentle stretching and forward bends to relax the mind & body. This isn't what I had in mind with this challenge, but I can't deny that it feels good.
Day 21
Lunchtime class at work again-- it feels awesome. Our teacher is helping me focus on an issue I just realized; my head bows forward A LOT. That's something to focus on for the next few days.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Yoga Every Damn Day: Days 15-16
Day 15
So, Day 14 was a yoga class during my lunch hour at work. I had my first appointment to try on wedding dresses later that evening, so not sweating was my number one priority. I focused on my breath, and moved slowly, but was keeping up with the class. At the end, I thought "wow, I'm lucky she took it easy on us. I'm barley schvitzing at all!" But a look around told me that my classmates weren't in the same boat-- they were worn out! It was a great lesson in the power of breath to keep calm.
On the 15th I head home and have a good practice-- still just a half hour, as I was trying to fit it in around laundry. I'm hoping with more practice I'll get better at breaking through the 30 minute mark, but it feels like my current limit.
Day 16
Andrew and I have plans to wake up early, run, and I'm planning on doing some yoga afterwards. All that goes out the window when the alarm goes off at 5:45. Ugh, no thank you! We roll over and sleep.
After a hectic day at work, we rush to get to the cinema to meet some friends. We get home at 9:45 and I'm exhausted, so I do 15 minutes of bedtime yoga. This time I take the you-tube teacher's advice and practice in my PJ's.
So, Day 14 was a yoga class during my lunch hour at work. I had my first appointment to try on wedding dresses later that evening, so not sweating was my number one priority. I focused on my breath, and moved slowly, but was keeping up with the class. At the end, I thought "wow, I'm lucky she took it easy on us. I'm barley schvitzing at all!" But a look around told me that my classmates weren't in the same boat-- they were worn out! It was a great lesson in the power of breath to keep calm.
On the 15th I head home and have a good practice-- still just a half hour, as I was trying to fit it in around laundry. I'm hoping with more practice I'll get better at breaking through the 30 minute mark, but it feels like my current limit.
Day 16
Andrew and I have plans to wake up early, run, and I'm planning on doing some yoga afterwards. All that goes out the window when the alarm goes off at 5:45. Ugh, no thank you! We roll over and sleep.
After a hectic day at work, we rush to get to the cinema to meet some friends. We get home at 9:45 and I'm exhausted, so I do 15 minutes of bedtime yoga. This time I take the you-tube teacher's advice and practice in my PJ's.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Yoga Every Damn Day: Days 8-14
Day 8
After Tuesday's awesome class, I feel inspired to have a really awesome home practice. Music on, and I flow for a half hour. I'm getting better at moving consistently, and not getting stuck thinking about what to do next and how to flow from one pose to another. I even practice some inversions, putting my legs up the wall in an inverted downward dog, as I move towards learning a hand stand.
Day 9
Another home practice after work. My lower back is getting more aggravated so I tweak my practice to incorporate lots of core work that a physical therapist has recommended to me. Though they aren't traditional yoga poses, I work them in between vinyasas and make sure I'm breathing deeply to make to feel more yogic. I do a half hour easily. It seems like I've broken through my old notion that I only know enough yoga to keep me going for 15 minutes of home practice. I'm now hanging out at 30 minutes, but I know I'll continue to stretch that amount out as I keep going.
Day 10
We're heading for Yosemite this evening, and I know I won't have time to practice in the evening. Despite a late night packing and cooking for the camping trip, I wake up 20 minutes early to get some time on the mat. Because my back is hurting, traditional sun salutations are out, and I struggle to pick poses to do. My body is stiff and by the end of 15 minutes I feel worse than I did before I started. That's a first.
Day 11
After a full day's hiking in Yosemite, I realize I haven't done any yoga yet. Once back at the campsite, I take a few breaths, and touch my toes. I'm hyper aware of the full campsite of people who can see me. My nerves take over, I stand up quickly, mumble "namaste" to myself and join my friends around the campfire. This is the first day I've skipped, but I've done quite a lot of deep breathing and communing with nature, so I feel OK.
Day 12
We go for another hike in Yosemite, this time pausing at the bottom of a waterfall. While the guys of the group scramble higher up the mountain, I sit on a rock with the two girls I'm camping with. We're cross-legged, and one girl says, without a hint of irony, "let's close our eyes and relax." She places her hands face-up on her knees, and begins breathing deeply. I join her for a minute or so, but my eyes keep sneaking open. I'm so impressed by her attitude. She doesn't feel silly about wanting to breathe deeply and center herself, and she's not making excuses. I think back to myself yesterday, sheepishly whispering namaste to myself before rushing back to the group. I was so concerned I'd get caught, as if doing yoga was embarrassing! I'm grateful for the lesson in enjoying the things you enjoy openly.
Day 13
Monday, and I'm back at work. It's a tough day in the office, and once home I have boxes and boxes of campfire-scented camping goods to clean and pack away. By 8:30, Andrew has taken over the cleaning, dinner is eaten, and I do a 15 minute yoga video on YouTube. This one is focused on relaxing for bedtime, in fact the woman leading it encourages you to practice in your PJ's and finish the savasana in bed. I don't take it that far, but I do feel pretty relaxed afterwards.
Day 14
Another Tuesday, which means another class at noon in my office. I go into the class feeling cranky and sick to my stomach, thanks to some diet issues. By the end I'm relaxed. My ujjayi breath is coming much more easily to me than it used to, which helps keep me calm throughout my practice.
After Tuesday's awesome class, I feel inspired to have a really awesome home practice. Music on, and I flow for a half hour. I'm getting better at moving consistently, and not getting stuck thinking about what to do next and how to flow from one pose to another. I even practice some inversions, putting my legs up the wall in an inverted downward dog, as I move towards learning a hand stand.
Day 9
Another home practice after work. My lower back is getting more aggravated so I tweak my practice to incorporate lots of core work that a physical therapist has recommended to me. Though they aren't traditional yoga poses, I work them in between vinyasas and make sure I'm breathing deeply to make to feel more yogic. I do a half hour easily. It seems like I've broken through my old notion that I only know enough yoga to keep me going for 15 minutes of home practice. I'm now hanging out at 30 minutes, but I know I'll continue to stretch that amount out as I keep going.
Day 10
We're heading for Yosemite this evening, and I know I won't have time to practice in the evening. Despite a late night packing and cooking for the camping trip, I wake up 20 minutes early to get some time on the mat. Because my back is hurting, traditional sun salutations are out, and I struggle to pick poses to do. My body is stiff and by the end of 15 minutes I feel worse than I did before I started. That's a first.
Day 11
After a full day's hiking in Yosemite, I realize I haven't done any yoga yet. Once back at the campsite, I take a few breaths, and touch my toes. I'm hyper aware of the full campsite of people who can see me. My nerves take over, I stand up quickly, mumble "namaste" to myself and join my friends around the campfire. This is the first day I've skipped, but I've done quite a lot of deep breathing and communing with nature, so I feel OK.
Day 12
We go for another hike in Yosemite, this time pausing at the bottom of a waterfall. While the guys of the group scramble higher up the mountain, I sit on a rock with the two girls I'm camping with. We're cross-legged, and one girl says, without a hint of irony, "let's close our eyes and relax." She places her hands face-up on her knees, and begins breathing deeply. I join her for a minute or so, but my eyes keep sneaking open. I'm so impressed by her attitude. She doesn't feel silly about wanting to breathe deeply and center herself, and she's not making excuses. I think back to myself yesterday, sheepishly whispering namaste to myself before rushing back to the group. I was so concerned I'd get caught, as if doing yoga was embarrassing! I'm grateful for the lesson in enjoying the things you enjoy openly.
Day 13
Monday, and I'm back at work. It's a tough day in the office, and once home I have boxes and boxes of campfire-scented camping goods to clean and pack away. By 8:30, Andrew has taken over the cleaning, dinner is eaten, and I do a 15 minute yoga video on YouTube. This one is focused on relaxing for bedtime, in fact the woman leading it encourages you to practice in your PJ's and finish the savasana in bed. I don't take it that far, but I do feel pretty relaxed afterwards.
Day 14
Another Tuesday, which means another class at noon in my office. I go into the class feeling cranky and sick to my stomach, thanks to some diet issues. By the end I'm relaxed. My ujjayi breath is coming much more easily to me than it used to, which helps keep me calm throughout my practice.
Musings from a Whole30 dropout
It's been an emotional few days for me... although rule number one was to Be Flexible, I'm finding it hard to give myself the space to actually do this. I've been beating myself up A LOT over ditching the strict diet while I was camping. I'm annoyed that I came so far only to falter. I'm disappointed that my weight loss has slowed/reversed. Mostly I'm frustrated that the reintroduction of foods went poorly and now I don't know what non-compliant foods work for my system.
In short, I'm pretty pissed at myself.
But I look back to the moment I decided to have a glass of red wine... and I'm not sure if I'd take it back. The diet was really interfering with a weekend of fun that I'd been planning for months. Not because not drinking makes me less fun, but because I was being so introspective that I couldn't enjoy the moment. Taking my eye off the diet for a while allowed me to focus on the people around me.
A few things I've learned
1) Planning and planning and planning some more is the only way to be successful with a really strict challenge such as the Whole30
2) Being Flexible might be the biggest challenge of all.
3) I have some growing and learning to do around being kind to myself.
4) I am not going to be perfect at every challenge for the next year, so I need to look at this as a process, and not beat myself up for slipping. I'm creating a stronger, healthier me, and this work isn't accomplished in a day.
In short, I'm pretty pissed at myself.
But I look back to the moment I decided to have a glass of red wine... and I'm not sure if I'd take it back. The diet was really interfering with a weekend of fun that I'd been planning for months. Not because not drinking makes me less fun, but because I was being so introspective that I couldn't enjoy the moment. Taking my eye off the diet for a while allowed me to focus on the people around me.
A few things I've learned
1) Planning and planning and planning some more is the only way to be successful with a really strict challenge such as the Whole30
2) Being Flexible might be the biggest challenge of all.
3) I have some growing and learning to do around being kind to myself.
4) I am not going to be perfect at every challenge for the next year, so I need to look at this as a process, and not beat myself up for slipping. I'm creating a stronger, healthier me, and this work isn't accomplished in a day.
The Whole 30 Challenge: Day 28
Day 28
I'm not sure why I'm still counting down the days-- I've had wine, sugar, grains and legumes over the past four days... I am a Whole30 dropout. But I'm still struggling, trying to decide if I should stick with it.
1) I've had four days of non-compliant eating. Do I tack on four more at the end of day 30?
2) Do I start over from Day 1? (No. No. I really don't want this option)
3) Do I restart the introduction process now and see what foods work for me? Perhaps I can adopt a 80/20 philosophy going forward.
I'm leaning towards doing another seven days of compliant eating, starting tomorrow, and then reintroducing more thoughtfully next week.
I'm not sure why I'm still counting down the days-- I've had wine, sugar, grains and legumes over the past four days... I am a Whole30 dropout. But I'm still struggling, trying to decide if I should stick with it.
1) I've had four days of non-compliant eating. Do I tack on four more at the end of day 30?
2) Do I start over from Day 1? (No. No. I really don't want this option)
3) Do I restart the introduction process now and see what foods work for me? Perhaps I can adopt a 80/20 philosophy going forward.
I'm leaning towards doing another seven days of compliant eating, starting tomorrow, and then reintroducing more thoughtfully next week.
The Whole 30 Challenge: Days 25-27
Day 25
On Day 24 I slipped (ok jumped) off the program, indulging in two glasses of wine and two s'mores while sitting around the campfire in Yosemite. After a bad night's sleep, I awake and try to stay as close to the program as possible. Breakfast is the sweet potatoes I'd roasted at home, two eggs, bacon and black coffee. We hang out around the campsite and then have lunch before we set off for a hike. Andrew thoughtfully purchased salad and burgers that would work for me, but when it comes time to eat we realize the burgers have chunks of cheese mixed throughout the meat. And the salad is dressed with a creamy (meaning full of dairy and sugar) dressing. I realize that even though I thought I had planned well, I haven't been nearly organized enough to do this weekend perfectly.
After a long, somewhat difficult hike, we're back at the campsite for dinner. Neighbors from a nearby campsite offer us some of this amazing-smelling stew they've made. It's full of sausage, cheese and beans. So not Whole 30 compliant. I eat a small bowl, along with tri-tip, roasted veggies and (undressed) salad. I have another two glasses of wine and a s'more.
Day 26
Out last day in Yosemite. Another Whole30 compliant breakfast. A hike, and then back for lunch. We grill up the rest of the cheese-filled burgers, and I eat half of one in a lettuce-bun. The cookies and beers are calling my name, but I resist. We pack up turkey sandwiches for the road, and I make mine using more lettuce leaves instead of bread.
Day 27
I'm exhausted from the weekend, and being away from home has meant that I haven't spent the weekend prepping food for the week. On Monday morning I weigh myself-- up 1.5 lbs over the weekend. I am feeling lost. Do I continue the challenge? Is that pointless? Do I need to start over again and devote another 30 days to this? I start to tally up the events coming up over the next 30 days that would make that difficult-- a bachelorette weekend in Napa. A wedding. Halloween. OK, that last one is a cop out, but still. I eat compliantly during the day, thanks to the (expensive) cafe in my building that will adjust my meals to my specifications. For dinner, I eat a salad with a sugary dressing and eye a half bottle of wine leftover from camping. I'm a bundle of nerves, and I pour a glass. It's so so so delicious.
On Day 24 I slipped (ok jumped) off the program, indulging in two glasses of wine and two s'mores while sitting around the campfire in Yosemite. After a bad night's sleep, I awake and try to stay as close to the program as possible. Breakfast is the sweet potatoes I'd roasted at home, two eggs, bacon and black coffee. We hang out around the campsite and then have lunch before we set off for a hike. Andrew thoughtfully purchased salad and burgers that would work for me, but when it comes time to eat we realize the burgers have chunks of cheese mixed throughout the meat. And the salad is dressed with a creamy (meaning full of dairy and sugar) dressing. I realize that even though I thought I had planned well, I haven't been nearly organized enough to do this weekend perfectly.
After a long, somewhat difficult hike, we're back at the campsite for dinner. Neighbors from a nearby campsite offer us some of this amazing-smelling stew they've made. It's full of sausage, cheese and beans. So not Whole 30 compliant. I eat a small bowl, along with tri-tip, roasted veggies and (undressed) salad. I have another two glasses of wine and a s'more.
Day 26
Out last day in Yosemite. Another Whole30 compliant breakfast. A hike, and then back for lunch. We grill up the rest of the cheese-filled burgers, and I eat half of one in a lettuce-bun. The cookies and beers are calling my name, but I resist. We pack up turkey sandwiches for the road, and I make mine using more lettuce leaves instead of bread.
Day 27
I'm exhausted from the weekend, and being away from home has meant that I haven't spent the weekend prepping food for the week. On Monday morning I weigh myself-- up 1.5 lbs over the weekend. I am feeling lost. Do I continue the challenge? Is that pointless? Do I need to start over again and devote another 30 days to this? I start to tally up the events coming up over the next 30 days that would make that difficult-- a bachelorette weekend in Napa. A wedding. Halloween. OK, that last one is a cop out, but still. I eat compliantly during the day, thanks to the (expensive) cafe in my building that will adjust my meals to my specifications. For dinner, I eat a salad with a sugary dressing and eye a half bottle of wine leftover from camping. I'm a bundle of nerves, and I pour a glass. It's so so so delicious.
Whole 30 Challenge: Days 23-24 (Falling off the Wagon)
Sigh. Big sigh.
When I last checked in it was Day 22 of a 30 days challenge to cut out the crap and eat whole, clean foods. On Day 23, Andrew went off to the mecca of food (Costco) with a complicated shopping list that included foods that would work for me and a gaggle of hungry, non-paleo Irish folks.
Meanwhile at home I roasted sweet potatoes, packed up tin foil parcels of chopped onions, carrots and zucchini to roast on the fire. I made sure there were plenty of cans of La Croix to sip, and felt pretty good about the upcoming endeavor.
On Day 24, four of us piled into a car and headed for the mountains. We stopped at Carl's Jr along the way, and I ordered a grilled chicken salad, sans dressing. As I picked my way around the cheese that had been sprinkled on top, I considered the burgers the guys in my crew were eating. They looked good, but not THAT good. It was challenging, but not insurmountable. Back into the car we went.
That evening, we unpacked and pitched our tents. As dinner time, Andrew threw hot dogs on the grill. I ate two, without buns or condiments and considered something that had never occurred to me before: hot dogs are not very good. When you strip away the accessories that make them a treat, you're left with a very low quality piece of meat. I was looking forward to the next night's dinner- tri tip!
After dinner, we sat around the campfire. A few of us were drinking water, and a few were having beer. I felt no pressure from the others to have a drink or a s'more, so I decided not to have one... and then I reconsidered... and decided to abstain again... and reconsidered...
Then everyone noticed that I was behaving strangely-- while they were laughing and chatting, I was staring into the fire, not engaging in the conversation all. I was so wrapped up in my internal dialog. Should I have dessert? Should I have a glass of wine? I wanted both! And I was struck by the fact that making a decision NOT to have either seemed to have no finality in my mind. I would decide NOT to roast a marshmallow at this particular moment, only have to decide again the NEXT moment to not do it.
Finally, the desire to turn off the internal dialog made the decision for me. I poured myself a glass of wine. I roasted a marshmallow. The guys around the campfire laughed at the change in my demeanor. The bad decision had been made, and my mental energy could focus elsewhere. I started chatting, and had a very nice evening!
When I last checked in it was Day 22 of a 30 days challenge to cut out the crap and eat whole, clean foods. On Day 23, Andrew went off to the mecca of food (Costco) with a complicated shopping list that included foods that would work for me and a gaggle of hungry, non-paleo Irish folks.
Meanwhile at home I roasted sweet potatoes, packed up tin foil parcels of chopped onions, carrots and zucchini to roast on the fire. I made sure there were plenty of cans of La Croix to sip, and felt pretty good about the upcoming endeavor.
On Day 24, four of us piled into a car and headed for the mountains. We stopped at Carl's Jr along the way, and I ordered a grilled chicken salad, sans dressing. As I picked my way around the cheese that had been sprinkled on top, I considered the burgers the guys in my crew were eating. They looked good, but not THAT good. It was challenging, but not insurmountable. Back into the car we went.
That evening, we unpacked and pitched our tents. As dinner time, Andrew threw hot dogs on the grill. I ate two, without buns or condiments and considered something that had never occurred to me before: hot dogs are not very good. When you strip away the accessories that make them a treat, you're left with a very low quality piece of meat. I was looking forward to the next night's dinner- tri tip!
After dinner, we sat around the campfire. A few of us were drinking water, and a few were having beer. I felt no pressure from the others to have a drink or a s'more, so I decided not to have one... and then I reconsidered... and decided to abstain again... and reconsidered...
Then everyone noticed that I was behaving strangely-- while they were laughing and chatting, I was staring into the fire, not engaging in the conversation all. I was so wrapped up in my internal dialog. Should I have dessert? Should I have a glass of wine? I wanted both! And I was struck by the fact that making a decision NOT to have either seemed to have no finality in my mind. I would decide NOT to roast a marshmallow at this particular moment, only have to decide again the NEXT moment to not do it.
Finally, the desire to turn off the internal dialog made the decision for me. I poured myself a glass of wine. I roasted a marshmallow. The guys around the campfire laughed at the change in my demeanor. The bad decision had been made, and my mental energy could focus elsewhere. I started chatting, and had a very nice evening!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
The Whole 30 Challenge: Day 22
I now see why the folks behind this challenge are so against weighing yourself. About 10 days in, when my willpower was seriously faltering, I sneakily jumped on the scale and was delighted by what I saw. The number on the scale did give me a boost, that helped me keep with the program.
However, this morning, I weighed myself again, and was .3 lbs up from a few days ago. Now, I know that weight fluctuates A LOT, and this doesn't mean anything. But still... it's a bit demoralizing.
As for eating, I've gotten into a rhythm. A big breakfast of eggs & veggies, leftovers or a salad with chicken for lunch and some sort of protein and veggies rich dinner. The cooking is getting a bit overwhelming, but who am I kidding, EVERYTHING is overwhelming me these days.
The good news is, I've decided I can handle a weekend of camping without s'mores and beers. At least that is the decision I've made for now-- at least I feel good about going into the weekend not planning to fail!
However, this morning, I weighed myself again, and was .3 lbs up from a few days ago. Now, I know that weight fluctuates A LOT, and this doesn't mean anything. But still... it's a bit demoralizing.
As for eating, I've gotten into a rhythm. A big breakfast of eggs & veggies, leftovers or a salad with chicken for lunch and some sort of protein and veggies rich dinner. The cooking is getting a bit overwhelming, but who am I kidding, EVERYTHING is overwhelming me these days.
The good news is, I've decided I can handle a weekend of camping without s'mores and beers. At least that is the decision I've made for now-- at least I feel good about going into the weekend not planning to fail!
Yoga Every Damn Day: Days 5-7
Day 5
While I want to Do Yoga Daily, I also am feeling compelled to run occasionally to keep up some of my hard-won cardio vascular fitness. I ran two slow, painful miles on Sunday, feeling like I was operating without fuel. When I stumbled back into my apartment, I did the bare minimum of yoga-- a 15 minute post-workout stretch you tube video. I choose this as a kindness to myself-- I had little time, needed to stretch anyway, and it was the smallest amount of yoga I could do to fulfill my promise to myself.
Day 6
I went for a long walk with my best friend, and afterwards had about 15 minutes before Andrew was planning on having dinner on the table. Quick! To You Tube!
I did another 15 minute yoga video, this time focusing on lower back health. It went ok, but I find it difficult to enjoy savasana when I can hear my neighbors shouting at the TV downstairs.
Day 7
On Tuesdays, an awesome yoga teacher comes to my office and takes us away from our desks for an hour to do yoga. We do pay for the classes, but it still feels like such a luxury. I'm feeling really strong and calm today. Even though I am hard on myself when I only do the bare minimum, I do think even a little bit of stretching and breathing every day is having an impact on my practice.
While I want to Do Yoga Daily, I also am feeling compelled to run occasionally to keep up some of my hard-won cardio vascular fitness. I ran two slow, painful miles on Sunday, feeling like I was operating without fuel. When I stumbled back into my apartment, I did the bare minimum of yoga-- a 15 minute post-workout stretch you tube video. I choose this as a kindness to myself-- I had little time, needed to stretch anyway, and it was the smallest amount of yoga I could do to fulfill my promise to myself.
Day 6
I went for a long walk with my best friend, and afterwards had about 15 minutes before Andrew was planning on having dinner on the table. Quick! To You Tube!
I did another 15 minute yoga video, this time focusing on lower back health. It went ok, but I find it difficult to enjoy savasana when I can hear my neighbors shouting at the TV downstairs.
Day 7
On Tuesdays, an awesome yoga teacher comes to my office and takes us away from our desks for an hour to do yoga. We do pay for the classes, but it still feels like such a luxury. I'm feeling really strong and calm today. Even though I am hard on myself when I only do the bare minimum, I do think even a little bit of stretching and breathing every day is having an impact on my practice.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
The Whole 30 Challenge: Days 20-21
Day 20
On Day 20 I'm still feeling a bit down about Day 19. Andrew and I went to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, an amazing free festival in San Francisco. Instead of indulging in the beer, cheese and crackers I would usually enjoy during an outdoor concert, I drink La Croix and snack on berries. My reward is a major case of heartburn that sends me home early, and causes Andrew to miss Emmylou Harris, whom he really digs. While my fellow is enjoying some benefits of the Whole30 (he's lost a few pounds, seems to be enjoying all the cooking I'm doing and is digging my new-found confidence) I can't help but tally up the ways he's sacrificing-- a boring birthday, being dragged home from events early, endless dishes to do as I cook, cook, cook.
Day 21
I am seriously wondering if I should keep going for the full 30 days. Between work, yoga, relationship and diet, I'm feeling I'm tapped out. My well of willpower is drying up. And although it's only Tuesday, I'm obsessively thinking about this weekend's upcoming camping trip. We're going to Yosemite with six other people. That means inevitable camping things-- s'mores, communal cooking, beers. Not to mention the carpooling on the four hour drive, where fast food stops are likely. If it was old pals, I'd sheepishly make the plans work around my Whole30 needs, knowing that they wouldn't mind too much. But the folks we're going with are all new friends, and presenting myself as a high maintenance chick is not what I want to do."Oh, sorry guys, we can't stop at In-N-Out because of my diet. Oh, no beer for me, thanks, I'm watching my figure." Ugh. I don't like that girl.
But quitting one day before camping and introducing hamburger buns, chocolate and beer all at once would undo all the good work I've done and make it impossible to pinpoint what foods make me feel gross. So do I stop NOW and reintroduce foods into my diet this week? I'm not prepared to do that. I'm feeling overwhelmed and almost want to skip the camping trip. All in all, I'm feeling healthier, my pants fit better, but I'm feeling deeply un-fun.
On Day 20 I'm still feeling a bit down about Day 19. Andrew and I went to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, an amazing free festival in San Francisco. Instead of indulging in the beer, cheese and crackers I would usually enjoy during an outdoor concert, I drink La Croix and snack on berries. My reward is a major case of heartburn that sends me home early, and causes Andrew to miss Emmylou Harris, whom he really digs. While my fellow is enjoying some benefits of the Whole30 (he's lost a few pounds, seems to be enjoying all the cooking I'm doing and is digging my new-found confidence) I can't help but tally up the ways he's sacrificing-- a boring birthday, being dragged home from events early, endless dishes to do as I cook, cook, cook.
Day 21
I am seriously wondering if I should keep going for the full 30 days. Between work, yoga, relationship and diet, I'm feeling I'm tapped out. My well of willpower is drying up. And although it's only Tuesday, I'm obsessively thinking about this weekend's upcoming camping trip. We're going to Yosemite with six other people. That means inevitable camping things-- s'mores, communal cooking, beers. Not to mention the carpooling on the four hour drive, where fast food stops are likely. If it was old pals, I'd sheepishly make the plans work around my Whole30 needs, knowing that they wouldn't mind too much. But the folks we're going with are all new friends, and presenting myself as a high maintenance chick is not what I want to do."Oh, sorry guys, we can't stop at In-N-Out because of my diet. Oh, no beer for me, thanks, I'm watching my figure." Ugh. I don't like that girl.
But quitting one day before camping and introducing hamburger buns, chocolate and beer all at once would undo all the good work I've done and make it impossible to pinpoint what foods make me feel gross. So do I stop NOW and reintroduce foods into my diet this week? I'm not prepared to do that. I'm feeling overwhelmed and almost want to skip the camping trip. All in all, I'm feeling healthier, my pants fit better, but I'm feeling deeply un-fun.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
The Whole 30 program-- a retropective (Part 3)
So when we last checked in I was at day 13, at the height of my awesome feelings. Let's see how things have progressed...
Day 14
Inevitably with a challenge, real life is going to insist that it must keep going. You can't pause everything and solely focus on a diet. Day 14 was September 30th. I had appointments all afternoon-- notably, I went to my acupuncturist (because I am turning into a real San Franciscan) and she's delighted by the changes in my skin and my attitude (usually sunny, but occasionally a bit overwhelmed). My body still shows signs of stress, as always, which she was hoping would clear up. Hopefully daily yoga followed by daily meditation in the following months will help with that. She advises against eating much gluten even after my 30 days are over, which is hard to hear. I really love pizza.
After my appointment, we visit our two favorite venue choices to see how they look after dark. And happily, we picked a venue! I was feeling excited and relieved and... hungry. It was time to eat.
By 8pm we had a venue, a date for the wedding and chili in our stomachs. Overall a pretty good day.
Day 15
October 1st! I'm now halfway through my 30 day challenge, and it's also day 1 of Do Yoga Daily. I'm already focusing on the upcoming weekends. A music festival this coming Sunday, and camping the next weekend. How will I make it through? I make a delicious chicken curry for dinner, but Andrew and I gripe how much better it would be served over rice with some naan on the side. Mmmm... naan.
Day 16
It's Andrew's birthday! A happy day, but I feel guilty for not baking a cake or planning a debaucherous night out. He drinks some beer, and we contemplate what to do with the evening. Should we eat out? Sadly, there isn't much in the neighborhood that seems good to eat for the challenge. I make steak, and get a headache which sends me to bed early. Andrew does dishes, and I feel quite bad about the less than festive night.
Day 17
I'm having dental problems that are wearing me down. I had a root canal a few weeks ago, and the temporary filling isn't very good. There's a large food trap, that is aggravated pretty much every time I eat meat. Which, as you are probably aware, is constantly! I eat chicken or steak every night, floss to clear out any trapped food, and my angered gums give me a headache. It's messing with the good feelings of the Whole30. I should schedule a crown to fix the problem, but I'm currently haggling with the dentist over a previous charge that I think is unfair. It's a bummer that my teeth are at odds with the health challenge, but it's a good reminder that life doesn't pause itself just because you have a plan!
Day 18
This weekend I'm practicing the fine art of going out and socializing without a glass of wine in my hand. I go to a birthday party, and find myself at a table of pregnant ladies. We drink club soda and lime and have a very pleasant chat. One acquaintance gives me a hard time about "torturing myself" and begs me to give up the diet. I try to smile and laugh it off, but I am getting a bit annoyed with people giving me unsolicited advice. Weddings and diets seem to bring out the "ass-vice" in people, which is not something I've dealt with before. It's time to get better at deflecting it with a smile.
Day 19
That's today! It's nice to be caught up! I've been awake for a few hours today, and am already stressing about doing yoga, running, cooking up food and heading out to a concert. I've found that writing this up is actually helping to calm me down and focus on the task at hand-- enjoying life!
Wish me luck at an outdoor concert this afternoon-- usually an excuse to have lots of beer and snacks, it looks like today I'll just enjoy the sunshine and the music. Imagine that!
Day 14
Inevitably with a challenge, real life is going to insist that it must keep going. You can't pause everything and solely focus on a diet. Day 14 was September 30th. I had appointments all afternoon-- notably, I went to my acupuncturist (because I am turning into a real San Franciscan) and she's delighted by the changes in my skin and my attitude (usually sunny, but occasionally a bit overwhelmed). My body still shows signs of stress, as always, which she was hoping would clear up. Hopefully daily yoga followed by daily meditation in the following months will help with that. She advises against eating much gluten even after my 30 days are over, which is hard to hear. I really love pizza.
After my appointment, we visit our two favorite venue choices to see how they look after dark. And happily, we picked a venue! I was feeling excited and relieved and... hungry. It was time to eat.
By 8pm we had a venue, a date for the wedding and chili in our stomachs. Overall a pretty good day.
Day 15
October 1st! I'm now halfway through my 30 day challenge, and it's also day 1 of Do Yoga Daily. I'm already focusing on the upcoming weekends. A music festival this coming Sunday, and camping the next weekend. How will I make it through? I make a delicious chicken curry for dinner, but Andrew and I gripe how much better it would be served over rice with some naan on the side. Mmmm... naan.
Day 16
It's Andrew's birthday! A happy day, but I feel guilty for not baking a cake or planning a debaucherous night out. He drinks some beer, and we contemplate what to do with the evening. Should we eat out? Sadly, there isn't much in the neighborhood that seems good to eat for the challenge. I make steak, and get a headache which sends me to bed early. Andrew does dishes, and I feel quite bad about the less than festive night.
Day 17
I'm having dental problems that are wearing me down. I had a root canal a few weeks ago, and the temporary filling isn't very good. There's a large food trap, that is aggravated pretty much every time I eat meat. Which, as you are probably aware, is constantly! I eat chicken or steak every night, floss to clear out any trapped food, and my angered gums give me a headache. It's messing with the good feelings of the Whole30. I should schedule a crown to fix the problem, but I'm currently haggling with the dentist over a previous charge that I think is unfair. It's a bummer that my teeth are at odds with the health challenge, but it's a good reminder that life doesn't pause itself just because you have a plan!
Day 18
This weekend I'm practicing the fine art of going out and socializing without a glass of wine in my hand. I go to a birthday party, and find myself at a table of pregnant ladies. We drink club soda and lime and have a very pleasant chat. One acquaintance gives me a hard time about "torturing myself" and begs me to give up the diet. I try to smile and laugh it off, but I am getting a bit annoyed with people giving me unsolicited advice. Weddings and diets seem to bring out the "ass-vice" in people, which is not something I've dealt with before. It's time to get better at deflecting it with a smile.
Day 19
That's today! It's nice to be caught up! I've been awake for a few hours today, and am already stressing about doing yoga, running, cooking up food and heading out to a concert. I've found that writing this up is actually helping to calm me down and focus on the task at hand-- enjoying life!
Wish me luck at an outdoor concert this afternoon-- usually an excuse to have lots of beer and snacks, it looks like today I'll just enjoy the sunshine and the music. Imagine that!
Saturday, October 4, 2014
The Whole 30 program-- a retropective (Part 2)
So last time we checked in on the Whole 30 I was on Day 7. I was exhausted and grumpy and was constantly entertaining thoughts of quitting. My friend Amy made a simple observation-- I wasn't eating enough.
Day 8
I eat a much larger breakfast. Though I don't love eating a ton of eggs first thing in the morning (or at any time that they're not covered in hollendaise) I feel much better all day. By the evening I am smiling and Andrew is wondering what happened to the crank he'd been living with for a week.
Day 9
I want to worship at Amy's feet, I'm so much happier! The rules say you should eat 1-2 palm-sized portions of protein at every meal. I'd been eating 1 or less. By upping my protein, my whole experience has turned around.
Day 10
TIGER BLOOD. I feel amazing. Energetic, happy, and generally healthy and awesome. But I have my first real craving-- sugar! I eat dinner with a friend and order halibut. I'm too embarrassed to ask for it without the sauce, which I suspect contains sugar. Though I try to wipe it off, I end up eating a little of the concoction. It must have set something off in my system, because I leave the restaurant obsessed with the idea of ice cream or a cupcake. I have tea instead.
Day 11
Usually when I go out for a meal I partake in a glass (or two, or three) of wine. Since last night I stuck to water, I feel pretty awesome the next morning. Off to yoga I go. The oddest thing happens-- I'm streaming sweat, and a some makes its way onto my lip. As I taste it (gross, sorry) I notice it's sweet. Sweet sweat! Now that's an unexpected side effect!
Day 12
Andrew and I spend the day looking at wedding venues. It's long and exhausting. We stop for lunch, and the waitress brings a warm basket of popovers to us. I ask Andrew if he wants one. He does, he really, really does. But he says no, and I ask the waitress to take them away. I'm getting bolder about making special requests, though at this place it's easy-- no cheese on my egg scramble. Easy. But I wish there'd been something other than eggs I could have ordered. Over. Them.
But we finish our venue tour, go to the store and I spend the late afternoon and evening cooking one yummy, compliant dish after another. I make pesto, paleo mayo, trays and trays of roasted vegetables. Andrew is amazed at my energy and so am I.
Day 13
Ah, this is the day that I hatched a plan... 12 challenges over 12 months. I was full of "tiger blood" and felt invincible. Ah, to go back to that time...
Day 8
I eat a much larger breakfast. Though I don't love eating a ton of eggs first thing in the morning (or at any time that they're not covered in hollendaise) I feel much better all day. By the evening I am smiling and Andrew is wondering what happened to the crank he'd been living with for a week.
Day 9
I want to worship at Amy's feet, I'm so much happier! The rules say you should eat 1-2 palm-sized portions of protein at every meal. I'd been eating 1 or less. By upping my protein, my whole experience has turned around.
Day 10
TIGER BLOOD. I feel amazing. Energetic, happy, and generally healthy and awesome. But I have my first real craving-- sugar! I eat dinner with a friend and order halibut. I'm too embarrassed to ask for it without the sauce, which I suspect contains sugar. Though I try to wipe it off, I end up eating a little of the concoction. It must have set something off in my system, because I leave the restaurant obsessed with the idea of ice cream or a cupcake. I have tea instead.
Day 11
Usually when I go out for a meal I partake in a glass (or two, or three) of wine. Since last night I stuck to water, I feel pretty awesome the next morning. Off to yoga I go. The oddest thing happens-- I'm streaming sweat, and a some makes its way onto my lip. As I taste it (gross, sorry) I notice it's sweet. Sweet sweat! Now that's an unexpected side effect!
Day 12
Andrew and I spend the day looking at wedding venues. It's long and exhausting. We stop for lunch, and the waitress brings a warm basket of popovers to us. I ask Andrew if he wants one. He does, he really, really does. But he says no, and I ask the waitress to take them away. I'm getting bolder about making special requests, though at this place it's easy-- no cheese on my egg scramble. Easy. But I wish there'd been something other than eggs I could have ordered. Over. Them.
But we finish our venue tour, go to the store and I spend the late afternoon and evening cooking one yummy, compliant dish after another. I make pesto, paleo mayo, trays and trays of roasted vegetables. Andrew is amazed at my energy and so am I.
Day 13
Ah, this is the day that I hatched a plan... 12 challenges over 12 months. I was full of "tiger blood" and felt invincible. Ah, to go back to that time...
Do Yoga Daily: Day 4
So far, I have indeed done yoga every damn day this month. While ALSO doing the Whole 30, working hard at that job of mine and trying to be social, have a clean house, and lots of sleep. I'm pretty worn out!
But I feel good! Between the Whole 30 and yoga I am down almost 10 pounds over three weeks-- I know that's quite a lot for a month, and some of that will come back as soon as I introduce some foods back into my diet. But I'd be lying if I said I'm not enjoying the slim down!
Day 1 was 15 minutes on my own, at home. It was dull, I took a call in the middle and generally felt like a failure. But that thinking is something I want to avoid, so here's the spin: I am building a yoga practice, and Day 1 was but one brick!
Day 2 was 30 minutes on my own at home. It was pretty fun, though I did find myself clock-watching. This is the biggest challenge for me working out on my own-- I get so bored! But I peeked at Yoga For Dummies halfway through, got some ideas for new poses, and jumped back in. I even worked up a sweat!
Day 3 I went to a class, and I'm so glad I did! It was sweaty, fun and challenging.
Day 4 another class. I just enjoy classes so much more than home practice. But it's too expensive to do that daily, so building a personal practice is a huge goal for me this month!
A few things are coming up.
1) I have a bulging disc, and all this yoga is aggravating it a bit. Time to do some research to learn how to protect my back.
2) I often lose focus practicing on my own and am at a loss at what pose to do next. Going forward I might write down a loose plan so I have a reference going forward.
Tomorrow will be another yoga-at-home day. Likely a chill one to give my back some love.
But I feel good! Between the Whole 30 and yoga I am down almost 10 pounds over three weeks-- I know that's quite a lot for a month, and some of that will come back as soon as I introduce some foods back into my diet. But I'd be lying if I said I'm not enjoying the slim down!
Day 1 was 15 minutes on my own, at home. It was dull, I took a call in the middle and generally felt like a failure. But that thinking is something I want to avoid, so here's the spin: I am building a yoga practice, and Day 1 was but one brick!
Day 2 was 30 minutes on my own at home. It was pretty fun, though I did find myself clock-watching. This is the biggest challenge for me working out on my own-- I get so bored! But I peeked at Yoga For Dummies halfway through, got some ideas for new poses, and jumped back in. I even worked up a sweat!
Day 3 I went to a class, and I'm so glad I did! It was sweaty, fun and challenging.
Day 4 another class. I just enjoy classes so much more than home practice. But it's too expensive to do that daily, so building a personal practice is a huge goal for me this month!
A few things are coming up.
1) I have a bulging disc, and all this yoga is aggravating it a bit. Time to do some research to learn how to protect my back.
2) I often lose focus practicing on my own and am at a loss at what pose to do next. Going forward I might write down a loose plan so I have a reference going forward.
Tomorrow will be another yoga-at-home day. Likely a chill one to give my back some love.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Yoga Every Damn Day-- Day 1
October 1
Day 1 of my Yoga Every Damn Day challenge was... well, I wouldn't call it a success exactly. I put on a YouTube video featuring Forrest Yoga. Once a week we have a yoga teacher come to work and we practice at lunchtime. Forrest Yoga is what she teaches, so I figured I'd be used to it.
OH MY ABS. It was a 20 minute practice, and it felt like half of that was ab work. I managed to do about 50% of it. And in the middle of the video my phone rang, and would you believe I answered the call? Bad yogini, bad!
But, at the end of the day, I did 20 minutes of yoga. That's within my "at least 15 minutes" guideline.
One day at a time!
And I owe the blog a post about how the Whole30 is going! This is the only time the monthly challenges will overlap, so I'm anticipating a tough few days. Bring it.
Day 1 of my Yoga Every Damn Day challenge was... well, I wouldn't call it a success exactly. I put on a YouTube video featuring Forrest Yoga. Once a week we have a yoga teacher come to work and we practice at lunchtime. Forrest Yoga is what she teaches, so I figured I'd be used to it.
OH MY ABS. It was a 20 minute practice, and it felt like half of that was ab work. I managed to do about 50% of it. And in the middle of the video my phone rang, and would you believe I answered the call? Bad yogini, bad!
But, at the end of the day, I did 20 minutes of yoga. That's within my "at least 15 minutes" guideline.
One day at a time!
And I owe the blog a post about how the Whole30 is going! This is the only time the monthly challenges will overlap, so I'm anticipating a tough few days. Bring it.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
The Whole30 Program-- a retrospective (Part 1)
The part of me that loves order, HATES the fact that I started this blog while already halfway through my Whole30 challenge. But the part of me that has pledged to Be Flexible is content to just write up what I've been through so far and call it a day!
What is the Whole30?
The Whole30 program is pretty simple really. It's 30 days of eating "real" food. Sounds simple, right? We eat real food all the time! Pizza is real, right? I am not WISHING it into existence. It's REALLY food and it's REALLY delicious. Alas, it is REALLY not a part of this program.
Here's what you can't eat
Dairy
Grains
Legumes
Sugar
Alcohol
Here's what you can
meat
seafood
eggs
vegetables
fruit
good fats from fruits, nuts, oils and seeds
Days 1-2
After shopping and dropping a small fortune at Whole Foods, I am feeling ready for this! Until I wake up on Day 1 and realize, I am not ready enough. I have no idea what to eat and when. I end of snacking on a lot of nuts while wondering why I decided to do this.
Days 3-5
The Whole30 timeline says I might be feeling flu-like symptoms at this stage, as my body works out toxins. However, since I leapt into the challenge whithout much forethought, I didn't have any binge days leading up to the beginning. I don't feel flu-ey so much as... bored. I am already bored of eggs.
These days fell over a weekend, while I was staying at a pal's house looking after their dog.I take the pup for a run, and instead of doing mu customary 3 miles, I run half a mile and peter out. Apologizing to the dog, I turn around and walk us home.
On day 5, I go to the supermarket (for the third time in five days) and nearly break down in tears. I am starving.
Day 6
I really hate life. I email Andrew (my fiance) constantly, asking him if I should quit. It's not that there are certain foods I'm craving-- it's just that I am sick of the WORK that goes into this. I can't recall why I decided to do this damn thing.
Since there isn't a particular food I'm dying for, I decide to make it through the night and reassess the next day. I give the Whole30 Program the Dread Pirate Roberts treatment.
"Goodnight Diet! I'll most likely kill you in the morning."
Day 7
My colleague Amy has been eating Paleo for a few months, and she swings by my desk to ask me how I'm doing. My scowl is an answer. She says the words that change the course of my challenge "You are not eating enough food."
And with those words, the challenge turned around for me. I went from hating life to being really quite fond of it.
But more on that next time!
What is the Whole30?
The Whole30 program is pretty simple really. It's 30 days of eating "real" food. Sounds simple, right? We eat real food all the time! Pizza is real, right? I am not WISHING it into existence. It's REALLY food and it's REALLY delicious. Alas, it is REALLY not a part of this program.
Here's what you can't eat
Dairy
Grains
Legumes
Sugar
Alcohol
Here's what you can
meat
seafood
eggs
vegetables
fruit
good fats from fruits, nuts, oils and seeds
Days 1-2
After shopping and dropping a small fortune at Whole Foods, I am feeling ready for this! Until I wake up on Day 1 and realize, I am not ready enough. I have no idea what to eat and when. I end of snacking on a lot of nuts while wondering why I decided to do this.
Days 3-5
The Whole30 timeline says I might be feeling flu-like symptoms at this stage, as my body works out toxins. However, since I leapt into the challenge whithout much forethought, I didn't have any binge days leading up to the beginning. I don't feel flu-ey so much as... bored. I am already bored of eggs.
These days fell over a weekend, while I was staying at a pal's house looking after their dog.I take the pup for a run, and instead of doing mu customary 3 miles, I run half a mile and peter out. Apologizing to the dog, I turn around and walk us home.
On day 5, I go to the supermarket (for the third time in five days) and nearly break down in tears. I am starving.
Day 6
I really hate life. I email Andrew (my fiance) constantly, asking him if I should quit. It's not that there are certain foods I'm craving-- it's just that I am sick of the WORK that goes into this. I can't recall why I decided to do this damn thing.
Since there isn't a particular food I'm dying for, I decide to make it through the night and reassess the next day. I give the Whole30 Program the Dread Pirate Roberts treatment.
"Goodnight Diet! I'll most likely kill you in the morning."
Day 7
My colleague Amy has been eating Paleo for a few months, and she swings by my desk to ask me how I'm doing. My scowl is an answer. She says the words that change the course of my challenge "You are not eating enough food."
And with those words, the challenge turned around for me. I went from hating life to being really quite fond of it.
But more on that next time!
Monday, September 29, 2014
The Challenges
Here are the Challenges I've set up for myself. With the exception of the first Whole30, which I very inconveniently started mid-month they will all run for a calendar month.
The Rules:
1) Be flexible! These are the challenges that I set out in September 2014, but life doesn't always follow our schedule. I'm planning on reassessing at the beginning of each month to see if the upcoming challenge is still appropriate and exciting. If not, there are plenty other ways to challenge thyself!
2) Stay in the Moment. This will likely be the most difficult aspect to navigate. Since I have the challenges listed out in advance, how do I resist the urge to do them all at once? If I know wrapping hair in a towel causes breakage, why not stop NOW? Why prolong bad habits that I have the desire to break? I think the goal here will be not to obsess over what's coming, and instead to focus on the challenge at hand. And if I find myself adopting some good behaviors before their time has come... well, there are plenty of other goals I can reach for. I'm glad I decided to Be Flexible!
3) Keep Going: Just because November is over, I hope I don't stop meditating! The same goes for all the changes I'm making. It's important to find time and energy to keep up the practices that make me happy and healthy. Honestly, I worry about this one. I put in an application to get more than 24 hours in my days, but I haven't heard back.
4) Have fun. I mean, duh. This isn't meant to be torture. It's meant to clear some of the crap out of my life and add some good stuff. If it becomes torturous, it's time to rethink, scale down the goals and eat some ice cream.
5) Add an occasional beauty challenge. This is primarily a health project, but some of my goals are easier than others. When I have an easy health challenge, I will also add in a bonus beauty challenge.
The Challenges!
September/October 2014: Whole30 Challenge.
A month of clean eating. No sugar, dairy, alcohol, grains, legumes for 30 days. This is... not easy.
October 2014: Yoga Every Damn Day.
At least 15 minutes. 30 minutes is good. An hour is better.
November 2014: Meditate Daily
December 2014: Oil Pulling
An easy challenge to help my dental health.
And an easy health challenge calls for an bonus beauty challenge!
Ditch bad beauty habits (washing face in shower, using q-tips, the towel turban)
January 2015: Build Core Strength.
I have a bulging disc that bothers me off-and-on. It tends to flare when I up my workouts. There are core exercises that a physical therapist has told me to do daily, but UGH, they're boring. But January cares not for your whining. January requires you do them daily.
Bonus beauty challenge! Acquire good beauty habits (body brushing for a start. More to be added as I research)
February 2015: 10 minute miles
Now that I have a super strong core, I'm ready to run! My goal for February is to be regularly running a 10 minute mile. A huge improvement over my past time of 12 minute miles!
March 2015: Whole30 Challenge
I figure after the holidays, some of my bad habits will have returned and a few more pounds might have crept on... perhaps time for another Whole30!
April 2015: Love Thyself
Six months in, I think it will be time to take a break from the changing and improving, and take some time to appreciate. In April I'll focus on being happy with what I have and who I am. I'll read some books about self-love (hehe) and take some time for daily affirmations. Because I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!
May 2015: Work It
I have a sit/stand desk that I love, but honestly, I sit more than is ideal. May is a busy month for me at work, so a challenge that doesn't require a lot of time is ideal. I want to stand for at least four of the eight hours I spend at work.
Bonus beauty challenge! Dress to impress. Make the most of the clothes in my closet and feel good about what I put on.
June 2015: Rise and Shine an hour earlier
As the days get longer, I want to seize the day. I am an anti-morningite. a perpetual snoozer. But not in June! The challenge is to rise an hour earlier than usual (for me, this will be 6am) and use the time to do something great. Run a few 10 minute miles. Yoga! Meditating! Or you know, dishes.
July 2015: Quit my daily coffee habit
It's honestly not much of a treat, and I think it's contributing to reddness in my skin (more on that later). So, daily coffee begone!
Bonus beauty challenge! Learn new makeup tricks. I want to learn to do a cat-eye with the best of them.
August 2015: Arm Workouts Galore!
Ah, this one is pure vanity. As the wedding fast approaches, it's time to get serious about these arms. A fluffy white dress can hide some stuff, but the guns will be out, and I want them to look GOOD.
September 2015: Breathe
This sounds like a year of hard work. My wedding will likely be this month or the next, so it's time to remember to breathe, relax, and enjoy it all.
The Rules:
1) Be flexible! These are the challenges that I set out in September 2014, but life doesn't always follow our schedule. I'm planning on reassessing at the beginning of each month to see if the upcoming challenge is still appropriate and exciting. If not, there are plenty other ways to challenge thyself!
2) Stay in the Moment. This will likely be the most difficult aspect to navigate. Since I have the challenges listed out in advance, how do I resist the urge to do them all at once? If I know wrapping hair in a towel causes breakage, why not stop NOW? Why prolong bad habits that I have the desire to break? I think the goal here will be not to obsess over what's coming, and instead to focus on the challenge at hand. And if I find myself adopting some good behaviors before their time has come... well, there are plenty of other goals I can reach for. I'm glad I decided to Be Flexible!
3) Keep Going: Just because November is over, I hope I don't stop meditating! The same goes for all the changes I'm making. It's important to find time and energy to keep up the practices that make me happy and healthy. Honestly, I worry about this one. I put in an application to get more than 24 hours in my days, but I haven't heard back.
4) Have fun. I mean, duh. This isn't meant to be torture. It's meant to clear some of the crap out of my life and add some good stuff. If it becomes torturous, it's time to rethink, scale down the goals and eat some ice cream.
5) Add an occasional beauty challenge. This is primarily a health project, but some of my goals are easier than others. When I have an easy health challenge, I will also add in a bonus beauty challenge.
The Challenges!
September/October 2014: Whole30 Challenge.
A month of clean eating. No sugar, dairy, alcohol, grains, legumes for 30 days. This is... not easy.
October 2014: Yoga Every Damn Day.
At least 15 minutes. 30 minutes is good. An hour is better.
November 2014: Meditate Daily
December 2014: Oil Pulling
An easy challenge to help my dental health.
And an easy health challenge calls for an bonus beauty challenge!
Ditch bad beauty habits (washing face in shower, using q-tips, the towel turban)
January 2015: Build Core Strength.
I have a bulging disc that bothers me off-and-on. It tends to flare when I up my workouts. There are core exercises that a physical therapist has told me to do daily, but UGH, they're boring. But January cares not for your whining. January requires you do them daily.
Bonus beauty challenge! Acquire good beauty habits (body brushing for a start. More to be added as I research)
February 2015: 10 minute miles
Now that I have a super strong core, I'm ready to run! My goal for February is to be regularly running a 10 minute mile. A huge improvement over my past time of 12 minute miles!
March 2015: Whole30 Challenge
I figure after the holidays, some of my bad habits will have returned and a few more pounds might have crept on... perhaps time for another Whole30!
April 2015: Love Thyself
Six months in, I think it will be time to take a break from the changing and improving, and take some time to appreciate. In April I'll focus on being happy with what I have and who I am. I'll read some books about self-love (hehe) and take some time for daily affirmations. Because I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!
May 2015: Work It
I have a sit/stand desk that I love, but honestly, I sit more than is ideal. May is a busy month for me at work, so a challenge that doesn't require a lot of time is ideal. I want to stand for at least four of the eight hours I spend at work.
Bonus beauty challenge! Dress to impress. Make the most of the clothes in my closet and feel good about what I put on.
June 2015: Rise and Shine an hour earlier
As the days get longer, I want to seize the day. I am an anti-morningite. a perpetual snoozer. But not in June! The challenge is to rise an hour earlier than usual (for me, this will be 6am) and use the time to do something great. Run a few 10 minute miles. Yoga! Meditating! Or you know, dishes.
July 2015: Quit my daily coffee habit
It's honestly not much of a treat, and I think it's contributing to reddness in my skin (more on that later). So, daily coffee begone!
Bonus beauty challenge! Learn new makeup tricks. I want to learn to do a cat-eye with the best of them.
August 2015: Arm Workouts Galore!
Ah, this one is pure vanity. As the wedding fast approaches, it's time to get serious about these arms. A fluffy white dress can hide some stuff, but the guns will be out, and I want them to look GOOD.
September 2015: Breathe
This sounds like a year of hard work. My wedding will likely be this month or the next, so it's time to remember to breathe, relax, and enjoy it all.
In the Beginning, there was a book...
Hiya, I'm Candace.
For the next twelve months, I'm going to take on a monthly health and/or beauty challenge. Some of the challenges will be easy (learn some new makeup tricks) and some will be tough (the whole30 challenge).
What has possessed me to do such a thing? Well, first and foremost, vanity. I'm planning to get married this fall and I want to look ah. mah. zing.
Second: I'm 31. I look around and see women and men my age doing the oddest things. We're running. Reading books on psychology. Exploring vegan diets. We're hell-bent on self-improvement. And I want some of that improved-self.
A turning point in me was reading Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin. In it, she picks a monthly challenge to make her home a-- you guessed it-- happier place. Reading this book was an interesting experience for me. It was a self help book, guys. How embarrassing! When I finished, I wasn't racing to Goodreads to share what I'd read. I mean, I didn't want people knowing that I was, you know, interested in happiness. Ugh. I am entirely too cool for that.
Except I'm not. While the book didn't set my world on fire while I was reading, the oddest thing happened when I finished. I picked up It Starts With Food, a book I'd given up on a year before, and immediately whizzed through it. And once I put THAT book down, without much more thought, I began the Whole30 challenge. Just like that. Without realizing it, I was taking a page out of Gretchen Rubin's book and changing my life, 30 days at a time.
I am currently 13 days into the Whole30, and I feel amazing. Fantastic. I am in, what's called, the Tiger Blood stage. According to the Whole30 timeline, "Tiger Blood means someone flipped a switch and turned on the awesome. Energy is through the roof, cravings are under control, clothes are fitting better, workouts are stronger." Yes. Yup. All of those things. And the best part, is that someone who flipped the switch? That was me.
So, powered by Tiger Blood, I had an idea. What if I did something like this every month? With roughly twelve months till my wedding day (the date hasn't been set yet, but we're looking at Fall 2015), what if I harnessed my love for a challenge and made some positive changes in my life? And if they positively impact my appearance? Well, more's the better.
So, that's the short version of why I'm doing this. Because it's fun. Because setting crazy goals has always been the best way for me to make a change. Because I'm running on Tiger Blood and perhaps I'm making promises my future self can't keep. We shall see.
As for me, I can't wait to see how it turns out!
For the next twelve months, I'm going to take on a monthly health and/or beauty challenge. Some of the challenges will be easy (learn some new makeup tricks) and some will be tough (the whole30 challenge).
What has possessed me to do such a thing? Well, first and foremost, vanity. I'm planning to get married this fall and I want to look ah. mah. zing.
Second: I'm 31. I look around and see women and men my age doing the oddest things. We're running. Reading books on psychology. Exploring vegan diets. We're hell-bent on self-improvement. And I want some of that improved-self.
A turning point in me was reading Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin. In it, she picks a monthly challenge to make her home a-- you guessed it-- happier place. Reading this book was an interesting experience for me. It was a self help book, guys. How embarrassing! When I finished, I wasn't racing to Goodreads to share what I'd read. I mean, I didn't want people knowing that I was, you know, interested in happiness. Ugh. I am entirely too cool for that.
Except I'm not. While the book didn't set my world on fire while I was reading, the oddest thing happened when I finished. I picked up It Starts With Food, a book I'd given up on a year before, and immediately whizzed through it. And once I put THAT book down, without much more thought, I began the Whole30 challenge. Just like that. Without realizing it, I was taking a page out of Gretchen Rubin's book and changing my life, 30 days at a time.
I am currently 13 days into the Whole30, and I feel amazing. Fantastic. I am in, what's called, the Tiger Blood stage. According to the Whole30 timeline, "Tiger Blood means someone flipped a switch and turned on the awesome. Energy is through the roof, cravings are under control, clothes are fitting better, workouts are stronger." Yes. Yup. All of those things. And the best part, is that someone who flipped the switch? That was me.
So, powered by Tiger Blood, I had an idea. What if I did something like this every month? With roughly twelve months till my wedding day (the date hasn't been set yet, but we're looking at Fall 2015), what if I harnessed my love for a challenge and made some positive changes in my life? And if they positively impact my appearance? Well, more's the better.
So, that's the short version of why I'm doing this. Because it's fun. Because setting crazy goals has always been the best way for me to make a change. Because I'm running on Tiger Blood and perhaps I'm making promises my future self can't keep. We shall see.
As for me, I can't wait to see how it turns out!
Tiger
Blood means someone flipped a switch and turned on the awesome. Energy
is through the roof, cravings are under control, clothes are fitting
better, workouts are stronger. - See more at:
http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/#sthash.6Zes7yPH.dpuf
Tiger
Blood means someone flipped a switch and turned on the awesome. Energy
is through the roof, cravings are under control, clothes are fitting
better, workouts are stronger. - See more at:
http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/#sthash.6Zes7yPH.dpuf
Tiger
Blood means someone flipped a switch and turned on the awesome. Energy
is through the roof, cravings are under control, clothes are fitting
better, workouts are stronger. - See more at:
http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/#sthash.6Zes7yPH.dpuf
Tiger
Blood means someone flipped a switch and turned on the awesome. Energy
is through the roof, cravings are under control, clothes are fitting
better, workouts are stronger. - See more at:
http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/#sthash.6Zes7yPH.dpuf"
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