July 15th is my absolute favorite day of the year... mainly because it sports my two favorite numbers in a combination that for once isn't 157. It also, however, is a marker of the midpoint of summer and thereby serves as a nagging reminder that warmer weather has been poking me in the shoulder and saying to come out and play before it has to go away and nap for a while. Now, if I am going to properly celebrate summer, I am going to need to feel comfortable and confident running around half naked in polkadot spandex.
How ever am I going to make that happen!?
Well, it all started with a promise I made to myself mid-March that I would reclaim the body I lost the last time summer went into hiding. It is shameful to admit that I compensated for its company by baking like a fiend and gobbling up tons of sugary sweetness to the point where I cringed every time I stepped onto scale or looked in the mirror while dressing. I began practicing yoga more often, went back to dance, and borrowed a copy of P90X from a friend. I then combined this with eating lighter, better, and more raw. It was a tough ride but brought back my confidence as the pounds began to melt away.
I am happy to admit that of my 20lb goal, I have lost 10 officially, but am disappointed to say that I have been fluctuating between losing and gaining the next 5lbs. Frustrating as that has been, I still have the last 5 after that to lose and am still motivated to do so!
My solution: The 10 day pasta challenge.
The 10 day pasta challenge is my attempt to lower my pasta intake (which is currently about 1/2lb or more per day... yikes!) in hopes that those last few remaining pounds will stop clinging to my tummy and thighs and will take a permanent vacation.
The limit: whatever skinny little noodles fit into the bottom of the bowl of soup I am eating... so basically two ounces or less per two cups of soup.
Okay, Okay. I may be a lady, but for the sake of science and this dieting experiment, I have been fluctuating between 126 and 128lbs for the last two months. My normal diet (which includes 2 visits/week to the diner to satisfy that post-night-shift craving for seasoned waffle fries and a few beers while out with friends) will remain the same aside from the limit on pasta intake and after 10 days (today is day #4) we will see the success of failure of this diet.
Today I am at 128. Six days left!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Place-Holder.
This post is a place-holder. It is simply to share photos with you of Detox Smoothies for Days #3, 4, & 5.
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 5:
Ingredients. Veggie-Veggie Fruit-Fruit Smoothie
- 1/4 cucumber (peeled & sliced)
- 1 carrot (sliced)
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
- splash of white grape juice
- 2 pears (peeled & sliced)
- 1 red apple (peeled & slice)
- 1 inch of fresh ginger (skin removed)
- 1 slice of peach
- 3 stalks of kale (destemmed & finely chopped)
Actual entry and better pictures to come!
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 5:
Ingredients. Veggie-Veggie Fruit-Fruit Smoothie
- 1/4 cucumber (peeled & sliced)
- 1 carrot (sliced)
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
- splash of white grape juice
- 2 pears (peeled & sliced)
- 1 red apple (peeled & slice)
- 1 inch of fresh ginger (skin removed)
- 1 slice of peach
- 3 stalks of kale (destemmed & finely chopped)
Actual entry and better pictures to come!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
#6: Detox Day 2 - Improvements and Results
I have been on this veggie juice detox for two days and have already dropped four pounds of toxins. I am amazed at how quick and effective these healthy concoctions have been at helping me achieve my ultimate goal of streamlining my figure, increasing my energy, and clearing out my vessel to promote efficiency. I have been notified that the average person must detox for approximately two weeks to achieve maximum cleansing. Hopefully at this rate I will have reached my target weight in the process and helped to revitalize my skin and hair with all of the vitamins and minerals I am taking in on a daily basis. Start now, stay healthy for life, right?
Today I made some improvements to yesterday's recipe. These improvements should serve to cater to those who have a bit of a distaste for veggies because the blend is so fantastically smooth in texture and taste. Behold my creation!
This little beauty took all the health benefits of yesterday's Carrot-Apple-Ginger-Flaxseed Smoothie and added in a bit of style and grace: Cucumber and Orange-Tangerine Juice! This tiny alteration sweetens up the smoothie exponentially and makes for a happy tum.
Ingredients.
- 8 tiny snack carrots (or two large carrots).
- 1 red apple (peeled).
- 1 inch of fresh ginger (skin removed).
- 1/2 cucumber (peeled and sliced).
- 1 teaspoon of flaxseeds (soaked to make flax water)
- splash of tropicana orange-tangerine juice with calcium
Blending the veggies. Follow the directions from #5: Spring Cleaning Detox and add your peeled and sliced cucumber just before the flaxseed-water combination. Splash the tiniest bit of Tropicana Orange-Tangerine Juice with Calcium onto the top of the mixture and blend until smooth.
If you are trying this detox along with me or want to suggest some other smoothie ideas, let me know by leaving a comment. Your feedback is always welcome!
Today I made some improvements to yesterday's recipe. These improvements should serve to cater to those who have a bit of a distaste for veggies because the blend is so fantastically smooth in texture and taste. Behold my creation!
This little beauty took all the health benefits of yesterday's Carrot-Apple-Ginger-Flaxseed Smoothie and added in a bit of style and grace: Cucumber and Orange-Tangerine Juice! This tiny alteration sweetens up the smoothie exponentially and makes for a happy tum.
Ingredients.
- 8 tiny snack carrots (or two large carrots).
- 1 red apple (peeled).
- 1 inch of fresh ginger (skin removed).
- 1/2 cucumber (peeled and sliced).
- 1 teaspoon of flaxseeds (soaked to make flax water)
- splash of tropicana orange-tangerine juice with calcium
Blending the veggies. Follow the directions from #5: Spring Cleaning Detox and add your peeled and sliced cucumber just before the flaxseed-water combination. Splash the tiniest bit of Tropicana Orange-Tangerine Juice with Calcium onto the top of the mixture and blend until smooth.
If you are trying this detox along with me or want to suggest some other smoothie ideas, let me know by leaving a comment. Your feedback is always welcome!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
#5: Spring Cleaning Detox
That's right boys and girls, moms and dads. It's time for some spring cleaning.
Contrary to popular belief, spring cleaning is not simply limited to your house, home, apartment or cubicle... spring cleaning is an all-encompassing cleansing of the mind, body, and soul! Why not fully de-clutter your life? Shed those toxic people who brought you down all winter! Shed those toxins in your body that has caused you to plateau just above your target weight for the new year! Shed all toxic thoughts and comments that caused you grief, depression, or feelings of defeat! Put an end to your exhaustion! Try putting something good into your body and releasing the bad. Think happy thoughts! Eat healthy foods! Exercise away stress and anxiety... and don't forget to water your vessel! Why not coast through life a little more smoothly... with a SMOOTHIE!
Today's detox: Carrot Apple Ginger Flaxseed Smoothies!
Feast your eyes on this cup of possibility! All you need to enjoy the benefits of this little wonder is a blender and a few simple ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of flax seeds.
- 1 red apple, peeled and sliced.
- 8 snack-sized peeled carrots (or 2 normal carrots, peeled and chopped).
- 1 inch nub of fresh ginger root, skin removed. (should be moist)
- 1 cup of lukewarm water.
Soaking your flaxseeds & making flaxseed water. Gandhi once said that "Wherever flax seed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health." This is true because flax seeds are packed with the fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals needed for a happy and healthy life! Just one teaspoon of flax seed added to one cup of lukewarm water will release the slippery mucilage necessary to gently shed toxins through a natural laxative process. The seeds need to soak for a half hour to begin this process and once in the system, you will experience their glorious efforts 20-40 minutes later. You will know that you have successfully created flaxseed water when the water above the seeds appears to have a film and the seeds have become gooey.
WARNING: Don't try this if you have somewhere important to be within the hour or will be driving a long distance. These seeds are small, but mighty. After the above description, I shouldn't have to say more.
Blending the ingredients. Throw your peeled & chopped carrots into your blender or magic bullet followed by your peeled and sliced red apple, and your inch long nub of your freshly peeled ginger root. Scrape out the flax seeds with a spoon as you pour the water into the blender and start blending!
Enjoy. Swirl lightly and breath in deeply, inhaling the brilliant mixture of ginger, carrot, and apple before sipping slowly from your cup or through your straw. Simply inhaling the scent of this health-promoting masterpiece will make you feel revitalized. Within the hour, the flax seeds should do their job, helping you to shed toxins miraculously and gently... leaving you feeling lighter, cleaner, and ready to conquer your day!
Let me know how this works out for you!
Contrary to popular belief, spring cleaning is not simply limited to your house, home, apartment or cubicle... spring cleaning is an all-encompassing cleansing of the mind, body, and soul! Why not fully de-clutter your life? Shed those toxic people who brought you down all winter! Shed those toxins in your body that has caused you to plateau just above your target weight for the new year! Shed all toxic thoughts and comments that caused you grief, depression, or feelings of defeat! Put an end to your exhaustion! Try putting something good into your body and releasing the bad. Think happy thoughts! Eat healthy foods! Exercise away stress and anxiety... and don't forget to water your vessel! Why not coast through life a little more smoothly... with a SMOOTHIE!
Today's detox: Carrot Apple Ginger Flaxseed Smoothies!
Feast your eyes on this cup of possibility! All you need to enjoy the benefits of this little wonder is a blender and a few simple ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of flax seeds.
- 1 red apple, peeled and sliced.
- 8 snack-sized peeled carrots (or 2 normal carrots, peeled and chopped).
- 1 inch nub of fresh ginger root, skin removed. (should be moist)
- 1 cup of lukewarm water.
Soaking your flaxseeds & making flaxseed water. Gandhi once said that "Wherever flax seed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health." This is true because flax seeds are packed with the fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals needed for a happy and healthy life! Just one teaspoon of flax seed added to one cup of lukewarm water will release the slippery mucilage necessary to gently shed toxins through a natural laxative process. The seeds need to soak for a half hour to begin this process and once in the system, you will experience their glorious efforts 20-40 minutes later. You will know that you have successfully created flaxseed water when the water above the seeds appears to have a film and the seeds have become gooey.
WARNING: Don't try this if you have somewhere important to be within the hour or will be driving a long distance. These seeds are small, but mighty. After the above description, I shouldn't have to say more.
Blending the ingredients. Throw your peeled & chopped carrots into your blender or magic bullet followed by your peeled and sliced red apple, and your inch long nub of your freshly peeled ginger root. Scrape out the flax seeds with a spoon as you pour the water into the blender and start blending!
Enjoy. Swirl lightly and breath in deeply, inhaling the brilliant mixture of ginger, carrot, and apple before sipping slowly from your cup or through your straw. Simply inhaling the scent of this health-promoting masterpiece will make you feel revitalized. Within the hour, the flax seeds should do their job, helping you to shed toxins miraculously and gently... leaving you feeling lighter, cleaner, and ready to conquer your day!
Let me know how this works out for you!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
#5. Life is but a dream.
Riding a bicycle with only one speed up and down hills, through the glen and along dirt paths, stopping to photograph the flowers and weeds as I went.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
#4: Dining for the Chakras
BREAKFAST: I kick-started my day with a delicious fruit smoothie made of blueberries, blackberries, mango, peach, and orange juice.
ACTIVITY: Breathing exercises, chanting, and yoga practice.
LUNCH: My mid-afternoon meal consisted of a small bowl of whole grain spaghetti in garlic tomato sauce with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese on top.
ACTIVITY: Showering and cleansing of the body.
SNACK: Veggie & Flaxseed Tortilla Chips made from carrots, tomatoes, spinach, garlic, red beer, and onion
DINNER: I will be enjoying some veggie nuggets with garlic & sage butter mashed sweet poatoes and mint green tea.
ACTIVITY: Dancing, hula hooping, and cardio aerobics.
PURPOSE: Grounding
CHAKRA: Root
INGREDIENTS: potato, garlic, tofu, soy, carrot, beets, onion
PURPOSE: Creativity
CHAKRA: Sacral
INGREDIENTS: fruit.
PURPOSE: Self-Esteem & Self-Love
CHAKRA: Solar Plexus
INGREDIENTS: pasta, cheese, mint, flax seed
PURPOSE: Healing Emotional Hurt
CHAKRA: Heart
INGREDIENTS: green tea, sage, basil, spinach
PURPOSE: Speaking One's Truth
CHAKRA: Throat
INGREDIENTS: herbal tea, fruit juice, peaches
PURPOSE: Awakening Third Eye Senses
CHAKRA: Brow
INGREDIENTS: blueberries, blackberries
PURPOSE: Opening/Clearing Spiritual Communication Center
CHAKRA: Crown
INGREDIENTS: air, sage
ACTIVITY: Breathing exercises, chanting, and yoga practice.
LUNCH: My mid-afternoon meal consisted of a small bowl of whole grain spaghetti in garlic tomato sauce with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese on top.
ACTIVITY: Showering and cleansing of the body.
SNACK: Veggie & Flaxseed Tortilla Chips made from carrots, tomatoes, spinach, garlic, red beer, and onion
DINNER: I will be enjoying some veggie nuggets with garlic & sage butter mashed sweet poatoes and mint green tea.
ACTIVITY: Dancing, hula hooping, and cardio aerobics.
PURPOSE: Grounding
CHAKRA: Root
INGREDIENTS: potato, garlic, tofu, soy, carrot, beets, onion
PURPOSE: Creativity
CHAKRA: Sacral
INGREDIENTS: fruit.
PURPOSE: Self-Esteem & Self-Love
CHAKRA: Solar Plexus
INGREDIENTS: pasta, cheese, mint, flax seed
PURPOSE: Healing Emotional Hurt
CHAKRA: Heart
INGREDIENTS: green tea, sage, basil, spinach
PURPOSE: Speaking One's Truth
CHAKRA: Throat
INGREDIENTS: herbal tea, fruit juice, peaches
PURPOSE: Awakening Third Eye Senses
CHAKRA: Brow
INGREDIENTS: blueberries, blackberries
PURPOSE: Opening/Clearing Spiritual Communication Center
CHAKRA: Crown
INGREDIENTS: air, sage
#3: Returning to Intentions
I awake every morning with hope of a new day, new chances, and new opportunities. Every now and again I will wake up in peace, fully rested, to a silent household, empty of companionship but full of positive energy and endless possibility. More often than not, however, I awake to negative energy, stress, and a heaviness which is difficult to shake and is often carried in my neck and shoulders throughout the remainder of my day. The weight makes the days long and painful, forcing my body to cave and close down instead of opening up to others and focusing on all that is beautiful in the world around me. I do not wish by any means to be anyone's emotional vampire, to drain the happiness from them that they wish to share with others. The Buddha once said, "Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." That is truly beautiful. I seek to live by this idea and to improve the world around me to the best of my ability. Even if I spend five minutes every day complimenting, encouraging, or loving someone other than myself I will feel accomplished.
"Do not take the thatch from your own roof to buy slates for another man's house." -Irish Proverb
Often times, however, I find that I extend my love and energy outward, forgetting to channel a little inward to give myself the strength to continue to support those in need. The Buddha was a wise soul indeed, for his words once again help to carry me through life's journey. "You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." is my mantra for this week. I must continue to remind myself that although the rest of the world may tell me otherwise and despite the minor misfortunes in this particular phase of my existence, that I am not worth giving up on. Seeking the approval and love of another is far too much to ask of them. They have their own journeys to embark on, their own battles to overcome. To demand anything of anyone is selfish. My goal over time is to develop a grounded sense of self and therefore be able to interact with others with the selflessness which they deserve.
"A windy day is the wrong one for thatching." -Irish Proverb
Wisdom does come with experience. I have learned of my faults and weaknesses and wish to overcome them. I am notoriously stubborn and often times struggle with impatience. I have a childlike enthusiasm and deeply rooted determination which I find to be a dangerous combination. I fling myself headlong into projects, relationships, and ideas, often gaining speed too quickly and falling head over feet as I roll down the hill once traction is lost for even a moment. I take my personal falls hard and with fierce determination often attempt to charge back into whatever went wrong at full speed to make up for lost time. This would be fine if the journey of life were a race, but from what I have learned, it is a train chugging along in its own time.
"No forcing the sea." -Irish Proverb
I like to draw the analogy of traveling to New York City from my home. The train is a sure bet. It leaves at the same time and always takes approximately 50 minutes to reach New York. It is slow and steady, accurate and reliable. The bus, however, is always a gamble. Depending on traffic, the route, the passengers, and the driver, the bus may take anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours to reach Port Authority. Even with careful timing and close attention to patterns, it is still a gamble. I am often impulsive and hasty. I almost always take the bus or shall we say, the risk. I have never been one to settle for something reliable. In fact, I have never been one to settle at all. Over time, however, I have learned to slow down. I still take the bus because that is where I feel most comfortable, but have given up on checking the times and placing bets. I have accepted that the bus will arrive in its own time and I appreciate every minute of the trip for its silence and peace so that I can read and relax. I realize now that I must develop my patience with other aspects of my life as I have with the bus to New York City. I must learn to appreciate more of the journey.
"You must empty a box before you fill it again." -Irish Proverb
I have taken this time to reflect inward and am respectfully backing away from those around me to whom I have caused any level of stress or concern. I have accepted that time does indeed take time and that if I continue to push so hard to move forward, that I will eventually push those who truly matter away. I have found peace and love in those around me and do not wish to have that beauty slip away. I must first heal the wounds within if I wish to welcome and embrace such happiness.
"Some of the greatest battles will be fought within the silent chambers of your own soul." -Ezra Taft Benson
And these are my intentions: to focus on my needs and love myself more. to develop a selfless attitude toward others and to love and respect them for who they are and not what I need of them. to realize that I need nothing from anyone and to appreciate and enjoy their company. to think positively and understand that the negativity around me is not caused by me and should not be absorbed or taken to heart. to open my heart and love unconditionally. to be more mindful. to breathe into every aspect of my life and to await the arrival of patience and wisdom.
I will leave you with my favorite Biblical quotation:
"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)
"Do not take the thatch from your own roof to buy slates for another man's house." -Irish Proverb
Often times, however, I find that I extend my love and energy outward, forgetting to channel a little inward to give myself the strength to continue to support those in need. The Buddha was a wise soul indeed, for his words once again help to carry me through life's journey. "You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." is my mantra for this week. I must continue to remind myself that although the rest of the world may tell me otherwise and despite the minor misfortunes in this particular phase of my existence, that I am not worth giving up on. Seeking the approval and love of another is far too much to ask of them. They have their own journeys to embark on, their own battles to overcome. To demand anything of anyone is selfish. My goal over time is to develop a grounded sense of self and therefore be able to interact with others with the selflessness which they deserve.
"A windy day is the wrong one for thatching." -Irish Proverb
Wisdom does come with experience. I have learned of my faults and weaknesses and wish to overcome them. I am notoriously stubborn and often times struggle with impatience. I have a childlike enthusiasm and deeply rooted determination which I find to be a dangerous combination. I fling myself headlong into projects, relationships, and ideas, often gaining speed too quickly and falling head over feet as I roll down the hill once traction is lost for even a moment. I take my personal falls hard and with fierce determination often attempt to charge back into whatever went wrong at full speed to make up for lost time. This would be fine if the journey of life were a race, but from what I have learned, it is a train chugging along in its own time.
"No forcing the sea." -Irish Proverb
I like to draw the analogy of traveling to New York City from my home. The train is a sure bet. It leaves at the same time and always takes approximately 50 minutes to reach New York. It is slow and steady, accurate and reliable. The bus, however, is always a gamble. Depending on traffic, the route, the passengers, and the driver, the bus may take anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours to reach Port Authority. Even with careful timing and close attention to patterns, it is still a gamble. I am often impulsive and hasty. I almost always take the bus or shall we say, the risk. I have never been one to settle for something reliable. In fact, I have never been one to settle at all. Over time, however, I have learned to slow down. I still take the bus because that is where I feel most comfortable, but have given up on checking the times and placing bets. I have accepted that the bus will arrive in its own time and I appreciate every minute of the trip for its silence and peace so that I can read and relax. I realize now that I must develop my patience with other aspects of my life as I have with the bus to New York City. I must learn to appreciate more of the journey.
"You must empty a box before you fill it again." -Irish Proverb
I have taken this time to reflect inward and am respectfully backing away from those around me to whom I have caused any level of stress or concern. I have accepted that time does indeed take time and that if I continue to push so hard to move forward, that I will eventually push those who truly matter away. I have found peace and love in those around me and do not wish to have that beauty slip away. I must first heal the wounds within if I wish to welcome and embrace such happiness.
"Some of the greatest battles will be fought within the silent chambers of your own soul." -Ezra Taft Benson
And these are my intentions: to focus on my needs and love myself more. to develop a selfless attitude toward others and to love and respect them for who they are and not what I need of them. to realize that I need nothing from anyone and to appreciate and enjoy their company. to think positively and understand that the negativity around me is not caused by me and should not be absorbed or taken to heart. to open my heart and love unconditionally. to be more mindful. to breathe into every aspect of my life and to await the arrival of patience and wisdom.
I will leave you with my favorite Biblical quotation:
"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)
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