June already? What’s your plan?

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Can you believe 2014 is already six months old?  June is already 11 days old?  Where did the time go?  Are you on track?  Anywhere close to where you wanted to be?  I’ll admit it,  I’m not.   And I won’t let it throw me much.  I’ll tweak my plans and go month to month.

My plan was in part inspired by a dream.  I’ve been back and forth to the doc and specialists (yes, plural) trying to finally figure out what all ails me.   It’s exhausting and frustrating and frightening if I K et my mind wander too much.  More so if I consult Dr. Google instead of waiting to for a specific diagnosis.   According to Google,  cold symptoms could be anything from a cold to a rare syndrome that would put someone just outside death’s door.  No one needs that kind of stress or fear without knowing what’s going on inside them.

So, back to this dream.  Of course I dreamed about a doctor visit.  I mean, it’s been at least 33% of my focus for a while now.  So, I’m waiting for the doc to walk in, and it’s Kris Carr!   You know, the woman behind Crazy, Sexy Cancer.  Her.

I was so in awe and blown away.  I think seeing her was a sign.  Not that a cancer diagnosis is looming, but that I’m doing the right thing by following up with the docs and working on healing.  Another round of physical therapy starts next today   My diet is cleaning up and even more greens are coming in.  My healthier cookbooks are my main kitchen inspiration and I’m eating to live.

There they are, two of my inspirations!

There they are, two of my inspirations!

One of my go-to's for healthy vegan eats.

One of my go-to’s for healthy vegan eats. Lindsay Nixon photo.

A fav dish from Crazy Sexy Kitchen.  Sherrie Thompson photo.

A fav dish from Crazy Sexy Kitchen.  This and the tahini dressing that is.

I'll hit the library more often than the bookstore for new inspiration.

I’ll hit the library more often than the bookstore for new inspiration.

I don’t want to just survive anymore.  I want to thrive, glow, and kick ass.

So, what’s happening with you?  Have any good dreams lately?

So much to share!

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Hi, all.

I guess I’ll start with the geek. What? Embracing my geek instead of hiding it relaxes me.  Relaxation is good for the cardiovascular system.  Not to mention the mind and spirit.  I can’t believe Doctor Who is over until November!  And it ended on the weekend after the kids gave me this.

Yes!  Whovian for life!  Tom Baker was my first Doctor.  Who was yours?  I feel the sadness/excitement about Supernatural, too. I love the Winchesters and still mourn Bobby.

On the home front, the dogs and kids are giving me this look a lot lately.

I’m not sure what I’m doing or not doing that warrants the ‘you crazy,’ face.

I’m eating a lot of this for breakfast with fruit and extra walnuts.

Vegan, gluten-free goodness makes me happy.

On the health front,well, things are what they are.  I will be moving slower for longer than anticipated,but as long as I get back to me, I’m happy.  Until then, pain, stiffness, and physical  therapy are mainstays.  And the drugs, oy.  Caffeine is out because the mix of it and my meds are dangerous for me.  No one likes stroke level blood pressure.  And sodium consumption has to come down even more.

But that’s ok. I’m pulling out Eat to Live, my Happy Herbivore cookbook collection, The Get Healthy, Go Vegan CookbookAppetite for Reduction, Crazy, Sexy Diet, and The 21 Day Weight Loss Kickstart books for inspiration. And cooking more from the heart.

Oh, and did I mention that the physician’s assistant said I should go for nutritional and alternative therapies in addition to the traditional ones?  I could have hugged her.

When I work, I stand every 30 minutes so I can stretch a bit. PT schedule is three days a week in addition to work at home.  Yoga, Pilates, Tai Cheng, and walking primarily with light resistance.  And the handy dandy foam roller  is on hand at all times, too. why did I wait so long to get you?

Until next time, do what you need to do to improve your health.  Small steps are better than standing still.

**Disclosure: The book links are affiliate links.  TheTai Cheng link goes to my Team Beachbody shop.

Semi-Wordless Wednesday: It’s Here!

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I am a happy wahm!  It’s supposed to be an early Christmas present, so I haven’t completely unwrapped it.    This gift of health is especially timely since SC was named one of the unhealthiest states yet again.  We have got to end the trend, and it starts now.  Today, very day, one meal at a time.  Are you with me?

Until next time, peace!

December!

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I love this time of year.  Yes, it’s somewhat stressful, but it’s kinda chill at the same time. People are a little less grouchy and my kids are particularly well-behaved.  As if one month of the super straight arrow role will make a difference on present day.

I usually gain a few pounds during the holidays, but not this year. I am moving down and keeping on track. I will end the month smaller and fitter than I started it.  My plan:

– Exercise 7 days a week.  That includes walking at least 3 days, Beachbody workouts, and yoga.  

Shakeology daily – as a shake or in a recipe.  

– Clean eating with one cheat meal as week – if I feel like one.  

This is a simple and effective plan.  Keeping flexibility in the type of workout will keep me from getting bored. Including a cheat meal (not a cheat day) in my eating plan makes it more doable for my life without guilt.  And Shakeology is a no-brainer.  It makes a yummy mocha, delicious smoothie, and killer vegan chocolate mousse.  It’s one less meal to plan and makes it easier for me to avoid temptation.   

What are your fitness plans for December?  

Keeping track on weekends

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One of my fav lunches – chickpeas on a Greek-inspired
salad with lots of lemon juice

I look forward to the weekends like most people with typical schedules.  The kids are home from school, hubs is off work, and we try to do something together besides just hang at home.  I can keep on track with food and scheduled exercise during the week, but on weekends, all bets are off.  I plan to keep steady, but that isn’t always the case.

On weekends I can be swayed off track between errands and the lazier schedule.  I will concede if outvoted by the family on places to eat, and if I’m tired or overly hungry I’ll just pick something heavier instead of making cleaner choices.

Am I alone in this?  I can’t be.  Can I?

I know how I can get if I go too long between meals, and I plan to stash something in my purse to help me get through, but if I’m rushing about I forget.  And I tell myself I can wait 5-6 hours, but by that time I am heading for a crash and either get grouchy or shaky.  Either way, it leads to heavier choices, like deep fried instead of grilled or starch fests instead of a balanced plate.  I hate what I’m eating while eating, but while ordering I ignore the call for better food.  Oy.

But on the plus side, even though I’ve ignored the scale for a few weeks, nothing has changed for the better or  worse.  That in itself is a victory to me.  It means I am making good enough choices when I’m not really on track.  But it’s time to make better choices, period.  More greens, less starch, and more movement!

Until next time.

The year in review and the year ahead

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It might not seem that a lot happened in 2011, but it did.  I am coming out of it stronger and more aware of what’s going on and what I need to do.

(Yes, my daughter and I are hugging giant chickens.  It just had to be done.)

Food in 2011 was awesome!   One of the biggest things we did was purchase a freezer.  We can stock up when things are on sale (BOGO Gardein for the win), cook ahead for quick meals, and keep fruit and veggies at the ready no matter how the vegetable bin looks.

New cookbooks were added to my collection and I’ve been giddy.  Decadent goodness from Vegan Diner sits along side Radiance 4 LifeEat to Live, Happy Herbivore’s books, The 21 Day Weight Loss Kickstart, Get Healthy, Go Vegan, and Appetite for Reduction.  I’ve been cooking a lot more, reduced my sugar intake, and eat out less.

I’ve also changed my mindset somewhat.  While the scale may not move as much as I’d like, I’ve noticed major changes in my body.  Three weeks ago I bought a pair of size 20 jeans.  Two days ago, those jeans were falling off of me, but the scale stayed the same.  Not long ago I’d be upset about the scale, but now I celebrate the clothing size.  The weight loss will follow the size change.

And it’s easy to change how I think about my body when I can look at how far I’ve come even with the pain. Remember this?  I do, and I still cringe when I look at it.  But that was August, and the chicken-hugging pic is from yesterday.  I knew it would be a full body shot and I didn’t care.  Scratch that, I wanted it to be a full body shot.  I had no fear of it.  That is huge for me.

I think 2011 is ending on a positive note and am so excited about 2012.  Why be exited about the year when something scared the Mayans into ending their calendar? Well, I’m not a Mayan and have plans. Both the daughter and I are graduating in 2012, and those big days will be celebrated.  I’ll hit the big 4-3 and tackle my first big race since my high school track and field days.  The year will kick off on a fantastic vegan note (and another PCRM 21 Day Vegan Kickstart will start on January 2) and the weather in town will be lovely.

I’m sitting here with a silly grin, blogging and smiling at hubby on the desktop ad listening to the kids game in their rooms.  I am a happy wahm this New Year’s Eve and hope that you are happy, too.

For the last time in 2011, peace.

Another 2 pounds gone, another inch here and there

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Yep, I’m getting smaller and Hubby says my butt is higher. Neato! I’m still watching my portions, keeping my protein and simple carbs in check, and going ballistic on fruit and veggies. I like how I’ve been feeling!

The kids are out of school now, so it will be just loads of fun to exercise around them. Really – no sarcasm there. We bought a Wii Fit last week after Hubby & the kids argued over who would rule supreme on a snowboard and I’ve been on it 4 times so far. It’s addicting and it is possible to work out a sweat on that thing. Today I hit Super Hula Hoop, a run, a few strength training exercises, a little soccer, and hit the snowboard, all in 31 minutes. I loved it! Hubby was blown away by my score on the plank position (he can’t remember ever seeing me do it, sigh) and feels the need to beat my scores. Snort! Ain’t happening!

On the food front, my fav breakfast these days is a fruit salad topped with a dollop of fat free plain yogurt, flax seeds, oatmeal, and a tsp. of local honey. It’s really good! DS has been snacking on it and DD just goes from her fruit plain. In general we’ve all been eating a lot cleaner. Both of the inlaws are diabetic, so Hubster wants to do whatever he can to avoid that diagnosis. He’s pre-diabetic now, so changing the family’s way of eating has become more of a priority.

On the exercise front, in addition to the new game, I’ve again signed up for the Woman Challenge. So far, I’ve met or exceeded my goals for the past 4 weeks and am going strong. Swing by, take a look, and join me.

The Woman Challenge - May 10-July 4, 2009 - womenshealth.gov - Join

Until next time, see ya!

I tried something new

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Bellydancing! I have FitTV and decided to use it again yesterday. It was fun and I broke a sweat, which I did not expect. I didn’t feel very graceful, but hubby swears I was.

Another goodie on FitTV is Sharon Mann. That chick has some serious abs! she’s on at least twice a day and is a four time Canadian Aerobics champion. I’ve followed her tai chi/kickboxing and pilates workouts (yay for DVR) and always feel like I’ve had a great workout. Since my fall last week I’ve been on the lookou for something gentle that I can do at least once a day. Shimmy was on and I went for it.

It’s a beautiful workout – beautifully shot with gorgeous dancers. It was a little intimidating at first, but I tuned out the gorgeousness and went forward. It was different, but good. I didn’t feel gorgeous, glamorous, or sexy while doing it, but I know the power that gliding hips have on a certain guy, and that made me giggle. I rocked my hips, learned snake arms, beautiful face, and beautiful eyes. My still hip was not aggravated at all, and neither my back or hip are sore today.

I have my DVR set to record today’s episode and I’ll get in that session later. Maybe continuing the workout will bring out the sexy Goddess hottie mama.

Have I mentioned how much I like that it didn’t feel like a workout? I liked it. A lot.

Can you believe 2009 is almost here?

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The year has flown by! My kids are getting older and smarmier. Hubby and I are turning into old people, lol.

All in all I feel pretty decent about my progress. I haven’t lost weight, but I haven’t gained overall, either. I am more active and mae a better effort in keeping track of my eating and activity. 2009 will be different.

I joined SparkPeople. It’s a community focused on fitness and nutrition that isn’t intimidating. Food logs, day planners, journals, blogs, and SparkTeams are there to help you find encouragement, assistance, and give you a better idea of how you’re doing. I’m wahminsc there if you’d like to say hi. I’m a member of a few SparkTeams – join me?

Exercise today: Turbo Jam Learn & Burn; yoga

Yep, 10:42 am and I’ve gotten in a good sweat. It feels good!

Here’s to a great Sunday!