Happy Friday, all! What’s shaking?

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So, what’s shaking?  The same old thing here, but with a little more happy.

If it seems like I’m extra happy right now it’s because I am.  I went to physical therapy as usual on Wednesday and was released as a pt client.  That means I’ve improved enough that I can start the work on my own.  While I plan to stay on as a wellness client (to use that fab Endless Pool), I’m also going to slowly get back to my old activity level.  Part of my ramped up activity includes more low impact bodywork, including PiYo.

piyo 3 day

I’m sure you’ve heard of PiYo by now because it’s the newest Beachbody release from Chalene Johnson – love her!  It’s a home version of the PiYo classes offered in clubs all over the place.  I need low impact workouts like Pilates and yoga so that I don’t hurt myself or slow my recovery.    As much as I love 21-Day Fix, even the modified movements are too much for me right now.  I’ll go back to it when I get the all-clear to do so.

There’s no shame in admitting that you need a change and moving on.  Never feel ashamed or let anyone tell you that you’re lazy because you recognize your limits and are working around them .  Do not ignore them for the sake of proving you’re not lazy.  It’s better to work harder and smarter than to go all out when you’re body is unable.   Trust me, I fell into that trap and did much more harm than good.  

Now back to my regularly scheduled message. 

PiYo has a six days on, one off weekly schedule.  Because I’m going to listen to my body, my plan is to start with three days of PiYo with one day of aquatic therapy each week.  I’ll train for a day and take the following day off.  On my rest days, I’ll still get in my usual five to ten minutes of gentle yoga and walking.   My eating plan will stay about the same for now with one exception.   Gluten has to go, doc’s orders.

So that’s what I’m up to.  If you want to know more about PiYo, my eating plan (regular and cheat day), or how I modify fitness and eating plans to suit my needs, give me a shout.   I’m on Facebook and all over social media.  Just look for Sherrie Thompson or WAHMinSC.  I’d love to hear from you.

 

 

What are you reading?

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My name is Sherrie and I have a book problem.  Am I the only one?  I can’t be.

Worthy Evans is a College of Charleston alum and brilliant writer.

Worthy Evans is a College of Charleston alum and brilliant writer.

My problem started years ago and only became worse after a few months of library work followed by bookstore work.  I loved every second of shelving and discovering new titles and topics.  I love it when I get lost in a story or can almost taste the recipe by reading the ingredients.   When I drop by the library I can’t seem to help myself.  I walk in to return the stack I spent a month pouring through and leave with more.

Taking time for myself is a necessity.   Reading for pleasure reduces stress and helps me relax.  Even if the story has me wound up and jumping at the slightest sound, I’m more relaxed than if I’m working all day.  Do you take time to read?  What are you reading now?

Raw or cooked, plant-based comfort food rules!

Raw or cooked, plant-based comfort food rules!

This is perfect reading when I need a laugh.

This is perfect reading when I need a laugh.

I’ll catch you later.   It’s time to curl up with a good book.

The Atkins Diet Revisited – Veggie Style

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Back in the day ( actually), I started down the low carb path.  I ate more than my share of meat, greens, butter, eggs, cheese, cream, and other fatty foods the plan called for abd lost quite a few pounds.  I got down to my lowest weight in years on that plan.  And then I started cheating and fell off plan altogether.  Way off.  Back came the breads, pasta, cereals, sweets, and other carby goodness that helped me put on the weight in the first place.  It wasn’t that the plan was unreasonable, it was the way I followed it in the end. I got tired of coking and went after more convenient meals and snacks and bored myself into cheating. 

Since then I’ve followed other plans and it seems to always come down to my justification (in my mind) of off-plan goodies that sort of fit.  On Weight Watchers I’d justify high point meals by saying I’d make up the splurge with veggies and 1-2 point snacks later.  On low carb, I’d make sure I stayed under a carb count I had in mind and forget to consider fiber, sugar, or high fructose corn syrup. 

So a few weeks back I decided to mix it up.  Eating plans that is.  I’d experiment with various veggie-friendly plans and go from there.  Since the holidays are upon us, I decided to start with Atkins.  Yes, that Atkins Diet.  Back in the day, any hardcore Atkins follower would think a veggie version was impossible, but now that’s not the case.  There are several veggie and vegan menus listed in New Atkins for a New You , and complete details on net carb counts and nutrition as well as tips for dining out.  I decided to modify the plan a bit and started with a 100 net carb menu of my own design.  I cut sugar, filled the fridge and freezer with dark, leafy greens, tofu, cauliflower, cheese, eggs, and salad veggies.  I’ve left the Amy’s burgers for hubby and focused on the Boca burgers we already have.  I ground extra flax, pick up some nuts, and made sure I had enough soy protein powder and tvp on hand to make me happy.  And then it was on!

I’ve been eating really well at breakfast.  Omelettes with spinach, feta, cheddar, onions, peppers, chili, or whatever I felt like tossing in.  Scrambles – eggs or tofu – with cauliflower hash browns, veggie burgers, and greens.  Smoothies on the mornings I didn’t feel like eating and Atkins bars when I wasn’t in a cooking mood. 

Snackage rocked, too.  For the junk food cravings, soy chips, edamame with sea salt, nuts, and half an Atkins bar were the usual munchies.  One afternoon I made a pumpkin cheesecake snack with cream cheese, Splenda, canned pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.  Oh my goodness!  Celery stuffed with peanut butter or cream cheese is another longtime favorite that just happened to be on-plan. 

Lunch and dinner were all over the place – soup, chili, giant salads, seitan, tofu, bunless veggie burgers, and tvp loaf entrees were complimented with sauteed greens and mashed cauliflower.   If the family went out for dinner, I ordered whatever I felt like. 

I’ve lost 9 pounds so far, and I cheated a little with French Toast for lunch one night and a pb sammy during a late night study session.  I wasn’t going to stay on this plan for too long, but I think I’ll keep it up at least until December 31 and see what happens.  It’s awesome for people who like to cook and so much healthier than the regular version.  For me, anyway.  

Peace!