March Challenge – You in?

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I’ll hit the big 44 on March 30 and am celebrating the milestone by kicking up the wellness a notch.  Care to join me?  

You don’t have to buy anything.  You just have to commit to 30 days of something better for you health.  Cleaner eating, regular exercise, mediation, less coffee – you decide.  Me, I’ll be eating cleaner (vegetarian, good fats, lots of produce and good protein) and starting Chalean Extreme (strength training for increased strength and fat burning).  These are my goals, my plan for the month (and beyond).  What are yours?

The goal is to push beyond where I am now.  I am my own competition.  Well, and hubby in a way.  We challenge each other to move toward our goals and sort of compete to see if my home workouts or his gym workouts are better.  I know home workouts are better for me, period.  The hermit in me would rather get my sweat on without the potential audience.  The dogs watch, but they get bored and move on.  I’m sure people are focused on their own workouts at the gym, but in my mind, they’re peeking over at the limping big girl, wondering why she’s bothering.

I know.  It’s my messed up way of thinking.  I’m working on it.

But for March, it’ll be a better focus on better eating, lifting heavy four days a week, and at least one cardio workout on a fifth.  For cardio, I’ll mix it it between my favs.  Why Chalean Extreme?  Shorter workouts (which my aching back will appreciate), lots of lifting (which I love), and less cardio (not my favorite thing).  I lift now, but I don’t think I’m lifting enough or following the most effective routine.  So I’m turning to an expert.

So, what do you say  – wanna kick it up with me in March?  Join me here, G+, or on Facebook.  How will you challenge yourself?

Until next time, peace!    

So, who has the Sherrie Voodoo Doll?

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Whatever I did to offended or upset you, I’m sorry.  

The funky, instant rash on my hand was genius.  And your timing?  Flawless.  Not only did you make it happen and fade before my doc’s appointment, you brought it back a day and a half later.  Nice.

This ick kicking my butt?  Great move.  I feel like crud and cannot think clearly.  And having the fever kick in today?  Well done.

Now please, I beg you, please cut it out.

I’ll be going back to bed now.

Progress, baby!

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My progress may not me the same as yours, and that’s okay.  Progress is the goal.  Consistency is key.

I am sore and hate every second of it, but am walking on air!  Another three pounds, gone!  Another few inches, gone!  While my official measurement day is a week away, I decided to take a peek.  After this past few days of pain, I needed something to make me feel like the work is paying off.  It’s paying, baby! 

Clean eating + working as hard as I can = progress.  My progress may not me the same as yours, and that’s okay.  Progress is the goal.  Consistency is key.   It took me a long, long time to learn that.  It finally clicked and things are moving in the right direction.

I will get through this.  I will continue to work within safe parameters while working hard.  I will continue to get stronger.  I will continue down this path.

Here’s to finding the path that is yours.  And finding success on it.

Until next time, peace.  

Party, party!

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Oz is my boy!  He’s getting older but is still a puppy.  

So I set a first set of goals. – and beat some!  I’ve hit or surpassed my goals for my hips, waist, arms, and body fat!  Yes!  I’m getting closer on weight, thighs, and blood pressure! Yeah, baby!  

I need to set some more, but first, celebration!  With time outside on this gorgeous day.  With my fav walking buddy.

Peace, all.  

Changes

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**This is a crosspost from my SparkPeople blog.**

Happy 2013!  What are your plans on this first weekend?  Changes are on tap for me and mine.

My workout plans included Les Mills Combat, but my body has other ideas.  I wasn’t going all Combat for every workout, but once or twice a week with Tai Cheng, 10 Minute Trainer, and yoga in the mix.  But my back, shoulder, and hip have decided that that’s not going to happen.  I have to pull back and go gentle.  So Tai Cheng with walking and occasional strength training is the new plan.  I’ll still hit the gym with hubs on occasion, but the bulk of my plan is on the gentler tip.

My food plans included a low gluten veggie menu, but my tummy said nu-uh.  I cannot have some things without major tummy distress.  So the fab cake I made, although nummy chocolate vegan goodness, is off the table for me because I used wheat flour.  I also need to watch the starchy stuff for the same reason, so it’s a lower carb veggie menu for me.  I’m still on the PCRM Vegan Kickstart, but doing my own menus.  100 net grams of carbs seems to be my max, so I’m sticking with that.   That is high as far as most low carb people are concerned, but it’s my top average overall.

No bad changes, just necessary ones considering my body and what works best for me.   And that’s what it’s all about right?  Doing what’s best.

What are you up to?

Until next time, peace.

Vegan Kickstart 2013

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Yep, it’s that time again.  New year, new start and all the jazz.I’m doing another PCRM Vegan Kickstart this year but this one will be a little different.  I’m doing it gluten-free. 

The kickstart focuses on a low-fat, high nutrient plant-based plan.  It’s easy to go vegan while enjoying snack foods and fattier fare, but it’s not the healthiest way to do it.  You can trust me on that.  Unlike past years, the kickstart is ongoing,  A new group starts on the first of each month. I like this change.  If you join late you can always jump in from the start the following month and go from there. 

Check out the Vegan Kickstart on Facebook and main site for ideas on making it easier and to see what others are doing.  To see what I’m doing, check out my Independent Team Beachbody Facebook page, Vegetarian Examiner page, or Tweet with me.  I’ll share recipes, menus, and my exercise plan for the day. 

So, are you in?  Other plans? 

Until next time, peace. 

Goodbye, 2012

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It was a good year. 

I’m still here and doing well.  I’m slowly getting to the place I want to be. Not long ago I’d be frustrated with the speed of progress, but I’ve finally learned that I cannot force it or I’ll end up further behind.  I wish I’d realized it before, but I know now.  Dwelling kicks my butt as much as sitting still does.

Here’s some of what I learned this past year:

  • I discovered two sources of pain that I can control.  That made a world of difference in how I feel.  
  •  My dogs must be up my butt, every second of every day that they’re awake.  Well, just Victor.  Poor thing is a mess lately.  If his routine is off, he’s a neurotic 80+ pound lap dog.
  • I love these people more every day.  
  • Gray hair knows no bounds.
  • I’m more patient than I realized.
  • My tolerance for bull ish is much lower.  Yes, I realize these last two may clash, but it is what it is.  

I’m not making resolutions, but setting goals.  Three simple ones:

  1. Make the new year healthier than the year before.
  2. Embrace love and light.
  3. Release the negativity. 

Not so bad, right?   Do you make resolutions or set goals for the new year?  Wanna share?

So here’s to 2013.  May yours be filled with love, laughter, and light. 

Peace!