Sunday, August 28, 2011

Cheater McCheaterson

Although for the most part the nutrition aspect of my project is actually going fairly well, last night I was craving chocolate like a crazy person. I happen to have a box of dove dark chocolates in freezer (not usually very tempting for me....not a dark chocolate person) and I broke them on out. Turns out there are messages on the inside of each wrapper and this is what I found....
Chocolate #1....

"Keep a promise"
Well how the heck am I supposed to eat a chocolate that tells me to keep my promise?? I have promised a lot of people a lot of things about fitness & nutrition and they ALL came back to me after reading the wise words of my chocolate wrapper.
I was now intrigued and after placing chocolate #1 safely on the counter rather than in my mouth...I opened 3 more....

"Be yourself"
"Never skip breakfast"
"Sleep in"
This chocolate is genius....and I happily looked at my little pile of 4 chocolates with a new commitment to refrain from cheating - yew!
Chocolate #5 (for good luck)....

"Change your mind"
What? Side-wiser! So - I changed my mind and ate a chocolate!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Eat your vegetables...or else!! Roar!

I have to admit that ever since "prune-your-trees-in-the-middle-of-the-night" day, I have known that my back-door neighbors are a bit out to lunch. Today, however, took it to a whole new level as I overhear the following conversation (as close as I can remember it).....

Small child: I just want chicken...no...no peppers....no!!...mum!
Mother: Just a few peppers and carrots
Small child: but.....ew mum...
Mother: we have talked about this! You know what happens - If you don't eat your vegetables at dinner - they come back to haunt you at night - you know that
Small child: but....mum no
Mother: Do you want another night of scary vegetables haunting you? You have to eat them now

I am honestly not sure how I feel about these vegetable eating scare tactics! I get the cause, but this kid is for sure going to be afraid of vegetables forEVER!!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Inspiration

"I think exercise tests us in so many ways - our skills, our hearts, our ability to bounce back after setbacks. This is the inner beauty of sports & competition."
- Peggy Flemming

Bikeride #2

Yesterday Innovative officially got me out on my second bikeride (perhaps we should review that my first ride was a few laps of the alley and an attempt to teach me how to turn a corner and not land on my head).
Candice the super cute IF receptionist brought her kick butt mountain bike in for me and trainer Hoffy (aka Alex, The Hoffster, Hoff) took me out to explore the trails of Port Moody. It was certainly an adventure, but after I sorted out how to get on the bike without falling on my face, I picked it up pretty quickly. I also have to say that project tuff-muff has been extremely successful since my VJ survived the ride and has recovered quickly.
Things I almost hit during my 2nd ride ever....
1. the ground...repeatedly
2. bear poop (aka a big pile of fresh cherry-pit-filled bear scat)
3. a three-legged dog
4. a construction worker (who looked pretty upset about it)
5. the biggest slug ever (I have to note that someone else did hit it...I saw it sliced in half on our way home)
6. a baby (who's mother just laughed and remained in my path as I yelled "ahhh new biker! oh geez! new biker! blahhhhh!)...at this point Hoff was killing himself laughing...what's with everyone thinking me almost riding over a baby is funny? Maybe the 3-legged dog, but a baby would be bad news I think.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

And I thought the Fruitist was crazy

Today I was discussing the fruitist with my friend Bree (because in my search for health I find myself talking about the good, the bad, and especially the crazy, as often as possible). She told me that she recently met a Breatharian....yep. Apparently Breatharians believe that food is unnecessary and that with proper adjustment we can get back to our roots and live only on AIR and the nutrients within it. The fruitist is literally bingeing compared to these guys. I am honestly not sure if anyone is actually living the nutritional lifestyle that they are promoting...I have done a little reading about Breatharianism since I'm fascinated and truthfully I have found only quite a lot to prove that no one is actually living this way (well not living this way for very long...because then they are dead). 60 minutes did a story on Jasmuheen who is one of the most well known Breatharians (and lives on the claim that she eats only small amounts every few months other than tea) and they found that she was suffering from dehydration and kidney issues only a week or so into filming the story. Who knows what's real, but it is fascinating to read and learn about the views that other people (...crazy people) have on healthy lifestyle & nutrition....personally I'm pretty sure that they are secretly eating snacks in the closet.


Friday, August 19, 2011

Inspiration

"Everything that I've ever been able to accomplish in skating and in life has come out of adversity and perseverance." 
Scott Hamilton

Nutrition update

I have somehow managed to get through the last 10 days with Licious Living without any cheats until today when I consumed 2 gummy-fighter-jets...they were pretty delicious.

New Yorker Article - Looking Your Best

SHOUTS & MURMURS
LOOKING YOUR BEST
by Amy Ozols

People say that obesity is an epidemic in America, but I’m determined not to become part of the problem. That’s why I’ve spent years perfecting the secret to a trim and attractive physique. My foolproof system involves just nine easy steps.

Step 1: Avoid what psychologists refer to as “emotional eating.” This is hard, because many people have a tendency to experience emotions. To solve this problem, consume increasing dosages of psychotropic medications until you cease to feel emotions of any kind.

Step 2: Visualize yourself as a thin person. This is very important, because the body often takes its signals from the brain. Each time you take a bite of food, imagine that you are a thin person taking a bite of food, chewing the food, then spitting the food into a napkin, then tucking the napkin into your backpack or purse. After you’re done visualizing these things, start doing them.

Step 3: Get rid of your “fat clothes.” Keeping your closet stocked with unflattering garments will only distract you from your quest for a slender body. To complete this step, shred or burn everything in your closet, including any hangers or shelving that a fat person may have touched. Refrain from donating anything to charity, as this could cause underprivileged people to become obese, which would be unsavory and possibly even illegal.

Step 4: Refrain from consuming food.

Step 5: Surround yourself with thin people. This will naturally encourage you to emulate their healthy habits. Weigh your friends on a regular basis, then weigh yourself. Do you have a friend who weighs less than you? If so, consider gastric bypass surgery.

Step 6: Drink plenty of water. As you’ve probably heard, water functions as a natural lubricant in the body, flushing toxins and fat cells from the digestive tract. Water is also a delicious replacement for higher-fat liquids, such as milk. Try pouring water on your cereal or in your coffee. If you’re a baby, try pouring water into your mother’s breasts.

Step 7: Buy a pet. Having a pet will force you to take walks, which are a form of exercise. This is true unless you make the mistake that I made, which was buying an iguana. Iguanas walk very slowly and smell strongly of turds. I really cannot dissuade you strongly enough from buying an iguana.

Step 8: Vigorous sexual intercourse burns up to two hundred calories per hour. Therefore, if you are not currently promiscuous, it is essential that you begin “boning” immediately. Start by having sex with every person you know. Then have sex with numerous people you have never met. Continue doing this until you are thin.

Step 9: Self-confidence is the most attractive trait a person can have. For this reason, strive to love yourself and accept yourself exactly as you are. This will be difficult if you are overweight, on account of your loathsome physical appearance and compromised value system, but do your best. And, if the going gets tough, remind yourself: every person is beautiful on the inside, provided that they are also extremely attractive on the outside.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Inspiration

"I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything." 
John D. Rockefeller 

The Fruitist

Today I met Ted the fruitist.
No word of a lie - this intriguing triathlete lives on nothing but fruit. He discussed his perspective passionately for nearly an hour and I listened fascinated....as focused as a 3 year old watching Spandy Andy. Ted the fruitist began his journey by cutting out meat and then dairy and then going vegan and then going raw and then cutting out everything but fruit (although he did eat a zucchini yesterday but that was a special treat). He referred me to a site called 30Bad (30 bananas a day....because that is how many flippin bananas this guy munches on in a day!!!). This diet breaks down to approximately 10% protein (although I didn't ask about how/if this covers all of the essential amino acids), 10% fat (who knew), and 80% carbohydrates. I would love to get Ted the fruitist in a room with Richard the carnivore who I met with a few weeks ago and just lock them in there to see what happens (probably Richard would win since he's got that I-love-eating-meat man vibe about him and the fruitist is feisty but his muscles were grown on watermelon). I think extremist views in nutrition (well - in everything really) are fascinating and I love that even if I disagree, they really make me think about what I DO believe. One thing I really do believe is that Ted must do a whole lot of pooping. Check it out:  http://www.30bananasaday.com



Friday, August 12, 2011

Gym skipper

Oh geez....I skipped the gym this morning for the first time since I started with Innovative. I am on day 5 of eating only what shows up at my door from Licious Living and I am pretty seriously detoxing from sugar and refined carbs....in all seriousness I am getting cold sweats, not sleeping well, having headaches....I am grumpy and emotional and pretty much a hollow shell of my former perky carb-laden sugar filled self.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Innovative Fitness Facebook post

It may finally be time to invest in the only asset you get to control the rate of return on. 
You. 
Get healthy - stay strong.

1924


The internet is a messed up & amazing tool

After my last post I thought "I wonder what crazy pictures there are of swollen feet on the net"(FYI - there's a few really good ones)....and in this journey I unwittingly came across this (summary)....


"How to lose ankle & foot fat:
So basically, if you are overweight, lose some of your overall body fat with a healthy diet and exercise.  Keep your feet and ankles nice and warm, especially in the winter months.  Rollerblade, or do other ankle strengthening exercises to keep your feet and ankles strong.  Visit a doctor if you think there may be an unusual problem with your feet or ankles.  Maybe you will reduce your foot fat and ankle fat and maybe you won't. 
How to lose crotch fat:
You may be asking yourself how to lose crotch fat and this is something men and women alike have to deal with. When you find you are overweight, this excess fat does not miss any one part of your body but for some people it focuses on one area more than others. If you are struggling with crotch fat alone, there are some simple exercises you can add to your workout regime to help eliminate this problem area for good. (they go on to talk about specific exercises here). Learning how to lose crotch fat can really help you gain the self confidence you need to continue on with your weight loss journey. There is no way to advance with weight loss goals if you do not have the self confidence and determination to continue. Losing fat in one area can really help you want to continue to any other problem areas you may have. Don’t be embarrassed by your crotch fat any longer. Take control of your weight and let it know it is not here to stay!"


Oh for the love of God - I hadn't even considered crotch fat?? I suppose some people gain a lot of weight here? I am suddenly so grateful for foot & ankle issues.

Apparently it's a fat-feet epidemic

I took this picture at the airport because it made me feel better about my own ankles....

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Getting things done...

It's been a few months now of balancing business, a full time personal clientele, social life, and a new shiny health program. I understand how so many people get overwhelmed by organizing life so that everything fits...and so often it's health & self that gets put on the back burner (case & point....see Leah Davis). I am reading a seemingly good book literally called "Getting Things Done" to help me get myself together so I can fit everything in without succumbing to mediocrity (can't say this hasn't happened to me...again.....and again). Truthfully my business partner Jenn gave me this book more than a year ago....ironic that I need to read the book to sort out how to make time to read the book?
Hopefully a more organized Leah will lead to room for more fitness, cooking time, and pure joy?

Nutrition: Thai & away

Well well like I have said repeatedly I am lacking success in the nutrition department....so instead of repeating the same action plan for 50th time in a row, I am changing it up (if something's not working...do something different?? weird idea). I am going to do a couple months with Licious Living (who I wrote about in June - see the Licious entry for info about the company) and hopefully this will give me enough time creating new, healthy eating habits to transition into doing it on my own. I will re-assess in a month or two and see if I should be continuing with Licious for longer, or if I feel solid in regular eating of healthy food in healthy portion sizes.

Today I ordered Thai for dinner since it is unlikely I will be eating delicious rich curry for a bit and it was soooooo expensive and not really that good....I think it's time for something new - a new plan, a new focus, a new menu :) In a few short hours my Monday meals will be delivered to my doorstep - all measured out specifically to my dietary & caloric needs with my goals in mind....should be interesting!
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Bloggy blog blog

Today was a good reminder about my commitment to this blog... 
1. I was talking about my huge concerning swollen feet (still huge and swollen and concerning FYI) with my business partner Jenn and she mentioned that she already knew about all the testing madness from reading my blog :)
2.  A client that I saw once at the beginning of 2010 came in for treatment and said to me that she is missing having a daily read (apparently she heard about it in a run group? well then - who knew)
I think that I forget sometimes that lots of people are checking in with me on this little trip and I need to get my blog-writing-self back on the regular wagon! Because I have had some challenges the last few months I keep avoiding the updates because they are neither funny nor entertaining...just plain same-old-frustrating-challenges-I've-had-for-a-while stuff. The truth, however, is that is what this journey looks like for me for real - some of it is boring...or embarrassing.....or repetitive (in fact I'm sure many people out there who want to see change to their current health can identify with dealing with the same frustrating issues over and over...it's not glamorous or funny or fascinating most of the time).
Off to bed - I am currently in the middle of a mini TrueBlood addiction and it is both keeping me up too late watching it and then continuing to keep me up with nightmares (last night some creepy something munched on my abdominal cavity...rad). Tonight I watched Project Runway instead and will hopefully get a long and restful sleep thinking about nothing other than designing an amazing gown that I will wear to my fabulous I-achieved-my-health-goals party!! 
(this wont post for some reason...hopefully by the morning!)

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Inspiration

Be miserable. 
Or motivate yourself. 
Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.
-Wayne Dyer

Home!!

I am back home and into the swing of things!
I thought I would have internet access often enough to keep my blog up to date on the escapades of Russian travel, but apparently I was wrong wrong wrong. Somehow the stories of eating tongue, being surrounded by dirt, hookers, & mullets, and sleeping in hotel rooms that contain dead birds no longer seem particularly valid so I will skip straight to where I am now...
I did pretty well nutritionally while I was in Russia - mostly due to the fact that I was in the middle of bum-hole nowhere and the only food I could find to eat late-night was dried fish (a no-go). I mostly stuck to nuts, eggs, meat (some that came from mystery animals), and salad...and lost 5 pounds yew! I am officially down 14 pounds and more than 10cms on my waist and am feeling like I'm finally seeing some progress.
Since getting home I am for sure feeling more motivated & focused and I'm pumped to take this new found energy and gain some momentum!