I'm Liking It

The 28 Day Vegan challenge is like getting in a car and just driving. I have no road map, but I can figure out what's vegetarian and not crap food. I have a great book that I'm digging into again and for lack of a better term, I'm mapping my own course. I'm doing a great job and I think I'm feeling a detox coming on as I'm feeling a little tired, run down, and emotional. I bet if I stick with it, drink lots of water, keep up with the gym, I suspect I'm going to feel really good in a couple of days. I'll let you know!

Doctor Oz

I've been watching Dr. Oz's new show and I'm feeling very inspired to take his 28 Day Vegan Challenge. So today is the day. Week one is the cold turkey reset of my system, nothing with a face on it is in my diet. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains and nuts. No vegetarian food that is processed like chips, cookies, etc.

I ate a vegetarian diet for more than a year back in my twenties. I never felt better. I'm expecting to feel really great again! Happy Monday!

Kickboxing = So Sore!

I did a cardio kickboxing class yesterday and I'm so sore! It was a great class, it was really tough, and it pushed me hard. Maybe, too hard. I can't all the way explain it, but have you ever seen yourself and suddenly realized you are now seeing yourself the way you really are, the way you really are?

During this class, the room has mirrors everywhere and all I see is this fat, stocky middle-aged woman huffing and puffing while trying to keep up with the class. All I wanted to do was walk out, but that would be admitting that the fat, stocky middle-aged woman is real. She is real, I know that, but I don't like it and I'm not a quitter. There is so much more to this and I'm not sure how much I want to share, but I'm struggling right now and really need to get a grip on some solid, sound actions. I have some thoughts and feel like this kind of shift in my mental attitude is often the catalyst to a major change. I'll share more on Monday. I'm struggling but also feeling hopeful that this low is the start of a good, solid, healthy cycle.

Still Tired, But Back To The Gym

I made it to the gym and actually had a great workout. Did my full 45 minutes on the treadmill and did a round on the weight circuit. I haven't forgotten that I want to run a 5k, but Dave was correct on our lack of time. I still have it on my list, and I'm still working toward it, but it's not likely happening this month. Can I go back to sleep now?

I Did Great!

Las Vegas is like going on a cruise. The fun never stops, food is available around the clock and so is alcohol! When I drink, I get careless about my diet, not to mention the extra calories in the drinks themselves.

I did drink but I did not eat at a single buffet, I didn't eat any midnight meals, and Dave and I even went running. I didn't gain any weight and was very aware of my weight loss goals. All that said, I'm extremely exhausted and plan to sleep every chance I get.

So, How Did I Do?

I just got home, but I can tell you I was very diligent about what I ate, how much, and when. In Las Vegas, it's easy to find yourself sitting down to a meal at midnight. I didn't let that happen and I did make it to the gym. I have to do my due diligence and face the scale and tape. I'll let you know the gory details on Monday! Laughing!

How Long Are You Doing?

It's easy to see that you can get in a little exercise no matter how busy you are. My understanding of cardio is that you need to do at least 20 minutes to get to the fat burning stage, every minute after that is much more effective, but you know, some is better than none.

I'm at a point where my bare minimum is 30 minutes when I'm crunched for time and a full hour when I'm not so overbooked. What did you do this week to take action and get back to working out? I'm still down 8 lbs and I plan to keep at it.

We are off to Las Vegas for the ABC Kids Expo this week, so no doubt I will be challenged, but I plan to bring my running shoes and get to the gym at least three times. I'll let you know how I did when I get back!

You Made It To 15...

You might as well do 20! I'm just saying. What I'm finding is that if I can run for 10 minutes I can run for 100. It's so much more a mental game than a physical one. Yes, you need to build up the body, too, but the body adjusts much faster than the mind in a lot of cases. I don't find an issue with changing the way I think about things, the trouble is with keeping the good or working thought in place! Do something physical today and Happy Friday!

Active Kidd

We have a new publication here in Auburn called Active Kidd. It's a local magazine that focuses on activities for kids like gymnastics, swimming, martial arts, and more! They are publishing things like when soccer and baseball sign-ups are and even a list of Kidd Runs, fun runs for youth of all ages. What a great idea!

I plan to submit an article for the next issue and ZipperBack Gloves is advertising. What better place to let people know about our gloves than a publication that promotes playing outside? Though many of the activities are focused on Placer county, there is plenty of good information about healthy lunches, candy and dentistry & Halloween and so much more!

Check them out on line at http://www.activekidd.com/.

15 Minutes

Create a burn. Speed walk when you normally toodle, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and ride your bike when you can instead of drive. Look for "burst of energy" opportunities. You're gonna be amazed by how many mini workouts you can squeeze into a day. If you normally take your dog for a walk after dinner, alternate one-minute bursts with five minutes of brisk walking. Start with 15 minutes and build up until you're sprinting for five minutes and walking for one.

If you're anything like me, even that little success will fuel your fire to do more and go farther. No matter, short or long, it's all good!

10 Minutes

Build up to more time. Do some toning exercises while at work. To tighten your behind, stand with your feet apart, holding on to your desk for balance. Slowly lift one leg out two feet out to the side, squeeze your buns and slower lower it back down. Repeat and switch legs. To tone your arms, sit upright in your chair and press the palms of your hands together (like you're praying) in front of your chest, hold it for five slow breaths Relax and repeat four times.

It's a series of little actions that make the job easier and once it gets a little easier, you don't mind spending more time doing additional exercises. On Wednesday, 15 minutes!

5 Minutes

Don't worry about a little sweat when you think of getting a moment of exercise in your mid morning work day. If you can make a five minute brisk walk happen, do that. If not stand up and do some stretches. Reach your arms way above your head, look up, reach a little higher on the right and then on the left. Breathe and let your arms down. Now, slowly bend at your waist and touch your toes. Stay down as long as you can and still be comfortable. Finally, put your arms strait out and your sides and twist in fluid easy turns. This little bit of action is enough to get your blood flowing and make you feel invigorated! All it took was a mere five minutes!

Again, it's the small things you can do that keep fitness and exercise on your calendar. On Monday, what you can do in ten minutes.

What Can You Do In Just Minutes?

Today I was running short on time but I didn't want to miss my workout. It's a fact that if I miss too many days, my workout loses it's place on my calendar. Today, I made a point of getting to the gym, getting on the treadmill for 20 minutes (I ran for 15 of those 20 minutes) and headed back home. The owner of the gym smiled at me, completely understanding that instead of blowing the workout off, I did a mini one.

Consistency is key, so even if you only have 20 minutes make it happen. I've got a few tips for what you can do in 15 minutes and less Stay tuned!