Foodie Friday: Mango Macadamia KIND

I've been gone a lot lately, and I will be gone again next week so finding things to always keep me full while on the "go" is not always the easiest thing. It is even more important, I think, when I'm away from home that I am feeling optimal!

I discovered the KIND Bars when I was in Montana. I was at a Starbucks and they had them. I picked up the Mango Macadamia one and it stated, "Mango Macadamia is delicious, all-natural, gluten-free and dairy free. This healthy snack bar is a rich source of fiber, low in sodium, and contains low GI and no trans fat." 

Runner's World Magazine even lists them as "Road Tested: Energy Bars!" 

Sure, there are a lot of calories and even fat, so it's not a bar that I would eat 4 times a day, but for those days when I'm on the run or just want something new they are perfect! They taste amazing! I love the Mango Macadamia combination - a little sweet mixed with a little salty!

There are many other flavors and types of KIND Bars. You can find them HERE. Go out and get yourself one today!

Speaking of Foodie Friday, I have been feeling Foodie Phenomenal! I have laid off on larger amounts of anything with seeds and nuts, though - even my flax. I believe it's those that cause me my lower stomach bloat. I have cut them for the most part this week and have not had problems. I did have 1/2 of a Mango Macadamia KIND Bar yesterday and no problems. Even when you eat healthy, you still must remember - everything in moderation!

Please forgive me if I'm not around yakking all things health/food and fitness this weekend. I am busy, busy, busy trying to finish my brand new website! The domain has been bought, and I am now just trying to get all the "ducks-in-a-row."

If you (or someone you know) have/has a health/fitness/foodie (or general passion for life) Blog that you want added to my BlogRoll on the new website, please email me, facebook me or tweet at me your link for consideration!

Happy Friday! CHEERS!

The Ugly "D" Word Meets its Match

I was gone from my home in California from July 8 - July 27th. That's an entire 20 days! The night before I left my Mom said to me, '"I can't believe you didn't "cheat" with food once."'

It was at that point when I realized how powerful my mind is.

Every other trip to Minnesota, even if just for a weekend, ALWAYS resulted in a "food mistake," which I told myself was okay because I'd "get back on track once I was back in California."

That old thinking is nothing more than another failed diet. Yes, the ugly, sinful "D" word: DIET. The old thinking says, "I'm on a gluten-free diet when it's convenient for me and so that I can tell all my friends I'm a trendy, gluten-free, intellect."

I never meant to be that way, but looking back that's exactly what I was.

I am proud of what I accomplished! But more than that....I am proud to say I'll never prescribe to the Ugly "D" Word again. And that "unprescribed" kind-of-medicine yields that beautiful, strong mind!

I've Been Hired!

 (In case you don't follow my site www.digitalmention.com - post from today!)


There is one less person on the job market now that #HireHoff has been hired!

If you remember, on June 14, 2010 I launched my Campaign #HireHoff.



I had an overwhelming amount of support during this time. Here were some of my favorites:

• "Also, an online acquaintance launched her ‘hire me’ campaign, #HireHoff, today. It’s such a creative way of putting yourself out there. I can’t wait to see the results!" - Amanda Miller
• Twitterview #92 - with Sarah Kay Hoffman (@SarahKayHoffman)
• "Attn. Hiring Managers ... When you see creativity like @sarahkayhoffman 's #hirehoffman campaign you should take action http://bit.ly/cmUWVX" - @socialnicole
• "This is good stuff RT @sarahkayhoffman: @josippetrusa @genychat #GenYChat tries Campaign #HireHoff Thoughts? http://bit.ly/hirehoff" - @GenYChat
• "U of Minnesota grad creates campaign around hiring her: http://www.digitalmention.com/hirehoff/ via LinkedIn group-- http://ow.ly/22hK0" - @wkellyo

Here are some Stats:

• According to this Poll, most people think it will take them 4-7 months to find a new job. It took me 43 days.
• Here is what you get if you Google #HireHoff.
• 409 people clicked on the direct bit.ly link.
• Viewer Geography: US, Canada, Australia, UK, Argentina, Netherlands, Germany, Latvia, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Norway, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Russia, Belgium, France and Singapore.
• Direct Traffic: 29.33%, Referring Sites: 67.03%, Search Engines: 2.91%.
• Currently a Top Landing Page for the site.

I had multiple people contact me during this time for various positions. I was able to network with some wonderful people, and I learned a lot about being proactive and managing my own brand: Sarah Kay Hoffman!

So what position did I take on that 43rd day?

Community Manager - Fitness/Sporting Goods (FitClub) - Sears Holdings Corporation.

If you know anything about me, you know that I am most passionate about Social Media and Health/Fitness/Food. Merging the two is an absolute perfect fit for me! I believe that a company who can take advantage of this will benefit - at least that's what I am making a 100% commitment to!

I look forward to learning about and engaging with the "community." I am excited to embrace change, growth and success in this role and bringing forth many posts to accommodate it all! (Please note: This blog will continue to be based on my personal views.)

At the end of the day, I can honestly say that even though I was forced into Campaign #HireHoff, it only re-confirmed that, "everything happens for a reason!"

Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch

It was Ryan's birthday this past week, so I surprised him with a mini-vacation to Quincy, CA to Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch. 

We had an amazing time! I always learn something new about myself each time I step out of any comfort zone. And this is the reason I love taking mini-vacations - traveling and exploring new places, especially with Ryan!

This time, we also brought the dogs with us. Greenhorn is extremely accommodating to dogs, so it worked perfectly for us!

Heading out of Town.

My Babies.

Ryan & Ms. Rae.

Ranch Chuckhouse.

Absolutely gorgeous views.

Getting ready to ride.

Ryan ahead of me on Dolly.

When Cody met Dolly.

Ranch Saloon.

Fiona hanging out in the Saloon with us.

Sweet, little girl who loved Fiona.

We loved the Saloon! Best Saloon Bartender around:)

Always in love with the country look.

Simple, beautiful and open!

The dogs loved all the space!

Running back to our room. Trying to catch up to Ryan & Reagan.

Driving home. Absolutely exhausted. (And yes, somehow we all fit in the front seat!)

If you ever have the chance to get to Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, I highly recommend it! They were the nicest, most down-to-earth people I've met in a long time! Everything about the place from the people to the atmosphere to the activities and overall ambiance is simple, stress-free, active and yet magnificently peaceful! 

Furthermore, I really love them because when I was researching "dude ranch" and stumbled upon them, I was able to find out even more about them via their Facebook Page and Twitter Profile! I was impressed with what I saw, and I truly believed that "sealed-the-deal" for me!

So what did I learn about myself this weekend?

1. Being active does not just mean "24/7 in-the-gym bootcamp-style rah-rah-rah." It can mean a weekend getaway (or any "daily getaway") with movement. We were highly active this weekend - always out running around with the dogs and horseback riding. I didn't feel an ounce of guilt for not being in the gym! (But I am also excited to begin my new program tomorrow!)
2. I love horseback riding! 
3. I CAN disconnect from my "digital life." I had no cell service. I barely jumped on my computer. Though it was tempting to be on the computer more, staying away from it from time-to-time is not only a good thing, but an absolutely critical thing for my mind, body and overall well being!

FINALLY, my husband and dogs reminded me that no matter where I am - California or Minnesota - HOME is truly where they are (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN - hope you loved it)!

And I hope all of your weekends were healthy, fit and fantastic as well! 

CHEERS!

Wild Card Wednesday

As I mentioned on Monday, many of my Blog posts will be more "themed." I am dedicating Wednesdays to all of you! 

People send me questions all of the time via email, private message and more. Typically people will preface their questions with, "I'm really sorry to be asking you this - I'm sure you get sick of people asking questions, but...." My response is always - "Please don't say sorry. I am happy to help and answer questions." The truth is that I believe the most positive thing about our lives is that we can take our own experiences (positive and negative) to benefit someone else. Mine just happen to be through health, fitness, food and an overall "zest" for life mixed with social media, marketing, personal branding and all things generation z.

That being said, Wednesdays are now "Wild Card Wednesday." To ask me a question, just go to my formspring profile & ask away! (http://www.formspring.me/sarahkayhoffman) Each time I answer (on Wednesday's only), I will have my answer automatically published to this Blog so you can all see the Question/Answer!

So what are you waiting for? Ask away! (ps. If you'd rather not ask via formspring, you can always ask via the comment section below, email or private message!)

CHEERS!

One Month Gluten-Free Anniversary

Happy One Month Gluten-Free Anniversary to me! 

Time flies when you're busy focusing! I remember how miserable I was just one month ago!

Here is my "Food List" to date! If you would like me to email you this Excel Sheet so you can track your own, please let me know, and I would be happy to share with you!

As I mentioned yesterday, Gluten Free is the (only) way for Me! It leaves me smiling, happy and healthy!

My brother JJ & I at the County Fair on Friday night! Blurry? Yes. Why? Because JJ's friend Matt was having issues at midnight getting it right:)

CHEERS! (And here's to month 2 of new discoveries, health, fitness & vibrance - all Gluten Free!)

Online Communities for Health Nuts

Just in case you have never ventured to the DigitalMention Blog, I thought I would share with you the posting I put up there today. The posting was called, "Health Nuts Unite via Online Communities."

There are so many places online for daily support, motivation and overall "acceptance" for whatever your interest is in health, fitness & food. I encourage you to find a community, participate, engage and "show up." You'll be surprised at the connections you can make and the rewards you'll reap from that! (Please let me know of any others I forgot - would love to add more to the list!)

It was another fabulous day for the "Sarah-Food Camp!" No problems to report. Perfectly "perfect" feeling. The only complaint I have is that due to the leg workout around 10:30am, I felt completely famished for the rest of the day. That's okay, though. I just listened to my body, ate and felt no bloat! 

Tonight for dinner I'm going to introduce carrots, as the thoroughly-steamed version. I may have a cup, with some sprinkled cinnamon on top! I'll report back:)

I am supposed to have my Endoscopy follow-up tomorrow. Seems as though my biopsy results are not in yet, so this may be rescheduled. I'm not happy about that. I'm not very patient! 

I'm looking forward to a great night sleep. I worked so hard at the gym today that I have a feeling I'll be out before 9pm!

CHEERS!

Updated Shoulder, Tricep, Bicep Workout

As I updated the Summer Leg Workout, so I did I with the other ones as well! Today I bring you the updated Shoulder, Tricep & Bicep Workout. Below you will see it. You can also click HERE for it.

1 (a). Rope/Cable Overhead Extension

1 (b). BB Military Press

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

2 (a). BB Skull Crusher

2 (b). DB Front Raise

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. - 

3 (a). Cable Pushdowns

3 (b). DB Lat Raise

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

4 (a). Tricep Pushup
4 (b). Alternate DB Press
4 (c). DB Curl

-  3 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

Remember yesterday when I questioned, "What more can you give?" These 3 "updated" workouts make me feel like I am 110% spent. Exhausted. Worked so hard that literally I might not be able to pull out another rep. 
 

So here is my new Shoulder, Tricep, Bicep Workout is just more intense (and interjects an Ab set):

1.  (a) Rope/Cable Overhead Extension, (b) BB Military Press
1. 6 sets, 12 Reps Rope/Cable Overhead (*40lb) - 12 Reps BB Military Press (20lb), RI-30 sec. (Next week it will be 7 sets.)
2.  (a) Ball Crunch with Weight, (b) Standing DB Side-to-Side
1.  6 sets, 15 Reps Ball Crunch (*25lb) - 15 Rep/each side Standing DB Side-to-Side (*25lb), RI-30 sec. (Next week it will be 7 sets.)
3. (a) BB Skull Crusher, (b) DB Front Raise
1. 6 sets, 10 Reps BB Skull Crusher (*25lb) - 10 Reps DB Front Raise (*8lb), RI-30 sec. (Next week it will be 7 sets).
4. (a) Cable Pushdown, (b) DB Lat Raise
1. 6 sets, 12 Reps Cable Pushdown (*60lb) - 10 Reps DB Lat Raise (7.5lb), RI-30 sec. (Next week it will be 7 sets.)
5. (a) Tricep Pushup, (b) Alternate DB Press, (c) BB Curl
1. 4 sets, 8 Reps Tricep Pushup - 10 Reps/each side Alternate DB Press (*7.5lb), 10 Reps BB Curl (*35lb), RI-40sec. (Next week I will try for 5 sets).

 The end! 

CHEERS!

Updated Leg Circuit Workout

I have an Updated Leg Circuit Workout from the one I shared with you a few weeks ago:

1 (a). Bulgarian Split Squat - no weight

- 3 sets; 12-reps/leg; RI = 30-40 sec. -

2 (a). Squat - no weight

2 (b). Moving/walking pushups - no weight
2 (c). Medicine Ball Chop

- 3 sets; 10-15 Reps/each; RI = 30-40 sec. - 

3 (a). Hamstring (in-and-out) on Ball

3 (b). Calf Raise -no weight

- 3 sets; 15-20 Reps/each; RI = 30 sec. -

4 (a). Bench Stepup - no weight
4 (b). Medicine Ball Chop + Squat
4 (c). Jumping Split Squats

-  3 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

My new Leg Circuit Workout is just more intense (and interjects an Ab set).

Here it is:

1. Bulgarian Split Squat (deeper) - no weight 
1. 5 sets, 12 Reps/Each Leg, RI-40 sec. (Next week it will be 6 sets.)
2.  (a) No-weight deep squat, (b) Walking pushup, (c) DB Chop
1.  5 sets, 15 Reps/squat - 8 Rep Walking pushup - 10 Reps (*15 lbs) DB Chop), RI between each set-40 sec. (Next week it will be 6 sets)
3. (a) Side (Oblique) Dips off bench, (b) Off-Bench V-ups
1. 3 sets, 10 Reps each side/oblique - 20 Reps V-ups, RI-30-40 sec. (Next week I'll try for 4 sets).
4. (a) Hamstring (in-and-out) on Ball, (b) No weight calf raise
1. 5 sets, 16 Reps hamstrings - 25 Reps calf, RI-30 sec. (Next week it will be 6 sets)
5. (a) No-weight bench step-up, (b) Stiff-Leg Deadlift, (c) Jump- Split Squat
1. 4 sets, 12 Reps each side/bench step up - 10 Reps (x40lb) Deadlift - 14 Reps Jump-Split Squat, RI-40sec. (Next week I will try for 5 sets).

Did I do Cardio afterwards? H#$% No! I was so tired! I warmed up for 5 minutes, and the entire workout took me just a little over 50 minutes to complete. I was super shaky and "spent" when I was done with that one! When you have little resting time in between sets and you're constantly moving, you are getting a double-whammy out of your workouts. 

While the "no weight" (or very low weight) might seem nonsense, it's not! Trust me, this was hard! But again, you always have to do what makes sense for you and your goals. My workouts are finally starting to make sense for me! (My proud moment in the gym today was when a lady came up to me and said, "Are you a trainer?" To which I responded, "No, sorry." And she said, "Hmmm...you look like you should be." #ThankYouMA'AM!)

So go ahead, give it a try! Let me know how it goes!


CHEERS!

 

But my Grocery Bill got in the way....

How many days/times have you thought to yourself either:

1. I would eat healthy/organic/gluten free/etc., but I can't afford it?
2. I'm trying to stick to this diet, but it's getting too expensive?

I think we have all been there at one point or another. I know that you can do all these things, but where most people get caught (me included) is having the time to "sift" through stores, ads, online, etc. for the best deals and best places to shop with the best prices to make this affordable!

Since my interest is finding these, what if I did this for you? I would invest my time in order to save your time, all while getting us healthy, fit and fabulous and being able to use the extra money to put towards a sassy, classy, hot new outfit or anything else your heart desires!

If you would be interested in this please do one of the following to help me get my process started:

1. Add a comment here, letting me know which (food and/or restaurant) places you shop at (or would like to shop at but just don't due to budget constraints - ie. Whole Foods).
2. Tweet at me, with any thoughts, places, needs & wants. 
3. Send me a Facebook Message on anything pertaining to this.
4. Take this Quick Poll for an easy submission. (If you don't want to take it there, please feel free to pick your options and Facebook Message me!)

Please remember: I am not promoting me for a "one-stop-shop" for any and all food needs. There are plenty of bloggers out there who do this. One of my favorites is The Frugal Find. What I am is someone who wants to bring you the best deals in health, fitness and food. For example, this doesn't mean I won't find deals on "chocolate," but I'm not going to bring you deals on Snicker's Bars. I don't promote them because I know there are much better alternatives. So, I might bring you deals on the best chocolate(s) for you (since Lord knows we all need some from time-to-time). 

Thank you for your help! 

CHEERS!

No Cheese like my Laughing Cow Cheese

Get your Laughing Cow Cheese today! No, really! There is nothing quite like my Laughing Cow Cheese. 

I'll let you in on a secret as to why I love them so much (two secrets actually):

1. The Laughing Cow Brand is all about living healthy, being fit, fabulous and achieving a vibrant life. Don't believe me? Check it out!
2. The obvious. The taste is unreal and the calorie count even more unreal. For 35 calories I get all the flavor I need when I make my "tofu-wrap" recipe (which you can view by clicking above on the "check it out!)

CHEERS!

An Unlikely Pizza

 One of my most favorite things to do is to take "bad" foods and make them "good." Why? Because I'm just like you. I love food - and I don't want to eat lettuce all day. I refuse to. But because I'm (supercalifragilisticexpialidocious) when it comes to food, health, fitness and working out, I am overly conscious about everything. Some call it annoying. I call it "why the hell can't everyone see the benefit of this?!" 

Since not everyone can or cares to, I do it, post it and hopefully those of you who try it love it, too! So....
 
Have at it! Brought to you by the CalorieKing.com, nutritionals on all your favorite pizzas! Scared? I'll help you with one. The average 14" Pizza, Cheese Topping, Original Crust has (per 3.6 oz/1 slice serving): 272 calories, 9.8g fat (4.4g saturated), 33.6g carbohydrates and 551mg sodium. And consider, this is the average, with only cheese and just one small slice. And let's be honest, we never have just one slice. Ever!

Pizza, done right, can simply be alright - for all of us! I wanted to gauge whether or not people are interested in this sort of "foodie post" before I put a ton of work in it. So I have to be honest when I say that I don't have the exact nutritionals, products and brands. But here is what I do know about my Pizza I made:

• Low-Carbohydrate, High Fiber Tortilla (80 calories and 12g fiber)
• Made with tortilla, low-fat cheese, sauce, extra-lean turkey and mushrooms
• We guessed it was less than 350 calories (for the entire pizza!)

Taste = A (you will only find an A+ when it's done exactly right to my "likes:)")

What you could do differently = Add more vegetables. They are super-low calorie and great for you (I have to be careful with them due to my stomach issues)  

What I would definitely do differently = 

1. Different sauce (Don't get me wrong, it tasted great, but I know there is a much lower-sugar one available at the same great taste.)  
2. Sprinkle some herbs and spices on after the sauce is on (zero-calorie flavor!)
3. Use a different cheese. I would attempt to make a Laughing Cow Cheese work because it's one of my favorites.

Beyond that, I'm all set! We had it on Friday night. It's a great Friday-night meal. Really...it's a great meal any night!

So tell me....what is your most FAVORITE "junk food" or otherwise "unhealthy food?" I'd love to cook up another "unlikely health food!"


CHEERS!

Workout: Day Off

Today is an "Off Day." And we need these days. They help us repair, recover and rest so that the next day we are better, stronger and ready as ever!

In case you missed them, here was Workout Day 1 and Workout Day 2.

Since it's an "Off Day" today and I don't have a workout to share with you, I wanted to offer up a deal! If you live in the East Bay area and are looking for a killer workout, I highly encourage you to check out the UFC Gym in Concord, CA. This is not just a Gym for Men. No, Women and Children participate in many things as well there! It's the Ultimate Fitness Experience. And remember what I said - ultimate usually yields faster results!

Click here to PAY ONLY $49 for a 1-month membership, 2 Personal Training Sessions and a Free Kids Club (normally $199). (But hurry...you only have today and tomorrow to take advantage of this!)

Maybe you'd like a shot at winning one of these? Click HERE to do so!

Have fun! If you are taking this as your "Day Off" with me, remember 2 things:

1. You should still get some sort of movement in. I will probably go for a walk with my husband and dogs or a bike ride. 
2. If you get the 1-month membership to the UFC Gym that will take you through this 4-week program. You could substitute any of your "cardio" for classes there!

Questions? Let me know! Feel free to reach out to me HERE!

CHEERS!

Leg Workout

Day 2 in the Workout is Legs (the lifting version of the Leg Workout). 

Recap:

Day 1: Chest/Back + HIIT Cardio

Day 2: Legs (lift)

Day 3: OFF

Day 4: Shoulder/Tricep/Bicep + HIIT Cardio

Day 5: Legs (Circuit)

Day 6: OFF

Day 7: HIIT Cardio + Abs

Here is what it looked like:

1. Smith Machine Deep Squat

- 4 sets; RI = 45 sec. -

2. Straight Leg Deadlift

- 4 sets; RI = 45 sec. - 

3. Ballerina Squat - slow

- 4 sets; RI = 45 sec. -

4. DB Calf Raise

-  4 sets; RI = 45 sec. -

DB Lunge - to - 2 minute uphill walk/run/sprint - to - DB Lunge. (2 times)

5 minute cooldown. Stretching.

My legs felt like Jello. I thought they might come off, but never fear, they are still here! And I feel great! Since I have 2 days of legs, this is the day where I lift heavy. I try to do heavy weight at only 8 reps. The second leg day is more reps in a circuit-style manner. You'll see!

CHEERS!

ME dot COM

My friend, Ted Rubin says, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... it's about learning to dance in the rain."

I absolutely love that! But it's time for me to act that out.


Lately, I have been too consumed with work. That's the problem with Social Media and having a career focused around a computer - it's always there! And I have let it consume me. 

Couple that with my inability to run, run, run and I have basically just been nearly "cooped-up," allowing myself to be burried in the computer. 


No More! I am not waiting for my "feet storm" to pass, feeling sorry for the fact that "I can't run." And I'm certainly not going to fore go it while sitting by my computer working!


Time for action! It's not realistic for me to say, "I promise to turn my technology off for 3 hours each day." And the truth is, I don't want to! I currently work with certain individuals who inspire me each and every single day. And for that, I give back my time, energy and brain. But, I must always remember ME first! So, like a diet, I'm not making promises I can't keep (the computer stays on!). The best laid plans will fail with unrealistic goals.

My new "goals" are in the works. I like to call them: ME dot COM. And what does that mean? It means merging my love for Health/Fitness and Food with Social Media once again! Remember ME on NIKE? One project has already begun with Mr. Bob Stanke, Director of Social Media for Lifetime Fitness.

But what will be next?! My "Wild" Card is out there....  

Head to the Front of the Class

Looking to work harder in your Fitness Classes? Want to be more motivated and be a motivat(or)? Then head to the front of the class!

This is what I learned yesterday in Mr. Gary Walker's Spin Class at Crunch Fitness in Blackhawk (Danville, California):

When you are in front-and-center, all eyes are on you or at least you tell yourself that! There is no giving up! If you give up, then the people behind you either think:

1. She's weak.

OR

2. I guess I could back off, too.

This was just a 45-minute spin class. I appreciate those because they are 45-minutes of hardcore "spinning," filled with HIIT, climbs, jumps and increasing/decreasing constantly. The class always leaves you pouring sweat.

What I found yesterday was that when I forced myself to be in the front of the class and mixed that with a short, 45-minute and high intensity class, I only had to be at the Gym for 45 minutes. Why? Because I was exhausted. I had used up all my energy. I felt phenomenal.

So don't be bashful. Head to the front of the class and work it, girl (or guy) - work it! Your body will thank you! 

Oh and ps. Crunch Fitness is by far the most fun gym I have ever gone to! The people there are outgoing, fun and sassy! There is so much energy constantly and the classes are "current!" You will get a phenomenal workout without ever feeling like you're working out (okay, that was a lie, you better feel like you're working out)! If you're interested in working out with us at the Crunch in Danville, CA find me on Facebook and message me or Tweet at me!

One Year Anniversary

It has been exactly one year today since I found out all the things I'm intolerant to.

I can't believe how time goes by. As I look back on the past year, the journey that's happened and all that has already been accomplished I can't help but smile.

I am thinking about 2 things on this day:

1.  Leah Vachani - Thank God for fabulous nutritionists like Leah. I have worked with her for the past year. If it weren't for Leah, I would not be where I am today. If you have been following my Blog all along, you know that we had to try many things before we found out what actually worked for me. But never once did Leah recommend medication or anything unnatural. She was patient and listened to what I was telling her. She modified when needed. And so I listened to her every word because I trusted her. I am so thankful for that!
2. I am Just Getting Started - I still have my struggles. Each and every day. Why? Not because I'm necessarily trying to figure anything out, but because the information I am armed with is not the information I want. Knowledge is Power. But with this power comes decisions I must make each and every day:

• They begin at 6am, when all I want is an egg white omelet with a piece of toast and sugar free jam (NONE of which I can have). And I've got to be honest - that makes me want to cry. 
• And then when I'm trying to achieve fitness goals, but I don't know if I'll ever get there with my hundreds of restrictions. I need to have oatmeal with protein powder or fish with quinoa or chicken and a sweet potato. Yes, I can have the fish and chicken in those scenarios, but it's the carb that I'm lacking. The good carb. And without that carb it's a vicious cycle I circle around: Lack of food - hungry - craving more fruit - more hungry - not enough calories - difficult to build/maintain muscle - repeat. Let's be honest, there is only so much meat I can handle. As a matter of fact, day-in and day-out it makes me super grossed out.
• Finally, going out to eat in restaurants or being out with friends is embarrassing for me. When I order and say, "I just want salmon - plain - no seasonings or anything on it - skip the side," I feel like I'm high maintenance. Typically they don't get it. I don't expect them to. Or when we're out with new people oftentimes I try to "hide" what I order or just simply say "I'm not hungry." I feel like an anorexic. And that's not the case. It just gets old answering 100 questions, when I just want to have fun and enjoy the company of people - not the (unwelcomed) company of food that will probably make me look 9 months pregnant within 3 minutes.

BUT AGAIN, despite all that, I am looking back and smiling. I'm happy to know that I have days that are near flawless now (today is NOT one of them - ha - coincidentally). And those days give me hope for this next year. I am happy that there are people in my life who understand and support me. But mostly, I think I'm the most happy because of the commitment I've made to me! This is not ever going to be easy, but because of it, I know me so well. I know how to listen to my body. I know when something is right and when it's not right. And I take care of it - because I'm worth it. And how can you not smile about a respect like that?!

Cheers to (an even better) Year 2!

What's Your Reason?

There is a reason behind everything we do. And there is a choice that precedes every decision we make. And thus is the reason for the decision. Sounds deep. But it's not!

Today was a "rest day" for me in my workout schedule. I did a hard leg workout yesterday and it's typically the day after that that I will take my rest day. So that only leaves 1 (maybe 2) days a week that I'm not in the gym. But today I was reminded again of WHY only taking 1-2 days/week off is max for me.

Remember why I started this blog in the first place? If not, refer here. I have a form of Colitis. I am food intolerant. And I have stomach and mouth problems that drive me crazy most of the time. BUT, I try not to focus on them. I focus on things I can do to alleviate them. 


There are 2 ways for me to do this:

1. Through food (or lack thereof)
2. Through my workouts

My post today is not about food. It's about the working out portion. Working out is my "friend." Literally. It's a 110% positive relationship. I think we all strive for our relationships to be like this! For me, working out = less stomach problems. Working out = a better attitude and frame of mind. Working out = control (over my stomach issues).

I will choose, almost each and every day of my life, to workout - I have decided this. And my reason is because it helps me manage all the random stomach problems I have. Ok....and I'll admit, my other reason is to keep it rockin' my entire life! 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and above - always keep it rockin', healthy and fit!

So tell me, what's YOUR reason?!

My Broken Yoga Relationship

Phase 2 of P90X is going great! 3 days a week I workout 2x/day. And I love it! Crazy and intense, yes, but it's making me feel so "alive!"

Yesterday was the Yoga X Day. I have realized something about this workout and Yoga in general. Relaxing - sure. Difficult - definitely. Fun - mostly. But, I just can't stay committed to it! 

Here is my personality, for those of you who have not yet gathered it: I constantly have 100 things on my mind. I am thinking about the next thing before I have finished saying the first. I can't sit still. I don't like long periods of silence. I love to be social. I love moving. I am full of life and energy. I would rather run 10 miles than be confined to anywhere for longer than 30 minutes. I'm not extremely patient. Slow movement gives me a hint of anxiety. (My list really could go on an on....but I think you get this "idea of me!")
 
It came as no surprise to me when I finally admitted to myself: Yoga is probably just not for me! There is nothing wrong with Yoga, in fact, I recommend and support it 110%. But for ME, I believe it's a broken relationship. 

And here's the deal, Yoga is so good for me/us. For me, I need it to help me continue to heal from workout injuries. And so I will continue to do it from time-to-time. But I will admit - I will not be doing it once a week for 1.5 hours at a time. Again, it just does not sit well with my personality. 

And one more thing you should know: Working out, staying fit and being healthy is not about doing so by means in which don't fit your own personality! If you hate running, don't do it! If you would rather watch paint dry then swim 10 feet, stop! Do something you love! Find the activity that has you waking up in the morning saying, "Bring it! I can't wait to workout!" It's then, and only then, when you will realize that you will NEVER "workout" another day in your life!

Running, weights, dancing, biking, hiking, skiing, kickboxing and circuits - those are my "perfect" fitness relationships! Cheers! 

P90X: Makes You Feel So Great!

It was another successful week for me and Mr. P90X! I completed my 3rd week today, with Round 3 of Kenpo X. 



I am addicted to this workkout style! Truly. Addicted. How can that picture, pose and "energy" not make you want to dive right in? 


After doing this workout for 3 weeks, I believe that the Kenpo X is my favorite workout! The workout has you moving, sweating, kicking and punching. I feel like Hillary Swank in Million Dollar Baby each time I do it. (Of course, let's be honest...I'm nothing like that yet!) I believe that Kenpo X is a fabulous workokut for my mind as well. It's the one workout where I am literally thinking about nothing but working harder and harder, trying to perfect each move. 


Tomorrow I head to Vegas for the weekend. I'll have to "rearrange" my P90X workouts a little. Tomorrow is technically a "rest day" and then Saturday I would head into Week 4: Recovery Week. Once I am back on Sunday I will resume into the Recovery Week. I'm looking forward to that week!


It's amazing how my entire attitude about working out has changed to a degree from P90X. Monotony is not an option for me ever again! Shaking it up, mixing it up...keeping things fresh and new is the only option here on out! 


With 20 days under my belt, I feel confident and I am excited for what's yet to come!


CHEERS!