Don't give up!

Yesterday I worked out with my husband..Core Synergistics..from P90X.  I of course had to modify a lot of the moves to fit me and my strengths but what I found in the process is that I could get a great workout!  It was different than Dan’s but it was a great one for me!   This workout was all about working my core which is difficult for me since I have reduced feeling from my chest down.  I have to position myself in ways that work the muscle group targeted and trust that the muscles are working even though I can’t feel them.  It is strange because I can feel more on the left side of my body so a logical person would assume that if I can feel it on one side than the other side would have to be working as well.  I just kept telling myself to move..if nothing else..just move your arms..move what you can move!  It must have worked because I am sore all over today! J  Thank goodness for P90X Results and Recovery Drink and Shakeology!

My point with this is do not get frustrated if you can not perform exactly like it shows on the DVD or  if you feel like you didn’t do as well as you expected to do.  It is easy to say..this doesn’t work for me because it’s too hard.  At that point I look at it as I have the ability to grow into the program.  Be creative!  There is a reason that Tony Horton continually says “modify”!  It will be hard in the beginning because you will not be used to working the muscles correctly, but as you continue following the program you will get stronger and the moves that you struggled with will become easier and you will see results!  You just have to stick with it..don’t ever give up!

Eating Clean as a Busy Person

Don't forget Breakfast!!!!

Choose healthy, quick breakfast foods.  I love eating oatmeal with cinnamon, almond milk and a touch of Agave nectar made in the microwave.  Fresh Blueberries are great it oatmeal as well.  If I am really pushed for time Shakeology makes a wonderful breakfast too!

• Plan 15-20 minutes for lunch – focus on eating, enjoy it.  

The key word here is plan.  If you don't plan your day, it is easy to just grab the easiest food available.  This leads to poor food choices and will derail your fitness and weight loss journey.  

• Eat a healthy snack before and/or after attending long meetings or outings.

If you know you will be unable to eat for longer than 2 hours you have to have something to nourish your body for your mental and physical needs.  This is when most people gravitate to the vending machines..yuck!  Take a P90X protein bar or a small baggie of healthy snacks to at least keep your blood sugars constant.

• Opt for two smaller healthy appetizers at business lunches or go ahead and choose a nice big salad with a lean protein (chicken, fish, turkey)

• Try to limit the cheese, dressings and carb overload.  If you work late, bring enough food with you to work to satisfy your meals

• DO NOT constantly over indulge on the weekend after a hard week

• DO incorporate your little indulgences occasionally..just NOT everyday.  If you are craving something, use it as motivation to complete your workouts everyday and then treat yourself every once in awhile.  Then move on and keep working out!  It keeps us sane, and eventually you will find that your little "treats" really don't taste as good as you expect!

• STAY hydrated..Drink constantly throughout the day.

• This is the easiest tip to say and the hardest to follow.  I encourage you start slowly if you are not used to drinking water throughout the day.  If you drink large amounts you will find yourself frustrated by your body's inability to absorb the liquid and reduce the amount you are drinking.  I liken my body to a sponge.  If I don't drink water regularly it becomes like a dry sponge and the water just runs off.  If I am patient and give my body water consistently,  it will become like a wet sponge and begin to absorb the water for my body to use.

• BE PREPARED 

Do you see a theme here?  :)  This pretty much covers everything!  Plan your meals and your fitness at least week in advance so you have a schedule to follow.  Always have something on hand..in your desk, your purse, your computer bag, etc. just in case something unexpected comes up.  If you don't take the time to take care of yourself, no one will.

Cleaning up your nutrition is NOT about being perfect…it is about being practical!

I started my transformation very confused about nutrition.  I come from a family with a long history of dieting.  Unfortunately that also meant I was not very informed about the proper way to eat.  I remember counting calories when I was 12 years old trying to find the key to being healthy.  If something was low in calories then it had to be good for me.  After that it was a low fat diet.  I was still very confused since I would eat hot tamales by the handful telling myself that I could do that because there wasn't any fat it them.  I would love to say I was still 12 years old when I thought that but I wasn't..I was 22!  Guess what?  I didn't lose weight that way either.  I tried every fad diet I could, looking for a quick fix.  I was so afraid I would eat the wrong food that at times I just wouldn't eat!  It wasn't until Beachbody that I learned how easy it is to eat the right food..lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats..all the necessary items a person needs to feed their body.  I also learned during my first round of P90X that it was okay to have a little treat every now and then..just not ALL the time.  When we are trying to change our lives we become so hard on ourselves.  I expected success immediately and did not want to fail.  If for some reason I made a mistake, I would  become so disappointed in myself, thinking I would have to start all over again.  I have relaxed a little, knowing that one little piece of naughtiness isn't going to derail all my hard efforts.  My goal is to eat clean 85% of the time.  That way if I do slip a little, I know I'll pick it up again tomorrow.  You can do the same. :)