Posts Tagged ‘food

13
Oct
14

The Flip of Change

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. The one constant in this life is change. It’s been months since I sat down and took the time to spill my guts to my forum readers. It’s taken me that long to get my balance after the huge flip of change I’ve gone through.

Since my last blog, my oldest son and daughter in law have gifted me with the most beautiful granddaughter, I’ve sold my partnership interest in the crossfit gym to my business partner, and lastly, my spousal unit has retired after 30 years on the job.

Let’s start with flip change one, the beautiful granddaughter…she’s healthy, she’s just what I needed to soften up my rough and tumble boy/man filled world.  She came in to this world at 7 pounds and 12 oz on August 27th. I am overwhelmed with love for her.

Piper Hope 8-27

Shortly after the birth of that little bundle of pink, came flip change number two.

Flip change two, I sold my partnership interest in the gym. This has to be the single most bittersweet personal change in the past 15 years. Leaving the athletes I helped to groom was like letting go of part of my soul. This decision was made in part by flip change number three. But let’s talk about the part of this which has impacted me the most. Going it alone. I have spent the past 13 years in the fitness community, either in a regular gym, or a crossfit box. All of which have contributed to the successful change in lifestyle I’ve made. After close to two full years of coaching 3 mornings per week, I suddenly found myself with more time to myself. I’ve never trained alone in my own garagegym107, instead I’ve always thought I had to get up and go somewhere to keep my discipline on track.

After all was said and done with the sale of the partnership, I found myself in need of solitude. I began working out in garagegym107 with earnest. Each morning, I get up and build my new routine. It’s not the same, it will never replace the camaraderie I felt when coaching, or how I felt just being in the box working out. It’s not the same but it’s doable and do I will. I could feel sorry for myself and have a pity party, but I won’t. I will do what I’ve always done, get stronger. Stay the course. Be grateful I have what I need. Be grateful.

GG107 11-5-12

And lastly, flip change number three, the retirement of the spousal unit. A million questions have crossed my mind since he made his decision. My number one concern was “Is he doing this too early?”. Only he could answer that.  Shortly after announcing his submission to retire, he was approached by multiple companies offering positions. He has accepted the one he felt the most drawn to, the one that fits. I’m proud of him and for him. He could have been a crusty old bastard no one wanted around. So we celebrate his part-time position that will help him transition fully in to retirement without being rushed. Now he has more time to make lists, not honey do’s, but instead his do’s.

S3

For me, I’m keeping my consistency, doing what I need to do to stay on track. I’ve added a little swim, bike, run to my training plan and things are progressing nicely. It feels good to be back in the land of the writers putting my junk out there for all to read. Coaching is my passion. And in time I’m sure I’ll be taking on more coaching opportunities, but for now, I’ll coach myself on down the changing roads of life.

Remember, it’s not the change that throws you off, it’s your response to change. Rise to the occasion every change you get!

15
Jul
14

Carole 165# Dead-Lift

I have some pretty amazing clients.  I’m blessed and grateful all at the same time. I’ve been working with Carole for a year and a half now.  We’ve been focused on over-all body strength.  Carole just turned 65 years young a little over a week ago.

Today, she dead-lifted more than her body weight. This is one of the most inspiring progressions I have witnessed.  You see, we don’t train dead-lift once a week, once every two weeks, and some times we go a full month in between dead-lifting at all.  Instead we work on all over body strength.  The style of training varies.  Kettle-bell training, dumbbell training, barbell training, and body weight training.  She never says no to anything I ask her to do.  She does band assisted pull-ups, ring-rows, barbell hip thrusts, sit-ups, anything I ask. I hope this blog will encourage other women to reach out to a reputable personal trainer and get you some strong! Find someone you are comfortable with and get busy.  Change doesn’t happen overnight.  Change happens with practice.  Consistent practice.

Congratulations Carole!!

Carole 165DL 7-14

07
Jul
14

Baby Steps and Monster Leaps

A couple of weeks ago I posted an update on passing my Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach’s certification.  It took a bunch of baby steps to get on with it after procrastinating for a good while.  I learned a lot of lessons along the way.

Just a few of them are:

1) You’re never too old to reach for amazing.

2) Procrastination is still my crutch, even after all these years.

3) You can never learn enough concerning a topic you are passionate about.

Fast forward a couple of weeks later.  I’ve committed to the Level 2 Coaching program with Precision Nutrition.  It’s a year of intense training toward becoming an even more effective coach.  I’m humbled and honored to have this opportunity.

Baby steps and monster leaps to better coaching.  I consider this Level 2 a monster leap for me.

Believe it

 

 

25
Jan
14

Moving Past That Place

Twice this week I’ve had conversations with women who find themselves at a crossroads.  It’s the crossroads to long-term change.  It’s a frightening place to be.

To the left is everything you know, comfort, habit, status quo, the norm, the place you’ve known for what could be your whole life, failures, the past.

To the right is belief, discomfort, truth, health, happiness, knowledge, pressure, fear of the unknown, trials, failures (yes you have failures on both roads), wisdom, desire, change, gratitude.

I know this crossroads all too well.  In the spring and summer of 2010 I stood at the very same crossroads.  I had just won the Body-for-Life challenge which had been a goal for 9 years. Everyone thought I had it all figured out. What people around me didn’t know, was what was happening on the inside. Even my best friends had no idea.

I was terrified. Afraid I’d back slide back to the 328# person I used to be. I was terrified I would fail again. I was terrified that I was a fake. I was afraid I didn’t believe in myself as much as others believed in me. I was afraid of the future.

Looking back on that crossroads now it seems silly. But at that time the fear was very real, very much a part of my daily life.

In order to overcome that fear, I had to put some daily habits in place. Below are the most important ones listed in the order of importance for me.

  • No Negative Self-Talk. EVER
  • Write down 3 things I’m grateful for daily
  • Write down 3 positive affirmations about my body daily
  • Get the fear out of your head

These things may look trivial to some, but to a person who doesn’t believe in themselves, I believe these things are a game changer.  Let me elaborate.

  • No Negative Self-Talk. EVER

Negative self-talk is the single most detrimental habit a person can develop.  Negative self-talk comes up when you look in the mirror, when you are handling your personal finances, when you go to work, when you parent your children, in your marriage.  It’s everywhere. SHUT. IT. DOWN. You are worthy of greatness, no-one, not even yourself should tell you otherwise.

  • Write down 3 things you’re grateful for

Gratitude helps you realize in the big scheme of things you’ve got it really good. Be grateful you’re healthy and not fighting for your life. Be grateful you have a roof over your head. If you are reading this, be grateful for the very device allowing you to see this, even if it’s a loaner. Be grateful for the simplest things in your life. Once you remove your “woe is me” tunnel vision, you get to fully see what you have to be grateful for.

  • Write down 3 positive affirmations about my body daily

I don’t mean the same things every day.  Each day find 3 things you love about your body.  They may or may not have a thing to do with your physical appearance.  I love my eyes because they allow me to see things.  I love my strong and powerful legs that allow me to move heavy things. I love my ears because they allow me to hear beautiful music.

  • Get the fear out of your head

If you are afraid of something talk about it with a trusted friend, a person who’s walked this path before you, or if nothing else, write your fear down in a journal.  What I found over time was the fear was much, much greater in my head than it ever was out in the open.  I’ve written letters to people and then burned them (very healing). I have sobbed on my friend’s shoulder when faced with the realization I wasn’t going to reach a goal I set. Getting your fear of failure out of you mind clears the space so that it can be filled to the brim with positive and grateful thinking.

All of the above may seem trivial, but if you are at the crossroads of significant weight loss, throw these habits in to play and see if you don’t find some peace from the constant fear of back-sliding.

Want it more than afraid of it

22
Jan
14

Strong Legs

It seems like all I write about lately is the legs.  Well mostly anyway.  I’ve neglected to push my legs at the same level I’ve pushed my upper body, so now I’m playing catch up.  I’ve used every excuse under the sun for the past four years as my excuse for not being more goal oriented on these strong legs.

As most of my readers know I’ve lost a lot of weight, with the losses, I’ve gained some unflattering skin issues on these strong legs.  THAT has been my number one excuse for not being overly concerned with them.  The whole “I’ll never wear shorts again” excuse.

Well as you can tell I’m sucking it up and getting busy changing these strong legs into even stronger legs.  The lower body contains the largest muscles in the whole body.  The more I work them, the more dense with muscle both the legs and glutes will become.  I will burn more calories as well, like a big old furnace.  I can’t wait.

I don’t expect them to be perfect because that would certainly be unrealistic.  I’m all too familiar with unrealistic expectations, they set you up for failure.  All I will say is that I have before pictures and I’m making videos along the way of this journey.  I will stay the course and you guys will get sick of the updates.  Until then I’ll keep sharing what I’m doing and you guys can cheer me on.

 

14
Jan
14

Torn Between Two Loves

Here lately I’ve been struggling.  No not with food, that’s dialed in quite nicely actually.  I’m torn.  Torn between my love of bodybuilding and my love of barbell building.  When I do one with serious focus, I feel like I’m cheating on the other.  It sounds so silly but really it’s not.

Every morning I get up at 4am.  Spend about 15 minutes getting ready to head out to the gym.  If I do not have an iron clad plan of what I’m going to do in a given workout, I will falter.  Monday and Friday are hard-core bodybuilding lifting days because I have much more time.  Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, I teach at 5:30am class so that only gives me about 30 solid working minutes after I’ve warmed up.  Saturday or Sunday when I’m afforded the time, I’ll sneak in another good workout and it rotates between barbell and body building.  Here lately, I’ve decided to use those 3 shorter training times for barbell work.  Man I love it.

I’m reminded every time I pick up the bar that I’m strong, but the bar can be stronger.  I’m also reminded that my training over these past few years has really changed my functional fitness and ability level. At almost 51 years old I can do things I wouldn’t have dreamed of doing in my 30’s.

I read an article the other day that really struck home for me.  It talked about the fact there are no studies showing eating healthy and exercising will prolong your years.  Then it went on to talk about the quality of your life with strength training versus quality of life with out it.  I already knew this, but it was quite gratifying to read it in black and white.  I don’t care how long I have left, I just want that time to be spent as fit as I can possibly be.

So more motivation to lift!  And more motivation to stop trying to choose between the two disciplines.  I fully believe they compliment each other.  The video below in particular reminds me of my functional ability.  My form isn’t perfect, but my technique is improving with practice.  If you have any doubts about whether weight training is for you, at minimum look into it.  It will make you sore some days, those days will simply remind you that you are growing in your fitness.  I look forward to being the little old lady in the corner lifting.  Absolutely.

30
Dec
13

L3 Workout 1

I’ve decided the very best way to be accountable is to post my workouts here so my blogging buddies can hold me accountable and so they can offer support when I don’t quite have it right.  This morning was a good lesson.  I am prone to getting nauseated on leg days.  I always have been, especially when I make the mistake of thinking I can do a workout on coffee.  Lesson learned.

Workout

Lying Leg Press
90#   x 15 reps
180# x 15 reps
230# x 15 reps
360# x 15 reps
 
Barbell Hip Bridge
95#   x 15 reps
95#   x 15 reps
105# x 15 reps
105# x 15 reps
105# x 13 reps
Courtesy Patrick Striet YouTube
 
Single leg Bulgarian Squats (body weight)
3 sets x 15 reps each leg
 
Side Shuffle With Versa Band (above knees)
4 sets x 15 steps Blue Band
Versa Band
26
Dec
13

Surviving the Crash and Burn

Today is the day after Christmas.  Today is the day after a lot of folks crash and burn. Crash and burn=totally fall off track with fitness and nutrition and spend weeks trying to recover.

Here is a quick list of what to do to help you get back on track.

  • Throw out the crap, guilt free, ALL of it
  • Drink water like it’s your job, it will help you rehydrate and cleanse your system
  • Forgive yourself
  • Stop talking about how bad you feel and how bad you suck, so you crashed and burned, move on
  • Stop putting off today, the reckoning day, until Monday, or January 1st or whichever day you feel you need to prepare for, start today, right now
  • Get a clean meal in to your system
  • Get what you need to prepare more clean meals
  • Start a list of goals for 2014
  • Get thee to the gym and move something heavy quickly
  • Rinse and repeat

Remember there isn’t a final countdown of food consumption before starting some new fad diet on January 1st.  Get your head right, get your house, apartment, desk, etc., cleaned out and replace any crap with clean staples and get a move on.  Consistent clean meals will help boost your MOJO as much as a good solid workout will.

And remember this….

Before 10-2000

Didn’t turn into this….

IMG_3607

Because I don’t know what the hell I’m talking about.  Now get on with it.

23
Dec
13

Support Networking

I started this blog a few days ago and set it aside.  After having conversations with a few people, I realized this was a topic really worth writing about.  Over the course of my journey, there has been one thing that stands out on the higher level of importance scale and that’s support networking.

What is support networking?  Anything/anyone that helps you stay the course long term.  Anything/anyone that helps you jump the next hurdle in your journey.  Anything/anyone that forces you to acknowledge when you are allowing fear to impede your progress.

Along the journey of long term weightloss, there are unexpected hurdles that most people don’t even realize they are tripping over.  It could be an internal fear of failure.  It could be an episode or two of yo-yo dieting, just when you think you’ve figured things out you slide backwards.  It could be the unrealized truth of giving power to food. Food has no power, unless you give it power.

Build a support network.  Find someone who has gone before you, someone that could be a year or so ahead of you along the journey.  Anyone worth their salt will be happy to help you.  I know I would.  Because if it were not for the people who politely but firmly pointed me in a direction, a direction that allowed me to get out of my own way, who knows where I might be?

Build yourself a network by starting with the person in the mirror.  Trusted friends, who want you to be successful may tell you something you don’t want to hear.  That usually means it’s exactly what you need to hear.  This person/people will listen to you and not criticize you, they will believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself.  Surround yourself with people who have similar goals.  People who want to take it to the next level.  Offer your own support to them.  You never know who wants to be where you are today. Start paying it forward and you’ll realize and respect how far you’ve already come and you’ll likely realize it’s not as hard as you are making it.

Me teaching a new found friend how to KB Swing several years back.  We are still close and support one another.  Everyone has set backs, everyone could use a hand.  A simple message of encouragement goes a very long way.

kb demo 10-8-2011

 

 

 

09
Dec
13

Meal Planning 101

I have people ask me often how I handle meal planning.  I’ve learned over the course of my journey that I tend to gravitate towards the same foods for days at a time.  I know it sounds boring but really it’s not.  It actually makes things quite easy for me.

I can’t tell you what foods are right for you, but you can pretty quickly figure that out for yourself.  I go out of my way to eat fresh whole foods when I can.  But two of my packaged staples are brown rice and a variety of dried beans, usually pinto or black beans.  I bring the beans to a boil with a teaspoon of baking soda and them allow them to soak for an hour or two, then drain, rinse and cook with fresh water seasoned with onion, salt, and black pepper. For those who don’t know this little tip, the baking soda soak prevents the beans from making you gassy.  Talk about a cheap date?  I can eat for days based on my serving size.

Anyway, I chose to eat a small portion of both rice and beans in order to create a complete protein and this also allows me to have hot food meals.  I eat plenty of refrigerated foods so having the hot filling meal are wonderful.  In most cases I’ll also include a portion of chicken with my beans and rice.  But not always since it’s a complete protein.   Love the fiber that comes from both as well.  Some folks can’t tolerate beans or rice, so perhaps sweet potato and a veggie would suffice with your protein.  I’ll eat those on occasion as well.

Brown RicePinto Beans

I have a rice cooker that doubles as a slow cooker.  Sunday is spent with a pot of beans on the stove, chicken in the slow cooker and the rice being steamed after the chicken has cooked.

Then out come my containers, my scale and my measuring cup.  I do not measure my food all the time.  You learn over time to eyeball it, but my eyeballing grows so I like to measure to be a bit more accurate.

Most people don’t WANT to take the time to meal prep.  But then again, most people don’t want to be fit and healthy.  I chose to be both.

 

Step One:

Make a grocery list of the following weeks meal plan requirements.

Step Two:

Cook it all.

Step Three:

Measure into containers and put in the fridge.

Step Four:

Be confident in your ability to get the proper amount of fuel in your body.

It’s so easy to allow the rush of the holiday season to get you off track.  Bad weather convinces you to sleep in.  Before you know it the New Year comes and you’ve gained 10 pounds over the holiday season.  Don’t let it happen to you.  Meal planning is even MORE important during the holiday season because of all of the tempting treats sitting around.