I've been eating a mostly raw diet for a few weeks now. It's been kind of experimental, so I wanted to share my observations so far.
1. In the morning, I feel best if I eat a lot of fruit (2-3 pieces or the equivalent), then eat a handful of almonds as a mid morning snack. Doing this gives me the energy I need without making me feel too edgy.
2. Carbs are for energy, and I'm noticing that my body naturally wants more during the beginning of the day, and less in the evening.
3. As I clean the junk out of my system, I am becoming much more aware of when I'm actually hungry and what I'm hungry for. My body is learning to eat for fuel and for no other reason. I've lost almost all of my cravings for processed carbs and sugars.
4. If I do happen to eat bread, pasta, sugar, or other processed carbs, it makes me crave more shortly after, and the same amount of calories doesn't fill me up the same way as with raw food.
Ultimately, I feel better and cleaner eating raw food. I feel like my body is shifting to its natural state. It is not difficult to eat raw, I crave it now and I love it.
I plan to go 100% very soon. I realize I won't be perfect all the time, but the benefits I've discovered far outweigh any pleasure I may gain from eating cooked food, meat, or dairy. I'm excited. :)
Friday, October 26, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
P90X Lean Week 2 Update
I have begun to lose weight again, which makes me happy. ^_^ I lost 3 1/2 pounds this week. I am eating about 70-80% raw food still, and I can feel the difference that has made. I'd like to go 100% raw, at least for a few months and see how it feels. That will probably be one of my focuses for next year.
P90X was somewhat easier this week. I was able to push harder and really get the most out of the workouts. Here is my day by day summary:
Day 8:
Core Synergistics- I was able to accomplish a lot more of the exercises because I have a mat now. I pulled my lower abdominal muscle yesterday and it hurts when I put too much strain on it (All I did was roll over too quickly, but I suppose my muscles are already a bit overtaxed).
I was just careful not to overdo it on the exercises that affected that area today, but was still able to complete most of the workout. I didn't do the extra part at the end, but I plan to next time.
I worked much harder this time than last time and was able to do more. I feel awesome about it. My body seems slimmer, less jiggly already. ^_^
Day 9:
Cardio- It seemed easier this time. I actually had to jump around and jog in place while he was just talking to keep my heart rate up.
I really think there are probably better cardio workouts than this one, but I don't want to deviate from the program this round. Next time I may add in my own workout on the cardio days.
I still had trouble with the planks because of my pulled muscle, and when I tried to do a Dreya roll, it felt like I was going to make it worse, so I took it easy.
Day 10:
Shoulders and Arms- Even easier than the first time, but I still didn't do the extra part at the end or the ab ripper because my lower abdominal muscle still hurts pretty sharply. I do need heavier weights, though (All I have are 3 pound weights).
Day 11:
Yoga- I did 20 minutes, but was in quite a bit of pain, so I decided to let my ab have a bit of a rest. No sense in injuring myself worse, or for longer. I'm sure tomorrow I'll feel much better. I do still walk for thirty minutes every single day pushing a double stroller, though.
Day 12:
Legs and Back- I did the entire workout and was able to do all of the exercises except for full chin-ups. I did 90 partial chin-ups (with only the tips of my big toes touching the ground). I felt like I did much better than last week. This is the first day I felt strong enough to really push and challenge myself.
Ab Ripper- I'm still resting that ab muscle so I can come back strong next week.
Day 13:
Kenpo- I did all of the workout except for the last 5 minutes (My children woke up). It was tough, but I had that same feeling I did yesterday. The feeling of being strong and wanting to push myself.
I can feel muscles in my body I never have before, plus I can tell my waist and arms are already smaller.
Day 14:
Rest Day- My body was exhausted, but I still did a lot of walking today.
Overall, I did okay, but this next week I want to push myself and really bring it. I'm so excited about all the changes I'm starting to see in my body. :D:D
P90X was somewhat easier this week. I was able to push harder and really get the most out of the workouts. Here is my day by day summary:
Day 8:
Core Synergistics- I was able to accomplish a lot more of the exercises because I have a mat now. I pulled my lower abdominal muscle yesterday and it hurts when I put too much strain on it (All I did was roll over too quickly, but I suppose my muscles are already a bit overtaxed).
I was just careful not to overdo it on the exercises that affected that area today, but was still able to complete most of the workout. I didn't do the extra part at the end, but I plan to next time.
I worked much harder this time than last time and was able to do more. I feel awesome about it. My body seems slimmer, less jiggly already. ^_^
Day 9:
Cardio- It seemed easier this time. I actually had to jump around and jog in place while he was just talking to keep my heart rate up.
I really think there are probably better cardio workouts than this one, but I don't want to deviate from the program this round. Next time I may add in my own workout on the cardio days.
I still had trouble with the planks because of my pulled muscle, and when I tried to do a Dreya roll, it felt like I was going to make it worse, so I took it easy.
Day 10:
Shoulders and Arms- Even easier than the first time, but I still didn't do the extra part at the end or the ab ripper because my lower abdominal muscle still hurts pretty sharply. I do need heavier weights, though (All I have are 3 pound weights).
Day 11:
Yoga- I did 20 minutes, but was in quite a bit of pain, so I decided to let my ab have a bit of a rest. No sense in injuring myself worse, or for longer. I'm sure tomorrow I'll feel much better. I do still walk for thirty minutes every single day pushing a double stroller, though.
Day 12:
Legs and Back- I did the entire workout and was able to do all of the exercises except for full chin-ups. I did 90 partial chin-ups (with only the tips of my big toes touching the ground). I felt like I did much better than last week. This is the first day I felt strong enough to really push and challenge myself.
Ab Ripper- I'm still resting that ab muscle so I can come back strong next week.
Day 13:
Kenpo- I did all of the workout except for the last 5 minutes (My children woke up). It was tough, but I had that same feeling I did yesterday. The feeling of being strong and wanting to push myself.
I can feel muscles in my body I never have before, plus I can tell my waist and arms are already smaller.
Day 14:
Rest Day- My body was exhausted, but I still did a lot of walking today.
Overall, I did okay, but this next week I want to push myself and really bring it. I'm so excited about all the changes I'm starting to see in my body. :D:D
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
P90X Lean Week One ~ Daily Log
I made it through the first week! I honestly feel pretty sore, but stronger and more graceful. My abs feel harder on the side and my legs are already toning up. I feel like my trouble fat areas are getting smaller already. It may be in my mind, but it's a nice thought. ^_^
I have gained about two pounds, but that's normal apparently. I'll write a post about why later this week.
My mat and my chin-up bar came in this week, too! It makes me feel much more committed when I have equipment in plain sight.
I wrote some notes about each day:
DAY 1
Core Synergistics: I made it through the regular part of the video (not the intense last 5-10 minutes when Tony warns you it's going to be difficult). It was the toughest physical challenge I've had in a very long time, but I made it through. I couldn't do all of the exercises properly yet, because I don't have a mat.
DAY 2
Cardio: I definitely felt it. I feel like one of my biggest challenges is the Dreya Roll. I haven't been able to even attempt it yet.
DAY 3
Shoulders and Arms: I made it through every move with 3 pound weights. I want to get heavier weights to challenge myself more.
Ab Ripper: I made it through 5 minutes, but my muscles were failing, so I stopped.
DAY 4
Yoga: Made it through 55 minutes (40 minutes left). My challenges are the half moon pose, and to have better form on my upward dog poses.
I can't say that this video really captures the true spirit of yoga, but it is one hell of a workout. ^_^
DAY 5
Legs and Back: I made it through all but ten minutes of the video. I couldn't do a pull-up, but I did about 30 1/4 pull ups and worked the muscles. I can't wait until I can do one!
Ab Ripper: Didn't do it, I was quite exhausted after all the lifting.
DAY 6
Kenpo X: I made it through 45 minutes and went to cool down when there were 20 minutes left. This is a super tough cardio workout, but really fun, once I got into the swing of it.
DAY 7
Rest Day: I walked for 30 minutes pushing a twin stroller (I do that every day). I turned quickly today and felt that I pulled an abdominal muscle a little. I'm just taking it easy.
It was a good week! It felt so good to workout that much. I have so much energy during the day now! I generally exercise as soon as I wake up at 5 AM. I don't even give myself time to talk myself out of it. :)
I have gained about two pounds, but that's normal apparently. I'll write a post about why later this week.
My mat and my chin-up bar came in this week, too! It makes me feel much more committed when I have equipment in plain sight.
I wrote some notes about each day:
DAY 1
Core Synergistics: I made it through the regular part of the video (not the intense last 5-10 minutes when Tony warns you it's going to be difficult). It was the toughest physical challenge I've had in a very long time, but I made it through. I couldn't do all of the exercises properly yet, because I don't have a mat.
DAY 2
Cardio: I definitely felt it. I feel like one of my biggest challenges is the Dreya Roll. I haven't been able to even attempt it yet.
DAY 3
Shoulders and Arms: I made it through every move with 3 pound weights. I want to get heavier weights to challenge myself more.
Ab Ripper: I made it through 5 minutes, but my muscles were failing, so I stopped.
DAY 4
Yoga: Made it through 55 minutes (40 minutes left). My challenges are the half moon pose, and to have better form on my upward dog poses.
I can't say that this video really captures the true spirit of yoga, but it is one hell of a workout. ^_^
DAY 5
Legs and Back: I made it through all but ten minutes of the video. I couldn't do a pull-up, but I did about 30 1/4 pull ups and worked the muscles. I can't wait until I can do one!
Ab Ripper: Didn't do it, I was quite exhausted after all the lifting.
DAY 6
Kenpo X: I made it through 45 minutes and went to cool down when there were 20 minutes left. This is a super tough cardio workout, but really fun, once I got into the swing of it.
DAY 7
Rest Day: I walked for 30 minutes pushing a twin stroller (I do that every day). I turned quickly today and felt that I pulled an abdominal muscle a little. I'm just taking it easy.
It was a good week! It felt so good to workout that much. I have so much energy during the day now! I generally exercise as soon as I wake up at 5 AM. I don't even give myself time to talk myself out of it. :)
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Day 2 of P90X
Hello! This morning was my second P90X workout. I am having fun and working hard. P90X is pretty intense so far, but I already feel stronger and my muscles are already firming up.
I've decided to follow the lean plan, as I have a large frame and don't really want to bulk up. Also, I still have quite a bit of weight to lose, and I think this will be the best way to do it.
I'm still eating about 60% raw foods, and I'm researching ways to get more protein in my diet without having to eat a ton of meat or use fake protein powder.
Here's my P90X Day 1 photo. I'm a bit embarrassed to show this, but I can't wait to see the difference when I'm through. I weigh about 195 and I'm 5'9".
I've decided to follow the lean plan, as I have a large frame and don't really want to bulk up. Also, I still have quite a bit of weight to lose, and I think this will be the best way to do it.
I'm still eating about 60% raw foods, and I'm researching ways to get more protein in my diet without having to eat a ton of meat or use fake protein powder.
Here's my P90X Day 1 photo. I'm a bit embarrassed to show this, but I can't wait to see the difference when I'm through. I weigh about 195 and I'm 5'9".
Friday, October 5, 2012
New Plan ~ Raw Food and P90X
So, I've noticed that when I come across something I really want to do and think will help me reach my goals more quickly, I tend to just dive in head first, even if I'm not entirely prepared. I think it is a good trait (at least most of the time) because I avoid most of the anxiety involved in starting something big.
I began researching a raw food diet a few days ago and am fascinated by it. It made total sense to me, though I'm still on the fence about cutting out meat entirely. Not sure I could be a vegan. I may change my thinking later, but even if I do decide to go vegetarian or vegan, it will be a transition, not a sudden jump. ^_^
The very next day after I began reading about raw food-ism, I began eating more raw food, and much less of my old diet. The first day, and in the days since, about 80% of my food intake has been raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, and olive oil.
I've eaten a couple ounces of cooked meat a day, and a little bit of boiled veggies. I also had some cheese and cottage cheese (not raw, pasteurized).
I'm starting to feel really fantastic. The first couple days were pretty difficult as far as detox symptoms went, (acne, irritability, and strange bowel movements) but the food part was easy enough. I eat as much raw food as I want, eat whenever I'm hungry, and still stay under 1500 calories easily.
Yesterday I dealt with some cravings for processed carbs (white sugars and bread products). I ate some fruit and some Melba toasts (which are technically processed carbs, but they're better than a lot of other choices I could have made.) and felt better.
The most amazing thing? I've lost almost 4 pounds so far this week after just a few days on an 80% raw food diet. I think I will probably end up modifying the raw food diet for myself after I do more research, but for now I know I want to cut three things from my diet for sure, even if I don't go raw or vegan: red meats, processed carbs and sugars, and pasteurized dairy. That is my first dietary focus.
In other news, I'll be starting P90X on Monday. I'll be making another video on Sunday or Monday to show myself before I start. I had planned to wait, but I came across a set of the DVD's and I am too pumped up about it not to start up ASAP! My pull up bar is on it's way, as well. ^_^
I'm super excited. I'll let you know how the first day goes.
I began researching a raw food diet a few days ago and am fascinated by it. It made total sense to me, though I'm still on the fence about cutting out meat entirely. Not sure I could be a vegan. I may change my thinking later, but even if I do decide to go vegetarian or vegan, it will be a transition, not a sudden jump. ^_^
The very next day after I began reading about raw food-ism, I began eating more raw food, and much less of my old diet. The first day, and in the days since, about 80% of my food intake has been raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, and olive oil.
I've eaten a couple ounces of cooked meat a day, and a little bit of boiled veggies. I also had some cheese and cottage cheese (not raw, pasteurized).
I'm starting to feel really fantastic. The first couple days were pretty difficult as far as detox symptoms went, (acne, irritability, and strange bowel movements) but the food part was easy enough. I eat as much raw food as I want, eat whenever I'm hungry, and still stay under 1500 calories easily.
Yesterday I dealt with some cravings for processed carbs (white sugars and bread products). I ate some fruit and some Melba toasts (which are technically processed carbs, but they're better than a lot of other choices I could have made.) and felt better.
The most amazing thing? I've lost almost 4 pounds so far this week after just a few days on an 80% raw food diet. I think I will probably end up modifying the raw food diet for myself after I do more research, but for now I know I want to cut three things from my diet for sure, even if I don't go raw or vegan: red meats, processed carbs and sugars, and pasteurized dairy. That is my first dietary focus.
In other news, I'll be starting P90X on Monday. I'll be making another video on Sunday or Monday to show myself before I start. I had planned to wait, but I came across a set of the DVD's and I am too pumped up about it not to start up ASAP! My pull up bar is on it's way, as well. ^_^
I'm super excited. I'll let you know how the first day goes.
Monday, October 1, 2012
I Wouldn't Be a True Hippie if I Didn't Consider the Raw Food Diet
I'm really thinking about taking the plunge, but I think I'll need to weed a few more things out of my diet and make a plan. Part of me wants to just go for it overnight, and I may soon, but I need to research it first a little more.
This video inspired me to really consider it. I can just imagine how clean and purified my body would feel and that's pretty darn tempting...
I'll look into it more and share my findings. I really just want to change my eating lifestyle. I want to eat for fuel and for no other reason, and I want to eat what my body was meant to eat.
Have any of you tried a vegetarian, vegan, or raw food diet? What did you think?
This video inspired me to really consider it. I can just imagine how clean and purified my body would feel and that's pretty darn tempting...
I'll look into it more and share my findings. I really just want to change my eating lifestyle. I want to eat for fuel and for no other reason, and I want to eat what my body was meant to eat.
Have any of you tried a vegetarian, vegan, or raw food diet? What did you think?
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