Diet Beta Test

Since reading a blog post by Katherine Nilbrink, one of my favorite plant-based nutrition mentors about listening to your body instead of following the latest diet fad, I have become more aware of how certain foods make me feel. I notice how sugar laden food tastes so good in the moment, but within a few minutes of hitting my bloodstream makes me feel sick and weak. I notice how poor eating habits have caused inflammation which has wrecked havoc on my body. It has caused edema, raised my blood pressure to dangerous levels, and created joint pain that includes a frozen shoulder which makes it difficult to do simple things like brush my hair or get money out of the ATM.

Dieting has been on my mind a lot lately. But, my track record with diets are not good. In fact, it's the one thing I think I've failed at the most. There are so many good programs out there, but I usually derail the first week, sometimes the first day.

I have been a fan of Chalene Johnson since I discovered her during my Beachbody days. I love her bubbly personality and she's so fit. She is passionate about helping people live their best life. So, when I saw that she is offering an experimental program where participants create their own diet that got my attention.

The truth is I know what to do. I've studied nutrition and wellness nearly every day of my life since I was 18. I also know that when it comes to our health, we can never learn enough. I always think when I join a "diet" program that I wish they did this or that because then it would be easier to follow. So, now is my chance to put together a program that works for me. I know I could do it on my own, but the accountability and motivation is higher when you surround yourself  with like-minded people. I also like being involved with BETA ground-breaking programs. There is something exciting about being the first to breath life into something that could help hundreds of people. I sure hope it's a first "diet" program I stick with. Why wouldn't it be if I am the one creating it?! I think this will be a fun experiment. I'll let you know how it goes.

The program starts May 1st, so there is still time if you want in! Sign up at dietbetatest.com.

It's Not Rocket Science

I feel great this morning! What did I do different first thing this morning? I moved my body! It was just for a few minutes. I did 5 minutes of BOD Yoga and 5 minutes of WBV. That's the only thing so far that I have done different than any other day. I also listened to JLD of EOF interview Portia Jackson, a rocket scientist turned life coach entrepreneur, which was motivating and inspiring. I love listening to these types of podcasts. I can relate to a lot of what Portia was saying. I am in the thick of overcoming perfectionism and analysis paralysis right now.

So, right in the middle of making my herbal lemon tea, I had this flicker of how great life is and how good it feels to be home, even though I am getting ready to go work in a corporate job that was supposed to be "temporary" and has turned into a full-time gig for the past four years. But, I see the rainbow of how life can be if I keep this forward momentum going even when everything is not perfect, not even close.

It feels so good to be home right this moment writing with the belief that I will soon be working from home full-time and have the freedom lifestyle that I have always dreamed of. I have all my senses engaged. I can feel it, see it, taste it, hear it, smell it. It's a beautiful dream and I won't give up because I'm worth it. There is only one life to live so let's make the most of it starting with learning from a rocket scientist who knows that living your best life isn't rocket science, it just takes focus and consistent action!

Portia Jackson interview with John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneur on Fire. 

Getting My Fix

Get Your Fix!

I'm not going to lie, my fix for the past three months has been McDonald's Sweet Tea and fries! I also sometimes get their Mocha Frappe on top of the other two things! I can't imagine how much sugar and caffeine is in those drinks. I don't think I want to know. All I know is my current fix has led to me eating other junk food as well... chips, pizza, candy... which makes me incredibly tired as I come down from the sugar crash or as my body tries to digest too much food that it barely recognizes as food. The resulting lethargy makes it where I would rather lay across the bed and read a book or surf the web than go for a walk or any other form of exercise. Something's gotta give! 

My daughter is a fitness freak. She was practically born and raised in a gym as that is where I worked most of the time when she was young. I am so glad fitness was instilled in her at a young age. But, the past few months have been tough for her too as the genetics kicks in. She however has an incredibly strong will and has lost a hundred pounds three times. She has owned her own gym and been a personal trainer. So, it was no surprise when she said she is ready to stop making excuses and get fit. 

We both have a dream of breaking the cycle of obesity and winning the Beachbody Challenge at the same time. It would be an incredible story. Anything is possible! The thing is you have to start somewhere. That is what we are doing. We are starting together. I am so excited to take this journey with my daughter and spend quality time with her. I think training for an event will make a big difference in the way we approach exercise and our diet. 

We both love Beachbody - their exercise programs and their Vegan Shakeology. I can tell a difference when I drink Shakeology. My cravings are not out of control like they have been these past few months. I ran out of Shakeology and couldn't afford to purchase more, at least that is what I told myself. The thing is I spend more on fast food when I'm out of Shakeology. I know I'm supposed to eat fresh greens, veggies, and fruits, but the fact is I don't always have quick access to those foods. Yes, I could pack them and carry it around and perhaps I will get to the point where I have that down to a science, but for now Shakeology works for me. I don't think I would have gained 16 pounds in these past three months if I would have been drinking my Shakeology. So, I am replacing my fast food fix with Shakeology and working out to 21 Day Fix with my daughter. I'll keep you posted on our progress! 

Kathy G

facebook.com/vegformation

Spring to Summer Challenge

Spring is my favorite time of the year. I love seeing everything come into bloom, getting fresh air and sunshine after being cooped up inside all winter, and moving my body more. I love that the first day of spring is International Day of Happiness. I think the first day of spring should be a national holiday! We are celebrating this day in our community with a Spring Into Happiness event where we have invited local artists and independent business owners along with not-for-profit organizations to get together and have some fun through music, games, conversation, food.. that reminds me to make sure I take a cooler of food so I'm not tempted by all the savory treats I'm sure will be available.

I have decided to start a challenge for myself and anyone who wants to participate to go from SPRING to SUMMER. I just want to pick a stretch of time and stick with the program, any program! For me, it's just getting consistent with the things I know to do like exercising daily, eating my veggies, drinking water, keeping a food journal and gratitude journal. I think what I'm going to do is write all these things down every day first thing in the morning then check them off each day. Just from Spring to Summer. I can do it! YOU can too if you want to.

Time2getfit.com is linked to my Team Beachbody affiliate website. I decided to use Beachbody's platform because it has so much to offer. I LOVE their workouts, celebrity trainers, and support groups. Plus, they are now offering their workouts online for only $2.99 a week (billed quarterly). That's very reasonable in my opinion. I lost all my workout videos in the fire last August, so this is a blessing to me. Of course, you can join the site for free if you want to. That's what I love about them too. You can participate on whatever level you want to. I've been a big fan for years and it's an easy way for me to have some accountability as I make my transformation from a junk food addict to abundant health and wellness.

I invite you to join me in whatever way works for you - from NOW until the first day of summer, let's be consistent and see where it leads. I have a feeling we will be pleasantly surprised!

Kathy
facebook.com/vegformation