90 Day Challenge - Day 3

I was feeling great,  and still am, but after my last post I realized that now that it's winter and I'm seeing the return of some hypothyroid symptoms I better do all that I can to get into "tip top" shape.  A friend of mine recently posted some before and after pictures on Facebook, she truly underwent a transformation and looks amazing.  Obviously, I wanted to know how she did it, so I told her how awesome I think she looks and she chatted me up.  It turns out she's a Beachbody Coach and she started out doing Turbo Jam, had some success and then big results came after resistance training with CHAlene Extreme.  I have to be honest, I was hesitant because I am always worried that people are trying to sell me something, but I kept myself open to the possibility of doing the same.  I always hear that losing weight starts in the kitchen, and I couldn't agree more, but I get really frustrated with this because I eat VERY well.  I know a lot of people say this, but I honestly do.  I have zero processed foods in my diet.  Loads of veggies and the highest quality protein that I can find, which is all local and grass fed.  I am currently working on portion control and almost have that aspect down. 

But after lots of thought, I realized that I have never given weight training an honest shot.  And when I even made a minimal effort to lift at the gym (which I have on and off) I did see serious results.  I read many great reviews online about the Chalene Extreme program and decided to dedicate myself to a 90 Day Challenge.  I invested in the system itself, resistance bands, and a heart rate monitor.  I am waking up early and making the time for this each day- NO EXCUSES. 

My motivation to write about it, post on Facebook etc. is not to brag or promote products, it's to keep myself accountable, get excited and inspire others to do the same. 

I think I've found my ticket to health -  The Weston A. Price diet- with lots of Raw Vegan items incorporated - Weight Training and being productive in all areas of my life daily.   I realize that my health issues DEMAND that I exercise on a daily basis.  I need to think of exercise as my medicine, a way of life.  I vow to continue to work on myself and adjust if needed on the road ahead.  

3 Months Post Partum

I don't feel three months post partum, I feel more like 8 months post partum.   I think this is due to the fact that I've recovered so quickly and am in rather great shape compared to my first post-partum experience.   Paddy is everything that I expected a baby to be - he laughs, smiles, giggles and coos almost on demand!  He wants to cuddle constantly and he is an awesome at breastfeeding.  He is finally, just now, napping/sleeping for long periods of time.  This is giving me more time to blog and cook!  Yay!

Wanted to share tonight's easy burdock soup recipe with everyone! FYI - Nursing Mamas this soup may not agree with your little one.  I know mine had a hard time with it :(

New Year - New Me

Hello 2011!   I really do feel like I'm beginning this year as a "new" version of myself.  Being a Mother of two has a LOT to do with it.  Never in my life have I felt so challenged, yet so happy.  The moments go from one strong feeling to another, sometimes very quickly.   I have great days and terrible ones, but one thing is certain, I'm not the same. 

Last year was an adventure in my first year of being gluten free.  Honest-to-goodness gluten free, due to celiac disease.  This year the adventure continues on, and I have decided to treat sugar the same way that I treat gluten.  Sugar is my own personal hell, for me it's a drug, much like crack.  I also see that it takes hold of my daughter, and she becomes obsessed with it, I decided to nix it for myself and for her as well.  2011 for me is about enjoying time with my family, and bringing myself to a level of optimal health so that I truly can enjoy every moment that I can.  I would love to shed another 20-30lbs, and feel that it would be in my best interest to do so.   Paddy is only 3 months old so I try not to expect too much from myself, but truth is, with all that I've learned recently I know that it can and will be done, and I'm so excited about this.  I always think it's great to make resolutions that are reasonable, lifestyle changes is what they really are - after removing gluten I know that I can remove the sugary items from my diet too.  Things like brownies, cookies and cupcakes will just have to take a backseat like gluten has.  I'll allow myself raw desserts and chocolates and those awesome primal coconut muffins :)  It's all good enough for me.  I can't wait to experience life without both gluten and sugar!