Perfection is a Myth

I had this notion of getting super fit before I began this crazy journey with The Asylum.  I wanted to 'Get Shredded."  I set a crazy goal weight in mind and knew that if I followed the thirty days, I would achieve it.

So I started to document the process through photos and videos.  Just me.  Looking very raw.  It's been an enlightening discovery.  A year ago I wouldn't haved dared put myself on camera and exposed my body, my face, my flaws to the world.  But today, I don't care. 

For the first time...ever I can look at myself and NOT cringe.  I had a moment this past week that made me realize that any imperfection is a part of who I am.  The creases on my forehead - the worry, the anxiety, the stress I often succumb to.  The extra little pooch on my stomach - the womb I carried my beloved child.  The loose skin below my butt - the child girl that will always be a part of me.

It's not about the number on the scale, but it's about the journey and the process of being more than I think I can be and doing more than I think my body can handle.  It's not about how many pull ups I can do...or not do, it's about challenging myself to be better.  I'm not just physically changing my body, I'm discovering the core of who I am, what I want for myself, what matters to me and most importantly what really doesn't matter at all.

I've exposed my weaknesses.  I can't do everything.  I'm not particularly coordinated. I'm human.  But every day, I do my best.  I put forth effort.  I work hard and never succumb to excuses.  I'm not perfect and it's okay.

Commit Me to the Asylum!

“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

 
Finally!  I've been talking about this for weeks!  It's finally here!  My next big workout!  Insanity: The Asylum will arrive at my doorstep any day. 

It's hard to believe, but it's been almost one year since I began my journey with Insanity.  I find it simply incredible that one little home dvd program would have had this type of profound impact on my life!  It began with a physical transformation that has developed into a most empowering psychological shift for me in all my adult years.

Amazing.  An at-home exercise dvd!  I can't say Buns of Steel did much more for me than acquire an incredibly colorful selection of spandex for my workout clothing selection.  But Insanity?  It changed my body.  It changed my confidence.  It changed my outlook on life.  It changed me and it's changing my future.

Take a look?  Crazy?  Insane?  Intense?  All of it! 


It's so much more than that physical transformation.  A year ago I was thinking how will I ever be able to get through Insanity?  What if I can't do it?  What if it's too intense?

Today as I anticipate starting this next phase, I'm thinking, who will I become?  How I can empower others?  How will I reward myself when I finish?  How I can dig a little deeper?

It's about getting over your fears and just being in it!  What more can you give?  Imagine what you'll discover about yourself when you just let go!

Meal Planner

One of the questions I get asked the most often is, what should I be eating during the day?  My response is always five mini meals!  I don't believe in 'snacking'.  I believe in eating quality foods every few hours that should always include a combination of carbs, proteins, and good fats.

Other than some variation at lunch (meal #3) and dinner (meal #5), I am very regimented in what I eat throughout my day.   Your day might need more variety, but the more often you eat, the less likely you'll be to binge.  If you plan ahead, you can avoid those dangerous drive-thru outings and not-so-great choices.

My typical day looks like this:

Pre-workout : One Kashi 7-Grain frozen waffle - 70 calories

 Meal #1:  The Healthiest Meal of the Day - Shakeology

Meal #2: Whole Grain Oats with one scoop vanilla protein powder and almonds

Meal #3: A typical salad - greens, tofu, veggies, quinoa, etc.

Meal #4: Whole grain English muffin with 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter and a dash of cinnamon

Meal #5:   Dinner often includes grilled chicken and veggies over brown rice or greens.

Eating this way for the past year has allowed me to LOSE 12 pounds and maintain the weight loss.  I workout very hard doing my Insanity workouts and I also run, but I still usually have an average daily intake of about 1800 calories.  This is not deprivation.  This is yummy!  This is healthy! 

Need help planning your day or just want to know where to get started?  I can help and I'd love to hear from you!  Email me.