Hello Readers! January 2016 is here!!! Wait, is that correct?! It’s certainly hard to believe, where did 2015 go?! What were you doing when the ball dropped? Do you have any New Years resolutions? What goals did you set for 2016? I’d love to hear all about them and help keep you motivated in the coming months! Feel free to make a post in the comments section with your #goalz!
I started a Whole 30 with some friends on January 1st. This is not my first, and it’s going surprisingly well in comparison to the other times. I think it’s because I indulged in all sorts of junk food over the holidays and my body was just simply ready for a change. Regardless, I’m over halfway there, today is day 19. Don’t get me wrong, there were some rocky patches, days full of food funk, and little to no energy. My little (okay, HUGE) Sugar Demon is under control and I’m feeling great!! For real, I’ve denied doughnuts and even had to reject samples of all sorts of food. If you know me, you know I love chocolate. You’re probably even thinking to yourself, “I know you’ve been struggling to stay away from chocolate almond milk, well chocolate in general.” Truth be told, of course I miss my favorite food group –chocolate (it’s practically the bottom level of my food pyramid)– but this round of Whole 30 is truly helping me evaluate my relationship with food and view food as fuel to nourish my body. Thus far, I’ve experienced having food put right in my face from my mother, older brother, friends, and complete strangers (the lady giving out samples in Kroger). It’s out of control. Don’t get me wrong, I love samples, and ALL FOOD, just as much as the next person. But, where do we draw the line? Sorry Mom, I’m sure the banana nut muffins were delicious and actually, probably one of the healthiest foods you’ve ever offered me. One of the toughest days was day 11. My older brother took me out to lunch at The Cheesecake Factory before dropping me off at the airport. Turning down “a slice of cheesecake for the plane ride” as my brother called it, was not difficult for me. I knew I had plenty of snacks packed for the trip and didn’t want a headache from sugar. That was when I knew I was in control of the Sugar Demon that once ruled my life.
Along with having a better relationship with food, some of my fitness goals for 2016 include (listed in no particular order):
– get a muscle-up
– learn how to do pistols (single leg squat)…squats are my absolute favorite, why can’t I squat on one leg?!
– increase 1RM on all lifts, especially the snatch
– learn to handstand walk
– swim more
Is everyone motivated to workout?! I know I am! I love our new gym! It’s amazing! Dig deep and find that motivation to workout! You’ll thank yourself for it later!! What time do you prefer to get your workout in? I struggle with early morning workouts, but I’ll do it if that’s the only option for a workout for that day. I prefer lunchtime workouts. They can break up the monotony of a long work day. I also lived the life of working out after work! Those were great times, such a great stress reliever- knowing you were finished with work for the day and able to go lift heavy weights. Schedule a time to workout, pack your gym bag, and go get it! Make 2016 the best year yet!! Share your fitness goals in the comments section!
Speaking of fitness (and bettering my relationship with food), I’m not going to justify treating myself to bad food just because I had a hard workout that day. It definitely cancels out the workout and sets you up for poor choices. I’m going to evaluate recipes more, and hopefully be able to cut out sweeteners of all kinds to limit my exposure to the downward spiral. Don’t get me wrong, there will be an occasional Sugar Shack Donut or VooDoo Doughnut (when I find myself in ATX), or something special, every once in a while. It’s just going to be limited. I would encourage you to do the same. Maybe trying a Whole 30 would help you get to that mindset. Or…maybe I’m insane from a lack of sugary goodness the 19 days. That’s definitely a possibility but I’ll let you decide that for yourself.
My last tip for fitness, then I’ll get off my soapbox. MOBILITY. MOBILITY. MOBILITY. and RECOVERY. It’s important. Foam roll, yoga, banded stretches, salt baths, massages, etc. Any and all of these recommendations. Short, sweet, and to the point.
Oh, and in case you were wondering if I was going to share what I was doing when the ball dropped, I’ll spill. I won’t leave you hanging. I spent the night with a dear friend from college at her family’s house, and our husbands. My friend and I kept our tradition alive by changing outfits every hour on the hour. The 11 o’clock hour is always my favorite…ONESIES! and YES, if you know us, you know we also slide down the stairs, in a train like fashion in our onesies! Seriously, such fun times. (I’m just thankful that my husband loves my goofy self.)
life as RH 