Beast Mode: before and current.....

CF promotes a STRONG body image for women.  Which is one of the many reason's I love it.  I walk into the BOX I workout at and look around at the ladies killing it.  We all are different shapes and sizes. But, one thing remains the same.....we are there to become strong....not skinny.   You here the phrases being yelled at us...BEAST MODE!  It makes me giggle inside. 

Like many women, I have struggled with weight and food issues.  Always falling for some diet pill or reduced fat food.  Thinking I was doing the right thing. The FDA would never lie to us...right? Insert sarcasm now.  Well, along with weight fluctuation; I had so many stomach, digestion, and allergy issues.  I went gluten free almost 2 years ago and then about a year ago I started to eat clean.  Both of those lifestyle changes seemed to cure a lot of the allergy and stomach issues. I also began to maintain my weight and learn how to nurture my body with clean eating.

I wanted to share some before and current pictures with you. I say current, because I still have many goals with CF and my body. 

May 2012 CLEAN #45

September 2012 CLEAN  #75lbs

Current CLEAN (January 2013 is #115) Not pictured. 

My next set of pictures are of my pull-up progressions.  In May of 2012, I was standing on top of a 26 inch box jumping up over the bar. I had to do this, because I could not even do a pull up with a GREEN band.  In July of 2012, I started using a GREEN band for my pull ups....I made a goal for myself and in October of 2012, I started doing pull-ups NO BAND!  

Working on my goal...down to purple band September 2012

Crossfit Classic competition. My first time competing in ADVANCED. December 2012

I love doing Pull-Ups. I feel so empowered doing a pull up.  My next goals for my pull-up is string 10 together and learn how to butterfly.  

 My Deadlift was 95# in August 2012,  135# September 2012, #195 October 2012, 210# January 2013. 

RX'd October 2012 workout called Diane. 155# deadlifts... Myself and my home girls.

My second CF Competition. 1st time competing in Advanced December  2012

My first CF Competition Sept 2012

kettlebell swing...#35lbs November 2012

Box jumps....

Now for the fun stuff....old school time..........

My heaviest Circa 2003...Eating bad and drinking like a college student.

baby weight.....Spring 2010

Fall 2012

May 2008.....I was probably a size 12...My husband has dropped over 50lbs (later)

Summer 2012   Size 8 and strong...Hottie Husband went from 36 inch waist to 32 inch waist.

Ran the Turkey Trot November 2012 5 miles.

 It is a lot of hard work and dedication, but I am the happiest I have been in years.  Clean eating and fitness speak for itself.  It was never handed to me. I work hard every day I am in the gym.  I give it my all and I keep challenging myself.  I make sure I eat clean and give my body the proper fuel.  I now look in the mirror and I don't criticize myself, I think damn...I am STRONG!

Keeping it real. Crossfit and other fitness addictions.

Every time I hit the big running trail in Austin, I always see an influx of Lululemon wearing-2 cool for school -globo crossfit gym-livestrong, elitism.  I just don't get it (insert eye roll).  Please don't get me wrong, not everyone who wears lululemon is a douche bag. (If I could afford to buy that brand, I probably own a few items)...... I am discovering there are many people who feel the same way. Who LOVE Crossfit and LOVE to run (cycle, tri's, ect), but we keep it real!  That elitism fitness mentality reminds me of my other pet peves, HIPSTERS.

                                     This Eastbound And Down quote always make me giggle. 

With all that said, "Elite" fitness has changed my life.  In fact, saved my life.  Crossfit, especially is helping me become the person I always new was inside me.  I am addicted!  I made sure I joined  a cult, oops, I mean a Crossfit Box that had the vibe I was looking for.  Fitness should be about lifting people up, no matter what level you may be at.  Especially us women, we really need to be supportive and encouraging to one another.  The other night, I was so impressed with the sisterhood shown at the BOX I go to.  It was so refreshing to see these bad ass girls (at very different Crossfit levels) inspiring one another and yelling words of encouragement. 

I think that my issue's with any of these elite fitness sports, it just the negative vibes put off.  Some of the most successful business in town seem to have that mentality.  I am so f-ing amazing, I do Crossfit...I am here to pick up dudes....or I cycle...livestrong....puke.  I understand, it is so gratifying to accomplish these difficult WODs, Triathlon's, or whatever it may be.  But, can we please adjust the attitude.

But, I realized at a recent (local CF competition), that a positive and uplifting attitude is contagious.  Our little group of unassuming misfits strolled in and embraced the intimidation. It was 30 degrees outside and we couldn't feel our hands. But, we gave it our all in the competition. We cheered for not only one another, but for other competitors from other Boxes.  At the end of the night, people came up to us, complementing us on our fun loving attitudes. 

Just a few members from my amazing CF Box Voodoo CF512

The stronger I get, physically and mentally, I never forget where I came from.  Never for a second do I think that I am cooler or to good to help another fellow CrossFitter out or a friend that wants to get in shape.  I love it so much, I making 2013 my year to change my career to Fitness. I want to help others with discovering how mental toughness and a positive attitude can open so many doors in your life.

Recipe: Smooooothie

Smoooooooooooothie!  You're crazy if you don't like a smoothie!  I have a smoothie at least 3-5 times a week.  Usually before or after a workout. Satisfying! There are only 2 places in town that I will buy a $10 dollar smoothie.....but it is a rare occasion when I pay that much.  So, I came up with a basic smoothie concept and you can do a little upgrading accordingly. 

Basic ingredients needed

 

 

 You really only need 3 basic ingredients to start your smoothie.  Unsweetened almond milk, frozen fruit, and pure protein powder.  *Money saving tips:  Buy your frozen fruit and almond milk from a Costco or something similar.  Also, we get our pure protein powder from a bulk bin at our grocery store --pure whey protein and nothing else added in. 

Next, just dump it all in.....blend away.  Oh, guess I forgot to mention measurements.  Eye ball it....ha!  No, seriously....eye ball it.  Usually about a cup of almond milk, cup of frozen fruit, and a scoop of protein.  But, sometimes you need to add more almond milk or 1/4 cup of water to get it a little bit more on the liquid side.   You will also need to adjust accordingly when you add your upgrades to the smoothie.  

UPGRADES............

• Chia seeds              
• peanut butter
• almond butter
• coconut yogurt
• hemp seeds

The High of a Run...

One of the most gratifying feeling is when you just kill it on a run.  Those of you who run, know what I mean.   If you read my first post, the whole idea to my living Clean, is to help overcome the shit that life dumps right on your lap.  Some people turn to synthetic medications.  I choose to use fitness and healthier food as my medication.  Writing about my anxiety, just gives me anxiety.  It is extremely difficult for me to share such personal information.  But, I know I am not alone. I hope this blog about running will help you, like it helps me.

this quote always make me giggle

 There are many mornings when I wake up and feel the restriction in my chest.  I start to think of a 100 different things I need to get done in that day.   All 100 things begin to just overwhelm me and I feel like I need to crawl back into bed.  I just want to hide from the world. There is nothing worse than anxiety.  You can't reason emotions out, sometimes you can't communicate effectively, and sometimes you come off as a straight up bitch.  It effects relationships. It just plan sucks.  In the back of your mind, you know you are being completely ridiculous.  You feel like you can not stop it.

But, I found a way to settle my mind and to take control of this sometimes crippling anxiety......Running.  Three days a week, I commit my body and mind to a 3 to 5 mile run. I find that running outside works best for me.  I am lucky enough to live in one of the most fittest cities in the USA.  The city has so many beautiful running trails.  Running outdoors in a peaceful natural setting allows your mind to let go of the nonsense.  Last weekend my HH and I were on a family beach vacation.  We took a 6 mile run one evening.  It was AMAZING....the smell of the salty air, the pink sunset, and the sound of the waves crashing.  Any thing that might have been weighing on me, was gone by the end of our run. The run was tough and I pushed through it.  I can't believe how much mentally stronger I have become in the past 9 months just from running.  

Not only does the nature of an outdoor run help clear your mind, but you learn to fight the negative thoughts of this run is to hard....or....I can't do it.....  You get stronger every time you push through those thoughts.  Setting goals along the way can help to....just make it to the yellow house....then once you reach the yellow house...make it to the big oak tree.....Controlling your breath along the way.  Before you know it, you will be at the end of your run and a wave of endorphins start flowing through your body.  Every time you defeat your negative thoughts you grow stronger and stronger mentally.  

It is all about taking control of your breath and your mind.  Not allowing defeatist thoughts to take over when you are running.  All these things translate into your daily life. We all have bad days, not every run I do is easy to get through.  Some days I struggle mentally through a run, but I still manage to push through.  At the end I still feel proud, but most importantly the high of my run, is my anti-depressant drug.

Guilt Free Sweet...paleo

My down fall in life, is my ravenous sweet tooth.  It is so hard for me to resist a cupcake or some homemade ice cream with hot fudge...mmmmmm.  The times when I don't cheat on my body, I make this paleo friendly treat.  It is super easy and there are a million variations you can do. 

What you need:   2 cans of Coconut milk (place in the fridge over night)
                            Blueberries (or your favorite berry)
                            Honey
                            Optional:  almond slivers or unsweetened coconut flakes

After you refrigerate the coconut milk over night, scoop out the cream off the top of the can.  Place in your blender.    

Tip: pour leftover milk in a jar and refrigerate for later recipes

Whip the coconut cream for about 10 minutes on high....until the coconut cream has heavy peaks like whip cream. 

Coconut whip cream is also great in Chi Tea or Coffee

Now, add your favorite berries and drizzle a tiny amount of honey..........eat away.

Picking things up...putting them down....

Today I took my first official Crossfit class.  As I was driving to class, I had this wave of anxiety and self-doubt come over me.  I almost turned around and went back home.  But, that would have been letting my old ways control me.  Instead, I shook it off and told myself, you are being RIDICULOUS...this is just exercising

This is me a 2 months ago. Clean and Press @ 45lbs, Now I can lift at 65lbs

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Some of our home gym equipment

For the past few months, my Hottie Husband, has been coaching me at home with some of our equipment.  We decided if I really enjoyed Crossfit, I would join a gym after a few months of training at home.  HH works out at a big competitive Crossfit gym and I am just not interested in a gym like that.  I like to hang with your everyday kind of people at a smaller gym.  I just didn't want to get lost in a sea of people or be known as HH's wife.
                                           

I arrived at the CF gym, everyone was so welcoming and made me feel right at home.   We did our warm up, consisted of stretches, situps, handstand push-ups, a 400 meter run, and 20 Back Squats.  Our WOD (workout of the day) is called KAREN.   This video (below) I pulled off of youtube.  I like this example, because it shows just your average Crossfitter. Since it was my first day at the gym, the coach had me use a 8lb ball.  I did it in 7 minutes and 27 seconds. 


 Crossfit can be intimidating, but anyone can do it.  The feeling you get, after completing a extremely difficult workout, is amazing.  My body is transforming very quickly and I am physically stronger. On an emotional/mental level, I feel stronger as well.   I use to let negative you suck thoughts over take me, but now I am able to push through.  Besides, when you break it down, all we are doing is Picking things up and putting them down.  HA!

30 day challenge....

Some of you may have heard of the Paleo Diet.  Sounds awful and intimidating, doesn't it?   I use to think that way.....'you can't eat what?  I have to eat....what?  Twigs & sticks...'.   I am here to tell you this ordinary girl; who loves chocolate, pizza, french fries, and sweets is trading them all in for a 30 day Paleo Challenge.

I know what you are saying right now.  It is to expensive, it is to hard, you can't eat anything, that is just a bullshit diet fad.....blah blah diddeeeblah.  Yeah, yeah....I said the same darn thing.   For over a year, my Hottie Husband, has been giving me a hard time about becoming a Paleo believer.  And of course, in my Old Ways fashion, I blew his advice off.  Yes, I would eat Paleo meals with him and bake some paleo muffins, but at the end of the day I still didn't trust the idea of eating clean.  It seemed to hard.

I began to take my fitness and emotional health on a whole new level a few months ago.  I have been pushing my 30something body and hoping it would respond like my old 22 year old body (um..not so much).    Along with my workouts, I work full time, care full time for my 2 year old son, and constantly work on being a good wife/person.  Needless to say, I was starting to get pretty fatigued.  And what happens when we start to feel this way.....we reach for the sugar and the gluten to boost us through the day.  But, then we crash even harder.  A vicious cycle continues. 

Once again, I turn to Hottie Husband (and yes babe..you are right).   After a discussion about my goals and health.  I agreed to do the 30 day Paleo Challenge.  This time, FULLY COMMITTED and mentally ready for the task. I went in with an open mind and open heart.

The first day, no problem.   Then, the second day hit me like a ton of bricks and continued into the first week.  I image detoxing your body from sugar and gluten, is a lot like going through heroine withdraws. My body was going into shock (headaches and all).  And I was a total bitch.  Poor Hottie Husband had to deal with the brunt of my rudeness.

At the beginning of my 3rd week.  I was feeling pretty good.  My energy level is up and I have lost a total of 5lbs.  And biggest thing of all, I am so close to having a flat stomach!  All that belly fat is melting off.  Not even all the sit ups and running could get the Wilcox spare tire off.   (Seriously people, my biggest problem area).

Going into my 4th week was a breeze (even though I have dreams of a cheeseburger).  I have really enjoyed cooking and preparing meals.  It has been a creative challenge to come up with meals, deserts, and baked goods Paleo style.  Hottie Husband always says 'LL can burn lettuce!'.  Well, I think I have proved him wrong. 

I have learned from the Paleo Challenge that gluten and most dairy disagree with me.  I realize after some experimenting, I feel bloated and sluggish after eating gluten.  Staying away from wheat and dairy is the key to my success to feel better physically and emotionally.  Am I going to be 100% Paleo? Nope, but I do enjoy paleo meals.  I decided what works best for me is a Gluten Free diet, where I eat mainly paleo style meals and snacks.  This was a fun challenge  It taught me a lot about eating clean, reading ALL labels, and really thinking about what  I am putting into my body.  Oh, and I learned to cook!

Here is a few links to some paleo websites.
http://www.everydaypaleo.com
http://robbwolf.com/