Happy Monday, y’all!

Has the year been good to you so far? No? Me either. It’s been a bit rough. And I realized this morning that I really need to make some MAJOR changes. I know that it’s been awhile since I’ve updated here, and for that, I’m sorry. In my puny defense, I did create a mommy blog…but I’ve realized over the past months that I am so much more than a mommy. And I’m bummed. I missed it here. So I’m back.

Skulking back, renewed, reenergized, and seriously ready for change. Let’s get one thing straight, shall we? I HATE resolutions. They suck. BIG TIME.

I hate the feeling guilty, the dwindling motivation, the guilt. So I decided this year to just make some positive life changes. I need to get FIT. (sad, since that’s what this blog is all about, right?!)

How am I getting fit? For starters, I’m taking more ‘me’ time. Sure, I love being a mommy to the most awesome son a girl could ask for, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not a better mommy when I have some time to myself.

Skip this next sentence if you want to avoid a seriously embarrassing mommy-moment. ↓

He’s great, isn’t he?!

Time to myself. I am a much happier, more balanced, centered…okay, okay. I’m less of a bitch. There, I said it. I totally suck when I don’t get some time just for me. BUT, when I do, I am amazeballs. Seriously.

In order to actually get that time, I’ve been getting up at the asscrack of dawn to workout. What workout? I’ve been working on some barre-fusion centering on Tracy Anderson’s Metamorphosis. I’m really enjoying the length and OMIGODBURNINGPAIN that comes with the muscular structure workouts. I also am loving doing the dance cardio on my rebounder.

BOING!

↑ that’s the sound of my rebounder. It’s FUN. LOTS of fun. Seriously. You should try it.

AND…I’m transitioning to a raw diet. I am SO excited. Last week, I ate entirely raw for two days, and I felt…well, amazeballs. I felt clear, uncluttered…AWESOME. More on that to come.

I’ve been torn about what to do about my weight loss. I’ve been doing my barre workouts, but I don’t always have time for a video. When I improvise, it’s usually late at night (okay 8:00…but I’m SO tired by the end of the day! Being a mommy is hard work!) and I’m too tired to count reps, let alone get creative with movement. I lost about 10 pounds, then it just STOPPED. Yesterday, Tracy Anderson’s 30-Day Method arrived in the mail. I’ve heard just about every type of review for this book (and I’m not normally one to enjoy or even follow a fitness program out of a book. I prefer a ‘live’ (read: DVD) demonstration so that I can be sure to get the movement correct. That being said, The book seems to have addressed all of my worries. It comes with a DVD that not only demonstrates ALL of the exercises that she has included in the book, but also outlines the two dance cardio segments (which I have not tried yet…I’m waiting until Tater takes his morning nap). Some reviewers felt that the inclusion of a DVD meant that Tracy would be running each 10-day workout sequence through completion. She doesn’t do that. I don’t really mind, though. For a mom who has limited time on her hands, it was nice to have the DVD as a reference point, and the book for my actual workout (which I split into 3 segments today because of Tater’s nap schedule).

Because my day is never predictable, Tracy’s suggestion to schedule in her workouts for 45 to 90 minutes was just plain unrealistic for me. I realize that by splitting them up I’m not going to sweat as much, but WOW am I sore from just the musculostructure work! I do like that the book provides a new challenge every 10 days-that will keep me entertained and hopefully speed up my progress toward a svelte new me! I haven’t tried the meal plan yet-partially because I need more calories that it provides so that Tater can eat, too, and also because I’m not in a position to run to the grocery right now…. The meal plan does have a vegetarian option, but is NOT vegan. Bummer. I’ll just do what I normally do and modify. The recipes look simple, fresh (YAY!) and mostly raw (DOUBLE YAY!). I do plan on trying a few of them that I happen to have ingredients for, though.

Overall, I’m impressed with the thought that Tracy put into explaining her Method, the composition of the book (it’s a super-easy 2 hour read at the most), and her engaging style. Where this book loses points is the unrealistic (at least for me) expectation that I can just schedule 90 minutes a day uninterrupted. I have a 5 month old. Interruptions are the story of my life (and I love every minute of them). The fact that Tracy was thoughtful enough to include a vegetarian option on her menu was great, too-although I am worried about the EXTREMELY low caloric intake. Her workouts are taxing, and my body needs to recover. I will definitely be modifying them.

Overall, my first impression is a good one. If you have the time (and an extra $25), this book is a nice compliment to other Tracy Anderson DVD workouts (I have all but the dance cardio…this will be my first attempt since I’m not able to run right now). The strength work had me grimacing, which I expected, and I enjoyed the fact that there were only 16 individual movements for this first 10 days. Looking ahead, the movements definitely get FAR more complicated, and I’m sure that my 20 minute per side workout will definitely become longer as the month goes on. I’m excited to see the changes, though!

I forgot what a great workout the P57 Classic is! Apparently, so did my legs! I think that is why I’ve stuck to the express workout for the last few months. Don’t get me wrong-I feel fantastic!! I just wish that my jell-o legs would solidify again. For those of you fellow P-57 fans out there, did you hear that they just released their second set of workouts?! They’re hot off the presses, and will give you a ‘leg up’ on the first set. From everything that I’ve read, the workouts build on the current set, allowing you to advance and tackle a new set of challenges (more thigh dancing, anyone?). I’m super excited about these workouts, but they’re going to have to wait until I master my current set. I’ll be honest…I’m hoping to get them in my stocking!

One of the things that I worked on today was meal-planning for next week. I think that I’m going to make e. & stell’s creamy cashew pasta, tempeh ruebens (although I may make those tomorrow…I’ve been craving them), scrambled tofu, veggie pot pie stew (AND some sweet potato biscuits), mushroom and sundried tomato risotto, and possibly blackened tofu…. Although everything is up for debate until I go to the grocery store. As for what we ate today…we had cereal (again), sammies (again), salads, pumpkin shakes, an apple with peanut butter, and TVP burritos with black beans, bell peppers, onions, squash, and Daiya. Yum-o! I would definitely call day 2 a success!!

I am proud to report that day 1 of Ish’s veg journey has been a success!! I’m working on dinner right now, and can’t decide between marinated seitan with cold udon noodles and peanut sauce or marinated seitan with cold udon noodles and teriyaki sauce…quite the problem! I know that I’ll be serving dinner up with grated carrots, thinly sliced bell pepper and broccoli…it’s just deciding which sauce. Right now I’m leaning toward teriyaki because I’ve already had a few spoonfuls of Peanut Butter & Co.’s White Chocolate Wonderful today (I was craving sweet, and the pumpkin shake I made just wasn’t quite what I was looking for-thank heavens for PB & Co!). I also have yet to do my workout, so that’s next on my list. I’m thinking that I’ll have about 30 minutes, so I’ll probably do either an Essentrics DVD or one of my WinsorSlim workouts (I LOVE the gadget that they use). Either way, I will get in a workout before sitting down to watch Top Chef tonight (and yes, I know that the meals they cook are not vegan, but I get some good ideas for flavor combinations…and for that matter, why hasn’t someone come out with a vegan cooking show for cable tv?!). Alright…enough chit chat. I have some seitan to marinate!

I’m going to list what we’ve eaten today for those of you who are interested (and so that I can keep a record):

Ish: homemade granola with almond milk, curried mango-tempeh salad in a pita, ‘refried’ black bean & Daiya burrito, and teriyaki seitan with veggies and udon noodles.

Brea: Kashi Go LEAN Crunch! with chocolate almond milk, ‘tuna’ sammie on homemade wheat bread with a green salad, white chocolate pb, celery & pb, and teriyaki seitan with veggies and udon noodles.

I have a confession. I’ve been focused so much on getting my diet out of a rut, that my workouts have slid all the way into the background. Sure, I do my isometrics while I watch football, but I cannot remember the last time I actually finished an entire barre workout (or any workout! Not even Insanity’s short 20-minute ones!). I am always starting them, and then baby cries, or something boils over, or the laundry beeps. So, starting this week, I’m issuing myself a 30-day barre challenge. I know that it will be a big commitment…that’s why I’m waiting until Wednesday to start my challenge. I need a few days to prepare. I was thinking of sticking with one workout, but I realized that I love ALL of my barre workouts, and want to be able to pick a 20, 30, 40, or 60 minute workout depending on how much time I have available. I also like the idea of being able to do an ‘easier’ workout on the days when my muscles feel like they’re going to shrivel up because they’ve just given their all for the 5th or 6th time. Don’t get me wrong-I love the afterburn that you get from a great barre workout, but I’m also a realist. I have a 4 month old who takes up a ton of time. I need to be sure that I can still pick him up when I’m done with my workout! You’re probably wondering why I picked December-Christmas season-for this challenge. After all, New Year’s is just a month (less!) away…. I know myself, and I’m the first to admit that I’m a terrible procrastinator. So it’s now or never (I’m even putting off starting until Wednesday because Ish will be home to watch Tater for me). Wednesday also marks Ish’s journey into full-blown veganism. So…why not meet his 30-day challenge with one of my own?

Have you been looking for a good book? Have you read Skinny Bitch? If you haven’t, you should. Yeah, they’re crass (and yes, I’ve blogged about this before), but the girls have got it right. They provide a no-nonsense viewpoint about all that is good about being veg. I must say that I LOVE this book. It’s well researched, well written and a blast to read (even for the second, or third…okay, fine. Fifth time!!). Some of the ideas (fruit for breakfast…not eating until you’re ravenous) are a little much (especially as a mommy! I have to eat when I can!!), but the overall viewpoint and presentation are wonderful. Yes, they swear, but they also make a good point. So put on your big girl panties and read a copy. Even if you’ve been vegan for awhile, it’s always good to be reminded of WHY. In a nutshell, being veg is SO much better for your body, mind and soul! Kim and Rory (the authoresses…is that even a word?) did a great job, and got quite a few belly laughs from me. So…have you read it yet? Did it change YOUR life? You are probably wondering what prompted me to pull this out and read it again. Well, I’ll tell you. I was perusing for good veg cookbooks the other day, and discovered a BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW one! Skinny Bitch: Ultimate Everyday Cookbook: I HAVE to say, it looked SUPER yummy, and went on my ‘must have’ list, along with Isa’s new book: Appetite for Reduction: 100 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes. All I can say is ‘yum!’

…58 to go! I have to say that in my very brief experience with Insanity I am absolutely LOVING it. Of course, it’s sports drills, which I’ve always had a good time doing. This morning I played basketball (thankfully without the basket or the ball!!), skied, and did some mountain climbers (not what you’re thinking). And the best part? The 35 minutes literally FLEW by!! According to my HRM, in that short time I burned almost 500 calories!! (489 to be precise) Not too shabby for a relatively short workout. I do have to say that I did modify a majority of the moves, because I just cannot do a ‘real’ pushup yet. But I am working on it. AND I’m actually looking forward to tomorrow!! I can’t remember the last time that I did a cardio circuit and was excited to do more. I wonder what’s wrong with me? Of course it’s not a barre workout…but I am feeling that familiar burn deep in my muscles. My calves are killing me (in a good way). I can’t say that I’m super impressed with the workout, but it really made me sweat, which was a GOOD thing. And it was shorter than any of my barre workouts (which right now, thanks to Tater), unless you look at the individual segments-I prefer to get my whole body rather than focus on just one area. So, that being said…tomorrow is more plyo and cardio. 2 days down, 58 to go!

So, everyone knows how much I love my gadgets. But I’m giving them up for 60 days. I know, I know. You’re totally SHOCKED. So am I! When a friend offered to let me borrow her Insanity program, I jumped at the chance. Yeah, I’ve heard that it’s truly insanely difficult, but what better way to get my body back (or rather, to kick-start the process). Yes, I’ll miss my barre workouts, and my WinsorSlim (which I am totally LOVING, by the way!!), but I think that this will be a good thing. I did my first fit test this morning…OMW! It completely kicked my butt. I got an AWESOME workout (and had to use my HRM for the first time since I had Tater), and feel like a million bucks. Of course…it was just the fit test. I’m sure that the actual workout tomorrow will leave me slightly regretting my decision. BUT, it’s only 59 more days, right??

Ummm…yeah. I remember looking forward to that burn that you get from a really intense barre workout…and getting excited when I could maintain for just a ‘few’ more seconds. I think that mommyhood has softened me a bit (and made me crave an insane amount of protein!!), because when I popped in Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt, I was…how should I put this? In EXCRUCIATING pain. I think that I completely forgot how hard some of the workouts really are. Normally, I would tell myself to start with a basic The Bar Method workout, but that’s 45 minutes. And let’s be honest, here: I’m lucky if I have 5 minutes to shower, let alone 45 minutes to workout while Tater is either contented with his playgym or sleeping. So, I chose Core Fusion because of the 10-minute option. While 10-minute workouts are a WONDERFUL invention for those of us who are too busy to fit in an entire 30-45 minutes, those 10 can be painful, and productive. I do want to clarify that when I say ‘painful’ I mean you will get that awesome burn without spending a ton of time. While the Exhale workouts aren’t my favorite, they do serve their purpose, and will come in handy until Tater gets into a semi-regular nap schedule. Normally, by the time I realize that I had time to workout, he’s awake and it’s time to focus on him again (which is blissfully wonderful, and SO worth the extra 30 pounds…okay, I REALLY need to get back into shape!! Want to join me??). In sum, last week I found that 10 minute workouts are a must for me. I can find 10 minutes in my day, right? This coming week, my goal is to try and get 2 (I know!!) workouts (just 10 minutes at a time) in each day. I figure that if I keep slowly increasing the time, by the time Tater naps for more than a few minutes, I’ll have my groove back….

I am SO very glad to be back! I am pleased to say that Tater was born on July 29th at 2:00 am! After an excruciating 8 hours of labor (thanks to him being extremely HUGE!), he was born via c-section. I’ve been recuperating for the last month, and am SO ready to lose this baby weight!! Tater is doing well. He just needs to learn how to sleep at night!! I’ve decided that if I’m going to be up at all hours, I need to have a few quick and fun workouts to help jump-start my journey (since I’m not allowed to run just yet) back into looking FAB. A good friend gave me the Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD Set and I couldn’t wait to try it. Y’all know that I’m a die-hard barre workout/kettlebell/PINK Fitness girl when it comes to strength and flexibility…but without running, my cardio is hurting! SO, I was pleasantly surprised when I found that I actually ENJOYED a ‘dance’ workout DVD. Huh. I’ve always abhorred other dance workouts that I’ve tried (short of Cardio Barre), but this was actually FUN! I can honestly say that I won’t do it in front of Ish…but by myself at 2 in the morning, I had a blast! The music made me want to move, the instruction was good (if you try this set, be careful of the cueing and editing…there are a few moments where they do not match!), and I couldn’t believe that my 20 minute workout was OVER so quickly. I will admit that I was VERY winded when I was finished, but I really felt that I’d accomplished something…now I’m off to do some Bar Method!!