Right this moment I am in Boston, in a beautiful hotel, overlooking an amazingly green park, spotted with white tents under which vendors are selling fruits, veggies, pies, honey, flowers, herbs, and the most amazing macintosh apple cider! I went down earlier today and bought two homemade pies for Eric. The hotel is keeping them in the refrigerator for him, as he likes his pie and cobbler cold, practically near frozen.
I have so much to say! Where do I start?
Yesterday was my first full day here. I woke up with Eric, walked to his office with him, stopped for some morning fruit salad, and bought a large overpriced water. I hate buying bottled water. It makes me feel gilty--but I didn't bring my water bottle, so my fault. Then I came home (to the hotel) and realized I had left my phone in the cab from the night before. It was a rather horrible day. I was sooooo f-ing mad at myself that I wanted to scream and scream and scream. But the day passed and I felt better. Had lunch with Eric and his coworker, Julie, who I adore. She's so funny. :) We ate at Tossed, a fresh salad/wrap/sandwich place. The day went by.....then it was time for dinner. Sushi place. Holy crap we ate. I went there with every intention of staying clean and raw. I ate seasweed salad which was delicious; california roll with brown rice (hadn't had rice in 7 weeks!!); mushroom soup (delicious, but not raw); bites of some sushi rolls (DELICIOUS, but some of the ingredients were deep fried and had dairy base (mayo); and sampled the four desserts (cooked, sugar, fatty, and dairy). THIS was not a common night. In fact, I will not have one of those again for a very long time! It was kind of nice to not worry about what I am eating, although I also didn't feel great about what I was doing. There is a part of me that likes to "suffer" by sticking to rigid meal plans, likes not being on the same boat with everyone else, likes having to make hard desicisions, and making them well. It's probably a weird mental sickness I have. Oh well. :)
Today was a little better than last night. :) I woke up, went outside and ran 5 miles by the water. Amazing! I think I'll hit up two laps tomorrow. It's so pretty and green here. I love Boston. It's hot, though!
For lunch I met Eric and his coworkers again. I had shrimp cocktail (4 pieces of shrimp) and a chicken walnut salad. So two days in a row of meat. The salad was delicious! VERY very good, actually. It would have been just as amazing without the chicken. Don't know why I ate it.
Even before lunch, though, I noticed that I had a headache. Maybe dehydration? Maybe because I am a little bit sick (sore throat still)? Maybe the shit I ate last night? All of the above? I am absolutely more thirsty out here than I ever am at home. What does this mean? What changed? I'm not eating the same ridiculous amount of fruits out here that I do at home. So I said "ENOUGH" and went to the grocery store. I bought oranges, apples, blueberries, blackberries, bananas, watermelon, and some stuff for Eric. FINALLY!! I can eat my normal high water diet!!!! And maybe this stupid headache will go away. The meat hasn't made me feel terrible---but I don't feel as light and buzzy as usual.
So right now I want to go lay down and take a nap. Eric wants to run/walk the 5 mile loop tonight. Tomorrow night is Blue Man Group.
This post was supposed to be about the philosophical things I've been thinking about, but it sounds more like a report. Oh well. Maybe later.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Aspiring Raw Foodist
Remember the movie Truman, where Jim Carey lives in a staged world most of his adult life, until the end of the movie where he finds out he's been on a stage? That is kind of how I feel today. Nothing that drastic, of course.
But I wonder....
How many things do I believe are true, simply because I have been told them my whole life?
See, all of this started when I was about 18 and met a lady named Catherine. She was out there, but she opened my eyes to a lot of "holistic" things--accupuncture, candling, reiki, cupping, psychic abilities, nutrition, meditating and unfortunately some conspiracy theory. I pass on the conspiracy theory stuff. I only have so long to live and don't want to worry things I can't change, or really AREN'T happening....so...
She was my chinese medicine doctor. I took chinese herbs, cleansed, had needles stuck all over me, ear seeds, readings, dream analysis, and the list goes on. I learned MANY things, no doubt! But it also got me interested in different diets, vitamins, etc. So, for 14 years I have been learning about and experimenting with food.The first organized diet I tried was FIT FOR LIFE. Interesting concept. I tried it. Lost a few pounds, but didn't stay on it. I have NEVER stayed on a diet actually. (Which is why I have had the opportunity to try them!)I've also read or tried Blood Type Diet, High Protein/Low Carb, juice fasts (once I drank organic apple juice for four days straight (and that was all) , to end the cleanse by drinking a cup of olive oil. I threw it all up--four days down the drain!)Then I start working out with trainers to lose weight--high protein, low carbs (translating to very little fruit!). IT WORKS!! Yes, it does. By changing my diet and working my ass off, I lost 42 over 8 months. Went from a Size 14 to a size 4. Eventually I gained some back because I wasn't working out as hard as I was before (www.anti-gym.com). Then one day, about a year or two ago, my friend Duane invited me to a triathlon clinic put on by Pete and Kathy Alfino. Kathy was her masters degree in nutrition stuff. She said if you want to eat right for training, follow Paleo for Athletes. So I went out, bought it, and read it--didn't understand it though. I still had a lot of other stuff to learn...about carbs, protein, and fat. So, a year or two later, I start Crossfitting...and they advocated Teh Zone Diet. Went out, bought the book, read it, tried it. Not bad. Kind of time consuming!! THEN, as I started consulting with Pete on a one-on-one basis, he started talking about Paleo and how great it was for him and his wife. He wanted me to try it. First I did a master cleanse for 6 days, then I was supposed to start. I don't recall it working like that!! :) SoI was off and on, trying to decide when and where to start. Pete and Kathy aren't 100% Paleo, so they have some flexibility. I can't do flexibility. Then, one week, Crossfit started talking about going Paleo--and how that was the "new" way. They did a 30 day lockdown. I didn't do it!!! They got some good results. I was feeling out of control and kind of sick of eating. Nothing sounded good anymore. So I signed up for their next 30 day lockdown...knowing that Pete wanted me to try it anyway. This was a way to have some structure and support. We started on April 17, but I started on April 4--by myself. I don't remember it being hard! Within weeks my acid reflux was gone and asthma was getting better.
About this time my frien, Dave, went raw. I thought he was f-ing CRAZY--training for an Ironman, eating nothing but RAW fruits and veggies and nuts/seeds. But my curiousity got the best of me and I started reading about it. No harm there, right? WRONG!! When I started reading, I naturally started eating more raw food--because I knew it was better for ME (maybe not for everyone). I started feeling even better. So I ate more and more raw food. Until one day I was at Sprouts and found a raw food "cookbook"....that night I had my first raw tomato sauce and veggies--OH MY GOD!! It was so delicious and satisfying! I couldn't believe it!
As the days went on, I ate more and more raw, experimented with a few things....played around. Then, about 6 days ago, I took a few days off of work to relax and take care of me. I read another raw book that night and the following morning. MADE SENSE! Sounded delicious! So, to shorten this story--I found another friend online that got Dave started and also did more research. I LOVE RESEARCH!! Last Thursday I decided to go almost 100% raw! I still have balsalmic vinegar occasionally...and my herbs aren't all raw yet. But one day. I think I'm doing well for now!
My weight is coming off. My appetite is sooo reduced. I go to the bathroom 3-5 times a day. I never get sugar crashes. If I'm tired, it's because I'm tired--not because my blood sugar is fucked up. I havne't had coffee in 6 days--that is the hardest thing!I cheated and had a cup of hot peppermint tea the other day. Almost had coffee today.
My muscles don't hurt like that used to. They get a tad bit sore--but they don't kill me. It's very interesting.
My point to all of this rambling is this--I believe my entire life that meat was SUPPOSED to be part of my diet! HOLY COW--HOW DO VEGANS LIVE WITHOUT MEAT?? Honestly, I only miss it once in a while--usually when I'm hungry. But before I went raw, when I started Paleo, meat made me feel soo heavy! I couldn't believe it!
So, here I am....aspiring raw foodist. I do not have to live on a make believe set of everyone's ideas and suggestions. I can choose my own path. I can eat meat or not. But if I choose not to, I'm not going to die--actually, I'll probably be healthier! But, like I said--this is all about me. I suggest people play with a variety of diets to see what their boides prefer.
Whew. That was long!
But I wonder....
How many things do I believe are true, simply because I have been told them my whole life?
See, all of this started when I was about 18 and met a lady named Catherine. She was out there, but she opened my eyes to a lot of "holistic" things--accupuncture, candling, reiki, cupping, psychic abilities, nutrition, meditating and unfortunately some conspiracy theory. I pass on the conspiracy theory stuff. I only have so long to live and don't want to worry things I can't change, or really AREN'T happening....so...
She was my chinese medicine doctor. I took chinese herbs, cleansed, had needles stuck all over me, ear seeds, readings, dream analysis, and the list goes on. I learned MANY things, no doubt! But it also got me interested in different diets, vitamins, etc. So, for 14 years I have been learning about and experimenting with food.The first organized diet I tried was FIT FOR LIFE. Interesting concept. I tried it. Lost a few pounds, but didn't stay on it. I have NEVER stayed on a diet actually. (Which is why I have had the opportunity to try them!)I've also read or tried Blood Type Diet, High Protein/Low Carb, juice fasts (once I drank organic apple juice for four days straight (and that was all) , to end the cleanse by drinking a cup of olive oil. I threw it all up--four days down the drain!)Then I start working out with trainers to lose weight--high protein, low carbs (translating to very little fruit!). IT WORKS!! Yes, it does. By changing my diet and working my ass off, I lost 42 over 8 months. Went from a Size 14 to a size 4. Eventually I gained some back because I wasn't working out as hard as I was before (www.anti-gym.com). Then one day, about a year or two ago, my friend Duane invited me to a triathlon clinic put on by Pete and Kathy Alfino. Kathy was her masters degree in nutrition stuff. She said if you want to eat right for training, follow Paleo for Athletes. So I went out, bought it, and read it--didn't understand it though. I still had a lot of other stuff to learn...about carbs, protein, and fat. So, a year or two later, I start Crossfitting...and they advocated Teh Zone Diet. Went out, bought the book, read it, tried it. Not bad. Kind of time consuming!! THEN, as I started consulting with Pete on a one-on-one basis, he started talking about Paleo and how great it was for him and his wife. He wanted me to try it. First I did a master cleanse for 6 days, then I was supposed to start. I don't recall it working like that!! :) SoI was off and on, trying to decide when and where to start. Pete and Kathy aren't 100% Paleo, so they have some flexibility. I can't do flexibility. Then, one week, Crossfit started talking about going Paleo--and how that was the "new" way. They did a 30 day lockdown. I didn't do it!!! They got some good results. I was feeling out of control and kind of sick of eating. Nothing sounded good anymore. So I signed up for their next 30 day lockdown...knowing that Pete wanted me to try it anyway. This was a way to have some structure and support. We started on April 17, but I started on April 4--by myself. I don't remember it being hard! Within weeks my acid reflux was gone and asthma was getting better.
About this time my frien, Dave, went raw. I thought he was f-ing CRAZY--training for an Ironman, eating nothing but RAW fruits and veggies and nuts/seeds. But my curiousity got the best of me and I started reading about it. No harm there, right? WRONG!! When I started reading, I naturally started eating more raw food--because I knew it was better for ME (maybe not for everyone). I started feeling even better. So I ate more and more raw food. Until one day I was at Sprouts and found a raw food "cookbook"....that night I had my first raw tomato sauce and veggies--OH MY GOD!! It was so delicious and satisfying! I couldn't believe it!
As the days went on, I ate more and more raw, experimented with a few things....played around. Then, about 6 days ago, I took a few days off of work to relax and take care of me. I read another raw book that night and the following morning. MADE SENSE! Sounded delicious! So, to shorten this story--I found another friend online that got Dave started and also did more research. I LOVE RESEARCH!! Last Thursday I decided to go almost 100% raw! I still have balsalmic vinegar occasionally...and my herbs aren't all raw yet. But one day. I think I'm doing well for now!
My weight is coming off. My appetite is sooo reduced. I go to the bathroom 3-5 times a day. I never get sugar crashes. If I'm tired, it's because I'm tired--not because my blood sugar is fucked up. I havne't had coffee in 6 days--that is the hardest thing!I cheated and had a cup of hot peppermint tea the other day. Almost had coffee today.
My muscles don't hurt like that used to. They get a tad bit sore--but they don't kill me. It's very interesting.
My point to all of this rambling is this--I believe my entire life that meat was SUPPOSED to be part of my diet! HOLY COW--HOW DO VEGANS LIVE WITHOUT MEAT?? Honestly, I only miss it once in a while--usually when I'm hungry. But before I went raw, when I started Paleo, meat made me feel soo heavy! I couldn't believe it!
So, here I am....aspiring raw foodist. I do not have to live on a make believe set of everyone's ideas and suggestions. I can choose my own path. I can eat meat or not. But if I choose not to, I'm not going to die--actually, I'll probably be healthier! But, like I said--this is all about me. I suggest people play with a variety of diets to see what their boides prefer.
Whew. That was long!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Raw Broccoli Soup
I seem to do well with numbering my thoughts, so I will continue in that fashion for this post.
1. I love to try new things--especially diets. Mainly because I have never found one that works AND is technically healthy. Sure, I've lost weight on some of them--but indulging in dairy didn't sit well with my stomach.
2. So--I am trying raw. My friend, Dave, went raw and I thought he was out of his f-ing mind--especially training for ironman. I doubted it, for sure.
3. But being eternally curious, I started to read a bit about raw...then read more, then try some stuff, then read more, then today--buy a juicer, a food processor, and some new kitchen utensils.
4. I don't even like to cook--but for some reason, now, I am thrilled to "cook" food. I, all of a sudden, LOVE to read raw recipes...and drool over them.
5. Tonight I made my first raw soup--broccoli. Wow. Yum. Broccoli, almonds, raw honey, cumin, garlic, onions, water, salt, pepper.....very tasty!
6. I learned today a little about food combining for the BEST results....fruit only an empty stomach. Shit. :) They recommend fruit until noon, then salads, then soups, breads, etc. Really you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want---but like all things, there are "better" ways to do things.
7. My shoulder that I had surgery on HURTS from too much lifting.
8. I took today off from work, from training, from taking a shower--I just did whatever I wanted, and cleaned.
9. ok, I'm done. :)
1. I love to try new things--especially diets. Mainly because I have never found one that works AND is technically healthy. Sure, I've lost weight on some of them--but indulging in dairy didn't sit well with my stomach.
2. So--I am trying raw. My friend, Dave, went raw and I thought he was out of his f-ing mind--especially training for ironman. I doubted it, for sure.
3. But being eternally curious, I started to read a bit about raw...then read more, then try some stuff, then read more, then today--buy a juicer, a food processor, and some new kitchen utensils.
4. I don't even like to cook--but for some reason, now, I am thrilled to "cook" food. I, all of a sudden, LOVE to read raw recipes...and drool over them.
5. Tonight I made my first raw soup--broccoli. Wow. Yum. Broccoli, almonds, raw honey, cumin, garlic, onions, water, salt, pepper.....very tasty!
6. I learned today a little about food combining for the BEST results....fruit only an empty stomach. Shit. :) They recommend fruit until noon, then salads, then soups, breads, etc. Really you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want---but like all things, there are "better" ways to do things.
7. My shoulder that I had surgery on HURTS from too much lifting.
8. I took today off from work, from training, from taking a shower--I just did whatever I wanted, and cleaned.
9. ok, I'm done. :)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Random stuff
1. I discovered today that fresh raw tomatoes with fresh squeezed lime juice is one of the most orally orgasmic things I've ever eaten.
2. I've lost 6.8 pounds on Paleo since April 4, 2009.
3. My dreams are getting more and more strange. I need to stop sleeping on the couch. Seriously--torture dreams more than once a week suck. Torture dreams at all suck.
4. Lettuce wraps with guacamole and tomatoes and chicken rock---they would be good even without the chicken.
5. I don't physically crave protein like I used to. I sometimes crave warm, filling food, though.
6. Crossfit has kicked my ASS two days in a row. Sometimes I think Crossfit is way tougher than I am.
7. I really want a Garmin to run with.
8. Depehce Mode and Offspring are coming to Denver. YAY!
9. I love lists.
10. My bike is coming along great---now all it needs is a new seat post, a new seat, aerobars, a bike fit, and maybe a new handlebar if mine is too wide.
11. My shoulder is entirely TOO freaking sore. :(
12. That's it!! Gotta go to bed now.
2. I've lost 6.8 pounds on Paleo since April 4, 2009.
3. My dreams are getting more and more strange. I need to stop sleeping on the couch. Seriously--torture dreams more than once a week suck. Torture dreams at all suck.
4. Lettuce wraps with guacamole and tomatoes and chicken rock---they would be good even without the chicken.
5. I don't physically crave protein like I used to. I sometimes crave warm, filling food, though.
6. Crossfit has kicked my ASS two days in a row. Sometimes I think Crossfit is way tougher than I am.
7. I really want a Garmin to run with.
8. Depehce Mode and Offspring are coming to Denver. YAY!
9. I love lists.
10. My bike is coming along great---now all it needs is a new seat post, a new seat, aerobars, a bike fit, and maybe a new handlebar if mine is too wide.
11. My shoulder is entirely TOO freaking sore. :(
12. That's it!! Gotta go to bed now.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday musings
I finally figured out that it takes me longer than most (in my opinion) to get going. I'm training, but not every day and not perfectly. But it is my goal that I am working towards. I figured out this weekend that nothing is perfect...and I am not going to be perfect, so I need to touch base with myself and see what is "enough", from time to time.
Take this weekend for instance. I was supposed to have my bike ready by last weekend, but I didn't get it done. So this week I had my stepdad install the new wheels. Saturday I was going to take the bike in and get the new pedals put on, and get my shoes put together. Didn't. I WENT to cycling clinic today, but didn't ride. I took a lot of notes, paid attention to the drills---then took my bike in to get all the adjustments.
I went to Performance because I was supposed to have $80 in credits.....double points from last week. First I had to have them take the security tag off of the shoes I bought last week. Then I found some new tights, new century riding pants, a new tool bag, and yes-- alittle dingy bell for the bike path to work. I don't care if a bell is stupid--it feels safer to me. :) So I get to the cash register and only half of my points are showing up! Shit. So I only bought the bell, the tool bag and the tights. They are going to fix my points--dammnit. :) Then I went to Bibcyle Village to get my pedals put on and my shoes fixed. I bought my bike there last year--so they totally hooked me up and did it for free! VERY nice people there--great customer service.
After a long day of driving all over, I came home and ate. :) Now I am about to make my schedule for the week. This should be fun!! :)
Oh, but before I go---I am going to be more conscious of my time and energy this week, and try not to waste it on shit that doesn't make me happy and feel good! :) My diet is making me feel great--Paleo and a lot of raw....and lots more sleep!
Take this weekend for instance. I was supposed to have my bike ready by last weekend, but I didn't get it done. So this week I had my stepdad install the new wheels. Saturday I was going to take the bike in and get the new pedals put on, and get my shoes put together. Didn't. I WENT to cycling clinic today, but didn't ride. I took a lot of notes, paid attention to the drills---then took my bike in to get all the adjustments.
I went to Performance because I was supposed to have $80 in credits.....double points from last week. First I had to have them take the security tag off of the shoes I bought last week. Then I found some new tights, new century riding pants, a new tool bag, and yes-- alittle dingy bell for the bike path to work. I don't care if a bell is stupid--it feels safer to me. :) So I get to the cash register and only half of my points are showing up! Shit. So I only bought the bell, the tool bag and the tights. They are going to fix my points--dammnit. :) Then I went to Bibcyle Village to get my pedals put on and my shoes fixed. I bought my bike there last year--so they totally hooked me up and did it for free! VERY nice people there--great customer service.
After a long day of driving all over, I came home and ate. :) Now I am about to make my schedule for the week. This should be fun!! :)
Oh, but before I go---I am going to be more conscious of my time and energy this week, and try not to waste it on shit that doesn't make me happy and feel good! :) My diet is making me feel great--Paleo and a lot of raw....and lots more sleep!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Things to catch up on
1) Congrats to Molly for an awesome race---and for keeping her cool on the bike leg that could have mentally zapped her
2) If you don't follow Chrissie Weelington's blog, you should. She's a riot.
3) Paleo is going...well. I am eight days without gluten, any grains, dairy, and refined sugar. I cheated yesteray and had a banana, which in turn made my mouth itch--so that might an allergy. Still down about 5 pounds. Feel great. My exercise induced asthma is SOOO much better, as is my acid reflux....astonishingly so. I had so much hot stuff yesterday and not one indication of AR. Wow.
4) I found snack packs of almonds and different nuts! YAY!
5) I ran 7 miles on a treadmill last night---boring! The cute boy next to me helped keep me motivated---I only needed a olittle. Goodness he was cute!! When I got off at mile 7 he was on 3.5.
6) Getting excited about IM AZ 2009. There are days I don't think I can do it, but there are more days now where I know I can!
7) Hope all is well in your world!
2) If you don't follow Chrissie Weelington's blog, you should. She's a riot.
3) Paleo is going...well. I am eight days without gluten, any grains, dairy, and refined sugar. I cheated yesteray and had a banana, which in turn made my mouth itch--so that might an allergy. Still down about 5 pounds. Feel great. My exercise induced asthma is SOOO much better, as is my acid reflux....astonishingly so. I had so much hot stuff yesterday and not one indication of AR. Wow.
4) I found snack packs of almonds and different nuts! YAY!
5) I ran 7 miles on a treadmill last night---boring! The cute boy next to me helped keep me motivated---I only needed a olittle. Goodness he was cute!! When I got off at mile 7 he was on 3.5.
6) Getting excited about IM AZ 2009. There are days I don't think I can do it, but there are more days now where I know I can!
7) Hope all is well in your world!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Yoga Heat
Second day of yoga! HOT HOT HOT! I thought I was going to throw up when we did core today. Wow! Bought my own mat--it's not that grippy. I also bought some tea tree oil to clean it, though. I need a yoga towel I guess. Lost an inch around my waist since Saturday. Water weight.
Had "track" practice today. I guess it's more appropriately called SPEED workouts, but whatever. We warmed up for 15 minutes, did 6x400 pace and then 4 strides. Not too bad. Kept our times between 2:03 and 2:10--so somehwat consistent.
Had "track" practice today. I guess it's more appropriately called SPEED workouts, but whatever. We warmed up for 15 minutes, did 6x400 pace and then 4 strides. Not too bad. Kept our times between 2:03 and 2:10--so somehwat consistent.
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