I like to show my abs who's boss. My abs have been getting all high and mighty lately. Especially those cocky little obliques that have made a few brief appearances, mainly first thing in the morning after I've had a clean day of eating. That is, when I'm standing at a specific sideways angle in front of the mirror while also standing completely upright and simultaneously flexing and sucking in. That is the time when they come out and are all "look at me, look at me!". They are so selfish and sometimes need reprimanding.
The best way to punish unruly abs is through the recreational use of carbs. For example, about a week ago, I was simply exhausted from all this healthy eating, the holidays, and forcing my heart to work at rates which it was not accustomed. I was starving for dinner & spotted the bag of naan from Trader Joe's in my freezer. Oh yum! Naan. I figured it would be in my best interest to clear that out of my kitchen immediately so I wouldn't be tempted in the future. I broke one piece in half and popped it in the toaster. Anyone who has had naan knows it it just the best little pillow of hot, chewy, crispy, bready deliciousness ever. I grabbed it from the toaster and plated it with a side of olive oil with fresh ground black pepper. It was so delicious & I was getting lots of healthy fat from the olive oil. It was so good that I had another naan & olive oil platter. It was fantastic, but I was still starving. Perhaps there was some medical truth behind the concept that carbs should not be eaten alone. Hmmm.
I went back into the kitchen only to spot a box I had received as a holiday gift. It reminded me of a cigar box, only larger. The contents of this box were 12 bars of chocolate, which I had originally envisioned as decorations for upcoming gifts for birthdays or Valentine's Day. But, it would have been truly inconsiderate to give bars of chocolate away as gifts without tasting the goods first. So, I chose the milk chocolate with almonds. It was absolutely creamy and amazing chocolate. The bar was the second course in my dinner of Naan & Chocolate. I'm pretty certain I will not be adding these to any gifts. By the way, if your mouth is drooling like mine is right now, check out this tasty goodness for yourself: www.blommer.com. This is no ordinary chocolate, hot stuff. No, this is not paid advertising but that is not a bad idea.
My abs and myself have both been behaving lately with nutrition and even visiting the gym from time to time. So, why deprive oneself of the tasty treats? Which is exactly why, after a long 2 days at work this week, I'm enjoying a smooth Bell's Special Double Cream Stout. The beer equivalent of Blommer Chocolate. I guarantee I will not see my obliques tomorrow morning in the mirror no matter how much trick lighting I try to use. However, the past couple weeks have taught me how to make compromises and make good decisions. I truly believe that anybody can use any diet and succeed ... until the diet ends. But, to experience personal growth and have a healthy, functioning body you must compromise instead of trying to function with harsh extremes. And, compromise is not something that comes easily to me.
What I mean by compromise is Food Heaven or Hell. Tomorrow I will be in Nutrition Purgatory. Did I mention I had the most amazing cupcake from Georgetown Cupcake today? Oh, did I forget to mention that? I was at work and someone who wants us to pay more attention to them sent over the most gorgeous cupcakes. You can't say no to these. I won't eat just any cupcake. What do you think I am? The website for this is even sweet. It has that super fun feature where dragging the mouse creates fun shapes all over the screen. Check it out - it's like a fun game when you are bored at work: www.georgetowncupcake.com.
It's definitely good to know my abs are waiting to come out to walk the red carpet. But, I have to keep them in line. They cannot get too much, too fast without really doing much work. Who do they think they are? Miley Cyrus? I also have to keep myself happy to balance out the enormous amount of grilled chicken, scoops of whey protein, egg whites, vegetables, and gallons of water I've been drinking.
The great news is that you can actually subtly control the way your body looks from day to day with careful food choices. As I said, I will definitely not be seeing my abs tomorrow morning. I might actually see what appears to be a gut. I'll just know it's the Bell's Special Double Cream Stout and Georgetown Cupcake competing for some attention.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
shiny & pretty things
Last Sunday, I made to the gym. It was the infamous Day 1 that I had carefully and delicately placed on a pedestal. For days before that, I adored that workout routine in all it's perfection hoisted high on that pedestal until I realized I would have to follow through with it. So, I had a heaping scoop of whey protein and some sugary mango [to access immediate energy] and I got dressed in my little gym suit. I couldn't immediately go work out or I would vomit from all that food in my stomach. I did some dishes, started some laundry, stared out the window, watched some crack-like addictive E! channel programming, and then realized 45 minutes had passed. I wondered what happened to my sugary mango energy reserves. I rushed to the gym to ensure the mangoes would be property utilized.
When I got to the gym, I was already impressed with myself. It was a nice Sunday afternoon, perfect for lounging on my cozy couch. The icy wind was howling and I was sure that the right side of my face was chapped from walking into the gym from the parking lot. I walked downstairs, put my things in the locker room and took out the black and white photocopy I made from the Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine. It's not that I've never been in a gym before and have no idea what to do. I've worked out since I was 14 and got my hands on my first Shape magazine. I used to do the mini fitness routines in my room with my pink weights. Then, I progressed to the grown-up gym in college and loved it. Even though I know a million different ways to work out, it's helpful to have a plan written down or have a personal trainer tell me what to do. Otherwise, I would just wander around randomly doing exercises that pop into my mind.
The workout ended up being fantastic and I felt amazing when I finished. It was a standard 10 minute cardio appetizer, then an upper body weights entree, then 25 minutes of cardio for dessert. Delicious! And to top off all this tasty goodness, I learned what time all the hot guys come to the gym on Sundays. Apparently, I have to show up after Hangover o'clock in the morning, but before Random Sports TV Event o'clock in the afternoon.
My back, chest, triceps, shoulders, and biceps were sore from Monday until Wednesday. And I had no idea how much pectoral muscle went into turning the wheel of a car until my muscle fibers were bleeding from the inside out while finding a prime parking spot in my deck and avoiding running into the support beams. My muscles were so sore that I have not found myself at the gym since that Sunday. The good news is that was only 6 days ago instead of 6 weeks or 6 months.
I have even more good news. In my avoidance of going to the gym this week, my apartment looks amazing. As amazing as any 670 square foot apartment can look, that is. Everything is in order, as if I had a live-in wait staff. I even do my dishes as I'm cooking and after I eat. I've never done that in my life. Again, I had often waited for James The Butler to come and tidy up when I was finished dining.
I do get distracted often by shiny, pretty things, like the seemingly immediate need to recycle old magazines or shop for post-holiday goods, but what I've learned in starting this is the concept of moderation. I used to scoff at moderation. I thought it was a boring concept. I mean, what is the fun of only partially doing something? But, I've found myself eating more healthfully, making better choices, and avoiding extremes. I've booted the all or nothing concept and see myself investing in my health. The idea of the lifelong marathon of health with hot abs is way more appealing than a crazed few week sprint. What would I do when the sprint was over?
When I got to the gym, I was already impressed with myself. It was a nice Sunday afternoon, perfect for lounging on my cozy couch. The icy wind was howling and I was sure that the right side of my face was chapped from walking into the gym from the parking lot. I walked downstairs, put my things in the locker room and took out the black and white photocopy I made from the Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine. It's not that I've never been in a gym before and have no idea what to do. I've worked out since I was 14 and got my hands on my first Shape magazine. I used to do the mini fitness routines in my room with my pink weights. Then, I progressed to the grown-up gym in college and loved it. Even though I know a million different ways to work out, it's helpful to have a plan written down or have a personal trainer tell me what to do. Otherwise, I would just wander around randomly doing exercises that pop into my mind.
The workout ended up being fantastic and I felt amazing when I finished. It was a standard 10 minute cardio appetizer, then an upper body weights entree, then 25 minutes of cardio for dessert. Delicious! And to top off all this tasty goodness, I learned what time all the hot guys come to the gym on Sundays. Apparently, I have to show up after Hangover o'clock in the morning, but before Random Sports TV Event o'clock in the afternoon.
My back, chest, triceps, shoulders, and biceps were sore from Monday until Wednesday. And I had no idea how much pectoral muscle went into turning the wheel of a car until my muscle fibers were bleeding from the inside out while finding a prime parking spot in my deck and avoiding running into the support beams. My muscles were so sore that I have not found myself at the gym since that Sunday. The good news is that was only 6 days ago instead of 6 weeks or 6 months.
I have even more good news. In my avoidance of going to the gym this week, my apartment looks amazing. As amazing as any 670 square foot apartment can look, that is. Everything is in order, as if I had a live-in wait staff. I even do my dishes as I'm cooking and after I eat. I've never done that in my life. Again, I had often waited for James The Butler to come and tidy up when I was finished dining.
I do get distracted often by shiny, pretty things, like the seemingly immediate need to recycle old magazines or shop for post-holiday goods, but what I've learned in starting this is the concept of moderation. I used to scoff at moderation. I thought it was a boring concept. I mean, what is the fun of only partially doing something? But, I've found myself eating more healthfully, making better choices, and avoiding extremes. I've booted the all or nothing concept and see myself investing in my health. The idea of the lifelong marathon of health with hot abs is way more appealing than a crazed few week sprint. What would I do when the sprint was over?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
elegance is refusal
I deem Coco Chanel's quote "Elegance is refusal" as the theme for 2009. She said this in reference to her own resilience in life and in her business. Determined to succeed, she refused to give up on her vision and her life's passion. This philosophy can be applied to anything in your life. Business, love, travel, family, and of course fitness.
Someone asked me last week why I would not want to continue eating whatever I want, whenever I want. I replied that I prefer to enjoy the view in the mirror every time I get dressed for a night out or put a bikini on for a lounge by the pool. Discipline is an enviable skill, not a prison sentence. How would we ever get anything accomplished without it? Without drive, discipline and the grace to say no, we would not grow as individuals.
There was a book published in the 90's called Thin Tastes Better. I don't necessarily care about being thin, but rather fit. For the purpose of this, we'll say Fit Tastes Better. Out of pure desire, I want to be photo-op ready if I plan a tropical vacation with friends or have a romantic getaway. I think the key here is being ready vs. never feeling quite ready. I even read somewhere that fit people get paid more at work. It's the same idea as having an outfit pulled together or being groomed properly. It's just pure and simple self-respect.
Well, darlings, elegance truly is refusal. Refusal to get lazy. Refusal to put anything in my body that will hinder success. Refusal to be so hard on myself that I don't enjoy life. Refusal to give up.
2009 is about being the best version of yourself you can possibly be. This can be anything you want it to be. I want to see my friends more, be healthier, and smile more. And a little ego boost can't hurt either.
Ciao for now.
Happy New Year & Cheers to the best year ever!
Someone asked me last week why I would not want to continue eating whatever I want, whenever I want. I replied that I prefer to enjoy the view in the mirror every time I get dressed for a night out or put a bikini on for a lounge by the pool. Discipline is an enviable skill, not a prison sentence. How would we ever get anything accomplished without it? Without drive, discipline and the grace to say no, we would not grow as individuals.
There was a book published in the 90's called Thin Tastes Better. I don't necessarily care about being thin, but rather fit. For the purpose of this, we'll say Fit Tastes Better. Out of pure desire, I want to be photo-op ready if I plan a tropical vacation with friends or have a romantic getaway. I think the key here is being ready vs. never feeling quite ready. I even read somewhere that fit people get paid more at work. It's the same idea as having an outfit pulled together or being groomed properly. It's just pure and simple self-respect.
Well, darlings, elegance truly is refusal. Refusal to get lazy. Refusal to put anything in my body that will hinder success. Refusal to be so hard on myself that I don't enjoy life. Refusal to give up.
2009 is about being the best version of yourself you can possibly be. This can be anything you want it to be. I want to see my friends more, be healthier, and smile more. And a little ego boost can't hurt either.
Ciao for now.
Happy New Year & Cheers to the best year ever!
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