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Cleanse Days 2 & 3

Shakeology Cleanse days 2 & 3 recap:

Day 2 was harder than day 1. I felt okay that morning – just hungry and a slight headache – but as the day wore on I became increasingly shaky, irritable and my headache got worse. I recalled that in the past, anytime I would try a 2-day juice fast or a cleanse, I would usually only get one full day in due to generally feeling like crap. Some folks just need to modify these things, everyone’s system is different. So I decided I would eat a healthy lunch and then dinner too, if needed. But by the time the end of the workday was near I had a full blown migraine with nausea and the works.

Luckily, John at Fit by Faith (www.fitbyfaith.net) was able to help me. He instructed me to take an Epsom salt soak which really helped relax me and knock the headache down. Then John gave me a wonderful reflexology session, and told me TONS of tips about detoxing and cleansing. John also gave me a cooler of “Living Water” to drink. This is water that has been treated to balance the pH levels. I am not sure how it works and you may be rolling your eyes – hey that is okay, I kinda did too – BUT here is the deal. When I first started back at FBF I didn’t really believe in reflexology either, but John totally took away my knee pain with it. There may be things out there we disbelieve and don’t fully understand, but it doesn’t mean they won’t work or aren’t beneficial. Keeping an open mind is a good thing!

Which brings us to day 3. Day 3…was… easy! I was hungry, but not to the point where I wanted to eat my own arm anymore. And I didn’t crave anything “bad” at all – the food thoughts that filled my mind were all about clean foods. I really had a hankering for fresh cucumber slices! I drank nearly the entire cooler of Living Water on day 3, plus I had 2 chocolate Shakeologies (love that chocolate, it is soooo good) and for lunch a big salad with some chicken breast. I felt refreshed and clear and CLEAN.

And now, results. I did not mark any numbers at the beginning of this cleanse, so these results are from the last 2 weeks, really. I need to qualify that and say that honestly the only GOOD thing I did for myself was the Shakeology cleanse. I was lax in the working out department (I know, I know.. hanging head in shame) and while I didn’t run out and eat Sonic every day, I definitely was not the healthiest eater, at least until I started doing the cleanse. So with that said, I…..

Lost 4 pounds.

Lost 7.5 inches.

Lost 2.5% body fat.

Rid myself of cravings for pretty much all salty, sugary, fatty foods. Right now I’d rather have a nice piece of grilled salmon than a cheeseburger, or even a steak!

Feel refreshed and “clean” and clear-minded.

Feel that I got a great jump-start for the coming 4 weeks of our “Beach Body Buddy” contest at FBF!!

The only thing I did NOT experience, that I read most people do, is a decrease in feeling hungry. I was HUNGRY doing this. But I am a gal who loves to eat, so maybe I was more missing the actual act of eating a meal, as opposed to drinking a shake (although the shakes are delicious).

At any rate, I will announce my Shakeology 3-day cleanse a SUCCESS!

And now for the weekend, I have plans to dig out a flower bed in the back yard. I am becoming some sort of a gardener…… and loving it! :)

posted by Tamfish @ 8:17 AM Comments: 0

Cleanse!! Am I crazy?

Every now and then, even though we eat fairly healthy for the most part, I feel the need to sort of “detox” and get myself back on track. Sort of a ‘system reboot’ if you will.

I decided to do the “Shakeology Cleanse”.

For those of you who are wondering, Shakeology is a Beachbody product. www.shakeology.com/tamfish Beachbody is a home-fitness company that I endorse and represent as a coach and “distributor” of sorts (in that you can purchase products through me and in return, I will help coach you along the way with advice, tips, motivation… not as a personal trainer but more like a cheerleader). Shakeology is a nutrient-dense shake mix, like “a trip to the salad bar with 5 plates”. It is DELICIOUS and I like that it is full of healthy ingredients and helps me meet my daily healthy eats & vitamin requirements in an easy way.

The Cleanse is akin to a “Daniel fast” with the exception that we are allowed to eat lean white protein (chicken, turkey, fish). It works like this: for 3 days, you have Shakeology for breakfast (blended with fruit to up the caloric content), for lunch and one snack. For your other snack – and if you are overwhelmingly hungry at times – you can have fresh fruit and/or vegetables. For dinner you can have 4 to 6 oz of lean white protein and a large green salad with vegetables/fruit and dressing made from oil & vinegar.

While this is calorie restrictive, it is not nutrient lacking due to the Shakeology and the clean foods you are eating. It isn’t a fast – it is more a nutrient-dense cleanse designed to help detox the body and clean out the system.

Today was my day 1. Well it isn’t quite over yet but it is close enough for me to know how I’m feeling about it. I think today has been difficult but I also believe that this will be the toughest part. Have I been hungry? Yes. Has it been overwhelming? No, not really, but it helps to not sit around and think about things like bacon cheeseburgers and sirloin steak. For lunch I took a 30-minute power walk so I would not be sitting around tempted to break the cleanse – that helped. I’ve had some good eats today – strawberries, an orange, a banana, some broccoli. For dinner I’ll have a turkey breast burger patty with my “big ass salad” and trust me, I look forward to it. I have a slight headache – I am chalking that up to ‘toxins leaving the body’. I probably should have had more water today (the cleanse recommends lots and lots of water… I drank probably 3 liters so far but may need more).

Thus far I am realizing just how much of a carnivore I am. All day I have had the desire to chew … not just on anything but on something meaty like a steak or brisket.

I also realize just how dang GOOD clean foods taste when you are really wanting to eat. Those strawberries were so sweet, the orange so bright and citrusy. If this experience causes me to "taste" differently and appreciate foods more, then I am very happy about that.

So day 1 is nearly over, I am going to make it…. And move onto day 2. Which will be easier, I believe. Altho…. Boo is looking pretty plump & juicy lying at my feet…………

posted by Tamfish @ 3:55 PM Comments: 0

Happy Thoughts

It occurred to me as I rode around on the mower yesterday evening that I’m in a particularly “happy phase” of life right about now.

Granted, this could be because the sun finally broke out and the rain let up, and that spring finally seems to be here, which leads to summer. But I think it is more than that.

I mulled it over, while riding in circles cutting the grass, that most of this “happy phase” is due to simply making a few changes in the past few months. I have written before about being a bit stuck in a rut. Well, the things I’ve done since the first of this year have surely broken the pattern.

Then I got to thinking: what is it, specifically, that makes me really happy? Sort of making a mental list, I was. Of course at the top are family and friends. Relationship. I have a fantastic husband whom I love and adore, great kids who crack me up and a little sweet pea to hug. I have awesome “old” friends who have known me, some for 30+ years, some for 5-10 years. Then there is a “new” group that pretty recently started and that is exciting. But I’m not talking necessarily about that type of “happy” causing things, because really unless you have no soul, people you love, and being loved, makes everyone happy.

What I’m talking about are little things that make ME happy that might or might not make someone else feel the joy.

So here are a few things that I thought up, in no particular order. I reserve the right to add or subtract to my list at any given time. LOL

• PEDICURES (and other stuff like that). I guess some might consider them a luxury but when you aren’t eating out every day or drinking Big Gulps, you can put that money to something nice for yourself! I love the pampering feeling of soft feet, or seeing that my hands are pretty and groomed nicely. I must soon try a massage… I’ve never had one and I bet it is sheer heaven.
• 
  

• A GOOD BOOK. I love being drawn into a good story, whether it is a comedy, romance, non-fiction or suspenseful page-turner. Doesn’t matter as long as it holds my interest. It is like having a movie played in my head. I also love cookbooks and cooking magazines – I love to read the recipes and ideas (although I seldom follow one word by word).
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• MOVIE PREVIEWS. Yes I like the actual movie too, but I just love being in the dark theater and seeing that green “This preview has been rated….” Screen come on. It is like opening a present: what is it going to be? Scary? A love story? Action/adventure? I wonder sometimes if I’m the only person who cries at previews and not just at the movie?
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• THE PATIO (and related things). Years ago we had a swing hanging in the oak tree in our front yard. I loved that thing and would sit in it for hours. I painted a bunch of flower pots and planted them with all sorts of pretty things. Sort of made a little paradise in the front yard to hang out in – and we did and it was good. Somehow, for some reason, I just stopped doing that and I realize now that I miss it. This past fall, we built a rock patio in the backyard corner (OK Jimmy built it, I helped) and for a while I wondered if it was a mistake because it just sat there. Well duh, it was cold weather! Now it is warming up and the sun is shining (some days, at least) and YES it was a GREAT idea. I’m gearing up to plant some pots and really pretty it up. It will be a wonderful place for relaxing, visiting or just to read one of those good books or magazines I enjoy. ;)
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• A REALLY GOOD MEAL. I am a foodie, I admit it. I will never be one of those types who simply views food as “fuel for the body”. Nope. A really good quality meal involves all of the senses and should be enjoyed – savored, even. Now, my definition of “good quality” has changed over the years and that is a good thing for me, but I realize that too is an individual perception. For me, the best meals involve FRESH ingredients, lots of color, depth of tastes…. I am just as likely to go nuts over a big salad of organic baby greens with vinaigrette as I am an exquisitely created tiramisu. One thing is for sure: the $1 menu is NOT involved here. I dream of being a judge on Iron Chef America. *sigh*
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• A REALLY GREAT SONG. It might be a melody, or a harmony, but most times what makes me happiest are really well written lyrics. A great song should read like poetry. There are far too many to name them all. The one I have in heavy rotation for now is Eva Cassidy singing “Songbird”. Google it. You’ll love it.
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• MINI VACATIONS. Any vacation makes me happy but I love to spread my vacation days out across the calendar and take “mini-vacays” here and there. A sprinkling of 3 or 4 day weekends thru the course of the year is better than one week-long chunk spent in one place. At least that is what I think.
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That’s enough of mine for now. My question is: what are YOURS? Leave a comment and tell me. Who knows, you may come up with something I want to add to MY list ;)

posted by Tamfish @ 12:33 PM Comments: 1

Just thinkin.

posted by Tamfish @ 6:58 PM Comments: 0

The End is Near!

Quest 12 is nearly over and I’m excited!!

Well – don’t take that the wrong way. ;)

We have one more week of Quest 12 and then the Grand Finale! That is going to be a really special event. I can’t wait to see the transformations and hear the testimonials. I have seen so much heart and spirit this past 11 weeks. I have been inspired by everyone and I hope that I was able to pass that inspiration on, as well. I am blessed to be a part of it!

No matter what my final numbers are, I have gotten what I truly wanted out of it:

1. Relationship. I wanted more than anything to make lasting friendships, to give of myself, to be an encourager. I have been rewarded GREATLY in the relationship department!

2. Develop spiritually. I wanted to reinforce my faith and be reminded that it isn’t all about “me” – it is about Him, first and foremost. I knew this was the place and these were the folks that would steer me that direction. I have been rewarded GREATLY in the faith department!

3. To feel capable. I wanted, by the end, to feel that I was strong enough and capable enough to TRY any task set before me. I have done 7 hours at a Tae Bo A Thon. I have marched up Thrill Hill (several times). I have “run” a 5k and finished. Those were the big tasks – every day in class I was faced with a smaller, yet just as important task. To push through when my body was saying “stop”. To hold that power drill just 10 more seconds. To kick harder. To punch with power. To squat deeper. Sure it is hard, and sure it hurts – but I AM ABLE.

4. To get me back in the swing of things. I used to be active all the time! "Used to be" - what happened? I don't really know.... just got out of the habit, I guess. It feels good to be back in it now!

Those are the main things I wanted and I have them in my possession now. I have also been reminded that 12 weeks goes by FAST! It seems like a long road ahead, but the time really flies. My mind used to think, “A 12 week program, oh man this is going to take forever….” And now my mind says, “12 weeks will go by FAST - why not make it productive?”

NOW I am excited that the end of Quest is near because…..I KNOW my plan for the next 12 weeks. After careful consideration, this is it:

** Immediately after Quest, take a recovery week. This will include walking a lot and attending Yoga/Stretch class. My body needs this, it is telling me so now. I will push thru this final week of Quest and then give it the rest/recovery it needs.

** After that recovery week, I will start a schedule that follows the rotation guidelines of the Chalean Extreme program. This is a strength training program (by Beachbody) designed to build lean muscle and slim & tone the body. Not necessarily weight loss – although I believe that will come simply because I have some more pounds to lose. I feel the craving for strength training. It is vital to women over 40! On this schedule, I will be doing strength workouts 3x a week, using the Chalean Extreme workout dvd’s at home. I will do 2, sometimes 3 (depending on what is going on that week) Tae Bo/Yoga/Stretch workouts at the gym – this will sub for the cardio/endurance/stretch workouts in the plan.

This plan will take me right up to about July 4^th and I’ll see where I am then.

I’m looking forward to the plan. It will keep me connected to my friends at FBF and involved there – which I love! – and at the same time allow me more “home time”.

So there you have it. In black and white, in print, in INK baby! Now I have to do it huh? ;)

Have a very happy Easter Weekend, friends! We have my mom visiting, we’ll have all the kids over for dinner and visiting and I believe we get to keep Audrey for the weekend which makes me very very happy……………… I could just gobble up that little funky monkey…… she’s sweeter than a marshmallow Peep!

All my love!

Tam

posted by Tamfish @ 7:30 AM Comments: 0

How I ran a 5K and managed to stay alive

posted by Tamfish @ 12:23 PM Comments: 1

Processing Quest 12

Be warned – this may be long and rambling. I don’t know where I am going with this just yet. Turn back now if you like – or take a risk and don’t. It’s all good.

When I signed up for Quest I did so knowing that I would be challenged to “get outside my comfort zone”. I did it because I felt called to do it and I believed that if God meant for Quest to be a part of my path, He would see that it happened. Well, He did and honestly I had no idea that it would be this hard, that it would ask so much of me. But not so much physically – more mentally and spiritually.

Let me go back a bit and see if I can explain what I mean by that.

I am a woman who seems to constantly fight my own ego. Years ago, I was in better shape, having done a weigh loss/fitness program before which was very successful and I learned a lot from that. But it didn’t last (again, that pesky ego gets in the way) and I found myself on a downward slide back into old habits. I heard that this new program was starting in town called Fit by Faith, so I went and checked it out. Krista seemed cool, and Tae Bo was something I could do and was somewhat familiar with, having done kickboxing workouts before.

I started attending Fit by Faith and it was fun for a while. But after some time went by… my ego began talking. “This is too hard” it would say….. “Krista is pushing you too much”……”You don’t need someone to tell you what to do, you already know all of this….”

Nasty, nasty ego.

So…. I quit.

Things were fine. I went on living my life, doing my thing. I’d exercise here and there when I felt like it. Eat what I felt like eating. Do what I felt like doing. That is what life is about right? Being happy? Yes, I told myself. That is what it’s about.

The weight kept creeping up, but I didn’t really notice. The strength and stamina I had gained slowly was lost, but again, I didn’t really notice.

It was probably enough that just unaware daily living was putting me right back where I started, but we all know sometimes life deals us a blow that really derails us. I got one of those when my best friend Lori died of cancer. I am only just now beginning to understand how that affected me, and I am only now beginning to really deal with it in my head (I think of Lori and cry all the time in stretch class…. Just lying there quietly listening to the music…. That was her music, those words were her strength… it is so hard but it is cathartic… I have to feel it in order to get through it, and I haven’t let myself feel it before)

When Lori died, my ego told me that this meant it was time to LIVE my life in any way that made me happy. Because life was short and unfair, and it could end cruelly at any moment. “Don’t deny yourself that Sonic coke float! It could all end tomorrow!” Of course it wasn’t all about food – this mindset involved other things like truly realizing how blessed I am to have my husband and family and friends, and really relishing my time with them in a deeper way than before. So it wasn’t ALL bad. Still….. the food thing, the choosing to be sedentary… it took a toll.

THEN a funny thing happened. I started seeing Krista everywhere. That was weird, I’d quit Fit by Faith what ….. 2 years before? 3? And didn’t see her anywhere around town (and it’s not that big a town!) and suddenly she was everywhere I turned. Driving her Mustang down Austin Avenue. Turning up as a friend of a friend on Facebook. I’m serious, it seems like I saw her every week for months!

And then one day I was shopping in Walmart – and there she was. Coming down the aisle toward me.

I turned and went the other way so she wouldn’t see me.

Why? Because I was embarrassed. Because if she asked me where I’d been, I wouldn’t have a good answer. Because I knew I had changed – and not in a good way – and I didn’t want to be judged.

I thought about that and I realized – it wasn’t Krista judging me. It was ME judging MYSELF.

I knew then that I was being called back to Fit by Faith. I knew that it was time to “leggo my ego” and step outside my comfort zone. It was time to reach out – I had spent so much time alone, trying to do what was right for my health and my body yet satisfies my ego. It just wasn’t working and it was time to face the fact that I needed HELP and I could not do this alone. I needed support, motivation and yes, instruction.

That first day I went back to FBF I was terrified – but when I walked in the door and was greeted so warmly, I knew I was doing the right thing.

Which brings me (finally!) back to Quest 12. I KNEW it would be physically tough – and believe me, it is. What I didn’t realize is that it would give me so much mentally and spiritually. Going into it, I made the commitment to trust my trainers, rely on my teammates and to just get OUTSIDE myself, leave my ego at the door and do anything that was asked of me. Anything. It is not easy! There are days when my ego is talking very loudly. I struggle. I rationalize. But I fight – I want to be a fighter! I want to overcome and be a strong, confident, capable woman. And I am getting there, I know I am.

If you had told me this time last year that I would have done something as crazy as a 7 hour Tae bo a thon I’d have laughed in your face and said “Yeah… whatever!” If you had told me I would stand at the bottom of Thrill Hill scared out of my gourd and then run/march/slog my way to the top TWICE I would have said, “Why on earth…. Nobody NEEDS to do that!”

I HAVE DONE THOSE THINGS!!

I am RE-learning that I don’t need to be afraid of anything! I am re-learning that I don’t have to listen to my ego – because my ego is afraid! My ego wants to keep me in a box, it wants me alone and scared and living with limits. I say – NO MORE.

If I had listened to my ego, I would be missing out on all of this! To see everyone facing the challenge of that hill….. WOW that was amazing. And it feeds me spiritually. To see my friend Dusty march back up that hill even tho the challenge was over….. just… Wow. Chills up my spine. THAT is inspiring. And to think I would have missed that.

I am more firmly convinced than EVER that my being a part of Quest 12 is Divine in nature. I know I was placed on the Green Team for a reason. What started out to be a way to lose some weight and inches has become bigger than I could ever have dreamed. I see now that I was meant to be changed from the inside out, that I was meant to forge relationships that feed my soul.

My favorite story about Lori is from our senior year in high school. We were going to go “riding around” in Llano – which meant driving from one end of town to the other -- a typical high school activity in a small town. Kim couldn’t go, she was grounded. For some reason Lori thought it was a good idea to go to Kim’s house and try to convince Kim’s dad that he was wrong, he should unground her and let her go with us. Well, she was not successful in doing this – in fact she made Kim’s father pretty irate! And as Lori was walking back to the car, angry and defeated, she whirled back around and yelled out:

“We just want to LIVE dammit!!”

A silly, emotional cry from a teenage girl takes on such profound meaning now. We all just want to LIVE --- in big bold capital letters.

All this time I thought I was doing just that – but I wasn’t. It was just a shadow of what a full life could be. My friend Kathy said it best. When I told her about the Thrill Hill challenge, she said, “Just in case you didn't know it, you are LIVING!!!!!!”

How right she is.

posted by Tamfish @ 10:41 AM Comments: 2