Sunday, June 16, 2013

Can We Influence What We Crave?

There has been a lot of talk around the studio lately about food, habits, and cravings; and it has gotten me thinking about the power we have over our own needs.  I certainly haven't conducted an exhaustive search, but the research I've found, as well as my own personal experience, leads me to believe we actually have quite a bit of influence over what we think of as overpowering cravings.

I know you've all been wondering what I have for breakfast every morning, so I will use that as a prime example.  Until recently, I was quite fond of a big bowl of cereal with blueberries as my morning repast.  I was getting some protein from milk, some carbs from cereal, and some good sugar and antioxidants from berries; all in all not the worst breakfast out there.  Unfortunately, as much as I looked forward to this meal (which was quite a lot), I often found myself hungry again only a few short hours later.  So, time for a change! 

Source: Wall Street Journal
A few weeks ago, I began making green smoothies for breakfast and lunch and saving solid foods for dinner and snacks (I'm basically a toddler when it comes to food now).  I've been making and drinking green smoothies for years, but never as my entire breakfast meal.  I expected this change to be difficult as I always thought I needed something more substantial in the mornings, but it hasn't been hard at all.  In fact, I find myself feeling more full and satisfied longer than when I was eating more.  I've been experimenting with recipes and found a lot of luck with adding peanut butter to give my smoothies a protein boost.

I wanted to share this story, not because my food is fascinating, but because I was shocked at how quickly I was able to completely eliminate what I used to see as a huge food craving in my routine.  I wonder what else I could change?

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Vulnerability = Courage

A friend sent me this TED talk link yesterday, and I just watched it.  While it is aimed primarily at the business world, please be patient and listen to the end; it's a terrific reminder that our excuses are not useful, or even necessary.  Get out and live.

http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame.html 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

wednesday wisdom

It doesn't take long to form a habit. Experts say something in the neighborhood of 21 days. So if you are trying a new workout, or changing the time of day you workout (I started working out early in the morning this january with our bootcamp and although it was pretty tough in the winter, my body got used to it and now I'm in a total routine. 5 days a week at 5:45 or 6am.) Give it a month and see where you are and how your body responds mentally and physically!


Sunday, June 9, 2013

You Gotta Try This!!!!!

http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/03/07/you-gotta-try-this/

Seriously, this raw chocolate raspberry fudge cake is super delicious and healthy.

Delicious explosion in your mouth :)


Friday, June 7, 2013

Get FUNdamental with me! (VIDEO!)

Oh, hey guise!   I made this short and informative video for those requesting instruction on the basics.
I show you the basic 5 Pilates Mat exercises you must master before doing work on the reformer.  In this video I show you how to establish something called Lumbo-Pelvic Stabilization.  In laymans terms that is when you hold the spine and pelvis still as you move different parts of our body.  Sound easy?  It's actually challenging and requires a lot of concentration.  Try it and get back to me !