Getting healthy!

After almost 10 months of complaining about my body (post baby), I finally decided to do something about it. I have been looking at purchasing a home elliptical for awhile, but was waiting for a good deal. In fact, in recent months, I have been super close to purchasing one, only to have it fall through at the last minute for one reason or another.

I found this elliptical on craigslist. Brand new as of January, but the owner decided she would rather go to her gym classes instead and wasn't getting the use of it she thought she would. It came with a 3 year (transferable) warranty on parts and service. And they were willing to deliver! Needless to say, after some research, I jumped right in.

I'm now the proud owner of a NordicTrack AudioStrider.
(No, it is no longer in our bedroom for those who are concerned...it got bumped to the office.)

So far, I've done really well waking up in the morning, doing my elliptical workout and then either some arm weights/push ups or abs. For me, and this season of life, this is the best option. I don't have to get the kids dressed and ready, drop them off at the gym daycare, and hope I don't get called to go get them. Do I miss the fun classes? Sure. But I have to do something right now, and this is much better than sitting around wishing I could go to the gym uninterrupted. Now, I do it while they are eating breakfast and watching cartoons in their jammies. Its a win win.

On top of my workouts, Jesse and I are also participating in a 24 Day Challenge with a group of people here in town. The first 10 days are a cleanse, there is one "off" day, and then the remaining days are burn/refuel days. So far, we are on day 7 of the cleanse, and yes, we have both already lost weight. Jesse wanted to do this challenge, and as usual, I was hesitant. I admit it. I have a love affair with food. I NEVER diet. But this is not a diet. This is a change in eating patterns. Again...not my strong suit. I figure that food is good for a reason!! Everyone enjoy! Normally when I start to notice extra chub on my waistline, I just cut back my portions; not necessarily changing the food I intake.

This part of the challenge takes it back old school. There is no counting calories or anything like that (though in our case, Jesse and I have both said we have to be consuming less calories without even thinking about it). We eat a minimum of 5 "meals" every day. Here are a few of the rules of the cleanse:

• No fried food, refined sugars, starches, or bread
• No dairy
• No coffee or soda
• No salt!
• Eat fruits and veggies
• Eat healthy fats (avocado, nuts/seeds, olive oil)
• Eat clean proteins (tuna, salmon, chicken, turkey breast-not deli meat, egg whites)
• Eat clean carbs (whole grain brown rice, hummus, oatmeal)

Pretty much, the rule of thumb is that anything that can be grown (fruits/veggies/nuts) or killed (meats) is okay. Anything with a shelf life is not okay, because it has been processed. We are literally eating food in its natural state.

I must admit, it has been quite a change. I dropped Diet Coke hard core. But, with the supplements you take to support your body during the cleanse, I never had a big caffeine-withdrawal headache! Amazing! Also, I have thought that I eat pretty healthy in the past. But, tuna fish with a big 'ole glop of mayo and sweet relish is technically not healthy. (Still healthier than a double-cheeseburger, but you get what I'm saying.) Eating tuna fish with veggies and fruits instead of my normal condiments...well, it tastes, different. Eating salad without salad dressing...hmmm. It is taking some adjusting.

My goal in all of this is just to jump start my body and mind into a new frame of mind. I want to be forced to try different foods I would not have tried otherwise. I want to get back into the habit of looking in the refrigerator for a snack (fruits/veggies) rather than the sweet and salty snacks I normally grab. I want to quit eating mindlessly. So that when this challenge is over, my frame of mind has changed. Will I still eat things that taste good? Ummm YES. But I will be more conscious about it.

Anyway! So, that's one thing going on right now. I must say, we have been traveling while on it, and that is much harder. However, the longer we do it, the stronger my resolve. I'm too far invested now!! I want the full success!! I'll report when we're done!