Day 15 of New Year New You

WOW we have reached the halfway point!  Really 15 days have gone by that fast!  I almost feel like I could do a New Year New You Challenge for the year.  Well here we go!

My Day 14:  I worked all day from 8 AM to 6 PM teaching a yoga training.  So thankful for my group of attendees they really make time go by fast.  My breakfast was simple: Pumpernickel Bagel and Chiobani Yogurt.  Did you make the French Toast? I did get to clean out one cabinet today and had my TREAT from yesterday for dinner tonight:  Peach Cobbler with Ice Cream.  It was well worth it.

Ready, Set, Go - Day 15:

Fitness:
Today's forecast is 28 degrees.  Have I ever said how much I don't like winter?  Well today I'm giving you two options:

1.  Enjoy your home with an indoor workout.  You could do the Plyometrics from Day 6 and the Abdominal workout on Day 2 and/or the BLT workout on Day 11

For my football fans, feel free to get it done before the game!  And someone please text me with updates on the score, I will be working form 8 to 5.

2.  Don't mind going out - Try Bikram Yoga.  It might be cold outside but its Hot in there.  Member of Crunch? Give Hot Yoga a try today.  PLEASE take a change of clothes with you and make sure to dry off before going back out.

Food:
Given the weather, today is a Great day to make a SOUP!  I love soup when its cold outside.

Never made soup before?  Not sure what to use?  Looking for some healthy options?
Cooking Light offers 101 healthy soup recipes for you to choose from.  There's bound to be one you'd enjoy.

Are you a visual person?  Try checking out one of the Food Channels like Food Network for ideas.

Let me know what you picked!


Self Growth:
Its time to reflect and track your success!  There is nothing more motivating then seeing your accomplishments.  We are 15 day's into a 31 day challenge, take a quick peek at your progress.  Check off each day that you've worked out or followed my Food and/or Self Growth tips.

Notice the habits you have created without trying so hard.  Don't look at the days you missed and say "I knew I couldn't do this or how can I catch up now?" Embrace the days you did something! Smile and say to yourself: "Wow that's more time than I usually dedicate to myself and I'm looking forward to what the next 15 days has to offer."

This challenge is all about taking steps to make change and doing that one day at a time.  Each day presents an opportunity for a new you in mind, body and soul.  You've already proven anything is possible by reading this right now!


Until Tomorrow,

Taj


photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedromourapinheiro/2307665224/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Day 7 of New Year New You

Well it's been one week!  I hope each of you are diligently following along.  I am having fun setting up the daily challenges. MY apologies for the late post... Today is my birthday and I was out last night with some friends.  :)

My Day 6: Got in my plyometric exercises and put an apple in my salad!  I wasn't able to invest in my workout yesterday... But there is ALWAYS today.

Here we go with Day 7:

Fitness:
Surprise its your day off.  Yeah!  Everyone needs a day off from work and so does your body. ENJOY, there are no physical moments you have to perform today.

Now if you weren't able to complete one of the other days fitness challenge and you want to get it in today, be my guest.  I am keeping it leisurely today.

Food: 
Go GREEN today!  Make today about adding more green veggies to your diet try:

• Collards Greens
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Spinach

Green leafy veggies are full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Grab a freshly made glass from your local juice bar, make your own at home.  Steam them for lunch or dinner or  stop by a local raw food restaurant like: Quintessence in Manhattan. 

Self Growth:

Take advantage of your day off! Restore your body with one of of the following: 

• Massage
• Sauna or Stem Room Treatment

If getting to a spa is too late notice for today, bring the Spa to you!  Prepare a hot bath with the following: 

• Candles to set the ambiance
• Epsom Salt
• Drop in some Lavender oil (if available to you)
• Bubbles are always nice too

Afterwards give your body a nice self rub with some lotion or baby oil.   Take your time and move with the muscles, long strokes. 

Enjoy!  I think I see a Spa Treatment in my near future :) 

Until tomorrow

Taj 

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alicehenneman/5849718391/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Day 6 of New Year New You

Wow, its day six already!

My Day 5:
Got in 20 pushups :0)  Had a yogurt- 1st day back from vacation my day was full so I didn't get to the store for the mix...BUT I am going tomorrow I really want to try it.  Set a date with myself on Jan 27th!  Can't wait, yoga and spa day.  Yippee!

So here we go Friday-Day 6:

Fitness: 
Put down the weights its Plyo time!  Follow this plyo-metric routine to shock the body, increase agility and speed all while building endurance.

Here we go:

• 1 min Mock Jump Rope
• 1 min Jumping Jacks
• 1 min Speed Skaters
• 30 second - 1 min Jump Squats
• 30 second - 1 min Switch Lunges
• 30 second - 1 min Burpees (more intensity add a push up to it)
• 1 min Wall Sits
• 1 min Calf Raises
• 1 min Mountain Climbers
• 30 second - 1 min 180 degree turn jump squats (this is the best pic I could find, don't use a weight and looking at the picture on the right you literally turn around into a squat to face the other side of the room) 
• 30 second - 1min Fighter Stance punch and Switch  (Punch left- right, turn 180 degrees, repeat) s

Rest for 2 mins and repeat!

Food:
Add an Apple to your diet!  Yup its true and apple a day could help keep the doctor away AND a little bit more!


No peeling please, the skin on apples is jam packed with an antioxidant called quercetin which may protect your lungs from pollutants.  So start today, eating five or more apples a week can improve lung functions

Need a little scalp rejuvenation:  Massage a few tablespoons of Apple Cider vinegar directly into washed scalp leave on for 1 minute then rinse.

Use Applesauce in place of half the butter or oil when you make your next cake. Enjoy less calories, fat and naturally sweeter dessert.

Self Growth:
Invest in your workouts and get yourself something new:

• A pair of Socks
• Sports Bar
• Shorts
• Pants
• Sneakers - You name it

We all feel better when we have on something new so go for it, and strut your stuff. 

See you soon! 

Taj