Day 28 of New Year New You

Whew, we made it to the weekend baby, Enjoy!  I am starting the day with my last long run before the race on Feb 12th in St Petersburg FL.  :)  Trust me I'd rather be sleeping in but a girls got to do what a girls got to do.  And I have two ladies from my run group joining me so I have to be up and adam at 8am!

However don't let my fitness activities make you feel lazy... its Saturday enjoy the day, you have my permission -  Be Lazy!

Here we go Day 28:

Fitness:
Unlike me you should be RESTING!  Yup is time for a day off.  But you probably figured out that was coming.  You can't workout 7 days a week and expect your body to love and respond to you in kind.  My day off is tomorrow. Yours is TODAY so take advantage of it.

Food: 
Feeling like a lil Brunch because you took my advice and slept in?  Well if you don't have a waffle iron to make your own Belgian waffles?  You can opt for 2 honey sweetened waffles made by Van's in your toaster.   Only 180 calories and .5g of saturated fat!  I'll take it!  Or you can stop by Jamba Juice and pick up Belgian waffle there only 310 calories and one is equal to TWO toaster size.   Add an coffee or tea and enjoy, guilt free!

PS. If you like waffles... go grab a waffle iron from bed bath and beyond... I have a great recipe I'd like to share with you.

Self Growth:
Be kind to yourself!  Do something today to reflect on kindness for your body and all it's hard work, like:

• Taking the day off from exercise
• Getting a massage
• Taking a hot bath
• Going Shopping for a new outfit
• Signing up for a PT sessions
• Lying on the couch and watching TV

I don't care what you do, just make sure you are doing something today with YOU in mind.  Its a Love Yourself Day!

Until tomorrow,


Taj

photo:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhaithaca/357480376/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Day 27 of New Year New You

Happy Friday!  Its the last Friday of the month!  Doesn't it seem like you were just reading Day 1 of our challenge yesterday?  Well before you get sad because you realize Jan 31st is really around the corner, keep your head up we are still taking it one day at a time and you NEVER know what I might offer for Feb. :)

So let's get started with Day 27:

Fitness:
OOOOMMMM!  Treat your body to a yoga class today!  Usually take yoga on Friday? Then try a different type like:

• Bikram
• Ashtanga
• Iyengar
• Prana Power
• Kundalini 

Allow your body time to find repair and restoration.  For some the body might just embark on a new experience and way of working out those tired muscles.  Never did Yoga before?  No problem, just let he instructor know you are new and I am sure he or she will be glad to help you out.

Food:
Savor your food!  Slow down today and enjoy every meal, even the quick snacks.  We have taste buds for a reason.  Use them!  No eating in front of the TV, computer or while talking on the phone.  Have your meal in front of you and enjoy the flavors, maybe try to notice what seasonings were used especially if you are at a restaurant.

If you're doing the cooking, you should be savoring the fruits of your labor not woofing it down.  Its even nicer with a friend.  Share the experience.  Make it fun: Imagine yourself having that glass of Red wine in an Argentina Vineyard or sitting on top of a mountain over looking the ocean while you eat a Mango.

Taste buds do more then tell us we don't like something, they create memories.  Feel the textures, taste the flavor and enjoy every bite. Its been said good food can be "orgasmic!"

Well it has been said.......  :) So go there if you dare.

Self Growth:
Break away!  Did you know that 90+% of women sit around and have "fat talk" and I don't mean about other people.  How many of us are guilty of comparing diet trends, or our weight to our friends who just happens to be taller then you?  

Go ahead admit it, you have number envy! Are you competitive when it comes to your friends body image? Do you fall into the traps set out by main stream media and tabloids which happen to be sitting at the check out right next to the M & M's and Twix Bars.  Ironic!  Or worse have you allowed family to scar you with self body images that you can't seem to shake?

Misery loves company.  Nows the time for you to BREAK AWAY from the negative chit chat and surround yourself with positive outlooks. Don't get sucked into the "have nots" i.e. taking a compliment and turning it into a negative:  "Wow you look good" your response: "Really do you see this jelly roll." Stop agreeing with a friend who might say, "ugh I feel fat", and you say "me too".  You are just adding fuel to the fire and body bashing never gets us very far.

Smile! Take a compliment and remember that we have LOTS to be grateful for when it comes to our bodies, from head to toe.  Make it a LOVE YOURSELF day EVERYDAY!  So what if you put on a few pounds, on the bright side you aren't starving or missing meals.  :)

Until Tomorrow,

Taj

photo:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/easypickle/16823755/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Day 14 of New Year New You

Happy Saturday everyone!  If your here in the NY area, stay warm!  Its is definitely winter! Today is loaded with things for to enjoy this wonderful winter day.

First my day 13:  Well there were no disaster or creepy events for me on this Friday the 13th.  I ran 10 miles indoors - ugh!  Thank goodness for TV on the treadmill and NCIS getting me through.  Why 10 miles you ask?  I am running the St Petersburg FL half marathon on Feb 12, have to keep my miles up.  So I didn't pick up breakfast, yeah I'm jealous of you who have.  I did pick up some stuff for this new Crock Pot recipe I plan to try for Sunday.  If all goes well I will be sharing it with you too. :)  Gave myself a nice 20 minute stretch after my run and this weeks classes really focused on my low back, hips and hamstrings.  Going out to dinner with friends for a post birthday celebration so saving my TREAT for then. :0)

Now on to Day 14:

Fitness:
This weather isn't very motivating for hitting the gym especially on a Saturday, therefore I want you to ENJOY your day off!  Sleep in, hopefully its like 10 AM and your are just reading this.  Let your body rest and restore itself after all your activities this week.  If you normally go to the gym on Saturday don't let guilt get the best of you.  Rest is Best today and here are a few reminders of the benefits you shall receive:

• Emotional - Mental - Physical Energy

Need I say more! 

Food:

Hopefully you made it to the store to make the Cornflake Crusted Banana Stuffed French Toast I posted yesterday.  And I really would like to hear how it came out, so please leave a comment.

If you weren't able to get the ingredients for the recipe, never fear you still need breakfast so make what your heart desires today.

• Veggie Omelette
• Pancakes
• Waffles 
• Salmon Cakes and Grits

You name it, go for it and enjoy breakfast maybe even in your PJ's! 

Self Growth: 

Today is a good day to clean out and organize a kitchen cabinet!  Its amazing how time flies by and expiration dates creep up on you.  Pick one cabinet and get to it.  

Getting rid of old stuff always makes me feel good and creates space for the new. Besides you are probably enjoying being inside today make the most of it.  I wonder how many of you will get the bug and hit more then one?  Don't be competitive one is all you have to do today.  

Enjoy the day, 

Until Tomorrow, 

Taj 

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sararah/2424005668/

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/