You'll have to forgive me….

for not posting and not completing this challenge. I tried and life just got in the way! Sometimes that happens and that's okay. I didn't "fail" completely. I tried new recipes and restaurants, haven't eaten dairy, but haven't kept up my steps, haven't stuck to that amount of weight lifting I wanted to and haven't been eating the best lately. I think the challenge I set was a little too ambiguous and wasn't holding me very accountable. 

In the new year, I do want to amp up my weight lifting but I need a partner to push me and not let me convince myself that its okay to just "skip this one". Any takers?

I like the amount of yoga that I am doing, 3-4 times a week. I know I need to eat more vegetables. Less sugar. More warm lemon water. Less carbs. More fish. Less red meat. I've got a plan, just need to push myself a little harder to make it easy to follow through. 

Suggestions are always welcome. I think I'll have to start a new challenge from now until New Year's :: How to stay healthy while traveling. I'll be all over this "break." First stop is San Diego! 

"Make up a new recipe" Sunday?

Whoops meant to post this on Sunday.... 

Today I just decided to make up a baked chicken recipe because... Why not? 

Here's what I had in my fridge : chicken thighs, honey, balsamic reduction, and rosemary. 

Other things I used : olive oil, salt

Step 1 : Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lightly spray a baking sheet with PAM and place chicken thighs on baking sheet. Gather ingredients. 

Step 2 : Brush a light layer of olive oil on each thigh and sprinkle a pinch of salt on each one. Squeeze a dime size of honey on each and spread evenly. Drizzle balsamic reduction and add the rosemary. 

Step 3 : Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. 

 TaDa! Enough for lunch this week :) 

3 things I learned from my yoga class today...

1. Comparing yourself to others will make you unbalanced :: In my hot power class today, sweating it out in reverse triangle, I was watching the girl next to me instead of focusing on myself. I was comparing how beautiful her pose was and how I was hoping mine looked the same... When I (surprise!) lost my balance and fell out of my pose. Lesson learned. No more comparing myself to others. 

2. Yoga teachers really don't judge you :: I was up in wheel pose (yep finally up and holding it) when my instructor decided to come help me. She's helping me to bend further and all the while I'm thinking "I'm so sorry but this as much as my back bends, this just isn't going to work..." I couldn't help but laugh and my hand slipped and I look up in an apologetic smile and my teacher is also laughing WITH me, not at me. Phew. 

3. Yoga is always more fun in bright blue leggings :: Enough said. 

Zucchini Crisps (Just delightful!)

I like to experiment with different types of vegetable chips because I LOVE to snack and I love chips.

These are a great way to control my intake.

They are SO easy. I get a serving of vegetables and I still get to snack!

I decided to try zucchini this time around because that's what was left in my fridge before going home for Thanksgiving!

Ingredients

Zucchini

Light Olive Oil

Salt

Italian Herb Spices

STEP 1 :: Turn over on to bake at 350 degrees

STEP 2 :: Cut zucchini into thin slices

STEP 3 :: Place thin slices on a baking sheet so they aren't touching

STEP 4 :: Lightly sprinkle with light olive oil, salt, and italian herb spices.

STEP 5 :: Place in oven for 15 minutes

STEP 6 :: Remove baking sheet from oven and let cool. 

VOILA! Perfect movie snack :)

W.O.W. (Workout of the Week)

I used to do Pure Barre all the time in college and loved it! My mom got me hooked. I felt lean, toned and graceful. But as most "boutique" workouts, keeping up became too expensive for me and I hadn't attended a class in over a year. I have a couple of the videos but its not the same energy that being in a class gives you. 

But this past weekend, while visiting my aunt who is an avid barre girl, I joined her for a class. I knew when I agreed that this was going to be a terrible idea. 

Because I remembered how much I LOVE PURE BARRE. But even getting so excited about it, I can't justify the cost on top of my gym membership and yoga classes. I wish they would realize how much some people (me) want to continue to be a part of the barre family and can't!

For now, I'll just have to try the videos again and hopefully get the same energy!  The soreness I felt in my triceps, abs, gluteus, and thighs was just confirmation of how much I need some Pure Barre in my life again. It would be investing in my health and wellness but… 

I'm going to have to survive without the classes for now!

The moment you've all been waiting for...

What is my next challenge? I really want to keep it health and wellness related so I think I have a plan. This challenge is going to go until the new year. Here it is.

1. Try one new recipe every week

2. Try one new restaurant every week (really going to start exploring my city!)

3. I've been talking about this one already but in addition to my yoga practice, I am going to  incorporate 2 strength training workouts weekly and I'll share a "move of the week" to hold me accountable

4. No cow dairy

5. 8,000 steps on my fitbit everyday

I had to add a couple more goals for myself. I knew that I would have to write it down for myself or I wouldn't feel as accountable for it. Funny how that works… better charge my fitbit tonight!

So get ready for a plenty more posts from me from now into the new year!

#Iliketoplan

Any body else do this?

I have the rest of November and part of December planned out in terms of my workouts. Some people may think its a little overboard but it helps me take the unmotivated feelings out of the picture. I know what I'm doing each day. This is not a concrete plan by any means! If I feel like doing yoga on a day that I have strength training scheduled, I'm open to swapping some days! As long as I am getting out and moving around. I'm really excited to see how my body will be changing by adding strength training to my routine. I have heard that it gives more permanent results whereas before I was just doing cardio. I've never been very good at motivating myself for that but what better time than now to start? 

I have to say the two things I have missed the most on my cleanse are chocolate and coffee. I really thought one of those was going to be cheese! But my cravings for that have been surprisingly non-existent. I am going to try my best to stay away from it for a while because I have realized that it really effects me in a negative way and I have to say I am loving the way I have been feeling recently! 

I know I say that in just about every post, but its so true. And when you think about it, 21 days is not long at all! I've already developed so many healthy habits that I will take through life and I'm not even finished with my second challenge! 

Which brings me to my last point of this post… My 21 day cleanse from Citron Nutrition will be over this coming week. Let me know what you guys think I should do next!

Health Shaming?

Seriously, its a thing and it needs to stop. It may not be an official definition but to me it means guilting others for making healthy decisions. Now, I couldn't tell you why this is a thing but no one should feel bad for bettering themselves! 

This is a surprising challenge that I have come across during my cleanse. I am making a decision to better my health and wellness and that's not acceptable? Like I said in a previous post, I don't need to drink to have a good time. It doesn't mean I'm not going to want to go out and have fun. I don't need to order the most buttery, cheesiest, most sugar filled item on the menu. It doesn't mean I don't want to try a new restaurant. 

Really my decision to do this is for myself and no one else. I have about a week left of my cleanse and I feel amazing. I will most likely continue to eat this way long after the 21 days are up. 

Today, I tried a new place called Roots Pressed Juices (they have smoothies too). It was the cutest little store right next to Lululemon and the Lenox mall. Since I had run out of almond milk this morning, I had a rice cake with sun butter for breakfast. Missing my daily smoothie, I thought, "there's still lunch!" So I chose this place over Smoothie King and boy, am I happy I did! I enjoyed the most delicious raw cocoa and avocado smoothie and I will definitely be going back!

And if anyone is wondering how the 21 day yoga challenge has since effected my life… I continue to do it 4-5 times a week and am starting to take my poses further and see a change in my practice. Starting this blog has literally been one of the best things I've done for myself!

A Halloween without Candy (Yes, I'm serious…)

Is that even possible? Turns out, it is! I was just as shocked as you. But, I honestly couldn't feel better going into November! 

Just because I am on a cleanse (finished week 1 FYI), doesn't mean I can't have fun! I was still able to go out with my friends and dress up. I used some serious willpower to turn down all the candy and food at the bar crawl though! Being able to say no to those things that are truly bad for you body is extremely empowering. For me, seeing how far I've come and how great I feel gives me more motivation than anything! 

Three things that have gotten me through the cleanse :

1. Sun Butter (like peanut butter but with sunflower seeds, not peanuts)

2. Avocados (because who doesn't love avocados)

3. Vegetable Broth (fills you up when you feel like snacking!)

In addition to my cleanse, I was able to welcome November in a wonderful way with aerial yoga. It's really been a fun way to bring yoga into my weekend and switch up my practice. I've just started beginner level classes so I am hoping soon to move into the mixed level classes. 

Yoga is such a great way for my to quiet my mind, tone my muscles, and be in the present moment. 

Healthy Habits

I am currently coming through Day 5 of the 21-day cleanse. Honestly, I'm feeling pretty good! I've had a lot of energy and pretty good focus, even though I've been off of coffee. Trying to find healthier ways to quench my sweet tooth. Silk Almond Milk has been a great substitute surprisingly. 

When I find myself thinking about foods that aren't on the "yes" list, I just remember why I am doing this. I want a restart for my healthy habits. All the extra benefits are bonus :)

After completing my 21-day yoga challenge, I am now a firm believer in taking 21 days to create a good habit. Yoga is not only something I love doing now, but its a part of my lifestyle. 

Day 21 - This is the end and a new beginning

I decided to finish my 21 day yoga challenge with an early morning hot yoga class. It's bikram style but only 60 minutes instead of the full 90. Perfect for right before work! 

So what do I do now? Don't worry, I've already decided what's next for me. A 21 day clean eating program, courtesy of Linda Citron :)

http://www.citronnutrition.com

I'll be cutting out a lot of "toxic" foods and I'll keep you updated on how I am feeling. I probably will not post everyday about this one and I may post about additional things during this cleanse. But I am excited to stay on track with this health and wellness blog!

Day 20 - Balancing act

Today I had the choice to place my mat at the front of the room or stay in the back. I am no great yogi, that is for sure, but I chose the front of the room. I did this because I needed to realize that nobody cares how I look in the poses. I shouldn't even really care, as long as I am focusing on me and what I am doing at present time. I've really come to love crow. I feel totally balanced and that is a crazy thought! 

I also went out of my comfort zone to ask for help from my teacher today after class. I want to start practicing headstands and honestly have no idea where to begin. The teacher stayed with me after class and helped show me how to work on the pose. Looks like I have something new to focus on :)

Did I mention how wonderful it feels to be in an actual class as opposed to practicing on the go? … ABSOLUTELY wonderful

Day 19 - post airport stretch

After an amazing business trip and trying my hardest to get a little yoga in every day, it feels good to finally be home. Hating the feeling of being stiff, so I decided to do some 

pre-bed time stretching.  Been working on this pose (laying hero's pose?) for a couple weeks. My knees haven't been locking :)

Day 18 - yoga in the dark

I woke up/worked out before sunrise today so I wish I could have a picture for you but it would be a picture of darkness. Instead, I'll leave you with this quote because this is how I felt waking up at 6am for a 15 hour work day when I could have had an extra hour of sleep :) 

Day 17-cleansing breath?

It's a sorry excuse for a blog post but I'm doing it anyway. You know those cleansing breaths? Huge breath in and then breathe out all the stresses of the day? That was my practice today :) been a 15 hour day.... But look at this view! 

Day 16 - eagle at The Castle

I prioritized this morning. My only morning where I don't have to be ready to go til 9! (It's a sleep in morning - obviously) well, I still woke up early to make sure I could get my yoga/exercise in for the day. This place is absolutely beautiful and I plan to run on one of the trails around the hotels another morning. But as you can see... The traveling hasn't stopped me yet! Ready to take on this program! 

Day 15 - yoga on the go?

These next few days are going to be very difficult for me to get my yoga in because I am traveling for work but I am going to do it! This morning I did a little post run yoga before hopping on the plane to New York! Also, excuse my short posts while I am traveling/working hard these next 4 days :) 

Day 14 - Savasana

Need to take things as they come, especially this coming weekend/week! I'll be traveling for week and I am very excited. I have been working hard and long all week preparing for this :)

Day 13 - Peace

After literally the longest day at work AND having to skip the yoga class I planned to attend, I couldn't be happier to come home and do my own practice. Chaturanga has been an important part of my practice the last few weeks and I've been working really hard at it. My triceps are pretty sore from this week but I decided to do a few sun salutations anyway. As you can tell, I still need to practice drawing my shoulders back and down. But, this helped me reach the relaxation I needed today.

Open your heart to a world of possibilities :)

Day 12 - practice practice practice

Apparently my wish is coming true. I wished to get better at wheel and I am already seeing improvement! Although in this picture my arms aren't straightened out yet, they are absolutely getting there. Just need that extra push :)

One of the greatest motivations is when you start seeing your hard work pay off!

Day 11 - Warrior 2

Just over halfway through my yoga challenge! Need to start thinking of my next challenge…

Okay, I think that three hot classes in a row is my limit for now. I know I will feel it in my shoulders and triceps tomorrow. We did a lot of work in chaturanga and flowing today. I could have stayed in savasana forever. 

The teacher had a really interesting reading at the end of class. I wish I could remember exactly what she said but it had to do with not worrying or focusing on time and distance but thinking about the present state you are in and being happy in the moment. I love when the readings at the end of class relate to what I am feeling at that time. 

I know that I can practice this more everyday. For those of you that know me well, I love to plan things and I become stressed when things do not go as planned. This is probably something that I need to let go of and stay present.

Day 10 - Welcome to the hot zone

Two days in a row at Red Hot Yoga. I was just feeling it! I tried the studio's RHY yoga, which is a mix between hot (bikram) style and power style for 75 minutes this evening. It was actually amazing. I truly loved it. And the teacher pushed me to stay in the poses those extra few seconds. I held crow pose for the longest yet. I felt super accomplished after that class and really motivated!

It is days like this that makes you realize what all your hard work is for!

Day 9 - Warrior 1

Posing in Warrior 1, preparing for a 90 minute hot power yoga class. Look how excited I am...

Honestly, I usually try to avoid these because 90 minutes in a 100 degree room is an extremely long time. But I knew I needed to go today because I hadn't been to a hot class in a few days and I really did miss it. So I sucked it up and made it to the class! 

Surprisingly the class felt amazing and not like 90 minutes at all. Sometimes it just takes that little extra push and it's true that getting there is half the battle. I really enjoyed the length of the class on a Sunday evening too. I feel prepared and ready to take on the very busy week that lies ahead. Feeling like a true warrior ;)

Day 8 - Camel

I've been working on my backbends lately. Honestly, when I'm in these poses, it feels very freeing. It really opens your heart and your chest. I have a difficult time working on my backbends in hot classes because I get really light headed so I've been working on them during my regular practice and loving them! This is my camel. Working on getting more bendy ;) I would love to be able to hold wheel for longer. Right now, I can get in wheel but I can't hold it. A new goal! 

Day 7 - breathe in, breathe out

This quote is really resonating with me today. I'm thinking about this in terms of work, health, relationships, and life in general. I love having goals and something to work towards. The journey is half the fun of reaching your destination! 

This challenge has been interesting so far because I've found that I've put a lot of focus on yoga and I have been putting aside other fitness activities that I enjoy as well. So I'm figuring out how to do both :) While today I just did yoga, tomorrow maybe I'll run after I do yoga or use it as a cool down!

 Time to find the happy medium! 

Day 6 - Detox Yoga

It's important to find time to do something active during the day, even if its only twenty minutes. Today I wasn't feeling very well but I knew I had to keep true to my challenge. I found this awesome relaxing detox yoga video on youtube, I just wish I did mine outside like her! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBPP_izKKSs

Just a little at home yoga to soothe the soul :) In all honesty, I wanted to keep Gossip Girl on while I did my video today. But, I realized that it sort of defeated the peaceful aspect of practicing yoga. So I unplugged (except the video, of course) and focused on my breathing.

And I really just had to share… I made the perfect latte at work today. Its the little things!

Day 5 - Yoga at work

Guess where my mat is?

…work! How did you know?

Every Wednesday, my office has a yoga instructor come and lead a class after work. This was my first week attending. I thought it would be great to join my coworkers and have a little fun! 

Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication this week and the yoga teacher did not show up. We had already set aside this time to practice so why waste it? Now, I'm not sure how or why but only in my office would we find all the P90x videos, including the yoga one. 

No, we did not do the full 90 minutes… we're not insane! We did about the first 45 (so many vinyasas…) and improvised the rest, ending with a guided meditation by one of our own. It was a great way to let go of the busy days we had all had! Ready to tackle tomorrow!

Day 4 - its a choice

I love hot yoga.

Today, my yoga teacher talked about choice. "Be a leader by choice, not by chance." Staying in the poses and not giving up is a choice. I thought it was a great lesson to bring into our daily lives.

Honestly, that is one of the reasons I started this blog. Giving up sometimes is just an easier option. But you have to remind yourself what it is you are working towards. I'm working towards a more fit, healthier, less-stressed and happier ME!

Day 3 - My first… yelfie?

Yoga + Selfie = Yelfie… right?

Is it normal to ask strangers to take pictures of you doing yoga? How does everyone else get them? Maybe some research is in order...

Here is my tree pose. For some reason, today I was pretty unbalanced in my practice. It could have been numerous things. For example, maybe I was tired from the step class I took right before or maybe it was because I just did not like the flow of the class. And as I write that, I'm realizing that I don't think I practiced yoga very well today since I was not able to make the class my own and enjoy the poses regardless. 

That is why I chose this challenge though. I think it will be really good for me to learn to be mindful in my poses, truly let go of the stress of the day and just be in the moment.  

Day 2 - Mountain

Mountain pose on a mountain? 

No, I didn't actually do my yoga today on a mountain BUT I did think it would make a cooler picture than my apartment. It was a beautiful day in Atlanta and the perfect day to go hiking.

Tonight I'll be doing a bedtime yoga sequence. I'm excited about this one because I think it will help me sleep better. I find that when I get into bed at night, my mind is still working, thinking about the previous day or next. I came across this quote today and it really speaks to me. I am going to use this as a sort of "mantra" for the week. 

Cheers to a stress-less week! :)

Day 1 - Yoga on the roof

Since I started my challenge today, it only makes sense that I would also post my first photo today. I am lucky enough to live in an apartment complex with a very cool and accessible rooftop. I decided to take my practice up there today since it was absolutely beautiful outside! It turned out to be just as enjoyable as I imagined so its good to know I'll have a peaceful place to work on my poses. 

For my first photo, I chose downward dog. Hopefully my poses will become more advanced as the challenge progresses! 

21-Day Yoga Challenge

I'm starting this blog for a few reasons.

1. I'd like to hold myself accountable 

2. I'd like to practice my writing

3. I think it sounds fun!

So feel free to follow my posts. I'll be choosing/completing different challenges and I am open to suggestions! One challenge at a time.

 I am beginning with a yoga challenge. I'll participate once a day whether it is a class, video, or of my own practice. I have not always loved doing yoga but in the recent years, I have come to really enjoy it. Patience isn't something I am great at (I can admit it…) but I have noticed that I practice this trait more and more when I practice yoga. I am going to try to post a photo every day to hold myself accountable. And I would like to remind everyone that this is a no judgement zone :)