Gentlemen, if you're squeamish, now is the time to look away. I'm going to be talking about (drum roll please) that time of the month. But if you have significant others who have a hard time coping with their symptoms, read on.
I've always had a very hard time with my monthly symptoms. Cramps were terrible, mood swings were almost worse, and it was extremely frustrating. It would take a whole day of loading up on midol just to make a small dent in the pain and moodiness. I would pretty much just curl up under a heating pad away from the world until I felt alive again.
When I first started working out, I noticed that my cramps weren't as bad as they had been. And if I continued to work out through the week even if I didn't feel like it, my mood would improve. I still dealt with days of bad cramps but it wasn't nearly like it was before. In researching this, I found some answers. Exercise increases blood flow which alleviates pain. Also, stress can make your cramps worse and exercise is a proven stress-reliever. Makes sense to me.
I also found that other natural remedies include iron-rich foods and vitamin E or omega 3 essential fatty acid supplements. That's where my next suggestion comes in. Exercising helped to drastically reduce my cramps but I noticed the biggest change when I added Shakeology to my daily diet. It has 4mg of iron (22% daily value) and 15 IU of vitamin E (50% daily value) as well as many other vitamins and amino acids. Not to mention the digestive enzymes, prebiotics and whole food ingredients to help your body detox. Since I've been drinking Shakeology I've only had a few months where I've had to take extra pain meds for a day or two.
I'm not saying all this because I sell Shakeology. In fact, I decided to become a coach and start selling it because I whole-heartedly believe in it. So, if you're looking for some natural remedies for your menstrual pain, I highly recommend giving it a try. And get out there and get moving. At least 30 minutes a day of something to get your heart rate up. Walk, swim, do yoga, do a workout DVD. I don't care, as long as you're doing something. Take care of YOU.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Mudder: Volume 2
Since I last updated, I ran another Tough Mudder. This one was much easier in that it wasn't at a ski resort and thus no ski slopes to march up. Some of the obstacles were a little tougher though. Like this one:
Crawling under barbed wire with live wires dangling down. That really sucked. I didn't fall off the Berlin Walls this time, but I only did one. By the time we got to them I had barely enough upper body strength to get over the first one and not enough nerve to try the second one. This one was my favorite:
It was called Mud Mile and we just had to climb over these mounds of mud. It was definitely more fun than getting shocked. The worst part of the Mudder was actually after it. It rained really bad and we got stuck in the dirt parking lot for 4 hours pushing every single car out of the mud. Not fun. All in all though, it was definitely a great experience and I can't wait for next year!
In other updates, I'm starting INSANITY over from the beginning. I'm determined to get my six pack back. This also means committing to a clean diet. I'm going to be honest and say that I haven't been so good at that lately. I tend to eat a lot of carbs. I don't have very much patience for prepping food so I just eat whatever is most handy. So, I'm working on that. Beachbody provides me with a customized meal planner so I'll be trying to utilize that more often.
What about you? What are your goals and what are you doing to work toward them?
In other updates, I'm starting INSANITY over from the beginning. I'm determined to get my six pack back. This also means committing to a clean diet. I'm going to be honest and say that I haven't been so good at that lately. I tend to eat a lot of carbs. I don't have very much patience for prepping food so I just eat whatever is most handy. So, I'm working on that. Beachbody provides me with a customized meal planner so I'll be trying to utilize that more often.
What about you? What are your goals and what are you doing to work toward them?
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Six Month Review: Shakeology
A little over six months ago I started drinking a supplement called Shakeology. It's made by the company that makes P90X, INSANITY, etc. To put my opinion very simply: I love it! It's much more than just a protein shake or a weight loss shake. It offers nutrition that you can't find anywhere else.
First of all, it gives you all the vitamins you would get in a multivitamin. It also offers 17 grams of protein. There are vegan options that are made with brown rice protein instead of whey. Then it goes beyond that to offer blends of super-fruit/antioxidants, super-green/phytonutrients, adaptogens, and pre-and probiotic/digestive enzymes. Yeah, sounds like a lot of big, fancy words but these are things our bodies need. And, let's face it, most of us are not good at eating all the good foods we're supposed to every day. How many servings of fruits and veggies do you really get in a day? I know I don't eat enough of them. Shakeology gives me a head start on that with a few servings a day.
Granted, it's hard to use as a meal replacement with only 160 calories a serving. So, I usually make it with almond milk and add fruit and/or powdered peanut butter. That makes it very filling. I love it as a pre-workout snack. It gives me energy and also gives my immune system a nice boost.
I know this isn't a very scientific review, but I'm not a very scientific person. I love the way Shakeology makes me feel and that's what matters. I know it includes a blend of superfoods that you can't find in the grocery store. Drinking Shakeology is one of the best things I've ever done for my body. In fact, it's one of the driving factors that led me to becoming a Beachbody Coach. I wanted to be able to share this information with other people and help them lead healthier lives.
So, there's my opinion. If you want any more information on Shakeology, or to see the ingredients list, see my website here. Hope you all are having a fabulous week!
First of all, it gives you all the vitamins you would get in a multivitamin. It also offers 17 grams of protein. There are vegan options that are made with brown rice protein instead of whey. Then it goes beyond that to offer blends of super-fruit/antioxidants, super-green/phytonutrients, adaptogens, and pre-and probiotic/digestive enzymes. Yeah, sounds like a lot of big, fancy words but these are things our bodies need. And, let's face it, most of us are not good at eating all the good foods we're supposed to every day. How many servings of fruits and veggies do you really get in a day? I know I don't eat enough of them. Shakeology gives me a head start on that with a few servings a day.
Granted, it's hard to use as a meal replacement with only 160 calories a serving. So, I usually make it with almond milk and add fruit and/or powdered peanut butter. That makes it very filling. I love it as a pre-workout snack. It gives me energy and also gives my immune system a nice boost.
I know this isn't a very scientific review, but I'm not a very scientific person. I love the way Shakeology makes me feel and that's what matters. I know it includes a blend of superfoods that you can't find in the grocery store. Drinking Shakeology is one of the best things I've ever done for my body. In fact, it's one of the driving factors that led me to becoming a Beachbody Coach. I wanted to be able to share this information with other people and help them lead healthier lives.
So, there's my opinion. If you want any more information on Shakeology, or to see the ingredients list, see my website here. Hope you all are having a fabulous week!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Running
I started running this week. A friend of mine is doing the 8 week beginner's running program from runnersworld.com with me. We're trying to get into good running shape for the next Tough Mudder either in September or October. I'm trying to gather up a team to go this time. I think it would be a lot of fun with more people.
If you know much about me, you know that running is my nemesis. I've always hated it. But now that I'm doing a good intro program and have another beginner doing it with me, it's much more tolerable. I'm even learning to like it. At the end of a stressful day, I even look forward to it. Tomorrow is a rest day and next week we'll be increasing our running time. I'm a little nervous about that, but by the end of the 8 weeks we're supposed to be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping. I'd like to find a 5k to do between now and the Mudder to test my running endurance.
I'm still doing some Turbo Fire with the running, usually doing a more intense Turbo workout on the walking days and still observing my rest day. I'm hoping to try Brazil Butt Lift soon as well. I like to keep challenging myself with new workout routines. I ran this morning and I think I'll probably do a toning DVD later today.
Staying motivated is always a challenge, so I think it's good to have something to work towards. I would be much less inclined to run if I wasn't going to do a Mudder or a 5k. The Mudder also requires strength and agility so the cross training is essential. That's where my Beachbody workouts come in.
So, tell me, what are you working towards? Are you training for something or are you just looking to improve your health?
If you know much about me, you know that running is my nemesis. I've always hated it. But now that I'm doing a good intro program and have another beginner doing it with me, it's much more tolerable. I'm even learning to like it. At the end of a stressful day, I even look forward to it. Tomorrow is a rest day and next week we'll be increasing our running time. I'm a little nervous about that, but by the end of the 8 weeks we're supposed to be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping. I'd like to find a 5k to do between now and the Mudder to test my running endurance.
I'm still doing some Turbo Fire with the running, usually doing a more intense Turbo workout on the walking days and still observing my rest day. I'm hoping to try Brazil Butt Lift soon as well. I like to keep challenging myself with new workout routines. I ran this morning and I think I'll probably do a toning DVD later today.
Staying motivated is always a challenge, so I think it's good to have something to work towards. I would be much less inclined to run if I wasn't going to do a Mudder or a 5k. The Mudder also requires strength and agility so the cross training is essential. That's where my Beachbody workouts come in.
So, tell me, what are you working towards? Are you training for something or are you just looking to improve your health?
Monday, January 9, 2012
Resolutions
Hey folks! Happy 2012! I hope you're having a great year so far and getting a good start on whatever your New Years' Resolution is. I didn't really make a resolution this year. My goals are sort of day to day. I do need to drop a few holiday pounds and get into my new skinny jeans. I've started a business as a Beachbody Coach, so I'm taking a few small steps each day to grow that. (If you're interested in what I do as a coach, please visit my website here.) Also, my husband is working on getting his teaching credentials for California so we can start working on moving back there.
So, I don't think I'd really call those "resolutions", but they're something to work on. Tonight I'll be starting Turbo Fire again. I have a small challenge group doing it with me for support and accountability and I plan on doing EVERY workout every day for the whole 90 days and putting every ounce of energy I have into them. I'm more than determined to get into my skinny jeans!
On another note, how is everyone doing with seasonal depression? Has it been affecting you? I know I've been feeling some seasonal affective disorder (SAD) even though the winter has been very mild so far. To counteract it, I've been focusing on my workouts, taking my multivitamin religiously, and getting out and socializing as much as I can to keep my mood up. I'm a very social person, so being around people energizes me and makes me feel good. My introverted husband is the opposite, though, so finding a balance for us is always a little tricky but we make it work.
My biggest problem right now is housework. As I sit here typing, there are dishes in the sink, clutter all over the living room, laundry to be done, floors to be swept and I have absolutely no motivation to do all that. I think I'll be turning to flylady again very soon. I feel like I need someone to follow me around all day and yell at me to do things so that I'll do them. Too bad I don't still live with my parents. My mom can be very persistent. ;-)
So, what are your resolutions? What are you doing to achieve them? What energizes you and puts you in a good mood?
So, I don't think I'd really call those "resolutions", but they're something to work on. Tonight I'll be starting Turbo Fire again. I have a small challenge group doing it with me for support and accountability and I plan on doing EVERY workout every day for the whole 90 days and putting every ounce of energy I have into them. I'm more than determined to get into my skinny jeans!
On another note, how is everyone doing with seasonal depression? Has it been affecting you? I know I've been feeling some seasonal affective disorder (SAD) even though the winter has been very mild so far. To counteract it, I've been focusing on my workouts, taking my multivitamin religiously, and getting out and socializing as much as I can to keep my mood up. I'm a very social person, so being around people energizes me and makes me feel good. My introverted husband is the opposite, though, so finding a balance for us is always a little tricky but we make it work.
My biggest problem right now is housework. As I sit here typing, there are dishes in the sink, clutter all over the living room, laundry to be done, floors to be swept and I have absolutely no motivation to do all that. I think I'll be turning to flylady again very soon. I feel like I need someone to follow me around all day and yell at me to do things so that I'll do them. Too bad I don't still live with my parents. My mom can be very persistent. ;-)
So, what are your resolutions? What are you doing to achieve them? What energizes you and puts you in a good mood?
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