In my head it really is day 90.2 - I'm afraid if I go beyond the actual 90 days, I might convince myself that I can't do it. I mean come on, I can barely commit to anything beyond lunch, this past 90 days has been an absolute miracle.
And speaking of miracles, today is a rest day which I am supremely grateful for since I still cannot turn my head. It's okay, I'm okay I am going back to the witch doctor tomorrow and I am convinced that I will be healed. When in doubt, deny deny deny.
So here's the thing, injuries happen. They're never expected, never planned for and are not terribly accommodating when you whisper in their ear and say "I have a deadline to make, a goal to accomplish, a program to complete." Yesterday I had a wee panic attack when I recalled what Tracy had said on the forum about the program. She said that if you're off for a few days or a week, just get back in there and pick up where you left off, if you're away from the program for even a month, you must go back to the beginning and start over....
Um, I have two words for you T.... LIKE HELL!!
Now that I've gotten that off my chest and I have gathered my senses around me, I thought if I can't workout, I can at least write about it.
Pro-athletes get injured all the time, they don't give up. Runners training for a marathon might turn over on an ankle but they don't quit. You do not make it to day 90 of Metamorphosis and throw in the towel for crying out loud, so what do you do? I've read about women getting shin splints, sprains and the flu while doing this program. The important first step is to acknowledge the injury.
I know this from past experience. I am a yogi. I practiced yoga as a kid with my mom in the 70's, through my mid 20's I did yoga for fitness and spiritual well-being and ten years ago began teaching. I found a dearly beloved teacher who encouraged me to go further into my practice, but while on that path I sustained a pretty bad neck injury. Standing on your head with no hands can do that to you, how those break-dancers do it I will never know, but they are pretty darned cool. In any case, my spiritual practice was nowhere near evolved and my ego took over. I didn't rest the injury, instead I pushed through it with brute force, because that's yogic right?! Not quite. Ugh. Years later, I finally had to modify my practice to the point that I was merely sitting for meditation or lying in Savasana (corpse pose) while doing other physical activities to repair my body.
I have been exceptionally careful with the Method, modifying anything that I felt could reactivate this old chronic injury and I'd been successful up until yesterday. Thankfully I did learn my lesson and I will take the time needed to recover. I've sought treatment immediately rather than trying to be the hero and suffer through it. Where does Martyrdom come from anyway?
The more important question is this? How can you work through your recovery and come out stronger after an injury rather than let it get you down and derail your whole plan? I don't have the "expert" answers. I am not an expert. I can only share with you what I'd do, what I am doing.
First things first, don't be a hateful meanie to yourself, right? Accidents happen. The second thing is to get a professional opinion. If this is a new injury for you, for heaven's sake, see your doctor. If you know what the issue is, go for treatment. That may be massage, acupuncture, chiropractic or good old conventional Western medicine, whatever works for you - have it looked after. And finally rest.
Rest is the hardest part. The whole point of undertaking a program like this is to stop sitting on your butt, but that's not what rest is. There are some active things you can do, fun things even. I don't like cardio, it's been a running gag on my blog since day one. But if I am going to carry on with continuity and incorporate it into my daily routine, I have got to find a way to love it, more on that in another post. But one thing I can do now to keep me motivated is to watch clips of dancers - they are incredibly inspiring. I want to look like them, move like them and have their commitment, but that ain't gonna happen unless I dance. So I gotta dance.
The funny thing about not being able to move is that it makes you appreciate the fact that you once could. And sitting here right now I can tell you that if I could move, I'd happily do my cardio in exchange for this pain in my neck and back. So that in itself is a real motivator.
The other thing that's still within your power when you're unable to workout is your diet. Not being able to move is no excuse for pigging out. In fact the opposite is the case. You should be more diligent where diet is concerned so that you don't undo all of your hard work, right?
So when these unfortunate things like injury or illness occur, seek treatment, take the time to get feeling better, and keep up with all other aspects of your chosen program - whether that's diet or meditation or some other practice. And in your down time, the time you'd normally be working out, watch something inspiring like a dance movie or read up on the program or about a particular individual who inspires you so you can stay involved.
Everything happens for a reason. Maybe the reason for this is so that I would be grateful that I have the ability to perform dance cardio so that when I am fully recovered I'll do it happily rather than looking for excuses to get out of it. Because lordissa, there are at least nine more months of dance cardio in my future!
Cheers,
Shan
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
90.1
It's day 91, but I am still in a bit of denial that the program is actually longer than 90 days so please, support my delusions, will you?
Ah, day 91.1, it's been a breeze. I could just lean on Morgan's magical thinking for the duration of the program, but I guess that wouldn't be right. I gotta tell it like it is. So here's what it is.
When you're sad, grief can fill your head like fog, it can take over and wipe out every other thought. Thoughts of ambition, of goals, aspirations, hopes, dreams and desires. You just feel blue and don't want to get out of bed. Unfortunately for me, in bed asleep, is where my cat and I spent our best hours so there has been no hanging around there the past few days.
I didn't have any words of wisdom to pull myself out of the fog, but the good old Dali Lama (how often are revered spiritual leaders referred to as "good old"?, only here folks, only here) He said that "when you lose in life, be sure not to lose the lesson." Well what in the sam-hell could the lesson be when you lose your best pal and how in the heck can we tie that into sticking with our workout? I had no idea really. So I turned to another cool cat whose work I enjoy, Kahlil Gibran.
He said " Your joy is your sorrow unmasked and the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears." Yeah, once again, not incredibly helpful to me when the well is still overflowing with tears. Boo!
The other cliche that comes to mind is that our darkest hours can be our greatest teachers. That I do believe. Life is not easy. It's rarely smooth everyday. We are going to experience loss, in fact I know of two readers who've recently gone through losses of their own. We might lose a job or fall ill, life is full of curve balls and the thing about surviving it is that we have to roll with the punches, or as my surfer husband loves to say "just go with the flow, babe".
So while I took the weekend to cry my freaking eyes out and eat pasta and chocolate and feel crappy and miss my boy, I also carried on working out. (I know, sick right?) but I did. The problem there was that with a head full of fog, I wasn't paying attention the way I should have. I was merely going through the motions and so today... as I was rushing to keep up with Tracy, I looked up when I shoulda been looking down during that blasted push-up move and I re-injured my neck! Of all the things in all the world, I had been so uber-careful during the entire last 120 days - yes count em - one hundred and twenty! But today, not being present, totally drifting off someplace else - I felt my neck go crunch, the muscles immediately spasm, and the whole thing is now pretty much immobilized.
Aha, so that brings us back to the good old Dali Lama (really?!, just go with it, would you.) the lesson. Be present. Enjoy the moments that you currently have when you're having them, so that not if, but when they come to an end as everything in this life must, we will have the precious memories. I will always have the ten years I had with Siva. They were good years and I would not give them back in exchange for never feeling the sting of losing him. And I appreciate all that my body has been able to do in the last 120 days and all it will do during the course of the next nine months.
Oh yes, there is continuity in my future, just as soon as I get in to see my Acupuncturist. Thankfully for me, he's a bit of a witch-doctor and should have me put back together in no time. I have an appointment in an hour so wanted to get a post off to you before that to say - It's on, girls! There's no getting out of it. No matter what life throws at us, that's no reason to give up on the visions and goals we have for ourselves. We've signed up for this and we're just as far in as we'll ever be out. Half-way up Everest I'd say, so don't look down!
Good thoughts,
Shan
Ah, day 91.1, it's been a breeze. I could just lean on Morgan's magical thinking for the duration of the program, but I guess that wouldn't be right. I gotta tell it like it is. So here's what it is.
When you're sad, grief can fill your head like fog, it can take over and wipe out every other thought. Thoughts of ambition, of goals, aspirations, hopes, dreams and desires. You just feel blue and don't want to get out of bed. Unfortunately for me, in bed asleep, is where my cat and I spent our best hours so there has been no hanging around there the past few days.
I didn't have any words of wisdom to pull myself out of the fog, but the good old Dali Lama (how often are revered spiritual leaders referred to as "good old"?, only here folks, only here) He said that "when you lose in life, be sure not to lose the lesson." Well what in the sam-hell could the lesson be when you lose your best pal and how in the heck can we tie that into sticking with our workout? I had no idea really. So I turned to another cool cat whose work I enjoy, Kahlil Gibran.
He said " Your joy is your sorrow unmasked and the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears." Yeah, once again, not incredibly helpful to me when the well is still overflowing with tears. Boo!
The other cliche that comes to mind is that our darkest hours can be our greatest teachers. That I do believe. Life is not easy. It's rarely smooth everyday. We are going to experience loss, in fact I know of two readers who've recently gone through losses of their own. We might lose a job or fall ill, life is full of curve balls and the thing about surviving it is that we have to roll with the punches, or as my surfer husband loves to say "just go with the flow, babe".
So while I took the weekend to cry my freaking eyes out and eat pasta and chocolate and feel crappy and miss my boy, I also carried on working out. (I know, sick right?) but I did. The problem there was that with a head full of fog, I wasn't paying attention the way I should have. I was merely going through the motions and so today... as I was rushing to keep up with Tracy, I looked up when I shoulda been looking down during that blasted push-up move and I re-injured my neck! Of all the things in all the world, I had been so uber-careful during the entire last 120 days - yes count em - one hundred and twenty! But today, not being present, totally drifting off someplace else - I felt my neck go crunch, the muscles immediately spasm, and the whole thing is now pretty much immobilized.
Aha, so that brings us back to the good old Dali Lama (really?!, just go with it, would you.) the lesson. Be present. Enjoy the moments that you currently have when you're having them, so that not if, but when they come to an end as everything in this life must, we will have the precious memories. I will always have the ten years I had with Siva. They were good years and I would not give them back in exchange for never feeling the sting of losing him. And I appreciate all that my body has been able to do in the last 120 days and all it will do during the course of the next nine months.
Oh yes, there is continuity in my future, just as soon as I get in to see my Acupuncturist. Thankfully for me, he's a bit of a witch-doctor and should have me put back together in no time. I have an appointment in an hour so wanted to get a post off to you before that to say - It's on, girls! There's no getting out of it. No matter what life throws at us, that's no reason to give up on the visions and goals we have for ourselves. We've signed up for this and we're just as far in as we'll ever be out. Half-way up Everest I'd say, so don't look down!
Good thoughts,
Shan
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Day 89, Momentary Stall
Hello Beloveds.
Just a brief post today to let y'all know I'm still out here, but in the ice-cold hands of grief as I'm dealing with the passing of my beloved fur-baby.
Siva was definitely the world's best cat, totally chilled, loved meditation and mashed potatoes (not at the same time) and was so not into cardio. (he got me, you know?)
Ten years ago, he came to me, down the hall from my neighbor's apartment on the day that I sat down to write my very first screenplay. We spent the whole day together and this turned into a daily ritual. I'd return from Starbucks with my mocha and he'd trot down the hall to greet me. But, eventually I moved.
Long story short, he moved with me and has been my faithful side-kick ever since. They say that dogs have families and cats have staff. Maybe that's true because I belonged more to him than he ever did to me, but no matter who was in charge, the love was mutual.
I'll be back with you in a few days to wrap up this last leg of the Metamorphosis journey and to kick off our Continuity - which I picked up from the Post Office today. (tiny cheer) And even though it feels like my world is temporarily ending, somewhere beneath all of this sadness, I really am jazzed to keep going.
Big hugs.
Shan
Just a brief post today to let y'all know I'm still out here, but in the ice-cold hands of grief as I'm dealing with the passing of my beloved fur-baby.
Siva was definitely the world's best cat, totally chilled, loved meditation and mashed potatoes (not at the same time) and was so not into cardio. (he got me, you know?)
Ten years ago, he came to me, down the hall from my neighbor's apartment on the day that I sat down to write my very first screenplay. We spent the whole day together and this turned into a daily ritual. I'd return from Starbucks with my mocha and he'd trot down the hall to greet me. But, eventually I moved.
Long story short, he moved with me and has been my faithful side-kick ever since. They say that dogs have families and cats have staff. Maybe that's true because I belonged more to him than he ever did to me, but no matter who was in charge, the love was mutual.
I'll be back with you in a few days to wrap up this last leg of the Metamorphosis journey and to kick off our Continuity - which I picked up from the Post Office today. (tiny cheer) And even though it feels like my world is temporarily ending, somewhere beneath all of this sadness, I really am jazzed to keep going.
Big hugs.
Shan
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Day 87
The Vancouver Canucks have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in I don't know how many years, decades maybe? Oprah is finished. A crooning country and western singer won American Idol, and a nearly-super bowl-champ took home a mirror ball trophy? You're saying the world hasn't come to an end? Sure feels like it has.
I don't recognize this world. Back in my day (he he he, have always wanted to say that) Oprah was forever, American Idol was for Pop stars, and footballers where hard-core brawlers not ball room dancers. I got nothing to say about the Canucks, there are too many fans in my neighborhood and while I might be stupid, I don't have a death wish.
If all these things are changing and the world is completely different than it was just one year ago, then why oh why am I still obsessed with my belly? Why is it expanding instead of shrinking? I am gassy and bloated and totally miserable and can I moan about something else too? Cardio! I just can't seem to wrap my head around doing it every day! I don't know how many days I've missed this month but I'll have the dismal stats for ya next week. It's not looking good.
Seriously, my diet is getting worse and worse. Even though I am eating healthy stuff (tofu, veggies, fruits, granola) I cannot stop myself from over-eating! I need an intervention. I'm so close to the end and I feel like I am unwittingly sabotaging all of my hard work! Boo.
I know that two weeks of bad diet will not completely erase three months of hard work but it's kind of a drag being me right now. I don't want to bring y'all down but... not having a love day. Not because of the method but because of me and my dumb bad habits. I know that the best medicine right now would be to step on the scale. (Crazy right??) But it would either shame back onto the path of righteousness or assure me that it isn't as bad as I think it is - however - there is no way I am about to step on that little white demon without a tumbler of vodka on hand for liquid courage, but since I don't really drink, it ain't gonna happen.
Hope I can wrangle myself back onto the straight and narrow before the bitter end - because I have promised photos and I certainly don't want them to be mistaken for before pics! Have really got to learn to stop making promises!
xo
Shan
I don't recognize this world. Back in my day (he he he, have always wanted to say that) Oprah was forever, American Idol was for Pop stars, and footballers where hard-core brawlers not ball room dancers. I got nothing to say about the Canucks, there are too many fans in my neighborhood and while I might be stupid, I don't have a death wish.
If all these things are changing and the world is completely different than it was just one year ago, then why oh why am I still obsessed with my belly? Why is it expanding instead of shrinking? I am gassy and bloated and totally miserable and can I moan about something else too? Cardio! I just can't seem to wrap my head around doing it every day! I don't know how many days I've missed this month but I'll have the dismal stats for ya next week. It's not looking good.
Seriously, my diet is getting worse and worse. Even though I am eating healthy stuff (tofu, veggies, fruits, granola) I cannot stop myself from over-eating! I need an intervention. I'm so close to the end and I feel like I am unwittingly sabotaging all of my hard work! Boo.
I know that two weeks of bad diet will not completely erase three months of hard work but it's kind of a drag being me right now. I don't want to bring y'all down but... not having a love day. Not because of the method but because of me and my dumb bad habits. I know that the best medicine right now would be to step on the scale. (Crazy right??) But it would either shame back onto the path of righteousness or assure me that it isn't as bad as I think it is - however - there is no way I am about to step on that little white demon without a tumbler of vodka on hand for liquid courage, but since I don't really drink, it ain't gonna happen.
Hope I can wrangle myself back onto the straight and narrow before the bitter end - because I have promised photos and I certainly don't want them to be mistaken for before pics! Have really got to learn to stop making promises!
xo
Shan
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
86th day on Metamorphosis
You guys, I had a terrible nightmare last night. I dreamed that I thought it might be a good idea to carry on with Continuity and try to practice the method for a whole entire year. In the dream, I posted a call out on my blog and like a million people responded that they'd be in. I woke up in a cold sweat, the sound of my own scream coming out as a strangled whimper caught in my throat as I bolted upright!!
Okay, alright I know it wasn't a dream and no amount of back-pedaling is gonna get me outta this one. Bummer. I hate to commit. I don't want to commit. I remember the first morning of Metamorphosis, that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that I was never going to enjoy another good meal or dessert again in my life!
However...
I really did have a bad dream last night. And in that dream I walked into the bathroom, I removed my robe to check my measurements but when I looked into the mirror, my body began to morph back into the shape it was before I started the Method. It was like watching guitar strings snap and ping as everything kinda let go and came undone. It was freakier than a Tim Burton movie.
Strangely, the challenge to stick with the program for nine more months doesn't seem too bad. Know what I mean? In fact it's kinda looking not so bad, lesser of two evils type of thing.
I am absolutely stunned and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and just the fact that I know we're going to keep doing this all together makes it seem less - I don't know - insurmountable maybe? So I just wanted to say, cool. It's cool. We're good, we're gonna be fine. Piece of cake. Well not literally, cake's still not really allowed. But we can do it right? Tell me we can do it. Insert feverish nail-biting here.
Of course there are going to have to be some parameters drawn up, some rules of the road that will need to be considered before embarking on this crazy road called Continuity. Don't want to go off all half-cocked. We'll need a plan. Not sure what that will look like just yet, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. There's still another 20 days here on Meta and this is a Nutrient Boost week. Oh joy.
I'll keep it brief and simple. I am not pureeing anything this week. Can't do it. Weak, perhaps, but I just can't. I'll stick with my Berry Green Juice, make a salad out of the gazpacho, Veggie Chili instead of the Waldorf salad, and even the tofu soup. But I am not doing apple sauce, chocolate pudding or sweet potato anything! Bleck. (that was Sandy's word and I loved it so much I'm stealing it.)
In addition to the above I am adding my beloved granola, (the sole food I'd take to a deserted island if I could only take one food btw) and berries. Tracy got me hooked on fruit so I'm sticking with it because I don't want to risk going off it and returning to my habit of packing away a bag of two-bite brownies a day! Besides, strawberries, raspberries or black berries make a great mid-morning snack, who knew?
Happy Morphing, in a good way!
Shan
Okay, alright I know it wasn't a dream and no amount of back-pedaling is gonna get me outta this one. Bummer. I hate to commit. I don't want to commit. I remember the first morning of Metamorphosis, that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that I was never going to enjoy another good meal or dessert again in my life!
However...
I really did have a bad dream last night. And in that dream I walked into the bathroom, I removed my robe to check my measurements but when I looked into the mirror, my body began to morph back into the shape it was before I started the Method. It was like watching guitar strings snap and ping as everything kinda let go and came undone. It was freakier than a Tim Burton movie.
Strangely, the challenge to stick with the program for nine more months doesn't seem too bad. Know what I mean? In fact it's kinda looking not so bad, lesser of two evils type of thing.
I am absolutely stunned and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and just the fact that I know we're going to keep doing this all together makes it seem less - I don't know - insurmountable maybe? So I just wanted to say, cool. It's cool. We're good, we're gonna be fine. Piece of cake. Well not literally, cake's still not really allowed. But we can do it right? Tell me we can do it. Insert feverish nail-biting here.
Of course there are going to have to be some parameters drawn up, some rules of the road that will need to be considered before embarking on this crazy road called Continuity. Don't want to go off all half-cocked. We'll need a plan. Not sure what that will look like just yet, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. There's still another 20 days here on Meta and this is a Nutrient Boost week. Oh joy.
I'll keep it brief and simple. I am not pureeing anything this week. Can't do it. Weak, perhaps, but I just can't. I'll stick with my Berry Green Juice, make a salad out of the gazpacho, Veggie Chili instead of the Waldorf salad, and even the tofu soup. But I am not doing apple sauce, chocolate pudding or sweet potato anything! Bleck. (that was Sandy's word and I loved it so much I'm stealing it.)
In addition to the above I am adding my beloved granola, (the sole food I'd take to a deserted island if I could only take one food btw) and berries. Tracy got me hooked on fruit so I'm sticking with it because I don't want to risk going off it and returning to my habit of packing away a bag of two-bite brownies a day! Besides, strawberries, raspberries or black berries make a great mid-morning snack, who knew?
Happy Morphing, in a good way!
Shan
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
85 Days Down - Five To Go? Um No....
Content warning!!
It's a long one.
So you'd think that on day 85, I'd be twirling on my tiptoes with glee thinking only five more days to go, right? Wrong! Try twenty-one. The 90 days, in the 90 Day Program is a bit of a misnomer. There are 90 days of workouts, but after every 6 days there is a rest day - so - three more weeks. Which is actually just fine with my because I've become oddly attached to this program and I don't want it to end. No really, I am not being sarcastic (much). I've really enjoyed it (mostly) and will be sad when it finishes (when I am not celebrating with Mexican food and a sangria).
I want to take today's post to clear up a few things, set the record straight, answer a coupla questions and gently remind everyone that I'm just a blogger. I'm not a pro, not an expert, not a chum of Tracy's (although I know if we met, we'd likely be the best of friends) Ugh, that sounds like something a stalker would say, but seriously I'm not crazy, I just have a very rich inner-life. I digress.
I want to share the following with you from the book Angel's Game, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I didn't write it, but I sincerely wish that I had.
Turns out my soul has a price, therefore I blog. I love to write and it sends me over the moon to know that I am being read. If I only ever touch one of you with my words, I am satisfied. I chose to write about Tracy Anderson's Method because it was a fitness challenge and never in my life had I been able to stick to a program. I didn't finish P90x, I've never made it to the end of one of Shape Magazine's Bikini Body Boot Camps. I wanted this to be different, I wanted to be accountable. What I hadn't counted on was falling in love with both the process of physical transformation and the act of sharing it with others on the same journey. (bit of a loner, me) Now thanks to Tracy developing more content - like Metamorphosis - I've had more grist for the writing mill. Why am I telling you this and more importantly why should you care? Because I have been asked a few times now if I plan to carry on writing through continuity. I've given it a lot of thought. I've seen great bloggers come and go, it's not easy to fit it all in.
There have been days where I have seriously wanted to throw in the towel. It's times like that when I read your comments or revisit the Shamandments and I remember why I'm doing this. I want a great physique sure, but what I really wanted was a life-style change. I wanted to gain control of my eating habits (which I've not done yet) and I want to be habitually healthy. So I've decided to challenge myself and invite all of you to do the same ...
What if I (we) attempted to do this for a whole year? If I blog it, would you read it? Would you be up for doing it with me? (pretty please with a cherry on top, no whipped cream tho, we're not allowed)
We can call our challenge "Mastering the madness that is the Method."
There it is in black and white. The gauntlet's been thrown down. You up for it? I am going to attempt to stick with the Metamorphosis program for an entire year and blog about my continuity adventures with Tracy Anderson - that is a hell of a commitment for a girl who has trouble even committing to a nail color! Jeez.
Right, three months down. Nine months to go! Holy cow.
So now, I want to set the record straight about something else. People keep asking if I follow the diet and what I have done to get this far and so on. I want to first say that my results are NOT typical. I am a SLACKER. I am a BAD example.
I've been on Tracy's facebook page via her website and lemme tell you something. In-tim-i-dating! There are girls on there who are so ripped, cut, defined, buff, trim, thin, perfectly sculpted - workout maniac goddesses - Tracy devotees who workout upwards from 2 to 4 hours a day and count every teeny tiny calorie. Wow. I am impressed by them and absolutely crazy scared out of my mind by them. Will never look like them. I do not workout for two hours a day! Not. Ever. Once. Okay, maybe a few times back in the day I could parlay a yoga class into a two hour event, but there was a lot of corpse posing going on.
I still have a tiny bit of cellulite but I can absolutely live with it (if it means never working out for more than an hour tops). My waist still curves out where I want it to curve in. I still have a ponch below my belly button, but it is shrinking. I am not perfect. Not like they are, but I'll tell you what, as much as I envy them, I am not willing to sacrifice as much as they do. (Slacker, remember? Quitter extraordinaire. Stunned I've even gotten this far.) I want time with my husband. I want hikes with my dog. I work three freakin' jobs for crying out loud!
So no, my results are not typical. If you follow Tracy's Metamorphosis to the letter - you will most definitely see better results than mine. That said, if you are happy to settle with "pretty damned good for almost 40" then keep reading.
Lets talk diet, everybody's favorite subject. This is all entirely subjective. What works for me, may not be right for you, but here's what I've done so far.
On the 30 Day Method I still had my Maxwell House Instant Mocha. (you can add cheater to quitter and slacker) Everyday. Three days into following the program to the letter - I thought I was going to die. So I added granola. I ate it daily. As for the rest of the menu, I never ate anything that was not on the menu. There were things I refused to eat, like eggplant, but I never ate cheese or pasta or bread (unless I cheated by accident which I am sure I did once or twice) That was four weeks. I then immediately started Abcentric. Week one, I followed it purees and all (plus my coffee). Week two, I did what I had been doing during boot camp, same menu plus granola. I also changed the meat options for veggie, like tofu and veggie burgers. Week three was pretty much the same.
But I think around week four of meta (so eight weeks in) I started to free-style a 'lil bit, mess up here and there, then jump back on the wagon for the Nutrient Boost weeks. I have been on again off again with this diet for the last seven weeks. Trying hard to follow Tracy's outline - eating purees or simply lots of fruits and veggies with veggie chili and tofu soup on the Nutrient boost weeks and sticking to veggie proteins, veggies and fruits (of my own design) on the body reset weeks. I've added quinoa on occasion, even basmati or brown rice. Once with the chili I even had some baguette. The rule of thumb has been, nothing fried, no pasta (although I did slip and have pizza of course, but in real life that will happen), and have limited my fats to the good ones like nuts and seeds, avocado and olives and olive oil. Sometimes a bit of feta on my salad with non-fat dressing.
So there you have it.
But the one thing I have been absolutely unwaveringly faithful to - the muscular structure workout. When I have skipped it, I used that day as a rest day and did it on my scheduled rest day. In 85 days, I have missed only 2 Muscular Structure workouts, one because I hurt my back and the other because of last week's migraine, but I have added an additional day to the schedule for that one.
Whew, so there it is. Eat healthy(ish) and do your workouts. I think that's more than enough for today, don't you?
If you're brave or bored or crazy, then sign up for the challenge with me. I don't want to be working out in the abyss all by my onesie. Hey mom, if you're reading, you could get Tracy's Mat Dvd and do that with me, the standing parts of it won't make you dizzy. Aunti Anne, I know you're dancing so you're my cardio inspiration, Yania, you have Tracy's Post Pregnancy Dvd, Ray, you've got no excuse, get back on the meta wagon. Victoria, I need you here to pave the way. And the rest of you - UK Rachel, Alma, Steph, Martie, Bethany, Holly, Lucy Jeannie, Andi (what are you doing girl? Boot camp, Meta?), Carin, Yvonne, Rebekah, Neiman, Sandy (okay so you'll at least commit for seven weeks, I can live with that), Marge, Marcia, Morgan, Monique, Catherine (it's important even after the wedding because happily ever after runs with heavily ever after, trust me), Evalyh, Fishangel, Tess, Lisa (I miss you Lisa, hope finals went well and you come back), Lyn, Lynette and anyone I may have missed (aging memory) plus all you beautiful anonymous readers out there. I'd love for you all to be on the challenge with me. Let's really make it a lifestyle change, once, and for all.
Big hugs,
Shan
It's a long one.
So you'd think that on day 85, I'd be twirling on my tiptoes with glee thinking only five more days to go, right? Wrong! Try twenty-one. The 90 days, in the 90 Day Program is a bit of a misnomer. There are 90 days of workouts, but after every 6 days there is a rest day - so - three more weeks. Which is actually just fine with my because I've become oddly attached to this program and I don't want it to end. No really, I am not being sarcastic (much). I've really enjoyed it (mostly) and will be sad when it finishes (when I am not celebrating with Mexican food and a sangria).
I want to take today's post to clear up a few things, set the record straight, answer a coupla questions and gently remind everyone that I'm just a blogger. I'm not a pro, not an expert, not a chum of Tracy's (although I know if we met, we'd likely be the best of friends) Ugh, that sounds like something a stalker would say, but seriously I'm not crazy, I just have a very rich inner-life. I digress.
I want to share the following with you from the book Angel's Game, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I didn't write it, but I sincerely wish that I had.
"A writer never forgets the first time he accepted a few coins or a word of praise in exchange for a story. He will never forget the sweet poison of vanity in his blood and the belief that, if he succeeds in not letting anyone discover his lack of talent, the dream of literature will provide him with a roof over his head, a hot meal at the end of the day and what he covets most, his name printed on a miserable piece of paper that will surely outlive him. A writer is condemned to remember that moment, because from then on he is doomed and his soul has a price."
Turns out my soul has a price, therefore I blog. I love to write and it sends me over the moon to know that I am being read. If I only ever touch one of you with my words, I am satisfied. I chose to write about Tracy Anderson's Method because it was a fitness challenge and never in my life had I been able to stick to a program. I didn't finish P90x, I've never made it to the end of one of Shape Magazine's Bikini Body Boot Camps. I wanted this to be different, I wanted to be accountable. What I hadn't counted on was falling in love with both the process of physical transformation and the act of sharing it with others on the same journey. (bit of a loner, me) Now thanks to Tracy developing more content - like Metamorphosis - I've had more grist for the writing mill. Why am I telling you this and more importantly why should you care? Because I have been asked a few times now if I plan to carry on writing through continuity. I've given it a lot of thought. I've seen great bloggers come and go, it's not easy to fit it all in.
There have been days where I have seriously wanted to throw in the towel. It's times like that when I read your comments or revisit the Shamandments and I remember why I'm doing this. I want a great physique sure, but what I really wanted was a life-style change. I wanted to gain control of my eating habits (which I've not done yet) and I want to be habitually healthy. So I've decided to challenge myself and invite all of you to do the same ...
What if I (we) attempted to do this for a whole year? If I blog it, would you read it? Would you be up for doing it with me? (pretty please with a cherry on top, no whipped cream tho, we're not allowed)
We can call our challenge "Mastering the madness that is the Method."
There it is in black and white. The gauntlet's been thrown down. You up for it? I am going to attempt to stick with the Metamorphosis program for an entire year and blog about my continuity adventures with Tracy Anderson - that is a hell of a commitment for a girl who has trouble even committing to a nail color! Jeez.
Right, three months down. Nine months to go! Holy cow.
So now, I want to set the record straight about something else. People keep asking if I follow the diet and what I have done to get this far and so on. I want to first say that my results are NOT typical. I am a SLACKER. I am a BAD example.
I've been on Tracy's facebook page via her website and lemme tell you something. In-tim-i-dating! There are girls on there who are so ripped, cut, defined, buff, trim, thin, perfectly sculpted - workout maniac goddesses - Tracy devotees who workout upwards from 2 to 4 hours a day and count every teeny tiny calorie. Wow. I am impressed by them and absolutely crazy scared out of my mind by them. Will never look like them. I do not workout for two hours a day! Not. Ever. Once. Okay, maybe a few times back in the day I could parlay a yoga class into a two hour event, but there was a lot of corpse posing going on.
I still have a tiny bit of cellulite but I can absolutely live with it (if it means never working out for more than an hour tops). My waist still curves out where I want it to curve in. I still have a ponch below my belly button, but it is shrinking. I am not perfect. Not like they are, but I'll tell you what, as much as I envy them, I am not willing to sacrifice as much as they do. (Slacker, remember? Quitter extraordinaire. Stunned I've even gotten this far.) I want time with my husband. I want hikes with my dog. I work three freakin' jobs for crying out loud!
So no, my results are not typical. If you follow Tracy's Metamorphosis to the letter - you will most definitely see better results than mine. That said, if you are happy to settle with "pretty damned good for almost 40" then keep reading.
Lets talk diet, everybody's favorite subject. This is all entirely subjective. What works for me, may not be right for you, but here's what I've done so far.
On the 30 Day Method I still had my Maxwell House Instant Mocha. (you can add cheater to quitter and slacker) Everyday. Three days into following the program to the letter - I thought I was going to die. So I added granola. I ate it daily. As for the rest of the menu, I never ate anything that was not on the menu. There were things I refused to eat, like eggplant, but I never ate cheese or pasta or bread (unless I cheated by accident which I am sure I did once or twice) That was four weeks. I then immediately started Abcentric. Week one, I followed it purees and all (plus my coffee). Week two, I did what I had been doing during boot camp, same menu plus granola. I also changed the meat options for veggie, like tofu and veggie burgers. Week three was pretty much the same.
But I think around week four of meta (so eight weeks in) I started to free-style a 'lil bit, mess up here and there, then jump back on the wagon for the Nutrient Boost weeks. I have been on again off again with this diet for the last seven weeks. Trying hard to follow Tracy's outline - eating purees or simply lots of fruits and veggies with veggie chili and tofu soup on the Nutrient boost weeks and sticking to veggie proteins, veggies and fruits (of my own design) on the body reset weeks. I've added quinoa on occasion, even basmati or brown rice. Once with the chili I even had some baguette. The rule of thumb has been, nothing fried, no pasta (although I did slip and have pizza of course, but in real life that will happen), and have limited my fats to the good ones like nuts and seeds, avocado and olives and olive oil. Sometimes a bit of feta on my salad with non-fat dressing.
So there you have it.
But the one thing I have been absolutely unwaveringly faithful to - the muscular structure workout. When I have skipped it, I used that day as a rest day and did it on my scheduled rest day. In 85 days, I have missed only 2 Muscular Structure workouts, one because I hurt my back and the other because of last week's migraine, but I have added an additional day to the schedule for that one.
Whew, so there it is. Eat healthy(ish) and do your workouts. I think that's more than enough for today, don't you?
If you're brave or bored or crazy, then sign up for the challenge with me. I don't want to be working out in the abyss all by my onesie. Hey mom, if you're reading, you could get Tracy's Mat Dvd and do that with me, the standing parts of it won't make you dizzy. Aunti Anne, I know you're dancing so you're my cardio inspiration, Yania, you have Tracy's Post Pregnancy Dvd, Ray, you've got no excuse, get back on the meta wagon. Victoria, I need you here to pave the way. And the rest of you - UK Rachel, Alma, Steph, Martie, Bethany, Holly, Lucy Jeannie, Andi (what are you doing girl? Boot camp, Meta?), Carin, Yvonne, Rebekah, Neiman, Sandy (okay so you'll at least commit for seven weeks, I can live with that), Marge, Marcia, Morgan, Monique, Catherine (it's important even after the wedding because happily ever after runs with heavily ever after, trust me), Evalyh, Fishangel, Tess, Lisa (I miss you Lisa, hope finals went well and you come back), Lyn, Lynette and anyone I may have missed (aging memory) plus all you beautiful anonymous readers out there. I'd love for you all to be on the challenge with me. Let's really make it a lifestyle change, once, and for all.
Big hugs,
Shan
Monday, May 23, 2011
84 Day!! - Day 2 of Level 8!
So much to write and so little time. I really have a lot that I want to share with you today but my fear is that we'll end up with a mile long post that goes all over the map and makes absolutely no sense so I'll try to reign it in.
However, before I even get into all that I want to wish a happy belated birthday to Alma! She had a birthday this weekend. Also Martie - Eeeeeee, Martie is turning 29 on Wednesday. Do you remember 29? It was so great. I'm telling you, there are a lot of May babies, so those of you out there trying to get pregnant? Try it in September, evidently it's a very fertile month!
Okay. I've decided, somewhat reluctantly, to write about level 8. I'm on day two! And you know what that means. It means that yesterday was weigh-in and measurement day, the most fun day of the month. (I am trying to be positive here, okay?) After the binge I went on the week prior, I was nervous but I figured by now, I've just got to get in there and face the music and lemme tell you, the music was a symphony! This program works, man! My weight was only different by 2 ounces, my waist measurement - the usual bane of my existence - stayed the same and the only place I gained was my chest by a quarter inch! How fantastic is that? It was like a miracle day.... now I sit and wait for the other shoe to drop. What do those nasty spiteful fitness gods have up their sleeves I wonder. Oops, positive. Right. Let's be positive today.
One of my favorite new readers, Morgan commented that if she was to write a blog, it would say the same thing everyday and it would be her magical approach to fitness "Another perfect day for me! 2 hours of Tracy flew by! So easy. And who knew that 4 oz. of kiwi puree could fill me up all day!" And then she said she'd get busy photoshopping pics. I laughed so hard when I read that so I've decided to channel Morgan for my post today.
"Ahhhh, level 8. What can I say, except that it was so fun and so easy, I just had to do it twice, the second time wearing ankle weights and a blind fold." Too positive? Okay, fine! Party poopers.
Here's the real scoop. My new mantra is: what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. Say it with me people, what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. Yet, I gotta ask, why is Tracy torturing us with this slow and painful death, why not just make it quick and get it over with already? And I sighed up for this? I even signed up for continuity? What? Am I mad?
Victoria (my preview goddess) warned me that level 8 was really hard and since my time was so tight, I didn't get a chance to watch it ahead of time. Rather I just jumped in head-first and went for it. It's true, ignorance is bliss because I was performing moves that if I'd watched first? There would have been no way I would have even attempted. Like, NO WAY. As it was, I got through it and it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. The operative part of that phrase is "that I have ever done." I did it. I was able to do it. Tracy is making me stronger. The program is working. I am meta-morphing (is that a word?) into something that I have never been before and it's pretty freaking cool.
Is it a love day? You bet your perky meta butts it's a love day! Now get off this blog and drop and give me 20! Oh yeah, that's right! Did I mention that we're doing push-ups now? May as well get practicing, because you're gonna need all the help you can get.
Big hugs
Shan
However, before I even get into all that I want to wish a happy belated birthday to Alma! She had a birthday this weekend. Also Martie - Eeeeeee, Martie is turning 29 on Wednesday. Do you remember 29? It was so great. I'm telling you, there are a lot of May babies, so those of you out there trying to get pregnant? Try it in September, evidently it's a very fertile month!
Okay. I've decided, somewhat reluctantly, to write about level 8. I'm on day two! And you know what that means. It means that yesterday was weigh-in and measurement day, the most fun day of the month. (I am trying to be positive here, okay?) After the binge I went on the week prior, I was nervous but I figured by now, I've just got to get in there and face the music and lemme tell you, the music was a symphony! This program works, man! My weight was only different by 2 ounces, my waist measurement - the usual bane of my existence - stayed the same and the only place I gained was my chest by a quarter inch! How fantastic is that? It was like a miracle day.... now I sit and wait for the other shoe to drop. What do those nasty spiteful fitness gods have up their sleeves I wonder. Oops, positive. Right. Let's be positive today.
One of my favorite new readers, Morgan commented that if she was to write a blog, it would say the same thing everyday and it would be her magical approach to fitness "Another perfect day for me! 2 hours of Tracy flew by! So easy. And who knew that 4 oz. of kiwi puree could fill me up all day!" And then she said she'd get busy photoshopping pics. I laughed so hard when I read that so I've decided to channel Morgan for my post today.
"Ahhhh, level 8. What can I say, except that it was so fun and so easy, I just had to do it twice, the second time wearing ankle weights and a blind fold." Too positive? Okay, fine! Party poopers.
Here's the real scoop. My new mantra is: what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. Say it with me people, what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. Yet, I gotta ask, why is Tracy torturing us with this slow and painful death, why not just make it quick and get it over with already? And I sighed up for this? I even signed up for continuity? What? Am I mad?
Victoria (my preview goddess) warned me that level 8 was really hard and since my time was so tight, I didn't get a chance to watch it ahead of time. Rather I just jumped in head-first and went for it. It's true, ignorance is bliss because I was performing moves that if I'd watched first? There would have been no way I would have even attempted. Like, NO WAY. As it was, I got through it and it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. The operative part of that phrase is "that I have ever done." I did it. I was able to do it. Tracy is making me stronger. The program is working. I am meta-morphing (is that a word?) into something that I have never been before and it's pretty freaking cool.
Is it a love day? You bet your perky meta butts it's a love day! Now get off this blog and drop and give me 20! Oh yeah, that's right! Did I mention that we're doing push-ups now? May as well get practicing, because you're gonna need all the help you can get.
Big hugs
Shan
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Day 82 - Woo Hoo!
I thought I could get away with it, thought I could skate by on fries and pizza and Indian food, and it had appeared that I'd done it. A whole week of junk before I got back on the straight and narrow and not a single consequence. I even actually weighed myself outside of the dreaded weigh-in date and literally only gained an ounce. Serious, Scout's honor.
I breathed a huge sigh of relief and returned to the holy foods of dieting and good health. Fruits, steamed veggies, salad, baked tofu, it was aaaaaaaaallll good. Or so I thought. Insert the Jaws theme song here - da na, da na, danadanadana!
A wizened old Native American man once said: "Ass, gas or grass, baby, nobody rides for free!" Okay, so maybe he wasn't exactly wizened, I'd bet he wasn't even that old, the guy probably wasn't even Native - my guess is that it was some sleeze-bag tryin' to get something from some poor defenseless hitch-hiker back in the seventies - but that's beside the damned point here okay? The point is, there is no getting away with it, there are no free rides and apparently, revenge is a dish best served cold....
Oh yes, I said revenge. The fitness gods had my number, girls. And on Thursday after I'd put in a coupla good days of eating and working out (I even did my steenkeeng cardio) the bastards struck me down. I was in the middle of a 13 hour shift when they nailed me with a migraine. OMG. Whether or not it was a direct result of all the poisons I'd ingested only days earlier I can't say for sure, but it's likely all that crap didn't help the situation any.
And after all the work I'd done? All I'd sacrificed in their name and this is how they return the favor? I'd like to say the fitness gods suck, but I suppose it's their job to teach me lessons and keep me on track. Needless to say, no more chocolate covered Swiss rolls for me. Oh? Did I not mention that? They go really well with Veggie Samosas... in case you were wondering.
And here's the best part, I'm sure they were looking down and laughing their skinny asses off when this next thing happened. I still had a headache, but I'm functioning with meds, so I decided I could manage my workout before running off to work this afternoon, so I did it. Yeah! Small victory. But when I got into the shower, I accidentally got soap in my eye. What did this have to do with my poor dietary habits and the fitness gods, you ask? Lemme tell you.
In my hurry to rinse it out, I grabbed at the shower head blindly, swung it around to wash out my eye and whacked myself straight in the mouth with it. I'm okay. But let's just say that it's probably a good thing that I'll be back to purees in a few days, solids might be tough. Talk about driving home a point. They're mean bitches up there on Mount Fitlympus. And they're always watching, so behave, cuz they'll get ya!
Don't say I didn't warn you.
Before I sign off, I want to give a big shout out to my girl MARTA! The beautiful, the lovely, the always inspiring Marta is having a birthday today. Happy birthday, Buddy. And guess what she got for her birthday - (besides your cold, Marta) - She got her Continuity!! See? Now there's an example of the fitness gods favoring those who do well! Good luck with it, darling.
On the other hand, I am still waiting for mine and have heard rumors that Canada Post is going on strike. I am not kidding. Hey, guys! If you're up there, I'M FREAKIN' SORRY, OKAY!?! Look, I'm eating salad, see? No dressing even.
Have a great weekend.
Shan
I breathed a huge sigh of relief and returned to the holy foods of dieting and good health. Fruits, steamed veggies, salad, baked tofu, it was aaaaaaaaallll good. Or so I thought. Insert the Jaws theme song here - da na, da na, danadanadana!
A wizened old Native American man once said: "Ass, gas or grass, baby, nobody rides for free!" Okay, so maybe he wasn't exactly wizened, I'd bet he wasn't even that old, the guy probably wasn't even Native - my guess is that it was some sleeze-bag tryin' to get something from some poor defenseless hitch-hiker back in the seventies - but that's beside the damned point here okay? The point is, there is no getting away with it, there are no free rides and apparently, revenge is a dish best served cold....
Oh yes, I said revenge. The fitness gods had my number, girls. And on Thursday after I'd put in a coupla good days of eating and working out (I even did my steenkeeng cardio) the bastards struck me down. I was in the middle of a 13 hour shift when they nailed me with a migraine. OMG. Whether or not it was a direct result of all the poisons I'd ingested only days earlier I can't say for sure, but it's likely all that crap didn't help the situation any.
And after all the work I'd done? All I'd sacrificed in their name and this is how they return the favor? I'd like to say the fitness gods suck, but I suppose it's their job to teach me lessons and keep me on track. Needless to say, no more chocolate covered Swiss rolls for me. Oh? Did I not mention that? They go really well with Veggie Samosas... in case you were wondering.
And here's the best part, I'm sure they were looking down and laughing their skinny asses off when this next thing happened. I still had a headache, but I'm functioning with meds, so I decided I could manage my workout before running off to work this afternoon, so I did it. Yeah! Small victory. But when I got into the shower, I accidentally got soap in my eye. What did this have to do with my poor dietary habits and the fitness gods, you ask? Lemme tell you.
In my hurry to rinse it out, I grabbed at the shower head blindly, swung it around to wash out my eye and whacked myself straight in the mouth with it. I'm okay. But let's just say that it's probably a good thing that I'll be back to purees in a few days, solids might be tough. Talk about driving home a point. They're mean bitches up there on Mount Fitlympus. And they're always watching, so behave, cuz they'll get ya!
Don't say I didn't warn you.
Before I sign off, I want to give a big shout out to my girl MARTA! The beautiful, the lovely, the always inspiring Marta is having a birthday today. Happy birthday, Buddy. And guess what she got for her birthday - (besides your cold, Marta) - She got her Continuity!! See? Now there's an example of the fitness gods favoring those who do well! Good luck with it, darling.
On the other hand, I am still waiting for mine and have heard rumors that Canada Post is going on strike. I am not kidding. Hey, guys! If you're up there, I'M FREAKIN' SORRY, OKAY!?! Look, I'm eating salad, see? No dressing even.
Have a great weekend.
Shan
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
79 days on the Meta Train
Just a quick little throw back to yesterday's post. In an ironic twist of fate, some might even say cruel, last night was my husbie's night to cook. Yes, we are an equal opportunity house hold. But what do you think he did? God love him, he walked through the door with Chinese takeaway. Can you even believe that?!
OMG. Lemme tell you something, I was really starting to miss our fat free, super-healthy new lifestyle, so today I am truly, willingly, nearly joyfully back on the wagon and I am painting the damned thing RED so it doesn't get away from me again.
The jolly good news is this. (I know I've said it before, so if you remember this from a previous post, you should know that I am not having a senior moment, okay?) In the 30 Day Method, Tracy promises us that once we own our weight loss, we'll then be able to spend an entire Sunday eating nothing but cupcakes. Guess what sweeties? Turns out that after ten weeks on Metamorphosis, you can do that shit for a whole week and not gain an inch. I measured!
And in other news (the post opened rather like a broadcast so I'm rolling with it) there is a new girl on the forum who is disappointed with her Metamorphosis experience. She was under the impression that she was getting a workout for beginners, she was promised perfection, now she's wounded from the cardio, having trouble keeping up with the ever-changing workouts and all of her enthusiasm has been deflated. She's pissed. I get it.
Hell knows I've had my share of struggles. The word Perfection alone got my hackles up a time or two, never mind Tracy moving at the speed of light (or sound, whichever one travels through space faster) and asking me to do things that a nearly-40-year-old-body should never be asked to do... but... I love her anyway. She's come through on every single one of her promises to me, the biggest being if I put in the work, she will redesign my body. But that got me to thinking, what if I wasn't able to put in the work? For any number of reasons, the reason isn't important because this is a hypothetical so let's stay on track here people, can we do that? Am I even capable of that? Lordissa I'm gonna try.
When I think back on it, during boot camp there were just some moves that there was no way I could handle. No matter how much I wanted it, no matter how I tried to adapt. I have a neck injury that got in the way and I simply wasn't strong enough. But literally months later, after building up the strength through a boat-load of other moves, I can now perform them. Maybe not with the greatest of ease like a circus performer flying through the air, but I can do those moves. It took baby steps. Sometimes they were baby steps on speed, 40 at a time, but they were, nevertheless, the building blocks I needed to get here.
I wanted this girl to know it was possible. That everything she's read, everything she'd bought into was indeed within her reach. But I read all the supportive and helpful, nurturing words that other meta-girls had shared, yet still she wasn't convinced. Fair enough, the program is not for everyone and that's okay. I didn't want to try to sell her on it. But... for her sake, it totally bites that she just sunk ninety bucks into something that doesn't even weigh enough to be a bookend, right? Was there some other way to show her that it could be useful to her, at least in some small way if not in its entirety?
I got to thinking about the building blocks and the steps that I took that helped me get to a place where I can do moves that were previously impossible. And it took me back to this totally rocking video. One of the initial ones where I was first introduced to and eventually fell totally in love with Tracy and the Method - not in a creepy weirdo kind of way - but in an: "I totally adore you, you're my new super hero" kind of way. Know what I mean?
Anyway, it was so fun to revisit and see how patient and sweet Tracy really is. I honestly believe that she just wants to see women look and feel their best and this is Tracy in her finest form. For all the new Meta and Method students out there, watch this and do try it at home! (There's something you don't hear everyday.) And for all you old hats out there, you might want to give it a shot too, just for shits and giggles.
I remember really struggling with this and thinking, she wants me to do how many? But I can stand before you today, hand on heart and say with all sincerity, I love the little Badass more today than ever and I cannot wait for the next challenge. Except for maybe not level 8 though because I hear that one's really hard. LOL.
Big hugs
Shan
OMG. Lemme tell you something, I was really starting to miss our fat free, super-healthy new lifestyle, so today I am truly, willingly, nearly joyfully back on the wagon and I am painting the damned thing RED so it doesn't get away from me again.
The jolly good news is this. (I know I've said it before, so if you remember this from a previous post, you should know that I am not having a senior moment, okay?) In the 30 Day Method, Tracy promises us that once we own our weight loss, we'll then be able to spend an entire Sunday eating nothing but cupcakes. Guess what sweeties? Turns out that after ten weeks on Metamorphosis, you can do that shit for a whole week and not gain an inch. I measured!
And in other news (the post opened rather like a broadcast so I'm rolling with it) there is a new girl on the forum who is disappointed with her Metamorphosis experience. She was under the impression that she was getting a workout for beginners, she was promised perfection, now she's wounded from the cardio, having trouble keeping up with the ever-changing workouts and all of her enthusiasm has been deflated. She's pissed. I get it.
Hell knows I've had my share of struggles. The word Perfection alone got my hackles up a time or two, never mind Tracy moving at the speed of light (or sound, whichever one travels through space faster) and asking me to do things that a nearly-40-year-old-body should never be asked to do... but... I love her anyway. She's come through on every single one of her promises to me, the biggest being if I put in the work, she will redesign my body. But that got me to thinking, what if I wasn't able to put in the work? For any number of reasons, the reason isn't important because this is a hypothetical so let's stay on track here people, can we do that? Am I even capable of that? Lordissa I'm gonna try.
When I think back on it, during boot camp there were just some moves that there was no way I could handle. No matter how much I wanted it, no matter how I tried to adapt. I have a neck injury that got in the way and I simply wasn't strong enough. But literally months later, after building up the strength through a boat-load of other moves, I can now perform them. Maybe not with the greatest of ease like a circus performer flying through the air, but I can do those moves. It took baby steps. Sometimes they were baby steps on speed, 40 at a time, but they were, nevertheless, the building blocks I needed to get here.
I wanted this girl to know it was possible. That everything she's read, everything she'd bought into was indeed within her reach. But I read all the supportive and helpful, nurturing words that other meta-girls had shared, yet still she wasn't convinced. Fair enough, the program is not for everyone and that's okay. I didn't want to try to sell her on it. But... for her sake, it totally bites that she just sunk ninety bucks into something that doesn't even weigh enough to be a bookend, right? Was there some other way to show her that it could be useful to her, at least in some small way if not in its entirety?
I got to thinking about the building blocks and the steps that I took that helped me get to a place where I can do moves that were previously impossible. And it took me back to this totally rocking video. One of the initial ones where I was first introduced to and eventually fell totally in love with Tracy and the Method - not in a creepy weirdo kind of way - but in an: "I totally adore you, you're my new super hero" kind of way. Know what I mean?
Anyway, it was so fun to revisit and see how patient and sweet Tracy really is. I honestly believe that she just wants to see women look and feel their best and this is Tracy in her finest form. For all the new Meta and Method students out there, watch this and do try it at home! (There's something you don't hear everyday.) And for all you old hats out there, you might want to give it a shot too, just for shits and giggles.
I remember really struggling with this and thinking, she wants me to do how many? But I can stand before you today, hand on heart and say with all sincerity, I love the little Badass more today than ever and I cannot wait for the next challenge. Except for maybe not level 8 though because I hear that one's really hard. LOL.
Big hugs
Shan
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Day 78 - Body Reset Week
Whew, this week has been an absolute gong show! An odd statement for a Tuesday morning I realize, but I am talking about the Nutrient Boost week that I have just finished. (My weeks begin anew on Tuesdays) I won't even try to kid you here, there was no way this was a nutrient boost week. It was... for about two and a half days and then I went on a total bender. The Pizza and cheese cake were just the beginning. Each new day I'd wake up and promise myself that today, today would be different, today I would honor the program, follow the diet, blah blah blah, I did no such thing! Hell at one point there were even French fries. What is it with me and the fries since I started the method? I never eat fries. Or I should say, never until I was told they are strictly off limits.
I was a walking public service announcement on what not to eat if:
a) you're on a diet
b) you're trying to be healthy
c) you're not trying to walk yourself into an early grave
I mean to tell you I'm shocked I didn't sit down and eat a steak or some lamb chops. (have been a vegetarian for 20 years) For all of you wonderfully sweet people who've read this mad blog and have commented that in some way or another you've been inspired?... This is me inspiring you to do as I say and not as I do okay? The funny (in an odd way) thing is that my body didn't reject any of this crap I fed it. My guilt didn't kick in once. I was on a culinary joy ride. There was Indian, I had rice, toast, fried eggs - you name it I ate it - it was like every single thing I have denied myself in the past three months wound up on my plate and down my fat gob this week. I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised if I just all of a sudden stopped writing right now to go grab a Chinese takeaway, that's how crazy this week's been.
I would love nothing more than to sit here and write that today, it's all going to change, today is the start of a Body Reset week and I am going to be a good girl. But I can't write that because I am not convinced. This morning's breakfast consists of a half a cantaloupe. Yikes, I don't even have one in the house! I'm unprepared. I'm terrified to see how I am going to behave once the actual program ends for me officially.
Let's not panic. I am sure there is a very good explanation for all of this, right? PMS? Full Moon? Psychotic break? Who knows, but at the moment, I am really craving a brownie. Geez... you might want to stop reading this, especially if you're at work because I might start talking about Krispy Kreme donuts next and who wouldn't want one of those with a cup of coffee on their coffee break, right? Okay honestly, donuts are the one sweet thing that I actually do not eat. But this week, I would not put it past me. I mean to tell you I would not trust me with egg plant. I cannot stand egg plant, but if it was the only thing on offer, I'd be likely to smother it in melted cheese, put it on some focaccia, eat the whole damned thing in one bite, and wash it down with a full-calorie can of coke followed by a filter-less cigarette. Are you getting the picture? (loca)
If I were listening to a friend tell me all of this, I'd quickly slap her across the face and say; get a hold of yourself woman, you're hysterical!
And SMACK! There it is. I've got to get a hold of myself here. Do you think marathon runners that finally see the finish line sometimes just crack up? I'm not sure if it's my fear of failure, fear of success, lack of sleep or the sugar rush, but it damn sure isn't me in control of my own destiny. Thank goodness Tracy's fitness portion of Metamorphosis is pretty much fool-proof because in spite of all this reckless binging, I've still somehow been managing to pull off my workouts and I don't feel like my waistline has expanded horribly so...
There's hope? I dunno. What I do know is that I'd better get my ass to the grocery store and pick up a cantaloupe post-haste and start praying to the fitness gods for mercy: "Please let this Body Reset week actually reset me back to rational behavior."
Cheers,
Shan
I was a walking public service announcement on what not to eat if:
a) you're on a diet
b) you're trying to be healthy
c) you're not trying to walk yourself into an early grave
I mean to tell you I'm shocked I didn't sit down and eat a steak or some lamb chops. (have been a vegetarian for 20 years) For all of you wonderfully sweet people who've read this mad blog and have commented that in some way or another you've been inspired?... This is me inspiring you to do as I say and not as I do okay? The funny (in an odd way) thing is that my body didn't reject any of this crap I fed it. My guilt didn't kick in once. I was on a culinary joy ride. There was Indian, I had rice, toast, fried eggs - you name it I ate it - it was like every single thing I have denied myself in the past three months wound up on my plate and down my fat gob this week. I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised if I just all of a sudden stopped writing right now to go grab a Chinese takeaway, that's how crazy this week's been.
I would love nothing more than to sit here and write that today, it's all going to change, today is the start of a Body Reset week and I am going to be a good girl. But I can't write that because I am not convinced. This morning's breakfast consists of a half a cantaloupe. Yikes, I don't even have one in the house! I'm unprepared. I'm terrified to see how I am going to behave once the actual program ends for me officially.
Let's not panic. I am sure there is a very good explanation for all of this, right? PMS? Full Moon? Psychotic break? Who knows, but at the moment, I am really craving a brownie. Geez... you might want to stop reading this, especially if you're at work because I might start talking about Krispy Kreme donuts next and who wouldn't want one of those with a cup of coffee on their coffee break, right? Okay honestly, donuts are the one sweet thing that I actually do not eat. But this week, I would not put it past me. I mean to tell you I would not trust me with egg plant. I cannot stand egg plant, but if it was the only thing on offer, I'd be likely to smother it in melted cheese, put it on some focaccia, eat the whole damned thing in one bite, and wash it down with a full-calorie can of coke followed by a filter-less cigarette. Are you getting the picture? (loca)
If I were listening to a friend tell me all of this, I'd quickly slap her across the face and say; get a hold of yourself woman, you're hysterical!
And SMACK! There it is. I've got to get a hold of myself here. Do you think marathon runners that finally see the finish line sometimes just crack up? I'm not sure if it's my fear of failure, fear of success, lack of sleep or the sugar rush, but it damn sure isn't me in control of my own destiny. Thank goodness Tracy's fitness portion of Metamorphosis is pretty much fool-proof because in spite of all this reckless binging, I've still somehow been managing to pull off my workouts and I don't feel like my waistline has expanded horribly so...
There's hope? I dunno. What I do know is that I'd better get my ass to the grocery store and pick up a cantaloupe post-haste and start praying to the fitness gods for mercy: "Please let this Body Reset week actually reset me back to rational behavior."
Cheers,
Shan
Saturday, May 14, 2011
75 Days Down, 15 To Go! (ish)
I remember when I first heard about Tracy's new program, Metamorphosis. I hadn't seen an infomercial, there wasn't a very detailed video. In fact there was very little information available. But I loved her mat workout and the whole Perfect Design Series, especially the third one, and of course I was totally into her book. So there was no decision to make really. I knew I had to have it.
I waited with eager anticipation for the package to arrive and when it did, I cracked it open and saw the glossy photo of Tracy, my new personal trainer, and her message of transformation. I cried. Couldn't wait to start. That was of course until the first morning, when I woke up and it really hit me, the sacrifices that would have to be made, the work that would have to be done, the commitment, the promise... it was a little overwhelming. Who am I kidding I was terrified and actually considered not doing it.
Now here I am at the end of a very long day, not just any day, this is Saturday, May 14th, otherwise known as day 75 of my Metamorphosis. I have shed tears during this program, I have been red-faced and grunting while working out, I've invented new cuss words, I've changed the guru's name from Tracy Anderson to Badass Anderson, I have sat on my heels during some workouts just staring at my television in abject terror and sometimes utter confusion, I've had hate days, love days and every kind of day in between. It's been a real journey and a half. I'm not there yet, but I can see the finish line and I want to say this -
My body has become like clay in the hands of the master. She really has redesigned me. Now if only there were a way that I could be put into a kiln and fired so that I could stay this way forever! Damn. Oh well, I suppose that's what continuity is for. I've worked hard for this new body that I still haven't quite owned yet. It's too new. I'm nervous about it. I still haven't busted it out in public or anything. Well I suppose photos posted on the internet are public, but I mean I haven't even gone out in the world in short sleeves yet, much less shorts or a skirt.
But I can say with confidence, right now in this moment, not even all the way through, (I still have two and a half more levels to go!) that I love this body. It's not perfect, but neither am I. I am going to turn forty in two months and I love the shape I am in. I am grateful to my body for the hard work it's put in, the strength it's cultivated and the dedication it's shown. There really have been days where my body did the work that my mind fought and resisted with every single rep. It's done great work. Hell, it's done things I had no idea it was even capable of and I'm sure it will continue to surprise and impress me as I move out of Metamorphosis and into continuity. I realize, in reading this, that it sounds a little bit like good bye, a little bit like the end, and I suppose to some degree it is. It will be the end of my first time going through this enormous, challenging and very gratifying experience and I want to prepare myself. You see, I have never lost weight before.
I gained it no prob, but had never ever figured out how to lose it - I was a weight-loss virgin I guess you could say. Oh sure, I would carve off a pound or two here and there, I once even lost up to six pounds, but each time it came back and brought a friend.
I know that to some of you, the amount of weight I've lost might not seem all that significant, but to me, it's monumental. To be in the best shape of my life when I enter a new decade, the next season of my life, well that's thrilling beyond my wildest imagination.
So I get a little bummed when people think you can only look like this if:
a) you're under 25
b) you're a genetic mutant
C) you've been surgically modified or
d) you starve yourself
None of the above is true, at least not for me.
I am well over 25, I can assure you that the gene pool I hail from is middle of the road, another way of saying I am not related to any super-models, although I'm sure my photogenic sister might argue, I have never been to the doctor for much other than a cold and if you've followed my blog at all you know I eat sometimes more than I should of what I should not be eating, but I have never starved. Okay, maybe that first week of boot camp I was hungry, but that's not the same as starving by any stretch of the imagination.
All this is to say that Tracy and I have worked really damned hard together and I am happy with our achievement. (I'm talking figuratively, we've never actually met much less worked together)
I'm going to be a little bit sad when it ends. What the heck am I gonna eat? I mean, I know I haven't been 100% faithful to her diet, okay I pretty much made shit up as I've been going along but I don't know if I can do this by myself. And so now is as good a time as any to come out with my biggest confession of all, my dirty little secret...
Gulp. You will think less of me after this I have no doubt. But I have to put it out there. I don't actually know why I feel I must, but I do so here it is.
I am not a coffee drinker. Never have been. Only have a coffee pot in my house because my sister bought it for when she comes to visit. Have only ever made a pot of coffee once, for my mom and it was un-drinkable. Okay, but that's not the confession. You know I love Starbucks right? Like love love love it. But only if I can't taste the coffee. Ugh, so here goes. I love their soy mochas. I didn't want to have to give that up. But I did. I slipped up now and again, but mostly I stopped having Starbucks.
Eeeeeeeeeee. Confession time. I substituted. I have done every single day throughout boot camp and meta. I am just cringing writing this. Everyday, I have Maxwell House Calorie Wise Swiss Mocha.
OMG. Yes it's true, I've been drinking instant coffee! What's become of me? Do you think less of me?
Or are you thinking, "She's a genius?"
Either way, I am just following shamandment number one, be Shannon! So know you know. Wow, it took 105 days for me to finally cop to that. Are ya mad? he he he, or are ya jealous?
Have a great weekend.
Shan.
I waited with eager anticipation for the package to arrive and when it did, I cracked it open and saw the glossy photo of Tracy, my new personal trainer, and her message of transformation. I cried. Couldn't wait to start. That was of course until the first morning, when I woke up and it really hit me, the sacrifices that would have to be made, the work that would have to be done, the commitment, the promise... it was a little overwhelming. Who am I kidding I was terrified and actually considered not doing it.
Now here I am at the end of a very long day, not just any day, this is Saturday, May 14th, otherwise known as day 75 of my Metamorphosis. I have shed tears during this program, I have been red-faced and grunting while working out, I've invented new cuss words, I've changed the guru's name from Tracy Anderson to Badass Anderson, I have sat on my heels during some workouts just staring at my television in abject terror and sometimes utter confusion, I've had hate days, love days and every kind of day in between. It's been a real journey and a half. I'm not there yet, but I can see the finish line and I want to say this -
My body has become like clay in the hands of the master. She really has redesigned me. Now if only there were a way that I could be put into a kiln and fired so that I could stay this way forever! Damn. Oh well, I suppose that's what continuity is for. I've worked hard for this new body that I still haven't quite owned yet. It's too new. I'm nervous about it. I still haven't busted it out in public or anything. Well I suppose photos posted on the internet are public, but I mean I haven't even gone out in the world in short sleeves yet, much less shorts or a skirt.
But I can say with confidence, right now in this moment, not even all the way through, (I still have two and a half more levels to go!) that I love this body. It's not perfect, but neither am I. I am going to turn forty in two months and I love the shape I am in. I am grateful to my body for the hard work it's put in, the strength it's cultivated and the dedication it's shown. There really have been days where my body did the work that my mind fought and resisted with every single rep. It's done great work. Hell, it's done things I had no idea it was even capable of and I'm sure it will continue to surprise and impress me as I move out of Metamorphosis and into continuity. I realize, in reading this, that it sounds a little bit like good bye, a little bit like the end, and I suppose to some degree it is. It will be the end of my first time going through this enormous, challenging and very gratifying experience and I want to prepare myself. You see, I have never lost weight before.
I gained it no prob, but had never ever figured out how to lose it - I was a weight-loss virgin I guess you could say. Oh sure, I would carve off a pound or two here and there, I once even lost up to six pounds, but each time it came back and brought a friend.
I know that to some of you, the amount of weight I've lost might not seem all that significant, but to me, it's monumental. To be in the best shape of my life when I enter a new decade, the next season of my life, well that's thrilling beyond my wildest imagination.
So I get a little bummed when people think you can only look like this if:
a) you're under 25
b) you're a genetic mutant
C) you've been surgically modified or
d) you starve yourself
None of the above is true, at least not for me.
I am well over 25, I can assure you that the gene pool I hail from is middle of the road, another way of saying I am not related to any super-models, although I'm sure my photogenic sister might argue, I have never been to the doctor for much other than a cold and if you've followed my blog at all you know I eat sometimes more than I should of what I should not be eating, but I have never starved. Okay, maybe that first week of boot camp I was hungry, but that's not the same as starving by any stretch of the imagination.
All this is to say that Tracy and I have worked really damned hard together and I am happy with our achievement. (I'm talking figuratively, we've never actually met much less worked together)
I'm going to be a little bit sad when it ends. What the heck am I gonna eat? I mean, I know I haven't been 100% faithful to her diet, okay I pretty much made shit up as I've been going along but I don't know if I can do this by myself. And so now is as good a time as any to come out with my biggest confession of all, my dirty little secret...
Gulp. You will think less of me after this I have no doubt. But I have to put it out there. I don't actually know why I feel I must, but I do so here it is.
I am not a coffee drinker. Never have been. Only have a coffee pot in my house because my sister bought it for when she comes to visit. Have only ever made a pot of coffee once, for my mom and it was un-drinkable. Okay, but that's not the confession. You know I love Starbucks right? Like love love love it. But only if I can't taste the coffee. Ugh, so here goes. I love their soy mochas. I didn't want to have to give that up. But I did. I slipped up now and again, but mostly I stopped having Starbucks.
Eeeeeeeeeee. Confession time. I substituted. I have done every single day throughout boot camp and meta. I am just cringing writing this. Everyday, I have Maxwell House Calorie Wise Swiss Mocha.
Or are you thinking, "She's a genius?"
Either way, I am just following shamandment number one, be Shannon! So know you know. Wow, it took 105 days for me to finally cop to that. Are ya mad? he he he, or are ya jealous?
Have a great weekend.
Shan.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Metamorphosis - Day 74, Turkey Crumble Substitute?
Blogger has been having technical difficulties. They shut down the site for maintenance, but when they put everything back together, the comments were lost. While I had a chance to read some of the lovely things many of you had written, I didn't have the opportunity to reply, so for all of your support and kind words on my last post, I blanket you with my thanks.
As for the comments, perhaps they were lost in the ether to gently remind me of the importance of humility and grace.
In any case, while I was away, I got swept up in a sea of moody PMS - perhaps also another blessing in disguise, you didn't have to hear me ramble on about how I had pizza, three pieces! and cheese cake, all smack dab in the middle of a nutrient boost week. I got a heck of a nutrient boost alright, I also got quite the sugar rush. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Crash! Ugh. I may never learn.
Enough said, am back on track today and I do have a silly story to share.
Each week, I like to sit down with the diet plan and try to figure out how I can make it work for me. I am an incredibly picky eater (and before Tracy, brownies were my main food group) I'm a vegetarian and I don't like to take in less than 1200 calories a day if I can help it. So I boost things up here and there, I add a bit of jazz or sparkle without going full boar in the wrong direction. Of course there are always exceptions (see above - pizza, cheese cake anyone?). So this week, rather than pureeing my blueberry applesauce, I put it through the blender until it became a smoothie-like consistency. I then served the 8 ounce portion over a bowl of fresh berries. It was delicious. You should try it.
But as I was enjoying my new creation it occurred to me, this would make an excellent sorbet!! Filled with excitement, I divvied up my portions into plastic containers and popped them into the freezer. It was going to be such a sweet treat. While I was busy eating everything that I wasn't supposed to be, my fruity sorbet got frosty. I expected as much but... It never occurred to me that the thing would turn into a purple glacier! Lemme tell you, there was no getting a spoon into that puppy. I think even with an ice pick it would have been impenetrable. Bummer. I guess if I'd have put the spoon into it before it froze, I'd have had myself a blueberry and apple Popsicle. How the heck do they make sorbet I wonder? Hmm. Back to the drawing board.
Okay so I realize that that wasn't exactly a vote of confidence for my mad skills in the kitchen, but I do want to share a real recipe with you tonight. You can give it a shot at your own risk!
I haven't actually made this yet, but I plan to for my body reset week next week and while it was originally a meat dish, I've turned it green. So you can go either way with it. It also calls for a few things that are not on the TA approved list, but again, I like to bump up my calorie intake so that I'm sure body is running with all pistons firing.
The dish is a Mediterranean Turkey Meat Loaf and it's courtesy of Self Magazine.
Instead of the gobbler, I'll use Yves Meatless Ground Turkey.
I realize that many vegetarians are not fans of fake meat, myself included, but in recipes like the following or veggie chili, they're great.
Combine your Yves with two eggs (in our case, we'll stick to egg whites)
Add in 2 ounces of reduced fat feta, 3/4 cup chopped baby spinach, 1/3 cup chopped onion, 1/4 cup whole grain bread crumbs, 1 chopped garlic clove, 1/2 tsp each ground coriander, cumin and black pepper.
Form into a loaf and bake at 350 for about 40 minutes.
Cut the loaf into quarters and serve with side of yummy steamed broccoli. I like to add a bit of freshly squeezed lemon and cracked pepper to that and enjoy.
If you skipped the bread crumbs, this would make a nice vegetarian substitute for the Turkey Spinach Crumble on the Nutrient Boost weeks. Perhaps I'll try that later if it goes well next week.
It seems pretty quick and easy, it's low fat and not too far off what Tracy has us eating already, but it's just different enough to keep us on track.
Bon appetite.
Shan
As for the comments, perhaps they were lost in the ether to gently remind me of the importance of humility and grace.
In any case, while I was away, I got swept up in a sea of moody PMS - perhaps also another blessing in disguise, you didn't have to hear me ramble on about how I had pizza, three pieces! and cheese cake, all smack dab in the middle of a nutrient boost week. I got a heck of a nutrient boost alright, I also got quite the sugar rush. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Crash! Ugh. I may never learn.
Enough said, am back on track today and I do have a silly story to share.
Each week, I like to sit down with the diet plan and try to figure out how I can make it work for me. I am an incredibly picky eater (and before Tracy, brownies were my main food group) I'm a vegetarian and I don't like to take in less than 1200 calories a day if I can help it. So I boost things up here and there, I add a bit of jazz or sparkle without going full boar in the wrong direction. Of course there are always exceptions (see above - pizza, cheese cake anyone?). So this week, rather than pureeing my blueberry applesauce, I put it through the blender until it became a smoothie-like consistency. I then served the 8 ounce portion over a bowl of fresh berries. It was delicious. You should try it.
But as I was enjoying my new creation it occurred to me, this would make an excellent sorbet!! Filled with excitement, I divvied up my portions into plastic containers and popped them into the freezer. It was going to be such a sweet treat. While I was busy eating everything that I wasn't supposed to be, my fruity sorbet got frosty. I expected as much but... It never occurred to me that the thing would turn into a purple glacier! Lemme tell you, there was no getting a spoon into that puppy. I think even with an ice pick it would have been impenetrable. Bummer. I guess if I'd have put the spoon into it before it froze, I'd have had myself a blueberry and apple Popsicle. How the heck do they make sorbet I wonder? Hmm. Back to the drawing board.
Okay so I realize that that wasn't exactly a vote of confidence for my mad skills in the kitchen, but I do want to share a real recipe with you tonight. You can give it a shot at your own risk!
I haven't actually made this yet, but I plan to for my body reset week next week and while it was originally a meat dish, I've turned it green. So you can go either way with it. It also calls for a few things that are not on the TA approved list, but again, I like to bump up my calorie intake so that I'm sure body is running with all pistons firing.
The dish is a Mediterranean Turkey Meat Loaf and it's courtesy of Self Magazine.
Instead of the gobbler, I'll use Yves Meatless Ground Turkey.
I realize that many vegetarians are not fans of fake meat, myself included, but in recipes like the following or veggie chili, they're great.
Combine your Yves with two eggs (in our case, we'll stick to egg whites)
Add in 2 ounces of reduced fat feta, 3/4 cup chopped baby spinach, 1/3 cup chopped onion, 1/4 cup whole grain bread crumbs, 1 chopped garlic clove, 1/2 tsp each ground coriander, cumin and black pepper.
Form into a loaf and bake at 350 for about 40 minutes.
Cut the loaf into quarters and serve with side of yummy steamed broccoli. I like to add a bit of freshly squeezed lemon and cracked pepper to that and enjoy.
If you skipped the bread crumbs, this would make a nice vegetarian substitute for the Turkey Spinach Crumble on the Nutrient Boost weeks. Perhaps I'll try that later if it goes well next week.
It seems pretty quick and easy, it's low fat and not too far off what Tracy has us eating already, but it's just different enough to keep us on track.
Bon appetite.
Shan
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
72 Days into Metamorphosis, the Transformation.
Transformation is painful. If I've neglected to mention that lately, I've been remiss.
Day 72 and you’d think this would be old hat by now, just plain old second nature. Get up, do your mat work, do your dance cardio, eat some pureed veggies and Bob’s your uncle. How can I break this to you gently? No freakin’ way. Oh sure I’d love to be all sunshine and lollipops, but people Pollyanna has left the building.
Day 72 and you’d think this would be old hat by now, just plain old second nature. Get up, do your mat work, do your dance cardio, eat some pureed veggies and Bob’s your uncle. How can I break this to you gently? No freakin’ way. Oh sure I’d love to be all sunshine and lollipops, but people Pollyanna has left the building.
If you need a pick-me-up, please revisit yesterday’s post because sadly, today was not a love day. Allow me to preface this post with a warning – WRITER EXPERIENCING PMS!
Wow, it’s bad. I want chocolate, I ate bread and I literally had to force myself, kicking and screaming in front of the TV to do cardio. It’s not a secret that I’m no cardio-lover, never have been. Maybe when I was a kid I learned to walk and never developed the real desire to run, whatever the reason, today I was like, you know what Shan? I’ll make you a deal, you do your cardio till the end of Meta, and you never have to do cardio again, ever if you don’t want to, not even on continuity. Just do it!!!
So what do you think I did? I took that deal but I took it like a surly teenager – I moaned, grumbled and dragged my feet through the whole 30 minutes. Who was I? I made it as miserable for myself as possible. There wasn’t a moment of joy, it was as if I was rebelling and the only way to do that was to punish myself and not allow myself to have any fun. I barely followed Tracy’s moves and I was doing the whole thing on the rebounder. It’s humiliating to admit all of this and just to add insult to injury – I barely got any air. Anyone who may have seen me through the window (no one would of course because I keep the drapes closed) would never have known I was on a trampoline because that’s how much bounce I didn’t have.
But as foolish and self-indulgent as I allowed myself to become, the little voice in my head was happy and cheery, I really just wanted to shut the cow up with a brownie, but her energy was just a tiny bit contagious. I really and truly hated to admit it, but the voice in my head was right, I felt better for having done it, even if it was a pathetic excuse for a workout, it was still better than not doing it at all. (yay, teeny tiny victory)
Because I am in such a sour mood, I’ll spare you a full account of my review for Level 7, but I will say this, there was so much burning going on in my muscles that I was convinced I’d died and reached the 9th ring of hell's inferno! OMG – Tracy, why do you hate me? I have nothing but love in my heart for you – but what do all these one-armed hydrant leg-kicks and u-shaped leg-lifts and pulsing torture have to do with my abs? I hafta ask, did someone apple-shaped do something really mean to you in the past? C'mon, you can tell me...
Oh, but it wasn’t all bad. No really it wasn’t. Evidently, I am in the middle of a gianormous mood-swing here.
I received a message from someone on the forum – I’m gonna call you out girl, even though I don’t know your name – she’s listed as TNoelle. She totally made me cry (in a good way – PMS remember) I mean to tell you, she was so sweet and kind she made me feel so much better. I am gonna print her message and keep it in my purse for rotten days just like today. Thanks my meta-sister.
And just so you know, the hate days are getting fewer and farther between. It actually does get easier – I bet you a month ago I wouldn’t even have bothered doing cardio at all. And I mighta said to hell with muscular structure too. So just to show you that all this effort we’re making is paying off, and to make a consorted effort to be more positive – here’s photo that my husbie took of me this weekend between levels six and seven – these are my regular every-day walking around jeans – well – not anymore. Take a look.
Still a 'lil bit freaky. When I look in the mirror, I don’t look or feel any different, but then I see this and… I suppose I should say that I guess ole Badass Anderson ain’t so bad after all and maybe she really doesn’t hate us as much as I sometimes think she does. In fact, she probably loves us, right T?
I started this blog to be accountable first to myself and now to all of you (how blessed am I to be able to share this remarkable, if not always easy journey) But it means that I need to keep an accurate account of everything I’m going through, not just the love days. So thanks for being here and putting up with today's pity party. I promise if you want to bitch and moan to me anytime, my shoulder will always be free to cry upon.
Big hugs,
Shan
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Day 71 - Metamorphosis
Day 71 and the air is getting thinner, must be the altitude of being this many days up. Or maybe it's nerves because I'm facing yet another weigh-in and measurement day. Or... perhaps it's because people keep telling me that I was on Tracy's facebook page!! (I'm not on facebook, or at least I wasn't until yesterday) and now I'm like - crap, I've really gotta see this throug! Erm, no pressure or anything. Yep, having a little trouble breathing, anybody got a paper bag to spare?
As you may well know, I've been moaning a 'lil bit recently. Been a bit of a slacker, skipping cario, eating trash, I even missed a muscular structure workout! Eegadz, that's not like me. Although, I did manage to sneak in a half-assed workout on my rest day yesterday but still...
All things considered, the timing of the pressure of knowing that Tracy is really watching (see told you I wasn't being paranoid - she's like the Godfather of the workout world) couldn't be better since I'm rounding the corner on the home stretch. Yep, it's official, I'm moving onto the last disk and beginning Transform 3, level 7. Eeeeeeee. Not only that, but today begins a new Nutrient Boost week so I am going to make the effort to stick closer than usual to the menu for a change. Well shit fire and save the matches, can you believe it? Me sticking to the menu? Ha, if I can do it, it'll be a miracle. Don't get me wrong, of course I'll be making some adjustments.
To be perfectly frank though, I'm looking forward to my sweet potato corn pudding, so there! Prepped that and my choco-almond pudding last night in fact. Oh yes, I am all over it, like white on rice. Lordissa how I miss rice. Never mind, I've discovered that rice makes me bloated since climbing on this crazy Metamorphosis Bandwagon. But ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seat belts because the bandwagon is about to pick up speed.
But quickly, like ripping off a bandage, I need to get this weight/measurement accountability thing outta the way. And OMG let me say - Hallelujah!! Let the bells ring and the banners fly.
Yessirree - for the first time since level freakin' two I saw a change in my waist. I knew the hammer of level 6 would do it. I lost a quarter inch. I know it's not much by some people's standards, but for me, that's huge! In total this week, I've lost an inch and a quarter off my whole body and I dropped one pound and two ounces.
What. Ounces counts. It could very well be those two ounces that tipped the measuring tape in my favor. I take what I can get. So overall, level six was victorious. I'm doing my happy dance.
Now, it's time for a pep-rally.
We're two-thirds of the way through here, people. This is it. It's our last chance to get this right. I want to succeed more than I have wanted anything in a long time. Being this passionate feels good. The energy's shifting, can you feel it? Forget those past mistakes, forget the cravings and the guilt. Today's a brand new day - a clean slate - it's day 101 (more or less) I've got a new nutrient boost week, new Muscular structure workout, new attitude! I want to finish the last third with more energy and enthusiasm than I started the program with. Who's with me? Anyone?
Come on now, get up, get outta your chair and MOVE IT! Ready? Sing it with me...
xo Shan
As you may well know, I've been moaning a 'lil bit recently. Been a bit of a slacker, skipping cario, eating trash, I even missed a muscular structure workout! Eegadz, that's not like me. Although, I did manage to sneak in a half-assed workout on my rest day yesterday but still...
All things considered, the timing of the pressure of knowing that Tracy is really watching (see told you I wasn't being paranoid - she's like the Godfather of the workout world) couldn't be better since I'm rounding the corner on the home stretch. Yep, it's official, I'm moving onto the last disk and beginning Transform 3, level 7. Eeeeeeee. Not only that, but today begins a new Nutrient Boost week so I am going to make the effort to stick closer than usual to the menu for a change. Well shit fire and save the matches, can you believe it? Me sticking to the menu? Ha, if I can do it, it'll be a miracle. Don't get me wrong, of course I'll be making some adjustments.
To be perfectly frank though, I'm looking forward to my sweet potato corn pudding, so there! Prepped that and my choco-almond pudding last night in fact. Oh yes, I am all over it, like white on rice. Lordissa how I miss rice. Never mind, I've discovered that rice makes me bloated since climbing on this crazy Metamorphosis Bandwagon. But ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seat belts because the bandwagon is about to pick up speed.
But quickly, like ripping off a bandage, I need to get this weight/measurement accountability thing outta the way. And OMG let me say - Hallelujah!! Let the bells ring and the banners fly.
Yessirree - for the first time since level freakin' two I saw a change in my waist. I knew the hammer of level 6 would do it. I lost a quarter inch. I know it's not much by some people's standards, but for me, that's huge! In total this week, I've lost an inch and a quarter off my whole body and I dropped one pound and two ounces.
What. Ounces counts. It could very well be those two ounces that tipped the measuring tape in my favor. I take what I can get. So overall, level six was victorious. I'm doing my happy dance.
Now, it's time for a pep-rally.
We're two-thirds of the way through here, people. This is it. It's our last chance to get this right. I want to succeed more than I have wanted anything in a long time. Being this passionate feels good. The energy's shifting, can you feel it? Forget those past mistakes, forget the cravings and the guilt. Today's a brand new day - a clean slate - it's day 101 (more or less) I've got a new nutrient boost week, new Muscular structure workout, new attitude! I want to finish the last third with more energy and enthusiasm than I started the program with. Who's with me? Anyone?
Come on now, get up, get outta your chair and MOVE IT! Ready? Sing it with me...
xo Shan
Monday, May 9, 2011
Day 70= 100?
Just a super quickie as I am out the door but wanted to mark this special occasion. Today is the end of week ten on Metamorphosis - that's 70 days in. Add to that the 30 Day Method Boot Camp I tackled prior to this, and I've been at it for 100 days. Officially into triple digets. Wicked!!
Don't get too excited, have had a few bad days recently, the weekend was pretty much a write-off. But here's the key to the success of making this work.
I didn't want to work out this morning. I worked the midnite shift last night and am off to work in less than ten minutes (it's 1pm here on the west coast). Had I not been part of this wonderful program, had I not committed to doing this for at least 90 days, I woulda blown it off. I didn't fit the cardio in, but I can assure you I'll be running for the next 9 hours, and I had to really bargain with myself to get on the mat. Here's the deal I made. Just do half the reps but please do something.
So with the sleep still in my eyes, I pushed through my arms and ab sequence and did 20 reps of everything else followed a good cool down afterward. It wasn't perfect, not even close to excellent, but it was a victory. My victory that I created for myself.
One thing you'll learn as you work your way through this, is that Metamorphosis is just as much about conditioning our minds as it is our bodies and I can leave for work with my head held high!
Have a great Monday my meta-maniacs!
Shan
Don't get too excited, have had a few bad days recently, the weekend was pretty much a write-off. But here's the key to the success of making this work.
I didn't want to work out this morning. I worked the midnite shift last night and am off to work in less than ten minutes (it's 1pm here on the west coast). Had I not been part of this wonderful program, had I not committed to doing this for at least 90 days, I woulda blown it off. I didn't fit the cardio in, but I can assure you I'll be running for the next 9 hours, and I had to really bargain with myself to get on the mat. Here's the deal I made. Just do half the reps but please do something.
So with the sleep still in my eyes, I pushed through my arms and ab sequence and did 20 reps of everything else followed a good cool down afterward. It wasn't perfect, not even close to excellent, but it was a victory. My victory that I created for myself.
One thing you'll learn as you work your way through this, is that Metamorphosis is just as much about conditioning our minds as it is our bodies and I can leave for work with my head held high!
Have a great Monday my meta-maniacs!
Shan
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Day 69 - Metamporphosis
I generally try not to post on Sundays - it's my day off from writing, but something's been going on that seems to be almost an epidemic and I feel like I want to address it personally because it's happening to me too.
If you follow the bloggers that write about Metamorphosis and Tracy and the Method, you know that we have love days and hate days and from time to time we all struggle. I am not a role model. I am just one woman who is trying her best to make a shift from an unhealthy lifestyle to a healthy one and hopefully wind up with a stunner of a bod in the end.
I decided to share that challenge because I hoped that there were others out there, like me, who wanted to see if they could stick with something long enough to in fact - effect change. So here we are.
Some of you have been around for awhile and others are new. For the new kids on the block, let me direct your attention to the right of the screen where I have a collection of rules I call Shamandments that I borrowed from Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project" wherein I treat myself well, I follow the program as best I can and try to simply be myself, the best me that I can be while working on change.
It's an investment and it's long term. The past few days have been a bit of a bummer - first I missed a workout, then I allowed myself to eat all sorts of crap. The consequence of that was that my workout the following day was needlessly difficult because my body was dealing with all of the additional toxicity that I'd forced upon it, then I was bloated, so of course I felt rotten and saw that I was beginning to spiral. Never good.
I follow a few pretty cool chicks who blog about their own progress - some of whom have been struggling too. It's like a wave that hit us collectively. We are seeming to fluctuate in sync. The trend I did notice that I wasn't as happy about is that we are all really hard on ourselves. Way too hard. Unnecessarily hard. I must admit, being kind to me is a relatively new skill that I am practicing daily. What I wanted to post was how hopeless I was feeling, how slippery the slope is, how difficult change can be - all of these things are true.
However, what's more important to share - (I had to remind myself of this first before I could share it with you) is that we are so worth all of this effort we're making. Doing this for ourselves is not a waste of time. A few bad days or even weeks or months doesn't make us less deserving of success, beauty is nothing to fear and individuality is beautiful, this process is beauty personified because it is growth, it is personal development, it is strength, courage and triumph over that old voice in our heads that tries to say we're fat, ugly, stupid, worthless - we are none of these things! None of them.
SO...
For all of you out there on this Mother's day - I want to tell you something and I don't care if L'Oreal Paris said it first - You're worth it.
If you need to sit on the sofa and stuff your face with Ben and Jerry's or cheese doodles - for god's sake do it. Then stop. Realize when you've had enough and understand that it's okay, and that the need to binge will eventually pass. The lethargy that makes you want to sit on the sofa instead of dance around is temporary - it all is. This life is temporary. Some of you out there know and feel this more than others right now. We've only got this moment so lets make the most of it and not waste a single second on guilt, shame, or critical self-judgment.
I am sorry to preach but it breaks my heart to hear people trash-talk themselves when they are beautiful capable human beings, and I include myself in this. There is a reason that Shamandment #7 is Don't be a hateful meanie to myself - it's because I really can be sometimes.
The following quote is perfect for today -
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain!"
Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Love you.
xo
Shan
If you follow the bloggers that write about Metamorphosis and Tracy and the Method, you know that we have love days and hate days and from time to time we all struggle. I am not a role model. I am just one woman who is trying her best to make a shift from an unhealthy lifestyle to a healthy one and hopefully wind up with a stunner of a bod in the end.
I decided to share that challenge because I hoped that there were others out there, like me, who wanted to see if they could stick with something long enough to in fact - effect change. So here we are.
Some of you have been around for awhile and others are new. For the new kids on the block, let me direct your attention to the right of the screen where I have a collection of rules I call Shamandments that I borrowed from Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project" wherein I treat myself well, I follow the program as best I can and try to simply be myself, the best me that I can be while working on change.
It's an investment and it's long term. The past few days have been a bit of a bummer - first I missed a workout, then I allowed myself to eat all sorts of crap. The consequence of that was that my workout the following day was needlessly difficult because my body was dealing with all of the additional toxicity that I'd forced upon it, then I was bloated, so of course I felt rotten and saw that I was beginning to spiral. Never good.
I follow a few pretty cool chicks who blog about their own progress - some of whom have been struggling too. It's like a wave that hit us collectively. We are seeming to fluctuate in sync. The trend I did notice that I wasn't as happy about is that we are all really hard on ourselves. Way too hard. Unnecessarily hard. I must admit, being kind to me is a relatively new skill that I am practicing daily. What I wanted to post was how hopeless I was feeling, how slippery the slope is, how difficult change can be - all of these things are true.
However, what's more important to share - (I had to remind myself of this first before I could share it with you) is that we are so worth all of this effort we're making. Doing this for ourselves is not a waste of time. A few bad days or even weeks or months doesn't make us less deserving of success, beauty is nothing to fear and individuality is beautiful, this process is beauty personified because it is growth, it is personal development, it is strength, courage and triumph over that old voice in our heads that tries to say we're fat, ugly, stupid, worthless - we are none of these things! None of them.
SO...
For all of you out there on this Mother's day - I want to tell you something and I don't care if L'Oreal Paris said it first - You're worth it.
If you need to sit on the sofa and stuff your face with Ben and Jerry's or cheese doodles - for god's sake do it. Then stop. Realize when you've had enough and understand that it's okay, and that the need to binge will eventually pass. The lethargy that makes you want to sit on the sofa instead of dance around is temporary - it all is. This life is temporary. Some of you out there know and feel this more than others right now. We've only got this moment so lets make the most of it and not waste a single second on guilt, shame, or critical self-judgment.
I am sorry to preach but it breaks my heart to hear people trash-talk themselves when they are beautiful capable human beings, and I include myself in this. There is a reason that Shamandment #7 is Don't be a hateful meanie to myself - it's because I really can be sometimes.
The following quote is perfect for today -
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain!"
Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Love you.
xo
Shan
Friday, May 6, 2011
Day 67 - Abcentricity.
I have just coined a new phrase - it's Abcentricity. I am abcentric and along with that comes a few abcentricities. One is that on occasion I will miss a workout, as was the case yesterday, another is that my belly fat seems to know that it's about to get the upper hand and it somehow... I don't know... takes over my brain and runs amok with my body causing me to do things I wouldn't normally do. At least not while on the Method!
For example, having realized that it didn't have to suffer through being crunched, twisted and sucked in, pulled, pinched and stretched out, my gut started to relax a little. It expanded out of hiding a little bit and the thing with a belly and love-handles is that they can be tenacious little (insert cuss word of your choice here). Give 'em an inch and they take a mile.
So while I begged and bullied myself into a work out tonight - both muscular structure and cardio I might add!! - my belly got the best of me and scoffed down an entire giant hazelnut chocolate bar and a PB&J sandwich, along with two homemade granola bars that a colleague brought into work, erm and a pecan tart. And that was just midday. Forget about what I had for breakfast and dinner tonight, but let me assure you that neither were on the Dynamic Eating Plan. I'm feeling a little ill, but I'm okay.
It was like I had taken complete leave of my senses! And my belly came out a little more. What the hell? This is Abcentricity on a whole new level. I needed an intervention.
Or at the very least - some inspiration. As luck would have it, there was an email in my inbox from the Master herself - Tracy. She sent out a Mother's Day video featuring her adorable and just as peppy as Tracy, sister - Kylie. It wasn't quite enough to get me to drop the chocolate bar and do plies or anything, however, it led me to another video posted by the Tracy Anderson Superfans - and this video - oh this video - brought tears to my eyes. Part of the reason for that could have been that I received the most touching email from a reader - Alma - she sent me a little note introducing herself along with a few photos of her and her family and it just made me feel so happy. Turns out Alma is like practically the coolest person on the planet! And so gorgeous too. Thanks for saying hi, Alma.
Now before I share the Superfan video with you, I want to say that over the months that I have been on this journey that Tracy started, I have come to get to know a few of you a little bit and you're from all over the place - England, Ireland, Bosnia, Australia, Canada, Africa, Austria, Germany, France and all over the USA, places like North Carolina, New York, Oregon and Missouri. Yet you all feel so incredibly close. Just the comments from yesterday from others that have missed a workout or two - it's like - hey Shan - it's cool - one bad day doesn't negate two months of hard work. I get it, I feel the same when any of you mention that you slipped up here or there. I am so freaking grateful - grateful to my sister and my buddies Yania and Jane who have been reading since day one and who sometimes were the only ones reading and not even on the same day - to now - it's a whole Metamorphosis community.
So for the days when you feel like a superstar and want to share the love day or day when you have taken a less-than graceful swan-dive off the wagon and feel your abcentricities or hipcentricities or any other eccentricities wanting to take over - come here - we've got your back. We can all remind each other that a day - or two - or sometimes even a week isn't going to eradicate all of our hard work right? And we totally have what it takes to muster up the energy, kick the cravings to the curb and get back on board with what we know is working.
I hope that where ever you are this weekend, know that you are loved, all is well and we are together on this journey. All of us here, all the folks on the forum and all these ladies in this totally rocking video are making it happen with the help of our badass fitness guru - Tracy Anderson.
If that doesn't melt your heart and make you want to pop your meta DVD into the DVD player - well then my guess is that you have stumbled onto my blog by complete accident and the Butterfly Blog you were actually looking for is a just a few key strokes away.
Have a great weekend and happy Mother's Day. Ugh, I am so bloated!
Shan
For example, having realized that it didn't have to suffer through being crunched, twisted and sucked in, pulled, pinched and stretched out, my gut started to relax a little. It expanded out of hiding a little bit and the thing with a belly and love-handles is that they can be tenacious little (insert cuss word of your choice here). Give 'em an inch and they take a mile.
So while I begged and bullied myself into a work out tonight - both muscular structure and cardio I might add!! - my belly got the best of me and scoffed down an entire giant hazelnut chocolate bar and a PB&J sandwich, along with two homemade granola bars that a colleague brought into work, erm and a pecan tart. And that was just midday. Forget about what I had for breakfast and dinner tonight, but let me assure you that neither were on the Dynamic Eating Plan. I'm feeling a little ill, but I'm okay.
It was like I had taken complete leave of my senses! And my belly came out a little more. What the hell? This is Abcentricity on a whole new level. I needed an intervention.
Or at the very least - some inspiration. As luck would have it, there was an email in my inbox from the Master herself - Tracy. She sent out a Mother's Day video featuring her adorable and just as peppy as Tracy, sister - Kylie. It wasn't quite enough to get me to drop the chocolate bar and do plies or anything, however, it led me to another video posted by the Tracy Anderson Superfans - and this video - oh this video - brought tears to my eyes. Part of the reason for that could have been that I received the most touching email from a reader - Alma - she sent me a little note introducing herself along with a few photos of her and her family and it just made me feel so happy. Turns out Alma is like practically the coolest person on the planet! And so gorgeous too. Thanks for saying hi, Alma.
Now before I share the Superfan video with you, I want to say that over the months that I have been on this journey that Tracy started, I have come to get to know a few of you a little bit and you're from all over the place - England, Ireland, Bosnia, Australia, Canada, Africa, Austria, Germany, France and all over the USA, places like North Carolina, New York, Oregon and Missouri. Yet you all feel so incredibly close. Just the comments from yesterday from others that have missed a workout or two - it's like - hey Shan - it's cool - one bad day doesn't negate two months of hard work. I get it, I feel the same when any of you mention that you slipped up here or there. I am so freaking grateful - grateful to my sister and my buddies Yania and Jane who have been reading since day one and who sometimes were the only ones reading and not even on the same day - to now - it's a whole Metamorphosis community.
So for the days when you feel like a superstar and want to share the love day or day when you have taken a less-than graceful swan-dive off the wagon and feel your abcentricities or hipcentricities or any other eccentricities wanting to take over - come here - we've got your back. We can all remind each other that a day - or two - or sometimes even a week isn't going to eradicate all of our hard work right? And we totally have what it takes to muster up the energy, kick the cravings to the curb and get back on board with what we know is working.
I hope that where ever you are this weekend, know that you are loved, all is well and we are together on this journey. All of us here, all the folks on the forum and all these ladies in this totally rocking video are making it happen with the help of our badass fitness guru - Tracy Anderson.
If that doesn't melt your heart and make you want to pop your meta DVD into the DVD player - well then my guess is that you have stumbled onto my blog by complete accident and the Butterfly Blog you were actually looking for is a just a few key strokes away.
Have a great weekend and happy Mother's Day. Ugh, I am so bloated!
Shan
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Day 66 - Metamorphosis
Well my Dawlinks,
The love train has come to a grinding halt. Can you hear the screeching of metal scraping metal? See the sparks fly off the track? Yep, that's just the kinda day it's been. What's that expression about burning the candle at both ends? I am so tired right now that I wouldn't even be able to see the damned candle if it lit my hair on fire.
I haven't eaten in more hours than I have fingers on one hand and for me that's way too long, so I just had to drop in a write a quick confession. Then I am off to eat something and fall into bed so I can run through this circus of a day again tomorrow. I'm whining here, aren't I? Lil bit? That's what I thought. Not terribly attractive, sorry.
I'll stop and just give you the abridged version. Driving - actually commuting - home I was bleary-eyed and wiped, but knew I still had to put in some time with my four-legged personal trainer (aka my doggie) so I half convinced myself that I would walk him, then at least push through muscular structure and skip Cardio. Oh don't act so shocked we all know I hate cardio.
Stopped at home, grabbed a quick change of clothes and we hit the trail. Now let me tell you, walking my boy can sometimes be like dragging a suction cup because his nose is glued to the ground. Not today, I was the one lagging behind. I'm all for mustering up the energy and going for the gold, but really? I could barely tumble down the hills on the trail much less get my sorry butt up them.
We made it to the end of an abbreviated hike (Sorry Rama, mama loves you buddy) - - What? He reads my blog. He does!! Okay, maybe I read it to him, but why split hairs? Anyway! I realized on the way home that I was both out of gas in the car and out of food in the house - so .... we had to go out. By the time I rolled in, still exhausted, still hungry, I was desperate for a shower. And you know how that goes - once you shower - there is no getting all sweaty again. So there you have it folks, the truth, nothing but the truth. I didn't do my workout at all today. I think that's a first in a really long time and I can't make excuses but I also refuse to be a guilt-ridden hateful meanie to myself. I'm just gonna log it as a rest day and hopefully have the energy to workout on my actual rest day.
It's about the solutions, people, not the problems, right? Ugh, somebody tell me I'm right so I can hit the sack. I'm sure my dog just mumbled something about being right and that's good enough for me.
Hope you've all had a productive day full of cardio and muscular structure and good whole foods. If not, you will. We both will, tomorrow.
Big hugs.
Shan
The love train has come to a grinding halt. Can you hear the screeching of metal scraping metal? See the sparks fly off the track? Yep, that's just the kinda day it's been. What's that expression about burning the candle at both ends? I am so tired right now that I wouldn't even be able to see the damned candle if it lit my hair on fire.
I haven't eaten in more hours than I have fingers on one hand and for me that's way too long, so I just had to drop in a write a quick confession. Then I am off to eat something and fall into bed so I can run through this circus of a day again tomorrow. I'm whining here, aren't I? Lil bit? That's what I thought. Not terribly attractive, sorry.
I'll stop and just give you the abridged version. Driving - actually commuting - home I was bleary-eyed and wiped, but knew I still had to put in some time with my four-legged personal trainer (aka my doggie) so I half convinced myself that I would walk him, then at least push through muscular structure and skip Cardio. Oh don't act so shocked we all know I hate cardio.
Stopped at home, grabbed a quick change of clothes and we hit the trail. Now let me tell you, walking my boy can sometimes be like dragging a suction cup because his nose is glued to the ground. Not today, I was the one lagging behind. I'm all for mustering up the energy and going for the gold, but really? I could barely tumble down the hills on the trail much less get my sorry butt up them.
We made it to the end of an abbreviated hike (Sorry Rama, mama loves you buddy) - - What? He reads my blog. He does!! Okay, maybe I read it to him, but why split hairs? Anyway! I realized on the way home that I was both out of gas in the car and out of food in the house - so .... we had to go out. By the time I rolled in, still exhausted, still hungry, I was desperate for a shower. And you know how that goes - once you shower - there is no getting all sweaty again. So there you have it folks, the truth, nothing but the truth. I didn't do my workout at all today. I think that's a first in a really long time and I can't make excuses but I also refuse to be a guilt-ridden hateful meanie to myself. I'm just gonna log it as a rest day and hopefully have the energy to workout on my actual rest day.
It's about the solutions, people, not the problems, right? Ugh, somebody tell me I'm right so I can hit the sack. I'm sure my dog just mumbled something about being right and that's good enough for me.
Hope you've all had a productive day full of cardio and muscular structure and good whole foods. If not, you will. We both will, tomorrow.
Big hugs.
Shan
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tracy Anderson Metaphorphosis - Tips and Tricks
I am almost a veteran at this. How cool is that? In a few short weeks, I'll be an Alumni of the Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis program. Wonder if we can convince her to hold a graduation ceremony for us? Or maybe get her to send out certificates of completion, wouldn't that be fun? My musings can wander. My apologies.
Way back in January, while I was slogging it through Tracy's boot camp, I got wind of her New Fan-dangled Workout Plan, Metamorphosis and I blogged about it here and over the past couple of months it's gotten an overwhelming response from people curious to know about the Method, about Tracy and about Metamorphosis.
Being as honest as possible, reminding everyone that I am not a fitness expert and am certainly no expert on the Method, I've done my best to share what I know. Now that I'm on day 65 (holy cow) I want to share a few little tips and tricks I use with those of you who are doing this with me while hopefully answering some questions and shedding some light on Metamorphosis for those who are new or are just thinking about starting the program.
For those of you on the fence about the Method, I say you've got nothing to lose but that outdated sense of your limited potential. You are limitless and when it comes to your body - Tracy can show you a new way. There will be love between you and your body again, I promise. I can make that promise, because I am proof. You can see some of that proof here.
For those of you well on your way, who have your own system in place and your own tips and tricks, I would love for you to share. I am always looking for ways to make this whole journey easier. At the end of the post I have a little something for all of you. I'm an artist, not a banker so it's not like a "gift" gift but it might be helpful?
So just to catch everyone up to speed, Metamorphosis is a 90 program that Tracy Anderson put together into four specific body types, each one targeting not only the body as a whole, but also your unique trouble zone. There's one for abs (that's me), hips, butt, and the whole body. You can check them out here.
The program has three parts to it, 9 muscular structure workouts which you do one at a time for ten days each, a dance cardio component and a dynamic eating plan or diet. The idea being that you follow each of these things and they work together to change your shape and create long lean muscles, not bulk and get rid of the bits you might find unsightly. Following this, she's created a Continuity program that will allow you to continually change your muscular structure workout every ten days from now into infinity so your muscles will never get bored and you will not plateau. Whew. Glad we got that outta the way.
Things you'll want to know along the way. The diet is hard. Aren't all diets? You have got to use common sense here. If you feel that you are not getting enough calories, eat more but try to stick to the foods Tracy recommends - at least for the first 30 days. Give yourself a fighting chance. Do you want to change your relationship with food or not? The diet helps with that. Don't ask me how, I'm a writer not a scientist, but two months into it, I am having better luck with portion control, I crave sugar less, when I slip up and eat something I'm not supposed to it no longer derails me into a week-long binge - so give it a shot.
Also, there are pureed foods on this diet. People tend to freak out a little bit when they see that. Think of it like a juice fast but with fibre. It's good for your digestive system and great for weight loss and after a few weeks in, if you really can't stomach more "baby food" simply cook it to order and eat it whole - no biggie and not the end of the world.
If you can't find something that's listed on the diet, check the Forum, everybody there lists creative and helpful solutions or you can put it out there and usually someone will reply. In terms of vegetarians on the diet, we have to be even more creative - substituting tofu for chicken, or using beans and veggie burgers or even eggs if you eat those - in place of a good number of things. As long as you keep it lean, you'll be okay. If you expect to have to adapt, when the time comes to do so, it feels less like "cheating".
As for the cardio. Oh the blessed cardio. Some really love it, they like to dance, are good at it and have terrific rhythm, to them I say... we can't be friends. I'm kidding. I have two left feet and have learned some of the moves from Tracy's previous cardio DVD's. It was damned hard work. For those of you like me, take heart, the cardio on Meta has been dumbed down so we can all follow along. For the dancer-types who find it boring, don't worry, you can make your own play list and free style with your own moves. There are even sample play lists that you can use on her website. The point is, Tracy wants you to dance and move your limbs at certain angles. Watch it a few times, do it a few times, you'll get the idea. People ask if they can run instead. Or bike or do their own cardio. I say, hey, whatever gets your sweat on. Tracy says those activities add bulk in places you do not want it. So you must decide for yourself. If you want the program to work the way it was designed to work, get out your dancing shoes and suck it up buttercup! I do. And for the days I just cannot!!! I pull out my rebounder and dance/bounce on that and it makes the whole thing way more palatable.
And as mentioned in a very recent post you may want to do your transform workouts first if you have more weight to lose. By doing muscular structure first, you'll burn through your sugar stores so that when you get to cardio, your body will be ready to burn the fat.
In terms of Muscular Structure, I've found as the workouts are getting progressively harder and more complicated, by the time I get to the series for my left leg, Tracy has stopped talking and I can often get quite lost. Trick - I simply go back to the start of the right leg and follow her instructions while doing it on my left. Problem solved.
So now for the small something I wanted to share with you. As I got into my workout, I realized that I quite enjoyed it and wanted to keep going. I have since decided that I would do the Continuity program - but what to do about tracking my progress? I love to have a to do list and check things off, so the workout tracker has been a peach. But... I was a few weeks into it before it dawned on me that I should make a copy.
I did that. I've even shared that copy with a few people. But the thing about the tracker is that it can be a little complicated. Are you getting the idea that I am quite - um - simple? You'd be right. I am. I like things to be as easy as possible - so - I made my own and I think it will work quite well. It's done up in similar fashion to Tracy's so you can put in the date, your weight and check off if you did your cardio and transform workouts, but I designed it in a way that you can use one sheet per Transform DVD. There are three levels on each DVD - even for Continuity - so once you have completed your sheet, rest days and all, you know you're ready to move onto the next DVD.
It should work for both the new Continuity workouts as well as the regular Metamorphosis, but will also be good if you've had to stop and start your workout - due to illness, injury, life-related obligations, Lord knows they always come up, right? So now you can start again with a clean slate anytime you need to. (I really am a nerd, sorry)
So here it is - hopefully you can just print it off at home. If not, you can email me at oshan2nd@yahoo.ca with workout tracker in the subject line and I'll email you a copy, kay?
Truly I am not a technical person. You can see that it's a bit off-balance and it might not print off at 8 1/2 by 11, but hopefully...
Happy transformation people!
Love
Shan
Way back in January, while I was slogging it through Tracy's boot camp, I got wind of her New Fan-dangled Workout Plan, Metamorphosis and I blogged about it here and over the past couple of months it's gotten an overwhelming response from people curious to know about the Method, about Tracy and about Metamorphosis.
Being as honest as possible, reminding everyone that I am not a fitness expert and am certainly no expert on the Method, I've done my best to share what I know. Now that I'm on day 65 (holy cow) I want to share a few little tips and tricks I use with those of you who are doing this with me while hopefully answering some questions and shedding some light on Metamorphosis for those who are new or are just thinking about starting the program.
For those of you on the fence about the Method, I say you've got nothing to lose but that outdated sense of your limited potential. You are limitless and when it comes to your body - Tracy can show you a new way. There will be love between you and your body again, I promise. I can make that promise, because I am proof. You can see some of that proof here.
For those of you well on your way, who have your own system in place and your own tips and tricks, I would love for you to share. I am always looking for ways to make this whole journey easier. At the end of the post I have a little something for all of you. I'm an artist, not a banker so it's not like a "gift" gift but it might be helpful?
So just to catch everyone up to speed, Metamorphosis is a 90 program that Tracy Anderson put together into four specific body types, each one targeting not only the body as a whole, but also your unique trouble zone. There's one for abs (that's me), hips, butt, and the whole body. You can check them out here.
The program has three parts to it, 9 muscular structure workouts which you do one at a time for ten days each, a dance cardio component and a dynamic eating plan or diet. The idea being that you follow each of these things and they work together to change your shape and create long lean muscles, not bulk and get rid of the bits you might find unsightly. Following this, she's created a Continuity program that will allow you to continually change your muscular structure workout every ten days from now into infinity so your muscles will never get bored and you will not plateau. Whew. Glad we got that outta the way.
Things you'll want to know along the way. The diet is hard. Aren't all diets? You have got to use common sense here. If you feel that you are not getting enough calories, eat more but try to stick to the foods Tracy recommends - at least for the first 30 days. Give yourself a fighting chance. Do you want to change your relationship with food or not? The diet helps with that. Don't ask me how, I'm a writer not a scientist, but two months into it, I am having better luck with portion control, I crave sugar less, when I slip up and eat something I'm not supposed to it no longer derails me into a week-long binge - so give it a shot.
Also, there are pureed foods on this diet. People tend to freak out a little bit when they see that. Think of it like a juice fast but with fibre. It's good for your digestive system and great for weight loss and after a few weeks in, if you really can't stomach more "baby food" simply cook it to order and eat it whole - no biggie and not the end of the world.
If you can't find something that's listed on the diet, check the Forum, everybody there lists creative and helpful solutions or you can put it out there and usually someone will reply. In terms of vegetarians on the diet, we have to be even more creative - substituting tofu for chicken, or using beans and veggie burgers or even eggs if you eat those - in place of a good number of things. As long as you keep it lean, you'll be okay. If you expect to have to adapt, when the time comes to do so, it feels less like "cheating".
As for the cardio. Oh the blessed cardio. Some really love it, they like to dance, are good at it and have terrific rhythm, to them I say... we can't be friends. I'm kidding. I have two left feet and have learned some of the moves from Tracy's previous cardio DVD's. It was damned hard work. For those of you like me, take heart, the cardio on Meta has been dumbed down so we can all follow along. For the dancer-types who find it boring, don't worry, you can make your own play list and free style with your own moves. There are even sample play lists that you can use on her website. The point is, Tracy wants you to dance and move your limbs at certain angles. Watch it a few times, do it a few times, you'll get the idea. People ask if they can run instead. Or bike or do their own cardio. I say, hey, whatever gets your sweat on. Tracy says those activities add bulk in places you do not want it. So you must decide for yourself. If you want the program to work the way it was designed to work, get out your dancing shoes and suck it up buttercup! I do. And for the days I just cannot!!! I pull out my rebounder and dance/bounce on that and it makes the whole thing way more palatable.
And as mentioned in a very recent post you may want to do your transform workouts first if you have more weight to lose. By doing muscular structure first, you'll burn through your sugar stores so that when you get to cardio, your body will be ready to burn the fat.
In terms of Muscular Structure, I've found as the workouts are getting progressively harder and more complicated, by the time I get to the series for my left leg, Tracy has stopped talking and I can often get quite lost. Trick - I simply go back to the start of the right leg and follow her instructions while doing it on my left. Problem solved.
So now for the small something I wanted to share with you. As I got into my workout, I realized that I quite enjoyed it and wanted to keep going. I have since decided that I would do the Continuity program - but what to do about tracking my progress? I love to have a to do list and check things off, so the workout tracker has been a peach. But... I was a few weeks into it before it dawned on me that I should make a copy.
I did that. I've even shared that copy with a few people. But the thing about the tracker is that it can be a little complicated. Are you getting the idea that I am quite - um - simple? You'd be right. I am. I like things to be as easy as possible - so - I made my own and I think it will work quite well. It's done up in similar fashion to Tracy's so you can put in the date, your weight and check off if you did your cardio and transform workouts, but I designed it in a way that you can use one sheet per Transform DVD. There are three levels on each DVD - even for Continuity - so once you have completed your sheet, rest days and all, you know you're ready to move onto the next DVD.
It should work for both the new Continuity workouts as well as the regular Metamorphosis, but will also be good if you've had to stop and start your workout - due to illness, injury, life-related obligations, Lord knows they always come up, right? So now you can start again with a clean slate anytime you need to. (I really am a nerd, sorry)
So here it is - hopefully you can just print it off at home. If not, you can email me at oshan2nd@yahoo.ca with workout tracker in the subject line and I'll email you a copy, kay?
Truly I am not a technical person. You can see that it's a bit off-balance and it might not print off at 8 1/2 by 11, but hopefully...
Happy transformation people!
Love
Shan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)