there's a revolution

A gal pal and I were talking last night when she absentmindedly spoke the 3 words I've never heard before: You're. So. Skinny. I didn't know what to say. Me? Skinny? Ummm... I've never been called skinny before and by society's standards I am not. I'm curvy. I've got boobs, a butt, and a soft stomach and that's probably not going to change ( and anyway, I've come to love my boobs and butt so skinny isn't really what I hear - ever ). She followed up with: Carmen, you've got an amazing body. What?!? GASP! No way! There's been a mistake!!

Her words made me stop and think... I'm probably the healthiest I've ever been and constantly preach about the importance of loving your body. But, how kind am I to the body I've been given? Do I tell myself that I'm beautiful? Ehhh probably not - certainly not as much as I should. It's crazy! I'm so quick to tell a friend that she's stunning but I brush over compliments given to me. Better yet I make an excuse for that compliment - "ohh she just said that because I got a new dress" or "oh thank God she didn't see the giant zit on my forehead." I'm pretty quick to point out when I'm having a bad hair day or when my jeans are feeling snug.

Have you done the same? Enough. Enough! I've blogged about being kind to ourselves but let's step it up. I'm looking for a kindness revolution. Embrace your shape and love on it. Tell yourself today that you are AMAZING and believe it. Hold it inside and feel it - because it's real. Now doesn't that feel nice?

crime stoppers

After a particularly stressful day I returned home with one thing on my mind. Pizza. Hot, greasy, burn-the-roof-of-your-mouth-on-the-cheese pizza. Also on my mind (ok so that makes 2 things) was a leave-it-all-on-the-floor workout. Justifiably a slobbery, pepperoni pizza would make an amazing reward.

My workout was perfect. It was strong and sweaty and spot on. I had pushed myself and felt great. My evening was looking up! Next step pizza!!

I mentioned my dinner idea to Mr. C who looked at me quizzically. Pizza hadn't been on the menu in months and what about the no-dairy/clean eating thing? Not only that but our entire house was soaking up the aroma of the lean pork tenderloin that had been stewing in a sauce of honey, nutmeg, apple cider vinegar and tomato (yup just 4 ingredients) all day. I knew he also had a crappy day so I didn't think I'd have to twist his arm - come on everyone needs to give a little! I told him to make the decision while I showered and returned to the kitchen to find him looking at the pork. Ok, I relented but insisted that I chop up some fresh veggies (zucchini and onions).

Dinner was delicious. The pork was so tender (oh my gosh that sauce was amazing!) and the zucchini and onions (tossed in my wok with a smidge of olive oil) were the perfect consistency.

Mr. C looked up at me over his plate and said 5 simple words, "You could have convinced me." I knew it was true and I also knew that had he called in an order, I would've been all over it. We're partners in crime and last night the crime was a pizza that would've left us feeling bloated and guilty. We're in this together. Will we never eat pizza again? Of course we will. But it will be a treat, not a band aide for a rough day. It will be savored and enjoyed. I'm proud of our decision and I told him so.

balancing act

As I mentioned in a previous post, I haven't been Lithing in the studio lately. My schedule has been tight all summer and I've been really missing it! Last night I worked through the Lithe Method's lunges, sumos, curtsies, and push ups before an hour of cardio (with the girls of Sex & the City in my home gym).

On the one hand, working out isn't quite as fun when I don't have the instructors or friends there to push me. On the other hand I need to remember that my health and fitness is ultimately up to me. I am responsible for the way I treat my body. It's a scary and exciting realization all at the same time. I need to take what I learn through Lithe, running, nutrition/fitness blogs and really apply them and make them work for me. It goes back to balancing all of it and understanding that my balance in May might look different when compared to my balance in August. Isn't that what "balance" really is anyway?

myth busted

My biggest concern about going no dairy was what I would do about breakfasts. I'm a firm, firm believer in eating breakfast every morning and my body depends on that nurishment to begin my day. Each morning I have 1/2 cup organic, nonfat, plain yogurt and I add fresh berries with my cup of nut flavored coffee (1/2 splenda). It's become such a habit for me and it's integrated into my morning routine. When the no dairy idea was presented I immediatly bulked at the thought of giving that up - not because I'm married to yogurt but b/c I thought I would need to cook up a huge breakfast every morning which is completely unrealistic for me. I thought my only other option was to eat granola or something... ohhh how wrong and silly I was!

Now, 1 1/2 weeks in I'm so over the notion of yogurt for breakfast and I don't even miss it! I've since restructured my routine and (really how hard was it??) I'm getting so much more from my moring meal. I've since moved to a hardboiled egg, tomato slices, and a piece of fruit (either a peach or an apple right now - got to love the summer peaches!).


I have to tell you that I feel satisfied every morning! See ya yogurt!

up. state.

(view from our porch)

Good morning! Good morning! It's week 2 of no dairy. Is it? Is it really week 2? Well ok so I cheated just a little bit (I think). Over the weekend Mr. C. and I went to upstate New York and while I was really careful about my food choices I do think that there were some slips. We grabbed food on the drive up and while I tried to make smart choices (subbing out mashed potatoes for carrots and steamed brocolli and opting for vinagarette dressing rather than ranch) I'm pretty sure there was some heavy butter in the preparation... Also on the schedule was a county fair. It wasn't hard to avoid dairy here b/c everything was fried... yikes! I was proud of myself for completely avoiding the ice cream stands (small victory!) and only induldged in 1 fried oreo (rationalle: I've never had one and wanted to see what all the hype was about) and a small cookie. After the fair, Mr. C and I grabbed real food and I selected a salad - hold the cheese and I felt great. Normally I would've overindulged and felt bloated and tired for the rest of the evening.

When we returned to reality on Sunday evening, Mr C asked if I wanted to order something but I declined and said I would rather just make some stir fry w/ venison. I just wanted something that I had cooked - I knew exactly what was in it. This is so new for me. I've never been one to really pass up a takeout opportunity but the last few months have been different. It's cheaper, healthier, and in most cases, tastier!

How am I feeling? I feel totally fine. Have I lost any weight? Not a ton. I certainly think that this is a lifestyle I can carry on. Just to note, I've been running while cutting dairy. Unfortunately my schedule has been really crazy so Lithe has been on hold. I miss it but I figure I'll be back next month.

i scream. you scream.

As promised, I wanted to share a really great homemade ice cream recipe with you. That's right! I made my own dairy free ice cream and it was just delicious. Not only that but the recipe called for 3 ingredients. 1. 2. 3. That's it! No sugars - no artificial flavors - no artificial sweeteners or colors! I made... Coconut Mike Ice Cream and we loved it!

Now please keep in mind that it's still not calorie free (what ice cream is??!) but it really is an easy alternative to the bought stuff that I craved and I felt so much better about eating it. I have to admit, after really thinking about what is in my ice cream it kind of grossed me out. Sure it tastes great but what am I putting in my body?

Ingredients:

2 large whole eggs or 4 yolks (I used 2 eggs of normal to small size from a local farmer)

1/2 cup maple syrup or honey (I used honey that we also picked up for a local farmer)

2 cans full fat coconut milk (not the light or reduced fat)

Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl 1 to 2 minutes, until they are light and fluffy.

Whisk in the honey (or maple syrup) until well blended.

Pour in coconut milk and whisk again to blend well.

Freeze according to your ice cream machine instructions.

Servings: 1 quart of ice cream

I froze the freezer bowl for 16+ hours before making the ice cream. After the freezer bowl was frozen it took about 20 minutes for the mixture to become creamy and ready to eat. The whole process took (maybe) 30 mins.

Tip: Shallow, flat containers are best for freezing and storing ice cream to promote an even consistency.

feet first

It was a wonderful week of lounging and loafing. My mom was so happy that all her kids were able to come together for a trip to the Outer Banks just like old times (except now with spouses and children). It's been years since this has been able to happen and we spent most of the trip playing "remember when."

I feel a little sad that our final summer vacation is wrapped up but it will be good to get back to my regular routine of working out and eating healthy foods. While each couple took turns preparing home cooked, unprocessed dinners each night (rather than going out) I still can't say that I was particularly healthy. I was careful to watch portion size, snacking, and listen to my body but it was vacation so I wasn't going to be all over myself about it.

But I'm back now and I'm really excited to jump back to what makes me feel great - regular exercise and consistant healthy eating. I'm actually craving normalcy in my diet and it's a really great feeling.

I've decided to remove dairy from my diet for 2 weeks. My friends LH and LA (as well as my husband) have been trying to get me to do this for a good bit but I kept thinking that vacations wouldn't allow me to fully devote the focus I would need to do that. They all say that they feel great without dairy and don't even miss it. I really love my ice cream but LH assures me that there are plenty of substitutes (including homemade recipes!) out there and I certainly trust her. Honestly, I'm so excited to try this new approach!

Today will be day 1 and I'm planning to head to Whole Foods and the farmers market in a bit to gather my ingredients for the week. I'll certainly be sure to share my plans, recipes, and results.