Start off the new year right the spartan way, because this January Spartan Races are coming to SoCal! The races will be held at the beautiful Vail Lake on the dates January 17th, 18th, and 24th. For more information on 2015 races go to http://www.spartan.com/
Here is a code that will give 10% off of any race: SPARTANBLOGGER
Some times all you need a funny quote or a cute exercise shirt to get you excited about working out. I’ve made a board on my Pinterest profile called Funny Excercise Tanks & Shirts that I think a lot of health minded people would love get as a holiday gift. If you like the board on Pinterest, please follow it, and be sure to check out my Healing and Eating Recipes board as well.
Here are a few of my favorite funny exercise tank tops:
To view more, please go to my Pinterest Board called Funny Excercise Tanks & Shirts
Disclaimer: I’m not receiving money for promoting these shirts and/or tank tops. I just happen to like them 🙂
I love getting some sunshine and exercise at the Santa Monica Boardwalk. The food sold on the boardwalk is pretty pricey and usually unhealthy, so I normally pack a granola bar in my purse just in case I get hungry. Natural Balance Foods sent me a box to taste test and right now I love the cocoa mint and gingerbread Nākd Fruit And Nut Bars. All the bars are gluten-free and vegan, plus no sugar is added, except for dates. Since fruit and nuts are acceptable on the paleo diet, these bars are paleo friendly as well, plus if you’re a chocoholic like I am, you can order a box that contains only different chocolate flavored bars. You can also check out their Natural Balance Protein Bars if you want something with a bit more crunch to it.
I took this picture when I was there with Instagram. My profile name is @healingandeating if you would like to follow me. I would love to connect with everyone!
I’m not the biggest fan of New Year’s Resolutions, as I’m always trying to improve my healthy lifestyle. But it is a good time for reflection on what we did right, and what we slacked in this year.
On a positive note, I’m really happy with my diet. I’m maintaining a healthy diet without losing weight, which means it’s sustainable. Most people view dieting as temporary deprivation, which is, why they yo-yo instead of looking for a long-term solution. I eat mostly paleo, although I do occasionally have small amounts of rice. I eat a lot of fat, and try to stay away from sugary food. Although, I do indulge on desserts on occasion, which I make or get from health food stores. My hair and nails are strong and grow like crazy, my skin loves it when I eliminate sugar, and dinners are more satisfying so I’m less likely to eat dessert. This past year I’ve tried raw vegan, vegan, gluten and nightshade free, and gluten and dairy free diets. I still avoid gluten and dairy, especially diary as I get flu-like symptoms from it.
On the down side, I’m not good at maintaining my exercise routines. I used to play soccer before I injured myself in a women’s league in Pasadena, and enjoy the structure of being on team. With my neuropathy, I prefer not to risk contact sports, as the last thing I need is an injury. I also have to be very careful when I do my physical therapy approved exercise routines so they don’t aggravate my arms. This makes for a very boring time at the gym, if that’s even possible. I don’t even have the added motivation to lose weight since my diet makes that unnecessary. So, I need to motivate myself properly this year, so that I will suck it up and get my ass to the gym. I found this cool image on pinterest (sorry the link was dead) that I’ve been meaning to try with this caption, “Workout tip jar. After each workout, tip yourself $1. After 100 workouts, treat yourself to new shoes or clothes or massage…” So hopefully the thought of going shopping this year will bring me to the gym. Cute jewelry that I definitely don’t need, here I come! No practical items, it decreases the motivation. This is supposed to exclusively be a reward.
I would love to hear what everyone is doing for the New Year. Feel free to leave a comment. Best of luck this year! Remember if you break your resolution, don’t quit, just do better tomorrow. We all have good and bad days.
I’ve been listening to audiobooks more, at the recommendation of my physical therapist. So far, this has helped me use my arms and neck less, and motivate myself to exercise more . I’ve been downloading books from Audible and using Simply Audiobooks, which is like Netflix for Audiobooks. They ship them to me at a monthly rate, I upload them and format them for iTunes and then I send them back. I like the instant gratification from Audible, but downloading books from that site can get expensive. Simply Audiobooks is a good price in comparison, but their selection and availability isn’t that great. For example, I keep getting sent books that are halfway down my wishlist, when I really want to listen to the ones at the top. Another resource for audiobooks is at the public library, although I haven’t pursued this option yet.
Since I’ve started listening more, I’ve noticed that I don’t mind going for a walk or to the gym as much so my physical therapy has been more consistent. My pain is also reduced from reduced time spent in front of a iPad, phone, and computer and from being more active. Overall, I will keep trying to get more audiobooks into my routine in as many ways as I can.
For all of the fitness lovers out there check the Reebok Spartan Races. These races involve obstacles that will test your strength, speed, and agility. I personally love the idea of getting outside, getting dirty, and most importantly, participating in an activity that will support your healthy lifestyle with other like-minded individuals.
“Spartan Race and NBC Sports Network are collaborating on a television special which will feature the World Championship and focus on the sport of obstacle racing. This event, the culmination of the 2013 Reebok Spartan Race Series, will take place on September 21-22, 2013, in scenic central Vermont, near Spartan Race HQ in Pittsfield.
Tens of thousands of obstacle racing competitors and enthusiasts from around the world will converge on New England, where $250,000 in cash and prizes will be on the line. At the World Championship, top-ranked Reebok Spartan Race athletes, Olympians, and amateur athletes alike will compete side-by-side, assuming they have the brawn, guts and intestinal fortitude.
Spartan Race has partnered with NBC Sports Group to chronicle the amazing people and stories behind the race series and the World Championship, culminating in a 90-minute TV special that will air on the NBC Sports Network on October 19, 2013.” – From their website.
I personally love learning about fitness and health from real stories. For me, these stories give me inspiration for my own health journey. Plus, they tend to stay in my long-term memory better than a book full of facts. Not that I don’t love those too. In fact, I am currently reading The Hormone Diet and Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox and I just downloaded an audio book on Vitamin D3 so I should have some awesome posts soon.
Coupon code: c6h75sf2
For 15% off any qualifying race
Disclaimer: They are not paying me to advertise these events. This is me wanting to share another alternative to the gym.