Vegan Kickstart 2013

Yep, it's that time again.  New year, new start and all the jazz.I'm doing another PCRM Vegan Kickstart this year but this one will be a little different.  I'm doing it gluten-free. 

The kickstart focuses on a low-fat, high nutrient plant-based plan.  It's easy to go vegan while enjoying snack foods and fattier fare, but it's not the healthiest way to do it.  You can trust me on that.  Unlike past years, the kickstart is ongoing,  A new group starts on the first of each month. I like this change.  If you join late you can always jump in from the start the following month and go from there. 

Check out the Vegan Kickstart on Facebook and main site for ideas on making it easier and to see what others are doing.  To see what I'm doing, check out my Independent Team Beachbody Facebook page, Vegetarian Examiner page, or Tweet with me.  I'll share recipes, menus, and my exercise plan for the day. 

So, are you in?  Other plans? 

Until next time, peace. 

Goodbye, 2012

It was a good year. 

I'm still here and doing well.  I'm slowly getting to the place I want to be. Not long ago I'd be frustrated with the speed of progress, but I've finally learned that I cannot force it or I'll end up further behind.  I wish I'd realized it before, but I know now.  Dwelling kicks my butt as much as sitting still does.

Here's some of what I learned this past year:

• I discovered two sources of pain that I can control.  That made a world of difference in how I feel.  
•  My dogs must be up my butt, every second of every day that they're awake.  Well, just Victor.  Poor thing is a mess lately.  If his routine is off, he's a neurotic 80+ pound lap dog.
• I love these people more every day.  
• Gray hair knows no bounds.
• I'm more patient than I realized.
• My tolerance for bull ish is much lower.  Yes, I realize these last two may clash, but it is what it is.  

I'm not making resolutions, but setting goals.  Three simple ones:

1. Make the new year healthier than the year before.
2. Embrace love and light.
3. Release the negativity. 

Not so bad, right?   Do you make resolutions or set goals for the new year?  Wanna share?

So here's to 2013.  May yours be filled with love, laughter, and light. 

Peace!

Merry, Merry!

Whatever you celebrate, may your holidays be filled with love and light!

Now hear this: if you call me between 8:50 and 11 pm on Christmas night, I will ignore you.  I have to get my +Doctor Who and +Leverage on TNT on.

Much love! 

Semi-Wordless Wednesday: It's Here!

I am a happy wahm!  It's supposed to be an early Christmas present, so I haven't completely unwrapped it.    This gift of health is especially timely since SC was named one of the unhealthiest states yet again.  We have got to end the trend, and it starts now.  Today, very day, one meal at a time.  Are you with me?

Until next time, peace!

More on my former doc

I have not made me feelings for my former doc private.  She was so horrible to me that I feared going to another doc even when my blood pressure spiked to near-stroke levels.  A few days ago we had to review health insurance info and physician's info was required for our file.  We included her info only because we haven't found a new primary physician yet.  While Googling her address and phone number, I found a review site and could not believe what I saw.  Several people reported similar treatment and she seems to have gotten worse.

Does that change my opinion?  No.  She is supposed to help patients, not ignore, abuse, or ridicule them.  She may have gone off the deep end, but that is no excuse for her behavior.  I do wonder if I could have saved some people from her lack of care if I had reviewed her.   But I know I was (and may be still) too hurt and angry to make my point without seeming like I am bitter.   I'm not bitter.  I'm sad and angry.  I avoided help when I really needed it due to fear of being put down and accused of being crazy, lazy, or just looking for pain meds.

Yep, still too angry to review her.

 

December!

I love this time of year.  Yes, it's somewhat stressful, but it's kinda chill at the same time. People are a little less grouchy and my kids are particularly well-behaved.  As if one month of the super straight arrow role will make a difference on present day.

I usually gain a few pounds during the holidays, but not this year. I am moving down and keeping on track. I will end the month smaller and fitter than I started it.  My plan:

- Exercise 7 days a week.  That includes walking at least 3 days, Beachbody workouts, and yoga.  

- Shakeology daily - as a shake or in a recipe.  

- Clean eating with one cheat meal as week - if I feel like one.  

This is a simple and effective plan.  Keeping flexibility in the type of workout will keep me from getting bored. Including a cheat meal (not a cheat day) in my eating plan makes it more doable for my life without guilt.  And Shakeology is a no-brainer.  It makes a yummy mocha, delicious smoothie, and killer vegan chocolate mousse.  It's one less meal to plan and makes it easier for me to avoid temptation.   

What are your fitness plans for December?