Beyond the Box

Think Bigger & Get Outside

Have a challenge?  We all face decisions daily, so get your mind right by getting out of your box of routine thought.  Stop.  Focus on the big picture.  Becoming obsessed with the issue at the moment is all too easy.  Ask yourself if this affect me tomorrow, next week, or a year from now - and is it really something to waste my energy fretting about?  Rise above the situation and turn it into a learning opportunity.  Ask yourself what the lesson is in this moment, take note and move on. 

Difficulties surround us, regardless of occupation or status.  The key is to identify your purpose, commit to make a difference and move forward.  Stop letting life intimidate you into a corner, you deserve better - the best.  Seek out possibilities in the hurdles you face, dig deep and find your passion to reach that goal - even if it means re-routing your original plan.  Let go of trivial stuff and hold onto your vision. 

When we find out that which inspires, we can and will shine simply by the best person we are intended to be in life.  Change your perspective in the quest to reach your goals and seek the little things that make you smile.  You are capable and competent so please treat yourself as such.  Stop talking yourself down and build yourself up instead.  See the bigger and better picture.  Live life fully.  Be happy.

Rev Abs Update

I've just completed 90 days of Rev Abs and felt that my results could have been better if I was a little more strict with my diet.  Don't mistake me, I am thrilled with my progress!  However, I know the fitness journey is about getting as healthy as I can by taking small and permanent steps forward.  Now that I'm grooving with my exercise routine, I can assess my nutrition a little more critically.  I still think I can reduce the amount of sugars and processed foods that I consume.  I am currently doing another 90 day workout with a Rev Abs and P90x hybrid.  I've gotten amazing results from both programs in the past and I can't wait to see what this mix-up brings!

Proteins like chicken and turkey will once again replace the red meat I was making twice weekly last month.  I gave in to my cravings and am certain that I could have done better with leaner proteins.  Complex carbs will include more oatmeal, broccoli, asparagus, kale and my new best friend, the sweet potato.  This seasonal yummy just so happens to be a great source of Vitamin C.  After reviewing the best foods for what my current nutritional needs, my favorite food of all time still makes the list: BEANS!  They have protein, carbs, healthy fats AND fiber.  Bring on the chick peas!

Here is a yummy smoothie recipe from Brett Hoebel (creator of Rev Abs) that I'm going to try once my papaya trees produce:  it is high fiber and has good digestive enzymes that can help break down hard to digest foods that can cause bloating.

Ingredients
3/4 cup papaya
3/4 cup pineapple
1/2 pear, sliced
1 tsp ginger, fresh
1 tbsp flaxseed, ground
2 mint leaves (garnish)
1 cup water
1/2 cup ice

Directions: blend all ingredients and drink!

I am combing through my meal plans and will continue to post my progress!  Cheers to being healthy & fit!  Below is my 90 day transformation from July to October 2012.