I have noticed after attending yoga classes for the past couple of months, that most of the people who are actively practicing yoga appear very healthy. Fit, happy and healthy. I also noticed many vegetarians in the community. Perhaps that is where my inspiration came to try being vegan for a month. I hope that this really is the beginning of a lifestyle change for me since I love yoga and I tend to truly enjoy eating healthy.
Day 4 of the green smoothie should be a sign of that. I just feel so incredible getting all of those nutrients. I need to do this long term and discuss long term effects, but for now I am telling all of those people that I care about to just add this to their routine. At least 3 days a week to get started.
OK, I think I need to go for a run.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Green smoothie love
I have had 3 days worth of green smoothies and I feel fantastic! Something about getting the right amount of nutrients and good leafy greens and stuff...omg I feel great. Yoga last night was the best it has ever been and I'm looking forward to going again tonight. I also had a nice long walk today and tomorrow plan to go for a run before spending the day with a friend watching movies (while it rains).
I'm getting really excited about going vegan. If having one green smoothie a day can make me feel this refreshed, I can't imagine how awesome I will feel after being vegan for a few days.
I'm getting really excited about going vegan. If having one green smoothie a day can make me feel this refreshed, I can't imagine how awesome I will feel after being vegan for a few days.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Prepping to be Vegan for 30 days
A while ago I decided I was going to do a new kind of cleanse/detox this year. Typically I do a weekend or a week of eating pretty much a raw food diet of only fruit and veggies and only drinking water and tea. I give up coffee for the month switching to green tea. I try to give up booze as well for the month.
This year I decided to change things up and go vegan for an entire month. I may end up switching that goal to being vegetarian, but I am going to try really hard to be vegan for a month.
For those of you who don't know what being vegan means, it is no animal product or bi-product. I will not eat meat, fish, chicken, dairy or eggs. I have started to prepare myself for the change by incorporating a green smoothie into my daily meals (breakfast). The green smoothie movement (introduced to me by a co-worker) allows the body to get the nutrients it needs from dark leafy greens in a way that the body can absorb it best (liquid). So yesterday was a kale, parsley, mango, banana, strawberry smoothie and today was a chard, pear and mint smoothie. For more info on that go here. I'm really enjoying these smoothies and the smoothies are helping clean things out after all the holiday food I ate.
I'm also researching different recipes and will practice cooking a few things this week as well so that I'm well prepared. I'm excited to try new recipes. A friend of mine recommended my breakfast (at least on work days) be Vega which I have in chocolate and chai. On the weekends I plan to make some tofu scrambles or some waffles or french toast recipes that I have...or oatmeal with soy or almond milk (mmmm).
I'm also planning on increasing the number of times per week that I attend a yoga class for the month. I feel that all of these things will help me to balance out my body, mind and soul.
I hope to blog this journey so that others can learn from what I do right and what I do not so right...and if for some reason I don't make it 30 days as a vegan, I will be vegetarian. To help me stick with it, I will be making the pledge here.
This year I decided to change things up and go vegan for an entire month. I may end up switching that goal to being vegetarian, but I am going to try really hard to be vegan for a month.
For those of you who don't know what being vegan means, it is no animal product or bi-product. I will not eat meat, fish, chicken, dairy or eggs. I have started to prepare myself for the change by incorporating a green smoothie into my daily meals (breakfast). The green smoothie movement (introduced to me by a co-worker) allows the body to get the nutrients it needs from dark leafy greens in a way that the body can absorb it best (liquid). So yesterday was a kale, parsley, mango, banana, strawberry smoothie and today was a chard, pear and mint smoothie. For more info on that go here. I'm really enjoying these smoothies and the smoothies are helping clean things out after all the holiday food I ate.
I'm also researching different recipes and will practice cooking a few things this week as well so that I'm well prepared. I'm excited to try new recipes. A friend of mine recommended my breakfast (at least on work days) be Vega which I have in chocolate and chai. On the weekends I plan to make some tofu scrambles or some waffles or french toast recipes that I have...or oatmeal with soy or almond milk (mmmm).
I'm also planning on increasing the number of times per week that I attend a yoga class for the month. I feel that all of these things will help me to balance out my body, mind and soul.
I hope to blog this journey so that others can learn from what I do right and what I do not so right...and if for some reason I don't make it 30 days as a vegan, I will be vegetarian. To help me stick with it, I will be making the pledge here.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Holiday fun
My parents have arrived from the east coast and we have started celebrating the holidays. My boyfriends parents arrived as well. Yesterday was a very fun day, and today has even more fun in store.
Yesterday, my folks arrived, we brought stuff upstairs and then relaxed with some lunch. It was then off for a mani-pedi which was quite relaxing and enjoyable. I brought them to the huge Whole Foods in Lincoln Park and they were amazed. Next was home to relax a bit more before heading out to see the Zoo Lights. We met up with the bf's family and saw all the lights. We tried seeing some animals, but they were all sleeping. My Mom was quite upset that the animals were asleep, but we did find some birds and a bunny that were awake, they just weren't zoo animals.
Everyone came over to enjoy some of the homemade lasagna I made...two different types. Meat (my Nana's ravioli stuffing turned into a lasagna) and veggie (with spinach and sun dried tomatoes). Lots of cocktails were enjoyed as well, but a very lovely evening indeed!
This morning, my Mom and I had a lovely walk. We even went into this beautiful church and talked with a patron who taught us all about Russian Orthodox.
Now we are waiting for a cab. My parents next present is a surprise to them, and I'm hoping they enjoy it. Tea at the Drake on Christmas Eve....I can't think of anything better...and I'm sure there will be lots of observations to report afterwards.
Tonight we go over to the bf's sister's condo and have dinner there. Tomorrow brings more holiday fun, but right now I'm just waiting for our cab and hope to get a very happy family!
Yesterday, my folks arrived, we brought stuff upstairs and then relaxed with some lunch. It was then off for a mani-pedi which was quite relaxing and enjoyable. I brought them to the huge Whole Foods in Lincoln Park and they were amazed. Next was home to relax a bit more before heading out to see the Zoo Lights. We met up with the bf's family and saw all the lights. We tried seeing some animals, but they were all sleeping. My Mom was quite upset that the animals were asleep, but we did find some birds and a bunny that were awake, they just weren't zoo animals.
Everyone came over to enjoy some of the homemade lasagna I made...two different types. Meat (my Nana's ravioli stuffing turned into a lasagna) and veggie (with spinach and sun dried tomatoes). Lots of cocktails were enjoyed as well, but a very lovely evening indeed!
This morning, my Mom and I had a lovely walk. We even went into this beautiful church and talked with a patron who taught us all about Russian Orthodox.
Now we are waiting for a cab. My parents next present is a surprise to them, and I'm hoping they enjoy it. Tea at the Drake on Christmas Eve....I can't think of anything better...and I'm sure there will be lots of observations to report afterwards.
Tonight we go over to the bf's sister's condo and have dinner there. Tomorrow brings more holiday fun, but right now I'm just waiting for our cab and hope to get a very happy family!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Yuletime blessings
On this Yule, I want to think back on the past year and look forward to the next. Yule brings the sun king, today is the longest night of the year and then the sun king slowly returns to bring his light to the world.
This past year had a number of things which brought people together, both positive and not so positive. It was a tough year, but in the end the light is growing brighter.
January began with my internship growing to more outpatient treatment in addition to the inpatient treatment I was doing. We also went hiking on the 2nd on a very cold, beautiful day. As January continued, there were a few outings, including my best friend returning from Argentina.
February was lots of internship hours, lots of work, little time for anything else.
March was very similar to February, with the exception of St Patrick's day which was celebrated at the Grafton with O.A.T. as per usual.
April brought some difficult times. The day I found out I was going to have surgery on a cyst, was also the day we found out my bf's father was in the hospital and very sick. There were many weeks where things were touch and go but in the end, he is fine (thankfully). I also had surgery in April, and while that took longer to heal than I had hoped, it has healed and has not yet returned. There was a positive in April, our friends child was born, and she is adorable!
May brought more internship classes as well as my last semester of graduate school and final classes (internship II and Grief Counseling). I also started a garden on our back deck (lettuce, tomatoes, basil, flowers). The traditional trip by my Mom coming Mother's Day Weekend, and that was absolutely lovely! The month ended with the bf's birthday.
June was a continuation of interning, news of a potential job in my field of counseling, going to a Sox game and Mayfest (which happens in June) was celebrated. I interviewed for the potential job, found out I wasn't eligible for it, then interviewed for another position at that place and got it. I took the position, had to say goodbye to my team at Cars (which was sad, I love them all) and began my new career.
July brought a 2 year anniversary with the bf, the end of my internship, a graduation with my family coming to visit and celebrate, and a Bon Jovi concert!
August was the end of graduate school (officially) and I began training for a half marathon for October 31. There was also Lollapalooza of course :) Work was not what I expected it to be, so I began looking for a position that was more my personality. We had a scare with my Mom and the big c, but it ended up being just a scare and not actually there!
September was the wedding of the bf's sister, the most amazing wedding I've ever been to. Beautiful and fun, lots of dancing and enjoyment! We attended a steampunk wedding of a friend of ours as well, which was lovely, but very different from the other wedding we attended. Oh, and another Sox game :)
October I ended up getting a new job, pretty much my dream job, and I was starting right after a trip to Vermont where we celebrated my brother's wedding (he had a small ceremony in September, and the party in October). That was a great weekend, perfect fall foliage, wonderful hiking...just lovely. When we returned home though, our dog was very sick and we had to say goodbye to him. It was a very difficult time for us, but we were able to make it through. We still miss him dearly, but we love him and still have him in our hearts! We also were able to go to a Bears game which lifted our spirits. Finally I ran my half marathon, not as fast as I had hoped, but I completed it.
November brought searching for a new apartment, adjusting to a new job, and going to the UP for Thanksgiving. That was an adventure (we lost our exhaust system on the way home) but what a great weekend. My birthday was also fun. Oh and I started doing hot yoga!
December brought the move into our new apartment, just the two of us...it is perfect...as is our tree. I finished knitting the never ending scarf for the bf, and started crocheting some items. December has been a fun filled month
For 2011 I hope for less scares and worries, and more fun and lovely times!
This past year had a number of things which brought people together, both positive and not so positive. It was a tough year, but in the end the light is growing brighter.
January began with my internship growing to more outpatient treatment in addition to the inpatient treatment I was doing. We also went hiking on the 2nd on a very cold, beautiful day. As January continued, there were a few outings, including my best friend returning from Argentina.
February was lots of internship hours, lots of work, little time for anything else.
March was very similar to February, with the exception of St Patrick's day which was celebrated at the Grafton with O.A.T. as per usual.
April brought some difficult times. The day I found out I was going to have surgery on a cyst, was also the day we found out my bf's father was in the hospital and very sick. There were many weeks where things were touch and go but in the end, he is fine (thankfully). I also had surgery in April, and while that took longer to heal than I had hoped, it has healed and has not yet returned. There was a positive in April, our friends child was born, and she is adorable!
May brought more internship classes as well as my last semester of graduate school and final classes (internship II and Grief Counseling). I also started a garden on our back deck (lettuce, tomatoes, basil, flowers). The traditional trip by my Mom coming Mother's Day Weekend, and that was absolutely lovely! The month ended with the bf's birthday.
June was a continuation of interning, news of a potential job in my field of counseling, going to a Sox game and Mayfest (which happens in June) was celebrated. I interviewed for the potential job, found out I wasn't eligible for it, then interviewed for another position at that place and got it. I took the position, had to say goodbye to my team at Cars (which was sad, I love them all) and began my new career.
July brought a 2 year anniversary with the bf, the end of my internship, a graduation with my family coming to visit and celebrate, and a Bon Jovi concert!
August was the end of graduate school (officially) and I began training for a half marathon for October 31. There was also Lollapalooza of course :) Work was not what I expected it to be, so I began looking for a position that was more my personality. We had a scare with my Mom and the big c, but it ended up being just a scare and not actually there!
September was the wedding of the bf's sister, the most amazing wedding I've ever been to. Beautiful and fun, lots of dancing and enjoyment! We attended a steampunk wedding of a friend of ours as well, which was lovely, but very different from the other wedding we attended. Oh, and another Sox game :)
October I ended up getting a new job, pretty much my dream job, and I was starting right after a trip to Vermont where we celebrated my brother's wedding (he had a small ceremony in September, and the party in October). That was a great weekend, perfect fall foliage, wonderful hiking...just lovely. When we returned home though, our dog was very sick and we had to say goodbye to him. It was a very difficult time for us, but we were able to make it through. We still miss him dearly, but we love him and still have him in our hearts! We also were able to go to a Bears game which lifted our spirits. Finally I ran my half marathon, not as fast as I had hoped, but I completed it.
November brought searching for a new apartment, adjusting to a new job, and going to the UP for Thanksgiving. That was an adventure (we lost our exhaust system on the way home) but what a great weekend. My birthday was also fun. Oh and I started doing hot yoga!
December brought the move into our new apartment, just the two of us...it is perfect...as is our tree. I finished knitting the never ending scarf for the bf, and started crocheting some items. December has been a fun filled month
For 2011 I hope for less scares and worries, and more fun and lovely times!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Returning from hiatus
Hello cyberspace,
I took a quick blogger break due to life...after the half marathon I was really trying to learn my new job, get involved with hot yoga (at TruHarmony Yoga which is AWESOME!), and move into a new apartment. We're still unpacking and also trying to prepare for Christmas and the family coming to visit.
I did discover recently that I miss going out shopping for the holiday's. With family all on the east coast, I tend to shop online only and have things shipped directly. Yesterday I went shopping for some final gifts and realized, I love Christmas shopping. Not only do I love Christmas shopping, I just love shopping in general. There is something about going around a store and seeing all sorts of things that are great. Seeing, touching, smelling....shopping is a full body experience! I also learned that I get exhausted after a full day of shopping (and doing laundry and running other errands) but man it was great to go shopping.
Other things I'm excited to discover (of remind myself of) having time off. My work is closed after Wednesday, so 3pm on Wednesday I'm on vacation until the new year. I'm really excited to see what that's like. A week and a half off...now the first part we will have company, but the second part nada...I hope to catch up on sleep and relax etc, but I'm curious as to what else will occur.
Now, it is off to work, let the countdown begin!
I took a quick blogger break due to life...after the half marathon I was really trying to learn my new job, get involved with hot yoga (at TruHarmony Yoga which is AWESOME!), and move into a new apartment. We're still unpacking and also trying to prepare for Christmas and the family coming to visit.
I did discover recently that I miss going out shopping for the holiday's. With family all on the east coast, I tend to shop online only and have things shipped directly. Yesterday I went shopping for some final gifts and realized, I love Christmas shopping. Not only do I love Christmas shopping, I just love shopping in general. There is something about going around a store and seeing all sorts of things that are great. Seeing, touching, smelling....shopping is a full body experience! I also learned that I get exhausted after a full day of shopping (and doing laundry and running other errands) but man it was great to go shopping.
Other things I'm excited to discover (of remind myself of) having time off. My work is closed after Wednesday, so 3pm on Wednesday I'm on vacation until the new year. I'm really excited to see what that's like. A week and a half off...now the first part we will have company, but the second part nada...I hope to catch up on sleep and relax etc, but I'm curious as to what else will occur.
Now, it is off to work, let the countdown begin!
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