The dreaded...Plateau Paranoia.

Ooooooooooh we’ve all been there.

You wake up and take the long way around the scale in the bathroom because you haven’t seen the numbers move in weeks. Maybe your work/friends/canoeing lessons, whatever, have you over-booked and your workout schedule has been out of whack.  It’s possible you’ve been caught as a repeat offender to some cheat meals.  Or you know what, you could be doing exactly the right things—working out, eating well, sleeping like a sweet-cherub baby—and you still fall victim…to the PLATEAU.

Speaking as an experienced Nervous Nelly and a Worry Wart, the second I feel like my progress is slowing; I jump into the Plateau Paranoia.

“What am I doing wrong?”

“Why is this happening?”

“Oh well, guess I should just eat all of the French fries in the world…”

NO, NO, NO, no, no, no, no, and I mean no! We have to see these levels of our progress from the bigger picture. Step back into the world view and see what everyone else is seeing because, I kid you not: you’re probably looking for the wrong things to give you that healthy-body-awesome-work cred!

I’m positive my husband is tired of hearing me complain over the past few weeks about how I’m feeling stuck (and of course, he says I’m full of nonsense—thanks, Jordan!) but being honest, my schedule has been really tight, so my workouts have been sporadic and my meals improvised—but I haven’t really been doing anything wrong. And I definitely haven’t done anything BAD. We can’t punish ourselves for our bodies doing their natural thang…which involves leveling out sometimes! And just for that sucker punch in my self-conscious center, two of my gym girls, who I consistently see progressing and looking gorgeous, complimented me this week! (Thanks Katie B. and Sara B.!)

SO I give us all two GREAT options to get out of our heads:

1) Get back in the gym!

- Now let’s not go crazy, I don’t mean it’s time to get weird and live in the gym. BUT, next time you’re in there, maybe talk it out with your trainer. It could be time to change up the routine. Or when was the last time you pushed for a PR?  And what the hell, have a little fun!

2) Get back in the kitchen!

- This is usually where I find the best ways to jump-start my metabolism again with something local, fresh, and new. Creativity in the kitchen is like the kryptonite to Plateau Paranoia!! Check the CSA situation in your area or look up the local farms. We’re SO happy getting our box of goodies weekly from Robson’s Farm. ;)

Then you can come home to a sweet meal of wild caught fish and local tomato salad!

And realize you’re NOT ACTUALLY IN A PLATEAU AT ALL! Your clothes fit better, people think you look slammin’, and now you have all kinds of food and training options! BOOM.

On the Horizon (super soon!) for THIS PRIMAL YOGI:

We have new Paleo recipes coming, updates on the home garden, yoga routines to help your weight-lifting woes, and regular posts to keep you happy and entertained. Saaaaweeet!

The official This Primal Yogi Avatar!

Grr...urg...LOVE,

This Primal Yogi 

The Garage Games & Yoga on the Steps

*I’m going to start short & sweet about the conditions of the day, simply because they definitely affected the entire feeling/perception/completion of the event, but then I’m going to focus of the true heart of the matter.*

As this was my first competition, I don’t have anything with which to personally compare the event.  I have been a spectator before, however, so I do have a semblance of what it SHOULD be like from that angle. This particular competition was crowded, freezing, disorganized, dangerous and poorly judged: BUT I STILL DID IT.

Now that’s enough of that. ;)

The Garage Games: Main Street Pride.

You know that moment when you realize, “holy crap…I ACTUALLY have to do this while people I know and care about are watching?!”

And then it feels like a kettle-bell is sitting on your chest as you wait your turn. And hours pass while watching your fellow competitors crush the workouts and you lose faith in yourself with the next thought, “What have I done? I can’t do it that fast/well/heavy?!” And the cold seeps through your shoes and two pairs of socks, as your heat continually gets pushed back, while feeling, “It’s going to be so embarrassing when I can’t actually do it, and everyone is watching.” And then you’re standing there in your sectioned off square-footage for the first workout, strangers and friends alike standing 2 feet away behind the precarious caution tape, and the only thought left is, “Well, I’m doing this.”

PVC MANIA

So I don't (thank goodness) have a shot of myself
for this WOD...so here's JAMES!

From there, it all just happens. Snowballs, in fact. It’s a “3…2..1…GO” and the KEEP GOING instinct takes over.  My muscles tensed up immediately from the cold as I shot back and forth through the PVC, and there was a moment where all I wanted to do was quit, but then this ridiculously cool and confident instinctual voice BOOMED into my head to say,

“Too damn bad, Rachel; there is no quitting now.”

But even more surprising than that, was my initiative—not just to do it—but to do it RIGHT, and to the best of my ability. WHO AM I?!

I won’t lie, it was damn hard. Cold, slippery, and difficult. I could hear my judge saying, “you can just step over, if you want.” (ie. Instead of the two-footed jump over the PVC to the next burpee, one could simply step over it.) But that wasn’t the workout, that’s not what I had trained to do, and I wanted to do it right. So you’re damn straight, this girl kept jumping! Even as the burpees got harder and the dips felt like death, crazy-primal-Rachel wouldn’t let me give up; and neither would the group of faces DIRECTLY in front of me, cheering me on the whole way. That may have been the best and worst part of the whole thing: having those friends—front and center—watching me as I triumphantly made those jumps…yet, disappointingly slowed my dips. They watched me trip up in my shoot-throughs, but not give up in the burpees. It was amazingly terrifying. Then several expletives and 9 minutes later, I was done.  I was NOWHERE NEAR finishing at the first of my heat, but when he announced the time, my mind screamed, “RACHEL, THAT’S TWO MINUTES FASTER THAN YOUR PATHETIC ATTEMPT AT THE GYM WHERE YOU BROKE THE PVC!!”

I walked away sore and hot and flabbergasted into the arms of that same group of people who were there with me through each excruciating minute. I walked into encouragement, camaraderie, and even a flat out lie, “Rachel, you looked beautiful doing it,” (Thanks, Nick.) a sentiment of sisterhood, “I’m so glad we did it together,” (that means you, Lil’ Dana and Kim.) and even a long lost appreciation, “You crushed that!” (We miss you, Charles.) With two events left, I had assumed I would fall back into worry and anxiety as I waited out the time, but instead I was fueled for more! “One down, what’s two more?!”  More importantly, I had a job to do: I also had to be one of those faces in front of the crowd; I needed to be a voice heard above the rest to help a friend push through that last set. Screw the workouts, the best part of this weekend wasn’t my scores or times (though, they helped), it was the family-atmosphere of friendship and support that we brought with us in our happy-go-lucky-group!

STONE FACE

All right, super blurry but
CHECK OUT THOSE GUNS?
(Where did they come from?!)

Time did move slowly…primarily because of the severe cold, wetness and lack of bathrooms, but the next event was right up my alley anyway: Push-Presses and Kettle-Bell Swings. And once again, I had my girls with me and friends all around. I could see Lisa prepped with the other half of my dynamic duo, TEENIE, poised to take pictures and--contrary to what Nick may have said--I know there was NOTHING pretty about me in this event. Except for the fact that I was again among a group of people who came to do the workouts, and do them RIGHT—making sure to keep an eye on form and performance, instead of taking advantage of poor judging.  I didn’t get to do this one in the gym, but 9 rounds+10 presses feels pretty damn decent. I credit a good portion of it to our good man, Matt, who’s height and proximity to the front of the line made it much easier to hear him and see that he was right there with us the whole way.

DOUBLE UNDERS TO HEAVEN

Push-Up to Death

10 hours later, this workout is a blur…it was the one I dreaded the most, and yet it was over the fastest. I am just noticing now, though, that I did this one on my own. I suppose I’m only realizing it now, because I can still hear Dana and Tommy as they perched up on a wall, and I can see Carol smiling away in my direction. Once again, I walked away from this one having done something I’d sworn I wouldn’t be able to do: 200 singles in a row. That may sound lame, but SHOVE IT! I figured my calves would have fallen off, but now…*looks down*…still in place.

The overwhelming feeling of “THANK GOD THAT’S OVER” was unexpectedly followed by, “when’s the next one?” WHAT?! Again: WHO AM I?! Finishing out the day watching my girls, Gibby and Sue (remember, my hero?) tackle pulling Fran was the perfect inspirational ending.  We did this: each event, once as individuals, and numerous times as a team effort in support of one another.

DAMN THAT’S BEAUTIFUL!

Now on to our next point of business.... ;)

YOGA ON THE STEPS

5/19/2013

It is that time of year once more...where I attempt to rally my troops for support, donations and team members for YOGA ON THE STEPS! This year is a big one: after going back & forth about it for quite some time, I decided that this is the year to start my own team. The Wellness Warriors Team--the team I have LOVED being a part of for the past 6 year; once led beautifully by my mother-in-law--has a wonderful base of participants, and that gets bigger every year! I'm hoping that by breaking out, I can get new interest to the cause. :)

Wellness Warriors 2012

Background:

Yoga on the Steps is a fundraising yoga-event for Living Beyond Breast Cancer (where I have worked and volunteered for years) on Sunday, May 19th. Living Beyond Breast Cancer provides education and support programs for women diagnosed with breast cancer of all stages and their families. Last year, the event was so kindly dedicated in memory of my my mother-in-law, Bea, and I want this year to be just as amazing. I want her honor, and the honor of women we have ALL known who have been affected by this disease, to live on in Yoga on the Steps! So this is my call-out to Friends & Family, as well as giving you all proper notice that this is:

CrossFit Mount Laurel's Next Group Event! 

(Tommy Said I could...)

I've got big, scary ambitions as a Team Captain this year, but I hope we all can come together to help make this event a crap-ton of fun. SO for all of you that are now frightened, don't be. Here's the gist:

#1) This is an ALL-LEVELS, "You don't need any yoga experience" event: meaning all of my "inflexible" friends, runners, performers, CrossFitters, etc. have no excuse. It's going to be easy and I'll be there as an assistant instructor to help.

#2) Signing up to join our team is so easy, a wee-baby could do it: Click HERE, which takes you to our team page, "This Primal Yogi Pack," then it gives you the option to login with the social media of your choice (or you can go through and make your own login, whatever). But if you go through Facebook, after this first sign-in, it's a one-click deal from here on out!

• From here, you can make your own donation page, or it provides you with the basic template; set a donation goal, and you're golden. This site even has pre-written emails that you just fill your contacts in to send out to family, friends, coworkers, etc. for support. SUPER EASY.
• The minimum donation to participate is $60, which you need to have by the event day: Sunday, May 19th, 2013--which I'm positive you can immediately get from a grandparent or drunk uncle.

#3) I would be happy to plan some "Fundraising-Along-the-Way" events to make this easier/more fun: Some of which can involve beer, I'm sure.

#4) CROSSFIT YOGA SHIRTS FOR ALL!: So, I've learned through the grapevine (it's actually my last week here at LBBC) that CrossFit Mainline recently started a team, and a few others are courting the idea...and I am TERRIBLY competitive. So I want to see as many of us as possible taking over the steps of the art museum. And Hey, Tommy...this might be a lovely marketing tool...WINK WINK. Why not shine like we always do, right?

Honestly, this event is always a good time, then afterwards there's food and an expo of healthy-stuff and clothes and nonsense (Girls, you know that Lulu and Athleta will be there...HEYO!). OH, and if you raise money: YOU GET STUFF! How could I forget! Learn about the incentives HERE.

All right, enough blabbing.

Until next time, Cave-Kids.

Grr...urg...LOVE,

This Primal Yogi

To My Heroes (Why yes, this post is sappy...)

So proud! Oh, and blonde. 

This month, I witnessed something amazing. I saw six people that I often work side-by-side with--sweating, yelling, laughing, hauling ass together--face a challenge, and crush it all with a smile. I stood along side people I proudly call friends and my CFMtL Family as we cheered until our throats went dry, making sure that the day's competitors knew that we were there with them through every double under, kettlebell swing, snatch and burpee. I saw myself becoming someone better, stronger and happier just by being a part of this world. And I felt myself both cower with anticipation and grow with excitement for my own competition that just so happens to be in 3 days.

In this past week...I had to do all of the workouts expected of me on Saturday...and yes, the excitement is still there...but so is the thought of peeing my pants.

So I have found that when I need to get out of my worry and find a focal point for this weekend--an inspiration that can lift me back into that space of "YES I CAN"--I find myself thinking of my two heroes, who again I am proud to call friends, and the look on their faces when they pushed through the workout and collapsed in relief and surprise and gratitude at the end. It helps.

Here's to them:

CFMtL Trainer: Dana Pancoast

"Big Dana" -
Now when you hear "Big Dana," I'm sure you're thinking of something that ISN'T our Big Dana. Yet, there is nothing about her awesomeness that isn't larger than life. I can remember my first days at the gym, when I was just about at "vomit-point" in my foundations and first full classes...or laughing my way through the fact that I couldn't even get my feet off the floor for a ring dip--she was there, soft spoken but encouraging. There is never a moment where she isn't working just as hard as anyone else in the gym (if not 3 times harder), and after finishing her last reps, she's right there calling your name as you push through to the end. It's most likely her determination...no, her modesty....no, her attitude...okay, it's kind of her package deal that makes her the best kind of trainer. She also used to be a swell yoga student...ehem....but I'm not one to judge. ;) I love the days when I walk into the gym and Dana is there to smile and ask me how my day was as I jokingly lament about the WOD: because I know she's got my back the whole way through, and I can only hope that she knows I'm there for her, too.

Newest CFMtL Trainer: Sue Velott

Sue, a.k.a. "Paleo Sue" -
This simply, in no way could be a post about my heroes if I didn't introduce you to SUE. Oh, the things I can say about Sue! But #1, if you aren't inspired, amazed, and completely in awe of Sue, I say "GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!" Okay, that's a little harsh...but seriously, I mean it. From the day she decided that nothing was keeping her from the CrossFit open this year, she has been on fire with conviction and results. I've known Sue--goodness gracious--for almost a year now, and the changes I have seen in her, both physically and emotionally, are breath-taking. She also has a natural knack for making others feel strong and unbreakable! Even after a personal panic attack at the top of the rope (yup, that was me) she was there at the floor to reassure me back to safety, and then magically talk me into jumping onto the 23" box. Because she can just do that! You see that when she puts her mind to something, IT HAPPENS. So when she tells you that you can do something, you don't doubt her. And in all of the classes that I have taught, I've never had a student that inspires me to be a better teacher the way that Sue does. I know I'm a goof and I know that I will always play the goon to make my students comfortable, but Sue's confidence in me when we're in class always has me striving to improve and learn for her. For all the people who come out to our class.

So this is a thank you to my heroes: for being a consistent and constant inspiration to me to be a better performer, a better athlete and a better teacher. And not just Dana and Sue, but all of my heroes that I work beside every day, trying to becoming better examples for ourselves and those around us. You know who you are. ;)

Photo courtesy of hero, "Big Dana."

NOW: Enough of this sappy crap, check out my star yogi JAMES doing some Camel! That's right, that's my student rocking some ustrasana after his workout.

I. am. so. proud.

Until next time Cave-kids...when I can officially say that I am a CrossFit-Style Competitor.

But not to worry, still your happy-go-lucky yogi, too. ;)

Grr...urg...LOVE,

This Primal Yogi

T-Minus 19 Days to Compete...

So, it seems last month, I got this CRAZY idea that I can compete in a CrossFit Competition: the Garage Games....

AND DAMN, I'M EXCITED!

Now don't get me wrong, I'm basically peeing my pants over the idea that I will have to do things like hand-release push-ups, push-presses and front squats in front of people who are JUDGING me....but honestly, I've never done anything like this before.

"Wait, wait, wait, Rachel: you're a performer! You put yourself out there to be judged all the time!"

The old me would never allow
pictures of me in sweats without
makeup heading to the gym!

Well, I've been singing in front of people since I was 5 years old and I've been acting like a fool to make people laugh for even longer. But this, my friends, is completely different. This is new and terrifying and unfamiliar and just completely out of my known-zone! I'm used to knowing that I will be dolled up, well-dressed, and doing EXACTLY what I know how to do. I've always wanted my outward representation to be my "best" and then I got rid of all that didn't do me justice.

*Flashing back to moment in high school where I finally realized that if you just kept walking to the back of the line, you never actually had to do the pull-ups for "Physical Fitness Assessment." Also, if you made sure to partner with a friend for the sit-ups, you could just pinky-swear to make up "reasonable" finishing scores.*

But this is a RESOLUTION I made to myself--not just for 2013--but when Jaclyn and I decided to bring Pretty-Sick to life: that I need to be the best example I can be for my clients, my family and my friends. I need to put myself out there and yes, MAYBE fail, but show that it's still worth trying. And that next time, no matter what, I will do better. Because taking control of our health/lives/diets/jobs is about that constant and consistent drive to succeed. At these Garage Games I am going to succeed because just DOING IT is a ridiculous jump into Success Town. And I'm going to be sweaty and gross and loud, but no matter what, I'm still going to be a Pretty-Girl, a CrossFitter, a Yogi, a Performer...all those things will be present, because I plan to bring it all.

12 Days of Christmas Workout at CFMTL

I have to give a shout out to the fact that I will also be surrounded by some AMAZING people, both competing with me, and cheering us on. A huge part of these crazy steps towards awesomeness should be credited to them. And when you can find heart-melting, beautiful, talented, compassionate and supportive people to work with, all of these life changing choices just seem...well, easier. 

AND I'M TOTALLY HERE FOR YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY!!!

So let's do this?! Screw those people who scoff at your resolution, because we're changing for life. And NO, that might not happen in those first two weeks at the gym after NYE...but we're not looking for quick fixes, we're looking long-term results.

What are your goals? Where are your benchmarks? What can you do to push yourself to keep going?

I've got a competition in 19 days....an audition in 21....and a tattoo to work on.

Tell me yours. ;)

Oh, and if you want to know the Garage Games workouts, here you go! (FYI: I'm doing the scaled version...NEXT time you'll get me at RX!)

“STONE FACE”

RX: 5 Minute AMRAP

Ascending push press@115#/75# and kettlebell swings@70#/45#, (1/1, 2/2, 3/3, etc.)

Scaled: 5 Minute AMRAP

Ascending push press@75#/55# and kettlebell swings@55#/35#, (1/1, 2/2, 3/3, etc.)

“DOUBLE'S TO HEAVEN”

RX: 12 minute AMRAP

100 double-unders, 63 hand release push-ups, 36 front squats@95#/65#

50 double-unders, 42 hand release push-ups, 24 front squats@95#/65#

25 double-unders, 21 hand release push-ups, front squat@95#/65# until time expires

Scaled: 12 minute AMRAP

100 double-unders or 200 singles, 63 hand release push-ups, 36 front squats@65#/45#

50 double-unders or 100 singles, 42 hand release push-ups, 24 front squats@65#/45#

25 double-unders or 50 singles, 21 hand release push-ups, front squat@65#/45# until time expires

“PVC MANIA”

RX and Scaled:

5 rounds for time, 12 min cap

5 PVC shoot-thru’s , 10 lateral burpees over PVC, 20 PVC dips

Until next time, Cave-Kids.

Grr...urg...LOVE,

This Primal Yogi

Pre-(NOT!)... POST-Primal Holiday Primer

So remember that time I was going to post a Primal Primer for the Holidays?

WHOOPS.

SORRY! Primal Goober.

Due to the stress, anxiety and worry of this time of year, my Primal Holiday was an epic fail. Like three nights of macaroni-and-cheese epic. Like chocolate-chip-cookies-for-breakfast-because-I-had-no-groceries kind of epic.

The question now is, “Rachel, why are you sharing your misgivings with us? We would have believed you if you said you hunted down a deer yourself and ate bone marrow soup this Christmas.”

Well my Cave-Kids, it’s because I am human…and living the paleo life isn't easy, but HUMANS really can do it. And because making mistakes is SUPER human (not to be confused with “superhuman”…that comes later). After dealing with the “oh crap, Rachel, you know you shouldn't have done that,” I feel it is important that I share with you the effects of eating like a goober over the holidays:

#1. I am equipped with a migraine, now going on its THIRD DAY. (Oh, Carb Flu, we meet again! Get wise on this beast with this article at Mark’s Daily Apple)

#2. I am crazy lethargic and stupid cranky. (Ps. Thanks to all who deal with me on a daily basis for still being my friend.)

#3. Muscle cramps, stomach cramps, neck cramps from holding up my stupid migraine-head, mental fogginess and overall feeling that I've been in a blender.

Back on track: chicken thigh, veggies,
spaghetti squash

It’s only been three months, but my whole existence now knows what it feels like to…well, FEEL GOOD: to feel healthy, efficient, hydrated, nutrient-rich, clean, sexy, and superhuman because of the way that I eat (and exercise…which I have also flaked on over the holidays). Thus in choosing to go back to old, inefficient, detrimental habits, I’m paying for it.

So I know in my heart and in my head, the only option is getting back on track. I’m pretty sure I could fill a swimming pool with the amount of water I’ve had today; I ate an AMAZING paleo-rific lunch and I’ll be off to the WOD tonight with a little extra workshop as I prepare for my competition next month. And you know what? Just making the decision to get back on track actually put a smile on my face. I crafted my usual to-do list for the New Year today, and it was filled with some really awesome, healthy, and courageous plans for my body and my efforts. I'm beyond ready, because HOLY COW, I’m done feeling like crap.

2013 is the year for us all to be SUPERHUMAN. ;)

This Primal Yoga as Ms. Marvel

Until next time, Cave-Kids: It’ll be a New Year, 3 week until my first competition and an audition, and full of endless opportunity. Damn, that’s awesome.

Grr…urg…LOVE,

This Primal Yogi

Get me your "Before & After"

Let me begin by saying, I'm not one to look back.
It's in my Sagittarian nature, as well as my yogi-code, to live "in the moment" and without regret as much as I can. There were times...years even...where I let myself fall into the woe of not-letting-go, and I just didn't jive with it. I'm going to be me, NOW, and live each moment as my lil' heart tells me to live it.

Which is why--when earlier this week Strapping-Young-Trainer-Tommy yelled over, "Rrrrrach! Send me your before & after"--I may have panicked.

"I'm pretty sure I've burned all those old photos..." 
Yes, I'm quick to the joke, but really I had no idea if I even had photos of myself from before. Pictures get taken and I leave them behind. I leave the thought of who I was in the moment...well, IN that moment. And when you get down to the nitty-gritty of it...there are a lot of previous "Me's" that I don't want to see. I know each of them...and there is that teeny, tiny, doubtful voice in the back of my mind that says,

"Don't look back. What if you really haven't come that far?"

"I really don't think I've changed though..."

I can admit now that I greatly appreciated his reaction: a scoff of disbelief and a punch in the arm.  Even Awesome-Idol-Trainer-Dana gave me a squeeze and a "You're so skinny!" But let me tell you, stepping up to the plate of my laptop the next day to sort through photos was a challenge I hadn't expected.  I started out with blinders on, just looking for something from RIGHT before I started at the gym. Photos from February 2012, during the run of RENT I was in. I stared those images down as if I could burn a hole through the screen, Superman-style. I was not a happy girl then. It was a tumultuous time in my life and just about EVERYTHING was in upheaval. I reflected that physically.

And I accept that now...because I've taken control.

SO: I rolled up my sleeves and said, "Rachel...let's do this."

I went  back 6 years.

In 6 years, I have been so many people. So many sizes. So many degrees of happy, sad, tired, alive, loved, left...

But this is the first time in 6 years, I feel completely in control and on the right path--with my body, diet, and all around wellness. And it is because of that, that I'm going to share with you the journey I have been on; photos that I haven't even been willing to look at my self for years!

If I'm going to act like my opinion matters...I should show you why I think it does.

Because I'm happy. Because I HAVE come a long way.

And dammit...because I look good.

Layin' it all out there.

I can only hope that whether it's our bodies, our states-of-mind, our careers, that one day we all can take the time (obviously, coming from a SUPER positive place) and reflect on where we've been...and where we're going.

Until next time, Cave-Kids.

Grr...urg...LOVE,

This Primal Yogi

They Say It's Your Birthday...

This Primal Yogi learned two very important things on her birthday this year:

She can’t party like she used to…

AND

She’s can’t recover like she used to either.

 Now let me begin by saying that I was never the “party animal.” I grew up a bit of a prude, thus I was never that well practiced at going wild. But all in all, I could hold my own. I was also 20 pounds heavier and eating ALL kinds of crap that was surely gumming up my symptom and masking the effects in a haze of discomfort instead of total annihilation. Yet now, after years of cleaning up my eating-act and recently going SUPER PALEO (gluten/dairy/sugar-free!), everything that I put down my gullet affects me IMMEDIATELY. Whether it’s the delicious, healthy and hearty dinner I had of T-Bone steak, roasted asparagus and Brussels sprouts….or the three glasses of champagne that went along with it. Giggles McGee here left this early birthday dinner (FYI: not driving!) completely satiated, but also rosy cheeked and rather chatty. I got home thinking, “HEYO, this is new.”

And I know it’s not just me! I've heard many people do this kind of reflecting; listing the hours of beer pong and throwing back shots they would do in college, and getting queasy at the thought of it now. I can even fondly remember popping out of bed the next morning, bright-eyed and bushy tailed after spending the evening in my friend’s room because I didn't want to (i.e. couldn't and shouldn't ) drive home that night. As if the night before I was actually secretly taking shots of water and mixing my club soda with…well, more club soda.

Before...

When the big birthday came, even with the proper preparation—like a pre-game snack of a mega-smoothie and roasted chicken thigh, and even going a little crazy with ribs and sweet potato fries for dinner—my delicate 27-year-old constitution just didn't want to withstand that evening’s libation corruption.  A few sweet concoctions out with friends from the box, and then an adventure of karaoke and brewskies in the city, and this primal prima donna was DONE. Home and instantly to sleep.

...After.

The next day, I had thoroughly intended to bask in the beautiful weather and maybe get a few things done on the day after my birthday…but my brain had other plans. In fact, Brain said, “GIRL! Cancel all your plans; your punishment is to sit on the couch, unable to find a comfortable position that doesn't also make you want to ralph, and reflect on what you've done!”

Just the thought of watching other people work on their kipping pull up made me sea-sick, and I sadly had to relinquish my spot in the coveted gymnastics class. An entire day lost!

Let me now state that I am in NO WAY saying that I should go back to the S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) lifestyle so I can throw back more brews with my homies. AND this is not to say that Primal/Paleo eaters are more susceptible to hangovers –‘cause that’s just not true either.

Eating crappy and not exercising as much always had me in a bit of a funk, so a hangover was just “one more thing.” I was perfectly trained to cope. Now that I eat well, I realize the pros and the cons of my indulgences. This is more of a light bulb moment, where I understand that I honestly do like how I’m eating now. I really enjoy how I’m feeling recently. Hell, I’m even fond of how I’m looking naked these days! And I know that it’s up to me to keep it that way; I’m no longer in the age-range where health/beauty/recovery come easily, and if fact…(*gulp*) I’m aware that it only gets harder from here to maintain this goodness.

Just for some fun, here are a few stats (From the article by Sharon Basaraba, “How Your Body Changes with Age”) about the womanly figure--just kicking me in the pants to make sure I stay on track:

from skinnyconfidentail.com

1. For women, healthy body fat percentages range from 21-33% (age 20-39 yrs) and between 23-34% (age 40-59 yrs).*These figures, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, are based on U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommendations of a healthy body mass index range between 19-25.
2. In women, a drop in estrogen levels with menopause coincides with a shift of fat from the lower portion of the body (a "pear" shape), toward the midsection (an "apple" shape). This "belly fat" is comprised of both subcutaneous fat under the abdominal skin, as well as fat that accumulates around organs, called visceral adipose tissue, deep within the abdomen.
3. Some researchers estimate a yearly 1% loss of muscle mass, after the age of 30. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, a smaller proportion of muscle on your body has implications for your overall weight and health, as well as a loss of overall strength, and increased disability.
4. Bone mineral density peaks around the age of 30, then may diminish -- especially in women in the first years after menopause -- putting you at risk of bone-thinning diseases like osteopenia, and osteoporosis. 

So instead of wasting a day in my jammers on the couch debating horrible food choices to calm my swirling brain, I should maybe pull back on my evening intake. Still enjoy that glass or two of wine, but skip the “I’ll have what he’s having” approach.

Oh, and don’t worry: I may have learned my lesson, but I still had a swell birthday. J

IN FACT! I took my awesome lil’ mama out to get a tattoo!

Mark Ferris @ Under the Gun Saloon.
Go get a tattoo...NOW!

Until next time, Cave-Kids.

Oh, and just in case we’re all still a little slow to our “getting-too-old-for-this-shit” realizations, here are some Basic Primal Preventative Hangover Measures brought to you by Mark’s Daily Apple.

• Drink until you’re buzzed, then stop. Drink, but avoid drunkenness. Let your glutathione catch up with your acetaldehyde.
• Drink water with your alcohol. Have a glass handy throughout the night. If you order a drink from the bartender, get a water with it and slam it down before your sip your liquor. This should help keep you hydrated. Even better – sprinkle a bit of mineral-rich sea salt in the water to provide electrolytes.
• Eat before you drink. An empty stomach makes for a cheap drunk, yeah, but also a bad morning.
• Eat while you drink. Something fatty, like a rich cheese, is perfect, especially with wine. An old trick in certain Mediterranean countries is to take a big spoonful of olive oil before a night of drinking.
• Drink two large glasses of water immediately before bed. Again, add sea salt for the electrolytes. You can also drink Pedialyte or coconut water for added electrolytes. Even if you've overdone it with the drinks, slamming the fluids before bed can mitigate the worst of what’s to come.

Grr...urg...LOVE,

This Primal Yogi

 

*SOON ON THE BLOG*

A Primal Holiday Primer

Skinny Jeans and Squat Cleans

*We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming for a moment of success*

(A note to the faint of heart: this entry is literally me describing putting on a pair pants.)

So I woke up this morning thinking it was Thursday again.

That just lets you know how the day started. I over slept, and woke up twisted like a pretzel so that my arm felt like tingly-jelly as I brushed my teeth. There was no food for breakfast or for me to throw together a lunch, and I forgot again that the lizard needed crickets.

It was a morning.
And then, as I hunted through my drawers and the clean laundry, I came to the distressing realization that: I had no pants. Seriously, NO PANTS. Every shirt I have ever owned—let alone worn in the past week—was clean and ready to go, but all leg coverings had somehow remained in the laundry bins stowed away in the basement. I scurried around the house in a pants-less frenzy as the cats watched me in their nonchalant manner, surely thinking to themselves, “Rachel, dear: pants are for peasants.”

I knew of only one pair of jeans, stowed away. And I knew they didn’t fit. And I knew that the last time I tried to put them on…I’m pretty sure they laughed at me. The gray-skinny-distressed-jeans looked up at me as I tried to yank one side to the other, willing the zipper skyward…and they laughed at me.

And then maybe I cried.

But in this morning’s mood, I said screw it, this’ll be a great trip down Self-Deprecating Road and I’ll have one more reason to be QUEEN OF THE GRUMPS today. As I slipped the left leg in, I had a flashback to where the jeans started to get too snug last time. I held my breath and couldn’t look down. Somehow, however, the jeans kept sliding. I accepted the fact that I now had to introduce the right leg to said Smug Jeans, and I believe I audibly harrumphed, “yeah…that’s not happening.”

Yet, I pointed my toes and went in. Sheepishly, I pulled those bad boys up to the “danger zone,” also known as my monstrous thighs. (*NOTE: I love my big mamma jamma thighs, because my quads/hammies are the only muscle groups in my body that have always been strong and awesome and ginormous.*) This would usually be the point where I have to do a little dance to shimmy the jeans up an inch at a time until falling over in despair and later crying into some buffalo wings. But with a surprising pull, Not-So-Smug Jeans hiked up over my (not too shabby) caboose.

“Well, I’ll be damned.”

I swear, Siddha, (the most apathetic of the three cats) started a slow clap for me.

I almost didn’t want to take that last step and wrangle the button. At that moment, I knew good and well that once I slid that button in and model-stomped-Tyra-style in front of the mirror, I would have to admit it myself that the hard work is paying off. And once you admit that…you have to keep doing it.

My future of awesomeness was held for just a moment in the button clasp of my jeans.

Did I back down? Did I let the fear of having to be accountable for my results/health/wellness/waistline make me quickly escape those jeans and dig out some dirty guachos?

Do I look like a girl who will waste a nice ass day?!

Look out world, me and these jeans are coming for your squat cleans!

(Okay, really I’ll be in spandex.)

Thank you for getting dressed with me.

*We will now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.*

Grr...urg...LOVE,

This Primal Yogi

*NEXT ON THE BLOG*

They Say It's Your Birthday (for real this time!)