Being Paleo and POOR... (Bonus VLOG!)

...can be the PITS.

Vacation included these awesome ducks.

We just got back from a week-long-penny-pincher vacation where Paleo went OUT THE WINDOW--and adding that adventure to this past month of non-stop performances--it's time to get my butt back on the Paleo Bandwagon...but it turns out that's hard to do when moths are flying out of your wallet.

I can already feel the sluggish, "I just want to nap forever" effects of a week-long carb binge and working out today was challenging, but completely rejuvenating! (See below, *wink wink*) But I know that getting a good sweat-on is only half the work; it's time to refill the cabinets and load up the fridge with those colorful, non-pesticide, organic, from the heavens fruits and veggies and lean, grassfed, free-roaming, super organic, angel kissed meats. YEAH RIGHT!

Ok, no no no...this really is going to happen, but probably not on the first trip. Especially when a credit card bill is due and then rent and electric. So it's about making smart choices, cutting corners where you have to, and making the best possible substitutions you can! These days, Farmer's Markets and CSAs are all the rage and with good competition, many of your local farms are putting together great deals on "grab bags" and discount boxes. If you're heading to the grocery store, try try try to stay in season! This may take some Googling beforehand, but prices will always be better if your produce is coming from around the block, rather than around the world.

Your proteins are a similar story, as it's about striving for quality where you can. I understand more than anyone that feeling when you walk into your Whole Foods/Wegmans/Fancy Grocer, pick up that gloriously perfect package of steaks, then chortle at the astronomical price and move on. It happens, one day though, I WILL BUY THOSE! But when it comes to beef, pork, lamb, chicken, eggs, etc--it is possible to eat well.

In fact, this Whole9Life article does a pretty darn good job laying it down for you. 

Take a peek at what they say about fats too, as it's all good advice. In the end, strive for quality, no matter what tier you happen to be shopping at right now.

See! We can and WILL get back on the Paleo-Track...even on a budget.

Now for something completely different!

I was in the middle of Round 4 of my "Vacation Come-Back" workout when I thought..."Hey, why don't I show the folks that I'm really doing all this nonsense. And you can, too!"

So here it is: This Primal Yogi ~ Vacation Comeback WOD.

And don't worry, in time the quality of these videos will skyrocket! This is the beginning. ;)

5 Rounds - Your Choice of Kettle Bell 

(I'm rocking a 35lb)

10 Kettle Bell Swings

10 Burpees over the Kettle Bell

30sec Over-Head Hold

10 Goblet Squats

20 Sit-Ups

Until next time, Cave-Kids!

Grr...urg...LOVE,

This Primal Yogi

Over Indulgence and I.T. Band Basics

Well culminating with an AWESOME day at Six Flags/Great Adventure with the hubs and some homies, this marks the end of our "excess." There was money spent, dinners out (because there was no food in the house...like that's the answer!), DAIRY, and even a gluten frenzy with a belly full of beer over the past week or two. It's official: our bodies and our wallets are paying for it. Both Jordan and I believe that completely cutting everything out to the EXTREME is just asking for trouble, but it's times like these that I definitely know that the dietary changes I have made in the past year are really for the best. Dairy, gluten, sugars, simple carbohydrates--as awesome as I sometimes think they are in the moment, never fill me, satisfy me or make me happy in the long run.

And it turns out that when shopping correctly (because I know that shopping properly for local veggies, fruits and farm raised meats can seem pricey at first!), keeping all the crap in your daily routine tends to deplete the funds even faster!!

So it's back to working out, cooking at home, brewing our own teas and extract syrups for seltzer, and making sure that our "indulgences" come from the amazing Veggie Boxes we get weekly from Robson's Farm! Check them out!

And here enters "The Challenge!" Tentative title: FREE FUN FRENZY!

Aside from our four days of vacation at the end of the month (where we'll still be pretty darn frugal, I swear!) I'm challenging us to 30 days of seeking out as much FREE FUN AS POSSIBLE! I'm not saying we have to have a schedule jam packed with fabulous freebies, but at least for the next month, I'll be passing along some Primal Passages about ouf Free Finds! (Oooh, I love alliterations.) Check back regularly for our cheapskate choices!

Now on to the yogi-goodness! Regularly I'll be breaking down the awesomeness of particular poses and how they can help with your every day life: whether it's for yogis, CrossFitters, weightlifters, runners, dancers, actors, writers, talkers, sitters, standers, you name it!

As this is the first installment, I want to start with a BANG, attacking a common complaint that I hear in the gym: TIGHT I.T. BANDS! ( <-- Learn what they are!) They are a doozy and can do a number on your form if you aren't regularly tending to their needs. Besides foam rolling, adding the following yoga postures to your routine will have those bands singing in no time!

PRIMAL POSES

Square Pose

SQUARE POSE is from the Yin Yoga practice. Usually you'll hang out here for a bit--start in a comfortable seated position, and slowly (but surely!) start on whichever side you like and place your ankle on top of the opposite knee. Align your shins as parallel as possible. As long as this feels good within the knees, feel free to add gentle pressure using your hands, or turn this into a forward fold. Repeat on the other side.  I'd give it 10 breaths each. 

Pigeon Pose (modification: pillow under hip)

PIGEON POSE  also know as "One Legged King Pigeon pose" or  "Eka Pada Rajakapotasana" (say that 3 times fast!) is one of my all time favorites and one of the first I will suggest to anyone with I.T. Band, psoas, or hip issues.   Begin on all fours then slide your right knee forward to the back of your right wrist; pulling your right knee as close to parallel to the front of the mat as possible. Use your back toes to straighten the extended knee, placing the front of the thigh to the floor. It should extend straight out of the hip (and not be angled off to the left), and rotated slightly inwardly, so its midline presses against the floor and both hips settle heavy and even toward the floor below you. If the spirit moves you, you can turn this into a forward fold and stretch your arms forward. (NOTE: as shown in the photo, this can be modified by putting a bolster or pillow just under the hip of the BENT LEG.) Repeat on the other side, about 10 breaths each.

Triangle...

...to Revolved Triangle!

TRIANGLE POSE  or "Utthita Trikonasana" is going to be a doozy here, as I revolve you later on! Stand tall then step your right foot backwards, toes pointing out toward the long side of the mat. Raise your arms parallel to the floor, surfer-style! Now on a breath out, extend your upper body directly over the the right leg (little teapot-style), bending from the hip, not the waist! Rotate the torso to the left, and bring your right hand down to a block, your shin, ankle, or the floor outside your right footy. Shoot that left arm toward the ceiling, aligning the shoulders. YOU DID IT! (hold for 5 to 10 breaths and you're golden)

NOW....

REVOLVED TRIANGLE POSE or "Parivrtta Trikonasana" is a little more challenging, but I promise you--your legs will know its greatness soon enough! From TRIANGLE POSE, draw your extended arm back down to the floor and square your hips over the forward leg. This time you will plant that left hand down to a block, your shin, ankle or the floor. Then slowly but surely, as you twist and rotate to the right, you will peel that right hand up to ceiling and and stack your shoulders once again. Hello I.T. Bands!! I'd give this about 5-10 as well; repeat both poses on the other side.

Eye of the Needle

EYE OF THE NEEDLE or "Sucirandhrasana" is another yogi-trade-secret and the last pose for today that will work wonders on your legs! Lie on your back with your knees bent and the soles of your feet on the floor. Hug your left knee into your chest. Cross the left ankle over right knee. That's step one! Let the left knee relax away from your torso. Bring both your hands to your right hamstring, lifting your right foot off the floor and threading your left hand through your legs to do so. Using your hands, draw your right thigh toward your chest. Try to keep both feet flexed and chill out here for about 10 breaths. Repeat on the other side.

YOU'VE DONE IT!

Now get those I.T. bands loose, your hips open, and your body ready now for whatever you throw at it!

Until next time, Cave-Kids!

Grr...urg...LOVE,

This Primal Yogi

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 

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

Thanksgiving Dinner: Who Invited the Paleo Chick?

You know what's the BEST time to start a new bad-ass-eating-life-journey?  The Holidays.

*Cricket noises*

Now by “best,” I mean, “What is wrong with me?”

Not to worry my dear sweet Cave-Kids, I wouldn’t be reporting to you on the subject if I didn’t think it possible. In fact, I am here to say, “YES WE CAN!” And in fact, I did. Operation: Paleo Option Thanksgiving was a rousing success by all of those who participated. So what if I was the only one who did...

I attended Thanksgiving dinner at the in-laws and left it in the hands of the Fates that I would be able to fashion my own diet-appropriate meal as my loved ones dined on scalloped potatoes, corn bread stuffing, biscuits and (my old-favorite) green bean casserole. You know the kind I’m talking about…that gloppy goodness that involved a can of mushroom soup and fried onions on top? Sigh. I was determined that I could eat and be happy without having to make the family-chefs go out of their way to prepare Paleo-foods for me.

The Hubs couldn’t be stopped from bringing along a crock-pot full of homemade stuffing, but we were also sure to come armed with my favorite: Brussels sprouts roasted with bacon. Thus--no matter what--I was safe.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with Bacon

1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, quartered

4-6 strips bacon, thick cut

Salt & Pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Quickly blanch your sprouts to brighten their color and boost the flavor-soaking powers.

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove bacon from pan and set aside, retaining bacon fat from cooking.  In a bowl, toss quartered Brussels sprouts with remaining bacon fat (nom, nom, nom). We collect our rendered baking fat, or lard, so if you do the same you can add more as needed, or drop a slab of butter in the pan after snatching out the bacon. Chop bacon and add to mixture. On a foil lined baking sheet, scatter Brussels sprouts and bacon. Pop those bad boys in the oven for about 30 minutes. Magnifique!

Thankfully once we arrived, I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the scent of Paleo-friendly options! My meal consisted of smoked turkey, sprouts (of course), roasted broccoli and red peppers, a homemade cranberry-apple sauce and a nice selection off of the Hors d'Oeuvres tray.

LEMON BARS!

So aside from the three glasses of champagne (whoops!), my Thanksgiving fell well within my needs. My sweet darling mother even brought along a dessert just for me: a BANG-A-RANG Lemon Bar recipe from Civilized Cavemen Cooking. It was just scrum-dilli-umptious and refreshing, with an almond macadamia nut crust. I’m happy to say, the left overs came home with us.

Finally, I don’t want you to be glum that you have to “miss out” on the Turkey-Leftover-Sandwiches because where there’s a will, there’s a way to use those day-after goodies. Shred the turkey for taco salad, meatloaf or PALEO-casserole. Breakfast is where you’ll find I use EVERYTHING we brought home. Not even the antipasto will go to waste!

Antipasto Leftovers + 3 Eggs = 

BOOM: SCRAMBLE!

We can do it, Cave-kids. I promise. Stick with me.

 December, here we come!

Grr…urg…LOVE,

This Primal Yogi

*NEXT ON THE BLOG*

A Yogi in the Box