So it been a week since I last wrote and I wanted to give an update on my 30-day challenges.
I am sad to report that I have been forced to end my 30-day yoga challenge due to the flu. I am not amused.
Here I am in the home stretch and BAM! The damn flu bug got me. I have been taken my Master Tonic everyday. I failed to take it one day and the next day I got sick. Makes me feel like something was trying to get me all along. Which is scary in and of itself.
I do not to take flu shots as I never had the flu. And call me paranoid, but I am a little leery about what is in these flu shots. Knowing the history of government "health" experiments, especially on people of color (see here, here, and here), I try not to take unnecessary inoculations or unnecessary medical interventions. None the less, here I am. Sick for three days and a failure.
Yes, a failure.
Now, I don't see a failure as a bad thing per se. A failure (n) is one who has not completed a stated goal or task. It is what it is. In our culture we all want to be winners and sometimes that isn't the case. Just as the sun doesn't shine everyday, we will not achieve all the goals we set for ourselves. This can be due to our actions, inaction or no fault of our own, as in my case.
That being said I learned the following:
1-Doing hot yoga everyday can be very challenging mentally, physically and spiritually. It can also be addictive. Many a day I found myself fiending like a junkie to get to class. Some days I wanted to do two classes but I knew that would be too much on my system.
2-In order for me to take on something like this, I have to have an external goal. I have a decent amount of self-motivation but this challenge made me realize I stick to a goal better if I am not the one who sets it. This isn't a good thing as I don't want to be a puppet.
3-Hot yoga is an awesome way to smooth cellulite. I assume all of the sweating and Utkatasana, Virabhadrasana I,II, and III and Bikram's Trikonasana helped. I am not cellulite free but I do notice a difference in the texture of my skin.
4-I am capable of so much more than I give myself credit for. Actually, we all are. Yoga allowed me to realize that I am limited by my mind and then pushed me beyond that. As a spiritual eclectic, yoga helped me become more in tune with the divinity within. Very much like prayer and meditation. Of course, working out in a 105 degree room will have you searching for The Higher Power.
Although I did not complete the 30-day challenge, I am pleased that I made the attempt. A good number of my yoga pals failed to complete the challenge as well and we are planning to try again, on our own, in February. As soon as I am better, I will be back on it. Who knows what other insights may be revealed.
Love, BSW
PS-The vegan challenge is still on! Having the flu lends itself very well to vegan food. There is no way I could eat dairy or eggs right now. Garlic, onions and ginger have become my healing trifecta. My vegan challenge ends on Saturday. I will give my take on that once it has ended.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
On reaching milestones Day 14-18
I reached my 1/2 way mark for my challenges! This is a big milestone for me because this is the longest I have consistently done yoga and eaten vegan in my life. I am so proud of myself for maintaining this long. I honestly thought I would have fallen off the wagon already but here I am. Don't worry, I have already patted myself on the back but you can pat me too if you feel so inclined.
I have been busy the last couple of days with spider bites (yikes!), dates with Honey Bear and general foolishness. This week doesn't look any different but I need to make time to veg out (all pun intended). I realize that I have to schedule periods of rest otherwise I will keep going. I don't like how I have to plan everything around my yoga challenge and I do miss other things because I can't always get my ass up to go to yoga at 7 am. Alas, this is important to me so I do what I gotta do. But I can't wait until February 3rd because I will need to take a break for a few days, mainly to go see my acupuncturist. This damn right hamstring is fighting me tooth and nail. However, I will continue to send it loving energy via muscle balms and needles.
Thank you beautiful legs that allow me to take long strides and get me where I need to go. I will affirm you everyday.
Give thanks....
Thursday, January 17, 2013
The Challenge Day 9-13
So I am behind with this post. I didn't realize 5 days passed without me posting. I got to stay on the ball.
The yoga challenge has sort of ended but the challenge is still on. When I signed up for the 30 day challenge at my studio, my goal was to make it a strictly yoga centered challenge even though my studio only required to you take at least one class per day regardless of the type of class. Because of the number of people that signed up for this year's challenge (~70+), there were some changes made to the schedule. I didn't realize this until I showed up for a 90-minute Hot Yoga class and found it was switched to Hot Pilates! 90 minutes of Pilates should count as 2 classes, real talk. My core discussed this with me the rest of the night and part of the next day. Thus, I am still in the 30 day challenge but my personal goal of 30 days of Hot yoga ended.
Moral of the story, always check the schedule.
The vegan challenge is still going strong though I am getting tired of always checking labels for hidden dairy or egg products. I am continually amazed at the number of food that have hidden dairy products, even so-called "vegetarian" products. This process has forced me not to take food for granted. Of course, if I were a whole-foods vegan I wouldn't have to this about this anyway. But I need my mock meat.
Until next time.
The yoga challenge has sort of ended but the challenge is still on. When I signed up for the 30 day challenge at my studio, my goal was to make it a strictly yoga centered challenge even though my studio only required to you take at least one class per day regardless of the type of class. Because of the number of people that signed up for this year's challenge (~70+), there were some changes made to the schedule. I didn't realize this until I showed up for a 90-minute Hot Yoga class and found it was switched to Hot Pilates! 90 minutes of Pilates should count as 2 classes, real talk. My core discussed this with me the rest of the night and part of the next day. Thus, I am still in the 30 day challenge but my personal goal of 30 days of Hot yoga ended.
Moral of the story, always check the schedule.
The vegan challenge is still going strong though I am getting tired of always checking labels for hidden dairy or egg products. I am continually amazed at the number of food that have hidden dairy products, even so-called "vegetarian" products. This process has forced me not to take food for granted. Of course, if I were a whole-foods vegan I wouldn't have to this about this anyway. But I need my mock meat.
Until next time.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Random Thoughts Day 6-8
Hellllloooo everybody...
Just wanted to give a quick update on my progress with this yoga and vegan challenge. Everything is going well and I am still glad I decided to take this on. I have noticed a small amount of weight loss (those two pounds I gained over the holidays) and my thighs are looking a little weird to me. I have some cellulite on my inner thighs that looks shifty to me so I assume all those Warrior I, II and IIIs are working. My thighs are the most challenging for me to embrace though I am grateful to have use of them. But I it makes me feel good that they seem to be changing.
Speaking of thighs, I told my main instructor how I have to rub my thighs down with some type of muscle rub after his class. He told me he sometimes has to do the same after teaching his class.
WTF?
As far as food is concerned, I have been on a Mexican kick as of late. I love Mexican food! Like really love it. So, I have been trying my hand at eating Mexican food with no dairy and that isn't cooked with animal ingredients. I have a few places in Brooklyn that will do it on request but I got to pay extra. I'm just trying to eat! And I don't like to pay extra.
Since I am trying to save money by cooking more, I have been making my own version of Mexican food. Mostly burritos and Aztec soup. Tasty but I have to be mindful of the avocado. I find that I add a lot more then I probably need due to the lack of cheese and sour cream in the food. I could use vegan sour cream and vegan cheese but I am going to hold off as I am not too familiar with these products, at least the sour cream anyway. There is a new brand of vegan cheese by Daiya that is actually pretty good. And it melts! But it cost too much for the amount you get. I need to come up on a coupon or a sale. I'll keep you posted.
Random thought-
Coming home on the bus tonight this man jumps up says he sees a bedbug on the bus. So everyone gets up and looks. Sure enough, it's a bedbug. And where there is one, there are many. No one sat down after that, including me. Just saying.
Now, bedbugs have been around forever. NYC had a major outbreak of bedbugs about two years ago. I mean people were finding bedbugs in the panties at Victoria's Secret. So this is nothing new. But the main critters you would see on the bus were roaches. Roaches were king of the critter world until bedbugs made a comeback. Which made me think:
Are bedbugs the gentrifiers of the insect world, moving the roaches to second-class status in there own home?
Just wanted to give a quick update on my progress with this yoga and vegan challenge. Everything is going well and I am still glad I decided to take this on. I have noticed a small amount of weight loss (those two pounds I gained over the holidays) and my thighs are looking a little weird to me. I have some cellulite on my inner thighs that looks shifty to me so I assume all those Warrior I, II and IIIs are working. My thighs are the most challenging for me to embrace though I am grateful to have use of them. But I it makes me feel good that they seem to be changing.
Speaking of thighs, I told my main instructor how I have to rub my thighs down with some type of muscle rub after his class. He told me he sometimes has to do the same after teaching his class.
WTF?
As far as food is concerned, I have been on a Mexican kick as of late. I love Mexican food! Like really love it. So, I have been trying my hand at eating Mexican food with no dairy and that isn't cooked with animal ingredients. I have a few places in Brooklyn that will do it on request but I got to pay extra. I'm just trying to eat! And I don't like to pay extra.
Since I am trying to save money by cooking more, I have been making my own version of Mexican food. Mostly burritos and Aztec soup. Tasty but I have to be mindful of the avocado. I find that I add a lot more then I probably need due to the lack of cheese and sour cream in the food. I could use vegan sour cream and vegan cheese but I am going to hold off as I am not too familiar with these products, at least the sour cream anyway. There is a new brand of vegan cheese by Daiya that is actually pretty good. And it melts! But it cost too much for the amount you get. I need to come up on a coupon or a sale. I'll keep you posted.
Random thought-
Coming home on the bus tonight this man jumps up says he sees a bedbug on the bus. So everyone gets up and looks. Sure enough, it's a bedbug. And where there is one, there are many. No one sat down after that, including me. Just saying.
Now, bedbugs have been around forever. NYC had a major outbreak of bedbugs about two years ago. I mean people were finding bedbugs in the panties at Victoria's Secret. So this is nothing new. But the main critters you would see on the bus were roaches. Roaches were king of the critter world until bedbugs made a comeback. Which made me think:
Are bedbugs the gentrifiers of the insect world, moving the roaches to second-class status in there own home?
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Going through the (e)motions-Day 3-5
This yoga challenge has me going through the ringer and it's only day 5. Physically, I feel great even though I am now using muscle rub on my hamstrings, calves and shoulders. Worry not because I have about 7 different creams, oils and balms for sore muscles. I collect them like some folks collect stamps. Hit me up if you want recommendations. I will treat myself to a soak in a tub of Epsom Salt and eucalyptus oil this weekend.
Mentally, I am feeling relieved and angry. I am feeling relieved for allowing myself to let things go and put it "all on the mat". At the same time, I am angry with myself for having things to let go in the first place. I know yoga is not a panacea but really? Shit has been coming up that I haven't thought about in years. Buried resentments, past wrongs done to me and by me have been creeping into my thoughts. I don't know what to make of it. I am just riding the wave knowing this too shall pass. Of course I want it to be over sooner than later but I need not rush the process as it has much to teach me, especially about my life and the choices I have made.
Yeah...
Soo, the vegan diet challenge is still going strong. I have started reading and subscribing to more vegan blogs/facebook pages to stay motivated and steal recipes. I haven't made anything that is outside my comfort zone yet and am a little bummed about that. I really want to go all in with this to truly explore all vegan cooking has to offer. Thus, my goal is to tackle vegan baking before my 30-day challenge is up. I adore Babycakes and if I can get my stuff to taste half as good, I might open up shop. Now if I could just find a vegan bread that isn't hard as stone and dry as my feet in the winter.
Something I noticed that is still an issue is the definition of vegan. Is it just a food choice or do you have to totally reject all animal based products? I am in the middle. I don't use products made from animals that are killed solely for their fur or skin. Thus I wear leather because I know the cow will be eaten but I won't wear mink. I use this hierarchy to justify my continued use of products I enjoy. Is it right? I don't know. However, I view veganism as a choice. And since it is a choice, I feel I should be able to choose how I view veganism. Hell, Eskimos and many nomadic people have to rely on animals for survival. I am sure PETA isn't throwing blood on Eskimos in the Arctic.
Mentally, I am feeling relieved and angry. I am feeling relieved for allowing myself to let things go and put it "all on the mat". At the same time, I am angry with myself for having things to let go in the first place. I know yoga is not a panacea but really? Shit has been coming up that I haven't thought about in years. Buried resentments, past wrongs done to me and by me have been creeping into my thoughts. I don't know what to make of it. I am just riding the wave knowing this too shall pass. Of course I want it to be over sooner than later but I need not rush the process as it has much to teach me, especially about my life and the choices I have made.
Yeah...
Soo, the vegan diet challenge is still going strong. I have started reading and subscribing to more vegan blogs/facebook pages to stay motivated and steal recipes. I haven't made anything that is outside my comfort zone yet and am a little bummed about that. I really want to go all in with this to truly explore all vegan cooking has to offer. Thus, my goal is to tackle vegan baking before my 30-day challenge is up. I adore Babycakes and if I can get my stuff to taste half as good, I might open up shop. Now if I could just find a vegan bread that isn't hard as stone and dry as my feet in the winter.
Something I noticed that is still an issue is the definition of vegan. Is it just a food choice or do you have to totally reject all animal based products? I am in the middle. I don't use products made from animals that are killed solely for their fur or skin. Thus I wear leather because I know the cow will be eaten but I won't wear mink. I use this hierarchy to justify my continued use of products I enjoy. Is it right? I don't know. However, I view veganism as a choice. And since it is a choice, I feel I should be able to choose how I view veganism. Hell, Eskimos and many nomadic people have to rely on animals for survival. I am sure PETA isn't throwing blood on Eskimos in the Arctic.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
"Are you there God? It's me, Kisha." - Day 2
The title of this post is the first thing that came to mind after tonight's yoga class.
Class was crowded. Like "I don't know your name but I know your ass and feet" crowded. It was insane but it worked. Somehow or another it worked. And when you have that many people in a room doing yoga in a room that is about 100 degrees, your energy can get sapped real quick. Combine this with cranky muscles and you have a recipe for growth.
I was able to do about 85% of the class but I had to take breaks. And that is okay. Yoga is a practice. The more I take classes the more I am okay with not hitting every pose or making it through class without stopping. It helps me realize that I am okay everyday, even if it doesn't look like yesterday. Lesson learned.
In other news, I went to Target after class tonight to see what workout swag I could score. While there, I was approached by two women who wanted to recruit me for their church. The card I was given had the address in my old neighborhood in Manhattan. When I mentioned this, they proceeded to tell me that they are no longer at that location. They now have a bible study that meets in the Pizza Hut dining area at Target. On Thursdays at 7:30p.
Yeah, okay...
While they seemed to be nice women (one had really great teeth), I told them that I am not a Christian per se. I dig Jesus because Jesus was a radical and I appreciate radicals. However, I see Jesus as a prophet just as I see Mohammad, Buddha, Krishna, the deities of Ife, etc. All religions/spiritual beliefs point to the truth, the Source of all life, the Higher Power, the Creator. It is up to us to decide what path to the truth we take.
"You encourage you to keep an open mind."
"My mind is already opened. How do you think arrived at my current beliefs"
"Maybe we should meet for coffee or tea and discuss life."
"Hmmm...no. But I do thank you for stopping by and speaking with me. It takes a lot of courage to approach people in public, especially as they are shopping for sports bras in the clearance rack."
Maybe this was the answer to my question.
Class was crowded. Like "I don't know your name but I know your ass and feet" crowded. It was insane but it worked. Somehow or another it worked. And when you have that many people in a room doing yoga in a room that is about 100 degrees, your energy can get sapped real quick. Combine this with cranky muscles and you have a recipe for growth.
I was able to do about 85% of the class but I had to take breaks. And that is okay. Yoga is a practice. The more I take classes the more I am okay with not hitting every pose or making it through class without stopping. It helps me realize that I am okay everyday, even if it doesn't look like yesterday. Lesson learned.
In other news, I went to Target after class tonight to see what workout swag I could score. While there, I was approached by two women who wanted to recruit me for their church. The card I was given had the address in my old neighborhood in Manhattan. When I mentioned this, they proceeded to tell me that they are no longer at that location. They now have a bible study that meets in the Pizza Hut dining area at Target. On Thursdays at 7:30p.
Yeah, okay...
While they seemed to be nice women (one had really great teeth), I told them that I am not a Christian per se. I dig Jesus because Jesus was a radical and I appreciate radicals. However, I see Jesus as a prophet just as I see Mohammad, Buddha, Krishna, the deities of Ife, etc. All religions/spiritual beliefs point to the truth, the Source of all life, the Higher Power, the Creator. It is up to us to decide what path to the truth we take.
"You encourage you to keep an open mind."
"My mind is already opened. How do you think arrived at my current beliefs"
"Maybe we should meet for coffee or tea and discuss life."
"Hmmm...no. But I do thank you for stopping by and speaking with me. It takes a lot of courage to approach people in public, especially as they are shopping for sports bras in the clearance rack."
Maybe this was the answer to my question.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Everything ain't for everybody
As I stated previously, I am going vegan for the next 30 days starting today. That means no Chobani yogurt for the next month.
Why am I doing this again?
While on my shopping trip, I stumbled upon So Delicious' Greek Style Coconut Yogurt. I LOVE Greek yogurt and I like So Delicious' non-Greek coconut yogurt. Greek style and vegan? Sounds like a win for me.
Verdict: I lost.
I really hate to say that because I do like the regular coconut yogurt but this is ain't it. The container says fiber rich and it tasted just like that. Like coconut flavored bark. I bought the blueberry flavor and I hardly tasted the blueberry. I think more blueberry flavor might mask the "earthiness" of the yogurt. As it stands now, I won't buy this again. Thank goodness I only bought one.
On a good note, the yogurt provided 32% of my dietary fiber. Go colon!
Why am I doing this again?
While on my shopping trip, I stumbled upon So Delicious' Greek Style Coconut Yogurt. I LOVE Greek yogurt and I like So Delicious' non-Greek coconut yogurt. Greek style and vegan? Sounds like a win for me.
Verdict: I lost.
I really hate to say that because I do like the regular coconut yogurt but this is ain't it. The container says fiber rich and it tasted just like that. Like coconut flavored bark. I bought the blueberry flavor and I hardly tasted the blueberry. I think more blueberry flavor might mask the "earthiness" of the yogurt. As it stands now, I won't buy this again. Thank goodness I only bought one.
On a good note, the yogurt provided 32% of my dietary fiber. Go colon!
New Year, New Challenges-Day 1
The solar New Year always means three thing: great deals on fitness memberships, overcrowded classes and workout gear for the cheap. Thinking of myself as a fitness nut (though I don't have the body of one), I will be taking advantage of the workout gear especially since I signed up for a 30-day challenge at my yoga studio, Sacred. I didn't do the challenge last year because the idea of doing yoga everyday for 30 days scared me. Interesting how sacred and scared are anagrams. I'm sure there is some esoteric explanation behind this. http://twitter.com/Friendmagazine/status/818923074
I started yoga class again today after taking a two-week break in Atlanta. I didn't work out as much as I should have but I did hit the gym about 3-4 times while I was there. No enough though because I gained 2 pounds. Mom says I need a good couple of shits and I will be alright.
I love that lady.
Anyway, in yoga class I noticed a couple of things:
1-it felt so good to be back,
2-my balance has dropped to a new low,
3-my right hammy and left calf muscle were not amused by the stretch and let me know it, and
4-Hot yoga + booty shorts=keep the hedges trimmed!
Moving on...
In addition to the 30-day yoga challenge, I am also doing a 30-day vegan challenge. I was vegetarian for a number of years before I started eating fish again about three years ago. But my spirit is telling me to drop the fish and (gasp!!) calamari. Recent articles about the decimation of our oceans, increased mecury and mislabeled and fraudulent food is making the decision easier. Now, no eggs or dairy will be harder because I LOVE greek yogurt! And cheese grits! And scrambled eggs..
Hmmm...did I make the right decision?
I know healthwise, vegan is probably the best way to go.* And scrambled tofu, soy yogurt and Daiya cheese are great substitutes as I have eaten them all. And I know how to cook. I got vegan friends I can call upon.
So why am I so concerned about this? It's only 30-days, right?
Time to go shopping.
*I don't want to hear about paleo diets, meat=bigger brains, real women eat steaks! or your 2,000 year old granny who ate steak and eggs every day. You do your thing, I will do mine.
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