Monday, February 21, 2011

Going Raw

So, I have completed ALL 30 days of the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred series- 10 days doing level 1, 10 days doing level 2, and 10 days doing level 3. I am definitely happy to say that I feel my endurance has really improved. Though subtle, I also notice changes in the muscle tone in my legs, arms, and abs. I am disappointed to say that I did not lose any weight at all, in fact I gained a pound! I tend to have high hopes with things like this, but Ethan helped to remind me that I most likely have gained muscle, which will add to my overall body weight. I'm not unhappy with my results, however it is now time to kick things up a notch.

To give myself a short break, I'm going to take 5 days off from working out, but during that time I'm going to eat completely raw. Rather surprisingly, Ethan has agreed to do it with me. I've done raw diets before and I must say that I really love how I feel when I eat that way. I have certainly struggled with self-discipline in the past but feel I have really gained resolve over these last 30 days. This will be a trade-off for me. 30 days straight working out, eating how I wish (within reason, of course), 5 days break from working out but feeding my body only whole, raw foods during that time. Here's my loot from the grocery store today.

Mango, papaya, kiwis, limes, organic Fuji apples, and golden delicious apples.

Blueberries and strawberries.

Crisp red grapes.

Organic carrots, purple cabbage, and red & green bell peppers.

Fresh basil (the best smell in the whole world, by the way!)
This is my first time storing it this way- I read tips on keeping it fresh the longest and found out storing it cut stems down in shallow water at room temperature with a loose baggie over the leaves will keep the moisture in and keep it from wilting. So far, so good. 

And lastly, an assortment of dried goodies: pitted dates, sun dried tomatoes, dried apricots, and mixed jumbo raisins.

This food all looks so appealing to me right now so I feel like it's what my body needs more of, along with lots of fresh lettuce, avocado, bananas, raw almonds, almond milk, and tons of water. Will report back. <3

Sunday, February 13, 2011

30 Day Shred continued...

So I am now on day 22 of the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD and especially now that I'm on level 3, it's definitely tough! I've decided to wait until I am finished to weigh in but I am definitely starting to notice some subtle changes in how I'm looking. My endurance is also getting better. Will report in after I complete all 30 days with the end results.