Full Moon Yoga - A Lesson in Letting Go.

Yesterday, I went to a Full Moon Yoga session, put on by my gym, in the Hope Gardens Zoo. Mark you, I thought it a strange place to want to find peace and serenity given the animals and birds likely to be roaring, yapping or chirping, but, what do I have to lose right? So, despite the fact that it had just stopped raining and me being stuffy and sneezy from the sinus flare up I was having, I went anyway with my yoga mat in hand. 

Upon my arrival the first thing I got hit with, was the brightness and closeness of the full moon. It was such a thing of beauty that I immediately forgot caring about having to place my mat on the wet concrete or the chilly breeze likely to make me uncomfortable or the animal sounds I expected to hear, which, I now recall not hearing at all. Those there may say it was because of the magic of the full moon, but upon sitting on my mat and witnessing God's magnificence I simply gave myself over to whatever I was to experience for the next hour. 

It is usually a struggle for me to remain completely present in a regular indoor yoga class; my thoughts seem to develop a case of wanderlust and are everywhere else except right there. But for the very first time, right there on my mat in the middle of the zoo, I was completely aware of every pose and how my body felt in them. At no time, except if I felt terrible pain in my knee, did my focus waiver from simply being in the moment. Blame it on the calming effect of the eucalyptus oil the instructor had me rub between my hands or simply being outdoors staring up at the starry night sky or even on the full moon. But it wasn't until the last namaste and the brush of the cool night air on my skin as I opened my eyes did I realize why - I completely Let Go. 

Now those two words seem easy enough to do right? Wrong! Believe me, I've tried many times and failed miserably, not just in yoga, but in life in general. But yesterday I noted the following things that occurred and why I recognized it as a full release.

1. For one, I was present, not just physically, but mentally, spiritually and emotionally. I committed all parts of myself to simply being there! And looking back, Wow, what a feeling that was!
2. I remained open minded and dare I say open hearted. I simply listened and accepted the instructors guidance, no questions asked or second guessing. Another ah-ha moment.
3. And finally, I accepted things as they were moment by moment. Taking one pose at a time, one breath at a time, one second at a time. Talk about heady stuff!

If I can take this experience with me to an indoor yoga class, then I'm pretty sure I will be doing more than once per week, not because I need a good stretch and relax session, but because it will reinforce the practice of Letting Go. Have you had your Letting Go moment? How did you feel and what was your defining revelation? Please, do share I would love to hear.

Namaste 

30 Day 'Fit Foam & Flex' Challenge

Dr. M: "Shanique, you need to really to rest that knee for a long while...or surgery is up next"

Me: "Define what you mean by 'rest' exactly".

Dr. M: "Any physical activity that stresses the knee...cease them"

Me: <kiss teeth> "You must be mad! I may as well, chop off my legs then cause you basically just told me not to sit down or get up!" 

This is part of a conversation between myself and my physiotherapist this week regarding the severe knee pain that has returned after a couple weeks of treatment and backing off of my typical intense leg training and exercise. Of course, while he is suggesting, I am in my head listing out all the ways I can in fact exercise and train without causing unnecessary knee pain. After all, how can I not exercise, and be a fitness trainer...that's ludicrous right? The nerve!

Well, after much thought, revision of a few textbooks, consult with my ortho and a nifty Google search, we came up with two ways I could get in as much cardiovascular exercise without the pain. Yes, you read correctly JUST two; swimming and boxing, or rather time behind a punching bag. But who really wants only two options right? What happens when you can't get to either? Who says I even like to swim let alone want to punch a bag? 

But upon exiting my car later that day, my knee painfully reminded me of the situation I was in. And like it or not, if those were my only options, I just had to suck it up and work with it. So instead of focusing on the limitation, I decided to turn my attention to what I actually could do in addition to those activities, that would help my poor knee pain me less or get better. From this was born the idea for a 30 Day Fit, Foam & Flex Challenge. We know that having a goal or few is a great way to keep us focused and determined!

So for 30 days, starting March 1, I am committing to maintaining my fitness, foam rolling the legs and staying disciplined to stretching exercises everyday.

For anyone wanting to join in, the aims of the challenge are to:

1. Find a new or different way to maintain and enjoy cardiovascular fitness without impacting the knees. Increase intensity based on goals (e.g high intensity or steady state/low intensity)
2. Make self-myofascial release, aka foam rolling, a daily activity to relieve muscle tightness and trigger points or knots, which are big contributors to my knee pain.
3. Dedicate consistent effort and discipline everyday to flexibility training, otherwise known as 'stretching'.

I am hoping that by doing this challenge with me, we hold each other accountable, motivate and encourage each other to stay the course even when it gets difficult or life gets in the way. And rest assured...it will! My new friend and client Amina, in her efforts to improve her fitness, has committed to join in this 30 day challenge. I am excited for her and for us, and I can't wait to see how we do and what we learn in the process. Are you in? Lets do this!

If I Knew In My 20's What I Know Now

You remember as a kid growing up, you would look at adults and think how cool it was to be them - all grown up? You couldn't wait to be one. Well now that I have grown up, I wish I could go back to those days when being a kid was my only concern. Now as a grown up, things like bending over to touch one's toes or going for a run require some serious thought, because now, I have pains and aches and tight muscles and restricted joints and a whole host of issues that prevent me from being that kid. If only I knew…right?

Mark you, years of playing competitive high impact sports in my twenties haven't helped matters much, not because of what I did, but rather what I didn't do. As a twenty year old, I didn't really care much about anything but being competitive and on top of my game. I figured that once I could move quickly, run fast, jump explosively and tackle hard then I had everything going for me. I took my mobility for granted and cared less about injury prevention and maintenance save to say that I didn't strain, break or tear anything that would keep me out of playing. If or when the occasional injury did occur, it only required the appropriate rest period or treatment (RICE), and once I could move without pain, or in some cases, tolerable pain, I was god to go. At no point did I give a thought to changes that may have occurred to bone, muscles and tissue nor to any dysfunction that would develop as a result. If only I knew…right?

Fast forward to today, I am in my 30's and I have evolved into more recreational fitness rather than competitive sports. And while I no longer go at it with the reckless abandon of my 20's, I continue to push myself trying to get out of comfort zones just to see how far I can go. Well, let me tell you: that vision I had in my head of me being the epitome of fitness by now, in no way coincides with the reality of where I really am. I now have to contend with pain in the knees every time I attempt to squat with any real weight or when I try to run for anything longer than 10 minutes. Little did I know that my disregard for any long-term impact of a hairline right ankle fracture, sustained in 2001 which hadn't healed properly, would now be manifesting itself. The injury left me with a blocked right ankle joint, which meant that unlike my left foot, I could not lift my toes from the floor without lifting my heel as well. And rather than let it stop me from pursuing my fitness activities then, I simply found ways to work around it. A situation that has brought me to this painful state today. (See diagram below). 

Things Your Kids Could Teach You About Being Fit

Excerpt from an article I contributed on Caribbean Accents

Being asked, “How FIT are you?” is one of those questions that can elicit such fear and anxiety in many, you may as well have asked, “What colour is your pee?” Well, that is more likely to get you a tump* in the face than anything else, but it illustrates the point that it’s an intrusive question. And depending on the questioner’s understanding of what being ‘fit’ means, the answers will vary from, “Well, I’m not as fit as [fill in appropriate star athlete's name here]” to, “I’m fit enough; why do you ask?”

Answers such as these further highlight the fact that people will define their “fitness levels” either according to some comparable basis, usually of themselves against someone else, or based on a mainstream definition that puts people on a spectrum of some sort. It is very rare that people will compare themselves to … well, themselves: their past versus their present selves.

And therein lies the crux of the matter...

To see finished article, read here. 

Getting Bikini Fit & Fabulous

Eleven weeks. That is how long we have before the first day of the Summer Solstice, on June 21st, also the longest day of the year and from whence forth we experience shorter days and longer nights. It is around that time when schools are on break, summer beach parties are plenty, temperatures are high and wearing as little clothes as possible is warranted, if not expected, so long as its done all in good taste. And every girl wants to be ready to do just that, whether to simply flaunt all they've worked for or simply feel and look good in that bikini no mater where they go right? I know I do.

For some though, being bikini ready is just a matter of having flat and firm abs. In reality though its not so easy and a true bikini ready body will have a balanced look of firm abs, toned and trim arms, tight butt and sleek legs. No, we're not talking about the stuff of the air brushed or photo shopped variety, instead the kind that can be achieved with a little planning, consistency and commitment to work both in and outside the gym.

To find out how see full article here

I Love My Fear

For those who've been following, you know this week Crossfit Games Open workout 13.3 is up for domination. Well...after its announcement on Wednesday, I am 100% certain that domination will take place. Question is, will it be it over me or vice versa? 

I follow Crossfit 7Mile, a Crossfit affiliate out of Grand Cayman, on Facebook and they asked on Tuesday on their page, what we thought 13.3 was going to be. I posted "1 or a combination of wall balls, double unders and muscle ups". Little did I know that that's exactly what would be announced as the third workout, on Wednesday night. Interestingly enough, I had jokingly posted that not because I was saying "bring it on", rather I put in full view the combination of exercises I feared. To make that fear even worse the workout calls for as many rounds as possible of 150 wall balls, 90 double unders and 30 muscle ups in 12 minutes (see demo here). Like seriously?? How do they come up with this stuff?!! Its like somebody just sits down and says ok how can we f#$% people up with this workout today! Incidentally, this is a repeat of last year's 4th workout (12.4).

Anyway, once I saw that workout the fear got worse. In addition, not being able to find a 14lb medicine ball, a pair of gymnastic rings or a space high enough to either hang any makeshift rings or set a 9 foot target (for wall balls), made me a little sad(ish) and even think "I may not submit video for this week's workout". That I actually harboured thoughts of forfeiting the workout without giving it a try all because I didn't have the standard equipment was shocking. But then today it served to just piss me off! That is so not who I am. I'm more of a 'do your best to leave no stone unturned' kind of person and was grateful for the reminder of this by my Instagram friend Nikia Dyson (this gal makes THE MOST mouth watering looking healthy foods on the planet) who's motivation for today was: "A person who doubts himself is like a man who would enlist in the ranks of his enemies and bear arms against himself. He makes his failure certain by himself being the first person to be convinced of it." ~ Alexandre Dumas

This definitely hit home and forced me to examine my actions. And truth was, I gave up before I even started. I didn't like that about myself and decided that I would do everything possible to see it through no matter the outcome. As a result I emailed the games support asking about the use of makeshift equipment in the absence of the standard ones. Until I hear from them, workout 13.3 will remain  untouched and I'll continue about getting said 'makeshift' equipment ready. On the upside, I did use today to work on double unders using a speed rope and what a difference that makes! OMG! I didn't know I could string so many together at once, and the more I practiced is the better it became. How cool is that?!!! 

Beyond The 21DSD

I am still in awe that 21 days of sugar less days and nights (aka 21 Day Sugar Detox/21DSD) came and went by so quickly that I didn't even catch that it was Day 31 until someone said "Can you believe tomorrow is Feb 1?" Eeek! 

Yea, yea Shanique, we get it, you've done 31 days of the sugar detox, whoop-tee-doo (eyes rolling)! So what?! Well, truth be told, the extra 10 days proved quite different and highlighted just how much doing anything drastic or for a quick fix, can easily backfire if you aren't clear of your reasons.

You know how some people do well on regimen when they have to account to other people for it? I am one of those persons. That's why I had a coach for all my competition preps, they kept me in line and were my other pairs of eyes. Receiving the daily 21DSD emails and having the 21DSD support group on FB where you checked in your day and level, how you were doing etc was my hip checker during the 21 days. When the 21 days officially ended (on Jan 21), I stopped checking the page to see what others were up to and all that. I didn't however stop eliminating sugar and processed foods. But what started to happen was, the voice that would pop up when I'm stressed or not having a great day, starting to get back its bearings. Its almost like it was saying, "ok, Shanique, you've had your fun, now enough of this nonsense!" I found myself on one occasion when super hungry, walking down the chips isle in the supermarket to pick up almonds, the voice shouted at me "why don't you pick up a few of the plantain chips Shanique? you've been good so far, no one will know." I kid you not! It was funny, cause I swear I wanted to respond "shut up", but figured that had I done so people would have thought I was going mad...lol!

But the point of me telling that story is because, often times, when you go on a path of change for yourself, it should not be just about a quick 'start' and an 'end' date. The start date is just that, a start. But the real work is ongoing, is something you constantly have to do, doesn't have an end date and the results aren't likely to be quick. No doubt the temptation to return to old habits will always, and I repeat, always pop up in one form or another. But knowing what you are after over the long term, and having constant support and channels for motivation are key in helping you stay the course. It will not be easy, and I have proven that and not just with this detox, but one thing I am certain of is, it sure as hell is worth any perceived sacrifices. I for one am feeling great, except for the case of exhaustion which hit me this week - apparently my energizer bunny routine started to smoke at the wheels when I started to sleep less and work more the past 10 days. I intend to continue feeling good, so I ordered myself a full rest day tomorrow, no work, no workout, no play...nothing! Let's see if a full 12 hours of sleep can help me shake this 4 day headache and if 3 1/2 gallons of water can get me feeling normal again. And...let's see how much crow I can make those voices in my head eat as we head right into February!  

Shalom!

21 Day Mission Done..or Maybe Not!

So guess what, 21 days have COME and GONE! Poof!! Just like that! Enter day 22 and I am looking beyond! 

With a total reset, sugar cravings have been diminished and if they pop up, its only because I either did not eat enough food or waited too long to eat, and I have regained complete control over how I feel and choose to react to foods, especially the ones I'd over indulge or misuse - yes believe it you can misuse food. What is important, even more so than the amazing meals I made over the past few days, are the lessons reiterated or learnt throughout this entire process.

1. My body responds negatively to the foods that aren't particularly good for it, and it only took a complete awareness of every single thing I put in my mouth, to realize this. Things like oranges I did not realize, triggered more than just a headache, they caused my sinuses to completely flare up.
2. Over the past 21 sugar less days, I have had the most deadpan and blissful sleep I've ever had. And even if I got less than the prescribed 8 hours, I still did not wake up as tired  and was able to go about my day as normal so long as I kept fully hydrated.
3. Talk about having chipper moods, and sustained high energy! Woody woodpecker or energizer bunny had nothing on me and I'm talking each and every day. And as a fitness instructor such a thing is like gold or better yet, winning the lotto!
4. It's not even summer yet and guess what, the abs have started to pop back up. I'm not talking abs of the washboard variety...yet, but their return has made me happy and will certainly be motivation to keep them there, if not make them 'pop'.
5. Somebody say acne flare up...gone? You betcha! Well, the acne is not gone gone but the pimple fest I had going on, which made my face spot like a dalmatian growing new spots, is no more. Following it up with cucumber laced water and a nightly cleansing routine, something I didn't take seriously till now, may also have something to do with that. Nonetheless, I am now fully aware that sugar, even those 'healthy treats' had a little too often may have been causing me some 'internal' grief. 
6. And what about weight loss? Well, that wasn't exactly my goal in the first place. But yes I did manage to shave off the 5-6lbs of water weight from all that holiday eating. And only through something like this do you realize just how much like a blocked drain one can feel from too many 'indulgences'. 

Just How Busy Are You?

A friend of mine, a pretty smart and knowledgeable fella too (check him out here to see what I mean) , posted a note on Facebook the other day highlighting something, that as a fitness instructor and coach I preach like a scratched record to clients and friends. That is, having a busy lifestyle is no excuse not to eat healthily. He offered tips for the 'busy' lifestyle and though all aspects are applicable to any one, male or female, I am going to make this specific to the 'busy' woman.

Unlike the days of yesteryear when women were primary caregivers and housewives, today's modern woman is challenging the proverbial glass ceiling, to create a brand new standard, that of being more than wives and mothers. Today's woman is a career woman, from prime minister to small business entrepreneur, and she is a woman on the go. Whether by force or choice however, the drive to succeed and survive by today's modern woman often comes at a cost. In many cases, finding the time to exercise coupled with sensible eating habits are two such costs, much to our own detriment. 

The alarming increase in obesity rates in Jamaica is the result of more and more women becoming at risk of hypertension and diabetes, conditions that if not controlled can lead to heart attacks and strokes. And all caused by very busy lifestyles. In the case of the career mom, often times 'junk/fast food' finds its way onto the dinner table, and even into kid's lunch boxes! This can't be good right? Certainly not! 

Ready for This Thing to be Over - Detox Day 15-18

Day 18! That means 3 days to go on this 21 Day Sugar Detox...Yes! Lest you think I intend to revert back to old habits, think again. I say yes because come Monday, I would have completed the challenge and THAT for me is something to celebrate. 21 Days of no junk and believe me it has not been because I was deprived of it. On the contrary, as soon as I cut the crap out of my life, there are a million and one ways, bad ways, and situations in which it shows up that would drive me right back to it. Murphy's law maybe? Who knows. All I can say is I will be finishing out the next 3 days as per usual and even more determined to see it through. I even think I'll be running it for the whole month, so that will be 30 days sans sugar. I am excited, so if you want to get as excited as I am about feeling good, if sugary foods and bad eatings habits are your vice, then maybe you should try it. 

This week was a test of wills actually and one I was determined to tough out. Starting with driving for 3 hours to my parents' home. It is customary to stock up on my plantain chips, sandwich biscuit and some other kind of crap food for the journey with most of it gone within 1 hour and me left feeling sick and craving even more. This time however, I stocked up on water, roasted almonds and 2 apples. And believe it or not only was it easy and mess-less snacking, it also did not leave me feeling crappy nor hungry. In fact I had one apple still untouched at the end of the journey. Yayy me!

Your Not as Badass as You think - Detox Day 14

No doubt you are expecting a real cuss out bad behaving kind of post right? Wrong! Couldn't be further from the truth. This really involves me thinking I've been such a badass, having kicked sugar for the last 2 weeks (now on Day 14) and bragging about feeling great and all that jazz, yet I almost died of disappointment from tasting the batter of a 'detox-approved' pumpkin streusel muffin recipe. Like seriously! lolol! There I am standing in the middle of my kitchen, with a bunch of dirty dishes in the sink needing to be washed but aren't clearly as important as this muffin batter, holding my breath to taste this deliciousness looking beauty. When I finally do, it was neither as 'sweet' as the picture portrait it nor as my senses expected it to be, and made me realize...ok, maybe I'm missing 'sweet' a little more than I thought I was and if that's really the case, am I a big sugar detox phony? Say it isn't so! 

I could of course blame it on the cup of freshly brewed black coffee I had first thing this morning, or more importantly on, not having my first meal of the day until 1pm, after doing cardio PLUS a workout! But I'm not going to, because I preach everyday about being prepared blah blah, blah blah, so I have no excuse and should know better. Yet there I was stuck in the gym for an extra 2hours with no food and refused to eat any of the crappy 'snacks' sold at the front desk. Shanique, what were you thinking right?!! 

In an effort to stay committed to the plan, as soon my noon client session ended I bolted for home. Low blood sugar levels are really not nice and you are easily reminded why eating every few hours is a good thing. It prevents you from 1) passing out and 2) eating the first edible thing you set your eyes on. Shit, if you are even as remotely hungry as I was, who says its got to even be edible, so long as it can save your life! Sheesh...don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about! Lol!  

When Things Get Rough, Laugh

Wait...its Jan 11...already? That means it is Day 11 of my 21 Day Sugar Detox. I am not going to say its been easy, heck no! On the contrary things have happened in the last five days that would throw any human being side ways let alone stay on track. Ok...so I exaggerated a little. Its really only one MAJOR thing but it was enough to throw a monkey wrench in my endorphin-laced good mood. Sure my week was off to a smashing start: new year's resolutioners in the gym = jam-packed classes, client roster back into a groove = busy days and great meals = great workouts. But nothing like an accident with a motorcycle rider who drives off leaving your recently repainted brand new looking car banged up to put you in a funk...a pissed off funk at that!

And there is nothing like a stressful situation to trigger cravings! Oh dear lord, I won't lie for about 1 minute on Tuesday (day of the accident) I forgot I was on a detox let alone that I was late and would likely miss my next client meeting. And it was in THAT very minute where I realized I had not eaten a thing all that morning, that the hunger, lightheadedness and thirst hit! Of course realizing that this accident happened in the EXACT same place as the 1st one last year didn't help. But rather than crying I found myself laughing especially when I watched the motorcyclist drive off in a hurry when asked for his documents so we could exchange info. Like seriously...who does that???

So what does one do when thrown off their happy trail? Eat chocolate! Ok, I'm only kidding but I did think about it. Instead I got back on my happy trail. That meant getting a big mornng meal, of what, I can't remember, but I know I posted it on instagram. Wait...that's where I post ALL my meals these days so I guess if I go and check I'll remember. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes...happy trail! Planned the rest of my week of classes and client sessions, got busy finishing proposals, made a few 21DSD friendly treats, all of which included pumpkin with which I have a teeny bitsy obsession much like nut butters and awaited the much anticipated return of my new guilty tv pleasure, ABC's Scandal. That show is hot!!!

On a serious note though, at Day 11 on this reset, a few things jump at me which I feel compelled to share, especially since its something I try to impart to clients/students when it comes to being consistent.

1. Being consistent means, getting into a rhythm, finding a groove ,where things move seamlessly or at the very least happen without adversely affecting your life. This will not happen immediately, it may take a few days, weeks or even months, but when you find it you will know.
2. Being consistent means being prepared for those things that can come unexpectedly. As a result you are either quick to find an alternative or you roll with the unexpected without letting it destroy or sabotage your program.
3. Being consistent means knowing that taking small steps are just as, if not even more, important than the big ones. So being patient and never giving up are paramount.
4.  Being consistent does NOT mean boring nor bland. Instead, it means being able to recognize when changes are needed and make the decisions that will improve, spice up and elicit new and exciting results. It means being aware of yourself (inside and out) and the environment in which you function (in places and around your friends, family etc) on a daily basis.
5. Being consistent means you relentlessly wanting to change something (in your life in particular) and being wiling to be uncomfortable, even for a short time, to achieve it. It means sometimes doing things you've never done before and stepping out of one's 'box of comforts' to get to where you've never gone before.
6. Being consistent means making NO excuses.

I imagine these can be applied to anything in life! But for those who have challenges with sticking to a fit program or eating healthy or spending more time with family, these pointers may be a good reference point. At least, I hope they are. It doesn't mean that there aren't other ways to consistency and what it means. After all, we all have different experiences. How do you define it and what has been your experience? Please share, I most definitely would love to hear!

21DSD Weekend Lessons

Friday - Day 4

Day 4 of the 21 Day Sugar Detox, turned out to be a bum kind of day and with my back seemingly more in knots, I decided not do a workout. Instead I opted for some cardio and 15 minutes in the sauna. Then it was back to spending some time on my couch.

There is a reason you are told to plan, then have a plan B AND a plan C when it comes to any kind of structured activity. It is to enable your success. If you don't plan, then you will succumb to pressures, either from being tired, lazy, frustrated, you name it. Pressures that will throw you of course, derail you and if you aren't strong enough sabotage your efforts to reach your dreams. The same can be said here for me and this way of eating. I can get lazy sometimes and cannot be bothered especially when I am tired. So on a day like this where I am freakishly STILL sore and in pain, I prefer to just lie down and do nothing. But a girl is likely to get hungry no? Yep, sure am! 

Stiff as a board on Detox Day 3

There is nothing more satisfying than having survived a workout that left you flat on the floor, you suffer the worst kind of muscle soreness the next day....NOT! Oh dear lord, let me step out of this body for a day, or until this soreness subsides cause it is downright awful! And as much as I am unable to sit down or get up without looking as stiff as a board, the feeling of having gotten through a tough workout from which I now bare the 'battle marks' fills me with total JOY! Sick puppy right? Maybe not. If you've ever done a workout or a long run and even though you felt like dying somewhere along, the moment you complete it or cross the finish line you feel elated for having DONE IT..then you know what I'm talking about!

November Fun

So clearly I've been off getting my FIT on for this month that I've had zero time to get in here an update on all this fitawesomeness right?! Well...THAT's my story and I am sticking to it. :)

Truth be told, it has been a super busy month, far more than I imagined it would be. And so, what little time I've had I've spent trying to catch some sleep and not run myself into a wreck. This has meant very little me time (including gym time) and even less time in the kitchen to create or try anything new. So what exactly have I been up to this month? 

UWI Rebels at Spikefest 2012 - Grand Cayman

Oh Sandy-O, Sandy-O...Baby

Tropical Storm Sandy becoming a Hurricane

With the threat of Tropical Storm Sandy, becoming a hurricane by the time it reaches Jamaica on Wednesday, I made quick work yesterday of getting my preparations complete before the mobs descended on the streets and in the supermarket.

Of course, even at 11am, people were already up and out trying to put things together. And so it was that I went to Pricemart for a few items, that I get better prices for when bought in bulk there than at a normal supermarket.  But even at that time, I certainly did not expect the 'Michael Jackson concert ticket line' type' traffic that greeted me upon my arrival. Now I absolutely abhor lines and large crowds, especially during periods such as this, but since these items would serve me past a hurricane, I decided to stick it out. And to show you just how quickly I wanted out of there, I didn't even grab a trolley. All I wanted could hold in my hand. Yet, it still took me 45 minutes to get in and out of there, of which I spent 10 minutes looking for and picking up the items I wanted. 

6 Essential Kitchen Tools Every Lazy-Fit Person Should Have

So, you claim to be on a path of fitness eh? Or better yet, you want to BE on that path but don't fully commit because of your "I don't cook' claim or its too time consuming even though you realize it is THE quintessential missing link to why you can't get 'there' or aren't where you thought you would be sooner? Well honey, let me clear something up for you right now. Unless, YOU can say with certainty, you KNOW what goes into all the meals you have NOT prepared, then no doubt YOU are stopping you from getting there! I'd go further and say you are just being downright lazy!

Now I know a thing or two about laziness believe me, my sisters can vouch for this...lol! But a desire to get my body in top shape meant I had to control as much of the food I put in my mouth as possible. And the only way to do that was to 'cook'. Yea, I know, some people hear 'cooking' and equate it to drawing nails on a chalkboard. But truth be told, it doesn't have to be. All it takes is a little preparation, smart work, and some creativity to keep things simple, super short yet succulent and sweet. 

To aid that process, I have come up with a few key tools that, 'every lazy person wanting to get in shape and stay that way', MUST have in their kitchen cupboards. They make things easier to manage, easier to prepare and best of all keeps you in the kitchen no longer than it takes to shower and get dressed for work (this should NOT be a long process for most lazy people, so if you are the exception...ahmm what I can say but...hush?).

I will assume that a refrigerator, and to a lesser extent a stove, are already basic necessities. If you don't have either then use someone else's fridge or stove or pretend this doesn't apply to you. 

I'm kidding! :)

Be Bold, Be Brave, Be(come) Fit!

What is this tag line about? Well that pretty much sums up what one needs to do to achieve their most  desired goals. And like a typical Gemini, I'll admit to having had multiple goals, some lofty and some so simple you would want to call them something else. Some of those said goals have been achieved, others abandoned, and some, like the ones buried so deep inside that push me to stay disciplined, stay consistent, stay motivated, stay foolish and hungry; continue to be the driving force behind the daily, monthly or life changing decisions I have made in the last few years.

It is the recognition that to go in pursuit of these goals, I will need to be bold with the steps I take. I'd say leaving an ok paying 9-5 to pursue my fitness dream would qualify here. In fact to date it is THE boldest thing I've ever done in my life! And in taking such steps, a certain level of bravery, or stupidity depending on who you ask, is required. Again, moving from a steady monthly salaried job to one where "no work = no income" would make me certifiable if not brave as hell. The uncertainty of work, being an Independent contractor, and possibly no income is a scary thought and would be daunting to anyone let lone li'l me. I figure if I can, and continue to, brave that uncertainty along with all that gets thrown at me and survive, not because of luck, but because I work my butt of to make it, then I am on my way to Becoming Fit!

L.O.E.W in the Oasis

What a rainy weekend it was...yes I am late in writing about it but hey, better late than never right?! I will not lie, I did enjoy the coolness that came with the rains and the fact that being a bum on Sunday (if you asked the typical household) was warranted. Provided of course you weren't battling with muddy waters, sinking roofs and a flooded out living room. My prayers go out to those affected by those rains and I ask the almighty for a speedy restoration to normalcy and safety for them.

Now back to my being-a-bum-ness. Before I settled into an evening of couch-sitting, I hit the gym for a quick run and workout. I ran a 5k distance, something, I hadn't expected to do so quickly after coming off sickness, but ecstatic I had accomplished.

Sunday Workout

Back to School

Well if sitting with a group of people in uncomfortable chairs taking notes while someone else speaks and demonstrates cooking techniques at the front of the room for five hours, then yes, I am back in school...for another four Saturdays anyway.

And why am I back in school? Well, I had been wanting to do a refresher in cooking/baking techniques, and this 6 week cooking course, offered by one of Jamaica's food & nutrition experts, popped up. So I jumped at the chance. While I knew the reason for doing the course, I also knew my challenge would be making and or tasting foods with ingredients I am either allergic/intolerant to, or for lifestyle reasons do not consume. And boy oh boy did those same ingredients show up! I'm talking vegetable oil, flour, margarine, milk and the cheese...basic ingredients found in most Jamaican households. And while I grew up with said ingredients, I live true to my own beliefs and preferences. As such, because these things are being used, I will in no way look down or condemn or chastise the instructors for doing so or not participate. What I did do, after my first class, was ask the instructors about possible substitutes for certain ingredients, highlight allergies and ask for understanding if I chose not to taste things that were prepared. They were ok with that and so with an open mind and an excitement to learn, I showed up for week 2 for breakfast and cocktail ideas. I can say with certainty that I picked up a few new tricks, learnt a few and was reminded of things I already knew. My only issue was standing in shoes that I dont wear often for 5 hours...not nice!

Now to figure out how I'm going to make the same food using much healthier ingredients. I will certainly enjoy trying, so long as I don't burn anything...lol.

Disclaimer: Any food posts made in here will be related to this course and is likely to not be of my typical variety as posted on my other blog.  

Breakfast & Cocktail ideas - plantain porridge, ackee & saltfish/callaloo & sausage cups, mandarin liver, sausage & beans, mackerel & green banana rundown, fried dumplings, stamp & go and toast.