Transformation and coaching are about helping others. Today's post is about spiritual and emotional health, both of which contribute to your physical health.
#NeverForget. It's all over FB and social media today, as it should be. But what are we remembering? Well, for starters, we're remembering the innocent victims of terrorism 11 years ago. We're also remembering the sacrifices made by brave men and women of service - military, safety, medical, religious, etc. These are things we should never forget.
In your day of memorial and reflection, I call for us to remember one more thing: let us not forget that 11 years ago today we rallied together, loving and supporting one another rather than our normal, seemingly daily routine of rallying against some-one, some-thing, some-idea. The Greatest Sin of all, especially today, is the sin of not unconditionally loving one another, REGARDLESS of ideology, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other thing that defines us as humans.
I'm amazed how quickly we've seemed to forgotten how on September 11th, 2001, and the days/weeks that followed, we somehow put aside our differences and cared for one another. We exhibited kindness towards each other in acts of goodness, selflessness, and caring. We felt a collective pain and came to the aide of those hurting. As a nation, and world, we were reminded that life is finite, and that love and compassion were more important than anything else.
I'm begging you today, and everyday that you can, to put aside your anger, cast away your frustrations, throw down your defenses, and simply LOVE. ONE. ANOTHER. I'm not that life happens, I'm not naive. I'm simply saying do yourself a favor today - nourish your spirit and soul with love, and give that love to your neighbors, your friends, your family, your enemies. If your differences call you back tomorrow wondering where you've been, then decide tomorrow whether you should return. But for today, LOVE. ONE. ANOTHER.
God's peace to you all!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Like father, like son?
My dear dad, God rest his soul, struggled with weight since his childhood. He was a chubby kid that turned into a big man - big belly, that is. He, like me, was tall so he could carry a lot of weight, but he was always older than his age.
This photo was taken in 1995 (that's not me with him, that's my cousin). At 6'4", he was probably about 280 in this picture. This is how I remember my dad and when I conjure up memories, this is who, and the image, I remember (he passed in 2001).
It's amazing, but not surprising, the influence our parents have on every aspect of our lives. That's why there exists such cliches as "like father, like son". We are often a product and version of our parents. This includes, in many cases, the way we eat, the value we place towards activity, and how we treat our bodies. It's no wonder then why I loved fast food, fried food, big portions, and other habits that were potentially detrimental to my health.
The resemblance is uncanny, and, sadly, predictable.
But.
You are your own person.
You have the power to change.
For me, it's being a dad myself that was one of the major influences. When my son thinks of me in 5, 10, 20, 30 years, I want the image to be of a fit, active, healthy dad, instead of the me in the picture above. The fight against childhood (and adult) obesity starts with us as parents, role models, mentors, etc. If my son (and daughter) sees the image below (and future images as I keep on my transformation), rather than the image above, then "like father, like son" will be a good thing.
Plus PLAY everyday. When you're ready for help, I'm here for you.
http://beachbodycoach.com/coachlesser
http://myshakeology.com/coachlesser
http://myultimatereset.com/coachlesser
This photo was taken in 1995 (that's not me with him, that's my cousin). At 6'4", he was probably about 280 in this picture. This is how I remember my dad and when I conjure up memories, this is who, and the image, I remember (he passed in 2001).
It's amazing, but not surprising, the influence our parents have on every aspect of our lives. That's why there exists such cliches as "like father, like son". We are often a product and version of our parents. This includes, in many cases, the way we eat, the value we place towards activity, and how we treat our bodies. It's no wonder then why I loved fast food, fried food, big portions, and other habits that were potentially detrimental to my health.
The resemblance is uncanny, and, sadly, predictable.
But.
You are your own person.
You have the power to change.
For me, it's being a dad myself that was one of the major influences. When my son thinks of me in 5, 10, 20, 30 years, I want the image to be of a fit, active, healthy dad, instead of the me in the picture above. The fight against childhood (and adult) obesity starts with us as parents, role models, mentors, etc. If my son (and daughter) sees the image below (and future images as I keep on my transformation), rather than the image above, then "like father, like son" will be a good thing.
Plus PLAY everyday. When you're ready for help, I'm here for you.
http://beachbodycoach.com/coachlesser
http://myshakeology.com/coachlesser
http://myultimatereset.com/coachlesser
Friday, August 10, 2012
Pictures are worth .....
You know how the saying goes. I'm now officially at the half-way mark of Power 90, and I feel incredible. Having done the Reset, detoxing and cleansing my body, properly hydrating and reducing/eliminating inflammation, I was in the right physical and mental state to start exercising. Here's my results in pictures through the Reset and first 30 days of Power 90 (along with a daily serving of Shakeology).
If you are interested in changing your life and you need some help, a push, or just someone to talk to, reach out to me. For those that know me well, you know that I want to help others be the best they can be.
http://beachbodycoach.com/coachlesser
http://myshakeology.com/coachlesser
http://myultimatereset.com/coachlesser
If you are interested in changing your life and you need some help, a push, or just someone to talk to, reach out to me. For those that know me well, you know that I want to help others be the best they can be.
http://beachbodycoach.com/coachlesser
http://myshakeology.com/coachlesser
http://myultimatereset.com/coachlesser
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Catching Up with the Reset
Time gets away from you when you're a busy, working dad of 2. Travel, activities, you name it, time is a precious commodity. Sacrifice is part of everyday life, which is why prioritization becomes critical.
Approximately 12 weeks ago, I made a conscious decision to prioritize my health. The decision was the first step. I knew that while it seemed I had no extra time, I had to make it in order to get my body in shape and my health on the right track. I started with BeachBody's Ultimate Reset - you've read most of my posts until I went radio silent. The time to write took a backseat to the time needed to complete the reset. Today I catch up!
The three steps of Beachbody are Decide-Commit-Succeed. The decision came as a result of several factors: my overall health, the way I felt, the way my clothes (didn't) fit, my 40th birthday approaching, a trip to the beach, the fatigue I felt in playing with the kids, the snoring (and associated apnea) that affected my sleep (and my wife's), elevated blood pressure, and poor diet (or, a semi-poor diet with a tendency to over-eat). I firmly believe only YOU can decide when it's time - if you're not ready, you won't commit, and you won't succeed. I was ready.
Commitment was next. I knew that in order to get the most out of the UR (and my money), I was going to have to follow the program to the T. I did. I wouldn't describe it as "hard", but I would say that it required more time, energy, and focus than I'd been paying to my diet before. If you don't commit, it's hard to succeed. I committed, and completed the Reset - 20 lbs lighter, 3 inches smaller, and 7% less body fat. In THREE WEEKS. Decide. Commit. Succeed.
Tony Horton commented that the hardest part of the Reset is Day 22. In order to continue success, you have to know that the changes you've made over the previous three weeks weren't temporary, but should lead to a LIFE CHANGE. A different philosophy on how you eat, what you eat, when you eat, and how you feel. You don't run back to the crap food. You don't celebrate with a pepperoni pizza. You keep up the good nutrition and you continue the supplements. The $$ cost is nothing compared to how you feel, and you don't want to lose that feeling. Succeed.
After a week, I started Tony Horton's Power 90, a full-body transformation program that was the precursor to P90X (Power 90 Extreme). Having not worked out for a LOOOONG time, this was the perfect program to get me back into fitness and parlay my results from the UR (including better metabolism) into a better, more fit body.
This isn't about vanity, folks. This is about being strong - in mind, body, and spirit. I'm now almost half-way through, and the results are proof that programs like this work. First, I don't have to waste time (and money) at a gym. I have a very simple set-up in the basement - a few dumbells, some resistance bands, and a DVD Player. 6 days a week, at about 545 or 6 am, I'm working out with Tony. Start-to-shower-in-an-hour. No joke. I get a great workout (alternating resistance circuit with cardio each day) in no time at all. I made/make it my priority, and pull myself out of bed an hour earlier than normal. All I have to do is head to the basement and PRESS PLAY. From there it's on.
After 30 days, I was down another 18 lbs (for a total of 38), another 2 inches (for a total of 5), and another 3% body fat (for a total of 7% decrease). I'm seeing people I haven't seen for a few months and they can't believe the change. While I'm a tall guy who can carry my weight okay, I'm leaner, healthier looking, and healthier feeling.
If you want to succeed, Beachbody can get you there. When you've made the decision and you're ready to commit, let me know and I'll help you get the wonderful results I've experienced and will continue to experience.
Friday, June 8, 2012
2 Broken Dishes. Countless Dishes Washed. But....10 lbs Lost!
I've successfully completed three days of Phase 2: Release. One of the great things about Beach Body is the on-line support. For Ultimate Reset, they have support groups for each Phase so that you can chat with and encourage others. There have been some very interesting conversation strings in Phase 2 about, er, "releases". Having two kids, potty talk is, well, part of everyday. It's just amusing to read about it from grown adults.
Anywho, Phase 2 is essentially about restoring optimum health to the complete gastrointestinal track while continuing to refine meals, removing all animal protein and shifting to an entirely vegetarian diet. A new supplement has been added, Detox, which is taken 3 times a day. Like the Alkalanize supplement, opinions vary on the flavor and consistency of Detox, which is mixed with about 8-12 ounces of water. Having had 9 servings over the first 3 days, I find it tolerable. It's a bit garlicy, and yes, a bit gritty, but the ingredients (a proprietary blend) are really healthy. In fact, everything about these supplements is natural - but then, I would expect no less for a detox program.
The second week has no shortage of chopping and prep work. In fact, since everything is vegetarian, I think it may even be more intense. Hence the 2 broken dishes, victims of aggressive chopping, and the daily grind of dish washing. I have no complaints, though, the food continues to amaze, and the results are just as amazing.
After 10 days on the reset, I've lost 10 lbs! This is not a weight-loss program, but the benefits of program are better portion control, more filling foods, better metabolism, and as a result, weight loss can occur. In addition, my blood pressure, which has run on the high-normal side for the last year, is now on the low side, down nearly 20 points on the systolic side and 5 points on the diastolic side. This one is great, because hyper-tension does run in the family.
In addition to the weight loss and drop in blood pressure, my energy levels are way up. I just feel......good. Energized. Alive. Not is some weird manic high way, but a true sense of alertness and fitness.
.
The food has continued to be delicious. Day 8 was a breakfast of fresh fruit, a lunch of salad and avocado, and one of my favorites, a dinner of pinto beans and rice with steamed zucchini and green beans.
Day 9 was an unconventional breakfast, to say the least. Miso soup (yes, soup), avocado, and mashed chickpeas with oil. Despite the oddness of the meal timing, it was actually quite warming, comforting, and a great way to start the day. Lunch was leftovers of the beans and rice with a salad. Dinner was HARD WORK, but it was awesome. I had to dice and boil potatoes, roast a red pepper on the grill and grate fresh ginger (not as easy as it sounds), then blend it all together with some other ingredients. The result - a hearty Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Bisque. Yeah, I don't even know what bisque means, but it was GOOOOD. I paired it with roasted asparagus and slivered almonds for a filling meal.
Day 10 was another breakfast of fruit. I varied it from Day 8 adding raspberries, melon, and kiwi. The flavors were great, and all complemented each other well. Lunch was another serving of the bisque and a Greek salad (I subbed out the Greek dressing for the vinaigrette). Dinner was a new recipe - quinoa and lentil pilaf with steamed broccoli. It had a very Mediterranean flavor, likely due to the smoked paprika and tumeric.
All in all I'm feeling great, and look forward to telling you more about my journey as I progress through Phase 2.
Anywho, Phase 2 is essentially about restoring optimum health to the complete gastrointestinal track while continuing to refine meals, removing all animal protein and shifting to an entirely vegetarian diet. A new supplement has been added, Detox, which is taken 3 times a day. Like the Alkalanize supplement, opinions vary on the flavor and consistency of Detox, which is mixed with about 8-12 ounces of water. Having had 9 servings over the first 3 days, I find it tolerable. It's a bit garlicy, and yes, a bit gritty, but the ingredients (a proprietary blend) are really healthy. In fact, everything about these supplements is natural - but then, I would expect no less for a detox program.
The second week has no shortage of chopping and prep work. In fact, since everything is vegetarian, I think it may even be more intense. Hence the 2 broken dishes, victims of aggressive chopping, and the daily grind of dish washing. I have no complaints, though, the food continues to amaze, and the results are just as amazing.
After 10 days on the reset, I've lost 10 lbs! This is not a weight-loss program, but the benefits of program are better portion control, more filling foods, better metabolism, and as a result, weight loss can occur. In addition, my blood pressure, which has run on the high-normal side for the last year, is now on the low side, down nearly 20 points on the systolic side and 5 points on the diastolic side. This one is great, because hyper-tension does run in the family.
In addition to the weight loss and drop in blood pressure, my energy levels are way up. I just feel......good. Energized. Alive. Not is some weird manic high way, but a true sense of alertness and fitness.
.
The food has continued to be delicious. Day 8 was a breakfast of fresh fruit, a lunch of salad and avocado, and one of my favorites, a dinner of pinto beans and rice with steamed zucchini and green beans.Day 9 was an unconventional breakfast, to say the least. Miso soup (yes, soup), avocado, and mashed chickpeas with oil. Despite the oddness of the meal timing, it was actually quite warming, comforting, and a great way to start the day. Lunch was leftovers of the beans and rice with a salad. Dinner was HARD WORK, but it was awesome. I had to dice and boil potatoes, roast a red pepper on the grill and grate fresh ginger (not as easy as it sounds), then blend it all together with some other ingredients. The result - a hearty Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Bisque. Yeah, I don't even know what bisque means, but it was GOOOOD. I paired it with roasted asparagus and slivered almonds for a filling meal.
Day 10 was another breakfast of fruit. I varied it from Day 8 adding raspberries, melon, and kiwi. The flavors were great, and all complemented each other well. Lunch was another serving of the bisque and a Greek salad (I subbed out the Greek dressing for the vinaigrette). Dinner was a new recipe - quinoa and lentil pilaf with steamed broccoli. It had a very Mediterranean flavor, likely due to the smoked paprika and tumeric.
All in all I'm feeling great, and look forward to telling you more about my journey as I progress through Phase 2.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Phase 1 is .... Done!
Day 7 Recap
Mission accomplished - I successfully completed the first phase of Ultimate Reset: Reclaim. Thanks for joining me through this first phase, I have 2 more to go. This program is really amazing - the philosophy, regiment, and prescriptive nature make getting healthy "easy". Easy in the sense that if you follow the program faithfully, you will see results (I'll share my Phase 1 results tomorrow). Reclaim was about "righting" my diet; that is, eliminating processed, refined, and (bad) fatty foods, replacing it with a whole food (and in many case organic) diet. It was also about introducing all natural supplements to help improve overall metabolism and health. The beauty is it only takes ONE WEEK to get back on track. Everyone has one week - I owed it to myself, you owe it to yourself, when you're ready.
Breakfast was my last taste of dairy/animal protein for two weeks (and maybe longer, who knows??). I had oatmeal with ground flax seed (finally got to use the mortar and pestle that's been in the kitchen for a year!), cinnamon, chopped apples, and a side of yogurt with honey. I know I'm going to miss yogurt, it's a staple of my regular diet, but I'm looking forward to learning how to be creative with fruits and veggies (and this week has already taught me some of that).
I was lucky enough to work from home in the afternoon, so I was able to eat my lunch with my own comforts (dishes, silverware, and a kitchen). Lunch was another micro-green salad (I'll have probably eaten about 20 by the time this is over, but they taste great every time) and a serving of the Zucchini and Cashew soup. I can't say enough about the soup, it was incredible and I look forward to making it again when the Reset is done.
Dinner was a simple, but hearty meal. I had baked tempeh again, which had been marinating all day, steamed mixed veggies, and a serving of brown rice. I really can't wait to try tempeh again - I'll be looking for some recipes because from what I read, like tofu, it takes on the flavors you cook with. I can imagine it great grilled, stir fried, etc.
Reflections
You've heard the saying "what a difference a day makes". With Ultimate Reset, it's "what a difference a week makes." I was never hungry, the portions were generous, I got used to drinking water before my meals rather than during, I kept to the schedule, had fun in the kitchen prepping, gave up coffee, ice-chewing, and other recreational habits, and I feel energized. I'm excited to enter Phase 2 and explore the new menu items. I'm so pleased that my family gets to see me doing this - our children learn from us, and it's not always what we say, but what we do. Their watching me work hard at, but enjoy, living and eating healthy, will hopefully set them on the right path as they grow.
Mission accomplished - I successfully completed the first phase of Ultimate Reset: Reclaim. Thanks for joining me through this first phase, I have 2 more to go. This program is really amazing - the philosophy, regiment, and prescriptive nature make getting healthy "easy". Easy in the sense that if you follow the program faithfully, you will see results (I'll share my Phase 1 results tomorrow). Reclaim was about "righting" my diet; that is, eliminating processed, refined, and (bad) fatty foods, replacing it with a whole food (and in many case organic) diet. It was also about introducing all natural supplements to help improve overall metabolism and health. The beauty is it only takes ONE WEEK to get back on track. Everyone has one week - I owed it to myself, you owe it to yourself, when you're ready.
Breakfast was my last taste of dairy/animal protein for two weeks (and maybe longer, who knows??). I had oatmeal with ground flax seed (finally got to use the mortar and pestle that's been in the kitchen for a year!), cinnamon, chopped apples, and a side of yogurt with honey. I know I'm going to miss yogurt, it's a staple of my regular diet, but I'm looking forward to learning how to be creative with fruits and veggies (and this week has already taught me some of that).
I was lucky enough to work from home in the afternoon, so I was able to eat my lunch with my own comforts (dishes, silverware, and a kitchen). Lunch was another micro-green salad (I'll have probably eaten about 20 by the time this is over, but they taste great every time) and a serving of the Zucchini and Cashew soup. I can't say enough about the soup, it was incredible and I look forward to making it again when the Reset is done.
Dinner was a simple, but hearty meal. I had baked tempeh again, which had been marinating all day, steamed mixed veggies, and a serving of brown rice. I really can't wait to try tempeh again - I'll be looking for some recipes because from what I read, like tofu, it takes on the flavors you cook with. I can imagine it great grilled, stir fried, etc.
Reflections
You've heard the saying "what a difference a day makes". With Ultimate Reset, it's "what a difference a week makes." I was never hungry, the portions were generous, I got used to drinking water before my meals rather than during, I kept to the schedule, had fun in the kitchen prepping, gave up coffee, ice-chewing, and other recreational habits, and I feel energized. I'm excited to enter Phase 2 and explore the new menu items. I'm so pleased that my family gets to see me doing this - our children learn from us, and it's not always what we say, but what we do. Their watching me work hard at, but enjoy, living and eating healthy, will hopefully set them on the right path as they grow.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Day 4, 5, and 6 Recap
Ah, so much to do, so little time. Let me just say that I am feeling more energetic then I have in weeks/months, which has helped me get everything done. A bit about my daily routine. Married, 2 wonderful (active preschoolers), and I work full-time. I'm the first up. I get lunches ready for Wife and me. I make the kids breakfast. I would typically make my breakfast or skip it and grab something at the office. I make Wife's breakfast and coffee and take to her while she gets ready. Feeding and entertaining the kids. Wife takes over and gets them dressed while I get ready. We alternate dropping off and picking up. Work a full day. Get home. Cook dinner for the family. Eat. Play with kids. Bedtime routine (includes bath, books, bed). Clean up (Wife or I do it). Shower. Unwind - usually by 9-930pm. Bed 10-11pm. Start over next morning.
If you have kids, this is probably similar to your routine. It's life as a parent, and I wouldn't change it for the world. If you don't have kids, embrace your free time, you have more than you can possibly realize (I can say that looking back, it wasn't necessarily apparent at the time).
Now, add Ultimate Reset (or any workout routine). Finding the time is amazingly difficult. But it CAN be done, you just have to re-prioritize. Wake up earlier. Maybe stay up later. Time is there, you just have to commit to finding it and using it. What's the point of all this? The energy I've gained from the Ultimate Reset (plus getting a good night's sleep from the CPAP) allows me to get up earlier (now one hour earlier than typical), get through a busy day, and not feel exhausted at the end of it. Amazing what healthy food, good supplements, and a positive attitude can help you accomplish! Not to mention I've lost some weight and I don't have that bloat feeling every time I finish eating.
Day 4 was a Friday. The meals were less complicated than some of the others, so prep time was average, and I was able to do most of it the night before and in the morning. Breakfast was a simple fruit plate, toast, and yogurt. For many of the meals, the program allows men to have specific extras; however, since one of my long-term goals is weight loss, I've avoided them.
Lunch was a repeat of previous menu items: Nori Roll, Lentil-Lime Salad, and a Micro-Green Salad. It was a HUGE lunch, I couldn't finish it all. I saved some of the Lentil-Lime salad for Wife, and was able to finish the roll. I ate most of my salad, but had to throw some out because I was full. I was proud of my second attempt at the Nori Roll - I succeeded in rolling much tighter, and as the night before, it was delicious.
For snack, I did an apple and almonds. It's easy to pack, and a good carry over. Snacks are considered optional - if you must, they give you suggestions. I've had one every day, and will likely continue. I'm trying to stay on a rigorous routine/schedule, but sometimes dinner may come later, and it's helpful to have something to carry me from lunch to dinner. As everyday, I Alkalanized prior to the snack. Frankly, it's a non-issue - I actually enjoy it, it didn't take long to get used to.
Dinner was delicious! Stir fried veggies, quinoa, and a cucumber and tomato salad. I made the quinoa the night before, so that just needed a quick re-heat. I made the salad in the morning so it could soak up the dressing. I think what made the stir fried veggies (carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and red bell pepper) so good was the use of toasted sesame oil AND coconut oil. They by cook at high heat, and add an amazing flavor. Finishing off with Bragg's gave it a restaurant quality flavor. The portion was perfect for the veggies and quinoa, the salad was huge so I shared with Wife.
Day 5 was a much needed Saturday. With no work, and no activities already on the calendar, time was a little more lax. I really do love to cook, and prep work is actually therapeutic when the clock isn't ticking. Breakfast was one of my favorites as a kid (and C's current favorite breakfast), cooked farina. What made this breakfast special was the addition of toasted walnuts and maple syrup, with a side of beautiful fresh fruit. I have been following the UR advice and choosing low GI fruits so as to not overload on sugar.
Lunch was easy and tasty. A chop here, a chop there, and a added scoop of hummus, and lunch was ready. Another serving of the quinoa salad and a fresh, raw veggie plate with hummus. I sat outside with the family since the weather was so beautiful, and enjoyed nature, and the natural lunch.
In the "going the extra mile" section of UR, which recommends things to do to enhance the experience, they suggest spending some time in the sun and outdoors. I did both this day. We had pool time in the morning, and park time in the afternoon. It's rare in this part of the country, this time of year, to have a mild day (temperature and humidity), so I did my best to take full advantage. After park time, I got home, got chopping, mixing, and heating, and had a great dinner of repeats including stir fried veggies, miso soup, and brown rice.
Day 6 was, as Sunday's typically are, a busy day. I slept in a bit, got breakfast ready. The meal was something new for me, Tempeh, a dense, highly nutritious soy product found in the refrigeration section of most health food groceries. I marinated it in apple cider vinegar, Bragg's, maple syrup, fresh garlic, and sesame oil overnight. The recipe calls for at least 1 hour, but I think the longer it marinates, the more flavor it absorbs. On it's own, it could use some help, but in terms of nutrition, we're talking 22g of protein per serving, AMAZING! Plus, this breakfast is constructed to have complementary flavors. I squeezed some lemon on the kale, took a bite of it and tempeh, and the flavors came out. The chefs did a great job combining flavors - to fully enjoy, I took bites of the components together and found the tempeh not only tolerable, but delicious.
Following church, I came home and prepared lunch. Normally I head to brunch with my friends from the choir - a great time of socializing and eating heavy, fatty, processed breakfast food (that I love-d?). I missed the company, but was glad to fight yet another temptation. Lunch was a simple pairing of quinoa salad and a micro-green salad. I am definitely getting used to the salads, they are filling, and with the right combination of vegetables, they have delightful consistency, crunch, and flavor.
Sunday is grocery shopping day. I normally take about an hour and a half to complete it. UR will add some time. One reason is that I have to travel a little farther to get to a Whole Foods. Another is finding the unfamiliar (Swiss chard anyone?). And last, it takes some time to grab it and bag it. I had little A with me, she did great and we spent the time talking about how healthy everything we bought was. Then she wanted to get to Costco for samples (girl can eat). Another dance with temptation with no cheating. It wasn't easy, what with the pizza (a favorite food of mine) and the samples EVERYWHERE, but I'm committed to this program and to following it to a tee.
I had an early evening event, so I had to time dinner to be a little later than normal. Since I knew what my schedule would be, I managed it well, and continue to prove that success with this program is about time management, planning, prioritizing, and discipline. Dinner was superb. Roasted roots, toasted millet (an ancient whole grain that packs a powerhouse of nutrition), and my favorite part of the meal, zucchini and cashew soup. It was A-MAY-ZING (misspelling for effect ;-). I've never had a soup so creamy that didn't have any cream. This meal convinced me that the menu plan alone (without the supplements) has been well worth the money spend on the program.
Ah, so much to do, so little time. Let me just say that I am feeling more energetic then I have in weeks/months, which has helped me get everything done. A bit about my daily routine. Married, 2 wonderful (active preschoolers), and I work full-time. I'm the first up. I get lunches ready for Wife and me. I make the kids breakfast. I would typically make my breakfast or skip it and grab something at the office. I make Wife's breakfast and coffee and take to her while she gets ready. Feeding and entertaining the kids. Wife takes over and gets them dressed while I get ready. We alternate dropping off and picking up. Work a full day. Get home. Cook dinner for the family. Eat. Play with kids. Bedtime routine (includes bath, books, bed). Clean up (Wife or I do it). Shower. Unwind - usually by 9-930pm. Bed 10-11pm. Start over next morning.
If you have kids, this is probably similar to your routine. It's life as a parent, and I wouldn't change it for the world. If you don't have kids, embrace your free time, you have more than you can possibly realize (I can say that looking back, it wasn't necessarily apparent at the time).
Now, add Ultimate Reset (or any workout routine). Finding the time is amazingly difficult. But it CAN be done, you just have to re-prioritize. Wake up earlier. Maybe stay up later. Time is there, you just have to commit to finding it and using it. What's the point of all this? The energy I've gained from the Ultimate Reset (plus getting a good night's sleep from the CPAP) allows me to get up earlier (now one hour earlier than typical), get through a busy day, and not feel exhausted at the end of it. Amazing what healthy food, good supplements, and a positive attitude can help you accomplish! Not to mention I've lost some weight and I don't have that bloat feeling every time I finish eating.
Day 4 was a Friday. The meals were less complicated than some of the others, so prep time was average, and I was able to do most of it the night before and in the morning. Breakfast was a simple fruit plate, toast, and yogurt. For many of the meals, the program allows men to have specific extras; however, since one of my long-term goals is weight loss, I've avoided them.
Lunch was a repeat of previous menu items: Nori Roll, Lentil-Lime Salad, and a Micro-Green Salad. It was a HUGE lunch, I couldn't finish it all. I saved some of the Lentil-Lime salad for Wife, and was able to finish the roll. I ate most of my salad, but had to throw some out because I was full. I was proud of my second attempt at the Nori Roll - I succeeded in rolling much tighter, and as the night before, it was delicious.
For snack, I did an apple and almonds. It's easy to pack, and a good carry over. Snacks are considered optional - if you must, they give you suggestions. I've had one every day, and will likely continue. I'm trying to stay on a rigorous routine/schedule, but sometimes dinner may come later, and it's helpful to have something to carry me from lunch to dinner. As everyday, I Alkalanized prior to the snack. Frankly, it's a non-issue - I actually enjoy it, it didn't take long to get used to.
Dinner was delicious! Stir fried veggies, quinoa, and a cucumber and tomato salad. I made the quinoa the night before, so that just needed a quick re-heat. I made the salad in the morning so it could soak up the dressing. I think what made the stir fried veggies (carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and red bell pepper) so good was the use of toasted sesame oil AND coconut oil. They by cook at high heat, and add an amazing flavor. Finishing off with Bragg's gave it a restaurant quality flavor. The portion was perfect for the veggies and quinoa, the salad was huge so I shared with Wife.
Day 5 was a much needed Saturday. With no work, and no activities already on the calendar, time was a little more lax. I really do love to cook, and prep work is actually therapeutic when the clock isn't ticking. Breakfast was one of my favorites as a kid (and C's current favorite breakfast), cooked farina. What made this breakfast special was the addition of toasted walnuts and maple syrup, with a side of beautiful fresh fruit. I have been following the UR advice and choosing low GI fruits so as to not overload on sugar.
Lunch was easy and tasty. A chop here, a chop there, and a added scoop of hummus, and lunch was ready. Another serving of the quinoa salad and a fresh, raw veggie plate with hummus. I sat outside with the family since the weather was so beautiful, and enjoyed nature, and the natural lunch.
In the "going the extra mile" section of UR, which recommends things to do to enhance the experience, they suggest spending some time in the sun and outdoors. I did both this day. We had pool time in the morning, and park time in the afternoon. It's rare in this part of the country, this time of year, to have a mild day (temperature and humidity), so I did my best to take full advantage. After park time, I got home, got chopping, mixing, and heating, and had a great dinner of repeats including stir fried veggies, miso soup, and brown rice.
Day 6 was, as Sunday's typically are, a busy day. I slept in a bit, got breakfast ready. The meal was something new for me, Tempeh, a dense, highly nutritious soy product found in the refrigeration section of most health food groceries. I marinated it in apple cider vinegar, Bragg's, maple syrup, fresh garlic, and sesame oil overnight. The recipe calls for at least 1 hour, but I think the longer it marinates, the more flavor it absorbs. On it's own, it could use some help, but in terms of nutrition, we're talking 22g of protein per serving, AMAZING! Plus, this breakfast is constructed to have complementary flavors. I squeezed some lemon on the kale, took a bite of it and tempeh, and the flavors came out. The chefs did a great job combining flavors - to fully enjoy, I took bites of the components together and found the tempeh not only tolerable, but delicious.
Following church, I came home and prepared lunch. Normally I head to brunch with my friends from the choir - a great time of socializing and eating heavy, fatty, processed breakfast food (that I love-d?). I missed the company, but was glad to fight yet another temptation. Lunch was a simple pairing of quinoa salad and a micro-green salad. I am definitely getting used to the salads, they are filling, and with the right combination of vegetables, they have delightful consistency, crunch, and flavor.
Sunday is grocery shopping day. I normally take about an hour and a half to complete it. UR will add some time. One reason is that I have to travel a little farther to get to a Whole Foods. Another is finding the unfamiliar (Swiss chard anyone?). And last, it takes some time to grab it and bag it. I had little A with me, she did great and we spent the time talking about how healthy everything we bought was. Then she wanted to get to Costco for samples (girl can eat). Another dance with temptation with no cheating. It wasn't easy, what with the pizza (a favorite food of mine) and the samples EVERYWHERE, but I'm committed to this program and to following it to a tee.
I had an early evening event, so I had to time dinner to be a little later than normal. Since I knew what my schedule would be, I managed it well, and continue to prove that success with this program is about time management, planning, prioritizing, and discipline. Dinner was superb. Roasted roots, toasted millet (an ancient whole grain that packs a powerhouse of nutrition), and my favorite part of the meal, zucchini and cashew soup. It was A-MAY-ZING (misspelling for effect ;-). I've never had a soup so creamy that didn't have any cream. This meal convinced me that the menu plan alone (without the supplements) has been well worth the money spend on the program.
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