Blog Archives
Getting Reacquainted and a Week Without Dairy
Oh, hey… I know you, don’t I? I mean… you look preeeettty familiar.
Oh, that’s right! I used to write here, and you would sometimes read and comment on something insightful or awkward I said surrounding fitness. And then… I just stopped. No need for apologies, though, right? Everyone loses touch every now and then. The summer apparently got all kinds of busy for me, and honestly, after picking up about eight new classes to teach, barring work, I just couldn’t talk about health and fitness any more than I already did. But, really, I love what I do, and I can’t complain, and now I’m ready to rekindle this Internet relationship we had. I’ve really missed you terribly.
So now that we’ve exchanged our pleasantries, I want to get down to business. I’m starting a new challenge for myself and anyone who wants to join. Remember wayyyyyy back when, when I was doing the ‘Week Without’ series? Like this one, and this one, and THIS ONE (thought I was going to die, and despite knowing exactly what ‘literally’ means, I’m still using it for this case). Well, I’m trying a new one: dairy. Now, before anyone gets up in arms about this, please realize that I don’t think dairy is the devil. I looooove me some dairy, especially Greek yogurt and half & half in my coffee, and I think it’s a great source of protein, fat, and calcium. However, a few months ago, I was following an eating plan that was a little bit stricter than my usual, and I actually felt great. Among many other things, the menu didn’t include dairy. Now that I’ve relaxed my eating a little, I’ve added Greek yogurt and a little milk back into my life. I still feel good, but I really can’t help but wonder if I wouldn’t feel just a little bit better if I tried to cut it back out for a bit.
So as an experiment of sorts, starting today, I’m not consuming dairy for seven days. The exception will be my protein shake or Shakeology, since they both have whey protein (dairy-derived) in them, because sometimes I’m crazy busy, and this is super easy to pack. And I don’t do soy protein because of the phytoestrogens or rice/hemp protein because it makes me gag, so no, there’s not a substitute. Either way, that means no Greek yogurt (goodbye, Fage 2%!), no milk in the coffee, and no cottage cheese. I don’t anticipate this being tremendously difficult, but I am curious about the effects it will have on my energy levels and how my body feels. If you want to join in, let me know, and I’ll report my results back next week!
Have you ever cut dairy? Did you notice any changes — positive or negative? Are you a non-dairy person to begin with? Spill!
A Few of My Favorite (Healthy) Things
So it’s the weekend, and I adore weekends (I know, who doesn’t?). I figured, what better time to write about my favorite healthy things? Those things that are good for me that always make me slow down for a second and put a smile on my face.
Fage 2% Greek Yogurt: I’ve tried others, but nothing compares. This is the little healthy treat that I don’t mind splurging on!
Coffee: I have to have my java fix, especially on the weekends. After all, I don’t really think Starbucks would appreciate it if I camped out for 5 hours on a Sunday without getting at least a cup (or three) of coffee. Plus, studies have shown that coffee is good for you in moderation! So, I guess that means I have to stop short of a whole pot.
Perfect running weather: Lately Chicago has been just the right temperature for outdoor runs! It may be a bit overcast, but the sun peeks out just enough that I am falling in love with running by the lake all over again. Now that I work right by Millenium Park, the waterfront is a mere four blocks from me. I not only can’t really make excuses not to get my cardio in outside, but I don’t want to!
New running shoes & gear: I am a sucker for new workout clothes. If you gave me $500 to spend on my wardrobe, I would probably add to my collection of running leggings, colorful sports bras, and workout tees. And I’d probably go crazy getting fitted for cute new running shoes. Even if I wasn’t living in these things (since, uh, I work at a gym), I would probably still want to buy mostly exercise gear. Comfy and cute — what more could a girl want?
Lazy Saturdays (or Sundays): Decompressing and relaxing is important for everyone’s health so that we keep those stress levels down! Sometimes I forget this myself and by the time Sunday rolls around, I realized I haven’t sat down to chill out all weekend! But when I finally do sit down to breathe, it feels great, and I remember that it’s important to let yourself be lazy every once in a while!
So it’s your turn — tell me about YOUR favorite healthy things! What makes you happy because you know it’s good for you?
