Someone Say Paleo?

Happy Sunday everyone!!
I decided to take a little break from wedding planning to post a little something. I am really enjoying the planning process but I cant wait until I can get back to normal life (and normal money). I'm sure James and Mykee cant wait to hear about something other than the wedding on a daily basis. Does Mykee look tired of me or what? ONLY 40 DAYS LEFT!

Now on to the sweaty stuff!
I'm STILL loving bikram.. and I am SO EXCITED with the response that I've been receiving from my readers. Everyone seems to be jumping on the bikram train..whether for the first time- or after a long hiatus. The benefits are just so great. I started bikram Dec 18 and I am already down 8 pounds! I crave healthier foods and I actually monitor my sleeping habits and water intake. On my way to a better, healthier body. I am getting better at the poses as well... Friday I perfected my Head to Knee pose and got so excited I almost yelped. Luckily I was able to contain my excitement. I treated myself to a yummy Super C Boost juice across the parking lot at Cosmic Coconut with Ashley right after class..dont we look happy??

JUICY JUICE WITH ASH!!

 

 So I've started the recently popular PALEO diet in order to cleanse my body and become more wedding ready! I even challenged my dad to try the diet for 2 weeks (just to see if he could live without the bread, processed foods and dairy). He has actually done an awesome job! He reported that after a week, he doesnt sweat in his sleep anymore. He would have to wake up in the middle of the night and change shirts but now he is dry every morning! We both feel better, leaner and healthier. That bread and dairy really does something to you. I never really realized the effect it can have on your body.

So what is the PALEO diet? Basically the paleolithic diet shoots you back to the early cavemen era. Before agriculture, refined sugars and processed foods. No bread products, pastas, rices..no milk, no cheese... basically just fresh veggies, fresh fruits, seeds, nuts, healthful oils and lean meats. And not even all of those made the list.
You might wince at all the things that you CAN'T eat but think about this: cavemen didnt suffer acne, gout, heart disease, cancer, diebetes and obesity.
Now let me admit, I do have the one day a week where I eat what I want. I usually go for a latte or cereal..but during the week- I'm not craving those terrible foods. I encourage you to do a little research for yourself.
Okay I have to go and prepare for my busy week! Bridal shower coming this Saturday! Im soooooo excited!!!!!!!

hehe cant wait

Talk to you guys soon!
Courtney

Guess Who's Back?!

Ok, Ok, Ok!
Its been THREE MONTHS since I've posted and I promise to NEVER leave you guys hanging for sooo long!! Starting a new job (in another state) and planning my DrEaM WeDdInG has kept this little woman BUSY BUSY BUSY. Only 55 Days until I become a MRS and I am sooo freaking excited!! Check him out! My sexy muscle man =)

SOOOOO lets get to it! I have to get you guys caught up with whats been going on in my fitness world! Let us start with the St. Jude Marathon!
 So I am proud to announce that I finished the race!! Here is a shot of me and Nicole at the start up line and YES I was about to Pee my pants. Figuratively AND literally. The restroom lines were about 20 people long so I had to wait until about mile 2 to grab a free potty. I never saw Nicole again. I was in a sea of runners..allll alone. Haha! But really- it was an awesome experience. I actually hurt my IT band at mile 17 and I had to limp/skip/jog/walk/cry to the finish line but I was NOT about to let a stupid injury keep me from that shiny gold medal. MARATHON NUMBER 1...CHECK!




I'm actually signed up to run the Little Rock 1/2 marathon this March (a week before the wedding- yup, I'm a dummy) but I havent run since the marathon. I'm kinda scared. I did a few physical therapy sessions and I might go back to get a little more therapy in just to be safe. Will keep yall posted.

Me, my medal and my homemade knee brace. LOL!!

 

 

So after the race... I took off for two weeks and just rested. It seriously drove me crazy. I felt like I was getting fatter by the minute! On Dec 18, my dear Ashley convinced me to sign up for BIKRAM YOGA. I thought she lost her mind. No way in HELL was I gunna get in a room of 30 sweaty funky people..with the door closed and the heat turned up to 105. First, I sweat like a man..Second..I sweat like a man.. Third, so does my weave. Judge away..lol. I agreed to give it a shot. I figured that all that stretching would do me some good- and at least give my knee a good workout.

So this is me and Ash on our first day. It was HELL. But now I am SOOO ADDICTED. After only a little less than a month, I've dropped weight, I'm more flexible, and less stressed. I would reccommend Bikram to anyone!If you can get past the heat, you will do fine! You have to remember to hydrate often, eat well and get adequate rest.. and the rumors are true. They will not let you leave the room during class (the sessions are 90 minutes long). You can't drink water until after the 4th pose (about 15 minutes in). No talking, no watches, no looking at anyone else but yourself..I think thats it. There are 26 poses and you do each pose twice. You listen to the instructor and watch yourself in the mirror. Everyone is so focused and in tune with their own practice. I love it. I love challenging myself to get better- I mean seriously when I first went, I had to sit down for half the class. Now I can get through the entire session without taking a seat! Now I'm just trying to work on my postures- some are difficult but most of them are pretty easy. Its just the perfecting part.I encourage anyone and EVERYONE to try it out!

And believe me-- he AINT lying. I love that everyone is comfortable with their bodies in class but MAN. Seriously.

Haha-- one other thing that me and my immature friend can't deal with in Bikram is the pooting. I kid you not, these yogis break wind and keep it moving like it never happened. Half moon pose, let er rip, change. Namaste.

You should have seen the looks on our faces when we heard the first human machine gun. Gahhh. I looked around with wild eyes wondering who did it and Ashley was trying to hold her laugh down. There is one lady who poots at least three times without hesitation. And nobody says excuse me!! I guess because you arent allowed to speak. But still! The room is BURNING UP..and the DOOR IS CLOSED! Hold your gas until its time to leave. lol..I'm kidding- kinda. I know youre supposed to let all the wind go and its part of the process..blah blah blah. It's still disturbing me while I try to hold my poses. Put your poots on silent. Well- nevermind. Those are the killer ones. Ok, ok..I'm done.

So I'm gunna leave you guys for now but I will post another one tomorrow. We have SOOO much to talk about. And I've got a WHOLE MESS of healthy recipes to share! Excited!!

 

Until tomorrow,

Namaste =)

Court





You Are What You Eat!

HOLA HOLA!!

Haha this picture is SO ME!

I missed you guys this weekend! I was super busy so I wasn't able to post but IM HERE!! I hope everyone had an awesome weekend and I hope you didn't throw away your weeks worth of great workouts and healthy food choices. It is sooo easy to fall into a slump. You spend monday through friday hitting the gym and picking apples over bags of chips and then as soooooon as you get off work Friday, you're screaming

"PASS THE MARGARITAS AND BURRITOS!"

                                    

Man...if I could.......

                                               

BUT TAKE IT FROM ME.........people who look like this...

Don't take cheat WEEKENDS and eat this....

I know we would REALLY like it if we could...but we can't have our cake and eat it too. You cant eat crap and expect to look amazing- unless you have those crazy genes that allow you to remain small while eating whatever you want. But don't worry!! Your metabolism WILL SLOW DOWN ONE DAY!!!!

Haha Im just jealous, thats all =)

 

We have to stay motivated!! It's easy to fall into the "This one burger won't hurt" trap. YES IT WILL! I'm not saying its not okay to indulge every once in a while- but BEWARE OF THE TRAP!

 

   Yesterday morning I had a 10-miler to accomplish and MAN, was it painful. When working out alone it is so easy to give up when the going gets tough (and your damn legs start to hurt). I must admit, I wanted to stop SO BAD and make a beeline for my apartment but I stayed out there and finished it up. Its not always easy. Its not always beautiful and glamorous like the women's Nike commercials but we must fight through the bad workouts! Don't be easily discouraged! Remember, if it's hurtin, it's workin!

I know this post was quite short but I'm pretty tired. I will post a better one tomorrow, promise!

We will talk about workout pain and relief options! Stay tuned!


Before I go, I'd like to leave you with a little pic-cha...

In other words, drink more water! You can even jazz it up with mint, strawberries, lemons and limes! Water is great for you! It even tricks your brain into thinking your tummy is full so you won't stuff yourself when eating!

DRINK UP!

 

Nighty Night!

Court

What the HELL is she Wearing??

So last night I was INSPIRED by my friend Brittany. She texts me and says "could your next blog post be a lesson on what to wear when in the gym?"... PERFECT!

I don't know what some people are thinking when they dress to head to the gym or out on a run. If you are pleasinly plump or even a skinny-mini, wearing "up your butt" shorts and a sports bra to a public place is NOT OKAY. Its distracting- and not in a good way. This goes for guys too!! I know the buff dudes wanna look good FOR THE LADIES but seriously, wearing those itty bitty spandex shorts and crop tops (or t-shirts you have ripped to shreds so that you only have a piece of cloth in the front and a piece in the back) doesn't do it for us. Unless you are in the comfort of your own home, Put on some damn clothes. Thank you! So lets do a BEST DRESSED and a WORST DRESSED rundown.

 

BEST DRESSED...

 

 

And although I wouldn't wear it out in public (James would shoot me)..an occasional runner does the sports bra/running shorts combo. If you MUST wear only a sports bra..make sure your shorts/pants arent clinging to your skin.. like so...

 

But seriously, most of my readers live in Memphis..do you REALLY want to run around the streets of M-town barely dressed? If so- I hope you got your pepper spray.

 

NOW FOR THE NO-NO LIST...

 

Put some clothes on people. Seriously.

 

Now for our HEALTHY RECIPE OF THE WEEK!!!

 

 



NO BAKE ENERGY BITES!!

I found these on Pinterest and might I say, they are YUMMY!!

 

All you need to make them is...

 

1. A cup of dry oatmeal

2. 2/3 cup of toasted coconut flakes

3. 1/2 cup of peanut butter

4. 1/2 cup of wheat germ

5.1/2 cup of chocolate chips

6. 1/3 cup of honey

7. 1 teaspoon of vanilla

 * I didnt have any coconut flakes and they were fine*

 

MIX IT ALL TOGETHER AND STICK IN THE FRIDGE FOR 30 MINUTES THEN ROLL EM INTO BALLS! YUM!

 

I hope you guys give the balls a try. Heehee.

 

I ran 5 miles today in the hot sun...and I felt like this..

ENOUGH SAID

 

Okay!! I gotta go park my tush in front of the tv..

GREYS ANATOMY COMES ON TONIGHT!!!

HORRAAAYYY!!



 

Peace Out!

Court

Burning Up!

BONUS BONUS BONUS POST!!

I know I've already posted once today but I after the run I just experienced I must share with you some important "Rules of the Road".

Yes, this is me right now. The look on my face portrays exactly how fun this run was.

I started extra late- which is not good, especially when you are running downtown alone. I didnt get to finish because the sun went down and the hobos came out to play.

I'll make up for it tomorrow- don't yall worry.

 

OKAY!

 

So do you know when people say "I was just soo dern busy that I forgot to eat"..

I'm always like...

YEHHHH RIGHT!!

 

I'm such a greedy girl..there is no way I could forget to eat..right?

WRONG!!

I didn't remember to eat until after I was outside working on mile 1. Damn. IT IS SOOO IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER TO EAT- especially for us fitness people. We have to stay energized. And I dont care what anyone says- if you dont get proper nutrition, there is no sports bean in the world that can give you energy to complete a great workout. I wanted to fall down in the grass and stay there until someone noticed- and brought me a snack. But I kept going. I will NEVER do that again.  

 

ANOTHER THING!!

It is important that you NOT skip meals. When you skip meals and become SOOOO hungry, you will eat ANYTHING! Then you'll feel guilty afterwards. If you consume healthy snacks throughout the day, when its time for your meals, you won't be as hungry as you can make logical decisions. There have been many times when James was crusing along (while my stomach was eatingmy back) and he would calmly say "Where would you like to eat hunny?"..and I'd be like..

I DON"T CARE! I WANT EVERYTHING! FEED ME NOOWWW!!

 

lol

 It is also important that you eat until you are satisfied-- not until you are STUFFED. There is a big difference. Eat until you are not hungry anymore..don't keep eating to the point you're uncomfortable. The ONLY time it's okay to eat until you can't breathe is Thanksgiving.





Totally Kidding...kinda.

 

ONE MORE THING..

There is a difference.

I am guilty of this every once in a while. Are you really hungry?? Or do you need to find a hobby?

Think about it the next time you try to reach for some Oreos.

 

NOW PUT CHA HANDS IN THE AIR IF YOUR FACE FEELS LIKE THIS WHEN YOU SWEAT....

This could be due to a number of things.. the only reason I thought of this random topic is because the little crack under my nose is on FIRE right now.

This can be caused by makeup or facial moisturizer residue that adversely reacts with the sweat. I use hydroquinone and a tretinoin as an acne/scarring treatment and I forgot to wash my face before I went out. These treatments actually make your face more sensitive to the salt in your sweat and cause it to burn. Wiping off your face too hard with your tshirt or towel probably doesnt make it any better.

Sweat bands help/ and make sure you wash your face before you exercise. Aquaphor (in the baby section) before and after your run helps.. AND WATER! Staying hydrating during your heavy sweat sessions can actually alleviate the burn since your sweat won't be as salty.

Ok guys, thats all for tonight!

I hope you sleep well!

TOMORROW IS THURSDAY!

Every Thursday I will post a fun and healthy recipe for you to try! So stay tuned..

 

May the force be with you,

Court

I'll Take an Order of Yoga, To-Go!

HAPPY HUMP DAY!!

The week is almost over! Only two days left!!

So I didn't get to post anything yesterday, I was in Dallas for work (blah). You wanna see a picture of me being super busy while in Texas? Okay!

MAN I WAS BORED TO TEARS

 BUUTTT I DID see something in the DFW airport that actually inspired my post today!!

A DAMN YOGA STUDIO IN THE AIRPORT! Who came up with this??
GENIUS GENIUS GENIUS!!
Though I would never use the mats because I dont trust them- what if someone tried to do the downward dog and accidentally peed on the mat a little? Then you come along and put your face on that very mat? Then you'll have pee residue on your face and nobody will want to sit near you on the plane. And there you'll be.

Hahaha!! I know that is TOTALLY worst case scenario- but I still aint using public yoga mats- unless they provide that antibacterial cleaning spray, then maybe. Yikes

No excuse now! Flight delayed? Well get your butt to the yoga studio and strecth it out. NAMASTE.

SO NOWADAYS, it's easy to use the excuse "Im so busy" or "I work so much" or "I'm too tired"..

 

Honestly, you make time for what you want to make time for. Get to sleep 30 minutes earlier than normal and wake up 30 minutes before you normally do. Use those 30 minutes to fit some exercise into your schedule. You can run a mile or two..or you can do some jumping jacks and pushups. You know those fitness videos you have in the corner collecting dust? Yeah. Pop one of those babies in and get it moving!! YOU MUST TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR PHYSICAL FITNESS.. People! You complain about not being able to lose weight or not being able to eat right- nobody can change that but YOU. You just have to really want it and work like Hell.

 

My ranting is over. Now I will give you a few exercises that can be done from the comfort of your work desk...

 

1. Start by parking further away from the door- unless its dark outside

2. Take the stairs

3. Walk the hallways as fast as you can without actually running

4. Shadow box (do a few jabs at the air)

5. Grab some water bottles and do a few curls

6. Underneath your desk, do some football runs. Move those legs super fast!

7. Imaginary jump rope. Get jumping and swing your imaginary rope. Like Rocky does

8. Chair dips. Place the palms of your hands on your chair and your feet on the floor. Move your  tush off the edge of your seat. Bend your elbows and lower your body. Straighten your arms to return to the starting position

 

Those are just a few. You can google more "At work exercises"... or you can take it to the next level and attend a fitness class nearby on your lunch break! Just pack a bag, and bring a hanger to hang your work clothes while you workout. Take some shower shoes, hurry and wash off and get back to work! Many gyms do lunch hour workouts that are actually shorter than normal classes for the employee on the go!

DAMN RIGHT!!

HAHA

Have a great day yall!

Court