Cleansing the Soul (CTS) Day 1

A very quick check in from me tonight family. So far, day went great! No cheating and I stucked to my eating plan (click back to previous post). I will say that I did start to get headaches around 3:45 ish tonight, but I decided that maybe it was time for me to eat (lol), and I had dinner, water and some sugar free gum. In order to help conquer this (mind over matter), I actually stopped and said a small prayer to refocus me on what I was doing (folding clothes..BTW) and soon the headache was gone.

I wanted to share with you a neat thing I did with my veggies today. I steamed some corn and green peas. Threw both in a mixing bowl and added some chopped tomatoes...and discovered a delicious healthy dish. I only used pepper (black) and a hint of Mrs. Dash (no salt, butter, etc were used). The tomatoes gave the veggies some kick and added sweetner to help coat them to taste. After this is all over, I must try this again. I ate on this for lunch and dinner. I also warmed up some vegetarian broth and had as a snack..the morning was a little difficult so I had this in my stash.

Tomorrow is all juice. Fruit and veggies have to be in liquid form. Since I do not have a juicer, I have taken out ALL my frozen fruit and plan to blend it with some water to "juicify" (yes I just made up a word) it. Instead of the herbal laxative tea, I actually continued on with my ACV to help with daily toxin release until I start fully on liquids...then the tea will come into play.

Originally, I had planned to work out, but since I was up uber early for work, I decided to pass. Tomorrow, however, I plan to do 2-4 miles on the treadmill (walking...no runnin). I decided to take my work out down a bit for I know how my adrenaline gets pumping, and heavily desires food afterwards...but I will be on total liquids and water so that is a no go. Lol. I guess we will see.

As for vitamins, I was suggested to not take any, but I did take my allergy meds and some of my all natural supplements (joints, etc). This will all cease by Wednesday of this week.

Until tomorrow family...the orAKAle has spoken......

What's On Your Playlists.....

So I've been speaking with a few followers, and chatting with others about what music to listen to while working out. As you all are aware, I have a regimen that I try to stick with and the majority of the time I am using my Ipod to get threw my workouts (especially when I am forcing myself to stay on schedule:)

First, big shouts out to my girl TraBoogie (on twitter) for putting the question out to the masses, to gather ideas for her play work out list. Below are the top 20 songs (in no order) that always make the cute on one of my many list I've created to be productive while working out:


~ "Boom Boom Pow" - Black Eyed Peas
~ "Imma Be" - Black Eyed Peas
~ "I Got A Feeling" - Black Eyed Peas

(can you tell I really like them...lol)

~ Technologic (radio edit) - Draft Punk
~ Working Day and Night - Micheal Jackson
~ Forever - Chris Brown
~ Universal Mind Control - Common
~ Pocketbook - Jennifer Hudson
~ Super Friend - Mary Mary
~ Get Up - Mary Mary
~ God in Me - Mary Mary

(great motivators and good steady beat for running)

~ Poker Face - Lady Ga Ga
~ Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus (don't judge me....lol)
~ Seven Nation Army - White Stripes
~ Thats Not My Name - The Ting Tings
~ Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
~ I Still Love You - 702
~ I'm Goood - Clispe (a recent addition)
~ Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
~ I Know You Want Me - Pitbull

I also listen to a variety of spiritual podcasts and gospel music. Some of my favs that I am cureently subscribed to:

~ ABP King James Version - One Hour a Day
~ Joyce Meyer
~ Joel Olsteen
~ Bill Winston Ministries


Honestly, planning out my work out play lists is a serious matter. I'm a firm believer that what I plug into my ears sets the tone for the attitude throughout my time at the gym, or outside on the pavement (running/jogging/walking). At times when I am feeling low or conscious (due to a set back or a bad day), my playlists, podcast and other music cheers me up to GET UP and GET MOVING.

What songs are on your playlists for exercising family........?

November Activity Plan

And I'm back family......

For those who know me or follow me on Twitter @efficient1, I like to switch up my workout regimen. I totally believe in tricking the body so it doesn't get complacent and stop burning fat (dropping unwanted pounds). Most health professionals will agree that switching up your routine every 4-6 weeks helps to restart the body so it will continue to burn fat and develop muscle. Also, it helps with keep your blood pressure regular and reduces your risk of heart attacks/strokes.

As I continue with my healthy living goals (and as I prepare for my international trip), I decided to implement a special exercise regimen for the month of November. Since this is the first month since August that I am not traveling all over the country(lol), I figure I could make some headway on my weight loss and body toning initiatives.

A few weeks ago I posted my current healthy living regimen (click here) that was inclusive of eating, spiritualitg and exercising (and a few other things). I'm still following those tips, but I wanted to be more detailed in the actual activities to get my heart pumping on a weekly basis. See below for this month's plan:


Workouts
Julian Micheals "30 Day Shred"
Beach Body's "Turbo Jam" and "Hip Hop Abs"
Gym regimen - 3m run on treadmill, row machine & stair climber/bike

Frequency
4-6x's a week ( a minimum of 4 is a must)

So what is your regimen this month family? Do you actually sit and plan out how you will get up and moving daily? Have you been wanting to try something different to spice up your workout life? WELL TODAY IS THE DAY!!!! I challenge all of you all to post your regimens this month on either your blogs, youtube, facebook, twitter, etc. Feel free to put them in the comment section below as well. We are all in this together. Be blessed....