An End to a Wonderfully, Fit Year!

2009 was a great year! As I organized my fitness equipment before the Christmas festivities began; I took a moment to think about all the wonderful women that passed through my camps this past year. I have been so inspired and blessed by each and every one of them. I loved learning about their families, careers, and goals; and I was reminded many, many times that as women- we all face many of the same rough patches, challenges, and even joys!

I believe even more than ever; that training women is not just about the physical side; it's about the inside too! And I owe it all to my clients. The sweet camaraderie that has filled the workouts each morning is no doubt a valuable element for each and every woman. It's nice to be able to get a good sweat session in each day; but it's also nice to catch up with a friend and be encouraged!

As I bid farewell to 2009 and excitedly welcome 2010, it is my hope that the camps will always be firmly based in much more than "getting into the skinny jeans." That in addition to getting into our best shape and best health; we continue looking out for one another; inspiration from each other; and everyone's best interest.

To all you wonderful women that have graced me with your smiles each morning and to the many more that will newly join us in January- I congratulate you on a year well-done!

Strong and Fit for LIFE!
Sally

Up...before the sun

Most of my days begin with a greeting from the moon rather than the sun. I like it that way. It's peaceful. Easy? Hardly. For seven years, I have hit the alarm at 4:00am and it has been mostly difficult to arise. I love my warm, cozy bed and just looking at my peaceful, sleeping husband is coaxing. So why do I do it? Because if I tarry any longer in bed, "things" get a head start on my day. The domino effect of chaos takes over and I am caught floundering beneath to-do lists, dependent children, homemaking, and tending to my business. But at 4:00am...no one needs me and I am free to spend time with the Lord, teach my fitness class, run, and plan my day. A difficult, but priceless trade-in for those extra hours of sleep.

Do I get enough sleep? YES! I can finally say, "Yes." Changing my eating habits and napping with my kids have increased my energy levels and brought me more rest than ever. I try to get to bed early each night, but it often does not happen; there's always a pile of work emails or a few piles of laundry that need my attention. My husband is also a night person, so I enjoy our evenings together and wouldn't trade that time with him for anything.

Like YOU, I am constantly learning the art of balancing life. Each day, I am faced with 100 tasks; all of which don't need my immediate attention, but can easily take away from the things that do. Getting up early, helps me clear my mind before all those tasks seem too overwhelming to sort through.

The purpose of this post is to encourage you. Get up early...before anyone needs you. Not a morning person? I hear ya on that; but you can become one. Like everything in life, give it time. Transitions are not always easy- most often they're tough and even painful. As time goes on, getting up early will become more routine...easier? Maybe- at times, but think of it as more of a discipline- it's character building and in the end invaluable to you, your family, and life in general.

Thanks for reading up friends....sleep well, rise early, and live strong!

Sally McRae

10 Ways to Control Portions

Why do I want to control portions? Because it seems everywhere I go, meals are supersized! From fast food to sit downs, restaurants have gone large. Here are some tips to keep you full and healthy.

1. Purchase a Scale
Go to a health food store or grocery store and purchase a scale. You can use it to control how much food you are getting to make sure you are getting enough and that you aren't getting too much.

2. Measure Your Food In The Palm of Your Hand
For most items, a good portion size is in your hand. The palm of your hand is a good measuring tool. I know, putting a piece of meat in your hand is gross, so simply eye ball it. If you're not sure, err on the side of too small versus too big.

3. Decide To Take Home Half Your Meal
Most restaurants serve large portions, so separate about half to take home with you for the next day. To make sure your hunger is satisfied, order a salad and/or a sensible appetizer and eat it before your meal arrives.

4. Bring Your Own Meals
Whenever possible, pack your own meals for the day. That way, you can avoid eating out and the usual large portions involved at restaurants.

5. Pack Meals In Smaller Containers
The larger the container, the larger the portion. Instead of one large plastic container, use a few small ones to pack your meals. Not only will you eat less, you'll have less stress on your body from carrying all those large containers! I know I did!

6. Eat A Kids Meal
Kids meals at restaurants are usually smaller and often include healthier options. So, eat like a kid!

7. Purchase Healthy Pre-Packaged Meals In Small Sizes
At the grocery store, purchase a smaller sized healthy pre-packaged meal. Avoid supersizing at the market and instead purchase a smaller meal that will curb your hunger. To determine whether it is healthy or not, look at the nutrition information panel. Be sure to check the daily value and the actual portions per package. Sometimes the information can be skewed depending on that so read carefully.

8. Avoid Eating Seconds
Take your leftovers to your friends, family or leave them on the table. If you feel hungry after eating, take some time before deciding on whether to eat another portion. Often the sensation to eat again will disappear. You'll avoid over eating and over indulging.

9. Share Half Your Meal With a Friend
If you are eating with someone, split a meal. You can share an appetizer and an entrée with a friend and satisfy your hunger without over eating.

10. Drink Water!
Thirst can be disguised as hunger so make sure you are incorporating lots of water in your day. When working out, make sure to drink water before, during and after your sessions.

By Nell Ellis

RAW, Running, and other Ramblings...

Do I still eat RAW? Not entirely. Yesterday I made my favorite RAW smoothie and had good helpings of fruit and vegetables; but chicken and fish have found their way back on my menu. Why? Because it works for me. Now for all my new "RAW" friends- don't feel betrayed just yet- ha! I still stand behind eating RAW and all it's wonderful, miraculous benefits. In fact, I plan to eat RAW for set periods of time as a way to get "back on track" should I need to recharge my system...which is inevitable. For me, eating 100% RAW-VEGAN for 30 days was a realistic goal, and I am so happy I did it. I learned so much about eating differently and best of all what my body is capable of when I treat it right. Since the conclusion of my 30 day quest, I have eaten better than ever. I am more conscious of everything I eat, and actually feel more in tune with my body's responses to certain foods- particularly dairy and sugar; hence I eat very little dairy and allow myself very limited sweets. I still get emails on a weekly basis about eating RAW and I love hearing from all of you, so keep them coming.

I love running! I gave up "training for races" this year for many reasons (I will refrain from tangents...of which I am Queen.) But I still make it a point to run most days of the week if possible. I've also jumped into a few races for the sole purpose of staying with friends and clients- some of the best races of my career! People are so much better than the finishing time. Last Saturday, I went on a peaceful three hour run; and the best part of it; I ran without direction, unknowing how long I would be gone, or how far I would go. I just ran. I eventually found myself in Newport Beach. And had it not been for my sweet family, I likely would have tarried a little longer. So what' my point in sharing these random details of my running fancy? Just thought I would let you in on my new endeavor...my first ultra marathon. I am hoping to run a 50 mile race next year! I have been reading about ultras for quite awhile; I am a research fanatic (likely why I loved my major in college so much!). I have indulged in ultra running books, online ultra sites, and have even met a coach-ultra runner in my area. I am grinning ear to ear just thinking about it...and I know what many of you are thinking "you're grinning because you're looney!!" ahahaha...agreed. And happily looney, I am. The absolute best part about the journey to my first ultra is the reason for doing it. I am not doing the race for the challenge of it,or the personal accomplishment. It's not "just another race to add to my list"; but a chance to use what I am passionate about for a greater purpose. I have wrestled with many pursuits in my life; and one thought I can't get away from is: If I'm putting time and energy into something, it must benefit others. If I'm spending hours doing something to make me feel good and me alone; it's empty. Because "things" will never fill me. I will always be left looking for the "next best thing" a vain cycle. Instead, I will be running for the plight of orphans. Indeed, I have tangled with ideas as to how I could use "passion to change the plight" (that's my tag line!) and there are a few projects in the works; but ultimately the goal is ORPHANS...not me. Stay tuned as to how YOU can be a part of my journey.

For now, dearest readers, fellow bloggers, and visitors: Stay Strong! And I encourage that in every sense of the phrase. Stay strong in health and fitness, but in all your choices. You are beautifully and wonderfully made; and as I always like to remind: THERE'S ONLY ONE YOU...AND NEVER AGAIN WILL YOU COME ALONG.

Do something memorable today!

Your Friend and Trainer,
Sally McRae

(Picture: Long Beach Half Marathon-Oct.12th 2009; ran with my dearest Katie)

Stay Motivated!

The weather is changing. The holidays are upon us. Our calendars are overwhelming.

So how are you doing? Are you stressed, anxious, or too busy? This is where I step in. =) I'm your cheerleader. I want to encourage you "to do stress right" this season. What does that mean? Simply: let it go. Stress is linked to more health problems than I can count and worse yet- it never, ever helps us accomplish anything! I talk with people everyday that are overwhelmed, overworked, exhausted, and completely stressed on a daily basis. My solution: exercise. Literally "work it out!" Clearly we can't control all situations around us (a hard truth for anybody to accept), but we can control how we react to them. Pounding pavement and pressing dumbbells have been proven to RELIEVE stress.

Some of us eat to relieve stress; while others smoke, drink, or simply "check out" in front of the television for hours on end. The list of unhealthy coping strategies goes on and on. Can you see the domino effect? Take control of your life in these coming months; it will greatly help you cope with the things you can't control.

Of course, I would love to see all of you at one of my camps. The benefits of working out with others not only keeps you motivated, but improves your results. For years, I have watched clients step into my camps feeling timid, insecure, or even out of place; and by the end of the first week experience a total transformation! I love the relationships that are built in my camps; the bonds that are made; the encouragement I hear; and the incredible inspiration that each and every woman brings! I am always amazed to learn that all of us are pretty much in the same boat! We ALL have our struggles and imperfections and it is encouraging to sweat alongside women that simply "get it". I love all my clients; and feel so blessed to be able to know them and train them every day.

Okay, back to my original thought: exercise to rid yourself of stress! Yes. Give it a try; and I promise you will notice a difference in your total well-being. And if you are new to fitness; remember to ease into it ; discover the enjoyment of working out. Learn to love it. Set small goals and accomplish them. (i.e. Walk one mile today, or Do 5 push ups today.) Each time you accomplish a goal, you are setting yourself up for greater things!

You can do it friends. You deserve to be healthy. Those that love you; deserve a healthy you!

Stay Fit, Stay Strong!

Sally McRae

Our First Boot Camp Dinner Party!

Last night a group of us gathered together for our first Boot Camp Party. It was an absolutely wonderful time; and I personally enjoyed being able to sit (because I'm usually jogging around and sweating) and have good conversation and good food with my girls. And what beautiful women each and every one of them are; I'm used to seeing everyone with hair pulled back, sweating through the morning exercises.

Stacey kindly hosted the event; her home was a perfect place to meet; and I thank you again Stacey and family for preparing your house for all of us- what a blessing.

Now let's talk about the food! WOW! I cannot name my favorite dish because everything was delicious. I will begin posting the recipes as they come to my inbox; you (my beloved readers) will absolutely want to make EVERYTHING I tasted last night...I tasted it all; including the Peanut Butter Butterfinger cookies. Delicious.

As I drove home last night, I thought to myself, Why haven't we gotten together sooner? I really enjoyed our time together; and of course, would have loved to sit and chat with more of the ladies; so I suppose we will have to plan another get-together! Yay!

Our First Boot Camp Christmas Party is already on the calendar; stay tuned...

Love you all,
Sally

P.S. Sorry about the picture ladies...I didn't remember my camera until everyone was leaving; many of you are missing from the picture. Next time. =)

Endurance Hike #3

Saturday's Endurance Hike was awesome! We had a super-high energy group that; despite the dozens of hills, still found the energy to run a good portion of the hike. I must admit I was extremely impressed! I always have a great time leading the hike, chatting with the newcomers, and catching up with my veteran clients whom I have grown to love dearly. Thanks again for another wonderful start to my weekend everyone! Oh and I must give a shout out to the men that joined us: we all loved having you along and look forward to your company at the next event!

If you missed the hike on Saturday, be sure to check out the upcoming Weekend Warrior Events on my training site

Have a Fantastically Fit Day!
Sally

Your RAW Questions- Answered

Good Evening Friends,
I'm posting tonight in response to all the wonderful emails, texts and facebook messages I received in response to my first RAW entry. It is my plan to post a few more entries on this subject as there are many subtopics to be covered. For this entry, I will be focusing on handy resources as well as my specific results (quite the frequent question).

To recap the first entry: I began my RAW journey months in advance by reading everything I could get my hands on. I felt it was important to be as prepared and knowledgeable about the diet in order to reap the greatest results and sustain motivation. Before going RAW, I was experiencing unusually low energy levels, numerous skin breakouts, and difficulty sustaining concentration and motivation. After going RAW for the entire month of August, I was pleasantly surprised with my results:
*Weight loss: 7 pounds
* Inches lost: 5 inches
* Energy: Greatly increased; which also gave me more efficient workouts
* Workload: I was able to focus on more tasks, clearer thinking/better concentration
* Other: My skin cleared, and I required less sleep- woke up more refreshed.

Examples of what I ate on a daily basis:
(I must admit, I am a simple eater and if I find something I like- I'll eat it again and again.)

Breakfast: (Each day, I chose from the following items. Sometimes I ate more than one option; it's the beauty of going RAW; you don't need to count calories! Eat until you're full and satisfied)
* 1 Banana with Almond Butter
* RAW smoothie: Blended strawberries, mango, banana, blueberries, honey, stevia, flaxseed, and water (I have several variations but always left out the dairy)
* RAW oat bowl: rolled oats, banana slices, rasins, honey, half lemon squeezed (occassionally added almond milk, blueberries, strawberries, or apples)
* My favorite chopped fruit salad: Fresh chopped strawberries, green grapes, and bananas
* Several pieces of whole fruit: Ex: Two peaches and a handful of grapes.
* Sprouted Cinnamon Raisin Ezekiel Bread- I found it at Trader Joe's and Sprouts; it's amazing! I would eat a couple pieces with a bowl of mixed fruit.

Lunch:
* Sprouted Ezekiel Tortillas- Broccoli-Carrot slaw, mixed greens, chopped tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, slivered almonds, and my homemade avocado dressing.
* LARA BAR: (I find these at Trader Joes, Whole Foods and Sprouts) all natural, pure ingredients. My favorite is Cherry Pie. I always pair the bar with chopped fruit or chopped veggies.
* Veggie Plate- Sliced Cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and celery. Homemade dressing for dipping.
* Ezekial sprouted bread with Almond Butter
* Bowl of watermelon chuncks. I also included a bowl of mixed raw nuts and organic rasins.

Dinner:
* I usually had veggie tacos on sprouted tortillas (uncooked of course) and topped with my homemade dressing.
* RAW corn on the cobb. Peel, wash, and eat. So good!
* Salad- Mixed greens, chopped bell peppers, celery, tomatoes, avocado, raw pecans, and homemade dressing- this salad was huge!

Indeed, this might seem like a pretty boring menu; but it fit my often busy schedule. Most of the meals were incredibly quick and easy to prepare, little prep and easy to take with me. I always had a LARA bar, a piece of fruit, and a snack-sized bag of RAW trail mix (found at Trader Joes)in my purse. I drank lots of water, and cut the coffee. I kept a food and activity journal and each night looked over the "balance" of nutrients in my daily eating plan. I took the RAW ONE women's vitamin and added the GREEN SUPER FOOD all natural drink powder to my smoothies once a day. I also continued taking my Iron supplement.

For those of you looking for better dishes, meals, and ideas, check out one of my favorite RAW blogs: Kristen's RAW This site is awesome! And Kristen does a fantastic job changing things up and coming up with new recipes; everything looks so good! mmmm...

I also read up on Carol Alt (former supermodel) and ordered one of her cookbooks off Amazon.com . I loved it and really enjoyed reading her levelheaded approach to living the RAW food lifestyle. Carol is pretty much 100% but is all for having a "cheat". I really loved that; especially since I can be a little overboard with my "all or nothing" approach to most things in my life (not always good). There is a fantastic Q&A chapter in this book; which I devoured.

Before I conclude this post, I am going to touch on one more frequent question that I personally encountered in emails. COST. While I realize that eating RAW can seem pricey; I think that there are ways around it. Shop at Farmer's Markets, scour the produce sales at your local grocery stores, and cut out your budget for processed junk, and fast food (put it toward the fresh stuff). Buy organic when you can, but don't stress about it. I have grown to love Costco's produce section more and more. I bought large tubs of grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and pre-cut veggie trays- great value and great quality. If there is an increase in your grocery bill (I didn't seem to notice too much of a difference), you might consider weighing the "bettering" of your health. Better health means less illness, less doctor visits, less prescription drugs, or medicines. I can speak firsthand about this because growing up in a family of seven, we ate modestly; and usually couldn't afford the healthier food. When my mom learned that her cancer was terminal, I thought it interesting (even as a teen) how quickly she changed her eating habits. She began juicing throughout the day. and she cut out all processed food, sugar, red meat, and saturated fats. Her doctor told her that all those foods only "helped" the cancer. Why do we ignore this?

In conclusion, I have chosen to follow a RAW diet at 85%. Why am I not sticking to a 100% RAW-VEGAN diet? For a few reasons: 85% is easier for my lifestyle. I also have no desire to sprout, or grow my own food. I simply don't have the time or energy; so I suppose I would actually be considered a "bad" RAW foodist. Ha. A 100% RAW lifestyle seemed too exclusive for me, especially during social events, nights out with my husband, etc... Monday through Friday I follow the plan almost 100%. I never, ever felt like I was on a diet when doing this plan. I personally do NOT like diets; in fact, no diet is meant to last (hence the first three letters of the word itself D-I-E). Diets often leave us feeling restricted, deprived, and unfortunately always hungry. Eating RAW, I am always satisfied and energized. The food tastes better and better and I actually crave fruits and veggies like never before. I now have an occasional cup of coffee; and enjoy grilled chicken and seafood occasionally. I have always loved sweets, pastries, ice cream, and anything sugary; but I easily cut out sugar (surprisingly). I have had an occasional frozen yogurt, and a taste of this or that. I make it more of a point to avoid sugar (except natural sugars, like in fruits) all together.

I hope this post was helpful, insightful, and inspiring to you. I will post more RAW entries soon; so stay tuned. Good luck in YOUR RAW endeavors; and feel free to email me; I truly enjoy hearing from you!

Your RAW trainer,
Sally

Trader Joe Favorites

These snacks/meals will power you through a busy day, or afternoon energy slump. Give them a try. And if you are a 9am-5pm worker or eating on the go...skip the fast food and stop into Trader Joes; you'll be healthier and more satisfied!

*Flaxseed Chips and Spicy Black Bean Dip

* Variety container of Hummus paired with carrots and celery

* Fresh Squeezed Juice: Try Carrot-Orange, The Greens, or Tangerine Juice (these will give you a great energy boost too; skip the coffee!)

*Egg White Salad, put it on their Multigrain Flatbread crackers- YUMMY!

* Containers of freshly cut fruit: strawberries, pineapple, and mango

I like all the above items because there is no prep and no hidden "mysterious" ingredients.

Eat REAL food my friends and you will feel fantastic!

Happy Chomping!
Sally

Sally's Gym Workout #437

Hello Gym Goers,

Ever find yourself doing the same ol' routine every time you go to the gym? I see it all the time. Despite the fact that I train my clients in the beautiful, fresh air each day; I sometimes have no choice but to get my personal workouts in at the gym. With two precious youngsters constantly at my side, I have grown to appreciate the Kid's Klub childcare at my neighborhood LA Fitness (my kids love it too). I can't say that I'm particularly excited each time I swipe my gym card; I prefer long runs in the sunshine as opposed to sedentary machines and hamster wheels. But at the end of the day, the end result is what I'm after and no matter where I'm going to get my sweat sessions in- I want it to be good!

So here is the first of many workouts from my personal workout journal. Before duplicating these workouts, remember a few things: go at YOUR OWN pace. I may have speeds, and incline percentages too low or too high for you- adjust accordingly. Same with the dumbbell sessions: my weight recommendations are not for everyone: you might need to go heavier or lighter. Again, these workouts are taken straight from my journal- basically a glimpse of what it would be like to train right alongside me. One rule I stick to whenever I workout: Give 110%, but NEVER underestimate your body's warning signals. If it's a hard day- I push myself hard and then a little harder. If it's an easy day, I work very hard to keep it easy; knowing that the workouts to follow will be all the more efficient and successful because I gave my body a recovery period. Lastly, have fun; appreciate what your body is capable of doing no matter your fitness level. Know that your body is capable of being in a worse state; and at the same time is capable of being fitter, and healthier...you ARE stronger than you think.

Happy Gym Day!

The Training Camp Workout (A workout designed to challenge your stamina and test your total body strength)

Weights (fatigue the legs before hitting the treadmill; get the metabolism fired up)

King Squats (single leg squats) with a 20lb dumbbell in each hand- Perform 2 sets of 10 reps on each leg.
Walking lunges with 20lb dumbbells: Perform 75 lunges
Leg Press Machine: 3 sets of 20 presses- increase weights each set.
Set one: 230 lbs. 20 reps
Set two: 320lbs: 20 reps
Set three: 410lbs: 20 reps

Now for some cardio:

Treadmill
5 minutes of walking at speed 4.0 with a 4.0 incline
Reduce incline to 0.5
5 minutes of jogging at 7.0 work up to 7.5 by final minute of this phase.
5 minutes of running at 8.0
1 minute running at 9.0
Reduce speed to 6.0 while increasing incline to 12.0%
Keep jogging at 6.0 until treadmill reaches set incline.
Once the treadmill reaches 12.0%, jog for 30 more seconds, then reduce incline to 0.5%
Run at 10.0 for 2 minutes
Reduce speed to 6.0 while increasing incline to 13.0
Jog for 30 seconds at 13.0 incline
Reduce incline to 0.5
Run at 11.0 for one minute
Reduce speed to 6.o and increase incline to 14.0
Run at incline 14.0 for 30 seconds
Reduce incline back to 0.5
Run at 11.5 for one minute
Reduce speed to 6.0
Set incline to 15.0 and jog for 30 seconds
Reduce incline to 0.5
Run at 8.5 for 20 more minutes
5 minute cool down at 7.0 with last minute walking at 3.5 pace.


Back to the dumbbells:

Squat with overhead press with 25lb dumbbells: 10 reps
Bicep Curls with 25lb dumbbells: 10 reps (each arm)
Deadlift with 25lb dumbbells: 10 reps
(Perform all three exercises three times)

Back to the Treadmill:

Run one mile.
Start at 9.0
Work up to 11.0

Core Session:
Finish with 3 one minute planks
and Pilates 5 (5 pilates exercises at 20 reps each). Do 3 times.

Stretch.
Shower.
Eat a healthy dinner and drink lots of water.

Go Get Em Friends!

Sally

One Month RAW !

Hello Treasured Friends!

I committed to the RAW food lifestyle for the entire month of August; and I would love to share my experience and results with you; as many of you have been curious about it (as was I !).

About five years ago, I was first introduced to the RAW food lifestyle through my older sister Jenelle. Although I was intrigued by her new found health kick; I was not convinced it would work well with my busy weekdays and social weekends. In fact, when she asked if I wanted to go out to lunch one particular day, I was further convinced the plan was not for me when she took me to a RAW Restaurant. Sure, the food was fantastic; but did I have to resort to only eating out at these places? There was no way I was going to "push" family and friends to adhere to MY way of eating; so my interest soon faded.

So what sparked my curiosity five years later? I suppose "random research". The RAW food lifestyle had been placed out of my mind for so long that it rarely crossed my mind; furthermore, mixed perceptions of the diet, wary medical precautions about lack of nutrients, and "interestingly odd" RAW blogs I had happened upon did not help. But it was while reading up on juice fasting online that I came across RAW eating once again. The diet had been listed as one of several healthy, clean ways to rejuvenate the human body. I was curious once again. After three juice fasts, I desired to continue eating REAL, cleansing food. Juicing was no way to live for me; it required a lot of dedication, focus, and explanation (to others) on a daily basis; however the results were astounding. My body was purging itself from years of toxic buildup; and here I thought I was a fairly healthy eater!

So how did I come to finally commit to try the RAW diet? Good question; simply put, I was experiencing unusually low energy levels, lack of motivation, an increase in skin problems, and an erratic appetite (sometimes seldom hungry and other times ravenous). For months, I blamed my "slump" on turning 30; having two high-energy kids; or arising every morning at 4am to instruct my boot camps. Something in the back of my mind was not convinced and I grew increasingly frustrated with myself : "What is wrong with me?" I am not one to sit in my mire; that is the most unproductive, selfish place to be; so I decided that I was going to do something about it. For a few months I read every piece of information I could find online and in the bookstores (I tend to be a research fanatic). And I will be honest: there are some "interesting" characters promoting the RAW food lifestyle; I came across a blog wherein the woman was pictured in the middle of a forest, 9 months pregnant, belly exposed, messy hair pulled into a ponytail, and a large stick in her hand. She told of the "enlightening" results of living the RAW way; as well as her adventures far from civilization! REALLY? Sure, that is one extreme- but I found several other odd testimonials that made RAW living appear to be more than a lifestyle. And despite these odd sightings; I was pleasantly pleased to find dozens of similar claims about the benefits of eating RAW:
*Increased Energy
* Less sleep needed
* Clearer skin/better elasticity
* Youthful appearance/Brighter eyes
* Weight loss
* Muscles more toned and defined
* No more "cloudy" or "foggy" head feeling
* Decrease in anxiety, stress, and mood swings
* Healing from major and minor illnesses and infections
* No need to count calories; eat as much as you desire

At the end of the day, I figured I would encounter more positive than negative effects from eating real, clean, live, fresh food and bidding farewell to all the chemically engineered gunk I had been swallowing my whole life. So August was my goal month: could I change my eating habits so drastically without hindering others in the process? It was/is my hope to inspire.

So here is a rundown of the month:

Before going Raw, I regularly ate:

* Coffee with cream and Splenda
* Frozen Yogurt
* Cereal with milk
* Ground Turkey dishes
* A healthy portion of fruits and veggies
* Occasional desserts
* Bread products, muffins, and tortillas
* Cheese and Yogurt
* Grilled Salmon and Chicken
* Smoothies made with milk and yogurt

I suppose I could have simply cut out dairy for a couple weeks or gluten or sugar; but I had little motivation to hold a "trial and error" diet. If I wanted to "FEEL" the effects of eating REAL food; it was all or nothing for me (definitely fitting for my personality); and so I chose to do RAW-VEGAN ... 100%. (Many Raw foodists are not 100%...they might eat raw for 50%-95%; whatever works). The first day was great; I was surprised by how full and satisfied I felt. By day 5 I felt like a brand new woman! It was practically unbelievable; I was feeling almost every benefit (i had listed earlier) from eating RAW. The only challenges came when getting together with friends and family or when my husband wanted to take me on a date. As I stated earlier, I am an "all or nothing" girl so it was a concentrated effort to tell myself: "It's okay, eat as healthy as you can tonight and then pick up where you left off tomorrow." And that's just what I did. I was gracious to myself; and promised to not beat myself up if I couldn't eat 100% RAW. Of course, people questioned me and even made a spectacle of me in front of others over my healthy choices; but I have learned over the years to not let discouraging comments affect me; many times the ones pointing fingers are the ones that need the most encouragement; it was a good time for me to practice grace, as well as prove to myself that choosing to be healthy is inspirational and valuable to others. Which leads me to my final point:

I have been studying diets, meal plans, and food in general for years. Whether it is for my personal interest or for the benefit of my clients. I have always been interested in the human body; how it reacts to exercise, stress, injury, and food. Miraculous! In all my experimentations (I have tested many programs and diets for sheer research) eating LIVE Food has reaped the greatest rewards in the shortest amount of time. My workouts changed very little (an increase in energy meant better workouts...that was the one change) but I also noticed my body becoming more toned and my muscles more defined. I lost weight, and gained an amazing amount of energy. My times of reading and writing became more efficient and creative. Additionally, I often felt more relaxed and clear headed. My skin started clearing up and my eyes appeared brighter.

Clearly the results were rewarding, and I am very happy that I committed to eating RAW for one month. I am going to continue eating this way as best I can; however, I will be adding fish and lean protien to the mix. I could continue writing on several different topics within my experience, but I will close this already lengthy post for now and continue later. Feel free to email or comment about this subject; I would love to hear from you or answer your questions.

I will now leave you with a question: "What is keeping you from eating healthier?" If you don't have a good answer (most people don't...just excuses) then I encourage you to make the change today. Be an example and inspiration to the people around you. Be healthy. You deserve it!

Your Healthy Friend,
Sally

Stay Strong Friends!

I went for a long run in the middle of the day. And despite the suffocating heat, I was oddly delighted to run in the uncomfortable temperature. I must share- my runs often waiver from the enjoyable pastime that the general running population so chooses. I don't have a running partner- I actually prefer to run alone; I don't trod the same 3 mile loop around my neighborhood, I don't run aimless laps on the track, I don't run at a specific time of day. Running is an adventure for me- running makes me feel alive. When I run, I feel strong, peaceful, and happy. I actually enjoy putting myself through strenuous workouts; whether it's sprints, hill repeats, or long runs in unfriendly weather. I love discovering new paths, how streets connect, or challenging my speed up a hill. I have created several silly games to play to keep me motivated- like "challenge the cyclist" or "sniper" (I'll explain in a later post). No matter the distance, I usually run like a predator- always finishing stronger than when I started. I was delighted to see an article in the Runner's World magazine last year about "Predator Training" I actually thought I had invented the training technique...HILARIOUS RIGHT! I weirdly like running on a treadmill and have created dozens of treadmill workouts- which I will begin posting just for you (no more boring treadmill). If given the opportunity- I would love to run everyday for at least two hours- it just sounds exciting to me. Running is a wonderful way to de-stress, have some quiet time, relax the mind, work through decisions, and my personal favorite- PRAY. Today when I was running, two butterflies circled around me for about 10 yards...I immediately was reminded of my dear friend; she lost her father a few years ago and she loves butterflies- they reminder her of her "Daddy". So I prayed for her- strange that the anniversary of his passing is just a few weeks away. Had I not been on my run today, I would have never encountered those butterflies, nor prayed for my precious friend. Oh the stories I could share about my adventures in running. The friends I've made, the dogbites I've endured, the grueling weather conditions I have braved, the foreign countries I have known a little better, the triumphs, the defeats, and even tears. Running has been much more than a pile of sweats, dirty sneakers, and uncomfortable breathing- it's exhilirating and colorful. And for you, my friends that say, "I really don't like running...or I am not a runner." I understand. But let me remind you; your body was created to move, to walk, to run. You don't have to be fast, or have perfect technique, and you don't even have to run the distance you set out to complete. You can walk as much as you need to and then start up again; eventually your walk breaks will become shorter; you'll run stronger, and enjoy it more. I suppose it's like anything else in life- just gotta give it time; you will have your uncomfortable moments, painful recoveries, and lack of motivation; but if you stick with it; you will come out stronger. This is why I push myself to run uncomfortably- it makes me stronger; it helps me to endure a little more, to practice perseverance, and to convince myself to never give up. Usually, when running hard, I think of my life and all that has made up my often broken path- and it keeps me going. I think of the many people I have lost, and I run a little further; I think of my children and I run a little stronger; I think of my husband and the thought of stopping quickly fades away. I am thankful for the life I have been given, the air that I breathe, and the ability to run. If I live to be 101, I hope I'm still running.


Stay Strong Friends,
Sally