The Alchemy of Fitness

Sleep and a Different Kind of Motivation

2010-07-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, after four hours of sleep these past two nights it's no wonder I'm feeling kind of like a zombie. I woke up at 4:30 this morning and could not fall back asleep- so, I got up drank some tea, read and attempted to run. It was rough- I felt like i was running in a dream- trying really hard, and not getting anywhere- like running through water. Sleep deprivation is never a good way to start a workout, some would say avoid it all together- but thats never really worked for me. Im glad I didnt- it was nice to be outside in the trails early enough that I only ran into a few people where it's usually super crowded. I got home and did some yoga balance poses and deep stretching and deep breathing- and felt almost normal.
I then attempted to take my bike out. Woo! For bad ideas. At least with running the only person I may hurt is myself- but me, on a bike, on the road.... I never made it past my deck to be completely honest.

In this cleansing smoothie.....

One half peeled lemon
Handful Kale, handful spinache
Some cucumber
tsp maca
1/2 Green Apple
Some ice, some water,
stevia

How can something so unattractive taste that good?

Ive realized something, starting this blog, I kind of thought posting and coming up with topics would just come naturally, that it would be easy. Hilarious, I know. While in person when health or fitness come up in conversation I never run out of things to say- but something about actually posting and making it definite makes me more reluctant.
That said, all of the writers out there who not only have sites, but photograph and post every day- sometimes more than once along with jobs and full schedules- YOU'RE AMAZING. Honestly. When Im home and have a few weeks of- I may post once a week, I intend to do more- but it hasnt quite happened yet.
And, it looks like Ill be in LA for the next couple weeks- I think Ill bring my camera this time. Maybe... Dont want to get overly ambitious;)

Be daring… be different… be impractical; be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers… the creatures of the common place… the slaves of the ordinary…

Cecil Beaton

Cruises.... Why?

2010-07-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I love travel. Obviously. But cruises have always seemed to me to take the adventure out of travel. Youre trapped on a boat for at least a week. One boat. A week. Why??? August I will be going on a cruise. I have been trying really hard to get excited- but I just cant seem to do it. i cant figure out why people go on cruises- literally- can not figure it out. So I decided to do some research of the google variety.
It only made things worse- and confirmed my fears. It seems the major reason is it takes the 'hassle' out of travel.
Isnt that half the fun? The adventure? Getting a little (or, if youre me, very (sometimes on purpose)) lost, trying to speak new languages, navigating new restaurants where you dont know what youre ordering. I love all of that weirdness.
This article meant to reassure and 'sell' the experience made me panicky:
18 Reasons Why People Take Cruises
Dont get me wrong, good article. Great for people who are looking for that experience. But to me- It just confirmed all of my fears of being trapped in one relatively large space with the same people for a week straight. I just picture all of the tourists and touristy things I avoid when I travel all in one little ship. Everything I avoid when I travel there at my convenience- in abundance. Law of attraction here, I think way too much about things Id like to avoid.
The worst part of travel for me is getting there. The longest day Ive spent travelling was 36 hours of flying time.
So instead of 36 hours, what a cruise seems to do is stretch travel time into days. Days of travel time.
Prefrozen meals... Tourists.
I just get stir crazy cabin fever even thinking about it. Maybe if I had a group of my best friends there. Actually, even then then, Id rather just fly some awesome place....

“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.”

Buddha

Supplements and Health Addiction

2010-07-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

Theres something slightly ironic in the quest for health, and that is- while study and reading and choosing what to put in our bodies or not- can be so unhealthy.

Hold on, I have a point.

Health should be easy, natural. The desire for health and fitness isn't all about appearances (I should hope). But maybe because we like feeling limber and lean and energetic. We like the way certain foods make us feel- in a healthy way- not as an addictive reaction.

The truth is the more we push up against unhealthy behaviors and diet and stress about every moment we spend with food or conversely all of our energy goes into the preparation the ideas and the ingredients- the more unhealthy our quest becomes.

Obviously, everyone knows a gym obsession is unhealthy. The girl or guy (or you or me) who goes to the gym and spends hours past the point of exercise being physically beneficial and knows consciously they are now doing more harm than good. Totally not healthy, obviously. We know this.

You can name the calorie content of just about every food you know- including carbs if you're afraid of those or fat if that's your focus. Health. Carbs, sugar, fat, dairy. Calories. Over consumption? Unhealthy.

Obsessing over health?

The easy (and lame) thing to do would be to tell you to relax- to loosen your grip on your ideas of health, food, fitness, obsessive routines. But that would be like telling atlas to relax his grip a little and shake it off.

What most oa lot of people seem to be afraid of is the lack of diligence. That if we're not strict to the point of abuse that we will end up in a never ending buffet. Or we've already tried to not care so much and found that turned our legs into sausage casings in our favorite jeans.

The goal is tp get back to a point to let your body do what it knows how to do. If your goal is to lose weight you don't have to try so hard. YOU don't actually have to do anything. Your body does that naturally. Your body does that all the time. As long as it's not given excess calories. If your goal is to gain muscle- that's a little more complicated because it requires tearing down the muscle and eating calories in excess to repair it.

If you have a preoccupation (obsession) with health, think of it this way, probably the number one cause of disease is stress. Think of the damage any stress does to your body. You can still do all of the thing you do for your health and not be a fanatic, and not be evangelistic.

All food is is fuel- choose the best possible fuel for whatever it is you are choosing to do- and then focus your energy on what you wanted all of your new found health for anyway.

I love the fact that more and more doctors are looking into natural treatments for disease. Ive always thought it was a little cocky that we've discarded every bit of information on healing built up for thousands of years in favor of the newest drug or surgery. Something about hubris...

It wasn't that long ago that artificial sweeteners were thought to be better than sugar. Really.... And splenda started out as an insecticide. Monsanto makes nuclear weapons and sweet & lo, margarine was 'better than butter', all fat was horrible (omega 3s anyone?) and fluoride is still added to the water supply, avoid the sun at all costs- now its actually healthy in small doses, soy was a health food a few years before that and cigarettes were regularly prescribed by physicians. So much weird advice- looking at it- it just seems wrong doesn't it? To this day the food industry is still marketing artificial chemical food-like-stuff as legitimate healthy alternatives to... I don't know, real food?

Just a few Supplements that not only seem to work well (in some cases better than their pharmaceutical counterparts and without the nasty side effects) but have amazing clinical evidence to back them up:

Holy Basil- for stress relief. New Chapter is probably the best brand for this. Yogis in India believe this herb is necessary to achieve enlightenment. Excellent stress reliever and powerful anti inflammatory.

B12 Complex- Support and increase the rate of metabolism
Maintain healthy skin and muscle tone
Enhance immune and nervous system function
Promote cell growth and division, including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia
Personally I notice a huge difference in energy and my skin and hair when Im using it- which I do, every day.
NOW liquid b12 is my favorite.

Multivitamin- Any whole food derived non synthetic multi- New Chapter, Garden of Life, Alive

MSM- Hair, Skin, Nails, Joints, Awesome.

Omega 3- Heart, joints, blood pressure also skin and hair
A vegan mercury free source would include Hemp- which contains more omega threes than fish. And, of course, theres always fish.

5HTP or SAMe- Both containing tryptophan a precursor to serotonin- helps alleviate depression, may help boost antioxidant levels in the blood and is also an appetite suppressant (not to be taken with MAO's Or other SSRIs it may cause serotonin poisoning)

GABA- found lacking in those who suffer from anxiety, it's a natural brain chemical that promotes relaxation and a sense of flexibility. Excellent natural treatment for anxiety. Along with meditation and deep breathing. Theres also a lot of good info on changing the brain to cure all kinds of things from anxiety to stroke (no kidding). Such as this book:

The Mind and the Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force, by Jeffrey M. Schwartz, M.D. and Sharon Begley

Tryptophan- Another essential amino acid, also a precursor for serotonin. Excellent aid for relaxation.

Melatonin- A hormone secreted by the pineal gland it helps regulate circadian rhythms and also works as an antioxidant. Good to take before bed (I'm definitely prone to sleeplessness and this totally works)

I'm not really against- anti depressants or pharmaceuticals- I just avoid taking them at all costs. Unless its life threatening, I'm probably not going to. However, if it works for you, seriously, I'm really happy for you, and I'm not even trying talk down to you or suggest you quit your medication. That's a hugely personal decision and everyone has to look for and find what works for them. If alternative treatment is interesting to you Id recommend meeting with an N.D. in your area
Personally, I just find this stuff ridiculously fascinating. when it comes to health, healing and alternative treatments that effect actual brain and body chemistry I'm a complete nerd (I'm okay with this).

“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.”

Buddha

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”

Definition of health from the World Health Organisation

REmembering

2010-07-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

So many women (not all, I'm aware) seem to enter the health world trying to treat a weight issue and of course, I know Im no different. It's true, vanity is why I began and emotions and connection to my body are why Ive stayed. Many times though, it's all too easy to assume that once weve achieved X amount we will be successful/ healthy/ desirable.
To an extent, this is true. When we're at our ideal size (not too much, not too little) we tend to have more energy, health and a better outlook. But weight and diet are often disguises for deeper underlying issues.
Personally- being size X never helped me to feel loads more confident- I remember a friend introduced me to a gorgeous guy friend of her's when we were all out one night- and I thought- theres no way in hell he'd want me- Im way too skinny (I'd just gotten out of a relationship and wasnt feeling too awesome, obviously). He'd probably much rather have a girl with a little flesh on her bones and curves. Apparantly not, he asked me out and we dated for over a year.
And when I was curvier (for me) I thought no one would want me until I got back to my slimmest.
What in the name of body image????
Its so easy to transpose every bad issue in life onto our bodies. If we have a bad day- how often do we instead notice the flesh on our hips or how our jeans cut into our skin- or to say 'had I not overindulged I wouldnt be so upset right now', instead of dealing with the actual issue. You had a bad day, a fight with a friend, your boyfriend, maybe things in general a re a little harder than usual.
Instead of admitting that and dealing with it- so many of us (or maybe I should just speak for me) take it out on our size. If I can control my body and get it into this size (magical number here) everything else will just fall into place. I wont have bad hair days, I wont fight with my boyfriend, I wont get stressed out, life will be perfect.
Wow.... Really? This is what lifes turned into? A series of numbers in calories consumed and burned, clothing size, weight, carbs, calculations and bitter frustration???? Did it ever seem to anyone else in the midst of calorie, carb counting , rationing or ratios that you may as well be eating the cardboard the nutrition labels are printed on?
Or maybe Im trying to make something out of nothing. But there was a time when reality wasnt so subjective and things made sense as they were. Everything didnt need a back story to make it comprehensible.
I always thought with age came wisdom, but now Im not so sure.
Dont get me wrong- Im not complaining at all- I love my life and Im so grateful for everyone and everything in it. Im happy most of the time- but to have to have gone through such dark times to get to where I am- I wonder what my younger self would think. I know a lot happens between childhood and adulthood- we all go through things our own difficulties, struggles and losses. We have to learn the hard way, by experience, death, loss and failure- and maybe thats where this comes from. The loss of that incredibley balanced perspective that seems to be innate. And eventually, slowly we seem to gain some back, bit by bit.
Note: This was actually a half baked idea and I hadnt planned on posting just yet- but my laptop apparantly ahd other ideas- so up it stays:)

2010-06-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.' We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Random Moments in Travel

2010-06-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

(Market in India)

I was just going through some old pics of my past trips and reminiscing...

(Thailand)

A cessna in Costa rica- our pilot was either drunk or just really uncoordinated- we were skimming tree tops and it felt more like a roller coaster ride- my heart was in my throat the whole time. (Same trip, we went para sailing (if you havent been, it's way less fun than it sounds- or at least not as adrenaline inducing- or maybe I was just jaded after the plane ride)) over water where we had just been swimming to look down and see SWARMS of hammerhead sharks. It had a weird effect on me- seeing that they had been right there all along and we hadnt hadnt even noticed.

(village on the way to Pnom Penh)

A flash flood in Nicaragua- the guest house we were staying in was suddenly knee deep in water....

Getting some horrible mystery illness in Buenos Aires- I was delirious for four days (getting sick while travelling is bound to happen, but I literally was hallucinating this time)-

My first deep sea diving trip- I actually had a panic attack. They take you out to the middle of the ocean where you jump off the boat and have to swim the very choppy water three times around the boat before your dive- my arms wouldnt coordinate and I was hyperventilating so much so that by the time Id swam half the length of the boat the first time around my limbs felt like dead weight- Id never had a panic attack before then- horrible. It ended well- I got out of the water and breathed for about ten minutes and got back in the water to try it again and did fine...

First time I tried to drive a motorbike- I made it fifty feet before crashing into a tree....

Travelling- theres always going to be something- bad communication (fried snake anyone...?) missed flights, trains, border crossing times (borders do close for the day....). Travel has the ability to reduce even the most intelligent and educated into fumbling illiterates- pointing to a bus stop sign saying very loudly and slowly "IS. THIS. THE. BUS. STOP?"- Haha. So, my advice- if you ever start feeling too full of yourself- Travel.

Its so worth it- I may not sound too convincing (and things have gotten more out of hand than what Ive just posted above....)- But I wouldnt trade these experiences for anything. Its worth the price of the plane tickets, the inevitable difficulties, the hardships, all of it- worth it and more. There is nothing that will change you and your worldview so fast.

Im up late again looking at plane tickets and reading journalist's autobiographies- I think I need to travel again very soon....

"If you always do what youve always done- Youll always get what youve always got"

"If you only do what you know you can You wont do much"

How to Curb Cravings, Fight Fatigue and Reduce Bloating

2010-06-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

(dragon fruit, my love!)

Whatever the issue whether its depression, weight gain, allergies- I truly believe the answer can almost always be found in what we eat. These are are acouple of tips that really do work wonders-

So.... Lets get started!!

A lot of cravings come from being nutrient starved- Maybe everything in your life is going great (meaning it's not psychological/ emotional eating) and yet you find yourself inhaling a box of chocolate chip cookies. Your body doesnt need the empty cookie calories- but not having enough nutrients can still trigger you body to eat calorie rich foods by the handful. Not good for your waistline or your mind.

Ways to fix this:

1. Invest in a high quality whole food derived (made from food, not synthetic nutrients) vitamin- my personal favorite is Source of Life
2. Make your own juices. It can be hard to squeeze in all of your daily greens- an easy way to do it is to juice your own. Be sure to drink within 20 minutes as most of the live enzymes die within that period. Stay away from the canned and bottled stuff as theyre loaded with sodium, sugar and preservatives.
3. Green smoothies
4. FIBER RICH FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS including Gluccoman- check out these articles: http://weight-loss.emedtv.com/weight-loss/glucomannan-for-weightloss.html http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6096282, ,
Nutiva Hemp protein powder is a new love of mine. The chocolate flavor with a splash of almond milk is 80 nutrient dense calories with 50% of your fiber needs and hemp (not just for hippies anymore) is a great vegetarian source of EFA's, hemp is also a great complete protein with all of the essential amino acids. high fiber foods along with exercise have been shown to increase metabolism and digestion- great for a flat stomach and reducing insulin levels which in turn reduces belly fat.
6. Lemon water- a great detoxifier. It helps to purify your liver and kidneys helping your body to run more efficiently- also helps you release retained water.
7. Depression and psychological cravings have been shown to be associated with low levels of a brain chemical known as serotonin. Ways to increase serotonin can include nutrition and exercise, but supplementation too. 5 HTP has been found in various studies to be more effective than prescription SSRIs. Ive used it before to improve my mood and the results were night and day- this isnt something to take lightly- its a very powerful supplement. But it's also helpful to explore where these feelings are coming from- maybe your feelings are telling you it's time for a change. Also, do not take 5htp with other medications that effect serotonin becaus ethis can make you very ill!!
8. Feel free to add in superfoods!! Acai, Goji, noni, mangosteen, mushrooms (reishi, maitaki)-

As Hippocrates said 'If youre not your own doctor your a fool'

'Let thy food be thy medicine'

This being said, remember I am not a doctor. Im a student- these things have worked for me but please research for yourself.

Im living a dream and now I know impossible is nothing

2010-06-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

"Don't you all know by now that worrying is really just the same as praying for the worst? Worrying is the biggest waste of time known to man. I know that people mean well when they express worry, but worrying never helps anyone or anything."

The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be.

Robert Fulghum

Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart. Rumi

Working out

2010-06-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

Its rainy and storming and its been at it all night..... I love it!! I have all of my blinds open so I can see it. Something about storms- they get me everytime.

On to workouts! I usually start my day with yoga and structural workouts- Structural workouts in general help to remind my body why Im working out in the first place- to tone and sculpt. Also, mood, endorphins, that post workout glow- haha. Okay, so everything. But really, that reconnect with the body is amazing.

For cardio- sprints and plyometrics- Feels so good! I used to focus on running as long as I could while keeping pace- but I wasnt getting the results I wanted. I still love to run- but for sculpting and fat burning theres nothing like plyos. I also focus more on sculpting and fat burning than calorie burning (word play maybe, but it works for me).

Along with the staple pilates and spin classes- yoga.... A little bit of everything. Varietys always good- But for body shaping the above are amazing.

I just read a study too where 100 subjects were followed using different forms of cardiovascular exersize and those who used high intensity intervals and plymetrics lost AT LEAST five punds in five weeks where those who kept a steady pace actually gained a pound! Crazy right?

You were born with wings. Why crawl through life? ~Rumi

David Wolf on Cacao

2010-06-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm, chocolate....

Speaking of chocolate, and raw chocolate- I have to give props to xxxxxxxxxxxxx for some of the best truffles ever- and RAW at that. I dont really like sugary things- the only sweets I like is really dark chocolate and theirs are sooooo goood!
Also, thats no plug- just a note- And great for the concept of eating for beauty!

The Doors of Perception are about to be Flung Open....

2010-06-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

Wouldnt that be awesome- if it was just a phrase, an idea- some words that would open the doors on insight and instant understanding just like that? If you didnt have to go to Peru for ayahuasca, or read and re read every book by every new 'guru'- not to mention everything ever published on the areas of human psychology, metaphysics or self help. If all knowledge was innate and a couple of key words would make them readily available.

The idea of an instant cure is incredibly tempting.... Just around the corner- we truly believe- is the key.  We crave it- we're obsessed with it.... one more book, one more class, one more degree, our soul mate, a possession, one more or less pound one more or less person in my life- a little more in my bank account- and then- Ill get it- everything will come together. From this vantage point my life will be manageable. All those feelings in the periphery of my consciousness will come to light and suddenly be absolved. Automatic enlightenment.

We're willing to go to incredible lengths and shell out millions of dollars for that next thing- that next big thing that will make it- whatever It is happen. Jumping from one thing to another.  We'll go through hundreds of diet and self help books.   Many people find valuable insight and grow and change and evolve and many more people will fail. For diets- theyll regain the weight and then more. Each failure loweringan individual's self worth even more further proving what was secretly believed all along- that I am (insert personal insult here) worthless/ will always be fat/ crazy/ depressed. Messages many have ingrained in consciousness since childhood.

But what if the very secret we're waiting for- never comes? What if it doesnt exist?   What if- at the same time that we're so desperately searching self help books trying to find ourselves in yoga or the gym and loosing ourselves in movies and magazines- its all around us? In everything we do. In what were thinking as we do lunges in front of the gym mirror- shouting mental abuse for the size of our thighs or the weakness of our muscles or replaying an argument with a significant other or boss or family member? What if its what we choose to put in the plate in front of us- from the decadent cakes and pastries to the austerity of calorie restricted-lo carb-vegan-raw foodism? In the sneaky tablespoons of peanut butter, the voice in our head we try to quieten down by restricting or binging only to find it louder than ever before. What if everything we need to know about our beliefs on reality and existence as we know it happens in every tick, twitch, reaction to every event in our lives- every moment we're taught something new about ourselves, of that there is no doubt. The question is, are we listening?

Or do we drown it out with drugs, religion, alcohol, anger, food, excessive exercise or extreme austerity? Is the life thats happening right now so unbearable that anyone would willingly make it worse? All of our addictions only serve to intensify and amplify the emotions we're trying to mute. Addictions are violent obsessions. We only choose to obsess over things if we believe we cant handle reality and life as it is in this moment. But maybe the pain, the sorrow, the hurt just underneath that. Maybe feeling it wont completely unravel you- maybe it wont destroy you. Maybe experiencing your emotions is the key to your release. Maybe zen Buddhism isnt archaic- maybe they had it completely right when they said- 'its not about surpassing your own humanity- its about embracing it'. Fully.

(The old sculptures of the see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil monkeys didnt show the monkeys as you see them today- ears, eyes and mouth covered- hiding from evil- but rather scrambling in response to it....)

2010-06-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

Je me souviens de- l'accueil....

2010-06-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

Back from NY! No idea where this fatigue is coming from...
It wasnt as bad as I thought it would be- I was exhausted the whole time though. Usually- I have loads of energy and NY tends to bring out the worst in me- stay up almost all night and wake up early. That city feeds and encourages this sort of thing especially if Im only there for a week. But this time, I was just so exhausted- I just wanted to sleep. And sleep and sleep.... So it got me thinking, why do i want out of this job so bad?

I actually came across this study that sums it up much better than I could, it basically said that models are less happy than non-models of similar ages because the modelling profession does not satisfy basic psychological needs for happiness and well-being such as competence, forming deep relationships, exercising personal control, and being valued for things like skill and intelligence.

Back to NY

2010-05-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

Im leaving for NY- I dont know why but Im.... not really looking forward to it. Actually, I do know exactly why- BUT....
Focus on the positive.... Love the city. Ill get to see some friends- im planning on going to a couple of restaurants Ive been wanting to check out for a while. Like One Lucky Duck- and a couple of others. Get to go to my favorite workout studio- wish it was here in my homebase:( !! My friend got us tickets to a play- but apparantly I wont get to know which one until the day of. Everythings good, everythings great. Have I convinced me yet? Actually, a little bit....

“In the face of adversity, uncertainty and conflicting sensory information, I hereby pledge to remain ever mindful of the magical, infinite, loving reality I live in. A reality that conspires tirelessly in my favor. I further recognize, that living within space and time, as a Creation amongst my Creations, is the ultimate Adventure, because thoughts become things, dreams come true, and all things remain forever possible. As a Being of Light, I hereby resolve to live, love and be happy, at all costs, no matter what, with reverence and kindness for All. So be it!”

Lesson for me....
Things are rarely as bad as you think them to be and almost always better (Especially in the long run)

If man made it dont eat it -jack Lalanne (I basically agree with that.... )

2010-05-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

A friend brought these over- another reason not to drink from cans- even if it's labeled as healthy- I drank this and felt so jittery even though it's main ingredients- yerba mate and acai are things I drink on a regular basis. Either of us were really feeling them. No mas.

Much better...

(Looks terrible, but I promise you- soooo good)

juiced cucumber

added to the blender~

Mint

frozen spinach (for smoothie texture instead of ice)

Kale

Dandelion greens

Stevia

Good energy

Every time I juice and/ or add greens to my diet I always feel loads better. About everything. Its the best thing for cravings, detox, energy. Everything.

For Extra Energy

This would be the bombilla

Yerba mate the energy is soooo much better than coffee and the health benefits are amazing. Its an aquired taste- so if youre not used to it the chai or the mint are really good.

I really dont like the individually wrapped bags though- seems like such waste.

I usually buy a pound or two of the loose leaf and brew it in my french press

The first time I had it was Argentina- it was ground up in a bombilla with a silver straw- I hated the taste at first, but I felt so good after drinking it- that I made it a daily thing.

Acai- one shot and so full of antioxidants

Vitamin B

Good nutrition, excersize and practicing gratitude are also excellent energy boosters.

2010-05-25T23:33:00.000-07:00

I dont know how much i buy into the 2012 phenomenon- it seems like every generation thinks the end of the world is always just about to happen. But this interview is awesome- I totally agree- Everyones an expert, but we really dont know. Cheers to humility.

"The fairest thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. He who knows it not and can no longer wonder, no longer feel amazement, is as good as dead. A snuffed-out candle." -Einstein

Fitness and Beauty

2010-05-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

I know Ill need to be adding some fitness/ food photos in soon and stop using my old stuff- SOON, swear it.

Random photos- because yet again, Ive been a little lazy

Phuket when I was still figuring out my canon point and shoot- not so self explanatory after all....

Or maybe Im just inept?

View from rooftop in Italy where I would work out- because the closest gym was dirty and smelled like a** a little musty

Benefits of resitance training and healthy living-

1. Resistance training means lower levels of body fat

2. That sculpted face look? Yeah, its not all genetics. Resistance/ lower body fat levels is key here.

3. Stronger core= better posture- and a better posture means you carry yourself better which makes you look more confident so you feel more confident. See how this cycle works?

4. The leaner you are the more calories and fat you burn

5. Fat stores toxins

6. Women can get too muscular (unless thats the look one is going for- example- body builders whom I totally admire- the time and dedication and discipline of these athletes is amazing- its just not what I want personally) if you dont watch your calorie intake while doing resistance training. Youll be building muscle- and if you dont burn fat- then you'll only see an increase in size without much definition. Im super active and can still fit in sample sizes. Balance.

7. Diet is 80% of your physical appearance.

8. Dont eat crap food, dont support the companies that use cheap human labor, inferior products and GMO's all the while trashing the environment- Boycot that sh-tuff. Every dollar you spend is a vote- Vote for sustainable agriculure and humane practices. Know whats on your plate.

9. Drink lots of pure water- your skin will thank you

10. Im a firm believer that what you put in your body is far more important than anything you put on it.

11. 3,500 calories. The amount of calories in one pound of fat. In order to burn a pound of fat on a run means the average person would have to run 35 miles. Sounds horrible. Diet first.

12. Models who say they eat whatever and never gain weight are usually lying, haha, just trust me.

13. Also, a lot of the girls on the runway who look anorexic- are often times 14 year old girls. When I was fourteen I ate a ridiculous amount of food and couldnt gain weight to save my life. Now, Im not so blessed. Portion control.

14. Hanging leg raises are awesome.

15. Be nice- its just better for everyone.

2010-05-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Im really not into little dogs- but he was a rescue and he's awesome.

Today- rock climbing! Im really excited, Ive never done it before, but Ive wanted to learn for so long! Actually the weather here totally sucks- so I guess we're climbing at an indoor gym- but Im still stoked about it. After that Im heading to the other gym for my kickboxing & bjj classes. The classes follow each other so I always feel obligated to stay for both- Even though the workouts intense I always feel really energized afterward.   I wonder why that is?

If I take the evening classes I know Ill probably have trouble falling asleep later too....

Thats another thing- I was talking to my sister last night and we were marvelling at people who say- 'Oh, Ive gotta be up early- so Im going to bed around 10:00' Im amazed by that- Im like, really? How could you possibly know that?  I dont know what it is but my body just goes to sleep whenever it feels like it. I could do any number of things-

Reading before bed, drinking Valerian or kava kava, meditation- whatever and Ill still end up lying there for hours. I always feel alright no matter how much/ little sleep I get- Its just so boring! Every normal person I know is in bed by that time- so I cant randomly call people at like three am and ask them what theyre doing.

These are the same people who are baffled by my inability to fall asleep- theyre like- 'You just close your eyes and sleep' Seriously, I think thats a skill and Im amazed by you, I really am.   But- dont get cocky.

Back to the workouts- So basically, gym, gym and some more gym time. A little redundant- but I have loads of time off before my next job- thursday i leave for NY and Im not in school yet- so until that time I live my life like a retiree.

The twelve step program: forced religous indoctrination by the absence of any alternative.

2010-05-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

"Words are powerful symbols, and they determine our emotions, our behavior and the way we feel about ourselves".

Derrick Jensen: Endgame: Stanley Diamond “Writing was one of the original mysteries of civilization, and it reduced the complexities of experience to the written word. Moreover, writing provides the ruling classes with an ideological instrument of incalculable power. The word of God becomes an invincible law, mediated by priests; therefore, respond the Iroquois, confronting the European: ‘Scripture was written by the Devil.’ With the advent of writing, symbols became explicit; they lost a certain richness. Man’s word was no longer an endless exploration of reality, but a sign that could be used against him. ...For writing splits consciousness in two ways—it becomes more authoritative than talking, thus degrading the meaning of speech and eroding oral tradition; and it makes it possible to use words for the political manipulation and control of others. Written signs supplant memory; an official, fixed, and permanent version of events can be made. If it is written, in early civilizations [and I would suggest, now], it is bound to be true.”"

SHAMELESS: http://www.collateralmurder.com/

Truth

2010-05-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

Dont blindly follow anyone. Not diets, not on religion, not on politics, not on (ESPECIALLY) not on what is advertised to you, not on nutrition labels. Read, study- use your own intuition- your own ability to reason. Check it out for yourself- Dont be lazy- RESEARCH. All of the great spiritual leaders through out history have said the same thing- before their teachings were hijacked by various institutions- discover the truth for yourself if it reaches the rational side of you and resonates with you- by all means try it out. But dont turn anything into your guru. If you have to defend something so ardently against naysayers that you would actually get violent about it- chances are somewhere deep down you know that what you believe isnt real- and what youre really getting defensive about is the terror that reason will break down the barriers youve built up.

This goes for anything- question your opinions and beliefs. How much of what you believe you know is enculturation?

How much of who you believe you are is what someone told you? What have you allowed others to make you believe about yourself and reality?

That your genes make you fat? Unless you have a real medical condition- then no, thats not a fact- thats an excuse to eat whatever and create profits for corporations that are making a killing (literally) off of you and your family's health. Do you really think genes have changed that much in the last thirty years? Haha.... C'mon.

Maybe you were told you were bad at math-

Maybe you were told you were stupid

That youre too old

Too crazy, bad genes, too poor-

Too whatever- forget it all.

Maybe you were told that whatever you want to do with your life is impossible

By who? Why would you let yourself believe any of that? Dont let it become a self fulfilling prophesy.

Some examples-

Im not attacking religion here- but show a fossil to a creationist and listen to the arguments

Talk to a left or right wing individual about opposing views

Global warming- it's a fact- but tell that to certain people and youre going to encounter a lot of resistance (by which I mean- spittle flying, name calling...) Even if you dont believe in global warming all you have to do is a take a look at your own local ecosystem- the trash in the water. the oil slicks, watch the weather channel- they usual give you a measure on how high the pollution is and whether or not it's safe to do outdoor activities that day.

The level of toxins in the ocean- I remember some friends and I went to Costa rica and just about every other beach had a red skull and crossbones- The locals werent swimming because either sewage or other toxic waste was being dumped straight into the ocean.

Scuba diving off the great barrier reef and seeing very few living creatures- I was told that a few years ago it was completely overrun by gorgeous fish. Most of what I saw were jelly fish- and those scare the hell out of me.

In South America I saw first hand the destruction of the Amazon. It took quite a bit of travel to find the primary rainforests that Id dreamed of seeing every since I was a kid. Once those are decimated- they dont come back. You look at the hills and you see barren fields where it looks like someone took a shaver and just wiped it clean.

The lesson here- i dont believe in global warming because of what some politician or even scientist has said- but because of what Ive seen first hand.

China- because of irresponsible agricultural practices is becoming a giant desert. Check out the lethal dust storms.

This evidence is irrefutable.

What we do to our planet is an exact reflection of what we're doing to our own bodies. We are sick and getting sicker. Our planet is sick and we are responsible. We are responsible for our own health- as Hippocrates said ' If youre not your own doctor youre a fool'.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/12/1206_041206_global_warming.html

I dont know about you- but it makes me think about the people who were put to death for challenging the de facto views in the past- the earth is round (you will not fall off the edge into oblivion, turns out), we live in a heliocentric solar system, women are not evil, evolution is real (it is called a theory- but so is gravity), and yes- we are trashing our own ecosystem beyond belief for profit.

Show someone with strong racial views evidence that there are no anthropological differences between different ethnicities

Tell someone whos on the twelve step program that they are not powerless over their addictions and they dont have to become devoted to something that at it's core forces you to follow a religious manifesto.

Following any of these things and believing them make them true for you. If you allow yourself to be told who you are- then thats who you will be.

Or as Terrance McKenna said- NOBODY IS SMARTER THAN YOU ARE.

Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow. ~Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros

Laziness will cause you pain. ~Slogan on T-shirt worn at the Vee Arnis Jitsu School of Self-Defense

It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it. ~Albert Einstein
"We have been taught lies. Reality is not at all what we perceive it to be. We cannot survive any longer by hanging onto the falsehoods of the past. Reality must be discerned at all costs if we are to be part of the future. Truth must prevail in all instances, no matter who it hurts or helps, if we are the continue to live upon this earth. At this point, what we want may no longer matter. It is what we must do to ensure our survival that counts. The old way is the certain process of destruction and a New World Order is beating down the door. To cling to the past is guaranteed suicide. To remain apathetic is assured enslavement. To learn the truth and then act upon it is the only means of survival at this moment. - - - Like it or not, this is it, stark reality. You can no longer turn your head, ignore it, pretend it's not true, say "it can't happen to me," run, or hide. The wolf is at the door. "

Serious post- not the typical motivation to get up from the couch and move....

2010-05-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

If you cant tell I travel a lot. Not just for work- and not just when it’s paid for- it’s one of my real true pleasures. Its one of the things that makes me feel more alive than I can say. I truly love the globe trotting life.

But one of the things that always manages to shock me- no matter how many times I see it is the conditions in which many are forced to live- the slums, the starvation.... the total lack. Witnessing true hunger first hand and that thought- not only that this shouldn’t be happening- but that it doesn’t have to repeats endlessly in my mind. Many times when travelling Ive found myself ashamed by my life- my comfortable life. With my car and my condo- my stuff. Even the fat on my body. A life which I have done absolutely nothing to deserve. The one thing I seem to have gotten right is win the geographic lottery of being born a US citizen (and as evidenced by Detroit, Oakland and various other regions, even this isn’t always enough to guarantee food, shelter and medical care (one in eight Americans go hungry every day)). Food, shelter and medical care should not be based on an individual's net worth- these are basic human rights. Corporations and US policy create many of these situations worldwide- from privitization of water and food sources to hyper inflation of local currency.

The fact that a human beings worth can be calculated by what he owns- that in this world we live in what a man has equates his value. That if he has less- he’s worth less. Worthless. What a vulgar concept. Some would argue that a plush life is deserved- after all the hard work. After all, I havent relied on any one else, not really. I even paid for my own education. But how was this all possible? And if hard work equals a comfortable lifestyle- then where do all of these people working 16 + hour days of manual labor fit in? People doing hard labor the world over. Working skin to bone and yet somehow not even managing to feed their families. We need to recognize ourselves in these other people- that had we been born in another time or place- these people could be you or me.

I was ashamed that my life was so dictated by such rampant consumerism. That I actually thought 'I need a pair of designer jeans' as if the very flesh of my body would melt off without them. As if I had a family that would go hungry without the purchase of said jeans.

Every time I see these conditions I always feel like a voyeur- no matter what I do or how much time I spend- I can never really understand their situation. I could go on a hunger strike and yet the conditions to produce this would be in my control. It would never be comparable to what a huge portion of the world suffers daily. It would be naive and self indulgent to think otherwise.
So many people are afraid to let that 'vibrate into' their consciousness- I actually was told that- as if wealthy people the world over ignoring the impoverished had ever helped to lessen the load. You dont have to feel terrible about a situation to be moved to do something about it- like someone once told me "They dont want your tears, they want your help".

Even when you find yourself in one of these places where someone is yelling at you and following you down the street for 'US dollar!' or hawking some trinket- it's hard to be annoyed knowing that he may be relying on the few out of pocket pennies to feed himself.

What decides where we are born and why?
I remember how distant my gym membership, my car, my condo seemed-- my life in the states can began to seem surreal. The things I focused on a day to day basis seemed absurd. Making sure my starbucks was fat free- what clothes are looking like this season- the abundance of choices in my closet. The fact that I spent more on coffee in a day than many make in a week. I was repulsed. But then, like the typical foreigner, I got home- and my new vision slowly faded- I began to purchase things with necessity in mind- having completely forgotten what true need looks like. I began to fret about things which are a luxury to worry about. I forgot that chances are- I would never face real hunger or real poverty. I have dental and medical care at my disposal. I have more than I need, or want even. The more I see the more I really try to abide by the 'live simply so that others may simply live' philosophy.

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2010/01/30/opinion/1247466767698/congos-forgotten-war.html,

Theres also the myth of shortage- granted I dont believe the current human population or lifestyle is in any way sustainable- but I also dont belive that in order for me to have there must be the have nots.

Also, Conflict Minerals

My other passion (not about health or fitness... maybe mental health;)

2010-05-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

(Listened to constantly on my ipod while out there)

Ah- I dont know what it is- but Im missing Thailand so much right now. After my run this AM I found myself looking at various sites and comparing airline prices. This is what gets me in trouble. The main thing I absolutely adore about my job is travel. I love it and Im truly passionate about it. Every chance I get I pick through travel books, various journalist' autobiographies and language books- just so when I get to that country Ill know something about it. But, I need to focus! Im about to start school- I cant just be jetting off...

And by 'that country' I mean whatever country Im reading about- because I will find a way to get there. I am a girl possessed. Ever since I was little Ive had a serious obsession with Central Africa- A region so beautiful and yet so torn in conflict (like the Democratic Republic of Congo) that it would be just stupid and self indulgent to go without a reason- and if I did go it would have to be through an aid group.... Maybe Ill have to focus on somewhere more accessable like Kenya or Ghana.

When I was lucky enough to find myself o that continent I didnt have the time to take full advantage and do my usual country jumping ( aside from being too young at the time.. when I was in Japan I made it a point to go to mainland China), when I was in SE Asia I went to Cambodia and Vietnam- that type of country hopping. I figure its cheaper to go buy a plane or train ticket from there than to try and get there from back home.

But still- I woke up this am and literally EVERYTHING reminded me of my trip to Thailand... I really miss it. Its so weird- I was there for over a month and a half and I was never sick of it- and never got that 'ready to go home' feeling. I did get that in Italy (I usually do, at some point), I love it so much and all that- but after two weeks Im done- Im ready to be home.

To be honest, my happiest moments are when I travel. The times I feel most awake and alive- If I could make it a job I would. As Joseph Campbell once so wisely said "Follow Your Bliss". Travel is the best and most amazing education you could possibly ever hope for. Total immersion.

I just got back home a few weeks ago- but I already feel that itch to go again....

Also, when you do follow your bliss- everything else just seems to come together. When I was travelling- it really felt like everything just came together- it just flowed. I got to guest teach yoga classes- I met, by chance, one of my favorite muay thai guys, if I was stuck or in trouble the right people always came along. When youre doing what you love- there isnt that issue of 'emotional eating' or self destructive behavior. You WANT to take care of your health and your body- and if this seems selfish- it really isnt. Try looking at it another way- Every one around you benefits from your happiness and passion- friends, family, strangers. If you end up starting a business because of it- then even more people benefit- youre creating wealth and therefore enriching other people- either by your product or services, the employment opportunities or even just your example
"Now, I came to this idea of bliss because in Sanskrit, which is the great spiritual language of the world, there are three terms that represent the brink, the jumping-off place to the ocean of transcendence: sat-chit-ananda. The word "Sat" means being. "Chit" means consciousness. "Ananda" means bliss or rapture. I thought, "I don't know whether my consciousness is proper consciousness or not; I don't know whether what I know of my being is my proper being or not; but I do know where my rapture is. So let me hang on to rapture, and that will bring me both my consciousness and my being."

Stress reduction...

2010-05-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

(sorry for the stock photo, thats not me up there, Ill have more of my own as soon as I have a bit more time)

Things have been crazy here, trying to remodel my life and what have you;) Which leads to a pretty typical reaction- stress. Ive been super stressed out lately! I didnt even notice it until I was in traffic the other day. I was getting really agitated with other drivers. I think a lot of road rage is caused by people taking what other people do in their cars as a personal affront- which I really dont- I just realize that most people cant drive (I kid, kinda;)).

Anyway, i was driving along and got caught in a traffic jam and started getting really irritated and everything every other person around me was doing was getting on my nerves. I caught myself- WTH? Why am I getting worked up over this? Why am I taking this personally? Aaaaaah.... Stress.

When I got home I decided to get back to my yoga roots- and it helped so much! It reminded me why I fell in love in the first place.

I sat and focused on my breath for twenty amazing minutes before I went through my routine- though to be honest 5 minutes is good for beginners. Dont worry if your mind wanders- totally natural. Just watch your thoughts and try not to get too attached to them.

Whenever possible remind yourself to focus on your breath. This has been, for me personally, the most effective reaction against stress. When Im feeling tense or angry- it's generally stress related. So, if you have a temper or find yourself irritated at things that dont typically bother you- try some deep pranic breathing, or different types of breath. The point here is to become aware of your breath.

And if your skeptical- check out all of the famous athletes who practice this from the Gracies (the founders of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) to fotbal players and dancers.

Maybe take a class if you can- google RYT schools in your area. It can be hard to find a good teacher. Look for teachers that are RYT- but dont discount those who arent (Im RYT so maybe biased, haha).

I got lucky, my first yoga teacher was brilliant. She made us hold these poses for a ridiculously long period of time. Which, at the time, made me hate her. Lol, very yogic, no?

But her class started my love affair with yoga. It really brought me that mind body connection. Also, those ultra long held poses taught me so much about patience. My form improved in every sport, I had more flexibility, less injuries, and things just quit bothering me as much. I was able to really look at my life objectively.

The type of yoga I usually practice is Iyengar - Ashtanga. Keep at it and youll be surprised by the things your body can do.

Detox

2010-05-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

(Koh Tao)

Everything set to start grad school- Im so ready! Most people start school and then work (I did that- but was more focused on work than school during my undergrad), lol. Ive done a lot of travelling. I used my spare time to learn a few languages- both from living abroad and Rosetta Stone (yes, it really does work), and to learn as much about health and fitness and the human body as I could.

It all started because while Id always tried to take care of myself- how much better I looked and felt when I was. But Id go to a lot of parties, Id go out a lot, Id drink a lot- and this led to me feeling horrible- both physically and mentally.
Ive had to let go of a lot habits and people along the way- but sometimes you really do need to just let go for your own sake and your own sanity. Toxic relationships, friendships.....

I started getting back into yoga and juicing- detoxing my body. I really do recommend it- I know some people dont and some people are skeptical. But think of it this way- you know that feeling you get while on vacation? Where youre able to step back and put your life in perspective and really look at things objectively- thats what a juice detox does. You take a mini vacay from the foods you normally eat- emotionally and otherwise and youre able to step back and really look at them and you start to really see the difference. Also, you kind of buzz on a juice fast. You may feel tired and lethargic at first, but after that- pure bliss.

Not being self destructive and living in an addicted mindset mean to me the difference between actually being there for my life experiences. Without getting all fundamentalist on people-

2010-05-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

Looking around online I see Im not the only person out there who has trouble with concious eating when abroad. While I was amazed at the abundance and the quality of life in Europe (something everyone readily talked about- a few doctors I met whod lived in the states for residency or school said they would choose Italy anyday- because there they work to live where in the states they would have to live to work), I wasnt impressed with the food. The produce was generally old and of very low quality. I noticed a lot of people just didnt look healthy and carried around a lot of excess weight.

Also, the pollution headaches were insane- worse than NY. Totally gross, I know, but I was coughing black crap for a full week after I got home! I think it's all the diesel they use- I ended up on Amalfi and it was the worst down there, for some reason.

I read an article while I was there that this wasnt always the case. Their typical mediteranean diet was being replaced by Americanized franfoods like mcdonalds and chemical prepacked junk like twinkies and chips.

It seems ironic that we have one of the most unhealthy nations in the world and also some of the best most healthy options available. And also, how common knowledge the importance of health and nutrition is.

I think out of frustration about availability of healthy unaltered foods and watching our friends and family members become sick because of what we're cosnuming is leading more and more people to question whats really going on.

Im really grateful for the people who didnt drink the kool-aid- pun intended- and decided to really question what was/ is happening in this country to our farms and farmers and our agriculture.

I for one, enjoy apples that are actually apples and not clones, non irradiated, non GMO. If I had kids I wouldnt want him to eat these things that could potentially alter his dna and create cancerous cells- or watch him suffer through a weight problem or various psychiatric disorders that are increasingly proven to show nutrition, or lach thereof as the root cause. Things like add, adhd and autism, depression...

Ready, set.... STOP

2010-05-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

My job has given me this (not ankor wat specifically, I mean the ability to travel).
And this...

I know it's ironic that Im looking to end my job for a more normal life- What if your identity was so wrapped up in what you did for a living that you completely forgot who you were?

Which brings me to one of my new favorite quotes~
"When what you are doing begins to effect who you know you are- it's time for a change'

Or something along those lines. Some people are able to balance this life- I dont think Im one of them. Ive always been an all or nothing person- and given the fact that I literally feel ill every time I have to go on assignment- I think thats what I need to do. Ohhhh courage..... I admire people who remodel their lives when they know it's time.

Travel and Routine

2010-05-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

On thing I and a lot of other people struggle with is keeping up a diet and exercise routine while travelling. So often when we take a break and go on vacation we take a break from EVERYTHING and allow ourselves to over-indulge using excuses like- 'Im on vacation'. I know this because I do it too. Or at least, I used to. I would be out on assignment in a foreign city and not know where a gym or health food store was- and I would tell myself- it's okay- youre not home. But I would get frustrated with myself for every slip up and be so preoccupied with what I was eating and the workouts I wasnt doing that I was really missing out on a lot of cool experiences...

When you travel for work, that doesnt fly. You tend to pack on the pounds surprisingly quickly. Some people are able to take a break and get right back on the treadmill, Im not one of those people.
Italy was hard- carby food- very few gyms.... No health food stores! Really! The ones I did find were very sad with extremely old food sitting on their shelves. That sort of thing just isnt part of the lifestyle there.

The one thing Italy did have fitness- wise was stairs. Stairs everywhere. Winding up hills- leading up buildings. I ended up jogging these stairs several times every day along with an ab routine on park benches. It may look ridiculous- but its getting done. The point here is, no excuses.

When you throw what you know is good for you out the window because youre 'on break' you end up feeling it. You end up not being able to fully enjoy your time because you know youre not taking care of yourself the way you should. And let's face it- when you look good- you feel good. When youre doing right by YOU, youre happier and more fulfilled.

Experiment- find things you enjoy and do them.

One of my favorite things to do when Im in a new place is find the local sport and take classes. Some of my favorites were/ are yoga classes in India, I took muay thai while in Thailand, judo in Japan, Brazilian Jiu jitsu in Rio and Sao Paulo Brazil and capoeira. In Maui I learned to surf. Im not bragging- Im just pointing out that when 'the usual' isnt available you should make the best of it and branch out- get creative! I also love taking local dance classes- (tango Argentina!). Also, in other countries things ten to be a lot cheaper- so these classes can be more affordable than your monthly gym membership in the states.

Something I think is integral to ANY fitness routine is some form of resistance training. I know I personally look more toned and lean when I incorporate this about three times a week. Consistence is key- and variety? Well that just keeps things fun!
So get out, move and learn a new skill in the process. Youre sharpening your body and mind.
Heres a link to one of my FAVORITE ab exercises:
http://www.nowloss.com/best-ab-exercises-to-get-ripped-abs-at-home.htm

"Every time I've done something that doesn't feel right, it's ended up not being right." -Mario Cuomo

2010-05-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

This month: Italy. One month in four countries. Three continents in three months.... Yep, I desire stability.

2010-05-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

It takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there as so many bloggers do. My goal with this blog is to do just that. I currently model for a living, and while this has afforded me some amazing opportunities and experiences and taken me all around the globe. I'm now at a point where i would like to focus on a different set of challenges- living a more settled life and focusing on school. Im craving routine!!

A lot of people see the modelling world as glamorous, and it can be. But it can also be lonely and isolating. Things like maintaining friendships- yikes. Ive never really had a problem making friends. Maintaining is the hard part. I was always jetting in and out of town- different parts of the country, different parts of the world. I would find myself back in town and feel completely disconnected from what was going on in everyone's life.

Eating and fitness are two other obstacles. Im paid based on my looks. Ive always been naturally slim- but thats not really enough in this job. Your body, hair and skin all have to be at their optimal appearance.

Ive read and studied so many books and attended so many seminars and nutrition and exercise courses. All of these things led to even more questions such as what to eat and how much, how often and at what times, how best to exercise. Should I lift heavy (will I bulk)? Should I lift at all? should I just do pilates and Cardio? Stretching? Yoga? Martial arts?

Whats funny is.... Im grateful in a wierd way for the hyper awareness my job has given me towards my diet. I was really forced to educate myself and question every bit of food I was putting into my body. Its kind of a Pandora's box (as anyone who's opened it knows) Ive learned everything from the chemical compounds of various nutrients to the philosophical aspects (why is grain popular for breakfast, why is bacon an inherantly breakfast food, why are people so obsessed with ice cream, why is deprivation admirable and consumption stigmatized? How much of what and how we eat is taught to us by the corporations that sustain our diet?).

Vegan, lo carb, raw, vegetarian, paleo diet, pilates, yoga, ballet, hip hop, spin, rock climbing, extreme adventure sports, surfing, meditation, jiu jitsu, kung fu, surfing, acupuncture, deprivation tanks, metaphysics, travel, spas, retreats..... These are all things that Ive done in this little quest. Some of them were a mask for my eating issues and some of them I truly adore.

My goal is to remember which is which.