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Vanya

Returning back to exercise after a break

Hi all,

Some time in early October I suffered from a back injury.

Personally I think it was a combination of things that lead to it (lack of core strength, carrying Charlie around and pushing through the pain while excercising), but when it hit I was devastated.

I had finally gotten into a rhythm, gym three times a week and walking every day with Charlie.

I felt limited in what I could do physically until my back was feeling better. I couldn't go to the gym, I could only do walks which had to be at a much slower pace and shorter. I discovered that I had to listen to my body now.

But what was interesting is that the realisation that I CAN'T exercise made me want to do it even more. What is that all about?

Was I listening to my saboteur again? On several occasions Andrew had to remind me that I wasn't exercising because I had to give my back a break so it would heal. Returning to exercise too soon could do more damage.

Fast forward to today.

I got up at 8:30, Charlie was in a good mood and my in-laws stayed the night. Today was my big return to exercise.

My cloths lay out on the chair, prepared enthusiastically the night before, however as I dressed this morning enthusiasm was completely gone.

I wasn't tired, I had slept well last night. My back wasn't sore. I didn't have to look after Charlie this morning as my in-laws were preparing to take him for a walk while I was at the gym. So I had no excuses.... but here I was contemplating going later, or not at all today.

And finally it dawned on me! My saboteur was at it again!

I had no excuse not to go this morning. But she was talking me out of it before I had even stepped out of bed.

All I could do is repeat: "Push through, you will feel fantastic after you go." and so I went. It was only once I entered through the doors that my inner saboteur stopped wining and complaining.

As I sit and write this, I keep telling my self that I have to remember to push through my feelings of doubt. I have to focus on what is on the other side of the workout.

And you know I left the gym after a 40 min cardio session feeling really good. I felt light on my feet and my mind was racing with ideas for a healthy break to regain my energy. Todays day all of a sudden had possibilities that if I hadn't done the exercise would have been much different.

I would have had breakfast and coffee would have turned the TV on and watched (waisted time) would have eaten some more (because it's lunch time, not because I'm hungry), I would have talked my self out of a walk with Charlie (because I'm too tired).

Instead after gym I played and danced with Charlie, I was inspired to cook a healthy lunch and dinner. I then took Charlie for a walk and now I'm sitting at my local cafe writing this post as Charlie sleeps in his pram.

Today was a success!!!!

I am now excited to see what tomorrow will bring.

I'll have a Green Juice please

Hi all,

I must admit when my sister first proposed this green thick drink, which she had enthusiastically told me contained lettuce, celery and spinach amongst other things, I looked at her waiting to see where the hidden camera was.

I mean who drinks lettuce?!?

I didn't want a bar of it! She assured me that it tasted better then it looked, but I couldn't get past the ingredient list and the colour of the drink.

She tried several times to get me to try it and on the occasion I did, I made sure to make the most sour face afterwards.

If you are reading this Sanja, then yes I admit it tasted nice, but I had to give you a hard time. It's in my job description as an older sister ;)

At the time the green juice craze hit my house, it was all about Kimberly Snyder. Before Kimberly entered our house I was oblivious to the green juice craze. Today I see juicing all over the place. Could it be Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon (Frequency Illusion) or is juicing really on everyones mind?

So what is "Green Juice"?

Green juice is a blended fruit and vegetable drink that contains some form of green leafy vegetables, hence the green colour.

The taste however can range, all depending on what else you add to it. Kiwi fruit, orange, banana, apple, pear, grapes. etc.

Really you could add any ingredient you want. I usually try to use anything in my fridge or fruit bowl, to ensure all the produce are used before expiry.

To me, juicing means:

• Increased Energy - I find that after a green juice in the morning I am much more energised then after my morning coffee.
• Bowl movement - GUARANTEED! In fact make sure you are near the toilets about an hour after you drink the juice. (two if you are really blocked up)
• Fruit intake - I personally don't eat fruit every day. This way I get my 2-3 fruit a day 
• Additional Vegetables - While your green juice shouldn't substitute for your daily vegetable intake, this is a great way to add additional vegetables into an already balanced diet

While I don't believe that there are many "disadvantages" to green juice, here are some things that may be looked at as negatives:

• The feeling of full - As all the fruits and veggies are juiced, you would naturally need more to feel fuller. 
• Overload on carbs - If you are following a diet where calorie counting is required you would have to watch the volume you drink to ensure lower calorie intake and the percentage of carbs for the day. 
• Only select vitamins - As you can't juice every vegetable your green juice will not deliver a verity of vitamins outside the once the fruits and veggies you are juicing contain. As such you can't abandon eating balanced meals with a verity of all different coloured veggies. 

TODAY'S GREEN JUICE RECIPE  

This recipe can be done with any fruit or vegetable you have in the fridge so my mix today consists of the following: 

• 1/2 ripe Banana
• 1 Kiwi fruit
• 1/2 Apple
• 1/2 ripe Pear
• Juice of one Orange
• 7 Kale leafs
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup of ice cubes

You Blend all the ingredients and poor into a glass of your choice, here are some ideas: