I was a total Prairie Gangster this week.
Prairie (noun) : An extensive area of flat or rolling, predominantly treeless grassland, especially the large tract or plain of central North America.
Gangster (noun): A member of a gang of violent criminals
Ok, not really but it sounds pretty awesome.
I am typing this blog while on a plane home. Today, Justin Bieber and I parted ways. We have had pretty much the same travel schedule all week (both Saskatoon and Winnipeg on the same days). From the front page headline in the Winnipeg Free Press this morning, I would say that his concert rocked last night. It will probably be the most action the MTS Centre (where the Jets play) will see for a while. This is not a dig at the Jets, but at the NHL in general (let’s strike a deal already boys). You obviously can’t tell from my typing that the plan ride was extremely turbulent. You will just have to take my word for it. Yesterday Susan and I went for lunch at this awesome restaurant called Prairie Ink. It is located inside a bookstore called McNally Robinson. They serve all local food and they use all local ingredients to prepare your meals. Cool, right? Not to mention delicious. In the spirit of eating clean carbs, Susan and I ordered the African Peanut soup, which has a sweet potato base. It was so good. It inspired me to attempt to make my own soup, which I have never done before. What exactly are clean carbs? Here, let me show you!
Picture is from toscareno.blogspot.com
If anyone was ever sexy, smart and strong all at the same time, wouldn't you agree that it is Tosca Reno? Agreed!Remember the low carb craze from a few years ago? The Atkins diet and stuff. I don’t know about you, but I am so glad that unpleasantness is over. Your body needs carbohydrates (or carbs) to function properly. It’s simply about the type of carbs that you are eating. Tosca Reno (she is the “Eat Clean” lady) is talking about carbs (good and bad) a lot lately and I have to say I totally agree. But don’t take my word for it. I am not a nutritionist (but I hope to be a holistic nutritionist someday…bucket list!) but I hope no matter what you choose to eat, you choose whole, unprocessed foods. Eat a rainbow. Ok , enough preaching.Yesterday I did BodyCombat. Why? Here are my Top 5 Reasons to try Les Mills BodyCombat:1. Interval cardio training. You can burn above and beyond 700 calories in one 60 minute class. Thank you intervals.2. It’s martial arts inspired, which means you get a taste of: Karate, boxing, taekwondo, tai chi and muay thai. All in one class. It's a one stop shop!3. It’s an absolutely incredible stress reliever. So imagine you’ve just had a bad day or even a really stressful day. In BodyCombat it is acceptable, and even encouraged for you to be really aggressive and even yell! Consider your frustrations or stress from the day GONE by the time you finish the class.4. It’s a great total body workout. Although it is technically classified as a “cardio” class, you will get so much more out of this workout than just “doing cardio”. You train and condition your upper and lower body as well as hit the core. 5. Although some coordination is required, BodyCombat is actually multi-level, which means anyone at any fitness level can enjoy it. The instructors will show you options so you can adjust the moves accordingly to make the workout right for you. Also, if you are worried about looking silly, don’t worry—everyone looks incredibly silly, but no one cares. Bruce Lee and Jean Claude Van Damme aren’t there judging you on your technique. Although, I would recommend channelling your inner Chuck Norris before you go. It will help!
Also, all of those things that "they" say such as: "YOLO" (you only live once) and "Variety is the Spice of Life" also apply here as well! If you are still nervous, find out when your gym is having "Release Week" which is usually every 3 months. Les Mills launches new music and new choreography. So the class will essentially be "new" for everyone.
We didn't just do BodyCombat last night, we also squeezed in our Wicked Wallies. Although, I have to say I am having a tough time getting people to join me for #WickedWallies. Everyone hates them...or I should say loves to hate them. They are tough but worth it! I convinced another victim...ahem, I mean co-worker to do them with me yesterday!
At least one of us is a Wicked Wallies Gangsta!
I just got in the door and the first thing I did was put all of the veggies I had in the house into a blender with my Sunwarrior raw, vegan plant protein and make a big belly shake. I definitely did not eat enough veggies this week, I can tell because my body is craving them. The body is funny like that, isn't it? If you listen to it, it will usually tell you what you what it needs. Whether it's healthy food, water, sleep etc.
Happy Reading,
Me+
P.S. I am going to post an autumn "bucket list" tomorrow. If anyone wants to join it, let me know! Making soup is on the list and so is getting into a leaf fight.
