The other day I announced that I’m starting a new blog series. Make sure you read what it is and why I’m doing it. Seriously – that part is important. It will take you 30 second. Read it now if you haven’t already.
My goal is to see just how amazing I can feel if I do everything as close to “best for me” as possible. If you’d rather listen to this blog than read it, please click here. Otherwise, keep reading below.
After dinner last night, I noticed that my mood was better than normal. Often, around 8 or 9 at night, I’m starting to get tired and, to be honest, a bit short-tempered. Last night, I was calm and happy. The reason I’m mentioning that is because these kinds of subjective assessments are something I want to be very mindful of in this “how amazing” experiment. I know that when I’m not eating well, sleep well or taking great care of myself, I’m far more tired, negative & grumpy. What changes as I make daily improvements?
I started the day by posting this on Instagram. A great body is of absolutely no use without a great mind. There are lots of people who are lean, fit & miserable. You cannot live your best life without a great mind. No matter how great your body is, if you are chronically negative or anxious, you won’t be happy. Doing that mindset work is critically important!
5am: Up & at ’em! Unfortunately, my coffee pot malfunctioned this morning but I didn’t let it fluster me. Instead, I saw it as a great opportunity to stick to water. I began the day with gratitude & my journal, plus a little back mobility (exercises to improve the mobility of my back).
6 – 7am: Work!
7am: Ran out to get coffee
8am: Meditate (20 minutes TM)
8:30am – 1pm: Work
1pm: LUNCH (& picking up ingredients)
Yesterday I saw something new-to-me in the grocery store. Typically, I only buy organic fruits & veggies but, I was so excited to find FROZEN avocado pieces, that I just had to buy them despite the fact that they aren’t organic. They inspired me to make my shamrock shake for lunch. I originally posted the recipe here on the blog, but I modified it today to avoid spinach & stevia. As I’ll be sharing in episode 504 of the podcast, I need to avoid spinach. I posted a picture of the shake on my Instagram story.
- 2 cups water
- 2 chunks frozen avocado
- 1/2 bag frozen cauliflower
- 1/2 can coconut milk
- 1 tbsp cocoa nibs
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
I have to confess to being unprepared. Since I was eager to use the frozen avocado, I ran out to the store to get coconut milk and chia seeds. Normally, those are things I buy from Thrive Market. I rolled my eyes (at myself) when I got home and compared the prices.
I spent $3.49 per can on the coconut milk at the grocery store. When I plan ahead (or just simply keep it on hand) and buy it from Thrive Market, it’s only $2.39/can. I bought two cans today and had I stocked up from Thrive Market, I’d have saved $2.20. Grrrrr. Plus, the chia seeds cost me $8.99 at the grocery store and would have only been $6.99 from Thrive Market. Needless to say, I came home and placed an order so I don’t make that mistake again.
2 – 3pm: Back on that work grind!
3 – 5pm: Mobility & workout
- Crossover symmetry
- Shoulder stability
- Hip thrusts
- Group warm-up
- 15 minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible)
- 5 pull-ups
- 7 push-ups
- 9 wall balls
- Crossover symmetry
5 – 6pm: Swimming for fun! (More accurate: hanging out in the water)
6 – 7pm: DINNER (pictured on my Instagram story)
I’m working on doing just a minute or two of deep breathing before I eat. There are a couple reasons for it. First, lowering my stress response will aid my digestion. Second, it helps me be more present (instead of distracted) during my meal. The more present I am, the more satisfied I am, lowering the likelihood that I’ll be snacky later.
- Large green salad
- Broccoli with garlic
- Grilled steak
7 – 8pm: Work!
8 – 9:30pm: Reading & evening chores
10pm: In bed with all my screens OFF! This includes, phone, computer and television!