Changing Mindsets

So, today's entry is about how amazing the universe is at knowing exactly what I need to hear/read, when exactly I need to hear/read it. Uncanny, really.

Coach Shannon Dey writes an article in every issue of "FitnessRx Magazine," one of my top picks for favorite magazines. This month's article? I'll sum up using one phrase she used - get over it and GO! Change your mindset, do whatever it is you have to do, but at the end of the day, suck it up, get over it, and just go do what you have to do! For me, this is a little tougher - I LOVE the gym. If I didn't have a fur-kid at home, or at least if I had a fur-kid that wouldn't terrorize the house if I didn't kennel him, I would probably be there in all of my off hours. But the fact is, I have other commitments I have to take care of. Ultimately though, at the end of the day, hitting the gym is not hard for me because I enjoy it. What's the tough part? THE FOOD.

Nutrition - well, GOOD, HEALTHY nutrition - has never been my strong point. I've never been a terrible eater, but I've never been too too crazy about eating raw/vegan/healthy/organic/etc. Not my style. :) But, as I get older, I realize my body has certain intolerances, and if I want to sculpt the body that I want, I'm going to have to make some changes. There are three major things that hit this list:

1. Gluten-free: I know my body loves living gluten-free. As soon as I eat bread, I puff up like crazy. So if anyone asks, I'm now gluten intolerant. :) (Okay, not really, but if you want your meal to come without bread, saying "I don't want any" is just simply not as effective as "I'm allergic" - they don't touch the latter with a ten foot serving tray...)

2. Dairy-free: This is a tough one, and always has been for me. I've always loved milk, but in the last 5 years or so, whenever I eat dairy, my body has definitely said something to the effect of, "HEY NOW, what's this crap you're feeding me? You want me to try and process this!?" and then it is just bad news bears for everyone, mainly me, as I lay curled up in a ball on the couch/bed/floor - whatever's closest.

3. Sugar-free: I have a horrible sweet tooth. Anyone in my family can tell you that. And when sugar is around, one word comes to mind: BINGE. It's a terrible word, it's a terrible way to live life - I know this! But it is what it is. And that is why I am committing to living a sugarless life. Thank the Lord for Stevia!!!

So starting Friday, July 8th, 2011, I, Laura Pazourek, am committing myself to living a gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free life. There will always be room for exceptions and special occassions, but instead of an "exception" being once a day, it will be more like once a month. But I know that this is going to be the best way for me to stay healthy, happy, and hopefully - SKINNY! :)

Alright, now on to the game plan: today was the first evening of my "loading phase", as part one of the HCG diet. I will spend all day tomorrow loading, and then first thing Friday - it can only get BETTER! I will toss out the crap and trade it in for the good. And through the 4th of August, I will take the next month to commit to this diet. I will follow it 110%. I will NOT CHEAT. I will follow the description to a T. And at the end, I will have no excuses. When August 13th rolls around, I will either have made the cut or I won't - but either way, I'll know I have done everything in my power from this moment forth to make that happen. I. AM. COMMITTED.

I'll leave it on that note. As I continue this journey, I will also continue to post updates and progress along the way. Until then - keep up the hard work and Happy Training everyone!
All my love,
Laura