It's a Great Day to Be Alive

So like I said... It's a great day to be alive and I'm super stoked to say another year is about to begin and another season with some awesome people is about to start up tomorrow. It's going to be a challenging experience with a new conference, brand new schedule, new teammates (aka the freshman), and yep-food and food timing :)

I'll be starting to carb cycle after preseason. Which will be a big challenge for me to time my meals well enough that I will have enough energy for practice and games. I'm excited about this because I think it will work really well for me. These carbs being the heavier carbs like sweet potatoes (fav food), squash, fruit, etc. I'll keep you updated. But for now I need to focus on getting enough calories in every day during preseason aka two-a-days. It's definitely always a challenge because I never want to eat (or just don't eat enough) because of the heat and exhaustion. Anyways, just a little update for ya'll. 

I'm about to go make some egg cups (http://everydaypaleo.com/egg-cupcakes/) to keep in my fridge to eat for breakfast and round up snacks and coconut water to take with me for between sessions!

Have a wonderful week!!  

Stay balanced. 

***my "labeling" blog post was in no way, shape, or form intended to offend anyone. I want to re-assure you that I'm always open for questions about my lifestyle, but not open for judgements. If you don't like something please keep it to yourself. Thanks :)

How I Became Paleo... The Short Version

Hi again!  I've been super super busy with work and by the time I get home after work and working out.. it's time to get ready for the next day.  It's hard to find time to blog!  But I'm back and as the summer comes to a close and preseason creeps closer and closer, I hope to have more time to put some stuff up here!

Real quick, just wanted to let you all know (whoever you may be...) that you can follow my blog via email!  At the bottom of the page, there should be a place to enter your email in order to receive a notification if I post something new.  Don't be scared, I don't even see the email addresses/people that "follow" me, so I have no idea who reads this (unless you've texted me/told me that you have- which I love!). 

So here we go, I have received questions since the start up of this blog, and I'm SO excited about it!  I'd love to help any and everyone that I can :)  Actually, I've learned from my internship this summer that for every one person that is talking/asking about something, there are at least 10 other people thinking it, but not saying anything.  So here we go....  

This post will provide you with the who, when, why, what , and how of my journey with the Paleo Lifestyle.

It all started the May of my Freshman year of college.  I came home for summer, not feeling like myself, gained a little weight...ya know... the "normal" Freshman year of college.  It was all new to me.  I had to balance school, soccer, dining halls, social events, etc.  My parents weren't there to cook for me and I had a lot more time for freedom and extracurricular activities, no real bed time, etc.  So obviously it came back to bite me in the bootay.  So anyways, when summer came around I was feeling like CRAP.  I talked to my mom and she had a plan set up for me as soon as I got home.  She set me up with a Nutritionist and I immediately began a purification program as soon as I could.  

Standard Process 21 Day Purification Program does amazing things, but it is extremely hard and takes extreme dedication.  If you follow that link, you can read more about it.  It cleansed my body of everrrrrrrrything.  The first week was rough... I was exhausted.  But, the final result was weight loss, more energetic, I was happier, felt lighter, etc.  My Nutritionist (Susan Olivetti from Olivetti Chiropractic) was an amazing support throughout the entire process and educated me along the way.  As the purification came close to the end, I had options where I wanted to go next.  

Did I want to re-introduce foods back into my diet and see what would react with my body?  For example, I had the option to reintroduce dairy products to see if I would get a headache, bloat, irritate my tummy, etc.  I chose to steer clear and transition straight into the "Paleo Diet", which I had been reading and educating myself about all through the Purification.  First, I read The Paleo Diet for Athletes.   This book helped me determine how to keep my carb sources up, my fats up, my protein, meal timing, etc. in order to keep my energy up for soccer, keep my strength, etc.  Because I wasn't going to do this if I wasn't educated (side note: if you don't know why/how to do something, like changing your diet, you could seriously damage many many systems within the body).  It's a complete lifestyle change and it won't work if you don't know how to adjust to it.  So, I began living a Paleo Lifestyle that June (of 2012).  And it was the best decision of my life.  I trained my best, I killed my fitness tests, I kept my strength, I balanced my meals, I stay dedicated, and I kept researching.

It was easy to do at home for the summer, but the real challenge was going back to school and continuing to eat the way I had been.  If I were to change anything (by adding something into my body that I wasn't used to), then I could have serious effects that could eventually effect my soccer, my fitness, my strength, my energy, etc.  It was tough.  In between training sessions in preseason, we had lunch that was provided by the coaches.  When everyone else was filling up on their sandwiches, I was loading up with extra lunch meat, veggies, and I would bring a bag of trail mix (consisting of a variety of nuts and raisins).

Then, there were away matches.  And what is the typical "pre-game" meal?  PASTA, right?  Well, guess what... gluten was/is not in my 

diet.  Why not? Because gluten is a refined/processed "protein" that is used in wheat, rye, barley, etc. It adds not-so-natural textures to foods we've become so accustomed to eating.  Such as, the rise in dough, the stretchiness in pizza, the texture of bread, etc. which would not naturally occur in these grains.  Therefore, I stay away from gluten-it makes me drowsy, causes serious bloating, causes headaches and changes my overall mood.  

So what's next... the other thing I had to be careful of- I had to get enough calories in to sustain the amount of exercise/working out that I was doing.  This summer (yes, a year later) I had another nutritionist.  We found out that I actually wasn't getting enough calories in.  I was so focused on the numbers (calories, grams, etc.) that I was intimidated by the amount of food I was supposed to be eating.  I was only eating about 1000-1100 calories per day, which I thought was good enough and I felt as though I had enough energy.  Turns out I should really be eating a minimum of 1400 calories/day.  It's crazy getting used to that number and accepting that...after I bumped up my calories, starting eating more protein and fats- I started seeing better results.  I had more energy than before, I gained muscle, seeing more defined muscles, etc.  I was finally giving my body what it needed!  

In the end, you must educate yourself, get assistance when you need it, and ask questions!! I'm obviously not a nutritionist, but I feel that my experience so far gives me some background and credentials on this lifestyle.  Through my experiences and research I have learned so so much and I'm happy to help anyone who asks questions-if I don't have a solid answer, I have great resources where I can send you.  

In my free time, I listen to Paleo podcasts (Balanced Bites), which has SO MUCH INFO! And it's easy

because I can listen to it walking to class, while doing homework, while typing this blog post, during commercials, and I don't have to read!  I love it.  So I listen to podcasts, I follow all the "Paleo gooroos"  on my Paleo Posts Instagram, I'm friends with them on Facebook, and everywhere else I can find them.  Not only do I research their stuff, but I also do my own research and searching.  While I'm at the grocery store I look at ingredients, find organic/grass-fed farms, and lots more.  SO if you EVER have a question... PLEASE ASK!!! I love talking nutrition, helping with nutrition, showing you/whoever a healthier way to live...

A BIG NOTE: Everyone is different, this is what works for me, and I will give you information that I know help me and I'll give you information that I think will help you.  But what I've learned is that it takes trial and error to see what works for each individual.   

This quote is appropriate for fitness, but nutrition as well.  Challenge yourself.    Try a Paleo-like diet for 7 days, then 14, then 21--- see how good you feel after 3-4 weeks.  Don't base it off the first week or two, because your body will be going through withdraw from the things you're used to.  Soon enough, your body will be thanking you.  Good luck and let me know if you need any help!! My email: Kpizzing@gmail.com

A great starting place: 21 Day Sugar Detox (21 DSD) by Diane Sanfilippo of Balanced Bites-- http://the21daysugardetox.com/

There is a Facebook group of people who are constantly starting the 21 DSD, which is a great support system.  GOOD LUCK! 

ONE LAST THING--- read this. seriously. do it. then ask yourself, why aren't we all eating this way?

http://everydaypaleo.com/katie-prevails/

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Stay balanced.

Contradeating (contradict typical eating)

It's common in the workplace (or classroom!) to have the occasional birthday celebration or going away party. These celebrations usually consist of a cake, some cookies, other types of sweets, soda, lemonade, etc. So you walk into the party with the thought "no, I'm not going to have a slice of cake... I'll be good today". Five minutes later you see the rest of your colleagues enjoying a piece of cake and not taking a second to think about it. Well guess what? One piece of a Giant grocery store chocolate cake is 320 calories, including 38 grams of sugar. Keep in mind, these "parties" usually take place in the middle of the morning, say 10 am? Okay so you have your cake... But then what? You're full at lunch so you skip lunch. Well you just lost a HUGE opportunity to get nutritional value into your daily macros.  So because you ate cake, you have sacrificed your good calories for the bad!  

1. You didn't even realize... It's 10 am and you are eating cake!!! 2.  The sugar in that cake is making you crave more sugar and that's what made you eat that cookie on your way out the door 3. You need to break habits. 

Contradicting the typical society and habits of Americans, we all need to break the habit of 'eating because there's food'. You don't realize how quickly that piece of candy here, that piece of cake there, or that half a cookie will add up. Just because it's there (especially at 10 am), doesn't mean you need to eat it. Eat to live, don't live to eat. 

Aka plan your meals. Pack your lunch and bring snacks as back ups to put in the fridge or your backpack at work or school. For example, today I packed left over stuffed peppers from last night's dinner, a sweet potato, and an avocado. BUT, in case I needed a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, I packed a packet of Justin's Almond Butter, a small baggie of carrots, and an orange bell pepper. And you know what? Sometimes I just need something to chew on... And neither of my snacks will make me feel guilty or be harmful to my body if I chow down just because I want to. 

I thought I needed a snack, so I broke open the almond butter and four carrots... Turns out, the almond butter didn't even taste good... So I stopped eating it, walked my carrots back to the fridge in the office and continued with me work. I've already made progress not to eat just because I want to, but there's still a long way to go. 

My daily meals:

Breakfast at 7 am

Snack around 10-10:30 am

Lunch around 12:30pm

Snack around 2:30-3pm

Workout 5:30pm

Refuel dinner at 7pm

Snack after dinner (I'm working on breaking this habit-but only because I go to bed around 10pm)

Long term goal for you: break the habit of eating just because food is accessible. Plan your meals. Pack your snacks so you don't have to resort to that nasty cake or cookies. Or drink water instead!! You'll feel full, I promise!! I feel like I'm going to bust out of my dress because I'm full from sippin on my water 😄

Ps. I've already had over 2 liters of water today... Are you drinking your water? (3 bottles down for me, about 3 or more to go)

✌❤ and good health. 

Stay balanced. 

Be. Determined.

Determination.  It's easy (well...easier) when there are other people around to push you to your goals.  For example, in my mom's classes that she takes at Inspire there are at least 10 other women in the class pushing themselves to the limit.  And believe me... those women are determined... from TRX classes to boot camps, they are determined to do the best they can every day when they show up to class.  However, would some of those women be able to have that same determination if they were alone?  It's hard to say, but it makes it a hell of a lot easier to push yourself through when there is someone next to you working his/her ass off and encouraging you to do the same!!

Crossfit is another great way I've seen determination and motivation.  In the classes, the coaches are there to make you better, push you to your limits, and pump you up to get the work in as best you can.  Not only do the coaches help, but there are people there that are older, younger, stronger, faster, more fit, less fit, etc. than you, yet each person works his/her booty off to get better, stronger, faster, more fit, etc.  I look over in the middle of a WOD and see someone pushing himself/herself harder than me, and I guarantee my determination spikes and I get twice as many reps in than I was getting before.

Crossfit and Inspire are two new ways that I have been taught determination and they are both unique in their own ways.  I've been so used to soccer & speed/agility-type workouts for years, that Inspire and Crossfit have been eye-opening seeing so many different ages working their best to make themselves better.  It's amazing and it makes me SO happy to see older men and women starting to workout for the first time (or first time in awhile), because, honestly, it's NEVER too late to make yourself healthier and change your life and the way you live.  This not only has to do with working out, but in the field of nutrition as well... I'll get into that later. 

Anyway, the point to this post: DETERMINATION.  As I said before, Crossfit and Inspire make it easier to get your workout in and push yourself, but what happens when you're not working out with other people?  It's lonely...it's harder to push yourself...no one is watching...so why even workout, right?

Watch this.

Okay, so I know not everyone has a sport to work hard for, but I know EVERYONE is envious or jealous of someone they know, a celebrity, or a future (or past) "you".  You have that image in your head "I wish I was 5 pounds lighter" "I want to lose weight" "OMG! I want her body" "Dude, he's ripped."

So that's where determination comes in.  

In my case, it's soccer.  This summer we had homework to do... prove to our teammates that we are working hard to get to the next level.  We have a (private) Facebook page where we post our "What Did You Do?" (WDUD) videos.  As I do my daily workouts, I have the competition of my teammate doing one more workout or one more sprint or one more tire flip than I did... so what, right?  They don't know I didn't do my 120's or didn't run my 20 yard sprints... so why should I do it?

Photo borrowed from Crossfit 717

BECAUSE WE ARE A TEAM.  We work hard individually so that, together, we can accomplish our goals and get to the next level.

Now, how does this translate to the "every day" person or someone who doesn't have a team or a teammate to work harder for?  Do it for yourself.  Be determined to get up and go for a walk, a jog, a run, a bike ride, or get your friends to go play volleyball.  Pick up that dirty tennis racket in your garage and invite a friend to go play tennis.  Just get up and move, because you sitting there reading this blog will give you knowledge and (hopefully) some motivation, but guess what?  That's not going to help you lose those 5 pounds or get her body or get the body you've always wanted.  

I know, I know... it takes serious motivation to get up and move.  It happens to me ALL the time.  I'm like 'do I really want to go run 10x120 yard sprints?' No, obviously not...you're kind of crazy if you like running those. BUT guess what?! I do it.  Sunday morning I laid in bed after I woke up for 1 hour before I got up, got dressed, drove to the high school, and knocked out some 120 yard sprints, bleacher runs, and an ab workout.  Believe it or not, after I workout, it just makes me want to do more and more because I feel amazing knowing how hard I'm working and I crave more.

Ultimately, it's other people's motivation and determination that has taught me to be determined and get to the next level.  It's amazing what you can accomplish.  So after taking the time to read this post (thank you by the way), get up and go for a walk...clear your head and think of a goal you'd like to accomplish.  From eating healthier, losing a few pounds, or just feeling better about yourself!  Make a goal and write it down and put it somewhere where you will see it everyday.  You can even set a reminder on your phone using the app called "My Diet Coach" (this seems to be more of an app for girls, but hey guys who says you can't use it!).  This app allows you to set daily reminders to drink water, your goal, etc.  

Your typical Coca-Cola.

Make a goal for tomorrow: drink more water.  Replace your daily soda (ingredients to the right...EW), lemonade, etc. with two glasses of water. I'll let you in on an important tidbit... when you think you're hungry...you might just be dehydrated.  Everyone should drink AT LEAST 8x8oz. of water/day.  I switch up my water bottle every week (to shake things up), but it helps having a cabinet full of water bottles.  Anyway, I drink about 3.5 Liters of water per day (6-7x24oz water bottles).  It also helps to have a straw to drink out of, it makes it easier and faster to get your water down.  So try it... drink more water to give your body what it's actually asking for... more water, not more food!!!

P.S. the only drinks I drink are water, Komboocha, and Almond Milk on occasion. 

Also, could you just wake up five minutes earlier and scramble yourself some eggs instead of eating your normal sugary cereal?  You do realize that the added sugar in your cereal is causing the hunger 1 hour after breakfast right?

Until next time, stay balanced people.

Signs.

I take everything as a sign these days.  From a simple trip over a stick, to my shoulder bothering me in a pullup, or even an email- every little thing is a sign.  God is trying to guide me and I trust that his guidance and will are leading me in the right direction. 

Yesterday, my dad told me that he won't eat those frozen pizzas (that have been in our freezer for over a year) because he's disgusted by the long list of ingredients on the back. He gave credit to me for helping him realize that 'it's actually not food if there's a list as long as my forearm on the back of the box labeled "ingredients"'.  That, to me, was a sure sign that I had helped someone and made an impact on his life.  Knowing that I've helped someone for the better of their well-being, makes me so happy (especially since it's my dad!). I've changed my own life, and I want to help others take steps in the right direction toward happiness and GREAT health.  

Like I said in a previous post, I think blogging my thoughts, links, epiphanies, etc. will not only help you, but it will help me as well.  So guess what?  A sign came to my inbox this morning telling me that I'm 100% in the right direction.  I've read countless nutrition (Paleo specific) and fitness blogs and educated myself through their work, links, and books.  Throughout my exploration, I've signed up for some weekly emails.  The two that I read and enjoy the most are Civilized Caveman and Cave Girl Eats (you can sign up for their weekly emails too!). 

So, today (email Monday), Liz from Cave Girl Eats gave me a huge motivation and sign (thanks Liz!).  Just look at the subject of this email:

"Why YOU should be blogging!"  If that isn't a sign- I don't know what is.  Her email stated that basically she has learned so much through blogging and has helped herself, as well as others (obviously since she's already helped me!).  Lucky for you, and for me, this blog will be random rants of educational (or not) information that I find interesting or meaningful to one and all.  Hopefully my blog will help you in someway that you will pass on the information you learn to others.  If you take the information I share with you, and share it with just one more person (or all your Facebook friends), just think how much of a difference WE can make. 

For today, I leave you with this:

Thanks for reading.

Until next time, stay balanced. 

My Addiction

Crossfit. Oh my goodnes, I can't get enough.  It's just amazing and so are the people that are involved.  Everyone is so nice, athletic, inspiring, and so much more.  I had the opportunity to be a judge for our box's competition today.  Battle of the Pike went down at Crossfit 717 today.

The athletes completed 4 different WODs (workouts).  Serious props to them because- oh my goodness- I'm exhausted just from judging and watching.  So as a judge I had to concentrate on the movements, technique, and reps.  Watching the athletes complete these WODs with such determination was such a huge inspiration for me, and it also helped me learn more about the movements that will hopefully transfer over to my WODs.  Anyways, if you've never heard of or seen a Crossfit workout... look them up.  It's addicting just to watch.  This is a fun one.

But here's a video I posted on my personal Instagram:

Also at the event was Anita Little Paleo, and oh my gosh those baked goods were GOOD! YUM.
Hella Life was also at the competition.  They have some sweet clothes.  You can see the tank I bought on Paleo Posts Instagram.  LOVE it :)

Anyways, I just wanted to talk about how fun the competition was.  I can't wait to start competing when I'm done playing soccer, it will be a perfect transition so I don't get sad about not playing soccer anymore.

until next time...stay balanced.

Meet a Libra

Hello there... welcome to my blog... it's new... and still in the works... but here's a little bit about why I'm here and who I am... you'll learn more later if you don't already know the real me.

I'm a libra and there's no doubt about it.  Born September 28th-yup, primetime Libra.  When I typed "libra" into Google these words were the descriptors for Libras like myself: "balanced, flirty, stylish, dreamy, affectionate, outgoing, indecisive, lazy, relationships". Yup that's me-totally dreamy.....    

I'm going to begin by telling you how these words describe me, but most importantly, how they will affect this blog, and in the end, how they will affect you (the reader).

Okay let's start (and end) with the most important: balance.  The sign of the Libra is the scales, which represent the balance we have within ourselves and within our lives.  Now, balance is such a hard thing to accomplish and I believe that I struggle with balance everyday and who knows when everything in my life will be balanced, but that's where this blog comes in.  It's going to help me, because I want to help you.  Now, I'm sure you're like... "what does that even mean?" BUT seriously... I hold my tongue as I talk to people or even my theoretical tongue when on social media when it comes to nutrition, exercise, daily lifestyle choices, thoughts, touchy subjects, etc.  because I don't want to offend anyone.  Therefore, this blog will help me get my thoughts out without offending anyone, because it's ultimately your choice whether or not you want to read this.  If there's something you don't agree with on here, then leave.  If you're here to stay, then good, because I'm excited to help you balance your life and maybe (hopefully) change some pieces of your lifestyle to help better the balance of your body and mind.  

I'm writing this blog to 1. help myself balance many aspects of my own life (all of which you don't need to know right now) and 2. help you  better yourselves as a living, breathing human.  Basically, I want you to know what's best for your health, your everyday life, and tons of other things; but the problem is, I can't always say these things without offending people- because guess what- I KNOW CHANGE IS HARD!! But we all have to deal with changes in our lives.   

I'd like to thank an anonymous person for suggesting this to me, because I'm really excited to help people and at the same time help myself!  So read on if you still want to be here! 

I don't know how often I'll be blogging, but it will probably be based on my daily thoughts, however, it may be lagged due to my busy schedule.  But, if I get enough feedback or encouragement or suggestions or questions or whatever it may be more often than anticipated. So here we go... welcome and I'm glad you're here to stay............ for now ;)

Also, if you ever have any questions, suggestions, etc. PLEASE email me (kpizzing@gmail.com), text me if you have my number, Facebook me (although I don't go on a lot), or comment on the blog! Because again, I'm here to help you.  And THANK YOU in advance because I know this will help me as well.

This is my boyfriend that I'm flirty with:

 

Just kidding, I would never date a libra- we aren't compatible with each other.

Click here to see who you are compatible with ;)

Helpful Links

I just want to post some initial links that will help you as we begin this journey... hahaha I feel weird.... like a blogger or something????

Anyways, I'm just going to talk as I would in person from now on....

I just want to give you some links to start thinking about, because you'll need them at some point.

Helpful link #1 (open this and let it play as you explore the following links)

Helpful link #2  no one knows I have this... but I guess ya'll do now! I have two Instagrams.. one for my personal use... and one that I can connect with other people with the same interests, ideas, thoughts, etc. -- Paleo Posts--

Helpful link #3 this is an AWESOME gym- Lisa is such a great coach and inspiration for people of all ages, body types, etc.  --take one look at her and you're inspired-- hence the name, Inspire

Helpful link #4 my place of "worship and addiction"... I can't get enough.  Crossfit 717 my favorite place and there's just nothing else to say about it... it's amazing and addicting-- just go to their site and read more

Helpful link #5 NEED A MASSAGE? Well now you do-- call Breathe and ask for Lindsey-- she's honestly amazing and her hands are very educated.  I've been going to her for years and she's just the best.

Helpful link #6   My Pinterest Food page-- in the works now to weed out all the old NON-paleo posts, so bare with me in this great transition :)

Helpful link #7 Start educating yourself- I'll help along the way, but if you want a jump start, this is the perfect place to begin.

Lastly, my email address.  Please don't hesitate to email me with questions or suggestions for the blog. Now, I'm not linking it to the page because I don't want spam, but I think you can find it on the blog in the upper right hand corner.

There will be plenty more links to come... no worries...

Random photo numero uno-- I took this sunrise photo in Costa Brava, España over Spring Break