Detox Day 7: It gets tastier every day!

Today was a fast day. It simply consisted of the usual work: Getting ready for my DVD launch party next Wednesday (sign up for the newsletter on the website if you’d like an invite: www.brooklynbridgebootcamp.com), planning the April retreat Upstate and answering my daily slew of emails and organizing. I started my day teaching a class at Complete Body and Spa and then headed home to meet our dog trainer. Our little pup has become a brat of sorts (she even set up her own Facebook page…) and we needed a little lesson in getting her back on track. Turns out it’s not really about the dog. Basically, Dog Boy (that’s our trainer) is training us humans how to behave so that our pup knows what her job is. It’s quite simple, yet constant practice and reinforcement of the new behavior is necessary. And food works so well for dogs. Aren’t we much alike? :-)

I continue to receive updates from my detoxers about how great they feel and I couldn't be happier when I get these emails. Seeing that my participants take the daily leanings from the emails, implement them and then feel and see the difference is exactly what change is all about. They make small changes day by day, learn what works and what doesn’t and see the benefits. And then they make the mental connection and realize that it’s about much more than just food and exercise. It's about making a change in your attitude about how you view yourself, your health and who you want to be. Here is a great email that illustrates just what happens with participants who are open to change, work on themselves and keep an open mind about the whole experience:

"Wanted to share some of the thoughts about having discussions with Ariane.  I study and work as a therapist, and Ariane pointed out that I don’t have to let my wanting food become my motivation.  It’s hard to have some of my own therapizing thrown back in my face, but she’s totally right.  For me, soothing myself with food, and wanting food when things go wrong, are such automatic thoughts.  But I can totally take control of them, and change the cognition.  I should’ve made it one of my goals.


The sort of thing I’m talking about is a super weakness of mine.  I’m such a conditioned being – after a hard day, I convince myself that I *need* something to look forward to at home – a glass of wine, some dark chocolate, whatever.  In reality, I’ll make it home just fine.  In reality, I don’t need to have some external, food-based motivation dragging me forward.  (And also, um, my life is pretty awesome, so sometimes a little perspective-check helps me out.)  On those days when it is *really* that bad (and they are far fewer than I think they are), the motivation doesn’t have to be food.  It could totally be a massage, sex or a good book or just bedtime, or something else.  I’ve got to control my own thoughts here.   It’s a hard for me.

Today is a good day for me.  Armed with a fresh perspective on my own self-sabotage methods, I’ve had a killer day.  I was out for a little too long today, and ended up STARVING (1 protein shake won’t get me from 5am to 1pm it seems), and I was grouchy and pissy.  On top of that I had to shop for dinner  (while hungry, never a good idea).   To make a long story short, I ended up splurging a little and getting some really top-shelf seafood and fresh, organic veggies for tonight, and I felt so damn good about it.  It will be really satisfying and protein rich for me to eat, and I felt like I could spend the money since I’m not buying any wine at all this month.   

Also awesome – I was totally NOT tempted to buy bad food while I was out and about and really hungry.  I was in the zone, and really *wanted* to wait for something healthy.  It totally surprised me."


So, as encouragement. Push through your challenges and when you come out at the other end you will find you are indeed capable of resisting. You will not only feel proud of yourself but also in control and gain the feeling that you can take charge of your eating, exercise and health. Life the live you want to live and stop sabotaging yourself. You know you want it!

Food diary:

Breakfast: 3 egg sandwich, 2 coffees with almond milk

Snack: coconut almond milk dessert treat (protein powder, shredded coconut, almond milk, chia seeds)

Lunch: carrot soup and grilled chicken

Snack: 1 bag of baby carrots

Snack: Double Macchiato with skim milk


What in the world is wrong with delis in NYC? I always walk out empty handed. 

 Then I end up in a coffee shop for coffee and have to stare at the deliciousness behind glass while waiting 5 minutes for a coffee. Yes, it is self-imposed torture. 

Dinner: Home-cooked Seared tuna with avocado and steamed veggies (check out the recipe - minus the sugar and soy sauce). This was by far the most delicious dinner I've had in a while. The flavor was unique as it mixed the smooth avocado flavor with the spiciness of the ginger and jalapeno and yet it tasted fresh, clean and so satisfying. Thank you chef!

Exercise:

1 hour Boot Camp Class

75 minutes Slim & Strong Spin

Supplements: the usual

Water: 3 liters – still feeling dehydrated

Notes: The lack of sleep is catching up on me again. I dragged all afternoon and only a double shot of espresso helped me make it. Felt hungry and snackish all day and that’s always due to my stress hormones being elevated when I didn’t get enough shut-eye.