Basking in the sun, dancing the night away, meeting new people, laughing, eating, spending lots of money, shopping, no checking of emails, drinking margaritas & frozen daquris (& not caring about the calorie count) = my trip to the Keys.

Now, it’s back to the “real world” – where basking in the sun is only done on weekends, dancing the night away & shopping is a rariety and emails are checked every five minutes. However, I am so lucky to be doing something that I love to do. So I guess that’s the key to being happy… when you go away to a place like the Keys, and you aren’t dreading the arrival back to your “real” life because frankly, it’s not so bad afterall.

My 7-day Full Body Detox:

Rules:

• Foods allowed: Veggies, Fruits (except bananas), Rice cakes (only 3-5 per day), organic oatmeal in the mornings
• Beverages allowed: Green tea (decaf), water, 1 coffee (decaf)
• At least 60 minutes of exercise each day
• At least 20 minutes of meditation/yoga/pilates each day
• No negative energy
• At least 8 hours of sleep each night
• No fast food, perservatives, processed foods, etc
• No alcohol, no caffeine
• Day 6 and 7 – allowed to have broiled fish at lunch time

Day 5, Friday, July 17th: (4 pounds down since beginning)

7:30am: Woke up, was pretty energetic

10:00am: After running errands in the morning, I went into the office.

12:00pm: Had very little time to think because there’s so much going on today, but managed to step out and grab a decaf tea.

1:30pm: Had 3 rice cakes.

2:00pm: Stepped outside to get some UV Rays

3:45pm: Organic spring mix with diced tomatoes and other veggies.

5:00pm: Had 3 clients

6:00pm: Grabbed some fresh fruit to munch on while driving home.

7:40pm: Ran more errands, grabbed a salad for dinner

10:30pm: Went out downtown for a girlfriend/client’s birthday for an hour or so – came home and wasn’t feeling that great.

1:30am: Ended up taking some drowsy meds to knock out the head cold I was having.

OVERVIEW OF THE DAY:

I didn’t have an appetite, and once I began to eat something, I got full very fast. However, I knew I needed to eat for energy and nutrients, so I was beginning to get a little frustrated. The day was so busy in the office that I even forgot to eat a couple of times, so I’d end up feeling very light-headed and then would have to munch on something to regain strength. Not really craving any food persay, but definitely a latte or something with sugar.

My 7-day Full Body Detox:

Rules:

• Foods allowed: Veggies, Fruits (except bananas), Rice cakes (only 3-5 per day), organic oatmeal in the mornings
• Beverages allowed: Green tea (decaf), water, 1 coffee (decaf)
• At least 60 minutes of exercise each day
• At least 20 minutes of meditation/yoga/pilates each day
• No negative energy
• At least 8 hours of sleep each night
• No fast food, perservatives, processed foods, etc
• No alcohol, no caffeine
• Day 6 and 7 – allowed to have broiled fish at lunch time

Day 4, Thursday July 16th: (3 pounds down since beginning)

8:00am: Woke up, felt much bettter than the other morning

9:30am: Went into work, grabbed a decaf tea

10:00am: Ate organic oatmeal along with some fruit

12:30pm: Got a mixed salad with veggies, have a loss of appetite – not really hungry, but very thirsty.

5:00pm: Headed out from work

6:30pm: Grabbed a lite salad, then got ready for a networking meeting

7:30pm: Went to the networking event with Working Women of Tampa Bay and managed to stay away from food and wine. Only had water!

8:45pm: Grabbed a stirfry meal with only veggies.

OVERVIEW OF THE DAY:

I was a little more tired than usual – to be quite honest. I think the day before left me exhausted. However, complexion in my face has gotten significantly better. I also have better focus! It’s working so far!

My 7-day Full Body Detox:

Rules:

• Foods allowed: Veggies, Fruits (except bananas), Rice cakes (only 3-5 per day), organic oatmeal in the mornings
• Beverages allowed: Green tea (decaf), water, 1 coffee (decaf)
• At least 60 minutes of exercise each day
• At least 20 minutes of meditation/yoga/pilates each day
• No negative energy
• At least 8 hours of sleep each night
• No fast food, perservatives, processed foods, etc
• No alcohol, no caffeine

 Day 3, Wednesday July 15th: (3 pounds down since beginning)

8:30am: Woke up and was very tired

10:30am: Drove to the office, picked up a small decaf black coffee – drank a a couple of sips, but honestly wasn’t delightful.

11:30am: Had organic oatmeal – was delicious, and finally “woke me up”

12:45pm: Had 1 rice cake – geeze, these things are messy!

1:20pm: Made a hot tea, sipped on it lightly, much more appetizing.

2:00pm: Stepped outside to get some UV Rays

3:45pm: Organic spring mix with diced tomatoes and other veggies. Definitely impressed with Organic Girl.

5:00pm: Client # 1 (Ate 1 rice cake prior)

5:45pm: Ate some fresh fruit to keep my energy up

6:00pm: Small group (3 clients)

7:15pm: Outdoor Bootcamp group – still feeling energized (much better than yesterday’s workout)

8:30pm: Small group (3 clients)

9:30pm: Ate a quick organic salad

10:40pm: Went to see a movie, sucked down water, and had a handful of popcorn (yikes!)

1:00am: Was in bed and passed right out!

OVERVIEW OF THE DAY:

For the most part, the day was a good one. I had energy and I enjoyed working out and training my clients. I felt like my energy came from within, as opposed to being just a caffeine rush. I did get a couple of headaches throughout the day, but I couldn’t tell if it was because of the weather (sinuses) or if it was because I had been off caffeine for so long. On to day 4!

My 7-day Full Body Detox:

Rules:

• Foods allowed: Veggies, Fruits (except bananas), Rice cakes (only 3-5 per day), organic oatmeal in the mornings
• Beverages allowed: Green tea (decaf), water
• At least 60 minutes of exercise each day
• At least 20 minutes of meditation/yoga/pilates each day
• No negative energy
• At least 8 hours of sleep each night
• No fast food, perservatives, processed foods, etc
• No alcohol, no caffeine

 Day 2, Tuesday July 14th: (2 pounds down)

6:15am: Was wide awake – that hasn’t happened for a while. Felt somewhat energetic and ready for the day.

6:45am: Did some basic Pilates moves in my bedroom, then showered.

7:30am: Made some organic oatmeal – tasted great and felt even MORE energized.

8:30am: Got dressed, relaxed, then headed to the office. On the way, had 1 rice cake (mainly to get rid of the toothpaste taste in my mouth)

9:00am: Fixed my first natural tea of the day.

11:10am: Organic spring mix salad, with diced tomatoes and other veggies. Absolutely delicious.

11:30am: Ran errands. Started to crave a coffee, but energized without it.

1:45pm: Pulled out some fruit (blueberries, pineapples, strawberries) and started to have some

2:15pm: Ate 1 rice cake. Talked to my mom on the phone for 10 minutes while she tried to convince me that 1 tall decaf latte from SBux will not break my detox.

2:45pm: Starting to feel a bit tired, and grumpy – so reheated some tea to calm down. I also went into the back room (where I have some workout equipment) and stretched out. MUCH better!

5:00pm: Ate 1 more rice cake.

6:00pm: Went to the gym, completed the following: Biceps & Back; 15 minutes on Stair Stepper, then 10 minutes on Elliptical. Was extremely worn out by the time I got to the Elliptical. I felt exhausted and just needed a pick-me-up fast.

7:30pm: Picked up a  green tea on my way to train a client.

8:00-8:45pm: Trained my client

9:00pm: Had a stir-fry of just vegetables for my late night dinner. The mixed veggies was a delicious way to end the day.

9:30pm+: Managed to have no wine, no tortilla chips, zippo while watching the All Star game

OVERVIEW OF THE DAY:

Overall, the day went OK – I ended up extremely exhausted at the gym which definitely upset me because I did not get in as much cardio as I had hoped. I literally could have fallen asleep on the machine. However, I do FEEL better, I feel refreshed and more focused. Skipping out on the wine and “munchies” was not as hard as I had thought. But thankfully, I was so full from the veggies that I didn’t crave anything else.

My 7-day Full Body Detox:

Rules:

• Foods allowed: Veggies, Fruits (except bananas), Rice cakes (only 3-5 per day), organic oatmeal in the mornings
• Beverages allowed: Green tea (decaf), water
• At least 60 minutes of exercise each day
• At least 20 minutes of meditation/yoga/pilates each day
• No negative energy
• At least 8 hours of sleep each night
• No fast food, perservatives, processed foods, etc
• No alcohol, no caffeine

Day 1, Monday July 13th:

7:00am: Woke up – ready to take on the day, then realized that TOM decided to visit, what a great way to start my detox!

9:00am: Craved my Starbucks latte, but knew I really enjoy green tea more

9:45am: Drove to grocery store next to work, and picked up lots of veggies and fruit to have at work (no excuses!) Ate 2 rice cakes.

11:15am: Water running through me like crazy. Grumpy co-worker already trying to test my nerves (ok, so we know it is Monday, but get over it!), but I’m not giving into his negative energy!

11:55am: Onto my 2^nd green tea, this time with mixed berries! Yum! However, had a small headache for 10 minutes, and it finally went away! *crossing fingers on that being the only coffee withdrawl that I go through!*

12:10pm: Grabbing lunch: Organic spring salad with diced tomatoes and other veggies included

1:00pm: Feeling absolutely great after lunch – the veggies were so fresh & I can’t wait to snack on some fruit later on.

1:20pm: Felt real chilly – so stepped outside for some UV Rays for about 5 minutes. I love the sunshine.

2:50pm: Pulled out a fruit cup with blueberries and pineapples. Honestly, probably soon to say this, but the food tastes so amazing – I may have gotten lucky with freshness, but I literally savoured the fruit.

3:30pm: Heated up another glass of green tea – begin to plan for my clients tonight. I have a girl’s group of 6, then a Cardio Kickboxing class afterwards. The real test is to see if I’m fatigued after 2 intense workout sessions. Come on natural energy… give it all you got!

4:30pm: Ran home to change, starting to feel a little weak!

5:55pm: First group of clients arrive… feeling drained but OK – worked them out pretty darn hard!

6:50pm: Start with next client — actually worked out with her and knew right away the effect of no carbs/protein had — I was exhausted immediately

8:30pm: Grabbed a rice cake on drive home because I felt light-headed, boo this, where is my natural energy??!!

8:50pm: Grabbed a garden spring salad with lots of veggies, much needed! A great re-fuel prior to bedtime.

9:20pm: About to grab a shower and lay down and read… will definitely be getting my 8 hours of sleep tonight, I feel like I could pass out right now!

OVERVIEW OF THE DAY:

So it started off great, but once the day kept going and I started training and working out myself, I felt the effects hardcore. As I drove home, I CRAVED coffee, mainly that vanilla smell/taste, but I was able to quickly disregard that craving. Once I was home, I was able to grab my final meal of the night & I was re-fueled. Now I’m off to read a book and relax before eventually passing out. Will let you all know how my sleep is! Goodnight.

Detox (verb): to eliminate, get rid of and/or cleanse from toxins

Our bodies have a built-in detoxification and cleansing system, a natural function of eliminating toxins through certain organs, the kidney, liver, intestines, lymph and blood. For many of us though our bodies are battling to eliminate the toxins as fast as we ingest them.

Our bodies become congested with toxic substances either through a short term over-exposure, bad lifestyle, diet, or excessive use of alcohol and drugs.

Detoxification refers to programs or steps taken to cleanse and purify. Of course we immediately think of the body, diets, colon cleanse and liver. Maybe alcohol and drug detox too. But if you think about it, every aspect of your life could benefit from getting rid or toxins. How about your primary relationships like with your significant other, your children, your parents. Ever think about cleaning up your attitude? Do your have an attitude that is lashing out at the world and attracting back more negativity to your life?

Today, with more toxins in the environment than ever, “it’s critical to detox,” says Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D., the author of Detoxification (Healthy Healing Publications). Page recommends detoxing for symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, sluggish elimination, irritated skin, allergies or low-grade infections; bags under the eyes; a distended stomach even if the rest of your body is thin; menstrual difficulties; or mental confusion.

Where to begin?

1. Eat plenty of fiber, including brown rice and organically-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.

2. Cleanse and protect the liver by taking herbs such as dandelion root, burdock and milk thistle, and drinking green tea.

3. Take vitamin C, which helps the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins.

4. Drink at least 2 quarts of water daily.

5. Breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate more completely through your system.

6. Transform stress by emphasizing positive emotions.

7. Practice hydrotherapy by taking a very hot shower for five minutes, allowing the water to run on your back. Follow with cold water for 30 seconds. Do this three times, and then get into bed for 30 minutes.

8. Sweat in a sauna so your body can eliminate wastes through perspiration.

9. Dry-brush your skin or try detoxifying patches or detox foot spas / foot baths to remove toxins through your pores. Special brushes are available at natural products stores.

10. What is the most important way to detoxify? Exercise! Yoga or jump-roping are good. One hour every day.

There are many theories on why women love to wear lingerie. For women it isn’t about whether or not anyone else will see it, it is for themselves. How women perceive themselves helps their over all self esteem. If you think you look sexy in that camisole then you are sexy. Looking and feeling good is a big part our society today. Many people assume when a woman wears lingerie that is solely for a man’s pleasure. Even though lingerie has been worn for centuries for the pleasure of the opposite sex, it is not the main focus for women these days or in the past. Now it is more of a notion of self-image and feeling attractive for ones self rather than for anybody else. It is about feeling good about the whole you and knowing you are sexy even when you don’t readily show everyone else.

Interestingly enough, marketing approaches have also changed as well these last few years. Their message today not only promotes looking sexy for your partner, they also tell you to feel sexy for you as well and more importantly. Lingerie has always made to be exotic and teasing. Today, women can get just as much pleasure just from wearing it as they can by being viewed in it. In some cases they can get more out of just wearing it for them and not other. Some women are very shy and are not willing to immediately slip into something sexy for some one else’s viewing pleasure. This type of display can make them feel awkward or anxious. Just wearing the sexy lingerie when no one else knows can help spark self-esteem and desire in her self. Now designers are gearing this sexy wear for comfort, movement, and everyday practicality as well as sleek and sexy. Not only does this trend in design say a lot about marketing it says a lot about women in society today.

Back in the day of boned corsets that left women barely able to breathe or move, comfort was not the option. It was implied that proper women did not move all around and had no need to. It was also under the premise that women had no need to be out in the world. Their job was to cater to their husbands, home and families. Comfort was not in the equation. Not to mention that lingerie was not for the common women so it carried prestige and merit. But as the time changed and women became more active in political, economical, and the social realms of the world lingerie has taken a huge change. It is not geared towards the woman her self and the comfort and sexiness she needs. There for lingerie had to become modernized by being less restrictive. There is lingerie and intimate apparel for all occasions that are of great comfort and flexibility for every taste and body type today.

Lingerie designers are finally recognizing that beauty is not some standardized thing. Women are now demanding that designers make sexy and practical lingerie that is realistic and designed for all women, not just the standard. Women want to feel and look beautiful to them. That beauty and appreciation for their own body will permeate their personality and trickle into all areas of their lives. Women are tired and have no use to constantly try to fit into some impossible idealistic box anymore. It is now about being appreciated for the individual you. This has been proven with the burst of lingerie for fuller sized women today. The designs of today are now finally geared to the real size women and she can feel sexy too. So now fuller figured women can also feel and look as sexy too, no matter what their size is.

The wearing of lingerie for a woman can be as much sensual as it sexual. It has to do with self-image. The women today are strong, independent, and vibrant and should be free to explore their own personal sexuality. The shopping for and wearing of lingerie today is such a sensual pleasure for women today. It is not the lingerie that gives a women confidence it is the woman’s self-esteem created by feeling good about her self that gives her an air of confidence, beauty, and sensitivity.

As many of you may or may not know, I have been designing and constructing garments for about six years now. It’s definitely one of my passions. And I hope to get into the lingerie industry at least for a selection of garments because I think it would be extremely fun! Lingerie should reflect your inner-self. I encourage all of you girls (and boyfriends, husbands, best friends) to buy lingerie this season. I swear to you, it will make you feel like a million dollars underneath your clothes!

“I love to wear lingerie. The problem is that men always rip it off too quickly. When women are dolled up in lingerie they feel sexy. So let us wear it for five minutes.” >Karen McDougal

OPERATION: Bikini Bod

KEY WEST GIRLS TRIP: T-minus 16 days

FT. MYERS BEACH WKND: T-minus 27 days

07.06.2009 [Monday] —

Workout Routine: Overall Body Circuit with focus on CORE

I was able to workout with one of my clients who just so happens to be a very good friend — and it’s always a nice change of pace for me. We keep one another in line and she’s always looking for harder, more advanced moves – which keeps me doing the same.  She’s the perfect “workout partner” – never bailing, always motivated and ready to go.

We did a whole mixture of things – no gym machines necessary – with a main focus on CORE. Here is just a list of some of the exercises we did:

• Tricep kickbacks in pike position
• Jabs/Hooks/Uppercuts
• Planks with hip dips
• Side planks with torso twists (side pillars)
• Toe Reaches (alternating)
• Tricep dips with feet completely elevated
• Push ups with medicine ball
• Oblique Twists (torso twists) with dumbbell
• Lower back extensions
• Various other core work with stability ball

Best song of the workout: Stupid Girls Remix, Pink

Hardest part of the workout: Whew — the hardest for me was probably some of the work with the stability ball (holding it with my feet) because my legs were still sore from my workout the other day.

Tip for you: Find a friend who is compatible with you and get together – look for ways to increase the intensity of your exercise. Keep coming up with ideas – this type of workout will not only work – but it will keep it fun and not such a “chore”.

OPERATION: Bikini Bod

KEY WEST GIRLS TRIP: T-minus 19 days

FT. MYERS BEACH WKND: T-minus 30 days

07.03.2009 [Friday] —

Workout Routine: Strength Training (Biceps/Back) & CORE

Biceps:

• Bicep curls (concentrated) standing on Bosu Ball (flat part)
• Hammer curls

Back:

• Fly Machine
• Close grip lat pulldowns
• Dumbbell rows

_________________

Core:

¤ Ab roller

¤ Side Pillars, side planks and twist torso then switch sides

¤ Overhead Ball Pass with stability ball

¤ Torso twists (Oblique twists) with medicine ball

Best song of the workout: The Veronicas, Take Me On The Floor

Hardest part of the workout: Abs were hard for me because they were a little sore from the workouts earlier in the week!

Tip for you: Take your time with weights – no need to rush. You’ll get a much better workout if you aren’t rushing!