30-day challenge

Happy weekend everyone. I sorta have the day off today - I'm working a quick 4 hours tonight to help cover a shift. If you follow me on Twitter, you heard me complain about my poor aching feet. 13 hrs of working (errr, continuous power-walking) 4 days in a row, is killer.

And tomorrow I'm gearing up for another 4 shifts. Why am I working so much you may be asking? Well I did have 4 days off last weekend around the time I hosted the DC blogger shindig, and I'm taking off another 4 next week to head to Myrtle Beach, SC for a half marathon. Last year was a blast so I can't even wait for this trip.

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Before I get into the 30-day challenge, I wanted to share a new toy with you.

BonJour Primo Latte Frother

Friends, I'm in love. If you've been reading my blog for a while day now, you probably know I'm quite the coffee lover. I wake up to a lovely cup of Caribou Coffee a la Keurig and save the fanchy shmancy espresso machine for the weekends (time savah). However, there are times (okay, a lot of times) when I want a nice frothed coffee on the fly. I've been spending waaaay too much money at Starbucks lately on my "Venti Pike'e Place coffee topped with 1 inch of steamed soy".

So friends, meet my new bestie. Here's how easy it is:

1) Microwave milk of your choice in mug (only heat amount you want to drink)
2) Froth away (~20 seconds)
3) Top with your favorite coffee or espresso

And that's it!

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So here's my challenge: "The not-so-vegan clean plan"

Translation: No dairy (only organic cage-free eggs), only organic (and local when possible) meat, and ALL clean foods.

Last year I went "clean" for a month (per my neurologist's recommendation) and it changed my life. Following Tosca Reno's simple plan, I did not focus on counting calories, fat, carbs, etc. but nixed all unnatural and processed foods from my diet. I rid my pantry and fridge of anything containing artificial color, sugar, flavor, or preservatives. After only one week on the plan, my headaches went away (I am a long-time sufferer of migraine headaches) and my energy levels hit the roof. The most difficult challenge for me was giving up sugar-free gum (which I eventually allowed myself a piece during a workout). Other than that, it was easy peasy. Most grocery stores now carry all-natural versions of virtually every food. Initially, I had to invest some $$ into new condiments, salad dressings, etc. but it really wasn't that difficult. After the month was over and I tried fake food (I think I had a Diet Coke), and I wanted to barf. I no longer had a taste for the crap.

This leads me to where I am today. I would say I eat "clean" 75% of the time. But gum, sugar-free syrup, and condiments sadly sneak their way in. And over the last few months I've realized I have been experiencing more headaches and huge dip in energy. And considering a shift at the hospital is a minimum of 12.5 hours of fast walking, I need all the energy I can get.

Another issue for me: Dairy. You may have noticed I don't ever feature meals with cheese (or at least the real cheeses: goat, feta, ricotta, parmesan, brie, gorgonzola, and any aged variety). The reason: I'm allergic. I'm not lacto-intolerant because I can handle the whimpy cheeses (mozzarella, American "cheese", etc.) But every now and then a real cheese sneaks into my meal and I'm doomed for the rest of the day.

I lie. This happens a lot. Yesterday for instance, I ordered a margarita pizza from Cosi and the nice gentleman behind the counter assured me it was only mozzarella, tomato, and basil. An hour after the fact (and after double-checking online) I learned their tomato sauce contains parmesan. I spent the next 5 hours of my shift running to the bathroom (TMI?). One too many times this has happened, I knew I needed to make a change.

So here I am. Starting a 30-day challenge. And I use the word "challenge" intentionally because this is going to be difficult for me. I loooove my Greek yogurt and Laughing Cow cheese but I need to give my stomach a break for a little bit because things in the GI department haven't been so fun lately.

I also want to see how my energy levels change. I have a lot of 13 hour work shifts in the near future and neeeeed to cut back on my 4-5 cups of coffee per day habit. It's no good - not good for hydration, my teeth, or wallet.

So, the first meal of the day:

Berry-Berry Green Protein Smoothie

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (SunWarrior brand)

1 frozen banana

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

hand full fresh spinach

1 t SuperGreens

1 T flax seed oil

H20

stevia (1 serving)

pinch sea salt

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Alright kiddos, I'm heading out for a run before work.

What are your weekend plans?

How's the weather on your neck of the woods?