Saturday, July 21, 2012

Client Progress :)


Here's a little note from a client of mine :)

I've always been active, love being outside, and also love challenges.  My friend proposed that we have a running and pushup challenge: run 300 miles and do 1200 pushups between December 22 - March 20. I was on a roll, but all of a sudden started having serious knee pain which prevented me from running and, eventually, even stopped my morning beach walks. I felt like an old woman and didn't understand what the problem was. I had never felt this time of pain - even when I played rugby for a season. I'd go to yoga and my back would hurt, my foot would cramp, my knees would kill. It worried me because exercise and staying active is important for: 1. my overall life balance and sanity  2. the fact that I really like eating food.
Basically, I'm trying to figure out how to strength train with out PAIN and have a better understanding of nutrition. I also know that I am more successful when someone is holding me accountable to my goals.  I can't be an expert at everything (who can?) so when I need help, I look for experts. It made sense that I connect with Stacey because, let's be serious, she's THE expert at fitness and nutrition. Her clients raved about her to me, I love reading her blog, and I liked her I DON'T GIVE A FUCK attitude. It's empowering. 
The eating piece came second to my reason for connecting with Stacey. Moving into my own apartment, I started making pretty conscious food choices. I started cooking kale, eating brussel sprouts, and really focused on fruits and veggies. I discovered the Paleo diet and started following that. Between November - January, I lost 10 pounds and felt awesome. Then I gained it all back. This is the story of my life. Not so much yo-yo dieting as it is yo-yo snacking/frozen-yogurting/binge drinking. It isn't about being skinny or fat to me, it's about feeling comfortable, having high self- esteem, and being healthy. I know that I have pretty a serious family history of disease - high cholesterol, diabetes, cancers, high blood pressure and am also conscious of the fact that I need to take preventative measures now - before I have way more responsibilities than I already have. Now that I have been working with Stacey I feel huge changes in my body - no more knee pain, I'm getting better at kettlebell exercises, and my IT band doesn't feel like it's going to snap when I go on long walks.  It's the eating piece that needs some extra help. Stacey and I thought it'd be helpful to blog about my journey. After all, this is a journey. It's not easy to break habits and start new habits. It's also proven that when you are held accountable, your rate of succeeding is higher....
Cheers to the journey to my fit, happy, healthy (ass-kicking) life. My goals: lose 20 pounds by August and, ultimately, 30 by September. Do 10 pull-ups in a row (I've never done a real pull-up in my life). Be at a fitness level to play a competitive sport (probably soccer). Master the turkish get-up. 




Friday, July 20, 2012

Easy Ways to Increase Shoulder Mobility

Recently did a video for an old friend who is having some issues with limited shoulder mobility.  He is an avid CrossFitter and he has finally realized that his shoulders are holding him back.

For anyone who knows me you KNOW my worst fear is speaking in front of the camera.  I coach and cue and speak all day long but not in front of a camera :0
So here's to my first attempt :P


Sunday, July 8, 2012

Meal Ideas?

Hi Stacey,
I am struggling with dinner ideas that feature a protein at the center ( I am good with the veggies). Do you know of any good ways or recipes on how to cook chicken? The chicken I make always comes out so...bah. I have no desire to eat it.  I would also do beef or pork.
Any suggestions are welcomed!


I get emails like this all the time. Whip up this marinade and I promise your chicken will never be boring again :) Got this from my momma and I marinated the meat overnight and it was amazing!!!!




Paleo Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce
½ cup Ketchup   (I used one 14.5 oz can of Muir Glen Diced Tomatoes)

2 Tbsp Stoneground Mustard
3 Tbsp  Tamari free Soy Sauce (if you do soy)
3 Tbsp Garlic Infused Red Wine Vinegar (or Red Wine Vinegar + 1 clove Garlic) or Coconut Vinegar
2 Tbsp Sugar (raw) or Coconut Crystals (for a lower glycemic index)

1 Tbsp Chipotle Hot Sauce
1 ½ tsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Chili Flakes

1 Tbsp Onion Flakes (dried) (didn't use)

Ancho Pepper (I use dried, sans the stem but I use the seeds)    (didn't use)

Arbol Peppers (again, dried, sans the stems) (didn't use)
1/3 cup Olive Oil
1 Tbsp White Vinegar
1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Put everything in a food processor or the Bullet (my fav!) and go to town. Just blend away until everything looks well incorporated.
Best of all? No cooking! You can use this immediately and its thick and delicious!
Serve on tenders, breasts, wings or Pork Ribs for the best BBQ ever! 

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