Tracy Anderson Method

I am on Day 1 of following the Tracy Anderson Method (http://tracyandersonmethod.com/). I am doing the Metamorphosis workouts and diet. I think this fits in with the Simplicity track because you only eat what you need (the diet is 700 calories per day or lower from everything I've read), but it is extremely nutrient dense. Therefore, no waste. Still working on finding most produce unpackaged, which is difficult in Central Ohio. I am altering the diet slightly because I am also a nutritarian (http://www.drfuhrman.com/), and so I need to get my G-BOMBS in for increased immunity functioning (Greens, Berries, Onions, Mushrooms, Beans, and Seeds). While TAM diet has most of these in week 1, I had to add mushrooms to the veggie protein soup and I am going to add sesame seeds to something, though I haven't decided which (carrot parsnip puree, perhaps?). I also recognize that this is significantly less quantity-wise than I am used to, so I am going to need to make my stomach think it is full (stretch receptors, baby). So, I am going add low calorie veggies when I am feeling hungry (celery, bell peppers, salad greens, tomatoes, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, etc). I figure more nutrients with no significant extra calories, that can't be bad.

I've looked ahead to week 2 and I will need to find a replacement for the meal replacement bars she suggests. They are not vegan and I am avoiding processed foods, so I don't want to add them back for the sake of this. Plus, individually wrapped bars is also something I would like to avoid. I am thinking a bean soup that has 200 or less calories and at least 15 grams of protein, maybe adding hemp seed to it to bring up the protein count? Also, the breakfast proteins she gives you to choose from are all animal based, so I'm thinking a tofu scramble for breakfasts.

My first workout is after work, wish me luck! 

New Year's Resolutions

OK, so this is my tracking mechanism for me to make some changes to my life. This will maybe provide some accountability, as anyone I know thinks I'm crazy for many of these decisions (or at least not living in the current world).

Usually, my New Year's Resolutions revolve around weight loss (diet and fitness). That might be a side benefit of this year's, but not the actual goal. I'd like to start paring down unessential and unimportant parts of my life and concentrate on those things that are truly important (firstly, my daughter, then the rest of my family, then making the world a better place). Those things that do not fit in those pursuits, I'd like to strip from my life.

So, here is my listing of goals (though they may change and morph through this journey).

Personal Consumption:

1) Buy nothing new unless it is made of a sustainable material and I do not have the option of buying it used. This includes things for myself and my daughter.

2) Buy foods that are sustainably and humanely raised. Local and organic when I can. This means cutting out most outside eating, because most restaurants do not provide this.

3) Not buying foods that do not contribute to my nutritional needs, due to the waste this causes.

4) Not consuming more calories than I need, not for weigh loss reasons, but rather for lowering my resource usage.

5) Support only local businesses when I can.

6) Research and use, if possible, public transportation.

7) As little trash as possible. If an item cannot be recycled, composted, or repurposed it shouldn't be purchased.

Lifestyle choices:

1) Cut out most television, unless it is a learning tool, art, or a family event.

2) Organize my house/work/life to make it efficient to allow more time for things that benefit family or humanity.

3) Do activities that I would want Arya to do because of learning, fun, or affect on society.

4) Go outside!

Work Choices:

1) Expect from others what I expect from myself. If this does not happen, be strong enough to let them go.

2) Efficiency, so that I am not keeping myself or Arya at work longer than necessary. This will allow time to accomplish my other goals.

3) Things that do not benefit my business or my family hurts them. Let them go.

Here is my list, let's see what becomes of them. The key is really to not let life pass me by, but rather to be an active participate in it. This year fixing myself, next year perhaps I can look forward to the community and the world.