Join us for a fun and relaxing evening at our facility in historic Shockoe Bottom,
June 9th from 6-8pm.
We'll be serving wine and giving away door prizes, handing out some giveaway prizes, chair massages, and coupon books for RB services and fitness programs-all free!
Call 804.343.1234 if you have any questions!
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Get fit outside this Summer! Join us for our new FREE community exercise classes every Saturday at 10 am starting May 7 at the 17th Street Farmers Market.
In partnership with the Massey Cancer Center and Massey Alliance, Richmond Balance will be teaching FREE Group Exercise Classes at the 17th Street Farmer's Market every Saturday from 10-11am. Join us this Saturday, May 7th for the kickoff class.....Bootcamp! In the upcoming weeks we'll be teaching Cardio Circuit, Boot Camp, Yogilates, and more! Class type will be announced every Thursday on our Facebook page.
Join us for all of them and live healthier to help prevent cancer!
In partnership with the Massey Cancer Center and Massey Alliance, Richmond Balance will be teaching FREE Group Exercise Classes at the 17th Street Farmer's Market every Saturday from 10-11am. Join us this Saturday, May 7th for the kickoff class.....Bootcamp! In the upcoming weeks we'll be teaching Cardio Circuit, Boot Camp, Yogilates, and more! Class type will be announced every Thursday on our Facebook page.
Join us for all of them and live healthier to help prevent cancer!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Boot Camp
It's not too late to get in shape!! Sign up now for our next 8 week Boot Camp!!! It will start Monday, May 2nd and run through Friday, June 24th. It will take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6am and 6pm rain or shine, in Libby Hill Park. Sign up now through April 27th for only $120. After April 27th price increases to $180 so sign up early!
Richmond Balance Open House
Coming in mid-May we will be having a customer appreciation/open house. It will be our way of saying thank you to those who are already a part of the Richmond Balance family and a great way to meet people in the community and surrounding area. It will be open to the members, trainers, clients, and the community. More details will follow shortly.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
FREE Group Exercise Classes at the Farmer's Market- Starts May 7th
Richmond Balance will be partnering with the Massey Alliance in an effort to educate young professionals about cancer prevention through fitness and healthy living. Join us at the Farmer's Market on Saturdays from 10-11am for FREE group exercise classes. Classes start May 7th and will include Yoga, Pilates, Bootcamp, Cardio Core, Sculpting and more! We hope to see you there!!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Spring Has Sprung
Can you believe it is almost summer? I feel like it was just a short while ago that I was writing about New Year's Resolution's. If you kept up with your resolution, you are probably excited about the warmer weather because it means you get to show off all your hard work. If you've fallen off the wagon, don't worry, there is still time. The good thing about spring is that you get to take some of your workouts outside. Head to a local park and go for a run. The hills alone should jolt your workout and give you some positive improvements in no time. Just remember, if you've been running inside on a treadmill all winter, you need to adjust to the outdoor terrain so make sure your shoes are in good shape and up for the outdoors. Now that spring is here, your local farmer's market should be open and that means fresh fruit and veggies for your diet. Go one Saturday morning and stock up for the week. If you're heading out the door and want to grab a snack, you'll have plenty available. Fresh fruit, runs in the park, spring has sprung so let's take advantage of it.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Join Richmond Balance and Lululemon this Thursday for a Healthy (Happy) Hour!
A Healthy (Happy) Hour
Thursday, March 31, 2011 from 6pm-7pm
Hosted by lululemon athletica - Richmond
the lululemon athletica Richmond Showroom
1303 West Main Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Stop by the lululemon athletica Richmond showroom on your way home from work and grab a drink, chat, or shop as lululemon opens its doors to the Richmond Balance family.
The Showroom is in the heart of the Fan on West Cary between Randolph and Brunswick. There is ample parking on the street and in the back of the building.
Thursday, March 31, 2011 from 6pm-7pm
Hosted by lululemon athletica - Richmond
the lululemon athletica Richmond Showroom
1303 West Main Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Stop by the lululemon athletica Richmond showroom on your way home from work and grab a drink, chat, or shop as lululemon opens its doors to the Richmond Balance family.
The Showroom is in the heart of the Fan on West Cary between Randolph and Brunswick. There is ample parking on the street and in the back of the building.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Join us for Yoga with the crew from Lululemon!!!
Join the crew from Lululemon www.lululemon.com/richmond/richmond at Richmond Balance on Tuesday, Feb 22nd for Yoga. Class starts at 7pm! $10 drop in fee. We are located at 1806 East Main Street. Hope to see you there!!!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 24 (Final Blog)
DAY 24: the final entry
Today was the day of reckoning: my check-in with the nutritionist. It did not go as I had hoped. When I explained to her that I was still not feeling better, she recommended that I continue my detox. For 4 to 6 weeks. Oh. Dear. Lord. Apparently, some people have to do it for 6 months before feeling better, but because I’m young (31) and relatively new to this issue (4 years), she doesn’t think it’ll take that long. I had my eyes set on some delicious treats on Friday, though. Guess that plan is out the window.
Don’t worry; I won’t bore you with the next month and a half of detox adventures. My diet has gotten pretty boring – lots of repetition, you’ll notice, as I tend to stick with what works, -- so I feel like this blog has run its course. Some final observations:
• The hardest part of detoxing is being around food you can’t eat. Eat at home if at all possible.
• You can eat great food on detox, provided you cook at home. Many detox recipes are worth incorporating into your regular diet.
• One glass of wine won’t hurt you. Three will decimate you.
• You may surprise yourself with your willpower. I generally have no self-control but once committed to the detox diet, I was able to stick with it pretty well. Even with free cupcakes at work.
Hope I’ve provided some helpful insight and/or good recipes over the last few weeks. So long. My journey continues…
Today was the day of reckoning: my check-in with the nutritionist. It did not go as I had hoped. When I explained to her that I was still not feeling better, she recommended that I continue my detox. For 4 to 6 weeks. Oh. Dear. Lord. Apparently, some people have to do it for 6 months before feeling better, but because I’m young (31) and relatively new to this issue (4 years), she doesn’t think it’ll take that long. I had my eyes set on some delicious treats on Friday, though. Guess that plan is out the window.
Don’t worry; I won’t bore you with the next month and a half of detox adventures. My diet has gotten pretty boring – lots of repetition, you’ll notice, as I tend to stick with what works, -- so I feel like this blog has run its course. Some final observations:
• The hardest part of detoxing is being around food you can’t eat. Eat at home if at all possible.
• You can eat great food on detox, provided you cook at home. Many detox recipes are worth incorporating into your regular diet.
• One glass of wine won’t hurt you. Three will decimate you.
• You may surprise yourself with your willpower. I generally have no self-control but once committed to the detox diet, I was able to stick with it pretty well. Even with free cupcakes at work.
Hope I’ve provided some helpful insight and/or good recipes over the last few weeks. So long. My journey continues…
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 23
DAY 23
I’m eschewing Super Bowl parties so as to avoid all those tempting snacks. Though I did go to the grocery store hungry today and bought a handful of those fruity straw snacks. They’re processed, I know, but I’m not going to worry about it. Could be much, much worse. As I near the end of detox, I find myself tempted by all sorts of things – ice cream, Snickers bars, frozen pizza. So if I splurge on a fruity, twisty thing (okay, five fruity, twisty things), I figure I’m doing okay.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free cereal with bananas and walnuts
Lunch
Salad greens, rice, beans, chicken, guacamole
Snack
All-natural fruit snacks
Dinner
Lentil soup
I’m eschewing Super Bowl parties so as to avoid all those tempting snacks. Though I did go to the grocery store hungry today and bought a handful of those fruity straw snacks. They’re processed, I know, but I’m not going to worry about it. Could be much, much worse. As I near the end of detox, I find myself tempted by all sorts of things – ice cream, Snickers bars, frozen pizza. So if I splurge on a fruity, twisty thing (okay, five fruity, twisty things), I figure I’m doing okay.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free cereal with bananas and walnuts
Lunch
Salad greens, rice, beans, chicken, guacamole
Snack
All-natural fruit snacks
Dinner
Lentil soup
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 22
DAY 22
I’ve eaten out a lot this week (particularly considering I’m on detox) and I’ve learned some interesting things. One, I can usually safely eat only about 1 or 2 items on the menu, so it’s very, very limited. Two, I’m usually happy with what I get anyways. Yesterday, I had dinner at Stronghill Dining Co. and though it was tough to pass on the bread (and the wine), I was perfectly happy with my roasted chicken and sides. Tonight, I had dinner at Aziza’s on Main (a neighborhood joint that is quickly becoming one of my favorites) and it, too, was really delicious. In both cases, I had to ask them to leave off the butter sauce, and in both cases, I didn’t miss the butter sauce one bit. When you think about all the calories and fat you’re saving without that sauce…I think I’ll be making a habit of this.
Another observation: in my “real”, aka non-detox, life, I am the first one to go for fried chicken, grilled cheese, chicken pot pie – all those delicious comfort foods that warm you up on a cold winter night. But since I have to pass on all those things nowadays, I’ve realized that I’m rarely as uncomfortably full as my dinner companions at the end of a meal – even though I eat plenty and feel perfectly satisfied with my meal. And I rarely wake up with that still-full feeling where it takes you half a day to get hungry again. I don’t have the willpower to resist temptations all the time in my “real” life – but I should really try to do it more often if it means feeling like this. Which feels pretty great, actually.
Oh, also, I cheated and had a glass of red wine. Just one. It was divine.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free bread with banana and peanut butter (2 slices)
Lunch
White bean tuna salad
Rice crackers
Apple
Snack
Apple cider
Dinner
Green salad
Pan-fried haddock
Root veggies
Glass of red wine
I’ve eaten out a lot this week (particularly considering I’m on detox) and I’ve learned some interesting things. One, I can usually safely eat only about 1 or 2 items on the menu, so it’s very, very limited. Two, I’m usually happy with what I get anyways. Yesterday, I had dinner at Stronghill Dining Co. and though it was tough to pass on the bread (and the wine), I was perfectly happy with my roasted chicken and sides. Tonight, I had dinner at Aziza’s on Main (a neighborhood joint that is quickly becoming one of my favorites) and it, too, was really delicious. In both cases, I had to ask them to leave off the butter sauce, and in both cases, I didn’t miss the butter sauce one bit. When you think about all the calories and fat you’re saving without that sauce…I think I’ll be making a habit of this.
Another observation: in my “real”, aka non-detox, life, I am the first one to go for fried chicken, grilled cheese, chicken pot pie – all those delicious comfort foods that warm you up on a cold winter night. But since I have to pass on all those things nowadays, I’ve realized that I’m rarely as uncomfortably full as my dinner companions at the end of a meal – even though I eat plenty and feel perfectly satisfied with my meal. And I rarely wake up with that still-full feeling where it takes you half a day to get hungry again. I don’t have the willpower to resist temptations all the time in my “real” life – but I should really try to do it more often if it means feeling like this. Which feels pretty great, actually.
Oh, also, I cheated and had a glass of red wine. Just one. It was divine.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free bread with banana and peanut butter (2 slices)
Lunch
White bean tuna salad
Rice crackers
Apple
Snack
Apple cider
Dinner
Green salad
Pan-fried haddock
Root veggies
Glass of red wine
Monday, February 14, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 21
DAY 21
I’m obviously a creature of habit as I’ve had white bean and tuna salad for about half of my total detox meals, but it’s delicious and I’m not sick of it, so I’m going with it. Not sure if I should be eating so much tuna (mercury – more guilt) so I may have to substitute a different fish in the future.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free bread with peanut butter and banana
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Salad greens with white bean tuna salad
Rice crackers
Dinner
Roasted chicken breast
Green beans
Red beans and rice
Snack
Apple
I’m obviously a creature of habit as I’ve had white bean and tuna salad for about half of my total detox meals, but it’s delicious and I’m not sick of it, so I’m going with it. Not sure if I should be eating so much tuna (mercury – more guilt) so I may have to substitute a different fish in the future.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free bread with peanut butter and banana
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Salad greens with white bean tuna salad
Rice crackers
Dinner
Roasted chicken breast
Green beans
Red beans and rice
Snack
Apple
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 19 & 20
DAY 19
Ate at Couscous tonight and it wasn’t as good as I’d remembered. Bummer. I was also really limited in what I could eat because a lot of Middle Eastern food is made with tomatoes. The tomato thing is actually really limiting. Frustrating.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free cereal with bananas and walnuts
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Half millet-flax spinach pie
Baby greens with white bean tuna salad
Coconut water
Dinner
Curried cauliflower
Baked white fish
Jasmine rice
DAY 20
Made a super-delicious dinner tonight. Most of my super-delicious dinners involve roasted sweet potatoes and I tend to eat about half the tray immediately after I take it out of the oven, so I’m almost too stuffed to eat anything else. This is a common occurrence. This time, I made room for the main course – baked orange roughy – because it was simple and yummy.
During recipe Googling, I found out that orange roughy is overfished, so I probably won’t make this again, but will use the same technique for tilapia and other more sustainable white fish. (I hate finding out that favorite fish are in danger of extinction, but I have a terrible guilt complex about eating them once I know they are. Makes it hard to enjoy them, so what’s the point?)
You can find out more here: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_factsheet.aspx?gid=14
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free cereal with banana and walnuts
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Half millet-flax spinach pie
Salad greens with white bean tuna salad
Dinner
Roasted sweet potato
Baked orange roughy (olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika – bake at 375 for 15 min. Done.)
Ate at Couscous tonight and it wasn’t as good as I’d remembered. Bummer. I was also really limited in what I could eat because a lot of Middle Eastern food is made with tomatoes. The tomato thing is actually really limiting. Frustrating.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free cereal with bananas and walnuts
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Half millet-flax spinach pie
Baby greens with white bean tuna salad
Coconut water
Dinner
Curried cauliflower
Baked white fish
Jasmine rice
DAY 20
Made a super-delicious dinner tonight. Most of my super-delicious dinners involve roasted sweet potatoes and I tend to eat about half the tray immediately after I take it out of the oven, so I’m almost too stuffed to eat anything else. This is a common occurrence. This time, I made room for the main course – baked orange roughy – because it was simple and yummy.
During recipe Googling, I found out that orange roughy is overfished, so I probably won’t make this again, but will use the same technique for tilapia and other more sustainable white fish. (I hate finding out that favorite fish are in danger of extinction, but I have a terrible guilt complex about eating them once I know they are. Makes it hard to enjoy them, so what’s the point?)
You can find out more here: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_factsheet.aspx?gid=14
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free cereal with banana and walnuts
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Half millet-flax spinach pie
Salad greens with white bean tuna salad
Dinner
Roasted sweet potato
Baked orange roughy (olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika – bake at 375 for 15 min. Done.)
Friday, February 11, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 18
DAY 18
Sushi again tonight. Had the realization that gluten-free tamari sauce is still a soy product, so had to give that up. Also ginger salad has soy, so that had to go. Too. I ended up trying a delicious cucumber salad that was basically cucumbers, onions, rice vinegar. I’m going to try to replicate that at home.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free banana bread with peanut butter and banana
Lunch
White bean and tuna salad (I’m obsessed)
Snack
Banana
Apple
Dinner
Cucumber salad
Sushi
Sushi again tonight. Had the realization that gluten-free tamari sauce is still a soy product, so had to give that up. Also ginger salad has soy, so that had to go. Too. I ended up trying a delicious cucumber salad that was basically cucumbers, onions, rice vinegar. I’m going to try to replicate that at home.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free banana bread with peanut butter and banana
Lunch
White bean and tuna salad (I’m obsessed)
Snack
Banana
Apple
Dinner
Cucumber salad
Sushi
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 17
DAY 17
Tonight’s dinner had potential, but didn’t really work out. I was trying millet for the first time – it’s a protein-packed grain like quinoa with a similar texture – and I figured it would make for a good Meatless Monday meal. Unfortunately, I didn’t have all the necessary herbs or veggies and it ended up tasting kind of bland. I like the idea of millet, though; I’ll try it again in the future. Just with a recipe instead of winging it.
I feel like I should have mentioned this before, but there are a few good websites I turn to for allergen-free cooking. The first is Gluten-Free Goddess. She has great recipes, although some of them can be more involved than you want them to be. But she often makes suggestions for dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, etc., which is nice.
The second (don’t laugh) is Gwyneth Paltrow’s website, Goop. In December, she included links to a couple detox websites (she was semi-hawking her detox guru’s program, which you pay for, but the recipes are free, so I took advantage). There are some great, easy recipes that I’ll be incorporating into my regular diet in the future. I highly recommend both.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free banana bread with peanut butter
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Salad with red onions, capers, salmon
Garlic chipc
Dinner
Millet with mushrooms and onions
Tonight’s dinner had potential, but didn’t really work out. I was trying millet for the first time – it’s a protein-packed grain like quinoa with a similar texture – and I figured it would make for a good Meatless Monday meal. Unfortunately, I didn’t have all the necessary herbs or veggies and it ended up tasting kind of bland. I like the idea of millet, though; I’ll try it again in the future. Just with a recipe instead of winging it.
I feel like I should have mentioned this before, but there are a few good websites I turn to for allergen-free cooking. The first is Gluten-Free Goddess. She has great recipes, although some of them can be more involved than you want them to be. But she often makes suggestions for dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, etc., which is nice.
The second (don’t laugh) is Gwyneth Paltrow’s website, Goop. In December, she included links to a couple detox websites (she was semi-hawking her detox guru’s program, which you pay for, but the recipes are free, so I took advantage). There are some great, easy recipes that I’ll be incorporating into my regular diet in the future. I highly recommend both.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free banana bread with peanut butter
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Salad with red onions, capers, salmon
Garlic chipc
Dinner
Millet with mushrooms and onions
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 16
DAY 16
My nutritionist warned me that drinking on detox is a bad idea because the hangover is intense. She was right. Drinking on detox is a BAD IDEA. I had 3 1/3 drinks at the show and I woke up feeling like I drank 3 1/3 bottles of wine. It was horrendous.
After languishing in bed ‘til noon, I finally got up, but only for the promise of food. We went to Lulu’s for lunch and, let me tell you, that brunch menu is amazing. I can’t wait to go back and try huevos rancheros, tamales with fried eggs, Mexican frittatas…yum. In the meantime, they were very amenable and made me the salmon bagel plate without the bagel or the cream cheese. I also treated myself to fried plantains. I know it’s not in the spirit of things to be eating fried food, but it’s a fried fruit. Could be worse. And I needed a pick-me-up today. They were delish.
MENU
Morning
Coconut water (super hydrating and refreshing, particularly if you don’t like drinking water like me)
Gluten-free bread with peanut butter and banana
Lunch
Watercress, red onion, capers, asparagus, smoke salmon
Fried plantains
Snack
Apple cider
Dinner
Salad with grapes, apples
My nutritionist warned me that drinking on detox is a bad idea because the hangover is intense. She was right. Drinking on detox is a BAD IDEA. I had 3 1/3 drinks at the show and I woke up feeling like I drank 3 1/3 bottles of wine. It was horrendous.
After languishing in bed ‘til noon, I finally got up, but only for the promise of food. We went to Lulu’s for lunch and, let me tell you, that brunch menu is amazing. I can’t wait to go back and try huevos rancheros, tamales with fried eggs, Mexican frittatas…yum. In the meantime, they were very amenable and made me the salmon bagel plate without the bagel or the cream cheese. I also treated myself to fried plantains. I know it’s not in the spirit of things to be eating fried food, but it’s a fried fruit. Could be worse. And I needed a pick-me-up today. They were delish.
MENU
Morning
Coconut water (super hydrating and refreshing, particularly if you don’t like drinking water like me)
Gluten-free bread with peanut butter and banana
Lunch
Watercress, red onion, capers, asparagus, smoke salmon
Fried plantains
Snack
Apple cider
Dinner
Salad with grapes, apples
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 15
DAY 15
So, today was the day I knew I’d be cheating from the very beginning. I went to Girl Talk at the National (awesome) and I decided in advance that I was going to allow myself three drinks. I had two glasses of wine at dinner and then ordered two beers at the show. The first one I consumed safely, the majority of the second wound up down my shirt when an overeager fan backed up into me. I guess it serves me right for going over my predetermined limit.
We ate at Belvidere on Broad, which is super friendly to gluten-free folks, vegetarians and vegans. Unfortunately, all of my limitations made it somewhat difficult so I ended up with a white-bean turkey burger on gluten-free bread with avocado. It was very sad looking compared to my friends’ entrees. But, hey, at least I could eat.
Before that, I had a late lunch at Café Gutenberg. Not so gluten-friendly but I worked my way around the menu. If you go there, you must get the sweet potato fries. You must.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free bread with peanut butter and banana
Lunch
Sweet potato fries
Beet and spinach salad
Dinner
Turkey white bean burger with GF bun and avocado
Wine/beer
So, today was the day I knew I’d be cheating from the very beginning. I went to Girl Talk at the National (awesome) and I decided in advance that I was going to allow myself three drinks. I had two glasses of wine at dinner and then ordered two beers at the show. The first one I consumed safely, the majority of the second wound up down my shirt when an overeager fan backed up into me. I guess it serves me right for going over my predetermined limit.
We ate at Belvidere on Broad, which is super friendly to gluten-free folks, vegetarians and vegans. Unfortunately, all of my limitations made it somewhat difficult so I ended up with a white-bean turkey burger on gluten-free bread with avocado. It was very sad looking compared to my friends’ entrees. But, hey, at least I could eat.
Before that, I had a late lunch at Café Gutenberg. Not so gluten-friendly but I worked my way around the menu. If you go there, you must get the sweet potato fries. You must.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free bread with peanut butter and banana
Lunch
Sweet potato fries
Beet and spinach salad
Dinner
Turkey white bean burger with GF bun and avocado
Wine/beer
Monday, February 7, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 14
DAY 14
At the very beginning of this blog, I mentioned (I think) how important it is to think ahead so you’re not caught in a pinch with nothing to eat. If I forgot to mention, it is. Important, that is. This week caught me unprepared and I ended up having the weirdest eating day today, which made for a weird day in general.
I didn’t have any lunch items in my fridge – I was out of good protein, my greens were wilty and I was down to my last apple. So, since I was running late for work (again), I just grabbed the apple, some crackers and to-go packet of peanut butter. I was starving by the time I left work. I swung by Fresca on Addison and was delighted to find they had curried veggies with brown rice. It was pretty tasty. They didn’t mention that they put potatoes in the mix, but I just ate around them. I’m excited to go back and eat there when my diet isn’t so limited.
Anyways, I ended eating lunch at 3 p.m. so wasn’t really hungry for dinner so had plain ol’ black beans and rice. Not much of a dinner at all.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with nuts
Snack
Apple
Gluten-free crackers with peanut butter
Lunch
Brown rice with curried veggies
Dinner
Black beans and rice
At the very beginning of this blog, I mentioned (I think) how important it is to think ahead so you’re not caught in a pinch with nothing to eat. If I forgot to mention, it is. Important, that is. This week caught me unprepared and I ended up having the weirdest eating day today, which made for a weird day in general.
I didn’t have any lunch items in my fridge – I was out of good protein, my greens were wilty and I was down to my last apple. So, since I was running late for work (again), I just grabbed the apple, some crackers and to-go packet of peanut butter. I was starving by the time I left work. I swung by Fresca on Addison and was delighted to find they had curried veggies with brown rice. It was pretty tasty. They didn’t mention that they put potatoes in the mix, but I just ate around them. I’m excited to go back and eat there when my diet isn’t so limited.
Anyways, I ended eating lunch at 3 p.m. so wasn’t really hungry for dinner so had plain ol’ black beans and rice. Not much of a dinner at all.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with nuts
Snack
Apple
Gluten-free crackers with peanut butter
Lunch
Brown rice with curried veggies
Dinner
Black beans and rice
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 13
DAY 13
Got takeout from Thai Diner II because I happened to be in Carytown. Turns out they have a gluten-free menu! Love that.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free bread with peanut butter and banana
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Brown rice tortilla with salmon and veggies
Snack
Gluten-free garlic crackers
Dinner
Chicken, ginger, veggies and jasmine rice
Got takeout from Thai Diner II because I happened to be in Carytown. Turns out they have a gluten-free menu! Love that.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free bread with peanut butter and banana
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Brown rice tortilla with salmon and veggies
Snack
Gluten-free garlic crackers
Dinner
Chicken, ginger, veggies and jasmine rice
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 11 & 12
DAY 11
Today’s dinner was just about the best one I’ve had in awhile and everything was super simple. I made my two favorite veggies – roasted sweet potatoes and pan-cooked brussel sprouts. So easy and SO good. The interesting thing is that I discovered these two veggies in the last couple of years – we never had them growing up. I think I’ve been making up for lost time. I eat them all the time now.
Took a look at the “good” list tonight and realized that it doesn’t say I can eat dried apricots, only fresh ones. They’ve become my go-to snack and I have a feeling I’m not supposed to be eating the. Just a feeling. Damn.
MENU
Monday
Gluten free cereal with bananas and walnuts
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Salad with chicken
Snack
Dried apricots
Almonds
Dinner
Salmon
Roasted sweet potatoes (cut them into half-inch chunks, stir them up with olive oil, salt, pepper and Tony’s creole seasoning. Pop them in the oven at 375 for about 30 or 40 minutes – you need to watch them to make sure they don’t dry up or burn.)
Pan-cooked brussel sprouts (cut them in half, stir them up with olive oil and salt, place them cut-side down in a covered pan until they are golden brown and you can easily cut them with a knife – about 12 min – flip them over, remove cover and let them cook for about 8 more min. The caramelized bits are the best part.)
DAY 12
You’ll notice I eat gluten-free cereal just about every day. Thought I’d share my favorite preparation. First of all, my go-to cereal is Eco-planet Organics Gluten-free Hot Cereal. It’s made with a combination of grains – buckwheat, amaranth, millet, brown rice, etc. – and you can find it at Whole Foods and Martins. Ellwoods sometimes carries it but not regularly, which frustrates me to no end. My usual is the Maple and Brown Sugar – it’s just sweet enough.
Since I’m off sugar, I’ve been making do with the Original flavor, but it needs some sprucing up to be palatable. I use banana – it softens when you add hot water and becomes almost dessert-like – and nuts, either walnuts or almonds. I also doctor it up with A LOT of spice – cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, which includes nutmeg and other spices. It needs it. You could also cook up some spiced apples to add to the oatmeal but I never have that much time in the morning.
Overall, it’s pretty tasty and it’ll keep you full for a long time. That’s the best part.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free cereal with bananas and walnuts
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Salad with teriyaki chicken
Gluten-free garlic chips
Snack
Gluten-free banana bread with peanut butter
Dinner
Millet/flax spinach pie with artichoke spread
Dried apricots
Today’s dinner was just about the best one I’ve had in awhile and everything was super simple. I made my two favorite veggies – roasted sweet potatoes and pan-cooked brussel sprouts. So easy and SO good. The interesting thing is that I discovered these two veggies in the last couple of years – we never had them growing up. I think I’ve been making up for lost time. I eat them all the time now.
Took a look at the “good” list tonight and realized that it doesn’t say I can eat dried apricots, only fresh ones. They’ve become my go-to snack and I have a feeling I’m not supposed to be eating the. Just a feeling. Damn.
MENU
Monday
Gluten free cereal with bananas and walnuts
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Salad with chicken
Snack
Dried apricots
Almonds
Dinner
Salmon
Roasted sweet potatoes (cut them into half-inch chunks, stir them up with olive oil, salt, pepper and Tony’s creole seasoning. Pop them in the oven at 375 for about 30 or 40 minutes – you need to watch them to make sure they don’t dry up or burn.)
Pan-cooked brussel sprouts (cut them in half, stir them up with olive oil and salt, place them cut-side down in a covered pan until they are golden brown and you can easily cut them with a knife – about 12 min – flip them over, remove cover and let them cook for about 8 more min. The caramelized bits are the best part.)
DAY 12
You’ll notice I eat gluten-free cereal just about every day. Thought I’d share my favorite preparation. First of all, my go-to cereal is Eco-planet Organics Gluten-free Hot Cereal. It’s made with a combination of grains – buckwheat, amaranth, millet, brown rice, etc. – and you can find it at Whole Foods and Martins. Ellwoods sometimes carries it but not regularly, which frustrates me to no end. My usual is the Maple and Brown Sugar – it’s just sweet enough.
Since I’m off sugar, I’ve been making do with the Original flavor, but it needs some sprucing up to be palatable. I use banana – it softens when you add hot water and becomes almost dessert-like – and nuts, either walnuts or almonds. I also doctor it up with A LOT of spice – cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, which includes nutmeg and other spices. It needs it. You could also cook up some spiced apples to add to the oatmeal but I never have that much time in the morning.
Overall, it’s pretty tasty and it’ll keep you full for a long time. That’s the best part.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free cereal with bananas and walnuts
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Salad with teriyaki chicken
Gluten-free garlic chips
Snack
Gluten-free banana bread with peanut butter
Dinner
Millet/flax spinach pie with artichoke spread
Dried apricots
Thursday, February 3, 2011
I Challenge You
I'm not sure about you guys but my workout resolution is going quite well. I'm in the gym at least 5 days a week, devoting a minimum of one hour each time. I'm using more free weights and experimenting with new exercises. I even bust my butt on the elliptical today. I do have one problem though....my diet. I love a good workout, a two hour sweat session where my hair is soaked, my clothes are soaked and I can barely stand up straight in the shower afterwards. I also love a two hour food fest. And there goes my workout. Here's the problem though. It's the quality of the food I eat that is the biggest problem. I am addicted to these pudge free all natural brownies. Somehow all natural made me think it was OK. I also am addicted to these all natural jumbo low calorie muffins. Bread. I love it. I could subsist on bread alone. So this week I am cutting out bread. I am not cutting out carbs, just bread. I will still eat some pasta, but I'll be putting my peanut butter on a banana or apple instead of toast. I am hoping that I will be toting around a less puffy, Pillsbury dough boyish version of myself next week.
Is your workout resolution going well but the diet not so much? Remember baby steps. Challenge yourself to cut out bread for just a week and see how you feel. Don't tell yourself you can never eat bread again, just do a week trial. Maybe at the end of the week you will go forward by refusing the bread basket at a restaurant but allowing whole wheat toast at breakfast. This is what I am hoping will happen to me. I'll learn the difference between good and bad and choose accordingly. I will slip up at some point, everyone does. Then we try again.
Is your workout resolution going well but the diet not so much? Remember baby steps. Challenge yourself to cut out bread for just a week and see how you feel. Don't tell yourself you can never eat bread again, just do a week trial. Maybe at the end of the week you will go forward by refusing the bread basket at a restaurant but allowing whole wheat toast at breakfast. This is what I am hoping will happen to me. I'll learn the difference between good and bad and choose accordingly. I will slip up at some point, everyone does. Then we try again.
Member Detox Blog- Day 10
DAY 10
My other treat to myself is Starbucks apple cider, ordered sans spices or caramel. It’s basically steamed apple juice but it’s oh-so-good on a cold winter’s day when you’re missing your steaming caramel latte. Things have really changed when apple juice is the biggest treat of your day.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free hot cereal with bananas, walnuts and spices
Snack
Starbucks apple cider
Lunch
Mixed greens with white bean salad
Snack
Dried apricots
Almonds
Dinner
Brown rice
Chicken
Mixed greens
My other treat to myself is Starbucks apple cider, ordered sans spices or caramel. It’s basically steamed apple juice but it’s oh-so-good on a cold winter’s day when you’re missing your steaming caramel latte. Things have really changed when apple juice is the biggest treat of your day.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free hot cereal with bananas, walnuts and spices
Snack
Starbucks apple cider
Lunch
Mixed greens with white bean salad
Snack
Dried apricots
Almonds
Dinner
Brown rice
Chicken
Mixed greens
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 9
DAY 9
Had dinner at the in-laws tonight and I was excited because it seemed like everything was safe. Got home and had very upset stomach. Not sure what that was about, but it was a bummer.
MENU
Morning
Puffed rice cereal with banana and almond milk
Lunch
Brown rice tortilla with hummus and veggies
Snack
Dried apricots
Dinner
Rice pilaf
Roasted chicken
Spinach salad
Fruit salad
Had dinner at the in-laws tonight and I was excited because it seemed like everything was safe. Got home and had very upset stomach. Not sure what that was about, but it was a bummer.
MENU
Morning
Puffed rice cereal with banana and almond milk
Lunch
Brown rice tortilla with hummus and veggies
Snack
Dried apricots
Dinner
Rice pilaf
Roasted chicken
Spinach salad
Fruit salad
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 8
DAY 8
Ate out twice today and think I successfully avoided all bad things at at least one of them. Didn’t realize miso soup was made from soybeans until I got home and did some research. Oops.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free hot cereal with bananas and almonds
Lunch
Curried vegetables with chickpeas (Mosaic)
Dinner
Miso soup
Ginger salad
Sushi with gluten-free soy sauce
Ate out twice today and think I successfully avoided all bad things at at least one of them. Didn’t realize miso soup was made from soybeans until I got home and did some research. Oops.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free hot cereal with bananas and almonds
Lunch
Curried vegetables with chickpeas (Mosaic)
Dinner
Miso soup
Ginger salad
Sushi with gluten-free soy sauce
Monday, January 31, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 7
DAY 7
So, I’m stumped. I haven’t had any terrible withdrawal symptoms, which is great, BUT I also haven’t experienced any sort of transformation at all. Last time, I suffered for a week and then, afterwards, I felt a million times better than I had in the previous months. It was a HUGE change. This time, I’ve got nuthin’. Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. It’s only been a week. Maybe the big changes with this program come later. You think?
I’m still challenged on the hydration issue. It’s not like I’m drinking other things – other than herbal tea, I can’t drink anything anyways – I’m just not drinking. I’ve always been the type to have two glasses of water a day. And that’s it. Obviously way less than recommended, but for some reason, it’s a habit that is very tough to break. Argh. I’ll have to keep at it.
Also, I may have cheated by going to Chipotle. I couldn’t resist the white rice. Hoping that’s not too big of a stray.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with banana and almonds
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Chipotle: salad with white rice, black beans, chicken and guacamole
Dinner
Spinach salad with cukes, red onion, salmon
So, I’m stumped. I haven’t had any terrible withdrawal symptoms, which is great, BUT I also haven’t experienced any sort of transformation at all. Last time, I suffered for a week and then, afterwards, I felt a million times better than I had in the previous months. It was a HUGE change. This time, I’ve got nuthin’. Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. It’s only been a week. Maybe the big changes with this program come later. You think?
I’m still challenged on the hydration issue. It’s not like I’m drinking other things – other than herbal tea, I can’t drink anything anyways – I’m just not drinking. I’ve always been the type to have two glasses of water a day. And that’s it. Obviously way less than recommended, but for some reason, it’s a habit that is very tough to break. Argh. I’ll have to keep at it.
Also, I may have cheated by going to Chipotle. I couldn’t resist the white rice. Hoping that’s not too big of a stray.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with banana and almonds
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Chipotle: salad with white rice, black beans, chicken and guacamole
Dinner
Spinach salad with cukes, red onion, salmon
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 6
DAY 6
Still plugging along. So far, so good. My biggest challenge is drinking enough water. I’ve never been very good at keeping myself hydrated, which is probably part of the reason I’m in such need of detox. So that is going to be my new focus.
MENU
Morning
Puffed rice cereal
Banana with peanut butter
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Brown rice tortilla with salmon, cukes, red onion and micro greens
Snack
Almonds
Banana
Dinner
Spoonful of white bean and tuna salad
Fish taco with guacamole, red onion and micro greens
Still plugging along. So far, so good. My biggest challenge is drinking enough water. I’ve never been very good at keeping myself hydrated, which is probably part of the reason I’m in such need of detox. So that is going to be my new focus.
MENU
Morning
Puffed rice cereal
Banana with peanut butter
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Brown rice tortilla with salmon, cukes, red onion and micro greens
Snack
Almonds
Banana
Dinner
Spoonful of white bean and tuna salad
Fish taco with guacamole, red onion and micro greens
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Member Detox- Day 5
DAY 5
I am truly surprised by how much easier this detox is than I was expecting. (Famous last words?) I’ve been tired, true, but I haven’t experienced any dismal headaches and my cold has been bothering me more than anything else. Perhaps it’s because I’ve planned my meals out in advance, so I rarely find myself scrambling to find something to eat.
MENU
Morning
Hot buckwheat cereal with cinnamon and other spices
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Spinach with white bean and tuna salad
(I know it’s repetitive but I really like it)
Snack
Brown rice tortilla with guacamole
Dinner
Hummus-crusted baked chicken
I am truly surprised by how much easier this detox is than I was expecting. (Famous last words?) I’ve been tired, true, but I haven’t experienced any dismal headaches and my cold has been bothering me more than anything else. Perhaps it’s because I’ve planned my meals out in advance, so I rarely find myself scrambling to find something to eat.
MENU
Morning
Hot buckwheat cereal with cinnamon and other spices
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Spinach with white bean and tuna salad
(I know it’s repetitive but I really like it)
Snack
Brown rice tortilla with guacamole
Dinner
Hummus-crusted baked chicken
Friday, January 28, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 4
DAY 4
I can’t tell if I’m tired from the cold or if I’m in withdrawal. But I feel weary. Definitely going to bed early tonight.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with handful of walnuts
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Spinach with white bean and tuna salad
Dinner
Brown rice with Mulligatawny detox soup
I can’t tell if I’m tired from the cold or if I’m in withdrawal. But I feel weary. Definitely going to bed early tonight.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with handful of walnuts
Snack
Apple
Lunch
Spinach with white bean and tuna salad
Dinner
Brown rice with Mulligatawny detox soup
Thursday, January 27, 2011
5 Days Left- Buy 3 Get 1 FREE Personal Training at Richmond Balance
ONLY 5 days left to take advantage of the January PT Special!!! Buy 3 Sessions, Get 1 FREE now thru January 31st. Email bwebster@richmondbalance.com to set up personal training with Jennie, Thomas, Myron or Brandyn!
30 and 60 minute sessions available!
4 (60 minute) sessions for just $150 (normal price- $200)
OR
4 (30 minute) sessions for just $105 (normal price- $140)
30 and 60 minute sessions available!
4 (60 minute) sessions for just $150 (normal price- $200)
OR
4 (30 minute) sessions for just $105 (normal price- $140)
Member Detox- Blog 3
DAY 3
I have a full-blown head cold but am reluctant to take drugs since I’m on detox. It’s no fun to be detoxing AND sick. The bright side of today was eating dinner with a friend who is also detoxing. Commiseration was in full force.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with half banana and handful of walnuts
Lunch
Brown rice tortilla with hummus, spinach and cukes
Dinner
Brussel sprouts
Brown rice
White bean and tuna salad:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/white-bean-tuna-salad-recipe2/index.html
(I subbed kalamata olives for the tomatoes and dill for the basil and replaced half of the vinegar with the juice of one lemon – delish!)
I have a full-blown head cold but am reluctant to take drugs since I’m on detox. It’s no fun to be detoxing AND sick. The bright side of today was eating dinner with a friend who is also detoxing. Commiseration was in full force.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with half banana and handful of walnuts
Lunch
Brown rice tortilla with hummus, spinach and cukes
Dinner
Brussel sprouts
Brown rice
White bean and tuna salad:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/white-bean-tuna-salad-recipe2/index.html
(I subbed kalamata olives for the tomatoes and dill for the basil and replaced half of the vinegar with the juice of one lemon – delish!)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Member Detox Blog- Day 2
DAY 2
Went out to dinner today, took precautions while ordering and still wound up with an illegal dinner – the fish I ordered was breaded, which was not as it was described on the menu. Bugger. Eating out is super hard on detox, so I will probably try to limit it as much as possible.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with half banana and handful of walnuts
Lunch
Brown rice tortilla with salmon and guacamole and spinach
Dinner
Salad with oil & vinegar
Rockfish with olives, artichoke hearts, capers, olive oil and lemon
Brown rice
Sauteed veggies (cooked in olive oil)
Snack
Apple
Went out to dinner today, took precautions while ordering and still wound up with an illegal dinner – the fish I ordered was breaded, which was not as it was described on the menu. Bugger. Eating out is super hard on detox, so I will probably try to limit it as much as possible.
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with half banana and handful of walnuts
Lunch
Brown rice tortilla with salmon and guacamole and spinach
Dinner
Salad with oil & vinegar
Rockfish with olives, artichoke hearts, capers, olive oil and lemon
Brown rice
Sauteed veggies (cooked in olive oil)
Snack
Apple
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Work with one of THE BEST PERSONAL TRAINERS in town at Richmond Balance!!!
January Special- Only 7 days left.....don't miss out!
Buy 3 Personal Training Sessions, Get 1 Session FREE!!!
Offer good on 30 or 60 minute sessions.
Email bwebster@richmondbalance.com for details or to get started.
Check out our trainer's profiles at www.richmondbalance.com
Buy 3 Personal Training Sessions, Get 1 Session FREE!!!
Offer good on 30 or 60 minute sessions.
Email bwebster@richmondbalance.com for details or to get started.
Check out our trainer's profiles at www.richmondbalance.com
Follow one of our members on her 28 day Detox Journey
As promised: One of Richmond Balance's members is doing her own 28 day detox challenge. Follow her on her journey....
Richmond Balance Detox Blog
DAY 1
Blech. That’s generally how I’ve felt lately. Too many holiday cocktails, too many bready appetizers, too many cups of cocoa during an early January ski trip. My digestive tract has not been feeling fully operational, and my poor skin is showing the results of all my bad eating habits. I am at least five pounds heavier than usual, but the constant bloating makes it seem like 10. Blech – in a nutshell.
So. Time for a change. Starting today, I am embarking on a 28-day detox. Unlike juice fasts and extreme detox plans, this detox involves eating real food, and plenty of it. But it also takes out all the common allergens and toxins, which amount to a pretty long list: no alcohol, no sugar, no caffeine, no red meat, no gluten, no dairy, no eggs, no soy, no oranges, no nightshade veggies (eggplant, tomatoes, peppers). What does that leave me with? Most veggies, most fruits, nuts and good fats, chicken, fish, turkey, lamb, buffalo, beans, lentils, quinoa, brown rice. I’m supposed to eat fresh, local and organic as much as possible.
I’ve done a similar elimination diet before, about four years ago while I was trying to determine if I had food allergies. I know what to expect: the withdrawal headaches, the moodiness, the achiness, the fatigue. Just because I know it’s coming doesn’t mean it won’t be painful, but at least I won’t think I’m dying, like last time. And, then after about seven days, the world will open up. More energy, flatter stomach, clearer head, fewer aches – that is why I’m doing this. It’s literally life changing.
The one difference this time is that I’ll be incorporating a supplemental powder described as “medical food that provides nutritional support for patients with inflammatory conditions.” My first elimination diet was done under the guidance of a holistic physician. This time I’m working with a nutritionist, Tina Shiver (www.tinashiver.com), who is wonderful and sympathetic. It’s nice to have someone to turn to for answers and support. She knows what I’m in for, and she doesn’t pretend that it’s a walk in the park.
The day-to-day life can be difficult. You really have to plan your meals ahead. Snacks are difficult – no cups of yogurt, no Clementine oranges, no bites of cheese. It can be frustrating when you’re hungry and don’t know where to turn. I think I lost a few pounds the first go-round just because I didn’t know what to eat, so I didn’t. This time, I aim to be smarter and better prepared.
So, we’ll see. I’ll be posting my daily menus and linking to recipes, just in case you’re interested in trying out some pure, healthy meals for yourself. I’m going to miss lattes, pizza and dark chocolate the most. But it’ll be worth it. Wish me luck!
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with half banana and handful of walnuts
Lunch
Gluten-free crackers with salmon and guacamole
Dinner
Brown rice with Mulligatawny detox soup: http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2007/03/vegetarian-mulligatawny.html
Richmond Balance Detox Blog
DAY 1
Blech. That’s generally how I’ve felt lately. Too many holiday cocktails, too many bready appetizers, too many cups of cocoa during an early January ski trip. My digestive tract has not been feeling fully operational, and my poor skin is showing the results of all my bad eating habits. I am at least five pounds heavier than usual, but the constant bloating makes it seem like 10. Blech – in a nutshell.
So. Time for a change. Starting today, I am embarking on a 28-day detox. Unlike juice fasts and extreme detox plans, this detox involves eating real food, and plenty of it. But it also takes out all the common allergens and toxins, which amount to a pretty long list: no alcohol, no sugar, no caffeine, no red meat, no gluten, no dairy, no eggs, no soy, no oranges, no nightshade veggies (eggplant, tomatoes, peppers). What does that leave me with? Most veggies, most fruits, nuts and good fats, chicken, fish, turkey, lamb, buffalo, beans, lentils, quinoa, brown rice. I’m supposed to eat fresh, local and organic as much as possible.
I’ve done a similar elimination diet before, about four years ago while I was trying to determine if I had food allergies. I know what to expect: the withdrawal headaches, the moodiness, the achiness, the fatigue. Just because I know it’s coming doesn’t mean it won’t be painful, but at least I won’t think I’m dying, like last time. And, then after about seven days, the world will open up. More energy, flatter stomach, clearer head, fewer aches – that is why I’m doing this. It’s literally life changing.
The one difference this time is that I’ll be incorporating a supplemental powder described as “medical food that provides nutritional support for patients with inflammatory conditions.” My first elimination diet was done under the guidance of a holistic physician. This time I’m working with a nutritionist, Tina Shiver (www.tinashiver.com), who is wonderful and sympathetic. It’s nice to have someone to turn to for answers and support. She knows what I’m in for, and she doesn’t pretend that it’s a walk in the park.
The day-to-day life can be difficult. You really have to plan your meals ahead. Snacks are difficult – no cups of yogurt, no Clementine oranges, no bites of cheese. It can be frustrating when you’re hungry and don’t know where to turn. I think I lost a few pounds the first go-round just because I didn’t know what to eat, so I didn’t. This time, I aim to be smarter and better prepared.
So, we’ll see. I’ll be posting my daily menus and linking to recipes, just in case you’re interested in trying out some pure, healthy meals for yourself. I’m going to miss lattes, pizza and dark chocolate the most. But it’ll be worth it. Wish me luck!
MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with half banana and handful of walnuts
Lunch
Gluten-free crackers with salmon and guacamole
Dinner
Brown rice with Mulligatawny detox soup: http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2007/03/vegetarian-mulligatawny.html
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Most of us have a routine when we go to the gym. I know I do. My cardio of choice is running. I turn on my ipod and have at it for the next 30-60 minutes. I sprint as fast as I can at random intervals (usually influenced by the current song playing) and then I use the free weights. This has been my routine and when I think of 'working out', this is what I think of. Time to switch it up. Most of us get in a rut with our workouts, but we usually think a rut is when we get bored. Not necessarily true, a rut can be when that workout stops working for your body. When that happens it's time to surprise your body and switch up your workout. For me, that means climbing on the elliptical. The elliptical is the bane of my workout existence. I would rather run for hours on end on the treadmill than spend 30 minutes on the elliptical and that is not an exaggeration. I feel awkward, clumsy, uncoordinated, bored, and uninspired on the elliptical. Elliptical devotees, do not hate me. I just can't bond with this piece of equipment. The point of my rambling is that even though you are perfectly happy with what you are doing in the gym, your body is most likely used to this and it is not achieving the desired results anymore. For me, I hop on the elliptical and do some plyometrics when I need a jumpstart. For you, it could be hopping on the treadmill for a run and using free weights instead of the machines. Switch it up a couple times this week and see if there is a difference. I might not like the elliptical but I love the results I get from using it after a few straight months of running.
Monday, January 17, 2011
RB Member decides to try the Master Cleanse Challenge- follow her progress on our blog!!!
I'm sure all of you remember the Master Cleanse Challenge.....after all it was only a couple weeks ago that Michelle and Brandyn started their journey. So for all of our loyal followers, the Master Cleanse Challenge is back!........one of Richmond Balance's members that followed our Cleanse has decided to try it out for herself and has agreed to blog about her progress. She has asked to remain anonymous but will be sending us daily reports to post.....how exciting! Please feel free to join us on her journey via the RB Blog, Twitter and Facebook and show your support. As always, we are not making any recommendations about this cleanse.....it was more of a personal challenge. Instead, we encourage you to pick your own challenge for 2011........test your strength, motivation and willpower and see where it takes you!!!
More details soon to follow.....
More details soon to follow.....
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Congratulations 5lb Challenge Winners!!!
Thank you to all of our members that participated in The 5 Lb Challenge and congratulations to those of you who worked extra hard through the Holiday Season and lost your 5 lbs! You should be very proud of yourselves and hopefully your success gave you a great jump start to the New Year! You will receive a FREE month membership in February 2011. Keep up the great work and we look forward to your participation in future RB Challenges and Events!
~Richmond Balance Staff
~Richmond Balance Staff
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
How to Fight the Winter Blues
1.) One of the symptoms of winter blues is increased difficulty getting up in the morning, even after you've had a full night's sleep. Plugging a bright, fluorescent lamp into a timer and having it turn on 30 minutes before your alarm goes off will help simulate an artificial dawn.
2.) Maximize the number of hours you experience daylight. Wake up early, and lift the curtains or go outside as soon as you get out of bed.
3.) Use artificial light. Invest in a light box, which simulates the sun's natural rays, emitting 2,500 to 10,000 lux. They work by reducing the release of melatonin in the brain. For best results, use a light box daily, in the early morning, and for 30 minutes to two hours at a time. You can use the light box to effectively lengthen the day: use it before daylight, after the sun sets, or a combination of the two. In a pinch, using a tanning bed for 5 minutes also helps.
4.) Exercise. Did you know that one hour of aerobic exercise outside (even when it's cloudy) has the same therapeutic effects as 2.5 hours of light treatment indoors? This is because it raises serotonin levels, which tend to get low when you have the winter blues.
5.) Watch your cravings! When your serotonin levels are low, one of things your body tends to do is to crave food high in carbohydrates, especially high-sugar foods like junk food and soda, because they raise serotonin levels.
6.) Take a multivitamin containing vitamin D-3 daily. Vitamin D is created by the sun's rays on the skin, and therefore declines during the winter. A good multivitamin will also help incrrease energy levels.
7.) Take up a winter activity. Taking up an activity that can only be done in the winter is a good way to look forward to winter, rather than hating it. Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, winter hiking & cycling, ice skating, sledding, tubing, winter photography, playing/listening to music, winter nature observation, or astronomy, all are good ways to enjoy winter. Embrace winter, and it cannot be your enemy!
8.) Dress for the cold. Many people say they hate winter simply because they're cold all the time. If this applies to you, then re-examine your wardrobe and make sure you're appropriately dressed. Make sure your hands, feet and head are kept warm. Long underwear can also work warming wonders.
9.) Cozy up your home. Paint your walls with warm, vibrant colors. Change a sterile, white kitchen into a sunny, yellow retreat or transform a drab, beige living room into an inviting, verdant haven. Hang colorful artwork and toss around whimsical pillows. A few little touches can really help you cope with the winter blahs.
Suggestions taken from www.wikihow.com
2.) Maximize the number of hours you experience daylight. Wake up early, and lift the curtains or go outside as soon as you get out of bed.
3.) Use artificial light. Invest in a light box, which simulates the sun's natural rays, emitting 2,500 to 10,000 lux. They work by reducing the release of melatonin in the brain. For best results, use a light box daily, in the early morning, and for 30 minutes to two hours at a time. You can use the light box to effectively lengthen the day: use it before daylight, after the sun sets, or a combination of the two. In a pinch, using a tanning bed for 5 minutes also helps.
4.) Exercise. Did you know that one hour of aerobic exercise outside (even when it's cloudy) has the same therapeutic effects as 2.5 hours of light treatment indoors? This is because it raises serotonin levels, which tend to get low when you have the winter blues.
5.) Watch your cravings! When your serotonin levels are low, one of things your body tends to do is to crave food high in carbohydrates, especially high-sugar foods like junk food and soda, because they raise serotonin levels.
6.) Take a multivitamin containing vitamin D-3 daily. Vitamin D is created by the sun's rays on the skin, and therefore declines during the winter. A good multivitamin will also help incrrease energy levels.
7.) Take up a winter activity. Taking up an activity that can only be done in the winter is a good way to look forward to winter, rather than hating it. Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, winter hiking & cycling, ice skating, sledding, tubing, winter photography, playing/listening to music, winter nature observation, or astronomy, all are good ways to enjoy winter. Embrace winter, and it cannot be your enemy!
8.) Dress for the cold. Many people say they hate winter simply because they're cold all the time. If this applies to you, then re-examine your wardrobe and make sure you're appropriately dressed. Make sure your hands, feet and head are kept warm. Long underwear can also work warming wonders.
9.) Cozy up your home. Paint your walls with warm, vibrant colors. Change a sterile, white kitchen into a sunny, yellow retreat or transform a drab, beige living room into an inviting, verdant haven. Hang colorful artwork and toss around whimsical pillows. A few little touches can really help you cope with the winter blahs.
Suggestions taken from www.wikihow.com
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Why not give Personal Training a try in 2011?
Have you found that your New Year's fitness resolutions aren't the easiest to stick to? Or maybe you're just not sure if you are doing the right things at the gym? Sometimes a little extra motivation is all you need.....setting that appointment, feeling that obligation, knowing that your workout is an effective one or just having someone to make the time go by faster. That's where we come in. Personal Trainers that is. Every single person can benefit from working with a personal trainer and most every single person can afford working with a personal trainer in one way or another. You can work one-on-one, in a small group setting (partner training or fit club) or in a larger setting where its all about working as a team (bootcamp). Either way, it is affordable and it might be just what you need to finally reach your goals. Right now at Richmond Balance we are offering a Buy 3 Get 1 FREE Special on Personal Training. This can be used for one-on-one or partner training. We offer Fit Club which is small group training that is $240 for 12 PT sessions and we are also getting ready to start our second session of Indoor Winter Bootcamp (6 weeks for just $120). Choose one of our affordable options and make those resolutions a reality in 2011!!!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
OOPS
Well we're almost a week into the new year. How are those resolutions working out for you? If you're like me, you've already had a few slip-ups. Who hasn't? This is not a contest, it is an ongoing practice. I used to think that if I slipped up on my resolution, that it was over and I had lost, and everything would go downhill from there. So this year, if you wake up and cave in to the bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit that is calling your name, do not let the rest of your day suffer because of a little morning indiscretion. Get back on track and keep going. Sometimes a little 'oops' makes you stronger the rest of the day. Today I ate half of a jumbo oatmeal raisin cookie. after I finished, I was horrified with myself and continued the rest of the day with fruits, veggies, and grilled chicken. Somehow my 'oops' improved my day because I didn't dare do the mindless munching I usually do while I'm cooking dinner. Now, please don't think that jumbo cookies and drive thru biscuits are going to be the secret key to losing weight, because it's not. I know some of you got really excited there for a second. The moral of tattling on myself was that just because you slipped up, you don't have to sabatoge the rest of the day. Resolve to not let go of resolve and someday soon we'll all get the hang of this thing.
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