Ultimate Body Reset - The End

“The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.” Norman Vincent Peale 

When I began the Ultimate Body Reset I believed, for the next 21 days, I would be walking on fluffy clouds, feeling energized and happy 24/7. That I wouldn’t miss any of the foods I was eating before.  Pshhht!

I was wrong. There were no clouds. Not the fluffy kind anyway. Some days I was tired and drained.  At least once a day I experienced the HANGRIES. You know, when you’re so hungry that you’re angry.  I was so relieved when I only had 7 days to go. The week days were in control, but this coming weekend just happen to be full of fun! 

Friday night was dinner and karaoke for a friend’s birthday. In order to keep from being creepy-drooly girl at dinner, I simply decided to join them for karaoke. Even then, the champagne was flowing but I finished the evening without one sip. 

Before

Saturday night was a wine and cheese party.  You know I LOVE me some wine!  But I love spending time with friends even more.  There was a delicious assortment of red wine and AHHMAZING cheeses, so I was told. Yet I was determined not to touch anything, well maybe a few grapes. 

By Sunday I thought that I was in the clear. Then I got a call to join my friends at a local Mexican restaurant to watch football. Mexican food is my nemesis, but I couldn’t turn down watching football. Chips and salsa, margaritas and beer flowed with an added couple of rounds from the nice guys at the next table.  I just sat and pounded some good ol’ H2O. My weekend was a success!

Even though I’ve counted down the hours and planned which yummy foods I was going to enjoy at the end, I’ve Reset my mind about food.  I no longer NEED animal protein at every meal.  Although I’ve missed it, I have great energy and I’ve experienced improvements in my body’s appearance and performance without it. Vegetables are filling and I have no problem making them the largest part of my meal. 

I have zero cravings for refined sweets!  Big accomplishment.  I remember that they taste good, but no longer feel like a ravaged animal who needs to devour them. 

After 

The best benefit from the Reset is meal planning. Before meal planning seemed like such a HUGE task.  Now I find my self looking forward to getting creative and cooking at home. 

All in all this Challenge was bigger than I but just as Mr. Peale stated, I came out with more energy and the drive to keep going!  How will you lose your self today?  

www.beachbodycoach.com/KENNARENEE

http://myshakeology.com/kennarenee

http://myultimatereset.com/kennarenee

Ultimate Reset Week 2

HURRAY!  I made it through the second week and the dreaded colon cleanse. I will say, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. There were no, oh-my-gosh moments where I had to book it to the bathroom. Beach Body described the process as a gentle cleanse and that’s exactly what it was. Simply by drinking a supplement 30 minutes prior to every meal. 

Day 14

For me personally, this was the challenge. I literally felt like I was drinking sweetened sawdust diluted with water. I’m not gonna lie and say this stuff was delicious, I dreaded it everyday. It’s not like that for everyone. Many people stated they had no problem with the taste. I’m just glad its done!

I’m down 4 pounds!  I feel a lot less bloated and my weird cravings have subsided. Okay, I still have at least one.  Lately I wish I could have..... chocolate milk. I no longer want to rip the burrito out of my dads hands though. Yipee!  

Switched up the suit

I feel that I have more awareness of the difference between feeling stuffed or full.  And I have more control of knowing whether or not I’m hungry. Like most of the population there are times when I simply want to eat. Call it a food hug or recreational eating, however, at this stage of the program I’m able to identify my need for nutrition instead of merely piling on the calories. 

My energy level this week has been up and down and I wonder if that’s due to my activity level. I’m still going to the gym, taking a kick boxing class, weight lifting, or yoga. I’ve been carefully paying attention to my body and how hard I’m pushing myself. I’ve noticed days where I can go through a work out and feel great, and days where I’m dragging.  I’m just happy that I’m still active through these 21 days! 

Week 3, here I come! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I know the time is going to fly by now.

www.beachbodycoach.com/KENNARENEE

http://myshakeology.com/kennarenee

http://myultimatereset.com/kennarenee

Ultimate Body Reset Week 1

Here I am at the end of week one of the Ultimate Body Reset. To be honest it’s been a love-hate relationship.

I love the body balancing supplements.  I take them 3 times a day, 30 minutes prior to my meals and I’ve noticed how my energy has leveled out from day to day. 

Days 1-3 I hated that I was craving things I rarely ever eat.  Mac n cheese, spaghetti-o’s, cheeseburgers and chocolate (okay, that one I do eat... frequently!) The craving for coffee has yet to leave my body and I’m not sure that it ever will. I don’t feel like I need it, no headaches or withdrawals, but just holding that delicate warm little cup in my hand makes me all fuzzy inside, I just cant help it, I LOVE COFFEE!  

Day 7

I hate that I come from a long line of snackers.  Usually I have at least 2 snacks in between meals (small ones of course) but the program calls for one snack a day. Removing snacks put me through more of an emotional roller coaster than I ever thought possible. I became anxious and found myself pacing back and forth to the kitchen, like some drooling wild animal. I had to snap out of it and tell myself to get outside, go down stairs and read or just sit on my hands. The kitchen was closed and every delicious little item in there was not my friend right now. 

Days 4-7 were a bit smoother because my anxiety calmed down a bit. I’m still working out as I normally do. I have more energy and the sensation that my joints are stronger and more flexible. I assume that’s due to the supplements and the large amount of vegetables I’m eating, but whatever it is, I love it! 

Another part of the program that I love is I’m encouraged to sit down with each meal and really appreciate the food I’m taking in. To really be present with the process of eating. I haven’t been able to do it every time, but I will say I look forward to sitting down and enjoying my meals.  

As for the scale, my number hasn’t budged. I believe thats due to the fact that I ate fairly healthy before and the portions are about the same, minus the snacks of course. But I have lost an inch in my waist! WOO HOO!! 

Now, on to week two......the colon cleanse!!!! I’m extremely nervous.........But I’m determined not give to up.  Can’t have a new journey without navigating uncharted waters. Here’s to a cleaner colon!

http://beachbodycoach.com/kennarenee
http://myshakeology.com/kennarenee
http://myultimatereset.com/kennarenee
If you have any questions or are interested in doing the reset please contact me!

Getting my Beach Body Back

My story: 

Last year I moved away from California, I began in Florida and by June made my way to the Big Apple! I enjoyed every part of my journey and turns out some a little more than others. While most people are collecting souvenirs, I collected 15 pounds! Anyone that knows me will say that good health and nutrition are on the top of the priority list. Gaining this weight was something that I never thought would happen to me! 

Well, never say never. 

Day 1

Slowly, over the last nine months my body has been completely thrown off. Living a busy life in NY came with eating late and enjoying wine, oh the wine!!! I truly dont know how NY women remain so thin......anyway. I came home with less energy, craving poor foods and feeling like a stuffed sausage in my clothes.

 I desperately want to reclaim the energy I had nine months ago. After a little searching and word of mouth I think Ive found it. The Ultimate Body Reset by Beachbody. Through a 21 day program my body will gently restore its original balance and health. Ill explain the program more as I go and will post photos at the end of each week. Im inviting you to take this next journey with me and feel free to ask any questions or leave comments. 

Ready...set...RESET! 

www.beachbodycoach.com/KENNARENEE
http://myultimatereset.com/kennarenee
http://myshakeology.com/kennarenee

New York

New York city, the Big Apple, the Concrete Jungle, the Land of Opportunity.....OH, how I love this State!

I recently spent one week in NY and from the minute I landed the charm and street music captured my heart. At my core I am and will always be a Southern Orange County, CA girl. But this city suits me too. God willing I arrived when the clouds decided to pass and the sun began to shine. The crisp 55 degree weather combined with the shinning sun was the perfect combination and created a sense of home in my core.

As a genetically bred foodie, I knew my week would be full of new tastes and wonderful discoveries. I am amazed by all of the non chain restaurants, that not only are successful but each have their own delicious charm. If you are not a fellow foodie like I, dont turn away just yet, this post is also health informative!

I stayed in Manhattan, so the restaurants I am sharing are in that general area. Though the week was filled with eating there was one that was show stopping!

BAREBURGER! While Yelping local restaurants I stumbled upon a great review of this place at the beginning of the week, it sounded great wonderful but due to my health coinscious ways I steered away from the red meat. Finally my work week ended I was in dyer need of a manicure. I chatted with the manicurist about the nearby good eats and what does she bring up....... Bareburger. The carnivore in me said you must go!!

I was cheerfully greeted by an adorable, warm, fashion forward hostess. This girl made me feel like I was a guest joining her in her own home for lunch, staying true to their signature slogan of “our home is....your home”, the amazing service continued. The waitress warmly greeted me and filled me in on the background of BareBurger. BareBurgers ingredients are 100% organic, free range, hormone and antibiotic free and grass fed. They offer several delectable meats, ground beef, turkey, chicken, veggie patty (dairy and nut free), portobello mushroom, lamb, wild boar, elk, bison and ostrich. There are 5 different bun options and 14 thoughtfully crafted toppings.

Being one that is always looking to try new foods I knew that I would go for the out of ordinary meat. But which one.... The waitress informed me that ostrich is the healthiest and has the most flavor. Really a bird with his head in the ground is the best.......but I jumped on board. In the mood for a little spice I made my ostrich into a jalapeno express which includes, pepperjack, romain lettuce, tomato, raw red onion (opted for apple smoked onions), jalapeno relish, horseradish mayo (had mine on the side), and chipotle ketchup, all on a Tapioca rice bun (gluten free).

There were no words to describe this burger. The ostrich was FULL of flavor! It did not feel fatty and was dense in consistency. The Jalapeno express was the perfect choice, not too spicy but just enough kick to make my nose run. Though Im not a fan of mayo, I did slabbed it on a few bites then BAM a whole new taste arose, bringing out the sweetness of the relish and potency to the ketchup. There were several side options and shakes that sounded delish, however this visit I was happy with just the burger.

Sadly the only BareBurgers as of now are located in NY. But whether your vacationing in the big city or simply stopping by on business I urge you to go. You will not find another place like BareBurger!

Why ostrich meat is a cut above the rest:

Bon Apetite!

Anti-Gravity Yoga

For the last 5 years I have been exploring the world of Yoga. From Bikram to Ashtanga and my favorite has always been Power or Vinyasa Flow preferably in a heated room.

Until today....

Today I had my first experience with Anti-Gravity yoga. This yoga takes place in a hammock that hangs from the ceiling like a soft trapeze. The hammock provides a feeling of weightlessness while at the same time support while moving from one pose to another.

I entered the class overjoyed! Finally the moment came to live out my Cirque du Soleil fantasy!! I always wanted to be that graceful women twirling down the hanging fabric..........(sigh) Sad to say there was no twirling, however the experience was out of this world.

I began laying in the hammock stretched out, simply swinging. This first pose sold me! The room was filled with other people but because I was unable to see them, it felt timeless. I forgot I was there to work out. The swinging motion while suspended in air literally took me into a trance.

After a few minutes of breathing and swinging I moved into the next pose by placing the fabric underneath my hips. HELLO!! The shift in gravity was the benefit. This was heaven for me, I am naturally tight in my lower back and hips and this position released the tension deeper than I could ever do while seated on the floor.

There were a few more poses after that, including a snake-like motion, legs in diamond and legs over head, again all great hip openers.

The class finally ended with the “Superman”. Yes, SUPERMAN, belly down, arms and legs extended out while swinging back and forth. It was AHH MAZING! I felt like a 5 year old! But the bonus, this pose is a wonderful upper body opener. Each of these poses reached and released the small areas that were previously unavailable to me in a floor yoga class.

I recommend, no I BEG you to thake oneof these classes. It doesnt matter if you are a yogi, a gym rat, runner, curling enthusiast or your most vigorous work out is the rapid thumb dance of texting. No athletic ability required. Just bring your willingness to relax, let go and be a 5 year old for an hour.

Namaste!

Why I'm Here

I moved to Miami, FL nearly 3 months ago.Upon arrival my mom mentioned to me that I should begin blogging about my journey. At the time I thought nothing of it, but lo and behold as the days passed, blogging, had continuously entered my subconsciousness. So here I am! Like everything else that has been taking place in my life the past few months, this blog will be about anything and everything that evokes enough passion to write about. I hope you will join me on this adventure and will enjoy my entries.

Cheers to tomorrows adventures!