Willingness or Willfulness, That is the question.

As part of my ongoing study I read a number of magazines and newsletters one of my favorite reads is Scientific American  - MIND it is full of great articles on how our minds work and process of brain function.  I was reading an article about adherence to programs such as a twelve step or an exercise program.  The research showed that those who have an OPEN mind are more likely to adhere to a program vs the more Willful (Closed minded).  It also speaks of how our own self talk can determine our motivation.  An open mind is asking the question "Will I?"  and the closed mind is saying "I will"  it is interesting and counter intuitive to find that the "Will I?" group even though they are questioning if they can even do the program are talking themselves into being inspired, motivated and looking for that motivation from within.  Where as the "I Will!" group were attempting  to hold themselves to a rigid standard.  The article states "Those asserting will lacked this internal inspiration,which explains in part why their weak commitment to future change."  Interesting is it not?  So those who were asserting will were in effect closing their minds and narrowing their view.  Those who questioned where using a sense of wonder or were "wondering  (the action of having a sense of wonder) and were open to new possibilities.
So 60 day challengers what does this mean to us?  Approach each day with a childlike wonder ask yourself "Will I" develop your motivation, inspiration from within and ACHIEVE your goals.  Willingness to try is more important than rigid standards.  Open your mind.
OK, I am off my soap box now.
Very busy day with workmen at the house and we now have CABLE (sound of angels here).  I had the opportunity to stay home this morning and enjoy some green tea in the backyard.  The sunshine and a slight breeze, made me wonder why I have organized my life in such a way that this is a rare occasion for me.  To actually stop and sit.  Looks like I have some wondering to do.

MBG3:  
MBG1: Restoration
Early to bed last night and a lye in this morning felt so good.  Feeling more recovered today and more calm.
ES Yoga outside with Sara she did snoring dog and scratching dog. I did a series of down dog, up dog.

MBG2: Function training
Today was a play day so I played with Sara, and played at the club during class.  No formal sets and reps today. Did the warm up with class we did some extra speed ladder work just for fun.  Note to self: No intense warms ups on a full stomach or the food baby will show up.

MBG3:  Plant Based Nutrition
Great food today.  
Am:  Bananas 5 total throughout the morning & Green tea
snack1: amazing grass bar and water
Lunch: Pita, Hummus and veggie drink
snack2: cashews, Mango Madness drink
Dinner: 2 bowls Trader Joe's blueberry Muesli and Carrot Juice
Eating green, orange, blue, orange and getting lean.


Be safe brothers and sisters,

Kevin

Hocus Pocus it is all about your Focus.

Well, day 3 of the fast went. . well, fast.  Slept in last for the first time in weeks, no girls (daughters) to pick up, no clients to train, good day for a lie in.  I have completed one week of caffeine detox & sugar detox and 3 days of juice fast.  Woohoo!!!  I have to say the end results I am enjoying today are as follows, feeling more "in tune" with my body and how foods effect it, increasing energy level and a general sense of well-being.   Over all feeling good today. 
Alright, so now the detox is over and it is time to get back to training tomorrow, you will notice I did not train today, your previous days caloric intake/nutrition is what fuels your workouts.  Accordingly, I gave myself today to eat well and regain my energy stores.  Too fast back to training and you can lower your immune system and get sick.  Getting sick during a 60 day challenge put a damper on your training and eating as well as the end results. Discretion is the better part of valor.  Or as I say Discernment, Direction, Dedication in that order.
I am having fun experimenting with different food ideas, taking an attitude of discovery, play & experimentation.  Looking forward to trying a lot of new recipes and places to eat.  Going to take this momentum and keep rolling.

MBG3
MBG1: Training
Day off today, training anyway.  Did alot of work and my clients did a great job today.

MBG2: Restoration
ES Yoga with every client today, it is amazing to see the change that can take place from working on one posture. 

MBG3: Plant Based Nutrition
Got busted on FB by http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ for not tracking my calories, didn't see the need since I WAS FASTING!  Imagine outed by a computer program.  BTW, change the settings so we do not notify the world if Kevin does not check in. 
Lots of good eating today. SOOOO happy to eat food again.  The best thing I have discovered about tracking my eating is that I have been under eating. As of 12pm I was totally full and had only consumed 560 calories of high quality food.  My daily goal is 2,000+.  I had to apply myself to catch up. 
I put together a high calorie dinner, this is a bachelor special.  I purchased all the ingredients at Trader Joe's.

1 bag black lentils
1 bag brown rice
1 bag spicy chickpeas
1 can organic black beans
cut in green, red and yellow peppers for color and add some spicy BBQ sauce and a pinch of sea salt.
Total cost: Under $5
Prep Time: 5 min (if you can boil water you can make this)

Rating: 7 out of 10 easy to prep, needs a little more color and more spices.

Be Safe brothers and sisters,
Kevin