Have Cooler, Eat Clean

If you have not heard of "clean eating" then you have been living with Osama in a cave in Afghanistan, in a coma, or buried under a pile of fast-food menus.  One of the best books I have purchased in a long time is the Eat Clean Diet Recharged, by Tosca Reno.  Inside this treasure trove of healthy eating are what's called "Cooler Plans".  Basically, different levels of a clean eating diet that require you to pack a cooler full of healthy, clean foods each day to ensure you stay on track and fuel your body with goodness and not badness.

I am extremely proud of my eating, but lately my schedule has gotten so crazy that I feel like I have not been true to my food, so decided to go forth with a cooler plan, specifically Cooler 1.  This is the most restrictive and hard core of the plans in the book, but if followed correctly, the results can be incredible.  Its not a huge stretch for me since my diet is already very clean, but today I am craving carbs!!  Not the good, complex carbs you are allowed when you eat clean, no - that would be too simple.  It is Day 2 and I want to devour a bowl of pasta!  I can't remember the last time I ate pasta, but there it is, taunting me with its starchy loveliness.  Damn you pasta.

October Is For Outdoors

I am really not sure what world I woke up in this morning.  I stumbled out of bed at 5:30am and shook off the aches from volleyball last night (no, we did not win and I don't wish to discuss it).  Here is the strange part - it was already a balmy 17 degrees here in Kelowna (that's right, I said balmy) and as I stepped onto my balcony to breath in the morning air, I had an overwhelming desire to lace up the running shoes and go for a run down to the lake, but alas I could not.

Why you may ask?  I'll tell you why.

It was still dark.  Burned by darkness!

This weather is supposed to last for the foreseeable future, so take advantage of it!  Even if its cooling off in your particular location, October is a great time to get outside and use nature's playground to spice up your workouts and try some new things.  Without the stifling summer heat and burning rays of the sun, you can really enjoy hiking, biking, and some amazing interval training - all in the Great Outdoors (minus John Candy and "big bear chase me".  Hopefully you have seen that movie and if not, rent it immediately.  It is an 80's classic.)

Here are a few tips to make the most out of your outdoor adventure:

1. Be sure to dress in layers.  It may be a little cooler when you first head out, but it won't take long for your body to heat up and you will want to peel off some clothes.  You will want those layers back as you start to cool down!
2. Choose your time and location carefully.  You may find the perfect place to enjoy that "au naturel" workout setting, but if you are in a place that is not well-lit, you could get caught by early darkness.  Not having proper visibility can be dangerous and opens you up to potential injury.
3. Find a friend to play with.  This is a great way to socialize with that pal you don't see often enough during your busy week while keeping fit.  It also provides a whole new set of partner exercise options that you can try.  The best part?  That nice, non-fat cappuccino or latté that you get to enjoy with some post-workout gossip!
4. Experiment with an open mind.  You would be surprised at how many different body weight exercises you can do outside.  Its so easy to get stuck in the gym rut where you think you are incapacitated without equipment in front of you and diagrams telling you what to do.  Playgrounds are fantastic and full of all kinds of challenges, not to mention the chance to be a kid again for a while!

Face it folks, we live in Canada.  Winter is coming soon and you WILL long for these days to play outside, so don't procrastinate another day!  Get off your ass, get geared up and get outside.  Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.