DAY 365 OF 365: ONE JOURNEYS END BRINGS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ONE

Well my friends the challenge came to an end today. 365 days ago I started this journey with a lot of goals and assumptions. However, I ended this challenge with a new understanding of health, strength and determination. I may not have completed this challenge with the outcome that I had expected (a sculpted body like Trevor Donovan) but I am leaving it with a new healthy lifestyle that will be with me for years to come. When I open my fridge I no longer see soda and sweets but rather greens, fruits and fresh brewed tea. My freezer is no longer home to breyers ice cream and frozen candy but instead homemade sorbet made from fresh fruits and agave. Instead of sleeping in an extra 2 hours a day, I am now working out at the gym. Three of those days with my trainer, JC. These are all changes that would not have happened were it not for this challenge. Because of all of these changes, I now have more energy and stamina, clearer skin and a healthier body that thanks me everyday.  So actually, I completed this challenge a winner. It may not be the prize that I expected to win, but I am still a winner. The best part is that even though this challenge ended today, tomorrow I will wake up and act as if I am still in the game. So even though I will not be blogging every day, I will still check in from time to time letting you in on my progress and any new recipes or sites that I discover. Oh and don't forget that on March 31st I will be posting the photo that I know you are all anxious to see. Well, with that I say goodbye for now. Tomorrow is a new day and a new journey. And I leave you with this. I was strong before this challenge but I am stronger having been through it. We all have the power to change ourselves for the better. We just have to have the determination and strength to do it.

DAY 364 OF 365: NEW YEAR MEANS NEW RESOLUTIONS

Happy New Year everyone. Hard to believe that another year has come to an end which means tomorrow is day 365 of my challenge. Unfortunately I am not where I expected to be with this challenge, but the good thing is that it is now a lifestyle. I have decided that I am going to continue working out with JC seeing as he is more motivated than ever now that he has seen the photo I am recreating in March. I will be unveiling the photo at the charity event that I am producing. So on March 31st I will post the photo here and on twitter. Be on the look out for it.
The end of this challenge just means a new journey on the road to a healthier me. The way I look at it, 2011 was all about building the foundation and 2012 is going to be about building on that foundation. I lost all the weight in 2011 and in 2012 I am going to tone up and build upon the muscle. I am already researching new juicers as I think that I have out grown mine. Only a year old but it wasn't built for the type of juicing I am doing. I guess that is why you should research before buying one. Lesson learned. Besides, it didn't cost that much and the little guy got me through this first year. He is like the little juicer that could. But tonight he started to give up on me. Well everyone, time for me to relax before bed. I am meeting with JC in the morning and then off to the mall to do some shopping and mattress hunting. Till tomorrow.

DAY 363 OF 365: OPTING FOR A RELAXING NYE

Another year's end is upon us and that means this challenge is fast approaching the finish line. I wish that I could tell you that I had an amazing New Years Eve planned, but instead I decided to have a quiet night at home. A night to enjoy the peaceful end to 2011 and usher in an amazing 2012. Tomorrow starts a new year and the continuation of an amazing healthy lifestyle. I have learned so much this year about my health and body and I am looking forward to enjoying that journey in 2012. So I am going to sip my pear and strawberry juice, enjoy a good movie and welcome in 2012. I hope you all have a safe and healthy New Years eve and I will see you next year! Till next year!

DAY 362 OF 365: LEG WORKOUT

So this morning was a full leg workout with arms and biceps flushed in. There were points during the session that I wasn't sure that I would be able to make it through. But I pushed through and I am better for it. By the time that we got to the arms and biceps I was pretty much spent. I can tell that JC is pushing me harder than usual since he is more determined than ever to trim up my mid section. He is even more determined now that I showed him the photo that I need to replicate. I just hope that I can survive his determination. Afterwards, I walked home, showered and enjoyed a nice big glass of green juice. Today's blend was a handful of kale, 2 lemons, a cucumber, 3 carrots, 2 green apples and 3 stalks of celery. Thought that I would replenish my body after that extensive workout. The rest of the day was spent working, doing some after Christmas sale shopping, and mattress shopping. Tomorrow the last bit of Christmas will be taken away as my beautiful tree will be recycled. It is kind of sad seeing a bare tree in my living room without any lights or ornaments. Just another sign that the year is coming to an end. Time for new resolutions and new beginnings. Well, time for me to relax with a good movie. One of the perks of being on vacations. I better enjoy it while it lasts since I will be heading back to the office next week. Till tomorrow.

DAY 361 OF 365: LOVE FINDING NEW BLOGS ABOUT JUICING

So as usual, I was surfing the web for a new blog to help me on my new path of healthy living and I came across "My Juice Cleanse: Because fruits & veggies love you back". Very informative and I love getting others approaches to a more healthy lifestyle of greens and juices. It really is all about cleansing the body and making sure that it has the nutrients needed to keep you living a balanced life. Do me a favor and check it out. Some great advice and some really tasty recipes. Here is the link to the site, http://myjuicecleanse.com
For me, stumbling onto this site was the best part of the day. Not only is it informative and stock piled with recipes, but it also has advice, tips and well lets face it, another person's point of view. For me the hardest part about this new lifestyle is keeping it fresh. I try to find new recipes and improve upon old ones so that I never become bored or over exposed to one flavor. Eating or for that matter, drinking, the same thing over and over again can become stale and that is something that I don't want to happen.
Seeing as there are only four days left of the "Challenge",  I have been trying to think about what to do with this blog after the fact. Do I continue it or do I allow to take another form? I have yet to make the final decision but I will let you know once I have figured it out. Until then, happy juicing and remember, a healthier lifestyle is a happier one. Till tomorrow.

DAY 360 OF 365: HARD DAY AT THE GYM

Happy Wednesday everyone. I am one sore guy! When my alarm went off this morning at 6:45am, it was a total shock for my body. I am pretty sure that if my body could talk it would have hit the snooze button, said F you and then went back to bed. It was not ready to say goodbye to the holiday vacation and say hello to reality. But, I forced myself to get out of bed and head on down to meet JC at the gym. Well, there was no catching up for me and JC. We just hit the ground running. JC has restructured my workout in order to slim down my mid section and tone up the muscle. I love how in the beginning, the weight was just flying off but now it is harder to shed the weight and tone up the muscle. There was actually a point while doing my weighted lunges that I almost fell over from exhaustion. But it was JC screaming in my ear to picture that body and finish strong. Now I realize that there are only 5 days left of this challenge, and quite frankly I am nowhere near where I want or thought I would be but guess what? The challenge may end in 5 days but thank god that this is a lifestyle change that will continue way after the challenge has ended. Oh, and that photo will now be revealed on March 31st. So with that I say goodnight. Tomorrow I need to pack up all the Christmas decorations and get my house back in order. Oh and I am sure there will be some juicing and gym time also. Oh and lets not forget a movie or two. I mean, I am still on vacation aren't I? Till tomorrow.

DAY 359 OF 365: A DAY OF JUICING AND CLEANING AND MOVIE WATCHING

So I don't know about you, but the coming down from the holiday high is hard. I just want to relax and watch movies and be a couch potato. And to make matters worse, it was a rainy and miserable day today. But, you will be proud of me because I juiced and prepared some healthy food while cleaning and organizing the house. It was also play day with all my new Christmas presents while I watched some good movies. So see, I was able to multi task and still feel like I had a productive yet relaxing day. Tomorrow is going to be another busy day and I get to have an early start as it is my first day back with JC since Christmas. I am already preparing myself for a extensive workout ending with me crawling home. But there is no rest for the weary because I have a jam packed day and I want to get to the mall to see if I can catch some of these after Christmas sales. I am in need of so new clothes and I am all about sales. Well with that I say goodnight. Till tomorrow.

DAY 358 OF 365: COMING DOWN FROM A HOLIDAY HIGH

I don't know about you but I had an amazing holiday and I can hardly believe that it has already come and gone. We spend so much time preparing and getting ready for it and within seconds it is over. But now it is time to get back to staying healthy. No more eggnog or cookies for me. Well I am going to crawl into my bed and get some rest. Tomorrow is a busy day that will consist of juicing, cleaning out my fridge, some healthy sorbet making and some gym time. Till tomorrow.

HOLIDAY BREAK

Taking a holiday blogging break. Be back Monday. Happy Healthy Holidays!!!

DAY 355 OF 365: GREAT WORKOUT

Another amazing workout with JC this morning. I left feeling sore and tired and ready to conquer the rest of my day. As soon as I got home I showered and had myself a nice glass of green juice. (cucumbers, celery, green apple, spinach and lemon). Very refreshing and satisfying after my intense workout. The rest of the day was spent cleaning and preparing for the holidays. Hard to believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Where has the year gone? Sorry to keep this brief but I am exhausted after my busy day and the only thing that I am thinking about right now is curling into my warm comfy bed and calling it a night. Till tomorrow.

DAY 354 OF 365: I LOVE FINDING NEW RECIPES

Ever since I started this challenge, I have researched and searched for new healthier recipes. I love trying new things and in turn, putting my own spin on them. Add the things I like and take out the things that I don't like. That is half the fun. One of the sites that I found in my searches is called "Profile Living" and they posted their favorite juice recipes in a blog entitled, "For the body, Green Juicing". Below are the recipes. I have tried about half of them and boy, I have not been disappointed! They are great. Give them a try and see what you think. Props to profile living for posting some amazing Juice recipes. Well, back to christmas present wrapping for me. It is endless. Till tomorrow.

FROM PROFILE LIVING:

Top Delicious Green Juice Recipes:

1. Perfect Morning Essential: 4-6 Carrots, 4 stalks of Celery, 1 Lemon , 1 Macintosh or Yellow Apple
2. Hot Afternoon Boost: Up 4-6 Carrots, 4-6 stalks Celery, 1/2 bunch Cilantro, 2 Roma Tomatoes, 1 Lemon
3. Power After-Workout Drink: 1/2 Romaine lettuce, 3-4 leaves of Kale, 3-4 Carrots, 1/2 bunch Carrot top, 1 Apple, 1 Lime
4. Serious Detox: 1/2 sour green Apple, 1 Lime, 1 large Beet, 3-4 leaves Beet tops, 3-4 Carrots, 3-4 Celery stalks, small piece of Ginger
5. Excellent Craving Response: 3-4 large leaves of Kale, 1 whole stalk of Leek, 1 Lime, 1 large Tomato, 1/2 bunch Cilantro, 3-4 Carrots, small piece of Ginger
6. Delightful Green Snack: 1/2 of red Cabbage, 3-4 stalks of Celery, 4-5 leaves of Kale, 1 Lemon, 1 Lime, 1 Apple, small piece of fresh Ginger
7. Sweet Filling Delight: 3 cups fresh baby Spinach, 1 Lime, 1 large Tomato, 2-3 Carrots and 1/2 Carrot top bunch, 1/2 bunch Parsley, 1 stalk Celery
8. Quick Cleansing Drink: 2-3 Carrots, 4 Cucumbers, small piece of fresh Ginger, 1 Lemon, 1 whole Beet
9. Variety Vitamin Drink: 1 Lemon, 2 cups of Alfa Alfa Sprouts, small piece of fresh Ginger, 2 Carrots, 3 Cucumbers, 1/2 bunch Parsley
10. Exquisite Green Goodness: 3-4 leaves of Kale, 5 large Romaine Lettuce leaves, 1 Beet, 1/2 bunch of Cilantro, 1 Lime, 2 cups fresh Spinach, 1/2 Apple

Note 1: These recipes make roughly 24-28 oz. This depends the efficiency of your masticating juicer works dryness of the pulp.
Note 2:  Leeks and Cabbage are challenging on some juicers so check your juicer’s instructions.
Note 3: You may taste some bitterness in these juices. If you do, add an Apple or a Tomato for taste.

DAY 353 OF 365: A NIGHT OF WRAPPING GIFTS AND WATCHING CHRISTMAS CLASSICS

So after another crazy day braving the stores for the perfect Christmas gifts, I found myself home wrapping gifts under the tree. I even found such classics as "Scrooged" with Bill Murray and "Miracle on 34th Street". I felt that I had earned a relaxing night after my workout with JC this morning. We concentrated on back and arms to today and also cycled in abs. My body is still adapting quite well to the workouts and after each set I am feeling less and less exhausted. A far cry from when I first started and the warm up alone had me weak in the knees. Tomorrow I am going to be finishing up with the wrapping of the gifts and a general clean up of the apartment. Of course I will also be doing some intense green juicing tomorrow. I made sure to pick up some fresh cucumbers, green apples, kale, celery, spinach, carrots, lemons and limes. I am already salivating over the possibilities of juices. For now I am going to call it a night. I want to be well rested for the days work a head of me. Till tomorrow.

DAY 352 OF 365: CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SURE FEELS LIKE A WORKOUT

I spent the majority of the day doing my Christmas shopping or as I like to call it, fighting off the swarms. Between the pushing and the shoving and the crowds and dismay, I am surprised that I made it home in one piece. By the time I made it home I was sore and exhausted; almost like how I feel after my workouts with JC. The only thing that was comforting was my nice cup of warm spiced apple cider. I thought that I would share the recipe. Give it a try and see what you think. I use all organic ingredients and I have to say that your house will smell festive when it is all done. If you are feeling a little adventurous, add a little bit of brandy to your mug and you are sure to have a nice sleep. Till tomorrow.

Warm spiced apple cider

• 6 cups apple cider (organic)
• 1/4 cup real maple syrup
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 6 whole allspice berries
• 1 orange peel, cut into strips
• 1 lemon peel, cut into strips

Directions

1. Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan.
2. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in the center of a washed square of cheesecloth; fold up the sides of the cheesecloth to enclose the bundle, then tie it up with a length of kitchen string. Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.
3. Place the saucepan over moderate heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cider is very hot but not boiling.
4. Remove the cider from the heat. Discard the spice bundle. Ladle the cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving if desired.

DAY 351 OF 365: SORE ALL OVER

So I had a great session with JC this morning. The only problem is that my back is killing me. I am not sure if I slept wrong and then working out triggered something, but whatever the reason, I am sore as hell. It is my lower back and whether I am sitting or laying down, it is painful. I have been laying on the floor for awhile just because the firmness has relieved some of the pain. I am hoping that by tomorrow the pain subsides because I need to finish my Christmas shopping. Well, back to lying on the floor for a bit. Till tomorrow.

DAY 350 OF 365: THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US

The holidays are upon us and that means Holiday parties, and dinners and festivities, and well lets face it, sweets! When you think of the Holidays you automatically think of chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, eggnog, and warm spiced apple cider. As I type this blog, I am sitting on the couch with the Christmas tree lights on with a cup of warm cider; the perfect Christmas vision. Now, tomorrow morning when I am working out with JC I may regret the chocolate chip cookie or the warm spiced apple cider, but for now it is soothing and transports me back to my childhood. To the times when you anxiously awaited the arrival of the man in red. When you watched countless Christmas movies including Rudolph and Frosty and Santa Claus is coming to town. I am not ashamed to say, that I am still that little kid. However, I am careful not to over due it on the "Christmas Sweets" and I know that if I indulge a bit I will have to work out even harder at the gym. But for now I am going to enjoy my cider and tree and then tune into a Christmas movie. Tomorrow starts another week that begins at 7am at the gym with JC. Then off to do my Christmas shopping. I am very behind in the shopping and plan on hitting the mall tomorrow morning before it gets too unbearable. So with that I say goodnight and sleep tight! Till tomorrow.

DAY 348 OF 365: TAKING A MINI BLOGGING BREAK

So I am taking a mini break from blogging. I will be back on Sunday. Have a great weekend!

DAY 347 OF 365: WHO DOESN'T LOVE A GOOD SALAD?

So I tried this salad last week and I could not have been more pleased. I purchased this cook book called eat well and it's vision is eating healthy doesn't have to be boring or expensive. I think that is the issues that most people have with changing to a healthier lifestyle, cost and work. In this economy, we don't want to spend more than we have to and we also don't want to spend the entire day cooking. So this cook book addresses those issues and breaks it down for the typical person trying to "Eat Well".

Chicken & Mango salad with a chutney vinaigrette

This bright, tangy salad is a lovely way to make a meal of a purchased rotisserie chicken. Or, the next time you roast a chicken, roast two so that you'll have leftovers for this salad. Between the mangos, the red onion, the leafy green romaine and the nuts, this salad is chock-full of health-enhancing and disease-fighting antioxidants.

1/2 red onion
2 ripe mangos
4 cups of shredded cooked chicken
2 stalks thinly sliced celery
4 cups of shredded romaine
1/3 cup peanut or grape seed oil
1/4 cup champagne vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2-3 tsp Asian Chile oil (optional)
2 large cloves finely chopped garlic
1/2 mango chutney
1/2 cup toasted cashews

Thinly slice the onion lengthwise. Rinse the onion under cold running water and drain well. Peel mangos with a vegetable peeler, cut flesh away from seed, and cut the flesh into 1-inch chunks. Put onion and mangos in a large bowl with chicken, celery and lettuce.
In a food processor, combine oil, vinegar, mustard, and Chile oil (if using) and process until blended. Add garlic and chutney and process until pureed.
Pour dressing over salad and toss gently. Serve at once or chill for up to four hours and mix well before serving. Garnish salad with cashews just before serving.

4 servings . source of vitamins . source of fiber


Well with that I am going to say good night. I am meeting with JC in the morning and then another busy day. I need some sleep. Thank god the weekend is here. However, I do need to finish my Christmas shopping and cookie baking and then of course there are more Christmas Classics that must be viewed. Does anyone remember Scrooged or Santa Clause, the movie? I can't wait. Till tomorrow.

DAY 346 OF 365: EXHAUSTED

So tonight is going to be short, sweet and to the point. Had an awesome session with JC that left me sore and had a fun night out with a friend. We had a nice dinner and caught up and laughed and it was just what I needed. I just got home and I am ready to pass out. So goodnight, sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite!

DAY 345 OF 365: 20 DAYS TO GO

OK, so it is very nerve recking knowing that there are only 20 days left of this challenge. Especially since I am no where near where I thought I would be. When I started this almost a year a go, I actually thought I would have the body of a super model. No seriously, I really thought that. It is a lot harder than it looks my friends. I have to give credit to these men and women who have these chiseled bodies and stunning physiques. It is not easy and it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and patience. I should also fill you in on a little secret. I am extending the challenge, and I am doing so because I can. Here is the reason behind that decision. If I am going to spend the money to recreate that photo, I am going to look pretty damn good and I am not going to rely on photo shop to make that happen. Besides, I am keeping with the lifestyle after day 365. It is not like I am going to stop going to the gym and drinking my green juice and eating my more healthy foods. So what I have decided to do is unveil the photo at the charity event that I am producing. We are looking for art work to display that falls under the realm of tasteful sex and well, I think you will agree with me, that photo would be perfect. Now the fun part is going to see if I can get Mr. Trevor Donovan to not only perform at the event but also recreate the photo with me and sell it to raise money for the charity. What do you think? Could be interesting and it certainly ups the anty on this challenge and for a good cause of course. Well, with that I must say goodnight. I am meeting with JC in the morning and then it is a busy day at the office followed by our secret Santa exchange. Always a fun time and then off to dinner with a friend and some more Christmas shopping. Wow, I am already exhausted just thinking of all that. Till tomorrow.

DAY 344 OF 365: BACK TO THE GRIND

Another weekend bites the dust and as quickly as my head touched my pillow, my alarm was going off, signaling another work week. The good thing was at least it was a restful and relaxing weekend which made it a lot easier to get up. I made myself a healthy breakfast of egg whites, toast with almond butter, some milk and a banana and off to the gym I went. Today was all about arms and back which meant no stairs and that my legs got a breather. We even threw in some abs work just for fun. The rest of the day was spent at the office and then home for some household chores and then a nice home cooked dinner and a movie. I thought I would post this recipe that I made for dinner. Quite tasty if I do say so myself.

Raspberry - Flavored Shrimp over Mesclun Greens
Serves 2 (which means lunch for tomorrow for me)

3 cups mesclun mix
1/2 pound medium shrimp
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons of freshly minced shallots
4 tablespoons of raspberry vinegar
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
fresh raspberries as garlic (if in season)

Portion the mesclun mix into bowls.
Peel shrimp - leaving the tails for a nicer presentation and devein. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the shallots and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until soft and slightly golden.
Turn heat to medium high. Add 1 tablespoon of the raspberry vinegar and shrimp and cook until the shrimp are pink, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Season with salt and pepper. Remove shrimp and place on top of mesclun.
De glaze the skillet with remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and 3 tablespoons of raspberry vinegar. Drizzle warm vinaigrette on top of the shrimp and greens. Garnish with raspberries.

Was the perfect dinner. Light and tasty and just enough left over to bring to work for lunch tomorrow. Well, I am ready to curl into bed and call it a night. Till tomorrow.