PROTEIOS: concerning those of first importance...

I'm humbled to be in a position to explore, stumble, and experience the beautiful cultures on this planet. I'm a photo takin', food lovin', gym junkie, jetsetter wannabe. I recently returned to my hometown in California after nearly two decades (!) in the beautiful PNW. 

[proteios]

releasing the pressure

Out of nowhere I was stricken with a dreadful 24-hour stomach bug this week. 

After a successful and incredibly early bedtime for my girls, I was feeling good and was even expecting to go to bed early myself. Yet at 9:30pm the Samurai woke up and foiled my plans. I climbed into bed to help her fall back asleep but her restless body lay awake and fidgeting until 3am! I may have dozed from the hours of 10pm-1am, but then it hit. My insides were wrecked and the wee one was deliriously awake screaming there were spiders crawling in the bed. WHAT? WHY?

My body ached from fatigue, alongside the twisting and turning of my intestines. By 2:30 all three of us girls were squeezed in my bed. Somehow I managed to fall asleep knowing the two-and-a-half hours before my alarm went off was not going to be sufficient. Bent over in pain I pulled myself from bed in an attempt to get ready for the day. I went downstairs, sat on the couch sipping my lemon water until it happened. In the dark of the morning, the inevitable upheaval of the tumultuous stomach bug reared it’s head. It was only 6:12am but I was done for.

You get the point!

I didn’t have an appetite until dinnertime, when I was only slightly peckish. Applesauce sounded amazing. And with the Instant Pot, it was stupendous. WIth a little work (de-coring only because I was too lazy to peel the apples), in 20 minutes I had fresh, homemade, warm applesauce that soothed my innards. 

While following a BRAT diet (banana, rice, apple, toast) is no longer recommended when you’re sick, applesauce is always a good idea. Sick or not, if you’re an applesauce fan you will enjoy this recipe by Danielle Walker. Please make this as soon as possible!

Stay tuned next week as I kick-off my first 21-Day Sugar Detox group of 2017. I will be posting only from the guidebook and cookbook for the rest of the month. If you’re curious about kicking your old, unhealthy habits, come join us!

[proteios]

Ready or not!

Sunrise in Maui December 2016

Lamentations 3:22-23

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

As we inch closer to 2017, in literally 45 minutes, what are you doing to prepare your mind and body for the New Year? I don’t just mean New Year’s resolutions because you and I both know those don’t work. At the stroke of midnight, most likely after a long night (or month) of embracing the season, the wine, the lack of sleep, you don’t magically turn into the perfect human you long to be. 

No, there is work to be done. Effort exerted. Intentionality. 

How are you reflecting on 2016 - the good, the bad and the ugly? C’mon, it wasn’t all bad!

How are you diving into the new year?

As a kid I used to reflect on the crushes I had, the highlights, the places I traveled. It was simple and naive, as any teenager could be. But there is truth in reflection and hope in the goal setting, at any age.

Personally, 2016 was a hard, frustrating year. Being a single mom is quite terribly the worst thing ever. It sucks. There’s no sugar coating it. While it could be categorized as a first-world problem, it’s not a burden I want to carry, yet I do everyday. However, in the midst of it all, we found our own place to live and restart. We found a routine that works, for the time being. I have a job. I set boundaries.

While wearing many hats - and some I shouldn’t wear at all but must - is hard, we’re doing it. 

We traveled.

We laughed. And danced. And sang loudly.

We fought and had moments we weren’t proud of, but we forgave.

I finished my Precision Nutrition Certification.

The older I get the more I realize NO ONE has their shit together. Why can’t we embrace this and figure it out? Why do we make life so much harder than it should be. No one is perfect. There is no arriving and being done. There is always something to do, we’re always evolving. As much as I resist it, change is inevitable. Maintenance is constant. Just look at my laundry pile and the dishes in the sink. I swear the kitchen was clean yesterday!

But back to the point. Carve out some time to sit still and decide what you want for 2017. Meditate on those things that excite you. Pray for the willingness to follow through. Break down the dream to manageable steps to do every day so that next NYE you can look back and be proud of your accomplishments.

And if you’re navigating a journey of health and wellness, if a “detox” of sorts is tugging at your heart, if you feel overwhelmed by what to eat or how to get back into shape, or if you want a new clean beauty routine, reach out! Don’t let fear and worry hold you back in 2017. Be messy, be authentic, be all beautifully you!

[proteios]

the spice trade route

Now that I have to work full-time, there are many things I miss about being a stay-at-home-mom, other than my daughters. One being, having the time to explore. Despite working in San Francisco, I don’t get out - at all. It’s all business from the moment I step off of BART in the morning until I get back on in when it’s dark, I’m perched behind my computer screen. When I have a few extra minutes in my commute I may get on or off at a different stop, to meander different streets and peer through other lobby doors, yet beyond that, my routine is consistent. 

However, the Friday before Christmas we were blessed with an early office closure. Since I didn’t have to race home to pick up the girls from school, I took my time and meandered. It helped I still needed one more Christmas gift! For obvious reasons of being a food and marketplace lover, I adore the Ferry Building and knew I’d be able to find the perfect gift. I had spices in mind and sure enough I was not disappointed. 

I typically bypass oil shops but I stopped and to sample Stonehouse California Olive Oil Lisbon Lemon Olive Oil. With my family currently in Lisbon it only seemed appropriate. Minus the bread to dip, I sampled the Lisbon Lemon, Garlic, and Basil oils. I was impressed by their bold, yet palatable and delicious flavors. Needless to say, I not only found a gift for an oil and balsamic lover in our family, but also for myself. They were out of the smaller bottles of the basil, so I brought home a Garlic Oil and a package of OMG spice blend. I will be posting recipes with both of them soon, but in the meantime, if you’re near the Ferry Building, stop by. You won’t be disappointed. 

[proteios]

We’re going to celebrate and have a good time

I was honored to be part of Danielle Walker’s Launch Team for her new Celebrations cookbook, and received an advanced copy. 

First of all, this book is beautiful! 

Second, this cookbook has you COVERED. 

With full menus, you officially have no excuses to not eat clean and gluten free, for any holiday or celebration. AND, all of your family members will be eating THE SAME meal as you and loving it. Win-win!

Ah! I get warm fuzzies embracing the thoughtfulness and reading the history behind every recipe. This cookbook not only persuades me to cook but to start traditions for every celebration. And there’s always something to celebrate, am I right? While I haven’t captured all of the scrumptious meals I’ve made, everything has been amazing. You must get this book! You can find it at my amazon store, where you can also pick up some ingredients to make one of the menus from the book. Enjoy!  

Pumpkin curry soup was so delightful, even on a warm day!

We celebrated being together on the weekend with tart lemon bars!

[proteios]

giddy like pooh and a jar of honey

Someone please stop father time. How is it possible my girls will be 3 and 5 this coming weekend? Lately I’ve noticed myself amazed at how their gangly limbs hang over the edge of their beds as they peacefully sleep; I’ve been finding it more difficult to hold them in my lap as their bony bodies don’t curl comfortably into mine; I catch them in the rearview mirror deep in thought, because they are mature enough to meander into the depths of their minds; and most recently, as we wandered ever so slowly around the Lafayette reservoir, these dear sisters were chasing each other and I noticed the wee Samurai was losing her baby waddle run. Goodness, do I even remember what that waddle looked like in it’s perfection? These unique baby quips fade as quickly as the years. Nearly instantaneously they’re gone. It seems just like yesterday we were introducing Charlie Bear to chocolate on her first birthday, as we picnicked on our city patio. Though I stumbled through that first year of motherhood, I look back on it with such fondness. It was hard but simple. We navigated each day with such awe at the newness of nearly everything, as we explored the world and each other’s personality. And now we reach a major milestone in which she’s turning a whole frickin’ hand of fingers - 5! Sigh! 

But okay, okay, you’re here for the soup. Yes, soup in the summer. After being swayed by the nice grocer at Trader Joe’s to by a basil plant, I thought tomato basil soup would be the perfect remedy for the hot east bay day. This soup, slightly adapted from The Freckled Foodie, is excellent both hot and cold and I swear it’s better the next day! Kid and parent approved! Give it a try for the fourth of July. It will be a great addition to any BBQ before those sparkly, booming fireworks. Cheers!

Chunky Tomato Basil Soup

PREP TIME: 10 min  |  COOK TIME: 30 min

YIELD: 4

Ingredients:

2 – 28 oz cans of Muir Glen Organic Diced Tomatoes

1 can coconut milk or 1 1/2 cups of bone broth (you could even do half and half!)

1 c chopped basil

3 large shallots, diced

9 cloves garlic, minced

4 c organic kale leaves, roughly chopped

2 spicy chicken sausages, crumbled, or any other meat you like

S & P to taste

Directions:

Combine all ingredients above except the meat in a large stock pot and heat on medium-high until mixture is boiling.

Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook for 30 minutes

Turn off heat and use an immersion blender, or regular blender, until desired consistency. Ours was still pretty chunky.

Put back on heat and add in the meat until it’s warm - if serving warm. I topped our with previously cooked chicken.

Enjoy! 

and just because dance parties are the best, this lovebug doing her thing at the ripe age of 1 - nearly four years ago!

[proteios]

Happy Father’s Day + July’s 21-Day Sugar Detox

Oh man! I’ve had so much to tell y’all....my paleof(x) recap, stories on life and death and divorce, recipes, and more. But that will still have to wait! I didn’t want to delay telling you about my July 21-Day Sugar Detox. Don’t forget to sign-up now for 10% off! Feel good and rock summer. Sign up here: www.erinsholland.squarespace.com

a little 1981 throwback to our family of 4; wee me of barely 6 months old!

you don’t need sugar to have a good time this summer

[proteios]

An essential spring, green salad

Do you feel it yet? Blossoms are blossoming, the birds are chirping, farmer’s markets are brightening up with a variety of colors, and the days are a little bit warmer. It’s SPRING y’all! 

To me, Easter typically signifies the welcoming of spring. The joyous holiday brings brunches and lunches, a bounty of asparagus dishes and coconut macaroons become a weekly menu item, just because.  Yet Easter came and went like a flash and now I’m left twiddling my fingers wondering why I haven’t had my fill of either of the latter food items. 

However, this past weekend at the Lake Merritt Farmer’s Market, an innocent sample of an english sweet pea turned turned me into a mad vulture hovered over the mound of pea pods. I might have even stepped on a little girl’s toes as I reached in to find the plumpest pods. 

With my tasty green find, I opted for a variety of more verdant vegetables. I came home with baby kale, english peas, asparagus, lemons and an organic, roasted chicken to make the freshest, tastiest spring salad. It’s so easy, kid approved and has a good kick of nutrients to boot. Give it a try today.

Ingredients

6 cups baby kale                                                                                                     1 lb asparagus                                                                                                         1 cup English sweet peas, minus the pod                                                             1/2 lemon, juiced                                                                                                    2 T olive oil; or just enough to dress (not drown) your greens                                2-4 chicken breasts                                                                                             Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Roast, grill, steam or sauté: 1 lb asparagus 1 cup English sweet peas, minus the pod

Grill or roast 2 chicken breasts, preferably marinated in lemon juice for 10 min. I grilled the asparagus and peas by wrapping them in foil with a bit of olive oil and salt. I then put them on a hot grill for about 15 minutes. You could also roast them in the oven at 400 degrees for the same amount of time. I had a roast chicken, however, an easy way to make chicken is to let it sit in lemon juice, salt and pepper, a minimum of 5 minutes per side. Grill or roast.   

While you're cooking the asparagus and peas, massage the kale with the lemon, s+p,  and olive oil. Once the veggies are done, toss together with the kale and chicken. Could be topped with shaved Parmesan and pine nuts or almonds.

[proteios]

Primal Palate Organic Spices are a Whole30 Approved, Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Non-Irradiated, Kosher, Certified Gluten-free

For a Christmas gift, I bought the signature blends for my father-in-law. Hands down our favorite spice is the adobo seasoning. Like magic pixie dust, It literally goes on anything and everything, making it taste better than you’ve ever dreamed. Lucky for me, I’m currently taking up space in his second bedroom so I get to use this bad boy when I desire. Do yourself a favor on order these spices ASAP. 

For an easy, 3-ingredient, delicious salmon dinner, follow this recipe:

Ingredients

1lb salmon

butter or olive oil (preferably garlic olive oil)

Primal Palate Adobo Seasoning

Directions

Preheat oven to 425F.

Rub salmon with fat of choice and a good dose of Adobo.

Roast the salmon for 5 to 8 minutes depending on the thickness; broil for 2 minutes.

Throw on top of some cauli rice or next to some roasted asparagus and sweet potato and you have yourself one delicious, quick, and nutrient-dense dinner. Now go impress someone with this meal!

[proteios]

Healing the heartbreak, waiting to fly.

Even a city you love can loose it luster. 

After much turbulence in my personal life, the city I once loved was dull and lifeless. It was tired and worn out, much like how I felt. Tired, distracted, disappointed, used, used up, overwhelmed and worn down.

And so I left that city. In somewhat of a planned exodus, I left in an attempt to start over, to prove I was strong (even though I was tired of being strong) and in search of something better.

Now, almost five months later as I rediscover city life in a much grander city, I miss that old city. Much of me wants to return. Yet the pull of this new city has struck a spark that I thought was extinct. 

My first love, travel and architecture, has been piqued again. Similar to the dance you participate in when you fall in love, this city is whispering to me, flirting with me. I’m not quite ready to admit that I like it back, yet there’s a thrill I’ve so longed for in the last five years. I only get to admire the city through the lenses of my recently acquired employment status, but the ten minute walk from mass transit to my desk is enough to arouse the yearnings within. 

The smells of cookies and thai food blast through the air as I emerge from the underground station; the less corporate coffee shops on every corner provide the necessary fix; the fresh and modern “hippy” real food cafes tickle the foodie in me; the homeless man cleaning up his daily array of goods; the scandalous glimpses of ornate ceilings and vintage architecture through curtain walls of glass; crossing Pine Street, a reminder of that old city, to get to California Street, where my new office is perched on the 12th floor. At my desk I scan the high-rises surrounding me in the concrete jungle and listen to the cable car bells below. Lust.

Much like a relationship, you soon discover that one trait you can’t ignore. It might even be the deal breaker. The afternoon daily commute. While not terribly long, it makes you feel unappreciated and dirty. Queued, waiting we stand. Like cattle we waddle aboard to be caged together until we are released. Herded and carried away from the beckoning charm of desire and unknown, to the neighboring, over-priced, and lackluster towns. 

Across the bay I return. I return to the reality haunting me. Sometimes it’s too much to bear. But like a dear friend recently told me, I’m like an eagle perched on the edge of the nest, observing, fearing, doubting, questioning, wanting and just waiting to fly. 

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

[quotes-shape-us]

You must learn her. You must know the reason why she is silent. You must trace her weakest spots. You must write to her. You must remind her that you are there. You must know how long it takes for her to give up. You must be there to hold her when she is about to. You must love her because many have tried and failed. And she wants to know that she is worthy to be loved, that she is worthy to be kept. And, this is how you keep her.

Junot Díaz, This Is How You Lose Her (via awelltraveledwoman)

I haven’t read this book nor is this my usual scope of material. But this, this is good. Stand up and fight for those you love before you lose them. Heartbreak is real my friends. 

[proteios]

Stubborn strong

Well hello 2016! If you’re new here, my name is Erin. A few fun facts about me include: I'm a little sister; I'm proud of my Portuguese and Irish roots; I adore being a mom (even through the super hard, whiny days) of two young, vibrant and sweet girls; I love to push my body to new limits - I technically co-own a CrossFit gym but that's a story for another time; I've been dabbling in barre; I find peace and joy in cooking; and more importantly I literally couldn't live without eating delicious, nutrient dense food. 

This wasn't always the case, as I subscribed to magazine workouts and the typical SAD lifestyle before transitioning to primarily paleo nearly 7 years ago. With two little ones, birthdays galore and the occasion hankering for something sweet, I thoroughly enjoy making paleo muffins and treats to satisfy our taste buds without all of the guilt. Although that too is for another time and place, however, I do believe there shouldn’t be guilt in eating and I can help you overcome your sugar demons and guilt-ridden habits. 

Last year I became a 21-Day Sugar Detox coach and I'm currently completing the Precision Nutrition Coaching Program to further my knowledge of nutrition and to help you better change your life. 

If you know/follow me on IG, a fun fact about my handle @sun_in_seattle is the SUN stands for Simply Unadulterated Nutrition. It's a long name for a simple concept of choosing and eating real, whole food to nourish your mind and body. While I wish nutrition was the only ingredient to excellent health, we all know it's more than that. Sleep, relationship health, stress, exercise, and exposure to elements (hello sunshine and vitamin D) are just a few of the variables needed to align your health. 

SUN is also a throw back to my original, and very raw, blog simply unadulterated, which  I started four years ago. It featured my musings of motherhood, the trials of being a wife, CrossFit, and of course food. I created it in a dark season of needing an outlet that didn't have automatic bombings of comments and advice. I knew I had to acknowledge that season as a pivotal part of MY story, but I didn't want it to define me. Of course that's easier said than done. I needed to embrace it, document it and make something of it. While that dark season has morphed into other dark passages, I do believe I'm on the upswing. Finally! Some days the weight of the world is still fresh and crushing but I cling to my faith, the power of redemption and hope only found in Jesus. 

Long story short, I'm still plugging along, redefining my purpose and path. Along the way I want to inspire you to make better food choices, encourage you to get out and move your body, and keep uniquely loving on those special people in your life. 

Oh, and if you're still reading this, one more thing! We've relocated near my hometown in the Bay Area, California. We're sorely missing our familiar, walkable stops and wonderful friends in Seattle but we’re trying to find the silver lining of being near family here. In case you're wondering, I might be changing my handle, but not anytime soon! 

In the meantime, keep eating your protein, veggies, and healthy fats. Thank you for your support, comments and inspiration. Smile big everyday. Happy New Year! 

[nomnompaleo]

Coco-Nutty Dark Bark

I love DIY holiday gifts. There’s something about a homemade gift from the kitchen that somehow seems more authentic and heartfelt than a purchased gift—even if it’s a store-bought item that I think kicks booty and brings joy. The problem with most homemade edible presents is that they can be crazy unhealthy or overwhelmingly difficult to make. Or both.

But what if I told you that I’ve got a super simple recipe for a holiday treat that’s at once impressive-looking AND not (too) bad for you? Introducing…Coco-Nutty Dark Bark!

First things first—let’s not kid ourselves: this tart, nutty, and bittersweet dessert ain’t Paleo or Whole30-compliant. My crunchy bark recipe doesn’t contain a lot of junk, but it shouldn’t replace the greens and protein on your plate. Okay, PSA over.

I love making Coco-Nutty Dark Bark ’cause it’s drop-dead simple and infinitely customizable. To be honest, I feel embarrassed even calling this a recipe: all you do is melt the best dark chocolate you can find, and top it with your favorite add-ins. You can change the toppings to suit your taste, though in my humble opinion, the crowning trio consists of toasted coconut flakes, tangy dried cranberries, and salty roasted macadamia nuts. I’ve even provided some fun printable labels that’ll make your packs of chocolatey goodness look legit. Of course, it goes without saying that this minimalist dessert is only going to be as good as the ingredients you choose, so don’t skimp on the chocolate, forget to toast the coconut, or buy stale nuts. Quality matters.

Ready to impress your pals?

Keep reading

[proteios]

In case you’re in search of an edible, homemade gift this Christmas, @nomnompaleo will not disappoint. Aren’t these beautiful?

[proteios]

How fun are these businesses? Now to find some free time and a date to go exploring. The 19 coolest new businesses in San Francisco http://flip.it/oe7sH

[proteios]

I wrote this blog post for The 21-Day Sugar Detox in response to the many questions I field about what I feed my wee ones, Cmonkey and Samurai.

[proteios]

soup for the soul...and sore throat

Oh man! It’s been a whirlwind of hardship and heartache but we’re surviving and hanging on by a strand of hope. There’s been an abundance of thoughts I’ve wanted to share with y’all - like why is it so hard to land a job? - but that can wait. Today I have a soup recipe you should make because 1) it’s downright comforting, 2) it’s delicious (especially if you’re a ginger and garlic fan) and good for you (to clear those sinuses), 3) it’s almost soup weather as fall is trying to breakthrough the lingering summer heat, and 4) it’s Autoimmune Paleo friendly, thanks Micky Trescott (adapted from her “sick soup).

INGREDIENTS

1 quart bone broth or buy here

2 cups water

2-3 sweet potatoes, cut into chunks

1/2 pound green beans, roughly chopped

1 zucchini, roughly chopped

1 bunch leafy greens (like kale or chard), roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped

2 chicken breasts, cubed to bite size

1 avocado, sliced thinly

salt, to taste

lemon juice, to taste

1 Tbsp coconut oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the bone broth and water in a large stock pot on medium-high. When it comes to a boil, turn down to a simmer and add the sweet potatoes and cook until tender, about 20-30 minutes.

Turn the heat off and add the green beans, zucchini and leafy greens to the hot broth. Cover and let the soup sit for a few minutes. Salt the soup to taste, add the garlic and ginger.

Meanwhile, saute cubed chicken in coconut oil. You can add the cooked chicken as is to the blended soup or add to the blender to be blended in with veggies.

Blend the soup in batches and place in another pot. 

Serve with avocado slices, a squeeze of lemon and some more salt on top.

[proteios]

a crumbly mess of goodness

I’ve always loved green apples. On my walk home in middle school I would eat my apple and throw the core into a nearby creek, hoping one day I would return to find an apple grove. In high school my reputation was based on the huge apple I ate everyday at lunch (yeah, I had a pretty tame high school career). In college, I’d have friends and co-workers fetch apples from the HUB whenever possible. As a deadline driven marketing guru, I nearly always stopped to have my 3 o’clock apple and almond break. It’s something silly and a rather unimportant fact about me, but it is what it is.

Despite my fondness for apples, I shied away from apple pie. Growing up, my sister loved baking apple pies and I let her have her glory by choosing chocolatey desserts instead. Within the last couple of years though, I’ve transformed my apple affections into a snack of dangerously, gooey, coconutty proportions. A sautéed apple in coconut oil or ghee with heaps of cinnamon and coconut butter is my favorite, easiest and quickest dessert or snack or meal you could make. And better yet, it completely satisfies any sweet tooth without the guilty conscious.

But now that it’s fall, I’ve taken it up a notch with this apple berry crumble. It has the right amount of texture and warm cinnamon to comfort you on a crisp, fall day, as well as the oomph to feel indulgent. For you 21-Day Sugar Detoxers, keep it solely apple (use 4 apples instead of 2), you won’t be disappointed. 

Paleo Apple Berry Crumble

ingredients

apple filling

2 green apples peeled, cored and cubed

2 cups of berries; I used blackberries and blueberries

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp allspice

¼ cup honey or maple syrup, optional (leave out if your on the 21DSD)

crumble topping

1 cup shredded coconut (I like this brand)

1 cup walnuts or pecans, or nut of choice, chopped

1/3 cup almond meal

½ cup butter or Tinstar brown butter ghee, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F

Place the apples and berries in your baking dish and stir in remaining ingredient until mixed.

In a bowl, combine the coconut, nuts, almond meal, cinnamon and salt until well mixed.

Add the butter or ghee, and vanilla; mix again.

Sprinkle the crumble mix over the apples and berries and cook for 15 minutes.

Cover with foil and place back in the oven for another 45 minutes.

Serve warm and top with whole milk yogurt or coconut milk ice cream. It’s also excellent for breakfast!

Did you try this recipe?

If you made this crumble, please let me know what you think! Share your pictures on Instagram with the hashtag #proteioscooks and let me know @sun_in_seattle.

Affiliate links on this page.

[proteios]

It’s official, I’m one of them

me, lifting heavy things

If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’re most likely aware about our road trip. A little over two weeks ago, us girls took three days to venture down from Seattle to the Bay Area, my hometown. Our plan was to stay about a month with family and scope out the job and housing scene. That’s putting it lightly.

For sanity over the next month or so, I knew I had to have a gym to call home. In my mind, Diablo CrossFit would be it. I researched and emailed before we left, and visited on one of our first days here. It seemed perfect. But then there was the price of it. Owning a gym, I’m aware of the price tag - I’ve just never had to pay it! For some reason, this was a shock to my system and I couldn’t bite the bullet. This alone made me overanalyze the politics of getting healthy. I understand the “why’s” of such steep price tags but what a detriment to people who want to get healthy. Now I remember why i used to be a runner - it was free! Anyway....

Due to family circumstances, I decided to take a break from CrossFIt (gulp!) and consistently attend barre3 (what?). Thankfully there was a LivingSocial and a legit childcare space. It seemed like the reasonable thing to do on so many levels. I also justified it as a good bodily trial and error. Or whatever that means!

We’re going on our third week here and this is my assessment to date:

I miss CrossFit

I miss functional movements

I miss the feeling like I’m really challenging my body

I miss working out with a diverse community

I miss lifting heavy things

I miss my Barre3 buddy and Whole Food runs after class in Seattle

Barre is HARD! Like worse than giving birth to a child hard.

I sweat more in Barre and I’m not sure why

I think Barre is a good starting point or a good supplement to another activity

Barre is good for mind-control and focus

I have the utmost respect for dancers

I have yet to notice a change in my body from solely doing barre (granted I’ve only been to 6 classes)

Childcare isn’t cheap!

barre3 image

Bottom line, I want to see everyone moving, challenging their body. I want to see people having fun and doing the thing they like best. I do like barre, however, for me personally, I could not solely do barre.

How are you moving your body today? Whatever you do, I know you won’t regret it.