Love Pounds+Life's Passions = Life's Work

Me and Insanity trainer, Shaun T

The other day I ran into Shaun T, and I felt that uninhibited girly, giddy, oh so corny feeling you get when you have a surprise encounter with a celebrity or an influential figure in your life.  In January of this year, I jump-started my fitness routine (after taking what I will call a love hiatus-ill explain this later) with the Beachbody fitness program, Insanity. You've probably seen the infomercials. As an avid gym goer, and crazy cardio chic, I wanted something that was going to kick my @*$ and snap me out of my fitness funk.  My sister-in-law, Tara, said that this was it.  I remember that first week of doing the workout, thinking and saying out loud every profane word I could think of.  Mostly, I thought it was truly insane, and impossible to do these moves as fast and as accurate as Shaun T and the others in the video were demonstrating.  Still, I forged on and did my best. Day after day, week after week I got better.  And better.  By the second month, it was back to square one with newer, harder, fiercer, kick-ass combos and longer routines. But this time I knew I could, and I knew I would.  I would say out loud, "What used to be hard, has now become easier," before, during, and after my workouts.

There was one specific day I remember clearly.  I was following along with the video and doing the oblique-push-ups.  I was ready to give up.  I just couldn't anymore, I thought.  Then I looked down on the floor, and saw my shadow staring back up at me. I watched her go up and down, one more push up after another.  I thought, wow she's strong!  She's an athlete.  She's determined.  She is in it to win it!  She is never giving up!!!  Before I knew it, I finished the drill fully.  I felt elated, exhilarated, electric!  I finished 60 days of Insanity and haven't stopped since.  I've completed 90 days of Les Mills PUMP, all 21 days of the Ultimate Reset, and I'm currently on day 56 of TurboFire.  I have been drinking Shakeology daily, eating lots more veggies and fruit, and drinking 3L of water a day. Since Jan I've lost 17 lbs.  After years of trying and not succeeding, I am now finally at my ideal weight.  And it is easy.

Me and Sean

So back to the Love hiatus-as you may have read in my previous posts, I met the love of my life early last year and fell deeply in-love.  So naturally, I wanted to spend every waking moment with him, and so I did.  With more and more time spent together, I took a fitness hiatus, and wasn't working out as much as I normally would have.   In addition, we were enjoying each other, having fun, ice cream, steak, wine, and cheeseburgers.  I just had no cares as to what I was putting in my body.  It was all good!  Have you ever been so happy that you let yourself go?  Ever hear of the "love pounds." Yup!  I gained them.  But, it was all good.

Until one day I realized my energy was low, I was sluggish a lot, and I no longer fit in my clothes.  In fact, right after Xmas last year I had to buy bigger pants. Not one size bigger, but 2!  Yikes!  I did not feel good about this, and knew I had to do something. I was determined to prove to myself, and others that feeling good and living in love has no limits.  Whether or not you've uncovered yours, everyone has limiting beliefs and it's important to be aware of them to achieve sustainable happiness.  I knew I was facing one of my limiting beliefs, and so I wanted to demonstrate that I need not create a reality that would limit the bliss I was experiencing with Sean by putting on weight,  feeling unattractive, and having no energy to enjoy our time together.  I knew this was simply a situation only I could change. 

I decided I was done with my weight struggles, and wanted my blood pressure to normalize without having to take medication.   I was finally done complaining and got into action.  In January of this year, I became a Team Beachbody Coach to not only hold myself accountable, but to also help others get healthier too!  After all, the way to create more of something in your life is to find a way to use your passions to give that very thing back to others.  Yes, I experience true joy and satisfaction knowing that I've made a difference in someone's life by helping them achieve their health and wellness goals.  So much so, that I decided to take it a step further.  Last month I enrolled at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and I am studying to become a Certified Health Coach.  I am so thrilled that I finally did this after first thinking about doing it, back in 2008.   Also, I am back to teaching intenSati classes, and last month got certified to teach Turbo Kick classes.

Ever hear of that saying, "setbacks are set-ups for come-backs"?  Thanks to the love pounds gained in 2011, I've discovered how to turn my life's true passions into my life's work, and as a result 2012 is wrapping up to be a powerful, significant, turning point in my so called, Life!

If you would like to join me on this journey to experience limitless health, wealth, and happiness don't hesitate to reach out!  And if you know someone who you think could benefit from reading this post, please go ahead and send it on!

I would like to introduce you to guest blogger, Jillian McKee. Bringing a wealth of personal and professional experience to the organization, Jillian has worked as a Complementary Medicine Advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance since June of 2009. Jillian spends most her time on outreach efforts and spreading information about the integration of complementary and alternative medicine when used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatment. The article below is about the benefits of eating healthy during and after a diagnosis of any kind of cancer. Each different cancer has its limitations, but if one can keep a healthy body, they can have a better chance to overcome this awful disease. In-Joy!

A Couple of Changes to Supplement Your Fight

Whether just diagnosed, enduring treatment, or successfully post-treatment, one of the most important attacks any individual can make in his or her battle against cancer is eradicating poor eating habits and reforming good practices. Nutrition not only changes the lifestyle one is living, but it changes the way the body processes nutrients in general. Good nutrition fortifies the body with necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to protect it for outside forces. While nutrition is not a “cure all” for cancer, it definitely makes a difference in the body’s defense mechanisms. Just as many different cancer treatments exist, no two physicians suggest the same diet to support the cancer fight. Nonetheless, making simple changes like eating a low fat diet with little animal protein can serve as the first steps toward a plan for nutrition that supports a healthy approach to fighting mesothelioma or any other cancer. (As with any other diet or exercise plan, one should always consult a doctor for specific suggestions and recommendations.) 



Low Fat


The human body is not designed to function at its prime on a diet high in fat, so it seems like maintaining a diet low in fat or at least low in saturated fat should be step taken by every individual. Concerning cancer particularly, fat is a hindrance because cancer cells need lipoproteins or LDL’s to grow. A diet lower in fat reduces LDL’s, which can help prevent tumor cells from growing. Second, fat digestion produces bile which can remain in the stomach and become a carcinogen if not processed by the body. Avoiding fat stimulates less bile production, which protects the body from an unnecessary internal cancer-developing material.

To maintain a low fat diet, focus on eating only 20% of calories from fat. For example, on a 2,000 calorie a day diet, an individual would eat no more than 45 grams of fat or 400 calories from fat. Another consideration is to not just remove fat completely from the diet but to capitalize on “the right fat.” Suggested fats include unsaturated fat, found in beans and vegetable oils, and monounsaturated fats such as olive and canola oil, and omega 3 fatty acids in fish including salmon and tuna. 



Low Animal Protein


Considering animal protein is a must when reforming a diet plan. As a general rule, foods supplied by animal sources contain higher ratios of saturated fats, hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. Each of these is a problem because fat promotes obesity and prohibits the body from functioning properly, and the hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides are known to promote cancer.

When choosing proteins, plant-based are always the best. Look for items such as legumes: beans, peas, and peanuts; nuts including walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios; and whole grains such as brown rice, oats, corn, quinoa, amaranth and wheat. Other sources of plant protein can be found in leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, collards, and swiss chard.

While these two considerations only serve as simple guidelines for a healthier, more defensive diet, they still help in the fight against cancer. Any change toward better nutrition is a positive change.

intenSati with Triccia is BACK!

Everyday
In a very true way
I co-create my reality

As above
So is below
This is what I know

The above is the standard affirmation for the warm up in every intenSati class.  I love what these words stand for!  And I love how I feel when I say them out loud.  It is quite empowering!  Whether in an intenSati class or life in general, saying these words out loud is a perfect reminder that we are responsible for the quality of our experiences.  It is a reminder that we are the ones causing our lives to be.  intenSati is such a powerful practice because it is about bringing awareness to the synergy that is caused when you employ your mind, attitude, and actions to all line up and match your intentions. 

So it is with great excitement that I share this with you!  After taking a year off from teaching, I taught my first class to a room of willing participants at the Crate&Barrel Corporate Headquarters in Chicago this past Wednesday. It felt great to share the practice with more people who had never experienced it before, and even better to do something I hadn't done in a while with a supportive collective.

In the days leading up to it, many people who signed up to take the class did not know what to expect.  Naturally some were nervous, and some were excited. I was feeling a little bit of both! The night before the class, I barely slept as I was going over the series over and over in my head visualizing the class and imagining smooth transitions from move to move, timed perfectly with the music changes. I silently repeated to myself the words, "I AM endless source of energy, I AM joyous determination, I AM radiant light." I imagined myself teaching every move at 3 different levels of intensities. I imagined myself providing the right amount of challenge for those who wanted it, and taking care of those who needed more support and guidance. Either way I saw a heart pumping, exhilarating, fun class that inspired all to reach within and do more than they initially believed they could. I played these images in my head again and again until I drifted off to sleep.

The next day I awoke before my alarm went off at 5:25am and immediately brought back into my mind my intentions for that morning's class. The last time I taught at 6:30am was almost a year and a half ago, yet gone was the nervous feeling or worry of any sort. I felt great, I felt ready, I was good to go!  I AM UNSTOPPABLE!

The class was just what I had imagined! Everyone said the affirmations out loud, there was a fun spirit from beginning to end, and true appreciation was felt for the beauty of finding comfort within the discomfort. It was apparent that there was such a willingness by everyone in the room to play, have fun, and enjoy!  I am so glad that I didn't let the fact that I hadn't taught in over a year, stop me from teaching this class!  It felt like the right thing to do, and my heart was fully in it!  I tapped into my mind and used it as my source of POWER and sure enough, my actions naturally followed!  I will not post them here, but the emails I got after the class all reflect that it was a SUCCESS! 

Yes, that saying is so true that "life begins at the edge of your comfort zone!"  When was the last time you did something that seemed crazy?  When was the last time you did something that scared you sh*tless?  When was the last time you did something new?  When was the last time you met a CHALLENGE head on with FOCUS and DETERMINATION?  There is nothing better than turning fear into LOVE!  Every time you achieve this, you build muscle to be comfortable with being uncomfortable! Every time I am in unfamiliar territory, I  use one of my favorite intenSati affirmations, "What used to be hard, has now become easy!"  Remember these words as you face both expected and unexpected roadblocks!  Keep in mind that they are all temporary conditions that will change.  The best thing you can do is keep your head up so as not to miss any good that comes out of it!

I loved teaching that class! I loved all of those people! And I realized how much I miss teaching intenSati! So, with that said, I am back! Stay tuned for "intenSati with Triccia" classes coming your way!

Hike in the Wildnerness and Appreciate Life

As some of you may or may not know, I am most comfortable indoors and think of myself as an "indoor cat" perfectly happy inside, away from bugs, critters, and unpredictable weather.  So it was a big deal to me that this past Sunday I hiked Slide Mountain, the tallest peak in the Catskills.  I had been on a handful of hikes before, but none that were classified as "strenuous" as this was.  I must admit I was a bit nervous and didn't know what to expect except that it was about 7 miles total and should take about 5 hours.   I believe that anything worth doing, is worth doing well so I was determined to enjoy this.   I wanted to do it well. While in the car on the way there, I visualized myself moving with ease and comfort.  I silently repeated the words, "I AM safe, I AM well, I AM adventurous" over and over again.  This made me feel better and by the time we parked the car almost 2 hours later, I was ready, excited, and all set to go!  We set out crossing a couple of small streams, some rocky patches on a narrow well marked trail.  Within 10 minutes there it was, a wall of rocks, different sizes, heights, and I immediately thought, "oh yeah strenuous hike here we go." 
I kept my head down focusing on rock after rock, making sure I planted my feet firmly before taking the next step.  Every now and then, Sean, my boyfriend would ask if I was ok and I was.  In fact, I was having fun! I noticed after a while, that my thoughts on anything not having to do with this hike just stopped.  I was completely, and entirely focused on the rocks under my feet. "This one looks good, it's dry, not that one because it's wet, this one looks secure, that one is loose, this one is good, oops a little slippery there, this one is good, this one's good too, uh oh that won't work where do I go next?....ok go to the left, hold onto the tree for support, this rock is good, oh finally! a flat surface, good i can breathe now, here comes another wall of rocks..."  I almost didn't hear Sean behind me telling me to slow down and stop and appreciate the sweet smell of the outdoors.  Aahhhh...I took a deep breath and realized we had been on this trail for over an hour and my shirt was pretty soaked and I was dripping sweat.  We continued on for another hour.  I could hear Sean breathing heavily behind me. I was too. This was indeed a challenge.
Finally, the rocky terrain gave way to a smooth, cushiony, flat surface lined on either side by pinetrees. Have you ever smelled Christmas in June?  I have, right on that trail. It was surreal!

When we got to the lookout point we saw a stunning, breath taking view.  I knew instantly that every step was worth it!  In front of me was beauty as far as the eye can see.  Rolling hills of green in a rendezvous with wispy white clouds on a blue sky. This was so worth it!  So quiet, so peaceful, so calm.  We were in the wilderness.  Yes, the wilderness defined as "the most intact, undisturbed wild natural areas left on our planet--those last truly wild places that humans do not control and have not developed with roads, pipelines or other industrial infrastructure.  Some nature writers believe wilderness areas are vital for the human spirit and creativity." I agree.  Where there is peace, there can be clarity.  Where there is clarity, inspiration.  Where there is inspiration, creativity is born.  My heart was open.  And I felt different. This was one of those life-changing moments.  For the next two hours while descending the mountain, I thought about how this trail represented my experiences with life. Some parts are smooth and easy, some parts are tricky and require some more thought.  Some are downright challenging and made me question if it was worth taking the next step or should I just turn back?  Some parts are just amazing and beautiful and remind you of a greater presence around you!  Yes all this on the same trail. And I'm so glad we kept going or else we would've missed out on the best parts!
What's more is that the same trail looked different on our way back.  While it was dry on our way up the mountain, it was wet on our way down.  The truth is, things are never the same the second time around, and should just be appreciated and not taken for granted at that very moment!  Wow!  Let me say that again!  Things are never the same the second time around, and should just be appreciated and not taken for granted at that very moment!  My senses were heightened, and my emotions were amplified!  I loved everything about that day.  All in all, it took a little over 4 hours.   And while my legs were shaking and felt fatigued, I was in a joyful state of mind!  I turned to Sean once we got in the car and told him how much I enjoyed the hike and that I couldn't wait to do it again.  "What's beyond strenuous," I asked him?  He smiled in a way that I love, and we headed back home.

Enter the Year of the Dragon!

"I have always valued living a healthy lifestyle.  I enjoy working out, and educating myself on the latest fitness and nutrition information.  However, staying on course to maintain my fitness goals has been an on-going challenge for me.  I want to stop worrying about what I eat or how I look.  I want to develop a more conscious awareness with regard to my health.  I intend to bring discipline and focus knowing that being healthy is more than just regular exercise.  It also involves eating complete foods, lowering stress through meditation, and bringing love into all of my relationships.  Joining this community is the perfect way to bring me closer to my vision of living a healthy, wealthy, and happy life!"

The above is what I wrote for the my profile page on my Team Beachbody Coach website.  Yes!  I just became a Team Beachbody Coach last week and I am very excited to kickstart 2012 with this new undertaking!  2012, the year of the Dragon.  In the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Dragon is considered the luckiest bringing with it optimism and hope for better times!  It is associated with high energy and prosperity and represents change and mobility.  For me this means 2012 is my year to bring in health, wealth, and happiness!  Yes!  Health, Wealth, Happiness are the reasons I just became a Team Beachbody Coach.  What does this mean?  Shakeology and Insanity!   Shakeology is this amazing drink packed with 70 natural ingredients that acts like a salad, but tastes like dessert.  Insanity is this 60 day Max Interval workout that is guaranteed to transform your body.  I'll talk about the Coach aspect in a later blog!

So you're wondering what about IntenSati?  Well, starting next month I am taking a 12 week teleseminar with Patricia Moreno and Hildie Dunn of the Handel Group.  The SatiLife Conscious Eating Course by Patricia Moreno is designed to help people awaken to the healing and harming power of food, and to empower individuals to make conscious choices that will lead to a healthier and happier relationship with real, good food.  I am done complaining and worrying about what to eat, what not to eat, etc.  I am committed to making lasting change. 

I am ready to do the work!  What does this mean?  For the first few months of 2012, it will mean:

Insanity for the next 60 days

Shakeology shake once a day everyday

Conscious Eating Call 1/wk for 12 wks and do the homework that comes with it

Pray and Meditate daily

And of course, practice gratitude and appreciation!  Thank you!