Last week, I decided that I was going to jump into a two-fold challenge: beginning August 1st, 365 days of raw food and 60 days of Bikram yoga. Straight. In a row. No excuses. Yeah….. yeah. I know.
For those of you who don’t know, Bikram yoga is 90 minutes and 26 postures in a room that’s a little hotter than the center of Hell. Don’t get me wrong… it’s wonderful, and it’s grueling. Afterwards you feel as if you’ve been rung dry (literally), but there’s also an exhilaration and euphoria felt from knowing that you actually made it through the fire. It’s also a massive detoxifier (all that sweat? No wonder!) and excellent for the muscles.
Why Bikram? Why 365 days of raw? A couple of reasons:
- After playing around with raw foods over the last year, I know that’s how my body feels best.
- I LOVE raw food. Is there anything better than a kale salad? Maybe… a nori roll. With avocado. Oooh…. AVOCADO.
- I tried Bikram a few years ago and fell in love.
- 90 minutes of constant sweat vs. 30-45 minutes of my current workout. The math is undeniable.
- I need that stretch. No matter what exercise I do now, I am NOT getting my full stretch on and I feel like I’m beginning to walk around like an old lady whose had her hips replaced.
Some of you may think I am an extremist… and you wouldn’t be wrong. I know who I am and all my crazy tendencies! You don’t need to remind me, dammit! LOL! But I digress. Here was my wake up call: I recently looked back over my journey and realized that it has been years since I began focusing on weight loss. YEARS. Three, to be exact. When I realized that, I almost had a panic attack. I flipped through my phone to see lots of “before” photos. I read through blog posts to see how I had stopped and started and stopped again. I realize that I have made strides, progress and discoveries, but has it been enough or have I just been playing around?
The old adage of “in order to get something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done” comes into play and rings in my brain. I am tired of playing around with my health. I am tired of dipping back and forth into cooked foods. I am tired of little victories that turn into steps backwards (or, God forbid, staying the same). To me, the only way to break out of the cycle is extreme, consistent change that creates lasting habits.
Now, I HAVE been exercising during the #Juice60 challenge, and that has been great. However, I want to take it to the next level. I want to take my whole LIFE to the next level.
Ever felt that way?
You are awesome and an inspiration! :) I love your blog and videos, not only because of the great advice and encouragement you give, but because you allow yourself to be human in one of the most public ways. It’s so disheartening sometimes to see videos with so much perfection,makes the amazing look almost impossible but you show the hard work it takes along with those great benefits in such a no nonsense way…its so refreshing AND you’re funny! Love it! Keep at it girl you are doing great! And thank you so much for sharing your journey :) <3 Wendy
I’m rooting for you Carla, thanks for sharing your amazing downright hard personal goals! Looking forward to your thoughts on this new journey as you travel. =)
You want to sweat come visit me in Phoenix AZ where it is 109 degrees in the shade! LOL With every step you take and every move we take it is a new postion in hell where all you can do is stretch and hold to catch your breath and pray you can breathe LOL! I wish you well exercising in a steam room on purpose. Drink a lot of water and more water! Love your frankness, your juicing book and videos!
Hi Sister, you are so amazing! I am doing green smoothies and Bikram now as well with clear results. I would love to connect with you and see where you are now. Please email me if you have a moment free. Thanks! Pista
Hey Pista! I’m pregnant now (and have been for SO long…LOL!), so I won’t pick Bikram back up for a few months after the baby is born. I loved it!
Carla… I’m super happy for you and the baby. I wondered where you went. I have been looking for another awe inspiring video from you to help keep me in focus. Actually I am pretty darn focused on my goal anyway. lol I wouldn’t have come this far (45 days and 37 pounds) to give up and gain it all back. My mind is always racing and wanting to put something together to share with all of my friends and family on FaceBook or whatever, but I so many people have already done that and I’m afraid mine would be lost in the waves. However I know that not all of my friends and family take it upon themselves to reach out and research a healthier lifestyle thus my another reason my wanting to put something together. I feel like I’m rambling now but I really wanted to say hello to you and congratulate you. Hope you are doing well.
oxoxoxoxo
Rusty Wall