Hot Yoga, Anyone?

As part of my new lifestyle change, I decided to incorporate exercise into my routine. For the first few weeks my main concern was the food. Once I felt comfortable with that, I began to walk five days a week for up to 70 minutes a day.

I recently reconnected with a friend and she recommended that I go with her to a Bikram Yoga class. For any of you out there who haven't heard me personally speak about this yoga, it's basically 90 minutes in a room that's set to 105 degrees with 50% humidity.

The transition from the treadmill to the hot yoga studio was definitely not easy, although I do think it was helpful that I had been working out for nearly two months prior to stepping into that first class.

To anyone who is curious, I'll say this: yes, it's hot. Yes, it's sweaty. However, the challenges you face in every class is a rewarding experience when you realize that you can do the poses. Maybe not perfectly the first few classes and certainly not the first few years.

It's the challenge to hold the pose and push myself beyond yesterday's limits that keeps me coming back for more. It helps that I end each class with a feeling of relaxation, as well. If you're looking for a great workout change, then consider Bikram!

Celebrating Mother's Day

I've been preparing for today for at least at week. Mother's Day is more than just a celebration of the moms in our family. It's also a celebration of food. Everyone pitches in to bring a dish, whether it be a dewberry pie or frying up the main entree: chicken.

It's been 91 days since I made a commitment to myself. No more animal products. Okay, so I loosened up the restriction after about two months in to just no meat of any kind. The only animal product I had not been to kick completely and am currently consuming sparingly is cheese.

This Mother's Day will be a challenge for me. Among the food will be some of my old favorites: fried chicken, dressing (with chicken), twice-baked potatoes (with bacon and cheese) and pea salad (with eggs).

Today is also the first time to see most of my extended family in over five and a half months. My grandma already told me the other day, "You can have a little fried chicken. It's Mother's Day!"

I may have to explain why I've decided to make these choices, my journey the last 91 days and why I plan to pass on some of my all-time favorite dishes. I'll be eating my vegan quiche and roasted potatoes while I do, though.