Challenge DAY 45! Completo

Well here we are Friday, December 31st 2010. I first want to thank all of my participants who quietly committed themselves to this challenge. YOU DID GREAT! Even if you didn't walk hike or run each and every day since mid November, you still did amazing.
I'd also like to share that I did not WHR every day either. But I did listen to my body. Some days needed extra fitness, others needed a nap. Mostly I've noticed at this time of year my body really craves yoga. It's healing, rejuvenating, cleansing and challenging. I actually think I'm going to kick off 2011 doing 40 classes of yoga in 40 days. Apparently I'm one for challenges. But really I just need to hold myself responsible to something to stay focused and motivated.
So cheers to you and your good health. Thank you for partaking in this challenge or perhaps just taking an active interest. I wish you the best of health in the New Year. You know where to find me if you need some support with food and health conscious choices this year.

Salud!

Rebekah Fuller
Holistic Health Counselor
Fuller Health Nutrition
www.fullerhealth.net

WHR Yoga! Day 40

Monday December 27th ~ Only 4 more days of the Walk Hike Run 45 Day Challenge. I'd like to confess that last week, I was busy, tired, overworked, under-slept, fatigued and did NOT walk, hike or run everyday. No, I came home from work and errands, wrapped Christmas gifts, shopped, "ran" around some more and then crashed. As soon as I started to feel myself getting run down (around day 35-37), I really began listening to my body and slowing down. I came home and slept instead of running errands. I took naps when possible and even went to yoga Christmas eve morning. Ahhhh... yoga. It's so restorative. I actually felt much better after class. That tied me over the holiday weekend and I found myself back in yoga this morning. I thought I'd also try to squeeze in an afternoon hike or quick walk today, but after cleaning the apartment I am letting myself relax into the evening with my last little bit of time off this week.
As this challenge rounds its final days at week end. I am confident and excited to continue it into 2011. I'm still going to crave, desire and find a way to move my body each day. Some days I will end up resting, some I'll get my yoga on and some days will leave me with blistered feet after a long treacherous hike. Each appreciated in their own way. The key is to listen and stay tuned to what your body is telling you... Not your mind. Eat well, think well and move well this week and into yet another new year.

Walk Hike Run Day 32-34 Update

Walking Hiking and Running are all fun things to do in the rain... Or not. I know a lot of people are committed runners and train in the rain. I'm not one of them. I actually don't really like running. I just like the freedom of it. The ability to toss on a pair of running shoes and just go. I also like that about walking. Though walking in the rain sounds fun only if I'm completely covered in waterproof clothing, an umbrella, and rain boots. But even then I don't like to go far.
When I was trekking through Patagonia the weather was simply unpredictable everyday at every hour of the day. The day could start out beautiful and clear. Half way up the mountain the rain might start coming down and at the top it could be raining, snowing and sleeting all at the same time. It may have stopped as quickly as it started or not stopped at all. It was intense. But I didn't have any other distractions or responsibilities while I was there. Trek, travel and experience the adventure was all I had to do. This made it somewhat more appealing than just running around the streets of LA in the rain.
I've never been one for treadmills or gyms. But I tell ya, right now either would come in handy. So here's the deal. I'm going to go home after work tonight and do 20 minutes of movement that serves me. That might be yoga. That might be push ups and abs or swirling around my pole refraining from kicking over the Christmas tree. But I'm going to do it. Because that is the commitment I made.

Walk Hike Run Days 28~31

Walked hiked and runned ALL over town. Breathing this week. Listening to my body. Getting in some movement each day. Some days not at WHR focused more than others. But the most important this is to listen to your body this time of year.
When the days are shorter our bodies want to do less moving and sleep more. Yet we race race race around like mad men. It's okay to slow down. Rest when you need rest. Move when you need to move and make the most of each day.

WHR Day 27 A Day in the Life

It's hard to believe it has already been almost 4 weeks of this challenge. It feels amazing. With a little less than 3 weeks left, it's never too late to jump on board. Just walk, hike, run or get some form of bodily movement for a minimum of 20 minutes a day. EVERYDAY from now until New Years 2011 (or beyond). When the days feel rough, you can literally just walk outside your home, walk in one direction for 10 minutes, turn around and walk home. Check out my day in the life below.

Monday December 13, 2010 ~ A Day in the Life

Roll out of bed at the crack of 6:30am
Out the door by 7:15
7:30~1:30 Work Work Work
1:30~2:30 Lunch - Quinoa, Pinto Beans, Sauteed Kale, Avocado & topped with Hot Salsa. Yum!
2:30~3:30 Target - For 1 Table Cloth that somehow got excluded from the purchases we made there yesterday. 5 presents and $100+ later...
Hopped in the car and made it to Runyan about dusk.
Ran into some good friends for a quick chat.
Then a delicious hike up to the tippy top of the canyon.
A few slow deep breaths as the sun was starting to set and the sky was a beautiful pink. The city seems so relaxed from up there.
A stroll back down.
Some chores and now dinner - Fried Chicken. Yes, fried! My honey's making it and I can't wait.

I highly recommend getting out doors to do this challenge as much as possible. It's not always doable depending on your weather conditions, time of day or location. But the few moments of fresh air and movement are priceless.

What are you doing to stay active this season?

Walk Hike Run 24 ~26 Weekend 3

Friday Dec 10: Morning hike through Runyan Canyon, an afternoon holiday party, taught S Factor, errands and relaxed.

Saturday Dec 11: I wish I could say I just took the day off. But between an early breakfast, a Christmas tree purchase, a deep cleaning of the house and then figuring out the Christmas tree light situation... It ended up being a long day. Followed by a very lovely, fun and celebratory friend's birthday party.

Sunday Dec 12: Taught S Factor, walked up to a local restaurant with my beau, ate and walked back. About 30 minutes round trip... Followed by a very long tortuous Target trip, BevMo, Whole Foods and then home. Another productive day out.

And now for the week...

WHR Day 22 & 23

Dec 8: Day 22 - Another gorgeous day at Runyan.

Dec 9: Day 23 - Working long hours today. Gonna sneak in an S Factor class with my ladies and call it a day.

Stay movin'!

WHR Day 21

Tuesday, December 7th: Day 21 ~ Runyan Canyon to the tippy top... And it was perfect out. Hope it's like this again tomorrow. I love that So Cal can't make up it's mind about the weather right now.

WALK HIKE RUN 16-20

Thursday 12/2 Day 16: 20 min walk through neighborhood

Friday 12/3 Day 17: Yoga + S Factor

Saturday 12/4 Day 18: Thought for sure I wasn't gonna make it after working at 7am that morning. Took a late afternoon nap and woke up fully energized. Fit in a quick 20 minute run before a dinner date.

Sunday 12/5 Day 19: Taught S Factor in the morning and was going to walk to the Grove with my beau, then it started raining. No walk :(

Monday 12/6 Day 20: I can't believe it's day 20 already. Lately I've been feeling evening runs are a good motivator to keep the couch from swallowing me. So that's what I'll do tonight.

Walk Hike Run Day 15

Runyon

It's only been two weeks but I can already feel the difference in my body when I go for a walk, hike or run. It's amazing how fast our bodies respond to movement and exercise. Endorphins are released, we get stronger, move faster and it just gets easier.

It sounds like I didn't move at all before this challenge. I did. But I hadn't been getting some degree of exercise everyday. And I love how I've bounced back.

It's not too late to start. We got ALL month and...

WHR ~ Day 14

Two weeks into my 45 day challenge of WALK HIKE RUN and so far so good. Have missed only a day. Maybe 2 days if you don't count the days I taught dance instead.

Yesterday, I was very proud of myself for coming home and going for a run. No mileage to brag about, but I moved and definitely enough for a Monday after Thanksgiving.

Day 14: Today, hiking Runyon Canyon.

That's all to report for now. What about you? Are you out there?

Walk Hike Run Days 9~13

Day 9 & 10: Thanksgiving and the day after simply consisted of 20 minute walks to feed my friend's cats. Though Friday I did teach dance too :)

Day 11: Saturday my honey and I went for a nice long hike through Malibu Solstice Canyon and it was gorgeous.

Day 12: Sunday I taught 4 hours worth of dance classes back to back and called it a day.

Day 13: Today, Monday 11/29, will be somewhat of a challenge again. I guess that is the whole point of this... So that I don't let days just slip by without getting some form of movement. But the early sunsets and cooler nights make it a little less motivating to get out after a long day of work unless you have to walk to a subway or something in NY... Which I miss doing. But I'll take my walk or perhaps even run after work. Because I promised I would.

WHR Day 7 & 8

Tuesday came and went with a day entailing class with amazing ladies, lunch with friends, some self pampering and dinner with old girlfriends. I didn't walk hike or run. But I had a very fulfilling day.

Wednesday, day 8, 40 min walk over to the Grove and back. Then lots of cooking and baking.

What will Thanksgiving morning bring?

WALK HIKE RUN Days 5 & 6

Day 5: Sunday was killed easily with 2 1/2 hours of shopping in Pasadena, also known as CARDIO. There's a reason not a lot of women shop online. How else would they get their exercise?

Day 6: Today is a challenge. Mondays I am usually able to squeeze in a quick hike before the sun goes down. But I'm working extra hours today and won't be off work until 6pm. I.e. Dark and cold out. I'm tempted to just jump around and dance for 20 min. I'll keep you posted.

Over and out.

WALK HIKE RUN Days 3 & 4

Well... Day 2 didn't exactly go as planned. My big expectations to just go home and walk for 20 minutes got pushed back until after dinner. Then Amelie came on TV. I thought I would just watch it for a few minutes because I LOVE that movie. Two hours later it was 9pm, I was under the covers with the heater on still trying to convince myself to go for a walk... And guess what? It never happened. I highly contemplated skipping over this detail. But then, what am I doing this for? You? Sorry, no. I'm doing it for me. So what's the point if I'm not honest with myself and all of you. It was a learning experience and I'm sure you can relate to my situation. Slips will happen. But you just get up (eventually) and get back on track.

Yesterday, Day 3, was better. I had a full day of work and went to dinner with a friend. It was about a mile away and we walked there and back. Done and done.

Today, Day 4, should be interesting. I'm at work right now. It's not raining at the moment but is scheduled to rain the rest of the weekend. Sneaking out while it's dry will be a challenge. I'm all for a walk in the rain, but until I get some gullashes... I'm not too into it. But I'll do it.

What are you doing to stay moving this weekend?

Check out the WALK HIKE RUN blog I posted Wednesday Nov 24 for details. Run on board with me from now until New Years 2011!

WALK HIKE RUN Day 2

Thank god I included 20 minutes walks in this because I really don't have any more than that in me today. Clocking out, driving home and walking... at least for 20min.

WALK HIKE RUN 45-Day Challenge DAY 1

Hiked Runyon Canyon this afternoon. Forward and back. Day 1 Check. Care to join me?

WALK HIKE RUN

I'm starting a 45 day WALK HIKE RUN holiday challenge. It goes like this: For the next 45 days (from now until New Years 2011 or beyond) each day you either WALK HIKE or RUN for a minimum of 20 minutes. You can do more than 20 min, of course. But for those days where you just can't seem to get motivated to do anything with the cold weather or early sunsets, a quick 20 minute walk is perfect. Maybe a morning run or afternoon hike suits you. Whatever it is just make the commitment to yourself to WALK HIKE or RUN.

4 Reasons To Get Off Your Lazy Bum & Do This

1) It will boost your immunity. Movement (or exercise) is one of the best ways to stay healthy over the holiday season.
2) It will keep the extra pounds of "holiday cheer" off this year.
3) It will inspire you to take better care of yourself, make better food choices (reduce your sugar intake) and...
4) Balance your stress levels.

It can be done in addition or instead of your usual routine. Just make it happen for yourself and ENJOY!

Rebekah Fuller
www.fullerhealth.net
Health Counselor in Nutrition
rebekah@fullerhealth.net

Quick & Easy Quinoa Pilaf

I make this one all the time. It's simple and delicious at the end of the day. I like it for breakfast sometimes too. Enjoy

Andrea Beaman’s Quick & Easy Quinoa Pilaf

½ Tbsp olive oil

1 onion, peeled and diced

4-5 crimini mushrooms, sliced thin (can use other mushrooms)

1-2 celery stalks, diced

1 Tbsp fresh sage, minced

½ teaspoon herbamare or other sea salt (to taste)

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

¼ cup dried cranberries

2 cups water

Saute’ onions for 1-2 minutes. Add mushrooms and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes. Add celery and safe and cook for 2 minutes. Add quinoa, dried cranberries and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce flame to simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes. Garnish with dried cranberries and sage.

Serves four.

© 2010 Fuller Health www.fullerhealth.net

Red and Green Summer Christmas Salad

Enjoy this summer salad I created today. The Christmas part of it was just because it was all red and green. Tastes like summer and looks like Christmas. Personalize it by adding in however much of each ingredient you like.

Red & Green Summer Christmas Salad:

Red and green lettuce (A lot of this)
Avocado
Red radishes
Red bell pepper
Strawberries
Humbolt fog cheese

Dress it however you like. I used EVOO and red wine vinegar mixed with Herbs de Provence.

Very tasty and easy.

Enjoy!

Rebekah Fuller
Holistic Health Counselor in Nutrition
Fuller Health
www.fullerhealth.net
rebekah@fullerhealth.net