Wait, This Isn't Zumba?

YESTERDAY: With my New Year's resolve firmly in place, I responded with a resounding, "YES!" when my friend at work asked if I would accompany her to an on-campus Zumba class. Yeah... I don't have much rhythm or coordination... but there's music and dancing so I'll have fun I'm sure.*pumped*

I'm in the yoga/dance/workout studio at work... kind of standing towards the back... ready to just casually be overlooked while I bumble around to the beat. THIS GUY (in photo to the left) literally jumps into the class - clapping and jumping and screaming things.  He went into like a 5-10 minute high intensity introduction... Here's how his verbal and my mental dialogue went.

"Welcome to RAW Fitness!!!"
Wait, this isn't Zumba?
"Who is here for endurance & conditioning? Who is here for strength & toning? Who is here for cardio?
Wow, these sound like great choices... um... strength & toning, please!
"I am going to scream at you! Can I cuss here? Yes? F*ck yeah!!"
Yeah!!!! F*CK YEAH!!!!! Pumped Up!!!
"I am going to push you! I am going to make you hate me! I am going to kill you!"
Um, pardon?
"You might feel like you need to puke.....[explanation and further clarification]..."
Puke? What?!?! *look at friends in class with bewilderment* Help!
"You can go to the gym and sit on a bike with your phone and Facebook and get in people's way. Hahaha (not). You can do that on your own time. Not when you're here... you're on my time!"
Why did I leave my jacket, badge, and water bottle in 3 different locations? I can't even make a quick exit! Would anyone notice? Would he yell at me?? I bet he would yell at me. Is he talking about vomit again? WTF?
"RAW Fitness is for those Ready And Willing! Get it?? It's all in the name!"
I'm not ready.... omg, omg, omg... I don't even feel willing... omg, omg, omg.

So, this happened:
15 minutes: Insanity / P90X Remix - Max Interval Circuit Training
15 minutes: PiYo - Body Weight Athletic Training inspired from a fusion of Pilates and Yoga
15 minutes: Core Strengthening
05 minutes: Zumba... because we initially thought this was Zumba so he threw it in as bonus. Thanks.

So... a few other things happened.
1) I ALMOST vomited on about 4 occasions.
2) I saw *s*t*a*r*s* during the first/last 5 mins of PiYo.
3) I thought I was going to die.

TODAY: Unbelievably sore hamstrings and glutes. Walking is difficult... mostly done in one direction at an unchanging velocity. No turning, no pivoting. Sit to stand to sit mechanical functions are restricted. I'm not sure when/if I'll be taking that class again... I think I just need some time to feel better about the experience.

I guess I'm proud I got through the class...? But I'm not really sure I got through it... I can't remember like 30% of it! I'm pretty sure I mentally fainted, if not physically.

It feels like that one time I climbed down the cliffs at UCSD to the beach, witnessed a pervert touching himself in public on the beach while I was sunbathing, then rushed to climb up the cliffs again super fast - and whited out from heat exhaustion!! I saw stars then too. I'm not sure that this was the most reasonable induction to 2015 fitness... but it happened... no regrets.

New Year, New Start!

Welcome back... or more like, I welcome me back to you. Haha. It's been quite a few weeks... and how did I fare during my absence from The No Food Fun Life? Um, not too bad but not too well.

I'm going to just say that I indulged in quite a few carbs - delicate tea sandwiches, petit fours, at least three greenbean casseroles with extra crispy french fried onions, turkey tetrazzini, a two-cheese baked ziti, and some delicious Chinese Dim Sum. Oh yeah, and one day I had an extra-large slice of purple potato pizza... my excess serving of carbs was topped by little thin slices of starch. Yeah.

But! Now that I've listed my momentary lapses over the holiday season, I've had successes too. For example, we tried a new Italian restaurant for take-out one night, and instead of ordering the seafood linguine that I truly wanted, I ordered a Caprese Salad (tomato, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar) and a side of meatballs. It was a guilt-free fancy meal at home! I also discovered that Atkins have a frozen foods section. I purchased the Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo and it was really yummy. I heated it up and poured the contents over a bowl of Miracle Noodles... winner! Of course, I don't make it a habit to eat highly processed foods, but this was a real life saver. At 26g Protein, 9g Carbs, 1g Sugar... it really helped me stay on track on those nights when I came home super tired from work and had no motivation to cook.

So, onward to 2015... it's time for the real deal. I busted open my bottle of Kevita Probiotic Tonic and drank half the bottle. That's the size of 1 serving and contains 5g Carbs and 4g Sugar... is it that much of the bad stuff? Meh. It's kind of marginal... and I take that hit because it's worth it! I seriously have a love affair with probiotics. The good bacteria keeps everything moving and grooving along on the inside, and they're super awesome for the immune system as well. So, I guess I'm kind of toasting myself to a healthier New Year? Cheers!

Now, for the next part. I stopped my 30 Day Yoga Challenge about 1/2 way through because of a rib injury last month... and I didn't pick it back up because of something else that's aggravated - related or unrelated? Who knows. It's a supra-scapular nerve impingement... it's painful to put any weight on my right arm, and my range of motion has been reduced. However, I won't let it stop my fitness goals for 2015. I need to find other things to do! And... CARDIO is the name of the game this year.

I did one of those body fat analysis thingies... 32% body fat. OMG. I can't believe I typed it... so embarrassing! I'm just going to trust that nobody here is judging me as hard as I'm judging myself. :( And increased body fat content is scientifically known to mess up hormone balance in females. I may have lost "weight" last year, but I need to work on this body fat situation. Stat!

Another confession!!! One of the things that I'm notorious for doing is using my scoliosis and neck/back pain as HUGE mental blockers against my own success. I know why I do it... there were many occasions over the past 16 years when I went to high-impact classes like Bar Method, Jazzercise, or Kickboxing... or just went jogging, did a high-intensty workout, or whatever... and my low-back has locked up and I get crippling sciatica pain. I mean, it does happen. But it doesn't ALWAYS happen. I think I'm afraid of taking on new activities based on the history of pain. However, I've got great insurance and a new wonderful chiropractic office that takes said insurance... so I vow to venture forth and take a little more risk in my activity choices this year.

Alright! Confessions have been made. Goals have been set. Here's to 2015 - a year of fitness and good health!

My Special Eyes

I've always had dry eyes, but they were manageable with some diligent attention... I switched to audible to give my eyes a rest while still indulging my reading appetite, I keep eye drops at work, in my purse, and in my car, I have overnight gel for sleeping, I have special glare protection on my computer glasses, and I keep the humidifier running at night. Wow, what an arsenal it appears to be when listed out like that.

Apparently, dry eye issues are yet another ridiculous complication of PCOS. So, even with all those preventative steps... I've been feeling pain, stinging, itching, watering, graininess, and general weirdness... mostly in my left eye. So, I went to the optometrist to see what's wrong and get some new computer glasses. My vision is still great after Lasik eye surgery, and nothing was wrong with my eyes.

Fast forward a week or so... things are getting worse. People at work are noticing that my left eye is like crying. Awkward. So, I finally went to the ophthalmologist today... and he thinks that the issues with my eye(s) may be a side effect of my medication. He sees a lot of patients on Metformin (which I take for insulin resistance & correlative treatment of PCOS) because that is a common drug prescribed for treatment of diabetes, and diabetes can cause any number of complications with the eyes and vision. Interestingly enough, my dosage was just increased from 500mg to 1000mg last month. Spot on, doc!

In an effort to alleviate some of the discomfort, I was given a whole ton of samples for Refresh Advanced single-day use vials... and they gave me a bunch of coupons to buy more at the store. It may feel better than what I've been using because it doesn't have any preservatives, which could be aggravating the problem. It should all last me about a month until I go back for a follow-up. I hope this is the solution to my eye problems!

On another note, sometimes when you're down... something unexpected is just waiting around the river bend, ready to pick you back up! My best friend asked if I got a package in the mail - I told her I'd check after work. I just thought she was sending me her daughter's school pictures. Turns out she sent me an early Christmas present and a little mini pick-me-up package!!

I can't wait for the weekend to come so I can curl up on the couch with some steaming hot, relaxing, and calming loose leaf tea... steeping in my "manatea" infuser! And then I can dig into part two of the Sailor Moon manga box set... it's seriously like unfinished business from my childhood, haha. And I'm reunited with one of my favorite movies, Horton Hears a Who! :)

See, I don't even remember that my eyes bug me anymore... YAY!!!!

Thanksgiving 2014

Thanksgiving is here and I feel there is so much to be grateful for! But first, I'm going to take a moment for reflection.

In my journey to find good health and happiness, I've also learned that how I feel is just as important as anything else. PCOS will often cause or exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and I've struggled with both conditions (and probably PCOS) throughout my late teens and my twenties. Getting my PCOS diagnosis and treatment from my endocrinologist was the best thing to ever happen to me - and now The No Fun Food Life and renewed fitness attempts have also made me feel better.

I started the day reading this article called "How to Become More Grateful in 5 Minutes or Less" by this website called Retrofit, and there are some helpful little tidbits in there that can help all of us keep the Thanksgiving spirit going year round. Even when life gets tough, I still try to focus on the positive and pay homage to all the things I can always be grateful for... positivity attracts positivity!

An unexpected surprise on this day of gratitude was waiting in my mailbox today: a super cute Manatee Tea Infuser (a manatea, how cute is that?!?) and a packet of chocolate "pop rocks" by Chuao!! This uplifting suprise was sent from the same friend who is doing the 30 Day Yoga Challenge with me - I am so happy and thankful!

Lately, I've been thinking of improving my morning routine. Instead of gulping down soy/almond milk and eating an apple on the hurried drive to work, I want to slow down and leisurely enjoy a nice cup of tea with actual breakfast. If such a cheerful & inviting manatee is waiting for me every morning, how can I say no? Perfect!!

Thanksgiving 2014... I have a beautiful roof over my head, delicious food on the table everyday, loving people to answer my phone calls & texts, meaningful work to do each day, the luxury of splurging on travels/meals/experiences with my fave peeps, and a lifetime of bright adventures ahead.

Thank you, everyone! Thank you, 2014!!!

30 Day Yoga Challenge

I helped out on a tech project at work and received a $100 Zappos gift card. Woohoo! I bought a new yoga mat that's 8mm thick - it's a little bit more plush and cushioned - a yoga mat sling to carry it in, a workout shirt, and a new pair of yoga pants. A little shopping spree felt so good!

When I was 23-24 years old, I used to live just a few blocks away from a great yoga studio that offered a fantastic student discount. I practiced yoga about 3-4 times a week. I felt so amazing. I think that was the most fit and flexible time of my life.

Fast forward to now, 30 years old, with a sedentary desk job... I feel so stiff and stagnant. And when we're in that state, it's hard to just jump back into a fitness routine and get going. So, I tried to find some support to get motivated.

I solicited one of my good friends to take on a You Do Yoga - 30 Day Challenge with me. We just completed Day 6, so almost a full week! The sessions are very attainable - they're anywhere from 15-30 minutes long. There are enough "easy" moves to make you feel great AND feel great about yourself. *yeah, I totally just twisted my spine hella far* But then she'll bust out these moves that pretty much require a fitness level way beyond mine. *omg, I'm so happy I'm doing this in the extreme privacy of my own home*

Once again, I'm not a perfect person, and everything always has a little kink in it. Sometimes, I just flop down and grunt - which causes my dogs to become very concerned about me. Or I just go into Child's Pose... I wish there was a Child's Pose equivalent for work or life in general. And, on Day 5, I came home with a migraine headache and just couldn't bring myself to do anything. I'm pretty sure my head would've exploded if I went into Downward Dog. So, I just doubled up today to catch up. No harm done.

It's a lot more fun having someone to text whenever I complete a session who knows how it feels... or holding me accountable so I don't just quit. I appreciate the support! I'm going to keep it up until I reach Day 30... that's my goal and I'm committed to it! :)

Mushroom Alfredo "Pasta"

I was super busy these past two weeks - going back to California twice, got really drunk at a friend's bday party, watched Wicked, watched the Britney show at the Planet Hollywood, and enjoyed the Caesar's Palace buffet with my college lil' sis from San Diego. I didn't go off the deep end or anything drastic, but I didn't stick to The No Fun Food Life during those two fun-filled weeks. But, hey, life goes on!

Anyway, I jumped back into the swing of things full force this week! One thing that really helps me get the carb-cravings under control are Miracle Noodles. I buy them at Whole Foods for about $2.50 a package. They are a brand of shirataki noodles - made of soluble fiber extracted from the root of a Japanese plant called Konnyaku Imo. The noodle shape is held together by adding food grade calcium. It has zero carbs, zero sugar, and zero calories.

That's crazy! It's technically not even food... and I usually don't eat weird stuff that's not food (say NO to margarine!)... but it is the only thing that gets me to stop hunting for more even after eating a meal. Sometimes, another meal of veggies with a side of protein... or, heaven help me, SALAD (so over it)... just doesn't sound appealing and does not hit the spot. You know what I"m talking about - I know you do.

The solution to my problem? ALFREDO SAUCE and... MUSHROOMS!

Mushroom Alfredo "Pasta"
Use a frying pan or skillet and brown however much of whatever mixture of mushrooms you love in some olive oil, salt, and pepper. I used oyster mushrooms and a pre-mixed wild medley.

Open one package of Miracle Noodles, rinse, squeeze dry, place on plate, use kitchen scissors to make like 4-5 cuts randomly in the noodle pile. Microwave for 30 seconds. *Note: if you don't cut the noodles, you'll end up with masses of reeeeally loooooong noodles*

Add 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup of Newman's Own Alfredo pasta sauce on top of the pile of noodles... depending on your desire... DO NOT MIX. Cover and microwave for 1 minute. The noodles will lose water as it heats. Carefully hold the noodles back with a fork or spatula or just poke holes in your plastic wrap at the edge of the plate... and drain the water. Stir the sauce and noodles.

Add the browned mushrooms on top and serve!

This meal feels seriously sinful! I'll add a side of protein (for an even heartier meal) or side of veggies. It tastes amazing and it really sticks to your ribs and makes you feel satiated. It should not invoke any guilt. The alfredo sauce has 3g of carbs and 1g of sugar for 1/4 cup... it's pretty high in fat (8g) and sodium (410mg) but that's how it tastes so good. In the grand scheme of things... that's not a big deal compared to the multitude of other bad choices one can potentially make when craving a "hearty" meal.

Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help to provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates². B vitamins also play an important role in the nervous system.

• Pantothenic acid helps with the production of hormones and also plays an important role in the nervous system².
• Riboflavin helps maintain healthy red blood cells².
• Niacin promotes healthy skin and makes sure the digestive and nervous systems function properly².

- See more at: http://mushroominfo.com/benefits/#sthash.b7gmP1fb.dpu

And if you're still feeling *meh* about this meal, then here are some great facts about mushrooms. They're full of B Vitamins (riboflavin, niacin, pantotheic acid) good for the nervous system, hormone production, red blood cells, skin, and digestive system. They're also a fantastic source of minerals & antioxiants such as selenium, copper, potassium, ergothioneine... all perfect for protection from cell damage, oxygen in red blood cells, bones, nerves, and heart function.

Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help to provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates². B vitamins also play an important role in the nervous system.

• Pantothenic acid helps with the production of hormones and also plays an important role in the nervous system².
• Riboflavin helps maintain healthy red blood cells².
• Niacin promotes healthy skin and makes sure the digestive and nervous systems function properly².

- See more at: http://mushroominfo.com/benefits/#sthash.b7gmP1fb.dpuf

Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help to provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates². B vitamins also play an important role in the nervous system.

• Pantothenic acid helps with the production of hormones and also plays an important role in the nervous system².
• Riboflavin helps maintain healthy red blood cells².
• Niacin promotes healthy skin and makes sure the digestive and nervous systems function properly².

- See more at: http://mushroominfo.com/benefits/#sthash.b7gmP1fb.dpuf

Past & Future

I've been irregular my whole life, and then I was placed on birth control (bc) pills by my college health center physician at the age of 18. Five years later, I got off the pill and discovered that I only had periods about 3 times per year. I was officially diagnosed with PCOS a short while later through blood tests and ultrasounds. I was then placed on and off bc pills, 6-12 months at a time, in multiple attempts to regulate my menstrual cycles.

You all know the last straw that prompted me to go to an endocrinologist last year - as listed in The Beginning. After 6 months of bc pills, spironolactone (to reduce testosterone levels), and metformin (to regulate insulin sensitivity)... my doc said it was time to get off the bc pills to see if I would start having cycles again. I also had to stop the spironolactone because that medication causes birth defects, so my endocrinologist does not prescribe it unless it's taken concurrently with bc pills. I totally agree with that, better to be safe!

My body's first attempt was pretty weak... a 96 day cycle. Hey, better than 8 months!

The second occurrence was an improvement... 43 days! Less than 2 months and like HALF of the previous one... ya! Once again - progress, not perfection. I'll take it.

This most recent cycle... 41 days! Oh, man. Slow and steady wins the race, right?

So, looking forward, what does this all mean? It means that I kind of do and kind of don't know how long my cycles will be or when I will ovulate. Historically, that's never really been a concern except for general charting purposes to let my ob/gyn know how things are going. However, I've turned the page to a new chapter in my life - we'll be trying to conceive! That's the official term - it's all over the internet... TTC. Seriously, google it.

During the past year & a half, my husband and I had some serious conversations about children, our marriage, and the future, when I went through the grittiest parts of the PCOS symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment plan. I think the conversations were also deeply impacted by the fact that he lost his own father last year, and it made him reflect about what fatherhood and family meant to him. We came to realizations and revelations together that we never imagined we would come to 7 years ago when we first met... 5 years ago when we got engaged... or even 2 years ago when we got married.

This feels strange even to myself. I'd never felt the calling for motherhood, even up until fairly recently. I really think it's because I've always been hormonally abnormal and maybe my testosterone/estrogen dysfunction affected me on physical, mental, and emotional levels. Who really knows... and who really cares.

I'm also lucky enough to have strong support from family and friends... who are all such great resources of experience, advice, and levity. In fact, my best friend made sure I bought pre-natal vitamins with DHA so that I can get all prepared to grow a baby with a big brain. I was just introduced to the "sperm meets egg" baby making plan for maximum chances of success. But... most important of all, stay relaxed, right? LOL

So, this really is the first big leap of faith we've ever taken together that neither one of us had ever planned for or know anything about! We're walking off our beaten path and leaving the map behind... eeek! I'm excited and giddy because it's a big adventure. But, of course, I'm worried and doubtful because I don't trust my own body's ability to have a baby. But, I'm ready to take it on.