Hot Yoga on Off Days / Lunch and Dinner

I'm on my last week of doing my Level 3 of Nerd Fitness' Rebel Training.  From here on out I have to decided what program to use for intense muscle building.  I have already started researching a couple that were recommended to me and one that looks intense is the Convict Conditioning Workout.  Check it out!  For now, I continue my routine, with interval sprinting and my hot yoga classes.

After a Yoga Power Hour

Lunch

-Grilled Salmon in Dill Sauce

-Roasted Potatoes

-Bok Choy

Dinner

-2 Pieces of Breaded Chicken 

-1/2 Avocado

-1/2 Tomtato

Trader Joes Multi-Graind Blend

7 weeks in I think/differences/goal date/fast food

You can see my gut!  I don't care
because it won't be there too much longer, mwahahahahahah.

Just wanted to touch base on how everything is going.   I see vast improvement in how I look and feel.  I believe that this first part of this Rebel Workout Program is building a sturdy foundation and the next step is adding the slab of muscle that I am wanting.

Sometime in my workouts I think to myself, "This isn't fast enough, why can't I have more muscle already?"  Then I do a pull-up and I quickly shut up, lol.  Level 3 asks for 5 pull-ups; that's it.  I can do 2, then the other three are assisted by bands.  I just started the second part of Level 3 yesterday and then after that I move on to the final level.  I still add one or 2 yoga classes in every week on off days and do my interval sprinting running.  My sprints involve warming up for 4 minutes at 5 miles per hour, then 8 miles per hour for 30 seconds and 5.5 miles per hour for 1 minute and 30 seconds.  I do this 7 times.

Example of the timing and distance with interval training.

Once I move on to the final level and complete it, I will take a look at the next e-book in the series and either continue on it or fast a program with the emphasis on muscle-building and toning.  If I stayed how I am now I would be more than happy, however the area I really want to focus on extensively is my stomach.  It has ALWAYS been "the problem area," but I have seen in shrink incredibly possibly in the first 4 weeks.

One thing I have also been trying to fuck around with is the calorie counting.  The counting program I use lets me add custom foods that the system does not have.  I'm not ashamed to admit that most the custom foods I add are liquids; preferably alcoholic, lol.  One thing I have done too is added one meal from each fast food place.  Well, not each; Wendy's, Taco Bell, and most recently, KFC.  I don't usually eat KFC but my sister had the Colonel's Chicken Strips at the house and left one, and I had it as my dinner meal.  one strip is 430 calories.  So if you eat three of them, you're up to 1290 calories!  I said it before and I'll say it again, if you fall off or if you cheat (and you're going too)  the healthiest of all fast food chains in my eyes is Wendy's.  That doesn't mean you go overboard, lol.


Breakfast:
Juice Generation's Peanut Butter Acai Bowl (I'm hooked)

IN THE BLENDER
-2 Sambazon packets of Acai Fruit (you can get at Whole Foods)
-2 Tablespoons of Omega-3 Peanut Butter
-1/3 cup of Apple Juice
-1/2 banana

GARNISH WITH
-1 banana (medium sized)
-Hemp Granola
-Scoop of Peanut Butter
-Cacao Nibs
________________________
430 Calories in the whole meal.

Crazy Saturday / Disciplined / Paleo App

What can I tell you, Saturday was my niece's birthday. I headed up from a trip to Maryland early in the morning.

I drove up early in the morning and figured since it was a cheat day, I'd start the day off with a guilty pleasure, a McGriddle and a hash brown.  It was delicious but I knew how many more calories I had left for the day.  Once I got home I did my workout and headed into my niece's party and dinner with her parents and grandparents.

For dinner my father brought Prime Rib slab of meat.  After helping him get it all cut and set while having a glass of wine or two, we sat down and ate away.

I ate a good portion, not too big but not too small.  It was a meet and potatoes night.  I had a couple of slices of bread too.  Oh yeah, I went all out.    After we cut my nieces cake, which was beautiful, made my Tony, The Pastryarch, Albanese.  I took a breather and got ready for the rest of the night.

Afterwards, I met my friends Anny and Lou and heading to the Nutley Pub.  We partook in some drinks and karaoke.  It was a great night.  THEN the unthinkable happened! I convinced myself into a White Castle trip

How did I end up here.

I thought oh, a double cheesebuger or two won't hurt, and some chicken rings, and some Mozzerella Sticks, HOLD IT.  That's where my mistake was!  5 mozarella sticks where 2100 calories...2100!!!!!

I already had 1800 calories for the day!

So the next morning I was floored, this is something I used to do so much when I was younger, a trip to White Castle was like the night cap!  I've learned my lesson, lol.

This morning, I was back on from this crazy cheat day, and a little wiser about it.  It turns out from all of my cheat days, the healthiest fast food chain, is Wendy's believe it or not.

To discipline myself, I did my exercise routine today and two sets of 18 minute sprints.  Lesons learned, lol.  I will defintely think twice before I get in front of a White Castle Menu.

I mean hey it happens.  I wanted to also let you know there is a great app called, Paleo Central at itunes, it's a great little app that tells you if something is Paleo or not, if you are ever in doubt.

Cheers all!

L


Dinner Tonight:
-Filet Mignon
-Beet Salad w. green apples, onions and a handful of walnuts
-half glass of Sauvignon Blanc

Update on how I feel and FINALLY the program I'm using.

Yes, it's one of those pictures..

OK, so I am about to finish my 6th week of a Paleo diet and my 5th week of strength training.  For the past 2 weeks I also added a sprint after each workout session.

I have lost 11lbs., and added muscle mass.  I want to note that I've done this so far by consistently monitoring my calorie intake (even with alcohol, cause my friends know that I've gone out), and keeping as much to natural food as possible.  

But let's keep it real,  I've had pizza, a Bacon Cheeseburger and even my biggest guilty pleasure, taco bell's Chicken Quesadilla and a Bean Burrito in the past two weeks.  The day after I do though I've felt groggy (omg, not after the Pizza though!  Cheesy Pizza, corner of Broadway and 105th st.)

Other than that I have been using Isagenix products as well as Young Living Essential Oils products with the occasional Oxy Elite Pro if I feel to tired for a sprint.

Other than the workouts prescribed, I have been walking instead of taking trains or walking when a car is not necessary and throwing in the occasional hot yoga class on off days.

I'm not going to lie, it feels good, it feels different than other things I've tried, but then again I have been able to combine them all into my lifestyle now.

Nerd Fitness!

So after coming this far (so far)  I feel comfortable enough to promote the program I am using.  I was researching what type of fitness routine to follow and the one I thought served me best that the time was Nerd Fitness.  I mean the name alone says it all but it was whipped up Steve Kamb and is basically geared towards office job workers or people that have sat behind computers long enough to make a difference in how they feel and how their body feels.  

I like what he says and I like what he preaches and I like their program as well as the forum for their users.  I like the habit building as well as being able to do the exercises without a gym.  Eventually I feel I will have to join, but I'll come down that road when I do.



Lunch yesterday:
Peruvian Dish - Lomo Salteado with Chicken
Broccoli
Bokchoy

Paleo for the Hypothetical Doomsday Scenario / New Workout

So let's say the December 21, 2012 something happens and the world doesn't come to an end, BUT in fact, we live but have to live on limited resources.  What to do?

Great Book.

I read a really good book while I was researching my past project.  It was called, Everything You Need to Know about Zombies and it was written by one of the most knowledgeable people on the subject, Matt Mogk

It's really not what you think it would be, nothing but useless zombie stuff, that will never come to pass.  On the contrary, while I was reading it, it served as an incredible guide for what to do in the event of a pandemic or natural disaster or anything that would make living on the planet a nightmare from the comfort we are used to and take for granted.

When and if this happens, your supermarkets are only stocked with 3 days worth of food for everyone in the community it serves, THAT'S IT.  (Thanks for the tidbit and your source Jenny).  What do you do?  Well for one thing, if Hurricane Sandy taught us anything, I'd steer clear of cities.  Sorry my New Yorkers, but the thought of being trapped on an island that closes all of its entrances during emergencies is a bit too much for me.

What do you do when the food runs out?  All your specialty foods that many of us are used to.  DONE, gone at least for the time being until a resolution or rebuilding of society would begin.  Marc Faber, a financial analyst and economist warned in 2009 the best advice he could give was buy a farm and a shotgun.  And he's talking about a financial catastrophe.  I'm just saying...I don't know how easy these predictions are to make as I don't avidly follow economic trends but it is absolutely scary.

I'm curious as to what you would do.  I'd love to hear-


On lighter news, I am starting a new level on my exercise program one is called, the OUTSIDER, the other is called the OUTCAST.  Which should I do.  Both look great, but I will do the first recommendation I get.

Cheers,

L

Lunch Today:

Teriyaki Salmon - 269 Cal.
Bok Choy             - 20 Cal.
Carrots                - 108 Cal.

Good Morning! I'm giving you FOCUS

Good Morning!

     I woke up and made myself a bit of breakfast and wanted to share

I Had a pretty big breakfast but that is because I am starting Level 3 of my program Tomorrow and today on my off day, sprint training is prescribed.

I started my day with a shot of ninXgia red (20 cal.)

I had 6 pieces of Center Cut Bacon, 3 equal one serving at 70 Calories (140 cal.)

4 eggs; 3 full eggs and 1 egg white with one serving of shredded cheese and a cup of steamed broccoli which came out to 399 calories and a cup of black coffee (5 cal.)

I originally had a Corn Bread Muffin but once I saw the how many calories where in it I quickly threw it out (it just wasn't worth it, lol)

Anyhow my purpose in sharing this today was because on my way back from Florida I read a really good e-book called "Focus."  It's about the art of focusing and disconnecting from the world we live in today.  It's absolutely a must read.  Please take it with good intentions and try and put it to use.  It's hard to think about but hey, there was a time when we didn't have the whole world at a computer key stroke.

Cheers,
L

Leo Babauta's FOCUS

almost 4 weeks in, Thanksgiving and Inspiration-

South Beach, Miami

Long time no post, but I wanted to just post once this week and tell you it's been a crazy week.  Many of you know I just got back from Miami on Wednesday after being there for a week.  I continued my workouts and supplements BUT I did have three bad food days while I was there.

I'm glad because it showed me how things I used to eat whenever I would go out and have a crazy night are LOADED with a crazy amount of bad calories.

*Keep in mind, since I knew it would be a crazy couple of days I kept my food intake to one meal a day, an Isagenix shake after workouts and then the rest was liquid calories brought on by Adult beverages, lol.  It was the only way to stay close to a 2000 calorie-based day.

NSFW:  FOOD PORN

So the first night there I caught up with my friend Tony who I have not seen in about two years.  Afterwards, my friends and I headed to Denny's!  Yes Denny's!  I had a "Moons over My Hammy,"  I felt it was only appropriate.  Now, here's where it was interesting.  I know this isn't exactly quality food but you try telling that to someone after a night out.   The next morning while logging my calorie intake, I told my friend Tony I thought it was impossible to have an 8,000 calorie day to which he said, uh, yes can."  My sandwich and the hash-browns  plus I shared the sampler appetizer and it totalled a whopping 1700 calories!


My next cheat night was Tuesday before I got home.  I went to Hard Rock Cafe Miami and I shared a Potato Skins appetizer and for my meal had a Legendary Burger,   a whopping 2100 calories!  That was by far the worst day lol.  For the purpose of not persuading to ge these dishes I will not posted any more food porn.

Due to losing my iphone while I was there, I decided to take a  bar-tending shift at a private party for Thanksgiving so I didn't spend the whole night eating. By the time I got home and saw my family for about an hour, I sat down and had a two slices of turkey a Spanish Tamale and a little Mac and Cheese my sister made.  I think the worst I did that night was a brownie.  The next morning I did get my Thanksgiving Meal which was measured out as to make sure I kept it simple, Then later on in the evening I had a couple of bites of my sister's pumpkin pie and my cousin's killer Pecan Pie, but the rest sits in my fridge!  They were so good I'm scared to finish it.

Today I'm back on track, I just finished my last workout of Level 2 of my program, I'll take a Hot Yoga class tomorrow then start Level 3 on Monday.

You can see my problem area!

Even after I had my sin-filled meals, I got right back into my workouts and tried to regulate having them in my daily intake.  It's not the best way but I figured if I was going to do it, I better make sure I stick as close to it as possible.

So after two weeks of working with this program I can already see progress in muscle memory and more strength which only makes me feel better and ready to keep going.  I WILL look amazing naked, lol.












I ran into this video again and I wanted to share it because this man is amazing and just shows you what people can do when they really want to change they way they live their lives. Watch it and try not to cry.



Cheers guys!
L

Typical Eating Day including Supplements and Nutrients

This is an account of my whole day yesterday:

In the morning once I woke up I had oatmeal made from quinoa and almond milk.

Before I leave the house a shot of ningXia Red.  I have mentioned this supplement before it's made form the superfruit Wolfberry and 100% essential oils.

On my way to work I stop at Juice Generation in the city.  I had a shot of wheat-grass with an orange wedge chaser. and my typical Peanut Butter Acaî Bowl.

For lunch I had a Salmon fillet with broccoli and bok choy.

I noticed that I was coming up under on my calorie intake for the day (yes! even after eating all this!) That's when I started incoprating shakes.  As a snack I brought a banana and an Isalean shake from Isagenix, however instead of having them separate, I threw them in the same cup and mix them, delicious!  I didn't take a picture of it but I will be doing the same today, so picture coming soon.

I got home and I did my exercise routine. Once I was done I had another shake with a banana then sat down and had chicken salad with a hard-boiled egg, celery, potato and apple.  The worse thing in this combo was the mayo, but it was omega-3, so I don't feel horrible about it, besides I worked it off.  Accompanying it I had an avocado and one medium tomato garnished with salt and olive oil.

I ended the night with another shot of ninXgia red.  

That's it guys!  

I don't feel like I'm missing anything, I'm not tempted to eat anything that looks delicious, although I can acknowledge it looks great, I just don't want it.  Granted, I didn't eat horribly to begin with, except for those occasional drunk nights, lol.

Most importantly, I don't attribute that to anything more than brain power and commitment which comes within you and nothing else. 

Cheers, 

Luis

So Far So Good! Isagenix and thoughts on Intermittent/Alternate Day Fasting.

Ten days in since I started my new program and I feel lighter, a bit more energetic and definitely stronger.  Picking up my niece in the morning is a dead-lift for me, I love it!My work-outs routine is currently 3 days out of the week at every other day.  When I began, I felt as if I may need to take the next step up as it comes in 4 level.  In the mean time though, I have added some yoga class after work on my off days.  Along with my regular diet change (Paleolithic), I have included Isagenix.  

Isagenix is a health company founded in 2002, Isagenix embraces a two-fold mission of impacting world health and providing people with the opportunity to obtain financial freedom. Isagenix manufactures and markets products designed to address health challenges such as obesity, nutritional depletion, stress and environmental toxicity. The company's product lines include nutritional cleansing, supplements and skin care.  

My sister came across the products through a friend of hers who had recommended it so she decided to  try it with my brother-in-law.  They split the 30 day nutritional cleansing and each did 15 days and noticed a lot of improvements.  You can ask her more when you see her or just message her, she's on my facebook; Jenny Shatzel.  She's also a distributor so you can contact her if you want to order or learn more.  

My friend and I bought the 30 day cleanse and split it into 15 days each in August.  I felt great and I lost about 8 pounds I was able to maintain off my body.  Before I began my current program I was going to start another 30 days on my own.  Now how can I best describe Isagenix to those of you who don't know what it is; It's like Slim-Fast but not really.  I shouldn't have even compared it to that.  It's just when you hear two shakes throughout the day and dinner, I hear Tommy Lasorda in my head and suddenly it's 1989. 

 The Isagenix Isalean shakes are chalk full of nutrients but if you need a more detailed idea of what you are putting in your body, feel free to check out the site.  Along with the shakes you are able to have literally a handful of snacks and a low-glycemic meal for dinner.  The first couple of days were so,so, where I got hungry just before dinner time. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be ok.  Plus you can really modify your cleanse to fit you better.   

101 yr. old man who ran the London marathon.
From Eat. Fast and Live longer.

Curiously, after doing the Isagenix cleanse, I watched an excellent BBC documentary called Eat, Fast and Live Longer.  A great and truly inspiring program that I felt slightly embraced Isagenix's message. The documentary goes though a series of different ways to stay healthy and live longer.  Two studies that stood out to me were Intermittent Fasting and Alternate Day Fasting.  They both sound they same but there are differences between the two.  Alternate Day Fasting is a reduction in food intake (similar to Intermittent basically means starve one day, pig-out the next (sounds awesome right?!)    

Dr. Krista Varady and Michael Mosley
from Eat, Fast, and Live Longer.

After I showed my sister the program, Dr. Krista Varady went on to endorse Isagenix after clinical research.   My favorite part of the documentary is when the filmmaker or producer becomes part of subject.  Watch his results-If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers, 

Thoughts on First Program Work-out, importance of play-lists and stop watch!

I started my day with an Isagenix shake 30 minutes before my workout (I will explain Isagenix later, but I am incorporating it into my workout diet)  had my first workout with my program.  I started with Level 2 - "The Recruit Workout"

I started sweating during the first exercise of the warm-up, consisting of

The shake I had (minus the fancy
strawberry (la-di-da!))

-10 Jumping Jacks
-15 Chops
-5 Hip Raises
-10 Rotational Chops
-8 (incline) Push-Ups









Oh wait very important!  Get some music to Pump you up!  You don't need house music or back to back beats, my playlist is very eclectic:

This is as much of my playlist as I needed today (there's nothing like warming up to Cecilia).  I downloaded an app that is a stop watch that came in handy called Minuteur, it helps keep you on check with your time.

Stop-Watch App I downloaded.

The program suggest that you write everything down to see your progress.  My thoughts on my first Rebel Workout:   I may need to read Level 3 as soon as this week.  I'm not out of shape, I just need to tone.  I followed up my workout with a Vinyasa Yoga class before work, plus also today is a play day for me.


So I will be going out tonight.  The program does give you the option of leeway on one day if you want to have a "cheat-day."  Most people would take a food day and pig-out; I prefer to take it as a night out!  And I am curious to see how this will go and how I will keep my intake count for the day.  Thank goodness for lunch I had a Chocolate Isalean Shake from Isagenix; I have about 1500 calories left for the day, not to mention the two work-outs for the day and the basic calorie burn off of just existing.  I think I'll be fine, but if I call you at night to bail me out of jail for some reason, please pick up the phone.

Cheers,
Luis

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.  Tomorrow we'll talk about Isagenix!

Going Paleo, Counting Calories and what it really means!

So the program I am currently on recommends the Paleo-lifestyle, which after flirting with Vegetarianism and Raw-Foodism is more than fine with me (everything in moderation right?)  Let's face I'm Latin, and I love Latin food and you try and talk my mother into thinking Meat is bad for you.

On the contrary, going Paleo means just that, food that our ancestors ate that kept them fit for the hunt.   Anything that you can pick or that ran, flew or swam on this earth.  That doesn't sound so bad right?  That's what I thought and I'm going with it.  The hardest thing will be the carbs!  Your fruit and vegetables are your carbohydrates, however the good carbs.

So what can you eat?  Lol, well now that I'm a calorie counter-whore the first thing I did was think of what is already in my diet that I could keep and what I have to get rid of.  Basically you have to remove all dairy and and things that you're body, if you were living in "Paleo-Time," would have a hard time breaking down, basically anything processed, yes that includes carbs and cheese, and I love fucking cheese! But I am going to go hardcore on this for 6 weeks.

The second thing I did was find a great program with a convenient app that allows you to track all of your calories consumed throughout the day.  After entering your body info, it also gives you an estimate of calories you should be consuming a day.  If you are working out, there is a section to enter that info too and assess your intake/outtake daily.  On top of that it has a community you can talk to and log with and support!

I am sure there are many out there but this is the one I chose:

http://caloriecount.about.com/

I think my Display name is Lesalas, if you join.


A Typical Work Meal Day:

PB Acai Bowl from Juice Generation in NYC.

For breakfast, I usually have an Peanut Butter Acai Bowl from Juice Generation, on 44th and 9th. Acai something I picked up from my trip to Brazil last year.  I had heard a lot about it before but when I was in Rio it was the first time I had it and when I came back I WANTED MORE, lo.  The Acai is a superfood, it's an energy fruit:

-It has a wonderful concentration of anti-oxidants

-10 times more than red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine

-Essential Amino Acid Complex with Trace Minerals that are vital to proper muscle contraction and regeneration.

-Essential Fatty Acids, Enzymes, Dietary Fibers...the list goes on!

http://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/weight-loss/acai-berry.asp

I don't have to have one everyday but at 430 calories, I'll take this over a bagel with eggs, cheese and bacon.  I do however have two workdays where I have two egg-whites, bacon and peppers in a wheat wrap or something of that nature.  I would get the Acaî bowls everyday but I would spend more time on the toilet then working, lol.  I know that Peanut Butter is not something necessarily picked, BUT, you can make some alterations, and even this alteration isn't bad; it's natural, omega-3 laced and full of good fat!

For Lunch, It typically depends.  There is a great place downstairs that serves Vietnamese food it's delicious, Clean and bordering on macrobiotic.  I usually go there and stear away from white rice and noodles and go more for the grains, proteins and veggies.

There is also Guy and Gaillard, a super-deli, I'm sure there are a great deal similar delis all over the city.   In the picture on the right, I packed all Ready-to-Eat Turkey from Trader Joes, All-natural cranberry sause also from Trader Joes and the veggies, bok choy, broccoli and carrots all stemas with no salt from Guy and Gaillard.

For dinner, I have a good source of protein, some grains and veggies.  This meal on the left is a Filet from Trader Joes (I made the most of the trip!)  Blended Grains, mostly Barley with veggies, one medium avocado with some olive oil and salt, and steamed spinach.  SOOOO good.

One night this week I had a glass of red wine, but the program doesn't shun away from alcohol in moderation.

Usually though for drinks, it's just water or the occasional cup of black coffee.  I even throw a club soda in there somewhere.


Cheers!

L


If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

New Project: Me!

Headstand.  After practicing one form of yoga for 5 years
I started learning inversions.  

I will be perfectly honest, I love yoga.  I don't think it is a secret.  I have been a very big fan of Bikram Yoga since 2005.  I've been perfectly content with the flexibility and vitality that the practice offers not to mention the way you feel after getting out of class.

Another thing I love is running.  I love the therapy it provides when you leave your house or get on the treadmill to think of nothing but the music in your ears (if you run with music)  and the thoughts in your head.  It's about the only time you can have to yourself nowadays.  Of course you have to resist the urge of answering texts and phone calls, other than that, you're good.

I ran the New York City Marathon last year.  I trained from July up to November then ran through 5 boroughs.  I was in pretty good shape in July when I started training, thanks to yoga. After two weeks, it was pretty much a ritual, get up, go out and run and it felt great.  The best part about it was the amount of calories I was burning by the end of training, I could eat anything I wanted and it would fly off.  The one thing I did not take into consideration was the muscle mass I was losing on account of not maintaining it and excessive running; it wasn't balanced exercise.  Don't get me wrong I felt great but after the marathon, I felt a bit strange.

Right after running the NYC Marathon in 2011.

I was left with a feeling of accomplishment, but also a feeling of what next?  I was left with what runners call "Marathon Depression,"  yes, it's a real feeling.  More so, I felt a bit more sluggish.
After a two month break, I began training for the New Jersey Marathon.  I also began training to become a a Hot Yoga Instructor.  Also, I was balancing that with a full-time job and a side-project (www.deadmanworkingmovie.com)

Come April, my body said, "Woah, Woah, Woah."  I ended up with a sciatic issue that prevented me from running the full New Jersey Marathon and running a half marathon instead.  Not that it was awful!  It's just when you sign up to do something.  You really want to do it.  At least I do.

There are a lot of things we all wanted to do, but did you really want to do it?  I really wanted to run the New Jersey Marathon just like I really wanted to live in New York for a whole year and I really wanted to travel up the northeast this Fall.  I know, all three are luxuries, but they are a different kind of luxury.

  
Come May after the NJ Half-Marathon, all my projects where coming to an end, and for the first time in a long time I could not be happier!  I wanted to sit around and do nothing for awhile.

Half-Marathon....done.

Yoga Training...certified.

Movie Project...currently in festival circuit.

Me...after these three months, ready for another challenge!

I am writing a book right now and I have a web-series in a very early stage of preproduction, but it's still not just for me.



My main focus this time around is gaining muscle mass and attaining a tone and fit body (I pretty much want to look amazing naked because I'm tried of wearing clothes, lol).  I know this is not an easy task, it's a challenge and will be very arduous, but it's what I want, and not just for right now, I want to make it my lifestyle.  The first person I said this to laughed in my face, to which I added, "That only makes me want it more, you know."  

After a lot of research and I found a program that I am more than happy with.  It's not a crazy-hard DVD set, or a crazy diet, it is pretty much common sense.

After reading the food guide to the program, I started it this past Monday and it's been fairly easy as I don't eat bad unless I go out and have a crazy night out.  And I am allowed a crazy night out here and there, but I have to get right back on the ball.

So that's it.  I'm putting this out there for motivation.  In a month, you should know whether or not I kept up with it or I was just jerking myself off.  I'm very dedicated to this; haters beware.

I'll be using this blog to post pictures, recipes and progress if you are interested.  I will also publicly post the program I am using if I think it works extremely well.

Cheers!
L

Song of the Day - The Knowing

I was introduced to this artist by my friend last year and have been listening to him this past week.  This kid's lyrics are sexy, clever and nocturnally evocative.  This song is a bit much to bite off but it gives you a good idea of his music and the video is visually stimulating.  It's probably good sex music too, lol




I know, what you didI know...So I'mma let youTaste her...I ain't washing my sinsI ain't washing my sins
Now we're lying about the nightsHiding it all behind the smilesTake a look at what you didAyyyYou probably thought that you'd break my heartOh oh oh ohYou probably thought that you'd make me cryBut baby it's okayI swear it's okay
Cuz I know everythingI know everythingI know everythingI know everythingI know everything
I know everythingI know everythingI know everything
Now these tongues don't twist like they did beforeIt's hard to keep me upAnd you are dryBut baby it don't hurtOh, like you thought it wouldThe more of you the merrier
Now we're lying about the nightsHiding it all behind the smilesTake a look at what you didYou probably thought that you'd break my heartYou probably thought that you'd make me cryBut baby it's okayI swear it's okay
I know everythingI know everythingI know everythingI know everything

Dead Man Working - Official Trailer [HD]

At long last, my latest project enjoy:

Song of the Day - Float On

For every good thing you have or good news you receive there are consequently bad things that come along with it.  As bad as it may be, it should serve to remind us of how great the good really is.

Song of the Day - The Wave

They are back, Thanks!

Song of the Day - Santa Fe

Very clever video and fun song

Song of the Day - High Energy

The 80's were so gay.  Not stupid gay, gay gay. For some reason (past life?)  this and a couple of late 70's early 80's songs keep POPPIN into my head.  Today it was this song and "Catch Me!  I'm falling in love."

Anyhow I looked this song up and low and behold there is a video, shot in a club....with very gay dance moves...a black woman who is perhaps very GLBT-friendly, and gender-challenged, on a platform spinning her wig off.

I'm serious at one point as she spins, cue in the 80's dissolve effect and her high voice, I genuinely thought she would spin through the floor.  If she did those people in the club wouldn't even notice they were so high on booger sugar.  Still a great song-

Song of the Day - Jimmy

Its actually yesterday's song but it was in my head today as well

Song of the Day - T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)

If anything else Will.I.Am definitely makes great music to work out to.  I remember when the Black Eyed Peas were struggling for air time:



Even this was a more mainstream, recruiting Macy Gray at her highest. But a 5 minute search for a BEP video prior to this one will prove to be futile, lol.  There's nothing wrong with that, but if there has ever been a group that should be proof of a formula that works for mainstream success; ditch the hardcore rap music, add a female (preferably a white girl who's borderline black), produce fun, mindless music with one or two songs with a message, add mindless and fun songs on your cd's ala "my humps," then pretty much ditch R&B altogether and make trance music.  It sounds simple but throughout you still have to be tenacious.

Anyhow, that's my perspective on BEP and Will.I.Am, I love what he does (except when he writes songs for presidents), but sometimes I listen to some of his lyrics and their are much more grandiose than some rappers out there "Kill you with my lyricals, call me verbal criminal."

Will.I.Am has now mastered the true essence of an artist and how; borrowing from different artistic platforms and incorporating them into a nice, new package.  In the song of the day, T.H.E, he begins the video running through a wall etc, etc, Fuerza Bruta.  Then he pretty much borrows Jennifer Lopez and Fergilizes her.

By far my favorite is his homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou6JNQwPWE0

That and fucking Mick Jagger!  When I saw the video my first thought was yup, that's what space would look like-

So the lesson here is...Will.I.Am is so big now and his lyrics prove it, I feel like we should Occupy him.