Friday, February 26, 2010

Buenos Noches

Buenos Noches Amigos,

Another evening is coming to a close in the fascinating Ciudad of Federal de Mexico.

I realize something about myself, I thrive on new experiences and cultural diversity. I think my friends would be shocked if they decided to visit me here because of how I've depicted Mexico. I've shared the romance, excitement, beauty, and allure that all comes from a new land. In truth, someone else in the exact same place as I may not have any of these sentiments. Just as I find all the wonder of the world here, another would find poverty and the ugly face of class distinction.
Where I see allure and mystery, they would find dirty restaurants and poverty.

I sat at a roadside cafe and delighted in eating my consome de pollo from a broken cup, another would despise this.

Don't you see, I am in my element. Being here among a different people, learning a new language, and experiencing a culture different than my own brings me life- invigorates me- my element is to be out of my element.

This is a discovery, part of the recipe that makes me tick. It is a useful road sign to a life that I love and work that is meaningful. My future is starting to look mighty grand and I'm finding it difficult to control my excitement.

Something about being here is showing me myself; may I never be anyone else again.

Besos,
Jadeita

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Primal Blueprint

My physical goals:

I am 5'11 (5'10 1/2-3/4) and weight approximately 167.2 pounds, as of last week.

My goals are:
Optimal health for me which includes vibrance, abundant energy, and radiance. As well as optimal blood levels, function, etc.
As of right now I believe an ideal body weight for myself is 150 lbs.
Strong, toned, able lean body- approx 20-22 body fat
(I believe)
Mastery of Optimal health so that I can help others

In order to accomplish these I am always educating myself by reading new books, listening to lectures, etc. Through this method I have come up with a program, my Superwoman Program.

Low-carb is the right path for me dietarily speaking, specially Paleoesque low-carb. This easily eliminates my allergens of gluten and dairy, helps me sustain local agriculture and farming practices, eat the foods I enjoy, and feel dang good. I just read the "Primal Blueprint" and like it more than the "Paleo Diet" for my needs. I'm starting that, while incorporating "The Diet Solution" principles, and Adkins. So basically, I'm eating 5-6 low carb meals a day, concentrating on getting all carbs from natural (fruit and vegetable sources), doing a ketagenic diet (Adkins) which emphasizes good fat and protein, while learning primal exercise. The "SuperWoman Program".

Exercise wise I'm doing belly dancing and zumba three days a week, lifting weights two days a week, and doing interval running one day. I also walk about an hour a day and climb 8-12 flights of stairs three times a day.

I have changed my entire life. I've worked with Overeater's Anonymous to help with my compulsive eating- and in the process discovered that my compulsive overeating was the direct cause of carbohydrate and sugar addiction. This has given me immense freedom. It helped me build my eating plan.

I'm still working in my dependence of the scale; and as of yesterday am seriously considering ditching the scale as my primary goal- and instead aiming for a body fat percentage of 20%, using the scale as only a secondary tool.


I have harmed my body in the past: 100 juice feast, two weeks of lemonade and maple syrup, low calorie dieting, binging, purging, and the latest- hGc. I know these were compulsive behaviors and I'm happy to be on the right path towards my PERSONAL OPTIMAL health. It feels good :-)


Besos Amigos,

Jade



Yo Soy Mexicana

Hola Amigos,

Tonight marks the closing of my first five weeks here in Mexico City. Wow, it has been adventurous to say the least.

This week has been full of adventure, a different kind of an adventure. This adventure has included exposure to my arch enemies gluten and dairy, a surprisingly intense bout of the swine flu, antibacterial injections in the rump, and finally some peace.

I am continuing to learn Spanish and have gotten especially good at reading comprehension. This is helpful, except in the case with menus- the food preparation methods are not listed out as in the US. Thus, I thought I was getting something with corn starch and ended up with a gluten filled dish. It's been about 4-5 months since I had gluten, and this run in has proven to be much less than pleasant. I immediately became sick and soon after got pounced upon by the flu.

This flu is intense- very fast acting and powerful. Extreme dizziness, body aches, inability to sleep, sore throat, swollen body, loss of voice, semi-consciousness, and fever. I ended up going to a local doctor, something I try to avoid, and am happy I did. I immediately received an antibiotic shot and I must return for 3-6 more. I'm already feeling better, and after my first injection was finally able to sleep- Major Triumph.

I figure there's several positive aspects to this: 1) I now will have a stronger immune defense against local germs and 2) I'm officially Mexicana- I mean, the flu germs, the Mexican flu germs, were literally inside of me- I'm as good as a local.

Chalk this up to yet another experience, in a strange and beautiful Land!

Besos Amigos,
Jade

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Hola from Mexico!

Me Amigos, you will never believe where I am- hopefully once you do you will understand my hiatus from blogging.

I am in Mexico City! I know, can you believe it? Let me tell you a story: Since I have been a very young girl I have been fascinated with Spanish and the Latin culture. I think this has something to do with my Italian heritage. There is a real similarity of culture between the Italians and Latinos and I have always wanted to know more about the later.

When I was about five years old I remember standing beside a Mexican family in our local grocery store. I was absolutely enamored with their language and so intrigued at the idea of using different words to indicate the same things. That day, my fascination with language began and it has been tinkering around in my mind since.

This past year has offered me the opportunity to make a complete 360 change in my life (thanks Mom) and find myself. I am vibrantly aware of what a gift this is; the gift of being allowed to pursue your true self and consequently your dreams and goals is invaluable.

That is the short story of how I now find myself, on 9 Febrero 2010, writing to you from a departmento overlooking Mexico City. I have been here three weeks, and in these three weeks have had more life changing experience and growth than I ever could have imagined.

It's hard to know where to start; I want to share all of my experiences with you but there have been so many that delineating this stimulating journey proves a little tricky. Aha, that's it- I think I know how to describe this journey to you: Everything is New.

No exaggeration here, it is all new and different, glamorous and terrifying, challenging and invigorating- and I love it.

To be in an environment where I am constantly challenged is awesome. I am learning Spanish, but am definitely not fluent yet. I am in a Spanish-speaking country where English is not used...... Challengingly frustratingly wonderful? Si! Bring it on, I want this challenge and I will be fluent, as for now it is a "win"to be a Spanish speaker at all- even if I am an infant speaker. I am loving learning the language and will be a successful, fluent, Spanish speaker soon.

I have done many exciting things since arriving here, but am finding that the things I enjoy the most are quiet moments during an extended lunch at a small cafe listening to a musician that comes to serenade us all, watching families on the metro, hearing the different music vendors are selling, and people watching.............

Food and weight wise, I am doing really well. It's extremely easy being gluten free here as corn is the main grain staple. Leche is a bit more difficult to avoid, but nothing insurmountable. I have joined a local gym and frequent it at least four days a week, using doing some sort of cardio 3 days and weights 2 days. I am also walking a lot- a whole lot. Not to mention the 500 something steps I took up the Aztec pyramids.

I am immersed in a culture different than what I've known. It's isolating and welcoming, reserved and effusive, macho and tender,progressive and third world, feo and bonita. Mexico is a beautiful dichotomy and I love it.

I hope you all have the oppurtunity to reach for a dream- you will never regret any movement you make towards your goals.

Abrazos y Besos,
Jade (Hathe en Espanol)