Category Archives: Barre3 Challenge

Back in Action

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One of my New Year’s resolutions was to define this space. I’ve waited for an answer and nothing groundbreaking has happened to report. Instead of waiting around, I’m going to keep on trucking. I love having this space  and enjoy writing. For now, this is my place for that.

Today also marks the first day of the barre3 Spring Challenge. I felt that it was the appropriate time to pick back up. We have a few others blogging their way through it (say hi to Robyn!) and it’s going to be part of what keeps me accountable.

barre3orangecoreball

The challenge consists of four in-studio classes and two online workouts per week. I scheduled every workout for the next four weeks in addition to teaching classes. I’m hoping to go to bed completely exhausted (and completely fulfilled) every night. I even made sure to pack my bag last night so I could get up bright and early for the 6 a.m. class this morning before heading to work.

barre3bag

The challenge also consists of following a nutrition plan of whole, unprocessed food. Think fiber, fat and protein through lean meat and vegetables. Do NOT think coffee, alcohol or refined sugar. I had leftovers for lunch today from the Love Your Lower Body book. It was Thai Green Curry with Beef and Basmati Rice and the picture does not do it justice! After Sunday’s dinner, Rob let me know it’s now officially a regular in our meal rotation.

loveyourlowerbodythaicurry

Lastly, and I think most importantly, challengers get access to live lectures from barre3 founder Sadie Lincoln and nutritionist Andrea Nakayama. To put this in perspective, ONE session with Andrea otherwise costs more than three times the entire challenge kit. I’d say I’m getting my money back ten-fold!

The thing I love about barre3 is that they encourage you to “make it your own.” This challenge is going to push me, but I also know I won’t fail if I have a glass of wine for Rob’s birthday. The key is going in with a plan. By planning “cheats,” you’re in control. I don’t feel bad and understand it’s something special, not an every day occurrence. My hope is after the challenge, my eating stays this way.

My enemy is going to be my sweet tooth. But I’ve planned for that as well: I have a refrigerator full of Raw Carrot Cake Energy Bites and Dark Chocolate “Donut” Holes. These barre3 recipes usually give me just enough of that sweetness to kick my cravings to the curb.

Day one is almost complete with no major slip-ups. I’ll say as a disclaimer that I did have one cup of coffee this morning. I plan to detox slowly off the coffee. I’ll let you know how my green tea morning goes tomorrow morning! (My guess? It definitely won’t be as good.)