From Night Owl to Early Bird – worms are Paleo, right?

Which comes first – new habits or new people?

After years of being a night owl, staying home with young children, and working second shift, it is time to conquer early mornings.  Early to bed. Early to rise. Early work outs. New habits. Just like most things, I have a plan. And just like most things, it involves CrossFit.

There are a number of classes throughout the day at CrossFit Juggernaut; the earliest is at 5:30am. I used to think these people were crazy. I know the kind of energy CrossFit takes, and to have that kind of energy at 5:30am must mean you’re not normal. I frequently said, “You will NEVER see me that early.” And I meant it. I had every intention of sticking to my comfy cozy class at noon. But then, I met the 5:30ers. I befriended them on facebook. I began to like these crazy people. Even admire the insanity it takes to WOD before the sunrise. And they were constantly hitting PR’s (personal records - a way of measuring gains in CrossFit.) I thought, there must be something to this, and I have to check it out.

So, this morning, I did. I reserved my spot in the 5:30am class, posted about it everywhere on facebook for accountability, and I got there. I am so glad that I did! What an exciting group of Juggernauts! Everyone was happy and ready for their day, looking sharp and well-rested. I think I might have had some drool in the corner of my mouth still, but they looked awesome! I was fully expecting to see everyone’s “morning face” which is my favorite face of the day, but none could be found, except for mine!

And guess what! I PR’d my power clean! (For all you non-CrossFitters, I lifted a heavier barbell from the floor than I normally do.) And I had energy for days, even without eating a large meal 2 hours before class like usual. I also noticed that even though I was well-hydrated, I didn’t have “trouble with my single unders.” If you are a CrossFitting Momma, you’re giving me a virtual fist bump right about now, and I thank you for that.

So, which comes first- new habits or new people? I would say my character changed first, and the habits have followed. I’ve always been successful, but my desire is to be successful at any activity, at any time of day. And so I will be scheduling myself for these early morning classes while my situation allows. I will be monitoring my sleep, to avoid chronic inflammation that can creep up when one is over tired. And I will be adjusting my nutrition routine to support this earlier work load. And I’m going to enjoy myself! I always love meeting new challenges head on. Don’t you?

For more information on chronic inflammation as a result of not getting enough sleep, 

please read this previous post:

Systemic Sclerosis... Catalyst to Better Health?

Polyphenol-rich beverage shows anti-inflammatory potential

Polyphenol-rich beverage shows anti-inflammatory potential

To learn more about this functional nutritional beverage please visit my website.

Before/After Photo Update!!!!

Before: 165 lbs! I am still wearing size 14 maternity clothes, 18 months after my 2nd son was born!

After: 125 lbs! 2.5 years later, these skinny jeans are a size 0 and my shirt is an extra small!

The CrossFit Effect

In the 16 months since I last updated this blog I have undergone some major life renovations. I began working out again, and I continued to lose weight effortlessly, dropping another 20 lbs for a total of 30 lbs lost since I was first diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis! I went back to my absolute passion, teaching dance! I teach ballet, contemporary, and hip hop 4 nights a week. My oldest is now in 1st grade, and my youngest is still at home with me during the day. They both take all boys hip hop (so cute!) And unfortunately, their dad and I are now separated, but the family is transitioning well. I haven't meant to ignore this blog, but life happened, and here I am again!

I was right about Gluten Free, Sclero Free. At my last follow up, my rheumatologist told me that technically, I no longer have Scleroderma! I have "Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease" with less than 10% chance of developing full blown Systemic Sclerosis. She has absolutely no context for why the gluten free diet has made such a drastic difference, but it has! I am now working toward a strict Paleo diet: grain free, dairy free, sugar free, hunter/gatherer... and I'll keep you updated on that journey as it unfolds.

So, what is the CrossFit Effect?!?  CrossFit has had such a positive impact on my life. Not just on the way my body looks and feels, but with my self-confidence as well. Getting through these crazy WODs (Workout of the Day) is making me feel as though I can do anything. Be anything. I am setting new goals all the time, and surpassing them consistently with life-changing personal records. But it is the community that has made all the difference. Having a place to go and be with like-minded people, lifting heavy weights and pushing our bodies to their limits and beyond, becoming elite athletes together, with team work and a healthy competitive atmosphere. I've never come across anything like it. It has truly changed my life. I'll talk more about CrossFit and its amazing benefits in my upcoming posts. In the meantime, find a CrossFit Affiliate near you! You won't regret it!!!

I am so excited to be blogging again! Please be sure to read my previous posts explaining Scleroderma and why I chose to go Gluten Free. I believe these results are possible for everyone, and not specific to me. I want to spread the word that we don't have to live in fear of Systemic Sclerosis. We really can make Scleroderma Look Good!

Bon Courage!

Gluten Free, Sclero Free?

I have a theory... if I am Gluten Free, then I will be Scleroderma free. Glutenous grains (possibly ALL gluten, but absolutely WHEAT) are causing my skin to break open in a kind of dermatomyositis rash.

I noticed it a number of weeks ago; a small sore on the knuckle of my ring finger on my right hand. The skin was raw, as though I had banged it on something, but I knew I hadn't. The only changes to my routine that week was a large consumption of wheat products after having gone gluten free for a number of weeks. I tried everything... triple antibiotic ointment... even Extra Virgin Cononut Oil wasn't causing the sore to heal (although I found it soothing and eventually softening, it would not cause the inflammation to cease and the skin to close back up.)

The only thing that healed my finger was again removing wheat from my diet. Once the redness was gone and the sore closed up, the skin that was left was tough and the wrinkles on my knuckle seemed raised or filled in. You could run your finger over it and know that it had been an open sore, even weeks later. Coconut oil has helped to soften this scar tissue and is quickly returning my finger back to normal. The ignorant eye would never know of the sclerosis that had been rapidly devouring my finger.

And as for the scaly skin on my upper arms, this has also healed since going gluten free. I believe the coconut oil is assisting in keeping the skin smooth and soft. But the only real difference has been removing wheat and other glutenous grains from my diet.

I will continue to remain gluten free because I am utterly convinced. Not only has my skin healed, I generally feel better, have less anxiety, less depression, less anger, my weight is down and my complexion is healthier. I have experienced a significant reduction in the telangiectasia on my face. It no longer feels as though my cheeks are chapped. Again, EVCO is helping to calm and soothe the skin, but I know for sure that gluten is the aggravating offender.

On a side note...

The EVCO seems to be healing my stretch marks, and reducing my cellulite. Such a wonderful benefit. I also notice that chasing my Calcium/Magnesium supplement with a tbsp of EVCO keeps the dizzy/nauseous feelings at bay. Such an odd side affect, and an equally odd cure. But I absolutely LOVE my Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil from the Philippines. And even though purchasing 32 fl oz each month is expensive, it is completely worth it and I am happy to do it.

I hope this information helps, and I hope you will try removing gluten from your diet as well!