The Greater The Effort The Grandeur The Experience

Vocabulary Words:

rutilant - Glowing

iceblink - Yellowish luminosity near the horizon

pawky- sly

bootstrap - to help oneself without the aid of others

prognosticate - to forecast

adrenalize - excite

sirenic - tempting

gibble-gabble - senseless chatter

sashaying - to glide

hygge - feeling of coziness

We are now into our first month of training for the Haute Route ski trip planned in March 2020. The Haute Route is a 7 day backcountry ski trip from Chamonix France to Zermatt Switzerland.  Each day we will be expected to travel over several miles and about 5000 feet of vertical touring which is equivalent to hiking to the top of the Snowbird Tram 2 times. The group guide has instructed us to be prepared  for 5+ hours of touring each day, making transitions from skiing to bootpacking in steep terrain, and be able to ski variable snow conditions. To physically prepare for this event we have been meeting as a group every Tuesday night for a few hours making as many laps possible in the frigid night air  from the Alta parking lot to the top of Sunny Lift. In addition to our weekly tours we have scheduled Saturday tours that gradually increase our endurance to the Haute Route requirements. T

This last Saturday was our first  5 hour tour out of bounds from the ski resort in the Wasatch backcountry.   We started at 7am from the the Red/White Pine parking lot with the intention of skiing Scotty’s Bowl.  The sky was dark as we prepared our equipment for the 2000 foot vertical tour, except for a rutilant iceblink above the Monte Cristo Ridge line. We all paused for a moment as recognized the beauty we were witnessing.  The conditions were not the coveted 12” of fresh powder since it had been over 5 days since our last snow storm.  So we sought out for the shaded North face slopes offering silky condensed powder. The approach to the top of Scotty’s Bowl was a bit more difficult than anticipated.  There was a rime crust on the west facing slope combined with a pawky thin layer of fine snow that became very slippery, making up hill touring difficult (2 steps up, one step slide back).  There were several times we wished we had a support line to grab on to to help us over steep sections to prevent us from sliding backwards, but we able to bootstrap up the steep skin track to the 10,200’ ridgeline.  

We found some epic untouched lines through the trees of Scotty’s Bowls.  The Wasatch backcountry is becoming an increasingly popular place to ski and it is difficult to ski an entire bowl to yourself  like I used to when I started in 1993. As I look back at those days of boot packing to the top of the peaks across the street from Snowbird and Alta Resorts, I have to shake my head in disbelief that I am still alive.  From 1993-1997 I skied everything, Mt Superior, Flagstaff, Days Fork without any avalanche training and equipment. We spent several hours inefficiently bootpacking for one long epic untouched 2000-3000 vertical foot run down untouched powder.  It was worth every exhausting foot

step. Until one day we were passed by a telemarker on a 3 pin binding system, and ankle high leather boots. I immediately transitioned to telemark equipment but never developed the ability to confidently ski in the leather boots. So I transfered over to the Alpine Trekers,  which evolved to Fritschi free heel binding, and now I am on the Dynafit system allowing for efficient travel and multiple runs down 2000-3000 vertical foot slopes. Backcountry skiing became my winter passion. My life revolved around skiing. I remember my college professor, for stress management, shaking her head at me when I stated I had a stressful week because I could only ski a couple of times that week.   I continue to ski this way until 1997 when I took avalanche course and my chin drop to the ground as I realize the risk I was taking. I immediately changed the way I skied, and started utilizing the skills I learned from my class to minimize my risk of being caught in a avalanche.

I have spent years learning to prognosticate the signs of avalanches.  Listening for sounds, identifying snow types, observing the wind, digging pits, and daily reading of the avalanche reports (big shout out to our local avalanche forecasters who do amazing work to keep us safe). There is an instinctual alertness that you learn to attune yourself  while you backcountry skiing. I am sure it’s similar to the same instinctual alertness the plains animals use watching out for predators. You are fully alert the whole time. It’s a an experience of stepping out of your comfort zone and developing skills that adrenalize the return of skiing confidently after the next storm

Backcountry skiers need to commit to a disciplined  temperament. There is an inherent risk of death and serious injury with the beckoning sirenic slopes all around you.  Each skier is responsible for setting their risk boundaries and having the courage not to cross them (easier said than done).   Many times I have had to say “not today” as I am drooling at the epic untouched run. This is something that has developed with time and more parental responsibilities. So, I was relieved to see that Saturdays avalanche report showed “Low Danger” on all aspects so that this first time group would not be tempted to ski something beyond that boundary.

After our first run down Scotty’s Bowl we ventured off to some steeper terrain in the Temptation Chutes area. During our gibble-gabble to the top of the ridge line the people in our group were having epiphanic moments of how challenging uphill touring could be. But the effort was worth every amount of exhausting  step ups, backward slides, off balance falls, and awkward switchbacks. Especially after skiing the untouched line down through the chutes of trees.

The objective of backcountry skiing is to be energy-efficient so that you can ski as many downhill turns as possible.  You must relax your arms, glide instead of lift your skis, manage your breathing, and channel every available calorie of energy to downhill turns.  Many of the people in our group have been revving their heart rates up to zone 4 and zone 5 trying to keep up with each other during the uphill touring. This equates to the heart working at 80-90% of its maximum effort. The rules of endurance only allow you about hour of activity at this heart rate level.  I was excited to observe after Saturday’s tour that our group quickly learned that muscling through backcountry skiing will not allow them to accomplish our ultimate goal of touring for 7 days. They are going to have to learn the art of sashaying efficiently up and down the slopes.  Hence, this is why we started our training a year and half before our event.

There is another  realization amongst the group and that is they are going to have to sacrifice some of their hygge environment and dedicate time to fitness training to enhance the backcountry skiing experience to its fullest potential. There is really only one way to get in shape for backcountry skiing and that’s getting outside and touring. But most of us don't have the time to spend touring everyday, and must supplement our fitness in the gym.  Many of the people who are going on the Haute Route trip, train with me 2-3 times a week at the gym doing a variety of workout modalities. And those who are committing to these workouts are already seeing the benefits of training. This is really what I am trying to show people, the greater the effort the grandeur the experience. I really believe that you enrich your life experiences when you put effort into physically preparing for them.  I truly love the recreational adventures and walks along the beach that do not require preparation and training. But the experiences I am referencing are those challenges that are out of our comfort zone. Experiences that provoke self reflection and development, and reaching beyond what you thought was possible. Look at Alex Honnold who spent years training to free solo El Capitan, and Killian Jornet who spent several month preparing to set the world record for the fastest ascent/descent to Everest.  Their experience was enhanced as they reflected on all the work it took to achieve that one great moment that would have not been possible unless they trained for it. My aspiration with the individuals I work with is to inspire them to want to self improve from their current state to reach something greater, giving deeper meaning and reward to their outdoor experiences.

SHE NEVER GAVE UP!

Below is the experience of Tiff Dodge written for the 2012 IsaBody Challenge.  Her story has inspired millions, and that is no exaggeration. 

I first met Tiff her freshman year in college, 2004.  She was a feisty collegiate athlete with a drive to be the fittest female athlete ever.  She was one of those clients who would work so hard that she would throw up in the back corner and then come back and say " that's all you got?"  and those are fighting words to a trainer.

She also lived the Commit to Health routine  (last blog entry) with devout discipline. In fact she embraced it so much that she became my  little "Padawan Jedi warrior" sharing her devout beliefs with everyone. 

Her story below is a perfect example of what happens to all of us. Sometimes life grabs you by the horns, and those beliefs that were once important to you are not so important, or we do not have the ability to focus on what's important.  The message to Tiff's story is not that she got her life back from cleansing and exercise, or that she looks and feels great, the message to her story is that SHE NEVER GAVE UP!  

To live the "Committed Lifestyle" is an on going adventure, anyone who thinks that they can live a constant "healthy" lifestyle with no distractions are setting themselves up for some disappointing moments.  This is why it is so important to have a healthy balance routine.  The routine becomes the foundation to your healthy lifestyle.  If you do not have a routine you will join the millions of others who yo yo between health diets and programs.  

If you are one of those people who are struggling with health, maintaining weight, or need to develop a routine, DON'T GIVE UP, I can help.   Contact me to schedule a consultation

aaron@chickenorpig.com 

801.243.1791

PROMOTIONAL OFFER:

Sign up for the IsaChallenge with me and receive up to 5 days a week  free training sessions or training programs.  

Name: Tiff Dodge Member ID: #9348128
Start Date: 12/12/2011 End Date: 5/27/2012 Height: 5'3
Start Weight: 157 lbs. End Weight: 125 lbs. Total Weight Loss: 32 lbs.
Starting Fat Percent: 28% Ending Fat Percent: 13% Total % Loss: 15%
Starting Measurements:
Arms- 12.5"
Chest- 37"
Waist- 31.5"
Abdomen- 38"
Buttocks- 42"
Thighs- 26"
Ending Measurements:
11.5"
33.5"
26.5"
30"
35"
21"
Total Inches Loss:
1 inch
3.5 inches
5 inches
8 inches
7 inches
5 inches
Total: 29.5 inches
Disclaimer: The purpose of sharing this story is not to seek for sympathy, pity, or recognition. I share my
story because as the Dalai Lama once said, "Our prime purpose in this life is to help others." I share with
the hope that perhaps my story may fortify another who is searching for the strength to overcome their
tribulations. None are exempt from the trials and pains of mortality. It is a frequently believed
misconception that having trials makes us weak. On the contrary, it is our trials that make us strong.
The strength we gain from trials should be used to help others to bear their own. It should not be hidden
in an attempt to conceal the fact that we are now, or have already, experienced hardships. We often try
to convince ourselves that our trials are unique, that "no one else could possibly know what I am going
through," that "I am strong enough to do this on my own," and that accepting help somehow makes us
inadequate. Somewhere in our mind we are told that making our trials known to others somehow makes
us weaker or less "perfect" than everyone else. We want to believe that "this type of thing doesn't
happen to people like me." But the truth is that it takes more strength to say "I need help" than it does to
pretend like you don't. We are not strong when we try to disguise our need of assistance. In actuality we
inhibit each other from fulfilling our purpose in this life--to lift and help others. So it is that I share my
story; to let others know even the "strong" go through hell, and even the weak can make it out. I am not
the first to experience despair, and I won't be the last. I share my story in hope that someone who reads
it will know that they are not alone; that others have gone before them, and they survived. I share in the
hopes that my story might lift another--even if it is only high enough to get a glimpse of the light at the
end. I share to let others know, there are people out there waiting, and wanting to help.
I am a control freak. I grew up a hard-nosed, determined athlete that thought I could do anything I
wanted, no matter how hard it might be to achieve. I was known and recognized for my strength
physically and mentally. Although I was small (5'3), I was confident and knew that I was in control of my
own destiny. My "controlling spirit," along my crippling fear of being inadequate, helped me to prove I
was strong enough to play with the big kids. I have always looked at others' abilities and said "if they can
do it, then I should be able to do it." That mentality earned me four varsity athletic letters, an athletic
scholarship to a prestigious college, Bachelor's degrees in Mathematics and Secondary Education, and a
scholarship to Graduate School in Washington, DC.
I graduated with my Masters degree at the top of my class. I felt on top of the world--the future filled
with unlimited possibilities. By all definitions, I was a "happy, successful individual." Then, a few days
after graduation, I experienced a traumatic experience that sent me instantaneously spiraling into a
deep depression, facing relentless anxiety. For weeks I was incapacitated--unable to sleep, eat, or leave
my room. For days I sat expressionless on the edge of my bed, my arms wrapped around my body,
rocking back and forth much like a mother does trying to calm her ailing child, trying to convince myself
to not carry out the suicidal thoughts in my head. Alcohol and self-mutilation became my tools of
suppression. Eventually I succumbed to the idea that death would be less painful than what I was
experiencing. After an apathetic attempt at suicide, I was placed on multiple medications to relieve the
anxiety and depression. However, the anguish and feelings of worthlessness did not desist. Even with
the medications and self-stimulation, memories of the trauma I had experienced were triggered by
everything I saw, heard, or smelled. It was too much for me to bear. After another near attempt of
taking my life, I was diagnosed with PTSD. Even more meds were added to my daily regimen. I felt like a walking pharmacy. I now relied completely on synthetic chemicals to function day to day. Without
them, I couldn't control my thoughts or actions. With them, I was demoralized. No matter how you
rolled the dice, "strong" was no longer an appropriate adjective to describe who I had become.
I thought if I could get off the medications it would prove I was back in control; that I was strong again,
but each attempt to rid myself of the chemicals proved to be a failure, and brought repercussions that
caused more harm than good, often sending me deeper into the pit of desolation. Being on so many
medications fueled my feelings of despair and helplessness. The fact that I had no control over these
feelings made them multiply. It ate at my entire being, more or less paralyzing me. The one attribute
that had brought me so much happiness and success in life, my sense of control, had vanished entirely. I
had lost all control of my mind, my life, and consequently my body. The once strong and determined
athlete that resided within the walls of my now dilapidated frame was long to be found. I longed to
return to the days when I was healthy and active--back to the days when I believed I could do anything.
But now, getting out of bed was a task. Performing any sort of physical endeavor would be a miracle! I
just didn't have the strength, physically or mentally to get back to where I wanted to be. When I
eventually tried to use exercise as an outlet it proved to be counterproductive. My mental state had
impacted my physical state so immensely that I couldn't do even a minute fraction of what I used to do.
The feelings of inadequacy were too overwhelming, and caused me to turn to my other suppressors,
namely self mutilation, more frequently.
Everything began to change the day I reunited with my trainer, Aaron Ogden. I had purposely avoided
having any contact with him since I had moved back to Utah. The last thing I wanted was for him to see
me in the state of weakness that I was in. I was successful in averting him for five months, until as fate
would have it I experienced a physical injury that forced me to humble myself and inquire of his
expertise. What I thought would just be a few training sessions turned into much much more.
Somewhere along the way of rehabbing my injury, I was reminded of when Aaron first introduced me to
Isagenix and cleansing many years ago. I remembered my first cleansing experience. I had a lot of
success. I lost 17 pounds and 9% body fat. More important than what I lost during that initial cleanse, is
what I gained. I achieved mental and spiritual clarity on a level I had never known before. I then
realized, the first step to getting my life and body back was to cleanse.
I have always found the strength to overcome mental challenges by drawing on the physical challenges I
have experienced. I used to often tell myself, "If you can do that then you can do this." With that in
mind, I set out to do the exact cleanse I had done initially those many years ago. I figured if I could get
the same cleansing results as I did before, then somehow that would mean I was strong and in control
again, and could overcome all the mental health issues I was having. It was heartrending when at the
end of the nine days I hadn't even come close to my goal. It tore me apart, and reinstated my belief that
there was no hope for me. I was bound to remain in this state of obscurity, reliant upon medication and
stimulants eternally. In my mind, the person who was once described as "strong" was now entirely
extinct.
Then fate stepped in again. Aaron began advertising the Isabody Challenge on Facebook. For reasons
only God knows, I contemplated doing it, but I was scared to try to commit myself to the challenge. I thought about the mental angst my nine day disappointment caused. I couldn't imagine what six
months was going to do to me if I failed. On the contrary, I didn't want to think about what the next six
months could do to me if I didn't try. I still believed that cleansing was the first step to getting my life
and body back, but I realized a nine or 30 day cleanse wasn't going to solve my problems. I needed a
deep cleanse. A life altering cleanse. I knew the Isabody Challenge was the best avenue to do so. It was
the challenge I needed to reinstate my sense of control and determination. I decided to do it. Not for
the money, the cruise, or to get a six-pack. I did it to show I could be in control of my life--that I was
stronger than my mind.
I finished the Isabody Challenge on May 28th, exactly six months from the start date. I will be the first to
admit that I did anything but fail. I am now completely off medication and 100% sober. I started
training for a 12 hour adventure race towards the end of the challenge. Just a month after I finished the
challenge, my team won the race-- an amazing feat for someone who at one point couldn't leave their
room for weeks. My new medications come in the form of the solace I have found in the outdoors.
Hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and snowboarding are my new stimulants. The Isabody challenge gave
me the tools and structure I needed to gain control of my body, and to do the things I love. By taking
control of my body, I took back control of my mind and my life. When I look in the mirror at the body
I've created, I am reminded of the challenges I overcame the past six months. The image gives me the
courage to continue to transform my life.
Everyone recognizes the physical changes. They see the weight loss. They notice the defined muscles.
What they can't see is the real peace and clarity I possess within. To me, the physical achievements are
secondary to the internal. I have my life back! My mind is clear, and I am happy again! Someone once
asked me during an early morning training session, "When does your challenge end?" I responded,
"Never." They laughed, but it was not a joke. There are still hard days; days when I am tempted to look
to that bottle of pills or alcohol, or to contribute to the scars that remind me of where I have been. But
now, because of the 5 am workouts, the two-a-days, and the months of comfort food deprivation, and
that outlandish month of no carbs, I can again tell myself "I am strong! If I can do all THAT, I can
definitely do this!" I have reclaimed my determination and belief that I can do great things, and I AM
doing great things. Thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of Aaron, and the help of Isagenix, I
am once more in control of my destiny, and ready to change the world.

Establish the Routine First, Not the Diet

Commit to Health

There is a common denominator with poor health.....lack of routine.  We eat what we want, we snack all day so called healthy foods that are nutrient deprived, our "healthy meals"  aren't focused on nutrient dense foods but rather animal protein (how did animal protein become health food), and hydration comes from 44oz of soda instead of clean water.  Everyone is looking for the perfect diet (I believe there is no such thing)  or counting calories thinking calories in - calories out is the weight loss resolution, when they should be establishing a routine that creates a healthy balance between nutrient rich foods, celebration foods (sugar, fat, salt), and learning how to cleanse the body to create optimal health.   I agree with Dr. Calwell Esselstyn and Dr. Colin Cambell  from the popular documentary Forks Over Knives, that heart disease and I'm even going to say many health ailments are a toothless tiger if we eat WHOLE foods in there proper form.  But, what is a whole food, can I cook them, should I eat organic, can I have chocolate and be healthy? The questions and confusion go on and on, between health professionals on what is the best way to be healthy.
Health, in my opinion,  is a personal definition that is defined by your passionate motives (more to come on this subject).  It is difficult to tell someone how to be healthy when all of us live in a complete different reality. We all have our own genetic strengths/weaknesses, there's social behaviors, work environments, family traditions, activities, disabilities  and many more issues that become factors on how we define our health.  This is why it is SO IMPORTANT! to establish a routine, not a diet.  At first a routine may feel restrictive,  but eventually it becomes YOU.  You don't think about brushing your teeth every night, this is how your diet routine should be, it is just what you do everyday.  If you do not set up the routine first then you will be like  every other person jumping from "perfect" diet to "perfect" diet never really developing any confidence on how you should eat.  There are a lot of good diets out there and you should learn to embrace the principles that fit into your routine.

Avoiding the Compulsive Cycle
The routine that I suggest has been very successful with people who are trying to establish healthy lifestyles because it allows personalization.  I used to sit down with my clients, hand them a health program and say, "this is what you need to do to become healthy."  I had 0% success with this program.  So I went back to the "drawing board" and came up with the "Committed Nutrition" program.  This programs allows people to continue to eat their current diet,  but gives them structure to how eat their diet. Then over time the program encourages them to embrace healthier diet principles determined by  their passionate motives.  The Committed Nutrition program does not focus on the do not's.  I have found that when we focus on the do not's, people fall into the compulsive behavior model which is:

1. We are told,  "you can't have this." We are motivated at the time, it's new and exciting, and it's easy to refrain from the forbidden food.
2.  Reality sets in and we realize how much we love the forbidden food and we start to think about it, crave it, which then creates this uncontrollable desire  to have it.
3.  Our craving becomes so strong the we give in and partake of the forbidden food with a defiant attitude.
4.  We realize what we just did,  and guilt sets in.  The guilt usually drives us to start over and refrain from the forbidden food or, we realize that we have been through the cycle so many times that we just give up hope of even trying to refrain from the forbidden food.
Healthier lifestyles are developed more successfully when we develop a routine and place livable dietary guidelines within our routine.  Then we set goals to embrace healthier lifestyle habits from the information we learn from the "perfect" diets.  As we focus on the "perfect" diet guidelines, and except them as your "brushing your teeth" behaviors,  the bad habits eventually fade to occasional guiltless moments.  As you embrace this model of change you will be more successful at developing a healthy sustainable lifestyle, instead of bouncing between the fad diets.

The ROUTINE focuses on 3 areas:
1. Daily Diet Routine

2. Celebration Foods
3. Cleansing/Weight Loss/ Healing

Daily Diet Routine
I teach that there are 6 crucial habits that should be apart of your daily routine.  These habits should be the HUB of your lifestyle, they are like brushing your teeth, you set up guidelines and tools to make sure they happen every day.  Your passionate motives will determine how structured and disciplined you become with these 6 habits in. 

I am not going into great detail about the  6 healthy habits in this blog entry. I will write more about each subject in a later entry, but here is a summary:

1.  At least 50% of your daily intake of food should come from fresh produce.  Everyone knows that there are substantial benefits from produce, high rate of nutrients assimilation, enzymes, probiotics, phytochemicals, antioxidants, protein/carbs/fat, hydration, etc.   Don't get caught up in how to eat and prepare your produce, just make it at least 50% of your diet.  After produce is 50% of your diet routine, then start educating yourself on the issues of , raw, steamed, cooked, canned, organic, glycemic index, and then determined what is livable  within your routine. 

2.  Drink at least 64oz of WATER.  There are hundreds of opinions on how much water we should drink.  It is my experience that determining how much water you should drink is different for everyone. So I suggest starting with 64oz and then "listen" to you body and then determine if you need more or less.

3.  If you are going to take supplements, your supplements should come from REAL food.  Our bodies were meant to eat food, not man made chemical compounds.  We can go the rounds forever on this subject, so my suggestion is to experiment yourself and do what you think is best for your body. My experience has converted me to herbal supplements.

4.  Participate in physical activity at least 3 times a week. There are hundreds of  activities for all abilities.  Activity is a huge passionate motive for defining a diet routine.  Exercise in the gym is great, but it's my experience that nothing motivates change and keeps you accountable to health like a "playful activity".  When you see "benefits" from living your routine in your activities, your routine will be a huge motive  to "stick with the program." 

5. This habit will be debated by many - No Snacking! 

If you choose to snack it should come from the 5 health foods, fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds (in their natural forms) .  Snacking, in my opinion, is a learned  addictive behavior and not a hunger response.   I am aware of the issues of blood sugar, metabolism, ancestors, ect.  Many of these issues have valid arguments.  But OUR society does not know how to snack healthily.  We choose processed, nutrient deprived foods, and energy substitutes for our snacks....look where is't gotten our society.    Snacking will be one of the hardest behaviors you change.  That is why I encourage hydro-nourishing instead.  Herbal tea is a great tool to help change the ADDICTIVE snacking behavior.  More to come on this subject, but until then find a tea that taste good and enjoy the benefits.

6. My definition of cleansing is - avoiding processed foods for a period of time (1 meal through 40 days and 40 nights).  There are several cleaning programs that can be great tools in a healthy lifestyle.  But I want to encourage daily cleansing from eating meals that are from the 5 health foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seed.  These food are nutrient rich and have a natural cleansing affect on the body to  fight disease, sustain a healthy weight, and hit peak performance in your activities. I encourage people to eat 1-2 meals a day that are cleansing meals.  Take one of your existing meals that you eat on a regular basis make it a whole foods meal, change the processed ingredients to whole food ingredients.  If you need help or suggestions, contact me.  

In my opinion there is no reason to wrestle with "perfect diets"  if you do not have a healthy diet routine.  My observation is that it's easy to lose weight by following a program or fad diet, but if you do not embrace the  routine then you will be starting over in a few months until guilt and disappointment sabotage all hope of even trying to be healthy.  You must establish a routine for any program to be successful, and I suggest that the 6 habits above should be apart of the DAILY routine to attain "good health."

Celebration Foods
Celebration foods break the body down while "true" whole foods build and strengthen the body.  It is my belief that times of celebration are "healthy" for the human soul.  The main foods used during a typical celebration period are animal products, processed foods, sugar, fat, and salt or what I call the heavy foods.  During a celebration period you should enjoy these foods guilt free.  Your body will not "wither away" after a celebration moment,  especially if your daily routine is focused on a whole food diet. But, these foods are very addicting and so I suggest a cleansing period  after a celebration period to help you get back into your healthy daily diet routine.
Note: The problem with the American diet is, that it is in a constant celebration with no accountability to discipline and structure.....it's a free for all.  This lifestyle is one of the main causes of obesity and disease.

Cleansing
Cleaning your body is like cleaning your house, there is the daily maintenance chores (1-2 cleansing meals per day), and there is the "deep" cleaning periods (cleanse 1 day to multiple days) to get rid of all the clutter that has been collected.  We should treat our bodies the same as a clean house.  If you are a party animal you will need to deep cleanse your house/body more often.  If you are the more conservative type, and stick to your daily routine with an abundant amount of whole foods,  deep cleansing will be less frequent.  
There are several ways to cleanse the body, from eating certain types of foods, to drinking only nourishing liquids.  Each cleansing style affects the body differently, so you should embrace styles that work with you.....this may take some experimentation and practice.

A great place to start is the Isagenx 30 Day Cleansing System. It is a mild cleansing style that uses whole food and herbal supplementation to nourish the body.  I highly recommend this cleansing system for first time cleansers, it is very structured and easy to follow.    I call it the "RESET" button.  It does a great job in helping people start over to get on track with a healthy diet routine.  In fact I use the 30 day system to teach the actual diet routine. I have been very effective in helping people establish livable routines by using the Isagenix 30 day program.  If you would like more information about the Isagenix 30 Day program, please contact me.  I have 6 years of experience coaching people in Isagenix cleanses,  so if you need help and advice let me assist you.

Free shake sample click here.

General Routine Outline

The daily routine guidelines are as follows: (I do make modification for specific ailments, athletes, and specific lifestyles.)  

• 5 days a week
• Breakfast is smallest meal - 1-2 pieces of fruit and a protein or whole grain. (I like to make this my cleansing meal)
• Mid morning - Herbal tea or fruit/nuts for snack
• Lunch - 50% of the meal is vegetables, the rest of the meal is a balance between whole food protein and carbs.  
• Mid afternoon - Herbal tea or fruit/nuts for snack
• Treat - Realistically most people need a daily treat.  I suggest that it's in the afternoon.  Note: there are plenty of treats that are not processed.
• Dinner - 50% of the meal is vegetables, the rest of the meal is a balance between whole food protein and carbs. (Try to make this a cleansing meal)
• Hydro-nourish after dinner to prevent evening bingeing. 
• Drink 64oz of water by the end of the day
• 2 days a week
• Eat celebration/heavy foods, but still stick to your routine with the healthy habits.
• These aren't binge days,but days to enjoy heavy foods that are healthy for the soul.
• Enjoy celebration periods guilt free.  I personally do not have a lot of routine structure during my celebration periods such as a camping trip.  I enjoy the moment.  Set your own guidelines for your celebration periods.  Just have enough discipline to end your celebration.
• When the celebration period is over deep cleanse for a period of time.  I recommend a 9 day Isagenix cleanse or a 3 day juice fast. 
• I also suggest a deep cleanse at least once a year regardless of how healthy your diet is.

A routine day might look like this:

Wake up – one of the most important things you can do upon rising in the morning is Hydrate                                           

                8 oz water                                                          

                Multivitamin - Cleanse For Life                                                                                                                  

Breakfast - Breakfast is still one of the most important meals, but it should be one of the smallest meals. (200-400 calories).  Breakfast should have at least 2 servings of fruit.                                       

                Good                                                 

                                High fiber cereal with 1 cup of Fruit

                                Toast and Fruit

                                Small high fiber pancake/waffle covered in fruit

                                1 egg omelet smothered in veggies (peppers, onion, avocado, spinach, etc.)

                                IsaLean Shake with fruit

                Better

                                Cooked high fiber grain (oats, bulgur, wild rice etc.) 1 cup of fruit, sweeten with honey   or real  maple syrup, 1/8 cup of pecans                        

                                Fruit Smoothie: ½ cup frozen fruit and 1-2 pieces of raw fruit/vegetables

                Best

                                Sprouted grain (soaked barley, wheat, rye) with 1 cup of fruit, sweeten with honey or real  maple syrup, 1/8 cup pecans     

                                Fresh Juice only (6 carrots, 1 apple)        

                                Fruit Salad, raw pecans

                                Raw smoothie

Morning Snack           

                Good

                                Isa- Bars

                                Isa Snacks

                Better

                                Raw Fruit and Veggies

                                Raw Nuts

                Best

                                Water

                                Tea

                                FRESH Juice

Lunch - The main course of lunch should be vegetables  (50%) complemented with small portions of carbohydrates, protein, and fat preferably from whole foods.                                                                                                                                                               

                Good

                                Turkey Sandwich with the vegetable fixings. 

                Better

                                Vegetable soup

                                Vegetable stir fry with 1/2 cup of brown/ wild rice

                Best   

                                Leafy Green Salad

                                Vegetable and bean salad. 

               

                                                               

                                                                                                                                                               

Shortly after lunch - Tea Time. This is a tempting time to eat starching foods.  Resist this temptation and hydro-nourish instead.  A high nutrient drink/tea will satisfy the craving to want to eat after lunch.    I suggest drinking the Energy Boost drink which consists of 1-2 TBSP of raw apple cider vinegar in 8-12oz of water with 1 tsp of honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

                Tea Suggestions:  Red Raspberry Leaf, Peppermint, Brigham Tea, Burdock, Calcium Tea, Liver Tea, Kidney Tea                                                                                                                                                   

Afternoon Snack – Remember DO NOT SNACK, hydro – nourish.  If you choose to snack, stay away from starchy foods and eat Living foods (fruits, veggies, nuts)                                                                                                                                                         

                REALITY CHECK – on paper these guidelines look doable, but it is with much experience and observation that people need a daily “TREAT.”  My suggestion: if you follow the previous guidelines and avoid snacking, it is my opinion that a small treat has some “health” benefit.  I would suggest having it before dinner.

                                                                                                                                                               Dinner - The main course of dinner should be vegetables (50%) complemented with small portions of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.                                                                                                                                                               

                Good

                                Broccoli, BBQ chicken, and potato

                                Burrito with minimal meat.  Fill the burrito with veggies and  a little beans            

                                Pasta dish with lots of veggies on the side or in the dish

                Better

                                Vegetable stir fry

                                Potatoes, Yams, squash

                                Vegetable soups

                Best

                                Vegetable salad – this has a lot of options, not just a leafy green salad.

                                Sprouted grain/bean casserole 

                                Raw Soups

To sum things up, if you are going to be committed to your health, you must be committed to a routine.  Your daily routine should focus on the 6 healthy habits, that are the foundation of any health program. My experience with establishing a routine first is that it  develops a balanced lifestyle for the many components of life and  peace of mind.  Without balance we are constantly feeling guilty for not living up to our expectations that are generally unrealistic.

Please feel free to share your thoughts about this article.
For more information about services that I offer, go to my website www.CHICKENorPIG.com or contact me at aaron@chickenorpig.com.

For a free sample of Isagenix shake click on the link:
http://chickenorpig.leanshakesample.com/fz/index.htm