21 DAY CHALLENGE

It is said that it takes 21 days to make or a break a habit, right? Well, I'm going to put this theory to the test with my very own "Yoga Detox Challenge" for 21 days beginning Friday, November 1st.

Why, you ask? I lost my job about six weeks ago and I have this new found time on my hands. I have gone from practicing yoga once a week to four times per week, so why not up the ante to 21 consecutive days? Plus, I'm not going to lie, I've noticed that my jeans have been getting snug due to my ever-growing sweet tooth. It's time to put the brakes on my sugar addiction before I have to trade in my 26s for 27s...and a detox should do just that! 

Manduka ProLite Mat | Lululemon Wunder Under Crops | OPI Malaga Wine Polish

In all seriousness, I am challenging myself to a 21-Day Yoga Detox for more than just vanity's sake. I've had a few stressful months and I am ready to shed some unnecessary layers - mental, physical and spiritual. 

A yoga detox is designed to help you create awareness about where you live. You live in your own body so it's important that you take care of it by ridding yourself of toxins in your daily life - tangible and intangible. A detox will not only cleanse your body, but it will also clarify your thinking and fuel your soul...or so I have read. I am going to put the Yoga Detox to the test by committing myself to daily yoga classes for the next 21 days while following a sugar detox diet. 

Yoga poses assist the body in cleansing itself using the body's natural detoxification process. A well-rounded yoga practice systematically stretches, twists and compresses all parts of the body to help eliminate toxins from your organs and allows oxygenated blood to flow through the organs. For this process to work efficiently, it is important to eat a healthy diet, which is where the sugar detox comes into play. 

I am going to follow a sugar detox loosely based on The 21-Day Sugar Detox: Bust Sugar & Carb Cravings Naturally by Diane Sanfilippo. I'm going to strip refined sugars from my diet while adding more quality proteins, healthy fats and good carbs into my daily menus. Basically, all processed foods and sweets are out, fresh fish and veggies are in!

Now is the perfect time to do this challenge. Halloween will have come and gone by Friday, the candy will be put away, and we have 28 days to clear our minds and bodies before Thanksgiving. Who's with me on this one? If not this challenge, then perhaps you might want to challenge yourself to something else? Think of one habit you'd like to break or maybe even make, and challenge yourself to do it for 21 days. Just remember the process may be hard, but the payoff will be worth it!

I'll share my results with you in a few weeks...

xo
Jen
  
Note: If you'd like to follow a similar detox, but don't want to buy the 21-Day Sugar Detox book see this link http://www.rosecole.com/wwrhandouts/21%20day%20detox.pdf

THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL IS BY FOOT

They say that the best way to travel is by foot, right? I have to say that I agree. That's why I never leave home without my running shoes whether I'm traveling for business or for pleasure!

I like to workout 5 to 6 times per week and it's important to me to keep up my routine when traveling. It not only helps me get my day started on the right foot, but it also helps control my waistline because god only knows that my inner foodie likes to come out when I'm away from home. That's half the fun of traveling, right?

On a recent trip to New York City I couldn't help but indulge in the creamy gelato at Eataly, the most amazing crab toast at ABC Kitchen, and the tasty flatbread and sea bass at Northern Spy Food Co. so thank goodness for me that the city offers so many options when it comes to burning calories outdoors. In my opinion, it's by far the best way to see NYC and it's free. From Central Park to Riverside Park to the Hudson and East Rivers there is no shortage of outdoor venues in New York City where you can run free in the concrete jungle, see the sights and check a few things off your bucket list while you're at it.

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

My all-time favorite workout in NYC is an early morning run around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir (aka the Central Park Reservoir) where I had my "Charlotte York" moment for all you Sex and the City fans. The reservoir is located between 85th and 96th Streets east to west, and is approximately a 1.6 mile track that offers serene views of Central Park and the upper Manhattan skyline. The main entrance to the reservoir lies at 90th St. and 5th Avenue directly across from the Runner's Gate that connects the park drive with 5th Avenue.

The Hudson River Greenway Path

Another one of my favorite workouts in NYC is running along the Hudson River Greenway, which is ideal if you're staying on the westside. The Hudson River Greenway is a continuous 11 mile route between Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan and the Little Red Lighthouse underneath the George Washington Bridge. The trail passes through Hudson River Park, Riverside Park South, Riverside Park and Fort Washington Park. While I've covered quite a bit of terrain on this path, I prefer the southern portion jogging through the Hudson River Park from the West Village to Battery Park since it offers views of Manhattan's downtown skyscrapers, including the construction of the 1,776 ft tall Freedom Tower (1 World Trade Center), which is scheduled to open in 2014.

Both of these options offer phenomenal views of New York City and give you a new perspective on the city that you wouldn't have seen otherwise. I highly recommend giving these a try the next time you're in town - weather permitting of course and don't forget to bring your camera along! ;-)

xo 
Jen

HOLLYWOOD'S RUNYON CANYON

Every now and again, I like to leave the Westside to experience what the other neighborhoods in Los Angeles have to offer like Runyon Canyon Park in Hollywood. Runyon Canyon is located off of Hollywood Boulevard and North Fuller Avenue, and has panoramic views of Los Angeles including the famous Hollywood sign.

View from Cloud's Rest

Runyon Canyon is a LA hotspot of sorts for those looking to get in shape, those who are serious about staying in shape and those who are there to star gaze. Celebrity couples such as Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are often photographed hiking in the canyon as well as Josh Duhamel and Fergie. Although I haven't seen them, I did cross paths with Matthew Perry (or as I like to refer to him, Miss Chanandler Bong of "Friends" fame) late one Sunday afternoon. The main reason I like Runyon Canyon more compared to the other popular hiking destinations in LA is because it is also considered an off-leash dog park so I can bring Maddy, see the sights and get my workout in all-in-one. 

Runyon has two popular loops to chose from to meet your personal fitness level, Star Trail and Hero's Trail. I usually start at the western entrance on North Vista Street and go clockwise climbing up the paved path towards the back of the canyon to the east ridge to Clouds Rest. Then, I head down the Star Trail steps to Inspiration Point, which leads you back to the central fire road down to the Fuller Avenue entrance. If you prefer climbing up steps rather than walking up a steep incline, just reverse this route by starting at the Fuller Avenue entrance. In all, this loop is approximately 2 miles and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Maddy Headed Down the Steps to Inspiration Point

The second loop is called Hero's Trail, which you can also start from the Vista Street entrance but instead of following the trail eastward path head west up the steep incline along the spine of the ridge to the second highest point in the canyon where you can see views of the west and south. This trail is the more difficult of the two loops measuring over 3 miles and will take about 60 minutes to complete.

Since Runyon Canyon is a well-known spot, I recommend going at off-peak hours so it is easier to find street parking especially on the weekends. I usually try to arrive by 8am on Saturday mornings or I wait until mid-afternoon to avoid the crowds.

If you haven't hiked Runyon yet, add it to your to-do list now! It is one of those things that you have to do at least once in LA!

xo 
Jen