Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness

I am ready for the new year to begin, to reveal the real me under this haze of laziness and tired eyes. I am ready for a challenge, more difficult than one I've ever tackled before. I am ready to begin living.

I am an office manager by day and a freelance writer by night, leaving little chance for exercise or meal planning. However I am DETERMINED to make a difference in my life this year. Each year I adopt newer, better habits which have shaved a cool 15 pounds off my small frame, but I need to make more drastic changes in order to really begin feeling good about myself.

The year 2012 will be a year of rebirth for me: the year in which I turn 24, the year in which I will finally feel good about myself, the year I stop worrying about health issues, the year I stop stressing the little things in life. I am READY for this challenge.

I will be posting here as well as on our blog VEGONTHERUN <dot> com about my triumphs, setbacks and eventual realization of goals.

Here is where I am at the moment:

I am 23 years old, female, 5'1" frame with 145 pounds, but wanting to keep my hourglass curves. I want to be thinner, more toned. I am not totally unhappy with my body now, I can still sqeeeeeeeze into a size 4 pant, but I'm really a 6 (and sometimes, unhappily enough, an 8 in some brands). I'd like to comfortably wear whatever I'd like, preferably in a size 4. I'm ashamed of my upper arms and refuse to wear a bathing suit or shorts.

I am planning to lose weight, gain lean muscle and tone like crazy on a vegan diet and vigorous exercise plan, including cardio and weight routines. I begin officially January 2nd, but will start today thinking in healthier, more active terms.

Hoping for the strength of an elephant to get through this alive.

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See more about my healthy living and weight loss journey on my blog http://www.vegontherun.com/

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. -Mark Twain

All the best!

Go get em!

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Check out my Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness Book on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Bodybuildin ... 497&sr=1-1

The new year has begun - as has my official transformation. Yesterday I began eating entirely vegan, cutting out all dairy and animal products. I am following a training schedule that includes Active 2 on Wii, treadmill, spinning, outdoor running and weight training.

I have never done much weight lifting, so this is quite a new experience. Yesterday wasn't too hard, so I'm hoping that I can continue this for the rest of my life. I did 30 minutes cardio, followed by 40 minutes of upper body weight training. I am looking forward to spinning tonight, as well as getting in a lower body training session. Tomorrow will be a full body session.

Eating habits are easier for me, as I've frequently done "diets" that were extremely restrictive. I'm focusing more on whole foods and vegetables, but allowing myself plenty to eat. I'm also eating every 2-3 hours to keep my metabolism up.

So far I'm pretty optimistic that this is going to work out.

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See more about my healthy living and weight loss journey on my blog http://www.vegontherun.com/

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. -Mark Twain

I'm sore - I mean bone crushingly, frozen-jointed sore. After my workout on Monday night and spinning last night, I can barely straighten my arms and hitting the clutch on my car is agony. I think this is all par for the course when beginning an intense exercise regimen, but that doesn't make it any more pleasant.

I am happy to report that my diet is going well - save for the craving for bread and potato chips, I haven't had any major downfalls (although I did eat a ton of granola yesterday trying to get over a chip craving).

Other than the tremendous muscle cramping, I'm happy and motivated. I'm ready for some more exercising tonight...hoping that the "hair of the dog" will take some of this pain away.

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See more about my healthy living and weight loss journey on my blog http://www.vegontherun.com/

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. -Mark Twain

I love that you're so vulnerable here Ashley. You are going to meet your goal, I totally believe in you!

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No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1 Cor. 9:27
vegontherun.com (vegetarian blog)

Hi Ashley, Stay motivated girl ... you can do this! looks like you're doing great! Active recovery (walking, lots of stretching, yoga) is great for DOMS , also try hot baths in epson salts. Do you like veggies? Maybe you could incorporate some fresh veggeis when you get the chip/bread craving?

Thanks so much, All Zen =)

I have done a lot of yoga in the past, so I think I will need to start doing more now. I've also heard about epsom salts for muscle cramps, now that you say it. I will need to pick some up tonight, as my arms are so tight it makes it hard to do anything, include drive (which is dangerous in Miami traffic not being fully on your toes!).

I was talking with my friend earlier about trying to dehydrate some veggies in place of potato chips and I have been eating celery and hummus. I just have a snacking compulsion that is hard to break, but it's something I will need to work through.

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See more about my healthy living and weight loss journey on my blog http://www.vegontherun.com/

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. -Mark Twain

Dehydrated veggie chips are awesome and healthy for snacking ! fresh veggies & hummus are also a huge staple for me for snacking;) fruit smoothies as well.

Oh those sore muscles! I could barely do a cardio boot camp on the Wii last night without passing out - but I do feel much better today. I'm healing, getting stronger. I was laughing with my fiance last night that my legs are harder than his, and he has muscular legs. I'm happy that I can see little (okay - minute) changes in my body already.

I can't say that I'm over the food cravings yet, as the food monster reared his ugly head again this morning and last night, but I have overcome those cravings by eating healthy foods. While I've gone over my target caloric intake, I am proud that I've stuck to the right foods. I can work on the quantity, that's the easy part. Today I even overdid it a little on restricting my calories, eating only a spinach salad with raw mushrooms, green and red peppers. I've found some very convenient snacks, Peter Rabbit Organics, that are made with 100% fruits and veggies, no preservatives. I'll be trying those out today instead of my normal Luna bars. I bought the Pea, Spinach and Apple, as well as the Carrot, Squash and Apple. With less than 100 calories, they are a great snack that seem to be rich in nutrients. We'll see how they taste

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See more about my healthy living and weight loss journey on my blog http://www.vegontherun.com/

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. -Mark Twain

You're doing amazing! As long as you're eating healthy, you're on the right track- I'm sure you'll work it out And I like your signature

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No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1 Cor. 9:27
vegontherun.com (vegetarian blog)

Ashley!
You are an inspiration to many! I am so impressed by you, and feel compelled to train harder myself because of your determination! WOW!!! Girl, You got this! ROCK IT OUT!!!!
I'm taking the liberty of talking for everyone, but know that you can always pm any of us and we are here to help!
In addition to All Zen's dehydrated veggies chips, you can make kale chips at home! These are my favorite "snack" because not only are they delicious and satisfying, they are SO good for me!!! It takes about 10 minutes from start to finish to have a super healthy snack without the guilt

You are incredible! Drink water, recover and be well! You are totally on the right track!

MJ

Thanks, Jess I like yours, too!

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See more about my healthy living and weight loss journey on my blog http://www.vegontherun.com/

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. -Mark Twain

Hi Mindy!

Thanks so much - that is tremendously uplifting to hear. Although, now that I've read through your journal, I would absolutely say you are a great inspiration. I would love to be able to do all that dancing without making a fool of myself! You must be such a graceful person

Good luck in everything you do,

Ashley

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See more about my healthy living and weight loss journey on my blog http://www.vegontherun.com/

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. -Mark Twain

I'm feeling down today, although much more rested after having my day off from exercising. Not sure what it is, hoping the feeling will pass by the time I get home and ready to exercise. Last night I did have fun concocting a new vegan recipe, something I've been wanting to try for forever. I cut julienne'd pieces of zucchini, making them into noodles. I then tossed my zucchini noodles in a tomato "cream" sauce, made with homemade cashew cream. It sounds complicated, and it was somewhat, but nevertheless delicious.

I'm in need of some motivation for the weekend...

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See more about my healthy living and weight loss journey on my blog http://www.vegontherun.com/

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. -Mark Twain

I love making "raw pasta " out of zucchini ! Hope you are feeling better, I had a rough morning as well.