ruminations of a kennedy

Time to "Bring It," "Push Play," etc. on the P90X Program (again).

I’ve read about the incredibly trendy, yet effective P90X for quite some time now. I’ve studied its merits, advantages, and disadvantages and even reviewed some people’s first-hand experience in following it*. Suffice it to say, if someone follows and executes the program, they will should see results.

Like any exercise regimen, you get out of it what you put into it. Due to the fact I have been in a constant quest to get in the best shape of my life, I have decided to really follow and commit to the program. And because it will only help further motivate me (and possibly inspire others), I have also decided to document the progress/failure along the way (just like I documented my Master Cleanse experience).

This kid: Not “bringing it” for Mr. P90X - Tony Horton (btw, note the half-eaten hostess cupcake and bag o’ chips #2 waiting on deck at the side table)

So if you’re interested, check back here to see the ups, downs (some videos), and thoughts I may have along the journey of this 90 day “extreme(!)” fitness and nutrition program.

“DECIDE. COMMIT. SUCCEED.”

Day 1 (Progress) Tracker

*It should be noted that a) in the past, I have performed many of the exercises from the program and b) I have not purchased the entire system at 2:34AM on the couch with Cheeto crumbs all over my shirt. So basically, I am going to follow the program to the best of my ability using his demo videos, worksheets, Youtube videos, and whatever else I can steal from the Internet borrow from friends and/or legally download from the Web.

A completely random fact that amuses me.

so i’ve learned i suffer from a “hypnagogic myoclonic twitch.” in layman’s terms it’s just basically your muscles jerking/twitching while you are attempting to go to sleep. apparently, it is the result of the brain misinterpreting the relaxation of muscles as the body prepares for sleep. the brain actually thinks the body is falling, and then instructs the muscles to move, which is where the twitching comes from.

i really need to start having better dreams

now that i think about it, i seem to experience this a lot (including other twitches in my biceps, eyes). especially when i’m flying on an airplane. nothing like violently and abruptly awaking to my muscles twitching in little space next to strangers. sorry about your bag of soynuts and cup of ginger ale buddy.

Some of the meals prepared so far...

one of the first meals I made coming off the master cleanse was a fully-loaded, healthy vegetarian soup. it was instrumental in preparing my body to start consuming and digesting “real” food again after a week of drinking nothing but a lemonade drink consisting of water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. this vegetable soup was made using ingredients such as water, vegetable broth, carrots, onions, garlic, green cabbage, green beans, tomato paste, zucchini, and others things among garnishes such as sage, thyme, oregano, and basil.

another night as part of a side dish and dessert, I made some homemade guacamole and treat of frozen cut bananas with a dollop of natural peanut butter, melted drizzled dark chocolate, and macadamia nut pieces. 

for another dinner, i went with a trader joe salmon patty on a whole wheat bun with a side of homemade sweet potato fries/chips which were made just buy slicing up a sweet potato, drizzling with olive oil and kosher salt and baked for 15 or so minutes. and of course it was washed down with one of my favorite drinks, an honest tea. (this flavor—black forest berry—also happens to be the beverage of choice for president obama. it should be noted that this selection wasn’t politically motivated.)

Pescetarianism

since two mondays ago (march 30) i have decided to follow what is referred to as a pescetarian diet. basically, it is similar to a vegetarian diet in the regard that it excludes meat however it includes the consumption of fish and most, if not all other seafood. it also does not strictly exclude dairy and eggs either. so suffice it to say the diet is primarily loaded with veggies, fruit, nuts, beans, grains, and of course some seafood.

i imagine most people choose to follow this diet because they feel red meat and beef is unhealthy, can increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, or don’t like the way animals are treated, etc.

some pescetarians claim that they feel it’s okay to eat seafood because it “doesn’t have feelings”

although i respect these opinions, i have different reasons.

the reason i started to follow this diet is for the fact i’m recently coming off the master cleanse detox. therefore, i thought it would be in my best interests to follow a diet that excludes red meat and other kinds but still including fish because i did not want to go vegetarian. so it basically allows me to stay somewhat sane and also get my fix of healthy fats (omega-3 fatty acids) and other vitamins and nutrients. it also won’t hurt that excluding meat from my diet will lower my calorie and fat intake. one of the positive side effects is that since i’m avoiding meat, it will ensure i don’t “binge” on unhealthy (albeit delicious) meals (especially late on the weekends) such as greasy pepperoni pizza, fried chicken/tenders, etc.

just some of the reasons i could never give up seafood

i have decided to try this for 2-months due to the fact that date coincides with the time i move apartments. so it’ll give me a solid amount of time to establish this nutrition plan and see what kind of progress i can make throughout my journey.

so far it hasn’t been as difficult or unreasonable as i expected. of course one of the challenges is to come up with enough meal varieties using the allowed ingredients.

we shall meet again my juicy, tender, succulent friend

i’ll post some of my pescetarian inspired meals along the way.

from a record standpoint- weight as of 4/8/09: 203 lbs.

very cool recycled tape cassette art

more can be seen here.