Girly post today! I'm going to talk about food and hair. But first, my practice.
Same, same. Full Primary, trying to do everything (even the 4,000-year hold in Uth Pluthi, though I never make it past five counts, ever). I'm practising with the recording of Sharath's led.
My practice reports are starting to feel boring. No fun outdoor practices (it's been raining every day; thunderstorms), no funky vinyasa. I'm trying to for six in a row of the Primary Series this week, then I'll reward myself with something different.
By the way, the bottom leg, in Supta Padangustasana, has a pointed toe. I'm discovering pointed toes everywhere these days! An here's another epiphany from the Sunday led class: Baddha Konasana B is this rounded back thing that I'm now absolutely loving. I always heard 'head to toes' on Sharath's recording and wondered what the heck he was referring to. Of course, I could have always asked Arjuna.
Now, girl stuff:
First, food. I'm still working on improving my diet (which has fallen into stunning disrepair since I ceased being a single person last year). Interestingly, I've been very resistant to logging my foods. I can't seem to motivate myself to use CRON-o-Meter, so I've been trying to do without.
This week, I'm focusing on a 'more water, less sugar' strategy. I have a wicked sweet tooth, so eliminating sugar pretty much eliminates most junk and processed foods from my diet. I'm been drinking 8 glasses of water a day, trying to get all of them in before lunch.
This means that I skip breakfast. I realise it sounds suspect, but I really don't miss it and I don't overeat at lunch. I drink water all morning and then eat lunch and reward myself with a pot of chai tea. So far, so good, lots of hydration. I'm sticking to my plan and my pants are fitting better.
This isn't the first time I've done the no-sugar thing, so I'm on the lookout for the effects. My moods stabilize when I'm off sugar and I feel lighter. I'm craving fruit. I've been eating my 'heavy meal' (protein) at lunch and opting for raw veggies and fruits for supper. The fruits help satisfy my evening sugar craving.
Tonight, I was really noticing how 'sugary' the carrots and grapes are. I'm also much more aware of flavour difference between different types of apples now. I accidentally bought a 'golden delicious' at the store and it really *is* delicious, has a pear-like flavour.
And, onto hair (continuing the 'post-yoga-fro' discussion on Karen's blog)...
Oh, yoga hair, how you vex me! When I started Yoga Teacher Training, I had waist-length curly tresses! No joke! (I was a big fan of French braids)
It only took a few months of hair-wrangling in YTT for me to cut it all off. Literally, I went from long to very short. Now, after years of a 'Pema Chodron-esque' hair-do, I've been trying to grow mine out - not very long, just longer. I guess I'm trying for a softer look, but I totally forgot about all of the high-maintenance styling and upkeep that longer hair entails. And it gets in the way of my yoga.
I'm discovering that hair is insulating (read: HOT) and also absorbent. By mid-practice, my brain is boiling and the sweat is dripping down my face. Right now, I'm trying the 'Baron Baptiste Head Bandanna' strategy, but I'm this close (*millimetre*) from chopping it all off again. The only thing that's stopping me is that I don't have the money to throw at this problem. It's fine for now because I have time to bath after practice and I'm not teaching a lot.
But soon I'll need to make a hair decision.
5 comments:
Enjoyed your post as usual :O) I can't say my yoga fro has ever bothered me. I find hair long enough to put in a pony tail is best though. I just whip of the hairband during some poses and then whip it back on again. Seane Corn is my yoga fro idol (and also simply yoga idol!) http://www.seanecorn.com
I am not convinced about dropping the breakfast strategy ;O) It is the most important meal of the day. What about homemade oat porridge with fruit?? I am sure that should fit the CRON diet.
FYC
@Mother Hen:
The oats could work, but I generally avoid all types of oatmeal and most bread when I'm following a CRON diet faithfully. It's all veggies and protein and nutrient rich foods. The no-breakfast thing is really working for me because I'm not hungry in the morning *at all*. Plus, I'm doing yoga in the mornings, better done on an empty stomach.
I've had short and long hair, but find long easiest, because you can just toss it into a ballet bun and only need to take it out for headstand.
But I understand the urge to cut it off, I've actually been trying to wean myself from coloring it. I usually get about four inches of regrowth before I cave and reach for the bottle. But this time, I've gotten over that hump and feel like it's smooth sailing. Maybe you'll hit that peak soon, and be glad for your lovely long hair again!
hi Kai
funny, i wrote about hair problems today as well, and before reading your post. must be a psychic thing.
hugs
Arturo
God. I am going to try to grow mine back to ponytail length.
"Absorbent." Cracked me up when I read that, because it makes me feel like a paper towel. :-)
Post a Comment