Bravery for the sake of health!

I started the Pilates Body Program this week with Robin Long (www.thebalancedlifeonline.com). So far, I am totally stoked that I signed up for the program. The Pilates itself is going to be quite the physical challenge, but I think the real challenge for me is going to be what happens in the kitchen and in the aisles of the stupid grocery stores! Yes, I said stupid!

For those of you who know me or don't know me, I am not a cook. In fact, just the thought of preparing a meal gets the anxiety at an all time high. I hate almost everything about it. I get overwhelmed by picking out the recipe I'm going to use, I loathe the grocery store, and I hate it when I try something and it doesn't work out beautifully the first time. What I do love is putting on some fabulous music and drowning my cooking anxiety in the soothing melodies and danceable rhythms. A nice glass of wine doesn't hurt either. Tonight, it was the soundtrack to Breaking Dawn (I am unashamed and unapologetic for that...for those of you who are mocking me right now).

So I am learning to let go! I have been given a fabulous meal plan by Drew Parisi (www.parisinutrition.com), and the recipes are fun and easy. For the most part. I had a slight panic attack on first sight of the menu, but then calmed down when I realized I didn't have to do everything. I'm starting small and choosing only a few meals here and there. And Robin has been fantastic! Such a support!!

My first success? Stocking my fridge with food! People....this does not happen in my home! I do not keep a stocked fridge or a stocked cabinet. Much to my dad's dismay. He is always trying to prepare me for a pending apocalyptic event....which I typically roll my eyes at. But BEHOLD!!

 

My dad would be so proud! There are herbs in there, people! Herbs! And eggs, and multiple types of lettuce, and fruits!! I braved the aisles...and prices...of Whole Foods! I was not intimidated by a $6.99 pathetic-excuse-for-a-container of almond butter! I learned how to get yellow split peas out of those hanging plastic contraptions (with the help of a kind, handsome stranger!).

My second success? Prep!! I sliced and diced for about an hour tonight. I boiled eggs. I washed veggies.

Those are containers in there! Containers!!

And I'm soaking my yellow split peas to make crisps!

And the crockpot still works! Who knew it wasn't just a decoration for the corner of my dining room!!

I am flipping excited about this, peeps! Hold me accountable for staying brave! For looking into the aisles of the grocery store and declaring "YOU WILL NOT DEFEAT ME....even if what I need is on the very top shelf!! Because I will find another handsome stranger....I will DO IT!!!!"