I don't know what hit me this year, but right around New Year I decided that being fit and slim is not enough and I have to get ripped abs. Fortunately at the same time I started to teach fitness classes 10 hours a week. And, being the overachiever that I am, I do everything my students do and then some. I also spend at least an hour or so at home putting my routines together, so by the end of the week I total 11+ hours of physical [as in athletic] activity.
Needless to say my food intake had gone WAY up. I feel that I am hungry every few minutes. The blessing of a whole, plant based diet comes in handy--I eat a lot of nutrient dense foods with low calorie count. I have to be honest, though, the calorie count does not bother me at all. In fact, I NEVER count calories. My motto is:
Calories are to be eaten, not counted!
Green smoothies have been amazing as pre- and post-workout food. They have enough protein and carbs to keep me going 2-3 hours at a time. They are perfect for post-workout recovery, because nutrients are absorbed quickly and assimilate easily.
For the remainder of the day I much on anything comes my way: fruit, salads, whole wheat sandwiches,
soups, etc. Last night I made quinoa [my new favorite grain] and amaranth [I am still trying to figure that one out].
Today my breakfast was a mixture of both grains, with grapes and almond milk, drizzled with raw honey and a shake of Himalayan salt. It is now among my new favorite breakfast items!
So, crazy as I am, I have been keeping a photo-journal of my ab-session [as in ab obsession ;)]. Would you like to see my progress? [to see larger image, click on it]
I can't believe the transformation in less than 2 months! [AND I can't believe I am showing my mid section to the world either :)...]
So, apparently what I am doing is working. A couple more months and my abs should be ripped :). I am planning to give the workout system everyone raves about, P90X, a shot. I will let you know how that goes. I am sure that when added to my weekly routine it will get me to my goal much faster. I am also gearing up to start offering Boot Camp at the gym where I teach, so watch out world! The ab-crazed vegan is on the loose!
PS: If you are looking for a great book on Sports Nutrition, you should definitely read Brendan Brazier's THRIVE DIET
book. I am reading it now and am still learning a lot, plus it keeps me motivated.
book. I am reading it now and am still learning a lot, plus it keeps me motivated. 
