My Blue Heaven

Steppin’ it up

Now that I’m no longer sick (yay!), I’ve started getting my fitness and dancing regime back on track. Finally!! I worked out that I’ve been sick for about 3 & 1/2 weeks over the past month… thats most of January! Two separate colds, but equally annoying. It was driving me nuts.. and I was going into some serious dance class withdrawal. I wanted to dance so bad I would start busting mini-moves whilst walking home listening to my ipod. R&B/hiphop seems to have a dangerous effect on me these days – my mind just keeps thinking up dance moves/routines whenever I listen to it.. nothing concrete enough for actual choreography though. The moves are too vague. I’m no choreographer.. not creative enough.

Big news! I have FINALLY found a good hiphop class!!! Yay!!!! I discovered Danceworks on the net a while back, but only just got around to trying it out. I went to the intermediate Xpress Yo’self class on Friday night. It was very cool. Much less funk and closer to the real hiphop style I learnt back in Sydney. Woohoo! Danceworks seems to have a few fairly advanced hiphop classes. Gonna definitely try em out. Though the label “Pro” is a bit intimidating… might do a few more intermediate classes and work on my strength and fitness a bit more first. I nearly did my ankle in at the class on Friday coz my muscles were giving out. Compensation in the wrong place is a dangerous thing.

Anyways, I’m also back at it at the gym. Kicked off last Thurs with a really good workout session with Kwai. Man my arms were soooo sore over the weekend… not to mention my back and abs and legs. It feels good though. Being active again. Makes such a difference to my mood, energy and overall well-being. I don’t feel the need to eat as much either. Am going to the gym again tonight. I think I’ve sufficiently recovered enough to go at it again. 🙂

French women don’t get fat (its true!)

Speaking of food, I’ve been reading this book called “French Women Don’t Get Fat” by Mireille Guiliano. I guess some people might call it a diet book, but its not really. Quite an interesting read… more about the french way of life.. in particular their attitude towards food.. and their differences from our unhealthy Western (particularly american) attitudes and practices. More importantly it contains many secret french tips and tricks for cooking and enjoying mouth-wateringly delicious food (yes even chocolate and bread) in a way that is guilt-free and doesn’t make you fat. It answers that elusive question – why don’t french women get fat? (During my trips to France and Belgium, I did often wonder about that!) It contains heaps of really scrumptious and creative french recipes. I won’t spoil the whole book, but part of the secret is quality over quantity. Quality (and seasonal) ingrediants, more taste and variety… eating less yet enjoying more. Smaller portions but much greater variety. Actually sitting down and eating slowly, paying attention to the food.. savouring each bite, not scoffing food “on the run”. And more of the important things like fresh fruit. I’ve already tried the Grandma Louise Oatmeal with grated apple breakfast. Perfect for winter mornings. Yummy.. and healthy! 🙂

Current listening :: “We belong together” – Mariah Carey (I rather like the latest Mariah album!)

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