Early last year Jeremy and I decided to try out P90X. For those of you who aren't familiar, P90X is a grueling home workout system that builds strength through a technique called muscle confusion. Jeremy and I had a little bit of success but we knew we could do better. We decided that next time we would follow the diet guidelines a little closer in order to achieve the results we were wanting to see.
This year I got P90X2 for Christmas (more on that later)*. I was really excited to see that the food part of the program accommodates vegans and vegetarians - but upon further inspection I was disappointed to see these sources were primarily processed options like protein shakes, seitan, tofu and tempeh. You have to eat a lot of protein (like 225g a day a lot) during phase 1 of the P90X2 - so to be a vegetarian it would mean lots of processed food. In order to achieve the very specific results I'm looking for I'm faced with a dilemma: lots of processed food vs. fish. I know there are lots of vegans out there who can make it work but for now fish won. Over my 15 years of being a vegetarian I've always had fish on occasion - when I was a kid my dad would literally go out to our backyard, on a lake, and catch our dinner. So it's a food that is a part of my culture and history. All of that to say - I'm fairly comfortable eating it.
And I've gotta tell you - this salmon I had for dinner last night is mighty tasty. I used Mel's salmon recipe from Well Fed and her magic green beans recipe found here.
*Here are some past posts about my workouts - I may do an updated one for the new year if you all are interested:
• Anatomy of an Outfit: Sweating it Out
• Working on my fitness
My husband and I did p90x last february and he had amazing results. (I've had some thyroid issues that popped up, so I didn't lose any weight doing it…crazy, right?? But if I hadn't done the program I wouldn't have known to check my thyroid.) So, I was pretty excited when I saw the previews for p90x2 this fall. I'm curious to see how you like it. So, I'd definitely love for a post on your updated routine. Best of luck on it! I found the protein shakes to be a boost for my protein. I also ate tons of greek yogurt with a little honey, raspberries and blueberries.
ReplyDeleteI faced a similar dilemma when I started working out and was vegetarian at the time. It was difficult to consume enough protein and I compensated consciously/unconsciously by eating more carbs, negating any progress. I relented to fish, and eventually to other meats as my need for protein increased. I hated having to do it, but I try to minimize still where possible.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see how you find P90x2!
Anna - I think guys definitely have an easier time leaning out. They do have a hormonal advantage.
ReplyDeleteI've been using protein shakes for the past few months and have seen a dramatic increase in lean muscle.
Jes - I'm with you - I started upping my consumption of refined carbs and it's just not the right kind of fuel for the results (increased muscle and strength) that I'm wanting. I think it's especially rough when you're doing something as intense as CrossFit / Paleo to not eat meat. I think the important thing is to be aware and to know that you don't have to have a huge portion of meat for every meal to be satisfied.
I received Well Fed for Christmas this year and I'm so excited to try out some recipes! I spent a good three hours going through the cookbook yesterday while sick in bed. Everything looks so delicious.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear more about your workouts. I'm always looking for new ideas and new inspiration for my training.
ReplyDeleteI feel you on the protein thing. I mean how much quinoa can one eat?
ReplyDeleteI can't give up seafood, though. I love it too much. And I'll have chicken on occasion. I've just never liked any other type of meat. Not for moral reasons, I just never liked the taste/texture.
Yep, I second protein shakes!
ReplyDeleteAnd now I'm VERY curious about P90X2. My husband got boxing lessons for Christmas, and I'm still doing bootcamp, but maybe one day we'll try it together! Sounds brutal but worth it! Thanks for the tip.
p.s. Completely unrelated, but I had to share. I saw this (in gold and silver) at Catbird and thought of you, Kathleen! xo.
My husband is a hardcore P90xer... Me not so much. He bought the Insanity workout next and I love all the awesome cardio. I feel like it holds my attention better. But the truth is, I just can't deny a good yoga class.
ReplyDeleteTaylor - Yay! I'm so glad you got Well Fed - get well (and eat well) soon!
ReplyDeleteMeghan - I'll do workout a post within the next week or so. :)
Francine - My reasons for being a (mostly) vegetarian change but simply not liking the taste or feeling of meat is definitely a huge reason why I don't eat it. I'm not inherently opposed to eating animals but factory farms gross me out. There's nothing natural about that.
Nicole - I'll keep you updated on P90X2. And I LOVE that ring - I've been lusting after the little gold heart one for a while now. I feel like the ampersand doesn't quite translate as well, though. :/
Bianca - Ah, I definitely have roots in yoga. I took an Ashtanga class through highschool / college like it was my part time job. I would love to get yoga back into my routine. I'm okay with a once or twice a week cardio session but right now muscle building is where it's at for me.