fithiphealthy

25 THINGS {BY SAYEH}!

 

We all know Melissa Weinberg as the woman who can lift her leg so high that it’s actually impossible to take your eyes off of her when she does her Rockette Kicks. But she’s much more than just the energetic and enthusiastic Lithe instructor that kicks our butts every time we take one of her classes. She shares 25 things we never knew about her.

1. I’ve just recently gotten used to being called by my full name, “Melissa.”  Everyone who knows me from before I graduated college still calls me “Missy” or “Miss.”
2. I competed in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior Olympics with fellow Lithe Instructor Meghan G. when we were in our teens.
3. I have a questionably inappropriate fascination with Tony Danza.  Tony, you melt my butter (or coconut oil in my case).
4. I lived in Rome a few years ago after falling in love with the Italian people, culture, and language.
5. I have a vivid dream in the Italian language at least once a week.
6. I also dream about living abroad again someday, either Europe or somewhere tropical – just have to wait for Lithe Rome or Lithe Caribbean to open!
7. I enjoy traveling all by myself.  I’ve taken trips to Italy, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, France, Canada, and all over the US flying solo.
8. My dad took me to my first concert--Olivia Newton John in Atlantic City--when I was 14. No, I wasn’t embarrassed by my dad taking me or by the fact that it was Olivia Newton John.  Yes, she sang my favorite, “Let’s Get Physical.”  No, I didn’t pick up on the double entendre. It’s about exercising and getting fit.hip.healthy, right?!
9. Another double entendre I failed to pick up on? Brit Brit’s “… Baby One More Time.”  In high school, I was known for doing a Britney Spears-inspired dance routine at every dance and party.  It was a “hit,” haha, woopsy.
10. Clearly, I just love to dance!  When I go out, that’s all I want to do and I don’t really care about anything else.  When I’m in dance mode, I sing these song lyrics in my head: “I don't really care –air-air-air-air-air-air, I just wanna da-an-an-an-an-an-ance” (from “Who’s That Chick?”)
11. I have also been known to break out acrobatics on the dance floor a la the music video above (special occasions only).  I love that I can still do aerials and back flips from my gymnastics days.
12. I did gymnastics (artistic and then rhythmic) from the time I was 2 years old through college when I was the President of the PENN Club Gymnastics team.
13. At PENN (Go Quakers!), I majored in Cultural Linguistic Anthropology and dual-minored in Latin American Studies and Spanish.
14. For my major & minors, I took many courses about the Maya and have always been fascinated by their culture and history.  (I think it dates back to my love for a “Voyage of the Mimi” episode starring Ben Affleck.)
15. I’m severely allergic to corn! But, I consider my allergy to be one of my biggest life blessings.  It kept me away from soda, candy, sugary cereals, and other processed foods as a kid, and now I don’t have any taste for those unhealthy items as an adult.  
16. I’m so passionate about healthy eating that my friends say I am a walking nutrition database.  Ask me how many calories or the amount of protein that’s in something you’re eating, and I can give you a pretty accurate count right off the top of my head.
17. I’m also passionate about staying fit and active.  I start to notice a change in my mood after just one day of sitting still, so I make exercise a top priority in my life.
18. I love to play tennis.  My dad introduced me to the game, and playing tennis with him is still one of my favorite things in the whole wide world.
19. I am a huge crier.  I joke that I have over-active tear ducts, but I secretly believe it’s totally true.
20. A few years ago, I bleached my hair super bright blonde.  I had naturally platinum blond hair as a child, so I felt an urge to go return to my “roots” (haha sorry), but I’m back to brunette now and it just feels more me.
21. I used to work in a 9 to 5 (more like 8 to 8) office job doing medical market research consulting.  
22. While I learned a lot and would not trade the experience for anything, I am happy to say I now dedicate most of my time to all things Lithe!  I love being around all of the lovely Lithe ladies, staying active and fit, and contributing to something so positive!  So much gratitude.
23. I get extreme pleasure out of analyzing data, crafting PowerPoint presentations, and writing well-organized reports and e-mails.
24. In my writing, I will forever uphold use of the oxford comma.  Gotta clear up the ambiguity people!
25. When I set out to write this “25 Things,” I thought Sayeh was crazy for asking me because I am such an open book.  I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve and I know I talk A LOT, so I figured everybody already knows pretty much everything about me.  How could I possibly have anything interesting left to share? Turns out, I came up with a few things … but, it was a challenge!

Wait one second! “Baby Hit Me One More Time” is a double entendre?? Am I the world’s most dense person? I thought it was just scandalous because of her sexy school girl outfit! I feel very confused and weird inside. And I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am going have to go out dancing with Melissa IMMEDIATELY! If she is busting out the gymnastics on the dance floor, then she is basically living my dream in life, and I’d like to witness it in reality.  Melissa, I think you forgot one thing for your list. If I was writing it, number 25 would say that you are incredibly motivating and helpful instructor. You correct our form, push us to our limit and help us get the very most out of our time in the studio. Thank you!

Image of Lithe Instructor Melissa Weinberg wearing Lithe's Slimming Pants via Dom

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE!

Love that this 40-something mother of two went for her dreams! Go Laura!

Image and article via Fitness Magazine

LITHE'S ULTRA SUPPORT PERFORMANCE BRA!

I've been living in Lithe's Ultra Support Performance Bra.  I'm talking seriously supportive and super comfy (thanks to double layering and cross-back straps) whether you're on the mat, watching a movie or going to dinner.  I took some shots of Lithe Instructors, Elizabeth Howe (testing size Medium) and Elizabeth Galbally (testing size Large). 

We all agree that this one holds 'em up at the barre, the bands and during the most intense, bounce-heavy CCS sequences and Hot-Stepper.  It's more than a sports bra and it's handmade locally right here in Philly. $75 On-line ordering will be available soon!  

Images of Lithe Instructors, Elizabeth Howe & Elizabeth Galbally at Lithe Old City via Lauren

LAUREN'S PEP! SMOOTHIE.

 

Ah, sleepless nights.  Mars is teething and instead of relying on excess amounts of caffeine, I turned to my Vitamix and created a peppy, green beauty.  This green smoothie is filling (high fiber and 3.5 grams of protein just from the chard alone) revvs your metabolism, stabilizes blood sugar via Chard, curbs the appetite and energizes thanks to black tea, guarana and Maca (No need for coffee!).   It's fresh, sweet and slightly peppery so adjust your pink pepper to taste.  Enjoy! 

Images via Lauren

LITHE LOVE.

TWITTER TUESDAYS!

Tweet with us and win!  Here's what you have to do:

Start following http://twitter.com/lithemethod if you're not doing so already & tweet “I love @lithemethod! #fithiphealthy” for a chance to win a Valentine’s Day Organic gift from Korbel.  We will be choosing two winners who are over 21 years of age.  

We'll announce the winner on the @lithemethod Twitter page. Remember, all entries must be received by 11:59 pm/et on 2/14/2012. Limit one entry per day per person/twitter address.  Check out the rules here. 

Image of Lithe Instructors Nicole Sewall & Elizabeth Sturgis in Hot Legs via Dom

 

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS}.

Dear Lauren,

I recently celebrated my six month "Lithe Anniversary" and wanted to share this photo with you, along with a Lithe Love Letter!  I really want to Thank You and all the amazing Lithe Instructors for such an inspiring, effective, and transformative program! 

I began Lithing in May as a way to get in shape for my wedding.  I've been doing yoga for years and love it but I wasn't getting the workout I needed to see results and tone up.  I've never considered myself a "gym person" so I was looking for a program I could get into and stick with.  Lithe has been more than I ever expected!  Not only are the workouts fun, but they leave you craving more.  It didn't take long for me to see muscles I never even knew I had!  Every week as I checked off classes in my Lithe passport, I gained a new confidence knowing that I was working so hard to reach my goal. 

I lost almost ten pounds leading up to the big day.  My arms looked well-defined and most of all I felt great.  I'm continuing to take classes and it's rewarding to know that I'm doing something so good for myself.  Lithe really is a community – of amazing, inspired women!  And I feel fortunate to be a part of it.  Thanks for creating and running such a wonderful program!  Best of luck as you continue to expand your business.  And much appreciation to you, the amazing Lithe staff, and fellow Lithers everywhere!

Jackie

Image of Lither, Jackie N. via Jackie

LOVING (VALENTINE'S DAY)!

Pastures of Heaven Rose Confiture (coming to Lithe soon!), my slimming smoothie (I'll share the recipe tomorrow), a sneak peak at my husband's light box furniture and the way that Lithe's leather leggings crackle with age.

Images via Lauren's Canon Rebel EOS

"THE RULES"

for beginning a new romance with a mysterious stranger

Thanks to Hallmark, February is associated with a very commercial, “ready to buy” idea of love. Like “diets,” boxes of chocolate and tacky lingerie promise a simple and cheap solution to a process that takes time and care.  Too often, these solutions seem like a sarcastic or cruel commentary on what they are actually supposed to represent. 

This Valentine’s Day, dump the lazy, cheap, and thoughtless boyfriend of mass-marketed foods and beauty ideals. A mysterious stranger and a new and exhilarating romance are waiting for you. This dashing prospect is your current health goal. A charming date leans in and listens closely. Do the same to your goal. Read between the lines as you would with post-date and follow-up text messages. What does “I want to lose 15 pounds” really mean? What is different about the version of me who accomplishes this task? What does our life look like together?

Have a flirty first journal date with this question. Take it slow. Making this process into yet another crash diet is like sex on the first “date”: fatal to the relationship. Like a Lithe challenge or earning 30 lunge stamina, exploring, questioning, and deciphering your wellness and weight-loss goal takes time and dedication. And, your efforts are rewarded with lasting gifts that go beyond a smaller and tighter body. The more you listen, the more sensational the love affair with yourself and life, year round. Hallmark and Godiva can never compete with that.

Ali Shapiro is a 20-year cancer survivor and regular NBC Philadelphia contributor. Her Truce with Food program, which simplifies and revolutionizes your nutrition goals, begins March 6. Details and sign-up at http://alishapiro.com/group-programs.

Image of Ali Shapiro via Ali and Lithe Instructors, Krista DeNofa & Melissa Weinberg via Dom

LITHE GIVEAWAY FRIDAY!

 

 

Happy Friday!  This week we are giving away a special organic gift from Korbel to ten lucky winners who are over 21 years of age.

For a chance to win, please visit our Facebook page, "Like us" then leave a comment at the post.  Ten winners will be chosen at random tomorrow and the winners will be announced on Monday!  Good luck! 

Images via Korbel and Lithe Instructors, Elizabeth Sturgis and Nicole Sewall in hot legs via Dom

 

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS}.

 

Dear Lithe,

I always get a little teary-eyed when January turns into February. I remember Feburary 2009 and how I decided to spend a month focusing on getting healthy.

As I planned the project, I thought it meant I would work out nonstop, barely eat, and just drop pounds and pounds of fat and then go on with my life.

When I thought about loosing weight, I believed that it was okay for me to hate my body. I believed that it was okay for everyone else to hate my body and me. I was just one big ball of hate towards my body and I thought that was how I was supposed to see myself.

I signed up for the Lithe immersion.

I thought it was just to lose weight.

Instead, three years later, I have found myself.

It is never okay to hate my body, or expect my body to be hated. It could weigh 1000 pounds and still would deserve respect and love.

It's not about the numbers on the scale.

It's not about the size of the jeans.

Instead, I learned it is about lunging through a workout.

It's about smiling even on tough days.

It's knowing that health is really a super long marathon.

So, three years, thousands of crunches, lunges, sumos, learning to run, and completing races later, I am happy and Lithestrong.

Right now, I am in the middle of a job search and I know deep in my heart that the confidence and support I gained through Lithe will carry me through any challenge.

Lithe is amazing. Not because I lost a lot of weight.  Not because I kept off most of the weight. Not because its totally cool and hip.

Lithe is amazing because it is a space that is positive without being preachy.  It's shows a new way forward as long as you show up and work hard.

 

So, again, as I enter a new year of being healthy, I am thankful to be able to pause and send a love letter to Lithe. 

Hope to see you all in the studio on my next visit.

Melissa B

BRING BACK THE BAGS!

So many of you have asked about recylcling your meal plan bags.  Yes, please do!  Feel free to bring your large, Lithe Cooler bag and small blue bag back to us.  Just drop them off at the front desk and we'll deliver them back to the kitchen.  Thanks!  P.S.  Don't forget to recycle your plastic! 

Image of Lithe's Detox Meal Plan via Stuart Goldenberg 

PAIGE'S RETREAT!

 

While I finish planning out the details of our next Lithe Escape, I'm heading out of town to one of my favorite places in the world (Jake's, Treasure Beach, Jamaica) to spend some time with some of my favorite people at Paige Chapman's Jamaican Yoga Getaway.

Think: Yoga, spa treatments, delicious food from Jamaica's bread basket, snorkeling, quiet nights, ocean breezes, sunshine and salt air.  There are a few spots left. Who wants to come with?  April 19th-23rd.  If we overfill Jake's we can stay at the beautiful Hope House!

Download Info Sheet

Rates:

$1400 shared room

$1600 single

Images from last years retreat at Jake's via Paige

I'M LOVING (PARIS).

 

QT with Jordan, great boutiques, coffee breaks, macaroons, delicious food, people watching, Kusmi Tea, My Little Paris, fabulous pharmacy skincare finds (LUXE & Filorga) and beautiful inspiration everywhere.  Can't wait to go back!

Images via Lauren and brand websites

LIGHTER LITHE QUICHE.

Have you tried our newest, lighter quiche?  We've cut the potato crust in half (and the carbs!).  It's SO light and airy you won't believe it's not the real deal.  I'm addicted!  Add in a basic green smoothie or Lithe Greenie for a perfect breakfast!  Ingredients: egg, potato, kale, mushroom, onion, whole wheat pastry flour, extra virgin olive oil, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, water, salt, pepper, oregano   166  Calories, 7g Fat, 15g Carbs, 10g Protein  Price:  $6

Image of Lithe's lighter quiche via Lauren

LITHE'S HORCHATA!

Horchata is typically a rice-based Mexican (or Spanish) milky drink made with rice, condensed milk, cinnamon and a boat load of sugar.  Folklore says that Horchata is the drink of the gods and our Horchata gives you that heavenly flavor and all the ritz without putting an ounce on your hips. Shake it up!  Ingredients:  Almond Milk, Tofu, Agave, Almond Extract   223 Calories, 9g Fat, 26g Carbs, 12g Protein  Price:  $7

EGGPLANT ROULADE.

Our Eggplant Roulade with Roasted Red Pepper Coulis is the perfect dinner.  Layered Eggplant, artichoke and just enough fresh mozzarella cheese will fill you up without weighing you down.  Ingredients: eggplant, artichoke, red bell pepper, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, garlic, parsley, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper  210 Calories, 12g Fat, 17g Carbs, 15g Protein  Price: $9.00

25 THINGS {BY SAYEH}!

We all know Lauren as the brains and inspiration behind everything Lithe Method. From the constantly evolving classes, to the local, seasonal food she creates to compliment them, to the stylish and high performance gear she designs for us to wear during them, most of us are pretty amazed with her juggling abilities. Every time a new class is added to the schedule or we see another picture of Mars’s darling little punnim on the blog, we wonder how does she do it all? But there’s more to Lauren than incredible time management skills and business acumen! Sharing 25 things we don’t know about her, Lauren gives us a glimpse into her life outside of Lithe. You might be surprised about what you learn!

1.    I love driving through Manhattan.  I'm really good at navigating and weaving through heavy traffic. The more going on, the better!

2.    It drives me nuts when the studio mats are misaligned.

3.    I've never worn deodorant (I've never needed it).

4.    I love Stevie Nicks.

5.    I blow my nose like an old man.

6.    I honk like a taxi driver when I drive.

7.    I am terrible at camping.

8.    I can’t eat Mussels b/c they remind me of baby birds.

9.    I was painfully shy as a child. My mom had to push me out the door to play with the neighborhood kids. It still takes me a little time to warm up to people.

10.    I live for reggae music.

11.    I can travel anywhere for any length of time and pack all my belongings in 1 small carry-on duffel.

12.    I've been told many times that I don't worry enough.

13.    At least a few times a week when I'm teaching, I think how incredibly thankful I am to have a healthy, working body.

14.    Every Lithe love letter that I have ever received has made me cry.

15.    I was baptized Presbyterian, raised Catholic and married a Jew.

16.    I'm half Italian and half English-Dutch.

17.    I have a photographic memory when it comes to movement. I can remember and repeat every move that I see during a music video, cheerleading competition, skating championship, etc.

18.    I'm obsessed with BBC World News. I watch it every night before bed.

19.    I trust myself completely. I  follow my gut.  It's almost always right.

20.    I have a unique family situation. I am an only child, and my parents divorced when I was three. Neither ever remarried but they remained best friends. They both have significant others of over 30 years. They speak everyday, and we have all gone on vacation together. I'll often call one of them to find them all together at a Phillies game, a play, dinner or a concert. I consider myself really lucky.

21.    It has been noted that trying to change my mind is like trying to turn a cruise ship.

22.    I moved 13 times from 1996-2007.

23.    I once had dinner with Walter Matthau and had no idea who he was.

24.    I'm a world class skier.  I've been skiing since I was 3.  My family had a house in Breckenridge, CO for most of my life. I am a silver and bronze Nastar downhill racing winner. I love skiing the back bowls, I've been heli-skiing, and I can attack any (west coast) Double Black Diamond run with 5 foot moguls, but I haven't skied in years because I can't stand the cold.

25.    I make a killer homemade gravy and meatballs (pork neck bones included!) but I don't eat pork.


Aside from officially never eating mussels again in my life, I must admit that I’m feeling a little inadequate after reading this. Photographic memory? World class skier? Dinner with Walter Matthau?? I’ve got no amazing athletic ability to speak of, we’ve established that I can’t remember anything, and the closest I’ve come to hanging out with a celebrity was when Ron Ron from Jersey Shore was hanging out at the same hotel pool as me in San Diego. (Don’t get me wrong. It was amazing. His giant chain was glistening in the sun. I was mesmerized.) Lauren is really one of a kind, and I for one am glad that she uses all of her amazing skills and experiences to improve my life by bringing me Lithe. I’m sure I’m not the only one! Stay tuned to learn 25 things about Lithers you’ve always wondered about.

See you in class!

Image of Laruen Boggi Goldenberg via Dominic Episcopo

TWITTER TUESDAYS!

Tweet with us and win!  Here's what you have to do:

Start following http://twitter.com/lithemethod if you're not doing so already & tweet  “I’m having a #fithiphealthy February with @lithemethod!” for your chance to win a  Lithe 5 class card!

We'll announce the winner on the @lithemethod Twitter page. Remember, all entries must be received by 11:59 pm/et on 2/7/2012. Limit one entry per day per person/twitter address.  Check out the rules here. 

Image of Lithe Instructors Anne Faslasco and Brooke Holloway wearing Lithe Wear via Dom

I'M LOVING...

 

The back of Lithe's Flashdance Top (Coming Soon!), The Middle Eastern spice, Harissa (adds major flavor to my latest low-fat meals), Mars at 6 months, Ella's Kitchen baby food is good for him and perfect for when I don't have time to cook (Mars goes nuts for baby brekki!), Mamma Chia (I'm addicted) and Lithe's Waspie. 

Images via brand websites and Lauren Boggi and Lithe Instructor, Bari Rosenthal via Dominic Episcopo

LITHE'S ROASTED TOFU NAPOLEON!

I love our Tofu Napoleon!  Healthy, hearty and veggie layered with my favorite things.  I guarantee he'll like it too!  Ingredients:  tofu, bell pepper, shitake mushrooms, eggplant, tomato, parsley, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, chive, thyme, tarragon  300 Calories, 19g Fat, 23g Carbs, 14g Protein  Price: $10.00

 

SUPER SOUP!

Our Super Soup is chock full of super foods and delicious to boot. High in protein, potassium and healthy carbs. Perfect for replenishing after Hot-stepper!  Ingredients: broccoli, spinach, kale, vegetable stock, walnuts, onions, cannellini beans, salt, pepper 328 Calories, 7g Fat, 55g Carbs, 19g Protein   Price: $7.00

 

 

CRANBERRY-ORANGE QUINOA.

Our latest seasonal selection of a Lithe Foods favorite.  This recipe is fruity and without Almond Milk or Almond Butter for those of you who are looking for something a little lighter.  Ingredients: quinoa, orange, dried cranberries, honey, salt  136 Calories, 2g Fat, 29g Carbs, 3g Protein  Price: $4.75

 

PESTO PITA POCKET.

Our fresh, seasonal green veggie Pita is full of good healthy fat, fiber and protein from avocado, walnuts, tofu and spinach!.  Perfect for lunch or post-Lithe.  Ingredients: whole wheat pita, tofu, avocado, tomato, lettuce, pea shoots, spinach, vegan mayo, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, basil, walnuts, lemon juice, salt, pepper  287 Calories, 17g Fat, 32g Carbs, 15g Protein  Price: $8.00

CARDIO CHEER AT THE SUPER BOWL?

Did you guys see Madonna busting out some of those L's, High V's & Low V's during the Super Bowl half time show?  What did you guys think of her performance?  Everyone I speak to is split. Some loved it and some thought she wasn't the Madge that she used to be.

Image of Madonna via BBC

BUT I THOUGHT I WAS TAKING HIGH MINI?

We now have over 40 different Lithe classes (and new ones are unveiled all the time). Our variety is what makes Lithe unique and special, and is the key in challenging your bodies and new and different ways…but it is also what requires us to change classes from time to time.

Lithe classes are always subject to change, but we thought we’d give you a little information about why they change…and how to roll with it.

Why do classes change? Usually a class changes because an instructor is, on short notice, unable to teach their normal class. As committed as our instructors are to Lithe, sickness, car break-downs, family emergencies, and unexpected work or school issues are all guaranteed to come up from time to time. When an instructor has to miss their class, we do everything we can to avoid cancelling classes, and seek out another instructor to jump in as a substitute. That’s where the variety of classes becomes a challenge: it is impossible for all 20+ Lithe instructors (except Lauren) to know all 40+ classes. While our first choice is always to sub in an instructor who knows the regularly scheduled class, that isn’t always an option.

Why that class…? Once we have determined that we need to change a class, we take a look at our options and try to come as close to the original class as possible. There aren’t any exact duplicates, but we do our best to keep the class similar in emphasis and cardio level.

Making the best out of it… We know it’s disappointing to discover that the Armistice class you look forward to all week is now Wings. But as long as you go into the class prepared to give it your best, you’re still going to get a true Lithe workout. Just think of it as a little enforced variety: those muscles that are adapting to your workout are going to be surprised into working harder (and garnering more results).Beyond that, sometimes you’ll find yourself forced into a class you’ve been intimidated by, only to discover you actually like it.

Image of Lithe Instructor, Cheri Tolin via Dom

 

LITHE GIVEAWAY FRIDAY!

Happy Friday!  This week we're giving away a 5 class package-perfect for Lithe newbie or vet ($95 value)!  For a chance to win, please visit our Facebook page, "Like us" and then leave a comment at the post.  A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow and the winner will be announced on Monday!  Good luck! 

Images of Lithe Instructor, Carrie Gero via Dominic Episcopo.

FEBRUARY SCHEUDLES!

A lovely month...

Download OldCity February

Download Rittenhouse February

Download LibertiesWalk February

Image of Lithe Instructor, Melissa Weinberg via Dom

DONT YOU KNOW THAT YOU'RE TOXIC {BY SAYEH!}?

A few years ago, I took a trip to Mexico with some friends for some sun and fun. During one of the many random conversations we had while soaking in the rays, one of my girlfriends asked me what my spirit animal was, and I was stumped. What’s a spirit animal, you ask? Your spirit animal is the animal you most identify with. If someone could wave a magic wand over you, the animal you would turn into is your spirit animal. For you Harry Potter fans out there, your spirit animal would be the shape your Patronus takes. (Yeah, I said Patronus.)

I truly couldn’t think of my spirit animal. I could name animals I really adored, like the koala bear or the meerkat, but none of them fit my personality. I agonized over this question for 2 years (no, I’m not joking) before I came up with an answer: the elephant. They are loyal, steadfast, and care deeply about their fellow elephants. However, since then, I’ve been worried that I’ve chosen incorrectly. After all, the elephant-like memory thing doesn’t exactly match up, considering I can’t leave the house on my first try without forgetting something. Ever. But, alas, I haven’t been able to think of anything else I could possibly be...until I learned that Kristen Bell loves sloths. And I mean LOVES sloths. (Which kinda made me love her. Also, am I the only person who didn’t realize she was the narrator for Gossip Girl??)

So I decided to do a little research on the sloth, and see what the all the hub bub is about. Turns out that sloths are eating constantly, but they still have little energy--hence the fact they are named after the laziest deadly sin. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, which are organic and green and all, but because they are so difficult to digest (the process takes over a month), Sloths have little energy to spare--making them super slow in all they do.

The more I read about the sloth, the more terrified I became. Is my spirit animal the sloth?? After all this time? I DO just eat and eat and eat and I’m slow and my eyesight is bad, and I like to stay up late, and I’m definitely hairy! Why God?? Why? The SLOTH?? Of all the cool animals? I couldn’t be an elegant gazelle or a regal eagle? A sloth?? Awesome. Way to go, spirit.

BUT, before I went down my shame spiral, I remembered the lesson of my Lithe Detox. It isn’t ME that’s slowing me down. It’s what I eat. On a typical day, I try to make the best choices I can, but I’m certainly not regimented, and have been known to skip breakfast, eat soup dumplings for lunch and a Tiffin feast of samosas and sag paneer for dinner. On those same typical days, I often struggle to get out of bed, and feel exhausted by 4pm.

On the Lithest Level 3 detox plan, you start you day with an invigorating tea, a green smoothie for breakfast, a juice before lunch, a great Lithe Foods lunch and smoothie, another juice, a tasty Lithe Foods dinner, and then a delicious after dinner snack and soothing bed time tea. Repeat for 3 days.

Like the sloth, I felt like I was constantly consuming things all day on the plan, but that’s where the similarities ended. At the end of the first day (my favorite), after my dinner of a portabello panini and wild rice soup, I felt full and light and clean. As the second day progressed, I felt really energetic, and didn’t have a midday slump like I’m used to, despite being slightly headachey towards the end of the day.  I also noticed that my tummy was still as flat as it was when I woke up--which NEVER happens. I usually wake up feeling good about my belly, but end the day with a stomach so bloated, I want to shower with the lights off! Even my friends commented about how little I looked in the middle. By the end of the 3rd day, despite being ready to rejoin the world of food, and eyeing my friends’ calorie-laden lunches, I looked even better in my midsection, and was still maintaining high levels of energy with no headache.

In all, I gained tons of energy and lost close to 3lbs! And that’s without working out, and burning any extra calories. I tweaked my knee, and only worked out once while on the detox. It was a great experience, as all my Lithe Foods experiences are. It’s not meant to be a quick weight loss fix, so I wouldn’t use it for those purposes (although you do trim down), but is more to just tidy up your insides and get yourself on track.

For me, it really was just a huge reminder that I am not slothful after all. That when I eat the right things, and take care to put whole, natural foods in my body, I feel better and look better and am a task-accomplishing machine! That’s a pretty powerful re-realization. So although the detox plan didn’t make me any less hairy, it did make me realize that the search is still on for my spirit animal. Phew. What’s yours?

See you in class!

Image of Lither, Sayeh Hormozi wearing Lithe's Hotstepper dress via Dom

INSPIRATION.

Via Coolhunter's FB page

MEAL PLAN #2 MENU RE-DO!

Just a heads up that we're currently not accepting orders for our Lither Meal Plan #2.  We're revamping the menu a bit for spring! Our detox plan is still available and you'll see some of your favorite level 2 items in our fridges starting next week (hello, Horchata!). 

Image of Lithe Foods via Stuart Goldenberg

TWITTER TUESDAYS!

Tweet with us and win!  Here's what you have to do:

Start following http://twitter.com/lithemethod if you're not doing so already.  Then, answer the question, @lithemethod "Why do you want to win a #LitheFoods Lithest Detox Plan?” (include the hashtag #fithiphealthy).  What do you win?  A Lithest Level 3 Detox Plan! 

We'll announce the winner on the @lithemethod Twitter page. Remember, all entries must be received by 11:59 pm/et on 1/31/2012. Limit one entry per day per person/twitter address.  Check out the rules here. 

Image of Lithe Instructor Bari Rosenthal via Dom

 

6 MONTHS!

 

My Mars is six months old today.  He's eating food, sitting up, rolling over, laughing hysterically, I'm back in my jeans, juggling more than ever, he's 20 lbs up and I'm 20 lbs down, he's changing everyday, I'm forever changed, he's discovering the world and my world is now complete.  Happy half-year birthday!  I love you.

Image of Mars Goldenberg via Lauren's iPhone.

CLOSER.

Looking out the window during class?  Thinking about work?  Clear your head and move closer to the front of the room if you feel yourself zoning out during class.  

Image of Lithe Instructor, Meghan Grauzlis via Dom

LITHE GIVEAWAY FRIDAY!

Happy Friday!  It's your chance to be the third to win a LitheStyle Makeover!  One amazing, body-transforming month of Lithe Method fitness and lean, local & seasonal Lithe Foods. Perfect for a Lithe newbie or veteran ($1,000 value)! 

For a chance to win, please visit our Facebook page, "Like us" and then tell us why YOU should be our winner at the post.  A winner will be chosen on Monday, January 30th and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 31st!  Good luck! 

Image of Lithe Instructors using Lithe's Higher Power Band System® & Instructor, Liz Galbally applying Thinny® bands via Dom