Alisa Cooks – Recipes from the Go Dairy Free kitchen

Recipes from the Go Dairy Free kitchen

Finding My Mojo

April 27, 2009 What's Leftover

I think we all lose our mojo at certain times in our life, whether it be our inspiration, energy, creativity, or motivation. And let’s face it, getting it back is no walk in the park. But like Austin Powers (my idol of course) , I have vowed to get it back at any cost.

My mojo started to slip away about a year ago. I played soccer for 25 years of my life, at least 2 days a week, if not more. Sure, there were injuries, vacations, etc., that sidelined me for a period of time, but I always knew I would be back. Mind you, I am not a competitive person at all, but soccer was my fun, my fitness, and my social network all rolled up into one easy to schedule event. But, last year, about this time, a permanent injury on the field ensured that I would not be returning to soccer or any other contact sports. Doctor’s orders. Darn that doctor.

So, I made feable attempts to continue exercising and immersed myself in finally writing my book. I was in the kitchen constantly, testing and creating recipes. It was fun, but then, my book was done. As a reward for completing it, and to relax, I gave myself a break from the kitchen. Big mistake. So we began to eat out more, and I started exercising less, and I ate more quick sugars, and I started exercising less … do you see a negative pattern forming here?

Needless to say, my energy, inspiration, creativity, and motivation (aka mojo) have all but left me. But I will be darned if I don’t go chasing after it! Luckily, I have a partner in pursuit of their stolen mojo too, my husband.

ohbehaveWhile lying in a hotel room, watching an infomercial on TV, after consuming a giant dinner out (um, I did say our mojo was gone didn’t I?), Mini-Me ran in and started jumping up and down on our stomachs. Okay, not literally, but it felt like it. Actually, for the first time in my life, one of those irritating infomercials was useful!

We both started talking after it and just one week later, here we are, embarking on a well-planned diet and fitness routine. It is a strict one, making it very difficult for us to stray. And the eating portion is really just preparing all natural food from scratch, no skimping or starving at all (more food in fact!), my kind of dealio. It is more about exercising and eating the foods you need to support that lifestyle as you get fit and for the long run.

Though my husband does need to lose a few pounds (or more) around his middle (I love you dear!), our main goal isn’t weight loss, it is to recapture our energy. We want to get back into hiking, swimming, and all of the things that we now just feel too lazy to do.

groovybabyI am not yet going to mention the food and fitness plan we are trialing, as I don’t want to promote something until I know it is effective. However, I will be posting up more recipes and foodie ideas. Don’t think for a minute that this means less posts, au contraire baby! (sorry, channeling my inner Austin again)

For anyone still with me, thanks for reading and wish us luck!

Sinful Cinnamon-Apple Sauté (Breakfast or Dessert?)

Don't Forget Mom!

15 thoughts on “Finding My Mojo”
  1. Chocolate Covered Katie
    April 27, 2009 at 2:18 pm

    Gotta love Austin Powers haha

  2. Nowheymama
    April 27, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    I think there’s something seasonal about it, too. I always feel more active when the weather isn’t horrible.

  3. Sue Angell
    April 27, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    I know what you mean…soccer is my exercise, social hour (or hours), and family time…we ALL play. Two of us together, on an 30 plus league, and my team routinely invited the kids (high schoolers, really) to “scrimmage” with us. We have parties, beers after the games, and have formed “outside” friendships from the team. My mojo would definitely leave if I couldn’t play contact sports.

    And believe me, I emphasize “contact” here. 🙂

    I hope you find a great alternative to soccer! Something you can do and love for the long term.

  4. Emily
    April 27, 2009 at 3:50 pm

    Alisa,

    I have no doubt you will find your mojo in no time! I felt completely lost when I stopped ballet. It was EVERYTHING to me. After nearly 6 months without it I’m just now finding my new groove. Is there a way you can stay involved in soccar. Coaching maybe? Just to keep in touch. You don’t want to cut it off entirely.

    Have a wonderful Monday!

    With Love,

    Emily

  5. Katy
    April 27, 2009 at 3:55 pm

    Good luck!

  6. pam
    April 27, 2009 at 7:49 pm

    I’d like to know more about what you’re doing. I hope you post about what you’re eating and what kind of exercising you’re doing.

  7. RuntoFinish
    April 27, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    excited to follow along with you! I’ve been posting nutrition challenges lately and I think it just helps give us all things to think about.

    I am definitely learning to eat more natural foods, so can’t wait to see what you do!

  8. Andrea
    April 27, 2009 at 8:37 pm

    It’s always a boost to come up with a plan and pursue it with enthusiasm. I hope you find a new source of energy and get that mojo back! Good luck.

  9. Ricki
    April 27, 2009 at 9:30 pm

    Good luck! My own pattern was very similar to the one you described. . . and it led me to the ACD. Hope your new approach works for you and the mojo returns!

  10. Marianne
    April 27, 2009 at 9:52 pm

    Good luck with the Mojo hunt and your eating/exercising plan 🙂

  11. jaime
    April 28, 2009 at 12:17 am

    that is so great! i think you are well on your way to getting your mojo back! and really– that is awesome about your booK!

    xoxo j

  12. Vegetation
    April 28, 2009 at 5:28 am

    Best of luck finding your mojo and I can’t wait to see the wholefood yummies you’re both going to be eating 🙂

  13. Sarena
    April 28, 2009 at 11:38 am

    I wish you lots of luck! That can be so frustrating. Getting injured and then having to find a different way to get moving again. I have discovered too, that food is a habit, so you really have to train yourself in that area as well. I can’t wait to hear more about this program!

  14. Katie
    April 29, 2009 at 12:06 am

    Wow, I really admire your light-hearted spirit about the whole thing. It sounds like you have a really healthy outlook.

  15. Christine
    April 29, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    I look forward to reading your about your exercise programme and your recipes.

Comments are closed.

Enter your email address:

Search This Site
My Free eCookbook

Smart School Time Recipes eCookbook

My Guide and Cookbook

Go Dairy Free Guidebook

Posts By Topic
  • Alisa's Recipes (217)
  • Cookbook Trials (30)
  • Giveaways (80)
  • Health and Fitness (6)
  • Tips, Ideas, and Deals (73)
  • Uncategorized (7)
  • What's Leftover (40)

OTHER HANGOUTS



Featured Author
Featured Author
Alisa Fleming
Alisa Fleming
view my recipes
Featured Author


Blogroll
  • *Go Dairy Free
  • Bittersweet
  • Chocolate Covered Vegan
  • Eat, Drink & Be Vegan
  • FatFree Vegan
  • Food Allergy Assistant
  • No Whey, Mama
  • Nourishing Meals
  • Please Don’t Pass the Nuts
  • Run to the Finish
  • Talk of Tomatoes
  • The Mommy Bowl
  • The WHOLE Gang
  • VeggieGirl
  • Z's Cup of Tea
Tags
apples baking bananas bread breakfast brunch carrots chicken chocolate cinnamon cookbooks cookies dairy-free dessert egg-free eggs fitness food allergy-friendly gifts Giveaways gluten-free Go Dairy Free milk-free mushrooms nut-free organic pasta quick & easy quick bread recipe salad seeds side dish snack soup soy-free spelt sugar-free taste & create tomatoes vegan vegetables vegetarian wheat-free whole grain

Privacy Policy

Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: Doo by ThemeVS.