It was absolutely gorgeous here in Tennessee yesterday, and I simply could not stand it anymore:
I had to get outside!
Things have been really stressful lately between business, closing out the first quarter, tax deadline, a lingering “sick” with a full schedule, etc.
Instead of shutting down and pulling the covers over my head with a pint of ice cream (the OLD me)…
I took the day off to go play. 🙂
This is a new habit I developed to overcoming emotional eating. Now, anytime I get stressed or frustrated or pissed… I hit the pavement or the trails and pound it out.
So yes, I still have “screw it!” days – I just handle them different now. 😉
I was actually meeting up with my guy for a hike at 3:40, but I decided to head out early and get in a hike on the way too. 🙂
I took a change of clothes with me, because I knew my mission: to climb Big Falls – and figured I would get drenched and muddy (and I did, lol).
The two shirts I chose for the day…
Blaze Your Own Trail and Live Your Passion
Suiting for my mood, mission and mindset. 🙂
I started my adventures at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park in Manchester, TN. This is an area I’ve hiked several times and always enjoy. There’s so much to explore!
On my way downriver to Big Falls, I stopped at the log you see in the picture above – one I’ve scaled before out over the cascading falls – and decided to lay in the sunshine with a dizzying upside down view of the falls below me. 🙂
Crazy but FUN!
Big Falls was busy with a large family having a great time, so I hiked downriver instead – ALL the way downriver. I found a nice quiet spot in the sunshine off the main trails to enjoy my low carb lunch.
I don’t use a day pack, just my Fabletics Fanny Pack usually. It’s very convenient and lightweight, large enough to carry plenty, and leaves me hands-free to do some serious hiking and climbing. 🙂 (My Live Your Passion tank is Fabletics too!)
I brought very compact but nutrient-dense LCHF “snack packs” with me to fuel me on my hikes. All three were from recent Keto Krate boxes, which I LOVE. I get to try all kinds of new & interesting keto-friendly specialty foods – cheap. 🙂
I had Pili Nuts, an LC Spicy Pepitas Snack Pack and something new:
Gorilly Goods Pumpkin Seeds & Kale
I brought the “raw, organic, vegan” pumpkin seeds & kale pack because… I thought I wouldn’t like it, and figured if I got hungry enough out on the trail I’d eat it anyway. 😛
I’m not a big fan of kale, lol.
I WAS WRONG. It’s amazingly delicious!!!! As in – I’m off to order more (LOTS MORE) as soon as I finish writing this for you. 🙂
Of course, Pili Nuts have been a favorite for awhile now. They are a HUGE soft, buttery nut that will totally rock your socks. They’re still being wild-harvested at the moment, from volcanic soil in the Philippines, so they’re insanely nutrient dense. Knowing they’ll be “farming” them soon (because I know things!), I’m stocking up on them NOW. 😉
Use code LOWCARBTRAVELER (all caps) at EatPiliNuts.com for a special discount from me to you! 🙂
I decided to hike back upriver instead of getting back on the trail. This is a path I’ve hiked a couple of times before, and a beautiful one! But on those previous hikes we were in a drought here… which is NOT the case anymore, lol.
I came around the bend and lost “trail” to a wet slimy bluff, and rapid waters below Big Falls – my destination, and mission.
Hmm…
I’ve hiked worse. 🙂
I sat there for a second and ate a few more Pili Nuts, scoping out my options, then just went for it! My only concern? I forgot my waterproof phone case. 😐 Fortunately I had a ziploc bag on me, so I stuffed my phone in there with the snacks…
I made it, mostly dry (not really! lol) and got to climb Big Falls. 🙂
There was a nice family there that I asked to snap a few photos for you, but unfortunately the guy zoomed in – making the pictures blurry, and you also can’t really tell what I was climbing or how high up it was.;)
Suffice it to say it was an awesome climb and a FULL BODY workout. 🙂
It was getting late in the afternoon so I did a fast upriver off-trail hike out and back to my car so I could drive about 22 minutes for my next hiking adventure…
The second hike was Machine Falls at Short Springs State Natural Area in Tullahoma, TN. It’s not a super long hike, but it’s a pretty decent workout to get down to the falls… but SO worth it! 🙂
This photo just doesn’t do it justice.
The view is breathtaking. 🙂
Speaking of…
🙂
We hiked, we played, we climbed Machine Falls, we got drenched of course -lol…
The cold spray from Machine Falls was refreshing after a sweaty hike on a warm spring day. It was 79 degrees and sunny with a touch of humidity. Beautiful day for March!
After playing in the falls, we hiked up to the rock overhang overlooking the waterfall for an awesome view… and had a quick snack.
We finished off the Pili Nuts and Kale & Pepitas – which I had mixed together in my Ziploc, because they were SO amazing together!!
I rarely EVER share my favorite low carb snacks, and especially my Pili Nuts (because everyone falls in love with them and wants to steal them!! lol), but… gosh he’s handsome. 🙂 haha
We sat for a bit, we each explored around some there above the falls, and I took some time to enjoy what I love most on my hikes… a quiet moment in the sunshine to reflect on life. 🙂
There’s something about nature that makes you feel so … small, yet connected. I don’t even know how to explain it, but it drains all the stress right out of me. 🙂
Next we decided to hike out off-trail, following the river down where it meets the next, turning left and hiking upstream to see Busby Falls before hiking out.
There was TONS of tornado damage all throughout the Short Springs State Natural Area from a recent storm, by the way. It was shocking.
There were trees down everywhere to climb over on the hike upstream.
Most of the downed trees were literally ripped out of the ground by the roots…
Another moment of total respect for nature, and reflection on the destruction that rebuilds. Nature has a way of seeming to destroy things, but storms and tornadoes actually have a positive effect on ecosystems, and benefit wildlife and plant life.
I could relate to that. Some of the worst things I’ve ever been through in life… turned out to be the most positive turning points – in hindsight.
A scary storm. Destruction and devastation. A mess to clean up afterward. And then new growth, and positive change. Yes – I could relate.
These are the moments I realize WHY I enjoy hiking so much.
Not just for the amazing exercise and range of muscle use, and the sweat and stress relief, but for the lessons I come home with.
We continued hiking upriver, over both Lower and Upper Busby Falls, which was a welcome “cool down” along the way.
We did finally connect back with the trail, which you can see straight ahead in the picture below, then hiked up and out back to the car.
It’s amazing how FAST I can hike out of somewhere the moment I realize there’s hot coffee in the car 🙂 lol. I always bring a Contigo Travel Mug with a coffee to enjoy after an invigorating hike.
Those mugs are like MAGIC the way they keep things so hot for so long.;)
It was an awesome hike. 🙂
And I met my goal of 10,000+ Fitbit steps!
It was a FUN day with two cool hikes and A LOT of climbing – so those were some serious steps. 😉 lol
For breakfast that morning I had 3 eggs scrambled in real butter with colby jack cheese. Then the low carb foods on the trail.
For dinner… we went out to eat. Yes: wet, muddy and all! 🙂
I had a delicious low carb dinner at Ruby Tuesday: the Coastal Trio (Lobster, Shrimp & Parm Crusted Tilapia) with Green Beans & Broccoli.
Here’s how my meals & macros came out in MyFitnessPal for yesterday:
It was a fabulous day full of healthy foods, sunshine, exercise… and insights. 🙂
It feels GOOD to be back on the trails, to be moving again, and to be working my muscles. I’m anxious to work back up to the strength and muscle tone I had before I got sick at the beginning of the year.
I have another fun hike planned with friends on Saturday, so I’m doing simple strength training at home until then – simple exercises focusing on abs, arms & core.
What about you? How are things going with you?
And… what’s YOUR favorite kind of exercise? 🙂
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
What an adventurous day you had! Very glad to see you looking so happy. Where did you find that gorgeous redhead?
Thank you, Cindi π lol – that was the sunshine playing tricks, he’s actually a “dirty blonde” like me.:) It’s a reunion actually. We’ve known each other for 4 years next month… π
Well, darn, I like redheads! Sometimes “old” friends are the best kind. Enjoy! Made your delicious oven-baked thighs last night and am about to start making your meatball recipe. Thanks for your great recipes and tips. Keep ’em coming please!
haha! yes, we’re having a blast π
So glad you’re enjoying the food ideas! I love getting creative. My friend Caroline (the cook!) is coming this weekend… so expect some fun new “kitchen experiments” here in the very near future.;) *cheers*
Hi Lynn! Even though I haven’t commented in a while I am still here and getting encouragement from you all the time! I appreciate it! I’m still doing keto. It’s just become my lifestyle and when I’m not doing it my body hates me and I’m in physical pain and my mind is a whirlwind. But I’m not losing weight. I’ve actually been gaining. I’ve had a lot of trouble with bathroom issues (TMI) as in NOT going! I have also been using the keto strips and it rarely shows that I’m in ketosis but my fats are always over 70% and even closer to 80. My carbs never go over 20 so I’m just confused. I track everything on MFP. Could I be having too much fat, protein or taking in too many calories? I’m just really discouraged bc I’m trying and the scale is moving in the opposite direction. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks! I also was wondering about MCT oil…I’ve heard it has great benefits but it’s kinda spendy so I didn’t know if it was worth it. Does it have a taste? Have you had any experience with it? I’ve rambled on long enough I suppose Thank you very much in advance!!
Hi Casey π
I know how frustrating that is, because I’m going through the same thing – with the opposite gut trouble. Mine is due to a new prescription I started that effects blood sugar levels, which is unfortunate. And honestly I think I’m just having a bad reaction to it all around – it’s affecting my vision as well.
Anyway, I’ll tell you what I’ll be doing myself:
Go super clean and super simple: no processed foods or even processed meats, limited cheese & nuts (you might want to cut out cheese & dairy all together to help with “the issue”), all Real Food – meat & greens + healthy fats – super low carb (limit veggies for a couple of weeks and focus on meat & fat mostly). 3-4 ingredients per plate MAX (not including butter, salt, olive oil, mayo, etc). Keep it VERY simple and super low carb, and super clean.
That’s what I’ll be doing. It works. See: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/6064/3-ingredients-rule/ It’s been a great stall breaker for everyone that’s tried it! π
Looks like an amazing day and you’re really inspiring me to be more adventurous on my hikes. I’m pretty wussy about going off trail…but if I think about it, what’s the worst that’s going to happen lol…fall to my death doing something fun and enjoyable!? Joking of course but I’m not sure how to do what you do…I would have pictures from afar of those beautiful falls but you’re making me want to GET IN THERE when I go hiking. Your food looks AMAZING and makes me hungry…must eat something like that similar soon. I’m doing great lately…keeping on track as best I can and getting up whenever I fall down…thanks Lynn. And yes, he’s a handsome fella! Very happy for you!
I have been cautious all of my adult life. This last year (and a half) I set out on a mission to face my fears – so I could start LIVING my life. Not the least bit cautiously. π
My adventures have less to do with “being fearless” and more to do with making my fears *tangible* – and getting over some mental blocks. It would take an essay to explain lol, but I’ve really held myself back in so many ways – for so many reasons.
So this is more of a personal mission, a turning point and transformation, pushing my limits and getting rid of words like “I can’t” or “I don’t” or “not me” and seeing what all I actually CAN do. π
Because YES I’m afraid of heights, I’m also claustrophobic and afraid of water! It’s been a fun and exhilarating experience – with a serious sense of accomplishment and boost in confidence. π Which I desperately needed, lol.
Plus it’s just plain FUN to get back to my roots and play in the woods like I did when I was a kid… with a whole new perspective, and better gear – lol. π
Start small. That’s what I did. Test yourself. You’ll realize you are capable of more than you think… and that the experience is totally worth it!
But be careful too, lol. I say that same thing to myself: What’s the worst that could happen? I go out smiling?! π haha. It’s better than getting hit by a truck, or hit by a terminal illness for sure. π There’s that at least!
Where are you located, btw? I’ll come do a FUN hike with you. A fun easy hike, with just enough adventure to make you LAUGH with joy!! π
I’m NOT kidding. I love to travel, love to see new places, and need to get back on the road with my travels and low carb meetups. It’d be fun!
Um, that would be AMAZING and there are tons of great places around me to go! Like, lots of them! π I live near Madison, Wisconsin. Seriously, that would be so great!!! Don’t go getting my hopes up haha!
Let’s make it happen! π
I’ve never been to Wisconsin. You guys have CHEESE, right? π
Oh yes, we have the cheese! π I’d love to set this up, let me know when you are available! It’s gotta warm up a bit here first and that should be happening soon enough. I’m going out for a walk/hike w/ a friend tomorrow if hopefully since it will be 55ish and sunny…we are thankful for that but ready for more warmth! And I told her I need the to go somewhere to get myself the broiled seafood platter because of your photo … and my love for all things seafood.
Glad you got your seafood! π
What’s the best time of year??
Just love the hike, scenery and pictures of you doing scary, fun, brave things! But, would like to see more of that adorable guy, lol. This lady may be old, but I still appreciate seeing beauty in any form. But, seriously, thank you for sharing your adventures in the wild. Something I will be doing this Spring myself.
lol Mary – we’re NEVER too old for a little “eye candy” π
What kind of hiking and adventures do you like to do? I’d love to take up more camping myself! Like deep woods, off trail, crazy FUN camping. π
Hey Lynn, it’s been awhile since I’ve commented. But I’ve kept up with your posts and pics.
I’m so proud of you for what you’ve accomplished! Even more about THIS YEAR following through and staying with the plan.
You look amazing!
And I see you have your handsome friend with you again. Happy for you!! β€
Thank you so much, Tammy π π *cheers*
You’re most welcome =)