Coming Home

Wow!! What a whirlwind the last few months have been! In March Jason found out he would be transferring to Traverse City for work.... At the beginning of April!! In that two month period we managed to move out of our home for the last four years, transfer schools for Dylan, find a new preschool for Ava, leave a workplace that I love, find a new job, find new housing, and face just a few challenges along the way. It's been a wild ride, and now that we have been settled in to our new home for a few weeks -- yes a few weeks-- We had a brief but much-enjoyed period of moving in with my parents between homes-- I finally feel like I can sit back and catch my breath.

The chaos of the last few months took a toll on a lot of things in our life. Transition is hard, and we all felt the weight of this HUGE transition. My workouts fell to the side, and my food choices played the role of comfort and convenience rather than fuel and nutrition. It was tough, I didn't feel like myself and my body felt the effect of those choices. 

Even though I wasn't progressing towards my health and fitness goals I was at peace with it, because I was doing what I needed to do to keep myself  and my family afloat. I was dealing with the curveballs life threw at me, and ya know what? That's okay! My health and fitness goals are part of my LIFEstyle, and that means that they have to roll with the ups and downs of my LIFE. 

Getting back in to the routine of cooking nutritious meals and waking up early to workout has been refreshing and fulfilling, it's like coming back home after a long trip away. I am excited to be working toward my goals again, by mostly I am thankful that this lifestyle has been just that-- a lifestyle, the place I return to rather than a fad that I start and stop as I so often used to do. 

During the transitions I really limited adding new people in to my challenge group so that I could make sure I could provide enough support and accountability to those who were already in the group, but now that life is settled I am opening up a few more spots for people who are ready to commit to a life change and work at identifying and reaching their fitness goals. If you want to see if this is a good fit for you, send me a message! 

Life is about to get EXTREME

So, back in January I made a BIG decision, a big accomplishment really! It was huge, and wonderful, and life-changing-- and yet it came with some very difficult side effects that have overshadowed the whole experience for me. And as big and wonderful of an accomplishment as it was, I was afraid to share it, afraid to talk about it, because I was afraid I was going to screw it all up and then have to admit that too.

On January 2nd Jason and I quit smoking.

It was time. It was past time, really. We were both ready. What I wasn't ready for was the way my body would respond to it.

 I was constantly hungry, and despite knowing better, I was snacking more often to fill the new found void in my life. I was still working out everyday, but my metabolism had slowed. There was actually a noticeable difference in what my heart rate monitor showed for my calorie burn. I honestly let it go for awhile, knowing that the short term effects of a few extra snacks and cheats was far less damaging than continuing to smoke.

Until one day it hit me. I had been a non-smoker for over 2 months, and I had yet to enjoy it, yet to really feel proud of myself, because I felt so uncomfortable with the way it was effecting my body. And yet, I just continued to let it effect my body.

That's just stupid!!!!

So today, I am setting out to find a healthier outlook. To find appreciation for the things my body has gotten me through and to show it some love rather than continuing to treat it like this beast that I can't conquer. Our minds and bodies are AMAZING in their abilities, I needed a way to appreciate that!!

Yesterday I woke up ready to take on the challenge of 21 Day Fix Extreme. It had been sitting on my shelf for a few weeks, but I didn't feel ready for it. I didn't feel capable. Today I know I am capable to anything I set my mind to!!

Coincidentally, It's exactly 21 Days until we are supposed to be settled in a new home, in a new city, (A new home that we don't actually have picked out yet:)). It is going to be a crazy 21 days, and I am going to need the mind-body love that eating right and exercising bring me to keep me sane through this process, so the timing really couldn't be better to commit to this program!

Part of my healthier outlook is going to be sharing that progress, even the ugly parts, because struggling silent doesn't make the struggles any less real, and my goal with this blog was to share my journey-- not just the pretty parts of it.

Naked Hash (Sweet Potato and Kale Hash with Chicken)

Sometimes I want a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Okay, I almost ALWAYS want a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The problem is that I don't always want the SAME weeknight dinners.




I came up with this recipe after a careful calculation of..
.. What I still had in the fridge!




That's right, this was leftover night. And it was stinking delicious!!




If you are one of those people who can handle-- or even enjoys-- the taste of eggs, then this would be delicious topped with a fried egg. My husband is one of those people. I clearly am not, which is how I wound up eating naked hash. Don't judge, and get your mind out of the gutter!




Now that we got that out of the way, here's the recipe:




Serves 2




What you need:




1 Sweet Potato
1 Large Chicken Breast, pre-cooked
1 Medium Onion,
4 Cups Baby Kale
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tsps coconut oil
2 Tbsps Rosemary
2 Tbsps Thyme
Black Pepper, to taste






What ya do:


1) Heat coconut oil over medium heat in a large frying pan.
2) While coconut oil is heating, chop sweet potato in to 1/2 inch cubes and then toss it into the heated pan. Sprinkle with Rosemary and Thyme. Cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until slightly soft, stirring occasionally.
3) While sweet potato is cooking, chop onion and cut chicken in to 1/2 inch cubes.
4) When sweet potato is slightly soft, remove cover, increase heat to medium-high and add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5) Add baby kale and stir occasionally for another 3-4 minutes. Add chicken and continue stirring occasionally until chicken and sweet potatoes are slightly brown.
6) Top with black pepper and, if desired, fried egg or additional fresh kale.




Enjoy!!




21 Day Fix Container Conversions:
(for 1/2 of total recipe)
1 Yellow
1 Red
1 Green
2 Tsps

21 Day Fix Overnight Oats

So, as most of you know, 90% of the time I drink my Shakeology for breakfast. It's quick. It's easy. It tastes like a chocolate milkshake. Need I say more?

But lately I have been wanting to save my Shakeology for later in the day, especially if I am going to be busy and want a quick lunch! I needed to try something different for breakfast. My criteria? It needed to be quick, tasty, 21 Day Fix approved, oh-- and it couldn't contain eggs.

That's right, I don't like eggs. Yes, I have tried them cooked all sorts of different ways. I wish I could get over it, because there are so many delicious looking egg recipes, but it is one flavor I just can't get used to!

What I did come up with, that has been a lifesaver for many mornings lately, is this quick and versatile overnight oats recipe.

The basic recipe:

1 Red container~ 3/4 Cup Plain Greek yogurt  

1 Purple container~ 1 Cup Frozen Berries

1 Yellow container~ 1/4 Cup for this recipe, container = 1/2 cup steel cut oats (since we are using uncooked oats you will measure out about 1/2 a yellow container to equal the 1 full container of oatmeal, since oatmeal is supposed to be measured cooked) 

 

1) Defrost berries in jar or bowl

2) Stir in oats, yogurt, and any optional add-ins

3) Cover and refrigerate overnight

4) Stir and enjoy!!


 

Optional Add-Ins

Orange Container ~ 2 Tablespoons:

Raw pumpkin seeds

Raw sunflower seeds

Flaxseed

Unsweetened shredded coconut

Blue Container~ 1/4 Cup: 

20 Pistachios

12 Almonds

10 pecan halves

8 Cashews or Walnut Halves

Teaspoons:

2 Tsps Almond or Peanut Butter

Freebies: 

Any pure flavor extracts (I.e. Vanilla, almond, peppermint, Carmel) 

 

January Promotions

Beachbody has some exciting promotions available to help start the New Year right!!




-The 3-Day Refresh Challenge Pack is on sale for only $140!!! This pack includes a gentle 3-Day cleanse, that you get to enjoy REAL food with, and a month's worth of Shakeology! This program is perfect for anyone who is struggling with nutrition and wants a fresh start followed by a daily dose of dense super food nutrition!

The 3-Day Refresh helps combat cravings and bad habits, helps you quickly lose 3-10 pounds, and sets the foundation for healthy eating! Purchasing this power-combo together saves you over $70!!!


For more details, and to purchase this challenge pack, go HERE!


- The 21-Day Fix Challenge Pack is an all time favorite of mine! It combines the health and nutrition of Shakeology and the Fix portion control nutrition plan with the exercise your body craves, laid out in simple, 30-minute workouts that you complete every day. This fitness program combines fat-burning cardio with resistance and weight training that tones and tightens. The nutrition plan simplifies clean-eating by utilizing color coded containers to count and measure your daily intake so that you can stop worrying about calories or points! You can save $70 by buying this Challenge Pack while it is on special this month!

For more information, and to purchase this challenge pack, go HERE!


-The Insanity Max:30 Challenge Pack sale from December has been carried over for this month due to how successful the program has been! Shaun T's latest program is also his most insane yet!! It is designed to push you to your limits, to the point where you 'Max Out'. If you loved Insanity, but hated how time-consuming the workouts are you will LOVE that Insanity Max:30 is just 30 minute workouts, 5 days a week! As a special deal, since this program was just released in December, you can save over $95 on this Challenge Pack over regular retail price!

For more information, and to purchase this challenge pack, go HERE!


There is also an amazing deal that combines the benefits of the 3-Day Refresh Challenge Pack with those of the Insanity Max:30 Challenge Pack. With the Insanity Max:30 Kickstart and Shakeology Challenge Pack you will receive the full 3-Day Refresh cleanse to start your journey out right, a month of Shakeology to provide you the nutrition your body needs and the full Insanity Max:30 program to get you in the best shape of your life!


For more information, and to purchase this Kickstart Challenge Pack, go HERE!

Two steps forward, One step back-- and that's okay!

I planned to post so many fun things on my blog this week! I wanted to post about prepping for healthy eating at holiday parties, letting Holliday eating be enjoyed on the HolliDAY and not the HolliWEEK, and my plan to work out twice as hard and then thoroughly enjoy some favorite foods on Christmas!


Unfortunately, my week hasn't gone quite as planned. My kiddos had a minor case of a stomach bug this past weekend. On Monday, I woke up with severe stomach pain. I was convinced I had picked up whatever they had been hit with, so I took the day off and planned to rest and hydrate myself right out of it.


By Monday night the pain was unbearable, I had Jason take me in to the ER. We hit them on a busy night, and they offered pain medication and an X-Ray before sending us home 7 hours later with the indication that I was probably just struggling with a stomach virus.


Tuesday I felt a bit better, as long as I didn't eat or drink. I went to work in the afternoon, but was unable to eat anything without immediate, excruciating pain after. I was also still having to take pain medication to function.


Wednesday morning I felt considerably better, I had a Shakeology for breakfast and the discomfort afterward was minimal compared to the last few days. So I ventured out and tried some Quinoa for lunch. Within an hour I was shaking form the severe pain. I headed back to the ER. This time, they did some more thorough blood work and an ultrasound to rule out things like my gallbladder, pancreas and liver. The Doctor determined that I was suffering from a stomach ulcer and prescribed some medication to help.


The medication helped almost immediately, and I was blessed to be able to spend Christmas Eve enjoying my family.


This morning, Christmas morning, I woke up with some fierce nausea and pain in my stomach, though much lower than the ulcer would be. I have also been exhausted, I napped for a total of 7 hours today. I am hopeful that my body is just struggling to adapt to new medications, recovering from a few days of not having solid food while having to utilize pain medication, and healing.


I spent a lot of time being frustrated this week, feeling sorry for myself, and thinking about how unfair all of this was. It's not fair to work so hard at being healthy, just to feel SO unhealthy. It's not fair to work so hard just to have to start over.  It's not fair to not be eating solid food while everyone else is enjoying Christmas goodies. It's not fair to not be able to give 100% to my children over the holidays because I have spent so much time in pain.


So I allowed myself the time to feel that, to grieve the loss of what I had PLANNED for this time in my life, and then I forced myself to look outside of my little world. At the people who were spending the Holidays in the hospital, not knowing if they will make it out. At those who are working on Christmas so that the rest of us have access to the services we may need. At all of the people who are not blessed with the many, many, blessings that I have and take for granted.


I feel blessed to have had this setback, because I needed a bit of humbling in my life. Setting goals and working towards them is important in my journey. Being fit is important in my journey. However, appreciating, loving, and being grateful for my body-- no matter what it is capable of-- is crucial to my journey.

Grocery Store Revelations

I had an epiphany today while grocery shopping. It started with two cranky kids and full cart, all of which we were attempting to herd toward the overcrowded check out lines.

The finish line was in site when I screeched to a halt. That nauseating feeling overcame me, you know the one. It's that feeling when you are SO CLOSE to being done grocery shopping and you realize you forgot ONE thing! You're faced with the choice of trekking 26 miles all the way across the store to get it (because it's ALWAYS on the opposite side of where you are), or going home without a fully checked-off list.

"I need to go back and get stuff to make cookies" I cried

"Why? We aren't going to eat cookies." Jason said

"Right, but Santa eats cookies. We have to make cookies for Santa!" I screamed, irritated that he could not understand the importance of this.

"Well just grab a package of refrigerated cookie dough." He said,  not even trying to hide how annoyed he was.

"But..but.. I've never NOT made Christmas cookies from scratch." I said bewildered, as visions of Pinterest were flying through my mind. Visions of Ava and I in matching aprons, carefully crafting gingerbread. Visions of me proudly holding an antiques silver tray full of an assortment of gourmet goodies in a dress straight out of Mad Men. Except that I don't own a silver tray. Or anything from Mad Men's wardrobe.

"Do you think think it really matters?" Jason said

Of course it matters! But wait, who does it matter to? Does Santa care what kind of treats I leave out for him? Do the kids really care if I am painstakingly slaving all day to make lemon-zest infused shortbread?

I knew who cared. I cared. Because as a woman, as a person, I am constantly battling against the idea that I am defined by everything I can DO. Logically I know that mastering some complicated recipe and making Food Network-worthy baked goods will not make me a better person. Logically I know that the only good reason to spend all day baking things off of Pinterest would be because I wanted to. The only reason to spend my time doing anything is because it is a priority to me!

We all only get 24 hours in a day. Those 24 hours can be spent however we choose, but far too often I have found myself spending my time in ways that didn't really fit with my priorities. I have given my most valuable and limited possession-- time-- to things that I felt like I needed to do in order to be enough. Enough of a mother. Enough of a wife. Enough of a woman. The reality is, that the only way to ever really be enough is to do the things that fulfill me.

Now, let me be clear in saying that I am not judging anyone whose priority list includes crafting cute little baked goods. In fact, I hope you share! Our priorities should be as unique as we are. I do hope, that in this busy holiday season, In this busy LIFE that we all learn to say no a little more often to the things that don't matter and invest a little more time in the things that do.