Healthy ... The NEW Sexy

Jumping right back in

2012-09-29T20:35:00.001-07:00

So I had company over for about a month so I wasn't alone through out my husbands deployment and healthy wise that was horrible. I was not making healthy choices for the most part. I would go for a run one day and skip out the next two days. We were all over the city that I had a really hard time to keep up with any gym schedule.

But now Im gonna restart a little. I already did my grocery shopping much healthier. My friend would buy her own things in the grocery store since she said my house was to healthy for her, so now I threw away all the stuff that stayed behind from her.

Hopefully Ill get my head in the game especially before the holidays but I will say I need to pack my house and move during this month also so this will be a challenge. Im up for it!

Crepes Crepes Crepes!!!!

2012-09-07T10:35:00.001-07:00

Crepes are easy to make, have less calories than pancakes since its smaller, and the possibilities are endless with varieties.

I topped this one off with some homemade strawberry compote.

You'll feel nothing but guilt indulging but with whole wheat flour and honey instead of sugar... keep eating on!

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup almond milk or soy milk

2tbps honey

1/4 tsp salt

1 egg white

1 tsp vanilla extract

Canola oil spray to grease pan

Directions:

1. Mix together flour and salt in a medium bowl. In another small bowl mix together milk, honey, vanilla, and egg white. Stir in dry ingredients.

2. Once pan is heated grease pan. Pour about 4 tablespoons into pan and immediately turn the pan in circular motion spreading the batter around.

3. Let stand for about a minute and flip and let cook for about 2 mins.

Repeat until batter runs out.

4. Stuff or top with anything you'd like and enjoy!!!

Strawberry Compote

2012-09-07T10:34:00.002-07:00

I thought compote was difficult to make but boy was I wrong!

Compote is not only easy but a great way to add flavor and sweetness to a dish without the crazy sugar lbs many dishes comes with.

I topped this off on some crepes I made with no sugar and was delicious.

All I used was a pound of strawberries and about a tablespoon of sugar and a dash of water.

Cook on medium high for about 30 minutes. The compote will break down the fruit and become thicker.

Remember to stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Do not stir in with anything silver. Because your heating sugar the silver will interrupt the temperature and crystallize your sugar.

Crab Salad

2012-09-04T20:08:00.005-07:00

Living across the other side of the country away from my moms cooking sucks.

She barely cooks with fish for multiple reason but the one thing she does do and does well is a crab salad. This salad is bursting with flavor. Taste great cold or warm, and the best part its all mostly made to taste.

I will say the use of oil, vinegar, and pepper will make or break this dish and is all to taste. When adding them to the pot please add slowly till you reach your desired taste.

You can always add but you can never take out from a dish!

What you need:

1lbs crab meat

half onion chopped and diced

half of tomato chopped and diced

1 tbsp Spanish olives

about half a cup vinegar (to taste)

about half a cup olive oil (to taste)

about 1 tbsp pepper (to taste)

3 basil leaves

1. Chop and dice your onion, and tomato let cook into pot until onion translucent.

2. Add in basil leaves and Spanish olives, then add then crab meat (do not over mix). Let cook down for about 10 mins.

3. Add vinegar, olive oil, and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5 mins and ENJOY!

These are Spanish olives. I don't even eat them but its a great way to avoid having to add in salt.

Try not to over mix, crab meat will fall apart.

Banana Bread

2012-09-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

So Ive been offline for a while. I had no lap top charging cable, and had to wait for a new one to come in the mail. And obviously it has finally arrived!

After making the Lemon Yogurt Whole Wheat Bread Ive been interested in making no yeast bread.

Its super easy and making bread from scratch is super yummy. Not to forget its a form of clean eating since you know exactly whats going in your bread and can substitute ingredients.

I made whole wheat banana bread. I used NO SUGAR and NO OIL!

I used applesauce for oil, and honey for sugar. I was stand offish about the applesauce but I had to give it a try.

I promise you the banana bread comes out EXTREMELY moist and DELICIOUS.

Makes one loaf.

Ingredients:

2 cups Whole Wheat flour

1tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup sugar free applesauce (I used baby food that had around)

3/4 cup honey

2 beaten eggs

3 mashed over ripped bananas

cap full of vanilla extract

1tsp ground cinnamon

Direction:

1.Preheat oven 350 degrees. Lightly grease a loaf pan.

2. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.

3. In a separate bowl combine applesauce, vanilla, beaten eggs, honey, and bananas. Once mixed together slowly combine into dry ingredients.

4. Bake for 60 mins and Enjoy!

Tip: When you measure out your honey spray the cup with nonstick spray. The honey will come right out with no stickiness.

Climbing Cowles Mountain

2012-09-04T19:37:00.002-07:00

A friend of mine had spoken to me about her climb at Cowles Mountain and I was interested. Yesterday I give it a go. I was shocked at how high this was. It's 1 1/2miles that looks like 5 with incline, stair master, and treadmill hybrid. There were boulders you had to climb over, steps starting at your knees to get over, and snakes to be on look out for. From the beginning I was having a hard time breathing right. It didn't help I had completely forgotten my in-haler, it was a complete fail on my part. Not even 1/2 up the mile I had to tale brakes to find a good huff in air. My good friend assured me we had no rush and could stop as many times as I needed. So I kept on. Once by 3/4 mile (there are mile marks through the trail) my stomach got upset and I was ready to puke and call it quits. I got dizzy light headed and scared, but yet when I looked over and saw the scenery and how high up I was I wanted to keep going. So I grabbed as much air as I needed and thought to myself 'you have to keep going, you haven't piled yet and if you puke oh well you puked'. I was determined to at least finish the mile. And then the weirdest thing happened.... I was beginning to feel great. I was no longer hugging and puffing for air my breathing was normal, I no longer felt like piling my brains out and suddenly I realized not only has a breeze come in to help breathing but I climbed over my mental wall and now I felt unstoppable... So this is how that feels, to conquer yourself. Buy just when I felt unstoppable the darkness started rolling in and I said oh hell nah! I scared about these snakes coming out, every noise I heard I was paranoid of. So I called it a night and braced myself for the walk down. That was fun -_- I used the flashlight on my phone to see my steps. Almost busted my butt about three different times. And the best part my phone died and I no longer had my own light to see well. What an experience. I'm bummed I wasn't able to finish it especially after I was feeling good but I know I will, I will get to the top. Ill have to get there a little earlier and bring my inhaler ;).

Pinnecale moment

2012-08-27T12:43:00.001-07:00

Started my the 2nd phase for Insanity, meaning started the new workouts.

Yup its nothing less than insane! Just when you thought you had the moves down packed here comes new and crazier ones!

He has these squat push ups - while your in a deep squat and hands tuck forward you fall forward (still in a squat position) and push up with your arms pushing back into the up right squat position.

And then...

He has these wide in and outs- like regular in and outs your in a plank position and jump your legs in and out but you guest it this one is a wide stance so your legs are wider than shoulder width apart. 0.o

I know Insane!

I was attempting the extreme push up. After you do a push up you jump your legs in and come up in a regular standing position, come back down and jump your feet back to plank for another push up.

When I went to jump back, my right sneaker caught the carpet underneath and I accidentally jumped into my ankle. It hurts, hurts like hell. Thing is Ive injured this ankle before in a car accident and tore ligaments. I'm sure there's nothing serious but still alarmed and going to wait it off before having to go into a doctors office. I can walk on it so no need to panic!!

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

2012-08-26T20:54:00.002-07:00

So Ive always heard you can do A LOT with cauliflower, and I came across this blog with a version of cauliflower pizza crust. It was delicious and really had a taste to pizza, the texture was little off to get used to but it was still great once you get used to it.

I put some spinach, green and red peppers, and red onions... Yummy! The great thing about this recipe is you can out whatever you have around the kitchen and to your family needs.

You have to 'rice' the cauliflower. Meaning remove stems and leaves and cut out the florets add to food processor, if you don't have a processor you can grate it with a normal grater just be careful with those fingers!

WARNING: Do not over grate the florets in your blender because you'll end up with puree.

Once you have your grated cauliflower microwave for about 8mins. No need to put water for the water in the vegetable will suffice.

Make sure you spray your pan with nonstick! And round out your "dough".

This picture is after all the ingredients put together and on my baking sheet.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked 'riced' cauliflower

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 beaten egg

1tsp dried oregano

1/2 crushed garlic

1/2 tsp sea salt

1tsp Mrs.Dash tomato and basil seasoning

Pizza sauce, and toppings to choice.

This list of these ingredients will make one personal pizza. The one head of cauliflower will make two personal pizza.

Preheat 450 degrees. Spray baking sheets with nonstick.

Once you've 'riced' and cooked your cauliflower mix together 1 cup of cauliflower, beaten egg, cheese, oregano, garlic, salt, and Mrs. Dash seasoning (if you have).

Bake the cauliflower 'dough' for 15 minutes.

Remove from over, and add all topping you wish you have. Please note that you have to cook your toppings if needed since crust is already cooked and you will put back in the oven just to melt cheese on top.

Enjoy!

Another day in the life

2012-08-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

I finally had my follow up doctors appointment since my diagnosis of PCOS.

She said exactly what I needed to hear at the moment.

Ive been having issues with not seeing the numbers on the scale go down as much as Ive wanted to. Yes I know muscle weights more than fat but I figured the scale will still come down. But she let me know some people just lose inches before they lose numbers on the scale. It sounds so simple but I never had hear of this. I knew gaining muscle would make someone weight more or the same but I didn't know some experience losing inches before seeing the number come down, which its obvious my case.

Ive had company over that has my weight loss off track a little. I'm not over indulging but more than usual for sure! This week Ive completely slacked off with Insanity with the shoulder hurting at the beginning of the week, and then having company, to taking self defense classes. I don't know whether to restart the recovery week or just enter into the 2nd month workout. I skipped on today's DVD but I am planning on hitting the gym later on, not working out is starting to make me feel slump :(

I guess all that matters is Im seeing the difference with clothes and comparing pictures.

Beachbody

2012-08-22T08:06:00.001-07:00

I finally received my BeachBody Coach Pin!

You can track your weight loss goal, learn about all the new in workout DVD's and workout equipments/techniques, have endless amount of online support, and every time you sign on your workouts you enter for a chance to win money. Enter for the beachbody challenge and get the body you've always wanted! Have me as your coach and we can do this together. I can be your personal cheerleading squad!

Recovery Week... ???

2012-08-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to start my core and balance video because my shoulder had felt as if it was dislocated and barely can bring up my arm. But with some pain meds and a good night rest I was able to move my arm more I had no excuse to not do my workout today.

What the heck its recovery week after all can't be that bad... right?

WRONG!

Thank you for another misleading title Shaun!!!

On a good note I did like this DVD. Maybe because it wasn't so much cardio, and I wasn't on the floor huffing and puffing. It was all about slow, focus, and feeling that burn, which Ive come to conclude I like A LOT better than cardio. This DVD wasn't your typical Insanity but more like your typical at home workout program.

Hopefully because this DVD targets your core and muscles a lot more Ill see more definition in my thighs once this week is over. I don't want his week to be over because once it does it means the start of the second month and from what I hear its Insanity on steroids 0.o !!!

Lemon Yogurt Whole Wheat Bread

2012-08-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

Ive never made bread before but hey there's a first for everything!

I will admit to this... my first trial I had no baking soda, and I thought "how bad can it be". Boy was I proven wrong by the baking Gods. Deep down I knew something was gonna happen (in this case not happen) but I still wanted to bake something. It still tasted great and because of the yogurt it wasn't dry. Just so happens it didn't rise... Oops.

1 egg

1/2 tsp of baking soda (don't opt this out like I did)

1/2 tsp salt

6 tbsp Splenda Sugar Blend (if you use Splenda no calorie, granulated use 3/4 cup)

1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/3 cup veg. oil (I'm sure you can use coconut oil)

1 cup low fat plain Greek yogurt

2 tbsp lemon juice (divided) typically half a lemon

2 tsp grated lemon peel

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 cup powdered sugar (glaze)

cooking spray

1.Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Combine dry ingredients - flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and soda. Set aside.

3. In another bowl stir wet ingredients - egg, oil, yogurt, ONLY 1 tbsp lemon, and peel. Once combined add the dry ingredients slowly. Mix well!

4. Spray your loaf pan with cooking spray. Pour the mix into the pan and bake for 45 mins.

While baking mix together powdered sugar and remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice for glaze. Only pour glaze over load once the loaf has completely cooled down.

ENJOY!

I first saw this recipe on the realistic nutritionist but made some changes.

Cheesecake

2012-08-13T17:36:00.002-07:00

Ive been having a sweet tooth and today I had the urge to make something different.

Ive made cheese cookie cupcakes but never a full cheesecake.

I based my ingredients on this Cheesecake Pie Recipe on budget savi diva but I had no heavy cream nor did I want all the sugar from it. So to the pantry I went!

My Cheesecake Pie Recipe

2 large eggs

2 - 8oz Fat Free Cream Cheese, softened

1/4 cup of Evaporated milk

1tbsp freshly grated lemon zest

4 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/2 cup sugar

Pie Crust. You can either make you own or buy pre made.

1.Preheat oven to 350

2. Beat sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla and grated lemon zest. Add cream cheese and blend until you no longer have floating cheese bits.

3. Pour into your pie crust. Bake 40 min.

4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

I don't have a grater so I used a peeler and lightly peeled the lemon in short strokes.

I suggest you don't skip out, it makes the flavors pop with amazingness (its that good you have to create new words for them).

Find your Greatness -Nike Jogger Video

2012-08-13T12:10:00.001-07:00

I first saw this commercial during the Olympics late at night and I burst into tears. It touched me, it spoke to me and for the first time in awhile I had felt proud of myself of the changes Ive made no matter how big or small its been. To see 12 year old Nathan Sorrell who weights 200lbs jogging at his own pace trying to do better for himself is inspiring. Ive gotten beaten up mentally during my Insanity workouts, hating that I can't do as many V-push ups like the fitness models, or as many high jumps before my shin starts hurting. And then I watched this video, and I remembered whether its 1 set of globe jumps or 10 ski jumps its more than I started with, its more movement Ive done in some time. There's others who complain about their weight/ figure but not do anything about it, but I am! And like Nathan here, we may be starting slow but its faster than the next one sitting on the couch. No matter if I've lost a pound or gained it back up, Ive come a long way and feel no sense in stopping now. If I can do this much now the possibilities are endless for me in the future.

"Because greatness is not in one special place, and it is not in one special person. Greatness is wherever somebody is trying to find it".

... And I'm finding my greatness.

My first 5k!

2012-08-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

gwhaat!? a 5k!? I know shocker.

So long story short, no training, no mess, no fuss. Learned about it the day before and went for it. It wasn't timed, it was all about having good fun. So I did!

I wore shorts for God sakes,long shorts but still shorts. The last time I remember wearing shorts was back in high school during color guard rehearsal and that was solemnly because I had a very dark tan. We've all heard if you can't tone it, then tan it. Well the cast of Jersey Shore had nothing on me.

I had a great friend join me in all the fun. We were running late but we made it while the first wave of runners were starting. I was beyond excited, even though I had no idea where exactly this course went.

And we were off..."ok we can do this" This can't be too bad. And with that we began jogging it out, took a corner ..."eh maybe we can walk and save our energy for later". I ran about two more times, not that very far but hey I still did it.

Once we heard the music we knew we were saved and we were coming closer.

COLORS!!!!!

Green, yellow, pink, and blue.

They had stations of different colors through out that last 1/2 mile of the course. I ate some, sniffed some, had some in my goodies... Lets all give thanks it's just corn starch.

And tada the heavens opened up and the finish line was in sight!

All in all, it was a great first 5k Im glad I had a great experience. This won't be my last but I won't promise to run... I like my walking,thank you very much.

And now we are faced with clean up... oh boy was that fun!

Check out ColorMeRad for more info and date/city listings.

Easy tackle Kiwi

2012-08-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

How hard is it to cut a Kiwi out of its fuzzy fuzz? Not hard, at least if you have the top of the line chef thin fillet knife. But if your anything like me (not a chef and no chef knifes) I had to think of another idea.

The winner is.... a spoon!

Cut the ends off the kiwi.

Stick the spoon close to the edge. Word of advice... DO NOT USE A BIG SPOON!

The spoon from the pic was too big and when I went around it ripped the skin, maybe this oh so easy task much much harder.

Follow the kiwi shape and it blops right out!

Oh another word of advice make sure when you stick the spoon in you go all the way through the other side, if not when you spin around it will cut through the fruit.

Losing Edge...?

2012-08-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

Why can't we lose weight just as fast as we gain it!?

I'm trying to be realistic in my goals but its easier said than done. My mind wants to see a different body and be miles ahead of my pace but deep down I know its unrealistic and too much to ask. But I'm sure I'm not alone in this, am I? Doesn't everyone wish you can lose a dress size for every day you work out!? Why is that too much to ask!!!???

Don't we all have a guilty pleasure watching Hoarders and feeling better about your clean, "organized" home? So why can't it be the same in a workout DVD!? I'm not saying to have morbidly obese models, but why not have normal "unfit", "unhealthy" models that are looking for a change just like me!? So maybe for once I don't find myself comparing my jiggly thighs to these rock hard fitness models!

Its easy for others to say "keep going" "your doing great" "its ok to take a break" because your heart rate is just starting to spark up, while I'm huffing and puffing on the floor having a heart attack. Most of these fitness models have never had 20, 30, 40lbs extra weight to carry around. Maybe this is where my lack of confidence is steaming from. I'm just saying, if someone like me who isn't fit to begin with isn't expected to go as hard why am I expected to push myself harder by looking at these fitness guru bodies that are unrealistic for me!?

15 day Fit Test

2012-08-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

2 week down and 7lbs tackled!

Not to mention the already 5in off my thighs. I'm feeling unstoppable. I'm pleased God heard my prayers and let me wake up today in a better mood, Ive been feeling the blues lately. But fortunately I kept pressing play and feel better each day. I've got two more lbs to take off to hit 10lbs in less than a month and I know for sure I can do it. During the workouts it seems impossible to complete but seeing the pounds shedding makes me feel losing weight has been easier than ever. I thought eating right was going to be my match but I was wrong. A fridge full of healthy snacks and alternatives makes it easy. I even have chocolate on hand in the fridge, and I haven't even given in just by seeing it helps me not crave it. I don't deprive myself of cravings but rather figure how to cook differently or satisfy with moderation.

Feeling on top of the world!

Pure Cardio.... AND ABS!

2012-08-03T12:53:00.001-07:00

Today started off like yesterday. I had no real motivation to do the workout. I know one shouldn't be checking your scale everyday (the last time I did was Monday) I decided to check myself again and to take my measurements. Hoping if I saw the numbers come down I'll find the motivation again... I did! I lost 2 more lbs!! 2in off my waist! and 2 1/2in off my thighs! I sure found my spirit again.

But just when you think you have the workouts figured out ... BAM!... abs!

In conjuction to doing the pure cardio, now you have to do the abs section also. I've never missed crunches so much in my life! It's not a long DVD but the moves are very localized to your core so its minimal hard work. I don't expect myself to be able to do all these combos, ever {pure cardio}. And since I know that I'd say all in all another great workout!

After all we are just humans...

2012-08-02T11:44:00.001-07:00

I pressed play even though I didn't feel like it.

Today is just one of those "I don't give a _ _ _ _". (I'm sure you can fill in the blank).

Even up to the second I put in the DVD I was justifying not doing my workout today. But I still pressed play and did it. I'll be honest when I say I didn't give my all but I still pressed play.

Maybe its a hormonal thing, I just know my mind is not in today. Hopefully after a warm shower I can breath new air and find a better attitude. I gotta break through that wall to keep on going.

Tomorrow is a new day and a new workout.

After all I am just human...

Lunch Quesadilla

2012-08-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Worlds simplest lunch! We have been blessed with quesadillas!

I had no cooked meat or chicken (was not about to cook some).

So I was gonna stick to just plain old cheese but - epiphany!-

Add some of my home made 'taco night salsa'.

Ive been putting that salsa on EVERYTHING!

This quesadilla was so simple but out of this world satisfyingly good.

Just use some whole grain tortillas, 1/2 cup of low fat Mexican blend shredded cheese, and about 2 to 3 tbsp 'taco night salsa'. Top off with fat free sour creams and enjoy!

10 days over with!

2012-07-31T12:29:00.000-07:00

10 day milestone is done with today!

I have mix emotions about today's workout. I was able to do the entire warm up without resting. The only difference I do is keep jogging out when your suppose to do jumping jacks. And I wasn't trying to look for an oxygen tank after the warm up either!

Once the 1st set of the 1st combination was full on I was still able to keep going without resting. But towards the last set of this combo my shin was unbearable. I take fault because I didn't take ibuprofen till right before the workout, I didn't give it enough time to take affect.

I was sad because mentally I was still in the workout and able to keep up. My breathing was fine but not my leg. I had to jump back in once it was Insanity's version of push ups. I guess the positive is I gave it all I could while my leg was good. I'm gonna have to take ibuprofen at least an hour before.

But aside from the leg mishap I feel great after the workout.

Enchilada Soup

2012-07-30T18:06:00.003-07:00

I saw this recipe on Sandra Lee's show on foodnetwork called 'Tortilla Soup' but not only do I not understand why its called torilla because it has no tortilla in it, I also had to add seasoning.

My ~~Tortilla~~ Enchilada Soup

1 cup diced red onion

1 1/4 pounds ground turkey

3/4 tomato puree

4 cups chicken stock

1 tsp crushed garlic

1 tbsp diced jalapeno

2 tbsp enchilada mix sauce (find these next to seasoning in packets)

3 small bay leaves

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 cup of black beans (rinsed and drained from can)
1 cup of Mexican blend shredded cheese to top with.

sour cream to garnish

and I used some of my taco night salsa to garnish on top also.

- Just sautee onions, jalapeno, and ground turkey till cooked.
- Add your chicken stock, tomato, garlic, bay leaves and bring to boil.
Bring down to simmer add black beans, and cilantro let simmer for about 10min.
Serve top with your garnish and enjoy!

Pure Hell.. I mean Pure Cardio

2012-07-30T11:37:00.002-07:00

I can't emphasis how much I hate Pure Cardio DVD!

It purely sucks!

But I did see improvements I was able to attempt about 5reps of each move.

Ive notice my breathing has been the biggest health change Ive felt and seen. I can breath better and I don't lose my breath as much, which is tremendous help when carrying a sleeping 1 year old dead weight upstairs to his crib. But all in all this DVD kicked my butt!

...Is it Cardio Recovery yet!?

Taco Night

2012-07-29T19:20:00.001-07:00

I had some left over chicken from the other night. I shredded it up and made tacos with corn tortillas.

All I had to do was reheat it and make a salsa.

Half of avocado

3/4 cup of green pepper

3/4 cup Tomato

3/4 Red Onion

1/2 cup of black beans

about 1/4 cup cilantro