I want to be healthy...I think?

Its week I don't even know of this healthy lifestyle change and I've fallen off the wagon hard. I think I may have JUMPED off the wagon head first, even.

One of my biggest rules for myself had been not to cheat.  A lot of members reward themselves weekly when they've done well.  My personality can't really handle that type of thing.  If I am going to purge something out of my system...I want it completely out of my life.  If there is any trace of it I'm likely to over indulge.  We're talking food, amongst other things.

I'm not certain where I went wrong but I'm making the connection that the word "lifestyle" encompasses so many things.  You have to be fully committed.  You have to cover all of the bases.

If you're a comfort eater then you need to have a plan for when life is sticking it to you.
If you're on a budget you have to know how to make your money stretch and you have to set goals in advance.  Eating healthy can be expensive but you can do it on a budget.

You really have to program yourself to say "no" to anything that is going to hinder your progress and more than anything...you have to honor that commitment.   Its a commitment that you are making to yourself.  You have to own your responsibility in the matter.  To eat better.  To make better decisions.  To give your body what it needs and deserves.  To take care of yourself.  Take...care...of...YOU!

You can join a million support groups.  You can buy the fanciest workout clothes.  You can download all the apps in the world.  It means nothing if you can't be honest with yourself.

Really?

My truth?  My weakness isn't sweets.  It isn't fast food.  It isn't fatty foods.  It's alcohol.

I buy a half gallon of vodka on a Friday night and it is gone on Sunday morning.

I plan my meals.  I go to the gym at night after I've fed my children and put them to bed.  I don't eat late at night.  I'm not a big snacker.  But...when I'm stressed...I drink.  When I'm bored...I drink.  When I'm mad at my significant other...I drink like its no tomorrow.  When I drink, the likelihood of me handling any of the things I need to do for myself ...decreases majorly.  I'm thinking about a drink as we speak, simply because writing this is awakening so many thoughts.

Whatever the case may be, I am reevaluating my commitment to myself.  I have no one to answer to but me.

Recipe: Spaghetti Squash, Garlic Shrimp with Vegetables, and Stuffed Scallop Shells

One of the most difficult tasks, for me, in this lifestyle change is keeping the menu fun and non repetitive.  Luckily our resident Fitness Friend Candace lends us this great recipe! 

Ingredients:
1 Medium Spaghetti Squash
2 lbs Shrimp
1/2 Stick No Salt Added Butter
4 Tbsp Minced/Fresh Garlic
4 Cups Frozen Stir Fry Vegetables
Dash of Salt

Directions:
1. Slice spaghetti squash in half vertically and clean out seeds.
2. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
3. Place FACE DOWN on cookie sheet and bake at 375*F for 30-40 minutes, or until a fork sticks into it easily.
4. Meanwhile, place butter, garlic, and shrimp into a pan on medium high heat.
5. Cook until shrimp no longer opaque and have that pink/orange tint on them. Set aside.
6. In same pan, place frozen stir fry vegetables in pan and cook until done, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove spaghetti squash from oven and let rest for about five minutes.
8. Scoop the insides out into a bowl and shred with fork. The noodles of the squash will look like spaghetti noodles when done!
9. When vegetables are done, place spaghetti squash and shrimp in the pan.
10. Sprinkle with a dash of salt.
11. Enjoy!

Yields 4 servings

Fitness Friends: Meet Robin

Meet Robin. 

 Robin is a married mom of 3 school aged children.  I sat down to talk to Robin about her lifestyle change and what it means for her family.  She had this to say:

"Healthy living" means being consciously aware of my actions. Whether it’s spiritual, financial, health and fitness, or mental outlook. All of life’s aspects should come together to help me grow, and allow me to be in-sync with the universe.

I have been trying to live healthy since 2009. My diet mainly consists of eating clean, and researching what I’m putting in my body to make healthier and wiser decisions. It’s been a struggle, but there have also been remarkable changes.

In September 2009, I went to the doctor for my annual physical (that wasn’t so annual). The doctor told me my blood sugar was elevated and I needed to come back in 30 days. Thirty days later my blood sugar was higher than the previous month. He stated, “If you don’t get your blood sugar under control I will need to prescribe you medication.” I asked why my blood sugar was elevated. I've never had this problem before. He said “ I've looked at your chart and you've never been this heavy. In 1998, you were 157 pounds. After you gave birth in 2001, you were 203 pounds. Then you put on a significant amount of weight with your last pregnancy, and you haven’t lost as much as you've gain. If you get your weight under control, the elevated blood sugar will go away.”

The very next day, I hired a personal trainer and began working with a nutritionist. I went back to the doctor 90 days later after working out three times a week for 60 minutes with a trainer and eating clean. My blood sugar was significantly lower. A year later, I went back and my blood sugar was 85. (Anything over 100 is considered elevated, anything over 120 is considered pre-diabetic) 

The thing that’s most challenging is making me the #1 priority in my life. I often spend so much time taking care of my family, and investing in my career that I put my diet and exercise on hold. I do it because it’s so easy to ignore it. In the long run, I’m only killing myself.  The easiest {[part] is researching and shopping for all the things I need.

 My weakness is definitely my mental focus. When I am focused I am unstoppable. I workout and eat clean religiously. When I am not focused every little distraction is a reason for me not to follow through.  My strength is my family’s willingness to embrace my changes, even when I fall off the wagon they are there to start again with me. It could be roller skating, chopping salad, drinking water only, reading labels, etc. They’re definitely my biggest support system and really help keep me honest.

I love the LoseIt app, skinnykitchen.com, fitsugar.com, and watching Biggest Loser. I’m starting to enjoy running now; I just need to be more consistent.

I asked Robin to complete this sentence, I will know that I have met my goals when I can buy clothes from the women’s section (not plus size), and I am able to fit into a swim suit without the cover-up.

Good luck, Robin!

Who says your salad has to be boring?

FF Tarah shared this quick and easy salad a while ago.

Blackened Salmon, spring mix, strawberries, cranberries, reduced fat feta, candied walnuts, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and a splash of extra virgin olive oil!

It looks delicious!

FF Candace had this to share.

A simple and delicious salad!!!

Ingredients:

1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 bulb fennel
1 dash pepper
1 tsp cider vinegar
1 avocado
1 large orange

Directions:

1. Wash the fennel well and dry it. Remove the top part from the bulb, cut the bulb in half, then slice thinly. Put into a medium bowl.
2. Peel the avocado, cut it in half, then chop into approximately half-inch cubes, then add them to the bowl with the fennel.
3. Peel the orange, removing all of the white pith, then separate it into individual wedges. Add the wedges to the bowl.
4. In a ramekin (or bowl), whisk the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper together until they're well-blended. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently. Serve or chill for later.
*** Note: white wine can be used instead of cider vinegar.

140 Calories/serving
Total Carbohydrates: 11.44g
Dietary Fiber: 5.4g
Sugars: 5.7g
- Net Carbs: 6.04g
Protein: 1.84g

Thinking about Juicing? Meet FF Kala!

Kala was inspired by FF Carlos' 7 day fast and decided to do a full 30 days.  I'll sit down with Kala later this week.  If you've been thinking about juicing, what questions would you like me to ask?

In the meantime, check out this great documentary on juicing by Joe Cross Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead

Recipe: Steamed Wild Atlantic Mahi Mahi & Vegetables

This great recipe was submitted by FF Candace!  Enjoy

You will need:

1 - 4-6 oz FROZEN Mahi-Mahi


1 - 1 Cup FROZEN Mixed Stir Fry Vegetables (no sauce) 


1 - 32 oz Low Sodium, Free Range, Organic Chicken Broth Favorite Seasonings 


Cooking instructions:

1. Pour broth in pot, and bring to boil. 
2. Once broth is boiling, place fish and vegetables on steamer tray.
3. With favorite seasonings, season fish and vegetables. 
4. Place steamer tray on top of pot and cover with aluminum foil.
5. Cover and allow to steam for 7 - 15 minutes. 
6. Remove steamer tray from pot.

No time to workout?

You CAN do it!