Day 57: I'm BACK!!!

Hey yall!

Sorry for the hiatus.  A family member passed away recently and I went home to spend time with my family and attend the funeral.  Please in all you do...remember to take time out to always let your loved ones know how you feel and live your life to the fullest.  This is truly one of my mottos in life and I just wanted to share the piece of my life with you all. 

This is my last week with INSANITY and I am so happy.  I appreciate all of you for getting me through.  Without this blog, I wonder if I really would have stuck to it like I have.  I did have dinner with friends this weekend and was off program with my healthy food but I did continue to workout while I was home and make healthy choices with my meals except for that evening with my friends.  We made homemade pizza and my friend Kamaria made the best homemade pizza crust!!!! It was so good!  We had some red wine and just talked!  I love those kind of moments!  This weekend we are going to meet again since I am heading back to OKC so we are going to go the healthier route and make the corn tortillas and turkey taco meat!  Maybe even ground chicken!  It's gonna be great.  Any one have ideas on a SKINNY MARGARITA!!! If I find one I will be sure to post to you all. 

I am looking at the latest OXYGEN magazine to figure out my training plan once I finish INSANITY (THIS WEEK WOOOOO HOOOOO).  What is your weekly workout routine?  I would love to hear from you.

HEALTHY CHOICES I MADE THIS WEEKEND THAT MADE ME SMILE

• Instead of high calories juices and pops and chips from the gas station on my drive (Yes, I wasn't prepared with my own snacks....) I bought a Naked Mango Smoothie..these are delicious, beef jerky and water.  It held me over quite well.

• Went to breakfast one morning and instead of fried potatoes I got the fresh fruit! I was so proud!!!

You can do it too! Just take the steps!


Check these items out, especially you are like me and most of America and shopping on a budget....



TOP TEN CHEAP AND HEALTHY FOODS

Until next time, I will be sure to have some new recipes up next week as this week is pretty busy and I will probably be doing basic meals like chicken, veggies and sweet potatoes and mixing up the protein.  Oatmeal for breakfast and wraps and salads for lunch.  And don't forget lots of water.  Life happens and you just have to be flexible so please bare with me during this crazy week!

Please share this with others, I would love more feedback on what type of workout plans people are using or how far apart you spread certain days out like legs days, arms, back,etc.

Talk to you soon!

Day 51: Time to Plan Your Workout

Hey hey hey yall!!!

Today has been a pretty good day!!! I am SOOOOOOOOOOO ready to be done with INSANITY just because I am excited about hitting the weights, going to my boxing classes and yoga studio more.  I need some variety and to change it up.  Working out at the house is good but I am getting bored with it and when that happens it is time to make a change.  I have Thursday through Saturday left and next week!!! I never thought that I would really get through INSANITY! Now that is INSANE lol! But I am proud of myself.  I think I want to try to get a little stricter on my eating as well but we will see how that goes.  I will be sure to tell you.

I SWEAT!!!!! THAT MEANS WORKING HARD!!!! 

Speaking of workout routine! What are some of your favorite workouts or routines.  I love working out legs! Leg day is one of my favorites but I am really trying to tighten my tricep area so I am going to have to start loving arm days just as much as legs days (....I suppose).

Also, tried that green smoothie but I think I need to try another recipe.  Wasn't really as sweet as I thought it would be.  It had strawberries, banana, blueberries, milk, flax seed, spinach and soy milk.  I will work on my measurements I guess.  If you have a great yummy green smoothie recipe please let me know!

I had chicken sausage and Greek yogurt for breakfast, chicken, cauliflower, salad and a little rice for lunch and leftover for dinner.  I am about to make a smoothie for snack because that workout work me out.  I had cardio max and cardio abs today!!!!  Craziness man!

So lets get to it, do you have a workout regime.  If not you need to get on it.  Get in some regular cardio and strength training to get you started.  Buy a magazine or even go down to the bottom of my blog and there are labels like 15 minute workout and what not with posts with links to exercise workouts via the web.  I love Oxygen Magazine and I am about to start planning on what I am going to do.  I will share that next week.

Here are a few links to get you started:

Tips and Tricks to Getting Started with Exercising

Gym Junkies: Beginner Workout Plan with workouts

9 STEPS to starting YOUR OWN workout regime! And sticking to it

Until next time folks, challenge yourself and let me know what it is!  We are in this together!

Day 49: Muscles and Mussels...LOL

Hey yall!

Hope you have been keeping active and eating right!!!!

Today has been a pretty good day.  Had a great dinner that I want to share with you.  But first, YES, I did my workout for today PLYO max with Insanity and it was tough as always but it was good.  I am on my second to last week so I am pretty happy!  I have been getting stronger and I have noticed that my muscles are stronger and harder when I flex lol although you can't seem them all the way lol...they are coming!!!!  So keep at your workout regime and keep it new and fresh.  I am excited to go to the yoga studio more and start my boxing classes at a boxing gym!!!

I wanted to share a great recipe my sister Wylisha shared with me that was SOOOOOOOOOOO good but that is if you like MUSSELS!!!!  Mussels have many health benefits and can be made in so many different ways.  I may try this with clams soon too.  They are often on appetizer menus at Italians dining locations or found in pastas.  They can be steamed, baked, broiled and cooked in many ways.  They are low in fat and high in nutrients like Omega 3 and Iron.  They are HIGH IN PROTEIN and LOW IN CALORIES.  It has more protein than beef.  They also have B12 and selenium which is a micro-nutrient. I read this in an article on fitday.com so I am telling you the truth!! So time for the recipes!

SIMPLE AND EASY!!!

Mussels de la Salsa  (I made that name up didn't know the real name lol)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of Mussels
• 1 - 16oz Jar of Salsa
• 1/4 cup of water

1. Rinse your mussels and let them sit in a colander.  They should come with ice when you bring them home since they are alive.  Check and make sure there are no open mussels.  That means it is dead and you should not eat it due to bacteria.

2. Pour the water and salsa in a large pot. Turn in on med high to get the water boiling enough to create steam and be very hot.  Put your mussels in the pot with a lid on top slightly cracker to let steam out or you can try putting it on completely

3. Let the mussels steam for about 5 minutes.  I like to stir it atleast once while it steams to make sure sauce gets inside of mussels!

4. Put it in a nice serving dish or large bowl.  Sit down and enjoy!!!!

I ate this with a homemade corn tortilla and refried black beans.  My sister had rinsed black beans mixed with corn and cornbread with her meal.  Whatever you serve with it, it is a great meal!!!!

I also tried a recipe that was told to me by the seafood department worker.

This is about what it should look like when you add your salsa and water.

Wine Steamed Mussels

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Mussels
• 1-2 shallots
• 5-7 cloves of fresh garlic
• 2 T minced fresh parsley
• 1 Cup white wine or white cooking wine
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 T sea salt

The flavor is more mild than the recipe above but also very delicious.

Directions:

1. Rinse and check your mussels.  Make sure none of them are open.  If so, discard. Set aside.
2. Chop parsley, shallots, garlic and measure your white wine, water and salt.
3. Add the white wine, water, salt, garlic, shallots, and parsley into a large pot.
4. Turn on med high heat and let it begin to boil.  
5. Add the mussels and cook for about 5 minutes and pour into a serving dish.
6. Enjoy!!!  These would be good with a whole wheat pasta drizzled in olive oil, fresh parmesean, sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper and a veggie of your choice.  Maybe roasted kale or sauteed spinach.

The ingredients

Chopped parsley, garlic and shallots

Yumminess in the bowl!!! So good I forgot to take a picture in the pot because I wanted to hurry and eat them! :)

If you try them please let me know!  After I ate these for the first time this weekend I had to call my sister and say THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY STOMACH HAPPY! Lol! It was that good!  If you are scared maybe try these recipes with regular clams.

Pan Seared Trout

Ingredients:

• Trout (1 or 2 fillets)
• Sea Salt
• 1 Lemon
• Cracked Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Olive Oil

Directions:

1. Sprinkle slice of lemon, sea salt and cracked black pepper lightly onto the fillet.  They usually have skin on them so I just leave it and as you eat it the fish peels off of it.
2. Add 1/2 tsp of olive oil to your pan.  Heat on medium heat and place the fillet with flesh hitting the skillet and skin side up.  It takes about 4-5 minutes on that side and 4 minutes on the other side depending on thickness.  It should be golden brown and look cooked through.
3. Enjoy and serve with any side you would like.  A few ideas would be sweet potato and veggies, wild rice, brown rice, spaghetti squash, etc.

Until next time....keep working out and eating right!!! Also, I already packed my snacks and lunch for tomorrow.  Cooked my chicken sausage and have my blender out for my first GREEN SMOOTHIE!  I will post on my smoothie tomorrow!!!!

Happy reading and feel free to share this with the many like and share buttons that I have on this page! Thanks!

Day 46: It's the WEEKEND!!! BE PREPARED!!!

Hey yall!

It is FFFFFFRRRRRIIIIIIDDDDDDAAAAAYYYY! 

I love the weekend and so happy it is here once again!!!

This morning I made a quick breakfast by cooking some scrambled eggs with a little bit of 2% cheddar cheese, ground flax seed (great fiber and couldn't taste it in my eggs), chopped tomato, turkey bacon and wrapped it in a spinach tortilla from Whole Foods.  Only $2.50 for the tortillas, same price as a brand you could get a Wal-Mart but way yummier!!!  It wrapped it in the tortilla and walked out the door.  It was quicky and easy!!!

Yesterday evening I made trout for the first time and it was really good.  All I did was pan sear it with a little bit of olive oil, sprinkled a little sea salt and ground black pepper on it and drizzled it with some lemon juice from a fresh lemon.  I cooked it on both sides for about 3 to 4 minutes each.  It was pretty firm but flaky so it didn't mess up in the pan.  It was light and really yummy!  It was so flavorful too.  I had a small sweet potato with it and steamed cauliflower!!! It really was a great meal!!! You should try it sometime!!!

The weekend is here and it is time to get your mind right and do your best to stay on track.

I want to share some advice from D Stut who comments often on my blog and gives me great ideas and keeps me encouraged.  He said if you know you are going to have a social event during the weekend then eat lean and train hard throughout the week.  Very great information!!! Also, look ahead at the menu of where you may be eating at and have a plan of action so you do not get all excited and just order it up and order things that are just the worst for you.  Stay in moderation.  If you drink, think club soda with vodka and what not instead of high sugar drinks like margaritas, beers, etc. 

Now I know we are all human so if you must indulge in something like a margarita maybe try a skinny margarita or if you really want the real deal regular margarita then I would suggest just have one and then move on to sipping a shot or something with less calories . This is especially vital information if you are in the beginning stages of working out.  If you have more than you planned, you should just try to put in some extra cardio or high intensity exercise to take off a few of those extra calories the next day!!!!!

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND FOLKS!!!!

Day 45: On Track for Success

Hey yall!

Its me!  Hope you all had a great week so far!  I have!

Workouts have been good and back on track with my healthier meals. 

I am so glad that I only have about two weeks left of INSANITY!  I miss the gym and looking forward to more yoga/pilates classes and starting my boxing classes.  I know I must keep cardio in my workouts so I am thinking interval training.  Since it is very effective, works after you are done workout out and doesn't take like 30 minutes going in same speed on some cardio equipment!!!

I watched Dr. OZ the other day and Sean T (Insanity trainer) gave his three golden rules with eating right.

Sean T  - Creator of Insanity and others great videos (image from pinterest)

Sean T's 3 Steps to Getting YOUR Best Body Back!!!

1.  Taper your carbs down (have most of your carbs in the morning, less at lunch and even smaller amount at dinner). 
2. SWEET POTATOES - A great food to eat daily that aids in weight loss and eating right
3. Eat foods that expire in a week - Now this is so true.  Yes canned and package fruit is handy and convient but honestly if it stays on the shelf for months how good is that to you really.  Just shop weekly and buy delicious fresh fruit.  Buying what's in season is usually cheaper and yummier!

3 STEPS TO GETTING YOUR BEST BODY BACK (MORE IN DEPTH)

Also a 15 minute workout he put together that is on the website.  Check out the link below.  I would try it if I were you.  Especially if you don't have lots of time for a workout or don't want to get out.

15 MINUTE WORKOUT VIDEO

What I have ate so far today.....

Breakfast - Veggie Frittata (almost like an omelet) with fresh spinach and some sauteed veggies, turkey bacon two slices and a bowl of oatmeal.  And it is funny but I have so much energy too this morning.  I usually eat a little less but had made a point to wake up earlier and have a more fulflilling breakfast since I ready about more carbs in the morning and what not.

Snack- Mixed fresh fruit

Lunch - Wrap (Spinach tortilla, organic turkey breast made by applegate, tomatoes, spinach, cucumbers and black bean hummus...soooooo good), plantain chips on the side and a blood orange.

Dinner - I plan to make trout (never made it before), sweet potato and some steamed veggies!!!!

FYI: I made zucchini chips and they were awesome! Try them soon. 

Zucchini Chips!!!

WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE??????????????????????

Please share any great snacks, snack ideas, and meals you have made recently!!! We are in this together!

If you messed up today, just start better at lunch or dinner...why wait until tomorrow!!!

Unti next time folks! Start a new exercise class or regime to keep your muscles guessing!!!! Shock your body and get results!!!!

Day 42: If you fall OFF the wagon, Get back on!!!!

Hey yall!!!!!

Hope all is well your way!  Things are well this way although this weekend due to hanging with friends and valentine's dinner, I got somewhat (yup...it happens) off track!!! I know I know, hope you are not to disappointed!!!

So here is what happened...went to Hooter's Friday with friends, I did plan on having a cold beer since I wanted it and I deserved it lol!  It was a long week!!! But I had some of a friends fried pickles and we split an order of fries (these are my first fries ever since the first of January) but instead of getting wings I decided to get the steamed clams to help try to make some type of healthier choice so I didn't feel to bad about that.  I even got up Saturday morning and went to hot yoga!  I liked it and felt very refreshed after...I will probably try that again!  I also took three days off from INSANITY (eeeeeek I know) but I have done other exercise like zumba and some weight training and push ups and stuff but my knees have been hurting and people are saying because I did INSANITY without shoes!!! I know I should have known but it felt better on the carpet at home without shoes and didn't want to make to much noise for my downstairs neighbor.  Lesson learned though I will wear shoes when I start back up this week but I know my health comes first and my knees have kind of hurt more than an aching workout type feeling but hopefully I didn't mess them up hurt type feeling.  They are better but still hurt somewhat if I try to do a simple squat.  If you know what I should do about this please share!!! I don't want to stop my INSANITY program BUT I don't want to hurt myself either where it will have lasting effects.  I read it could also be from working out so hard, so often and so fast since that was not always in my regular workout regime!!!  So we will see but I am starting back up this week.

Also, another dinner I had I had shimp thai lettuce wraps, 5 cheese sticks (EEK...but so good) and some stuffed mushrooms.  Sooooo...yes I fell of the wagon a bit.  The other meals I had those days were healthy though so it wasn't like I made a whole entire day of bad choices but I want to stay on track.  I haven't felt like going to store since it was so cold but I am going to get over that and go tomorrow.  I have enough food for tomorrow to be healthy meals so that is good!  So I just wanted to let you know that I fell of but I AM BACK! You can fall off the wagon but get back on.  Don't let it be a continuous slip up each day! Oh yea, I had a margarita too on my v day meal.

So the lesson here today for myself and you all is that if you fall of your plan you have a choice to either keep messing up or get back on the wagon and get it right!  I choose to get back on the wagon, what do you choose to do????

Until next time...let me know if you gave yourself a challenge last week and completed it.  If not do it this week, whether it is to do an extra five or ten minutes of cardio or try a new recipe or even give up coffee or chocolate for a week.  LET ME KNOW!!!! I need some success stories and need to stay motivated!!!!! WE can do this yall!

Day 38: Stay ON Track

Hey everyone!!!!

Stayed home today and wasn't feeling well so its been a decent day.  It was relaxing just to recuperate and chill back since I usually carry such a busy schedule!  I still did my INSANITY this evening because I was feeling better.  I did MAX PLYO and it was intense.  On Monday when I started Month 2 with all the hour long dvds I was struggling and almost cried lol by the end of it.  It was just so grueling and long.  So if you are on your first month of INSANITY and think that its INSANE I beg to differ.  My view point completely changed after month two SOOOOOOO please enjoy month one because it gets way tougher!  I pump myself up to do it and self talk so I can even put in the dvd.  I think I will get be a little more positive about after this week, Sean T just has to break me in I guess lol.

Since I stayed home it did mess with my eating pattern because I was in bed until about 11.  I cooked scrambed eggs, wheat toast, two pieces of turkey bacon and added some berries on the side.  It was good.  I had a piece of fruit for a snack and dinner I made sauteed shrimp, long green beans and brown rice.  Had to keep it simple tonight!  Which is just fine and it was a good meal.

This weekend I did have a couple glasses of champagne and two beers during the super bowl so I felt I should come back strong this week and really dig deep with my workouts and make sure I am doing right with my food.  I need to hit the store soon though, Im running out of snacks!

I wanted to start researching ideas for workouts ahead of time so when I am off of INSANITY I have a plan.  I have yoga and pilates classes at a studio I plan to take as well as 10 boxing classes so that will be some of my fun workouts.  I can't wait for the weather to get better because I am going to incorporate more walking.  I CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK TO STRENGTH TRAINING WITH WEIGHTS!  That is my favorite type of exercise!!!! Anyway, as I patiently wait for my OXYGEN subscription to come in the mail I decided to take a look at the website and wanted to share a few workouts that look interesting and effective to me that you could do at home or at gym!!!!  They are not too difficult to learn either and have great pictures to show you how to do the exercises. So no way you can sneak your way OUT of a workout!!! Just do it and if you don't want to hit the gym okay but do something and try some of these workouts at HOME!!!

If you really WANT RESULTS you need to stop making EXCUSES and get with it and push yourself.  Now, if I am as active as I am now and sticking to the healthier foods then I KNOW you can.  It is a mental thing so you need to have your mind made up that you really are going to make a change!!!

If you do not have a workout plan, I would suggest you get one and keep it fun and make sure you have variety so it doesn't get boring!!!!!! You can do it!  View some of my past blogs for ideas for healthy snacks, recipes, where to start when trying to be healthy,etc.

GET A YOGA BOOTY!!!! OH YEAH!

LOWER BODY WORKOUTS! One of my favorites areas to workout

ABS OF STEEL! Go get em'

UPPER BODY; You need some weights for these!!!

So this could be a good starting point for you!  I will try some of these when I am watching tv like the exercises for abs and legs.  I will get in the gym soon and I can't wait.  I am taking a HOT YOGA class this weekend and I am pretty excited about it.  I am waking up for an 8:15 class on a Saturday....so please no excuses people!

CHALLENGE: Try a new workout or class this week.  When you complete it please comment and let me know that you did it and what you did.  See I am trying to make YOU accountable too!  I look forward to hearing about it!


Until next time folks, keep the challenge in mind and fulfill it!!!!! Let me know how you liked it.  I can always use new ideas!

Keeping YOUR Kids HEALTHY! - Guest Blogger: Wylisha Roy

Hey hey hey yall!


It is the one and only, WyMichelle!!!  


I have a great announcement today!  My big sis has created a special article for those with children. When I started this blog, I knew that I would like to try to get her to contribute her wonderful advice for being healthy because she is such a great role model especially when it comes to staying active, working out and eating healthier meals.  I really look up to her and often go to her for advice with meals, working out, vitamins, etc.  She has been in a fitness competition before and is very knowledgeable on being healthy.  She stays in the gym and has become very interested in running and runs often.  She has been in a mud run and another running competition.  I love that she has a great perspective that I do not have yet and that is being healthy with children.  My nephews are the best lil' guys ever and they eat well for their age.  The article she wrote will help you get healthier meals and foods to those of you that have children.  Enjoy the article and please leave comments with any kudos or questions.  I know my sis would be happy to answer questions to help you as well as your children get healthier meals in there lives!!!! Thanks sister for the wonderful article! Enjoy everyone!




"Keeping YOUR Kids Healthy"


by W. Roy


I like to think of healthy eating as a family affair. If it's good for me, then why wouldn't I want my kids in on the action? Yep, I have kids AND we all eat the same types of foods. It's just what we do, so it doesn't end up being too difficult for us. Our boys are 4 and 7. As long as they've been eating real food, we give them the same food that we are eating (unless it's super spicy). Sometimes they like it and sometimes they don't but they always try it. We have the "no thank you bite" rule that I picked up from my friend, Darci (another healthy family)...you have to try one bite to see if you really do like it or not and then you reserve the right to say "no thank you." Maybe this is easier for me because my kids don't know any other way. And don't get me wrong...my kids don't like everything I make and I hear my fair share of "I don't like that!" and "do I have to eat it all?" but I figure we have to know that we at least tried.

Some people like to find creative ways to get their kids to eat healthier. If you google "the sneaky chef" you'll find books and ideas for working nutritious stuff into your kid's favorite foods.

The Sneak Chef website - CLICK HERE

Sometimes you could even choose the healthier version of something your kids like just to clean things up a little bit and they won't even know. Kraft Mac and Cheese has a whole grain version, string cheese comes in low fat, spreadable fruit is a better option than jelly, Horizon makes a delicious organic, chocolate milk.

I often hear of kids being "picky eaters." this could certainly be true but it wouldn't hurt to ask yourself, "is my child a picky eater or do I not feel like trying to get my child to eat new foods because I don't feel like hearing them complain? You may just be surprised by the answer. I've heard that a child may need to be introduced to a food 12 times before a child begins to like a new food. So don't give up on the idea of your little one enjoying the taste of some of the healthy foods you love too.

Day 33-36 MONTH TWO HERE WE GO!!!

Hey hey!

I am SO happy that I am on the downhill of INSANITY!!!  

I lost an extra two pounds last week so that is a good success but also I am trying to focus on the scale but how I look and feel!  Another great report is that I wore a pair of jeans that I haven't in awhile because they were getting too tight (yes they were a tad uncomfortable lol.....ok.....maybe more than a tad) and I fit them nicely today!  That really made me smile!!!

I went to a Yoga/Pilates studio (my first time at a "REAL" studio, I usually do it at my regular gym with there classes) and I loved it!  I was sore the whole day and the workout was good but didn't think I had did that much work so I am excited to go again!  I could really feel it in my core and really my entire body!  You all should give it a try!!! 

Today has been crazy busy and I need to still get my workout on, which is an hour long now that I am on month two!!!! EEEEEEEK!  I am going to tighten up on my meals and will let you know soon on the meal plan tab what that will be.

I stopped at a place called Simply Fit that sales food that is already portioned out and made in a healthy way because I didn't have much time to cook and let alone felt like cooking so I ordered the turkey and bison spaghetti.  It was pretty good but could of used a little salt but I ate it as is.

The format should be back to normal tomorrow but I just wanted to update you all just a little bit!  What have some of your goals been or have you reached any of your health last month??

Let me know what you think!

Until next time, make sure you are getting the right amount of veggies and fruit a day!

Day 32: "Being HEALTHY is a LIFESTYLE"

Hey hey hey yall!

Feeling good feeling great this way, hope you are the same!  I am SORE but it makes me feel good and is a reminder of me working hard each day to change my body and be healthier!!!

It really is fun man like really!  I enjoy looking up new recipes, I like to workout (most of the time), I enjoy inspiring others to start or get back on track with their journey towards a healthier lifestyle and I really like to talk about it!  Hence, the blog!  It is a great way for me to share EVERYTHING with you all along the way.

Please use the FB like button and other share buttons to spread the word out their to others!  I would really appreciate it!

I also put my meals on the weekly meal plan tab above at the top of the page so I don't have to write each day what I eat.  If I don't eat what I wrote, I do change it to reflect my TRUE meals.

Okay, today has been a good day and I literally was excited to come home to workout.  I know one reason is because I really love the Cardio Core and Resistance dvd from INSANITY. Working out and getting results is a process that takes time but I know it will result in the results I want.  I went and bought a few items today.  I got a new yoga mat in my favorite color (find the fun and motivation in the little things), resistance bands and a jump rope!  I went to ROSS and they were a great price.

• Yoga mat - $7.99
• Jump rope - $2.99
• Resistance Bands - $3.99

I want these things in case I want to do a little extra in my home workouts or when I get off of INSANITY and want to do a little around the house.  The resistance bands would be great while I watch TV! SEE....it isn't hard to find the time.  Also, buy fun workout clothes because it can truly make a difference in your attitude towards working out!  Old Navy has these really cute loose razor back shirts you can layer for about $7.50 right now!  I bought three!!!!!  I am going to a Pilates class at a yoga studio nearby and the owner was a lady who was on Buns of Steel so I bet the classes will be great.  I am going to also try the "hot yoga" class too.  I am learning to not let my hair determine what type of workouts I do and I am making my hair work for the workouts not the other way around!!

Take a look at my goodies...

I also want to share a few more things with you all before I hit the bed!

YUM!!!

I highly recommend Spicy Black Bean Hummus.  Whole Foods had this for about $3.29 and it tastes way better than all the commercial brands.  This brand is made fresh from scratch in Austin, TX and I can read all the ingredients so that is a plus!  You want to make sure ingredients are easy to read otherwise if not that means there is something in there you may not want to put in your body!!! HONESTLY, this is amazing! They have roasted red pepper and original!  If you try this be careful to not eat out of the container because you would want to eat the whole thing!!! Just take a tablespoon or two and eat it with organic blue chips (just a few) or some veggies (carrot sticks, broccoli, etc).  I don't know if it is in other Whole Foods that are not in Texas but I would look and check if it is or find another version of black bean hummus.

If you want to try a different version of water try LIME sparkling mineral water.  It is great to have with meals because it can give you a slight full filling which can help you not over eat.  It also taste some what like Sprite without all the calories.  The best thing about this water...NO CALORIES!!!!  You feel as if you are cheating a little bit with its taste.  Add a squeeze of lemon or lime if you want.

The picture above also features Bolthouse Farms 50/50 Berry Juice which contains a serving of veggies and fruit.  I don't drink a full glass of this juice since the sugar can be high in fruit but I do have it with breakfast sometimes or just for a different taste besides water.  I haven't had coffee or pop the whole month of January and if I did I don't remember it lol! I have had some wine and a couple of light beers though on the weekend.  Yet I don't overindulge.  Anyway, back to the picture.  If you want a little spritzer or mocktail (lol), poor some of this juice and sparkling water until it has a taste you like.  I did more water than the juice and added a couple drops of agave nectar for a little extra sweetness.  It almost reminded me of a red wine spritzer.

EXTRA YUM!! I could of cropped it out but I wanted to be honest.  I had to take half of that sausage it smelled so good!  I guess that may be a small downfall to cooking at night for my morning meal to save time.  I wanted to eat it some so I just took a piece lol! Don't judge me lol, you would have done the same!! HAHA

Here is the chicken sausage with sage I wrote about the other day!  They are absolutely amazing and very lean.  They make me feel like I am cheating but I'm not!  They don't have a calorie count at Whole Foods for this purchase but I checked out applegate chicken sausage just to get  a guess on how many calories they may be and two links is 100 calories.  These may be 120 or so since they are a little bigger than the commercial brand.  I am not sure but I do know chicken is a lean protein and it has little salt and flavored with an herb so it can't be too bad, right!!! I would try them if I were you, so good!  I ate two with a boiled egg and half a whole wheat English muffin.

Well that is about all I have to say today so I will be writing you all soon.  Try a new recipe this weekend since you should have time if you don't work weekends, buy a new food item and see if you can incorporate it into your healthy meals!!!!

Please let me know what you think of this post and feel free to share with others with the share buttons I have on the page!!!

Thanks for reading and enjoy your night!!!!

Day 30 &31 - "Don't Put OFF What YOU Can do Today for Tomorrow"

Hey yall!!!

I am absolutely loving my recovery week! Tough and effective but the pace is really nice!  INSANITY month two is scaring me! My best friend is on it right now and she told me how INSANE it is but she assured I could do it and not to be scared (Inside I am screaming EEEEEEEEEEEEK)!

I wanted to write a little something that I have learned this month that may be beneficial for those who want to start working out or trying to go for a healthier lifestyle!  I honestly can say that this can be a lifestyle that I can life with that makes me happy!  It is fun to try new things and watch your body change in ways for the better!  You can't complain about wanting a smaller stomach, tighter arms and thighs and all that type of stuff if you constantly make poor eating choices and the only work out you do is lift your arms to eat lol!  It is a mental thing and you must be ready mentally!  You may stumble through your journey and that is okay and natural but don't let one mess up be a pattern.  Pick up where you left off and just start again until you can make it a true change in your life!

I think being accountable to myself, my bff, my bf and you wonderful readers has really gave me what I needed to stick with this and just wanting to be healthy and live a good happy, healthy life.  It has been fun trying new things, working out (even though I have days I don't want too), making new meals and helping others with ideas with their healthy lifestyle.  My best friend could here it in my voice how excited I am about this new change in my life.  She is my hair person and I am her food person! She gives me great tips on how to help my hair grow and keep from breaking and I help her get ideas for recipes and push her to try new things.  She is such a great person! Everyone needs a bff in their life that can understand them, keep it real with them, support them (no matter what), love them, listen to them and just be there for them.  I am so happy to have her in my life.  My bf has been very supportive as well and I appreciate that.  I am happy that he is working towards being healthier as well so now I don't have to smell french fries while I'm eating brown rice (hahaha)!  He has been doing good and his technique has been to make a meal that he can cook on Sundays that can be his dinner through out the week.  So if you don't have an accountability partner or something to keep you accountable, please find it.  Do it for yourself and your future!!!  The support from my family has also been very beneficial.  Them being proud of me really motivates me to keep going.  I SO love the great folks got placed in my life!!!!

from pinterest

So here is my two cents on YOU or someone you know who wants to get healthy based on my experience so far...

• If you don't think you can go cold turkey with some things, start taking steps to be healthier whether it is you just stopping your pop (soda) consumption and going forward from there or just throwing out all the "bad" things that won't help you lose weight.

• Read "The Eat Clean Diet" book or Oxygen magazine.  Great start to get ideas.

• Get rid of your temptations like sugar coated cereal, candy, pop, etc.

• Don't weigh in every day....maybe once a week if you must but I do every two weeks and be sure to do it at the same time of day.  I prefer morning.

• Eat breakfast!  Missing meals DOES NOT help you lose weight.

• Portion control is a must!

• Eat 5-6 small meals a day.

• Treat yourself to keep your sanity is what I wise man (my bro) told me, don't overindulge but a treat or two should be okay if you must.

• Eat! Try more whole foods and less processed food.  If you don't eat and skip meals your body holds on to your fat and thinks you are in starvation mode.  So eat!! But eat healthier!

• Plan ahead! Find recipes or meals you want to make...make a grocery list and get prepared for the week.  I have a grocery list tab above that has a list of items to get you started.

• Get your metabolism going right away by drinking one or two glasses of water in the morning!

• Each meal you need a complex carb and a lean protein and this goes for snacks too!  Google and you can find several.  Also look through my blog for meals and snacks that I have eaten.

• Prepare snacks and lunch at night so you don't have any excuse not to eat right throughout the day.  It saves time in the morning.  I also get things measured and supplies out for my mornings when I plan to have oatmeal for breakfast.  It makes for a smoother morning.

• Keep your workouts fun and have variety.  

• Find fitness that you can do that you enjoy like walking, boxing, swimming,etc.

• Work on your will power!  There can be several situations that can get you off track if you don't stay strong.  i.e. happy hour, parties, etc just remember moderation!

Here are a few key items that help aid in my success so far with being healthier:

• Large Water Bottle (keep with you all the time)
• Nice size lunch bag
• Lots of containers and sandwich bags to carry snacks in and meals
• Great pair of shoes to workout in 
• Fun workout clothes (keeps me motivated)
• Laptop/Computer (research new recipes)
• Accountability partner
• Eat Clean Diet book
• Collage of positive words and motivating photos on my fridge
• Calorie counter (good in the beginning until you start figuring out portions and what not)
• Gym Membership, workout videos, home workout plan, etc

Top Food Items I MUST have...

• Water
• Oatmeal
• Eggs
• Fish, Chicken, Turkey meat
• Brown Rice
• Almond Milk
• Greek Yogurt
• Fresh Veggies and Fruits
• Whole Wheat Pasta
• Frozen Veggies
• Olive Oil
• Garlic
• Sea Salt
• Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Pepper Grinder for Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
• Smoked Salmon
• String Cheese
• Tuna
• Sugar Free Jello with Lite Whipped Cream (so good and helps my sweet tooth)

Check out the links on my blog that are on the right hand of the page as well as a few more links to help you as well if you are just getting started...

Body Fat Percentage Calculator

Fit Sugar : Workouts and other helpful information

Tabata Routines and Information: Very intense but said to be highly effective  (gonna try this when done with insanity: 4 minute workouts and mix and match)

My Net Diary : Calorie counter for computers and has phone applications

My Fitness Pal -Calorie counter that you can use on phone apps and computer

You guys who are already health conscious have anything to add to the list to help others.  PLEASE comment and let others know what you have learned in making the right step towards being healthier!

If you want to be updated by email when I post you can look on the right hand side of the page and look for the FOLLOW BY EMAIL space and put in your email.

Until next time folks....meditate, think of a way to change up your workout routine for the better with something fresh and fun!!!!

Thanks for reading and please share a comment on what you think of tonight's blog or any advice you have for me and others working toward a healthier lifestyle!