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!

Day 26, 27 & 29! Dedication!!!

Hey yall!

I have been very dedicated and I am so happy!  I took a few days off from the blog because I had a pretty busy weekend and wanted to post two special recipes for you all!

DEDICATION is important to your success!  I made it through a whole month following the INSANITY calender and in total lost 10 pounds for the month of January!  I don't think I have ever been so dedicated to this type of lifestyle and really feel that I can continue to keep this up!

Today started my 5th week of INSANITY and it is Core Cardio and Resistance!!! God answered my prayers and gave me some what of a break from Sean T's madness!!!! It still makes me work up a sweat as well as feel the burn but it is not as intense as the past 4 weeks!  I need it because my body needs to recover from all that craziness and get ready for craziness on a whole other level!  Next week all the video are going to be to the MAX! Literally! I saw that one of the videos is an hour long and not my usual 38 to 42 minutes! EEEEEEEEK!  I really liked today's workout.  I could feel the burn in a good way not a crazy dripping sweaty way!!!

Check out my weekly menu from now on the tab above labeled, "Weekly Meals".


Now for the good stuff! Here are the recipes.

Pita Pizza

First make your pita.....

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Whole Wheat pastry flour
• 1 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
• 1 and half T honey (regular or organic)
• 1 1/3 cup water, warm
• 2 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 packet active dry yeast and or insant packet of yeast

Directions:

1. In mixing bowl, put all your dry ingredients (salt, flour, yeast).  Stir it together.  
2. Pour in half of the water and stir until things are slightly mixed.  
3. Add honey, olive oil and remainder of the water.  
4. Stir well until begins to look dough like.  Take your hands and roll into a ball.
5. Put down a little flour and knead the dough in that area.  If you need to keep adding a little flour at a time to your work area go ahead so it does not stick to area or your hands.  Do this for about 8 to 10 minutes.
6. When you are done, roll dough into a ball and put into a bowl lightly greased with olive oil.  
7. Put some plastic wrap and a damp towel over the bowl.  It should enlarge so let it set there for about  80 minutes.
8. When ready, Roll it into 8 to 10 pieces depending on the size you probably want for your pita bread.
9. Cover them with a damp cloth and let sit for 15 minutes.  
10. Take one at a time and roll them out.  Put some flour on the top of the dough as well as under it.
11. Turn oven on 375 degrees and place on a baking pan (either side).  Cook two to three of them at a time until they turn brownish.  Bake in oven for a total of 4 minutes. 
12. Don't forget to taste one right out of the oven! So delicious when they are hot

I put mine in a freezer safe bag and put in the fridge.  They should last at least 4 to 5 days.  Mine did not last so long!!! And no I did not eat them by myself lol!

Also, I only found whole wheat pastry flour at Whole Foods.  It was only $3.

To make this delicious pita a pizza, choose your favorite ingredients (try for healthier options).

I used...organic pizza sauce (extra good), turkey pepperoni, part-skim mozzarella cheese and sauteed mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and green peppers.

Directions: Take a cooked pita, spoon on a couple spoonfuls of sauce on the pizza, add about 2/3 cup fresh grated (or pre packaged) shredded part skim mozzarella cheese, and add your toppings.  I put 7 turkey pepperoni's on mine and that is 37 calories.  The pita based on my calorie counter is about 140 calories.  I only ate one to satisfy my pizza craving and it hit the spot!  I did want more than one though!!!

Pita Ingredients

Some of the pizza toppings

Salt time!

Pour flour in bowl

Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes

Roll into a ball

Put in lightly greased bowl

Cover with plastic wrap then a damp towl

It has risen!

Make your small balls of dough

Roll them out.  Don't forget flour above and below the ball of dough

Put on the hot baking sheet

Here ya go! Hot yummy pita bread! Not hard at all.  Hardest thing is waiting for it to rest 80 minutes.

MINESTRONE

Yummy veggie and bean based soup!  If you want more protein or don't like beans add shredded chicken.

Get one can of stewed tomatoes, two cans of tomato sauce, kidney beans (1 or 2 cans depending on how much you like beans), and a large carton of Vegetable stock.  Try to find them with no salt added and low sugar.

Get your veggies: 3 mushrooms, 8 celery stalks, 4-5 fresh carrot sticks, 4 green onions, 2/3 cup basil, 5 cloves garlic, chopped, 1/2 cup frozen corn, 1 whole onion, 2 zucchini, half of a small eggplant (I may omit this and add extra zucchini next time), and 1/2 cup frozen peas.  You can always change it up by adding more or less of a veggies or picking some other types to go in the soup.

Chop your veggies.  

Saute the garlic, onions, basil and green onions on medium heat until onion is translucent.

Chop the egg plant this is about how much I used.

More veggies.  Take a look and gauge how much you may want to add.   Amounts of each item written above.

Pour vegetable stock, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce in big pot.  Add the can(s) of beans and veggies.  Cook until tender.
I actually added about a cup of whole wheat pasta shells.  Let beans and veggies cook on Medium for about 10 minutes.  Add the pasta to the soup and let cook for about 10 minutes.  Set aside with lid on top if pasta is not all the way done but it should be. Serve with a little fresh grated Parmesan!  Delicious!

Eat up! Makes several bowls.  I ended up freezing my leftovers for another day.  Tip: Pour leftover soup in muffin pans (silicone works well because you can pop them out) and then store in freezer bags.  This way you can pop out two or three and put in a pot and re-boil with a little water for another meal.

Thanks for reading! As always feel free to comment, make suggestions, or ask many any questions.  Email me at wymichelleblogs@gmail.com if you would like!

Until next time, go buy someone some flowers or take a brisk walk and truly enjoy your surroundings!

DAY 25: It CAN be DONE!!!

Hey yall!

Happy Thursday!!!! Tomorrow is Friday and I know you are ready for the weekend.....I know I AM!!

I will say first that I will upload the Minestrone recipe on Saturday some time.  I want to make sure I get the pictures edited nicely and have directions written just right!  It was an awesome soup.  So good I had it for lunch and now dinner.  I do want to add some chicken to it next time for a little more protein but it is a great veggie -bean- pasta type soup!

Today went well! So glad I have another weekend to relax.  I am going to plan my meals a little more strategically and buy more snacks so I can pair carbs and proteins together.  That combo is best for keeping you fuller longer as well as getting in the nutrients and what not that you need daily!

I had a cardio recovery today with INSANITY so it went smooth.  Tomorrow is pure cardio so I can kiss my fresh done hair do good bye!  But like the First lady, Michelle Obama, says, "You can't let your hair determine your health".  And it is so true.  I know this pertains more to woman than men but it is a motto that I keep in my thoughts.

Saturday will be the last day of my first FULL MONTH of INSANITY!!!! I can't believe I really stuck to the plan and followed it!  I am so excited and proud! My reward is a massage and a pedicure so Saturday will be a great relaxing day! I can't wait!

TODAY'S MENU

• Breakfast - Oatmeal with almonds, cinnamon, honey and raspberries
• Lunch -Minestrone
• Dinner -Minestrone (limited salt and all fresh ingredients, homemade)
• Snacks - V8, almond butter and banana, and turkey roll up (turkey with 30 calorie cheese wedge spread upon 3 to 4 slices of thin turkey and I added in some spinach and sprouts)

Here are a few links to help you get started with planning meals and snack ideas!

MEAL PLANNER TOOL AND TIPS ON DINING OUT

list-of-high-fiber-low-carb-vegetables-fruits

Have a great evening folks!

Until next time, enjoy your night and watch your favorite show or read a book!!!

Day 24: Keep on Keeping ON!

Hey Y'ALL!!!!

Take a look at this for some motivation for today!

Today was a rainy, dreary day in Texas!!! I wanted to sleep in so bad but duty calls, I had to go to work!  I do love my job but the rain, well at least hard fast rain, is not my friend, and I don't like to get out in it or even drive in it!!!!

MOVING ON.....I have been reading in my Eat Clean Diet book, Just the Basics, that I should pair a carb and protein for my snacks so I am going to work on that combination better next week!  I also decided I am not just going to focus on the scale or have that be my sole measure of success because in the end it is how I feel, how I look and how I feel in my clothes that is what is important.  The scale can be tricky, there is water weight then not change in weight because your gaining muscle too so your weigh in may not show to many results, and what not so I think that will help me not be discouraged and keep on keeping on!

I am happy this is my 4th week to conclude my whole month of INSANITY!!!  Today I had plyometrics and it was intense.  I have never sweat so hard I don't think this whole time (I do sweat ALOT every time).  Hope this isn't too gross but sweat constantly dripped from my face like crazy!  It just seemed like more than normal today but glad I was...because I was definitely putting in work and effort!

TODAY'S MENU

• Breakfast - 2 eggs scrambled (1 whole and 1 egg white) with veggies red pepper, onions and tomatoes, 1 slice of turkey bacon and half of a whole wheat English muffin with natural jelly.
• Lunch - Mixed green salad with avocado, tomato and a boiled egg and small piece of meatloaf
• Dinner -Minestrone (limited salt and all fresh ingredients, homemade)
• Snacks - Eggs, raspberries, V8,oranges, oatmeal squares (dry cereal), sunflower seeds

Tomorrow I will have the Minestrone recipe up for you as well as information on mynetdiary.com and it is also a great app.  It is a cool calorie counter and if you have an iphone you can actually scan food you eat and say how many servings you have had.

Now you know I don't want to leave you empty handed.  I found this site from someone on pinterest today.  This website has FREE did I say FREE workout videos to watch.  They are about 12-15 minutes each.  The picture of before and after that I saw was amazing!  So if you want to start putting in a little workout and don't have much time or want to do a little something before work or just don't feel like leaving for the gym..check it out. Click the link below...if you dare! lol

BODY ROCK TV

Until next time folks! Call a friend you haven't talked to in awhile or do something out of the ordinary! You have only one life! Live it!

xoxo, WyMichelle

Day 22 and 23!!! JUST DO IT

Hey yall!

Busy day yesterday so here we go with a two in one blog!!!!!

Yesterday was pretty good but felt discouraged some what.  I know results take time so I need to get that in my head.  I want more gains quicker.  I stopped being patient yesterday and it almost messed up my whole workout routine because I almost didn't do it!  But then I thought to myself, "Don't I want results and to be healthier".  Yes I do, so I went through it and pushed through!!! It was beating me down too lol but I am glad that I did it.  So if you start to feel like that, JUST DO IT!!!!

I can only imagine what I will be writing about in a couple of months as I continue my clean eating and regular exercise.  I never in my life have exercised 6 straight days out the week like I have done so far this year!!! Here are a few inspirational things that I have read that have got me through.  They are pinned on my pinterest board.

These are actually on my fridge so I can see it each day!!!!! Find some motivation and print it out or write some goals for yourself.

Now fast forwarding to today.................it has been a good day and I am glad that I am off work (or atleast my main job, I have a private lesson to teach after work and tutoring today).  My coworker gave me some chia seeds and they are a great source of omega 3s and fiber.  They are very good for you and are known to be better than flax seeds.  Don't take my word on it, haven't look it up but I have read in Tosca Reno' s book that it is a super food and it was in Oxygen magazine too.  It is like a little seeds with barely any flavor that you can add to salads, smoothies, oatmeal or whatever meal you would like.  I used my calorie counter (my net diary is what it is called..i would download it if I were you it's great and you can scan food items and enter them...i love the scanning part) today and put an analysis in on my food so far and it said I should have more fiber in my breakfast but that was before I entered in CHIA SEEDS.  When I put in that I had added a tablespoon of Chia Seeds to my oatmeal it didn't show my meal as lacking fiber!!! Woo hoo! So if I were you I would pick up a bag today.

TODAY'S MENU

BREAKFAST - oatmeal and a grapefruit and green goodness drink by bolthouse farms (1/2 serving)
SNACK - V8 and half an english muffin with chia seed jelly and natural peanut butter
LUNCH - Green salad with avocados, mushrooms and tomatoes and balsamic vinigerette
SNACK - egg and an orange, v8
DINNER - spaghetti squash with sauteed veggies and black beans and 1/2 an english muffin.

I plan to go to the store and get a few more protein based snacks but today I decided to not do meat and get protein in other ways.

Oh yeah!  During my lunch I explained to you that I have been doing strength training and zumba!  It has been great and I have been consistent with that as well.  I only take about 15 minutes but I do work up a light sweat!!! I encourage you to find some time and put in a little extra workout somewhere.  Take the stairs or something like that! You can do it!

Until next time folks, write a fitness and food goal for yourself this week and please share your results when you accomplish your goal!!!

Day 21: "Keep it in MODERATION"

Hey yall!

I have had an amazing Sunday!!!!!  It really has been a good day.  I love the weekends.  Church was awesome and had a wonderful date with my boyfriend.  I have been experimenting with some new foods.  The spaghetti squash I posted about was good.  I may make something else to eat with the extra squash that I didn't use to make the shrimp meal I wrote about.

I worked out this morning before I went to church with made me really happy because I got my workout out of the way so I could enjoy the rest of the day.  I had plyometrics today and it was tough as always but it felt good to complete.  This is my fourth week and I am looking forward to my recovery week next week.  But I am scared of week 6 which has all the workouts at 'MAX' whatever that means.  I thought I was already doing MAX type exercises since they kick my butt each week!  But it is worth it for the gains I have had along the way.  Stronger, more endurance, dimples in thighs going away, stomach (I call it the "pooch") slimming down some.  A coworker said she noticed some weight in my face going away so that was great to hear.  Another co-worker said my lunches made her happy and she was proud I have been doing well with my goals of eating better.  So all in all, INSANITY has been good to me although it may not FEEL like it lol.

Today I did have my cheat meal though and mainly it was because that is where we had lunch for our date.  I found out how many calories were in one roll from there so I felt guilty so I took a long walk/jog with my dog after we got back from lunch.  So my thing here is do things in moderation.  I have not had a meal like this (featured below) in a long time.  I did choose water instead of a cocktail, pop or juice so I did make a good choice there.  I wanted more than 2 rolls but I did not indulge.  I had like 4 pieces of fish on my plate but I gave my bf two of them so I didn't eat them.  So yes I had a meal that was more calories than it should have but to tell you the truth it was good, I enjoyed it and I won't be doing that often so as long as I keep things in moderation I think I will continue to have results and be healthier.  But like I said I am keeping it honest with you all so I did not want to pretend like I didn't have a cheat meal.  We are all human! My walk was about 30 minutes so I am proud of that and feel better about what I ate today. I jogged, walked fast, did walking lunges and when I say hills I sprinted up them.  I felt better after I got done with that lil' workout! :)

TODAY'S MENU

Breakfast: Veggie Omelet with egg whites and one whole egg and raspberries with one piece of turkey bacon.
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: Two small catfish fillets, baked potato with cheese, ceasar salad and two rolls. Rolls are my weakness
Dinner: one turkey taco and black beans.

Lots of water today too!!!

Anyway, I had been craving tacos or Mexican for that matter and wanted to find healthier alternatives for it so I did.  Yesterday I made a yummy meal that included home made corn tortillas for only 64 calories each.  I didn't do beef I used ground turkey and ground chicken which is way healthier.  I had a fresh tomato salsa (not the jarred stuff in the aisles loaded with sodium and words I can't read), avocados, lettuce and 2%  colby and Monterrey jack cheese (better than regular cheese).  I wanted to put some sauteed veggies in my meat so I added onions, red bell pepper, jalapenos, and a roma tomato in for color and flavor.  I seasoned it with a little sea salt and black pepper.  Now doesn't that sound delicious....well here is the recipe if you want to try it.

Homemade Corn Tortillas 

Ingredients

2 cups   Masa Harina

1 1/4 cups   Warm water

1/2 t salt plus an extra pinch of salt

Plastic Wrap

Round plate or bowl,small

Directions:  

1. Measure two cups of Masa Harina and pour in a bowl
2. Pour in the warm water and begin to stir it in the Masa until it becomes doughy
3. Take your hands and knead it until smooth
4. Make small balls of the dough and keep them covered in the bowl
5. Take out one ball of dough at a time and place on plastic wrap.
6. Place another piece of plastic wrap over the dough and roll until a nice thin thickness.  This keeps it from sticking.  If you don't have a rolling pin a long drinking glass usually works too.
7. Take a bowl or plate and place in the middle of the rolled out dough and cut around the plate/bowl.  Softly peel off the tortilla.  Stack them on a plate with plastic wrap between them or those sandwich bags that don't have any enclosure just a plain sandwich bag.
8. When you have all the tortilla's stacked, put a non-stick pan or lightly oil pan (use olive oil) and cook until brown on both sides for about 1 to 2 minutes each.  Serve warm and it makes about 8-12 tortillas.  If you want to fold them down middle it should be easy to just fold it.

Here are some pictures to help you....

Get your salt out!

Pour in your Masa Harina.

Add water and stir

Knead the dough until it is smooth

Roll the dough into small balls and lay on the plastic

Put some plastic over it and and roll it until it is thin but not too thin because they are fragile

Here it is rolled out.  You can place plate/bowl over it or just let it have rough edges up to you

Put a bowl/plate in the middle and cut around it for nice circle shape

It may get stuck so peel it off nicely

Repeat the steps and create your tortillas.

Warm on Medium heat

Cook each side until golden brown

Place on a plate and stack them up.  This is one I didn't cut with a circle.  Enjoy!

Taco Meat: Chicken and/or Turkey

Instead of buying a packet or seasoning all you need to do is this.....

Ingredients:

1/2 t ground cumin

1/2 t chili powder

1/2 t cayenne pepper

1/2 t dried oregano

1 T Chopped, fresh jalapenos

1 c Diced tomatoes (1 or 2 roma tomatoes)

1/2 cup White onion 

1/2 cup red bell pepper

Salt and Pepper to taste

It is about 99 calories per serving.

These measurements are for a pound of meat.  If you want to do a half pound of each then just split the seasonings among the chicken and turkey.  It is up to you.

1. Just take the chopped veggies and mix with the meat.  
2. Drain any fat or excess liquid.   
3. Add seasonings and spices to the meat. Cook until the meat is cooked through and serve with the tortillas. 
4. Add whatever toppings you would like, try fresh salsa, avocado slices, 2% shredded cheese for healthier choices and plain greek yogurt instead of sour cream but if you must just find a low fat sour cream if needed.  Add lettuce, tomatoes, onions etc if you want more on top of the taco.

I served this meal with a side of refried black beans.  Great protein and a healthy choice.  I cooked it with a few chopped white onions too.

Here are some pictures...

Ground chicken with veggies cooking

Ground turkey with veggies cooking

Here are the veggies I added to the meats

Here are the meats.  I combined them.  On the top is the chicken and lower portion is the turkey

My toppings, lettuce, avocado, 2% cheese and fresh tomato salsa

The finished product! Can't ya taste it!

ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR DAY!!!

Please share, leave comments, advice and what not on this page or email me at wymichelleblogs@gmail.com

Until next time, think about something nice you can do for someone tomorrow.