My latest Obsessions

THIS WEBSITE. I can't get enough of it. I feel like she's my twin...somewhere out there. And craziest thing. She kind of is. Her name is Jamie, and her husbands name is Brian...just like me....really. For real. Her about page describes myself completely. But then...her food. I have a long way to go...she has INCREDIBLE recipes. She gives you the easy version...but she always would rather use her own real way of making things homemade. I love it...I love her...and I love her food. Also...her website is just...pretty. How are so many people so very talented???

Also, if you haven't heard of Crio. You've got to get with it. I discovered when I ran my 1st half marathon in Park City in October. I think it was made for me. If not for religious purposes..I know I would be addicted to coffee. I think that's why I was so drawn to this new thing. Crio is a lot like coffee...but so much better, and so much better for you. It's ground roasted cocoa beans. You brew it just like coffee but instead of nasty side effects that comes with coffee addiction....you get all the benefits of Crio. It has lots of antioxidants, it low in calories (think 10), and it has a natural stimulant called Theobromine which for me gives me energy. It's hard to find is the only thing. And it's expensive...which is why I'm considering becoming a distributor. There whole mission is to hear...Coffee, tea..or Crio????? I LOVE IT!

GMO and NON-GMO

pic found here

Have you heard the term "Non-GMO" yet? If you haven't yet, you will. You'll start hearing it all over actually. And you need to educate yourself on what it means. Why? Because you eat food. Do you care what you put into your body? I hope so. Do you know what you're really eating? You better find out.

I first learned about GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) when I read the book In Defense of Food, by Michael Pollan....again, I highly suggest you read it. It's really educational in a non-scare-tactic sort of way. It just makes you aware of whats really going on. Anyways, back to GMOs....here's a great link to give you all the faq's about it. Basically, GMO's are science projects. Certain people (pretty much the government) are trying to find cheaper, faster ways of making our food by genetically engineering in labs their own species of plant, animal, viral, and bacterial that DO NOT occur naturally in our world. How does this make you feel?

Promise, you'll start noticing food that is labeled..."NON-GMO" and I promise you will feel really good about buying it....if you do your research.

Oh and some quick statistics for ya in case you don't want to click on that link up there...According to the USDA, in 2009, 93% of soy, 93% of cotton, and 86% of corn grown in the U.S. were GMO. It is estimated that over 90% of canola grown is GMO, and there are also commercially produced GM varieties of sugar beets, squash and Hawaiian Papaya. As a result, it is estimated that GMOs are now present in more than 80% of packaged products in the average U.S. or Canadian grocery store.

And also, most other countries ban the production of GMO's....hello America....why can't we be the cool trendsetters...I mean seriously it's not hard to see why we are the unhealthiest country....oh if only I could shout on top of the roof and have it heard all over our country....

Okay, so which would you rather eat? Produce that was grown in your local farmers garden (or your own) out in the sun by a seed (a non-GMO one) that he (or you) planted, or one that was grown by a man in a white lab coat under lights in a warehouse...that maybe got to see some sunlight in it's life....
I don't know about you....but I much prefer the "old-fashioned" way....nature is so much more beautiful..and romantic....and delicious....and natural. AND I want it to stay that way. I love gardens and fields and cute old farmers. I love sweating while I work in my own garden. And I love nothing more than harvesting my own fresh crops, or buying them from someone who has done just that.
NO THANK YOU USDA OR FDA...I can handle it myself!

To find more about Non-GMO retailers and any other information...GO HERE.

A new favorite thing

I saw this at my Costco and wanted to try. Look at the ingredients first to see how real it is!! Filtered water, 100% whole grain steel cut oats, vermont maple syrup, brown sugar, sea salt. Sounds awesome to me!!
You find them in the freezer section. At Costco they came in an 8 pack. 4 Vermont Maple and 4 Fruit and Berries.
Not only do they take 3 1/2 minutes to make...they are SUPER DELICIOUS. Very mild flavor so you can add your own favorite toppings. I like honey and cinnamon in mine!
I love companies like this that are finding ways to make real food real simple for us!
2 Thumbs up for Good Food Made Simple's Steel Cut Oatmeal.

USDA launches new MYPLATE program

So this is what is now replacing the food pyramid. Hmmm. Study it for a minute and let me know your thoughts. I'll tell you mine. First of all, it doesn't state how much, how often. And having a protein, grain, fruit, vegetable and dairy at every meal is too much food. Also, where's the fat? Fat is actually really really important in our diet, I'm talking the good fats, like olive oil, nuts, and avocadoes.
I just wanted to post this, because this is what your children will be learning in school. So, educate yourself...and teach your children at home.

Strengthen and Nourish

"Strengthen from the outside in, nourish from the inside out." ~David Kirsch (clients include Heidi Klum, Anne Hathaway, Liv Tyler, and Ellen Barkin)

By shaping and toning your body on the outside, your inner core and internal self will become stronger. And by properly enriching your body with whole foods and key supplements, your inner health will appear externally. It's the yin and the yang. Be conscious. Transform your life.


LOVE THIS.

Mango Chicken Tacos

This meal comes in a close second to my favorite of all meals. Mango Chicken tacos, introduced to me by my sister, Julie! And as a bonus...it's SUPER easy to make.

Mango Chicken Tacos

corn tortillas

favorite Mango salsa recipe (i buy mine from Costco-even easier)

2-3 chicken breasts

fresh cilantro (my favorite topping)

sour cream

any other favorite toppings:

I did fresh tomatos and avocado this time

Put Mango salsa and chicken breasts in crockpot, turn on low, cook at least 4 hours. Shred chicken, return to crockpot and stir. Serve warm on warm corn tortillas!

The Challenge

So, the other day I made the most SINFUL dessert ever. WHY? Because I'm starting a 5 week eating-clean challenge and so I thought I'd treat myself to SUGAR before I did so. (You know because I think Sugar is my friend until I date him, and I then realize how much I hate him) This is what I made, but don't click on the link...it's not worth it. Seriously I won't lie, it was delicious. But I did have this thought: Why does my brain think it's so wonderful? When really the only wonderful part is that 5 seconds that my taste buds rejoice....after it's over I'm left with a headache, a sick stomach, and then there's the guilt and regret too. But that goes away in a couple hours and I crave those 5 second bites all over again. So then, here's what gets me. Good, clean food really tastes SOOO good. AND it makes you feel SOOO great. So, why is it harder to eat clean than to eat crappy? Maybe it's just because it's what life is all about. You have to work hard to be able to enjoy. You can't taste the sweet without the bitter. What you put in...you get out. Really think about it. Everything you LOVE in life that's worth it, requires work in some way. That's why I love to eat clean and real, because it's a challenge that makes me feel great. There's only good things that come from eating this way.

Homemade Ranch--The Real Thing

So...I'm reading another book...called The Omnivore's Dilemma...by Michael Pollan, who also wrote In Defense of Food that I read and loved. I'm learning how corn is seriously taking over the world....well at least in the food industry. Most foods found in the grocery store when following their food chain...start out on a corn farm. And guess what I found when looking at the label on my ranch mix.........FIRST INGREDIENT: MALTODEXTRIN (processed corn). Also, I buy Wild Coyote Ranch, and read the label on that...not only did it include Maltodextrin...but a handful of other "ingredients" that I did not recognize...or that I did recognize and was really sad it was listed. Ranch is our family's favorite condiment...so...luckily my sweet friend bought me Pioneer Woman's cookbook...and it had a homemade ranch recipe! SOOO EXCITED!

Not to mention that there are 3 things in life I wished I loved...and I try to so hard to eat them, but I just can't choke them down...they are Shrimp, Sushi, and Bleu Cheese (on a wedge). When I see people eating these...oh...it is sooooo sexy...and I want to be sexy...but my taste buds do NOT allow it. So...not only was the recipe for Homemade Ranch there...but it was actually titled: Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Wedge.....that is sexy. I can now cross Bleu Cheese wedge off my "Keep Trying To Love" list!!!! This is a great replacement. And although Ranch may not be the very healthiest....I'd rather eat it clean and real then filled with fake additives.

HOMEMADE RANCH WITH ICEBERG WEDGE
from Ree Drummond's The Pioneer Woman Cooks Cookbook

1/4 teas kosher salt

1 garlic clove, chopped

1 cup real mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 tp 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk, depending on how thick you want the dressing

1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 Tb chopped fresh chives

2 Tb chopped fresh dill

1/2 teas distilled white vinegar

1/2 teas Worcestershire sauce

1/8 teas cayenne pepper

1/4 teas paprika

1/2 teas black pepper

dash of hot sauce (optional-which i did not add because of the cayenne pepper, which was the perfect amount of kick for me and my kiddos)

2 heads of iceberg lettuce
1. sprinkle salt over garlic, mashing with fork to make a paste. The finer...the better

2. add all ingredients in bowl together, stirring gently, and adjust seasonings as needed

3. chill for at least 2 hours

4. wash and dry iceberg lettuce, cut into wedges, and drizzle ranch on top

5. (my fave) Be GENEROUS with the dressing...since it needs to reach all the lettuce in the wedge!

Can you tell I A) Loved it and B) followed #5 like a champ...I was very generous with my dressing!

Protein Cookies

Made these this weekend for a treat....DELICIOUS...and you will DIE when you hear the ingredients, and then you'll DIE again when you make them and try them....THEY ARE GOOD!

Protein Cookies

4 cups old fashioned oats

3 scoops Vanilla protein powder (I use 100% WHEY from Costco)

3/4 cup Organic Peanut Butter (or any kind without sugar--you want the real thing)

1/2 cup honey

splash of milk, muscle milk, or almond milk

your choice of dark chocolate chips, raisins, raw coconut, nuts...etc.

Mix all together and press in 9X13 pan and cook for 15 min at 350^.

My husband also crumbled some up after they were cooked and had it as cereal! He's obsessed!!

You will be too!

Got this recipe from my Trainer's facebook page: HOT TOPIC FITNESS

The Basics and Benefits of Eating Clean

The origin of "eating clean" comes from...well...the beginning of time, really. Because it is so common sense and back-to-basics no one can really take credit for this movement. Let me explain what it means to "eat clean" and the benefits that come from it.

The Basics:

◦Eat a wide-variety of whole, unrefined and unprocessed foods in a form that’s as close as possible to how the foods appear in nature
◦Avoid processed sugars, especially sugary beverages like soda
◦Avoid saturated fat and trans fats, and instead substitute healthy, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
◦Always combine complex carbohydrates with lean protein and some healthy fats at every meal
◦Spread your food out over 5-6 smaller meals, consumed every 2-3 hours
◦Eat for maximum nutrient density. In other words, avoid “empty” calories found in fast food, soda, snacks, cakes and cookies, and substitute in nutrient-dense snacks.
◦Pay attention to proper portions and practice portion control
◦Drink lots of water (at least 8 cups a day.)

The Benefits:

◦Decreased body fat
◦Increased lean tissue (muscle)
◦Improved energy
◦General improvements in overall health and immunity
◦Decreased risk of certain types of diseases like diabetes, stroke, heart disease and cancers
◦Less consumption of pesticides, artificial food additives and preservatives, sodium and sugar
◦Less impact on the environment, since Eating Clean is also Eating Green; the foods you preference in a Clean Eating diet are minimally processed, and thus use less energy and produce less waste than highly-processed foods
◦Less expensive. Contrary to what you might believe, Clean Eating is actually more cost-effective and less expensive than eating pre-packaged food or fast food. For instance, for the price of a Super-Sized Big Mac Meal Deal, you could prepare an entire pot of healthy soup that would make more than a half dozen meals that are healthier, more satisfying and more nutritionally-dense.
◦Sustainable. Unlike fad diets, Clean Eating is a holistic approach to eating that a person can practice for their entire life. You don’t “go on” a Clean Eating diet — you’re always clean eating.

How more common sense can eating clean get?????

True

My Latest Obsession--The Mango

Let me first start off by telling you how the Mango and I fell in love. During this last pregnancy of mine I sort of had an addiction with....Cadbury Creme Eggs. The big one with the creme center. No...seriously, you do not understand how addicted I was. I do have to say, when I am pregnant I get really sick and food NEVER sounds good...unless of course it were a Cadbury Creme Egg....then it always sounded good. Well, my cute darling husband would bring me one home from work EVERY night. (3-4 nights a week--started at about month 7 or 8 of pregnancy). Sometimes he even brought home 3 or 4, and sadly I ate them all......that same night. Well obviously, I started feeling really guilty about these treats being my only source of nutrition....so one night I told him how much I appreciated this highly-anticipated-date with my creamy chocolate eggs....but I really needed to eat healthy. And since no real food sounded good, I told him to surprise me with something from the produce section. The next night he brought me home.....A Mango. Oh No, I thought. Did he really take me serious? Did you really not bring me home another Cadbury Egg? Seriously? (that's when I started hyperventilating because I really wanted my treat)....(then, that's also when I realized I had a real problem!) I was disgusted. It didn't look good, I'd NEVER had a mango....can you believe it. But, I tried it and it was good. Just good, though. The Cadbury Eggs came again the next night. Fast forward to after the baby was born, reality hits, my taste buds return to normal, and my mind switched to rational mode...and I start freaking out because of all the chocolate creamy weight I had gained...and I start really focusing on getting sugar OUT of my diet. Then one bountiful basket order last summer came a few mangos....and I was OBSESSED with how SWEET, JUICY, and AMAZING they were. The rest is history. We are now an item....I totally broke up with Mr. Cadbury Creme Egg. (we may have a fling since they are "in season"...but not anything like last year!) Moral of this story... Being pregnant really alters your rationality...your taste...your body.....and a whole lot of other things.....and also DONT JUDGE A FRUIT WHEN YOU HAVE A BUN IN THE OVEN.


Let me tell you all about this wonderful fruit called the MANGO:

-They are a REAL comfort food. Beyond vitamins, mineral, and anti-oxidants, mangos contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties. These enzymes act as a digestive aid, and truly do give you a feeling of contentment during and after you've eaten the mango.

-Mangos are a great tenderizing agent. Because of those above stated enzymes, they make the mango an ideal marinade.

-Great Source of Fiber. Eat a mango a day....and you will stay regular! An averaged size mango can contain up to 40% of your daily fiber.

-Mangos are a great source of potassium....perfect snack for after a workout!


I found this WONDERFUL website: http://www.mango.org/. It's the National Mango Board...cool hu? They have recipes, ways to cut and eat mangos, info and games/activites for kids! But...mostly...I can't wait to try these recipes using mangos:

Mango Caprese Salad



Mango Coconut Chicken



Mango Almond Crepes



Honey Grilled Fruit with a Lime-Mint Vinaigrette



Baja Fish Tacos with Fresh Mango Salsa



Mango Avocado Chopped Salad



Tropical Mango Sorbet


I seriously wish I had the time and energy right now to go and make every single one of those recipes, because they all sound deliciously incredible. And last of all doesn't everything about the Mango get you so excited for summer!!!!!!!



PS. I get my mangos from Bountiful Baskets, and Costco. (and quite possibly my farmers market....can't wait!)

What You Should Know about FOOD DYES

GUARANTEED you have something in your house with artificial food dye in it. And it's probably Red #40. Go google it, and you'll read articles about how it is linked with hyperactivity and ADHD symptoms in children. I have listed food color additives below, and I dare you to look them up and educate yourself. It's pretty scary. Another reason to eat "clean and real".

The US FDA divides food colorants into two categories: Certifiable Food Additives and Exempt Food Additives.

Certifiable Color Additives are derived from petroleum distillates or coal tars and are essentially synthetic chemicals created in laboratories. These are often referred to as "artificial" colors.

Exempt Color Additives are derived from plant, animal or mineral sources which have been processed in some way. The layman might call these "natural" colors because of their origins, though it's likely they've come out of a factory or chemical plant just like certifiable colors.

Let's really quick talk about one of the "exempt" colors. Carmine. Insects people. The color is extracted from the shells of certain insects (Dactylopius coccus costa) that live on cacti in South and Central America. It's harvested from the female near egg laying time when their shells turn a deep red color. They are then dried and dissolved into a solvent.

Umm...no thank you I would not like my food served with dried insect shells. Disgusting.

Let's compare the idea of artificially coloring "food" to make it more appealing to the wonderful idea of eating actual real food. Naturally, ripe delicious food doesn't need any convincing...and it just so happens that Mother Nature turns her sweet offerings a wonderfully deep and beautifully vibrant color... to let us know Her food is ready.....and there's nothing aritficial about it!! There really is beauty in eating clean and real!

Also, check out this article on Food Dyes: Food Dyes Linked to Allergies, ADHD and Cancer: Group Calls on US to Outlaw Their Use
By the way, In Britain certain food dyes are not used anymore. If you bought a Strawberry sundae from McDonalds here in the US, it would contain Red #40, but if you bought the same thing at McDonalds in Britain, it WOULD NOT contain synthetic dyes.

Post Vacation Blues

What is it about a good 'ol Vacation that throws you right off the bus.......all of a sudden Sugar becomes "the friend" instead of "the enemy". No I will NOT post my food journal for today.
Give me a couple more days.
Also, I really do feel like crap when I eat crap. So why isn't it easier to eat great--all the time?

Just keepin it Real!!!!!!!

My Trainer Has a Website

I tell my husband all the time about "Amie" my trainer. I've heard people say things before about people having a certain "energy" about them. Like an actual something that emulates from being in their presence. I've really just thought that to be kinda crazy until I met Amie. You walk into her workout classes an immediately feel motivated to give everything you've got. But since I've been able to have one on one sessions with her....I truly believe she has such a strong "energy" about her. Like she lets off beams of motivation and inspiration from her body. I'm serious. I don't know what "it" is...but she has "it". Everytime I've worked out with her I feel more motivated, and feel better about myself the way I am than I did before.
So, I'm excited to share "My Amie"!

http://www.myamie.net/

She now has a website with polls, discussions, and you can become a member and have access to recipes, workouts, tips and tricks, etc.
Take my word for it, she knows what she is talking about.

My Excuse & Eating Food

First off, I'm so sorry for the lack of posts lately. My life is always busy, so I can't use that excuse........but I will use this one: I've been scrambling to get everything ready, so I could come here:

While I've been here, I've been able to finish my book, In Defense of Food. I know I cant' force everyone to read it (although I think it should be a requirement to everyone who eats food), so instead I will just share some knowledge!

I really liked the following advice given by Michael Pollan:

*Pay More, Eat Less: More energy is going towards price and quantity rather than quality. One supermarket even has a slogan, "pile it high and sell it cheap". (I wish I could copy the whole chapter here, but I'm going to have to sum it all up) So, yes you can find high quality food, but it is more expensive. So, if you can afford to buy more high quality food, do it. You are also more likely to eat less of high quality food as well. And when you are feeding your body food that is made up of 15% actual food and 85% fillers, addivitives, and preservatives, well it's not going to fill you up, so you'll tend to eat more. So, really, are you saving money by buying cheap food....or are you spending more money to get more quantity of crappy "food".

Is it just a coincidence that as the portion of our income spent on food has declined, but spending money on health care has soared? In 1960 Americans spent 17.5% of their income on food and 5.2% of national income on health care. Now...income spent on food has dropped to 9.9%, and health care 16%. Think about where you spend your money. Has anyone had thoughts...hmm...it is so hard to spend X amount of money on food...and then later had the thought....Oh, we can get all these channels on our TV for only X amount of money. How come we can find money to pay for Internet, TV, but have a hard time justifying spending more money on better food. I like how Michael Pollan says, spending more money on better food is less a matter of ABILITY than PRIORITY. Think about that. We spend a smaller percentage of our income on our food than any other industrialized society.
Spend more money on food, so you can spend less on health care. Something to think about.

The "eat less" part, is easier said than done. Especially if you live in a culture where you eat cheap and abundant calories and have no set rules to curb overeating. Other cultures, however do have rules. The French have their modest portions and taboo agains eating "seconds". The people of Okinawa, one of the longest-lived and healthiest populations in the world, practice a principle they call hara hachi bu: Eat until you are 80% full. Kind of hard to follow that rule though if you eat like most Americans. (who eat faster than your brain can actually send you "i'm full clues") In fact in a recent study, Americans actually tend to rely on visual cues that it's time to stop eating: the plate is empty, the package is empty, the TV show is over, etc.

*Eat Slowly. This is where my European admiration and envy comes in. They actually have a Slow Food Movement. An Italian-born movement dedicated to the principle that "a firm defense of quiet material pleasure is the only way to oppose the universal folly of Fast Life." Oh, and it started in Rome during the 80's when the American fast food era started. How embarassing. To eat slowly, in the Slow Food sense, is to eat with a fuller knowledge of all that is involved in bringing food out of earth and to the table. To have actual "food experiences". (which I will have to talk about later, because I'm excited to, but for right now, I need to go lay out on the beach and read more!)

Have you heard?

Have you heard about the lawsuit that is being filed against Taco Bell? They are being sued because they are misleading their customers. The taco "meat" that they use is actually only 36% beef.......ahhhh.....sick. Whats the other 64%???? I'll tell you....FILLERs PEOPLE. So really they should describe their tacos as tacos filled with taco "filling". SICK SICK SICK.
I looked on their website and this is what was on their food facts website:

What kind of beef do you use?
Our taco meat is made from USDA-inspected beef and is subjected to quality check points. It tastes great because it's simmered in 12 authentic seasonings and spices and is never frozen. Moreover, our taco meat is leaner than what you'll find in a restaurant-cooked hamburger because of the unique way that we prepare our taco meat and remove fat.
Also--get this. There was another question asking if the rumor that they have sand in their meat is true? This was their reply.

This is completely false. The truth is that what has been referred to as "sand" is in fact silicon dioxide. Silicon dioxide:

•is a safe, common food ingredient often used in spices, seasonings, and many restaurant and packaged foods;
•is primarily used in food to prevent ingredients from sticking together;
•Is a naturally occurring mineral, often found in water, leafy green and root vegetables, cooked dried beans, whole grains, cereals, and fruits;
•Can be found in many kitchen pantries across America, often in mashed potato and rice mixes, coffee, soups, and many spices and seasonings;
•Is approved for use in food by the Food and Drug Administration here;
Like many in the food business, we use silicon dioxide in the seasonings and spices for our taco meat. When cooked, our beef contains about .0005% (that is, five ten-thousands of one percent) of this ingredient, far less than the FDA limit of 2%. Furthermore, we use certified organic silicon dioxide. It is not artificial and is not a preservative.

BUT LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT SILICON DIOXIDE. Silicon Dioxide, or Silica, is used primarily in the production of glass for windows, drinking glasses, beverage bottles, and many other uses. The majority of optical fibers for telecommunications are also made from silica. It is a primary raw material for many whiteware ceramics such as earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, as well as industrial Portland cement.

Silica is a common additive in the production of foods, where it is used primarily as a flow agent in powdered foods, or to absorb water in hygroscopic applications. It is the primary component of diatomaceous earth which has many uses ranging from filtration to insect control. It is also the primary component of rice husk ash which is used, for example, in filtration and cement manufacturing.

Okay, so I actually have to say you're right Taco Bell, it is NOT artificial, and not a preservative. BUT IT IS AN ADDITIVE. Even if it's organic. It's an additive used in PRODUCTION to make something food-LIKE. I'll have to pass on something that has the same ingredients as those used in making GLASS.

Just be aware of what is real and what is not real. Remember we humans are meant to eat food. NOT food-like PRODUCTS.

Here's an article to get more info:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110125/ts_yblog_thelookout/attorneys-question-whether-what-taco-bell-calls-beef-is-actually-beef

Grilled Tuscan Chicken

This is Tuscany:

I have been there.

Here is a recipe for Grilled Tuscan Chicken. I have tried it.

And I love both!


Grilled Tuscan Chicken


2 T chopped fresh Rosemary

1/4 cup olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

salt & pepper

8-10 chicken breasts (I buy mine here.)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice


Combine all ingredients in plastic ziplock bag. Marinade 15 min at room temperature. (I marinade mine all day in fridge. Set mine out 1 hour before cooking.)
Grill, continuously basting.

No need to wait until summer to use your grill! Leftovers great reheated or on salads or in recipes. Makes a great moist flavorful chicken breast!!!

Food Journal for 1/7 & I'm feelin a bit chatty!

It's so great to be back in a routine!!
I was going to post my Tuesday food journal, but that was a bad day for me. Not a bad eating day, like a lock-all-3-sets-of-car-keys-in-the-car bad day. Luckily I was at Golds gym working out when it happened so my buddy cops who were also working out at the time saved me! Thank you for learning how to break into cars!
(I learned some cool tricks, too!)
Needless to say, that night I missed dinner...and I decided to do a food journal post another day!
So here we are. And I'm not sure if anyone really even cares when I post my food journal. But, it helps me, so I'll keep doing it!

What I ate on January 7th:

Breakfast: Oatmeal cereal: 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats, raisins, sliced almonds, 1/2 banana, cinnamon, with almond milk

Snack: 3 boiled egg whites and a handful of extra dark chocolate chips!

Lunch: SUPER HUGE Salad. MY FAVE! Topped it with sliced grilled chicken, blackberries, sliced almonds, craisins, sliced string cheese, and pistachios. Mmmm....it was my best one yet!

Snack: Protein Shake. 1/2 cup almond milk with 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, and 1/2 frozen banana.

Dinner: Broccoli, Tilapia (the Tortilla Lime Chipotle Crusted kind from Costco--so fast, good, and easy), and brown rice.

That was 4, 3, 2,2, 2. I strive for 4, 3, 2, 2, 1!
(that means..4 proteins, 3 veggies, 2 fruits, 2 whole grains, 1 fat)

That was a great day! So, let me explain what my goal is. I am not having any sugar until I reach my goal weight, and even then, I'm not so sure I'll want it. I'm doing great without it. Haven't had any since December 27th. (which I would like to take a moment of glory...allow me...weighed in with my Personal Trainer on Wed. morning....and....I LOST a pound over Christmas and New Years...so excited!) I'm talking no refined sugar, nothing processed...so basically eating clean, real, whole foods. I am allowing myself to eat extra dark chocolate chips, which have 6 grams of sugar per serving, but they actually are a good fat, so YAY! (oh, and I love them).
I am still eating two cheat meals on the weekend, but they do not include cake, ice cream, red velvet cake balls, brownies, PB rice krispie treats...you get the picture...they are more for creamy soups, nachos, meals that are higher in fat, meals with lots of cheese, or for eating out.
I am DETERMINED to reach my goal. I feel great, and that's what matters, cause this year is about me, remember????!!!!

Also, I'd like to post my workout schedule for my own sake. I've had the same schedule since I got my personal trainer last summer, but I need to add a couple things.

My Weekly Workout Schedule

Mon ****AM/PM 20 min run on treadmill, or Hot Yoga
Tues PM 1 hr Boot Camp with Trainer-cardio & weights
Wed AM 1 hr Trainer Session (basically an all out BUTT WHOOPIN)
Thurs
Fri ****AM 1 hr Spin class
Sat AM 1 hr PUMP with Trainer- cardio & weights

The ones with **** means I'm going to work at fitting them in. It takes a while to get them set in your weekly routine. The other 3 are set in stone, I'm really good at going unless its a Holiday or I'm out of town. My trainer is starting a new Hot Yoga class that I can't wait to try. And, I love variety. I have never EVER done the same workout with my trainer......in all 3 classes I go to every week with her...NEVER had one the same. LOVE THAT. I use to go to her Spin class Monday nights. It is by far my favorite thing EVER, but can't go because of daughter's dance and gymnastics. Oh well, maybe in the fall!

I love working out. I love being sore. It relieves so much stress for me.

Can't wait for the weather to start getting warmer so I can run/walk outside, and go on bike rides. Only a few more weeks for us Southeners!!

I love 2011!

Jamie

In Defense of Food

I just got an email from a friend asking if I could recommend a book that would educate her about properly fueling the body with what it needs. She then wants to educate her family. YES YES YES!!!! I do have a book. It's a clean and real kind of book. I actually started this post yesterday. The book is In Defense of Food, by Michael Pollan. Anyone who eats food, NEEDS to read this book. I have been blown away with how crazy our world has become, and really how uneducated I have been. I LOVE this book. You can find it at your library or I found mine on amazon for like $7. WELL WORTH THE INVESTMENT. I would offer mine to lend out...but it is highlighted, underlined, page folded...ya...I LOVE it.

I want to start a little blog post series highlighting some key things from the book, for those of you who don't like to read, or who don't have the time to get to the library. My eyes seriously have been opened, and I'd love to share what I've learned from this book.

Lets talk about this:

The Western Diet. If you eat the so-called Western Diet (if you shop at the grocery store, eat fast-food, than this is you) you are prone to chronic diseases and are most likely overweight or obese, you also might have a large dental bill. What's sad to me, is yes, there are people trying to fix this problem, but then there is also the other side who is making a TON of money on this "Western Diet". Some 17,000 foodlike PRODUCTS (not real food) are introduced EVERY YEAR. These are replacing real food on the shelves. The medical field is making money, because everyone is sick. And guess what? People are living with these diseases because there's medicene to keep them alive. This is what is so sad to me, because this has become our lives. (It reminds me of Wall-E) EVERYONE eats like this. This is the traditional American Family. How do you go about changing something this big...this traditional...this easy everyday life.....where do you start?
It's possible. I promise. I'm making the change, and I'm loving it. I feel good. I love getting educated about it.
Pollan gives this advice: Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants. He goes into more depth, but it's really that simple.
Some of the advice he gives under the "Eat Food. Food defined" section is this:

1. Don't eat anything your great grandmother wouldn't recognize as food. This is so sad, because he gives the example of Go-gurt. What is this squishy tube? Is it food, or toothpaste? How do you introduce it into your body? Your great grandma would ask. You then tell her it's portable yogurt. She reads the ingredients and would have every reason to doubt you. This is so sad, because I LOVED go-gurts for my kids. They are an easy snack. But that's the problem. In my opinion, I shouldn't feed something claiming to be real food to my kids just because it's easy. I want to teach them. And so I will. Doesn't mean you won't EVER see my kids eating go-gurt in their lifetime. But I WILL educate them, and give them a better/REAL choice, a little more time and slice them an apple! Also he gives the advice: don't eat anything incapable of rotting. (ie Twinkies, McDonalds hamburger patties)

2. Avoid food products containing ingredients that are A) unfamiliar B) unpronounceable C) More than 5 in number, or D) contain high-fructose corn syrup.

3. Avoid food products that make health claims.

Did you know cereal companies PAY money to have the American Heart Association place their stamp on their boxes so people THINK they are healthy. Also, don't believe the "qualified" health claims. Fritos have a "qualified" health claim because they use corn oil. They claim that corn oil may reduce the risk of heart disease. And in small fine print you will then see this: The FDA concludes that there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim.

4. Shop the peripheries of the supermarket and stay out of the middle. That's usually where the produce, dairy, meat and fish are.

5. Get out of the supermarket whenever possible. Instead go to farmers markets, order a bountiful basket, order Daves Direct all-natural beef and chicken, etc.

Yes, this can make you angry, and yes it does SUCK. Our whole lives revolve around food. So...shouldn't that be enough reason to educate yourself on the thing that you spend the most time doing.....eating FOOD? I have HOPE though. America is noticing. Farmers markets, natural, hormone-free foods, real foods, organic practices are becoming popular again and the trend is rising every year. Jump on the bandwagon everyone! This time when I say.....Everyone is doing it.....it's okay to give in to this peer pressure!

I LOVE 2011~Clean and Real!

Jamie

I need a favor!

Hi Everyone! I'm asking for a favor! Please help. My husband works for Dave's Direct, and we are trying to get them teamed up with Bountiful Baskets, so when you pick up your basket, you could also pick up your all natural meat too. This would help Dave's Direct business, which would in turn, help me and my family! So, I'm asking if you could please forward this message to anyone you know who orders a Bountiful Basket, and please go to the following link:

http://www4.bountifulbaskets.org/?page_id=23

and send them the following message:

Subject Line: Daves Direct Please!

Please team up with Dave's Direct (www.davesdirect.com) so we can pick up our all natural beef and chicken when we pick up our baskets! Dave's Direct contact person: Brian Webster 801-244-4213.
Thanks,

(your name)

We're hoping to bombard them with emails, so they have to respond. Thanks for your help!! Do this ASAP


And if you've never ordered a Bountiful Basket, I highly suggest it! $15 for a TON of fruits and veggies! Order Mondays, pick up Saturdays! Available for states: UTAH, IDAHO, WYOMING, NEVADA, WASHINGTON, TEXAS, MONTANA, ARIZONA. Or check your own state for possible CO-OPS. Please email me if you have questions, or go to their site: www.bountifulbaskets.org.

Jamie