Pizza and Clean Eating?

First blog since completion of the Ultimate Reset. And I can honestly say that the advantages of
eating clean are continuing to reveal themselves. The past few days have not been a leap back into bad eating habits, just the opposite. My eating habits overall have become geared towards clean eating; however, there were a few times I added "white" carbs or sugar. I could almost immediately feel a physical difference. And gained back some weight. Lesson - if my goal is to continue to lose weight and gain a healthier lifestyle, then I must stick to the clean eating. Any deviation will need to wait for the time when my weight goals have been achieved.

On the positive, I am able to exercise again, and it feels fabulous. I am using Chalean Extreme for weights and CIZE for cardio. Am also continuing to prep food for the week and discovering new clean recipes. Yesterday I used the embedded video to make quinoa pizza crust. Quite tasty.

Gluten-free or not, this crunchy quinoa crust is out-of-this world delicious and completely guilt-free: http://trib.al/WGapgel
Posted by Cooking Light magazine on Monday, July 13, 2015

Finished But Not Final!

Day 22 of the 21 day Ultimate Reset! And my body truly feels reset and refreshed. What a wonderful experience: one that will impact me for the rest of my life. My results took me to the third shelf (picture at left) during the 21 days. But I'm not done. I really have 30 more to lose. So I'm looking to move beyond the bottom shelf (imagine the second and fourth shelves combined). Knowing that accountability is my friend, I am going to continue blogging (ups and downs/good and bad/ positives and negatives until I hit my goal weight loss. A second form of accountability will be our BB coach group for the month of August. I am committing to 31 days of the 21 Day Fix workout, continued clean eating, and drinking Shakeology and checking in daily to comment and support many of the other coaches on our Beachbody Arete Team. Of course, I will be incorporating CIZE as well! Can't wait to get started! May even dance some this evening. Going to begin exercising with Fix and Engergize in the morning. The Recharge should be here soon. Will drink that before going to bed.

Reset Results:
  LOST -
     Weight loss - 15 pounds
      Hips - 5 inches
      Waist - 4 inches
        Overall - 20 inches
       A sluggish, foggy feeling
        The need and desire for napping
         The heaviness and digestive issues accompanying weight gain and poor eating


   GAINED -
       Confidence in ability to make commitment and follow through (this has not always been the case)
       Desire to eat cleaner
        Ability to enjoy vegetables and fruits with recipes to give variety and taste
         Desire for water more than any other drink - a love for water and its effects on the body
        A healthy system

         A feeling of energy, well being, and focus - a desire to keep these feelings strong

Helped my daughter move this weekend. The energy and ability to work for long periods of time - invigorating! The ability to go to sleep later and still be up early - exciting!
 
Until tomorrow and my August challenge.

Ready to take on a challenge of your own? Here's a possibility -

Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Ultimate Reset - Phase 3, Day 18

Second day of work today. Lots of energy while at school; however, once I came home (both days), the tiredness set in and naps ensued on both days. They were great, and I woke up with energy to spare.

Busy weekend ahead of me. Will be interesting to see how that effects me. Also the last three days of the Reset.

Interestingly, today I have some cravings: dark chocolate and peanut butter. No idea where that came from. :) I have some little packets of Justin's almond butter - may have to use it on Sunday.

Otherwise, another good day. My future goals include eating at least 80 percent clean each day. Planning on running a free clean eating group once school begins. Would so love to help others feel as great as I do! Will also
continue each day with Shakeology. That part will be easy. Absolutely love it as a meal replacement or snack.

Enough for tonight. Be sure to take time to play each day.

Until tomorrow ~


ROASTED ROOT MEDLEY
(makes 1 serving)

Ingredients
¼ medium yam, cut into 1-inch chunks
½ medium carrot, cut into 1-inch chunks
½ medium beet, cut into 1-inch chunks
¼ medium onion, peeled, cut into large wedges
2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Himalayan salt (to taste; optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 400° F.
Combine yam, carrot, beet, onion, and oil, plus salt (if desired), in bowl or dish; mix well.
Arrange vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, turning once or twice, or until tender.

Phase 2 Results and Beyond

So how far have I gotten? As of this morning I have lost 13.4 pounds and a combined 10 inches from my waist and hips. Can only image what the next week will bring. As I enter into phase 3, I can already feel a change both emotionally and physically. I am more than pleased with results so far and excited about the number of new recipes I have encountered and enjoyed.

The Ultimate Reset Phase 3 is known as Restore. The detox is complete and the Retvitalize supplement is added (still using the optimize, alkalize, and soothe as well). This newest supplement combines both pro- and prebiotics to help maintain the right environment for healthy intestinal flora, providing the environment needed for them to grow. In this phase meals consist of fruits and vegetables (some whole grains for snack if needed - I drink my Shakeology as a snack).

So again, how far have I gotten? When I began the Reset, I could go for weeks without a single fruit or vegetable serving. Just didn't care for most of it. The Shakeology helps, but it doesn't replace eating whole foods. And here I am about to begin a week with only fruits and vegetables with no worries. The recipes have really been an asset in my learning to eat cleanly.

One of the recipes I used when my friends came to visit, and they really liked it, so I am sharing that one this evening.

QUINOA SALAD
(makes one serving)

Ingredients
½ cup cooked quinoa (see recipe on pg. 93)
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Himalayan salt (to taste; optional)
Bragg Liquid Aminos (to taste; optional)
½ medium tomato, diced
½ medium cucumber, peeled, diced
2 Tbsp. pitted, chopped Kalamata olives
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint leaves

Directions
Combine quinoa, oil, and lemon juice, plus salt and Bragg Liquid Aminos (if desired), in a medium bowl; mix well.
Add tomato, cucumber, and olives; toss gently to blend.
Gently fold in parsley and mint.
Let salad marinate, covered, in refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours before serving.


 Day 1 of phase 3 has been a good one. Up early and no naps. Mowing the lawn tonight and working a bit of exercise into this next week. Pulling up Tai Chen on Beachbody on Demand tomorrow. That and mowing may prove too much for one evening. :)

Until tomorrow -

Adjusting As Able

This photo of TEXAS Outdoor Musical is courtesy of TripAdvisor.

Wonderful few days with friends sometimes equates to missing blog posts :) . Just spent the last two days with my two best friends. We decided a few years ago to get together every summer (since we moved to different cities about 7 years ago). When I decided to do the Reset, we had already made plans (but it was really the only time I could Reset before school begins in August), so I decided I would just have to do my very best those three days, and I hung tight for the most part. Avoided meat and bread even though we had already bought chuck wagon dinner tickets to eat before attending the musical TEXAS in Palo Duro Canyon.

 It may have seemed a little strange to the server, but I did not partake of the meat (3 different possibilities). Had beans and a little cole slaw as I did not know what the ingredients were. A couple of squirts of BB sauce on the beans (this is NOT on the Reset). For dinner the first night, I asked my husband to still cook the brisket, ribs, and roast (lots of meat, but he's a good cook, and we share the food with my parents and daughter as well) we had originally planned along with roasted garlic broccoli, quinoa salad (reset recipe), and beans. I ate the quinoa salad and broccoli and a few beans. While hanging out with the girls, I stuck to salads (though I did put a little 1000 Island on one). Ate out with my husband and daughter and had soup and salad (french onion soup without the cheese and a house salad with balsamic vinegar dressing - forgot to tell the waitress to take off the cheese, tried to eat around it, but finally just ate it as it was very LITTLE cheese). Though I feel like I managed well overall (with support and encouragement from my buddies and family), I would advise anyone tackling the Reset to try avoid having "plans" during that time. I was really thankful when I got home and had complete control over all of my meals. Keeping up the water intake also proved difficult. And I could feel the difference. However, I am thankful for the wonderful visit and thankful for the changes the Reset is making in my life.

Hard to believe that I am only two days away from completing Phase II. This phase has definitely been different as the detoxing has truly begun. Throughout the week, I have found myself to be bloated or gassy. Understanding this is an indication that the Reset is working its magic, I am able to hang tight. However, this Reset is gentle in that it does not have one running back and forth to the bathroom afraid to leave the house! Moving through daily regular activities does not prove to be a problem at all. Just have to remember not to consider the weight at this point until the end of the cleanse as the bloating has the tendency to create a sense of extra weight.

Nori Rolls with Tempeh & veggies

RESET RECIPE

NORI ROLLS WITH TEMPEH AND VEGGIES
(Makes 2 servings)

1/2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 strip smoky tempeh strips (or baked tempeh)
1 sheet Nori seaweed
1/3 cup cooked brown rice
1/4 medium avocado, sliced
1/4 medium carrot, cut into matchstick-sized pieces
1/4 cucumber, but into thin strips
1 1/2 tsp. Nori Gomasio (recipe tomorrow), to taste

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add tempeh; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until crisp. Place nori on cutting board, Top with rice , covering half the nori lengthwise.

To with tempeh, avocado, carrot, and cucumber. Sprinkle wit nori gomasio if desired. Roll up from bottom, being careful not to tear nori. Wet end of nori to seal; cut into six slices.

Until tomorrow -

Thank Goodness It's Summer

Phase 1 Day 5 of the Reset

Making dinner tonight was especially enjoyable. Matt taught me to make sushi (though we used toasted tempa instead of raw fish). Now that I am eating a variety of healthy foods, he is getting the chance to really use his cooking skills!

Unlike yesterday, this morning I found myself quite sleepy, so after breakfast, the napping ensued. I am glad to be doing this Reset in the summer as I can take naps when needed. Feel good this evening. Still trying to get used to breaking out in a sweat three or four times a day, but thankful the Reset is working.

Think I am going to keep drinking the distilled water and add Himalayan salt. Not sure how to explain it, but love the "taste." Not quite a gallon a day, but always pushing to that level.

No walk or Tai Chen yet, but I did give the dog a bath. :)

Until tomorrow.

Whatever Difficulties May Come

Day 4 - Ultimate Reset

Went to the park today to get a bit of exercise. Felt good. Most amazed at how alert I have become. Normally about 10:00 every day, I become very sleepy. This has been going on for quite awhile. Since summer began, I have taken that nap every day, not to mention sleeping in late. For the past two days, not only have I not needed a nap, but I probably couldn't fall asleep if I tried. So far this is what I am enjoying most.

Must admit that a couple of times a day I seem to sweat for no reason - proof it is working! I still find myself a bit tired (not a lot of energy). Looking forward to the point where I am both energetic and alert.

Interestingly, I am not hungry and not tempted to eat just to be eating. I don't think about food between meals. Of course, not everyone's experience is the same. The website has daily videos with test group individuals discussing their own challenges. Several did say they thought about sugar, bread, coffee etc. If I had been asked before starting this Reset, I would have told you I'd fall in that category because I sure love my bread! Whatever difficulties come, I will always be thankful that I am making this change.

Most say the first three days are the toughest. Being at home does make the Reset a bit easier, especially with the prep.

Still losing - but think I will wait until the morning of day 22 day to weigh/measure and share changes. I don't want the weight to be my focus. My goal is to be healthy and able. To take care of my body, so it will take care of me.
And for the first time in a long time I'm doing just that.

Until tomorrow.

On a side note - my vegan Shakeology came! What a wonderful snack!:)

Beyond the U.R.

Play Day!

Not only did I wake up feeling much better today - headache completely gone, but I woke up ready bright eyed and wide awake at 4:30 a.m. Had an early breakfast and slept a bit longer after that. However, I have had no desire to nap any more today. And I have been quite the napper!

Scrappy was also up at 4:30 - ready to PLAY! One day of my headache was quite enough for him. ;)

Though not sleepy or dragging, I do feel a bit tired, not a lot of energy. I can understand why exercise is not a part of the Ultimate Refresh. Strange - to feel a bit weak but really alert!

Did snack today. Shakeo will be here tomorrow, so I had an apple and some natural peanut butter. One of the great aspects of this program is that meals in the same phase and same time period (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are interchangeable, so if you really don't think you will like one of the recipes, you can swap it for another. I did that today, since I really didn't get a chance to appreciate the Southwestern Taco due to headache, we had them tonight. There were delicious.

I am already finding foods I didn't eat before that I will continue eating after the Reset is complete. This is becoming quite an eye-opening experience. My coach keeps telling me that it is life-changing. I must agree. And this is only day 3. I thought I would be worried about lasting a full 21 days, but not so much anymore. I'm not going to lie, it's not always easy, especially with the need to prep for three meals each day, but it is satisfying.

Oh, and I've dropped 6 pounds so far.

Drink Lots of Water

A clean-eating lifestyle - used to think it was unattainable - just too many goodies out there I love to eat. Just didn't really expect to feel the changes predicted. So glad I was wrong. Will still enjoy a "cheat meal" now and then, but feel so much better!

Can't wait to see what the other 18 days bring.

My husband could say, "I told you so," but he hasn't. (May have thought it a couple of times.)

Getting in close to a gallon of water a day. May start 
throwing in some Tai Cheng- Natural Reboot tomorrow as well as giving the dog a walk or two.

Until tomorrow.

Well, It Was Expected

Let's Play

Scrappy's ready to play, but I have a horrible headache. I knew it was possible, especially since I drink coffee. It's worth it and hopefully will be gone tomorrow. Promised to share the bad with the good.

Breakfast Day 2

However, the meals are still filling, and I did not have a snack today either. My vegan Shakeology arrives tomorrow, and I WILL have a snack then! Sure do miss my Shakeo! 

Curious, so I weighed this morning - already down 3 pounds. 

Today's entry is going to be short and sweet. More tomorrow.

Day 1 - Who Knew?

 Day one is in the books and other than feeling sleepy and enjoying a nap, the day went smoothly and the meals were quite enjoyable (thanks, Matt). And who knew that I could eat so many vegetables in one day and feel satisfied? The daily menu allows for a snack during the day. I passed it up today as I didn't feel hungry.

Lots of water!

I'm sure drinking a gallon of water a day helps curb hunger. :)

The recipes are tasty and easy to follow. I love the homemade salad dressings. Don't think I will ever really want to use store bought dressings again. The creamy garlic we made today is delicious! And it is the first time I have had scrambled eggs with herbs - just lovely!

      This first week - Phase 1 - is referred to as Phase 1. RECLAIM - The Beachbody Guide defines it as "reclaim[ing] your body, accessing its inner chemistry and preparing for change."
Slowly remove foods - red meat, dairy - known to place stress on digestive system

Breakfast PHASE 1

An interesting fact I learned from the program - water can slow down the digestive system (dilute digestive juices and acids). This can cause digestive problems. The fix? Drink your water 5-10 minutes before eating (8-12 oz glass). The idea is to chew your food so many times that you don't have to "wash it down" with liquid as it becomes liquid.

On the Ultimate Refresh, you drink distilled water and add the Mineralize.

The Nutrition Guide explains all of the how and why of the program.

So, I'll leave you with another interesting fact: chewing gum deceives your digestive system and causes to prepare for the coming food - only there is none.

Looking forward to tomorrow's meals.

Preparing for the Journey

Sitting outside this evening in the cool "breeze" while Scrappy enjoys the outdoors. The day has been busy and productive, and I'm ready to tackle this 21 day journey to renewed health.

I already love Beachbody, but I am still amazed at how well this program is organized and developed! Not only are all of the supplements included but there is a program and nutrition guide as well as dvd's that cover the program AND a how-to for the daily menus. The chef is wonderful; she takes the viewer through tools needed in the kitchen, to an explanation of everything from grains, fruits, vegetables etc. My favorite part is the ability to pull all of this information up on my phone or ipad. The website theultimatereset.com has info for those who are interested but also a private log in for those who are using the program. Not only can I pull up a grocery list, but I can play a video on how to make EACH meal right on my phone and ipad as well.

I also love the little extra touches - a natural fiber bracelet to wear as a reminder for the 21 days and a small pouch to carry the supplements.

There is very little exercising during the reset - walking and light yoga, and the dvd also gives a sample of the first phase of Tai Cheng (name of creator). Thankfully, I already have the program and can pull it up on Beachbody on Demand as well.

Today's shopping took a while as I covered the staples for the 21 days and the food for the first week (Phase 1). But the lists are separated by fruits/veggies, condiments, herbs etc. and then in alphabetical order. I am really learning a lot about food.

Once the shopping was complete, my wonderful husband and I took some time to CLEAN and clean out both the pantry and the fridge! What a great feeling.

Will explain the phases tomorrow and give an update on Day 1!

The Ultimate Reset: Of Mind and Body

Eat your fruits and vegetables. They're good for you. Two statements of truth; however, what happens when you are simply not a fan?  You can continue ignoring them (what I often do) and accept the consequences (usually negative) or find a way to change your mindset and recapture your health.

One of the reasons I first became interested in Beachbody products has to do with a video I watched on Shakeology in which the founder of the company admits to not being a fan of vegetables, which (if I understand correctly) had some part in the creation of this nutritious creation (daily dose of dense nutrition).

Realizing that to truly clean up my eating and reset my system, I must include fruits and vegetables along with Shakeology for a truly healthy, clean eating lifestyle. I am fortunate in that my husband is quite the cook! And with his help, I am going to embark on a 21 day journey that will change my life. No more excuses, no more shying away from all of the possible ways for making clean eating a reality. In a few days, the Ultimate Refresh will arrive. For 21 days, I will follow the meal plans to the letter (no matter what the recipe calls for). I will give myself the chance to know what it really feels like to have a healthy mind and body.

Losing the weight will be wonderful, but more importantly for me, will be the clarity of mind and renewed health. I am also looking forward to spending time in the kitchen, learning tricks of the cooking trade (I am basic cook - my husband is chef level. :)) from my hubby.

So for 21 days, beginning with the arrival of my package of supplements and recipes (DVD's), I will be blogging about the benefits, struggles, and daily activities associated with my Ultimate Reset - mind and body. Feel free to follow my journey, ask questions, see results, and learn how a once anti-veggie/fruit individual overcomes for greater health, strength of body, and clarity of mind.

The Missing Piece

Everything else comes first - exercise last. We say that the other activities must be completed - we owe that time to someone or something else - and exercise is - well - hard. This is me for sure! So many irons in the fire, so much other responsibility. However, I am trying diligently to change my mindset. To realize that exercise is hard, but it is worth the difficulty. This is the only body I will ever have, and it is my responsibility to take care of it or face the consequences - and those consequences are not pretty - and dealing with them will be a whole other kind of hard.

Yet knowing what needs to be done and actually doing it are much different. So I had to find a way to make it work for me. Some people just go for it. Some people even enjoy the exercise (I do once it is done - and not because it is over, but because I feel so good). But I tend to put it off to another time, then another, then another - eating as well - oh, I don't put off eating - I put off eating meals that will fuel my body with needed nutrients. If bread and chocolate had all of our daily vitamins - I would be Hercules - well maybe Xena.

My dilemma, then, became how to motivate myself to act in a manner that would build me up both physically and mentally - that would keep me on track - not perfectly - but heading daily in the right direction.  Challenge groups and coaching groups! For me, the answer.

I began with the challenge groups - and even then I struggled - but I trudged on. I finally realized that is isn't about not struggling, it is about perseverance - not giving up. That every step I took in the right direction would eventually lead me to a healthier and happier place. The real beauty of these groups (which is the main reason I became a coach - lifetime accountability) is that my struggle affirms someone else's struggle and together with many others we journey, building one another up with encouragement and understanding along the way. We stumble - we fall - one challenger put it well when when she commented about not only falling off the horse, but tumblig down the hill as well.

We are better together - and I am better because I am not only looking out for myself but others. And if we stroll together day by day and pound by pound - we will eventually find ourselves running and wondering at which point the actual change took place.

In his book The Compound Effect,  Darren Hardy states, "The Compound Effect is the principle of reaping huge rewards from a series of small, smart choices. What's most interesting about this process to me is that, even though the results are massive, the steps, in the moment, don't feel significant....What most people don't realize is that these small seemingly insignificant steps completed consistently over time will create a radical difference."

 It is the small steps, the consistent steps, the turtle steps that will eventually allow for finishing the race. And those of us working together may not all cross the finish line at the same time, but we will cross, while continuing to cheer one another on along the way.

A Lifetime Commitment to Getting Back Up

I've done it. I've taken the plunge and become a Beachbody coach. Why? This is the question that my coach asked me. Why? Because I have tried so many other ways to lose weight and found that there is no EASY way and no MAGIC pill. They just don't exist - not to lose weight and be healthy for a lifetime. And that is exactly what I want to be: healthy for life. Beachbody's motto is to help others - really - I'm not kidding - even before selling a product. They advocate relationships and truly having a desire to help others along the way to succeed on their health/weight loss journey. Their products are solid, promoting good nutrition, exercise, and just as important accountability.

Accountability - this is what I need. And my being a coach gives me that while allowing me to share my discoveries with others. My coach and my team will keep me accountable and assist me in learning more about myself, nutrition, and exercise. There are some who can manage this journey on their own, and I applaud their will power and stamina. For me, I have a tendency to put exercise off and eat foods I shouldn't - knowing that I need to live the program I have committed to share keeps me on the straight and narrow - and ultimately keeps me healthy everyday, every month, every year, for a lifetime. No more losing weight and putting it back on months later (ever notice how much easier it is to find it than to lose it?). No more maybe I'll exercise for a few weeks then forget about it. No more feeling sluggish and tired. No more harming my body - the only vessel I have to wander this world. No more.

Commitment to a healthier life allows for a better life overall. And I am all in. And all in equals understanding that I will stumble, falter, mess up, make excuses. But it also encompasses a new group of people who care about my journey and will help me, catching me, picking
me up,encouraging me, and keeping me moving forward. What an awesome opportunity.

A Shared Struggle Strengthens Motivation

Daily accountability. For me, I have found this to be a necessity - a motivational tool. I do and will always continue to struggle with food, but with my accountability group through Beachbody, I am able to connect with others on the same journey, working on the same goals, struggling with many of the same temptations. This has become such a vital part of my process that I am about to embark on a new journey - that of Beachbody coach. I can't think of any better way to continue my own accountability than helping and motivating others in the same position I find myself daily.

Setbacks and Successes

Love this thought. And both setback and success describe my past week. The 21 Day Fix is wonderful. I love the 30 minute workouts. They allow for do-able, consistent morning workouts. The containers are a great visual for understanding proper portions.
     This past week I managed to exercise and follow most of the container portions. There were a couple of setbacks - usually pertaining to food; however, those setbacks were not nearly what they would have been in the past. And even with those, I managed to lose 4 pounds this week!
    




The beauty of this program, for me, is that I am learning that when I eat clean for the most part, those times when I want something "not so clean" are more enjoyable and less detrimental to my health overall. And my mentality about food has changed. I no longer think that just because I "stumble on the path" I have to end the journey or allow the stumble to turn in to a full blown crash. Truth is sometimes stumbling causes a refocusing on the path itself. This journey is for life, I may stumble, but I will not be detoured from the path on my journey to better health.

Dietetic Sinners

We are all dietetic sinners; only a small percent of what we eat nourishes us; the balance goes to waste and loss of energy. -William Osler

Don't know about the "all" in the quote above, but it does ring true, especially for me. So often I eat for taste and comfort (or boredom). This might not be so bad if the food I ate was fruit and vegetables. That is NOT the case. The food I head for consists of comfort food, carbs (bread and pasta). I HAVE TO CHANGE THIS. I HAVE TO CHANGE THIS FOR ME - FOR MY HEALTH.

This is more challenging because I am not a fan of most fruits and vegetables,

but I am learning and even acquiring a taste for many. 

So the goal is to make changes - how?

Changing what I eat is most important (clean eating), eating smaller portions (several small meals a day), and making sure that I realize what I am eating and when - not just grabbing food and munching whenever.

What's worked so far is water intake! The more water I drink, especially before a meal, the fuller I feel and the less I eat. 

Goal for the week - start using my food app to note what I am eating each day. Nothing enters my mouth without thought - am I hungry, do I need it, what will it do for (or to) my body.

With the right recipes and the avoidance of sugar, I can learn to enjoy eating the foods that are good for me as much as I have enjoyed the foods that weren't - and with a much better response from the body I need to live well.