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 -

New Discoveries

Bisque

Ultimate Reset Phase 2, Day 9

So many new and delicious recipes. Amazing. So many foods that I never thought I would like. Such a wonderful feeling to leave a meal feeling satisfied - not stuffed. To feel energetic and motivated, not tired and dragging.

The Bisque tonight was wonderful and it included red peppers, one of those foods I never would have tried before. The recipe follows:

SWEET POTATO AND ROASTED RED PEPPER BISQUE
(makes one serving)

1 cup water
1 medium sweet potato (or yam), pealed, cubed
1/4 medium red bell pepper
1 tsp. finely grated ginger root
1 1/2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp. miso paste, mixed with 2 Tbsp. hot water
1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
Bragg Liquid Aminos (or Himalayan salt, to taste, optional)
Herbal seasoning blend (to taste, optional)

Bring water to a boil in small saucepan over medium heat, add sweet potatoes, cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Drain. Set aside. roast bell pepper on grill or gas stovetop. Turn frequently until skin is evenly charred. Place in medium bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel for 10 minutes. Peel skin under running water. Remove seeds. Chop into 1/2 inch cubes.

Place sweet potato, bell pepper, oil, miso, and broth in a blender or food processor, in 2 or more batches if necessary; cover with lid and kitchen towel. Blend until smooth, if consistency is too thick, add water. Heat soup in a medium saucepan over medium heat, cool, stirring frequently for 4 to 5 minutes, or until hot. Add Bragg Liquid Aminos and seasoning blend if desired.

We adjusted the recipe a bit. First doubling it, and then baking the sweet potatoes in the oven. We also broiled red pepper to char skin. 

As for phase 2, day 9, still not hungry or needing to snack throughout the day. I will admit that I look forward to my vegan ShakeO for snack time! I love the stuff, even when I can only mix it with distilled, mineralized water!

Feeling strong, ready to exercise, but I know that my body is working out on the inside right now, and I need to give it a chance to detox. Friends coming in tomorrow. I am sure we will take several walks over the next few days! And I will continue eating only vegetables and fruit throughout the meals. Interestingly, though dinner tomorrow night will include smoked ribs and sausage (and I DO love my husband's cooking, especially smoked), I will be able to enjoy the company and dinner without eating any of the meat.

Did take a nap this afternoon; I seem to be sleeping so much better than I used to. Find myself staying up later (11 or 12) but still waking up by 7 or so each day. I DO NOT miss that nagging tired feeling of never having enough sleep and always feeling sluggish.

Enjoying time outside each day, especially with the last few days of cool, crisp mornings!

Until tomorrow.

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.

Twenty-one Days and Beyond

My eyes have been opened. I am no longer suprised by my lack of weight loss (though I have lost a couple of pounds since so far). I recieved the 21 Day Fix today. As I read through the information and checked out the colored containers, I realized how much more I eat than is necessary to get and keep my body fueled. I have always heard that restaurant portions were much too large, but my own portions (even after I thought I was eating less) are still way too large. This new eating program is going to prove very interesting.

One of the aspects that I really like is that even though you use containers, you do not eat from the containers. The food is still put on a plate. The idea behind the 21 Day Fix is HABIT and understanding. It is not meant to have you eating out of the colored containers for the rest of your life but to give you the ability to recognize the appropriate portions of different foods necessary for fueling the body well. Eat this way and exercise for 21 days and hopefully a habit - a healthy habit will be formed. Makes a lot of sense to me, especially after realizing what a portion really should be.

So here's to creating a new habit. A healthy habit. A lifelong habit. For 21 days and beyond.