Future Days

Ultimate Reset - Day 19, Phase 3

Tempeh is marinating - Baked Tempeh for dinner (recipe at end of blog entry). Thinking some curried cauliflower and one other veggie as well. It is what I don't automatically think about for dinner that highlights the change most - not fast food, bread, white pasta, white rice etc. (I am still nurturing a desire for dark chocolate and Justin's peanut butter). I am amazed by the number of nut and seed butters available. I am amazed by the number of tasty healthy recipes I never took the time to try.

At one point this afternoon, I thought I needed a nap, but once I got around to it - NOPE. Not tired! Such a wonderful feeling for someone who used to spend many hours a day napping, especially on weekends. Parts of my life definitely suffered for it (especially grad school reading). The changes I am experiencing are giving me something infinitely more valuable

than being "skinny." Time.  More time awake, more time feeling healthy, more time feeling positive, more time with family, more time on study, more time focusing, When I am tempted to eat something that taps my system of my energy, I just need to remind myself of how wonderful it feels NOT to
crash from a sugar high.

So now I begin concentrating on the days beyond the Ultimate Reset. I am not yet where I want to be and am sure the pounds won't drop as quickly after Saturday. But I have a plan to keep myself heading in the right direction.

*My coach accountability group (checking in daily and supporting others as well)
*BB's new Energize to support morning workouts
*BB's 21 Day Fix for daily exercise (and it's only 30 minutes each day)
*BB's new Restore to drink in the evening before bed (helps sleep, muscle recovery, and curbs the appetite
*CIZE to dance several days after school (hoping some colleagues will join me)
*Shakeology daily (meal replacement or snack)
*LOTS and lots of water (should drink half your body weight in ounces daily)

But most IMPORTANTLY, I will create a schedule of meals each week, plan accordingly for shopping, and prep food on the weekend so that lack of time in the evenings or at school won't become the enemy. The best way to avoid eating what I shouldn't is to always have something I should. And it can still be tasty!

Two more days!

Until tomorrow ~

BAKED TEMPEH
(makes 1 serving)

Ingredients
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos
1½ tsp. sesame oil
1½ tsp. 100% pure organic maple syrup
½ clove garlic, chopped
4 oz. tempeh, cut into ½-inch strips

Directions
Combine vinegar, Bragg Liquid Aminos, oil, maple syrup, and garlic in a small bowl; mix well.
Place marinade in a shallow dish; place tempeh in dish and turn several times to coat well on all sides. Marinate for 1 hour, covered, in refrigerator, turning once after 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn over and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more, or until golden brown.

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.

"Water, Water Everywhere"

Ultimate Reset - Phase 3, Day 17

Waiting on the squash to finish. Tonight's dinner along with green beans. Last night's dinner is pictured on the left. Curried cauliflower. Delicious. Cauliflower is easily becoming one of my favorite vegetables - so much that can be done with it. Going to try pizza with cauliflower crust when Reset is finished. See end of blog for curry recipe.

Two days of in-service (today and tomorrow). A little tougher following the regimen (supplements and all), but it was doable. And  I was able to avoid all of the chocolate on our table (for me that is BIG). Also, stuck to a salad at lunch. Vegan Shakeology for a snack. Took my gallon jug of mineralized water with me to school and kept refilling my smaller jug, so I managed to keep my water intake up. Will do the same thing again tomorrow.

Felt good all day. Upbeat and energetic. I did come home and take a nap for about an hour and half. Until I started the Reset, I would have trouble sleeping at night and that was after I finally managed to fall asleep. Lately, I lay down thinking, "Here, we go," feeling as if I am once more going to have difficulty again, and the next moment, I'm waking up. So many positive changes. I keep having to remind myself that I have not had refined carbs, meat, or dairy for almost two weeks. The Reset ends on Saturday - final results on Sunday. My CIZE dvd's (Shaun T) came today. Will start using them next week! Can't wait.

Until tomorrow ~

CURRIED CAULIFLOWER
(makes 1 serving)

Ingredients
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
½ to 1 tsp. curry powder
½ medium head cauliflower, stems removed, trimmed into large florets
¼ tsp. Himalayan salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 400° F.
Heat oil in small skillet over medium-low heat. Add curry powder; cook, stirring constantly, for 15 to 30 seconds, or until fragrant, taking care not to burn. Remove from heat.
Combine cauliflower and curry mixture in glass baking dish. Add salt (if desired); mix well.
Bake, stirring gently 2 to 3 times, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender.

Serenity

 Yesterday - Phase 3, Day 16 (Ultimate Reset)

Since a friend of mine requested yesterday's blog, going to knock out two today. (Hi, Jennifer. ;))

Yesterday I had to get out and take care of some school business, and I felt really good! Less stressed and able to calmly consider all information that came my way. That sounds ominous. Nothing major happened, all good going into the new year! But I have changed - for the better! I don't feel nearly as uptight or unfocused. Tackling whatever comes seems doable. Almost as if time as slowed down a bit, and I don't feel like everything has to be done RIGHT NOW. Doing well with the fruits and vegetables. The plan allowed for some grain yesterday, so I had a small bowl of brown rice with dinner (curries cauliflower and sauteed green beans - recipe tonight). I have a full day of meetings today, so it will be interesting to see how it goes (will I still be able to slow down and appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of the awesome people with whom I work). Life is too short. Today will never come again.

I woke up early this morning - 5:30 - on my own - no alarm - very refreshed! Going to have half a banana, frozen grapes (taste like candy), freshly squeezed orange juice, and cantaloupe.

Will add a recipe since I have a little extra time this morning.

Not sure if I shared this before, but it is one of my favorites. Will be making much more of this especially this winter! I know there is a picture on a previous blog from when we made it the first time.

SWEET POTATO and ROASTED RED PEPPER BISQUE
(makes 1 serving)

Ingredients
1 sweet potato (aka garnet yam)
¼ red bell pepper
1 cup vegetable broth or water
1 tsp. finely grated peeled ginger root
1½ tsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. miso paste, diluted in 1 tsp. hot water
Tamari or Bragg® Liquid Aminos, Himalayan salt, and herbal seasoning (to taste)

Directions

Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Cook in boiling water until tender. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, roast a whole red bell pepper on gas stovetop or grill, turning frequently until evenly charred on the outside OR in your oven at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 10 minutes or until skin is charred.

Put pepper in bowl and cover with towel for 10 minutes to steam. Clean off skin and seeds by running under cool water. Remove seeds, cut in quarters, and chop one quarter into ½-inch cubes. (Set remainder of pepper aside for another use.)

Place sweet potato, pepper, broth or water, ginger, oil, and miso in blender. (If you want chunky soup, set aside some chunks of pepper.) Blend thoroughly, adding more liquid to achieve desired soup consistency. Transfer to a pot and gently heat on low until hot. Add tamari or aminos, salt, and seasoning as desired. Serves 1.

Recipe from Beachbody's Ultimate Reset

Have a great day!

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 -

Two Down, One to Go

Ultimate Reset - Phase 2, Day 14

Last day for phase 2 - hard to believe. Will weigh and check measurements in the morning.

Phase 3 consists of fruits and vegetables only (if any whole grain, it is during snack, and I am not willing to give up my ShakeO for that). So my week will be truly just fruits and vegetables.

More on phase 3 tomorrow as well as phase two results.

Went to the park with Scrappy today. Not much other exercise. May need to mow tomorrow. :) Also planning to begin Tai Chen. Did take a LONG nap. It is interesting how the energy comes and goes.

Dinner tonight was Edamame and Roasted Corn (Ultimate Reset)

Ingredients
½ cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup water
¾ cup shelled edamame
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
½ medium shallot, diced
½ medium red bell pepper, diced
¼ medium red onion, diced
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
Himalayan salt (to taste; optional)
Herbal seasoning blend (to taste; optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 400° F.
Arrange corn kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until they caramelize and begin to brown, but before they harden. Remove from oven and set aside.
While corn roasts, bring water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat; Add edamame; cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Drain. Set aside.
Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add shallot, bell pepper, and onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes, or until soft.
Add corn and edamame; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add vinegar, lime juice, and cilantro, plus salt and seasoning blend (if desired). Mix well.

Looking forward to next week. Have to work two of the five days, so I will need to incorporate the eating into my day. Sure going to miss this summer vacation!

It's All About Perspective

What do you see?

Ultimate Reset, Phase 2, Day 13

My perspective continues to change when it comes to food and clean eating. The recipes allow me to enjoy foods I once declined without a thought. These 21 days are steadily changing my relationship with food. And I love it. Though I was a bit tired today (slept a little longer after breakfast), I did not nap. I am beginning to see and feel physical changes, realizing it is about so much more than just the weight loss. It's the perspective gained as well as the stronger, lighter, more able body and mind.
Hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of Phase 2. Only a week to go, and I am not struggling with hunger or the need to eat the foods I once craved (or at least thought I did).

I find I am looking forward to exercising and eating cleanly even after (or especially after) the 21 days have elapsed. BB just came out with a new supplement group, and I have ordered the Energize to assist with my morning workouts. I usually hate getting up in the morning; however, once school
starts, morning exercise is the best way to ensure daily exercise. Evenings often have other obligations to fill.


I promised the recipe for Nori Gomasio to go along with yesterday's recipe. Adding it below.


NORI GOMASIO
(makes 4 servings - 1 TBSP each)

1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
1 sheet toasted nori seaweed

1. Heat sesame seeds in medium skillet over low heat, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and begin to pop.
2. Remove from heat. Cool for 10 minutes.
3. Place sesame seeds, salt, and nori in a small food processor or blender; cover with lid. Pulse until most seeds are cracked open. Be careful not to grind to a smooth consistency; you want some of the texture of the seeds to remain.
4. Store in airtight container.


As I move in a positive direction, my goal is to make the best of every day, one day at a time.

Until tomorrow -