So BERRY cute Day 5 ... Awww NUTS!

TGIF! Now if only I could take a break from this Whole30 for the weekend like "normal" diet plans work I'd be super ecstatic! Unfortunately That's not how it works! No cheats on this bad boy! Today was another day of drooling at my sons breakfast. He decided to eat oatmeal TWICE today! I never envied a 2 year old so much.

You may be wondering if I am feeling any changes yet? Mentally I am being challenged for sure! Especially considering that my guys in the house are not following my Whole30. Which means I am surrounded by the food I am not supposed to eat and even have to cook it for them! If I weren't telling the world wide web about this challenge with this blog  I would tempted to "sneak" bites here and there because who is going to know!? I wouldn't have to report them to anyone so who cares? Then I would wonder why I am not getting the results I want in the end. I am a strong believer in karma so i will tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

If this is YOU taking this BLT's (Bites, licks, & tastes) and are wondering why you are not achieving your fitness goals... seriously write EVERYTHING down (measured and all) for 1-2 weeks to get a real idea of what is going in your body! You will be SHOCKED!

Back to how I am feeling... Mentally... challenged. BUT Every day I am proud of myself for not giving in. I just say only 25 more days to go Lallenia!

Emotionally, (Yes emotions and food go hand in hand especially if you are a female. I read a study about how women use food to express their emotions and Men eat because it sounds and/or taste good.) I get a little irritated when I realize I cannot have what my brain is telling me I want.

 Today for instance; we do our grocery shopping and to keep my 2 year old boy happy I always get some trail mix from the bins (I weigh it and pay for it) for him and my brother to snack on so they aren't driving me bonkers! Here is Wyatt lining up ALL the M&M's on the railing and telling me what color they are... I didn't care how smart he was at the time I just wanted to eat them.
SO I fished in the bag for the almonds instead hoping i would accidentally pull out a M&M and not realize what it was until I swallowed it.
No such luck.
He and Travis ate them all. So my emotions are fighting and getting upset because I REALLY wanted all of them just one. Then I felt proud and happy I didn't give in. This goes back and forth when your brain is trying to break habits. I expect it to happen now and understand I do not need to give in to the "evil" brain.

Physically, since I am being so honest here... I am a little nervous because I feel like I am not going to really SEE any changes expect weight gain from the outside if I keep snacking on so many nuts. I need to really crack down and portion size it or I will be needing super size clothing. Inside physical changes, I definitely notice more energy especially if I am unable to get as much sleep as I should I find I am able to cope a lot better!


Awww NUTS! Which brings me to my day today.... nuts nuts nuts... they are good but VERY easy to go overboard on like i am positive I did today... I know they are whole30 approved but i am sure not as many as I ate. No worries they are raw! (positive thinking) All my snacks were either almonds, cashews or sunflower seeds. I did have a handful of dried cherries with no added sugar also.

Breakfast was the same AGAIN! And probably will be tomorrow because we are almost done with those Brussels sprouts (i guess I'm the only one who likes them).

Lunch was my Tuna Recipe from Day 2 onto lettuce leafs... LOVE!

Dinner was supposed to be spaghetti squash with a meat sauce i made homemade (paleo style) but instead I over cooked my squash, we will just call it mush.

So I microwaved a sweet potato and put the turkey sauce over that.... its was ok.

This will make you smile. I let Wyatt play in the sink when I cook to keep him occupied & out of trouble. I was washing some fruit so he decided to help:

SO BERRY CUTE! He makes me smile (most of the time) BIG!

I better get to bed before I eat anymore nuts and I need to rest up for the Warrior Dash! ( I made Tee-shirts for the hubby and i.... hehe you will see our team name tomorrow.... =))

Sweet Dreams!

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*

4th day Whole30 + AMAZING recipe!!!

*sigh*

I am not a fan of this whole30 rendezvous right now. I just want to eat a piece of Ezekiel toast and a HUGE bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar and cinnamon. (mmmm) 

Oh. I'm sorry... I suppose I am supposed to be telling you how awesome this is and how great I feel... I do feel pretty proud of myself!!! That doesn't mean I do not want my rolled oats. maybe some crunchy peanut butter. OK and a little Greek yogurt with bear naked chocolate granola with added dark chocolate chips.  

Today was a little harder (can ya tell?). I was even starring at my sons grape nuts drooling. Then he tried to share! (the only time i will tell him no thank you when he tries to share...ok when he tries to share his boogers I decline those too!) 

My brother is obsessed with these french toast bagels (I allow him to pick out 3 things just for him when we go shopping, I am sweet i know) so he "shared" one with Wyatt today...well Wyatt kind of stole it from him... (they act like brothers, it annoys me cracks me up!)

 The result; Wyatt had strawberry cream cheese ALL over him and I helped clean him up... A little bit happened to be on my finger.  Immediately I go to lick it off. As i am about to swallow it i realize STOP Lallenia! I go rinse my mouth out and don't swallow it... funny right? (I am determined to do this for 30 days)

Breakfast was eggs and brussels sprouts again! (you should really try this!)
Snack

I was hungry still so after my drool session over grape nuts I grabbed some mixed raw nuts. 

I was STILL hungry, probably just cravings so I had some cherries and blueberries. I figured out if I play with my food Wyatt will help me eat the berries =) Great way to get your kids involved, i know "but my mom said don't play with your food". I honestly don't care if he does as long as he is eating it and it's going to make him healthy and strong. =)

STILL craving something after library time SO I poured a cup of heaven... after i took this picture I realized it said artificially flavored... really?? Way to rain on my parade! 

I teach cycle Thursday evenings so I try to make lunch and dinner together. You WILL LOVE this recipe... I like to pretend i came up with it because I did. I am sure there is something out there just like it but for my ego's sake it's Lallenia's recipe =) 

Oh and i am not yet a gourmet cook so if I tell you diced when it should be chopped, slivered when it should be halved, 350* when it should be 400*,  ect. I apologize ahead of time. 

Preheat oven at 350*

-Place 4-6 organic (or regular) chicken breasts or 8-12 chicken tenders into a bowl or zip lock bag with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, natures seasonings, and extra parsley.

-Shake it all up! (get a little workout in! Shimmy shimmy shake!)

-(You can even let it soak over night for more flavor and tender chicken)

-Place in oven (i put it on a pan with foil paper for easier clean up) for 20-25 minutes

Multi task time! (if you're a mother you got this down!)

Topping for chicken (its not really a sauce?.. maybe it is...)

-Pan fry on med/high 4-6 flavor of choice organic (or regular) sausage (i love spicy) should take about 8-10 minutes

-(*Get the broccoli and cauliflower in the steamer right now--> usually takes about 15-20min for mine)

THEN 

-Place sausage to the side when almost finished and cut into little pieces 

-Leave a little bit of the juice in the pan to saute the following: 

-1 white onion diced

-8 mini peppers (or 2 whole) diced

-6 cloves of garlic (my obsession)

-when they are almost done put a can of natural diced no salt added tomatoes and the chopped up sausage in to mix all together for about 5-10 minutes 

Should all be done about the same time. It took me 35 minutes from start to finish. I made enough for dinner too =) Here is the result.... It was da bomb! (I know I'm bragging.... but I'm SO proud!)

I kept looking in the cupboards today to see if maybe i am surpassing some miracle cereal or cookie that I am "allowed" to eat. 

Still nothing. 

I proceed to drink some water with lime juice in it pretending it is key lime pie.... 

My usual snack of Almond Butter and a banana or Apple (today was banana).

 I measured the almond butter... this is what ONE tablespoon looks like...

So I had 2.... 

 I mashed my banana up with the almond butter and a few walnuts because it just sounded good! And it was!! It looks gross I know. 

Yes I use Wyatt's dishes because it is easier to portion control, takes up less room in the dish washer, and he is more willing to eat it if I am.  =) 

Dinner was same as lunch! Definitely earned some brownie (I wish) points with the Hubby on this one! (go me!)

Im sooooo tired from cycle it's time for bed! 

If you've lost motivation or need a little motivation or just want to read a great article about getting in shape here ya go! 

http://www.livestrong.com/blog/4-steps-to-get-back-in-shape/

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*

Day 3 and a confession.

Here we are!!! Day 3 of the Whole30 day challenge! I feel a little lost here and there but am still excited about this new way of eating. It also helps that I am doing it with someone so we keep each other on track and setting a small goal of only 30 days.

Breakfast consisted of Eggs over medium and Brussels sprouts. Yep. Brussels sprouts for breakfast. I hate throwing away left overs so I will use them in anyway possible; to my surprise they complemented each other very well. J

My Brother (Travis), ornery little two-year-old son and I went to the zoo this morning! Aren’t they so cute?  '

I brought raw nuts for me to snack on, pitted dried prunes and an apple. Easy and portable! (Steal this idea please) Plus Wyatt had to eat some of my nuts and prunes… lead by example! Oh & yes prunes sure do work “helping” you (& little 2 year olds who eat too many) out in some areas of life where you might feel a little “clogged”.

I have a confession (dun dun dun)… I’m learning that I take mindless bites of Wyatt’s food more than I ever thought I did. For the past 3 days I have stopped myself each time (GO ME!) because my mind is set on eating ONLY whole food for these 30 days so I am conscious of what I am putting in my mouth. I am shocked at how often I have to stop myself. I can see how people have a hard time getting the baby weight off or losing those last few pounds with these unconscious actions/habits. (If this is you take note. Be aware and honest with yourself)

Just to clear it up No, My guys do not eat “bad” food by any means! My boys still eat their normal diet for the most part  (You know the stuff that’s not approved for Whole30 yet it is considered “health” food by the rest of the country) but with more veggies and raw nuts. My husband made the comment after work tonight that he is feeling really healthy lately and has more energy… hehehe don’t tell him my secrets k?

Lunch was same as yesterday! LOVE the tuna salad recipe! (Canned tuna, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, avocado, your choice seasoning ALL mixed up eaten alone or on top of lettuce leafs)

Had another apple for snack with almond butter… I am going to start measuring out how much almond butter I’m using because I think I like it a little TOO much… I mean it’s only ONE spoonful right? (Yeah I know it’s piled as high as it can be and dripping over the edge… What do you mean that’s more than one tablespoon?)

Dinner was ANOTHER success.

Grass fed beef with peppers, onions, garlic, kale, broccoli and natures seasoning.

Do you see my obsession lately? Onions and garlic! I am amazed at how much flavor they can add to dishes! It’s wonderful!  

Evening Snack is seeded raw sunflower seeds... i love them.

There is SO much running though my mind I want to talk type about but need to figure out how to organize my thoughts because this is making me tired thinking this much! If you have any suggestions or questions for me please ask away! This is my job passion in my pants and I ain’t afraid to show it! =) 

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*

Day 2 of 30....

Have you ever looked in a fridge full of nutritious food only to find nothing you want to eat?
That is how I have been feeling today. I seriously was not craving anything, not even the donuts left over from my brother last night that were sitting on the counter. I have to say I was proud of myself. (little successes like this add up so be sure to praise yourself!)

I worked out this morning and normally have 1/4 cup oatmeal, a tblsp PB and scoop of chocolate  protein... not for 29 more days.... instead I had a cup of coffee with 1 tablespoon of coconut milk and a piece of watermelon pre-workout. 

 The other challenge was not being able to drink my lemon lime Xtend during my workout! I LOVE that stuff! It is processed so instead I settled for water. Ha. This is really making me feel as if maybe I do not eat as healthy and natural as I always thought! I am excited to share my successes and struggles to inspire you to join me and live a healthier lifestyle.

Breakfast-
After my workout I ate my eggies from the Hubby then starring in the fridge, undecided, (I normally have Ezekiel Toast) I settled for a spinach cabbage salad with balsamic vinegar... yes at 730am that is what i ate. I would LOVE to tell you it was so delicious...yeah no. I didn't feel like making anything & it was right there. I WILL tell you I felt a lot more energy than normal later in the morning. 

A little lot off topic: Are you ready for this?...I am in the process of potty training a 2 year old boy...  Wyatt  has been doing pretty well the past couple months sitting on the potty, having little successes here and there. This week I decided I am going to crack down and REALLY get that boy in big boy underwear since he appears ready. I sit him on the potty and he tells me in his sweet (still learning how to pronounce words) voice "no poopy mommy...go out n' pay (play)"

I then go to get changed out of my workout clothes to go play with him in his little pool. I hear my little brother yell at me. "Can you PLEASE put his diaper back on!? He is gross!"  I go to the kitchen and Travis proceeds to tell me that Wyatt pooped. I looked and he was sure enough naked but no poop in sight. I said I don't see it. Travis points to the trash can. I open it and sure enough there is a Wyatt poop in the trash.... ohmygoodness. I didn't even know what to say. I ask Wyatt about it... he says in that sweet voice... "Nooooo mommy.... that scooby's ucky poo poo." (Scooby is our 180lb Great Dane I am pretty sure he's ucky poo poo would fill up the trash can) How on earth do kids learn to be so devious and conniving at age 2? I'm still laughing.

Snack-
I snacked on cashews, watermelon, cherries and berries in no particular order.

Lunch-
I made an AWESOME tuna salad!!! 1 big can of tuna, 1 avocado, chopped onions, chopped carrots, some garlic and natures seasoning spices. I was a little sad i could not have the mayo like my boys but surprisingly it did not need any! The avocado was perfect! I put it in a lettuce wrap. This will be a staple for me from here out! Plus Wyatt LOVED it too (always a plus)!

Snack-
According to Whole30 You do not have to snack. I'm used to eating 4-6 times a day so I do. I am SO happy one of my favorite snacks is allowed to eat; A banana and Peanut butter... without the peanut butter, I used Almond butter, still delish!

Dinner-
Dinner was jalapeño chicken sausage (organic and very minimally processed) i need to double check to make sure it is legit but I pretended it was for the night. Along with brussels sprouts and yellow squash  seasoned with natures seasoning. SO good! Again... wyatt LOVED this too! We're on a roll today with the family! 

Evening snack consisted of handful almonds, decaf coffee, coconut milk & cocoa powder, was really yummy and relaxing.

Day 2 success!! Whoop!!

More information for the whole30? Here is their website... check it out I am still learning too! --> http://whole9life.com/start/

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*

Day 1 out of 30!

Day 1

I wake up at 4:15am to get ready to teach my amazing forged fit camp this morning. Brush my teeth, drink my coffee (black) and 20oz of water,  make sure my music is ready and load up my trunk with Sandbells.

As i am crusin down the road I realized my breath smells like coffee... yuck! I go to grab a piece gum and realize oh... this is processed I am not going to have this or anything else processed for 30 DAYS! I grit my teeth annoyed, wondering what was I thinking to agree to this? I'm sure my crew was super exited to know i had some mint smelling lip gloss to cover up coffee breath! =)

My good friend and client has turned me on to this Whole30 day challenge. We agreed to do it together from June 4th til July 4th.  If you want to learn more about it go here > http://whole9life.com/start/

(When I mention the word I diet I am talking about its real meaning: habitual decisions an individual or culture makes when choosing what foods to eat.)

In a nut shell it is basically where you eat fresh foods and nothing processed. Kind of like a paleo diet but it is a little more in depth as to what you eat. (Oh! No counting calories or ratios of fats, protein and carbs... I love that!!!!)

I have always thought I am a substantially healthy girl. I did not think this would be very different from how I do eat. It may only be Day 1, but I can tell I am in for an eye opener! For instance:

• Breakfast I always have berries, 3 eggs and 1-2 pieces of sprouted bread. I am not going to have bread in the morning anymore... i will replace it with a kale shake. (yay!! i can still have my coffee!)

• My Favorite snack is oatmeal, a tablespoon of PB and chocolate protein powder.... none of that is on the list of foods to eat.

• I love almond milk shakes with protein powder, a banana and peanut butter... I will now have coconut milk with a banana and raw almond butter.

As one can see this will be an endeavor for me. Lets not forget I live with 3 guys...my husband who still loves to sneak white bread in the house and M&M's, my "little" brother who is 21 and brings junk food home from his church, and a little 2 1/2 year old who doesn't know what he wants half the time.

Why am I doing this? A couple reasons to be honest;

• I want to see what kind of changes i will experience as far as cravings & resetting my body's natural instincts. Yes, I have a crazy sweet tooth which is why we do not have sweets in our house (not just because its unhealthy but I will eat all of them).

•  I am excited to see the change in energy levels (I know some of you are thinking i do not need more energy!)

•  I want to see how much it costs to the "average" person and how difficult it really is or isn't. That way when/if I make a recommendation I have been there and done that.

•  I am SO tired of all these lose weight fast shakes and processed bologna (pun intended) companies who are only in it to make money! I have tried them out both drinking them and "selling." It is not for me. They are so easy to get sucked into (I've been there!). I want to feel healthy about who I am and what I am doing. I do not want to get "rich" because other people are buying my products that could potentially not be healthy for them in the end. My job is to help people on the right path to feeling healthy, fit and fabulous! I feel like the Whole30 people are right there with me!!

 This is the only life we have to live! Why not live it feeling the best we can by eating what God gave us to eat. Our bodies will look and feel better as a result of taking care of the environment by eating locally grown produce and meats that are not full of chemicals and junk.

Today's meals Consisted of:

Breakfast:
2 eggs made by my wonderful hubby over easy/medium yum!!
Shake: 1/4 cup full coconut milk, 1 cup kale, 1/2 banana, 2 prunes with ice blended.
I will be honest here... this shake was not the best! I am still playing with this kale, and my magic bullet finally died so it didn't get it all blended up =(

Lunch:

-2 pieces watermelon
-handful of cashews and almonds
-Organic Ground beef, kale, broccoli, onions, garlic, baby peppers, and 1/2 avocado.
Sauteed it all together (except avocado) Took about 20 minutes to chop and cook it all in a pan. Not bad! Plus I made extra for my husbands lunch tomorrow (saving time and money!)

I always sit my son next to me so he sees how mommy makes him healthy and strong! Its so cute because he tries all the veggies & food with me! He LOVES peppers and avocados! (he calls them "uh-bah-cah-dos") However he thinks raw white onions are "ucky mama."

Snack around 4 is an apple with Almond butter smeared on top, a few cherries & handful of raw almonds.

Dinner: My husbands friend gave us fillet mignons so i grilled these up with onions and peppers, sweet potato fries (chop, olive oil and broil 15 min= delish!) and sauteed yellow squash... total of about an hour considering we have a old charcoal grill (which the lid just broke on me... haha not having great luck today with my appliances!)

Probably one of my favorite meals! I do have to be careful with those sweet potatoes... I love em!

Snack: Craving sweets a little so we cut up a pineapple and I had some more raw cashews and almonds before bedtime to tie me over.

Can you believe my brother just walked in with a BOX of donuts!?? REALLY? On my first day with nothing processed he comes in with donuts?? Where in the heck was he yesterday??  ;)

Don't worry I ran as fast as I could to my room and started writing in my blog to distract me! (thanks guys!)

I do feel a little hungry right now even though i feel i ate a lot today and did not go hungry so i am thinking this is just my mind and habit kicking in OH and maybe those donuts on the counter nagging at my brain... i will choose to ignore that feeling....

Looking forward to tomorrow and getting some of my clients in my new home gym!! It's so close to being completely finished!! It's nothing fancy but yet so perfect!! Just like my life! =D Happy Monday!

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*