I didn’t make it…

I didn't make the whole30 diet perfectly for 30 days. =(

The last night of my whole30 I found myself feeling frustrated, annoyed and my head in the toilet…

 I’d like to tell you it wasn’t my fault but I’d be lying.

I was overly excited thinking since “technically” my Whole30 started June 3^rd at dinnertime then I’d be done with it at dinner yesterday.

Sooo… When I was making my husbands protein shake after he got off work, I made a little extra for me too… because I have been dying to have one… (weird  I know!)

The shake consisted of:

1 scoop ISO Pure protein

6oz Almond Milk

1 tablespoon PB

½ banana

YES! It tasted delicious to my taste buds…. Not so much to my insides… Holy cramps! ALL night my tummy was yelling at me, telling me how mad it is that I would go from eating so great (minus 3 minor mishaps the whole time) for 30 days to having something completely off track.

Yet this is something I used to drink almost EVERYDAY!

I’m still feeling the affects today and can tell you I will not be straying too far from the Whole9/Paleo way of eating today or any other day!!!

I am seriously stunned flabbergasted that my body reacted this way! I shouldn’t be because when I ate off the plan 3 times (sweet potato fries, oatmeal w/ pb and a ½ glass of Rumchatata ...I know!! self discipline where you at??) during the challenge my body was not liking me too much either. 

In the book (It Starts With Food) it tells you to not have any cheats the whole 30 days or it will not work. I am going to have to say that is false! I made it 11 days with NO cheats and when I did slip my body was totally telling me, "What the (insert word here) are you doing to yourself!? This (insert another word here) doesn't belong in your precious body Lallenia!" I promise I never even had a full out binge or full meal of junk. Even a small portion and my body did not like it.

I can't believe how much I used to mistake the times I was not feeling great with the idea that I must be getting a virus when really it was because of the food choices I made. Seriously think about all the times you feel gross, bloated, under the weather, sluggish, depressed, unmotivated, etc.... think about what it is you are eating first before you go to the Dr and are prescribed some medications that will only be a temporary fix.

Here is something to gnaw on... (haha!! GNAW...nerd alert!)

When you place anything (food, pills, tobacco, alcohol, dog food... ok maybe if you're two...)  into your body, it needs to be absorbed and digested or  it is rejected. Your body decides what it will do with it based on what it is. Digestion involves mixing the substance with digestive juices, moving it through the digestive tract, and breaking down large molecules into smaller molecules. Digestion begins in the mouth, when you chew and swallow, and is completed in the small intestine.
It's a little more complicated than that but you get the idea right?

So why not digest foods that work with your body instead of against it? I mean after all if pills (which go through the same process) can help you feel better, don't you think eating the right kind of food can do the same?
What you put into your body is what you get out of it. There is NO other way around this.
SO WHAT you don't LIKE something... if it's good for your body and brain Eat it. Simple solution. I mean we aren't kids anymore....we buy our own food and make our own choices.

If you choose to fuel your body with junk, expect junk to come out of it. That's like putting oil in your gas tank.... good luck. Also don't sit there and complain about being over weight, having inflammation, not having any energy, feeling depressed, etc. Unless you are HONESTLY learning and working really hard to change your lifestyle. I see it all the time when people say I want to look like this or lose X amount of weight or run a mile this fast but yet they "don't like" broccoli and chicken or they don't like doing certain workouts. OK... obviously it's not that big of a deal to you or you would figure out a way to make it happen.

I relate with this scenario as well. I would LOVE to have a full 6 pack (abs not bud light) and a shredded back but I have  not been able to stick with a super strict diet and workout regimen to get it yet. I am healthy, strong and happy. I have attempted to train for a fitness show 3 times now and have had a traumatic event happen each time... pregnancy (yay for Wyatt!), shoulder dislocation, and shoulder subluxation. I am not complaining just saying life does get in the way BUT I have not let those events bring me down or let myself go. It is still on my bucket list of things to do.

Whole30 Review:
I am a HUGE fan of the Whole30 diet and way of life. I think the book (It Starts With Food) is one of the most educational, straight forward, and very well researched book out there in the world of diet and nutrition. The authors know their stuff and went to GREAT means of research to develop a resource at the tip of our fingers that will be saving and changing peoples lives! (all for $15 on amazon!)

They tell you straight up and I found out first hand; if you are doing this strictly for weight loss then this may not be the right book/diet for you. Weight loss does happen for most (95% of) people (especially for those who are overweight) but is not the reason for the "diet." This is ALL about resetting your metabolism, taste buds, digestive system, thinking, habits, and all around HEALTH. It is teaching you how to eat what your body needs.

When people focus more on being healthy rather than all the other junk then their bodies are able to perform correctly to reach other goals such as losing weight, gaining muscle and strength or becoming faster and feeling better.

My results:
I sleep deeper.
I have had NO sugar cravings... AMAZING.
I have had NO desire to binge.... AMAZING.
I have gained strength and feel tighter. (Had i followed it 100% and didn't get overly excited with snacking on nuts I guarantee I would be feeling even tighter and stronger.)
I have confidence turning down food that I don't want or need.
I LOVE making healthy recipes even more than before.
I am learning how to cook for my family to eat with me as well.
I didn't beat myself up on my mishaps like i normally would (you know... oh I just ate a couple bites I might as well eat the whole pie now)

I guess you can say this HAS changed my life. I feel like my life doesn't revolve around what I shouldn't be eating but yet what I SHOULD be eating.
I plan on sticking to paleo pretty closely. I am going to try to eat oatmeal again occasionally and sprouted bread with eggs if i desire, oh AND i LOVE my baileys and coffee on Sundays! But if my body says no thanks then why force it? After all your body knows what it needs better than stupid cravings and habits from your brain.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!! Hope you are motivated to fuel your body and mind with explosive nutrition and sparkling thoughts =)

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*

PS Use a lettuce wrap for your burger or hot dog instead of bread.... you'll feel better if you do... promise!

I topped mine with mustard and grilled veggies with a side of Kale chips... YUM!

I am giving up.

Yep. I'm giving up on trying to write these blogs at night time. I am so NOT a night person and have found it hard to get to bed at a decent time if I try to write before I go to bed. Then I have a hard time falling asleep because my brain is wired. (for those of you who know me I am sure you're thinking when is it NOT wired Lallenia?)

I know I have been MIA the past couple days! No, I didn't fall off the wagon! Actually stronger than ever on this challenge! I just have been enjoying the company of my husband being home a little more this weekend and had a little cooking feast with the recipes from the success guide for Whole30. AMAZING! (i will give you the recipes in a bit!)

This is Day 22 of my Whole30 challenge (http://whole9life.com/). It is pretty amazing to me that I have not had the desire for anything sweet since I started! Nor have I had the urge to binge. (now if you follow me on pinterest I just pinned a bunch of delicious looking recipes because I have been in a cooking mood and they just looked yummy. I am sure i will still make some things occasionally that are not whole9 approved but not nearly as much as I would have before AND I like to see if i can create my own healthy versions!)

I am thinking the couple who wrote the book is going to make some doctors go out of business if we were able to teach out of this book in school. I honestly do not understand why they don't teach us how to take care of our bodies in school. They expect parents to do it for their kids, but these days half of the parents cannot even take care of themselves! I can only imagine how successful we could be as a nation if children were taught at a young age how food affects your brain and body. I bet we would make healthier decisions if we were educated correctly. 

Not just from some Dr. on TV making money from telling us to go buy some supplement to help us feel better. Same with the packaged food that reads healthy heart or high fiber.... it is ALL a way of making money. Whoever is selling you their food or product is not concerned about you and your family. The companies are concerned about themselves and their families condo in Italy.

It is up to YOU to educate yourself and your family if you want to live a healthier lifestyle. I do not just mean a "skinny" or "fit"  lifestyle. I mean healthy as in wake up and feel confident in yourself and your abilities. I believe it all starts with what is on your plate. 

Remember; I did not have a family that was super supportive, loving or that encouraged me to be healthy (actually just the opposite). I made these changes on my own. So don't sit there telling me your excuses. I have not always been fit and confident, I have had many struggles and abuse throughout my life, probably more than many of you can imagine, and many ups and downs in weight and fitness levels.

 No,
 I don't want sympathy or attention from it all. I want you to use it as motivation for wherever you are starting. I absolutely HATE when i hear "You don't get it, You've never had to struggle with food or working out." I better stop right there because I will go on more of a tangent. 

Whew!! I am all worked up now.... *deep breath*....
As you can see I get a little passionate because I want people to be believe in themselves that they can overcome any obstacle that may appear in front of them. It's not always easy... I get it.  That doesn't mean it can't be done, and yes you may will have to work for it! 

I am finding a true love for cooking lately. I guess that means I am turning into a foodie? I don't know what that is.. .I suppose I can ask my search engine and it will tell me. (yep! I just looked it up and I fit right in!) 

This past weekend I made Shrimp and Salmon Chowder Paleo style... seriously delicious. I was excited beyond belief! I blew up the recipe for you below the picture. Unbelievable taste. Only thing i would have changed was to crisp the bacon a little better than I did and crumble it. 

I also made their beef and sweet potato stew in the crock pot. (haha and it's 90* outside... but these dishes are SO easy and so delicious)
Just remember to only go 8 hours not 12... it was a little mushy but still awesome!!!

I made a couple more that we will be having leftovers for these next few days but I hear a little boy calling for me. I think that means my time is up for now!

Oh and seriously check out the Whole30 challenge and Melissa and Dallas Hartwigs book "It Starts With Food." It will serisouly change your life.

Remember, what you put in your body is what you get out of it. If you're not liking your performance in any area of your life right now... don't go running to a Dr for pills... change whats on your plate first.

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*

Sooooo FAKE!

A little riddle for the day....

What do fake friends and fake foods have in common?

Fake friends look good on the outside, spike your energy levels for a bit and tell you things you want hear to make them look good (oh.my.gosh. I just LOVE your hair tie!).   After they leave you feel like you were just slapped in the face, only hear from them when they need something, yet you want more and to be around them because you think maybe if I just do (this) maybe they will like me more. Eventually if you hang around them enough, they rub off on you and you find yourself becoming just as fake.

Fake food also looks good on the outside, has outrageous tastes that are unnatural, spikes your energy levels and is packaged in a way that tells you what you want to hear  (Oreos ONLY have 70 calories per cookie). Then after they are gone (in your precious body) you feel like crap, yet it's hard to stop eating them because of the addictive additives in them. Eventually your body will not look like it's self because it will be surrounded with obscene amounts of fat that doesn't belong on you.

See, both of these make real friends (who are there for you at the touch of a dial and will cry at their door step with you at 3am because of a stupid boyfriend) and whole foods (which satisfy your appetite and fuel your body to perform at its ultimate best ) look bland and boring compared to the excitement of the fake ones that only build you up at their convenience.

WHY does this matter Lallenia? I'm sure you've had a fake friend and didn't realize it until you were placed in a situation that it became apparent right?

Well, with food it's similar but people seem to get so sucked in to their habits it's harder for them to OPEN their eyes and wrap their brain around the fact that the "bland and boring" foods are what makes you feel better, look better, and perform better in ALL aspects of life.

But in all reality if the food is prepared right it does't have to be boring! Have you ever bitten into a prime rib and steamed broccoli cooked just the way you like it? YUM! (PLUS it satisfies you not wanting more) And NO real friends aren't boring either! Heck you may find yourself driving down the interstate with a red bra hanging out your window to support breast cancer awareness. ;-)

REAL whole foods and REAL friends make you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside all day, everyday no matter what. Why surround yourself and consume anything less?


“Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option.” 


 Moving on to another kick butt day at eating whole30 approved!
Breakfast is still my beloved sweet potato hash and 2 eggs. 


Snack was pistachios (i measured out serving)


Lunch and snack before cycle was a salad. (yep I had TWO of them!)


 Whats in my salad today?

Spinach

lettuce 

red onions

tomatoes

mushrooms

Sliced ham off bone

1/2 avocado

balsamic vinegar 

Salad vinegar 

Salt & pepper

Dinner.... you will LOVE this idea....

SEE!? Ins't it AWESOME! 

It's Wyatts plate! Now i cannot go overboard with my servings or I will know it.

Dinner was pretty much same as last night but I added butternut squash. (LOVE and SO EASY!)

 If you want to learn about the foods you eat (like i do because I am weird i know) I LOVE this site that explains it all in detail for u. --> This is one to squash... SO many health benefits! 

 http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63.

I REALLY need to get some sleep but received this book in the mail yesterday and can't stop reading it.

YES! Thats the book from the people who developed Whole30! It is pretty awesome so far! But I LOVE learning about, as they call it the "science-y" side of what food is doing to your body and why we need to eat certain foods and how the bad stuff affects us.

I am also a big believer that when you know WHY you should be doing something and if the outcome is a what is wanted you are more likely to actually do it. Like eating your broccoli because of it's unique health benefits. Seriously! It's a superfood, look it up! 

Well, I'm off to snuggle my pretty awesome significant other and try to get away with keeping the reading light on until he tells me to turn it off and go to bed...

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*

I am shocked.....

Today I am shocked for a few reasons;

1.) I dislocated my shoulder in august of 2010 and had surgery in January 2011. Since then I have had some issues with it whenever i go to do pulls ups =(  (which REALLY sucks because those have always been my favorite to do and my motivation! Now I am physically unable to do them due to my injury) 

It usually swells really bad after i sublux it (partial dislocation). Today during boot camp I was demonstrating an exercise, subluxed my shoulder but it did not swell or get inflamed like normal. Yes, it is tender but NO inflammation. I swear this is due to the whole30 way of eating. I have read about how certain foods you consume cause your body to become inflamed easier, I am a strong believer of that now.

2.) I had a little break down last night and stole shared a bowl of oatmeal, chocolate protein powder and peanut butter with Wyatt (it's his bedtime snack to fill him up all night!). I wasn't happy with myself and do not have an excuse for doing it expect that i kind of REALLY wanted it. To my surprise it did not taste as good as it normally does (honest, the natural PB even tasted sweet to me which is ODD). 

I could REALLY tell that it makes my body feel bloated and icky just like the sweet potato fries did to me. I didn't expect this to happen because I have always considered this a "safe" snack. I am shocked how much your body can tell you if you really listen to it after eating whole foods. 

3.)  I am shocked that my urges to binge on foods have been getting easier and easier. I am feeling more in control of my cravings and self control (besides my urge last night which i DIDN'T binge). This is new to me. I have always had a love/hate relationship with food and my body. 

When i was adopted at age 9, my adopted parents had junk food all over. I used to steal candy bars (babyruths were my favorite) from my adopted dads stash all the time, eat them as fast as I could and as many as I could. Which slowly developed into an eating disorder called bulimia at age 13. I guess you could say I struggled with closet eating also. Especially once I got into the fitness field. I would be embarrassed to eat unhealthy and try to hide it which led to even more struggles with my self image and food. Also there were are SO many mixed messages on food I didn't know what was REALLY healthy and what wasn't. 

My nutrition books told me protein bars and white rice were healthy (bullish*t). SO here i am reading and learning as much as I can, only for the next certification or seminar I would go to tell me something different. I was all mixed up and I honestly believe the only thing that saved me was my love for exercise and eating what i considered "healthy" outside of my  disorder. 

Once I found out i was pregnant the disorder subsided  because I was so focused on growing that little boy strong and healthy. Afterwards I breastfed for year until my shoulder surgery then had a couple months of self doubt and depression. I soon started being able to workout again but still had some issues here and there with binge eating and bulimia. (not nearly as bad as the past). 

It has always been in the back of my mind like a silent struggle. Once i started truly eating healthy, whole foods I can tell you i have not had one single thought of a binge. I do not believe that eating disorders are genetic or because of a persons past like i used to believe. I can see now it is all a pattern and habit your brain forms. Once you are able to realize you need to fuel yourself with healthy, real, whole foods your body and brain will not feel the need to rely on the junk and binges. 

Why I just shared all this I am not sure... I guess that's why they call this a blog.... 

Alrighty then today was pretty awesome as far as food choices. 

Breakfast: Eggs and sweet potatoes (yum! I never get tired of this combo!)

Lunch: A delicious salad with sliced ham (off the bone) veggies, 1/2 avocado and balsamic and salad vinegar. 

Dinner: AWESOME! 

Sautee red onions for 5 minutes 

Then add ground turkey

After 5 more minutes add:

chopped bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms 

Let it cook together until meat is fully cooked and veggies are a little soft.

Then add spinach and garlic to cook down along with natures seasoning and Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herbs. 

I allowed about 7 minutes here.

Then topped with avocado and ENJOYED! 

Ok it's WAY past my bedtime! I was a little chatty tonight! My hopes is that it will inspire you to take on the challenge of eating whole foods with me for 30 days and into the rest of your life. Even if it is one meal at a time. No matter who you are or where you are at in life it is NEVER too late to make yourself healthy. It all starts with your next bite of food. 

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*

Cramps caused from fat? day 14....

Having terrible stomach pains last night (Sunday) I was a little worried maybe it was caused from the higher fat in my diet. Rest assured. It's just my body telling me I am able to reproduce if I want. =)

I am curious to see the way my body reacts to this time of the month while on the whole30. The first day is always the worst for me so needless to say it was hard to do much activity. I did try jump roping and performing some push ups but a UTI and menstrual cramps are a horrible combination.

I hope you're not feeling sorry for me because you don't need too! Other than the cramps i'm feeling great! I only had 3 hours of sleep Sunday night due to my husband & I watching Immortals before bed so i kept waking up to the Greek God's cutting peoples throats off. Feel free to laugh at me, it's ok I'm a little ridiculous i know but I do not do well with movies unless they are happy (this why I LOVE Disney movies).

Monday morning was left over sweet potatoes and hash for breakfast. My brother had a 3 hour Dr appointment so we brought pistachios (YUM) and larabars.

Lunch was SUPER easy and really tasty!

2-3 pieces of minimally processed ham (or turkey) rolled over avocado and wrapped in romanian lettuce. I had 3 of these awesome  wraps. You can even add other veggies and meat for more variety. My brother and wyatt added muenster cheese. (how rude) but at least it's not all of it AND bread.... baby steps.

I must say I am getting pretty awesome at this whole grilling thing. I made pork tonight! I always seem to forget about pork. It's a great lean meat to add to your diet plus it's not that expensive! I also made my own ketchup for the 1st time! Ok Ok... I wouldn't say it tasted like ketchup exactly but it was yummy! (I topped the pork with ketchup lol.... can you spot the pork?...)

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste;
2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice;
1/4 tsp dry mustard;
1/3 cup water;
1/4 tsp cinnamon;
1/4 tsp salt;
1 pinch ground cloves;
1 pinch ground allspice;
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, optional;


Mix it together and BAM! 


So my mind was saying I still need to eat food....hmmm lets try that ice cream again! 

3-6 bananas (frozen)

1-2 tblsp of cocoa powder

2 tblsp  of nut butter.

Blend really good and enjoy! 

One thing that makes me SOOOO happy is seeing my fridge stocked with healthy food for my family!

 It makes me smile and I get really excited! This is only the crisper part of the fridge. (I am so happy we bought a fridge with this accessory!) We have a pantry and shelf full of fruits and veggies also. 

I have found it is so easy when you have the food ready to go ahead of time. Whenever I grocery shop I always plan on prepping it all and getting it ready to eat or make something with. It saves SO much time and money by not allowing things to go bad before you have time to make it. 

oh yeah! My husband told me if I make his lunches he will start eating what I am.... that may not seem like a cool thing to some people but to me I'm stoked! This means he is slowly starting to realize  maybe I am onto something... I can tell he is feeling better too. =) 

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*