Failure

Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t waste energy trying to cover up failure. Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It’s OK to fail. If you’re not failing, you’re not growing. -H. Stanley Judd

Whole 30 Vitamin A Bisque

After my weekend of non-whole 30 fun, I knew I needed to get back to basics by creating a healthy, easy soup. This weekend I did not go overboard but I did indulge and definitely paid for it the next days. I know that if I want this to be a lifestyle I need to be okay with indulging on special weekends and then really focusing the next day.

I adapted this soup from Health-Bent:

2 lbs Butternut Squash -- I HATE cutting cup butternut squash so I found pre cut squash in the freezer section.
5 Large Carrots - diced 
1 Can Pumpkin Puree
1 Quart Chicken Stock
Cinnamon
Balsamic Vinegar 
Salt and Pepper 

Place squash, carrots and stock in a large pot to simmer until veggies are soft. Add in pumpkin and use a hand blender to puree. Once the soup is pureed, add in balsamic vinegar. I used about 4 TBS but you can use more or less to your liking. Finally add in cinnamon, salt and pepper. This makes about 7 - 2 cup servings.



The rest of my workouts and meals for the week look something like this:

Monday: French Toast Scramble/ Chicken Salad/ Vitamin A Soup --- 1.5 mile run/ arms
Tuesday: Fruit, Veggies & Almond Butter / Vitamin A Soup / Fiesta Salad --- 4 mile run/ legs
Wednesday: French Toast Scramble/ Shredded Beef Salad / Sweet Potato & BBQ Chicken --- Spin
Thursday: French Toast Scramble/ Chicken Apple Salad/ Shredded Beef & Sweet Potato --- 1 mile run/ arms / swim
Friday: Something with Eggs/ Shredded Beef Salad/ Green Bay
Saturday: Green Bay
Sunday: Green Bay

Healing

I woke up today with the mindset that Whole 30 is working, but that I am ready to be done. My chocolate cravings are through the roof, I think I eat WAY too much almond butter and sweet potatoes and I really don't feel like I "lost" this amazing amount of weight and inches.

I know, in the book It Starts With Food they say, "We don't care if you lose weight", because the point is to heal your body with food. This not a diet plan this is a lifestyle kickstart. This time last year I was student teaching and determined to "lose the last 10lbs" for the wedding. I was living with my in-laws and running. Boy was I running, I was training for a marathon, except I didn't have a marathon to run I just wanted to lose weight. I was on my third round of Weight Watchers but still at my highest weight ever. I quit WW due to not having any money. I decided to try new birth control, it must be the hormones right? My face broke out like a pubescent boy. I tried South Beach & calorie counting. I did not understand. I lost a few pounds but was not down to where I wanted to be.

My fiance was living in Washington D.C. so for spring break I went to see him. We enjoyed ourselves and explored the city. But I remember the moment when I weighed myself. I was 5 pounds above my "heaviest weight". I was so upset. I am the healthy one. I am the one who makes smart choices and sets good examples for others. I went back and tried anything I could. When June 16th came....I still weighed 160 and I could not get below it.

Here is where the story doesn't end. I am not married and have a job in a new town. I have a gym membership and I can control what I put in my body. So I began eating whole foods, 100% whole wheat (seriously nothing with chemicals), whole milk, veggies, fruit etc. Nothing....the scale would NOT MOVE. What I didn't realize then was that I was taking the steps needed to clean my body. I cut out processed food. I started buying organic and local.

The scale still got me. It was on like Donky Kong.

I began my full time job as a teacher. I said no to treats and snacks. I was the healthy one. The scale didn't move. I literally was stuck at 160 or above. I would have cut a limb off JUST TO SEE THE SCALE MOVE. Then I stumbled into paleo.

I read about the paleo philosophy, I read about the effects of wheat on your body. I read about how it TAKES TIME to heal. So, I began paleo. I am sure you are scrolling to see if this is when I proclaim my love for Paleo and all the great things it did for me.

Not just yet. Patience young padawan.

The scale did not move. But again I was learning and growing. I realized that I can not tolerate gluten. It really bothers my stomach. I would have a beer after cutting out gluten and my stomach would expand inches. So I took the next step and became gluten free.

The scale did not move. My body was healing.

Enter Christmas. Did I give up hope and indulge in all the holiday treats? NO.  Sure I might have had a few too many handfuls of peanut m&m's but I was so determined to fight this. Naturally, the scale did not move.

In the summer when I read It Starts With Food, I tried doing a Whole 30. 10 days in....cheat. Start again a month later...I was going to do it 100% this time. Cheat. So now it is 2013. This is my year!

My husband and best friend agreed to do it with me. 100% Whole 30. This was my year and damn it I would see results. As you know, I am on day 24. I have stayed the path, I have lost and gained some cohorts. And for 24 days I did not weigh myself or measure myself.

This morning I did because in my mind I was done.

The scale moved. It moved 3 pounds.

I might have been done. But that has changed now. Because, I know that my body is healing. Three pounds is not a lot. But for someone who couldn't move the scale for 365 days. 3 pounds is more than enough to motivate me to continue to heal.

My whole 30 journey is not done. But I am going to have drinks this weekend with friends. If you know Whole 30 you know that drinking means I failed. But again, I am not done. Because I am going to continue the Whole 30 as a lifestyle. This is a healing process, realizing that a healthy lifestyle is more than losing weight. That food can heal your body but your body can't heal until you are ready too.

I was not ready before. But I am now. Mentally and Physically.

Healthy Living Survey

I saw this on Carrots n' Cake today and I thought it would be something different for you to read.

1. What did you eat for breakfast?

Celery, Apple, Blueberries and Almond Butter. Really anything with almond butter makes the day better.

2. How much water do you drink a day?

I am obsessed with my camelbak water bottle. I usually have 72 - 124 oz a day. I drink more water when I workout more. I also drink a lot of tea.

3. What is your current favorite workout?

RUNNING! No matter how many times I tell myself I am going to cut back I just keep coming back to that pavement. I am really digging strength training lately.


4. How many calories do you eat a day?

No clue. Apparently, I am supposed to be eating between 1,200- 1,500 however when I did that I could not lose weight. So now I just eat Paleo and I eat as much as I want. I have never felt better.

5. What is your favorite healthy snack?

If it is a veggie/fruit and covered in almond butter I am game. I usually have some sort of almond butter snack because it is easy to bring to work.

6. What do you usually eat for lunch?

Salad in a jar: so easy and so versatile.

7. What is your favorite body part to strength train?

Legs. They might be short but they can squat 200 lbs and run over 20 miles.

8. What is your least favorite body part to strength train?

Abs. I hate planks.

9. What are your bad food cravings?

Chocolate and beer. I used to dream about ice cream but since going Paleo I really just dig a good piece of dark chocolate.


10. Do you take any supplements?

I should be taking a multi-vitamin but only when I remember it.


11. How often do you eat out?

MAYBE once a month. The newlywed budget doesn't allow for much more than that.


12. Do you eat fast food?

I have not had fast food for a long time. It is usually when we are traveling so maybe three times a year. Since going paleo I now crave healthy treats instead of McDonalds.


13. Who is your biggest supporter?

John and my close friends. They always support my sometimes extreme healthy lifestyle.

14. Do you have a gym membership?

You bet! I have always worked at a gym so it seems silly not to have one.

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?

8 or more. I love to sleep.

16. Do you have a cheat day?

Not since going off of Weight Watchers. When I "cheat" I feel guilty. I am now working on appreciating treats and special occasion food and then recognizing how I feel afterwards.

17. Do you drink alcohol? 

Does a bear sh!t in the woods? Again, not since Whole 30 but I really enjoy hard cider and microbrews.

18. Do you have a workout buddy? 

Sometimes. Since I normally have to work I don't but I love having John come with me since it keeps both of us more accountable. 

19.What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a Healthy Lifestyle?

I have gained more self-confidence. This is an ever changing process and I think I am beginning to mature in what I think is "healthy". I enjoy setting a good example and value feeling healthy more than anything. 

20.What was the last healthy thing you did? 

I prepared a healthy breakfast and lunch for today. 

FOOD!

The time has come where I actually upload all of the food pictures from my phone so that you can see them. I have really enjoyed this challenge and feel awesome. However, I am ready to dive into some chocolate and beer. The little voice in my head is telling me maybe I should keep going if I am still having the occasional irrational cravings.... i.e. frosted animal crackers?!? But then the other voice in my head is saying, " You are going to EC this weekend to see all of your friends. End the challenge 4 days early so that you can go out and have a good time!"


Really, it is a constant battle, so please leave some advice.

While you think of a solution to my problem you can enjoy these Whole30 Compliant food pictures.

Jalapeno Cilantro Chicken Salad-in-a-Jar

Green Smoothies are BACK! Eggs, mushrooms and Siracha w/Ketchup (as whole30 as I could get)

Pizza Egg Cups

French Toast Scramble --- best breakfast ever (maybe just because I freakin' love almond butter)

Awful picture....Cocoa Chili with a Sweet Potato

(side note: if you have a chance to make this you should...cocoa in your chili....WOAH it changed my life)

Paleo Apple Pie: Apple, Penzey's Apple Pie Seasoning, Rasins, Dried Cherries & Almond Butter

This challenge has been really easy for me. I enjoy eating Paleo and find it relatively easy. It is nice to tell myself no for a while, especially after the holidays. I think the part that gets me through is that I can eat as much as I want and I don't feel bloated, guilty or lethargic. I will admit I probably eat too much fruit and almond butter than I should but I also have 2 hour workout sessions three days a week. In the paleo world that isn't considered "ancestral", but whatever I love it. 

No matter what I decide, I am planning on posting my measurement and weight results on Friday. I will leave this post with saying, I have an amazing support system. My husband and friends have been awesome during this whole month. 

Reflecting

As I get ready to teach and workout this morning I realized that I have not posted in a while. I am on the last leg of my Whole 30 journey and it has had its ups and downs. My hope is to flood this blog with meal ideas and recipes so that it might inspire others to try a Paleo lifestyle. I can't say I am totally convinced that Whole 30 works yet but then again I generally live a healthy lifestyle so maybe I won't see the results like others. Either way, I feel wonderful and enjoy the food I eat.

Thursday Thoughts

Some of my goals for the new year are to focus on adding in weight training 3-4 days a week and taking a break from running. Once I get closer to my marathon training I will add running back in. My 2012 goal of running 1,000 miles was achieved but it also made me burnout.

I am continuing the Whole 30 and am having great success. No cravings or crazy dreams. My skin is better and my pants are looser. I am 1/4 of the way through and I might just keep continuing on through February.

Day 8:
Breakfast: Eggs, Ham and Mushrooms
Lunch: Salad with Chicken - it was a potluck....so hungry after
Dinner: Salmon and Kale Chips

Day 9:
Breakfast: Eggs, Ham and Mushrooms
Lunch: Broccoli and Chicken Thighs
Dinner: Provided at a conference....lets see how they do.

Loving this healthy lifestyle.

Day 5, 6 and 7

WAY behind! I know, I know, I had a wonderful relaxing weekend but then got sick on Sunday so I lost my food prep and any productivity.

Day 5: 
Breakfast: Salad & Fried Eggs
Lunch: Apple, Almond Butter, Lara Bar, Almonds (I went grocery shopping and had weird cravings)
Dinner: Kale Chips
WOD: Rest

Day 6: 
Breakfast: Bacon, Eggs and Banana
Lunch: Tuna Salad and a Clementine
Snack: Jerky, Apple and Almond Butter
Dinner: Paleo Rainbow Chili
WOD: Arms & Aerobics

Day 7: 
Breakfast: Bacon, Celery, Apple and Almond Butter
Lunch: Tuna Salad and two Clementines
Snack: Almonds and Blueberries
Dinner: Lettuce Wraps
WOD: Legs, Sprints & Aerobics

Now it is time to confess...I have a nut butter addiction. I love it. I need to cut back but it is so easy to bring to school. Alas, I just don't care. Good thing I have some awesome workouts planned to help compensate for my love of the nut butter.

I am doing really well with not craving anything. However, my student have brought "treats" in every day so now I look like a hoarder since my desk drawer is filled with stuff I can't eat.

Whole 30- Day 2

Today was rough, I don't know if it was the effects of Whole 30 or the flu bug that is going around. Whole9 posted a timeline of what your body goes through during this process. I could definitely identify with some of the "symptoms". Whatever the case may be,  I am dragging @$$. I did a better job of packing food today but then had no appetite.   I have a part time job at a local fitness club. I usually look forward to teaching classes but tonight I could hardly stand. I couldn't find anyone to cover for me so I hoped for the best and gave it my all. Not my best class, but what can you do? My intentions of having a endurance workout tonight were shot, so I just decided to prep some food and go to bed.

Whole 30-Day 2 Food Journal: 

Breakfast: 
Coffee with Coconut Milk
Egg Cups
Banana

Lunch: 
Chicken and Bacon Salad

Snack: 
Blueberries and Almonds

Dinner: 
Shredded Beef
Celery and Apples with Almond Butter

After class, I had a burst of energy. Okay, really it was because I had meat out to make jerky and I knew I needed to use it up. I decided to make roasted vegetables, beef jerky and Rainbow Chili.

I love roasting veggies because it is an easy way to make everything at once. I usually just use what I have in the fridge. Today it was sweet potatoes, onion, zucchini and mushrooms.

Veggie Roast: 
Any vegetables
Olive Oil or Ghee
Spices of Choice

Preheat oven to 325, place potatoes in for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, place the rest of the veggies in pan and continue to roast for another 20 minutes. Stir if needed.


One of the best wedding gifts we got was a jerky gun and dehydrator. Seriously, talk about a money saver. You can use ground beef or thinly sliced steak. Season your meat and plug it in for 6-7 hours.

I realized I had way too much meat so what is a girl to do.... make chili. I decided to make Rainbow Chili....aka throw in what you have. I actually achieved getting in almost every color of the rainbow.  This wasn't too hard since John was helping me chop all the vegetables. We rarely get to cook together so this was a lot of fun.

No Fuss Rainbow Chili: 

Bell Peppers
Onion
Jalapeno Pepper
Sweet Potato
Zucchini
Roasted Tomatoes
Chicken Stock
Ground Beef

Beef Bouillon
Sea Salt
Chipotle Seasoning
Lime Juice

1. Fry up ground beef.
2. Chop veggies.
3. Put in Crockpot.
4. Turn on Crockpot.
5. Sit for 8 hours.
6. Turn off Crockpot.

Donezo.

What is your favorite "no fuss" meal?

Whole 30 - Day 1

I had the best intentions of taking pictures of my food - Fail
However, in my defense it was the first day back and so my focus was on my favorite group of third graders. So here it is folks, Day 1 of the Whole 30:

Breakfast: 3 Egg Cups

Lunch: Clementine
Tomatoes and Shredded Beef on Spinach

Snack: Apple and Sunflower Butter

Dinner: Salmon and a Sweet Potato

Snack: Almonds and Turkey

Workout: 1 Mile Run/ Legs

My goal for tomorrow is to plan my meals better and eat more veggies!

W30 Egg Cups

If you dabble in Paleo, google Paleo or use Pinterest you have probably seen Egg Cups somewhere. I decided to give it a whirl since they are Whole 30 compliant and great for on the go.

What you need: 
W30 Compliant Meat or Bacon
Eggs
Veggies

Grease your muffin tin and line with meat. For this recipe I used uncured ham

Fill each cup with a few chopped veggies. I used mushrooms and zucchini.

Add your egg in and bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Once they are done they slip right out and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Each cup is around 100 calories.

Whole 30 and Kitchen Prep

One of my biggest pet peeves is a dirty kitchen. One of my biggest faults is leaving the kitchen dirty.

This cycle is one of life's great mysteries. However, I have had a major case of "New Year Cleaning" and decided to gut my fridge, freezer, and cupboards in order to get ready for Whole 30. After the kitchen cleanse, I went grocery shopping and spent more than I usually do. 

Grocery List: $158 -- I don't coupon but since I am limited to the produce and meat sections of the grocery store, staying in budget wasn't really a concern. I made up some meals and made my list from there. 

W30 Crockpot Shredded Beef: 

2 lb Chuck Roast 

Onion 

Garlic

W30 Chicken Vegetable Soup: 

Chicken Legs & Wings (found in poultry section,  much easier than cooking a whole chicken)

Roasted Tomatoes

Carrots

Celery

Onion 

Chicken Broth (low sodium, organic and no sugar added) 

Garlic

W30 Bone Broth: 

Leftover produce and chicken bones from Chicken Vegetable Soup

W30 Egg Cups: 

Uncured Organic Ham 

Eggs

Mushrooms 

Onion

Spinach

W30 Salad in a Jar: 

Spinach

Romaine Lettuce

Tomatoes

Chicken Thighs

Tuna

Cucumber 

Apples

Guacamole

Beef Jerky: 

2 lbs Ground Chuck

W30 Turkey Chili: 

Ground Turkey 

Yellow and Red Bell Peppers 

Onion

Jalapenos 

Roasted Tomatoes

Tomato Sauce 

Sweet Potato

Chicken Stock 

I started out the morning by making the Chicken Vegetable Soup and Bone Broth. My intentions were to make all of this food in one day so I wouldn't have to make anything the rest of the week. Most people are starting Whole 30 today but since the Badgers are playing the Rose Bowl, John and I decided to start tomorrow.

The beginnings of soup and stock. I used chicken thighs and legs for the soup. I put the chicken in a stock pot with garlic, free range chicken broth and onions. I let it cook for about an hour.
Once the chicken was cooked I took it out of the pot and took the meat off the bones. I added celery,  carrots and roasted tomatoes. I let it simmer for another hour to let the flavors blend.

In the mean time, I took all the left over parts of the soup and put it in a pot with water to make stock.

The trick is to add some apple cider vinegar (about 2 tbs) and let it cook for a long time. Then strain and freeze.