Picky Eaters Unite!

Most people who really know me know I am one of the pickiest eaters in the world. Who else out there is with me? There are a ton of things I don't like to eat which is probably why I get stuck in a rut when trying to menu plan and get super bored with my go-to menu. I LOVE cookbooks, but there are a ton of recipes I never make simply because there are a bunch of ingredients I don't like.

A few weeks ago I decided to bite the bullet and order the Fixate cookbook by Autumn Calabrese. It's a great way to create meals that follow the 21 Day Fix meal plan without having to figure out the number of containers ;)

Now I knew going into this that there would probably be some recipes I didn't like and wouldn't even consider making (and there are) BUT I decided to keep an open mind.

So for dinner last night I decided to make Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers. Let me start by saying bell peppers are one of my least favorite vegetables. I would NEVER get anything with bell peppers on it. In fact the taste of bell pepper to me ruins the flavor. My hubby likes peppers though so I decided to step outside my comfort zone with my tastebuds and try something new. It was definitely a lot of labor for something I wasn't sure I wa going to like. 

First I made the tomato sauce! 

If I was doing it again I would definitely make the sauce the day before because that took a LONG time and was very labor intensive.

Then I made the stuffing for the peppers. I figured even if I didn't like the pepper, I could at least eat the filling ;) (Although one of my coworkers recommended I try stuffing tomatoes and I may just have to do that sometime!) I picked orange peppers because they were pretty...haha

They turned out pretty awesome! I was very proud of how it came out for all the effort. Was it my favorite meal ever?...nope Did I eat all my pepper half?....nope (but I did eat more than half of the half...SUCCESS!) Would I make it again?...sure I may even do both peppers and tomatoes next time.

In the end, I am still a picky eater. I still crinkle my nose at ingredients I don't like. There are still recipes I won't try. But I'm proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone!

Life is Precious!

I should be asleep right now! It's the weekend, my boys are asleep, and I could actually be getting my 7-8hrs of recommended sleep for the night but I'm lying awake thinking about how precious life is.

Last weekend was our last weekend spent with my extended family and it was such a special time. Yes we were crammed into a tiny condo, yes it was LOUD (like "I can't even think in here" loud), yes I got frustrated many times, BUT spending time with my grandma, aunts, uncle, cousins, parents, siblings, and all the kids was amazing. Life is precious and we need to remember that. We hustle and bustle around in our day to day lives and forget about the little things. The things that make someone smile.

I am so guilty of zoning out when I get home from work and rushing through the nightly routine just to get to bed time (I hope I'm not the only mom that does that!) I realize I need to do a better job of being present, spending time playing with my boys, answering "why?" for the millionth time because before I know it these sweet precious boys we created will be all grown up.

Our littlest is almost 16 months and is so funny and so adorable but very opinionated and very loud. Maybe it's because he's a screamer, maybe it's because he is always soooo busy, or maybe it's because he and his brother fight, but sometimes I find myself wishing he would grow up and then I think about it and realize I need to be better with patience. Yes it is challenging to have two children 2 1/2 years apart, and yes my little guy is much more active than his older brother was at this age but I'm not ready to not have a baby anymore (I'm actually grieving the idea that this might be our last baby!). I'm not ready to not be able to sit and rock a sweet little boy before bedtime. There are so many nights I go to bed feeling so guilty for yelling at my boys, or saying hurtful things, or even wishing away the time in my head. I wish I could take it all back. I hope my boys know that I love them more than anything and that I would do anything for them.

Parenting is the HARDEST job you will ever have! I fail at it every single day. I am a work in progress but I hope to teach my boys love and forgiveness. I need to remember to reframe my thoughts to positive and appreciate everything about this time and about life in general. Our time on earth is short and we never know when we will be called Home, so squeeze your families a little tighter, give kisses, put your phone down to play for 5 minutes, really listen to what someone has to say, and remember to always always say "I love you!"

Ending story: I always end conversations with my family with "I love you" and one day when I was little (probably middle school age) my grandma asked me why I did that and I told her because if something ever happened to one of us before we talked or saw each other again, I wanted her to know how much I love her. Even if I am mad at or frustrated with my hubby, before I get off the phone I will always say "I love you"...think about it :)

Dance Your ASS Off!!!

So let me first start by saying I am so thrilled that I am now over 30lbs lighter than I was when I started this journey! This is a huge accomplishment for me and I'm motivated to keep this journey going. That is why I am so EXCITED to start dancing my ASS off! Seriously CIZE is where it is at people!!!:) This is probably surprising to hear from someone who has very little rhythm as evidenced in my lovely video on Facebook ;) Aside from posting my crazy video noone else sees me! I'm dancing in my own home and can be crazy, laugh at myself, not get the moves the first time, and feel like a complete idiot all in the confines of my own living room. Shaun T. is so awesome and he really does a great job teaching you the moves and it is designed for EVERYONE!!!

I'm on my third round of 21 Day Fix and as much as I love Autumn, I'm ready for a change! I'm ready to not need weights and not have to cringe every time I have to sit on the floor because of my tailbone. I'm ready to be energized and excited again and my body is ready to try something different :)

I'm looking for others to join me in my first test group of this awesome new program. My next group is going to start on August 10th. I'm headed on vacation next week and I know when I get back, I'm going to need a good kick in the pants! This gives you plenty of time to grab a program and get started with me!!! If you think this program looks cool or you know someone you think would like it get in contact with me or give them my contact info.

Struggle is Real!

I struggle every day with these workouts and my nutrition! I am getting better, but it's a struggle to even turn the tv on. Not because I don't want to, but because I'm busy. BUT being busy is not an excuse. Yes, the struggle is real, BUT you can do it. If I can do it, anyone can do it!

My biggest struggle is planning. I am good at planning certain things, but when it comes to meal planning I SUCK! I have gotten better at it over the 3 rounds of 21 Day Fix, however I'm not perfect. I have learned to eat healthier, eat more vegetables, eat more balanced meals. I have learned that if I have one bad meal it's not going to kill me, but the rest of my meals for the day should be healthier and more balanced choices. I have learned to be GENTLE with myself. Changing how you eat, what you eat, and when you eat is a process. I do not expect perfection out of myself because I know that is not REAL LIFE!!!

If I followed the plan 100% would I lose more weight and inches, yes of course. Unfortunately change is hard for me so by adding daily workouts and completely changing how I eat I knew it was not going to happen overnight and THAT IS OK!!!

It doesn't matter if people on my team are having transformation quicker than I am, what matter is that I keep going. DO NOT compare yourself to others. Compare yourself to YOU! I am proud of what I have done in 9 months. It may be slower than I planned, but I'm still working at AND that is the most IMPORTANT!!!

Even if you don't think there are noticeable results, look back at past pictures and I bet you will see a difference! HERE is my transformation!!!

You CAN do this! If you want or need support and motivation on your journey I am here for you!!! Email me, message me, or comment on this post :)

21 Day Fix Egg Muffins

So the hardest meal for me to plan for on the 21 Day Fix is my morning snack. It's hard for me to break out of the mindset that certain foods are supposed to be for certain times of the day. For instance it feels really weird and wrong to be eating a red container of baked chicken and a yellow container of sweet potatoes at 10:30AM. I know I need to get over this but it's been 31 years so yeah it's gonna take some time ;)

Anyway I saw on pinterest egg muffins so I decided to try them but I made up my own recipe for better or worse. I said I have been trying to like spinach so I decided to give it a try in this. I used 2 green containers of spinach, 1 of tomatoes, and 1 of onion. I chopped all of the ingredients up and dispersed them in a cupcake pan. I used a 6 count giant cupcake tin, but you could use a 12 count cupcake tin :)

Then I whisked 9 eggs with a couple grinds of my pink Himalayan salt, a couple grinds of pepper, and a few shakes of garlic powder to taste. I added the egg mixture on top of the vegetables then stuck it in a 350° oven for 25 minutes. If you are doing a dozen small muffins you should check them after 15 minutes.

Once cooked, I pulled them out and let them vool . They looked ridiculous because they had puffed up weird but they were actually kind of tasty.

 

The next time I make them I may add some different vegetables! It's really all about your taste and we all know spinach isn't my favorite ;) I also may try them in smaller muffin tins so I can make a dozen. It's all about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things! Enjoy!!!

Go To Chicken Recipe that is 21 Day Fix Approved

I LOVE fresh spinach salads and I try to love cooked spinach, I really do, but I just can't. It's bitter and slimy and oh so not appetizing to me :( Cooked spinach in a dip...no problem I can eat that ;), but cooked spinach on my plate....YUCK. Rod's mom was visiting back in April and we had some leftover spinach so Rod explored online and found this awesome McCormick Herb Chicken Skillet with Spinach and Tomatoes...YUMMY YUMMY

It takes basically no prep time and its done in 25 minutes. You get veggies and chicken all in one pan!!! Seriously if you are like us and have no time, this recipe is AMAZING! Low on dishes and quick on time ;)

The serving size is 6 so you may have leftovers for the next lunch...even better right?

(This was our leftovers!)

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of oil
1 1/2 pound of chicken tenders (We use chicken breast and cut them up)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (we use fresh tomatoes chopped..I like FRESH!)
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 package (6 ounces) baby spinach leaves

Personally I think you could add more spinach....yummy! Yes, I know...who is that girl that doesn't like cooked spinach and adds more spinach? It really is so good!!! Also, if you like spicy some crushed red pepper flakes would be really tasty in it too. 

Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat and then add the chicken. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes or until browned.

Then add the onions. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes to soften the onions.

Stir in tomatoes, water, and spices. Stir occasionally and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 3 minutes or until heated through. 

Stir in spinach and cook for about 2 minutes or until spinach begins to wilt. 

That's all folks! It's that simple :) This is now my go-to chicken recipe when I need more greens for the day!!!

21 Day Fix - Week 2 Day 3

So I about died tonight...no really. Leg day always kills me, but the 21 Day Fix is a good kind of hurt. "It hurts so good"!  I need to get these legs stronger so I don't topple over (I actually did topple over twice...hahaha). At the end, I collapsed into a heap on the living room floor and seriously considered sleeping on that floor tonight ;)

I am super stoked that I am keeping up with the workouts. With PiYo and T25 I would miss a workout here and there on the calendar. When I'm doing 21 Day Fix, I know it's only for 3 weeks. It also helps that my challengers are KILLING IT. One said she was sooo happy with her results and another said she was down 7-8lbs and several inches. Wohoo! This program works if you put the effort in. It's not a magic pill. You HAVE TO do the work!

The work you do is not only in the 30 minute exercises, but in the kitchen too. I have been really slacking this week in the nutrition department :( I've been super busy at work and literally forgotten to eat. I know, how is that possible? I don't know, but what I do know is that when I'm not eating healthy and not getting enough sleep my mental capacity suffers. Some of the students I have worked with in the last week will tell you some of the crazy mistakes I have made. One student told me the other day..."uhhh Mrs. Asekhauno, I think you spelled Annandale wrong".....oy vey! I need to fuel my body to think clearer, function properly, AND burn more of this fat! Tomorrow is a new day and I plan to do a better job of taking a quick break to eat snacks and lunch :)

I'm also humbled to find out that someone I knew back in high school was motivated to start on his journey because of my continued posts. When you are overweight, it's hard to get up the courage to post selfies. I used to stand in the back of pictures. If I was in the picture, I was hiding behind my children and trying to hid my double chin. I'm starting to feel more confident and more comfortable in my own skin. I still have a LONG way to go, but I'm happy to report I am over a QUARTER of the way to my first GIANT goal of losing 100 lbs. Yes, you heard me - I have lost over 25 lbs. Now, could I have lost it faster - definitely yes! BUT my journey is not a straight line and there a bumps and turns along the way and I'm learning to be ok with that. When you have spent your whole life making different choices, you can't expect to change overnight. I didn't put this weight on in 8 months so I shouldn't be discouraged that I have only lost just over 25lbs in 8 months. I'm a work in progress and THAT IS OK!!! I'm not giving up!!!!!!!!!

If you are a work in progress too and you are motivated to join me, send me an email or find me on Facebook. The 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack is on SALE this month and you can purchase the program here. You'll get the 21 Day Fix program, Shakeology, me as your coach, support, accountability, and confidence. If you want to start working out, but you don't think you want to do 21 Day Fix, let's chat about your goals. I'll help you find a Beachbody program that will work for you :)

BTW if you are interested in 25% off Beachbody products, email me and I'll tell you how :)

21 Day Fix

I apologize for my long hiatus from blogging. I need to remember to share my journey because I know I'm not the only one that struggles. It's hard to remember to share not only my successes but my failures too. Yes, I'm human and I have fallen down. But the important thing is I'm picking myself back up.

In April, I decided to try the 21 Day Fix program. I started my 1st round and I did ok. I missed eating a lot of containers and I missed a workout every weekend :( BUT I finished the 21 Days and I lost 7 pounds and 16 inches overall. 

So then I decided I would take two weeks off of the 21 Day Fix and start back at it again. I intended to try a different Beachbody program during the time between but I let my excuses get in the way. Then my two weeks turned into three weeks because I got really sick in the middle of the second week and I'm just now getting over this crap 2 weeks later :(

I am so fortunate that several other ladies I know including my identical twin decided to join me on this program this time. I am currently on DAY 4 of 21 and I'm starting to feel good about myself again. I'm making healthier choices, I'm following my containers, and I'm getting my 30 minute workout in. Am I perfect - nope but I'm making progress and that is what is important.

If you have been thinking you need a change, the 21 Day Fix is an awesome idea! It's teaching me portion control and how to balance my nutrition. It's got a SUPER EASY to follow plan AND before you start thinking this won't work for you because you are the pickiest eater think again. I seriously am a super picky eater SO I just cook things that I like. Bell peppers and mushrooms count as items that can go in the green container, but guess who's not putting peppers or mushrooms in her green container----THIS GIRL RIGHT HERE! This is NOT a diet it's a LIFESTYLE change :) On top of the awesome color coded containers you also get seven (7) 30 minute workouts that works all the different muscles in your body so you'll do a different workout each day of the week.

This program combined with Shakeology is thebomb.com! SERIOUSLY it is worth a try. It has made such a difference in my life in just 3 short weeks. And the best part about Beachbody is that if you try the program and/or Shakeology and you hate or you don't see any result you can return it in 30 days and get a full bottom of the bag refund! NOW is the perfect time to get started. There is still time to get results before summer is in full swing!!! AND the absolute BEST part is that the 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack is on sale this month!!! That means you can purchase a bag of ShakeO and get the 21 Day Fix program including the workouts and color coded containers for only $10 more. Message me if you are ready to start your journey. I am so excited to help others feel as healthy as I do 😀

Spring Means Family Walks

I hope I'm not jinxing it, but I think Spring has sprung! I am LOVING this warmer weather😄 We can go outside with light jackets and get our energy out!!!

Although I hate the first couple of days of daylight saving time, I am loving how it is still light as it gets later into the evening. I love that we can get home from work and still go outside. Family walks are the best. Eventually when we get in a rhythm the dogs will start going with us, but the last few days it's been my 3 favorite guys! Cameron likes to take his balance bike and Rod and I walk behind pushing the stroller. I love the fresh air and the exercise. Get out there and enjoy the weather and you family/fur family!!!

Personal Development

So one thing we are taught to do as a Beachbody coach is personal development. I was really slacking on it. I was feeling overwhelmed with everything else and didn't make the time to read or listen to things that will improve me as a person. This weekend I decided enough was enough! I finally sat down and read a book I had been starting and stopping since October!

If you have not read The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, you really need to pick up a copy and read it! It is such an awesome book and shows you how small steps turn into giant leaps. I really needed to finish this book for me. It was so refreshing to actually read something and expand my mind. The book has such amazing ideas and really got me thinking how to apply it to my life. It really energized me to make some changes. I was so productive yesterday and I plan to start with small changes to make better habits for myself. Pick up this book for a quick read and strategies to help you with ways to get motivated and make a change!!!

Winter Blues!

Is winter getting you down? I'm definitely working through a slump right now :( I've been sick, my kids have been sick, and we have been stuck inside for days. I actually don't mind snow, but it's hard to enjoy it when you leave right after the sun is up and get home when the sun is setting.

My poor boys have seen the worst of me these last few weeks.  I've been losing my patience more often and been extremely streesed. Some of it is work, some of it is not meeting goals I've set for myself, and the majority is disorganization. How can someone who teaches organizational skills be disorganized you ask?... that's a good question I wish I had an answer for! I need an intervention!!   

Oh AND whoever said terrible twos forgot to mention threes is terrible twos times INFINITY! Why do three year old's know all the right buttons to push to make you scream? OMG this kid might not make it to 4!!! They are super cute but oh so much work ;)

Anyway, trying to get back into the swing of things! I still love T25. Even if I start at 11:30 at night, I can still get my workout finished before midnight! I really need to work on my nutrition though. Even though im eating less, I know I'm not eating enough of what I am supposed to. Once I get my nutrition in line , I know a lot of this weight will start coming off. This is why I have decided to take advantage of the 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack that is on sale this month! It costs $140 (only $10 more than just ordering Shakeology) and it comes with Shakeology, a shaker cup, the color coded containers (that are going to get my nutrition in order), AND the 21 Day Fix Exercise videos! It's really an awesome deal. This deal is only good until 2/28 so if your like me and want to join me, message me for more details:) 

This journey is hard! I have eaten like crap since I was a young adult. I struggle every day with making decisions on what to eat and I fail more than I succeed so it's scary, but I know I need to make a change for me and my family. Small steps! Thanks to all of you for holding me accountable!!!

Family Fun and Exercise

I am always trying to find some ways my 3 year old and I can be active together.  He likes to put his "exercise" shoes on and workout with me which normally means getting in my way. It's cute and frustrating at the same time. In the spring we can go for walks, play in our yard, play at the park, ride bikes, etc. But in the winter it's super hard to find things to do.

Two weekends ago we tried something new for my nephew's 3rd birthday party...A TRAMPOLINE PARK! We jumped for almost an hour and had so much fun. I was a little self conscious because let's face it I'm pretty big, but I didn't let what other people might think get in the way of me enjoying time with my family! If you have never been, you have to try it! We had a blast jumping and a meltdown when it was time to go.

Being healthy is what is important.  I want to set a good example for my boys as they grow up. I want to be able to run around with them while they have boundless energy. I don't want to be the sideline mom! All it takes is one step at a time.

T25

I started T25 3 weeks ago. The first week was one of my most difficult weeks ever related to work but I pushed through and worked out every day! I felt great about myself and about being persistent. I love working up a sweat in 25 minutes!

Last week I let the excuses get in the way. I was tired and stressed and instead of working off my stress I slacked off. I'm currently not a part of a challenge group and I really feel like a group helps to hold me accountable! When I lack internal motivation it helps to have the external motivation. So I let my low motivation and excuses get in the way of 25 minutes of hard work. I planned to workout on Friday before we headed out of town for the weekend but things came up at work and I didn't get home as early as I wanted. I was pretty bummed on the car ride down but I realized that anything is better than nothing and even though it wasn't my best week,  I didn't just sit on my butt all week and do nothing.  Making big changes in your life takes hard work and you WILL have some setbacks!  What matters is if you let those setbacks define who you are or if you pick yourself up and get back to WORK!

A fresh start!

Today is a fresh start! This is my year!!! I plan to focus on my and my family's health and happiness :) No one is going to lose this weight for me or do my workouts for me. 

I started this journey in October and I haven't been perfect. I've fallen off the wagon more times than I would like to admit but I haven't given up. In less than 2 months I have lost 8 lbs. I had hoped to make more of a dent but I let life and excuses get in the way. 2015 is my new start! It's time to train myself to eat healthier, to be stronger, and to work harder. I'm still loving PiYo and I definitely see changes. I can do more and rest less. Chalene is super motivating! I love how calm she is :) My next program is going to be T25. I tried a hip hop abs workout from Shaun T. and loved him and that workout too! I'm hoping I love Shaun T. in T25. I'll let you know:)

Happy New Year everyone! What are your goals? Let me know if I can help! I'm starting a Challenge Group in January to help others with their goals. It will be a 30 day challenge. You pick the program and flavor of Shakeology. Who wants to join me on this journey? Email me at Cmcelest@gmail.com or send me a message on Facebook for more information.