My Favorite Things

Hello beautiful people.
Day 53, Down 32 pounds. 
It's Saturday!! And although I'm dealing with back pain I'm so happy to spend a full day hanging out with my family. I'm a little draggy and just comfy in my pajamas on the couch so I thought... why not speak to "my people" :) I've been talking to a few people here and there about working on a meal plan or just giving out simple "meal-hacks" that I use to make life easier. A big question I've been asked is, "What are your favorite things?"... of course, I list them right off... but I thought more people might be interested or maybe just want to change up their day to day eats and treats.
So here's my go-to favorites that work for me...

*Unsweetened Almond Milk: Only 30 calories and has a ton of good fats = heart health! It is considered "nutrient dense"This is great to keep your protein shake creamy :) Since Renn doesn't drink milk anyways this is ALL we have in our house these days. Dairy inhibits weight-loss, so while I can't give up all the cheeses I can give up regular milk.

*Harvest Snaps: This does wonders for my chip addiction... when I'm truly craving chips I turn to these, or from time to time - SunChips (which are whole grain). My favorite flavor of the Harvest Snaps are Tomato Basil - watch that serving size though! Bag them out ahead of time so it doesn't become an over-indulgence, because trust me it can happen FAST!

*LadyBoss Lean: I do not sell this product so please don't think I'm trying to pitch it to you. But it's absolutely DELICIOUS! I love that it's made specifically for women and the taste is great. You don't have to use THIS product but I highly suggest you do some research and have some sort of powdered protein on hand - packs a great protein punch in muffins, waffles, shakes and energy balls. We use it for many things. ---- So I truly MUST add in a secret little recipe for Edible Cookie Dough I got off my LadyBoss Facebook page... 1 scoop Lean protein powder + 2 TBSP nut butter + 1 TBSP almond milk + 1 tsp dark chocolate chips, she says "Just mix all ingredients together and prepare a speech for Jesus cause you're about to be in heaven, girl!" hahaha!! I haven't tried it yet, but trust me - it's a'comin'. 

*Kodiak Cakes: I only use the ones labeled "Power Cakes", they are made of 100% whole grain and have added protein. I absolutely LOVE making waffles for something a little different - I've eaten them for breakfast, lunch and a snack!

*Walden's Sauces: "No calories, Fat, Carbs, Gluten or Sugars of any kind"(waldenfarms.com)... it's crazy how much of a difference this sauce made in my chicken burrito bowl... it's SOOOO good! They have salad dressings, coffee creamers and syrups, pasta sauces, bbq sauces, etc. Now I want a gift certificate for the Walden Farms store #allthethings. I'm so excited to explore this whole new world!

*Popcorn Seasoning: Weird, huh? I'm sharing this because it makes SUCH a cool difference in bland old egg whites - they have lots of flavors so you can change it up, I know several people that like to use the Jalapeno cheddar! I'm a ranch fan myself. Just add it to egg whites before cooking and boom! new experiences!

*Steel Cut Oats: This form of oat is the least processed and therefore contains the most nutrients. I was nervous to go from my usual quick oats, but everything tastes the same it's just a bit crunchier, which I'm totally fine with. Oats are overall awesome-sauce for your gut health - they have more fiber than any other grain! They lower cholesterol AND blood pressure, contain antioxidants, slow the rise in blood sugar, contain phytochemicals - which have been shown to reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers. On top of ALL of those bonuses in this little tiny grain it also had a tendency to keep you full longer (it's all that fiber!) - win/win for people trying to lose weight!

*Quinoa: This tiny thing packs another powerful punch - it contains all 9 essential amino acids, it's high in fiber/protein and it's gluten free! On healthline.com I read that quinoa contains quercetin and kaempferol - two "molecules that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-depressant effects in animal studies" - excuse me... who doesn't need that in their life!! In regards to weight-loss, "The human-based study found that using quinoa instead of typical gluten-free breads and pastas significantly reduced blood sugar, insulin and triglyceride levels. Research in rats showed that adding quinoa to a diet high in fructose almost completely inhibited the negative effects of fructose." ... what the what!?!? That's crazy awesome... and something you DEFINITELY need to get in  your belly ASAP!

*Skinny Pop Popcorn: Remember, it's a whole grain... just popped! It's actually an amazingly healthy snack - it's got fiber, low fat and low calories AND... the best part... you get a LOT of it! You still need to watch your serving since... but this is 100% my go to when I want to truly "snack" on something. My favorite's in the brand so far are the Aged White Cheddar and Kettle Corn, of course that last one helps with any sweet cravings I may have... you know around that time of the month.

*Peanut Butter & Co: Hello... if you have not tried the White Chocolate Wonderful we cannot even be friends. Seriously, I sing it's praises quite often and it's just past time you had this on your shelf. It brightens my whole day... literally... and while that may seem lame as all get out, it's just downright true. I love the Dark Chocolate Dreams as well... still searching for The Bee's Knees, let me know if you see it!

*Bang: We should all know by now how I feel about Bang... hopefully, if you follow me at all on anything. It 0 calories / 0 sugar / 0 carb - has a fantastic flavor and energizes me. It's not an uncomfortable energy or a ZAP! ... but it just allows me to continue to being productive throughout my entire day rather than having that evening/after work lull. I usually drink it around 3 - it's my afternoon pick-me-up and I look forward to it every single day.

*Mio Energy Iced Vanilla Java: This isn't super healthy... but I tell you what, it's a heck of a lot healthier than a Starbuck's frappuccino and that what it feels like I'm drinking. #worthit

*Nutthins: No sugar, cholesterol, saturated fat or trans-fat in this here cracker. The have a fantastic snap and a heck of a taste. We use them in place of chips for the adults in this house - with tuna salad, nachos, with dips, to make pizza chips... if you can dream it, they can do it.

*Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese: I sub this for cream cheese errrytime ... Why? Because I like lots of recipes that call for cream cheese and you know... greek yogurt is better. It's like 4x the protein, half the calories and half the fat. Go for it... you'll never go back.

*Turkey Pepperoni: It's gotta be TURKEY... did you catch that. Fewer calories and fat that regular pepperoni... but it does get crazy on the sodium, so make sure you are chugging that water, girlfriend! But the reason this is on my "favorites" is because I make Pizza Chips and I couldn't love them more. I use a serving of Nutthins, a drop of pizza sauce, a slice of turkey pepperoni and then sprinkle mozzarella on top and microwave until the cheese melts. Epic.

Okay, I've shared mine... now show me yours. What are some of your favorite things that make your weight-loss/healthy eating days a little brighter? Do tell... I'm truly interested!

Over and out for today, ya'll
-J

Not Ashamed

I said I would blog my feelings... so here I am. I'm not as upset as I was yesterday... so I spared you from that... it's never a good thing for me to write when I'm angry. After weighing myself and being sooooo frustrated I looked around for someone to blame. I mean why would I gain ELEVEN pounds, yes... you read that correctly... just because I cheated for a couple of days. (Do you know how long it takes to LOSE 11 pounds?!?) Ohhh probably because you cheated for a couple of days, duh. So who was there to blame... me... just me. I did this... I let myself go and decided to eat and eat ... and eat all the wrong things. I grumbled to myself for most of the day on Monday... every time I had to chug water or make a better food choice. And today... well, today was worse. I got into stubborn little arguments with MYSELF (no, I'm not crazy) when it was time to eat I was so frustrated with having to make a healthier choice I almost refused to eat. I mean... what is that about? I felt like I was just slamming my head into a wall over and over and I might have huffed out loud a few times. Whhhhyyyy.... why is it so hard?! I was tired and cranky and withdrawing from sugar. This afternoon, I cracked open a Bang and read through my Pinterest Dream Board and got my head back in the game. It's really NOT that hard... it just takes effort, which means that sometimes it's easier than others. "The hard part isn't getting your body in shape. The hard part is getting your mind in shape." This is so very true... 95% of my problem is in my head... emotional eater, stress eater, anxious eater... I have to talk myself through most days... whether it's about food or something else. This is just one more thing bumping around in this head of mine. Another reason I must stay focused and keep my mind on the end game. I am worth it. I will do this. I give no excuses. I am committed. Through this process... and the many times I have been right here... I have learned that I can pretty much talk myself through anything. The power is within me, I just have to put in the effort. "The comeback is always stronger than the setback." This comeback will include crunches and pushups with a few hundred squats for good measure. I am absolutely TERRIFIED to put that out there... why? Because that means I must follow through. I am absolutely aching to workout but I'm also shaking in my knickers. I kinda wanna whine about it... but I'm better than that. That stupid little voice in the back of my head keeps whispering that I might fail, that I will be weak and it will hurt. Then my logical voice kicks in and says of course I will... I will fail at first because I have high standards and although I want to kick the first week off with 150 squats... I won't. I will fail myself and the idea of what I can do that is built up in my head... BUT I won't be a failure. I am weak, but that's only because this is the beginning. I will get stronger... and therein lies the magic of the transformation. And oh, it will hurt... it will hurt A LOT... but enduring those aches and pains will lead to stronger muscles - it means I worked hard. It means I am earning it. I will not be ashamed of my beginnings. Every journey starts somewhere.

Overnight I lost 3 of the 11 ... so only 8 more to go to break even. It was my choice, my mistake and I must now carry the burden of my choice. That does not make this the end, it just means I have to push harder.

"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it."

- Margaret Thatcher

Truer words have never been spoken... this is my battle and I definitely have to fight it time and time again. It's alright thought... I will overcome this and it will be epic.

I know I'm late to the game but here is the rest of the menu... I will go ahead and give you my 2 week plan (I do grocery pick up tomorrow).
Breakfasts: w1: Chia Yogurt Power Bowl (Clint) / LB Lean Shakes (Jillian)
                     w2: Toast with fried egg, tomato & provolone (Clint) / Shakes (Jillian)
Lunches: w1: 7 Layer Dip w/Pita Chips (Clint) / Burrito Bowls (Jillian)
                 w2: Tuna Salad w/Nutthins (Clint) / Pizza Chips (Cheddar Cheese Nutthins, Drop of Pizza sauce, Turkey Pepperoni, Mozzerella) (Jillian)
Snacks: skinny pop popcorn, nature valley protein bars, celery + PB, protein balls
W: Sheet pan veggies + chicken on the side
Th: picnic in suprise location! *probably Chick-fil-a meal*
F: Jill out with friends / boys fend for themselves ;)
Sa: Grilled Veggies & Black Bean BBQ Bowls (C) / Meatloaf + green beans + veggie pasta-Steamfresh brand (J)
Su: Medi Power Grain Bowls (C) / Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli (J)
M: Left-over Saturday dinner
T: Left-over Sunday dinner
W: Make your own Quesadillas
Th: Stir Fry
F: Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Sa: Veggie Brunswick Stew (C) / Enchilada Casserole (J)
Su: Salmon Cakes + Sweet Potato Fries + Asparagus
M: Left-over Saturday dinner
T: Left-over Sunday dinner

Find a way

What's up lovely people?
It's been awhile, right? I know... I'm sorry. I was frustrated and blocked... writer's block, weight loss block, digestive block, emotionally blocked... you know just blocked, from all angles. It took me 14 days of frustration, sometimes scream out loud worthy... absolute, annoyingly so, quite defiant determined frustration. I was angry, but I was resolute. I powered through.

I also added more fiber to my diet. Avocare's Fiber drink(unflavored) to be exact.
 After struggling "to go" (sorry for the TMI but I'm here to be real with you) after my Sept 1st cheat meal... which didn't help me AT ALL in the losing weight department. I felt bloated and uncomfortable every day. I added the fiber drink to my breakfast routine - by that evening I was able to go and the next day I dropped and have continuously dropped since. It just got things moving again... which is exactly what I needed. It's weird because you'd think that if you were eating healthier that you would have less trouble keeping things moving regularly but for some reason I always struggle with this from time to time while losing weight. I had no idea why... so, as usual, I turned to google and found this little golden nugget of information.
Why High Protein Diets Constipate You
I definitely consume a lot of the foods suggested to keep fiber in your diet but apparently my body just needs that extra boost. I'm going to have to keep that Fiber Drink on hand! What do you do for extra fiber???

During those 14 days... I watched the scale fall lower and lower every single time my husband stepped on and while I was genuinely happy for his success... on the inside, I was throwing myself a little pity party, complete with carb-free snacks and punch made of water. It's a fact - men lose weight faster than women... extra little fact to brighten your day (insert eye roll) - women also GAIN weight faster than men. Are you ready for the list...
1. Men have more muscle, they also build muscle faster... which in turn allows them to burn more calories in general. What to do about it: Women, add strength training to your exercise routine. 
2. Men lose more water weight than women. These are those quick pounds that drop off right at the beginning. What to do about it: Pound that water. Get it in at every turn. Flush your system. 
3. Women are hormonally wired to store more fat - 6-11% more in fact. Fun fact: our fat helps us fuel our workout! so there's that silver lining.
4. Men and women store fat differently. The fat men usually carry (subcutaneous) is easier to lose that the fat women tend to carry (visceral).  What to do about it: sleep well, get more fiber in your diet, lower your carb intake, make sure to have a balance of cardio and strength training. 
5. A woman's menstrual cycle can trigger stress eating. And we allllll know about that.
*I got this fun little list from here: https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/men-lose-weight-faster-than-women

Basically, it's all about the hormones. Testosterone boosts the metabolism all on it's very own... while estrogen causes women to store fat. There ain't nothin' to be done about it other than go hard. Get it through your head that it's not easy and you're going to have to fight for every single ounce. Men's bodies are set up to burn fat quickly, women's are not. Let your feminism show... women can lose weight too. Be determined. Show up every day. Work for it. You will be victorious.

Day 39. Down 28.4... I'll get there.

Some people have asked if I get sick of eating the same thing over and over throughout the week - such as breakfast or lunches. Generally, I do not. I love that through meal planning and meal prep it's quick and easy and there. When lunchtime comes I'm HUNGRY and ready to eat whatever... I don't care. If I have something planned and ready to eat it ensures that I don't have time to crave anything else. Typically, the argument is that unhealthy snacks/foods are easier to grab and just faster to prepare and consume... BUT if you have a plan and foods prepped this should absolutely not be the case. I've said it a zillion times... you have GOT to be prepared. Even if you don't have the budget or time to try crazy hard recipes full of fresh produce... do better. They have some great FROZEN healthy choices now - I've seen them at Costco, Publix and Aldi... places are waking up and getting on the healthy train. Do you know I even saw Cheese Whisps and Lentil Bean Crisps at the MOVIE THEATER as a choice!?!?!?! Yep! Healthy options are becoming more prevalent which means you have zero excuses. Think about it like this - other than breakfasts & lunches, which will be meal prepped this weekend, from Monday-Sunday of this coming week I am only actually cooking with any effort 4 times and one of them is a stir-fry- which is SUPER easy and fast - through my work week there are only 2 recipes (a 3rd is crockpot so that doesn't count it's just dumping in ingredients) pesto pasta and tostadas... the other 2 recipes are over the weekend. It's EASY folks, it's not worth an excuse. And back to if I get sick of eating the same things.... my LadyBoss shake is amazing - I literally look forward to drinking it. There are so many recipes for protein shakes... I can change it up a bit anytime I want but have been drinking the same thing for over a month and I'm still completely happy with that. As far as lunches go... it's fuel... I'm hungry and I'm chanting "get in my belly" by the time I get to eat. I'm just happy it tastes good and I can start getting it in my mouth in less than 2 minutes. It's 5-6 days of the same lunch... who cares. Having a portion controlled meal ready to go means more than eating something different every day. Pick your battles... because when you search deep down you'll realize that all your doing is making an excuse.

Pinterest is a crazy-awesome resource for meal planning ideas!

Next week's plan:
Breakfasts: Green Smoothie (Clint) / LadyBoss Shake (Jillian)
Lunches: Tuna Salad with Nutthin crackers + mini dill pickles
Snacks: Vegetable tray w/ light sour cream ranch dip, LadyBoss protein balls, fresh fruit, nuts, pita chips w/ hummus, hard boiled eggs.
Monday: Saturday night left-overs (Lemon Garlic Orzo w/Roasted Vegetables)
Tuesday: Sunday night left-overs (Baked Eggplant Parmesan)
Wednesday: Pesto Pasta (Clint - I leave out the chicken and double the pasta, using spinach & ricotta tortellini) / Low Carb Taco Soup (Jillian - I will use half sausage and half ground turkey and sub the cream cheese for Greek yogurt cream cheese)
Thursday: Wednesday night left-overs
Friday: Tostadas! Clint will have Hummus & Veggie Tostadas /  Renn and I will have BBQ Chicken Tostadas as requested by Renn-man
Saturday: Stir-Fry ... basically throw all the leftover veggie in the skillet / for Saturday lunch we will have any leftovers from Wednesday or Friday.
Sunday: Cauliflower crust pizzas