Healthy Recipe Review

 I'm not going to lie. I ate horribly from about Thanksgiving all way through New Year's.  We honestly had Christmas get-together's and parties every single weekend all month. Then, my husband's crazy work schedule got in the way of me being able to go to classes at night at the gym, so I didn't work out. At all. I could've walked in our neighborhood. I could've gone to gym while the kids were in school. But I didn't. I just didn't. And I have paid for it. I've gained weight over the holidays and I feel awful. Correction. Did feel awful. 

I'm getting back into the swing of things, eating healthy and getting some workouts in. I'm already five pounds down since last week! Yay!  But it was probably just water weight. (I am doing a detox cleanse and I'm sure that has helped. More about that in a minute.)

//Via Instagram//

My hubby bought me a Samsung Gear Fit for Christmas so I can keep up with calories burned and my daily steps with the pedometer. I really like having it. Before, I was just guessing how many calories I burned during a workout. Now, I have a much more accurate reading.  Also, I got some new kicks for my birthday! I am all set!

Saturday afternoon, I decided that I would go ahead and cook a few meals and pre-package them so that I would be prepared to eat healthy this week and would have no excuses to not choose wisely. 

Here's what I cooked this weekend:

//Via He and She Eat Clean//

This was the first time I had ever cooked the zesty chicken. It is marinaded in Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (I use Bragg's) with a couple other ingredients, and it is a little too vinegar-y for me. It isn't bad, it's just a little tangy.  I used this chicken to fix six grab-n-go meals for myself. By the way, a couple of the recipes I am talking about today comes from He and She Eat Clean. I highly suggest checking our their site. They have wonderful healthy recipes!

//Via 100 Days of Real Food//

Now, this crock-pot whole chicken is one of my favorite clean meals to make!  It is so yummy and easy. It's also something that my hubby and kiddos readily eat. I give it two very enthusiastic thumbs up (Clueless quote there) and highly suggest trying it!

//Via Chelsea's Messy Apron//

These flourless and gluten free apple almond muffins were really good. They weren't very sweet, which I guess is the point, but I still liked them. They are good for breakfast with coffee and even as a mid-afternoon snack. Next time I make these, I am adding a bit more apples and just a little Stevia. The best part about these muffins?  They were guilt-free! I'm talking zero guilt. I ate them and enjoyed them and knew I wasn't cheating even though it kind of felt like I was. 

//Via Jennie O//

These Mexican turkey sausage frittatas are so good and another go-to breakfast for me. It's flavorful, healthy, and only 100 calories per frittata. They are great to make ahead; make a large batch and package them in pairs. Pull out throughout the week for a quick breakfast or high-protein snack. 

My pre-made meals and snacks:

These are all the meals I made up using the Zesty chicken. (The bottom right is just extra chicken I used to make whole wheat wraps.)

I packaged half cups of strawberries and blueberries. (These were on sale this week at Winn-Dixie, which surprised me since they aren't in season. I snatched them up.)  This has been good for my girls, too. They can easily grab something healthy. 

//Via Instagram//

One of the snacks I have eaten over the last few days is half of an apple with one tablespoon of new Reese's spreads.  I have a huge sweet tooth and sometimes, if I feel totally deprived, I completely blow my healthy eating by grabbing a brownie or something equally as fattening. I like the Reese's spreads because it has the same amount of calories as peanut butter and I can eat just enough to get the sweetness I crave without totally going off track. (And it is so good! I mean, seriously yummy!) I've also added a tablespoon into my chocolate protein shake with a half a banana for a sweet afternoon snack. (I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.)

//Recipe via He and She Eat Clean//

Okay, now for the detox drink. This is Jillian Micheal's recipe. I'm not really a huge fan of teas or weird drinks, but this one isn't bad at all. It kind of tastes a bit like lemon water. (It has lemon juice in it.) The recipe calls for dandelion root tea. I couldn't find any around here, so I used Yogi DeTox Tea (found at Winn-Dixie). I had read other reviews of the tea where they used DeTox instead of dandelion root, so I was cool with swapping that out. I am on day four. It hasn't been bad at all, and I believe it is helping flush out toxins. Only three more days to go on it!

You can find all of these recipes and lots more on my Healthful Pinterest Board. Follow me on Pinterest! I am always on the lookout for healthy meals and pin to this board often.  (Also, I'd love to connect with you and cheer you on your own weight-loss, get-healthy journey or your next DIY. It makes my day to hear from you guys!  Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, and Twitter. Also, don't miss a Cultivate Create post!  Join this site on the right sidebar, sign up to get our posts emailed to you, or follow along on Bloglovin!

So, how are you doing now that January is here? Are you eating healthy? Still have the winter blahs?  Killing it in the gym? Finding it hard to find motivation? 

Do you have some favorite clean, healthy recipes that you'd like to share? Leave it in the comments!

Organic Food Coupon Sources

Whenever possible, I like to buy organic and natural food for my family. However, it can be quite expensive so I went on the search for organic food coupon sources a couple years ago. I have had a few of my friends ask for sites for organic coupons in the past couple of years so I decided that I would compile a small list of coupon sources for the always pricey organic foods. 

Here they are:

organicdeals.com

www.mambosprouts.com

I also like a site called All Natural Savings. Go check it out.

One thing I have found is that often I wouldn't be able to find coupons for the organic brands I use on a regular basis. I then went to the individual sites for each brand. Not all, but a lot of brands will email coupons when they are available when you sign up on their site. Brands like Horizon Organic, Organic Valley, Applegate, and Stonyfield Farm just to name a few. If you can't find a coupon for a brand you like on the sites listed above, just go directly to the company. If there isn't somewhere to sign up for deals or coupons, then email them directly and ask for coupons.   

I hope this helps. I just wanted to pass this along in case you want to save money feeding your family healthy stuff just like I do.....and of course, organic on a budget can get tricky. 



Linking up to:

WYWW

Favorite Healthy Recipes

Finding healthy recipes isn't that difficult, especially with the help of Pinterest.  Finding healthy recipes that actually taste good is a different ballgame.  I have tried some that were downright terrible! Today, I thought I'd share some healthy recipes that I have tested and are really delicious. I've listed the link to each recipe below the picture.

Breakfasts

Mexican Turkey Frittata

This frittata is delicious and is easy to vary according to taste. Sometimes I leave out the peppers and just add ground turkey sausage and cheddar cheese. This is an easy, make-ahead recipe that reheats well.

Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins

These muffins hit the spot if you want something sweet.  They are flourless, contain healthy ground flax, and are free of refined, white sugar.  They are sweetened with honey.  These are so yummy!  They make great snacks, too.


Sides

Best Broccoli of Your Life

This broccoli recipe is so easy to make and is very flavorful.  You won't believe it's not bad for you. 

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Fresh green beans, olive oil, and parmesan cheese? Yes, please. 

Main Dishes

Baked Turkey Meatballs with Spinach

These meatballs are so delicious!  I made mine into patties like a hamburger and served them with marinara sauce and mozarella cheese.  Kind of like a healthy version of a meatball sub.  I toasted a whole grain sandwich round, added the marinara and cheese, and ate with a side salad.  I had the leftovers later without any bread.  Be sure to click the link. There are other suggestions and variations of this recipe there. 

The Best Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot

What can I say about this yummy recipe?  It is super easy, and I have made it many times.  The seasoning is wonderful and cooking the chicken in the crock pot all day makes it so moist.  Sometimes, I add baby carrots to the bottom of the crock pot as well. Definitely a must-try for the busy mom. 


You can also check out my Healthful Pinterest Board for more healthy recipe ideas. 

*I am looking for some new smoothie recipes.  If you have one that you love, please share the recipe in the comments below.  I would love to try a few out and share my favorite ones with everyone soon.  

And just in case any of you missed it earlier this week, let me update you about Weigh-In Wednesdays.  I don't want my readers to bore of my weekly updates, so I decided to post once a month instead of weekly.  I will weigh in every first Wednesday of the month. (Which means next Wednesday will be the next weigh in.) Thank you all for continued support, encouragement, and prayers as I continue on the road to good health. 

One more thing!  Be sure to be on the lookout later today for a Giveaway post!  I'm not going to spoil the surprise of what the Giveaway is, but you won't want to miss it.

Weigh-In Wednesday #4

Hello, everyone.  I hope all is well with you.  We are recovering from being sick around here.  My girls both missed two days of school last week and by the end of the week J and I both were under the weather (J had it earlier in the week than I did.)  Gotta love winter colds/allergy attacks or whatever we had.   Glad to be better. 

Well, today is weigh-in number four!  It has been a whole month!  I have a smile on my face right now.  And maybe some tears in my eyes.  It has been a really long time since I have consistently eaten healthy for this long.  I feel freer, lighter, in a better place not only physically but also spiritually and emotionally.   There have been some outward changes, but I think the most significant changes at this point have been inward. 

I mentioned last week that I wanted to step up in the fitness area.  I tried without success to find a CrossFit class that I could fit into my schedule.  The ones offered here in my itty bitty hometown aren't at a time that I can attend.  And I enjoy aerobics classes, but the Zumba classes I would have to attend at the next town over aren't at a time I could go either, mainly because of J's work schedule.  So, I stepped up my strength training at home.   

We have a Bowflex type weight machine at home, so J and I worked out on it.  I have to say that it isn't my favorite thing in the world.  I would rather have free weights, a bar, and a bench to do all my strength training with.  I think J feels the same.  We may go that route soon.  We also looked at an eliptical machine, which is one of my favorite things to workout on.  We may go that route as well.  

I also started running this past week.  I loved it. I used to run when I was smaller and I always enjoyed it and the sense of accomplishment I got from it.  I kind of did it on a whim.  I was walking one night and just starting running.  It surprised me how much I liked it.  It isn't easy at my weight, and I definitely couldn't do much, but it was a start. And it felt good.  I  have run three times since last weigh-in and each time I have run longer.  I will continue building up my endurance.  I am thankful that I found something that I enjoy and actually look forward to doing. 

Here is an excerpt from my fitness log this past week showing the strength training and cardio.  I am trying to build lean muscle so I can burn more calories. 

Fitness Log Excerpt:
Wed., Nov. 13-- 20 side lunges (both legs), 50 squats holding 4 pound weights, 10 front lateral raises, 10 side lateral raises, 50 bicep curls, 20 tricep raises---all with 4 pound weights. 
Mon., Nov. 18 --60 minutes walking/jogging, Upper body strength training with higher weight, less reps

After one of my run/walks. It started drizzling/raining on me.  I just pulled up my hoodie and kept going. I was soaked when I got finished. But I loved every minute of it. 

As far as nutrition, I am still trucking along. I haven't even allowed myself a "cheat meal."  With Thanksgiving coming up, I am a little nervous about all that temptation, but I decided that before I go to eat with our family, I will decide what I will allow myself to eat.  Then, I will tell Jared and he will hold me accountable.  I don't want to do without completely, but I don't want to gorge myself either. 

I am still watching my carbs.  I'm not totally doing without them, just only eating those on the low glycemic index; the good carbs. 

When I weighed this morning, the scale had not budged from last week.  I am disappointed and a little frustrated about it.  I haven't eaten anything outside of my set guidelines. I have excercised.  Not sure how I didn't lose any weight. Maybe it is one of those plateau weeks. I don't know.  BUT, I didn't gain it overnight and I won't lose it overnight.  And just like Dori says, "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming."  That's what I'll do. I will say, though, that my clothes are fitting more loosely.  I started noticing it this past week and so did J.  It won't be long before I will be able to go down a size.  I may not have lost weight, but I lost inches for sure.  There are very noticeable differences in the way my clothes fit.
What I lost this month:  
14 pounds!  Whoo-hoo! Starting weight 304 and current weight 290.  14 pounds in a month is good. 

What I gained this month:  
* A sense of accomplishment
* A new appreciation for my husband's unconditional love for me
* A more positive outlook
* Freedom from feeling like I was controlled by food
* Freedom from cravings that are unhealthy (i.e. sodas, baked goods, etc. I now really crave water and fruits and veggies)
* An appreciation for the natural "high" I get from exercise. 
* Freedom from binges
* Accountability (from you guys.....thank you so much!)
* Some of the real me back
* A new appreciation that God does what He says He will do and that when He tells us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength, He wasn't kidding. 

So, how are you guys doing?  I heard from a lot of you at the beginning of the month and you wanted to jump on the bandwagon to being healthy.  How is it going for you?  Any struggles? Victories?  I say any small victory is worth celebrating!  Sometimes, throughout the day, I may think of the small victories that I am winning.  Like, I just passed up that brownie....small victory #1.  I didn't drink a soda today....small victory #2.  I made myself exercise even though I had a headache.....small victory #3.  It may sound silly, but it helps me stay encouraged. Lots of small victories throughout the day add up to large victories in the long run!



*To view the post that started the weight-loss journey, click here.

Weigh-In Wednesday #3

It's that time of the week again!  I have been looking forward to this day. I am so thankful to have a goal and accountability in posting every week.  Your prayers and accountability have helped so much!  

I have had a lot of people ask me what I eat throughout the day, so I thought I would share what a typical day would look like for me.  

Breakfast:

I usually have an egg scramble with veggies, turkey, and cheese. You can see that recipe here. 

Lunch:

Lunch will usually consist of meat, veggies, and fruit.  (Although, this past weekend I started adding whole grains back in to my diet at the lunch-time meal.)  A lunch I have really enjoyed is a baked sweet potato with cinnamon pecan butter. So yummy. 

Snack:

Snack is usually fruit and yogurt. Most of the time, I have plain Greek yogurt with strawberries and honey. I have found, though, that I love the Toasted Coconut Vanilla Oikos Greek yogurt with strawberries. It tastes like a dessert.  I also enjoy apple with peanut butter or a smoothie. 

Dinner:

Dinner generally consists of lots of veggies, like stewed squash and fresh garlic green beans,  and a protein.  Serve the squash and beans up with grilled chicken and you have a delish dinner. Other options I have enjoyed are chicken fajitas (without the tortilla), bunless hamburgers, and soups. 

I am really having to get used to cooking so much.  Cooking isn't something that I necessarily enjoy, but in order to eat clean and not grab processed foods all the time, you have no other option but to cook.  Planning ahead is key.  

So without further ado, the weigh-in!

Beginning weight: 304 pounds

Today's weight: 290 pounds

This week's weight loss: 2 pounds

Total weight loss in 3 weeks: 14 pounds 

I didn't get a whole lot of walking in this week because I had a lot going on.  I think since last weigh-in I only got to walk three times.  I really need to work on making workouts a priority.  But, I will say, focusing on nutrition these last three weeks has really helped me. That is the hardest part for me.  It has been good to take it one step at a time, but I am ready to step up in the excercise area. 

Things I need to improve on:
*Drink more water......Water (and a coffee in the mornings) is all I have been drinking but I still think I'm not quite drinking enough.
*Exercise more......in addition to walking and some free weights, I need to add in cardio. And make it a priority.  
*Get more rest......I am a night owl, but I pay for it in the mornings.  I need to make myself wind down earlier and get more rest. 

How are you guys doing?  Any areas that need to be improved upon? Already over the exercise hump? Comment and share what has worked for you!  I'd love to hear some creative ideas for exercise. 

*To view the post that started the weight-loss journey, click here.

Weigh-In Wednesday #2

It's that time of the week again!  I was actually looking forward to this day.  I used to dread getting on the scale, but I know that I have been eating healthy and only within the parameters that I have set for myself, so I was okay with whatever the scale showed this week.  

I am not going to lie and say that this past week was easy.  It was a lot more difficult for me in week two than in week one.  I think in week one, we didn't have a lot of "extras" happening, so I was in my own controlled environment and wasn't too tempted when it came to food.  This past week was a lot more hectic.

The first obstacle was Halloween.  Oh my good heavens did my children procure the most amount of candy!  And lots of chocolate, which is my favorite. I am happy to report that I haven't delved into their stash.  Halloween night, I allowed myself two squares of dark chocolate from my own bar that I keep.  I usually will allow myself one square a day if I want it.  

The second obstacle I faced was my sweet grandfather's 80th birthday party, which was held at a barbecue restaurant.  Now, my biggest temptations are sweets and bread.  And barbecue joints always have lots of scrumptious toasted garlic bread.  When I ordered, I just told the waitress to not even bring it to me (a slice came with the roasted chicken I got.) 

My little family with my grandfather and grandmother.

My sister-in-law Kayla and I at the bbq restaurant. 

I am happy to report that I left the restaurant cake and bread free and was able to eat off the menu within my set guidelines.  

Now, I know that I am being super strict right now. And you may think it a little rigid.  I am being strict for two reasons. One, my body is still detoxing and my metabolism and blood sugar should even out during this time. Two, I know myself.  I know my triggers and I still don't trust myself yet. I will eventually add back in whole grains and other healthy foods, but I am not ready to do that yet.  

The third obstacle was the taking our girls to the fair.  It was a large fair with a whole midway full of food vendors.  The smells and sights assaulted me with every step I took.  You know the typical fair food.  Oh, it was hard, but I left there without indulging even though my stomach was screaming at me to send the caramel candy apple to the party in my tummy. 

Then on the way home, my husband suggested that we stop at McDonald's as we headed back home.  I looked at him like he was crazy!  I didn't want to step foot in a McDonald's.  I didn't think I had the strength to resist a quarter pounder and fries.  Or even to watch them eat them while I chewed on a salad like a cow chewing cud. BUT, I ordered a premium burger, took the bun off and ate apples on the side.  I did it. (Praise God!!!) Temptation annihilated. 

Now, some of you may be wondering why I am making a big deal out of these occasions.  If you don't struggle with food addiction or something similar to that, you just plain won't understand.  

I mean, I wanted some garlic bread more than Edward wanted Bella's blood. I wanted  those fries at McDonald's and a caramel candy apple at the fair like a junkie wants a hit. It was hard. 

But I am pressing on toward the goal, people.   And I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. 

Now, if you ever watch the Biggest Loser, you know about the dreaded Week Two Weigh-in.  You know that historically on the show, people pull great numbers on week one and not so good on week two. It is no different with me this week.  

This week's weight loss is...... 2 lbs.  

For a total of 12lbs. in two weeks.  
Down from 304 to 292

On the Biggest Loser, they may have hung their heads in shame or frustration for a number like that, but I am super proud of my 2 pounds!  That is a good, healthy amount to lose each week.  As long I am moving in the right direction, I am happy. 

I found this picture on Pinterest showing what fat looks like.  I am looking at the 10 pound and 15 pound lumps of fat and knowing I am somewhere in between the two feels really good. 


I still have a really long road ahead of me.  I am seeing how this has to be complete life change or I will just end up where I am now again.  

But, I am up for the challenge!  I will do this!  I am not a casualty on the battlefield.  I am a fighter!

If you want to try out some awesome healthy recipes, head over and check our my Healthful Pinterest Board.  I especially like the "Best-Ever Brocolli" and the "Parmesean Crusted Green Beans."  Also, for weight-loss motivation and fitness tips check my Fitness and Weight Loss board. 

Don't forget to subscribe to this blog and follow on Facebook!  

*To view the post that started the weight-loss journey, click here.

Breakfast Scramble

Day 29 of 31 Days of Revising Home: Revising Myself

Today is day seven for me!  No sodas and eating clean: No breads, processed foods, sugars (other than all natural like honey or fruits and only in limited quatities) rice, or white potatoes.  

That means no grabbing a Pop Tart for breakfast. Or smothering a piece of toast with Nutella.  No pre-packaged muffins or pancakes or waffles. No sugary cereals.  

I had to come up with something I could eat.  And a plain egg with turkey bacon everyday wasn't that appealing to me.  I wanted flavor. I wanted a healthy breakfast I would look forward to.

A couple of weeks ago, before I started my journey to health, I popped into Subway for breakfast before heading out for the day.  It took me a couple of minutes debating what kind of bread I wanted; a flatbread or the regular wheat bread I usually get.   The lady who worked there said, "Well, you're not watching your calories are you?"  Gees, lady. Was it that obvious?  

I went for the flatbread. 

The sandwich was delicious.  It had egg white, ham, green bell pepper, onion, and southwest sauce.  I decided on day one of my weight loss journey I would try to recreate the flavors of that sandwich into a dish I could eat guilt free.    

This has been the typical breakfast for me virtually everyday. It is so yummy and healthy, too!

Turkey Pepper Egg Scramble (because I am terrible at making omelets)

1. Start with dicing one green onion, some red and green bell pepper, and some all natural, no preservatives added turkey lunch meat. 

2. Saute vegetables in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil.  

3. Add the turkey. 

4. Then add two eggs. Scramble.

5. Top with a little cheese and enjoy. 

Guys, it is so yummy!  I have also done a spinach variation.  I saute fresh baby spinach with a green onion and a little fresh garlic in olive oil. Then I add eggs and top with a little cheese. 

I have also been taking living multi-vitamins.  In The Maker's Diet, which I am following for the most part, the author Jordan Rubin recommends these two types of vitamins for the overall health benefits. I found them at the health food store.  

And look what I found at the supermarket!  Skinny Girl Organic Stevia.  I use the all natural calorie-free sweetener in my one cup of coffee in the morning.  So good!

So that has been my typical breakfast this past week.  It does take a little more prep time in the mornings, but it is worth it.  

So, how are you all doing on your journeys toward health?  How has it been going since last week?  You all have been in my prayers and I have been so thankful for yours!

I am looking forward to tomorrow for the very first Weigh-In Wednesday!  I can't wait to share with you the progress during week one!