New Recipe :)

Turkey Veggie Salad with Tomato Sauce Dressing

What you Need:

Lean, Ground Turkey Cooked

Bell Peppers

Red Onion

Salad Mix

Mushrooms

Tomato Sauce

Fresh Garlic Cloves

Fat Free Mozzarella 

Directions:  Sautee veggies together with fresh garlic cloves until cooked, brown and cook turkey and mix together with veggies.  In a side pot mix 1 can of tomato sauce with water, add 1 cup mushrooms, 1/2 cup fresh onions, seasonings to taste and fresh garlic.  When that's done, use as dressing over salad.  Then sprinkle a little cheese on top and as it melts, it makes it even more yummy :)

Healthy AND DELISCH!!!!

 Also had a great workout tonight with some fabulous ladies at Kristi's Bootcamp!!  We had a Fall theme and worked out with pumpkins, talk about making it interesting :)

You're just sick...not stuck from accomplishing your health goals

If anyone gets sick (I know it's going around!) and has a sore throat, let me help you with some healthy suggestions that made my sick day better, and kept me on track (some thanks to my amazing Coach Tamara Nazworth)

-Frozen grapes:  get your fruit in for the day by freezing on it, feels so awesome!
-Frozen non-fat yogurt with a little pumpkin spice/cinnamon - it's on the list, just freeze it an add a dash of flavor, fabulous!
-Veggie Soup: organic vegetable stock, and chop up 3 of your favorite veggies at a cup each (mushrooms, zucchini, and onions for me) Simmer for a few hours and then enjoy with freshly baked chicken.
-TLS Chicken Noodle Soup (just skip the noodles if you're on Rapid Results!) -

parsley, fresh - 4 oz

garlic - 2 clove, chopped

onions - 1 cup, chopped

juice, lemon - 1/2 cup

celery - 3 cup chopped

carrots - 2 cup strips or slices

pasta, Barilla Plus, dry - 2 oz

pepper, black - 1/8 tsp

thyme, fresh sprigs - 4 tsp

water, cold - 2 fl oz

salt, table - 1/2 tbsp

chicken, deli roast, store bought - 1 serving

Place chicken, water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic and thyme in a large stock pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer 20 to 25 minutes; remove chicken. Shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste; add pasta and shredded chicken. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer until noodles are cooked. Add lemon juice and parsley; serve.
Lots of hot tea, water, and see a doc before it gets too worse.  I'm back on track to workout today :)

On the road to success...and already people are taking notice!!

Finishing up my 5th week of the challenge, and not only do I feel amazing, I shine with confidence in all I do!  From fitting into dresses that I did not think would ever fit to strutting on the runway with confidence to raise money for a charity, it's been a great week!

The best part is when people did not recognize me at this fashion show tonight because I've transformed so much...their shocked faces and endless compliments are such a treat to all the hard work I'm putting in.  My life is really changing all around me for the better, and I need to embrace it.  I might have gotten a little off the path a few times with food now that I have seen the results, but I really need to keep this up as I'm finding my fit one day at a time from the food on my plate to the accomplished workouts.

The journey is far from over, and I have much more to accomplish, but from what I've seen so far I'm REALLY happy that I decided to take this challenge and use TLS Weightloss as part of my change.  It really works...and if you are interested, I have had 3 friends already come to me that I've hooked up with my coach to help them toward finding their fit, and at least 10 others inspired this week alone to go to the gym or change habits.  Please, let me inspire you and help you reach your goals, because without the help of the people around me I wouldn't be on the road to accomplishing mine!

Here's a GREAT recipe for a cold or chilly Fall Day :) 

GAZPACHO ITALIANO
(serves 6)
By: Destination Cuisine

1 medium red onion
8 ripe roma tomatoes
1 peeled and sliced cucumber
1 red bell pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
3 cloves crushed fresh garlic
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons white vinegar
6 fresh basil leaves
handful Italian parsley leaves
1 fresh lemon, juiced
fresh ground pepper and red pepper to taste

1. Char red pepper over an open flame or under broiler until char develops on all sides
2.  Place in bowl and cover for 20 minutes with plastic wrap
3.  When cool, peel, seed, and chop
4.  Add to food processor or blender
5.  Add everything else
6.  Process until smooth
7.  Chill for several hours or overnight
8.  Enjoy ;)

 

It's the little things that make the journey so wonderful :)

Saturday was just an overall amazing day! I'll get back to the title in a second, but I beat my time this morning at the 300 yard run that I set Wednesday night. It was 4 seconds but it still felt good to be improving! What made my day the most was my red dress. Yes, it's sometimes the smallest, simplest things in life that make you most happy. There was a red dress I tried on months ago, and I couldn't zip it up, I was so sad that it didn't fit and pushed it to the back of my closet vowing at some point fitting into it. Well today, right now actually, I am wearing that dress and it fits PERFECT.

 It's a 4P too, and I feel so overjoyed at this little moment. I can't wait to wear it on air tonight, something I've been wanting to do for months. This just goes to show we really need to enjoy the little things along the journey to finding your fit...because it helps keep us on track for the main goal and also makes the process so much more worth it. I'm a month in and can already wear a dress that I had no idea would come out of my closet this soon. There's a few more dresses to try on back there...I can't wait to see if I get the same results :)

Preparing meals....perfect for the busy or always on the go person!

Although I am NOWHERE near my final results, I still felt much better going to the pool today.  I felt more confident with my body and my suit looked much better on me.  I noticed my boobs have gotten smaller, that really annoyed me but as my coach said, smaller boobs is a small price to pay for an overall amazing and sculpted body.  They are all fat soooo yah, I guess that makes sense they would shrink right?

Really focused on cutting portion sizes today and made several different meals all from one afternoon of cooking.  Having a VERY busy life, it's such a relief to know I have healthy meals prepared ready to go and be heated up.  

4OZ of Tuna and Shrimp baked this afternoon = 4 different meals over the next couple days!

 Throw this on a salad or on it's own paired with veggies and you're in business!

1 cup each measured out of radishes, broccoli, and mushrooms steamed with seasonings and 3 cloves of garlic.  This could either be 2 1 cup portions as sides or 4 1/2 cup snacks.  Either way, it smells and I'm sure will be amazing :)

Weighing in as I come close to the 1st month of the challenge....

Excited to announce that do far in the challenge I've lost...11lbs!!!! So thankful for my team, the support, and proud of myself for keeping my eye on the prize. And i feel AMAZING:) LOVE my new lifestyle....Time to shop and celebrate!! Almost 1/3 of the way through the competition...

AND I'M NOT STOPPING HERE.  I know what I want...and how I want to look and feel, and I may be closer to that goal then I was before, but the journey still has more stuff toward my goal!

You never know what you can accomplish until you actually try...seeing results in just the first month of my competition.  It's possible, and it's all about mindset and changing your lifestyle.  If you need tips on how to make your lifestyle healthier, PLEASE don't hesitate to ask! I've learned so much in the first month...

Some Healthy Recipes for YOU from the TLS Program!!

Here are some dinner recipes I hope you find tasty and simple, and HEALTHY!! :)

Beef, Tomato and Avocado Lettuce Wraps

-Grill beef strips in a non-stick pan or on the grill.

-Place beef strips on a lettuce leaf; add tomato and avocado slices. 

-Add salsa if desired.

Black Bean, Steak, and Avocado Salad

-Saute red pepper and olive oil in a skillet for 1 minute. 

-Add steak and cook for 5 minutes. 

-Add black beans and saute for another 3 minutes. 

-Toss with mixed salad greens, avocado, and corn.

Lemon Caper Chicken

YOU NEED:

juice, lemon - 1 tbsp

chicken, breast, fillets, boneless, skinless - 2 breast (8 oz./236 g)

capers - 1 tbsp

olive oil, extra-virgin - 1 tbsp

pepper, black - 1/8 tsp

broth, vegetable, low sodium - 2/3 cup

butter, unsalted - 2 tbsp

-Season chicken with salt and pepper. 

-Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. 

-Add the chicken; cook for 5 minutes or until underside browns. 

-Turn; cook other side for 5 minutes. 

-Remove from pan and keep warm. 

-Add the broth and lemon juice to the pan; boil for 5 minutes, until syrupy. -Remove from heat and mix in the capers and butter; spoon over chicken.

Reflections...

It amazes me how different my life is now then it was when I started the challenge...and it's not even over yet!  I really can't stress how amazing I feel, how much clearer my thought process is, and how positive my outlook is on the things around me.  I don't know if it's clearing the toxins or the booze that's impacting me, but It's a pretty awesome thing that's going on with me right now.  I'm feeling more fit, charging through Boot Camp today with energy left over after and not many aches and pains.  As I mentioned I feel the definition starting in my arms, and co-workers and viewers continue to notice a change on my appearance.  I never, EVER want to feel the way I did before I started this challenge, and I am looking forward even more to what's yet to come in the last 9 weeks.  I know one thing, my Coach Tamara is an AMAZING role model, and pretty weird that it feels like we're related based on how alike our eating habits are (I know you're laughing reading this one girl haha)

Getting stronger...and more inspirational!

It was my day off today, and I'm pretty happy that I don't need that afternoon nap to have energy to do things like I used to.  I'm getting my 3 meals in a day with the snacks in between, and really have cut my protein portion sizes down.  The best part is I'm still full thanks to the veggies and other things on my plate. 

2 oz salmon with sides of steamed mushrooms, radishes, okra, tomatoes, and brussel sprouts, all with a yummy few shakes of garlic and spices.

Plus with smaller portions I can have more than 1 protein with a meal, ex. I was able to have 1oz each of tuna, fat free cheddar, and egg whites with dinner, giving my a variety of tastes with the side of carrots and PB. 

Eating actually was fun with this, had lots of options :)

Plus I have more food for meals tomorrow by cutting things up in small portions, saving me not only money but prep time.  Had a great evening workout, and now trying to get sleepy so I can be up early for my workout.  Noticing some changes in my arms after not even 2 weeks of Kristi's training schedule.

Kristi runs killer boot camps, here's the amazing group of women that I got to workout with tonight.  #Unstoppable 

 I'm also starting to motivate people around me, whether it be friends or viewers. 

 Lauren Elaine Jones

Just wanted to say that I'm loving reading your blog inspirational!

Michael R Bales  

Awesome & inspiring insight & words, Thank You!

 

Kristina Phillips Talkie  

Yes, I know, but I am much older than you...I had more energy when I was your age! But you do make me want to do more..so thank you !

 

Even if they just go to the gym or try a healthy recipe, I know I was able to help them and that to me makes this all even more worth it.  Hopefully as time passes over the next several months I'll be able to gain more support and in return, give them a positive example that they can all follow and be able to accomplish too!

Some awesome recipes for those with a sweet tooth...

Here's a few sweet treat recipes I snagged :)

Pumpkin Pie in a Cup

1/4 scoop all natural pumpkin

 1/4 cup Greek nonfat yogurt

 packet of Stevia calorie-free all natural sweetner

 few shakes of cinnamon

 Swirl up and enjoy, it's guilt free :)

Rocco's Low-Cal Brownies

Chef Rocco DiSpirito prepares healthy home-style treats.

From the kitchen of Rocco DiSpirito

Servings:Over 8

Difficulty: Easy

Cook Time: 1-30 min

"Yes, you are reading the ingredients list correctly: there are black beans in these brownies. You really have to taste the brownies to believe them. The beans add moisture and texture—not to mention fiber and protein. These brownies have such a great fudgy texture because the cocoa powder, and just a little espresso powder, are the only dry ingredients (besides a bit of Truvia). For an extra jolt of chocolate flavor and about 15 more calories, stir ¼ cup dark chocolate–covered cacao nibs (such as Kopali Organics) into the batter just before pouring it into the pan. These brownies are even better the next day."
-Rocco DiSpirito, "Now Eat This!"

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray

1½ cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon espresso powder

¾ cup egg substitute

2 tablespoons low-calorie sugar-free chocolate syrup, such as Walden Farms

2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream, such as Breakstone's

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

24 packets (84 g) Truvia or 8 tablespoons granulated Splenda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.

Combine the beans, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and egg substitute in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes, scraping down the bowl halfway through.

Add the chocolate syrup, sour cream, butter, Truvia, and vanilla. Process until all of the ingredients are combined, about 1 minute.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, turning the dish halfway through the baking time. A toothpick inserted in the center will come out with soft batter clinging to it.

Let the brownies cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. Then cut into 12 squares and serve. Refrigerate any leftovers.

NOW YOU CAN EAT THIS!

Before After

Fat 70g 1.6g

Calories 1500 53

Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Cholesterol: 4mg

Fiber: 3g| Sodium: 94mg