Unprocessed challenge

Ok, so I'm jumping in almost half-way, but better late than never, right???!!!  My journey to a healthier me has lead me down some amazing roads, and I found another turn today.  I am constantly looking for clean, healthy recipes that my family would enjoy.  GreenLiteBites is one of my new favorites.  I like that I can save my recipes and print both a grocery list and the recipes. Today, while searching, I found another site that is hosting an Unprocessed Food challenge this month.  I know I'm late, and when I begin, it will be even later, but I will begin this challenge... Monday!  :)

This Sunday I have two jobs.  Job 1- clean out my closet and switch over to fall clothes (while gathering a bag for GoodWill of clothes that no longer fit me because of my healthier lifestyle and AdvoCare).  That won't take too long.  Job 2- clean out the pantry.  This is the perfect time to rid our home of all those unhealthy processed foods that litter our shelves and fill us with toxins!  My kids may not be too happy, but they are going to help (enter long-suffering eye roll from my daughters)!  We are then going to go grocery shopping and see the difference between what's on the perimeter and what's in the center of the store!   I will post pics of our pantry when we are done.  DON'T judge.  This is a journey- remember, I'm just getting started!

Enjoy today, and wherever you are in your journey!
Jeni

Was that on purpose?

I love getting a good night's sleep...  Ok, I bet I would.  It is a rarity in my bed to sleep all night, uninterrupted, blissfully until morning.  Typically a small, yellow haired girl will sneak in and need retucked into her own pint-sized pillow top.  However, with a new perspective, that's not so bad.  In a few years I will miss that little giggle as she whispers (quite loudly) our names and pulls us from our sleepworlds. 

Lately, I've realized that every waking moment in my life (even when I am awoken by my daughters) is another moment to fulfill my purpose.  My purpose to be the best mom I can be, to be the best wife I can be, to be the best person I can be.  Because, I've learned that I cannot be good at anything, I cannot be a leader, a teacher, a friend, I cannot have solid footing in any arena unless my feet are solidly planted in my home. 

We went to Success School in Dallas, TX, last week.  Success School is AdvoCare's biannual convention for others to learn about the company, the business, and the products.  We spent time with amazing people who love helping others.  We listened to the AdvoCare science and medical board talk about our products and how they help so many people be WELL- not just lose weight, that's a nice byproduct, but truly find wellness and healthy living.  We learned about the newest products from the people who made them.  It was amazing to hear directly from the doctors themselves.  What a decorated group we have in the science and medical board!

Success School was so much more than that, though.  We learned that the founder of our company wants more for us than to just make money.  It's really so much bigger than that.  Our purpose is to be the best person we can be, and that starts at home.  One cannot make a difference outside the home until there is strength, love and peace within the home.  We left Dallas with God in our hearts, with love in our hearts, and with a stronger purpose. 

What do you dream?  What is your purpose?  It's yours to be had.  I believe this, now more than ever.  My purpose sits on my lap, helps me in the kitchen, loves to play soccer, reads at night, smiles up at me, lets me wipe away tears.  My purpose is a gift from God...  even when they  wake me up at night.

Recipe post for you...

I had my first attempt at a fully vegan meal, and it was delicious!!!!!  It's a vegan lasagna.  I adapted a Pinterest recipe, and used soy meat and vegan cheese.  These are the main ingredients I used, besides the tube polenta, which I got in the organic aisle at Kroger.

The sauce is delicious, too.  I got it at Whole Foods in my attempt to find a LOW SUGAR marinara.  Most have around 6 grams of sugar, this has only one!  It's great, and Pat loves it, too!

All you do is layer the ingredients as you would with any lasagna.  I sauteed some onions and garlic for a few minutes, then threw in the soy meat (strange consistency in the package, but just like meat in the pan).  Instead of noodles, you slice your polenta and use the slices in the noodles' place.

The recipe called for an 8x8 pan, which I do not have, so I used an 8x11.  I would suggest getting two tubes of polenta for anything other than an 8x8.  I didn't feel like I had enough.  Also, I used only a clove of garlic, but would suggest more.

Of course, I cannot locate the exact recipe I adapted, so here's what I did:

Polenta Lasagna

One tube polenta (organic)
One jar pasta sauce
1 lb soy meat or other meat substitute
1 pkg soy cheese or other cheese substitute
1-2 cloves garlic minced
half onion minced
salt/pepper to taste

Pour a small amount of sauce into the bottom of the pan and top with the first layer of polenta.  Then layer meat/onion/garlic mixture, cheese and more sauce.  Top with another layer of sauce and then repeat.  Finish with a layer of cheese.

Bake at 350 covered for 20 minutes, uncover and bake until cheese is melted on top.

The next time I'd make it, I think I would layer some spinach leaves in there, too.

When I find the original recipe (not vegan), I will post!  Sorry about that.

I AM healthy!

I recently had a conversation with a friend that went something like this:
ME- hi
HER- Stop losing weight!!!!!
ME- I am not trying to lose weight (for once in my life), I'm eating clean and providing my body what it needs to work at its best.
HER- Right... (laced with sarcasm)

It's funny. I have spent the vast majority of my life counting calories, fat, carbs, points, whatever- all in the name of weight loss! I completely stop doing that, look instead at ingredients, and I am thinner, fitter, stronger and healthier than I have ever been... And no one believes me!!!! The irony!

So I think I've figured out why. When people struggle with their self-image it's easy to seek out a quick fix. Counting points or calories is easy. The actual diet of the person doesn't always change, but their perception of their diet does. It works for weight loss, but in the end most (not all) gain it back. Otherwise we'd all pay for the points counting club one time and be done... Me? I paid 4 times. Get the idea? My girlfriend found it easier to understand depriving myself over changing my lifestyle. Too much effort.

Tomorrow we are heading to the lake to soak up some sun an build castles in the sand. I'm looking forward to the time to relax and unwind. I plan to sleep in and stay up late. The only thing I will count are the stars in the sky. Ought to be plenty.

Starting CrossFit

Today we start our latest endeavor- CrossFit. I'm excited to try a new workout and ready to get stronger!

This is the perfect picture for me, today....

Last night I went back to my past life- sorta.  I went to see such a fun band in one of my favorite outdoor venues, with my family.  Because it was a park, we brought a picnic (our tradition- we see this show every year).  Usually that is not the healthiest fare.  We throw chips, dips, sandwiches, pop and beer in the cooler and roll out.  Usually we will grab a box of cookies from the store, too.  Cheap, easy, good enough.  Not now.  Instead I packed edamame salsa (w/black beans, chickpeas, red onions cilantro, red peppers and a vinegar dressing), organic blue corn chips, a shredded rotisserie chicken, a soy/ginger vegan vinaigrette, and blueberries/raspberries for dessert.  We did bring some beer, but for the kids we brought organic apple cider and water.  That was NOT cheap, but was so yummy!  I brought almonds, too, for later when we needed to munch on something.  It wasn't easy to pass on the iced sugar cookies and Kettle Corn sold hot from the vendor!  We did though! 

I guess my point is that eating well isn't the norm.  For most it's a part-time gig.  I can safely say that I put in a good 40+ hours a week, but I don't profess to be an amazingly healthy eater 100% of the time.  I bet my chicken never got a cold because of the antibiotics it took growing up.  I know that my beer was not the best beverage choice.  I'm learning though.  The more I know, the easier it's becoming.

I am going to try a full vegan meal this week.  I'm making polenta lasagna.  I have my meal schedule made and I will post recipes (well, the good ones).  I will try to post pics, too. 

Here's the deal... I know they won't all turn out good.  I know I will crash sometimes and eat something bad for me.  I know I will have the hardest time eliminating beer and wine from my diet.  I know that everyday is a new step on this journey to wellness.  I know that I'm healthier today, fitter today, happier today, than I have been ever.  That makes it all worth it.

Thank God I can drive...

Remember when you were a kid? Riding your bike was the only form of transportation you could control...
I can remember riding for hours all over my neighborhood. I lived in the sticks, so we never really had to be concerned with traffic or HELMETS! I would ride probably three or four miles to Sybil's house just to see if she wanted to ride back to my house (no cell phones either). It was leisurely and I loved it.

It wasn't until high school that I was hit with the realization that riding my bike is actually a great form of exercise! Of course, that was also about the time I realized that I needed to exercise! I had a four mile square of God's country to ride and I hopped on my yellow Huffy 10-speed and pedaled that expanse daily. That was probably the first time in my life that I understood that I was in control of my fitness and my body. I continued that trek all summer and when school started back up I went to KMart and bought myself some new clothes!!!

Fast forward another 20+ years...
Today I rode about 7 miles with a dear friend of mine. First of all, it is NOT as easy to ride as it was when I owned Eagle Road and flew around on my ten speed. It's damn hard! At one point I had to "stand" and pedal just to get up a hill! Had I not been with a friend, I might have gotten off and pushed my bike...

And I do not remember getting off my bike and having to get my "land legs" again! I remember throwing my bike to the ground and running off to play tag or kickball (notice I didn't say I was going to play Atari)!!!

Let's be honest.... Somewhere along the way someone must have changed bikes altogether. They decided that biking is a sport, not a past-time and made it hard for the common person to ride. That is certainly the reason I am still sweaty (in 55 degrees), my legs are aching, and my arms are sore??? It can't be me- right?

This is a video that will make you think twice about sugar.  I am just starting my (lifelong) journey with nutrition.  I know so little, but am learning so very much. 

I have also begun reading the book, The China Study, by T. Campbell.  VERY interesting science behind a plant based diet.  Not sure I'm ready for that, but I'm only a third of the way through this book.

The next book on my list is Skinny Bitch (it's a little more my speed)!  I've downloaded the sample in iBooks and LOVE it!  It is a very in your face way to explain why our current nutritional state is whacked!  I will let you know how that one goes!

Happy summer!!!

What's your drink of choice?

Maybe you need to rethink it.

Day 3- Something you wore today... and who needs a footlong?

 

Today and everyday that my students have any sort of standardized test, I wear my painted saint medal.  This happens to be the patron saint of students.  I am a firm believer that prayer is an essential part of being a healthy/well person.  There are several times I will hold my necklace and pray for my students, especially those who struggle with these types of tests.  My dear friend Taryn gave me this and I cherish it (and her).

Guess what nugget of greatness I learned today!  Whole Foods offers one serving each of five healthy meals on Thursdays, for $5!!!!!  Footlong, Schmootlong-this is real, non-processed nourishment! I had red quinoa salad with edemame and pinto beans, a southwestern chicken dish, a whole grain cold salad with cucumbers, a cabbage salad (not my fav), and something else.  My point is, for five bucks I got an amazing HEALTHY, organic meal that was yummy!  It weighed over a pound, and I only ate about half (minus the cabbage salad).  So, for five smackeroos I had dinner and lunch for tomorrow!  That's a find.  The wonderful woman serving the dishes said that they just recently began this and she's not sure how long they'll continue.  It depends on the demand.  Seriously, go demand some because it was outstanding.  I plan to go back next week!  Maybe I'll see you there!

Day 2- skyline

 

This is a pic snapped on the patio of our room in Mexico from our trip in February.  Perfection...

The sky's the limit!  

Day 1- peace

 

So, I am doing the photo of the day challenge and day one is PEACE.  I am never more at peace than when I am relaxing on the beach.  The sound of the waves crashing, the sand between my toes and the warm sun on my face bring me a grand sense of peace.

My other challenge with this (for myself) is to connect the pictures and their themes with my journey into wellness.  So, peace is a really appropriate word!  When I was last on this beach (last month) I had just begun my walk with wellness!  I needed this peaceful place to help me visualize my goals, and to help me begin to see that my choices are what define me.  Everyday I need to make peace with the choices I make.  I need to make choices that I can be proud of.  I am.  It shows.  I have peace.

Stop to give thanks...

Ok, really I am thankful most days, but today I am going to bed with a full heart.  I am thankful for my job where I get to spend each and every day with children who make me smile, who make me proud, and who make me push myself to make school better for them.  I am thankful for my girls who fill my heart until it spills over, who make me more proud than they should and who frustrate me because I see so much of myself in them!  I am thankful for my loving husband who sees me for who I am, and still loves me.  I am thankful for my dog- she's something...  I'm a pretty blessed lady.

I'm also thankful for Advocare.  What a difference this amazing company has made for us.  We are healthier, fitter, and feeling great!  Now we are starting to share this with people we care about.  It's fun and humbling to see our friends become fitter, healthier and feel better than they have.  I am so proud of many of the people who are taking control of their health and seeing great results! 

But anyway...  what did you eat today?  I ate some kick-butt quinoa salad.  Quinoa is a grain that is used like rice in many ways.  It can be a side dish, a salad base or a casserole base, but it's light and round.  Quinoa grains contain essential amino acids like lysine and good quantities of calcium, phosphorus, and iron.  There are a few different types, but I just bought the plain old organic version (at Kroger).  It's important to soak the grain for a bit prior to eating.  I've been advised to soak it with a capful of vinegar (I prefer Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar) and covered in water for a few hours prior to cooking.  This helps rid the grain of the bitter outer coating that sometimes exists in its organic state.  It helps with digestion of the grain and also helps it fluff better when cooked!  If you don't have a few hours, use your sprayer and spray it well. 

So, I cooked my quinoa in water and while it was cooking (according to package directions) I peeled and chopped a cucumber, about  10 cherry tomatoes, a quarter of an onion (finely chopped), and I boiled two ears of corn.  When the corn was done I cut the kernels off and mixed that with everything.  I chopped an orange bell pepper, too.  Usually I would add a can of drained and rinsed organic black beans, but I didn't have any!  The dressing is made from 3 Tbs olive oil, 2 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar (I use Bragg's), 1/2 a packet of Stevia, 1 clove minced garlic, a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.  Whisk these and mix with the rest of the ingredients.  It yields about four to six cups.
I have been eating it all week!

Tonight we grilled some chicken tenderloins with a lemon pepper rub.  I cut two strips into small bites and then chopped half an avocado to put in.  YUMMO!!!!!

Try some quinoa.  I think you will like it.  Very light and quite versatile.    Have a recipe you could share?  Let's hear it!

Regardless of what you eat, how you stay healthy, or where you are in your journey- be thankful.  Find one thing in each day and give thanks.

See you later.

Be the change you want to see.

Make today wonderful.

Happy Monday!

Eat well and have a wonderful day!

Is it really only Tuesday?

What a week- oh wait, we're not even halfway through it!  It's been crazy at school.  I'll spare you the details, but just know that a school filled with stressed out women is a tiring place to be!  The big event we'd all been working towards is now over, and it went surprisingly smoothly (thank GOD)!  Now we have to get ready for statewide testing (Grrrrrrr) and then we're clear skies and rounding home!

Because I have been stressed at work, I've done what all normal people do- I ignored work (right???)!  That has given me time to look for a few more recipes and plan some meals.  It also meant I had to go to my classroom last night and didn't get home until after midnight- but I do my best work under pressure (can I get an amen???).  So I made a pretty good new recipe last night!  Thought you'd like it too!

Ever since clearing out dairy from my diet, and then noticing how I felt after reintroducing it, I have wondered how vegan "dairy" options taste.  I did some research and there are many choices for those who wish to be dairy free.  Unfortunately, it is pretty pricy, but I am not choosing to be a complete vegan, just want to test the waters of the fake cheese ocean.  In my research I found a few that melt well and our local Kroger carried one such cheese!  It's dairy, gluten and lactose free shredded cheddar.  I didn't tell anyone I was adding it to the recipe- what they don't know won't hurt them!  :)
It's called daiya.  Here's a pic:


I made my AMAZING salmon marinade, but put it on chicken, which is just as wonderful!  Then I paired it with a new couscous recipe and the fake cheese.  YUMMO! 

Here it is. 
CHEESY SPINACH COUSCOUS
Prep time: 15 mins
Total time: 15 mins
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTSCouscous
1 1/4 cups broth
1 cup couscous
1 teaspoon butter (optional)- I didn't use it.
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)- I didn't use it.
Topping
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups spinach, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated- here's where I used the fake cheese
Instructions
Bring water to a boil.
Add couscous, butter and salt.
Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
In a shallow pan, heat oil.
Add spinach, lemon juice and parmesan cheese.
Cook until spinach wilts slightly and changes color (about 1 minute).
Remove from heat.
Mix spinach mixture with couscous.
Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Calories: 231 Fat: 5g Carbohydrates: 34gr Fiber: 2.5g

We had green beans, too, but the couscous was my favorite part!
 Give it a try and let me know what you think!