Started with this

I started the week off seeing this picture on line.  It made me happy.  Beautiful colors and simplicity in motion.  Often we forget how simple life should be.  Yes life is busy and yes there will never be enough hours in the day but look how calm and peaceful these two boys are. Stopping to "smell the roses" or take a time out is healthy and necessary.

Busy Weekend

Weekends are always super busy and when it comes to eating, weekends are definitely the hardest for me.  This weekend I was asked to present at a womens conference about Physical Health & Wellness.  Most of the information I shared was from my experience and what Ive learned on my own journey.   It's a constant battle to stay focused and motivated.  I appreciate the support of friends who have similar goals and motivate me. 
I've been lifting weights in addition to my regular workout schedule and feel & like the results in just a week.  Last week I felt really successful.  Eating was good and workouts were productive.  Holding on to that momentum will be good going into this 2nd week of my NO JUNK CHALLENGE!

After some leg lifting at the gym, had a Saturday date night with the hubs!  I was really craving lettuce wraps from PFChangs but the wait was so long we hit up Chilis instead.  I haven't eaten there for years but knew I wanted healthy.  Even watching my food for the weekend I was close on calories.  I don't burn near as many calories on weekends as I do weekdays.
The MANGO CHILI TALAPIA looked amazing so I gave it a chance.  Loved the spiciness of the salsa and sauce on top and the fish was ok but still a bit "fishy" for me.  Broccoli and Rice Pilaf was delicious!  Total 550 calories = not too bad.  I added a house salad for another 150 calories.....yum!
It feels good to be in some control.  I'm highly motivated and hoping that stays with me while I adjust to healthier eating.  Today (Sunday) has been a little tougher.  Ive been hungry all day long, even though Im snacking.   AND Im craving a sweet ALL DAY LONG!  I even brought Ghirardelli chocolates to my choir members today and abstained.  The closest I came was yogurt with granola and cranberries, which was a good choice.  Looking forward to the coming week with a plan to succeed.

Keep calm and eat good

I'm becoming passionate about eating well.  Today I made an amazing salad. 
Spinach*Chicken*Feta Cheese (basil & tomatoe)*Purple Onion*Cranberries & Almonds*Strawberries*Light vinaigrette dressing.  It was filling and only about 400 calories for the entire thing.

The Ingredients

TA DA! 

The bottom of the salad is always the best part.  Where all the yumminess hangs out
 

So then as if my salad wasn't enough brilliance for one day, I got totally domesticated and made homemade green chili enchiladas for the fam bam tonight.  The two on the end are mine (wheat tortillas).  Good balance of protein & carbs.  Workout hard today so must. eat. good! 
I'm lovin where this week has taken me.  I'm feeling healthy, strong & lost 7lbs.  Going into the weekend ready to take the challenge.  Weekends are usually where I fall hard off the wagon so I'm holding tight to those reins and staying in control....at least that's the plan! 

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

Or you could burn 1,000+ calories...

On this day.....I not only taught Zumba but did 8STRIKES with the 8StrikeArmy!  This class.....words don't describe.  You must try for yourself.  Literally dripping sweat every second.  So sweaty that my gloves dyed my hands black.  Burning fire in my abs and legs.  Best energy with the best people. 

Temptation everywhere

Doesn't matter where I go....chocolate is following me!  It's my stalker.....
I'm so tempted with these cookies that Baili makes and then she shows up with a KING size Milky Way bar??? I could taste it BUT I was strong.  You know what.....I try to compare how I feel after I give in to these temptations verses how I feel once I get past that craving and then its so much easier to say NO.  It's always a good idea to leave the area of the treat. If your temptation is not sweets then you can not relate but I feel like a drug addict in those moments.  I can taste it in my mouth.  I try to hurry out of the store or leave the kitchen even though the smell of melting yumminess seems to be everywhere in my house....BACK AWAY FROM THE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES.....what would I do without that angel on my shoulder.

2 for 2

Today's the second day of my healthy eating restart.  I've been trying to motivate my family to eat healthy also.   My kids have a sugar tooth that they might get from me???? Lol

I also have a son that has Celiacs disease and cannot have any wheat in his food.  Last night we had gluten free rice pasta that was actually pretty good.  I'm loading up on veggies and salads and taking it light on the other stuff.  

Tonight I made a huge stir fry with asparagus, red, yellow & orange bell or peppers, carrots, red cabbage & red onion.  

I have found in the past when I eat a lot of veggies, it seems to boost my metabolism into gear and I loose weight faster

DAY ONE.....again

Every Monday is like groundhog day but Todays the Day! I'm excited and motivated.  Reminding myself that the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.   Great workouts today.  Eating good and clean.  I've got this!!!!!