Mother's Day Goal

When I started the 21 day fix almost six weeks ago, I set a goal with my challenge group that I have been working toward for quite awhile. The goal was to be a size 12 by Mother's Day. 

Why a size? I have been a 14 for almost two years, and it is frankly depressing. I know why I haven't moved down. The extreme fatigue and dizzy spells that started in 2013 really halted everything. I could exercise sporadically, because I just never knew when a spell would hit me. With the help of my fabulous naturopath I am slowly getting better, and I am close to finishing a second round of The Fix. 

Did I meet my goal? They are snug, but those capris are a 12. Next up? Starting a 90 day program. Cross your fingers and say a prayer for me.

Fabulous Friday

Can I tell you about my Thursday?

Wednesday evening my boss asks me to come in for a 5-9 am. After consulting with my family, I agreed to this. So I get home at almost 10:30. I put together my meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack), and pack my boy's lunch for the following day. Then catch a shower and four hours of sleep. Yes, you read that right. Four hours of sleep.

I was up at 3:30 and out the door by 4:20. Then my boss provided fresh, like still warm from the oven with melty frosting, apple Danish. I ended up having two pieces. After work I rushed over to the base so I could get in day 3, week 1 of Ease into 5k done on the track. I had promised the boy to do it. I ended up getting 1.79 miles, and a pretty good average mph. And I was able to clean up, change, and scarf down a yogurt to clock in for a 10 a.m. start.

A nice day at work included a fantastic meal, and about 8 Jelly Belly Belly Flops. And more coffee. So tired I nearly passed out at work. Clock out at 6:30 to rush and get the boy and nephew from their youth group. Snack dinner of deli turkey, cheddar cheese and wheat thins in the car while waiting for them. No shake today, because by the time I made it home and through showers and homework I was ready to pass out.

So after about seven hours of sleep, and yesterday's Pilates Fix workout I am feeling much better. Big bowl of oats and coffee have been a great start to a fabulous Friday!

Transformation Tuesday

I had a great start to my morning. I woke up with time to get my sister up, poke at the nephew and son, get my workout clothes on, and then push those boys some more. They had breakfast and were ready for the bus with ten minutes to spare. It was awesome!

Here's the transformation part. I went up to the attic to complete day 16 of the 21 day fix, which is upper fix. While my disk loaded, I unwrapped my new weights. I transformed my weights from zero and 2 pound to three and five pound weights. I am sure my arms will be jelly tomorrow, but it felt so good to make that progress.

I tried very hard to hold onto this feeling as I realized when I was ten minutes from work that I didn't have my military identification on me. This meant I had to drive all the way home and back, which resulted in me being 40 minutes late. Top this off with some serious hormone surges, and I was a wreck. My take away from this is to not deviate from the plan, i.e. always wear/place put important stuff in the same place. It is important to adhere to some of these rigid structures to enable us to grow, and do the things we need to do without having to worry. There you go, a Tuesday thought, as well!

P.S. Don't let weather related internet issues get you down!

Jalapeño Sausage Stew

Have you noticed how much I love my crockpot? Or how I like to chuck stuff in to see what happens? 

I am a dump and pour kind of cook, and it suits my sense of whimsy. Yes whimsy. I never cook the same dish twice. Or not exactly the same. This particular one ended up needing some brown rice to cool it down. I love me some spice!

Jalapeño Sausage Stew

1 package jalapeño chicken sausages

1/2 bag butternut squash

2-3 zucchini, diced

2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies 

1/4 bag fresh spinach

Dump and cook on low for 4 hours. Makes 6 servings (2 green, 1 red 1 yellow with rice)

Crockpot Quinoa Take Two

Or maybe it is more take 300. I have been modifying my crockpot meals just a little each time. This one utilizes quinoa and some amazing new chicken stick. Have you tried any of the new infused broths? Amazing!!

Spicy Crickpot Quinoa

2 cups Mexican tortilla infused chicken broth

3 summer squash, chopped

2 zucchini, chopped

5-6 small peppers, sliced

1 cup quinoa

2 chicken breasts

21 day fix southwestern seasoning

Dump everything in the crockpot. Put chicken in on top, and sprinkle with seasoning. Cook on low for 8-9 hours.

Makes 4 servings (1 red, 1.5 yellow, 1 green) with 2 additional servings (1.5 yellow, 1 green)

Cranberry Pepper Crockpot Meal

So for the last 5 weeks or so I have been doing the 21 Day Fix from Beachbody. Minus the week I was on a cruise with Team Beachbody. 

The first round I lost 8 pounds and 7 1/2 inches. Then I gained four on the cruise. All those desserts and white mochas. :p

I am now five days into my second round, and created this amazing meal. Totally fixed approved. Works out to be 1 green, 1 purple, 1 red and 1 yellow containers.

Cranberry Pepper Crockpot Meal

Serves: 6

1 can diced tomatoes with green chilis

1 can cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries

2 diced sweet potatoes

5-6 small bell peppers, diced

3 chicken breasts

1 habanero pepper (optional)

Throw it all in the crock and cook on high for 6-8 hours. Fish out the habanero before dividing into 6 small containers for eating and/or freezing.