The Olive Branch

I've just discovered a wonderful shop in my little town.  The Olive Branch.  You must check out their website here.  They sell flavored EVOOs and balsamic vinegars.  They are amazing!!  I know that it will elevate my cooking and help spark new recipes in my kitchen.  You can go in the store and try all the oils and vinegars.  I loved the Strawberry Balsamic mixed with the Persian Lime EVOO, the girl working said it tasted great over a strawberry and spinach salad with walnuts, so of course I had to try this combination first.  I got some sample bottles to try out a few.  I purchased their Garlic EVOO, Persian Lime EVOO, Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar, and the Traditional 18-Year Balsamic Vinegar.  After making my purchases, I made the salad first.  I peeled a clementine and sliced some strawberries for my spinach salad.  I added chopped pecans because I did not have any walnuts.  Finally, I mixed the Persian Lime EVOO and Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar and drizzled it over the top... YUM!!  Next, I halved some cherry tomatoes and let them marinate in the Garlic EVOO for about an hour.  I put some part-skim mozzarella on an english muffin and toasted it in the oven.  Then, when the cheese was melted and slightly browned on the edges, I took them out and put the tomatoes on top.  Drizzle a little of the Traditional Balsamic on top and Voila!  Homemade bruschetta!




Refocus!

The progress toward my goal has been waaaay too slow.  I notice that my clothes fit better, but I am not losing the weight as quickly as I would like... so I am going to make some changes.  It has been difficult in the evenings to find the energy to go the gym, so I'd like to try working out in the morning for a week.  I know it will be difficult to get up because I am not a morning person, but in order to get in 45 minutes of  cardio each day it's what I must do.  I will also start to keep a food journal in order to help count the calories I am consuming and keep me more accountable.  I have also found a program on bodybuilding.com that I am going to try for 12 weeks.  It's Jamie Eason's LiveFit 12-week trainer, click here.  Here first phase doesn't include cardio, but I'm still planning on doing 45 minutes 5 times a week.  I'll probably have to do the weights in the evening, which I find easier to get to the gym to do then cardio.  I'm hoping next week will be my most successful week yet!

Cheesy Quinoa Broccoli Casserole

So I decided to try a new recipe tonight.  I was excited to make this and try it.  I really wanted to love it, but I unfortunately I didn't.  It is definitely a good choice as far as healthy eating goes, but it's not my favorite.  I think the downfall for this casserole was maybe the cheese I used... it was packaged and it did not melt the way I was hoping (and after purchasing all my ingredients I read the note at the bottom of the recipe that said this could be a problem if packaged cheese was used).  I also chose to boil the chicken, I think next time I may just use the crockpot to infuse some more flavor in the chicken, because boiling it made it very bland in taste.  I also skipped adding salt to the cheese sauce because I try to keep salt to a minimum in my cooking.  I think I will still try this recipe again, but I will add some more vegetables, like cauliflower and edamame.   I will also cook the chicken with some herbs to add more flavor.  Follow the link here for the recipe, there are also many great recipes on her website.

Cheesy Quinoa Broccoli Casserole

Starting Week 2...Changing the Workout

Well... the first week is in the record books, and I am disappointed that progress has been so slow.  But, I will not become discouraged, I will continue to make changes that will give me the results I want.  I will continue with weights, but I am going to focus more on my cardio--a minimum of 45 minutes, 5 times this week.  Last week, I only did 30 minutes of cardio.  Although the scale does not show the weight lost that I would like it to, my clothes do fit more loose, so I know I've lost inches.  I plan on taking some measurements so I can track my progress both in weight lost and inches lost.  I think I will feel more encouraged if I am still losing inches when I don't see the scale moving as quickly as I'd like.  I know muscle weighs more than fat, and having muscles will increase calories burned, even while sitting or sleeping, so I don't want to skip weights.  So...here goes another week, working toward my goal!

Chicken Stir Fry

One of the greatest challenges that stands against me reaching my goal is diet.  I have found with working full-time, it is even more challenging to cook every single night, and eating out is sure to sabotage my success.  Which is why in order to be successful cooking meals with multiple servings is key.  Today, I made one of my favorites, chicken stir fry with vegetables and rice.  It is very filling and quite delicious.  I don't have exact measurements as to how I make it, but I have some general guidelines.

 

Chicken Stir Fry

 

First, I cut the chicken into about 1 inch pieces and marinate it with some low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, all purpose seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine vinegar (This time it marinated for only 10 minutes--I was impatient--it should be at least 20-30 minutes). 

 

While the chicken is marinating, I prepare the rice.  I use instant brown rice, as it cooks quickly.  First, I put about 1-2 tablespoons of oil in the pot, once it is hot I add some chopped onions, minced garlic, and all purpose seasoning.  Once it has browned a bit, I add the water to deglaze the pot.  Follow directions on the box of rice to know how much water to add and how to cook the rice.

 

I then use a large skillet to cook the chicken.  Once the chicken is finished, I remove it and place it in a large bowl to be mixed with rice & veggies later.  I use the same skillet to cook the veggies, the flavor from the skillet adds a nice flavor to the stir-fried vegetables.  I choose to cook the chicken separate from the vegetables because I don't want the chicken to be overcooked and become dry.  You can use any vegetables that you like.  I usually like to use shelled edamame, broccoli, and bean sprouts (I did not have bean sprouts on hand today).  The vegetables I use are frozen, I tend to like the frozen veggies because the moisture released during cooking helps to integrate the flavors from the skillet.

 

Finally, I cook some scrambled eggs in a separate skillet to integrate with the rice, chicken, and veggies.  Mix it all together and enjoy!!

Boot Cuffs

I am really loving the new trend to wear boot cuffs or leg warmers peeking out the top of tall boots.  I think for next month's budget, I just might put aside some money to get a pair.  I found some online that I really like, but they are a little pricey to justify spending the money on something I wouldn't necessarily wear all the time.  I might try my hand and making a pair.

Here a a few I've found on Etsy...


Follow link here.

Follow link here.

Follow link here.

Mashed Cauliflower

I love mashed potatoes...unfortunately they are not diet friendly.  So, I found a replacement recipe I just had to try.  Cheesy mashed cauliflower.  It turned out really good, very similar to mashed potatoes, surprisingly.  I found the recipe on www.foodgawker.com, here is the link to the recipe.  I did not use the butter the recipe called for, instead I added a splash of skim milk.  I used 2% reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese and had to add some additional milk when I blended it in the blender.  My husband even enjoyed the mashed cauliflower!  I think these will be making an appearance  on our Thanksgiving table this year for sure!  I think next time, though, I will be making this with skim milk only, just to see how they turn out without using the heavy whipping cream.  I hope you will find inspiration to try something new!

Boots

Style&Co Ryder Boots

So... I've wanted a pair of tan riding boots for a couple seasons now.  I finally purchased some this season and I must say it has sparked some new inspirations from my closet.  My husband and I budget our household income based off of Dave Ramsey's financial philosophies (www.daveramsey.com), so I had to put the price in the budget for these boots ($75) and I set out to find the right pair for the right price.  I found them at Macy's, the Style&Co Ryder boots, and I got them them within budget, $68 (including tax)!  I'll post some pictures soon of some of the outfits I have thought of to wear with my new boots.  I had to buy them online because the store did not have my size in stock.  At the time, they had the boots listed on sale for $89.99, so in order to get the boots I needed to get a discount.  I like to go to www.retailmenot.com to find current coupon codes for stores, and macy's had one!  I got them for 30% off and free shipping.  Whenever I am shopping online I always look for coupon codes before I buy, usually if there isn't a coupon code, I don't buy it (what can I say, I like to get a deal).

The Workout

Polar F4 Heart Rate Monitor
This is the one I use.

So... as I begin, this is how I am currently working out.  My gym does not have elliptical trainers, so I choose to use the Arc Trainers they have for my cardio workout.  I usually like to begin my workout with 30 minutes of hit cardio, then I lift weights.  For cardio, I wear a heart rate monitor (or use the monitor on the machine if you don't have one) so I can make sure to get a good workout.  I want to stay in my target zone which is 135-164 for my age.  I try to stay near the top of the range during my workout.  I typically go above zone during my "2-minute hits."  I choose to do hit cardio because in research, it's been shown to burn more fat (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/betteru11.htm.) I do 2-minutes with high intensity, then 3-minutes at the top of my target zone.  The machine I use changes resistance, when it's at the highest resistance it stays there for 2-minutes, I use this as my high intensity push.  I really like this style of cardio, because it makes the workout go quicker somehow.  I feel more motivated to workout hard.  I mean, who doesn't need more motivation!?  I know I do, otherwise I wouldn't need to lose the 40 pounds!

For the weights, I made a list on my iPod with the machines/freeweights I use for my workout.  This helps me keep track of how much weight I am using so I know when I need to add more.  I am currently doing the following exercises. (I try to alternate days for upper/lower body weights)

• Leg Press 190 lbs, 3 sets 12 reps
• Leg Extension 90 lbs, 3 sets 12 reps
• Leg Curl 80 lbs, 3 sets 12 reps
• Calf Raise 100 lbs, 3 sets 12 reps
• Seated Row 60 lbs, 3 sets 10 reps
• Tricep Pushdown 40 lbs, 3 sets 10 reps
• Dumbell Bench Press 20 lb weight, 3 sets 10 reps
• Abs: In-and-outs, Russian twists w/ medicine ball, Roll up 

Of course, this is my routine I am doing right now, there are a ton of different exerices to work differnt muscle groups.  I'm sure I will change it up as I get bored with this routine.

No workout would be tolerable (in my opinion), without the right playlist.  So get a playlist put together that will help keep you going!  I have a few playlists on my iPod that I can choose from for whatever I am feeling that day.  Find something that will motivate you to reach your goals.  This blog is part of my motivation and accountability to help me finally reach that goal weight!



Beginning a New Chapter...

Welcome to my blog!  I am beginning a new chapter in my life and I am excited to begin a blog in hopes it will help me reach my goals.  I want to lose 40 pounds.  Along the way, I hope to share some of my "hobbies," I love to try to new, healthy recipes and experiment with my wardrobe, finding new combinations to create fun and colorful outfits.  I live with my wonderful husband, Erik, and our two energetic dogs.

Stanley

Oliver

Erik and I on our wedding day, 5.29.10.