What Do I Eat? ( Part of Getting My Body Back Series)

Ok, so people ask me what I eat. All the time. 

Many even respond with " I am not as disciplined as you" or "I eat everything in moderation".

This bothers me, because if you find healthy food you like, it's not a chore.

I don't even crave the bad stuff anymore :) 

That being sad, we can all be healthy.

Here is what healthy looks like for me:

5 am- Banana

7am- Post work out protein shake ( RAW Protein)

9am - Redmond Clay Water

12:30 pm - Egg omelete ( 7-8 eggs, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, spirulina, seasonings ( cayenne pepper, turmeric, black pepper, etc), spinach, tomato, and sometimes Daiya PepperJack.

2pm- Organic Apple

5pm- Plain Unsalted Rice Cake with Peanut Butter ( only ingredient Peanuts!!), Raisins, Cinnamon, and a touch of Organic Honey.

7-9 pm Dinner.

Our favorites around here are:

Stuffed Squash

Stuffed Peppers

Chicken Salads

Spaghetti with Meatsauce

Salsa Chicken

Chicken w/ Asparagus & Rice

10pm-12am - Depends on day what time we eat dinner and bedtime snack. 

Bedtime snack is usually this ( most of time without the chocolate), or homemade strawberry sorbet/raspberry sorbet.

That is what I eat. We also take vitamins at dinnertime. 

My vitamins:

Multivitamin

Flax Seed Oil (Omega 3)

Resveratrol

Maca

Calcium w/ D3

Vitamin C

Silica

( will be adding CoQ10 soon. Hubby takes CoQ10 and B complex in addition to what I take. He also takes Creatine & BCAA's for his workouts.)

I also drink decaf green tea twice a day.

So, there you have it. This is my typical day.

What do you eat?

Let me know if you want recipes posted for any of the meals here. I would love to share! 

Be Happy Healthy & Strong,

Lolli

Ask Me Monday! #11

"What are your thoughts on introducing baby food at 4 months old, and do you make your own baby food? If you buy store bought what kind?"

Our children are so important, so what we feed them is just as important.
 Babies have immature guts and lack certain bacterias to properly digest food at a young age.

I made the mistake of listening to my doctor when introducing baby food to Baby A. The doctor wanted to introduced baby food to her at 4 months.  She was not ready at 4 months old.
After a couple weeks of making her pureed food at home, I went back to breastfeeding her exclusively.
Hubby and I re-introduced baby food at 10 months and it was a whole different experience. She currently at 11 1/2 months old eats baby food twice a day and drinks breastmilk for the rest. She is not ready for full solids yet. However, when she seems ready then we will introduce more.

I make all her baby food at home. This way I can ensure that she is getting clean, organic baby food without added ingredients.

I do not know which brands of baby food are good, however if you buy it go for organic and read the labels. You want pure, clean food for your baby. If it has additives, skip it. Babies are surrounded by too many chemicals, they don't need to eat chemicals too.

As a parent we need to make informed choices regarding our own children, every baby is different.

Be Happy Healthy and Strong,

Lolli

ASK ME MONDAY! #10

" What all do you eat on an average day? What does your average eating schedule look like?"

Great question! I am really happy to answer this one, because I am always sharing with others what I do, and listening to what others eat as well for new ideas!

An average day looks like this for me:

Breakfast: 2 Bananas 

*Before I was healthy I was not a breakfast person, so I do not eat a large breakfast.

Lunch: 6-7 eggs, spinach, tomatos, seasonings. I spray the pan with olive oil. (Omelette style)

Snack: 1 1/2 scoops RAW Protein Shake made with unsweetened almond milk ( Usually after gym on cardio days, on weight lifting days this is at 7 am)

Snack: Salt free Brown Rice Cakes with  honey, raisins, cinnamon, peanut butter.

Dinner: Cajun Chicken, asparagus, brown rice. Occasionally I will add some Daiya Mozzarella.

Snack: Chocolate Ice cream made out of bananas, cocoa powder, stevia. (OR Strawberry Sorbet made out of frozen strawberries & bananas)

Some days I will eat a little more or a little less, lunch is always the same and so is breakfast. Dinner changes night to night. On the weekends I might make a different snack like a gluten free dairy free sugar free dessert. I also tend to like to make fresh juice on weekends, although I haven't done that as much as I would like.

My favorite meals are:

Spaghetti ( gf brown rice pasta, spaghetti sauce, ground turkey)

Chili (made with lean ground turkey)

Tacos ( lean ground turkey and spinach, homemade seasonings, corn shells)

Various stir fry's, chicken stew, stuffed peppers and stuffed eggplant are also some favorites here!

People have asked me "do you have cheat days?". The answer is no. I used to but now I love my healthy eating plan, it is delicious and satisfying. I never feel deprived. 

What are some of your favorite meals?

Be Happy Healthy and Strong,

Lolli

(P)Interesting....Interesting Pinterest Picks!

(P)Interesting posts are posts that I am starting about what I liked on pinterest this week....interesting things on pinterest.

P...interesting.

Anyway, I hope you all like it.

 I will be posting these occasionally, just look for the (P)Interesting icon at the top of the post!

I started this because I have been seeing so many things on pinterest that I just had to share!

Enjoy!

This wreath is absolutely adorable, I think that it would be so fun to make.

Has anyone made one of these? Was it easy?

Source: landeeseelandeedo.com via Emilie on Pinterest

I love this room. Very simple and clean with all of the white and the angled ceiling.

I would choose different decor though as I don't like the rug in the picture.

Source: convoy.tumblr.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Yum! I never thought of stuffing an onion! Hubby and I eat stuffed peppers and stuffed eggplant, but not onion. I must make a healthy version of this. I love eating red and purple onions!

Source: italianfoodforever.com via Lolli on Pinterest

These little planters are too cute! I could even see making silver or gold ones for the holiday season, or even shiny black ones. Bronze would be nice too. These copper planters have such a unique look!

These little planters are too cute! I could even see making silver or gold ones for the holiday season, or even shiny black ones. Bronze would be nice too. These copper planters have such a unique look!

Source: dimplesandtangles.blogspot.com via Lolli on Pinterest

This is just really fun! 

Source: pin4fun4019.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I MUST make a dress like this for Baby A! It is the most  adorable pillow case dress I have  ever seen! New project!

Source: sugarpatchbaby.com via TJ on Pinterest

I hope you all enjoyed my first (P)Interesting post! What have you found on pinterest lately? Do you like any of these picks?
 Don't forget to follow me on pinterest. Click on the button in my blog side bar! 

 Be Happy Healthy & Strong, 
 Lolli

GOOD addictions or BAD addictions? Which ones rule YOUR life?

not my photo image googled from the web.

Plain and simple. I am going to be real with all of you.

Getting healthy is as simple & as difficult as controlling your addictions. 

What does it mean to be addicted?

According to dictionary.com addicted means "devoted or given up to a practice or habitor to something psychologically orphysically habit-forming (usually followedby to )..."

The weak minded don't tend to succeed while the strong minded push forward to their goals.

Truth is, we all have the ability to be " strong minded", if you really want to. The word is determination, or maybe even persistence.

After all persistence does pay off.

What has happened to some people when it comes to changing their lives? Well, they let addiction take over & throw determination out the window.

We all have addictions in our lives, whether food related or otherwise.

Different obvious addictions are:

Power

Perfection

Sports ( think football fans )

Health ( yep!)

Alcohol

Cigarettes

Drugs

Sex

Food: Sugar, Pop...think cravings.

Etc.....

Not all addictions are bad, though many on this list are.

I am and was an addict. I am addicted to taking care of my body, addicted to being healthy, addicted to being my best, addicted to the feeling of a great workout. These are GOOD addictions.

I used to be addicted to cigarettes, alcohol, and fast food. I also used to be addicted to tv. I was addicted to crash diets. These are BAD addictions.

What is the difference between good addictions and bad addictions?

GOOD addictions build you up. Make you better. Make you feel good. I like to call good addictions , HABITS.

BAD addictions have a temporary pleasure but ulimately leave you feeling worse, and they tear you down. Some even hurt those around you.

What do this have to do with being healthy & losing weight?

A lot.

Truth is, when some one craves cupcakes and gives in to cupcakes regularly, it can be said that they are addicted to cupcakes, or even addicted to sugar.

Sugar takes its toll on the body in many dfferent ways including obesity & possibly even cancer.

Now break that addiction by saying no to cupcakes. It's not easy. But if you avoid the item you are addicted to and never give in no matter how badly you want it, eventually you don't want it so much anymore.

Here are addictions I have broken with determination & sheer willpower:

Cigarettes

Alcohol

Coffee

Sugar

Bread ( I didn't know I had Celiac consumed various forms of baked goods like it was my job)

Disordered eating/crash dieting

TV

Product junkie ( I was constantly buying make up & any hair product I could in search of perfection, now I choose many natural ways to care for my body, without consumerism)

Soda Pop

These are the major ones. It was hard, but I did it one at a time. I broke my addictions.

How did I do it?

I started by replacing each BAD addiction with a GOOD habit / activity. I started exercising. Then I started eating healthy. I cut out gluten (out of necessity). I stopped smoking. I started drinking more water. I cut out pop. I started cooking at home. I cut out alcohol. I found out I like green tea. I cut out triclosan & chemicals and replaced with natural products like coconut oil & Dr. Bronner's soap.

I never looked back. I said I can't have this, but I CAN have this.

The CAN is the key.

Anyone can break the bad addictions that weigh them down!

I no longer find junk food appealing, however I find myself craving fresh fruit instead.

I no longer want to sit around, I want to be active & do stuff instead of being lazy.

It takes persistence, determination & sheer willpower in the beginning, and over time it gets easier.

Your body and mind change to want the good things.

Humans are creatures of habit. Start a good habit & eventually you will crowd out the bad ones.

You are worth taking care of yourself. You can do it.

I did. I would never go back.

Let go of the addictions that control you. Any addiction that controls you is BAD. However, if you are in control of your thoughts and your body, then you won't let addictions control you.

Control your addictions, not the other way around.

What healthy habits are you creating in your life today?

Be Happy, Healthy & Strong,

Lolli

I am not a Dr. These are not suggestions. I am sharing what has worked for me and my personal opinions on a topic. See my disclaimer tab for more disclaimer information. When seeking lifestyle changes always consult your physician.

Christians: Your Body Is A Temple.

Ok, so I have been thinking this a long time. Anyone who knows me, knows that I always bring my points across with the best of intentions. 

Also anyone who knows me, knows that I am passionate about health.

What I am about to write is in NO way an attack on anyone, only merely my personal opinion and feelings on an issue. I hope that it will be taken as that. 

We are all entitled to our own opinions, and this is mine.

With the sugar series being posted on this blog recently, and then reading this blog post here. I could not keep my thoughts to myself any longer.

Growing up in churches my whole childhood, and coming from a convserative protestant family, I have seen a lot of church events... and a lot of food. A LOT OF FOOD.

The church events that I have been to could put a Superbowl party to shame with the amount of garbage food spread across the table. 

The amount of soda makes me shudder. The fruit salad that no longer has nutritional value because of the sugary syrups and junk mixed in .... is a staple at almost every church event.

The cakes, cookies, ice creams, lasagnas, wings, pizza, etc. Oh, how the church loves their soda and greasy pizza...and they love to feed it to kids and teenagers. Yuck.

I was the kid that grew up in the church, I was the kid addicted to food.

Isn't gluttony a sin????

The church preaches against addictions, yet they cater to the largest addiction in the country ( in my opinion ).
Gluttony.
 The addiction to food.

The church may be a building where people fellowship, but there doesn't seem to be much fellowship without potato chips, popcorn, cupcakes, etc.

What about the food God created? The kind that doesn't come in a box or can. The kind WITHOUT man made chemicals.

Let me elaborate and tell you that I don't eat junk food anymore. I am not a church goer anymore ( for different reasons). Yet I love God with all my heart, I worship in my home and in God's creation, and I consume food God created. 

I am happy. I treat my body like a temple. I am a physically healthy Christian.

Let me further elaborate.

1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV)says:

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"

Ezekial 16:49 (NLT) says:

"Sodom's sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door."

Proverbs 23:20-21 says:

"Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags."

My point is this: The church is a building where Christians fellowship. A building that humans created. God built and created our bodies with love to be temples for His Holy Spirit. Shouldn't we take care of those bodies?

I find it HIGHLY hypocritical to be a protestant Christian who gorges themselves on bad food to the point of obesity, and justifies it all in the name of Christian fellowship.

Yet, I have been judged for no longer going to church, although I have a clean and healthy temple, and worship God and spend plenty of time in prayer.

How can it be that it has become acceptable to be this way?

It is my opinion that God would not want his children hypocrites, sickly, and addicts of food. 

Much less judgemental of each other.

I am not saying this to judge in any way, in fact I am posting this to bring to light the biggest sin I have seen in the churches I have been to.

It is sad. 

So, why not gather in fellowship over some yummy leafy greens, some fresh veggies and water to drink. Maybe even eat some grilled chicken without the sauces, and some brown rice. For dessert, some delicious berries and fresh fruit. 

Yum.

Guess what?

God created those foods, and they are good.

My beliefs.

You may share your thoughts below.

Be Happy Healthy & Strong,

Lolli

Weekend Randomness: Bring Food Education Back!

I saw this infographic & had to share!

Have a great weekend!

*Be Happy Healthy & Strong!*

♥

Lolli

by FoodRevolution. Browse more infographics.

Are you Hungry for Change?

Just watched this. It is a must see movie.

There are only 2 days left to watch it online for free.

Go here:
http://www.hungryforchange.tv/

Like the movie? You can purchase it from their website as well!

Here's the trailer:

Are you hungry for change in the way you eat? In your life?

Take the first step. Do something.

♥

Lolli

Spirulina. WHAT?!

Hubby and I bought some spirulina at the Vitamin Shoppe the other day. We bought the powder form.

Here's the kind we bought:

A little about this brand (info from their website):

• 100% Vegetarian, %100 Vegan
• FREE of gluten, lactose & soy
• FREE of pesticides & herbicides
• ALL NATURAL

Here's the label: 

What is Spirulina?
 You might have asked yourself this the first time you heard the word.

Spirulina is a type of blue green algae. Some have nicknamed it "nature's perfect food" or "food of the future". 

It is typically found in warm fresh bodies of water. 

It contains B vitamins and Iron, as well as Vitamin A & trace minerals. The kind that my hubby and I bought contains as much as 94 trace minerals. In addition it has a balanced amino acid profile and contains chlorophyll and phycocyanin.

The interesting this is that spirulina retains its nutritional value when exposed to high temperatures. 

Spirulina can be bought in tablets and in powder form.

Spirulina is said to have a mild taste and is great in smoothies & other recipes. 

Spirulina is used by some people for :

• ADHD
• Diabetes
• Precancerous mouth sores
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• To boost immunity
• Improve digestion & bowel health
• Hayfever
• Anxiety
• PMS

After reading so much about the health benefits of spirulina, we decided to give it a try. With so many vitamins and health benefits, we figure what can it hurt?

I did read somewhere online though that if you are allergic to seafood that it is best not to use spirulina.

However, before taking this or any other supplement, please talk to your Dr. I am only sharing info that I have gathered from the internet, this post is not intended as medical advice or advice of any kind. Always make informed decisions when it comes to your body. The statements about spirulina are not regulated by the FDA (for me that's considered a good thing as I don't think it means much, but others rely on the FDA for their safety.)

We love spirulina in our smoothies!!

Do you use Spirulina? Do you like it?

Have you noticed an improvement in your health?

How do you take your spirulina?

♥

Lolli 

Resources:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/923.html

http://www.naturalways.com/spirul1.htm

http://www.naturalnews.com/023337_spirulina_food_health.html

http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/estore/details/2/6

http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/faq

Weekend Ramblings: We have a right to know!

We have a right to know what is in our food. 

Please click here to sign the Just Label It petition, to let the FDA know we want labels on GMO foods.

Watch the video:

Also check out my friend's blog post on the same thing: http://neonica25.blogspot.com/2012/02/we-have-right-to-know.html




We have a right to know what is in our food, whether it be GMO or otherwise. 


♥
Lolli