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February 20, 2014

A New Challenge for this New Year.


This week I started another Paleo Challenge at my box. Tons of people keep telling me, "But you don't need to lose weight." Do you have to have a goal of weight loss to want to challenge yourself? This challenge is only for 30 days and requires strict eating with 4 days at the gym per week. Being that I've only been getting in the gym 3 days a week, on a good week, lately I thought that this would be a good way to kick my diet and fitness goals back in to gear. I am on day 4 and am doing good... so far.

Speaking of challenges - A friend from my box mentioned competing in this Tri Fitness competition this June in Florida and wants me to do it, too. I love a challenge, but I'm trying to do as much research as I can to determine if this is something that I can do. It has three parts: a figure competition (yes, you read correctly), an obstacle course and a fitness competition. You can also opt to do a fitness routine, but I think I'll leave my dance skills at home that day. It sounds crazy and like NOTHING that I have ever done. I'm not 100% locked in but I have been doing my research and will be meeting with a coach this week to hash out all of my questions and concerns. YIKES!

For this challenge, my family is attempting to participate by eating Paleo 80/20 for the first time in their lives. So far my baby sister, who is in 7th grade and has a horrid diet, just has a hard time packing her lunch with things that she likes and aren't too difficult to prepare. She asked me on day 1, "Is Ramen Paleo." No, baby girl. My mom is doing well and just came home yesterday talking about how starving she was. She's a teacher and doesn't have the time to eat or drink much throughout the day, so getting in enough calories is going to be tough for her. As for my dad, he may or may not actually be eating Paleo (lol).

My first benchmark WOD was (while having a sinus infection):
  • 5 Rounds of 10 burpess and 10 75# Cleans
    • 8:58
  • Rest 10 Min.
  • Then, Run 1.5 mi. for time
    • 10:20
Those are by far not great times, but I'm not too upset with them either. I felt like crap, had tissues next to my chalk bucket, and my lungs were on fire for the run. But I finished under the time caps and can obviously do nothing but better the next time around!


This week, our favorite household recipe was: Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

  • 4-6 Chicken Breasts, sliced into strips
  • 4 Bell Peppers, cut into long strips
  • 2 Onions, chopped OR cut into larger strips
  • Romaine Lettuce (for lettuce wraps)
  • Hot Salsa/Pico de Gallo from Harris Teeter (made fresh)
  • Coconut Oil
  • The juice of 1 lime
  • Garlic
  • Cilantro and guacamole, if you're feeling saucy 
Instructions:
Heat up a skillet with a tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Start by slicing the chicken into long, thin strips. Also cut, or dice depending on your preference, the onions. Once the oil is heated, add in a tablespoon of minced garlic (about 2 cloves) and the diced onions. Once the onions soften up and start to turn translucent, after about 5 minutes, add in the chicken strips and squeeze the juice from one lime over it.

As the chicken is cooking, cut the bell peppers into long strips. I like all of my ingredients to be cut similarly, in long strips like they do at the Mexican restaurants! 

Once the chicken is about halfway complete, after about 15 min., add in the bell peppers. Continue to saute the chicken, onion and peppers until the chicken is done and the peppers have softened up, but still have a slight crunch. 

This can be served in a heap on your plate and topped with some fresh salsa, wrapped in lettuce wraps or on top of a salad. I like to make extras, too, so I can have some the next day for lunch! If you need some more fats, also top it with some guacamole! 


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January 13, 2014

Thanks for the support!


I just logged in to the Blogger platform a few moments ago and was shocked to see that I have over 5,000 page views! This is amazing and let's me know that people actually care about what I'm sharing. Thank you SO much for reading and supporting me! Feel free to comment on my posts, email me, or message me privately with any topics or recipes that you would like me to post :)
You guys rock! 
xoxo J
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January 4, 2014

Weekly Meal Prep



Disclaimer- I focus on REAL food. I am not 100% Paleo, but I strive to eat quality ingredients, 100% of the time.

When I am prepping my meals for the week, I start off by sitting down and writing it all out. I write down my weekly schedule so I know if meals or snacks need to be ready for on-the-go or if I'll be eating them at home. I also try to plan out what days I know that I will be eating meals out so that I don't buy too much at the grocery store. So here's a snapshot of my meal plan for this coming week:

Sunday
Breakfast- Green Smoothie
Lunch- Turkey burger patty with a tomato, cucumber and onion salad (make extra for 2 more meals)
Snack- Pate with cucumber slices
Dinner- Crockpot roast, red wine


Monday
B- Smoothie
L- Turkey burger patty with a tomato, cucumber and onion salad
S- Trail mix and a piece of fruit
D- Chicken breast (cook 2 more for future meals), black beans, 1/2 an avocado, wilted spinach, red wine

Tuesday
B- Bacon, eggs and 1/2 an avocado
L- Turkey burger patty with a tomato, cucumber and onion salad
S- Trail mix and a piece of fruit
D- Chicken breast, black beans and broccoli, red wine


Wednesday
B- Smoothie
L- Shrimp cocktail, broccoli and 1/2 sweet potato
S- Trail mix and a piece of fruit
D- Grilled chicken breast salad, red wine


Thursday
B- Smoothie
L- Pack of tuna fish, veggies and guac
S- Trail mix and a piece of fruit
D- Steak stir fry with quiona, red wine


Friday
B- Bacon, eggs and 1/2 an avocado
L- Leftover steak stir fry 
S- Trail mix and a piece of fruit
D- Dinner out


Saturday
B- Smoothie
L- Tuna pack and pate with cucumber slices
S- Lara Bar
D- Dinner out

Once I have each meal planned out, I make a grocery list around it. Then when I go to the store, I'm not buying anything extra that will not get eaten. This is essential when you are only buying fresh, raw foods as they do not last nearly as long as processed foods. Also, make your life easier by preparing as much as you can for a meal ahead of time. For example, if you're cooking a chicken breast for dinner one night, cook a couple extra for lunches or dinners later on in the week! You'll thank yourself later!

Do you meal plan for your weekly meals? Any tips or suggestions to share?



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January 2, 2014

New Year, New Beginnings


I know that everyone claims that they're going to be a new version of themselves on Jan. 1 of the new year. The difference between me and them though is that I literally will have different things going on in my life for 2014 that will ensure that this happens. New Address. "New" Relationship. New Goals. If you've been following along, you know that I have had some major changes in my life over the past couple of months. I feel like because of these changes, I have a new and fresh outlook on life and on the year to come.
10 things that I learned in 2013:
  1. You cannot predict your future.
  2. You cannot change anyone.
  3. Your body is capable of far more than you ever thought.
  4. Sleep and a good laugh cures everything.
  5. Your attitude about a situation can be the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.
  6. Always have a life outside your relationships- your own friends, your own hobbies, your own goals.
  7. SAVE while you can. No matter how much money you make or how many bills you have, SAVE whatever you can. Because you WILL need it.
  8. Never underestimate the love and strength of your family.
  9. Set goals and actually accomplish them. It's the best feeling in the world to know that you did.
  10. Live each day in the moment. It's okay to plan for the future, but don't get so caught up in it that you forget to cherish the present.
That being said, for this new year I have some new goals to accomplish. Many people think that "New Year's Resolutions" are something that you talk about, attempt for a month or two and then you go right back to your old ways. That could be true for some, but ya gotta start somewhere and those couple of months could be the start to a beautiful thing. January 2013 I set goals for myself and I accomplished them, so it IS possible. I wanted to be the most fit version of myself and to land a "big girl" job. Both of which, I did. This year however, I have more goals to set & to challenge myself with. 
  1. This year I want to be 80% Paleo, all the time. For me this means no more week + long binges after eating damn near perfectly for a month or two. But to be realistic, eating 80% Paleo means eating mostly perfect with a cheat day or meal every week. Practically is key to actually accomplishing your goals.
  2. I want to compete in 1 CrossFit competition this year. I did one last year and it was a blast. Super stressful and definitely challenging, but fun. I want that feeling again. But this time, I'll actually train and prepare before.
  3. I want to get my savings in check. That means 2-6 months of monthly living expenses and a $1,000 emergency fund. It will happen. I just paid off my credit card in December and plan on keeping it that way!
  4. I want to spend more time doing things that I love. Whether that's reading books, cooking, shooting guns, or just spending time with my friends, family. Mike & Ruca.
  5. I want to learn something new. I have recently thought about pursuing a new instrument. I have played several instruments over the years and never really stuck with one to get "good." I have entertained the idea of learning to play the banjo. Before you think that's crazy, which maybe it is, I LOVE the sounds of the banjo. I like the idea of playing something unique and making it work with modern-day songs.
A new year is like a Monday, only better. It gives you a chance to feel fresh and rejuvenated and to make those lifestyle changes that you've been thinking about. If you drink a couple of sodas a day, don't make your goal to cut soda completely because the odds are that you won't stick to it. Start with smaller steps and try cutting it down to 1/2 of what you normally consume. Then you'll be more likely to reach your goal and it will make you feel better/more positive.
I hope everyone had a great holiday season and that you start the new year off with good health and a happy heart. Let's kick this year's ass! :)
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December 7, 2013

CrossFit Christmas Checklist




Do you live in a family of CrossFitters, or do you have that one crazy friend that is in to the extreme sport? Maybe you're wondering what the heck to get them for Christmas or a birthday. Well look no further! I have put together a list of items that any of my fellow CrossFitters would love to receive as a gift; I promise.

CrossFit Christmas Checklist
Give Ideas for Your Loved Ones

  1. Headbands
    • Headbands are a necessity in the box for the ladies. This one from Reebok is super cute, yet still functional.
  2. Shoes
    • Every CrossFitter has at least two pairs of shoes that are for different things. But you can never have too many pairs! Reebok Nanos are popular, versatile shoes, while Reebok Lifters (also known as olley's) are top-of-the-line shoes for lifting. I've recently even see that Reebok has slip-on shoes that are designed for wearing to and from the gym.
  3. Athletic Tape
    • This is an essential item for extreme athletes to have and could be a great stocking stuffer! WODShop sells tape in an array of colors for a good price.
  4. Wrist Wraps
    • Not everyone uses these, but I can guarantee that no one would be mad if you bought them for them. They help support your wrists when doing heavy lifting, especially over-head movements.
  5. Rollers
  6. Jump Rope
    • Having your own jump rope for double-unders is a beautiful thing. You don't have to worry about searching for the right sized rope in your box before the WOD and it's always nice to just have your own stuff. Another great stocking stuffer idea.
  7. Bar
    • If your loved one has the room, get them a bar with some plates and collars. This would be a much larger gift, so make sure you like them, a lot. We all love to practice movements outside of our box. Trust me when I say that they will love you forever if you get them this.
  8. Apparel 
    • We all love the silly CrossFit shirts and socks. You can't go wrong with this.
  9. Pull-up Bar
    • Whether it's the kind that you hang in the doorway for strict pull-ups or a bar that you can mount somewhere, pull-ups and bar work are something that we could all be better at.
  10. For the Office
    • For the corporate worker by day and the CrossFitter by night, these CrossFit-geared office items are sure to be a hit. From coffee mugs to mouse pads, check them out!

Now that you have some ideas, get out there and get your Christmas shopping done! Do you have any good gift ideas to recommend?


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