In the Kitchen

Have you tried a pair of silicone cooking gloves before?  I received a pair of the AYL Cooking Gloves for free in exchange for my honest review and they are AH-MA-ZING!  I could stand there a loooong time with a hot pan in my hands (only having to set it down because my hands grew tired).  AYL's gloves have a cotton lining which makes them more snuggly.  I've been using them instead of my oven mitts and potholders to handle all hot stuff from the oven and microwave.  I don't know if Austin didn't believe me at first but I got him to try the gloves this weekend and he was rather surprised that he couldn't feel the heat through them.  Supposedly you can toss them in your dishwasher to be cleaned but I don't think Benny would be willing to do try that LOL

You can find the AYL Cooking Gloves on Amazon and try them out yourself.

This weekend I FINALLY used up the rest of the turkey from Thanksgiving.  It's been sitting in the freezer annoying me to look at but I just couldn't figure out what to make.  I printed off a couple of Barbell Bikini recipes and made them.

Chicken & Spinach Egg Cups (serves 4-5)

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 Cup Coconut Milk (I used almond milk)
• 2 Cups Diced Spinach
• 1 Cup Shredded Chicken (I used turkey)
• 1 Tsp Sea Salt (I only used 1/2 tsp since it was the fine grain)
• 1 Tsp GarlicPowder
• Dash of Hot Sauce (optional)
• 9 Eggs

 DIRECTIONS 

1. Whisk eggs and coconut milk, add chicken, spinach, and seasonings.
2. Using olive oil or coconut oil spray, coat a muffin tin well (skipped this since I used the silicone muffin pan).
3. Portion egg mixture evenly in cups (very hard for me to do LOL).
4. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes (had to go longer in the silicone).

It was as I feared, too eggy for my liking.  However, I experimented further. I topped one of the egg cups with black bean hummus.  It looked like icing and reduced the egg taste further to where I enjoyed them.  Now I have something new for breakfast!

Avocado Chicken Salad (serves 4-5)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Cups Shredded Roasted Chicken (I used the rest of the turkey but don't know how much it really was)
• 1  Cup Mashed Avocado (I used 2 of them)
• 1 Tsp Lime Juice (I had none so mine was "dry")
• 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 Tsp Sea Salt (again I only used 1/2 tsp)
• 5 Pieces of Crisp Bacon, Crumbled (used turkey bacon)

DIRECTIONS

1. Place all of your ingredients in your stand mixer with it's paddle attachment and let it mix until it's completely combines. (Umm...what's a paddle attachment?  I just mixed it by hand in the container with a normal spoon....)
2. Serve on a bed of mixed greens.

I brought some to work to eat for lunch.  I didn't use any lettuce but had it on one of my sandwich slims.  It was really odd for me to experience a buttery taste.  Is that what it's like to eat an avocado uncooked?

 

Workouts & Studies

THURSDAY I did the 21 Day Fix lower body workout.  I started reading Lifestyle Wellness Coaching during lunch.

FRIDAY I did Pilates and read chapter 2.  The Bob's Red Mill protein powder arrived for me to try and hopefully get #SummerStrong. Visit 

http://www.bobsredmill.com/get-a-coupon.html to snag a coupon so you can grab a bag and participate in the Instagram challenge July 18-23 (leads up to Fitbloggin').

SATURDAY I did Dirty 30 before heading outside to work on the flowerbed out front.  It was a chilly day (because of the wind) so I couldn't see myself working in the garden.  I cleaned it out and planted my seeds - Forget-Me-Not, Aster, Marigold and....I actually forgot what else.

SUNDAY afternoon I spent 4 hours (with breaks) digging out the east side of the garden.  There were so many weeds I had no other choice!  I'm going to use some of that landscape fabric (or whatever the garden version's called) this year to see if that'll help with weed control.  Benny had fun hunting for where to put the dirt.  No idea where he's going to put the rest from the west half...

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on May 22, 2016 at 4:08pm PDT

MONDAY I did yoga to help recover from all that digging.  I read chapter 3.

YESTERDAY I didn't feel recovered enough to do a workout so I took a rest day.  I read chapter 4.

I finally got the note from the doctor for my new goal weight so I got everything updated at Weight Watchers.  So now I'm back to not having to pay!

TODAY I mixed it up and did Kelly Coffey-Meyer's Split Sessions upper body workout. This afternoon I stopped at the farmer's market and picked up more tomato starters. Now I have 10 to plant. Afterwards I walked around a little bit, totalling 2.23 miles (according to MapMyWalk).

 

#SummerFitChallenge on Instagram

Who needs another fitness challenge boost to get bikini-ready this Summer?

#SummerFitChallenge‬ starts June 1st! Each day we challenge you to complete as many reps of the exercise for that day within 30 seconds (get your timers out).

Post your pics and videos throughout the 30-day challenge using hashtag #summerfitchallenge. We'll each choose our favorites to regram. Also be sure to tag your hostesses - so FOLLOW ALL OF US (see below).

There will be weekly prizes to those who actively participate in this challenge by posting pics/vids with the challenge hashtag so if you want to WIN something make sure you use the challenge hashtag on each and every one of your posts so we know you are in!

The lovely hostesses of this challenge are: @FemmeFitaleFitClub @SweshFit @FitFaithLife @TheSHGCommunity @4FitMommas @LongAndWindingRoadToWellness @TheFrugalExerciser_

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

#MotivateMe Monday with Fitness Cheerleader, Running Rachel, & Run Mommy Run

Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup with Marathons & Motivation & IlkasBlog

It's a Lifestyle

Working on building my audience in one of my Facebook groups this week got me thinking...just like healthy living wellness coaching is a lifestyle.  I'm here for my clients; my thoughts and actions revolve around what I can do for them.

My Vision

I'd always known that I was meant to help others but not how. After beginning my own journey I discovered that it's my passion and purpose to help others live healthier lives. Every day I wake up fully rested and ready to help guide my Brand New Me Wellness Coaching clients on their individual paths to improve their overall health and wellness. At least 5 clients go through the ropes monthly with me personally. I have a great team of RDs, Personal Trainers, and more working together to consistently find the best ways to help our clients reach their wellness goals. My husband is 100% supportive of my business and is involved in some capacity. I wake up fully refreshed and ready to help all I can. In addition to the coaching we are running Fit Indy parties around the state. All this has allowed me to leave the job I hate, live comfortably (making at least $100K annually), and travel regularly. I am truly at peace.

 My Audience

I serve those 40+ who

• Were active and healthy in their youth but life got in the way.
• Have been on their healthy living journey but are stuck or are at a plateau.
• Are completely new to healthy living as I was.

My clients need

• A refresher on healthy living.
• That one thing to get them back on track.
• To be shown the ropes from scratch how to live healthier lives.

I inspire and entertain my audience by

• Sharing my own journey through daily interaction across and weekly wrap blog posts.
• Testimonials from clients (once I have them).
• Sharing interesting tidbits I find in other blogs I read or emails I receive.

I educate my audience by

• Researching answers to their questions, sharing in follow up emails or within the Facebook group.
• Working with them on personal development and self care.

Workouts

THURSDAY I did the 21 Day Fix lower body workout.

FRIDAY THE 13TH I did Pilates.  There were a bunch of goodies in the mailbox when I got home - the Group Exercise Instructor Certificate, the next book to read for the Wellness Coach Certification and practice test, Taqabars to review, AYL Cooking Gloves to review, Top Rated Green Recipes book for a bonus stake in the DietBet, and Sally Hogshead's FASCINATE.

Oops, I forgot to include the Vitamin Shoppe prize pack I won.

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on May 13, 2016 at 2:46pm PDT

SATURDAY I did Dirty 30.

MONDAY I did sleepy yoga.  During lunch I finished reading the chapters outlined in the study guide for Motivational Interviewing.  We went out to eat at Cracker Barrel for Benny's birthday.  I ate the Apple Cider BBQ Chicken Breast with broccoli and green beans.  I actually didn't want any potatoes or rice so that was different.  But I did eat all three biscuits since Benny didn't want any....

YESTERDAY I worked my upper body with resistance bands.  Never again will I do this workout with the bands.  I felt no burn whatsoever, unless you count the slight band burn from it rubbing my sides when doing the chest press.

TODAY I walked during lunch.  Nike+ said it was 2.37 miles.  Charity Miles said it was 2.41 miles.  MapMyWalk said it was 2.52 miles.  I picked up 2 tomato plants to put in the garden this weekend since it's finally going to be nice again.  I'll still try the seeds too.  Benny wants a lot of tomatoes.

Lifestyle Wellness Coaching

I'll start Lifestyle Wellness Coaching tomorrow.  It looks like this time I'll be reading the whole book.

1. Introduction to Lifestyle Wellness Coaching
2. Background and Core Ingredients of Coaching
3. Paths of Change
4. Flow Model of Coaching
5. Setting the Foundation for Effective Coaching
6. Cocreating the Coaching Relationship
7. The Magic of Listening
8. The Power of Questioning
9. Direct Communication
10. Awareness and Action
11. Building Enduring Futures
12. Coaching as a Path of Change

Once this book is done then I'll call NETA to pay for the Comira testing since the next workshop will be during Fitbloggin'.  I'm ready to rock

How is your week going?

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

#MotivateMe Monday with Fitness Cheerleader, Running Rachel, & Run Mommy Run

Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup with Marathons & Motivation & IlkasBlog

Week in Review

My weight isn't going down so I need to re-evaluate what I'm doing.  Benny says I'm eating more so that's the problem. Yes, I'm eating more but I don't think it's enough to tip the scales so much. I want to lift heavier, but not like bodybuilders, so I've been trying to eat more protein. It's been suggested that I drink protein shakes. This doesn't seem like the best option to me since none I've tried kept me satiated. For how long does your favorite protein shake keep you full?

Fellow girls who lift, how did you tweak your diet so that you could go heavier?

Mind Dimensions Omnibus Review

Have you ever read anything that you HAVE to put down as opposed to continue reading because it is in your head so much? This is Mind Dimensions Omnibus for me. I received the eBook for free in exchange for my honest review.

Mind Dimensions is a freaky series to me.  So far I've only been able to get through 13% needing breaks between reading.  It reminds me a lot of the cross-genre themes of dreams I've had over the years. With that intensity it makes me wonder...Are the authors shifting into my mind?

Visit Amazon to download Mind Dimensions Omnibus or grab an excerpt for free.

Workouts & Studies

WEDNESDAY I managed to read chapters 12 & 13 of Motivational Interviewing during lunch. I realized I'm ready for heavier weights to do the 21 Day Fix lower body workout. I've been using 10s. Should I up the weight plates to 15s or 20s?

I read chapters 14 & 15.

FRIDAY I did Pilates and read chapter 16. My CPR/AED card arrived in the mail.

SATURDAY I only got to do Dirty 30. The rain held back my gardening plans this weekend. I'm also going to have to weed again.

SUNDAY Austin surprised me with a Mother's Day sign.

AUSTIN: I finished designing something. ME: Yeah? Austin hands me this paper from his notebook. #hugs Happy Mother's Day! #fitmom #mothersday #patience #perserverance #integrity #determination #bravery #kindness #justice

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on May 8, 2016 at 7:33am PDT

MONDAY was time for cardio and chapter 18.

I submitted a press release announcing the launch of the Brand New Me Wellness Coaching Programs. Later I emailed a picture of the CPR/AED card to NETA so they can send my Group Exercise Instructor Certificate.  I also ordered Lifestyle Wellness Coaching and the Wellness Coach practice exam since I'm about done with MI.

YESTERDAY I worked my upper body and read Chapter 20.

TODAY I had a yoga session in the morning and walked 1.99 miles during lunch. I would've had more mileage but the two guys in front of me were having issues with the ATM. I picked up some kale and an organic spice mix for meats at the farmer's market.

How is your week going?

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

#MotivateMe Monday with Fitness Cheerleader, Running Rachel, & Run Mommy Run

Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup with Marathons & Motivation & IlkasBlog

Brand New Me Wellness Coaching Programs

KISS THIS Image Courtesy of Sira Anamwong | KICK IT Image Courtesy of vectorolie | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Week of Workouts

THURSDAY I did the 21 Day Fix lower body workout.  The sweat was dripping off my chin, feeling like I had a beard!

FRIDAY I enjoyed a Pilates session.

SATURDAY I did Dirty 30 with sinus pressure because of this crazy weather we've been having.

SUNDAY I started reading Motivational Interviewing again, hitting chapters 4, 6, & 7.

MONDAY I had a sleepy yoga session that apparently didn't get posted to Instagram...

I read chapters 8 & 10 during lunch.

YESTERDAY I did Upper Fix before exercising my right to vote. I read chapter 11 during lunch.

This morning I did Total Body Cardio Fix.  We'll see how many chapters I get through today.

Coaching Services

I'm still playing with the logos a bit but Friday I unveiled more details about the Brand New Me Wellness Coaching Programs.

I am excited about starting the 1:1 Coaching Programs! Full details can't be published as the program will be tailored to the individual client's needs and goals. This is the framework I'll be using for every client. #BrandNewMe #WellnessCoach #healthyliving #nutrition #exercise #personaldevelopment #selfcare #LAWRTW #LongAndWindingRoad #LongAndWindingRoadToWellness #TheFitpreneurLife #IndyCoach

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Apr 30, 2016 at 8:11am PDT

With Molly's help I'm now working on all the forms and templates to use for clients.  I never expected it to be difficult to create documents but my thought processes seem to have hit a blockade.  Checking out other coaches' forms to see what all I need and want to use.

After the weekly coaching sessions (I'm thinking the next day) I'll email a summary of what we covered and what the client's assignment is for the week.  So I need to make a template for this.  Actually I don't want to call what they're working on each week an assignment as that's too much like school.  What are some other names I can use?

Background Image Courtesy of photostock | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This is just in the brainstorming stage but I'd also like to offer fit parties (and use my events management certificate I went back for after having Austin).  I've named it FIT INDY PARTIES and made a Facebook page with skeleton details.  Once the coaching programs are up and running I'll work on party development.  Have you ever held or been to a fitness party before?

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

#MotivateMe Monday with Fitness Cheerleader, Running Rachel, & Run Mommy Run

Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup with Marathons & Motivation & IlkasBlog

Motivational Interviewing

THURSDAY I did the 21 Day Fix lower body workout.

FRIDAY I did Pilates. The first book to begin studying for the Wellness Coach Certification exam arrived. Since it was supposed to be a nice weekend I planned to read it outside.

SATURDAY I did Dirty 30 in the morning and read the first chapter of Motivational Interviewing in the afternoon.  The study guide doesn't have us reading everything for some reason.

• 
  
  Chapters I'll be Reading & Studying
  1. Conversations About Change
  2. The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing
  3. The Method of Motivational Interviewing
  4. Engagement and Disengagement
  6. Core Interviewing Skills
  7. Exploring Values and Goals
  8. Why Focus?
  10. When Goals Differ
  11. Exchanging Information
  12. Ambivalence
  13. Evoking the Person's Own Motivation
  14. Responding to Change Talk
  15. Responding to Sustain Talk and Discord
  16. Evoking Hope and Confidence
  18. Developing Discrepancy
  20. Developing a Change Plan
  23. Experiencing Motivational Interviewing
  25. Applying Motivational Interviewing

SUNDAY I read the next two chapters. There was A Motivational Interviewing Prayer one of the authors wrote to prepare himself before seeing clients. I wonder if it's already in poster form somewhere or if I should have it done. I'd like to have this on my wall.

Guide me to be a patient companion, to listen with a heart as open as the sky. Grant me vision to see through her eyes and eager ears to hear her story. Create a safe and open mesa on which we may walk together. Make me a clear pool in which she my reflect. Guide me to find in her your beauty and wisdom, knowing your desire for her to be in harmony: healthy, loving, and strong. Let me honor and respect her choosing of her own path, and bless her to walk it freely. May I know once again that although she and I are different, yet there is a peaceful place where we are one. #motivation #wellnesscoach #partnership #acceptance #compassion #evocation #worth #empathy #autonomy #affirmation #TheFitpreneurLife #IndyCoach

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Apr 24, 2016 at 1:40pm PDT

MONDAY I felt myself channeling Robin Williams with Total Body Cardio Fix.

YESTERDAY I worked my upper body.

TODAY I did yoga.

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

#MotivateMe Monday with Fitness Cheerleader, Running Rachel, & Run Mommy Run

Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup with Marathons & Motivation & IlkasBlog

Headache Be Gone!

Last week I was suffering from a triple headache - menstrual, sinus, and tension.  Rotating doses of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and zolmitriptan would mute the pain for a little bit, leaving the pressure.  Then it'd all start over again.  I went to work but nowhere else.  I posted in social media and worked on some other things but couldn't bring myself to write a blog post.  So there's quite a bit to cover today.

Workouts

APRIL 7 I did Jillian Michaels' Body Revolution Workout 11.

APRIL 8 I did Pilates Fix.

APRIL 9 I wrapped up Body Revolution with Workout 12.  Just the little bit I did of this program made me tired of Jillian so I won't be doing her workouts for a while.

APRIL 11 I started the 21 Day Fix again, just the workouts.  I woke up with a headache but pushed through Total Body Cardio as much as I could.

APRIL 12 the headaches continued but I did my best with Upper Fix.

APRIL 13 I decided to take another rest day to see if it would help with the headaches.

THURSDAY the rest seemed to have worked a little bit as the pain was reduced so I went ahead and did Lower Fix.

FRIDAY I did Pilates Fix again..  I think this will be my Friday workout of choice.

SATURDAY I did Dirty 30 in the morning and started cleaning out my garden in the afternoon.  It took about an hour to rake it all and weed the east side.

SUNDAY it took about 1.5 hours to weed the west side of the garden.

MONDAY I did Cardio Fix.

YESTERDAY I did Upper Fix.

TODAY I needed a Yoga Fix.

Upcoming Activities

Tomorrow night's when I complete the CPR certification at the YMCA.

On June 20, I'm participating in The Longest Day, an event to honor the strength, passion and endurance of those facing Alzheimer's disease, such as my Grandma Flemmings. From sunrise to sunset, my team (can join from anywhere) will walk to raise awareness and funds for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.  You too can help by either joining my Walking 4 Wellness team or making a donation.

On October 8, I'm walking The Great Pumpkin Run (looks to be my only race this year).  Austin won't be trick-or-treating anymore but I still want to dress up in a costume.  I want to use this race as my opportunity to wear a costume but have no idea what I want to wear.  Any suggestions are welcome!  Should you be in the area and want to join me at this 5K race you can save $5 with this code LAWRTW5K.

Coaching Services

This is one thing I was able to work on last week - starting to develop my 1:1 Wellness Coaching services.  Since I already have the Brand New Me community on Facebook I went ahead and kept the same name for the coaching programs.  I hope to have everything finalized in the next month or so but here's what I came up with so far.

Not too many details will be listed as the guts will depend upon the individual client's goals.  The Facebook community will continue to be a part of my services as the free group support system.  I wish I could afford done for you programs to use as my foundation such as what Rachel Feldman or Kathleen LeGrys offers. I can't wait to help more people find their healthy paths!

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

#MotivateMe Monday with Fitness Cheerleader, Running Rachel, & Run Mommy Run

Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup with Marathons & Motivation & IlkasBlog

Bye Bye 160's!

I knew I lost this week but not how much.  Last night I weighed in down another 4.4 lbs!  May 13th was the last time I had that much of a loss.

Since the beginning of May I've lost

.25 in off my thighs

.38 in off my arms

.5 in off my chest

1.25 in off my hips

Yesterday Benny said that I didn't need to get back down to my high school weight.  It's not a NEED; that weight just happens to be in the ideal range.  So I looked online last night to bring up ideal weight calculators.  Calculator.net had the most variety out of what I saw.

 

There were some other interesting things calculated on other sites.  Take Halls.md...

 

 

I discovered afterwards that according to my wrist circumference my frame is large not medium.

There were other sites but I didn't capture the URLs such as these two.

Everything says my goal weight of 130 lbs is spot on!

Monday I followed up with my Dr.  He said the ER diagnosed me with pleurisy but that didn't make sense based on my symptoms.  He's just as much at a loss as I am!  If it happens again we'll look at other tests like the stress test to see what all is going on.  I said that I don't know how I'd do that since I don't run LOL.  As far as the exercise induced neurocardiogenic syncope symptoms (nurse never actually showed him my message but he skimmed it there in the room) he gave a couple of ideas.  Add some salt to my water that I'm drinking with my workouts so that I'm replenishing salt while losing it with the sweat.  Also, get another fan to keep me cooler.  I told him that I might knock it over with all my bouncing around during the workouts LOL.

My primary workout program this week was the 21 Day Fix.  The GPS wasn't working on my phone so the mileage wasn't recorded during my walk Wednesday.  Saturday morning I did Jillian Michaels Cardio Kickboxing to try and combat whatever I was going to eat at the neighbor's.

The cookout at the neighbor's went well.  I was chilly the whole night for some reason; everyone else was at least comfortable.  Several of us were devoured by insects; my legs almost look like I have a rash with so many bites.  Hydrocortisone doesn't stop the itching for me anymore so I had to find something else.  I discovered this Calagel® Medicated Anti-itch Gel at Dollar General and it appears to be working.  I put it on Monday night and I was able to sleep without itching.  I reapplied it during my lunch yesterday then forgot it on my desk so I was itchy all night LOL.

What do you use to treat insect bites?

Linking up with

April Showers 21 Day Fix - The Results

Well, I was up .4 lbs again.  Kind of frustrating but not surprising.  TOM when I started the 21 Day Fix and TOM when I finished it.  Stupid mother nature LOL.  I did lose a few inches but not as much as I thought.  But this could again be because of TOM.  Should I have Benny measure me again next week or just wait until the end of next month?

Measurements

WAIST:  34.5 to 34

HIPS:  42.5 to 42.25

CHEST:  36.5 to 36

R ARM:  stayed at 13

L ARM:  12.5 to 12.75

R THIGH:  22.5 to 21.5

L THIGH:  21.5 to 21

TOTAL LOSS:  2.5 inches

 



I really did struggle with the food so I think that was the real reason why I didn't see the bigger losses most others had.  For me the 21 Day Fix eating plan was too restrictive...kind of why I never dieted before.  I prefer the flexibility of the Weight Watchers Points Plus system where you eat whatever you want as long as it's within your allotted daily and weekly points.  I lost over 75 lbs this way so I think it's best to stick with it for  now.

I'm willing to try the 21 Day Fix again later, just like I did with the Shakeology.  I'll study what others posted that they're eating and see which new recipes I can do.  During the summer the smoothies would probably be more fun than they are now because they'd cool me off from the heat rather than just make me chilly LOL.

Linking up with

Taco Salad - 21 Day Fix Friendly Recipe

As you well know I struggled to get in all my containers during the 21 Day Fix.  This taco salad that I came up with was big but satisfying.  It's very flexible so you can modify just about everything to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

1 cup spinach (can do lettuce too or a mix...whatever you prefer)

2 small heads broccoli

5-6 carrots

1/2-1 bell pepper

1/2-1 onion

1 Tbsp minced garlic

Salt & Pepper to taste

Spice mix to taste (i.e. oregano, basil, parsley, paprika, allspice, etc.)

4 tsp extra virgin olive oil

2 cups instant brown rice

1-2 lb ground beef

Taco seasoning (packet or self-made)

1 cup water

1/4 cup feta

4 slices turkey bacon

I'd like to note that Benny won't buy the healthier ground beef (only 73/27) because of the price so I just use less of it in my meals.  He doesn't seem to mind that he's not eating so much meat LOL

1. Preheat oven to 450.  Cut up all your veggies (except the spinach) and place into a bowl with the garlic.  Add your preferred spice mix and the olive oil.  Toss well.  Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish and place in the oven.
2. Meanwhile brown the ground beef and add salt & pepper to taste.  Drain and add the taco seasoning and water.  Stir well.  Heat to boiling and reduce to simmer.  Most of the liquid will be absorbed.
3. While the beef is browning cook the rice according to the package instructions.
4. When everything is almost done, cook the bacon in the microwave.
5. Remove the veggies from the oven and let cool a few minutes.
6. Place the spinach in a large bowl.  Add 2 cups of the veggies.  Add 2/3 cup of the rice (save the rest for leftovers or serve to members of your family).  Add up to 3/4 cup of the ground beef mixture.  Top with the feta and bacon.
7. Enjoy!

The amounts mentioned above wouldn't be an every day meal.  It's more for when you've had a crazy busy day and didn't much.  As I said before it's very flexible so you can adjust it to whatever you're needing for that meal.

April Showers 21 Day Fix - The Home Stretch

Well, both scales are in agreement....I had a little gain this week but I'm not really sure why.  I think inches have been lost though as those 10 cargo pants I just bought are a little loose!

I went to the Gynecologist yesterday and had an ultrasound to check on my fibroids since I've been spotting almost the whole time since the beginning of the year.  (I thought maybe it was Perimenopause but the doctor didn't agree.)  Looking at the preliminary report my fibroids are gone!  So now the doctor is clueless as to what's going on with me.  Just another thing to add to the long line of "I don't know what your body is doing" that I hear from every doctor.

 

Something he did notice was that I have a ton of nabothian cysts on my cervix.  I asked him if that was a good or bad thing.  He said that it was neither good nor bad.  These cysts are normal occurrences so there's nothing to worry about.  The doctor just personally has never seen so many.  I did a quick search this morning looking at others' ultrasounds and don't see any others with so many empty spaces representing the cysts.

I finally got someone at Anthem to acknowledge the fact that, based on the estimated facility charges the hospital provided, the cost of Benny's surgery would be higher than the out of pocket maximum.  It's just too much of an expense to take on right now (with paying for our dental work) so he's opted to not have the surgery.  Now, I don't know if it's an actual problem or it's his subconscious over-reacting, but this morning he said that he was swollen and his tongue hurt by the salivary ducts.

Nothing new on the workouts and eating fronts.  I'm still struggling to get all the fruits and veggies in.  With not having the weight loss but possibly inches lost I'm not sure if it's a result of the nutritional change or this particular workout series.  Maybe it's just my body refusing to conform to the norm, just like with everything else.

Linking up with

April Showers 21 Day Fix - 10 Days In

The home scale only reflects a .4 lb loss while my official weigh in was 1.6 lbs down.  Should I even bother continuing to monitor and take a picture of the scale for my weekly posts?  What would you rather see instead - a picture of the printout/sticker from weigh in, a screenshot of the chart or table view from Weight Watchers, or something else to display my weight?

Saturday we made a trip to Goodwill.  I picked up

• Size 10 jean (Yes, I'm in 10's now!)
• Size 12 jean
• Size 10 cargo pants
• Size M wrap skirt
• 2 size L shirts
• 2 belts (I think they both say 38")

Benny managed to find this huge Lee Reynolds painting for $50.  We tried to hang it up but can't get the picture wire to reach the nail.  Austin and Benny picked out a couple of board games also.

I'm currently frustrated with my health insurance.  Obamacare (I refuse to call it the true name) has come down hard on what my employer can offer us.  Our deductible has quadrupled and all other costs have increased (even a deductible for prescriptions now!).  Benny was supposed to have that surgery to remove the stones from his salivary gland/duct before the end of March but that was cancelled because he drank milk that morning.  We had rescheduled it for tomorrow but now we had to cancel.  I got the average facility cost from the hospital but Anthem flat out refuses to give us any kind of idea what our final cost will be.  Will the final bill be just the deductible or will we have to pay some co-insurance also?  Benny calls this a scam for them refusing to tell a consumer how much a service will be.  He refuses to have the surgery until we know costing information so we can figure out how to pay for it all.  Has anyone had this happened before?

Workouts

Day 4: Pilates Fix Lower Fix
I woke up and it was like a miracle had happened overnight!  Only a slight twinge periodically in my thighs but otherwise I was pain free.  So it was definitely the right decision to switch days 3 & 4 workouts.  Leg day wasn't as bad as I'd expected.  I see everyone posting about how they hate leg day on just about every workout program.  I'd almost say I LOVE leg day if they were all like this!

Day 5:  Cardio Fix
I alternated between the regular and modified movements throughout the workout so I wouldn't overdo it.  That worked out really well; I had the best burn of all 7 workouts...right about where I like to be.

Day 6:  Dirty 30
I didn't understand what made this workout "dirty"...

Day 7: Yoga Fix
I tried this workout before officially starting so I had an idea what I was doing.  Did that make doing yoga easier?  Perhaps.  It sure felt a little easier but I just don't do that swooping thing when you go into up dog.  It's either my lack of coordination or I'm too slow LOL

Day 8: Total Body Cardio Fix
Back to surrendering again. UGH!  I took it very slowly and pushed through without pain.  Next week I'll go a little faster and hope to not have a repeat of day 1.

Day 9:  Upper Fix
Attempted to do some of the moves with my Slim in 6 resistance band instead of the weights.  Yeah, that didn't work out so well.  I just couldn't stretch the band out with it wrapped around my feet.  It's possible that this band is just too short to do these workouts.  I do want to pick up some heavier weights though.  I'm only working with 3 lb weights so maybe just 5 lb ones next.

Day 10:  Lower Fix
Leg day again!  It only hurts doing the leg lifts on the floor.  It wouldn't be so bad if it were less than a minute.  But at least it doesn't last beyond the moves.

Nutrition

I really need a better blender and more big cups if I'm going to keep up with eating all these fruits and veggies!   Some days I even struggle getting the protein in.  I've always called myself the meat and potatoes kid so it doesn't make sense that I can't eat more meat LOL.  It does seem easier when I do the smoothies as dessert as opposed to breakfast or a morning snack.  Benny hates cleaning out the blender but doesn't like how I wash dishes so he's stuck with it.

 

My salads are a little weird since the only raw veggies I'll eat are the leafy ones; everything else has to be cooked.  So I'll have just lettuce and spinach with some turkey.  Now, one day I tried to make a vinaigrette with my rice vinegar.  For some reason I had a headache from the first bite.  The flavor was good but the headache kind of scared me.  Have you experienced this before?  The rest of the time I've eaten a salad I've just used my fat free ranch but don't know if it's 21 Day Fix friendly.

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