Almond Butter and Veggies for Dinner????

I'm addicted to Almond Butter.  This is not new news.  I know it's high in fat and though I used to love having it on a sandwich, that never really kept me satisfied for long and it did nothing to highlight the magical flavors from within.  In my quest to eat what I love and find healthier ways to incorporate them I have been experimenting in the kitchen a lot lately.  I've been so busy that I have a whole bunch of recipes waiting to be shared with all of you and since so many people asked about the pictures I posted yesterday on Instagram I figured I would get this one up ASAP!

This one is so simple and so quick that I actually made it twice Monday night and then reheated some for lunch on Tuesday.  The first time I made it with no meat and then for my dinner version I added some chicken.  Both ways were out of this world!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

 Ingredients: 

1 Tbs Chunky Almond Butter
1 Cup Almond Coconut Milk Blend (if you can't find the blend use either coconut or almond milk)
1 Whole Bell Pepper, any color (i used red)
4 slices of white onion
1 cup of white mushrooms, chopped
2-6 oz Chicken Breasts, Raw, chopped.
2 Tbs Coconut Oil
2 stalks of Celery, chopped
1 Large Zucchini, shredded with a peeler
Black Pepper and Ground Red Pepper, to taste

Method: 
In a large skillet melt 1 Tbsp of the coconut oil.  Once the oil is hot, add the zuchini, bell pepper, mushrooms, onion and celery and stir frequently.  In a separate skillet, melt the rest of the coconut oil and add the chicken.  Season both skillets with black and red pepper.  Once the vegetables are fully cooked add 1 ounce of water to each skillet to de-glaze (a fancy way of saying pull the flavprs off the bottom of the pan) and allow to cook for another few minutes until water is almost gone.  Add Chicken to the larger skillet with the veggies.

In a small bowl, whisk together the almond butter and the milk.  Pour this mixture over the chicken and veggies and toss till evenly covered.  Allow to heat for another 2-3 minutes and then serve.  You can garnish with chopped almonds if you like and to add some heat (if you prefer spicy meals add siracha to the Almond butter mixture).

 

I CAN EAT ALL OF THE GOOD THINGS!!!

Since beginning my 'TransFORM' Boot Camp I have paired down the list of foods that I include in my daily life.  When I originally saw the list of allowable food, I will admit I was a bit worried about my loss of sweet potatoes and brown rice.  I acknowledged I would miss the creamer in my coffee.  I was more than a little nervous about options for the occasional night out at a restaurant.  There was a morning period for bagels, breads and other carbs I was deeply attached to.  I may have even whined a bit about corn on the cob being an integral part of summer.

After just a month of eating differently, I have encountered a large amount of skeptical curious thinkers.  At least once a day I am offered something at work or at a friends that I CHOOSE not to eat.  These foods, which they present with such glee, which they are determined to have me try, come with explanations of their nutritional value, their healthfulness, and their lack of 'bad things'.  When I politely decline, people automatically assume I must have some food allergy... or worse they jump to the amazing conclusion that I am starving myself!!  It is impossible to believe that I CHOOSE not to include some foods in my diet!

I am entirely sure these kind folks mean to be helpful as they explain to me (often like I am a small child) that an exclusionary diet and a lifestyle of depravity is harmful and will only lead to a harmful unraveling.  They tell me the benefits of (insert food of their choice here).  Sometimes they even ask if I have developed an eating disorder...  Make no mistake, these friends, coworkers and complete strangers must be coming from a great place but most of them did not know me 60 pounds ago.  They never met the girl who felt terrible about herself and rarely smiled.  They don't know I used to sleep until an hour before I had to be at work, and go to sleep within an hour of arriving home, all to avoid food.  These are the same times I ate one meal a day and couldn't understand why I wasn't losing weight.


So to all of these people, I appreciate your help!  I value the fact that you care enough about me that you share your concern.  I love that you want me to be happy!!  All that said, please hear me as I beg for your help here:  I EAT LOTS OF THINGS!!!  I AM NOT STARVING!!!  I PROMISE!!!  Please, please, please, please, please:  Trust me when I say that I eat lots of things, all of them delicious and fun and exciting for me.  I enjoy each meal I eat.  These may not be choices you would make but I believe in your right to be happy and enjoy your meals.

 If believing me is beyond your capacity, I beg that at the very least you keep your judgmental helpful thoughts to yourself.  I have made some tough choices on my journey to the strongest, healthiest me possible and your words hurt.  Perhaps you still don't understand.  Let me paint you a picture.. Criticizing my healthy eating is the equivalent of sitting next to bed and telling me that running is bad for me knees as I crawl out of bed to head out in the morning!  You wouldn't dare do that would you???

I will continue to be polite, smile and explain my choices when you approach me.  I vow not to doubt my choices because you do so often.  I will not get caught up in justifying bad choices with the 'everyone else is doing it' attitude!  I just want you to know that everytime you offer well meaning advice, critical thoughts or unabashed judgement, or ask me "WHAT CAN YOU EAT??" I am screaming in my head "I CAN EAT ALL OF THE GOOD THINGS!!!!"

Happy Mother's Day!!

Usually On Mother's Day my only request is that we run...  It doesn't matter if there is a race, or how far we go, just that we run together as a family.  Running is when I feel the most like myself and I love feeling that way with Rob and Danger by my side, or as life may have if, 30 feet in front of me and running the same route!  The funny thing is that I barely remember what we did on Mother's Day before I ran...  It seems like a zillion years ago most days! 

Last year, I asked the boys to run with me even though I had not been running or training at all.  I had just registered for two half marathons and I knew I had a very long path ahead of me in order to get to where I wanted be but I remember feeling confident as we left the house for what I thought would be an easy run.  By the time we made hit the 1 mile mark I was hurting pretty bad and begging to turn around.  There is a bench on the trail where we were running and I remember thinking that if I could just sit down I would feel much better.  The boys refused to let me stop.  We ran another half mile and turned around towards home.  I complained the entire way!!  Every time I pass that bench now, I feel an overwhelming swell of pride that I am so much stronger than I was that day.   

Today, I was supposed to run 5 miles according to my training plan.  I opted out since I got a new foot tattoo last night and I knew I would regret the run before I turned off my street since my body needs a bit more time to heal before lacing up.  I chose not to beat myself up about it, and instead I enjoyed the morning by having breakfast with Danger, skyping with my parents and enjoying the amazing life I have.  I was even lucky enough that I opened a few presents! 

The funny part about today was that even though I spent a good portion of the day not thinking about running, thoughts of last year when I wanted to cry when I passed by the bench crept in and out. It forced me to think about the girl I was before I ran, the one who couldn't make it around the block even once without stopping, the same one who hated breaking a sweat...  I am so glad that girl decided her life was worth fighting for!  I am thrilled that she had the courage to push through and train for her life.  I am SOOOOO thankful that she doesn't cry and beg to stop one mile into a run anymore but most importantly, I am incredibly proud that that girl somehow managed to be the woman I always wanted to be...  a phenomenal example of perseverance for my son.  I am a runner and today, Mother's Day has become a symbol of just that! 

For all of you Mothers, Moms, Mommies, Mamas, Steps, Grands, and Nanas, I hope your day was filled with moments of appreciation for the amazing children you are raising, for the partners who do so alongside us, for the examples of motherhood we were fortunate enough to have help guide us!  I also hope that you took a few seconds to appreciate how amazing you are for creating a tiny human being and filling them with love, hope and joy!  Happy Mother's Day to you all!!!

This Girl has been one busy Bee!

I am A Diet-to-Go Ambassador and as such was given the opportunity to review their meals in return for a review.  As always, all opinions, thoughts and recommendations are my own.   Thanks for reading!!

Remember last week when I said things had been chaotic but I was going to  make sure to slow down and make sure to stay on top of things this week?  If you do, then you probably also remember that I didn't actually buckle down and accomplish the things I had hoped for!!!  That said, there were in fact several great things that happened this week.

This season at work is best described as organized chaos.  This year has been no different and one would think I would be better prepared for its challenges, but in fact, it is more like riding an unpredictable wave than it is a juggling act to be mastered.  You can prepare, and practice and organize but in the end, you just have to be able to balance and ride it out.  It's a whole lot less scary if you smile while you ride!!! 

There are a few things I did do this month that helped immensely.  Rollback the clocks to New Year's and I was telling you all about Diet-to-Go.  I enjoyed so many of the meals because they weren't just healthy choices, they were delicious.  When I was offered the opportunity to enjoy another week of meals, I was over the moon!  I was getting another opportunity to enjoy yummy deliciousness AND convenience for the second time in less than 6 months.  It's safe to say I grinned for a couple of days just knowing that I could skip all the prep work on meals for an entire week of work.

This time, after doing the 24 Day Challenge I have been very focused on limiting my carb intake to less than 30g per meal and my caloric intake between 1200-1600.   Diet-to-Go offered me a low carb option for 1200 calories and really WOW-ed me with their varieties of lighter low carb options!  The 1200 calorie plan allowed me to snack in between meals with 400 calories and still maintain healthy weight loss. There are also traditional menus and Vegetarian menus available, So I know they have something for almost everyone.  They will even take into consideration any food allergies or aversions you have.

My favorite part about Diet-to-Go has got to be that it the meals are far from ordinary.  Unlike some of those prepackaged frozen meals in the grocery store, these meals had both creative use of ingredients and tons of contrasting flavors and textures.  Everyone enjoys sitting down a t a restaurant and savoring every bite of their gourmet meal on special occasions.  With most of these meals, regardless of the course (breakfast, lunch or dinner) I felt like I had my own personal chef at my beckon call.  With course like Spinach Quiche, Veal Parm and Prime Rib, I felt lucky every time I sat down for a meal.

Another added bonus to the entire process was the packaging.  It was simple to open, easy to travel with to work and it was also not excessive.  I just cut open the plastic and popped it in the microwave or toaster oven at work and in less than 15 minutes I had a magical lunch.  As everyone else ate their cold sandwiches or fast food at lunch time, I smiled away and enjoyed gourmet meals.  I was the talk of the lunchroom...  no complaints here!

In the case that you all are now salivating at the thought of all the goodies I got to eat and you can't wait another minute to order, I have great news!  The folks over at Diet-to-Go want to give my readers the opportunity to try their meals and save!  If you would like to enjoy these yummy and delicious meals, use the code Summer25 and let the menu planners at Diet-to-Go get you started towards bikini season!!!!

It's been an entire week!

Eeeeekkkk!!!  I can't believe I haven't checked in since last Tuesday.  My work schedule coupled with my new boot camp routine has given me tons of energy during the day but requires an early bed time if I want to get it all done.  I am going to try to be much better in the next few weeks while work is insane.

Last week was my first week of Boot Camp and I spent Thursday through Saturday wondering if I would regain movement in my arms.  Once I got through my weekend workout Saturday night I felt world's better.  It always amazes me how sore muscles start feeling great after a few minutes of pushing through.  I must admit that knowing I had the Wegman's Flower City 5k on Sunday morning made me super nervous about getting tight again.  To head it off before I created my own demise I got super cozy with my foam roller and then I tucked into bed just before 9:30pm.

My alarm went off so early I don't even want to revisit that part of the day.  I got dressed but because of the un-Holy hour I don't remember anything until I got to the drive thru at Dunkin and ate just the egg patty on my breakfast sandwich and got a few sips of coffee in me.  Once the food hit my belly and the coffee reached my brain, the rest of my body got on board with the whole being awake thing.  Let's be clear:  it was on board but I certainly wasn't happy about it.  At 7:15 I met Colleen and we headed towards the coral.

Before the start of the half marathon, all of the runners shared a moment of silence in solidarity for the tragic events in Boston.  They played Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline, which happens to be my ring tone, and always manages to take me to an earlier time, when we lived in Boston.  I may have teared up a bit.  After that they started the race and then lined up the 5k runners.  It felt strange not to line up with the half marathoners and even more bizarre to be left behind after they started.  Colleen and I headed into the back loaded corral and awaited the start.  I pretended to stretch (still working on that whole stretching thing) and soon enough we started the race.

I knew starting out that I had been running fairly slow and Colleen and I agreed to keep our pace around 9:30-9:45 and that worked brilliantly for the first two miles.  The race ended on rolling hills and at some point in the last half mile my body decided it was not really excited about said hills or about my pace.  I remember trying to tell Colleen that I couldn't go faster.  She yelled at me...  I sped up.  I was so annoyed at my lack of speed, and at my tired legs.   Afterwards, rational me remembered that my legs aren't used to doing squats and lunges three days a weeks and haven't really acclimated to the increase in mileage and running 4 days a week instead of three yet.  Either way, we ended the race super speedy on a short downhill and came in at 31:22, about a full minute slower than my best.

Afterwards, Colleen and I walked around for about a mile and then we both headed home to go to work.  I spent the rest of the day pouting about my lack of PR, my lack of a sub-30 finish and about 1,000 other things.  Thankfully, by Monday morning I had come to my senses, reminded myself that so many people do not have the privilege of running at all and that PR or no PR, I ran and that in and of itself was an accomplishment.  I am working hard to grow stronger, I am taking steps to progress my running further and to push my body to new limits.  This race forced me to recognize that I have lots of other races this year, and though I may struggle through some of them, others will be amazing. The good news is that for every race that isn't a wild success, I will find a new opportunity to improve myself.

Do you find yourself pouting after a performance that is less than stellar?  Have you ever taken steps back in  order to come back better?

Total Exhaustion... and Boot Camp!

This time of year I only have one day off from my Real Life job.  Although some people cringe at this thought, I really don't mid as much.  It brings me the benefit of being out of work by 3pm two of those days and the rest of them tend to move faster because I am so busy.  Tuesdays are my only day off and needless to say, they are my favorite!  I get to do WHATEVER I want...  sometimes!  Today I got to run. go to the gym and grocery shop.  I had a massage scheduled but totally forgot so that got pushed to next week (NORMAL PEOPLE FORGET THE GYM AND NOT THE MASSAGE)!!!!!

I started the day with an appointment with the Trans'form" Instructor/Trainer at my local gym.  The class started a week ago and runs for 12 weeks.  We started with my measurements and a weigh in.  Oddly enough, the scale at the gym and the scale at home were EXACTLY the same...  that never happens.  I meant to write down my starting measurements but of course I totally forgot... I guess I will have to follow up on that!  After the measurements we talked about my goals, my running and my insane schedule.  The class actually REQUIRES attendance 2 days a week and one of those times is impossible due to my work schedule.  We were able to determine another 60 minute class that my trainer teaches that I could substitute for the Thursday night class.

We had extensive conversation about my diet, how I meal prep and plan and what I could tweak a bit.  Mostly I got a pat on the back, a reminder of portion control and then she took my grains away.  I'm being a bit dramatic...  She actually just took them away for two weeks.  I tend to over-use my grains...  so she took them away!  Other than that I can eat everything the same with very few exceptions.  I am already inspired to create some new recipes and to break out some of my old favorites for the occasion.

Along with the nutrition and the 2 weekly classes, I am required to check in at the gym two more times during the week.  This is a big one for me since I continue to be entirely intimidated by everything that is not a class or a treadmill/elliptical at the gym!  My trainer swears she is going to expel this mentality from me...  I have very little faith that she will!  I guess we will have to wait and see!

As an added bonus, I get to send screenshots of My FitnessPal whenever I am texted.   Nothing like a pop quiz to ensure you are prepared, right??  In the past I have had the nicest and sweetest trainers and I have never held myself accountable and they never kicked my ass for it!  I feel different about this new trainer.  She scares me just a little bit...  and I think a little bit of fear is healthy!!  As a side note, I had to create an account since I didn't have one and now I feel like a big loser with no friends!!  You can click on the link and friend me if you are feeling generous!

After my class and my run earlier this afternoon, I can brag that I burned upwards of 700 calories!  I started my HRM 1/3 of the way through class and still managed to record a calorie burn of 297!  That alone will keep me coming back!!  I am excited to see the progress over the next 10 weeks.  I know it is going to make me so much stronger as a runner and it is going to help me progress to the next level!  Tonight I am totally exhausted and excited.  I know I certainly earned my sleep tonight!!!

Have you ever taken a Boot Camp??  What did you love most?? 

My new steady boyfriend: A review of the Saucony Kinvara 4 #Kickassimus

There is a ton of stuff I need to talk about but if I am honest with myself and with all of you, I'm just not ready yet.  I know every other blogger I enjoy keeping up with has talked about the ugliness of last week but I can't seem to write about it, and honestly, I am having a tough time talking about it so I know I'm just not ready.  I refuse to write about something just for the sake of writing so stay tuned....  I promise once I work through all of my varied emotions I will talk about it however I am able.  Until then.....


If you follow me on twitter or instagram than you already know about the obsession I have with my new shoes.  When the amazing people at Saucony have sent me the new Kinvara 4 to try out, I'm not entirely sure if they knew they were going to hook me into a long term relationship but I am THRILLED that they did!  The shoe retails right at the $100 mark, which in my opinion is a terrific price.  It's certainly a whole lot less than I am currently paying for my Newton Gravity, which has been my shoe of choice for distance.  But there is more to the shoe than it's pretty colors and comfortable price point!!

Now that you have had a chance to digest the technical stuff via big colorful picture, Let me talk to you about how I feel...

 

And in case you were dying to see how stinking adorable they look on me:

Also sporting one of my new running skirts!

 What I learned from this shoe:  I need to go up a half size in this brand.  The Virrata felt a lot snugger and as a result I use it for cross training rather than running but this model is slightly bigger.  I suspect it will stretch over time but I'm not willing to risk a toenail (been there. done that) .  I already ordered the size up so that I can enjoy these on my longer runs. 

I'm not entirely sure that this model makes me faster but it vertainly makes me feel faster and lighter during my runs.  Now that I am back in a consistent routine, I will have to watch and compare as time goes on.

I like the way this shoes feels across the top of my foot.  It feels secure but not tight.  It also has terrific breathability so my foot never feels hot and sweaty during my runs.  I can't wait for it to be warmer so I can enjoy this aspect even more!




What I didn't love about this shoe: 

If I am 100% honest, the only thing I don't love about this shoe is that I am already falling back to my heel striking habits.  That is actually more about me than it is about the shoe but I am sure it is related to the fact that it is super light weight.  Can something be a pro and a con at the same time???


Overall, This shoe is a huge win in my book!  Since I already ordered another pair, well in advance of actually needing them, I think it is safe to say it was love at first run for me and the Kinvara 4!


Disclaimer:  I was sent this shoe by Saucony and FitFluential but as always all opinions are my very own! 

 

Have you ever fallen head over heels for a running shoe?  Tell me about it!