Baby Steps

Week 1 - What I have changed and learned!

Week one is almost over and already I have seen progress and changes in my body and attitude.  This week I have made a solid effort to drink more water, eat more veggies and fruits, control my portions. I was so proud of myself the other night when my husband and I went to a friends for dinner.  I was really nervous that I wouldn't stay on track.  I tried to leave myself extra calories on myfitnesspal and several containers on 21 day fix. Since I wasn't the one cooking and didn't know exactly what went into each part of the meal, I made a quick decision.  Portion Control!  I had a small amount of each thing that was made.  I ate more of the veggie side dish that I brought and less of the other things. When I was offered ice cream, I didn't say no.  I had one small scoop.  This was a huge success!  I have never been able to say no to temptation with regards to food.  I didn't feel hungry or mad at myself for eating beyond my "diet."  

I really feel like I can take 21 day fix and adapt to fit my lifestyle.  I'm not always going to be able to eat what is on the approved list.  Portion control is going to be my lifesaver.  I want to enjoy the good stuff.  I want to be able to go out to eat or go over to someone else house and not feel guilty.

Recently, I read about the 80/20 rule.  It states, in your diet if you eat healthy 80% of the time then it okay to indulge the other 20% of the time.  It went on to state what is 20% of the time really means. It's only 2 cheat meals a week! So it doesn't mean to throw away your weekend.  It means you can have a few meals (not days) to indulge!  

Weekends can be so hard!  This will be my first weekend since I start my journey.  I am extremely nervous.  My plan is to have a healthy breakfast and lunch on both Saturday and Sunday.  Then I can have my two cheat meals for dinners.  I know I'm seeing friends on Saturday and going out to eat on Sunday!  I suppose having a plan will help!  I really want to stay strong since I have almost lost 3 pounds!  I don't want to ruin that progress!  

Cooking with the Cunha

Split Pea Soup

This week I made an attempt at split pea soup.  It was very good, but I had some difficult with the recipe.  I made it in the crockpot.  After it had been cooking on low for eight hours the peas hadn't split.  I almost had to throw it out.  Instead I put the slow cooker on high and went to workout. After two hours of being on high the peas had finally split!   

The soup was delicious and I highly recommend trying it!  However, please note that the recipe below might require extra time in the slow cooker!  I served it with a salad and french bread crostinis. After calculating the calories on My Fitness Pal, each serving (about a cup) is 261 calories (without bread).    

Ingredients
1 pkg (about 2½ c. or 1 lb.), dried split peas
9 c. chicken broth (if you like it thick, use 8 c.)
4 carrots, coarsely chopped
3 medium potatoes, diced small
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2-3 c. diced ham
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. Kosher Salt
½ tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf

Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a LARGE Crock Pot and cook on low for about 7-8 hours (or on high for about 4-5 hours). Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve with sliced french bread.

*This makes a LOT (serves 8-10) so if you don't have a large crockpot you may consider halving this recipe.

This recipe is from http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/crock-pot-split-pea-soup.html

What is 21 day fix?

21 Day Fix Overview 

So I have started a new workout program called 21 day fix.  But what exactly is it... Well, it is a seven day workout program with a portion control component.  Each day I have a scheduled workout from the program.  On the third week, they give you the option to double your workout. Below is the schedule each day.  

Although the workout are an important piece for this plan, the biggest and most important is the portion control program.  21 day fix has a formula to calculate what calorie bracket you fall into.  My numbers fell into the 1800- 2,099 calorie range originally, but I found that to be A LOT!!! So moved myself into the 1500 - 1799 bracket. Once you know what bracket you are then you get to see how much of each of the color coded containers you get to eat each day.  (It sounds more complicated then it is.)  The first picture shows you how many of each container you can have based on your calorie bracket.  The second picture is what each container color stands for.  

 Since I'm in the 1500 - 1799 calorie range I have to eat...

4 - 1 1/4 cups of veggies
3 - 1 1/4 cups of fruits 
4 - 3/4 cups of protein 
3 - 1/2 cups of carbs 
1 - 1/4 cups healthy fat and cheese
1 - 2 tbps oils 
4 - 1 tbp fats 

Are you still with me...

It seems more complicated then it is.  It does take a lot of prep to figure out what I'm eating each day. I already feel like I'm running out of veggies for the week.  My husband and I have already eaten a bag of whole carrots.  It's crazy the amount of veggies and fruit you eat each day.  Below is a shopping list that I have used to create my meals and my grocery list for the week.  

I have been enjoying the program.  I have been drinking lots of water and tea.  I already am starting to feel less bloated from the holiday binge, but I'm sure I would with any program.  21 day fix claims that people can lose between 8 lbs - 15 lbs in 3 weeks.  Of course, I'm not expecting those results.  I would love to lose inches!!! 

To learn more you can visit Beachbody - 21 day fix

Goodbye 2014 Hello 2015

I can't believe another year has come and gone!  I have wanted to start blogging again, but sometimes life feels to busy.  I am mad at myself for starting up of course after new years.  I promise this is not a resolution!  I have been looking forward to sharing my healthy recipes and home workout ideas for a while now!  

But since we are on the topic of resolution... My resolution is to cancel my gym membership!  It's costing me way to much money and didn't do any good.  No more gym!  No more trainers!  Now I'm sure you think I'm crazy, which is partially true.  However, I have found success in home workouts. In fact, I haven't been to the gym since June and I have lost 10lbs and down two sizes. 

My fitness goals are to continue to workout at home and to find a solid eating program!  Monday I will be officially starting 21 day fix! This is a Beachbody program that comes with an eating plan and a seven day workout plan.  I started before the holidays and felt great!  Of course the holiday's hit and it all went down from there!  It's time to get back into the groove. 

My blogging goal is to share my journey with you, but to include lots of new recipes each week.  So far this week I have tired three new things!  (I love pinterest!) Below is one of my favorites...

Broiled Salmon

I'm looking forward to sharing my successes with you!  Hopefully you will join me in having a happy and healthy 2015!