Clean Eating Concoctions

I have experienced another wonderful week. This does not mean it was without it's challenges. But as I face and overcome challenges, I know I am becoming stronger. I am feeling fit, healthy, and strong spiritually, physically, and mentally. I have been trying to be really conscientious about the goals and commitments I have made for this new year.  I really believe we are happier people when we make short and long term goals and stick with them! Consistency is key.

I am a foodie; I love to eat and lately I have been "Eating Clean" and you know what? It's fun. I try to eyeball my plate and see a meal that is 2/3rd's fruits/and or vegetable, a smaller portion of complex carbohydrate (brown rice, sweet potato, etc.) and 3-4 oz portion of lean protein. This gives me nutrition, staying power for work-outs(avoiding that 3:00pm crash) and happiness in my belly. The following are some of my creative concoctions:

     

To your left: Vegetarian Deliciousness! Simply Sauteed Baby Spinach w/sliced mushrooms in a little olive oil, seasoned w/Kosher salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder. Accompanied w/ 1/2 an Avocado (loaded w/lots of fiber and the good fats) and ripe Cherry tomatoes w/salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

To the right is Grilled center cut Pork loin flavored w/kosher salt, garlic and pepper seasoning tossed w/ a little Thai Peanut sauce. A baked sweet potato topped w/cinnamon and nutmeg and some steamed broccoli - Can you say delish!

Fiber Packed Snack for 150 calories!

Featured above was simply a fresh pita topped w/ 2 tbs each of homemade hummus and Tabouli.  This was a 150 calories of Yum!

Hummus Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained, liquid reserved
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons water or liquid from the chickpeas
• 8 dashes hot sauce

Directions

Turn on the food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop the garlic down the feed tube; process until it's minced. Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and process until the hummus is coarsely pureed. Taste, for seasoning, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tabouli Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup fine cracked wheat
• 1 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup minced fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice, or to taste
• 1 teaspoons sea salt

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, pour the water over the cracked wheat and cover, let stand about 20 minutes until wheat is tender and water is absorbed. Add the chopped herbs and vegetables and toss with the mix. Combine the oil, lemon juice, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to wheat mixture and mix well. Chill. Serve and enjoy.

Last but not least - my favorite smoothie of the week; "The Green Monster"; This one felt like I was drinking a dessert and it's loaded w/Spinach - Hello Popeye! and thank you Pinterest for this sweet find!:

Ingredients:
1 frozen sliced banana
1 Tablespoon peanut butter
1/2 cup 0% Vanilla Chobani Greek yogurt
1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (or other kind of milk)
4 cups baby spinach (or more, or less)

I add 1 tsp agave nectar and 1 scoop protein powder for a great pre or post work-out drink

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

I leave you with one more little jewel I found: Dream big!

The Three Amigas!

“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” 
― Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

And boy do I love these two ladies with my whole heart! What is better for the mind, body, and spirit than a "true" friend? A friend is one of life's greatest blessings.

Here we are the Three Cone Heads, No just kidding we call ourselves "The Three Amigas" Jen actually came up with that name for us. So Aimee' (Amiga on your left) I have known for more than half my life. I actually don't remember life without her. She knows everything about me - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly and she chooses to love me anyways. Jen (Amiga in the middle) I have only known for about 4 years; BUT have you ever met someone and feel like you have known them your whole life? Well yes, that is how I feel about Jen. Like somehow I have always known her. And to know her is to love her!

Yes we are busy women, wives, and moms, but we are  committed to meeting twice a week at the pool for a work-out. Now this work-out is no joke. Jen is our leader and puts us through the paces. Just when we are getting comfortable she kicks it up a notch. A typical work-out begins with a 1/4 mile warm-up swim. Following that we work in intervals with with speeds similar to Michael Phelps and short rests in between. Ha Ha!! No seriously we work hard for a few 40ish year old women. We like to say we're working on our Bikini Bods! We end with a nice chat session while we use the kick boards. During this time we discuss husbands, children, recipes, our trials as well as our triumphs! It is a time that I look forward to every week and boy how it lifts my spirit!

Off the Hamster Wheel and On The Road!

Well Winter is upon us here in beautiful New England. We were blanketed with our first snow right on the first of the year. Although Winter is not my favorite season, It was a glorious sight to wake up . Have a look:

I find Winter a challenge for me in a variety of ways. Cold days and nights. Snowstorms that require shoveling of decks and walkways, plowing of driveways (ours is 150 feet long maybe more) and of course the dreaded visit from the Oil man that can drain a bank account faster than you can say "Is it Summer yet?" Yikes!

Because I am a fair weather chick, Winter also offers me fitness challenges. In previous years I have had to resort to this dreaded piece of equipment:

Now I know there are a ton of different treadmill work-outs floating around out there, but the fact remains I find absolutely no pleasure in using this. Studies show that a treadmill does up to 30% of the work for you (fact) and is just plain Boring (opinion). So this Winter I resolved to keep up my running regimen - outside. Yes I was one of those people who would see a runner doing his/her thing in the cold and think "What a nut job." Well with just a little research and the right gear, I have become one of those "nut jobs." 

One of my favorite Christmas presents: "Brooks" Utopia Thermal Hoodie. Worn over a  long sleeve "Under Armour wicking top, it has held up in 21 degree weather for me. I pull that hood up over a little "Under Armour" beanie and my ears and head are toasty warm. I have the matching thermal running pants with a pair of "Belega" socks and the bottom part of me is just as warm.

Can't forget my IPOD with my "run playlist" to keep me motivated. Lately this song pumps me up! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=J91ti_MpdHA

Here I am suited up and ready to go. Nope it's not pretty but it keeps me off the "Hamster Wheel" So I'm a happy girl. 

Happy Trails Y'all!

Drink a Meal Now and Then!

I often drink my meals; I actually have no problem doing that. It's not uncommon for me to have a delicious protein power packed smoothie for breakfast or lunch, sometimes both. I also start each morning off with a 4 - 6oz serving of pure homemade juice. I have actually been juicing for quite a while now after a friend if you can believe this; offered me her Jack Lalanne juicer that she never used. Hello! Yes I'll take that! Anyways, I have gone through several inexpensive blenders and recently the bullet. I just wore the sucker right down. One of the only things I asked for Christmas was the "Ninja 1500" blender,juicer, food processor, dough maker "all in one" And Santa was good to me. This bad boy comes complete with a 2 horsepower motor and a triple blade which makes all the difference in the world. Take a look:

Pretty cool; so I decided to turn our center island in the kitchen into a juice and smoothie bar for my family and I to enjoy. I love it! My Dad has gotten into the habit of coming over every morning for one of my many concoctions: Check it out: Bottoms up to a continued Happy and Healthy New Year!

Carrot Apple Tangerine Juice - 1 Large Carrot, 1 Red Delicious Apple, 2 Clementines or 1 lg tangerine, Cut tips and ends off carrot, Core and cut apple into quarters (no need to peel), Remove peel and pith on clementines or tangerines, Feed through juicer in above order - stir and serve over ice

Blueberry/Banana Protein Smoothie - 1 Frozen Banana (Peel and slice banana before freezing), 3-4 Ice Cubes, 1 Cup Frozen Blueberries, 1 Cup Almond Breeze Almond/Coconut milk or any low-fat milk, 1/2 Cup Vanilla Chobani Greek Yogurt, 1 Scoop vanilla protein powder, 1tbs ground flax seed (great for omega 3's), 1tbs wheat germ, 1 tsp agave nectar for sweetness (has a low glycemic index will not spike your blood sugar), Place all ingredients in blender and mix to enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie - 1 Frozen Banana (Peel and slice before freezing), 3 Ice Cubes, 1 Cup Almond Milk, 3/4 Pumpkin Pure (I used Libby's,) 1/4 Cup Oatmeal, 1/4 tsp Chia Seeds or 1 Tbs ground flax seed, dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice, Blend all together and squirt a little light whipped cream on top for an extra 15 calories! Calorie Count = 335 Not bad at all! - One of my favorites - Thank you Pinterest!

It's a New Day; It's a New Dawn!

Who doesn't love the dawning of a New Year - It holds promise, hope, and a desire to make some changes or improvements in our lives whether they be big or small. We all hear the jokes "Resolutions are made to be broken" or "A resolution is just a to do list for the first two weeks of January" I choose to be a positive thinker. Last year I clearly resolved to become more healthier and fit in my mind, my body, and my spirit. And I worked hard on that all year. I realized throughout the year that it is not just a resolution I make on the first of the year with a check-list to go along with it, but instead it becomes a way of life, not a sprint, but a marathon if you will.

Last year was a year of Big Change for me. I left a 19 year career that was weighing me down in body, mind, and spirit. There have been small sacrifices but Big Blessings with that decision. And I feel that I and my family and those close to me are reaping the benefits of that change more and more every day. Another big change - My first born daughter Victoria left to serve an 18 month mission in El Salvador. I put on a strong face but it was hard letting her go. Sending her to a 3rd world country is much scarier than sending her to BYU with 33,000 LDS students and faculty. I prayed for peace and received that peace. Once again the blessings have far outweighed any sacrifice I've had to make.

So for this year - I want to keep it going. I want to keep this body, mind, and spirit fit and healthy, and happy. I want to challenge myself in new ways. Some of what I am looking forward to this year are reading, writing, travel, more prayer and meditation,study, healthy living, Triathlon! Blessing and serving others starting with those closest to me. I make this not as a checklist as mentioned; but that it may become a way of life - My Way Of Life! Happy New Year! Bring it on 2013! Oh and as Bruce Lee says "There are no limits; There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them" So I'm going!

Bahama Mamas!

I have recently entered my 42nd season as I like to call it. My birthday was on October 10th. This year I received a very special gift from a very special lady. My Mom who is an avid cruiser (approximately 4 cruises per year) decided to take me along for my birthday. Of course I was looking forward to some Caribbean weather and swimming in that "blue water" But most of all I was looking forward to some one on one time with my very busy Mom. Yes this lady can run circles around most 20 year olds I know!

Our trip began at 5:30 in the morning as we were chauffeured via van to New York City. The driver made it in record time and all I can say is I am glad I don't have to drive in that city!

We boarded the BEAUTIFUL Norwegian Cruise Line Ship named the Jewel, and what a Jewel she was. Absolutely stunning. Of course the moment we boarded the ship I couldn't help but go into vacation mode with the Island music playing, fruity drinks, and festive atmosphere. Of course New York City in the back ground was a bonus.


Our journey would take us to Florida, Norwegian's private island, and the beautiful Bahamas.
The first two days were "sea days' I especially love those as it is all relaxation, enjoying the pools,
food, and of course doing one of my favorite past times reading.
One could get used to this. The private island was absolutely beautiful and my Mom was soooo
excited that she decided to rent this HUGE floating tube approximately 6 foot in diameter. I was
a little unsure about this thing as I knew it would not be that easy to steer and it did not come with a
paddle. My mom assured me that all would be well. Well quickly enough the current took us past
the buoys that for obvious reasons we were not supposed to go beyond. I casually say to my Mom
as she is obliviously soaking up the sun "Mom we have gone past the buoys" I was not prepared for
reaction of "all out panic" I truly have never seen my Mom so frightened. She then proceeds to say
"Rhonda get out! Get out! You have to swim us back to shore" I try to assure her we will be ok.
"No Rhonda Please Please You have to get out and swim us back!" So out I go into the Caribbean
water that I am not 100% convinced does not have a few sharks swimming around" And I proceed
to swim with one arm and pull the raft with the other one back to shore. By this time on-lookers
are observing this and much to my embarrassment my Mom says "Look at my daughter; look
how strong she is! She's a triathlete!" Now I know what my daughter means when she says "Mom!
you're embarrassing me" Anyhow we left the island with a killer tan and for me a pretty good
work-out!


The Bahamas

Four Cruise Ships in Port







Atlantis in the Bahamas

Another beautiful view of Atlantis

And what would a cruise vacation be without meeting new friends!

I truly treasure the time I spent with my Mother. She is one of my greatest blessings and I love and
admire her more than she knows! Thanks Mom for the trip of a lifetime!

"I Hope They Call Me on a Mission"

It was exactly 1 week ago today that I dropped my first born and only daughter Victoria off at the Provo, Utah Missionary Training Center. There are no words to describe the pride I felt as a mother as I hugged her, looked at her beautiful face one more time, and watched her walk into the training center. For those of you who know me you would think that I cried a river; but this was not the case. I have still yet to cry since dropping her off. Why? Well let's see I prayed; and as a friend said "Your prayer was answered and it was a gift given to you"

In the 2 weeks prior to her leaving I found myself a little sad and feeling somewhat down at times. Sad because I would not see her for 18 months, sad because the house is never quite the same when she is not here, sad because sometimes change is just hard. I hate feeling sad so I prayed. I prayed for peace, I prayed for happiness, and I prayed for the strength to send her off to this "Most Important Duty" with my whole-hearted blessing. Well peace is what I got. I remember waking up on a beautiful Saturday morning a week before she left feeling that "peace that surpasses all understanding" I also woke to the thought "Hey Rhonda you have a good friend who sent two of her boys who are Marines off to the Middle East during war time! Get over it!" Sometimes this is how the Lord speaks to me the stubborn child I am.

I had a wonderful little stay in Utah; I stayed with my good friend Brenda Armitage (said mom who sent two boys off to the Middle East) She took me for a beautiful ride up Payson Canyon in the town she lives in. The colors were beautiful and the mountains majestic. It was so nice to take in some of God's Handiwork. I made my famous or not so famous Chicken Piccatta (SP?) for their family,went to a Hippie Coffee shop named "Joe's" and had the best Hot Chocolate and Bagel w/ Avocado, Tomato & Cream cheese. I also enjoyed some down time reading and relaxing.

 A beautiful view in Payson Canyon - The yellow are Aspens that only grow above a certain elevation. We were about 8,000 feet above sea level.


Another pretty view in the canyon - Thank you Brendi!


I have said before that I am proud of so many of Victoria's accomplishments but above all I am grateful for the kindness she shows to others and her willingness to serve: Here is just a little excerpt of her amazing testimony:

 I know that while this Plan of Salvation is universal it is also the most individual and personal experience imaginable. I love my family and am so grateful for the knowledge that families can be together forever. I am eager to share this knowledge with as many of Heavenly Father's children as will listen because I know that, just as He had a plan for me, He has a plan for them to come to the gospel and truly begin their journey back to Him.


Rock on and preach the word my little missionary!!!