Satisfying the Cravings...

I don't profess to be an expert in the health field but I have learned a few things over the years in trying to  loose weight. One of the major battles I seem to always face is that I crave certain foods like pizza, cookies, ice cream, etc. I am currently watching my Carb intake compared to protein and calorie in which I can eat the things I crave just in smaller portions. Which indeed sounds great but for me when I buy a pizza I don't want to eat just one slice and call it a day. So for me I have to find alternatives that allow me to eat  more than one slice and not feel like I let myself down.

Last night I made homemade pizza (picture below). I will not say that it is quick because it is not however it was extremely simple. I not only made something that satisfied the desire for pizza but also help me stay in the parameters of what I have been doing (2 points for me). It encouraged me to see every craving as a challenge to find an alternative.

I am still on the hunt for more alternatives to the things I desire. As I learn I will keep you abreast of all the failures and triumphs in hopes that it helps you find a way to enjoy this amazing life we have been given.
I will also be posting links to the recipe websites in case you would like to try something a bit different.

The Recipe for the crust can be found at: http://www.eat-drink-smile.com/2011/04/cauliflower-crust-pizza.html

Making Saturday More...

Saturday always seems to be a lack luster day when it comes to finding motivation to make it to the gym. For most of us we have Saturday as a day off and for me I seems a waste of time to drive to the gym to get a workout in and then coming home, cleaning up just to get clean the house and yard. So I find while doing house chores to put in all effort and make it a fun time of cleaning and exercising.

If you feel that house chores are boring and take up so much time; turn the music up go to town cleaning everything. When you listen to your favorite music it tends to turn your mood around, does it not? When sweeping the hall or any room dance, no one is there to watch you have fun so go all out. The more you move the more you burn. If your in the yard and mowing the grass choose the push mower for half or all the time to get moving, put the headset on and jam out your favorite tunes. Who said you have to go outside the perimeter of your home to change your life.

When you are finished you will feel even more accomplished then you did when your started. Make your Saturdays your own by getting engaged in all life has for you. Life is too short to waste it sitting around doing nothing.

Have to get Saturday moving to make it more.

An Summer Full of Fresh Starts

I could not have asked for a better summer. It has been a summer of blessings and changes. Since June my career has changed, I am happier and at peace. I have started a new work-out and training for my first 5-K. I never thought I would be at a place where I could do and be who I wanted to be. But its amazing what you  can do and how believing in who you were created to be can change the playing field of life.

Since changing jobs I have been able to focus on my health and truly begin to live a healthier lifestyle. As of August 1st I began a new low carb journey which is  changing my life like never before. I have lost 9 lbs in 3 weeks. I could not ask for anything better because it is causing me to explore new food and desire for fresh foods. I no longer crave fast food , though I do have my moments of missing french fries, popcorn & chips. Not to say that I can not eat those foods but I know the portion I "should" eat and what I "will" eat therefore I personally have chosen to STAY AWAY.

In the attempt to discover a healthier me, I am developing an inner chef that I did not realize was there. My palate has changed helping to realize the wide world of foods I have been missing out on. Below are some photos of my culinary feats. I will attempt to post more in the future on the work-outs and the cuisine in hopes to inspire someone to take on the challenge of becoming a healthier you.

Bacon & Eggs

Pork Chop (cooked in crock-pot) w/ mashed garlic cauliflower

Garbanzo Chili

Asian infused Chicken w/ Sesame Ginger Slaw

Make it a great weekend. :)

A New Perspective on Living

I never dreamed that when I started out in a career path, how it would greatly change my perspective on the things of life. I am in awe at my choices and how my path feels to be taking a turn, a turn for the better. I have learned over the past several months that the things I hold close to my heart have nothing to do with my career. I love my life but I want to have more of a life out of the workplace by cherishing every moment given to me. My nephew showed me quickly that life is about giggles and fun. There is no need to stress all the time or to worry if what you are doing has a meaning. It was all about the moment and choosing to be in it and not just an observer.

 Sometimes it is so easy to pass off the important things because we believe we are too busy. When the truth of the matter is this , that one important thing to the 2 year old is truly not something to miss out on. The busyness of life will be there 5min, 5hr, 5days and 5 years from now but, that little boy being 2years old will not.

 I have come to love those two minute giggle sessions from playing Kung Fu Panda or Buzz & Wood Adventures. How blessed we are to have people around that want us around, that desire to know us. This life can be simple or extremely complex. I prefer the simple. It is in simple things that I find true Joy.