Day 48 (62): The Cruise

Where to begin?
I am adding another 14 days to "make-up" for the past two weeks. :-|

I honestly am a little bit ashamed, when I don't want to face things, I ignore them so hence I have not updated my blog. I know, bad!

I knew going on the cruise was going to cause havoc, I however, did not anticipate how far I would fall off the wagon. (Or in this case: the boat.)

If you love "comfort food" and processed food with a passion: take a cruise. Most mornings I could start off semi-clean with oatmeal or Kashi Organic cereal that I brought on-board, but lunch into dinner had no control. And the alcohol..... :-\

Warm Chocolate Melting Cake is the one weakness that I enjoyed two of each night. I told you it was bad.

Following up the cruise with Easter at home was just as bad, so I am putting it all behind me and moving forward.

Also while on vacation, I began another dangerous indulgence with an old enemy. Yep, you probably guessed it: Starbucks/coffee. Working myself off of it again.

To help me get back on track, I joined an online fitness program and this week is really about fitting that into my routine and getting back on track. No excuses.



WIE (What I Eat):

Monday
1/2 Cleanse day (16 ounces of CFL)
Lunch (2-3pm) -Organic Wheat Tortilla with tuna salad
Supper(6 pm)-Salad with chicken and Organic Ceaser salad dressing

Tuesday
1/2 Cleanse day
Supper-Double Chicken Salad from Subway with oil and vinegar
--I had not anticipated staying on campus this long, so it was this or Panda Express. Choose your poison. Dear ISU: You have no healthy eating options.

Wednesday
Breakfast: Fruit, Organic Rice Cake with PB
Lunch: Starbucks (WHOA, don't you dare roll your eyes at me-it's hard getting back on the wagon.)
Supper: Isa Shake

Day 41: Part II

Well, I didn't get Part II wrote, so consider this it :)
Yesterday was Tuesday, and that is measurement day! I have officially hit the 20 lb. mark. Whoo! :)

I have been tanning (I know, save me the lecture) and my face was very dry, despite the consistent application of face lotion, face creams, and hydration masks, nothing worked. My friend had mentioned using coconut oil. I was skeptical, and just imagined waking up to a major breakout. Truth: hands down best results and moisturizer ever.
I have been focusing so much on clean eating, and not necessarily looking at what else needs cleaned up in my life... have you ever checked out the back of your face products? Wow.

In all honestly though: coconut oil. Magic.
+101 Uses for Coconut Oil
+More Uses
Personally I have used it for:
-Conditioner/hydrating mask --In addition to my DevaCurl Conditioner (PS: Must have if you have curls! 100% sulfate, *paraben* and silicone free)
-Face wash and moisturizer (cleared up my dry skin and less redness) I also use flax oil from Whole Foods when it is very dry/ middle of day before I wash my face
-Lotion
-Of course food :) Sauteed  mushrooms, baking, etc!

I have been busy studying the past two weeks, applying for internships, and scholarships and have noticed a really bad attitude. I am writing this for me as much as I am you! Rick Warren once stated, "Happiness is a choice. You are the only person who can make you happy. You're as happy as you choose to be." A positive mind yields positive results! It is truly when you have nothing were your attitude can define you. I am just as guilty, but just because you are reading everyone else's results and successes, don't get down on yourself. You are only seeing the highlight tape. Comparing to someone else, wishing we were something or someone else is a waste of time. The most important muscle in weight-loss (but really anything) is the brain. Change your mind, the body will follow.
"If we magnified our successes as much as we magnify our disappointments we'd all be much happier." ~Abraham Lincoln

Have a great day!

Day 39: PART I

I had to use a calculator to know how many days it had been, only 61 days left!! I honestly don't know if I can or even want to go back to eating all of the processed food and junk that I did.

Here is a sample of some of the foods I eat, different variations, and prep:

 I generally cook on Sundays and have my chicken breasts ready for the whole week.

New favorite: Spaghetti Shrimp

This takes care of my PB&J cravings - Organic Grape jelly, Smuckers natural PB and Organic Rice cakes.

Sauteed mushrooms & peppers, chicken breast with pepper jack cheese - spicy.

Sushi! Yum...

This is only PART I. I ran out of time to do a full update before class...
Check back later tonight!

Day 27: No news is good news...

Well, no news is good news? Yep!

All is well in the world of clean eating.

I know it has only been 27 days (and a week since I have updated - sorry!) but everyday I realize I am so much better off. My attitude has changed, my mood has changed, my feelings have changed. I understand the concept that you have to love your body no matter what, and losing weight is not going to solve your problems for you, but it's nice to be writing my own future. I can either be miserable or motivate myself. I had to make a choice, and it's always my choice. When you hit rock bottom, it's a wonderful place to start. All you can do is go up. It was the solid foundation I needed to begin rebuilding my life. 

Sunday, we went swimsuit shopping which went rather well...
then we ended up at The Buckle. I love jeans, just don't love how they always fit.

I can honestly say, Sunday was the best jean shopping experience I have ever had. It really is the little things. :) (I got the Rock Revival Capri - sorry credit card)

I wanted to make these for awhile, and I finally did it. I think they are pretty cute and a great visual:

I have begun reading a new book "Salt Sugar Fat" and just as I imagined, it is quite eye opening. I wanted to share some key things I have read so far:

• The food industries are aware of what they are contributing to the obesity epidemic and they have been since 1999. You, however, are not so aware. We actually have no idea what goes on behind the "kitchen" (even though they it is an experimental chemistry lab) doors.
• Who are the guinea pigs/lab rats of these experiments? WE ARE. Are you okay being a lab rat? Didn't think so.
• Whether they actually care or not is to be determined. Their goals are to sell as much food as possible regardless of the health side effects.
• Their is a high similarity between an addicts brain reaction to drugs and a "normal" brain reaction when shown food. This is due to the kosher salt being used, and leaves your body craving more. http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/salt-sugar-and-fat-real-reason-youre-addicted-junk-food-pt-2

If you have time, or rather, make time, you should read this book. WE are the ones who can make a difference! Changing the system starts with the process of changing ourselves, we have to begin now! If we wait until we are ready, we'll be waiting for the rest of our lives.

What Ali Has Ate This Week:
Monday: (Afternoon Snack) Clean Tortilla Chips (Trader Joe's? They are made from corn, water and lime) and Salsa, (Supper) Pho
Tuesday: (Lunch) Chicken Breast with Jalapenos and Organic Monterrey Jack Cheese (Supper) HuHot (clean eating options only (no heavy sauces, noodles, etc)... do your research before you go!)
Wednesday: (Lunch) Chicken Quesdilla (Corn Tortilla - Trader Joe's) (Supper) Chicken Taco Salad with one corn tortilla shell

Thanks for reading :)

Day 19: I ate the cake.

I wasn't even going to tell you, but here's the truth. I had a piece of the cake, about an inch by an inch. I felt a little bit guilty after I ate it, I do not like "cheating" or "cheat" meals but in the long run, it will be okay. Instead of being negative, I look at it positively and, I tell myself I could have sat down and ate the whole cake... Ahhh, the glass half full.

Anyways, today is measurement day, and I am worried. Not just about the cake, but I made clean PB cookies last night and ate way too many. Even if something is healthy/clean, I must still remember to eat in moderation. Too much fruit, anything can be detrimental, and it is hard for me to always remember that sometimes.

Day 16: Moms & Major steps

I am not ready to be a mom. These kids are a lot of work! I couldn't imagine having to babysit naughty or anything less than these three angels. They are seriously the best kids ever! Not joking. 

It is I's birthday Sunday, and I made him my famous, and (not bragging) delicious Oreo Poke Cake. I thought it would bother me a lot more, but it really did not. Cutting it tomorrow thought, may be a different story. In fact, I was contemplating taking all three children (8-6-2) to the store so I could buy fruit. There is cake in the refrigerator, and sweets on the counter... the only thing I want is pineapple. Did I just take a major step toward success? Maybe just a major step towards crazy is more like it.

Anyways, I have been doing fairly well. I have had a few cups of organic/light roast coffee which I would rather avoid. Over the past 7 years, caffeine use has been monitored and the trend shows that caffeine does and will slow or even stop the release of weight in most people.Some days, I am just exhausted. It is those days I need to really focus on my water intake and protein. I think the dense nutrition and workouts have really impacted my sleep. I thought I always slept very deep before, but wow! I have lost a total of 15 lbs, it's been one month today!

I was becoming very stressed about our upcoming cruise (32 days- not that I am counting) since it interferes with this whole clean eating. But here's the thing, and I am still not sure what the "ah-ha" moment was, this is a lifestyle change. I may not be absolutely this strict after the 100 days, but I do not have any intention of going back. 


*I found this amazing website called Pepperplate. I always come across recipes on Facebook/websites/Google and always have to copy them to a word document or email them to myself, which in reality isn't that difficult, but everything is just scattered. This FREE website allows me to store them all together and also I can plan my meals, create shopping lists, etc. It is also handy because I can access it from anywhere! I thought it might be helpful for some of you!

*I have received a few questions about Isagenix, whether I was still involved, eating it, or anything else. The answer is YES. I know this offends some people for one reason or another, but I truly believe in these products. If you want more information on that, let me know.

Here is a little *Did you know?*, so enjoy:
This was brought to my attention in a marketing class, that most people do not know what the bar code on produce is. Well: a general break-down: if it is 4 digits it is conventionally grown. (whatever is considered conventional now-a-days) If it is 5 (pay attention!) digits, and starts with a 9 - it is organic (free from pesticides/fertilizer), if it starts with an 8 - it is genetically modified. Put it down as fast as you can and walk away!

Day 11:

Sorry it has been more than two days since the last update, I am all about quality over quantity. Actually, my life is boring, so I feel you would have no need to read it! Here's a medium sized post for you today:

Over the last few days, I have experimented with shrimp, chicken, and hamburger. No, not together. I found corn tortillas (with only corn, water, and lime as ingredients - score!) so I was finally able to give into my Mexican and quesadilla cravings. I had bought an avocado for another recipe (that I just never got around to making) and it was getting ripe. We made homemade guacamole. I can't wait to have it again. I can say 99% of the time, I am eating better (obviously healthier) but better as in taste. The recipes and food I try are something that I really say I don't know if I would have every tried eating....let alone making.  

Notice, I said "try" making. I can't bake anymore, well actually, I really never could bake well to begin with. About a week ago, I made these delicious clean Peanut Butter Coconut cookies, and they were wonderful.
I attempted to make them again tonight, only to have complete failure. Oh well. Some recipes work, and some do not. I will post the recipe if anyone would like it. (Hopefully, it will work for you!)

I have been wanting chocolate milk, or something more sweet than water. I have searched Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Wal-Mart, Hy-Vee and every grocery store in between  There is no chocolate syrup without High Fructose Corn Syrup, or artificial ingredients/flavors. I decided, what would be wrong with the 100% cocoa powder and a tiny bit of organic sugar? NOTHING!! It was so good, and I couldn't even tell it was different! This is just one of many examples of how easy it is to make simple, but highly effective switches.

Some people have talked to me about my blog, and what I am actually eating, avoiding, etc. I have stressed concerns about how Panera (yes, my favorite place in the world to eat - before) has hidden MSG in their soups. (http://foodbabe.com/2012/04/16/panera-bread-the-healthiest-fast-food/) I was shocked when many responses contained, "MSG? Oh, it's in everything, I'm not worried about it. You can't really get away from it." What?! Excessive MSG can literally excite your brain cells to death. (http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/107774.aspx) One, how can you not be worried about that? Two, you CAN get away from it! You do not have to eat this, there are plenty of alternatives. If you don't take care of your body, where are you going to live?

The next thing I hear a lot is, "How much money do you spend? Eating healthy is too expensive!" No. This is a misconception. Buy smart. I have actually spent less in the grocery store in February, compared to in January (when I came back to school). 

Need another reason to help cut fast food (whoever snuck the 's' in that one was clever!) Read this: http://naturalsociety.com/4-fast-food-ingredients-way-worse-than-horsemeat/#ixzz2K2FIfmS7



www.cleanfoodcreativefitness.com - a lot of great recipes! Including Paleo.
http://www.heandsheeatclean.com/ - Motivation, recipes, etc!