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!

Day 6: Figuring it out

I would kill for Chinese or a coffee. No way getting around that one. One of my fitness Facebook friends posted: "Sometimes I say things out loud just to get it out of my head - like I'm throwing the thought away from me." And I can fully agree with this. So there, have my thoughts about greasy, yummy, UNHEALTHY Chinese food! :) You can also have my (large!) Iced white chocolate mocha!

Although, I have those cravings, all in all, it hasn't been *that* bad. Definitely not a "cake-walk" but I am getting used to. Although I am getting better, I do  find myself going to eat something, then think, "No, no!" Mostly this has to do with: bread.  

It really means so much when people tell me they are following and reading my blog! Thank you! It is such great motivation! 

My workouts are going okay. I have had intense homework the past few days, so I have had to cut some a few minutes short. I can definitely feel the burn and aftermath most days. I know, NO EXCUSES. Chill. I am getting there.

I eat a lot (and by a lot I mean 5 times a week, twice a day) of chicken. It has become a main staple in my diet. I usually prepare about 10 breasts on Sunday and eat them through the week. It does really help to have these already prepared and I can just grab and go. I found a "clean" honey and mustard combination that I really like and wish I would have been making it before! It is so good! There are positives. 

Also, something else to note: Do not ever, ever, ever skip breakfast if you are trying to lose weight. It is the most important meal for a reason!
You do not have to dive into a huge lifestyle change overnight, I chose to because:
1. I thought I was ready. I think this is huge, if you think you can, you will. Attitude.
2. This is my new lifestyle.
3. I do not want to look back.
4. I am terrified by our food supply and "food" ingredients.
5. I slowly made changes over the past few years (Stop drinking pop, working out on/off, better food choices)
6. I needed something to challenge me and push me to commit to this lifestyle.


I have really expanded my horizon in the vegetable department also (joke). I eat a lot of carrots and green beans. I do pretty good in the fruits, I consume as much pineapple as I possibly can, and have an (organic) apple and (natural - peanuts only) peanut butter (or almond butter - 2x the benefits/ half the calories!).

Sometimes, I find it difficult to remember that just because it is healthy and clean, I still must watch my calorie intake. Most days, my calorie goal is 1,800 (+/-). It really just depends. 


Things that I have noticed:
+It gets easier
+The first to help you up are the ones who know how it feels to fall down
+The healthier I eat, the less *bad* cravings I have
+My sweatpants are comfy again
+I went down a notch in my belt
+I share too much. Sorry about it.


That's all for now :)



Thank you so, so much for reading!

Day 3: Harder than I thought?

I've made it through my first 3 days, I feel like I have went so far, but there is soooo far left to go. In just three days, I feel like I have said "no," more than I thought I ever would be able to.

I started off Friday night by babysitting. I let the kids make their own pizzas (Thinking if I didn't have one to eat, I wouldn't be tempted, right? Wrong...) I did make it through that, but then came the dessert pizza, I had promised them last Tuesday. I wanted nothing else but grab that and eat it as fast as I could. But I didn't. I ate my chicken breast and carrots, and savored every last bite of my apple with peanut butter. Definitely harder than I thought. 

When I got back Saturday, I was prepared for the challenge of eating at home. I knew it was going to be tough being around all the things at home. I had already prepared my parents by telling them that I was not eating any processed foods, I could have meat, seafood, veggies, fruit, etc. They were perfect in abiding by my wishes. We had steak and lobster (I didn't eat the  butter) There was also fresh shrimp as an appetizer, but have you ever looked at the ingredients in cocktail sauce?! Ouch, definitely could not dip my shrimp in that. The second ingredient was HFCS, and the third ingredient corn syrup? Really?? Going to start researching a clean recipe for that soon. 

Sunday, we went out for brunch. This was difficult. I ended up ordering the oatmeal (100% steel cut oats) and one egg. I felt this was the safest and cleanest options when ordering out.
How do you know it's the right choice if you never make it? Sometimes you make choices in life, and sometimes choices make you. I know in six months, I am not going to look like all those other girls in bikinis. I am okay with that. I will be myself, only a happier and definitely healthier version. I have 49 days to be bikini ready and my workouts have been slacking a lot lately. Tomorrow starts a reasonable, but intense, workout classes. This should be interesting..


Of course, I will keep you updated!!

"In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die.
Where you invest your love, you invest your life"
-Mumford and Sons

Thanks for reading :)

Day 0 - 1.31.2013

I meant to post this last night but I was having technical difficulties:

1.31.2013


Do as I say, not as I do.... Or did. In honor  of my twelve month soda/pop sobriety, I have chosen to embark on yet another exciting and challenging, but oh so rewarding {hopefully} challenge. I have always believed and tried to follow Robert Tew's quote, “Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you or makes you happy.” For the past year, I have been on/off again in my healthy eating patterns, one day working out, the next four not.  I have, however, came to the blatantly cruel and terrifying observation that food as we know it, cannot continue to support the lifestyle I intend to live. I cannot do this to my body anymore. The processed muck that we willingly, and sometimes, surprisingly more often than not, unknowingly (I will have something to say about this later) put in to fuel our bodies has got to stop. This "food" cannot serve me any longer. The same food has proven it can grow me, but only in ways I would rather it not...(Can you say morbidly obese and plus 75 lbs.?! ... See before picture). I can't really even say making the "wrong" choices made me happy. As guilt flooded my thoughts and my self-esteem washed away, by not eating healthy I have only proceeded to hold myself back. Not once did (Twinkies, cookie dough, pizza, etc.) ever make me feel empowered or better about myself. Not once. The only thing it ever seemed to fuel was self doubt and negative thoughts about how I couldn't eat healthy, I would never conquer proper nutrition, be comfortable in a swimming suit or fit into a pair of designer jeans. Blatantly obvious now, nothing it was never worth it. Nothing will taste better or feel better than (most importantly) being healthy and fit.

 Someone once told me, if it doesn't challenge you, it cannot and will not change you. This is going to challenge me, challenge me to my very core. (Pun intended? Prob-ab-ly) It seems I have tried similar things in the past, but I have never truly given up my coffee or bread or Panera....until now.  I refuse to look at this opportunity as what I can't have or what I have to go without, but instead to embrace it as the adventurous path of opportunity ahead. This should be fun? Ask me on about day 15, right? :)

February 1, 2012 was my last drink of pop (ever!) and for 2013, I am giving up processed foods for 100 days. Yes, read it again. What the H E double hockey sticks am I going to eat? Clean! 


This idea came about through 100daysofrealfood.com
If you are interested, please read her blog!