Sub It Out

In my former life subbing out was a headache!  Like spend hours preparing for someone else to walk in your classroom and keep the flow similar to how you would run things.  Or maybe I am too controlling.  I don't know, but it was always way more work than being at work.  Such the hassle.

Nowadays, subbing out is my lifesaver.  Long ago when I agreed to do the detox or clean eating, I thought it would be a l-o-n-g and painful month.  Now, I've learned that it was about subbing new items for my old ones.  Those slight changes have made major differences in our health and our kids' health.

So, I'm gonna share with you my most favorite, easiest food sub.  Drumroll PLEASE......................

BROWN RICE PASTA!

This is an easy, easy switch.  I purchase mine at Walmart.  It's found in the gluten free section.  The specific brand I go to is Tinkyada.

 

Brown rice pasta is my fav because the taste and texture is so comparable to regular spaghetti noodles my family knows no difference.  Anytime we have noodles in a dish now, we use brown rice pasta.  It eliminates gluten in our diet which, we have learned, affects us in more ways than one.  Major reason for the brown rice love...no bloating.  No poochy evening belly (well, except now that I'm pouchy 24/7).  No stomach cramping for Steven. It's an overall win.

And since I'm sharing how to sub out gluten, I have a very super duper delicious fresh summer salad for you.  I stole it from a friend out in California.  Chubby Cheekers killed my portion at lunch the other day so I had to toss together more.  It's loaded with protein, veggies, and yumminess so the joke was on him.  Muah ha ha ha!

Cucumber Salad with Roasted Chickpeas 

I cut out the peanuts (known for a high mold content) and the used extra virgin olive oil instead of vinegar (known to contribute to the growth of candida yeast).  And just FYI, before Arbonne I knew NADA about mold content and candida yeast.  

If you are curious about the Clean Eating Challenge and why one would subject themselves to such discipline, you can check it out virtually from the privacy of your own home on Thursday, June 12th at 9pm CST.  Simply click the link and you are there...

https://global.gotomeeting.com/meeting/join/909834285

This can even be done from you iPhone or iPad, but you will need to download the free app.   What's really great is I will be on and you can chat privately with me if you have a question.  You can turn the video off  yourself and even mute.  The duration is about 30 minutes and SUPER informative.  I recommend watching just to catch some new info that could really change the way you think about fueling your body.

Making It Meaningful

Do you ever have those little areas in life where you think you are in control, but the moment you try to control it is the moment when you realize you had little power to begin with?

Hello? Am I the only crazy one around here?

Let's take my holiday eating for example.  Each bite I was well aware of what I was eating.  In my head I recognized I should not be eating it.  I did it anyway.  Since I had the thought of  I should not be eating this, then I thought I was in control.  Sadly, I found out the little power I actually had today.

Today Steven and I, along with countless others, began our Clean Eating Challenge.  I've been asked numerous times why I would commit to something like this when I appear to be in shape.  You know, the first time I did this I wanted to see if I could do it.  I wanted to see if  what others were saying was true.  I wanted to see if I had more energy, if I would sleep better, if I would trim up, if my workout performances would improve, if, if, if...

All of it was true. I did stick to the plan 99.9% of the time.  I saw results.  I loved the results.  Life changes were made in regards to how we thought about food.  Foods I thought I could never give up rarely enter our house now.  I am thankful for those changes.

However, this time around I have a totally new set of goals. 

After letting myself indulge every single day for the entire month of December, I was beginning to see that snacking  and sugar was taking a toll on my energy levels.  One month of really throwing out a healthy diet and I could feel it.  My clothes felt it.  My skin felt it.  My sleep felt it.  My energy felt it.  My attitude felt it.  All of those areas are affected by my intake of food.

My goal for focusing on eating clean this month is not to improve my energy, sleep better, trim up, or perform better on runs or workouts.  I know those things will come, but this time I want to make it meaningful.  I want to focus on eating what I should and not what I want.  Since I created a cycle of indulgence, I want to recreate a cycle of discipline.  Disciplining myself for nourishment, not cravings.

That's a hard one.  Considering it's 9:30 at night.  I am full, yet I want to eat.  I want to sneak in my pantry and peruse the shelves for that something just right.  Mmmmm, cravings!  They sure are sneaky.  So instead, I'm typing on my laptop about cravings, sipping on my detox tea, and avoiding the kitchen altogether. Honestly, that power feels good.

I do have a purpose in all of this.  I want to share with you what my partner and crime (Erica) and I have done to help others who want to break those unhealthy cycles as well.  When you choose to go through the Clean Eating Challenge, you get support.  Lots of support.  First off, you get your products from Arbonne.  Top notch, researched, ahead of the times products.  You will also receive a full menu, recipes, and shopping list for 4 straight weeks.  On top of that you will be added to a private facebook page with others who are  participating in the very same process, at the very same time as you.  A perfect little support group.  AND, you also have the chance to compete for one of two $100 gift baskets.  It's a recipe for success!

Each month, we will have a group begin on the first and continue on for 30 straight days.  January tends to be the month people start with a bang and then fizzle out.  It is our hope that with all the tools we have put together it encourages others to stick through the hard times.  Changing life-long habits is difficult.  I'm not promising ease, but I am promising worth.  You are worth it and you will see worth when you make it meaningful.

What are your goals for the year?  Maybe this is the time for you.  If it is, I would love to share with you the how-to.  I truly believe this is for anyone! 

Make it meaningful, peeps!  Love you all!

Menu Monday...On Tuesday

It's Tuesday and I'm just now posting my menu for Monday.  I know.  I know.  BUT, I have a really, really good excuse.  I accomplished a goal I didn't even know I had on Sunday morning.

I RAN A HALF MARATHON!!!!

I'll share more about that tomorrow, but for now I just needed to get it off my chest.  I could for real put a sticker on my car if I wanted to.  It was a challenging experience, but also very rewarding.  

Today, I'll share what we are eating this week.  I mentioned last week that this detox looks so different than my last detox.  First off, I had some pie Friday night at our schools P.I.E. meeting.  It was delicious, but not the best choice.  Then after running 13.1 miles, I was starving and dying for something salty.  I had a bacon, egg, and cheese on ciabatta bread.  Yeah, nothing detox friendly about that.  And now for the walk of shame...I also had half of a cinnamon roll after that.  Hanging head now.  I'm pretty sure Erica has a picture of me taking a gigantic bite of that breakfast sandwich.

You know what?  In the grand scheme of things, I am making way better choices now than what I was 5 months ago.  I know what needs to be done and I do have the will power to do it.  Knowledge and will power together make for a great combination.  That's what I love about Arbonne.  You get a specific plan to follow.  That's the knowledge part.  The will power comes from the results that spring up so quickly from following that plan.  

And now, for the detox menu...

Monday-Chicken Pasta (*new...recipe to be posted), Green Beans, Mixed Greens Salad

Tuesday-Taco Salad with Roasted Chickpeas, Berry Salad

Wednesday-French Lentil Soup

Thursday-Grilled Shrimp Kabobs and Spinach Berry Salad

Friday-Seasoned Broiled Tilapia, Steamed Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes

Saturday-DATE NIGHT

Sunday-Almond Buttered Rice Cakes with Strawberries, Fresh Cut Veggies, and Sweet Potato Fries

Menu Monday

It's the first full week of my detox.  Steven and I began August 1st for our second go 'round.  The kids are on a modified version.  So far, I've been pretty stinky at this detox.  Just keeping it real for you.  Pretending isn't in my nature.  One thing I want you to know is this isn't an all or nothing process.  It's a time for me to focus on making better lifelong choices.

The biggest difference on this detox in comparison to April's detox is I am training for a marathon with my friend.  No, I'm not running a marathon.  I just agreed to train with her.  If you ever had doubts on my sanity, you can be assured that my elevator does not go all the way to the top.  Who in their right mind would agree to train and never run the race?  Yep, that's me.  I've never really been a race person.  I'm more into challenging myself, and marathon training is challenging.  Just this last week I logged 22 miles.  A 7 miler, 3 mile interval run (brutal), and my longest distance yet...12 miles.

I digress.

Detox and marathon training...it's a hard balance.  On one hand I know how amazing eating clean feels for me.  On the other hand the amount of carbohydrates I need to replenish after long runs is a LOT.  So during and after the 12 mile run, I found myself with a granola bar and 3 cookies to fuel while running, and then a protein shake afterward.  Crazy, I know.  However, I would do it again.  The immediate jolt from the sugar and the carbs to finish the remaining 4 miles worked well...for me.  The rest of the day, I ate detox friendly...just a lot more than usual.  I could not get enough to eat.  Hungry girl right here.

This coming weekend I will run my first ever half marathon.  Not in a race, but a training run.  I'm excited and nervous to cross off a big life goal.

Enough about me.  Time to get to the detox menu...

Monday-Lemon Herbed Grilled Drumsticks, Butternut Squash, Steamed Broccoli
Tuesday-Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa, Brown Rice, Grilled Peppers and Onions
Wednesday-Fajitas in Lettuce Wraps, Salad, Brown Rice Chips and Homemade Salsa
Thursday-Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwiches(omit greek yogurt and mayo...add another avocado), Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans
Friday-Date Night @ Genghis Grill
Saturday- Dinner with Family
Sunday-Dinner with Family

A Two Week Menu

After finishing up our April detox so many of us miss the amazing feeling that comes with eating right and replacing solid meals for liquid.  Thus, the mini detox was born.  Almost every person who participated in the April detox is doing the mini detox beginning June 7th and ending June 20th (just in time for summer!).

Since this is just two weeks, I went ahead and did my menu for a full two weeks beginning on the 7th.  I hope this helps you too.

June 7th: Turkey Tacos (homemade taco seasoning) in Lettuce Wraps, Rice Chips, Homemade Salsa
June 8th: Grilled Chicken, Roasted Butternut Squash, Steamed Broccoli
June 9th: Black Bean, Sweet Potato, Quinoa Stuffed Peppers (omit cheese) and Salad
June 10th:  Veggie Spaghetti with Brown Rice Pasta Noodles (homemade marinara recipe) and Seasoned Green Beans
June 11th:  Salmon with Avocado Salsa, Grilled Peppers, Onions, and Mushrooms with Brown Rice
June 12th:  Oven Roasted Whole Chicken, Mashed Cauliflower (omit buttermilk), Fresh Strawberries
June 13th:  Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins with Roasted Asparagus
June 14th:  Stir Fry with Shrimp, Fried Brown Rice, and Salad
June 15th:  French Lentil Soup with Crusty Udi's Bread
June 16th:  Turkey Chili and Salad
June 17th:  Hummus Crusted Chicken and Squash with Steamed Seasoned Broccoli
June 18th:  Shredded Chicken Fajitas in Lettuce Wraps and MexiRice
June 19th:  Taco Salad served over Roasted Chickpeas and Raw Bell Peppers
June 20th:  Cold Pasta Salad, and Strawberry Spinach Salad

Detox Friendly Pasta Salad

1 package Brown Rice Pasta Noodles
1/4 cup EVOO
1 package Italian Seasoning (check ingredients, not all seasonings are created the same)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup shredded chicken (I use the leftover chicken from a whole roasted chicken)

• Cook noodles according to package directions
• Meanwhile, chop veggies
• Mix extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and Italian Seasoning packet
• Toss all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes

ENJOY!

April Detox: Final Results

April is officially over and all the participants of the detox are sharing their success stories.  Most of the stories I'm going to share with you are from the ladies I work out with M, W, and F mornings.  Keep in mind almost all of the ladies have been doing boot camp for some time now.  We all have the exercise part down. We needed a kick start on cleaner eating.  Arbonne's 30 Days to Fit was a great jump start.  Here's what the ladies had to say.

"Day 32 and still going strong.  My plan is to go 40 days before reintroducing any of the foods I've been avoiding.  Cheese, I'm looking at you!  As of Day 30, I was down 11.9 lbs. I took measurements at my belly button and two inches below on Day 1, but I wished I measured more body parts, because I know by the way my clothes fit there have been a lot of changes.  I'm shopping from the other side of the closet again.  double ear and sinus infection aside,  the detox has been an amazing experience. I have found strength I didn't know I possessed.  I have gone from a daily dessert eater, to having no craving for sugar whatsoever.  My energy level has increased, therefore, my attitude has improved, and I feel stronger in my workouts.  I am so thankful for this opportunity."

-J.W.

"I lost 6 lbs, but the most exciting part is that I lost TWO dress sizes and was able to push harder at every workout."

-T.C.

Editor's Note (that's me...heehee): This girl stepped up to run a 10k (6.2 miles) a week before the race.  The longest distance she had ever ran before was 3.1 miles.  She finished in under an hour and felt her performance was because of the detox. 

"My weight loss varies 6-8 pounds.  I feel AWESOME.  I am more toned than I think I was in high school playing 3 sports, running faster & working out harder.  Down 2 sizes."

-A.E.

"I lost 12 lbs and two dress sizes as well.  Feeling great and definitely sticking with some healthier food alternatives."

-M.M.

"Down 4 lbs and my IBS is under better control than it was with the changes my doctor recommended!  My mammoth-sized sweet tooth has gone on vacation and sweets just don't taste the same, in a good way!"

-D.C.

"I'm down 17 lbs and my husband 22 lbs from the detox.  I've dropped two inches and two dress sizes.  Detox was amazing!  So much energy, and of course the weight loss, but more importantly I have respect for my body now!  I appreciate the food I can eat better and no longer crave the stuff that punishes my body.  Now, I'm not saying I'll never eat pizza again.  I'm okay with 1-2 slices, but not the whole pizza!"

-S.F.

"After accepting my stomach would never be the same after 3 kids, I am ecstatic to say I CAN SEE MY ABS!!!  Lost 5 lbs over the course of the month I began to see my arms have definition without flexing.  Lean muscle lines make me want to throw on a sleeveless shirt.  I am no longer embarrassed to put on shorts for fear of crossing my legs which squeezed the cottage cheese out to visible.  My workouts have been easier and I even shaved off 30 seconds from my timed mile in a month.  That is huge for me!  For the last two months I hit a plateau in my running speed.  The detox helped push me passed that plateau."

-A.T.  (me)

I have had so many people say to me, "I could never do that."  I so get that statement.  That was me 2 years ago when I first heard about it.  Now being on the other side, I'm a bit mad at myself for not giving myself more credit.  The meals for the detox was all about exchanges.  Nothing too difficult. Sure, I had cranky toddler moments, but I learned a lot about my eating habits that were affecting my body in a major way.  For example, dousing my food with condiments.  I'm surprised I could even taste lettuce with the amount of ranch going on my salad.  Now it's just a little drizzle.  I've limited my portion sizes to a more normal range and I don't feel hungry.  I've also learned that eating junk makes you feel like junk.  No wonder I was so tired all the time!  It wasn't the 5 kids, it was the junk I was 'treating' myself with on a daily basis.

If you are looking for a change like these ladies had in a MONTH, let me know how I can help.  It doesn't have to be the full on detox.  One of my precious friends quit her Diet Coke habit, and switched to Mommy Crack Fizz Sticks.  Here's what she said...

"In loooooooooove with Arbonne Energy Fizz Sticks!!!"

For my friend, switching out her pop with Fizz Sticks was a huge change and it's leading her to do other crazy things!  

Now for the final showdown.  This is my friend Maria.  In a month she has lost 25 lbs.  She did not stray from the diet and posted this pic on her facebook page...

I still cannot get over her change in one month.  SAME with her sister!  Both of them noted they had tried all the quick fixes, but it wasn't until they did it the right way did they see and feel the permanent results.  So proud of all my friends at F.I.T. Boot Camp and family!

My 3 Loves...Getting Healthy, Saving Money, Helping Others

Day 25 of my detox is HERE!  If you follow along with my news feeds on Facebook, then you've had the day by day playbook of my progress and failures.  It's definitely brought a lot of change to me, my family, and friends.  Lots of weight lost, but more importantly, people are changing their eating habits and reaping the benefits.  I love hearing the progress and successes.

I also love saving money.  I'm going to be honest.  When Steven and I looked into supplements for our family, we didn't know how we were going to add it to our budget.  After a little research, we knew the Arbonne Fit Essentials line was the best choice for us, especially the protein.  It's vegan based with protein coming from pea, cranberry, and brown rice.  Pea protein in the most absorbable form of protein.  We also wanted to steer clear of whey (leftover milk and cheese by products that is difficult to digest), and soy (we do NOT need any more soy in our diets...ever).  Plus it is sweetened with stevia.  Not artificial sweeteners we were finding in other protein shakes.

I digress.

We decided on Arbonne.  The price was a bit much for what we could afford.  I began looking at options to save and decided to turn this into a business.  It has been super fruitful to me.  I've met some amazing ladies (and a few men).  Doing the business side allows me to save 35% off everything whether it's the supplements, make-up, baby products, or skin care.  35% off everything!  However, I realize not everyone is interested in the business side.  I get that.

That's where I've done some research to get people the MOST for their money.  Erica and I discovered a way for customers to save 47% on their order.  Lately, I have been bombarded with emails about the detox and what is needed from Arbonne for success.  It is easier for me to line it all out for you here.  Are you ready???

Arbonne offers an option of becoming a Preferred Client.  Basically, you pay $20 for the year and get 20% off anything, anytime for the year.  It's kind of like a Sam's Card.  That's not the big savings though.  If you opt to become a Preferred Client, Erica and I uncovered an even better deal.  You can get $325 worth of Arbonne products for only $200 plus taxes/shipping/preferred client fee.

Here's where it's helped about 10 of my customers who wanted to do the detox.  The detox 'kit' is retail $289 plus a $50 7 Day Body Cleanse.  Here's the items in the Detox 'Kit':

• two bags of vegan protein
• one bag of soluble flavorless/odorless fiber
• two boxes of Fizz Sticks (Mommy Crack)
• two bags of Fit Chews
• two boxes of Detox Tea

By the time you add the $289 for the Detox Kit, plus $50 for the 7 Day Cleanse, plus shipping and tax you end up spending $384.10.  YIKES!!!  Some customers are okay with that, but this money saving gal is not.  I would rather you get the whole detox kit for $260 (that includes shipping/tax/preferred client fee) shipped to your door.  Not to mention you will also get a free gift!  That's my kind of savings.  Saving a little over $120 PLUS a free gift.

Let's say the detox is not for you.  There are so many products I have fallen IN LOVE with.  The baby line for example has been the saving grace for two of my friends whose children suffer from ezcema.  The make-up primer and RE9 line had me at 'Hello'.

If you have been wondering about pricing and how this will fit for you, maybe this is your answer.  I promise to never look at you as a dollar sign or try to 'sell' you.  I honestly want to help you get started on better options for health and save money.  Some major loves of mine.  But guess what?  If you still want to drive thru McDonalds, I'll still love you!  I won't turn into the crazy Arbonne lady.  At least not yet ;)

It's Like Mommy Crack

Picture this...

It's 5:28am.  I am in a hoodie smeared with snot on my left shoulder (only I don't realize it's on there until I get home...classic Amanda Torres), my hair is haphazardly thrown into a ponytail, and loose hairs are pulled back with a a head band.  I am a hot mess running down my street trying to make 5:30am F.I.T. Boot Camp at Erica's.  

I make it just in time, and I have a bit of time to talk to friends while we're warming up.  One girl that I absolutely love says, "You know those Fizz Sticks?  They are like Mommy Crack!"  I died laughing.  I had never thought of my Fizz Sticks as Mommy Crack, but she was right.  IT IS!!!  

 

I've never been a person to struggle with consuming the recommended amount of daily water intake (half your body weight).  I honestly thought about not ordering fizz sticks, I'd just stick with my normal water routine, when beginning the detox, but it was recommended.  I thought, "If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it right."  And holy hairballs!  I'm glad I got those suckers.  I look forward to mine everyday at 2:30, a time in my day when I hit a wall.  

Fizz Sticks are little packets (kinda like Crystal Light) you add to your water, and guess what?  It fizzes as it goes in.  What I love about the Fizz Sticks is of course the au natural qualities.  They contain B vitamins which are often depleted in times of stress (let's be real...I'm a mom...I have many stressful moments!), and they help support my metabolism, healthy skin, hair, and nervous system.  Even though my skin is looking more vibrant, that's not why it's Mommy Crack.  Those little boogers give me alertness and enhance my cognitive performance.  I seriously need alertness.  I have a 14 month old who thinks he can do the same tasks as his 4 year old sister and 6 year old brother.  Just today he was trying to climb in my neighbors water feature.  Yeah, those Fizz Sticks will always be my Mommy Crack as long as Chubby Cheekers is around.

So Fizz Sticks, this pic is for you.  Life is so much easier with you guys.  I love you.

                               

Signed,

Fizz Sticks Make Me Smile

 

Detox Menu Monday

It's officially the last full week of our detox.  I've been asked numerous times if we'll continue the clean eating beyond our 30 days.  It's super hard to answer that one.  The detox is very specific about eliminating all dairy, soy, wheat, caffeine, alcohol, vinegar, and meats with antibiotics and hormones.  So if you're asking am I going to stick to strict limitations, the answer is no.

There are so many changes this detox did bring to my attention.  For example, meats.  I honestly believed I could not fit grain fed, free range chickens in my budget.  I can.  It's not hard, and not that much more expensive.  I can swing it in my budget.  I also realized how much wheat and dairy we consumed.  A lot of my budget went to cheese.  Not anymore.  I will add cheese to casseroles and dishes, but not by the handfuls.  Just little sprinkles.  Almond milk will not completely replace the milk in our house, but we will buy one 1/2 gallon of almond and 1/2 gallon of regular milk. And lastly, I will continue to use the protein shakes every morning for breakfast during the week.

I hope that answers your questions about life after the detox.  I am very happy about losing the pudge off the front of my stomach, and if it comes back I know exactly what I need to do to get rid of it.  Knowledge is power!  Here's the menu...

Monday-Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins, Berry Salad, Green Beans
Tuesday-Hummus Crusted Chicken with Yellow Squash, and Roasted Asparagus
Wednesday-Shredded Chicken Fajitas with Quinoa in Lettuce Wraps, Mexican Rice
Thursday-Taco Salad on Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, and Raw Veggie Strips
Friday-Dinner with Friends
Saturday-Grilled Chicken, Roasted Butternut Squash, Green Beans
Sunday-French Lentil Soup and Salad

Turkey Chili

Turkey Chili

1.5 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cups water
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomato
1 (16 oz) can kidney beans, drained, rinsed, and mashed
1 tsp garlic, minced
2 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Place turkey in the pot and cook until evenly brown.  Stir in onion and cook until tender.  Pour water into the pot.  Mix in tomatoes, kidney beans, and garlic.  Season with chili powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.  Optional: top with avocadoes.

Homemade Salsa

I very well may get hacked for posting this one.  My father-in-law has an amazing salsa recipe.  For almost six years I dated his son, and he would not fork it over.  He told me we had to get married first before he would tell me.  It is top secret, and here I am telling it.  If you don't hear from me over the next couple of days, please contact authorities.  I kid.  He wouldn't kill me.  He loves me.  I am one of his two favorite daughter in laws.  Plus, I'm leaving out the extra special ingredient.  I guess if you want the icing on the top, then you'll have to marry a Torres.

Even though I won't give you the final ingredient, I'll give you a still delicious recipe.

Torres Homemade Salsa
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2-3 medium tomatoes, deseeded and diced (leave one whole)
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 lime
1 jalapeno
1/4 tomatillo
1/4 cup cilantro
salt or pepper to taste

Toss all ingredients into a food processor except one tomato and lime.  Pulse processor until you have a good salsa consistency.  Pour into a large bowl.  Dice the last tomato with seeds and all.  Toss into bowl and squeeze the lime juice into the bowl.  Add sea salt to taste.  Keep refrigerated.

Menu Monday Detox Style

Have you ever had weeks where you try to accomplish too much? Who am I kidding?  This is a blog written for a group of females.  We always have weeks where we try to accomplish too much.  It's just this week was exceptionally busy.  Crazy busy.  In addition to crazy busy, we had a gigantic curve ball thrown into the mix.  I can't even really classify it as a curve ball.  More like a curve ball from left field.  Not the pitcher's mound.  Something we never ever saw coming.

Steven and I were so consumed by this curve ball that when Friday rolled around I wasn't prepared.  Fridays are my grocery shopping day. It also happened to be pay day.  AHHHHH!  I had to quickly throw together a menu (I hadn't even looked at the competitor ads yet), restock all of our cash envelopes for the remainder of the month, and get myself to the store.  I generally start this whole process on Tuesday so getting it together in a few short hours during nap was challenging.

And how does this affect me?  I'm sure you're wondering.  It boils down to this...

My menu is full of repeats.  I really try hard not to repeat meals within a month, but since the detox takes planning, I'm repeating recipes.  Saving time was just a tad more important this week.

Monday-Cilantro Lime Roasted Chicken, Green Beans, Toasted Brown Rice Bread
Tuesday-Hummus Crusted Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, Butternut Squash
Wednesday-Turkey Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Berry Salad
Thursday-Turkey Chili and Salad
Friday-Coconut Chicken, Stir Fry, Brown Rice
Saturday-Chicken Avocado Sandwiches, Chips/Homemade Salsa, Raw Bell Pepper Strips
Sunday-Chicken Parmigiana*, Salad, Roasted Garlic Dipping Sauce with toasted brown rice bread (omit balsamic vinegar)

*I used the basic plan of this recipe and substituted.  Here's the rundown...

Use almond flour instead of flour,  stevia instead of sugar, and of course, no parmesan cheese.  I still used the wine because the alcohol is reduced in the heat, and leaves behind an amazing flavor.  Over and out.

Tomorrow I will post the recipes for Turkey Chili and Homemade Salsa.

Happy Monday!

Detox Menu Monday

My first detox week is over and I'm moving on to week 2.  I'll share successes tomorrow.  Today is my menu.

Monday-Firecracker Shrimp, Steamed Broccoli, Green Beans
Tuesday-Chicken Tacos served on Rice Wraps, Black Bean Fritters (substitute almond flour) and Salsa
Wednesday-Veggie Spaghetti with Quinoa* (for added protein), Green Beans, Garlic Bread (Udis)
Thursday-French Lentil Soup and Crusty Udi's Bread
Friday-Cilantro Lime Chicken, Grilled Peppers and Onions, Brown Rice
Saturday-Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa*, Baked Sweet Potato Slices, Salad
Sunday-Dinner with Mom (she's detoxing too!)

*These two meals were so good and filling that we had to put them on again.  The grilled salmon was restaurant quality.  Seriously.  The flavors blended so well together.  Ah-MA-Zing!

Sorry to be so short.  This past week had me so focused on what and when to eat that my mind was done by the end of the day.  I seriously could not think of anything else.  Good news!  I have that part down now. Things are becoming a routine and bad eating habits (my disastrous pantry carb/sugar loading right before bed) are moving out.  It feels really good.

For the first time ever we went to a birthday party and I wasn't dying to dive into the birthday cake.  It looked delicious, but I had no cravings for it.

Clean Eating on a Strict Budget

Financial Peace University has my heart to the fullest.  It resonates so deeply with what I hold dear that I will never, ever abandon the ship.  It allows us to closely watch every aspect of our finances from building wealth to giving lots away.  Honestly that's why we're doing FPU, to give more away to organizations and people we are called to bless.

When this whole detox thing began I knew my $110 grocery/baby/household budget was going to be stretched like never before.  I kept thinking, "I'll just do what I can do."  We already purchase a lot of fresh produce, but buying free range chicken and turkey and grass fed beef was overwhelming to me.  I really didn't think I could squeeze that into my budget.  Well, guess what?  I did.

I did have to change the way I purchase my meat.  No longer do I buy chicken breasts.  I switched to the whole free range fryer chickens.  They are around $2 more than a regular chicken pumped full of hormones and anitbiotics.  I can do that increase!  For this detox, we are forgoing beef and sticking with chicken and turkey and incorporating more lentils and beans into our diet.  Lentils and beans are saving us a bunch.  Allowing me to spend more $2 more on the chickens.

Also, Steven and I are following Arbonne's 30 Day to Fit Challenge.  We choose Arbonne because it has best product line of 100% natural ingredients all the way down to the sweeteners.  Nothing artificial.  That is a big, big part for me.  We start our day with a protein shake blended up with leafy greens, fruit, and almond or coconut milk. This replaces our normal breakfast and is just as filling. I was a bit apprehensive about the taste, but was pleasantly surprised at how much I love them.  Super quick, easy, and tasty.  I find it so hard to believe that something so good is actually fueling me way better than I could with 'solid' type food.  It's not just me either.  My family members and a ton of my friends started protein shakes and were also surprised at the taste.

I have so much more I want to tell you, but it's getting late for me. Not to mention I have a big 'ol headache from cutting out my coffee.  Day one of the detox was wonderful in some ways and rough in others.  Hoping tomorrow goes smoother now that I have a better lunch game plan and one day down without my precious morning cup of joe!

Menu Monday

It has arrived.  The first day of my first detox.  AHHHHH!!!  So many emotions and thoughts.  Can I really do this? What if I fail?  What if I'm miserable?  How is this going to benefit me? What if Cheesecake Factory calls me in for taste testing and I can't eat anything?  Okay, so that last thought is a bit extreme.  Cheesecake Factory isn't going to call me, but I do wonder how I will feel throughout the month while taking out some of my most cherished foods like bread, dairy, and peanut butter.

However crazy this whole detox may sound, I am secretly excited about exercising my will power, making healthier choices, and seeing how my body reacts to fueling it completely the right way for 30 days.  Throughout this whole thing I will keep you posted, not just with my menu, but with details.  Details about my moods, cravings, feelings, performance, everything.  Well, maybe not everything.  I will be increasing my fiber intake.  We all know where that leads.  Nobody needs to hear about that!

Without further ado, here is my corn/wheat/dairy/soy/caffeine/white potatoes/peanut butter free menu...

Monday-Easy Roasted Whole Free Range Chicken, Mashed Cauliflower, Fresh Strawberries
Tuesday-Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins and Grilled Asparagus
Wednesday-Turkey Veggie Spaghetti on Rice Noodles and Green Beans
Thursday-Turkey Chili and Salad (Salad Dressing=EVOO, lemon, lemon zest, sea salt, pepper)
Friday-Stir Fry with Brown Rice
Saturday-Turkey Burgers served on Ice Berg Lettuce, Fresh Cut Veggies and Hummus, and Berry Salad
Sunday-Salmon with Cilantro Salsa, Snap Peas, and Brown Rice

There you have it.  The menu actually looks pretty tasty to me, it was adjusting to removing the wheat products that had me stumped.  I love bread with every meal.  Finding substitutes for that will be difficult for me.

Tomorrow I'm going to talk with you about how all this new clean eating fits with my Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Budget.  For this detox I did NOT change my grocery budget.  I was pleasantly surprised how eating cleaner was around the same cost as how I shopped before.  This is doable!!!