Just (Don't) Do It!

Its funny how a craving or impulsive moment can ruin your day...if you follow through on it, that is.  I'm sitting here, working on my computer, and suddenly, all I want to do is eat something bad.  It's weird.  I have no idea where it came from. I'm not hungry. I'm not bored. I'm not stressed, angry, sad, mad, overly glad, lonely, or any of the other things commonly associated with random, unnecessary eating.  I'm just fine.  

So, I thought about it.  No one is home.  I could eat whatever I wanted and no one would know but me.  I could pull out some Christmas cookies or Halloween candy (yes, we still have a ton). I could have chips. I could look through the freezer... There are heaps of things I could indulge in right now, without anyone around.

Then I thought a little more.  Why would I want to do that?  Right now, I feel great.  I've had two-and-a-half days (I cheat on the weekends) of perfect eating and wonderful workouts and now, just because I "think" I want X, I'm going to ruin this momentum...this pattern...this entire day???  Really?  For what?  The most temporary euphoria there is (for the most part).  I'm going to knowingly eat something that will taste fantastic in my mouth only to realize the second I swallow that it wasn't worth it and then go on with the rest of my night pissed off at myself...and actually, the rest of the world.  All for that one moment of flavor? 

Well, today I decided that I just wasn't going to do it...and I feel so much stronger (and happier) because of it.  

What are you going to do?

Marinades by: YOU!

There's nothing like throwing a nicely marinated steak, chicken breast or shrimp skewer on the grill.  You're guaranteed more flavor and typically more tenderness than a plain piece of meat because of the make-up of the mixture.  Acid from common marinade components like citrus, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, teriyaki or vinegar break down the meat fibers making the meat more flavorful and tender.

It's easy to go to the grocery store and purchase a pre-mixed marinade but if you take a moment to look at the label, the added sodium and preservatives may surprise you.  Why not whip one up on your own and enjoy the natural flavors and ingredients you add to your meat, poultry or seafood!

Try the following suggestions (as overnight marinades) and watch for a great video on marinades later this week!

Seafood
Combine 1-2 c. vegetable broth, the juice of a lemon and a lime,  1 T. onion powder and 1 T. fresh ground ginger.

Steak
Combine 1-2 c beef broth, 1/4 c Worcestershire sauce, 2 T steak sauce, a few shakes of tabasco sauce and 2 cloves of presses garlic.

Chicken
Combine 1/4 c balsamic vinegar, the juice of 2 oranges, 1 clove of pressed garlic and 1 finely chopped shallot.

Keep in mind that if you're cooking the meat over your stove you can pour the marinade into your pan and cook with it too!

Shrimp Guacamole

Here's the recipe.

1 lb cooked shrimp
3 avocados
2 limes
1/2 c. nonfat Greek yogurt
1 T. garlic paste
1 T. lemongrass herb blend
Salt and pepper
1 c. diced tomatoes
1 1/2 c. corn
1/2 c. chopped leeks
1 diced chipotle pepper, seeds removed
2 T adobo sauce
2-3 T. chopped cilantro

Cream avocados, yogurt, juice of 2 limes, garlic paste, lemongrass blend, salt and pepper in large mixing bowl.
Add tomatoes, corn, leeks, chipotle pepper, dobo sauce and cilantro and stir together.
Dice shrimp into small pieces and fold into avocado mixture.
Enjoy with some great, hearty crackers!

This recipe along with photo and nutrition information will appear in my cookbook due out this Spring!

Rock Your Avocado Video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HkX6agjHU8

Video is coming. This is way harder that I thought!

Book Article!

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20101216/APC0904/101216106/Greenville-woman-publishes-healthy-eating-cookbook

It Only Takes a Day

Today was great.  I did exactly what I was supposed to do and I feel awesome!  Yet, I find it so strange, even though I knew that was all I had to do.  Just one day and I'm different...stronger...thinner...more confident...one day of following the rules and everything changed.

Here is my day at a glance:

• Woke up:)
• Drank my protein coffee, with one slice of whole wheat toast, my multivitamin, my Mangosteen juice (I'm hooked) and out the door I went.
• Had my pre-workout nitric oxide drink and KILLED a shoulder/leg workout with my fab husband.
• Had my post-workout meal.  Today it was cottage cheese and whole grain crackers.
• Had lunch...turkey breast with black beans, onions, green peppers (a few other things) and some Greek yogurt. (the recipe is in the next cookbook...Tex Mex Turkey Soup).
• Wrote, cooked and photographed 4 new recipes for the book while I enjoyed some Christmas music.
• Now, my children are about to burst through the door and we're having grilled chicken, wild rice and vegetables for dinner.

So after one picture perfect, clockwork kind of day and I'm convinced that I'm a new person.  Really, you may ask?!?  Well, that's how I feel and I think, initially, its all about how we feel?

I can't tell you how many times someone looking to change their life (weight loss goals, fitness goals, health goals, relationship goals, etc.) asks, immediately...when will I notice a difference?  Its as if they are terrified that they won't be able to hang on long enough to notice the changes and are certain they will give up on their task before they even begin.  They are so afraid that they won't have enough endurance, strength, courage, determination and dare I say it willpower (which I don't believe in...but that's another blog) to achieve what they want so badly.  

Well, my answer is this...if you follow the rules, I swear you'll notice something different within 24 hours.  You will feel different...you may even act differently...you will certainly want to see what another day (and then some) could lead to and let me tell you, if you feel different long enough that goal you have will be right around the corner in no time.  You can do it...its only 24 hours...just try it and see...what you experience will surprise you, count on it!