Day 17 Sugar Detox

Day 17 Sugar Detox

BREAKFAST

Eggs Scramble

*2 farm fresh eggs scrambled

*1 TBSP feta cheese

*1/2 cup steamed spinach

*1/4 cup chickpeas

*dash of salt

*dash of pepper

LUNCH

Chicken Noodle Soup

WORK SOUP

*Chicken Noodle Soup form work cafeteria

SUPPER

Banana-Coconut Oatmeal

*1/2 cup gluten free rolled oats

*1 oz raisins

*2 tsp unsweetened shredded coconut

*1 tsp ground flax seed

*2 tsp Chia seeds

*2 TBSP raw pumpkin seeds

*2 TBSP shredded almonds

ENJOY:)

Day 13 Sugar Detox

Day 13 Sugar Detox

Let's just say I got so wrapped up in studying last night that I FORGOT to blog. Seemed to be the theme of the day to get busy and forget. ANYHOW...I feel as long as I am not bored or stressed I do okay with food choices. Sweets are my go to. 

BREAKFAST

Eggs and Bacon

I only ate 1 piece of bacon and 2 eggs scrambled. 

LUNCH - 

Well....looks like the busy thing came into play and I did not eat LUNCH. OOPS....

SUPPER

Cedar Plank Salmon, Red Potato Mash and Veggies

*6 oz cedar plank salmon

* Mashed red potatoes

*Steamed broccoli and baby carrots

I did not eat the baby carrots because I don't know about you....I have never seen a baby carrot that actually looks like these that aren't bogus. Real baby carrots do not look like those. They are uniform in size and shape and that is just not how it works....

No desserts...lots of water and lots of busy-ness this day!

ENJOY:)

Day 7 Sugar Detox

Day 7 Sugar Detox

BREAKFAST

Skillet Scrambled Eggs, Onions, Peppers and Potatoes

Breakfast was out this am...pretty simplistic. 

*2 eggs scrambled

*green peppers

*onions

*cubed potatoes

*topped with shredded cheese

LUNCH

Homemade Pasta e Fagioli Soup

*see Day 6 Sugar Detox for recipe

SUPPER

Almond Crusted Salmon with Cauliflower "fried" Rice

*4 oz wild caught sockeye salmon baked at 350 for 15 minutes (will be topped with the below 1st)

TOPPED with:

*1 tsp chopped parsley

*1/4 tsp sea salt

*1/4 tsp black pepper

*1 TBSP shredded almonds

*fresh squeezed lemon (1/2)

For the Cauliflower "fried" Rice:
*coat the "frying" pan with 2 TBSP coconut oil
*1 head cauliflower chopped (can use a food processor if you have one) dumped in the pan
Add in:
*2 TBSP parsley
*2 tsp sea salt
*2 tsp black pepper
*fresh squeezed lemon (1/2)
*2 tsp terragon
Cook for about 10-12 minutes (or until softened and browning) on medium/low heat, let cool and serve.

ABSOLUTELY YUMMY.

ENJOY:)

Day 6 Sugar Detox

Day 6 Sugar Detox

Breakfast

Scrambled Eggs and Bacon

*2 scrambled eggs with a dash of salt and black pepper

*2 strips of uncured bacon (I only ate one and gave the other to my hubby)

LUNCH

Confession time....I cleaned my house VERY THOROUGHLY and time got away from me so I did not eat lunch. Probably not the healthiest of ideas, BUT when I get busy I lose all track of time. 

Supper

Homemade Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Healthy Version)

*1 pound organic grass fed beef browned (you can use turkey burger as instead of beef)

*6 oz gluten free brown rice pasta shells (cooked el dante)

*1 cup chopped celery

*1 cup chopped carrot 

*1 small red onion chopped 

*1 small yellow onion chopped

*1 15oz can dark red kidney beans (Eden Organic has BPA free cans, rinse them)

*1 15oz can light red kidney beans (Eden Organic has BPA free cans, rinse them)

*1 15oz can cannellini Beans (Eden Organic has BPA free cans, rinse them)

*1 15oz can diced tomatoes (chop your own for better taste, I use organic canned)

*1 32oz "box" organic low sodium chicken broth (you can use beef)

*1 16oz jar of tomato sauce (I use organic)

*3 garlic cloves minced (home grown)

*2 tsp chopped oregano 

*2 tsp chopped cilantro (fresh is best)

*2 tsp shopped basil (fresh is best)

*2 tsp chopped thyme

*2 tsp parsley (fresh is best)

I cook in my crockpot for 2 hrs on high. I am sure you could serve with some sort of bread, BUT this is a sugar free challenge. Salt and pepper to taste when served.

DESSERT

Grain Free "Branola"

I got the recipe from    http://thepaleoprize.com/?p=2089 

For the 2 cups of nuts I used 1/2 cup Macadamia Nuts, 1 cup walnuts and 1/2 cup pecans (along with the 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds and almonds she calls for in the recipe)

Instead of a food processor (which I do not have), I used a baggy and a pan to "smash" the nuts to chopped size. 

I also added the 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut and 2oz of raisins she states you can add. 

I was not sure how this would taste considering it is sugar free and the fact that my family is used to sugary treats for dessert BUT this stuff wine over like a bang with myself, hubby and daughter. It is 

soooooooo good. Make it, try it, share it....GIFT IT. 

Keeps in the fridge for 3-5 days.



ENJOY :)

Day 5 Sugar Detox

Day 5 Sugar Detox 

OKAY...so I am a big fat (hardly fat...but anyways) CHEATER today. 

Let's just get into a little TMI before I explain what I did. I have IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome - constipation)...I used to flip between IBS-C and D (diarrhea), but no longer. So ..most days I have to treat myself with prunes/prune juice, diet and water intake. SOMETIMES, none of this works, BUT I refuse to take any form of stool softener or laxatives. SO...I have found something that works for me (other than the above mentioned).  CHOCOLATE COVERED RAISINS....I'm telling you, works like a charm every time. Failure day, BUT I have pooped so...AMEN to that. To me it's a win!

BREAKFAST

Scrambled Eggs/Avocado

*3 farm fresh eggs scrambled

*1 medium avocado chopped

*dash of sea salt

*dash of black pepper

*1 TBSP parsley

LUNCH

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I might have an addiction to works Cheddar Broccoli Soup. I checked the ingredient again today and was shocked to learn that today they added hot sauce. I mean....why? I have never heard of hot sauce in this kind of soup.Whatever works I guess...it tasted the same it did yesterday and the day before.

SUPPER

Salmon/Broccoli/Zucchini

Went out to eat with hubby to Ruby Tuesdays...I have to say it wasn't my salmon i make at home, but it wasn't too bad. 

ENJOY:)

Day 4 Sugar Detox

Day 4 Sugar Detox

Breakfast

Mason Jar Oats

*1/2 cup gluten free rolled oats

*1 1/5 TBSP chia seeds

*1 TBSP ground flaxseed

*2 TBSP unsweetened toasted coconut flakes

*2 TBSP raisins

*1/8 cup almond slivers

*1/8 chopped walnuts

*1 1/2 cup coconut milk

*1/2 green tipped banana chopped

Lunch

Broccoli Cheddar/Onion Soup

Good ole yummy "work soup" again today. Some days I just need a little to get me through...not to mention the time. I also had a whole medium avocado with my soup.

Supper

Stuffed Acorn Squash

*1 large acorn squash baked in the oven for 45 minutes (poke holes or you have an explosion)

*2 tsp cinnamon

*1 TBSP pumpkin seeds

*2 TBSP raisins

*1/4 granny smith apple (these are lowest sugar on the glycemic index of apples)

I did have a snack of Cashews as well today. Not too bad on the cravings although it is hard to see/hear other people eat sweets.


ENJOY :)

Day 3 Sugar Detox

Day 3 Sugar Detox

Breakfast

Egg Scramble

*3 farm fresh unfertilized eggs scrambled

*1/4 cup spinach sautéed

*1/2 cup mushrooms sautéed (not organic)

*1/2 tomatoes diced

*dash of sea salt

*dash of black pepper

LUNCH

Tuesday Supper Leftovers

*Salmon

*Asparagus/Carrots

*Basmati Rice

Please see recipe from the day prior...

Supper

Chicken and Fries

*Gluten Free chicken tenders

*Alexia sweet potato fries

YES...I am entitled to a crappy night of eating. 

Today was a struggle....a crazy busy day at work. I fought like HELL (literally) to not go eat those delicious chocolate covered raisins I love so dearly. I almost broke...carried my debit card all the way to the Daily Grind at work and DIDN'T buy them. I did that 3 times. The only good that came of this is that I was able to get up and walk. 

Tomorrow is a new day!

ENJOY :)

Day 2 Sugar Detox

Day 2 Sugar Detox

Feeling pretty GOOD today minus the cravings, BUT that is every day before today anyhow. I will definitely be having leftovers tomorrow. 

Breakfast

OATMEAL

*2/3 cup gluten free rolled oats

*coconut milk (i do not measure...however I would say 1/2 cup?)

*1 small green tipped banana (that is a banana that is still a little green...)

*1/8 cup slivered almonds

*1 TBSP chia seeds

*1/2 tsp cinnamon

*1/8 cup raisins

*splash of water (filtered)

I do not add any sweetener to my oatmeal because I feel like what I put in it is sweet enough (plus I am on a sugar detox), BUT if you need to add some sweetener I would suggest one of the following based on your dietary needs and taste: molasses, raw honey, coconut sugar.

LUNCH

Cheddar Broccoli Soup

SOOOO...I cannot tell a lie...I did not make the soup (I know, I know)...this is from the cafeteria at the hospital that I work at. I did read the ingredients and nutritional content. It has broccoli, onion and cheddar cheese as well as some other things I would not normally ingest BUT not sugary and far better than the other options I could have made. 

SUPPER

*25 spears of asparagus chopped

*3 carrots (most of the carrot) shredded

*2 TBSP EVOO 

*1 tsp pink himalayan salt

*1 tsp black pepper

* alaskan wild caught sockeye salmon (skin on)

divided amongst each 4 oz piece....

*2 tsp pink himalayan salt

*2 tsp black pepper

*2 tsp parsley

*2 tsp basil

*2 tsp rosemary

*2 tsp terragon

FOR THE RICE:

*2 cups basmati white rice (amazing with fish)

*1 TBSP grass fed butter (I use Kerrygold)

*1TBSP cilantro

*1TBSP parsley

*1 TBSP turmeric

*1/4 cup coconut milk

AND OF COURSE ... an Avocado. Because as you get to know me more and see more of what I eat...I eat ALOT of avocados. Honduras would be proud of me!

MY FAMILY EATS TOO

My family gets all the same things I get and things they like they I do not eat. I have a teenager who dislikes ANY kind of fish at the moment (although I can sneak it in here and there unknowingly...) BUT she loves shrimp so, she gets SHRIMP....cooked and tossed with old bay seasoning. Plus, since she is on hiatus from fruits and veggies (a teen diet consists of everything BUT fruits and veggies)....I add them to the plate in hopes I can get her to eat them again soon....tangerines! It does work sometimes.

ENJOY :)

Day 1 Sugar Detox

21 Day Sugar Detox:

sooooo...last month I was diagnosed with SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) and any time I indulge in a sugary ANYTHING ... I feel the pain, bloat and feel like my insides are fighting to get outside. 

SIBO is an ugly little monster. This is more common in a lot of Americans (due to poor diet and GMO foods, pesticides) and they don't even know it sadly. 

For those of you whom don't know, you can get tested at for GI (gastrointestinal) MD. The test is simple, last 3 hours and you should have results within the next 24 hours. 

Some symptoms include, but are not limited to: (you can have one....or none) nausea, bloating (most common), vomiting, diarrhea, malnutrition, weight loss/gain, joint pain, fatigue (also very common), rashes, acne, eczema, depression, rosacea. 

Some of the following medical diagnoses can be causes: Diabetes, diverticulitis, fistula, injury to intestine, structural defect in intestine, intestinal lymphoma, scleroderma, celiac, rosacea, aging, certain medications (MD says the overuse or misuse of antibiotics is common cause). 

OKAY, back to the Sugar Detox

I do know that I love sugary things so this challenge will help me get back on track and hopefully start to feel even better. 

Every day for 21 days I will post my meals for the day. NOTE: I am not a chef nor will I ever be, BUT I do try to be creative. Most of my "fine china" is a paper plate. Some days I will eat what I had "yesterday"because I work 5 days a week and go to college 2 days a week....and I'm a mother, wife, etc....I also do not know how to cook small portions, so I have plenty for the next day.

All of the ingredients, foods and such will be organic unless otherwise noted.

BREAKFAST 

*2 farm fresh eggs hard boiled

* 1 medium avocado (not organic)

* 3/4 cup kale sautéed

*1 cup mushrooms (not organic) sautéed

LUNCH (Baked Stuffed Sweet Potato)

NOTE: I was so hungry, I ate the darn thing and did not get a photo so I took one from the recipe I made it from. 

*1medium sweet potato baked in the oven for 1 hour

*1/2 cup black beans

*1/2 cup spinach sautéed

*2 TBSP feta cheese (not organic)

*1 medium tomato chopped

Supper (this is what New England people call Dinner)

Twice Baked Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash

See my other post for the recipe on this one....YUMMMMY. 

ENJOY:)

NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS 2016

NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS, SAME OLD ME

Ringing in 2016 I noted all the New Year's resolutions out there today. With 2015 out and 2016 in...We know there has to be some changes made...as we do with any other year that passes.

The way we showed up for life in the past year is VERY necessary for growth. Take some time to reflect, learn, create with intention to make 2016 the best year ever.

We all know what a  resolution is... Right??? A resolution is to "resolve" or find a solution to a problem. Well...I say what happened,what we created, what we achieved and failed at in the past year was not a PROBLEM, but yet a learning experience.

So this year...ditch he resolutions and set some goals. Goals seem to sound far more achievable than fixing a problem that never was. Make sure your goals are realistic, attainable, fun and something you  will find pleasure in achieving.

My 2016 Goals

1. 21 Day Sugar Detox (Jan 2016)

2. Start a running routine again

3. Take care of my body 

4. Sit less

5. Worry less

6. Finish Pre-req at LFCC (May 2016)   

7. Start ADN at ACM (May 2016)

8. Start planning BSN program for 2017

9. Pay off credit card debt by June 2016

10. Build up emergency fund

11. Plan AD/Will/POA

12. Increase retirement contributions

13. House hunt/start buying process/move by August 2016

14. Live more simply

15. Be present/more attentive to family

16. Plant a Tree

17. Create a larger garden spring 2016

18. Remain vegetarian/pescatarian 

19. Blog more frequently

20. Do what makes me happy