Cardiff Kook 5K Run

I was so excited to sign up for the Cardiff Kook Run...I hadn't done it in prior years, but from the looks of all the photos with people dressed up, I thought this would be such a fun 5K. (there's some good history on this statue!)

With the race falling on Super Bowl Sunday, we thought it'd be fun to dress up like football players - but then we also had the idea of one of us dressing up like an actual football - Chels did a great job making her shirt! Her friend joined us as well, so I was planning on being a referee, but couldn't find anything to wear (without spending a lot on an actual ref shirt!).

People get crazzzzy with their costumes though, and there is a prize for the winner...which this year was a group of people that dressed up like the COASTER! It was crazy!! Check out this Post by CardiffKookRun.com.

I found my SWEET glasses, fake tattoos, football whistles (which were annoyingly fun!) and green striped socks at Party City, the 'eye black' sickers from Sports Authority and the shirt randomly at Ross - it came together perfectly!

The run itself was beautiful - along Hwy 101... and though it was pretty cold when we first got there, it was the perfect running weather! Since the length of the 1/2 way mark for the 5K run didn't get down to the actual Cardiff Kook himself, we decided to drive down to see him & take a few pics...then off to a yum breakfast! This will definitely be a yearly run for me! Can't wait to think up another outfit to wear!

Sisterly Love {Happy Bday Chels!}

Soooo glad my sister moved back in time for us to celebrate her birthday! She's been following a new 'less processed' and 'paleo' road, that has evolved tremendously over the past year...I'm so proud of her for finding something that she is passionate about and is taking the steps to further her knowledge on nutrition. With that said, we typically do birthday dinners at Fidel's Mexican restaurant...however this year, I thought we should go somewhere that is more in line with her desire to eat healthier.

A friend had told me about this place down in Mission Valley, where she had an amazing casserole dish of spaghetti squash (for her first time!), so I looked it up:  True Food Kitchen 

This place was perfect!!! We loved how the dining space & kitchen area is very open...with simple, clean design & decor. Per True Food Kitchen "celebrates the simple, pure flavors of quality local and regional ingredients with a menu that tastes great while nourishing your mind, body and spirit."

The food was so great and our server was awesome...definitely going there again soon! 

For her gift, I decided to put together a fun gift basket with all sorts of goodies I knew she either liked or wanted or needed :-)  She absolutely loved it...so glad I took the time to actually take note of things she's mentioned in the past and did some research on a few things.

1. Adorbs chicken wire style basket
2. Bacon from Pete's Paelo  (recommended to me by Tonja at Flame to Fork!)
3. Chameleon Cold Brew Coffee
4. Beaming Gift Card
5. Paleo-friendly Chocolate Cashew Brittle (from Beaming)
6. "C" initial notebook
7. PackIt insulated lunch bag
8. Pair of mini spatulas from Sur La Table
9. A mini wisk from Sur La Table
10. Phillips TeaZe brush (my fav!) 

Happy Birthday sister!!!

Run or DYE!

Another 'fun' run under our belts...as Nic & I (along with her friend Stacy & her sis Julie) participated in the "Run or Dye" 5K today:

Since Christmas is just around the corner, we decided to wear little Santa hats, cute red/white striped socks and red tanks to get in the spirit... soooo many others had the same ideas! We had tried to find white leggings (to wear under black shorts)...so that the color would show better - but had terrible luck finding any!

The guys at the start line, did a GREAT job hyping up the crowd...there was awesome music and such amazing energy from everyone around us. Every once & awhile people would throw up the dye packs and we'd get splash here & there.

The run itself wasn't anything spectacular, as it was just around the parking lot of Qualcomm Stadium... so ti was rather drab - I think the best parts were seeing everyone in fun costumes and the anticipation of being BLASTED by color at each 'station'.

I have to be honest...I thought for sure we'd be more 'colorful' at the end....but each time you go through a color station, you get bombarded with color...but then as you continue running, the powder just gradually falls off. I have heard that you should run baby oil or something on your exposed skin, so that the color sticks better.... so if I ever do another 'color' type run again, I'll have to put that to the test!

Happy Running!!!

Beyond Thankful {Happy Thanksgiving!}

I. Love. Thanksgiving.

Sureeee the FOOD is spectacular...all my fav things on one table (or more in our case, with different families to visit, sometimes on different days too!). But I just love how one whole day is dedicated to remember how THANKFUL we should be for soooo many things. Just take a look at our annual "Thankful Board":

This year Kapri could contribute to the board, by writing what she's thankful for all by herself! Note the few scribbles along the bottom: "Thanksgiving, Friends, Cookies, Trees, Mom & Dad" - adorable.

We started the day off super early....and not to get up & put a turkey in the oven....but instead, Nic, Amanda, Trav & I (oh and Nic's two kids, one of whom was pushed in the jogger by Trav, bless his heart and strong legs!!) all decided to do the Oceanside Turkey Trot 5K - that was a first for us! We were all so excited to run and burn some calories before we went to our separate places to fill our bellies.

It was SUCH a beautiful morning...and to top it off, we ended the last leg of our run on the boardwalk, right along the beach - seriously perfect.

I was SO proud of Nic & Amanda - for both running (or at least slow jogging at times) the ENTIRE 3 miles. I had taken up running again here & there, finally being able to run 2-3 miles without rest/walking (thanks to all my strength training and HIIT classes!!!)...but neither of them had really prepped in terms of running prior. But they powered through and we all finished together. SUCCESS!!

Way to go ladies!!!

After the race, I headed home to get ready for dinner at my aunts....which I sadly only took TWO flipping pictures...um whattttt?! Who am I??

Oh and this ahhhdorable one of K waiting ever so patiently on my bed, waiting for me to get ready....while reading a book to her babies! Melt. 

Then the next day we had another Thanksgiving Dinner with James' mom, her hubby, Steve & Amanda - I made sure to get a least more than two pics this time!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!! Gobble Gobble!

Workin on Workin out

Soooo, I've been on a mega workout KICK since the beginning of October...and I'm loving it!

It started when I found a Groupon in June for this place up the street from my work called: "Fitness and Motion" - I took a chance & started the first week of July. I completed the time outlined in the deal, about 4 weeks, and felt amazing.... so I continued through all of August by myself with at-home vids (love me some Jillian) and occasional running here & there. I did pretty well...losing about 5-6lbs over that 2 month period.

Then my trip to visit my sis in AR came & when I got back...I kinda fell off the fitness wagon...and knew I needed to get back into a routine.

I gained a couple lbs through September, but mostly felt so lazy - my energy had declined since I wasn't doing much physical activity. Then at the end of the month I saw a posting by the owner of F&M, Danny, asking for 20 people to sign up for a weight-loss challenge:  "Lose 20lbs in SIX weeks!!"

I thought, "YESSS, now there's the motivation I need to get back on track!!".....and so I signed up.

And I got HOOKED - full on addiction to my daily workouts.

I absolutely LOVE the group HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes they offer, which I do on M/W/F, and 2 cardio classes: Legs/Glutes (Tues) and Abs (Thurs).  The group of people that attend each day is so amazing...such great energy and a level of accountability too. It's so nice to have a motivating place with a core group & be able to share your struggles, achievements, and sore body parts!!

And the best part:
30 MINUTES!!

Yep, that's it....30 minutes a day + lunch break = perfection!

And I lost weight, yay! With a combo of exercising, eating healthy & logging my food through MyFitnessPal (and keeping my calories between 1200-1400/day, depending on level of that day's activity). In all, over the 6 weeks....I didn't lose 20, as I honestly think my body type just won't allow that....but I DID lose a total of 11lbs, and dropped my body fat percentage from 27.9 to 24.1  (and in July, my body fat % was as high as 29.1!!! crazy).

Since that 6-wk challenge, which ended mid-November (I'm sooo behind & writing this in January, but post-dating to Nov!), I've just been focused on maintaining...gaining more muscle - but allowing myself things I really enjoy in life (like wine & dark chocolate nibbles!), but all in moderation. I found that for me, TOO much restriction on myself over the long term would just be mentally exhausting - and frankly, I'd be unhappy & kiiiinda bitchy. No one (especially my husband & daughter) wants that.

EVERYTHING IN MODERATION... you only have one life in this physical state, so best to enjoy it while it lasts right??

But seriously - it feels so good to just be active on a daily basis. Sometimes I have to force myself to actually take a 'rest' day...and then feel super anxious to get back into it again. Especially since I'm now in my 30's, it's not as easy as in my teens/20's/pre-pregnancy...when I could eat whatever & rarely workout...and look okay.

I feel great...have more confidence and just being strong & having endurance is SUCH a wonderful feeling... I have found that I can now run a full 3 miles in 30 minutes, without stopping to walk!! When I spent 4 months training for the 1/2 marathon last year, I could NEVER run for that long without stopping....it was maybe 10 minutes max, then I'd HAVE to walk. So the overall muscle and stronger core definitely make a huge difference in my ability to KEEP GOING.

I also like to think I'm setting a good example for Kapri too... I want her to grow up watching me, and one day when she starts to 'exercise', she'll actually enjoy it. Because I never did - until now.

Huge THANKS to Danny, Aurélie & Rochelle - the awesome coaches/trainers at Fitness & Motion... it's been so incredible working on my lifestyle transformation with all of you and I owe you many many thanks for all you've done!! Your help and awesome daily workouts have gotten me so far, couldn't have done it without you all!

Check out my "Motivation" and "Healthy" Pinterest Boards!

Run to Fight Children's Cancer {Ronan Foundation}

If you follow or have seen/heard of the "Rock Star Ronan" blog - you've likely cried a time or two...and been affected immensely by this woman's story. I first heard of her after hearing Taylor Swift perform the song "Ronan" on Stand Up2Cancer that aired on TV back in Sept. 2012.

I sobbed. Kinda uncontrollably.If you haven't heard it...please do now...be warned, grab a BOX of tissues first:



After it ended, I immediately looked up who 'Ronan' was and I cried more reading post after post of this mom's blog. It's incredibly heartbreaking....yet, inspiring to see her gradually working through the daily ins & outs of something that NO ONE should have to go through.

My dear friend Nic also reads the Ronan blog...and when we both saw that there was a 5K coming to San Diego called "Run to Fight Children's Cancer" - we knew immediately that we had to do it....like it was our small way of showing support. Support for all the kids fighting cancer, those who have beat it, those who have lost their battle, and support for all their family & friends affected by this terrible word: C-A-N-C-E-R

I haven't run a race of any kind since the Rock 'n Roll 1/2 Marathon back in June 2012 {read ALL about that HERE} - so I was definitely a bit anxious for this one...though it was only 3 miles, compared to 13!!, I knew we could do it...

We showed up bright & early, dressed in our purple & gold...ready to RUN. There were lots of families there, including kids that were either fighting cancer or were in remission -- and those kids were given little capes to wear that said: "Cancer Fighting Super Hero":

  Post by Run to Fight Children's Cancer.  Seriously great idea!

It was a beautiful course, around the bay through Point Loma...and at the end I made us SPRINT...then we finished, huffing & puffing... tears came to our eyes. If they have this race here again, we'll definitely be there!

Juice Cleanse - Recap

Well – that cold was no joke… Thursday morning I woke up feeling AWFUL – called out sick from work, and luckily James didn’t work til that evening, so he was able to be with Kapri while I slept. I actually SLEPT through the morning until 2ish…I couldn’t believe it. That night alone with K was rough…I even cried in misery to her – she felt bad for mamma!

Yesterday was terrible too…just felt like a bus hit me – called out again, repeat of Thursday… but Friday night was a smidgen better.

This morning I woke up feeling better, but not 100%…we have an early Thanksgiving dinner at James’ mom’s tonight, so hope I’m okay by then.

I’ve been eating small portions of fruits & veggies to get my tummy prepped for the amount of food I’ll likely consume tonight. Feeling good about it though.

All in all – the cleanse was hard, obviously. I couldn’t believe how much TIME it took… on nights when I made 2 jars full for us each, plus a jar of almond milk…I was in the kitchen for 2 hours – that’s just insane. Thankfully I have a kid that can self-entertain for that amount of time….though I feel terribly guilty after.

On the flip side, I felt pretty amazing towards the end (with the exception of the gnarly cold) – juicing has definitely been an experience. James & I both want to continue with the Green Juice at least a couple days of the week to replace breakfast/lunch… we really felt great knowing our bodies were nourished with super-foods, and not stuffed from eating not so great, or too much.

Like I said before, I’ll probably give this another shot in a few months when it’s a less busy time of year. And I highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve your overall health in a safe & effective way!

Juice Cleanse - Day 10

Day 10 (Wednesday – 11/14/2012)

• Sleep: great, knowing that I’m all through with this!
• Feeling: ready to eat solids
• Exercise: 20 min. JM vid
• Energy level: a bit low…think I may be getting a cold
• Weight difference since Day 1: 8lbs
• $ spent on juice ingredients since Day 1: $20 today – so $193 total

Notes:

Ugh – I’m getting a cold…I feel it. Started getting a scratchy throat at work…and now, getting ready for bed - I’m just dead tired. Hoping this won’t be too bad, but it’s kinda unavoidable when your daughter is sick literally every 2 weeks for the last month & ½ - jeez!

Good night…

Juice Cleanse - Day 9

Day 9 (Tuesday – 11/13/2012)

• Sleep: ugh, I wish Kapri would stop waking up at night lately…my sleep is good besides that… & luckily don’t wake up hungry at all
• Feeling: really good…ready to eat solids!
• Exercise: 20-min JM 30-day Shred DVD
• Energy level: very high today
• Weight difference since Day 1: 7lbs
• $ spent on juice ingredients since Day 1: $0 today – still $173 total

Notes:

Took a leap and had some *gasp* caffeinated green tea this morning…mmm…cannot WAIT to have coffee! For breakfast I had some more pomegranate seeds and ½ an orange.

And for lunch had a ½ mason jar of green juice and a carrot…for snack a rice cake… so far I’m feeling pretty good! I was also super focused today & felt like I got a lot accomplished – go me!

pretty green spinach

Juice Cleanse - Day 8

Day 8 (Monday – 11/12/2012)

• Sleep: I was SO tired last night early on (because of the night before), but of course Kapri had to wake us up twice.
• Feeling: better than the weekend…being at work is SO much easier while cleansing
• Exercise: finally – my body was ready & definitely needed a good JM workout! 40-min JM No More Trouble Zones DVD and a walk to the park
• Energy level: great, excited to be near the end!
• Weight difference since Day 1: 7lbs
• $ spent on juice ingredients since Day 1: $0 today – still $173 total

Notes:


This morning I enjoyed some amazing OJ (made best with citrus juicer)…using those super juicy oranges I got at the Farmer’s Market yesterday. It was the same as Day 2’s juice, but somehow was wayyyy better using those amazing oranges & carrots. Though I only did ½ the mason jar (for both James & I) because I also wanted to start incorporating a little solids this week…as we have an early Thanksgiving dinner to attend in only 5 days, ahh! So I decided to give my tummy a little more time to adjust.



Along with my OJ, I casually nibbled on green grapes & pomegranate seeds throughout the morning (from Farmer’s Market too – mmm!). So happy to CHEW!!

Today felt like I was very focused at work, at home…it was good!

Then in the afternoon I had a full mason jar of my typical green juice, and for dinner I indulged a cucumber & avo salad and a brown rice cake - It was wonderful! Though I did feel a little bloated after and my stomach was mega busy digesting whole foods…so that felt odd. But I didn’t feel sick or anything.

Capped it off with a little Almond Milk before bed – totally satisfied today, yay!

Juice Cleanse - Day 7

Day 7 (Sunday – 11/11/2012)

• Sleep: eh, bad – Kapri wasn’t feeling to great, so we were up a few times throughout the night
• Feeling: ready for this to be over.
• Exercise: nada…didn’t get nearly enough sleep to give me the energy needed to workout
• Energy level: blah… juiced & did a little laundry & K’s not feeling well, so we just lounged all day with her
• Weight difference since Day 1: 6lbs
• $ spent on juice ingredients since Day 1: $40 today + $113 (prior total) = $153 total

Notes:

Had my first Encinitas/Leucadia Farmer’s Market experience today…so happy I did! Though it was cut short because Kapri started feeling icky… but overall I’m pleased with what they had to offer. All the food samples and delicious smells wafting through the air made it pretty tough – I can’t wait to go next Sunday when I can actually try them! My sister & I did split a ‘green’ juice though, which was good and iced thankfully!

I stocked up on carrots (love those long green tops), kale, pomegranates, cauliflower, delish oranges…and even sampled a bite of my first Dragonfruit…which was pretty bland…the texture of a kiwi, but really no taste – sad!


Then I brought K home to nap, then left her with James while I ran back out to Trader Joe’s for items I didn’t find at the Farmer’s Market. I also bought some tomato soup, chicken noodle soup & minestrone soup for this week’s dinners.

Can’t believe I actually get to have DINNER finally…something that I can put in a bowl & hold a utensil for, haha yay!

Juice Cleanse - Day 6

Day 6 (Saturday – 11/10/2012)

• Sleep: Great…but for a Saturday morning, would’ve been greater if a certain small child didn’t decide to wake up at 6am!!! oye
• Feeling: light & not as ‘fluffy’, haha
• Exercise: none – on Saturdays I usually have a good amount of time during Kapri’s nap to workout, but my body & mind were not feelin it. So I decided to listen to my body and just relax on the couch all by my lonesome. It felt fantastic.
• Energy level: not much energy today…walked around an expo and that was about it…otherwise, I was a bit of a couch potato. Didn’t feel like working out, or doing my laundry…not very productive, blah.
• Weight difference since Day 1: 6lbs
• $ spent on juice ingredients since Day 1: $0 today – still $113 total

Notes:

Watermelon Cucumber Juice (around 32 oz):

• ½-1 small watermelon
• 1 cucumber

Now – on this recipe I doubled to make enough for hubs…so 2 cucumbers and a whole (small) watermelon – but WITH the rinds ON, as per my sister’s instruction.

I will not do this next time.



It totally altered the taste AND the color from what I was anticipating…can you believe that pic below?? I can’t. But I still drank it…not going to let a whole watermelon & cucumbers go to waste!



Today was tough…I want food. I want to chew. I want to savor the taste of yummy things. I want to bake. I want to cook. I want coffee & wine. I want to have a nice meal out with my family. I even went into my cupboard to smell peanut butter – mmmm!

Juice Cleanse - Day 5

Day 5 (Friday – 11/9/2012)

• Sleep: okay
• Feeling: good, but tired of juicing for 1-2 hours every damn night
• Exercise: 45-min Jillian Michael’s (No More Trouble Zones) DVD
• Energy level: tired…just felt like lounging all night
• Weight difference since Day 1: 6lbs
• $ spent on juice ingredients since Day 1: $16 today + $97 (prior total) = $113

Notes:

Today was TOUGH… there were an annoyingly high amount of temptations at work – “bagel Friday”, a plate of trail mix, some insanely good looking chocolate-covered strawberries, and mini cupcakes – jeeeezzz! It’s like the universe was testing my ability to RESIST all these goodies, which on a normal day, I would’ve stocked up on and lovingly brought back to my desk to enjoy!



BUT- I am happy to report that I was able to proudly walk away from it all & drink my green juice instead. Pat on the back for me!

Then my sister kept telling me how much she wanted to stop at 7 days, because next weekend a friend of hers is in town – and realistically speaking, weekends/friends/EVERYthing revolves around FOOD! I even have an early Thanksgiving with some of my in-laws next Saturday, which would only give me 2.5 days to ‘ease’ back into food.

I. Love. Thanksgiving.

At Trader Joe’s this evening, getting more juicing goods…I kept staring at the stuffing and gravy display…gahhhhh. Just put me outta my misery.

So…I may join her…just so I don’t risk a crazy tummy ache/digestion issues later on. I think the holidays/winter is the WORST time of year for a 10-day cleanse. Maybe like, March…nothing is really going on in March (for me at least). Though I’m feeling a little guilty, like I let myself down after committing to make it a full 10 days! Ugh.

Orange Dream Juice (around 32 oz):

• 2 carrots
• 3-4 oranges
• 2-3 pears (I only had 1)
• 1 medium sweet potato (I had a yam)
• 1 red apple

Juice Cleanse - Day 4

Day 4 (Thursday – 11/8/2012)

• Sleep: okay
• Feeling: a bit slugish
• Exercise: 20-min Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred DVD, Level 1…and 10-min guided meditation
• Energy level: good, though a tad irritable here & there
• Weight difference since Day 1: 4lbs
• $ spent on juice ingredients since Day 1: $0 today, still $97 total

Notes:

I think my notes/pics on this day somehow got deleted & I can’t remember how the day was now!! haha

Cantaloupe Juice (around 32 oz):

• 4 carrots
• 1 cucumber
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 oranges
• 1 pear

Juice Cleanse - Day 3

Day 3 (Wednesday – 11/7/2012)

• Sleep: eh, a little tossing & turning, and watching the clock… I think in anticipation of the special ‘tea’ kicking in to do its thing.
• Feeling: I’m feeling like I wish I could find another good tasting juice for my palette!! I’ve never been a veggie fan, so this cleanse is definitely tough in that sense.
• Exercise: another Jillian Michaels video…but I did a 45 min. one since I had a little more time.
• Energy level: still pretty good, considering everywhere I’ve read says Day 3 is the toughest!
• Weight difference since Day 1: 4lbs
• $ spent on juice ingredients since Day 1: $6 today + $91 (prior total) = $97

Notes:

Ugh, kinda bummed on my ‘orange’ drink we made last night. First we only did the carrots, cucumbers & celery…but it needed something… so then we added a few oranges & a pear…still not so great, but we drank it this morning anyway!!

CCC Juice (around 32 oz):

• 4 carrots
• 1 cucumber
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 oranges
• 1 pear

Tonight I made more Almond Milk the CORRECT way…so yum! Skipped the tea though… not pleasant in the morning.

I made a cantaloupe drink for tomorrow morning that I hope will be refreshing!

Juice Cleanse - Day 2

Day 2 (Tuesday – 11/6/2012)

• Sleep: slept great, after reading other sites recommended a small glass of ‘nut’ milk an hour before bed.
• Feeling: I’m wondering where my ‘lack of caffeine” headache is…maybe it’ll pop up tomorrow, though I’m hoping not! Overall I feel okay, not starving or deprived…I feel like I’m giving my body some well needed veggies that I don’t typically indulge in.
• Exercise: same as yesterday - 20-min Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, Level 1 DVD
• Energy level: pretty good, I think the sun rising earlier now, after this past weekend’s time change, helps me get out of bed with much less internal struggle…which is rare on the weekdays!
• Weight difference since Day 1: 3lbs
• $ spent on juice ingredients since Day 1: $18 + $73 (prior total) = $91

Notes:

Morning felt the same as yesterday…Felt a little slow and un-focused though at work – definitely missing my morning coffee. Instead I had my Carrot/Orange/Apple juice I made last night, which was much more enjoyable than day 1’s concoction!

Orange Juice (around 28oz):

• 3 oranges
• 6-8 carrots
• 1 apple
• 1 pear

For my lunch break, I didn’t really feel tired…just felt like I needed to lie down and do some meditation or something. So I went out to my car, re-parked it in a super shaded (quiet) area in the back of the lot, rolled down the windows and streamed up a ‘guided meditation’ on my phone. With my earphones in and my seat reclined back, I closed my eyes, did some deep breathing…and took a FABULOUS 30-40 minute snooze – I seriously felt amazingly refreshed afterwards!

My Green Juice was heavenly (probably because it’s mostly FRUIT! Haha)…definitely a keeper…even Kapri couldn’t get enough of it when I made my batch and ½ last night!

Green Juice (around 20oz):

• 1 large handful of kale
• 1 large handful of spinach
• 1 average sized kiwi, peeled
• 2 Granny Smith apples, whole
• 1 banana (pureed in blender  with a splash of coconut water, then added to juiced ingredients)
• 1 pear (not pictured)

**Used this article & this calculator to find calorie info on above Green Juice**

Also this evening, Kapri & I got to finally show James how to prep all the veggies/fruit & use the juicer…he was amazed at the process! It is soooo much easier when you have someone there to really help you, cuts the time in HALF!

After indulging in my almond milk, I put Kapri to bed…then I prepped myself a cup of “Smooth Move” tea. I felt a tad bloated in the afternoon and just wanted to make sure everything was ‘flowing’ okay ;-)

Juice Cleanse - Day 1

Day 1 (Monday – 11/5/2012)

• Sleep: I was anxious all night, knowing I was starting this juicing thing the next morning. I even had crazy dreams 2 nights prior after watching “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead” on Friday night with my sis!
• Feeling: so far so good…I’m not completely new to a ‘cleanse’, as I’ve done the Master Cleanse before, so I think I just know what to expect a bit more.
• Exercise: 20-min Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, Level 1 DVD
• Energy level: awesome in the evening, lagged a bit in the morning at work, due to lack of my typical cups of yummy coffee *sigh*
• Weight difference since start: 1lb
• $ spent on juice ingredients since start: $45 (yesterday prep) and another $28 (today, additional items) = $73 so far (though I’m making juices here & there for hubs too)

My first juice was just terrible. I got chills & cringed every time I took a sip. I think it’s the kale…I left the stem on since I didn’t know any better…but it was brown and looks like “you know what” – which was not appealing in sight or in taste. So I won’t waste any time talking about what was in that. Blech.

When I got home from work, I did 20 min of circuit training… then ran errands – it’s nice to be out of the house, away from all our snack-y foods. Once home, I popped a pesto tomato flatbread from Trader’s in the toaster oven for Kapri’s dinner.

Why oh why did she have to pick THAT one for dinner tonight?? It’s my fav… and the smell of the warmed pesto and melty cheese…gah…but I didn’t cave – go me!

So I began juicing. And juicing… and JUICING – man this takes awhile!

I needed to fill my two 32-oz mason jars, along with some for the hubs (who is partially following the plan – either way, it’s nice to get extra fruits & veggies in regardless!). I also had a cup of almonds that had been soaking for 24-hrs that needed some serious TLC… I couldn’t WAIT to have some almond ‘milk’ in the evening.

After prepping for tomorrow’s juice, I finally got around to talking this ‘milk’ business. I realize now that I totally messed up (didn’t add all the water in WITH the almonds to the juicer…so had to put the almond pulp in a fine mesh strainer, pour in water and push with a spoon so the liquid would drip into a bowl…ugh!) However, it ended with a pretty decent drink! So next time around I’ll be sure to do it properly:

Almond Milk:

• 4 cups fresh water (to soak with, then dispose of)
• 1 cup soaked almonds (soak for 24 hrs)
• 3 cups fresh water (to mix in with almonds into juicer)

I wanted a little something in my milk, so in a blender I pureed a ½ frozen banana with a dash of coconut milk, then poured in the almond milk, added a sprinkle of cinnamon and the inside of one vanilla bean – yum!!

Cheers!

Juice Cleanse - Intro

After hearing the amazing benefits of 'juicing' from various friends, I was intrigued. I researched every inch of the internet for a few days, recruited my sister as a juicing buddy and we set the date.

I was so anxious/nervous for this cleanse, that I mistakenly bit off all my pretty nails. I knew this was going to be tough. I've only done the Master Cleanse 2 times before...but juicing is much different - though much healthier! I was just worried about the taste, getting different recipes to work for me...and the TIME needed to do this every day.

So on Halloween (Wednesday) we bought this awesome Hamilton Beach juicer on Amazon with 2-day shipping, got it on Friday, then shopped at Sprouts for our first batch of fruits/veggies today!

I feel like doing a 'cleanse' at least once a year is good...with all the food we eat and toxins we take in (purposefully or not), it just seems right to me. My sister posted this on her FB when she faced a bit of controversy on her 'juicing' status, haha:

Why??Here's a list of top 10 reasons to do a Juice Cleanse 

1. Gives your digestive system a chance to rest and rejuvenate by suspending it from work, a cleanse is much easier on the system than solid food and provides a full day’s worth of nutrients.
2. A few days of juice allows you to ‘reset’ your palate, and most people find that everything tastes better following a cleanse and it eliminates cravings for sugar and white flour carbohydrates
3. Cleanses enhance your immune system! Fresh juice is packed full of phytochemicals, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and enzymes that help rid the body of toxic waste and help propel physical and mental wellness.
4. A cleanse helps to eliminate toxins and unhealthy fats from your system
5. Drinking juice throughout the day keeps your metabolic rate steady, instead of the peaks and valleys that come with digesting heavy meals throughout the day
6. Many people feel more rested, have increased levels of energy and a stronger sex drive, brighter eyes and a glowing complexion
7. To rediscover the value of food and re-establish your gratitude for food
8. To regain control of what you choose to eat and break free of unhealthy food habits
9. Along with cleaning the various organs, juice fasting also helps in overcoming several illnesses such as stress, depression, cancer, and more.
10. Cleanses are an excellent way to eliminate kidney stones, appendicitis, a gallbladder attack, pneumonia, and more! When herbal teas and tinctures are used in combination with juicing, this is the fastest possible route to healing.

This is not about deprivation, it’s about nourishment!

So there it is...wish me luck!!

Energy Bites - Round 2

I've been altering my initial energy bite recipe lately. Especially after last time, with a batch that for once didn't turn out quite right, I decided to write it ALL down as I went along. Of course this doubled the prep time, but that's okay...now I'll have this to look back on each time til it's engraved in my brain! 

I have a tupperware container full of these in the fridge usually at all times - perfect for those evenings when I'm craving something sweet, but don't want to feel guilty!

No-Bake Energy Bites - with a *twist*

**same general directions as original post**

Dry Bowl:

• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup Special K (oats & honey - well ground up)
• 1 tbsp Chia seeds
• 3 tbsp crunched up slivered almonds (or finely chopped whole ones)
• 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
• 1 tbsp oat bran
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup dried blueberries
• 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (or none at all!)

Wet Bowl:

• 1/4 cup Almond butter
• 1/4 cup Smart Balance peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp hazelnut spread
• 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla

FYI: Chopping up the dried fruit results in a MUCH better consistency... I hated getting a huge piece of cranberry in one bite - I like everything pretty much minced in my "Ultimate Chopper" so I get a little of each taste in every single bite.

Enjoy....and feel a little more proud, getting in some better-for-you ingredients! I think each ball is around 100-115 calories and packed with goodness all around.

How have I never tried this??

I've jumped on the spaghetti squash band-wagon…and I’m enjoying every last bite! This is SUCH a great alternative to those carby noodles my household is very used to (and about 160 calories LESS!!). But while trying to change our eating habits over the last month, I've ventured out of my comfort zone…so glad I did – this is JUST like a bowl of regular spaghetti!!

This type of squash is pretty mild-flavored and gets its name from its long spaghetti-like strands that are produced by simply running a fork along the inside after it has been cooked. But be careful not to UNDER-cook the spaghetti squash… that happened to me after my first attempt – veryyy crunchy. Blah.

CUTTING this squash is a bit tricky… I have yet to perfect it. Basically a BIG knife, lots of careful maneuvering and patience. Once you get to the stem, it’s best to just pull the halves apart gently, rather than trying to cut through the stem itself. I think this is why most people simply poke it with a fork all around, and microwave the whole thing!!

photo credit: http://www.adventuresofclayball.com/2009/09/27/spaghetti-squash/

Once cut – scrape out the seeds, just as you would a pumpkin. Then add your choice of seasonings directly onto the insides of the squash. During my last attempt, I decided to save my seeds and baked them…mmm…just like pumpkin seeds – though a tad smaller. I like to toss mine in EVOO, garlic salt, pepper, a touch of crushed rosemary & a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper ;-)

After going through handfuls of different recipes online – I've seen multiple ways of cooking this squash. Though many are at a 375-400 degree range, for approximately 45-75 min. My 1^st attempt was 45-50 min… turned out too crunchy, so it was under-cooked. My 2^nd was for 70 min…and was MUCH better. So I guess it all depends on the heat & your oven.

Here are the alternate ways of cooking it:

• Not very common: cook cut side UP or DOWN, in an inch of water (uncovered) – my first attempt, not as great. 
• Less common:  cook cut side UP, covered with foil – my second attempt (along with seasonings), much better flavor & consistency, though there was a slight burn mark on the bottom skin of the squash after baking.
• Common: cook cut side DOWN on a slightly oiled cookie sheet – this will be my next oven attempt!
• Very common: “This is one of the few recipes that actually works better in a microwave than a conventional oven” – I think I really may have to try this method next time, way less time consuming!

I've also read that the larger the spaghetti squash, the thicker and more flavorful the strands – good to know!

After baking or microwaving, let it cool for a bit…long enough until you can hold the outside, while scraping the insides with a fork and allowing all the ‘strands’ to fall into a large bowl.

I like to plate the squash, then tomato sauce mixed with turkey meat, topped off with grated parmesan cheese – it’s seriously delicious! I don’t feel as guilty or as bloated as I normally would with regular pasta noodles…and I pair it with glass of cab & 2 slices of YUM garlic bread from Trader Joes – this is THE best people.

ENJOY!