What's Cookin' {Picante Fritatta}

Hey y'all. It's been awhile. I follow this blog called Bon Appetempt. It is so different from any other blog that I follow. It kinda reminds me of the movie Julie and Julia. Amelia, the blogger, writes about her experiences or attempts in recreating extravagant dishes from her collection of cookbooks.  

It's funny to me that what made me want to blog is this dish I made the other night. I loath cooking {baking is a different story}. However, ever since my family and I have started taking cooking classes from Grammie {we call this monthly gathering "Cooking with Grammie"} I have started to find myself in the kitchen thinking. "what can I make from scratch?"

{Cooking with Grammie: Lesson in Pie Making}

Last night I decided to make Picante Frittata out of Tosca Reno's The Eat-Clean Diet Recharged diet/cookbook. Preparing the ingredients for the dish was super easy and fast. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't burn the bottom of the eggs or under-cook the middle of the dish; it came out perfect. I topped my Picante Frittata off with homemade guacamole and this wonder new salsa I found at the super market- Tostitos Simply Natural Black Bean & Corn Salsa . I love it because I can pronounce the ingredients and it has 0 calories like all salsa should. 

If you skim through Bon Appetempt's blog you will understand why I took these pictures. Actually I think I was more excited to try and recreate the actual picture in the cookbook than I was cooking the dish!

{Onions, Red Pepper, Spinach}

{Frittata cooking on the stove}

{My Finished Product}

Picante Frittata via Tosca Reno's The Eat-Clean Diet Recharged
1 serving

Ingredients
1 tsp evoo
1 Cipollino onion, peeled and minced {I have no idea what this is. I used a yellow onion}
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and devened, cut into thin ribbons
1 cup baby spinach leaves, finely chopped
3 egg whites + 1 whole egg
1/4 cup skim milk
Pinch cumin
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Optional 
Salsa
Guacamole 

Method
Preheat ovent to 350 degrees. Make sure oven rack in the center of the oven. In a medium ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add vegetables to skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Wile vegetables are cooking, combine eggs, milk, salt, cumin and pepper. Whisk well. Pour egg mixture over cooking vegetables. Cook until edges are set and center is just beginning to set. Transfer to heated oven and bake another 5-8 minutes or until center is firm. Transfer cooked frittata to heated plate and serve.

Calories: 267
Protein: 24g

My Gym

This afternoon I was in the gym pumping some iron when I looked around and thought to myself... hey I belong here. Amongst all these men I can hold my own.

It's sad that the free weight area is so intimidating, but at first it really is! I think this is why most women {young and old} stay away from this area. You start to think am I doing this move right, who is looking at me, are my nipples showing, is my gut sticking out, I'm such a sally I'm only lifting 10lbs, and on and on and on. But really it's all in YOUR head. Nobody cares what you are doing or how much you are lifting.


E and I have been lifting consistently for 4 weeks now not missing a single workout. We have gotten stronger, lost some weight and have maybe become a little addicted to the lifting and the steam room. I used to run on the treadmill day after day. After a while I started to dread it. But I didn't know what else to do at the gym. Lifting has added a different element. I want to get stronger so I go. I want to try and lift more than I did last week so I go.

Ever since I had the heart to heart with myself, my eating has been spot on. I found this silly and maybe rather somewhat rediculous saying on Pinterest, but for some reason I can't stop thinking about it. I would kill to be at my goal weight. And this silly little saying reminds me of that.

 

Source: Uploaded by user via Lori on Pinterest

Just think about what it will feel like when...
- your favorite jeans fit just perfect
- you not longer have a muffin top
- when you sit, you have a flat stomach
- you can totally rock a two piece
- it doesn't take you all morning to get dressed
- shopping is fun, everything looks amazing on
- your can wear shorts
- your arms look toned
- you finally allow yourself to buy an expensive pair of jeans because they look that good on you

Operation Panic

I ran across a new blog tonight that has made me come to a crazy decision. First, the blog is called Beautiful Mess. Second, the crazy decision is I have decided to cut out dairy/animal products, among other things, for at least 1 month. Starting October 1st, which happens to be tomorrow.

I have been considering cutting out dairy/animal products for awhile now, but I get overwhelmed and don't know how or where to start and frankly what to eat besides cereal and a ton of carbs.

Beautiful Mess talks about this "diet" called "Live-It" that she followed strictly for 2 1/2 months. She had amazing results from it. It's follows the eat to live way of thinking.

The guidelines:

~ No fruit or butter for the first 2 weeks
~ For the first 30 days avoid: sugar, yeast, dairy products & fermented products or alcoholic drinks {I will be avoiding animal meat as well}
~ After 30 days I can add: oatmeal, sweet potato and brown rice

So no grains, pasta, baked goods, alcohol, sugar or pop.

What I Can Eat:

~ Vegetables: (no corn or carrots) cucumbers, celery, zucchini, spinach, tomatoes, onions, squash, artichokes, asparagus, bell peppers, bok choy, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, green beans, kale, okra, lettuce, spaghetti squash, lemons and limes
~ Beans: green, kidney, black, pinto, red
~ Fats: avocado, nuts, natural peanut/almond butter
~ Other: salsa, tomato sauce, broth, spices
~ Drinks: coffee black, green tea, water 

Acceptable Fruits after 2 weeks:  
~ Best: strawberries, blueberries, apples, pears, kiwis, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, peaches
~ Avoid: {due to natural sugar content} pineapple, cherries, watermelon, dates, figs, bananas, grapes. I think I will pretend that grapes and bananas are on the best list.

*Guidelines taken from Beautiful Mess

30 days is a long time. But I am going on a cruise a.k.a. living in a bakini for 8 days in just 2 short months. Operation panic!!

Yada Yada Yada

Last week I worked out 5 days like normal and ate great. This week I lifted on Monday and took Tuesday off to hang out with Ashley.  We had the most amazing time- shopping and dinner at Garbanzo. I actually found the perfect going out Denver/Las Vegas dress at I.Got.It.At.Ross.  


I had my cheat meal on Friday at none other than Old Chicago's. Saturday I started the day out strong eating healthy and then yada yada yada and now it's Wednesday.  


Trying to get back on track!!!






Starting Weight (2/28/11): 134.6lbs
Current Weight: 130.6lbs
Total Weight Loss: -4lbs
Goal Weight: 120lbs
Note: Yada Yada Yada

100% Clean Eating- How Long Can I Last?

Because I 1) get board easily 2) love the thrill of trying something new 3) fell off the band wagon over the weekend 4) cannot come up with new meals I have decided to see how long I can go eating 100% clean as defined by Tosca Reno. 

Clean eating is about eating non-processed foods to include lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Eating 5 times per day, while paying attention to portion sizes. 


Because I want to challenge myself and see major results before Vegas, I chose the strict meal plan. The downside with this plan is that it is so restrictive I might burn out quickly. So the question is, how long can I last before I break? 

Here is what I ate today. I will be eating the same thing tomorrow.


Breakfast

• Oatmeal
• Ground Flax Seed  (tip: make sure to grind the flax seed. Otherwise the seed just passes through you whole.) 
• Bee Pollen (common benefits: weight loss, increased energy, digestive benefits, slows the aging process, prevents cancer, and helps with infertility. For more information click here.)
• Green Tea
• Reno recommends eggs, but I just can't make myself eat them. 

Snack

• Shakeology with 1/2 banana
• Lemon Water

Lunch

• Sweet Potato
• Chicken
• Green Beans
• Green Tea

Snack

• Shakeology with 1/2 Banana
• Lemon Water
• Recovery Drink post Workout

Dinner

• Salad with Romain Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onion
• Black Beans
• Avocado
• Fresh Salsa

Today is the first day. I am exciting to see how I feel tomorrow. 

Starting Weight (2/28/11): 134.6lbs

Current Weight: 132.6lbs

Total Weight Loss: -2lbs

Goal Weight: 120lbs

Note: Great workout! A little hungry at 9:30PM.

i heart you

Most times the scale is my sworn enemy. But this morning I wanted to jump up and down, scream with joy and hug my scale!

Finally, Frank-O-Meter flashed the number I have been waiting to see all week!

{129.4lbs} 

That's right, I am officially out of the 130's for good! I vow to never go back. The 130's will NOT be missed- here's why.

1. I had a muffin top when I was in the 130's.

2. I couldn't order cloths from a magazine or internet, because I had to try everything on first. 

3. I couldn't just walk into my closet and throw on the first shirt I saw. 

4. My body shape did not do well in the 130's.

5. And most importantly I didn't feel comfortable in the 130's.    

 I am truly so excited! I am even more motivated and determined to lose the last 10 or so pounds!

Starting Weight (2/28/11): 134.6lbs

Total Weight Loss: -5.2lbs

Current Weight: 129.4lbs

Goal: 120lbs
Emotion: Ecstatic! 

  

Potentially the Best Salad Ever!

Tonight I was going to share my awesome Chili and Smoothie recipes with you, but I made this great salad tonight that I can't wait to share. I know what you're thinking, really a salad is worth my time!? I am telling you, this salad is!!

Chicken and Pear Salad by Beachbody. 
Recipe makes 6 servings so adjust accordingly

Servings Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Fat Total: 21g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Carbs: 15g
fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g

2 grilled chicken breast (sliced)
3 cups fresh spinich
1 pealed and sliced fresh pear
A handful of walnuts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese


Dressing:
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp. honey


You can adjust the oil or vinegar amounts to your liking. The honey really balances out the bite of the balsamic vinegar and the light bitterness.


Enjoy!

And The Fat Is Coming Off FOR GOOD!

Something changed. I knew this time would be different. The timing felt right and on my terms.

I decided to seriously go on a diet start eating healthier. In my mind it's not a diet. I'm not following a strict plan or rigidly counting calories. 

I am planning my meals, taking the time to make an enjoyable meal, stocking my fridge with healthy choices and working out. 

Since I have started (Monday) I have lost 3.8lbs. By tomorrow I should be in the 120's! What have I done differently this billionth time around? 

1. I am working out 5 times a week. This alone makes me want to eat healthier. Who wants to put in all the time and effort to waist the workout on some Chick-fil-A?  Not me this time around! I want to see results!

2. This time I am doing it for me on my terms (not to win a contest at work- although this is an added bonus- or because I feel guilty). Oh and we also have a 10 day trip to Las Vegas booked for May! This is motivation in itself. 

3. I planned. This time around I researched healthy recipes from magazines and books I have had lying around the house. I made a very detailed grocery list. In the past I would shy away from a recipe if it called for too many unknown-never-heard-of ingredients. This time I went all out. Let me tell you, those unknown-never-heard-of ingredients turn a bland boring healthy don't-really-want-to-eat meal into a flavorful packed gourmet let-me-eat -it-every-day meal. 

4. I don't have unhealthy foods in the house. Preston cut way back on his pop consumption so we never have any in the house. I got rid of cookies, graham crackers and frosting, chips, and puppy chow. The only temptation in the house is Preston's ice cream. And if you know me you know I don't like ice cream or to touch P's ice cream. 

5. I am allowing myself one cheat meal each week. I really believe this helps. I know that I can have whatever I want, steak, hamburger, Monica's burrito, that one day of the week. It makes food less tempting during the rest of the week. 

And of course as I start to see results and the number on the scale going down, I am more likely to stick to it. 

Here is an idea of what I have been eating. I have a couple of great recipes for you to try that I will share with you tomorrow.

Breakfast
My usual- Chocolate Shakeology with a half of Banana (225 calories)
Black Coffee (0 calories)

Snack
Koshi Mocha Chocolate Granola Bar (130 calories)

Lunch
Homemade Chili with 1 tablespoon Reduced Fat Sour Cream with Cilantro on top (220 calories)
Unsweetened Applesauce with Cinnamon sprinkled on top (50 calories)

Snack
Either Reduced Fat Wheat Thins (130 calories) 
or Fruit


Dinner
Homemade Chili with 1 tablespoon Reduced Fat Sour Cream with Cilantro on top (220 calories)

Snack
Smoothie with 3/4 Cups Frozen Fruit, Banana, 2-3 tablespoon Reduced Fat Yogurt, Water, Ice (240 calories)

I am averaging around 1200-1500 calories per day. It all depends on how hungry I am. 

Thanks for reading. Let me know if you have any good recipes out there!