Sensational Bacon & Egg Spinach Salad

After a week's worth of cakes, it's time to clean up the eating and hit a Paleo Challenge.  Yesterday, I decided to cut the sugar, grains, processed foods, etc. and focus on consuming only meats, eggs, vegetables, limited fruit and good fats.  While at the gym, a friend and I were discussing undisciplined eating during the Memorial Day weekend and she mentioned she was going strict Paleo too for a time.  We're really good at challenging each other and keeping accountable.  So far we have two tally marks on the board at the gym.  Day 2 complete, 28 to go!

Here we are with our friend Woody

Tomatoes are in season right now and they are so sweet, and very reasonably priced at the grocery stores!  I've been craving spinach salad so decided on a fresh salad for dinner.  The one thing harder for me eating paleo is the whole bacon thing.  I stayed away from bacon for the last 20 years and all of a sudden bacon is good??  Yes, it tastes good, but I feel like my booty is going to pay for it.  We shall see!



Greasy bacon sizzling away



Sweet tomatoes and baby spinach

For this Bacon & Egg Spinach Salad, just crumble the cooked bacon into the bowl with the spinach and tomatoes.  Drizzle a couple tablespoons olive oil over the spinach, tomato and bacon.  Squeeze the juice of a lemon wedge (one wedge if lemon is juicy, or 1/4 of the lemon) on also.  Sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.  Toss well.  Top with sliced hard boiled eggs.  I'm limiting dairy right now, but this salad would be great with a little Parmesan cheese tossed in too.

Enjoy!

Going Paleo for 30 days

I recently received a Paleo cookbook for my birthday.  After seven days of baking cakes, I'm ready for a Paleo experience.  Today marked day one of a personal 30-day Paleo challenge.  I'm being held accountable by a couple friends at our CrossFit gym.

Day one wasn't bad.  Tonight I went to the grocery and stocked up on good protein and vegetables.  I plan on posting some of the recipes I try as I'm really looking forward to putting the new cookbook to work.

One down, 29 to go.  It'll be almost July when I'm done.  Wow! 

It's Okay to Celebrate

This week is birthday week at our house.  My birthday, namely.  In honor of having 8 family birthday in a two month span I decided in my best, love to cook frame of mind that I was going to bake a cake-a-day for seven days.  Today we're on day four.  So what's a girlie to do when four varieties of cakes are in the house and I'm baking and looking at them all?

Have a small bite or two and share.  We've been blessing friends with a couple slices of cake here and there.  One mom-friend has vertigo terribly and has a hard time preparing meals for her family right now, so we made them a meal and dessert.  Another family loves Pistachio Pudding Cake so we shared with them.  There are many ways to reach out to neighbors and friends when you're carrying a plate with a couple pieces of cake on them.

Here are the cakes I've made so far.

Oatmeal Cake

German Chocolate Cake

Pistachio Pudding Cake

Angel Food Cake

Three more days to go of delicious cakes.

A wonderful friend sent me a Paleo Cookbook for my birthday.  I think following my birthday I'll begin a week of seven days of wonderful Paleo meals.

To Birthdays!!!

Three Bean Chili

There are a couple blogs I follow that have a clean/whole food focus.  The recipes are usually vegetarian or vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, etc.  I don't follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle and definitely love my protein, but the recipes are so healthy I can't help but make them and share.  Being conscientious in cooking healthy meals just feels good.  It's a blessing for the family.  I like that.

One such blog is Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen.  They offer ultra healthy appealing recipes that are really tasty.  In addition, they focus on providing gluten-free alternatives.  Since my mom was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I try to make more and more gluten-free foods and am finding there are a lot of options available.

Along with following their blog, I also have their cookbook, The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook which features over 200 gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free recipes. 

I must warn you though.  If you don't usually cook or bake from clean/whole food recipes and don't stock your shelves with items like xanthum gum, tapioca flour, kombu,  ume plum vinegar, extra virgin coconut oil, etc., it can be a costly venture to begin.  I can guarantee you it's much better for you and your family's health, but there is a cost. 

The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook has a chapter dedicated to stocking your pantry.  It's a great resource.  It lists the item, a description and why it's so good for you.  The learning never ends.

When the Clean Food cookbook by Terri Walters first came out, I was crazy for it.  I still love it!  I would write down ingredients for a couple recipes, run to my local healthy grocery, purchase my items and it was almost always about $50.  If you can, buy spices in a bulk section especially if you only need 1 teaspoon or so.  Buying a teaspoon worth of fenugreek seeds rather than the spice jar full will save dollars.  Spices usually run about $5 per jar and they can really add up.  Another benefit of buying from the bulk section is you're getting fresh(er) spices.  I have some spices in my spice drawer that definitely need to be moved out.  That's another up-and-coming project.

Once you begin to build up a cupboard full of healthy ingredients, it won't be such a drain on the pocketbook.  You'll feel better about what you're feeding your family.  Your family will be happy with delicious meals you're placing before them and they won't even worry about if it's healthy or not.  It tastes great and that is what matters.

This week I made the Three Bean Chili from The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre.  Often times when I'm cooking I may make concessions on the ingredients depending on what I have on hand here at home.  No need to make another trip to the grocery store if I have something doable here at home.  I made some minor changes to the recipe.  The chili turned out great!  I didn't have dry beans on hand, and didn't have the time to soak them, so I just used organic canned beans.

I'll share what I did at the end of the recipe as an option if you have limited time.*  Note, if you have the time and the dry beans on hand, they're a much better option.  It's more cost effective to use dried beans, and I prefer the flavor of beans I've soaked myself. 


Three Bean Chili

Serves 6 to 8

1 cup pinto beans (dry)
1 cup kidney beans (dry)
1 cup black beans (dry)
8-10 cups water
one 3-inch strip kombu

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4-5 cloves garlic, crushed
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
one 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
one 14-ounce can tomato sauce
4-5 cups bean cooking liquid or water
2 teaspoons Herbamare or sea salt, or to taste

1.  Rinse beans and soak beans in a large soup pot or bowl overnight or for at least 6-8 hours.

2.  Drain soaking water off the beans and then place beans back in large soup pot (8-quart) and cover with 8-10 cups of water.  Place kombu in pot.  Simmer beans for 1- 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender and cooked, set aside.

3.  Heat a large stock pot (8-qt.) over medium heat.  Add oil and onions, saute for about 5 minutes.  Do not brown onions, just saute until soft.  Add crushed garlic, sliced carrots, chopped green bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, and oregano.  Saute about another 3 minutes.

4.  Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, bean cooking liquid, and cooked beans.  Simmer 20-25 minutes or until vegetable are tender.  Add sea salt or Herbamare to taste.

* Instead of dry beans I used 2- lg (about 27 oz.) cans organic pinto beans with liquid, 2-14.5 oz. cans organic kidney beans with liquid, and 2- 14.5 oz. cans of organic black beans, rinsed and drained.  I do not use the black bean liquid because of the color.  No need for the kombu if using the canned beans.



Chicken Breast- I love the protein

Three Bean Chili Topped With Chicken Breast

The kids like a little grated cheese on their chili

CrossFit Hero Workout- "Murph"

Scheduled "Hero" workouts at CrossFit are an honor to complete.  They are grueling, but when I think about a serviceman, or police officer who gave his life in the line of duty, I know I can complete the task.

Today our workout was "Murhpy" in honor of Lt. Michael Murphy who lost his life in combat in Afghanistan.  I took our kids to the gym with me so they could encourage me to continue when it got tough.  They are such great inspirations.  I also take the opportunity to share with them who these heroes are who sacrificially give while serving our country. 

The Murhpy workout (for me) today was:

1  mile run
50 pull-ups w/blue band (It was supposed to be 100, but I had to quit after 50 as a callus on my hand ripped open)
200 (knee) push-ups
300 squats
1 mile run

It took just over 52 minutes for me to complete.  I am glad I was able to do it.

Here's an article and photo of Lt. Michael Murphy as found on the United States Navy website.

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michelle L. Kapica, Naval Special Warfare Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The White House announced Oct. 11 that the family of U.S. Navy SEAL, Lt. Michael P. Murphy will be presented the Medal of Honor, awarded posthumously, during a ceremony at the White House Oct. 22.

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.

Murphy’s father, Daniel, will accept the award on behalf of his son. Murphy will receive the award for his extraordinary, selfless heroism and steadfast courage while leading a four-man, special reconnaissance mission deep behind enemy lines east of Asadabad in the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan June 27 to 28, 2005.

“We are thrilled by the President’s announcement today, especially because there is now a public recognition of what we knew all along about Michael’s loyalty, devotion and sacrifice to his friends, family, country, and especially his SEAL teammates,” the Murphy family said in a statement. “The honor is not just about Michael, it is about his teammates and those who lost their lives that same day.”

Murphy was the officer-in-charge of the SEAL element, which was tasked with locating a high- level Taliban militia leader to provide intelligence for a follow-on mission to capture or destroy the local leadership and disrupt enemy activity. However local Taliban sympathizers discovered the SEAL unit and immediately revealed their position to Taliban fighters. The element was besieged on a mountaintop by scores of enemy fighters. The firefight that ensued pushed the element farther into enemy territory and left all four SEALs wounded.

The SEALs fought the enemy fearlessly despite being at a tactical disadvantage and outnumbered more than four to one. Understanding the gravity of the situation and his responsibility to his men, Murphy, already wounded, deliberately and unhesitatingly moved from cover into the open where he took and returned fire while transmitting a call for help for his beleaguered teammates. Shot through the back while radioing for help, Murphy completed his transmission while returning fire. The call ultimately led to the rescue of one severely wounded team member, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell, and the recovery of the remains of Murphy and Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz and Sonar Technician 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew Axelson.

Eight more SEALs and eight Army “Nightstalker” special operations personnel comprising the initial reinforcement also lost their lives when their helicopter was shot down before they could engage the enemy. The entire battle, the culmination of Operation Redwing, resulted in the worst single day loss of life for Naval Special Warfare personnel since World War II.
The sole surviving SEAL, Marcus Luttrell, wrote a book about the battle after he departed the Navy this summer. In his book Luttrell credited all three of his teammates for their heroism, including Murphy’s sacrificial act that eventually led to his rescue.

Murphy will be inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon during a ceremony scheduled Oct. 23. His name will be engraved beside the names of some 3,400 other service members who have also been awarded the nation’s highest honor.

Awarded by the President in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor was created in 1861 as personal award of valor for members of the Navy. Soon thereafter another version was created for the Army and ultimately the Medal of Honor was presented to more than 1,500 Civil War veterans. Later the Air Force created its own unique Medal of Honor design. Marines and Coast Guardsmen are awarded the Navy’s version of the Medal of Honor.

 

Out With The Old...

It's so easy as a homeschool mom/stay-at-home to become lax when it comes to my appearance.  There was a time when I wore sweats just about everyday.  I wore them in hopes of getting a workout in, but after time they became like a uniform.  Wake up, put on the sweats.  Along with the sweats, on a given day, I may not put on make-up or fix my hair beyond the ponytail, unless I have to leave the house.  If I have to leave, I may put on mascara, or maybe just sunglasses.

There are seasons when things get a little better, like after I read The Hot Mom's Handbook.  After reading this book, I was going to commit to do better.  I cleaned out a lot of the old, worn out clothing, lost some weight, started working out regularly (not just pretending by wearing the workout clothing).  It was a change for the better.

Since moving to Southern California, I initially made some fashion leaps, which pleased our daughter, but yesterday I realized I'm settling in my old ways again. 

I have to first mention our daughter is a "Fasionista!"  She's pulls together unique combos, as we call them, every day.  She dresses in cute outfits, accessorizes and fixes her hair in fancy do's.  She does her hair on her own, side ponytails, braids, etc. 

Don't get me wrong, I can pull it together if necessary, but often times, I don't.  Like yesterday. 

I went to the gym in my 100 year old (yes, I'm exaggerating, it makes for a better story) men's soccer shorts and Chickie and Pete's men's t-shirt.  I felt comfortable and I was just going to get all sweaty.  What's the problem with looking frumpy?  When I got to the gym I noticed my fellow gym mates in their Lululemon or equally cute girls' workout clothing, I began to get a little self-conscious.  I'm not saying cave to peer pressure or try to keep up with the Jones', but I have the Lululemon clothing at home.  I just, out of habit, put on the junkies because they were there.

Last Christmas, my sweet husband and my grandma bought me a number of Lululemon pieces to improve my workout collection and I still choose to wear the junkies.

Last night after the time at the gym, I was talking with my precious daughter.  Note, she was wearing white leggings, a cute blue/white striped Nautical dress, and sunglasses.  We had to go to Target.  While at Target we started talking about my lack {at times} of fashion sense.  She patiently listened and then with the wisdom of an 8-year old, told me that I needed to dress like her.  She would help me put it together.  Love her!  I then committed to get rid of the frumpy and/or unflattering clothing. 

Today we'll spend some time cleaning out drawers.  I have my fashion consultant to help.  Happy homeschooling.

Going Sugar Free

Starting this blog has encouraged me many ways to fully commit to my workout routine and healthy eating.  I can not encourage others to live lives with healthy eating and exercise if I do not make conscientious efforts to do the same at home. 

Overall, I eat pretty clean, (semi) organic, and unprocessed food, but I do love a little bit of sugar.  No matter how hard I've tried to stay away from soda, I never lose a taste for it.  Root beer is one of my favorite things!  But since starting this blog, I've decided to go sugar free for a time.  I like it better when I appreciate the natural sweetness of an apple rather than the refined sweetness of licorice.  I also am looking forward to the results.  I'm hoping through cleaning up my eating I'll lose the final 10-15 pounds I've been trying to rid my body of, and/or increase lean body mass and decrease fat percentage.  Also, by avoiding sugar I hope to eliminate the sugar highs, and the crash and burns I have from sugar.  It's hard to carry on a homeschool day if you're blood sugar is on a roller coaster.

There are many benefits to going sugar-free.  Here are some reasons provided by Mark Sisson.  You can read the entire article on his blog at Mark's Daily Apple.  It is a great resource for healthy eating!

Why Avoid Sugar?
How could I possibly talk sugar without the warning? If you’ve spent any time around MDA, you likely know the drill. Despite its beloved place (not to mention omnipresence) in our culinary culture, sugar offers the following gifts that keep on giving:

• Sugar stimulates a physiological stressor-reaction cascade that provokes adrenaline and cortisol release and thickens the blood.
• Sugar effectively disables your immune system by impairing white blood cells’ functioning.
• Sugar decreases your body’s production of leptin, a hormone critical for appetite regulation.
• Sugar induces significant oxidative stress in the body.
• Sugar appears to fuel cancer cells. (Check out Free the Animal for much more on the cancer connection.)
• Sugar promotes fat storage and weight gain.
• Sugar disrupts the effective transfer of amino acids to muscle tissue.
• Sugar intake over time spurs insulin resistance, subsequent Type II diabetes and the entire host of related health issues like nerve damage and cardiovascular disease.

Yes, sugar is one insanely powerful drug. Addictive, to boot.

Today, I'm on the fourth day sans sugar.  Days one and two were pretty tough.  I was spacey and tired.  My son even told me he didn't trust my driving.  That was after I was sitting at a red light and started to inch into the intersection.  If that's not a sign of the terrible effects of sugar, I don't know what is. Be reassured, we stayed put.  I came to my senses.

Days three and four have been great.  I've been energized, workouts have been awesome.  We've accomplised so much during our school days.  Here's to a step in the right direction.