Back to "Becoming Christa"

Let's not discuss how long it's been since I've checked in...for shame!

Anyway, I am back to making some positive changes in my life.  Back to Somersizing, and hopefully gaining the MUCH needed energy I need (and deserve) to start to enjoy exercising again.  Back to "Becoming Christa" :)

We're finally getting married in September!  I bought a dress that I LOVE and it fits, but I would love to have to have some major alterations done to it :)

Can we talk about Self Neglect for a little bit?

I do this.  I am going to blame it on my ADD (because I've been diagnosed twice by a Neurologist, once as a teen and again as an adult) and sure, some think it's a made up disability, my guess is those people who say that and believe it have never experienced what it's like to struggle/cope with ADD.

Back to self neglect.  It happens in my life often, and if I don't get a hold of it, it's a pretty slippery slope down to a place no one wants to be. I've been there.  For a long time.  A very long time.

My body.  It's larger than I ever thought it would be.  And while I am not struggling with any health related issues, it's now at the most unhealthiest weight it's ever been at...and it has been for nearly 3 1/2 years.  Have I resigned to this life of Self Neglect?  Why have I put myself off day after day, month after month, year after year?!?

This has GOT to change!

I AM going to do this!

I NEED to do this!

...while I AM still healthy.

First things first, I am getting back to Somersizing.  The old school 90's Chrissy from Three's Company diet or "Way of Eating".

I've had success with it in the past.  I know it works for me.  I'd maintained the 38 lb. weight loss for 3 years.  It's when I Self Neglect and start to allow sugar back into my system, that I gain back all of the weight.  It's all about being PREPARED and staying FOCUSED!!!  The crazy thing is that once I am eating this way, I am ABLE to focus!

So I went food shopping yesterday and prepared all of my meats for the week so that it's easier to prep dinner when I get home.

Up on the menu this week

Monday 3/20: Chicken Piccatta and Sauteed Broccoli
I plan to use a this recipe and omit the flour http://www.plainchicken.com/2013/03/chicken-in-lemon-butter-caper-sauce.html

Tuesday 3/21: Empanada Beef Lettuce Wraps
Just gonna wing it!  The beef is currently seasoned with white wine vinegar, garlic and onion...will look up a few recipes and just go with what sounds good.

Wednesday 3/22: Cilantro Cream Chicken with Sauteed Spinach
Here's that recipe for the Chicken...it is truly amazing and will be a regular meal now that I've finally tried it!  http://momstestkitchen.com/2012/11/cilantro-cream-chicken.html

Thursday 3/23: Curry Chicken and Spinach
YES more spinach, I bought a big bag!  Here's that Curry Chicken Recipe... I made it up a few years back using what I had on hand and it was SO good!  http://christahasablog.blogspot.com/2012/05/massage-school-curry-chicken-w-sauteed.html

Friday 3/24:  Asian Marinated Skirt Steak with Spinach Salad
No recipe to follow, Olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Ginger powder, fresh pressed garlic, salt and pepper, soy sauce and a little Toasted Sesame oil...

Saturday, we'll be eating out at a Jack and Jill bridal shower,  I'll find something legal to much on I'm sure.  We'll be boozing it up that evening, so I really need to make sure that I do stay on plan (even though I am not going with a plan) I will be bringing veggies and dip, so at least I know that I can eat that!

Exercise, that's the other thing I need to get in.  I have a FitBit and the battery died, so instead of just recharging it, I didn't wear it for about 8 months.  This is the mind of ADD. Truly.  And every once in a while I would think "I should wear my Fitbit" and then I can't find the charger.  And then I find the charger and can't find the FitBit...anyway, I have them both now...currently charging.  My goal is 10K plus steps per day.  And I have a puppy now.  There is no excuse as to why I am not out there walking at the very least!

I'll check in as often as I can remember.  I'm hoping that blogging out my thoughts, meals, etc. will help keep me on track.  We'll get into other life happenings, SUCH AS MY COMPETITION BIKINI BUSINESS!!!

Does anyone else get me when I say that I Self Neglect?  Do you have any tips to stay focused on self?

I'll leave you with this...one of my works of art

Mailbox Makeover

I am currently residing temporarily in Jersey as I work through clearing out and cleaning my father's house.  He passed suddenly in August and I felt I really had no other choice but to uproot my life to take care of some of the responsibilities that come along with losing a parent who lived alone. 

There is much to do and I have already done so much.  I have the love and support from my family and friends with whom I would not be anywhere near where I am as far as progress on the house goes.  

Last night while out picking up the special cat food we purchase for our beloved fur baby, I decided that since we were right near the big Orange Box store, I would pick up a can of Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint.  

I recently had the front door handle switched out (the original one broke off of the door when I tried to open it one day, sometimes I really don't know my strength).  I updated it from the brass (I know it's back in, but I was never really down with brass) to aged bronze and I love it!  

But when you get up close and personal with that two tone brass and nickel mailbox, you soon realize that its seen its day.  It was in rough shape and the bronze and nickel were throwing me off. And, well, I just wanted a more cohesive look. I do have to live here for the time being after all, and I like for things to look nice.  

Several thin coats of the Oil Rubbed Bronze later and we have this!

I realize that in this picture it just looks black.  It does not read that way in person.  It a deep rich metallic brown tone and it is more aesthetically pleasing to my eye than the eye sore that it had previously been until I came along and pulled the spray paint can trigger!

Look at how sexy it is now!

I wonder if the mail person will notice. Will they appreciate?   Will the off-gassing of the spray paint be nauseating?

Now...what else can I tackle with the remaining paint? I thought about spraying the ding-donger....but then that requires playing with electricity.  Hmm...

Chapter 37 Section 5.11

The title of today's post is my age. I came up with that format while creating some technical documents at work. I like it and think I may use that from now on. As you can see from previous posts, I am not consistent and often do not follow through on things. I'm not mad at myself for that. I've learned to live with it. It has never hurt anyone but myself and I'm still here.

School is going great!!!! I thought that I'd really struggle with Anatomy & Physiology but its turned out to be my favorite class. My instructor is an amazing teacher and I feel bad for those who will be coming in after my class because he announced his retirement from teaching. He will finish up this last semester and then he will be focusing on his Chiropractic education. I can't blame him. I am so glad that I am in his class. He's made it fun and interesting. I couldn't imagine what it would be like and how much different my success would be without him.

This is my final grade for APII. :). Go me!

Detox, Cleanse and Rebuild - Day 3

I'm still finding it difficult to wake up in the mornings.  I think this is a combination of things.  For one, I am overweight and have not been moving (exercising) my body as much as I should be, two, I've been burning the candle at both ends now that I am in school FT as well as the FT job. Three, I don't enjoy my job anymore...it's difficult to get up out of a nice warm bed, when you just don't want to be where you have to get up and go to.  There is no balance.

I did drink more water yesterday than I have been.  I feel good about that....

Last night I had no dinner.  Wait, I had dinner....it was a handful of Pistachio nuts when I got home from school.  I could have eaten the last chocolate donut, but I refrained.  Go me!

Day 3 - Today I had the same breakfast as yesterday.  This time I added a little Tabasco....mmmm, it was yummy.  I found it easier today to take the Super Foods.  Is it growing on me?  No, but it is more tolerable.
Overall I am not finding that this cleanse to have much of an impact on how I feel....but there are still 4 more days left....so we shall see

For lunch I am meeting with a former colleague.  We're meeting at my favorite wing spot and I do plan on eating wings.  Perhaps I will order only 6 and a side of veggies.  :)  yep that's my plan!  Oh and hopefully she will tell me that her company is hiring!  A girl can dream, right?

Oh and dinner...what shall I do for dinner.....that is always the question. hmmmmm

Detox, Cleanse and Rebuild - Day 2

Happy Halloween!  I woke up with a headache this morning.  I's been happening for the past few days though so I am not blaming it on the cleanse.  I am pretty sure it's just allergies.

I diverted from my dinner plans last night.  BF told me he was making a delicious meal of marinated chicken breast roasted broccoli and a spinach salad.  The only problem was that I ate it at 10:50 at night which is the time I got in from school.  I also came across a box of Entenmann's donuts.....yeah.......so I had a chocolate one and while I was eating it, I found myself standing nearby the box and preparing for my next one.....and I wasn't even done with the first one.  Thankfully the right voice chimed in and said "You should just sit and enjoy the one that you are already eating".  So I did....and I didn't think of having a second donut.  Just wish I was strong enough to have not been tempted by the donuts at all.....

Day 2 - I haven't noticed any difference in my energy and sluggishness.  The pants I wore today don't feel too tight though, thankfully.  Perhaps there is just more stretch in these than the ones I had on yesterday.  I need to drink more water today than I did yesterday for sure....that also might be part of the headache problem...I bet you that I am dehydrated.  Who wants to bet?!?  Place your bets right now!
For breakfast I stopped in at the work Cafe' and instead of getting the scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon like I wanted to get, I just ordered some scrambled eggs with onions, peppers and marinated mushrooms and you know what?!?!  I liked it better than the scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon.  SO much flavor...I think it's from all of the garlic in the mushrooms.  OMG YUM!  So I am happy with today's decision to lay off the cheese and bacon for breakfast.
I am not going to lie....the Super Defense food is not good.  I have tasted worse things (NONI JUICE OMFG!)  but I have found that it is easier to get down when the water it is mixed with is cold and not room temperature...duh....still, I think I should probably mix it in with some juice...but I don't really drink juice and I am sure as HELL not going to put it in my coffee!

For lunch I will have the remaining Broccoli, Cauliflower and cheese with Honey Mustard.  It keeps me full!  I guess its all that fiber.  nummies!

Oh and dinner....what's my plan for dinner?  Well I guess I could go with yesterday's plan of stoppin gin at Krogetr and picking up some veggies before school.  I wish I could buy pre sliced cucumbers.....I would FEAST on them!

2 days down 5 to go!

 

Detox, Cleanse and Rebuild - Day 1

I am finding it difficult to get back on board with a healthy lifestyle, despite all my best intentions.  I had allowed sugar into my system a few months ago and now my body wants.it.every.day.  and because I have allowed the monster to take over, it has resulted in weight gain and feeling sluggish.  This certainly is not what I want or need....I need a fresh slate....so I figured it was time for a cleanse.

I trekked on out to my local health food store and purchased this:

Image from here http://www.michaelshealth.com

I was looking for Fresh Start Cleanse by Nature's Plus, but despite the website's claim that I could buy it at the health food store nearby where I live, the store does not carry that brand....and I am not one to drive around town looking for the product when there was a staff member here with the answers to my questions about all of the different cleanses that they did have in stock.

I chose this Cleanse for a few different reasons.

Image from here http://www.michaelshealth.com

1.  The pills are conveniently pre-packaged which means I don't have 4 different supplement bottles to keep track of and I take them with my Breakfast and lunch only.
2.  I don't  have to try to remember to take them a half hour before a meal, etc.  I can swing breakfast and lunch, it's the late afternoon, early evening supplements that I always have a hard time remembering to take.  Once I am away from my desk with stuff in front of me, it's out of my thoughts....out of sight, out of mind.  Yes very much so!
3.  It's 7 days...I think I can manage that!
4. Bonus - there is a super foods powder that comes along with it.....not the best tasting stuff in the world, but I bet it will make me feel so much better!

Image from here http://www.michaelshealth.com

I'm going to try to keep a log of how I feel....starting Now!

Day 1 - At the moment I am feeling heavy, sluggish, and bloated.  My pants are starting to get way too tight....like going up a size too tight.  I am PMSing and hoping its just bloat from that, but still....I am no fool, and this is not my first time at the rodeo.  I had Cheese Eggs and Bacon for Breakfast with a cup of coffee with half and half and Whey Low Gold.  I don't think I was supposed to have the bacon...or the cheese....the directions suggest increasing consumption of fibrous fruits and veggies while decreasing consumption of processed foods, meat and dairy products....but I am PMSing...cheese and bacon are a a necessity.  anyway,  I took the first of the pills and powder shortly after eating breakfast.

For Lunch I had a plate of fresh broccoli and cauliflower.  Yes I covered it in cheese and I dipped it in Honey Mustard.(Dairy and processed foods) I'm still on day one and I have increased my consumption of Fibrous veggies....as soon as I run out of cheese, I will stop, but they're not taking my half & half away...no way!  I tore open the second packet of pills and chugged a bunch of water.  Time to refill my bottle.

Now I really should plan what dinner will be.  Perhaps I can grab some veggies at Kroger before heading off to school so that I am not tempted to eat at the Jamaican restaurant.....I need a plan!  That's part of my problem...not having a plan and not being prepared.

Here is where I set my intention.  I intend to follow through this cleanse for the 7 days that it will take (including the weekend!)  I intend to be prepared and have a plan for all meals from now til next Monday.  Here's to me!

Massage School & Curry Chicken w/ Sauteed Cauliflower

It's just a little less than a week away from the first day of Massage School!  I am too excited!  I haven't received any orientation materials in the mail yet, so I have no idea as to what school supplies I'll need, but I just had to go out and buy a cute 5 subject notebook, and get this.....A pen case!  Haha!  Such a geek!

I've been very domesticated lately....I like it. It reminds me of myself years ago!  The girl I lost when I became somewhat of a couch surfer....I am no longer a couch surfer, but I guess I held on to some of the tendencies, such as buying food and ingredients as I need them, instead of stock piling.  Well, I cleaned out my spice shelf the other day and came across a container of Curry.  It got me inspired and so I did a little research on what should go in Curry Chicken and just used what I had on hand in my kitchen.

My own version of Curry Chicken.  It's delish!  Enjoy!  Let me know if you try it out!


Curry Chicken

Somersize Friendly Curry Chicken

4 chicken breast halves
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Salted Butter
1 med red onion chopped
4 cloves garlic
1 can Rotel Mexican Lime & Cilantro
4 tsp Curry Powder
1/2 c Sour Cream
1/4 c Heavy Cream
2 Cups Raw Baby Spinach
salt & Pepper to taste


Heat olive oil in large skillet on medium heat.  Cook chicken breast through.  Remove chicken from skillet and chop into bite size chunks.  Set aside.
Use same skillet, melt butter.  Saute onions and garlic until onions are clear.  Add Rotel, Curry Powder, Sour Cream, Heavy Cream, salt & pepper.  cook until bubbling, lower heat to low, add spinach and cooked chicken.  Simmer on low for 5-7 minutes. (Spinach will wilt a bit)

Serve over sauteed cauliflower.(below)


Sauteed Cauliflower
1/2 large head Cauliflower - Riced (Used shredder blade in food processor)
1 Tbsp Salted Butter
1/2 med Red Onion

In med size skillet, melt butter over med-high heat.  Saute' onions until clear.  Add riced cauliflower and cook until it turns brown.


The cauliflower was a little mushy, so don't expect it to be at all like rice.  It was still good though!

4/6/12 Nice To Be Back

I know it's been a while....man, I hadn't realized just how long....SO much to talk about!  Not sure that I want to put it all in one post, so let's make today's post about some yummy deliciousness!!!

Despite 2012 being a great year so far (as I knew it would be), I had a little bit of anxiety this week.  I'm not sure why, but God sure did put the right man in my life to help me out through times like that.  That big man up there sure does know what he's doing!

Anyway, last night I had planned to go to the gym for some Zumba, but just wanted to stay in.  Yes I could have worked out at home, but I was not feeling it....at all.  Instead I was feeling a bit creative culinary-wise.  I opened the fridge and pulled out all of the fresh veggies.

Brian grilled up some delicious chicken breast while I was chopping and sauteing away!  Here's what I was sauteing: (Sorry I have no idea what amounts I used....I eyeball everything, so these are just guesstimates)

Asian Inspired Chicken and Veggies

Shredded Green Cabbage (maybe a half of a med size head)
Chopped Kale (probably about 2 cups)
Chopped Scallion (Three stalks)
2 T Butter
1 T Coconut Oil
3-4 Cloves of Garlic

I Sauteed the above ingredients for a few minutes, but made sure they were still crunchy.

Then I diced 2 tomatoes and chopped up the 3 chicken breasts that BF had grilled.

I tossed all of the ingredients into a large bowl along with:
2-3 T Soy Sauce
2-3 T Sesame Oil
2-3 T Organic Rice Vinegar
salt, pepper, granulated garlic to taste

Voila!  This.WAS.So.Yummy!

I couldn't get enough!  Easy, Delicious and packed with vitamins!

I'll be back perhaps over the weekend to talk about more stuffs, til then, Enjoy!

Christa Lista

Yes, I am going to make a list...why not?  It is just about the end of 2011 and I've got a new year ahead of me.  I've got a pretty good feeling that 2012 is going to be a very decent year for me.

I've given up the 2nd job.  While all that extra dough is nice to have (and spend), it leaves absolutely no time for me to be able to enjoy this thing called life.  I now understand the proverb "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy".  While not entirely suited for my situation, I get it, I definitely get it.

I was sick.A.Lot.this past year.and I have no doubt that the whole no down-time thing played a very big role in me being sick.  That's not the life I want to live.  The down-time I did have was spent on the couch, stuffing my face with garbage because my body wanted nutrients and I thought I heard it say "Chocolate" and "Grilled Cheese sandwich".  I finally was able to translate what it really wanted when I stepped on the scale and realized I had gained back all of what I had lost.

One day this past November, I finally heard it loud and clear "Vitamins".  Ooooooh....okay.

Anyway, I've learned to appreciate my down-time.  I will no longer use it to do right by my pocket.  I will use it to do right by my body, my mind and my soul.  aka Balance

1. Make a bedtime and stick to it as best as you can (10:30pm)
2. Journal as often as possible (I've found that I enjoy getting inside my head and thinking out loud, even if it only makes sense to me)
3. Turn off the T.V. - it sucks me in every.single.time. and before I know it, I've wasted 4 hours on nonsense
4. Create - get the juices flowing and actually make things, finish projects I've started or intended to start but never got around to it.
5. Clean and keep clean.  Working 7 days a week doesn't offer much time to keep clean and organized, now with all of this new found time, I have no excuse really
6. Get on the lake - I've already started pricing out Inflatable water crafts and it looks like an inflatable Kayak may be just the right thing for me/us.  It will be great exercise too!
7. Get on the road - take day trips to places I haven't been such as Tallulah Falls, a gorgeous spot that I've been wanting to see since I found out I would be moving to GA back in 2004, it's time I get there.
8. Use the earth as my gym.  No one ever said you had to go to a fitness facility to get in a great workout.  I would love a bicycle
9. Give back - I would love to volunteer some of this new found time on a farm, getting sweaty and dirty.  Another great way to workout AND get some fresh veggies!
10. Meditate - woooooosaaaaaaaaahhhh  it feels good

I think I'll end it here for now.  I guess those are my top 10 things I'd like to get going on in the coming new year.  Looking forward to living a life of more purpose for my health instead of just work, I tried that, it's not all that great for me.

12/15/2011 - Making Fat Cry

I abso-freakin-lutely LOVE when my body decides it's time to get up and my mind says "Okay, let's workout"  That's what happened. again. this morning.  Yes, I woke up at 5am and decided I should go workout. And I took a cycle class for the first time in my life.  And I made my fat cry.  I also made my crotch cry.  Ouchieee!  But the amount of sweat I produced was worth it!  And I may invest in a gel seat pad to help with the Ouchie factor....if I can get up that early again next Thursday morning and the Thursday morning after that.  If I can get through 3 5am classes, then I will make the $15-$20 investment for the gel pad.

I went to see Dr. Dell last night.  There were 2 less bones out of alignment then there were 2 weeks prior...AND he was able to tell that I had a portion of my jaw out of alignment.  I didn't even tell him that I had been experiencing a film over my right eye causing blurred vision (not too terrible)...but he found it.  That's pretty amazing if you ask me....it makes me feel like this is not all hocus pocus, because even though I continued to see him, I was a bit skeptical, but wanted to give it a chance.

I just weighed myself and can see that I am down a few more lbs.  a total of 4.4  Is this really working this fast, just 1 full day of Somersizing and my numbers are already going down?  Why am I surprised, I know that Somersizing works, and the fact that I'm getting in some exercise, this shouldn't be a surprise.  10.6 lbs. away from reaching my first 15 lb. goal!!

Workout 5:45 am- 42 minutes of 60 min Spin class

Breakfast  9:00AM (No Green Smoothie) :(

2 Fried eggs

Redbull

Coffee with half & half and 3 Xylitol
1 Total Leaky Gut

1 L-Theanine

1 Homocysteine Redux

1 Vitamin C

1 Vitamin E

1 Garlic

3 Adrenals

1 Biotin

1 B12

Snack 00:00 AM
none

Lunch 11:30 PM
Turkey, Ham, Green Beans and a minute amount of Scalloped potatoes
Unsweet Tea

1 Garlic
1 Vitamin C
1 Total Leaky Gut
2 Adrenals
1 L-Theanine
1 Homocysteine Redux


Snack 2:30 PM
Strawberries and a Grape


Snack 3:30 PM
Dr. Zevia

Snack 4:45 PM
SugarFree Jell-O Chocolate & Vanilla Pudding

*Snort*...both times this week I typed the word "pudding" with an 's' in place of the 'd'

Dinner 00:00 PM

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” - Maria Robinson

12/14/2011 - Back On Track?

I've been feeling like crap emotionally the past week or so, and I hadn't been making my morning smoothies.....nor have I really been keeping up with my supplements....which I can feel All.Over.My.Body.  Yes I've given in to temptations.  Yes I've fallen off plan.  Yes I have halted my workouts.  Yes I have gained weight. f-i-v-e nasty El Bees, though 1.4 of them have already found a new home.
....but I was feeling tired last night and so I went to bed at 9:30 pm.  I didn't try to fight it and wind up falling asleep on the couch.  I went to my bed and was asleep before I knew it.  And then it was 6:50 am....and I got up.  I was already wearing sweat pants and a comfy long sleeved shirt, so I just threw on a light jacket, Crest whitening strips and my sneaks...and I hit the pavement.  And I am proud of myself.  I LOVE walking in the morning.  I love the stillness of everything.  I love that I've already jumped in for an energizer and that I still have a whole day of me.  I walked up and down Morris Rd, which takes only about 10 minutes, but 10 minutes that really get me going!  If I'd said to myself that I should just stay in bed another 10 minutes, it would have turned into an hour and a half and I would feel even more sluggish.
I came home, enjoyed a little online time and then I made my smoothie.

Today's Green Smoothie: (wasn't very green at all, it was pink! and VERY delicious!)
Green Cabbage (fresh)
Cucumber (Fresh) -though on it's way to rotting because It's been sitting there...just waiting for me
Parsley (Fresh)
Ginger (Fresh)
Blueberries (Frozen)
Peaches (Frozen)
Pineapple lots and lots of pineapple...it too was about to go bad (Fresh)
Zico Coconut water

guess I forgot that I also had celery....oopsie

Back on plan today?  I hope so.  I went out to Harry's Market (aka Whole Foods) yesterday at lunch time specifically to buy Xylitol.  I tried the stuff when I was up in Charlotte last weekend.  Jessica had it, and I liked it.  I figured it was better for me than Splenda which is my sweetner of choice for my coffee.  I love the fact that this is even better tasting than Splenda and is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants.  instead of chemicals that they lead you to believe is better for you....

I got Xylo Sweet 100 packets.    They also sell the stuff loose, I just wanted the ability to carry some with me.  I am not 100% certain that it's on the Somersizing plan....but apparently it is safe for use in any sugar-controlled diet.  The only downside to the stuff is that you need to build up a tolerance.  It can cause gas and die of the rear....so far I have't had any issues with it that I've noticed.

I need to find that strength within to keep me on plan to achieve my goal.  There is a battle in my brain, and the fat girl is winning majority of the time....I've got to turn it around.  I've taken the steps this morning to get me back on track....I need to stay here!

Today's Goals:
Avoid sugar
Take all supplements
Drink Water
Eat all meals using the Somersize guidelines (You know this really does work, right?)
Move that body (DONE!) though I might get in a stretch and/or balance tonight.




I've got an appointment tonight at 7:15 with Dr. Dell.  Hopefully an adjustment will put me in check.  I love doing right by my body.  I really do...I wish I felt motivated ALL of the time.


Right now I've got 80lbs to lose.  I think I'll just focus on 15 to start out with.


Christa's 15lb. challenge...and GO!


I just ordered some of Suzanne's Chocolate protein powder...those will be good for nights that I don't feel like cooking and BF has a pizza or something else I shouldn't be eating.  This is "Being Prepared"  I need to stick to being prepared as much as possible...for when I am unprepared, I tend to fall back into my old ways.


Breakfast 8:45 AM
Green Smoothie
1 Total Leaky Gut
1 Vitamin C
1 Vitamin E
1 Garlic
3 Adrenals
1 Biotin
1 B12

Snack 11:20 AM
Kiwi Fruit

Lunch 12:30 PM
Spinach Mushroom onion tomato swiss cheese omelette
Bacon
2 cups of coffee with Cream and Xyltiol
1 L-Theanine
1 Total Leaky Gut
1 Garlic
1 Vitamin C
2 Adrenals

Snack 3:40 PM
Cream Cheese
SF Jell-O Choc/Vanilla pudding

Snack 4:50 PM
Dr. Zevia

Dinner 9:00 PM
Sage Breakfast Sausage, Green Peppers, Onion and Provolone
glass and a half White Wine

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. - Aristotle

12-7-11 Running Late

Just as I had predicted, I didn't have time for a workout last night.....it's all good, I got to spend time with Allison and the kiddos and I accomplished making Christmas cards.

I used my fingerprint in different colors as a string of lights, they're cute and unconventional.

Knowing that I probably wouldn't get in a workout, I purposely parked my car in the very last row at work, which is quite a long walk.

I've never measured it, but maybe a lil less than a quarter mile?  Maybe my perception of distance is a bit off too...believe me, it's a  walk.  The nice thing is though that they preserved a little bit of the land that was there before, so you can have a slight feel of nature.

I usually don't walk through there if it's been raining or if I'm wearing heels because it can get a little too natural if you know what I mean.

We had a bit of rain yesterday, so I chose the asphalt driveway path.  I do need to walk through there a bit more..just to take in that nature.  It's raining today, so it's not gonna happen today.

Today's Green Smoothie:
Green Cabbage (Fresh)

Celery (Fresh)

Bosc Pear (Fresh)

Lime Juice (Fresh)

Parsley (Fresh)

Ginger (Fresh)

Peaches (Frozen)

Blueberries (Frozen)

Black Seedless Grapes (Fresh)

Zico Coconut Water

Today's Goals:
Avoid sugar - Though that may not be possible, being that it's Katie's b-day and she's made Paula Dean's Ultimate Coffee Cake - OMG!
Take all supplements
Eat all meals using the Somersize guidelines
Move that body

Breakfast

1 Garlic

1 Total Leaky Gut

3 Adrenals

1 Vitamin C

1 Vitamin E

1 L-Theanine

Green Smoothie

Seriously need to get in the shower now.....it's 10 after 9...time for work!  Picked out a cute outfit.  Denim dress with lime green long sleeve and my saddle colored boots.  Cute!  and comfy!

12-6-11 It's a New Day!

I didn't get to the gym last night BUT I did do a P90X workout with BF before dinner!  It wasn't too bad, I went at my own pace and didn't try to over do it.  I know that once my body is more active, I'll be able to handle more.  I did push myself a few times, I wasn't a total slacker.  At one point during the decline push ups, my arms completely gave up!  I found my entire upper body smashed on the floor!  It wasn't pretty, I am sure!  Not sure if it was the workout or what, but I woke up before 6am....and, you know I think I got a full 8 hrs of sleep last night!  That's something I've been striving for and I am always happy when I can get that.

Today's Green Smoothie:
Spinach (Fresh)
Cucumber (Fresh)
Cilantro (Fresh)
Ginger (Fresh)
Blueberries (Frozen)
Mango (Frozen)
Green Cabbage(Fresh)
Apple (fresh)
Zico Coconut Water

Today's Goals:
Avoid sugar
Take all supplements
Eat all meals using the Somersize guidelines (You know this really does work, right?)
Move that body


Tonight I'm headed over to Allison's to make some handmade Christmas Cards.  I've always loved this tradition, we didn't do it last year, so I am glad we're going to pick it up again this year.  I probably won't get in a workout, which kinda stinks, but perhaps I can find a way to work something in there somewhere....maybe at lunchtime or something, even if it's a walk around the parking lot.


Breakfast 8:00 AM
3 Adrenal
1 Garlic
1 Total Leaky Gut
1 L-Theanine
1 Vitamin C
Green Smoothie


Snack 10:00 AM
2 Hard Boiled Eggs
Coffee, 1/2 & 1/2, 2 pkts Splenda

Lunch 1:00 PM

2 Adrenal
1 Total Leaky Gut
1 Vitamin C
Grilled Chicken w/ Provolone
Coffee, 1/2 & 1/2, 4 pkts Splenda

Dinner


Workout

Monday 12-05-11 Starting Something New

So I'm going to try something new....well, maybe I've tried this in the past, I'm not sure cause even I can't keep up with myself sometimes.  :)

I've never been very good or consistent with keeping a journal.  My 5th grade teacher used to give me shit about it, now I give myself shit about it.  I mean look, the last time I updated this Blog was in July....I rest my case.

But I try.

This is my blog.  And it's called Becoming Christa for a reason, Oh I must have wanted to do this before or something.....I'm so smart, this is the perfect place for me to do this!

I'll journal about anything, so don't expect an outline or anything like that.  Really just want to keep track of my Green Smoothies, Workouts, Goals and my weight, which I'm really not very fond of having it out there for all to see, but whatever, it's reality and I always try to keep it real AND I am hoping that journal-ing will help me move that number down to a more pleasant range.  I might throw in a random bit of inspiration like as a quote of someone else, or something my own brain either came up with or has retained for the past and I just remembered it and think that I came up with it.

Overall, I just want to be healthy and look and feel good and I want to document the process.

So here goes:

224.8 - Yep....that's where it's at today.  I've seen that number higher and I've definitely seen it lower....let's concentrate on getting that number somewhere near the 150 lb mark...that's where I look and feel my best.

How am I going to do that?  Well it's certainly not going to be by sitting on my butt.  I've tried it, it doesn't work...ever.  Being prepared is how I plan to get that number down.  Being prepared with Food, supplements, inspiration, positive self talk, oh and workout clothes, or at the very least my sneakers....just keeping them available in case I spontaneously decide to bust a move, I'll be prepared and can't make any excuses.

That number up there that we've already discussed, yeah, not gonna let it get me down.  I'm still sexy, still have a great ass, definitely great teeth and smile (thanks mom)....and my personality, I've always got that!
 This fat doesn't define who I am, BUT it sure does get in the way of being able to wear certain things....and I've always been some form of a fashionista, I owe it to myself to be able to wear the things I am attracted to. My younger sister Jessica gave me a few garments this weekend that just weren't right for her.  I happened to love them but they don't fit at the moment.  While I can get them on, I can't wear them out of the house if you know what I mean....perhaps I should post a photo of myself in these garments at the size that I am at now.  And then, when I've seen some success, we can do a comparison so I can prove to myself and you that I am doing the right thing.

So today...yeah today....cause there's no time like the present to make positive changes.  I started my morning with my supplements.  Those include the ones Dr. Dell prescribed (he's my Chiropractor/Kinesiologist), and the ones I've prescribed for myself.  He's got me on quite a few that I hope are helping, either that or I am spending WAAAAY too much money on this stuff....whatever, it's better than spending it at the bar right?  well, maybe not as much fun ;)

Supplements:
Garlic
Adrenals
L-Theanine
Total Leaky Gut.

I've also prescribed some other things for myself which include:
B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

...and I think that's about it.  I'm also starting the day with a Green Smoothie of whatever fruits and veggies I've got in the kitchen.

Today's Green Smoothie:
Spinach (Fresh)
Cucumber (Fresh)
Cilantro (Fresh)
Ginger (Fresh)
Blueberries (Frozen)
Mango (Frozen)
Apple (Fresh)
Grapes (fresh)
Zico Coconut Water

I've made these green smoothies just about every day for a month or so since I purchased the Kitchen Ninja 1200 because I've become addicted to the feeling that I get when I've had one.  My body can tell when I haven't....I'm more sluggish and I crave things that I shouldn't be putting into my body such a Sugar Free Red Bull.

I just want to be healthy. I want to look healthy and I want to feel healthy.  I don't want to crave things that I shouldn't put into my body.  I want to crave things that I should DO for my body, the right foods and supplements and to move...I like to move it move it.  I love when I am working out on a consistent basis and my body craves that burn!  I need to get myself back there.

I packed my gym clothes.  There is a Body Works plus abs class at 7 tonight.  I have a membership and I have my clothes and sneakers.....even have my socks!   I have no excuses.

Today's Goals:


Avoid sugar
Take all supplements
Eat all meals using the Somersize guidelines (You know this really does work, right?)
Move that body


hmmmm...I didn't really mean to make an acronym.....  But AT EM makes total sense!  Up and AT EM!

Here's where I am at body-wise at the moment.  These pictures were taken on 11/7/11 but there's been no change since then.

Breakfast 9:00 AM
3 Adrenal
1 Garlic
1 Total Leaky Gut
1 L-Theanine
1 Vitamin C
1 Vitamin E
1 B12
Green Smoothie
Coffee, 1/2 & 1/2, 2 pkts Splenda

Snack
Roasted Seaweed
1 Globe Grape

Lunch - 1:00pm
1 Total Leaky Gut
1 Vitamin C
1 Garlic
1 L-Thenaine
2 Adrenal
Chicken Salad Scoop about a cup

Dinner 8:30pm
1 Total Leaky Gut
1 Vitamin C
Fajita Chicken with mozzarella
Green Cabbage Salad

Workout
P90X Chest & Back

The Summer Pinterest Challenge - Limoncello and......you'll have to read

I am updating this particular entry (today is NOT July 1st, it's August 2nd) because I have decided to submit it as my entry for:

That theses girls initiated:

Please tell me that you know who at least one of the above girls are....if not, I think you should come out from under that rock.

I learned of this challenge via www.younghouselove.com (and that's where those two images above were borrowed from).  See the girl all the way on the left in the picture above?  I can't get enough of her and her hubby John's blog...seriously I read it every day and find constant inspiration, not to mention she's funny and I totally get her!  More points for the fact that she's a Jersey girl living in the south AND she went to FIT....we're practically twins...only she's just a couple of inches shorter than me...

I digress.....
So I guess you could consider this cheating since I had already done it (I started this MONTHS AGO!)  But in actuality I would not have been able to meet the challenge due to time constraints caused by the lemon peels needing to sit for some time (2 MONTHS!) in the grain alcohol.  We'll call this the infusion process.

Another reason I decided to use this as my entry is that I had already created this blog entry and it is actually the last one I wrote.  Talk about needing to attend this blog more frequently, it's been over a month!  Hello lazy bones!

So I was inspired to make limoncello which had happened nearly a year ago when a girlfriend was over with a bottle that her brother had brought back from Italy.  We had mentioned wanting to make some....I googled around for some ideas on how to make the stuff and at some point I had pinned around (yes, it's a new adjective that all the kids will start to learn about in school) looking for creative ways to bottle my finished product.  I am getting real wordy here...so I give you the Sweet Nectar of the Gods!

It's done! And it's mostly Organic (couldn't find organic grain alcohol)

I give you Mostly Organic Limoncello!  This picture was taken before I tied a fancy satin ribbon on the bottle necks....you get the idea though.

OH WAIT A MINUTE!!!  Now that I think about it...I started a new batch this weekend!!!  So technically, I am not a cheater...because it's not limoncello....can you figure out what that is?!?!

I bet you can't!  Here's a REALLY BIG hint:

Why yes, yes I am cool like that, and no, I will not be waiting 2 months for this to infuse.  I figure it should be good by Labor Day.  Can't wait!


Oh, and here's another picture I felt like sharing cause it's funny  :)  and true

Hopefully, I'll be back soon with some new stuff that's going on in my world!  Has anyone else ever made some infused alcohols?  How did they turn out?  Share your recipe if it was great!  I'm not skeeeered....

You Got A Big Butt, A Big Butt

Once again Big Lots comes to the rescue!  We had found a faux leather, pleather if you will, barrel chair for $99 at Big Lots.  I wasn't sold, but after thinking about it for a week or so, we had decided to purchase it since Mama Val will be in town soon for a 1 week visit and having just the one couch will probably not be very comfy for all of us.  We figured it could live temporarily in the livingroom until we found something we loved and then we could move it to the bedroom since we could make room for it in there.
So off to Big Lots we went to purchase the pleather barrel chair.  As we are walking towards the back near where the furniture is, I see some new items and instantly fall in love!  I quickly move towards it and see that it is also priced at $99 but looks no where near like a $99 chair!  I'm already in love with it from a distance but need to feel it, you know to make sure that it is true love!  I have a seat....and fall even more in love with it.  BF agrees that it should be ours and so I swipe it and move it towards the Beluga Sofa to make sure they work together....and they do!

Komet Chocolate Lounge Chair by Sitcom
Image found on amazon.com

Can you see why I am in love!!!  It's perfect!  It's round and it's gorgeous and it's retro inspired which is just what I was hoping for! and it fits my big butt with room to spare! and it was within our budget!
It seriously is a handsome piece that I have no regrets about, which I was thinking would have been the case if we had actually gotten the pleather barrel chair.

We're considering purchasing another one since it's so low profile and takes up very little room despite being wide enough to fit this girls backside!

Coco Chanel approves too!

Our place is coming together beautifully and better than anticipated!

....we don't have a La-Z-Boy!.....and Life is Good!

****UPDATE - I went and purchased a second one last night....I HAD TO!

Limoncello - The Countdown Begins

In the process (because it is a process) of making Limoncello.  

I purchased a bag of Organic lemons from Harry's Market, scrubbed all of the yellow ones (cause there were 2 in the bag that were a bit green still) and used a veggie peeler to remove the zest.

  I put the zest into this large airtight glass canister that I picked up at Target.

  I then poured grain alcohol over the zest....

Now I wait............for something like 40 days..........that will be what...June 7thish