21 Day Fix Tools

As you all know, I am a gigantic fan of 21 Day Fix. But, I also know that it only works if it fits with your life and you can make it work. Knowing your numbers and then planning those out for the week is the surest road to success. So, I'd like to offer you these tools to make that road a little bit smoother and easier to navigate.

Once you have your calorie range determined, the next step is to see how many of each container you'll be eating. Then, check out the 21 Day Fix approved shopping list and start planning your week. Choose from the foods you know and like to start and get more adventurous as you go. You may find it easier to eat simpler meals repeatedly through the week so you don't get overwhelmed.

I, personally, choose to avoid dairy, soy, legumes (except peanuts) and most grains. Even with those limitations, I'm able to eat a wide variety of foods on this list. 

Here's a sample meal plan designed by Melanie Mitro. She is a ROCKSTAR!!

Now that you see all of your options, fill out your personal shopping list based on your meal plan for the week. Make sure you pick up enough veggies. Greens, especially, cook down a ton in volume. 

You have a ton of resources available to help you be successful on your journey. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you're having trouble or need help. I know this program has the power to change lives, but you are the key to making it work!

I do not have a picky eating toddler! THANK YOU GOD!! Except, well, for when I do...

There are days when bread, or yogurt, or whatever is the ONLY thing she'll eat. For days like those, I'm glad I have tricks like these!!

I love cleaning up less than healthy foods, especially when they are so toddler friendly!!

Cauliflower Tots

Ingredients
2 cups cauliflower florets
1 large egg
½ cup onion, minced
¼ cup bell pepper, minced (optional)
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
¼ cup almond meal
¼ cup minced parsley (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
cooking spray or oil

Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a nonstick cookie sheet with cooking spray or lightly grease with oil. Set aside.
Steam cauliflower in hot water for 3-5 minutes or until nice and soft, drain and chop with a knife or pulse in the food processor ( just a few seconds.)
In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of mixture in your hands and roll into small oval shaped tots.
Place on the cookie sheet ½ inch apart and bake for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until golden.

Do your littles have a favorite food? Let me know and I"ll see if I can make it just a little more good for you!!

Whole 90?

I have been struggling with how to make this post. It's going to be a long one, but I don't want the message to get lost in it...
As many of you know, I did Whole 30 in January. It was amazing and confirmed, for me, that I am addicted to sugar. I felt so incredible removing the things from my diet that made me feel less than stellar. Bloat gone. Belly happy. Aches and pains disappeared. Skin clean and bright. Energy was steady and I wasn't tired through the day. I recommend this program to everyone!

And then, I recommend you NOT do what I did. I felt deprived while I did the program. I still had my head in the space of wanting those foods I had chosen to eliminate. So, I went on a bender. For 3 days, nothing was off limits. Let me just say that this 100% negates all the benefits of doing Whole 30. And my body reacted. Violently.
I woke up yesterday with aches everywhere from my fingers to my toes. Inflammation was running rampant in response to all the garbage I had put into my system. Me and inflammation don't get along. Like at all. I'm gonna go ahead and say that's probably the case for everyone, but with my Crohn's it's a nightmare. You might recall my plea for help for the excruciating pain in my bunion. The one that required a cortisone shot? Yeah, I totally brought that on myself.
This is by no means a "Poor me" post. I really just wanted to be completely transparent and share that we all fall off the wagon and also, how powerful the food you put into your body is. I'm actually grateful that my body responded so violently because it eliminated any question as to why I felt the way I did, and still do. It's going to take longer than 3 days to undo the damage. So here's to Whole 30/60/90 whatever it takes. It's going to be hard. But fact of the matter is, healthy feels better than any of that tasted. Honestly though, the biggest motivation is the time I lost out with Ains. No rough housing, no running around, no hearing her squeal with delight when I swoop her up over my shoulder. Nothing is worth missing that.

Swimming

Did an easy 1500 in the pool and a bit of core work. Very intimidated by strength training in general so felt like a bit of a waste. Talked to the guy I was sharing a lane with and might look into a swim coach. He said she has made a huge difference for him and is into triathlon as well. Will probably contact her in the next week to find out cost and schedule.

Bad coping day. Feeling sad and defeated.

Thanks for listening...

Jamie

In transition...

So the marathon went very well! Qualified for Boston with a time of 3:42:50 which felt amazing. Registration closed in 8 hours so I didn't get in, but hope to use my time or requalify for 2012. Finished with some knee pain that cut short an easy 3 on Thursday after the race. Rested, iced and went to the doc on Sunday when it was still bothersome. Chondromalacia...runner's knee. Xrays of the joint showed it was stable and otherwise healthy but Sean thinks an MRI might have shown an injury to the meniscii given the location of the pain. Treatment is the same regardless: REST.

So I probably should have passed on the Chicago Monster Dash half marathon...ouch. Would have been a strong 8 mile race as I was maintaining sub 8 minute pace even with a 90 second port-a-potty stop. But once I hit 10 I was really hurting. Pace slowed incredibly, walking some, and another much longer pitstop. Not sure where the GI stuff was coming from, although I did have trouble immediately after the marathon and through that day as well. Was overdue for my Humira injection and think that was to blame. Running has always caused flares in the past and marathoning is so hard on your body in general. My time of 1:58:03 was hugely disappointing even though the course was long, measuring 13.5 miles. Course was rerouted at the last minute due to a perceived security issue regarding President Obama. Knee is in very bad shape.

Have decided to stay completely off it for the month. Swimming will be the only cardio I allow myself until December 1. Going to take this opportunity to work on strength training and focus on my core. It will be difficult to find the caloric balance for this new training as I don't want to gain any weight in this time of recovery...

On another note, I am single again. Sean is looking for his happiness elsewhere and I hope the best for him. Without running as an outlet, coping has been difficult. Days I get to talk with him are still easier. Have decided to better myself and become more marketable. Beginning November 18 I will be enrolled in an accelerated massage therapy program. And 9 months later, I'll be done! Looking forward to the distraction of learning something new again. A little nervous about the financial implications, but I know it is an investment in my future and a step toward achieving my goals.

Hoping I get better at regular posting, but not going to beat myself up about it...

Thanks for reading!

Jamie

Taper

Did my last long run on Saturday, the 9th, one week before marathon day. Had back to back yoga classes previous totaling a little over two hours. It was a gorgeous day and I found a new loop that I find very enjoyable, through Kent trails. There are endless possibilities in there :) Also discovered some motivating music as I listened to John Butler Trio the whole rrun.

Had some soreness/tightness on Sunday and was busy for all of Monday so a couple days off. Yesterday's run was amazing. Had planned on a relatively easy 5 miles but it was another beautiful day and I had some stuff to work out so... Quick warm up and then listened to Ocean (JBT) which is an acoustic guitar solo with a good tempo that lasts about 11:30. Hard, fast run to the lake felt so good :) A little recovery time after the turn and another round on the return home. I never started my watch, but I don't think I've ever run that loop so fast. Gave me some confidence going into what will be an epic race for me.

Plan to do some long easy stuff today. Will let you know how it turns out.

5 more days...

Jamie

Reeds Lake

Did a steady 9 mile run from the house and around Reeds Lake. A little chilly this morning but it felt good to run in bare legs and long sleeves. The sun was shining and it warmed up through the 1:19:39 it took me to compete the loop. Felt strong but wish it would have been a bit faster. Made oatmeal and the decision to skip yoga as I have to work at 2 and would have been rushed all day. Belly is feeling a little funny, but I'm sure it will pass.

Talk again soon.

Jamie