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Fruit Makes My World Go Round

Fruit Makes My World Go Round

Fruit Makes My World Go Round

Fruit has been a huge staple of my diet since starting my weight loss journey. When I am hungry instead of reaching for potato chips, or cookies, I reach for a fruit. In the start it was really difficult substituting my junk food with fruit, but it has gotten much easier. I have actually grown to enjoy certain fruits that I didn’t like much in the past. Honestly, I used to hate red apples. I would much rather have a green apple or any other fruit. However, recently red apples have become one of my favorite go to fruits.  This may be shocking to some of you, but I didn’t really know there were so many varieties of red apples. I thought a red apple was simply that, a red apple. Well, was I wrong! If you want to check out some of the different varieties of apples CLICK HERE. So, long story short my favorite red apple is the “Pink Lady”

Now that everyone knows about my apple issues let me get back on track. Fruit is my favorite “got to snack” and no matter what anyone says I am not going to give up on fruit! I have heard people say, “Hey you shouldn’t eat so much fruit because there is so much sugar in fruit!” Well, let me tell you how I feel. Fruit is natural, it’s from the earth, and it’s not made in a factory with millions of different chemicals I can’t pronounce. So, if fruit is going to make me fatter then I guess that is just a risk I will have to take! But, on good note fruit has not made me gain weight and has actually helped me lose weight! This means fruit is here to stay! The great benefits fruit has on the body out weight the amount of sugar in it. But, with anything it’s best to eat in moderation which is what I do. Most days I start out having a fruit. Morning fruit to me is the best. The natural sugars give me energy through my day. I also eat a fruit for my midday snack which is normally around about 3pm. At night I try staying away from fruit, but will pick up a fruit over anything else if I get unbearably hungry. In light of my new love for fruit I decided to make a delicious fruit bowl! And let me tell you something, “It tasted AMAZING!!”

 

Fruit bowl Contents:

Kiwi

Mango

Watermelon

I made the watermelons into balls by using this TOOL

The type of watermelon used is called a, “Sugar baby Watermelon” this is because it’s much smaller in size than your normal watermelon.

Also, the bowl is actually made from the watermelon. I cut the watermelon in half and scooped out the contents in order to make the bowl.

Yes, I realize I talked quite a bit about apples for there to be no apples in this fruit bowl. I just wanted there to be a twist at the end! It’s kind of like a psychological thriller! Okay, I lied, it’s not that intense! (Haha)

Fruit Makes My World Go Round

How fruit has helped me in my weight loss Journey

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Top 10 Gym Pet Peeves

Top 10 Gym Pet Peeves

Although I am in the early stages of my weight loss journey I am in no way new to the gym. Before having my son I actually lost over 100lbs by dieting and working out. (But that is a story for another time) So a lot of my past weight loss was contributed to many long hours in the gym! Honestly the gym was like my second home. Recently the gym has again become my second home. I spend every morning in the gym and it feels so good. I am happy about being back in a routine and spending time in the gym. However, there are several things I have not missed about the gym. Actually, the things I have not missed are directly related to the other people in the gym with me!! I feel that before people are allowed to sign up for the gym they must take a test on proper gym etiquette. Here is a list of things people do in the gym that really grind my gears;

  1. Wearing a large amount of cologne/perfume

Like come on!! Seriously!! Did you have to douse yourself in the entire bottle of perfume/cologne before coming into the gym? It’s hard enough to breath when getting a rigorous cardio session on…I don’t need the smell of your choice fragrance to cloud up the room! Please oh please use moderation when putting on fragrances when coming into the gym! And if you cannot use moderation please don’t workout anywhere near me! My allergies can’t handle your smell

  1. Getting on the machine directly next to me when there are plenty of the same machines available!

Seriously! Why do we need to be so close? There are eight elliptical s and they are all free, but you just have to use the one right next to me! I am not interested in being so close to you!

  1. Constantly looking over at my machine screen.

Okay, so this normally happens with the person who just has to use the machine directly next to me. The person mentioned in number nine. Please understand I am not at the gym to compete with you. I am here to work out for myself. Please stay focused on your workout and on your workout screen. My resistance, calories burned, time, ect; are none of your business. Bye Felicia!!

  1. Making loud animal noises

I get it sometimes those weights can be seriously heavy, but there is no reason to grunt like you are dying! If it’s that heavy maybe you need to go for something lighter! There is absolutely no reason I should hear you grunting over my headphones! Plus you are just freaking people out! Other people in the gym don’t know whether you are in distress or if there is a threat and they should get out of there! Tone it down a little bit!

  1. People who get in the way by staring at themselves in the mirror

Yes, you still look the same as you did when you walked in the gym. All you have done is lift a ten pound dumbbell. Please move out of my way so I can grab a dumbbell! Trust me a muscle is not going to form anytime soon and looking in the mirror won’t make it appear any faster!

  1. People who spend more time taking selfies than working out!

For goodness sake please go somewhere else to take your pictures. I really don’t want to end up in one of your pictures! It’s totally cool if you are taking one or two pictures. But taking pictures the entire time you are at the gym is a little much.

  1. People who make the gym a social event

It’s understandable that you want to speak with others around you at the gym. But, please don’t interrupt people’s workouts just because you don’t have a social life! You can normally tell if someone is interested in striking up a conversation. Also don’t come to the gym with your entire squad and stand around laughing, joking, and being obnoxious. You end up being in the way of people who are truly there to workout. There are better places than the gym to meet up with your friends.

  1. People who flirt and attempt to get dates at the gym

Please stop…..just stop! I have lost track of the amount of times I have been hit on or seen people hit on at the gym! Creepers and flirty people really mess up my workout. They make me want to leave the gym as fast as I can!

  1. People who hog the weight machines.

Dude…you have been using the same machine for like 2 hours now. Please think of other people around you who may be interested in using that machine. Using a cardio machine for an extended amount of time is understandable, but using the leg press for more than 30 minutes is just absurd!

  1. People who sit or stand stationary on machines for an extended amount of time while using their cell phone

This is just plain out rude! You can use your cell phone anywhere! Why are you taking up a machine to stand there and look at Facebook! Other people are also interested in using the equipment! Please go home!

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Santa Fe Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe

Santa Fe Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe

Sante Fe Chipotle Chicken

One of the most discouraging things about meal prepping is that after having the same meal for 5-7 days straight it gets a little boring. It is important to try and make meals you know you won’t get tired of too quickly. Think of healthy foods you can eat over and over again without issue. Or think of something you really like and if possible attempt to make it a healthy meal.

Personally, I really like Chipotle’s burrito bowls. I could literally eat them every single day without issue. However, the rice in them isn’t always a good thing. Right now as I strive to lose weight I am attempting to lower my carbohydrate intake. I have gone to Chipotle a few times since being on this weight loss journey. I have always requested light rice or no rice but I find I am spending money and barley getting any food in my bowl. So recently I decided to make my own healthy meal prep burrito bowls. Let me tell you something! They came out Amazing!!

In the case that you want to try it I have even provided my original recipe!!

Santa Fe Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe

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Print Recipe
 Santa Fe Chipotle Chicken Recipe
A simple yet delicious and healthy recipe the whole family will enjoy. This recipe is also great to use as a weekly meal prep!
Santa Fe Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep Time 15 Minutes
Cook Time 30 Minutes
Servings
People
Ingredients
Santa Fe Black Bean Medley
Chipotle Chicken
Prep Time 15 Minutes
Cook Time 30 Minutes
Servings
People
Ingredients
Santa Fe Black Bean Medley
Chipotle Chicken
Santa Fe Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe
Instructions
Steps for making the Chipotle chicken
  1. Steps for making the Chipotle chicken
  2. In a medium bowl mix the McCormick’s Grill Mates Chipotle Pepper Seasoning with ¼ cup water and ¼ cup Olive oil.
  3. Place the 4 chicken breasts in a large Ziploc bag
  4. Pour the McCormick’ Grill Mates Chipotle Pepper miranade mixture into the bag over the chicken
  5. Make sure all the chicken is coated in the sauce and place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or longer. The longer you allow it to marinade the more flavor the chicken will have.
  6. You can cook the chicken in the oven on 450 degrees for 20 minutes. Or you can place the chicken on the grill and cook on direct heat for 5-6 minutes on each side or indirect heat for 20-30 minutes
  7. Once the chicken is done cooking cut it into cubes. My Cubes were about the size of a penny and approximately 2 inches thick
  8. Although 4 chicken breasts were used you should have enough for 5 meal preps once the chicken is cut into the cubes. You can evenly distribute the chicken to your meal prep container.
Steps for making the Sante Fe Black Bean Medley
  1. Drain the can of black beans and rinse with water. Place beans in a large bowl
  2. Drain the corn and place corn together in the bowl with the drained black beans
  3. Add the ¼ Cup Chopped diced red onion, 1/3 Cup Chopped Cilantro, and ½ Cup chopped fresh spinach to the large bowl with the corn and black beans
  4. Gently mix all the ingredients together
  5. The Medley doesn’t have to be cooked which makes this super easy!
Recipe Notes

You can mix the chicken and Santa Fe medley together or you can have the chicken on one side and the Santa Fe Medley on the other. It is completely up to you. Also, you can warm up the medley and the chicken together in the microwave if you make this as a meal prep. Don’t worry warming it up won’t affect anything. It will taste just as delicious!!

For a little added flavor you may also add Guacamole or sour cream to this meal!

Please click HERE if you would like to purchase the McCormick's Chipotle Pepper Seasoning Marinade. You may also be able to purchase it at your local grocery store.

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Meal Prep Without losing your Mind

How to Meal Prep Without Losing your Mind

7 Simple Steps

7 Simple Steps to Meal Prep

  1. Always Plan ahead
  • Know what you are going to prepare for the week before going to the store. I try to have an idea of what I am going to cook one week prior. So, for instance while I am prepping this week’s meals I am already thinking about what I can make next week. I may not decide on everything at that very moment but, I have a pretty good idea on what I will make. When you know for sure what you plan to prepare write it down so you won’t forget.

 

  1. Make a list
  • Before heading to the store make a list. Be sure to know exactly what you are going to cook. Write down a list of all the ingredients you will need. While at the store try and stick to your list. Also make sure to list any snack items you may need. Before heading to the checkout rundown your list and ensure you picked up everything.

 

  1. Keep It simple
  • The worst thing you can do when trying to prep is to make an extravagant lavished 5 star restaurant meal. Firstly, a meal like that will have you in the kitchen for hours. Secondly, the meals may not be as tasty the next day. Remember you are prepping your meals for the near future, and not for the here and now. Make sure to use simple ingredients and foods that will last in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Also, pre-cut your fruits and veggies. I use my food processor to chop my peppers and onions with sometimes. Then I place them in a container or freeze them until I am ready to use them

Pre-Chopped Veggies

 

  1. Go for what you know
  • Don’t try and make a recipe with multiple different ingredients. Try and prepare meals you are good at. Put a few seasonings on your chicken and simply bake it. You don’t have to pan sear your chicken and add rosemary and freshly chopped garlic. If you want to do that, and you are comfortable with it go for it. If you are just starting your meal prep journey take it slow. Go for what you know. Don’t cause yourself to become overwhelmed.

7 day meal prep

  1. Pick a good day
  • Find a day in your schedule that allows you enough time to prep your meals. It’s never good to have a time restraint on your prep time. You may set a goal for yourself to complete your prep in one hour. However, if you cannot complete it in that duration there should be nothing stopping you from continuing. Also make sure you aren’t prepping your meals too far in advance. My rule of thumb is all my meals must be consumed within seven days from the day they were cooked. So, prepping two weeks in advance just isn’t a good idea. You don’t want your food to spoil. I prep my meals every Sunday afternoon. My last meal is normally consumed on Friday Afternoon.

 

  1. It’s better to over prepare than under prepare.
  • Make sure to always purchase and prepare enough food for your entire week. If you have a five day work week make sure to have enough for for five days. If you only have enough food to prep for four days you run into a chance of “cheating” on your fifth day. Or you will be scurrying around the kitchen trying to find something to throw together for that additional meal. If you over prep that is fine. You can use the additional ingredients for your dinner or for a weekend meal.

7 day meal prep

  1. Have Fun!
  • Meal prep should be fun. It should be exhilarating! I look forward to prepping my meals on Sunday! I can’t wait to see how my meals are going to turn out. I find excitement in shopping for my ingredients and putting them altogether! I find meal prep to be somewhat of an art. I enjoy growing and challenging myself to try new foods each week.

 

 

But remember start slow!!

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Meal Prep at its Best

Meal Prep At its BestMeal Prep

This week’s featured meal prep is one of my favorites. Not only did I enjoy making these meals, but I also enjoyed consuming them. I find pleasure in using a variety of seasonings to make my food savory and satisfying. On this particular day I was making collard greens for dinner and decided I also wanted some through the week. I simply incorporated my collard greens into my meal prep. On this day I also had a surplus of food once I finished prepping my meals. I used the leftover ingredients to make dinner with for that day and through the week. I would much rather end up with a surplus of food at the end of my prep, then to run out halfway through. I can’t imagine having to run to the grocery store midway through my prepping. No thank you!

Meal prep at its best

I once again have two different meals for this week. In meal one there is seasoned baked salmon and broccoli. In meal two there is cubed pork shoulder with collard greens. I prepared the pork shoulder in the crock pot. It was so full of flavor and super tender. For this week I decided to stay away from carbohydrates in my meals.  The featured meal prep only took me an hour and a half to make. And it only cost me about $45.00 for all the ingredients.

Meal prep at its Best I personally know a young lady from my previous job who paid a company to prep her meals. The cost of this service was quite outrageous. She was desperate to lose weight and felt she didn’t have enough time to prep her meals. I understand her reasons for using this service. However, I would never personally do thMeal prep at its Best is. I know I am capable of finding time to prep my meals. I feel we are all capable of finding the time. Also, she advised me the meals weren’t that delicious. I am here to tell you, eating healthy doesn’t have to be subpar. There are plenty of wonderful seasonings you can add to your food without the risk of adding fat or carbohydrates. Lastly, why spend money on food you don’t really like? Meal prep takes time and can seem overwhelming. Trust me, once you get into the habit of prepping your meals it becomes easy! Save your money and enjoy your food.

Meal prep at its Best

 

Check out my website for more great meal preps! If you can’t figure out what to make hopefully my meals will inspire you!

 

Meal prep at its best

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Sunday Strawberry Parfait

Sunday Strawberry Parfait

As a child I remember waking up on Sunday morning to the aroma of bacon and pancakes. My mom would always go all out for Sunday breakfast and dinner. We always knew Sunday was a day for church, good food, fellowship, and naps.

Sunday Strawberry Parfait

As an adult I have not carried on the traditional well. My family still attends church. However, most mornings we are rushing out the house. I don’t wake up early enough to make breakfast for my family. I barely make it up in enough time to get myself ready.

After this Sunday I have made a decision to start changing the way I do things. I want to start waking up earlier. I want to have breakfast prepared for my family. I don’t want to have just any old food prepared I want to have healthy and creative foods arranged. When my son wakes up I want him to be just as excited about Sunday morning breakfast as I was growing up.

I was recently inspired to be more creative with foods when I decided to make a parfait. I was looking in my fridge for something different to eat. I didn’t want the normal cold cereal. I wanted something light, filling, and exciting. My desire for a change is what led me to become creative. After about fifteen minutes of looking through my fridge I pulled out Strawberries and Greek yogurt. I was simply going to settle for throwing the strawberries in the yogurt and eating it like that. But, I felt that was boring so I looked in my pantry and found some granola. At that moment I knew what I was making! It was also super random that I had those ingredients in my house, but it worked out for the best.

Next Sunday I plan on making another type of breakfast Parfait. I am not sure exactly what it will consist of, but I am excited to get my creative juices flowing.

Strawberry Parfait

Ingredients:

Strawberries

Granola

Greek Yogurt

I didn’t measure anything as I went so I can’t provide a formal recipe for this creation. Next time I will measure so I can provide a recipe!!

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Vacation Pitfall

Vacation Pitfall

Vacation food

Last week my family and I went on a mini trip to North Carolina. The main reason for our trip was the death of my Uncle. We knew my uncle wasn’t doing well. We knew his time on this earth with us was limited. It was no shock to us when we received the grave news of his passing. We went to North Carolina not to mourn his death, but to celebrate his great life! We rejoiced in knowing my uncle is no longer in pain, and that he is in heaven with the Lord Almighty!

We drove to North Carolina which was about a 9 hour drive. I knew this trip was going to make it challenging to stay committed to eating healthy. How was I supposed to keep fruits,
veggies, and meat fresh during a nine hour trip? I figured I would just order healthy foods when we stopped to eat. I must say the first day I did pretty well with this. I stayed away from carbs and ate healthy items.

Well…..the next day proved to be a little more difficult. However, my mom was a huge support and encouraged me to workout with her in the morning. I woke up early in the morning and hit the elliptical! It felt so nice to wake up and start my day with a workout. After the nice workout it was time for breakfast. Lucky for us my husband booked a hotel with a breakfast buffet! (Sarcasm) The buffet was my weakness. I told myself that my workout would make up for eating the delicious biscuits and gravy. I was just justifying my desire to indulge in foods I knew I shouldn’t have. Later that day we went to the memorial service for my uncle. After the Fried Chicken service there was food! If you have ever been to an African American event where there is family, you already know there is going to be tons of food.  Well, my will power was gone and I ate food I know I should have avoided.

To make matters worse……the next day of our vacation (Day 3) was my birthday! So, let’s just say that day wasn’t a good healthy eating day for me either! On day four it was time to head home and I was tired of eating unhealthy food. But I made a huge mistake. I failed to plan! I arrived home to no healthy food choices in my house and no meals prepped for the week.  The last couple days I have rushed out the house to get to work. I haven’t eaten food uRoad Tripntil way after 1:00 pm and I haven’t made good choices. However, I know the mistakes I have made, and I know what has to be done! It’s time to get back on track! Today, Friday June 24, 2016 I have started my detox cleanse! I am excited to be back on track!

Next vacation I will pack a cooler with healthy foods, and I will strive to make healthy choices. We live and we learn! Slipping a little bit has only made me more dedicated to getting back on track! My GPS is set back on course. My weight loss journey is still in full swing! I refuse to give up!

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The Bento Box of Healthy Snacks

The Bento box of healthy snacks has brought me through a rough week. I spent a lot of time driving for work this week. While on the road I don’t have a microwave. This makes it impossible for me to warm up my prepped lunches. Some people don’t mind eating cold or room temperature food, but I do. This week I had to rely a lot on my snacks. Having snacks on hand made it super easy to fly past fast food establBento Box healthy Snacks ishments. My snacks were able to hold me over until I arrived back at work or another destination where I could warm up my lunch.
Snacks have become an important part of my weight loss journey. I never realized just how important snacks are. I used to eat two very large meals per day. Those meals were most times lunch and dinner. I would never snack in-between. Most days by the time dinner rolled around I would be so famished that I would over indulge and have two and three helpings of food. Snacking through the day has prevented me from feeling so hungry by dinner time. This has overall assisted me in properly portioning my food.

One important thing about packing snacks is ensuring you pack items you Watermelon snack actually like. One healthy snack I don’t like is rice cakes. I will eat a rice cake but I will not enjoy it. So when it comes to having a pack of rice cakes on hand, and a vending machine a few steps away, I am headed for the vending machine. To detour me from death trap of snacks (Vending Machine) I take time in planning out snacks that I would like to have. My Bento box allows me to pack a variety of different snacks in different compartments while keeping everything together.  Now that is convenience at its best! If you would like to purchase one of the Bento boxes featured in the pictures you can do so HERE

 

This week’s snacksBento Box Healthy snacks

Green Grapes

Watermelon

White Cheddar Cubes

Trail Mix

 

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Meal Prep June 6, 2016

Meal Prep June 6, 2016

This is going to be another wonderful week! I have all my meals prepped and I am very excited about how they turned out. Over the weekend I thought about what I wanted to make for this week. I knew I wanted to stay away from chicken because I’ve had it the last 2 weeks. I dislike eating the same thing repetitively. I want to be semi excited about what I have for lunch. Having a nasty or repetitive lunch makes it easier for temptation to set in.

On Sunday I spent about 2 hours in the kitchen prepping my meals. Before prepping I had to run to the store and pick up some ingredients. The worse part about this week’s meal prep was my trip to the store. I noticed the clouds getting really dark and I could tell it was going to rain. I quickly went to the store and tried to get through the aisles as fast as I could. I made it through the entire store and got to the register. Right as I was cashing out the rain came with a vengeance. Lucky for me I had my umbrella. The only issue is the umbrella didn’t shield my sandals from getting all wet and my feet slipping. It also didn’t prevent the bottom of my long church dress from getting soaked. But, all in all I made it home with my ingredients. Granted, I was wet tired and cold. All I really wanted to do is lay down and take a Sunday nap. But, I knew that wasn’t in the cards if I wanted to complete my prepping. So, I got into my comfy cooking clothes and I hit the kitchen!!

Meal Prep June 6, 2016

Meal 1:

Spaghetti Zucchini

Turkey Meatballs

Tomato Sauce

Turkey Meatballs

 

Meal 2:

Olive oil fried Cabbage

Italian Pork Sausage

Cabbage and Sausage

 

Snacks:

Cherries

Celery

Fuji Apple Slices

Trail mix

Make sure to check out my snack Box on Wednesday!

 

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The Snack Box

Sitting at a desk and working behind a computer screen can be a daunting task. Mindlessly sitting for hours at a time can make a person seriously hungry. I am the type of person who gets more work done while I snack. But, things have changed. I can’t reach for that bag of chips anymore. I can’t even indulge in a beautiful sprinkled yellow and pink frosted Doughnut! I have to make better choices. The simple thought of that doughnut has my mouth watering. But, I know ultimately it’s not worth it. This journey to fitness and me being healthy means much more to me.

The Snack Box

In order to combat my desire to snack on chips, doughnuts, candy, cookies, and the other large array of junk food that is readily available in my office I have started packing a special box. Known as “the Snack box” In this box I pack fruits, trail mix, cheese cubes, and all the other healthy yummy food you can think of. Anytime I feel hungry or a craving coming on, I simply pop open my Snack box and let the snacking begin. The box you see in the picture is also known as a “Bento box” or “Laptop Lunch system” I brought mine several years ago and it has withstood the test of time. You can check them out and purchase one (Here)  The Snack Box

I love that I can snack throughout my day and not fill guilty. I also enjoy coming up with new healthy foods to put in my “Snack Box”. Having my box filled with healthy snacks helps me to stay away from all the unhealthy snacks floating around my office. It also helps me avoid the dreaded vending machine!!

Make sure to come back and check out my other snack box combinations!!

In this box:

  • Strawberries
  • Celery
  • Trail Mix -Trader Joe’s View here 
  • Turkey sausage
  • Cheese Cubes

Snack Box

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using this link.

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