Day 24 - I Made It!

It is Day 24.  I made it.  And, by making it, I mean that I made a quinoa salad.  I bought a deli quinoa salad at Byerly's yesterday that was SO delicious ( I truly don't know if it was as good as I thought or if I was just super hungry and ate it in my car).  Anyway, I wanted to buy it again today, but decided that I would just dust off the bag of quinoa that I have had in my pantry for over a year (it really does keep very well) and make my own.

Don't get me wrong, I honestly thought it would end up tasting similar to the hard boiled eggs and Greek yogurt fiasco.  My test kitchen does not have a great track record.  Well, guess what?  IT DID NOT (read that last sentence like Forest Gump would say it...it sounds fun when you do it that way...now add Lt. Dan at the end).  I have to say that it was delicious!  I won the quinoa salad making contest that I had with myself.  I won it!!!

 

I looked up the word quinoa, hoping that it was a word with a beautiful meaning behind it...like aloha or mahalo or something like that.   Something that would tie this entire challenge together for me.  Nope, it is a grain crop grown for its edible seeds.  Nothing too sexy about that, huh?  Oh well. But, who knows, maybe it does translate into something deeper and I just don't know it. I think for now, I will act like it does means something more...a great ending, a wonderful journey, possibly a new beginning or maybe something in between.

 

Thank you for reading my ramblings throughout this challenge.  I really appreciate it.  Now, let's go get life and enjoy it!

Quinoa,
Cathy

 

Interested in doing a Group 24 Day Challenge? 
My friend Liz Blom, registered Dietitian, wellness coach and AdvoCare Independent Distributor will be starting a new 24 Day Challenge group on Tuesday, April 7th.  She will kick off the 24 days with a intro party that will include snack ideas, meal prep and 24 Day Challenge review.  So, if you are interested in joining this group, please contact her at healthygirlliz@comcast.net or check out her nutrition and wellness page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 24 - Keen -WA

I linked to some of the products for detailed product information.

1st thing in the morning  - Advocare Catalyst, AdvoCare Orange Spark and a banana
30 minutes before breakfast - MNS^® (color pack)

Breakfast - Egg whites, kale and spinach with a pinch of Parmesan on a whole wheat english muffin

Snack -Almonds and AdvoCare Orange Spark
30 minutes before lunch - MNS^® (color pack)

Lunch - Quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms and parmesan  MNS^® (both white packs)

Snack - AdvoCare Chocolate Meal Replacement Shake with strawberries and Kale and Spinach

Dinner - Mediterranean quinoa salad with a dash of Parmesan and grilled chicken breast

Celebration for completing 24 days - 2 cocktails with my lady friends

Throughout the day...lots of water

Day 23 - I Look Forward to Day 25, Yet I Fear It

This is what day 23 looks like, my friends.  Yes, day 23 in all of its quinoa salad glory.  I ate this. In fact, I ate this in my car.  Always on the run. Running children around to all of their sports and what not.  BUT, this might be the healthiest thing to date that I have eaten on the run. I have to say that it is very, very tasty.  It has sort of a fried rice texture about it, yet healthy, healthy and healthy...and healthy.  And tasty.  I added a little pinch of Parmesan to spice things up.

 

Tomorrow is day 24.  As much as I look very forward to days 25 and beyond, I also fear these days ahead.  I am super excited to eat things that are not always water soluble and possibly lick the super cheesy side of a Dorito...whenever I choose.  But, actually, my intention will be to continue challenging myself to stick to a healthy lifestyle. I have traveled to the dark side of the moon and back on this challenge and survived to talk about it.  I have come too far to go back to my old ways.  Say it after me...baaaaaaaaaaaalance.  I will practice true balance, my friends.  Healthy, healthy and healthy with a little side of whatever the healthy I want - now and again..  This is also known as the 85/15 rule.  I just made that percentage split up as my own (because I can't remember if it is 90/10 or 80/20).  So, 85% of the time, I am all about clean eating.  15% - I said it once, I will say it again...whatever I want.  Whatever. I. want.  I just need to remain calm and things should work out. 

Let's GO GET DAY 24!!!!! WAHOOOO!!!!!

Interested in doing a Group 24 Day Challenge? 
My friend Liz Blom, registered Dietitian, wellness coach and AdvoCare Independent Distributor will be starting a new 24 Day Challenge group on Tuesday, April 7th.  She will kick off the 24 days with a intro party that will include snack ideas, meal prep and 24 Day Challenge review.  So, if you are interested in joining this group, please contact her at healthygirlliz@comcast.net or check out her nutrition and wellness page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 22 - Everyday is a Winding Road

I linked to some of the products for detailed product information.

1st thing in the morning  - Advocare Catalyst, AdvoCare Orange Spark and a banana
30 minutes before breakfast - MNS^® (color pack)

Breakfast - Egg whites, kale and spinach with a pinch of Parmesan

Snack -Almonds and AdvoCare Orange Spark
30 minutes before lunch - MNS^® (color pack)

Lunch - Whole wheat english muffin with slices of honey turkey, pepper jack cheese and field greens  MNS^® (both white packs)

Snack - AdvoCare Vanilla Meal Replacement Shake with pineapple and Kale and Spinach

Dinner - Mediterranean quinoa salad with a dash of Parmesan

Evening/After Dinner- Light hot cocoa

Throughout the day...lots of water

Day 22 - The Struggle is Real

Hahahah!  Not really. But, it was fun to say that the struggle is real.  My teenager would roll his eyes at me right now. Yeah, it is not so much a struggle, as you know, a challenge.

OK, so look at me in all of my fanciness, talking yesterday in my blog about how I found my groove.  How once I hit Day 19, things just sort of felt more natural.  Look at how fancy that sounds.  Today, is Day 22 and I would like nothing better than to eat one (or at least 3) of the cookies that I made my dear sweet, children.  They are loaded with butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, m&m's, oatmeal and packed with absolute deliciousness.

I made them a few days ago, as a treat for lunches this week.  The only problem...they keep staring at me.  They call out my name is the middle of the night.  My point, every single day is a challenge.  Some of these days are pretty easy, filled with fresh fruit and vegetables.  Other days, are a little more challenging, filled instead with dreams of frosting and cookies...or cookies dipped in frosting.  It really just depends on the day.

I told you that the cookies are constantly staring at me. It's not just me, right?

I've got a few schools of thought on this cookie business.  My first and usual thought (devil on my shoulder) is - LIFE IS TOO SHORT - just eat that glorious cookie.  My other thought (determined, sweettoothless angel on my shoulder) - LIFE IS TOO SHORT...TO GIVE UP THAT EASILY.  And, if I gave in every single time I used the excuse that life is too (which I was a firm believer in a month ago), I would be right back where I started 22 days ago.

I LOVE(D) to say that. I could find an excuse to celebrate and or ease my sorrows away with a glass of wine or chips and guac or cookies EVERY SINGLE DAY.  It didn't happen every SINGLE day, but I could make up a reason.  I am the best at it.  It is warm outside.  It is cold outside.  It is the first day of summer.  It is the last day of summer.  We need to go over our budget.  Let's grab a glass of wine to make it more fun.  It's National Puppy Day, we should have cookies.  I don't ever, ever remember inserting "let's cut up some watermelon and share it" to any of these situations.  But, going forward, I am planning on giving it a try.

I have had my fair share of ups and downs during these 24 days.  I have definitely been challenged...that is for sure.  But, for the most part, I have stuck to my plan. I have resisted FAR MORE than I have given in.  And, knowing that I committed to 24 days, makes it easier to just keep making healthy choices.  I have come along way. We should cut up some watermelon and celebrate!

Interested in doing a Group 24 Day Challenge? 
My friend Liz Blom, registered Dietitian, wellness coach and AdvoCare Independent Distributor will be starting a new 24 Day Challenge group on Tuesday, April 7th.  She will kick off the 24 days with a intro party that will include snack ideas, meal prep and 24 Day Challenge review.  So, if you are interested in joining this group, please contact her at healthygirlliz@comcast.net or check out her nutrition and wellness page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 22 - Everyday is a Winding Road

I linked to some of the products for detailed product information.

1st thing in the morning  - Advocare Catalyst, AdvoCare Orange Spark and a banana
30 minutes before breakfast - MNS^® (color pack)

Breakfast - 2 mini whole wheat pitas with slice of turkey breast and field greens

Snack -Almonds and AdvoCare Coffecino
30 minutes before lunch - MNS^® (color pack)

Lunch - Toam-yum soup with shrimp - I am obsessed with this soup.  Apparently, it has many health benefits as well.  MNS^® (both white packs)

Snack - 2 rice cakes with spicy hummus

Dinner - Salad with sliced apples, chicken breast, onion and a dash of Parmesan cheese

Evening/After Dinner- Who knows?  Will it be those cookies?  oh, HAIL no.

Throughout the day...lots of water

Day 21 - Breaking Down the Challenge

 A look back the 24 Day Challenge...

Day 1-10 - The Cleanse Phase

This is all about eating clean (and sort of getting clean).  These 10 days are filled with not only eating whole foods (fruits, vegetables, carbs made from whole wheat and lean protein), but also removing quite a few items from the old diet.  My biggest challenge during these 10 days were eliminating cocktails, Diet Coke, candy and french baguettes (that one is weird, huh?  I really didn't know how much I love the french baguette on a Sunday evening with dinner and a glass of wine).  Giving up coffee wasn't that big of a deal, because I just enjoyed tea instead.  While I enjoy a nice, icy Diet Coke, I do tend to feel gross after I drink one.  Substituting the AdvoCare Spark and my favorite beverage (a nice crisp, bubbly H2O with lemons and limes) really helped ease my longings for Diet Coke.  I am not sure I was actually as hungry as I imagined or just panicked that I was going to get hungry.  My biggest challenge was watching everyone around me indulge.  I learned to ease this pain, but choosing some of my favorite healthy food items.  I found out that being prepared, having fresh fruit and vegetables on hand and trying a bunch of new recipes really helps.

Day 11-24 - The Max Phase

During this part of the challenge, I started to incorporate supplements and vitamins throughout the day, while still sticking to eating as clean as possible. A few days in, I could feel a change in my energy level.  But, it honestly took me until about Day 19 to feel like I had hit my groove.  I can understand why it is a 24 day challenge.  At this point, I know things are going to stick with me.  I do feel like I was very prepared during most of this challenge, but everything just seems to feel more natural at this point.  I have also found that I don't have to actually miss out.  By modifying, I can still enjoy most things.  I was really craving tacos the other day, after watching my daughter eat Taco Bell.  So, tonight I made a taco salad.  I don't feel like I missed out.  The only thing that I might have missed out on is the guacamole, because I forgot to buy it. 

And, of course, there is always that 80/20 rule or 90/10...whatever it is.  Indulge a little.  Keep it balanced.  Sometimes you just need to go get that Taco Bell or bag of Skittles and eat it (and enjoy it or let it gross you out) and then MOVE ON, get on and eat healthy again.  It doesn't have to be a downward spiral just because you indulged a little.  Life is FAR TOO SHORT.  My friend Tricia once said "you can always turn things around starting with your very next meal".  She is a very smart lady.  No need to beat yourself up, just turn it around and move on.

My AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge ends this Thursday.

Interested in doing a Group 24 Day Challenge? 
My friend Liz Blom, registered Dietitian, wellness coach and AdvoCare Independent Distributor will be starting a new 24 Day Challenge group on Tuesday, April 7th.  She will kick off the 24 days with a intro party that will include snack ideas, meal prep and 24 Day Challenge review.  So, if you are interested in joining this group, please contact her at healthygirlliz@comcast.net or check out her nutrition and wellness page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 21 - Oh, the memories...the sweet, sweet memories

I linked to some of the products for detailed product information.

1st thing in the morning  - Advocare Catalyst, AdvoCare Organge Spark and a banana
30 minutes before breakfast - MNS^® (color pack)

Breakfast - Oatmeal and raspberries and an AdvoCare Coffecino

Snack -Almonds
30 minutes before lunch - MNS^® (color pack)

Lunch - Toam-yum soup with shrimp - I am obsessed with this soup.  Apparently, it has many health benefits as well.  MNS^® (both white packs)

Snack - AdvoCare Vanilla Meal Replacement Shake blended with kale, spinach, strawberries and a banana

Dinner - Taco salad - lettuce, salsa, pico de gallo, banana peppers, shredded cheese and 93% lean ground beef

Evening/After Dinner- Air popped popcorn and an H20

Throughout the day...lots of water

Day 20 - Just 4 Days To Go

I can not believe that I am on day 20 already.  I must say that while I have had my share of weak moments and longings for Doritos and sugar, I couldn't be happier that I took this AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge.  I feel like I have found my groove and I am back in control of my nutrition.  Honestly, I was not doing that on my own.  I needed something to force me back into a healthy, balanced mindset.  I will admit that it has been a challenge, especially on the weekends.  But, had I not taken this leap, I would still be giving it the old "I will start tomorrow" business.

I know that I talk about the AdvoCare products that I use (now and have used for the last few years), but not sure that I do the best job explaining their benefits. I mean most of the time I am too busy sharing what I ate during the day or what recipe I may have severely messed up. I do feel like these products deserve a little time in the spotlight. 

The other day, I saw an AdvoCare spot on Facebook that quickly described many of the products that I talk about and love.  One of my favorite products is called Catalyst.  I have used Catalyst for the past few years, as a supplement to support my muscles.  I love to run (like Forest Gump love to run) and can honestly say that I feel a difference when I use Catalyst. 

I love to write stories about funny things that happen, but when it comes to product education, I am super boring.  I would start off by talking about the benefits of the fiber drink and end up telling you that I was stalking my teenager on Twitter and accidentally retweeted his Tweet.  See, I am not good.  So, with that being said, I thought that I would let the professionals do the important part and that I would share their information with you.  So, in case you wanted a quick overview about some of these products that I throw into my blog...here you go.

My AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge ends this Thursday. I know much of my success has been doing this challenge with a group of friends.  If you are interested in joining the next group on April 7th, read on...

Interested in doing the 24 Day Challenge? 
My friend Liz Blom, registered Dietitian, wellness coach and AdvoCare Independent Distributor will be starting a new 24 Day Challenge group on Tuesday, April 7th.  She will kick off the 24 days with a intro party that will include snack ideas, meal prep and 24 Day Challenge review.  So, if you are interested in joining this group, please contact her at healthygirlliz@comcast.net or check out her nutrition and wellness page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 20 - Sunday Funday

I linked to some of the products for detailed product information.

1st thing in the morning  - Advocare Catalyst 
30 minutes before breakfast - MNS^® (color pack)

Breakfast - Mini whole wheat pita with field greens and turkey

Snack -Almonds and AdvoCare Orange Spark
30 minutes before lunch - MNS^® (color pack)

Lunch - Salad with tomatoes, hard boiled egg, slice of ham chopped up, banana peppers, mushrooms and mozzarella cheese. Light Italian dressing. MNS^® (both white packs)

Snack - AdvoCare Vanilla Meal Replacement Shake blended with kale, spinach and a banana

Dinner - Grilled chicken breast, tomato and cucumbers mixed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and brown rice

Evening/After Dinner- Air popped popcorn

Throughout the day...lots of water

Day 19 - Boulevard of Broken Blenders

Of all of the things that I have come to know and love during my AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge, the AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shakes are my favorite.  It is weird because I have NEVER been a drink my calories type of lady (unless you are talking Margaritas).  Over the last few days, I have fallen into a routine of having a salad for lunch and then about mid afternoon, I make a shake.  It brings great excitement to my day.  I look forward to these shakes and I love them.

My family has also jumped on-board the AdvoCare Meal Replacement shake train.  They also love them.   We make each other taste our new concoctions.  I feel like each of us tries to up our game to have the tastiest shake.

So, the blender has seen quite a bit of action in the last 19 days.  I had just gotten back from the store with a bag of frozen bing cherries.  I was about to win the Marxen AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shake concoction game.  I put everything in the blender, hit the button, there was a moment of blending and then nothing.  It died.  It just stopped working.  I tell you what...my plans have failed miserably over the past few days (sneaking popcorn in the basketball game, egg salad made with Greek yogurt, etc).  I think all of these failed plans is making me a stronger woman, forced to think on the fly or at best, come up with a new plan.  There is no way that I was going to not have this shake.  I had been thinking about it for the past 1.5 hours.

So, I checked for a back up blender.  Nothing.  And there it is was...out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the Cuisinart mini-prep plus.  My old veggie chopper, used for soup prep.  Within seconds, I had dumped everything into the Cuisinart.  I was back on track.  YOU CAN NOT KEEP A GOOD WOMAN DOWN.  It was so delicious.  So messy, but so, so delicious.

Interested in doing the 24 Day Challenge? 
My friend Liz Blom, registered Dietitian, wellness coach and AdvoCare Independent Distributor will be starting a new 24 Day Challenge group on Tuesday, April 7th.  She will kick off the 24 days with a kick off party that will include snack ideas, meal prep and 24 Day Challenge review.  So, if you are interested in joining this group, please contact her at healthygirlliz@comcast.net or check out her nutrition and wellness page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 19 - I outlasted my blender - I both win AND lose

I linked to some of the products for detailed product information.

1st thing in the morning  - Advocare Catalyst and AdvoCare Orange Spark
30 minutes before breakfast - MNS^® (color pack)

Breakfast - Mini whole wheat with field greens and turkey

Snack -Banana and grapes
30 minutes before lunch - MNS^® (color pack)

Lunch - Salad with tomatoes, hard boiled egg, slice of ham chopped up, banana peppers, mushrooms and mozzarella cheese. Light Italian dressing. MNS^® (both white packs)

Snack - AdvoCare Vanilla Meal Replacement Shake blended with kale, spinach and bing cherries

Dinner - Bennihana(need to look up the menu online)

Evening/After Dinner- Maybe a little air popped popcorn or a low fat hot chocolate or a little bit of fruit with a splash of almond milk.  Who really knows?

Throughout the day...lots of water

Day 18 - I Will Never Lay Face Down In a Bag of Candy Corn Again

You know movies about prisoners (or maybe you know actual prisoners - doesn't really matter), and it shows them in their cell, laying on their bed, talking to their cellmate?  They are completely remorseful and like "when I get out of here, I am going to be a better person" or "I am never going to steal again."?  You know what I am talking about, right?  Minus the orange jumpsuit and the actual prison, that is my life right now.


Not to the extent of "when I am done with this challenge, I will never lay face down in a bag of candy corn again."  But, kind of and sort of.  I was thinking today, that once I get out into the real world, filled with Doritos and artichoke dip, how much easier it will be to manage my nutrition.  19+ days ago, I didn't really think I was that off balance.  In retrospect, I wasn't eating all that great, but adding a salad here or a chicken breast and grilled veggie there, which made me think that I was balancing things out.  I was not.  I think it has taken me 18 days to figure that out.  I went into this thinking that I was eating healthy and adding in crappy food, but I think maybe it was the other way around (for the most part).

Well, 18 days later, I see the light.  I am a changed woman.  I look forward to my release from the 24 Day Challenge next Thursday and a fresh start.  Don't get me wrong, I am human and I love drinks and yummy food, but after these past few weeks, I will be able to move forward with a better game plan to my food filled days.  Being able to really understand how many times a day I was ready to pop something into my mouth without thinking, was pretty eye opening. But, without doing this challenge, for this long, I don't think I would have understood.

I have lost weight, my clothes fit better, I really do feel incredible.  This hasn't been as easy as I thought, but SO worth it.  I know that the habits that I have formed will stick with me.  It feels good to have control again, even if it was by being under the control of this challenge.

The vitamins and supplements are also giving me incredible energy and a sense of balance (sounds weird, but true).  My husband told me that he has noticed I am in a good mood a lot.  Not as much up and down (even I will admit that I noticed it too).  My hair was damaged and had quite a bit of breakage before I started this challenge.  I have seen incredible improvement and growth in just these past 18 days (a few of my friends have commented on it as well).  My skin is smoother and I know that the Omega Plex is responsible for that.

Let's go get Day 24!!


Interested in doing the 24 Day Challenge? 
My friend Liz Blom, registered Dietitian, wellness coach and AdvoCare Independent Distributor will be starting a new 24 Day Challenge group on Tuesday, April 7th.  She will kick off the 24 days with a kick off party that will include snack ideas, meal prep and 24 Day Challenge review.  So, if you are interested in joining this group, please contact her at healthygirlliz@comcast.net or check out her nutrition and wellness page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 17 - Selfie Stick vs. Camera Phone timers = lunch time controversy

I linked to some of the products for detailed product information.

1st thing in the morning  - Advocare Catalyst and AdvoCare Orange Spark and a banana
30 minutes before breakfast - MNS^® (color pack)

Breakfast - Banana, Grapes and Almonds

Snack -Whole wheat mini pita and turkey
30 minutes before lunch - MNS^® (color pack)

Lunch - Salad with tomatoes, banana peppers, mushrooms and mozzarella cheese. Light Italian dressing. MNS^® (both white packs)

Snack - AdvoCare Vanilla Meal Replacement Shake blended with kale, spinach and banana

Dinner -Toam-yum soup from Sawatdee

Evening/After Dinner -Air popped popcorn.

Throughout the day...lots of water