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

Day 17 - How Is Your "Lifestyle" Going?

Here we are, Day 17 of the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge.  Things are chugging along nicely on this end.  Healthy eating, exercise and  moments of doubt and an occasional craving to rip the Taco Bell Doritos Locos taco out of my daughter's hand and shove it in my mouth (I just wrote that, didn't I)?

A week or so ago, my friend Rachel asked me to go out for lunch with her.  Before she had really even finished asking me to lunch, she added "or should we wait until you are done with your diet?"  Since I was on the cleanse portion of the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge (days 1-10), I was eating whole foods, such as fruits, veggies, carbs in whole wheat form and lean protein. No alcohol, Diet Coke, candy, sugar, fried foods, limited dairy, etc.  I told her that unless we were planning on drinking liquor over lunch, I was in. I am not opposed, I just couldn't during days 1-10.  I replied that if we were just a couple of ladies out in the suburbs enjoying a healthy lunch, of course I was in.  Honestly, if you try hard enough, you can eat healthy just about anywhere.  I also told her that the 24 Day Challenge is not a diet for me, but my hope is that it turns into a "lifestyle".  My goal is not to go on a crash diet, but to take control of my nutrition.  By tweaking my nutrition and choices and turning it into a lifestyle, the weight loss will happen on its own (I have already seen results on the scale and in how my clothes are fitting).

So, we had ourselves a really good time and a healthy lunch. Funny enough, Rachel is working on her own nutrition plan, so we had a lot to talk about.  We talked about the usual stuff, like recipe ideas, secrets sticking to healthy eating and whether the selfie stick is better than the self timer on a camera phone.  Our other lovely lady friend who was lunching along with us, Rosario, let it slip to our server that it was Rachel's birthday.  To our surprise, cheesecake was delivered to our table (because we are strong women, we declined that lovely slice of heaven), along with happy birthday blaring out over the sound system, and a visit by Rosario's infamous selfie stick. Yes, the selfie stick won against the camera phone self timer.  Good friends, good food and a fully functioning selfie stick...what's not to love?

I saw Rachel a few days ago and she asked me how my "lifestyle" was going.  I just love her.  She gets me.

EXCITING NEWS
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 - AdvoCare Vanilla Meal Replacement Shake blended with kale, spinach and pineapple

Snack - Nature Valley Granola Peanut Butter Granola bar
30 minutes before lunch - MNS^® (color pack)

Lunch - Salad with chicken breast, lots of vegetables, light dressing and sunflower seeds MNS^® (both white packs)

Snack - Air popped popcorn and AdvoCare Orange Spark

Dinner - I will be challenged tonight. I am going to a "team meeting" for my daughter and the dinner choice is a pizza buffet at a local pizza place.  Who knows what will happen? Who knows?

Evening/After Dinner -Who knows?  Time will tell.  I just know that it won't be beer, wine, candy, sugar, cookies, chips, candy or Diet Coke or beer or any of the other stuff that I hate to love.

Throughout the day...lots of water

Day 16 - The Salad Days

Wahoo!  And, I repeat WAHOO!  I am on day 16 of the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge. 8 DAYS LEFT!

You might be wondering why I named this post "The Salad Days."  I bet you instantly thought of how Cleopatra used the phrase in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra.  Not really.  I know enough about Shakespeare's work to be dangerous, but actually didn't know that is where it came from until I Googled it.  But then, no, maybe you were thinking of when H.I. McDunnough uses the expression in Raising Arizona.  Closer.  That movie did come to mind when I thought of the title.  But, it really is just because I eat quite a bit of salad these days.

The phrase is used to mean youthful, inexperienced or green (looked that up as well).  So, actually the phrase has two meanings for me.  The first one, applies to when I started this challenge.  I was pretty green when it came to eating healthy all of the time.  I eat very healthy MOST of the time, but when it comes to a snack, I tend to reward myself with not healthy things.  If I go for a long run, I think eating crappy food truly balances it out.  For the most part, it does.  But, 17 days ago, I was on the upper end of my comfort zone in weight and I felt like instead of eating healthy 80% of time with 20% treats, it was closer to a 50/50 split and I could feel the control slipping away. So, I had quite a bit to learn about choosing healthy all of the time, limiting myself, portion control and to basically get my face out of the candy aisle and far away from the Doritos.

The second meaning...I eat salad all of the time, even when it isn't intended to be a salad. Usually at Subway, I am SUPER nice to the person behind the counter, in hopes that they will give me the bigger part of the sub when they cut that 12 inches of heaven in half.  You know it.  I know it.  They NEVER cut that thing evenly...and I want in on the bigger end of the deal.  I am not sure that being extra polite has ever worked, but I have always tried. But, not anymore.  This girl has got a new strategy.  Well, I am still pleasant and all, but now instead of going longer, I go higher.  Go higher or go home, is what I always say. I stack that thing up so high, that it is basically a salad inside whole wheat bread.  In fact, yesterday I noticed the sideways glance from the man in front of me, as I continued to add veggies to my sub.  This morning, my egg whites looked more like a salad than eggs (kale, spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes).  In fact, now that I think about it, I had a turkey burger last night that was a towering display of fresh greens, tomatoes and onions piled quite high and oh, so delicious. 

So, yes, these are what I like to call my salad days.  As always, I will fully admit that I am being challenged throughout my day.  But, I am determined to make this new way of thinking about food stick, so I continue to see results.  So, while the Salad Days are challenging, I look forward to feeling comfortable in my own skin during the Dog Days of Summer.

EXCITING NEWS
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 16 - These are the good old Salad Days

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 - Egg whites with tomatoes, mushrooms, kale and spinach

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

Lunch - Toam-Yum soup with shrimp - MNS^® (both white packs)

Snack - AdvoCare Coffecino and banana - possibly carrots and hummus

Dinner - Irish turkey burger with a great big salad

Evening/After Dinner -Who knows?  Time will tell.  I just know that it won't be beer, wine, candy, sugar, cookies, chips, candy or Diet Coke or beer or any of the other stuff that I hate to love.

Throughout the day...lots of water

Day 15 - Happy St Patrick's Day

He made me throw it away.  My air popped popcorn. The security guy at the gate at the Timberwolves game made me take it out of my purse and throw it away last night.  I panicked trying to save it and told him it was for my cat. He didn't care. I don't have a cat.

Honestly, my preparations for yesterday seriously did not work out. First, there was the whole hard boiled egg/Greek yogurt mess and then they made me throw away my popcorn. 

But, you can't keep a good woman down, now can you? Actually, you can. Maybe it was the St Patrick's Day hoopla posts on Facebook or the Shamrock shakes that I bought for my kids.  I don't know, but I was kind of frustrated.  So, in a very dramatic-like fashion, I yelled out, "I QUIT THIS CHALLENGE" and I was only half kidding.  But, then the small voice of my 9 year old broke through my dramatic outburst and I heard her say "my Mom's not a quitter." Well, you can't very well quit when your 9 year old says that about you. And, that is when in my head, I heard my own voice yell out "DAAAAAAMMMMMMMMIIIIITTTT!!" They are all behind me. Rooting for me to stick with it. My husband, my boys and my daughter.  So, did I have a moment of doubt and weakness. Yes!  Am I constantly being challenged? Oh, my word yes.  

BUT, each morning, I wake up and I am proud that I made it through another day of simply eating whole, healthy foods and sticking to my AdvoCare vitamins and supplements.  I am seeing results.  I went way too long putting this off and I know that I will walk away with really good habits that will stick with me long after these 24 days are over.  So, am I really quitting? I have said it before and I will say it again...oh, HAIL NO!

So, here I am. All in.  It has been 2 weeks. I have lost 4-5 pounds. I am on day 15. Just 9 days left.  AND, the best part is that I have people supporting me on my journey.  My husband and kids are really into it.  I love it.  I have a few friends that have been doing the challenge along with me.  We talk about food quite a bit.  You know, recipes and what not.  All of this really helps and definitely makes this challenge a bit easier.  

So, to help me out tonight and keep me on track, my family celebrated St Paddy's Day by grilling the traditional Irish Turkey burger and a side of sweet potato fries.

Happy St Patrick's Day!!!

For more information on the AdvoCare family of products and the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge, feel free to get in touch with my friend, registered dietician, wellness coach and AdvoCare Independent Distributor, Liz Blom at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 15 - Mixing Greek Yogurt and Hardboiled Eggs Should Be Illegal

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 - AdvoCare Vanilla Meal Replacement Shake with banana and Kale and Spinach

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

Lunch - Subway turkey sandwich (basically a salad in a whole wheat sub) 
with lunch - MNS^® (both white packs)

Snack - Carrots and hummus and an AdvoCare Orange Spark

Dinner - The traditional Irish turkey burger with a side of sweet potato fries

Evening/After Dinner -1/4 Mint Chocolate Meal Replacement Shake mixed with low fat chocolate milk heated up.  Tasty treat.

Throughout the day...lots of water

Day 14 - Prepared for the Worst...Ever

Yesterday, when I was making hard boiled eggs, I thought I was very fancy.  Last night, I had a big salad with all kinds of stuff on it that included, but was not limited to hard boiled eggs.  My big plan was to have a few leftover eggs on hand, to use throughout the week.  I was feeling pretty snapped up, as I am not much of a planner.

Lunch time rolled around and voila, I pulled my hard boiled eggs out of the fridge.  I chopped up the eggs, chopped up a little onion, chopped up some banana peppers and to keep it SUPER healthy, instead of adding mayo...I added a tablespoon of Greek yogurt.  Next, I added sea salt, pepper and a little curry.  I toasted up two mini whole wheat pitas, slapped on a little of my egg salad, added a little lettuce and snap, snap.  As easy as that, lunch was served. I was so excited.  It looked so pretty.  I LOVE egg salad.  I took a big bite!

It was SO gross.  It tasted like hell served up in a dirty ashtray.  I DO NOT recommend making egg salad with Greek yogurt.  It gave it a DISGUSTING texture and this after taste that will haunt me until my dying days. Now, if you make it this way and like it, well, hats off to you.  I wanted to like it.  So, that is that...never to be done again. Super prepared, healthy Pinterest lunch planning tip fail.

One planned failed today, so far.  Oh, well.  You win some, you lose some.  I will brush my tongue with sandpaper and move on.  Onward and upward...and, on to the next plan.  I am on my way to dinner out and the Minnesota Timberwolves game tonight.  I honestly thought I had planned this challenge during a lull in the action.  Not so much.  State basketball tournaments, Timberwolve game, St Patrick's Day is tomorrow.  Mercy!  I throw my hands in the air and just call out MERCY!  Just kidding, I don't really.  It is just fun to yell.

Ok, so what am I going to do about all of this fun tonight?  Well, I am going to focus on the fun.  Have fun with my friends.  Laugh a little.  Laugh a lot.  Maybe even watch a little basketball.  PLUS, I have a plan.  We are having dinner at Pizza Luce's before the game.  I looked up the menu online and already know what I am going to order.  During the game, I am going to treat myself to some pre air popped popcorn that I will bring along to the game.  Of course, if they pat me down at the door and take away my popcorn, I will be out of plans.  So, if that happens, tomorrow's blog might be packed with all kinds of action.  Who knows?

Update - They took away my popcorn.  I tried to tell the security guard that it was for my cat, but he didn't care. I don't really have a cat, so I guess it is better this way.  I am not a good liar and my popcorn would have tasted terrible, had I gotten it through that tight security on a lie.

For more information on the AdvoCare family of products and the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge, feel free to get in touch with my friend, registered dietician, wellness coach and AdvoCare Independent Distributor, Liz Blom at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 14 - Mixing Greek Yogurt and Hardboiled Eggs Should Be Illegal

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 - Oatmeal with strawberries and a few almonds

Snack - A banana mixed with a few tablespoons of Vanilla Greek Yogurt and a few almonds.  AdvoCare Coffecino
30 minutes before lunch - MNS^® (color pack)

Lunch - Hell in a handbasket - see story above for details

Snack - Almonds

Dinner - Greek salad with shrimp at Pizza Luce

Evening/After Dinner - Air popped popcorn

Throughout the day...lots of water

Day 13 - One Day Closer to 24

 

How does she keep it all together, you are probably asking yourself.  She seems so snapped up.  Wow, she is so fancy with all of her healthy eating and what not.  I know, right?  Here's the thing...see that cute little book displayed so nicely with my Meal Replacement Shake and an assortment of fruits, so that you know that I have healthy options standing by?  Yes, that little booklet is my blueprint to success.  My road map to victory.  It tells me what to eat and when to take my vitamins and supplements. Sweet Mary...it even doubles as journal of sorts. 

It has been a great tool during this challenge.  Of course, you can access this very same thing on the AdvoCare website, with links to snack and meal ideas at http://www.advocare.com/24DayChallenge/VirtualCoach/default.aspx.  It is pretty darn cool.  It is nice to have it close by to stay on track throughout the day. 

Oh, and speaking of the AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shakes (pictured above)...my entire family is on board.  They all love them.  My teenage boys ask for one every morning.  My husband enjoys one on his way to work each day.  The good news is that these shakes are good for them (plus, I add kale and spinach as a bonus). Today, on this sunny 70 degree day, my daughter and I blended up the vanilla shake with strawberries and we made popsicles.  They tasted quite a bit like a strawberry dreamsicle.  Dreamy.  That is right.  Dreamy.   The bad news is that they are eating all of my Meal Replacement Shake stash. 

 

So, here is the truth.  Today was tough.  My boys were in the state basketball tournament.  We had to eat out all weekend.  We were in and out of gymnasiums (concession stands) all day on Saturday and most of today.  The weather was BEAUTIFUL.  It made me want to have a glass of wine on my front porch.  But, I didn't.  I ate healthy. I chose healthy things. I feel like I have come too far.  I am now over halfway done.  I can feel the impact of the healthy eating and the vitamins and supplements. My clothes are fitting differently and I have amazing energy. I will say it again...I am so glad that I made this commitment to myself.  I just picked a date and I began the challenge.  Each day gets a bit easier, with moments of doubt, but always a day closer to Day 24 and one more day of eating better than I was 13 days ago.

I hope you enjoyed the weekend.  Let's go get Monday!

Day 13 - One More Day of Healthy Eating

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 - Ezekiel cinnamon raisin bread with almond butter and apples and AdvoCare Coffecino

Snack -A banana and melon
30 minutes before lunch - MNS^® (color pack)

Lunch - Chipotle chicken fajita salad

Snack - Almonds

Dinner - Salad with shrimp, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms and a light dressing for the perfect little kick

Evening/After Dinner - AdvoCare Mint Chocolate Brownie Meal Replacement Shake mixed with 1/4 cup water and microwaved for 1:45minutes. 

Throughout the day...lots of water

Day 12 - The Halfway Mark

Hello, AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge Superfans!  I AM HALFWAY DONE!  I REPEAT...HALFWAY DONE!

Another refreshing weekend morning!  What a gift, I tell you.

I have quite a few children (or sometimes it seems like that is the case).  I like them all quite a bit, so I try to get to all of their games.  Often times, that means driving all over the Twin Cities.  Today, was that day.

One softball tryout and 4 basketball games later (1 sad child, 1 happy child and 1 waiting to find out what team she has made), and here I am.  I survived another day on this challenge.  Quite honestly, it was a beautiful day with very little time to think about much besides cheering on my kids and making sure to keep healthy choices around me (and being in the right gym at the right time).  It actually is getting much easier.  I know what to reach for and being prepared is definitely my friend on a day like this.

I am sort of boring tonight, but really it was a nice day (besides the sad child and an extra trip driving around town).  Although, I do have moments of weakness throughout the day (daydreamed about driving by McDonald's for a large Diet Coke), I have seemed to stay strong. 

Let's go get Day 13! 

Day 12 - So many children in so many sports, so little time

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 - AdvoCare Vanilla Meal Replacement Shake blended with banana

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

Lunch - Grilled chicken breast with a little side of tzatziki sauce, cut up tomatoes, carrots with a little hummus, mushrooms with lunch - MNS^® (both white packs)

Snack - Apple slices, almonds and Advocare Orange Spark

Dinner - Banana and Subway turkey sandwich on whole wheat - lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, black olives and banana peppers.  Tasty!

Evening/After Dinner - AdvoCare Mint Chocolate Brownie Meal Replacement Shake mixed with 1/4 cup water and microwaved for 1:45minutes. 

Throughout the day...lots of water