3-Bean Turkey Chili, another LifeFit Recipe

July 19, 2013July 19, 2013 BessLeave a comment

For the past few days I’ve been enjoying a lazy visit with my Dad in North Carolina, Raleigh area. This however will be saved for another post, as it deserves more of a focus than I can give right now. I can say though, working overnights has a great potential for ruining vacations for you, I tend to pass out around 7 and wake up at 1 in the morning, when my boyfriend and dad are already asleep, and then I spend the next 5 hours or so puttering around the house, doing quiet chores that my dad might not think to do – dust, clean the shower, run the dishwasher and self clean the oven. But more on all that later!

Before my vacation I wanted a little bit of a change for my lunches – no turkey muffins or burgers, I wanted to focus on salads since Blueberries and Strawberries are local and in season, and see about having a soup or chili. So, quite fittingly I went to LiveFit recipes and found Jamie Eason’s 3-Bean Turkey Chili – this is protein and fiber packed and Sooooo sosososososo delicious.

The only thing you might not have in your normal clean pantry is the brown sugar blend of Ideal which, I have yet to get, so I used a very very small amount of regular brown sugar. I was able to find organic versions of all the canned vegetables in the recipe between shopping at Wegmans and Wal-mart. Pro-tip: Walmart is starting to go Organic and Green, mine started carrying Organic Bananas recently, but their canned goods are pretty numerous now too. Muir Glen tomato products also come with No Salt Added which is perfect for me. The only thing I didn’t find organic versions of these at Walmart was the Chilies and the TriBean Blend which I couldn’t exactly find at Wegmans either. I found Chili beans and that had 3 different types of beans in it so I assume it’s just as good. This for me made about 10 cups, or 10 servings, but I added Tomato Sauce because I accidentally bought that instead of diced tomatoes and ended up adding a can of Non-organic No Salt Added diced tomatoes that I had on hand anyway. From the comments I read it normally cooks down to around 8-9 cups.

No pictures from me for this, I might have one to add later when I get home, but my phone broke last week and I haven’t been home to resync the new one to my computer. Here’s the picture from the LiveFit site though, for your yummy, mouth watering viewing pleasure.

3-Bean Turkey Chili!

Cooking · Fitness

Chocolate Protein Bars

July 15, 2013July 15, 2013 BessLeave a comment

One of the perks of being the daughter of a librarian who helps with collection materials for the library is that my mother is constantly getting uncorrected proofs. Whenever I visit my mom at work I race into her office just to see if she’s had a shipment – not always books I’m interested – but you’d be surprised. I’m currently reading a new Amy Tan book, as well as a book based on the TV show Homeland that my mother had gotten. It has unfortunately created an unnatural need within me to own the Trade Paperback version of any book rather than the Hardcover. I’m waiting on The Kite Runner to be returned so I can read that and the books that follow – I know, I know, I’m super late to that party. I’m also looking forward to reading the Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane by Kelly Harms, once my library gets it in and processed. Sarah Addison Allen is probably my favorite author lately, her magical realism really hits the sweet spot in my literature cravings…is that even a phrase – it is now! Primarily writing about North Carolina, it’s instilled this magical vision of the South in my mind.

So in my research in keeping and maintaining my clean eating lifestyle I’ve discovered that any kind of store bought protein bar, while packed with protein is also packed with sugar – this is not as healthy as you’d assume after buying something from the health section. So here are Jamie Eason’s homemade Chocolate ones. They resemble a Brownie. Which is amazing for easing cravings for something sweet! 2 Bars is one serving so you kind of feel like you’re indulging yourself.

Chocolate Protein Bar Brownies!

Fitness · Photography · Self-reflection · Summer

Summer Nights

July 12, 2013July 12, 2013 BessLeave a comment

Ahhh finally, the heart of summer. When I drive into work in the evenings, I can still see my way to the car without too much light – smell bonfires and barbeques. It occasionally makes me long for that type of summer in the olden days where people all knew each other, had dinners on picnic tables out in the lawn and spent the whole evening with family. I have two absolute hands down favorite things about summer. Fireflies and S’mores. I can’t really partake in s’mores this year as my program doesn’t allow much gluten or sugar. But I usually give myself one cheat a week so I don’t go insane with cravings – this cheat comes in the form of a Russell Stover S’mores that we sell at the registers where I work. I will be the first to say – I adore Hershey Chocolate. That being said, Russell Stover is a whole other level of Amazing. What this amazing snack is: two small Graham Cracker Squares, with a Marshmallow covered in Russell Stover Milk Chocolate around it. The second the entire combination hits your taste buds I swear there is an inner mind chorus singing “Ahhhhhhhhhh!” in rapture. It’s that good. It’s serious.

The second thing I love about summer is the fireflies – or Lightening Bugs – whatever the people in your area call them. They’re like little magical orbs of light that glitter on and off and make your backyard or garden look just a little more magical in the moonlight. The first night I saw them I think I jumped for joy and actually squealed – it seemed like they came out so late this year! It’s been a strange Summer in central New York, weatherwise.

I’ve been trying to experiment with a camera my dad gave me, one of the Canon Rebels, I’ve been carrying it EVERYWHERE. Literally. I need to read up on aperture and exposure information and investigate tutorials on this nifty amazing cameras. Here’s a few shots I took yesterday!

I’d really love some tips and tricks any of you might know! I don’t have photoshop or anything anymore so I’ve been using Picasa and Instagram for any kind of filters or photo editing I’ve done. I know I should get a tripod or one of those tripods that you can attach to things by wrapping the legs around it, so I don’t have to worry about the long shutter speed of a night time photo. Any other tips?

I am beyond excited to share this next news. I can run. Yes, you read that right. I. Can. Run. I can also jog, but running, oh man, I’m excited. I was starting to worry I might be doing the Run or Dye 5k I signed up for as a Walk or Dye 5k. Now though, I can run! Week 5 of the LiveFit program starts today and I’m so excited! I’m finishing my egg whites and spinach, smelling the chocolate protein bars baking, lunch is a 3-bean organic turkey chili and is all prepped and ready to go, apple slices and almond butter ready as well. It’s going to be an excellent week. Weight Training + Cardio I’m really hoping to start seeing some change in the scale instead of staying the same, but seeing the effects in my muscles. Don’t get me wrong – I love seeing the changes! But I’d also like to see at least a little bit of a change on the scale as well. I can’t wait to hit the gym after work in the morning, what a great start to this week!

Any tips for training for a 5k? How about any clean eating recipes? What do you love about Summer?

Cooking · Fitness · Self-reflection · Summer

A new mini chapter and Protein Pancakes

June 21, 2013June 22, 2013 BessLeave a comment

So, in my journey of weight loss and self improvement, I am starting a new chapter! Today marks the 8th day that I have been following Jamie Eason’s LiveFit program. 72 Days to go! This program is pretty great for me (and this coming from somebody who can’t even do a 30 day photo challenge) mostly because of the meal plans, and it gives me a guide to something I’ve already been thinking of getting into but completely lost on how to start. I shall explain:

I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been going to the gym since January and changed my eating habits since last August. Since doing these things I’ve gone from 195lbs to 167lbs or so and I am so much happier – still have about 30-40lbs to go and lots of toning before I’m wear my height says I should be but I am so happy with the progress that I’ve made. There is only so much that a treadmill can do for you though. I’ve been looking longingly at the weight section in my Planet Fitness for a while now, but had no idea where to start! This program gives me specific exercises on specific days to target two muscles each day, and makes sure to have rest days each week. To read more on those you really should check it out, even if just for your own knowledge! I also have a meal plan to follow – which I normally cringe at! I’m in general the pickiest of eaters – usually a crucial spice or ingredient is something I’m not overly fond of (aka my mortal enemies: Pickles and Celery) But this meal plan is so easy and versatile! I LOVE her homemade protein bars – so far I’ve made the chocolate and carrot cake ones.

So far I’ve made: Turkey Meatloaf Muffins (not a muffin – more like a muffin shaped meatball), Chocolate Protein bars, Carrot Cake Protein bars, Peanut Butter Banana Ice cream, and Banana Protein Pancakes. I’m really looking forward to making more of these recipes! So far I really love clean eating! The only thing I’ve been missing is Raisin Bran muffins and breads. I love eating Turkey and Chicken though! I can’t wait to see where this new lifestyle leads me!

I am the first to admit I have cheated once, no twice. I ate two small squares of a sheet cheese pizza that somebody had left in the office, as well as a half a Russell Stover’s S’more. Those by the way are amazing. I really recommend them if you love s’mores. Which I do. I really really do.

I wonder if there’s a healthy version of salted Caramel gelato. No, that would be too good to be true. Much too good to be true!

I’ll be going to North Carolina soon to see my dad and I really can’t wait. I miss him so much since he moved down there and I am beyond excited to see him. Just need to make sure I stay on track that week and do some exercises while I’m with him.

In completely other news I went to see Man of Steel at a prerelease showing with my friend Susan! It was awesome – not even a little bit disappointed and Henry Cavill being pleasing to the eye didn’t hurt one little bit! I’m not going to say another word as it’s a pretty new movie – and I hate when people spoil things for me – so I promise that you will love it – just embrace the changes that were made, and delight in the delicious man candy that’s in front of you. Amy Adams is also cute.

That’s all for now! I’ll include a recipe down below!

Protein Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce!

Cooking

Taco Soup, and Welcoming Spring–maybe?

April 26, 2013June 1, 2013 BessLeave a comment

Finally! I have a Friday Morning free to type up a post. It seems as thought Spring has finally come to Central New York! I think farther upstate there is still some light snow, but it seems like the flowers can finally peek out from their hiding spots under the dead leaves. I’ve seen quite a few robins over the past week, even with all the rain we’ve had over the past week.

Just before I went on vacation I was given a recipe for a delicious soup called Chicken Taco Soup – super healthy and full of protein! After coming home from vacation I remade the soup and left out of the chicken to see what the difference would be – I actually prefer it that way!

I’m a bit of an tea lover. An addict. I could easily drink it constantly throughout the day. I know I’ve discussed my addiction to Chai. Be Proud readers! I’ve weaned myself to only ordering a small when I go to First Cup now! My other love is Green Tea, especially the SuperFruit one from Good Earth. My favorite tea however is usually from Loose Leaf tea. I adore Teavana for their tea. It’s been a while since I’ve ventured in so I was beyond ready to stock up today. Peachberry Jasmine Green Tea, Superfruit Unity Green Tea, Pomegranate Cranberry Herbal Tea and I even got a free Jade Dragon Mao Feng blend because I’d bought so much. Qualified for 10% off and had my lovely little $10 coupon and I got at least a years worth of tea for just under $45.

On to the recipe, I forgot to snap a picture of this. But trust me, it’s better that way. You might end up with your face plastered to the screen and hunger pangs in your tummy.
Taco Soup for the Crock Pot!

Cooking · Self-reflection

Hot Chocolate Kind of Mornings

March 4, 2013June 1, 2013 BessLeave a comment

Diet or not, some mornings were made specifically for Big Mugs of Hot chocolate. When the wind is blowing against the walls of my house, and the snow drifts across the roads where the fields are, I already know it’s going to be one of these mornings.

Oddly enough, this new outlook on life and my cravings, makes me shut the lid on my Large Hot Chocolate from Dunkin’ Donuts and crave the feeling of a mug of nice green tea. This girl no longer runs on Dunkin’.

Work’s been stressful. So enough of that.

I made a healthy Macaroni and Cheese the other night, and while I was really worried about some of the substitutions I’d made – I was extremely happy with the result.

Macaroni and Cheese – a healthy Makeover!