stepping out of my comfort zone

So part of my journey is to not only change my physical self but to also change my inner self.  To grow as a dancer, I have decided to step out of my comfort zone and teach bellydancing classes at lunchtime, at work, for free.  I've been doing this for a month now and I have a following; some regulars and some not so regulars.  I have chosen some great tunes and simple, basic moves.  The ladies have a blast and so do I!  They've come to like the shimmy drill for 2:42 seconds.  (they smile through their grunts! LOL)  They're starting to know what moves go with what song and I love it!  Makes me sweat, makes me move and makes me perfect the basic core moves.  I'm even considering making more flyers for the other divisions on my floor (I post them at the photocopiers!).  As the weeks progress, I'll switch it up and get new tunes.  :)  Yalla ladies, yalla! 

We are all beautiful

Something has been on my mind a lot and keeps frustrating me every time I think about it.  A few months ago, I stopped HM’s supplements and continued my healthier lifestyle on my own.  As I was paid up until end of June, I went back after a month to get weighed in.  The HM’s representative’s attitude really bothered me and obviously still does to this date.  Before weighing me, she commented that by me not taking the supplements, i’d get fat and expressed absolute shock when I got on the scale and had lost 5lbs.  It made me feel like I HAD to take the supplements in order to succeed and that there was absolutely NO WAY that I could do this on my own.   These comments negated the fact that I had worked so hard to get to where I am today and made me feel bad.   I was too shocked at both comments (the ‘’watch out or you’ll get fat again’’ and the absolute shock of me losing weight on my own).   I understand that I’ve built a rapport with her but it was immature of her to talk to me that way.  A small victory for me for the look on her face when she saw how much I had lost, but still.... 

2 weeks ago, I went again, this time with another HM representative, and had another comment that threw me for a loop.  We were looking at my pics of when I started my journey with them.   Yes, I was 60lbs heavier.  I know that, but I was still beautiful, in my eyes.  I told her this.  Her comment was that it was a self defence mechanism.  Um, what?  I don’t get it.  I think, regardless of your size, you are beautiful.  WE ARE ALL CREATED BEAUTIFULLY!  I wasn’t losing weight because I wanted society to look at me to find me prettier, I was losing weight for me, for my health. 

It’s little comments like this that puts me off.  I skipped last week because of this.  I see her car there and keep driving.  No thanks, will try and go another time when someone else is there. 

I am still losing weight, without the supplements but am eating healthier and keeping fit.  In a way, I am looking forward to not having to go in to get weighed but a part of me feels that they’ve taught me well as I am embracing the new me and my new lifestyle!

 

Radishes are yummy!

That’s right, I said it…. Radishes are yummy… ESPECIALLY when roasted!  

Bought a bag of radishes with the best intention to have them as snacks or in your salad and you never remember them until 2 months later when they’re all shriveled up?  Yeah, me too.  I had 2 bags of radishes in the fridge and thought to myself, ‘’I wonder if I can roast them?  Is that a thing?’’ So I looked it up and yes, it is!!!!  Found this simple recipe online at: http://www.food.com/recipe/roasted-radishes-287888 and thought I’d try it.  It was delicious!!!   

Another bonus?  Besides being low carb and gluten free, radishes are dirt cheap!  AND they are super good for you!  Radishes are loaded with vitamins and minerals, protect against many cancers and diseases, and can even help with urinary tract infections – who knew????

I had added some coconut oil to give it a different taste but may omit it next time and try roasting with chives and add lemon juice after they’ve cooked. Also saw that you can make this with Thyme or Rosemary…

Here is how I prepped them:

Ingredients

•     1 bags of radishes, halved

•     1 Tbsp olive oil

•     salt and pepper to taste

•     1tsp of coconut oil (to give it a different taste)

Instructions

•     Cut the radishes and toss them in a bowl with the ingredients above.

•    Throw onto a roasting pan and bake for 25 minutes at 450 degrees (F) 

FINAL RESULT!  YUMMY!!!!!

Notes: Total Fat (g) 4.7g, Saturated (g) 1.5g, polyunsaturated (g) 0.4g, Monounsaturated (g) 2.6g, trans (g) 0g, Cholesterol  (mg) 0mg, Sodium (mg) 82.4mg, Potassium (mg) 87.7mg, Total Carbs (g) 2.0g, Dietary Fibre (g) 0.8g, Sugars (g) 0.5g, Protein (g) 0.4g, Vitamin A 0.1%, Vitamin C 7.6%, Calcium 1.3%, Iron 3.1%

Purge!!!!!!

Spring is definitely in the air.... Time for a good cleaning!  This isn't all the clothes I got rid of.  I think I gave away 5 other bags in the last 5 months as well! (and mom also inherited some of my stuff too!)  This feels soooo good.  I look at my clothes now and feel great that I am fitting in those size 16 jeans I put away to fit in, one day.  THAT DAY HAS COME!  I also slipped into a pair of 14's.  I zipped them up but wasn't comfortable in them.  That day will come as well.  I see myself in a size 12 one day.  Loads of work ahead of me, but I know I'll get there if I persevere! Buh-bye size 22's.  Buh-bye size 20 and 18's.  HELLO 16's! 

Pancakes? Nah!

Ever had one of those days where all you can think of is maple syrup?  Yes?  Well you're not alone.  My hunny LOVES his pancakes and his maple syrop but since he's joined the bandwagon of healthy eating (he's now down 20lbs and I'm so proud of him!), I made him something delicious and healthy this morning.  I wasn't in the mood to make him the usual sweet potatoes and eggs and knew how much he misses his old foods so thought to surprise him with a sweet meal (pun intended!)  I made him maple glazed carrots with eggs.  It satisfied his sweet tooth and craving for pancakes, without feeling guilty.  I modified this recipe that I found online: www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/maple-glazed-carrots-00000000007482/


I omitted and modified it a lot as it was just for one portion and I also prefer not to cook with butter.  This was just as delicious (I had to taste it as it smelled so awesome!) as what the original recipe called for.

Here's what I used:

Ingredients

• 1 medium carrot
• 2 tbsp of sugar free maple syrop
• a pinch of sea salt
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Slice up your carrot.  I used my handy Pampered Chef slicer (now stained with sweet potatoes and carrots, but that's fine!). Mine was set to the 1st setting so that my carrot slices would be very thin and easy to cook.

2. In your pan, combine the ingredients above and put a lid on it so that the steam cooks your carrot quicker.  For those of you who are new to the sugar free stuff or sugar reduced stuff, here's the maple syrop I used: (found in any grocery store)

Let it cook for a few minutes.  (all depends on how you like your carrots - al dente or well cooked.) It's that easy!

I served my hunny these with 2 eggs and he loved it!

only 275 calories (that's including the 2 eggs!).  A sweet and yummy way to start the day (especially for the sweet tooth in the family!)  Will definitely make this one again. 

ON THE HUNT FOR HEALTHY PAD THAI!

Lots has happened since my last blog, but first, a recipe I concocted tonight for me and my hunny:



I was inspired by a recipe I saw on www.eatinghealthy.com and wanted to modify it, for my low caloric and low sodium lifestyle.... so here is what I did: (find the original recipe at: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/pad_thai.html)



Makes: 4 servings, about 1 1/4 cups each
Serving Size: about 1 1/4 cups each
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 serving of noodles
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• 1 tbsp. of minced garlic
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4.5 oz of cooked chicken
• 2-3 cups bean sprouts
• 1 shredded carrot
• 1 celery stalk (thinly cut)
• 1/2 cup sliced scallion greens
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Twin low calorie brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Chopped dry-roasted peanuts (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)
• Garnish with mint (optional)

Preparation

Prepare the sauce while water is boiling (rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, crushed red pepper flakes and Twin low calorie brown sugar  (or brown sugar)

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook until just al dente, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain.
   
   (this package of noodles I bought at T&T today in the fresh aisle - It has 5 ea in the package so I only used one and put the rest in the freezer)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large deep skillet over high heat until very hot. Add garlic and stir-fry until golden, about 10 seconds. Add eggs and cook, stirring, until scrambled, about 30 seconds. 
   
   
2. Add cut up chicken, carrot, celery and onion, bean sprouts and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil; stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
   
   
    (I always have chicken ready for quick meals.  I cut one boneless chicken breast in two and that is our portion for our meals, nowadays)
   
   
   
3. Add the noodles and prepared sauce; toss until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with peanuts and serve with lime wedges. (I served it with mint and lime)

VOILA!  It was quite tasty and will definitely make it again!  I particularly liked using the sesame oil as it gave it that "peanut" taste.  I seem to be ok with this oil (as I have a nut allergy!) so it was a big treat for me.

Almost a year has gone by and there have been many downs, rather than ups in the past while.  Tonsil surgery, my father's passing, taking care of my mom.... let me tell ya, my weight has been doing major yo-yos.  Dropped 17lbs in 10 days with my surgery, gained it all back (and then some) with eating out after my dad passed away, while cleaning the house out of my parents' belongings and getting my mom placed in a home.  Fast food isn't the best when trying to lose weight, even if you take the "healthy" versions...  

 

A month ago, I joined Curves and Herbal Magic.  So far, 14.8lbs down and 16 inches lost.  I love the support I have with them.  They cheer me on.  I've also been prepping for my bellydance camp, which is coming up in 4 sleeps!  A year of waiting, and it's finally here.  Time sure has gone by quickly.

 

Although not having been to Curves this week, I've been practicing my bellydance routine like mad as next Friday, I am performing it in front of my fellow bellydancers and Aziza herself.  I am excited about going to camp but am also quite nervous.  I push through my fear of being the only plus sized girl at camp.  My insecurities are through the roof but again, I push through it... I know I'm going to have an amazing time.  I know I'm going to make new friends.  I've just got to push through my insecurities.

 

4 more sleeps and I'm away at camp!  I'm almost all packed and ready to shimmy my buns off!  I wonder how much weight I'll lose!  :) *cross fingers*