Yum, yum- Gimme some!!

Good Morning Friends!!! I have a special meal that I prepared just the other night, so I wanted to share it with you. This is a really good recipe and because the meat is supposed to have the skin off (I didn't do that with my wings, but I will), the top layer of skin is replaced by the crispy Maple-Mustard marinade. I didn't really enjoy the asparagus, but my son LOVED it and that is actually enough incentive for me to cook it over and over again.

If cooked with skinless thighs as suggested in Ellie Kreiger's recipe, you'll find that two pieces of chicken has 378 calories in it!! For thighs, that simply unheard of---lol. Now utilizing boneless, skinless chicken breast makes this meal a tad bit leaner. I hope you like it!!

Instructions for the chicken as written in the book:
"8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
1/3 cup grainy French Mustard
1 clove garlic, minced (1tsp)
3/4 tsp dried marjoram
3 TBSP pure maple syrup"

Preheat oven to 375, rinse and pat dry your chicken. Mix the mustard, garlic, marjoram, and syrup together. Take the mixture and place about 1 tbsp covering to complete surface of the chicken. Place the single layered chicken in the oven and bake until a "crust" is formed and lightly hardened; and make sure the juices run clear when pierced in the center. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Please make note that if you utilize chicken breast or wings, they may not take as long to cook- it really depends on your oven. I love my chicken breast juicy, so I took them out a little earlier. HAPPY EATING!!!

!!!The MADNESS begins!!!

So here are the pictures that sparked my madness...

Pre Insanity Workout shot:
Post Insanity Workout shot- look at that shirt!!!

I admit it!!! I'm not ashamed!! I speak up when I'm just wrong or when I make a quick decision before thinking it through rationally - and this time, I WAS SO WRONG!!! I got wind that one of my friends on the Insanity workout was sweating up a storm during his routine (he's also the person that came up with the name of this blog). Suddenly, the green eyed monster appeared and I JUST had to sweat too!! So, I did it! I went PLYOMETRICS up in this "X-dom" (The "mother" of all P90x workouts). This is my last week for the first phase of P90x lean, and I'm basically starting over after reaching Day 16. I've decided that I'm going to be "ALL THE WAY LIVE" this week.

I picked the worse time to get slightly jealous! I WAS WRONG!!! VERY WRONG!!! When I tell you that this routine was NOT to be played with!!! I've never been challenged so much, pushed so hard, or shoved so far outside of my element. So what did I go do, what, do you ask, was the ultimate atrocity in this matter??? I went from the P90x Lean (with no Plyo) Routine to the P90x Classic Routine!!! I'm already rethinking this decision- there will be an unprecedented amount of prayers being prayed on my behalf during the next three weeks. I was sorely bruised before I finished Plyometrics workout- "where they do that at??". I don't know what I'm thinking, friends - check out this madness below:

Okay....THE VIDEO

I don't know why my computer wouldn't take this video in my original post, But I'll try it this way...


I apologize that the first part of the video is dark, it doesn't show up this way on my home computer, but when I get to work, it seems so dark!! Then, I moved the camera accidentally and it showed a side angle. I PROMISE I'm going to get this right eventually. Also, the video is 3 minutes long; You can hear my breaking, grunting, and complaining...insane.

WHEN KNOWING HOW TO COOK GOES WRONG

*Comic borrowed from "http://www.comics.wombania.com/2009/12/cookie-eating-contest/ *

Last week...Day 10....the insane "cookie monster" attack began. I tried to fight the urge, but my mind kept saying "ME WANT COOKIES"!!! I had prescribed to not allowing myself to purchase cookies for my home because I can't stop eating them until they are gone (one bag in 2-3 days). Especially, the vanilla cream cookies, drenched in ice cold milk....ahhhhhhhhhh, heaven. So, it was too late and I was too lazy to go to the store and purchase cookies. I mean, I tried really hard to fight it guys and I even sought an intervention among my friends, but they were busy & not able to get to me before I fell off the edge. So technically, this is all THEIR faults!! *kidding* SO can you guess what happened next....

Well, it sucks to know how to cook because I was in my kitchen, 8:00 at night, baking butter cookies (with applesauce)!! I know, I know, but those were the tastiest cookies I'd eaten in 10 years, I promise! Now, the trade off was that I had to do that grueling ab routine again & stay awake until almost 12pm (I ate them a little late). Because of that ab routine on top of those cookies, I'm not exactly sure it was worth it! Once again, it kicked my BUTT!!

Now I'm back on track from my moment of temporary weakness...this is SO not attractive, don't let this happen to you!!

Technical Difficulties

*Picture borrowed from Flickr* I haven't seen this kind of computer in YEARS!!

For some reason, I can't get my computer on the internet or my camera to upload my video, so I had to do this post from my phone. Today, I had prepared a video about a new decision I'm making & I can't wait for you guys to see it! But, of course, you'll have to wait to get to it. :-( Sorry FRIENDS!! I'll post it as soon as I can load it!!

ADDING in the SPINACH

Adding spinach is just a way for me to add extra nutients into the actual meal. I try to get in atleast 5 servings a day of fruits and veggies (sometimes I make it, and sometimes I don't). But know that it takes creative planning - a serving of fruit at breakfast, veggies or fruits included in snacks, and a double serving of veggies at lunch or dinner, etc. It sounds like alot, but it really isn't. However, I wanted you to check out SOME of the many vitamins & minerals contained in Spinach (Info obtained from the USDA):

Vitamin A
Beta-carotene
Lutein
Protein
Folate
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Calcium
Iron
Lycopene
Amino Acids too!!

The VERDICT: In his own words: "This is soooooo good!"

TAKE A TRIP WITH ME

Hello Everyone! Today marks the day that I take my very FIRST airplane to anywhere!! That’s right – I’ve never flown before. However, I've decided to take a closer look at the lessons I’ve learned this week & I've taken some inspiration from some preachers and teachers.

This week, I arrived to the airport with ideas of grandeur in my head. I expected people to be standing around, helping, and urging me along the way. What I got was gate changes, uncomfortable seating, and expensive food!! However, I boarded the plane knowing the take off would be rough - knowing that I was afraid of heights, but I had to get to my destination (because the scenic route would’ve taken me 15 hours).

Like my flight, I have a LONNNNGGG way to go concerning dieting and eating right. I started this routine with ideas of grandeur in my head, but I got a quick wake up call from the 1st time I pressed play on my DVD player. Like my stay at the airport, this workout is out of my comfort area and the food can be quite expensive, but I had to take this trip anyway. Your flight (my flight) may have layovers, and if you pack too much, you’ll have to pay for that extra baggage –so pack lite (hopefully, those old clothes won’t fit in a month or so anyway);-) Just like taking off in an airplane, this life change seems rocky right now, but making it to the gate is half the battle. And while I may have some turbulence in the air, I’ll look down out of my window and realize how small every big obstacle seemed (My YOGA battle). I know I can’t soar forever, I’ll come back down from this flight, but I expect a soft landing – & I’ll live again to soar another day.

YOGA GRIPES!!!

*Taken from: http://farm4.static.flickr.com*

I have a confession to make...yoga is not my cup of tea. When I was a lot heavier, you could not pay me to believe that yoga was thick girl sensitive. I mean I've never seen a "THICK CHICK" rock a yoga routine. I don't know what it is, something about peace and calmness that I don't get from "downward dog" (yoga position). For my workout, Yoga X is about 1.5 hrs long...there isn't that much stretch in a bag of rubber bands.

I mean, I get it! Strength, power, focus, flexibility, blah blah blah.... However, I find it BORING, tense, agitating, and disquieting, yeah yeah yeah. I have exercise ADHD, I like to move, feel the beat, and laugh heartily at myself. I'm sure most yoga instructors would say, "you think too much," and I'd apologize for not allowing my head to be filled with air for 5,460 seconds.

SOOOO here's my new idea to get over this hump...GOSPEL MUSIC!!! When I hear gospel music I focus on the words, listen intently, and get in touch with myself. Maybe this will help me get through this grueling routine. I know, I'm such a Dhahl!! Til next time~

AN ATHLETIC DIET

As promised, I'm delivering pre workout eating as told by my favorite football player - catch a peep:

Before a workout, he has an apple or banana & protein shake consisting of 2% milk, peanut butter (all natural), ice, and Protein powder OR (and I love this OR) an 8 ounce glass of chocolate milk because it’s high in protein – just read the label. Then afterwards, he eats a spinach salad with a boiled egg and bacon bits. He also mentioned adding carbohydrates for energy, like A LITTLE sphaghetti or corn. Then, he mentioned adding nuts to your diet – almonds, peanuts, walnuts. So there you have it!!

I hope this helped someone because it certainly helped me.

More Mmmmmmm.....

Recipe as written in the book THE FOOD YOU CRAVE by Ellie Krieger (go pick it up):
Zucchini Parmesan Crisps
Cooking Spray
2 Med Zucchini
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1/8 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Set oven at 450 and coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut zucchini rounds about 1/4 of inch thick and toss in the oil. Mix the parmesan, bread crumbs, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Dip zucchini, front and back into the bowl. Cook for about 25-30 minutes. ENJOY!!

Mmmmmmmm....

Today, I was hoping that I'd get my mind back together AND.... I did. Let me feel you in on my secret...MUSIC, and today, my music was on the "M's". That means Michael, Mary, and Monica - OH MY!!! Today, music was my motivation as I made majestic muscles (say that five times fast). However, whatever it takes to get you out of the bed and onto an exercise mat is what you need to do.

DAY 8- I ATE DIRT...SOMEBODY HELP ME!!

So AB RIPPER X did what's implied in the title...literally!

So I got wind that this is what you all have been waiting to see...smh, people, smh!!

MAKING THE SACRIFICE

*Picture courtesy of Vitorio Santosa*

About two weeks ago (and about once a year) the church I am a member of asked all members to make a financial sacrifice. This means giving up something I enjoy, like shopping, to save for a financial sacrifice for God. After discussing this with one of my most colorful male friends, he told me that he

"sacrifices an hour of sleep everyday to work out"

HOW PROFOUND, I thought (especially considering he is so ignorant-lol)!!

It made me think of all the times I've told myself that I don't have enough time. What kind of statement is that? It's almost a fragmented sentence... don't you think?? SIDE NOTE: So if it is not really fragmented, I missed that day in English class, so.... Anywho- it's fragmented and should read "I don't have the time because exercising or being more conscious of my health just isn't at the top of my priorities. I'm SO guilty of this - day to day, month to month, I always utilize the..."I don't have time" excuse.

So, here's a tip from one of my good and healthy friends...try easing it in - 10 minutes here, 15 minutes there, 8 minutes at another time. It took me approximately 5,040 minutes to push stubbornness aside and follow his little tid bit of advice, but eventually, I tried it out. Remember, just like other things in our lives, CONSISTENCY is KEY, make the sacrifice for yourself.

My 36-24-36...well, not so much

I took my measurements today (I had on clothes though), so here goes: Bust-36, Waist-33, Hips-43.5. Here is the funny thing, the instructions for measuring hips states, ahem ahem (clearing throat) "Measure at the largest girth, where the butt is protruding the greatest." I almost died laughing...I have NO BUTT protrusions- are they kidding?!? So do the butt-less just measure their back? Seriously, what kind of sick joke...lol

Butt shots 1&2 just confirm for you that there is NO SUCH APEX! Yeah, I'm pretending to dance outside of a restaurant...so what (ha!)

FUELING UP

Okay, so I tried to strangle information out of my favorite football player, and he gave me excellent advice as I sought to find out more about eating a good, nutritious diet. I mean, I can’t have you guys thinking that weight loss is achievable without having a nutritious diet. For me – it is the most important thing, but others may not have that problem. I lost more weight off of a good diet change than I did when I JUST worked out, but again, that’s just me. CHECK HIS ADVICE…. (Paraphrasing)

“Your workout begins the night/day (depends on when you workout) before by preparing your body with food. It’s kind of like taking your car on a long trip, you’ve got to have your car maintenance before you leave, or you’ll likely breakdown. Fuel yourself right!! Put “93” in the tank, instead of reaching for the “87”. Drink plenty of fluids the day/night before and be sure to have high proteins before the workout AND after the workout.”

GET THIS PEOPLE, I even got him to share some of his diet food choices…but you’ll have to get that next week :-( until then….(hint: check my picture)

After my Day 1 Workout!

Excuse the profuse sweat, my inability to talk into the camera, and my extremely chapped lips---anybody got a remedy for that after a workout? I've so gotta work on my camera presence...

And the pics are in....

Make a picture collage

This is the MOST embarassing thing EVER!!!" -lol - oh well, on the way to victory I go!!

EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWN...PICTURES!!

So, this is prior to my workout...facing my back was a strenuous exercise (as you'll see in my strategically tinted pictures-lol. Please check out my video - I try to keep them all under 2.5 minutes.

CONFRONTING WEAKNESSES

I’ll be the first to admit that I have a host of food weaknesses…let’s go down the list:

•Soft Chewy Candy (Taffy, gummy bears, any kind that sticks in your teeth and cause rapid onset of root canals)
•Italian Ice & Ice Cream….the classic Gelati
•Dessert Mints
•Custom made ice cream
•Boneless Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese (the creamiest and chunkiest)
•Cakes with creamy icing
•Cotton Candy
•Cheese Puffs
•Potato Chips and creamy ranch dips
•Wow- I clearly have an unspoken issue with “creamy”

However, I’m confronting my issues because I know that these are my weakness zones and these are the areas that need moderation. So, for instance, with potato chips, I read the serving size on the back, try my hardest to only eat one serving, and I pull that serving out of the bag. Now, if I try to eat from the bag, I’ll look up and realize that I have eaten half a bag of chips. One of my friends told me that she does not buy that kind of stuff (junk food) during her regular grocery shopping and if she wants it, she’ll have to go purchase it separately…God bless her will & her gas tank BUT, you have to do what works for you. If willpower is an issue...ADJUST.

Confront your weaknesses, just as you would when dealing with emotional deficits – admit that something is just a little off, and move forward with an intent to make some correction.

Waiting on DAY 1

Okay, so has anyone else out there decided that day one of your workout plan just has to be a Monday?!? Why do we procrastinate on weight lose when the urgency to be healthy and, lets face it, look DAMN good, is ever present? So, to this effect, I'm just going to say, "what the heck ever" - my time has come & I simply must face the music - my new life begins today. In so many facets of our existence, procrastination seems to always pop up. It just seems that if you procrastinate on small things, 10 other things that you've been "meaning to get to" just seem to fall out of place as well. So, press forward on one major goal, and I can most assure you that others will follow.