#noexcusewaterchallenge a/k/a Gallon Challenge - it's on!

Posted by Ethne~

So bff Steph conned the other bff's (Grizz, Slags & me) into doing the No Excuse Water Challenge (#noexcusewaterchallenge), or as I like to call it, the Gallon Challenge.

What's this?  Drink 1 gallon of water a day for 30 days - that's 128 ounces.

And why in the world?!  Apparently lots of water can help with constipation, nails, hair, *wrinkles*, skin and overall well-being.

Well, I could use help with all of those things, seeing as I pretty much drink tea or Diet Coke and barely enough water to keep me alive (8 oz or less per day).

Day 1 - feel free to analyze the picture...

So what am I allowed?  Water, tea or coffee without sweeteners (those count toward the water count if they don't have artificial sweetener in them) and wine (that doesn't count towards the water count, but isn't prohibited).  I have had a couple cups of tea, and a few glasses of iced tea, but no Diet Coke, which did cause me to have some caffeine withdrawal headaches.  I also have had 2 beers and one glass of wine.  Steph and I think that one [Diet] Coke a day, as long as you're still having all the water, wouldn't hurt, and I think if you put honey in tea (like I do) would be no different than putting it on your oatmeal.

Well, it's started, and now we're on day 14.  I haven't done all 128 ounces each day.  Life sometimes gets in the way of a whole gallon of water, like if work would make it impossible for me to go to the bathroom on the hour, or when we were traveling and I didn't want to stop constantly.  But on the whole, I've had probably at least 100 ounces of water a day, and the full gallon many of these first two weeks.  My goal for the last two is to hit the gallon mark as much as possible.

Day 13 - my face is a little shinier because it was later in the day when I took this picture, but *besides that* I think my eyes don't look as puffy.  Obviously I needed chapstick if we're going to do a full analysis...

What changes have I seen?  I can't say that my wrinkles have disappeared...but I noticed that the whites of my eyes were whiter, which always bothered me.  I have healthy eyes (verifiable), and I get plenty of sleep, so never understood why they were always bloodshot.  Perhaps it was because I was dehydrated!  I also don't crave any Diet Coke, and am perfectly glad to grab water.  I crave it almost, no joke.  And my internal piping seems to be working pretty well *which I am grateful for* if you get my drift.

When I posted my Day One picture on Facebook, one of my cousins pointed out that too much water can flush out important electrolytes, especially if you're working out, and in extreme situations if you were to drink it too quickly, water intoxication can occur.  As with any change to your regimen, if you have any questions you should consult with your doctor.  In my case, I assured my cousin that I would monitor exactly such costs and benefits of this challenge.  In reality, I'm not that active, so flushing out electrolytes isn't as much of a concern as all the Diet Coke I was drinking.

I'll keep you posted!

AMERICANS ARE “MOSTLY” FAT AND I KNOW WHY!

Posted by Lori~

OK, I think it is safe to say that Steve and I could fall somewhat into the above title’s category.  We don’t help the American fat stereotype at all, but we are working on it!

Since we have been in France we have discovered a majorly walk-able city.  Like, Steve and I are logging over 15,000 steps most days (and some days we are hitting more like 24,000 steps). 

You can walk everywhere in Nice (and Paris) along with the required public transportation here and there.  There is a café, bar (restaurant with beverages), grocery store, fruit stand, and gelato shop on every corner.  Everything is in walking distance. 

Our one travel mistake we immediately discovered was not packing a stroller for Mur-Man (or push-ette in French (sp?!?)).  I am sorry, but a 4-year-old can’t handle 24,000 steps/day, so thankfully we tracked down a stroller and have been using it since our first week in France.

In addition, my one splurge (my purchase) will be one of these grocery/shopping carts on wheels.  All the French women have them.  I am sure I could find them in most major US cities, but in big city, ND, you just don’t see them.  I live two blocks from the grocery store (and I drive)!  It’s a crime!  I am going to get on my walking shoes, strap on my fit bit, and load up my new French investment. 

It’s on WOMS!

SPINACH STUFFED CHICKEN

Posted by Lori~

I am back from the weekend at the lakes in Minnesota and it was GLORIOUS!  The weather was amazing.  I soaked up lots of sun, did some pre-craft projects (more posts to come), and even went to the flea market where I scored some amazing finds!  

Prior to heading out, I whipped up this recipe and it was delicious.  And, if you are following a gluten free diet or a cave-man type diet, I believe this will work for you!

PS:  I am down 20 pounds and 3 inches in my waist, so eating better and exercising is working for me!

First up, if you do not like spinach it is OK...you can always scrape it out before eating, but honestly you really can't taste the typical spinach flavor...it was super yummy!

Supplies needed for spinach stuffed chicken include:  Olive oil, a couple cloves of garlic (I used the garlic chopped up in the jar and used two teaspoons), frozen spinach (thawed and drained with very little moisture remaining),  chicken breasts (I used five), salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and 1/4 cup of dry white wine.

First up, thaw your spinach.  Rinse and drain.

In a hot pan, add two tablespoons of olive oil and your garlic.  Fry for a few minutes.

Add your spinach and cook for three more minutes.  Then pull off heat and set aside.

Slice your chicken breasts like a book leaving one side connected. 

Stuff them with the filling (I used it ALL UP).  You could use toothpicks and roll the chicken, but I didn't find this step necessary.  Season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.  Fry on each side until golden brown (around 7 minutes total).

Add 1/4 cup of white wine to the pan, cover, and simmer for 10 more minutes.

Remove the chicken.  You can also continue to cook the drippings for a few more minutes creating a wine chicken gravy.  Poor over the chicken.

I also made quinoa for my side.  I promise to show my recipe in an upcoming post.  It is delicious and super healthy!

Mur-Man gobbled the chicken down.  The best part about the chicken is that it isn't dry.  I believe the key to good chicken is moisture. 

Last night I made paleo chick fil a nuggets (knock-off) and homemade ranch.  SO HEALTHY TOO.  And delicious.  (Thanks Ethne for the recommendation).  I haven't jumped on the paleo band-wagon yet, but SO FAR these meals have been delicious!  

Crafty G-Ma and G-Pa (my folks) are headed to town.  Mom and I are going to Antique Roadshow in Bismarck, ND on Saturday...I will update you on that next week!

BUFFALO CHICKEN IN A CAN!

Posted by Lori~

I continue to try to follow a healthy lifestyle and add to my 15 pound weight loss (so far).  While on a recent shopping trip, I discovered that Swanson Chicken Breast in a can came in Buffalo Sauce.  BRILLIANT!  
 

I didn't rinse the chicken, but instead drained the meat.

I decided to make buffalo chicken tacos with the buffalo chicken meat, whole wheat small tortillas, lettuce, tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, and blue cheese dressing.

The tacos were delicious and healthy.  Especially when served with giant strawberries! 

Would I buy the buffalo chicken in a can again?  ABSOLUTELY!

LEAP FAIL (AND LEAP SUCCESS)!

Posted by Lori~

Today, I was reading this post where I broke down the Mission Quantum Leap plan.  Guess what—I failed miserably!

The post was written February 27, 2011.  During this post, I committed to losing 60 pounds and to follow a strict plan.

Ethne and I even agreed if we hit our goals, we would go on a Mexican vacation.  What happened to that vacation?  It never happened—I personally did not hit the goal.

Two years later, I am still at it, but guess what.  I have news.  I am down 15 POUNDS!  That’s right!  

I have been working out with a trainer and using MyFitness Pal.  

So WOMS…here it goes again.  I am DOING THIS!  Steve and I are headed to France this summer and I want to go healthier (and thinner).

WISH ME LUCK!  Ethne (and Shaun), if I hit the goal—you are still stuck going on vacation with me!  Steve may not get to go with (ONLY if he hits his goal).  So far, he has failed too!

HEALTHY SEMI-HOMEMADE MOZZA STICKS!

Posted by Lori~

I have been working really hard at this losing weight thing and I am happy to report (via last doctor appointment weigh-in) that I have officially lost 8 pounds!  I know it is a baby step, but regardless it is a step.

Currently Steve and I are in the middle of a one-week GNC detox plan.  Overall, I am doing OK and thankfully the plan doesn't cut out food all together.  But, I am still hungry.

I am dreaming about eating a cheeseburger.  However, I only have to make it one week, and I believe I will stick this out.

Along with shakes, vitamins, and a detox beverage, you also eat a healthy diet.  The funny thing is that I am really not a huge dessert person...my cravings are more for greasy appetizers and salt.  Mozza sticks were sounding VERY GOOD.

I found the PERFECT RECIPE (actually several recipes) on Pinterest.

All you need is string cheese (I used the low-fat option), egg roll wrappers, and cooking spray.

Folding in the outside corners of your egg roll wrapper, roll your string cheese in the wrapper, and seal the edges using water. It was so easy that Mur-Man did these steps.
 

Next, you should spray the cheese stick with a light covering of cooking spray.

Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown.

There are different versions of this recipe.  Of course you could fry them in hot oil in a pan (but this would add a lot more calories).  I was completely satisfied with the oven version, because it was not greasy and overall was delicious.

Next time, I think I will add a slice of jalapeno (creating a jalapeno popper) or even add some Laughing Cow Cheese.  Overall, they are delicious, and I do plan to re-create.

MISSION QUANTUM LEAP: CHIA SEEDS!

Posted by Lori~

Here’s another GREAT tip and yummy idea from Danika.  Remember, here she told us all about how to keep your buttons organized.

Here’s Danika with a bag of Chia Seeds:

Danika first heard about these seeds on the Dr. Oz show.  They are all natural, tasteless, and are packed with omega 3’s, protein, anti-oxidants, and fiber.  Supposedly, they are supposed to fill you up and keep you full.  This means less food in my tummy!  It’s a win-win!

Danika whipped up a smoothly for me this morning with frozen fruit (peaches/mango).  She uses frozen fruit, because it is cheaper and requires no added ice.  She also put in peach yogurt and apple juice (to get the right consistency).  She ended up adding 4 Tablespoons of Chia Seeds.

Actually, I think it worked.  The smoothie was DELICIOUS!  And I wasn’t super hungry by lunch time!

Danika bought her Chia Seeds at GMC; however, you could buy these at any health food store.