Shamrock Shake + Paleo Round 2!

Top of the morning to you!!

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Happy St. Patrick's day!! Hope you are all wearing your green!
I woke up this morning with a 15 mile training run on schedule. I met up with a few friends and ran a little over 8 with them before I had to cut it short due to pain in my foot and make it back to the gym in time to teach Body Pump. I arrived back at the gym with a little less then 20 minutes till class started so I went up to the treadmill and finished for an even 10. My foot/hip is still bothering me enough to make me limp. I came home and iced and rolled and it feels a little better, but I’m thinking I need to just step back a little before it gets worse.
I did look forward to coming home and making this delicious recovery shake!
SHAMROCK SHAKE

Ingredients:

• 1.5 C. Almond breeze Vanilla unsweetened milk
• 1 Scoop Vanilla whey isolate protein
• 2 tsp. Lime Jell-o powder (fat free-sugar free)
• 1 banana
• 7-8 ice cubes
• 1 handful of spinach

Directions:
Blend all ingredients together in blender.

*The key to this delicious little lime drink is  the lime jell-o!

This made enough to fill my cup TWICE!
ENJOY!
My Paleo Experience Round 2

Did you eat a lower fat paleo to get so lean?
When I started paleo, yes- I would probably have about half of the recommended serving of fat per meal. After the first month or so I turned to higher fat and that is when I fell in love with freshly grounded almond butter. It has now become my staple and I still eat about half a frozen banana with almond butter pre-workout every day! I also started having olive oil in my veggies and half a avocado in my salads. While I was doing paleo, It was through race season last year, so I was running, swimming, biking, AND teaching. I would do multiple workouts during the day (not everyday) so I discovered that my body performed better if I consumed higher fat.
Isn’t consuming to much fat lead to weight gain?
If you eat to much of anything it leads to weight gain. To many grams of carbs, protein, or fat can lead to weight gain. Consuming healthy fats actually burns fat. Paleo is high in fat. I believe it is designed that way to put the body into a ketosis state (Use fat for energy instead of carbs). But you have to pay attention to the carb intake from fruit and veggies to actually reach that state. Its all about finding a balance for your body and what works for you.
Did you count calories while on paleo?
Not really. I didn’t keep a log or journal, but I was mindful of it. Depending on the level of my training days, high or low. High days were probably around 1900 cal. and low days 1500 cal. Give or take. High days I would make sure to consume more carbs, (fruit, sweet potatoes) compared to low days.
That is just what I found out that worked best for me and my body, performance, energy level etc.
What was the hardest thing you had to give up during paleo?
There was a few… GF oatmeal, PEANUT BUTTER, Greek yogurt.
Do you really think paleo is the way everyone should eat?
I never said that.. but no, everybody is different and has different needs. I do think everyone should eat all natural foods and avoid processed food and refined sugars. I don’t think everyone necessarily needs to eat paleo. If you already eat healthy then stick with it. “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Its always fun to try something different though just to see how your body responds. Take it as a challenge, something to work for. If it will make you feel better about yourself, then why not?
Would you do paleo again?
Yes, In fact I had a few friends ask me questions following round 1 of my paleo experience and we are going to take on the whole 30 challenge!
If you want to join in on the fun I’ll be more then happy to fill you in on the details. More people the better! Especially when friends take it on, it somehow makes it a little easier with some accountability… and the fact that if we mess up anytime during those 30 days we have to do 100 burpees or 300 kb swings each time. (We start MONDAY March 19, 2012)
What are the Pros and Cons of Paleo?
Pro-  (MY opinion)

• It encourages you to eat healthy, whole natural foods at EVERY meal
• Weight loss
• Muscle gain
• Higher energy
• Less cravings
• Consumed MORE water.
• Learn how to prepare healthier meals, Learn more about how your body responds to “real food.”
• Teaches a healthier lifestyle.

Con- (Also, MY opinion)

• It can get a little pricey, take advantage of farmers markets/bountiful baskets. You need to prepare. Make grilled chicken, boil eggs, steam veggies in bulk to just have on hand in your fridge at all times. Makes for quick and easy meals.
• Once your done with the diet ease back into grains and/or dairy slowly. I have a very sensitive stomach to certain grains and dairy now. Bloat, nauseous etc. I enjoy a fro-yo or a chobani every now and then because I love it but I know I will end up with a stomachache later. Consider that a warning? Ha!
• Its not exactly ideal in today’s world, or convenient unless your prepared. Parties, date nights, family dinners etc. can get a little hard, especially when you have to check labels, ask questions and explain yourself to others when they ask questions.

Q. Any IRISH heritage out there? What is your St. Paddy’s day tradition?
Q. Long run today? HOW was it?

Pizza for two.

Last night, I planned on taking my first stab at a cauliflower crust pizza. Not really knowing what to expect, I kind of just rolled with the punches. When it came down to toppings I was really craving a BBQ Chicken Pizza but I had already purchased some veggies for a Chicken Veggie Supreme. I decided to split the recipe and make 2 mini pizzas! Then I could eat a quarter of each feel satisfied and content with that hard decision to have to just pick one.

Pizza for two it was! Well. and two crazy 20 month olds.

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Ingredients:

• 2 C. Steamed Cauliflower
• 1/2 C. Almond Meal/Flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 Tbs. Extra virgin Coconut oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450
2. Steam Cauliflower and mash with a fork (Or throw it in your food processor- I hate cleaning mine so to keep it simple I just mashed it with a fork)
3. Add Almond meal, eggs and coconut oil. Mix until well combined
4. On pizza pan or I just used your basic cookie sheet and make one or TWO pizza crust by smashing it into a circle for your desired thickness
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes
6. Remove and add toppings!

BBQ Chicken

• Favorite BBQ sauce (Check out the label for HFCS)

• Goat Cheese

• Purple Onion
• Diced Grilled Chicken

Chicken Veggie Supreme

• Pizza Sauce
• Goat Cheese
• Purple onion
• Diced Tomato
• Red Pepper
• Fresh Basil
• Diced Chicken

After you top your pizza toss it back in the oven for 12 minutes!

They turned out surprisingly well and the twinners each ate 2 slices! They love their veggies! Although, I couldn’t really eat it without making a complete mess, so I sliced it and ate it with a fork. Next time Ill go for a thicker crust.

This pizza was very FILLING! I didn’t even finish it. On the bright side, lunch is calling my name right now.

***I’m still receiving questions from my paleo experience I hope to collect them and get another post up about it tonight along with a St. Paddy’s treat! So let me know if you have a thought or question for me regarding paleo.

Q. Favorite Pizza?

BBQ Chicken!

Q. When I eat pizza ______BETTER NOT be on it!

Pineapple! Blech. I am not a fan of fruit on pizza.. kind of like putting salt on fruit. It’s a no-go for me!

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Have you ever been to Serendipity?

If so, have you ever had their frozen hot chocolate? Its heaven.

 

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Honestly, I haven’t had one of these in years. YEARS.

How depressing. We need a serendipity in SLC.

Frozen Hot Chocolate is an ice-y treat made with 14 different types of chocolate and topped with whip cream and shaved chocolate! It is served in a ginormous goblet that is the size of a small child. (not really..) but you get my drift.

Is your mouth watering yet? 

Well, knowing I’m nowhere near a Serendipity, I could not fulfill this craving.

Or could I? --I ran around my kitchen, pulling out every kind of chocolate I could find. Whipped it all together and enjoyed every sip.

Made a great recovery shake post-workout!

Frozen Hot Chocolate (protein style)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 C. Chocolate Coconut milk
• 1 scoop Chocolate protein
• 1 tbsp. Dark Ghirardelli cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp. Sugar Free Nesquick
• Pinch of xanthan gum
• Ice 8-10 cubes (I prefer my shakes more on the think side.)

Directions:

Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.

I was missing the goblet, cream and about 10 other types of chocolate.. but it was perfect in every other way.

If you are a chocolate lover, give this a go.

Enjoy!

Random note: Serendipity also has a dessert called golden opulence Sundae.

You can enjoy this dessert for only $1000. (chump change..)

Seriously?! AND you have to give them 48 hours in advance.. Plan ahead folks. Because it is made with the most expensive chocolate and topped with REAL gold!

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Injury update:

My hip and foot started bothering me after my long run two weeks ago and I have been taking it pretty easy on my foot and haven’t ran much at all in a WEEK! Its starting to feel a little better, but I don’t want to push it to hard to early so I’m going to ease into running again slowly.. Realistically, my main goal is to make it through my long run this weekend.. crossing my fingers! Lots of ice, rolling and stretching have been happening, and I hope it gets me to full recovery.

ALSO, I received a few more questions and emails about my experience with Paleo- I will make another post about it this week. Let me know if you have any other questions and I will address them in that post!

AND… Don’t forget to vote if you haven’t already.

Thank You!!!

Q. Would you ever EVER spend $1,000 on a dessert?

Q. Chocolate or Vanilla?

My Paleo Experience

Workout: Body Pump, GPP
Last week, I mentioned in a post that I followed the Paleo diet. I received several questions about the diet and my thoughts/experience.  Soooo.. Here I go!
First, I want to reiterate that I believe everybody is unique and responds to diets differently. Depending on personal needs, activity, allergies, etc. What works for one person may not work for another.
Secondly- The word diet is thrown around so much lately. For Example: Your friend is on “this” diet, your mom is doing “this” diet. Etc. Actually, its funny because everyone is on a diet, rather it’s a healthy diet or how should a say… a poor diet (not really a fad diet but eating whatever, whenever). When I hear the word diet all I can think about is restriction. I don’t think a diet needs to be restricting to help you accomplish your goal, whether it is for weight loss or performance. However, if you are new to eating healthy then yes, your diet is going to feel restricting. I do think that “diets” are actually designed to teach you how to follow a healthy lifestyle. Diets can teach you how to listen to your body. Hunger cues VS. Cravings. They also make you pay attention to your energy levels, attitude, and mood. Although, you may be exercising daily, you even might actually even eat healthy already. But many people have fallen into a fad diet trap or even better “a cleanse”. Its about understanding your body, focusing on foods you do eat, instead of the foods you don’t eat.

The Paleo Diet-

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Q. What is the paleo diet?
To put it simply. Paleo is eating real food,(Imagine that.) Going back to our pre- agricultural ancestors ate. You are to not eat anything processed, grains, dairy or legumes. Put your focus on fresh fruit and veggies, healthy fats and lean meats.


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Q. How long did you eat paleo?
I ate paleo for about 5 months .
Q. Could you tell a difference in you body, energy, weight?
Yes, My body did change, I was my leanest, lowest weight while on paleo. My energy was well. Although, the first few weeks I felt a little low on energy put once I added more sweet potatoes/yams into each meal. I felt better. My performance and speed also improved. My training also had a lot to do with it also.

Q. What did your meals consist of?
I ate about 5-6 meals each day. Each meal had a source of protein, carb, and a fat.

For Example: Dinner last night! Grilled chicken with brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes, roasted with olive oil and garlic.
Q. How did you perform/train without carbs from grains, pasta, rice etc..
I believe your body actually starts taking energy from you fat source. My fat intake was the high on this diet. Think almonds, cashews, coconut oil, olive oil and avocados. I also got my carbs through sweet potatoes, fruits and vegetables.
Here is one of my favorite charts to figure out paleo--

Q. How strict were you on the diet?
Honestly, I didn’t follow the diet exactly 100%. I allowed protein supplement almost daily. And about one day a week I would go for fro-yo or if I knew I was going somewhere I couldn’t exactly eat 100% paleo, such as a friends house or my parents I would plan ahead and allow a “cheat” meal- (NOT day).I hate having to explain my dietary needs to other people mainly because I don’t want to inconvenience someone or draw attention to myself. Because there will always be someone who doesn’t agree with you or understand why you eat the way you do.
You really don’t need to eat “perfect” 100% of the time to be successful/healthy. Its about balance.
Q. Do you still follow paleo?
I follow paleo probably 80% of the time. I have found what works for me. I missed Greek yogurt, goat cheese, Frozen yogurt trips with the fam, and chocolate milk. I didn’t love the way I looked while eating strictly paleo. Adding a little dairy and grains such as GF oats, brown rice, quinoa helps me keep my weight in a happy place for me with my activity level. I picked up healthy habits that I include into my everyday diet according to what my body needs.
Q. Would you recommend Paleo for others?
Yes. Real,whole, natural food is the best diet. In fact, I think of it more as a healthy lifestyle!  Be prepared to be prepared. Paleo requires you to think ahead and be ready. You don’t have the convince of buying anything from a vending machine. Snag a apple, keep chopped veggies, boiled eggs and grilled chicken in your fridge ready to go. As with any diet your prep comes into play of your success.


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Any other questions? I would LOVE to answer them!
Also, Voting is still open! Thanks for all who have voted already. If you have a minute please take the time to click! It would mean so much to me!  Please and Thank you!!

Exciting News!

 

Happy Wednesday!! I Hope you are all having a great week so far. We are officially more then halfway! (Knowing its 10pm on Wednesday!)

Workout: GPP fitness, Body Pump.

I have been having a little pain in my hip and foot since my long run on Saturday, so I have been taking it easy this week to avoid further injury. During the workout at GPP today it felt better and I was able to jump. I spent a little time on the foam roller afterward and stretched—(definitely something I need to do more often!) I decided that teaching Body Attack later probably wouldn’t be to smart because I can still feel a little pain lingering so I was able to find a sub for that and just rolled with BP.

When you have an injury or you are recovering from a surgery or pregnancy, the key is to really listen to your body. Be smart and back off when needed. Being smart and tuning in to your body needs is crucial in being able to achieve your goals and if you push something to fast you can end up injuring yourself and making your recovery time even longer! I have learned this the hard way before…

                            

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Dinner tonight was quick and easy! Mainly, because Brent made it. He is quite the chef in the kitchen!

Pesto Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• Brown rice noodles or whole wheat noodles
• Simply organic Pesto (prepare as directed.)

• Olive Oil
• Water
• 1 Cup Traditional Hummus

 

• 2 4 oz. Grilled Chicken

Directions:

1. Grill/Bake Chicken with desired seasonings
2. Prepare noodles as directed
3. Prepare Pesto as indicated on package
4. Drain noodles
5. Add Pesto mixture and 1 C. of traditional hummus stir until combined
6. Top with chicken
7. SERVE

Fact: I heart pesto more then marinara sauce.

Now, for the exciting news!!!

Fitness Magazine Nomination

Body of a mother has been nominated for the 2012 Fitterati Blogger Award in the “The Best Healthy Living Blog” category.

                      

Fitness magazine has been one of my favorite fitness magazines to read each month and track online! I am excited and honored to even be nominated for this!

If you would like to vote for BOM. Click here! I have also put a button on the top right corner of the blog that will link you directly there.

So many of my favorite blogs to stalk have also been nominated. There are several other categories also, so be sure to check them out as well!

Have a good night!

Morning takes Flight!

Good Morning! When my alarm went off this morning to workout, I hit snooze for just a few more minutes of sleep ( I set 3 alarms.. ) But before my second alarm even went off my little baby bee alarm did. I got up with her and she was awake ready to play. By the time I got her back down, I had missed my window of training time and Brent was ready to hit the gym. Baby snuggle time > gym time. Plus, after being up for a bit with Bee, catching a few extra Z’s is exactly what my body needed.

When my 3rd alarm went off, I jumped out of bed ready to tackle the week! I made my daily to-do list and a quick breakfast to get my metabolism rockin.

I love stuffing breakfast full of veggies to ensure a great start to the day!

This egg scramble included the following

• 5 egg whites
• 5 asparagus spears
• 1/2 red pepper
• 1/4 of a onion
• 1/4 c. chopped mushrooms
• 1/4 avocado
• 1/2 roma tomato

I love savory breakfast but also enjoy something sweet as well and the cara cara orange I had was perfect! I am absolutely loving these oranges right now. They are the BEST! I’m not usually a orange fan, but these are different and sort of remind me of a grapefruit, just sweeter.

I also cooked a few extra veggies (red peppers and asparagus) to have on hand for later.

After breakfast, the babies woke up and T wanted one thing-----COPTEEEER!!!!!

This kid LOVES helicopters and Brent has this remote control helicopter that T just can’t get enough of.

Time to get ready for the day! Catch ya later!

Q.  Sweet or Savory Breakfast?

Q. What is your favorite fruit right now?

Weekend Re-cap

This weekend flew by! Lets start from the top.

Friday- Taught early morning attack/pump. Then I was off to my last day of work at the dental office. I have been working at this dental office for the past 8 years! Its something I absolutely love and enjoyed doing. I worked 40 hours a week until I had the babies and then I dropped to just one day a week, which were Fridays and we were only open for 4 hours. Going big here folks. Could I even consider that part time? Anyway, saying goodbye was actually harder then I thought. My sister works there as well and brought me flowers and some cheesecake for everyone to share.

I spent the rest of day trying to organize my piles, that are laying around the house and put a dent in laundry. Then my sister came over and we watched YouTube clips of the unedited bachelor chicks. HILARIOUS. We are stoked for tomorrow.

Saturday- Ran 13.15—>yes. I’m giving myself .15 credit. Taught Body Pump 20 minutes after. That was a new feat.—Post workout, I came home quick to get ready and head out with the babes to my bf’s baby shower. She is having a girl and I am so excited for her to be a mommy!

There was fondue! Marshmallows, pretzels, cinnamon bears, pineapple and strawberries all to dip into the chocolate fountain. YUM! I am now wanting a fondue fountain constructed permanently in my kitchen.

 

Miss Bee was all about it. Her favorite was the pretzels with a bit of chocolate on it.

Tanner however was a bit shy being surrounded by so many girls.

Such a mommas boy.

My friend is the one digging into the gifts. She looks amazing and I can’t wait to meet her little babe.

Then I came back home and played with my new apple slicer.

I have been wanting one of these forever! Whenever I see one to buy, Ill pick it up and take one look at the price tag and have that mental fight in my head.. $50.00?! no.. yes.. no.. that could buy me new shoes.. And never get it. I found a deal on amazon.com and picked this beauty up for $12.99! Steal. Sold. No decent pair of shoes cost $12.

I went to the store to pick up some apples- TWICE this weekend. I’m obsessed.

It is by far the funnest way to eat an apple. The babies even love it!

Sunday- Rest day. I’m sore.. like hurt to walk down my stairs sore. I haven’t felt this in awhile. After some icing this morning I feel better.

Honestly, I do have a whole list of to-dos to tackle on Sundays but today I put it all on hold. We had a complete relaxing morning and then we family party hopped till now.

We celebrated my sister in-laws birthday today! Happy Birthday Charla!

Pretty sure I got her the best gift ever.

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A cake pop maker and or… mini donuts. How fun! She always is throwing super cute parties, showers etc. and I hope this can come in handy for some fun treats!

Here are a few more pics from the evening.

It was a great day! I think I’ll go eat a apple.

Good night!

Q. Favorite kitchen appliance?

I have two. -–> Blender, and apple peeler

Q. Have you ever had a cake pop?

Not from the maker, only the kind you mix with frosting and dip yourself! I want to try and make a healthier pop.