Ab Ripper X video to follow along!

After doing the workout program, P90X, twice

It is a "NO-brainer" to me that AB RIPPER X works!

only work your abs every other day

the entire video for Ab Ripper X below
goes through every move

you should be doing
25-30 repetitions for each exercise

*you will only notice your abs

getting more developed WITH

the incorporation of an
entire body workout routine as well

work   hard  =   get   results

A video to help you realize why organic is better

so the video below is   SUPER   silly

 and it will probably make you think about how some adults can be so corny

 BUT

the information is all so great

& they know what they're talking about

it is explained here in simpler form ..

Very Very Vegi Soup Recipe

Here is a recipe to my AMAZING

"very, very, vegi soup" with chicken

so good you'll want to have it all week

& don't worry, it makes enough for SIX servings

- so have some now & have some later -

that way you can count on a healthy lunch OR dinner already prepared throughout the week

The recipe:

1, 15.5 oz. can of cannelloni white beans, low-sodium, rinsed, drained

1, Tb. olive oil

1, cup large onion diced

1, carrot diced

2, stalks of celery diced

1, zucchini diced

1, Tb. fresh thyme

2, Tsps. fresh sage chopped

1, Tsp. fresh ground black pepper

4, cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1, 14.5 oz. can of chopped tomatoes PLUS the juice

2, cups baby spinach leaves

2, chicken breasts - antibiotic free, vegetarian fed

What to do:

• In a small bowl, mash half the amount of beans with a masher & set aside
• Grill (on George Foreman grill) the 2 chicken breasts, plain, until tender
  (cook on tinfoil to avoid previous oils on the grill from touching the chicken)
• Chop the chicken into small diced pieces, set aside
• Heat oil in large soup pot over medium heat
• Add onion, carrot, celery, zucchini, thyme, sage, pepper
• cook and stir until the vegetables are tender (5 minutes)
• Add broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil
• Add the mashed AND whole beans and the spinach
• stir for about five minutes while soup remains at a boil
• add the diced chicken pieces
• stir for about three more minutes
  
  *serve with a whole grain roll, if desired
  
  ** all ingredients [organic] if possible
  
  *** omit the chicken breast to make this a vegetarian friendly meal!

Per serving: 143 Calories, 20g Carbs, 8g Protein, 4g fat (.5 saturated), 5g fiber, NO cholesterol

inspired by: Ellie Krieger, of Food Network's Healthy Appetite

Sweet Ella's Organic Peanut Butter

with an [ORGANIC] red apple

*when you start eating organic*

*you taste the difference*

This peanut butter is AMAZING :) Try it!

Ellen Degeneres on being VEGAN!

Although I am fairly new to all of this

VEGETARIAN -and/or- VEGAN   "stuff"

I am trying a GREAT deal to do my best in reducing

the amount of chicken, beef, turkey, & dairy products that I consume

I have for the most part been able to support the vegetarian diet, but have not

yet made it to the full vegan diet.

Ellen Degeneres, one of the most inspirational, smart, honest, and passionate people I have ever

"known"

speaks about her decision to becoming vegan & this too is extremely similar to my own feelings as well

What is it?! Why choose Organic?!

Definition:

"Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances bio-diversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity.  It is based on MINIMAL use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony."

Grower or processor certification necessities:

1. The land must be free of prohibited substances for three years prior to certification
2. Farmers and processors must keep detailed records of farming methods and the materials used in production.
3. All methods and materials are inspected annually by a third party certifying agent.
4. All farmers and handlers are required to maintain written plans detailed with their organic management practices.

So why should you choose [ORGANIC] ?!

• Protects our health:  limits the release of toxic chemicals into the environment and into our food supply - support a healthy lifestyle!
• Supports the environment: creates a long term farming solution which sustains our land and water resources
• Protects our waters: no chemicals are used that pollute our ground water - our PRIMARY source of drinking water!
• Creates a diverse ecosystem: allows a wide variety of plant species and wild animals to thrive in their natural habitats
• No genetic modification: organic food is NEVER genetically modified or engineered, they are never irradiated!

in search for a great organic market?!

Today I found an amazing ORGANIC market in Boca Raton

[where I currently live] 

&  let me tell you, it was not hard to find!

Last night while sitting in bed, I decided to google

"Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants In Boca Raton"

after doing so, a generous list of places showed up from markets and grocery stores, to restaurants and cafes.  I was led to the

 4th Generation Organic Market & Cafe in Boca. 

 I encourage EVERYONE to find a similar store close to YOU!

Here's a little information about the one I found

 I am SURE that you will be able to find something similar in your area as well

• 100% Organic Gourmet Market in Boca Raton
• Open seven days a week
• offer free samples every day
• only location in Palm Beach County catering to vegans, vegetarians, and raw foodies
• Organic Grocery, Produce and Prepared Food, including organic meats and seafood dishes
•  line of supplements and nutritional products

4th Generation is located on the corner of SE 3rd Street and Federal Highway, just south of Palmetto Park Road in front of Royal Palm Place.

two of us ate lunch at the cafe they have in the back of the market

let me share with you what I myself had

• 1 Vegi Burger made with brown rice&vegetables
• a side of roasted corn and bean salad [vegan]
• 1 Poland Springs Water

You are able to try ANYTHING in their hot or cold window as well

in case you are new to all this [like me]

IT WAS SO DELICIOUS & AMAZING!

31 ways to stay motivated!

CHECK THIS OUT

>31 ways<

TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF TO EXERCISE

make a LITTLE snack, A LOT better!

You know you want to munch on that 

[ORGANIC]  apple

 but you're trying to spice it up a little bit
no pun intended 

Sprinkle on some CINNAMON spice !!
[brand: simply organic]

It's a great way to change it up & make it more tasty than it already is !!

Also for your

[ORGANIC]  banana or [ORGANIC]  kiwi

lightly drizzle on some all natural AGAVE NECTAR
[brand: madhava honey, organic agave nectar]

(Skinny Bitch; page 30):

"...We're simply suggesting that you substitute natural, healthier alternatives for refined sugar. At the top of the list is agave nectar or syrup. This high-nutrient sweetener can actually be beneficial to your health. It doesn't contain any processing chemicals, and the raw version (completely unprocessed) contains vitamins and minerals. Because it absorbs slowly into the bloodstream, agave nectar doesn't have a significant impact on blood-sugar levels. It can be sued in place of sugar in any product or recipe."



The Fruit Flush with a little reading

Alright, so it's been little while. 

But, it is only because I have been discovering some

LIFE CHANGING

ways of eating right & making better decisions for myself !

I hope I can influence you to do the same.

Over the past week I have focused many things, but amongst them I spent  A LOT  of time on two specifics:

• I researched a few cleanses that are designed to aide in digestion and decided to do "THE FRUIT FLUSH" designed by Jay Robb, is designed to flush out toxins while eating fresh raw fruit and vegetables throughout a three day process.  His site which has all the information listed is a great source for finding out more about how to clean your body out!

• I also started (and finished) the book SKINNY BITCH by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin and discovered that being "skinny" is way easier than it seems!

let me explain ..

Personally, I decided to do The Fruit Flush from Friday, Feb. 17, to Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012.  I decided to "cleanse" based on the fact that I wanted to rid my body of the extra 7 lbs. (approximately) that is held in your intestine (even if you just went to the bathroom & THINK you got "it" all out).  By eating fruits and vegetables combined throughout the three days, along with a ton of protein on "Day 1" and a lot of water the entire cleanse, your body begins to get rid of the toxins and break your old food addiction problems. 

“During the 3-Day Fruit Flush, your system is relieved of the digestive burden of eating other foods and can clean out its system while burning fat because fruit is nature’s perfect cleansing food," says personal trainer and certified clinical nutritionist Jay Robb, author of the Fruit Flush 3 Day Detox.

As a result from the cleanse, I personally lost six pounds, keeping in mind results vary. 

This allowed for me to kick some food addictions I had prior while also allowing my body to detox from toxins and set itself up to continue on a healthy eating path.

I confused myself a little when I found myself reading Skinny Bitch throughout the 3-day cleanse and realized I need to make even GREATER changes in my diet, even though I thought I was already on a pretty good track (minus the cupcakes and desserts I would occasionally crave).

The book Skinny Bitch really opened my eyes to   A LOT   of information concerning what I have been doing wrong, along with what   many   people are doing wrong, on a daily basis with what we are eating. 

Stated on their site: If you can't take one more day of self-loathing, you're ready to hear the truth: You cannot keep shoveling the same crap into your mouth every day and expect to lose weight.

I know that this is a bunch of information to take in at once, but trust me, I   HIGHLY  suggest looking into first The Fruit Flush and follow it by reading the book Skinny Bitch. 

< - - The Fruit Flush !!

The Book !! - - >

I am going to give everyone some time to research  BOTH  of the topics I covered and follow up in a couple of days.  Mind you, I have not   EVER   read a book cover to cover until Skinny Bitch!

Do it.

MOTIVATION

Motivation

you   don't   always get what you   WISH   for 

you get what you   WORK   for 

someone [   busier than you   ] is out running
  right now

put your sneakers on   &   lets go  ! 

Set goals for yourself

it's GOAL time

when you get to the gym & on a machine

set your goal BEFORE you get on the machine 

that way you have something to strive toward 

Cross Ramp

Today's goal: 5000 strides / 30 minutes 

Finishing: 5033 strides / 33 minutes

Just a quick fitness tip

When you first wake up eat a quick snack - something like a banana or some apple slices - THEN work out.  Doing cardio on a slightly filled stomach (but still after consuming something that will give you some energy) will help you burn more calories and feel like you can work LONGER - rather than cardio on a very full stomach, which will make you feel tired and only able to work out for a short period of time!! 

go to sleep on a light stomach & start your day with a light stomach

Why should you keep a food diary?

It is smart to keep a FOOD DIARY in which you will record everything you eat that day, the time you are eating it, the amount you are eating, and basically any details you can imagine.

WHY?

This will help with knowing how to adjust your diet through out the weeks!

Example: If you journal your eating on a VERY busy day, it will be easier for you to remember what time in your day you need to focus more on! If you realize that you're going a few hours without eating, more than two, while you're at school, you will then know to pack snacks in your bag so that doesn't happen! 

Keeping a food journal and marking down what you eat WILL help - so start NOW !! 

Eggplant Recipe for dinner

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

- 1 egg

- 1 organic eggplant

- 1 ball of Mozzarella cheese

- extra virgin olive oil

- 1 can of fresh tomatoes (made fresh, not remanufactured from paste, no water added)

- 1 can of pasta sauce of your choice depending on if you want vodka sauce, tomato basil, alfredo etc.

- seasoned Italian bread crumbs

- 1 baking sheet

- 1 wash brush

The Fresh Market (TFM) makes it possible for your ALL your ingredients to be fresh.  Though they sell both organic products, and non-organic products, you make your own decision on which to use. 

.. WHAT TO DO ..

• rinse and dry your eggplant to get off any residue
• slice your eggplant into medium size slices (depending on the size of the eggplant the amount of slices will vary)
• coat a baking sheet with a piece of tin foil, that way you know you're on a clean slate
• take about a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and with a paper towel spread the olive oil amongst the pan with an even coat covering the entire piece of tinfoil
• lay the pieces of eggplant on the pan
• with a wash brush, lightly coat the eggplant with a thin layer of raw egg previously beaten together including the yolk
• sprinkle about 1 cup of breadcrumbs amongst the top of the pan covering all pieces of eggplant

Set the oven on 350 degrees and let the eggplant cook for about ten minutes.  When they change slightly in color to a bit darker green and the breadcrumbs look toasty, remove the pan from the oven.

• cover the eggplant with the tomatoes making sure each slice has tomato on it
• slice the mozzarella cheese into enough slices to have one slice on each piece of eggplant
• on top of each piece, put one teaspoon of pasta sauce

Put the tray back in the oven for about 7 minutes.  When the cheese has melted over top of the eggplant and tomato, your dish is completed.

Pair this dish with a spinach salad for a side item with some balsamic vinegar & extra virgin olive oil!

DINNER IS SERVED

BEFORE GETTING STARTED

Where To Shop For Food?! 

- THE FRESH MARKET - 

 

In 1982, Ray Berry and his wife, Beverly, opened a small store dedicated to providing quality foods in a friendly atmosphere. They have been open for more than twenty-five years. Their focus is on stellar customer service and the "specialty neighborhood grocer" feeling that the community customers have grown to love.

All of THE FRESH MARKET products are 100% fresh - they also offer some products non-antibiotic, free ranged, with availability of gluten free, whole wheat, no sugar, low fat, etc. locations of THE FRESH MARKET can be found on their WEBSITE.

DON'T FORGET .. 

.. FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER 

>>          @Catchagweeda          <<

catch quick laughs & fast ideas for your daily life to move more smoothly

*get your BUTT in shape*

Hello Hello!

I hope that I can help you - even a little bit - with some knowledge tips on

- working out

- eating right

- looking & feeling great!

I know it is NOT easy to get up and work out when your favorite TV shows are on ..

.. and I KNOW the pizza guy can be there in five minutes, so why cook?!

BUT >> I promise I will give you some ideas on what to do for a quick breakfast, lunch, and dinner

I will guide you on how to get your BUTT in shape!! 

Stay tuned every week for some great ideas