• Personal

This year was all about letting go and at the same time taking control. Leaving Texas for New Jersey was the scariest and the most exciting thing all wrapped up into one BIG decision.

Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same. 

This is a phrase Jeffrey and I have always repeated to one another. We have been faced with some big decisions in our journey together, but with faith and a lot of hard work- we really believe we can do anything. Taking back our health was something we really cared about.  It’s so easy to get caught up in the fast food world and start letting your stomach decide what your health will look like. I got really sick this year for about 3 months and saw my health in a whole new light. It’s not like we were eating snicker bars and candy canes for dinner, but I wanted to take more responsibility for my families health. I want my family to thrive and be the healthiest versions of themselves. And I’ll be really honest with you all- I don’t like the mentality of western medicine. I do believe in putting great things in your body and mind to help prevent sickness and stress. At some point in your life you have to stop and have a reality check about what you’re doing to yourself. What are you eating? Where are you hanging out? Are you getting spiritually fed? Are you working out or moving more? Do you feel healthy? You have to it one day at a time and really focus on having a balanced life. A fulfilled life. Not a rushed life full of regrets. This kind of goes back to my post earlier this year about Living Present.

I found a new balance this year: Having more quiet time,  Family hangout times, Eating Clean, Living more, Leading a Life Group within our church, Finding time for myself, Serving and helping others…oh, and running a business!

So let’s get to the point–we decided to start eating clean this year! I’m not a juicer kind of girl. I love to cook and I love food. So here are some things we put into our routines for this year as a family. 

What is real food?– Fruit, Veggies, Whole Grain, Nuts, Beans, Eggs, Yogurt, Turkey, Chicken, Tuna, and so much more. Real food is fuel for your body! You have to refuel frequently! 5-6 times a day.

What keeps me in check?– Shopping on the outside isle of the grocery store. Pre chopping all my veggies and fruit. Having an amazing food processor (Cuisinart) Making a meal plan for the week. Making sure I have amazing snacks prepped.

Where do I get inspiration for meals?– My Pinterest!, Ashy Bines, Facebook pages

What does daily schedule look like?–

1. WAKE UP– Drink water with two big squirts of lemon to get my digestion system moving. Take probiotic supplement. I then wait about 1 hour before I eat.
2. MOVE!– With my 2nd glass of lemon water and half of a banana- hit the walking trails for a 45 min Fat burning walk! This is when you can maximize burning! Supplement- Catalyst by Advocare (3 times a week)
3. EAT– Breakfast should be your biggest meal of the day. GIRLS- just shove it in there! I know it’s hard to eat big in the a.m., but its what is best for you. I choose to eat veggie omelets: 2 egg whites, onion, bell pepper, spinach and crushed red pepper for some zing! And another tall glass of cold water!
4. SPARK– I drink a Advocare Spark drink to get me moving!  I love these drinks because they energize me and are great mental drinks for working and focusing!
5. SNACK– 1 Hour after I drink my Spark, I have a snack. I am continually eating every 2-2.5 hrs. My body will actually alert me. If I do not eat- I actually get faint! So EAT!
6. LUNCH– Medium sized lunch (Loaded salad, Tuna Salad, Turkey on whole wheat, BIG protein content so you don’t feel hungry in 10 minutes)
7. SPARK– 2 hrs after I eat lunch I drink another Spark!
8. SNACK– Fruit, Almonds, Protein muffins, yogurt & fruit, something to fuel my body!
9. DINNER– Light dinner! We typically eat grilled fish, grilled chicken and salad. We keep it super light!
10. SNACK– Try to have a small protein filling snack around 7pm. Maybe a little later if you go to bed super late. The later you stay up…the more likely you are going to want to raid the fridge! 🙂

Not what you probably were taught in grade school, huh?

What are my favorites on my shopping list?–

Eggs, Spinach, Cottage Cheese, Greek Yogurt, Almonds, Bananas, Berries, Spices!, Apples, Frozen fish filets, lemons, sweet potato, salad, organic peanut butter, almond butter, lean turkey meat, thin chicken breasts, almond meal (no more white flour), fresh veggies (chop, store & freeze), natvia, vanilla, cocoa, coconut oil (no more canola oil), Quinoa, Granola,  rye bread and more! Organic is the way to go. Look high and low at the grocery stores. The good stuff is never in the middle.

What do I avoid?–

White bread (And bread all together if I can!), fast food, prepackaged anything, soda, SUGAR! Dried fruits, sauces, pasta (and if you do eat it…eat earlier in the day to burn!)

Helpful Hints I have learned–

• Rye wraps are awesome! Can use them for so many things & takes the place of bread
• Olive oil and lemon can make just about anything taste zesty
• Protein should be eaten with every meal
• You’re probably not hungry- you’re probably thirsty
• Sugar is the devil
• Never eat to get full. EVER
• Eat slowly, Eat on smaller plates, cut up all of your food
• WATER!!!!!!
• Good fats- Avocado, nuts, fish
• I’m obsessed with Quinoa!
• Sleep is better now!
• Fat burning walks are not about SPEED, but about consistency & low intensity
• High intensity work outs- Eat protein before!
• I’m not perfect. This is a lifestyle change that is a daily choice.
• I would rather promote health rather than deal with illness.
• I’m a cheater. I am going to still live life and eat chocolate here and there 🙂 My weakness is Nutella. 🙂

Supplements–

Yes, I do take supplements. I would recommend that you talk to your doctor on your yearly check up on what you’re lacking. Sometimes that is what makes you feel so crappy!  I use Advocare! You can sign in as a customer and have a look around!

– Fish Oil

-Vitamin C

-Vitamin D

– Probiotic

– Catalyst

– Spark Vitamin drink

– B12

Protein Shakes– Personally, I have tried them all and they upset my stomach! So I will not reference any to you! Do your research though. Buy in small amounts so you can try them out. They are a great trade out for a snack!

 

I encourage you all to take a good hard look at what you’re feeding yourself and your family. There are enough things in this world that are ad for us. As mom’s we control what are family eats. It take a little bit of effort. It takes longer to prep. It will give them the best fighting chance at living a healthy and long life!

Feel free to leave comments, links to recipes, advice, encouragement, or ideas! Sharing and trying new things is one of the fun parts of this journey!

Happy Eating,

Leaha