Trying New Things and Being Prepared!

This week, I have a three day off-site meeting at work. While I'm sure there will be snacks, I'm also sure the snacks won't be a part of my eat-clean lifestyle. These meetings will start quite early, so I have to rise earlier to get in my workout and cut down my breakfast routine time.



What's Shay Shay to do?



Shay Shay gets in the kitchen! I must admit that I'm a tad bit tired today! The Aussie Open coverage goes way pass my typical bedtime, but I don't have the gene that allows me to sleep in, not even on the weekends. I'm feeling it. I really didn't feel like doing much in the kitchen today and I had some work to do because I'll be off-site (the work on-site still has to get done!) but I also don't feel like losing progress either! Besides, I'm low on my trusty quest bars and almonds get boring.

So in the kitchen I was--preparing some clean eats for the week. Yes, Shay Shay will be taking the super cooler to the off-site. My colleagues have been warned. Here's what I have prepared, including some new things:

Zucchini Protein-Packed Muffins: My wonderful grandmother makes the absolute, most delicious zucchini bread in the world! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it, but I have to eat in only when I go to Virginia for the holidays and then in moderation. I ran across a recipe for protein-packed zucchini bread and decided I would make muffins. I cooked them a little too long, but I really like the taste. They taste like real muffins, but without the sugar, bad fat, and calories of a bakery muffin. I used flaxseed, almond flour, protein powder and egg whites in this recipe. These will be part of my mid-morning snack for sure! I'll be making these again!

Next up protein pancakes and kale, mushroom, and red onion frittata! I've been making and enjoying protein pancakes for a few weeks now. I am truly a foodie of habit. After a work dinner conversation about chia and the benefits, I decided to take out the chia seeds (yes, like the Chia Pet!) and add them to my protein pancakes in place of egg whites. When in water, the chia seeds swell into a gel making them perfect for baking. I have never used chia seeds for baking before, but I'm pleased with the result of my pancakes.

I'm also really digging Kale too these days. I sampled this frittata for dinner with some shredded Parmesan cheese and salsa. I will definitely enjoy this breakfast in the morning. The great thing is that it is portable, so I can pack it up in the cooler and take it to work with me so that I can get to the work earlier to be prepared for the off-site meetings.

My trusty quinoa. I really like quinoa a lot, but I hadn't cooked it in a long time. I added some rosemary, broccoli, and some new things: edamame, coconut oil and apple cider vinegar. I had some for lunch today and it was delicious and so quick to make!

Everything is packed up and ready to go. With these items, I'm prepared for my meetings--at least on the food end of things. (smile)

To finish off my cooking session and to cure a sweet tooth, I put some chopped apple, walnuts, oats, a dab of coconut oil, cinnamon and stevia in a bowl and popped it in the oven for a very yummy apple "cobbler." I gobbled it up before I thought to take a picture!

With my green tea, this was a perfect way to end my evening. I'm winding down now and getting my mind ready for tomorrow. I will be rising early for the gym, and I'm looking forward to it!

Hump Day Confession: Pushing Pass My Funk!

So, I'm going to confess! I didn't reach my goals during the first 90 Days of the Sweet Spot Fitness Challenge because I have not been putting in the work I KNOW I need to reach my goals!

I have just been a plain ol' Fitness FUNK! Have I pretty much maintained the 60 pound weight loss and size 6--yes. But was this my end goal--NO! And, I'm just not feeling or looking as tight as I had been.

I have my sights on bigger goals, and I was not getting it done!

This week, I'm PUSHING Myself PASS My Funk! I know what I want. I need to go after it! I am going after it!

With my new cooler and now renewed motivation, I cooked, have been packing up my meals and hitting the gym. Check out my meals for the week all packed up and ready to go!

Buffalo Parmesan Burgers

Chicken Picadillo with Black Beans and Quinoa

I also cooked up some ground turkey and veggies and now it's all packed up--no excuses!

Oh How Sweet It Is!

It's just Saturday and it has already been a SWEET weekend!

Friday, my Sweet Spot Fitness pals got together at A's aka The Beast for The Sweet Spot Workout Mix Release put together by A and to celebrate 90 days of supporting each other toward finding our Sweet Spots of Health and Fitness. Some of us have lost weight--up to 20 lbs, have started new exercise programs, have been cooking more and eating more veggies and most of all EVERYONE has been get motivated and inspired by each other! It was an awesome night, and The Beast had a beautiful Healthy spread for us. While I didn't accomplish what I wanted during the first 90 days, I'm looking forward to the next 90 Days! I have new sense of motivation and of course My Plan!

The Sweet Spread!

Today, I played my first USTA league match since November! It was such a beautiful day. I actually had to put on a skirt (thank goodness my teammate brought a spare!). My partner FW and I played really well together--and this was our first time playing together in an official match. The McGhee Super Slammers took ALL 5 points today!

I knew I would be out on the courts for a while so I packed my new cooler bag with some clean eats--some quest bars, grilled chicken breast and spinach and persimmon salad with organic apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar. All the players were looking at my eats with envy!

Loving my new cooler, Baby!


One of the ladies who eyed my salad and who also was one of my opponents asked if I was a fitness buff? Who, me? My response: I sure am trying! Her: well I can really tell!

How is that for encouragement from someone I just met!

Tomorrow, I will hit the Farmer's Market to get some fresh produce, lean meat and some spices and coconut oil.

Looking forward to the long weekend. I have a MLK 5K on the schedule and maybe a little more tennis too!

I am Shay Shay, and I am Fit!

Let the Hard Work Begin!

I just got back from an exciting weekend to celebrate my godbrother who played in the U.S. Army All-American Game for outstanding senior football athletes. My mom, a few other supporters of my godbrother and I had a wonderful time in San Antonio. My godbrother was named Captain and had a really great showing on the field. He's such a great young man. I am really proud of him. It was a real pleasure to meet and see all the young athletes on and off the field. I was truly inspired. I know they have worked hard to get to this point. I wish them all nothing but HUGE SUCCESS!

The great thing about San Antonio is the River WALK! I emphasize "walk" because we didn't need a car or cab the whole weekend! The weather was great and we could walk EVERYWHERE we needed! I was in heaven! There is nothing like some good weather, good company, and nice walks! A little exercise with no effort--SWEET!

We had some good food too. I indulged, but didn't go too crazy. I know I have some goals to meet, and gosh darn it, I'm going to meet them!

So, tomorrow starts my next phase that I shared in the previous post. I am excited about the results I will see because I know they're going to be great if I stick to plan and put in the effort.

My new stash of quest bars arrived, my trampoline is here, and now I'm just waiting on my new cooler to arrive Tuesday.

I'm cooking up chicken and salmon now. I have veggies already done with more in the fridge to prepare. I won't wait for the cooler to pack up my good, clean eats tomorrow. But I can't wait to pack it up Tuesday night (going to try to start preparing my cooler the night before!).

Here goes! I'm really excited!

Detox Done! What's the Plan Now, Shay Shay?!?!?!

I ran out of my bone broth after I finished day 2 of my detox, but it worked like a CHAMP! I feel great, and my abs look like they did pre-holiday. For day 3, I kept my food intake to protein and veggies and added 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. I even found a way to continue my daily 6 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons, 2x/day) without always drinking with water (great on my salad and veggies, especially with the coconut oil!).

I got in some strength training this morning and hopped on my new trampoline (more on this another day) for 15 minutes when I got back from the gym. I am feeling like a CHAMP!

So, now what?

Let me once again share my goals: 135 lbs; 18-21% BF by March 1, 2012. I am determined to make this mark and stick with it! Let's not forget that green bikini I've been discussing for what seems like years (wait--it has been years!)

I heard Janet Jackson say on her new NutriSystem spot (no opinion on whether she's a good spokesperson or not. Do you Janet and NutriSystem!) this: You can't just HOPE and WISH for what YOU WANT. You have to PLAN and GET ON IT! (emphasis my own)

This is POWERFUL and TRUE! So, what's Shay Shay's plan?

1. Veggies at every meal
2. No more than 1-2 servings fruit/day
3. Coconut Oil: 3 tablespoons a day
4. Continue organic apple cider vinegar and warm lemon water regime
5. Weights 4x/week
6. Cardio 60 min/day, 6 days/week
7. No breads or starch carbs other than a few tablespoons of oats or quinoa (pre-cooked weight)
8. Try new high protein, low carb recipe a week
9. Continue gallon of water a/day (green tea and lemon water and organic apple cider vinegar regime count toward gallon)
10. 4-5 cups of green tea/day
11. PLAN cheat meal
12. Stick to the PLAN!

So this is my PLAN. I am not simply hoping or wishing I will reach my goals. I BELIEVE I WILL reach my goals WHEN I STICK TO THE PLAN!

GET ON IT, Shay Shay!

Detoxing and Surprise Training

Today, I started my post-holiday detox. I had to modify it slightly so that I can have energy to get in a good workout (what's the point of detoxing but losing ground fitness wise--plus I've missed my regular workouts!).

I am so glad that I incorporated some whey protein prior to going to the gym because G--my trainer--was there! I was so excited to see G. I miss G! I have been on hiatus with the holidays and while I do my budget for 2012.

He gave me a great workout to do. Boy did my body feel it! I can't wait to get back to my regular sessions with him!

I just had some kale chips, and I am feeling good.

I'll be more prepared for day 2 of the detox tomorrow. Modification is a good thing!

Happy New Year: Game On!

Welcome 2012! I am ready!

While I can't believe how fast 2011 has come and gone (I think I say this every year as I get older), I am thankful for having a wonderful and prosperous year.

In 2011, I pushed myself to reach new health and fitness heights. I learned more about my body and nutrition and what it take to really lose fat. I pushed myself harder in the gym and am leaner and have more muscle tone than I have ever had! I ran TWO half-marathons within 3 weeks after saying I would NEVER run a half-marathon again! Best of all, I am entering 2012 without the usual 10-15 holiday pounds I usually gain! For all of these accomplishments, I am proud.

So, what's on tap for 2012! June 2012 will mark 5 years since I started the eat-clean lifestyle. I intend to be bikini ready to celebrate this milestone! I am determined to be as lean and buffed as I can be in 2012 and beyond! I also am planning to attend the Arnold (as in "I'll be back") Sports Festival in March. http://www.arnoldsportsfestival.com/ I have about 8 weeks to make sure I am able to walk into the Arnold feeling and looking great! I can't wait!

The last of my New Year's house guests depart today. Tomorrow I will begin detoxing for a few days (I got the detox plan from Tosca Reno's blog) to jump start my system as I get back on my regular plan.

I am looking forward to seeing what I will accomplish in 2012.

It's going to be an awesome year!