Motivation Nation

Since doing the 3-day detox, Brian and I have been kicking fitness' ass! Working out 5 to 6 times a week and eating well balanced (and portion controlled for me) we are well on our way to our summer bodies! I was never overweight, but I find that when I gain a few extra "comfort" pounds, or just forego exercise for a period of time I am less comfortable in my clothes, which is reflected in the rest of my day. Winter, Christmas to be exact, does a number to my hips. But having Brian as a workout partner and a health food advocate makes getting in shape, and staying in shape, that much easier. 

I am so lucky to be surrounded by friends and family who are motivating, encouraging, and sometimes demanding (which I need). I am also grateful that those friends and family are spread out throughout my everyday life. 

I have Heather from work - she has lost 70 lbs. on Weight Watchers and is a hardcore gym go-er. We send each other our meal plans each day, share recipes, our favorite healthy snacks and push each other to take the stairs and drink more water each and every day. 

She gets married in about 80 days so she is in full blown crunch mode and if that doesn't scream motivation, I don't know what does!



Heather - Left: After, Right: Before



I have Brian at home, who loves me thick or not but has always been active and I can count on him to be eager for a new workout. He's completed P90X once and now we are on his second and my first go at it.

Then I have my sister and Steph who are both into Body Pump at our local gym and are constantly walking the 7 mile lake here. Steph also works in my building so we can have lunch together and keep each other on track. I must talk to my sister 45 times a day so she is willing to listen to me anytime I need to ramble about my latest meal or workout. Not to mention she is 6 months pregnant and put a whoopin' on me last night at Body Pump.  

I recently signed up for Motivation Mail, which is organized by Tone It Up - you provide your e-mail to the organizer and she assigns you a Motivation buddy. You and that friend exchange addresses and a package of all of your favorite things to keep you motivated. I am excited to try this and will definitely be sharing what goodies I send and receive!

I am thankful that all of my friends, and some of Brian's co-workers, have even taken to my skinnytaste.com meals and weight watchers recipes! Even weight watchers desserts lose the "low fat" quality when you eat an entire pan so it's nice to have folks willing to get them out of the house for us!

I am excited to record my progress here and look back at all of the tips, tricks and recipes for future motivation!

So far this is Brian and I’s all-time favorite healthy recipe… summed up in one word: addicting. This tastes JUST like the real thing, add some shrimp, chicken or steak for protein!





Of course this was found at my favorite site: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2014/03/cauliflower-fried-rice.html

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Servings: 4 • Size: heaping 1 1/3 cups • Old Points: 2 pt • Points+: 3 pts

Calories: 108 • Fat: 3 g • Carbs: 14 • Fiber: 6 • Protein: 9 g • Sugar: 1

Sodium: 868 mg • Cholesterol: 47 mg

• 1 medium head (about 24 oz) cauliflower, rinsed
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 egg whites
• 1 large egg
• pinch of salt
• cooking spray
• 1/2 small onion, diced fine
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 scallions, diced, whites and greens separated
• 3 tbsp soy sauce, or more to taste (Tamari for Gluten Free)

Directions:

Remove the core and let the cauliflower dry completely. Coarsely chop into florets, then place half of the cauliflower in a food processor and pulse until the cauliflower is small and has the texture of rice or couscous – don't over process or it will get mushy. Set aside and repeat with the remaining cauliflower.

Combine egg and egg whites in a small bowl and beat with a fork. Season with salt.

Heat a large saute pan or wok over medium heat and spray with oil. Add the eggs and cook, turning a few times until set; set aside.

Add the sesame oil and saute onions, scallion whites, peas and carrots and garlic about 3 to 4 minutes, or until soft.

Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the cauliflower "rice" to the saute pan along with soy sauce. Mix, cover and cook approximately 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cauliflower is slightly crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. Add the egg then remove from heat and mix in scallion greens.

Enjoy!