Confidence (Literally long & long overdue)

Clean Eating, Personal

I’ve really been slacking with posting blogs. I’ve taken pictures of new things I’ve cooked but for some reason or another I haven’t posted them. I’ve still been keeping up with my clean eating and all is going well. So far I am down 35 lbs and still feeling good and going strong. Like I’ve said before, I still have a long way to go until I reach my ultimate goal. As much weight as I’ve lost and muscle I’ve gained, there is still much more to work on. I wont stop until I see some abs!

Last Saturday, I took a day trip to Ocean City with four other friends. It was a much needed mini getaway. It was also the first time I’ve felt completely comfortable in a bikini since I’ve started wearing them. Now I don’t know if it’s because I’ve lost so much weight or if it’s because I know I’ve been working hard so that gives me confidence. Probably a mix of both. Honestly, I think that even if I hadn’t lost as much weight as I have, I would still feel absolutely awesome because I know that I’ve changed my way life and it has given me a whole new look at things. Now I know what it truly means when people say things like, “It’s all in the way you carry yourself.” I feel way more confident and my self esteem has gone up.

When I tried on my bikini for the first time this summer, I definitely saw things that needed improvement. But all I could think of was, “Who cares?” I’ve come this far and I’m dang proud. I would often point out to my boyfriend all the “flaws” I still have and he would always reassure me saying my body looks nothing like before and it can only keep getting better. I’m so grateful to have him always be there to make me feel beautiful no matter what.

Before I started this new lifestyle, I would be one of those people who gave excuses of why they didn’t workout or go to the gym. I would put it off until next week which turned to next month and the month after. It got to the point where I felt myself feeling tired all of the time, not fitting in to some of my clothes, eating fast food because it was quick, and felt sad whenever I saw pictures of myself. I was not happy with how I looked or felt at all. I’m grateful that I live with who I live with now because they all are a great support system and helped me get back in track with my life. I’m thankful for JP because if she didn’t always ask me to go to the gym with her, I may have never gone. Granted, it took her a couple hand full of times until I said yes, but either way I am thankful. When I finally got in to the gym, I initially wanted to strictly do cardio. I never really knew the importance of weight lifting, strengthening my core, and resistance training until JP and SM taught me some things. For that I am grateful. To AN, who is one of my biggest supporters, and all those who have given me their kind words, I am thankful.

Also like I’ve said before, by no means am I even close to bragging or thinking I’m better than anyone. Just sharing my thoughts and my progress. What I hope people actually take from this is that you can better yourself and feel great while doing it. No matter how much determination and motivation you think you don’t have, you do! And no matter how much you think you can’t cook or live without junk food, you’ll learn. All it takes is a little push and positive thinking you can do it! You can and you will. I’m proud to say I have no desire to eat fast food anymore and whenever I see commercials for them, I say “Ugh, gross!” It really is when you know what crap is actually in there. I’ll save that for another time though.

Lettuce Eat

Clean Eating

It’s May 18 and there are 9 days until the pool opens. 35 days until my beach vacation. 69 days until my NYC trip. 91 days until the night that may possibly be the best night of my life, The Backstreet Boys concert and VA beach. Some of these things are probably more of an incentive to get sexy than others, but all are great motivation nonetheless. This summer will probably be one of the best (and expensive) summers I’ve ever had so far. I won’t regret any of it though. Awesome opportunities with friends came my way and I couldn’t pass them up. We have to enjoy the money we work for sometimes, don’t we? Besides, it’s been a couple of years since I actually took a real vacation. I just won’t be going anywhere after summer and will have to lock myself up in my room. No biggie.

So the other night I made Shrimp Lettuce Wraps. Great way to have wraps without the carbs from the tortillas, so you won’t feel guilty if you have two. Very light and refreshing! Also a great source of protein from the shrimp, quinoa, and Greek yogurt!

{Here’s what you’ll need:}

salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp garlic, minced

1 tsp chili powder

1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

1 cup cooked quinoa (1/4 cup dry)

20 medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined (as always I prefer to get it raw)

4 big pieces of lettuce

1/3 cup Greek yogurt

1 tbsp Sriracha

{How to cook:}

Spray nonstick pan with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and let cook for about 1 minute, until golden brown. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook until shrimp turns almost completely pink. Add green peppers, red peppers, and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is tender. While that is cooking, mix together Greek yogurt and Sriracha for the sauce. Layer 1/4 cup quinoa along the fold of the lettuce, followed by 5 pieces of shrimp, veggie mixture, and yogurt sauce. Repeat for the remaining 3 pieces of lettuce. Enjoy!

Makes 2 servings.

“Fried Rice”

Clean Eating

Last night I made Pineapple Shrimp “Fried Rice”. Instead of using rice, I used quinoa. It was my first time eating quinoa, so I didn’t know what to expect. I actually really like it! The consistency/taste is like a mixture of brown rice and pasta…I don’t know if that even comes close to a good description, but it was yummy! It kind of had a nutty taste if that makes any sense.

Quinoa is a great substitute for rice and pasta because it has many health benefits. I didn’t know this before, but from reading the package I learned that it is one of the most protein rich foods! It also contains much more fiber than other grains, which helps with constipation (don’t act like it doesn’t happen to you), helps prevent heart disease, and lowers cholesterol. For people like me who have an iron deficiency, quinoa is loaded with iron! It has many other benefits, but the last one I want to mention is magnesium. Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, which in return alleviates migraines! I often get headaches (which lead to migraines) and I know that my roomie does too, so that’s just an added bonus!

The recipe called for shrimp, canned pineapple, red onions, garlic, sesame oil, egg, low-sodium soy sauce, and chili powder. There was no need to add any salt because the soy sauce takes care of that for you. This was definitely another quick and easy recipe. Definitely making it again, for sure!

P.S. I also just learned that it helps with weight loss because it makes you feel full for longer and has fewer calories for the same amount of food. Yay!

{Here’s what you’ll need:}

3/4 cup pineapple chunks

1/2 red onion, diced

1/2 tsp chili powder (you can add more if you want it spicier)

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

1/2 tbsp sesame oil

1 egg, mixed up in a bowl

1/2 lb shrimp (I like to use fresh/raw)

1 cup uncooked quinoa

{How to cook:}

Cook quinoa following instructions on package (I used the rice cooker). It’s usually 2 cups water for every 1 cup. I would say wait until the quinoa is done to move on the next steps. If you buy raw shrimp, make sure you peel and de-vein them! Heat oil on medium heat in large non-stick pan and add the garlic and onions. Cook for about 2 minutes until garlic is a golden brown color, then add the shrimp and chili powder. When the shrimp is fully cooked, add the egg, pineapple, and quinoa. Stir everything together for 3 minutes, adding the soy sauce towards the end.

Makes 3-4 servings.