Strength, Determination & My Love for Sweet Potatoes

Motivation Today ~  Never Give Up

Why do I post this particular picture….to me it represents achievement, strength & determination to overcome the obstacles of 2008/2009. It was a celebration shoot I did with my fabulous photographer Gene X of Orange photography. I was celebrating many things…turning 45 is one, but I was also in a happier place in my life overall. Struggling physically in 2008 into 2009 was so HUGE for me, and re-creating myself was a journey of pain, physical weakness, loss…BUT to come full circle as I NEVER gave up each day…through my tears…I pushed…I ICED…I pushed…I ICED…this cycle seemed to take forever until finally the physical therapy starting bearing fruit of repair. It was also during this time that I really embraced the positive power of EVERYTHING positive…if that makes sense. I have always been a positive person, but this seemed to magnify it 100x more. Triumphant is a great word! I know that I touched on this subject before but today I felt moved to write more.


Next topic….Nutrition….I am so glad that you want to hear more about that. As I shared before, my nutrition is just as important as the physical exercise I do to keep me in the BEST shape I can be. I enjoy what I prepare because it DOES NOT taste like cardboard, or bland, or like any other eating healthy rumor that is out there. Right now I am on a sweet potato kick and having one everyday with my protein source at a meal…..I think I will turn orange soon…have to laugh at myself. I LOVE to pre-cook in the microwave, cut into wedges, and shake in my bag of spices for SPICY STAY HEALTHY GOODNESS. Check out the picture….this is my meal 3. I also created a new protein ball using chocolate whey instead of the vanilla for the Oatmeal Raisin Vanilla Whey Protein Balls that I shared with you in my prior blog. I will call this one Stay Healthy Chocolate Covered Raisin Protein Ball…and it is really good. As far as meal planning goes….it is a must to have it READY….so out goes the crock pot where I prepare at least 8 chicken breasts to be used for different meals throughout my week. Let me just share that hubby and I took a day trip yesterday, & packed our cooler with prepared egg whites mixed with mustard, tossed in a few slices or sprouted grain bread, protein balls, oranges, and raw walnuts/almonds….and PLENTY of water. I do not know if this seems strange to you to be prepared like this, but it is truly easy once you get the hang of it. The BEST part also, we save LOTS OF $$$$$.....Taking care of my body with Stay Healthy Food & Saving $$$$ is a Win Win in my book…..I think someday that will be in order…a Book that is ;)


My Nutrition for Today:


1 cup coffee
1-Pre workout shake
2-Post workout shake

My Meal 3 - Spicy Sweet Potatoes & Protein Balls

3-Sweet potato & 2 Stay Healthy Chocolate Covered Raisin Protein Balls
4-B/S Chicken Breast topped with salsa & fruit
5-B/S Chicken Breast with Steamed Broccoli & Brussel Sprouts
6-Protein Pudding (I am HOOKED on this before bed…..YUM)


My Workout of the Day:


30 Interval Training on the ARC

I kept moving and repeated 4 times
Leg Extensions – 25lbs @ 25 reps
Low Rows – 30lbs @ 25 reps
Hamstring Curls – 25lbs @ 25 reps
BOSU abs – 25 reps


Stay Healthy!


Darla :)

Hiccup in the Routine

I have to be honest...this morning was not my best. I woke later than I wanted which put me behind on my "ME" time....that means my workout, meditation, etc...those very important things that start my day off right...did not happen in the way I wanted them to.  Also, cycle day 2...NO FUN...I am sure the ladies can relate...anxiety and overall feeling "not good" increased times 100. I barely had time to down my morning cup.  Things to do and time seemed huge, overwhelming, & not enough time to prepare for my day, and well myself...forget it...I was frustrated :/  This is NOT a Darla place...I am a positive person who grabs onto the philosophy of "DO NOT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF" 99.9% of the time.  I have been through much in my life's journey and having a hiccup in my routine was going to rob me of the GOOD stuff that I am all about?  Really?  My attitude to change was a choice I had to make....was I going to continue to be dragged down, be frustrated, & completely ridiculous...because when I think back about this morning...That is what it was.  NO...I handled it this way...RE-ADJUSTMENT...I had 35 minutes to complete a workout instead of my hour.  Today was my long distance cardio which I so love BUT ts not for me today....AND....that had to be OK.  ARC trainer interval was my BEST and closest choice to not only burn more calories but at least complete some cardio.  I could have just said to myself...FORGET IT...not doing what I was scheduled or planned, so what's the use...BUT THAT MY FRIENDS IS NOTHING BUT AN EXCUSE.  It is important to do the best you can with what you have at the moment.  So, my gears shifted and I DID complete my 35 minutes of interval cardio...and the reduction of time made me challenge myself harder to get the MOST bang for my MINUTES.  YES...I panted like a dog running on the beach and sweat was dripping enough to burn my eyes.  Towel Please!  Man....I feel so much BETTER!!!!

LET'S TALK MY FOOD SO FAR TODAY

Coffee this morning before Cardio

Fruit Yogurt Whey Protein Shake Post Cardio

Now...I have been absolutely loving my Oatmeal Raisin Vanilla Whey Protein Balls. In between clients, a quick run into the kitchen to throw one together to have for Meal 2 along with my Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges.  Another Darla share....I LOVE sweet Potatoes and have one everyday.

HOW I MADE THEM TODAY

My kick this week is to microwave a medium sweet potato, carefully cut into steak fry wedges, throw into a brown paper lunch bag that I have filled with my fav spices including a dash of cinnamon, place on a plate to enjoy.  I modified the Protein balls even more today by eliminating the oats, and using just the flax meal since I was getting enough fibrous carbs in the potato.  I used 1 scoop Vanilla Whey Protein Powder, 1 tbsp natural almond butter, 1 tsp cinnamon, handful of raisins, 1 tbsp flax meal, & just enough water to moisten to form into a large ball.  Place all the ingredients in a bowl, mix until it all sticks together, roll into a ball....and ENJOY!Meal 2 DONE!!!!

Just the Fries Today                                         I Modified These Today as Above

 

        

Stay Healthy!

Darla;)