slow and steady

It’s a new year. Again. Does anyone else feel like they should stay the same age this year’s birthday? Can I turn 26 again in 2021? 2020 was a limbo year. When 2021 hit, like most others, I set some new year intentions. Also like most others, one of those intentions is to lose some weight and gain some strength. Ground-breaking, right? This time felt and is different though. I didn’t set a date that revolved around me being in a swim suit. I didn’t start January off with a Whole30 or cut out sugar, although I almost started a Whole30. So what’s changed? Why is this time different? Why is this year, really the year I get healthier again?

Advertisement

pumpkin protein donuts

I know the “pumpkin season” has come to a close (Happy December!), but I could not not share these Pumpkin Protein Donuts.  They are healthier than normal donuts, think baked not fried and packed with protein and real pumpkin puree.  Yum!  So go ahead and indulge in another pumpkin treat before the ‘nog flavors take over (I will take eggnog over pumpkin any day to be honest…but the ‘nog can wait a bit more).  

defining diet

Yup.  That is chicken.  Take away my label as a “pescatarian” or a “vegetarian that eats fish” or a “vegan who eats fish/eggs/honey” or whatever you once classified me as.  The truth is, I was always bothered by those labels anyway because one word cannot define my diet—and my definition of the word diet, the way it should be used.  Be aware, this post will have some food and recipe ideas, but it is also filled with my thoughts and feelings toward the modern use of the word “diet.”  

blueberry muffin protein smoothie

This smoothie was spot on!  I made it a few weeks ago and have made it a couple times since then.  It really does satisfy that fix for a huge, crumbly blueberry muffin bursting with blueberries (and loads of sugar).  This smoothie, however, does not have all that processed, added sugar.  What it does have, though, is filling protein.

spinach mushroom quinoa

This is such a simple, yet filling clean meal to cook.  I have been making A LOT of quinoa dishes lately, mostly because quinoa is a great vegan protein source and fills me up!  It is also so easy to make on my meal prep Sundays and store for the week.  Sometimes (a majority of the times), it is difficult for me to get a good “after” picture of my recipes.  This is attributed to my tendency to take tastes (eat the entire thing) before I snap a pic.  That just means it’s that good right?

cycling and protein

I am back in Colorado and back at the Rec!  It takes some getting used to after being at my smaller gym in my hometown.  To me, it is more intimidating with all of the students that pretty much live at the gym.  I know it is silly, but some of those big guys look like they could crush (and I am probably right…)  One of my resolutions though, is to stop being afraid of failure.  I often do not try new things for fear of being made fun of and failing, then being made fun of some more.  But, I know I have already grown a lot this year and I feel more confident–so who really cares anyway if I look like a fool?  It’s my first time and I failure is part of the process of success!  

the little things

I have been taking more time to reflect and enjoy the little moments in life.  You know, part of my resolutions and all that.  It is only day five of the new year, but my newly improved positive outlook on life, I can already tell, will make this year one of my best yet!  Only day five and I already feel happier, more in control of my own life and plans for my future.  I have goals, I have dreams, I am inspired! 

get out of your workout rut

It is so beyond important to mix up your workout.  I am guilty as charged for just going to the gym, doing the elliptical for an hour, then a few assisted weight machines.  Snore!  My body is bored!  I am so grateful that I got P90X3 for Christmas!  I have completed 6 days of the workouts and am already loving it!  I love the challenge and my body is thankful for something new.  

chocolate pomegranate smoothie

The weather has been foggy, rainy, dreary and “cold.”  Well, cold for Houston.  This always seems to happen when I come home.  I expect a break from the cold and the snow and want to come to the warm and sun, but here I am… oh well.  I am not letting it ruin my fun!

omelet us catch up

I apologize for being so behind on my posts, but now that things are slowly settling into place after the move, I can go through all of my recipes and pictures and turn them over to this blog.  The last thing I did before moving back to Colorado was have brunch with a really really good friend of mine before we went our separate ways again.  He is one of those people that you can not see for months and pick right back where you left off, which is 100% our case.  He let me pick my favorite brunch place at home, La Madeleine.  That omelet was the beginning of a new obsession of mine.