New Job & Vegetarian recipe!

Hi
I just wanted to drop a note to let you guys know what's been going on here. I recently got a job!! Yay me!! I can hear the cheering and clapping. It's been a long time coming, about 3 yrs to be exact! So, until I can get into the groove of my new job training and working I might be a little here and there.. please bear with me! My new job is a cleaning position with an awesome local company that uses only natural products..http://www.maidnaturally.com I love not having to smell chemicals all day long and having to worry about ruining clothes with bleach or other chemicals. I believe you can order their cleaning supplies off the website. So take a look.

Having not had a job for about 3 yrs and going right into a physically demanding job, my body has kind of went into shock! so until I can get into the groove of working again, I'm not sure when I will have another workout posted for you. But never fear for the time being check out this workout.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWEsbzzwab0 it's from my FB friend Melissa Powers. Who also has a blog.. check it out under my favorite things section on the right of this post!

I do however have a vegetarian recipe for you... We call these Shamburgers, well because they are a sham of a burger... get it!! LOL

1 cup TVP (textured vegetable protein)
1 cup boiling water
3 eggs well beaten
1/2 cup diced onion
1/3 cup cream or canned milk
1 pkg stroganoff seasoning mix
1 Tbls  Brewers yeast
1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup raw oatmeal ( instant oats are best but I don't have those so I used the less processed kind)

combine the TVP and boiling water in a bowl, let sit for 30 mins to rehydrate, then add all ingredients together and put in fridge for a couple hours so the oatmeal can absorb the moisture. Drop by spoonfuls into your greased pan over a med heat. Brown on both sides cooking well.

you can serve these on a bun like a real hamburger or you can use them in a casserole or eat them plain like I sometimes do!! This recipe comes from my Grandma.. out of her cookbook. The Three Sisters cookbook. I grew up eating these and I do love them!!

I hope everyone is having a good week so far.. Ours has been a little rocky as our 7 mo old Boston Terrier Luka, has been sick and throwing up for the last couple of days. A trip to the vet, x-rays and some rehydration is hopefully all he needed. But time will tell. So say a little prayer for him, will ya?!

Thanks guys!
Sherice oxox

Mounds Mousse ~ creamy, chocolatey, 2 ingredients=93 calories

Hey ~

I hope everyone's week went well. I, for one am glad it's Saturday. Last night I was really craving something chocolatey and creamy that wouldn't undermine all my hard work at the gym and eating clean this week. A while back I was playing around with some chilled coconut milk but it just wasn't right.... but the consistency was so creamy and fluffy, it reminded me of mousse.

Ever since then it's been in the back of my mind... nagging at me.. so last night I had a brainstorm.. here it is...

I call this Mounds Mousse because you get that coconut and chocolate combo that is so delicious but with out all the sugar, fat and calories!

Chill coconut milk in the fridge overnight, scoop out the hardened milk and discard the liquid that has separated in the bottom. Add in 1/4 cup of Ghirardelli sweetened chocolate powder.. you can get this at safeway. whip together with whisk. Once fully incorporated divide into 3 ramekins. This will be about 1/2 cup, give or take in ea ramekin. Put back in fridge and chill for 20-30 mins..

Here's the breakdown.....
calories = 93
Fat = 5 gr
sodium = 20 mg
carbs = 12 gr
sugar = 10 gr
protein = 1 gr

I think this is delicious! I hope you like it too!
Sherice ox

Edited on 2/24/14

Next time I make this I will use Vegan Choc Shakeology!!

Got a cold?? I have the perfect remedy....

Hey ~

How are you all today? Things here are going.. I'm super excited because I FINALLY got a job!!
I'm thinking about all the things I will be able to do/get now...
1. back to Taekwondo and my black belt.... oh yeah!!!
2. Trainers certification
3. new workout shoes
4. dog neutered
5. bosu and sandbag!!
and bills of course!

I know when my family is sick all they want is chicken noodle soup and sprite.. no one is sick around here but I make this often because it's just so quick and easy..

Mock Chicken Noodle Soup ~

1 onion chopped
2-3 carrots chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped
1 bay leaf
handful of mushrooms chopped
2 stalks celery chopped
a couple Tbls of dried basil
a couple tsp of herbs d province
I usually use 8 cups of chx broth (the noodles will absorb some liquid)
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 - 3/4 bag of no yolk wide egg noodles

Saute onions & celery for about 7 -10 mins add in garlic saute a few more mins. then add in rest of ingredients except noodles.. simmer with lid on for 20 mins add in noodles simmer for another 10 mins or until noodles are done. As you can see there is not chicken in this soup but feel free to add it if you'd like.. we like it better without!

You can serve this with what ever you like but I made mine with biscuits.. heart shaped, just for my sweet daughter Jess..

every time I use store bought Bisquick mix I remember this recipe. http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-biscuits/ I'm determined to remember it next time..

Yesterday the day got away from me and I didn't get to them gym until about 8 pm which is late for me but I was determined to get a workout in! This is what I did....

 1. 20 Reps Kettlebell swings w/a 15 lb kb 
         1 min skipping rope
 2. 10 Reps KB squat w/ shoulder press w/ 15 lb (L)
 3. 10 Reps KB squat w/ shoulder press w/ 15 lb (R)
         1 min skipping rope
 4. 20 Reps Hanging Knee Raises
         1 min skipping rope
 5. 15 Reps Reverse pushups
         1 min skipping rope

do 3 sets and your done.. don't forget to drink your water and do your stretching!!

Lets all believe in ourselves.. imagine what we could accomplish!!
sherice ox

Haystacks..... and I don't mean cookies!!

Hey guys!!

I hope everyone's Valentines day has been good. Today is just another day to the hubs and I.....We celebrate our love everyday, we don't have any need to make a big production out of this one commercialized holiday!!

I have a quick, easy, delicious, dinner for you that has literally been in my family for years.. I'm 38 and I've been  I'm in my early 30's and I've been eating this since I was a kid!

Haystacks ~

this is my cleaned up version of this recipe.. the original calls for chili, my family likes Nalley's and I use Amy's Vegan Chili and corn chips. And you still can if you want to.. you can make this dish as "clean" or as "dirty" (lol) as you'd like!!

you will need......
Chili.. what ever kind you like or that suits your dietary requirments
organic corn tortilla chips
Reg cheese or Daiya cheese
salsa
sour cream, I use Better than Sour Cream
and any kind of veggies you like..

This is what we put on it ...
mushrooms
cucumbers
avocado
bl. olives
cilantro
onions
tomatoes

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do!

My workout for today was a timed workout. Not necessarily a time challenge but I do like to push myself but because I was doing a few exercises I'm not really good at,  I took my time and watched my form. 
3 sets
20 reps ea exercise except for the skipping do 100 reps
Remember to breath out on the exertion

1. squats w/ a side leg lift w/15 lb kb ( 10 ea side)
2. plank jacks
3. deadlifts w/15lb kb
4. skipping (100 reps)
5. plank w/ shoulder taps ( 10 ea side)
6. plank jacks
7. bicep curl w/12lb on rd side of bosu....go slow on the way down, that's when your building muscle
8. skipping
9. stability ball roll outs
10. plank jacks

I finished my workout in 38 mins
Don't forget to drink water and stretch before and after

I hope you all have a great night :)
Sherice ox

why do I take breaks?

Hey ~

As I was doing my workout today it was really hard.. It's because I'm not consistent.. I try to be but, it's an on going process which I'm getting better at! 

workout for 2/12/12
15/40/27rds/3x thru/24 mins

1. Bulgarian squats w/12 lb (R)
10, 10, 10

2. Bulgarian squats w/12lb (L)
10, 10, 10

3. Skaters
23, 19, 22

4. skull crushers on stability ball w/12lb
9, 10, 10

5. Side plank elbow to knee touches (R)
14, 9, 10

6. side plank elbow to knee touches (L)
16, 12, 12

7. jump squats
19, 15, 23

8. renegade row alternating arms w/ 12lb
14, 16, 16

9. stability ball rollouts
10, 10, 10

Lesson to me.. be consistent! It's so much easier to keep going when you are!

Sherice ox

Laundry Soap Update

Hey~

Remember a while back I posted about making some laundry soap and fabric softener. http://foodieluvsfitness.blogspot.com/2011/12/laundry-soap-recipe-and-something-else.html
well I'm happy to report that my family's clothes are clean and smelling great, even my sweaty workout clothes,  I sweat A LOT and my husbands work clothes. I'd say that the recipe I made (which I tripled) lasted me about 2 mos.. I will no longer be buying store laundry soap or fabric softener!

well isn't that the truth!!

Today this is what I did....

40 Jumping Jacks
50 Russian twist w/ 15 lb kettlebell (1st rd) 10 lb kb (2nd rd)
30 Bicycles
15 Hanging Knee Raises
10 Jack knife Situps
5 Jump Squats
10 side to side jumps
15 sec High Knees
15 sec Butt Kicks
30 sec Jump Rope
20 Squats w/ 20 lb KB
20 Bird dogs
15 sec Superman.. hold for 15 sec
20 side Lunges ( 10 ea leg)
10 standing calf raises
30 Jumping Jacks
5 kneeling pushups
10 tricep dips

Now DO IT AGAIN!!! My time for this was right about 30 mins.. I wanted to do another round but knew I'd regret it.... I'd like to move tomorrow :)
Enjoy

Sherice ox

workout...

Hello ~

I try to not talk about what goes on in my personal life because it's personal but I feel like I need to give a little background for this post...
Things on the home front have been tense for some time.. My husband took a pay cut to go hrly at his job, which in the long run is better. But we've really been struggling financially. I've been looking for work for what seems like FOREVER. And we've been dealing with a very stubborn 13 yr old daughter who is constantly running away.

I woke up yesterday to a phone call from the job interview I was supposed to have later that day.. saying she needed to reschedule my interview but not until after she gets back from a week long trip that following week?? OK. I have to realize that maybe they aren't in a huge rush to get this position filled. But, the been burned, beaten down, and feel like a loser me because I can't get any type of job, even though I'm a college graduate, assumes that she's dissing me and won't call.. I try to shake it off and be positive.. if you could have heard the conversation in my head you'd have thought I'd lost my marbles.

I've always been a realistic person.. some people call that pessimistic. I'm really trying to be more positive and adjust my attitude not let my attitude dictate my day. So I was really trying to maintain a positive attitude and be grateful for what I do have. I headed to my moms determined to not have a "whoa is me" conversation. Which I didn't. I did her errands and gave her a haircut, had some lunch and headed to the gym...

This is what I did ~
Lean legs wo

15/45/24rds/3x thru = 24 mins

1. 1 leg toe touch, touching opposite hand to foot with 15 lb kettle bell (R)
20, 16, 15

2. 1 leg toe touch w/ 15lb kb (L)
16, 16, 17

3. Alternate front kicks
35, 35, 40

4. plank w/ knee tuck. opposite knee to opposite elbow, with bosu round side down holding flat side
40, 36, 35

5. Donkey Kicks (R)
31, 30, 29

6. Donkey Kick (L)
31, 30, 30

7. Alternate Round house kicks
20, 20, 20

8. Planks w/ knee tuck. on bosu
40, 35, 36

then I did a skipping interval...
15/25/25 rds = 16 mins

after stretching and cooling down I left the gym and walked to my car to find my drivers side window smashed and my purse stolen. If your a women than you know your whole life is in your purse.. plus my glasses and iPhone I just replaced 2 weeks ago!! This was about 4 in the afternoon, in broad daylight in a busy parking lot with multiple businesses. WTF??
As you can imagine with everything else that's been going on this was the LAST thing I needed to deal with. but as they say... That's life!

Sherice ox

Light Whole Wheat baguette

Hey!

Yesterday it was very wet and rainy. Which was nice. I'm from the Pacific Northwest where it rains all the time, living on the other side of the mountains is a lot different. In Spokane we get more snow and hotter temps in the summer. It's very dry around here. But this winter has been mild and the rain is a refreshing change from snow!
Being cold and wet out I of course knew I would be making a yummy pot of soup. I settled on Green Lentil and I remembered seeing a Light Whole Wheat Baguette recipe on www.pinterest.com. I love that site! I really like the recipes and the D.I.Y. stuff.

I made the recipe and it's really good and was really easy to make as well.

Here's the link for the recipe.... http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2011/01/light-whole-wheat-baguette.html

this took me about 5 mins to mix up and the rest is just rising time.. I got about 6 smaller loaves out of this recipe. I made 3 and put 2 in freezer and 1 in fridge, which I will most likely make tonight to go with my salad. You most likely will have to get your hands "dirty" :) just get the dough mixed and let it rise... that's all there is to it.

I  love to eat healthy. And I'm glad that I notice the difference. I Don't all the time, I fall of the health wagon too now and again. But I get back on track too. You can't have that defeatist attitude. You know what I'm talking about "oh, now I might as well eat the whole bag and have pizza for dinner."
You just need to say "this moment I can change it."

When I started out on my "Healthy Journey" as I call it. I was no more educated about this stuff than you or the next guy. I did all the research myself. I read books.. a few I really enjoyed that are along the same lines is.. Jillian Michaels Master your Metabolism.. this is a super in depth (on the nerdy side), book about hormones and your endocrin system and how environment and what we put into our bodies does to them. Also Jackie Warner's Book This is Why Your Fat and How to Stay Thin Forever.
This book touches on the same topics as Master your Metabolism but on a less in depth scale. This book also has a full chapter dedicated to sugar and how bad it is for us. It really is worthless!!  I started doing research online.

Then I wanted to join a gym but knew that I wouldn't be successful unless I felt comfortable. Right!! I've belonged to other gyms and found myself standing around feeling like a moron having no clue what to do. This time I had a game plan. I joined my local Gold's Gym and I also hired a trainer once a month. She trained me and the wrote down what I was supposed to be doing when I was at the gym. How convenient!! I did that for about a yr. During that time I became very familiar with the gym and working out. I then started checking out workout videos on youtube and stumbled upon Bodyrock.tv. I then started doing there workouts. I was feeling like "If this is what I want to do and I want people to pay me to help them, then I should be able to do it on my own" So I split up with my trainer and I now do it by myself. I do get inspiration from watching workout videos and looking at magazines. And for now that's how it will have to be.. Until I get that elusive job and start working towards a personal trainers certification. Helping people with their weight, diet and out look on life are what I really want to be doing. Slowly but surely :)

Enough of me yammering on.. talk to ya later
Sherice ox

You will be surprised at how your body changes and adapts to what you put into it. I realize that eating less bread makes me feel better, I've replaced a lot of bread with Ezekiel sprouted grain bread. At first it took a bit of getting used to, But now I really like it. It's got a chewy kind of after bite to it.. Sounds weird, I know but give it a try. I like that my body wants water, nice cold water. I love the stuff and have it with me at all times.. no joke! I have a great 24oz BPA Nathan's water bottle I take everywhere.
I like that I crave fresh, delicious, vegetables, salads, and roasted veggies. Eating this way makes me feel, lighter, healthier, less weighted down. I think we've all felt that feeling. That's what unhealthy, fatty, starchy foods make you feel like. I can for sure tell the difference between eating a pile of mashed potatoes and gravy and a salad with a light oil based dressing on the side!! With the mashed potatoes, I'm sluggish and want to take a nap, with the salad I'm ready for a nice hike or something else active.
If you don't understand what I'm talking about than I challenge you to get a notebook and start journaling what your eating, how your feeling about it after wards, physically, mentally, emotionally. Then start switching up things, more fruits and veggies, less starchy breads and potatoes. more water and less carbonated soft drinks. Less cheese, dips and sauces. Use more lemon juice, fruit juices, spices, peppers, Celtic or sea salt instead of reg table salt. less processed foods and more fresh foods. no chips, cookies, candies. Trade them for nuts, dried fruit, Dark chocolate pieces.

Okay, I think you get the point. :)