Eat More to Weigh Less

"Eat More To Weigh Less!"

I wish I could shout this to the world. 

I wish  I had heard those words 4 years ago

 (but then again I may not have understood them as I do now). 

I wish good and sound nutrition was broadcasted to our ears instead of the junk/fake/made-to-fail stuff we keep trying over and over. 

I started my weight loss journey 4 years ago, reached my goal a year and a half ago, and now I'm just trying to live a healthy and positive life.

It's not a cake walk--although I love that game, walk around in a circle and win a cake, GENIUS--however, it is rewarding knowing and feeling literally more alive.

Food wise, my journey began with cutting and counting those calories. I discovered that 1200 calories a day was the lowest limit prescribed to a female, so that is exactly where I set my daily intake goal. For almost 2 years I only ate 1200 calories a day.

Seriously. I worked out like crazy, mainly hours on the elliptical and running outside,

(Hey, I did run a half marathon in under 2 hours!)

 

and still only ate 1200 calories a day. I mean they said burn more than you eat so I tried, and I was starving myself.

Oh I lost weight, in fact it was on that regiment that I reached my weight loss goal (YEAH), but I didn't feel right. Sure, I looked great, but I felt weak, and ALWAYS hungry.

Now, after I reached my goal I didn't know what to do. I was getting married, moving away from my home, and there was no way I could keep this strict diet for the rest of my life; it wasn't normal or natural.

So I let go. 

I quickly gained back 10lbs which was discouraging. But, this time I had a stepping block because I knew I could reach that goal again. I mean I was just there, but I needed to find a better way to get there; a way that I could maintain for the rest of my life (well the part I can control).

So I said to myself, forget the scale. I just want to be healthy and STRONG.

And thus weight lifting came into my life.

I joined the website bodybuilding.com because first of all have you seen the pictures they post of the people that use and promote their site? Pure awesome.

Secondly, I read a lot of articles they've published about nutrition, especially woman's nutrition (Female's Fitness Bible being my favorite) and was hooked.
From there I found Jamie Eason. A world class female fitness model and trainer whose goal in life is to help educate people about nutrition--my kind of gal.

I signed up to do her 12 Week LiveFit Trainer workout and nutrition plan

 

(Click HERE to see my journey)

and in 12 weeks not only was my body changed, but so was my life.

Within the first month I couldn't believe the transformation my body was going through, best of all I was getting abs by eating more!
You know that saying that is going around "abs are made in the kitchen?" Well after my first month I knew it was true and I couldn't have been more excited.

I made it though the 3 month journey,  no easy feat let me tell you, but I learned so much about nutrition and strength training, and how when combined properly they could produce amazing life-maintaining  results.

So what did I eat?

It was hard to get started on the Livefit trainer nutrition plan because the first month called for no calorie counting, just body fueling she called it. (with exercise of course)

So ate I ate everything really, that was whole and natural  (with a few chocolate cakes in between, not going to lie) 6 times a day. 6 full meals. Not 3 meals and 3 snacks--although some meals were bigger than others-- none of them lacked in nutrients.

 Months 2 and 3 calories came back into the picture but at no loss. I would eat high days and low days just to keep my body guessing, but those calorie counts were nowhere near 1200; more like 1450 on low and 1600-1650 on high.

I would say my biggest food/fuel source was protein. I upped my protein intake dramatically, I am talking 6oz of protein 2 times a day plus protein shakes and other rich in protein foods such as greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, etc.

*check out my high protein meal ideas*

I did eat carbs such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, pita,and quinoa, but I learned the power of only eating them when I was also eating high amounts of veggies and/or protein. This stopped my glycemic index from spiking and kept my body's metabolism working harder for longer.

Now pair  this new nutrition with heavy weight lifting routines and minimal but high interval cardio sessions, and I got a  transformed body and a fat burning machine--okay, well that's what she said it was.

BUT
I truly felt that way, and by the end of the 12 weeks, I actually gained weight--of pure muscle of course-- and lost 3% of my body fat! Inches gone all around.

I was over the moon. Muscles are more toned than ever, fat is shrinking, and best of all I am NEVER hungry!

The whole plan is a  little more complicated than this, I mean, it's a life changer. But I encourage you to look into the Livefit trainer challenge and see if it's for you.

12 weeks truly isn't that long and it will honestly change your life.

The biggest thing I want you to take from this article is that food is not the enemy (thank God, says the food addict inside of me), and it can actually help you loose weight if you eat it in the right ways (all good ways in my opinion)  and maintain healthy workout regiments that doesn't only include slaving away on the the elliptical or treadmill.

GO LIFT SOME WEIGHTS!

If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to ask!

Many blessing on your journey!

The Sweet Potato Soup

This soup was created through the taste as you go method; 
One of the best ways to cook in my opinion.

And let me tell you this soup is unbelievably good.
No joke. I have witnesses....about 8 who ate it with me with praises to go around.

I've had the idea for a  sweet potato soup since last fall, when all the creamy potato soup recipes popped up, since sweet potatoes have more health benefits such as:

•  Vitamin A, C, B-6 and potassium, 
• High fiber 
• Lower glycemic index
• Like most vegetables, they're fat-free and relatively low in calories — one-half of a large sweet potato has just 81 calories.   (Mayo Clinic, Live Strong)

Why wait so long to make the soup, you may ask? 
Well I was waiting for an immersion blender to come into my possession, and it did thanks to by brother-in-law Franky for my birthday!
This is a kitchen tool is amazing!!! Seriously. Cream or whip anything in its own container/pot.  Genius!
If you don't have an immersion blender don't worry you can blend this via a normal blender, or food processor. 

Ingredients: 
serves 6-8
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbs onion chopped
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups veggie stock
2 1/2 cups water


Directions: 
Place vegetable stock and water into a pot and bring to boil.
Once boiling, add sweet potatoes and seasonings and Bring to a simmer
Simmer for 15-20 min. Sweet potatoes should be softer at this point.
Use your immersion blender and  begin to cream potatoes. 
It may take a few good pulses with your blender to get the creaminess going.
Once creamed let soup simmer for another 15-20 min. 

Serve warm

*if your using a blender, cook potatoes in stock for 30 min on a simmer. Then let cool for 15 min before transferring to a blender or food processor to cream. Return creamed potatoes to pot and bring back to high temp to server. 

 

ENJOY!!!!

Nutritional Information: 

6 servings

123 cal * 28 carbs * 0g fat * 3g protein* 5g fiber

 

300 Ultimate Abs

 

"OUCH!" 

is what I exclaimed breathlessly after completing this ab work out. 

But it was well worth it. 

This is not just your average sit up 1000000bagillion times workout and not your "only working your front- abdominal-area" workout 

This is a full CORE work out. 

11 workouts
1 set of 25 reps each

Have 15 min? 

Want to brag that you just did 300 abdominal exercise? 

Than check this chicka's blog out:KayciesAntics 

She has Pictures to go a long with every move 

 (They are not of her...) 

but still, a Healthy foodie's dream. 

So get your gear on and bust it out! 

Here is a List of what we are doing:

1.  In-N-outs
2. Bicycles
3. Reverse Bicycles (concentrate on these)
4. Crunchy Fog (these are the easiest for me...ODD)
5. Cross Leg/Wide Leg sit up
6. Scissors
7. Hip Butt ups (really work your lower abs)
8. Heals to Heaven
9. Roll up/V-Up (THE HARDEST ONE!!! GAHHH) 
10. Leg Climbers (I like this one, never heard of it)
11.  Kayakers (row, row, row!)

   

  

Let me know how you feel afterward!

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Roasted Chickpeas

Sometimes we just need a little crunch in our life. 

Don't go for the chips.

 Go for the Chickpeas. 

Your body will thank you later. 

They can be made sweet, spicy, salty...pretty much anyway that you can concoct in your mind and toss in a bowl with them you can have. 

So make em'!

Ingredients 

• 1 can Chickpeas (Garbanzo beans)
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground mustard 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Rinse Chickpeas in a colander, and then dry VERY WELL. (they will turn mushy if not)
Mix spices and olive oil in a small bowl. 
Add chickpeas into mixture and toss well. 
Lay on a baking sheet and place in oven. bake for 30 min or until crunchy. After the first 20 min or so shake pan to make sure they don't burn. Repeat as you see fit. 
   

ENJOY your very healthy protein enriched snack!

Nutrition Information:

 Makes about 5 severing. Serving size 1/4 cup.

100 cal* 14 carb* 0 sat fat* 4g protein* 4 fiber

Breast Cancer Awareness (Never Lose Hope)

Breast Cancer Awareness

It's October and everything is turning pink. Literally; Out here in the city of fountains they have dyed the water pink to help raise awareness. It's a wonderful effort and I am thankful there is a full month dedicated to it, but I am a strong believer in it always being any type of cancer month.

My mother was a victim of  breast cancer, as well as thyroid, and uterine cancer but I am very very blessed to be able to say she was able to have ALL of it removed without a lick of chemo and is living healthy as a survivor.

Unfortunately, this is not the case for thousands of other victims and their families as there is still no cure for the cancer. So I'm writing this post to allow space to grieve,  a space to share memories, a space to unite those who share this burden, and a space to reach out and teach those who are unaware of cancers deadly trace. 

I encourage ALL WOMAN, not matter what age to perform self checks and of course make those mammogram appointment no matter how uncomfortable. 

Here are some links that may be helpful for tips, advise, self check guide and much more. 

Susan G. Komen for the Cure--  

"Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures."

Breast Self Exam

Find info, explanations, and guides to help keep you prepared and healthy. 

Breast Cancer. Org

A site that helps understand diagnosis, guides to preventions, and promote awarenessss.

American Cancer Society

Information and Resources for Cancer 

Feel free to respond to any of the above. 

Many Blessings, 

~Felisha

Healthy Carrot Cake (with Homemade Frosting!)

I made this for my brother's birthday. He didn't know it was healthy until after he took a huge bite, grinned with a mouth full of cake, mumbled out "this is delicious!", and dove in to take another bite when I announced it. 

Everyone was pretty impressed. 

So make it, and enjoy every last bite!

Homemade Healthy Carrot Cake:

• 2 cup flour 
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 3 cups shredded carrots (Note: Use big carrots and grate on small part of cheese grater)
• 2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven 350
Mix dry ingredients together and wet (wet includes carrot shreds), then blend together; slowly mixing them till fully combined.
Pour in two 8inch pans or one 13x9. 
Bake 35 min for 8 inc, 40-45 in 13x9 or until no longer wet in center.
Cheesecake Flavor Frosting:

• 8 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese

• 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter (you can't really get around this, you need the fat to create the whipped texture)

• 2 tsp vanilla
• Powdered sugar

Mix together and add in 1/4 cup of powdered sugar at a time until desired texture is reached.

ENJOY!!!!

Nutrition Information
Serving 15 slices
175 Cal * 9g Fat  *  1 Sat Fat  *  22 carbs *  9 sugar  * 250 sodium

Greek Yogurt Pancakes

It's Greek For Me

 

Ingredients

• 8 oz of your favorite Greek yogurt
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup wheat flour
• 1/4 cup white
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk of choice (I used almond milk..and you may need more milk depending on the consistency you want..runny or thick!)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• *Optional: blueberries, cranberries, chocolate chips, anything really!

Directions

• Mix Yogurt with egg (may be lumpy)
• Add vanilla and milk to wet mixture
• Mix dry ingredients
• Blend dry and wet
• Spoon into medium heated pan or onto griddle. Add extra toppings if desired.When it starts to bubble on top flip till golden brown on both sides 

 You can freeze them too!

ENJOY!!!!

Healthy Cream Sauce Chicken

Well I was in search of  healthy wine cream sauce chicken recipe...wine+cream=healthy? yeah right.

SO I made my own!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 tbs butter (I used parkay)
• 2/3 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 2 tbs lemon juice
• 1 tbs brown sugar
• Sea salt (Rub)
• Table salt and Pepper to taste (sauce)

Directions:

Swirl olive oil and butter in a large skillet on Medium-High heat. Let melt till the butter has little to no bubbles left (not brown!).
Meanwhile, Cut any fat off chicken breasts, then pat dry with a paper towel (helps them brown) and rub sea salt on breasts.

When ready, place chicken breasts (pretty side down first) in skillet and leave for 5 min. Then flip and leave for 4 min.
Check chicken is done with temp reader (165 deg) or slice the middle and look to make sure not pink.
Take out chicken, place on a plate, and  keep warm.

Add chicken broth and lemon juice to skillet (leave left behind chicken bits and juices) and and let boil to a little more 1/4 cup of liquid. (so the sauce is not thin in the end) stir every once in awhile.

Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt.
Slowly add brown sugar and salt and pepper taste.
Stir every once in awhile.

Cook any other things may want and then spoon sauce over chicken and serve!
(I chose red potatoes and broccoli) :)
ENJOY!!!!

Healthy Easy Granola

Ingredients:

• 3 cups old fashioned oats
• 1/2 sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/4 cup agave (or honey)
• 1 tbs vanilla
• Cinnamon to taste

*Optional: Add in any other nuts and/or dried fruits!
Directions:
Preheat oven 325 degrees

Mix dry ingredients in bowl, mix wet in another. Stir wet into dry until all oats are moist. (It may seem like there is not enough liquid but there is, just keep blending)

Place on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper.

Bake for 15 min 2-3 times. During each increment stir/flip/chop oats to make sure all sides are being baked. Bake till oats are a golden brown and hard (All ovens vary so adjust as needed).

ENJOY!!!!

Store in a air-tight container for 2-3 weeks. (Mine is always gone well before this!)

EDIBLE COOKIE DOUGH

This was my first time trying this...chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) recipe. I was nervous but they turned out pretty good.I think the dough itself could have been sweeter so I baked them and once the chocolate melted all over them I was in heaven. SCRUMPTIOUS!

 Recipe adapted from greenlitebites.com, chocolatecoveredkatie.com, texanerin.com. (yup they all have something a little different so I thought I would try them all!)

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas (drained and dried well)
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tbs vanilla extract ( I love the taste of vanilla, feel free to use less)
• 2 tbs of PB2 (or any natural nut butter)
• 1 tbs honey
• 1 tbs agave
• 2 tbs of ground flax seed (I made my own in my little blender)
• 1/4 cup almond milk (any kind you like!)
• 1/4-1/2 cup chocolate chips!
• any type of sweetener you want. Taste test as you go!!! :)

Directions:
*I used a blender (VERY HARD)but do-able so have no fear, but if you have a food processor you're golden!
Place milk, vanilla, honey, agave, chickpeas, salt, pb2 (or nut butter), and ground flax seed in blender or food processor and BLEND until smooth and creamy.

If using a blender, use LOW setting and you may have to stop, mix, and start several times to make sure all chickpeas are being blended.You may also want to try adding a little more milk, but I didn't need to.

Then fold in chocolate chips with spoon or spatula...
THEN EAT!!!

 SO WHY DO I HAVE 2 DIFFERENT PICTURES OF COOKIES?
Because I decided to bake mine!

preheat oven 350 degrees

The miss-shaped gloop one to the left, is a fully 12 min baked cookie. Delicious, but not really cookie form.

So, taking from chocolatecoveredkatie, and Texanerin, I added in a little more than 1/8 tsp of BAKING POWDER and they came out flatter and still DELICIOUS!

 

ENJOY!!!!

Let's Begin

Welcome To My Blog!

I have previous been "blogging" on tumblr and wanted to expand my horizons! So here I am!

This blog will mostly include posts of food and recipes but also tid bits and la-t-das of my life and continual journey with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

I previously weight 180lbs and lost 47lbs the LONG, HARD, but AMAZINGLY transformative WAY. Now this doesn't mean I gave up delicious food, but rather I learned to eat MORE of it!

I gear my new life-style towards learning, trying, altering, updating, sometimes failing, but always LOVING the cooking and EATING of food!

So follow along and join me in my adventure!

Enjoy, Felisha