Whole 30 Progress-Week 1

It's been about a week and half and here we are-alive. That sounds a little dramatic, but it's true. We are feeling so alive! We realize it hasn't been very long, but we are already feeling lighter and healthier already. It hasn't been all roses and rainbows (hellooooo sugar cravings), but we are definitely feeling some of this hard work paying off. Let me back up, though and start with a few thoughts from this week. . .

 I would kill for a cookie cake right now.

I bet she has a peppermint mocha in that red Starbucks cup.

Would it really be so bad to cheat? 

Wow, my skin looks clearer.

Did I really just beat my last workout's time by almost a minute?

I feel lighter; not as puffy.

My clothes are definitely fitting better.

This recipe actually tastes better with coconut oil.

I could eat this every day. Even after we're done with this!

As you can see the thoughts transitioned from negative to more positive. Our mindset definitely shifted this week as we realized the good that was coming from keeping up with the healthier eating. Something that really helped us was starting with a plan.

I had meals figured out for the next week and a few snack options in case we got "hangry". I knew we needed to have a plan of action in place when those nasty cravings attacked, and boy did they (did I mention the sugar cravings?). But with the foods we had readily available it wasn't too bad. It only got really tempting when I was out and about and saw all the options around me (oh, Starbucks, how I miss your chocolatey goodness).

Here is a look at what we ate this week:
Sunday-pork chops, brussel sprouts, collard greens
Monday-turkey zucchini bites, salad, sweet potato fries
Tuesday-fish tacos (lettuce wraps), carrot fries, sautéed green beans
Wednesday-chicken fajitas (no tortilla), spinach, cauliflower
Thursday-chili, eggplant fries
Friday-steaks, grilled shrimp, sweet potatoes (from Outback)
Saturday-cilantro lime chicken, sautéed spinach, sweet potato fries

It definitely wasn't boring. In fact, a lot of the items above are things we ate any way. I doctored a few recipes to make them compliant, but was really happy overall. Pinterest has been so helpful through this! I honestly don't know what I would do without the wisdom of those who have done this before us.

Here's to hoping the next week goes just as smoothly!

Haha. Yep. 

Check out my healthy eating board on Pinterest for lots of yummy recipes.

What Now?

I bit the bullet and got this. . .

So what now?

This was prompted by a series of things. 

Prompting 1:

David gave up dairy and began drinking coconut milk instead. After a lot of research we determined that drinking milk was not good for us. It gives both of us stomachaches and makes us feel sluggish. My concern was losing the calcium it provided, but my fears were shut down when I remembered the gigantor calcium supplements the nephrologist has me taking to counteract the bone depreciation of the prednisone. After more research we realized how wonderful coconut really is.

Prompting 2:

Pinterest peeps are pinning it left and right. It seemed like every time I get on Pinterest someone has pinned something about coconut oil. I followed a few of the links and learned all that it offered for your health.

Prompting 3:

It offers an alternative to a variety of things. Need a household cleaner? Try coconut oil. Want to get rid of acne? Try coconut oil. Want to fix a squeaky hinge? Try coconut oil.

So, after collecting all this information I picked some up. The question becomes, what now? There are so many options I don't know where to start!

Have you ever used coconut oil??

30 Before 30: Farmer's Market Feast!

David and I have always preferred buying local to not. If it comes to going to the corner coffee shop or Starbucks, we choose our local place. When it comes to produce, we always try and buy what we can from the farmer's in our area. About a year ago we started getting a box of fresh produce from a local farm. Each week we stop by and they give us a great selection of what's in season. So when I created my 30 Before 30 List I knew I wanted one of the items to reflect this passion of ours. So I chose to attend a local farmer's market and create a meal from the things we pick out. All that happened this past weekend!

We headed over to the local market armed with cash and a cooler for our goodies (we were running errands afterwards). Neither of us were in the mood for anything in particular for supper, it was only 9:30am after all and we had just gorged ourselves on breakfast. So we started perusing to see if anything caught our eyes. After a loop around (we wanted to get an idea of what was out there) we ended up with the following items:

eggplant

spaghetti squash

mushrooms

sweet potatoes

green beans

zucchini

There were lots of other items to choose from, but since our weekly CSA box included a bunch of items this week I knew we didn't want to go overboard. Anywho, what in heaven's name could we make with the above items?? We decide on eggplant parmesan with spaghetti squash and sauteed mushrooms with a bonus dessert of zucchini bread! I don't have the recipes organized quite yet but will be sharing them all in the coming weeks. Until then just know that our supper was absolutely awesome made even better by the fact that it was provided to us by the little old farmers behind all the stands.

What's your favorite thing to get at a local market??

Sometimes and Always

Today I am linking up with the sweet Megan from Mackey Madness for Sometimes and Always!

Sometimes: I got to the grocery store for a few things.
Always: I come out with more than I intended to buy.

Sometimes: Daisy's incessant whining makes me want to scream
Always: I hold it in because she is precious

Sometimes: I tell myself I'm not going to get dessert
Always: I eat some sort of sweet treat.

Sometimes: I crave takeout for lunch at school.
Always: I wait til the weekend to go out with my hubby!

Sometimes: I have grand plans of not drinking caffeine after lunch.
Always: I end up drinking tea or coffee or both!

Happy Tuesday all!

Friday's Letters [06.01]

Hello fab readers! It's another fantastical Friday with Adventures of Newlyweds!

Dear June 8, What is taking you so long???

Dear new treadmill, I am stoked about your addition to the workout fam. I am hoping you will be kinder to my feet and ankles than your predecessor. Your awesome auxiliary input will make watching Mad Man that much more awesome. Now if only I could get back in shape as easily as your manual promises. . .

Dear Harris Teeter, As I was wandering the aisles the other day I stumbled upon an interesting frozen treat-"Sweet Tea Ice Cream". I'm not quite sure what to make of it. I'm intrigued, yet not intrigued enough to buy it. Perhaps if you put it on sale I may be a bit more ambitious. . .*hint*hint*

Dear students, I really enjoyed reading your "letters to future selves". It was neat to see what some of you wanted to remind yourself about this year. I hope all your dreams for life come true!

Dear 50 Shades of Grey, Why do you have to be only three books long?? I wanted so badly not to enjoy your crazy but I just couldn't help it. The ever-changing moods of Mr. Grey coupled with Ana's stubborn attitude made for a good read. How about you continue the story with a fourth book? I'm pretty sure there would be a gazillion dollar profit from it, and who doesn't love that?

Dear Suzy Subaru, My how awkward your one cup holder is. About the only thing that fits in there is a grande-sized drink from Crackbucks. How convenient. Who knew cup holders would be such an important asset in life? I resolve to make sure my next car has more cup holders than you.

Please excuse my disgustingly dirty car. She needs a visit to the spa.