Brown Rice Tuna Casserole

This recipe has ot all. Healthy. Easy. Kid approved. It's the perfect solution for the days that you have not planned in advance.

1 1/4 cups uncooked brown rice
3 cups water
1 tbsp. butter
1 cup chopped celery
1 small onion, finely diced
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 (7 oz.) can tuna, water packed, drained
3 cups of lightly steamed cauliflower 

1. Combine rice and water in large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook 35 minutes. Remove from heat. Add butter.

2. Add celery, onion, yogurt and milk.
3. Add salt, pepper and oregano; mix well.
4. Add flaked tuna and cauliflower; mix well.
5. Turn into 2 quart casserole. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minuets.
6. Top with shredded cheese (we use white, dye free cheddar) and paprika.
Serves 6.

Friends

I am blessed to have such amazing friends. As strong as family. Always there. I love them. 

It's an entirely other experience to watch your child work on creating her own friendships. Lessons are being learnt and lifetime memories are forming.

Here is to the road ahead.

Where I Do My Thinking

Where do you do your thinking?

For me these days, it's in my car while I am waiting for the school bell to ring.

Today has been interesting. I have come full circle in the last few minutes. 

I recently completed the first round of the 21 day fix and felt amazing!!!! Then this little thing called life happened.

I am sitting here today realizing that I don't feel good. I feel stressed. Not overly happy. I'm worried about my five year old. She is struggling at school with certain friends. Long story and this isn't the place. But, the result is that I feel like crap because I am allowing the stress to control me. It's just way too easy to let life take over and just float along. 

For me, when I am stressed, this means not eating anywhere near enough to care for my body. If it wasn't for shakeology every single morning without fail I would be in trouble.

After a few days of this I am realizing how awful I feel. I feel burnt out. Done.

Well, since I had the ability today to recognize what is going on. To take the above photo and see the weight coming back on my face I am taking control back.

I can't help her if I feel like this. So back to the fix I go. Properly tracking my food intake and feeling good so I can give my baby what she needs from me.

I am owning this. No more excuses. When I can't do it for me, I will do it for her.

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

You know that old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words"? It's so true. I love pictures. I love the captured moments and the memories that are literally felt when you see the photo years later. Photos have the obvious and the not so obvious. Never to be taken at face value and never to be judged. Having said that, they almost always are.

This is one of my favorite pictures. It was a selfie that my hubby and I took on our little family trip to Tofino back in 2014.

I love it because, it holds a huge story for me. My memories hold happiness and heartache. This photo represents so much. None of it is visible. 

Here is what the picture doesn't show:

- We had just lost a baby. We still carried one, but had lost the other. 

- I was having loads of pregnancy complications.

- a heart murmur

- migraines

- high, and I mean very high, blood pressure

- extreme dizziness, almost the spins

- I struggled to walk and to function 

- it was shortly after this trip that I was placed on medical leave.

Here is why I love it so much:

- we had each other

- we had a healthy four year old daughter

- we had a healthy developing baby

- we supported each other through our loss 

- we communicated our grief

- we had time together in a beautiful place to appreciate what we had

- during this time we became very aware of who the supportive people in our lives are, and who they were not. I am not bitter about the people that should have been supportive but weren't. I am thankful to know. 

I say all this to remind myself and others that just because something appears a certain why, it doesn't make it so. Our society in general, is extremely judgemental. I strive to remember this time in my life when pictures painted a picture that was no where near reality. 

You look at it and see surface value. I see the story, feel the loss, the love and the learning.

We are all walking through our own stories. We don't often share. We all have struggles and heartaches that others are not privy to. We just need to remember to be kind and above all, non judgemental.

This is my reminder.

Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

I love the fix! It has given us such an edge on our health. Empowered us to make good decisions and has nicely shown us where our issue where. It's not that we ate very unhealthy at all, but you can certainly over eat on healthy foods. You just don't realize it because they are "good for you foods". This is tricky business! Lol

I love all the fresh produce that is coming into our house and is being consumed daily. I am pushing myself to think outside the box of my normally very boring selection of meals and really get creative. This often means just making things simple again. It's just so funny how that goes.

Here is a goodie for you to try! Suggested from none other, then Autumn herself!

Here is Autumn’s raw kale and brussels sprouts salad recipe. The 21 Day Fix container equivalents are: 3 Green, ½ Orange, 2 tsp.

Total Time: 15 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 4 servings, about 3 cups each

Ingredients:

1 large bunch kale, washed, thoroughly dried, stems removed, finely chopped
(6 to 8 cups chopped)
8 brussels sprouts, finely shredded
1½ medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ tsp. Himalayan salt
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. raw cider vinegar
24 whole almonds, chopped

Preparation:

1. Combine kale, brussels sprouts, cucumbers, and bell pepper in a large serving bowl.
2. Season with salt.
3. Drizzle with oil, lemon juice, and vinegar; toss gently to blend.
4. Refrigerate, covered, for 15 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with almonds and enjoy!

Chili Recipe - 21 Day Fix Approved

I am loving the fix and the flexibility that it offers. You get to eat so much food every day. It's just crazy!! At first it was fun to play with salads. We ate a lot of salad for the first week but we soon found out that we are happy to eat salad during the day, but we really aren't a huge fan of it for dinner. So it's time to get creative. The other thing that matters to me is that I am a Mom. I seem to be busy most of the time and there are nights that making dinner is super hard. Not to mention that our sweet baby seems o be a little on the needy side at the same time as I need to be making dinner. Sigh. The solution for me is the crock pot. Thank goodness for the crock pot. It saves me so often.

Here is yesterday's dinner. We loved it and it's one red, one green, one yellow. Perfect.

Chili Recipe - 21 Day Fix Approved

Ingredients:

Two 14.5 oz cans of low sodium diced tomatoes - 4 Greens

1 large onion - 1 Green

1 16 oz Cans of Kidney Beans - 5 Yellows

5 Red Containers of Cooked Fat Free Ground Turkey - 5 Red Containers

3 tbsp chili powder - Free Spice

1/2 tsp garlic powder - Free Spice

1/2 tsp cumin - Free Spice

1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes - Free Spice

pinch of black pepper - Free Spice

1/2 cup of water - Free

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot and stir.

Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Separate into 5 equal sized servings. Each serving counts as 1 red, 1 green and 1 yellow.

This freezes very well:-)

My Personal 21 Day Fix Results

It's not easy to share these pictures. No one likes to have the world see them so vulnerable. I am going to share them anyways. My reason is this. I share them for all the Mom's out there. Mom's are supposed to support each other. Let's be honest, parenting is hard enough without us being judgemental of each other. Having said that, there is a lot of Mom shaming that goes on. As much as we try not to be judgemental it seems it's almost impossible to avoid.

So here I am. Sharing the REAL goods with you. The part that I would rather keep hidden. What my body looked like at 5.5 months postpartum after my second csection. 

I am also sharing with you have it now looks like. Just a mear 21 days later. These 21 days have been pretty good. I have NOT been on a diet, just eating healthy. Following the portion controlled plan. I am a chronic under eater. Always leaving my body in a slightly panicked state. Setting it up to store the extra weight and save it. Following the 21 day fix helped me to make sure that I gave my body what it needs each day. It was easy to meal plan for the entire family following this system.

Jeff and I both had crazy results. So we are starting over on day one again. We love this new lifestyle. Clean eating and 30 minute at home workouts that can fit into any day.

If you want to chat about my experience or you are at all curious about the 21 day send me an email. I'd love to hear from you. Tbennallack@gmail.com

The Final Day! 21 Day Fix - Day 21

First things first. Today is day 21. Wow did that ever go by fast!!! Jeff and I both decided in an instant that we are starting all over again tomorrow!! We feel way too good and have made way to much progress to stop now!

I will post before and after photos and measurements for you in a day or two once I have a chance to get that all documented. For now I will say that Jeff has lost 13 pounds. I have lost 8. I am wearing my old pants. By old I mean, the pants that I wore BEFORE I got pregnant!! Oh yes, that feels good.

For those of you that are wondering what the colours mean. Here is an example.

Tonight's dinner for me was 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green and 1 blue.

Here are the containers.

I created a pork tenderloin dish tonight. It was pretty good.

Here is what it looks like after it has been measured out using the containers.

Steamed broccoli with melted cheddar cheese. Pork tenderloin sautéed in garlic and onion with homemade chicken broth and tomatoes over brown rice.

The workouts are so good!!! Tonight after the kids went to bed I dragged myself downstairs and pushed play. It's only 30 minutes and it was yoga fix. Feels so good after a long week to get in a good stretch!!

21 Day Fix - Day 19

I cannot believe how fast these 21 days are blowing by. I am excited to take my measurements in a few days and share them with you.

I know I have said it before and I will say it again. This is not a diet. It's a lifestyle. One that lets you live. One that lets you enjoy a glass of wine or a meal out.

We went out for dinner tonight with friends and guess what I had? Pizza! Seriously, pizza! It's fix friendly. There is a section that helps you figure out restaurant eating. Tonight's pizza dinner counted as 2 yellows and 1 red. Clearly you wouldn't want to eat out all the time, but how amazing is it that you can. 

No guilt, no blown plan, no personal derailment.

I can't wait to start these 21 days all over again!! Next rounds starts on February 9th!

21 Day Fix - Day 18

I am discovering the joy of snacks and some quick easy meals. I tend to get caught up in the day and get busy with the kids and forget to feed myself. The fix has been so good for me because it has really helped deal with that.

Our fridge is well stocked with fresh produce. Our five year old daughter loves to go to the fridge for a healthy snack.

Here are some of our favorite 21 day fix snacks and easy meals:

👉 Cottage cheese (Equals 1 red). We have also discovered that our five year old LOVES cottage cheese. 

👉 Greek yogurt with strawberries (Equals 1 red, 1 Purple)

👉 Peanut Butter Apple: spread 2 tsp natural peanut butter on a sliced small apple. (Equals 1 purple, 1 tsp)

👉 Fancy Oats:  Steel cut oats topped with unsweetened shredded coconut. (Equals 1 yellow, 1 orange)

👉 Egg Sandwich: Place two hard-boiled eggs, halved and on a piece of whole wheat toast, folded in half. (Equals 1 red, 1 yellow)

👉 Banana Creamiscle: Blend one half of a banana with unsweetened almond milk. Put the mixture in the freezer for an hour prior to chill.  (Equals 1 purple, 1 yellow)

👉 Tuna and Hot Sauce: Drain one can of tuna fish and top with Tobasco sauce to taste. (Equals 1 red)

👉 Kale Chips: I LOVE these! De-stem and tear kale into bite size pieces, add a tsp of extra virgin olive oil. Lay pieces flat on a cookie sheet sprinkle with your favorite spices. I like cayenne pepper. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. (Equals 1 green, 1 tsp)

👉 Mixed Nuts: Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, and they travel well. What I like to do is buy a bag of almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, and mix them together on my own. Unsalted nuts only! (Equals 1 blue)

👉 Banana and Peanut Butter on Toast: Spread 1 tsp of peanut butter on whole wheat toast and top with a half of a banana, sliced. (Equals 1 yellow, 1 purple, 1 tsp)

👉 Baked Apple: This is a favourite from my childhood!! Core and then cut your apple in half, dust with cinnamon. Place on baking sheet center side up at 400°  for 15 minutes or until the apple becomes slighty tender. (Equals 1 purple)

Feel free to add your favorited below!!!

Day 21 Fix - Day 17

So here we are, day 17. You all have heard how much I am loving this program and that I am seeing results. Today I saw a friend that I haven't seen in two weeks and she said that my face looked thinner! Well, thank you so much for saying! Its working!!

But, here is the thing. I know that many of you are wondering what exactly the 21 day fix is. Well, let me answer that for you.

Who Is The 21 Day Fix a Fit For?

The 21 Day Fix is a three week at home workout program.

But it’s not only designed to get you looking as good as you can get in just 21 days, it’s also about teaching you how to eat healthier not just for three weeks, but for life. It's a lifestyle changer, and that's why I love it so much! It’s amazing for a beginner or for someone who has no knowledge or control of their less-than-healthy eating. It's also great for someone like me. Someone that feels that they eat healthy, and does, but eats a little too much of this and not quite enough of that.....

The Scope:

The 21 Day Fix at home workout program was created to help you lose up to 15 lbs in 21 days through simple fitness and simple eating – through its Portion Control eating system and six, 30 minute workouts each week. The special thing about this workout program is really how simple the eating plan is. If it doesn’t fit into the color coded container, you can’t eat it! Full stop. It doesn't get any more complicated then that.

Essentially your daily calorie intake will equal how many of each container you can eat per day. It’s better than calorie counting, because if it fits, you can eat it.

Autumn, The Trainer That Created The Fix:

The trainer responsible for the portion controlled eating and the shorter, approachable workouts of the 21 Day Fix is Autumn Calabrese. I was lucky enough to meet her in August and her story is mazing. I loved hearing about how she came up with this program and her reason why. The best part for me, is that she is a MOM. Just like me. Just like you. She has the same pressures and responsibilities as the rest of us, Yet, here she is, developing a plan that works. It really does. You can make it work for any life style and any job type. You just need to do the work. There is no magic pill here folks. There never is.  For me, this is a trainer that I can trust. A MOM, living a MOM life. A MOM helping MOMS. It's perfect.

The concept behind the entire program is amazing and is worth every penny. 

The Moves: 

I LOVE that the 21 Day Fix is full of new and unusual workout moves. This includes interesting spins on classic moves that are not always the easiest to do or the most sensible like the one-arm row in plank position. Each move has a modifier so you will never be holding back. As many of you know I have a soon to be 6 month old baby. I am recovering from my second c section. I use the modifier moves. I have to. But here is the thing. I have been getting a killer workout. I am sore. Good sore. The kind of sore that makes you feel amazing because you know that amazing things are happening. 

You need to pay attention and be sure to listen to how she explains the moves when she first introduces them and watch her demonstration, see the move and figure out how this move works for you. Then give it all you have got!

Included with Your 21 Day Fix Workout Program:

When your program arrives in the mail, you will open up the package and be surprised at how relatively compact everything is. But, you’ll soon see that the Fix is not a starvation based diet. I have never once been hungry. In fact I have become painfully aware of when I boredom eat and when I don't eat and I should. This has really helped me balance out my day and fuel my body properly.

What’s included:

• The Workouts: The six workouts are 30-minutes long, which really fit well into your schedule no matter how busy you are. They are:
• Total Body Cardio Fix
• Upper Fix
• Lower Fix
• Pilates Fix
• Cardio Fix
• Yoga Fix
• Dirty 30 – Bonus workout only available if ordered through this link.
• The Portion Control System: This is the series of some really great, dishwasher-safe, BPA-free containers that are color coded-  whatever fits into the container from the specific food group it’s intended for is what you’re allowed to eat. 
• Here’s the breakdown:
  • One Green—Vegetables
  • One Purple—Fruit
  • One Red—Protein
  • One Yellow—Carbohydrates
  • One Blue—Healthy Fats and Cheese
  • 2 Orange—Seeds and Oils
  • Shakeology Shaker Cup—Shakes/drinks 
• 21 Day Fix Eating Plan: An easy-to-follow portion-control diet plan with plain and simple recipes. Think make-your-own spices to put on top of chicken breast.
• 3 Day Quick Fix: To get you jump-started on your weight loss, this is a three day diet plan designed to maximize fat loss and get you well on your way to a leaner, sexier you.
• 24/7 Online Support: This is something useful that comes with any Beachbody product you purchase. It’s great for whenever you’re looking for support and/or motivation to keep you going when things get tough.

What Equipment You’ll Need for 21 Day Fix

You will need some weights and a yoga mat to do the 21 Day Fix if you want the best results. If you’ve been away from exercise for a while, you may be able to get away with using your own body weight as resistance, but if you’re not in terrible shape, then the added resistance will help tone you up.

A yoga mat will also be of use to you when you do the floor moves. It’s not a necessity, but it’s a great investment.

I can not stress enough how much I have been amazed and surprised by this program. It just works. It's pretty simple to follow and IF you FOLLOW it, you will absolutely see results.

21 Day Fix - Day 16

I am feeling my strength increase. My pants are getting loose!!! Can we take a moment and let that settle? 16 days and my pants are slipping!!! Woot woot!!! Feeling so good!!!!

I would never call the 21 day fix a diet. I can eat pretty much anything. It just has to fit in one of these containers.

It's not hard at all. They really are the perfect portions. I have done a few diets in the past and they have been awful. Mostly because I have been hungry. That's not ok. Sure, you lose weight. But you lose it because you are limiting your bodies needs. As soon as you start eating like a real person again you gain it all back and usually a little extra. The 21 day fix, is a way of life. If you fall off the wagon, go on vacation or have a crazy weekend it doesn't take much to start your 21 days again and get right back on track. You are creating a healthy place for your body and not limiting it's needs. You are not starving yourself!

I have made such great, healthy dinners while following this system. Kid and husband approved. I don't plan on stopping. The best part of this is that you can run your 21 days as many times as you like.

The 30 minute workouts are amazing and very effective!!! 

30 minutes. Get in. Get it done. Get out.

Send me an email if you would like to hear more about this program. tbennallack@gmail.com

21 Day Fix - Day 15

I am sitting here feeling so good. (Exhausted, a little sore, but so good). I just finished my 21 day fix exercise for today.

Today's 30 minute at home exercise was called total body cardio fix.

Ummm, yeah. That's accurate. I can feel muscles everywhere. Lol it's an amazing workout. Who needs a gym membership? Not me. This kicked my butt and I could do it once the kids went to bed.

The 30 minutes are broken down into 60 second intervals. It makes it much easier to make it through. I found myself just focusing on those 60 seconds and pushing as hard as I could. The modifier is great. I definitely hard to modify. I am not ashamed to say that. I've had two babies, two csections and was on 80% bed rest for most of my second pregnancy. It's safe to say that I am out of shape. Who cares though really. I am pushing play. I am finding a way to fit it in. I am modifying when and where I need to.  I am doing it. The hardest part was starting, but now that I have, it feels to good to stop. 

There is something amazing that happens to your self esteem when you can feel your body changing and your muscles getting stronger. It's empowering and it's motivation to keep going! I am convinced that with modifying anyone can start with this program and continue to build as they get stronger.

I made the most delicious dinner tonight. A healthy take (21 day fix friendly) on some comfort food. Tuna Caserole!!!

I forgot to take a picture of it so I will simply share the recipe below for you;-)

Brown Rice Tuna Casserole:

1 1/4 cups uncooked brown rice
3 cups water
1 tbsp. butter
1 cup chopped celery
1 small onion, finely diced
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 (7 oz.) can tuna, water packed, drained
3 cups of lightly steamed cauliflower 

1. Combine rice and water in large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook 35 minutes. Remove from heat. Add butter.

2. Add celery, onion, yogurt and milk.

3. Add salt, pepper and oregano; mix well.

4. Add flaked tuna and cauliflower; mix well.

5. Turn into 2 quart casserole. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minuets.

6. Top with shredded cheese and paprika (tonight we did not add cheese, we just sprinkled it with a little paprika).

Serves 6.

21 Day Fix - Day 14

Hook, line and sinker. I am a fan.

The changes that I am experiencing are amazing. I feel so good! This program allows you to still enjoy life and friends without completely derailing yourself. 

When I met the trainer and creactor of the 21 day fix, Autumn Calabrase, this summer and listened to how she came up with this program it just made sense. You can over eat with healthy food too. Ididn't  actually think that we fit into that mold but we sure did. It's surprising. It's mindless things that you eat and don't even think about that get you. You eat them because you can, it's a healthy choice. So we don't pay attention. But, it adds up!! This woman sure knows what she is talking about and has developed an amazing system that can truly help anyone if they are willing to apply them self.

                      (Autumn and I, August 2014)

Tonight we got home late and I hadn't planned dinner in advance. This is the perfect storm for me. This is when I go for convenience and make BAD choices. I was so proud of myself tonight. I went out on a limb and threw some things together. It was an absolute success!!!! 21 day fix friendly and delicious!!!!

Here is my take on a healthy quiche. 

Ingredients:

1 Tbl of extra virgin olive oil

1/2 large onion, diced

3 cups cauliflower florets, cut into 1-inch pieces

5 large eggs

1 1/4 cup Almond Milk

1/3 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (can substitute any grated cheese).

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup of brown rice flour, or whole wheat flour (I actually used oat bran tonight and it was amazing!)

Optional: Paprika to taste

Directions:

Step 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with nonstick olive oil cooking spray. Set pan aside.

Step 2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened (about 3 minutes). 

Step 3. Add broccoli and cook about 5 min. or until just tender. Transfer vegetables to prepared 9" square pan.

Step 4. In a large bowl beat together eggs, milk, cheese, salt and pepper.

Step 5. Whisk flour/oat bran into mixture and then evenly pour over prepared vegetables.

Step 6. Place baking dish in the oven and bake for about 45 min, or until top turns golden brown and egg solidifies (my pan was actually an 8" square so I ended up baking it for 50 minutes.) 

Step 7. Cool quiche for 10 minutes. Then serve!

21 Day Fix - Day 13

I had big plans for today, but both of my littles are not feeling well. So we are laying low and resting. I managed to get a few things done around the house in between all the cuddles.

It's safe to say that I probably won't be able to share our dinner pictures with you later.

Instead I will just share some excitement!

I am now down 8 pounds.

Jeff is now down 12 pounds.

My challengers are on day 6. I have heard from one lady that she is down 5 pounds and is feeling amazing!!

I am pumped. There are so many positve changes happening. The best thing is that all of these Mama's are feeling good about themselves. What could possibly be better then that!!

21 Day Fix - Day 12

LIf you had told me 2 weeks ago that I would be drinking my coffee black in the morning I would have burst out loud laughing. I LOVE my morning coffee. I have just one a day and I LOVE it with hazelnut creamer!

Now, I committed to stepping it up this month. I needed to feel good again and get back in shape. I need the energy and confidence that comes with it. So I am following the plan and using the containers. I have given up my chemically charged, much loved coffee creamer. Coffee black, with honey. Guess what? It actually tastes good! I am on day 12! 12 days of black coffee! It bothers me more mentally, then the taste, to drink it black. Isn't that saying something?!?!

While I have given up my creamer I am still allowed wine. Yep, that's a compromise that works for me! Lol here we are, it's Friday again. One of my dearest friends is coming for the weekend and I am looking forward to some girl chats and wine!!!

Friday night for us is almost always family date night. We usually have pizza. Tonight we opted for soft tacos. Super easy, delicious and 21 day fix friendly!!! We made our own from here using our containers!

1 yellow, 1 red, 1 green!

21 Day Fix - Day 11

Eleven days done and 7 pounds lost. I am waiting until day 21 to take my measurements, but clothes that haven't fit since before my pregnancy are now in my sight!!

My muscles are SORE! Hahaha, good sore, but sore. Mostly my legs. When I go upstairs at home they scream at me a little. I consider it a victory. It means change is happening. It means I am making time for me. It means I can be a Mom, and still make time for me.

My challenge group has the most amazing ladies in it. They inspire me daily! So focused, so driven, so committed. We are supporting each other and doing this. I am just bursting with pride!

Dinner tonight was Balsamic Pork Tenderloin in the slow cooker. Easy and delicious and yet again, kid approved!! 

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• small onion, chopped
• 2 pounds pork tenderloin

Directions:

1. Mix the first 3 ingredients together in a bowl.  Rub pork tenderloin in dry seasoning mixture.
2. In a large saute pan, heat oil, garlic and 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar until hot.
3. Add pork and sear, browning meat on all sides.
4. Transfer the pork to the crock pot.
5. Pour remaining 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar into saute pan and stir a few min to de-glaze the pan.
6. Pour juices over top of tenderloin in crock pot.  Cook on high for 3 hours.
7. Remove and let sit for 5 minutes and then slice.

21 Day Fix - Day 10

Hold the phone!! My mom belly is starting to retract! The end of my maternity Jean wearing days may soon be in site!!!! Woot woot!!

Needless to say, I'm feeling good. The desire to snack out of boredom is starting to disappear.

I have sore muscles from the workouts. Good sore, not bad sore. It's good to feel the strength building. I am ok with the moves that I need to modify. I know it's a matter of time before I don't need too anymore, but for now, I'm at least working on it!

Dinner tonight was so good. Sautéed steak, onions, garlic, ginger, green beans and carrots on a bed of quinoa.

One red, two greens, one yellow!

21 Day Fix - Day 9

I am happy to happy to say that I am finding my groove. It's getting almost easy to look at food and quickly see how to put the colours together. There are some amazing ideas coming from my challengers too. I have so many different meals to try now. It's awesome!!!

Here is an added bonus that I never in a million years expected. I suffer from adult acne. I have tried just about everything to clear it up and short of being pregnant, nothing works! Imagine my shock, that here I am on day nine and my skin is clearing up!!!!! AMAZE BALLS, I AM NOT KIDDING!!!!! I was already enjoying the results of this and I am amazed that my mom belly is quickly disappearing, but this.....this is remarkable.

Remember how I made three lunches last night? Well, I spent today at school with my five year old in her kindergarten class. I had my perfectly planned snacks and lunch. It was fabulous and so fun to eat with the kids. I even got to join in for gym class. Loved running around with them.

Tonight we had baked chicken (1 red for me, 2 reds for Jeff), steamed cauliflower topped with shredded cheddar cheese (1 green, 1 blue). Jeff had another green left so her also got a full green of grilled zucchini, I just had a little to top up my green.

His:

Hers: 

Lunch prep tonight was also so much easier. It's starting to feel like a normal event. I am excited about that! This is the salad that I made for Jeff's lunch tomorrow.

One red, three greens, one orange.

21 Day Fix - Day 8

Here we are at the start of week two. We have both had success and it feels good. Having said that, life sure tries to get in the way of good intentions. Do you ever find that?

I have been watching my oldest daughter have issues at school. She is a strong minded, spirited child, yet she allows one girl to boss her around at school. While watching her play for a bit after school, there was yet another in issue. It's just starting to wear me down. I am tapping out. Obviously I will keep working on this, but man, it's a real esteem deflater. We talked about the issue for the entire drive home. It was exhausting and by the time we arrived home I just wanted a glass of wine! haha! One yellow....The wine is worth one yellow. I still had it to substitute. I made the choice and went for it. Just one.

Next came time to make dinner. I was quickly running out of time. I ended up taking yesterday's soup and giving it a quick puree for a fresh look for tonight's dinner. One red, 2 greens and one yellow.

Then while the kids were getting ready for bed it was time to make lunches. Three of them! That was a lot of chopping! But its done, and there are three healthy, balanced lunches and snacks that will be heading out the door tomorrow. Now I can relax;-)

I have realized that its actually hard to make lunches without absentmindedly snacking while you prepare! Honestly, I didn't even really realize that I do it. I love a system that actually draws my attention to my weaknesses. Makes it so much easier to be aware and make changes. 

Today was challenging but also exciting.

The exciting part about today was that my challenge group officially started. I have these amazing ladies that are joining me for accountability while they do the 21 day fix with me. It's amazing. They are all off to a great start and I love the meal sharing that has started to happen already.

I am so proud of each of them.

Change is hard.

Not making excuses is hard.

Starting is hard.

Taking the first few steps to a lifestyle change is amazing!

21 Days = New habits

I can't wait to see what the next three weeks bring!!

21 Day Fix - Day 7

It's now been a week. I am feeling good. The first two days were a little hard as I worked to give up my boredom eating (which, by the way, I wasn't even aware I was doing!!!). That says something, don't you think?

Today started out crazy. This has nothing to do with the fix, but I will share it anyways. I am fighting a head cold so Jeff intended to let me sleep in this morning. He was up with the girls and I was sound asleep. I woke up abruptly to an extremely large bang, that shock our house. We were having a pretty substantial wind storm and out neighbours car shelter took flight and literally slammed into the side of our house. It hit hard enough to do some damage too. Bam. Good morning. Not a way that I want to wake up again.

The rest of the day was fairly routine balancing out the colour containers throughout the day. We did discover a new way to make breakfast. We always have a shakeology for breakfast. It's my favorite meal of the day. Today we added a full green of spinach into the blender and made the shake. It was delicious! You couldn't taste it at all. In fact it tasted just like a milk shake. Only crazy, and I mean crazy healthy!

The wind and rain continued and I wanted soup. So I chopped celery, carrots and onions and threw it into the crock pot with homemade turkey broth and some left over turkey that I had frozen. I added 1 red on brown rice and walked away.

It was a delicious dinner, 1 red, 1 yellow, 2 green.

The best part is that I am going to freeze the left overs and the next time that I don't feel like making dinner or run out of time, I have a save! Mom score:-)

Oh and so far I have lost 5 pounds and Jeff has lost 10! I'm excited for the week ahead:-)

I am starting another round of this on February 9th and already have some amazing ladies that have committed to joining me. The support is amazing.

21 Day Fix - Day 6

I was super curious about the wine that I drank last night. I kind of figured that it would have put a pound back on me, or just plateaued me a little. So this morning, I decided to do a weigh in. Down a total of 5 pounds! What a great way to start the day.

I am seeing my energy increase now too. It's very encouraging!

I am finding it easier every day to figure out the colours and portions. I can look at a plate and see it in containers now. It's super funny....and helpful! Lol

Most of all I love that this is not a restrictive diet. I am eating real food. I AM NOT getting results by following some unrealistic plan that will sees my results disappear the second I start eating real food again. I do not believe in those diets. I don't even like the word diet.

Dinner tonight was simple. 1 red of shrimp, 1 orange of oil and balsamic dressing and 2 greens of lettuce and mixed raw veggies.

One of the amazing ladies in my challenge group shared a soup recipe with me today that I can't wait to try!!! It might even be tomorrow!

The Reality

Some days I get so overwhelmed. I look at this beautiful baby girl that we have and I am just struck by the emotion.

We were told the baby was gone.

We were told we needed a D & C.

We were told there was no hope.

We were told it was final.

Yet, it just didn't feel right.

My mothers instinct was screaming NO.

They are wrong. I won't believe it, I refused to believe it.

So we waited.

Yes, we did lose a beautiful baby. I wonder sometimes what he or she might have been like. Karis's twin.

Yet, I am comforted by the fact that I trusted my instinct.

Our beautiful baby Karis is here today because I trusted myself. Second guessed the professionals. We waited. My amazing husband supported and backed my feelings.

10 days. The longest 10 days of my life, but there she was. Healthy as can be.

Blessed.

We are truly blessed, and yes, I do believe in miracles.

Karis Hope. You enrich our lives every single day.

21 Day Fix - Day 5

Today was a good day. No curve balls!

Here are a couple real life reasons why I love the 21 day fix so much:

1) Today is Friday. I wanted a glass of red wine. I can have it!!! Substitute the yellow container for a 4 ounce glass of red! Woot woot. Happy Friday!! 

2) "Nana" offered to watch the girls tonight so that we could go out for dinner. When you have younger kids would you actually turn this down? A date? Not me! So we headed out and didn't even have to wreak our plan. The 21 day fix has restaurant friendly food!!! 

We orderd seafood salads with the dressing on the side. We consumed 2 greens, 2 reds, 1 blue and 1 orange.

What a fabulous way to wrap up the week!

Cheers!

21 Day Fix - Day 4

Today was a bit of a struggle. Nothing major, just a bad Mom day. The baby was up a couple times last night. My five year old was up four times with bad dreams and just to not feel left out, our dog even got me up once!

Fast forward to this morning and I was feeling.....ROUGH! 

All I wanted was a comfort coffee. Morning coffee with.....gunk! Sigh. Settled for honey In My coffee instead and was pleasantly surprised with the taste. Ok, I CAN do this. First hurdle dodged.

I wasn't done there. We ended up running errands unexpectedly and I found myself quite a distance from home, starving and unprepared. As I stared at McDonalds, and even went inside to change the babies diaper I realized the best solution was to go into the grocery store. 

One large banana, one Greek yogurt and a water = 2 purple and 1 red. Golden!

The baby is five months old. She had an off day today;-( dinner was going to be a challenge. I could just tell. So I decided to pull out the slow cooker and see what I could manage to throw in there. 

All I had was a beef tenderloin. I wouldn't use a beef roast next time while doing the fix BUT when you have a crabby baby you do the best you can with what you have.

I threw onions, celery, sweet potatoes and garlic in the button of the slow cooker. Lightly seasoned the roast, seared it to lock in the flavors. Added it to the crock pot (frozen!) and added some water for moisture. At dinner I topped it with onions, cut up some fresh raw peppers and boom, one red, one green, one yellow. Not bad for a hard day.

I am proud that even when things are out of my hands, as today was, I now know that I can still make this work. It's a lifestyle and it's completely doable!!