Sugar makes me sick

I'm reading the self-improvement book, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Dr. Susan Jeffers (thanks Keli) and it is changing my life...just like it is suppose to! I'm loving it. It's full of educational tips and taking charge of your life advice that I have heard before in my lifetime, but with awesome exercises and activities to help you start NOW! I'm in love with Chapter 4 titled: Whether you want it or not...it's yours. It has 7 definitions of taking responsibility, I love them all, but #6 (Taking responsibility means figuring out what you want in life and acting on it) is awesome for us who are trying to change our bodies. It states, "Set your goals--then go out and work toward them. . .Check out your body. Determine what you need to do to create what looks and feels healthy . . . then make it happen." I love this advice. It's totally true. When we eat something that doesn't "fit" we can't feel guilty about our choice, that'll get us nowhere; instead, take responsibility for your decision made and next time choose one that you'll be happy with in the end.

I chose to eat a chocolate caramel pretzel pie when I was finished with my 30 day detox and it made me sick. I wasn't guilt-ridden by my choice to spoon it into my face, but after the fact I said to myself, no more. I don't want to feel sick when I was feeling so well!

Hope you all are feeling well! Love yourself!

Xo,
Amy

Pau Hana

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who took on the 30 day feeling fit challenge in April and to those to are continuing to live that lifestyle and who are taking it on for the first time in May! It was a great change in my life and I am so proud of myself. I have always eaten tons of vegetables and lean proteins, but never have eliminated sugar, gluten and dairy from my diet. It was an awesome change. My skin was noticeably clearer and I felt amazing. No sugar or caffeine crashes, I always had a fizzy tab on hand when I needed a pick me up or started feeling hunger pangs. I loved the detox. I even managed to lose 4 pounds (definitely not trying because I'm pretty sure I ate my weight in the delicious protein bars!!) and most definitely cleaned out my insides! It was great.

I want to thank Keli for her amazing support and the camaraderie in the kitchen! We googled, and tested and baked and fell in love with the new ingredients we discovered!! It was so fun making April "fit" with you and Mike!

I will continue to post on here with healthy living tips and recipes and support for everyone! I love healthy living, blogging, and food!

Cheers to you
XO
Amy

This is Sweet

Yesterday was Easter Sunday and I'm so thankful for holidays. It wasn't hard to stick to my quote unquote crazy diet (that's what my boyfriend's grandma calls it) for the day. Since my mom is on the fit challenge also, she made our amaranth pancakes, a light fruit salad, eggs, hash browns, and an amazing ham for brunch! It was delicious and detox friendly! Then we went to my boyfriend's house and had prime rib and [more] ham, green beans, potatoes, and a beautiful green salad. The desserts...not so detox friendly...but I made them and knew that I was going into Easter unable to eat the sweets. (I was also proud of myself for not licking the beaters again!!) I semi-craved them, but I think just because it was a holiday and we've been trained to engorge ourselves with everything that's placed in front of us. I was pleased with myself. I've actually noticed a difference in my cravings. I really crave meat and vegetables. It's a nice change because if anyone knew me before, the first thing I would dive for was a sweet snack or dessert. I'm proud of myself and everyone else who's made April fit.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter like I did. I was blessed to share it with two families I love. Even though it was rainy and gray the whole day, it was bright and cheery inside with loved ones. I found a wonderful blogger who posts a thank you note to something random for the day. They are fun and like I said, random, but it makes you aware that there is so much in each day to be truly thankful for. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! ThxThxThx  A thank you note a day

Love you gals + Mike  =0)

Xo,
Amy

Key-Limey Gems

The more I talk about my 30 day feeling fit detox, the more weird looks I get and questions like, "Why?" And I am realizing that I'm surrounded by idiots. Just joking, kind of. I feel like a lot of people are so closed off to change and new experiences. Maybe it comes from just picking up and moving and being excited about change every 6 months, but I love challenges and new and different, especially if it has to do with my health and wellness! If you haven't heard about Celiac disease (gluten intolerance) you've been living in a cave for the past few years...I haven't even had TV for 4 years and I know about it! The sugar debate will never end and the fact that we are the only animal on the planet who drinks another animals milk is interesting as well. It should make you question what society has us doing, buying, consuming. I've always like to go against the grain, but I don't feel like this is that BIG of a change. It's easy to eat a healthy G, D, S-free meal and one the whole entire family can enjoy too!

Keli, Tammara and I got together and made these amazing cupcakes...Key Lime Pie Cupcakes with Coconut Buttercream Frosting! They turned out super yummy too and very "key-limey" right Keli?! It was a fun afternoon with the girls! The recipe is kind of insane and you have to piece it together because she goes off on cake tangents and then returns to the recipe, but they are soooooooo worth it!! I hope you're enjoying the creative flours we get to experiment with as much as Keli and I are!! I'm just posting the link to the website for the cupcake recipe because it's just easier! Enjoy these gems!!

Enjoy!
Xo,
Amy

Bragging Rights

I can't believe it's already April 16th! This has actually been a life saver for me because it's so easy to pack a protein shake to go to work and have my dinner in the middle of a dinner rush! I love it! I also love that everyone is doing good and seeing changes. I want to brag on my Aunt Barb in Rangely...

She's making small changes and seeing HUGE results! I just received an email with all the changes she has made in the past 16 days and even though she's not crazy about the fizzy tabs =0) she's charging her way through the 30 days with such determination for change! I love it! <3 She lost 3 pounds in the last week and has lost 4.5 pounds to date and the weight is just falling off her! Amazing job Lady! I'm loving the success stories! So keep them coming! Brag about YOU, you deserve it!

I can tell physically that my body is feeling better. My skin is clear and I just feel amazing. Everyone else?! We're only half way started and I am just loving living like this!

Blackberries are 10 for $10 at City Market! Get 'em while they're hot!

Xo,
Amy

Island Inspired

I went to the movie with Keli last night and watched Soul Surfer about the girl who lost her arm to a shark while surfing on the north shore of Kauai. It was really good and jerked a few tears but I didn't know much about the story, so I enjoyed it. Plus, it was about Hawaii, which made me miss it even more. *sigh* There was so much add placement and branding going on throughout the movie it took me back to my island! The main one being Sambazon Acai. For those who haven't discovered acai, you do not know what you're missing! It's amazingly delicious and a super fruit much like blueberries or pomegranates. Sambazon was everywhere from what the mom was blending to the drinks on the surf stands to what the announcers and judges were drinking in the tent. It made me want to run home and blend a "bowl" up myself. A bowl consists of something of the sorts including blueberries, banana, strawberries, acai blended and topped with granola, fresh fruit, and honey. Well, I just created my own for our healthy detox. There is unsweetened frozen acai available at vitamin cottage. Yummy is all I can say. Here's my detox-friendly version, I used what I had on hand, which wasn't acai, although I know I have some in my freezer somewhere, I can't wait to find it!!

Amy's Island Inspired Bowl
10-12 oz liquid (I used a mix of almond milk and water)
2 scoops vanilla protein
1 scoop fiber powder
1 heaping handful mixed frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
1 heaping handful frozen strawberries
BLEND!
Top with gluten-free crispy brown rice cereal and a drizzle of agave nectar.
Yum-O!

*When I find my acai, I am going to just cut back on my heaping handfuls of all four berries but still keep some because they're super yummy and nutritious!

This is what I make after I work out, I feel like I need a little more substance than just protein and water/almond milk. It's filling and so super satisfying!!

Enjoy!
Xo,
Amy

Kale Chips, Snack On

Going with my new found love of KALE, my NVP LaGenna Betts in Tennessee posted this recipe for Kale Chips which sound super yummy and will totally nosh your craving for a salty snack! Guaranteed I'll be making these super soon!!

Xo,
Amy

Chocolate Oats

I love the simplicity behind the detox. I love that I can just grab a protein shake and go and know that I'm getting complete nutrition. I love that you can choose which meal you want to make your one for the day. Today my day is going to be super hectic and I won't be home for very long in between jobs so I ate breakfast and make me some chocolate oatmeal! I know yum right?! It was awesome and super simple! I just made my usual oatmeal and added 1/2 scoop of fiber powder, 1/2 scoop of chocolate protein powder and a splash of almond milk and a bit of amber agave to sweeten it up! It was so yummy and filling! I'm ready to tackle my crazy life today! I can't wait! I hope everyone else is enjoying it as much as I am!

Post what you've accomplished in one and a half weeks of the detox!! We want to hear it all! Brag about yourself! I'll go first, I'd lost 3 pounds in the first week. I don't have a scale at my house, so I have to weigh myself at friends' houses! Plus, my face is clearing up which is mega awesome!!  :)

Xo,
Amy

Beans Beans the musical fruit...

I'm loving life. I love the detox tea and how it starts my day off in a healthy way. I've grown to love it. I'm a tea drinker naturally, so I love the quirky flavors that a tea bag can deliver when soaked in hot H2O, so the unique flavor of Arbonne's Detox Tea was welcomed to my [new] morning routine. I'm loving it.

I'm loving sharing this program with people too. It's so unique in allowing you to eat a healthy meal, whichever you prefer, while still gaining all the benefits from the fit kit. I'm feeling healthier and I know my innards are thanking me a few times a day (hehe)!!! It's natural and good for you...pooping that is. I know you're probably thinking, OMG AMY, did you just blog "poop"! But yep, it's an epidemic that I'm not part of...constipation, that is. This program is amazing for your outer appearance, your inner functions and just an amazing way of life!

My new love-find has been beans and legumes...these mighty small packages are loaded with fiber, protein and a plethora of other great health benefits! Keli found this Black Bean and Corn salad on our handy dandy G, D, D-free website "sister"... I'm making it again for the second time. I double everything because I have a big eater on my hands (not me, Brandon) and a single batch just won't last a day! I'm going to try adding a red onion for a little more Mexican zest!

Xo,
Amy


Black Bean & Corn Salad via http://gluten-dairy-sugarfree.com
1 can black beans, drained
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 poblano chile, finely chopped
1 small bunch cilantro, chopped
3-4 scallions, chopped
1/2tsp sea salt
pinch of cayenne
juice of 1 small lime

Combine the beans, corn, peppers, and cilantro in a large bowl. Toss with salt and cayenne, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Serve cold and refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3-4 days. Yum-O!

Work It Out

One week down, three to go. It's been great. Yesterday I worked out really hard and ate my veggie pizza for breakfast, then my bean salad with my lunch shake and I had some more mixed greens for dinner. I also made protein bars. So I kind of supplemented yesterday you might say, but for some reason my body needed more AND at least it was all G, S, D-Free. I didn't add another protein shake in there even though I worked out, I counted my extra salad at lunch as that. Is anyone else realizing what their body needs at different times? I was talking to a girl at the restaurant and she knew that when she was working out, her body had to have more [red meat] protein for energy but if she wasn't working out she could totally do a vegetarian diet. Isn't it interesting how our bodies need different kinds of fuel at different times in our lives. We realize just how little we can actually survive on! It's amazing. I'm excited for the weeks to come!

My favorite things right now are the fizzy tabs! They've kept me going a few times! I love how filling they are and how much energy they give me to last through my long shift at the restaurant! Yum-O!!!

Xo,
Amy

Drink Drink Drink!

Those three words I've heard upwards of a million times in my life, right mom?! =0) It wasn't until college when I realized just how important WATER, not other "drinks", is in nutrition. It's crucial in healthy living, weight loss, fighting illness, and just about everything else we do each day! Did you know that you're supposed to drink half your weight in ounces in water each day?! For a 140lb person, that's 70 ounces of pure H2O every day! Are you drinking that much? And on the 30 day fit program, that doesn't count the water we put into the tea, fizzy tabs or protein shakes! SO, drink up. Carry your water bottle everywhere you go and don't forget to fill up on water before reaching for that snack. Most of the time we're thirsty and not hungry...our stomachs don't know the difference, but our brains and will-power do!!

Chug Chug Chug!
Cheers
Xo,
Amy

Green Goddess

Not only is Arbonne consciously aware of their carbon footprint, but they actively try to reduce their impact. Well, I'm increasing my [green] impact today, with my Green Goddess protein shake, that is!! I decided to stray away from the traditional mixed berries shake (which is mighty tasty as well) but I wanted to incorporate my veggies for the day! Here's what I blended in my "hand-me-down we're moving to Hawaii blender" I got from a relative:

Amy's Green Goddess Shake (Rattle and Roll):
8oz water, almond or rice milk
2 scoops vanilla protein
1/2 scoop fiber (I just put this in everything throughout my day, so I only use 1/2 scoop at a time)
1/4c whole walnuts
3 stems or so of washed kale
handful of spinach
1 heaping teaspoon of ground flax seed
BLEND! I blended for a while so I wouldn't have any notorious vegetable strings!! It is super yummy but definitely needs to be served chilled!

Enjoy ladies! I don't know any other reason to incorporate incredible new vegetables and fruits into our diets other than YOU! Celebrate YOU and I'll celebrate with YOU!

Xo,
Amy

Justin's Almond Butter

Ok, so I accidentally had some Justin's Maple Almond Butter. But it was only a bit. And I screwed the lid on real quick after I realized this isn't PLAIN almond butter! Oops! It was amazing, like always, but I'm going to be running to the store to buy some plain Justin's Almond Butter. It's not going to be the same, but it will be better than nothing! So there's an amazing protein bar recipe that I got from Keli Fulk, my sponsor and in-the-making bestie (hahaha, yup!) and I just cannot get enough of these!

Arbonne Protein Bars
1 cup protein powder (I've only tried chocolate)
2 scoops fiber powder
3/4 cups puffed (gluten-free) brown rice cereal
1/2 cup oats
3/4 cup agave nector
3/4 cup almond butter

Mix them all together and pat them out in a 9x13 or so sized pan. Set them up in the fridge for 30min to one hour before serving. Then cut them up and enjoy! Yum-O! These are so good and good for you!

I hope all are off to a good start! I cannot get enough steamed broccoli, so this is working great for me! If you feel like you have no idea what to make for your one healthy delicious meal, visit the website (link posted to the right) to get wonderful recipes and ideas!

Xo
Amy

No Fools Here

APRIL 1st! Finally it has arrived! I'm so freaking excited. I just woke up (at 10) after a long last day of March. I woke up ready to eat breakfast like I always have (everyone says I was born hungry) and thought, "Ah! It's time to start detox tea and a fizzy tab!" I opened up the email that I forwarded everyone, the Fresh Start Plan, and re-read through it just to make sure that I start perfectly right! So far so good. I have water on the stove and a fizzy tab dissolving in 8oz of water! Make sure you read through the emailed document because it's way more thorough than the guide that comes in the kit if you want more weight loss specific plans! I measured my body simply because I do not have a scale and because those actually mean more than a number on a scale. My cutest jeans were getting tight and I want to make sure I get to where they aren't and know and stay there. Plus, my face has been breaking out weirdly and I cannot clear it up no matter what I've previously tried! Soooooo time for change! And I love change!

No fooling around today, we're off to a healthy life-style change!

Xo,
Amy

In a box

I just received my 30-Day Feeling Fit Kit and could not be more excited to start this program! I read the first four pages of the Feeling Fit Guide and wish I was starting tomorrow! Now, this program is not specifically strict on "dairy free, gluten free, and sugar free" but if you eliminate those three things from your diet, you're not only going to look amazing, but feel so much better as well! I cannot wait to start this with all you! It's going to rock (while we lose some rolls?!) Lol  =0) I know each of you are just as excited as me for April 1st! OH, and for the record, the fit chews are made to be eaten slowly, they taste like a tootsie roll but are very filling. Do not pop the whole thing in your mouth like salt water taffy, even though it looks like it! You'll be chewing for a while! Enjoy!
Xo
Amy

Help from ablog

We're closing in on April, but let's not forget about what we have left here in March! I'm guilty of indulging a little right now with the mentality of "I won't be able to have this for 30 days" when I really should be thinking, "this isn't healthy, no matter when I'm eating it in my life"...the pizza we ate last night, definitely not gluten, dairy, and sugar free! I found a blog this morning simply by googling a few -free words and I think this one's going to help each and every one of us in discovering how to eat, drink and simply live a healthier lifestyle. I can't stop clicking on all the links, pages and previous blog posts on this blog! I am in love with it! I hope you enjoy it just the same! Let us know what you think!

http://gluten-dairy-sugarfree.com

Cheers to a fresh start and new you!

Pre-Jump Start to April

If you're reading this, great. I'm super excited for the month of April to come upon us and bless us with 30 glorious days for healthy changes in our lives. I've been so blessed for Arbonne to come into my life at this stage and am so excited to tackle the challenges it poses.

The most recent challenge (which you should be tackling with me if you're reading this) -
::30 Day Feeling Fit Kit::


30 days of replacing two meals with delicious proteins shakes, healthy snacks of fruits and veggies, detox tea, fit chews, and one healthy balanced meal. We'll remove sugar, dairy, and gluten from our diets, no need for those icky things anyways. It's going to be a fun challenge, change, program, month, etc.

I cannot wait to start the 30 days. I'm ready to make April "fit" and I'm so excited that you've decided to join the rest of us and make personal changes in your life!

Feel free to share them with the rest of us! I'll be trying to email, update, post, and share daily! Let's support each other!

Xo
Amy