Chalene Johnson's Blog Spot: Five Simple Steps to lead a Happier Life
Shared via AddThis
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Getting Back to the Basics
Since Brian's accident, I haven't been very good at getting my workouts in. I've been eating on the run and sometimes not making the best choices. I KNOW! I know better and even though I have lost weight through this whole experience, it wasn't the healthy way and certainly not the way I intended to.
Monday I am going to re-start my Insanity workout. I had just completed Day 1 on the 31st, when my world fell apart for a short time. Brian actually helped me out that morning and did my counts for the fit test. I am going to start completely over Monday.
I'm so excited to get back to my workout and eating routine. I have the Insanity food plan worked out and will be getting my groceries this weekend. I love that the plan includes vegetarians and gives suggestions for replacements for meat and dairy! I really can't wait to see the results I will have in 60 days! Exercise really does keep me sane. I need that time to sweat, work out my frustrations and get that release that only comes from exercise.
I have a few friends that are going to join in the fun! Working out with friends is always more fun and I am more apt to stick with the plan this way!
I'd love to have you join with us. I will post my daily workout and food journal here. Feel free to do the same or you can join me over on the Beachbody message boards. You can do whatever workout you'd like and eat clean. You don't have to eat a vegetarian diet, just eat healthy!!
I really need to get back to my water drinking. That is another thing that has fallen off track. Now that Brian doesn't require my constant attention, I am back!
Here is a little sneak peek at what is in store for me:
Be sure to stop by and check out my Beachbody webpage at www.missourifitclub.com.
Monday I am going to re-start my Insanity workout. I had just completed Day 1 on the 31st, when my world fell apart for a short time. Brian actually helped me out that morning and did my counts for the fit test. I am going to start completely over Monday.
I'm so excited to get back to my workout and eating routine. I have the Insanity food plan worked out and will be getting my groceries this weekend. I love that the plan includes vegetarians and gives suggestions for replacements for meat and dairy! I really can't wait to see the results I will have in 60 days! Exercise really does keep me sane. I need that time to sweat, work out my frustrations and get that release that only comes from exercise.
I have a few friends that are going to join in the fun! Working out with friends is always more fun and I am more apt to stick with the plan this way!
I'd love to have you join with us. I will post my daily workout and food journal here. Feel free to do the same or you can join me over on the Beachbody message boards. You can do whatever workout you'd like and eat clean. You don't have to eat a vegetarian diet, just eat healthy!!
I really need to get back to my water drinking. That is another thing that has fallen off track. Now that Brian doesn't require my constant attention, I am back!
Here is a little sneak peek at what is in store for me:
Be sure to stop by and check out my Beachbody webpage at www.missourifitclub.com.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Top Chef!
I absolutely love Top Chef. It may very well be my favorite TV show. I love to cook and reality tv is always fun. Combine the two and it makes for the perfect show! This week I have had a little more time on my hands and I watched the Top Chef Masters. The chefs had to prepare a vegetarian/vegan meal for Zooey Descheneal. She is a vegan that also has gluten allergies. The chefs weren't too happy about preparing vegan dishes. However, they all prepared dishes that looked amazing.
Top Chef will be airing the new season tonight and before that the season finale of Top Chef Masters will air. I know I'll be watching them both. Look for it on Bravo!
Top Chef will be airing the new season tonight and before that the season finale of Top Chef Masters will air. I know I'll be watching them both. Look for it on Bravo!
Top Chef Masters, Season 1, Episode 8, Elimination Challenge, Winning Dish
Yield
4 SERVINGS
Ingredients
QUINOA PASTA
1 pound quinoa spaghetti
6 cloves garlic, sliced
1 tablespoons capers, rinsed
1/4 teaspoon chili flake
6 each zucchini, cut julienne on Mandolin (length wise)
1 pint salsa verde
2 cups oven dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons gremolata, for garnish
SALSA VERDE
2 bunches (or 3 cups) fresh Italian parsley
1 bunch (or 1 cup) fresh basil leaves
12 cornichons
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
4 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups mild extra virgin olive oil
Gray salt to taste
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
PINE NUT GREMOLATA
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 cup gluten free white crackers
1/4 cup parsley, minced
1 tablespoon minced garlic, sautéed lightly brown
1 tablespoon lemon zest
OVEN DRIED TOMATOES
2 pints heirloom cherry tomatoes cut in half
2 teaspoons gray salt
1/4 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup garlic cloves, sliced thin
1 cup basil leaves
Pinch chili flakes
Directions
QUINOA PASTA
Bring two gallons salted water to a boil. Add pasta to water, stirring to make sure it does not stick together.
In large sauté pan, sauté sliced garlic in olive oil, and add capers and chili flakes when garlic is light brown. Stop the garlic from cooking by adding one cup pasta water to the pan.
Drain pasta, add to pan with zucchini and salsa verde, spoon oven dried tomatoes around plate. Using tongs or a meat fork create a nest of pasta in the center of the plate and top with Gremlata.
SALSA VERDE
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add herbs and blanch for 15 seconds. Drain into colander and submerge in ice water. When cool squeeze out all water and chop with a knife. Using a food processor or blender, blend all ingredients together, taste for seasoning and adjust consistency (with more olive oil) if need be.
PINE NUT GREMOLATA
In food processor chop pine nuts fine, gluten free cracker and parsley until fine and add other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.
OVEN DRIED TOMATOES
Combine gently, spread cut on cookie sheet and put in 275 degree convention oven for two hours.
© 2009 Michael Chiarello
Saturday, August 15, 2009
2 Weeks Under Our Belt!!
I have really had a lot of time to ponder things these days and with Brian's accident my mind continues to replay events over and over. I feel so bad for Brian that he remembers every second of what happened to him and that he is re-living it over and over. We are celebrating the fact that 2 weeks are under our belts and that is a good thing. Brian has improved so much during these 2 weeks. When the accident first happened, I fully expected him to be in the hospital for at least 2 weeks if not longer. He is a strong person and was pretty healthy to begin with, so I think that it has helped his recovery tremendously.
When Brian has his gallbladder incident back in 1996 and was so sick and recovering, I never dreamed that we would have to go through all this again. We have learned a lot about ourselves and how strong our marriage is and how much we truly love each other. We can get through anything. Our lives changed so drastically after that with regards to health. Brian became a diabetic from the gallbladder surgery and the injury to his pancreas and we had to change the way we thought about diet. As the years progressed, I learned so much more about health and diet and exercise.
Brian and I are both Beachbody coaches and while I am much more passionate about it and more invovled than he is, I truly believe that this is contributing to his quick recovery.
Brian is a huge fan of the Shakeology and the nutritional supplements. Because of the car accident when he was 16, Brian is limited in his workouts. Brian usually walked everyday, but he did stretch and yoga Beachbody workouts and a few weight lifting (Power 90 or P90X). I think all of this is helping him to recover. I shudder to think of where we would be if he hadn't been doing some type of exercise, healthy eating and the nutritional supplements.
Brian is missing his Shakeology. Since he can't take anything with vitamin K ( he is on coumadin to prevent blood clots), he is having to use protein shakes and he doesn't like them at all. We will be glad when he can get back to our normal routine with Shakeology. It really does help to control his blood sugar.
So, if you are not doing any type of exercise and eating fast food or processed food daily, I implore you to re-think what you are doing. You never know when something will change in your life and you will need to be in the best shape you can be in. Please contact me for ideas to help you reach your fitness/health goals. It is so important.
One of my favorite music groups is 33 Miles. I love their song One Life to Love. I think the chorus of this song is so appropriate for this situation.
You only get just one time around, you only get one shot at this
One chance to find out the one thing that you don’t wanna miss
One day when it’s all said and done I hope you see that it was enough
This one ride, one try, one life to love
Please don't let your one chance pass you by!!
When Brian has his gallbladder incident back in 1996 and was so sick and recovering, I never dreamed that we would have to go through all this again. We have learned a lot about ourselves and how strong our marriage is and how much we truly love each other. We can get through anything. Our lives changed so drastically after that with regards to health. Brian became a diabetic from the gallbladder surgery and the injury to his pancreas and we had to change the way we thought about diet. As the years progressed, I learned so much more about health and diet and exercise.
Brian and I are both Beachbody coaches and while I am much more passionate about it and more invovled than he is, I truly believe that this is contributing to his quick recovery.
Brian is a huge fan of the Shakeology and the nutritional supplements. Because of the car accident when he was 16, Brian is limited in his workouts. Brian usually walked everyday, but he did stretch and yoga Beachbody workouts and a few weight lifting (Power 90 or P90X). I think all of this is helping him to recover. I shudder to think of where we would be if he hadn't been doing some type of exercise, healthy eating and the nutritional supplements.
Brian is missing his Shakeology. Since he can't take anything with vitamin K ( he is on coumadin to prevent blood clots), he is having to use protein shakes and he doesn't like them at all. We will be glad when he can get back to our normal routine with Shakeology. It really does help to control his blood sugar.
So, if you are not doing any type of exercise and eating fast food or processed food daily, I implore you to re-think what you are doing. You never know when something will change in your life and you will need to be in the best shape you can be in. Please contact me for ideas to help you reach your fitness/health goals. It is so important.
One of my favorite music groups is 33 Miles. I love their song One Life to Love. I think the chorus of this song is so appropriate for this situation.
You only get just one time around, you only get one shot at this
One chance to find out the one thing that you don’t wanna miss
One day when it’s all said and done I hope you see that it was enough
This one ride, one try, one life to love
Please don't let your one chance pass you by!!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Great new blog to check out!
Good Morning!
Brian and I are starting to get into a routine now that we are home. Things are settling down and we are ready for this long road to recovery!
I want you all to check out my good friend Sarah's new blog. She is an awesome mom and has 2 of the most adorable kids (next to the Moritz kids of course LOL)!! She is having a giveaway for a great product that I wish was around when my kids were little! This will be good for the new grandbaby that will be here in 13 days or less!!!! Can you tell that I am so excited to meet Madelyn???? I remember the game the kids used to play with dropping cups/bottles and watching mom and dad scramble around to pick them up. They loved it, we didn't!! The No Throw is a lifesaver :)
Stop by Sarah's blog and enter for your chance to win : www.sarahbrownsfavoritethings.com. Don't worry if you don't have kids, she also blogs about adult things too!!
Brian and I are starting to get into a routine now that we are home. Things are settling down and we are ready for this long road to recovery!
I want you all to check out my good friend Sarah's new blog. She is an awesome mom and has 2 of the most adorable kids (next to the Moritz kids of course LOL)!! She is having a giveaway for a great product that I wish was around when my kids were little! This will be good for the new grandbaby that will be here in 13 days or less!!!! Can you tell that I am so excited to meet Madelyn???? I remember the game the kids used to play with dropping cups/bottles and watching mom and dad scramble around to pick them up. They loved it, we didn't!! The No Throw is a lifesaver :)
Stop by Sarah's blog and enter for your chance to win : www.sarahbrownsfavoritethings.com. Don't worry if you don't have kids, she also blogs about adult things too!!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Brian's progress
I am so amazed at the miracle of prayer. Brian is improving so much every day. Last night he was able to sleep for several hours in a row (with the help of a little ambien). He is still very tired and in a lot of pain, but it is getting better everyday.
Tomorrow he will have surgery on the right leg. I got to see the open wound. It is not the prettiest thing I've seen, but I think it looks so good. Very healthy. You can see the bone and tendons. We are just thankful that the tendons are there.
The doctors are talking about us going home this weekend sometime. It's going to be a challenge to go home since he can't put any weight on the legs for 8-12 weeks, but it will be nice to get home and have some sort of routine develop. I have the carpenters (Cary and Jake) working today to widen the doors to the bathroom and bedroom and build a ramp. I'm so glad that we have such good friends and children.
My girlfriends came over yesterday when I went home to get some things done and more clothes and take a shower. They just took over and did laundry, cleaned, took care of the pool, and took care of all the food in the fridge. They packed me a cooler full of fruit and veggies!! I don't think there are words to express how grateful I am. To them as well as all our friends that are offering their services. We are so blessed.
I will continue to post updates as we get them here. It is nice to be able to express what all is going on. I have so many mixed emotions, but I am mostly just thankful that Brian is alive and doing so well.
Tomorrow he will have surgery on the right leg. I got to see the open wound. It is not the prettiest thing I've seen, but I think it looks so good. Very healthy. You can see the bone and tendons. We are just thankful that the tendons are there.
The doctors are talking about us going home this weekend sometime. It's going to be a challenge to go home since he can't put any weight on the legs for 8-12 weeks, but it will be nice to get home and have some sort of routine develop. I have the carpenters (Cary and Jake) working today to widen the doors to the bathroom and bedroom and build a ramp. I'm so glad that we have such good friends and children.
My girlfriends came over yesterday when I went home to get some things done and more clothes and take a shower. They just took over and did laundry, cleaned, took care of the pool, and took care of all the food in the fridge. They packed me a cooler full of fruit and veggies!! I don't think there are words to express how grateful I am. To them as well as all our friends that are offering their services. We are so blessed.
I will continue to post updates as we get them here. It is nice to be able to express what all is going on. I have so many mixed emotions, but I am mostly just thankful that Brian is alive and doing so well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)