DAY SEVEN: CABBAGE SOUP

By the time I wake up in less than 12 hours, this dang cleanse will be OVER.
I'm sorry guys, it really wasn't that bad but today was by far the hardest day to not cheat.
I didn't cheat! I ate my cabbage soup like a champ.
But I wanted to cheat, and I justified it in my head multiple times.
But guess what...I GET TO EAT OATMEAL IN THE MORNING AND I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER.
yay carbs!!!
I also got a nice Halloween surprise from my oh so wonderful committee family tonight after club.
It contained (are you ready for this?): dark chocolate covered pretzels, mini reeses cups, and sour patch kids.
wowza, I am going to have a great car ride home on Friday because those will be my snacks.

Today wasn't so bad until this afternoon.
I felt sick all day in general, so having diet limitations just was not making anything better.
I also have had tummy trouble all day, so hopefully that will get better by tomorrow.

So here was the menu:
Breakfast -
cabbage soup

Lunch -
cabbage soup

Dinner -
cabbage soup

exciting right? nope.
All I wanted was an apple all day, but I didn't.
I'm very excited about the amount of apples I have at my house though, because tomorrow I am experimenting and making homemade apple crumble! (a recipe will be posted, obviously).

Here's the cabbage soup recipe! (I made 1/2 of what it called for on the website and it was more than enough):

• 1/2 red onion
• 1/2 vadalia onion
• 1 can organic diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper
• 1/2 cabbage head, chopped
• 4 celery sticks
• 5 cups of water
• 1 packet of Lipton herb garlic soup mix (the original recipe calls for beefy onion)

Directions:

Dice up all of your veggies and throw them in a pot.

Pour the water in until it barely covers all the vegetables.

After cooking for 15 minutes, empty soup mix into the pot.

Let that cook for a while on the stove until everything is nice and tender

I made my soup on Monday so that I wouldn't have to deal with the hassle.
It was pretty good! I'm really glad it was, since it was literally the only thing I ate today.

Cheers for finishing strong!

Today was a great day.
Not just regarding the diet, but over all.
I woke up (not too early), cooked breakfast, read my Bible, and went to class.
But on my lunch break I took a wonderful nap because leftovers from last night and breakfast allowed for a quick lunch.
I had to go to class but afterwards I grabbed a quick snack and went on a run with my good friend Myles.  I think a friendship goes to a whole new level when you exercise together.
I exercised with my friend Emily for the first time yesterday as well!
It's been a big week for new things I guess.
After my run, I biked to Verde to get dinner and bring it back home.  That's when God just reminded me where he has me right now in this beautiful city of Charleston, full of quirkiness, wonderful friends, and great atmosphere all around.
I love having the ability to walk wherever I want or need downtown, and perfect weather days like today made it even more enjoyable.  I love the vibes this city gives.  It's always giving them, I just need to stop and be thankful more often.
After dinner I had class and nursing club.  After that I went to campaigners with my wyldlife girls and it was great.
My team met at one of our wonderful committee family's house to talk about Halloween club tomorrow.  There, I was reminded of my love of jigsaw puzzles and tried to help for a few minutes.
It made me sad that I don't have time to make that a stress reliever (or causer) in my life right now, but that's what rainy days at the beach are for. (which is coming up soooooon!)

Today I cheated a bit but you can be the judge of that:
Breakfast-
vegetable skillet (with a dab of olive oil and fajita mix seasoning)
1 egg white

Lunch-
left over vegetable skillet
left over tilapia
2 carrots
salsa

Snack-
1 carrot
salsa
2 celery stalks
1 egg white

Dinner-
"Mesa Verde" salad from Verde
-romaine
-cherry tomatoes
-red onion
-corn
-avocado
-chicken
-tortilla chip strips (the cheating element. I tried to stop him but it was too late...)
-squeezed lime
-lime dressing (on the side!)
-I added salsa as well

I ate dinner pretty early because I had a lot to do before class and knew I would get back late.
I'm a little bit hungry right now but a piece of celery is just not going to cut it for me so I'm just going to study and go to sleep!
Last day of the cleanse is tomorrow - Hallelujah!

(Happy Halloweek)

Let me just tell you,
today was AWFUL.

I am not a huge fan of tomatoes by themselves.  I just cannot do it, so i cheated a little bit..
Today was the first day of the cleanse that I wanted to say screw it and give up.
I pushed through it though and made it to tonight!
Only two days left - yay!

I can say though that I honestly do not feel any physically different.  I'm pretty sure my pants still feel the same and I had some tummy trouble (as recorded earlier) along the way.
These facts are somewhat discouraging and very frustrating but what I can tell you that changed was my mindset on food.
I fell that I will no longer be so mindless and uncaring when it comes to what I'm putting in my body.
Eating is as mental as it is physical and food does not have to defeat me.

It's kind of funny because my mom has been sending me other detox diets that I want to definitely try just not any time soon.
She is also sending me work out routines and plans which I don't know if I should take offensively or graciously.
She always means well.

Okay, my menu today:
Breakfast:
2 egg whites
1 tomato
(scrambled together)

Lunch:
salad from Moe's
-romaine lettuce
-chicken
-pico de gallo
-tomatoes
-cucumbers
-cilantro
-salsa vinaigrette
-salsa

Snack:
sautèed tomato
spaghetti squash

Dinner:
spinach salad
1 tomato
tilapia
squeezed lemon juice

Workout:
cycling class

I "cheated" by eating lettuce, cucumbers, and spaghetti squash, which I do not feel too guilty about because what harm are those things really going to do, right?
I had to make eating all of those tomatoes bearable somehow.
I still didn't eat 6 like I was supposed to either.

By the way, I did Pilates after I posted yesterday, so yay for exercise!  My roommate Stephanie did it with me, which was awesome.  The only bad thing is that I used it as a substitute for studying for my Spanish test this morning...oops.

Side note: I am making the cabbage soup I have to eat all day Wednesday as I type right now and it is smelling oh so tasty.  I can't wait to give it a try! (It better be good because it's my breakfast lunch and dinner on the last day).

Keep rooting for me! So close...

Today was the best!
(BANANAS AND MILK!)

a day full of smoothies, no tummy troubles, and satisfaction.
and it was Sunday! my favorite day of the week.
I may or may not have treated myself to a cappuccino...espresso is part of a cleanse right?
I just thought it might help speed up digestion

Anyways, the menu:
Breakfast -
"Pink Paradise" smoothie

Lunch -
1 banana
yogurt cup
glass of almond milk

Snack -
1 banana
12 oz skim milk cappuccino

Dinner -
glass of almond milk
banana smoothie
-2 bananas
-ice cubes
-1/2 cup almond milk
-cinnamon

Midnight snack -
"Pink Paradise" smoothie

I can honestly say I stayed full all day and would definitely be satisfied eating smoothies for meals in the future.
I've got to widen my smoothie recipe knowledge!

I also decided that after the cleanse, I am only going to have one cheat day a week to have a sweet treat.  More on that later...wish me luck!

Also, recipe for "pink paradise" smoothie...(so delicious and filling!)

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 4oz cup strawberry/banana nonfat yogurt
• 1/2 cup almond milk

Blend, and enjoy!

lot's to talk about!

I know I skipped a day of posting about the cleanse, and I apologize.
My mom got into town and I just didn't have time to get to my computer!
Gotta love quality time.

I won't leave you wondering how day one of all veggies was.

I was allowed to have a potato,
so I made it a sweet potato!
Breakfast:
1/2 a very large sweet potato
with earth balance and cinnamon

Lunch:
spaghetti squash
veggie pasta sauce
carrots
homemade guacamole

Dinner:
Yo Burrito Santa Fe Salad (no cheese or dressing)

the salad did have beans and corn on it, which the diet says to stay away from...but oh well
I also don't know how much avocados are permissible, but I have been eating a wealthy amount of those as well...
honestly, day two was worse than day one.  I was having major tummy issues and felt awful all day.
I also had to work, which meant resisting a free pastry and as many free Starbucks drinks as I wanted.
It was okay though, I was still hanging in there.

Breakfast:
1 apple
1 clementine orange

Lunch:
Verde "farmer's market" salad (with a bit of dressing and sunflower seeds)
1 apple

Snack:
frozen grapes
2 carrots
guacamole
2 pineapple strips
1/4 cucumber
salsa
1 mango

Dinner:
guacamole (shared with friends)
a lot of carrots
spaghetti squash
veggie pasta sauce
1 small apple
2-3 pineapple sticks

needless to say, I am stuffed after day three.  I ate WAY too much tonight and don't know how well the weight loss thing is going.
Also, I am thinking about giving up sugar for longer than just this week, which will be hard but we will see...
"Sugar is the enemy" as my mom always says.
Unfortunately, I agree with it.

I JUST CAN'T LET GO OF ESPRESSO AND PASTRIES

On another note, tonight was full of girl time, movies and pumpkin carving!
It was the most fun.
I wish I had gotten a picture of Alarie's tree that she carved.
I carved a cat and Alyssa carved a cougar.  I would say they turned out pretty cute.

Also, check out these little guys!
So cute, and so yummy! (no I didn't cheat and eat one)
They were for some special needs kids in the Miracle League.
All it takes is a box of nutter butters, mini chocolate chips, and more white chocolate than you'll think you will need! so easy and such a cute Halloween treat.

Today was not very fun.
I thought I was a fruit addict until it was the only thing I could eat all day!
I also had an upset stomach, so that didn't help.
Does anyone else besides me get nausous when they eat too much fruit?
Because that's basically how I felt all day…
Tomorrow should be better.
I cooked some spaghetti squash and a sweet potato to prepare!

Here's what I ate today:
Breakfast:
1 mango
1 orange
1 small apple

Lunch:
TONS of grapes (not that best option, as they leave you bloated...but I love them)
1 small apple
1 orange

Snack (though I wasn't even that hungry or feeling too hot):
applesauce with cinnamon

Dinner: (at this point I wasn't hungry at all but knew I needed something)
assorted frozen fruit: papaya, pineapple, strawberries, mango
-in smoothie form and a few solid chunks
1 small apple - with cinnamon! yum -- pictured above*

Right now I will honestly tell you that I do not feel good.
We will see what tomorrow brings! (Hopefully less bloating)

i need to post more often...

i really need to get back to blogging!
my stress levels have been soaring and this has always proved to help me.

so i'm trying something new....A DETOX CLEANSE.
it starts tomorrow
it's seven days
i'm supposedly supposed to lose 10 pounds
(we will see about that)
but one thing is for sure: i am so pumped about it.

i just spent so much money at walmart even though i already went grocery shopping this week.
i am much more prepared now!

during my journey through walmart, i had to pick up some food items for a few charity events i am participating in this next week.
i went down isles that i haven't gone down in months.
it's amazing how much junk food is out there
i thought i was eating unhealthily until i went down these isles
processed food...yuck.
it's amazing how much my mindset has changed since i've learned more about nutrition and shop for my own groceries
i'm proud to live in the produce section! (with the exception of a few grains)

anyways, back to the cleanse.
i'm going to record for the next seven days how i am doing!
physical feelings, emotional feelings, work out status, etc.
so here's the plan:

1 Thursday: all fruit (no bananas)
2 Friday: all veggies (+sweet potato)
3 Saturday: fruits and veggies
4 Sunday: bananas and yogurt/milk
5 Monday: protein (fish) and 6 tomatoes...lots of water!
6 Tuesday: protein and veggies
7 Wednesday: cabbage soup

i'll post details about each day!
side note: my mom is coming into town this weekend so that will pose a challenge.
i am glad she is a health freak because we can go to restaurants that will allow me to stay within my dietary restrictions.
i'm also proud of myself for not starting on a monday!
all of that "my diet starts next week" junk is out the window.
may i also point out that halloween is next week and candy is going to be super hard to resist.
but i can do this!

see you tomorrow....

Falling for Autumn

Fall smells like...
cinnamon
bonfires
pumpkin pie
apples
sweetness

Fall tastes like...
pumpkin spice lattes
apple cider
Thanksgiving dinner
cranberries
Halloween candy
pumpkin (fill in the blank)

Fall looks like...
reds
oranges
yellows
browns
big sweaters, scarves, and leggings
Steve Madden leather boots
blankets
sunsets
visible breath
colorful trees covering a mountain top town
jackolanterns

Fall feels like...
crisp cool mornings
cozy warm blankets
unreasonable joy
falling in love

lazy day at home

I thoroughly enjoyed my quaint little house today.
I wasn't feeling so hot so I took a nap for most of the morning and spent some afternoon time hitting the books.  I considered the amount of homework I did as an accomplishment, so I didn't feel quite so bad about being a complete hermit today.  I did get out of the house later in the afternoon, but mornings and evenings spent at home during the week are fine by me.
I promised some pictures, so here are a few to give you an idea...

a TOMS makeover

This is not the first time I've made over my shoes.
Whenever my TOMS develop holes or just get too old to wear, I like to give them a few loving snips and bring them back to life.
It has worked everytime because they go from sitting untouched in the back of my closet, to on my feet at all times.
This pair in particular was just a little too small for comfort, so I took care of that problem.
I needed a new pair of sandals, so why not save money and make some unused shoes into a new pair?
I loved the outcome and will probably wear these until they fall apart.

Before and After!

the perfect post-workout smoothie

So I went on a 7am run this morning.  Whenever this happens, I feel so accomplished and proud of myself.  It doesn't happen often, though it should.  I wasn't feeling too hungry after my run, but knew I needed breakfast.  Not putting fuel into my body would have been a major no-no.
So I opted for a smoothie.  They are easy, light, and fill you up just right when you don't have the munchies.
This smoothie recipe is one of my favorites.  The only thing is that I usually only make this one after a workout.  It is so delicious that it will make you want to exercise every day just so you can replenish your body with this tasty (and might I add, very healthy) snack.

What you will need:

1.  one frozen banana
2.  1 tbs peanut butter
3.  1/4 cup oats
4.  1 tbs flax seed
5.  around 1/2 cup almond milk (use any milk of preference)

Throw all of that in the blender!

And vwa-la! The best post-workout smoothie you could ask for.
Packed full of protein, fiber, carbs, and calcium.
Don't forget to rehydrate with some delicious H2O as well :)

Enjoy!

home sweet Charleston home --> sneek peek

I have been so behind getting pictures of my new house up for you guys. It may be due to the fact we are still in the process of decorating...  I have a treat though:  a sneek peek of my room!  I am pretty satisfied with the decorations in there right now, so I will have more pictures up pronto.

Blogging is such a stress relief for me- a very good outlet.  And believe me, it has been a STRESSFUL two weeks.  I'm talking about eating ice-cream every day as a coping strategy.  I have got to turn to a better outlet which is why I am trying to keep up with you guys on my blog.  Thank you for keeping in touch with this little tidbit of my life!

And here she is:

more later...(I promise)

peanut butter & banana waffles

My favorite combination inside my favorite breakfast.  Nothing could be better.
Find the recipe here.

(Shhh...they're vegan)

cake isn't the only sweet thing in my life

 My best friends are such a gift.  And I'm happy that they love dessert as much as I do...

Hayden, the newest edition to the ladiez

Ashley, she can DIY anything

Becca, who never fails to make you laugh

Emily, she will pain masterpieces for a living

Hannah, the sweetest soul with a feisty side

Jen, has the most genuine listening ears I know

And me, having my cake and eating it too, surrounded by some of the greatest people in the world.

Friendship is so sweet.  It is made even sweeter by Jesus because it can last for an eternity.  Wherever life takes us, these girls will forever be in my heart. 

Love you guys.

"better than Chipotle" burrito bowl

This is the perfect meal if you are cooking for one.  It also has all the nutrition you can ask for: protein, fiber, veggies, healthy fats, and carbs.  Nothing could be better!  Another plus:  it is so simple.
Here is everything you need:

• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 cup water
• 1 can beans of your choice (I like black or pinto)
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1/2 green bell pepper
• 1/2 yellow or red bell pepper
• 1/8 vidalia or red onion
• 1/2 tomato
• 2-3 button mushrooms
• dollop of guacamole (store bought or homemade*)
• salsa 

What to do:

1.  Cook your quinoa according to the directions on the box.  It usually takes 15 minutes, so do this first.

2.  Heat up your beans, microwave or stovetop.

3.  Dice up all of your veggies and set aside.  Since you are only using half of each veggie, store them in plastic bags in the fridge.

3.  Sautee all of your vegetables together in a pan on medium heat.  I cook them in olive oil.

4.  Once your quinoa, beans and vegetables are ready, put them in a bowl in that order.  

5.  Add your toppings.  I only use guacamole and salsa, but cheese and sour cream would be a great addition for you dairy lovers out there!

6.  Grab a bag of tortilla chips and enjoy!

This meal is vegan, gluten free, dairy free (if you don't add cheese), and an excellent healthy choice if you are craving a Chipotle burrito bowl but don't want to leave the house.  I usually keep all of these ingredients on hand at my house, so it is always a quick delicious meal that I enjoy every time!

trips to the fabric store

I have been sewing like crazy lately! My mom and I had to team up and work on stuff for my room (in my new house! - pictures later..).  It took us all last week of late nights and early mornings and we are still not finished with everything I need.
The All About Fabrics sale is the best thing going on once a month.  It is fun looking at all the remnants and buttons and all the fun things.  And the prices are way better than normal fabric stores! I recommend it if you have some big sewing projects to look at.  Just go to their website and check out when the next sale is:
www.allaboutfabrics.com

you've done it again, YoungLife.

I am back from Oregon and have never wanted to return to a place more than I do Creekside right this minute.  The friends, the food, the Jesus time...it all added up to being more than incredible.
Going in, I had no idea what to expect.  God had a clean slate to work with.
Well he decided to rock my world with it.

I think I've talked my tongue off telling stories this week about it, so I'm at a loss for words at the moment.  This is just a taste of what the Lord did for me and through me in Oregon in these past three weeks...I will definitely have more to add in the future because this will be a part of my life forever.