Big things to come....

I have dabbled in Paleo for years now. Sometimes strict, but mostly unable to give up my sugar. I have had lots of good excuses why it would be hard to go full force. Some valid, some not so much. Sometimes I think I jus haven't been sold enough on it. I'm not overweight. I am heathly, active, progressing in workouts and abilities, and I still have my ice cream or cranberry-walnut toast. But I always have that question in my mind of could I feel better, run faster, look better, jump higher, sleep better??

After finally downloading It Starts With Food, I have decided to accept their challenge. I am going to put myself as the experiment. No longer will I be accepting the testimonials of others, I am out to try it for myself. I have chosen to start my journey on April 1st, not coincidently one day after Easter, the day I will eat my last Cadbury Mini Egg for the year. I love that on the Whole30 you cannot, really CANNOT cheat. I think that's where I have fallen in the past. Too many slip-ups to really see a clear picture.

I am very excited. Nervous, curious, eager also. I have recruited Eric and a friend from the gym to come along with me on my journey. I am happy to have the company.

In addition, I want to keep a daily blog on my experience. I will post how I am feeling, what I am eating, and a few progressive pics as I am not allowed to weigh during the month. I will start the plan while still on limited activity for my knee sprain, so it will have been several weeks since I have had a good cardio workout. Best timing ever.

(photo from  lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com )

Anyone else want to come along??? 

Wyatt 19 months

Wyatt at 19 months old 

Words: Mama, milk, wait, stop, pizza, birdies, airplane, fish, snack, thirsty, water, diaper, nap, night-night, Dada, outside, yay, and I don't know, to name a few. 

Foods: Doing well with most foods. Loves eggs, Mama's green smoothies in the morning, crackers, bananas, dried fruit and Zbars. 

Personality: He's got loads. Loves, Loves, Loves to play with his bigger brothers and is turning out to be quite a screamer. 

He lights up my world every day with his smile and cuddles. 

Cute feet

Love his eyes. 

Spring Has Sprung

I wanted to celebrate the first day of Spring with a little Springtime goodie. They each got some new kicks and something to wear. I picked them up early and told them we were going to see the new Oz movie. They decided park and Cold Stone sounded a lot more fun, and was really a better way to celebrate Spring on such a nice day. 

Eating the Cold Stone

Halle: Cake Batter with Crunch bar

Gavin: Cake Batter with Peanut Butter Cups 

Isaac: Cotton Candy with Gummy Bears 

Mama & Wyatt: Sweet Cream with Snickers (ALWAYS!)

Halle, Isaac, and I always get the same thing, rarely trying a new flavor. Gavin and Eric are usually trying out something new. 

Turkey & Black Bean Chili

This is one of my most-requested recipes. It is flavorful and full of yummy goodness. 

Turkey & Black Bean Chili

1-2 tbsp olive oil 

1 lb ground turkey 

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 c. carrots, chopped 

2 bell peppers, chopped (I like to use different colors)

2 tbsp chili powder 

2 tsp cumin 

1 jar prepared salsa 

14 oz chicken stock

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 

1 tbsp tomato paste 

Sautee onions & veggies in the olive oil until transparent. Add spices and continue sautéing until spices are fragrant, add the meat. When meat has browned, add all other ingredients and simmer about 30-45 minutes. 

Home Cafe

My kids love to pretend that our house is a restaurant when daddy comes home from work. We have chefs, a hostess and waiters all at his service. Makes dinner making and cleaning up a little more fun.