Brown Rice, Quinoa & Chia Seed Mix

I love the combination of cooking together brown rice and quinoa. To me, it makes the perfect textured mix!  It's so simple too - especially, if you have a rice cooker.  Recently, I have also been adding Chia Seeds to the mixture...so good and all so good for you! 

Using the "cup" that came with the rice cooker - here's the basics of how I pull everything together:

1 Cup of Brown Rice
1 Cup of Quinoa

Mix together and wash grains well before use by placing them in a fine mesh sieve and rinsing under running water until the water runs clear.   For further guidance and reasoning for washing your grains, please check out this helpful article.

Once rinsed, add your final ingredients:

1/4 Cup of Chia Seeds
1 Teaspoon of Olive Oil
Add Water Accordingly

Then load it up with spices!   Fresh garlic, ground pepper, dash of sea salt, parsley, and onion flakes...whatever your heart desires! 

Give it a good mix.  Turn the switch to "Cook" and you're good to go! Typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes...I check on it periodically to see if any additional water is needed.

This combination is the perfect foundation for any meal - best of all it makes for great leftovers (lots of flexibility to change it up if you wish!)

 Handy kitchen appliance -  "Rice Cooker" is used weekly in my household.
I bought this one years ago at Walgreens (of all places) for less than $10. 
Mine also came with the steamer top - making it easy to throw in some veggies while the rice (or combination of) is cooking.

I keep all of my favorite spices easily accessible (front & center) in the kitchen. 
Simply Organic is one of my favorite brands. 

I typically buy my rice in bulk - like with everything I always aim for quality. This one in particular is a gourmet blend of CalMati Brown Rice, Wild Rice, Sweet Brown Rice, Heirloom Red Rice.  I believe I picked this up at Costco.

Quinoa is amazing for you! I purchased this from the local health food store. 

Chia Seeds are my new favorite thing! Again, picked these up from the health food store. A little goes a long way with these powerful bad boys!

Once the rice is cooked, I will often add a splash of Bragg's Liquid Aminos.  It's a soy sauce alternative - taste the same yet is made from soybeans and purified water. 

Eating clean isn't meant to be difficult, in fact it's quite the opposite.  Once you get the staples down...everything else just falls into place! 

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,

Mrs. Skinny Fat

Wednesday Brings Organic Goodies

In June, my husband and I joined a 60 member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group.  For those of you not familiar with this concept, it's basically a way for consumers to buy seasonal food directly from a local farmer.  Each week, members pick up their "shares" of produce.  This particular group that we joined, farms organic veggies, and offers broiler shares, free range eggs, chevre shares, and so much more! Our membership is good for 18 weeks - taking us all the way through October (mmm squash season!) 

Since joining the CSA, I now look forward to my mid-week hump! The advantages of joining a CSA are numerous:

1. Eat ultra-fresh organic veggies, daily!
2. Exposure to new vegetables which calls for opportunity to experiment with new recipes.
3. Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows my food and get an inside look as to how my food is grown.
4. Save time and money on a trip to the grocery store - save these trips for the winter!
5. Be a part of something bigger than you!  I love supporting local farmers who contribute their growth of goodies right back to the community. 

Shared Risk
It's important to note that when joining a CSA, most likely that will mean that you are agreeing to "Share the Risk".  Basically, this means that if the Farmer has a poor harvest - perhaps a hailstorm takes out all the crops, or a drought leaves few for the taking - then you will only receive what is available.  However, using that name notion, if the farmer has an amazing harvest and is left with an abundance of vegetables, then you will reap the benefit of receiving more than your "share".

Thankfully, we have been blessed with quite an amazing harvest this season... 

He's a glorious God indeed!

My CSA share this week consisted of organic tomatoes, red potatoes, carrots, muskmelon, scallions, sweet corn, and freshly picked basil!

Organic!  So Fresh & So Good!

Tastiest Carrots EVER - I love their petite size too!

Couldn't resist diving into this mouthwatering muskmelon! 

Looks like I will be whipping up a batch of fresh pesto with all of these luscious greens!

Mr. Miles enjoys CSA day too!  Tried to sneak an ear of corn from the share....
although he's blaming the monkey! :) 

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride!

MSF

...And Boy did I Run!

As my last post reflected, I was absolutely dreading my scheduled workout.  I purposefully vented my feelings to help find whatever motivation I could to push forward.  Even after publishing, I still moseyed about the house allowing my mind to humor all of the excuses that floated through...knowing all the while that I really didn't have choice in the matter; after all it was scheduled. 

In slow motion, I got myself ready, walked to the end of the driveway, started my watch and iPod, and literally forced myself to make the running motion.  About one minute in to it, I felt different. My abs were engaged, my posture in check, and my legs were moving - I felt strong.  Just one minute later  ... I couldn't believe how different I felt after only sixty seconds!

Two miles came quick and I decided to add the extra mile in for a total of five.  My mind was open and a massive brainstorming session was taking place - if only moments like this allowed for a note pad!

Adele 21 turned out to be great addition to the iPod.  I was surprised by how much it allowed my mind to get lost in the moment. 

I finished the five miles a whole three minutes faster than normal.  I can't believe that I actually was dreading this moment.  So glad that I did not allow myself to miss out on the best run that I have had in months!  

Kudos to my Brooks for taking a beating tonight!  Love these shoes!

As I was cooling down, I thought of five things that help me get through my runs...

1.  Telephone Pole Theory -  I thought for sure I was going to need to rely on this tonight - but as you now know my luck was different!  Telephone Pole Theory is simple and can be used with any landmark. It's especially helpful to those new to running.  As your running, just focus on the next goal - aka telephone pole - and as your reach that goal, immediately focus on the next closest goal.  It takes your mind off the fact that you have to finish a whole five (or whatever) miles and instead helps you stay in check and celebrate all the mini-accomplishments along the way.

2.  Get Lost in It - I love it when this happens!  Allowing your mind to get lost in the run is exciting and exhilarating.  To me, this means my mind is fully in-tune to my body and everything just feels right and in check...thus confidence ensues.  I knew I was running faster than normal tonight, yet I had so many exciting thoughts going through my head that each mile completed was almost a surprise.  I found myself thinking, "Wow, I'm already here!"  Mind you, this was coming from the same girl who was dreading the run just minutes before! Good music, such as Adele, certainly plays a big role in achieving this. 

3.  Solve the World's Problems - okay, maybe not the world's but yours will do!  Often, I will take one problem/issue, or even opportunity out on the pavement with me.  It's amazing what I can come up with while running.  Sometimes, it's hard to focus and other thoughts will try and flutter in, but I just force myself to circle back (repeatedly) to the task at hand.

4.  Run Like Someone is Watching - Okay, fess up, I know I am not the only one who does this!  When necessary, I pretend that all of the cars passing by are truly intrigued with my running...like I am inspiring them to go home and go for a run themselves!  I notice when I think they are watching, I typically pick up my pace and make sure my form is truly in check.  I like to pretend that conversations take place in the car about my running...such as, "Wow, she's in shape."  - or - "Man, she's cruising!" - othertimes, I pretend that someone I know is about to drive by (ie. my husband, personal trainer, etc).  Haha, I know it's silly but whatever works, right!?!

5.  Take a Partner - in my case, that usually means my pup, Miles.  He was named before we even knew him as I was bound and determined he would get a lot of miles under his belt throughout his life!  Most of the time, I love taking Miles as he normally pushes me, but tonight, as you know - I was in a funk and wanted to just be by myself.  Human partners are of course great too! I would love to have a local running partner...but that hasn't fallen into place yet! 

Dirty paws Miles pouting because I told him he didn't get to go with me.

The moral of this story - don't allow yourself to miss out on what could be your best run (or workout in general) yet.  Just get up and do it! I am oh so glad I did! All it took tonight was sixty seconds to a "new" me.   

Trust me, I too will need this reminder before too long... 

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride
MSF

Today I Must Run

Today, I'm scheduled to run four miles...and I'm absolutely dreading it!  I know that if I don't get out the door in the next 15 minutes then it's just going to be that much harder to part from my never ending pile of work.  In an attempt to make the run more appealing, I've decided to download some new tunes to my iPod.  Got to give this girl something to look forward to!

Katy Perry - Last Friday Night
Nicki Minaj - Super Bass

and Adele 21 - yes, the whole album.  I hear it's amazing!

Okay, here's to No Excuses right!  Time to lace-up the running shoes, throw my hair back in a pony, visualize the fat melting off, and go out and pound some pavement. 

Cheers to listening to my inner baddass...

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,

Mrs. Skinny Fat

Feeling Like Something Sweet? Reach for a Peach!

Last night, I had a craving for something on the sweeter side.  Normally, I would reach for a bite (literally) of a dark chocolate dipped whole food bar but with it being a hot...summer...night like it was, I decided to venture off a bit!  My solution involved reaching for a fresh Michigan Red Haven Peach and combining it with Organic Non-Fat Frozen Vanilla Yogurt.  Oh my!  It was DELICIOUS!  I used half of my peach with about a 1/3 cup frozen yogurt.  I savored every second of it and felt completely satisfied with the portion size.  

Whenever I am going to indulge in something like such, I try and make it "pretty" - in this case, I used my Great Grandma's glass with a gold rim pudding cup!  The dish makes for a perfect portion size...and is fit for a princess!  Try and make your indulgence an experience...after all it's all about savoring the moment!  

Michigan Red Haven Peaches Combined with
Organic Non-Fat Frozen Yogurt

Take time to make your sweet something pretty -
you're sure to enjoy it that much more!

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride!
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Paula Red's Grilled Chicken Salad for Two

I love harvest time in Michigan.  In the area in which I reside, I'm surrounded by local growers...literally a half-mile either direction and I have access to the bounties of Mother Nature's goodies.  Secretly, it makes me feel like a kid in a candy store (as the saying goes) every time I stop by the local stand...which is about twice a week....okay, three! :) 

I just love making meals knowing everything is mostly freshly hand-picked right from my backyard! 

Paula Red's Grilled Chicken Salad for Two - in this case, Mr. & Mrs.

Spinach

1 Paula Red Apple (soooo good!)  -

1 Cucumber

1 Cup of Cherry Tomatoes - cut in halves

1/4 Cup of Raw Pumpkin Seeds
1 Grilled Chicken Breast - chopped in bite sized pieces (I like my chicken raised with love thus I only buy local!)

1/4 Cup of All Natural (organic) Honey Mustard Dressing (read the label friends) - and remember a little goes a long way!

Combine all together - shake...shake...shake - then divide it up on a plate. Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm! It received my husband's stamp of approval! 

 Raised Locally with Love:  Paula Red Apples, Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Raw Pumpkin Seeds, and Grilled Chicken Breasts....yum!

Just another angle of Michigan flavors combined!

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride!
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Having Fun While Getting Fit

Earlier this summer, my husband and I decided to invest in kayaks.  He's not much into the running thing and neither one of us are into biking (yet, anyway) so we thought kayaking could be something that we could enjoy doing together.  We both went with the Old Town brand - mostly because of the quality and comfort but also because we loved their storage containers - makes it easy to not only pack a cooler of clean goodies and lots of water but also access it easily while on the river or lake.

Kayaking has certainly become one of our favorite things to do together!  There are so many rivers and lakes to explore in Michigan...it's fun to plan different adventures!  This weekend we ventured to the Manistee River (near Manton, Michigan) for about a 4 hour trip with my in-laws.  I just love the idea that all of us could enjoy each others company, the great outdoors of Pure Michigan, and participate in a an excellent form of exercise!  Kayaking takes strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance.  It's truly a great cardiovascular workout!  There were several times that I challenged myself to paddle upstream when there was a heavy current - burn baby burn! 

Having fun while getting fit - doesn't get much better! 

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride!

MSF

Mrs. Skinny Fat Paddling...Love the Beauty of Pure Michigan! 

Mr. & Mrs. Enjoying an Amazing Afternoon on the Manistee River!

Drink Water All Day - Each and Every Day

I'm still amazed by how many people don't drink water regularly.  When someone tells me that they struggle with drinking water or that they simply don't drink water - my reaction is equivalent to as if they told me that they are a chain smoker or an alcoholic.  We all know smoking and heavy consumption of alcohol are horrible for our health...but so is neglecting our bodies of water!   I cringe when I see someone drink a soda or Gatorade as if it's water....I can't help but think of the movie Idiocracy...how scary would a world like this be?

For those of you who wear soft contact lens, before you go to bed take out your contacts and lay it on the counter.  The next morning, go take a look at what happens the contact lens.  What do you see?  The once soft, flexible lens is now hard and brittle.  Imagine that happening to your body when you don't drink water.  Our bodies are made up of more than 70% water...70%!  Most of it is stored in our skin. So, next time you choose not to drink water, picture the cells within your body crinkling up like that contact lens.

Drink my friends, drink.
You should also note that weight loss depends on your water intake. Your body needs to be hydrated to function properly - plus staying hydrated will help curve cravings and help you feeling satisfied.  In Tosca Reno's The Eat Clean Diet Stripped, she writes, "Water regulates your body temperature, keeps joints mobile and maintains tissue health. When you become dehydrated the trillions of cells housed in your body are threatened with breakdown and damage in the face of insufficient water. You need water to survive."

Each and every day, I drink around 4 liters of water. Sometimes more!  When I wake up, I drink a liter - before I do anything else!  That's when my body needs it most.  I have a cupboard in my kitchen devoted to my water bottles (all BPA free of course). Then throughout the day, my water never leaves my side.  My husband will pick on me a bit because of my "obsession" with drinking water.  Even if we are leaving the house for 2 minutes, I will have to run inside and grab my water.  Now that I am so accustomed to drinking so much throughout the day... to be without water for 20 minutes is like "dying of thirst"! 

For those of you who hate the taste of water....
Honestly, get over it!  You were made to drink water!  It's the most basic "good" thing you can do for yourself!  Water helps flush toxins out of your vital organs, carries required nutrients to cells and provides hydration for tissues like that in your ear, nose and throat. You will acquire the taste for it...I PROMISE. If you want to be healthy...happy...and fit -- You gotta drink the good stuff.

You can enhance the benefits of water by adding lemon.  Add a couple of slices of lemon to it in the morning or mid-day for a refreshing taste and you'll also reap some other fantastic health benefits! With just a couple of lemon slices to your water you can help boost your metabolism and aid in digestion, making weight loss more efficient.  More to come on the benefits of adding lemon....

While writing this post, I have consumed a liter of water with lemon slices added.  How about you?  Pledge to do something good for yourself today:  Drink Water!!!  

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride!
MSF

My Breakfast Staple: Glorified Oats & Egg Whites

It wasn't until recently that I connected the dots of how important it is to combine the complex carb with the lean protein (in this case, rolled oats and egg whites).  Mind you, I have read dozens of books and magazines that listed it as a bullet point time and time again -- but I think I just subconsciously ignored it because maybe it seemed like "more work" to me to not only think about clean foods but also combining the right foods.  

I use to just eat the oatmeal or just the eggs for breakfast but never together...that is until the dots finally connected. It was my chiropractor (you never know who is going to inspire you!) who finally drilled it in my brain when he asked me how much protein I was getting a day.  I didn't have a clue how to answer.  Then he said, "You are already doing the work...eating clean, working out - now you need to rely on science to take you to the next level.  What if you could double your success by just combining the right foods?"  It was a total "Ah HA" moment for me!  By combining lean protein and complex carbs at each meal, it helps you slow down the carb-to-fat conversion in your body - in other words, it keeps you feeling full and satisfied between meals.  But also for me, it helps ensure I am getting enough protein throughout the day when I am intentionally making it a part of every meal.   

Now I tend to rely on my oats and egg whites for breakfast the majority of the time.  What I love about both is - in my opinion - you can't mess them up!  I will make a large pot of oatmeal at the beginning of the week so it's ready to go each morning by simply heating it up (sometimes I even like it cold!).  I just take rolled oats (buy it in bulk at the health food store), add water (sometimes I will do half water and half soy milk), add some ground cinnamon, handful of organic raisins,  handful of slivered raw almonds, throw in the chia seeds and wheat germ, cook it on the stove top for 3 to 5  minutes depending on how much I am making and I am good to go for the week.  Sometimes instead of raisins I will do chopped apples...or  I might leave out the fruit while cooking and instead add it on top before serving - such as a handful of fresh berries or half of a peach.  I also now love the combination of the oats and egg whites mixed together...is that weird? 

Pot of Glorified Oatmeal Made & Ready for the Week

The Secret to Successful Clean Eating is Making Sure You Combine
Your Oatmeal (Complex Carb) with the Egg Whites (Lean Protein). 

Simple is Often Best

Like many of you, my schedule is always jam-packed.  While I love exploring with new recipes...and sometimes crafting my own, I don't get to do it as often as I'd like. So, I try and pack my fridge with simple ingredients to pair together for dinner.  Often, I am still surprised by how tasty the basics really are.  Tonight was no exception.  

First, I prepared my sweet potatoes (I always cook extras because I love eating these all week for lunch, etc) by washing and putting them in the over at 375 degrees for 45 minutes (or so).  I pulled out of the freezer wild-caught Mahi Mahi (my favorite brand is Full Circle) and let it thaw under cold water as the potatoes cooked.  About 30 minutes later, I fired up the grille and then prepped the fish with just a drizzle of Zoye Soybeen Oil and some organic seasoning.  Once ready, I put the fish on the grill.  I then took out a bunch of fresh spinach, added a 1/4 cup of water, ground pepper, and fresh garlic and let it cook just until the leaves turned soft.  When back out to the grill, flipped the fish once - let it cook for just a another few minutes and WaaLaa- a delicious CLEAN meal that took very little thinking or time! 

I love seeing lots of color on my plate!  
Wild Caught Mahi Mahi paired with spinach and a 1/2 sweet potato.

My favorite grilling season for any type of white fish. 

If I am cooking at high temps, I like to use a little of Zoye Soybeen Oil.

 

Secret to Success: No Excuses!

In 2007, when I first changed my eating habits, I decided to go "Cold Turkey", as they say, for 6 months and fully adopted the vegan lifestyle.  During that time, I was so cautious of everything I ate ... and  most difficult - surprisingly - was that I completely gave up alcohol (this was hard for me because I loved enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, weekends, with my husband, etc!).  At my smallest, I weighed in at 115.  It's so odd reflecting on how I felt then because I felt soooo "skinny-fat" - I didn't work out so while yes, skinny (barely nothing), I was such a weakling. And everything felt so flabby. 

I then discovered clean eating - and I was awe-struck by its principles.  I felt like I had been handed a gift - everything just made so much sense! Eating real foods...- you know the ones that come from the earth - all the time - novel idea!  Over time (three years) I slowly started to incorporate foods back into my diet such as seafood, venison, quality eggs, and organic cheese (in moderation).  During this time, my passion truly ignited for clean eating and I can't seem to learn enough on this topic. 

Even though, I was very intentional and disciplined with my eating - I still was Skinny-Fat true and true.  I wasn't dedicated to a workout regimen.  On that front, I could seem to come up with every excuse under the sun as to why I wasn't going to workout.  Even though - when I did, it felt so good!  I love running (when I actually did it) - so I would run sometimes - even did several 1/2 marathons (ill prepared I should add), and then I decided to join aerobics (it lasted a couple weeks), I tried bootcamp - hmm it was okay, and then there was yoga...loved yoga but still...it only lasted a month.  With each of these down periods, I would constantly beat myself up.  Complaining always (mostly inside my head) about the way my clothes fit, or dreading getting in the bikini, dress shopping, etc.  I was a size 4 - weighing anywhere from 125 - 130 over this time  - abiding by clean eating principles 80% of the time (although socially drinking in moderation).  I say 80% because I was/am still learning - and sometimes was (who am I kidding - still am) tricked by flashy marketing on packaging... (more to come on this at a later time).  I am slowly learning that just because it's sold in a Health Food Store, does not make it Clean!

Finally, in June of 2011, I got a personal trainer.  Someone I aspired to be - she wasn't skinny fat but TRULY SKINNY & FIT.  She put together a workout regimen for me which only called for a band and a mat.  But to meet my goals, it required "No Excuses"  - no matter what.  The schedule calls for 4 days of running (anywhere from 3 to 5 miles), 2 days of strength training, and a rest day.  I am able to complete everything right at home (outside), and only see her every 3 weeks for a new strength training program.  It's been the best thing I have ever done for myself.  I have not allowed myself to miss a workout - even when it's the LAST thing I want to do - I force myself to tie up those laces and get it over with. Time after time, what I find, is about 5 minutes (often times less) into the workout, my whole attitude shifts...and I start feel, pardon my choice of words, like a badass.  Truly!  I journal my workouts and all over my calendar you'll see the words, "No EXCUSES" - and when I first started, I had a sticky notes every where to remind me that no matter how much I wanted to - I'm wasn't getting out it!

Since I have incorporated workouts into my clean eating lifestyle, I finally feel like I am on the path to ridding the fat and finding the fit....for good! I have lost 3 inches from around my waist and have lost 3lbs!  It's amazing - I get to eat all day long (5 to 6 small meals a day), and I'm in charge of molding my body to "perfection" -  and this so called perfection is defined by me.  Yep, just me.

It's a journey - and what I have learned is to be truly skinny and fit (in other words, healthy, happy & fit)- doesn't happen overnight. Adding muscle is a beautiful thing...but it's a process.  Quick fixes will only get you to be skinny fat - a place I have been far too long.

 

If you haven't already, commit to a No Excuses attitude - whether it's about eating changes or working out.  And remember,  change will happen but it's baby steps my friends! 

Mrs. Skinny Fit running a 1/2 marathon in Miami March 2011.
It was torture because I was so ill prepared!
Can't wait to get a race on the calendar now
that I have been so committed to a workout regimen! 

 

Mr. Miles - my new running partner. 
He's up for the challenge - never lets me down!

 

Mrs. Skinny Fat & Mr. Miles - These past few months, I have had the confidence to try "new" workout activities. Kayaking is one my favorite things to do!

Ahhmazingly Clean Pick-Me-Up

One of the things I love about clean eating is experimenting in the kitchen! My new favorite - can't live without - kitchen appliance is non-other than the Magic Bullet.  Since I purchased it a couple months ago, I do not go a day without blending a delicious, clean mid-day meal.  All of the containers make it so easy to prepare and pack to enjoy later in the day (ideal for a girl on the go)!

My latest blend is too good not to share.  The best part is that you can't mess it up! 

Here's the ingrediants:

• Pure Coconut Water
• Handful of Kale (as much as I can fit!)
• Cup of Blueberries
• Serving of Protein Power (get the good stuff my friends - read the labels)
• 1 tbsp of Chia Seeds  (amazing little guys - filled with an energizing source of essential fats, protein, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, & fiber - no joke!)
• 3-4 cubes of ice

Blend away...and enjoy!!  It's so tasty...can't wait for you to try it!

***I have noticed that including kale does take it a little longer to blend...but still less than a minute!

Girl-on-the-Go Smoothie - Blend and Enjoy!

Magic Bullet Blender Set - A MUST HAVE in the Kitchen (or at the office!)

Me. Healthy. Happy. Fit.

My name is Tonya aka Mrs. Skinny Fat. I’m a 28-year-old wife, young marketing/pr professional, and mom to three furry four legged friends (1 kitty, Pinot, and 2 pups, Wyatt & Miles). I’ve been what I consider “Skinny-Fat” all of my life. In other words, look “skinny” with clothes on to the average person but...reality underneath it all was much different. For as long as I can remember I have lacked the self-confidence to peal off the layers…and if I was in a situation that forced me to get in a bikini – well, let's just say I considered it torture. I’ve been on a quest to be healthy, happy, and fit for years now – but it wasn’t until recently that I really connected what that meant. The “stars have aligned” so to speak…and I have discovered that sharing my journey with friends truly feels like I am sharing a gift...inspiration and hard lessons learned for their own quest!

Why the Mrs. in Mrs. Skinny Fat?
My husband is truly my partner in all of this – and with that my role as a wife plays such a big part in my quest to be healthy, happy, and fit. I think of all of the times throughout years that my husband has - unfortunately - had to hear me rant about my gut, or my thunder thighs…or how fat my arms look in photos. Over and over again, he’s watched me start a diet regimen – make a little progress – binge – and fall flat on my face. Lack of confidence is such a turn-off for me and yet I USE to put him through it everyday. While I’m blessed to have a partner who loves me just the way I am…I (all of us for that matter) need to LOVE who we are just as much. It's such a good feeling that I'm finally making great strides up this mountain!!

A Look Back
It's important to note that since my husband and I met in 2004 - I have already put him through quite the ringer in my due diligence to figure out just who I am. It was a constant...diet - binge - fail - diet - binge - fail...over and over again! In 2007, I was actually "saved" by an illness in which I was forced to turn to food (eating the right things) to feel better. My doctor was adamant on cleaning up my diet so my body could process what I was taking in and although I fought this idea for quite some time I finally caved and went fully vegan...(during this time Skinny Bitch was my Bible) Man, did my diet do a 180. This was really hard for my husband to accept but he said he would give me a six month trial to embrace the vegan lifestyle and if it truly made me feel better than he would accept it. Well, as you might expect...my health climbed and I felt amazing.

Today, I still practice many Skinny Bitch habits but more importantly I focus on eating clean (Thank you Tosca Reno and Oxygen Mag). Not only did my husband accept my new way of cooking - and eating - and my new found love for the health food store, he took part in it - eating for the most part as I do and just splurging on his own terms. Due to this major lifestyle change, we both reaped the benefits and physically changed immensely - both losing ~20 lbs since 2007. Disclaimer: we certainly aren't perfect...but it was an extreme change in behavior from the girl he met: a farmer's daughter who shared in his love of steaks and Mcdonalds - neither of which I have touched since July 2007. But here I am, yes certainly healthier and a whole lot smarter in terms of food choices…

Throughout this journey I have become extremely passionate about eating clean – and I seem to discover something new every day. I’m excited to finally have an outlet to share everything I have learned and all the new things that come my way. This blogs for anyone who’s looking to make some small changes in their life – ones that could - no will - lead to huge results – mentally, physically, and emotionally.

I hope that you will find this blog insightful and inspiring. Please join me down this path to being healthy, happy, and fit. In other words, let’s rid the fat and find the fit -for good.

Mr. & Mrs. when we first met in 2004.  I am 5'4 and in this pic weighed 145lbs -
My lifestyle consisted of dieting...binging...failing...repeating! 
I tried everything including South Beach, Atkins, Grapefruit, Cabbage Soup...everything!! 

Mr. & Mrs. in 2007 - about 6 months after adopting "Vegan" lifestyle. 
Weighed 120lbs -  did not work out (just walks here and there)... "Skinny Fat" at its best!

Mr. & Mrs. in May of 2011 - Weigh 125 -  Living a clean eating
lifestyle of the most part - giving into life's indulgences in moderation
slowly getting on a workout regimen... 

Mr. & Mrs. July 2011 - Eating Clean and working hard on the fitness...
Feeling so much stronger and starting to finally build muscle and rid the fat!