CLEAN your freezer!

Wow, what an experience!  Where do I even begin?  I recently moved back home with the parents after 4 years away at college and an extra year exploring my passions.  I am so grateful to come from a very loving family and look forward to being around to spend more time with them.

In the past few months my mother has transformed her life.  She works out with an amazing trainer and really pays close attention to her food.  Not only has she lost more than 50 pounds, but she radiates so much positive energy you can almost feel it!  Living home with her and experimenting with different foods is really such a great experience and something we can both connect with.  When I told her I was moving home, she was more excited about having dinners prepared after work over anything!

I really never was a big cleaner as many can vouch for.  It wasn't that I was dirty, just messy with clothes and such.  However, when it comes to bills and papers for school I am so anal and organized.  It is actually pretty funny and over time I've noticed how I improved.  I never seize to amaze myself at the little anal things I pick up.  For instance, the toilet paper always has to be over and not under and I have no idea why I even care!  Once I made the move all I want to do is clean!  Now my mom is really happy that I am home because not only do I cook for her, but I clean as well! Who am I? haha

Now straight to the point, I started cleaning out the freezer last night and I just could not stop!  I was amazed with what I was finding and especially how much of the meat I could not even identify!  I tried to take everything out and strategically put it back according to what kind of product it was.  First of all I was amazed at how much meat I found and I am really convinced that it could last my family a few months.

So, I started categorizing the meat by chicken, sausage, steak and then I was left with a whole pile of packaged "stuff."  I seriously picked up the wrapped packages, turned them over a few times and still could not tell what they were! I have to admit that it really freaked me out.  Our meat is already engineered to look different than the animal it comes from, and now I cannot even tell what that animal is!

All I am saying is, clean out your freezer!  You will be amazed at what you will find and how much money you might even save on food for a few weeks!

Desiderata Poem

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, 
and remember what peace there may be in silence. 
As far as possible, without surrender,

be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit. 

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass. 

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. 

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

Read more: http://www.inspirational-short-stories.com/desiderata-poem.html#ixzz1VoxaN4BC
Lovely, inspiring products! Inspirational Short Stories products

My first love= Parmesan Cheese!

Wow I have to admit that I love parmesan cheese.  Not only do I love it plain, but I love it on EVERYTHING!  I can spend an hour making the most delicious healthy meal, and then add loads of parm and screw the whole thing up.  Some is good and moderation is always key.  However, when it comes to me and cheese I have such a difficult time "moderating" anything.  It just does not happen!

I started experimenting with a few spices to supplement for cheese.  Salt and pepper of course, but then I added in Coriander.  Coriander is considered a dried cilantro seed and adds a bit of a spicy citrus flavor to the meal.  As an Indian food fanatic, I knew that this would really help whatever it was I cooked taste awesome on its own.

Here is my recipe for my yummy Chicken Salsa Chile.

1 package of Ground Chicken- Purdue 

1 onion- diced

1 yellow pepper- diced

1 jar of salsa- I used Garlic and Lime Wegmans brand

Salt, Pepper and Coriander to taste!

I sauteed the onions and peppers like my mom taught me best :)  I used a little olive oil in the pan and stirred occasionally.  In another saucer I had the ground chicken cooking throughly, breaking it up into smaller chunks.  When the chicken was done I added it to the onions and peppers.  Then I added the jar of salsa and mixed everything up and seasoned to taste with salt, pepper and coriander.  

Below is my finished healthy dish with NO parm cheese on it.  The way I should be eating it. 

Then I added the parmesan cheese amount I used to eat in the picture below on the left side, and on the right only sprinkled some giving an example of moderation.

Hmmmmm baby steps people!  I guess I have to eat it now that I added the parmesan cheese to demonstrate moderation.  Hehe what is that saying, there is always a next time?

Reality Check: January 2010

I have to share this picture before I say anything else about myself.  This was taken on New Years Eve 2010.  When I first stumbled on this picture a few weeks ago I literally had to do a double take.  Am I really busting out of a size "we won't even go there" dress?  My smile looks like it could crack and fall of my face.  For as long as I can remember I've been unhappy with my weight.  However I cannot hide it, I cannot deny it and I certainly cannot take it back.  What I can do is change it and that I did!


Since then I managed to lose about 35 pounds and keep it off.  I made the decision to change my lifestyle and focused little on going on a diet.  Working out became fun and I loved to experiment with new foods in the kitchen.  When I was doing some career searching I stumbled upon the school of Integrative Nutrition.  Their unique nutrition theory sucked me right in.  As a result, I spent months researching their 1 year Health Coaching program and talking with the admissions team.


I questioned if this program was real because it seemed to good to be true.  Could I really help other people with the same issues that I have?  The answer is YES and I am so excited to learn and study for something that I truly care about.  Most of you that know me have seen me struggle.  I want to thank you for always listening and standing by my side, always encouraging me to be my best.  This program will help me be my best!  


Please join me as I use this blog to document my journey through the school.  I appreciate ALL feedback whether you think I want to hear it or not.  Your opinion matters to me :)  I use Hungry Chick to express that I am hungry for more than food at this point of my life.  I am hungry for balance and good health. 


So here I go. One step at a time.