Monday, March 17, 2014

21 Day Fix, Hooping, and Living with Diabetes

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  *pinches all you not wearing green*  After seeing great results using the 21 day fix program I have decided to go another round.  I have a lot on my plate right now and love how I could easily squeeze in my daily workout quickly using the 21 day fix.  It comes with a very easy to follow eating plan that teaches you portion control and balance.  I no longer follow the plan exactly but I do use the portion containers for things like cheese, dressings, or if I premake a meal.  They are microwave safe so I can just throw it together easily.



<~Autumn Calabrese will be your frenemy!  Yes she is going to encourage you, yes if you listen you will see great results, but yes you will be swearing at her at some point.  She is all "You can do anything for 60 seconds" and crazy enough YOU CAN!  You might have to dip deep and push yourself passed what you believe your abilities are.  Thank God for the modified versions!










Hula hooping is a hobby of mine.  I usually use a light hoop that can be purchased in the toy section.  It is sparkly and pink, it also has beads in it so it makes a rhythmic noise that is somewhat soothing.  This weekend I decided to upgrade to a weighted fitness hoop.  My new fitness hoop is 2.5lbs and has a larger diameter than my regular hula hoop.  I hooped for 20 minutes yesterday and this morning I really felt the effort.  My hips feel slightly bruised and my lower back and abs are feeling tight.  I am going to have to work up to longer.
More effective than it looks

Living with diabetes is an everyday game of trial and error with ever changing rules.  As a way to try and prevent spikes, I am lowering my carb intake every week.  This week begins the 100 carbohydrates a day.  My diet is basically vegetable based; stir fry, vegetables instead of pasta, cauliflower "rice", and soon homemade paleo bread.  As carbohydrate intake lowers I need to increase my fat intake to make up for calories and to help keep my energy up.  I have been using unrefined coconut oil, grassfed butter, and eating flax meal.  I want to make coconut butter as a spread for a little extra fat and fiber to my diet.


Now for the promised recipes for Gluten free Cornbread!
The first recipe is from ComfyBelly.com, I love this site for recipes because it has an extremely wide variety.
I have made this before for chili and just as a great snack.  You don't have to add the honey, you can use agave nectar or even leave it out.  Try adding cheese or jalapenos for a special treat.

This next cornbread is a vegan version and is also very simple.  It is also really quick to make!  This recipe actually involves corn meal so it should taste more authentic.  It is sweetened using maple syrup and apple sauce.

Before I leave you for the day I want to ask a question.  What are you doing for your health today? I am drinking my Strawberry Shakeology and doing my 21 Day Fix.  Are you choosing to eat healthier?  Did your try and get a walk in after lunch?  Did you do calisthenics while watching a favorite tv show?  Please comment your answer!  I want to discuss how you can fit in more activity into your day in my next blog post.

For more information about Shakeology and fitness programs please visit:

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Clean Eating, Fitness, and Life

What a wonderful thing food can be!  I know that it can be my friend or be my enemy when it comes to managing my weight and blood sugar.  Recently I had a bit of a fiasco with Nutella, I know it is delicious.  Unfortunately it is also 22grams of carbohydrate and is full of fat.  This combination caused an extended period of higher than normal blood sugars for hours!

  I am all about flavor profiles and not actually depriving myself of yummy foods so I needed a replacement.  Now here is what I am having instead.
12 grams of carbohydrates and a much better nutritional profile than Nutella!

My blood sugar is just much better and it is good on everything including my next item.

Baked Oatmeal
1 cup cooked and cooled oatmeal (I use steel cut oats)
2 large eggs
Sweeten and spice as you like.  I use a half teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and a granulated stevia sweetener.

Pre heat oven to 350, grease a small baking pan.  Whisk together the ingredients until combined and pour into small, greased baking pan.  Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Makes one large serving or 2 servings.  Top with fruit, peanut butter, greek yogurt, or whatever takes your fancy.

So easy and good!

Please visit for more information about shakeology or fitness programs.
www.beachbodycoach.com/ENDLESSSUNSHINE
http://www.shakeology.com/endlesssunshine