Sunday, May 18, 2014

Who Are You?

Wow! I cannot believe it is May already!! I am so excited for summer here in the Pacific Northwest.  As I am getting older it is so fun to just enjoy these seasons and embrace them fully.  Seems like days just fly by and then you are in another season.  Life has it's way of passing by, isn't this so true?  Ive been pondering these questions lately.

So how do we live with purpose and why?  Those are some big questions to ask yourself.  Who are you?  Each person has a unique quality to them, something deep inside that makes them tick.  With out this tick thing will feel lifeless.  In a big way we are all called to live out the creative print that has been infused in our hearts.  Its not to be bigger, known or better.  But I truly believe it is so you can be free and give freedom to others.  May we live in this life time to make a difference, not to be like everyone else but to be ourselves.  So how do we live with purpose and why?  That is for you to answer, I believe we are full of so much life so we should give it out.  Most who know me know I love Jesus, I give him all the credit and glory.  He has given me life and a freedom to live, but there is so much more.  Whatever you love to do in your heart, find a way to do that.  Much more find a way to give it away.  I don't care to be like anyone else anymore, but to be who God has called me to be in its fullest.  You will find that by pursuing him and giving him all of you.  Comparison kills, jealousy eats away at ones flesh, the devil drives but the Spirit Leads and breaths life in all you do in righteousness.  Truth is you are good enough, yes let me speak to your spirit you are good enough.  Pursue God and he will complete a beautiful work in you, he makes all things beautiful.  So the question is who are you? What do you love and enjoy to do?  When you answer those questions then you should do them with all your heart master your gift.  Then as your pursue and seek God those doors will open for you in your destiny.
Lastly the World Needs your Gift, remember you are loved and needed, there is no one like you!



Thursday, March 20, 2014

Indie Frock

It was delighted to do a photo shoot at Indie Frock in Wallingford Wa.   The little shop is full of vintage goodies and the best boots you have ever seen!  And her shop is so adorable located at 1815 N 45th St. Seattle Wa, in a historic building called the Wallingford center.  Its hard for me not to walk away without something as well as my friend happens to own it!! You can follow her on Instagram @indiefrock as well as you can order through her posts and she will ship! Heres a sneak peak of the shoot!















Wednesday, March 5, 2014

When the Attacks Comes, FIGHT!

Ever feel like everything just comes at once and then its like nothing could get any better and then bam the biggest blow ever?  This my friend is when the enemy comes.  Been sick all week to the worst extreme and not only you but your child's 20 pound frame is shaking to the core as everything is coming out both ends.  Yes I said it and this is the reality, in this moment as you have been doing the same you are weak and unable to be the mom and wife you want to be. Nobody wants to do anything when there sick, and well this is the perfect time for the enemy to come in and tempt.  When struggle has come and even sin may abound, In your household he is ready to attack when your all weak.  My husband he is far from perfect same with myself.  Seems like everyone is irritated and things just seem to not be looking up.  Just a week ago everything was going so great!  But better believe when you are gaining ground in the Kingdom of God the Devil is always creeping ready to show his face.  God is our very present help in times of trouble this is what I have learned and is also his promise to us.  Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

A few great things about the struggle, maybe your husband didn't do what you wanted him to do, or he keeps disappointing you in his struggles.  Or he has continued to slip in certain areas that are disappointing and when this happens its like a ripple effect.  Everything just falls apart, nothing works, this is the tactic of the enemy to divide.  Or maybe its you, you keep slipping up in an area, and keep disappointing.  Or maybe your not married and its in your relationships with others.  Specially these moments that arise that are heartbreaking usually will cause sin in both parties, wether you are vocal or not.  Sin starts in the heart and it could just be a thought that begins to be festered on.
  So in the end it doesn't matter that they sinned against you because in many cases in our anger we sinned or in our thoughts.   This is when the enemy comes to speak in your ear and build a case against your brother, sister or husband, wife, mother, or father.

Revelations 12:10-10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

When someone goes to court they are going to cast blame on another, and that is exactly what the devil does he starts to attack your mind with they do this and that.  And he gets you to build a case, and then if you can go to someone else and convince them to hear your case then you have them on your side.
The problem I have with this is its not Gods love and it doesn't solve the issue and then your heart is offended and hurt.  As well as all the other people you are getting to combat your side are now also offended.  And the bible says instead we should pray always and for one another.  Ephesians 6:18 says Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."


So what I get from this is that if we are praying for one another by the spirit God is able to reveal what he says about them and who they are along with there struggles that we should be praying for.  This is our duty as a believer, a wife, mom, father, brother, sister and friend.  



The good news about Getting stirred up in any argument or disagreement is that in these moments a lot gets revealed about us and the other people or person involved.  Basically what the enemy is setting up for evil, God will make for his glory if you chose to go his route and lay down your pain and pray.  You can usually see something in your heart and in the other persons heart and can choose healing.  You can chose to fight for your friendships, relationships and marriage and you can do what is right, look at your self where you can change and pray for your friend, husband or family member. You can chose to fight for righteousness and for the Kingdom of God.  Because lets face it the attacks will come and if you are serving God or trying to breakthrough there will always be a big target on you.  See the Devil knows you are a threat and it is his job to take you out, to make you feel less than and to accuse the other party.  To divide, destroy and steal from you in your relationships and marriage.  Period. John 10:10 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.



Good News God Came to give us life and that we may have it more abundantly!  So When the Attacks comes what do we do.  We Pray we get before the Lord Again and Again always.  Here are a few scriptures of what the word says, and specifically in the area of being prepared and understand we don't fight against each other in flesh and blood but its spiritual always.

Ephesians 10-18 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 

We are fighting a good fight and we need to be equipped this comes from spending time with God and getting into his word and literally using that to fight!  1 Timothy 6:12 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.


So the enemy will come he actually sits and waits to plan his attack, and he does it in the times when you are weakest and not standing ground.  So no matter how you are feeling or if you blew it big time, repent and turn unto the Lord and get before him and fight!  Now is the hour to rise up and take back the kingdom of God and stand in the place of love.  This ultimately means you will lay down your own flesh and your own agenda and hurt and serve.  It is also a great opportunity to get before the Lord and let him heal your heart.

It looks like just laying before God and releasing everything that is hurting, he wants to hear your heart, and well fighting is praying and speaking his word and declaring what he has already said about us and others in his great Love. Also as we release everything to him, his word says he will fight for us, that he is our defense.


I pray that the fullness of God will find you right where you are at, that you will receive his greatest gift his son Jesus Christ, Who is able to wash away every stain and make all things new.  That you would be blessed beyond measure and know that you are loved wanted and just like any of us, need his grace, mercy and love.  That we are broken and need him that not one of us is worthy but God made a way through his son.  I pray that he would keep you and watch over you and shine his light and love upon you as he has for me and continues to even as we all fall short of his Glory.  I bless you friend! Be filled and rejoice for your greatest prize is him!





Tuesday, February 11, 2014

How to increase your JOY

Do you ever feel like your Joy is just gone?  Its like all of the sudden you realize I'm just not happy.  Well friends truth is this is the state the enemy wants us to be in.  He doesn't care about our money or what we have, he realizes that "the Joy of the Lord is your Strength" Nehemiah 8:10.  If we are not strengthened then you will become weak.  Most times we don't realize that just right in front of us are the beautiful flowers, that God has given us to enjoy.  Just like many other things in life that we can enjoy they are just right there.



So what is Joy exactly?  Here is the definition of Joy 
joy- a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

  1. synonyms:delight, great pleasure, joyfulness, jubilationtriumphexultation,rejoicinghappiness, gladness, gleeexhilarationexuberanceelation,euphoriablissecstasyrapture

    Most of these synonyms are found in the word.  Delight in the lord and he will give you the desires of your heart, trump in the lord, exult the lord, rejoice and be glad to say a few.  Its been a long season of being busy, getting married, having a child and learning just how to be a wife and mom.  Lets face it if we don't make it a point to spend time with the Lord we will become tired, restless and joyless.  Spending time with God is the best way to be filled up in his Joy and to be strengthened for what ever the day may bring which is a whole lot right? The one who knows all things knows what we have need of. I love this verse, its always been a favorite. 





     Matthew 6:33-34

    33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
    34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.


    So we must seek him and his kingdom first and all of his righteousness so he can add to us what we need to survive.  This is a beautiful thing, because pretty much trying to take care of myself doesn't always work.

    He is the one who will strengthen us, you may be saying well how do I do that when all of the sudden my joy is gone.  Well I would encourage for you to get into his presence.  You may need to sing a song to him, or sit in a quiet place and just talk let out what your feeling, or maybe you may just need to shout to the Lord. This works sometimes I will just shout really loud Hallelujah! The highest praise and its like whatever is going on just breaks.  See as a Worship Leader and someone who just loves worship I have found this is the place where I really feel Gods presence and its also where I hear him.  Its amazing that he has provided us with everything we need, we just need to go to him. 


    Psalm 16:11

    King James Version (KJV)

    11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.


    So thankful that we are not alone and that we can go to God and he will make a way for each one of us.  That is the beauty of it.  Realizing we get to get up everyday and choose life or not is a choice. So recently I have just choose Joy.  I will stop and thank God and realize not everything is going to go my way, but I can chose to think on all the great things God has already done and get in his presence so I can be full of Joy.  Here is another scripture that is great, because so a man thinkth in his heart so he is- proverbs 23:7, our thoughts also play a big part.  Well if you think you are than you are.  This is why we need Gods word and we need him.  His word is full of who he says we are.  Here is my last scripture I will share today.


    Philippians 4:8

    King James Version (KJV)

    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.


    This I believe is the key to Increasing your joy! Thinking on whatever is is lovely, pure and of good report.  As well as more time with God and positioning your heart in a place of worship, God wants to speak to you friend.  Whenever your heart is heavy and it seems joy is gone write a list of all the amazing things you are thankful for, and get before God and ask him to fill you with Joy! One thing I have been doing lately is just going for walks and taking pictures of beautiful moments in my life, or doing the same in my home, enjoying what has already been given.  Be blessed, and if you need prayer you have a friend here always willing.






Thursday, February 6, 2014

DIY Chalkboard Mirror

I have been wanting a cute chalkboard for a while to put in my Laundry room so I decided that I would make my own!  I found a cute mirror at value village for $12.99, and bought some chalk board paint at Walmart on sale for $5 dollars I believe it was on clearance.  I actually did not notice that it was clear, so I brought it to home depot and they added the black color for free and mixed it.  I also bought a small can of white paint it may have been $7 dollars.  One thing I did not do in this process which I highly recommend it isn't a must but you probably will have an easier time is to sand the mirror and prime it first.  I didn't because I figured out after I painted through trial and error that I should have.  I had a few areas where I had to go over it again because it was not sticking fully to the mirror.  At any rate it turned out well and was a fun project! Here are the pics of my before and afters!  Enjoy!






Friday, January 24, 2014

Day 24

I am down a total of 8lbs! This is a great day. I was not able to do my inches yet and my after picture, but I hope to do that tomorrow or Sunday.  I'm excited to keep going, because again this is a lifestyle change not a diet.  Thank you for all that have followed, if you are interested in any products or a 24day challenge I would love to help you. Now I am off to bed! Busy day tomorrow. Blessings Erica Hart

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Days 22 and 23

Really we are almost done!! Yay!! I'm excited to see my results. It's been crazy busy working the last two days, I have had smoothies, vo2 bars, chicken brown rice. You know pretty much keeping it clean still.  I am also excited to enroll in a bootcamp I did this last summer/fall. There is a groupon for it, it's called Seattle bootcamp click on it and you can check it out!! I just made it up there is no name for this! Tonight I made a really great dinner! Here is a picture and the recipe.  Best part, my hubby loved it!!!  

Mixed it together Meal

Organic Brown Rice Pasta Fusilli-Trader Joes
Fresh pressed garlic
Olive Oil
Organic Pepperman- Spice found at Fred Meyer in organic section and is so YUMMY!
Ground Turkey
4 Simple truth uncured chicken hot dogs
Grill the turkey, chicken dog, and zucchini separately in olive oil with garlic and pepper man, boil the rice pasta.  Toss everything together with olive oil and season to liking.  Simple and easy and taste so good!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Day 21

Today was good I made another smootie for lunch and had brown rice and chicken for dinner, I snacked on a vo2 bar and some vegetables as well.  I was on the go all day so I had to pack snacks for that. Tomorrow will be the same.  I am happy I did the challenge because now I can continue to keep going.  Tonight I ordered the new can you 24 workout video from Advocare so I am excited to get that and workout in my home.  I am starting to realize it's harder to go workout when I have a toddler and may not have a car to get to the gym, we enjoy long walks although I will need a more increased workout.  I believe I can do 24 mins. I have done the first can you 24 video and I sweat! It's awesome so I am excited about that!  I did not get any pics of my good or recipes today.  But I did have a mini styling shoot today and enjoyed taking a picture of a crown I made my daughter! 

Monday, January 20, 2014

Day 20

Today was a good day, I was able to go on almost a four mile walk with a great friend of mine who is also on the challenge.  I made a yummy shake which had almond milk, bananas, spinach and frozen blueberries.  Let me tell you it was so good!  I figured they were going to go bad really soon so might as well blend them and eat them!! For dinner I made brown rice and chicken, I just love eating this way.  I'm excited to keep on going.  I have had good weight loss so far and I am excited to do my inches.  So four more days and we will see the results! I also took before pictures so this should be fun to show you those in a few days!

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Days 18 and 19

I just got back from Success school for Advocare, in Portland Washington and it was a blast! As you will probably notice I missed my post for yesterday because I was in the car driving and arrived home late.  Man one thing I hope is that when you are on a challenge you don't get a cold, it had literally wiped my out.  Looks like there is four days left of this challenge, and there is not much that has changed the diet is the same and you will continue to have a shake and the mns.  One thing I know I will continue to do is stay on this diet and post more recipes as I go.  I also will be talking about the next steps you can continue to do that will help you with your journey!

Friday, January 17, 2014

Day 17

We are getting so close to the finish line of this challenge.. I realize that I am going to have to get some exercise in at this point, it may just have to be home exercise.  The can you 24 DVD is from Advocare is awesome and they just came out with the second one which I have heard is also super awesome!! As I have gotten busier it's been hard to prep food so I am so glad that I still have leftovers.  Tomorrow is a big day and I won't get much sleep tonight because we have success school in Portland for Advocare.  So I don't think I will prep any good tomorrow.. Guess we are looking at Sunday.  That's when I should get to the gym too.  I have gone on a few walks which is great but, higher intensity workouts will really yield greater results! I will be excited to track my inches in the end.  I basically snacked on the same things today almonds, dried cherries, vo2 prime bar, hummus and carrots, hard boiled egg, Advocare meal replacement shake and for dinner a salad with pickled vegetables.  I did a lot of snacking throughout the day which is what we should always be doing.  I hope this journey of mine has helped those who are following it.  I promise I will have a great recipe here soon.  Good night all my beautiful people! 

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Day 16

I almost forgot to post! No cooking went on today, as our household is trying to recover from this little cold.  So looks like there is 8 days left of this challenge. And by now you have probably discovered that days 11-24 are pretty much the same, drink spark, one meal replacement shake and taking your MNS daily plus any add on.  For me I have been on catalyst as well as slim, which I am loving.  I love all the products though!! So my favorite! Anyhow my food plan was pretty much the same as yesterday's.  For the next few days since I will be busy, I will probably product spotlight a few items. For tonight it's time to get some zzz's and dream about great things!! Blessings Erica Hart

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Day 15

Today I made my self some home made juice.  I juiced a cucumber, apples, carrots and the rest of the green leaf mixed lettuce I had.  For breakfast I had a chocolate meal replacement shake and for lunch I had some sushi. For a snack I had a vo2 prime bar and for dinner I had a stuffed turkey quinoa pepper. I was hoping to make a new meal but will do that tomorrow because I am still trying to recover from this cold.  The sushi for lunch was mainly just salmon on top.  The white rice was a little bit of a cheat.  If you decide to do this see if they have brown, and do it after the cleanse portion. This is the time where you can start to re introduce other foods just keep it as clean as possible.  Also I had my MNS in the morning and at lunch.    I will be hitting the gym tomorrow in hopes I have more strength back!  The healthy combination of all is how I know I will have success over time.  Tonight I was able to catch a beautiful sunset and capture the moment of that! I hope you enjoy it! See you tomorrow! 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Day 14

Well 10 more days and this challenge is over.  But not forever, this is the beginning of no end because eating healthy is a lifestyle and not a diet.  Today was the same as yesterday, I did not eat much though because I think I may be coming down with a cold.  For breakfast was the usual MNS as directed and a Meal Replacement shake.  Through the day I snacked on a hard boiled egg, carrots and humus and then I ate a stuffed turkey quinoa pepper.  I don't have much for you tonight being that I am not really feeling well, I hope to feel better tomorrow and to cook some chicken soup of some sort, which should help a lot with how I'm feeling.  I am down 8 pounds so far, so I am excited to keep on going, I have 20 more to go!   If you have any questions about products or if you are interested in the challenge let me know I would love to help.  I am off to bed! Until tomorrow.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Day 13





Today I decided to have my meal replacement shake for lunch instead of Breakfast!  For breakfast I made a quinoa and steal oats oatmeal with crushed almonds and dried cherries it was so yummy.  I snacked on almonds and carrots throughout the day.  For lunch I had a meal replacement shake and later I had a Vo2 prime bar for a snack.  For dinner I ate a turkey stuffed bell pepper and prepped a lot more to eat for the next coming days.  I was able to go on a long walk with one of my great friends.  It was so beautiful out and I was glad to get some exercise.  We walked about 4 miles all together there and back.  If you are not a big on exercising just walking a few days a week is great for you!  
I wanted to give a little bit of information about the MNS which is an amazing product this is what is does.  This step is so important after cleaning your body and is recomended to continue on as you are going in the direction of a healthy lifestyle and filling your body with the correct nutrition. 

Provides a comprehensive system for weight loss and weight-management*
Supports advanced core nutrition and wellness*
Provides sustained-release energy*
Includes 65 percent of the daily recommendation of calcium
Offers excellent nutritional support for bones and connective tissue*
Contains a full gram of omega-3 fatty acids in each serving
Supports the digestive and intestinal systems*
Encourages great skin tone and elasticity*
Helps support visual acuity and performance of sustained visual tasks*
Provides more than 50 vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, antioxidants, and other nutrients for comprehensive health and wellness*

Our most comprehensive system yet! In addition to appetite control, you will receive the best core nutrition as we have added Amplify A.T., Calcium Plus and an additional OmegaPlex® to this system.* Max 3 also offers sustained-release energy, which means energy will last throughout the day.* And with approximately half the caffeine of MNS® Max E and MNS® Max C, it is a fantastic alternative for anyone looking for a lower-caffeine solution.* For energy, appetite control and overall outstanding core nutrition and wellness, Max 3 is the answer.*

Included in every strip pack of MNS® Max 3:
MNS Max 3 Contents:
Before Breakfast Color Packet
Calcium Plus - 2 caplets
ActoTherm SR - 1 caplet
ProBiotic Restore ULTRA - 1 capsule
Before Lunch Color Packet
Calcium Plus - 2 caplets
BioTherm - 2 capsules
White Packet
CorePlex - 3 caplets
White Packet
OmegaPlex - 2 softgels
Amplify A.T. - 1 softgel

ActoTherm: Based on an exclusive blend of botanicals including cinnamon, gotu kola, ginger and peppermint, this time-honored AdvoCare original product has been reformulated. This new version features a sustained-release to aid in preventing a spike and drop-off of energy throughout the day.*

BioTherm: A unique weight-management aid developed by AdvoCare that combines oolong tea, effective botanicals and B vitamin, biotin, to support weight control.* BioTherm helps your body convert fat into energy.* Biotin is also used by the body to facilitate the conversion of food to energy. It acts as a coenzyme in several metabolic reactions that aid in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and the conversion of amino acids from protein into energy.*

CorePlex®: An optimal formulation of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and trace elements needed by the body to promote and sustain long-term health and well being.* By combining this synergistic blend of 36 nutrients, CorePlex supports healthy bone structure and growth as well as provides optimum nutritional support for healthy muscle, connective tissue and skin.*

OmegaPlex®: A safe, convenient and easy way to get the omega-3 fatty acids that may be missing in your diet. OmegaPlex contains a concentrate of at least 500mg long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, 300mg EPA and 200mg DHA. Omega-3 fatty acids such as those present in OmegaPlex help support cardiovascular health in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.*

ProBiotic Restore™ ULTRA: Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that confer health benefits on the host. Our bodies must maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria to work at its best. The multi-strain probiotic complex in ProBiotic Restore ULTRA provides six high potency strains - three species of Lactobacillus and three species of Bifidobacterium. Two billion colony forming units (CFU) ensure full coverage of both the small and large intestines. ProBiotic Restore ULTRA helps replenish normal beneficial intestinal microflora to support healthy immune and intestinal function, while aiding good digestion and enhancing weight management programs.*

Calcium Plus:An incredibly effective way to ensure you receive enough calcium to keep bones and teeth strong and healthy.* Calcium Plus delivers two types of highly absorbable calcium, combined with other minerals, vitamins and botanicals.

Amplify A.T.: A revolutionary formula that combines two potent and unique natural ingredients that produce advanced nutritional benefits.* These two super-nutrients, astaxanthin and tocotrienols, are the real secret behind the power of Amplify A.T. For anyone who wants to fight the aging process, Amplify A.T. can help by strengthening the immune system, maintaining healthy blood pressure levels already in the normal range, and providing excellent nutrition for joint health and mobility.
DIRECTIONS
For ages 12 and older.
Consume contents of one (4-packet) strip pack each day.
Take contents of one Copper Packet 30 minutes before breakfast.
Take contents of both White Packets with a meal, preferably with breakfast.
Take contents of remaining Copper Packet 30 minutes before lunch.



 Here are some pictures of my breakfast and my walk enjoy:)






Sunday, January 12, 2014

Day 12

So I am down about 7 pounds after 12 days! One thing that I will start doing is exercising, even if its just a walk.  Exercise will help increase the process, it just fitting it in with a toddler this means I must get up early and do it!  I did't eat much of anything exciting today, I grazed a lot.  Breakfast was the same, and lunch never really happened I just snacked all day, on carrots and hummus, banana and peanut butter, almonds, a hard boiled egg and then chilly for dinner.  I didn't prep anything new although tomorrow I will be doing that because I am out of meals.  I am also going to bed early tonight, in hopes that I will get up early and workout!! I will keep you updated tomorrow.  Sweet dreams!

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Day 11

So today was crazy! I woke up and low and behold the power was off!!! Good thing I just needed water to add to my meal replacement shake!! It was very stormy lastnight and I was glad to have the power back on at 9:30am before I left the house. From days 11-24 we will have a meal replacement shake daily, and our metabolic nutrition system! MNS is a packet that has four individual pill packets. On the front of them there is direction to take one 30mins before breakfast and the others you can take with breakfast or lunch! I usually will take three of the packets in the morning and the other at lunch.  The food choices stay the same. What I ate today

Breakfast:Advocare Meal Replacement Shake
Snack:Almonds
Lunch: Chilly I Made Yesterday
Snack:Hard boiled Egg
Dinner: Halibut and Veggies

I went out to dinner for my bestfriends birthday and they had a dairy free dish! It was amazing!!! Until tomorrow!!

Friday, January 10, 2014

Day 10

Today finishes up day 10 and the last day of the cleanse portion.  Today was the last day to take the fiber drink as well as probiotics at night along with the omegas.  Tomorrow I will start with a Yummy meal replacement shake for breakfast, spark and MNS.  MNS stands for metobolic nutrition system.  This basically has all the vitamins you need to fill you back up and get you running.  I will explain more about the components of that in tomorrow's post.  I got the chance to make this yummy chilly from the cookbook although I used less chilly powder and added a can of tomatoe sauce. This is what I had for dinner!!!  Here is what I are today it was lighter than usual, I was on the go but stayed full.

Breakfast: One hard boiled egg
Snack: Peanut Butter and Banana
Lunch: Vo2 prime bar
Snack: Almonds and Snap Crisp peas
Dinner: Bowl of Turkey Chilly

Here is the yummy dinner I made along with the recipe, side note I used Mrs. Dash for the Seasoning!

Chili

1 small bag dry red beans
1 small bag dry light kidney beans
1 lb ground turkey, bison or super lean ground beef
2 cloves minced garlic
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 medium to large onion, diced
1 29oz crushed tomato (No Sugar Added)
1 15 oz can tomato sauce (No Sugar Added)
1/4 cup (approx) Chili Powder (more or less to desired taste) 2 tsp (approx) cumin (to taste)

Prepare beans ahead of time according to package directions OR if you choose to use canned beans read the labels and look for a low sodium variety with no added sugar. It is best to prepare the beans yourself because the sodium content of canned beans is often quite high.
Brown meat, bell pepper, garlic, and onion in a large stock pot seasoning with black pepper as you brown. Add in all tomatoes. Drain beans and add a little at a time until desired consistency/amount. Season with chili powder and cumin until desired taste. Simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. 














Thursday, January 9, 2014

Day 9


Well the cleanse portion is almost over!  Then we go into the yummy shakes and filling yourself up with a bucket full of nutrition!! Super excited!! Today was the same as yesterday Fiber Drink in the morning, omegas with dinner and probiotics at night!  I have still yet to prep more food because today was a long day with work.  I will definitely be prepping meals tomorrow though because I'm out of meals.  Here is what my day looked like food wise.

Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries and nuts
Snack: Vo2 bar
Lunch: Couscous salad, this was the rest of the salad I had left from day 5 I believe.
Snack: Peanut butter and 3/4 of a banana- just didn't finish it all. 
Dinner: Greek Chicken Salad- take out per my husbands birthday request.
Snack: Handful of dried cranberries.

Here are a few pics of my meals! See you tomorrow last day of the yummy fiber drink!

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Day 8

I was really hoping to prep some more meals for tomorrow.  Today it was back to the fiber drink before breakfast and of course water and more spark!! I had two eggs for breakfast and half an avocado.  For a snack I enjoyed a Advocare Vo2 Prime bar, these are so yummy.  For lunch I had a chocolate meal replacement shake and for dinner I had chicken and my quoina salad.  I did have some time to prep some hard boiled eggs.  I never truely knew how to make the perfect egg and always forget so I have to research how too.  Here is a few simple steps that work great!

Put as many eggs as you want in the bottom of your pot.  Then fill it with water just so it covers the top of the eggs.  I put a little salt in and turn it on high until it boils.  When it starts boiling take them off for about a min, then put it back on the stove on low for a min. After that turn it off and cover for 10 mins.  If you have a bigger batch cover for a few mins longer. Then I will take each one out and I put then in a strainer and run cold water over them.  Then your done and you can put then in the fridge. It makes a great snack and gives you some protein!  Here are some pics of my process. Tommorow I hope to prep some homemade chilly. 

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Day 7

Today has been a laid back kinda of day! I had some tea, read a little and watched a movie.  In Seattle when it rains this is what you do.  Today I did the same thing I did yesterday wake up drank a glass of water, took my probiotics and drank my spark of course.  This is what I ate today. Keep in mind I am tracking this just so you can get an idea and for others who want some ideas when they do the challenge.

Breakfast: Oatmeal with nuts and dried fruit.
Snack: Carrots and Hummus
Snack: Vo2 Prime Bar
Lunch: The Salad I made lastnight and Chicken
Dinner: I mixed up a banana, peanut butter- it was made in the machine at the store so no preservatives, blueberries, strawberries, water as a base and a chocolate meal replacement shake.
I was super lazy today and did not feel like cooking.  So I just put together what I had which made things helpful.  Here is a few pictures of dinner.


Monday, January 6, 2014

Day 6


Today 6

Not half way yet? No not even!!! Lol actually it does pay to eat right, you feel better overall.  My energy is up and I feel like I'm slimming down.  Routine today was the same as yesterday! Probiotic and spark in the morning, omegas with dinner and herbal cleanse tablets at night with another, yes another glass of water!  So here is what I am finding out about water.  Drinking water right when you wake up actually boosts your metabolism and helps you to feel more alert.  Also if you are dehydrated you will probably feel more sluggish and tired as well as your digestion may work more slowly!  Drinking water when you feel hungry will curb cravings.  Virtually every system in your body requires water to work!!! That's why on the challenge we Drink a ton of water to train ourselves to continue to drink a tons of water!! This is something I've always struggled with! But my new habit since I've been doing it the last 6 days is to continue to drink a ton of water! Here is what I ate today!

Breakfast- 2 eggs
Snack- half a banana with peanut butter
Lunch- I finished up the rest of my chicken, green beans and brown rice
Snack-Advocare Vo2 Prime Bar- I was having a sweet craving and this hit the spot!!! So so amazing the only bar of its kind on the market
Dinner- Quiona Salad
Ingredients- Quiona, Fresh salsa, onions, cucumbers, fresh pressed garlic and olive oil.
Half a Sliced avocado 
Organic Chicken

Below is a picture of Dinner and the Salad I made! Tomorrow I will prep some more goodies!