Back at it

Hello everyone!
Im back after yet another hiatus, my apologies! I know people have been asking me to post more, but I've been quite busy with school and life in the past month, and will continue to be for the next month or so, but I want to try and update this more! I will definitely attempt to post regular recipes etc once school is done.
The reason I thought I'd post is that once again ( I believe this will be the 4th time) I am doing the Wild Rose Cleanse. If you look back to the beginning of my posts, thats actually what I first started writing about. The reason Im doing a cleanse, is because honestly there is no better time than tomorrow.
My eating has been absolutely horrible in the past month or so, and I've gained quite a bit of weight.
When I get into these bad eating cycles, its hard for me to stop. I have a history with binge eating, and its something I have struggled with for some time, and Im finally ready to tackle my issues and get started again on a healthy path.
I think the most upsetting thing is definitely the weight gain, since the beginning of September I've put something close to 20lbs on.. Its really embarrassing to admit it, but I guess thats the first step in change, is admitting your problems. I just feel not only unattractive and gross, but just so unhealthy. What I should do is listen to my own words of wisdom and re-read my own blog! ( That'll teach me for not posting regularly!)
Over the weekend I just celebrated my 25th Birthday (its hard to say that number, thats ONE thing I DONT want to accept :p) and I partied and indulged just a little bit.. okay a lot :) but I had a fabulous time. I think it was a real eye opener looking at my birthday pictures from this weekend, and realizing that this weight gain is NO JOKE! My weight has always fluctuated up and down 8 lbs over the last 4 or so months, but now its seemed to creep up and up and I've just let myself go.
As I said though, its kind of depressing dealing with looking at myself in the mirror right now. Not only have my terrible eating habits lately caught up with me, but there is going to be several things my body is going to be detoxing from.
First, and most obviously, is the food. Over eating, bingeing, and eating unhealthy foods has got to go. That in itself should help a lot with indigestion, bloating, skin problems, and weight gain. I know its going to be a hard 12 days, but I actually want to continue the eating portion of the cleanse (minus the pills) after the 12 days, and slowly re-introduce some of the other foods back once I'm done.
Secondly, smoking. Yes, I know, its terrible, and has been a long time disgusting habit. Its my 25th year and I just figure for gosh sakes I have to stop! Its so unhealthy, gross, makes you ugly, and its just unattractive. Its just been a hard one to quit. Each time Ive done the cleanse though, for some reason, Ive managed to stop for those 12 days, so I figure I'll quit all these things at once.
The third thing is aspartame and artificial sweeteners, processed foods, etc. I had quit drinking diet pop for a while, and switched to Zevia, but somehow got back onto it in a big (bad) way. I started drinking diet drinks, sugar free gum, and mints etc that all contain the deadly additive. I know its a horrible thing and this as well I am going to quit.
Next is alcohol. Definitely not allowed this on the cleanse, and thats fine. Once its over I will have it in moderation, and trust me I don't want to see the stuff for quite some time after 2 nights of craziness. Lets just say Im still not feeling too good and its midnight haha.
I think my body is going to be in shock tomorrow because this weekend was BY FAR one of the worst binge/unhealthy/drinking/smoking weekends Ive had in some time and today I completely let myself go. I had every single food item i wanted and things that I would NEVER normally eat, knowing that Im starting the cleanse tomorrow, I figured I'd "have them for the last time". I honestly feel so absolutely disgusting, I can't WAIT to start feeling happy and healthy and thin again.
Okay this is kind of just a rant about this I just wanted to check in let you guys know where Im at, and I will definitely be updating on the status of the clenase and hopefully some good recipes/tips that I come across during the process. Wish me luck on my 12 days to health!!
(also, just a PS, I am thinking of starting back at Weight Watchers, more to come on this after I go back to my first meeting)
Any motivation/suggestions/tips are always welcome in the comments :)
xo Good night all!
Health and Happiness are on their way!!! Positivity!!!

If You Bite It, Write It!

Thats pretty much the basis of how I've lost weight, I have always always always written everything down that I eat. I started years ago when I joined Weight Watchers, as their program involves writing down everything you eat, and staying within your "points". This is where I learned to track everything. Of course, as I mentioned in my earlier post, nobody is perfect, but writing everything you eat down allows you to accurately see exactly how many calories you are consuming, and therefore able to stay within a certain calorie limit in order to lose weight. The main reason for this post is that I've recently discovered a new iPhone app (but also available online through their website, as well as on Android/Blackberry) called MyFitnessPal. Yes, I have given up  my years and years of weight watchers and tracking points, because this app is AMAZING! There are so many reasons why I prefer this app to traditional writing down your foods on paper, starting with the fact that it is SO accurate. I feel as if I get to eat more food in comparison to Weight Watchers, as it is tracked calorie for calorie, where as with WW, a "point" can range anywhere from 15-100 calories, and the new program is even more confusing. 

With this app, all you do is type in any food that you eat. They have a massive database of foods including all brand names of every food I've ever had. Including organic, no name brands, natural foods, restaurant meals, anything! If they don't have it, you can also manually enter in the calorie information and save it for future reference! One of the best features, which I didn't even realize was there at first, is the barcode scanner. If you have any food item that has a barcode, you simply press the barcode button, hold your phone up to the barcode, and it will scan it via your phone's camera and automatically bring up all the nutrition information. It is so simple to use, you can divide portions, track your water intake, exercise (tracks how many calories you burn based on your inputted exercise information) and therefore, yep, you get to eat even more! It makes it really nice when you go out to eat,  for example when I go out for sushi, I just look up exactly what I am having, and inputs the calories- where usually I'd not have a clue how many calories are in an avocado roll, or even the pickled ginger. Tracking your weight on the app as well makes it easy to see your progress. 

Another part of this app that is great is that it shows your total daily nutrition broken down into fat, carbs, protein, iron, vitamins, and more, and shows you  how much you should have daily, and what % you have consumed in the day. For someone like myself who is trying to make sure I get enough protein and iron, it makes it nice to be able to easily see if I need more, or if I have had enough. You base your total allowed calories for the day depending on at what rate you want to lose weight at, and you can also add friends on this app for added motivation! I really can't say enough about it, there is more to the app than all that I have added, but you'll just have to go download it and see for yourself! (and did I mention, its FREE?!)

If you have any questions let me know, otherwise the website I added above should have more info, and of course if you download it you can play around with it yourself :)

Happy tracking! 

2012 Already?

I guess Im a bit late for the Happy New Years thing, but hey, it was only 3 weeks ago right? But I'll say it anyways, Happy New Years all my Low-Cal Livin' followers! :)
It always starts out with great intentions for new healthy habits and amazing goals, only to usually be a huge let down when you realize you set the bar too high. Thats definitely what happened to me with my new years resolutions, but Im not going to let that get me down!
I think the key is to set attainable goals. Short-term goals are the best because you reach each milestone sooner, which gives you more motivation to keep going. If its in regards to weight-loss or healthy eating habits, I think even setting goals as low as a few pounds at a time, or in 5 pound increments is much more realistic and motivating then looking at the larger number you'd like to lose. You have to take it one day at a time, and with each day you get closer to your goal. The key is to not give up. Everyone has moments where they cheat, or slip up, or have that extra piece of cake, but thats life. You can't let food control your life, so its all about how you deal with the "living" part. What has usually worked for me is the 90/10 rule (or 80/20) which basically is that I eat really healthy and within my calories during the week, and let myself  off the hook a bit on the weekends.
Another good motivator is to think of it not just in pounds lost, but the way you are going to feel, the clothes you'll be able to wear, or how good your going to look! If you have an upcoming event or party, it can keep you in check knowing that you want to look good for that. Usually when I know I have something coming up, I'll be extra good that week or few weeks leading up to it to make sure I feel my best. Sometimes looking through your closet at a certain clothing item that doesn't quite fit anymore, and imagining being able to wear it.
I also think its really great to have support. Most everyone knows someone who is either trying to lose weight, or perhaps struggles with eating healthy. Maybe you have a friend who is really into exercising. Whatever it is, try and use the people around you as both motivators, but also as a support for when you want to talk about your current issues, or maybe someone to help you not eat that last cookie :p
I wanted to discuss this whole thing because I definitely need to take a bit more of my own advice. Especially this post. I've had a difficult past few months (hence no blog entries) and dealing with life's issues and trying to maintain or lose weight can be difficult, but I've come to the realization that, as this quote I heard goes, "Adding calories to a bad day, will only make it worse". And I think thats so true.
When Im having a bad day, and I head for the kitchen and end up eating out of stress or boredom, I find that I feel a lot of guilt after. Having to deal with your issues as well as gaining weight really doesn't help at all. I think being in control of what you are eating, your health and weight, will only give you that extra bit of confidence to be able to deal with every day life in a more positive and healthy way.
Thanks for listening, even after my 3 month hiatus, but I have lots more to share and I hope you guys all stay tuned for new posts, new food items I've discovered, a new weight-tracking program Im using (yes, Im not doing weight-watchers anymore) as well as great new recipes I've been trying lately.
Hope your all doing great with your own new years resolutions, and your general health, and that we can all remember that its OKAY to not be perfect. Remember that no one is, we just pick up where we left off, and leave the guilt behind.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi All!
I thought it was about time I checked back in on here, its been a little while. Life has just had me pretty busy lately, with school projects, among other things, so I haven't posted much new stuff, but it will come, I promise! What better time to take a little break from life, than Thanksgiving! One of my favourite holidays for sure, not only because its spent with friends and family, there is always amazing FOOD involved! Many may associate Thanksgiving dinner with  "over-eating" "elastic waistband" "food coma" and the likes, but I've found that if you eat the RIGHT foods, you don't have to even feel bad when you are enduring said food coma. The types of food IM bringing to our dinner tonight, are roasted Kabocha squash (think roasted potatoes), mashed cauliflower with roasted red pepper, and a crustless pumpkin pie! All of these items are either "free" of points, or 1 point per cup/serving. Thats one thing I will always do, is bring my own, healthy items to these things, so I always have an option that is low-cal, so that I don't get stuck into eating a 600 calorie piece of something or other!
With that, I will leave you all to enjoy the day with your families and friends, and remember, just because everyone else is eating unhealthy (well in certain families at least) doesn't mean you have to. If you can't bring something of your own, scan what is at your dinner and try and work with it (i.e. ditch the crust on the pumpkin pie, and go for the veggies first) Try and be the initiator of a healthier lifestyle and food choices, chances are, your family will love your low-cal option, and who knows, you might even get a few members of your family on board for your healthy way of life!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING :)
xo

Recipes: Thanksgiving Is In The Air-Cauliflower Mash

Happy Sunday Everyone!
Heres a new recipes for you!

Cauliflower Mash
This is a dish that I've been making for years now. Its a take on mashed potatoes- minus the carbs and calories! Its very easy to make, and doesn't take long. 5 Ingredients- GO!


Ingredients:

• 1 Large Cauliflower
• 1 Medium Onion
• Garlic (to taste)
• Greek Seasoning
• Vegetable Broth

Boil water on the stove in a large pot. Add the vegetable broth and greek seasoning.

Cut the cauliflower into small chunks, place in the boiling water.

Chop an onion up, and place as many pieces of garlic that you'd like in the pot.

Turn down the heat to about medium, so that it does not overflow.

Keep checking your cauliflower, you do NOT want it to be over cooked, but just soft enough. I find that if you let it get too cooked, it turns out watery (which is not good)

So when soft, yet still firm, drain your cauliflower in a strainer. Once water is gone, place back into your large pot. With a hand held electric blender, mix your cauliflower/onion/garlic mix until blended. 

Add more seasonings to taste, and top with anything you'd like! 

Personally, last night I put a mix of rice vinegar, kraft fat-free italian, greek seasoning, nutritional yeast flakes, and a bit of spicy brown mustard.. and maybe some salsa too. Yeah I like seasonings, what can I say- Anyhow it was delicious! 

Butter spray would be good on here as well, making it more like traditional mashed potatoes.

Each cup of cauliflower, in weight watchers points, is ZERO- FREE! So eat your heart out. I will usually count each cup as one point (considering the array of seasonings and sauces I put on it- but still this is a very low cal option) Great to bring to a thanksgiving/holiday dinner or gathering- people will love it !
( I also like to roast red pepper or zucchini with some greek seasoning in the oven, and mix this in- its so delicious!)

Next: Pumpkin pie! At 1 point per serving :D (Im just perfecting the recipe before I add it-yes there has been many "testing" nights :) yum!)

Gettin' your Drink On!

As we all know by now, its recommended we all drink our 8 glasses of water daily. So, its clear that water, and liquid in general, is beneficial to your health. But that sounds just plain boring doesn't it.

Im going to go over some of the different products I like to drink, as well as suggestions if you are to have a night out on the town, or some casual drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) so that hopefully you can make a wise choice, and not waste your calories on liquids- like I've said before, this seems just wrong! Robbery even.

Some of the following products are great for if you like to fill up on liquids, without any calories!

• Zevia- I've mentioned this product before, it is a all natural pop drink, which is made from carbonated water and stevia, which is a natural zero calorie sweetener. As a former diet-cola addict, this is definitely a good substitution, without any guilt of killing your brain with aspartame. So far, I have tried Root Beer, Cream Soda, Orange, and Cola flavours. Personally, I prefer them in that order. Root beer being the best tasting.. to Cola being the most... interesting :) Although if you go online to their website you will see they have plenty of other flavours, just haven't seen them yet :). Once again, ZERO CALORIES!
• Coffee and Tea- Wether you are a coffee drinker or not, this is a wonderful drink in many forms. For someone who goes out for coffee, what I will do when I hit up starbucks, is get a plain decaf coffee ( yes I am a decaf-er) and I add 2 packets of stevia(or splenda) with cinnamon and nutmeg! If you feel like something a bit more tasty, get a pump of their sugar-free syrups! They come in all sorts of flavours from vanilla to caramel dolce, and zero calories! So, instead of getting a 500 calorie mocha chocolate caramel frappucino ( or something along those lines) just stick to the basics, and spice it up with some zero calorie flavourings!
• Cascade Ice sparkling water. You can buy these in the US and Canada, they are 4 calories per bottle, and its a really nice treat. Tons of different fruity flavours, such as blueberry watermelon and strawberry lemonade, they are great for filling you up when you feel like snacking! 
• I also like Vitamin Water ZERO- you can get all those vitamin water varieties in the US that are ZERO CALORIES! While up here in Canada they are the "10 calorie" version. So you see where Im going with this one, there are plenty of flavoured water products which make drinking water not so bad!
• Ocean Spray makes "diet" juice now- yes its sweetened with splenda, but if you are seeking a low-cal option for juice, go with this- 5 calories/cup (if you purchase in the US) or 10 calories/cup if you purchase in Canada - don't ask me why the difference, I'm just an innocent bystander!- They come in a variety of flavours as well, cranberry, pomegranate, blueberry, etc.
• As for alcoholic beverages, my motto is stick to the basics. My drink of choice is vodka. Vodka ( or any other hard liquor, is 2 points per shot. This is as low as alcohol goes, points wise. The other option that is the same points value, is wine, at 2 points per half cup serving.  Now if you are on the WW new points plus program, I believe the alcoholic points is 4 per shot. Hence why I tend to prefer the old program :p
• As far as drinking alcohol goes, there are a variety of drinks you can make that do not add on to your 2 points per drink limit. Sugar-free red bull (only 10 calories/can) diet cranberry, diet coke/any other diet pop, can all serve as a great mixer.

More will be added to the drink list Im sure, just wanted to get something on here for you all before the weekend! So when your at the bar, you know what to order now! 

Vodka Diet!! (or thats what I'll be doing :), enjoy your weekend everyone!

Recipes: Blueberry Apple Mini-Muffins!

So these are pretty amazing.

Muffins- you might think, these delicious, huge breakfast-type delights, filled with things such as fruit, what could be the harm? Let me tell you my friends. A HUGE amount of calories and fat. The average muffin at your local Tim Hortons will run you anywhere from 400-500 calories, and between 13-23 grams of fat!! Basically, stay away from the muffin man.

Not that I was ever a huge muffin person, I do enjoy treat-like things. As I cannot eat wheat or dairy, muffins were usually out of the question. Until I got creative!

Here is the recipe for the DELICIOUS (my taste-testers will vouch for this) mini muffins. So moist and delicious, virtually FAT-FREE, and you get to eat multiple, without any guilt!!

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Flour * (see below)
• 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1/2 Cup Apricot Purée (I buy the jarred baby food variety)
• 1 Medium Banana, Peeled and Mashed
• 1 Cup Blueberries
• 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 Tsp Salt
• 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
• 3-5 packets of Stevia

What you'll need:

• Mini Muffin Baking Trays
• Mini Muffin Silicone Tray Liners
• Mixing Bowl
• Spoon

*For the flour, of course you can use any type you prefer, but as I have wheat allergies, I choose to use either "Bob's Red Mill" brand "All purpose baking flour- Gluten Free" or the same brand carries a great Quinoa Flour. These two varieties of flour contain only 1 gram of fat and 100 calories/serving, so the points described for the recipe are based on the calories associated with these two flour varieties.

Preheat oven to 375 F (this can vary from oven to oven, I usually tend to cook at a bit higher temperature myself, around 400 F.)

Mix your dry ingredients first: your flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and stevia in a bowl. 

Mix in your apricot purée, applesauce, mashed banana, and blueberries. 

Mix together well, and evenly disperse the (delicious, trust me) batter in the muffin liners.

There should be enough batter for 24 mini-muffins.

Place in the oven for 15 minutes.

*NOTE* The time that this takes varies greatly, sometimes I'll turn my oven off after 15 minutes and let them sit in there for a while longer. The reason being is that there is applesauce instead of any butter, or oil,  or eggs. It takes a bit longer than normal muffins to stick together, but it will.

Just continuously poke the muffins with a knife, until the knife comes out clean. When it does, you know its ready.

You do not HAVE to use the silicone muffin tray liners, but I find that you can (carefully) peel them off of the muffin, and they come out MUCH better than the paper variety which likes to take a chunk of your mouth watering muffin off with it! 

I have 2 mini muffin trays (12 per tray) and a package of the silicone muffin liners, both from a store called "Ming-Wo" in Capilano Mall in North Vancouver. This place has tons of great cooking gadgets! Although Im sure you could get these things in most cooking stores. Keep in mind you COULD if you wish make 12 regular sized muffins instead of 24 mini ones, I just prefer quantity :)

Now, for the juicy details:

Yields: 24 Mini-Muffins

Points Per: 2 Mini-muffins..... ONE POINT! yes thats 1 point.(around 50 cals) And if you choose to make 12 regular size muffins, its 1 point each :) Non-Fat, Fruit Filled, Healthy, What else could you ask for?  

(Did I mention two mini muffins for one point??!!)

Hope you guys like these! Try them out and let me know what you think! Have a great night :)