How many licks

You know that old Tootsie Pop commercial with that memorable phrase... "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?" That's a bit how I'm feeling. Well, not about tootsie pops, but about breaking the cycle and changing my eating patterns and sticking with it.

Good intentions have been no match for my sugar addiction. When will that finally be part of my past and not my everyday struggle? Alas, I'll keep on truckin' and keep working toward that goal.

This week, I'm participating in a plant based challenge, which I'm looking forward to! I've been eating imperfectly plant based for the past few months, but would like to clean things up a bit. Hoping this will be good motivation!

Weekly Menu | 9.29.14

Here's what's on my menu this week.....

The hubs won't be home for dinner a few days, so going a bit light on the plan this week.

Italian Chopped Salad

via Against All Grain

This was on my plan a couple weeks ago, but never got around to making it!

Cranberry Pesto Meatballs with Butternut Squash Mash

via Paleo Parents

#cranberrynom

Butternut Squash Soup w/ Apples

via Dinner A Love Story

served along with some grilled chicken

This might need to sneak in too....

The Healthiest Ice Cream EVER

via Paleo Parents

#yesimabutternutsquashaddict

Oooh and I think THIS will have to make it's way to the menu soon too...

Doesn't it look divine?!

Um and pretty much everything from THIS POST over at Paleo Parents!

love,
the girl

Weekly Menu | 9.14.14

What's for dinner at your house this week? Do you plan it all out in advance or just wing it?

I'm a big meal planner, although I usually allow for a whim to hit as well.

Here's what's on my dinner menu this week (in no particular order)....

Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Cherry Tomato, Sausage, Garlic & Herb Sauce

via Kalyn's Kitchen

I love zoodles (zucchini noodles) and this sauce sounds delish and filling! 

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Vietnamese Bahn Mi Meatballs

via I Breathe I'm Hungry

She had me at bahn mi.. like all her recipes I know this will be amazing! Hubs will eat this with some brown rice. My boys will probably have plain meatballs.

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Angel Fire Chicken Casserole

via 24/7 Low Carb Diner

Sounds rich and yummy! Will serve with a big ol' salad.

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Slow Cooker Green Chile Shredded Beef Cabbage Bowl

via Kalyn's Kitchen

Who doesn't love to throw random bits in the crock pot and watch it work it's magic?

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Italian Chopped Salad

via Against All Grain

A salad without lots of "stuff" is just not right in my book! Okay there are times a simple salad will suffice, but for the most part, I will pull a full on Elaine on the salad situation. 

And THANK YOU Danielle for the tip on buying LoveBeets at Costco! #gamechanger

NOTE: If you're a THM'er (Trim Healthy Mama), these recipes are all S meals.

That will probably be it for recipes... I'm leaving a couple spots open for leftovers and if there aren't any, then I'll fill it with a "grill day".

love,
the girl

Be AWESOME

Move it or lose it

On Monday, I started my 90 day journey on the P90x3 train.

Today is day 7 and guess what? I SURVIVED a whole week without missing a workout! Yes, I realize that it's only been 7 days, but hey, let's not be afraid to drop some self pride here and there, am I right?

The next 2 weeks will be a repeat of the 1st week, so I'm feeling pretty good about making it through them.... THEN things will shake up in week 4. (skeery!)

For now, I'm just going to focus on getting each workout in and cleaning up my diet. That's always the hardest for me. Well, the food food part is fine, it's just the dreaded sugar lovebug that I struggle with. This week was a bit of a toss up... overall though, I'm pretty happy with how things shook out.

love,
the girl
(images by me via my girlvssugar instagram account)

dead fitbit

it's a sad, sad day at this girl's house.

after a 2-hour workout and various errands, I realized my fitbit was dead. hoping it was only the battery, i popped a new one in, but nada... it's fairly new, so feeling super bummed. *le sigh*

i'm part of a competitive fitbit fued involving my kids, sister-in-laws, husband and friends, so I really need that sucker working! hopefully, it will magically start working.... never know, right?

(crystal ball says: ...no it won't...)

while i dream of missed steps I'll leave you with...

yes, please!

love,
the girl

what's next

Wednesday closes out my 2nd round of PT (essentially like a bootcamp)....

I'm feeling a bit of...

"WOOT I SURVIVED!!!"

mixed with a little....

"But what do I do NOW?!"

It was nice knowing I had Marty, Ken and Jennifer there to force me to push myself beyond what I'd do on my own. Now I'll still be doing my cardo classes, but I don't think I'm ready to give up my kettlebells.

What to do, what to do........

Will do motivational poster, will do!

xo

the girl