Wellness Journey: January 2014

Hello There!

Welcome back, for my returning readers, and welcome, to my new readers!

For the past few months I’ve been chronicling my struggle to implement and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I’ve changed my diet, my exercise regimen, and my attitude towards healthy living.

I’ve had triumphs and failures, but I’ve continued on in my journey because I want to be a healthier, more energetic version of my current self. I’m making this change for myself, as well as for my son, Eli. I want him to grow up with a positive relationship with food and exercise, and I feel that he can’t do that unless he sees an example in action. Me.

Last month, I wrote about what I've learned since beginning my journey.

This month, I’ve added a lot of content, including:  my favorite meals in January, a few recipes that I’ve tried, and my weekly shopping lists.

My Macros

©      Meals Per Day: 3

©      Daily Calories: 2282

©      Calories Per Meal: ≈ 760

©      Macro Breakdown: Carbs 40% - 228g | Protein 30% - 171g | Fat 30% - 76g

©      Macros Per Meal: Carbs – 76g | Protein – 57g | Fat – 25g

This breakdown is perfect for me. I’ve been able to maintain my current weight and haven’t felt hungry at all. In a few weeks, I will be adding an extra 400 calories to this current breakdown, so I will update it again at that time.

Recipes I’ve Tried

©      Spicy Stuffed Shells by Karūna on Baking With Books

I love this recipe. It is cheesy deliciousness and heaven in a pan. My picky toddler ate a two shells by himself! Karūna is an amazing cook. I wish she lived closer to me because I don’t think I did her recipe justice and would love to have her make a dish for me.

Before I posted this recipe to my blog, I messaged her and asked her for permission. I also wanted to know if adding spinach to the shell mixture would ruin it and I'm proud to say it can be done! I actually didn’t record the macros for this recipe, but I do believe that this is a great winter dish and it can be modded to fit vegetarian needs as well.

Photo Credit: Baking With Books

Wellness Journey: December 2013

Hello There!

December has been a great month in my Wellness Journey!

I’ve made some progress and I’m going to share that below with some words of wisdom. Even though I’ve been pigging out all month long on delicious Christmas themed treats and meals, I’ve gained an understanding of my body and my behaviors. So much so, that I can make lifelong changes.

Here is what I learned in the past 30 days:

Wellness Journey: November 2013

Hello There!

November has been quite an exciting month for me. I turned 24 and accepted a job offer!
I am very pleased with how November turned out. Once again, due to injury, I didn't exercise at all. I did eat very clean, though. I bought lots of fresh and frozen fruits and veggies this month. I actually still have a lot of my frozen fruits left over that I can use in December. This month, I established a bit of  routine. I'd wake up around 0630 (90 minutes before Eli) and eat mango yoghurt with granola and drink a cup of caffeinated tea. During lunch, I would eat a meal that consisted of about 4 - 6 oz of meat (chicken or turkey), a veggie, and a drink. Dinner was just about the same as lunch, but with a starch added, like pasta, rice or potato.

Below is a typical breakfast for Eli: