Recipes!

I've been asked quite a bit to share some favorite recipes of mine, I'm not saying everything I've tried is amazing, but I definitely have a few favorites I'll pull out of my back pocket if you ask :)

I'll start real quick by answering one main question a lot of people have their own answer for (and really, this is mine). What is clean eating? For me, its eating one ingredient foods. Like, almonds. See? One ingredient. You can decide which way you want to go from there. I will not make such a bold statement as "I ONLY eat clean, because that's simply not true. I "flex diet", which means I eat for nourishment, but I also enjoy myself. I cut so much fat out of my diet before Christmas, and it actually ended in me not being very healthy, and probably being at my lowest weight since starting all this health stuff. SO, obviously not desireable. You have to find what works for YOU. And yeah, I totally fall off the wagon and eat a whole box of cheez-its in one sitting. But hey, I'm human. And I don't do it every night.

With that said, something that will help you is this read about the differences in body types. If you're serious about losing weight, body building, etc, this is a good place to start. Read the different body types and see how your body uses food. Trust me, this is a huge difference when you're talking about reaching goals in your personal journey. I am what is considered an "Ectomorph", which means my body burns through calories like crazy, characterized by a thin body, lean stringy muscles, and a fast metabolism. Duh. Its like a light went off. So, my adjusted workouts for my fitness goals are low cardio, more calories, low reps. Its a wealth of knowledge you would certainly benefit from learning.

Chicken Curry In a Hurry

1 lb chicken breasts
1 can coconut milk
2 tbsp curry
half an onion
handful of golden raisins
sea salt
1 cup rice (white/basmati)

Cook rice according to package (2 cups lightly salted water, tbsp of oil, bring to boil. Add rice. Bring to boil again. Cover, turn to low, simmer 20 min)
Slice chicken and onion. Warm pan with coconut oil (or EVOO), cook chicken, then onion until onion is translucent, adding curry and sea salt/pepper. Once chicken/onion is done, add coconut milk. Stir and warm, adding golden raisins. Serve over rice.

A friend made this once for us, and it was amazing. I can't find the original recipe, but this is what I follow. (And I'm making it again Monday!) SO yum. Kids love this!

Lime-Cilantro Chicken Tacos I don't add as much water, it tends to get runny! This is yum. If you wanted to go the extra mile, make your own taco seasoning. I think I have friends that cook well, because this is a favorite from another friend...definitely suggest shredded cheddar, sour cream, and fresh cilantro as a topping! I put extra taco seasoning out at my small group when I made it for them, and they loved it...

Turkey Black Bean Burgers I don't add the zucchini and red pepper, that's up to you. Try serving these with sweet potato wedges! I even found some frozen sweet potato fries at my local Harp's in the healthy frozen foods freezer, definitely recommend trying those if you're low on time.

KALE CHIPS These are an absolute staple. They're so so good, and really I don't know anyone who has tried them and didn't love them! Crunchy, salty, perfect chip alternative. My kids love these!!

Homemade Cauliflower Pizza Crust (choose your own toppings!!)

I'm also a huge fan of simple dinners. Like tonight, we had grilled chicken salad. You can put ANYTHING into a salad. Nuts, seeds, veggies, fruit, you name it. Drizzle with a nice vinaigrette and voila, healthy dinner.

HERE's a really great tutorial on how to crockpot a whole chicken...saving you money. You can freeze the leftovers and use them for another dinner. She even provides a link to tell you how to use the leftover juice and chicken bones to make your own chicken broth! I love doing this. Its a little time consuming, but good.

HERE's 7 different protein pancakes you can make ahead, and freeze. Easy mornings! My kids love pancakes. I don't know a kid that doesn't...and HERE's a quick homemade syrup!! Just use 2 cups raw sugar if you don't have exactly the kind she specifies...



Okay, I'll also write a quick grocery list I normally pick up, in case you'd like to see what kind of things I like to keep in stock for all those nights I neglect to plan ahead :)

Milk
Coconut Milk (I use this for my protein shakes)
Juice
Eggs (we eat tons of eggs)
Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (Cook's Natural Foods)
Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (new Harp's)
Real Vanilla
Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips (gluten/dairy/soy free)
Stevia/Turbinado Sugar/Honey (my sweeteners)
Coconut Creamer (guilt free!)
Whole Wheat Bread
Peanut Butter (organic or as close as I can get)
Granola
Greek Yogurt
Berries/Bananas/Oranges
Frozen broccoli/peas (#letsgetreal)
Avocado
Organic tortilla chips (I just personally prefer non-gmo/organic, especially on corn)
Hot dogs (Yeah! all beef, pastured cows, no preservatives)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Coconut oil (for cooking and beauty)
Chicken
Lean Beef
Tuna
Almonds
50/50 salad mix (you can pick out the spinach, chop and serve in omelettes. Or top your burgers! Not JUST salad!)
Pretzels
Carrots
Cheese/cottage cheese
Snap peas
Quinoa
Cocoa powder
Canned diced tomatoes
Black beans


You get the picture. Is that something you think you could start getting used to having around? I mean, if you had this sort of stuff readily available, would it be easier in your decision making? I would never claim this to be the holy grail on healthy eating. And that doesn't mean you can't enjoy some of the things you sometimes do, that just means you're really trying to invest in your health and making good decisions MOST of the time. Right?

Try one more thing, DRINK WATER. Your body can send an alarm to your brain when there's a slight dip in hydration, and that 90% of the time is mistaken as hunger. I drink coffee, and water. Every day. I rarely drink soda any more. There are so many benefits of drinking water, I won't go into it right now. HERE's a link if you'd like to read more on your own!

This is not hard. It does require a change of mind. BUT, you are stubborn, and you can do this. Are you ready for a lifestyle change? I hope I've helped you at the very least find a starting point. You deserve to feel amazing! I challenge you to learn more about your body, and just a little about nutrition. You might really like the changes. Let's do this.

xo
-Kes

"its like a full spectrum of catwalking..."

I haven't blogged since September. Considering I've already ran my half marathon I was training for, I guess I could highlight everything since then!

The half marathon was amazing. I actually injured my right knee (my left knee was the one I was so ghastly afraid of hurting. Go figure). I've run maybe 3 times since then, and every time it pains me. I plan to see a chiroprator that practices ART (Active Release Therapy), which is basically immediate recovery and tons less expensive than going for an MRI. I just hate that Walmart Blue Cross/Blue Shield doesn't cover a visit like that. You'd think if it saves them money in the long run, they'd be for it. Unfortunately, though I have a right mind to call them up and argue my case, I know the answer will still be no. Sort of like picking your battles with your child. I'm just ready to quit feeling like I have to baby it, I really hate knowing I can't do something too. Its worth it to me to stick it to whatever invisible man is holding me down in that arena!

What have I been doing? Working out, reading up on nutrition, and experimenting with random hippie-inducing name calling activities I can find. I can't decide if its hippie, or homesteading, or semi-naturalist. I assure you though, I'm still completely normal :)

I've made tons of progress since September and even changed up my eating habits to achieve my goals in fitness. Some of you probably already know it because I can't shut up about it on Instagram (you're welcome by the way for only forcing it upon you on one social media outlet!) If you think it will make you manly to lift and drink protein, you're completely finger-pointing-while-I-laugh wrong. I just want to be strong...

Reading about my body type, "ectomorph". (Which means my body burns calories quickly and requires more calories and little cardio if I plan on adding weight and muscle. I'm actually taking mass gainer protein currently, about an extra 800 calories a day.) This is a 2 month change after realizing how sick I looked, not eating for my right goals and body type...

I'm at a healthier weight now, though I really wish I could control where it goes (aka, not hips and stomach!)

I've also been trying out yoga for flexibility and strength training...

There's just something about knowing you can do it that makes you want to achieve more. Like small wins, every.single.day. And who doesn't like winning? And you know fitness winning is better than Charlie Sheen winning...I am mastering my body, and it all starts with your mind. Get your mind in check, and you can tell your body to do anything.


I tried out for NWA Fashion Week again this year, and am signed up for four shops. FOUR! Though its something of a schedule and job just to keep the fittings and run throughs in order, I'm excited to do something out of my comfort zone again. Wanna know what shops? I bet you do, you nosy little creeper you! SOHO Clothiers, Judith & James, Country Outfitters, and Co-Ed Co-Op. I know, its like a full spectrum of catwalking, so many different styles! I've been practicing my blue steel face, and as it turns out, I actually look like a troll that's trying WAY too hard. If its not my eyebrow that has a mind of its own (Tierra syndrome, no less), then its my right jaw. That's right, just one side that won't cooperate. Couple that with my scars by my left eye from my car accident, and you'd think the right thing to do would either be to smile or hand me a brown paper bag. I'm totally okay with both. #thingsyoulearnaboutyourself #youareyourworstcritique

Last Sunday we did a spring shoot for Vintage Crush, and it was so fun! I'll share a couple of my favorites. Desiree makes it so fun and easy, really just a great, laid back, girly afternoon. Who doesn't love those?

I'm trying out a new "ShamPHree" method, aka shampoo free approach to healthy hair. It sounds gross. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit weirded out by it. I'm pretty sure its because it makes me (like most people) feel like there's not another way to clean your scalp other than what I've known all my life. And that's what makes it strange. I'd still stand on the same side as you if you pointed to me and simply said "Freaking weirdo." Because it is. BUT, that's also a culturally learned statement we have hard wired into our brains. Or so I've been enlightened of lately. Using a tablespoon of baking soda in warm water, you pour it over your scalp. And then a table spoon of apple cider vinegar in the same warm cup of water, as your conditioner. Its not actually been too bad, today will be my third day of experimenting. I'm also going to start using coconut oil as a deep conditioner once a week. I've heard its a miracle! I've switched to it as my moisturizer and love the way it feels. Its also a natural anti-microbial, so couple that with the apple cider vinegar I already use as a toner, and its less breakout heaven. I don't have terrible skin in the first place I guess, but I really like the results so far.

Randomness:

(Dog sitting)

(Valentine's party)

(Date night!)

(Tiny yogii)

She drinks coffee like mommy, two stevia scoops and coconut creamer.

Snow. Never ending winter.

Naps all around...

(Car rides with my favorite first grader!)

(Christmas pajama party)

To be so care free. This is beautiful and priceless to me.

Oh yes, and my stunning husband graduates in May with a bachelors in business. So SO proud of that guy!! It's been a long and busy road, but it will be so worth it. I'm excited to see what this will bring for him!

Enough for now. XO
Kes