Team BELLbusters

Finish Strong

2010-06-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

Well ladies....BAM, 7 weeks whizzzzed by! Time for the Trojan finale tomorrow...are you ready?!

This has been a great 7 weeks for me. I feel like I did really well with my Paleo Diet, I did the AdvoCare Cleanse, my body comp results were good, I've had some great PR's in class, I feel more comfortable with kettle bell these days & overall I feel STRONG & HEALTHY and have had a ton of FUN! Woo hoo! Sounds like success to me.

Unfortunately I am facing the final challenge with an upper respiratory & sinus infection...have had a nasty little bugger of a cough torturing me for over a week & am really trying to will it away, especially by Saturday. I'm hoping it won't slow me down! But with or without a cough, I still feel great and am proud of myself and all of my fellow Trojans for staying committed and having fun with this challenge. Good luck to you all tomorrow, let's ROCK IT!

Thanks for being a great support system!

Ready to Rumble!

2010-06-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

Okay ladies... I am ready to rumble this week... there's no dress rehersal.. it's all or nothin'... i just finished the Garage Gym Throwdown yesterday and of ALL the triathalons, challenges and races I've been thru I think THAT one has been the most challenging.. Why? well it was the "workout of the unknown"... I've not done tire presses, jumps, sand bags, etc.. It pushed me mentally and physically .. that is why I'm sitting on my couch with an ice pak writing this blog ... EVERYONE needs to give it your all Saturday! You have six days to gear up and "get it done"... you have to be mentally and physically prepared... just like Crystal and Lauren always tell us... so... get ready to rumble ladies cuz Saturday is the REAL THING! GIVE IT your 200%! cuz I am!

Italian Sausage Meatballs

2010-06-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my recipes last night and came across one of my favorite Primal recipes to this day. It is from Mark's Daily Apple and you can find the recipe (with pictures) HERE

This is truly one of the most phenomenal dishes because you get to cook them in bacon grease. Yep, that's right ladies-- bacon. =) Freeze them and save them for a rainy day. Serve them with marinara sauce and over spaghetti squash and you are set!

My other favorite snack right now is Carrots and Guacamole. There isn't really a recipe for this, but I thought I would share it in case you are looking for a summery crunch for a snack!

Recipe time

2010-06-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

I have been so behind on keeping up with this blog. I don't get too much computer time due to my busy little almost 2 year old and by the time I do in the evening, I'm too tired...wah wah wah!

I do however want to share a couple delicious Paleo recipes with you that will maybe help spice things up a bit for you to get thru the last few weeks of our challenge. I hope you enjoy them...

Paleo Salmon Croquettes

Mix together...

1 can of salmon (and the juice)

2 eggs

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Then add...

1 tsp pepper

1/2 med onion (chopped) - I used purple onion

I just added enough almond flour to make it stick together. Recipe called for 1 whole package of crushed saltines, but i just eyed it with the almond flour.

Mix it all up. Make patties & let them rest for 5 min. Heat up a 1/2 inch of oil in a pan (don't skimp on the oil, you need it for frying properly). I used grapeseed oil. Add the paties to the oil & let them cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Once you put them in the oil don't touch them until it's time to flip or they'll fall apart. They should be nice & brown and crispy.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished product! Deeeelish! These are great served over a salad with lemon juice or for breakfast too!

PALEO COCONUT WAFFLES (THE BEST THING IN THE PALEO WORLD!)

It's a Primal Blueprint recipe from Adam Kayce if you ever wanna look it up.

1 can Coconut Milk

3 eggs

1 c of unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 c of almond flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cook in a waffle iron for approx 8 minutes (yes longer than regular waffles, long after the steam subsides). They will be fragile to remove, but so yummy in your tummy! I usually eat them with berries and/or strawberries & bananas with maple syrup.

NOTE: this batter can also be used to make pancakes. They cook about 3 minutes on each side.

Enjoy!

Paleo Pancakes

In a blender combine...

1/2 c almond butter

1/2 c apple sauce

2 eggs

cinnomon

vanilla

cook in a skillet like pancakes & enjoy with maple syrup & fresh fruit!

Tuna and Veggies

2010-06-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

I really like to cook. I have been doing a lot more cooking lately because of my change of diet which is something that I am thankful for because I really enjoy it!

This past weekend, I made tuna and veggies. I bought a fresh tuna steak from Sprouts (it was on sell!). I put some EVOO in the skillet and heated it up. Once the skillet was hot, I seared the tuna on both sides. Maybe a minute on each side. Cook longer if you do not like the middle raw.

I made a foil basket filled with a lot of veggies (peppers, squash, zuchini, onions, mushrooms, etc..). I put the foil basket into the oven and cooked them until they were soft.

You can also cook the tuna and veggies on the grill, which I think is better but my grill was not working at the time. Really easy and really delicious. I am still trying to get the picture uploaded...I am bad with technology!

Breakfast of Champions

2010-06-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

I am not a "recipe kinda gal" but i do like breakfast so I thought I'd share my breakfast of champions with you...Ingredients for Trojans1 egg1 eggwhite1 tbs. olive oil2 oz. chicken or salmon (left overs)1 c. spinach1 c. zuchini and squash1 tbs. salsaPut 1 tbs. olive oil in sauce pan. Mix in Protein (chicken or salmon) and mix in spinach, zuchini, squash till lightly brown. Mix in eggs and scramble.. Once ready, place on plate and add 1 tbs. of salsa... DIG IN!

ENJOY TROJANS!

Lemon Dill Salmon, Asparagus & Avocado/Hearts of Palm Salad

2010-06-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorites and I don't get to make it very often since my husband isn't much of a fish eater....

Also, I cook a lot and am not great with following recipes verbatim, but these are very easy!

Lemon Dill Salmon:

Fillet of fresh Salmon (your preferred amount)

Fresh Dill

2-3 Large Lemons

1 Bunch Scallions

1 tbsp EVOO

Marinate salmon fillet in evoo, squeezed lemon juice, chopped scallions, and pinched dill all day. Put in Broiler for 10-15 minutes uncovered for medium rare salmon....or cook to desired temp.

Steamed Asparagus

Avocado/Hearts of Palm Salad: --this is one of my favorites! (especially in the summer!)

Chop 2-3 avocados, chop 4-5 hearts of palm stalks, mix together and add 2 squeezed limes' juices, a dash of "jane's mixed up salt", and 1 tsp balsamic vinegar. Mix all ingredients together and serve on a slice of Romaine lettuce and add 2-3 sliced grape tomatoes for color.

Enjoy!!

Spaghetti Squash w/ Meat Sauce

2010-05-27T11:40:00.001-07:00

Hi Ladies, I hope the challenge is going well for all. My recipe for this post is Spaghetti Squash w/ meat sauce. It is something I have made many times pre-paleo-challenge, and just happens to make a great meal for paleo eaters too.

Start w/ your spaghetti squash (found at every grocery store I've been to)

Microwave the entire squash for about 5 minutes so you can cut it

Cut it lengthwise, use a big knife and be careful! Scoop out seeds

Place cut side down on baking sheet and bake at 350 for about 45 min.

While the squash is baking brown some meat (buffalo or beef)

I added sauteed onion and garlic to my meat

Pour spaghetti sauce on meat and simmer (Look for sauce that doesn't have sugar and other paleo no nos)

Flip squash and bake for a bit longer (Instructions are usually on the squash so don't panic)

Once your squash is ready pull the strands out. They should look like spaghetti noodles.

Top w/ sauce.

I like to add lots of crushed red pepper, and if you dare, some fresh parm. ;)

This really is a simple meal to make, and at various times my children have eaten it up...no guarantees though.

Keep up the good work girls. Any change you've made so far is a big accomplishment so be proud of yourself!

First Time For Everything!

2010-05-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, a first time...driving a car, moving away from home, falling in love, etc.. I guess we were all AFRAID of our many "first times." But after the first time, it just keeps on growing and expanding from there and what caused our fear or anxiety suddenly disappears.
A few years ago, my husband and I would run the track at the Lamar School track everytime we felt like we should do some moving. Anyways, one day a spotted a small group at a garage across the street they were doing pullups then I saw a small group on the track doing all kinds of crazy things. I said to my husband, "that's what I need" I even told him that I was going to go check it out! But fear of not being able to "keep up" crossed by mind.One year..two years..went by and as I was pulling in my driveway one day I saw this beautiful young woman with an AMAZING body standing in my neighbors yard! She immediately introduced herself, my new neighbor and I immediately told her that she was not allowed out of the house when my husband was home. It turned out that my new neighbor was our own beautiful Coach Crystal McReynols! Yup! As I expressed all my fears she beat them down one by one and encouraged me to attend Sunday's free Women's workout. Well I did and it was hard but it gave me such a great feeling of accomplishment that I had to go on, it was faith and I have been with xfit since 2009. I signed up for the Trojan Challenge as I had a couple of setbacks this year and I needed alittle help getting back on track and staying disciplined! With the wonderful help and encouragement from all the coaches and members of xfit it will be easy!
Cindy

You think you all are new at bloggin'.....

2010-05-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been trying to "blog" on this site for 24 hours and had to have "step by step" instructions written out for me to get here....I am good at email, and WordDoc, Excel, (and I like to think I am a major "texter")etc. but not this new technology that the Trojan girls are making me learn....which is just another great advantage to this challenge for me! I have completely admitted this week that I am 100% technologically DUMB!!
On the other hand, however, the Trojan Challenge is proving to be more than just a workout/food management challenge for me...even though I have a long way to go, I have really adjusted some of my "not so great" habits. The food log is so good for me; making me really think before I eat or drink something....ignore last weekend. I also love food and dining out, but I love to cook at home with family, too. I am finding one of the biggest changes happening in my house is that I am cooking 1 healthier meal each evening rather than 2 different meals and picking off the bad one....My husband is in good shape and can eat whatever he wants, whenever he wants and stays trim...He is also a "meat and potatoes" guy except he adds bread to every meal! I love breads and pastas, but have almost completely cut them out and feel better each day because of it!! I am realizing that I was cooking almost 2 seperate meals prior to this challenge and "picking" off of the bad choices...Now I am focusing on 1protein, 1 fat, 1 carb (good one) and he has gone right along with me....except he still adds bread and an ice cream for dessert!? All in all, though, this is not only changing my decisions and yucky habits, but both of ours....which in my opinion will really help both of us longterm!

Swing it!

2010-05-21T19:31:00.001-07:00

I decided to do the Trojan Challenge as it has been just one more motivating factor to continue to get it great shape . I STILL struggle with certain areas of my diet, but I the food journal it's keeping me honest!! How many time will Crystal say EAT MORE VEGGIES .

I also want to thank Crystal and Lauren for setting up this blog and being such great motivators!!

Crazy busy week...more blogging soon....

Bustin' Moves!!

2010-05-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Well...this is my first experience to blog. If I'm being honest, I have always secretly wanted to blog, which means I am excited about this opportunity.

As far as the challnge goes, I love it! The hardest part for me is choosing the best options for food 90% of the time BUT I am getting better and I will continute to get better everyday!!!

Butsin' moves!!! I love this part of our team slogan. I love to dance, which means I love to bust some moves! I want to pass along this AMAZING Beyonce video. In my opinion, Beyonce is one of the best dancers ever!! (along with Michael Jackson...of course!). I also happen to really enjoy Beyonce's music and dance moves. I can learn a thing or two from her. Click on this link and enjoy the video. It is a great pre-workout pump up song! The video is long but trust its well worth your time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNCC7tIcChY

Cassie

Self Motivation

2010-05-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

Self motivation and self discipline is HUGE! I have no problem with self motivation... i love to workout, logging, following the "paleo/zone" goal.. it's a part of my daily routine... it's the self discipline i have trouble with every now and then.. for those who know me.. i guess none... i like carbs and i'm not talking about veggies and fruit.. although i DO LOVE fruit... in any case, when i get really hungry (right about 5-6pm when i get home and start cooking for the familia).. instead of munching on carrots, or other veggies, I'd rather pick up a tortilla or bread roll with cheese to keep me satisfied till dinner... well... I'm trying to change that by eating nuts or almond butter or something on the drive home to hold me down till i can get dinner ready..For any of you that ever get those cravings, remember, there's other options that are JUST as delicious and can satisfy those cravings...

More cowbell!!

2010-05-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

I'm actually doing the workouts! I can't really believe it. Luckily I signed up a friend, who is usually just my running partner, to share in glory. She loves it, and has been a little sore. :) I really struggle with motivation, so she's actually been a "Challenge Saver". I'll have to buy her a margarita, uhm, or a bag of nuts.

I love the idea of being in shape and losing the kangaroo pouch, but I'm also very into enjoying life and not restricting myself. Since having two little ones, we don't eat out so much. I've learned to really plan our meals, and we have a fantastic garden, so eating well has been much easier. I'm finding myself buying and planning meals with just fruits, vegetables and meat. All Farmer's Market if they have what I need. I love the Farmer's Market!!

I'll admit that I don't generally add every beer I have to the food log, it's not intentional, it's not really my focus. I already know they're bad!!

I'll be at the "meeting" this weekend with my kangaroos. Looking forward to meeting all of you!

Bloggin all the doo da day!

2010-05-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Well, my fellow Trojan goddesses, this is my first time blogging! I've been thinking about what to blog about this week and being that all I ever think about during this challenge or not in this challenge is food, I'm gonna write about food! Go figure!

I have generally been a pretty healthy eater for most of my life, thanks to my mom who was & is a complete health nut & raised us that way, so that makes that part of the challenge a little easier for me than maybe most people. But, I do have an extreme love for food, all kinds of food & mostly restaurants and the overall lovely dining experience that goes with it. I would say I have an addiction to restaurant dining. I'm literally shocked at the amount of money I spend monthly dining out. It was (and sort of still is) my job to love restaurants. I made a career out of food because I love it that much. I worked for Chef Wolfgang Puck in LA for 5 years & it was my job to know and eat at all of the competing restaurants & events and to keep up with food & event trends. So I'm used to fine dining or just any dining. It is bad for my wallet & altho I usually choose the healthier option at a restaurant, it is still not as good for you as healthy home cooking. So, each time I take on a challenge, I take on the challenge of cooking & dining at home more and challenge myself to not eat at a restaurant more than once a week, which is a huge challenge for me, but will be great for my wallet! or not, considering how darn expensive all my organic, free range, grass fed, high quality Paleo foods are!! haha!

That being said, I have been sticking to a pretty strict Paleo diet & have been doing well and enjoying it. I have been researching new recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner & especially desserts! I have found some pretty tasty stuff, which makes me happy and more willing to make Paleo a lifestyle rather than a challenge. I have been shopping at Farmers Markets & even ordered my own square garden to set up in the backyard to grow my own veggies. I've signed up for a cooking class & I am going to be my own personal chef! Ok, maybe not a Chef, but I am damn determined to curb my restaurant habit, so that I can just thoroughly enjoy it on occasion, but maintain my healthy lifestyle by cooking at home and save a buck or two.

Stay tuned for stories of my garden...

The Trojan Challenge= Goddess Talk

2010-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Since this is the Trojan Challenge, we wanted to add in the fun with Goddess talk. I ( Lauren) have worked, mentored, and studied around aspects of the feminine in the life coaching and teaching I do and I thought it would be fun to use some Greek Goddesses as motivation and inspiration for the week.

This week is Athena, Goddess of War, Wisdom, and Justice.

Athena represents culture and civilization. She is the feminine archetype for logical thinking -- as a woman, not as a man. She prefers to be ruled by the head rather than the heart. Her virgin goddess energy can be deeply transformed or sublimated in highly creative ways. By nature the virgin goddesses are more self-directed, self-motivated, focused rather than diffuse in their thinking. She is goal oriented.


Athena's robes are male robes

One of the most interesting things about Athena is that she is one of the only two cross-dressing gods in the Olympian pantheon; the other being Dionysus. Athena is shown either in full armor, which was a man’s prerogative, or in a simple male chiton, such as would have been worn under armor. She is sometimes shown in a full woman’s robe, but it is usually undecorated and concealing, and she tends to keep her helmet on. Her gender-bending goes even further than this, though; she says, “I am for the man in all things, save for marriage,” and she means it. Everything men does, she does, except for sex, which she has none of. However, she doesn’t forswear all female arts; she is the patroness of weaving, a traditional female craft, and is traditionally attributed the gift of breathing creative life into craftwork.

At Her best Athena is courageous and tireless, using her keen mind and intelligence to improve the world. Athena loves heroes. If you draw on her energy, she will expect you to go out and be one, whether you want to or not.

Athena’s gift: Today, is to empower women’s contribution to the political, intellectual and creative life of our cities, therefore, elevating the integrity and quality of our civilization by bringing forth the qualities of the feminine which have long been suppressed

Athena's shadow: Athena can sometimes be cut off from her feminine side, emotions and her physical body.She is sometimes intimidating, critical, judgmental toward weakness in others, her air of authority and in-approachability keep others at an emotional distance.

Athena is all about

Setting goals, focusing on an outcome and achieving it with no faulter
Moving forward
Being who you are and pursuing your own ideas
Independence and Freedom
Knowledge and wisdom
Creativity and Culture

Some of you might already have lots of Athena traits in your life right now and some of you might want to bring more Athena traits in your life. If you think you are like Athena naturally, be aware of the shadow aspects of her that can get in your way of being the best you. No one likes to be intimidated or judged.

If you need some help from Athena, set goals, become more focused, go out and spend some time alone and feel free and independent, take up a craft, go make a pot, go to an art museum etc. She is the energy that get's it done. Certainly a good energy for the Trojan Challenge!

Blogging??

2010-05-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

Wow! This might be the biggest part of the challenge for me...I have to admit I am not one to want to write publicly. Sort of like some people's fears of public speaking, I guess I have a bit of a fear of public writing. So here goes my first blogging experience...Today I'll keep it simple (baby steps, right?), and share a quick snack that has been getting me through the mornings. Not sure how super paleo/zone it is, but I think it's yummy and more nutritious that most things I would eat.

I start w/ 1/2 banana, lots of spinach (pretty much fills the blender), and a slice of pineapple, 1 scoop protein powder (natural vanilla flavor), and a splash of almond milk. (I also made it w/Kale and spinach)

Then I just blend until smooth and pour over ice. Don't let the color fool you, this is yummy. I actually made it for my husband last night...He loved it! We both agreed it was much easier than eating a big salad;)

So there you have it, my first blog...GO BELLBusters!!

What's Said on this Blog, Stays on this Blog, right?

2010-05-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

:-)

I'll be honest, I'm having (or continue to have) difficulties with my eating. I've been "off the wagon" (have I ever been on it?) for quite some time. I eat out all the time and the choices I make are not good ones...at all. Pizza for dinner? Let me add mushroons and green peppers to make it healthy. I know...it doesn't work quite that way.

You'll notice (or maybe you haven't) that I've not posted anything on my food log. Quite frankly, it's embarrassing and I'm ashamed. I don't want you all (especially people I don't even know) seeing it and judging me. I do enough of that myself.

I've sent Crystal a message and I'm going to work with her separately on my food issues and take baby steps to begin eating the way my head wants me to eat, but my heart (or something) is not allowing me to. Trust me when I say I know I'm not the only one that has food challenges. I just don't think that sharing what I really do eat on a daily/weekly basis will help me with mine.

I look forward to seeing some of you at the meeting, that's not really a meeting on Sunday. ;-)

BellBUSTERS... WORD

2010-05-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

Watch This first!!!

Blog Instructions and Expectations

1) Please upload a picture of you under your name on the TEAM page

2) With your picture and your name, we want to you to

Your #1 goal in the Trojan Challenge
When you are not Bustin Bells, you are:
5 years from now, you will be:

3) The only rule to this blog is that you MUST post one blog a week. This post should be about your progress and experience during the challenge. You can post recipes, ideas, pictures, stories, quotes, videos etc. Anything that inspires you, so we can all support you.

4) Ok so we lied, the other rule is that you must keep up with the blog and support one another by commenting etc on each others posts.

5) Comment on this post for your ideas on a BellBUSTER tagline. Once we have one we will make shirts etc.

As you can see from our video, we want this to be fun and exciting!!! Look for an email about the Sunday Hike with directions and time etc!!!