One Month... Who's Counting?

Well it's been a little over a month and let me just say this - I FEEL GREAT!

I am not kidding. Even though my numbers haven't been as high in terms of weight loss the past 2 weeks (2 lbs in the last 2 weeks), I've still lost 11 pounds to date and my body feels different. I am losing inches, feel SO much stronger, have a much more consistent daily energy level, and am a happier, more positive person.

However it's not like some days aren't harder than others. Sometimes I look in the mirror, see how far I still have to go and feel like 11 lbs. for me is kind of like throwing a deck chair off the Titanic. BUT when I take a step back..it makes me feel a lot better to know that this time is different - this change is for good, not a part of a fad and I am in complete control.

And.... da ta da ta .... I love running... who knew!?! 2 days ago I completed my biggest challenge in the Couch-to-5K running program to date - the 20 minute consecutive run. People who are in shape who read this blog - may think - 20 minutes of running ... that's no big deal, but imagine doing it with a 20 pound weight strapped to each arm and leg. I was so proud of myself when I finished that run on Monday.

I have the running bug and I am not going to lose it. I do believe it will be a big key to my success. 

It has been a month, but this time I am not counting - because it isn't something that is going to stop!

SONG THAT KEPT ME RUNNING THIS WEEK: "Uprising" by Muse
THIS WEEK'S RECIPE(S): Hearty Vegetable Mexican Appetizer & Bonus Simple Spinach Recipe

I've done a lot of cooking over the past week trying out new recipes and a lot have been winners that I will share with you on future posts.  The recipe featured below is a recipe that I got from a friend and altered a bit just based on personal preference. I took it to a party last weekend and it was a big hit (see pics below)! 

Recipe #1

Hearty Vegetable Mexican Appetizer 

- 3 bunches of scallions chopped
- 20 oz frozen corn, thawed

- 2 cans black beans, rinsed & drained
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 4 tomatoes, chopped (I drain these in a colander for at least an hour before the dip doesn't get too watery). This time I used yellow and red heirloom tomatoes since they were in season and delicious!
- 4 avocados, chopped (if you want to add these in earlier and not to brown, cut them up and toss them in the juice of one lemon)

- 1 italian dressing packet, made without water (just with red wine vinegar and olive oil & to be healthier you could use 1/3 less oil and vinegar)

Add all the ingredients in layers - do not stir initially. Make dressing and pour over everything, stir to combine.  Refrigerate or serve immediately. 

If you have extra veggies in your fridge when you make this I am sure other things would be good in it too - you can make your own version! Also I think cilantro would be really good, but some people just don't like it.

This time I served with Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt Organic White Tortilla Chips but for even a healthier option - endive leaves would be good too. 

Recipe #2

Sauteed Wilted Spinach with Nutmeg & Lemon

My previous standard for sauteing spinach was to always heat up a little minced garlic in olive oil and finish with lemon - this often had a pretty bitter taste. I don't know what it is about this nutmeg but it tastes really good with the spinach! Loved it!

- Approx. 16-20 ounces fresh spinach

- 3/4 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

- Kosher salt and ground pepper

- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg* (or 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg)

- Lemon wedges from one lemon (squeeze a few over spinach and reserve some for garnish)

*I really do believe that fresh ground nutmeg is SO much better than pre-ground nutmeg. You can buy whole nutmeg in the spice section. I just use my Microplane grater to grate (see pic). 

Trim, rinse, and drain/dry spinach. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high, then add as much spinach as will fit. Season spinach with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook, tossing until Spinach is just wilted 3-4 min. (you don't want it to get soggy and still to be fairly bright green.) Squeeze 2 wedges over spinach - garnish with additional. 

The girls enjoying the hearty mexican veggie app!