At Least I'm Trying....

Ok, so, I may not be world's greatest cook or a nutrition expert, but when I get started on something, I like to do it right.  Let's not forget that I also HAVE to be organized.  After much research (and some failures), I think I finally have a good plan and I can already see the changes.  Since 5 small meals a day isn't the best regimen for everyone, I started drinking a protein shake that could keep me feeling satisfied until lunch.  I mix Total Lean with Silk unsweetened almond milk.  It's even better when I add a little ice and stick it in the freezer for a few minutes before heading out the door.  I have also started filling up on water like it's going out of style.  I bring it from home since my well water is soooo much better than city/chlorine water.  For the past 2 weeks, I have avoided anything fried and have discovered that I definitely have a weakness for french fries!!!  Who knew?  At lunch, I load up on tons of vegetables that I steamed the night before.  I've eaten cabbage, squash, broccoli, etc.  I have also added some fruit but I am not a big fan since fruit has "sneaky" sugar.  Today was one of those days that I really needed to go to the grocery store but the thought was unappealing.  So, I raved the cabinets and freezer for something nutritious to make.  I think that this is the best recipe that I have ever made up.  I will post the recipe below.  All 3 of my boys ate like hogs and my husband even approved!  I've got my lunch packed for tomorrow, shake mixed, and water loaded.  It's a start to another great day.  Kick boxing too!  Yay!

Orzo Chicken and Shrimp
8-10  8 oz servings.
Nutrition per serving:
83 calories
1.25 total fat
5 carbs
> 1 gram sugar

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 dashes of each spice:  basil, thyme and oregano
1 bay leaf
32 oz 99% fat free organic chicken broth
1/2 yellow onion ( I like mine sliced)
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 small box cooked, drained orzo
4 chicken strips, cut in bite size pieces
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Cook orzo according to package directions.
Heat olive oil over medium heat in large sauce pan.  Add onion, cherry tomatoes, and shrimp.  Saute until onion softens, tomatoes burst, and shrimp cooks through (about 3-5 minutes).  Add chicken broth, chicken, spices, and bay leaf.  Bring to a boil.  Turn down heat and simmer until chicken is fully cooked (about 20 minutes).  Remove bay leaf.  Spoon orzo into a bowl and add chicken/shrimp mixture over the top.  You can add as little or as much stock as you want.  A little stock makes a thick stew and a lot of stock makes a soup.

New Beginnings

This running journey started when my 11-year-old son challenged me to run a 5k!  The day he threw me the challenge, I began to train.  I still can remember the burn in my chest and legs as I ran my first 2 minutes!  Day by day, week by week, I added time and distance to my training.  Some of the time I ran alone, but most of the time, I had my son and some great friends by my side.  Our first 5k was December 5th during the Festival of Lights Christmas parade.  I had the chance to run with 4 other educators and 2 of my sons.  My 10-year-old son finished in 2nd place and my 11-year-old son finished in 3rd place!  I was so proud of them!  Most of all, I was astonished by the support my community provided.  I heard cheers, chants, claps, and words of encouragement as I ran through town glistening with Christmas lights.  I had friends and family call my name and students saying, "There's Mrs. Roberts!".  I had to hold back tears as the middle school band screamed my name and played for me as I ran by.  I will never forget the feeling...excitement, nerves, accomplishment, and honor.  I honored myself.  I completed the challenge.  I ran as fast as I could through the finish line as my boys screamed, "Run Mama, Run!  Faster!".  I did what my body is trained to do.  I ran!