Time to get back at it.....

For many of my friends, family and those who follow me you all know me to be a hard worker.  Someone who gives it her all and goes for it with everything I have.  I tend not to back down from many challenges nor do I back down from anything or anyone coming against me.

As this year comes to a countdown of hours left I have been faced with the reality to really review the last year of my life and evaluate where I was, where I was headed and where I ended up.

As a part of growing up, yes I am still growing at 41, it has came to my realization as of today that I spent most of 2014 chasing things.  People, dreams, expectations and ideas other people had for me.  Some of it was good, some of it was not.  I do not regret the year but I regret what I allowed to fall apart..... my standard of living a healthy life as well as pushing those around me in theirs.

So, I am going to get back on the wagon and force myself to stay on it.  Time to refocus on myself, my fitness and helping those around me.  No more chasing, no more grasping and no more putting myself last.

This upcoming weekend I will do what I have not done in a LONG time... I will cook my food for the week.  I will create my caloric intake and I will create the meals that will get me there.  I will create my plan for my caloric burn to achieve my daily/weekly deficit and I will begin to live the lifestyle I thrive in... a healthy one.

If you find yourself in the same position I am in and if you feel lost, then please... feel free to follow along.  I will TRY and post my weekly menus and workouts so that anyone out there can follow along too.  Make sure you have no food allergies and understand each weight movement.  I am NOT responsible for you if you hurt yourself or if you eat something that makes your face blow up!  I am not offering personal menus for anyone and I can not adjust if you do not like a food.. please do not ask.  I am simply giving you the option to follow along and change your life too.

Isn't it time we start living the lives we were meant to live?

Happy New Year!

~Mellie

Breakfast:

·         Mellie’s Banana Pancakes OR Mellie's Oatmeal 2014

·         Green Tea, no sugar of any kind added

Am Snack:

·         1 apple

·         1 scoop of protein

·         Green Tea, no sugar of any kind added

Lunch:

·         Mellie’s Turkey Chili 2014

·         Green Tea, no sugar of any kind added

PM Snack:

·         1 scoop protein

·         Green Tea, no sugar of any kind added

(Drink one scoop of ARM immediately after a weight workout only)

Dinner:

·         Mellie’s Meatballs

·         2 cups of spinach

·         Green Tea, no sugar of any kind added

PM Snack: (1 hour to 30 min prior to bed)

·         1 scoop of protein

Mellie’s Banana Pancake Breakfast

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop Vanilla Protein shake
• 1/4 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 dash sea salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small ripe banana, mashed
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon safflower oil, (divided use)
• Sliced banana and raspberries (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

1. Mix Shake, oats, flour, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl: set aside
2. Beat eggs in medium bowl: stir in mashed banana and almond milk
3. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: mix well
4. Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 batter into skillet for each pancake; you should be able to fit 2 or 3 in pan at once. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until bubbles form on top. Flip with spatula and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon oil and repeat with remaining batter.
6. Serve warm; garnish with bananas and berries if desired.

Makes 1 Serving

Mellie’s Oatmeal 2014

Ingredients:

·         2-1/4 cups water

·         1 pinch sea salt

·         1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

·         2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk

·         1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·         1 tablespoon slivered almonds

·         1 tablespoon dried cranberries

1. Heat water and salt to boiling in medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low; add oats; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until water is just absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand for 5 minutes.
2. Add almond milk
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon and top with almonds and cranberries.
Drink with a protein shake

Makes 1 serving

Mellie’s Meatballs

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground Turkey
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all natural tomato sauce (no sugar added)

Directions:

1. Preheat over at 400 degrees. Spray a large baking sheet and set aside.
2. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.
3. Roll mixture into 30 1″ meatballs and place on sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Makes 6  Servings – 5 balls each serving

Mellie’s Turkey chili 2014

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey meat
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 (15 oz.) can kidney or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce (no sugar-added variety)

Directions:

– Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add turkey, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
– Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until turkey is no longer pink.
– Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper; stir and cook for 1 minute.
– Stir in kidney beans and tomato sauce; bring to a boil.
– Reduce heat to low and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 min. or until thickened.

Makes 4 servings 1 ½ cup each