Family Challenge

I was walking through Lowe's with dad John and I get this very strange text from my sister.  It says something to the effect of, "are you still trying to lose weight..if so, how much?"  After I shook off the peculiarity of this I answered that was planning on losing more, what my goal weight was and how many pounds it would take to get there.  Of course, I promptly followed it with a "why do you ask?"

Jo had this brilliant idea to make a little contest out of losing weight...the Biggest Loser, family edition.  There are 7 of us competing.  It is pretty simple- there are two categories.  Percentage of weight loss and inches lost.  Each week for 8 weeks we email our weight and measurements to Jo who plugs them away and announces the weekly winner.

I will be honest here, I highly doubt I will be a winner.  I don't have a TON to lose but I am giving it a real, honest valiant effort.  I am highly competitive so I couldn't let this pass me by without giving it my all.  More than my desire to win, however, is my desire to live a much healthier lifestyle.  After a lot of researching and trying to figure out what I could incorporate into my family's lifestyle, I have started to take a shot at clean eating.  For anyone who isn't familiar with clean eating, the principles are fairly basic:

-eat things from the farm.  Fruits and veggies are key as well as grain-fed beef and chicken

-avoid processed foods.  If you can't pronounce something in the label, it doesn't go in your body

-eat 5-6 meals a day every 2-3 hours

Seriously, that is basically it.  You can, of course, research and find more info.  I have just broken down the basics super quickly for you.  Finding recipes is actually fun and I couldn't have picked a more perfect time to start this part of my journey.  I mean, the farmer's markets are just opening up and fresh produce is all around! 

Enjoy this recipe....it was my afternoon snack and it was super yummy!

Green Smoothie

2 c. spinach

1/2 c. blueberries

2 bananas

1/2 orange

1/2 c. coconut milk

1 Tbsp. flax seed

Put blueberries, orange and bananas into a blender.  Blend and then add spinach, flax seed and coconut milk.  Blend and enjoy.  This made enough for 2 cups worth so I had one today and saved one in the fridge for tomorrow.