Inspiration at its finest

Everyone has a story and it is about time I share mine.  I have been living in California for just shy of seven weeks now with less than a month before the move back to Arkansas.  This time has hands down been the most life-changing seven weeks of my life.  My entire West Coast experience can be summed up in one word: Inspiration. I have been inspired to live up to my greatest potential and beyond and to help others do the same.  My biggest inspiration would be the lady who first inspired me back in February, Kati. 

It was total serendipity how we met in the first place.  I was at an all time low emotionally, mentally and physically.  A couple friends of mine had recommended trying Ab Ripper X (from P90X) to help build my confidence physically.  Like so many others I was a skeptic and was not going to spend the money to buy the P90X program so I turned to YouTube.  Problem was, I couldn't connect with all of the buffed up manly men who were doing the workout so I edited my search to find a female doing the workout.  BAM!  It was the greatest google search of my life.  After doing the workout with the YouTube video a few times I wanted to find more workout videos by the same girl.  So I emailed her at the address listed on the site and started following her blog.  She invited me to join her on her journey by encouraging me to join her challenge group.  Skeptical again, but I did.  I ordered a Beachbody program, Shakeology, committed to the challenge and in return changed my life. 

Since first joining her challenge group in February Kati and I have become the best of friends and she has inspired me to help and encourage others, to pay it forward.  So I became a Beachbody coach!  I have many goals for my next year but the most important one is to make a difference in at least one person's life the way Kati has made a difference in mine. 

While my time here in Southern California is not yet over I have already started to reflect on how I have changed.  Since surrounding myself with Kati, her boyfriend and fellow Beachbody coach, Jay; and others that I have met through the two both online and at Beachbody Super Saturday and Fit Club, I have climbed out of my slump and become stronger, healthier, more fit and most importantly more confident.  The inspiration and advice I have gotten from these fabulous friends truly proves that when you surround yourself with amazing people they lift you up to be amazing with them.  Big thanks to both of you!  Love y'all!

I joined Kati and Jay for Fit Club at the Beachbody Headquarters in Santa Monica almost 2 weeks ago and I am so ready to go back! The workout for the night was Body Beast Build: Legs. While most might think Body Beast is just for men, we girls proved that we can be beasts too!

I have looked at this picture several times since that night and every time I see it the fire within me is reignited and I am ready to keep pushing and striving to reach my highest potential and help others reach theirs too!

As I said before I was so skeptical of every aspect of this process from the initial workout programs to becoming a coach.  But once I stopped doubting myself and made the COMMITMENT to push through the journey trusting those encouraging me I began to see the MAGIC! 

If you want to see the magic and join me on my journey like I did Kati, comment below or shoot me an email.  I'm not saying it will be easy, not a day of my journey has been, but I promise if you make the commitment it will be WORTH IT!

Clean Breakfast Sandwiches

 

Everyone has to admit that they have broken down and gone to a breakfast sandwich for the quick morning fix.  Most go through a fast-food drive thru or to their freezer to get their breakfast sandwich, but those processed and preserved sandwiches all come with an excessive amount of calories, sodium and sugars.

Take a look at the ever common McDonald's Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddle: 420 calories (160 calories from fat), 1110mg. sodium and 15g. of sugar. 

No worries, I have an easy, quick-grab breakfast sandwich that won't be adding hours to your treadmill run.

Egg & Spinach Breakfast Sandwich

Ingredients:
6 eggs, beaten
2 cups baby spinach leaves
Ezekiel brand sprouted English muffins
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Pre-heat over to 350 degrees.

Start by greasing your muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or a THIN layer of butter. Evenly disperse baby spinach leaves in the muffin cups.

Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the spinach. Each muffin cup should be about 3/4 full (roughly one egg per cup).

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until egg is completely cooked.

Toast the Ezekiel English muffins. Sprinkle 1/8 cup mozzarella cheese on the "bottom bun" of your English muffin. Place egg and spinach party on top of the cheese, add "top bun" and squish!

Makes 6 breakfast sandwiches.

I like storing my egg and spinach patties in the refrigerator or freezer depending on when I plan on eating them. Then, in the mornings I just thaw, warm up the patty, toast my Ezekiel muffins and assemble the sandwich ready to eat. However, if you are short on time in the mornings and want to just grab-and-go then wrap the assembled breakfast sandwich in foil and freeze. Pop in the microwave for 5 minutes while you finish getting ready for your day and you're ready to walk out the door with a quick, healthy breakfast.

Clean Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Finally I am posting this cauliflower crust recipe for a healthy, clean pizza!  With the help of my aunt I swear half of Southern California has been waiting for me to post this recipe, so here it is folks!

Ingredients Needed:
1 c. cooked, riced cauliflower
1 c. shredded, low-fat, mozzarella cheese
1 beaten egg
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. crushed or minced garlic
1/2 tsp. garlic salt (optional)
olive oil (optional)
low-sodium or natural pizza sauce
*pizza toppings of choice (pre-cooked)

How to:
Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.

"Rice" the cauliflower by taking 1 large head of cauliflower (sans stems and leaves) and chop florets in to chunks.  Pulse cauliflower chunks in food processor until it looks like grain.  Do not over pulse and puree the cauliflower.  (If a food processor is not available grate the cauliflower using a cheese grater.)  In a microwave-safe bowl, cook the cauliflower in the microwave for 8-9 minutes (if not using the whole head of cauliflower only cook needed cauliflower for 3:30-4 minutes per cup).  Do not add water, cauliflower naturally releases moisture when heated and is enough to cook itself. 

A single head can make approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower.  Store unused cooked cauliflower in the refrigerator for up to a week.  If you only cook what you need, the uncooked riced cauliflower can be frozen until you are ready to make another pizza.

To make the crust combine: 1 cup riced cauliflower, 1 cup mozzarella cheese and the beater egg, and stir.  Add oregano, garlic and any other desired spices and continue to stir. 

Transfer the mixture to a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with a no-stick cooking spray.  (I like to use parchment paper on my cookie sheet or use a pizza stone.)  Using your hands, pat your "dough" into a 9 inch round.  If desired, brush olive oil over the uncooked crust to increase browning.

Bake for 15 minutes.

After removing from the oven add a thin layer of the pizza sauce and additional mozzarella cheese.  Add desired pre-cooked toppings (I like turkey pepperoni, yellow bell peppers, mushrooms and other veggies).

Place under a broiler on high until cheese is melted (approximately 3-4 minutes).  Since I don't have a broiler I just pop the pizza back in the oven for 2-3 minutes.  This second trip to the oven I place the pizza directly on the oven rack, this also makes the crust a little more crispy.

Try it out and let me know how you liked your clean pizza with a comment below!

To see the original recipe check out katiheifner.blogspot.com.

Why Wheatgrass?

Due to an Instagram and Facebook photo I added yesterday I have gotten a lot of inquiries about wheatgrass and taking shots of wheatgrass juice.  So, being the curious soul that I am I went to work researching the benefits of wheatgrass shots.

What is a wheatgrass shot?

Wheatgrass shots are concentrated juices from young, tender shoots of the wheat plant.  The grass is cut before the wheat berry forms, making it okay for some people with wheat allergies to take wheatgrass shots in small doses.  Its liquid form leads to maximum absorption quickly to the bloodstream.  A single ounce is the equivalent to approximately 2.5 pounds of vegetables in recommended doses of 2-4 onces twice daily. 

A wheatgrass shot is deep green in color because of it's high concentration of chlorophyll, the pigment that makes plants green.  Wheatgrass is filled with enzymes, amino acids and minerals such as:
· 20% of the recommended daily intake of Iron
· 70% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A
· Beta carotene
· Calcium
· Magnesium
· Phosphorus
· Potassium
· Protein
· Vitamins E, C and B12

What are the benefits of wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass highly affects the digestive system. It improves digestion and metabolism, promotes regularity and helps fight constipation. Wheatgrass also is a natural energizer and helps to reduce fatigue. It can calm the nervous system and boost the immune system. In some cases, a wheatgrass shot has been known to work as an appetite suppressant because it is loaded with essential nutrients and can be filling.

How does a wheatgrass shot taste?
The taste of a wheatgrass shot has been described as tasting of freshly cut grass with a hint of asparagus. In my opinion the flavor was similar to that of a fresh snap pea or green bean. If you are worried about the taste try taking a wheatgrass shot with a slice or orange. The sweetness of the fruit is opposite of the grassy flavor of the wheatgrass and its acidity brings quick relief to the slight bitterness of the shot.

1oz. Wheatgrass shot from Jamba Juice

Take Me Out To the Ballgame

This weekend felt like my first real west coast weekend and like I am on my way to being a true Californian (but still keeping my strong Arkansas roots of course). 

Friday I had a wonderful time with Kati and Jay at the Dodgers vs. Mets game.  While it was a shame the home team did not win, "Take Me Out To the Ballgame" was still a blast and the post-game fireworks were a beautiful wrap to the night.  The game however definitely led to a cheat meal, gotta have a Dodger Dog (don't worry, it was all beef) but today there was a quick U-Turn to get back on the healthy track! 

After being welcomed and so well taken care of at Casa de la Kati Saturday morning we went to Super Saturday at Beachbody Corporate Headquaters.  It was so inspiring and educational!  It was great seeing the Beachbody home where the magic begins. I am ready to jump in to my business and take what I have learned to help others on their journey to their happiest and healthiest lives.  I can not wait to get started!

Kati & I in front of the Shakeology wall! Try eating all this one a day!

Saturday afternoon we did some exploring in the Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade and we got way more than we bargained for.  We not only explored but we were unexpectedly entertained! 

This is NSK and Nugget from America's Best Dance Crew's the Ringmasters.  It was a fabulous performance and we had a great time watching!  These kids are so talented!

Our next entertainer was definitely a comedian, but more importantly he was an amazing athlete.  He really interacted with his audience and had every one in the street laughing.  This is The Candyman Eric Nash, a man of many talents and a stuntman from a few films you might have heard of including the most recent to hit the big silver screen, The Avengers. 

After a quick lunch Kati and Jay introduced me to one of the best parts of Santa Monica, the beach.  It was gorgeous!  I had been before a few years ago but I appreciated the refresher! In one direction we had the busy, glowing lights of the famous Santa Monica Pier and in the other direction the picturesque Malibu coastline.

 I could get used to this!

21 days...

It's been 21 days since I left Arkansas to start a new life on the West Coast.  That's 3 weeks since I left the only home I have known for all of my 22 years.  I left behind all of the family that has been there for me through thick and thin, kids that I have become more of a friend to than a nanny and my best friend.  Leaving the comfortable bubble of my bible-belt, Southern home in Northwest Arkansas to find my self in the fast-paced, hustle and bustle world of Southern California was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.  But so far, I am proud to say that it has been the best decision I have ever made. 

I have put on my big girl pants and driven 1,586 miles to learn to "do me."  My life since graduating high school has been defined by someone else.  I have made every decision based on how it would affect that person in that moment not how it would affect myself in the long run.  That is changing.  I am learning to focus on myself and just "do me."

Quick back track to the trip from the 479 to the 714:

I left the Northwest Arkansas area at noon on June 9.  Said my good-byes to all of my loved ones, packed up my cute little soccer mom car and hit the road.  A quick stop at the Tulsa airport to pick up my aunt and traveling partner, Brenda, who I am living with for the time being in SoCal.  We drove until New Mexico, caught some quick zzz's at a Motel 6 and woke up to drive on. 

Crossing the Arizona state-line the morning of June 10 (Happy Birthday Momma!)

The University of Phoenix Stadium in Phoenix, AZ.

We drove through the beautiful Sedona, AZ and stopped in Phoenix to have dinner with my Grandma.  After refueling both ourselves and the truck and making a quick stop at the home of Mr. Larry Fitzgerald, I mean the Arizona Cardinals, we were back on I10 and heading for my new beginning.  

Beautiful Red Rocks in Sedona, AZ

Safely and with only one speeding ticket we crossed the California border.  We made a quick stop at the 43rd casino that we had passed on the trip and pulled in the driveway of my Brea, NorthHills home at 2am on Monday morning.  So finally, after roughly 36 hours and 2 timezones later, I was ready to get a good nights sleep and in the morning explore this new world that is Southern California.  

These first 21 days have been full of exploring So Cal and getting a feel for my new surroundings.  I can't say that they have been the most productive of days but they have most definitely been entertaining.  My first day on my own I set out to explore the Brea area, specifically downtown where I would be spending a lot of time day-to-day.  Just my luck it was Tuesday and the streets were shut down for the Brea's farmers market!  Loved all of the fresh fruits and vegetables and there were the nicest people!  Just for future reference, the fresh Hummus is to die for!  The strawberries are so sweet you can smell them clear down the street!  Definitely something that I will be taking advantage of every Tuesday.

             

            

Most of my time thus far has been spent checking out the Orange County, Los Angeles and Malibu areas.  Doing a little shopping here, sightseeing there, and looking for a little side job.  But my main focus was still to "do me" and take time to step back from the bubble I have lived in to see what impact I can have on myself and others.  I want to focus on my health and fitness starting with clean eating and exercise.  The end goal being that my journey to a better me will be seen by others and they will fall in stride.  

My first opportunity to do so was when my aunt allowed me to rid her refrigerator and pantry of all unhealthy and processed foods.  If it's not there, it wont be eaten.  So roughly three hours later the kitchen was completely clear of the bad stuff and was officially ready to house fresh, clean foods.  The first clean dinner was pizza made with a cauliflower crust (recipe to follow soon courtesy of Kati Heifner).  The pizza was a hit and will be making many future appearances. 

Recipe coming soon.

Also, thanks to Ms. Heifner, I was able to make these quick and easy breakfast sandwiches that have been perfect to just grab and go in the mornings. 

Recipe coming soon.

Now on to more current times:

I have finally had the chance to meet and spend time with the fabulous lady who initially sparked my interest in changing my lifestyle and learning to focus on me, the wonderful Kati Heifner.  She has inspired me to set goals for myself based on my needs and wants not what others want for me.  Since basically the beginning of the year Kati and I have communicated via social media and telephone.  The fire she has lit in my heart to be the best woman I can be (*Oprah*) has inspired me to do the same with others around me.  

Wednesday afternoon I made the trip out to Santa Monica to meet Kati and her boyfriend Jay.  They welcomed me with open arms and a hill full of stairs.  We got right to work.  They introduced me to the landmark that is the Santa Monica Stairs.  Approximately 175-180 steps (hard for the clumsy as such as I to count and focus on not falling) of intensity.  Upon first look I did not think they would be such a big deal, half way up my first set and the stairs had proven me wrong.  Used for training by NFL runningbacks and soccer moms alike, the Santa Monica Stairs were the exact opposite of what I was expecting.  There were so many people working out, stretching before a set, cooling off after many.  There is even an honor system water cooler.  It is unlike anything I have ever seen before and definitely not something we have back home.  And yes, my legs are still feeling the burn.

Kati and I at the bottom of our first set.

I am already so thankful Kati and Jay are in my life.  They are going to be great mentors and friends as I start this new journey. Honestly, without Kati's encouragement and inspiration I probably would have not made the move out here to begin with, so for that I am already eternally grateful!  

This is just a quick run down of who I am now and a brief look at my plans and goals for the future.  Who I want to become I am not 100% sure, but for the first time I know who I am.