Pizza Pizza!!!

Pizza is one of my favorite foods, and unfortunately it's can be one of the most detrimental foods as well, with its immense carbs and sugars. But no fear because the pizza gods have answered our prayers with Cauliflower Crust Pizza.

What you need (Ingredients):

•      2 cups of Cauliflower (I used fresh, but I don’t see why frozen wouldn’t work)
•      1-2 eggs (depending on size and preference)
•      2 ½  cups of Reduced Fat Mozzarella (or Cheese of Preference)
•        ¼ c parsley (chopped)
•      Pasta/Pizza Sauce (I bought organic bottled sauce but you can definitely make your own)
•     4 cloves of garlic
•     Salt and ground black pepper to taste (moderately)
•     Olive Oil (Oil of preference

What to do (Directions):

1. Run your cauliflower through a food processor or blender until cauliflower is shredded (no huge chucks)
2. Bring a pot of water to boil, place a steamer (some strainers work just as good) into a pot and fill with water just below the steamer, add cauliflower in the steamer for about 10-15 minutes, cover, and steam until tender. Once tender, transfer to bowl and let cool. You can refrigerate, to speed up cooling.
3. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a pizza pan or backing sheet with parchment paper and grease parchment paper with olive oil
4. Stir 1 ½ cups of cheese, eggs, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper into cauliflower.
5. Pour mixture onto parchment lined baking sheet/pizza pan
6. Press and shape for pizza crust
7. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes
8. Once crust is done, let cool for about 5 minutes.
9. Layer pizza sauce (amount is based on preference. I used about 2/3 c but you can definitely use more).
10. Layer 1 cup of cheese on top of pasta sauce, followed by all desired  toppings
11. Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
12. ENJOY!

Italian & Cheddar reduced fat blend cheese, topped with mushrooms, black olives, red onions, spinach, grape tomatoes, and pepperoni

Now that you have the basics, you can change and adapt the recipe to your desired taste. Making this is super easy and fun. In my healthy lifestyle journey, I have stopped counting calories. I still am aware of them them but I am not a strict calorie counter. So, I apologize to those who would like to know the calories of the pizza. I believe it's less than 300 calories in ½ pie, if you make it like I do. I strive to eat clean and nutritious, and enjoy treats in moderation. But if you need to see your calories, I know there are recipe/calorie counters that might be helpful. Have a great day, and if you try the recipe, let me know how it goes.

It's About Time For An Update: 21 DAY JUICE FAST

Hey guys!

I'm going to just jump right in...

Saturday June 7th (Day One)

I had 3 green juices and 2 all fruit juices.I drank water all day. The cravings were relentless. I wanted SUGAR more than anything; bread, candy, cakes. You name it I wanted it. I did have a headache for a couple hours and I did sleep most of the day. I'm not going to even sugar coat it, it was tough!

Sunday June 8th (Day Two)

I had 2 green juices, one all fruit juice and one carrot and apple juice. Day Two morning was better, around noon I felt tired, and I did take a nap. It has been said that when that tired feeling comes, you should drink another juice but instead I did go to sleep, because I felt so full from my morning juice. I drank plenty of water. When I woke up from my nap, I was still a bit tired and groggy, I drank a green juice and I was bouncing off the walls, cleaning the kitchen 5 mins later. The juices gave me amazing energy.

Monday June 9th (Day Three)
My first day back in the office while trying to fast and it was my bosses birthday, so she bought in doughnuts (*womp womp*) and we surprised her with her favorite cheesecake (Banana Cream Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory) it seriously was the most tortuous thing I have ever dealt with, lol.  Watching everyone eat while I drank. Nevertheless I made it through! A few hours later I spoke with a RN at my doctor's office who called to discuss my lab results from a recent physical. I advised her of my juice fasting, initially she was excited but that excitement soon turned to concern, so concerned that she  as she consulted my doctor. To make a long story short, my doctor advised me NOT to juice fast, mainly because I have a disorder called Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome, which is a hormonal disorder. Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a common disorder that has many symptoms and factors. One of the major factors of the disorder/disease is insulin resistance. 

My doctor is concerned that only drinking juices might confuse my body by creating extreme spikes in my insulin, and cause more harm than good. There is no doubt that juicing is definitely a healthy addition to any diet (diet meaning what you eat, not to be confused with "fad dieting") and instead suggested I use juicing as a supplement. So I will be eating 2 solid meals a day and drinking juice 2x a day for the rest of the 21 days. I should have checked with my doctor before embarking on my fast, with that being said, please consult your physician if you have any health concerns and want to do a juice fast.

I still plan on updating you guys and posting pics of my juices and recipes.

Red Juice:Beets, Carrots, Apples, and Ginger Root &
 Simply Green :Spinach, Apples, oranges, Lemon, Ginger Root, & Celery

 Juice prepping

Carrot & Apple Juice

Prepping for Mean Green Juice

Strawberry, Blueberry, & Pineapple Juice

Mean Green Juice:                            

 2 med apples (I used green)           
4 stalk of Celery
1 cucumber
1 inch of ginger root
6 Kale Leaves
1/2 lemon
1/2-1 cup pineapple (great addition for beginners)

Simply Green Juice:
3 handfuls of Spinach
2 celery stalks
1 orange
2 apples
1/2 lemon
1 inch of ginger root

Carrot & Apple Juice:
5 carrots
2 apples
you can add spinach to give you some green

Strawberry,Blueberry, & Pineapple juice:
12 strawberries
2 cups of blueberries

Beets, Carrots, Apples, and Ginger Root:
2 apples
2 beets
3 carrots
inch ginger root


As you start juicing you will realize there are countless combinations of fruits and vegetables, which is great because whatever you like, you can combine. Remember, many vegetables and especially fruits are high in sugar, so be careful not to counteract all your good intentions with sugar.

Have a great day guys!
xoxo

Day 1: 21 Day Juice Fast

Good Morning guys!

I started my day with a Mean Green Juice with Pineapple. The ingredients are listed below:

Ingredients

• Apples - 2 medium (3" dia) 364g

• Celery - 4 stalk, large (11"-12" long) 256g

• Cucumber - 1 cucumber (8-1/4") 301g

• Ginger Root - 1 thumb (1" dia) 24g

• Kale - 6 leaf (8-12") 210g
• Lemon- 1/2 fruit
• Pineapple- 3 rings 

Since I'm not eating solid foods, I'll have 5-6 16 oz. juices each day. My 3 meals. 2 snacks, and an "after workout" juice or a late night juice (depending on how satisfied I am). The first 3 days are usually the hardest because you're body is detoxing and it will crave all the things you love; sugar, sodium, sugar lol. But, once you make it over the hump you'll be fine. I will share how day one went in my day two entry. I won't load up pictures of all of my juices but I'll always keep you updated. Let's do it. Be great!

Before:

After:

21 Day Juice Fast Prep Day

 

Shopping List:

•Apples (Green, Pink Lady, & Fuji)

•Oranges

•Grapefruit (Red)

•Strawberries

•Raspberries 

•Lemons 

•Pineapples

•Beet root

•Cucumbers

•Kale

•Cabbage (Red)

•Spinach

•Carrots

•Ginger Root

•Celery

•Sweet Potatoes

•Almond Milk

•Squash

•Tea (fruity and savory flavors)

This should last about 5 days.

Prep Tip:

The last couple of days, I have increased my water intake, and increased salads and fruits to help me transition into liquids only.

Happy Juicing! 

#rebootwithBambi #rebootwithJoe #juicing #raweating #21dayjuicefast

#juicefeast #live #love #eat #fitness #wellness #health #fightstatistics 

"She's so nice..." : Healing & Self Worth/Love 101

I have always been taught to be respectful and to always consider others. My grandmother raised me to have reverence and to always be mindful of the treatment of others. She was a force to be reckoned with, to say the least. Due to my rearing, I value respect and I have been conditioned to be quite timid. I consider myself an outspoken and confident woman but over the years my timid deposition has caused me a great deal of pain and anguish, especially with my family. I do not have issues saying the things that need to be said to my friends, employers, and co-workers but when it comes to family I struggle with telling them my true feelings, mainly because I do not want them to think I am trying to hurt their feelings, when that is not my intention. The other reason is definitely due to trust issues, and that extends outside of my family.

Often times when there is an issue in my family there is a lot of violent arguing, yelling, and carrying on. I do not believe in taking low blows at others nor do i think it is effective. Some people behave like this and then want you to forgive them or "move on". Why forgive them when they are doing nothing to correct the negative behavior and plan to do the same thing again? I am not that person for one, and I do not agree with that kind of behavior from adults. Arguing and disagreements are inevitable but is it really necessary to call people names, get physical, use profanity, and or have a disgusting attitude?

In the last few years, I have adopted a newer way of thinking when it comes to people and the way I treat or perceive them. I have realized many people didn't really deserve the respect I gave them. I came to this conclusion because they do not respect others the least bit, and do not respect themselves.  However these are often the same individuals that feel entitled and give themselves to much credit. 

I have struggled a great deal of my life and there have been few people who have truly been there or came to my rescue, with no foul intent. By no means do I feel like anyone owes me anything, instead I am saying, one should not expect unconditional love and a helping hand, when they haven't done the same. I am an adult that deserves respect and I will respect those that give me the same courtesy. I will not allow others to mistreat me or affect my moods, that do not have stock or investment in my life. It's just foolish to do otherwise!

In order to have total body well being, you must be well emotionally and mentally, as well as physically. I have often put my well being, feelings, and my best interest on the back burner, to only be criticized and not even recognized for sacrifices made or work I have done. In my life,"she's so nice" often translated to "she is an easy target to take advantage of", and I will take accountability for allowing people to do so.

I leave you with this, always value yourself, otherwise you will be an easy target. I was easy to mistreat because the perception of the abuser is that I didn't have self value, others notice this and WILL take advantage of your "kindness". Do not allow others to make you feel obligated, guilty, and or allow others to victimize themselves especially when they are, in fact, wrong. Do rid yourself of toxic friendships and relationships  (I will post more detail on toxic relationships soon). Do be strong and stand for the things you believe in. Understand that when people truly love you, they will not constantly try to exude negative emotions, your way or place unreasonable pressures on you. Learning how not to tolerate, what I consider, mistreatment from others has been challenging and I am sure my non-tolerance has ruffled feathers, but I am committed to a life of loving myself and being respectful.

I will never change who I am because of negative people. I will still remain "nice" and pleasant to those that treat me with decency, show me love, and respect. One of my best friends always says "I show/give love where its shown/given" and that is the silver lining. Have a great day guys!

"Life is a flow of love; your participation is requested."

xoxo


SaudiCurlyLocks

21 DAY JUICE FAST

Hi there!

I am embarking on an organic juice fast that I plan on starting June 7th. I ordered an inexpensive juicer from overstock.com, I plan to purchase a nicer one soon, which should be here Friday, and I plan to document my journey with you guys, twitter, and Instagram. I have done a juice cleanse before, last year around this same time.

 Last year I decided to try juicing after I watched Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, which documents the 60 day juice fast of Joe Cross. The movie was remarkable and an extreme eye opener, it motivated me, not only to change my life but do do more research on food I eat, my body, and my mind. I jump started my weight loss, and cleaner eating by juicing for breakfast,lunch, and for dinner, I had solid healthy foods. 

I lost 45 lbs (which put me at 185 lbs) between June 2013 and January 2014. In February I moved to New York for a couple months. While in New York I was not mindful of my nutrition and diet, and because of this I gained 23 lbs back (208 lbs). In May I moved back to North Carolina and I have been trying to mentally warp my mind around getting my healthy lifestyle on track. I have discovered several other things about my body, health, and life since May and I will be sharing that with all of you. I am in a different state of mind and I am happy to have you here with me. I have included some pics so you can see my past weight loss and my current gained. Be gentle...

Look forward to keeping you updated!

xoxo
Bambi
Saudi Curlylocks

 Weight Gain Pictures:

June 2014 (current weight 208 lbs.)

June 2014 (current weight 208 lbs.)

                           




 Weight Loss Pictures:

November 2013 (190 lbs)

December 2013 (180 lbs.)