Forgive Thyself

     Did you cheat today?  Had that extra cookie over the weekend ON TOP of that piece of cake?  Don't fret, forgive thyself! When I was my heaviest, I used to beat myself up over just one piece of "bad food". It was negative, made me eat "bad" for the rest of the day & sometimes threw my mood off. I used to beat myself up!  With any lifestyle, YOU are the one who dictates if YOU will take charge & get back on track or throw the rest of the day away. 

     Lets face it, dieting isn't easy but it starts with determination & a clear understanding of what you need to do to get back on track. I love to do natural cleanses. This isn't a daily or even weekly ritual I've started but I enjoy doing them once a month. I prefer natural over chemical detoxes for just the simple fact that I want to detox myself & not fill my body with unnatural substances.  My favorite one is water, lemon, cucumber & mint. So yummie & can be enjoyed all day long. A fun trick is to make the mixture into ice cubes and add to your water or it can be a cute way to spice up water at a party!  Strawberries/lemons, apple/cinnamon, orange/blueberries and cucumber/watermelon/rosemary are also some really delicious natural ways to detox. 

Why Detox?

- hydrate skin/body

- clear out digestive system

- aid in weight loss 

- add delicious flavor to your water 

- provides antioxidants 

- adds vitamins & mineral naturally 

Who doesn't love that? Do you have some of your own recipes you want to share? Email me at kiaramm123@me.com or share below!

As always, be happy, be healthy, be beautiful 💋 

XOXO

theCHUBBYskinnygirl 

Everything But The Kitchen Sink: Delicious Fish Stew

     I love love LOVE soups in the winter weather. It warms my belly & my soul 💋. Whatever I do with food I cook it with passion. I really enjoy cooking, thanks to my grandmother & mom but sometimes I lack the time to cook delicious meals.  I wanted to find a way to incorporate fish into my soups and make it super fast & easy. To be honest, I was a bit skeptical of boiling fish at first because I've baked, fried, grilled and breaded it before but never boiled it. When you hear boiling anything (fish, vegetables, chicken, beef) you instantly think ummmm so wheres the flavor? Well I've created, from scratch & on a budget, a delicious soup for yourself & to share with others. Even the ladies at the salon I work at couldn't get over how delicious it smelled!  

     I love this soup because you don't have to follow the recipe exactly and its low carb and super easy to make (even in a slow cooker).  When I say whatever is in your fridge you can throw in for veggies I MEAN IT. Also, if you prefer a certain fish over another then use that fish instead.  At the time of the creation of this soup, I only had the following in my fridge & cabinet:

Ingredients:

1 piece of cod

1 can of tuna (Torino tuna or regular)

2 stalks of celery 

2 tomatoes 

1/2 cubed white onion 

1/2 bunch of broccoli 

1 bag of baby spinach 

1/2 carton of mushrooms

1 Kitchen Basics Seafood Stock

2 cloves if garlic

1 bay leaf

1 lemon

1 tsp of salt & pepper

2 tbs of distiller white vinegar

3 tbs of extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of hot pepper flakes & parsley

10 sprays of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter 

As you can see, even people with a gluten intolerance can eat this soup (so even my little sister can enjoy it!!)

Directions: 

1. Pre-heat pan & add oil & sauté garlic 

2. Add vegetables in the following order: celery, broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach. Cook 5 mins in between each veggie.  Salt & pepper (if you are adding any other veggies, make sure you add them while keeping in mind the "harder" veggies need to be cooked longer)

(Picture is shown with red peppers and no spinach added; second time I cooked it I wanted more of a kick!)

3. Add broth and bring to boil (you can dilute broth but adding 1 cup of water or make it thicker by adding 1 can of tomateo paste)

4. Add all seasonings, onion & vinegar while keeping at boil for 5 mins (I add onions here & not in beginning so they don't caramelize & add sugar to my dish. If you prefer them caramelized then add them with the garlic)  

5. Add fish & keep at boil for 7 mins. Fish will begin to separate which is an indication fish is cooked & ready to enjoy. 

6. Remove bay leaf & reduce to simmer or add to crock pot on low heat until ready to serve!

What else you can add:

- any colored peppers (red, yellow, green, orange)

- tomateo paste to make it thicker

- brussel sprouts

- cauliflower 

- basil to add "sweetness" 

This is super easy to make, low carb, low fat, low sugar, gluten free (without paste) and no MSG added. Packs a punch of flavor & can be enjoyed for a few days, with the family & at big parties!  Leave your comments below!  Did you alter the recipe in any way? Made it better?  Tell me how!  Want to be featured as a weight loss champion? Email me at kiaramm123@me.com to tell me why 😄

As always, be happy, be healthy, be beautiful 💋 Until next time . . .

XOXO 

theCHUBBYskinnygirl 

Weight Loss Champion: JULIE

Today Im starting something different. I'm spotlighting people who have either inspired me or someone who I believe is a weight loss champion. Today is Julie's story.  Someone truly who inspired me to get a move on eating healthy & working out

    " In June of 2012, I finally made the decision to "get healthy" and stop being so unhappy with my weight.  Every time I had a Doctor's Appointment and it was time to get on the scale, my insides cringed with fear.  I joined Weight Watchers with my Mom, and I pushed on through.  It took me three months to finally step foot into the gym but I was seeing results on the scale and that's all that mattered to me.  A number on the scale, that's what I began to relate myself to.  Even when I was losing the weight, week after week on my weigh in day, I was just another number on the scale.  I still wasn't improving emotionally.  Sure I was getting thiner, but my self esteem wasn't getting fatter.  

     Eventually I lost 32 pounds on the Weight Watchers program.  It took me nine months to lose the weight and I was so proud of myself.  Keeping it off was going to be a battle that I was ready for.  My self esteem was increasing and I felt good!  I kept the weight off for five months and then my health took a turn.  I was diagnosed with Asthma for the first time in my life and placed on steroids for three months.  I gained almost every pound of weight I lost back.  I reached an all time low.  I felt like such a failure.  All my hard work, commitment and dedication down the drain.  

I wasn't going to let this effect me.  I had to snap out of it.  And that's just what I did.  Finally getting the all clear that one inhaler should be enough compared to four and two steroids, it was back on the healthy lifestyle again.  I'm back to losing weight, eating healthy and exercising weekly.  In two weeks I have lost six pounds and I'm determined to keep going.

     Moral of my story is, I know it's not easy to adapt to a healthy lifestyle.  You didn't gain the weight over night, and it's not going to come off over night.  Everyone has a different body, metabolism and taste.  A body that you were given and a body that you take upon yourself to shape.  If you want to kick your ass in the gym every day, then so be it.  If you don't, that's okay too, it's your choice.  Some of us crave chocolate, others crave chips.  It's your taste.  Don't let the success of others bring your own goals and determination down.  Don't let those who try to tear you down when you are having your own success stop you from continuing your journey.  In the end, it's finding that happy medium in your healthy lifestyle.  How much exercise you can or cannot take, what you are willing to give up and what you are not in your diet, and how good you feel when you look in the mirror.  A number on the scale does not define you, and it never will.  

Be happy, be strong, be healthy but most of all BE YOU! 

~Julie

[www.FoodGoesNaughty.com] "

How fabulous is that!!!!  Julie is truly amazing ❤ Want to be featured as a weight loss champion?  Email me at kiaramm123@me.com or message me here. Share your ups, downs & arounds or just a super healthy recipe and why you love it so much 

As always!  Be happy, be healthy, be beautiful 💋

XOXO

theCHUBBYskinnygirl 

What Makes The Pancreas Crank?

     After starting Ideal Protein roughly 8 weeks ago, I've learned a few things about my body. Lets just start out with my confusion about sugars & carbohydrates. Essentially I was ignorant and thought that my body broke them down all differently. Well I was wrong, VERY WRONG and uneducated on the fact that there is one part of the body that helps breaks them down: the pancreas! 

     What's the pancreas exactly? "A large gland behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum. Embedded in the pancreas are the islets of Langerhans, which secrete into the blood the hormones insulin and glucagon."  This helps control the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. The pancreas works hard to break down BOTH sugars and carbs. Yes I knew that it broke down sugars (good or bad ones) but never did I think about carbs.  I thought that eating carbs weren't as bad as eating sugary treats such as frozen yogurt, large amounts of fruit or even yummie Hersey Kisses (which are quite delicious when you want a quick treat). Sadly I was wrong :(.  I was also ignorant to the fact of "cheat days".  Mainly because at one point I felt like everyday for at least one of my meals was a cheat day!  Bad bad Kiara!!  I don't mean that everyday day I ate fries, huge sandwiches or even sugary treats. I mean more along the lines of a Starbucks frappachino one day, a bagel from Bagel World another day or even 3 dinner rolls at dinnertime with pasta to follow. Also, I didn't realize how many carbs I was actually consuming. I just was hungry so I ate what was readily available to me (tuna salad over a Greek salad was my favorite go-to lunch).  I've leaned that overtime if your continue to eat each day with a higher amount of carbs (because those are definitely my downfall) you will gain weight. Well DUR KIARA!  I look at to now & think "My god! How silly can you be!?!?!"  It's quite embarrassing actually but then again my eating habits have changed drastically for the better.

     Lastly, I also started eating 4 meals a day instead of one large meal. Eating my one meal a day was keeping my metabolism slow & then shot up my blood sugar when I ate my large carb meals. I would shake, get so tired and not control my appetite when I actually ate.  Bottom line: resting the pancreas throughout this diet is the best decision I made. It has helped reduce the amount of carbs that I put into my system and has given me more energy than I could ask for.  I'm not saying never eat carbs again & that they are evil!  They give you the energy, along with protein to keep you full, throughout the day.  Just keep them low & fill at least 2/3 of your plate with delicious veggies!! 

Be happy, be healthy, be beautiful

XOXO theCHUBBYskinnygirl 💋

Small Little Changes = Life Changing Results

     I've been a slave to the scale for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I always felt as if I was on a diet, watched what I ate and always felt uncomfortable in my skin.  That, sadly didn't stop me from gaining mucho weight. :(

     Well, those days of feeling uncomfortable are over!  I'm on my 7th week of Ideal Protein (www.idealprotein.com) and so far I've lost a total of 27 lbs and over 7 inches on my body. I've decreased my BMI, started working out again (Pilates on YouTube, Cassey Ho is amazing) and feeling like the "skinny girl" I've always felt I was. I'm here to tell you that one small move towards a healthy lifestyle changed my life. 

     It all started when one of my clients came in and I noticed how amazing she looked. She said that she was doing the Ideal Protein diet and she had lost over 40 lbs so far!  I right then & there said that I wasn't going to be unhappy any longer and called Ideal Protein. That day I  went in & visited with Charlotte, one of the coaches, to fill out a form & hear all about the diet. All I needed was something to change and change I sure did receive. I changed my way of thinking from "I wish" into "I can & I will". One positive thing about me is once I make up my mind its very rarely changes. I was set that this was the diet for me & that was going to rock my world!  I jumped right into the diet that consists of 3 of their products, 4 cups or vegetables and 8 oz of protein a day. It's a strict yet super easy to follow; very black & white. You can either eat a particular vegetable and type of protein or it's a no no. I needed something strict because that whole "have a small portion & count the amount of French fries you can have" bullshit doesn't work for me. I have one French fry & I was 3 baskets of French fries! 

     It also was nice to be able to enjoy my tea & espresso drinks that I love so much. I just needed to adjust the million calories that I added to them. Below is 2 shots of espresso with IP cappuccino drink mix added to it 

The fact that I'm able to enjoy delicious "real" food at dinnertime with easy to make drinks, shakes, bars etc made this to be the easiest diet I've ever started. I also like the fact that once you are "phased out" they teach you have to eat and MAINTAIN (eeeek!!) your weight. Because let me tell your friends I REFUSE TO BE UNHAPPY AGAIN WITH MYSELF!!!!! No no and NO!

     So I'm here to show you that YOU too can feel sexy again. I know blab blab blab Kiara! Easy for you to say!  However, it's the exact opposite. I was staring down the same path as you: high blood pressure, cholesterol and that ever so fabulous life of diabetes.  Bottom line: one small change can equal a domino effect of healthy new lifestyle changes.  YOU are the deciding factor of how you look, live your life & conduct yourself.  Feel beautiful and I promise you will look just a beautiful 💋. 

The Flavorful World of BASIL!!

     Basil is one of my favorite ingredients to add to a dish right along side of lemons, garlic & oil. I find that basil just gives it that extra delicious kick that some of your dishes may be missing. 

     In an Italian household in Boston MA, we grow basil in the summer and freeze it in the winter so we can enjoy it all year long. It stays fragrant & just as yummie freshly picked. Before Ideal Protein, I mainly used it only in my gravy's (Italian red sauce) for a homemade Sunday dinner. Now, I find that I put it in more of my dishes then ever. 

Why is basil a great natural flavor spice? 

- help fight bacteria, viruses & chronic disease 

- essential oils have been shown to lower blood glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

- virtually calorie-free and, in addition to antioxidant vitamins and phenolics, is a rich source of vitamin K, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium and dietary fibre. - It adds a lot of flavour in a way that’s waistline-friendly

Here, I've added to a scallop dish that I made last night ! 

This was basil, garlic, oil, salt/pepper & spinach as a side dish to my scallops. I also added to my lunch of veggies today 

Do you have any great recipes that incorporate basil???  If so, I was to hear about them below.  Enjoy easy, healthy and cost effective cooking with delicious ingredients! Follow my blog for more information & up to date recipes💋 

XOXO

 

theCHUBBYskinnygirl

How to Make Time For Lunchtime!

Lunchtime has always been a struggle for me. As a full time hairstylist, I am sometimes unable to take bathroom breaks let alone lunch breaks. I'm not complaining one bit because I absolutely love what I do however it reeks havoc on my metabolism. I'm sure all you ladies can relate whether your a full time mom, financial analysis or teacher, sometimes there's no time for lunchtime! 

I just started Ideal Protein Diet roughly 6 weeks ago and I've experienced much success with the program. It forces me to each breakfast, lunch, dinner & an evening snack. It also forces me to plan ahead for each meal. It's actually helped me save mucho muu-la $$$$$ which is awesome because I found myself spending a couple hundred dollars going out to eat or ordering lunch that I never ate. 

I've recently discovered the art of steaming!!!  I always thought that it was a flavorless way to cook veggies but actually it quite the opposite. I really despise mushy veggies which is why steaming was never an option. Nowadays, I steam a lot of my veggies & shrimp because its quick, easy & you can steam a lot at once (It's a great low cost way to cook as well). Only steam for 8 minutes max on high and remove from steamer. This way you can re-cook the veggies when your recipes call for them to make them crisp up a bit. 

Below is one of my favorite recipes for lunchtime that I can make in large quantities. If you don't care for a veggie below or want to add to the mix by all means do it!  I just throw these together because I feel they work well and compliment each other:

Steamed broccoli

Portobello mushrooms

Tomateo

Bunch of basil

Salt/pepper/Mrs. Dash onion seasoning

I can't believe it's not butter spray 

Garlic

Oil

1. Sauté garlic in oil until golden

2. Add basil & steamed broccoli. Cook 2 mins

3. Add rest of veggies, Salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash onion seasoning

4. Cook until ready (5-10 minutes depending on how much veggies are in your pan)

5. Shut off burner & remove from stove then spray 1-6 sprays of I can't believe it's not butter spray

6. Enjoy!

Leave your comments below!!  Did you change the recipe? How?  What's your favorite lunchtime meal?  Leave it below. Enjoy!!! 

Xoxo 

<3 theCHUBBYskinnygirl