Doin' Some Cookin'... Chipotle Scotch Eggs

With working out as hard as I have been the last couple of months and hitting the weights my body has been craving protein. The protein I crave the most is hard boiled eggs but I burn out on them because the texture gets to me after a while. 

One evening I was soaking my muscles in an Epsom salt therapy bath to help ease the soreness and I took the April issue of Women's Health magazine with me. I came across an article that had 16 different recipes all using hard boiled eggs. I pulled out the pages taking note of a couple I wanted to try.

Thursday night I had to work until 10pm but took a break to cook dinner. I was craving breakfast for dinner and remembered this recipe for Chipotle Scotch Eggs and decided to pair it with some veggies (Yukon gold potato, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus) that I could roast while the eggs were baking. 

Never heard of a scotch egg? A scotch egg is a hard boiled egg wrapped in sausage and deep fried and a popular dish in the United Kingdom. They are traditional pub food. 

Not these bad boys though which makes them waistline friendly. 

I patiently waited the 30 minutes and stayed away from Little Man's pizza he got to enjoy while watching the 2017 NFL Draft. But!, it was so worth it. These Chipotle Scotch Eggs did not disappoint. It wasn't quite the breakfast for dinner taste I was hoping for but was the perfect meat and potatoes kinda dinner. 

The recipe called for only one chipotle pepper but I used two and the chipotle flavor is subtle. Next time I would throw in one or two more and maybe leave out the carrot, although you can't really taste it and I guess why not sneak in more veggies to the diet if I can. 

I've had these Chipotle Scotch Eggs the last couple of mornings of breakfast after my workouts and they are just what my body needs. Protein wrapped in protein. Genius. 

Chipotle Scotch Eggs

Adapted from: Women's Health Magazine, April 2017 Issue

Makes 6 Servings (1 Egg Per Serving)

Stars of the Show:

• 1 lb lean ground pork 
• 8 baby carrots (or 1 medium carrot)
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 hard boiled eggs

And Action:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pulse the pork, carrots, chipotle peppers and salt in a food processor until well combined. Divide the pork mixture into six equal portions and mold the mixture around each egg until fully covered. Place the eggs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Doin' Some Cookin'... Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

One of my favorite Italian dishes is Chicken and Bacon Cabonara. I absolutely love those noodles swimming in that rich cream sauce. My waistline on the other hand, not so much.

To me this Spaghetti Squash Carbonara wasn't really a healthier version of my beloved Carbonara but a dish of it's own. It wasn't bad at all but I had high hopes that this would be a worthy recipe makeover and was disappointed that it tasted nothing like Carbonara.

The real win from this dish (obviously that would be bacon!!) was getting Little Man to eat this. Not going to lie, he didn't eat this willingly and stood in the kitchen with me as I fed him forkfuls of it making sure to include a bacon bit in all of his bites to keep him eating the spaghetti squash without asking what it was. Haha! I always end up telling him after he's had quite a bit of it just to make him aware that he actually likes or maybe tolerates it.

This was a quick weeknight meal because of the ease of cooking the spaghetti squash in the microwave which was my first time trying it that way and now my preferred method when I'm short on time.

Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Adapted From: Whole Fork

Makes 4 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 1 spaghetti squash, cooked and "noodles" 
• 8 slices of bacon
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 eggs
• handful of fresh basil, chopped

And Action:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place on paper towels to help drain some of the fat. Pour out bacon fat leaving enough to coat the bottom of the skillet. Crumble the bacon once cooled. 

Cook garlic for 30 seconds in the bacon fat.

Add the squash to the skillet and toss with the garlic and bacon fat.

Crack the eggs on top of the squash and add the bacon. Allow the egg to cook while tossing everything together. 

Garnish with the basil. Enjoy! 

Workin' It Out... 30 Day Squat Challenge

With taking on this 30 Day Squat Challenge my goal was to slim and tone my thighs and getting a lift for the juicy booty I already have.

Starting weight: 152.7 lbs
Starting body fat percentage: 36.9

Day 1, 50 Squats:
Hit the gym first thing when I woke up this morning and put in 2.33 miles in 42 minutes at a 2.0 incline at a 3.4 mph pace. I had to cut my workout short since Little Man was getting picked up by his dad. After he got picked up I finished up my hour of cardio and then did 6 exercises for 12 reps each and three sets of them. The exercises were a bench press on a stability ball (5 lb weight used), plie squats (5 lb kettlebell used), crunches, overhead press (5 lb weight used), bicep curls (5 lb weight used), and tricep kick backs (5 lb weight used). I need to purchase a set of 10 lb weights since I was able to get through these sets without feeling the burn or any muscle fatigue except for when doing the plie squats so I'll stick with the kettlebell weight for now. So with these sets I already did 36 squats and needed to complete 14 more for a total of 50 squats for Day 1.

Day 2, 55 Squats:
I busted out my squats first thing this morning when I woke up, however, I didn't remember the number correctly and ended up doing 65 of them. I could use the extra ten anyway. Yes, my legs are sore but not that "I can't sit on the toilet" kinda sore yet.

This afternoon while binge watching Parks and Recreation I did some additional exercises: 5 pushups, 20 sec plank, 25 crunches, 10 squats bringing my new daily squat total to 75.

Day 3, 60 Squats:
4am gym wake up call. Completed 3.27 miles on the treadmill in 57 minutes at a 1.0 incline at 3.2 mph. Came home and complete a total of 65 squats and a 20 second wall sit. The wall sit was brutal since my thighs are sore.

Day 4, Rest:
No squats today.

I struggled to get out of bed this morning and snoozed through everyone of my 15 minute interval alarms. I should have been at the gym getting my cardio in but I had best intentions to go that evening. Instead I came home with a raging headache after a terrible day at work, had to take Little Man to his swim class, dinner, and then I ended up being ready for bed right at 8pm. My ass better be at the gym tomorrow morning then to make up for this evening.


Day 5, 70 Squats: 
4am gym wake up call. Completed 3.25 miles on the treadmill in 60 minutes at 3.0 mph. Came home and completed 70 squats and followed it up with a 30 second wall sit. The wall sit was killer.

Day 6, 75 Squats: 
4am gym wake up call. Completed 3.32 miles on the treadmill in 62:49 minutes at 3.0 mph. 80 squats (ouch!!) and followed up with a 40 second wall sit. FML.

Day 7, 80 Squats:
Completed 105 squats and then my best friend, Niki, challenged me to do an additional 10. I went to bed sore.

Day 8, Rest:
Did absolutely nothing today.

Day 9, 100 Squats:
Breeze through the first 60 squats and then had to take 30 second breaks between 10 squat intervals. Before the night ended I did an additional 50 squats. Definitely feeling sore this evening because I also added 80 donkey kicks on each leg, 1 minute 20 second plank, 80 triceps kick backs.

Day 10, 105 Squats:
105 squats, 50 second wall sit and an additional 10 squats before bed. I also watched "learn to twerk" videos on YouTube and was definitely feeling the burn in my thighs. Haha!!

Day 11, 110 Squats:
My best friend has been complimenting my booty more than ever. Not sure if it's because she knows about the challenge and is just being encouraging. No matter, it's motivating and I appreciate the support. 110 squats plus an additional 30. Had an incredibly hard time pushing through today.

Day 12, Rest:
Took advantage of the rest day and lounged around.

Day 13, 130 Squats:
152 squats total. 4 am gym wake up call. Completed 3.24 miles in 61:15 minutes at 3.0 mph. These early morning wake up calls and long hours at work (12-14 hour days) have kicked my ass and I was in bed by 8pm tonight.

Day 14, 135 Squats:
4am gym wake up call. 135 squats. Completed 3.5 miles in 64:01 miles at 3.1 mph and a 0.5 incline.

Day 15, 140 Squats:
Slept in and headed to the gym first thing when I woke up. Completed 3.51 miles in 65 minutes at 3.0 mph. Did my 140 squats (my knees kept popping the entire time, ugh!), 30 front to side raises with dumbbells raising them to just under my chin, 45 bent over rows, 30 opposite knees to chest while standing up.

Day 16, Rest:
Thank goodness for a rest day!!!

Day 17, 150 Squats:
180 squats total with a 1 minute wall sit. With being a little over half way through the challenge I am getting excited to see my before and after pics.

Day 18, 155 Squats:
Did the bare minimum today. 155 squats. I still don't see a difference but I can feel how firm my muscles in my thighs are becoming.

Day 19, 160 Squats:
4 am gym wake up call. Completed 3.22 miles in 54:52 minutes at a 2.0 incline at 3.4 mph. 170 squats, 105 wrist rotations with dumbbells, and 105 chest flies.

Day 20, Rest:
My thighs, buns, and shoulders are sore!!

Day 21, 180 Squats:
4 am gym wake up call. Had to cut my workout short because I had to use the restroom. Never had this happen before and no, I couldn't hold it. Ugh! Completed 2.73 miles in 47:48 minutes at a 3.5 incline at 3.7 mph. Followed it up with a 1 minute wall sit, 15 skaters, 30 bridge chest presses, and 15 hip dips.

Day 22, 185 Squats:
I completed a total of 210 squats and couldn't believe how much easier they are getting to do.

Day 23, 190 Squats: 
Completed 210 squats but had absolutely no motivation to do them today, however, they were tolerable when I finally did them. I did an extra 20 before bed for a total of 230 squats and ouch!! My thighs and lats are sore.

Day 24, Rest:
Cannot believe how toned my thighs and booty are looking. I'm also impressed with the noticeable strength difference.

Day 25, 220 Squats:
4am gym wake up call. Completed 3.48 miles in 65 minutes at 3.0 mph. By the end of day I complete 240 squats, 80 Russian twists, and 80 bent over rows.

Day 26, 225 Squats:
Woke up excited that I only have four days left of this challenge. Completed 225 squats and ended the night feeling sick with cold symptoms. I immediately started popping some Zicam and NyQuil.

Day 27, 230 Squats:
I did the bare minimum of my 230 squats for the day because I still have these cold symptoms and didn't want to overdo it. I cannot believe that I was able to breeze through these today.

Day 28, Rest:
Rest day and I did just that. Really need to get my body back to 100% so I can finish out these final days strong. Don't want anything to derail me now. Funny that on a rest day I was actually missing doing my squats. I had the thought that I was going to lose my booty gains.

Day 29, 240 Squats:
Completed 250 squats by end of day and also got in a mini workout following the Ultimate Inner Thigh Workout from PopSugar Fitness.

Day 30, 250 Squats:
I woke up so excited that it was the final day and that I stayed motivated to complete this challenge and most days it was just that, a challenge. I finished strong with a total of 260 squats and broke them up by doing a total of 95 standing push-ups with a door assist. Right after my shower this evening I took my after pic. I can't lie, I was a little bit disappointed since it looks like my booty is smaller, however, my bestie corrected me and said it's more "toned" and "lifted". I can see the difference in the shape of my thighs and definitely notice the muscle and strength gains. I lost the most inches from my waist during this challenge which I'm not complaining about.

Ending Weight: 151.0 lbs (Down 1.7 lbs)
Body Fat: 36.9% (Remained the same)

I cannot believe that I forgot to take my thigh measurements but the way the before and after pic turned out and the way my jeans are fitting is proof enough that this challenge worked. As a result I went from a size 31 to a size 29. It was so rewarding ordering my favorite pair of jeans in a size smaller!!!

Here's the before and after pic:

(Check out that thinner waist and those hamstrings!! I'm pleased with my results.)

Keep in mind that this challenge wasn't done solely with squats alone. I was going to the gym and adding additional workouts and exercises as I could throughout my day. I'm not sure the results would have been as great without. Also watched my diet by continuing to follow Whole30 which is a no brainer "diet" for me and rewards my body best on and off the scale. 

"Dat Azz" Playlist:

Sisqo: Thong Song
Juvenille: Back That Azz Up
Bubba Sparxxx: Ms. New Booty
Mystikal: Shake It Fast
Big Sean: Dance (A$$)
Murphy Lee: Shake Ya Tailfeather
Destiny's Child: Bootylicious
Major Lazer: Bubble Butt
The Black Eyed Peas: My Humps
The Black Eyed Peas: Rock That Body
Jason Derulo: Wiggle
Eminem: Shake That
Ying Yang Twins: Salt Shaker
Nicki Minaj: Anaconda
Kylie Minogue: Sexercize

Doin' Some Cookin'... Fish Taco Bowls

I've got an upcoming trip to Long Beach, California and I was doing some vacation planning trying to pin down details on where I'm staying, rental car, activities, and my favorite part... places to eat.

When I was younger Cali was my family's vacation destination every Summer and one year we randomly stopped in some town with the best fish tacos I have ever had. To this day they have not been topped.

I was craving fish tacos for Taco Tuesday but have been disappointed by local restaurants here in the area and an hour drive to Galveston wasn't in the cards because it was a work night.

Came home from work, got Little Man situated with his homework, logged on to work from home a little bit longer and then got to making dinner.

These Fish Taco Bowls were Whole30 diet compliant and packed with flavor. While I missed the tortillas they still satisfied the craving and no, definitely didn't rank to that one little fish taco spot somewhere in Cali that I'll never get to experience again.

Little Man actually got to have his in a tortilla and he loved this dinner after having turned up his nose to fish instead of his usual ground beef tacos. I bet it was the guacamole that he really enjoyed since he can eat his weight in it like his mama.

The best part about these bowls is that you can add as much avocado as you want and not have to pay the extra dollar like you'd have to at Chipotle. Winning! Take the Chipotle concept and use it at home when making your own Fish Taco Bowls. Not following Whole30 then add a layer of brown rice or roasted corn and drizzle a homemade cilantro lime sauce. Get creative. Kids especially love it when they have free reign to put whatever they want in their own bowls as well.

Here's a salad for those people who don't like eating salads and a recipe to keep in mind for Cinco de Mayo which is coming up.

Fish Taco Bowls

Adapted From: Prevention RD

Makes 3 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 3/4 lb cod fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• garlic powder, to taste
• chili powder, to taste
• 9 mini sweet bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 2 avocados
• pico de gallo, for serving
• 3 cups cabbage coleslaw mix
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• grape tomatoes, halved, for serving 
• lime wedges, for serving

And Action:

Brush both sides of the cod fillets with 1 tbsp olive oil and season both sides with the seasoning. 

Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fish and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, flip over, and cook an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. Remove and tent with foil if still prepping the toppings or do those ahead of time.

In the hot pan add the peppers and onions and saute them until browned to your liking. 

Mash the avocados in a bowl and keep it as simple as you want squeezing lime on top or make your favorite guacamole recipe. 

Place one cup of the cabbage coleslaw mix in a bowl and top with fish, pepper mixture, and tomatoes. Serve with the avocado and pico de gallo. Enjoy!

Doin' Some Cookin'... Power Bowls for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

2017 kicked off with the realization that I only had 6 months left for me being in my 20's. Holy shit. I'm going to be 30 years old this year.

Only two years of this last decade were what I consider to be "healthy" ones and that was the year after I gave birth to Little Man and this last year after being invited on a girls' trip to Mexico and knowing I'd be sporting swimwear. I had gained 50 pounds during my pregnancy and after being cleared to workout again I worked my ass off to lose 45 pounds of the weight I packed on. It took me a year to do it.

Fast forward five years and I've packed 40 pounds back on. Ugh! I watched my weight slowly creep up year over year at my desk job. I made excuses, lots of them and I continued to do so until the start of 2016 when my company announced a Biggest Loser competition and a coworker introducing me to Whole30. I dropped almost 20 lbs in one month. I did not win the competition and watched the extremes some of my coworkers were putting themselves through. One ate nothing but veggies and bone broth for the three months and another went as far as getting liposuction. I was all about the slow and steady. As much as I like instant gratification as much as the next person I'm realistic about my body and my goals.

So, I continued getting in workouts when I could and followed Whole30 loosely. I'd get on the bandwagon for a couple of weeks and then dive head first into a tub of ranch and chicken wings with fries and then I'd get back on track again.

The yo-yo'ing that I put my body through is not healthy so I'm making it a point to get laser focused and prioritize my health again.

Now it's time to buckle down and fuel my body for the workouts that I will be getting and to be able to power through my day.

I'm looking forward to improved health, better sleep, and some pounds and inches lost.

Here are three power bowls that are perfect for the person always on the go and needing to maximize time outside of the kitchen so you can workout and meal prep like me.

Don't get discouraged. Love yourself, no matter what.

Acai Breakfast Power Bowl

  Full of fruit and antioxidants but not too sweet. Perfect option before a workout due to the fast-acting carbs. 

From: Camille Styles

Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• Acai powder
• frozen banana
• unsweetened almond milk
• protein powder
• coconut flakes
• hemp seeds
• cacao nibs
• granola
• fresh berries
• almond butter, optional

And Action:

Combine acai powder, banana, almond milk, and protein powder in the blender. 

Swirl in almond butter, if desired. 

Top with coconut flakes, hemp seeds, cacao nibs, granola, and fresh berries. Enjoy!

Quinoa Power Bowl

Light but filling lunch bowl.

Adapted From: Camille Styles

Makes 1 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 1/2 cup quinoa or any other whole grain - I used a Seven Grain mix. 
• 1 fried egg
• 1/2 cup roasted veggies - any combo you like (I used Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, butternut squash, and asparagus.)
• Sauteed kale with garlic
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1 chicken patty, cubed

And Action:

Layer all ingredients in a bowl. Enjoy!

(Leftovers without the egg and avocado)

Green & Protein Power Bowl
Adapted From: Camille Styles
Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• 1 cup raw kale, massaged
• 1/2 cup shredded chicken or protein of choice
• 1/2 cup sweet potato, cubed and roasted
• 1/2 lemon, wedged 

And Action:

Layer kale, chicken, and sweet potato in a bowl. 

Squeeze lemon over the top. Enjoy!

Try this bowl too:

Garlicky Steak and Veggie Bowls

   

Livin' It Up... 2017 Shell Houston Open

I got called into my boss's office one afternoon and he loves to act like I'm in trouble making me sweat it out before delivering good news. He gifted me with tickets to the Shell Houston Open for the weekend coming up. He must know I have no social life and that I'd be available to go. Haha!

I have never been to this event before but have heard it's enjoyable even if you are not a fan of golf so I was beyond excited that he chose me to give the tickets to.

After making it through security there was a row of vendors and by far the most exciting one was Aflac. I don't know why but getting a photo opp with the "Aflac" duck made me so damn happy. He nipped at the lady who went before me so I was kinda worried he'd get me too but he didn't. This pic was definitely my favorite from the day.

(Phil Mickelson is in the purple shirt.)

Once we looked through all of the booths we made it out to the green and talk about amazing timing, Phil Mickelson walked right by me so I decided to follow him. It was so much fun being amongst the sea of Phil fans and listening to the random conversations being had. I laughed at how "vanilla" the convos were and how, no shit!, three different sets of people were talking about their dentists. WTF?

While following Phil around the golf course I couldn't help but be in awe of the landscape. This is such a beautiful golf course and one of my favorite parts was a lane that was completely shaded by trees and then you cross a wood bridge that had a swamp. It was so green. I found it to be really beautiful and I wasn't the only one. We were all pulling out our cameras to snap pics.

(I really love being short.)

I definitely did not fit in. Ha!

You are not allowed to take video or pictures unless you are on a sidewalk about 10 feet from the ropes but I am short and was able to hide behind people and get videos over their shoulders.

Before leaving the golf course there was a giant set up of the hashtag: FEDEXCUP. I strategically placed myself between the "EXC" and took a pic to send to my boss after having put in a 100 hour work week and almost reaching the point of a mental breakdown. I really should have been more pissed off in the pic to drive the message home because his response was "not bad Chelle".

After having had the opportunity to go to this event I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would absolutely go again. Not entirely sure that I'd enjoy watching golf on TV but to be at a live event most definitely.

If I get the opportunity to ever go again I will be more prepared... a hat, lip balm, sunscreen and lots of cash so I can get a pitchers of mimosas to carry around the course or even better I'll bring a blanket or chair and plant myself at one of the holes and just enjoy people watching for the day.

Thanks again Boss. You know how much I appreciated this.

Doin' Some Cookin'... Italian Burger Patties

Little Man can eat burgers for every meal if I let him, because I don't whenever I give him a "kid's choice" night when preparing the week's menu he'll always request a burger night.

Before pulling a fast one on him and switching it up from a plain beef patty I'll always ask if he's interested in trying something new. I told him about a recipe I had found for Italian Meatballs but figured we could smash them down and they would make for a delicious burger patty. He didn't hesitate to say "okay".

(Served mine over greens to cut down on the carbs since I'm trying to make the healthiest choices possible. Definitely not the best way to eat the burger patty. Next time I'd serve it up with some mashed potatoes. I know, I know.)

He loved these burger patties so much that he requested a cold Italian Burger Patty sandwich the next day. To be honest, it tasted exactly like meatloaf but instead of ketchup these have tomato paste in them. I toasted some bread, spread some mayo and ketchup (his request), and put the burger patty between the slices of toast. He said his lunch was amazing and begged to have the last burger patty for dinner that night.

How can I say no when he likes something I made that much? Exactly. I can't.

Italian Burger Patties

Adapted From: Thriving Home

Makes 4 Patties

Stars of the Show:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• dried parsley, to taste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil

And Action:

With clean hands combine all ingredients in a large bowl until incorporated. 

Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions and flatten into patties. 

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a tbsp of olive oil and add the patties. Cook 4-6 minutes each side depending on how well done you like your patties. Enjoy!