Rest and Relaxation

As I rip and run the streets (as my nana would say), I've noticed my energy levels have gotten lower. I have been out of town for three (3) weekends straight  and today is the day when all of that traveling has finally caught up with me. The month of October has been a whirlwind. Between my mom's wedding and traveling to see different friends, I really haven't had the chance to sit still. But it is funny how when your body needs something, it will definitely let you know.

I have had the worst headache all day and I cannot attribute it to anything other than lack of rest. Sometimes we go too long without taking a break  and allowing our bodies to recuperate and find their bearings.  Rest is a cornerstone for a healthy lifestyle. If you have not allowed your body adequate amounts of rest it will quickly shutdown on you.

After I have done an intense workout I MUST have at least 6 hours of sleep. If I do not get enough sleep I am tired and cranky and definitely not up for another workout the next day. The last thing I want to do is miss a workout. So I try to allow my body it's time for rest and relaxation. Now, rest and relaxation does not mean for you to sleep your life away and be lazy-no. It actually means quite the opposite. When you have pushed your body (or your mind) to certain limits making it work (sometimes excessively) it is important you reward yourself with an off day. Enjoy the weather, a spooky haunted house, or funny friends and a glass of wine. Take time to reflect on where you have come from, where you are headed, and what it will take to get there. If you are anything like me, a rest day is sometimes one of the most difficult days of the week. But it is so very necessary.

Rest up for the new week ahead and remember to stay focused. As I pray for peace and clarity, I ask the same for each of you. May your lives have direction and purpose. Always.

Signed,

The Country Fried, Rested, Fit Freak!

Turkey Time!

So, Wal-Mart had turkey legs on sale- 3 in a pack for like $5.50. Um, can we say STEAL?! I still have turkey legs in my freezer. LOL! This is really good baked turkey leg recipe. I pretty much followed the recipe. I did, however, substitute the white potato for a sweet potato. But with the gravy from the meat and the veggies, I think the white potato would taste better. Also, you might want to add some meat tenderizer or adjust your cooking time and temp. The legs do not come out super tough, but they are not fall off of the bone either. You know big country want 'em good and juicy! Hahhaah!!! 

Enjoy!!

Baked Turkey Legs

Cook Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes


Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 pounds turkey legs with or without thighs

• half of 1 lemon

• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme, crumbled

• 1 cup finely chopped onion

• 1/4 cup butter

• 2 to 3 carrots, sliced in 1/2-inch pieces

• 3 ribs celery, sliced in 1/2-inch pieces

• 1 potato, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

• 1 cup dry white wine

Preparation:

If thighs are attached, cut away from the legs with sharp knife. Rub turkey pieces with the half lemon. Mix 1 teaspoon of the salt with the pepper, garlic powder, and thyme; rub over surface of turkey pieces.

Serves 4.


In a heavy skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Sauté onion in hot butter until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the carrot pieces, celery, potato, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, coating with the butter and onion mixture.

Spread the vegetables evenly in a greased or sprayed 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Top with turkey pieces in a single layer. Heat wine in a saucepan just to the boiling point; pour over turkey. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 1 1/2 hours, or until turkey pieces are tender and juices run clear when pierced with a fork. If turkey is becoming too browned, cover with foil. 

Say Something!

Ooo We!!

I had a completely different post prepared about my recent visit to McKenzie, TN and how I was able to balance those country fried foods and my healthy, fit lifestyle. I deleted it. I am not in that place anymore. So, I figured it would be irrelevant for me to post on it right now. Instead, I will post on where I am and where I am headed.

I am pretty lean at the moment. The last time I had my body fat tested I was right at 16%- which isn't bad for a woman. I have also been told that I look much leaner than 16%. I really don't have major leaps to be exactly where I want. By the new year, I plan to AT LEAST be at 15% body fat. In reality, I want to be at 14% body fat. I need to assess what I look like at 15 and move on from there. I am already small, I don't  need to be walking around looking like a damn bobble head (so serious). The body I want is going to come from hard work and DEDICATION!! The cheat days are now going to be far and few between. We have scheduled workout days and no scheduled workout can be missed. The bottom line is, I know exactly that I need to do to lower my body fat and achieve the cut, fit aesthetics I hope for.

So, it's that easy- clean up the diet, lift heavy, and maintain cardio levels. Meh, not really. Well, it might be that easy for someone who is only concerned with their physical health. But when I started my lifestyle of healthy living, I vowed to increase my overall health. I vowed to be a healthier person spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Now I will say, I had no idea what I was stepping into when I made the vow (one of the hardest things I've ever done); but I can legitimately say that with each challenge presented, I've evolved into a better person. These last few months, I have been so focused on my physical health that I have neglected my spiritual health. A healthy spirit is just as important as a healthy body. As a matter of fact, a healthy spirit is probably more important than a healthy body. And as I type, I think why have I neglected my spirit so?? That's neither here nor there. What matters is that I get a grip on things before I have to do serious damage control. You heard it here first, meditation has officially re-entered my realm. I am a little nervous about it, but we got this. Meditation has never hurt me. It may have brought up some things I didn't want to deal with, but in the end it was for the betterment of my spirit. No pain, no gain... that's what they say.

I will post pictures of my progress. I will also post some recipes and workouts. I have been off my grizzly lately... but we are back with a effing vengeance! :)

Peace!