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!  

I Had To Do It!

I have been saying for the longest that I am going to make some granola bars. Well, I finally did it!! OMG!! And why did I do it?? I could seriously eat the entire pan!! They are SO delicious! Shoutout to my friend Renee for putting me on! I had no idea they were going to change my life. LOL! Mmmm!

Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup craisins, raisins, or dates (optional)
• 1 cup dark chocolate baking chips (optional)
• 1/4 cup honey, maple syrup, or agave 
• 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 cup chopped nuts (peanuts, almond, walnuts, or a mix)
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (not the instant)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• a couple sprinkles of cinnamon or any other spice you want to you

Instructions

1. Put dry ingredients in a bowl and toss to mix (oats, nuts, craisins, dark chocolate)
2. Warm honey and peanut butter in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix until dry mix is coated
3. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8×8 dish or other small pan lined with parchment paper so they lift out easily. (A loaf pan might work, but will yield thicker bars.)
4. Bake in the oven on 325 for 20-30 minutes depending how chewy or crunchy you want them to be (more time for more crunch)
5. Remove bars from pan, let cool off, and cut into 10 even bars. Wrap each bar in saran wrap and store in an airtight container for up to a few days. You can also put them in the freezer if you don't plan to eat the entire batch.

I didn't use the craisins; and instead of the suggested nuts, I used sunflower seeds!

You should totally try this recipe! I can't even explain. Now, excuse me while I go have ANOTHER granola bar! *giggles*

A Little Love. A Little Happy.

So, I have been on a serious documentary kick lately. I've watched documentaries on meth, being happy, the human body, the largest White clan in America... I mean I've really just drowned myself in documentaries. Each documentary has a recurring theme: love and happiness!

It is amazing how love can keep a person healthy and happy. The meth addicts who survived their struggle survived because someone loved them enough to care about whether or not this person lived. The meth addict loved himself/herself enough to make a change and neglect the drug. The happiest people in the world weren't the richest people in the world, but they were/are the most loved. They are connected with their communities and understand the value of those connections. When studying the human anatomy, scientists concluded happy people are smarter and healthier and as a result live longer.

From the documentaries I was able to conclude that health and happiness have a direct correlation. The happiest people live to be 100+ years old and have very little health complications. Some of these people never workout in their lives, but they are active, social, laughing, and engaged in their communities. Being happy makes a difference good people. When I started my fitness journey, I was miserable. I gained 20 lbs from a stressful and very intense job. I was not active. I ate in accordance with my feelings. And my attitude reflected all of the above. Once I removed myself from the stressful atmosphere (quitting the stupid job), I was closer to getting a grip on my happiness. The second step to getting a grip on my happiness was becoming active; but even after I was running 5 miles a day and cleaning up my diet, I was still missing something. It was that community connection.

For the longest, Orlando made me very unhappy because I didn't have a community connection here. I couldn't wait for the weekends to go home or travel and meet up with my best friends and family. It was extremely hard for me. I am a very connected person. I love people, chatting, LAUGHING, eating... it's my culture... my southern culture. So, I had to find that community in Orlando OR I was going to move. Seriously. Eventually, I was able to connect. It took some time, but I was definitely blessed to find family and friends that make my life in Florida MUCH happier, and I am BEYOND thankful.

So, this weekend was somewhat of a reality check for me. It is not always about how many reps you kill or how long ran or what you can't eat this week. Sometimes it is legitimately about being happy! Stress causes so many different diseases and health complications. However, when you are happy, there isn't enough room for stress in your life. It really is a beautiful thing. So my recommendation for a healthier you, is to try a little love and a little happy! Before you know it, you've become a healthier person! I just love it! *giggles*

Here's to love, happiness, and health!! XOXO!

Feeling Some Type of Way

I just have to share! So, I am finally back to my normal self. My body is so used to not eating processed foods, sugars, and fats that it went into a state of panic after my weekend festivities. I can tell that the foods I had over the weekend have finally escaped my body. It really and truly is a good feeling. They always say, "You are what you eat...", and that is so very true. I am a living witness who is able to provide testimony. #amen

The change does not come over night. As a matter of fact, it probably won't come until you have faithfully practiced a clean diet for at least six months. Even then, your body still recognizes the old foods you used to eat. So, you won't necessarily get sick but maybe you will notice a difference in your attitude or your energy levels. The past four (4) days I have experienced all of the above. My attitude has sucked, my energy has blah (to say the least), and I felt miserable; but today I am finally back to my old self. People ask me how I can be so strict on my diet. Well, when you know the ramifications of eating the "dirty" food(s) it makes it that much easier to maintain a clean diet. I love peach cobbler with a dollop of ice cream just like the next person, but I can only take so many tummy aches a year. Seriously. My next scheduled cheat is Thanksgiving OR my mom's wedding. Either way, neither cheat is going to be a splurge. I cannot afford that physically. HAHA!

I have an idea, how about one (1) day a week you try to maintain a clean diet. A clean diet consists of foods that have not been processed and/or over processed. For example, there are some foods that we buy that have to be processed- rice, dairy, grains. When it comes to the foods that require some sort of processing, the idea is to try to buy the organic version or the variant which has no hormones. I eat eggs (a processed food), but I always buy hormone free, caged free eggs. The extra hormones in eggs can affect your natural hormone levels causing you to go all kinds of crazy (not super craycray, but kind of craycray); and when hens and/or chickens are caged they are more susceptible to disease. No bueno.  People wonder why 12 year old girls start their cycle so early and have DD's. Well, a lot of the hormonal issues can be associated with their diet. Those processed burgers from Sonic and McDonald's are not good for a growing teen.

Exercise isn't even half of the battle. Ninety percent of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is maintaining a healthy diet. Think about it: can you run faster if you are within your recommended weight range OR if you are 100 lbs over your recommended weight range? It really isn't rocket science. I mean, it is scientific, but with the proper resources it can be as easy as 1-2-3! :)

Stay blessed good people! Until next time! XOXO!

You Can Take The Girl Out Of The Country

Well, well, well... I spent my entire weekend in the great state of TN! I am always elated to go home and spend time with family and friends. Some of the most important people in my life, live and/or are from the state of TN! How could I not love this place? (I am currently sitting in Memphis airport.) I got to see my best friends from college on Friday. They are all very understanding and know that when coming to TN, Memphis is just a pit stop. I eventually have to make my way to the country side. My plan was for all of us to get together and play spades. Well, as I am leaving Orlando International my ass drops my damn cell phone. Now, for those of you who have seen my cell phone you know that the thing was one drop away from a coma... this was the drop. When it fell, the battery came out. Me being me, I am like, "Oh that's no big deal. That happens all of the time." WHAT- EVER! Big freaking deal. My phone was nonresponsive. I mean nothing- no text, email, social media- I can't even push the talk-to-text button and attempt to call anyone. So, I'm freaking. Number one, the flight attendant says, "...power down your cellular devices..." Oh,  you mean this thing?? Because it won't turn off! HAHAH! I was really stumped for a second about what to do. LOL! Duh Heidi, take the damn battery out because if this plane starts to plummet, I am going to need for you not to be the cause. SMH! So, I make it to Memphis and my friend Cristy and her daughter Lucy are scheduled to pick me up. Well, I knew she would be a little late, but of course when shit like this happens you think everybody in the world has forgotten about you. So, here I am at Memphis International with my laptop trying to make a phone call from Google Chat. LOLOL! I emailed her, facebook'd her... come to find out, she was late because she had to get gas. And not only did she have to get gas, but she had to get gas from a gas station where she didn't feel like she would get robbed. In Memphis that's like trying to find a damn pot of gold at the end of the rainbow... we'll be looking for days. LOL! (But I LOVE Memphis!! Swear I do!!) In the end, we all finally got together, went to dinner, and laughed and parlayed for a few hours. We are all super grown and tire easily. LOL! By 11:30 pm, we were all ready for bed.

Saturday morning I woke up at 6:00 am, ready to workout. There is an AWESOME new workout facility right down the street from my friend Kris's house. So, I get dressed and driver down the street only to find out they do not give out visitor passes. The hell?? I was like, "...but I am only in town for the day. I'm already dressed. Just let me workout..." The front desk associate was not going, but the manager on duty agreed to let me workout. All I had to do was provide a copy of my photo ID. Ooooh, you mean the photo ID I left at my girlfriend's house. #fail I was soooo frustrated. At this point I only had 30 minutes to do a leg workout- not enough. So, I TOLD the manager on duty that I was just going to run sprints in his parking lot. He was just fine with that! You know everyone in Memphis is nice and country. They will really try to help you when they can (another reason I LOVE Memphis). After my workout I went and got my hair straightened for my mom's tea. I have been fighting with this hair all weekend. It is still straight, but the measures I have taken to keep it this way are ridiculous. I went to lunch with my girlfriends on Saturday, walked outside to go to the car, saw it was raining and about entered a state of panic. Rain to a natural black girl is like a cat to a mouse... shit is scary.

After lunch, I went to McKenzie to get ready for my mom's bridal tea! Yes, my mother is getting married! Everyone is so surprised when I tell them my mom is getting married. I know, it is hard to believe. Hell, I am still adjusting. I almost feel like I will be adjusting for the rest of my life, but that is another post. LOL! Mom and I ran around and attempted to get the little things I needed for the tea. Much success!! Unfortunately, I got that afternoon sweet tooth, but I managed to find some fat free, dairy free, frozen yogurt. It was so good. I topped that joker with strawberries and blueberries. DELICIOUS! I was trying to take it easy on the food because I asked my God mother to cook dinner for my best friend Danielle and I. Boy did she throw down. The menu consisted of:

Dressing (that's cornbread stuffing for those of you who aren't southern enough)
Cranberry sauce
White beans
Cornbread
Fried porkchops
Mac and cheesey
Fried corn
Cucumber salad

Do you see all of these damn carbs!? I ate with no remorse. But I will have you know, I had to mentally prepare myself for this meal... like, I prepped for the meal a week in advance. I changed my workouts the week before because I knew I was going to be eating ridiculously. I worked out super tough. And I didn't over eat (although I wanted too). I kept it simple- a small spoonful of each.

Although the food was delicious, it was SOOOOO bad for me. I felt like shit all freaking weekend. Why you ask?? Because I ate shit food!!! People wonder why they have high blood pressure, high blood sugar, irregular bowel movements, because of the crap food you are putting in your mouth. The fact that I could feel my sugar spike and see water retention in my hands and feet- that is not good guys. That is not healthy. Don't get me wrong, the food is delicious. I grew up on this food. But the food is horrible for you. Number one, look at this menu. There is not one green vegetable (except for the cucumber salad, which doesn't count) on my plate. NOT ONE! No wonder you get the "itis" after you eat southern food. You rarely have anything on your plate that will give you energy. When I eat, I eat to fuel my body. Those foods do not fuel your body. If anything, they slow your body down because it has to work that much harder to process everything and push everything through your system. Not a good look. I still feel a little out of the ordinary today. This upcoming week is going to be all about the recovery. This straight hair is done for. I have a date with the gym once I get back to Orlando. I just need to decide if I am going to the crossfit gym or if I am going to do my own thing. Either way, fat will die today... it will die a miserable death.

My mom's tea was beautiful! She really enjoyed herself and her friends. We had a great time! I couldn't have done it without my boo, Darren. He held it down. I am not an event planner. The shit works my nerves. I just want to host and drink wine and be merry. I can laugh and talk all day. The planner we have to hire! HA!

I hope everyone is doing well and taking care of their minds, bodies, and spirits!!We are beginning the boarding process! I love you all! Try to stay away from the shit food because it REALLY, REALLY does make you feel like shit! XOXOXOOX!

Sunflower Seeds and Leafy Greens

Well hello there friends! *in my Winnie the Pooh voice*

Yes, the kid is still here working out and eating healthy. My current addiction is sunflower seeds! I cannot stop with the sunflower seed madness. OMG! I seriously have to walk away from the little container. If I don't measure my 1/4 cup serving, it is a wrap. I will eat and eat and eat all of the sunflower seeds until they are gone. On the bright side, the sunnies (my nickname for sunflower seeds) are EXTREMELY healthy for you. They have tons of vitamin E and are very high in fiber! The fiber bit is what sells me. I can honestly say that the sunnies keep me regulated. I can tell when I have had my dose and when I have not. Big difference! If you have issues with maintaining a regular bathroom schedule, a change in your diet will make all of the difference. Leafy greens, fruits, and nuts all aid in regulating the digestive system. Trust me, I didn't believe the hype either. But when I devoted myself to this lifestyle, the change in my digestive system was one of the first things I noticed.

I am still heavy lifting and participating in the MMA training class. Both workouts are off the chain!!! My favorite instructor is no longer with the MMA gym, so I am a bit devastated. She is such a good teacher and coach. I told her that wherever she ends up, I am sure to follow. You have a fitness junkie in me honey! LOL!

The video above is a great reference tool on how to perfect a squat! Thunder thighs over here LOVES her some squats! My legs are the strongest part of my body. So, when I am training my legs I feel like a beast. Although squats are considered a leg workout, they work your entire body. Leg exercises are some of the most effective when it comes to burning fat. Because the muscle group is so large, it requires more energy to break down and repair those muscles, in turn, burning more energy. In my opinion, all women should do leg workouts. Legs make the world go 'round ladies!!! Show me a man that doesn't love legs and I will show you a figment of your imagination! Hahaha!

My 6 pack is slowly but surely coming. I keep telling you guys  that I will take pictures. I do take some, but I need them to be better for me to post. So, I will work on that. In the meantime and in between time, you guys stay healthy, motivated, and blessed!

XOXO!