Spaghetti Squash ... well that was EASY!

Ill admit .. at first I was intimidated by this HUGE Squash! However it was taking up an ENTIRE shelf in my fridge and It was time to brave this Giant Gourd! 

I purchased my Spaghetti Squash at Ralph's ... & to be honest Ive never noticed them before ... BUT there they are sitting right next to the summer squash and zucchinis! 

#SQUASHSELFIES

How to prepare Spaghetti Squash: 

Step 1: STAB IT! I stabbed mine at least ten times ALL over ... This allows for the steam to escape and prevents your squash from blowing up! I used a LARGE knife and almost sliced my hand off ... So I would be a horrible girlfriend if I didn't warn you to be careful! 

Step 2: Place on a paper plate and shove it in the microwave for 7 minutes 

Step 3: IMPORTANT: Using an OVEN MIT ... Flip your squash over and microwave for another 7 minutes 

Step 4: (Still using those oven mittens) Take the squash out and let it cool for about 3-5 minutes

Step 5: Using a large knife cut the squash in half LONG WAYS (Pictured) and remove the seeds

Step 6: Take a fork and shred the inside of the squash into a large bowl 

Step 7: Season & Enjoy!

 IT IS SO INCREDIBLY EASY! 

Last night I added BBQ-ed salmon and red bell pepper to my Spaghetti Squash with a light drizzle of soy and ginger sauce! It was AMAZING! 

& I had plenty of left overs that I brought for lunch today and I dressed them up with a sun-dried tomato, pesto, and feta! 

I may NEVER eat noodles AGAIN! Other additions to your pseudo-spaghetti:  
-Turkey meatballs and marinara
- Grilled chicken, broccoli, and a light alfredo sauce 
- Pesto, grilled chicken, sun dried tomatoes, peas, etc ... 

I hope this is helpful & you all run out and grab your own Spaghetti Squash! 

Have a fabulous day! :] xoxo

Mix & Match Menu Ideas

Menu Mix & Match! (with any of the yummy salads from Cycle #1)

Breakfast 
1. Spinach Smoothie (makes 2 servings ... I share mine)
- 2 Handfuls of baby spinach
- 1 Half can of pineapple chunks (strained) 
- 1 CarbSmart yogurt (vanilla favor)
- 2 Medium sized bananas
- 1 Cup of filtered water
- 2 Cups of ice
Blend and enjoy ... so yummy you wont know its stuffed with spinach

2. Breakfast Burrito
- 3 Egg whites
- 1 Medium sized whole wheat tortilla
- Soy Charizo
- Pico de Gallo
- Onions
- Bell pepper

3. Yogurt Parfait
- 1 CarbSmart Yogurt
- Berries
- 1 Tablespoon Flax Seed 

Lunch
1. Chicken Breast
- 1 Baked chicken breast
- 2 Tablespoons of Hummus
- Mixed fresh veggies ex: baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, broccoli etc.

2. Turkey Veggie Wrap
- 1 Whole wheat tortilla
- 3 Slices of turkey meat
- Lettuce
- Tomatoe
- Cucumber
- Sprouts
- Avocado (smooshed and spread like a mayo)

3. Protein Pack
- 2 Hard Boiled Eggs
- 1 Can of tuna
- 1 Whole wheat pita pocket
- 2 slices of low-fat cheese
- Side of cottage cheese

Dinner
1. Southwestern Chopped Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
I add BBQ chicken breast to this 
It is my new FAV salad

2. Turkey Meatballs
- Jenny-O Homestyle Turkey Meatballs
- Light marinara sauce
- Lettuce
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Low fat mozzarella 
Follow package instructions to heat up meatballs and place on a bed of lettuce & veggies

3. BBQ Sauce Salmon
- 1 Salmon Filet
- BBQ Sauce
- Spinach
This is a southern family favorite! Marinade salmon in BBQ sauce and grill
Serve over a bed of spinach ... It may sound gross but it is DIET Changing! <3

Now go get your sweat on! We are 15 days away from Memorial Weekend!

Have a fabulous weekend celebrating your Mommas! <3

Cardio & Weight Training!

My Routine:  (yesterday May 8th) 
30 Minute Interval Training on the Elliptical
- varying intensity and resistance in 2 minute intervals
* Side note: If you are a not sweating in 5 minutes of your work-out ... YOU'RE doing it WRONG!
May look like this: (example)
Minute: 1-2 - Level 5
              3-4 - Level 10 
              5-6 - Level 2
              7-8 - Level 9
              9-10- Level 4  ... and continue varying resistance and intensity!

& if your able to I aim to burn OVER 100 Cal. in 10 minutes. So if your machines allow you to monitor your calorie burn make sure you are burning fast enough! 

Weight Training: I follow a  routine like the one found on Weight Training Guide (with printable workout sheets)

So my schedule is: 
8th: Arms & Abs
9th: Legs & Buns
10th Arms & Abs
11th: Legs & Buns
12th: Rest

Then you we will be up to speed to follow the "link"
Monday: Arms & Abs
Tuesday: Legs & Buns
Wednesday: Cardio &/ or Rest
Thursday: Arms & Abs
Friday: Legs & Buns 
Saturday: Cardio or make-up any day you had to miss
Sunday:REST! 

Modifications & Additions: 
My gym does not have a weight bar ... so my weight training is done solely with dumbbells and machines ... so some of these moves I have modified to fit areas I'd like to work on ... like my fat jiggly triceps (arm flags) hahaha! 
I also add my own set of varying crunches and side crunches (on ab days) and set of LUNGES (on leg days) 

How much weight I use: I choose a weight that is heavy enough for me to only be able to complete 10-12 reps ... If you can do 13 reps ... YOU NEED TO UP YOUR WEIGHT! In sets of 3 

My Menu: (Protein-Protein-Protein)
I eat every two-three hours

6:00- Scrambled egg whites on a whole wheat tortilla
8:00- Yogurt
10:00- Apple
12:00- A baked chicken breast with hummus
2:00- Veggies with hummus
4:00- Yogurt
6:00 GYM
7:30- Dinner of Protein & Veggies

So while weight training you must focus on giving your body as much protein as possible! I prefer not to use protein powders or protein bars ... but instead use egg whites, chicken breasts, lean turkey, fish, nuts, beans, etc.

I am working on making a spinach smoothie recipe for quick breakfasts ... FIRST ATTEMPT: FAIL! 

Please remember ... I am just an ordinary person looking to better my body WITHOUT short-cuts & gimmicks ... YES I know I wont be a "Bikini Model" in 16 days ... BUT I will be better than I was yesterday! So yes I will have trial and error and will learn what works and what doesn't ... but at the end of the day I'm just trying to be healthy and look good in a bathing suit :] 

Thank you for joining me LOVES! xoxo

& if you have any questions comment!

Memorial Weekend ... Are you Bikini Ready?!?!

Did you really think I could stay away? 

The past 2 months have been AMAZING! I am going to be a WIFE! Eight days after the completion of our first cycle (coincidentally)  my Best Friend popped the question! I am going to be the FUTURE MRS. JOHN AYRES!

So now that all the Champagne has been popped ... Its time to get back down to business! & So I think the perfect time to restart is ... NOW! We have 17 days till the "Official Start" to BIKINI SEASON! (Memorial Weekend) & I plan on doing this cycle differently and incorporating my work-out routine along with my daily meal plan.

I PROMISE ...This is no LAME-ASS "30 Day Squat Challenge" Routine ... This will be an even balance of Cardio & Weight Lifting! 

SO STRAP ON YOUR SPORTS BRAS LADIES! 


I honestly just got a wild hair and decided to START as soon as possible ... So I have yet to create a  weekly menu and exercise routine ... I will!  Expect it by Friday! But to kick off today ... GET HYDRATED! 

Wednesday May 8th:

Breakfast: CarbSmart Yogurt - Cinnamon Roll Flavor
                    Starbucks Tenta Iced Coffee with 2 shots of espresso 
                    Green Tea #1 
                    Lemon WATER

Snack: Apple

Lunch: Green Tea # 2
            Carrots & Cherry Tomatoes with Hummus
            Lemon WATER

Snack: CarbSmart Yogurt

Dinner: TURKEY TACO SALAD! (See Tuesday's Menu from Previous Cycle) 
              
As for my work-out routine I will get something together as quickly as possible 
But will share the routine I do tonight with you tomorrow! So today I recommend you go dust of your gym shoes, step on the scale, and take that before photo (preferably in the bikini you will be working hard to look great in)

Women's Weight Lifting Bible 

Also check out the link above most of my weight lifting routine motivation will be coming from here!

I am beyond thrilled and excited to get started ... & I hope you you will join me in my "last ditch effort" before Bikini Season! :D

XOXO