KICK ASS - I AM A FAN!

First I have to say that while Colorado IS the most beautiful place to live our wonderful weather can lead us to a lot of colds. One day it is 60 degrees and the next it is 20 degrees. Now I know there is a lot said that weather doesn't really effect our immune systems...but I swear if you stand outside in 10 degree weather in shorts with wet hair...you might get sick.

About 3 years ago my bestie Heather told me about this little wonder immunity booster and protector during the winter months. It is call, Kick Ass Immune! I was skeptical when she first told me about it, but today it is a staple for Jeremy and I.  The trick with Kick Ass is to use it when you start to feel sick.  Once you are full blown sick, it can't really help you all that well.  I know last year we went through 4 bottles...so sometimes I think I am always just a few steps away from getting sick but who cares...I would rather be a few steps then in the trenches.

I am writing this for those of you who haven't tried because we believe so much in it. I have been fighting a cold all week and I totally forgot to take my Kick Ass, no excuse either because there is one on my desk and a bottle at home, but I forgot and Friday at work the rolling of a cold slowly began to hit me like a dummy test drive into a brick wall.  I jumped right away taking Kick Ass...even though I might be pass my grace period...I think I am containing it!

Anyways thank you Heather for the introduction and I hope you all take a try because I AM A FAN!

Power Snack

Part of my 30-day challenge is getting my eating habits back in order! Here are a few changes I have implemented to continue on in life and eat in moderation.

• No fried foods
• No processed meats
• Limiting red meat
• Limiting desserts

With this said I think snacking is VERY important in our everyday lives. However, what is more important is what we snack on!

One of my favorite "Power Snacks" is a Banana Wrap Treat! I haven't had a microwave for years but I have one at work and I am bringing this protein/vitamin packed goodness back into my life!

Recipe:

1 over ripe banana
3 Tbsp (or more) of fresh ground peanut butter. I grind mine at Whole Foods.
1 to 2 Tbsp of honey. I use Copoco's Honey made right here in Fort Collins! You can use Agave too!
1 Whole Wheat Tortilla Wrap

You smear on the peanut butter, smooch in the banana and drizzle with love the honey. Wrap it tightly and nook for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes in the micro! Careful the oozy goodness of honey will fall all over! This is such a great snack and pretty healthy!

Peace and Love! Happy Snacking!

Butternut and Pumpkin Soup

This is one of my favorite fall/winter soups! It is just so velvety and yummy!

1 butternut squash
1 pumpkin - sugar pumpkin preferred
Vegetable stock
Maple Syrup
1 cup of milk
Cayenne
Grated ginger- god I am in love with fresh grated ginger!
Roasted garlic - I usually roast for about an hour with the pumpkin and butternut squash!
Salt and pepper
Greek yogurt - if to spicy to cool it down

Here is a quick and easy way to make this yummy soup for an evening dinner. I turn the oven to 450 degrees. Slice the squash and pumpkin in half taking out the seeds. Then place in oven with olive oil and roast for about an hour. I put aluminum foil on the cookie sheet and over the top of the squash and pumpkin.

Once soft pull out of oven and scoop out all the goodness. Roasting it makes the pumpkin skin easier to peel. Place in a pot and add all the other ingredients to liking and blend with an immersion blender. Feel free to play with the flavors. Cook til warm and serve!

Peace and Love,

Exertional Compartment Syndrome...What???

My 30-day fitness program is slowly coming to a halt. After skiing with my family over the holiday, the second day I had to stop I had such severe tightness in my calves and the front of my shin and ankle. However, being me I still went for a pretty easy run with my brother-in-law Josh after Christmas (1 minute on and 30 seconds off). However, I have been feeling more pain, numbness in my toes, tightness and I need to get this solved so I can exercise like a normal person. The funny thing about this is that everyone can get it...it isn't isolated to JUST running...it is swimming, football, skiing, soccer, etc... It can be misdiagnosed as shin splits or even a stress fracture before the sports doctor finds the problem.

Today I went back to the ortho (did I mention for a 3rd time) to a different doctor to find out what the hell is wrong. He actually had a few options. After feeling different areas of my leg and my shouting pain he mentioned me having a Compartment Syndrome test. Since when he was feeling parts of my leg I felt horrible pain. It was awful! I almost cried and would jump as he moved his hand to the area of pain!

I have a test set up for Friday, January 13th to get the pressure checked and from what I have been reading if it comes out positive...surgery. Looks like a two week recovery time for surgery at the most and two days for sure no walking or standing at all. I am not really sure what this all means but I have battled this issue all of 2011 and ready for some recovery!

I am totally being my dramatic self and could be jumping the gun...but everything I have read kind of sounds like the symptoms I have had over the past year.  Jeremy and I spoke about considering an MRI, however I have rested, been off the leg, etc...and it just keeps getting worse and the X-Rays show my bones very healthy. After much discussion this morning we decided to have this test done, which let me tell you is PAINFUL per everything I have read! I will be out for at least 24 hours from the test. I think they even knock you out for the test...but who knows.

Here is one of the links I have read:

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

I will keep you posted on the process! Wish me luck!

Peace and Love,

Carrot Soup - A Summer Favorite!

I made this soup earlier this summer and my mom #2, Kathy...Loved it so much she has been begging me for the recipe. It took a lot of digging but I found the recipe again! This soup once made needs to be put in the refrigerator. It is sooo good cold! It makes a great mid-day snack or healthy dinner option.

• 1lb of carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 potato, chopped into chunks (with the skin on)
• 5 cups of vegetable stock
• 2 celery, (with leaves? all the more better)
• 1 cup low fat buttermilk or Greek yogurt. I used Greek yogurt.
• 1 leek white and tender green parts only, coarsely chopped
• 1 onion, chopped roughly
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• pinch of saffron
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp of cayenne

1. In a large pot, combine the stock with the carrots, celery, onion, leek, potato, cumin, paprika and cayenne and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender or food processor, then return to the pot. Stir in the buttermilk and season with salt and pepper. Reheat gently. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with the parsley and serve.

Notes One Serving 115 calories, 1.0 gm total fat, 0.5 gm saturated fat, 18 gm carb

Here is the website I found this Spicy Carrot Soup.