phase 2: week 2

I made it through the first phase with only a handful of unintentional cheats {I'll let John post his version of the cheat himself :)}... and my clothes fit so much nicer! Phase 2: week 1 was tougher than I suspected in keeping my addition of 1 fruit & 1 carb to only... 1 fruit & 1 carb. I admit, there were a few more cheats this past week — thank you Grandma... you know what you did... official OREO temptress — but this week I get 2 fruits, 2 carbs. Love it. Just about home free! I notice now that this detox has changed my cravings and recipe alterations. Last night? Balsamic chicken w/mushroom and zucchini over wheat angel hair pasta. Here's the recipe:

1 tbsp. olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 yellow onion, diced
8 large mushrooms, quartered
1 1/2 cups cubed zucchini
2 cups water
1 cube chicken bouillion
1 tbsp. garlic powder OR 2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar + more if you like
2 tbsp. lime/lemon juice
salt & pepper to taste

wheat angel hair pasta

Heat olive oil in skillet, add chicken and onions browning on outside. Add mushrooms, zucchini, pepper and salt. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Add bouillion to 2 cups boiling water and stir until dissolved. Add to chicken etc. along with garlic, balsamic vinegar, lime or lemon juice. Sauté then simmer. While this is simmering, boil angel hair pasta.

The Big E

Every day that I work out, I get to put an E on the calendar. Call me silly, dumb, immature, childish or whatever, but the big "E", for exercise, is great motivation. I look back and either feel ashamed that I only exercised once or twice a week, or totally motivated that I managed to work out everyday.
The big E is a rewards program too! If I have so many big E's on my calendar by the end of the month, I get a treat! i.e. new pants, shirt, trip to Jamaica...jk. Sure it's kind of like what we used to do when we were kids, but seeing all of the E's on my calendar sure makes me feel like I am on my way to achieving my fitness goals. Incidentally, my fitness goal for this year, the year of the new decade...DECADE!!! Egh! I'm getting old...is to be my healthiest by the time I turn 31. Did I say egh at my age yet, because I'm going to say it again, EGH!
Anyway, off to go put another E on the calendar. Wish me luck. I have been toying with the idea of doing a P90X leg work out, but may take a break from Tony Horton (host/creator) after the Ab Ripper I did yesterday. Ah well, regardless, I will be doing something.