Weightloss Journey Take Two!

In February 2013 I set out to lose weight. Through out that year it was a struggle to actual stick to any plans that I came up with when it came to fitness and eating right. Even with these struggles, I managed to lose almost 30lbs in time to go see my now husband graduate from bootcamp. Vacation always screws up plans, but I tried to stay away from as much junk food as possible. I managed to keep my weight the same.
After that, I returned home and continued my weightloss. I had stopped working out and decided I was just going to eat as little as possible. I began to only eat about 900-1000 calories a day. Many know that is unhealthy and even though I knew that I didn't care. I did't worry about cutting out unhealthy foods or eating fast food. I only worried about the calories. From about December 2013 to the beginning of March 2014 I managed to get my weight down to 142lbs! That is the smallest I have ever been that I can actually remember. Obviously, I did it the incorrect way and it caught up with me.
Early March I got married and quickly put back on 20lbs in the months to follow because I hadn't changed my habits. I ate what I wanted and I had stopped counting the calories. Now, I am on take two of my journey and I'm doing great!
I have realized that eating that low of calories was very unhealthy and it made my body feel weak. I am now eating about 1500 calories in a day. I may not be losing weight as quickly but I feel so much better! I am working out about 1-2 hours a day 6 days a week and resting on Sunday. It still has been a struggle to keep my plan but I am almost through week two and have dropped 4lbs! Motivation, old photos of who I was, and wanting to be healthy and strong keep me going. I know what I am capable of and I will continue to push myself each and every day.

New Recipe Friday!

     I have been trying to eat less meat and get more protein from nuts and sometimes egg whites. We have recently tried two meatless recipes, one actually following a recipe and the second just adding some here and there for the meal I am showing off today. The prep and cooking time is under an hour as long as you don't make homemade corn tortillas which will add another hour since the dough has to set. Corn tortillas are easy and I don't mind making them because then I know what is going in them and I know there aren't any preservatives and what not. I also used dry beans and cooked them up myself a few days ago for the first recipe. I'll list the recipes below and hopefully someone else will enjoy them as much as I have!

Corn Tortillas:
http://www.theleangreenbean.com/homemade-corn-tortillas-and-tortilla-chips/

Crunchy Black Bean Tacos:
http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/12/crunchy-black-bean-taco-recipe.html

Spanish Rice:
http://skinnyms.com/skinny-mexican-rice/

Cooking Dried Beans:
http://onceamonthmeals.com/get-real-dry-beans-vs-canned-and-the-winner-is/

Enchilada Casserole (makes 8 servings):

1/2 jar of any salsa
1 can black beans
12 corn tortillas
1/2 cup cilantro
1/2 cup onion
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp paprika
1 cup or more of any cheese

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl except for the tortillas and cheese.
In a square pan place four tortillas on the bottom and some of the mixture and a bit of cheese, depending on how much cheese you want.
Layer again and then place the last four tortillas on top with a bit more cheese.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes with aluminum foil on top. You can take it off after and broil it for a few minutes, I did.
Enjoy!

Yesterday,

   I made my own corn tortillas and beans not from a can! The real test will be when we eat them tomorrow. Hopefully, I did well and if not then I will just keep trying. I have plenty of time to make mistakes. Now it is time to write some of my novel and quit procrastinating!

Trying New Things,

    Now a days most things that seem healthy are not. Many items are packed with different forms of corn ranging from Xanthum Gum to High Fructose Corn Syrup. After watching many documentaries I have realized that the groups put in place to protect our health are doing the exact opposite. Don't get me wrong, I love food! I have struggled with weight my whole life and still am. It's hard to find a balance between getting into a new lifestyle and still wanting to enjoy the delicious foods we see all around us. Many will argue for moderation and that's fine, but how is that going to help in the long run? We would still be eating things that could cause damage to our body. I don't want to risk my health for something that is only going to make me happy until it's gone and I want more. That just won't do.
    I have realized that I have plenty of time on my mind. I could be baking bread and making my own refried beans and what not. Why aren't I? It is definitely a healthier option and something that I will be trying in the next few weeks. It'll give me something to do and will also cut out a lot of processed items I don't need while still allowing me to eat something that is delicious. The only person that is stopping me is myself.

Healthy Eating,

     Since getting married and moving away I have gained back about 15-20lbs. It definitely has taken a toll and I just feel gross. I'm happy to say that today is day one of getting back into the swing of things. I want to drop 30lbs and eating the way I have been just isn't going to cut it. It is time to make healthier choices and to stick with it and make it a lifelong lifestyle. I have my workouts ready and running starts next monday! I'm actually excited for all this because it's another start and I know I will feel good in the long run.

A Hurricane,

     Life on the east coast must come with a few storms here and there.It rains a few times a week but today I will be faced with my first hurricane! I'm not even sure what to expect and we didn't really prepare like the doomsday preppers who have bought all of the water at the commissary and Walmart. I'm not that worried. The rain and wind will start at about 3pm and will go through the night until about 10am. I'm glad that it is during the night! If my power goes out then it is no big deal, haha.
    His family is still on their way and will be here tomorrow morning. Hopefully, they will not rush because of the storm, (take your time!). We are looking forward to seeing them and getting some delicious Kentucky BBQ! But, just happy we will see them and have company for the weekend. Staying safe and staying in for the next day!

Days Like These,

     I love days where him and I can get out for a nice stroll. The weather wasn't too bad today, not much humidity and a slight breeze! I love being able to spend time with him and it's definitely a time filled with great communication. It was also nice to start off the day with church. We are so thankful to my dad for doing research and finding us a great church. The people have been very kind and we are looking forward to a Sunday where we can stay for potluck. We will be able to meet other young couples and really get to know the people in the church.
    God has been very good. He has led us to a wonderful church and to people who aren't worrying about partying. I am excited to see what else He has in store for us this year. Although, time has flown by since we said "I do" in March and I can't wait for our first anniversary! I am very thankful and blessed.

The Reality of Society,

Everyone deals with criticism. No one has ever been excused from it and no one ever will be. People use criticism to build one another up, but mostly to tear someone down. Criticism comes at times when we least expect or want it and from people we have thought higher of. Recently, I was criticized for my choices in life. I was criticized for not having a job or going to college and by not doing one or the other I am a "dependa", especially since my husband is in the military.
     The term "dependa" gets a lot of bad criticism because you are known to be fat, lazy, and you just do nothing. Let's get one thing clear, these people criticizing me do not know me. They do not know my life or my ambitions. They only see that I do not have a job or a degree. In today's society someone is practically nothing without one or the other. Their self worth is demolished and they pity themselves. It doesn't help that society has created such a norm and that once in the cycle it is hard to break free from. Women are busy trying to climb ladders and jump through hoops to become better than a man. They have stepped out of their  normal role as housewife or mother for many hours of the day. Now, I am not knocking those who work because some need to since one income is not enough.
     You and even my critics know that I do not have children at this point in life but I do have a job. My job is as a housewife. My job is taking care of our pets so they do not have to be locked up all day. My job is running the house, cleaning and cooking. My job is as a writer. I have all of these jobs but not one is considered such. There are also a few things I would like to do in life but under circumstances make them quite difficult. I want to have a rescue for dogs and I want to foster children and in the future I will.
    My days may not be as full as others, but that's fine because this is what I have chosen. Criticism can be brushed off or taken and I choose to brush it off. My husband and I are fine with my choices and that is all that matters. We are a team and if depending on him makes me a "dependa" then I guess it makes everyone who is married one. We are all supposed to lean on our spouses and there is nothing wrong with that.

The Natural Way,

I recently downloaded an app called "Think Dirty" which explains what beauty products are made of. The results are surprising! With skin being the biggest organ I felt the need to actually do something when many could have long term effects which include cancer. I am very fortunate for Pinterest because you can find many natural diy beauty products. Hopefully some do work and if that is the case I will be posting them on here for others to check out. Fingers crossed!

Our House,

One thing we have been blessed with since moving out on our own would be the house we have. We have a four bedroom/three bath house that is on base. It is definitely more room than two people need, but it will be nice for when we do have company. We are located thirty minutes from the beach and have went once while his mom was in town. I am hoping there are plenty more visits to come before fall hits. Thankfully, I have plenty of time! I thought I'd share some photos of the house as well:

And so it begins,

Many have asked what our house and the area we live in looks like or how it is to be married and on our own. It's not always easy to remember to catch up with someone or, in this case, everyone back home but I am hoping that having a blog will get many connected into our life. In this day and age it shouldn't be hard to snap a few photos here and there because almost everyone has a smart phone and yet I always seem to forget. Hopefully, I'll be able to capture more and document our new life on the east coast. Now to do as my title says and begin...