Note: You can sign up for the Clean Eating Boot Camp here, completely free!
To catch up on previous weeks’ steps, click here!
How’s it going so far? Hangin’ in there?
How was cutting out fast food? Who had to do some major troubleshooting to figure out how to prevent themselves from stopping at McBurgerby’s for dinner? Who’s still struggling and would like to share? Who was successful? How’s your wallet looking? More money there than you’re used to? Great – now you know how to make clean eating less pocket-painful.
Cast Iron Parsnips
Who’s been slippin’ on their water intake? Did ya think I forgot?
This week, we’ll be working with those vegetables you were asked to snatch up. Butternut squash, parsnips, radishes, brussels sprouts, and beets. You were only supposed to pick one… so make sure you have it on hand!
This week, the rules are simple:
1) No fast food… and start limiting your intake of “calories from outside food.” That means restaurants (except for special occasions. And, by “special occasion,” I mean “wedding, anniversary or major life milestone celebration.” That means Starbucks. That means your suite-or-office-mate’s candy dish. Time to start cracking down.
Since these are the places and spaces most like to not be completely clean, and the spaces where you’re most likely to spend excessive and unnecessary amounts of money which affect your ability to afford the things you truly need, we have to keep our priorities in line properly.
2) You have the next 7 days to pick one of the following items, and hold onto it:
As far as storing this week’s items, keep them stashed away in a sealed container. There’s nothing more fear-inducing than finding little friends in your food before you even get to cook it!
20 comments
Erica, I thought I was doing well…until a trip to emergency room has me rethinking everything! I knew I was slipping on the water intake but I seemed to be ok with everything else. I had a heart attact scare after shoveling snow and from now on, I won’t shovel nothing! While in ER the Dr. ordered an ultrasound of my heart, while it was clear and good, the tech who performed the test told me I wasn’t drinking enough fluid. Wow she could tell that from the test. I’m upping my water intake as we speak. Also I had started a bootcamp class on Saturday mornings 2 weeks prior to ER visit, sounds good right, just 1 day a week. Not so fast, Dr. asked me if the trainer was certified and honestly I didn’t know. The brother is in great shape so I assumed he was. The problem is that that he MAY (I’m not accusing him of anything)not have considered my age, 49, and relative health and had me doing far more than I was capable of doing. Eventually the Dr stated that he thought I may have pulled a muscle in my chest either from shoveling snow or lifting weights that I wasn’t accustomed to. Either way, If you have a trainer, make sure they are certified and really understand your age and health at the time you sign up. Many people say I ‘don’t look fat’ but they dont know that I used to smoke…I did tell the trainer that and I thought he understood that for me, this process would have to be slower than others in the class. Erica, you and this blog are truly a blessing. Keep teaching, preaching and getting the word out. I’m NOT going into 50 overweight or prediabetic….I’m going into 50 Fabulosusly!!!!
I have been doing great with the water but really struggled over the weekend with no fast food. My husband loves going to Golden Corral for the breakfast buffet (and so do I). I love their waffles 🙁
I do much better during the week because I eat breakfast before I leave the house and I brown bag for lunch, the weekend just gives me too much free time.
I have my butternut squash ready to go!
Golden Corral?
MAMA.
Can I just teach you how to make some nice biscuits and gravy or something instead? HOLY MOLY.
Yes, a recipe for some biscuits and gravy or homemade waffles would be great! 🙂
I love Quinoa! We eat that at least twice a week so I will try one of the other items. I’ve eaten wheatberries from the salad bar at whole foods but I’ve never prepared them. I think i will try those.
I am doing good with my water intake. I have a 32 oz. water bottle and I fill and complete it 3-4 times a day. My goal is to consistently drink 4, but I always get in at least 3.
I tried brussel sprouts this week. I steamed them with onions and chicken in a pan. This may be cheating a little bit (because I cooked them with the chicken) but I didn’t add any oil or butter.
I just bought quinoa over the weekend. I look forward to trying it this week.
I’m a huge mix… Ive done great with no fast food (yay me) and I have fluctuating water intake days. I’ve picked my vegetable (parsnips) but I haven’t bought it yet. Gotta wait for payday! I’m familiar with all the others except wheatberries so I guess I’ll pick that one.
I have been drinking a gallon of lemon water a day for the past 3 weeks and I feel terrific. I’m not sure if water helps the skin, but I had a male friend comment on how radiant my skin looked….YIPPEE!!! Since I am already a big fan of Quinoa, I will either purchase some Couscous or Wild Rice.
Btw, I had stepped outside of my “food comfort” zone and purchased a couple of avocados (which I have never eaten before). I plan to try one in some smoothies this week. Would you please post some recipes that call for avocados as an ingredient?
Seeking healthy meal options that taste good. 🙂
Water is MAJOR for the skin. MAJOR!
I’ve been doing well with water intake. In fact, think I’m drinking too much bc I get indigestion. But that could be related to something else….idk.
Doing pretty well staying away from fast food. One time I was hungry and sorely tempted but went to grocery store deli and picked up a salad instead. I did have Chinese food on Saturday though. I was hungry and not in control of the food options bc I was away from home.
Question….where can one find the things you’ve listed here? I’m curious about quinoa.
I have slipped. I tried roasted brussel sprouts…ugh! I found a recipe and roasted them in the oven with olive oil, salt & pepper. They smelled good while cooking, but tasted awful. I’m not the best vegetable eater.
I’m a stress eater and gave in to a Quarter Pounder last week. I drink water as I like it with the flavor packets. I like wild rice but am not sure what wheatberries are. Tomorrow is a new day.
LOL I probably should’ve explained that I would’ve shown you how to cook them, so wait until you get the recipe and introduction to properly cooking the veggie. You CAN over-roast brussels sprouts and they can taste like punishment. LOLOL
I did great during the week…lost dignity during the weekend. I was out of town and couldn’t eat what I wanted…but I’m not so upset about that. It was my portion control. I just ate like a maniac. Yeah, we had fried chicken, rolls and potatoes, but I ate 3 pieces of chicken, two rolls and a huge serving of broasted spuds with butter. I skipped the cupcakes at the first birthday party, but then ate all the candy out of my sons goodie bag. Then had cake and icecream at the next birthday party the next day. And pizza. 3 slices. Its so easy to eat properly at home…I can get full off of vegetables I load my plate with and just enjoy an acceptable portion of the entree. But when no vegetables are present??? Its like I turn into the incredible hulk. ‘You wouldn’t like me when I’m hungry’. I guess the only good that came out of this weekend is that I didn’t drink any pop.
And I guess 8’ll pick wheatberries. Not sure what they are or where to get them. Healthfood store?
Still having issues with a cup of water per hour. Getting in some but not enough. I need to pick up my veggie, maybe parsnips since i just saw your recipe. And I guess I’ll try the wheatberries, since I’ve tried everything else at least once. Trying to step outside my comfort zone.
Been using my weekly meal plans in variation for the past two weeks. LOVE the garlic pork w tomatoes and basil and the pork chops. Tried the orange chicken….need to redo that one. Did not come out the way I’d hope. Think the oranges were past their prime.
I am an avid soda drinker but am doing better. I used to consume almost a 2 liter a day but now am down to a single serving. My goal for Feb.’13 is no more soda so I did good for two days but I refuse to give up on me and will keep my goal. I have set my alarm on my phone like you suggested and purchaed a 32oz bottle like your followers. Wish me luck!!!
I found Wheatberries at Whole Foods. I’m going to look up a recipe so that I can cook them this week. I am also looking forward to seeing your recipe.
Does Subway count as fast food??? I got a salad for dinner and a chicken sandwich for lunch with baked chips. Probably could’ve did without the chips. This is healthier then I normally would.
Yes, LOL.
Do uou have any recipes for quinoa, polenta or tamales. Been limiting restaurant food because outside food is starting to taste nasty. I’m trying now.
For quinoa.
For polenta.
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