I AM Crystal Nicole: Thrive (Taco) Tuesday + Fitness Challenge

 

Hello Hello Lovelies,

Today is the day to #Thrive + #Tacos + #Tuesday.

I hope this post finds you all thriving in your wellness efforts. I for one gave myself a big hug and high five for making it to 11am with my Intermittent Fasting efforts. Woo Hoo! Don't forget to celebrate any big or small win you have on your FIT-ness journey. 

For those of you who are not familiar, I will answer the question - what exactly is intermittent fasting? Basically, within a 24 hour time period you have 10 hours to eat and drink anything associated with calories. The remaining 14 hours you must abstain from food. This simple strategy, is proven to help manage your weight, blood sugar, blood pressure and a multitude of other health benefits. There are many ways to fast and you can pick the schedule that works best for you and your lifestyle. I am experimenting with the 14:10 ratio. You can also choose other ratios: build up to 16:8, or land on half and half 12:12. You can do this daily or a 2-3 days a week to get you started and see how you feel. Need help, download the app Zero that helps you track your goals.

Rule of Thumb, for 14:10:

• If you finish eating the evening prior by 5pm, you can "break-fast" by 7am
• If you finish eating the evening prior by 6pm, you can "break-fast" by 8am
• If you finish eating the evening prior by 7pm, you can "break-fast" by 9am 
• If you finish eating the evening prior by 8pm, you can "break-fast" by 10am

Did you know? The meaning of Breakfast literally means to "break-fast". The meal that breaks the fast (being a period of time where you do not eat). 

P.S. If you do decide to try the 16:8 your fast could last until 12p, in this scenario you can start with lunch or better known as brunch, on weekends!

PPS. Water, Unsweetened Tea, Coffee (no calories) are excluded and you may consume. But before you indulge in your morning cup of Joe, don't forget to have your 16-32 ounces of lemon h20 first😉

Ok, its Taco Time! I look forward to this night and thought I'd share a simple recipe you can try at home.

CJ's (simple) Taco Dinner:

• Blue Corn Taco Shells
• Ground Turkey
• Taco Seasoning of you choice (I prefer the Trader Joes brand;)
• Onion - Chopped
• Jalapeño - Chopped
• Tomato - Chopped
• Lettuce - Chopped
• Shredded Mozzarella

Condiments:

• Salsa for sure! Low in calories
• Sour Cream (optional) *although a tablespoon is 25 calories!
• Avocado or you can make a simple Guacamole with cilantro, lime squeeze and salt.

Let's create our taco bar. Turn the oven to 320 degrees so you can heat the shells while we prepare the taco toppings and meat. It should take 10 minutes to warm up the shells.

We start with chopping all our ingredients. Here is a tip, you can use the mini clear or ceramic bowls to separate all your ingredients. Great idea for entertaining and easy clean-up. Then while we continue chopping, we can multi-task and begin to grill the onions. Optional to grill the jalapeños too (raw will be a bit spicier - up to you and your level of heat). Once the onions are a bit browned add your turkey meat along with your taco seasoning. Continue to cook until the meat is browned too. Now here comes the fun. Assembly! Take your shell, layer in meat, cheese, salsa, lettuce, tomato, jalapeño and then top with the guac + sour cream. Voila, all complete. Enjoy!

As always, my final thoughts, a word of wisdom, a bit of inspiration and motivation for your evening journal prompt. Is there a decision you have been pondering, yet afraid to take action on? Whether its a career, a personal, a relationship, a friendship or taking a leap of faith with a new venture. Make the decision tonight to go for it, just do it like Nike. 

Friends, there is no try when it comes to success and fulfilling your dreams. One thing I know for sure, the weight of regret is far heavier than the weight discipline. As the famous quote from one of my faves states, "We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons." -Jim Rohn 

One last note, my mentor Bill Walsh encourages us to listen to Jim Rohn for 10 minutes a day. You can find tons of his content on YouTube. If you need my help finding a video, let me know. I am here to support you😘

Until tomorrow make it a Fabulous Tuesday! #Day4 #BlogBoost. 

XOXO,

CNJ