tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32654945607016525652024-03-06T00:58:41.829-08:00Late Bloomer.....I have always been an average everything. Average student, average athlete and average looking (I constantly get told I look like someone they know...). There have been defining moments in my life when I have learned there are things that I am better than average at! All it took was small glimpses of success. This blog is about these defining moments, struggles, achievements and other fun moments in my life that have made me the woman I am today.Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-48700588995637632772011-10-09T06:51:00.001-07:002011-10-09T06:59:13.752-07:00Update!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNPM2edxwu7eOUDJXd248gUtw5zNkH2uRFo28YTV3IT43kAt7NRiMfH_RmB3pAQi4Y7TqgXjiG4nRJt24lfjG8ZYmkzlDUBKu4_aghEbTAoLwMw7nrjfEbm0n6vyBfLwJWM4-uALhs9Qn/s1600/IMG_2135.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNPM2edxwu7eOUDJXd248gUtw5zNkH2uRFo28YTV3IT43kAt7NRiMfH_RmB3pAQi4Y7TqgXjiG4nRJt24lfjG8ZYmkzlDUBKu4_aghEbTAoLwMw7nrjfEbm0n6vyBfLwJWM4-uALhs9Qn/s320/IMG_2135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661490052519408194" /></a><div>This is kind of a big deal for me. I wanted to do this 5 years ago, but my very intelligent and patient husband made me wait and do it right. Smart man because now I get to enjoy it and not be stressed out about it. I opened my own gym. Yes, FitNeighbor, LLC, now known as Tangletown CrossFit has a home. </div><div><br /></div><div>I found a space approximately 3-5 minutes from my house, and it is in the beautiful Southwest Minneapolis neighborhood called Tangletown (hence the name). </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the draws of FitNeighbor was that classes were held outdoors. This was awesome because we really took advantage of the Minnesota weather when it cooperated. It wasn't so nice when I had to find other options when the weather did not cooperate. Now that I have an indoor space, there is none of that stress. AND, we will take class outdoors when the weather gets nice, promise!</div><div><br /></div><div>The website is www.tangletowncrossfit.com and we are located at 4632 Nicollet Avenue South, just 2 blocks west of 35W in Southwest Minneapolis. Come on by for a free class (if you have never been) and check it out!</div><div><br /></div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-84254579532434739282011-08-13T07:51:00.000-07:002011-08-13T08:09:00.444-07:00Who is that Person in the Picture? I Don't Recognize Me.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEOEm-SDSImIzkujRWmkZidd0QSvK9rK-2_FwqN6UU5itacnk9vS51uYnIRlVEPfggVdi59fc_e2LWv3ZOJYtxIQQEc3XuUaZdJREVEhBx1K2czzJUjAg2XUDN8U-rSeoUse1XKjrUoyo/s1600/buffalo_tri%255B2007%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEOEm-SDSImIzkujRWmkZidd0QSvK9rK-2_FwqN6UU5itacnk9vS51uYnIRlVEPfggVdi59fc_e2LWv3ZOJYtxIQQEc3XuUaZdJREVEhBx1K2czzJUjAg2XUDN8U-rSeoUse1XKjrUoyo/s320/buffalo_tri%255B2007%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640353786696814754" /></a>Yep, that's me. I feel like I was a totally different human being then. I was fast, disciplined and had the eye of the tiger. Where did that go??? Sometimes I miss training and racing. Especially for triathlons because I loved the variety(well, except the biking part). When I see large groups of runners on Saturday mornings I am so glad that is not me. The drudgery and the achey joints later. No good. <div>
<br /></div><div>I do miss the bonding though. When you run with someone for 3 hours, that is quality time! I bet when I trained for marathons with my buddies, I spent more quality time with them than their spouses did. You get to know these people and they become lifelong friends.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I have evolved to doing other things and I think that is good. I hope to continue to evolve and find new things to do and new skills to learn. Five years ago I never thought I would be doing Olympic Lifting! I just imagined those dudes in the olympics lifting 700 pounds in those crazy wrestling suits - yikes! It's been a blast. Who knew?</div><div>
<br /></div><div>As the Lululemon Manifesto goes: "Do something once a day that scares you"...what are you going to do today?</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Do you want to be doing the same things five years down the road? </div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-15901378438466375332011-07-24T06:10:00.001-07:002011-07-24T06:28:57.667-07:00Strong is Beautiful!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MpoVtk2xOaOQN-BS4a8PIUp9-eLSOlBR7eQjRaCa42VkbNJNGMBHZRqG6xsiaett59PGyItvt9UmE7ngHedhjGz2GJC094A8DYOAVKJYAV2I-w8St1sfvnL1feckLnxbKoCNe2dkfzj4/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MpoVtk2xOaOQN-BS4a8PIUp9-eLSOlBR7eQjRaCa42VkbNJNGMBHZRqG6xsiaett59PGyItvt9UmE7ngHedhjGz2GJC094A8DYOAVKJYAV2I-w8St1sfvnL1feckLnxbKoCNe2dkfzj4/s320/IMG_1708.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632906612979863810" border="0" /></a><br />Hey, I got a secret. Don't tell anyone. I lift really heavy weight and I don't look like a man. Agh, relief. I have been holding in that secret for so long it feels good to get it out. Not only that but dead lifts don't hurt my back, squats don't make my ass huge and I don't do bicep curls.<br /><br />Over the course of the last 3 years, my strength work has gone from 0% of my workouts to about 70%. The time I spend working out has been cut in half. I have never felt more confident in my body and I am almost the big 4-0!<br /><br />I have been taught by the best on form, rep scheme, % weights to use. I have seen my dead lift 1 Rep Max go from 195 to 250. My hips are my powerhouse and can clean, jerk and snatch pretty well. I am certainly not built to do olympic style lifting but man, is it fun!<br /><br />What is my point? Are you going to the free weight area with an idea of what you should do? You get through 2 sets of the 3 0r 4 you should do and call it a day? Yeah, that's not gonna do it for you. I realized that strength work can be fun. My current passion is to get people (mostly women) to build strong, beautiful bodies that they are proud of! If you are not quite sure how to make it fun, then come see me! darcy@crossfitmn.com<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlpadSmM57G_PjmzznqWfu692thFhNFJYVRT_FrShKUGKyCiEjZUVyhk2SnVoUQHnK_d2a3_yT9aNc-DQB5XyZf31h-cvPBWfdk06wN3Mjobhyao9r6ETmi1MMwPMD_WnDeFh6lUFiAcC/s1600/IMG_2075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlpadSmM57G_PjmzznqWfu692thFhNFJYVRT_FrShKUGKyCiEjZUVyhk2SnVoUQHnK_d2a3_yT9aNc-DQB5XyZf31h-cvPBWfdk06wN3Mjobhyao9r6ETmi1MMwPMD_WnDeFh6lUFiAcC/s320/IMG_2075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632908906762703170" border="0" /></a>Now for a little kid promo - look Willie doing overhead squats. He's loving it! His form needs a little work but guess what, he did this on his own - we were cleaning out the garage and I looked over and he was doing this!Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-36768171911668506822011-06-14T16:40:00.000-07:002011-07-24T06:10:00.318-07:00Extremists! Ugh!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWN9yVx7m3uKbxYy2MQfi-FXBD2sYDvJeiHzU9iyBDH4Uf_9PMThbVNI_qx_g10Sqw71QdOikA5p4onV8arhXiVCzhGpxwnHGSSWtP2eeS_ONotTNYeWo5EMw9AtsMSDioa_WGkMYBL0WE/s1600/P7080215.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWN9yVx7m3uKbxYy2MQfi-FXBD2sYDvJeiHzU9iyBDH4Uf_9PMThbVNI_qx_g10Sqw71QdOikA5p4onV8arhXiVCzhGpxwnHGSSWtP2eeS_ONotTNYeWo5EMw9AtsMSDioa_WGkMYBL0WE/s320/P7080215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618581793642068082" border="0" /></a>Okay, I was originally looking for a picture of me when I was crazy obsessed with triathlon, but couldn't find any I liked, so who doesn't like a chubby toddler running through the sprinkler with a 5 pound diaper? However, this picture does prove a point - take time to enjoy the simple things in life.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Finding the balance between life, hobby & work. Isn't it something we are all striving for? It is a constant process that I am not sure I will ever achieve, but I do know that I am happy and that is important. I am lucky, I have an awesome husband who I still find super hot who has a good job, two healthy kids that I enjoy 90% of the time and a great dog. I have a roof over my head (with a brand new basement I might add), clothes to wear and food to eat. Those are the basics or might I say, simple things in life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Going back to my first sentence, there was a point in time when I was an extreme triathlete. Yeah, one of those (they are not all like that, but most are). You know, the ones you don't want to get stuck talking to at a party? I got sucked in hard. I loved it while I was there. I didn't realize I was missing so much around me because "I had" to get that bike ride in. So my post today is on extreme behavior and how I struggle now with people who exhibit it. I also hope that anyone reading this isn't offended by anything - I've been there.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is the argument that if you aren't really into anything 100%, then what are you passionate about? Does your passion have to consume you day after day, year after year? Once I realized my behavior, I took a step back and learned that I wasn't that happy in that place. I was driving my husband crazy making him feel low on the totem pole compared to my sport - not a good thing. It was very toxic for me. However, I do like to move (exercise) but not in the extreme (everyday for hours - AND, I like my weekends off!). So I had to find another outlet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another example is all of these crazy foodies that are so knowledgeable about nutrition, which is great, but then they come off as elitist snobs. Example, <a href="http://www.whole9life.com/">Whole 9</a> and their followers. This is a food cult, seriously. I swear they would rather die than consume a french fry. When the new food plate came out replacing the food pyramid, they were in an uproar! I know and agree that it's not much different than the food pyramid, just more user friendly maybe with the same content? However, if we could get 80% of Americans to follow "the plate" then we would see major health improvements. Can't we celebrate an effort towards improvement? Whole 9 can't and really, they are missing the point. You might recall that I followed Whole 9's Whole 30 Nutrition Plan. I had to add booze back on day 17 so I am certain they would classify me as an alcoholic.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you gone off your rocker? If so, take a step back and reevaluate. Then take more time to enjoy the simple things in life - run through the damn sprinkler!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-72016728198073856622011-06-07T05:03:00.000-07:002011-06-07T07:45:33.439-07:00Find Something you Suck at and Change It....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65VudTsUq5ypVIQ1m2kGT472mqtuXig4CLyDZ577rjZlAbxpWSMpOZEOPzK9M-XVOKnAMXdqkKlRVmIL820kQVX7kM-2pfBBYN9zylx5ZCyFNQ_cjHnqSpF8FIJZR-3QgoZJK60IDVLZl/s1600/247521_192909984090614_182201381828141_534214_7679918_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65VudTsUq5ypVIQ1m2kGT472mqtuXig4CLyDZ577rjZlAbxpWSMpOZEOPzK9M-XVOKnAMXdqkKlRVmIL820kQVX7kM-2pfBBYN9zylx5ZCyFNQ_cjHnqSpF8FIJZR-3QgoZJK60IDVLZl/s320/247521_192909984090614_182201381828141_534214_7679918_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615448158187830370" /></a>It's okay, I am fine with folks watching me stumble through something. I can think of two specific instances in the last two years where people said, "Wow, you really suck at that."<div><br /></div><div>The most recent is the sledgehammer. The photo above was taken this past weekend at a Women's WOD (WOWOD) where we had to wheelbarrow, swing kettlebells, jump tires, hit tires and push our buddies on the prowler. Badass stuff. Last summer when I first took hold of the sledgehammer it was ugly. A few people were outright laughing at me because, well, it was really funny. Especially when I went to my "dumb side". Now, I have to say that I workout in a very supportive environment so the laughing was all in good fun. </div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to take this challenge by the horn and practice. I practiced last summer and was able to put those skills to functional use when we did demo on our basement. I spent a lot of time breaking up our concrete floor and boy, did it feel good! AND, they aren't laughing at me anymore (for the sledgehammer anyways).</div><div><br /></div><div>The other instance where I sucked was cross country skiing. There were many witnesses but one dear friend (Kara Thom from <a href="http://mamasweat.blogspot.com/">MamaSweat</a>) stayed behind with me to help me get through the course. I haven't been back at it yet but I guarantee you I will. </div><div><br /></div><div>What do you suck at? </div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-66555238760280784812011-05-11T18:47:00.000-07:002011-05-13T09:03:01.274-07:00Track Season Has Begun!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9tDZN4BKoSN8yjp3NI3ZmcofQ8GByT4c8mcqi-KoDXy4vX92C1NNej9SlGlUbS0-5LGAMbvkekeoKZZp6tj4-jN2-ct4qffA7i-QbzDPEXa2WNq9B8R6-oVnf4Z1b3nZOWQCjEVapeA8/s1600/IMG_1922.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9tDZN4BKoSN8yjp3NI3ZmcofQ8GByT4c8mcqi-KoDXy4vX92C1NNej9SlGlUbS0-5LGAMbvkekeoKZZp6tj4-jN2-ct4qffA7i-QbzDPEXa2WNq9B8R6-oVnf4Z1b3nZOWQCjEVapeA8/s320/IMG_1922.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605640054533188786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Wednesday Morning Crew (minus a few)</div><div><br /></div><div>This year marks the 6th year that I have held track workouts at Washburn High School. This year, we have practices every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m. Doing a track workout is a little like giving birth - you kind of forget how painful it was so you do it again anyways.<div><br /></div><div>This year is the first time I am collecting money. It's not much. Kind of embarrassing to request such a small amount ($5 for the whole season) but it is a start. See, I don't hold these to make money. I do it for completely selfish reasons (so I am motivated by others to run hard at the track) and if others get the same benefit, then fantastic. So the money is going to be donated to Washburn High Athletic Department. Yes, a chance to give back!</div><div><br /></div><div>These run workouts kinda scare the crap out of me. Every week. I know it is going to hurt and OMG, can I hold these paces? If you don't have that kind of workout in your routine please join us. You need it!</div></div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-91123039278515695692011-04-13T18:52:00.001-07:002011-04-14T07:53:43.221-07:00Houston, We Have a Triathlon Problem! Okay, Not Really.<div>I don't have any REAL problems at the moment (unless you count the drug dealer in my neighborhood a problem). But, in my quest to set goals, I have a triathlon problem. I did my first triathlon back in like, hmmm, 2000? Jeeez, can't even recall. I won my age group on a used bike that I hadn't ridden (because I didn't have a bike and hadn't trained for that part yet) and left my goggles around my neck for the duration of the race. I was hooked.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was decent at something that I didn't train that hard for. I bought a bike. Did more races, got more age group wins, decided to go elite and fared well. During that time, I sold my first bike and upgraded(splurged) to a fairly nice triathlon bike.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is my triathlon problem: I. don't. enjoy. biking. I dread it and practically barf thinking about getting on a spin bike. So, since my New Year's resolution from 2009 (and continues to be forever) is: if it is not fun and I have control over not doing it, then don't. Okay, so the exact wording was more like, if there are certain things that annoy me on a regular basis and I have control over changing it, then change it! Same concept.</div><div><br /></div><div>I enjoy getting into the zone. Running, swimming, crossfit - you can zone out. I can't do that on a bike. You always have to be on. Dude, when I get a break from my kids, I want to be off!!</div><div><br /></div><div>This doesn't mean I won't do anymore triathlons. I might participate in some sprints but I can guarantee you I will not have gotten on my bike prior. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now here is the opposite of a problem: I love to run. I zone out. I feel good doing it and I can be fast. So in looking at my goals, I think I need to do some different things. A 50K possibly? I know I can do that. How bout a 50 miler? Hmmmm, that is questionable, so I guess that is what I need to do. We will see what 2011 brings! </div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-825358465799302912011-04-03T08:42:00.001-07:002011-04-03T09:29:25.144-07:00My New Running Buddy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpLagtce8TOI0-upfpaWXGJsRX75nSFJRgVjS8ltayTR9K_pb4eRtHdEXRjDlgcRLrfaD1Nq_YXC1BDTCpXisKsRPMOVOrdvMZGEqNi5Nc8yfb_CPo1AEcrTVZLNZP-eInVu46zlA-j-X/s1600/IMG_1797.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpLagtce8TOI0-upfpaWXGJsRX75nSFJRgVjS8ltayTR9K_pb4eRtHdEXRjDlgcRLrfaD1Nq_YXC1BDTCpXisKsRPMOVOrdvMZGEqNi5Nc8yfb_CPo1AEcrTVZLNZP-eInVu46zlA-j-X/s320/IMG_1797.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591383457973337570" /></a>Freyja is her name. She has been the perfect addition to our family. AND, has ignited the fire I needed to get my butt out the door to log some serious miles. Let's back up.<div><br /></div><div>I have been a runner all of my life. However, I didn't get really fast until I got Loki, then Gunnar way back when. They were the reason for my running and the result a faster me. They came to us before children so they were our world. They did everything with us and they would run miles upon miles to please us. Believe me, they loved it.</div><div><br /></div><div>As time went on, they got old, we had kids, they couldn't run as far or fast. My body did kind of the same thing! Of course I am getting older, but I was losing the desire to get out there. We lost Gunnar first to cancer, then Loki this past June to a disease in his esophagus. I have lots of fond memories with those boys, especially our runs and road trips. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's kind of corny but I loved the Red Hot Chili Peppers songs lyrics to "Road Trippin" which summed up me and my boys on our constant get-a-ways:</div><div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">"Road Trippin' " by the Red Hot Chili Peppers</div><div align="center"><br /></div>Road trippin' with my two favorite allies<br />Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies<br />It's time to leave this town<br />It's time to steal away<br />Let's go get lost<br />Anywhere in the U.S.A.<br /><br />Chorus:<br />Let's go get lost<br />Let's go get lost<br />Blue you sit so pretty<br />West of the one<br />Sparkle light with yellow icing<br />Just a mirror for the sun<br />Just a mirror for the sun<br />Just a mirror for the sun<br /><br />These Smiling eyes are just a mirror for<br /><br />So much has come before those battles lost and won<br />This life is shining more forever in the sun<br />Now let us check our heads<br />And let us check the surf<br />Staying high and dry's<br />More trouble than it's worth<br />In the sun<br /><br />Just a mirror for the sun<br />Just a mirror for the sun<br /><br />These Smiling eyes are just a mirror for<br /><br />In Big Sur we take some time to linger on<br />We three hunky dories got our snakefinger on<br />Now let us drink the stars<br />It's time to steal away<br />Let's go get lost<br />Right here in the U.S.A<br /><br />Chorus<br />Let's go get lost<br />Let's go get lost<br />Blue you sit so pretty<br />West of the one<br />Sparkle light with yellow icing<br />Just a mirror for the sun<br />Just a mirror for the sun<br />Just a mirror for the sun<br />These smiling eyes are just a mirror for<br />These smiling eyes are just a mirror for<br />Your smiling eyes are just a mirror for</div><div><br /></div><div>So now my boys are gone. Time for a fresh start with a girl. Freyja is her name and she was born to run and be part of our family. Now I remember the joy of running. I'm back!</div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-82168775744736605382010-11-18T18:18:00.001-08:002010-11-19T06:25:33.272-08:00Life After Whole 30<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXm4ZqQ6e2JlBZc_E-her5vpuj4LyC1TemTwgvhHQLu-XBtbv0bJiHi1wAuebzbD1pDVS5SAbE1X_HUgKqvI8ywmiYVlisKj8lbN9Rf51UZKcqnYc-3N7nr3H0Vaguk_EHPqnGcss2zI5d/s320/IMG_1563.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541079944352342050" />So I have been officially done with the Whole 30 Challenge and I have to say, I haven't changed that much. If you have been following my challenge, you know I brought wine back into my life and I now have cheese on my salads. Exciting!<div><br />I just included some random pictures of some meals I have had over the past week or so and I just love the veggies. I went to a cooking class (thanks to Danielle & Sarah) and made some <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/spicy-brussels-sprouts-with-mint">Spicy Brussel Sprouts with Mint</a> that blew me away. See picture of them with the sweet potatoes and turkey.<br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0Cm5kna1L_NBNxgM-GGu2KdCDaOeJWcb8ClftnSHUt-k55kyoZxWig_iR8XdA4B0Xl7KGknh_k9aBwktTc5IaVB_EQYUVu3Bbzdsr-BLYbneiatg-ZLykAvaiUK1cPRmiqYH1aZbZyze/s320/IMG_1541.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541080013216795378" /><br />We purchase raw, naked almonds in bulk. For some reason this past week I decided to buy them salted. Big Mistake. These are like crack for me. I. Can't. Stop. Fortunately I finished them off today and WILL NOT be purchasing those again. Salted almonds are heaven to me but I know no limits!<br /><br /></div><div>Tonight I am a single mommy and had Willie at Jujitsu at 5 p.m. and Charlie at Boy Scouts at 6:30. For Boy Scouts each parent signs up to lead a den meeting. One of the Den Meeting's topics is the Food Pyramid.<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI4qjkGSkc75iEScTPA6LXpJ6Knmrf5lOhjFaL5cHZ2kwZnT8xyzuB4zVgqzDFEAOJIOkBPttpETsRmi74hfw2cyCNVZ0IeDxdtIclwqGX6j1lCD9uZjpB3KMy0BxYq1nWBZqaz-9YRqU/s320/IMG_1535.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541080001064278418" /> Should I lead this one and tell all of the kiddos that the food pyramid is made by large companies that pay the government a lot of money so they can sell their foods that fit under grains but are really low nutrient/calorie dense foods? Thoughts??? The food pyramid is a conspiracy! It is not until April so I have some time to plan this one out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep making healthy choices but remember balance. You only live once and while you want to make it a long, healthy life, you want to enjoy it too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Night!<div><br /></div></div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-86252990554537883122010-11-08T14:08:00.000-08:002010-11-08T14:21:15.840-08:00What I learned....Here is what I learned from my Whole 30 Experience.<div><br /></div><div>1. You will lose weight if you follow this very strict plan.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. I cannot live without my occasional glass of wine (you should all know that by now). I have had beer twice in the las 35 days and felt sick the next day both times.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Dairy does not make me sick. With the one mess up - remember the squash soup? AND the two bowls (in a row) of ice cream I had this weekend, I was just fine.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Going without something you enjoy makes you eat more of it - two bowls of ice cream anyone? Hmmmm.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. I can live without my diet coke but not my coffee with now coconut milk creamer (instead of the processed, never expired creamer I was using before).</div><div><br /></div><div>6. Stop Reading Here if You don't want TMI: This plan messed up my very regular, if not like clock work, bowel movement schedule. I thought the coffee would take care of it, but evidently there is something else I was missing on this plan. Not sure if it is the lack of dairy or grains, but I didn't overdose on either of those before so not sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>7. I enjoyed about 90% of my meals. I also enjoyed the planning, shopping and creativity.</div><div><br /></div><div>8. I will not continue to be as picky. I had a chopped salad at a restaurant today and I had to have them take off the blue cheese and the tortillas. I had them leave on the corn. I don't eat that much corn but if I had to take one more thing off my salad, then it would have been a lame salad so I ate corn.</div><div><br /></div><div>9. I plan to eat gluten free bread. But I must have bread for sandwiches once in a while. </div><div><br /></div><div>10. I highly recommend anyone doing this challenge. You might think at first that it is impossible to go without. BUT, you will learn so much! Think of it as an adventure. I will never eat like I did prior to this challenge, just like doing the Zone for 30 days changed me. You have to experience it. Remember, food is fuel. Not a reward. Not a treat. Fuel.</div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-28848407051939888452010-11-04T16:55:00.001-07:002010-11-04T17:14:10.582-07:00Sandwiches and a Sucky Week<div>I am officially past my 30 days of the challenge. I woke up on day 31 and sort of forgot that the challenge was over. There was nothing I had a hankering for. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_SI4ArotNeRc8qmcfyt1GiL0t9tt2TZsRYMiJr9QX2hxnjgwjP9IiTYYVQWNpRzsXvZ8KLsuW-OebWoJQjHPu0Cr6cwg6ItLwHzO8NLoEJsz9XAZ-DshaTkgAJ4PG9O_UJ2NRpmgNgyo/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_SI4ArotNeRc8qmcfyt1GiL0t9tt2TZsRYMiJr9QX2hxnjgwjP9IiTYYVQWNpRzsXvZ8KLsuW-OebWoJQjHPu0Cr6cwg6ItLwHzO8NLoEJsz9XAZ-DshaTkgAJ4PG9O_UJ2NRpmgNgyo/s320/IMG_1533.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535847641479054930" /></a><div>The sandwich posted here is on a large portabella mushroom. I saw this on everyday paleo and thought since I like mushrooms, that this would be a good substitute for bread. It was not. Maybe if I had cut it thinner but it just didn't taste that good either.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am not going to follow the Whole 30 exactly from now on. As I have mentioned before, I like balance. There is nothing balanced about this way of eating. Have you seen the pictures of Melissa & Dallas's cupboards on facebook? Not balanced!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been home sick for the past two days and along with that, I sprained my ankle Tuesday morning on my run. So, I decided to bake up some gluten free bread. I am not a crazy bread eater, but I do enjoy it from time to time on a good sandwich. I do also know that gluten is not all that great for you! So, if I like gluten free bread, I am okay with adding that back into my diet. AND? I really like it! Now if I can get my kids to eat it!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9a7LEXZsAzYL8nNOBtwIedzcvNMvfVBCDGSNZTlGxk5ejch6oqgDuqIridzwTVoriHj69UXGsqheVZ_Au3ZZuo4sPHBNkeeEkcqEPlKwq7Eh9cyNqDiWkVuoHMKiavss1zYRJy9jzDbD/s320/IMG_1535.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535847669950427234" /></div>Pictured here is the sandwich I had for dinner tonight on my bread. Tasty stuff. Much better than mushroom bread.<div><br /></div><div>On another note, when you have the stomach flu and you are trying to follow the Whole30 plan, it is very difficult. All I wanted all day was some Chicken Noodle Soup and if I had some in my house, it would've been mine. I did opt for a bowl of cereal (my first in well over 32 days) and while I am not sure that is what the doctor ordered, it made me happy for a time.<br /><br /><div>It is 7:10 p.m., my boys are watching Star Wars and I am going to bed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nighty Night!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-77709912234995742852010-10-31T17:39:00.000-07:002010-10-31T18:08:57.596-07:00Crock Pot Pot Roast - BIG HIT!!!<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsrg0bLYwElL6BfZ-p7ysruAm2b5uXCk6_IbfBYBjqY_mInLscl8uyPoK1MRMn73FM_qcY5qFRN-psIVVKLygTCMQDA5qVH26-py3upt17Pg7FZMQ-yjMWznbSdBjorJiGFgjHvPVxdmL/s320/IMG_1532.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534376817009895058" /><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Halloween! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is our front step. I totally expect these pumpkins to be smashed in the morning from the five 14 year olds that showed up at my door with no costumes expecting candy. I turned them away! Was that mean?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had an extremely successful Whole30 approved meal tonight. I found a <a href="http://paleogirls.com/2010/09/10/crock-pot-pot-roast/">Crock Pot Pot Roast</a> recipe from Paleo Girls blog. I used a grass fed pot roast and added 3 sprigs of thyme, 1-2 tomatoes, 4 carrots, 1 green pepper and 2 zucchinis. It. Was. Awesome. See pics below. The final product photo does not do it justice.</div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGj3CoyniZ_Amjcr1_b_2O1X7_f-AnzcVqMxxUMGW2vEmwy7ryb1hIGwiqO8ssDOH3tgPdqfrfmKHVL3bRUJq3asglwdrHIdlpBBU88Jh8tzDebYat1pWmfBT-s_xo7EOF1qRZpMkJSd8/s320/IMG_1526.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534381717197226418" /></div><div>Again, for this photo I had eaten a large portion before I remembered to take a photo. I was so dang hungry! This was so tasty I wanted to keep eating. I stopped and have leftovers for tomorrow, but I will not go hungry tomorrow!</div><div><br /></div><div>Halloween. I thought this day would be hard. I stay at home and hand out candy. Matt bought the candy. He bought everything I love, of course. Was that sweet of him or do you think he is trying to sabotage my efforts? Well, out of the hundreds of candy bars that have touched my fingers tonight, I let myself have one. One, mini, little, dinky, tiny Butterfinger. AND, it didn't cause me to run for more. I was satisfied and boy, did it taste good! </div><div><br /></div><div>That's all for now! Try this recipe! Easy and good. Doesn't get much better than that!</div><div><br /></div><div>Over-n-out!</div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-48009256447015430242010-10-29T05:48:00.000-07:002010-10-29T06:41:18.302-07:00Champps Americana and More Thoughts & RamblingsLast night we got stuck in traffic and as I was inching at less than 5 mph, my blood sugar sunk. We had a crazy busy day and it was one of those where 6 hours had passed and I hadn't eaten anything and then realized my hunger in the car, stuck. Argh. So, I decided that I wasn't about to cook and I needed food ASAP. That is when I pulled off and took the boys to Champps. Did you know that Thursdays are $2.50 draft beers? I did not but was good anyways and had my water. But, I did order a Cobb Salad with NO cheese, NO olives (I really wish I liked olives) and extra egg/avocado with balsamic dressing. This was a huge mound of food. I ate every last morsel. <div><br /></div><div>If you happen to be in a funk with your workouts, I just read a great article in the November issue of <i>Men's Journal</i> titled "The One True Path to Real Fitness" written by Daniel Duane. I love that this author doesn't say that any one fitness regimen (training for triathlons, crossfit or Billy Blanks, for instance) is <b>the one</b> and gives people who workout at "globo gyms" ideas for obtaining true fitness there as well. My favorite quote from this article is: "Most gyms do include a few token free weights, but think about where you find them: around the edges of the room, like fresh fruits and vegetables in a supermarket that gives all the prime middle of the store shelf space to Frosted Flakes and frozen cheese cake." So true, just like the grocery, stick with the perimeter of the gym!</div><div><br /></div><div>We also get Men's Health and I have to say, they usually have great recipes! However, this month's issue (actually November) included and article titled "I Hate Fat People" written by Richard Conniff. By the way, I hate the word hate! As someone that is about to dive into a study to find out the affects of exercise on borderline Type II diabetes kiddos, it was interesting for me to read this article to get an idea of what obese people experience. I know these kids are lacking self confidence and most likely get teased at school. For some people teasing might motivate them to change their habits. For others, it might drive them to eat more. </div><div><br /></div><div>So here I am. I want to help people. I get super excited when I see someone at the gym shrinking! These are the peeps that inspire me the most and when they see awesome progress, their smiles get bigger, they want to become more involved in the community and the result is, they inspire others. It is something I get to witness frequently and is one of the things I love most about my job.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's keep the following mindset:</div><div><br /></div><div>Food is fuel. Food is fuel. Food is fuel. Food is fuel. Food is fuel. People, FOOD IS FUEL!!! </div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-8176267262684961532010-10-27T18:03:00.001-07:002010-10-27T18:18:00.388-07:00Colorful!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-3jTA1aKKLCYF2oQxL_I0e6hA-DmcB4Ga6ZCX2kIBT4ED0Pohgfa6WWi7G_RYfRmvIqOrPbTY3349wdxyxMB3NvwvgZrH4cKY8VBQoIqtHoIDFGd3pNQeFtYuT5HoOUv5QTBWLXgB-NU/s1600/IMG_1514.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-3jTA1aKKLCYF2oQxL_I0e6hA-DmcB4Ga6ZCX2kIBT4ED0Pohgfa6WWi7G_RYfRmvIqOrPbTY3349wdxyxMB3NvwvgZrH4cKY8VBQoIqtHoIDFGd3pNQeFtYuT5HoOUv5QTBWLXgB-NU/s320/IMG_1514.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532896339690497602" /></a><div>Colorful! And simple. Every weekend we go to the store to stock up on meat and other stuff that isn't convenient during the week. We usually purchase a huge pack of chicken from Whole Foods and at some point in the following days will grill up all of the chicken and store it in the fridge. As someone that once got food poisoning from chicken, I am a little overcautious when handling chicken but at least I am able to eat it again. Having it cooked in the fridge is the way to go.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also swung by the store today and stocked up on sweet potatoes and some other random veggies. I don't think I have been eating enough carbs. I feel really lethargic when starting workouts lately but about half way through I swing into high gear. For instance, today's WOD was 50 double unders, then 20-15-10-5 reps of each of the following: 95 lb power clean, TTB (Toes to Bar), Box jumps and finish up with 50 double unders. My first set of power cleans took eons. I was trying to beat a certain person's time but I couldn't remember what her time was so I just decided to keep moving. I felt like I was moving in slow motion. Once I got to the round of 10 reps I was able to pick it up a notch. I finished in 14:40 and was sure I was like 2 minutes slower than my goal. I looked at the board to find out I was almost 3 minutes faster. Can't figure it out. So I feel more lethargic but my workouts are bangin'. Hmmmm.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, my point is I baked a bunch of sweet potatoes. This is my candy people. I just pretend it is a giant candy corn and eat it whole. I kind of felt like putting one on a stick and calling it a sweet potato popsicle. I included more of them in my dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the sauteed veggies, I started with onion, green pepper and zucchini with a little bit of coconut oil. Once those were nice and flimsy I added broccoli, tomatos and mushrooms. When it was done I added a huge handful of spinach (of course) and wilted that in with some sea salt. I have extra to include in my eggs tomorrow!</div><div><br /></div><div>Today is day 24 of this challenge. I actually have to look at the calendar to figure out what day I am on. I guess that is a good sign that I am not chomping at the bit for it to be over. Plus I think we are going to continue for a few extra days. Matt has his annual physical in early November and with a history of high blood pressure, he is hoping this challenge has brought his numbers down. I am crossing my fingers!</div><div><br /></div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-60282673865580706772010-10-26T19:01:00.000-07:002010-10-26T19:17:58.488-07:00I Heart Spinach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde6PPGJPJvgY5HSf68WpgFVSIERY7FE3DkBqHvF52hfsSgBi2pA9v2XKSBPvzm-Nv2QOeFGBkWMma-16p045JtFPgsl6O535adcTaHXJ9-pVAVsZ4KGC6wHCIAUaUqveE1cDO_vUi8vGU/s1600/IMG_1513.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde6PPGJPJvgY5HSf68WpgFVSIERY7FE3DkBqHvF52hfsSgBi2pA9v2XKSBPvzm-Nv2QOeFGBkWMma-16p045JtFPgsl6O535adcTaHXJ9-pVAVsZ4KGC6wHCIAUaUqveE1cDO_vUi8vGU/s320/IMG_1513.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532540442671121010" /></a>Dinner tonight: A large mound of spinach topped with a tomato, an avocado, an egg and a breast of chicken. Dressing was my EVOO, red wine vinegar and dijon concoction. <div><br /></div><div>Have I told you that I love spinach? I once read in some celebrity tabloid that Demi Moore's secret to staying fit/lean was that she loves spinach and doesn't like chocolate. Hmmmm, should I use that one the next time someone asks how they can get arms that look like mine? I do love spinach. I don't like chocolate that much (unless it is overpowered by lots of vanilla or caramel or peanut butter - but oh well, can't have that stuff either). </div><div><br /></div><div>I am very happy to report that although I am not experiencing anything miraculous from this challenge, many people at the gym (<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.crossfitmn.com">Crossfit Minnesota</a>) are. In one instance there is a girl that has been on asthma meds all of her life. Taking out the dairy and possibly the gluten has allowed her to be med free for the first time ever. In another instance this guy has been on prednisone for some muscular problems most likely due to inflammation. By following this strict diet he has gone off the prednisone and has lost 18 pounds to date. Apparently he is kind of pissed that his doctor didn't mention changing his diet prior to being put on meds, but unfortunately meds are easy. Most people wouldn't change their diet this drastically. It works people. </div><div><br /></div><div>I came across some research that said for people with MS, following this diet they can see up to a 98% decrease in their symptoms. Also, while my kids aren't following the diet as strictly as we are, once we took them off milk Charlie's behavior has made a dramatic change for the positive. He is more focused and because of that, his maturity has come along and he is getting more positive feedback and is thriving on that.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are experiencing aches, pains, are overweight, inactive, on meds for something, change your diet. Diet is 90% of what you look like. You can work out like a crazy person for hours a day but if your diet sucks, you will have a plateau at some point and your efforts in the gym won't show. It is not that hard to stick to for 30 days....it might save your life!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and did I mention that I love spinach?</div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-45369532748463533652010-10-24T19:43:00.001-07:002010-10-24T20:14:01.955-07:00Paleo Spaghetti!!!!<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEini2zBxdRw6Dt33HzZ-h9OCyNeCRJfAWv4N4tyTOM2ljPl7Ga6wtLMNK9ZLezEMZ27NMgKcA56o31LjT4p33HXclxo0dQifgapclzXOCmVFX25iY5wYbKv6EtgiGiKoCu9rBQl7qEfrk6V/s320/IMG_1512.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531809677533382482" />Heads up! I am tired and don't feel like effin around with the pics, so this ones kind of a mess. You can deal.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Pictured to the left is the Paleo Spaghetti that I have been wanting to try and finally got around to tonight. The picture shows a partially eaten portion as sometimes I forget to take the picture right away... I guess I was hungry? <div><br />This recipe can be found at: http://everydaypaleo.com/<br /><br />I highly recommend perusing this site as she has amazing recipes that are easy. Plus it has forced me to become one with my food processor. I have never used that function prior to this challenge, so another reason why challenges are postive...they force you to try new things!</div><div><br /></div><div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtSs2itneO73__jJPoaG_4Z5t9KjbcYf0NuDHOkF4Ki17LrI5htUWWjdN9kPJIc9E4NID2BE4d1_X7ULZ8zwVvg6P1Nv97w13XQjinMG2G9gBSjWkh2_LPjWI5kvoNAMggUXFZ9i2aBia/s320/IMG_1508.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531809682719112258" /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9roq-8kumVTd7tRtS94LWc8tyb7PGv09MYuQ1TGvh3f547u5HURMH0HKf60O24C4OzrKmwdd6-n0pZjJAtm6XmwYalBl_ehlQIv6q3jeBvLV1G_CGiUvBI3AZqHH40e1pmdMVSrjmA7u/s320/IMG_1510.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531809685132423554" /></div><div>Pictured here are the zucchini that I shredded and the scrumptious meat sauce that I could have eaten alone (2 lbs of grass fed beef baby!). Wow, delicious. My boys even ate the meat sauce. They </div><img style="text-align: left;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j8nzfe1sbNannT4qAar4WJz4h71OwWARAaGKwFPAiXI7hJRSTwJRoDN0miWqzvE9VtesXw0Fp19oBOyGOZ6hmDiAodeDmn9nWLPT8xTEmy6ktHHuheSsCgHeb3GqmK1SdR8QlopwkAUb/s320/IMG_1511.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531809691216790946" t="" buy="" into="" the="" zucchini="" as="" noodles="" but="" i="" will="" just="" mark="" that="" up="" they="" are="" not="" dumb="" who="" wants="" green="" vegetable="" things="" when="" normally="" want="" fun="" slurpy="" /><div>didn't buy into the whole green zucchini thing as pasta but I will just mark that up as them being smart and not being fooled! They want their slurpy noodles dammit! </div><div><br /></div><div>I also served the baked green beans that were super easy and Matt, who usually doesn't care for beans, liked these. Plus, foil on the pan, no clean up. What more can a girl ask for.</div><div><br /></div><div>Went to a Vikings/Packers Tailgate party tonight and enjoyed a beer or two - again, not feeling guilty about this just to give you clarification. The food there was devilish as far as the Whole30 goes. However, I chose a brat with kraut and some mustard. Tasty. There was some candy corn, peanuts, m&m candy mixture that I would normally gobble up and believe me, I wanted to but didn't. I am really sticking to the food rules here and while I am learning a ton, I just am not seeing any magical thing happening. Yeah, blame it on the alcohol....whatev'.</div></div></div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-73093893911901813832010-10-23T18:17:00.000-07:002010-10-23T18:29:35.597-07:00Sleepy?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMlEuf7ZOVk1p8QrTlrdDzCpFt-9h3VprX2ulZq3CrO7qdrsJK2ReFvdv3i3InH8pzfLx272S5j5uwkkUcEE7SSDKZr7TOAcqORrT1OWcMtlRJGTq1ZEdVVWuzFciTGUXpxephihWogdW/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMlEuf7ZOVk1p8QrTlrdDzCpFt-9h3VprX2ulZq3CrO7qdrsJK2ReFvdv3i3InH8pzfLx272S5j5uwkkUcEE7SSDKZr7TOAcqORrT1OWcMtlRJGTq1ZEdVVWuzFciTGUXpxephihWogdW/s320/IMG_1503.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531415940707186930" /></a>Matt was the chef tonight and decided we needed to use our last acorn squash. While the squash baked, he sauteed up the spicy chicken sausage, onions, green peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes with some spices. The original plan was to stuff all of this into the acorn squash but the squash didn't leave much room for this, so we ended up doing some additional lettuce wraps with the rest of the filling and some steamed zucchini. The lettuce wraps were to die for. Must. Have. Again.<div><br /></div><div>So, a question for you....are you extra sleepy eating this way? I have been so sleepy despite getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Last night I slept over 9 hours. It is now 8:30, my neighbors have invited us over to play cards and I just want to crawl into my warm, cozy bed and go nighty night. Thoughts?</div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-50886264449832864182010-10-22T18:10:00.000-07:002010-10-22T18:29:13.883-07:00Surf & Turf and Red Wine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cg0hXn_NW4H6X4e_oS5tsjqfeIwewhVMTAvLrQxRxPqFocBNFjoc2uBpYn68Mbyx-YYDUVodx4N4pbptlLCUmLPd3khlljvOn0YVUcTK4UNPZ4uN23xEaL_uX20NhkctmAT4Ct76529X/s1600/IMG_1496.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cg0hXn_NW4H6X4e_oS5tsjqfeIwewhVMTAvLrQxRxPqFocBNFjoc2uBpYn68Mbyx-YYDUVodx4N4pbptlLCUmLPd3khlljvOn0YVUcTK4UNPZ4uN23xEaL_uX20NhkctmAT4Ct76529X/s320/IMG_1496.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531042813025363234" /></a>It's Friday night and I'm feelin' all right! Okay, to follow up my previous post, as you can see in the picture I have succumbed to my wine. But don't I look happy? Yes, I will admit that my wine makes me a better mom, wife and friend. I am a heck of a lot more fun too!<div><br /></div><div>I had an interesting conversation with one of my clients today. He mentioned that as we become more restrictive in certain areas of our life that we also become more judgemental of other people's choices. I have to agree. I am more aware of my food choices, I feel more educated and therefor it pains me to see really unhealthy people at the grocery store filling up their carts with food in boxes. Why should that matter to me? I always tell my kids to worry about their behavior and not what some other kid is doing, so why do I find myself in the same predicament? Hmmmm, food for thought. This might be connected to that <a href="http://www.orthorexia.com/">Orthorexia Nervosa</a> that I mentioned before. </div><div><br /><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VwZD9LsOjz2bAZdggtwm1sWGBQaNHtJ1Trh8dDrzLQFbt0TTJ9ukybVbntGAyOx6DW8YvXSQ_-dyUyDa9iFzLdzivYNTfk0MhkIsYJRdGpNzZqKtIlFHtBxusks6z7rZba3fuE2zX6xF/s320/IMG_1499.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531042819921333746" /></div><div>Dinner tonight was scrumptious and the most filling meal I have had since this challenge started. A surf and turf of sort. Shrimp is okay in my book. Someone once told me that shrimp eats it's own poop so unfortunately that ruined my relationship with shrimp, but I was able to eat it tonight. I broiled top sirloin steaks, baked asparagus, cut up some sweat potatoes that I baked up yesterday and steamed up some brussel sprouts that I finished off in a coconut oil and almond saute. We bought extra steak so that we have some for some yummy steak salads again that we will most likely have tomorrow. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the wine and my closing. Matt was with me 100% in having wine tonight. His quote: "this whole lifestyle change isn't for 30 days, it is forever and I am not giving up my alcohol forever, so we might as well learn how to make it work within this lifestyle." I agree 100%. I can give up sugar (okay, I know wine has sugar), processed food, grains, dairy, and legumes. My wine(winter)/beer(summer) is not going anywhere. We all need something to consume that feels like a special treat and when I am winding down in the evening from a healthy, active day, there is nothing better.</div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-11564597546702847832010-10-20T06:59:00.001-07:002010-10-20T07:09:32.001-07:00Alcohol My Permanent Accessory, Alcohol a Party Time Necessity!Okay, if you have ever been a fan of The Bare Naked Ladies, you will recognize the title above as lyrics to one of their hit tunes. This song has been in my head all morning.<div><br /></div><div>Why you ask? Well, as I stated in my previous post, we went to the Wild hockey game last night. We did not drink. It was definitely a cheaper evening because of that but it certainly was not as fun. This whole challenge is putting a huge damper on my social life. Not really diggin' it. Do I need alcohol? Heck no. Can I go 30 days without? Sure I can. Do I want to? No. </div><div><br /></div><div>I asked my husband last night if he thought I was an alcoholic because I wanted my booze back. His response: "if you were an alcoholic you would've gotten your booze back already." Point taken. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am by no means a heavy drinker. Matt and I brew our own beer. We have 2 kegs of beer on tap in our basement. We have really good wine in our wine rack. I haven't had a drop in 17 days. So, what do I do? I have made it 17 days without, do I stick it out? Or do I let myself have a beer or glass of wine here and there in moderation? I think it is really lame to avoid social situations because of this challenge. </div><div><br /></div><div>Would love all of your awesome thoughts on this....</div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-86436135149721159932010-10-19T16:01:00.000-07:002010-10-20T06:57:37.129-07:00Ooh La La...Yummy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXacFHIeNIngYyMRGSwnXhr4CXj53bhrr_t3t9iQGUgJzhgAHak8hvgB0m8ucl-8LR4KtsKnnzFvVmeOgf5u-M8BbZ1yHrsoomMHOt3xIFk-9XaVLyo0mcdikhc1cgIW5qEb15ZDJHzOn/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXacFHIeNIngYyMRGSwnXhr4CXj53bhrr_t3t9iQGUgJzhgAHak8hvgB0m8ucl-8LR4KtsKnnzFvVmeOgf5u-M8BbZ1yHrsoomMHOt3xIFk-9XaVLyo0mcdikhc1cgIW5qEb15ZDJHzOn/s320/IMG_1494.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529896447941632386" /></a>Tuesday evening's dinner. After a hectic Monday and a crazy birthday party Sunday, it was nice to sit down to a well put together meal with my family. We had promised the boys they could make their own pizzas tonight, but I think they might have liked this meal. <div><br /></div><div>I found this meal on the <a href="http://whole9life.com/">Whole9</a> website under Steal This Meal (STM). <a href="http://whole9life.com/2010/09/stm-roasted-apples-and-pork/">Roasted Apples with Pork and Mint Pesto</a> was mighty tasty. The recipe isn't written out very user friendly, but now that I have followed this once, it will be a piece of cake. We used pork but you could use chicken or turkey as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only bad thing about this meal is the apples. I wanted to grab the vanilla ice cream out of our freezer and top it with all of the leftover apples/walnuts and cinammon......but I didn't.<br /><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkihyphenhyphenBKifpgBj_f7796-t11BdXQit9wsBmDmtU1A65AVvHrJlIy4KxpzjMYxPCaxOihQS4FM5g9ReNBEuZMpZZjiNtv9UI8wU6IITq6MLhRRzPC3imwJwuDVyUxBFu1OIvFrpwnD-Jp-u/s320/IMG_1495.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529896458867904818" /></div><div>I had to include a picture of Charlie's pizza. Sooooo unWHole30! But so cute and the boys love making their own dinner. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight we are heading to the Wild game. Boy, we are going to be the wildest people there - I will definitely miss my beer here not to mention the pulled BBQ Pork that I get every single game. Oh well. Good thing our seats rock because we get a lot of smooshed faces right on the glass! </div><div><br /></div><div>Wish me luck!</div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-81106053646342724322010-10-19T06:33:00.000-07:002010-10-19T06:46:34.530-07:00Monday Blahs and a Big Whoopsie!Ahh, Monday. The end of this day marks my half way point through this challenge...but who's counting? Mondays are my tough day. I am up early for work, kids to school, run errands, back to work, workout, pick up kids, homework, back to work, home and go to bed. My time for meal planning on this particular day of the week is non-existent. On Mondays I tend to not eat enough. I stay within the parameters of the challenge food wise, but I am not sure Melissa or Dallas would recommend eating this way!<div><br /></div><div>After the noon workout today I met a friend for lunch at Turtle Bread Company. I ordered tomato squash soup and a salad with a breast of chicken with balsamic dressing. The soup was yummy and the salad was fine. I cleaned both the soup bowl and the salad plate no problem. Once I finished the soup, I realized that it was probably a milk based soup. Sure enough it was. I didn't even think about this when ordering. I have been eating perfectly for the first half of the challenge and to mess up kind of stinks, but I am going to look at the bright side. I didn't die. I didn't have any reaction to the milk so I must be lactose tolerant. And, it was damn tasty. It was an honest mistake and I will learn to ask more questions when ordering food at restaurants.</div><div><br /></div><div>For some quick lunch options while out and about, I have had the unwich at Jimmy Johns with double meat and extra veggies and Noodles & Co has a chinese chopped salad minus the wontons add a breast of chicken. Great options! If you have any others you have come across, please share in comments!</div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-46261165643941080842010-10-17T17:32:00.001-07:002010-10-17T17:46:36.526-07:00My Menu for Today AND a Resource for Y'all<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLcybfUTrDjKE17CX3Vmn8KVqdKwKPNxwPqCFnhqk7ggA1pyKR6-9raAkNnHHalraLw6j4e03v43IUzrF-VJ16IDdXipe-wtDJw3meS5FGUXoTYm-XhpMhs7EJ5A6smyOSHN7qka5Qg7m/s1600/IMG_1485.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLcybfUTrDjKE17CX3Vmn8KVqdKwKPNxwPqCFnhqk7ggA1pyKR6-9raAkNnHHalraLw6j4e03v43IUzrF-VJ16IDdXipe-wtDJw3meS5FGUXoTYm-XhpMhs7EJ5A6smyOSHN7qka5Qg7m/s320/IMG_1485.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529177650053271458" /></a><div><div>Our dinner tonight consisted of 100% grass fed bison burgers grilled up topped with mustard, tomato and avocado. I baked up some green beans in the oven and had mashed butternut squash that was left over from last night. Nothing too exciting but not every night can be an adventure! It's tiring!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I had a great breakfast this morning. I had my usual 4 scrambled eggs with spinach but threw some leftover veggies - zucchini, carrots, broccoli and tomatoes in. Obviously topped with avocado because I LOVE avocado! I bought 8 of them at the store today and boy do I hate it when I open one up and it is rotten! Frustrating! $1.49/avocado and rising!</div><div><br /></div><div>We had Willie's 5th Birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese today. Talk about a Whole30 Challenge nightmare! We stuck to it and probably went too long without eating. The minute we got home all of our leftovers were on the counter and being devoured cold. I finally finished off the not so good carnitas (which I never blogged about my "steak" caranitas) but I couldn't let them go to waste - that grass fed meat is damn expensive! We did a great job of cleaning out our fridge so this afternoon I had to make a trip to the store. Once again.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted to share a resource that gives me more hope that I won't get bored eating this way. I made the baked green beans from this site and they were pretty good. I am really interested in this spaghetti.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out: <a href="http://www.everydaypaleo.com/">http://www.everydaypaleo.com/</a></div><div>I watched the video where she makes the spaghetti and it looks tasty and I love that her kids help her cook! While I think I have a good base of meals so far, I am excited to see what else I can add to the mix.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nighty Night!</div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-47969732936804441232010-10-15T17:33:00.000-07:002010-10-15T17:43:08.000-07:00What's For Dinner?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc13VysuL0dJnACCELfE82TdarMNsO9w66dsmBbSj_bgvwFkMlOfcUJptdjZCBinLz8wxmj2oiD1rT8T1NLzeTRs9CCuCoIAmFBlUVvDuFUAkUAtYQLUTWwCXrbokbaRJER4HnKaiFsr_Z/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc13VysuL0dJnACCELfE82TdarMNsO9w66dsmBbSj_bgvwFkMlOfcUJptdjZCBinLz8wxmj2oiD1rT8T1NLzeTRs9CCuCoIAmFBlUVvDuFUAkUAtYQLUTWwCXrbokbaRJER4HnKaiFsr_Z/s320/IMG_1442.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528435709951109538" /></a><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvv6H3WqiNQob8omy7CElBnZhDSoGIavyoKyP6r8J1gSEDHGL3CU75fa5CizSOt1EgaBYJM2_9B0u-u0ZlhKDukPYzS1pWO-JhyKuj76rkLDv-CuTGoXzcyBfPmSkKX_5GbpUg77CZaCkx/s320/IMG_1440.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528435699126111874" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>My two boys. Tonight I made turkey, sweet potatoes and sauteed veggies. Simple but tasty. As you can see from the pics above, my picky 5 year old was not happy. My adventurous 6 year old was eating it up. In fact, see the pic below? He ate both plates. Hmmm, wonder which boy is going to grow up to be big and strong? Granted, it was difficult to get either of them to eat all of the veggies, but they had to try each veggie. </div><div><br /></div><div>Matt and I ate the same thing. Of course we had no problem cleaning our plates! For those of you looking for a simple meal, this is the real deal. I put several same sized sweet potatoes on a baking pan (actually over foil so I wouldn't have to clean the pan). Baked at 350 for 80 minutes and had set the timer for the oven to go off. Potatoes cooled off in the oven and were ready to be mashed when I got home. Cut up veggies, sauteed in coconut oil and tossed in a little EVOO and kosher salt. Turkey was a pre-cooked breast that we just had to warm up. Easy breezy.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="text-align: left;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWqBV6sbrX1LWdFPjuLVwsRbbOZr-apyPu2ahOMhpaoH-X5gK4jhDqcqDwR6kcE8f9RkOJA51DHJFz2i5AWPZHB48NhKdTxF7pOuDWuIw8XvkJiq9MUluAdaha_ppBISY0A5ncbwZcOSY/s320/IMG_1443.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528435712244515122" /></div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-48413563132999177972010-10-14T17:12:00.000-07:002010-10-14T17:35:44.949-07:0011 Days....I started this journey 11 days ago. I was resistant. However, I discovered something. Challenges like this force you to be creative. Our meals have been delicious for the most part and I tend to have leftovers, which is why I didn't post yesterday (and the fact that I was crazy busy).<div><br /></div><div>I am 11 days in and wanted to do a little self evaluation. First of all, regarding the food itself, here are some surprising things: 1) I don't miss dairy - okay, maybe tonight as my kids were eating Willie's cake and ice cream I missed it a little, but that was the first time. 2) I don't miss cookies, cake, candy or anything super sweet. 3) I don't miss grains. 4) I miss alcohol - okay, not that surprising. </div><div><br /></div><div>Regarding my weight, I weighed myself on Day 2 and I was 143.6. I weighed myself today and I was 138.8. That is a loss of 4.8 pounds in 10 days. I was concerned at first but then got to thinkin'....we retain a lot more water when we are eating more sugar and salt, so it must be mostly water weight. I hope. I came home after my weigh in and downed a whole avacodo and as much coconut milk as I could muster! I will keep tabs on it, but this goes to show that I haven't been hungry at all and I have still lost weight, so that is good for those of you out there with that goal in mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel like I have great energy and I might be hallucinating but I think my skin looks better. Remember that goal of hoping to be really hot like Dallas (in a girly way for me)? - not sure I am there yet! I pee a lot due to all of the water I drink and my body not retaining it, which is a pain in the arse. But, my pee is clear so that is AWESOME :-) My workouts have felt great. However, I did "Angie" yesterday (100 pull-ups, 100 pushups, 100 squats & 100 situps) and my time was almost 4 minutes slower than it was 14 months ago. I felt like I was working hard so I don't know what is up with that - the diet??? Hmmmm. Need more data....</div><div><br /></div><div>Last summer I went strict zone for 30 days. It was a great experience and like this, I had to get creative. The biggest change I made in my diet from experiencing the zone was starting my day with more protein and eating less grains throughout the day. I did not enjoy measuring my food. I think there will be more that I will take from this challenge in the end but I won't want to maintain it at this level for the long term. </div><div><br /></div><div>Peace out!</div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265494560701652565.post-8704510326644779322010-10-12T17:21:00.000-07:002010-10-12T18:36:47.882-07:00Watch Out Top Chef!<div style="text-align: center;">Just a cute pic from the hay maze on a gorgeous, fall day!</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IcK9UfJrufR7MLUfhyphenhyphen1yRyQi4rCE4bm_rUZIu-hHFjqSLbbGdoLLDzSYZqmOSNjdZrSiV1DkO_BY44aam-535nLiBovh935AUOwJ52KBLk8QtuZDuZ8KNyaxZa41SYX8nuXVHB_behhI/s320/IMG_1425.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527319526629563378" /><div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Kf6dSxvX0ltsllvnz6z6_ikx5ZzqT2BebjlogWeH2Q7poYQ_ceYTYMO0DHAIKbR7lIdR0_sBBZXIFJ5S5h_Hfd9pz47P4OTl0YUuWiXwJQslrMngoulMUG2uCtT9Br0Wp0OXz4LCc9Hy/s320/IMG_1436.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527321199989608146" />See these cupcakes? October is the month of Willie's birthday AND Halloween. Normally around 3 o'clock or so, this is what I would have a hankerin' for. Not today. Last night my wonderful babysitter made halloween colored cupcakes with my boys. As much as I want them to eat healthy, they are kids. I have seen those kids whose parents restrict them from things and it is not good. I ate like crap when I was a kid. I saved up my coins to ride my bike up to PDQ to buy as much candy as I could with my money. I remember drinking 12 cans of pop at a slumber party. I ate donuts before track races. Look at me now...I survived. My hope is that eventually with constant education, our kids will make good choices about what they put in their bodies. For now, they will eat cupcakes, pancakes and waffles - oh my! I will also force them to eat their veggies. Okay, more like bargain with them but I can usually get some past their lips. Just introducing them to different foods and hoping they will like something that actually resembles food is a victory in itself! </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXE3HCCFEtEczo2e5Qpf_GoZ1L0gL-_9GhF__RQs6PozMN5kiM7l7VRk2SI9IUCACRwlfEUFs1Lsy3kqQeLJo2dakytN6OkLGGC4YSKDB5gnAdNonIctyY4n_rcDCHPQh6kBCKeZM-lhFO/s320/IMG_1437.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527320105135738178" /></div><div>WATCH OUT TOP CHEF!! Actually, I am no chef. My confidence in the kitchen is lacking, but tonight I took control and whipped up something with no recipe - totally winged it. I figured we'd either love this or be going out to dinner in short order.</div><div><br /></div><div>We bought several acorn squashes from a farm this past weekend. I had remembered someone cooking up some stuffed acorn squash but I knew it had bread and other taboo stuff in it but I liked the idea. So, I cut 2 acorn squashes in half and cooked them open side down for 40 minutes at 350. While the squash was baking, I sauted up some sliced apples(3 honeycrisp) in coconut oil, and added some cinnamon and nutmeg because I just thought that sounded yummy. After the apples were ready, I put them aside and browned 1 lb ground spicy turkey sausage that we purchased from Whole Foods this past weekend with some onion. Once that was ready I mixed in the apple. When the squashes were done I turned them upright and stuffed as much of the meat/apple stuff in as I could, covered with tinfoil and baked for another 15-20 (til squash was ready).</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xxJjJrzq0EHsXR8hDMTVldyD4qvnuA18SNBZkQIGrMn1w7DUz9p5YqWyX3VdJSMS-Z_mcl5j7zQ8mTPu1p01SHRfYJPlJkxIJuuezgW3Fnn5bPAEGpY12Frf0wimmttzKM8VAffPtYMQ/s320/IMG_1438.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527320106186981906" /><div>Can I say yummy? YUMMY! I would cook this again in a heartbeat. Maybe add some diced red pepper to add a crunch or possibly some spinach sauteed into the mix to give it more color and nutrients. Thoughts on what else could be added?</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the finished product pictured to the left. I scraped every last bit of squash off that skin. AND, guess what? I get to eat the other half tomorrow!</div><div><br /></div>Darcy Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14048093947767554840noreply@blogger.com2