What Have I Learned As A Vegetarian?

I chose approx. 30 days ago to go Vegetarian again!  I had done this several years ago and felt incredible!  I slowly added things back but for whatever reason, I just could not do red meat.  I am sure that at that point it was all in my head.  About 2 years ago I tried to add back red meat.  I bought hamburger meat and some other things.  I ate it.  It was fine.  About a month into it, I started hurting.  I mean body aches worse than the flu.  I went to the beach WITHOUT RUNNING GEAR!  I was popping ibuprofen, Tylenol, Alieve and anything else I thought would help.  I was exhausted and felt miserable.  I was terrified something was VERY wrong.  I went back to when I started feeling bad.  It was the red meat.  I stopped eating it and within about 3 months all the symptoms were gone.  It was VERY weird but I made the choice that I just could not go there again.  I would give anything to have an awesome steak on the grill but then I remember how that felt and just choose to think about how good it would be.

The last 4 weeks have been a challenge at times.   Did I slip up? Yes.  I gave in 3 times.  Jimmy Johns came to town.  That is my favorite place of all to get a sandwich!!!  It's all about the bread there and not to mention the avocado they have to put on it!  AMAZING!!!!!  I had my #4 with avocado and spouts!  YUMMY!!!!

I love veggies so it was really not to hard.  I love pasta and rice and other foods.  Leaving off chicken, pork, turkey and red meat is not a problem.  Seafood was REALLY hard.  We live on the Eastern Shore and seafood is abundant and not eating it was tough but I made it!

Conclusion- 
I can do anything that I set my mind to.
I didn't feel deprived.
I actually feel better today than I did 4 weeks ago.
I lost 5 pounds in the process.
I feel more energetic!
Amazing!

Have you ever tried to be a Vegetarian?
Have you ever tried to be a Vegan?  I know I can't do that.  No eggs, cheese and yogurt......NOPE, not here!!!! I will be returning to some chicken, some turkey but a lot of SEAFOOD!!!!!!

I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.  Do you have some favorite Vegetarian Recipes?  I would love to see them.  Post the link or share them below in the comments!!!!!

Have a wonderful day!!!

Blessings,
Coach Pam

Shrimp Coconut Curry

Shrimp Coconut Curry

Total Time: 21 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 6 min.
Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:
¼ cup canned coconut milk
1 tsp. fresh lime juice
½ tsp. raw honey (or agave syrup) (optional)
½ tsp. curry powder
1 thin slice fresh ginger, peeled, finely chopped
¼ tsp. finely chopped garlic
6 oz. raw medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. extra-virgin organic coconut oil
½ medium red bell pepper, chopped
6 fresh cilantro sprigs (for garnish; optional)

Preparation:
1. Combine coconut milk, lime juice, honey, curry powder, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside.
2. Season shrimp with pepper.
3. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add shrimp and bell pepper; cook, stirring frequently, for 30 seconds.
5. Add coconut milk mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; gently boil for 5 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened and shrimp is opaque and firm.
6. Garnish with cilantro if desired.

Sagi’s Variation: Recipe can be made with 4 to 6 oz. skinless chicken breast. Make sure to cook chicken for a longer time (about 5 minutes or until it is not pink) before adding sauce. Multiple servings can be made and frozen in individual servings for future meals.

GOOD MONDAY MORNING!!!!

I am so super excited!  I'm busy with family and I'm busy with work but I am also busy with my fun business!  It's awesome to think that I get to encourage others on their fitness journey!  

Maybe you are not ready for someone to help you with your fitness journey but you need to start somewhere.  

Maybe you just need some encouragement. 

Maybe you just need to meet some other people.  

I am running a Clean Eating- Water Drinking 5 Day Challenge Group!

It is so exciting and seeing people interact and share!  

It is absolutely priceless!!!  

It's what makes me so happy!!  

Not to mention it's so much fun!

I'm also getting ready to have a Bible study started.  Super excited about that!  Michelle Myers is an incredible woman.  She's a wife, a mother, a pastor's wife, fitness business owner and shares her faith!  She wrote a book that I had seen so many times and just felt lead to order it.  I got it from Amazon and when it came, I was so excited.  I keep reading the intro and wanting to share it.  What do you do when you have something that is so exciting? You want to share.  

July 1st I will have a Bible Study on Facebook.  It's going to be great.  A Bible study based on Proverbs 31!  CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Just wanted to share what all was going on!!!  I'm thrilled to have all of these women that are making changes physically, emotionally, and spiritually!  Want to join in?  Just leave a comment or find me on Facebook!

Can't wait to see how the Lord is going to use these groups!!!!

Blessings, 

Coach Pam 

Baked Oatmeal Cups with Raisins and Walnuts

Baked Oatmeal Cups with Raisins and Walnuts

Total Time: 45 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 30 min.
Yield: 12 servings, 1 cup each

Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 large bananas, mashed'
1 Tbsp. raw honey
2½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1½ tsp. baking powder
1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
¾ cup chopped raw walnuts
¼ cup raisins

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Prepare twelve muffin cups by coating with spray. Set aside.
3. Combine eggs, extract, bananas, and honey in a large bowl; mix well. Set aside.
4. Combine oats, cinnamon, and baking powder in a medium bowl; mix well.
5. Add oat mixture to egg mixture; mix well.
6. Add almond milk; mix well.
7. Divide oat mixture evenly between prepared muffin cups.
8. Top evenly with walnuts and raisins.
9. Bake 26 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tip: Pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, or dark chocolate chips can be substituted for walnuts and raisins.

FIND MORE HERE

Blessings, 

Coach Pam

22 Minute Hard Corps Review

 I DID IT!!!!!
I completed it!!!!
It was INCREDIBLE!!!!
I am just amazed!!!!!
I can remember when Beachbody On Demand did a Sneak Peak with this program.  I was so excited and when it got started and I made it through the first round and I couldn't breathe, I couldn't see through the sweat in my eyes and my first thought was....."I don't think I can do this!"

After I caught my breath and realized, I had felt the same way after any new program.  This was 22 Minutes!  Who can't find 22 Minutes!!!!  Yes, I can and I want it and I will do it!!!!!!  I placed my order!

I got my order and was so excited!!!
I was about to bust.
I was ready.
I had my weights.
I had my set up!
LET'S DO THIS!!!!

So, let's get to the heart.
What did I learn?
What changed?
I have a new passion for supporting Veterans.
I can do Gorilla crawls!
I can do Frog Burpees!
I can do more T-Jacks than I ever thought possible!
I have muscles in my arms!
I have abs showing up!
I have confidence!
I have passion!
I am amazed!

If I could change something in the program- what would it be?
N-O-T-H-I-N-G!!!
This is a program for ANYONE!!!
The moves are the basic physical fitness moves and maybe tweaked just a little but Tony shows you how to modify if needed.
It is an incredible program.
For heaven's sake, it's 22 minutes!!  You can find 22 Minutes!

Want to get in on 22 Minute Hard Corps?
Have questions?
Ready to make the change?
Just let me know!!!!

Blessings,
Coach Pam

Taking THAT First Step!

Lynn-Marie and I getting ready for the Full Marathon in Myrtle Beach 2008

This past Satuday (6/10/2016) was a HUGE DAY!  It was a day of new beginnings. It was a day of learning to enjoy something AGAIN. It was a day to move ahead. It was a day to remember, laugh, smile in every picture.

This past Saturday I ran a 5K.  That in and of it's self is not really that big of a deal.
I have been a runner.
I even ran a full marathon and several half marathons and countless 5K's.
This one was different.

You see, a couple of years ago, I had made plans and promises that there would be a day that Lynn-Marie and I would run together.  We would run a race together to celebrate her kicking her cancer's butt and her new "life" after her bone marrow transplant.

March 8th (you can read here about it) was my "Revelation Day".  The conversations and the photo's and the text messages that day started a journey. This Saturday was the first part of this journey.  I signed up.  Last minute of course because my heart wasn't sure I could do it.  I was actually hoping Bo would have something come up at the hospital and I wouldn't be able to go. That didn't happen.  I had posted on Facebook about it the night before and then cried myself to sleep.  I cried that morning getting ready.  I stood by myself a few times to cry behind my sunglasses.  Sweet Tracy asked me how I was and I just LOST IT!  She let me cry on her shoulder (I mean it was the ugly cry).  I was determined!  I made it this far and quitting at this point was not an option.  I put my buds in my ears and cranked the music.  I had to get out of my head or it was going to be a VERY LONG 5K.

I managed to run it alone.  That was actually ok with me.  I don't think I would have been good conversation for anyone.  I was fine until I was in the last stretch.  Tracy was standing on the sidelines.  The tears were uncontrollable!  She cheered me on.  I didn't care at that point about the tears.  I was bawling!!!!!  I crossed the finished line and fell into Bo's arms and loving on Kaleb.

Sobbing for a couple of reasons.
1-Lynn-Marie would have been there cheering me on
2-Kim had purchased these awesome bandana's for us to wear- Little did she know they were the Team In Training for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (or maybe she did).
3-I did what I said I would do and that was return to one of my passions- Running
4-So VERY grateful for the awesome team that I work with.  Yes, we have our days but we support one another!!!
5-I would have loved to have had her there for this event but at the same time, I knew that she was enjoying her day being in the presence of our King!  

All of that said, I'm excited to go on to several more 5K's, Bridge Run and then on to the Dasanti Myrtle Beach Half Marathon.  That will be the ultimate experience.  That is the one race that Lynn-Marie and I were planning on running together.  Michelle and Nick will be there and that will be perfect!  I'm grateful to her for her inspiration and her enthusiasm for life and that contagious smile!!!!!

Things Learned-
Be IN the pictures
Smile
Be Contagious
Live Life EVERY DAY

Blessings,

Coach Pam

CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER-BANANA OH MY!!

Chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas are all delicious on their own, but put them together and you have an incredibly scrumptious treat that will make you swoon. This sweet quesadilla tastes like it should be off-limits in any healthy diet, but every once in a while you can “cheat clean” with one of these. For something so decadent, it has only 300 calories, and provides 7 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.

Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Banana Quesadilla

Total Time: 15 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 5 min.
Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:
1 (6-inch) whole wheat tortilla
1 Tbsp. all-natural smooth peanut butter
½ large banana, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp. dark chocolate (or semi-sweet) morsels

Preparation:
1. Spread half of tortilla with peanut butter.
2. Top peanut butter with banana and chocolate morsels. Fold tortilla in half; cook in medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until chocolate is melted and tortilla is golden brown.

WANT MORE??  GO HERE


ENJOY!!!!!!
Blessings,
Coach Pam

FOODIE FRIDAY!!!!

Turkey, Goat Cheese and Avocado Wraps

This power snack from the Body Beast Eating Plan will fuel you through a sluggish afternoon or satisfy late-night cravings. And it’s so easy to make. Wrap crunchy romaine lettuce leaves around sliced turkey, avocado, goat cheese, and walnuts for a delicious, low-carb snack.

Total Time: 15 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 4 serving, 1 roll each

Ingredients:
4 leaves romaine lettuce
4 slices nitrite-free smoked turkey (or roast beef)
4 Tbsp. soft goat cheese
4 Tbsp. chopped walnuts (or pecans)
4 slices medium avocado
Chopped red bell pepper (for garnish; optional)

Preparation:
1. Top each lettuce leaf with a turkey slice.
2. Spread each turkey slice with 1 Tbsp. goat cheese.
3. Sprinkle 1 tsp. walnuts on each roll and top with 1 slice avocado. Roll and garnish with chopped bell pepper, if desired.

More Recipes here

Blessings, 

Coach Pam