Kristine Lost 29 Pounds Eating Clean with CleanFoodCrush!

Hi friend! My name is Kristine and I have lost 29 pounds since August with the 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge!

I am 48 with four kids between 9 and 14. I have a husband in the military who has been deployed three times since we have been married – twice when we had the four kids.

I’ve been in education for over 25 years and have served as a Principal at an elementary school for the past five years.

I am usually at a sporting event for one of my kids-baseball, hockey, football, basketball or diving! But I do enjoy working out and I hit Orange Theory at least four or five days a week.

Last July I was on vacation with my family and we took a family photo. Looking through the pictures of our vacation, I was stunned at the amount of weight I had gained.

I tried the 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge a year and a half ago, but I didn’t stick with it. Between raising four kids, being in charge of a school and a husband on deployment, my eating habits were fast food and quick unhealthy meals and I  didn’t make myself a priority.

After seeing that photo, I knew I needed to do something for my weight for my health and for my kids. 

With all four kids, I had gestational diabetes which means my chances of being diagnosed with Type II Diabetes increase by 50%. At my last physical, my sugars were pretty high and my doctor highly recommended I lose weight.

After returning from vacation, I started the 30 Day Challenge again, began gathering recipes, and ramped up my workouts.

Since starting the CFC challenge and Clean Eating, I have lost 29 pounds!  I feel better, have more energy and enjoy cooking meals for me and my family. I am down from a size 12 pants to a size 8, sometimes even a 6!  I can’t remember the last time I wore that size.

My children and husband are warming up to my Clean Eating meals. Sometimes they add sauces to things, but it is such an improvement to what they were eating before! My husband loves roasted vegetables and eats many more veggies than he used to.

Bento Lunch Boxes 3 Ways

My kids are used to fruits and veggies in their lunches now and don’t even complain when there is no sugary snack!

It has definitely been a process for me and the family and we’re all experiencing the benefits.

Starting the 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge definitely took me some time to adjust to, but with the support of the admin team and the Facebook group, I did it!

It wasn’t always easy, and I had my moments, but I just kept at it and it became easier and easier, and I felt better and better each week.

Everyone is at a different place when they start and have different goals so don’t make comparisons, this journey is ALL ABOUT YOU! The Facebook group is there for support and encouragement whenever you need it.

Be true to yourself and be proud of the little accomplishments! It’s not just about the number scale, it’s about how you feel and the new freedom you experience from having a healthier lifestyle.

 

Kristine Lost 29 Pounds Eating Clean with CleanFoodCrush!

Hi friend! My name is Kristine and I have lost 29 pounds since August with the 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge!

I am 48 with four kids between 9 and 14. I have a husband in the military who has been deployed three times since we have been married – twice when we had the four kids.

I’ve been in education for over 25 years and have served as a Principal at an elementary school for the past five years.

I am usually at a sporting event for one of my kids-baseball, hockey, football, basketball or diving! But I do enjoy working out and I hit Orange Theory at least four or five days a week.

Last July I was on vacation with my family and we took a family photo. Looking through the pictures of our vacation, I was stunned at the amount of weight I had gained.

I tried the 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge a year and a half ago, but I didn’t stick with it. Between raising four kids, being in charge of a school and a husband on deployment, my eating habits were fast food and quick unhealthy meals and I  didn’t make myself a priority.

After seeing that photo, I knew I needed to do something for my weight for my health and for my kids. 

With all four kids, I had gestational diabetes which means my chances of being diagnosed with Type II Diabetes increase by 50%. At my last physical, my sugars were pretty high and my doctor highly recommended I lose weight.

After returning from vacation, I started the 30 Day Challenge again, began gathering recipes, and ramped up my workouts.

Since starting the CFC challenge and Clean Eating, I have lost 29 pounds!  I feel better, have more energy and enjoy cooking meals for me and my family. I am down from a size 12 pants to a size 8, sometimes even a 6!  I can’t remember the last time I wore that size.

My children and husband are warming up to my Clean Eating meals. Sometimes they add sauces to things, but it is such an improvement to what they were eating before! My husband loves roasted vegetables and eats many more veggies than he used to.

Bento Lunch Boxes 3 Ways

My kids are used to fruits and veggies in their lunches now and don’t even complain when there is no sugary snack!

It has definitely been a process for me and the family and we’re all experiencing the benefits.

Starting the 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge definitely took me some time to adjust to, but with the support of the admin team and the Facebook group, I did it!

It wasn’t always easy, and I had my moments, but I just kept at it and it became easier and easier, and I felt better and better each week.

Everyone is at a different place when they start and have different goals so don’t make comparisons, this journey is ALL ABOUT YOU! The Facebook group is there for support and encouragement whenever you need it.

Be true to yourself and be proud of the little accomplishments! It’s not just about the number scale, it’s about how you feel and the new freedom you experience from having a healthier lifestyle.

 

5 Ways to Practice Self-Love this Valentines Day Weekend!

 Self-love encompasses acts of service toward self, taking care of our needs, and also the little things, like taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

This Valentines’ day weekend, love yourself up with one (or all!) of these incredible practices.

1. Make yourself a Clean Eating treat

How often do you just make a tasty treat for yourself to enjoy? Do something just for you or share it with the ones you love.

Try one of these 5 Valentine’s Day treats or these delicious PB & chia jelly cups!

2. Write yourself a love note

Self-love takes practice, and sometimes we can be really mean to ourselves! One of the sweetest ways to start reinforcing positive self-talk is to write yourself a love letter.

Try writing a letter that starts with Dear (your name), here are all of the things I love about you: and list as many things as you can!

3. Plan a date night

Do you ever take yourself out? Planning a solo-date can be a wonderful way to reinforce self-love. It can be anything you enjoy doing – like going to a dance, yoga or cooking class, taking yourself on a nature walk, or even going out to enjoy a meal with a great book!

4. Cook yourself a beautiful meal

Get into the habit of cooking for yourself as if you’re going to feed guests! Of course, you don’t have to do this all the time, but every once in awhile, treat yourself like a special visitor and make something lovely for you to enjoy. Try one of these recipes:

Quick Valentines Day Breakfast 

Sichuan Beef Skillet

Beautiful Salmon Cobb Salad 

5. Give yourself permission to rest

It’s ok to relax. You really don’t have to do it all! Give yourself permission to rest your body and take a break from the hustle and bustle. Maybe that looks like curling up at home with a warm blanket and a good book, having a bubble bath, or enjoying a nice meal with someone you love. Whatever it is, let it be easeful!

I hope you have an AMAZING weekend!

❤️Rachel

5 Ways to Practice Self-Love this Valentines Day Weekend!

 Self-love encompasses acts of service toward self, taking care of our needs, and also the little things, like taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

This Valentines’ day weekend, love yourself up with one (or all!) of these incredible practices.

1. Make yourself a Clean Eating treat

How often do you just make a tasty treat for yourself to enjoy? Do something just for you or share it with the ones you love.

Try one of these 5 Valentine’s Day treats or these delicious PB & chia jelly cups!

2. Write yourself a love note

Self-love takes practice, and sometimes we can be really mean to ourselves! One of the sweetest ways to start reinforcing positive self-talk is to write yourself a love letter.

Try writing a letter that starts with Dear (your name), here are all of the things I love about you: and list as many things as you can!

3. Plan a date night

Do you ever take yourself out? Planning a solo-date can be a wonderful way to reinforce self-love. It can be anything you enjoy doing – like going to a dance, yoga or cooking class, taking yourself on a nature walk, or even going out to enjoy a meal with a great book!

4. Cook yourself a beautiful meal

Get into the habit of cooking for yourself as if you’re going to feed guests! Of course, you don’t have to do this all the time, but every once in awhile, treat yourself like a special visitor and make something lovely for you to enjoy. Try one of these recipes:

Quick Valentines Day Breakfast 

Sichuan Beef Skillet

Beautiful Salmon Cobb Salad 

5. Give yourself permission to rest

It’s ok to relax. You really don’t have to do it all! Give yourself permission to rest your body and take a break from the hustle and bustle. Maybe that looks like curling up at home with a warm blanket and a good book, having a bubble bath, or enjoying a nice meal with someone you love. Whatever it is, let it be easeful!

I hope you have an AMAZING weekend!

❤️Rachel

10 Foods To Naturally Boost Magnesium!

Magnesium is a mineral that has been found to have a tremendous positive impact on our bodies. It helps maintain good health, improve muscle and nerve function, boost the immune system, increase heart health, lower stress, anxiety, and even help reduce inflammation.

Magnesium supports:

• Hormonal balance
• Sleep
• Muscle recovery
• Mood
• The nervous system

How much magnesium should we aim for each day?

According to most research, women should aim for between 310 and 320 mg per day and men should aim for between 400 and 420 mg per day,

Today, let’s look at 10 magnesium-rich foods that you can consume more often so that you can continue to enjoy your best health. Be sure to check with your care provider before making any significant changes to your diet or supplement routine. 

1. Leafy Greens

Load up on the greens every chance you get, because they’re full of magnesium! The best greens to go for are spinach, kale, swiss chard, mustard greens, collard greens, and turnip greens. Spinach alone packs 157 mg of magnesium per one-cup serving. That’s 39 percent of your RDA. Adding leafy greens to your diet regularly can surely help you avoid magnesium deficiency.

Need a spinach side dish? Try this Coconut Creamed Mushroom or Berry Feta Spinach Salad.

2. Dark Chocolate

Here’s your permission to enjoy some dark chocolate. It’s high in magnesium, with a 1-ounce serving coming in at 64mg of magnesium.  That means one serving gives you 16 percent of your recommended daily allowance. In addition, dark chocolate is rich with antioxidants, which can help your cells steer clear of those free radicals that are known to damage cells.

3. Legumes

Legumes are nutritious plants rich with magnesium. Chickpeas, lentils and other legumes can increase your magnesium levels nicely when eaten regularly. Black beans in particular, are super high in magnesium, weighing in at 120 mg per serving, or 30 percent of your recommended daily allowance. Try this black bean quinoa chopped salad or this Tuscan chicken and white bean skillet!

4. Avocados

As a superfood, avocados are high in magnesium, fiber, vitamin K, potassium, and B vitamins. They’re also super good at keeping inflammation at bay.  One medium-sized avocado weighs in at 58mg of magnesium, or 15 percent of your recommended daily intake.

Ever have avocados for breakfast? Enjoy these Breakfast Avocado Egg Cups any morning!

5. Bananas

Bananas are an affordable, high-magnesium fruit that’ll net you 37 mg per one large banana. They’re also high in potassium, which helps with heart health. Just keep in mind bananas are high in sugar, so if you’re monitoring your sugar, you’ll want to limit your banana intake.

6. Seeds

Be sure your shelves have plenty of chia, flax, and pumpkin seeds because they’re all magnesium-rich. Pumpkin seeds alone weigh in at 150 mg of magnesium per serving. That’s 37 percent of your recommended daily allowance! You’ll also be getting good doses of your omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and iron when you eat seeds. Try this chocolate raspberry chia pudding for antioxidants and magnesium.

7. Nuts

A handful of nuts each day will serve your magnesium needs well. Cashews, almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts – all high in magnesium and a great source of fiber too. Cashews alone weigh in at 82mg of magnesium per serving, equaling 20 percent of your daily allowance. Try this cashew chicken stir-fry!

8. Fish

Eating salmon, tuna, halibut, and mackerel are great ways to boost your magnesium. Halibut weighs in at 24 mg of magnesium per 3 oz serving size.

Hungry for some fish? Try these Garlic Herb Salmon Bowls or Tuna Cucumber Wraps.

9. Yogurt

Low or nonfat plain greek yogurt is rich in magnesium too, packing about 32-42 mg in one 8 oz. container. Also high in calcium, yogurt is a great choice for breakfast or snack. Try this greek yogurt cucumber salad!

10. Oatmeal

Oatmeal weighs in at 63 mg of magnesium per 1 cup serving. That’s 15 percent of your RDA.  What’s great about oatmeal is that you can add fruit or yogurt to it and really boost your intake of magnesium! You’ll also be getting some great fiber.

A magnesium-rich diet is sure to help you feel better on all levels, so be sure you’re choosing foods to boost your magnesium levels each day. Try this oatmeal chocolate chip banana bars!

References:

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15650-magnesium-rich-food

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0715/p157.html

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0715/p157.html