I love this quote...I am a big believer not only in the fact that you can't change other people, but also in the fact that unless you are really and truly ready to change for yourself - it won't happen. There are too many excuses, too many outs, too many things to blame failure on.
I decided to back to school this year - law school - after fours years out. And it was scary but I just decided, this is what I’m going to do. I haven't regretted my decision once. Not when I’m up to my ears in work, not when I was so stressed during first semester finals my boyfriend thought I was possessed, not during one of the many meltdowns that have occurred. I don't regret it because I was ready; ready for a new challenge, ready for the next chapter in becoming the person I want to be, ready for something scary but ultimately satisfying.
The most recent change I have decided to make is to take better care of myself. It sounds easier than it is. I decided that going to the gym and yoga is going to be a priority for me, as is getting more sleep and eating better. These might sound like small goals but when there is never ending homework and a night owl boyfriend with the same "fatkid" tendencies I have - there is always an excuse for me to skip the gym, eat pizza and stay up later than I should.
So far, it’s been four weeks since I decided to make these things a priority and I have. I have gone to yoga 20 of the last 28 days, the gym at least four times a week and been getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep - yay me!! All while staying caught up on my homework and research projects. I have been fueling my renewed fitness with healthy eats too - Kashi** cereal (I am obsessed with all things Kashi), home made turkey chili (recipe below), veggies, fruits, you name it. A couple of classmates have asked me how I am fitting it all in and I just tell them, I decided to.
So, my challenge to you is - if you want to change. Do it. Don't complain about it, don't make excuses why you can't. Sit down, make yourself a plan, and change what you want to. Just be sure you are doing it for you.
Turkey Chili Recipe (4 servings)
- 400 grams ground turkey (raw) (99% fat free)
- 1 whole yellow onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 teaspoons of tomato paste
- 2-4 whole tomatoes (diced)
- I add chopped jalapeños to mine for a spicy kick while the "fatkid" opts out of those.
- I also add two tablespoons of (already cooked) black beans to my portions
Season to taste:
I usually do about a tsp of all spices but salt and pepper (I do less of these) - I'm not big on measuring spices.
- Chili powder
- Curry powder
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
- Basil
- Thyme
- Dash(es) of Worcestershire sauce
Combine meat, onions, garlic and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl (I like to mix it first to get the flavor in it).
In a non-stick skillet (no oil!) brown the mixture until the meat is almost fully cooked. I usually do this at a 5 (10 being highest).
Drain fat from the pan using a spoon.
Put in the tomato, tomato paste, and spices.
Cook (I turn it down to about a 3) until meat is thoroughly cooked and onions and tomato are at your preferred consistency.
This takes me maybe 15 minutes total prep and cook time.
While I don't know the exact nutrition I would estimate there is about 180 calories per serving (based on 100g of uncooked turkey and the veggie/paste contents). Below pic also has black beans added to it.
This is great cold the next day for lunch as well :) hope you enjoy!!
Since this is my first blog ever - any feedback is more than welcome.
...me
...me
