2013 is behind us, and for some of us-- it was a good year.  For me, I lost 40+ pounds, and gained years of my life back, quite literally--as I came out of the “obese” range of BMI and body fat. For others I know, they were ready to be done and over with the year that seemed to bring problem, or crisis after crisis. Whatever your take on 2013, I’m sure there were teachable moments. Things you learned from... some things you may do again, and other things not so much. 

 I posted my own honest reflection  (see below) of 2013 on Facebook:

"Mitch and I did our annual "year in review" conversation tonight. I don't usually reveal such personal details on FB, but I thought that my story may encourage others. For me, 2013 was the first year I actually submitted to bettering my physical, mental and spiritual health. With the encouragement of a dear friend, I agreed to pursue Christian counseling, and have been going for the last 10 months. It has been such a blessing, and an overwhelming "gift" to allow Gods redemptive healing take root in the broken places of my otherwise messy soul. To God be the glory, the shackles of anxiety have been broken, and I have learned how to truly cast my burdens onto The Lord. Lastly, I have finally owned the issue of obesity, and decided to not make excuses anymore, I've spent the last 5 months focused on getting "healthy" not skinny-- while I'm not at my goal weight, I'm almost there-- and that's a lot to be proud of, it is with Christ's strength not mine I have done this. Psalm 34:4 " God met me more than halfway, and freed me from my anxious fears.”

Some people sent comments of encouragement, and a few others  private messaged me, stating they too struggle with similar issues. I was so blessed to talk with some of them more about counseling, and others about Ideal Protein. Some of them even said that they were planning on starting IP in the New Year. That made me think about New Years Resolutions. I know so many of us (myself included) make resolutions year after year, and always come up short for one reason or another. In fact, businesses prey upon people like you and I for the “busy season” of “losing weight”. Gyms, diet pills, infomercials, work out DVDs and books are all the rage come January 1, and by March so many people have already failed the resolution they committed to for the entire year. Why is this? These people (myself included) are well intended, and motivated. 

I think its for several reasons, 1) people do not realize that the resolution will require sacrifice. This does not only mean sacrificing the junky carby food we like, but also our time; and at times social outings with others in order to accomplish our goal.  2) In America, we want results and we want them now. Impatience wins on this one. People simply are impatient with the process, and give up before they can fully see the results. Many times, we want impossible results in an impossible amount of time.  Now we all know, it most likely took a long time to gain weight over a period of time, why do we think its possible to drop it in such a short period of time? Makes no sense! 3) We lack self-discipline. It’s easy to join the “losing weight” bandwagon for New Years, millions of people do it, and those same people struggle with maintaining that resolution because, they (myself included) struggle with achieving results through self-discipline. We (myself included) instead make excuses: I don’t have time to exercise, I don’t have time to make my lunch to take to work, etc. 

I think if we’re honest with ourselves and set realistic and measurable goals, we can be successful with this year’s resolution-- whatever, that may be.  2014 can be the year, where a change is made! 

1. Make your goal(s) in  month increments, this way you can have accountability to ensure your on track to meet your goal. In addition, doing this allows for the natural ebbs and flows of life. 
2. Have friends, family, etc that are “in” on your goal- they can help encourage you towards your goal, and keep you honest.
3. Be kind to yourself. You will have bad days, you will have days you want to quit. Air it out, and start the next day. No guilt, no beating yourself up. Just get back in the saddle and start again!
4. Reward yourself in small ways when you reach one of your goals. This will make the accomplishment real. For me, its little things like- a new pair of jeans,  a sugar-free London Fog at Starbucks, or buying a new book I’ve been wanting to read. 
5. Believe in you! I know this sounds silly- but truly believing that you can accomplish whatever you have set out to do, will carry you farther than self-doubt and negative talk; especially when you feel like throwing in the towel. 

Thanks for reading friends, and Happy New Year to YOU! May it be filled with unexpected joy and blessings as you pursue your resolutions!

- Ideal Protein Tiffany 

Here are TWO fantastic recipes that I make for my work lunches! When I first started IP, I bought the frozen bags of spinach or broccoli and would add my sea salt, and call it lunch ( along with an IP packet of choice, of course). Well that took all of a week to become boring! I never have been a fan of boiled, or microwaved veggies- I grew up with that style of cooking (can one even call it that?) and its what turned me off to vegetables completely (SORRY, MOM!). Since being on my own, and now a married lady trying to promote good nutrition to my husband I am all about trying new veggies and cooking techniques.  So what was I thinking reverting back to microwaved veggies in a bag? Answer: I wasn't!

With a little time, creativity and patience, you can have all your lunches ready for a week in under 2 hours,  including cooking time! I think that's fabulous-- and the best part-- you know EXACTLY what you're eating, NO CHEMICALS, no toxins and allows you to stay on protocol!

Back to the recipes, today I'm blogging about two very different recipes: (1) oldie but goodie, and (1) recently added into my routine. First, we have the comfort food of "loaded mash"- a delicious and seemingly creamy delight! This recipe's stunning ingredients are: cauliflower, sugar-free beef cooking stock, splash of milk, S+P, and my favorite ingredient- bacon! YUMM-O! The second, is a classic-- roasted brussel sprouts and bacon- it is SO crispy and delicious!
 
Both dishes are so favorites, I hope you enjoy them!

Oldie but Goodie: Cauliflower Mash with Crispy Bacon

Serving: Note this makes (6-7) servings, with each serving meeting the 2c. requirement of veggies per sitting

Ingredients:
(2) LARGE heads of cauliflower, chopped into large florets

1/4. c. of sugar-free (organic when possible) Beef Cooking Stock

6-7 slices of crumbled bacon (organic is best; at minimum nitrate free), cooked to your preference ( For those of you who would like a substitute, turkey bacon is fine, I've  comed to enjoy real bacon over the last few months, makes me feel like I'm not on a diet)

1/8 c. of 1%  milk ( I know, I know- we're allowed 1 oz a day-- if you consume this you may want to forego the milk throughout the week if you're a strict IP maniac like me; also note it is 1% protocol says FF, I have used this and not gained once throughout my journey, so what the hell? Live a little!)

S+P to taste

Directions:
1. Toss the cauliflower florets in a large stock/soup pot (see picture above) boil until a fork can easily cut through
2. Drain cauliflower
3. Next, you will want to do this in sections-- (unless you have commercial grade equipment, you can do this in one step). Place cauliflower, beef stock, milk into food processor or NINJA ( again, I love my ninja!). Pulse until pureed.
4. Add S+P to desired taste
5. Last, top  with 1-2 T of your crumbled bacon.
6. ENJOY!

I usually make prep individual servings into myDuralex/Pyrex; thus portioning myself 6-7 servings of lunches.

Note: If you do not eat all of this in 7 days, the cauliflower starts to go bad and does create an aftertaste, its best to consume within the first week.

NEW: IP Roasted Brussels & Bacon

Serving: Note this makes (6-7) servings, with each serving meeting the 2c.
requirement of veggies per sitting

Ingredients:
2 lbs. of brussels sprouts, halved
6-7 slices of bacon, cooked to desire texture
1 T. minced garlic
2-4 T. of oil/fat of your choice ( IP folks- I use the rendered bacon fat from my previous recipe, or EVOO)
sea-salt +pepper to taste.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients.
3. Next, line 2 cookie sheets with tin foil.
4. Spread brussels over both cookie sheets, roast for 10 min.
5. Next, flip brussel sprouts, and roast for an additional 8 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, and enjoy! Yum!

I usually make prep individual servings into myDuralex/Pyrex; thus portioning
myself 6-7 servings of lunches.

Note: If you do not eat all of this in 7 days, the brussel sprouts start to go bad and 
creates a bit of an aftertaste, its best to consume within the first week.