cleanse results

Hi friends! If you've been keeping up with me on instagram, I've been pretty busy with addressing all our wedding invites and taste testing red wine. Now I'm pretty under the weather, but what better time to post, right?

My cleanse with Sami ended on Friday (go read about her results!) so I got up early on Saturday and took measurements before heading out to my 10K race. I stupidly forgot to take pictures but at least I stepped on the scale and measured.  The rest of my weekend was basically a blur of mimosa brunches and holiday parties so the pictures you're about to see are from yesterday (Tuesday). 

L: before, R: after. Same outfit except that sweater was in the wash.

Can definitely see a change in the side view. All that bloat is gone!

What these pictures don't capture (since I don't have a nice camera) is how baggy the jeans are around my thighs and upper/under butt area.  That's a pretty nice feeling!

In all, I lost 6 lbs on the cleanse.  My starting weight was 140.4, I got down to 134.6 about 6 days in but then had a massive binge eating day.  Well, I was able to get back down to 134.6 by sticking to my clean eating and focusing on my workouts. 

Currently, I've hovering around 136 with the holidays parties and such wine tasting. But hey, I'm sick today! The only thing I want to consume are throat lozenges and orange juice so this just may work in my favor.

Back to bed for me. Hope you're enjoying this Wednesday more than I am!

xoxo,

Cait

24 hour binge

Do you ever celebrate something too early?  Get so excited about something that you throw all caution to the wind?

Yeahh.... I might have done that.

Remember when I said that my goal was to get below 135 lbs?

Tuesday, 7 days in! {ignore my toes, I need a pedicure desperately!)

I had been sticking to the cleanse, drinking the fiber drinks, eating clean, avoiding booze at holiday parties. I was basically owning this cleanse like a boss.  Then I saw that magical number on the scale and it was all downhill from there.  And up on the scale.

Tuesday night I finally went to see Catching Fire (amazing, go see it now) but I went on an empty stomach. BIG MISTAKE! I snuck in a huge bottle of water like a good girl but a weakness of mine is those delectable corn dog nuggets that only certain theaters sell.  It was my lucky night because the theater we chose had those puppies front and center at the concessions counter.  While I was waiting an impossibly long 5 minutes for them I also ordered the onion rings. Hey, go big or go home right?

Then I got home and ate a brownie. Cause the corn dog nuggets and onion rings weren't enough.

Wednesday morning the scale was not so kind to me. And honestly, I expected it.  I'm not back up to my pre-cleanse weight but I did lose some progress.  The worst part? I had already made plans with friends to grab lunch at this smalltown smokehouse that is known for their chicken fried steak. So what's a girl do? She gets in her workout, puts on her big girl pants, and chows down on delicious chicken fried steak.

Seriously, so damn good.  If you come visit me, we will go.

To wrap up the day I ate another brownie last night while writing this post. Might as well end on a high note, amiright?

My timing for the drinks and pills during the cleanse has been a little off, so I've still got 2 days to go.  I know I can recover and it's just about making better choices.  I'm planning on continuing on with the 24 day challenge and as luck would have it, my shakes and MNS supplements arrived today.  Stay tuned for final weigh-in and measurements in a few days!

xoxo,
Cait

PS - Look what glorious sign I spotted not 1 mile from my house this morning?? Hallelujah! A Christmas miracle!

I used to hate mushrooms

With a passion.  Like, couldn't stand them in or on anything.  But then I was out to eat with B and some friends one day when someone offered me a bite of their burger.  I'm a girl who likes to share and appreciates it when others share food, so I happily accepted.  It was delicious.  Magical even. 

And then I found out it was a portabella mushroom burger.  I had been duped.

But I couldn't be upset because it was amazing.

So, since that fateful day I've tried incorporating mushrooms into my meals more frequently. I still don't care for raw mushrooms - the texture is a little rubbery for my liking.  But a sauteed mushroom? Mmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Why does this interest you? Because I just made a super easy, clean, tasty mushroom meal and I thought you might like to try it out too. You know, cause I'm a girl who likes to share.

Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

• Portabella mushroom caps
• Olive oil (I used sunflower oil)
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic glove, chopped
• Fresh spinach leaves

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Remove the gills from the mushroom caps and place caps on a large baking sheet, de-gilled side down.  Drizzle with oil and roast for 15 minutes.

While your mushrooms are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat with some oil.  Add in chopped onions and garlic until tender.  Then add in your spinach leaves. Stir until they cook down and are tender.

When the mushroom caps are done roasting, take them out (don't turn off the stove!) and flip them over.  Pack the caps with the onion/garlic/spinach mix you have.  Place back in the oven and cook for 15 minutes more.

Note: this recipe came from the back of a sticker on the portabella mushroom caps I purchased but I didn't have all the ingredients so I modified.  The original recipe also called for breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and goat cheese.  Had I not been on the cleanse, I would have gone to the store for those because I loooove goat cheese. However, this cleanse-friendly version was excellent!

To make with the cheeses and breadcrumbs, roast mushroom caps and sauteed veggies in the same manner.  When the veggies are done, transfer them to a bowl or plate so they cool slightly.  Add in 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, and 4 oz crumbled goat cheese.  Then fill the mushrooms with this mix and bake for the additional 15 minutes.

Do you have any other yummy mushroom recipes to share? Or foods you thought you hated and then discovered were delicious?

xoxo,

Cait

amazing dinner

I've really been slacking on posting what I've been eating on this cleanse, so get ready for an update. 

First up, I have to share this super simple and delicious dinner I made tonight:

Sorry the picture isn't great - I'm not a food photographer!

I wasn't sure what I wanted and I knew that going out to the store wasn't an option - there was too much food in my fridge (that will spoil at some point) and it was cold freezing. The temps here dropped 40 degrees today!  That means Texas is practically in an ice age.

When I saw the ground turkey I was planning for my eggs cups I decided to use a little to make some burgers as well.  Searching around my fridge also led me to an avocado, some turkey bacon, an onion, and romaine lettuce.  The best part? I made two burgers and sauteed extra onions so I have lunch tomorrow planned out already!

Since I was already making the kitchen a mess, I went ahead and made my egg cups as well. In a large mixing bowl I combined 12 eggs, cooked ground turkey, and sauteed onions.  I then poured my mix into muffin tins sprayed with Pam.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

I store them in the fridge and pop them into the microwave for 15-30 seconds!

Other meals and snacks I've been eating while on the Cleanse?

• breakfast smoothies
• edamame hummus with cherry tomatoes and sugar snap peas
• hard boiled eggs
• gluten-free cereal, banana and almond milk
• gluten-free bread, toasted, smeared with avocado and topped with turkey
• almonds
• grilled chicken, black beans, and steamed veggies
• dessert smoothies - almond milk, vanilla protein powder, banana, chia seeds, ice 

The hardest part so far? I am CRAVING some Starbucks.  I've been drinking it so frequently, and especially while studying, that it makes it hard to start any reading or assignments without getting my fix first. I sound like an addict. But I know that my first post-cleanse Starbucks will taste that much sweeter for having waited for it and not giving in to my temptations!

I've got a few other things hanging around my fridge just waiting to be made into a delicious meal. And I'm dying to make this Almond Butter detox shake from Jesi, though I'll probably substitute the soy milk with almond milk. Keep an eye out on IG for more meal updates!

xoxo,

Cait

aka the Bottle Lady

I leave my house with these every morning: Spark, smoothie, fiber drink.

 

stats and cyber monday

Before I get into the nitty gritty (aka the good stuff), I want to share a few Cyber Monday deals I've come across.  I'm sure everyone's inbox was flooded with sale emails this morning and if you're anything like me, I tend to get overwhelmed and just delete all the emails.  I don't have the willpower to sift through 50 websites for something I might like that I didn't even know I needed just to save some money.  But here are a few items I purchased recently and LOVE so you might as well get them today with the deals.  Easy peasy!

Old Navy: 30% with CYBER

Old Navy: studded | snakeskin | glitter

I originally bought these flats in the snakeskin print a few weeks ago. I've already worn them a handful of times and they are actually comfortable - which is huge! I find that flats are the worst for being comfy in the store before turning into weapons of torture just 30 minutes into wearing them. When I saw the other prints last night, I knew I had to have them and that I'd feel good wearing them. The honeycomb infinity scarf is a new staple of mine, as it comes in great neutrals and is unbelievably cozy. I can't find it online anymore but there were still a lot in my local stores. And you can't go wrong with this sweater!

J. Crew Factory: 50% everything, free shipping and extra 10% off with FCM733C2B

I spied this jacket a few weeks ago and immediately texted my mom, "IGNORE PREVIOUS WISHLISTS! This item supersedes everything else!" with a barrage of photos.  Well, I got the jacket this week and it does not disappoint. The color is fabulous and it is warm without being too heavy.  It is called the Factory Skirted Dress Coat and I saw it online but now the website is updating or something.  Too much Cyber Monday traffic!

Francesca's: 30% off sitewide and free shipping

Roxy just got the most adorable faux leather skirt there at a blogger event (damn you, clinicals for making me miss that!) and I'm dying to order it.  I can already envision the countless holiday events where I would wear it: B's work party? Check. Family Xmas dinner? Yup. Sister's rehearsal dinner? You bet.  New Year's Eve? Duh.

Add to the fact that my fox sweater IG post today was a little too similar to her earlier fox sweater post and I look like a stalker.  Good thing I know her IRL and pre-blog because that makes it less creepy, right?

Also lusting over this sequined number and this entire outfit, especially the moto jacket.
 

@grrfeisty wearing the Quinn Faux Leather Skirt

Old Navy fox sweater

*******************************************************************************************************************************

Sorry for not changing into workout gear but I was short on time. And I promise I don't have scoliosis, I was just twisted oddly to get a pic of my back in the mirror.

I'm not really keen on putting these numbers out there but it will keep me more accountable.  My goal is to get below 135 lbs. And stay there! For the last year I've floated between 135-141 and I'm just ready to get out of those numbers. 

Who else is joining us?  Make your purchase from me by tonight to be entered for the FREE SPARK!

xoxo,

Cait

monday morning quickie

Happy Cyber Monday!  I'm in Austin but getting ready to head back to Houston, so my schedule is off a bit.  The Holiday Clean Up starts today with Sami and me! Sami already posted her before pics and stats, as did Kristen, so go check these amazing ladies out! And yesterday I shared an easy shopping list to help you get ready for the cleanse.

I had not originally planned to stay in Austin until this morning, but it ended up that way so I officially can't start my cleanse until I get to Houston where it is waiting for me.  Which means no weigh-in or stats yet either, because what good is it to weigh-in on my mom's scale when I won't be back for a 3 weeks? Plus, the damn thing weighs in like 4 lbs light so I'd be all happy for no reason.  Wah wah.

You still have time to join us! If you order from me by tonight, you'll be entered to win the FREE box of Spark! Plus, I'll be posting my daily meal plans the day after I eat them so you can always just use those posts as a guide.  Personally I cannot wait for this bloated feeling to leave! As if Thanksgiving wasn't enough, we celebrated my brother's birthday last night so I ate all the mexican food and drank all the vodka tonics. Sorry I'm not sorry.

True sibling love.  Happy birthday, Ben!

What does the fox say?

Most adorable niece EVER. Plus, she loved the fox sweater!

Then we came home where my mom and I sat down to drink wine (because there wasn't enough drinking at dinner) and order wedding invitations!! Seriously, that has been the hardest part of wedding planning for me  Pretty much everything else - dress, venue, bridesmaid dresses, food - was super easy. I recognized that I had found "the one" pretty early on in the process and that was it. No more looking, not more need to look. This invitation stuff though? UGH! There are so many gorgeous options out there but none that felt right. And it's just a piece of paper! Why the stress?

Long story short, we bit the bullet and bought the pricey ones that I kept coming back to. They're gorgeous and I'll share them when they come in.  But don't you know what popped up in my email this morning??

25% off ALL wedding products with MON25

You better believe I'll be calling when their office opens (at 8am PACIFIC TIME???) so they can apply that 25% off to my order.  Or cancelling and then reordering with the code.  That's way too much money to be saved spent on other things!

Hope you're all having a great day back after the holidays! Stats and pics will be up later today!

xoxo,

Cait

Shopping List

The Thanksgiving break has been wonderful so far (yep, my break isn't over until Monday morning when I head back to Houston!) but I am actually looking forward to getting back to a routine.  Don't get me wrong, if I could stay in Austin just to visit old friends and lounge around my mom's house while eating and drinking to my heart's content I would. But it isn't realistic and I'm certainly not feeling my best.

As soon as little Milli get dropped off at home Monday morning, I'll be heading to the grocery store for the #HolidayCleanUp cleanse that Sami and I are doing.  Have you bought yours yet? There's still time and you could win a free box of crack Spark!

*disclaimer: I try to eat gluten-free and dairy-free but that isn't required on the cleanse! You should moderate your diary intake and eat only complex carb while on the cleanse though.

Be sure to check out my 5 easy breakfast ideas and a recipe for Stuffed Peppers to help you get going.  I'll be tagging IG photos with #HolidayCleanUp throughout the cleanse so be sure to do the same and we can all share ideas.

Before pics and stats coming soon!

xoxo,

Cait

Spark and the ICU

Just wrapped up my LAST clinical of the semester and I am thrilled! Being in the ICU was an awesome experience.  I'm fairly certain that I want to be an ICU nurse after my experiences there, though I'm keeping my options open until I've gone through Pediatrics (still thinking I'd love the NICU too!) and Maternal/OB.  Just a few of the things I saw/did during this rotation: someone's eyeball popped out, patients crashing/coding, ventilator patients, female circumcision, and limb amputation.  Crazy, right? I loved every second!

Now that I'm home from what I hope will be my last night shift ever for a while, I'm going to nap hard before B and I head to Austin for Thanksgiving.  We'll be packing up the pups and spending a few days in my parents' house which is currently under renovations. Cross your fingers that the crew is hard at work putting in baseboards and a toilet today! Otherwise, B and I will each be on a couch and we'll be using my parents' master bathroom for all our necessary business. 

PLEASE let us have more than one toilet in the house!

Before I slip away to La La Land, I am giving away a FREE box of Spark!  Yup, a whole box of Spark, in whatever flavor the winner wants.  All you have to do is join up with Sami and I for our Holiday Clean Up AdvoCare 10 Day Cleanse!  Your entry for the giveaway is your purchase of the Herbal Cleanse. When you buy from me, I'll automatically have your name put in the drawing.  Purchase by Monday, December 2nd to be eligible.  Winner will be announced Tuesday! If you buy a whole 24 Day Challenge then I'll have to come up with an even better giveaway - maybe Spark and some Slam? We'll see!

Sami and I will be starting the cleanse on Monday, but you can always start a day or two late and just follow along. Use #HolidayCleanUp to join in on the fun!

Happy Pre-Turkey Day! Get your sweatpants ready!

xoxo,

Cait 

PS - The giveaway for $40 cash is still going on at JustJacq. There are just over 100 entries which means you've got a great chance at winning it just in time to spend it on some cute holiday accessories!

I did it! And some other exciting news!

First, I have to say THANK YOU for the love and the kind words of support this weekend when I ran my first half marathon! I plan on writing a full recap later this week but I cannot say enough about how much it meant to me to see your messages, your texts, your "likes" and the support on the blog, Facebook and IG.  I never would have had the balls to attempt this if it weren't for the blogging community that helped me believe I could do this.

I have never been happier or colder!

This week is going to be a busy one for me, just like it will be for many of you.  It started with the half marathon, continued on Sunday with a family dinner to celebrate my birthday, and now I'm about to get ready for the first of two consecutive night shifts before we head to Austin on Thursday for Thanksgiving.

To say I'm worried about slacking off now that my BIG GOAL is over and done with combined with the holidays and holiday drinking that is right around the corner would be an underestimate.  I just work better and feel more balanced when I have something I am working towards.  I haven't pinned down the next race or event yet so instead I'm focusing on my diet.  I love enjoying the holidays, which means feasting and drinking to my heart's content with my friends and family. But just on the holiday.  Not for the four weeks between holidays, Cait!

To combat the holiday weight gain, Sami and I are hosting another round of the AdvoCare 10 Day Cleanse.  We'll be starting it on Monday, December 2nd so you still have plenty of time to order! (Order by Wednesday with 2 day shipping and it should arrive Saturday.  I've found that 2 day shipping, for whatever reason, is usually only $1 more than regular with AdvoCare!)  I'll be posting a shopping list and some meal plans over the weekend so you can plan accordingly. On instagram, tag all things cleanse related with #holidaycleanup so we can all see what each other is doing to be successful!

If you're interested in doing the entire 24 Day Challenge, you would finish that on Christmas Day (or a day early, if you'd like!).  The 24 Day Challenge starts with the 10 Day Cleanse which means there is always time to decide that later.

Basics for the 10 Day Cleanse:
- Comes in Citrus or Peaches and Cream
- Drink the fiber shake the first 3 mornings and the last 3 mornings
- Take the Probiotic Pills on mornings 4-10
- Take the Herbal Cleanse Pills at bedtime for days 1-7
- Cut out alcohol, soda, creamy sauces, sugar, candy, fried foods, processed foods, white flour, and partially hydrogenated oils (personally, I cut out all daily and gluten since it just agrees more with my system!)

The cleanse is NOT a starvation diet or a crazy juicing plan.  You eat real food! Just not crap food!  I always work out on the cleanse and I'm typically eating more food than I usually do, just making better choices about that food.

I'd love to answer any questions or concerns you have about the cleanse! Leave me a comment or shoot me an email: yfgblog@gmail.com.

Hope you'll join us for the cleanse! Time to clean up our holidays, ladies!

xoxo,

Cait

PS - I'm part of a CASH giveaway over at Just Jacq! Enter below or on her post. Ends Nov. 30th!

$40 Paypal cash straight to you! 

 

To enter, simply enter through Rafflecopter. a Rafflecopter giveaway