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 … but be healthy instead.

It is not a secret that a few months ago, I took the plunge and decided to become a BeachBody coach. Why ? Because I believe firmly in their programs, and in the nutrition aspect added to them as well.

Today marks the 80th day of the program I have been doing: it is the final day of it. Yes, I am feeling emotional about it. I am known to give up after a while. Before the end. I find plenty of excuses (“my body aches” “I am exhausted” “I can’t do it” “this is not for me” and so on). So finishing a program is a big deal to me. I have lost about 13 pounds and more than 15 inches all over my body and these inches off are what makes me proud.

You can say whatever you want, I know now for a fact that you can eat as healthy as possible but don’t get your maximum results if you don’t move.

Having a group to belong to in which you share your goals, your achievements and your struggles is a huge part of my success. I have an amazing coach, Carmen, and she needs all the love and praise because I am here now thanks to her.

Why I don’t want to be “beach ready”

In my mind, when I hear “get your Summer body now” or “Start getting your body beach ready” it makes me cringe. Being healthy AND fit is a journey. Sure, I want to be comfortable wearing a bathing suite, but at any time of the year. I refuse to diet anymore. It worked for specific amounts of time but did more damage in the long run.

For me, there are goals to reach but no destination. In the past, I have done about 3 rounds of Whole30 and it helped on the moment. But not on the long term because it is not a continuous way of eating. I tried being paleo but the amount of animal products consumed did not provide what I need. However, I took with me all the ideas to avoid gluten, as I noticed it inflamed my body (I live with Fibromyalgia and IBS, amongst other stuff). I want to eat in a sustainable way, to find what works for me. I decided to stop finding a box to fit in. Just do me because my body is working as it is and does not need a box.

Leading by example

We won’t say it, but we all watch each other. Not necessarily with intention, and not in a creepy way. But we do. I am the mom of two daughters, currently age 11 and almost 13. It’s the age when they start to see changes in their bodies and to compare it with other girls. I don’t know why we do this to ourselves.

What makes me continue is the unexpected “I am proud of you Mama” or “Can I workout with you today ?” from them. Because I want them to know that food is fuel and fun, that cooking is not that complicated if you stick to it even when you mess up a meal. I want my daughters to be comfortable in their own skin, no matter what. It’s okay to want to change, too.

When you avoid seeing your beautiful self in the mirror, it is a sign change needs to happen. You deserve to cherish the reflection of you in that mirror.

I am a self-declared foodista. You may know that food is one of my first passion. I started cooking school before discovering we were pregnant with our first daughter and had to withdraw from it before graduating, but it all happens for a reason.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I am sharing pictures of my lunches on a regular basis. I know it is weird to some. I do it because it sometimes forces me to actually eat some lunch.

Last Summer, I discovered Trader Joe’s vegetarian chorizo. It is made out of tofu and spices. I had no clue what to expect but I try to find vegetarian options of meat things I like when I can so decided to try (come on, it is less than 2 bucks !). Oh my… this is good stuff ! and makes two to three different meals out of it, so it’s very nice. (and yes, we do cross the border to do most of our grocery shopping in the US. we live closer to Bellingham, WA than to Downtown Vancouver *to give you an idea*. So we can enjoy TJ’s).

I’ve always loved lentils but find them quite challenging to cook (I am known for me either hard lentils or mushy lentils). 
When you are vegetarian, you need to find other food that will give you the proteins you need. Lentils and legumes in general fall into this category (which makes me very happy).

I rarely measure anything so I apologize for those of you who do, this is more of a general guideline than a real recipe.

Ingredients*:

• One package of steamed lentils
• About half a soy chorizo
• Mushrooms (white or cremini), sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• Spinach
• Bell pepper, diced
• Red or green cabbage, finely sliced
• Vegenaise to taste

Reheat the lentils according to the package (you may simply have left over you cooked yourself, it is totally fine).

Remove the casing from the chorizo, be careful the paprika stains so protect your cooking aread 😉 Scramble it in a heated pan, just to get it warm.

Blend the lentils and the chorizo, add your veggies, a bit of vegenaise (or mayo). It is just there to bring everything together so don’t go overboard with it. It is always easier to start with a little and adjust than the contrary.

Enjoy !

* I vary my veggies so it does not get boring (even if, to be honest, I sometimes eat the same lunch after lunch and I’m okay with it). You can switch the spinach for lettuce (my fav. is butter lettuce). Add sliced avocado. And really get creative with what you like and go from there.