8 weeks post-op!

Finally! I am back to me...well, the improved me!

Hit up Steve's yoga flow class tonight, got my ass kicked, and sweated my heart out!

Steve says "Are you fully functioning?" ....no sir I am not, I can't lay on my stomach but I sure as hell rock the warrior series!  It was my first flow in over 2 months, and it was a whopping 25 degrees outside, so you can only imagine how the hot room felt!

Starting class with a few sun salutations, no big deal, a couple modified flows (which I kind of have to stay in chutarunga because I can't let my stomach hit the floor) which in all honesty, is a little tougher than my usual practice! Well I'll tell you, we didn't stop for that whole hour, and it felt so great to be back in the hot room with my yogi-buds, with Steve's Neil Young playlist, and his ever so torturous flows! I skipped the 3 spine strengthening poses, and camel, but other than that, I felt like I completely nailed it! Extended side angle was fabulous and felt amazing! ahhhhhh- you see, this is why I love yoga!  I still can't twist on my left side, but I can on my right, not sure what's up with that, but I'll take it!  I was so used to going every day, and now it's down to like 3 times a week, but every time I do find my mat, I am reminded why I need to find my mat more often, especially now that I am stronger. Although...I'm kinda liking the laid back Jenny, I imagine she'll still find her mat more often than not!

I did my first workout class on Saturday, ran hills, did burpees, held some planks, and felt stronger than ever! I figured I wouldn't be walking straight on Sunday, so I hit up the late afternoon yoga class to stretch it out. Good call, I'd say!

On Thursday, May 9, It'll be 8 weeks from the day I had my surgery.. fair game!

A friend from NB asked for a pic of me to see the difference, most times I don't notice the difference, or I forget about it, but then when I was sending her this selfie, I was completely taken back!

 

The only thing I wish, is that I had taken a before picture. But I was so GD nervous the morning of my surgery that I couldn't imagine taking a photo of myself. So many ppl told me to take a before pic, but part of me didn't want to, because I didn't want to remember it... I like to think that part of me is in the past and it's staying there! I am loving the person I am becoming, so much less negativity, so much more confidence, and I feel like I am becoming a stronger person, mind and body! The last 8 weeks have been so up and down and around, that I have so much gratitude for what my body has been through and is able to put up with. Amazing what our bodies can do when push comes to shove!

 

Now, I am back to working out, losing weight, and feeling great... cheers to the rest of 2013!

 

JG OUT!

Playing Catch Up!

My goodness, I have been so busy this past week, I haven't had a chance to update on my progress on
the FMD!

Phase 2 was hard, no doubt about it - I was so effing excited for toast on Friday morning, that I could hardly sleep...part of me wanted to wake up really early and eat breakfast! haha! no jokes!

I weighed in on day 5, right after phase 2, and I was down almost 6 lbs! I'll take it! And decided phase 2 was completely worth it! I just don't eat a lot of meat, so this was hard for me to choke down so much protein, but day 2 was much easier and I had it planned out much better, so I'm assuming week 2, phase 2 will be much easier! I got everything prepped and ready to go!

 

 

Day 5, was easy-peasy and went great! I was a huge fan of phase 3, but by the end of it, I realized phase 1 is by far my fave! Also, I will confess, I had dinner plans with my family on Saturday night at the Culinary Institute of Canada, it was so delicious, I drank some wine, stayed basically on plan, and ended the night with cheesecake. Oh well! Life happens! I took it in stride, also I knew that my official 28 days weren't starting until this Monday, and last week was my practice week. Sunday, Day 7, I ate some frozen yogurt at a family dinner. OH well! I also biked 15k, and walked for an hour, but I know, I still had some dairy. Anyways...once again, moving forward! I was still down 3 pounds from day 1 on the start of week 2, so I am A-ok with that!


Here's a hint of what dinner at the Culinary is like: (and you'll understand why I cheated!)

 < cheesecake!

 

Got to love fine dining :)

Week 2, day 1 - went great!
I found the new love of my life, frozen mangoes AND frozen sweet cherries! Finally!! I love cherries, but getting them bagged, pitted, and frozen is new to our little Island! so pumped!

Tomorrow starts Week 2, Phase 2... ughk! Only 2 days...bring it FMD! I got this! Because I know in 2 days...it's all good again! And I have my chicken cooked, boiled egg whites ready for snack, and my tempting fruits either already eaten OR frozen! This will be much easier than last week, I am looking forward to it!


JG OUT!

Grow your Yoga!

Well, well, well...they weren't kidding! Phase 2 sucks!! I want a carb!! Crazy, how the mind works!

Anyways, it's day 4, so for today and yesterday every meal and snack is protein and veggies, usually I don't mind that, but I find having protein for snack too, is hard. Normally I would have yogurt or cottage cheese, something of the dairy sorts, not on this plan! So yes, it's a bit of a challenge. I didn't really prepare myself this week, so next week will be better and I will make my meals ahead of time. I didn't think I'd be so busy this week. Although, I do find day 2 of phase 2, much easier than yesterday! And all I can think about is toast for breakfast tomorrow! yay!!!!

It's 11:50am and I already have about 100oz of water into me, that should rid the bloat! one would hope!!

I weighed in at a pound down today, but I feel like a bloated whale, I think maybe I had too much salt yesterday, I had deli meats and some taco seasoning, maybe that did it? who knows! but I'll take a pound down considering how I feel. I'm hoping for a lower number tomorrow!

Last night at our yoga studio was the kick off to the "Grow Your Yoga" campaign. We had a live music class with music by Tim Chaisson! I love his voice, and his music, so throw that in to my love for yoga, and wow! I had an unbelievable class - Two of my favorite things, along with practicing beside great friends in the hot room, made for a super open heart warming class! I can't even explain it. I do know, I had to do everything in my power not to sing along and bust out some dance moves during the standing series! That would have been quite the sight!

Gotta jet!
JG OUT!

I forgot...I hate dieting!

So! I am trying really hard not to think of this as a diet. Because, really, it's not, it's just a way to get my ass in gear and eating a balanced meal, instead of not eating or rushing and having something that isn't going to fuel my body...like a salad, with no protein, or too much cheese. I frigging love dairy... however, for 28 days I am not going to!

I also was supposed to give up coffee, I didn't have any yesterday, by about 6pm I wanted to hurt people... I wasn't sick, I didn't have a headache, I was just craving the sweet smell of fresh brewed coffee. I occupied myself and drank some David's Tea, caffeine free of course! Today...I made a morning coffee...I couldn't help it. But now, I have a headache... hmmm...catch 22? Maybe I'm just tired, lack of sleep last night and busy mornings make for a tired Jenny! So! epic fail on no coffee, but cutting down to one a day is a good start. I gave up coffee before, for 3 weeks, I didn't see much of a difference, so I will stick with that ;) Hayley says coffee is okay, as long as it is after breakfast!

Phase 1 is weird for me, high carbs and fruits. I don't usually eat that much starch in a day, or atleast I haven't in a while! scarry! But...I liked it! Even though, I find I am constantly hungry, but perhaps that is because I am in the "diet" mentality... ooohh, how the mind works!

My bf and I share desserts once in a while, like once a week, and it's always so yummy and because it's with him, I consider it guilt-free ;) It's usually just a cookie or a brownie, something sweet from the market, or his mom's homemade cookies, which by the way, are a little piece of Heaven on Earth!
Last night, he had cookies...not fair! I felt bad, and couldn't really turn it down, mainly because they are so damn delicious, and he's so darn cute, so they kind of go hand in hand! So, I had half...believe me, I wanted it all...BUT, I know deep down there will be another cookie in my life and really, it's not a big deal. and Yay for me to only have a couple bites!

So, today is day 2...so far so good! I am actually looking forward to lunch! Probably because I'm starving......... haha!!

JG OUT!

Back on track with The Fast Metabolism Diet

If you haven't read Haylie Pomroy's book, The Fast Metabolism Diet, you should! Even if you have no intentions on following it, or starting a new eating plan, it is still completely worth the read!

I need to get back on track, I've been feeling great, weather is starting to warm up, and the odd treat is becoming the weekly treat. So here is my 28 kickstart. My girlfriend is doing it with me. So, it will be fun to see how our results differ, she is much smaller than me, but we both live a pretty active lifestyle and are looking forward to this 28 day challenge!

Basically, Haylie says you can kickstart your metabolism, and keep it running, by following her plan.
Day 1 and 2 (phase 1) is basically a low-fat high carbohydrate meal plan
Day 3 and 4 (phase 2) is lean meats and veggies, no carbs, no fruits.
Day 4,5 and 6 (phase 3) is all of the above, plus adding in healthy fats!

Painless, yes. BUT, no coffee (unless you really need it). However, I decided to give it my all and give up the caffeine as well. Hey, go big or go home!

I'd like to drop 14lbs in the next 4 weeks. That is my goal. People are saying it works, so we'll see!

I plan on updating daily......or knowing me, every couple of days ;) and keeping you all posted on how this plan is working for me! Maybe, it'll give others the incentive to give it a try too!

JG OUT!

bye-bye belly - hello Jenny!

I am going to give this blogging world a try...yet, again!

As many of you who know me, I am an exercise fanatic, health freak, and lover of vegan desserts, Moksha yoga, and many other amazing things! However, 6 weeks ago, March 14 to the exact, I had an abdominal plasty. According to my Dr.; after losing 100lbs there was no way to lose my "pooch" because it was excess skin that exercise and healthy eating wouldn't be able to tighten up. A applied for such an operation, in hopes that this would completely change my life had my application been accepted and BAM! I was right.... clearly it was a much longer process(I'm just not getting into that right now) but wow, what a change. I had to give up exercising for a while, I had to learn to listen to my body, I had to REST? wtf? Jenny doesn't rest, nor does she know how! Well, I had no choice. I rested, and thank goodness I did, because now I feel stronger than ever ...not to mention, smaller! I spent my days watching Sex and the City (boy, those girls had A LOT of sex! You don't realize it until you watch every episode...in a row), meditating, and *gasp* relaxing! It felt nice for a change, not to be rushing my life away, running to and from gyms, stressing myself out, trying to eat healthy...on the run. Yeah, those 2 things just don't go together. However, here I am 6, almost 7 weeks later, not full healed, but every day gets easier and easier, and I am finally back to yoga! My goodness, How I missed my yoga!!

I finally closed the chapter of my life that included so many negative thoughts, and so much self-hate, I mean, I'm not perfect, and my body is still not as small as hopefully someday it will get, but I found a new love for myself. The fact that I have overcome and let go of all of the past years of hatred and negativity, the fact that I went "under the knife" for 3 hours and came back out smiling (probably because of high doses of Morphine) the fact that I was strong, and I am strong, and I am healing. I had so much support from my family, and my friends, and absolute strangers by times, it was insane. The gratitude I felt during the first couple weeks of my recovery, is completely unexplainable. I still feel such gratitude. In all honesty, I am saying Good Riddance to my past, and for the first time in my life, I am finally moving on. And let me tell you, it feels amazing! It's almost like I went to sleep and woke up with a whole new fresh start. Like a fresh page of loose-leaf, and I can begin my story, instead of continuing on!

So here's to my new beginning! Welcome to the world, the less-obsessed Jenny! She's going to rock this world upside down!

JG OUT!

Looks like we're gonna be snowed in...

And she returns!

It's been a while since I posted... but my life threw me a couple curveballs and sometimes it's just difficult to get out of your own way and find the time to sit down and write. I certainly wanted to, I just couldn't bring myself to doing it.

It's time again!

January 2013 was full of resolutions and ideas, ohhhh the ideas.... February 2013 is full of wondering what exactly those resolutions were and ideas that still have been given the proper attention.

I also gave up Largo, which means I went from working out 3 times a day, to mostly 1 hot yoga practice daily, or sometimes I would do a drop in turbo class or a drop in largo class, but I was no longer a member. I needed the break, my body needed the break, my head needed the break. But, I didn't feel like myself, I thought I would enjoy it - instead I felt very lazy and extremely useless when I wasn't intensely working out. I even tried a few mornings with Jillian Michaels, but it is just not the same! Needless to say, I am back to being a Largo member as of Saturday, and already I feel skinnier! Funny how the mind works.

My yoga practice has been stellar lately! loving it! Yesterday we did a partner yoga workshop with Christian and Steve, Ashley was my partner. We had so much fun! It was like 2.5 hours of playing in the hot room with your best friend! An absolute blast!

 

 

Sunday, Feb 17 - I started my morning with Yin and Airlie, then I went to Steve's noon-time Flow - and then the workshop at 3... My heart was so open and my head was so clear, I haven't felt that way in so long, I felt like me again, like everything was going to be okay, like I really don't have to spend so many hours of my day worrying.

I am going for a fairly big operation March 14, It's an abdomanaplasty (aka tummy tuck) funded by the government due to my extreme weight loss! extreme? I don't think so, but my belly states otherwise!

I'm not sure if this operation is huge because it's going to change my body and have me on a lengthy recovery, or because everything I hate about my body is going to be gone! The one thing that holds me back, that makes me feel insecure, that sometimes makes me break down in tears, that keeps me from mirrors, that makes me scream and go into fits of rage, that one thing - will be gone! Not going to lie, it scares the absolute shit out of me, I was never one for change, but I do know that deep down inside I love myself, and I love what my body helps me do - especially after all of the abuse and stress I put it through - it has never once given up on me - and I like to think this surgery is just going to better it and it might help my mind catch up to my body (which is probably the only thing I haven't been able to do yet)

I am just starting to tell people about this upcoming transformation, and I wish I had of done it sooner, because instead of feeling ashamed that I have to get this done, I feel proud that all of my hard work is paying off, and I can't believe the support I have been getting from my friends and the people around me and it is making me so much more positive towards this, instead of afraid.

I told myself I would lose 30lbs by this surgery, I had 3 months to do it... I have not lost 30 lbs, I have not even lost 3 lbs, what I have lost - is many things I enjoyed, instead I spent most mornings weighing myself and getting even angrier, and I lost $80.00 that I paid my dietitian to gain 6lbs... muscle or not - it's not what I need right now. I was so stressed out and angry that I forgot about all the positive things in life and I forgot all of my previous accomplishments, instead I was focusing on the fact that I can't! I had coffee with my friend Saturday morning, and again - everything made sense! I don't know why I wait so long to have a conversation with her because I know I need it, but I am glad we did. I have a month until my surgery, and I am going to focus on loving myself, embracing my yoga practice, working my ass off at Largo, and becoming stronger to recover from the operation, and of course - smiling! Because really? Who wants a non-smiling Jenny ...I'm pretty sure that must have been awful for those around me, although I do put on a pretty good front ;)

One question I got on Saturday... "why do you want to lose 30 lbs"?  I didn't even have an answer, other than I don't really feel my number is worthy of this surgery, which is just silly, because yes it is! And why after all these years am I still so focused on a number? Those who love me, aren't calling me by a number, they don't refer to me as a number, why do I do it myself?  If anyone can answer these questions, feel free to do so ;)

I'm so sick of guilt, and torturing myself, but I am the only one who can put an end to it. And, it started yesterday, and already I feel much better! It's going to be a long process, and it's not going to be easy, but I realized this weekend that I have a wicked support system and I have lots of people who see me much differently than I see myself - and eventually I hope to see what they see!

Well... that's it for today. I have so much to reflect, share, and write write write! And that I shall!

Hope you'll join me for the ride! I promise it will provide some fabulous recipes and cute photos!!

JG OUT!

HALF WAY!

Can I get a woop-woop!!

A shout to my fellow mokshi`s from MYC who are finally mid-way through the challenge!! Congratulations! You are half way there!!! (....and NO Jeremy, you cannot steal my stars!!)

To mark the mid-way point, I took Kenny`s 930am class today, I was brutally exhausted, body and mind - but I pushed through, had a great class, and felt 100% coming out of the hot room!

Locust is my all-time fave pose! I`m pretty sure I nailed it today, but since your face is plastered to the floor - its hard to tell.
Ever see those pictures people post all the time, about "how I think I look vs. how I really look"?
HAHAHA here's a prime example!

How I think I look ---

 

VS

 

What I probably actually look like ---

No, but really, I think I was somewhere in the middle - I am pretty sure I effing nailed it today, I sort of moved my neck to catch a glimpse in the mirror and my legs were definitely up there! YAY!! I love mid-way accomplishments!

Mid-Point Savassana

We are borderline mid-point on our 30 day challenge!

My body is exhausted and sore, yet energetic and ready for more. I doubled up a couple days, so today marks Day 13, and according to my stars, I'm on Day 17. I like to be ahead, merely for the fact that I don't like being behind. Therefore, I work all day and won't be able to hit up any classes. So, I'll do a Yin or something from home. oooooh Yin- my love!

Clearly, I gave up on the pumpkin for a couple of days! I decided to go with Apple for a change of pace.
First on my list, apple butter!
I recieved this gorgeous Thanksgiving gift from my Grammie, and added to the other 4-5 pounds of apples I had in the fridge, all of random assortment, I thought this was a perfect idea!

Ahhhh-dorable!

I sliced about 5 pounds of apples, ranging from honeycrisp (those are my fave, so I saved most of them for eating! haha) red, sweet tango, golden delicious, and a couple of others.

Threw them all in the slow cooker, added some cinnamon, and went to....YOGA! Came home and the apartment smelt absolutely delightful. Now, I had apple sauce, with the peel, and I used some in my yogurt - deeeelish!















Next up, blend the apples and make them smooth - DONE!

Then, throw back in the slow cooker and wait for it to thicken on high with the lid off... it's still kind of saucey, but I didn't add any fillers or sugar, so that would be why. Still tastes good, and is awesome on top of toast, oatmeal, yogurt, or whatever you prefer!

OH! and of course, I had to add some pumpkin for good measure, so in one little bottle, I used about 1/4C of pumpkin mixed with the apple sauce, added a little pumpkin spice AND voila! Pumpkin-Apple-Butter, in other words - super-freakin-yummy! Next time, I'm making my whole batch pumpkin-apple butter, the pumpkin thickens it up a bit for sure.

The experimenting in the kitchen still exists, just not as frequent, and not always with pumpkin.










I found this amazing find on a friends' FB wall  today....

Jenny's next mission... is to find these beauties! Apparently, they haven't been found around the maritimes #disappointed

Pumpkin challenge...COMPLETE!

 

Sunday, October 7, marks the final day of my 15 days of Everything Pumpkin!

YAY!!!!!

 

 

Yesterday I whipped up the pumpkin latte, and today we are celebrating Thanksgiving, I have decided to make a dessert...I know, Shocker!! And a pumpkin dessert, of course!

1st of all, because it is Thanksgiving, pumpkin goes hand-in-hand and 2nd of all because this was the whole point of my challenge.

 

Today was the final day of our yoga retreat/workshop with the amazing Colleen and Kate W Mak! It was 2 hours of bliss - Finding Balance in your practice. We started the class talking about shakras and learnt some interesting things - I Can't wait to read up on it!

We began the class with a yin practice, so soothing, I was so exhausted, and I kept thinking - how are we ever supposed to move from Yin to Yang - ughk! But the transition was awesome and the yang part of class was too much fun! No expectations, we laughed, and laughed some more, balanced on our arms, hopped, did froggy claps, fell, slipped, and laughed some more - all on the privacy of our mats! Too much fun! What a great way to end such a wonderful workshop series, if only I could have made it for all of them, but in the 2 classes/4 hours I did attend with these beautiful women, I learnt alot about myself, about my practice, and about the people around me. Absolute bliss.

 

 

I was supposed to make a pumpkin cheesecake, I had one not so happy camper when I showed up with a pumpkin-spice cake instead, haha - but as mom says - thems the breaks (whatever that means, and who throws an 'S' on the end of them....mom, that's who!) Anyways - luckily someone else showed up with lovely mini pumpkin cheesecakes! phewf!

 

For thanksgiving we have a potluck style meal with the fam-jam! I made a sugar free cranberry sauce, I used stevia instead of sugar, it was actually not too bad!

 

Next up, a pumpkin spice cake! First of all, it's basically those little muffin thingy's I make, in cake form. It came out super moist and pumpkin-y. mmmmm! But it was missing something, what? FROSTING! I didn't have much to work with, so I got thinking - and I mixed together fat free cream cheese with fat free cool whip and BAM! I had a light, fluffy cream cheese frosting - exactly what this cake needed! It was so super good! And now I have so many more ideas of what I can do with pumpkin - but I think I need a bit of a hiatus from this little root vegetable - perhaps later on in the month...

 

Pumpkin-Spice Cake with fat-free cream cheese frosting!

(note: cranberry sauce in the background)

 

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

JG OUT!

Sunny Days and Pumpkin Lattes

Day 14!! eeek! The excitement, only one day until Thanksgiving, and only one more recipe to make, which will obviously be my super fun and healthy pumpkin pie that I can take to Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, which also means I completely effing nailed this personal challenge! I'm super busy today, so it's a recipe I've always wanted to try, but it's made for one ;) so there will be no sharing! Sorry!!

 

Pumpkin Spice Latte ...for one ;)

(From ChocolateCoveredKatie)

 

2 T canned pumpkin

1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 cup milk of choice, or (for a richer taste) a combination of nondairy creamer and milk

(I used SILK unsweeted almond milk, vanilla)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3-4 T strong coffee

Stevia packet to taste (or sugar if you wish)

Mix everything but the coffee with a fork or whisk. (Then, for a hot latte, you can either microwave or heat on the stove.) Add coffee and whisk again.

Because I'm not 100% vegan, I topped it with some fat-free cool whip, however if you prefer a non-dairy version, you can use coconut whipped cream (which is also super delightful) ----

Vegan Cool Whip
(or “vanilla frosting shots”)

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• sugar, stevia, or powdered sugar to taste
• optional: fruit (banana whipped cream, anyone?)

Open your coconut milk, and leave the can (or transfer to a bowl) uncovered in the fridge overnight. (Don’t shake the can before opening.) It should get very, very thick. (If it doesn’t, you’ve gotten a bad can that won’t work for the recipe. I use Thai Kitchen Organic.
Once thick, transfer to a bowl (you can opt to leave out the watery bit at the bottom of the can, if you want it even thicker) and whip in your sweetener with a fork, or even beaters, if you want to be really fancy.


Next on my to do list....

AND it's Vegan!

Just makin' pumpkin pancakes, pretending it's the weekend...

I've been slack on the posts, busy as a little beaver these days! However, I didn't NOT complete my Everything Pumpkin Challenge, I was just a little greedy and kept the goods for myself! Sort of... muahahaha!

Yesterday was Day 13!


I went to Airlie's 930am Moksha class, unfreakin' real! 75 minutes of pure bliss before I had to start my work day, even scored a head massage while lying in savassana! How can you not heart the heck right out of that girl! Her energy can bring any frown upside down, even if its' only for those 75 mintues. That concluded day 5 of our 30 days challenge at the studio. Day 5 seems so, ummm..... far away? from 30!? But I just keep thinking - before you know it, you'll be feeling uber strong and it'll be day 28! ...Here's hoping!

For my Friday pumpkin treat, I made Protien Pumpkin Pancakes... brilliant! absolutely brilliant!

 

Basically, I made my Protien Pancake recipe, and Added Pumpkin...

 

1/3 C Cottage Cheese

1/3 C Egg Whites

1/3-1/2C Rolled Oats (not instant)

1/3C Pumpkin Puree

I used some pumpkin spice and cinnamon.

 

BLEND! Let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes, the longer the better, it thickens up from the oatmeal. Sometimes I make them in the evening, and then cook them up in the morning.

 

Top with no sugar added maple syrup and BAM!!

 

 

There you have it... yummy!!

 

I thought since the studio was getting all the goods these last few days, that I'd share with the folks at work, plus who can't use a couple extra brownie (or pumpkin!) points!

 

So! I made my delicious little pumpkin spice bites AND those unreal little pumpkin rolls! Pumpkin Rolls could have used a bit more brown sugar, but you know me, I don't really have the need to sweeten up healthy treats, however I must realize that others don't have the same tastebuds!

 

Ahh....2 more days to go!

I did Colleen and Kate Mak's yoga workshop Friday night... words can't even explain. It was called "Deepening your practice part 1" ...and it was absolutely amazing. I was so zenned out when I got home, I wanted nothing but silence, the tv was blaring, ppl were talking. ugghkkk I should have just stayed in the hot room until Morning! haha and I dont think I was only one thinking that! They have 3 more workshops during this retreat, I can't make today due to a wedding, but I'm going to try everything to behave tonight and make the 930 session tomorrow morning, this will require a huge amount of discipline...we'll see! Tequila usually gets the best of me! Plus I worked out 3 times this morning, 2 largo classes and a hot yoga class all before 1:00 so I could drink guilt free, I'd hate to waste that ;)

JG OUT!

(insert wise title here)

Day 4 of the 30 day challenge - still feeling strong! But then again, it's only day 4 ;)
It's only 7:15am, and I'm getting this recipe out to ya'll, drinking my morning coffee, and heading out to the 8am Moksha class with the lovely Amy!

My 1st 30 day challenge, nailed it! Holy frig it was an awesome experience! My 2nd 30 day challenge I thought I should amp it up, so I joined a bootcamp at UPEI Andrew Sports Science Center, did yoga, and for the last 10 days I also did kickboxing 3 days a week at Largo. I felt like a freakin' warrior! An exhausted warrior, but still. I nailed it! Accomplished! My 3rd 30 day challange, I ended up with something like 68 days straight PRIOR to the challenge, so by the end of it, I had a ridiculous amount of hot yoga classes practiced within 100 days. As for this challenge, I am challenging myself to less, I am challenging myself to find my yoga again, to take a deep breathe, to not be so concerned with calories burned, but to enjoy these 30 days and finish with a smile and perhaps some more definition in my biceps, but not to physically or emotionally exhaust myself from doing too much, maybe even .....*gasp* give myself a break. Imagine, thats the state I am in, completing a 30 day challenge, would be giving myself a break..... hmmm?

Day 12 of my Pumpkin Challenge, only 3 days to go! YAY!!!

Today's recipe might be by far one of the best vegan treats I have ever made, AND they turned out on the first try! I have never worked with rising dough before, so this was new to me and a challenge I was willing to take!!

These were a huge hit and I had many requests for the recipe!

I have been craving cinnamon rolls for like a month now, yet who can justify eating 600+ calories, and like 29 grams of fat for one silly cinnamon roll...Not I! But oh hot damn, I decided, why not revamp an old classic to make it healthy and more calorie-wise AND while I'm at it, add some freakin' pumpkin and use it as Day 12 of my challenge! Well holy-osmosis! It worked! And I will be making these again, and again, and again!! eeeeek! uber pumped right now!

This would be the dough...rising! I'm pretty proud of this, considering I've never done it before!
Apparently I forgot my flash was off....relax, it's just a little rising dough, I didn't want to disturb it with a flash...it'd be like waking a baby! Picture was far too dark...I'll skip this step!

 

 

Next up, kneeding and spreading the dough, followed by adding the "middle"

 

 

 

Pre-oven!

 

 

And the Finale!

Drum-roll please....

 

WTF! Whoever thought of this was brilliant!! What an unreal combination! mmmm!!

Yes, Jenny, she is brilliant! nah, just kidding, I adapted the recipe from a blog I follow, sideofsneakers.com

 

VEGAN PUMPKIN ROLLS

 

Ingredients

For Dough
 
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup all purpose whole wheat flour
• 1 Tbsp no sugar added maple syrup
• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil (I'm sure you could sub this for other oils?)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

 

For Filling
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin
• 1/4 cup splenda brownsugar blend (or use regular brown sugar)
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Whisk yeast into warm water. Set aside.
2. Mix pumpkin, maple syrup, and coconut oil.
3. Stir in yeast mixture.
4. Slowly add flour, about a third at a time.
5. When you can't mix the dough together anymore, move to flat floured surface and knead gently until a ball forms.
6. Place in oiled bowl and cover with towel. Set in a warm place for about an hour; up to 2.
7. After dough has risen, punch down and roll out into 1/4" thick rectangle.
8. Spread pumpkin on surface of dough, reaching as close to edges as possible.
9. Sprinkle with brown sugar; then cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice
10. Roll dough into log.
11. Slice into 1 to 1 1/2 inch slices.
12. Place on greased baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Beware! These are friggin' good!

 

JG OUT!

 

 

 

Day 3/30

Day 3 of the 30 day challenge! So far so good! so much energy around the studio, it's amazing!! Full classes- and lots of sweaty happy people ....I swear it could be a song!

As for my pumpkin challenge...I'd say I'm currently nailing it! It's so much fun and it all tastes so darn good! I have to back-track a little because I missed yesterday's post.... life happens...or happened? Either way...

Yesterday was day 10 of  my 15 day challenge, holy smokes! More than half-way done! Yikes!

I tried something out of the ordinary,


Pumpkin Pudding

Ingredients

1 can 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 large package Jell-O Instant Vanilla Pudding
3 cups Skim Milk
2 tsp. Pumpkin Spice

Directions

Blend pumpkin, pudding mix and milk with whick for 2 minutes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, ready to serve.

Option, top with Fat Free Cool Whip.

Number of Servings: 6

 

It was room-mate approved, Jenny-approved and Yogi approved!!

Delish!!

 

 

Next up! Today is Day 11 of My Everything Pumpkin Challenge

 

I whipped up some of these beauts!!

Pumpkin Cranberry Almond Bars

Adapted from DAMY health

 

I started with all the ingredients mixed in a bowl

like so.....

 

 

Makes 9-10 Bars.
Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Plain Puree Pumpkin
• 1/3 Cup Egg Whites
• 1 Tbsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 Tsp Ginger
• 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
• 3 Scoops Plain Protein Powder
• 1.5 Cups Old Fashioned Oats
• 2 Tbsp Molasses
• 4 Packets Stevia
• 1/4 Cup Cranberries
• 1/4 Cup Slivered Almonds (set aside 1/4 Cup extra for topping protein bars)

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 450 F.
2. Place all ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
3. Stir until completely mixed.
4. Lightly grease casserole baking dish.
5. Spread ingredients evenly into the baking dish.
6. Sprinkle extra 1/4 Cup of slivered almonds over the top evenly.
7. Bake for 24 minutes.
8. Remove and let cool for a few minutes before cutting.

And ended up with....
this to place in the oven

 

 

and this for my finished result...

 

Yummy!!! AND Healthy!!!!

 

I went to 4:15 Hatha, came out, and there were only 2 stragglers left...I went to 5:30 Yin, came out at 7 and my dish was borderline licked clean ;)

 

 

JG OUT!!!

 

May the odds be ever in your favor...

Today marks day 1 of MYC's 30 day challenge!!


This will be my 4th challenge, and honestly, it never gets any easier! Although I usually hit up a daily class, when you actually HAVE to do it, it seems a little tougher. A 30 day challenge is not only physically, but it is emotionally challenging as well, but yet it is such an amazing experience! I love how busy the studio gets, and how much energy is thrown around for these 30 days! It's lots of fun and such wonderful community support! I always say, I'll skip out on this one and just continue what I'm doing...but there is just something special about having your name on that board and accomplishing 30 days of Moksha! Looking forward to my first class tonight with K-dawg to kick it off!!

As of October I'm in the midst of 2 challenges, one being "Everything Pumpkin" and now the 30 day hot yoga challenge! I'll be a busy little bee! Less than a week left for my pumpkin challenge. It's been so much fun trying out all these recipes!

On to today's recipe! I have always seen scones, heard talk about scones, but never actually tried a scone, yet always wanted to bake a scone! Obviousally you see where this is going...

Terrible photo, but hey they were room-mate and yogi approved :)

Pumpkin and Cranberry Scones (from my fav cookbook by The Happy Herbivore)

Ingredients:
1.5 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tbsp baking powder
pinch of salt
3 tbsp sugar free maple syrup (regular if you wish) OR I bet you could use apple sauce!
1/2 cup pumpkin (pureed, not pumpkin pie filling-that has spices!)
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tbsp non-dairy milk (optional)
1/2 cup cranberries (if using dry- plump them as you would raisins, by adding them to some water or orange juice and allowing them to get rehydrated) - ***I used real fresh cranberries

Directions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a cookie sheet.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and pumpkin spice and whisk together to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
3. Add wet ingredients; pumpkin, maple syrup, and also your cranberries. Incorporate all ingredients together, scones make a dry dough(like biscuits) but if you think your dough is too dry and all your flour hasn't been incorporated, add non-dairy milk 1 tbsp at a time.
4. You can make these 'drop' scones by using a measuring scoop and dropping the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, or you can cut them into triangles (like Starbucks!). To make triangles, roll dough into one large ball and then flatten slightly. Cut the dough like you would cut a pizza! I first cut in half, and then divide each section into 'slices'.
5. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
What they should look like....

I was close....give a girl a break ;)

I tried a bite, and they aren't too bad at all, however I never had a scone so I don't even have anything to compare it too...I feel like if these are what scones taste like, I'm not really missing out, BUT I'm also thinking that because my scone has approximetely 15 grams less fat and about 300 less calories compared to the leading Starbucks Pumpkin Scone, that I'm better off not trying one ;)

Day 1 of the 30 day challenge...complete!
Day ...I forgot... of the pumpkin challenge.... complete!

JG OUT!

Pumpkin Fever

I think pumpkin fever is catching on, I woke up this morning and came out to the kitchen to see my roomie baking...with pumpkin! She was making some of those spiced muffins I made last week.

How delightful :)

As for my Pumpkin Challenge, I madeVegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites, and it was so friggin' good that it was unsafe to have in the arms-length! Once again, A recipe I used from DAMY health, and only changed a few things!

 

 

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bites :)

Makes 12-16 Bites

Filling Ingredients:

• 3/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree
• 1/2 Cup Cashew Butter
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 Tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 Tsp Ginger
• 1/8 Tsp Cloves
• 3 Packets Stevia
• 2 Tbsp sugar free maple syrup  (you can use regular)
• Dash of Salt

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
• 1 Cup Pecans + About 1/4 Cup Extra for Topping
• 1 Cup Pitted Dates
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Directions:

1. Using your small food processor bowl and blade blend all pie filling ingredients until smooth and set aside.
2. Using your large food processor bowl and blade process all crust ingredients until dough like consistency with visible chunks of nut (setting aside extra pecans for topping).
3. Grease an 8×8 baking pan or glass dish with a healthy oil.
4. Press crust mixture evenly into baking dish.
5. Top with pie filling using a spoon or spatula to make sure the filling is evenly distributed over the crust.
6. Add extra pecans over the top.
7. Cover with saran wrap and freeze overnight.
8. When you’re ready to serve remove from the freezer, cut into squares and serve immediately.

Holy moly these were good! It is definitely one of my new fave's!!


Onto the rest of my day.....

Sunday, September 30, CIBC's Run for the Cure! This is my first year taking part in the run, I've supported the cause but I've never actually rain it myself. I joined my friend Ashlee's team Island Recruiting, got my attire on, and ran my heart out in the pouring rain! It was cold, it was windy, and boy oh boy - it poured! But yet, I didn't feel it at all, It was so amazing to be running and seeing so many people together for one cause, and to see so much support in one community. Ahh-Mazing!

I got some sweet new kicks too! The newest loves of my life :) They were squishy and soaked about 15 minutes into my run, I'm sure it'll be a couple days before I can wear them again, but in the mean time, I'll sit and admire these beauts!

Saturday and Cheesecake ....don`t mind if I do!

I wasn`t sure what should be today`s pumpkin recipe - I do know it contains nuts and couldn`t be shared with the studio, BUT it was room-mate approved and I left a slice for Airlie to try - I definitly needed one more opinion because I`m still not sure what I think of it! It was very cheese-cakey which is good I suppose, but maybe not sweet enough for my taste buds! However, it does grow on ya!


Skinny Pumpkin-Pie Cheesecake - photo ops to Damy Health, where I got this lovely recipe!

 

Skinny Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

Makes: 8 Slices
Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup Cashew Butter
• 1/2 Cup Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 Cup Pumpkin Puree
• 2 Tbsp Molasses
• 1 Tbsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 Tsp Ginger
• 1/2 Tsp Cloves
• 1 Tbsp Maple Extract
• 1/4 Tsp Salt
• 10 Dates
• 1 Tbsp Agave

Directions:

1. Place all above listed ingredients into your food processor. Process until smooth and creamy stopping once to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
2. Place all ingredients in a greased spring-form pan (I didn’t have a spring-form pan so I used a greased 8 inch pie plate – It worked great but was a little tricky to get out).
3. Place in the freezer covered with cling wrap.
4. Serve the next day immediately after removing from the freezer.

 

And this is what`s left after it was room-mate approved and shared to Airlie!

I knew Saturday would be busy, so I made this up on Friday, froze it and BAM! I had Saturday`s recipe complete! Brilliant I know!

As for today`s yoga session - interesting to say the least!
We had a fairly full class for K-Dawg`s nooner ...just as we are going into second side of Toppling Tree...Lights started flashing and the fire alarm was going full-tilt! LOUD NOISES!!!! Needless to say it really put the fucks to my toppling tree, we weren`t sure if we were on fire or what .... Hot Yoga brought to a whole new level! haha!
 However, we were asked to leave the hot room and step into the lobby until they got things under control - there was probably 35 sweaty-hot yogis standing in the lobby...interesting to say the least!

We went back in, found our breath and K-Dawg through us right into Dancers, I wouldn't expect anything less from that animal!!  The fire alarm didn`t throw me off as much as I thought it would, honestly I think it gave me the break I needed to continue in my practice. The fire department came by to check things, so the alarm went off a few more times, but somewhere in the midst of all the chaos, I managed to keep my breath and find my own sense of quiet. And strangely enough, even with 2 slight interruptions, I had one of the most emotional classes I have ever had.... who knows? I'm still trying to figure out, and honestly, I should probably just let it go...

JG OUT!

Fun Treats + Friday = Smiling Yogis!

 

Everything Pumpkin...is starting to become quite a challenge, I mean options are endless with what you can do with pumpkin but ingredients are not, and money is tight, so I'm doing what I can with what I got! It`s still alot of fun either way, and the yogis and spa staff seem to be really enjoying it!

I will admit that I`ll be a little relieved once this challenge is over, and I probably won`t touch pumpkin for quite sometime, I`ll need a new fall veggie to fall head over heels for! hmmmm.....

 

These muffins not only look adorable but they tasted fabulous! If you like pumpkin of course...my friend who still eats *gasp* white bread and kraft dinner thinks these muffins are no such thing.... he wasn`t sure what to call them, however for people like myself and my good frie

nds down at the studio - they loved them! Super moist and absolutely delicious!

 

I introduce to you...

Zuchinni-Pumpkin-Carrot muffins

100% delicious, 100% vegan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday started out pretty darn good, these delicious little beauties and an amazing Moksha class with Airlie after she returned from her 9 day hiatus! It felt like for-freaking-ever! So great to have her back! I was more than happy to share my pumpkin-y treats with her!

 

And then I got home - to find the flyers and BAM! Pumpkin is on sale... oohhh happy day!!! Cue dancing Jenny! haha! Oh the things that get us excited as we get older.....

 

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned.... we`re only on day 7!

 

JG OUT!

Rain and Chocolate... another great combo!

Day 6 of Everything Pumpkin! This challenge seems to be going by very slow BUT I refuse to wish my days away! So far, I'm loving it- baking and cooking is by far one of my favorite things to do and sharing it with people who make me smile is even better! (especially when they like the treats!)

Today's pumpkin treat is Chocolate Cranberry Protien Squares, and I adapted the recipe from a blog I follow by a girl named Amy Layne who is associated with Damy Health. She has fabulous recipes if you are interested in checking it out! Her recipes are mostly raw, vegan, and gluten free! Gotta love it - clean eating guilt free treats!! My freakin' fave!!!!

Makes about 20 Squares

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Plain Pumpkin Puree
• 1/8 Cup Natural Cocoa
• 1 scoop protien powder, chocolate (I used whey)
• 1 scoop protien powder, natural (again, I used whey)
• 2 Tbsp Agave (you can use honey, too)
• 3 Packets of Stevia
• 1/3 Cup of Natural Plain Cashew Butter
• 1/3 Cup Dried Cranberries

*1 scoop protein powder is usually about a ¼ cup.

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a bowl with a spoon until smooth. Having your nut butter at room temperature helps this process go faster.
2. Once smooth add in your 1/3 cup of dried cranberries. Mix until the cranberries are even throughout the batter. I like to add some cranberries to the top just to make it look pretty. Feel free to do the same.
3. I used an 9x13 baking pan. First I took cling wrap and covered the bottom and sides of the pan. Then I added the batter on top.
4. Then I took another sheet of cling wrap and covered the batter. This is easy, less messy and I do not have to fight to get the fudge out when I am ready to serve it.
5. Place in freezer over night.
6. Remove from freezer and cut into 20 squares. Serve immediately. Keep the cut fudge covered in the freezer until ready to eat. This is a cold treat.

I'd say this is one of my favorite recipes to date, I'm glad I took the time to try it! So good, and it definitely fights the chocolate craving, if you ever get one of those? haha, and if you don't... God Bless!

It's a rainy thursday, and I can't wait to get into that hot room!

"Fall"ing for Pumpkin

Day 5...holy smokes - this is tougher than I thought! Working 3 jobs, hitting the gym and hot yoga, all while baking up a storm... equals one busy Jenny! I'll admit, its alot of fun - and I love cooking and baking so I shouldn't complain!


I woke up with morning at 5:30, and headed to the 6am Largo class! Cripes - talk about "kickstart the heart!" Anyways, I was home a little after 7, and decided it would be a great time to make myself productive, so productive  I shall be!

First thing in order - Make a huge mess! Check!

 

Next thing in order! I work all day tomorrow and all day Friday, which limits my baking time. However, a couple recipes I have been wanting to try include 24-48 of freezing time so BAM! I whipped up 2 pumpkin-riffic recipes that I can use for tomorrow and Friday (cheating? ...nah, not really! planning ahead I like to say) and Then I had to decide what I could share today. I actually recieved my daily email from HungryGirl and on it was a pumpkin cranberry loaf, I figured it was fate, so that was my choice for today. I'll admit it's not as yummy as yesterdays cookies, but it's still quite tastey! And anything tastes good when you get out of the hot room! ;) So, I'll hope for the best! I would say it's a little more fudgey, than bready... or denser, as one might say! I'm not one that would say that, BUT it may help you understand what I mean!

 

 

So this recipe is adapted from HungryGirl

 

Ingredients:
One 15-oz. can pure pumpkin
1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup all-purpose whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (compliments brand)
1/2 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
1/4 cup brown sugar (not packed)
1/4 cup Ocean Spray dried cranberries, chopped (whoops, I didn't chop them! dahhhhh well!)
2 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine both types of flour, Splenda, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and pumpkin pie spice (in other words, all dry ingredients except for the cranberries).

In a medium bowl, mix together pumpkin, egg substitute, and vanilla extract (all the wet ingredients). Add this mixture to the bowl with the dry ingredients, and stir until just blended.

Slowly sprinkle cranberries into the batter, making sure they don't all stick together, and mix to distribute them.

 

mmm! Clearly, I had to try one to make sure it was edible, and it most certainly is!

 

My computer is covered in flour dust and I got that mess cleaned up! I'm not a fan of clutter, but I love working in a huge mess - somehow it makes me feel like I'm accomplishing much more than I am! haha! We all have little tricks don't we?

I'm currently e-reading a book called "The Happiness Project" it's interesting so far! I'm excited to share some things I have read in it with you all, It might be good for a smile or two :)

Happy Wednesday Pumpkinheads!

Oh yes! This darn song has been in my head all morning ...tis the season I suppose!

Peter Pumpkinhead by The Crash Test Dummies


JG OUT!