Thursday, August 1, 2013

Yummy Grain Free, Gluten Free, Clean Eating "Chic Fil A Nuggets" (Recipe)

These are definitely going to be a family favorite! The actually almost taste EXACTLY like CFA (without all the extra junk, carbs, sugar, etc.). You can also make these nuggets by chopping the tenderloins. I adapted this recipe from this site: Original Recipe

Ingredients:

-6 Boneless Chicken Tenderloins
-1/4 cup dill pickle juice
-1 egg, mixed
-2 tbsp organic whole milk
-1/4 cup coconut flour
-1/2 tbsp cumin
-1 tsp each salt and black pepper
-1/2 tsp garlic powder
-1 dash ground cayenne pepper
-1/2 cup coconut oil for frying

Place the chicken in a storage container and add the pickle juice; marinate in the fridge for an 30 minutes to an hour.

After time, open the container and pour out any excess pickle juice. It doesn't have to be perfectly drained, just not totally juicy. Add the egg (mix it first) and the milk, and mix together, then let sit for five minutes. (I prepped my dry ingredients during this time). Again, open the container and pour out the excess liquid, if there is any. Texture is important at this point – the pieces should be wet but not swimming in a soup of pickle/egg/creamy goodness.

Prep your dry ingredients by stirring them all together.

Add the dry ingredients and mix them together in the container, by a combination of shaking, rubbing, and pleading. It’ll take a few minutes, so this is a good time to warm up your skillet of oil on medium heat.

Fry your chicken pieces, flipping every few minutes, until nice and golden brown. It should take about six to eight minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Drain the chicken pieces on paper towels and keep them warm in the oven at 170 degrees.

Serve and enjoy!

Source: http://thedomesticman.com

Nutritional Facts:

Serving Size: 2 tenders

Calories: 351
Carbs: 6
Fat: 11g
Protein: 57g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 1g





Monday, May 20, 2013

A New Direction, A Renewed Mindset...

Hey 31:17 Fam!

It's been a while since I've posted on my journey page or blog, but for good reason. Did I take a break from all things health and fitness? Yep. For a little while. I had some difficult issues arise in my life that totally knocked me out of my element. However, (praise God) I've been back on the bandwagon for a minute now. So why haven't I been posting you ask? The truth is, I had some serious re-evaluating to do on why I even do fitness in the first place. Let me explain.

When I started this page, my goal was to make this a place where women could be encouraged in their fitness goals while giving glory and honor to Christ. My aim was to make Christ the center of the community, while everything else flowed from Him. Did it turn out that way? Truthfully, I don't think so. I had grown bored with the page rather quickly because it became a task more so than a joy. I started to focus more on "likes" and  "followers" rather than the One whom I follow. I was burned out with all of it. Don't get me wrong, giveaways, challenges, motivational pics, and all that are awesome! I love stuff like that! However, that was NOT the entire vision I had in mind when I was creating this community. My page was becoming about ME, and my own glory, and the glory of fitness rather than the Glory of God working through fitness and wellness. Praise God he revealed this to me and convicted me and lead me to repent.

So, what now? I feel now, since my Spirit has been renewed, I feel confident enough to post these blogs again, however I feel lead to make it more than just fitness. Fitness and Health is an extremely important part of my life, but its not the only part, nor the main part. Expect to see more of me and my life journey and my everyday struggles and victories. My vision for 31:17 Fit Journey is bigger and more Christ centered and focused than ever. I ask that you all will keep me in prayer and lifted up so that everything that I share from here on out will glorify the Lord above all and will empower women, not discourage them and will build up their spirit, bodies, and minds. Our community is for EVERY woman who desires to live a healthier and fitter lifestyle, not just the super fit or the most athletic or the most desirable.  Don't expect perfection, because just like everyone else, I am a broken imperfect human being, but through his Grace, I am being made whole. Thanks for bearing with me fam! Lets get it popping!


~Jasmine
 31:17 Fit Journey

 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11



Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Yeah, It's Been A Minute: Update On My Journey

Hello 31:17 Fam!

I know its been a while since I've actually sat down to let you guys know what's up in my life and I feel horrible about it! The truth is, I love to write. However, with me its just a matter of finding the time and dedication. I want to at the very least post two blogs a week. I think that is very feasible because I have sooooo many things that I want to talk with you all about. So from here on out, *gulp*, I am holding myself accountable to an update on Tuesdays and one other day of the week (probably Friday).I want you all to hold me accountable as well! Okay, so since we have that covered, on to my life....  






So as many of you may or may not know, I am now an official Beachbody Coach! Yay! For those of you not familiar with Beachbody, they are the creators of the awesome at home- fitness programs such as P90X, Insanity, Turbo Fire, Brazil Butt Lift, Body Gospel, and so on. They are also the creators of Shakeology, a yummy delicious shake that can replace one meal a day and has awesome healthy ingredients in it! Did I also mention it is yummy? Oh, just making sure. 

Well anywho, I decided to team up with Beachbody because anyone who knows me knows I absolutely LOVE their DVDs. I have all of the "hottest" ones, and I have been doing them for over a year now, so this actually just comes naturally for me. I honestly believe in this brand and what it stands for, so I had no bones about signing up! By the way, if you don't have a coach or would like to check out some of the programs, just follow this link and check me out. 


I know you may be wondering how the Mercedes Half Marathon turned out for me. Unfortunately I was unable to participate. My mother-in-law was dealing with some serious health issues that weekend and had to be hospitalized for a week. She is better now, praise God, but we are still keeping our guards up.  I was happy though that I was able to bless a lady at the race expo with the packet! She was overjoyed someone would just give it away (The entry was $100 that day). We sat and talked for a while and I was encouraged to hear all of her past race stories. 

My son was able to race in the Kid's Marathon however, and he had a blast! His cousin even came with us to support! Pics below!









I wasn't too upset about not being able to participate, even though I will admit I was a wee bit sad because of all my Facebook buddies posting their medals and pics, but I was also extremely proud of them at the same time! Black Girls Run! Woo hoo!

Well all hope is not lost as far as my Half-Marathoning goes (Did I just make a word up?). As I told you all in my last post, there was actually another half-marathon that I also registered for this weekend; the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon!!! I am actually WAY more excited about this one than the Mercedes, because the cause cuts a little closer to home. I have many friends and family who were directly affected by the tornado that hit Tuscaloosa on April 27, 2011. The proceeds from this race will go towards re-building schools, libraries, and businesses in that area. It feels right that this will be my first half. I'm pretty sure God worked everything out with the Mercedes the way he did for a reason (probably to give my legs the adequate rest and training they needed). I am so excited, yet nervous about this race. Please pray for me that I'm able to finish and that I keep my eyes on God and draw strength from his Holy Spirit when I start feeling weak. Just think guys,by the end of this week I will be a half-marathoner and will be able to put one of these bad boys in my window:




Oh yeah! Lol! Love you all! Stay focused! I'm praying for yall! ; )

Next Up: 

My First Half Marathon Experience
March Fitness Challenge
My Grocery Bill, Eating Healthy On A Budget

Monday, February 11, 2013

We Are Champions!

Happy Monday folks! Let's crush this week! Got a few things on the way this week do be on the look out! #31:17 Fit Journey

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Recipe! Turkey Spaghetti


*I'll be posting recipes on the Facebook page and on this blog.

Turkey Spaghetti (recipe) 

Another Hit with the whole family! My hubby claims this is his favorite dish besides my chili!

Ingredients

  • 1lb Of Lean Ground Turkey (93/7)
  • 1 Can of All Natural of Organic Spaghetti Sauce (Such as Muri Glen or Hunts Garlic & Herb)
  • 1 Can of All Natural Diced or Stewed Tomatoes
  • 1/2 A box of Whole Wheat Spaghetti Noodles ( I use Wal- Mart Great Value Brand)
  • Various Spices To Taste (Oregano, Parsley, Garlic Powder, Basil)

Directions

1.) Break Spaghetti noodles in half and put in a large pot filled half way with water (roughly 6 cups). Cook on medium-High until boiling.

2.) While noodles are boiling, brown ground turkey in a separate pan until meat is cooked all the way through with no pink showing. Turkey will have a grayish- brown color. (Tip: I like to sprinkle in a little oregano in my meat while cooking it)

3.) When noodles are cooked and soft, drain all water out of the pan, pouring the noodles in a strainer, then pour noodles back in the pot.

4.) Combine Turkey, spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, and Italian spices with the noodles in the pot. Mix together until blended.

5.) Let simmer about 20-30 minutes. Cool, then serve!

Nutritional Facts

Serves Approximately 10
Serving Size: Approximately 1 1/2 cups

Calories: 246
Carbs:16g
Fat: 5g
Protein:15g

*Nutritional facts may vary depending upon different brands.







Thursday, January 31, 2013

2013 Bodybuilding.com Challenge & Two Half Marathons


I have some exciting news to share! *drum roll* I am now officially signed up to do the 2013 Bodybuilding.com Transformation Challenge! Woo hoo! The challenge is 84 Days from the day I signed up, so my unveiling will be April 25, 2013. Truthfully, I'm pretty nervous about this challenge because I have signed up for my fair share of them in the past, and haven't gotten anywhere. However, this time I have you guys to keep me accountable! Yay! Seriously though, that means nothing. I have had accountability partners in the past too. If I don't want this for myself, I'm not going to do it. Point blank period. My drive has to be greater than my temptations. Uh oh! Look at me sounding all deep!

 They are taking entries until midnight tonight so if you want to sign up, you should do it because they are giving everyone three (3) days from the time you register to get your pics in. For more info, just click on the link and they tell you everything. Bodybuilding.com is an awesome website and they have a plethora of nutrition information, workout plans (including Jamie Eason's Free 12 Week Plan), supplements, and transformation stories. I love that site.





As if that isn't hardcore enough (yeah, I'm really feeling myself right now), I have also signed up for my first half marathon! On February 17 I will be in (mostly walking I'm sure) the Mercedes Half Marathon in Birmingham, Alabama. I'm SUPER excited about this because this is actually on my vision board this year! I was actually able to snag this entry form a friend who got it for FREE! I also have a free entry in the 1st Tuscaloosa Half Marathon on March 2nd. So yeah, My little legs are going to pretty busy for the next few months. I'm not new to the Mercedes; I actually ran on a relay team last year with the Black Girls Run group here in Birmingham. I ran the 5k leg and I vowed I would do the half this year. 

My 6 year old, is getting in on it too by doing the Kid's Marathon and he is super excited! They get little medals too! 

Well, I promise to keep you all updated on my progress with everything. Keep me in your prayers!  #31:17 Fit Journey

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Hello World! Welcome To My Journey!

So yeah, this is my first blog, post, article, etc. on this page! Yep, pretty nervous so please bear with me as I channel the writer within! Lol! 

My name is Jasmine and I'm a regular wife, mom, student, Christian, friend, diaper changer, dish washer, and boo boo kisser like you. I'm passionate about only a few things in life: My God, my family, and now my health and fitness. I have been on a "fitness journey" since basically my first son was born. Yep, that was 6 years ago and I haven't really made much progress. I have always been on and off again about health, fitness, and getting in shape. Hot, cold, lukewarm  you name it, I've been it. I'm starting this blog and  My Facebook  page to keep my self accountable because I'm tired. I'm tired of starting over. I'm tired giving up. I'm tired of admiring fitness folk, but never being that person. By gosh, I'm going to be that person this year! I'm doing this for my own personal satisfaction this time. Yes, I want to be an inspiration to my family, yes I want to be a role model and feel healthy and alive, but really at the end of the day,I just want to flex some muscles. Come on, don't we all? Kidding! Maybe... 


So follow me as I learn, cry, laugh, sweat, and work my way to my goals. I'll be trying out new workouts, recipes, products, and more! This is my new lifestyle, and its going to look great on me ; )



"She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong". ~ Proverbs 31:17



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