24 Day Challenge...Day 3

Well 3 days have gone by and doing pretty good so far.  I am definitely learning to shift my outlook when it comes to the foods I prepare and eat.  It is really nice that I am on summer break as I do this challenge, as I am home all day and able to think ahead for meals.  The only bad part about it is, that as soon as I start cooking, Miss MacKenzi all the sudden thinks that she cannot be happy if I am not holding her.  I guess I am getting an arm workout in ; ).
Before supper tonight I took Miss Thang for a walk to the church (about a mile from our house) so she could swing, and on the way home I passed the school sign.  I have read it a million times on my walks and it hasn't changed since the start of summer but what it said hit me a little different today.  It says "Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking".  I love that definition and have used it a ton when talking to my students throughout the year.  Usually when I am talking about it we are talking about not cheating on a test, not stealing from a convenience store, or something like that.  However, today as I read that I felt the Lord convicting me about weight loss.  And yes, believe it or not, God can and will even use something from a public school to teach a lesson ; ).  I know many people, especially me, are way more apt to cheat on a diet when no one else is around.  For example, confession time, I know that if I was to make a plate of brownies and I am home alone with them, I will totally eat half the pan!  However, If I make a plate of brownies for company, I will have one small piece.  Come on now, I know I am not alone in this.  We are way better dieters when we are being watched.   Here is a news flash though....CALORIES STILL COUNT EVEN IF NO ONE SEES YOU STICK IT IN YOUR FACE!!!!  I know it isn't surprising, but I think it is a truth I needed to face today.
Making it through the 3rd day of the cleanse phase means that I get a break from the fiber drink for the next couple of days, which is nice.  Like I said in a previous post, it is manageable, but definitely not something I would order in a restaurant.  I still enjoy the energy drink and definitely feel an increased amount of energy after drinking it (and not one of those coffee jitters).  I opened up a cantalope today and it was really good, I love all different kinds of melons this time of year they are always delicious.  I also tried a couple of new recipes that weren't too bad (see below if you are interested).  I am very thankful for the internet and Pinterest during this challenge as I have been able to find some recipes to try.  I also discovered Mrs. Dash seasonings which are salt-free and pretty good.  I never realized until starting this how much of a salt addict I am, hopefully this process will help wean me off of some of the salt.  Hoping to do well on the upcoming holiday (4th of July) and not give in to the tempting desserts and greasy junk!

Garlic-Herb Chicken (super easy)

3 Tablespoons Olive oil
4-5 Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
Mrs. Dash Garlic-Herb Seasoning

Preheat skillet with olive oil. Add chicken and season both sides with Mrs. Dash.  Cook until Browned on both sides

Green Beans with Garlic and Onion

1 clove garlic (minced)
1/2 onion (chopped)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 to 1 lb fresh green beans
3 tablespoons chicken broth

Preheat oil in pan. Add garlic, onion, and beans and cook about 10 minutes on medium heat.  Reduce heat to simmer for 5-10 minutes or until desired tenderness.   The original recipe called for 3-5 garlic cloves but it was pretty strong with only 1, depending on how much you like garlic ; )

Enjoy!!!