My older brother and I are blessed with my dad’s DNA.  With absolutely no effort, and for most of our lives, we remained long and lean.   Daddy’s DNA was also passed along to my 30 something year old nephew.

Put us in a line up wearing only undergarments and the similarities, including our veiny arms, big ears, lean legs, and long bony, funny toes, and you know we are family.  LOL!

Great DNA combined with 30+ years of running has kept me lean.

For most of my life, the implication has been that my physique was only attributed to DNA, which is false.  The results are from consistent running, martial arts, gym work,  and a well-balanced diet.

In my early twenties when I enjoyed washing down cheddar cheese Combo’s with an Orange Slice soda, I still ate my fruits and veges.  Oh wow!  I wanna puke just thinking about what’s in that stuff.  Yuck!  Nasty!

When age 40 rolled around, my highly active metabolism slowed its roll.  I could do something that I could never do before, even when pregnant with my 24-year old…. GAIN weight and inches.

These days, I’ve taken my diet to a complete new level.  I am not perfect, but most days, I eat clean, avoiding processed and sugary foods.

I spent about four hours in the kitchen today.  Cooked my butt off, but that is what I have to do to remain committed to my fitness goals.  Four adults live in our home.  Me, hubby, our son (10) and my mom (80).  I cook for the family and I cook for myself, which means more time in the kitchen.  By the way, the zucchini cakes were delicious!!  I found the recipe on Pinterest from A Teaspoon and A Pinch.  Kudos girl, the recipe is easy and worth the time!

Here’s what I either prepared or cooked this afternoon or before Tailor’s football game yesterday.

This is why I could not run today. My new sneakers did not come in yet, and these babies are too worn.

Lean ground turkey for my own version of a cabbage leaf wrap.

Prepping to cook the turkey patty wrapped in a cabbage leaf

Just one of 10 huge leafs from cabbage

They aren’t pretty, but taste pretty good.

Pre-cooked zucchini cakes

Cooked zucchini cakes. OMG!! I found this recipe on Pinterest. If you like zucchini, check me out on Pinterest for the pin. DELICIOUS!!!

Kale/Collard green combo soaking in water

Yes, over 7lbs of boneless chicken breast!

All cleaned up. Getting ready to season…

Seasoned and bagged. Tomorrow I’ll toss them on the grill.

Boneless pork loin. Occasionally this is the ONLY pork you’ll see me eat. I cut all the fat off too.

Seasoned and bagged. They’ll go on the grill tomorrow too.

Quick and tasty meat marinades. Sadly, I am going to stop using these… I carefully looked at the label… Not too good!

Yesterday’s dinner. I also cooked the brown rice and green beans yesterday. Leftovers!

Do you want to improve your overall health?  Do you want to fit into those old jeans tucked away in your coset?  Well what are you willing to do?

1. How committed are you?
2. Are you willing to spend extra money for fresh produce?
3. Will you make time to pack your lunch for work every day?
4. What favorite foods are you willing to give up or modify?
5. Are you willing to wake up with sore achey muscles from a challenging work out?
6. Are you willing to read the labels on the food you buy?
7. Most importantly, are you ready to give up all the quick fixes that promises to do what your will power cannot?

If so, then you are probably ready for a lifestyle change because that is truly the answer.  When you take better care of your body, you feel better from the inside out, not the opposite.  Your mind becomes more fit and you’re able to see life clearer and often make better choices.

Today and yesterday, I sacrificed a great deal of time preparing for the week because I plan to succeed at my fitness goals.  With the exception of  tossing meat that is already marinating, on the grill tomorrow, my cooking is done for the week!   I have all that I need for eating balanced meals throughout this week.  Like everything else in life, preparation is everything.    Heeeey!

Yáll please keep it moving!

TTYL