“It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t… It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not.” — James Gordon
(This is my very first post from Skinny “Fatkids” and for some reason it didn’t import correctly so I had to re-post it. Feb. 26, 2011)
I love this quote…I am a big believer not only in the fact that you can’t change other people, but also in the fact that unless you are really and truly ready to change for yourself - it won’t happen. There are too many excuses, too many outs, too many things to blame failure on.
I decided to back to school this year – law school – after fours years out. And it was scary but I just decided, this is what I’m going to do. I haven’t regretted my decision once. Not when I’m up to my ears in work, not when I was so stressed during first semester finals my boyfriend thought I was possessed, not during one of the many meltdowns that have occurred. I don’t regret it because I was ready; ready for a new challenge, ready for the next chapter in becoming the person I want to be, ready for something scary but ultimately satisfying.
The most recent change I have decided to make is to take better care of myself. It sounds easier than it is. I decided that going to the gym and yoga is going to be a priority for me, as is getting more sleep and eating better. These might sound like small goals but when there is never ending homework and a night owl boyfriend with the same “fatkid” tendencies I have – there is always an excuse for me to skip the gym, eat pizza and stay up later than I should.
So far, it’s been four weeks since I decided to make these things a priority and I have. I have gone to yoga 20 of the last 28 days, the gym at least four times a week and been getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep – yay me!! All while staying caught up on my homework and research projects. I have been fueling my renewed fitness with healthy eats too - Kashi** cereal (I am obsessed with all things Kashi), home made turkey chili (recipe below), veggies, fruits, you name it. A couple of classmates have asked me how I am fitting it all in and I just tell them, I decided to.
So, my challenge to you is – if you want to change. Do it. Don’t complain about it, don’t make excuses why you can’t. Sit down, make yourself a plan, and change what you want to. Just be sure you are doing it for you.
Turkey Chili Recipe (4 servings)
400 grams ground turkey (raw) (99% fat free)
1 whole yellow onion (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
4 teaspoons of tomato paste
2-4 whole tomatoes (diced)
I add chopped jalapeños to mine for a spicy kick while the “fatkid” opts out of those.
I also add two tablespoons of (already cooked) black beans to my portions
Season to taste:
I usually do about a tsp of all spices but salt and pepper (I do less of these) – I’m not big on measuring spices.
Chili powder
Curry powder
Sea Salt
Black Pepper
Basil
Thyme
Dash(es) of Worcestershire sauce
Combine meat, onions, garlic and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl (I like to mix it first to get the flavor in it).
In a non-stick skillet (no oil!) brown the mixture until the meat is almost fully cooked. I usually do this at a 5 (10 being highest).
Drain fat from the pan using a spoon.
Put in the tomato, tomato paste, and spices.
Cook (I turn it down to about a 3) until meat is thoroughly cooked and onions and tomato are at your preferred consistency.
This takes me maybe 15 minutes total prep and cook time.
While I don’t know the exact nutrition I would estimate there is about 180 calories per serving (based on 100g of uncooked turkey and the veggie/paste contents). Below pic also has black beans added to it.
This is great cold the next day for lunch as well hope you enjoy!!
Since this is my first blog ever - any feedback is more than welcome….me