mama. baby. drama: Evolution NOT Resolution...

mama. baby. drama: Evolution NOT Resolution...: It's an Evolution not a Resolution... I saw this saying at a Jugo Juice store recently and it struck a cord with me. I have spent many...

Evolution NOT Resolution...

It's an Evolution not a Resolution...

I saw this saying at a Jugo Juice store recently and it struck a cord with me. I have spent many years struggling with my weight, slowing gaining more and more. About a year and a half ago I decided enough was enough. I was going to be strong and I was going to be healthy. So I took up some good habits like regular exercise and eventually running. I love how I feel after a good sweat sparkle session. It is easy for me to workout because I enjoy it. I like trying new workouts, I like pushing myself and I find it easy to make fitness a priority. However, I suck at food. I like... no... LOVE food. If I ate nothing but cheese and olives and dark chocolate for the rest of my life I would be happy (fat but happy). The idea of being on a "diet" is just something I could not even stand. I have tried very unsuccessfully in the past to reduce, not consume and starve myself and inevitably failed every time.

I am at this point where it is so intensely frustrating to work out so hard and not see the pounds come off as easily as I would like so I decided late December to make a complete food overhaul and see what would happen. January has come and gone and I have made big changes. I have reduced or taken many choices out of my diet. No wheat, minimal dairy, major sugar reduction. I think before I eat and I do my best to follow through on my menu plans. I lost 13.4 pounds in one month. I am not hungry. I am not deprived. I am just limiting my treats and watching all the rest of what goes in my mouth. I believe the reason why this time I am doing well is because I have figured out what works for my body. I am exercising AND eating right. Some days it is tough (read: I just really really really want sugar) but I stick it through because I know come the weekend I get my cheat meal and it will be worth it! It will mean I get sweet potato fries and desert! So because I plan and because I know that a treat is coming I am able to more or less do well on the non cheats.

This whole process to health for me has been an evolution. It has literally taken years to figure out how to take care of my body. To learn how to push it and how to fuel it. I am still learning, I still have a looooong ways to go but for the first time I have the right people supporting me and the right mentality in place. I am so excited to see what my body can do for me now that I am fueling it properly.

So, if you have any great protein filled recipes that don't use gluten or dairy please share! I am always open to trying new flavors.

Now, if you will excuse me my stomach is growling which means I am not bored but actually physically hungry so I am going to have a snack.

Local. Handcrafted. Delicious. 4th Spot.

Over the weekend we went out with friends for lunch at one of my fave places, 4th Spot. I discovered this place by chance with my SIL about a year ago after a mani/pedi session and have been back several times since. This is the first time we have brought our kids along and it will not be the last!

4th Spot is located on 4th street and 26th avenue NW. It is an old house renovated and converted to a restaurant. With decor celebrating the community and our city it is fun to look at the big Calgary maps on the walls covered with stickers from customers who have marked out where in the city they have travelled from to enjoy this lovely restaurant that celebrates supporting local producers. They have a great list of daily specials drawn onto the wall which include everything from a free beer with your burger to half price pizzas. 

There are two levels to 4th Spot. Don't take your kids to the top level, it is the lounge and they aren't allowed to be up there. There are no distinguishing signs telling this but the staff is friendly and kindly let us know we couldn't sit where we were. We moved to the main level and quickly settled into a large booth with our friends. There are lots of traditional style wooden high chairs and the waitress brings each kid a little coloring book with kids menu in it and a handful of crayons. The kids beverages come with lids so there is less chance of spillage. The restaurant is lively and the staff are friendly so don't worry if you have noisy or busy kids, chances are they won't ruin the experience of the other diners. There are several traditional choices for kids food. Pizza, chicken fingers, spaghetti...all priced at $8.99 they are well done and taste great and include a drink. I do wish there was some veggie sticks or something healthy on the side so my kids were getting a more balanced meal but I remind myself that it is our treat meal and we don't eat out often. I had gluten free fish tacos with a side of sweet potato fries. The tacos were fresh, full of crisp veggies and delicious! They sweet potato fries were a real treat, I particularly enjoyed their spicy mayo dip. My husband took advantage of one of the great specials and had the SUPERbowl in honor of the day's game. Our friends raved about the inhouse made hot sauce so if you like a little spice make sure you try it out. We ordered a few deserts and shared with each other. The apple pie has a layer of custard on the bottom that is beyond fabulous! 

Unfortunately they have no choices for a dairy or gluten free desert so if you have allergies or kids with them and plan on ordering desert come prepared. The menu however has a large selection of gluten and dairy free choices. 

Gluten free fish tacos

Trying new things

I love my coffee...or as Mike calls them my "pish posh a lattes". I order my drink with 18 different specifications depending on my mood. I even have been known to make up my own latte at the Starbucks drive thru. I like to order off menu...

In interest of fueling my body better and continuing to lose weight I have decided no more pish posh a lattes for me. I have drastically reduced my sugar intake (amongst other things like dairy and wheat). But I can NOT (read: will not am totally incapable of) giving up my coffee. I love espresso. Despite my best efforts I can not drink it black so I needed to come up with an alternative. I put on my big girl pants, got brave and tried something new. I ordered an Americano Misto. It was delicious! The perfect amount of espresso to milk (or almond milk if the coffee shop has it) to water. It is not terribly strong so I can enjoy it and I get my caffeine which I love so much.

Plus, the little local place by our house makes it look all pretty and if it looks pretty then surely it is delicious.