::Eatfitters:: Be fit for life.

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All statements below are my true and honest opinion. 

As a busy Houston Momma who works outside the home, there are certain things that I look for when seeking healthy options; how convenient or affordable things are, how well balanced they can be and how accessible they are.

Which is why when I sat down and spoke to the owner of Eatfitters, Sam Jaoude, he embodied those things for me. I love speaking to people who practice what they preach and Sam and his family certainly do. You can tell he is strong and healthy, and an emotionally well balanced father, husband and entrepreneur. He is a fit person, who eats well. Simple as that. Sam has been an every day Corporate America employee. He knows the demands of working outside the home, raising a family and wanting to follow your dreams.

His father passed away at an early age of a heart attack. Sam later discovered that the untimely death of his father was caused more by his diet than his activity level. He decided that he would need to change his own eating habits to achieve a good quality of life. In his attempt to achieve this, he created his food brand which would assist on his path to a healthy lifestyle. In speaking to Sam, this change is visible and his passion for helping others achieve these same goals, is also one that stands out.

As part of my trial, I was provided food for an entire day. Trust me this is so convenient for this Momma and something I could get used to. Sam does explain that yes, eating healthy isn't cheap but the expense, I feel is well worth it. Eatfitters provides different meal plans with different prices and of course allows for walk-ins. 

For a Momma on a budget he has 3 day plans and the option to come back and pick up food on a daily, random basis. He has nutritionist on site who will help you select the best options for your lifestyle and health needs. Eatfitters also provide Family sized meals, for your entire family to stay on track.

You might think that this program resemble others but Sam assures that his program provides the following 4 qualities that others don't: they have flavor and are foods we can enjoy, they are low in sodium, the diversity of the food  resembles the city we live in, and they are nutritious! 

While Eatfitters is a slowly growing enterprise they are quickly gaining ground in the Houston area. They currently have 5 locations and future plans of expanding. I loved visiting with the employees at the location near Memorial City Mall. Everyone is very helpful and filled with valuable information. Their personalized insight into my meals were very good as well. 

I had the following meals, all very tasty and filling-

Breakfast- Chili Migas
Mid-morning snack- Cheese cake bar -SO GOOD
Lunch-Garlic Chicken Pizza
Mid-day snack- Veggie sticks and Hummus 
Dinner-Ginger Cashew Chicken 

Here are 3 things I learned from Eatfitters:

1) Healthy food can taste good- this is one of Sam's main concerns, in trying to eat healthier he learned that not many good tasting options existed. He made it his goals to make healthy food that tastes good as well. He has achieved this. My Husband and I both tried the foods and they taste great, not what we expected from this type of food setting. 

2) Balance is possible- Sam is a huge advocate of balance. He understands that life can't be lived in one rigid format. He knows that cheat meals and cheat days will happen so he has incorporated those into his meal plans and makes sure that we stay on top of our health. While you might crave a cheat day now, once you start and taste all his food options, I don't feel that one is needed. 

3) Portions are achievable- If I am being honest my biggest struggle is portions. With preset portions and some self-control Eatfitters has great portions set throughout the day. It might be something you struggle with initially but trust me you will not starve. I felt like I ate more than when I set out to eat healthy on my own. Your body needs the food as fuel, this is all explained when you go in for your free consultation. At first it might seem like the portions are too small, once you get used to them they will be just enough!

Are you ready to start eating fit today? 

Contact EATFITTERS:

http://eatfitters.com/

https://www.facebook.com/eatfit

https://instagram.com/eatfitters/

https://twitter.com/eatfithouston

Houston celebrities such as Debra Duncan and Chita Johnson, are both local customers of Eatfitters. 

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::El Pollo Loco:: Healthy Holiday Options

::Momma of Dos:: {This is a compensated post by El Pollo Loco. All statements are my own and honest opinion.}

I know how tough it can be to eat healthy during the Holiday season. I struggle with staying on track but thankfully El Pollo Loco makes it so easy to be good! I love the newest additions to their menu; healthy options that fit many lifestyles and diets. Fire grilled chicken and avocado, not just delicious but great options for being healthy when eating out. If you visit the website you can find the healthier options for you or your families special dietary needs. Click here for HEALTHIER OPTIONS. El Pollo Loco also has the most fresh veggies for your kids, my children LOVE broccoli and salads so I love that their kids combos come with this option.  A plus for this Momma is to know that their delicious salsa is made with fresh ingredients, very important to have good salsa!  

"Healthy options that meet the speed of life!"

                                                             ~ Mark Hardison  ::Vice President of Marketing::

El Pollo Loco  is quickly expanding in the Houston area, in the coming year they will make additions to Katy and Humble. 7 to 8 new locations will be opening in the near future. Their Cy-Fair location has employed over 40 local employees. As this location has been very busy. I had the opportunity to attend their Copperfield location Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting ceremony. While the locations dine-in area was closed for the private event, the drive through was booming and with in an hour they had to open the restaurant to accommodate everyone.  The Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce has supported the local El Pollo Loco as they know that they will be very successful within the community. 

At the Copperfield Grand Opening, El Pollo Loco representative Mark Hardison presented to the Houston Food Bank a donation of $1,000.00 which according to representative Jennifer Reeves is equivalent to 3,000 meals. This type of donation is especially important during the Holiday season. I loved being a part of the this special event and can't wait to visit El Pollo Loco more often! 

Of course after the opening presentation it was time to eat! 

Have you visited the newly opened El Pollo Loco locations, Sugarland and now Copperfield? 

Don't forget to sign up for their Loco Rewards, you get free chips and guacamole when you do! They also offer catering and gifts cards,great for your Holiday parties! 

:: El Pollo Loco:: Eating Healthy & Conveniently

::Momma of Dos:: {This is a compensated post by El Pollo Loco. All statements are my own and honest opinion.}

I think that this year even before Thanksgiving came to be we were all Turkey'd out! Ha. Between pot-lucks at work and Thanksgiving feasts at the kids schools in a time span of 2 weeks; by the time Thanksgiving came around we were semi-done with turkey. After Thanksgiving comes a day of leftovers and last night we were ready for something different. I bet you are too? 

How about a chicken dinner with all the freshest of sides from El Pollo Loco! Like corn, broccoli, a loco salad or some yummy black beans.   It now has dos new locations here in Houston conveniently in your neighborhood and their newest location on Mason Road coming soon! 

El Pollo Loco has so many great family deals and I love their freshness and yummy desserts. For easy and convenient dinners you can order from the drive through and take it home to your Holiday guests or head on over and dine-in to get away from all the busy streets of Holiday shopping. No matter how you choose to order El Pollo Loco is a great alternative for family dinners during the upcoming Holiday season. 

For us as a Mexican {American} family of 4 we are always seeking delicious Mexican food and El Pollo Loco has some authentic foods such as their sopes and tortas as well as burritos and enchiladas which we crave! 

So, as you prepare to head out for Holiday travels or in-town shopping don't forget that El Pollo Loco has great healthy alternative for your entire family. And, if you decided to dine in or order out it's an easy and convenient way to get dinner done for you  and your family. 

::El Pollo Loco::

Their Passion... 

"At El Pollo Loco, pronounced “L Po-yo Lo-co” and Spanish for “The Crazy Chicken,” we go to crazy lengths for our signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken. First, we marinate fresh, whole chickens in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices and garlic. The whole chickens are then fire-grilled, hand-cut, and served with our chicken meals, burritos, salads, soups, tacos and quesadillas. And if that’s not enough, we apply that same passion to our handmade guacamole, salsas and dressings every day. Some say the lengths we go to are crazy. We say it’s Crazy You Can Taste."

Stay Healthy and Be Fit #MolinaHealthcare #ad #client

::Momma Disclosure:: { The opinions in this article are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them. I have a relationship with GigaSavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.  I am  also not a healthcare professional, the statements below are simply from experience and may not work for everyone, some people may require a medical doctors opinion before beginning a new fitness regimen. }

It happens to the best of us! 

We get on a health binge and then slowly start to fall off the wagon. It's normal, we have busy lives filled with work, children, bosses, and well everyday life situations. As a Momma it's never easy to stick to one routine or a routine at all. Most my days no matter how organized and scheduled I want to be are thrown off with just about anything. 

In the last few months, sadly, I am one of those people that not only fell of the wagon but jumped off and ran! I know. Shame. Thankfully, I have learned the ways to get back to on track and help me fight the lazies I have been feeling lately. 

It's so important to have the support of your family, so if you are married and/or have kids make sure you announce it to them. That you will be starting a new health routine and you want everyone to help and stick to it. It helps to know you are not alone. 

 1. Create a weekly meal plan; there are so many websites out there with great everyday easy meals, Molina Healthcare provides great expert advice and tips for eating healthy and staying fit. It's a great quick reference. I then make my shopping lists based on the ideas that I find. And, then plan out my weekly meals. It helps SO much! 

2. Have plenty of healthy snacks; One of the things that I know about myself is that if I don't bring good healthy snacks I will turn to the vending machine. We have another snack room but the food there is so expensive. So, I buy things like cheese sticks, yogurt, and fruits like bananas or apples. It is a sure way for me to stay away from junk food or spending too much on expensive snacks that I can buy for cheaper at the grocery store. A great place for ideas is Molina Healthcare .

3. Drink a lot of water; A lot! It helps you feel full and is so good for detox! I hear so many different recommendations. Drinking half your weight or a gallon a day or 8 glasses a day, or twice that amount if you are super active. I do as much as I can and I set a goal for myself. 4 bottles in an 8 hour work day and 2 after work. Something simple I know I will be able to keep up with. 

4. Workout for at least 30 minutes a day; Hard I know. But, start slow. When I have to get back in shape I start with a 30 minute walk. Again I give myself a goal, small one, and go from there. I for example calculate that 30 minutes is a few blocks down from my house and a lap around the trail and back home. I then build on that or start thinking of it in mileage. I was up to 5 miles a or more a day. A great way to keep track of this and be motivated is by using a step-counter. There are so many. I used a simple $20.00 one from the nearest grocery store.  Unitl I threw it in the washer one too many times.  Start small and go big! 

5. Keep a photo journal for motivation; YES, PHOTOS. I take them with my cell phone and then refer to them when I want to see progress or in my case now, when I want to get back on track. What you look like impacts how you feel. I know that if I think I look good in pictures, I feel amazing. Trust me, it's hard. I don't want to look at most my pictures but when I do it helps me be reminded of where I started and how far I have gone. 

6. Create a support group; In my case I created a small FB group where I added ladies who were also trying to be healthy and stay fit. It has REALLY helped, those ladies are amazing. Most of them are Momma's themselves and they have the best advice and supportive words! We are in it together and it makes me feel like I am not alone in this journey and like I can ask for motivation when needed. It doesn't have to be on FB it can be a friend, a cousin, a Sister, a neighbor; anyone you feel comfortable sharing with and who you know will keep you accountable. That is so important! 

7. Accountability partner; I have one or two friends who I email or text daily. It is so important to have that 1 person who is truly supporting you and wants to see you succeed. They will push you when you are not feeling motivated and they will remind you that you don't have to give up. It's such a great way to move forward on days when you just can't. Feeling accountable to that person will be motivation in itself, personally I don't want to disappoint my friends so I try to complete those tasks that I say I will do! Of course this should not be a stressful situation and that person should be positive and supportive anything is just not worth it. 

8. Set goals; write it down, I am a very visual person so I have to have things written down. I am a sort of a list maker. Start small,like I will walk 30 minutes this week, drink more water and cut out fries. Then check your goals monthly, are you reaching your weekly goals and which can you increase and how can you surpass your previous goals. You can make lists cross off items and make new lists with bigger and better goals. BUT, don't worry if you don't reach all your goals in a week or a month, fitness is a constant job. Be fit and staying healthy is an every day one step at a time kind of lifestyle. You should be ready on every level; mentally, physically and emotionally. 

9. Have fun! I always say...it's not that serious. Whatever your "it" maybe, it really isn't. Working out should not be a chore and if you no longer enjoy it that you should take a break. Doing something you really like as part of your work out is important, it will keep you motivated and easier to make this a good happy time. You don't want to burn yourself out though, having a varied routine that YOU like is important. There should be a good balance that you agree upon and want to do! 

10. Make some time to relax and rest; it's so important. I often forget to rest and just relax and become so involved in doing that I end up stressing out about having to workout.  You should want to work out and if you feel like you need a break then take one. You know your body better than anyone. You don't want to cause yourself harm and you want to be in full balance of body, mind and spirit. Otherwise you will not be engaged long and it will result in frustrating ups and downs. So, make sure you schedule some down time into your schedule and follow through with it. 

As mentioned before, this process is an everyday job. You must work on it everyday. And, if you fall off track well simply start over! No biggie. No one has a set timeline for you and you will know when and how to start. 

::Mocktail:: #mommafitness

Hello Hello Happy Friday!!! ::JUMPING FOR JOY::

One of my most favorite things about Friday's is yes, HAPPY HOUR! But, sometimes I can't actually go out and have a Margarita....or it's noon on a Saturday! Ha. So, I was so happy to discover this awesome mock-tail with a little Momma Twist in Men's Fitness. 

I recreated it and it's so simple. 

I first made a simple half glass of lemonade; 1/2 glass of water, squeezed about 2 limes in it and added sugar to taste (you can use Splenda no worries). 

Then I added half a glass of mineral water and  a couple of fresh mint leaves and ice! I let it all settle in and cool for about 5 minutes. And, PRESTO!  {I then had to make a small pitcher of it for my Hubby} 

The most refreshing NON-Alcoholic drink for all Momma's to enjoy! I loved it!!! 

Hope you enjoy a mock-tail or two today! 

::Momma Fitness:: Recipe~Caldo de Pollo #weightlossbattle

{::Momma Disclosure:: I know the health benefits of eating well. I reap the benefits of healthy choices when it comes to my weight, family history of diabetes, anemia and on going kidney issues.}

Let me be totally honest in this space. 

First of all, I have not really worked out since maybe the 2nd week in January. I have probably gained about 6 lbs. Not too worried considering where I was this time last year...over 180 lbs and now I am in the 160's. Trust me 6 lbs is not much!

Fact number 2; I don't do well with, "eating well"... "eating clean" or clean eating, or healthy eating. Eating well and I are not exactly friends; as a matter of fact if I could I would eat oreos and pizza all day. No really. It's beautiful.  Not sure if I have told you this little bit of information, I am Mexican. Big time. Ha. And, being that my family is superbly and awesomely Mexican...you know el cafecito,el pancito, las tortillitas, los taquitos, y mas taquitos;  bottom line I have not been eating well. Oh yeah did I mention el PAN!

The awesome sweet smelling colorful pan dulce...ok, done.

So, for the last month {or two} I have been a lump on the couch {not really but you know what I mean}and a face stuffing Momma.

But, this week. Back on track after a horribly wonderful food filled weekend. My Hubby said to me Sunday night we need a detox man! I agree man!

So, by Monday it was green tea and soup time. One of my favorite soups is chicken soup or Caldo de Pollo. Another honest truth about me. I don't like the word diet, thankfully I have learned to detox and exercise regularly.

Caldo de Pollo is so simple and a great detox tool, I think. One friend really simplified it because she used the Paleo food list, still looked so good.

My caldo is not really a diet recipe, I just took my Momma's ideas and made it mine, so here you are:

I usually buy a whole chicken and gut it myself, but for healthier options I dice chicken breast and  add chicken legs for my kiddos.

What you need:

• 2 large chicken breast {diced or whole} and 4 to 6 legs depending on how big they are.
• 2 large cloves of garlic
• ½ of a large onion {diced}
• 2 small red tomatoes {diced}
• 2 to 4 Serrano Peppers {depending on the heat you want, you can also leave them out}
• About 10 small red potatoes {cut in half}
• 1 bag of baby carrots
• About ¾ cup of brown rice
• 1 celery stick
• 2 or 3 sprigs of cilantro
• Optional: corn on the cob halves about 6 to 8

First, in a medium to large pot add about 10 to 12 cups of water, the water should completely cover all of the chicken. Add, the celery stick, your springs of cilantro and garlic cloves with seasoning and salt to taste. I use Knorr de Pollo about a spoonful or so.

Cover and bring it to a complete boil, once it’s boiled once and your chicken looks semi cooked, bring it down to a medium heat. At this point you will add all of your onion, tomatoes, whole Serrano peppers {optional}, the red potato halves, your baby carrots and the ¾ cup of rice and corn.

Allow everything to cook for about 30 minutes…you will know it’s ready when all your veggies are tender and the rice has fully cooked. Brown rice is tough and it could take a bit longer to fully cook.

It’s so simple and as my Hubby would say…one of those “set it and forget it” meals! Just a little note; my caldo is never the same, it all depends on what is in my fridge that day. Ha. I do though make it often, because it's easy and my kids love it. 

{Nopalitos} Momma Recipe #mommafitness

As part of us trying to stay healthy and be fit in 2014 we {my Hubby and I} have slowly created our own little meal plan which includes a lot of great Mexican food that are both tasty and healthy for you!

One of my favorites is Ensalda de Nopales!

It's so easy to prepare and taste great.

The easiest way to start is as if you are making some pico de gallo;

Chop up/Dice- 1 {medium} Onion, 2 {small} Tomatoes, Green Peppers we usually use fresh Jalapeno or Serrano Pepper {to taste}, and some fresh Cilantro {a bundle}. You can set that aside while your nopales cook.

And, if you want to go with extra fresh nopales and take the prickly skin off and chop them yourself, more power to you, HA! But, I am an easy going Momma, and I buy them already peeled and chopped either at the local Fiesta or HEB.

I set a medium size pot with water to boil, while the water reaches a boil I rinse the nopales { 1 small bag} . When the water is boiling I add the nopales and some fresh garlic cloves, a small piece of onion, garlic salt, black pepper, and some Cayenne pepper for added spice {or any spices to taste}. They should boil until the nopales are tender usually no more than about 10 minutes, you will notice a change in color. You will be able to poke your fork them easily if they are ready. Don't over cook them they get chewy. If you under cook them they will be tough.

As soon as they are ready drain the nopales, let them cool a bit and in a large mixing bowl add your chopped ingredients and nopales!

You can eat it as is or set it in the refrigerator to cool! I love it both warm or cold!!

Don't forget to join us on HOUSTON MOMS BLOG for more Fitness tips and ideas!!!!!

Momma Fitness #ResolutionMakers

I have a problem with commitment. Funny story and bizarre admission? I have been with my Hubby for 15 years, I have 2 toddlers and the word commitment scares me?

Here is why: I have a  family that depends on me in so many ways. Maybe the statement should be commitment to the outside world and myself scares me. But, it's necessary sometimes. 

And, while it is a new year and we are all inspired and motivated to be more and do the most, there comes a time period when that motivation, well honestly it runs out! I didn't fully commit last year to a fitness "plan" per say until about April, and I lost 15 lbs in 2013.

By that time all those people who had committed in January had already lost weight and maybe continued to but then, fell off the wagon. It's a normal process I believe. 

I will say this, I have so much going on already and my calendar looks eeeekk but  I will try to post about my weight battle and goals reached as they come. I will also be posting over at Houston Moms Blog, along with a couple of other Houston Moms Blog Contributors about fitness goals and how to achieve them. If you wish to follow us check every Friday on Houston Moms Blog and feel free to share your own experiences in this #weightbattle!

I also post a lot about this on my Instagram and I host a private group called Momma Fitness on Facebook, where we motivate and share with other women who are looking to lose weight, stay healthy and get fit!! It's been a great experience so far and we all help each other and give one another advice. It's a difficult task to do all that we do as Momma's, Wives and outside world contributors so we can all use some support and encouragement.

{On Letting Yourself Go...} #embracingwhoiam

First off...Luke Bryan... love.

Yesterday, I wrote about my constant battle with weight and my self-love and confidence.

These days, I stay home. I am usually in jeans, chanclas, or tennis shoes, a t-shirt.... hair pulled back..no make-up and a smile. I love my life. I love my children. I love my Husband. But, some days, I don't feel like dressing up and feeling fabulous BUT I realize the importance of it.

Que,que?

I know who I am and what I look like on a daily basis and I value the importance of self-image and looking good for yourself and for your Hubby. I have some pretty amazing women in my life and as I looked through my Facebook the other day I saw so many beautiful girls and thought...I can be as put together as them...I just have to make the time and the effort. It's important and I realize it now more than ever.

Being at home with kids all day can make me a very grumpy Momma like person. I don't want that for myself..or my family and especially not my children and Hubby. I love them too much so I should show myself some love and not just feel fit and healthy but LOOK fit and healthy.

Trust me it's a constant up and down feeling and it's not always easy for me.

I try.

I will continue to seek that place where I can just be me and be happy but I don't want to settle for anything less than my best. I loved this past weekend. I got to dress up and go out with my Hubby. I felt amazing. I felt great.

The song above just made me ask myself the question...DO I? And, I know I do, I just need to be more consistent with it all!

So many middle aged emotions tugging at my heart this week.... oh the woes of being 31... 32 in June! It's been a ride and I am ready to take it to the next level!

{Embracing Who I am} #weightbattle

Who am I?

I am a 31 year old Momma of Dos. 31. Not 21, not 18. 31. 





When I first met my Husband I was 18, a size 12 and had no children. I have always battled with my weight though. I have been a size 2 at my smallest when I was about 23 or 24....and I have been a size 18 at 9 months pregnant and 200lbs. These days I am at 175. Size 14 or so. My goal these days is NEVER to look, or be "hot". I want to be healthy and comfortable with myself and who I am not my weight or what society thinks I should look like. I want to be happy and feel good.

As a woman it's a difficult situation. The emotional baggage that comes with constant weight battle is deep. The fears and the disappointment take a toll mentally, emotionally, and physically. I give up constantly, the meltdowns and breakouts get real. Then I regain my confidence and strength to move on.

This weekend we had my Husband's Company Christmas Party. I am not scared to admit that there were women there who looked amazing and are probably really great people as well. But, my confidence runs low sometimes and without the constant reassurance that my Husband provides about not only my capability to be and about the way  I look I am not sure I would ever recover... but I have and I do.





I love who I am. But, I am human and insecurities in me do exist. Some days or nights I am not as confident about myself and who I am as I used to be when I was 21 or 18. It takes work. A lot of work. It takes confident boosters and kind words and patience from my Husband's part. It's takes a little prayer and constant brain fight on my part. I am NOT a super young girl anymore but that doesn't mean I don't want to be fit and sexy. It just means that the reasoning and motivation behind my weight lose should be, I think, driven by some pretty well thought out and reasonable motives.

So, today I am proclaiming that my motives to be fit, healthy and yes...sometimes sexy are:

So that I can run and not get tired of running around in the yard with my  kids.
So that I can be healthy and live a long life with my children and Hubby.
So that I can feel happy and comfortable in my own skin.
So that I can love who I am and embrace my body and figure as it is. 
So that I can try on a dress and not feel like I should choke the girl in the dressing room next me who keeps telling her mom how "big" the size 6 dress fits her! {Just sayin'...keepin' it real. Trust me I said a prayer and contained myself!}
So that I can embrace who I am and who I have become.
So that no one else can define what I "should" look like or WHO I should look like.

I am me. I will NEVER look like any other "young hottie", I will always look like me. A grown woman with two amazingly beautiful children and a great guy next to me who supports me no matter how crazy jealous wife {being totally real here} I get on him. I am beyond Blessed and who I am and how I feel should reflect that. Everyday.

{Monday Afternoon Food Post} Disclaimer Included

Disclaimer: { I am not a professional cook or a chef. And, I have no intention of becoming one. I have simply learned to "cook" because I am a Wife & Momma and Thankfully my family eats it all! Ha.}


A brave friend asked me for food advice, suggestions and reciepes... so this came about. I now think about everything I cook and take lots of pictures. But, this is totally not what I do..so forgive me if I miss something.

Here we go. Ha. {BTW, My Hubby is in no way to find out that I give cooking advice..he is an awesome cook...HA.}

When I became a Momma I didn't think that EVERYTHING would become so complicated and thought filled...but it did. A lot more than I thought it would be. I thought, my kids will ONLY eat organic, home cooked meals! Ha. {Then I went back to my full-time outside the home job and that went...well south really quick! ::no pun intended::}

My meals are quick and easy. Sometimes last minute meals, that are sometimes not super healthy but I try kind of things. And, most my recipes are either from my Momma, my Hubby, my Mother-in-Law or the internet with a little twist of me and the ingredients that I have available.

How to make Picadillo:

Ingredients: 1 lbs of ground beef
                   1/4 of a large onion
                    1 to 2 small cloves of garlic
                    1/2 a bag of baby carrots
                    1 small red tomato
                    2 small calabcitas
                    2 to 3 small red potatoes
                    1/4 cup of water
                    3 to 4 bay leaves
My 3 favorite food seasonings: 
                    Garlic Salt
                    Black Pepper
                    Knorr- de Caldo de pollo

Substitution:

{I sometimes add a bag of frozen veggies if I don't have fresh ones...any is good. I  do the one with corn, green beans and peas. }

                 
First, I dice and chop all of my veggies including the onion; I usually leave the baby carrots and garlic whole.

I set them aside and cook  my meat before adding the veggies. {I don't pre-cook or boil any of the veggies they cook well with the meat after I put them in the pot.}

I then season my meat with about a table spoon of garlic salt {or to taste}, 1/2 a table spoon of black pepper {or to taste}and add it to a pan with about 3 to 4 table spoons of oil { I try to use Olive Oil but regular oil does the trick just fine}.

I add to it the chopped onion and whole cloves of garlic and cook it on medium heat until all the meat is nice and brown....once the meat is completely cooked. I  add all the veggies. {diced tomatoes, calabaza, potatoes and the baby carrots.}

Then I add 1/4 cup of water, the bay leaves and 1 table spoon of Knorr de Caldo de pollo for added flavor and seasoning.

I usually let it boil on high heat for about 10 minutes and then lower the heat, cover it and let it simmer on low for about 25 minutes or until all my veggies are tender.

And, here is how much of a first timer I am...I didn't take a picture of my finished product. 

Thankfully, I do this dish often, it's quick and easy. I usually make some rice or frijoes de olla to go along with it. Or refried canned beans ::insert gasp here:: I know the horrors...but there are actually some good canned refried beans that we eat... will talk about those later.

This is Cami eating her picadillo...this is one of the ones where I added the bag of frozen veggies because I can see the peas...

Let me know if you try this... and if this post helped you!!!! I would love to hear from you and see your pictures if you make this dish!

Officially. Fat.

NO JOKE. 

In May I lost about 8 or 9 pounds and OH.BOY.TRUST.ME. Have I found them!

I know that I say this a lot but tonight as I stuff my face with Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie and read about Clean Diets and look at pictures of slim beautiful 20-something year olds...I told myself.

"THIS IS IT."

I can't continue down this path of body-self-destruction. It's unhealthy and honestly I feel uncomfortable.

The excuse that I work 12 hours a day, have two toddlers and a ton of clothes to wash; just don't fly anymore around here!

I need to get my Big Momma Booty in shape! Pronto!!
  
Good-bye Chocolate Fudge Brownie. I will catch you on the flip side and when you see me again, which you won't for a really, really long time, I will be looking good! Now take that and double fudge it!

Ok. A bit dramatic. But, you get the point!

I just know I can do it. My prayers have not been where they should be and I am going to take this time to get back on track! Focus has been lost and time is a wasting!!!!!

Join me if you will and let me know what your biggest weight loss GOAL is for the rest of the year!

Share your diets or exercising tips here!