Putting Life Back into Living!

Hey everyone and...

Happy Tuesday to you!

I'm currently in Toronto.
I'll be here for the week!

If you remember...

A couple of weeks ago I posted about my need to give my mind a break and, if anything...

I've been putting my words into practice! (More often than not!)

Like I mentioned...

There have been moments as of late where I've felt...

Outside of myself (disconnected I guess you can say) and...

I know that as a result of it...

I haven't been putting enough of myself well, into myself! (Spiritually speaking.)

Because of those feelings...

I know it has taken away from my ability to really be present and live (and I mean really) live in the moment! (As I do my best at being in tune with myself as a whole, I knew something was off so, I've been working on turning things back on again!)

In other words...

I was doing but...

I wasn't really living! (To the FUllest or as much as I should have or would like to have been!)

I found that I was going with the motions of daily life (perhaps focusing more on things that weren't or shouldn't have felt like a priority) without really...

Putting enough of myself into what I was doing! (A part of me just wasn't there!)

It's like I cut myself off from truly being.
Being me right here. right now.
I was there, I was everywhere but...
I wasn't still. I wasn't FUlly present.

Since realizing that not only does my body deserve a break (as much as I love being on the move, taking a break is a necessity) ...

I've been taking the time required, mentally, to shift things back into focus!

Focusing.

Making and putting in the effort to step back and...

Really look within myself for clarity has been such great and important exercise for me to do! (A practice I will continue exercising!)

By doing so...

I've been able to lift myself from the weight I've been feeling and overall...

Bring life back into me! (In terms of coming back to my senses about living out my priorities!)

Even if  I'm always on the go and doing things (I love)...

I have to continue making a conscious effort to remember that I need to pause and stop too! (That, I can't always be doing. That, other parts of myself and my life need more attention and focus too!)

Whether that means unplugging, disconnecting, breathing, doing/working on something different (whether it be passions, how to better my relationships with myself and others etc...) and/or stepping away from it all...

This I know will allow me to simply live and recharge my inner-batteries so that I continue moving forward! (And, put life back into ALL that I do knowing that I am living out all of my priorities while giving each the attention they deserve!)

I guess what I'm trying to say is...

As great as it is to always have something to work towards...

It's also nice to just be.

Being.

It's also nice just to give myself time to rest, relax, live (in the present moment) and simply...

Enjoy what life has to offer...

Right now!

If anything...

I'm making a point to put more...

Life back into living! 

Questions FU You...

What are you doing to put more life back into living?
Mental rest, are you taking any?

Stay Tuned FU More On *CaNdY FiT*

**

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#RECIPEFRIDAY: Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps!

Hey everyone and...

Happy #RECIPEFRIDAY to you!

I can't even tell you how busy my week has been...

On all fronts! (Trust me, I'm not complaining as my busyness has been tied to some pretty exciting things!)

Post-workout.
Feeling good ;)

That being said though..

I'm glad I have the day off so I can get my thoughts together and charge ahead! (I'm also heading to Toronto for a week next week so I got lots to prepare before I make my way there!)

Today...
I get to enjoy my Nespresso slowly and ever so presently :)

Remember I talked about running a 5K race in Toronto on May 5?

Well...

That's next weekend! (I'm super excited about it because we are having a huge FitFluential meet-up!!! I'm debating on dressing up for the race...I'm thinking of wearing the Banana suit!)

I haven't talked about this Banana suit here on the blog have I?

Well...

SuperFit organized a FUn event at my gym where we got together for the Harlem shake! (Click on the link to view it, I can't seem to upload it...hmmmm!)

It was a blast no doubt!

***

Okay so on with #RECIPEFRIDAY yes?

Today...

I have my fellow Florida Fitness Aylmer Teammate who will be sharing one of her favourite recipes!

Say HI to...

Chantal! (You can read more about her here)

OPA Ottawa Championships 2012
Photo taken by Chris Kiez at Chris Kiez Photography

Chantal is currently getting ready for her competition that is coming up in...

7 weeks time!

I just saw her yesterday at the gym and...

She be training hard!

No...
She wasn't wearing her competition suit at the gym lol
Photo taken by Chris Kiez at Chris Kiez Photography

As I know competition dieting can be quite 'limiting' (with what ingredients you can to pick and choose from)...

I knew Chantal would have something to share that was FUn and tasty so....

I asked her to submit something she's been loving!

What is it?

Well, it's...

Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps!

by Chantal

6045975

Ingredients

• 1 lbs ground turkey
• 2 garlic cloves crushed
• ¼ red, yellow, red and green peppers
• ¼ sweet onion
• 1 packet Stevia
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tbsp low sodium soya sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Using cooking spray fry garlic, onion and peppers together, once softened add ground turkey and cook through. Once completely cooked add soya sauce ,stevia and chili flakes. You may need to add a bit of water so the ingredients can mix well.
2. Use any kind of lettuce that will hold the turkey mixture, I find the best lettuce for this is romaine.

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Looks tasty eh?!

Thank you so much for sharing your recipe with us Chantal and...

Good luck to you with the remainder of your prep! (7 weeks to go!!!)

***

In following with #RECIPEFRIDAY tradition...

It's now your turn to share something you've been making and loving in your kitchen!

<a href="http://www.candyfit.net/"><img border="0" src=" https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Femy7J7xKw/ULNtxU16LlI/AAAAAAAASsQ/l4BMRueiAQ4/s400/RecipeFriday%2520-%2520greenbutton.jpg"/></a>

I can't wait to see what you've cooked up!

Have a great weekend!

Questions FU You...

What do you put in your lettuce wraps?

Plans for the weekend?

Stay Tuned FU More On *CaNdY FiT*

**

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It's The Name of The Game!

Good day everyone and...

Happy What I Ate Wednesday to you!

I hope this week is going well for you so far and that...

The sun is shining in your neck of the woods! (It's been so nice to have Spring like weather here...finally!)

I mean...

I can't even begin to tell you how nice it was to be able to run outside (for the very first time) last week and...

To be able to dedicate that first run to Boston! (In the strong sun!)

Little M joined me and together...
We ran for Boston!

In light of the week that past since the Boston Marathon tragedy...

I kept those affected by it in my heart and in my mind throughout my Monday Chest Workout and group cycling class.

Actually...

I've been keeping Boston in my thoughts every single day since it's happened. 

You should check out what my blogging friend Pavement Runner organized  (which is something that ended up spreading worldwide!) to honour those affected by the Boston Marathon tragedy! (It's truly amazing what he put together and coordinated to unite the community! The love and strength from thousands from all areas of the world united and ran strong, together!)

***

In keeping with Wednesday tradition...

Wednesday is the day where I get to give you a peek into my Fitness Competition eats!

Thanks Jenn for this great link up!

Like I mentioned to you last week...

My eats have pretty well stayed the same (which includes my carb rotation too) and...

Since I'm getting closer to my competition date...

There's been very little room to play with!

That being said...

There's nothing a little plating magic can't do to spruce up the look of my food!

Recipe

And just so you know...

I really do enjoy what I eat so...

I don't mind the limitations one bit!

Plus...

It was my choice to compete to begin with so...

I knew exactly what my program would entail by committing myself to it! (I can't be surprised by the rules I have to play by...I mean, it's the name of the game!)

Having said that...

Each day that I move forward and stay on track is a step closer to seeing the results I seek! (And, it makes me stronger all around knowing that I am in control of my goal and what I've set out to achieve!)

Alright so...

How about a look see into some of the food I've been eating as of late yes?

Oatmeal Protein Muffin Tops

Egg Whites.

Spinach and Egg Scramble

Mrs. Dash Chicken.

Lotsa Chicken!

Mrs. Dash Crusted Salmon.
Gosh, I love Salmon!

If you're looking for a recipe today...

I've been making SuperFit tri-coloured oven roasted potatoes that he's been loving...

So...

That's what I got for ya! (It's as easy as 1.2.3.)

Oven Roasted Potatoes!

by *CaNdY FiT*

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

6045799

Ingredients

• 12 mini Potatoes
• 1/2 cup diced Onions
• EVOO Oil
• 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Pre-heat your oven to bake at 400F
2. Cut your potatoes into quarters and dice your onions
3. Spray your baking pan with a touch of EVOO Oil
4. Add your potatoes and onions to your baking pan, spray a touch of EVOO Olive Oil to top, sprinkle on your cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste
5. Place the pan in the oven for about 25 minutes
6. Remove from oven and toss the potatoes around
7. Switch your oven to broil at 400F and broil your potatoes for another 10-15 minutes (until golden into colour)
8. Remove from oven, plate and enjoy!

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Did I mention I'm now only...

5.5. weeks away to the stage?!

It's true...

I am and...

I'm totally excited!

And...
I'm keeping strong!

Oh and...

If you're wondering how my heel walking is coming along...

Well...

It's coming! (I've been practising lots and I've been getting some amazing help too!)

There's no denying though...

I'm taking my own advice on getting comfortable in my shoes!

There are no band-aids this year...
Yet! ;)

Talk soon friends!

Questions FU You...

What about you...are you a game player?

As for me, I ensure I play knowing that the game is FUn for me too! (Be it running, competing, yoga, Taekwon-do etc.). As challenging as it may be at times, I push forward and, I learn from what the game has to teach me (this would apply to life itself too). If I'm not enjoying what I'm doing then, it's up to me to move on to something else that I will, in fact, enjoy! 

Favourite eats as of late?

Stay Tuned FU More On *CaNdY FiT*

**

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It's Your Choice...

Hey everyone...

I hope this day finds you well!

It finds me with a Starbucks in hand.

As I'm inching closer and closer to my competition date...

I'm getting ubber excited about getting on stage and best of all...

Wearing my brand new Daydreams Fitness Wear bikini made by my lovely sponsor...

Joan MacDonald!

I met with Joan this past weekend for a fitting and...

Holy FUreakin' moly am I ever happy with what I saw and tried! (Yeeeeeeeee!)

I can't even begin to tell you how pumped I am to go back for my next fitting to see and try the finished products!!!! (Joanzeee I am so grateFUl for what you have put together for me!)

In speaking about the competition...

If you're in the Toronto area and want to check out the Toronto Pro Supershow and the competition...

You can get your tickets here. (FFA Teammates Marie-Pierre, Sue and I will be competing at the OPA Ontario Championships - You have two options for tickets - Saturday Pre-judging at 8:30 am and/or the Finals at 1:00 pm)

Let me know if you're going!

**

A couple of weeks ago...

I wrote a post over on treadmill.com about...

Transitioning into a healthy style, taking charge and owning your goals...

Healthy Living: Take Charge and Own Your Goals!

And today...

I just wanted to reflect a little on it.

I gotta say...

Writing and updating you on my Health and Fitness often makes me look back and appreciate how far I've come since I first started on this journey of mine (not just to the competition stage but to the lifestyle itself!) and...

To be honest...

Never would I have thought to come to love healthy living as much as I do today! (I probably would have been in disbelief if someone told me years ago about what I would end up doing because I was just the opposite of that. I simply had no interest in the lifestyle whatsoever!)

As you can see...
A lot of things have changed ;)

The first pair of running shoes I got when first I started on this journey!

As I continue moving forward with my goals (and in life)...

I am reminded to be grateFUl for every step taken and...

For all that I've come to learn about myself over the past three years! (It's hard to believe that it's really only been 3 years!)

My choice to live and be healthy has shown me a whole side of myself I never knew before and...

For every day that goes by...

I am so happy for the decision I made to take care of myself! (And, I'm grateFUl for those who encouraged, supported and continue to support me along the way!)

All to say that...

At the end of day...

We have a choice.

We have a choice to take care of ourselves and our overall well-being!

I mean...

No one has the ability the put things into motion better than we do!

And don't get me wrong...

Like anything we do...

Things take time,  effort and commitment but...

Our consistency and our willingness to work at it is...

Totally worth it all! (I would never go back to the sedentary me!)

All in all...

Change is possible no matter when it is you start...

All you have to do is take one step forward in the direction YOU want to go and keep on going! (Best step I've ever taken!)

It's your choice!

Remember...
The first step is the biggest step :)

Have a great day :)

Questions FU You...

What do you love most about healthy living?
What choices have you made?

Stay Tuned FU More On *CaNdY FiT*

**It's already been a week since the Boston Marathon tragedy. To honour those affected and to give thanks to all the helpers, I am dedicating my group cycling class that I'm teaching tonight to them. I will pedal strong.**

**
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