#Mamavation Monday - Back at 110%

This was a wild week! Just when I think I have it all planned and prepared for, life gives that little kick to the back side. A big storm traveled through Oregon, the rain left us a little soggy, but the wind did the most damage. For several days there was no power in the hills around our house, that means no internet connection at home! EEEeek! Thank goodness for our phones, otherwise I would have been completely cut-off from the outside world and Mamavation. It was still tough though and I am slowly digging out from under emails and blog posts. So glad it is over!

The Flu showed up uninvited and stayed for 4 days. Even though I couldn't keep food down and was fatigued, I still tried to hang with hazing. Maybe I was delirious? Finally it was suggested I take a break to rest. When I did, it was less than 24 hours before my GI track was back in business and my energy was renewed. I went back to last week's suggested plan with Top Trainers, walking and hazing circuits. I am proud to say I got in my 13,000+ steps and my tushy was sore.

Being sick and isolated forced me to work on the basics... I ate for fuel and to nourish my body, slept when I was tired and really was grateful when I was able to exercise. It was slow and simple, but sometimes it is good to remember what is essential and what is just "extra". No cookies, no coffee and no blogging. It was a healthy, but unwanted detox session. Now though, I am back at 110%! Watch out world!

 I am down about .6 lbs!!! Woo-hoo

Oh, yes... I only got to half of my pedi night with my daughter. She likes the pretty colors, but still can't sit still waiting for the Piggy Paint to dry (non-toxic, but takes longer to dry!). 

Last week's goals I nailed... mainly because I was too exhausted not to sleep and drink my water! This week's exercise plan is going to look familiar,

• Monday- Top Trainers DVD, 1 hour walk with kiddos, Jackie's standing ab workout.
• Tuesday- Top Trainers, 1 hour walk
• Wednesday- Top Trainers, yoga
• Thursday- Top Trainers, 1 hour walk
• Friday- Top Trainers, Ab workout, walk
• Saturday- Top Trainers, walk, Just Dance 2 & Just Dance Kids
• Sunday- Rest day with a TBA family activity

 Since I never had a chance to give it a go, I will revisit it for this next week. I am hoping to set myself up either to kick butt as a Mamavation Mom, or not lose any momentum going into the MILI challenge. Mamavation Moms spend 90 minutes or more a day on exercise, and also set up meal plans and track their food intake. I should expect no less out of myself regardless of the outcome of voting. Wish me luck!

...and back to the Weekly Recipe Share:

Thai Inspired One-Pot Chicken

It is still cold here in Oregon, and a one-pot meal always sounds good to this busy Mom. You could easily adapt this for a crock pot, but it is just as simply made in a large heavy pot.

You Will Need:
4 pieces of bone in chicken (thighs, legs, breasts, etc)

1 Tbsp olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

1 can (14.5 oz) light coconut milk

1 1/2 c chicken stock

2 Tsp. Thai red curry paste

1 c. brown jasmine rice

2 red bell peppers

8 oz. of whole green beans (fresh or frozen)

lemon wedges for garnish

Heat your oil over medium heat in your large pot. Season your chicken with salt & pepper. Brown the chicken in batches and set off to the side on a plate. The chicken will finish cooking later. 

To the pot, add the coconut, broth, 1/2 c. water and curry paste. Bring this up to a boil and add the rice. 

Then layer the chicken on top of the rice in a single layer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes without stirring. Only disturb it, if you think it might burn. After simmering, give it a good stir and check the moisture level. If it is too dry, add a bit more broth. 

Layer the bell peppers and green beans on top of your mixture. Recover and let the vegetables steam for 8-10 minutes. They should be crisp-tender. Serve your lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy! Serves 4.

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn.   Two blogging carnival participants will receive an Orville Redenbacher Very Important Blogger (VIB) Gift Basket.  To be eligible answer the following blogging carnival question in your weekly Mamavation blog post and mention Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn with a link back to their site.  Link up your post here.

Are you a sweet or savory snacker?  What do you look for in a healthy snack?

My biggest problem is that I am both! I do have a sweet tooth and crave sweet snacks, but can also overindulge on the savory variety. I try to not keep crackers in the house due to mindless munching. I am usually looking for my healthy snacks to help me towards my daily nutritional goals of protein, fiber or a serving of fruit or vegetables. I want a snack with a bit of crunch and some flavor. Yes, hold the rice cracker, I said flavor! Plain popcorn is a favorite of mine with either a dusting of cinnamon or a simple herb mix. I try to stay away from buttered popcorn because I am helpless to practice moderation. 

*Disclaimer - This week's blogging carnival is sponsored by Orville Redenbacher. By posting I am entered into a gift pack giveaway. All opinions are my own.