I'm BAAACCCKKKKK

So this has been a very busy, very stressful year so far.
Lets start off saying I am totally a creature of habit.  I could do the same thing, eat the same thing, like a machine day in and day out.  Some times I think to my self, "Kerry how do you ever expect to move up in life doing the same comfortable thing all the time and expecting a different outcome?"
For years now my husband and I have been struggling paying bills, making ends meet just trying to get by.  We dreamed of some day moving to Texas (we just assumed we would never be able to own our own house in NY, because its just to damn expensive(yes we even altered our dreams just to be more realistic.)) Hubby lived in Brooklyn his WHOLE life, I am a LAWNG-ISLAND girl myself, but moved to Brooklyn and lived there for just about 10yrs .  For the last couple of years we talked about moving back to Long Island to be closer to my family but really thought it would never happen.  We always set goals that we would do it this year, no really this year (this went on for about 3 yrs).

Well this year I actually put it in my set of goals for 2016.  After we did our taxes we realized that maybe we can rent out east near my parents and sister.  We looked at all the sites, it seemed that renting out here is just as f'n expensive as renting in Brooklyn!  But at least out here we would have a bit more space (we were living in a 1 bedroom apartment, 2 adults, 2 children, 2 cats and a small dog).  We also came to realize that my almost 10 year old daughter who is almost 5 feet tall isn't going to be free much longer on the MTA, and paying for a monthly unlimited for myself, $2.75 for my husband, and $2.75 for my daughter just to go one way was going to be another huge expense.
Well my hubby had this great idea!  Maybe my parents would get a 2 family house near my sister.  It's a buyers market there (Mastic/Shirley) and the property and taxes are not so bad.  Well there was a misunderstanding, it turned into a huge fight with my husband and it turned out to be the biggest fight we ever had.  It also happened to be the most productive fight we ever had, let me explain.
Well I just figured I had bad credit.  I called my father to apologize about the misunderstanding and he asked me about my credit score.  I didn't know my credit score, I just figured I had bad credit because of some bad mistakes I made in my late teens (even though this was more than 10yrs ago).
Well he told me to go to creditkarma, check my score etc.  Well I did.  I had GOOD CREDIT!  I went to quicken loans, got pre approved for a mortgage and here I am.  Sitting in my new house.  Walking distance from the beach, a yard, an amazing Florida room, and a back yard for the kids to play in.
This was such a scary leap!  I get to work part time from home, for my job that I worked for in Brooklyn, and I am bartending on the weekend.  Hubby also found a job with almost no problems.  It is a total dream come true.

I forgot about exercise and eating healthy though, because honestly buying a home was the most stressful thing I have ever done in my life.  I gained about 12lbs, stopped worrying about my fitbit, and fell off track.  I have to admit there are tons of gluten free carbage out here that I just want to stuff my face with.  So here I am becoming accountable and getting my ass in gear again.

I am 163lbs, and almost 38% fat.  So I am going to get my shit together starting now.  no excuses!

HOLDDDDDDDDDD ON THIS RIDE IS GOING TO BE BUMPY!  But, with out the bumpy roads, how will you ever appreciate the smooth sailing?

Alternating the fat fast and egg fast

So I have decided that I need to shake some holiday weight gain, and focus on what I know works.
My plan of action is 3 days fat fast,  3 days egg fast and 1 day regular keto/low carb.
I have also upped my daily step goal on my fitbit to 15,000 steps a day instead of just 10,000.
A few weeks ago I tried starting Shaun T25 again,  and my knee was not to happy with that decision.  I am going to try to do 1 hour of callanetics every other day along with my higher step goal. 
My starting weight is 159.6
I want to try to do this for at least 2 weeks to see what the outcome is,  and I'm going to try to post on here more regularly for accountability.
Happy Monday everyone!

XOXO
Kerry

My BIG maca MISTAKE!

So a few months back I read all the rave reviews about this magical maca root powder.  I bit the bullet after doing some (but not enough) research.  I used it once in a blue moon, but not consistently. I would take it before the family would go on a long walk, or once in a while when I would actually remember to mix it into my coffee, or smoothie shake.
Last week I decided to make it a habit.  Every morning I mixed a teaspoon into my morning smoothie.  WOOHOO! Energy poured through my veins.  The stuff is legal amphetamines.  I could run a race, clean the house, go to work, run another race and no afternoon caffeine crash!   I was so happy that I found something that made me feel amazing, gave me energy, no jitters, and a clear head!
NOT SO FAST...  This was all in the first couple of days, but lets jump to day 3.  I started to get hot flashes.  I am a cold person. I don't really sweat, and let me tell you my office in the winter at work with out my space heater on is usually around 55-60º.  I wear a sweater, and I put the heater on high pumping hot air.  These hot flashes were horrible, I had to shut off the heater, take off my sweater and wipe my neck with cold baby wipes.  then I would cool off and be back to my regular over dressed heat pumping maniac.  Now along with the hot flashes was anxiety and mood swings.  Like "don't fucking look at me, I'll rip your god damn head off... oh wait why are you looking at me, please don't look at me, I want my MOMMY!!!! WAHHHH!!!"  Not cool...
Now at 35, I like to think I am not pre menopausal, and about a week after my period is over, its not quite PMS time.
Now fast forward to day 4.  Oh look a painful whitehead on my chin staring me in the face first thing in the morning. First tie going pee at work around 10am..  TWO MORE PAINFUL WHITEHEADS! By the time I went home I must of had about 10 painful white heads on my lower face.  I am going to admit I did pop them, and every single time I did and I looked in the mirror again they were right back looking me in the eye full of white ick.
Now this is when I said OK MACA is the only new thing I am doing, let me do some research.
The first thing I found was maca defiantly alters hormones, this is not something I am ok with.  I can't take any birth control (even nuva ring) because  even a speck of hormones send me into crazy town, and I am very sensitive.
The second thing I found was that people with thyroid issues should steer clear of it.  When I went home I threw it out.
Now fast forward to day 5 (no longer taking maca)  I woke up looking like the worst person on a proactive commercial.  It was very painful also, not just to look at, but to touch.  I have gotten break outs, even really bad ones that made me not want to go to school that day.  7 days later and my face is still healing, and I am still trying to get some glow to my skin back.

What did I learn from all this?  YMMV (your mileage may vary)
Not everything is great for everyone, and when taking these natural remedies, or pills, herbs, etc make sure to do your research, and please only try one thing at a time.  I know some of us health nuts walk into GNC and buy 10 new things that we have heard of and start taking them all the next day.  THIS IS A HORRIBLE IDEA.  You can't be in tune with your body by doing this, and you can't know what works, what doesn't, and what is giving you an ill effect.
I'm writing this because I think if even one person benefits from it, I have done my job and my mistake wasn't in vain.
Hope everyone has an amazing day!!

XOXO
Kerry

2016 goals and resolutions

October goals

It's time for me to stop making excuses and hold myself accountable!

Day 6 done, and fried green tomatoes!

First I'd love to give a huge THANK you to Jimmy Moore for putting my blog in his email today about new blogs to check out. Please check out his webpage if you live in a closet and never saw it before.
Livin la vida low carb

Ok day six is done, I'm very excited, I feel great, and day 7 is a breeze. 
In celebration of being almost done with my first week, and getting a shout out from a low carb great I came up with a new recipe for fried green tomatoes!
I was waking in the neighborhood and I saw a stand with tons of them and never had them before so here it goes!

6 medium sized green tomatoes sliced into quarter inch slices
2 medium sized eggs
Enough lard to cover the bottom of a frying pan.
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4th cup coconut flour
Qt teaspoon chipotle pepper powder
Qt teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Wash and cut your tomatoes.  In a dish wisk the 2 eggs in another dish mix all of the dry ingredients.
Put the lard in your frying pan (I used pork lard yum!) And put the temp on low to melt it and bring it up to temp to fry the tomatoes. It's up to temp when you put in a drop of water it sizzles.  Also I suggest using cast iron if you have it because it holds a constant temp.
Next dip each tomato slice in the eggs, then in the dry.
Fry the tomatoes each side for about 4 minutes on each side and drain on a paper towel. 
The seasoning blend for these with the slight spicy and the tart finish at the end is hands down orgasmic.. 

Let me know what you think!

XOXO
Kerry

UPDATES!!!!! my 5th 21 day sugar detox 14 days in!

Ok so over the last 6 months  I had gained about 30lbs.  Still eating low carb, watching what I was eating.  I couldn't even lose on the fat fast.
About a month or so ago I went to urgent care because of some horrible tummy issues.  Everything came back "OK"  but they suggested that I go to my primary care Dr, to get a referral for a gastro.   Any who, I asked for my lab results to be emailed to me and glad-fully they sent them.  My inflammation was very high, and my TSH was 4.3.  Looking for a primary care Dr, the soonest appt I could get was June 9th.  So I promised myself after my daughters Communion, I would start another 21 day sugar detox.  I started it in hopes of not gaining any more weight before my doctors appointment.  My goal mentally was not to gain any more weight (I was gaining a couple of lbs a week not hardly eating)  My goal on paper was to lose 10lbs, in my mind I knew this was a high goal, but it was motivation to give it my all with no excuses and no slip ups.
So today I'm 14 days in, I weigh myself (and keep in mind my aunt flo just visited yesterday)  and I'm at 160.5  TAKE THAT!  I feel amazing, even with sick kids in the house.   Out of all my sugar detoxes I can honestly say this one has been the most moving, the most changes, and the most uplifting.  Even my detox symptoms have been different this time.  I broke out in horrible painful acne, I had some aching joints and muscles in the beginning.  My face is clearing, my energy is through the roof, my moods are more stable, and my stress is much more easy to handle, I have no cravings, and my clothes are fitting much more loosely.
I can't help but feel like maybe I can't have the low carb garbage anymore.  I'm going to have to start to be more careful about gluten, soy, and dairy.
What to do when I'm done?  I'm not sure, I'm still trying to figure that out.  I may not stop.  I feel amazing, I am not as scared about what is going on with my body.  I am still going to go get checked out, to see whats going on because this was very very scary.  What ever happens I can handle it, with healthy good food, family, friends, and some movement thrown in there, and a little help from modern medicine I shall concur the WORLDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!

And happy Birthday to my biggest inspiration in the world!  Emma!  I love my boo, and shes the reason why I want to be healthy, be a positive role model, and live forever ;)  Happy 8th Birthday Beautiful!

Modified fat fasting!

I'm depressed!

So after my detox I went back to eating low carb.  Watching what I eat etc.  I have gained back to 161lbs.  This is so upsetting to me considering I was around 143 before the holidays and I'd like to be in the low 130s.
I am upset!  What do you do when the best isn't good enough?  Well I'm tweaking now! 
My position has changed at my job, and the location has changed also.  I went from easily walking 10000 steps a day to walking under 5000 steps today.  I'm working longer hours it's becoming harder and harder to get exercise in and I just can't lose any weight.  everyday I weigh myself I weigh more and more.
then I think about the professionals, they want professional bodies they act professionally.  they weigh their food, they measure everything, they work out everyday, they keep detailed logs and everything!  if I want to look like a fitness model I need to have those habits! 
Starting Monday I'm going back to a strict low carb high fat diet, measuring everything and logging on my fitness pal.  I'm also going to start whipping my ass into shape!  Exercising, walking more, heavy lifting..  I am also doing 100 squats a day for 30 days, today is day 2.

My fitness goal for February is to be under 150lbs.  I'm going to post on here to stay accountable.   Helllllpppppppp :(  I need all the support I can get!

Xoxox KERRY

Blogger Brunch, Done with my detox! ETC

So what is up?  Welllllllllllllllllllll this past weekend I was invited to a blogger brunch at my new awesome friends house Margo.  What an amazing host!  It was potluck style and a bunch of us brought different goodies.  We then tried out her Da vinci Body board, and she also gave out amazing little gift bags!  What an amazing hostess!

Now what did I get out of this?  Well not only did I get to meet a bunch of awesome women (I love meeting new people), but they got my mind juices flowing to the max, and I hope this means I made some new friends for the long haul!  Oh yes and I got an amazing GIFT BAG!
One of the things we were talking about was labels.  Not like food labels, but labels on the way you eat.  For example; paleo, primal, low carb, keto, atkins, weight watchers, etc.  There is always some strict police person out there watching what you eat like "HEY THE RICE ON THAT SUSHI ROLL ISNT PALEO", "OMG YOU ARE EATING A SWEET POTATO?  THATS NOT LOW CARB!"
Then I thought to myself over the last few days omg I'm the queen of not only bacon, but labeling how I am eating!  It hit me even harder when my husband said to me when the 21 day sugar detox was over "Hey Kerry are we eating paleo now, or are we going low carb?"  I was like ughhhhhhhhhhhh  I am a diet label whore!  I need to move away from this, from now on I eat food that helps me achieve the best me!  If its lower carb, paleo, atkins, primal, what ever it may be....

So I finished my 21 day sugar detox. I set my standards high and I came out sort of disappointed this go around.  I lost a couple of pounds, but I think me going off plan for the holidays really screwed up my personal eco system.  I have been pretty sick since xmas with a constant cold that moves from my chest to my nose and throat almost every couple of days (which I am now almost totally over).  My bathroom habits are not so good anymore (I wanna poop at least once a day).  But I think this was a move in the right direction.  My skin started to clear again, headaches subsided, cravings are cut down.  The biggest thing I took out of this detox?  I lose weight better with full fat dairy in my life!  Isn't that amazing news?  WOOHOO! Kerry Gold Cheese HERE I COME!  

Summer is coming soon, and I need to get back into exercise!  I haven't done jack squat in a couple of months between being sick, working my ass off, holidays etc.  No more excuses, I just need to get off my ass and work my ass off! hahaha.
I got a fun new toy!  it is a lifetrak fitness monitor.  its a heart rate monitor, sleep tracker, pedometer, and you can track calories burned etc.  It works with bluetooth to sync with your Iphone (but I have a samsung galaxy).  Soon it should also sync with android (keeping my fingers crossed).

Now to introduce you to my new Friends!  please check out their blogs!  They kick butt!

First off is Margo, she is an amazing host and such a smart, fit, and independent woman.  Such a great inspiration!  Before I buy any fitness magazine I always look for her review on her site!  (she saves me lots of money with out even knowing it)  click the cool picture below to go to her site.


Next is my friends Amber,  she is awesome too!  She is such an inspiration the way she made over her body and she is super fit!  (her and her man are a hot item!)  I  get tons of ideas for recipes from her because she has some food allergies/intolerance.  To my keto/lchf family shes recently moved over to our dark side of noshing on yummy fat filled keto food and enjoying it.  She was also mentioned in the 21 day sugar detox book for her amazing journey!  EXSOYCISE!!!<~~click there


Next is a new friend Nellie.  Nellie is an amazing woman also!  (see a trend? deez are some great gals!)
She is a professional woman who finds time to be a mommy to 2 handsome little guys!  She teaches zumba classes, and can speak in front of large crowds!  (and since she has 2 little ones we need to take the kids out one day!)  click her pic below to check out her blog!

Nexxxxt is Cassandre!  She is another awesome full time working mommy!  (play date!  all of us!)  She has an amazing story to tell!  She is a holistic health coach, marketing executive, and I can just tell shes full of knowledge.  Right off the bat I could tell I'd go to this woman for advice! (and I am sure I will in due time! hahaha)  click the picture below to check out her site!


ok anyone with the blog called "lifes better in yoga pants"  should have their site looked at!  Lynette is so adorable!  Such a sweet lady!  She made these amazing little eggy cups that were delish!  She is an active runner (i'm always amazed by people who love to run)  Lynette is also a professional working woman, who finds time in her busy schedule to run, take classes, date and eat healthy!  Check out her blog, if not for me check it out because LIFE IS BETTER IN YOGA PANTS!  (god I love that name lol)


Lasssssssssssst but not least is Kelly (can't forget her name its like mineeeee only with l's instead of r's) sorry Its getting late for me hahaha..  Kelly is amazing, she has lost a ton of weight doing weight watchers.  Shes one sexy lady!  She has been in magazines, newspapers, and even on TV!  She was so sweet, and I'm honored to be in the company of someone who has accomplished some amazing things!!!!!!!!!  fill me in on your secrets!  Check out her Blog!!!!



nowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww  that you have met my new friends, you should be busy for a hot minute looking at the amazing blogs/sites.
Which makes me think, maybe I should get a dot com? Hmmmmmmmm  maybe I will?  When Da IRS Gives me mah Tax dollaz!  (sorry lol i get silly when I'm tired)

Butttttttttttt If you get hungry while you are looking at these amazing women, or you are hungry and watching the Olympics, maybe you pmsing, or need something easy and low carb.
HERE IS MY EASY 3 Ingredient Reuben Casserole.

Take some cooked corned beef and shred it and line the bottom of an oven safe casserole dish, about an inch or so deep.  you can used a cooked corned beef or if you are lazy like me and short on time you can use deli corned beef cut into shreds.
top it with a nice amount of squeezed out sauerkraut.  make sure to squeeze out the liquid good or else you will end up with slop in your pan!  
then top it with swiss cheese and bake in the oven at 350 till the cheese is melty!

This recipe is so easy and great for company.  You can serve it on a plate, with bread or crackers for your non weight conscious folk, or with celery, sliced cucumber rounds or low carb wraps!   this is great also with mustard, or thousand island dressing.


NOW HAVE A WONDERFUL NIGHT EVERYONE!  Thanks so much for reading!!!!!!

Garlic avocado mayonnaise!

This stuff kicks ass.  Very easy to make!

1 whole egg
1Tbsp Apple cider vinegar
1Tbsp spicy brown mustard
1 clove of garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup avocado oil (hint: I got a huge glass jar at Costco for like 11$)

In your blender drop in everything but the oil and start it on a medium speed (like 6 on my vitamix)  slowly drizzle your cup of oil into the blender.   When it's all in (please be patient and do this very slowly) I turned the blender up all the way for about 3 seconds then shut it off.

This stuff is amazing on burgers, chicken, salad , veggies. .  It really is out of this world!

Let me know what you think!

7 days down! And creamed kale recipe!

So I am officially 7 days into my 4th sugar detox.  I feel amazing and I'm 6lbs down so far! (My fingers are crossed that I make it back to the pre holiday weight)
I had some headaches, but am in all I feel good.  I finally jumped the gun and purchased gelatin to start taking, keeps me full for a lot longer (crazy!)  
Im over all happy, and thinking about what I would like to do next, just keep detoxing maybe? 
I came up with a new recipe!!!
Creamed Kale (21 day sugar detox approved)
2tbsp of Kerry gold butter or ghee
1lb of kale chopped  (I keep the stems but you don't have to)
1 cup coconut milk
Half teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Melt the butter in a pot and add the chopped kale, keep the flame on pretty low cover the pot and sweat the kale for about 8 minutes flipping the bottom to the top occasionally. 
When it  reduces to about half the size add the nutmeg, and salt & pepper then pour over the coconut milk.  Cook for about 3 minutes longer stirring occasionally.

This is so freekin amazing!!! Can't wait to try with spinach !

Today I'm starting the 21 day sugar detox!

Today is officially the start of my 21 day sugar detox!  I'm doing level 3 for the third time! Yay!  My starting weight is 147.5 and I'm going to hide my scale for three weeks! (This is going to be harder then not eating sugar!) Good luck everyone!

Breakfast is served! Right from instagram!

I love EBOOKS AND IM ITCHING!

unfortunatly I do not have a kindle, or an ereader, or ipad.  I'm stuck with my samsung galaxy 3.

WELL  I love these healthy ebook bundles that get put out every so often.  They are so informative and full of useful information that I may not just purchase on my own.
I'm not getting paid (I'm not that good of a blogger YET lol)
But im on the fence if I want to go for this ebook bundle.  I'm debating, its calling my name, I feel it, I'm pulled to it with force.
I love to read but have been slacking lately.  Hubby is starting an overnight job next week so I am deffinatly going to have more time on my hands!  YAY Catch up on reading!!
Anyone have any input?  Should I get, Should I not get??  LET ME KNOWWWWWWW

Here's the link to check it out
http://harvestyourhealth.net

Please comment and let me know what you think!  

The easiest Pumpkin Sausage soup... EVER!!! (low carb and 21 day sugar detox friendly!)

OK for some reason over the years this is a soup is a recipe that I have adapted to almost any diet I followed.  This is one of those soups that is just about impossible to ruin.  Over the course of the chilly months you can make it with 10 different sausages, 10 different spices and it totally tastes different but is AMAZINGGGGGGGGGG (twerking it mentally)


Now I wanted to post what I made, But I'm not a very follow direction person.
Please substitute anything you want and play with this recipe, like I said its almost impossible to mess it up unless you totally over season it!

This is how I start
With your oil/butter/ghee of choice
2TBSP in  a big pot on the stove
then Add in 1-2 medium onions chopped
when they are almost caramelized add in as much chopped garlic of your choice (I love garlic, and its great for you so I usually would add about  a head chopped)
then add your sausage or ground meat of choice about 2lbs  I have made it with breakfast sausage, lamb sausage, spicy Italian sausage, sweet Italian sausage, chicken sausage.  I say ground meat of your choice, maybe you don't love pork like I do?  There are 100s of paleo sausage recipes on the net! HECK Next time I may MAKE IT WITH BACON!
After the sausage browns, then drop in about a package of mushrooms sliced, raw.  let them cook for a few minutes then add your broth.
Depending on how chunky and thick or thin you want it I'd add about 64oz of broth for this batch.  Use any broth you have.  I had a left over turkey bone broth, and a left over pork bone broth in my huge freezer and I just used one of each.
then add a 15oz can of pumpkin.
stir well and add the seasonings of your choice I'm going to make suggestions but pick and choose the ones you want to suit your mood these are the ones I have found go best: (salt, pepper, bay leaf, oregano, basil, thyme, red chili flakes, sage, rosemary, fennel seeds)    Let this all simmer for around 20 minutes, stiring every so often.
Then add a half a can of canned coconut milk, don't skimp either, use the full fat stuff.  let simmer another 20 minutes and serve.
Its really hard to mess this soup up, every single time I make it my family raves that "THIS IS THE BEST IT HAS EVER BEEN"
if you eat dairy, you can by all means use heavy cream instead of the coconut milk (this is great too)

This recipe is great for atkins, low carb high fat, keto, paleo, primal, and the 21 day sugar detox.
If you try something different, have any questions or anything PLEASE COMMENT!

XOXOXO

I'm sorry that I don't have exact measurements, but I PROMISE, this soup is SOOOOOO EASY!

Just be careful, its VERY easy to over eat this soup... to the point that you want to lay down in the corner face down.. hahahaha

Chicken Liver Pate (posted for my big sister Reine)

I love chicken livers.  They are inexpensive, interesting, good for you...  (don't forget to eat your offal!)
When prepared correctly they taste amazing.  I love playing with them because if you really do them bad I can either pass them off to my animals, or toss them and they didn't cost me to much.   Well my big sister Reine just messaged me asking me for my recipe because her and her husband are in THE MOOD! (for chicken livers) LMAO
My sister has a blog also!  go check her out! she also has a book on amazon!  She writes poetry :)
My Sister Reines Blog!

Here's a fun picture of our family wayyyyyyyyy back in the day.. HELLO 1984!! BTW Reine, nice socks with your open toed shoes!  XOXOXO

OK, So here is my recipe.  I do not usually write things down so I'm pretty much WINGING THIS!

Start off with a frying pan, fry off 4-6 slices of bacon.  Fry until almost totally crispy and take them out of the pan.  Then to the pan add a medium onion chopped up and caramelize in the pan..

I then rinse the chicken livers off and chop them in half (you want to make sure they are cooked totally through)  and toss them in the pan with the onions, and also chop up the bacon and throw that back in too..  (I am queenbacon and I do not post enough recipes about bacon!)

I then add salt and black pepper to taste, also garlic powder, sage, a little rosemary, majorym(yes i spelled that wrong I'm sorry I don't use it often lol) , thyme, and a bit of parsley, and oregano. 

When everything is done and the livers are cooked through bust out the immersion blender (stick blender) and just process everything.  Make it as smooth as you like.  

I love this stuff, it reminds me of liverwurst!  I'm sure you can make it with other livers like beef, veal, or pork.  I will have to try that myself.  besides how can something not taste good with bacon and onions???  REALLY? lol ;)  

Anyway, this is great spread on veggies or just with a spoon.  I personally like it better cold.   Its amazing spread in a lettuce leaf with tomato and a little cheese and mayo.. YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMY!  

Hope you enjoy!  I love you Reine!