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?

Oil cleaning my hair? Whaaaat?

Ok let's reverse to about 3 weeks ago.   I got the itch to chop off all my hair.   I have been letting it grow out from a pixie cup for a few years (thank the Lord my hair grows super fast)
I was getting annoyed with it,  my ends were like straw, dry brittle,  itchy scalp. I was very upset,  i tried no poo with vinegar,  coconut oil,  washing only once a week,  cholesterol conditioner.   Nothing was working! 
I use the oil method on my face a few times a week (my recipe is equil parts coconut oil,  castor oil,  and olive oil with some lavender oil)
My last resort was let's drench my hair and scalp with this stuff then shampoo and condition my hair,  If it doesn't work in going to chop it off!
Well i put it on,  left it in about half hour,  then wash and condition.  
Well my hair is amazing now,  no itch or dry scalp,  my hair is soft,  no more dry brittle! I can't stop touching it,  it's honestly like a magic trick!
Now i want to note that i have some special circumstances that may make my hair suck lol. ..  I do have hashimotos,  My apartment has super dry heat, i dye my hair,  and i have not cut my hair (even a trim) in a few years.
Any questions?  Shout at me!
Xoxo
Kerry

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

Perfect microwave sandwich muffin

I made this recipe for the 21 day sugar detox.   Some may argue that the microwave isn't a great platform for a paleo recipe.   Butttttt, if you are in a tight spot,  worked a long day and are just ready to give up when something like this helps keep you on track it's win win for me.  I feel in love with this because it's not like a biscuit it's actually spongy and a great little muffin to put a burger on,  or my daughter gobbled up tuna salad on them and they hold together very nicely.

1 egg
1 tbsp coconut flour (I get mine at bjs)
1 tbsp ground flax meal/flour (I also picked this up at bjs they have organic and it's Delish)
Quarter teaspoon baking soda
Half a teaspoon apple cider vinegar (I used braggs)
Dash of seasoning (i usually use flavorgod garlic)
1 tbsp coconut oil

Now in a small microwave container (I use a small 2.5" square) mix all the ingredients with a fork EXCEPT THE COCONUT OIL.   Mix them all until mixed well and it looks like batter then and the coconut oil and mix well again as fast as you can to try to prevent the oil from getting hard from the cold egg.
Then I microwave on high for 1 minute 30 seconds, flip it out of the container and slice down the middle.
Please let me know what you think by leaving a comment!

October goals

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

Its been a while. Tomorrow morning I'm starting a self challenge

So its been a while since I have posted anything on my blog.  

Let me fill you in a little, I have been diagnosed with Hashimotos (an autoimmune thyroid disorder)  

This is good and bad at the same time.  Its great because now I have a reason why some times I feel horrible, I gain tons of weight overnight, mood swings, low energy, feeling like poop etc, not to mention I just can't lose weight.  While the doctor doesn't think I'm far gone enough to "treat", I'm treating myself.  So here I am, almost 35 (61 days as of mothers day 2015).  I have decided to start a 60 day challenge starting tomorrow (5/11/2015)

I'm going to be eating very clean (I am going to try to lose 20lbs) 

I'm going to take 10,000 steps a day with my fitbit (feel free to add me queenbaconnyc@gmail.com)

and I plan on exercising at least 6 days a week.

I want to tone up, lose weight, and really just get healthy.  

I have been feeling a lot better lately and I am going to blog about all about my 60 day journey.  

Feel free to follow my on instagram also (queenbacon)

Anyone have any hints or fitness tips for someone who can't even do a push up?

I am deff trying to build up my arm muscles, and tighten my saddle bags, so if you have any input please feel free to comment!  

Love you all!

XOXO

Kerry

Egg fast? Sureeeee why not?

So here I am, a few days post sugar detox, feeling bloated, fat, lazy, etc.  7lbs gained and I am starting to realize that carbs do matter for me.  I try to pretend that some day I'm going to be able to run 3 miles and eat rice, but I'm pretty sure that is not going to happen.
A few of my friends do these egg fasts for a couple of days and lose some weight so I'm going to try for myself.
Eggs paired with fat or cheese for a couple of days sounds so much better to get into deep ketosis then eating bricks of cream cheese.
I shall keep everyone updated on how it's going...

XOXO
Kerry

P.s. www.queenbacon.com is up and running!
Check out my sticker packs on that page to help support me going to school for  nutrition!

Oops, epic fail.

This is just a short post about being careful, and to always read labels.

Last Friday I was at the store and picked up some digestive enzymes.  I was excited, pretty hyped.  With in 48 hours of taking them I was having horrible stomach pain, actual pain not like poop or vomit, and constant headache.  I was like this for 2 days and I said to my husband, hey read that label of the enzymes in a text because I was at work, and he was home.  He answered me and told me this is an epic fail.  What did he MEAN?!?!  He soon after texted me a picture of the label that reads: "contains milk, soy, and wheat" he was very happy he didn't buy this item for me because I would have screamed at him for not reading the label. 
In short,  ALWAYS READ YOUR LABELS!  I'm getting better, but great way to set back my 21 day sugar detox results.

Updates, excuses, and anxiety

This holiday season is done.   Thank you god.  I will not soon forget the holiday season of 2014, and not all for good reasons either.
This holiday season I was overtaken by anxiety, the stress of bills,  work,  bills, work, and horrible eating habits and alcohol over the holidays left me with just about crippling anxiety.  For years when i was younger I suffered with depression that was pushed beyond what it should have been by hormonal birth control.  Well the anxiety I was suffering made that look like a walk in the park.  I have noticed eating gluten, and alcohol made it unbearable.  On a whim, I purchased HYLANDS NERVE TONIC, this has moved mountains for me.  This has definitely earned a spot in my purse forever.  Not to mention that it starts working with in a half hour.  Buy some,  believe me you will be thanking me when you wake up at 3am, heart racing, mind racing,  stomach in a knot while you think "crap, i forgot to buy toilet paper".
Now my weight has ballooned, and I have become very inactive over the holidays.  This is changing, while I'm on my 6th sugar detox.  I'm planning on working out,  getting my 10k steps a day with my fitbit, being more active,  and eating healthy.
Please join me,  let me know what you would like me to post more about, and l let's work on improving ourselves together!

Xoxo
Kerry

WWW.PAPRIKACREATIONS.COM

This is my mom's site so please check out her amazing customizable jewelry.
She's hosting Her very first giveaway on instagram! Please check it out!

And show her some love!

Another fat fast!

So after thanksgiving stuffing myself with  PIE! I decided it's time for some deep ketosis fun. ..  I'm  on the long Island Railroad, and posting this for accountability.  I weighed 167.5 lbs this morning, and the holidays always screw me up.  so i decided December i need to really kick some butt. 
I stocked my back pack with cream cheese and butter and I'm ready to shed some weight and shrink my stomach again.
I'm going to fat fast 3 days,  then modify it to lose some extra weight before the holidays.
My December goal is to lose 10lbs, take 10k steps a day,  and exercise every day for 30 days to make it a habit. 
Anyone care to join me?  
Love you all!

Xoxo
Kerry

Day 21 of my sugar detox!

And today is my sons 4th birthday!
I feel amazing, and this is my last hump (pizza, and chips at the party lol)

And here is a recipe!

Hot pumpkin coconut noatmeal
1 can full fat coconut milk
1/4th cup chia seeds
Teaspoon vanilla
Teaspoon cinnamon
Dash of ginger, nutmeg, and cloves
One green tipped banana
Half a can of canned pumpkin
1/4th cup of shredded unsweetened coconut
2 eggs

Over low heat put the coconut milk and
Chia seeds in the pan and stir.
This thickens fast! Mash in the banana, then Take the mixture of the heat and wisk in the eggs and continue to wisk over heat, then add all the seasonings and pumpkin.  Cook till you can stand up your spoon in the mixture, take off the heat, mix in the shredded coconut and serve. 
This makes 2 huge servings  or 3 regular servings.
Are you not detoxing? Feel free to drizzle with honey or maple syrup, add raisins. 
Low carb? Omit the banana, add protein powder.

Filling, and tasty! Happy fall!

It's day 16 and I feel alive!

My alarm went off this morning and something happened that has not happened in a long time!
I woke up awake, full of life with energy!  I feel refreshed, alert, clear mind, and I actually did an exercise DVD before work!
I feel great! 
I'm actually having different cravings too.  This morning I was craving black coffee with coconut oil, and just regular eggs scrambled with butter (lately I have been loading up with veggies in my eggs). I'm also very excited that I ate a green apple last night as a snack and this morning I tested a nice medium positive for ketones on my pee strips lol.

I have a group of people competing in a fun challenge on fitbit if anyone is interested, feel free to add me queenbaconnyc@gmail.com or my husband patfrombklyn@gmail.com for some friendly competition!

Talk to ya later!
XOXO
Kerry

This is the home stretch!

Less then a week left for my sugar detox.  I feel amazing and I'm not quite sure I'm ready for it to be over.  In enjoying challenges, feeling good, skin clearing up, extra energy, etc. 
Yesterday was making strides walk for breast cancer at prospect park.  My daughter and I did the walk with my co workers.  It was an amazing day.  35k + people, cool weather but if became sunny, and prospect park is absolutely beautiful this time of year with all the changing leaves. 
I'm empowered! 
Happy Monday
XOXO
Kerry

Making strides for breast cancer walk today!

So today is day 10 of my sugar detox!

So I feel allot better!  Headaches are hardly now.  I'm still doing my ten thousand steps a day, and 100 squats a day.  I started adding coffee back here and there.
So let's talk appetite.  I'm happy to say that my appetite is normal, im not starving, I don't need snacks, but it's also nice that come dinner time my tummy is like hey where's din din lol.
Woo hoo to the fact that I'm down 7lbs by day 10 (and that's with getting my period)
I'm almost half way there! Yay! Off to work I go.

XOXO
Kerry

Day 7 done , bacon broccoli rabe!

So 7 days done!  Still hitting my 10k steps a day and my 100 squats a day.
Let me cut to the chase...

You are going to say WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT when you see how easy and tasty this dish is.

2 bunches of well cleaned broccoli rabe with inch cut off the bottoms
6 slices of bacon chopped in 1" pieces
6 cloves of garlic chopped small
Salt to taste

I cut my bacon into inch pieces and fried till mostly crispy. 
I then add one bunch of broccoli rabe and let it cook enough to Wilt and for in the other bunch, I then put the garlic all over the top and put a dash of salt.  I cooked for about 10 minutes once everything was in the frying pan flipping the rabe with tongs every once in a while.
After you taste this your are going to be floored!

Have an amazing night!

XOXO
Kerry