Marshmallow World

It's a whopping NINE degrees here in Colorado Springs today. There's fresh snow on the ground, a nice fire going and one of Adam's favorite dinners is cooking in the crock pot. Chicken Taco Chili (recipe will be at the end of this blog!). Hopefully I'll be able to eat it. I won't go into details, but I've had the worst stomach virus ever for the past 9 days (no, I'm not pregnant). I've lost 10 pounds. It's good and gross all at the same time. Hopefully Adam can get my healthcare all situated today after work so I can finally go to the doctor. Thankfully, I've been strong enough to work, but my energy level is super low and I'm constantly nauseated. My boss swears I need my appendix removed, but my side doesn't hurt or anything, so I don't think that's the problem. We'll see.

Once I feel better, I'm going to start my new workout, Metamorphosis by Tracy Anderson. I discovered the videos via infomercial during one of my sleepless nights while Adam was away last month. I watched the episode for 2 hours. Haha. A TON of celebrities use her workout DVDs to lose weight and stay fit, I saw dozens of testimonies and read all kinds of reviews online. Anyway, Metamorphosis by Tracy is a 90 day program designed specifically for your body type and transforms your muscle structure. There's also cardio and of course, a dynamic eating plan involved. I'm really excited about being a part of the Metamorphosis Community to help keep myself motivated. With my DVD purchase, I received a free membership to the social network group to interact with other women doing the program, so we can talk about our progress and struggles. Pretty awesome. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated once I begin the workouts.

On a side note, Moses is the cutest thing ever. I just went to the restroom and when I came out, he was sitting right outside the door waiting for me. I'm going to get back to laundry and season 3 of The Big Bang Theory, one of my new favorite TV shows. If you haven't watched it before, you should. It's a hilarious show about a group of nerdy scientists. I love it.

And now, for your new favorite crock pot dinner. You seriously need to try this super effort-less and delicious dinner. I even converted my traditional, southern, meatloaf-spaghetti-venison and potatoes only grandfather into a Mexican crock pot supper lover. I found this recipe last year on skinnytaste.com (my FAVORITE website for new & healthy recipes). Total prep time is less than 10 minutes, makes 10 servings and it's only 200 calories for a cup and a half! It's so filling, high fiber and great served over rice. I've modified the original recipe just a tad. Until next time... enjoy!

SKINNY CHICKEN TACO CHILI

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 12-oz can black beans
• 1 12-oz can dark kidney beans
• 1 12-oz can light kidney beans
• 1 16-oz can tomato sauce
• 10 oz package frozen corn kernels
• 2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt to taste
• 24 oz (3-4) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, chopped (set some aside for garnish).

DIRECTIONS:

1. Boil chicken in large pot until done; Shred.
2. Combine all ingredients in crock pot, stir.
3. Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Serve over brown rice and top with shredded cheese and sour cream.