Pants, Cheese and Wine...Oh My!

The holiday feasting and "let's put on some size" has been going well. Hubby and I just got back from a 2 night/3 day get away where there was lots of this-- 

Some of this-- 

And we won't talk about this--

 Needless to say, my diet has been pretty off compared to my normal eating. I've been enjoying a LOT more sweets,wine and cheese. When I went to get dressed this morning my workout pants were VERY snug due to some belly bloat from said throw down. I started to cry, started to have a tantrum then I told myself to STFU and get out the house. I threw on a loose tank top, gathered my gear and rolled out. 

 At my lifting session today I felt strong, I stopped tearing myself down and I started admiring the things I've worked so hard to build. Those pants that felt snug in the waist? Who cares! I saw my quads popping when I looked down. I saw my once scrawny legs pushing 300 lbs on the leg press on my last set. That upper body fat that I was stressed about seeing? It can kiss my round squat booty ass! I saw my strong, capable arms lifting weights that I couldn't have touched a few years ago. I looked in the mirror and saw this-- 

It may not look like much to some of you all but to me, it represents almost 2 years of HARD work. Patience is key and I know that. I'm working on practicing it more in my daily life as well as my gym life. 

 I got this AMAZING gift from a super duper thoughtful friend. It represents everything that I want to be about. I want to be strong in body, strong in mind and strong in ALL aspects of my life really. I love it because my friend thinks of me as strong and inspiring. When I wear it, I think of her support and I smile.

Big things are in store for 2015 and some game plans have been made. Up first I have my MRI this Monday followed by my dr's appt to see what's up with this knee on the 5th. It hasn't healed, I still can't run and the knee are actually LOOKS bruised now after all the downhill hiking I did so, pretty sure I can't pretend it's not injured anymore. I'll do what I need to do to get healed fully and I'm praying that Dr B doesn't try to take lifting away from me during recovery too. We'll see what he has to say and go from there. 

Happy holidays friends! I hope you all stay amazing! 

Food Porn

Yep. Been lots of tasty things coming out of my kitchen. Got a Dutch Oven (no, not the farty kind) for my birthday and I LOVE it. Behold the goodness--- Hungry yet?

Still eating mostly paleo but, as always, when my body asks me to I toss in some oats, rice or something along those lines. Also added back in small amounts of cheese. So far so good on that. 

People ask WHY I cook all our meals. Because I KNOW what's in my food. Because I like the way the food I cook makes me feel. I've been out to eat a few times recently and honestly, I typically feel like shit afterwards. I hate how much salt and other extra crap most places add to our foods. I have a very short list of eateries I'll willingly go to. Hubby and I are going away for some MUCH needed us time (thanks Gramma for watching the kid). When we travel, we always choose a VRBO with a real kitchen. It's because I really do love cooking. It's also because if we are gone for 2 nights/3 days and I have to dine out for every single meal I will come home feeling terrible. Been there, done that. Won't do it again.