the revolt diaries: what are you scared of?

When I was first contacted about being part of Revolt, I was nervous. You could even say I was scared. And so I asked myself - what am I scared of? And you know, I think I was scared of failing. I was scared of starting something that I couldn't finish. And then I decided to do it anyway. Because you know who controls if I finish? 

Me.

If it is to be, it's up to me. 

I have remained faithful this first full week of the program and have lost an amazing 7 pounds doing the initial detox. I am still a little nervous, but now I know I can do this.

This is a link up of all of our wonderful REVOLT bloggers to share their stories! I encourage you to follow me, Jill at Favor the Brave, your co-hosts, and as many other bloggers as you can as we share our journeys.

Have a happy, healthy week!

let's start a revolt

This week, I started something crazy. I started a diet and exercise plan. And it is IN-TENSE. It's only day 3 right now, but I am locked and loaded for 12 weeks of this baby - and guess what? You're coming with me! Every week I will be sharing my struggles and successes with you, my lovely readers, as well as the stories of some of my fellow Revolt bloggers.

This program is a big change for me. I've never been athletic, I've never been fit, I've never even really been in shape. I've always accepted that I just am the way I am, which is a good thing. But when there is something YOU want to change, it shouldn't feel impossible. This program isn't about punishing yourself, or becoming some thinner version of yourself that is somehow better, it's about becoming strong. It's about taking control of the goals you have for yourself and doing them! I already feel empowered and I am excited about going through this journey with you.

lemon honey gummy squares *recipe*

These homemade gummies are so fun to make and pretty darn delicious. I've discovered that they make great throat lozenges when you suck on them slowly - the lemon and honey and perfect for a pick me up!

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

1/3 cup lemon juice

3 tablespoons honey

Optional – Non-toxic, vegetable-based food coloring

Instructions:

• Whisk lemon/lime juice, honey and gelatin in a sauce pan until there are no lumps.
• Heat over low heat until it’s nice and melty, stirring constantly.
• Add food coloring and/or extract  if desired – you’re almost done now!
• Grab an ice cube tray or silicone mold (I don’t recommend silicone usually but since we’re not baking with it here I think it’s fine). You can use a basic pan, too, and then just cut into squares or use a cookie cutter after it’s set.
• Pour in the mixture, then pop in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to firm up. Once they’re out of the freezer they will stay firm at room temperature.
• Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Enjoy!

(recipe from Mommypotamus)

healthy cookie dough bites *recipe*

These are yum. Seriously. I have tried almost every version of healthy sweet treats I can get my hands on, and these are the most satisfying. The delicious combination of nuts, agave, and honey, and of course chocolate, gives them an excellent texture, as well as the yummy sweetness, not to mention that the nuts fill you up with some substantial protein that keeps you feeling full. Practically perfect.

Here's what you need:

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup almonds

• 2/3 cup walnuts

• 2/3 cup steel cut oatmeal

• 1/8 tsp sea salt

• 1/8 cup agave nectar

• 1/8 cup honey

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 3 tbsp dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate M&Ms

1. In a food processor, process the almonds, walnuts, oatmeal and salt to a fine meal.
2. Add the agave nectar and vanilla and process to combine.
3. Next, add the chocolate chips and pulse just to combine.
4. Roll the cookie dough into balls about 1 tbsp each (wet your hands if the dough is too sticky) and place them on a cookie pan lined with parchment paper. Place the pan in the freezer for about an hour to firm up. Store balls in a tightly covered container in the freezer.

(recipe adapted from A Dash of Compassion.)

black bean brownies *recipe*

I am constantly trying to have my cake and eat it to, i.e. eat things I like and still stay healthy. I love desserts and goodies but I also realize how long it takes to tick down those calories on the elliptical machine, so I'm a big fan of the middle ground. These brownies are delish, completely gluten free, have a healthy kick of protein and much less sugar than traditional brownies.

So put aside your skepticism and give these babies a try.

Recipe originally from the Babble Blog here.

Black Bean Brownies

adapted from the Whole Foods Market

1 19 oz (540 mL) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup cocoa
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place the black beans, sugar, eggs, melted butter, cocoa, vanilla and salt in the bowl of a food processor and blend until smooth, pulsing and scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the beans are completely pureed. Remove the blade and gently stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Pour into an 8″x8″ pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until slightly puffed and set. Cool before cutting into squares.

Now we just have to wait and see what husband thinks about them... 

peace&love,

Jill