It's that time! Yep yep. So how is everyone? This is my weekly Wednesday weigh in!
I get to ask how your previous week has been- and hopefully get you back on track for the days to follow, if you have fallen off the wagon. As we all sometimes do (myself included). I like Wednesdays because of this. But I've always liked Wednesdays. And it's kinda weird, cause Wednesday is reallllly my sunday. I started work for the week on Thursdays. Sooo yeah. My last hoo-ra of the 'weekend'. 

So I'll start with me- and hopefully in the comments below, I'll have a listen at what's been up with you and your goals/challenges/thoughts for the week ahead! So for me.... I have had an interesting whirl wind, start to the week. But have finally came back down to a solid focus now. Thankfully! Hey- I'm human! It's all good! For starters- I will evaluate what was wrong with my start. I didn't have any goals for the week written down nor in my mind. Nor did I feel inspired by anything. Not motivated, etc. But that all goes back to 'my plan'. If you don't have one, then what is going to motivate you? You have to have some goal ahead that makes you want to do something to get there. What are your goals? And how will you get to them? I know we all have lots of goals. But what are you doing about it everyday that will bring you closer to it? I sure was not doing everything right to get to mine. My goals? Well I want to be more active. I want to be smaller/tighter/fitter. Not so out of shape. I've got 2 weddings to go to in June. I'm a bridesmaid in both. Theres gonna be a lot of family/friends I'm going to be seeing, I want to look good! As I don't go back there often :/ Hardly really. I live in California, my family lives in Ga. But I'm excited to be seeing everyone real soon, but I also want to look very nice in my dress! That right there is a goal. HELLO. Lets get it together and achieve my goals. Thats a short term goals. I have many other goals for this year that have to do with my career and other things. But right now I'm focusing on my first quarter year goal, and then my half year goal. Which will all lead to my end of the year goal! :) It's gonna happen! 

Going back to The Biggest Loser- sorry :/ Don't get annoyed with me talking about this show so often. ha, it inspires me! So I like to share it :) The girl who won- Danni. She said through out the episodes of the show, that she just wanted to lose weight, and didn't really care about the fact she wouldnt win the show. She truly stated almost every episode that she didn't think she had a chance at winning, when she looked around at the competition. This girl, so down on herself. We all do that! We all look around at others and think that can't be. I can't do that- I can't do this. blahhhhh blahh blah. Wanna know what she changed her motto to? WHY NOT ME?  Beautiful! Yes, why not you? Cause it can be. You just have to believe it. I love looking back at the beginning of that show and seeing them overweight and all of their negative bad attitudes. Once you finally realize, that it's your negative bad attitude dragging you down and making you want to eat that whole bag of chips and piece of cake alone, you wont want it anymore if you believe in yourself. I promise you. And you've got a whole bunch of reasons to believe in yourself.
That is the beauty of every single person in this world. We all are here to contribute our own special talents to everything and everyone. I love to sing, I share it on youtube for people to listen. People love to write- we read inspiring books, we watch inspiring movies that started from a story, we have paintings in our house that make us happy just cause someone painted it for fun. We get taken care of well at the hospital when were sick because someone has patience for people, we have people helping us in their own ways because of their own unique talents. Thankful for everyone who is brave enough to share!

Now. Back to what I was saying WHY NOT ME? Yeah why not. So I got my act together yesterday. Wrote down my plans/goals. What I have to do to achieve my quarter year goal. 
And I'm executing it! In addition to my workout plan as well as my healthy eating plan. I incorporate a day where I let myself go just a tad. And enjoy things I don't normally. And to me- thats ok. I don't over do it. Nor do I eat shitty foods. I eat good foods. Just stuff I don't normally eat. That could mean, whole grain chips and guacamole, whole wheat pizza with cheese :/ and have some cocktails. Just that type of thing. Yes everything in moderation is ok, and if you can be moderate about it and still achieve your goals, thats good for you! But for me- I can't. I like to stick to a healthy plan, and just indulge once a week. I don't trust myself around those foods. Cause I can't just have one :( Yeah- I'm an all or nothing type of gal ;) 

Now for my goal for the rest of the evening. As I did write this right after my long workout today! Quite proud of myself ;) Operation Krysten _Completed for the day!
-I am going to watch last nights episode of Smash, yay. While doing my arm workout.
-I will clean up the house! Make it look extra clean and smelling good!
-Going to make a healthy dinner of course and smoothie, for lunch right now! 

Anywho. Write down a plan. Execute it. Fit it specifically around YOU. Don't follow someone else's plan. We've all got our own lives. We have our own needs. You just do you! And share here if you'd like! I'd love to know what everyone is doing to better themselves. I don't know about you. But I want to be the best version of myself- life is just too damn short. 
We have no time but right now.

Now for the recipe!

Healthified 'Fried Rice'!

What you'll need-
Green Peas (frozen)
Shredded carrots
Brown Rice
Egg whites
Chopped green Onions
Shrimp (or tofu for the vegetarians out there!)
Low sodium soy sauce.

-Separately:
Cook the brown rice.
Cook about 1/4 egg whites.
Grill the shrimp in soy sauce.

-After all 3 are done, cooked separately (obviously)!

Now mix in all ingredients in a big sautee pan, and add in the green peas and carrots and green onions. Cook it for about 2 minutes. turn off heat. Cover for about a minute.
Add in a bit more soy sauce if you want more flavor. I added in garlic powder as well as cayenne and chili flakes. Topped it with more chopped green onions. YUM! Enjoy! 

A protein packed breakfast is a great way to start your day. Basically
because if you go ahead and load up on protein first thing. You will most likely, feel fuller and satisfied, at meals to come. Which is always good! So this is such a basic pancake recipe with the added benefit of protein. I have trieeeeeeed the real deal protein pancake stuff. Sorry but- no can do. They crumble up. It tastes like strait up protein powder- and sorry, no can do. I'm not a body builder- I can't handle that flavor like that. Yuk! But kudos to all who can! Cause sincerely it is a better breakfast. But I don't mind a little carb! ;)

I made a basic pancake recipe
1 cup 7 grain Bob's Redmill Pancake/Waffle mix (I'm making protein waffles tomorrow btw! )
1 tbsp coconut oil (or use apple sauce, oil is NOT neccessary)
3/4 cup coconut milk (or any non dairy milk)
1 chia egg ( 1 tbsp chia seeds mixed with 3 tbsp warm water)
1 scoop vegan protein powder

This recipe can also be unmade vegan, by using a real egg instead of chia seed one, and also using real milk and regular protein powder. But I like to veganize things when I can.

Hello there Daily Kale lovers!

I have gained some new followers lately- and always like to remind my readers- what The Daily Kale is all about. I first of all- started The Daily Kale to inspire my sweet Mama. We don't live close at all to each other, and the internet is a great way for us to connect besides the phone of course ;) So in my attempt to get my mom healthier- I share as much healthy knowledge I can. I know I share lots of vegan recipes, but I am not one thing. I'm not just vegan. I do love cheese. And I also love sushi. Not the vegan kind. I also would like to remind you though that in addition to all those things "I love" sometimes they aren't the best for us. But all of us are not created equally. I have an ear problem. And still dealing with it until further notice unfortunately. I avoid dairy as much as I can. But yes- I do I do love cheese so much. It just is not the best thing for people who have ear problems. Or so I have read, and so I have noticed. When I don't eat it- I have less complications, etc. As well as fish. I have it about once a week, if that. If not I'm a 'vegetarian'. But whose into labeling? Who really cares ? We just need to eat to nourish ourselves. The junk is what is GONE completely. If I eat badly- it's probably some healthy packaged snack. I never ever- go to McDonald's or have some nasty french fries. I might not be skinny. But I sure as hell take care of the inside of my body. 

Perhaps I eat too much of a good thing. Don't we always have too much of a good thing? Well maybe not all of you- who have it under control. But for myself. I over indulge in the good stuff, every so often. But my cholesterol is not going up because of it- is yours? Anywho- kinda went off on a tangeant, about what this post is all about after all!

So on this inspiring Monday. I hope your watching The Biggest Loser by the way! That in itself is SO freaking inspiring. All of those people pushing themselves so hard. To change their lives. With dreams of becoming a healthier, lighter, happier person. They transform. Has there ever been a time in your life you think back on and want to go back to? I sure do. I remember last year. When I went on the best vacation of my entire life so far. I went to Cancun, Mexico. For my best friends wedding- who you'll get to know later on in this post. I had the best time there, because it was no ordinary vacation. There was no technology involved, besides my camera. I really connected with all of nature and the love of my life, my boyfriend. We spent nights, sitting by the beach, listening to the water, talking about our future, our past. I remember the feeling of the warm water. And floating, in it- looking out into the endless ocean I was apart of. I also pushed myself. I'm not the most active person:/ I'm not gonna lie! We went on this Tulum something or other adventure! And that sh*t was crazzzzzzy. We went zip lining, and then of course this thing I was scared out of my mind to do. The repel. I was shaking so hard. SO HARD. I mean seriously. I felt like I could die? Yet my boyfriend was ready to do it twice. I dunno why I was scared actually- cause I pretty much have never been that scared of heights, I thrived off of them when I was little. But, times change. And I didn't feel secure doing this. Because you had to rely on your strength, or this hand thing you had to do- either way- I didn't get it and didn't trust myself, nor my tour guide :/ BUT that being said, they let me go down, with them pulling my down instead. That also was very scary to me. But I did it. When I got done, my whole body was shaking and scared. But I did it!

That feeling of being connected with the earth, being active, eating beautiful amazing food. MY GOD, Feeling so free, and feeling calm and peaceful. it was the most beautiful experience. Might I mention I saw my best friend get married to her best friend :)
I also quit the job I hated, when I got back. Lots of things changed from that trip. Including me getting to know myself. I know that the person I was there is who I want to be all the time. Some times living where I live, I steer far away from that emotional, nature- connection I once had in Mexico. But I always remember that beautiful memory. So we have to remember. This is really true. Life is about making memories, those are all we have in the end. The memories.
I lost my dad when I was 18 years old. For a long time I was mad and hated everything about anyone mentioning their father and their good times together. I refused to even look at things involving him. Cause I put all those feelings away- I stored that anger. Once I realized it was ok to think about my dad, it's okay to tell people about the memories, and it not be weird. Now I feel free, talking about him. Because I don't want to ever forget him- I have many thankful memories of him. I'll never forget. :) He inspires me to stay healthy and be happy.

Now to my friend, Elizabeth. She is 26. and just completed her 2nd marathon. My friend inspires me. Because in her world- anything is possible. And if she wants to do it- she will. She's an inspiration for me and for so many others in a healthy way. This is the same best friend who had her beautiful wedding in Mexico btw. Check her out! She did it! x 2!

Ok ya'll. Please from the words of Tara Stiles, 'who made the rules?'


Go out there and do whatever you want!

<3 I love ya'll. 

So what has been weighing you down?
 
Whether it be greasy fatty food- or stress. A lot can hold us back from having our ultimate body. Meaning the one were supposed to have. I don't mean being a rail- that might not be your body frame. First off we need to realize we all have different body types, and we need to embrace our own. Focus on the things we do have. And realize we are very special in our very own way!

No matter how old or young you are. Do not let that be an excuse. As long as you have an open mind and wiliness to change, then you can lose weight. I think one of the most important things to realize is that you have to BELIEVE. I'm serious. If you don't believe in the fact that it is possible for you to transform. Then no matter what you do- you will not ever change. Because you don't believe you can. That means give up the negatives. You're wrong if you think you can't change. WAY wrong. I believe in you. I know you can. But you really got to change the way your living.
Refuse to settle. Refuse to accept this. and change! Things can be different. No matter where you are in your life- you can change the way your living.
-And by the way let me add here that if you are interested in losing weight, your not alone, this information I am giving to you- I am also taking! I want to lose a few pounds, but in no way do I want to count calories, or go low carb everything, etc. No diets here. This is a way of changing your thinking and lose weight in the process. 
I'm not sure of anyones situations. But let me point out some things - 

*Don't eat when your not hungry. 
I don't care if it is dinner time. Are you actually hungry? If your not- then don't eat. It's ok! Only eat when you are actually hungry and stop eating when you truly are full! I know sometimes when were eating something, ooooh it's sooooo good. Yes. But maybe half way through- your good. You don't need anymore. But you still keep eating it cause it tastes so good. Box it up! It's not going anywhere! That could be your dinner for later if you kept it safe and sound in the fridge! Don't over indulge. Eat when your hungry, stop when your full. 

*Eat HEALTHY FOODS!
And nothing else. If that sounds like a death sentence to you- then I'm sorry. But look here, eating potato chips will get you NOWHERE! They are not good for you or your weight loss. Because certain foods keep you hungrier. Their empty calories. Their stupid! They do not deserve to be in your beautiful clean body. You won't be as puffy. You'll be clear and feel focused and good. I love food- I make super delicious foods, and it's all 'healthy'. So seriously- it's not a big deal. Just go back to the basics. Fruits, Veggies, Nuts, Legumes, & Lean protein (if you eat meat.) And sometimes red wine & or dark chocolate, over 70% cacao. (Beer is ok as well in moderation.) Just think naturally.
If your vegan or vegetarian, eating all those fake soy products are not good for your body either. It's good to eat 'clean' foods to remove the toxins from our bodies and keep it clean. Yes, I do eat tofu and gardein products sometimes but it's a treat, and not that often. I also don't eat fake vegan cheeze much. I'd much rather make my cashew cheeze from scratch. Eat as less oils as you can as well. And use as little sugar as possible! Keep it clean!

*Excercise.
No matter what it is you do, get moving. I walk for 3 miles about every day. And it's just walking! I am not an exercise feen. I don't care to have ripped arms. I just know how important it is for our hearts and our bodies to stay active. For energy and mood as well. It helps I promise. I notice if I haven't worked out for a week, I am more negative and not energetic. Thats not ok! Everything changes when I exercise! Much more happier :)

So now that I've shared my most important things to stick with through out you day. let the questions and comments begin! I'd love for us to keep us all accountable. If you'd like to comment and let me know through facebook or here, when you've exercised- what healthy recipe you made, etc. Please do! I'd love to hear it! If you have any questions or concerns please ask me! Will be posting a weekly weigh in every wednesday! So next wed. be ready to weigh in on how your past week went! I wish you the best! Get moving! 

So I've watched about 5 episodes too many of the Biggest Loser tonight. Eek :/ But I love it. Cried almost every episode more than 3 x as well. ;) Man I LOVE THIS freaking show. Seriously. After watching it- at say, 8pm this evening, I already am entirely inspired and want to change I spend the rest of my night. Wouldn't everyone love Bob Harper to be yapping in their ear all the time? I would. Well. I'm here to say, I can be your Bob. I'm no famous trainer nor big tv show. But I more than anything want to be apart of helping someone on their journey of finding themselves. And sometimes we get lost in weight, and eat when were not hungry, and then end up somewhere we didn't belong. And thats okay.

We all follow different paths, but guess what, were all on it together. Were all lost TOGETHER. Okay so knowing that- I"M HERE. Were here together. Please let me help you. You help me. Etc. Lets all help each other?! The Daily Kale is about daily inspiration, health advice, love, support, and all things positive. If things aren't going well in your life right now, that means something isn't working. And we gotta fix that. We gotta change it NOW. We all act as if we are invincible. As if, we'll have another body to work with some other time. No. This is it. The body you have right now is your body right now. and if you don't like it. Then hands down. Were freaking changing it. I mean IT. I will not allow to let you follow my site and continuously stay unhappy. If something is not working for you in your life- you want to lose weight. Lets do this. 

Starting on Wednesday. Everyone is going to comment on the post I create on Wednesday called weigh in. I will continuously post every wed. a post where you will post your progress. And you can discuss with anyone else with in the comments if you'd like to support them or compliment or push them, etc. I want to do this together, no matter if your down the street from me or states away. Were all together in this and we can figure this thing out. Please let me help you! I will post healthy tips with diet and exercise tomorrow, on how to reach a 2 pound weight loss every week. Lets get this going! I love you all!