Be Happy

TheHungryCaiterpillar gets fit! I've got about 80 pounds to lose, so let's do this thing! SW: 214 | CW: 192.1 | GW: 135

[vero-in-technicolor]

The better you feed yourself, the stronger you will feel, and the bigger impact you will have on the world. 

[thefitcaiterpillar]

Life after Whole30... reintroduce dairy—no problem, reintroduce legumes—no problem, reintroduce sugar—no problem, reintroduce gluten—been in bed all day wanting to actually throw up and I feel insanely bloated. It’s been rough!

[thefitcaiterpillar]

I did it!!!

Whole30 is complete. 30 loooong days. But I did it! I feel so great—physically and mentally. This was a great experience and I look forward to doing it sporadically. Today I am planning to reintroduce dairy first, so we’ll see how that goes.

Now for the results: In just one month I’ve lost 14.2 pounds and am finally back in onederland! Lost 2.2 BMI points and 3.3% body fat. Increased muscle percent by 1.7. As far as inches go—lost 3 inches on my chest, 3 on my waist, and 3 on my hips. My clothes are fitting sooo much better so I think it was quite a success ☺️

[thefitcaiterpillar]

6. More. Days.

I’m almost there!!! Just 6 more days. I can do this. Things are still going good for me on Whole30–I think I’ve got a handle on it. However, I CANNOT fucking wait to be done! I’m so proud of myself for being strong through this whole thing. Through the giant bag of Halloween candy in my dining room. Through the peanut butter I open to make my husband’s lunch. Through the constant pizza coupons I get in my email. I’ve almost made it! Here’s to the next 6 days!

[thehungrycaiterpillar]

Finally getting around to this! I don’t take too many pictures of myself so these are pictures that pretty well describe who I am!

Was tagged by the lovely @landofthemorningcalm

I’m a big amusement park junkie, space nerd, and obsessive tattoo lover. I’m from Philly-ish and love the city but also love going to the Poconos and going out on the kayak with my dad. The adorable dog is my Filly who we lost the day after Christmas—not a day goes by that I don’t miss the hell out of her. And finally, I love expressing myself through art, whether that’s paint or cakes.

I want every single person to do this! If you’re reading this, please do it! It’s fascinating to learn about people through their pictures!

[thefitcaiterpillar]

Just put this together on my main blog if you’re interested in learning a little bit about me. I encourage everyone to do this!

[thefitcaiterpillar]

Whole30 - Over Halfway Done!

Today is day 17! Although I’m not struggling too hard with the food, I’m definitely ready to be done with this. It’s been a great experience, I think I’m just running out of ideas to mix up my meals. The weight loss has leveled out at 10.5 pounds so far, which I’m thrilled for! I’m soooo ready to switch over to keto!

[thefitcaiterpillar]

Whole30 Days 1-7: Nailed it!

I have survived the first week! It wasn’t hard at all since my sister and I did the trial week back in September. The transition was smooth and painless. My cravings have vanished; my appetite has decreased significantly—where I don’t even feel hungry enough to eat more than 2 meals a day. Things are going great and I’m super optimistic.

Now to the effects I’m feeling. To be completely honest, I have made the choice to weigh myself though this Whole30. I know, I know, you aren’t supposed to step on the scale, but weight loss, at this point in my life, is super important to me. I would never let it cause me to ditch Whole30 before the 30 days are up—it’s just motivating me. That being said, I’m down 7 pounds (11 from my highest) and can 100% tell in having my clothes fit much better. Apart from the weight loss, I’m finding myself having so much more energy, which has been a continuous struggle for the past 6 years. Overall, I just feel amazing eating such a healthy diet.

Unfortunately, I think my sister dropped out, leaving me all alone with this. But that will not get me down. I have a husband that’s super supportive in helping me eat this way and I am strong enough to do this without her! When the 30 days are up, I plan to eat very similarly to this, but the constant paranoia about the hidden sugars in EVERYTHING in the grocery store can get to be a bit much. I may transition into keto again, because I know my body does not do well with gluten, but we shall see where this journey takes us.

[thefitcaiterpillar]

Whole30 day 3! Just made spaghetti squash and an absolutely DELICIOUS meat sauce in the crockpot. 🤤

[bakingwithbooks]

BakingWithBooks Does Whole30 - Shrimp & Mushroom Shakshuka 

I have previously done a uova al purgatorio (eggs in purgatory) recipe. Shakshuka is very similar, but different spices are used because this is common in Northern Africa and other parts of the Middle East. Filled to the brim with vegetables and warm spices, this amazing egg dish is the perfect Whole30 compliant breakfast, dinner, or both. 

Ingredients 

1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes 

2 roma tomatoes, diced 

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded only if you don’t want a high level of spice, and diced 

2 large cloves garlic, minced 

1 ½ cup portobello mushrooms, chopped 

½ yellow onion, diced 

Bell peppers (red preferred, rainbow even more preferred), cut into strips 

Large handful (or two) of spinach 

4-6 large eggs 

½ lb jumbo shrimp (about 6-9)

Seasoning blend: 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp black pepper, kosher salt to taste (you will not use all of this seasoning – unless you absolutely want to) 

Olive oil 

Directions 

In a large and deep skillet or cast iron skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. 

Once the oil has come to temperature, add in your onions, garlic, and jalapeño, and cook until the onion starts to become translucent. Season with a pinch of the seasoning blend. 

Once the onions develop color, add in the peppers and the mushrooms. Cook for an additional 2-4 minutes while the veggies begin to soften. Season with another pinch of the seasoning blend. 

Add in all of your tomatoes, season, taste, and let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes before adding in the spinach. 

Add in the spinach, give everything a good stir, and arrange your shrimp in such a way that an egg can be cracked in between them. 

Season generously, reduce the heat to simmer, and cover with a lid to allow the shrimp to cook. 

When the shrimp is near completion, crack an egg into a ramekin and gently pour it into the tomato sauce (you want the yolks to stay intact). 

Once all of your eggs are in the sauce, cover with a lid and let them poach until you reach your desired yolk consistency. 

Turn off the heat, taste and season one last time. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve warm. 

Can be made vegetarian/vegan by omitting the shrimp!

Enjoy! 

[bakingwithbooks]

Sweet Potato Spaghetti & Meatballs 

can be made vegan or vegetarian without the meatballs 

Ingredients for Meatballs 

1 lb ground turkey 

3 cloves grated garlic

¼ minced yellow onion

1 egg (completely optional) 

Seasoning blend - 1 tsp sweet paprika, 1 tsp granulated onion, 12 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground rosemary, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and a pinch red pepper flakes

Ingredients for Tomato Sauce 

14 oz crushed tomatoes 

¼ minced yellow onion

1 tbsp Italian seasoning 

Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Few tbsp of olive oil

Parsley or cilantro for garnish 

Spiralized sweet potatoes

Directions 

In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the meatballs together and form into large meatballs – should form 8 large balls or about 12 smaller ones 

Heat a few tbsp of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or cast iron pan. 

When the oil has come to temperature, place the meatballs into the pan and brown on all sides 

Add in the crushed tomatoes and onions and season. 

Submerged the meatballs in the sauce and let simmer for 5-10 minutes, covered with a lid 

Remove the lid, push the meatballs to one side of the pan and add in the spiralized sweet potato – warming it by tossing in the sauce 

Plate, garnish, and serve

Enjoy! 

[thefitcaiterpillar]

My sister and I have decided to embark on a Whole30 adventure! These are just a few of the amazing meals I have made—this really isn’t so bad. Just finishing day 7 and so far I have learned that everything sold in the store (even frozen shredded potatoes) has hidden sugar, and that I don’t need cheese to enjoy my food!

We actually are only doing this for about 2 1/2 weeks because the family is going to DC for the last weekend in September. October 1st we’ll be starting Day 1 again. I’ve found some amazing recipes that I’m in love with so I’m really not finding this to be too difficult!

[thefitcaiterpillar]

Week 2 Cardio Fix

Still kicks my ass, but I was able to get farther than last week. Progress FTW!

[thefitcaiterpillar]

Day 4

Boy oh boy. Yesterday I did not do a 21 Day Fix workout because, well, I was insanely sore and it was “leg day.” Instead, I decided to double up today—lower body and Pilates.

I have been thoroughly enjoying these workouts. Even though they are only a half hour, they are kicking my ass. I’m feeling so good. Let’s keep it going! ✌🏻

[thefitcaiterpillar]

2 days in to the 21 Day Fix workouts. Sore would be an understatement, but I sure love that soreness. I don’t have the containers for the food part of it, but I shall continue on my keto-ish path.

[thefitcaiterpillar]

Just scheduled a doctors appointment for Wednesday to discuss my thyroid. I have such an irrational fear of doctors, so my anxiety was through the roof before making the call. I’m hoping this will be the start of my much needed weight loss. I’ve been so defeated by doing things by the book and actually gaining weight. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are strong, so I’d love to see some relief!

Here’s to new beginnings, hopefully!

[thefitcaiterpillar]

Question!

Hey Tumblr, it’s been awhile. I was wondering if any of you have any good/favorite Youtube home workout videos? I’m desperate! Just moved into a new apartment and need to get to work!

[thefitcaiterpillar]

Why do I find it so hard to succeed? Why do I wallow in my failures? I just want to stick with the things I need to do. Another day one, I suppose.

I so wish I could afford a nutritionist and personal trainer. People to keep me on track. People that understand my body—the mono, the PCOS—and can help me through this journey.

It’s fucking hard to do by myself.