Take the challenge!

Challenge Groups are a relatively new concept to me, so I'm not surprised if you've never heard of them.  A Challenge Group is a group of people who make a commitment to improve their health and work together to motivate one another to achieve their health and fitness goals.  The members share struggles, results, and accountability.  I recently completed a 7 day Clean Eating Challenge, which was the impetus I needed to improve my daily eating habits.  Here are some of the insights I gleaned from my experience.

During the challenge, I was very strict and careful to only eat what is deemed "clean" food and to drink an adequate amount of water.  I tried several new recipes during the week and was introduced to foods and food preparation that I never knew had existed.  I lost a little bit of weight and noticed some abs that I really hadn't seen much of recently.  It was a learning experience.  Then, the week ended, and I enjoyed a Reese Cup realized I had actually gained A LOT of knowledge.  In my struggle to identify appropriate food, I had learned about different, new foods.

Moving forward, I have incorporated more and more of that knowledge in my day to day life.  Not everything I eat is 100% clean, but I certainly have pause before putting something in my mouth.  Is it worth it?  Is there a better option available that would satisfy me?  There are several books and blogs that are a wealth of information on the topic of eating whole foods.  As I try new things, I look forward to sharing them with you here!

So here's my first recipe to share!  

                                                              Quinoa Fried Rice 

                     (adapted from submission by Besse Rose on damndelicious.net)

• 1 1/2-2 pounds cooked chicken
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (I used Lima Beans)
• 2 carrots, peeled and grated
• 3 cups cooked quinoa (I cooked 1 1/2 cups dry quinoa)
• 1 Tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 Tablespoons soy sauce 
• Sriracha, for serving

Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over low heat.  Add eggs and fry until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping only once.  Let cool before dicing into small pieces.  Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat.  Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring often, until onions have become translucent, about 4-5 minutes.  Add broccoli and zucchini.  Cook, stirring constantly, until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.  Add corn, peas (lima beans), carrots, and quinoa. Cook, stirring constantly, until heated through, about 1-2 minutes.  Add ginger and soy sauce and gently toss to combine.  Cook, stirring constantly, until heated through, about 2 minutes.  Stir in eggs and chicken.  Serve, drizzled with Sriracha, if desired.  Enjoy!

The finished product!  It was delicious, but alas, I am no food photographer. 

It seemed to pass this tough critic's test, so I'll take that as a success!

Let me know if you're interested in joining my 7 Day Clean Eating Challenge that kicks off on October 6th!