24 Day Challenge: Day 8 & 9

Day 8 was my first night away from home since I started the challenge. Every Monday, I work later hours so I spend the night with my cousin to avoid an even LONGER commute, and to get in some quality time with him. These 2 man kiki's are a big stress reliever for me, and usually a night off for trying to eat healthy. Since I don't spend much time in LA, other than driving through it to get to work and back home, I really enjoying going out to restaurants that I've been dying to try on Monday nights. I usually justify this as a treat night, although I'd then go home and make not so healthy meals for the rest of the week too. But this week was different.

I've really been feeling very confident and dedicated to making it through this challenge as best as I can. So, I packed my home prepped meals, and prepared myself for temptation. But, the strange this is, it never came! My cousin made himself some DELICIOUS looking pasta w/ vodka sauce & fresh shredded parmesan, and believe you me, it looked and smelled amazing. But I wasn't tempted. I'm not sure if its my determination, the fact that we started the fiber drink back up again today, or a combination of both, but I saw the pasta and I didn't feel that longing that I normally do when I see food I know I shouldn't eat, but usually end up caving in to anyway.

Also, as I was watching him cook, I noticed his box of baking soda in the cabinet, and suddenly realized that since I began the challenge, I'd not ONCE experienced any heartburn! I usually get heartburn about 4-5 times a week, and this week NOTHING! Even though I'd been eating peppers and tomatoes, I hadn't felt even a twinge of discomfort. When I brought this up with my cousin, he pointed out to me, that it is because I'd cut out gluten. I didn't even realize that gluten had been the culprit this whole time! I knew I'd probably lose some weight on this challenge, but I didn't know I'd also be dropping the one thing that keeps me popping Tums like they're M&Ms! Thank you 24DC for all your residual benefits!

I also learned today that when it comes time to do our next challenge, the Cleanse Phase will be a little bit easier to follow. Like I mentioned earlier, we're back on the Fiber drinks today after a few days off. The supplements we're taking have changed a little bit too. I'll let this video do most of the work for me, but in a nut shell, the new Cleanse Phase will offer an unflavored fiber drink (some people have issues with the peaches & cream and/or citrus flavor in combination with the drink's texture, although I find it nice), and you'll take all supplements and drinks each day instead of the skipping around.

Along with the lack of heartburn, day 9 also brought on a surprise. Now, if you can't handle talking about bodily systems, you might want to tune out now. Although this might be a little TMI, I'll keep the graphic nature to a minimum. Ok, so my "friend" usually makes her monthly visit on a very consistently regular schedule. I usually host her company every 32 days, which is a little longer than the normal 28 days, but since it's really consistent, my doctor doesn't seem to think it's a problem.

However, on the morning of day 9, my "friend" decided to show up on my doorstep unannounced 5 days early! I'm not exactly sure what this means, other than since I started the challenge, my cycle only took 26 days this time instead of 32! Could it be because of my diet? The supplements? The combo of both? I'm wondering if anyone else has ever experienced this? At this point, I'm not worried at all just interested to see if I go back to the old cycle after the challenge, or if this change is permanent? 

I was able to identify this change because of a really cool app I use to track my friend's visits. I know you're not at all surprised that I track something with an app, but if you aren't using this app, you should be! It's called "Clue" and it is great for tracking your cycle and for knowing when your ovulation cycles are as well. Although this isn't something I really need at this point, I'm sure it will come in handy once we decide to start trying to expand our family. It's also really great to be able to notice your body's patterns and report any changes to your doctor.

So again with the poorly placed segues, but now for the reason you all really came. On Tuesday night when I finally got back home, I spent the evening doing a little more food prep to get us through the week. Alice and I both really enjoy stir-fry. They are so easy and versatile. I'm not talking one that is covered in that sticky, sweet, thick sauce like you see at the Chinese restaurant. I'm speaking of the kind that has nice fresh vegetables, tender meat, and served over chewy wild rice. Yum! You can vary these ingredients until the cows come home, but here's how I did mine.

Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry

2 tbsp(s), Oil - Olive
1tbsp, Oil - Sesame
1tbsp(s), Cornstarch
319g(s), Onions (one large)
3 clove(s), Garlic
118.00 g(s), Carrots (2 large)
15oz(s), Steamed Sugar Snap Peas (from a bag)
613g(s), Bok Choy (1 bunch)
0.25 cup(s), Soy sauce
2 tbsp(s), Chili Garlic Sauce
1 tsp(s), Ginger, ground
740g(s), Broccoli- Steamed (about 2 small crowns)
774g(s), Chicken - Breast, meat only, raw

1. Heat up your pan for 2 mins on medium, and then add 1 tbsp ea. of Olive & Sesame Oil. Brown the chunked chicken breast until cooked through & then remove it from pan.
2. Chop and add the onions, garlic, & carrots to the pan and cook until tender.
3. Steam the broccoli & snap peas ahead of time for about 5 mins each. Add the steamed veggies, chicken, & chopped bok choy to the carrot mixture.
4. Top with Chili Garlic Sauce, Ginger, & Soy Sauce, and toss to combine. If you desire, add the 1 tbsp of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce to thicken it.
5. Heat through and serve over wild rice. Easy peasy! I hope you enjoy this recipe and find many different variations of your own!

This recipe made about 8 servings and ran in at around 250 calories w/out the rice.