Ultimate Reset Reflections!

Have you heard of the Ultimate Reset? What is it? It is a program designed to return your body to it's optimal health. The first week is all about reclaiming your body, then releasing harmful toxins in week two, and finally, restoring your system to it's maximum health. It's not a typical cleanse...I never had to run to the bathroom or starve myself.

I finalized my plan to do the Ultimate Reset (UR) about a month before I actually started. You are not supposed to do intense workouts while doing the program, and therefore, I had to carefully plan the UR when I didn't have a race already scheduled. Before the program started, I read the entire book that comes with the package. I planned out all of my meals for week one. I wrote down an approximate schedule for when to take the supplements and when to eat my meals/snacks. And most importantly, I went shopping!

A lot of the ingredients were new to me. Miso paste, bok choy, Braggs Liquid Aminos, tahini paste, raw pumpkin seeds, etc. In addition, several of the ingredients weren't sold at my local grocery store (Publix), so I had to take trips to specialty stores. But, on Day 1, I had all of the ingredients and I was ready to go!

Each week, I did a bit of meal prep on Sundays. It really helped each day during the week go more smoothly when I didn't have as much time in the evenings or following mornings. The main things I prepped were a big batch of brown rice, quinoa, sometimes lentils, and of course some type of mason jar salad! I'm not a big fan of cutting up my veggies or fruit the weekend before because it get's soggy or brown in the fridge. So I leave those for each day or at most, the night before.

I honestly can say that it was very easy to follow the meal plan. There were only two things I tried that I did not care for (miso soup...I think because I added too much seaweed...and roasted fennel bulb). Everything else was delicious! I also ate and prepared so many new things during this. Acorn squash, tahini, bok choy, homemade dressings, etc. I also learned to enjoy cooking! Score!

Did I miss anything during the UR? Of course! But it honestly wasn't like I craved anything. I can't wait to eat peanut butter again, but it's not like I was waiting until the clock struck midnight on Day 21 to have a scoop. I woke up this morning on Day 22 and didn't touch it. I will probably have a small scoop tomorrow morning before my run just for energy/endurance. I can truly say that I really don't miss meat. Having said that, I will go back to it as a source of lean protein for running and also for more variety.

I think the hardest part of the program was being put into situations that tested my willpower and not having the option of a cheat meal here or there. For instance, this weekend watching my son and boyfriend (and friends) eat pizza and hamburgers was difficult. Going to a Mexican restaurant with chips, salsa, and margaritas with sole sisters was rough. Not being able to go out to eat on a date or to relax was hard. But, those are all manageable activities to get through!

The biggest benefit of the entire program was one I had never even considered. For the past 6 months to a year, I have been struggling with daily headaches. I've never had a migraine, but on most days, I would wake up with a headache and go to bed with one. On really bad days, I would probably take 15-20 Advil. I have not had a single headache in 14 days. THAT'S HUGE!!! Had I known this could have been an outcome, I would have done this program 6 months ago in a heartbeat! My plan is to introduce foods back into my diet very very slowly, to try and understand the triggers. I maintained my mileage with running while doing UR (85 miles total in 21 days), so I don't have to worry about slowly introducing exercise back.

Some other physical benefits that I realized are:
*8.8 pounds of weight loss
*Sleeping better than I ever have
*Increase energy in the afternoon/evening
*Overall well being - it's hard to put this one into words, I just feel healthier and stronger than I ever have

Would I recommend the Ultimate Reset?! What do you think??!! If you have any questions about the program or would like more information, send me an email or comment below!

Miso Sesame Ginger Dressing...AMAZING!!!

I'm currently on day 18 of the Ultimate Reset. It has been amazing so far and I'll have a complete wrap up on Day 22 complete with results! But....I must share with you the most amazing thing I've had so far - it's a Miso Sesame Ginger Dressing. So so so so so good. Put it on your favorite salad, in a mason jar, or just use it as a dip for fresh veggies! It's also great on rice or quinoa to give extra flavor!

Ingredients (this makes about 4 servings - perfect to make 4 mason jars at a time!):
1 Tbsp Miso Paste (organic is best)
1/8 C rice vinegar
1/2 Tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos
1/8 C sesame oil
1/2 tsp chopped or ground ginger
1/8 C water

Microgreen Salad (see previous blog post) with Miso Sesame Ginger Dressing

Get ready for the easy part....just mix it all together. If you have a food processor, you can add all the ingredients in that and blend until smooth. I don't have one, so I mix everything together except for the water, whisk until the miso paste is dissolved, and then add the water. Takes about 5 minutes total! So easy and so tasty! Did I also mention healthy?? No added sugars or extra salt like in many store bought dressings. Definitely worth trying!!

If you don't have miso paste, I got some at the Eastside Asian Market on Colonial (if you're local to Orlando). Whole Foods, Trader Joes, or Fresh Market are great places to go as well. My Publix does not carry it. Bragg Liquid Aminos is an all natural alternative to soy sauce and can be purchased at most grocery stores, including Publix. It's in the dressing aisle.

Ultimate Reset Microgreen Salad Mason Jars

As I'm sure you know by now, I'm currently doing the Ultimate Reset. If you don't know, where have you been or where are you hiding?? One of the biggest commitments with the Ultimate Reset is meal planning and prep. So anything I can do to help with less meal prep is great! Well, as you also know, I'm a HUGE fan of mason jar salads. That's where this post comes in.

The first week on the Reset, I made a salad for myself almost every night, either for lunch or dinner. It wasn't until the end of the week that I thought, well this is dumb, why not make it all at once and then I can just grab and go! So for week 2, that's exactly what I did.

This is a very simple recipe and salad, but very filling and delicious. Especially with the dressing. You can also add in any other veggies that you enjoy and top with whatever protein you like - chicken would be perfect! You can also top with toasted seeds or nuts (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, etc).

Best part - without the toppings, these are ULTIMATE RESET APPROVED!!!

Finished Mason Jar Salads

Here are the salad ingredients. This is enough for 4 16oz mason jars.

1 bag mixed greens
1 C shredded carrots (I cut mine into match stick sized pieces)
1 C chopped cucumber
1 C chopped red pepper (I used yellow)
1 C sprouts (I did not include these in mine)
1 C chopped tomato (I used cherry tomatoes because they last longer in the mason jar)
1 C jicama (again, I did not include this)
Fresh herbs of your choice (basil, cilantro, dill, etc)

And the dressing ingredients:
1/4 C extra virgin olive oil
1/8 C red wine vinegar
2 T balsamic vinegar (if desired)
1/2 tsp Himalayan salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp Ground pepper (to taste)
1/2 tsp honey, agave, or pure maple syrup (I used syrup)
1 T fresh lemon juice
1 tsp fresh herbs of your choice (basil, cilantro, dill, etc)

To make, I combined all of the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisked together. Then I poured the dressing evenly over the bottom of the four mason jars. Then you add in the vegetables in layers as follows: red pepper, carrots, cucumber, tomatoes, sprouts (if added), jicama (if added), and fresh herbs. Top with the mixed greens to fill as much as possible. Screw on the tops and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you're ready to eat, shake it up, pour it out, and ENJOY!

Did I mention how easy and yummy these are?

Ready to Enjoy!!

Ultimate Reset Week 1 Review

It's been a few weeks since my last blog post - things have been a bit busy! This post will be focused on a recap of my first week on the Ultimate Reset!

For those of you who don't know what the Reset is, here are a few short statements from the Team Beachbody site:

"In just three weeks, you'll steer your body from mere survival back to a state of "thrival." In just 21 days, you'll take back your power. Bolster your health. Release what no longer serves you—and never did. Learn. Cleanse. And if you're not already, you'll become 100 percent in awe of the remarkable creation that you are."

However, it is NOT designed to leave you in the bathroom 24/7! In fact, in the first week, I've kept my normal bathroom schedule (sorry if TMI!). 

So why did I choose to do the Reset? Well, I gained a few pounds on my last headache medication. I have been really struggling to get those off. I also felt like I was eating the same foods day in and day out without really branching out and trying new. Finally, I wanted to make sure I was in the best shape and health when we start training for the Chicago Marathon on June 23!

As a summary, the first week has been amazing. I struggled a bit with being achy all over and feeling like I had the flu during a few evenings in the middle of the week, but outside of that I've felt great. The food is very very good AND as an added bonus, I've lost 3.8 pounds and my pants are looser.

Now for the recap - during week 1 there are 4 different supplements you take. Mineralize is taken 4 times a day mixed with water, Optimize is taken 3 times a day in capsule form, Alkalinize is taken once a day mixed with water, and Soothe is taken once a day in capsule form. The capsules and Mineralize are easy to get donw. The Alkalinize is a bit rough. It's a whole bunch of grass powders that you mix in with water. If you've ever had a wheatgrass shot, it's about 3 times the quantity and no where near as sweet. Still not absolutely terrible though.

The food has been nothing short of awesome. Here was my meal plan for the week.

Here were my favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinners for the week.

Breakfast - Oatmeal with Apples & Flax Seed and Organic Greek Yogurt sweetened with pure maple syrup

Lunch - Quinoa Salad with cucumbers and tomatoes

Dinner - Nori Rolls with Tempeh, carrots, cucumbers, avacado, and quinoa (my rolls fell apart, but the insides were delicious)

My least favorite meal was the miso soup. The soup itself was good, but I think I may have added too much seaweed, which took over the taste of the dish. I'm making a hearty vegetable miso soup in week 2, so I'm going to go easy on the seaweed and see how it turns out.

I'm really excited for week 2. I've been very pleased with the amount of energy I have and the fact that I haven't been overly hungry at all. I've still been able to keep up with most of my running (although at a bit slower pace), but I have cut back significantly on the cross training. Bring on more yummy meals!

If you have any questions on the Ultimate Reset or would like anymore information about it, send me an email (fitmindfitmama@yahoo.com) or comment below!

Asian Mandarin Chicken Mason Jar Salad

My latest mason jar salad experiment is an Asian Mandarin Chicken Salad. It definitely wasn't as good as the peanut sauce and soba noodle salad or the taco salad, but I'll still keep this one in my rotation. I may try it with the peanut sauce next time around. I think that'll make a huge difference! It was really good, just not amazing! I guess the bar has been set way high! This was also a lot more work and clean up than the others required....

This one will make 5 16oz mason jars. Adjust quantities as desired.

Ingredients for Dressing (Asian Vinaigrette):
3/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 Tbsp Braggs Amino Acids (you can also use soy sauce)
1 Tbsp lime juice
1 tsp grated ginger
1 Tbsp hot Chinese mustard
1 Tbsp chopped cilantro
1/2 cup EVOO

Ingredients for the salad:
1/4 package rice stick noodles
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 Tbsp EVOO
2 cans mandarin oranges (I bought the no sugar added ones)
1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds
2 Tbsp black sesame seeds
Romaine lettuce, shredded or chopped

Finished Salads!

I started by seasoning the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I also added a few tablespoons of Braggs Amino Acids (again, could use soy sauce). I cooked the chicken at 350* for 20 min covered and 10 min uncovered. Meanwhile, I cooked the rice stick noodles according to the package to make them soft. Once the rice stick noodles were cooked, I drained and placed them on some paper towel to dry off a bit. I did the same thing with the mandarin oranges - drained and patted dry with paper towel.

While the noodles and chicken were cooking, I combined all the ingredients into a small bowl for the dressing. Once it was all whisked together, I evenly spread the dressing at the bottom of the 5 mason jars.

Next, I added the sesame seeds to a frying pan with the tablespoon of EVOO on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Once the chicken was chopped into small pieces, I added the chicken to the pan and tossed to coat the pieces in the seeds. At the same time in a separate pan, I toasted the almonds.

All that's left was to layer. With the dressing on the bottom, I added the cooked rice sticks. This helps them soak up the dressing and have more flavor. Next I added the chicken, then the mandarin oranges, then the almonds, and finally the lettuce.

These can be stored up to 5 days in the fridge. When you are ready to enjoy, just shake up and pour onto a plate or into a bowl. Super easy and tasty! Like I said earlier, next time I may try it with peanut sauce. I also would add more veggies (carrots? red/green/yellow peppers? cucumbers?). Still very tasty, just worth playing around with a bit!

 Lunch time!!