MARCH WAS NOT MEATLESS

It is April and I have yet to update you on my MEATLESS March challenge. So, March was NOT meatless. I do not consider this a fail because I gave it a good try. I actually started the end of February and with the exception of 1-2 times per week I did not eat meat. I found it challenging to figure out what to have for dinner. Usually in the morning I take meat out for dinner and even though I may not know what I am doing with that meat at the time, I at least know what I am working with. Without taking food out I was kind of stumped when it came time to figure out dinner. Royally fit does provide you with a meal plan for the month which gives you breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner ideas however I am not the type of person to eat the same things each week. I like to make what I feel like eating. Since I do not typically eat meat free ideas on what I felt like eating were not as forthcoming. I found myself searching the internet for hit and miss vegan and vegetarian meals. I came across the cookbook THUG kitchen which has some amazing recipes and its written exactly how my husband and I communicate. Lots of point blank comments and swearing. It is hilarious. I would recommend taking a look for not only yummy recipes but a good belly laugh! After completing this challenge I find myself LOVING beans! Chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans and lentils. I have eaten a lot of Chickpeas this month. Chickpea salad sandwiches, baked chickpeas for snacks and on salads. I have also made a lot of black bean and kidney bean balls to have on top of spaghetti or in wraps. I made Lentil meatloaf and burgers, which were okay but I am not sure I would make them again. I prefer lentils in sauces and in chili. I felt good this month. I actually felt full and snacked less. I find now that I am eating more meats that I seem to snack more the in the evening. Coincidence possibly but something to make a mental note about and figure out.

In March I also started taking Great Lakes Collagen. I have 1-2 tbsp. in my morning coffee and afternoon tea. It took about 2 weeks for me to notice some changes. Now this is not a miracle worker its not like a look like a baby again and I am wrinkle free. In fact I did not notice a reduction in wrinkles or fine lines at all. I did however notice more shine and softness in my face and hair. My nails are growing faster and stronger. I actually have some! Also, arthritis runs in my family and I am not sure if I have it or if overnight because I drink at least a glass or more of water I am retaining it for some reason, but I usually wake up in the morning with what feels like swollen hands and fingers. As I go through the day it goes away but it feels harder to bend my fingers in the morning. This is GONE! Coincidence I doubt.

Physically lets see how March made out:

Left and Right Bicep 10 in ---- SAME
Chest 33 inch --- SAME
Waist 28 inch --- Increase 0.5
Hip 30 in --- Decrease 2.5 in
Left and Right Thigh 19 in --- Decrease 1 in

OVERALL WIN! I reduced my overall body by 3 inches!!!