Jim's Place

Diversions and stress

Ironically, using diversions to deal with the stresses of life can actually be self-defeating. There's no substitute for taking the time to identify and validate the little fears, hurts and disappoints that are an inevitable part of life. When you try to ignore them, it just builds even more tension and anxiety - which will eventually manifest itself in even more focus on diversion and escapist behaviors, such as over-eating/drinking, movie-after-movie, etc. Even exercise won't be enough to offset the stress when that little voice inside is craving your attention...

What if...

Instead of asking "What if I don't succeed in this Body-for-LIFE challenge?" try asking "What if I DO SUCCEED this challenge? What if this time I achieve my goals? What if this time I finally conquer the habits that derailed me so many times in the past? What if this time I finally build a foundation that will last the rest of my life? Could it be that I'm in the middle of a huge breakthrough that will turn my life around?" (You betcha!)

My 2012 Slideshow

My 2012 slideshow featuring some of my best photos from the last year. Created using Proshow Producer slideshow software. Photos taken using my Canon Rebel XS and my Canon Rebel T3i. Photos edited with Adobe Lightroom and Nik Color Efex Pro 4 and Nik HDR Efex Pro 2 for the HDR shots.

First workout of 2013!

Shazam! Just hopped off the bike trainer after my first BFL workout of 2013! 22-min, 126bpm avg/169bpm max. This is day 1 of my first 2013 Body-for-LIFE challenge and I'm quite jazzed because it feels like my body is finally up to it! No pain whatsoever now in the left hip/knee after months of rehab. :)

Day 1 of my 2013 Body-for-LIFE challenge!

Finally back in a place medically where I feel up to committing to a BFL challenge! Despite the ongoing issues with illness, I'm confident I'll make great progress! Here's a key part of my strategy: starting each day with an empowering question....

I think it's crucial to start every day in an empowered state. Not usually an issue when you start a challenge or when your progress is moving right along. But it's only human that there will be times when the program seems more like a chore and doubt creeps in making you question if it's really worth the "pain"... For me, I do best when I'm excited about today's BFL program, not solely dependent upon the motivation for a down-the-road goal. So for my challenge, which starts today, I'm starting every day by asking myself "What's exciting about TODAY'S BFL workout and meal plan?!" :)

Jim's Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here's my well-tested recipe for a great tasting no-brainer soup that you make in your crockpot. Nice spicy taste without being too hot. Give it a whirl!

INGREDIENTS:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 (28 ounce) can mild enchilada sauce (best results have been with the El Paso brand, use medium for more zing!)

2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth

1 large onion, chopped

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers

2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon minced garlic that comes in a jar)

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder (Mexican chili powder works best)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 bay leaf

1 15 oz can hominy (or corn)

1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, green chiles, and garlic into a slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth, and add  cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in hominy, beans . Cover, and cook on Low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on High setting for 3 to 4 hours.

2. About an hour before serving time, pull chicken breasts out and shred using 2 forks. Stir shredded chicken back into soup.

3. Serve with extras as desired such as corn tortilla, cheese or sour cream, and the chopped cilantro.