Jicama-Avocado Salad

Jicama will definitely be something that has a permanent home behind MY refrigerator door from now on! And who doesn't love avocado? YUM!

Recipe from Beachbody Ultimate Reset

Jicama- Avocado Salad
makes 4 servings

2 tsp. Himalayan salt
4 tsp. pure maple syrup (I used agave)
1/4 C fresh lime juice
1 1/2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium avocados, cut into chunks
2 medium jicama, peeled, match-stick sized pieces
1/4 C fresh, chopped cilantro

Combine salt, syrup, juice and olive oil in a bowl and mix well. Combine avocado, jicama and cilantro in a medium bowl. Drizzle with dressing, toss gently to blend. Cover tightly and let marinate in refrigerator for 1 hour or longer before serving.
ENJOY!

Sweet Potato and Roasted Red Pepper Bisque

This recipe is from the Ultimate Reset

This soup is quick, easy, healthy and tastes SO YUM! My hubby and my daughter both tried it separately and said the exact same comment, "This tastes like pizza!" So, I guess, it tastes like pizza! It is filling, which I really like in a soup!

Sweet Potato and Roasted Red Pepper Bisque

(makes 4 servings)

4 C water

4 medium sweet potatoes (or yams), peeled and cubed

1 medium red bell pepper, sliced

4 tsp. finely grated ginger root

5 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

8 tsp miso paste, mixed with hot water

4 C vegetable broth

Himalayan salt (or Bragg Liquid Aminos) to taste

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat, add sweet potato and cook for 7 to 7 min. Drain and set aside. Roast red bell pepper on grill, gas stove top or a George Foreman. Turn frequently until skin is evenly charred. 

Place ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Heat soup in a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until hot. Add seasonings to desired taste.

ENJOY!

WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY!

CONGRATULATIONS!

MANDY BOTTOM

I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that these results were real and authentic (despite she and I having the same last name, she is my sister-in-law).

Thank you for all of your entries and support!

Let's do it again soon!

Giveaway Time! I am SO excited!

It is about time I thank you for all of your support!

Enter the MY FAVORITE HEALTHY THINGS Giveaway!

Winner gets EVERYTHING pictured here!

I have chosen several of my favorite healthy things to give away to ONE loyal follower of Behind The Refrigerator Door. 

This giveaway prize is:

• $50 Beachbody giftcard (choose whatever you want!)
• 10 days worth of Shakeology (the healthiest meal of the day!)
• $25 gift card to Lululemon (so you can look GOOD)
• $25 gift card to Whole Foods (for extra yumminess)
• 3 P90X protein bars (great on the go!)
• 3 Fig Bars (all natural) (our new favorite snack!)
• 1 packet of Results & Recovery formula (helps keep soreness away!)
• 1 packet of Energy & Endurance formula (this stuff is a BIG reason I can do all that I do!)
• PB2 (all natural ground peanuts with only 45 cal for 2 TBLS!)
• Exclusive Beachbody Snow Set! (You can't even buy this beanie, scarf and glove set! I won it, but can't seem to find a place to wear it here at the beach...so it's YOURS)

Pretty good stuff! 

Here is what you need to do to enter:

(three entries per person max)

1. One entry for subscribing to this blog. See form to the right under "coaches corner" to enter your email address for subscription delivery once a day.
2. Second entry for adding me as your FREE Beachbody coach. *This does not obligate you to anything. It just ensures that if you do ever decide to try Beachbody out, I will automatically be your coach. Enter here. If trouble with the link please copy and paste http://www.teambeachbody.com/en_US/tbbsignup?referringRepId=282890 to your browser.
3. Third Entry is by sharing the original Giveaway post on your FB timeline. Please tag "jennifer drake bottom" in your share. You may share as many times as you'd like, but only one entry will be made.

The Fine Print:

• Winner MUST be a follower (have liked) facebook.com/behindtherefrigeratordoor
• Contest begins at time of this post FRI 1/31/14 9:00 PM PST
• Contest ends on TUE 2/4/14 9:00 PM PST
• Winner announced on THIS BLOG with video proof on WED 2/5/14
• If case of technical difficulties (interruption in service) contest will be VOID
• Contact me for any questions prior to entering. 

GOOD LUCK!

Friday Favorites- 9.13.13

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

I am starting a new item here for Fall called Jen's Friday Favorites! Each Friday I will post some things during my week that I have fallen in love with and why. I hope that you share your favorite finds with me too!

I am a Beachbody coach, so those products are the only products I get paid for and I LOVE. I get no compensation from any of the other companies.

• The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy- I think every single person should read this book! It explains how the little choices we make in our life either add to the success or lack of success in our lives. It applies to spirituality, health, finances, relationships and getting to your fullest potential. I LOVE IT!
• My Garmin Forerunner 210. My husband recently gave it to me for our anniversary. It is super easy to use, light and accurate.
• Shakeology Chocolate. I feel guilty when I drink it because it tastes so sinful but then I remember how SUPER HEALTHY it is!
• Les Mills Pump. I have gotten so much more defined and stronger doing this three times a week! I finally am getting rid of the jiggle!
• PB2- All natural peanut butter with wayyyy less fat? Yes, please!

Summer Weekly Challenge ~ #9

I know it is hard to accept that we are in week 9 of our Summer Challenge. Yes, that means summer is almost over. Some of you have gone back to work or are going back to work this week. Many of you are school supply shopping for your kiddos. Instead of dwelling on days gone by, let's focus on how far we've come and the greatness ahead this fall!

BUT WE ARE NOT DONE YET!

Last week you reflected and made your own goal. How did you do?

If I had to pinpoint one thing that has contributed to my success the most it would be limited my "white carbohydrate" intake. What in the world does that mean? I've talked about it a lot, only because it was the missing link in my chain to better health. My body holds on to every bit of starch it can. . . usually in my gut. How do I know this? Because the very second I stopped eating white bread, white rice, white pasta and white potatoes I began to lose weight and my stomach pooch began to dissipate. AND I MEAN THE VERY SECOND or so it felt like. 

Now, because I am all about full disclosure here, I admit that these foods are not too tough for me to omit from my diet. While I do enjoy sourdough bread (especially toasted with real butter) I am pretty okay with avoiding it all. However, complete omission is not practical nor is it healthy. . . so what do I do?

I make sure that I only eat whole grain carbohydrates and I try to limit those to breakfast and lunch in moderation. 
Why?

• Associated with lower LDL and triglyceride levels, and therefore the risk of heart disease
• Consumption is inversely related to hypertension
• Shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity
• Helps improve bowel health and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon, which may reduce the risk of stomach and intestinal cancers.
• Promotes healthy metabolism and a healthy nervous system
• The antioxidants, phenols, lignans and saponins present in whole grains may prevent cancer

Here is a list of my favorites!

• quinoa
• steel cut oatmeal
• brown rice
• popcorn (air popped)

Be very, very careful, when shopping! Just because it says "Whole Grain" does not necessarily mean it is!  Check the label closely and if you see "milled", "enriched", "rice", "wheat germ", "unbleached", or "corn meal"there may be some tricky tactics going on there. And just because something says "wheat" does NOT mean it is whole grain. Visit the Whole Grains Council website for a lot of valuable information!

We love to hear from you! Share with us your favorite whole grains, recipes or products with whole grains!

Do you take this challenge this week? 

I do!

My Favorite Post Work Out Food

I exercised for YEARS without seeing any results. I used to whine to my friends, "I wish I just looked like all the effort I put in." I don't say that anymore!

What changed? 

My eating! No, I didn't start a diet. I began to focus on nutrients.

Here is an example.

My Post Work Out Smoothie

There are so many smoothie combinations out there, really I just use what I have, but below I have listed what I ALWAYS put into my smoothie.

• Protein Source : greek yogurt or protein powder
• Liquid: sugar free almond milk or non-fat milk or coconut water
• Fiber: ground flax seed
• Berries: Blueberries and/or strawberries (I try to eat blueberries every single day)
• Fruits: Banana or pineapple or mango or apple or pear (whatever you have)
• Greens: spinach or kale or celery (you cannot even taste it)

This smoothie had
greek yogurt
ground flax seed
almond milk
strawberries and blueberries
pineapple
spinach

Please share your favorite smoothie combos!

Quinoa Tuesday~ "Mac" N Cheese

Here in China I only cook three nights a week; Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday (a total perk of living in China!) It is more convenient and cheaper to eat out or order in. It presents some problems about being healthy but I love a challenge (more about being healthy as an expat later). 

I brought back a Costco bag of quinoa from the States and I have declared "Quinoa Tuesday" for the last few months. I have tried a variety of recipes and every member of my family has their favorite. 

This week's recipe was my favorite so far and it is taken right off Iowa Girl Eats. SO YUMMY! 

My version was slightly modified due what was Behind My Refrigerator Door. . . here is what I did:

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 3/4 cup green onion (reserve some for the top)
• 1/2 cup diced tomato and red/green pepper
• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained (OR you can just use pre-cooked and cut back on the water and cooking time)
• good pinch of salt
• a few grinds of seasoning salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups of water (or stock)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup soy milk, non-fat milk, or milk of choice
• 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, more for sprinkling- 
• Toppings (optional)- salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, scallions

Directions

1. Heat oil in med. saucepan over med. heat. Add leek and tomatoes (or bell peppers-or any veggies you want really); cover and cook 5 mins or until tender. Stir in quinoa and garlic, and cook, uncovered, 3-4 mins, or until grains start to turn opaque.  (They will not fully be cooked yet.)
2. Add 3 cups water (or stock) and season with salt and the Seasoning Salt (I like Lawry’s or Everyday Seasoning). Cover and reduce heat to med-low and simmer 15-20 mins or more, (depends and also what kind of quinoa you use) or until most liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand 5 mins.
3. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 13×9 inch dish with cooking spray. Whisk together eggs and milk in large bowl. Fold in quinoa mixture and cheese (if you feel you need more cheese, add here.) Stir very well and let some of the cheese melt. (Will seem a little “soupy,” do not worry, it will all mold together.)
4. Transfer to prepared baking dish and if using Panko crumbs or Bread crumbs, add now. You can also sprinkle a bit more cheese on now if you prefer for topping. NOTE:(The Cooking TIME VARIES!). Bake 25-45 mins, (or until browned around edges.)
5. Now you can toss with many toppings, some ideas: salsa, scallions, sour cream,  and hot sauce! 

What's In Your Gym Bag?

Let's face it, the smallest little inconvenience can make all of my good intentions to go to the gym fly right out the window. I like to roll out of bed, brush my teeth and be working up a sweat as soon as I can. If I have to gather things up or hunt things down, chances are the feeling will pass.

So part of my key to success is keeping a well-equipped gym bag ready to go at all times. My situation is a little different and presents a few challenges, but here is how I deal with them.

• A Good Bag- I use a backpack, my daughter's "past season" one to be exact. I walk 20 minutes to the gym so this is much more comfortable than a regular duffle type.
• Shoes- These are the shoes I have. I keep them in my bag night and day and only use them at the gym. See below for what I walk in to the gym.
• Work Out Clothes- Socks (I've panicked a few times thinking I've forgotten them so now I keep two pairs in there), bottoms, top and bra go in the night before. 
• Swim Gear- I am lucky that my gym has a luxurious indoor lap pool. I find that my urge to swim comes on while in the middle of a long run so I ALWAYS keep a suit, goggles and swim cap in my bag.
• Toiletry Bag- Before this, everything is pretty standard. These items are what makes my gym time most efficient. It really pays off to buy doubles of your favorite morning-routine musts. Mine are: hair ties, travel size shampoo, travel size conditioner, face wash, moisturizer (face and body), razor, deodorant!, tweezers, foundation, face powder, blush, lipstick, eye liner, mascara, lip balm, hair product, roll brush, nail file. (my gym supplies body wash, hair spray, Q-tips, combs). I always, always, always shower at the gym because I sweat so much. Getting ready for the day there makes so much more sense. A lot of times I even leave from the gym to do errands or make appointments.  
• Water Bottle- The night before, I fill my bottle and refrigerate it and put it in the side pouch as I am heading out the door. I like it cold.
• Energy- In another pouch I keep Crystal Light single servings, Gu Gel energy packs, Honey Stinger Energy chews, and a protein bar. I don't use the energy items or protein bars everyday, but if I have a long run or need some energy I'm glad I have it.
• Front Pouch- Headphones, spare money (for emergencies), keys, ID.

You may wonder what I wear to and from the gym. The easiest thing to do is to wear your clothes for the day. Before you say "ewwww you haven't showered", when I get up I put on fresh undergarments and put on my "outfit" for the day. I am only walking to the gym in it and I hang it up in the locker when I get there. After my shower I have everything, including accessories and shoes, for my day. I presume those of you who work out before work have a similar routine. 

Many mornings I am so grateful for the little effort I put forth to make the ideal gym bag. Those are the mornings when I would have avoided the gym if I had to gather anything up. 

Is there something I am missing? 

Do you take your iPad to the gym to do help with your workouts?

New Additions

During the last couple of weeks I have changed things up a bit. And, so far, I like the results. Here are some new "tools" I have found that have helped me reach my goals.

Pinterest

There is something about me that is always looking for the positive side of social media. I am constantly defending Facebook. For the last couple of months I have been "pinning" on Pinterest. Yes it can be a huge time sucker, but it has had a significant affect on me seeing results. How? I actually have made quite a few of the healthy recipes I've pinned. The work out tips are amazing to keep my sessions fresh. But, by far, the motivational quotes help me the most, especially when I want to give up. 

While running I sometimes think, "get comfortable with being uncomfortable". Or when I am laying in bed, dreading my twenty minute walk to the gym I think, "There will be a day when you can no longer run. Today is not that day."

Follow me on Pinterest here.

Smoothies

I have never been a smoothie fan. That is probably because I only associated smoothies with Jamba Juice, loaded with sugar I would just rather eat a candy bar. But, thanks to Pinterest, I was inspired to try out some smoothie recipes and pre-freeze all the ingredients in single serving bags. What a difference this has made not only to me, but my entire family!

I was intrigued about adding so many nutritional elements into one meal. Living in Beijing, we have access to a plethora of fresh fruits within steps from our apartment. 

This is what I have in my pre-made smoothie bags:

• frozen spinach
• strawberries
• blueberries
• non-fat Greek yogurt (frozen in ice cube trays)
• pineapple
• kiwi
• bannana

When I get home from the gym I pull out a bag from the freezer. I add a tablespoon of flaxseed to the blender. I have a hard time finding coconut water close to my apartment, but I found this coconut juice (120 cal per can). I add that and blend it all up. Yum!

Yoga

For close to fifteen years I have had sciatic nerve issues. When I visited a doctor about five years ago about it he said, "I can do surgery or you can get in the best shape of your life". That has always been a sort of motivator for me. Except right now I am running four times a week, with cross-training the other two days, and the pain is getting worse. It feels so much better when I stretch well so I decided to add yoga into the mix.

It has been the perfect solution to so many things! You know that odd time in the middle of the day where you are waiting for the kids to come home from school, before the homework/dinner prep frenzy? I am always tempted to take a nap but I started doing yoga at that time. Also, I have an iPad that I never used. I loaded this app onto it, along with a really cool yoga playlist, and it has become my favorite part of the week! I don't do anything crazy hard as this is purely supplemental to my work outs and solely to stretch. I hope it will help my butt and right leg. If not, I still will feel more balanced right?

I would seriously love to hear about some tools that help you to be successful...please share in the comments:)

Grocery Store Treasure Hunt

I usually always need a taste of chocolate after lunch. I found these today! Thanks Pillsbury, they are great! 60 cal for 1 or the serving size is 3! I love it when I get permission to have more than 1. Try them! My kids better keep their hands off!

Then while waiting in line I saw this magazine cover! The bacon mac n' cheese caught my eye but immediately my eye went to "DROP 10 LBS". The subtitle should've been "...but not if you eat this mac n' cheese!" Silly magazine lay out editors!

I think this may have been the picture that my friend saw and decided to make. She doubled the recipe and found out she now had 24 servings! So she brought us (and another family) dinner. I have the best friends!

Anyhow, it was ammmmmaaaaazzzzzzing!

I'd like you to meet my friend, "Hungry Girl"

If you do one thing today- DO THIS!

Go to Hungry Girl and sign up for the daily emails! I usually HATE daily emails, but hers are so valuable I save them everyday and use what I see!!!

There are recipes, tips and the thing I love most of all...healthy and great products to look for in the store! I hope you love her as much as I do!

"Fort Knox" of sportsbras!

Whovever said shoes were the only thing you needed for running was wrong! I've always bought my sportsbras at Target and they seemed to be okay. Well... my daughter videotaped me crossing the finish line and when I watched it all I could think was,"MY BOOBS ARE OUT OF CONTROL!" It was then and there that I vowed for that never to be the case again!

A couple of weeks ago I went to Nordstrom and got fitted for new bras! Get this...my size went down 3 sizes, however my cup size went from double letters to triple! Hooters here I come! I was acutally thrilled! All who know me well, know that my boobs are one part of my body that I do not have issues with...until the said video.

After looking all around town for a sports bra that would "hold it all in" I finally decided to go to the running store. This is what I found and boy is it great! No movement whatsoever!!

Enell Lite- They are pricey but worth it!

Dear Costco,

Dear Costco,
Let me just begin by telling you that I am a very loyal shopper and feel giddy when my soles hit your concrete floor. Recently I have been looking for healthy alternatives for my family and have come across many in your wide, hugh aisles.
However, a few of the foods that have become a staple in my home have not seen your shelf in the last couple of weeks. I am beginning to panic! These are my "go to" foods that taste good and help me stay on track! First, you continue to sell Sabra Classic Hummus in large containers. But I fell in love with the 150 Cal 2 ounce containers. Have you people tried to dip pretzels in them? Please bring them back!
The second item that I am mourning the loss of is the Morningstar Original Veggie Burger. Sure you continue to carry the Boca Burger, but I ate one and had an awful aftertaste in my mouth for the next 12 hours! Throwing a veggie burger on your Orowheat Whole Grain Sandwich Thins are a very satisfying little treat.
I know I can hunt these items down at other stores, but do I really want to? No. I would love for you to just kindly put them back on your shelves and all will be well.
Thanks!

A Happy Ending to my Funny Story!

So you recently read about my TRUE hilarious story (hopefully you read it)! It does not end there my friends! I happen to be back at Anthro and I see it again...heartbeat...look at tag...uh!it is now marked down to $39.99!...size XL! I'm trying it on...
I BETTER NOT GET STUCK IN THIS ONE!
Yay!
It is too big!
Make purchase.
Go to tailor, pin waiste and arms.
Pay $20.
Pick up on Friday.
I JUST LOVE A HAPPY ENDING!
Small print: If I am feeling good...you will see a picture in my perfect frock!

~ A helpful tool~ Lose It!

So here I am again, trying to jump start my motivation. I really, really want to feel comfortable with wearing short sleeves in the spring and summer. I am not even talking sleeveless! Just short sleeved shirts! You would think that would be enough motivation , but it's NOT!

I was feeling pretty good about myself (see last post), but then we went out with some friends for Valentine's Day. I felt smokin' hot in my "little" black dress. Then the next day I saw pictures from that night. One word, and only one word, came to my mind! It is the perfect word to describe my "petite" frame . Do you want to know what the word is? I will tell you if you understand that THIS IS NOT A FISHING TRIP FOR "you are not!", "I can't believe you would say that", yada, yada, yada...If you know me, and you are inclined to say those things...please know that this word is my truthful perception of myself and maybe, just maybe, that will be motivation!

Okay...the word is...PUDGY! That is what I am! I even checked out Websters.com and it said, "short and plump". Yep, that is me! Okay, enough of that! So I found an application for my iphone that seems to be really good. It is called Lose It! and it is FREE! I loved the whole WW journaling system and this is basically that; you add your exercise and deduct your food. It lets you put in a goal and figures out how many calories you need to consume to meet that goal. Just the perfect gadget to keep me moving! Check it out and tell me what you think!

~ IF YOU HAVE A TOOL THAT HELPS YOU MEET YOUR GOAL, PLEASE SHARE!

~check this out~

Thanks to Darlene at Our Creative Life, I was introduced to this fabulous website! It is called myshape.com and with answering a few simple questions it will tell you what body shape you are, pick out clothes that flatter you and it is free shipping ALWAYS!

How cool is that?

In case you were wondering...my shape is M which they say is:

Proportionate Shoulders, Bust & Hips
Often a Straight Shoulder Line
Defined Waist
Curvy or Rounded Bottom

sounds good to me!

btw...I just went shopping for some jeans today. I bought a size 10, short. You know what? I felt happy to be a 10. Afterall, it is not a 12 or a 14 and it is only two sizes away from a 6 (my fantasy size). I think 10 is a great number!

~may i help you?~

A few years back I worked up the nerve to go into Victoria Secret. You see, hubby and I were going on a "second honeymoon" and I had stashed away some money. My plan was to have a different piece of new lingerie for every night. I was excited, but nervous, for my little shopping spree in the "pink palace". My spree did not last long when the seventeenish size 2 said to me, "we do not carry anything in your size". Seems like a scene out of Pretty Woman huh? I walked out, with my head hanging low, straight into Lane Bryant (which only had bras and panties).

**Since then, Torrid has opened up and have a great selection of plus size lingerie. YAY!**

Have you ever been denied service or been treated "differently" because of the way you look?

Thanks Jennie and Jenni for inpiring this post!

~shopping list~

I am in a phase right now where I only where 3/4 length sleeves or longer to camouflage the arm flab.
Is there anything that you "have to" wear to disguise problem areas?