In my previous post, 2012: Here We Come, I wrote about how I was participating in Fuel 21 and looking forward to the class but also focused on not cheating and following through with the program.    I’ve since completed the course back in January and I’ve decided to go at it again.  Although not officially enrolled in the program this time around, I saw such amazing results that I had to do it again.

During my first round with the class, I ended up dropping 15 pounds and 2in around the waist.  I didn’t do so great and the maintaining portion of the class afterwards and it’s one of the reasons that I’ve decided to give this ago again, this time on my own.  One of the things that really worked for me last time was that I told so many people about it at work that it helped hold me accountable.  I also wear the wristband that we got while in the program as a reminder to not cheat.  Every time I think to go grab something not on the meal plan, looking down on my wrist is a reminder that I’m doing this.  The wristband was worth every penny alone as it’s been one of the biggest reminder pieces for me while wresting though this.

Crystal Nelson founded the Fuel 21 class and was a valuable resource during the program and even after it ended.  I still run into her at CrossFit and she is always willing to throw down some advice when I have questions about food and diet.  It says a lot about an instructor when they will take the time out to give you advice, even after the class is completed.

Here is to another round of looking and feeling great!

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About Fuel 21

The program is for anyone who wants to change their dietary habits and do it in a focused, supportive group environment.  The 21 day program will change your life if you make the commitment by keeping you focused on your motivations behind changing the way you eat.  For 21 days you eat real food specific to the program, food log, and stay on track by eating  from an approved food list.

Crystal Nelson teaches the Fuel 21 class along with other instructors.

I just made these amazing muffins and I had share.  It makes for an excellent breakfast item for a quick grab on your way out the door or even a sweater treat like a baked good that I find myself craving from time to time these days.

Ingredients

• 2 cups almond flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 Tbs cinnamon
• 1 cup dates, pitted
• 3 ripe bananas
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 ½ cups carrots, shredded
• ¾ cup walnuts, finely chopped
• muffin paper liners

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350℉.
2. In a small bowl, combine almond flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
3. In a food processor, combine dates, bananas, eggs, vinegar and oil.
4. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and blend until completely combined.
5. Fold in carrots and walnuts.
6. Spoon mixture into paper lined muffin tins.
7. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes.

As part of the Paleo plan I’ve been on the past few weeks, I made these guys the other day and I couldn’t believe how good they were. It was pretty simple to make and I found myself wanting more the next day. Here’s how I made these little gems.

Ingredients

• 6 strips of bacon of turkey bacon
• 6 eggs
• 1 small medium tomato, cut into 6 slices
• 1/3 cup onions, chopped
• 3-4 white button mushrooms, chopped
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat over to 325.
2. Cook bacon as directed.
3. In skillet, take a 1/2 tsp flax seed oil and cook chopped onions and mushrooms until softened.
4. Place tomato slices in the bottom of muffin tin. Circle the inside of each cup with 1 strip of bacon.
5. Break an egg into muffin cup and season with pepper.
6. Add sauteed mushrooms and onions over the egg.
7. Fill any unused tins with water to protect from burning.
8. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.