My poor blog, I have neglected thee!

It's been nearly four months since I've last updated everything (and everyone)! How could I abandon you like that? I must remember not to do that again. So, quickly, here's a run-down of what's been happening with us:

• Derek got recruiting orders for Chino, California, and was sent to South Carolina for training - so we spent our first Thanksgiving together as a family in South Carolina! 

• We spent an amazing Christmas in California with our families, and then went back to Colorado to finish up packing our house and say goodbye to our friends! 

• We moved to Chino, California and have settled in quite nicely so far (and have established our favorite Mexican and sushi restaurants).

So, now where are we? Well, Derek works a pretty hectic schedule and I'm back to school (kicking butt, might I add), and we're both settling into a good routine. Lately I've started working on our diets, and I say "our" because I've started slipping healthy stuff into Derek's food while he's not looking - now that we've established ourselves here I think it will be worth it to really start paying attention to the unhealthier parts of our lifestyle.

I've been experimenting with healthy alternatives and have found that the simplest changes can make the biggest difference. I've started running a few miles every few days (10 minute mile, right here), joined a Cross Fit gym (I go every day, five days a week), and enjoy lifting light weights now and then (5 pounders only). I also started making better food choices in the kitchen, without letting it cut into how delicious the food tastes... Let me tell you what I mean: non-fat greek yogurt instead of sour cream, Stevia instead of sugar, cut out soda and substituted water, whole grains instead of processed grains, almond milk instead of dairy milk, and I count calories.

Now, I know what you're all thinking. "She counts calories? That's nuts!" Well, yes, it is, but I don't count calories to restrict myself! I count them so that I have an idea of what I'm ingesting versus what I'm burning off. You know what I mean? Of course you do. I just wanted to keep myself accountable (see, count is even in that word, too) for what I'm eating - it's so hard at the end of the day to think, "Well, I think I ate well" and not have any evidence that you actually did. My answer has been an app called "My Fitness Pal", and it's literally changed the way I eat.

Now, no matter where I am, I can add all my foods and exercise into this little calorie counter and it will  calculate what I've eaten, in addition to how many calories I've burned, and then project what my weight will be in five weeks. Obviously it's not going to be 100% accurate, but it's made me realize exactly how different my diet (and lifestyle) needed to be in order to get myself to a healthy weight... And maintain it! The "app way" is not for everyone, but it's definitely for me! Also, here's a picture of some great gluten free brownies made with black beans that I made for myself today: 

And yes, you read that right: BLACK BEAN BROWNIES.

Here's the recipe and the link to try them for yourself:

No-Flour Black Bean Brownies

(gluten-free)

• 1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well) (250g after draining)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder- dutch or regular (10g) (add a little extra if desired)
• 1/2 cup quick oats (40g) (See nutrition facts link below for all substitution notes.)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave (Honey will work, but not for strict vegans.) (75g)
• 2 nunaturals stevia packs or 2 tbsp sugar (or omit and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil (40g) (See “nutrition facts” link for all substitution notes.)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (115-140g) (Not optional. Omit at your own risk.)
• optional: more chips, for presentation

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients except chips in a good food processor, and blend until completely smooth. Really blend well. (A blender can work if you absolutely must, but the texture—and even the taste—will be much better in a food processor.) Stir in the chips, then pour into a greased 8×8 pan. Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top. Cook 15-18 minutes, then let cool at least 10 minutes before trying to cut. Makes 9-12 brownies.

They are DEE-LISH!

So, that's my update! That's where Derek and I stand as of now... I'm sure there will be more developments in our lives as time goes on, but I promise you, I will remember to keep you updated this time! Cheers, everyone.