The SPARK

So to help us get over the hump Dan (our amazing SweatLife Trainer) asked us to go on the SPARK diet. In Dan's words it is supposed to "ignite your metabolism, break through plateaus". The long and short of this diet is for the first week nothing but lean protein and veggies...lots of them. No fruit. No dairy. No grains or beans. Especially nothing processed! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Are you kidding me! That was my first response. Then was the thought that I absolutely can't do this. but I am 6 and 3/4 days through this and guess what? I did it. I wasn't 100% faithful but at least 90%. I am really hoping to see the payoff on the scale tomorrow. Now for the second week we get to add in high octane carbohydrates...fruit and some grains. Wow, never did I ever think that adding fruit or oatmeal to my diet would be so exciting.

Here is a recipe for chili that helped get me through this week.
Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey, 16 oz
*1tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
*1/2cup Onions, chopped
*1/2cup Carrots, chopped
*1/2cup Green Peppers, chopped
*1/2cup Celery, chopped
*1/2cup Parsley, fresh* (I omitted the parsley and added zucchini)
1can (15oz) Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes
*1can (15oz) Tomato Sauce*1can (8oz) Tomato Sauce
*1pkg McCormick Mild Chili Mix*

Drizzle in Extra Virgin Olive oil in large skillet (with glass lid). Brown Ground Turkey (but don't let it burn!!)-Add in onions, carrots, green peppers, celery, and parsley and somewhat "stirfry". Once those are nice and married, add in can of Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add in 1/2 package of Chili Mix.Let this simmer for about an hour.

Dan- you will get a kick out of this. I just realized that this recipe came from a spark recipe website!

Alright, so about 8 weeks down and 6 weeks to go. Let's do this!