I want to thank @Usra Shah for this recipe idea. After fasting for the day and running errands all afternoon. This meal was a great way to end the day. I tweaked it a little with what I had at home and It turned out great. It is delicious and my mom loves it too

I don’t know what to do. I feel like I want to have a large portion of something spicy but when I think about how I seasoned food before I’m scared of all the extra calories I end up adding. I’ve been just having food with hot sauce and it doesn’t taste the same has Korean pepper paste in a stir fry. I’m craving it but then I just add teriyaki sauce and yes I eat it and it works but it’s not the flavour I want.

Yesterday I went in for my monthly pedicure and my nail tech did NOT ease into it: “Wooowww Lena… every time I see you, you look skinnier and prettier. I’m not buttering you up and you look AMAZING.” Me internally: okay ma’am, I’ll take it 😌 I told her I’ve been focused on nutrition and workouts and she said, “Whatever you’re doing… keep doing it.” ✔️ After that, I met my mom for coffee and breakfast—aka my #1 supporter. She asked, “Do you want your coffee with your Elite protein shake?” Obviously yes. My mom makes the bomb coffee ☕️💪 She looks at me and says, “Every time I see you, you look happier… and skinnier.” Then immediately switches into Mom Mode™: “Are you feeling fatigued at all with this weight loss?” I told her no—I actually feel great and stronger. She looked relieved and reminded me (because mom) that if I ever feel tired, to check my nutrition first and go see a doctor if needed. Balance + care = mom wisdom ❤️ She also told me she’s committed to her Jillian Michaels DVD 5x/week. After I fixed a few movements for her, she said she can finally do it without pain or discomfort—and that low-key made my whole day 🥹 Moral of the story: ✔️ Getting your nails done = unexpected hype squad ✔️ Protein coffee = approved by mom ✔️ Progress shows up in energy, confidence, and random compliments ✔️ Teaching your parents good form is a non-scale win 💬 Fun question: Who has been your most unexpected hype person lately? 😄