Frozen Grapes

I don't know that I would call this one a recipe but so a fun healthy snack idea! I grew up with my dad always freezing grapes for us as a healthy snack. I forgot about it until just the other day. I decided to surprise my son with this. He thought it was hysterical that I had put them in the freezer. He loved the crunch and quite honestly so did I.

All you need to do is rinse off your grapes and stick them in the freezer for a few hours then enjoy! Kids will love it I promise!

Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Turkey Lettuce Wraps

The 21 day fix extreme has some really easy fun new recipes in that that come along with the meal plan guide book. This recipe was one of them! They tasted great. I added the cheese and a little bit of guacamole for extra flavor! Even though these look really pretty I decided to cut it up like a salad after trying and failing at eating them like a wrap. I don't think I was rolling them the right way. None the less they still hit the spot! The recipe called for tomato sauce but I skipped it. 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs raw 93% lean ground turkey
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup water
• 6 large lettuce leaves, washed and dried
• 1 medium tomato, chopped

Directions 

• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Add turkey; cook stirring frequently for 5 minutes or until no longer pink.
• Add garlic powder, cumin, salt, chili powder, paprika, and oregano; mix well. 
• Add onion and bell pepper, cook stirring frequently for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Add in the water and diced tomatoes 
• Once your finished cooking everything serve on a fresh leaf lettuce. I topped mine with some cheddar cheese and a little dollop of guacamole. 

Drop A Dress Size - Spring Challenge

Drop A Dress Size Spring Challenge 

March is almost here... THANK GOODNESS! I don't know about all of you but I am so ready for some bright new spring clothes and a little bit warmer weather. I have worn enough dark colors and sweaters! Bring on cute dresses and spring colors! I am excited to be hosting a challenge group this March for those who are looking to slim down with the hopes of maybe dropping a dress or clothes size this spring. I will be hosting an online private support group. In the group, I will provide you with daily motivation, recipes and tips on clean eating and healthy living. Not only will I provide you with this but you will also be surrounded by others who are working on the same goal as you are. I have to say that the support groups seem to be why so many of my challengers are successful. There really is strength in numbers.

The cool part about this months "drop a dress size challenge" is that I will be giving away a prize at the end of the month long challenge. Anyone who "drops a dress size" will be entered into a drawling for a $100.00 VISA gift card to put towards their new spring wardrobe. I can't think of a better prize for someone who has just dropped a dress size. Think new dresses, skirts, shorts, tank tops and BATHING SUITS!!! Seems like a great way to celebrate your hardwork!

We will kick off the challenge on March 16th. I will be taking a limited number of applicants this month. Please fill out the application below and I will be in touch shortly. I look forward to working with you and teaching you how to drop a dress size in a very short period of time!

* This challenge is only open to new clients who are not already working with a Beachbody coach. 

THINK SPRING EVERYONE!!! It can't stay cold forever!

Fill out my online form.

HTML Forms powered by Wufoo.

Baked Oatmeal Cups

Baked Oatmeal Cups 

This past weekend I went on a baking spree. I was in full on Martha Stewart mode. My husband was pretty pumped about all the fancy dinners and fun breakfasts that I made. These oatmeal cups were super easy and tastes great. A little less clean that I would personally like because of the brown sugar but it was a hit with them so that is all that matters. My plans were to make these ahead of time on Sunday so I could pack them for breakfasts at the beginning part of this week! I hope your family loves it as much as we did. 

Ingredients

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup melted coconut oil

• 1 cup packed organic brown sugar

• ½ cup organic applesauce - no sugar added

• 1½ cups skim milk (or whatever milk you like)

• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

• ½ tsp. salt

• 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats

• 2 tsp. baking powder

• Optional: your favorite toppings (fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, etc.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper or paper/foil muffin liners.

1. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, and brown sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add the applesauce, milk, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined. Stir in the oats and baking powder.

1. Fill the muffin tin with ¼ cup of the oat mixture in each muffin cup. Add your favorite toppings. Push the toppings down into the oat mixture with a spoon.

1. Bake for 30 minutes. Let them cool for 5 minutes before eating. Store in an airtight container. 

* We loved the chocolate banana chip combo the best! These were super moist! Made about 18 oatmeal cups. 

Mocha Banana Shakeology

Some days I like to shake things up and instead of using water I like to go from coffee for an extra kick! This one is easy and delicious!

Ingredients 

10 ounces of cooled coffee 

Shaker cup full of ice

4 ounces of vanilla almond milk 

1 teaspoon of banana extract 

1 scoop or packet of chocolate shakeology 

1 ripe banana 

Directions

Combine coffee, ice and almond milk in your shaker cup. Pour into the blender then add in your shakeology, banana, bananna extract. 

Blend for one minute. Pour and enjoy! 

Steel Cut Oats with Apples

This winter has been a harsh one this year and I find myself wanting something warm and filling to eat on the weekend when I can stay in and just be cozy with my boys! This steel cut oats and apple one was amazing! I cooked the oats according to the package for just one serving. The boys are not huge fans of oatmeal so I just made this one for myself. I used the Trader Joes Quick Cook Steel Cut Oats. As I was cooking them I added in diced apples. I used an entire apple. Cooking it with the oats gave it enough time to get the apples soft. 

Then I added in a small handful of walnuts, a dash of cinnamon, vanilla and sea salt as well as a tablespoon of cashew butter and a splash of vanilla almond milk. 

I did not follow a specific recipe for this one I just doctored it up myself. Worth a try on a cold morning!!! Kept me full for quite some time! 

Stay warm! 

Mediterranean Rice Noodle Dinner

Mediterranean Rice Noodle Dinner 

This past summer I had bought the Clean Eats cookbook in effort to find some new clean eating recipes. Most of the time all of our dinner ideas come from Pinterest but I was wanting to change things up this week so I reached for my cookbook. I rarely make dinners without a protein but as we gear up for lent this one seemed to be perfect. It only took about 30 minutes from start to finish to make. This will serve 4. 

Ingredients

1 package of rice noodles

1 lb of vegetable spaghetti - I bought mind at Wegmans but you could shred your own

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1pint of cherry tomatoes 

10 fresh basil leaves 

Zest and juice from 1 lemon 

3 cloves of garlic 

1/2 cup of kalamata olives

1 - 2 teaspoons of sea salt

1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

Parmesan cheese for topping 

Some of the ingredients you will need! 

Directions 

Cook rice noodles in a separate pot while you begin to cook the main dish 

In a large skillet warm the olive oil and toss in the vegetable spaghetti 

Add in garlic and tomatoes and cover for about 10 minutes so that the vegetables can soften

Stir occasionally 

Add in the lemon juice, olives and basil 

Once noodles are finished toss them into the mixture. 

Add in salt and pepper as well as the butter 

Portion out and sprinkle with parmesan cheese 

Enjoy! 

Cashew & Oat Hotcakes

Cashew and Oat Hotcakes 

While doing the 21 day fix extreme one of the things that are not on our approved list of foods that I can have is pancakes. They really are not my thing but son loves them. Especially ones that look like Mickey Mouse. We had a 2 hour delay earlier this week so I dedicded to make these cashew and oat cakes for him. This was so much healtheir for us than a box of pancake mix! I was worried when he took a bite that he not be a fan but I totally tricked him :) Give it a try for your little ones and let me know if they approve!

Ingredients
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup raw cashews
1 dash of sea salt
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
1 large eggs
1 tbsp coconut oil melted
1 1/3 cup of water
1 tsp of pure vanilla extract

Directions 
Place oats, cashews, salt and cinnamon in a food processor or blender. Pulse until coarsely ground
Add in egg, oil water and vanilla extract pulse until well blended
Batter will be thick but if it is as thick as paste add 2 - 3 tablespoons of water
Heat a medium nonstick skillet, lightly coated with spray or more coconut oil
Spoon aboout 1/4 cup batter into skillet for each pancake
Cook for 1 - 2 minutes or until bubbles form on top
Filp and cook for 30 seconds

Makes 10 servings - 2 hotcakes each

Serve - We topped with cashew butter and my son also added strawberries to his.

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

A Healthier Alternative to Mashed Potatoes 

Welll I was trying to trick my little one into thinking the the mashed cauliflower was mashed potatoes. I was careful not to let him see the head of cauliflower and even when I was mashing them I said we were having mashed potaotes. Well didn't that little bugger know right away. He took one bite and said "I don't like these potatoes mommy." DARN IT!!! Didn't quite fool him but I myself really did enjoy them. That night when I made them I also made a turkey meatloaf and some plain couscous. He LOVES couscous and I was able to trick him into thinking the turkey meatloaf was the same as a reguar one so I guess thats a mini win for mom. 

I thought it even looked the part, but didn't get it past him! 

This recipe was really simple to make. Here is what you will want to do. 

Ingredients

Stock pot full of salted water

1 head of cauliflower 

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

Himilyan sea salt and black pepper to taste

*optional - 1/4 cup of milk 

Directions 

Clean and cut cauliflower head into small sections

Bring salted water to a boil on the stovetop

Add in caulifower - boil until tender 

Using an food processer or mixer add in milk butter and salt and pepper. 

Whip until it has the same consistency as mashed potatoes would 

Enjoy! 

Makes about 4 1 cup servings 

Garlic Chicken Parmesan with Spinich and Bow Tie Pasta

Healthy & Delicious Easy Dinner 

As part of a nutrition habit challenge I am participating in my family and I are striving to include veggies in all of our dinners for the month of February. I have been trying to find new ways to add things in without too many complaints from my boys. This past week I added in spinch with our pasta and it totally worked. Nobody complained and my little one actually loved this meal. He was a huge fan of the bow ties ;) Hope your family loves it as much as ours did! 

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp. butter
• 6 cloves minced garlic
• 2 chicken breasts-chopped into bite size pieces
• Sea salt
• ¼-1/2 cups parm cheese
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 box of bow tie pasta 

( I also sprinkeled Herb de Provence in it as well while cooking the chicken) 

Instructions

1. Saute garlic in butter for a minute or two
2. Add chicken pieces, salt, and cook until no longer pink in the middle.
3. Make sure to stir chicken to coat with butter and garlic
4. Add parm cheese and stir until the chicken is coated.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted
6. Mix in cooked bow tie pasta and toss all together 
7. Top with a hint more of parmesan cheese

21 Day Fix Extreme - Ready Set Go!

READY...SET...GO!!! 

I have been waiting to get started with this program since I learned about it this past fall! Talk about a long time coming! The moment it went on sale I ordered it last week and even paid the extra for 2 day shipping. I SIMPLY COULDN’T WAIT TO GET IT! It arrived last week and I was excited to learn about the differences between this program and the original fix that so many of my challengers start with. I am just doing the extreme eating plan, which is very similar to the regular fix eating plan. There is a countdown to competition plan for eating but since I am not counting down to anything, I am going to start with the regular one first. I think I might give the countdown one a try right before my trip to Mexico that I earned thru Beachbody. We leave in April so I have a little bit of time!

My partner in crime who seemed to not stick with MAX 30 says he’s all in with me for fix extreme.  He was feeling bad about not doing MAX 30 and says he’s really, really, really in this time. Only time will tell but honestly out of all of my challengers I seem to have the hardest time keeping that challenger on track ;) If you know my husband and you see him eating take out or junk food give him hell for me.

My fix extreme challengers are going to start next Monday. They are mostly my original fix graduates who are now in some pretty fantastic shape and are ready to lean out. As the coach I wanted to be a week ahead of them and know what we were getting ourselves into so that is why my husband and I start tomorrow. I know the week of waiting is killing my challengers; they are pumped up and ready to go!

The game plan is to get the workouts in during the morning and do the ab fix 3 out of the 7 days this coming week as I get started. I did my meal plan and got all of my cheats out of the way. We cleared out the pantry from all the temptations and got our grocery list made. I am ready to hit the grocery store later on today! What I know about the fix is that planning and prepping are KEY to being successful. Failure to plan is like planning to fail.

My last cheat.... PSU Creamery Ice Cream. Worth it and at least I used the container for portion control right? 

 I took the entire week off last week to give my body a break after doing 60 days of Insanity Max 30 and to be quite honest, I am DYING to workout! Tonight we will take our before pictures and measurements and get ready to kick some fix extreme butt!

I am looking for 5 people who would be interested in having me teach them how to complete the 21 day fix or the fix extreme with success and support. Please fill out the application below if you would be interested in joining my next accountability group.

Fill out my online form.

The easy to use Wufoo form builder helps you make forms easy, fast, and fun.

21 Day Fix & 21 Day Fix Extreme - Let Me Teach You A Better Way

Pick Your Fix 

If you have made it to my blog that must mean you are curious about trying the 21 -day fix or fix extreme. Both are fabulous programs with much publicity and great results behind them. Maybe you have had a friend who tried it or maybe all of my before and after posts from my challengers have you thinking to yourself man I would love to do something like that for myself. Today I want you to answer my question WHY NOT YOU? Why are you NOT making yourself a priority? Being busy isn’t an excuse. Your to- do list will be around forever but your health will not.

Look at your lifestyle is it where you want to be? Are you close or really far off? I can help you either way you answered those questions. If you are feeling like nope I am not living a healthy lifestyle at all right now or you are not where you want to be then maybe you should consider trying the 21-day fix. For 21 days you will practice clean eating, exercise and overall well being backed by my own personal motivation and support for you.  During this time you will learn portion control and healthy habits. Most of my challengers tend to lose between 5 – 10 lbs during the first 21 days and continue to lose more the longer they stick with it.

Now for those who are already in great shape or who are graduates of other Beachbody programs. The fix extreme just launched on Monday and it will take your fitness to a completely different level. It still will focus on portion control and exercise but the workout are much more intense and involve strength training with each of the workouts. If you want to “lean out” and really see your physique change you won’t want to miss this one. 

On Monday February 16^th I will launch two groups this month one for those looking to go extreme with the fix and one for those looking to get started with their new lifestyle. The program will last for 21 days. Surely you can do anything for just 21 days right? Pick your fix and join me. Taking applicants for me to teach you a better way to live.  Are you in?

Fill out the application below and I will be in touch within 24 hours. Excited to begin helping you!

Fill out my online form.

HTML Forms powered by Wufoo.

Insanity Max 30 - Week 8 In Review

I Knew I Could...

Getting pumped as I took on the last week! 

What a busy week this past week was! Between my two snow days, my birthday, a trip to Pittsburgh for a doctors appt and dinner with my challengers the week flew by faster than I could have blinked. It felt so good to get closer and closer to the end of this 60 day program Each day brought me closer and closer to being able to check off the box that took me one step closer to the goal I thought in December was going to be impossible to achieve. Today I am happy to report that I am officially an Insanity Max 30 graduate!!!!! WHOOP WHOOP!!!!

FOCUS was my motto this week

This shirt  is so fitting for my 4:30 am work out wake up call. Somedays the struggle really is real. 

I was proud to say I rocked the workouts this week! Got them all in on the days I was supposed to get them in on. No excuses and no cheats! My nutrition was an entirely different story. Being home from work all day is made it way harder to stay out of the pantry and fridge. I was trying to lean out and have less carbs and fruit last week and up my protein servings but my brain just was not digging it. I kept wanting to inhale carbs. I think when you restrict something from your usual habits it becomes a mind day.

As far as cheats go for this week some of the really bad ones would be a few slices of a Dairy Queen Cake that my husband brought home for me for my birthday. A salted caramel pretzel milkshake that I splurged on at a new restaurant my husband and I tried on our way home from my doctors appt in Pittsburgh and a white pizza from Champs from when I went out to dinner with some of my challengers and coaches. Busy week full of not so hot food choices.

One of my cheats this week... Salted caramel pretzel milk shake... This thing made me terribly sick. Sugar feels like poison when you eat clean then cheat! UGH! 

While it would be nice to show you my after pictures and be able to say I lost oodles of weight and dropped a pants size or something, but I cannot say that I did because I only lost around 4 lbs. WHAT 4lbs in 60 days? I know you're thinking “that must not work then.” You see your wrong and you're wrong for two reasons. Number one I was not all in on my nutrition. I was focused about 75 - 80% of the time. I took this train off the the tracks a few times a week and didn’t stress about it. What I have found is that you can kill yourself working out but if you don’t focus on what you are fueling your body with your wasting your time. The second reason is that I started at 120 lbs and a size 0. When you are a size 0 you don’t have much room to go anywhere while still being “healthy” and losing weight at that size is very hard to do while still eating in a healthy range. I have said this before but I weigh almost the same as I did when I started exercising last year at this time but my body looks very different. I do not do this to be “skinny.” I have been “skinny” all my life. I do it to be healthy and fit. Fit and skinny are not the same thing I have come to learn.

 My little man wanted to join me in the after poses

I will take my small transformation and go with it. Still working on my abs! That is the area that I still want to improve upon. A six pack never looked too bad on anyone.

I am taking this week off from anything other than ab workouts. I am eating up in my calorie bracket to give my body a break because next week I am going to start on 21 day fix extreme which will be a true challenge. It comes out tomorrow and I think it might be what helps get me to a six pack or maybe at least a 4 pack ;)

Thanks for following my journey! I hope that I have somehow inspired you to want to make your own health a priority in your life! Always remember. YOU MATTER!!!

If you think that you might be interested in giving Insanity Max 30 or any of the other programs that I can offer you please fill out the application below and I will be in touch shortly! 

Fill out my online form.

Use Wufoo integrations and get your data to your favorite apps.