Quinoa Salad

Light and Delicious - Quinoa Salad 

This recipe is actually from the Ultimate Reset. It is the 21 day reset program that Beachbody has for those looking to get a handle on their nutrition and eating habits. 

This salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. The Quinoa is a great source of protein.  It is high in protein, calcium, and iron, quinoa is a great alternative to rice.  If you are new to quinoa and are not sure where to get it, you can most often find it in the grocery store near the rice.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Himalayan salt or Bragg Liquid Aminos to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp finely minced fresh parsley
1 tbsp finely minced fresh mint leaves
1/4 large ripe tomato, diced
1/4 large cucumber, peeled and diced
2 tbsp chopped pitted kalamata olives

Directions

Toss quinoa with olive oil, salt or bragg liquid aminos, and lemon juice, mixing well.  Gently fold in parsley and mint, followed by remaining ingredients.  Cover and chill for 1 hour.  Serves 1.

New Shakeology Release

NEW SUPERFOOD OPTIONS- VEGAN VANILLA & VEGAN CAFE LATTE 

This has been a much anticipated release from Beachbody. For ages now we have had lots of non vegan flavors but our selection of vegan options was quite small. We only had vegan chocolate and vegan tropical strawberry in the past. That is no longer the case. Beachbody just launched a vegan vanilla flavor as well as a vegan cafe latte flavor. My clients are oh so excited about this and so am I. 

Shakeology was actually one of the things I was most afraid of trying when I began my own weight loss journey. I had never tried a meal replacement in my life and was worried about a few things: 

1. I was wasting money

2. I was going to hate the flavor

Both of which I was wrong about. I now can say that I have been enjoying Shakeology for THREE YEARS and really enjoy it. Shakeology was what helped to to cut out my cravings for junk food. I also learned that I was lacking so many needed vitamins prior to drinking Shakeology.  I feel like a million bucks when I fuel my body with this. It was Shakeology that helped me cut out my daily trips to Starbucks and also my sweet tooth I couldn't seem to shake. It took me a few weeks to notice the difference, but once I did there was not turning back. To me it is one of the best investments that I make each month in my health and is worth every single penny. I don't buy any other vitamins, supplements or probiotics because of this. Shakeology has all that I need in one serving.  I encourage you to try it if your nervous. The best part is that it is backed by a 30 day money back guarantee so if it's not working for you simply send it back. 

Many often ask why vegan? My answer is that some of my clients struggle with any form of lactose or dairy and this formula is easier on their stomach instead since it does not have any. I have also noticed that my clients with celiacs disease are often able to consume the vegan formula without any issues. While Shakeology does not contain any wheat, it is manufactured in a factory that could cause cross- contamination therefore it is not certified gluten free. 

The new flavors also are going to contain two new ingredients that are not currently already in the other flavors of Shakeology. These new ingredients are chaga and also macha. 

Chaga is a mushroom that’s considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens have been traditionally used to help the body adapt and respond to effects of stress. Chaga grows on birch trees in very cold climates and is also often made into tea. The chaga we use in Shakeology comes from an American supplier that is USDA organic certified.

You might have tried matcha before if you’ve ever had a Green Tea Latte. Matcha is the powdered whole green tea leaf. It’s been enjoyed in Japan for centuries. The matcha we use in Shakeology also comes from a family-owned supplier that is USDA organic certified. 

You will have the option to pick a 30 serving bag of one individual flavor or the option of doing a combo box which would come with 24 packets of two to three different flavors. These are available now in the United States and are coming soon to Canada. 

If you are interested in purchasing Shakeology you can click here to shop. Please feel free to email me if you have specific questions about the product or flavors. 

Colorful Cobb Salad

Ingredients:

Spring Mix Greens - amount will depend on how hungry you are

½ of a fresh avocado- sliced

1 grilled chicken breast cut into cubes

1 hard boiled egg diced (I omitted it because I don't like hard boiled eggs)

½ cup cherry tomatoes diced in half

2 slices of cooked bacon crumbled

¼ cup gorgonzola cheese crumbles

Dressing Ingredients:

¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

Dash of salt to taste

1 tablespoon of dijon mustard (This could be omitted if you are not like mustard)

Combine until blended. Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  

Directions:

Be sure to have washed the salad greens before eating. Place greens in a bowl or on a  plate

Dice tomatoes and avocado

Add in grilled chicken cubes, eggs and crumbled bacon

Lastly top with gorgonzola cheese crumbles as well as the maple balsamic dressing.

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

Making Breakfast Taste Like Dessert

I was waiting for some hesitation at my house about this one but it passed the family taste test with flying colors. I was really thinking my hubby would not be a fan, but it turns out this really does taste identical to actual carrot cake, which he loves so it was a win and I will for sure be making it again. 

I hope your family loves it as much as mine did. 

Indgredients

• ½ cup pecans, chopped (plus additional for garnish, if desired)
• 1 cup almond milk (OR whole/2% milk), at room temperature
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup (packed) grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup raisins, optional
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease or spray with nonstick cooking spray an 8-inch square baking dish.

Spread chopped pecans on an ungreased baking sheet and toast for 4 to 6 minutes or until fragrant and light golden brown. Cool on baking sheet.

In a large bowl, mix together milk, eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in carrots and raisins (if using). Blend in oats, toasted pecans, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, allspice, and salt; stir until mixture is well-combined. 

Spread oatmeal into prepared baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until set and light golden brown on top. Allow to cool in the baking dish for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with optional garnishes: warm milk drizzled over the top, additional toasted pecans, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.

Recipe originally found from here. 

Nesting School

Baby On The Way? Join Me In My Nesting School 

Mom's to be where are you? I want to invite you to join me in my 5 day "nesting" school that I am going to be offereing for all of my social media friends who are expecting in the coming months. 

I have been on a quest to "organize" everything that I need to be doing to get ready for baby number two and have come up with quite the list. 

The teacher in me thought it would be fun to have a "class" with other new moms where I can share what I have been doing with you all and get some ideas and tips for you. 

Here is what you can expect to learn and do in "nesting school." 

- How to make a nesting list so you feel less overwhelmed 

- Healthy meal ideas for after the baby arrives

- What I have packed in my diaper bag and why, as well as what I am planning to take to the hospital. 

- Sharing gender reveal stories 

- Must have baby items this time around

- Lacation cookies and smoothies for nursing moms 

- Sibling gift ideas

- Post partum care suggestions 

I am going to offer the course starting on Monday April 17th and it will last for five days. If you would like to be added into the group please click here to request access. Please join me and share it with all of your expecting friends as well! 

Congrats on your upcoming arrivals. 

Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal

The Best Breakfast In Town...

This is hands down an all time favorite meal at our house. My hubby requests it weekly. I love it too and I love that it is something that I can use for a few days as a breakfast option. It reheats really well and I always have leftovers when I make a big pan full of it. Enjoy this one. I am willing to bet it becomes a household favorite for you.

Ingredients 
2 cups of gluten free rolled oats
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
2 cups of vanilla almond milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil
1 and 1/4 teaspoons of vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas cut up
1/2 - 1 cup of chocolate chips depending on how much you would like

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray an 8x8 pan with coconut oil.
Combine dry dry ingredients in a separate bowl (oats, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, brown sugar)
In a separate bowl combine almond milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla, banana,egg and choclate chips.
Pour wet ingredients into the dry mix stir it all together.
Pour into the 8x8 pan and bake for 40 minutes uncovered.

ENJOY!!!

Celebrating 3 Years Chasing Big Dreams

3 years ago I finally lost all of the baby weight I was carrying around after having my son. He was two years old and I was at a point where I finally felt ready to take care of myself a little better than I had been. You see when you have a baby you live in this little bubble that revolves around survival. Them. You. Your spouse. You're getting by, but trust me I could have cared less about how I looked in a bathing suit or how "clean" the dinner I was serving was. I cared about him and that's pretty much it. But after two years I realized mom needed to matter too, so I changed my habits so I could be an even better mom.

3 years ago I decided I liked being a challenger in my coaches group, so much that I wanted to start running my own challenge groups. I wanted to help others feel as great as I was feeling.

3 years ago I saw a flicker of potential that could help me to give my family more. More freedom, more money, more happiness, more time together. I didn't know how in the world I could do it, but every ounce of me was saying go for this opportunity. While my plate was already full. I was teaching full time. I was taking graduate classes, I had a home and family to take care of and had very little help at home since we have no family around, I still felt like I wanted to take on the adventure.

I worked my tail off for three years. I stayed up late and woke up early. I juggled a lot. I sacrificed a lot. I said no to mindless TV after my kid went to bed and no to so many other things so that I could work hard to build "this thing." I started to chase something I knew that wasn't out of reach. I started to chase the dream of being a work from home mom. My job as a coach aligned with all of my passions. I used to teach business education. I was studying leadership and I loved to create content to teach to others.

While I don't have a classroom anymore I am still doing everything that I love except from a different lense. One that allows me to be home with my son and my baby on the way. One that requires yoga pants instead of stilettos on a day to day basis and one that makes me happier than I ever have been and most importantly one that allows me to be more present for my family.

I made a choice to leave behind my job in education to be a full time beachbody coach. Was it an easy choice? No it was not. In fact it was one of the hardest ones I had ever made, but looking back almost a year later from turning in my letter of resignation I know this opportunity was put in my life for a reason and that God has me right where I am supposed to be right now.

Coaching has given me a platform to make in impact. To share my story and my struggles with others. To inspire some and to give hope to people who are standing where I once was. It has brought people into my life who I have been able to form friendships with that I never would have known had it not been for this. It has given me the opportunity to travel a TON, to grow as a leader, to be healthier and most of all happier.

I will never regret the decision I made to be a coach. EVER. My life is forever changed because of this and yours could be too.

I watched my coach for a long time before I ever considered joining. At first she made me crazy because I wasn't in a place where she was when it came to my own health and fitness .Then I looked a little harder and realized deep down I wanted what she had. I wanted to be healthy. I wanted the freedom to stay home with my family and I wanted the financial freedom to create a life that a teachers salary just can't provide you with. So I went all in.

I would love it if you would do the same. Stop watching me. Stop saying how lucky I am. Stop saying it will never work for you. Just say I am willing to try. That's all I did. I showed up. I worked hard and I believed if she could do it should could I.

I would love to show you how I did it. If coaching is something that interests you, I would encourage you to fill out this application. I will be in touch about getting you enrolled in my next mentoring group.

"Pursuing your dreams is living a few years of your life like most won't, so that you can spend the rest of your life living like most can't."

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