Clean Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are notoriously one of the worst kids foods... and I will admit I am very guilty of letting Aubrey eat them! It is something she will actually eat, it is convient and inexpensive... but I did have mom guilt... So tah-dah Clean Chicken Nuggets... I can happily say these are "Aubrey Approved"

What you need:

• 2 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts, cubed in to bite size pieces
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 8 tbsp. whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp. panko
• 2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
• Olive oil spray

What you need to do:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Spray a baking sheet
3. Put olive oil in one bowl and the breadcrumbs, panko and cheese in another bowl (I put the breadcrumb mixture in a freezer bag so Aubrey could shake the bag so she would feel more involved)
4. Dip chicken in the olive oil so it is evenly coated
5. Put a few chunks of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture to cost them.
6. Place breaded chicken on baking sheet
7. Bake 8-10 minutes, turn over and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes!
8. Enjoy!!!

 

 

Les Mills Combat

 

LES MILLS COMBAT PREVIEW

 

What makes LES MILLS COMBAT so exciting?

•  LES MILLS COMBAT is the first home-based mixed martial arts–inspired workout program designed to get you a lean, chiseled body—in just 60 days!
• Trainers Dan Cohen and Rachael Newsham are incredibly fun to work out with! As experts in a great number of martial arts disciplines, they will teach you, challenge you, inspire you, and keep you accountable in your quest to unleash your inner warrior—and build an outrageously strong, sexy body.
• All of these fat-burning, strength-building martial arts sequences have been carefully choreographed to some of today’s most popular, energizing music—motivating you through the highs and lows of the workout, and driving you to achieve your absolute best results!

 How do you start the program? Do you have to be in great shape?

LES MILLS COMBAT is designed to work for people of all fitness levels, and also can be used as an excellent complement to any other workout program. A 30-minute Basics DVD is included that provides instruction on how to perform each of the 6 martial arts disciplines used in the program. Additionally, the Stay With the Fight Fitness Guide includes three workout calendars, so you can tailor your program to your own individual needs.

Why is LES MILLS COMBAT so effective?

The secret to the program’s proven results is Fast Twitch Integration Training. LES MILLS COMBAT works your fast-twitch muscle fibers—the ones with the greatest capacity for change—like crazy. It’s a breakthrough fusion of the most dynamic moves from karate, tae kwon do, boxing, muay thai/kickboxing, capoeira, and jiu-jitsu, arranged in explosive, escalating patterns—all designed to help you burn massive amounts of calories, amp up your strength, and maximize your lean-muscle definition, fast.

 

Who should do this program?

• Men and women who are inspired by mixed martial arts.
• Those at a beginning fitness level looking to enjoy fun, energetic moves that ramp up their cardio, burn off their fat, and lean out their muscles.
• Moderately athletic people who wish to take their bodies to the next level.
• Extremely fit people who want to power beyond their limits, burn away their last few pounds, and get totally shredded in 60 days.

 

 

Challenge yourself with Combat Gloves... why??

•  By forcing you to contract and engage all the muscles in your forearms, biceps, and triceps, you get more from each workout.
• Improves focus on where your hands and arms are, so you can punch  harder, strike with more force, and build that lean, defined body even  faster.

 

Apple Bites

 

This is an incrediably simple and easy snack that can be easily personalized.... Eat it warm, eat it cold, different toppings, or just plain! I love it with PB2, Aubrey likes it with cinnamon and Kate loves them plain!

My fave - warm with some PB2!!!

What you need:

• Apples, peeled and cubed - we like gala!
• Toppings - cinnamon, PB2 (powdered peanut butter), almonds, melted caramel, or whatever you come up with!

What you need to do:

1. Put peeled and cubed apples in a small pot (that has a lid)
2. Add water, just covering apples
3. Reach a boil and then place on a low simmer and cover. 40 minutes will get you a chunky apple sauce consistency - what is pictured was done in 20 minutes (soft but still a little crunch)
4. Drain excess water
5. Top how you see fit!
6. Can refridgerate to serve cool or to save for another day - apples do not turn brown!!!
7. ENJOY!

Protein Packed Pumpkin Pancakes

 WHOA that is a lot of P's haha... Kate and I thoroughly enjoyed these pancakes on this chilly morning! Simple, filling and oh so yummy! This recipes makes 3-5 pancakes depending on pancake size... Entire recipe is under 300 calories, 3 gm of fat and an incredible 30gms of protein!!!

What you need:

•  1/2 cup oatmeal
• 6 egg whites
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp pumpkin spice
• a splash of vanilla extract

What you need to do:

1. Grind the oatmeal first by using a coffee grinder, magic bullet or a blender (I used the magic bullet)
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend again.
3. Set a non stick pan to medium heat and spray with cooking spray.
4. Cook each side for about a minute.
5. Enjoy!!!

 

Les Mills Pump

Worldwide phenomenon LES MILLS PUMP is here! It's the first-ever at-home version of BODYPUMP—the incredibly popular series of gym classes created by Les Mills International and taught in 80 countries across the globe.  I love this program - it is fun and challenging and I can see huge changes especially in my arms, shoulders and legs!

 What makes LES MILLS PUMP so exciting?

• Beachbody® and Les Mills International teamed up specifically to bring to the world the best trainers, the best chart-topping music, and the best body-changing PUMP moves, so the same results can now be achieved at home that millions of people get in gyms every day. 
• Done three times a week, this barbell-based rapid weight loss and accelerated strength-training program reshapes a person's entire body extremely fast! 

Why is LES MILLS PUMP so effective?

• It's all about THE REP EFFECT. Unlike traditional strength workouts, which feature heavy weights that bulk people up, this program features light-to- moderate weights used at a higher rate of repetition.
• The constantly changing tempo, body position, and speed of THE REP EFFECT breaks down more fat reserves, targets more muscle fibers, and burns more calories than traditional weight training. 

What are the workouts like?

• Muscles reach fatigue by performing 70-100 repetitions per body part. That's about 4 times more reps than one would typically perform in a standard gym workout.  

Do people really have to work out only 3 times a week? If they want, can they work out on other days too?

• I encourage anyone to engage in non-resistance training workouts (such as cardio or cross-training) on days that they're not doing LES MILLS PUMP. 

Who should do this program?

• People of all ages and fitness levels 
• Men and women who want to lose weight and get fit
• People who want leaner, stronger muscles
• Those new to working out
• Women who are afraid of getting bulky from lifting weights
• Fans of BODYPUMP gym classes who like to work out at home
• People who want to try something new
• People who do other Beachbody programs, such as: P90X®, RevAbs®, TurboFire®, 10-Minute Trainer®, and INSANITY®  
• Weightlifters who want to improve muscular endurance 

What's included in the LES MILLS PUMP kit?

 Les Mills Base Kit

1.  7 workouts on 7 DVDs (ranging from 20-55 minutes per workout)
2. Padded barbell with speed safety clips
3. Two 5-lb. weight plates
4. Two 10-lb. weight plates
5. Tape measure and measurement tracker
6. Get Lean Nutrition Guide
7. Lean, Strong & Unstoppable Fitness Guide 
8. Free Bonus DVD: Les Mills Pump: Core DVD

Les Mills Deluxe Kit - The Ultimate Cross Training Deluxe Kit is the perfect complement to the LES MILLS PUMP workout system, and includes everything in the Base Kit, plus:

1.  3 cardio workouts on 3 DVDs
2. Step platform plus 4 risers
3. Two additional 5-lb. weight plates  

 

Ketchup Steak

 

This is a great comfort food recipe that is easy to make! I usually make this the evening before so I can just put it in the oven and - tah-dah dinner is ready! Literally that easy!

 

What you need:

• 1 pound round steak
• 1 cup Clean Ketchup
• 1 cup water
• 1 onion
• 1 green pepper

What you need to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Place steak in a glass 9x13 baking dish
3. Cut onion and pepper into strips and place on top of steak
4. Mix ketchup and water in a small bowl
5. Place ketchup and water mixture on top of steak, onions and peppers
6. Cover with foil and bake for 3 hours

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

Clean Ketchup!!! Great for homemade fries, turkey burgers and as a base to my Ketchup Steak Recipe!

 

What you need:

• 1 (15oz) can tomato sauce - no sugar added, low sodium
• 1 (6oz) can of no sugar added tomato paste
• 1/4 c honey
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste

What you need to do:

1. Using a large mixing bowl, whish all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Allow to sit in the fridge, covered overnight to allow flavors to marry.

Enjoy!

Caramel Apple Shakeology

Ahhh... been craving this all season!!!!

 

Affording Shakeology on a Tight Mommy Budget

When I first started my journey at the end of March and my coach suggested Shakeology, I knew it was what I needed to help me reach my weight loss goals but I had no idea how I would ever afford it.... Like most mom's I keep my household on a tight budget and between diapers, formula, and all the snacks that a 4 year old loves - I found myself unsure how I was going to make this work, but I really wanted to add Shakeology, so I had to make it happen...

As many of you know, I started with a T25 challenge pack - which means it was the T25 program and a 30 day supply of Shakeology.... I signed up as a coach so I could get a discount if I decided to continue drinking the shakes (knocked about 30 dollars off the monthly cost!)

But with a new baby that needed formula, diapers, wipes, ect - how would I ever be able to add this to my budget too???

 

Well this is how...

• I started couponing, watching ads and buying off brand... I am a name brand kinda girl, but I learned through trial and error what I could buy off brand. I watched ads for sales and I cut coupons.
• I stopped buying bottle water and paper products for daily use - yes I still use it for company, picnics or on the go.
• I stopped drinking fancy fruit smoothies  - lets face it they are just full of sugar anyways!
• I stopped eating out as often - as a busy mom, I would be running around and go to a drive thru, or café for a quick meal (I still fight this urge, as I am not a fan of cooking haha)
• I stopped buying snack foods and juices - it was hard for my preschooler at first, she was used to having her juice and salty snacks - but very quickly she adjusted and replaced them with healthy snacks!
• I was able to cut out my daily vitamins!
• Packing a lunch - when we would go to the zoo, park, amusement park, ect I would always buy lunch for myself and my 4 year old - well not only is that very pricey, but it is very unhealthy so I started packing lunches which was a great way to save money and calories!
• I switched to a cheaper hair salon - I found sometimes you really are just paying for the name, love my new hair girl!
• Bought an in-home pedicure set instead of paying for pricey pedicures - pedicures are pricey and kinda gross if you really think about it.. love my in home set, it even lasts longer!

Do I think it is worth it?

Of course! I believe Shakeology was the change-agent I needed to succeed and stick to the programs. It increases my energy (not easy with a baby), decreases my cravings (not an easy task either - as a former cereal and ice cream addict), it is SUPER CONVENIENT (could not be more convenient and easy!), and it fuels my body with antioxidants and super foods!

I do not miss a day!

Clean Stuffed Pepper Soup

Fall is in the air - time for some comfort food!!! This is going to run you about 250-275 calories per 1.5 cups! Not to shabby for comfort food! Enjoy!


What you need:

• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 lb lean ground chicken, beef, or turkey (I used ground venison as a substitute)
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves chopped garlic
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cans petite diced tomatoes
• 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce
• 2 cups homemade clean eating chicken stock (or reduced sodium chicken broth)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Pepper to taste

 

What you need to do:

1. - Cook 3 cups brown rice and set aside.
2. - Using a large soup pot, brown the meat and drain any remaining fat.
3. -  Reduce the heat and add in the peppers, onion and garlic.  Cook until the veggies are slightly tender (about 5 minutes). 
4. - Add in canned tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder and salt and pepper. 
5. - Cover and simmer for another 5 minutes.  Lastly, add in the cooked rice and simmer on low for 25 minutes. 

ENJOY!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Shakeology

Well if you were craving pumpkin - look no further!

Chocolate covered pretzel Shake-o

Honest to goodness - yum!!!! Filling, full of super foods, delicious at 250 calories! Felt like a cheat!!!

 

P90

Tony Horton's new 90-Day Body Transformation is for EVERYONE features all-new workouts designed to deliver dramatic, visible results—regardless of your age or fitness level.

What is P90?

Introducing P90 - The On Switch to Fitness

•  P90 is the latest fitness creation by Tony Horton, who has now found a way to help people get dramatic, visible results without going to the extreme.
• P90 works because of a game-changing technique called Sectional Progression. Tony eases you into a variety of cardio, strength, and stability moves that work the back, shoulders, chest, biceps, triceps, and legs—and every move helps strengthen and flatten the abs. These routines don't get harder until you're ready for the next challenge. Then, just when you've mastered those moves, he ups the ante a little more.
• The all-new P90 workouts are arranged in 3 Progressive Phases designed to gradually ease your body past its old limits. So after 30 days of P90, you're leaner and more solid; after 60 days, you're seeing muscles you've never noticed before; and by Day 90 you can finally have that lean, strong body you could once only dream about.

Is P90 for someone like me? P90 is for...

• Fitness rookies who want dramatic, visible results without going to the extreme.
• People who used to be in shape but haven't worked out in awhile.
• Anyone who avoids extreme workouts because of chronic pain or a past injury.
• If you would like to do a Tony Horton program, but aren't yet capable of tackling his more extreme workouts.
• P90X®, P90X2®, and P90X3® grads who simply wish to maintain their current level of fitness while doing a less intense program.
• Power 90® lovers who want to try Tony's all-new, non-extreme, cutting-edge routines.

 

What do people love most about P90?

•  The easy-to-follow workouts designed to deliver dramatic, visible results.
• Anyone at any age or fitness level can do it!
• It helps you lose weight, increase energy, and feel better in almost everything you do.
• Plus, my challengers get a FREE Bonus Workout DVD, P90X3 Dynamix. It's Tony's secret weapon for helping you increase your range of motion, flexibility, and stabilization— all vital for maximizing your total-body fitness results.

Apply to be in the new, exclusive test group for P90 - hosted by some of the top coaches!