Turkey & Wild Rice Soup

What are you going to do with all that leftover turkey???? How about some soup and for these cold evenings? Nothing like warm soup on a cold day and at under 220 calories a serving it is a winner!

What you need:

• 2 Carrots, Chopped
• 2 Celery Stalks, Chopped
• 1 Medium Onion, Chopped
• 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 6 1/2 C. Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
• 3 Tbsp. Flour
• 1 C. Long Grain & Wild Rice, Uncooked
• 1 Tsp. Dried Thyme
• 1 Bay Leaf
•  2 C. Turkey Breast, Cooked & Shredded or Cubed
•   1 C. Fat Free Half & Half

 

What you need to do: 

1. Place the carrots, celery, onion and garlic into a large stock pot along with 1/2 c. of the chicken broth.
2. Sauté over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are tender.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and continue to stir for about 3 minutes.
4. Add in the rest of the broth, along with the wild rice, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the pot to a boil.
5. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 25-30 minutes.
6. When the rice is tender, add in the and the turkey.
7. Cook for 10 min
8. Stir in the half & half and allow to cook for another 10 minutes.
9. Remove the bay leaf and enjoy!

 

Servings: 6 • Size: About 1 1/2 Cups of Soup • Calories: 217.4 • Fat: 1.3 g • Carb: 24.4 g • Fiber: 2.7 g • Protein: 25.6 g • Sugar: 4.7 g • Sodium: 717.8 mg

 

 

2014 Holiday Sale

Who doesn't love a good sale? Well what about a great sale??? As usual, Beachbody's Holiday Sale does not disappoint! Check out these great sales - but warning, if you see it and want it - best go buy it because this sale sells out fast!!!! I already have my list ready!!! Click here to create a free membership and order! Surround yourself with like minded people in my next upcoming challenge group!

 

 

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

Body by Vi vs Shakeology

 

When I talk to people about "meal replacement" shakes it seems like everyone is drinking them for different reasons - some to get more protein, some to cut calories, curb cravings, or because they want a quick and easy meal. When I was researching shakes before I started my own journey, I did my own homework and considered Body by Vi so here it is.. the costs, the ingredients, pros/cons and why I personally drink one of these two shakes!

Let's start with nutrition - because this is the most important part... face it, you are what you eat!

 

 Tropical Shakeology -Vegan   

 

Chocolate Shakeology

 

 

 

 

The differences seem pretty obvious to me, but let me break it down!

1. Calories

• At first you might think the winner would be Visalus because it has 90 calories for 2 scoops and with Shakeology having 160calories for one scoop  WRONG!!! 90 calories is far too low to be considered a meal replacement. One might ask, “how many visalus shakes do I need to drink for weight loss results?” Visalus distributors suggest you replace 2 meals a day with shakes and eat 1 REAL meal. WHAT??? Your body needs calories for fuel. Calories are not the enemy. If you are not providing your body with the proper calorie intake it will send your body into starvation mode. This causes you to store fat you consume instead of burning it off. This will cause your body to burn muscle which will in turn slow your metabolism instead of speeding it up most people hope. As a result, your body will store MORE fat long term. Also, 90 cals of anything is not going to “keep you full for 3-4 hrs” In reality, the fiber in the shake is what makes you feel full.

2. Sugar

• Shakeology has 6g of sugar which is all natural coming from different plant sources. Body By Vi has less than 1g of sugar which is great, BUT to make the “shake that tastes like cake” they replace the sugar with artificial sweeteners, and if you are like me - you avoid artificial sweeteners like the plague!

Vi shakes contain SUCRALOSE: a very harmful chemical sweetener.
Side Effects from Sucralose:

• Gastrointestinal problems
• Seizures, dizziness and migraines
• Blurred vision
• Allergic reactions
• Blood sugar increases and weight gain

Shakeology uses non-GMO Stevia which is a zero calorie plant based sweetener. Fructose is a simple sugar that occurs naturally in foods. It gives fruits their sweet taste. Your body treats this type of sugar differently than traditional sugars and artificial sweeteners.

3. Protein

• Shakeology’s original whey formula has 17g of protein in 1 scoop. It is made from whey protein isolate and it is a grade 7. It comes from untouched (by chemicals) farms. It also contains sprouted brown rice protein, AND pea protein.
• Shakeology’s VEGAN formula has 15g protein in 1 scoop (with an additional 3g from the brown rice and sacha inchi) and is made from sprouted fermented brown rice protein and pea protein.
• Visalus has only 12g of protein in 2 scoops! That’s super low, AND it contains SOY protein which may seem “healthy” but there is extensive research that states otherwise.
• Body By Vi shakes contains Soy Protein Isolate. Many people don’t see anything wrong with this but here are some facts about soy that you may want to look at.
• What’s the PROBLEM with SOY????(Not just GM soy ALL SOY)

• 91-95% of soy grown in the US is genetically modified (GM).
• Soy has been linked to increased allergies
• Disturbingly, the only published human feeding study on GM foods ever conducted verified that the gene inserted into GM soy transfers into the DNA of our gut bacteria and continues to function. This means that years after you stop eating GM soy, you may still have a potentially allergenic protein continuously being produced in your intestines. Even more frightening is the potential for GM soy to cause infertility in future generations, which has been evidenced by recent Russian research.
• Soy contains hemagglutinin. Hemagglutinin is a clot-promoting substance that causes your red blood cells to clump together. These clumped cells are unable to properly absorb and distribute oxygen to your tissues.
• Soy contains goitrogens.Goitrogens are substances that block the synthesis of thyroid hormones and interfere with iodine metabolism, thereby interfering with your thyroid function.
• Soy has toxic levels of aluminum and manganese-Soybeans are processed (by acid washing) in aluminum tanks, which can leach high levels of aluminum into the final soy product.

Those 2 ingredients (Sucralose and Soy) are RED FLAGS to anyone considering the Vi shake.

What’s in Shakeology?

• Shakeology contains ALL NATURAL ingredients including super-foods, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, phytonutrients, digestive enzymes, vitamins and minerals that come from the earth and there is evidence to prove it. They also work synergistically to make sure you are getting the proper amounts and absorbing the nutrients.
• Body By Vi contains chemical sweeteners, synthetic(means they are not from real food they are man made in a lab) ingredients such as dicalcium phosphate and fillers such as Maltodextrin, which is most likely made from corn and 85% of corn in the US is genetically modified.  It also contains ZINC OXIDE…REALLY?? That is a diaper rash/sun burn cream and is not meant to be ingested...

 

4. COST 

• Visalus kits range from $49 for the maintenance kit(if you are looking to maintain weight) up to $299 for the Fit Kit, which states that you can “build muscle”. REALLY??? Last time I checked you don’t just build muscle by drinking a shake and eating some snacks, nor do you build muscle by drastically cutting your calories. You actually have to workout to build muscle.
• If you want to want to lose weight, Visalus recommends the Shape Kit. The shape kit is $99 for 2 bags of the shake mix  and 10 shape up mix-ins(to change the flavor if you get tired of “cake”). The shape up mix-ins contain artificial ingredients as well. Visalus recommends that you drink 2 shakes a day to lose weight. 2 Problems with that: 1) That means you will run out of one bag of mix in 15 days, so the 2 bags will only last you 1 month instead of two, resulting in you having to buy MORE product sooner than expected.  2) 90 cals + 90 cals=180. That, is very low in calories for 2 meals, and you will have to make up at least 1020 calories between your 1 meal and 2-3 snacks. If you don’t get the additional calories in daily, your calorie intake will be much lower than the minimum calorie intake recommended for the day(for women) of 1200 CALORIES which leads to many health problems.

How Much is Shakeology?

• Shakeology is $129.95 customer price for a 30 day supply (suggested 1 serving/day) and $97.46 for a coach. That being said, with  the coaching fees paid, you are paying $113/month for Shakeology Home Direct(HD). Around 3.77$/day, which is a great deal for a quick, nutritious superfood meal!

5. TASTE

What are the Visalus flavors?

• Visalus claims it tastes like “cake”. That is the only flavor. I do not have personal experience with the taste because I refuse to put all those harmful ingredients into my body.You can buy Shape up flavor packs at $12.50(if you’re not on auto-ship) a pop and load the shake with more artificial ingredients.

What flavors of Shakeology are there?

I have tried ALL flavors of Shakeology and do have favorites, but my favorite thing is the variety! Strawberry smoothie one day to a thick chocolate salted caramel milkshake the next.

Honestly, my biggest issues besides the artificial ingredients with the Body by Vi shakes is that the

they advertise "The Body by Vi Challenge is the leading platform for weight loss and fitness results" and I have done research and I see nothing that leads me to believe these shakes will help you reach fitness goals... All I see is calorie deprivation and artificial ingredients, and what happens when you stop drinking them? You will gain weight!

Beachbody as a company truly has the customers’ best interest (their health) in mind. They do their research and make sure you are consuming only the highest quality product with NO EXCEPTIONS!! They promote healthy lifestyles, not just a “magic” shake. We have the support, the fitness programs, the Shakes and the lifestyle change so we give you all the tools to completely change your life permanently.

Clean Chicken & Dumplings

I love comfort food, and I love crock pot meals... only problem is the calories, fat and sodium... this is a great spin on a comfort food favorite - easy, conveint and economical!

What you need:

• Soup:
• 4-6 C. Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 1/2 Lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
• 2 C. Peas & Carrots, Frozen
• 1 Onion, Chopped
• 2 Celery Stalks, Chopped
• 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 1 Tsp. Basil
• Dumplings:

• 1 1/2 C. Whole Wheat White Flour
• 1 1/2 Tsp. Baking Powder
• 1 1/2 Tsp. Parsley
• 1/2 Tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1/8 Tsp. Onion Powder
• 1/4 C. Light Butter (Room Temperature), Cubed
• 1/3 C. Fat Free Cheddar, Shredded
• 2/3 C. Fat Free Milk

What you need to do:

1. Toss everything for the soup into the crock pot. (how awesomely easy is that!)
2. Cover and set to cook for 6-8 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low.
3. Once nearly done, remove the chicken and shred with a fork.
4. Add the chicken back to the crock pot and cover.
5. Set the crock pot to high now if you've been cooking this on low.
6. Combine the flour, baking powder, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper for the dumplings together in a medium bowl.
7. Cut in the butter using two forks or your hands until it begins to form a grainy mixture (resembling corn starch.)
8. Add in the cheddar and milk.
9. Mix just until a thick dough forms and all lumps are out.
10. Drop the dough by rounded spoonfuls into the crock pot.
11. Cover and cook on high for 30-60 minutes.
12. Enjoy!

Servings: 6 • Size: About 1 1/2 Cups • Calories: 288.1 • Fat: 5.5 g • Carb: 34.7 g • Fiber: 6.8 g • Protein: 26.7 g • Sugar: 0.9 g • Sodium: 701.5 mg

Chunky Monkey Shakeology

This $h*t is bananas...

B - A - N - A - N - A - S!!!

 

Butter-Free Baked Potato

Potatoes are a great, super cheap side and if made properly can be a yummy clean side to your meal. I love this recipe because not only am I eating a potato without butter but it is also a salt-free recipe!

What you need:

• Potatoes
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Mrs. Dash Salt Free grilled chicken spice
• Grated parmesan cheese

What you need to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Wash potatoes and cut them in half
3. Deeply score potatoes without breaking the skin
4. Drizzle with olive oil
5. Sprinkle with Mrs. Dash seasoning
6. Bake for 30 minutes
7. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese
8. Bake for 10 more minutes
9. Enjoy!

Kit-Kat Shakeology

Ohhhh mmmmyyyy ggooooosssshhhhh!

This saved me when we had Halloween candy in our house!

 My latest addiction!

Beachbody VS Weight Watchers

I get this question all the time - "what is the difference between Weight Watchers and Team Beachbody?" With the new year quickly approaching, I am sure you are thinking about your New Year's Resolution and if you are like the over 50% of Americans, you are going to resolve to lose weight in the new year... but here is the question, how will I do it? I have used both programs and I am weighing in!!!


Weight Watchers is a great program with a wonderful track record but think about it - what happens when you stop counting points? Weight Watchers does not teach the consumer the biggest role of healthy eating which is "not all calories are created equal". Basically you can eat any garbage you want as long as it fits within your daily point system. When I did Weight Watchers, yes of course they encouraged I eat healthy foods, but I could stay within my points eating fast food. Also, Weight Watchers does not have any fitness aspect to their program. Being healthy and of normal weight is great but if you are still winded going up the stairs, you really aren't fit!










Beachbody is the only program on the market that combines nutrition, fitness and daily support. Daily coaching with an amazing coach network, first class in home work out programs and clean eating plus Shakeology. Beachbody also has a fabulous  Club membership that has so much to offer
with cutting edge technology they surpass the Weight Watchers program in technology, effectiveness, and cost!

 

 

Here are some of the benefits of club membership:

Team Beachbody – 10% discount on fitness programs, gear, and supplements
Weight Watchers- Doesn’t offer

Team Beachbody – Full access to Beachbody TV, including exclusive Trainer Tips, Healthy Eating Tips, Style Tips, and Lifestyle Tips
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t offer

Team Beachbody – VIP access to our celebrity Trainers. Watch their videos, ask them questions, and read their motivational articles
Weight Watchers- Doesn’t offer

Team Beachbody – Personalized meal plans and delicious recipes that make it easy to lose weight
Weight Watchers – Does Offer a meal planning tool

Team Beachbody – Your own personal blog to journal your progress and share your ideas and opinions
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t offer

Team Beachbody – Access to fitness articles and tips to help you maximize your workouts.
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t offer

Team Beachbody – Access to nutrition articles and tips to make healthy eating simple and satisfying
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t Offer

Team Beachbody – Access to new recipes and the recipe archives
Weight Watchers – Does have recipes

Team Beachbody – Your own personal Coach to link you to all the support, tools, and motivation you need to reach your goals
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t Have

Team Beachbody – Access to Facebook Accountability Group Pages from your Team Beachbody Coach
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t have

Team Beachbody – Your personal Message Center to get and receive messages, workout invitations, and Buddy requests
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t have

Team Beachbody – Helpful fitness tools to get the most out of every workout.
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t have

Team Beachbody – is only $39 every 3 months with no sign up fee which averages out to $2.99 a week.
Weight Watchers – costs $29.95 for the sign up fee, $53.85 for 3 months which is $83.80 just to start! Even if they let you sign up free you will still have to pay the $53.85 for your first 3 months

So if you are considering getting into shape and Weight Watchers is where you are leaning, remember to consider the features, the price, and the success rate of both Weight Watchers and Beachbody.  If you choose Beachbody, remember that I am here for you and  I will personally guide you with any choices you make or questions you may have.  I am a Coach, and your success is my ultimate goal.  I am not in this business strictly for the money.  I am passionate about heath, fitness and motivating others to see the same results I have seen using Beachbody programs.  However, if after you compare, you still choose Weight Watchers, that’s great too!  The fact is, you are choosing a method that you believe will give you the most success.  You weighed the facts and you made your decision, and I can only wish you the best of luck.  Weight Watchers is a great program; I have seen its successes in those around me. 

Weight Watchers may have Jennifer Hudson and Jessica Simpson, but Beachbody  has had Sheryl Crow, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Usher, Jenny Garth, Poppy Montgomery, Emmet Smith, Ray Lewis,  Donovan McNabb, Kelly Slater, Pink, Joe Fatone, Jason Scheff, Blake Shelton,  Taylor Lautner, Paul Ryan, Rob Gronkowski…and more REAL PEOPLE than you can count, including myself!!! If you feel like you are ready to commit with Beachbody and want information about my upcoming challenge group please fill out an application here!

 

 

PiYo

With PiYo, you can carve an intensely defined physique without jumps, weights, or straining your joints. Chalene Johnson's innovative program is designed for anyone and at any fitness level. I love how this program has helped me with my flexibility and core strength!

So what is PiYo?

• PiYo is a low-impact, high-intensity body-transformation program that uses the most     effective Pilates- and yoga-inspired moves to sculpt long, lean muscles and burn fat. 
• Trainer Chalene Johnson uses fluid movements, keeping you in constant motion to give    you a dynamic cardio workout that typical Pilates or yoga workouts lack.
• It's low-impact so you won't have to jump around or strain your joints
• It's high-intensity so you get the fat-burning results of a more extreme program.
• It's designed to help you get an intensely defined, long and lean physique.

Is PiYo for me? It is if you...

• Want to lose weight and burn fat without the high-impact jumps or complex choreography found in some cardio programs.
• Want to build lean muscle but don't want to lift heavy weights or bulk up.
• Want to get the results of an extreme program without straining their joints.
• Like the benefits of Pilates and yoga, but also want the calorie burn of a cardio workout.
• Don't have time to go from class to class to do separate cardio, strength, and   flexibility  workouts.
• Want a workout that doesn't require a lot of equipment. 
• Want to give their body a break from extreme programs but keep getting results and improve their performance in other sports by restoring their flexibility and core strength.

What makes PiYo unique? 

• Benefits of Pilates, yoga, and cardio—all in one! 
• It's an authentic, incredibly effective body-transformation program that combines Pilates- and yoga-inspired moves, all set to a faster pace, so you get your strength, flexibility, and cardio all in each workout. PiYo delivers the long, lean muscles and flat, toned abs of Pilates, a firm butt and strong arms like you'd get from yoga, and the weight-loss benefits of fat-burning cardio. The workouts take just 25–45 minutes each!
•  No weights. No jumps. Just hardcore results.
• You'll get the results of an extreme program without weights or jumps. You won't have   to do the kinds of high-impact moves that can cause joint strain.
• Ideal for any age, body type, or fitness level. 
• Everyone—no matter what their fitness level—will lean out and tone up with PiYo.     Beginners can follow the modifications demonstrated, and even super-fit athletes can use it to improve core strength and flexibility through the targeted Pilates- and yoga-inspired moves.

So what do I get?

• 8 workouts on 3 DVDs (25–45 minutes each)
• 1 bonus workout (25 minutes)
• Quick Start Guide to help you start seeing results fast 
• Get Lean Eating Plan to make clean eating fit into your lifestyle
• 60-Day Workout Calendar shows you what workouts to do when
• Tape measure to help track your progress
• Exclusive! Hardcore on the Floor (a $19.95 USD value)

 

How does PiYo work?

 PiYo isn't like standard Pilates and yoga classes that make you hold long, intense poses, or lead you through dozens of repetitive, microscopic core movements. PiYo speeds everything up—including your results—by introducing you to dynamic, flowing Pilates- and yoga-inspired sequences that can burn serious calories at the same time as they lengthen and tone your muscles and increase your flexibility. As you progress from one fluid movement to the next without rest, you'll maintain an optimal heart rate to incinerate calories throughout the whole workout! With every action-packed PiYo session, you'll burn excess fat and sculpt and define your whole body, as you minimize the aches and pains that can come along with high-impact workouts.  The result? You get a low-impact, high-intensity, total-body workout, giving you a physique that's long, lean, and powerfully defined.