Shakeology No Bakes

Oh I thought my recipe for Shakeology balls was good - but these are AMAZING!!!! With double the Shakeology, they are have more protein, more antioxidants, and super food packed! These freeze wonderfully and are the easiest clean up. I have to thank a fellow coach for this fabulous recipe!!!

What you need:

• 1 scoop chocolate Shakeology
• 1 scoop vanilla Shakeology
• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup quick oats

What you need to do:

1. Melt peanut butter and honey in a medium sauce pan.
2. Once melted, remove from heat.
3. Add Shakeology, then oats and mix well with a rubber spoon.
4. Spoon on to wax paper - form into balls and I flatten slightly with a fork.
5. Optional - roll "cookie" into minced nuts or unsweetened coconut flakes.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach

 

This is my new favorite dish!!! 5 ingredients, 1 dish, 15 minutes - family pleaser! Does it get any better than that? Fabulous flavor! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

What you need:

• 3 tbsp. butter
• 3 cloves of fresh garlic minced
• 2 chicken breasts - diced
• 1/2 c parm cheese
• 2 cups of spinach

What you need to do:

1. Saute garlic in butter for 2-3 minutes
2. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
3. Add parm cheese until melted and chicken is coated.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Serve alone or over whole wheat pasta or zoodles!
6. Enjoy!

Happy 1st Birthday Kate

 

Oh my! Happy Birthday to my sweet Kate! Where do I even begin? WOW! How could it be?! I guess I can start by saying this year has been nothing like what I thought it was going to be...

There SHE is!

From the minute I knew she was there, she was my sunshine... She came into our lives after much heartache, a miscarriage - my lil E who I saw, who I heard his heart beating, who I loved instantly... Suprisingly, just 3 short months after that loss I found myself pregnant with Kate.... We were thrilled, delighted, and a little scared...

My pregnancy was a breeze in comparison with Aubrey's (but with Aubrey nothing is ever easy!)... I secretly wanted a girl, although I knew Dan wanted a boy.. I wanted a sister for Aubrey... Aubrey was less than thrilled about the news of a baby and simply stated "well, I hope it is a girl so I can at least dress her up." - yep, that's my Aubrey...



How we announced that we were having a second daughter!

We decided to name her Kiersten Marie - after my mom... I loved her name, until I heard other people pronounce it, and bug me with how to spell it... So one night I expressed my doubts to Dan about her name, he said he felt the same way and maybe we would just wait til we saw her to name her...

Well the morning of January 20, 2014 I was induced thanks to my pregnancy induced hypertension (high blood pressure)... We were scheduled for a 7am induction, but I really wanted donuts so we were a little late! I was so nervous, Aubrey's induction took 25 hours - so I figured we were in for another long day...

Who could ever love you more?

By the time we checked in, registered, etc... the doctor saw me at 8am - said I was 3 cm, broke my water and the nurse started the Pitocin... "Let us know when you start getting uncomfortable, you can have that epidural"

The contractions started quickly and by 10:30 I said to Dan, "I feel like a chicken but I am so uncomfortable and I am probably like 5cm max"... Dan of course didn't want to listen to me complain and encouraged me to get the epidural... The nurse came in, checked me, said I was 7cm, rushed Dan out of the room and the anesthesiologist came in with her lovely epidural cart - by this point I was so uncomfortable I couldn't think, I scribbled my name on the consent sheet and sat up... As she started prepping my back, I could barely sit still - I said to my nurse "I think I have to push", she assured me that I was just checked and only 7cm... I said "no, I am telling you I need to push"....

I asked them to stop, I laid back down in bed, she checked me - and said "call your husband and DO NOT PUSH" - the quiet dim room quickly was a flurry of activity - nurses racing, blue gowns and shoe protectors went flying - I called Dan in a panic and I text my mom telling her that I was "going to have this baby now, no epidural, no nothing" and I so vividly remember her text back it read "OH GOD, JUST BREATHE"

Only God creates such perfect love...

I would like to think I was in somewhat control of the situation, but I wasn't... I didn't swear, or bite anyone so I guess it could've been worse lol... The staff was amazing, simply wonderful... and there she was at 11:10am - and wait a minute... what is that??? HAIR!!! My Aubrey was born pale and bald, and this unnamed beauty was olive toned and a head full of dark hair... it was all such a surreal moment... and in that moment I knew, she wasn't a Kiersten... So what to call her?

My time in the hospital was amazing, I cherished every minute because I knew this would be the only alone time we would have... Aubrey still so demanding on my time would be ready and fully charged for when I got home... Now, for a name - my favorite name was Isla (pronounced Eye-La) which dan said absolutely no, Aubrey and Dan wanted her to be Natalie, and I was leaning towards Kate.. The night before we came home, Dan and I sat there alone and I named her Kate Marie - simple and sweet, just like her... And the day we came home, I think it was the coldest day of the year... I felt ever blessed to have my two beauties with me...

Kate is best known for her two-toned hair

Aubrey was demanding of me, I remember sitting on the floor in tears because I was so sore trying to play legos with her on a couch cushion... we played countless games of left, center, right while I breastfed (which was an immense challenge because I had mastitis three times in just a short period of time)... Kate was wonderful and patient... Her and I camped out in the living room, in front of a warm lit fire most nights... She slept well from day one, a huge change from my Aubrey...

Kate transitioned well through everything - moving to her crib, bottles, binkies, being tortured, and even Disney World.. she lived up to her name - simple and sweet... easy to make smile, hard to make laugh.... She loves food and her blankies, splashing and being with Aubrey, she loves making a mess and cleaning it up... She has taught me so much - with Aubrey I was "the perfect mom"... Pinterest snacks, schedules, read all the books, museum once a week, zoo three times a month, limited TV, read to her 30 minutes a day - but with Kate, she taught me to slow down - enjoy simple things, not live behind the lens of a camera... I was so excited for all the stages of Aubrey's life that I feel like I wished them away, but with Kate I almost mourn the progress she makes for I know this is most likely the last baby of my own that I will get to rock to sleep, the last first words, the last first steps - I am forever grateful for my beauties... Kate, my sweet little one - my only wish for you this birthday and always is health and happiness - for I promise you, it is all that matters my love, Happy Birthday xo

Kate and her 11 month butterfly chair monthly photo

Insanity Max:30 - Week 4

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The end of Month 1 - ha of course, after I was finally getting the "hang" of things! These workouts never got easy, but I could tell my endurance and strength was!! I am kinda sad to leave Month 1 - I really liked the Tabata Strength and Tabata Power workouts the best.... I improved my overall max out time and calorie burn in the Cardio Challenge - so goal met... and month 2 - challenge accepted!!

My eating was spot on this week, which is always a struggle for me! I think it was because, thanks to some killer Beachbody pay checks, I was able to decrease my hours at work this week and was home 16 hours more than normal! Those night shifts are a killer on my nutrition and over all well being...




Some days working out is emotional for me... all the pressures, anxiety, worries of my life come to the surface in a great workout... grateful for a healthy release, working out is a full body and soul experience

My least favorite workout - it is a mind vs body experience and it is NO JOKE, I am sure this will look like a warm up after I get a look at Friday Fight Round 2!

My 10 month transformation - This program has been an ab game changer... I wish I could explain what this feels like, I can't but I can help you achieve it!

Spinach, Tomato and Chicken Salad with fresh ground pepper and grated parm!

My fave - chicken stir fry with sugar snap peas!

My daily breakfast! Whole Wheat Waffle with fresh fruit!

My First Super Saturday (well Friday really!)

I was so excited when I had the chance to attend my very first Beachbody event - Super Saturday... This event is held quarterly, but with my work schedule and trying to find someone for the girls - I just haven't gotten to go --- but I wasn't going to miss this one!!



Forever Fit - with our Elite Coach, the fabulous Deidra Penrose!



Flexing and Duck lips - these are a few of our favorite things!

 



Carl and Melanie

Okay, the weekend started a little rocky -- I get anxiety when driving somewhere I don't know and I never drove to downtown Pittsburgh and right before I left Aubrey was laying on the guilt.. It is hard for me to leave them, I hardly ever do and when I do it is usually just for work... I did for like a minute feel guilty, because unlike my nursing job - this isn't mandatory... but I remembered what my coach has been telling me - "come to the events they are game changers" - I am a coach for a lot of reasons but my number one reason is my girls - I want to inspire them, I want to be home with them more, and I want to be able to provide financially more for them... So I hugged her and whispered, "I promise, this is all for you" and Aubrey in all her wisdom said "Okay, whatever mom - can you just bring me home a present?" (ugh, the next 15 years will be interesting lol)

So I was off, and surprisingly impressed myself driving there!

The event was held at the William Omni Penn Hotel, I walked in and I was instantly in awe.. It was still decorated flawlessly for Christmas...




Sarah, Beth, AUTUMN, Deidra, and myself!

The ballroom was filled to the rim - 1000 people all to celebrate our Dream Team Coach - Melanie Mitro who was being announced as the number 1 coach in the company... So surreal, I have been on countless calls with Melanie and she is so down to earth, and I don't know - normal when really she is like a Beachbody VIP! Since our Pittsburgh Team is honoring Melanie and our team is so large we were able to get Carl Daikeler (Beachbody CEO) and Autumn Calabrese (21 Day Fix Creator) to attend the event!




My date and roomie for this event and Summit in July, the
amazing Maegan! Oh yeah, and Carl Daikeler - only the CEO
and creator of Beachbody :)

It was so motivating to be able to hear our own CEO of this billion dollar company speak before us... So great to hear him talk more about our values, mission for this company and WHY we are really here.  Talking about the success we have made for thousands and thousands of people around the US and Canada and talk about some upcoming events that we are having!! Most excitingly, the Beachbody Success Club Trip for 2016 - A cruise to Jamiaca and Hati!!! (and yes, I am going!!!)


Workout time!

After Carl, Autumn spoke about her newest program launching Feb 2nd - THE 21 DAY FIX EXTREME!!!! And we were able to work out with Autumn live, a workout from her new program! It was so fun and intense - I can't wait to do this program!

Learn more about her new program here!



Pre-workout selfie with my friend and accountability
partner, Alisha!

After the event, we had a great dinner and lots of laughs - I even had a cocktail (rare, rare event!) I got a little tipsy because we waited an hour for our food!

On Saturday, I opted to skip the Insanity workout in the morning - in an effort to sleep in! I was taking advantage of having no kiddos and a bed to myself haha - The Dream Team hosted a great training event. We got to hear from all the elite coaches from the Dream Team and Melanie Mitro herself!

After the training, Deidra took us to lunch in Market Square - it was fabulous and I def ate way too much lol! We received amazingly generous gifts for being Diamond coaches - a Michael Knorr purse which is stunning (I don't even own a single purse, so it was a great gift) and a beautiful bracelet with Forever Fit's motto!



Learning from the best in the biz!

I learned so much and became so motivated for the new year! I knew my goals but now I knew what I needed to get there! Beachbody has changed my life in so many ways - and I am so blessed to have my coach and other coaches to support me every step of the way, not only with my weight loss and fitness goals but with coaching and being the best coach for not only my challengers but for my coaches... This is the most rewarding experience, between my transformation, my self esteem, my confidence, helping others experience the same, and now working on my financial freedom! Before the event, I bought my first pair of high heels and my first tube of lip stick - I was telling my mom about my dress and everything about the event... My mom said, "this doesn't sound like you at all" - and all I could think was, that is exactly the point, I am not the same person I was a year ago...

Next Super Saturday is April 25th, who's coming with me??? My Team - Inspiring Change is growing quickly and if you have a love a fitness, health and helping people - then we would love to have you on our team! New coach training starts soon!

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RSVP to the 21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge!

 

I am beyond pumped to announce the newest program - 21 Day Fix Extreme from the amazing trainer of the 21 Day Fix!!! I had an amazing opportunity to meet Autumn this past weekend and hear exclusively from her about what the 21 Day Fix Extreme is all about...

• Still 30 minute workouts
• More intensity
• 21 Day Fix Extreme eating plan with 2 options (extreme or count down to competition)
• Count down to competition is her exact eating plan to a tee
• Extreme is similar to the 21 day fix eating plan, but no cheats and a few less options
• Weights with every workout
• Still a modifier!

My team and I are hosting a 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge group starting on Feb 9th... I myself will be doing the 21 Day Fix Extreme (with the count down to competition nutrition plan) right along side of you... nutrition is 80% of your weight loss so I KNOW this program will be a real game changer for me and so many others...



The original 21 Day Fix sold out when it was first released and I have a feeling this program might as well - apply here for more information and how to reserve a spot in my exclusive test group!

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Insanity Max:30 Week 3

Here we go - week 3!!! Time is flying!!! This week was similar to previous weeks, except instead of Tabata Power we now have Tabata Strength... I love strength workouts because I feel myself getting stronger each day! 3 pushups, 5 pushups, 10 pushups... stronger and stronger... what I modified Day 1, I can do a few reps of... and I love that! To me, it is more of a victory than weight loss!


My new favorite snack - greek raspberry yogurt with granola!
I usually have a texture issue with yogurt, the granola helps!!!
So yummy and filling!
 



I love this workout shirt because I feel like I am an underdog "beating the odds"
75% of women never make it to their pre-pregnancy weight - I am proud to say
I weigh less than my pre-pregnancy weight with Aubrey, over 5 yrs ago!



I love this move - great to watch or tape yourself working out because you can see how you can improve
For me, watching this... I know I need to keep my butt down to help get a better core workout!

I am so excited to be moving into week 4... but these workouts are still such a challenge I am a bit nervous about what lies ahead in month 2!!!! I do love a challenge!!!

M&M Blizzard Shakeology

 

M&M Shake-O Blizzard

After another dinner where Aubrey ate barely 50 calories, she asked if we could get ice cream from Dairy Queen... specifically "ice cream with candy in it" aka a blizzard lol... The last thing I was going to do was let her have ice cream after not eating dinner - but then it hit me - I can get calories, protein, super foods and about 6 salads worth of veggies in her and have her think it is a blizzard... So I busted these out - needless to say the girls and I loved it! It made enough for Aubrey, Kate and I all to enjoy for 4$... We saved cash, gas, and time - all while providing her with a sweet treat that was actually fabulous for her!

What you need:

• 1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
• 10-14 Ice cubes
• M&Ms
• 1-2 tbsp natural peanut butter or PB2
• 1 cup milk
• Optional - 1 tbsp sugar free/fat free vanilla pudding powder

What you need to do:

1. Add everything to a blender.
2. Blend
3. Top with extra M&M's
4. Enjoy!

Week 2 - Take 2!

So after a great first week, I was so excited to start another week - wwwweeeelllllll, this stomach bug had different plans - and it hit all of us...

Poor Kate - we call her "patient zero" as she was the first, then me, my dad, my brother and sister in law.. Luckily she had the mildest case!

After 3 days of not tolerating any food or water, I had to go work... Packed a lunch just incase I felt like eating.... I did tolerate water and got sent home sick 4 hours into my shift



I was pretty disappointed to not be keeping up with the schedule and the challenge group - I tried to make fun of myself

Finally! Tolerating real food!!!! Dan Traill's famous chicken noodle soup to the rescue!

WEEK 2 - TAKE 2!!!

I decided to take the entire week off - I finally started feeling better Christmas morning, but was very weak and decided I need to rest up... A week behind the group, but so excited to be back in the game! I still didn't feel myself, but hey we all start somewhere!

Back in business with my new shoes from Santa!!! I didn't do too bad all things considering! I modified a lot and did not eat enough calories.... slowly getting back in the game!

Tabata Power - using your body to train your body... love this workout! But man on man, after I am done I wonder how I will wash my hair.. The most difficult part for me is the plyo pushups... I finally mastered regular pushups, now ShaunT throws this at me! So excited about the difference I know I will see in my arms when this program completes! Tank top arms - here I COME!

I love sleep - who doesn't... and I picked my career as a nurse because I wanted to be home with my kids as much as I could be and have a really flexible schedule - which I do! But, as with everything in life there is a trade off and that is my sleep! I am up all day with my girls, then I work all night and then I am up all day with them again! I nap when Kate naps, but an hour after 34 hours of awake time is barely refreshing - it is really just a tease... Surprisingly, working out makes me feel so much more alert than anything else - it took a big pep talk, but I pushed play!!!

Tabata Power Thursday!!! I started with a workout partner, she does her own moves and names them... my favorite is her "spin and sweat" lol... I def burn a lot more calories cause I am laughing at her silliness - she didn't last long though... apparently her shows are more entertaining than ShaunT....

Ugh - another post night shift workout... Friday Fight - I have a love hate relationship with this workout... Limited breaks - hate but I love the beeping count down at the end of an exercise - Sometimes I feel like I can't go on, but then I hear that timer starting and I know I only have seconds left and it gives me the push "I know I can do this for a few more seconds" and I push through!


I was bummed I got off track of the group - but feeling great after week 2 - Week 3, here I come!!!

Join me for my next challenge group!

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