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!!!

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Insanity Max:30 Week 1 Review

 

After 2 rounds of T25, a little bit of Les Mils Pump, a little bit of TurboFire and 2 rounds of the 21 Day Fix, I needed to do something a little bit different as my weight loss has slowed down. I was losing weight at a very steady rate since April, but with a little lax in my diet and not being overly challenged in my workouts it had slowed and some weeks even stalled... Then like magic Insanity Max:30 was announced and I knew it would be my next challenge!

 

 

What my OCD brain loved was the nutrition plan - no guessing! Here is a list of foods, here is how much you can eat in a day, and here is a recipe book - how perfect! Everything from breakfast, to Shakeology recipes, to dressings!

Meal planning and prep is always key for me! My young girls demand a lot of my time and attention, we are on the go a lot of times and I work nights and evenings... so having a plan and having it ready to go at a moments notice helps me keep myself in check!

 

 

The fun part about taking on this 60 day challenge is that I am doing the program side by side with my exclusive test group!

Day 1 - Cardio Challenge

Cardio Challenge is the "fit test" of the program... Phew! Not easy and honestly I was a little disappointed with myself! The program has scheduled breaks (30 seconds about every 5 minutes) and I had to take 5 breaks on top of that!!! I got my heart rate up as high as I ever have and my highest calorie burn in 30 minutes which is amazing to me because I took so many breaks! I felt amazing (and thirsty!) when it was completed!! I instantly knew that this program would be what I needed to re-jump start my weight loss!





Dinner Day 1 - yum!

Day 2 - Tabata Power!

I really enjoyed this workout - I love pushing my body and using my body to train my body. Tabata training is an intense 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off... I thought to myself - "only 20 seconds ha I can do that" whoa it was intense! Had a great sweat going and felt amazing - although I am not sure how I am going to wash my hair.

 

  

Day 3

Today was supposed to be Sweat Intervals - I worked night shift the night before and I was getting ready for a second 12 hour night shift... I got up early to do my workout - only to find my girls begging for mommy time... Aubrey wanted a game of Chutes and Ladders and Kate wanted to play peek-a-boo - and I just couldn't pass it up! Especially after not seeing them all day - So they win (and so did I) - Rest day today and Sweat intervals will be made up for on Saturday!

Day 4 - Tabata Power

Ummm yeah - that didn't get easier

 

Day 5 - Friday Fight

Holy Crap! First of all, I was disappointed to find out that there weren't as many breaks - this really was a challenge between mind and body! It really pushed me past limits I ever imagined... whoa! The time went so fast, I was so focused on learning the new moves and convincing myself not to give up...

 

Saturday - Making up that missed Sweat Interval workout!

This was my favorite workout - it was a great mix of cardio and strength building! I added in 10 minute Ab attack since the girls were actually behaving for me lol - OMGsh! I thought the 21 Day Fix 10 minute Fix for Abs was a killer, this was unlike anything I could've imagined! I loved it! My body is so sore and I can see and feel it changing!!

 

PUMPED FOR WEEK 2 - even though it is the holidays and we will be busy and temptations will be high - I got this! More than ever I want this for myself... Shaun T said something in one of his pre-workout speeches that really motivated me - it's about me, in these 30 minutes its about me - getting me in the best physical condition.. I am so ready to be the best version of myself!!!

 

 

Pumpkin Chai Shakeology

I know it is winter time, and I should be thinking all things Christmas - but I can not get over pumpkin season just quite yet!!! Not going to lie, I may or may not have topped it with cool whip! Enjoy!

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!

21 Day Fix

With 21 Day Fix, losing weight has never been simpler—or faster! Anyone can have success with this simple program. Expertly combines simple nutrition with simple daily workouts to give you extraordinary results...

What is 21 Day Fix? 

 •    A 21-day program of simple portion control and 30-minute workouts that anyone can do
 •    Simple, fast weight loss—no weighing food or counting calories, carbs, or points
 •    You can lose up to 15 pounds in 21 days

What makes 21 Day Fix unique?

 •    Portion-control containers take all the guesswork out of losing weight
 •    It's the simplest way to control how much you eat
•    30-minute workouts that anyone can do and fit into everyone's busy life

 

Is the 21 Day Fix for me???? It is if you...

 •    Want to lose weight
 •    Don't want to make long time commitments
 •    Have tried and failed at complicated diet plans
 •    Don't want an extreme fitness program
 •    Have started their weight-loss journey with Shakeology®
 •    Are new to fitness, dieting, and weight loss
 •    Don't like deprivation

What all do I get???

•    7 color-coded portion-control containers

•    Shakeology® shaker cup 
•    6 easy-to-follow 30-minute workouts
•    21 Day Fix Start Here quickstart guide and workout calendar
•    21 Day Fix Eating Plan that shows you exactly what to do
•    3 Day Quick Fix Guide, Autumn's secret weapon for fast weight loss
•    Dirty 30 bonus workout
•    FREE bonus workout—Plyo Fix (a $19.95 value)

What do I have to do?

•    The Eating Plan shows you how to use the color coded portion-control containers
•    Simply put your choice of food in the color-coded container—if it fits, you can eat it!
 •    Do one 30-minute workout per day according to the Fitness Guide
•    Follow the simple plan, and you can lose up to 15 pounds in 21 days

The 21 Day Fix is perfect if you want to...

•    To finally lose the weight and keep it off
•    To lose weight quickly before an event or vacation
•    To learn what healthy portions really look like
•    To find out how easy portion control and weight loss can be

Smores Shakeology

This has been perfect this holiday weekend - decreased cravings, increased energy, and superfoods all in one glass!!

Butterfinger Shakeology

300 calorie Berry Cobbler

Great and easy cobbler recipe!

 

What you need:

- 1 refridgerated pie crust
- 4 cups mixed berries
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 1.5 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- frozen vanilla yogurt

 

What you need to do:

- Unroll pie crust.. trim into 8inch square and create strips
- Place berries in 8 inch square baking sheet
- Sprinkle with 2 tbsp. sugar
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, cinnamon and salt with 1/4 cup boiling water until cornstarch dissolves.. drizzle over berries
- Arrange dough strips in a lattice pattern on top of berriesx
- Brush dough with water and sprinkle with 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Bake at 375 until crust is golden and filling is bubbling, about 1 hour
- Let stand 15 minutes and serve with frozen yogurt.

Serves about 6 - Enjoy!!!

How to Lose 10 Pounds in 21 Days Challenge Group

 

 

Join us to an exclusive 21 Day Fix Accountability and Support group. These groups are closed Facebook group were myself and a team of coaches help and support you through the 21 Day Fix Program. See our workout tips, recipes and meal plans. Daily motivation, accountability and support. What is the 21 Day Fix?

 Who is ready to lose 10 pounds in 21 days with us? Join here!

Angel Hair Chicken Pasta

Angel Hair Chicken Pasta

I love this dish because it is simple, easy, healthy, a crowd pleaser and you don't need any fresh ingredients so it is a great recipe right before a grocery trip! It is kind of like a summer time chicken noodle soup! Enjoy!

 

What you need:

2 TBSP olive oil

2 cups of chicken breasts cut into slices

1 bag of Steam Fresh frozen Broccoli, Caulifower and Carrots

Whole Wheat Pasta

2/3 cup Chicken Broth (I used 2/3 c water with 1 cube chicken bouillon)

1/4 c freshly grated parmesan cheese

Dried Basil

1 clove minced garlic

 

What you need to do:

-Cook pasta according to directions

-Add olive oil and garlic to a skillet

-Heat pan over medium heat

-Add chicken, season with basil and cook chicken

-Remove from skillet

-In the same skillet add frozen veggies, cover and heat until warm in the middle (I found they get too mushy for this recipe if you microwave them first)

-When warm, add chicken broth, chicken, and cheese and cook over low for 4 min.

- Serve over whole wheat noodles - be sure to measure the noodles for portion control!!!

Enjoy!

 

 

Week2

Week 2 was awesome! I thought it would be such a challenge with the 4th of July! But I took my own holiday planning advice and brought my 2 21 day fix approved dishes and asked if I could bring chicken to grill (luckily they were grilling chicken anyways).




Grilled Chicken with Homemade Peach Mango Salsa!

At our second picnic, I again brought the same 21 day fix approved dishes. The second party had a build your own kabob bar so it was perfect! Some fruit, peppers, onions, grilled chicken! How yummy and fun! Great idea if you are hosting a party and want a great clean eating meal!                                  

What a great idea Mom!!!

Since my abs are my weakest and the most challenging workout for me is the 10 min ab fix, I committed to doing it every other day and it has been great and I have noticed this is getting easier and easier!

The workouts continue to challenge me, and fitting them with work and picnics was not easy but I remembered my whys and continued to push play... sticking to my nutrition plan and workouts played off in a huge way - 3.6 pounds and 2.5inches just this week!!!

Excited for week 3, and switching it up with doubles!!! 

Greek Yogurt Mac n Cheese

Every now and then I love to have a high protein meal that is meatless! I craved Mac 'n Cheese, but struggled thinking how I could make it "clean"... but HELLO I found it!!!

What you need:

- 8oz (2c) whole wheat pasta
- 8oz (2c) shredded sharp cheddar
- 1/2 c plain greek yogurt
- 2 c fresh spinach
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder

What to do:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions.
- Place spinach leaves in the bottom of the strainer, and pour the pasta over top to drain and wilt the spinach
- Save 1/2c of the pasta water
- Return the cooked macaroni and wilted spinach to the pot
- Add about 1/4 c of the pasta water to the pot, and stir in cheese until melted.
- Stir in the greek yogurt, onion and garlic powder until smooth
- Stir in remaining pasta water, to thin if needed.

Tomato Basil Pasta

My FAVORITE summer recipe! Great as a side and main dish :) We grow Roma tomatoes in our garden just for this dish!

You need:
7 Roma Tomatoes
Basil
2 cloves of Garlic
Whole Wheat Pasta cooked
Olive Oil

First you want to blanch your tomatoes (this takes the skin off of them).
Don't know how to blanch? No problem!

 

Score the tomatoes on the top and bottom.

Put them in a pot of water with just enough to cover the tomatoes.







Once the edges lift, use a slotted spoon to lift tomatoes and put them in an ice water bath.

 

Cut up basil, most effective way is to put the leaves together, roll them and cut.

Mince garlic

Cut tomatoes once they cool.

Drizzle olive oil in a large frying pan. High-medium heat. Add garlic and sauté. After 2 minutes add tomatoes and basil. Heat through.

 Add cooked noodles and sauté.

Top with fresh Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy :)

Simply Healthy, Simply Made Potatoes

I am really working on trying new clean eating recipes to share. It's hard because if you know me, you know I eat the same things over and over.... Especially when I am counting calories, I know the calorie value of a meal, I know how filling it is and it is easy (or lazy lol)... So you will find my recipes super simple.. These are easy, cheap and family friendly :)

Simply Made Potatoes

I went into my garden and picked some basil, rosemary and thyme (if you don't have an herb garden, I highly recommend you start one, the flavor is amazing and it is a cheaper alternative to buying dried spiced) and chop!

Yellow potatoes, washed and thinly sliced

Olive Oil

Garlic Powder

THAT'S IT!!!

Oven to 350 degrees

Place thinly sliced potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil (lightly drizzle, it just helps the potatoes not to stick to the baking sheet and to add crispiness but you don't want them to be oily).

Add fresh or dried spices. Gently stir until potatoes are evenly covered.

Place on baking sheet.

Lightly sprinkle with garlic powder.

Bake until desired crispiness

ENJOY :)