I have been getting a lot of requests lately for vegetarian recipes...but I wanted to find things that you can enjoy at the holidays or just good old comfort food to eat while it's cold outside.  I thing this one fits the bill in both categories!

Acorn Squash with Walnuts and Cranberries

Ingredients

• 1 Acorn Squash, cut in half
• ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• ½ cup cranberries, frozen or fresh
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter or butter substitute

Instructions

1. Turn your oven to 375F.
2. Combine walnuts, cranberries and brown sugar. Toss to combine.
3. Cut each acorn squash in half. Remove and discard seeds.
4. Split the mixture between two halves of the squash. Top with 1/2 tablespoon butter each half.
5. Place in a baking dish, loosely cover with foil and bake in a for 1 hour 15 minutes, to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until fork inserted into the squash goes in easily.
6. Remove from the oven, place on a plate and serve right away.

To eat:

With each spoonful try to catch a little bit of everything, the walnuts, the cranberries and some of the syrup built up at the bottom of the squash. If it is not sweet enough, add a spoon of honey. Enjoy!

Our AMAZING Team Girls Night

Last week our AMAZING team got together for an evening of friendship, good wine and a GREAT time!  I feel so lucky that all of these women have come into my life because of coaching!  I have been surrounded by people that LIFT me up, not bring be down.  It is amazing how much positive people can impact your life in such an amazing way.  And it is a ripple effect.....the women on my team are getting healthier, both physically, emotionally and financially.  And they are sharing their experiences with others.  I am so proud of these gals and feel so fortunate to have them in my life!  Thank you for an amazing evening!

 

One Pot Burriot Bowl

How good does this look????  One pot.....thirty minutes.....MEXICAN HEAVEN!!!!  Quick, healthy an delicious! 

One Pot Burrito Bowls

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced sweet onion
1 pound lean hamburger
1/3 cup salsa
1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz can corn, drained or frozen & thawed
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 4 oz can diced green chiles
1 cup brown rice
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 cup shredded cheddar/jack cheese
S & P to taste
Optional toppings:
Plain Greek Yogurt/Low Fat Sour Cream
Cilantro
Green Onions
Tomatoes
Avocado

Directions:

In a large pan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Saute the onions and red peppers. Add in hamburger and cook until browned. Stir in salsa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, jasmine rice, taco seasoning and chili powder. Pour in chicken stock and then bring to a light boil. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is all the way cooked.
When rice is done add the cheese, S&P to taste. Top with your favorite toppings.  Nom, nom, nom!

SHAKEOLOGY - HERE'S THE 411

Shakeology has been a game changer for me!  I have tried other meal replacement shakes before, but they never did what I wanted them to do.  I was always starving within an hour of drinking them and I never lost weight.  Shakeology is different. The shakes keep me full until the next meal, curbs my cravings, and I have energy that I have never had before!  My digestion is so much better and it has helped me lose weight!  Shakeology really is the healthiest meal of my day!

I received my Shakeology order and my first shake I blended 1 cup almond milk, banana, and a cup of frozen berries.  I got better at mixing the shakes as the days went on and now they taste amazing.  I drink my shake for either breakfast or lunch.  You can make it however you would like.  My favorite is mixing it with almond milk, peanut butter powder, banana and ice.  MMMMM!!!!!!

What is Shakeology?

Shakeology is a nutritional protein shake that provides a wide spectrum of healthy nutrients in a low-calorie formula.  Whether you use it as a meal replacement for weight loss or simply to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs for optimal health, Shakeology takes the guesswork out of nutrition.

What's in it?

Shakeology contains over 70 ultra high-quality ingredients conveniently located in one glass, to deliver nearly all the nutrients you need to maintain a healthy diet.  It's good for you, and good for everyone, because everyone's diet is deficient in some of the key nutrient groups packed into just one Shakeology serving.

 

Protein from whey, which is highly absorbable, gives you 8 essential amino acids that help you build muscle, lose weight, support brain function, and keep your skin and bones healthy.

Vitamins and minerals support optimum health.

Antioxidants boost the immune system and help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, blood pressure, and stroke.

Phytonutrients support immune function and have anit-inflammatory properties.

Prebiotics support digestive and immune health.

Digestive enzymes help in the digestion of foods and increase the absorption rate of those foods for optimum health.

What can Shakeology do for you?

It is an effective way to help you lose weight, increase your energy and be the healthiest you can possibly be.  Shakeology can help you reduce cravings and promote healthy digestion and regularity. Shakeology recommends that you replace one meal per day with a shake along with regular exercise and a balanced diet.  It can reduce your total cholesterol, reduce LDL cholesterol, reduce cardiovascular risk, and reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Why Shakeology?

I love Shakeology because it is a quick and convenient way to get complete nutrition.  It supplies me with the energy I need to help keep up with work, the kids and my hectic lifestyle.  It is also easier to make and tastier than a salad, and it is an excellent way to eat healthy when eating a full meal is not possible.  If you don't like eating fruits and vegetables then this is a great way to get all the benefits of eating a full bowl of fruits and vegetables without having to actually eat them.  If you have high cholesterol then this will help you lower total and LDL as well.

How to use it.

It's very simple.

Mix 1 scoop of Shakeology with 1/2 cup of almond milk and 3/4 cup of water.  If you like, add 1 cup of ice.  I also like to add 1/2 a banana and depending on the flavor, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter....mmmmmmmmm!

Three Day Refresh Round 2

Well, any skepticism I had the first time around is now GONE!  My results the second time are just as good as my first!  Five pounds in three days!!!!  And I wasn't hungry, I had energy the entire time, no headaches (I was worried because I couldn't drink coffee....and I LOVE my coffee in the morning).

I really needed to get back on track after our trip last month.  I couldn't stop eating!!!!!  And I was in a downward spiral of eating JUNK.  Does that happen to you????  We are all human and indulgences happen.....but the question is, How LONG will you keep going?  I really didn't want to go into the holiday season with an extra 9 pounds.....because then I will have an even BIGGER hurdle to climb in January.  This was what I needed!  Since my refresh I have been making better food choices, sticking with my PiYo workouts and my pants are FITTING!!!!!!

I have been searching for a chicken casserole recipe that uses raw chicken, that is easy, that is HEALTHY, and MOST importantly, that the kids will eat.  I found a recipe similar to this recipe on Pinterest and I made some modifications to "clean it up" a bit.  End result CLEAN PLATES!!!!!!  This is without a doubt going into our regular rotation!!!!

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
For the casserole:
1 cup uncooked brown rice

1 1/2 cup milk
2 10.75-oz. cans condensed cheddar cheese soup* (such as Campbell’s)
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 large (or 4 small) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt, pepper and garlic powder
2 12-oz. bag frozen broccoli florets (or about 3 cups fresh)
For the topping:
1 sleeve butter crackers, crushed (such as Ritz or Town House)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Spray the bottom and sides of a 13x9 or two 9x9 baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cheddar soups and 3/4 teaspoon salt until smooth. Set aside 1 cup of the soup mixture. To the remaining soup mixture, stir in uncooked rice then pour mixture into prepared baking dish (if making two smaller casseroles, evenly divide between the two).

Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces then season with salt, pepper and garlic. Arrange chicken pieces on top of rice mixture.

Arrange broccoli florets on top of the chicken.

Pour reserved soup mixture evenly over broccoli. Cover dish very tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Consider covering with a double layer of foil to ensure a tight fit - we need all the steam to stay in the dish to ensure everything cooks properly.
of freezing, you will freeze at this step.

Combine crushed crackers, melted butter and garlic and mix well. Remove casserole from oven, remove aluminum foil then sprinkle cracker topping evenly over casserole. Continue baking, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and let rest for at least 15 minutes then serve. Don't skip this step - it's needed for the rice to continue cooking and the casserole to set up properly.

NOTE: If you prepare this ahead of time and refrigerate before cooking you will need to cook for an additional 15 minutes before adding cracker topping.  If freezing, be sure to thaw before baking.

Nutella Shakeology

My sweet tooth has gotten the best of me lately.  I have been struggling and I finally found EXACTLY what I needed.  I needed the creamy, rich flavor of NUTELLA.  I LOVE Nutella.......really, really love Nutella.  And I was skeptical that a glass of Shakeology would satisfy my cravings.  But it did.  It TOTALLY did!  And it is now my new obsession.  Drink up!!!!

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Quinoa & Chicken Soup

With Fall in the air (not really in Florida...although we sure are ready for it to be), a good comforting soup in a slow cooker sounds just about right!

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Quinoa & Chicken Soup

1 and 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup quinoa (I used a black bean quinoa package)
2 large sweet potatoes (1 pound or ~3-1/2 cups)
1 can (15.25 ounces) black beans
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 packet (1.25 ounces) chili seasoning mix
5 cups chicken broth*
Optional: fresh parsley

Spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray. Remove the fat from the chicken breasts and put them into the slow cooker along with the rinsed quinoa.
(I found a black beans seasoned quinoa package which I used and loved, but regular quinoa will work as well, just make sure to rinse it well.)
Remove the skins and chop the sweet potatoes into cubes adding them into the slow cooker.
Drain and rinse the black beans and add those in. Add in the undrained petite diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chili seasoning mix, and chicken broth.
Place on high for 3-5 hours (It took 4 hours on high for my crockpot.)
Using two forks, shred the chicken and stir all the ingredients together.
Add salt and pepper and if desired fresh parsley.
Serve immediately.

Clean Eating Chopped Greek Salad

I made a TON of this over the weekend to bring to work and I am SO glad that I did!  So yummy!  I waited to add the dressing until I got to the office so the salad would stand up for a few days.  I also added some shredded chicken and a little feta and YUMMO!!!  Really tasty and satisfying!!!!

 
Ingredients
1 hothouse cucumber
4-5 ripe roma tomatoes
1 large red bell pepper
1 small red onion
1/4 cup fresh parsley
15 oz. can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
Optional: olives, feta, pepperoncini, chicken, shrimp

{For the dressing}
3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. salt

Directions
Make the dressing: in a small bowl, combine all ingredients and whisk to combine. Set aside.
Dice the cucumber, onion, bell pepper and tomatoes (removing any excess liquid from tomatoes).
Put vegetables and garbanzo beans in a large bowl.
Add dressing and toss to combine OR pour dressing on later.

Can eat immediately or refrigerate for at least an hour to let flavors combine. Some dressing will settle on the bottom, so stir before serving.

Eggplant "Pizza"

It isn't easy sometimes making the necessary sacrifices to eat clean....I mean, who doesn't want to eat a piping hot bowl of pasta with marinara?????  Considering it is one of Avery's favorite foods, it is on the menu pretty frequently at our house.

So the other night I was scanning pinterest to find something I could switch out for my dinner while the kids were slurping spaghetti.....and here it is ---------------->>>  Eggplant Pizza.  It was so tasty (I am going to make it for the kids next time).  It reheated like a dream too!

Eggplant "Pizza"

1 eggplant about 8 ounces and 9-10 inches long
about 1 T salt, for drawing water out of eggplant
Parmesan
finely grated low-fat mozzarella blend
hot red pepper flakes for sprinkling finished pizza (optional)
Pasta or Pizza Sauce of choice (homemade or jarred)

Instructions:

Cut off both ends of the eggplant; then cut it into 3/4 inch thick slices (trying to make them the same thickness)  Put the eggplant pieces on a double layer of paper towels and sprinkle both sides generously with salt.  Let the eggplant sit with the salt on it for about 30 minutes to draw out the liquid.  (After the eggplant sits for 15 minutes, turn on the oven to 375F)

After 30 minutes, wipe the eggplant dry with paper towels (this also removes most of the salt.)  Spray a roasting sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray, lay eggplant slices on and cover with a few tablespoons of sauce, then sprinkle with cheese. Bake for about 35 - 40 minutes.

Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving so they don't fall apart with the spatula.  Serve hot, with red pepper flakes to sprinkle on pizza if desired.

Clean Fried Rice

Finding something that everyone likes and it healthy can be a challenge.  My kids would be just fine eating mac & cheese and chicken nuggets for every meal if I let them.....but I am really trying to broaden their horizons (and keep it healthy for all of us).  My sister tried this recipe that was originally from Tyler Florence and made some healthy modifications....I made a few changes to work for us and it was GREAT!!!!

Ingredients
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 shallots, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 -inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
Pinch red pepper flakes
1 small head Napa cabbage, cored and chopped 

8-ounces mushrooms 1

cup frozen peas, thawed
1 generous pinch kosher salt

2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 pint cooked brown rice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, cut in pieces

Heat 2 tablespoons of the canola oil in a wok or large non-stick skillet over medium-high flame. Give the oil a minute to heat up, then add the shallots, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes; stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cabbage, mushrooms, and peas, stir-fry until the cabbage is wilted and soft, about 8 minutes; season with a nice pinch of salt. Remove the vegetables to a side platter and wipe out the wok.

Put the pan back on the heat and coat with the sesame oil. When the oil is hot, pour the eggs into the center of the pan. Scramble the egg lightly, then let it set without stirring so it stays in big pieces. Fold in the rice and toss with the egg to combined well, breaking up the rice clumps with the back of a spatula. Return the sauteed vegetables and add the chicken to the pan and moisten with the soy sauce. Toss everything together to heat through and season again with salt. Spoon the fried rice out onto a serving platter.  

This was so good mixed with siracha too!  MMMMM!!!!!!

Detox Shakeology

Do a little cleansing with this great detoxing Shakeology recipe.  How refreshing is this????  Perfect to kick-start the week!

Detox Shakeology
¾ cup water
1 cup diced watermelon
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. grated raw ginger root
1 scoop Tropical Strawberry Shakeology
1 cup ice cubes

Place water, watermelon, lemon juice, ginger, Shakeology, and ice in blender canister. Cover; blend until smooth.

Three Day Refresh

We have had the BEST summer....so many great days getting together with friends. We have been to birthday parties, BBQ's, holidays.  And WOW, did all of that fun CATCH UP to me!!!!!!

I have managed to put on about 10 pounds this summer because of all  that fun!  I knew my clothes were fitting tighter that normal, but really??????  TEN POUNDS!!!!?????  And I had worked so HARD to lose them!!!!

I needed to get back ON TRACK ASAP....no time for lollygagging.  I decided to give the new Three Day Refresh a whirl.  I had done a three day Shakeology cleanse back in January and it really helped me RESET my habits after the holidays.  I was able to get my nutrition and PORTIONS in check. Surely the Refresh would do the same....right?

The REFRESH is easy. It lasts for three days and you start each day with a serving of Shakeology and fruit.  Mid-morning you enjoy a fiber drink and lunch is a special vanilla shake developed for the Refresh, along with a serving of fruit and veggies.  You get a mid-afternoon veggie snack and dinner is another vanilla shake, veggie broth and a veggie-based dinner recipe. And water....you have to stay hydrated!

I cannot BELIEVE the success I had in just THREE DAYS!!!!  Five pounds lost!!!!  No bloat and I feel FANTASTIC!  I wasn't hungry and or tired during those three days because the program has plenty of protein and fiber.  I can tell you that I will be REFRESHING regularly...at least once a quarter.  This is exactly what I needed to get my nutrition back on track.

Are you curious about the refresh and how you can use it to help you get back on track?  Message me for details!

What is Beachbody Coaching?

Curious about what beachbody coaching is? Check out this quick video for a great overview!

My WHY

One of the main reasons that I started this journey was to be a better example for my girls. I want them to grow up with a positive role model and I couldn't just talk the talk about being healthy and having a positive body image. I had to walk the walk...and I am. We don't use the words "fat" or "skinny" or "diet" in our house. We say "strong" and "healthy". I am proud to say that the girls see being healthy and strong as beautiful. I hope that they will grow up with confidence and look at exercise and eating healthy as a life style, not just something to do before a vacation. I KNOW that this journey is worth it one-hundred times over, for me and most importantly for my girls.

Basic Clean Eating

I have been getting a lot of questions about clean eating and how to do it. I found this great basic guide so you can get yourself started the next time you head to the grocery store. Basically, you will shop from the perimeter of the grocery store. Skip the cookies, crackers and chips. You will fill your cart with fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, oatmeal, whole grains, lean meats, eggs, hummus...you will be shocked at what you CAN eat. The internet will FULL of resources to help you make the shift. There are a TON of great recipes for dinner, snacks and dessert! You don't have to do a complete overhaul of your pantry at one time (although you can...I'm not going to stop you). Start with little changes and incorporate them into your family's regular rotation. Over the course of a few weeks, if you stop buying all of the junk and replace it with healthy CLEAN alternatives during each trip, your fridge and pantry will be significantly healthier and you have made some positive changes for your lifestyle. I challenge you to give it a try!

The 21 Day Fix

Do you struggle on portion control? What to eat and how much to eat? They say abs are made in the kitchen, right? Well someone was paying attention to what MOST of us struggle with….

The 21 Day Fix is set to be released on February 3rd!!! This is THE program to help you lose weight in 21 days and help you get a handle on portion control, which is an area that a lot of people struggle with (including me). The SIMPLE eating program uses color coded specifically portioned food storage containers that eliminate the guesswork - no weighing, measuring, or counting calories, carbs or points. If it fits in the container, you can eat it. How easy is that?! The program also comes with a workout program by celebrity fitness trainer Autumn Calabrese...and the best party...30-minute workouts!!!!

This is THE program to jump-start your weight loss and get ready for summer! To be considered for the test group, message me.