Maegan Blinka, Megan Blinka, Top Elite Coach, Steps to creating a meaningful business, Beachbody Coach training, what does elite mean, Elite Beachbody Coach, Pittsburgh Super Friday event, Pittsburgh Super Saturday, Momprenuer, work from home mom, Successful work from home business, Love the skin you're in, Love yourself Fit, Online health and fitness accountability group, How to get fit from home, Core de Force Results, Whole 30 results, whole 30 recipe ideas, whole 30 grilled chicken, whole 30 ratatouille

Ratatouille

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I saw the Ratatouille recipe in the Whole 30 cookbook and to be honest, was simply intrigued by the name.

I thought Ratatouille was simply a Disney movie?!

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Nonetheless I was excited to try a new veggie loaded side dish and this one had all my favorites in the mix.

WHAT YOU NEED*:

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 zucchini, diced
  • 2 squash, diced
  • 1 eggplant, diced
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 green pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 4 gloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

*The recipe in the Whole 30 cookbook had smaller portions of each veggie. I found myself determined to have leftovers so I upped the amounts. I don’t think you can go wrong here! Point is – load up on all your favorites!  Leave out something you don’t like and ENJOY!!!!

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  1. In a medium pot, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling oto coat the bottom of the pot.
  2. When the oil is hot add the onion, cooking until translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Add the zucchini, squash and eggplant and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook about 2-3 minutes stirring frequently.
  5. Add the red and green peppers, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add the garlic and cook about 1 minute.
  7. Add tomato sauce and 1/2 cup water.
  8. Mix completely and bring to a simmer over low heat.
  9. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all th vegetables are tender, about 20-25 minutes. 

TRANSFER to a serving dose and sprinkle with the balsamic vinegar.

This was a great side dish with grilled chicken, the perfect burgers and salmon cakes!

Next time I will try this dish all on the grill in a grill basket for even easier clean up and more flavor!

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I am currently on Day 29 of the Whole 30 and Core De Force combined and while I am no expert I am absolutely loving the program, results and accountability from those joining me!!!

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If you’d like accountability and support whether its for your workouts, nutrition, the whole 30 or all of the above – fill out the form below!!!

THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS

Black Friday Came early in the fitness world

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Every year Team Beachbody launches a few EXCLUSIVE sales during the holiday season.

And while I don’t EVER look at my job as a salesperson I am a sucker for a good sale – AND – I like to share these opportunities with my customers and followers, who like me, LOVE a good sale!!!

You can BROWSE THE HOLIDAY SALES HERE

The offer is valid for a LIMITED TIME ONLY starting Monday, November 21st at 3PM EST until Tuesday, November 29th at 3PM EST.

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If I can point out a few favorites:

The MASTERS HAMMER & CHISEL DVD set is a STEAL at 33% off!

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The Shakeology Canister is a huge help in avoiding the ever popular “find the scoop” endeavor as you open the new bag.

And the Core Comfort mat is a great for, umm, well the core work 😉 and my NEW and current FAVORITE – CORE DE FORCE workout program!!!

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If you have any questions at ALL about these products – shoot me an email: maeganblinka@gmail.com and I can help you find what’s best for YOU!

Perhaps you’ll find some of the tools you need to help kickstart your fitness journey!!!

I am gearing up to launch my MISSION MAINTAIN: Holiday Survival group to help YOU end the year STRONG.

This is my FINAL accountability group for 2016.

Spots are limited. Apply below

*MUST NOT ALREADY BE WORKING WITH A COACHHoliday Survival Group.jpg

Core de Force: Week 3 in Review – travel addition

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21 days down…9 to go!

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Ever think to yourself “I can’t start that fitness program now. I’m traveling soon/next week/for work” etc…

Traveling doesn’t have to be an EXCUSE!

I took Core de Force and Whole 30 on the road this last week and well, passed with flying colors!!!

2016-11-10-09-49-21Preparation & Snacks were KEY!

Being able to grab a quick bar helped me avoid the temptations for the other snacks through the airport, from the Seminar I was attending, at the hotel, etc…

Plus since I am doing the WHOLE 30, I needed to make sure I avoided any added sugars, gluten and grains! It wasn’t easy but I have found my favorites:

I LOVE the THAT’S IT fruit bars, and the EPIC bars allow for a quick protein on the go!!! Lara bars give a nice sweet touch (without any added sugar!) and the Rx bars provide protein and healthy fats and come in so many amazing flavors.

2016-11-11-13-10-45We also lucked out to have a Whole Foods nearby allowing for plenty restocking options!!

One of the BEST things about this program (for me at least!) is that you don’t need ANY equipment.

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Some room to kick and punch and drop to the floor and you’re good to go!

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We lucked out with a great gym in our hotel. We simply pushed some of the benches out of the way and got to work!

From a nutrition standpoint weeks & and 2 were similar. Week 2 added an additional fruit and Week 3 tacked on a second healthy fat option – which was HUGE as the intensity was taken up quite a bit this week but as we approach the FINAL full week of this program – the extra fruit and extra health fat are gone and its time really push for results!!!

Here’s the plan for my upcoming week:

Core de Force week 4 Meal Plan A.pngCore de Force Week 4 whole 3 meal plan.png

Here’s the links to a few of my favorites this upcoming week:

I have seen great progress thus far and I have already committed to another round of Core de Force that will begin AFTER Thanksgiving.

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If you want a spot in my next online accountability group please take the time to fill out the application below and I will get back to you within 24 hours*

*must not already be a coach on another team OR working with a coach on another team. 

Cauliflower Mash

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I know I know – you’re thinking nothing can truly replace the good old fashioned mashed potatoes and I used to think the same – until I tried this variation of mashed cauliflower and have been forever switched!!!

WHAT YOU NEED*:

  • 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2-3 gloves of garlic
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream**
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth ***
  • 1 TBS minced fresh parsley (optional)

*NOTE: The Whole 30 cookbook also included 2 TBS ghee or clarified butter. I omitted and there was still plenty of flavor and the consistency was perfect which I attribute to the coconut cream!

**To get “coconut cream” simply place a can of coconut milk in the fridge for 1-2 hours and allow the water and fat to separate. Open the can and scoop out the “coconut cream” that has risen to the top”. But trust me – you don’t want to waste the coconut water that remains. Its AMAZING in a superfood SHAKEO!!!

***You can use more or less chicken broth depending on your consistency preference. Add more chicken broth if you like it extra creamy or keep the chicken broth to just a tablespoon or so if you prefer it really thick.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower florets and garlic and simmer until the florets are fork tender, about 10 minutes.
  2. Drain the cauliflower and transfer to food processor or blender.
  3. Add coconut cream, ghee (if using), salt and pepper and pulse/blend until the cauliflower begins to turn smooth in consistency. Add the chicken broth, 1 TBS at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  4. Add parsley and continue blending until completely smooth, serve warm.

We found this the perfect mashed potato substitute and compliment to grilled chicken.

I preferred it smooth liked my mama’s mashed potatoes vs. chunky. If you like a thicker, chunkier consistency – consider using a hand masher.

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I am currently on Day 20 of the Whole 30 and Core De Force combined and while I am no expert I am absolutely loving the program, results and accountability from those joining me!!!

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If you’d like accountability and support whether its for your workouts, nutrition, the whole 30 or all of the above – fill out the form below!!!

THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS

Homemade Applesauce

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True story: This tasted EXACTLY like the inside of an apple pie. 

homemade-applesauce

Mind you – I’m currently on Day 17 of the Whole 30 and have had ZERO sugar (with the exception of fruits) so perhaps that’s why – but I couldn’t get enough of these apples…and bonus: they were SUPER EASY!!!

WHAT YOU NEED:

10-12 PEELED* apples of your choice (I used McIntosh and one Granny Smith – just because that’s what I had!)

1-2 TBS Cinnamon

1-2 TBS coconut oil

Reynolds slow cooker liner (optional: saves on clean up!!)

*Note: You could also use peeled apples and simply blend everything together when you’re finished. I liked to keep the applesauce “chunky” so I peeled the skin

homemade-applesauce

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Place Coconut oil in bottom of crockpot. Layer with apples and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Cook on Low about 6 hours or on High for about 3-4 hours.

Enjoy the apple pie smell that fills your home and try not to eat them all in one sitting!

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I am currently on Day 17 of the Whole 30 and Core De Force combined and while I am no expert I am absolutely loving the program, results and accountability from those joining me!!!

If you’d like accountability and support whether its for your workouts, nutrition, the whole 30 or all of the above – fill out the form below!!!

THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS

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Core de Force Week 2 in Review

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2 Weeks down and I am officially IN LOVE with Core de Force!

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Okay well, maybe “in love” is the wrong phrase but I am already seeing progress, not just in the scale (because honestly I haven’t even weighed myself yet) but in the way I FEEL.

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I feel LEANER – STRONGER – and MORE CONFIDENT and yes, I realize, its only been a few weeks!

But there’s something about these moves that have you feeling like you’re on top of the world and can conquer ANYTHING by the time that final buzzer rings.
Don’t believe me?

Then you have to try it for yourself!

And just like Joel and Jericho shared when we were in Coronado for Leadership – the Eating plan is named such that because you EAT.

Here’s an example meal plan for those of you, like me, often have FOOD in mind!

core-de-force-week-3-meal-plan_updated

Week 2 & 3 you get to add in an extra fruit (compared to week 1)- which I decided to switch up and add to my morning Shakeology this coming week!

You can see from the calendar above – you’re also not just doing one workout anymore.

Most days there’s an add on – a little something extra to help you go the extra mile. And you know what they say…the extra mile is NEVER CROWDED!

NOTE:

Whole 30 meal plan, Core de Force week 1 meal plan, Butternut squash soup, mashed cauliflower, Chicken ratatouille, Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash, Core de Force Week 2 schedule, What to expect with Core de Force, Maegan Blinka, Megan Blinka, MMA, Les Mills new workout, Jericho McMatthews, Joel Freeman, New Beachbody Workout, Kickboxing home workout program, Example whole 30 meal plans with Shakeology, ShakeologyI am currently following the Whole 30 Nutrition plan and while all Whole 30 Foods are also Core De Force “approved” – not all Core de force foods are part of the Whole 30. I’ve completed two (slightly) different meal plans so you can see the difference. 

The biggest challenge/change for me  has been pushing past that magic 30 minute mark that I had in my mind. The amount of time I previously allowed myself to give myself each day and while yes, sometimes the 47 minutes looks daunting when you hit play – I don’t ever see myself looking at the clock again.

The workouts are FUN – EFFECTIVE – and Oh, EFFECTIVE!

And if you’ve been watching and wondering YES its YOUR TURN!

You can now snag this program for yourself!!!

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The program launched on November 1st and is available EXCLUSIVELY through your Team Beachbody Coach (ME – if you don’t already have one!).

So if you’ve been thinking and considering and still teetering on whether or not this program is for YOU and whether or not you’re ready to COMMIT – then fill out the form below, learn more, and determine whether or not this would be a good fit for you!

I’m excited!

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Are you coming to my party?

Cauliflower Fried Rice

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If there’s one thing this Whole 30 jazz is helping me do – its step outside of my normal cooking habits!

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We loved the Cauliflower Fried rice and more so the versatility of it!

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets*
  • 2 TBS coconut oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 pound fresh green beans, snapped and cut into 1″ pieces
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 1 – 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  1. To “rice” the cauliflower, place florets in food processor and pulse until it reaches rice-like consistency. Work in small batches and repeat as needed *NOTE: Costco sells pre-riced cauliflower that makes this process MUCH faster!
  2. In large skillet/pot, melt coconut oil and heat over medium heat. When hot, add onion, carrots and beans. Cook 4-5 minutes and add garlic, cooking one additional minute.
  3. Add the riced cauliflower, salt and pepper to the pot and combine with additional vegetables.
  4. Add chicken broth and cover with lid, simmering 12-15 minutes.
  5. Remove pan from heat and serve as you wish!

We enjoyed this as a side with Chicken & Apple sausage.

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And also with the Perfect seasoned Chicken topped with Homemade Tomato Sauce and incorporated into our Week 2 Core De Force Meal Plan.

cauliflower-fried-rice-with-chicken

Whole 30 meal plan, Core de Force week 1 meal plan, Butternut squash soup, mashed cauliflower, Chicken ratatouille, Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash, Core de Force Week 2 schedule, What to expect with Core de Force, Maegan Blinka, Megan Blinka, MMA, Les Mills new workout, Jericho McMatthews, Joel Freeman, New Beachbody Workout, Kickboxing home workout program, Example whole 30 meal plans with Shakeology, Shakeology

Leftovers tip: Reheat the leftovers using a 2-3 teaspoons coconut oil in a pan, toss cauliflower rice and additional scramble in 2 eggs for a traditional “fried rice” combo! 

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I am currently on Day 13 of the Whole 30 and Core De Force combined and while I am no expert I am absolutely loving the program, results and accountability from those joining me!!!

If you’d like accountability and support whether its for your workouts, nutrition, the whole 30 or all of the above – fill out the form below!!!

THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS

 

Perfectly seasoned Whole 30 Chicken and Burgers

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Because…doesn’t everything taste better from the grill!?!?

I wanted to take a moment to share two recipes we’ve kept in the rotation for a few weeks now and its a simple, basic BURGER & Grilled Chicken comb!

The Perfect Burger

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WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 1 pound ground meat
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

In a large bowl combine all ingredients and divide into 4 equal sized burgers.

  • Option 1: Grill patties over medium heat 5-6 minutes on each side.
    • For extra flavor: finish in oven at 350 degrees F 4-5 minutes. 
  • Option 2: Preheat oven to 350 degrees – Transfer patties to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast in oven until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. F.

Harvest Grilled Chicken

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WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 1 pound chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

In a small bowl mix all seasonings and cover chicken evenly. Grill chicken turning once until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F or until the flesh springs back when pressed (about 4 minutes per side).

NOTE: You’ll want to double if not triple both of these recipes.  They’re perfect to use early in the week and repurpose on salads for fast, easy, delicious lunches and dinners during the week! 

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I am currently on Day 12 of the Whole 30 and Core De Force combined and while I am no expert I am absolutely loving the program combo, the results and the accountability from those joining me!!!

If you’d like accountability and support whether its for your workouts, nutrition, the whole 30 or all of the above – fill out the form below!!!

THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS

 

Homemade Tomato Sauce

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Whole 30 Tomato Sauce.PNGI grew up Italian, with lots of Italian meals and never have I ever even considered making my own sauce.

I mean there’s SO MANY companies out there that make ROCKING sauces. Problem is – MOST of them have sugar in them!

And while I was a little intimidated to start I realized…this sauce thing isn’t so hard after all!

And as I complete Day 10 of the Whole 30 I have made this a second time so trust me when I say – this is a keeper ladies and gents!!!

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 1 tablespoon cooking fat (I used coconut oil)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounce) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  1. Heat the cooking fat in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. When fat  is hot, add the onion, celery and carrot and cook, stirring, until the onion becomes translucent, 2 – 3 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and stir until aromatic, about 1 minute
  4. Add the tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper
  5. REDUCE the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat, stirring every 20 minutes, until the sauce is thick an dsmooth, about an hour.
  6. Discard the bay leaf..
  7. STORE in fridge 5-7 days (if it lasts that long!)

NOTE: I doubled this batch the two times I’ve made it. We’ve used it over ground beef/turkey, over chicken, zoodles, etc. I love the chunky aspect of it – but – for my kids we blended it in the blender so it was super smooth! 

I am currently on Day 10 of the Whole 30 and Core De Force combined and while I am no expert I am absolutely loving the program, results and accountability from those joining me!!!

If you’d like accountability and support whether its for your workouts, nutrition, the whole 30 or all of the above – fill out the form below!!!

THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS

 

Whole 30 meal plan, Core de Force week 2 meal plan, Butternut squash soup, mashed cauliflower, Chicken ratatouille, Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash, Core de Force Week 1 schedule, Maegan Blinka, Megan Blinka, MMA, Les Mills new workout, Jericho McMatthews, Joel Freeman, New Beachbody Workout, Kickboxing home workout program, Example whole 30 meal plans with Shakeology, Shakeology

Core de Force WEEK 2

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And the journey continues!!!

One week down of Core de Force and one week down of WHOLE 30 and this mama is feeling fantastic!!!

And while I am trying hard to keep the scale victories for my Day 30 celebration I did spot some ab definition on Day 5 which is just a little extra reassuring – that YES – in fact this process IS WORKING!Core de force Day 5 progress.jpg

Now don’t get me wrong…we’ve been WORKING it.

This program isn’t easy – and its SO DIFFERENT from the other programs I’ve completed in the last 2.5 years.
But who doesn’t LOVE a good challenge!?!?!

I can FEEL the results and the way my clothes fit are backed up by my sore muscles and increasing energy!

If I had to pick the hardest thing to adjust to – its been the length of the workouts. Two of last week’s workouts are 47 minutes. And while the time flies by, planning for that in the morning has taken a little extra effort. But let’s be real – nothing worth it comes easy?!?!

 

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My hubs and I have been really trying hard to stick to our morning workouts and we’ve been prepping like CRAZY!

Lots of lean meats, veggies, fresh fruits, healthy fats and oh those sweet potatoes – I could eat them with every meal!!!

We did a big family trip to Costco over the weekend and spent a good two hours cooking/chopping/cleaning/roasting/grilling our meals for the week!

Here’s what the game plan looks like for week 2 of Core de Force:

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I am personally doing Whole 30 – which is pretty close to the approved food items on Core de Force – yet a little different.

Here’s an example meal plan for week 2 for someone NOT following whole 30.

NOTE: With the additional increase in activity this week, there is one more PURPLE added in. Its important to eat ENOUGH to stay fueled for the day!!!

core-de-force-week-2-example-meal-plan

And lucky for YOU this program is NOW AVAILABLE for home gym too! 

You can get your Core de Force Challenge pack here:

US: Core De Force

CANADA: Core De Force

But make sure you fill out the form below so you can be part of my Core De Force LAUNCH PARTY!!

Trust me when I say…there’s POWER in numbers!!! The programs are amazing and the Shakeology provides your body with nutrition you can’t get elsewhere but its the SUPPORT and ACCOUNTABILITY that hold it all together – and help you hold it together!!!