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Southwestern Quinoa Salad

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Looking for something clean, healthy and full of flavor to take to your next picnic or family gathering?!? Look no further! This dish is your winner! Its loaded with black beans and quinoa to get you protein, mango for some sweetness and a little cilantro and some spices to jazz things up. And besides – it looks very pretty!

My family reunion is today and I wanted to make sure I took something that not only my own family would enjoy but everyone there and I wanted it to be a clean dish. A challenger of mine had shared her version of this recipe in one of my health and fitness accountability groups over Memorial Day weekend and  I had been waiting for a good reason to make try it for myself! Quinoa is a common side dish in my house but quite honestly, this one had a lot of chopping involved so I wanted to save it for a special occassion!

I’ll admit it wasn’t one of those “quick and easy throw together in 10 minutes” dishes but it was worth every minute in the kitchen. And thanks to my amazing hubby it really didn’t take too long with us tag teaming it!

So here goes:

Ingredients:

  • 15-ounce can black beans (rinsed very well and drained)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (according to package directions)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
  • 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped fresh mango (approximately 1 mango)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
  • juice from 1 medium lemon
  • 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin

Directions:

Start by cooking the quinoa first (This could also be cooked in advance and refrigerated). While the quinoa was cooking, rinse the  black beans, cook the frozen corn, chop the red and jalopeno peppers, chop the mango and cilantro and dice the onion. (I like to save the onion for last because I struggle so bad with my eyes!!)

Add all items – the beans, quinoa, corn, bell pepper, mango, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño in a large mixing bowl.

Next, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and turmeric in a small bowl and drizzle it over the mixture and stir well.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

(NOTE: This is best when mixed the night before so the flavors have the time to marinate!)

I’ll admit – despite wrapping this up around 11:00pm I had to taste it – it just smelled so good – and it tasted as good as I expected! Hoping the family enjoys it as well!

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Southwestern Quinoa Salad

 

And to top it all off – this flavor packed side dish is both PiYO and 21-day fix approved. (I would count this as 1 yellow and 1 tsp – olive oil – even though there’s a bit of purple, green, red!!!)  

If you are interested in  these or any other workout program and would like to get 1:1 coaching and support along with motivation and accountability, please fill out my challenge and accountability application below! I will share tips and recipes and I will help you with the one thing I always found so difficult – MEAL PLANNING!  Remember – your health and fitness success is 80% nutrition. You can get all the results and support you need right in your own home – and you don’t have to do it alone! 

Toasted almond and cranberry quinoa

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I’ve been on a bit of a quinoa kick however after making a double recipe of my quinoa salad a few weeks ago – which lasted over a week – I knew it was time to switch things up! I was inspired by the recipe on the back of my quinoa bag from SAMs club and made a few tweeks to make it my own – and it turned out delicious!!!

I love when I can do an entire dish in one pot! And this is no exception.

I started by toasting 1/2 cup slivered almonds over medium heat until golden. 

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Step 1: Toast the almonds until golden brown

Next I added 1 cup of quinoa and roasted about 5 minutes. While this was roasting I boiled 1 1/2 cups of water in the microwave 

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Step 2: Toast almonds and quinoa

 

Toasted almonds and quinoa

Once the quinoa and almonds are toasted add the boiling water along with 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, a dash of sea salt and 1 tsp of cinnamon

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Step 3: Add boiling water and remaining ingredients

 

Toasted almond and cranberry quinoa

Bring all contents to a boil and simmer covered until all water is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes

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Step 4: Cook until all liquid is absorbed

Serve alongside your favorite meals – my pick – grilled chicken tenders and grilled summer vegetables (squash, zucchini and onions)

Toasted almond and cranberry quinoa 7

This smelled amazing while cooking and tasted even better! Excited for the leftovers!!!

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***UPDATE***

These leftovers were great cold  added to some salmon and grilled veggies and as a topping on a salad.

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21-day fix approved! Talk about a loaded salad…spinach, grilled chicken, grape tomatoes, snap peas, peppers, avocado and blueberries to avoid a dressing with some leftover toasted almond and cranberry quinoa salad for a little twist! Best part was everything was all prepped in my fridge so it took about 3 minutes to pull together!! 2 Greens, 1 red, 1/3 purple, 1/3 yellow, 1 blue

Ingredients: (4-6 servings)

1 cup quinoa

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 1/2 cups boiling water

Dash of sea salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

Over medium heat, stir and toast the slivered almonds until golden. Add the quinoa and toast a few more minutes until quinoa begins to darken. Add remaining ingredients, bring to boil, covered, then reduce heat to simmer for 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and serve!

NOTE: We enjoyed the leftovers the next day and left them cold – I may have actually liked that better!!! 

If you’re interested in learning more about clean eating, join one of my upcoming accountability and support groups!!

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PIYO Progress week 4

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Week 4 is officially in the books…so what are my thoughts??? Well, let’s just say this week brought on a whole new level of intensity! Two new workouts were introduced – Hardcore on the floor and Drench – and for some reason I still just get can’t seem to fathom how that 22 minute Strength Interval workout packs such a punch!

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PiYO DRENCH

Every time I think I have a favorite workout I am introduced to something new but for now – we’re going to say the winner is DRENCH – and yes, it lives up to its name.

I can feel my strength improving even as I do regular daily activities around the house. That 50lb double stroller getting tossed into the back of my SUV seems a bit easier to handle!!! And going up and down and down and up the stairs around the house with a 32lb princess and 23lb little man balanced on my hips seems to come with ease. But its no secret. They’re not changing – I’m getting stronger – AND I LIKE IT!!!!

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The workouts have been awesome and I’m really feeling the burn during week 4 – but like any workout regimen, the nutrition is 80% of success!!! I have learned the hard way you can do crunches until you’re blue in the face but without the proper nutrition those abs will remain in hiding!

OH…the meal planning!!!

I have found I have more success when I stick to my favorites! Meal planning is easier, shopping is easier, and I waste less therefore save more $$$ – so what’s to complain about? I like my snacks to be filling and crunchy…and take a little time to eat. I am often grabbing something and heading out to run errands during my morning snack so its usually some raw veggies or an apple – something that can be prepped ahead of time and quickly grabbed!!!

Here’s my week 4 meal plan:

PIYO Meal Plan Week 4

Now for the workouts:

Monday – Sweat

Tuesday – Hardcore on the floor

Wednesday – BUNS

Thursday – Drench

Friday – PiYO rest day (although I did visit my local yoga studio for an awesome hot yoga session with my sister in law who was visiting from out of town)

Saturday – Strength Intervals

Sunday – Sweat

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Week 4, Day 1

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Week 4 Day 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I absolutely love the convenience of working out at home on my own schedule but I also like to take my practice into a yoga studio periodically so I can get some additional guidance and tips from someone else! Friday morning I enjoyed a great class and even got to try out some new moves! I impressed myself being able to hold crow longer than ever before and having the strength to try out some new ones! I see progress in the making!

The week closed out with a Sunday morning SWEAT session and a short cameo by my son, Colt. I love that my children get to see me in action. Children will imitate what they see not what they are told and I am going to do everything in my power to make sure they see me living a healthy happy life!

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If you’re interested in PiYO you can create a FREE team beachbody account HERE and fill out the form below for a spot in my next accountability group! Its never too late to get started and you can never have too much support along the way!!!

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21-day fix meal plan

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So what does a meal plan look like for the 21-day fix???

Let me show you!

Here’s an example of one of mine – now your meal plan will vary based on your daily caloric needs, but this one happens to be for the 1200 – 1400 calorie range. 

You’ll see I like to split up my yellows and purples throughout the day so I can enjoy them more frequently without going “over” my daily allotment! 

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Good luck on the fix!! 

Not quite there yet? Fill out the application below and join one of my upcoming challenge groups!

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PIYO Week 3 Progress Update

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PIYO Week 3 Day 1

Week 3 is in the books! 

I’ll be the first to admit I thought PiYO started off a little slow. I was enjoying the change in pace but there was a time or two that I thought to myself, is this really going to get me the results I am looking for? I LOVED the 21-day fix workouts and these were just so different but I wanted to put trust in the program. There were a lot of people who worked together to put a program schedule together with awesome workouts and an easy to follow meal plan and I want to see what I get when I follow it! As I wrap up week 3 and the intensity builds I am realizing yes, in fact these people knew what they were doing!!

I’ve found the meal plan pretty easy to adapt to…although some of you may find it a bit boring! I tend to eat the same main items throughout the week and repeat a lot of my meals – but that makes my meal plan easier, meal prep easier and I know how I feel with these foods so to me its a win win! So you’ll see, I keep it pretty simple!!

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PiYO Week 3 Meal Plan

Back to the workouts…

I like the way the program builds…there are a few main workouts during the first two weeks which really allow you to master certain moves like the PiYO cross, the PiYO push up and others that once seemed a bit tricky! But the workouts are building on eachother and as I see myself get stronger the workouts are getting a bit more challenging, always staying one step ahead so you can continue to grow and progress!

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Moral of the story – I LOVE PIYO!

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Week 3’s rest day was perfect timing – it fell on the day I was hosting my daughter’s 3rd birthday party with her friends – thats 25 children between the ages of 0 – 4 and believe it or not it went extremely well! I considered doing a  quick workout in the morning but I continually remind myself that rest day is scheduled for a reason and I have to give my body time to rest and recover! I tend to feel a bit “off” on my rest day, especially after doing the 21-day fix for so long but I got my rest day in and was stress free at the party – score!!! OK…maybe not stress “free” but I had plenty of time to get all my stuff done prior to the start – so less stress to say the least!

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PIYO Week 3 Day 6

I had a bonus of having my family here for the weekend and my mom who recently started PiYO joined me both Saturday and Sunday morning! There’s just something about having a workout partner that helps me push just a tad harder! And this wasn’t just some workout partner – it was my amazing mama – so that made it that much more fun!

My alarm was set for 5:00am but I just couldn’t do it that day! First time I slept in in months and it felt amazing!!! Lucky me my little houseful of help lent a hand so I could stick to my goals!

We totally rocked the PiYo sweat session!! I love how we push each other to be stronger from the inside out!! I take what I’ve learned from her and do my best to put it into practice with my own little munchkin!!!

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Girls compete with each other women empower one another

I absolutely love when my kids imitate my workouts…It just makes me feel like they’re really watching me and learning the importance of a healthy and fit lifestyle!

Sunday morning, my daughter walked in the room just as we were doing the pushups into down dog in the strength interval workout. She quickly popped down and joined us – and my heart did a little happy dance! We fit in a lot of laughs and a lot of sweat in that short but effective 22 minute strength interval workout!! Fitness should be fun right?!?!

PIYO week 3 day 7

My mom and I enjoyed our back to back workouts and I loved adding the strength intervals to the mix! Its interesting to see how different our family get togethers are now that my whole family has joined me on this journey! Its not just me and my husband its my ENTIRE family and we are all focused on our health and wellness and our fitness and I feel so blessed to have this support!

If you’d like some additional support consider joining my next support and accountability group! You can never have too much support and too much motivation to help you reach your health and fitness goals!

You can create a FREE team beachbody account HERE and fill out the form below for a spot in my next accountability group! You don’t have to do this alone – so why should you???

Pineapple Delight & Watermelon Refresher

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PINEAPPLE DELIGHT & WATERMELON REFRESHER

I was excited to try some new Greenberry shakeo recipes when my sister was visiting this past weekend!

They look the same but are a bit different:

 

greenberry shakeos

Pineapple Delight   

1 scoop Greenberry Shakeology

1/2 cup pineapple

10 oz ice

6 oz almond milk

4 oz water

1/4 frozen banana (optional)

1/2 cup green yogurt (optional)

Personally, I love the consistency added with a frozen banana…but that’s also more sugar and more calories – so try it both ways and see which one you like better! If you’re not watching those calories too closely the additional green yogurt can really add a nice touch with some additional protein too! 
 
Watermelon Refresher

1 scoop Greenberry Shakeology

1 cup watermelon

10 oz ice

6 oz almond milk

1/2 cup green yogurt (optional)

The watermelon really adds some liquid to the drink so be sure to watch how much milk you add…and you can always add more ice if you want it to be thicker!
 
I listed the green yogurt as optional because it can really add in some extra calories if you’re trying to be careful but it also adds in some additional protein – so it just depends on what your goals are! 
 
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We all enjoyed the new greenberry shakeos!!!

Get your next month’s worth of daily, dense nutrition delivered right to your doorstep by clicking HERE.

Not quite sure if you’re ready for a full month – but still want to give it a try? Try the 4-flavor sampler pack! 

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Kale with pine nuts

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Kale with pine nuts

 

I first tried this recipe when I did the 3-day Refresh and loved it so much I had to make it again! 

Kale with Pine Nuts (from 3-day refresh meal plan guide)

(makes 1 serving)

1/2 cup water

1 1/2 cups chopped green kale

1 tsp. pine nuts

2 tsp fresh lemon juice

1 dash himalayan salt (optional)

1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add kale; cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until kale is tender and bright green. Remove from heat. Drain. Place in medium bowl. 

2. Toss kale with pine nuts, lemon juice and salt. 

 

This was served as a side with our dinner: Grilled chicken with peppers and onions, quinoa salad, steamed broccoli.

For all you 21-day fixers out there, you could sub out the pine nuts for sesame seeds and this would be: 1 red (chicken) 2 greens (kale, broccoli, peppers and onions), 1 yellow and 1 blue (quinoa with jack cheese) and 1 orange (sunflower seeds)

 

Kale with pine nuts dinner

Whether you’re new to clean eating or a seasoned pro – if you’re interested in more information fill out the form below to join one of my upcoming health and fitness accountability and support groups! Together we can end the trend of obesity!

 

 

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PIYO – Week 2

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PiYO Week 2 has wrapped up and I am SHOCKED that I am still feeling sore. I guess its a good thing – and it means I’m working new muscles and continue to push myself but I honestly didn’t expect this – but I sure do love that feeling!!!

I am following the schedule in the book although I’ll admit I’ve considered adding some cardio in here and there just because its so different from what I had been used to. But…I am going to trust the program, the creators, and all those who put forth a lot time to make this amazing program available to us – all from the comfort of our own homes!

I started the week with the 3-Day refresh but was able to continue my daily PiYO workout! 

Here’s what my meal plan looked like:

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Week 2 of PiYO started off with the 3-day refresh and ended with the 4th of July weekend!

I do tend to eat similar items through the week to help save on grocery costs and reduce wastes!!!

A few months ago I really decided to commit to my health and fitness and with that went my “I’ll wake up when the kids wake up and workout later” attitude….to a “5:00am daily alarm” attitude. Its been an adjustment, but one I am thankful day in and day out that I made. 

Its no secret my kids are far from “amazing sleepers” but when you’re as cute as they are, I guess it doesn’t really matter 😉

Colt decided he needed a few stretches and joined me for the last half of my workout. I was happy to have the company! 

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PIYO Week 2 Day 1

I had a few modifications but we got it DONE – and that’s what matters! 

Tuesday was relaxing and I was able to complete it start to finish with no interruptions – victory for me!!! 

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I can really feel my flexibility improving along with my strength with every. single. tricep. pushup. Thanks again Chalene! 

Ok – I know – this says week 3 day 3…but its really week 2 day 3…chalk that one up to the less technologically inclined 🙂 Man those side planks are killer!!! 

 

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PiYO Week 2 Day 3

 

Usually once a week, I trade in my home workouts for a hot yoga sweat session at a local studio, Yoga Flow. I love the flexibility of being able to workout at home when I want around MY schedule but there’s still something about doing yoga in 102 degrees and sweating your heart out! I love my Thursday morning yoga class and look forward to it weekly!!! I also love having someone else help me with my form and push me to try new things! I can already see several improvements in my strength since I started PiYO!!!

Friday – Rest Day – Thanks again Chalene! 

Saturday was a tough one for me. We had gorgeous weather and were enjoying lots of family time outside. Thankfully the kids needed a rest which forced me inside and in turn allowed me to squeeze in the workout I postponed from the morning. Kind of made putting that swim suit on later a bit more enjoyable!

I workout for several reasons, one being the way I feel when its DONE – those post-workout endorphins are hard to beat. And this sweat session was no different! Thankful for pushing play!! 

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Week 2 wrapped up with a great CORE workout. This time I didn’t put it off. Although it was Sunday and my daughter’s 3rd birthday I still got up at 5:00am, pushed play, baked her cake and was showered before the rest of the house was up! 

Two weeks are in the books – looking forward to the next two and hitting that halfway mark!!!

 

 

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 If you would like more information about joining my next support and accountability group, fill out the application below! Whether you’re new to fitness or just getting started, this program can fit ANYONE and who couldn’t use a little more motivation and support?!

Shakeology Ice Cream

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When it came time to plan my daughter’s birthday cake and ice cream I knew I couldn’t mess with Memaw’s chocolate chip cookie recipe that I had planned for her cookie cake…but I quickly realized I could however make my own “ice cream”. And that’s just what we did. Shakeology Ice Cream that is. My kids were happy to be eating their big bowls of “ice cream” and I could indulge right there along with them…a small piece of cookie cake and some shakeo ice cream to fill my tummy and keep my hands out of the cookie jar!

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Shakeology Ice Cream

Ingredients:

  • 2 Scoops vanilla Shakeology (or chocolate)
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 12 ounces of unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 TBS PB2 (optional)
  • 2 TBS fat free sugar free cheesecake pudding mix (optional, or any flavor you like)
  • 8 oz ice

Directions:

1) Mix all ingredients in a blender

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Shakeology Ice cream prep

I like to hit the “crush ice” button for about 30 seconds followed by the “blend” until a smooth consistency.

2) Pour ice cream into a freezer safe bowl, I used a glass pyrex bowl with a lid

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Shakeology Ice cream prepped

3) Freeze for approximately 2-3 hours before serving, stirring every hour

4) Pull out of freezer about 10 minutes before you’re ready to eat and ENJOY!

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Shakeology Ice cream – ready to serve!

 

This was the perfect addition to my 3 year old’s birthday cookie cake! She actually ate more of the ice cream than she did of the actual cookie cake! I’m going to chalk that one up as a win!!!

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Shakeology Ice cream success

3-day refresh RESULTS

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3 Day Refresh

Ok, I’ll be honest, if I hadn’t posted last week that I was going to be starting this on Monday June 30th I am not sure that I would have followed through! But I said it and I was going to keep my word!

I wasn’t exactly excited about doing the cleanse however I was excited when Beachbody announced this new product and I was excited when I heard about other people’s results…not only the weight loss but how everyone who did it seemed to feel revived and full of energy – and who doesn’t want a little more energy?! Plus, I personally just cannot promote a product when I myself haven’t given it a try! So here goes nothing!

I took the time to read through the information packet, made my meal plan for the week and went grocery shopping! And the rest is history!

A quick recap:

Pros:

  1. I learned one big, valuable takeaway —- I eat WAY too many bites of my kids leftover foods! I had to make a very conscience effort not to finish that bowl of cereal or oatmeal. Not to eat those last few bites of a graham cracker still sitting on the high chair tray and not to take bites of their food, especially while prepping! I knew I muchned here and there but limiting myself to only my allowed meals really pointed this out to me.
  2. By the afternoon on day 2, I wasn’t feeling the hunger I felt on Day 1 and Day 3 was even easier
  3. I woke up on the 4th day feeling so energized! Buh bye bloating and hello energy boost!
  4. I also lost 3.2 pounds and 1.5 inches from around my belly button!
  5. I know I can do anything if I put my mind to it!

 

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My 3-day refresh results

Cons:

  1. I did not like the fiber sweep drink – but got over it quickly!
  2. The first day was HARD. I was hungry at times but kept telling myself I could do it and kept chugging water!!! As a result I was literally peeing like every half hour!!! I stayed very busy during these days so I didn’t have as many temptations
  3. I did have one very small cheat on day 1 – a stinkin blueberry mini wheat…and I’ve been regretting it ever since!

 

So what were the days like??? Here’s a more detailed look…

Monday – Day 1

Day 1 started off great. Did my PiYO workout, had my shakeology, and started my day. The morning snack is a fiber sweep drink and green tea. The tea is no problem, I drink that everyday but the consistency of the fiber sweep was not my favorite! Its one of those things that I just looked and said I have to do it. So I mixed it and chugged it. On the upside it did take away my hunger! Lunch was great – steamed broccoli (leftover from the prior night’s dinner) and an apple with almond butter with the vanilla refresh. This was my first refresh shake and I just shook it up with water – not the best decision on my part! I prefer really cold drinks and this just didn’t cut it. Next one would be blended! Afternoon snack was cucumbers with hummus and then another refresh shake for dinner with some grilled asparagus and almonds – yummmmm! I did get hungry later in the night but I just kept drinking water. And yes, if you’re wondering, I probably peed about 20 times!! Whew – but I do have one confession. I snuck in one cheat bit. It was a shredded mini wheat fed to me by my son – and it didn’t even taste good! Ooops – no more!

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Day 1 on Beachbody’s 3-day refresh

 

Day 2

I woke up at 5:00, got my PiYO workout in and quickly made my chocolate shakeo – I was hungry! Fortunately I kept busy so I didn’t even realize I was hungry at all during the morning. I had my fiber sweep a little later than planned but stuck with my whole “chug it” theory and a few hours later enjoyed my lunch – Asparagus (leftover from the prior night’s dinner…notice a trend???) and some blueberries. 2/3 a cup of blueberries was a lot of blueberries! This time I blended my vanilla shakeo with one of the guilt free additions – cinnamon – very tasty! I mashed up some avocado and added a little lemon juice to go with my red peppers for my afternoon snack and finished the day with a delicous spinach salad  filled with so many veggies. I actually sat down to eat and forgot about my shake. I can feel my body adjusting quickly! I made my shake again with a little ice and cinnamon and finished the day with ZERO cheating! Whew – that felt great! I think I’m getting the hang of this! It was a late night but I actually felt so energized and awake it didn’t bother me!

 

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Day 2 – 3 day refresh

 

Day 3

By this point I was in a groove…Day 3 was a breeze! Still woke up early, got my workout in and chocolate Shakeology. Downed the fiber sweep before heading out to run some errands and enjoyed my lunch so much today!! I had to check and then double check the book but sure enough 12 medium strawberries was considered 1 fruit option. TWELVE!!! That’s a lot! I got creative and split them up. I tossed 6 in with the vanilla refresh and saved 6 to eat. The shake was DELICIOUS and my lunch with some carrots and hummus was very satisfying! I went back to my cucumber snack with hummus in the afternoon and tried something new for dinner – steamed Kale with pine nuts! And same as last night I almost forgot my shake! I was tempted to add some strawberries because it was just that much better but that’s not part of the plan – so I passed! Day 3 was in the books. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t go to bed that night dreaming of some almond milk in my shakeo the next day….call me addicted but I LOVE almond milk!!!

 

3 Day Refresh, Refresh, Beachbody Refresh, Piyo, 3 Day Refresh results, weight loss, cleanse, shakeology, Fiber sweep, Vanilla Refresh, cleanse with eating, feel energized, gain energy

Day 3 – 3-day refresh

If you think you’d like to give this a try but may need a little support and motivation along the way join one of my upcoming challenge groups! I want to help YOU lead a healthier and more fulfilling life!

  • July 14th – 60 day support and accountability group – this will include any and all workout programs (I’ll be doing the recently released PiYO!!!)
  • July 21st – 21-day fix group – It takes 21-days to make something a habit – Let’s break those old habits and start making new ones
  • July 28th – 30 Day refresh and clean eating – Start with the 3-day refresh and we’ll continue to work together over the following month to learn more about clean eating and a healthy lifestyle

You can get started with the 3-day refresh and continue a lifestyle of clean eating and exercise to help you get on the right path to a happier and healthier life! Create your free account HERE, browse, shop, decide, commit and be healthy!