Need a simple side dish but trying to avoid going carb crazy?!
We are LOVING cauliflower fried rice but I do believe there are good approaches to this simple little dish and not so good!
My best tip: KEEP IT SIMPLE!
Here’s what we found to rock our world:
WHAT YOU NEED:
3 cups riced cauliflower
1 TBS coconut oil
2 TBS slivered almonds
2 TBS fresh parsley
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
Heat coconut oil over medium high heat
When hot, add riced cauliflower and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until it reaches your desired tenderness (note the color of the cauliflower will change slightly as it cooks…I used that as a guide!)
Top with the almonds and parsley and SERVE & ENJOY!
Note: We paired this with meatloaf for a classic, home cooked combo that warmed the tummy but didn’t grow the waistline!!!
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!
I am excited to share that I have completed all 30 days of Country Heat, I have LOVED every second, enjoyed the change up in activity and was more than happy to say goodbye to those 4 pounds, which are not welcome back – EVER!
It’s never easy sharing the “before” pictures but I have learned to focus on the fact that there is most likely at least one person who can relate and my hope is that in turn they are inspired to make a change.
Picture on the left: taken August 1st.
We had just returned home from Nashville and while I was bursting at the seams in the excitement and pride from all our Coach Summit celebrations I found myself uncomfortable in my clothes for the first time since I had become a coach…nearly 2.5 years ago.
The scale was kind enough to let me know that my weight was at an all time high.
131 pounds.
Now I’m sure there are some of you thinking “Gosh I’d kill to be that weight”
But that’s not the point…
This is what I had weighed at 24 weeks PREGNANT with my son.
At 5’1″ a few pounds can really make a difference and while I try my hardest to ignore the number…that number was supported by the way I felt when my shorts didn’t button.
I knew I needed to embrace the change and change I did!
I swapped out my weights for dancing shoes and enjoyed 30 days of Country Heat-despite the fact that I looked like a goof 😜
I was inspired by the individuals who had shared their journeys with this program and I knew I could get there.
Was I perfect?!
Hell-to-the-no!
But I did enjoy my splurges in moderation and with the support of my team, challengers and amazing family I feel a bit like me again!!!
My goals are set and they’re pretty simple:
It feels good to be back and I am excited to start the next phase with a new group of challengers in our health bet next week!
If you’ve been wanting to get back on track or simply BEGIN to enjoy a healthier & happier lifestyle don’t wait. Your time is here and I’m ready to help you!
Fill out the form below if you’d like more details on my next accountability group!
Well really I should say weeks 2 and 3 because life got away from me a wee bit last week and I never got around to sharing last week’s so we’re summing up 2 and 3 today!
We’ve enjoyed some travels, some “not so Country Heat” approved meals and a heck of a lot of dancing!
A girls trip followed by a Leadership Retreat to Deep Creek MD meant a bit of improvising, planning, sacrificing, staying strong through the temptations and allowing myself to indulge along the way.
I can’t say I’ve been perfect but I will say I have made progress.
The workouts have been the “easy” part for me with no equipment needed I have been able to squeeze them in at hotels, on my patio iwth my kiddos, and everywhere in between!
The nutrition hasn’t been ON POINT but I know what I need to do to finish out my 30 days STRONG and the meal plan is where it all starts.
With my daughter’s first day of Kindergarten coming up (enter a few trickling tears) I’m planning two crockpot meals and a lot of repeats this week! Veggie Egg cups are one of my favorite “prep in advance” meals which can be a snack, breakfast or even lunch!
They’re great hot or cold and on-the-go or even prepped in a 9×13 baking pan for easy clean up!!!
I’m trying a new crockpot burrito bowl recipe (thanks Pinterest!) and focusing on my portions, planning and prep to get me through this final stretch!
I know how important nutrition is and I feel the push to regain my focus and prove to myself that I can be disciplined enough to FOLLOW my plan and finish strong!
Excited to see what the next phase brings!
If you’ve been interested in trying Country Heat and/or joining my upcoming Accountability group and the new Health Bet challenge group – simply fill out the application below for more information!
For now and for the next 14 or so years…August is going to be synonymous with the summer wind down and back to school!
This means a lot of different things to many of us.
For me – this year- it’s the start of Preschool for my son, Kindergarten for my daughter, Soccer practice, gymnastics, swim lessons, work travel, team trainings and more.
There are so many areas in life that I could come up with excuses as to why I don’t have time to exercise or eat healthy.
They are all legitimate excuses too…
*I was up all night dealing with night terrors
*My 3 year old decided potty training was for the birds
*The lack of a summer schedule is creating little monsters at bedtime as we prepare for the next transition *I don’t have time to eat healthy
*I don’t have money to eat healthy
*I’m traveling
*My husband is traveling…
And the list goes on and on and on…
But here’s the deal – those are all just EXCUSES. And I’ve learned through experience…you can have EXCUSES or RESULTS – but not both!
From Day 1, these 30 minutes I give myself have been what allow me to give to others.
Its not selfish to make time for a 30 minute workout and my goal is to teach you HOW I do it and have consistently done it to turn it into a balanced, sustainable LIFESTYLE.
If you’re ready to toss the excuses and you’re looking for RESULTS then I invite you to my next challenge group – BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO YOU!!!
And if you’re worried about eating “rabbit food” – forget that one too…You will not be hungry!!!
)ne of my favorite combos
We will begin on August 22nd and enrollment is open now!
If you’re already anticipating those busy weeknights with homework, after school practices, early weekend games and are thinking there’s no way you’re going to be able to squeeze in some “ME” time – then I ask that you accept this challenge!
Allow me to help you with your meal planning, toss in some new crockpot ideas, focus on the prep work and figuring out just how 30 minutes can be found in every day through our online support group!
*** You must not already be a coach or be working with another coach to join***
If I am your coach EMAIL: MAEGANBLINKA@GMAIL.COM to be added to the group!
FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.
LIMITED NUMBER OF SPOTS AVAILABLE.
Sea salt (or Himalayan salt) and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:**
1. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and sweet potatoes; cook, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until onion is translucent and sweet potato is tender-crisp.
3. Add turkey; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until turkey is cooked through and sweet potato is soft.
4. Add garlic and thyme. Season with salt (if desired) and pepper (if desired); cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
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* I doubled this recipe. I love green peppers and onions so I added 3 of each yet instead of doubling the sweet potatoes I only did 3 of those.
** My pan was not big enough for the double recipe so I actually cooked the veggies in one pan and the turkey in another and then combined and simmered the last few minutes.
*** Note: The serving size provided was 3/4 cup for the containers listed above providing 4 servings – however I found my recipe when it was said and done to have nearly 1.5 cups for 4 servings yielding 1 yellow, 1 green and 1 red. Use your best judgement!
If you’re interested in learning more about Clean Eating and/or my next Country Heat online accountability group, fill out the application below for more information!!!
Well I’ll put my tail between my legs and be the first to admit I LOVE COUNTRY HEAT!!!!
I am not a big dancer and didn’t think any sort of “cardio dance program” was going to be something I would enjoy – let alone – something that would get me results.
But I watched, researched, learned and figured…WHY THE HECK NOT!
I have workout program ADD like no other and always like to switch things up – so why not switch it up with a program created by the one and only Autumn Calabrese and have fun doing it!
People keep asking me: Do you really, like really like it?
And the answer is one big loud YES!!!
I do!
Like any fitness routine – you’ll get out what you put it! And if you put it in to this workout you’ll be feeling the results…this I promise you!
Plus it doesn’t matter if you’re 5 or 25 or 55 you can rock this program!!!
And while the workouts are hitting my legs and core and keeping my heart rate PUMPING I know the results are found in the kitcehn.
I was so happy to learn that Country Heat follows the same portion container system I implemented into my lifestyle with the 21-Day fix – over 2 years ago!!! This made the transition so much easier and I was happy to see a few new recipes in the nutrition guide – namely that Turkey & Sweet Potato hash!!! More on that one later!!!
As you can see I keep my meal plans SIMPLE. My breakfast and snacks are pretty much the same every day.
I enjoy my Shakeology as meal #2 without fail and truly look forward to it as the clock strikes 9:00 each day!
My lunches are typically some sort of combo of the prior night’s leftovers and my dinners are pretty simple!
My hubby and I are celebrating our 7 year anniversary dinner and enjoying a dinner at home straight from the grill and Wednesday evening is busy so I tossed in a crockpot meal.
And this is the same process I go through every week.
Sure the workouts are fun and a great workout but you have to stick to the nutrition plan to truly see your hard work pay off!!!
If you’re interested in joining me for some Country Heat fun fill out the application below for a spot in one of my online accountability groups!
Anyone else ever feel like summer time is like a double edged sword???
You want to “look your best” as you begin to shed the winter layers and pull out the shorts and tanks and dresses and swim suits and such — but at the same time the weddings and vacations and travels and picnics and birthday parties and graduations and cookouts make that a bit more difficult.
Sometimes too “hard” that even STARTING something new during the summer just doesn’t seem WORTH it.
Some people will simply throw their hands up in the air and say forget it.
Some people will take in excuse after excuse for reasons why they CAN’T make it work and vow to make it work “later.
Then other people will look at the challenges and MAKE a plan and make it WORK because deep down inside they KNOW it matters, its worth it, and the time will come!
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years it’s to find balance in all the things you love and practice moderation-never-deprivation and to find COMFORT in myself and confidence to be the best mom I can be!
I signed up for the 21-Day Fix Extreme TV test group to start on July 4th. I can’t say that I really WANTED to do it at the time – but I had a busy month ahead, full of a lot of fun in the sun, travels, family visiting, etc… and truth be told I was afraid if I didn’t sign up for it – I would totally let myself fall off track. I began the challenge on July 4th with the mindset to CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLE.
Throughout the 21-days of the challenge I enjoyed:
My daughter’s 5th birthday, 2 other birthday parties, one week of family visiting, a baseball game, family reunion, my best friend’s wedding (out of town I may add!), and typical Summer “STUFF”.
Was I perfect?
Oh heck no!
Did I enjoy the cake and cookies?
Oh heck yes!
BUT >>> I never missed my workout OR my shakeology in those 21 days.
This challenge was about enjoying myself without losing myself.
And I am happy to say – MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
If I can lend any piece of advice to you – its to LIVE LIFE HAPPILY.
Treat your body the way it was designed to be treated.
Stay active, have fun, fuel up with clean, nutrient dense foods at least 80% of the time and more importantly don’t let a “diet” run your life.
Make it your LIFESTYLE and you’ll never feel trapped.
Here’s to enjoying the final month of SUMMER with confidence and cookies!!!
If you are looking to make a change and would like some help getting there let me be your LIGHT.
I run accountability groups every month to help other people get started on their journeys and find the balance I once longed for and now achieved.
Fill out the application below if you’re interested in learning more about what I offer!
Want to get an inside look at the Autumn Calabrese’s new home fitness program – COUNTRY HEAT – coming soon???
TODAY ONLY you can preview one of the Country Heat workouts ON DEMAND.
I took advantage of this opportunity bright and early this morning and rocked a little DOWN & DIRTY. Here’s an inside look!
My initial thoughts:
The music was AMAZING! Hit Country songs you’re familiar with and can dance to!
Even as someone with two left feet – I made it work! I had fun, broke a killer sweat and got my workout out in all at the same time!!!
I could really feel my heart rate increasing and the burn in my legs!!!
I truly think ANYONE at ANY age and ANY fitness level can do this program!
You bring the intensity at the level you can endure!
Want to learn more? Read on…
I will be hosting an exclusive Country Heat Launch Party beginning August 1st for a small group of individuals who are interested in completing this program WITH ME!
What to expect if you get the Country Heat program & join my Launch Party…
6 workouts, 3 DVDs, ranging 27-30 minutes along iwth a 30 day calendar to help guide you to maximize your results
7 color-coded portion controlled containers to help you portion out your food
Country Heat Nutrition Plan which is an easy to follow guide that has recipes & tips designed to help you find the RIGHT foods in the RIGHT portions – for YOU!
30 Days of Shakeology
Access to Country Heat On Demand (aka netflix for workout programs) which means unlimited access to stream Country Heat, among other Beachbody Workout programs to your desktop, laptop, tablet, TV or phone. You will be able to start your workouts as soon as you make your purchase and access all the additional program information!
MY SUPPORT – with me as your coach I will help you not only get started but stay committed to reach your goals. I will help you stay accountable, provide you with recipes and meal plan ideas, share tips and most of all be your mentor from start to finish! You will be among other women with similar goals and we will work TOGETHER to make sure no one is left behind and we all FINISH the program!
Country Heat is so simple, anyone can do it…and so much fun, everyone will want to!
If you like Zumba, if you like fun cardio, if you like a high-energy, easy-to-follow, low-impact, country dance-inspired fitness that so totally fires up the fun— you won’t even feel like you’re working out…then YOU are going LOVE Beachbody’s newest program!!!
Its not LINE DANCING but rather Dance Cardio to Country Music!
Country Heat is 30 minutes of nonstop dancing to reshape your body, melt off the weight, and tone and tighten everything from your booty to your legs, shoulders, and arms…all in just 30 days!
No complicated moves, no weights or equipment—just follow along and you’ll be dancing right in step from Day One.
And since every move is set to great country music, you’ll be having so much fun, you won’t even notice that you’re toning your body and scorching the fat! Plus, it comes with an easy-to-follow nutrition plan and portion-control containers to maximize your results.
Want to be the first to know when Country Heat is available?
Simply fill out the form at the bottom of this post and I will be in contact with you to make sure you get all the information as soon as its available!
I got a few questions already as we prepare for the launch and wanted to share the answers to the most FAQs:
Q. Who is Country Heat for?
Anyone who’s looking for a simple, fun, and effective way to lose weight and get fit. While Country Heat is perfect for beginners, it’s also a great cardio-based workout for people at all fitness levels who like to dance or want to stay in shape. It’s also a great choice for people who like to dance but are intimidated by choreography.
There are no complicated moves, no weights or equipment—just follow along and you’ll be dancing right from Day One. Plus, it’s the perfect program to offer every 21 Day Fix customer so they can continue to lose weight and improve their cardio and overall fitness level.
This program is also an excellent option for people who like Zumba, as well as fans of country music.
Soooooo – ANYONE and EVERYONE!
Q. How hard/easy are the workouts?
Country Heat workouts are simple enough that anyone can do them. That’s the beauty of the program. Autumn introduces two steps at a time before she moves on to the next two steps. She designed it that way so people will find the routines easy to follow and stick with the program, which is the best way to get results. But don’t be fooled—you’re going to work up a sweat burning those calories, even if you’re already fit! With Country Heat, you don’t need to know how to dance. You just follow Autumn’s lead, move to the hottest country music, and have a blast!
Q. What equipment will I need?
None required!!!
Q. How is this program different from CIZE?
Country Heat’s choreography is simple, all you have to do is follow along! Autumn teaches you two steps at a time, then moves on to the next two steps. And you don’t need to memorize anything. Country Heat features the hottest country music, using songs that you’ve probably heard on the radio. Not only did Autumn pick these songs for their popularity, she specifically matched her moves to the faster and slower beats to create the perfect interval training within each routine.
Q. What should I do if my calorie calculation is less than 1,200? Or more than 2,300?
If your number is less than 1,200, round up to 1,200. If it’s more than 2,300, round down to 2,300.
Q. Is there a Vegan Meal Plan?
YES
Q. How long are the workouts?
The workouts range from 27-30 minutes long
Q. When will it be available?
The program will be launched July 28th with my exclusive Country Heat test group starting August 1st.
And since every move is set to great country music, you’ll be having so much fun, you won’t even notice that you’re toning your body and scorching the fat! Plus, it comes with an easy-to-follow nutrition plan and portion-control containers to maximize your results.
Maegan Blinka 