Healthy Picnic & Party favorites

July 1, 2015July 2, 2015Leave a comment

Happy July!

Where has the summer gone?!

I’ve got to say while I am excited for the 4th of July holiday weekend I can’t believe how fast this summer is FLYING by…who knows maybe the rain will stop sometime soon!!!

How many of you have some parties and celebrations this weekend and while you want to enjoy yourself you don’t want to undo all the hardwork you’ve done?! Trust me – I get it!!! I know what its like to begin a fitness journey and BAM get smacked with back to back parties and weddings and get togethers and think you either A) Cannot enjoy anything at the party B) You’re going to be tossing all that hard work out the window. But that doesn’t have to be the case!!! I’ve compiled a list of healthy options that don’t sacrifice taste for flavor.

Side Dishes

Lunch/Dinners

Salads

Appetizers

Desserts

Summer should be fun. You should enjoy yourself at all the events but your health should also be valued!

If you’d like some help holding yourself accountable to your own goals this summer fill out the application below to join my next online health & fitness accountability group! I will provide you with 1:1 coaching and support along with motivation and accountability!! 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!

There truly is POWER IN NUMBERS!

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Cinnamon Roasted Almonds

April 9, 2015Leave a comment

I have had this “thing” for cinnamon lately..

I put it on my steel cut oats for some flavor, its the key to my Fruity MANCAKES and I love it in my morning shakeology to spice things up! Its one of those “free foods” and I keep finding ways to add it in! But my favorite taste of cinnamon easily has to be cinnamon roasted almonds!!!

Yeah, yeah, I know, not the cleanest thing out there but my oh my do I love them!!! We visited the Home Show in Pittsburgh last month and sampled some of those roasted almonds, pecans and cashews and I’ve been thinking of them ever since.

I know I’ll be able to snag them at the Buccos home opener…but I couldn’t wait for Monday! Aubrie was crafting during the little guy’s afternoon nap so I decided to whip these together!

I found some healthier recipes out there but I was going for taste and these hit the spot!!!

WHAT YOU NEED:

I egg white
1 tsp water
2.5 cups whole almonds
2.5 TBS sugar
2.5 TBS brown sugar
1.5 TBS cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
parchment paper

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
Whip the egg white and water until bubbly in a medium bowl.
Add the almonds and stir until well coated.
Add the sugar, salt and cinnamon together in a separate bowl, then add to the coated almonds and stir until evenly coated (I added a lid to the mixing bowl and shook it up!)

Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet, covered with parchment paper.

Roast for 1-1.5 hours, stirring every15/20 minutes.

Allow to cool and store in air tight container

NOTE: You will want to eat all of these…at once. I recommend portioning them into baggies or small containers to avoid the temptation. They’re DELISH!!!!

Post-Easter Fix & reFRESH!

March 25, 2015March 25, 20151 Comment

Today marks 10 days out from Easter…the holiday of chocolate bunnies, sugary peeps, candy filled eggs, and temptations EVERYWHERE! I mean seriously – take a peak in the front door of Target…there is literally candy EVERYWHERE! And while its easy to think (and correct) that “one piece is A-Okay” that one piece tends to multiply and before you know it, you’re helping your kids look for their M&Ms that seem to have “disappeared”all of a sudden…trust me…I’ve been there!!!

But as Easter coincides with Spring we also know that Summer will then follow. As we sit 2 months out from Memorial Day I’ll admit I have SUMMER on my mind!!! I know I want to feel and look my best this summer and I hope you do to! So…how do we combat this holiday craziness?

Enter:

Post-Easter Fix & reFRESH:

It is still hard for me to explain how drastically different I FEEL when I am eating clean, fueling my body with Shakeology – EVERY DAY – and exercising regularly! Naturally the results follow but its so much more than that. I am happier and healthier. I am a better mom and I am a better wife. I am more patient and all around HAPPIER…and I want everyone to have the opportunity to live a healthier and more fulfilling life too!

This group will provide you with daily clean eating tips, motivation, recipes so you do not get bored, and SHAKEOLOGY, a meal you can use EVERY day that is easy and convenient like those the stuff you find at those tempting Golden Arches or the overpriced lattes, but truly the HEALTHIEST MEAL OF THE DAY!

So…WHY Shakeology?

It can help you:

Lose weight – especially if you replace a meal with Shakeology every day.
Reduce junk food cravings – drink it in the morning to enjoy this benefit throughout the day
Increase your energy and feel healthier.
Improve your digestion and regularity.

Hmmm…How????

Fiber and probiotics help you “get regular” so you eliminate toxins built up in your digestive system.
Proprietary blend of prebiotics and probiotics help create a healthy intestinal tract which aids digestion.
A healthier digestive system makes it easier to absorb key nutrients.
Digestive enzymes also help your body to increase the absorption of nutrients.

Long story short – Shakeology is NOT a weight loss shake, nor a protein shake… This is a HEALTH shake that is including your dense nutrition, health benefits, and includes your daily multi-vitamin!

Trust me…you can’t get this in anything else – plus it tastes like a dessert!!

Support…the “group” – what is it?

My Easter FIX clean eating and Shakeology challenge is just that! You will get 30 Days of support, motivation, tips, recipes, and be surrounded by a group of people who have the same or similar goes as you! I can’t promise that it will be easy but I can promise that if you stick with it, commit and keep pushing, you will get the results you’re looking for!

For an extra little boost, I am also giving a FREE 3 DAY REFRESH when you sign up with ME as YOUR coach and order your Shakeology in Home Direct (HD).
This simple easy to follow 3-day cleanse will help remove the toxins, bloating, and chemicals from your body and replace with it amino acids, enzymes, and more so you are starting FRESH!
To learn more about the 3 Day Refresh and see my personal results CLICK HERE!
* This promotion will ONLY last until March 31st!

And while I feel like an infomercial…I have to say…THERE’S MORE…

How would you like to have FREE access to 11 Beachbody programs as well as sneak peaks into the latest and greatest without having to buy any DVDs or make any additional financial commitment? Well its all yours! If you upgrade to a club membership you will get a FREE 30-day trial which includes access to Beachbody’s On Demand feature released this month! You can see the full details here but HERE but this is such a fabulous way to dabble with all of the trainers in a variety of programs before committing! Your initial payment of $38.87 occurs in 30 days and continues every 90-days, as long as you continue your Premium Club. If you decide its not for you – just cancel – no questions asked!
If you are ready to start your journey and give your body a fresh start to clean eating and create healthy habits, please fill out the application below for a spot in my next 30 day challenge!

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Baked and Broiled Salmon

March 9, 20152 Comments

I don’t mean to toot my own horn but I rarely think my meals qualify as “restaurant quality” however this salmon, as simple as it was, was just that!!!

It only took a handful of ingredients, it was clean, gluten free, 21-day fix and 21-day fix extreme approved and literally mouth watering!!!

WHAT DO YOU NEED:

2-3lbs salmon (fresh or frozen is fine, I like to make a lot so I can have throughout the week!)
2 lemons, 1 sliced, 1 to juice
1TBS olive oil
2-3 gloves minced garlic
Himalayan Salt and black pepper (to taste)

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Preheat oven to 375
Line pan with foil
Lay salmon on top of foil, drizzle with oil and/or spritz entire filet with oil
Rub the minced garlic into the salmon
Sprinkle salt
Squeeze lemon juice over salmon filets
Lay sliced lemon on top
Bake for 15-20 minutes then finish off with 3-5 minutes under the broiler

Now don’t forget the last step…the crispness of the broiler was where it all came together!!!

We served this with sweet potatoes sprinkled with cinnamon and broccoli and I truly felt like I was sitting in a restaurant!!!

Whether you’re new to clean eating or a seasoned pro – if you’re interested in more clean eating recipe ideas and living a HEALTHY and FULFILLING life – 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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Quinoa Turkey Meatloaf

February 26, 20156 Comments

Turkey Meatloaf – 21 Day Fix Extreme Style, aka, Gluten Free!

This turkey meatloaf recipe was a hit in my house!!! We have been primarily gluten free for the past 6 months now and while neither my husband or I have a “gluten allergy” we both tend to just feel better when we avoid it! Luckily our clean eating lifestyle has made the adjustment pretty easy and why I absolutely loved this Turkey Meatloaf recipe that uses Quinoa opposed to the traditional breadcrumbs! Its simple, clean, and if you’re like me…you can easily double this up and make an extra one to freeze or enjoy throughout the week as a second dinner and/or lunches!

Turkey Meatloaf

Makes 8 servings, 1/8 meatloaf each

21 Day Fix & Fix Extreme Container equivalents: 1/2 Purple, 1 red, 1/2 yellow

WHAT YOU NEED:

2 lbs raw 93% lean ground turkey
1 cup all natural-mild salsa
1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
2 large eggs, lighly beaten
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp sea salt or Himalayan salt (Mineralize)
Ground black pepper (to taste, optional)
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C)

2. Combine turkey, salsa, quinoa, eggs, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; mix well by hand or with rubber spatula (I used that little gadget from Pampered Chef and it worked FABULOUS – I am not a mix by hand type of girl and this did the trick!!!)

3. Shape mixture into shape of a loaf and place on engrossed 13×9 inch baking pan (I actually used a pan that has the grates so the grease will drip down off)

4. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until center is no longer pink and meat is cooked through.

5. Let stand 10 minutes before serving

6. Garnish with parsley

TIP: Cut cooked meatloaf into single servings and freeze in single resealable plastic bags for future meals!

I really liked the consistency of the meatloaf but next time I will likely add in some chopped peppers and spinach just because I like to sneak in those greens any chance I get!

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If you’re interested in learning more about clean eating and incorporating a workout/exercise routine to help you reach your health and fitness goals, I invite you to join my next accountability group!

THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS!

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Brownie Batter

February 23, 20151 Comment

Ok I know this is going to sound too simple and too good to be true…but hear me out…

I really wanted a chocolate treat and I came across this in the challenge group I’m participating in along with 2000+ other Beachbody coaches and the creator of the 21-day fix/21-day fix extreme, Autumn Calabrese. They’ve been saying “no cheats” but luckily that doesn’t count Shakeology!!! YUMMMMMM!

WHAT YOU NEED:

1 Scoop Chocolate Shakeology
1 tsp coconut oil, melted
1 tsp all natural Peanut Butter/PB2 (optional)
2-3 TBS of water

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Melt the oil in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds
Add the Shakeology (and PB)
Add water 1 TBS at a time until you reach that “brownie batter” consistency!
Try not to eat the bowl as you’re scraping every little bite off!!!
If you’re patient enough, toss it in the freezer for about 15 minutes – OMG!

The shakeology would be your “red” and the coconut oil and PB if you’re using it would count towards a teaspoon. I actually just made half of one after dinner to satisfy that snacking urge (and because I only had 1/2 a red left!) and it was the perfect amount! My hubs indulged in a full scoop!

If you’re looking for a full 30-day supply of Shakeology, check out the flavor options HERE

Not sure what flavor you’d like – but still want to give Shakeology a try? Try the flavor sampler pack to figure what which is your favorite! I am obviously a HUGE chocolate fan!!!!

If you are ever looking for help on your own health and fitness journey or just want the additional accountability join me in my next challenge group!

There’s power in numbers ❤

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21 DFX – Week 2 recap

February 23, 2015February 23, 20152 Comments

Well I wish I could say that I nailed week 2…but truth be told it was not my greatest…I let me excuses get the best of me and I didn’t like it, not one single bit! It was “that time” of the month, I was tired, I was short on time, I was just going to have “one bite” which we all know always leads to more…and so on and so on!!!

Let’s talk about the good —> I started off strong…new workout gear on Monday morning, a solid week’s worth of healthy meals stocked and ready to be grabbed and a few new things to try out like the Turkey Meatballs and the PB & Strawberry Oatmeal along with a favorite from week 1 – the Veggie Egg cups!

I had opted for the ultimate upgrade package when I ordered my 21DFX and I added in the Power Strength Extreme (in lieu of Plyo) on Monday along with ABC Extreme (in lieu of Dirty 30) on Saturday and the workouts went great!!!

Even though I missed my first workout in almost 1 YEAR on Sunday…the rest of my workouts were pretty on point!!! I can tell that my 8s are getting “light” and its time to up to 10s. I can feel different muscle groups being sore so I know I am working my body right…

It wasn’t so much what I didn’t do but rather what I did do…

An unplanned trip to the grocery store Tuesday morning had me grabbing a bag of cinnamon roasted almonds, and it was a BIG bag! I knew I was in trouble as soon as I opened it but one handful led to another and I consumed the entire pound in less than 3 days…which equates to 48 blues…FORTY EIGHT BLUES – that’s 7 weeks worth of blues in just 3 DAYS!!! Ugh I get disgusted just thinking about it.

But just like I tell my challengers all the time-you can’t change the past! Its time to focus on the the week ahead!!!

My week 3 is off to a great start and I’m looking to add in some cod this week (last week’s planned cod was replaced with tilapia – I was nervous to try something new!!!) and the very popular chicken fajitas. I’ve been chugging water like crazy and its definitely helping me steer clear of the mindless snacking along with lots of sugar free gum!!!!

I’ve laid it all out and joined in with Autumn Calabrese, our CEO of Beachbody, Carl Daikeler and 2000+ additional Beachbody coaches to kick up my own accountability and NAIL the week!

Yes, even as a beach body coach, I need that accountability as well!!! Are you holding yourself accountable??? If not, I can help! Join me – we can do this together…THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS!!!!

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21 Day Fix Extreme Recipe: Turkey Meatballs

February 21, 20155 Comments

Week 2 is almost a wrap and yes, I am still SORE!!!! I remember this feeling from when I first started my fitness journey almost a year ago and I know the sore muscles are worth the pain and simply a result of using different muscle groups!

Like Autumn always says:

“You can be sore today or sorry tomorrow!”

But all in all I am really enjoying this workout program and so are all my challengers!!!! One girl lost 4 pounds in just the first week…another 2 inches just around her waist…and most are feeling better and more energized (and sore!!!) than than ever before!!! I love surrounding myself with these like-minded people!!!

We tossed the Turkey Meatballs into the rotation this week and they sure were a crowd pleaser! I love that they are gluten free, full of flavor and freeze well – extra bonus!!!! They also made the perfect lunch on the go when my little guy and I were hanging out in the waiting room during my daughter’s gymnastics class – much better option than goldfish!!!

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED:

1.5lbs raw 93% lean ground turkey breast

1 tsp. sea salt or Himalayan salt (Mineralize)

1 tsp. dry mustard

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 large egg

3/4 cup quick cooking oats

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

12 fresh parsley sprigs, finely chopped

1 Tbsp. tomato sauce, no sugar added

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C)

2. Lightly coat large baking sheet with spray; set aside

3. Combine turkey, salt, mustard, paprika, egg, oats, garlic, parsley and tomato sauce in a large bowl; mix well by hand. (confession – I totally dislike touching raw meat…so I used this little gadget from pampered chef that you use when browning meat and it worked PERFECTLY!)

4. Roll mixture into 30 1-inch meatballs. Place on prepared baking sheet. (Again…touching meat issue…I used a cookie scooper and packed it against the side of the bowl, scooped out and waahla – perfectly sized, evenly cooked meatballs!!)

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until no longer pink in the middle.

6. Serve with your favorite sides!!!

NOTE: I doubled the recipe so I could freeze half for another week.

Let me know if you give them a try!!!

If you’re interested in trying out the 21-Day Fix Extreme or any other workout programs I invite you to join my next accountability group!

THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS!

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Mini Vegetable Egg Cups

February 16, 2015August 20, 20155 Comments

I don’t know about you – but I am all about a fast easy healthy breakfast…and anytime I can sneak in a veggie in that first meal is an added bonus!!!

I prepped these over the weekend for a quick post-workout grab. We have an activity most mornings during the week so if I don’t grab a shower post workout its tough to get in – but at the same time – I need to fuel up after I workout so this is the best of both worlds!

I used to always have my Shakeology post workout but I’ve started saving my shakeo for when my kiddos wake up and I make a little extra for them…this cold and flu season is NASTY this year and I want to give them as many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and probiotics and probiotics as possible…and this is the easiest and healthiest way!!!!

WHAT YOU NEED:

12 Eggs (poor planning on my part – I had 10…so I added in some egg whites to even it out!!!)
1 (10-oz) bag baby spinach, chopped
1 medium pepper, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely sliced
Salt (sea salt or Himalayan salt) and ground pepper to taste

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C)

2. Lightly coat a twelve-cup muffin tin with spray

3. Place eggs in a large bowl; whisk to blend. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

4. Add spinach, peppers and onions, mix well.

5. Evenly pour egg mixture into muffin cups

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of cups comes out clean.

I planned on eating these throughout the week (see my WEEK 2…21-DAY FIX EXTREME Meal Plan) but you can also freeze them in individual baggies for a quick grab and go later on!!!

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One of my favorite combos

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Whether you’re looking to lose 15 pounds, 20 pounds or more OR whether you’re looking to just tone up and get ready for bikini season – you can reach your goals without ever leaving your home!

Through my online accountability group, you learn tips on clean eating, receive daily 1:1 coaching, motivation, accountability and SUPPORT!!!!

If you’re interested in joining my private group run through Facebook fill out the application below I’ll send you all the details!

This is exactly how I got started and I am forever grateful I took that leap!!!

Come join me!!

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Candy Bar

February 13, 2015February 13, 20151 Comment

No joke – I have NEVER drank a shake so fast…and I’ve think I’ve had a lot of fabulous concoctions!!! I got a cold headache twice and was a tiny bit sad when it was gone but my goodness it was delish!!!!

Meet: Candy Bar Shakeo

As is above – this would be:

1 RED, 1 GREEN, 1/2 PURPLE and 2 tsps for all my 21-day fix followers!!!

But I have played around with this and will say although the banana makes for a more smooth texture, the taste is fine without it!!! So after the first day I have been leaving out the banana. You can also use PB2 rather than the all natural PB if you prefer which will cut down on the calories/fat.

On the flip side I made this for my hubs with unsweetened almond milk (1 Yellow) and a full banana (2 purples) and it was literally like a Dairy Queen Blizzard!!! The pure almond extract is definitely what makes it!!!

Let me know if you give this a try!!!

Want to try Shakeology??? You can get your own 30 day supply HERE!