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Maximizing technology to stay fit

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Let’s face it – sticking to any goal you’ve set for yourself, can be a challenge, but ones involving health and fitness tend to be the hardest.

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There are temptations EVERYWHERE! School, work, birthday parties, kiddos snack bags, social gatherings, the gas station, grocery store etc… Luckily, there are some great tools available to help us keep closer tabs on how well we’re doing and make sure those goals become results!

I was recently talking to Andrea Powers of Oscar Health Insurance, a Health Insurance provider in the New York/New Jersey area who uses technology to make things simpler! She asked the question – “How has technology helped you manage your health” and it didn’t take long for me to come up my top 3 resources and subsequently 3 things that keep me going on a day to day basis!

1) Online Accountability Group

My 90 Day Challenge group results

My 90 Day Challenge group results

I began my personal fitness journey March 2013,  looking to shed a few post baby pounds and gain some energy so I could be more present in my kids lives!

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I started with the 21-day fix home workout program, incorporated Shakeology and Clean Eating AND joined a Challenge group. Quickly something just clicked. I started looking at all food items in relation to the colored container they fell into and really learned portion control and I found myself setting my alarm daily so I could get my workout in and share with everyone else in the group when I completed it and how great it felt. I started seeing results…quickly! What was this secret sauce? THE COMBINATION OF ALL 3. That combination of regular, daily exercise, balanced, clean eating, and the accountability and support of a challenge group – GOT ME SUCCESS!

I had tried exercising but could never stick to it. I had (thought) I was eating healthy (although it wasn’t as “clean” as I thought) but I never had a group of people right there to help me and support me as well as guide me and give me tips on how to make this whole thing work!!!! After all, you can only eat so many steamed veggies and grilled chicken!!!!

You see, I had purchased my challenge pack under my Coach, and she immediately added me into this closed group on Facebook. Although unsure at first I found what had previously been missing from my fitness routine – Support & Accountability! Sure my husband was incredible support, but there was something about this private group. We were all working towards our goals, some the same and some different, but we all had goals in mind and we knew what we had to do to get there and we were going to do it – TOGETHER!

These little online accountability groups – all ran through a closed Facebook group – were the missing piece to my success! And I didn’t stop with my first one either! After seeing how this all fit together, I began coaching others and helping them become happier and healthier too! I continue to run these challenge groups and continue to thrive off the success of my challengers!!! And the ripple effect keeps on going!!!

Another BIG key to my success comes from being PREPARED.

2) Meal planning

Insanity Max 30 week 2 Meal Plan

Example Meal Plan

 

Yes – as simple as it may be, the meal plan word document I create each week helps me more than I could have ever thought! I’ll admit I wasn’t too excited about making a meal plan when it was suggested to me in my first challenge group,  but after “winging” it more times than I’d like to admit I found out that I do a LOT better when I write it down.  Typing it all out in a word document in one week increments and seeing the full week at a glance really helped me in the balancing each week. I am all about healthy, clean eating but I’m also all about balance in more ways than one. I am a busy mom and for some reason that 5:00 hour seems to be that time when the kids NEED everything and I’m TRYING to cook. Enter – meal prep and planning!!! The upfront time on Sunday or Monday is more than worth it later in the week plus it saves me $$$ too as I know exactly what I need to buy and helps reduce those impulse purchases at the store and/or wasting produce we don’t need! Its a win win all around!

There are a lot of great apps out there to track your daily food but I stuck with a simple meal plan!!! That’s what works for me!

3) Fit Bit

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It didn’t take long for me to realize that healthy eating and regular exercise just made for a healthier family all around. My husband bought me a fitbit for Mother’s Day and it was months before that little band was taken off, with the exception of a quick overnight charge! Not only did the fitbit help me realize how much activity I had during the day, it also helped me guage my weight, and sleep! There is just something about that sense of accomplishment when you feel the buzzer go off when you’ve hit your daily goal!

In talking to Andrea she mentioned the MisFit program they offer their customers. These MisFit bands sync with their app which helps members earn up to $240 a year simply by hitting daily fitness goals! How cool is that – you get paid to WALK!

I hope you can see from the above that staying on track with your health and fitness goals doesn’t have to be complicated. It may take some upfront planning, some time, and a commitment that today is the day, but with a little support and the right tools, you have the opportunity to be the happiest and healthiest YOU!

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If you would like to join my next challenge group or if you just have questions in general about getting started or jumping back in wherever it is that you left off, please fill out the application below and tell me a little bit more about you!

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Quinoa and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

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I am a huge stuffed pepper fan  but this one was a little different! I had “spiced up” my old recipe with some black beans and corn a few months ago but I am really loving all the veggies tossed into this one!

I prepared this at a Wildtree Freezer Meal Workshop but you can prepare it fresh or in advance and freeze! Either way, its relish!!!

WHAT YOU NEED:

In Bag #1:

  • 3 large carrots, grated (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 1 Tbsp. Wildtree Roasted Garlic Grapeseed Oil or Olive Oil
  • 1 ½ Tbsp. Wildtree Cajun Seasoning Blend
  • 1 Tbsp. Wildtree Garlic Galore Seasoning Blend
  • 1 package fresh spinach (or frozen), 10 oz
  • 2 cans black beans, 15 oz, drained and rinsed
  • ¾ cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz, drained
  • 2 cups water

In Bag #2:

  • 1 pound cooked lean ground beef or ground turkey

At cooking time:

  • 6 large bell peppers, any color, halved lengthwise, ribs and seeds removed
  • ½ cups parmesan cheese (optional)

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Combine all ingredients in a gallon size freezer bag, “smush” to allow seasonings to distribute. Place bag in freezer.

To prepare: Thaw overnight in fridge. Pour bag 1 contents in large skillet, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 – 25 minutes or until quinoa is tender, add cooked meat. (Note – if you are cooking your meat fresh you will want to start that after bringing the contents of bag 1 to a boil)

Preheat oven to 350. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Fill each pepper with quinoa mixture, and place in a baking dish with ¼ cup water in the bottom of the dish. Cover with foil, and bake 45 minutes – 1 hour. Uncover; sprinkle each pepper with cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is brown and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes.

For all my 21-day fixers and Insanity Max: 30 Meal Plan followers – each half would equate to:

  • 1/2 R (ground beef/turkey)
  • 1 Y (black beans and quinoa)
  • 1.5 G (spinach, carrots, pepper, tomatoes)

If you’d like to learn more about clean eating and ways to spice up those repetitive weekly dinners fill out my challenge group application below! My health and fitness accountability groups not only include the support and motivation to stay on track and exercise regularly, but also provide tips and resources to help you make this a lifestyle – not a temporary change!

Insanity Max: 30 Week 5 review, Week 6 Meal plan

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Week 5 of Insanity Max: 30 also kicks off a Month 2’s brand new set of workouts.  Talk about a jump in the intensity!!! These workouts are harder, require more endurance, and really put your mind to the test! You have to DIG DEEP and really focus to power through.

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A lot of people have been asking for clarification on the term “max out”. The name comes from the fact you are going to MAX OUT during every single workout. You may not be able to complete the full 30 minutes at a Shaun T speed, but the program is designed to have you start with Shaun T as long as you can, write down that number you hit, and then drop to modify or take a short break. I am (usually) able to just switch to the modified and keep going but this week had a few moments where I needed to stop and catch my breath!

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Max Out Cardio followed a similar format to the Cardio Challenge, adding in 1 minute “power moves” before each water break. I was happy with my max out time in this workout but they definitely went down here the rest of the week!

Max Out Power left me feeling like a human jello jiggler!!! My upper body just couldn’t hang with those dang pushups!!! I know my entire body is getting stronger through these workouts but push ups continue to be my area needing the most improvement!

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Little secret – I used to be a gymnast! There was a time when I actually spent more time upside down than right side up…or so I’m told anyway!! I tossed in a few headstands while I was wwaiting for Max Out Sweat to load and I was certainly happy to see I could still rock out lots of my old moves!

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This workout had me pushing HARD but I always remember hearing one of the girls from Month 1 workouts saying “when I think I can’t even do one more, I do 3” and that helped me to push through to almost 10 minutes before needing to take it down to modified!

By the time Thursday rolled around my body was exhausted! There were quite a few moves I was trying to attempt in Max Out Strength but the strength just wasn’t there! I didn’t want to stop completely so my solution was good old fashioned total body PLANKS!

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I’m slightly embarrased to say I didn’t even make it through the entire first move in Friday Fight Round 2 before I had to drop down to the modified! I maxed out at 5:48! I hope I can easily say I’ll improve upon that this coming week but no joke – these workouts are flat out HARD! I guess the name Insanity is there for a reason!

I’m not sure about all of you, but although we’re almost halfway through January my nutrition hasn’t quite been like it was pre-holiday season! I was tossing it around back and forth and I have decided to tack on a 3-day refresh this week. I have done it twice before so I know what to expect and how to do it – I just need to put my mind to it and GO FOR IT! Luckily my mother in law is going to do it with me! I don’t know about you – but in something like this – accountability is HUGE for me. Here’s to making it through the entire 3 days – no cheating!!!!

With the changes to incorporate the 3-day refresh, my week 6 plan is as follows:

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I’m not sure how my workouts will go Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, but I’ll give it my best but may need to just stick with modified for those days!

Like I said above, accountability is KEY – whether its for the fitness, the nutrition or both – knowing someone else iMaegan Blinka, Transformations, Insanity Max 30, Insanity Max 30 Month 2, Insanity Max 30 Meal Plan, 3-day refresh Meal Plan, 21 day fix Meal plan, Clean eating, s counting on you or that someone else is going through the exact same thing you are is sometimes all it takes to convince yourself to put mind over matter and just DO IT!

If you think you could benefit from being part of an online health and fitness accountability group fill out the application below. Today could be that day you DECIDE its time for a change!

 

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Asian Ginger Plum Stir-Fry with Cashews

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As I mentioned last week, I did a Wildtree freezer meal workshop over the weekend and I tried the first meal – Asian Ginger Plum Stir-Fry with cashews and it was a family hit!

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You have the option of keeping this vegetarian or adding meat (I went with chicken). Now I will say the recipe you will see below varies slightly from the recipe I received at the party – but that’s what I love about these workshops…you make them your own and do what fits your lifestyle and your family’s lifestyle! So I reduced the amount of the grape seed oil and marinade, added some pineapple (which my hubby said was KEY!), skipped the bean sprouts, subbed out the baby corn for frozen corn and added some additional red pepper slides because, well, they’re my favorite!

My prep was already done and this meal took about 20 minutes total and it made enough for 2 full dinners! (yes, the leftovers heated up very well!!!)

Like I said, this was a freezer meal, but you could also prepare fresh by mixing all ingredients in bag one together and bag two together (although I do think it would be best to at least marinade over night!!!)

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Asian Ginger Plum Stir-Fry with Cashews 

In Freezer Bag:

  • 4 oz frozen corn
  • 8 oz package of snow peas
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp. Wildtree Roasted Garlic Grapeseed Oil
  • 2 tsp. Wildtree Garlic Galore Seasoning Blend
  • 1/2 cup Wildtree Asian Ginger Plum Dressing & Marinade
  • 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp. cilantro
  • Optional: 1 can sliced water chestnuts, 8 oz

If you’re including meat, in a second bag:

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – cubed
  • 2 tbsp Wildtree Asian Ginger Plum Dressing

In smaller bag: 1 cup rice, Place this bag and freezer bag inside additional freezer bag so you have everything you need come cook time!

At cooking time: 1 cup bean sprouts and ½ cup cashews

Combine all ingredients in specified gallon size freezer bags and mix to allow seasonings to distribute.

To prepare:

1. Thaw overnight in fridge.

2. Cook rice in accordance with package instructions.

3. Heat large skillet to medium-high heat.   **If using meat, heat a large skillet over medium high heat and pour contents of meat bag into the skillet and cook 3-5 minutes before adding vegetables** Add thawed bag contents & sauté until veggies are tender, approximately 15 minutes. When ready to serve, stir in 1 cup bean sprouts and ½ cup cashews. Serve over cooked rice.

I also forgot the cashews when I initially made it. We tossed some in with the leftovers but I don’t really think they were needed. I personally enjoyed the touch of sweetness from the pineapple!

I usually try to follow the foods and general meal plan using the portion control containers with Beachbody’s 21-day fix/Insanity Max:30. While this specific recipe is not 100% in line with those meal plans – you could alter the dressing by using the Asian Citrus Vinaigrette (see below) as well as olive oil rather than grapeseed oil for a delicious dinner!!

Asian Citrus Vinaigrette – From the 21-day fix nutrition guide

(makes 6 servings – 6 orange containers)

  • 1/4 cup 100% orange juice
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 TBSP reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tsp raw honey
  • 1/2-inch fresh ginger, peeled, finely grated
  • 1/4 cup sesame oil

1. Combine all ingredients EXCEPT the oil in a medium bowl, whisk to blend.

2. Slowly add oil while whisking; mix well

Store any leftover dressing in a covered container in the refrigerator. If dressing thickens when cold, hold at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. In addition to stir-drys this dressing is great on salads and drizzled over grilled chicken, pork or beef! 

If you have any questions about this meal and/or the Beachbody programs mentioned above please feel free to email me at maeganblinka@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you!

I run health and fitness accountability groups to help you stay focused on your goals and keep working through the good times and bad! If this sounds like something you’d be interested in – fill out the application below!

*THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS*

 

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Insanity Max: 30 Week 4 Review, Week 5 Meal Plan

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Holy smokes I can’t believe I am wrapping up week 4 today! Halfway through Insanity Max:30 and more than pleased with the results so far! I know my nutrition has not been perfect (darn holidays and lack of self control!) but I will say I’ve been able to stay on track for the most part thanks to Shakeology and those handy dandy 21-day fix portion control containers!

I kicked off Week 4 with a side by side sweat session with my #1.

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Oh and I topped out last week’s Cardio Challenge max out time by more than 9 MINUTES-SAY WHAT?!?! I’m crediting a huge portion of that to knowing my hubs was watching me! Even though we are doing different programs (he’s doing Body Beast) I just seemed to have a little extra umph knowing he was right there…Plus I got a little extra sleep overt he weekend since we were still visiting my in laws and the kiddos were bunking out with Gigi and Pap!

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I had to veer off my meal plan slightly…with a long travel day and no desire to cook when we got home – we went for big bowls of Shakeology for dinner Monday night – totally hit the spot! I like to blend mine extra thick so I can eat it with a spoon but I still stuck with my 1 yellow (almond milk) 1 red (chocolate Shakeology) and 1 green (fresh spinach) containers from my meal plan and enjoyed every last bite!!! AhMAZING! The nutritional benefits alone are enough to ensure I am drinking my shakeology daily however the convenience aspect is a huge bonus! There’s never an excuse to NOT eat healthy. We always have shakeology and if nothing else, we have water to shake it up and gulp it down! Don’t forget – FOOD IS FUEL!

I had set a goal for myself to improve on my times as this is my last week doing this workout set. I stayed pretty consistent and/or improved all of my max out times slightly but the biggest jump was certainly on Monday’s Cardio Challenge! I even impressed myself!!!

The biggest change I’m seeing is in my CORE – oh yes, even post Christmas goodies – the abs are starting to show and….I like it!!! I still need to be a bit more disciplined in the kitchen but I’m getting there!!!!

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I’ll admit…I’m excited to wrap up the first month but I can’t even imagine how Shaun T is going to amp it up for month 2…which in turn makes me a bit nervous!!!

I’ll be switching things up a bit this week for my meal plan now that I have some great new meals to try out! I spent Saturday morning at a combined Beachbody and Wildtree event where I was able to lead a group workout (we went with Cardio Fix from the 21-day Fix – wowza I am sore!!!) and some Shakeology samples for everyone to try and then we prepared 10 freezer meals using Wildtree’s line of organic and gluten free spices, oils and marinades.

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I’ve done several of these workshops in the past but this would really interested me as the menu was Veggie Medley and its loaded with vegetables – something I am struggling to get enough of in these winter months!!! It was an awesome way to spend the morning, meeting new people, indulging in some black and white no-bake cookies, making some delicious new dinners, and getting our sweat on! Talk about PRODUCTIVE!

I’m excited to kick off week 5 with a whole new set of workouts! Here’s my meal plan (which is also 21-day fix approved) – for week 5:

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Some people ask if I get tired of the same thing every morning for breakfast but honestly – I don’t!! Shakeology is far and away my favorite and healthiest meal of the day! My breakfast and snacks are pretty consistent daily but I know they keep me full and taste good – so how why change it?!?! I do switch up my lunches and dinners but everything else usually remains the same!!! Consistency is key right?!?!

There is a bit of the unknown over the weekend as I will be in Pittsburgh all weekend for our SUPER SATURDAY event (on Friday, lol)! The CEO, Carl Daikeler will be there to honor our top coach, Melanie Mitro, and Autumn Calabrese will be leading a live workout – its going to be nothing short of AMAZING! We have the event Friday night, a team lunch planned for Saturday and another celebration Saturday night…so I’ll be packing my Shakeology and water bottle for sure along with some staple snacks like almonds, apples and some protein bars and do my best to stay on track and HAVE FUN!!!

Tomorrow kicks off my first challenge group of 2015 and I’d love to have you join us! Fill out the application below for a spot!

Make 2015 YOUR TIME TO SHINE!

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Insanity Max:30 – Are you in?

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Insanity Max:30

Ok – where are all my Shaun T fans??? Whether you’re a fan of Insanity or T25 you are likely feeling the same way I am about Shaun T’s latest and greatest!!! I am so excited to do this new, insane workout!!! I know – crazy, right?!?!

I have to confess…I never even touched the original Insanity. I own it. I watched my hubby (attempt to) do it but I had absolutely NO desire to even dabble. However fast forward 2 kids and a few years later – and I am STOKED! Why? Because I am in better shape, my husband is in better shape, and I know he’s going to be there – right beside me – pushing me to my MAX!  We did T25 together about a year ago but then he moved on to P90X3 and Body Beast and I moved on to 21-day fix, PiYo, and P90. Let me just say – I’m excited to have my workout buddy back!

What I like about the most recent Beachbody programs is they all run just about 30 minutes. Let’s be honest – no one wants to workout for an hour!!!! But 30 minutes – 30 minute is just 2% of your day – it can happen!!!

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What is INSANITY MAX:30?
INSANITY MAX:30 is the challenging new 60 day, 30-minute, in-home workout program from Shaun T, creator of INSANITY and Focus T25. Shaun T has developed 150 new cardio and strength moves that will make you push harder and dig deeper than ever before to get the best body of your life in just 60 days.INSANITY MAX:30 will be the hardest 30 minutes of the day and you need to be ready to MAX OUT. It’s not about “getting through” all 30 minutes, it’s about going as hard as possible, for as long as possible, until becoming “MAXED OUT” (i.e. until taking the first rest and/or breaking proper form). No equipment needed… just push to the MAX for INSANE results in just 60 days.

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Well, for starters, this time they include a modifier! Don’t get me wrong – its still going to be intense. But you don’t have to be in tip top shape to get started. You just need the courage to begin, dedication to continue, and support to pick you up when the going gets tough! But if you have any serious injuries or limitations you may want to go with something like T25 to start! It is going to be a heck of a workout and I am so up for the challenge. I am a huge fan of Shaun T and can’t wait for him to kick my butt -again- for 60 days.

WHEN???

It will be released December 2nd  and I am looking for 5 other people and/or couples who are ready to push themselves to the MAX and do this program with me – with us – and join my test group! We will support each other, share our struggles and lift each other up when we need it most. I know this is not going to be easy…there will be moves that are going to make me want to cry. I will be tired. I will be sore. But it will be worth it!!!!

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If you are interested in joining my first ever INSANITY MAX: 30 test group please fill out the form below to be considered for 1 of the 5 spots and we can do this together!!!

P90 Review

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Ok ok…so I’ve been at this whole P90 thing for 2 weeks now and people keep asking me – “Do you like P90” or “How does this compare to 21-day fix?” or “You’ve been working out for a while now, is this program challenging enough? I thought it was for beginners” – well I’d like to share my thoughts with you…

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P90 – Day 1

 

First things first – Do I like it?
YES! If you know me – I wouldn’t do something I didn’t like. That’s just silly – Time is precious!!!  I’ve done other Tony Horton programs and struggled with being able to do the workouts without modifying them to the point that I was barely even following the DVD! My husband and I did some of P90X before our wedding years ago but I found the strength training aspect too difficult and some of the workouts were just too long. He also completed P90X3 recently I would periodically join him for a good sweat sesh and while the 30 minute workouts were appealing and I enjoyed the workouts, I still couldn’t really “complete” them. I’ve only done the workouts in P90-Series A but they’re under that 30 minute mark which fits my busy mama schedule perfectly, the 8 minute ab workout is different and challenging and to be honest – Saturday Special may be one of my favorite workouts of all the Beachbody programs I’ve done!!!

P90 week 1 Day 4

How does it compare to 21-day fix?

 

Well its definitely different!!! Most people know I LOVE 21-day fix. I love the variety of the workouts, I love the easy to follow meal plan, I think Autumn Calabrese is amazing and the story of how she took her leap of faith with getting this program out there is just inspiring. It was the program that got me hooked on a healthy and balanced way of living so it was hard for me to make the change – but it was time! Change is GOOD right?!?! Although I enjoyed the 7-day a week program, I was ready for a rest day, ready to work my body and my muscles differently and just ready for something new! Afterall, isn’t variety the spice of life?!?! That doesn’t mean I won’t add in a little Cardio fix here or Yoga fix there but I wanted to test out P90 for myself – so I could share with all my challengers and customers just how this program works!

 

So the program is designed so that you choose a sculpt or sweat schedule. I chose sweat – which means I do the Sweat A and the ab workout on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and the Sculpt A workout Tuesday and Thursday with the Saturday Special on Saturday (although this last weekend I was out of town and didn’t want to skip the workout so my Friday became Saturday Special – joys of working out at home on your own schedule!!!) I like that this allows you to get comfortable and familiar with each workout! You repeat this for 4-weeks before moving on to Phase B and similarly, Phase C. So you’re not doing the same workout everyday, nor are you doing a different workout everyday but there’s enough variety to keep me interested.

 

Maegan Blinka, P90, P90 Review, P90 comparison, 21-day fix, home workout programs, P90 October promotion, challenge groups, Beachbody programs, 30 minute workout programs, Is P90 just for beginners, How does P90 compare to other workout programs, what is P90, Never give up

Is this challenging enough for someone who has been working out for a while or this just for beginners?
The answer is Yes – and No…Yes its challenging enough and No – its not JUST for beginners!

 

I was expecting this first phase to be easy breezy so day 1 I pushed myself and I pushed myself HARD – and you know what? I was SORE the next day. Sure enough – it worked!!! Like so many other things in life – you’re going to get out what you put in! So I put in my best and I could out the best results. I was happy to see that even after “working out for a while” this program could still benefit and challenge me! I choose to do more reps during the lifting phases, push ups at a faster rate and jump as fast as I could!!! I also LOVE how I can FINISH the entire workout and feel accomplished rather than defeated. I will say certain moves are easier than others but that is when you can up your weights and add in a little extra umph to make sure you’re getting the most out of your 30 minutes of “me” time.
So, although this is great for beginners, great for people with injuries or who may need to modify…it can also be great for anyone!!!

 

I hope this provides some insight and helps if you’ve been thinking – is this workout for me? If you’ve been thinking about giving this program a try (which remains on special until the end of October) or any of the Beachbody programs I’d love to talk to you! I know I wouldn’t be able to stay on track alone so after having my own success in a challenge group – I became a coach so I could run my own challenge groups and not only hold myself accountable but help others get started on their journey as well – there’s just something to be said about POWER In NUMBERS!

 

–> As an added bonus, Beachbody has decided to donate $5 for every challenge pack to the Wounded Warriors project in honor of Tony Horton’s dad, an avid supporter. I decided to #payitforward with Amy as my first challenger to purchase the program at the beginning of the month. Now #itsyourturn

Maegan Blinka, P90, P90 Review, P90 comparison, 21-day fix, home workout programs, P90 October promotion, challenge groups, Beachbody programs, 30 minute workout programs, Is P90 just for beginners, How does P90 compare to other workout programs, what is P90,

 

Fill out the application below for a spot in my next group! Or email me  maeganblinka@gmail.com and I can help you decide how to get started on a journey to a happier, healthier YOU!

Maegan Blinka, Beachbody challenge group, support group, accountability group,P90, P90 Review, P90 comparison, 21-day fix, home workout programs, P90 October promotion, challenge groups, Beachbody programs, 30 minute workout programs, Is P90 just for beginners, How does P90 compare to other workout programs, what is P90,

 

Maegan Blinka, chocolate chip cookies, gluten free cookies, easy fast cookies,

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip cookies

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So my family is in the process of reducing/eliminating gluten in hopes to reduce the inflammation in my hubby’s neck. At this rate…he has tried everything else to relieve the pain and a change in diet is the one thing we didn’t try! My mom used to have neck pain and saw a significant improvement when she cut out gluten so we figured – why not?!

But that doesn’t mean we don’t still like a sweet treat!

We gave these cookies a try and really enjoyed them – and so did the kiddos – so it was a win win!!!

Chocolate Chip Cookies – Gluten Free Style

Maegan Blinka, chocolate chip cookies, gluten free cookies, easy fast cookies,

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 1 cup all natural peanut butter or other nut butter
  • 3/4 cup of sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • *optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans 
  • *optional: Sprinkles – we of course went with Christmas ones on this beautiful October day 🙂

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients except chocolate chips until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.

2. Scoop dough with medium cookie scoop (I use the pampered chef one) or roll into 1 inch balls and place onto parchment lined baking sheets

3. Bake for 12 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheet and place onto a cooling rack or towel to completely cool.

4. ENJOY!

My take on these: They are not “soft and chewy” like a traditional flour cookie but they taste fabulous! The peanut butter lover in me has remade this recipe several times! Comment below if you give these a try!!!

Chicken and veggie pasta, 21-day fix approved dinner, healthy dinner, dinner in under 30 minutes

Chicken and Veggie Pasta

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Chicken and veggie pasta, 21-day fix approved dinner, healthy dinner, dinner in under 30 minutes

I had chicken breasts planned for the grill and a pile of broccoli from the Farmer’s market all chopped and ready to be steamed. Then my daughter requested “noodles” and I saw the box of pasta in the pantry and thought..Hmmmm…maybe I can whip up a pasta dish instead of our classic “grilled chicken with a steamed veggie and side of rice or quinoa”. I didn’t have any pasta sauce, which used to be a pantry staple, but I did have some olive oil, garlic, and lemon….Enter creativity here!

I started by heating  1 TBS of olive oil and 1 TBS of minced garlic in a large pan. In a separate sauce pan, I began boiling water for the pasta.

Next, I cut the chicken into approximately 1″ cubes and browned until thoroughly cooked through – about 8-10 minutes, stirring consistently. Then I added the pasta to the boiling water.

chicken and veggie pasta 1

Next I added the broccoli and juice from two lemons. But when I took a step back I didn’t think I had enough veggies…so I went back to the fridge.

chicken and veggie pasta 2

I found a jar of roasted red peppers and fresh spinach – PERFECT!!!! I sliced the red peppers up (actually my husband sliced the red peppers up) and we mixed everything together and topped with 3 cups of fresh spinach and placed a lid on top to steam.

 chicken and veggie pasta 3

After about 3-5 minutes I removed the lid, gave one last stir and we were complete!!!

chicken and veggie pasta 4

 

 

Much better veggie to chicken ratio and dinner was complete in less than 30 minutes and its all 21-day fix approved!!! I consider that a success!!!

chicken and veggie pasta 5

 

Chicken and Veggie pasta

(makes 6 servings)

21-day fixers: 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow and 1 tsp (olive oil) 

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 1.5 – 2 pounds chicken, cut into 1″ cubes

  • 2 cups chopped broccoli

  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

  • 3 cups fresh spinach (or approximately one cup frozen spinach)

  • 12 oz whole wheat or brown rice pasta cooked according to package directions.

  • 1 TBS olive oil

  • 1 TBS minced garlic or 3 garlic cloves, chopped

  • 2 lemons

  • Parmasean cheese (optional)

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  1. Heat  olive oil and garlic in a large pan.

  2. In a separate sauce pan, bring 6 cups of water to boil and add pasta when water begins to boil, cooked according to directions.

  3. Brown chicken until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

  4. Add lemon juice, broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes

  5. Add roasted red peppers and spinach, cover with lid to steam for 3-5 minutes.

  6. Serve over pasta and enjoy

Its clean, its fast, and it was DELICIOUS!!!!

 

Whether you’re new to clean eating or a seasoned pro – if you’re interested in more information about ways to enjoy clean eating and/or if you are interested in the 21-day fix workout program,  fill out the form below to join  my upcoming health and fitness accountability and support group! Together we can end the trend of obesity!

 

 

 

 

21 day fix breakfast, peach oatmeal, clean peaches and cream oatmeal, crunchy peaches and cream oatmeal, 21-day fix meal plan

Peaches-n-cream crunchy oatmeal

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Did you know Chambersburg is known for its peaches?!? Well, I for one I had NO IDEA! However my amazing Coach, Deidra, just so happens live in Chambersburg and just so happens to be from the town I currently live in. Lucky for me she was visiting her family this weekend and brought home a bunch of peaches and shared with me!!! We got a little visit in and I got some fresh peaches – win win!!!

I’ve ate fresh peaches before, liked them, made them into baby food when my youngest was just starting out on fruits but to be honest I grew up on the canned stuff. The fuzz on an actual peach kind of scared me and I never quite knew how to cut around that pit?! Every time I tried I butchered the peach! Turns out…I just don’t think I ever had the right/ripe peach! This was easy peezy – slice all the way around and pull apart! DONE!

These peaches Deidra gave me are AHMAZING! They’re so juicy and have the perfect sweetness.

So now, what to do with my peach???

clean peaches and cream oatmeal, peach oatmeal, healthy breakfast, clean oatmeal, coach, fitmom, fitfam

What to do with my peaches?

I typically start my day the same exact way everyday. Wake up, drink my E&E, do my workout, have my Shakeology and get started with my day…but I’ve decided to switch things up – insert – Peaches-n-cream crunchy oatmeal for breakfast! And no, not the artificial prepackaged stuff either!

WHAT YOU NEED:

(I’ve added the coordinating 21-day fix containers for quick reference)

  • 1/2 Cup of rolled quick oats (or your favorite oats) – 1 YELLOW
  • 1/2 a Peach, diced – 1/2 PURPLE
  • 4 Halved Walnuts – 1/2 Blue

Optional:

  • 1/4 – 1/2 Scoop Vanialla Protein Powder – This would count towards your reds…One serving of Whey Protein powder is considered to be 1.5 scoops – so depending on how much you put in would determine how to count it for your containers. I used about 1/4 and it was plenty!
  • tsp Honey

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  1. Cook the oats according to package directions (I combined 1/2 cup oats with enough water to cover the oats completely and microwaved for 1 minute)
  2. Add your protein powder and/or honey, walnut pieces and diced peach – mix and enjoy!

21 day fix breakfast, peach oatmeal, clean peaches and cream oatmeal, crunchy peaches and cream oatmeal, 21-day fix meal plan

Perhaps the best part was – my toddler loved it! I left the walnuts out and didn’t use any sweetener but rather cooked his oats in almond milk and topped with the peaches…after the fact I thought cinnamon would have been a great add too – perhaps tomorrow!

Here’s to hoping you and your little ones enjoy!

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Fresh, clean and toddler approved Oatmeal