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Baked Mancakes

Its no secret – I. Love. My. Mancakes.

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Here’s the real deal – I actually love pancakes but I have a hard time putting anything into my body that has ZERO nutritional value! So I put a halt to the classic pancakes a while ago but I have found the best solution: Mancakes! They’re a gluten free combo of: Oats, egg whites, berries, banana and naturally flavored with some pure extracts and cinnamon!

They’re filing, no need for syrup, and my 2 year old insists on them DAILY – #mommywin!

Now: The only downside is – they take FOREVER to cook! Partially because when I make them I made a quadruple batch (which yields around 32-35 pancakes) and I don’t like to dirty more than one pan – but nonetheless – time is precious!

My husband and I both had these on our WEEK 1 HAMMER & CHISEL MEAL PLANS and I decided there was no way I could stand and flip that many cakes!

So I whipped up this little Mancake Berry Bake this week and it tasted like a blueberry muffin and I’m kind of thinking this is going to be my new thing!

The consistency is dense -like a cake/muffin but full of flavor! I’ve been enjoying these post-workout/Recovery shake for Meal #1 followed by my shakeology. This has been working these last four days to keep me energized and full after these intense Hammer & Chisel Workouts!!!

Baked Mancakes

WHAT YOU NEED: 

2 Cups of Oats

16 Egg whites (2 small cartons or one large)

1 Cup of strawberries (frozen are a-okay!)

1 Cup of blueberries (frozen are a-okay!)

1 banana

3 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp almond extract

Walnuts (optional)

Coconut oil

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WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth (you’ll see some oats but that’s okay!!!) – Now in my first go at these I forgot to add my blueberries – so I sprinkled them throughout and baked – I feel like this gave them more of a “muffin” feel opposed to blending them all together! But my little guy prefers them blended smooth!!
  3. Pour into 9×13 baking pan (I prefer the foil toss pans – easy in and easy out!!! Don’t forget to spritz with olive oil or coconut oil first!)
  4. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Make sure you test the center so its cooked fully (note: using frozen fruit may prolong the baking time 10-15 minutes)
  5. Break into 4 pieces and now you have 4 breakfasts ready to go!

Hot or cold – these things are AMAZING!

Container Equivalents:

Whether you’re following the 21-day fix or Hammer & Chisel or Insanity Max: 30 or CIZE  – this recipe will fit your meal plan!!!

I have them planned out to give me: 1 Yellow, 1 Purple and 1/2 Red with each serving. The walnuts would be counted as a blue if used! 

Why the 1/2 red? Because I am missing my post dinner sweet treat and what I found is that I can shake 1/2 a scoop of chocolate shakeology with some ice cold water to finish dinner and I no longer have that urge to much 🙂

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If you’re looking for some new recipe ideas, or meal planning tips or maybe just some accountability to stay ON TRACK especially when times get tough – then join my next online Health & Fitness accountability group! My next group is now forming and I am looking for more women who would benefit from the support network and accountability of achieving their goals TOGETHER!

There’s Power in Numbers 

Chocolate Almond Protein Squares – FIXATE

chocolate almond protein squares, FIXATE recipe, new protein bar recipe ideas, oat flour recipe, almond flour recipe, Maegan Blinka, Megan Blinka, Can you make your own oat flour, Can you pulse oats to make oat flour, almond butter recipesWhile there’s a first time for everything and we the hubby and I experienced a HUGE one Sunday night…we did NOT get desert at the Cheesecake Factory!

Ok – so perhaps, strangely, this is no big deal to some but this was our favorite date night spot – we would indulge on anything and everything and ALWAYS get our own slice of heaven. But times have changed and while we enjoyed a healthy, balanced, portioned lunch when the decision time came we both realized – we didn’t need it – it wasn’t worth it! Not to say I’ll never eat a slice again – I’m sure I will – but not this time! But I also knew I could make something that would satisfy the sweet tooth and not break the belt buckle!!!!

That being said when this recipe popped up in my open FIXATE book we decided this was the time to give it a try…but we were missing a few ingredients.

I stocked up and am happy to report these were fast, easy, and ummm – AMAZING!

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Serves: 16 (1 square each)

Container equivalents – 1/2 red; 1/2 yellow

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 1 cup oat flour (I made my own by processing oats in the food processor!0
  • 1 cup whey protein powder, vanilla flavor
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp. sea or himalayan salt
  • 1 cup all-natural almond butter
  • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, melted

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  1. Line 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper
  2. Place oat flour, protein powder, almond flour and salt in food processor, pulse to mix
  3. Add almond butter and extract, pulse for one minute or until crumbly
  4. Add almond milk; pulse for one minute or until mixture forms a soft dough
  5. Press dough into prepared pan, smooth with spatula
  6. Freeze, covered for 15 minutes
  7. Cut into 2×2 squares
  8. Drizzle melted chocolate evenly on top of protein bars
  9. Freeze for 10 minutes or until chocolate sets
  10. Store in freezer for up to one week in airtight container

I immediately had to dive in and all I could think of was: Hello Quest Bar replacement!!!! I love quest bars, love love love them but I loved these even more so and I know everything that went into them!!!

This recipe is from the new cookbook FIXATE, by  Autumn Calabrese. Autumn also created the 21-day fix and 21-day fix extreme workout programs which incorporate 30 minute workouts with a portion controlled nutrition plan. No matter what your age or weight or current athletic ability – anyone can eat right for their body type! She includes a variety of Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free and Paleo recipes. 

busy moms cover photo 2

If you’re interested in getting started and/or continuing your health and fitness journey join my upcoming Health & Fitness online Accountability group by filling out the application below

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21-day fix week 1 Recap – prepped for week 2

One week down…2 to go!!!!

I’ll be honest…I thought I was kind of sort of going to breeze through this program since I had been used to the Extreme program however…that was not the case!!!

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This week really challenged me but-I did the best I could, used the highest weights I felt I could handle and when I needed to…dropped down!

I had one small hiccup on Tuesday as I found myself with what I self-diagnosed was turf toe. Out of NOWHERE my left big toe was red, hot to touch, swollen and very painful. I asked around and while the general consensus was gout – I have pretty much zero of the common causes for gout and much more likely to be turf toe.

Maegan Blinka, 21 day fix spicy meal, quinoa zucchini bowlRegardless I took a much needed yet dreaded REST DAY Wednesday, prepped some meals tried this new recipe for SPICY QUINOA AND ZUCCHINI BOWL and more importantly rested my foot!

I changed up my planned workout schedule by going with Pilates on Thursday (with lots of modifications and one-footed planks) and then Lower Fix Friday and Cardio Saturday at an event in my hometown ran by one of my coaches. I will say I love the flexibility

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I’ll admit I missed my favorite Dirty 30!!!! But I’ll get it in this week for sure!!!

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Nothing like getting knee deep in your weekly meal plan before realizing your planned 3-day refresh is going to have to wait for next week as Thursday will be spent prepping for Friday’s colonoscopy 😬

Yes – you read that right – this 29 year old heathy mama has a scheduled COLONOSCOPY!!!

After having huge successes last year with the addition of my superfood magic potion Shakeology and the switch to clean eating I was completely taken off all of my Chron’s disease meds and this will determine whether or not I can forgo these lovely procedures until I hit 50 like the rest of the population! 

As anyone who has ever been through one of these before knows, the prep is far from enjoyable and while I am in no way looking forward to Thursday I cannot wait to hear the results Friday morning!

Please say a prayer for me 🙏

That being said if anyone would like to join me in a little SUMMER KICKOFF next week I’d love some accountability partners!!!!

Whether you’re looking to lose those last 10 pounds and slim down for swim suit season or tone up or begin a journey to a brand new YOU – it all starts somewhere and it starts with the decision to CHANGE!!!!

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What can you expect???

*Starts with the 3-day refresh (optional, but highly recommended!!!)
*Follows the 21-day fix nutrition guide
*Follows the 21-day fix workout program with a few extra arm and booty focused moves
*Summer recipes
*Travel tips
*Daily motivation, support and most of all ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!

I’m opening 10 more spots…don’t miss out!!! Fill out the application below for a spot!!!

Oh, and it just so happens that the 21-day fix + 3-day refresh Challenge pack is on promotion this month…coincidence…I think not!

***There’s power in numbers***

Quinoa Turkey Meatloaf

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

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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!!!) 

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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)

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

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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!

21 Day Fix Extreme Recipe: Turkey Meatballs

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!!!

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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!!!

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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!

21 Day Fix Extreme one week down 2 to go!

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I’m excited to say that I survived week 1 of the 21 Day Fix Extreme! Although I’ve been sore somewhere new every single morning, I find the workouts fun yet challenging and I can already see some changes in my body! I loved all of the workouts in the original 21 day fix and this program proves the same. The variety is perfect! Every day targets a different muscle group and that Sunday Yoga fix comes at a time when your muscles REALLY need that extra stretch. Kind of like they knew what they were doing, lol 🙂

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I had never used a resistance band the way its used in Pilates but WOW – talk about resistance training at its best!!! I thought you just used it as a subsitute for weights but turns out some basic moves can be turned up a notch or two or three with this simple little band!!!

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I still kind of feel like a twisted pretzel at times but I’m getting better for sure!!!

Now truthful moment – my nutrition has not been where I’d like it to be! The planning part is there…and prep is there…its controlling my urges to eat when I know its not “time” to eat! I keep reminding my challengers and myself – Don’t mistake that feeling of thirst for hunger – if it hasn’t been 2.5-3 hours since the last meal – CHUG!!!!

I’ve been dabbling in a lot of the new recipes within the 21 Day Fix Extreme nutrition book – and those are nothing short of AMAZING – I’ve tried out the Cashew ‘N’ Oat Hotcakes, the Turkey Chili, Strawberry Protein Bars, Chocolate Pudding and repeated each of them!!!

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I never miss my SHAKEOLOGY and even found myself subbing some of my “reds” last week and doubling up on my shakeo!!! Perhaps it was the new addition of the Candy Bar to my rotation (modified to fit into my daily container allowance!) but there have been people sick all around and I know that will only help boost my immue system with all the antioxidants along with the pro and pre-biotics! This mama doesn’t have any time for getting sick!!!

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I know a lot of people/men see Autumn and wonder if this program can be for men too. Well let me tell you my hubs has been working out regularly for almost a year and while he is in the middle of Insanity Max: 30, he passed on the PULSE day and joined me for a little Dirty 30 on Valentines Day morning and he even admitted he got a good 30 minute burn in!!!

We’ll be doing round 2 together 🙂

Its been FRIGID in western PA this weekend and as much as I dislike these subzero temperatures I can tell you I was pretty darn productive!!! Today I’ve already prepped the Turkey Meatballs and Veggie Egg Cups for this week…along with some cajun chicken, tilapia, mancakes for the hubby, and veggies!!! I’ve set myself up for success….I just need to resist the random snacking and desire to finish off my munchkins’ snacks!!!

2015-02-10 06.51.32My week 1 goal was primarily to STOP finishing remaining food and the mindless snacks – and I failed. Why is it that that macoroni and cheese just screams out my name to take just ONE bite?!?! My willpower was just bad this week!!!

So this week I’ll try again…no more finishing the oatmeal or cereal or those darn cheese its – its time to FOCUS and stick to my meal plan!!!

 

21 DFX Week 2 Meal Plan

I’ve planned out week 2 really focusing on the foods at the top of the lists to maximize my results!!! My YELLOWS are primarily quinoa, sweet potatoes and oatmeal…my REDS are usually fish/seafoood, chicken, turkey, eggs, and Shakeology, my PURPLES are apples and berries and my GREENS are asparagus, broccoli, peppers, spinach and cucumbers. I’ve also eliminated bananas, greek yogurt and almond milk.

I took the time, planned, shopped and prepped and now I’m looking to my challengers and accountability group to help hold me to my goals this week!!!!

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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!

You can get the body you’re looking for if you COMMIT to 25/30 minutes a day, 5-7 days a week and I promise you RESULTS!!!! This is exactly how I got started and I am forever grateful I took that leap!!!

Ready to accept?

Insanity Max: 30 Week 1 Recap, Week 2 Meal Plan

All I can say is thank goodness today is REST DAY!

I am officially 1 week in on Insanity Max:30 and now I can see why Shaun T referred to this program once as “plauteu buster” – its amazing! Don’t get me wrong, its intense and hard and challenging but you can feel while you’re working out how you are using so many different muscle groups. You don’t just squat or just lunge or just hold a plank…you’re combining these moves and maximizing your results!!! My little secret to keep pushing forward:

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I’d say the one muscle group I can feel working harder than before is my core – you use your core in so many of the moves and I am already starting to see changes in my body!!! SCORE!!!

So for those of you wondering a bit more about the program…week 1 went a little something like this:

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I was a little disappointed in myself on Monday for maxing out almost one minute sooner than when I first tried the Cardio Challenge when my package arrived but I think it was just the extra excitement I had pushing me along the week before. But at the same time – I know I can do better and that is most definitely on my goal list for this week!!!

Tabata Power was twice this week and I was solid on the first part, week on the pushups, great on the core work but struggled on the tricep dips. Needless to say it was easy to identify my weak spot and know where I need to focus and strive to improve!!!

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Sweat Intervals did just that – it made me SWEAT!

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I’ll admit – I was a bit nervous to try the Friday Fight Round 1. I had heard it was “hard” but then again – this program is far from easy!!! I had to give myself my own little pep talk that morning and focus on how its all mind over matter. I remember reading how your mind quits far before your body – so keep pushing even when you don’t think you can do anymore. I told myself – “when I think I’m done – I’m going to do three more” and that mentality worked! I was exhausted but I maxed out in the 11th minute of this workout – much longer than any of the others. Granted I was really struggling to push myself after I first maxed out and did almost all modified for the remaining time but it really helped me realize – its a game – its MIND OVER MATTER!

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Pulse is an optional Saturday (could be a rest) workout and although I when I finished FRIDAY FIGHT I was already set on a rest day Saturday, my body told me the stretch and low impact moves would help me recover. And let me say – it was 20 minutes well spent!!!! Plus I like to stick to my routine every day – not just during the week! I feel accomplished and energized to start my day. And despite getting up earlier than I “have” to – I am more productive and actually feel more energized!!!

And that brings us to today – Sunday – my first rest day of week 1. I am happy with how things went thankful to have the time to reflect and focus on week 2. These workouts are so great but I know you won’t get results without nailing the nutrition. Here’s my week 2 plan***:

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***Remember all you 21-day fixers out there – this meal plan would also work for those of you in the first bracket of that nutrition guide – bonus 🙂 

I kept a lot of things similar to week 1. I wanted to switch up some of the dinners and lunches, but my Shakeology for breakfast remains consistent. Shakeology is far and away my favorite meal of the day but any time I can get a green in first thing I am happy! So I’m sticking with the “if it isn’t broke don’t fix it” approach and leaving my breakfast the same!

I also continue my daily yogurt bowl for one snack and veggies and eggs for the other. The one thing I knew I would be repeating this week is zucchini pasta! Its become one of my favorite snacks, sides, meals – it does it all!

We have a busy weekend visiting friends one day and traveling to my home town for my Dad’s birthday but I will pack my healthy snacks and do my best to make good choices! Thankful for my 7-day Clean Eating accountability group for the Holidays group kicking off tomorrow…there’s power in numbers!!

And there you have it – week 1 is behind us and week 2 is ready to rock! Here’s to a fantastic week!!!!

If you are interested in Insanity Max:30 or any other Beachboy 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 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! My 7-day clean eating group starts tomorrow and my next 60 day full support group kicks off January 5th! Its not too early to reserve that spot!!! 
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December Beachbody promotions: INSANITY MAX: 30

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New month – New week!!!

Anyone stuck in a food coma after the long holiday weekend? I’ll be honest….getting my workouts in was no problem-I even doubled up a few days but oh the struggle for me has been in the kitchen! I love sweets and have such a hard time just saying “no”- my 80/20 rule has been drifting more towards a 60/40 and I can feel it and see it! Its those darn COOKIES and I know that struggle will continue to tempt me all month long as December is here and the jingle bells start ringing and the Christmas cookies are baking! For me – its time to FOCUS!!!! We have just over 3 weeks before Christmas and Insanity Max 30 is being released TODAY!!! It’s time to focus on my nutrition-who’s with me???
 
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I absolutely love finding ways to take old favorites and spin them into healthy, delicious meals! After failing a few times, I finally had success with my Vegetti gadget from Amazon and let me tell you – zucchini pasta is delicious!!!
 
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This meal took all of 5 minutes start to finish and I topped it with some ground turkey mixed with all natural crushed tomatoes – and got myself a very healthy, fast, filling lunch!!! 
 
WHAT YOU NEED:
(per person/per serving)
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1/4 pound cooked pound of ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • sea salt and pepper
 
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
  1. Heat oil in pan over medium heat
  2. Spiral the zucchini and sauté for 3-4 minutes with desired sea salt and pepper
  3. Top with meat sauce
  4. ENJOY!
*For all my 21-day fixers – this meal would be 1-2 green containers (zucchini and tomatoes…assuming you use the tomatoes that have no added salt or sugar!!!) and 1 red and 1 teaspoon!
 
DECEMBER PROMOTIONS
 
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Insanity Max:30 will be released TODAY and also be the promotion for the month of December, with a challenge pack savings of $25!!

What makes INSANITY MAX:30 unique?

Every day is a brand-new challenge in INSANITY MAX:30. With killer cardio, challenging Tabata-style strength workouts, plus 150 new moves designed to shatter your limits, Shaun pushes you to work harder, go longer, and MAX OUT later. It’s not about making it through all 30 minutes. It’s about pushing yourself more each day to get the body you’ve always wanted in 60 days.

And even though INSANITY MAX:30 is a challenging program, the great thing is you can follow the modifier—whatever your fitness level—to MAX OUT and still get MAX results!

The Workouts:

  • Month 1: 5 workouts on 5 DVDs (2 cardio,
    2 strength, and 1 challenge)
    Shaun alternates killer cardio and Tabata-style strength workouts all in preparation for your end-of-week challenge, Friday Fight.
  • Month 2: 5 workouts on 5 DVDs (2 cardio,
    2 strength, and 1 challenge)
    You’ll feel like you’re back at Day One as the intervals get longer, but the rest stays the same.

If you did the 21-day fix and loved how simple the nutrition aspect was to follow withthe portion control containers you’re going to love how it fits into Insanity Max. No complicated diets or strict meal plans here…just a simple portion-based plan shows you how to eat what you love and still reach your fitness goals. 

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Since Shakeology NEVER goes on sale I am creating my own cyber deal and offering $20 cash back in the form of an Amazon gift card but you have to purchase your Beachbody Challenge pack* by the end of day December 2nd 2014!!!!
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*quantities are limited!!! 
If you are interested in  this 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’ll be kicking off my Insanity MAX:30 exclusive test group on December 8th and I would love to have you join me!  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!
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Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls

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Ok, ok, want to know my secret to the fastest weeknight dinner – USE A ROTISSERIE CHICKEN!!!! In an ideal world, I would grill my chicken every week…but with the colder weather approaching, heating up the grill seems to take FOREVER and some nights…that little rotisserie chicken is simply perfect!!!

I started buying them when my little guy started on “real foods”. A friend of mine suggested it because the meat is so soft and easy to chew, especially when the teeth are limited! And although my little guy can pound the chicken, he couldn’t always finish it before it would go bad – so I started coming up with other uses.

No joke – this dinner went from the fridge to the table in about 5 minutes! But this was all in the advanced prep!

WHAT YOU NEED:

(makes 2 servings)

  • 2 cups broccoli
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 1.5 cups shredded chicken*
  • 2-3 TBS of Hot Sauce (I prefer red hot)

*If you don’t have a rotisserie chicken you can make your own shredded chicken! I like to make big batches periodically by simply cooking several chicken breasts in the crockpot with about a cup of water or chicken broth and some garlic and fresh lemon slices. Once its cooked, shred it, let it cool and then freeze into smaller batches to add into meals like this or soups, salads, sandwiches, etc…! If its only lightly seasoned the possibilities are endless!!!

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Mix all ingredients in a pan until thoroughly heated – and voila! Dinner is ready!!!

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Since the chicken is already flavored and there is some salt in the red hot I don’t add anything additional seasonings. This makes for great, fast dinner and you can easily double for a quick lunch later in the week!

BONUS –> You can also make this fit your 21-day fix meal plan! Each serving would equate to one green (broccoli) 1 yellow (rice/quinoa) and 1 red (chicken). The hot sauce adds some additional salt but otherwise would be a “free food” so I usually count this as 1 teaspoon and my orange. You could also top with some avocados (1 blue).

If you’re looking for other uses for a rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken try one of my favorites – CHICKEN AVOCADO EGG SALAD or BUFFALO SPINACH QUESADILLAS –fast, easy and delicious meals!

Don’t let a busy schedule leave you limited to fast food, take out or other unhealthy dinner options. If you plan prep and focus – eating clean and healthy can be fun, delicious, and save you money $$$. 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!

P90 Review

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.

 

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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

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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!

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