Friday, November 29, 2013

Black Friday SALE!



Beachbody Black Friday Shakeology Special, www.healthyfitfocused.com


IT'S HERE!!!  I LOVE Black Friday Specials!  Sometimes I enjoy getting out there and battling the crowds but most of the time, I love getting on my computer and NOT having to battle ANY crowds.  Just depends on my mood.

Well…TODAY is your lucky BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL!  Give the gift to yourself OR a loved one to help them get in shape this year and get healthy!

As moms, we tend to think only of others and not take care of ourselves because we think we are being selfish.  Well, I've got news for YOU… You're not being selfish if you're going to take care of yourself and be healthy.  Your family NEEDS you to be healthy, and MOMS, it starts with US!  Fit and healthy mom does NOT equal selfish mom!



Fit Mom NOT EQUAL to selfish mom.  www.healthyfitfocused.com

Today is YOUR day to start!  Make the decision TODAY that you are going to get healthy, if not for you…for YOUR FAMILY!

I've been drinking Shakeology for over 3 months now and have had great results of losing over 5 lbs and 8.5 inches to date.  Shakeology has helped curb my cravings for sweets, it has given me energy when it's the hardest "slump" time of the day (the 2pm hour), and it helps keep me full for a good 3 hours!  Not to mention the nutrient benefits of Shakeology...I have stopped taking my multivitamin and replaced it with a daily meal of Shakeology!  


Clean Eating and Shakeology Transformation...Black Friday Shakeology Sale.  www.myshakeology.com/JulieLittle
T25, Clean Eating and Shakeology Transformation


Give it a try for 30 days and you won't be disappointed!  If for any reason you are not satisfied, you can return your empty bag of Shakeology to Beachbody for a full money back guarantee!


So in order to HELP you get started.  For ONE DAY ONLY from 8am to midnight I am offering MY PRICE on SHAKEOLOGY… now is the time to get it!

It must be purchased as a Home Direct order to receive the discount and be registered as my customer.  

Go HERE for a FREE Beachbody membership to take advantage of the special offer



Black Friday Shakeology Sale, www.healthyfitfocused.com

So after Thanksgiving, you may be thinking you feel a little bit puffy or that your pants aren't fitting too well...and you may be thinking it's time to get back to a healthy eating plan!  


Starting December 2nd, I am having a Clean Eating and Shakeology accountability group starting.  I'll teach you the tricks to staying on track during all the holiday parties and festivities.  Don't gain 5 more pounds between now and New Years...get into your sexy little black dress this New Years!


Join me on December 2nd and give yourself the gift of health!


Fill out the application below for the Clean Eating and Shakeology Challenge.


Clean Eating and Shakeology Challenge, www.healthyfitfocused.com




Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

Give Thanks, www.healthyfitfocused.com

Happy Thanksgiving!  I have been anxiously awaiting this day.  I love all the memories it brings, the smells of Thanksgiving and simply being with family makes me so happy!  It's a time to just sit back and relax and remember all the things we have to be thankful for!










As for me…here's what I'm most thankful for!  My amazing family, their love and support and the fun we have together!

Healthyfitfocused.com
The Little Family

Remember to enjoy the day…here's what my day looks like:

5:30am - Get up and workout (T25 - Alpha Cardio)

8am - Breakfast (Chocolate Shakeology with almond milk, pumpkin puree and cinnamon)

Late morning jog or activity outside with the family.

10:30-11ish - morning snack (veggies and hummus)

2:30ish - Thanksgiving Dinner (4 oz Turkey, 1/2 cup of sweet potato casserole, acorn squash, 1/2 cup cornbread dressing (this is our family tradition, but I'm only having a small portion), and 1 roll).  

(Obviously, Thanksgiving meal is my cheat meal, but my focus is to not FILL my plate, to stay within portion sizes and NO SECONDS!!)

6pm - Snack - veggies and hummus or fruit and almonds

Evening snack - green tea and one small "special treat"

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!


Don't forget to come back TOMORROW for 
BLACK FRIDAY Specials!!!
You WON'T want to miss them!




Don't forget to get signed up for my December 2nd Accountability Group!  Get back in shape after Thanksgiving, just in time for Christmas!

HealthyFitFocused.com, Challenge Group











Wednesday, November 27, 2013

PRE-Black Friday Specials!!

Black Friday Beachbody Sale, www.healthyfitfocused.com

I LOVE a great deal…do you?  I have been known for taking things back to get the price adjustment on the pair of jeans or shoes.  I get so excited when I get a deal, I love looking at the Pre-Black Friday specials and figuring out which ones I can't live without.

Well…I've got some up my sleeve that I know you can't live without.  

You may be thinking that Christmas and New Year's is around the corner and you've got parties planned and events to attend and you are in some major need of getting some of those extra pounds off that you put on over Thanksgiving dinner!

Well, now is the time to act…here is YOUR deal that you can't pass up.  This is something that you choose to do for YOU, for YOUR HEALTH this year.  Start now and don't wait until 2014 to get healthy!


Beachbody Pre-Black Friday Special! www.healthyfitfocused.com



Wednesday Nov 27th
From 8 am to midnight ONLY



 $20 Cash Back Immediately on any Challenge Pack 

**Plus…receive an EXTRA $20 Coupon for a future purchase from Beachbody when you purchase a challenge pack in November!!!


To purchase your Pre-Black Friday Special:
First you must make a FREE account with Beachbody 

Then Click HERE to order!



If you would like to be a part of my next Challenge/Accountability Group starting 
December 2nd please fill out the application below!


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Thanksgiving Traveling Tips

Thanksgiving is one of the heaviest travel times for Americans.  This year over 43 million are expected to be on the road or in the air traveling for Thanksgiving.  Are you one of those 43 million?  Well, if you are, then you'd better be prepared and armed with all the healthy foods and snack for the trip!

I know it's really hard to stay on track at Thanksgiving, let alone, when you are traveling…but here are some tips that can really help you focus on your success.

Pack Your Snacks.
This shouldn't be any surprise to you if you have been following the clean eating rules (see #7).

Clean eating principles, www.healthyfitfocused.com

In order for you to succeed, then you need to be armed with plenty of healthy snacks.  Things that are easy to travel with.  Here are some examples of healthy snacks combining a complex carb with a protein.  You've got to be prepared because you never know what bump in the road you'll come across.
  • Apple and 14 almonds
  • Shakeology 
  • String cheese and 20 grapes
  • Veggies and hummus
  • Veggies and string cheese
  • Banana and 14 almonds
  • Quest Bar
  • Lara Bar

Drink Your Water!
Drink water, www.healthyfitfocused.com


I know sometimes it's hard to get your water down even on a good day.  However, it's especially important to drink water when you're traveling.  Helps you not to swell (especially when you're flying) and helps you not get so tight as your are sitting in the car on a road trip.  Now, here's a little tip so you won't have to stop for a restroom break every 30 minutes… If you are in the car then plan your "guzzling" times for about 30 minutes before you know you are going to be stopping for gas, lunch or a pit stop.  That way you won't be making everyone stop because you are slowly sipping on water the whole time!


Choose wisely when eating out.
www.healthyfitfocused.com, tips for eating out

You've got many choices when you're eating out.  A salad and protein is always a good option as long its not loaded with tons of extra "goodies" on the salad (cheese, bacon, olives, eggs, dressing, etc).  When you get a salad, get one with some grilled chicken, hold the dressing (opt for oil and vinegar on the side), and one that has lots of VEGGIES.  

If you prefer more of a "meal", choose a lean protein that is grilled or broiled chicken, lean pork, grilled fish.  Avoid foods with sauce or anything creamy.  Always ask for veggies steamed!!!






Get Moving!
Get Moving motivation!  www.healthyfitfocused.com

Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you can't workout!  Go out for a walk or jog…find someplace to hike.  If you're at a hotel the go to the gym they have available for guests.  Or, bring your Beachbody DVDs with you to workout in your room!!  Get active and don't make an excuse because you're "on vacation".  

Enjoy your Thanksgiving break with friends and family!  Take these tips to heart and you'll find you feel so much better after you implement some or all of these!

If you're looking for an opportunity to get back on track with health and fitness, starting December 2nd receive support and accountability in a private group setting.  Reach the goals you DESERVE for yourself.  Don't wait until the New Year!  


Healthy for the Holidays Accountability Group



Monday, November 25, 2013

Tips to Save your Waistline this Thanksgiving

We are a few days out from Thanksgiving and I want to continue to give you some alternate recipes swaps for your Thanksgiving meal, yet still enjoy the smells and memories of the years past!

Do you remember your Thanksgiving last year?  How did you feel when the meal was over?  I know I wasn't following any "clean eating rules" last Thanksgiving and I was stuffed like a turkey!  I felt yucky, sluggish, and wished I had more control.  Then of course the next day I just felt disgusting and bloated and puffy…Well…This year, I am committing to NOT have those same feelings.  I'm still going to enjoy my Thanksgiving, but I'm making some changes along the way for success.  These new changes will still bring all the same "memories" of Thanksgiving that I love, just without the expanding waistline!

Thanksgiving Survival Tips, Healthyfitfocused.com

This week is our Holiday Survival Guide…and we're going for more recipes today!!  How can you change and tweak the foods you love at Thanksgiving to bring you success and protect your waistline?

I've already shared a couple Thanksgiving recipes HERE!  And this has always been my absolute FAVORITE Thanksgiving recipe, Sweet Potato Casserole!!


First thing…the Turkey!  Now, let's face it…who's favorite part of Thanksgiving is the turkey?  Especially when you have to carve it and get all the meat off.  Fortunately, I don't have to make the turkey this year, but, I am definitely going to save this recipe to make at another time.  We're talking about a turkey breast and not the whole bird!


Clean Eating Roasted Turkey Breast
recipe from: Whole Foods New Body


Clean Eating Roasted Turkey Breast, Thanksgiving Dinner
Ingredients
  • 5-6 lb. turkey breast (thawed in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. garlic (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp. Herbs de Provence
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tsp. sea salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice ( fresh squeezed or organic)
  • 14.5 oz. chicken broth (organic or msg free/low sodium)
Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.

Mix garlic, herbs, oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice in small bowl.  Place turkey on a roasting pan skin side up. Make a pocket underneath the skin and rub half of the herb mixture under the skin of the turkey. Use the other half of the mixture to rub all over the top of the skin.  Pour chicken broth in the bottom of the roasting pan.

Bake for 1 3/4 to 2 hours or until thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast reaches 165 degrees. Cover with aluminum foil for 15-20 minutes. Slice and serve with the pan juices. 

Now, for the sides…everyone loves their mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving…but, do we really need the extra starches??  Not really.  One way to switch this out is to make mashed cauliflower, no, it's not mashed potatoes, but it is really good and has a similar taste to it!  Try it out!

Clean Eating Mashed "Potatoes" (cauliflower) 
Clean Eating Thanksgiving Mashed "potato" Cauliflower
Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients:
  • 1 head of cauliflower, trimmed and cut into small florets (about 6 to 7 cups)
  • 1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
Steam cauliflower until very tender.  Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid then place cauliflower into a food processor or blender (or you can mash by hand with a potato masher).  Add oil and reserved water, 1 tablespoon at a time and puree until smooth.  Season with salt and pepper and serve.  

Optional Add Ins:  Garlic, chives, rosemary, parmesan cheese.


Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Glaze

Clean Eating Thanksgiving, Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Glaze
Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Glaze

Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
  • 1 acorn squash, seeded and sliced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup (or less) maple syrup, warmed
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Place squash sliced onto a baking sheet and drizzle with oil. Season with salt and pepper and gently toss together.
  3. Roast squash for 35 to 40 minutes occasionally tossing around, gently, to avoid sticking.
  4. 7 to 10 minutes before roasting is completely, brush a small amount of maple syrup over each piece of squash and finish roasting.
ENJOY!!

And…last but not least…Pumpkin Pie.  Here's your clean eating version thanks to The Gracious Pantry!  Now, this is a clean eating recipe…but, don't go and gorge yourself on this because eating it's not a "diet" pie…you still have to have it in moderation and proper "cheat" portions sizes. 

Clean Eating Pumpkin Pie

Clean Eating Pumpkin Pie, Thanksgiving
Clean Eating Pumpkin Pie

(Makes 2 traditional sized pies)

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups prepared pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 1/2 cups fat-free milk (you can also substitute unsweetened soy, almond or rice milk)

Directions:
  1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and mix thoroughly.
  2. Pour mixture into pie crusts (check out this recipe)
  3. Bake at 425 degrees F. for 15 minutes.
  4. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. and bake for 45 additional minutes.
Note:  This pie is not very sweet.  If you prefer a sweeter pie, add an additional 1/4 cup of honey.

So there you have it…you are now armed with some great clean eating recipes to go into your Thanksgiving dinner!  If you are going somewhere, then offer to bring one of these for dinner!  It's up to you to clean up your Thanksgiving!  

Don't forget…if you need some extra help after Thanksgiving to get back on track,  join my 30-Day Clean Eating and Shakeology Challenge!  Get your body back in time for that  New Years little black dress!  Fill out the application below!

Holiday Support System, Clean Eating and Shakeology Challenge
Holiday Support System

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Surviving Thanksgiving: How to Stay on Track this Thanksgiving!


We are only 5 days away from Thanksgiving and I'm sure most of you are thinking about all the delicious foods you have each year, am I right?  I know I have thought a few times about it.  I am a girl of traditions…I LOVE family traditions, the smells of Thanksgiving, the activities throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.  It brings me back to when I was a kid and I just love the warm memories!


This year, however, will bring a new set of traditions.  I do not host Thanksgiving at my house, but I am planning on coming with a few dishes the "clean" things up a bit.  I recently read, according to the Calorie Control Council, that the average American may consume more than 4,500 calories and over 200 grams of fat from snacking and eating their traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the goodies to go with it!  WHHHAAAATTT???  Are you kidding me?  I about fell off my chair when I read that.  I am bound and determined that I will not be one of those statistics this year!!  Will YOU?


Thanksgiving dinner, stay on track this Thanksgiving
Typical American Thanksgiving
You may be asking, how do I plan to avoid this staggering statistic?  Well…here are a few tips to help keep you on track to have a successful, yet still enjoyable Thanksgiving!

1)  Workout
Yes, Thanksgiving is a holiday, but that doesn't mean you are given a "calorie-free" grace pass all day. Keep yourself active.  Get yourself and family up and plan a morning workout, jog, football game, or hike.  Get ACTIVE!  It will help jumpstart your day and metabolism!  Find a local "Turkey Trot" 5K and sign up to run/jog/walk this together as a family!  This a great way to get your entire family active first thing Thanksgiving morning.  We have done this for the last 4-5 years and have such a blast…everyone loves it and gets involved!  I know this year, I'm going to stick to my T25 workout…It's only 25 minutes, and I know I can carve that time out before the day starts, plus we plan to do activity as a family!  So, find sometime to get out and exercise! 

DON'T FORGET TO WORKOUT HARD ON FRIDAY BEFORE YOU GO BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING!!!


Thanksgiving tips to stay on track

2)  Eat regular meals throughout the day - don't "save" your calories
I know this may be reverse thinking for some of you.  I know I used to think this way, that if I only eat a little bit throughout the day, then I can save all my calories for a huge dinner (or "lenner" as we like to call it, because we usually eat about 3 or 4 pm).  However, that's just going to be worse for you in the long run.  Your body needs sustained energy throughout the day to keep your metabolism working properly.  Plus, if you are starving by dinner time then you will most likely consume MORE calories than you had originally planned.

Instead - wake up and have a healthy breakfast.  I'm going to have my normal breakfast of Shakeology and continue to have my snacks that I have planned throughout the day.  I will be eating every 3 hours on Thanksgiving.  Some of my snacks I love are, apple with 1 TBSP of natural peanut butter or 14 almonds, broccoli or any veggie with 2 TBSP of hummus.  So plan accordingly so you are not starving throughout the day and gorge come dinner time!

-- Thanksgiving Dinner--
Pick and choose your Thanksgiving meal…don't eat it all.  Portion out and plan out what you will have.  You don't need to try EVERYTHING.  Make your calories count if you are going to get something "good".  Don't waste it on something that's not worth it.  Stick to your portion sizes.  Use your had for guidance.  AND…Don't go back for SECONDS!!  When you choose a dessert, keep it ONE dessert and not a sampling of all of them, and have a small portion instead of a "super-sized". 


Thanksgiving tips to stay on track, proper portion size
Proper Serving Size

3)  Drink lots of water
In order to have healthy digestion, you need adequate amounts of water.  This helps your body to carry out toxins, burn fat, and lubricate your organs and joints.  This MUST be a priority for you this Thanksgiving.  In addition to what's listed above, drinking water will help you feel fuller more quickly and help cut your cravings.  Make sure you drink a big glass of water every couple hours and for sure before you dive into your meal!


Thanksgiving tips to stay on track, drink water
Don't forget your water!

4)  Bring a healthy dish!
How to stay on track this Thanksgiving, Confetti Quinoa Salad
Confetti Quinoa Salad

After all, it is Thanksgiving, let's not forget to give thanks to the hostess by helping out with the Thanksgiving meal!  If you are going somewhere for dinner make it a point to bring a healthy "clean" side dish.  This way you will be certain that you have something to eat!  You don't need to feel like you have to eat everything, just because it's there.  Check out my recipes for some great ideas.  I'm planning on bringing a Confetti Quinoa Salad and a Sweet Potato Casserole.



Thanksgiving tips to stay on track, Clean Eating Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole



5) Positive self-talk
Go into your Thanksgiving day promising yourself that you are going to be successful!  Don't give yourself any other option.  You have the will power within you to make it a successful day.  Remember the feeling of last year where you were sitting on the couch after dinner with your pants unbuttoned (or better yet, with an elastic waistband) and you promised yourself you would NEVER do that again?  Well, here's your chance to make good on your promise!  YOU CAN DO THIS!  I know you can!


Thanksgiving tips to stay on track, positive self talk



Most importantly, remember to ENJOY your HEALTHY Thanksgiving day, be thankful for all you have and the friends and family you are blessed to be with.  Rest and relax, take an afternoon nap or just enjoy some good old Thanksgiving day football!


Thanksgiving tips to stay on track, Give Thanks

Lastly, in case your plan didn't go as…well…planned, and you did overdo it a little bit more than you wish, you still have time to get things back in order before New Years!!

I am doing a 30-day clean eating and Shakeology accountability group to help keep you on track to ROCK it before the New Year!  I'll teach you additional tips to help you stay focused.
Having support, especially during the Holiday season, makes all the difference in your success!


Holiday Clean Eating & Shakeology Challenge, Thanksgiving tips to stay on track

Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always LOVED sweet potatoes and for as long as I can remember, my mom always made the most delicious Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving dinner.  Now that I have changed how I eat, I am also converting over some of my favorite recipes, or finding new recipes that can take the place of my old "dirty" recipes.  So I have been on the hunt for a great Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.  One of my favorite resources for clean eating recipes is "The Gracious Pantry" and that is where I found this recipe that I'm going to be replacing my "dirty" casserole to the new and improved "clean" casserole!  Let's face it, my old recipe was just a dessert disguised as a side dish!  It needed a little TLC makeover!

So, here it is…I can't wait to make it in a few days!!  I will be doubling the recipe.


Clean Eating Sweet Potato Casserole

"Clean" Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole

(Makes 8 small servings)

Topping Ingredients:

1 cup pecan pieces
1/4 cup raw honey
1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tablespoon safflower oil
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or more!)

Filling Ingredients

3 pounds sweet potatoes
1/2 cup clean orange juice
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon honey

Topping Directions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all topping ingredients together.  It will be clumpy and sticky.
  2. Spread out mixture the best you can on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees F. for approximately 10-15 minutes.  The mixture should have a nice golden color to it.
  4. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
  5. Transfer small portions to a large cutting board and chop roughly.  Set aside.


Casserole Directions:

  1. Wash the sweet potatoes and rub with oil.  Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake until easily pierced with a fork (about 30-40 minutes).
  2. Remove from oven and allow to cool until you can handle them without burning yourself.
  3. Peel the potatoes and place the inside in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add all other filling ingredients and mash with a potato masher or blend with a hand blender.
  5. Transfer the potato mixture to a serving bowl.  Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the potatoes and serve.


Note:  You'll probably have leftover topping depending on size of dish…the leftovers are great for topping oatmeal or mixing in with yogurt.

Confetti Quinoa Salad

I had this delicious quinoa salad about a month ago and haven't stopped thinking about it! Thanks Melanie Mitro for such a great recipe!!  I know this will be a go-to dish for many things.  I am planning on making this to bring as a side for Thanksgiving this year with my in-laws.  We usually get together the day after and have a bunch of different types of salad!  This will be a perfect addition to the menu!

Clean Eating Southwest Confetti Quinoa Salad
Confetti Quinoa Salad

Serves: 8
Makes: 8 cups


INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted, or 1 tsp ground cumin
  • High-heat cooking oil (such as sunflower, safflower, peanut or grape seed oil), as needed to lightly coat grill grate
  • 2 cobs fresh corn, husks and silk removed (or 1 1/4 cups frozen corn, thawed)
  • 1 cup cooked black beans, drained
  • 1 plum tomato, diced
  • 1 zucchini or yellow zucchini squash, diced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt and pepper; set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil; add quinoa and cumin. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork and let cool for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, heat an outdoor grill to medium-high and lightly oil grate with cooking oil. Add corn, close lid and grill, turning once, until tender and lightly charred, 10 to 15 minutes. (Alternatively, boil cobs in a large pot of simmering water. Cover and cook until tender, 6 to 10 minutes.) Let corn cool, then cut kernels from cob.
  4. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, corn kernels, beans, tomato, zucchini and onion. Pour lemon-cilantro dressing over top and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld, or up to 2 days.


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Pumpkin Oatmeal Casserole

I love this time of year, the smells of the season, pumpkin and cinnamon are two of my favorites that remind me it is time for the holidays!  I was searching for some clean eating holiday recipes, as I am wanting to change over my "dirty" recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas to be "clean"!  I came across this recipe and it looks AMAZING!  How can you go wrong…OATMEAL and PUMPKIN!!  I literally could eat oatmeal for every meal of the day, especially steel cut oats!!!

Here it is…I found this recipe from The Gracious Pantry blog and can't wait to make it very soon!!

Pumpkin Oatmeal Casserole, Clean Eating, Pumpkin, Oatmeal

Pumpkin Oatmeal Casserole

(Makes approximately 12 servings)

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup pecan pieces
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, no sugar added
  • 1/4 cup raw honey
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups steel cut oats
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. In a casserole dish (9×13), blend together the almond milk, pumpkin, pumpkin spice, honey and vanilla. Stir gently until completely combined.
  3. Add the oats, pecans, cranberries and raisins. Stir briefly to combine.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes or until the casserole is soft and cooked through.


* Recipe from The Gracious Pantry

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Getting Back on Track!

Have you ever had those times where your intentions are really great and then you get lazy and slip up?  Whether it is your eating or exercise or anything else in your life.  Well, yes, I'm sure we all have those times…I know I do.  However, we have a choice to make…are we going to continue in that path of "slip-ups" or are we going to stop and turn the other way and continue on the change and the goal we have set for ourselves? 


Beachbody,  fitness, don't give up, clean eating

Well, I have to admit…it was kind of one of those weekends for me.  Not the entire weekend, but a portion of it.  After being at a wedding and enjoying a celebration atmosphere I found myself wishing I would have stuck to my game plan!  

Now, what I could have done, was throw in the towel for the rest of the week because I had a semi-bad weekend, but then that would have really gotten me in a not-so-good place.  Instead, I decided to pick myself up on Sunday morning and go for a run with my husband…and then Monday morning, get up like usual and get my Focus T25 workout in at 5am and get back to my game plan for meals and eating clean and healthy!

You have a choice to make when you slip up.  We will have times that other things get the better of us. It's how we choose to handle those situations that make all the difference in the world.  We can chose to let it defeat us, or we can choose to put it behind us and get back on track to reaching our goals!

I choose the second…what will you choose?


Beachbody, fitness, clean eating, fresh start

Need some tips to get back on track?

  • Call a friend to work out.
  • Join my accountability group for greater support in your goals.
  • Track your food today.
  • Eat a healthy breakfast.
  • Create a motivational collage of pictures of your goals.
  • Listen to some good motivational songs.
  • Drink a big glass of water.
  • Slow down during meals.


As for my 30-Day Stripped plan…gotten back on that strong.  I'm a few days behind of posting but I'll continue to post my progress along the way!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Day 4 - Clean Eating Stripped

So I'm a little behind on this post…but here it is...

This week I've been a little more tired than normal...with my own doing, I will say. I've stayed up later and continue waking up early at 5am to have some quiet time and workout early.

All that to say, even though my Shakeology really helps me with more energy throughout the day, I think some catching up on sleep is in my future. 

Shakeology








As I was thinking about my tiredness this week, and I have to admit, I've had an extra cup of coffee the last couple days in the afternoon. Now, that's not the habit I'm going to be getting into. But sometimes it's just really comforting to me.

Now, you've got to understand, when I was a kid my mom used to let us have "coffee milk" every so often because at that time my dad didn't drink coffee and my mom wanted to have someone to drink coffee with as she got older. So, needless to say, I love my coffee in the morning. I don't need anything fancy, just my cup of warmth.


Let me paint a picture of how I USED to drink my coffee. I was a 1/2 & 1/2 and artificial junkie. I'm embarrassed to say it, but I used to have about 3-4 packets of Splenda in my coffee each morning (depending on the size of cup) PLUS I would pour 3-4 tbsp of 1/2 & 1/2 each morning.  In case you were wondering...that is not "clean" or healthy for you.

About 8 months ago, I read a post about the amount of calories a person would consume each year by drinking 3-4 tbsp of 1/2 & 1/2 each day. WOW that totally opened my eyes to how bad that was for me. And because of that post I completely cut out my use of 1/2 & 1/2.

So here's the stats...


If you have 4 tbsp of cream in your coffee each day you will consume 29,120 calories from 1/2 & 1/2 and 2,184 grams of fat per year.  That equals out to be an extra 8 lbs a year on your body!  EIGHT POUNDS... That's a lot!  This totally blew me away.
After I realized that I could be gaining an extra 8 lbs a year from just having cream in my coffee I decided to stop drinking that!  No, I can't do coffee black, I did try, but now my favorite is to have unsweetened vanilla almond milk in my coffee each morning, which in turn, makes my calories per year drop to 218 calories per year. Almond milk (unsweetened vanilla) only has 30 calories per CUP, and I only use about a 1/4 cup on my coffee. That's worth the switch!

I'm also happy to say that my Splenda consumption has gone from 3-4 packets or more per day to ZERO packets per day. (Artificial sweeteners is a whole other topic I'll address tomorrow). But, I'm very proud if myself that I'm no longer dependent on the sweetener like I used to be.

Alright, now in going to challenge YOU!  Do you tend to have too much creamer it sweetener in your coffee? If so...cut back a bit each day ... Or you can go cold turkey and totally get rid of the nasty coffee additions you are adding to your coffee. Now, I'm not at all saying to give up your daily cup of Joe, but think about what you're putting into your coffee and see where you can cut back!

Go ahead, make a change in your daily habit!

pros and cons of coffee consumption