Friday, December 27, 2013

Clean Banana Bread

I have a ton of very ripe bananas…I love banana bread and am happy to try out a clean recipe this time.  This turned out delicious!!!  (And, for the record…this is the first clean banana bread I've ever made…I am used to dumping like a cup of sugar into my bread.  So this was a nice surprise that it even passed the husband test!!)

Ingredients–

Clean Banana Bread, Healthy Fit Focused
Clean Banana Bread
3 egg whites
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup applesauce (I didn't have applesauce so I used 1/4 c of oil)
1/2 cup honey  (agave or any other sugar substitute)
2 cups whole wheat flour (oat flour or spelt flour)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions–

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Beat egg whites then add mashed bananas, applesauce and sweetener. Mix thoroughly. In another bowl, mix dry ingredients. Then add the wet mixture to the dry mixture & lightly blend together. Pour mixture into a non stick loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out dry. Let the loaf stand in the pan for 10 minutes, I like to cover tightly with foil to make it nice and moist, then slice and serve.

Recipe adapted from here

Thursday, December 26, 2013

2014 ~ New Year, New You!


It's almost 2014!!  Can you believe it?



Every new year we set our New Year's Resolutions…What's yours this year?  Have you thought about it?  Well, I've been thinking a lot about it over the last few weeks.  What do I want to accomplish this new year, how do I want to improve myself, what are my goals for health, fitness, my Beachbody business, etc.  I'm still working on some specifics, but when I get them all down I'll post them!



What is YOUR RESOLUTION?  Is it time for a CHANGE?  Are you tired of the way you are feeling and know you need to take some steps for better health this year?

NOW is your time!!  It's a NEW YEAR and time for a NEW YOU!!

On January 6th, 2014 I'll be starting a New Year, New You fitness challenge.  Take the steps NOW to be where you want to be in 60 days!!

Get RID OF THE MUFFIN TOP!!!

New Year New You Fitness/Health Challenge
New Year, New YOU Health Challenge

So…What is New Year, New You Health/Fitness Challenge?

Have you ever had your New Year's Resolution be to lose weight or get healthy?  Most likely, your answer would be YES, in some way, shape or form…am I right?  No matter how much weight you have to lose, 3 pounds or 100 pounds.  I'm sure at some point in time, you have had that goal…

Did you reach that goal?  Did you stick with your resolution for more than 2 weeks?  Did you find yourself on fire the first week and slowly dwindle off motivation come the 2nd week or maybe even the 3rd week.  Then it became a game of "I'll start on Monday".

Does this sound familiar? Most likely…YES!  

So you may ask…what makes this different?  Well, with this health/fitness challenge…Personalized support, motivation, accountability and teaching on how to meal plan for greatest success.

Accountability + Motivation + Support = RESULTS
Accountability + Motivation + Support = RESULTS

Accountability + Motivation + Support = RESULTS

I have to say that doing a workout at home by yourself with no support is pretty hard. But knowing you have a place to check in each and be accountable to makes all the difference in the world. It's just nice to know you have a shoulder to lean on when you have a bad day and then to celebrate with when you hit your goals!! So that's exactly what we are going to do.

Path to Fitness Success
Path to Fitness Success

This is for ANYONE at ANY fitness level, beginner to expert!  What you'll need to do, is choose a Beachbody fitness program (some options include: P90X, P90X3, T25, TurboFire, Insanity, 10 Minute Trainer, Slim in 6…to name a few).  I can help you determine what would be a good fit for you depending on your fitness level and your goals.

Shakeology, the healthiest meal of the dayAfter you choose a fitness program, the next part of the group is that you commit to drinking Shakeology, for the next 60 days to give your body 1 meal that is supercharged with ingredients that will give you natural energy, cravings will be curbed, you will stay full for at least 3 hours and its equivalent to 6 salads in one meal.

The Challenge is all done through a closed online facebook support group.  So only the members of the group can see what is being posted.
 


Clean Eating Meal Plan
Example of Weekly Meal Plan

Then, I am going to teach you how to plan the other meals of the day.  I will help you create a customized meal plan, give you recipes, snack ideas, tips, motivation and keep you accountable. Every day I post in the challenge group your daily mind set tip or post.  You check in and rate your date and read what is posted.  We all keep each other accountable!








I am going to address the emotional eating, eating out at restaurants, going on vacation, temptations, cheat meals, body image and more!

This plan is designed to help YOU SUCCEED!  That is my #1 goal!  I want YOU to reach your goals that you have made for yourself this new year!


Health/Fitness Success
Success is in your reach!


What's Next?
Next, if you are interested in creating a NEW YOU for yourself this year and committed to making a change in your health, the fill out this application below to be accepted into the "New Year, New You" Health/Fitness Challenge.


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Let's SUCCEED this New Year!!  Make 2014 a year of SUCCESS, not REGRETS!  It starts NOW.  Take control of your health in a way you never have before!  It's up to YOU!


Make a Change!  If it doesn't Challenge You, It Doesn't Change You!
Make a Healthy Change!

Monday, December 23, 2013

TurboFire Chili

I love chili of all kinds.  It just reminds me of growing up and winter days eating chili in front of a football game!  But I love this recipe that is clean and ohh so tasty…It's hard to stop at one bowl, to be honest!!


TurboFire Chili, Clean Eating, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
TurboFire Chili
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground turkey
½ cup diced tomatoes

8 oz. whole kernel corn, canned
½ onion, diced
2 cloves garlic
8 oz. black beans, canned
8 oz. pinto, chili, or kidney beans canned
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 package Lawry’s chili seasoning
4 oz. low-fat shredded cheddar cheese (optional)



Directions. Brown turkey. Drain and discard any fat. Place all ingredients except cheese into a slow cooker. Cook for 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high. Top with 1 oz cheese if desired.

A few Christmas Traditions!

Well, it's December 23rd…2 days before Christmas…and I'm NOT ready?  Are you??


Christmas Traditions


I say this every year, "I promise I will shop early, have gifts wrapped, not rush around like a crazy woman next year!!"  And, yes, it seems like every year gets busier and busier with more activities so that I don't get everything completed early!  But…maybe instead of saying I "failed" to do it early this year, I'm going to look on the positive side and say, "…this is my NEW Christmas Tradition, and it wouldn't be Christmas without rushing around waiting until the last minute!"  If I choose to make a NEW Christmas tradition NEXT year and be early, then I will do that…until then, I choose to see the positive and make this my tradition yet again this year!  Hahaha!!

Well, I am a girl of traditions…I love holiday traditions with family and kids.  One of our favorites is Mr. Figglebottom, our Elf!  He's been with us for 3 years now and we have tons of fun with him.  I love hearing the kids wake up and try and find him, and when we are really good and hide him really well, it's hilarious to hear the kids think he is gone and question each other to make sure no one touched him!  


Christmas Traditions, Elf
Mr. Figglebottom Coming Home!

Another favorite tradition is my husband's family Christmas party!  This has been such a highlight over the years…I come from a small family and didn't grow up around any other family, grandparents or aunts/uncles or cousins…so to be a part of a large family who does Christmas parties has always been such a fun and memorable time for me!  One of my favorite things we do here is reading the REAL Christmas story out of Luke Chapter 2!  Over the last couple years as my children are growing up, they have been the ones who have read the story of the birth of Christ!  It is such a blessing to hear those words come from their mouths as they remind us of the REAL meaning of CHRISTmas!  This year it was Katelyn's turn to read!!

The Christmas Story
Katelyn reading Luke 2 - The Birth of Christ!


Christmas Eve!  Our Christmas Eve traditions have evolved over the years…from pizza and The Muppet Christmas Carole when I was a kid, to a nice Christmas Eve dinner and watching the Polar Express…whatever the evening looks like, I'm ok with.  But the ONE tradition that has NEVER changed is the one gift that is opened on Christmas Eve…PAJAMAS!!!  You can't have a Christmas Eve without NEW PJs!  I loved it as a kid…and now my kids look forward to it too!

Christmas Eve PJs
Christmas Eve Pajamas!

And last…but not least…

Christmas Day Traditions!!
Ohh how I loved coming down as a kid to a tree FULL of gifts, they seemed to stretch out a mile from the tree!  We were never really big on birthdays in my house but more-so on Christmas!  So we had FUN!!  My brother and I loved surprised and seeing what everyone else got too…so we always spread our Christmas morning out until early afternoon…opening one-by-one and some breakfast and snack in between!  

Fortunately, when I married my husband, they liked to do the same thing and not tear into all the gifts and have it be over in 5 seconds.  Our Christmas starts with the kids waiting to come downstairs until everyone is ready…we'll do stockings, have some coffee, and then start opening gifts.  Half way through we'll eat breakfast and then go back for some more gifts!  We are blessed to be able to share with my parents along with my Grandma and my husband's family on Christmas, as we have Christmas  morning at home and the afternoon at my in-laws!  Makes for a busy day, but one we love so much!


True Meaning of Christmas!

May your Christmas be filled with many traditions, family, fun and Christ!




Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Shakeology Power Balls

It's the holiday time and to be honest, it's really hard to stay on track with all the holiday treats and parties all over the place!  But, as I've made a commitment to live a healthy life, that doesn't leave room for me to OVERINDULGE in junk (mainly sweets) like I have in the past years.

I came across this recipe today and am so excited to try it out.  I've run out of a couple ingredients so need to restock….but as soon as I do, I'm making these!!  It's perfect timing as the kids are getting off school tomorrow for Christmas break!

What I plan to do is keep these in the freezer for those "gotta have something sweet" kind of evenings where I would love to reach for something that I would regret later!  Can't wait to try them!

Shakeology Power Balls, Clean Eating
Shakeology Power Balls


Ingredients:

  • 8 tablespoons PB2 (low fat, high protein powdered peanut butter)
  • 3 tablespoons Natural Peanut Butter
  • 1/2 cup Chocolate Shakeology
  • 3 tablespoons raw honey
  • 1/2 cup quick oats


Directions:

Mix PB2 with water until it is a paste like consistency.  Mix all ingredients, including PB2 mixture together in a mixing bowl.  May take some time to blend all the ingredients together.  If it's too sticky, sprinkle in additional protein powder so that it's a dry/crumbly texture.

Next, roll mixture into small individual balls and place on a wax sheet.  Makes about 12 balls, 1 ounce each.  Put in freezer until firm.

Optional: You can make these with 6 tbsp of PB2 and 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter, but the calories and fat are higher.  If the recipe above is too chalky tasting, add the extra peanut butter (and do some extra push ups!).

Enjoy!  Hopefully these will be a great alternative for you to satisfy your sweet tooth!


Sunday, December 8, 2013

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

This is one of my FAVORITE go-to quick recipes!  I literally could have it every single week, but my family likes a little more variety.  However, they eat it up every time I make it!  It is SOOOO simple, delicious and healthy!

You can adjust this recipe to fit any size of family you have…I am cooking for 5 and my 3 kids eat a lot!  Not your normal bird-like amount…We are into full adult size portions with them!! :)

So this is how I make it!


Salsa Chicken, Crockpot meal, quick and easy healthy recipe!  Julie Little Fitness, www.HealthyFitFocused.com


Ingredients 

4-5 Chicken Breasts
1 jar of clean eating salsa (I like a lot in mine so I always put extra)
8 oz of frozen corn
1-2 cans of black beans

Place in the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours (I usually have my mixture with chicken frozen and leave it cooking all day).  OR if chicken is not frozen cook for 4 hours.  

We serve this over brown rice.  You can add greek yogurt (in place of sour cream), avocados, and crushed tortilla chips.

ENJOY!!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

P90X3 -- Get it Here First…AND Be Part of an Exclusive Test Group!

P90X3 - Beachbody - www.HealthyFitFocused.com  -  www.teambeachbody.com/JulieLittle


We are all in the middle of "holiday mode", right?  With Thanksgiving behind us and parties, festivities and Christmas before us, let's be real, it's tough to stay on track, myself included.  There is always fun and festive foods to distract us and make us fall off course.  However, there's a time we need to get back on track and remember our goals we set before the holidays started.  It's not about what happened over Thanksgiving, it's about where we go from here…Now is the time to get back in gear and REFUSE those extra pounds from creeping onto our body!

So, what do you choose…do you want to add the extra 5-10 pounds from Christmas and the holidays to your waistline?  Or do you want to be EXTRAORDINARY and do what other people aren't willing to do at Christmas time?  Well, you may be asking HOW do I think we can become EXTRAORDINARY and lose weight or become more fit during the holidays…

…Well, I'm glad you asked.  I am SOOOO excited to be sharing this with you!!  About 4 years ago, I tried my hand at P90X.  Now, I have to be honest with you…I didn't finish it, I only made it through about 45 days of it.  This was before I knew anything about Beachbody, Challenge Groups, or even doing a program properly.  I was a good example of "what not to do" when doing a fitness program (meaning I took no before or after pictures, no measurements, did not follow the meal plan…nothing!).  However, even in the 45 days I did the program, I got stronger throughout and definitely had better fitting clothes.  But what made me stop, was the TIME!  I didn't have 60-90 minutes each day before my kids woke up and the day began.  It just wasn't possible for me.  So, as much as I hate to say this, I quit the program.  

Well, I found a solution to my TIME problem when I was introduced to T25 and had amazing results from this program!!  TWENTY-FIVE minutes of a fast and sweaty workout!  I was in heaven…that's what I needed to be committed to a workout because I could fit it into my schedule!!  Now, it gets even better!!  There's ONE MORE amazing option for those of us wanting to get amazing results in only 30 minutes a day!


MEET P90X3!!

So…what's the scoop??Well for starters, YOU CAN NO LONGER USE THE EXCUSE THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO WORKOUT!!  Anyone can carve out 30 minutes a day 6 days a week in their busy schedule to get an amazing workout in!


P90X3 - Beachbody - www.HealthyFitFocused.com  -  www.teambeachbody.com/JulieLittle
P90X3 - 30 Minutes a Day!

Muscle acceleration explained
Many P90X fans were hooked on the science of muscle confusion – which introduced variety to the workouts and prevented plateauing. P90X3 takes a hint from that success and from studies showing the most dramatic body transformations happen within the first 30 minutes of exercise. Enter muscle acceleration, a Tony Horton-approved highly-structured schedule with an incredibly high level of intensity and an unprecedented variety of moves. The gurus behind P90X3 combined exercises and added some twists to maximize your time and keep every muscle challenged for a full 30 minutes.

The base kit includes 16 workouts so you are never going to get bored.
Everything from cardio to strength, pilates, yoga and MMX there is something for everyone!  

The ideal P90X3-er

It may seem lofty to proclaim, but P90X3 is indeed a workout for everyone.  Everyone searching for tighter abs and leaner muscles, that is. But fitness novices and experts need not be afraid by P90X3’s come-one-come-all invitation. You don’t have to have any previous P90X experience in order to get killer results. For the beginner, the variety of workouts in P90X3 is the perfect place to discover their fitness style. If the move can be modified there is a cast member showing you how. But don’t expect to be an expert on day one. (Yes, fitness veterans will still be challenged.) As Tony says, ”You don’t get off easy, you just get to finish faster!” 

It doesn’t stop there
And of course there are some bells and whistles too good to ignore. First off, the Coach exclusive: If P90X3 is purchased through a Coach any time from December 10th – 31st (including Challenge Packs), the customer receives an exclusive P90X3 baseball cap. What better way to spread the word about this revolutionary program?
And last but not least, we have the app: Yes, now for the first time the P90X app is available on Android and iOS (will be available 12/10 on Android) The app includes P90X guided workouts, tools to track your reps, weights and progress. Launching soon, is the P90X3 addition – which brings you workout specific tracking modules, scheduling options and the motivation you need to power through the 90 days. P90X3 scheduling and tracking will be available on the app for Android on 12/10 and is coming soon for iPhone. Check out the app and get ready to bring it!
So when can you get it?   
You can score your very own P90X3 on December 10th.  P90X3 will be released on my site in which you have a couple of options.  There will be an introductory price of $180 vs $205 for the Challenge Pack which includes the 90 day workout, the nutrition guide, program manual, schedule of workouts, shakeology, free 30 day trial of the club membership, free shipping and a discounted price when you get the package. 
Or your second option is to purchase the program alone.  That is $119.00, and the equipment needed are weights, bands and an optional pull up bar but you can use a band with an over the door attachment if you don't have one!  I did my whole first round of P90X with the bands and got amazing results.
If you would like to be notified when you can officially purchase the workout please go to my site and create a FREE account and you will receive an email from me the minute that it's released!  You won't want to wait, this is going to go fast!
P90X3 - Beachbody - www.HealthyFitFocused.com  -  www.teambeachbody.com/JulieLittle
P90X3 Workout

Here are some of the amazing results of the test group for P90X3!  What results do YOU want from this workout?


P90X3 Results - Beachbody - www.HealthyFitFocused.com  -  www.teambeachbody.com/JulieLittle
P90X3 Test Results




P90X3 Exclusive Challenge Group - Beachbody - www.HealthyFitFocused.com  -  www.teambeachbody.com/JulieLittle
P90X3 Test Group Exclusive Challenge Group


Because of the amazing results above, I've decided to do an Exclusive P90X3 test group!  I am only accepting a select number of individuals who would like to get my support, motivation and accountability to start and finish this program.  The point is to get in the best shape of your life in 90 days!!  I will walk you through every single step of the program using the nutrition guide, the workouts and 24/7 support of me as your coach in a private closed group.  You will be taught how to meal plan, prep, and set yourself up for success!  This group will begin on December 30th, 2013 and will run for 90 days.  Just in time for your new years resolution!!  Start the new year in the very best shape of your life!

Fill out the application today to be considered for a spot in the test group.

Registration closes on December 20th, 2013.