Friday, February 28, 2014

Fiery Chile Beef


This is one of my friend's favorite meals.  I noticed that she was always getting flank steak and never had a good recipe, so I finally got the recipe and, thanks to Rachel…here you go!  It's a bit spicy, but you can tone it back as much as you want.  We like to serve it over brown rice, but it's also good to serve in corn tortillas!!

Ingredients
    Fiery Chile Beef, Clean Eating Recipe, Flank Steak
  • 1 flank steak (1-1.5 lbs)
  • 2- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1- 15 oz can of pinto or black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 canned chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce, diced (this is ONE chile, NOT an entire can of chiles--your mouth would be on fire!  If you are sensitive to spicy foods leave this out or only do a small amount)
  • 1 tsp adobo sauce from canned chile pepper

Directions
  1. Cut steak into 6 evenly sized pieces, place in Crock Pot
  2. Add the rest of ingredients and mix
  3. Cook in Crock Pot on LOW for 7-9 hours
Serve over brown rice with steamed veggies on the side OR serve inside corn tortillas.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Strawberry-Pineapple Shakeology Recipe…and more!


The new Strawberry Shakeology was released about a month ago…I decided to try it but wasn't sure I would enjoy it as much as I love my Chocolate Shakeology…However, I decided to give it a try thinking "I can put up with it for a month!"  Well…I LOVE it!!  I'm not sure if it surpasses chocolate, but it comes in very close!  I'm a chocolate girl thru and thru…but whatever it is about the Strawberry, I just love it.  It's a great change for me right now especially!!

So, here's one of my Strawberry Shakeology recipes I love!  Strawberry Pineapple Shakeology!


Strawberry Pineapple Shakeology, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Strawberry Pineapple Shakeology

If you need some help with knowing how to make it…watch this video!


Here are some more Strawberry Shakeology Recipes to try!

Greek Strawberry-Banana
1 scoop of Strawberry Shakeology
1 cup water
1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1/2 medium banana

Tropical Strawberry
1 scoop of Strawberry Shakeology
1/2 banana
1/4 cup frozen pineapple
4 oz Almond Milk
6 oz water

Double Berry
1 scoop of Strawberry Shakeology
1 cup frozen raspberries
4 oz Almond Milk
6 oz water

Strawberry Lemonade
1 scoop of Strawberry Shakeology
1 cup water
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp pure maple syrup

Strawberry Mojito
1 scoop of Strawberry Shakeology
1 1/4 cup water
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp. chopped fresh ming
1 tsp raw honey

Almond Strawberry Dream
1 scoop of Strawberry Shakeology
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 tsp almond butter
1/2 tsp pure almond extract


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

30 Day Squat Challenge

I've been doing a 30 day squat challenge on my Facebook page and it's been really fun have a lot of people doing it with me…SOO I wanted to put it here to get even MORE people involved.  It only takes a starting somewhere to get going!!  So, let's start here!!  Here's the schedule below, you will start at 50 squats and work your way up to 250 squats by the end of the month!

30 Day Squat Challenge, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
30 Day Squat Challenge

So are you going to commit to doing this squat challenge with me?  Join in and share with friends.  Bathing suit season is right around the corner…don't wish a month from now that you would have started today!!




Monday, February 24, 2014

21 Day Fix - Week 1 - Women's Update and Meal Plan


21 Day Fix Week 1 Update
21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Menu, www.HealthyFitFocused.com

So I've completed week 1 of the NEW 21 Day Fix!  I'm really liking the program.  It was such a wake up call to me with the portion sizes I am supposed to have vs. the serving sizes I used to eat.  I followed the meal plan really well, although on Sunday I did have a bit of a "special treat" that I did not account for in my planning...

I stuck to every workout this week, the workouts are only 30 minutes long and it's easy to get through each of the workouts if time is an issue for you.  Now, don't get me wrong…the workouts aren't "easy"…they make you work and they are tough, but if you are a beginner, they are completely doable for you.  There are modified moves and you can take it at your own pace until you build up enough strength to increase your weights or graduate from the modified moves.


21 Day Fix Workout, 21 Day Fix Menu, www.HealthyFitFocused.com


Biggest struggles this week…

    21 Day Fix Snack, 21 Day Fix Menu, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
  • The pre-measured containers take a bit to get used to.  Remember, you are most likely breaking old habits of eating too much of one food group at a time or too little of another, so you will need to adjust what you are used to eating.
  • Decreasing my yellow container (carb container).  Now, I don't feel like I ate a ton of carbs to begin with, however, my portion sizes for my oatmeal in the morning and my rice or quinoa in the evening had to be adjusted.  I found myself just taking out my morning oatmeal all together and just having my shake for breakfast.  
  • I need to drink more water!
  • It was a lot of work making sure I had my Green Container (veggies) all in for my day.  I thought I ate more veggies than I really did!  Oops!  


Loves for the week…

  • I really gained an understanding for correct sizes of portions!  
  • I was not as hungry as I thought I might be.
  • I felt like I was eating a LOT of food (I love food, so that's a great thing!)


Tips from this week…

  • If you find yourself getting hungry, look back at each food option and substitute a different food from that group and see if that will hold you over longer.  
  • I found that Greek Yogurt (red container) plus a fruit (purple container) was a really great and filling snack for me.  I felt like I was eating a lot of food at one time!
  • Get the workouts done FIRST THING in the morning!!  Makes the day run so much smoother!
  • PLAN AHEAD!  This is really tough if you don't plan ahead.  Bring your snacks with you if you are going out for the day!  Don't find yourself without your meal plan or snacks.

21 Day Fix Snack, 21 Day Fix Menu, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Favorite 21 Day Fix Snack!


Here's my meal plan for this week.  A lot of it is the same but changed the dinners up a bit!

21 Day Fix Meal Plan, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Meal Plan for Week 2 - 21 Day fix

Support and Accountability with 21 Day Fix

If you are interested in joining a challenge group for the 21 Day Fix that will give you support and motivation please fill out the application below to be placed in my next 21 Day Fix Group!

Don't forget, for the month of February the 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack is on sale for $140.  You'll received the workout and nutrition guide plus one month supply of Shakeology.  It's basically like buying the workout for only $10 after your purchase of Shakeology!

After February, the Challenge Pack is still an amazing deal, $160 for the Shakeology and 21 Day Fix program.  You're going to love it and love the results!!

New 21 Day Fix groups starting every month!  Don't miss out!  Fill out the application below.

Make me your Beachbody Coach



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Friday, February 21, 2014

Pizza Stuffed Sweet Potatoes


Who DOESN'T love pizza?  I know I love it!!  And no, it's not the slightest bit healthy for you…not at all!  So does that mean you should never have it for the rest of your life?  NO…(everything in moderation people!!)…BUT, if you want it more than "just in moderation" you better find a more healthy way of eating it!  One way, is to make the Cauliflower Pizza Crust, you can find that recipe HERE!  But if you want even another way of making "pizza"…try this: Pizza Stuffed Sweet Potatoes! Ohhh…how I love sweet potatoes!!

Pizza Stuffed Sweet Potato, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Pizza Stuffed Sweet Potato
Here's what you need:
  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1 cup mushrooms
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 TBSP olive oil
  • 1 TBSP coconut oil
  • 1 applegate organic sausage, sliced
  • organic pizza sauce
  • organic shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  2. Slice potatoes in half and place face down on a baking sheet
  3. Bake 20-30 minutes, until soft
  4. In a skillet, over low-medium heat, add oil and onion and garlic.  Sauté until caramelized.
  5. Remove and add a little more oil and the mushrooms.  Sauté until soft.  Remove mushrooms and add sausage over medium heat.  Sauté until browned.  
  6. Once the potatoes are soft, flip them over and smash the insides a bit with a fork. 
  7. First top them with sauce, then add any desirable toppings, then with cheese.  
  8. Put face up in the oven on broil for 2 minutes until cheese is melty.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Homemade Almond Butter!

I love almond butter…do you?  Have you ever made it?  It's really super easy, here's how you do it…

Homemade Almond Butter, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Homemade Almond Butter

Homemade Almond Butter

  • 1 lb. raw or dry roasted almonds
  • Cinnamon to taste (optional)
  • Sea salt to taste

Directions
  1. Pour Ingredients into the food processor and blend for 5 minutes or so.
  2. Wait until the mixture gets oily and starts to "ball up" and then let if blend for 1 more minute.
  3. Add more salt and spices if needed.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

1 Down…20 to Go! (Quick Update of 21 Day Fix, Day 1)

1 day down…20 more to go…
21 Day Fix, New Habits
21 Days to a New Habit!

I felt great all day yesterday.  It was the first day of the 21 Day Fix.  And I will be honest, I was afraid I would be starving all day!  But it wasn't too bad!  I felt like I had enough to eat all day.  I don't know if it was because of my choices that made it feel like I had a bunch of food, but I didn't feel like I was having to "skimp" on food.  In fact, I had steamed veggies (2 green containers) at night and felt like had a TON of them!!  

Simple Eating Plan, 21 Day FixNow, I will say…it was a HUGE wake up call (and quite a disappointment) when I filled my yellow container in the morning with my absolute favorite, steel cut oats.  WOW was that a small portion, or what?  I have been having way too large of portions in that area, that's for sure!  Well…this is why I'm doing this.  It's a simple eating plan that will build new habits for me that are more in line with the portions I should be eating!!


The most exciting part was that I got to try the new Strawberry Shakeology.  It was super yummy and a good change up from the Chocolate that I've had for a long time, even though that will always be a favorite!

Strawberry Shakeology

Monday, February 17, 2014

Day 1 of 21 Day Fix


Today is the day…Day 1…It Begins! (I'm taking a short 21 Day break from P90X3 and will return to that when I'm finished!)

I'm really excited to be starting this 21 Day Fix.  It takes 21 days to break a habit and make a new habit.  I LOVE food!!  I have my favorite foods and like many others, I have the hardest time keeping my portion sizes the size they need to be.  That's why I am so excited about this program and nutrition plan.  It gives colored containers based on food groups that you need each day and you fill those containers up with the appropraite amount of food!  It's a paint by numbers nutrition and exercise program!

Paint By Numbers approach - The 21 Day Fix - www.HealthyFitFocused.com


I spent some of yesterday planning and prepping for my week.  I've created my meal plan for the week and will stick to that.  I am following the 1200-1499 calories per day meal plan, and I'm allowed to have a certain amount of colored containers per day and here they are…

Green - 3 per day
Purple - 2 per day
Red - 4 per day
Yellow - 2 per day
Blue - 1 per day
Orange - 1 per day
Teaspoon - 2 per day

So, based on each colored container, I created a meal plan (color coordinated of course) for the week!  Now I know EXACTLY what I need to eat and how much!!  (Isn't it pretty?)

21 Day Fix Meal Plan - week 1 - www.HealthyFitFocused.com


I prepped my meals on Sunday…I grilled a bunch of chicken for the week and made 3 dozen meatloaf muffins (my kids LOVE these for their lunches, so had to make extras!).  I chopped a bunch of veggies to top my salad so now I just need to scoop those out with a green container!  Made quinoa and some spice mixes too!  All ready to go!!

Meal Prep for 21 Day Fix - www.HealthyFitFocused.com

The other part of this plan are the workouts!  They are 30 minutes long…for 21 Days.  Today I started with Total Body Cardio Fix.  Tons of fun, easy to follow, and great total body workout!  More to come on the other workouts!  Here's a list of them

Day 1 - Total Body Cardio Fix
Day 2 - Upper Fix
Day 3 - Lower Fix
Day 4 - Pilates Fix
Day 5 - Cardio Fix
Day 6 - Dirty 30
Day 7 - Yoga Fix

Day 1 of 21 Day Fix - Meal Plan

If you are interested in joining me in doing this program and would like more info about my next challenge group with 21 Day Fix, fill out this application below to be a part of the next group or to learn how to order!!



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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Healthy Comfort Food - Clean Eating Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Bake

I wanted something just tasty tonight…I had some chicken…cooked brown rice and lots of broccoli!  So what better than to make a healthy bake!

I did some searching and found this recipe, thought it looked good, so this is dinner tonight!  (thanks to www.freezeyourwayfit.blogspot.com)

And Yummmmmy!  This was so delicious!!  Definitely making this again!  Great HEALTHY Comfort Food!








Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice (or other whole grain)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded reduced fat Cheddar cheese, divided (NOT fat free… unless you like the sensation of eating plastic) (I did half of the cheese as Parmesan Cheese)
  • 1 ½ cups cooked, chopped chicken breast 
  • ½ cup cottage cheese or plain greek yogurt
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/3 cup egg whites (or 2 egg whites)
  • 1 cup chopped broccoli
  • 1 tbsp chopped green chilis, drained (optional)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro (optional)

ONE: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine rice, 1 cup cheese, chicken, cottage cheese/yogurt, broccoli, onion, egg whites, green chilis, and cilantro in a large bowl; Mix well. 
TWO: Spray an 8x8inch glass baking dish with cooking spray and dump the rice mixture in. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
THREE: Bake 45 to 50 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. 

For more clean eating recipes go HERE!

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Quinoa Chocolate Chip Banana Bake

I came across this recipe thanks to Janette's Healthy Living and can NOT wait to try it.  First, I LOVE quinoa (my kids practically cry when they see me making it…so I'm still working on them, but hopefully this can change their minds)…second, you can't go wrong with chocolate and banana!!  This is a recipe of perfection…

Quinoa Chocolate Chip Banana Bake, #HealthyFitFocused
Picture curtsey of Janette's Healthy Living

I'll definitely be trying this recipe out in the next couple days!!

Quinoa Chocolate Chip Banana Bake

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained well
  • 3 cups water
  • dash salt
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons almond milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 3 bananas, mashed
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoon dark chocolate chips


Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Bring water to boil; add quinoa and salt.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is cooked.  Remove lid and spoon quinoa into a large mixing bowl.  Let cool.  In a medium bow, disk together eggs, almond milk, vanilla, cinnamon and maple syrup.  Add quinoa and mix well.  Gently stir in mashed bananas and chocolate chips.  Spoon into individual baking dishes or one large baking dish.  
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until breakfast bake is set.


Optional Add-Ins:  Craisins, Raisins, almonds, white chocolate chips, walnuts.

Monday, February 3, 2014

It's HERE!! The 21 Day Fix!!



Get all the 21 Day Fix Info NOW!!
Released on February 3rd, 2014 from ME as Your Team Beachbody COACH!!


21 Day Fix is Here!  www.HealthyFitFocused.com
21 Day Fix is HERE!

What is 21 Day Fix?

21 Day Fix is a nutrition and fitness program that makes losing weight so simple, anyone can do it. Easy-to-follow portion control and 30-minute workouts take the guesswork out of losing weight to help you see results fast—up to 15 pounds in just 21 days!


Whether you want to lose a few pounds before your next vacation or jump-start a bigger weight-loss goal, 21 Day Fix is the program for you. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it works. If you’re ready to get serious, 21 Day Fix can help you lose the weight. 

The 21 Day Fix, www.HealthyFitFocused.com



How does 21 Day Fix work?

With the 21 Day Fix container system, you’ll learn how to create healthy portions simply and intuitively. It shows you how to eat whatever you want, in the right amounts, so you can reach your goals fast. No guesswork, and no calorie counting! 



The 21 Day Fix workouts are designed to burn a lot of calories in only 30 minutes. Any fitness level can do them. If you’re a beginner, follow the on-screen modifier. And if you’re an advanced exerciser looking to shed those last few pounds, dial up the intensity and challenge yourself to push harder. 


The 21 Day Fix, www.HealthyFitFocused.com

Why is 21 Day Fix effective?
Because it’s so simple! You don’t have to count calories, points, or log your food into diet software. With 21 Day Fix, everything is laid out for you. All you have to do is use the specially designed portion-control containers and do one 30-minute workout per day. Commit to it for 21 days, and you’re going to love your results.

What makes 21 Day Fix unique?

It’s the only fitness and nutrition program that combines portion-control containers and world-class workouts. By placing equal emphasis on fitness and healthy portion control, 21 Day Fix can help anyone lose weight—and keep it off—in a way that’s simple and sustainable. Whether you want to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds, you can do it with this program. 

The 21 Day Fix, www.HealthyFitFocused.com


Autumn Calabrese is your personal trainer
Autumn Calabrese is a celebrity fitness trainer, busy mom, and national-level bikini competitor. She came up with the idea of a portion-control container system after watching a client eat an entire 1,300-calorie salad in one sitting because it was “healthy.” Autumn realized that supersized portions were hurting her clients’ weight-loss success because they were eating too much without knowing it. So she developed portion-control containers to help people see how simple it is to eat the right amounts and lose weight easily. And as a single mother, Autumn understands how hard it can be to fit exercise and healthy eating into a jam-packed schedule. So she created short but effective workouts that take only 30 minutes a day, along with a simple eating plan that doesn’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen. 


What do I get in the 21 Day Fix?

Essential Package:
  • 7 color-coded portion-control containers
  • Shakeology Shaker Cup
  • 6 easy-to-follow 30 minute workouts
  • 21 Day Fix Start Here quick start and workout guide
  • 21 Day Fix Eating Plan - Step-by-step nutrition guide that tells you exactly what to do.
  • 3 Day Quick Fix Guide, Autumn's secret weapon for fast weight loss
  • Dirty 30 bonus workouts
Do I need Equipment?
• Dumbbells or resistance bands (not included in the 21 Day Fix Essential Package). 
• Yoga mat or Beachbody® miniMAT are nice but not required

Is this good if I have a weigh loss deadline?
Yes, this is a great program and can help you lose weight fast.  If you commit to this program you can be feeling amazing for the big event.


21 Day Fix Exclusive Test Group


Can I do the 21 Day Fix more than one time in a row?
Yes, you can do this for a one time workout and nutrition program or if you have not reached your goal weight then you can do it one time right after the other until you've reached your goal weight.


21 Day Fix Results, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Results after 6 rounds completed

Can I eat out at restaurants when I do the 21 Day Fix?
Yes, the Eating Plan includes a restaurant guide that shows you how to practice portion control at your favorite restaurants.

What does it mean when you say "no off-limit foods"?
The 21 Day Fix Eating Plan shows you how to incorporate treats (like chocolate and wine) into the plan . . . and you can still lose weight.

Is this too complicated for busy people?
No!  The 21 Day Fix takes out the guesswork so you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen or the gym. Just follow the Eating Plan and do one 30-minute workout per day. That’s it. 



I don't know where to begin.
21 Day Fix shows you exactly what to do in order to lose weight. You’ll learn how to incorporate your favorite foods into a healthy, sustainable lifestyle that you actually enjoy. 

I want to do the 21 Day Fix and have support and accountability…now what?
Fill out the application below for a spot in my upcoming Exclusive Test Group.


HOW TO GET THE 21 DAY FIX AT THE BEST PRICE POSSIBLE?





21 Day Fix Exclusive Test Group
21 Day Fix Exclusive Test Group



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