Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Breakfast in a Bowl

Here's another Jillian Michael's recipe that I dug out the other day… This is for a single serving, just double it if you want it left over or for extra people!!!

1/2 C nonfat, low-carb yogurt (I use greek yogurt)
1/2 cup nonfat cottage cheese
1 oz (2 TBSP) rolled or steel-cut oats, uncooked
1 TBSP slivered almonds
1 tsp vanilla extract
allspice to taste (literally just a sprinkle!)
I add some almond milk, just a touch because the greek yogurt is so thick!

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate overnight.  This will soften the oats.  Serve straight from the fridge.


Healthy Breakfast, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Healthy Breakfast in a Bowl

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Banana Peanut Butter Shakeology Recipe


Ok, here it is…this is my go to for Shakeology deliciousness!!  You can use this recipe with Chocolate or Vanilla Shakeology and really can't go wrong!

Super easy…super yummy!

Banana Peanut Butter (or almond butter) Shakeology

1 Scoop of Vanilla or Chocolate Shakeology
1.5 Cup Almond Milk (unsweetened vanilla)
1/2 banana
1 Tbsp Peanut Butter (or almond butter)
Dash of cinnamon (optional but delicious)
4-5 Ice cubes

Blend and ENJOY!!!

Banana Peanut Butter Shakeology Recipe, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Banana PB Shakeology Recipe

Monday, April 28, 2014

Pork Carnitas Recipe - 21 Day Fix Approved Recipe

AMAZING AWESOMNESS!!!  Yep…that pretty much sums it up!

Nothing beats Mexican food in my house…and I've found when you're making different kinds of tacos or fajitas (at home at least) you can go really healthy and really clean, which makes you feel like you're cheating on your clean eating diet!  ;)

When I first saw this recipe posted (thank you Melanie Mitro for this amazing recipe!) I knew my family would LOVE this!  So, I put in on my meal plan for later in the week…and couldn't even wait until Wednesday…had to make it right away! (fortunately my pork loin came in a 2 pack!)

Clean Eating Pork Carnitas, 21 Day Fix Recipe Approved, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Ingredients:
  • 3 lbs Pork Loin 
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 1/2 cup of water


Making the Rub:
  • 2 TBSP of chili powder
  • 2 tsp of cumin
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cloves


Directions:
  1. Mix all spices together except the bay leaf in a bowl.
  2. Rub down the entire pork loin with spices and place in a slow cooker.
  3. Add the bay leaf and water and cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Keep an eye of the pork to make sure the water doesn't absorb and the pork dry out.  (If you need to add more liquid, do so!)
  4. Pork should pull apart easily to shred it.

Once you can shred it easily, take it from the crock pot, shred and then place back into the crock pot.  Stir meat and coat with juices.

21 Day Fix followers:
Fill a red container with this meat to portion out properly.

Ingredients for the Carnitas:

  • Corn tortillas
  • Black or Pinto Beans (canned)
  • Romain lettuce 
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Diced Avocado
  • Shredded cheese
Cilantro Lime Topping (this is to topping on the cake…don't skip this part!!)

  • Greek yogurt (1/2 to 1 cup depending on how thick you want it)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges for garnish


Combine all ingredients in a bowl for the dressing and set aside.

Add the drained beans with 1/2 cup of water to a pot on the stove over medium heat.  Cook until heated through.  Gently mash with a fork until they reached desired consistency.

Lightly spray your corn tortillas with cooking spray and place on a foil lined baking sheet.
Crisp in the oven on 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes until desired crispiness.

NEXT STEP:  Assemble the good stuff!

Take a crisp corn tortilla and add the fixings to make a delicious carnitas.
Add a dollop of the cilantro lime topping and dig in!!

21 Day Fix Recipe Approved, www.HealthyFitFocused.com


21 Day Fix Followers:
Containers needed for this recipe: Red, yellow, green, blue…measure and enjoy!


  • Yellow - beans and tortilla
  • Blue - Cheese
  • Green - Tomatoes and lettuce
  • Red - Pork

To find more recipes for 21 Day Fix Click HERE!

Sunday, April 27, 2014

T25 Week 3 Update and Clean Eating Meal Plan

I've completed my week 3 of T25.  I still love T25, I've said it before and I'll say it again…it is my FAVORITE Beachbody fitness program.  And I can't go by and not say one last time that the T25 Challenge Pack is on SALE until the end of April…only a couple days left!!  Message me on how to order!!

T25 Challenge Pack, www.HealthyFitFocused.com

Week 3 - Alpha Schedule:
Monday- Total Body Circuit
Tuesday - Speed 1.0
Wednesday - Lower Focus
Thursday - Cardio
Friday - Total Body & Ab Interval





I was on Spring Break this last week with my kiddos and while my main focus for was to be extremely strict with my nutrition, I also took some time to get out and have fun with my kids!!!

Spring Break, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Can't beat Southern California Weather!

Spring Break, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Fun at the Lego Movie!

So back to my week...I had been really good with my workouts but had been lazier on my eating and not focusing on my portion sizes.  So this past week was a refined week.  I actually did something I NEVER do because I honestly stick to it one day and fall off it.  But I knew I wanted to get super strict so I started writing down everything I was eating on My Fitness Pal.  And I gotta say it opened my eyes to how much I had been "snitching" and not knowing it!  Ouch!




So I've got a pretty big trip planned this summer to Europe and I'm not at the goal I want to be for that trip…so I've gotten super strict and I'm liking the results I'm seeing!

This week I lost 2.5 lbs and stayed committed to my eating plan, and I mean I stayed SUPER committed to my eating plan!

My biggest VICTORY for this week was my Girl's Night Out with my MIL and sisters-in-law and we went to a Mexican Restaurant and I checked out the menu before hand and had a plan of what I was eating.  I decided before hand that I was going for the company and not for the food.  I did NOT touch ONE SINGLE CHIP (seriously, I LOVE tortilla chips and can't stop when I start…so I didn't start!).  I got a salad with chicken for dinner and water to drink.  An after dinner cup of coffee and called it quits!  I felt GREAT afterward and not stuffed or regretful of what I ate!!  Whoop whoop!!


Girls Night Out, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Girl's Night Out!!

Healthy Dinner, Girls Night Out, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Healthy Dinner Salad Out!

Here's my meal plan for next week feel free to follow along with me!!

T25 Meal Plan, www.HealthyFitFocused.com, Clean Eating Meal Plan
T25 Week 4 Meal Plan


Do you need extra guidance and help on your journey for health and fitness?  I would love to get you the support you are looking for to stay committed to your health and fitness goals!!  My passion is to help you succeed and reach your health and fitness goals.  Click the button below to make me your FREE personal coach!!

Free Beachbody Coach, www.HealthyFitFocused.com

If you are wanting to get more refined on your nutrition and fitness programs and would like more information on my upcoming challenge group, please fill out this application below for additional information!  I'd love to get you plugged into a group for great accountability so that YOU can reach  your goals!!  You don't have to do this on your own, I have an entire plan to take you along this journey together!  It's YOUR time!!


T25 Challenge Pack, summer challenge group, www.HealthyFitFocused.com



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Saturday, April 26, 2014

Clean Eating Shrimp Fajitas

I don't buy shrimp very often, but was walking thru Trader Joe's and saw shrimp, so thought I'd get some!  So I went searching for something yummy to make with it.  Well, you can't go wrong with Mexican!!

It's a super easy meal and can be thrown together in a flash!

Ingredients:
    Clean Eating Shrimp Fajitas, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or coconut oil, I'm on a coconut oil kick right now!)
  • 1/2 lb of shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 tsp himalayan sea salt
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper (or mixture of red, yellow, green)
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Hard or soft whole grain tortillas or you can use leaf lettuce instead of the shell

Then you can add toppings to go with it!  Greek Yogurt (instead of sour cream), black beans, avocado, tomato, lettuce, salsa, brown rice, steamed corn, cheese for the kids!

Preparation:
Place oil in a pan and heat on medium.  In a small bowl combine the shrimp, lime, sea salt and stir.  Then place in a pan and cook for 4 minutes or until done.  Remove shrimp from pan and add in the onion and peppers and brown.  Stir in shrimp and toss to combine then croon into whole grain tortillas.

Enjoy!

Friday, April 25, 2014

What Coaching Means to ME!

 So I've been thinking about this post for a while.  My most recent challenge group is in it's 2nd week right now and I am just blown away by this group!  I first got started with Beachbody by being in a challenge group for myself and fell in love with the accountability and support I gained through my challenge group!  

Accountability Group, www.healthyfitfocused.com
Accountability is Key!

My current Summer Slim Down Challenge Group is filled with amazing women who are eager to get in shape and become healthy. They are all so excited about their commitments and everyone is participating and not only holding each other accountable but they are motivating and inspiring each other...and ME!!  

Decide Commit Succeed, www.HealthyFitFocused.com


This is literally what being a Beachbody Coach is all about to me -- helping others...which then allows others to help others!  My challengers are paying it forward to other members of the group by being another line of inspiration for each member!  I love the community these groups bring! 

As a coach I get to encourage and inspire my challengers every day to learn what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle.  I don't know it all…I don't have all the answers…I'm not a nutritionist or a certified personal trainer.  But I love growing in my health and fitness journey and I'm passionate about sharing it with others!  

Because of you I didn't give up, www.HealthyFitFocused.com

Who ISN'T inspired by someone eager to become healthy?  I know I am completely inspired by seeing my challengers make commitments and goals to better their health and lives AND the lives of their family and friends.  This is what it's all about, people!  When I see my challengers crushing it and sticking to their goals, or struggling through their goals, it makes me more passionate about what I get to do everyday!

It's simple, really!  I'm passionate about HELPING PEOPE!  

End the Trend, www.HealthyFitFocused.comDo you have a passion for health and fitness?  Do you have a passion for helping people?  Do you have a passion to improving YOUR health and fitness?  Do you THINK you may have a passion for any of these?  What about a desire to PAY IT FORWARD?  Maybe you've gone through a transformation of your own OR are still in your transformation journey but have had amazing success in your journey…YOU are just the kind of person I'm looking for!

Not only do I get to pay it forward to my challengers and inspire and motivate them in their health and fitness journey…I get to pay it forward to other people (my coaches) who want to pay it forward as well!  This is where we as a community of coaches can END the Trend of obesity!  We are actively paying HEALTH and FITNESS FOWARD!!
Do YOU want to be a part of this "Paying it Forward Trend"?

Coaches are everyday people doing extraordinary things, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
I am looking for 2-3 people to be a part of my next Coach Training Group!  
If you are considering becoming a Beachbody Coach, I want you to know that you won't be thrown out there to figure this out for yourself.  I will share everything that has worked for me to this point and you will be a part of the #1 team in all of Beachbody.  You will have access to learning from the best!  I am dedicated and ready to help YOU succeed!

Are you interested in becoming a coach on my team??  I am looking for YOU!  I have only 2-3 spots available in my next Coach Training Program starting on May 5th, and I want to positively impact the lives of others in the same way it has been impacted for me!

What is Beachbody Coaching?. www.HealthyFitFocused.com


If you would like more information on becoming a coach on my team please fill out my Coach Application below to be considered for a spot in my next Coach Training Program.  Together we can end the trend of obesity!  I will invest in YOU!

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Thursday, April 24, 2014

Healthy Snack Ideas

Healthy Snack Ideas,  www.HeatlhyFitFocused.comSummer is quickly approaching, and I'm sure, if you're anything like me, you have to go armed with LOTS of snacks for the kids when we are out and about for our summer of FUN!!!  No matter where we go, the pool, the beach, a friend's house, the park…it seems like the first question I always get is, "what snacks do we have"?  And, if you want me to be honest, it's one of those questions I dread hearing!!  Partly because I KNOW what answer they are looking for…they want me to say, "I have cookies, chips, fruit snacks, candy, etc."  But, if they know me at all (which they do), they know that's not my answer.  So, you ask, WHAT IS YOUR ANSWER?  I will tell you…

Now, before we get too deep, I will say that I'm not completely a mom that will not allow her kids to indulge in not-so-healthy food.  They're kids, and let's face it, HUMAN and we ALL enjoy some sweets every now and then.  Now, if they had it their way, they would get those "special treats" every day…but, they don't, and they know that!   It's all about balance.  I know the tendencies I have for sweets (which I love) and they are my children and I know they love them too… So I just have to be careful and allow it only sparingly and not all the time!  I think that's a fair balance!

So, back to what my cooler looks like for the summer or any "snacking" day that we may have!

My kids love to eat, and fortunately, I've been able to train them to eat veggies and fruits…

Here's a few of MY favorites for snacks to pack!  
I like to pair a protein with a complex carb when I'm eating the snacks!

  1. 20 grapes and 1 low fat string cheese
  2. 2 cupped handfuls of strawberries and scant handful of raw cashews
  3. Handful of carrots and cucumbers and 1 tbsp hummus
  4. 1 cup plain Greek Yogurt, 1/2 cup cantaloupe, 10 almonds
  5. 1/2 cup cottage cheese and handful of fresh berries
  6. 1 banana with 1 tbsp natural nut butter
  7. 1 apple (Pink Lady is my favorite!) 1 tbsp nut butter or 15 raw almonds
  8. Baked Apple Chips


And…my favorite meal (or snack) is Shakeology!!  It's so easy and there's NO thought required (unless you just can't figure out which delicious recipe to choose!)…Just blend and GO!

Shakeology Recipe, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Shakeology

If you ever need help with meal planning please email me and I'd love to sit down with you and come up with healthy alternatives or even get you plugged into a Clean Eating accountability group!  This is my passion and I love helping other people!


Healthy Snack Cooler Options for my Kiddos!!

    Clean Eating Snack Ideas, Healthy Snacks, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
  • String cheese or Baby Bell Cheese
  • Strawberries or any berry
  • Grapes
  • Apples
  • Cantaloupe
  • Watermelon
  • Cuties
  • Carrots
  • Snap Peas
  • Broccoli (as long as I have some kind of dip!)
  • Red Bell Peppers (sometimes they like these)
  • Sprouted Wheat Bagels with low fat cream cheese (from Trader Joes)
  • Pretzels 
  • Trail Mix (nuts, raisins, cranberries, dark chocolate)
  • Almonds
  • Cashews
  • Peanuts
  • Cascadian Farm Granola Bars (I get these at Costco and there are only 7 ingredients and they don't have all the icky chemicals that some of those other brands have!)
Healthy Granola Bar, www.HeatlhyFitFocused.com
Healthy Granola Bar

Also…trying to beat the HEAT in the summer and see some movies?  Here's a list of healthy snacks you can slip into your purse for the movie theater!  Shhhh…

Healthy Movie theater snacks, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Healthy Movie Theater Snacks

Would you like to get your summer started out right and be a part of a Clean Eating Challenge Group?  If you need help getting your nutrition in line, fill out this application below to be a part of the May 5th Clean Eating Challenge Group.  Get ideas on how to meal plan, what to eat, how to eat healthy and clean.  You'll get support and accountability to stick to your eating plan!

To enroll in the challenge group or gather more information please complete the form below!


Online contact and registration forms from Wufoo.



Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Healthy Tips for Eating Out!

I'm sure it could be a weekly scenario for you…it's the weekend, Friday or Saturday night…you're going out with friends or you are just tired after a long week of cooking and would like to make life easy and go out to dinner!  So, if you're like me it's a relief yet at the same time sometimes I think AHHHH…what will I eat or how will I choose the best and healthiest food choice so I don't blow my work all week!

Let's face it, eating out is not always the healthiest option with things filled with sodium, fat, tons of calories, and hidden sugar...and just when you think you are eating healthy by getting the nice salad, sometimes those are THE WORST options to choose from.  So, now you're saying, "Well, then…what in the heck do I choose?"

So, how do you take the stress out of eating out and actually enjoy it?  Let's try and keep the stress of eating out at a minimum, here are some tips from Tosca Reno's Stripped book to keep you from losing your mind when you eat out!

First, you need a game plan!  Obviously, when you are trying to lose weight and get to your goal, you should really avoid eating out as much as possible, because we all know that once you get into that setting, there are SO many temptations all around us!  You need to be in control of your choices and not be controlled by the food around you!

1.  Develop an "I Don't Have to Eat It All!" Mindset.   Make up your mind before you go that you don't have to "get the most bang-for-your-buck" or join the "clean your plate club".  KEEP YOUR GOAL IN MIND!
No More Clean Plate Club, www.HealthyFitFocused.com

2.  Satisfy Hunger Only - Don't Gorge.
Eat for the purpose of satisfying your hunger, but NO MORE!

3.  Start Small and Green  
Start your meal with a salad, without dressing.  Use a spritz of lemon or some balsamic vinegar.

Green Salad, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Green Salad

4.  Broth is Best
When there is no Clean salad option, have a broth-based soup.

5.  No Bread, Please!
Forgo the breadbasket, don't even let it come to the table…remember this is not helping you achieve your weight loss goal.
No Bread, Please, www.HealthyFitFocused.com

6.  Clean Cooking Techniques Rock!
Look for entree options featuring steamed or raw veggies and grilled, baked or roasted meats or fish.  If you don't see those options on the menu, ASK YOUR SERVER to do this.  Usually they are MORE than willing to cook it this way.  You can't go wrong with a grilled chicken and steamed veggies.  But remember NO sauce or butter.  Don't be fooled by the "low fat" or "fat free" tag lines.  That doesn't always mean healthy!

7.  Portion Control Is In.
Take a good look at your plate.  How much food is really on there?  Probably too much…ask for a doggie bag and split it in half before you even start eating!

8.  Fletcherize
This is the practice of chewing each mouthful a minimum of 25 times.  When you do this, it allows your body to recognize that you are slowly becoming full and satisfied.  (I know this is nearly impossible when you have kids and you never know what the next moment holds).  I am extremely bad at this…I eat entirely way too fast!  This is definitely something I need to work on!

9.  Zero Tolerance
As hard as it may be, you've got to say NO to the alcohol.  Remember alcohol is made from sugar and this can derail you in the most powerful way.  Have sparkling water with lemon or lime slices instead.

say no to alcohol, www.HealthyFitFocused.com

10.  Stop Before the End
Remember your end goal…it is to shed those last pounds or reach that goal you dream about.  If you can't resist something sweet at the end of dinner, ask for a dish of fresh fruit and leave it at that!


If you really doubt your ability to resist restaurant offerings, then try this little trick called, "pre-eating"! Then when you are at a restaurant or social event you don't need to worry about what you'll order and you can focus on socializing!

If you just can't say no to the dessert table, then pack yourself a few clean cookies in a Ziploc bag and pull them out when everyone is having coffee.  Remember the commitment you've made, don't let a couple sugar laden cookies derail you and create a chain reaction that will make you regret your choices.

Become familiar with menus and if you end up having to go through the drive-thru make sure you know the specs on what you are ordering.  Never super size and make food choices by ordering grilled chicken and a side salad.  Cut up the chicken and place on a salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing or low fat balsamic.

This is probably one of the most difficult things to manage, following a healthy and social lifestyle. Surround yourself with family and friends that will support you in your healthy choices you make and who aren't going to sabotage your efforts.  Instead of going out drinking or to a restaurant, here are some alternatives:

Go for a HIKE!

  • Meet a friend at a gym
  • Have a game night at home with clean snacks
  • Volunteer together at a local charity
  • Organize a kickball or softball game in your neighborhood or with the kids
  • Take a hike with the family or friends
  • Enjoy the outdoors with something that doesn't involve lots of eating
  • Go to the beach (getting in your bathing suit will keep you from eating poorly)


Eating clean and creating a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean you are boring or not able to be social anymore.  There is so much more to life than eating and drinking.  Live outside the box and you will have people wondering what you are doing because your energy and personality are on fire!!


Monday, April 21, 2014

Artichoke, Fennel, and Tomato Salad

This is a recipe I got from a Jillian Michael's cookbook and at first I must say, it wasn't my favorite, but it has become one of my favorite salads!!

I make a lot of this and eat on it all week!!

Ingredients (Serves 10)

Artichoke, Fennel, Tomato Salad, Clean Eating Recipe
Artichoke, Fennel and Tomato Salad
  • 2 jars (6 1/2 oz each) marinated artichoke hearts, drained (reserve marinade)
  • 2 TBSP balsamic vinegar 
  • 1 TBSP Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 heads fennel (about 3 inches wide)
  • 6 cups cherry tomatoes (yellow, red, orange), rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • 1 cup lightly packed, rinsed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup slivered red onion
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  1. Whisk 1/4 cup artichoke marinade (discard remainder), vinegar, mustard and garlic.
  2. Rinse and drain fennel.  Cut off and save a few feathery green leaves for garnish.  Trim off and discard remaining stalks, root end and any bruised areas.  Cut bulb in half lengthwise across widest dimension, then cut each half crosswise into paper thin slivers.
  3. Add fennel, tomatoes, olives, basil, onion and artichoke hearts to dressing in bowl.  Mix gently to coat. Add pepper to taste!
Add a grilled chicken breast to make a complete meal.  Or serve as a side dish!

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Anything that's easy…I love.  Here's a great easy crock pot recipe!

3 chicken breasts
Clean eating cilantro lime chicken, www.healthyfitfocused.com
Clean Eating Cilantro Lime Chicken
1.5 Tbs olive oil
1 lime, juiced
1 cup cilantro (fresh)
1 small bag of frozen corn
2 minced garlic cloves
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 tsp cumin
salt/pepper to taste

I freeze these all together and then put in slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours (when frozen)…if not frozen it will take about 4-6 hours to cook.

Add onto of brown rice and top with cheese and guacamole.


21 DAY Fix Recipe, www.HealthyFitFocused.com

21 Day Fix Portions:
Red and Yellow containers
Red - Fill the chicken with the red container
Fill the yellow with the corn and black bean mixture (this will be at the bottom of the crock pot and easy to scoop).

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

T25 - Week 1 Women's Progress Update - Meal Plan for Week 2

t25

I got through my first week of Focus T25 and I absolutely LOVE this program.  I did it back in August of last year thru October and had great results.  And I have to be completely honest with you...I'm far from perfect in my health and fitness journey.  Although I have been consistently working out and eating clean, I have also been going through some different sort of health problems over the last couple months.  This has caused me a lot of stress and while I thought I had been eating perfectly, now that I step back and look at it, I realized that I had gotten more lazy than I thought and was adding little indulgences here and there and as a result...gained some weight I wasn't happy with!  Can you relate?  Well...I'm just like you!  I'm not perfect...I'm still on my journey and just a real life human who slips up from time to time!



So, side tangent completed...back to my Week 1 T25 update!!

Like I said I LOVE this program...Here was my week schedule:

Monday: Alpha Cardio - This is just a fun workout...it goes fast and is high paced workout.  There's a lot of jumping but Shaun T gives you a great modified version of each move.  Let me tell you...my calves are really tired after this workout!

Focus T25 Day 1, Alpha Cardio

Tuesday: Alpha Speed 1.0 - Ok I think this is seriously one of my favorite of his workouts!  Speed 1.0 speaks it all!  It's fast but it's great because he mixes in stretching and stability throughout this whole workout!  So after being sore, it feels really great to stretch within the workout!

Focus T25 Alpha Speed 1.0


Wednesday: Alpha Total Body Circuit - I'll be honest...this one is tough.  It's not my favorite, but I do like it.  However, it is hard and I'm really tired and sore afterward!

Focus T25 Total Body Circuit


Thursday: Alpha Ab Intervals - I love working my abs and this is a great one to do this.  Shaun T is all about the CORE throughout this entire program and he really focuses on reminding you to "focus" on your core and tighten your core.  This is a mix of ab work and intermittent cardio bursts!  Super fun!

Shaun T, T25, Core
Core Focus - T25
Friday: Alpha Lower Focus & Alpha Cardio - DOUBLES DAY!!!  Yes...you have a doubles day!! It's tough but totally doable!  However, I was really tired doing the Alpha Cardio for the 2nd workout, I had to modify some of the moves because I was sore and tired but I got through it and finished week 1 of T25!!  Wahoo!!



T25 Lower Focus and Cardio


I stuck strict to my meal plan, and allowed a "cheat meal" for Saturday night.  I was perfect on my meal plan throughout the day and at dinner had the appropriate portion sizes of each of my food items, but then added in 4 oz of red wine!!!  YES ONLY 4 oz...I even measured it out!  That is SHOCKING for me to measure it out, but I did...then I was done when the 4 oz was finished!!  It felt really rewarding to only have what I portioned out!

I also stayed committed to drinking my Shakeology each day...which, I've got to say, WOW what a difference that makes throughout the day.  I had run out of it for a couple weeks and started back up with it and I notice such a difference in my cravings throughout the day, they aren't there as much as they used to be, and for my energy level, I don't get that 2pm slump like I noticed myself getting when I wasn't drinking it for those 2 weeks.  It is amazing the difference that Shakeology has made for me each day!!  LOVE LOVE my Shakeology.

Strawberry Shakeology
Strawberry Shakeology
Results of week 1:  3 pounds lost!!  Whaoo!  I don't expect that to happen each week, I think it was a lot of water weight, however I'm happy that it was like that!

So here's to another great week starting this week!  I'm geared up and ready to go strong this week, sticking to my meal plan and workout plan!

Week 2 Meal Plan for Focus T25
Week 2 -T25 Meal Plan, Clean Eating Menu
 
You can find these recipes HERE!
Also you can find more meal plans HERE!
If you'd like more help with meal planning email me and I'd be happy to get you some help planning your meals!

I only have a few spots left for my Summer Slim Down Challenge, if you are interested in being a part of the accountability group that will help get you the results you are looking for before the start of summer fill out this application below to be considered!

There are tons of Wufoo features to help make your forms awesome.

Monday, April 14, 2014

21 Day Fix Clean Seasoning Mixes

Have you ever noticed that seasonings are full of sodium and chemicals?  If you can make your own it is so much better for your health and not so much sodium!!  Usually ends up being cheaper too!

I've been looking for a "clean eating" taco seasoning for quite some time now...and I finally found one I love!!  These are all taken from the nutritin guide of the 21 Day Fix

21 Day Fix Recipe Approved, www.HealthyFitFocused.com


So you can use this for your tacos and anything Southwestern/Mexican!!

21 Day Fix Southwestern Seasoning

Clean eating taco seasoning, 21 day fix seasonings
21 Day Fix Southwestern Seasoning
(Clean Eating)

  • 1  Tbsp chili powder
  • 2  tsp  ground cumin
  • 1  tsp coriander
  • 1/2  tsp onion powder
  • 1/2  tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2  tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2  tsp smoked paprika
  • 1  tsp sea salt
Mix all the ingredients together.  I made a large batch so that I didn't need to make it each time.  Taco Tuesday is something that happens each week for us!!


21 Day Fix All-Purpose Seasoning
  • 4 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. mustard powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp sea salt
Mix together and use on meats or grains!


21 Day Fix Mediterranean Seasoning

4 Tbsp dried parsley, crushed
4 tsp dried onion flakes
2 tsp dried basil, crushed
1 tsp ground oregano
1 tsp ground thyme
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

For more clean eating recipes click HERE!

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Black Beans and Rice

I love Mexican food…and I love EASY meals too!  When you combine them together, it's all the better!  You literally can't go wrong with black beans and rice and there are so many different ways to eat them…not to mention it's an inexpensive and meatless meal!

These ingredients I don't have them measurements for everything, it's kind of a "to your taste" type recipe.  I usually will soak dry black beans for a couple days and then cook them all day in the crock pot with seasonings.  My family eats a lot and we always love leftovers, as they make for perfect lunches the next day!

Ingredients:

  • Brown Rice
  • Dry black beans (1-2 cups depending on how much you want left over, soak them over night or for a couple days, changing the water at least once a day)
  • OR if you prefer to use canned beans then a couple of cans will do the trick!
  • 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1-2 tsp of ground cumin (I love cumin so I tend to put closer to 2 tsp)
  • 1/4 tsp ground coriander 

You can do so much to this recipe.  You can add fresh corn to the black beans or as a topping.  Mix in salsa to the black beans or just top the beans with salsa.  Add low fat cheese, guacamole, non-fat plain greek yogurt (in place of sour cream).  You can also add this to a tortilla!

We like to serve this just over the brown rice and top with cheese and guacamole and some salsa!!

Enjoy!
Black Beans and Rice, Clean Eating Recipe, www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Clean Eating Black Beans and Rice

Saturday, April 12, 2014

21 Day Fix Tips for Higher Calorie Groups

I was chatting with one of my challengers who is getting ready to start the 21 Day Fix.  As she was going through her meal planning she texted me back and said how challenging it was for her to get all of her containers scheduled in for the day.  She is using the "special chart" that is for the 2300-2499 calorie range.  This range is going to be for people who have a larger amount of weight to lose and need the extra calories until you reach a lower number of weight and can drop your calorie range down to the lower group.

For those of you who are on the higher side of calories needed throughout the day, here are some tips for you as you are planning your meals so that you don't feel like you are eating ALL day long, and tips that will help you get all your containers in thru the day!

For example, you are going to eat more of:
21 Day Fix color-coded food containers. www.HealthyFitFocused.com
Green containers: veggies
Red containers: protein
Yellow containers: grains/carbs
Purple containers: fruit
Teaspoons: healthy fats

Some of you may be thinking..."This is a TON of food, how can I lose weight eating so much?"  Well, your body needs calories in order to burn calories and fat!  So if you have been trying to lose weight by not eating much, you're probably putting your body into starvation mode and it is clinging on for every last calorie you put in your mouth and storing it as fat instead of using the calories you eat to get your metabolism working properly to burn fat!

So, how do you go about eating this much food in one day?  Well, there are some tips and tricks I can tell you, but, if you have some tips that have worked for you I would love for you to share those with me in the comments below and I can even put them into this post!!

Tip #1:  Shakeology (with fruit and veggies)


Shakeology, www.HealthyFitFocused.com

Shakeology is such an amazing meal replacement that has so many added benefits (weight loss, curbed cravings, increased energy), but it is also a great way to get some of your added containers into your day.
For example:
  • Add fruit (purple container) into your shakes to make it more flavorful and diverse each day!  This is an easy way to use up some of those extra purple containers and will make you not feel like you are constantly eating!
  • Add veggies to your shakes (green container):  You have a lot of green containers that you need to fill thru your day.  This is another great way to get your greens in...throw it in a Shakeology shake or blend it up for a "green smoothie".  You can easily add spinach into a shake and it won't effect the flavor too much.  See how you like it, but it's a way to not have to eat "one more salad!".
  • Along the same lines as the Shakeology is a "Green Smoothie".  This is a great way (and one of my favorite ways) to get my greens in for the day! Sometimes I just don't like eating my veggies...so I blend them!  Try this for a snack or along with a meal!
Tip #2:  Getting in your "teaspoons"
I know the upper calorie plans call for 6-7 "teaspoons" which are going to be your oils and nut butters.  Now, my thought is that a perfect world where calories didn't matter, is that you would be able to eat peanut butter like it were veggies!!  LOL.  However, I'm sure most of you want a little variety from the nut butters.  Hehe.

Coconut oil for 21 Day fix
Coconut Oil
This grouping you can use coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil...this is a great thing to add into your foods or your salads.  I have really started using coconut oil with so many different things I cook with, Autumn Calabrese is a huge fan of coconut too. I would suggest looking into the benefits of this and how to use it. 

Nut butters for 21 day fix teaspoons
Nut Butter
But back to the teaspoons.  You can obviously use nut butters on fruit, in your Shakeology or smoothies.  This makes your smoothies creamy and super yummy!!  Another thing you can add to your Shakeology or smoothie is coconut oil!  You'll get all the benefits of the coconut oil without having to just eat it!


And of course, getting your olive oil is easy by using it for salad dressings or sauteing your veggies. 

Tip #3 Green containers - veggies
Ok, so we have discussed a few ways above to sneak those veggies into your day.  But some other ways to try and get your veggies in…

21 Day Fix Veggies, green container
Salad: use 1 green container for spinach and a 2nd for chopped veggies
Hiding your veggies:  Have you ever tried to "hide" the veggies in meals so your kids will eat it?  Well, same type of thing here.  Often time, I will be making dinner and throw an a few handfuls of spinach chopped up very small and when it's cooked into the ground turkey or burgers or even your brown rice or quinoa, you can't taste it. (Also, check out this amazing quinoa salad that uses a lot of veggies and is so delicious). So if you can find ways to "hide" your veggies.  Or even pureeing your veggies and mixing them when you make different meals.


Quinoa Salad
Quinoa Salad

Spinach on 21 Day Fix
Sneak your spinach into any food!
Spinach I think is a really great one that you can hide or use a lot!  Also I like to saute it or throw it into my eggs for a little spinach and egg omelet.  Cooking spinach down makes it so that it seems like you don't have to eat as much.


I know it can be challenging to get all your containers in for the day if you are at an increased calorie range.  If this seems to get hard and challenging for you, I would love to be your coach and help you get amazing results and work together to get you down to a lower range of calories so you don't have to eat quite as much throughout the day!!

https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=282176


If you do want some extra support through your 21 Day Fix journey, fill out the application below to be considered for my upcoming challenge group with the 21 Day Fix!  I'd love to help you through your health and fitness journey!  You will get the personalized support and accountability you need to lose the weight, get healthy and in shape!  Today is YOUR day to get healthy!!

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