Taco Tuesday! Clean Eating Tacos!!

I know today is Wednesday... but, this was our dinner last night for Taco Tuesday!!  It's a favorite in our house!  It's the one meal that I know everyone gladly chows down every single week without complaining!  It's quick and easy and it's a winner all around and we never want to miss it!

Healthy Taco Tuesday

So, this recipe has evolved over the years as our family has grown and they now eat a LOT more food!!  What used to be my 1 lb of ground turkey meat suddenly wasn't enough to feed the masses!  So, I've had to find different ways of increasing bulk but not sacrificing taste or healthiness!

What I started doing, which has worked wonderfully, is adding black beans and brown rice to my ground turkey and it still tastes the same but makes the meat go a lot further!  The amount you add of each is totally up to you, depending on how far you need for the meal to go!!

Directions

• 1 lb ground turkey (browned)
• cooked brown rice (optional - and the amount can vary, I used probably 3-4 cups cooked)
• black beans (I use 2 cans drained)
• 21 Day Fix Taco seasoning (to taste)

After the meat and rice are cooked, mix all the above ingredients together until heated.

Toppings:

• Spinach or lettuce
• Avocado
• Cheese
• Greek Yogurt mixed with lime (instead of sour cream)
• Cilantro

21 Day Fix Approved Containers:

1 Red (ground turkey and greek yogurt combo)
2 Yellow (includes rice, beans and 2 corn tortillas)
1 Green (from tomatoes and spinach)
1 blue (1/2 from avocado, 1/2 from cheese)

Interested in joining a 21 Day Fix Challenge Group?  Click here to fill out an application!

Spring Slim Down - 30 Days to Bikini Ready!

Happy Saturday!  Can you believe that it's already mid-April?
Which only means we are getting that much closer to the "unofficial start" of Summer...Memorial Day!  SIX more weeks until it's time to get out and start really enjoying the warming weather!  As the weather warms, the big puffy sweaters and jackets will have to go away, thus revealing the "winter weight" that is so easy to pack on during those cold months!

So, THIS IS YOUR SIGN! It's time to get up, get rid of your muffin top and start shedding those clothes, pulling out your shorts and tanks and getting back to reality of summer!

Now, I know this can be a scary thing to do, getting out all your summer clothes...something you're not real interested in facing right now, but not to worry... I AM HERE TO HELP!!

It's never really our intention to gain some extra weight during the winter, but, what's in the past is in the past!  No time to dwell on the winter.  It's time to DUST off those workout shoes and clothes and get to work!

#Beast - Dust off your shoes, Let's GO!

I am right here with you.  I recently shared about my struggles (check out Failing Forward), BUT, I was able to get myself back on track, learn from my laziness and struggles and start reaching toward those goals I have for myself again!  I'm making great progress toward my summer goal!!  I'm here to tell you that you can change your ways and habits and get out of the rut you're in and really make a difference in the way your clothes fit, in your weight, in your eating habits.

You have 6 weeks before Memorial Day, which is completely possible for you to shed anywhere from 5-15+ pounds, drop a pant size and really start feeling better about getting into your shorts and tank tops (and don't forget your swimsuit!!).  Now, for those of you who say "I have NO intention of getting into a BIKINI" but still want to drop the weight and have your clothes fit better, this is TOTALLY for YOU TOO!!!  You can DO IT if you set your mind to it and commit to your results!

Let me tell you...I'm human just like you!
I fully know and understand the difficulties and struggles of:

• Losing weight
• Having a positive body image
• Feeling like you are in control of your nutrition and fitness
• Finding the motivation to push through your goals

But... I also know how to overcome those obstacles AND how to help YOU overcome them too!

So, here's the deal...

I have only 5 SPOTS available for 5 WOMEN who are: 

• Ready to take the leap of faith
• Commit to YOUR health/fitness goals
• Ready to lose 5-15+ lbs
• Drop a pant size
• And, be able to ROCK any outfit you choose this summer!!

Are you ready to COMMIT?  

On April 20th we'll start the Spring SlimDown - 30 Days to Bikini Ready Accountability Group.  

• What is this Group You're Talking About? •

We all know that losing weight on our own and trying to figure out how to stick with it is probably the reason most of us have failed in the past.  Without SUPPORT and ACCOUNTABILITY and MOTIVATION, then sometimes it's hard for us to find the drive to continue to reach our goals.  

In this PRIVATE accountability group, you will get: 

• 1:1 support
• Daily posts or motivational videos from me
• Motivation
• Accountability
• Help with Meal Planning
• Learn about Clean Eating (a lifestyle plan, not a diet)
• ME as YOUR coach to help you through your journey!  

My GOAL is to help YOU reach YOUR GOAL!

What are the requirements to be ONE of the FIVE Women in this group?

• I must be your coach through Team Beachbody
• You will commit to a Beachbody fitness program (I will help you figure out which is best)
• You will replace 1 meal a day with Shakeology 

And, in return, I will add you into my private support group!!

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, fill out the application below!  

Don't wait for someone else to do it for you, it doesn't work that way...

take control of your life TODAY!

Super Bowl Spread... 6 Tips for a Healthy Super Bowl!

So it is Superbowl weekend.  This is a day that so many people throw all caution to the wind and just have a feast of a day!  Well, this year doesn't have to be that way!  I want to share with you some tips and recipes that you can use on GAME DAY!!!

First off, if you are going to someone's house, then you have to control the controllable!  What do I mean by that?  Bring something healthy to share with others!!!  It is never good to come empty handed, so why not share some healthy options with everyone!?!

Healthy Tips on Super Bowl Weekend!

1)  Drink your Shakeology before the party!
  - I know I plan on having my Shakeology before I get to my brother's house!  It will keep me full and satisfied!!

2)  Bring a Healthy Dish
  - Recipes Below!

3)  Always have a drink in your hand (WATER!)
  - Fill yourself up on water...always be sipping on it!

4)  Fill up on veggies
  - Make sure you offer to bring veggies, that way you know you'll have something to munch on!

5)  Allow yourself a meal...don't be a grazer
  - Make yourself a plate.  If you're going to eat then portion out your food.  Have yourself a meal and don't stand by the food table and just pick at the food!  You'll never truly know how much you are eating!

6)  If you're going to "cheat", plan your "cheat" ahead of time and remember it's not a CHEAT DAY...give yourself a limit!  
 - Pick your poison...Example.  Choose to have 1 beer or glass of wine.  OR 1 serving of nachos, OR 1 serving of dessert...get the point.  ONE of any of these...not ONE of ALL of these!!!


Here are some of my favorite healthy dishes for Super Bowl!

TurboFire Chili - What's a Football game without chili??

Baked Chicken Fingers - Alternative to wings

Lentil, Bruschetta, Feta Dip - This is what I'm bringing!!  By special request!!

No Velveeta Queso Cheese Dip - A healthy version of the "Velveeta" Cheese Dip!

Chocolate Flourless Brownie Muffins - Gotta have the sweets!!

Shakeology Power Balls - Be careful, you can't eat just one!

Baked Tempeh - Ultimate Reset Recipe

Tempeh...ever heard of it?  Well I hadn't before I started the Ultimate Reset. But I've gotta say I was pleasantly surprised by how it tasted. With the marinade I used it was actually pretty tasty!!  I've had this for dinner and breakfast during this program and it's kept me satisfied!  

For those of you who don't know what Tempeh is, it is a fermented soy product that's high in protein and easy to digest. It's available in the refrigerated section of health food stores and Trader Joe's. 

2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

2 Tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos

1-1/2 tsp Sesame Oil

1-1/2 tsp Pure Maple Syrup 

1/2 Clove Garlic, minced

4 oz Tempeh, cut into 1/2 inch strips. 

Combine vinegar, Bragg Liquid Aminos, oil, maple syrup and garlic in small bowl; mix well. Place Tempeh in shallow dish and pour marinade over tempeh. Marinate for an hour in fridge turning once to get marinade on both sides. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 10-15 min on both sides.

Ultimate Reset Recipe - Baked Tempeh

Lentil-Lime Salad - Ultimate Reset Recipe

I'm loving exploring new recipes.  This was a very tasty recipe that I would make again!  It's great for a lunch or afternoon snack!  Great alternative to no meat!!

1 cup of cooked green lentils

1 medium carrot, shredded

1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

1-1/2 tsp. sesame oil

2 Tbsp fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp Bragga liquid Aminos

Himalayan Salt

1/4 tsp ground cumin (to taste, optional)

Combine lentils, carrot, cilantro, oil, lime juice, Bragg Liquid Aminos, salt, cumin, and in a bowl; toss gently to blend.  Cover and marinate in fridge for 2 hours before serving!

Lentil-Lime Salad - Ultimate Reset Recipe

Stir-Fried Veggies (Ultimate Reset Recipe)

This has become one if my favorite meals in the Ultimate Reset. It's filling, there's a lot if food, and it's delicious!!!

1-1/2 tsp coconut oil

1 tsp sesame oil (my favorite is Trader Joe's Toasted Sesame Oil)

1/2 medium carrot, cut into thin diagonal slices

1/4 cup broccoli florets 

1/4 red bell pepper, sliced 

1/4 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise, sliced

1-1/2 tsp Bragg a Liquid Aminos

Heat coconut and sesame oils in large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add carrots; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes. Add broccoli; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes. Add bell pepper and zucchini. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until tender-crisp. Turn off heat. Add Bragg Liquid Aminos. Mix well. 

This is for one serving. 

Add 3/4 cup of quinoa or 1/2 cup of brown rice. 

Stir Fried Veggies - Ultimate Reset Recipe

For more information about 

Beachbody's Ultimate Reset click HERE!!

For more great Clean Eating Recipes 

and for the Ultimate Reset click HERE!

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 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!

Chocolate Mousse

Did you ever think you could have a healthy, clean chocolate mousse?  Well…here you go.  I'll be honest, I haven't tried this yet.  This is a recipe from a friend, but I just was given a ton of avocados and thought this would be a great recipe to try out!  (Plus I didn't want to lose the recipe!)  :)

So here it is…

4 ripe avocados
1/3 cup maple syrup or coconut nectar
7 medjool dates, soaked
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
sea salt to taste


In a high speed blender or food processor, blend all the ingredients until smooth.  Add salt to taste.  Serve chilled!

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

My Kids' Favorite Green Smoothie!

It took some training…but I love that I have trained my kids to like healthy things.  But what they have realized, is that healthy doesn't mean gross!  In fact, their favorite after school snack is a "GREEN SMOOTHIE"!!  Yes, you heard it right…a green smoothie!

This is something that they actually request!  (And they know what kind of ingredients are in it!)

My Kids' Favorite Green Smoothie

Here's what's inside and the order from bottom to top:

• Handful of ice
• Large handful of spinach (if I have kale too I will throw some of that in also)
• 1 Orange, peeled (or a clementine, whichever I have)
• 1 lime, peeled
• 1 banana
• 1-1.5 cup of frozen pineapple
• Water (I fill the water to cover the amount of ice I've put in
• Few drops of liquid Stevia

BLEND WELL!

My kids HONESTLY LOVE this!!  Enjoy!!

Clean Eating 101

What is Clean Eating?

Clean Eating

When I first learned about clean eating, I knew I wanted to start eating more "clean" and less processed foods.  I had been introduced to it probably a year before I started to incorporate it into my diet.  WHY?  Well, I made it to difficult in my head.  It really isn't a hard concept to understand, you just have to go for it and make a change for your health!

So, I'm going to sum it up in very short, sweet and to the point terms…Clean eating is getting rid of the processed food in our diets and eating whole and fresh foods.  If you can't pronounce the ingredient, then you shouldn't eat it!  Now, like I said…that is a VERY basic way to explain it, but hopefully that will help you realize that it isn't a scary thing to start…even if you start slowly by getting rid of the processed food in your pantry and not buying them anymore!

So let's dig in a little deeper than we did just now.  Here are the 10 basic principles to eating clean:

The 10 Basic Clean Eating Principles:

1.  Eat More!  Eat 6 small meals each day, spaced at two and a half to three hour intervals.
2.  Eat breakfast every day within an hour of rising.
3.  Make your last meal three hours before bed.
4.  Eat a combination of lean protein and complex carbohydrates at each meal.
5.  Eat sufficient healthy fats every day.
6.  Drink two to three liters of water each day.
7.  Carry a cooler packed with clean foods each day.
8.  Depend on fresh fruits and vegetables for fiber, vitamins, nutrients and enzymes.
9.  Adhere to proper portion sizes.
10.  Eat only foods that have not been overly processed or doused in chemicals, saturated in trans fats and toxins.

Now you have the rules…what kind of foods can you eat?

Allowable vegetables include:  Sweet and regular potatoes, radishes, carrots, parsnips, cucumber, broccoli, asparagus, beets, leeks, leafy greens, brussels sprouts, spaghetti squash, green beans, onions, sprouts, celery, zucchini, fennel and garlic.

Allowable fruits include:  Bananas, apples, plums, berries, pears, watermelon, cherries, oranges, tomatoes, limes and lemons.

Allowable protein sources include:  Egg whites, lean turkey, chicken, pork, beans and legumes (in moderation), lean fish, shrimp, clams, mussels, bison and other game meats, hummus (also a healthy fat), quinoa, spirulina, sea vegetables, protein powder, tofu and tempeh.

Allowable healthy fats include:  flaxseed, nuts such as almonds and walnuts (unsalted), pumpkin seeds, nut butters, hummus (also a protein), avocados, oils (flaxseed, sesame, coconut, olive, hazelnut, walnut and fish).

Now let's talk about portions sizes…this is what so many people have a hard time with…me included!

You are eating 5-6 small meals a day so you don't want to have your normal huge meals that you may be used to having.  So you need to distribute your calories throughout the day.  Using your hand (since your hand is ALWAYS with you) is a great idea on how to measure your food.  A man will usually have bigger hands than a woman, but it would fit the needs of his body whereas a woman wouldn't need as much food as a man!

Protein: Proper portion of meat or other protein is measured by what can fit in the palm of your hand.  

Starchy Complex Carbohydrates:  Proper portion size is what can fit into one cupped hand

Carbs from Fruit and Veggies:  Proper portion size is what can fit into two cupped hands together.

 Don't let clean eating get overwhelming for you!  There is nothing that says you have to go ALL IN right away.  Take baby steps, slowly incorporate one thing at a time…or take away one or two things from your diet that you know is not within the clean eating guidelines.  It's ok for this to be a process.  I'm not perfect all the time.  I try to follow it as best I can, but of course I have slip ups along the way!

You can find clean eating recipes here!  And also there are many weeks of clean eating meal plans here!

If you'd like to have additional support with clean eating or meal planning…or you would like more information on my 30 day clean eating challenge group, please fill out the application below, or email me for additional help!

HTML Forms powered by Wufoo