SHOUT OUT!

This is a special SHOUT OUT to one of my friends that has done such a great job improving her health and fitness. She is one determined lady and she let's nothing stand in her way. Not only does she own her own business, but she also has 2 precious little ones. This girl never uses time as an excuse and often gets her workout for the day in between 9-11pm. If she gets to do it early, chances are her kids are doing it with her. Way to be an awesome example for your kiddos and teach them how to lead a healthy and fit life!! You rock!! Keep up the hard work!!

The picture on the right is from 6 years ago - before my friend had her 2 children. With the help of 21 Day Fix and PiYo she is now more healthy and fit. The picture on the left is from last week. She has the same dress on in both pictures! What a great transformation!

Staying on Budget During the Holidays

If you are like me, then when it comes to the Holidays, you completely BLOW your budget. I am nowhere near perfect when it comes to my budget and I would never claim to be, but I do give it my best. I blow budget every year and I hate when January comes and I realize I have over done it. This year is going to be different. I am going to be prepared.

To prepare myself, I have done some research on how to stay in my budget. Below are some tips I plan on using myself!

• Christmas gifts: If you have a talent such as knitting, painting, crafting, crocheting - share it with your family. Instead of purchasing an item that my blow your budget, consider making one or 2 gifts this year. It may cost more time, but we are looking at dollar signs here. Besides, handmade gifts have sentimental value and they often mean more to the receiver than something that may be a rush purchase.

• Holiday Food: Make a list and stick to it. Don't make extra things and when applicable, purchase the off brand.

• Decorations: If you are crafty, make your wreaths, garlands, and stockings. You will save tons! Stores like Hobby Lobby always have items 50% and extra coupons. Take advantage of the savings.

• Don't use your CREDIT CARD. This will force you to spend only what you have. Also, this will prevent you from hating yourself for overspending in the month of January when the bill rolls around.

If you have some good tips you can add to the list, PLEASE share them in the comments! I am always looking for new tips to help me out!

Fit 4 Christmas

Can you believe it is already the Holiday Season?! This year has flown by. It is that time again...time for all the Holiday parties. There are Christmas parties galore! Work parties, family parties, Christmas with the in-laws, church parties, parties with your closest friends, Christmas Day...we haven't even made it to New Year's Eve yet! This time of year is so busy that it is SO easy to get off track; however, THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO JUMP ON THE BAND WAGON! What band wagon??

I am talking about joining an accountability group that will help you get on track and stay on track with your health and fitness. I am talking about a group that has helped me become healthy. A group that has helped me become fit. A group that contacts me when I haven't checked in daily. A group that holds me to my commitment.

I will be leading a small group beginning December 1st. Based on your current needs, I will help you choose a program that will allow you to successfully reach your goals. In this group, I will teach you how to eat healthy, how to fit in a daily workout, teach you how to plan your meals, and help you stay accountable to a program that can and will change your health and fitness if you will let it. Ultimately, it can change your life.

If you would like information concerning the group I will be leading, please fill out the form below.

21 Day Fix Stir Fry (Single Serving)

This recipe is fantastic. It is quick, easy, healthy, and DELICIOUS! Use the recipe below. Please note that this is single serving recipe, so if you plan to cook this for your family you will need to make the proper adjustments by doubling the recipe or what have you.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped asparagus spears
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 tsp All Purpose Seasoning.

Directions:

• Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat.  
• Combine asparagus, pepper, carrots, onions, and seasoning.
• Cook veggies in skillet, mixing frequently for 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp tender.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

As I am learning to eat healthier, I am also learning to try new food and recipes. One that I have come to fall in love with is Stuffed Bell Peppers. They are so good - I have to share. The recipe below comes from cleaneatingmag.com.

Ingredients:

• 4 large red and/or green bell peppers
• 1 1/2 tsp safflower or olive oil, divided
• 8 oz extra-lean ground beef
• 1 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp chipotle chile powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 15-oz BPA-free can unsalted black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 2 tbsp unsalted tomato paste
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice
• Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400˚F. With a paring knife, carefully trim bottoms of peppers so they stand upright; do not cut through flesh. Slice off tops and remove and discard stems; finely chop tops and set aside.
2. Carefully insert a paring knife into cavities of peppers and trim away seeds and membranes from insides. Wrap each pepper in foil and arrange upright in an 8-inch square baking dish. Bake until slightly softened, about 20 minutes. Remove from foil and set aside until cooled slightly. Reduce oven heat to 350˚F.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium nonstick skillet, heat 1 tsp oil on medium. Add beef and sauté, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove beef from skillet, cover and set aside; keep skillet on medium heat.
4. To skillet, add reserved chopped pepper tops, onion, cumin, coriander, salt and chile powder. Sauté, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute. Stir in beans, corn, tomato paste, lime juice and beef. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring, for 5 to 6 more minutes.
5. Brush bottom of 8-inch square baking dish with remaining 1/2 tsp oil. Stand peppers cavity side up in dish. Spoon beef mixture into peppers, packing tightly. Cover with foil and bake until peppers are tender and filling is heated through, about 35 minutes. Garnish with cilantro (if using).
   
   
   
   

Pumpkin Pie Shakeology

In honor of Thanksgiving and for all you pumpkin pie lovers, I thought I would share a recipe for Pumpkin Pie Shakeology!! This is sure to fix those pumpkin pie cravings AND it is a very healthy option!!

1 Scoop Vanilla Shakeology
12 oz water, almond butter, or milk
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 Tbsp. coarsely chopped raw pecans
1 tsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
 Add a few ice cubes and....
BLEND until ice is finely crushed.

7 Days To A Holiday Heathier YOU!

I will be hosting another 7 Day Shakeology Challenge that will begin on October 13, 2014.

If you are not ready to commit to a 30 Day Challenge or you are wondering what Shakeology can do for you, then this is the perfect challenge for you! Simple, Short, and Tasty!

This would be a great precursor to my HOLIDAY HONE-IN group that will begin early November - just in time to get in shape for all of the Holidays and all the holiday pictures!! (more to come about this group at a later date)

I am sure most of you have seen my posts about how much I LOVE SHAKEOLOGY, how I drink it on a daily basis, the benefits of drinking it, and the different recipes I use everyday! 

So, what is Shakeology?

Shakeology is a super tasty shake that is HIGHLY DENSE IN NUTRITION. It contains 70 different natural ingredients mixed together to offer you the healthiest meal of the day. It fits in perfectly with a healthy lifestyle and is perfect for the individual that has a hard time eating fruits and raw veggies. Because Shakeology is filled with 8 different nutrient groups your body needs, you do not crave food as you would after eating a meal that has little, to no nutritional value. I drink Shakeology every morning for breakfast. It gives me a great start to the day, gives me a boost of energy to get going, all while fueling my body with the nutrients it needs!

If you are interested in starting a healthier lifestyle, then I would love for you to try my 7 Day Shakeology Challenge!

What you will receive:
* 7 days of Shakeology (3 chocolate, 2 vanilla, 2 strawberry)
* Shakeology Recipes for every flavor
* 7 day healthy meal plan and grocery list
* 7 simple daily workouts to get your blood flowing
* Free 7 Days of Coaching from me
• A private Facebook group to use for accountability, support, and encouragement

The cost is only $35 (plus $5 shipping in the US if you are not in my hometown).

If you are willing to invest in yourself and be committed for the full 7 days, I will invest my time and commitment to you and make sure you get the most out of these 7 days!

Please fill out the form below to join my 7 Day Challenge! Feel free to tell a friend and invite them to join in the fun! (P.S. There are prizes for referrals!)