Health and Fitness Tip #50 - 3 Strategies to Burn FAT during Happy Hour

 

Happy Hour Fat Burning Strategies

 

 

 

Happy Hour Fat-Burning Strategy #1

ELIMINATE These Foods on "Drinks Night"

Food and drink are a natural match. But there's one food you must definitely avoid with drinks if your goal is to lose weight.

Alcohol has the unfortunate effect of shutting down your body's ability to oxidize fatty acids. In other words, it prevents you from using fat for fuel. So when you pound back a greasy cheeseburger with your favorite drink, your body can't use the fat you're eating. It gets stored in your fat cells instead!

But you can avoid piling on ugly body fat every time you have a few drinks just by sticking to lean protein and veggies. Order a steak and a side salad instead of a cheeseburger and you'll wake up the next morning as lean as you are were when you took your first sip.

 

 

Happy Hour Fat-Burning Strategy #2

 

AVOID These Mixed Drinks

You've heard of insulin. It's your body's "storage" hormone. And with the right nutrition timing, insulin can actually accelerate your fat loss by helping you maintain and build fat-burning lean muscle.

But Happy Hour is NOT the right time to spike your insulin, which is exactly what happens when you pound down a sugary Margarita or a sweet Rum Punch. In this case, your insulin spike is going to drive all those calories straight onto your love handles or your muffin top.

So skip the sugary mixed drinks and sip a glass of red wine or a Scotch on the rocks instead. One of the big reasons drinks like this are recommended is that you won't be as likely to pound them back. These are drinks that demand to be sipped.

Also, Research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that both Scotch whisky and red wine help to protect against coronary heart disease by raising the body's level of anti-oxidants.



 

 

 

Happy Hour Fat-Burning Strategy #3

 

BEWARE This Popular Beverage

Did you know an excess of the hormone estrogen is responsible for driving fat into your lower body in women, and your chest or belly fat in men.

And did you know a certain alcoholic drink actually contains something called "phytoestrogens" that mimic estrogen in your body?

High amounts of phytoestrogens are bad because they can lead to ugly and stubborn fat storage in some pretty embarrassing places…

Unfortunately, the offender is a drink that pretty near everyone loves — beer.

Now don't worry, I don't expect you to give up beer. However I do recommend that you limit yourself to one or two beers on each social occasion. And stick with my previous recommendations of wine or Scotch for the rest of the time.

Easy Quinoa and Herb Recipe!

So I absolutely LOVE quinoa!!! Before being diagnosed with Celiacs I would NEVER in a million years try something I couldn't pronounce, let alone something that I thought was not food! However, I am so glad I have learned to try new things because Quinoa is a MUST have in my family now. It has taken the place of rice and pasta! Plus the benefits you get from it are an added bonus!

 

Quinoa is filled with protein and if you are on the 21 Day Fix and Vegetarian then it could count as a red!

 

So what do I do with it? I do so many things with it. I add it to salads, I make salads out of it, I add it to crockpot recipes, I use it as a side, I put pasta sauce on it and use it as a pasta dish, etc. Oh and I eat it cold or hot! Its awesome!!!

 

This recipe the QUINOA and HERB can be eaten cold or hot. We eat it cold because I make it the day before for Hubbys lunch (which he LOVES this recipe too!) So its cold. However, it is great warm too.

 

Ingreidents

 

1 cup cooked Quinoa

1 TBSP of coconut oil melted

1 TSP of Parsley

2 TSP of garlic powder

1/4 Cup of Pine Nuts

 

Directions

 

Cook quinoa according to package

Add in the rest of the ingredients once quinoa is cooked. Stir good.

Eat warm or Refrigerate for next day!

 

Trust me you won't be sad you made this!!! Just don't use it as a side if you are eating the entire thing. This recipe makes one serving and is 493 Calories. Its a Lunch or Dinner all in itself!

 

 



 

 

Overnight Oatmel Recipes!!!

I don't know about you but I LOVE overnight oatmeal. Its easy to make and its a great switch up from your normal breakfast, plus its just as easy to grab and go!

Plus overnight oatmeal is easy to make VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE, and VEGETARIAN!! Which I am all 3. I am not a huge fan of oatmeal or breakfast to be honest but I love creating new recipes to try with the oats! So here are a few of my husbands  and I's.


1. Strawberry Banana Rise and Shine

Ingredients

1/2 cup of Gluten Free Oats
1/2 cup of Almond milk (unsweetened)
1 TBSP soaked chia seeds
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 TBSP honey
1 TBSP Almonds
1/4 Banana sliced
1/4 Cup of Sliced Strawberries

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl or mason jar and mix well.
2. Place in refrigerator overnight.
3. Enjoy


 2. Almond Butter and Banana

Ingredients:

 1/2 large ripe banana, mashed
 2 TBSP of creamy almond butter
1/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats (not cooked)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon soaked chia seeds
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon of honey

Optional Toppings:

 Sliced Bananas
Drizzle of Agave, Maple Syrup or Honey
Cinnamon
Dark chocolate shavings or chips
Coconut shavings

Directions:

1. Mash Banana with a fork
2. Mix all the ingredients together in a mason jar or bowl with lid
3. Place in refrigerator over night
4. Add toppings if you are using them in the morning.
5. Enjoy!



3. Chocolate Banana Bread

 

Instructions

1/4 cup quick cooking oats

1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or nonfat milk or water or your favorite milk)

1/2 medium banana

1 tsp of honey

 1 tsp of raw cacao powder

1/4 tsp of cinnamon

1 teaspoon chopped Pecans

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl or mason jar and mix well.
2. Place in refrigerator overnight.
3. Enjoy


4. Chocolate Power

Ingredients

1/2 cup of unsweetened almond millk
1/4 cup of gluten free oats
2 tsp raw cacaco nibs
1 tsp raw cacao powder
1/2 tsp Maca powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 TBSP of honey.

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl or mason jar and mix well.
2. Place in refrigerator overnight.
3. Enjoy

Get the Inside Scoop on Coaching

Are you SKEPTICAL about Beachbody programs, the "Coaching Opportunity"? Its okay. I know tons of people including coaches and customers that were skeptical too. SOO with that being said, I want to give you a little glimpse IN so that they can decide for themselves if it is FOR YOU or NOT!  Because lets be real, it's definitely not for everyone and that's OKAY!!

I am opening up a public group to any and everyone that wants to know more about the Beachbody Coaching Opportunity. I want to share the answers to some frequently asked questions about what coaching is all about... You know... Questions & objections like:
- IS THIS some sort of PYRAMID SCHEME?!
- I am NOT at my goal yet... nor have I completed a program... Would that make me ineligible?
- I am just NOT a salesperson!
- I am introverted and have a small network!
- How do you get paid?
ETC!

 

If you want to find out the answers and more just Email me and I will add you to my Glimpse into Coaching Group Email.

Recap of Phase 2 of P90X

As you all know, 8 weeks ago I started the P90x journey. One of my goals with being a Health and Fitness Coach is to do all the Programs that Beachbody comes out with and P90x was up next.

I just finished up with Phase 2 and Started phase 3 today! I started doing P90x without being 100% into the program and the workouts. I honestly wasn't excited for the longer workouts, and I just didn't have the drive or desire to do P90x. However, I committed to it and refused to quit, especially the first week and not giving it the chance it deserved. I mean SOOO many people RAVE about this program, I knew it had to be good, right?!? And I couldn't quit, because I honestly felt it working within the first few days. And now look at me! I am through Phase 1 and starting the middle of Phase 2 this week! The time is really flying by! And I am excited with the results I am seeing and feeling so far! I can't imagine what I will be seeing and feeling by the end!!

During P90x, I have continued to eat a WHOLE plant based diet! I have allowed myself a treat here and there, because the hubs, who is a football coach, likes to go out and celebrate when they Win, which seems to be only when they play at home!

Along with my eating whole plant-based foods I have upped my calories, because this is an intense program and the workouts are longer (45-90 minutes) Also the program guide called for it! The p90x book actually says I should be eating between 1800 - 2000 calories a day. To me that is a TON. However, I am eating any where from 1500 - 1900 a day, it really just depends on the meals I have planned out for the week. But to be honest with you, my calorie count is not something I am worrying about. My philosophy is if I am hungry then I will eat. Plus eating Whole Plant-Based foods makes me feel 100% better than I did when I was eating anything and everything.

So why am I continuing to follow a whole plant base diet? Well, in August, I did the Ultimate reset and after doing the reset, I felt TOO good to go back to the old ways of eating. Plus this way is soooo much fun! Its always something different and my husband, LOVES the plant base diet because there is always something new to try. Which I need to be honest with you, before we did the Ultimate Rest, I got lazy and we pretty much had the same thing every night for dinner. Doing this diet, I really didn't think I would be able to continue with it or with P90x. I thought I would have to give up one or the other. But I don't! I feel great!!

Also the middle of week 2 of Phase 1 I broke down and started using the Beachbody Performance Line (Pictured below). Why?!? Because this Line of products helps your body push harder, go longer, and recover faster! And guess what?!?! IT IS! I have more energy, feel great, am able to push harder, and recover faster!

So what am I taking and when?

I have energize (Pre-workout drink) before the workout, hydrate (drink that keeps your muscles hydrated) during the workout, chocolate protein recovery shake immediately after the workout! And at night 30-60 minutes before I go to bed I take the vanilla recharge shake!

I was honestly nervous to start these since they technically aren't PLANT BASED but they are seriously helping and they don't count as calories or containers because they are helping my body perform and recovery since I am doing a HIGH intensity and LONGER program.

 

 

 

WHAT IS BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE™?

It’s a performance-enhancing supplement system specifically designed to meet the demands of Beachbody’s world-class workouts. Now, you don’t have to let anything hold you back from getting the results you want. Beachbody Performance helps you overcome your fitness obstacles, whether it’s low energy, lack of focus, dehydration, exercise-induced muscle soreness, slow recovery, or poor workout performance. With Beachbody Performance, you can push yourself harder and last longer, which means you can get better results from your workouts—faster.

 

HOW DOES BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE WORK?

It’s an all-in-one system that can be used together or easily customized depending on your fitness goals or needs. There are 5 unique formulas—Energize, Hydrate, Recover, Recharge, and Creatine. Each serves a specific purpose, and when used as a system they work together to help you get:*

• More energy and endurance

• Better focus to push harder

• Less exercise-induced muscle soreness

• Faster recovery times

 

 

WHAT MAKES BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE THE BEST?

Beachbody® is committed to getting results. So when we set out to create workout supplements, we knew they had to outperform anything else on the market. Just as we revolutionized superfood nutrition with Shakeology®, we are determined to revolutionize your workout performance—and help you get the best health and fitness transformation of your life.
 

Beachbody Performance is the best because it’s:

• Developed by Harvard-trained scientists using cutting-edge sports science and nutrition research.

• Formulated with ingredients at clinically effective levels scientifically shown to make a difference in energy, focus, stamina, strength, and recovery.

• No gimmicky ingredients without proof that they work. Beachbody Performance is backed by evidence-based ingredients shown to help improve performance and recovery.

• No artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives.

Health and Fitness Tip #49 - 3 Foods You are Eating the Wrong Way

Did you know that it's not just the foods you eat, but actually the way you EAT them that matters when it comes to maximum fat-burning?

 

 

 

For example, if you are eating pre-sliced strawberries, the fat-burning vitamin content of these sweet treats can be compromised due to prolonged exposure to oxygen.  Instead, when eating strawberries, it's best to eat them whole (who doesn't love biting into a juicy strawberry?), or at least wait until you are ready to eat to slice and dice them up.  One thing you DON'T want to do is slice them and then store them, consuming them over time, as this will surely reduce the fat-burning power of the great strawberry.

 

 

 

And how about Greek yogurt?  When you peel back the lid, you are probably used to seeing some "water" that has settled on the top.  Most people dump this down the sink, but this "water" is actually whey that is packed with protein, vitamins, and calcium.  Don't get rid of it!  Instead, mix the watery whey back into the yogurt to avoid missing out on Greek yogurt's fat-burning punch!

 

 

 

You may have heard that most fruits and veggies are better consumed raw instead of cooked, as cooking can reduce their vitamin and mineral content.  While this is true in many cases, it's the exact opposite with tomatoes.  You see, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a phytonutrient with many positive health benefits.  Unlike other veggies, cooking actually increases concentrations of lycopene in tomatoes, so enjoy tomato sauce, roasted tomatoes, and other cooked dishes with tomatoes more often!

Stir-Fried Veggies

Can I tell you I honestly never had stir fried veggies!! Well that was the truth TILL I did the ultimate reset and one of the meals was Stir Fried Veggies, I forced myself to make them. And guess what?!? I fell in love with them. And I still make them to this day!

Oh and seaweed. You couldn't find me touching that with a 10 foot pole! However, it was in the Reset so I had to make it at least one and see for myself. In the Ultimate Reset you made a Nori Gomasio - which has nori seaweed in it and is used for a topping on your stir fried veggies. And I still make it today because it is DELICIOUS!!!

I actually made them last night for dinner with a Nori Gomasio topping. Check out both these recipes and try them out. The stir fried veggies are clean and so is the Nori Gomasio.

Nori Gomasio

Makes 4 servings, 1 TBSP each

Ingredients

1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 tsp. Himalayan Salt
1 sheet toasted Nori seaweed

Directions

Heat sesame seeds in medium skillet over low heat, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and begin to pop.

Remove from heat.

Let cool for 10 minutes.

Place seeds, salt, and nori in a small food processor or blender, cover with lid.

Pulse until most seeds are cracked open. Be careful not to grind to a smooth consistency; you want some of the texture of the seeds to remain.

Store in airtight container.




Stir Fried Veggies

Makes 1 Serving

Ingredients

1 1/2 tsp Coconut Oil
1 tsp. sesame oil
1/2 medium Carrot, sliced into thin and diagonally
1/4 cup broccoli
1/4 medium red bell pepper - sliced
1/4 medium zucchini - cut lengthwise and sliced
1 1/2 tsp. Coconut Liquid Aminos
1 TBSP Nori Gomasio

Directions

Heat coconut and sesame oils in large skillet over medium-high heat. 

Add carrot - cook and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes.

Add broccoli - cook and stir frequently for 4-5 minutes

Add bell pepper and zucchini - cook and stir for 2-3 minutes or until tender and crisp.

Turn off heat.

Add Coconut Aminos.

Mix well.

Top with Nori Gomasio



Served with a 1/2 cup - 1 cup of Quinoa

NEW RECIPE ALERT - "Cheezy" Quinoa and Broccoli

I love quinoa. Every since I have been introduced to it and learned its benefits it is something I make on weekly basis. Its completely versatile and good for you! I honestly use it in replacement of rice and / or pasta.

Today's Recipe is a GOOD one. Its almost like a mac n' cheese recipe BUT its VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE, and VEGETARIAN!!! Oh and it's also Husband approved! He loves this recipe and it fills him up for the night! The Nutritional Yeast

"Cheezy" Quinoa and Broccoli Recipe!

Ingredients

1 cup COOKED quinoa
2 cups broccoli
1/2 tsp Pink Himalayan Salt
1 TBSP Coconut Oil
1 TBSP Coconut Amino Acids
1 TBSP Nutritional Yeast

Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup of Quinoa to make a CUP of cooked Quinoa (follow direction on back of bag)
2. Steam 2 Cups of Broccoli at the same time. ( I use a steamer)
3. Once Quinoa is cooked transfer to bowl
4. Add TBSP of Coconut Oil
5. Add Steamed Broccoli
6. Add 1/2 tsp salt
7. Add TBSP of Coconut Amino Acids
8. Top with 1 TBSP of Nutritional Yeast
9. Mix well together
10. Enjoy!

NEW RECIPE ALERT!!!! CROCKPOT - Quinoa Black Bean Chili

 

 

 

This was dinner last night!! Who seriously doesn't love this time of year?!? I do!! Not because of the cold but because I love cooking with the crockpot and getting creative! Last night I made a quinoa black bean crockpot chili! It's vegan, gluten free, and vegetarian. However if  you like meat you could easily add some ground beef, turkey, or chicken to this recipe! This is hubby approved even without the meat. He came home from football practice starving and devoured the chili! He said it was amazing and he wants it again very soon! Haha! I love when he likes my new creations. I also tried out some Vegan Sour Cream made from cashews! It was great! Very light and honestly didn't really taste like anything because it was mixed in with the chili!

Vegan Crockpot Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

Cook time 3 hours

Serves: 4-5 servings

Ingredients

•2¼ cups vegetable broth

•½ cup uncooked quinoa

•15 oz can black beans

•2 10 oz cans of diced tomatoes with Green Chilies 

•¼ cup chopped red bell pepper

•¼ cup chopped yellow bell pepper

•1 shredded carrot

•1 teaspoon of garlic

•2 teaspoons chili powder

•¼ teaspoon coriander

•1 teaspoon ground cumin

•1 teaspoon oregano

•1 can of corn

Toppings

•chopped avocado chunks

•Nutritional Yeast

 

 

 

 

Vegan Cashew Sour Cream

•½ cup soaked cashews (cashews soaked in water overnight)

•3-4 tablespoons water

•splash apple cider vinegar

•½ teaspoon fine sea salt

•1 teaspoon lime juice

 

Instructions

1.Add the broth, quinoa, black beans and tomatoes to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

 

2.Next add the peppers, carrot, onion and garlic, and stir, then add the rest of the seasonings and stir a few times to combine.

3.Set the slow cooker (Crock-Pot) to high for 2 ½ to 3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours (for high, monitor the last 30 minutes and for low, monitor the last hour).

Vegan Cashew Sour Cream

1.Blend all the ingredients for cashew sour cream in a high speed blender (I use a NutriBullet) until smooth, for about 30 seconds, scraping blender once halfway in between.

2.Serve on chili with your favourite toppings (avocado, nutritional yeast).

 

 

New Maternity Series Brought to you by the 21 Day Fix Creator

Calling all my mamas TO BE and NEW mommas out there!

I am so excited to announce that Autumn Calabrese, creator of the 21 Day Fix and Fix Extreme, has come out with a Maternity series!!!

So many of you have come to me asking what you can do during your pregnancy and / or what you can do right after you deliver. And now I have an answer for you!!!

Autumn has created 3 workouts to keep you active, strong, and get ready to deliver your amazing miracle! And don’t you worry NEW mommas! She has also created a postpartum workout to recover your body after you DELIVER!!!! This program is only available on Beachbody on Demand!

Don’t have Beachbody Ondemand? No worries, you can get a month FREE when you sign up with me and if you fall in love with the workouts then you can continue with Beachbody Ondemand for less than 2.99 a week! Talk about a win-win!!

I might not be pregnant yet, but I am so happy to know that I will have the resources to keep me and my future baby bump healthy, strong, and active for 9 months!

Email me for details on how you can get started on a 30 Day Trial!

Health and Fitness Tips #48 - How to Keep Avocados From Browning

I don't know about you but when it comes to cook and making salads, I don't like to use a whole Avocado! And if I don't, it goes to waste because it turns brown!

Well NOT anymore!! Here are some tips and tricks to use when you only need half that avocado. Trust me these work and have saved us TONS of money, because lets get real, avocados aren't cheap!

How to keep that leftover avocado from turning brown

Avocados are one of the best flab-fighting fats, but it's unlikely that you'll eat an entire avocado in one sitting.  I know I don’t.

First let's talk about why avocados turn brown.  Like apples or potatoes, they oxidize when exposed to air.  Once you cut into an avocado, you'll never be able to completely stop the oxidation process, but you can dramatically slow it with a few quick tips and tricks:

1. Cut the avocado with a ceramic or plastic knife.  Metal actually accelerates the oxidation process.

2. Try lemon or lime juice. Citric acid is a powerful antioxidant; rub a little juice around the exposed flesh and you'll significantly delay the browning effect.

3. No lemon or lime? Use oil. Oil is another great buffer to oxygen. Use in place of lemon or lime juice when you don't have any handy.

4. Store as air-tight as possible. Again, avocados turn brown due to oxidation and exposure to air, so storing in an air-tight container only makes sense.

5. Water. Huh? That's right! This one works exceptionally well for guacamole. Place your leftover guac in a plastic container and press down to remove any air pockets. Add a half inch of water on top and seal with an air-tight lid. The water creates a barrier between the avocado and the air, keeping your guacamole fresh and 100% green for 24 hours or more!  When ready to eat some more, just drain the excess water and enjoy.  Works like a charm!

NEW RECIPE ALERT!!! - Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins

 

 

Every Friday of a Home Game weekend, I make a treat for my hubby. Well last weekend, I decided to take my FAMOUS Almond Butter Cookies and try to make them into muffins. And Guess WHAT!!! I succeeded! These muffins turned out PHENOMENAL!! They were moist and delicious and hubby approved! He actually couldn't keep his hands off them!

 

These muffins are gluten free / grain free and you wouldn't even know that because of how moist they were! They are also PLANT BASED! Every ingredient I used was to the truest form and organic. You don't have to have them be organic, its just our way of life and we prefer organic.

 

Also you don't have to add he chocolate chips. We love chocolate chips and added them in.

 

I was very surprised how the muffins rose too! A lot of ties when I make things like this, they don't rise or only a little. These suckers rose like it was a gluten muffin!

 

These Muffins are 21 Day Fixed approved too. 1 Muffin = 1 yellow and 2 teaspoons if you don't do the chocolate chips and 3 teaspoons if you do.

 

If we had kids I know these would be kid approved. I hope you enjoy them. Comment below if you have any questions or need help substituting an ingredient or if you tried them!

 

 

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins

 

 

Ingredients

 

1 1/2 cups of Almond Butter

 

1/2 cup of Pure Maple Syrup

 

2 tsp. of Pure Vanilla Extract

 

2 Large Eggs

 

1/2 tsp. of baking soda - gluten free

 

Chocolate Chips (optional)

 

Instructions

 

1. Preheat Oven to 350

 

2. lightly coat muffin tin OR use silicon muffin holders

 

3. Combine Almond Butter, Maple Syrup, Extract, Eggs, and Baking soda in a blender, blend till creamy and thick.

 

4. Evenly pour batter into muffin tins, fill half way up.

 

5. Add in a teaspoon or 2 of chocolate chips if adding them

 

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Muffins may be a little soft when coming out of the oven, but will continue to cook.

 

7. Cool.

 

8. Enjoy

 

 

 

 

NEW RECIEP ALERT!!! CROCK Pot Mexican Butternut Squash Quinoa!!

 

 

 

I don't know about you, but I LOVE this time of year!! Why? Because you can pull out the crockpot, throw everything in there and not have to worry about standing over the stove for an 1hr. Plus the crockpot makes the ENTIRE house smell amazing and the clean up is QUICK and EASY.

 

 

This recipe was 100% approved by the husband and he actually wanted it again the next night! That makes my heart happy!!!

 

When it comes to crock pot recipes he isn't always the biggest supporter and fan, but with this one he LOVED and he said it will be a perfect addition to our weekly meals this winter!

 

This is definitely a MUST try recipe!! 



 

{Slow Cooker} Mexican Butternut Squash Quinoa

Prep time:  10 mins

Cook time:  4 hours

Total time:  4 hours 10 mins

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

•1 and 1/2 pounds (~4 cups) butternut squash

•1 cup frozen corn

•1 can (15.25 ounces) black beans

•1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed

•1 teaspoon minced garlic

•1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted petite diced tomatoes

•1 small jalapeno, optional

•2 cans (19 ounces each) mild red enchilada sauce

•1 cup vegetable or chicken broth ( low or sodium FREE)

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander

 

•Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, fresh lime juice, Greek Yogurt, chopped cilantro, Nutritional Yeast or Ramesean (for VEGANs)

Instructions

1. Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray. Be generous!!

2. Peel and deseed the butternut squash. Cut it into cubes and place in the slow cooker.

3. Add in the corn, drained and rinsed black beans, uncooked quinoa, minced garlic, undrained fire-roasted petite diced tomatoes, diced jalapeno (if desired), the 2 cans of enchilada sauce (make sure you have the right ounce amount - these are the large cans), the vegetable or chicken broth, and the packet of taco seasoning.

4. Give everything a really good stir, cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the quinoa is cooked and the butternut squash is tender.

5. Remove the lid and stir everything together really well. Allow the liquid to absorb while on low for another 30 minutes or until mostly absorbed.

6. Top bowls with optional toppings - some shredded cheese, fresh lime juice, sour cream, and cilantro is what we love!



 

 



Is it all a Scam?

Beachbody it's just another scam. It's just another fad diet! Shakeology doesn't work. The workouts are fake. Nobody can lose that much weight. It doesn't work. Shakeology is a rip off.

Those are a lot of things that not just myself hear, but other coaches hear too.

Wanna know something?!? I thought the same thing! I will never forget watching an infomercial of Hip Hop Abs and saying out loud, yeah that program is not going to give you abs, it's fake! I also thought the same thing with T25. I thought you can't get results like that in 25 minutes.

BUT I gave T25 a shot, not expecting anything but a cardio workout to help me maybe lose a pound or 2.

And guess what?!? I was in for a shock! T25 didn't just help me lose a pound or 2, it helped me lose 13 pounds! It gave me the 6 pack I NEVER had before and it gave me my confidence back! Plus it introduced me to a whole new world! A world where workouts actually worked and where I got to help others find the confidence I found!

Beachbody and their programs, like Tony Horton says in P90x, are real live DNA removal! You sweat! You get your butt handed to you! And you get results!

But doing it on your own is hard! And I know that I would not have stuck with T25 if it weren't for my challenge groups!

Challenge groups are where the magic happens! Challenge groups are where like minded individuals come together to support, motivate and keep each other accountable! I know it sounds funny and I thought, seriously how can a challenge group on FB work? But it does! These groups allow everyone to workout on THEIR time table. They allow everyone to have a safe place to come and ask questions and reach out for support when they need it most! Challenge groups aren't a bunch of strangers to me they are family!

If you have had doubts, if you don't think any of the programs or Shakeology work, rethink, try it! Don't let those thoughts stop you from these program and shakes. They work, I know first hand, I have seen it from my challengers and from my own family.

But if you are looking for a quick fix, if you are looking a magic pill, then Beachbody and Shakeology are not for you.

Beachbody and Shakeology are hard work, it's worth it but you are going to have to sweat and make sacrifices to get the results you want.

If you are ready to give it a try then lets talk! Fill out this application and lets getting talking to find the perfect program for you!

Help Wanted!

2 years ago I made a decision that I never thought would have led me to where I am today!

2 years ago I decided to order T25 without telling my then fiancé. We were avid lifters and thought cardio had nothing on lifting.

However, the thought of 25 minutes of cardio sounded amazing and something I could do with my lifting. So I ordered it! I fell in love with T25 and wanted to tell everyone and anyone about it. So I decided to become a coach! Again, I did not tell my then fiancé what I was doing.

Why? Because 1. I needed a change, I needed to do something that I loved while he was coaching and busy. And 2. My gut was telling me to do it, to jump and figure out all the rest later!

So I messaged my coach and told her I was going all in! I was going to drink Shakeology, do the program and become a Coach!!! I didn't want to start as a discount coach, I wanted to go full in!

I love helping people and I love health and fitness. By combining the two, it sparked a fire in me that would be stronger than I had ever felt or had before!

Now 2 years later, I am not failing! I am leading a team of strong women that are building their teams. I am leading a team that is ranked in top 300 out of 300,000 coaches! I am leading a team that is working towards ending the year as an Elite coach!

2016 is on its way, which means the busiest time of year is about to hit for me! And I need your help!

I am looking to mentor individuals that are passionate, goal driven, want freedom, are teachable, and dedicated! And who want to start 2016 off with a BANG!!!

I am looking for individuals that want a life of freedom. That want to stay home and raise their kids. That want to get out of the rat race.

Team Fearless Dreamers is on fire and we are getting ready to end this year on top and head into 2016 with an explosion!

Will you be joining us? Will you be part of of this team that is on fire?

This is your sign! Don't wait any longer!! If you want a life of freedom, be able to stay home and raise your kids, go on fun trips, and enjoy helping others.

Then don't think twice! Just jump! And I will help you figure out the rest!

If you are ready to take this journey then message me, like this post, or email me @ jgerity83@gmail.com

Health and Fitness Tip #47 - 2 Mistakes Made when Eating out

Mistakes We Make When Eating Out

 

Mistake #1

Did you know you’re bound to consume roughly 20% more “mindless” calories during a night out if you fail to call ahead than if you were to have a reservation? Weight loss research has shown exactly this.

 

And it makes sense. You’re hungry—that is, after all, why you’re at the restaurant. Not likely you’re going to just sit there for an hour. Instead, it’s much more likely that you’ll give in to the temptation of having a drink (or two) and partaking of an appetizer.

 

 Extra, needless calories that can simply be remedied with a little forethought.

 

 

Lesson #1 – Make a reservation or at least call ahead to cut down your “temptation” time.

 

 

 

Mistake #2

 



Did you know that if you pay with plastic you’ll likely spend more (and eat more) than if you settled your bill with cash? Research has also proved this. People spend, and subsequently eat, around 30% more when they pay via credit card. Simply put, when paying with money you’re borrowing, it’s very easy to lose track of how much you’re spending, and much easier to order that extra app, desert, or larger entrée.

 

Lesson #2 – Set a reasonable budget for your meal and carry cash to pay for it. It will force you to work within those limitations and you won’t easily overspend (and over-indulge).

 

Between the lessons learned from both of these studies, you just might save yourself from consuming a dreadful extra 50% in waist-expanding calories the next time you enjoy a night out on the town! 

 

 

NEW RECIPE!!!! - Italian Quinoa Skillet Meal

I don't know about you, but I grew up in a household that every other day was a pasta dish. It was easy and convenient for my mom, plus she LOVES her pasta. However, when I was diagnosed with Celiacs Disease I had to cut it out. 14 years ago the Gluten Free Food especially the pasta wasn't the same. A lot of it was soggy, gross, and tasted like cardboard. However, now that I have been introduced to Quinoa, I have been able to add those childhood foods back in.

 

Quinoa, in my opinion is so much better than any box pasta gluten free or not. PLUS quinoa helps you burn belly fat, so to me its WELL worth it! Plus you can do so much with quinoa and you can eat it hot or cold!!!

 

 

Here is an amazing Italian Dish using quinoa. This is husband approved and if I had kids I think they would really enjoy it too. This is a meatless recipe. However, if you wanted to add ground turkey to it, you definitely could!

 

 

Italian Quinoa Skillet Meal

Ingredients

2 cups of quinoa

4 cups water

1 jar of Organic Tomato Sauce

1 cup of mozzarella cheese

1 cup of prosciutto

 1 cup of chopped spinach

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon of dried basil

 Directions:

 

Cook Quinoa by placing quinoa and water into a rice cooker of or a pot. 

 

 Add cooked quinoa to a skillet with pasta sauce, prosciutto, cheese, spinach, garlic and basil.   

 

You can add any Italian flavors you like.   

 

Turn on heat and mix all the flavors together for 10 minutes. 

 

Turn off heat and serve the meal.

You Were Made For More

You were made for more!

 

 

You were made for more.

There is a seed of greatness planted within you.

 Let your spirit shine.

Do you have self doubts? Do you not believe in yourself? Do you think you weren't meant for more?

Stop thinking those negative thoughts! You WERE made for MORE!! You were MADE to SHINE!!!

So who do you do that?

You need to BELIEVE in yourself! Believe that you CAN and you WILL accomplish all that you want in life.

Everyone of us was made for more. However, only few follow their hearts and dreams and go after what they were truly made for! Don't stay in your comfort zone forever. Step outside and do more! Be who you want to be and go after what you want! Don't let FEAR of Failing hold you back! Fail Forward!

Today, stop fearing the unknown and jump! Take that chance and go after what you truly want! Because you never know, you might just let your spirit shine BRIGHT!

Transformation Tuesday - Jess - Ultimte Reset

JESS - THE ULTIMATE RESET

Meet Jess D. 4 weeks ago she started her journey on the Ultimate Reset! She wanted to get back on track and get ready for the wedding she was going to be in. So she made a HUGE decision and decided to do Beachbody's hardest program, the ultimate reset!

And her final results are in!! She lost 18.6 pounds and a total of 15 inches!  And she couldn't be more happy or PROUD of herself for taking the leap of faith and doing this program.

So why is it hard?

1. I am not going to lie, You have to meal prep if you want to be successful! And its A LOT of meal prepping.

2. You can NOT workout on it. So if you love working out, this one is a big challenge for you, however, a good one. Your body will thank you.

 

So what is the Ultimate Reset?

 

The Ultimate Reset you body learns to eliminate certain foods and when you do this your body will react differently to the same foods once you go back to them. Your body becomes PURE in 21 days.

 

Well like I said above with this program you CAN NOT workout, you learn to cook different meals, you can NOT have coffee, and its a lot of food prep. However, with this program you GAIN a sense of accomplishment, you get out of the fog and can work harder, more diligently and more clear! Your body needs a good cleanse 1 time per year and this is the perfect way to do it. You EAT, you aren't in the bathroom all day long, and you learn to drink more water (which your body needs!!!).

 

If this is something you would be interested in learning more about or would like to do the Ultimate Reset and cleanse your body the healthiest way possible, then send me an email, and I will get you more information and walk you through the 3 week process! Because I did it in August and I honestly can't rave enough about it.  

 

Just think about what you could do to your body both from the inside out. This program is worth all the hours in kitchen prepping!

 

 

P90X - Recap of Week 5

As you all know, 6 weeks ago I started the P90x journey. One of my goals with being a Health and Fitness Coach is to do all the Programs that Beachbody comes out with and P90x was up next.

I am through Phase 1 and actually am in the middle of phase 2 as of this week. I started doing P90x without being 100% into the program and the workouts. I honestly wasn't excited for the longer workouts, and I just didn't have the drive or desire to do P90x. However, I committed to it and refused to quit, especially the first week and not giving it the chance it deserved. I mean SOOO many people RAVE about this program, I knew it had to be good, right?!?. And I couldn't quit, because I honestly felt it working within the first few days. And now look at me! I am through Phase 1 and starting the middle of Phase 2 this week! The time is really flying by! And I am excited with the results I am seeing and feeling so far! I can't imagine what I will be seeing and feeling by the end!!

During P90x, I have continued to eat a WHOLE plant based diet! I have allowed myself a treat here and there, because the hubs, who is a football coach, likes to go out and celebrate when they Win, which seems to be only when they play at home!

Along with my eating whole plant-based foods I have upped my calories, because this is an intense program and the workouts are longer (45-90 minutes) Also the program guide called for it! The p90x book actually says I should be eating between 1800 - 2000 calories a day. To me that is a TON. However, I am eating any where from 1500 - 1900 a day, it really just depends on the meals I have planned out for the week. But to be honest with you, my calorie count is not something I am worrying about. My philosophy is if I am hungry then I will eat. Plus eating Whole Plant-Based foods makes me feel 100% better than I did when I was eating anything and everything.

So why am I continuing to follow a whole plant base diet? Well, in August, I did the Ultimate reset and after doing the reset, I felt TOO good to go back to the old ways of eating. Plus this way is soooo much fun! Its always something different and my husband, LOVES the plant base diet because there is always something new to try. Which I need to be honest with you, before we did the Ultimate Rest, I got lazy and we pretty much had the same thing every night for dinner. Doing this diet, I really didn't think I would be able to continue with it or with P90x. I thought I would have to give up one or the other. But I don't! I feel great!!

Also the middle of week 2 of Phase 1 I broke down and started using the Beachbody Performance Line (Pictured below). Why?!? Because this Line of products helps your body push harder, go longer, and recover faster! And guess what?!?! IT IS! I have more energy, feel great, am able to push harder, and recover faster!

So what am I taking and when?

I have energize (Pre-workout drink) before the workout, hydrate (drink that keeps your muscles hydrated) during the workout, chocolate protein recovery shake immediately after the workout! And at night 30-60 minutes before I go to bed I take the vanilla recharge shake!

I was honestly nervous to start these since they technically aren't PLANT BASED but they are seriously helping and they don't count as calories or containers because they are helping my body perform and recovery since I am doing a HIGH intensity and LONGER program.

 

 

 

WHAT IS BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE™?

It’s a performance-enhancing supplement system specifically designed to meet the demands of Beachbody’s world-class workouts. Now, you don’t have to let anything hold you back from getting the results you want. Beachbody Performance helps you overcome your fitness obstacles, whether it’s low energy, lack of focus, dehydration, exercise-induced muscle soreness, slow recovery, or poor workout performance. With Beachbody Performance, you can push yourself harder and last longer, which means you can get better results from your workouts—faster.

 

HOW DOES BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE WORK?

It’s an all-in-one system that can be used together or easily customized depending on your fitness goals or needs. There are 5 unique formulas—Energize, Hydrate, Recover, Recharge, and Creatine. Each serves a specific purpose, and when used as a system they work together to help you get:*

• More energy and endurance

• Better focus to push harder

• Less exercise-induced muscle soreness

• Faster recovery times

 

 

WHAT MAKES BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE THE BEST?

Beachbody® is committed to getting results. So when we set out to create workout supplements, we knew they had to outperform anything else on the market. Just as we revolutionized superfood nutrition with Shakeology®, we are determined to revolutionize your workout performance—and help you get the best health and fitness transformation of your life.
 

Beachbody Performance is the best because it’s:

• Developed by Harvard-trained scientists using cutting-edge sports science and nutrition research.

• Formulated with ingredients at clinically effective levels scientifically shown to make a difference in energy, focus, stamina, strength, and recovery.

• No gimmicky ingredients without proof that they work. Beachbody Performance is backed by evidence-based ingredients shown to help improve performance and recovery.

• No artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives.