Showing posts with label coach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coach. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

New Recipe - Black Bean Burger- 21 Day Fix Approved

Black Bean Burger
 


Rich and I are doing the 21 Day Fix Extreme and since August have been doing a Vegetarian / Vegan Diet. Rich will have meat every once in a while, but I have not had any meat since August.

I feel great. However, I do miss the occasional turkey burger, so last night I decided to get creative and make my own HOMEMADE GLUTEN Free, Diary, VEGAN, Vegetarian, and 21 DAY FIX approved.

This recipe is easy and simple! If I can do it, then so can you.

 Ingredients

1 medium sweet potatoes (cooked the night before)
1-15 ounce black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp garlic
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin

Directions
  1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Place the beans in a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the beans.
  3.  Add the sweet potatoes and smash, so about half the potatoes are mashed and half are broken up.
  4. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine well.
  5. If following the 21 DAY FIX use a yellow container to measure out the burger mixture. Form into patties. IF NOT using the Fix use a 1/2 cup to equally portion burgers and form into patties.
  6. Place the patties on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 425 for about 25 minutes, or until browned and crisp.


These burgers were so easy and didn't have you adding any eggs or flour. The patties stayed together and didn't fall apart. The mixture of Sweet Potato and Black bean was out of this world amazing!!

This recipe is a MUST try!! Even if you aren't vegan or vegetarian! Give it a go! You never know when you might find something new you can't live without.

Also if you are following the fix 1 burger counts as 1 yellow.
If you are following the VEGAN Fix then 1 burger can count as a red or a yellow. However, do all your measuring in the yellow container.

  • Tuesday, December 8, 2015

    NEW RECIPE ~ Gluten Free Vegan, Vegetarian Chili!

    Gluten Free Vegan, Vegetarian Chili
     
     
     
     
    Rich and I are HUGE chili eaters and I love finding ways to make new types. My favorite by far is with the Butternut Squash but we eat the whole crock pot in one sitting. So while doing the fix extreme I created this yummy gluten free, vegan vegetarian chili!

    This chili turned out AHHHHMAZING!! It was quick and easy to make Plus its HUSBAND approved! He loved it and ask if it can be something we have weekly! Plus its very filling!!

    So how did I make it?

    Ingredients
    Tomatoes - I used grape tomatoes
    1/2 cup  of black beans

    1/2 cup of rice (cooked)
    1 TBSP chili powder
    1 TBSP cumin powder

    Directions:
    First cook the rice following directions on the box, bag, or container.

    While rice is cooking purée a green container (a cup) of tomatoes. I cut in half before putting them in the magic bullet.

    Once rice is cooked pour the tomatoes in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.

     Add a yellow container (1/2 cup) of black beans, and seasonings - chili powder and cummin powder.

    Cook on low for 10 minutes.

    Add a blue container (1/4 cup) of shredded cheese (if not doing VEGAN)  or a 1/4 of a Avocado or Nutritional Yeast and top it off with a dollop of PLAIN Greek Yogurt (if not doing VEGAN)

    You can not go wrong with this recipe! It was amazing!

    If you are doing the 21 Day fix or the 21 Day Fix Extreme the recipe is 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green, and 1 blue.

    Monday, December 7, 2015

    21 Day Fix Exterem with the HUSBAND?!?

    Workout Partner!
     
     
    Right before Thanksgiving my husband and I decided to start the 21 Day Fix Extreme TOGETHER!! And by together, I mean actually doing the same workout at the same time!!! I know you might be thinking, yeah so? what's the big deal? As long as I have been a coach (2+ years) I have NEVER once worked out with my husband especially to a cardio / weight lighting program like the Fix! So honestly, I was nervous!
     
    The past 2 months we have worked out at the same time but to different programs and on our schedule, meaning most mornings I started before him and ended before him. BUT, not any more!
    
     
     
     
     
    We are on Day 5! We started last Thursday, after doing the 3 Day Refresh. And I must admit, having a workout partner is FUN!!! We push each other, coach each other, and just get to spend QUALITY time together that we missed out on during the football season.
     
    The Extreme workouts are perfect for us because we both just ended 2 extreme programs. PLUS doing the Fix Extreme, is preparing us for our Husband and Wife, Masters Hammer and Chisel Group starting on January 4th!
     

     
     
    SO.....What is 21 Day Fix EXTREME®?
    The original 21 Day Fix® was designed to make losing weight so simple . . . you never had to diet again. That’s why it became America’s #1 home fitness and nutrition program.
     
    Now, Autumn Calabrese has created 21 Day Fix EXTREME, to get you seriously shredded in the shortest time possible. This breakthrough 21-day fitness and nutrition program combines simple portion control, clean eating, and extreme 30-minute workouts to help you finally get the lean, defined hard body you’ve always wanted.
     
    For your nutrition, you’ll not only be
    practicing portion control—you’ll be eating
    ONLY clean foods. No treats. No cheats.
    No excuses. Plus, you’ll get Autumn’s
    all-new 21 Day Fix EXTREME recipes to help you achieve your very best results.
    No other program has you eating this well and working this hard. But if you want a lean six-pack, cut arms, ripped shoulders, and toned legs . . . you have to take it up a notch. It’s going to take guts, intensity, and drive. But, it’s only 21 days.
    
     
     
     
     

    Friday, December 4, 2015

    Health and Fitness Tip #55 - Foods that Boost Your Sex Drive

    #1 Watermelon

    This dreamy-eyed summer fruit has the power to relax your blood vessels and increase your blood flow, two extremely important factors in boosting your arousal. Watermelon contains an amino acid called citrulline. Citrulline gets converted into another amino acid called arginine which can raise testosterone levels, as well as dilate your blood vessels to benefit your heart and circulatory system.

     

    Watermelon rinds have a higher concentration of citrulline than the flesh, so try including the rind the next time you use your juicer if you’re looking to get the citrulline boost. Watermelon is also packed with vitamin B6. Your body puts B6 to work producing feel-good neurotransmitters, or brain communication chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin.
     
     
    #2. Garlic

    There’s nothing like going in for a kiss and getting a mouthful of garlic breath (kidding!). Garlic is a natural blood thinner and possesses high levels of allicin, a chemical compound known to improve blood flow directly to your sexual organs. To maximize these benefits, make sure to chop or crush the garlic into pieces and let it sit around for a while so it has time to release its enzymes.
     
     
    #3. Avocados
    This deliciously fatty fruit got its name from the Aztec word “ahuácatl” which translates to “testicle”. Avocados contain vitamin B6, also known to boost progesterone levels and regulate estrogen metabolism in women. Monounsaturated fats found in avocados are known to naturally increase testosterone levels in men.
     

    Another testosterone booster in the green testicle-like mix is vitamin E, which is additionally believed to enhance blood circulation and improve sperm quality and motility. Additionally, avocados are packed with potassium and folic acid which enhance energy and stamina.
     
     
    #4.  Meat

    Get some meat on your plate to get a surge in your carnitine, arginine, and zinc intake. Zinc regulates estrogen, helps increase progesterone, and raises testosterone. Zinc is also a crucial player regulating dopamine, one of your neurological messengers for sexual desire.

     

    Carnitine and arginine are important amino acids that get your blood flowing, boost your sexual responses, and have effectively treated erectile dysfunction. However, be aware of your meat sources, as other components could outweigh these benefits. Moderation is also key.
     
     
    #5. Chocolate

    If buying your love is as simple as a chocolate bar purchase, you are not alone. Buried beneath the wrapper is a chemical love trigger known as phenylethylamine or “PEA”—PEA is a psycho-stimulant that has the ability to imitate the feeling of falling in love or sensations of euphoria. PEA is the key to releasing norepinephrine and dopamine, chemicals that are imperative to pleasure and excitement.
     
    Methylxanthines found in chocolate increase your body’s sensitivity to help get your buttons pushed; arginine is present in chocolate as well. Eat with caution, however; not all chocolate is created equal. The more processed the chocolate (i.e. through alkalizing, fermenting, roasting, and other means), the more of the good stuff will have evaporated. Cocoa and dark chocolate are the best in terms of minimal processing.

    Thursday, December 3, 2015

    Transformation - 3 Day Refresh

    The 3 Day Refresh
     
    

    After a weekend of not eating enough and eating WAY too much, My husband, Rich, and I decided to do the 3 Day Refresh. And lets be honest, he did a lot more eating and drinking then I did. When it comes to a cheat meal, he has no will power, and because he knew we were doing the 3 day refresh he went NUTS!!

    So what is the 3 Day Refresh?

    The 3-DAY REFRESH is an exciting addition to the Beachbody supplements family, that has been around for a year now. It’s an easy-to- follow low-calorie, 3-day clean eating program consisting of Shakeology for breakfast, 2 additional high- protein shakes at lunch and dinner (these 2 shakes are not shakeology shakes) supplemented with a selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and a digestive/fiber drink. It’s the perfect solution to lose a few pounds quickly, get a clean break from bad nutrition habits and feel immediately cleaner, lighter and more healthy...without starving. Plus you can work out on this cleanse!! Not high intensity but moderate workouts are suggested, like walking, yoga, Pilates, etc.
     

    The   day refresh has taken the 3 Day shakeology Cleanse and improved it and made it easier for someone to stick with. Yes, it is low in calories but you are eating fruits, veggies, and even healthy fats with it!!!! The only thing you are not eating is meat, dairy, and starches!! 

    The refresh is perfect for any one to do, especially after a vacation, or wanting to jumpstart back into clean eating and getting back into the workout routines.
     
     
     
    This was my 4th time doing the Refresh and my husbands 3rd time. Are results this time were amazing! Not as good as my first but better than my 2nd and 3rd.
     
     
     
     
    So what are the results?
     
    Well I lost 5.4 pounds and 1.5 inches. And Rich lost 6 pounds and 2 inches.
     
     
     
    I am super happy with my results. I feel lighter, happier, less stressed, and more comfortable in my clothes.
     
    Wanna do the 3 Day Refresh? Want to get back on track? Email me and we will get you back on track and feeling better than ever!!

    Wednesday, December 2, 2015

    NEW REICPE - Homemade Whip Cream - Dairy FREE

    Dairy Free Whip Cream
     

    Hubby Requested Whip Cream with his Pumpkin Pie this Thanksgiving so I whipped this sucker up. It was more runny then hoping for. I avoided adding powder sugar in but if you want it to be a little thicker than I would add 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar at  a time till you get the consistency that you want. Besides it being runny it tasted really good. I will definitely be making this again in the future.


    Dairy Free Whipped Cream

    Ingredients
            •       1 can full fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight (BPA Free)
            •       2-3 tsp 100 % pure maple syrup (or more to your liking)
            •       1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract


    Instructions
            • Remove only the solid part of the coconut milk with a spoon into a large mixing bowl. You can save the liquid part for smoothies or other recipes if you prefer.
            • Using a hand mixer, whip the coconut milk for about 4-5 minutes or until it becomes thick and creamy.
            • You may like it without any sweetener but if you prefer, add the maple syrup and vanilla and stir. Add more to taste if needed. Eat it straight from the bowl or add it to your favorite treat!

    Tuesday, December 1, 2015

    Master's Hammer and Chisel TEST Group


    Be The First To Get Hammer And Chisel New Fitness Program
     


     

     

     

     
    I am soooo beyond excited for today!!! Why? Because today, Team Beachbody is launching the NEWEST fitness program called The Master's Hammer and Chisel!!!!  I have been looking for something to spice up my strength training and I just love Autumn Calabrese's 21 Day Fix Extreme and Sagi Kalev's Body Beast! Both trainers challenged my body, improved my strength, flexibility, tone and endurance.  Plus, Autumn's portion controlled container system seriously has been a game changer for me, my husband, my parents and for my customers in their success with mastering clean eating and the nutrition plan!


    So when they announced at Summit that there was going to be a NEW program, I was ALL OVER IT!!!!  I am for sure going to be sitting here at the computer this afternoon getting my copy!!!!  I have be able to do the 2 sneak peek workouts that are on Beachbody On Demand.  And let me tell you, this program is going to be EPIC!!!!  Rich and I have both committed to completing this program, to running an official TEST GROUP for People just like YOU who want support in getting results! 
     
    So lets talk details!!!

    Hammer and Chisel is an expert workout system that delivers breathtaking, body changing results in 60 days!  Trainers Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese are amazing experts at sculpting bodies and have tons of awards to prove it!  So this program is sharing their strategies for resistance training to shape powerful muscles, shed body fat, and build a ripped physique.  No, I don't plan on doing any body competitions any time so, but I want to look and feel amazing! PLUS muscle burns FAT and we all want to KEEP THAT METABOLISM FIRED UP!! So anything with strength training and cardio is a keeper!!!  This is a 60 day program and each workout ranges from 30-40 minutes which is perfect busy moms that need to get it in and get going! 

     
    What ALL do you need for this program?

    You do not need a lot of space but you will NEED some equipment!

    You need dumbbells (5-25lbs) for women and (5-50) for men debending on your strength.

    Pull up bar or over the door attachment for the resistance bands

    Weight bench or stability ball
     
    If you do not have weights ranging from 5-25 lbs then Autumn said to make sure you have 3 sets of dumbbells, a heavy, medium, and light.
     

    Optional Equipment and items would be The Team Beachbody Club Membership so you can access on Demand live streaming, The Beachbody Performance Line Supplements so that you can maximize your muscle recovery, performance and results.

     

     

     
    So What do you need to do to get into my exclusive Test Group?

     

    #1 I must be your assigned coach.  If you are not working with a coach already that is great, head over to my site and create a FREE account!

    (if you already have an assigned coach please reach out to your coach to see what groups they will be running)


    #2 Then complete the application below so that I can gather more information about you and to see if this would be a good fit for you!


    #3 The requirements to participate in this exclusive test group are that you commit to the Hammer and Chisel Challenge pack which includes the 60 day workout program, nutrition guide, program manual, schedule of workouts to follow, Shakeology, discounted shipping and price!  All for $160

     
    #4 You must commit to being an active member of the online support and accountability group.  You must be willing to show up every day, log your workout, rate your nutrition, check in for accountability and support.  In return, I am going to share with you how to meal plan, how to prep your meals, how to make it easy and simple to get results, I am going to help you with daily accountability, motivation, tips and tools to get you the BEST results possible!  

    If you are ready to switch it up, get great results the time is now!  Make sure you fill out the application below to get on the list to be the first to get HAMMER AND CHISEL!!!!


    3.2 lbs lost but 15 inches gone!  Wow that is incredible how your scale doesn't change but look at her body!

     
    You don't want to miss this, IT IS GOING TO BE EPIC!!!!  ARE YOU IN?!?!

    Monday, November 30, 2015

    NEW RECIPE - Pumpkin Pie - Gluten, Grain, and Dairy FREE

    Pumpkin Pie

    For the crust
            •       1 1/2 cup almond flour
            •       3/4 cup whole pecans
            •       1 tablespoon coconut oil
            •       2 tablespoons honey
            •       1 egg
            •       1/4 teaspoon Pink Himaylan salt
            •       1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

     Pie Ingredients:

            •        1 can organic pumpkin
             •       1/2 can coconut milk
             •       1/2 cup raw honey
             •       2 eggs
            •       1 tsp cinnamon
            •       1 tsp pumpkin pie spice


     INSTRUCTIONS:
            1.      Add the pecans to a food processor and process until they have turned into a coarse flour.
            2.      Add the rest of the ingredients and process for 15 seconds, until a dough forms.
            3.      Press the dough into an 8 or 9-inch pie plate, spreading it up the sides and covering the bottom. Fill with pie weights or prick a few shallow holes in the crust with a fork to keep it from bubbling during baking.
            4.      Bake the crust at 325 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and cool for 10 minutes, then place in the freezer for 20 minutes.
            5.      Whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl.
            6.      Pour the filling into a frozen pie crust.
            7.      Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, or until the custard has set but is still slightly jiggly in the center. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil and continue baking.
            8.      Turn off the oven and leave it cracked open for 30 minutes while the pie cools. This will help it from cracking on the top.
            9.      Refrigerate until chilled, then serve with coconut whipped cream on top.

    Friday, November 27, 2015

    Health and Fitness Tip #54 - Lemons - How to use them to rid the toxins

     
     
    6. Drink lemon-cucumber water
    Another way to make lemon water more exciting is to enhance it with cucumber and perhaps some fresh mint. Steep a couple of frozen slices of cucumber (which act as ice) with the juice of one lemon, rinsed lemon peel and a fresh mint leaf. Drink this refreshing tonic that will leave you with a flat belly and a naturally cleansed feeling all day long.
     
     
    7. Add it to herbal tea
    Dandelion, peppermint, fennel, chamomile, rooibos and spearmint are just some of the most popular and powerful teas. One way to enhance herbal tea is to add the juice of a lemon before you drink it. If you need more sweetness, go with a touch of raw honey or a drop of pure liquid stevia. Enjoy hot or cold for digestive wellness after a meal or throughout the day.
     
     
    8. Pair it with green tea
    Lemon makes green tea taste great, and it also enhances its cleansing properties. The antioxidants known as catechins in green tea will be better absorbed due to the natural enzymes that lemons contain. Lemons and green tea are also two excellent remedies for stress, so pairing them together is the perfect way to take care of yourself when the going gets tough!
     
     
    Squeeze it on your veggies
    Whether you eat them cooked or raw, try eating your veggies with a squeeze of lemon on top.
    Lemon juice not only enhances the taste of veggies but also aids in digestion. Since some vegetables can be hard for the body to break down, this is a simple and effective way to give your tummy some assistance without much work. You’ll also love the flavor!
     
     
     

    Thursday, November 26, 2015

    Happy Thanksgiving!!

    Today is a day to be thankful for all that you have but also to be thankful for all of the wonderful people in your life.

    Today take time to enjoy your family and friends and let me know how grateful you are to have them in your life.

    Enjoy your meal and try not to over do it. The worse feeling, is that of feeling sick because you ate too much.

    Have a wonderful day!!! I know I will be enjoying my Aunts Gluten Free Thanksgiving Meal.


    Wednesday, November 25, 2015

    NEW RECIPE - GLUTEN FREE / GRAIN FREE Pizza Pie

     
    Gluten Free Grain Free Pizza Pie
     
     
     
     
    This past weekend, Rich and I vowed to stay in because we knew that Thanksgiving was coming and we would be going out and eating not so healthy, however, we were craving Pizza so I went to work and created a Gluten Free, Grain Free Pizza Crust that tasted amazing!  The crust was honestly really easy to make, didn't take long at all, and created to individual pizzas from it.
     
    Because I no longer do Dairy and I am not a big pizza sauce fan, I used nutritional yeast in place of the cheese and pesto sauce in place of the pizza sauce. Also its a meatless pizza because I don't eat meat any more.
     
    So what the heck did I put on it? I put peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and spinach. This pizza is by far my favorite! It tastes amazing and fills you up and keeps you satiated.
     
    Below is the Pizza Crust recipe. I recommend trying this, even if you aren't gluten free. It tastes amazing, I swear!! Also add any toppings you would like, pizza sauce, oil and garlic, veggies, meat cheese, etc.
     
    The best part about this recipe is that it creates individual pizzas so you can create yours differently from everyone else's.
    Crust Ingredients:
     
     2 Eggs
    2 C. Almond Flour
    3 T. Olive Oil
    1/4 t. Baking soda
    1 t. Garlic Powder
    any herbs you would like to add to crust
     
    Crust Directions:
    Mix all ingredients together & roll out to the size you would like.
    Place a little olive oil on the pizza sheet and place crust on top… Cook at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Then pull out of the oven, add the toppings you would like and then cook for another 20-30 minutes.

    Post your feedback below! I would love to hear what you think of it!
    

    Tuesday, November 24, 2015

    Transformation Tuesday - MY P90X Results

    So I haven't done a Transformation Tuesday in a while, but I finished P90x on Saturday and I wanted to share my results.

     
     
    In the left picture my before picture is right after I finished the Ultimate Reset. And on the left is 90 days later when I finished P90x. On the left I weighed 117. On the right I weigh 127. Yes you read that right, with P90x I GAINED 10 pounds. 10 pounds of MUSCLE that is.
     
     
    With P90x I 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, liked going out and celebrating when they won, which honestly wasn't a lot this year!

    Along with my eating whole plant-based foods I had to up my calories, because P90x an intense program and the workouts are longer (45-90 minutes) Also the program guide called for it! The p90x book actually said that I should be eating between 1800 - 2000 calories a day. To me that is a TON. However, I am did eat anywhere from 1400 - 1900 a day, it really just depended on the meals I had planned out for the week. But to be honest with you, my calorie count was not something I was worried about. My philosophy was 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 did I continue 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 with P90x I started using the Beachbody Performance Line. Why?!? Because this Line of products helps your body push harder, go longer, and recover faster! And guess what?!?! IT DID! I had more energy, felt great, was able to push harder, and recovered faster! This line of products is great and a supplement to invest in if you are doing HIGH intensity programs like P90x, Insanity, or are an avid weight lifter.



     
     
     
    So I want to be honest with you. We all know the scale is the devil and we rely on it WAY too much. But we are human and I do it too. And when I finished P90x and stepped on the scale, I want you to know I cried! To see the number 127 scared me and I hated. I have always been conscience of my body weight and looks, unfortunately I grew up being told you had to be skinny and you had to be a certain size to fit in. So when I saw 127, the number scared me and me think I was back to where I started.
     
    BUT...I know I am not. I know deep down that I am FITTER, STRONGER, and HEALTHIER than I have ever been in my life. And I know that the scale is reading muscle mass and not fat.
     
    But its still hard to swallow when you get on the scale. Its hard to see that number and the gain. But when I look closely at my body I see where I gained the muscle, and its in my butt (its firm and round - I have never had before), my legs - which are always my biggest muscle gain, I have always had big legs but now I know they are big because of muscle and not fat, and in my arms - my upper body is the strongest it has ever been.
     
    NO I don't have the 6 pack I wanted with this program, I didn't do the ab work like I wanted too and I had to eat more calories on this program.
     
    So if you are out there and reading this, you don't have to do P90x, but know that programs are out there to get you results, make you stronger, fitter, and healthier, so don't be afraid to do a program becasue you don't have weight to lose, as long as you eat healthy, the amount of calories the program suggests, then you won't lose weight but gain muscle.
     
    Also know that you are not alone when it comes to the battle with the scale. We all struggle with reminding ourselves its not abot the scale but about how our bodies feel especially when we put on our clothes. 

    Friday, November 20, 2015

    Health and Fitness Tip #53 - Lemons - How to use them to rid the toxins

    Lemons are one of nature’s best sources of vitamin C, which provides a variety of health benefits for the body. Vitamin C aids in cellular detoxification and contains enzymes that assist with metabolic and organ function. It also clears waste from the digestive tract and enhances immune health. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of certain hormones and even enhances energy levels.

    Because lemons contain very little fructose (fruit sugar), they’re also very easy to digest and do not cause bloating. In fact, lemons can actually reduce bloating because they are a natural diuretic and contain so many natural enzymes. Drinking lemon water is essentially the simplest way to take advantage of this fruit’s benefits.
     
     
    Easy ways to use lemons to detox the body
    Make a superfood tonic
    If you’re tired of plain lemon water, make a cleansing tonic with lemons, honey, cayenne, water and apple cider vinegar. Here’s how to make it:
    • Pour four ounces of cold filtered water into a glass jar, add two or three cubes of ice, the juice from one lemon, a 1/2 teaspoon of honey, a tiny dash of cayenne pepper, and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
      This tonic has a variety of benefits: the vitamin C in the lemon juice boosts the immune system; the probiotics, prebiotics and enzymes in the apple cider vinegar aid digestion; the honey offers antifungal and antibacterial properties; and the cayenne pepper is naturally cleansing.
      Drink it before a workout or within the first 30 minutes of waking. If you need to add a little more sweetener, add some raw honey.
     

     
    2. Use it as a salad dressing
    My favorite way to make a healthy salad dressing is to simply mix the juice of two lemons with a pinch of black pepper and a touch of raw honey. I sometimes also like to add apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs like parsley and oregano. Using lemons as the base for a salad dressing adds a lot of flavor to your salads without the need for unhealthy dressings or heavy oils. This tasty dressing is a wonderful digestive aid and will enhance the taste of salad greens.

     
     
     
     
    3. Add it to a smoothie

    If you enjoy making smoothies, then you’ll love this trick: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into your smoothie and blend as normal. It not only brings out the sweetness of berries and even greens, but it also promotes healthy digestion and boosts metabolism.

    4. Juice with it

    Green juice is a nice way to add essential nutrients to your diet. Use plenty of leafy greens, and if you wish to add a little fruit, try berries, apple or citrus.

    Including mostly greens in your juice will help to avoid a spike in blood sugar. You can also add a whole lemon and a piece of ginger. This will give your juice a nice lemon-ginger flavor that will reduce the bitterness of the greens, as well as enhance its cleansing properties.
     
     
     
    5. Make a lemon-ginger shot

    You may not wish to juice greens every day, so try making a lemon-ginger shot in your juicer instead. Juice two lemons and one or two inches of ginger root. Toss in some cayenne pepper if you like, and enjoy this digestion-boosting, cleansing drink. It’s also a great way to combat the cold and flu since both lemon and ginger provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Add a dash of turmeric for even more health benefits.
     

    Thursday, November 19, 2015

    New Recipe - Mashed Cauliflower

    Mashed Cauliflower with Roasted Garlic & Chives


     I don't know about you, but when I was a kid my favorite Thanksgiving dish was the mashed potatoes. However, I HATED the lumpy ones. They HAD to be smooth and have no lumps! haha However, the older I get, I realize white potatoes aren't the best things in the world for you. SO... instead I have learned to use Cauliflower as a replacement and let me tell you, you can't even taste the difference and I hate Cauliflower!!!

    This recipe is amazing! And I will be making it on Thanksgiving so that I can go back for seconds and not feel guilty! I mean lets be honest they are the best dish on Thanksgiving!!!

    21 Day Fixers these count as a green!!!

    Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

     Serves: 3-4 servings

    Ingredients
    1 head of garlic
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 large head of cauliflower
    2 tablespoons of ghee or olive oil
    1 1/2 teaspoons dried chives (or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped)
    1/2-3/4 teaspoon sea salt
    Fresh black ground pepper to taste

    Instructions

    To roast the garlic:
    1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F).

    2.Use a sharp kitchen knife to cut 1/4-1/2 of an inch from the top of the garlic cloves.

    3.Place the head of garlic, cut side up, onto a piece of aluminum foil and sprinkle with olive oil. Wrap the garlic in the aluminum foil and place it on a small baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the garlic is soft. Cool until the garlic is warm to the touch and easily handled.

    To make the mashed cauliflower:

    1.Cut the head of cauliflower into small, bite sized pieces and steam until it is very soft and tender. Place the steamed cauliflower, ghee, chives, sea salt and black pepper into a mixing bowl.

    2.Use your hands to squeeze the roasted garlic out of its peel into the mixing bowl and discard the peel.

    3.Mash until the mixture is somewhat smooth and resembles mashed potatoes.