Popsicles for Breakfast!

I am always trying to find fun and new ways to get healthy foods into my 2 and 4 year old boys.  Unfortunately, it is often challenging (I know I am not alone!).   New and healthy foods are usually met with "mommy I don't like that", sometimes before it has even hit their plate or cup.  As a healthy eater myself, it is so important for me to provide the boys with the fuel they need for their energy and health, so I have to be creative!

I make a lot of smoothies for the boys and at times when I add in some of the extra healthy veggies (kale, spinach, avocado's) and they see it happening they almost immediately reject it.  So, you will find me making smoothies on a stealth mission to avoid them seeing what goes into it.  It's pretty ridiculous!!!  Sometimes I am successful and sometimes not so much and they say the don't like it.  Well, instead of wasting it,  I immediately pop it into a popsicle mold and put it in the freezer.  9 times out of 10 they will eat it after their dinner or for breakfast the next morning!  The best part is I can actually justify them having it for breakfast and how great of a mommy am I giving them a popsicle for breakfast?!  Here is one of my new favorite healthy smoothie/popsicle recipes.  To make it sweeter, I juice the pineapple and apples first then put them in the blender.  Depending on the day, I will sometimes also put in the whole apple and pineapple straight in the blender.

Pineapple, Spinach, Avocado/Apple Smoothie

1 Whole Pineapple Juiced or Whole

4 Whole Apples Juiced or Whole

1 Avocado

1 Can full fat organic coconut milk

2 Cups of Spinach or Kale

If you are looking for more smoothie and shake recipes, check out this link below!

Clean Eating Shake Recipes

These are also my favorite popsicle molds for the kiddos!!!

Awesome Popsicle Molds!

21 Day Fix EXTREME!

Only a few more days until the new 21 Day Fix EXTREME will be entering into a living room near you!  If you are looking to take your fitness and nutrition to the next level, get ready to buckle down! This program is exactly what it states - EXTREME.  If you really want it, it's time to get serious and take it to the next level and this program will give you just that!  The program includes 7 workouts all of which take it to the next level by including weights!  The good news is that they are all 30 MINUTES!  Unlike the original 21 Day Fix program there are NO CHEATS!  NO CHOCOLATE OR WINE! WHAT?!?  Well, unfortunately results require sacrifice.  As a National Bikini Competitor Autumn is very familiar with the serious work that needs to go into competition preparation and we all know that  "Abs are made in the Kitchen".  The new 21 Day Fix Extreme program provides 2 different meal plans.  One which includes the 21 Day Countdown to Competition Preparation and one that is less intense (Still no treats!  Sorry, it is extreme giving up chocolate and wine!).

Extreme Nutrition
Extreme Fitness
= EXTREME RESULTS!

For those who are not familiar with the original 21 Day Fix, there are 7 portion controlled containers and are outlined as follows.  There is NO CALORIE COUNTING!  All you need to do is follow the color coded guide which lists what you can put in each container and eat the appropriate number of containers a day which corresponds to the number of calories you need!

• Green - Vegetables
• Purple - Fruit
• Red - Protein
• Yellow - Carbohydrates
• Blue - Healthy Fats
• Orange - Seeds and healthy oils

EXTREME requires accountability!  Click here to watch the video and to be one of the first to know about the program availability and to join my 21 Day Fix Accountability Group!

Not quite ready for EXTREME?  Check out the original 21 Day Fix Program here!

Spiralize Zucchini Noodles with Homemade Sauce!

For my birthday this year my sister bought me a Spiralizer.  I haven't actually seen one until I took it out of the gift bag and wondered what it was!  I absolutely love zucchini noodles and this made it so easy! This recipe is clean, easy and super yummy.  I make the sauce in advance in large batches and freeze it for individual meals, so then all I need to do is spiralize and sauté my noodles and heat up the sauce.  Now, if I could only get my boys to eat them!  One can only hope that as they watch their mommy making healthy choices and getting fit they will eventually do the same!


Zucchini Noodles & Homemade Meat Sauce
(Serves 4)

6 Large Zucchini's
1lb of Grass Fed Ground Beef
(you can substitute ground turkey/chicken whichever is your preference)
1 Package of Mixed Mushrooms
(pick your mushroom preference, I like the oyster, shiitake mix)
1/2 Yellow Onion sliced
2 Cans of Muir Glen Organic Crushed Tomatoes with Basil

Meat Sauce

Saute the mushrooms and onions for 2 minutes in a deep pan, then add the ground beef and mix until cooked.  Drain the fat and put the mixture back into the pan.

Add the (2) cans of crushed tomatoes and allow to simmer for approximately 45 minutes to mix the flavors together.

Remove from heat and serve with zucchini noodles and/or freeze.

Zucchini Noodles

Remove the green skin on the zucchini with a vegetable peeler.  You can either put on the spiralizer to create the noodles if you have this tool, but if not, you can continue to peel the zucchini with the vegetable peeler and put them into the pan.  This is what I did prior to having the spiralizer!

Add a teaspoon of either olive oil or coconut oil, whichever is your preference and sauté until cooked.  I drain the excess water and then serve with sauce.

Enjoy!

Starting Over….

Starting over is probably one of the hardest things for most any of us to do.  This last year and a half has been nothing but that for me.  My husband and I separated more than a year ago and at the time I had a 12 month old and 3 year old.  I found myself as a stay at home mom in a place of despair trying to navigate the waters of what you think will never happen to you.  The big "D"…….  I needed to find a job, a place to live, childcare for my babies (which was absolutely heart wrenching), and literally find a way to survive and get through.

Today, I can say I am finally settled.  While the last 18 months have been all about huge changes and starting over on so many levels I can finally say that I can breathe (on most days) and feel as if I can now find balance within my new life.  Starting over is not easy, and quite frankly it's quite discouraging and on some days feels downright unfair.

In the last 12 months I have not had the time or quite frankly the energy to work out consistently and the Type A in me has done nothing but beat myself up.  Unfortunately, for a season other things needed to take priority.  I am not where I want to be physically and I need to get back at it!  It has taken a lot of conversations with myself to tell me that I can do this and start over.  I know it will take work, probably more so mentally for myself to fight through any discouragement or challenges along the way, but if I can start over with myself and the boys and accomplish all I have in the last 18 months then I can do anything I put my mind to if I so choose to do so.

Beachbody has literally changed my life.  Not only has it changed my life physically (I lost over 50 lbs doing the programs, coaching and having the accountability using P90X), but it's changed my life mentally.  The daily principal of focusing on personal development and the positive side of life has changed me as a person forever.  For that, I benefit and so does my family.

What is it that you need to start over with?  If you are looking to start over with your health, fitness and nutrition join one of my accountability groups!

Here are 6 things I have learned in my journey of starting over…….

1.  BELIEVE IN YOU

First and foremost, don't question yourself.  Others will do this for you…don't let them rent space in your head.  Kick them out…which leads to….

2.  ELIMINATE NEGATIVITY

Look at your "self talk".  What are you telling yourself?  Are you telling yourself "it won't work" or "you can't do it"?  You have full control over your thoughts, change them! Do you have negative people in your life?  Ask yourself WHY?  Get rid of them!  Life is TOO short…..

3.  FOCUS ON YOUR GOAL

Let's face it, life isn't easy and when we are trying to achieve a goal in life it's easy for our emotions (and negative self talk) to get in the way.  Push past those.  Write down your goals and stay focused on what you are trying to achieve and refer back to #1.  BELIEVE IN YOU….   

4.  OBTAIN A POSITIVE SUPPORT SYSTEM

Surround yourself with people who are trying to achieve similar goals and/or who believe in YOU and will give you the encouragement you need.  

5.  DON'T EVER, EVER, EVER GIVE UP

Life is way too short to give up on what you want out of it.  Tomorrow is never promised or guaranteed.  Life truly is a gift.  Don't waste it.  There are too many people out there fighting for their lives who wish they could live it.  You never know who you are impacting in a positive way by not giving up.  Others are watching you……inspire them.

6.  MAKE A CHOICE

We all have choices in life!  We can choose to let life beat us up, drag us down and give up, OR we can choose to pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off, let go of the past and look brightly to the future.  Only YOU can change your future and it starts with making a choice!

What are your goals for 2015?  What do you need to start over?  

"Don't give up at half time.  Concentrate on willing the second half." - Paul Bryant

Cauliflower Obsession

While growing up I always asked my mom "What's for dinner?".  Usually I was happy with the answer, but on the days I heard "Cauliflower & Cheese" I can still remember the sunken feeling of "Yuk!" like it was yesterday.  Obviously, that was my dreaded meal as a child.  Although today I don't eat dairy, I have fallen in love with cauliflower!  Now, don't get me wrong, I can't eat it raw or any other way but roasted.  I have become addicted.  I eat it off the cookie sheet before it even hits the plate.  Last night flying solo with the kids it was quick, easy and I ate an entire cauliflower off the cookie sheet while running around my kitchen taking care of them.  I was full!  Sometimes I will even make it and put it in the fridge to heat up as a healthy snack.  Crazy enough, it doesn't always make it to the fridge!  It's super easy to add with chicken or fish and is one of my staples.  My most frequent "go to meal" is salmon with roasted cauliflower because it is quick, easy and healthy.  I usually make the roasted cauliflower one of two ways!  Try it out! 

Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

INGREDIENTS:

1 Large Head of Cauliflower
2 Tbsp of Olive Oil
1 Tbsp of Garlic Powder
1 Tsp of Salt & Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Cut up Cauliflower into florets.  If you like it crispy like I do, the smaller the better!  Put in a bowl and toss with all of the above ingredients.  Spray a cookie sheet with non stick spray.  I use my "Misto" sprayer with olive oil or wipe it down with coconut oil to avoid the junk in the canned sprays.  Spread the cauliflower out on the tray and cook for 20-30 minutes until browned.

Curried Cauliflower

INGREDIENTS:

1 Large Head of Cauliflower
2 Tbsp of Olive Oil
2 Tbsp of Curry Powder
1 Tsp of Salt & Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Same as above!

New Shaun T's Focus T25 Challenge Group Starting Soon!

 

T25 has far surpassed my already high expectations of what Shaun T brings to the table!  After completing P90X and ready to switch it up this has completely matched my needs.  I mean, 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week, who can't find time for that?!?  In my mind, he is a sheer "GENIUS".  I tell myself this every time I am doing the workout as I watch the descending clock tick!

This workout is ideal for anyone that is crunched on time!  This would have been my "dream workout" when I was working in Corporate America to do only 25 minutes a day before work.  No brainer!  Also, since I have traveled many days on the road in my pre mommy career, I can say that this workout is the perfect workout to pack and take on the road with you.  It can easily be done in a hotel room or hotel gym.  All you need is a laptop!

Currently as a stay at home mom of 2 very busy boys and business owner time is limited in my world and this has been a huge blessing!  I can fit it in before my little ones wake up or if they wake up my 3 year old likes to join in!  Outside of my facebook accountability group he is my at home accountability.  He likes to tell me how it's done.  "No, mommy, he is still doing it, don't stop"  HA! 

That brings me to my favorite part about T25 right now.  My team of Coaches and I have such an incredible accountability support group on Facebook with 60 + T25 Challengers that have been doing an incredible job for the last 3 weeks.  Although the "official" check on progress isn't until they complete the Alpha Phase (25 days) they have been so excited to share with me and the group the many number of LB's lost and how different they feel and look, even as early as Week 1!  I can't wait to see Week 5 Results which is just a few short weeks away. 

The greatest thing as a Coach is to be able to see the joy in other peoples changed lives.  One of our challengers who is a mom is currently doing T25 with her main goal to be in the best health and shape of her life because she is doing it for her son's life.  Her 18 year old son needs a kidney transplant and currently she is a match, but to ensure there is no reason she can be rejected by the numerous amounts of testing she needs to go through she chose to take her health into her own hands. T25 is helping her do that.  She is an inspiration to me and to the rest of the group that there are no excuses in life and that if you want to make a change and achieve something only you can do it. She and her son are a reminder in life that it is a gift and a blessing that should never be taken for granted.  I am honored to be a part of her journey and so thankful for my sister and fellow Coach, Joanne Hurley that made it possible for her to be a part of this group.

So, what happens in this accountability group?  Everyone is a huge support to each other and the Coaches are there to support also.  The Coaches are watching and looking to make sure you posted that you did your workout.  Yes, we stalk you if you didn't!  We are there to answer questions and ensure that you have everything you need to be successful in completing this program and helping you achieve your desired fitness and nutrition goals.

So, check out the Shaun T Focus T25 Video and let me know when you are ready to focus and commit!  Now is the time because it's on sale until July 31st, 2013!  Don't miss out on the change you have been waiting for.  The only thing standing between you and your change is your mind!  Kick it into gear and let's go! 

Please also check out "Prayers for Justin" on Facebook. Our team is praying for them and we would appreciate any additional support and prayers for them!  Click here for Prayers for Justin

Shaun T Focus T25 Challenge Trailer

CLICK HERE AND MESSAGE ME TO GET STARTED!

Losing My Baby Weight & Then Some!

I can honestly say that body image and weight loss have been a life long journey for me.  I remember working out in the basement when I was 15 years old doing Step Aerobics.  I've always been into fitness, but I've never truly been able to get an overall handle on my weight.  Finding consistency in my overall image about myself that I was happy with on the inside was something I struggled with.  I would always exercise, but I would also eat ice cream and chocolate which could be considered a main course in my meal plans!  Chocolate and ice cream are my weaknesses!  Combine them with stress and emotions and it's all over!

I was a fitness instructor for 10 years teaching strength training and large fitness classes.  I was in good shape, but I would say I still wasn't in the best shape of my life and I would typically compare myself to other instructors that I aspired to be like.  While I had the training and knowledge to do so, there was still something that was holding me back and stopping me from working through plateau's and getting past my emotional eating habits (my biggest obstacle!).  I have basically been a yo yo for YEAR'S.  Up and down and all around on the scale and my closet would show that.  I have had clothes in my closet (some of them for easily 10 years) that range in sizes from a size 4 up to a size 12.  I have kept these clothes through the years, despite my current size, "in case" I needed them, which some of them I did and some of them I didn't.  I have recently asked myself why would I hold onto all of these clothes for so many years that I don't wear!!  It's only now I can answer that question.

Going off track a bit here, but when I had my son 3 years ago I had decided to go for a natural childbirth (yes, no drugs) for many reasons.  While I was unable to achieve that the first time due to medical reasons, I was able to do so with my second son born 10 months ago.  I was determined and driven to achieve this.  As crazy as it sounds after I did it I felt like I could accomplish anything in my life.  No matter what I put my mind to I could do it. I don't say this to boast and I know that this goal is not for everyone, but my point is that we all have goals and WE are the one's that set values on them.  For me I set this as my value that if I could accomplish this, I could accomplish anything.  What is that for you?  Running a 5K? Eating better? Marathon? Triathlon? Losing weight? Becoming something you never thought you could be?  Ask yourself what that is.

So, when I took on the challenge to lose my baby weight for the second time I decided this was going to be IT - forever - no more clothes in my closet ranging in size.  I wanted ONE SIZE in my closet and that is it.  The new me forever!  Enough was enough!  I started on my journey of clean eating and P90X/Shakeology with Beachbody and have lost over 40 LBS and as of today I am down below my pre pregnancy weight and on my way to being in the best shape of my life.  Specifically with the P90X program alone I lost 12 LBS, 16 INCHES & 13% Body Fat in 90 Days in a healthy way while successfully nursing my baby!

This past weekend I cleaned out my closet and I literally have almost nothing left in it!  I have never felt so FREE!!!!!!  FREE from years of hoping for what I wanted in life for my health and fitness to going after it, owning it and now living and enjoying it!!!!  So, I can say now that the answer to my question about why I would hold onto these clothes for so long is that I didn't believe enough in myself that I could actually do what needed to be done to get rid of them all and to have what I wanted.  I changed my mindset after having my second son and achieved what I finally "chose to believe".  Choose to believe in yourself that you can achieve what you desire to set out for yourself in life because if you don't nobody else will.

4 LARGE TRASH BAGS OF MY CLOTHES THAT DON'T FIT!!!

I contribute my overall success in my weight loss journey to an amazing fitness program (P90X), a great tasting, nutritious whole food dense nutrition of Shakeology (easy for this mama), combined with accountability.  After becoming a Coach and being a part of something bigger than myself it is what got me out of bed at 4:30 AM everyday despite waking up multiple times at night to nurse my beautiful baby boy.  The amazing support from other P90X friends and customers within my Facebook group encouraged and supported me as much as I have done with them.  For that I am grateful and honored that they have allowed me to be a part of their journey.  There is nothing more rewarding than celebrating someone else's achievements and watching them attain a level of fit and healthy they never would have attained without the accountability and support.  I'm now moving on to T25 to reach my next goal!

What is it you need to change in your thinking to achieve your goals?

If you want a Coach to help you on your journey to be fit and healthy and inspire you along the way, I would be honored to be your Beachbody Coach.  I have a passion for helping others believe in themselves and seeing them achieve what they set out to do.  Feel free to message me anytime and we can figure out what program is best for you!

What health and fitness goals do you dare to achieve?