7 days CLEAN EATING & Shakeology Super Sampler

I started my Final Burn before my Dirty 30 this week!  I want to be in THE best shape of my LIFE so I'm super focused and dialed in with my nutrition and workouts!  I've been following the 21 day fix extreme and Countdown to Competition meal plan since Monday and can I just say it has been hard!  The workouts I've got A-Ok but this carb depletion meal plan is tough at times.  I have a new respect for bikini competitors!  Regardless, I'm very focused and committed to the next 21 days!!  One of the best parts of the day is when I get to drink my Shakeology!  But, you might be reading this saying, "I NEED TO GET COMMITTED" BUT I JUST CAN'T FIND MY MOTIVATION!!!

That is what I am here for! My job is to help you find your inner strength, teach you how to be strong and teach you the basics of healthy choices!  I have done calorie counting, weight waters, my fitness pal, run marathons and could never lose body fat like I wanted!  I could never stick to a plan, lose weight and my energy levels were low, especially once I had 3 kiddos in the picture! 

When I found CLEAN eating on the 21 day fix, I realized there was another way to live.  I could eat every 2-3 hours, have energy, feel full and enjoy good tasting food all while reaching my health and fitness goals!  It almost sounds like it is to good to be true!  There are definitely days that I am more hungry than others but for the most part I feel great!  I have lost 25 pounds with exercising at least 5 days a week, clean eating and replacing 1 meal a day with Shakeology!  I have made it my mission to help others!  I want to help teach you my tips and tricks to successful lifestyle change.  

What has Shakeology done for me:

• It is the one meal each day that I know I can grab an go!  When starting clean eating there is some plan and prep work that goes alongside.  Shakeology is the one meal I know that I can depend on in a pinch! 
• Before Shakeology I had to nap when my kids napped.  I was so tired all the time!  I wen to bed at 9pm and woke at 7am and was STILL tired!

• It kept me full for 2 - 3 hours!

• It actually tastes really good, especially the Chocolate
• I found that my husband and I weren't as sick or if we did get sick, it was very mild in comparison to before Shakeology.  I attribute this to the boost of nutrients and vitamins that my body was lacking previously.
• It helped to curb my sweet tooth and kept me on track with my goals!
• I was able to stop drinking diet sodas! 
• My skin and nails are smoother and stronger! 

For other people that I have worked with here are some of the things they have said:

• Since starting Shakeology I am off all cholesterol medicine.  
• I have stronger nails and hair.
• I have more energy and I am healthier
• I save money because I no longer eat out!  

Normally I run 28 day challenge groups with Shakeology and most challengers chose the 21 day fix.  This time I want to try something different.  There are a lot of people out there, JUST LIKE ME, who were skeptical of Shakeology!  I had drank protein shakes before but nothing on a daily basis.  I didn't love protein shakes and I had never drank a meal replacement shake before.  I didn't want to rely on a shake to lose weight and I was afraid of the cost!  What if I didn't like it, what if  invested in a month supply of Shakeology and it didn't work!  

Well the cool part is that Beachbody just came out with this new super sampler pack!  It's 6 packets of Shakeology in every flavor for you to try!  How cool!  This month I'm going to do is host a 7 day clean eating and Shakeology group to help you get the maximum benefit.

So---- how does this work!  I must be your assigned coach through teambeachbody.com.  If you do not have an account you can go to My Site and create one for free! Then you are required to order the Shakeology Super Sampler Pack, that gives you access into my closed online group plus the group app on your phone for easy access!

Then, starting on May 11th I will be providing you with a sample clean eating meal plan, daily tips to start making healthier choices, snack ideas, recipes my family loves and more!  Each day we will post our Shakeology recipe and give feedback on what we think!  You can replace any meal with Shakeology and I suggest choosing the meal that you struggle with the most!  For some it's breakfast because either you never eat breakfast or you are always running late and you hit the drive thru or just slug a coffee down.  For me some days it's lunch because I've been running around and I'm at the playground while my kids enjoy uncrustables and applesauce.

Then our goal is to see what kind of success we can have in 7 days!  Heck, you seriously could lose a pant size if you give it 100%!!! Are you in?  Are you willing to give it a try?  Honestly it's $29.95+ shipping & tax.   That is doable!  Plus the amazing support I will be giving you will help you to start and finish and have success in 7 days!

I hope you are in and if so email me at healthylifewith3@gmail.com or comment below!  

Mini Southwest Stuffed Peppers

Do you ever miss nachos?  I know I do.  While I still do enjoy them from time to time, these mini stuffed peppers really help me not even miss the chips! 

Mini Southwest Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:
1 1b ground turkey
2-3 T southwest seasoning mix (store bought or make your own)
3/4 cup water
1-1/2 lbs mini bell peppers
1 cup cheese

Cilantro Cream Sauce:
1/2 cup greek yogurt
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 °
1. Slice 1/3 of the pepper off lengthwise, reserving for later use. Seed the peppers.
Chop the reserved peppers finely and set aside.
2. In 10-inch skillet, cook the turkey and chopped peppers over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once meat is browned stir in southwest seasoning mix and water. Cook over medium heat 5-10, stirring occasionally.
3. Fill each pepper as full as possible with the beef mixture and place on a baking sheet. Bake peppers for 13-15 minutes.
4.While peppers are baking, make the cream sauce. For the cream sauce: In a food processor, pulse the greek yogurt, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
5. Remove peppers from oven and top with cheese. Return to the oven for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let peppers cool for 10 minutes and top with cream sauce.
Tip:

To dress up the peppers, drizzle the peppers with the cream sauce by placing the sauce in a small plastic bag. Snip the corner off with scissors and drizzle. This is a great make ahead dish and the cream sauce is even better if made the day before so the flavors can blend.

Recipe inspired by: http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2014/08/mini-taco-stuffed-peppers.html

Easter Brunch - Frittata with Kale, Tomatoes and Parmesan

I have been on the prowl for the perfect Easter Brunch item to bring to my family gathering tomorrow.  I stumbled upon a recipe for a Frittata and felt inspired!  I am a huge fan of eggs, egg whites and veggies!  What better way to start your day then with protein and veggies?! I cannot wait to serve this at Easter Brunch tomorrow!

Frittata with Kale, Tomatoes, and Parmesan

Total Time: 35 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 20-25 min.
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:
10 large egg whites (1¼ cups)
6 large eggs
¾ cup almond milk 
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Sea salt and ground black pepper (optional)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups chopped Kale
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half 

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Combine egg whites, eggs, milk, cheese, salt (if desired), pepper (if desired) in a medium bowl; whisk to blend. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
4. Add onion and kale; cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Turn off heat.
5. Lightly coat sides of skillet with spray.
6. Add tomatoes and egg mixture to skillet.
7. Place skillet in oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until puffy and set.

Tip: You can use spinach or any other favorite greens.  Also omit parmesan cheese for a dairy free.  

If you are using a Beachbody program such as the 21 day fix here are the conversions: 

**recipe adapted from Team Beachbody.com 

Chocolate Shakeology Iced Latte

Today as I was walking around Downtown DISNEY I walked past Starbucks. I wanted an iced coffee soooo badly! I kept seeing people walk around with Starbucks cups and those darn green straws!!!  Ahhhhh!!!!  

I couldn't wait till I could get home to make myself a healthier version!!  Here is what I came up with!!  This yummy AND healthy MOCHA ICED LATTE!!

Try it and let me know what you think!!  Be sure to check back for more recipes! 

Black Bean Soup - 21 day fix approved

Black bean soup is a family favorite in our house!  It freezes well and makes for a great lunch or dinner.  Even my kids like it!  I make them grilled cheese or get crusty bread and they use the soup as a dip.  YUM!!!!

Here's a great Black Bean Soup from Beachbody.com.

Black Bean Soup

Total Time: 9 hrs. 48 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 1 hr. 33 min.
Yield: 6 servings, about 1½ cups each

Ingredients:
1 cup dry black beans, sorted, washed
5 cups water, divided use
3 cups low-sodium organic vegetable (or chicken) broth
2 medium celery stalks, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 medium jalapeño, seeded and deveined, chopped
1 tsp. ground red pepper (optional)
½ tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cumin
Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
Hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco) (to taste; optional)

Preparation:
1. Place beans and 3 cups water in a large saucepan. Soak for six hours to overnight. Drain and rinse beans.
2. Place beans, remaining 2 cups water, broth, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, jalapeno, red pepper, chili powder, coriander, and cumin in saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, for 60 to 80 minutes, or until beans are tender.
3. Add salt and pepper if desired; cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until beans are very tender.
4. Place half of bean mixture in blender, in two or more batches, if necessary; cover with lid and kitchen towel. Blend until smooth.
5. Return blended soup to saucepan; cook, on medium-high heat, for 2 to 3 minutes or until hot.
6. Serve with a splash of hot sauce if desired.

This recipe could easily be made in a crockpot as well.  Simply follow the preparation instructions as stated above until step 2.  Then place all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 6 hours.

If you are following a Team Beachbody program here are the equivalents for your meal plan: 

If you would like to join a challenge group of mine to help you stay accountable on your health and fitness journey simply fill out this form: 

Day 1: Insanity Max

Today is the first day to my next challenge! Insanity Max was created by Shaun T to be the 'craziest 30 minutes of your day for the BEST RESULTS of your life'! 

I am excited mostly about a new workout but also because I can use the 21 day fix nutrition plan I've been so successful on! It has taught me how to eat allllll food groups in the PROPER portion!!!

Watch out 2015!!! This girl is going to be in THE best shape of her life before she turns 30 on May 13th!!!! 147 pounds today, 9 more pounds till my goal of loosing 25 pounds since 9/29/14!  

Round 1 starts today!