Lemon Garlic Brussel Sprouts

My husband and I LOVE brussels sprouts but I get sick of making the same recipe all the time.  A lot of recipes call for bacon or brown sugar, neither of which you should have much of.  I have been searching for a spin on brussels sprouts for awhile and I just tried this simple, clean and yummy recipe and had to share!  It would pair perfectly with grilled chicken or pork tenderloin.  

Garlic Lemon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb brussels sprouts, rinsed and dried, ends trimmed, sliced in half lengthwise
• 2 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive or walnut oil
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice, plus more for serving
• 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add brussels sprouts, garlic, oil, lemon juice and salt to a large ziplock bag. Shake to toss ingredients.  Spread evenly on a baking pan.
• Bake in preheated oven, tossing once halfway through baking, until golden brown on edges, about 25 - 30 minutes. Serve warm and top with parmesan cheese if you chose.  

If you are on the 21 day fix or 21 day fix extreme this would count as 1 green and 1 tsp per serving.  If you added the optional parmesan cheese it would count as 1/4 blue.  Enjoy!!  

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!  

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 

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: 

Dairy Free Oatmeal Banana Cookies - 21 day fix dessert

One of my all time favorites and vices is COOKIES!  I don't discriminate when it comes to cookies!  Sugar, chocolate chip, cutouts, gingerbread - you name it, I will eat it!  Since I've made a change to be healthier and eat cleaner cookies are limited.  Well, not anymore with these super yummy Dairy Free Banana Oatmeal Cookies!   

If you are following the 21 day fix  you should know that you can trade out one of your yellow contains for one of these yummy cookies!  

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

(Makes 8 cookies - Serving size is 2 and replaces 1Yellow container on the 21-Day Fix)


Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
2 tsp ground Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Sea Salt
2 medium ripe Bananas, mashed
1/4 cup golden raisins 
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life Vegan chips)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Combine oats, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl, making sure to mix well.
4. Add mashed bananas, walnuts, golden raisins and chips if using, mix well.
5. Drop by heaping Tbsp onto your baking tray.
6. Bake for 14-15 minutes, or until they are firm.
7. Cool and Enjoy!

(recipe adapted from 21 day fix meal plan guide)

These cookies are a great Dairy Free option!  I sometimes enjoy them for breakfast on the go or if I'm having a sweet craving.  My kids also like them which is exciting!  

Never heard of the 21 day fix or you are looking for a Coach, comment below, message me or head over to my website: http://www.beachbodycoach.com/ERICAAMADORI