Chewy No-Bake Oatmeal Bars

Chewy No-Bake Oatmeal Bars

Yummy so I saw these bad boys floating around on-line and had to give them a try.  Can I just say thank God they make a small batch I had a hard time keeping my hands out of the fridge.  So I really like the tang from the cranberries mixed with the coconut flavor.

Ingredients:
2 cups of quick whole wheat oats
2 tablespoons of ground almonds
4 tablespoons of unsweetened coconut flakes
3/4 cup of dried cranberries, chopped
3 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil
6 tablespoons of honey

Directions:
Grind 1 cup of oats and mix with almonds, coconut, in a food processor.  Next place the rest of the oats in a mixing bowl and add grinded blend.  In a small saucepan over low heat, melt honey and coconut oil.  Pour into oat mixture and mix well.  Next press into either a small 9" round pan (for thinner bars) or press into a bread loaf pan.  Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, next cut and serve.

I think this might just be our families New Years Eve treat.  Happy clean eating!!

The Day after Christmas

The Day after Christmas

So can I just say the month of December went by sooo fast.  We were able to enjoy a few warmer days outside for this time of the year with the kids and also enjoy the snow falling for a white Christmas.  It  just does not feel like Christmas with out a little snow. So yes it's the day after Christmas how did everyone do? I know for me personally I enjoyed a piece of cheesecake, smoked cheese, cinnamon, extra bits of this and that over the past 3 days. And today I woke up and my body said time to get back on track. This is were working out alone is not enough eating clean is a must. So plan of action for today WATER!!! Workout!! Cleaned out the house of any foods that will be tempting, I will also be doing two shakeology drinks today just to get back on track. And the final and most important step is my mind set. The past 3 days was just that the past, I'm thinking about today and prepping my food before I head out the door.

So now what?  Did you eat a little to much from Thanksgiving to Christmas? have the holidays left you feeling blaaa.  Trust me I know the feeling and if it would not of been for challenge groups this holiday season I for sure would of put all the weight back on that I worked so hard the past 8 months to take off.  But the good news is it's time to put yourself back on the table. The kids have a bunch of fun new toys to play with and now it's time to feel good in your own skin.  Trust me for most of us the idea of taking time each day to ourselves seems selfish.  But guess what by doing so you are setting yourself up to be a better mom and wife. 

The first of the year everyone and their brother will be going on a "diet" and starting a "new years resolution" can I just say I hate both of those words because in my mind it means something that never last people are always starting and stopping "diets".  In the challenge groups I run my big goal is to throw that idea out the window.  And when my challengers are able to do to it's a win win!! Sure they may stumble along the way or need to do a u-turn (just like myself) but that does not mean throw in the towel and give up.  So with a challenge group you are given that daily push to eat right and exercise, that way on the days you don't feel like doing it, you do it because everyone else in the group is working out and are going to see results.  I have a passion for helping others to create a lifestyle and I want to be able to share that with others that's why I run challenge groups.  This is not a buy it and leave you hanging kind of deal.   What I can say for sure you are active in the group daily by checking in (5 minutes), apply what I post, do your workouts, and drink shakeology daily you will see results I promise.  Also don't be sold on a "quick fix" if you want real lasting results than it takes time but for sure it can be done.  This is also not about taking 20 something pills everyday, it getting back to the basics eating right and exercise.

So the challenge group is a 90 day group starting December 30th. It's all done through a closed online facebook support group. So only the members of the group can see what is being posted.

What I do is help you customize your health and fitness goals to meet your needs. Then I help you choose the best Beachbody workout to get there based on your ability level. Then you replace 1 meal a day with shakeology for the next 60 days to give your body 1 meal that is supercharged with ingredients that will give you natural energy, cravings will be curbed, you will stay full for at least 3 hours and its equivalent to 6 salads in one meal. Then, I am going to teach you how to plan the other meals of the day. I will help you create a customized meal plan, give you recipes, snack ideas, tips, motivation and keep you accountable. Every day I post in the challenge group your daily mind set tip or post. You check in and rate your date and read what is posted. We all keep each other accountable!

I am going to address the emotional eating, eating out at restaurants, going on vacation, temptations, cheat meals, body image and more!

This is what I joined last May and had such wonderful results I knew that being a coach was a must.  And as a coach I'm able to help others the same way I was helped. First I started with Chalean Extream, T25, Insanity, and now P90x3, no worries beachbody has just the right workout program for you.

Being a stay at home mom and working from home you can still get great results.  They do not happen over night and for sure eating healthy and exercise go hand in hand.  With nutrition being 70% of weight loss, it is key to have a plan and stick to it.  Any time I get a little of track it's because I did not stick with the basic's planning ahead.  So this New Years how are you going to get in the best shape of your life?  Do you want support?  Do you need any extra dose of push?  Are you afraid to fail? Are you unsure of drinking shakeology? Spending money?



I had all the same concerns and would be happy to guide you along and set you up with the best workout and plan of action.  Will 2014 be your year?  Do you long to feel good in your clothes?  Do you want to wear a bikini this summer?  The work starts NOW!!  And I'm looking for a small group of folks ready to commit to 90 days of making it happen. Ready to bring your A game?

The results from challenge groups speak volumes and I wanted to share with you what results looks like and also are you ready? 

Reesecup Cheesecake

Reesecup Cheesecake

So yes I married a Christmas Eve baby!!  So we have been eating clean for 8 months now and love the way I feel from fueling my body with the proper foods.  So to blog a recipe that is not clean at all is unlike me, but my husband had a request for this so I baked one for him.  Being in the kitchen is something I enjoy for sure, to me it's a great stress reliever even if I'm doing the dishes.

Ingredients:
Crust-
1 1/2 cups of graham crackers crumbs
2 tablespoons of sugar
3 tablespoons of melted butter

Filling-
24 oz. of soft cream cheese
2 eggs
1/2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup of peanut butter
4 Reese cups (crumble)
6 tablespoons of chocolate syrup

Directions:
Preheat oven 350 degrees, mix crust ingredients and press into cheesecake pan (9" spring form pan).  Bake for 8 minutes and pull out of the oven to cool.  Place peanut butter in measuring cup and heat for 30 seconds then pour onto warm crust and set aside.  Next take your mixing bowl and place cream cheese, eggs, sugar, & vanilla, and mix well until creamy and blended (about 1 minute).  Next take a cup of batter and place in a different bowl and add 3 tablespoons of chocolate syrup and mix.  Place white batter in cheesecake pan, then top with chocolate batter.  Take a butter knife and swirl.  Next bake for 40-50 minutes, you want it to still have a little jiggle left when it's ready to come out of the oven.  Cool for 30 minutes then run a butter knife around the outside edge.  Take ring off after it's been cooling for 3 hours, drizzle remaining syrup on top and sprinkle Reese cups on top.  Place in refrigerator for 24 hours and then serve.

Happy Birthday Steve!!

Making dreams your goals

Making dreams your goals

So I was challenge to really write down what I wanted to work towards in the next 12 months.  I for sure love goals and in the past I was able to make a few big ones happen.  Buying a house at age 19 on my own, paying it off in 5.5 years, buying a rental property at age 25, and then I want to be able to stay at home with the kids.  So my husband and I worked really hard to make that happen, after two years of not working out of the home I was so ready!!  I love working but for sure I was not wanting to give up my flexibility, so after having great results from an online challenge group that my coach did for 90 days, I was ready to go after something new.  I played around with it the first few months really not sure if it was for me and then on the third month when my customers started to have the same great success I was hocked ready to really make coaching a business.  So with that comes goals. 

While I'm sure my "goals" are annoying to some, seem ridiculous to others, unattainable to a few, and downright senseless and a waste of time they're............ MY goals.  And it's not just enough to write your goals down, put a date on it, and make it public.  How will I reach each of these goals?  Just like I set goals in weight loss, I will do things that need to be done on the days I don't feel like doing them, I will not stop when I hit a bump in the road, and of course I will make sacrifices for the next 12 months to reach these goals.  So this is a start for me and out of my comfort zone as I entered into the scary section of Wal-Mart the "craft zone" and bought things that sparkle and shin.  This puppy will hang in the basement while I workout and my goals will look me in my face everyday.  From that I will make a list of what needs to be done everyday to put me one step closer.

The Domino Effect

What does this mean? It means each month I will help other reach their own fitness goals by having a challenge group every month.  And with that I want to personally help 50 people reach their own fitness goals.

Energy to keep up with the kids/family

So to have my energy I need daily means I will continue to eat clean and healthy.  Also set a good example to my family. 

Vegas

Yep my ticket has been purchases and I will be going to Vegas in June 2014 for training/ meeting up with my team as well.

Date night twice a month

Yes this is a must with two little ones a family business as well, time with hubby alone is a must!!  Because with out family life really is dull and none of these other goals would matter. 

P90x3

I will be starting a test challenge group on December 30th and will be joining my challengers by doing the same workout.


Income 1,000 a week from Beachbody by September 2014

Why that amount as a goal?  Because that was my income in tips a week as a waitress before having kids.  It will be my year in business as a beachbody coach.

Ultimate Rest

I will do a 21 day ultimate reset that is made by beachbody to give myself a fresh start.

Abs

After having 2 ten lbs babies by C-section and never having abs this is something I will really need to work hard at but I know with P90x3 and eating clean I will reach this goal by April 1, 2014.

Single Moms

I think being a mom is one of the best jobs but also one of the hardest, I think moms that work and raise their kids rock.  My goal is to help one mom a month for the year 2014.

Buy land or purchase our dream home

This puppy has been on our list of goals for a few years and continues to be pushed aside.  Not this year this will be our goal and not to pay on it for 20 years.

5 star Diamond

This is beachbody related and is a really big milestone and I will hit it by December 31,2014.

Be a good leader

This is being able to help my team grow and hit their own goals.  I will set a good example and always putting others before myself.

Pay off rental property loan

Yes September 1, 2014 will be 2 years to the day that we purchased one of out rental properties and with the income I make from beachbody I will reach this goal!!


Read  for 30 minutes a day

Always being able to take more information in and applying it to how I go about my day is a great tool to set as a goal.

Look to God

So yes I have big goals and yes I will work daily on reaching them but if I'm not checking daily to see if this is still the direction my life should be going then things and goals are always able to be change. 

Family is so important to me and for sure I will take time and enjoy the small things in life.  I will enjoy potty training Josie this year because before you know it they will both be in school.  So time with the kids while they are home is going to be what counts.

Have a road map!!  I challenge you don't just go thru life wishing and hoping things will get better.  It takes action, action to make things that never happen before happen.  You get one life here on earth make it count, treat others the way you would want to be treated, live life without regrets, build relationships with those that truly have your best interest at heart. 

Do you have dreams?  Do you wish you had the push to go after what you want in life?  Life is all in what you make of it and how you handle things that come your way.  Take the time and set your own personal goals for 2014 and stick to them.  Make sure your daily actions line up with what your shooting for and your goals should be a little scary and if their not they are not big enough!!

  I am 100% committed to helping my team, my customers and my challengers have the MOST success they can possibly have with my help!!!  Together we will set goals for ourselves, we will take action and we will achieve our dreams!!  Dream BIG and BE AMAZED AT THE POSSIBILITIES!!!!

Want more information on what Beachbody Coaching is?  Apply below!!

http://goo.gl/MGubPv

Healthier Holiday Cookies

Healthier Holiday Cookies

So yes it's the middle of December and needing to stay on track with eating healthy and having energy is very important.  So this week the kids and I will be taking cookies to our small group and making up cookie trays to help out older folks that have assistance living. I did not want to be the crazy lady with healthy cookies that no one wanted. So I found other recipes I could put a healthy spin on.

Trail Mix Cookies

Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons of coconut oil softened
-1/2 cup of brown sugar
-1/2 cup of agave nectar
-3 egg whites
-1 cup of whole wheat flour
-1/2 teaspoon of salt
-1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
-2 cups of rolled oats
-1 cup of dried fruit/chocolate chips

Directions-
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and cook for 10-11 minutes, take large mixing bowl and place all ingredients in bowl and mix on low for 30-45 seconds.  Then mix in fruit/chocolate chips.  Form into 1 inch balls and place 12 on a regular baking sheet.  Store in air tight container.

Almond Cookies

Ingredients:

-2 sticks of soften butter
-1/2 cup of ground almonds (also 15 whole almonds set  aside)
-2 cups of whole wheat flour
-1 cup of brown sugar
-1 teaspoon of salt

Directions-
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and cook for 11-13 minutes, take large mixing bowl and place all ingredients in bowl and mix on low for 30-45 seconds.   Form into 1 inch balls and place 12 on a regular baking sheet top with one whole almond on each cookie.  Store in air tight container.

Molasses Cookies

Ingredients:
-1/2 cup of melted butter
-1 cup of sugar
-2 egg whites
-1/4 cup of molasses
-2 cups of whole wheat flour
-2 teaspoons of baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon of salt
-1/2 teaspoon of ginger
-1/2 teaspoon of ground clover
-1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- a little extra sugar to sprinkle on top as they come out of the oven.

Directions-
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and cook for 10-11 minutes, take large mixing bowl and place all ingredients in bowl and mix on low for 30-45 seconds.   Form into 1 inch balls and place 12 on a regular baking sheet once removed from oven sprinkle sugar on top and cool, store in air tight container.

Well this darling face says it all!!  The cookies are good and it's time for another!!



 

Hawaiian Turkey Burger

Hawaiian Turkey Burger

It's Burger time!!  So I love having black bean burgers but every once in awhile you need to switch it up a bit.  This recipe let's our family do just that.  And of course on the grill is my favorite way but it was only 15 degrees today so I decided on the stove top would be great!!

Ingredients:
1 lbs. of ground lean turkey
1/2 cup of oatmeal breadcrumbs
1/4 cup of diced green onions
1/4 cup of diced onions
1 tablespoon of parsley
1/2 teaspoon of ginger
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 of fresh diced pineapple
4 slices of Swiss or cheddar jack cheese
5 oz. of teriyaki low sodium sauce

Directions:
Mix together the first 7 ingredients and make into 4 large patties and from that place on either outside grill or stove top.  Once cooked to the internal temp of 165 degrees remove from heat and top with fresh pineapples,  teriyaki sauce, and cheese.  Either serve open faced or pair with a whole grain roll.  Enjoy and keeping it clean!!

Chalene Extreme transformation

Jeanette's Transformation

So of course I love being a coach and seeing people make changes to their life and in return a transformation happens.  But this transformation is my sister and it makes it all the more special.  Family means a lot to me and if you have family that supports you it's even better. 

Jeanette is your classic mom with a ton on her plate.  Can I just say most days that we do get the chance to talk on the phone her to-do list and time frame of how she is going about her day makes my head spin.  I believe that she could make this work but for sure sacrifices had to be made on her end.  She is a wonderful house keeper, mom, wife, friend and employee.  She works 4-5 nights week at a horse barn giving riding lesson (travels 30 minutes one way), she keeps in close contact with a large group of friends, she is very involved with MOPS, she homeschools her daughter, she is able to make clean cooked dinners, be involved in her local church, and still found time to fit in Chalean Extreme first thing in the morning.  Most nights she gets to bed by 11:00 pm and is back up at 5:00 am to get the day started.  So the excuse of not having time to get in shape does not apply if she can make this happen anyone can.

So what I wanted to share with you was some of Jeanette's post on her facebook wall that got her were she is today.

"I am excited and curious to begin something new! I would not have tuned in to this without seeing the first-hand results with both of my sisters. My youngest sister Rachel is a coach and she is starting her latest Facebook challenge group soon! Let me know if you want to join us!! I am fascinated to see how this month unfolds!"

"Mom! MOM!!! Look! Those are dangerous! Them might explode and kill someone. Kylee, you are going to have to stay back!"

Oh my! Pomegranates spotted in the fridge! We had sampled an awesome salad at Wegmans yesterday and picked up everything to make it tomorrow. Including these "grenades"??

Jeanette and the entire family jumped on board change the kitchen and dinners being served to clean and healthy.

And of course Birthday's happened in the last 90 days as well.  So what did Jeanette do to stay focused made a more healthier version of birthday cake for her husband Sean's birthday.

Also picking up fresh fruits from the local market was very helpful along the way.  Healthy Complex carbs is something our body was designed to be able to take in and process giving us the most energy need.  This is not a "diet" were you eliminated food groups I just teach others how to do so in moderation.

Jeanette is a coffee drinker and also made the choice to have a cup and cut out white sugar.  She also enjoyed drinking shakeology daily as her breakfast and in doing so she was able to keep her need for sweets at bay.  With how much our food has changed, how it's grown, and processed over the years shakeology is sooooo important it's not a protein shake it's the most dense nutrition meal you will have in one day.  Trust me if I did not see a value in it I would not drink it and would not suggest others do the same. 

Jeanette has lost a total of 21" in 90 days and lost 35 lbs!!  And the best part she is below her pre-baby weight.  Anyone that is a mom knows that is a big mile stone.

This was a post from with in our challenge group-

"Kohl's is open late this month and I stopped there at 10:30 tonight on my way home from work. I was picking up some skincare items and a few misc Christmas gifts. BUT the best part was NEW JEANS!!!!! My work (teaching and riding at the barn) jeans were ridiculously huge and so very worn. I have been thankful to receive some lovely hand-me-down clothes from family and a friend of my sister Bethany. But no jeans there to wear with riding boots/half chaps. Anyways, tonight was my first night to shop in the "regular section" in nearly 8 years!!!! The jeans were $40 full price, super sale for $15 and down to $12 with my coupon. Hurray!!! I bought two pairs and came home and literally threw away the pair I had been wearing. They were that bad! I will dispose of the other two ancient pairs tomorrow!! How exciting!"

So Jeanette is so exited to keep going she has jam packed days and her energy is need in every minute so between eating right, drinking shakeology, and exercise she is able to keep going.  I can not wait to see what the next 90 days brings for her.

If you would like more details on how to be apart of my next challenge group message me and we I will help you create the same results, come willing to change and change will happen.