21 day fix extreme beef stew

21 day fix extreme beef stew

Well let’s just say my day did not go as planned….I ended up getting suck in someone else’s driveway with a crying baby that needed fed and had to call for help.  AKA thank goodness someone could come and rescue me and 3 kid’s middle of the day.  I might have had a small melt down tomorrow is April 1^st go away snow!!  However I decided to pull myself together and make the best of this crazy amount of snow that came down today and turn what did not go right into something better.  A NEW RECIPE!!  I’m currently doing Insanity Max 30 however the talk about this 21 day fix extreme meal had my interest so TODAY was the day!!  Family approved!! 

Ingredients-
1 tsp. olive oil
1 1/2 lbs raw lean beef stew meat, boneless, cut into 2 inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup low sodium organic beef broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. ground black pepper
2 cups cubed butternut squash
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

Directions-

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium high heat.

Add beef, cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until beef is brown.
Add onion and bell peppers; cook stirring frequently for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent.  Add garlic, cook stirring frequently for 1 minute.  Add tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium - low, cook, covered for 40 minutes. Add squash, cook stirring for 8 to 12 minutes occasionally or until the sauce thickens and beef is fork tender.
Remove the bay leaf, top with parsley and serve.

My progress with clean eating

My progress with clean eating

Ahhhh when I woke up this morning it hit me it’s been 6 weeks since I took my first set of before pictures with a newborn baby beside me.  A little bit about myself this will actually be my second transformation with clean eating, working out, accountability from online challenge groups, and drinking shakeology every day.  After I had our second child about two years ago I could not lose the baby weight, I was working out like crazy and the weight was not going anywhere.  So let’s just say taking these before pictures this time around was not as nerve racking to think about failing at this.  I knew going into this 6 weeks ago I would not be perfect with eating, I would not be able to work out till this past week, I would be tired, but staying the same was not an option.  I told myself I would not be hard on myself I tend to want to give everything I do my best and like most when it comes to weight loss I want it to happen yesterday.  Day one last Monday of working out!! 

 

I made a choice to take measurements, before pictures, and only weight myself once a week.  Two weeks ago I stepped on the scale like most feeling good about the choices I made in the last seven days only to find I lost ONE lbs.!!  However in the same day my pants kept falling down!!  I measure progress in many forms.  So what other ways do I measure progress and teach my clients to do the same.  This is a great visual to keep in mind as your on your own journey, if you know your eating healthy and putting the time into exercising muscle takes up way less space than fat.  So ladies PLEASE use the scale as only one form of measuring your own journey.

 

 

 

 1. Sleeping so much better

2. Able to stick to 5:00am workouts the last week

3. My skin overall looks more clear just with eating better

4. I feel happier over all because as a mom I’m carving out time every day for myself

5. I have soooo much more energy even with a newborn
 

 

So inches lost total in 5 weeks of clean eating one week of doing a workout called the 21 day fix.

10 inches lost total!! 

5 inches from the waist

2 inches from the chest

3 inches from the hips

My legs and arms have stayed the same in the last 6 weeks

Oh the scale says I’ve lost 9 lbs. in 6 weeks (but like I said that’s at the bottom of my list on how I measure progress)

Here are by progress pictures as well

 

 I always say a picture says everything!!  I might have complained to my husband this week about being sore, waking up first thing in the morning might have been hard, focusing on what I was eating and planning ahead was not convenient, however today seeing these pictures makes it all worth it.  Being able to have confidence as a mom, energy to keep up with the kids, knowing I’m investing in my own health, makes it all worth it. I wanted to real quick share my pictures 15 weeks post having baby #2 keep in mind I was breastfeeding as well (like I am now), I was dead tired, working out for about 6 weeks burning 500 calories a day, and nothing was happening this is way I'm so passionate about helping others that feel stuck on their weight loss journey. 

 

 Yes it cost money to get started and feel this way but in my eyes it’s an investment we tent to invest in our homes, cars, kids, family, etc. but will find every excuse why we can’t invest in our own health.   What I know to be true as a coach for the past 18 months is it’s not about the money it’s the reason behind putting up a wall and not trying something new.  Are you afraid of failing? Are you afraid of drinking shakeology?   Are you afraid of the changes that will have to take place?  Are you afraid of what the heck clean eating is?  Guess what I know how you feel I felt the same way.  Fear has a way in our lives of holding us back from our full potential.  I ask you today to put fear aside and take a chance on yourself.  I’m personally going to be starting with a workout program called Insanity Max 30 and I would love to chat with you on what would be the right fit for you.  My goal as a coach is to listen to where you’re at and help you reach your personal goals.  I look forward to getting fit with you.  My next online accountability group start April 6^th the Monday after Easter and I have a spot saved for you.  Fill out this application and let’s chat.

 

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Max 30 Salad Dressing

Dijon Vinaigrette (Max 30 or 21 day fix)

Welcome to my blog I'm a mother of 3 and enjoy paying it forward and sharing tips I've used to lose the baby weight.  Both programs Insanity Max 30 and the 21 day fix are amazing at home fitness programs that help normal everyday people get in the best shape of their lives. 

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp. lemon juice
• 3 tbsp. dijon mustard
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 6 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 packets of stevia
• 1 tsp. honey

Blend together and enjoy! If you are following the Insanity Max: 30 meal plan or the 21 Day Fix, this is counted as one orange!  Have a great day

Max 30 Cobb Salad

Max 30 Cobb Salad


Wanted to share one of my favorite Max 30 and 21 Day Fix approved meals! It's hard to believe I'm able to finally be able to work out after giving birth to our 3rd baby a little over 6 weeks ago.  I've done Insanity in 2013 and had the best ab definition EVER.  However the 60 minute workouts were LONG to commit to.  Introducing Max 30 this past December into beachbody library of DVD's I could not wait to start!!  I might max out very quickly on day one however I'm diving into nutrition as well.  I made this salad twice already and looking forward to using it for the next 60 days and beyond.

Ingredients: 
1 green of romaine or leaf lettuce

1 green of tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers
 
1 red of two turkey bacon slices & 1 hard boiled egg

1 orange of the Dijon Vinaigrette

1 blue of part avocado

I keep chopped lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers in my fridge at all times along with hard boiled eggs. I make a double batch of the dressing too! This is SO quick to whip up and it tastes really good!!!  If your someone that works full time and finds it hard to eat healthy for lunch this is a MUST to add in to your weekly meal plan.  I hope you enjoy it as much as our family has.

April 6th Accountability group

Accountability group

Just this week my mom ask what our family was planning for Easter Sunday and where we would be eating lunch.  In my mind I thought Easter was at least a month away!!  To my surprise the Easter candy is EVERYWHERE!!  Even I caved yesterday and enjoyed those yellow little guys…….

Has the Easter candy started to take over the home?  In your mind have you already checked out and plan on starting up again after Easter in preparation for warmer summer weather?  Its crazy how you feel the first time you put on shorts for the season.  My goal as a coach is to help others feel their personal best slipping into spring and summer clothes.  Trust me before you know it the swimsuits will be out and the kids will want to be heading to the pool.  Summer vacations will follow as well, I personally just gave birth to our 3^rd child and will not only be the coach in the group but a challenger as well.  I will be doing the program Insanity Max 30 for the next 60 days.  Seeing pictures like this reminds me I don't want to be wearing extra layers 60 days from now, I want to be shopping for a cute new outfit.   

 

What do I do as a beachbody coach and what is a challenge group?

So the challenge group is 30 day group.  It's all done through a closed online Facebook support group.  So only the members of the group can see what is being posted.  I’m super excited to be putting a twist on what we do with in the challenge groups.  All new contented!!

You'll be added to our VIP Facebook group where only the members of the group can see what is being posted. You'll be expected to check in daily with your workout and nutrition so we can make sure you're staying on track. There will be an awesome nutrition plan included with your fitness program. We start together and we end together. No one quits. First we’ll work on flushing all those negative thoughts swirling in the back of your mind that are keeping you stuck. If you believe you will succeed, you will.

 

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 challenge group 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.  This is NOT a protein shake, most of us are not protein deficient rather we lack great nutrition no matter how clean we eat our food has changed.  This meal replacement is so easy.  It is a whole food and you can think of it as "dry juicing".  I get all of my vitamins and it is the equivalent of 5 plates of a very healthy salad.  But all for just 160 calories! 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, how to handle the temptations, cheat meals, body image and more!

A quote that sticks out to me as I pulled myself out of bed this morning at 5:00am is- it takes change to see change

If every spring time you tell yourself this is the summer I’m going to look and feel great in my suit instead of wearing a cover up there will be steps needed in order to reach those goals.  Think of it like this you already know the results and outcome of doing what you’re doing.  Trying something new can be downright scary!!  But I invite you to take a chance on yourself

I love to chat and learn more about your personal goals- with the first two that commit to the April 6^th challenge group you will be sent one of these SUPER cute water bottles as a FREE gift ( love giving gifts)

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Healthy snack for kids

Healthy snack for kids

 

Baked apple chips

 

Ingredients

• 3 small gala apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200º.
2. Core small gala apples using an apple corer and thinly slice.
3. Place apples on baking sheet with silicone mat or wax paper underneath for easy cleanup.
4. Mix sugar (I use coconut sugar) with cinnamon. Sprinkle the top of the apples with the cinnamon sugar mixture. (keep in mind you do not have to use all of it)
5. Bake fore 1 hour. Flip apples over.
6. Bake for an additional hour. Remove from oven and let rest. Serve when ready.

 

 

Take plan Greek yogurt and cover strawberries and freeze, easy to pull a few out at a time and kids enjoy this refreshing snack on a summer day.

Mom's how many of you love a good deal however when it comes to fresh produce its hard to take advantage other then what will keep in the fridge?  Grapes go on sale?  Purchase and freeze, making a great afternoon snack for the kiddo's

 

They say an apple a day keeps the dr. away well how about if we add a little flare to those apples?  Take a whole wheat wrap, spread tablespoon on wrap, add diced apples and you have a snack to share with your mini me.

 

 

I know as a mom flipping over any juice box for kids is always eye opening on the amount of sugar in the drink.  Here is a fun way to add flavor to the plan old H2O.  I know for our kids if I'm drinking something fun like this they want to follow.

 

 

Fun afternoon snack a hole banana, tablespoon of almond butter, and a whole wheat wrap.

 

 

 

Yes it's ok to play with your food, the more we make those wonderful vegetables look appealing the kids will want to join you in your health adventure. 

 

 

I would use almond butter to create your animal. 

 

 

 

Carrot snacks

 

Ingredients

2 large carrots (or 3 medium)
1/2 teaspoon olive oil (or melted coconut oil)
1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Wash and peel the carrots. Using a mandoline slicer or a knife, tilt the carrot, and thinly slice diagonally to make oval-shaped pieces — if they're too thick, they'll be soft instead of crunchy.
3. Place the carrot slices in a bowl, and toss with olive oil and salt.
4. Lay the carrots in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with a Silpat or parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the carrots are dry and crisp. Watch them carefully toward the end, as they can burn quickly.

Cheesy Cauliflower Dippers

Cheesy Cauliflower Dippers

A fun Tuesday afternoon spent with the kids!!  We love being in the kitchen and I love creating these memories together.  Our kids LOVE pizza!!  I’m guessing they are not alone on this however finding a kid friendly version that is easy to eat, healthy, and they enjoy is a win in our house.  I hope your family enjoys this recipe as much as our kids do. 

Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided in half
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon Garlic salt

Directions:

 

To "rice" the Cauliflower: Take 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, remove stems and leaves, and chop the florets into chunks. Add to food processor and pulse until it looks like grain. Do not over-do pulse or you will puree it. (If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the whole head with a cheese grater). Place the riced cauliflower into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes. There is no need to add water, as the natural moisture in the cauliflower is enough to cook itself. One large head should produce approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

 Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Spoon the cauliflower mixture onto the pan and use your hands to form it into a 8 1/2 x 11 inch rectangle. Place in the oven for 30 minutes, or even longer until the crust is golden brown and firm. Remove the crust from the oven and top the crust with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.  Cut into “breadsticks” and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.  Makes about 10 breadsticks.  This recipe could easily be doubled

 

 

 

 Finish product I sprinkled a little parmesan cheese on top.