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Jan 03 2016 
Meal Prep, It’s Soooo Important!
Meal Prep Monday!
Just got done with our meal prep! The hubby started his Test Group for 22 Minute Hard Corps today. I’m doing 5 days of clean eating with my girls!! Here’s the meals we are rocking for a few days:
?Baked butternut squash 1-?
? Steamed broccoli 1-?
? Broiled chicken 2- ❤ red containers
Shakeology is a protein (❤) and avocado, cheese or hummus is a healthy fats (?)
Meal prep was not always easy and still isn’t. It is a learned discipline and I still fight it. I don’t want to prep meals for the whole week, but I know that I, and my family, have a good chance at failing if I don’t put in the work on Sunday! So, I meal prep…no matter what. Sometimes my husband helps me, other times, he takes down Christmas decorations like this time! We try to work together and be productive.
I really think it has helped my husband a lot. Meal prep really sets the tone for him, so that he doesn’t snack. It also keeps me from going to the grocery store and buying a ton of items that are not on my list. It keeps me focused. Using the little containers with the three slots really helps too. I know I need a high dense carb, a nutrient filled vegetable, and some serious protein. I get the containers on Amazon, here is the link! The grocery store’s got nothing on me! I come prepared.
Here is my husband, Matt, taking us through what we bought at the store.
[youtube id=”LkrC3qCoRIw”]
I Hate, with a capital “H”, counting calories so thinking of food in colors is way more up my alley. Love this!!! Go get your meal prep done and feel good about the week ahead. Don’t procrastinate, or it will hurt your goals. This is a hard lesson I had to learn, but it has made all the difference, not only my life, but my family’s as well!
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Jan 02 2016 
Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas! 21 Day Fix Style!
Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas!
Holla back ya’ll, you better believe I have delicious gluten-free lunch ideas ready to go! I always try to balance out my salads with a few different ingredients. I love adding fruit. Lunch is served. 2 ?‘s 1/2 ? and 1 ? This is chopped romaine, chopped celery, grapes and hemp seeds. Not excited about the celery but I’ll deal with it!.
Put the other half ? in my superfood shake (Shakeology), that counted for a ❤(protein). When you don’t have any meat prepped, this is what you get. Couldn’t do the 21 Day Fix without my shakes!
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Dec 18 2015 
One of the Best Dessert Gluten-Free Recipes!!
Gluten-Free Recipes – Gluten-Free Brownies
It is not always easy finding quality tasting gluten-free recipes. If you are looking for a yummy but also “healthy” treat to take to a Christmas gathering…look no further. This recipe even passed the husband and kid test, I’m in no way taking credit! The creator of the 21 Day Fix Autumn Calabrese put it in her new cookbook. #genius
FLOURLESS CHICKPEA CHOCOLATE BROWNIES – One of the Best Gluten-Free Recipes
Makes 16 brownies and for better nutrients and taste, use all organic ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas-rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup grass-fed butter or coconut oil, melted (by favorite brand is Tropical Traditions because it doesn’t have a strong coconut flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or raw honey
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder, gluten-free
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1. Preheat over to 350.
2. Line 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly coat with spray.
3. Place everything except the choc. chips in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
4. Add c. chips and mix by hand.
5. Evenly spread batter into prepared pan
6. Bake for 25-28 minutes
7. Cut into squares and enjoy!! If you use an 8×8 inch pan the brownies will be a thicker.1 square = 1 yellow container
These are so much better than you think they will be. If you want the cookbook for you or a gift, today would be the last day to get it in time for Christmas. Here is the link to my website:http://teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/ShkSuperSmpl… If it doesn’t pop up, just search for the Fixate Cookbook. I know some people have made these with Shakeology…I have not tried that yet….but I will!! Another one of my gluten-free recipes, that will be made over and over!
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Dec 05 2015 
Cobb Salad is great, the Hawaiian Cobb Salad is Amazing!
Hawaiian Cobb Salad
I’m not gonna lie, this Hawaiian Cobb Salad was to die for. It literally was the best Cobb Salad I have ever had. Trust me, I have had a lot of salads in my life! For some reason this one hit the mark more than others. I loved it beyond words! It really had a sweetness I had not tasted before. It was also super fresh, which really made it stand out! The lovely Anthony’s at Point Defiance is where this lovely food of heaven was served! It is a local favorite of my husband and mine. It is a beautiful setting, right on the water with views of the Olympics and Mt. Rainier. I would definitely recommend it!
Being gluten-free and eating out is tricky at times. I either order the fish, chicken or a salad. Sounds boring but actually it’s not so bad. Sure I miss a big fatty burger and bun but my body does not. It loves the salads. The leafy greens help in so many ways and try to eat two salads a day. This way I am getting a quality amount of fiber and it makes my feel fantastic.
Here is what is in a Hawaiian Cobb salad recipe. It was topped with:
- Mango
- Bacon
- Celery (chopped small)
- Shrimp
- Avocado
- Tomato
- Blue Cheese (just a tiny bit because it’s not technically gluten-free)
- Sweet herb dressing on the side
Embracing the beauty of salads has been huge for me! I actually wasn’t sure I wanted to try this one, because of the blue cheese and what not. But this was a date night and a cheat meal and it ended up being not only amazing but not very much of a cheat! A win-win in my book! This Hawaiian Cobb Salad really hit the spot!
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Dec 02 2015 
Hug Those You Love, You Never Know What’s Next!
Remember to Love!
Love is all important. Have you ever had something scary happen that will forever be with you?
Last year to the day, my love, Samantha and I were in a terrible car accident. It was your average day driving home from our errands and I started getting nauseous. We were only a few blocks from home and I thought for sure I’d be able to make it there before getting sick.
The next thing I knew, I woke up to my baby girl cryingin the seat behind me, my Tahoe that was now crushed by a telephone pole and people standing all around us. It was something you never think will happen to you, to black out behind the wheel. I actually passed out right before a traffic light, sideswiped a car in oncoming traffic and then hit the telephone pole about 150 feet past the intersection. It was a miracle I hit the pole because the alternative would have been an apartment complex at 35 or so miles per hour. God’s love is gracious!
It was the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me, to our family. I thank God so often that his plan wasn’t to take me home. I’m so grateful that it was just a bizarre accident. Even after going to the ER, they had no answers to why it happened after giving me an MRI and CT scans. I can’t even imagine what life would’ve looked like for Matt to be left behind with two small children we love so dearly.
It gets me thinking though, about our health and how precious it is. Sure I’ve had some major healing to do with my body. That was not a small impact and my body took the brunt, but what if I hadn’t been working on my flexibility and strengthening my muscles prior to this? Can you imagine how many issues I could have had?
I believe wholeheartedly that the stronger and more physically in shape you are going into something, the faster and better you will heal. I’ve seen it in my body now firsthand. It starts with love. With loving ourselves and those around us, that we see the importance of working out and eating healthy.
I hear time and time again, from mom’s who not only want to look good for their husband but also want to be a strong example of health to their children. But then life gets in the way and there is no sense of urgency. No real “reason” to really make those workouts a priority. They forget that those workouts, that eating right is a sign of love to their family. That love is an action, not just a word.
I want you to LOVE your body in every aspect. To feel confident in your own skin and be able to get dressed with a deep sense of knowing, that you have put in the focus and energy. That you are showing your family how much you love them. Especially, knowing that you are setting yourself up for more years of happiness as you focus on your body now.
These programs have changed not only my husband and my life but also the lives of SO many of our friends. If you can’t tell, I’m really passionate about helping you feel your best. Not just for today but for years to come. Why these programs? Because I know they work and they come with a plan of attack. They make part of the process easier. They help us love ourselves easier. I am not saying we need a six pack either, I am talking about being healthy from the inside out. It is about seeing consistent, small attainable victories. I have a passion and a love to see people win this battle and change their families lives, just as mine has. Mine actually started with my husband wanting to love us more and prove it through action and a change of lifestyle. What are you going to do?
I am inviting you to join us in our 21 Day Fix Holiday Challenge.
The 21 Day Fix has changed our eating habits and let us track our food in a really easy way. We all know that nutrition is just as important as the workouts and that’s why it makes so much sense.
It TAUGHT me how to eat clean and to eat exactly what I needed for my goals, and not feel deprived, sending me into a binge.
Little did I know that these new changes would become my daily habits that are always a part of me…that make me who I am today.
Here is what comes with this challenge:
✅21 Days
✅Personalized meal planning system
✅30 minute at-home daily workouts
✅Daily superfood meal replacement shake
✅One-on-one coaching with me!Don’t miss this opportunity! Show those closest to you how much you love them because you never know what tomorrow brings…
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Nov 19 2015 
Zucchini Noodles and Meatballs – Gluten-Free Dinner!
Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini Noodles make an amazing gluten-free dinner!! My bestie made it for me and I not only want her cute white dishes, I could have this meal weekly. Trying new dishes with friends is amazing. My cousin, who was my maid of honor in my wedding and my best friend has lost a bunch of weight in the last few months. This is one of the main reasons why. Having things like zucchini noodles is a huge part of the process in getting healthy. Not that she can’t have normal noodles, but keeping away from carbs, that are very starchy and dense, has been key in her transformation.
Gluten-free Dinner
You do need a spiral veggie cutter. Veggetti was what we used. $12 bucks and it’s small and easy to store. Zucchini Noodles are easy to make and can be used in tons of different dishes. My kids will eat them…which is huge! Here’s a little excerpt from Organic Facts about zucchini,
“Zucchini is well known to reduce weight, yet still boosting the nutrient value of your diet. Moreover, it helps to promote eye health, and prevents all the diseases that occur from vitamin C deficiency like scurvy, sclerosis, and easy bruising. It helps to cure asthma and has a high content of vitamin C, carbohydrates, protein and fiber. Zucchini contains significant quantities of potassium, folate, and vitamin A, all of which are important for general good health. Zucchini, when eaten regularly, can effectively lower your homocysteine levels.”
So as you can see…..add zucchini into your diet as much as possible! You can’t go wrong….now onto what we had for dinner.
- What she threw in:
- Organic marinara sauce from Trader Joe’s, heated
- Aidell’s Italian meatballs, browned
- Zucchini noodles, boiled for 2-3 min.
- Salt & Pepper
We did mix some gluten-free noodles we had made for the kids in with our zucchini noodles. It is amazing how good something can taste, even when it is not what you think it should be. Never, once when I was growing up, do I remember having zucchini noodles!
The salad is:
Green onions
Mixed greens
AvocadoFeel free to use this for a 21 Day Fix Meal! And remember, add zucchini noodles into your meal plan as much as possible!
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Oct 01 2015 
Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas! Veggie Soup on the Go!!
Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas
Being gluten-free, I am always looking for gluten-free lunch ideas. I am going to be consistently looking for more an more simple ideas, that you can buy while on the go. I find that almost anyone can make gluten-free lunch ideas at home….but what about at work or while out with the kids. Here is one I love!
Veggies are so hard to get in when life is crazy busy. We live by eating whatever is in front of us in this fast paced life. Fall ?and Winter❄ are so great for soup and you can hide tons of veggies in a yummy way. The other reason I love it? My kids will eat it! You can’t beat that! Finding food that my kids will eat that is healthy for them, on the go, is a win-win in my book.
This is a hearty veggie soup with kale, carrots, potatoes. Yum!!!!! It is at Metropolitan Market. This is one of my all time favorite grocery stores. They have all kinds of unique items. The market actually labels which soups are gluten-free. It is so nice to quickly jump in the store, pick up what I need and then pay and get back in the car, within five minutes.
Do be careful. A lot of the canned soups are not that healthy and can have hidden junk in them. Make sure to always read the labels. A lot of gluten-free items are made with quality ingredients, but I am seeing a trend of more and more that are not good. It seems like we can never get away from the junk! So, I will continually search for gluten-free lunch ideas.
Do you have a favorite “go to” soup? I would love to hear it!! This time a year, I start making them weekly. They are great to have for leftovers. Comment with a recipe of the one you can’t live without!
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Sep 07 2015 
Getting the right Nutrition with Shakeology!
Nutrition with Shakeology
This mama does not have time to worry about getting a ton of veggies in as I run the kids around all day. I also don’t have time to get sick. Since we’ve been drinking this yummy goodness for three years straight, our household has been way healthier. Sure we get sick but it lasts 2 days not 5-6. Shakeology has been a godsend. It really has had a major impact. Some the other things we have noticed is our hair growing faster, nails growing quicker and stronger, better sleep and much more regular bowel movements! Yep, I said it.
I believe that food can act like poison to our bodies or it can heal and fuel them. I’m just passionate about sharing what I love and what has maintained our weight. Shakeology is something we have everyday. My husband, my kids and myself. If we do get sick, we usually have it twice a day. It is a non-negotiable in our household and a great way to get 70+ superfoods. It also is a meal replacement. I actually have it for breakfast most the time and it works great!
No more yo-yoing. No more fad diets. Just simple nutrients. Wish I would have known about it sooner. #payitforward #healthfirst #fivebucksaday #usedtospendmoreonTacobell
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Sep 05 2015 
A Simple and Quick way to Prepare Roasted Asparagus!
Roasted Asparagus Tip!
Roasted Asparagus is one of our favorite veggies. If I don’t watch my plate, my daughter will sneak extra for herself! My husband wants to eat his portion as well as everyone else’s and our son eats it right away….it is magical!
I break off the hard ends, drizzle a little avocado oil on them and sprinkle Trader Joe’s garlic salt. I stick them right on the top rack of the oven and broil at 500 for about 5 minutes. You have to watch them. I heard it said once, “You don’t actually cook asparagus-you just threaten to cook it.” ? It really is the most simple meal. We have roasted asparagus at least once a week, preferably two to three times per week.
There are some great vitamins in roasted asparagus, and if the kids like it, I’ll take it! It is an excellent source of all kinds of vitamins and minerals. I could try to explain them all to you, but I would rather have you hear it from the Nutritionist, Cheryl Forberg RD. She is a New York Times best-selling author. She is also the nutritionist for The Biggest Loser. In an article “5 Powerful Health Benefits of Asparagus You Probably Didn’t Know”, she gives us a full breakdown of how great asparagus really is for us!
- It’s loaded with nutrients: Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium. Chromium is a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells.
- This herbaceous plant, along with avocado, kale and Brussels sprouts, is a particularly rich source of glutathione. This is a detoxifying compound that helps break down carcinogens and other harmful compounds like free radicals. This is why eating asparagus may help protect against and fight certain forms of cancer, such as bone, breast, colon, larynx and lung cancers.
- Asparagus is packed with antioxidants, ranking among the top fruits and vegetables for its ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. This, according to preliminary research, may help slow the aging process.
- Another anti-aging property of this delicious spring veggie is that it may help our brains fight cognitive decline. Like leafy greens, asparagus delivers folate, which works with vitamin B12, found in fish, poultry, meat and dairy, to help prevent cognitive impairment. In a study from Tufts University, older adults with healthy levels of folate and B12 performed better on a test of response speed and mental flexibility. (If you’re 50-plus, be sure you’re getting enough B12: your ability to absorb it decreases with age.)
- One more benefit of asparagus: It contains high levels of the amino acid asparagine, which serves as a natural diuretic, and increased urination not only releases fluid but helps rid the body of excess salts. This is especially beneficial for people who suffer from edema (an accumulation of fluids in the body’s tissues). It is also for those who have high blood pressure or other heart-related diseases.
So there you have it! If you weren’t eating roasted asparagus, or having your kids eat it, you now know what you’re missing. You now know how amazing it is for our bodies! So go have some amazing roasted asparagus. Put something in your body that will change you forever. Become more healthy. Roasted asparagus fit perfect in a green container if you are on the 21 Day Fix!
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