Clean Eating: Raspberry Oatmeal Cookies

Last night I was craving a sweet. I really wanted a DQ blizzard...but I am really trying to stay disciplined in my diet (and obviously that DQ blizzard isn't a part of it). So when I got up this morning I knew I was going to need something to curb those sweet attacks! Luckily we went to Costco and bought a big ol' container of raspberries so this fit the bill. They are light...full of flavor..and super easy to make.

Ingredients:

1 c instant (quick-cook) oats 

¾ c whole wheat flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp salt

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

1 egg, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ c honey

6 tbsp fresh raspberries, diced

Steps:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the honey until thoroughly incorporated. Add in the flour mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Fold in the raspberries. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 325°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.
3. Drop the cookie dough into 15 rounded scoops on the baking sheet. Bake at 325°F for 13-15 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet.

Now let me tell they do not look at all appetizing when in the fridge chilling:

 

But once they are cooked and cooled they were beautiful delicious cookies!!!

My husband enjoyed as did our 15 month old!! This will more than likely become a summer time favorite sweet!

 

 

Hello Fresh: Panned Seared chicken

This was our third meal in the hello fresh box we received. This was probably my least favorite of the three. The broccoli was fine...but I had never cooked barley before....I don't know if I cooked it properly but just didn't do much for me. The other two had more of a bold taste, which my taste buds really like. I wouldn't say it was a bad meal...just not for me. I ate it (better than having a snickers bar...LOL), but if offered again wouldn't order it.

Hello Fresh Review: Argentine Spiced Steak

Out of my three meals through Hello Fresh...this was my favorite! The combination of spices and all the ingredients just made this one very appetizing.

 

 

 

The above picture is all the ingredients used in the meal. It also came with a side of couscous.

 

I really loved the recipe cards. Made it super simple to follow along. I am a total visual person so this helps in the process.

After a bit cooking time...under 30 minutes this was my final dish:

Like I said...really appetizing. I had some for dinner and there was enough left for me to have some at lunch the next day.

Clean Grillin' summer

Is anyone as excited as I am that summer is right around the corner? While I do live in Florida, we are getting super close to the end of the school..which totally symbolizes SUMMER for this kindergarten teacher.
As a beachbody coach I always try to think of fun and exciting ways to keep my friends engaged and wanted to extend this to you all. I have started a Facebook group that will feature various recipes to make sure you keep on track nutrition wise while grillin' out.
Here is a link to my summer grillin' clean group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1471286679828517/members/

Hope to see you there!! Starts on May 23rd!
If you are having any problems contact me directly!

Hello Fresh Review: Pork

On Sunday we had our first of our three Hello Fresh meals: The pork one.
I loved how they provided easy to read recipe cards:

The front side showed everything that you are going to need to prepare the meal. The backside provided all the nutritional information as well the steps to prepare the meal.

I went into the fridge to get the correct bag that matched my recipe:

I loved how everything was laid out and ready to. They measured the spices for you as well. The little jar of orange jam was a nice touch as well for this recipe. Obviously you still have to cut all your veggies and cook the meat...but hey you didn't have to go shopping nor really measure anything out.
I found the ease of the recipe to be easy. I didn't feel like it took long...30 minutes tops. I didn't feel overwhelmed or anything.
This meal also came with a side of basmati rice.
Here is the complete meal:

In my opinion: VERY tasty. It was  meal that I don't think I would have really prepped on my own if it weren't for the box. I usually don't cook with yellow peppers...or even with the orange jelly that made a topping...(which by mistake put on top of the rice and not the pork...but still tasty).
So far very satisfied.
Ready to try yours??? Head to hellofresh.com and use this code:                              5FWX7S to get a great discount on your first box.

Hello Fresh!!!

I decided to break down my review of Hello Fresh into four different reviews: the delivery and each of the 3 meals.
Today's review starts off with the delivery.
You are able to go onto the Hello Fresh website and pick 3 meals and also the serving size. I figured just Tom and I would be interested in the meals, so I set up ours for 2 people. I selected the pork, steak, and chicken entrees they offered for the week. You also set up which day you want your food delivered. I had selected Thursday May 14th so we could have some over the weekend.
When I got home on Thursday I see this on my door step and was soo excited to open it:

 

 

Not going to lie...I was excited to open this baby up! I was a little nervous as it had been delivered at 10:30 in the morning and now it was 4:30 in sunny (hot) south Florida. But I figured they'd have it also packaged safely and was ready.
When I opened the box, I was correct They did have it nicely packaged as you can see here:

There were plenty of ice packs in the cooler to keep the food nice and cold. My four year was really excited to get into this box and see what was going on.

Here is a lay out of all that was provided. Each of the bags you see is set up for each meal. It is really nice just to grab the correct bag and everything is right there.  everything was also very fresh looking!
So far so good...just hoping they all taste as well as all the ingredients look.
Are you interested in getting your first box for $20? Use this coupon code:                              5FWX7S
when ordering on Hellofresh.com

Smores Shakeology

This past weekend I was really craving a treat. But I didn't want to give into a complete temptation. I hopped onto Pintereset and found the perfect shake recipe that would help me through a craving.
There is nothing tastier than a smore...and I LOVE my shake so it made perfect sense :)

Ingredients needed:
~ 1 scoop chocolate shakeology
~ 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (I didn't want to add too many calories so only put 1/4 cup)
~ 1/2 cup water (I used 8 oz)
~ 1/2 graham cracker`
~ 1/4 tsp cinnamon
~ Dash of vanilla

Place all the above mentioned ingredients into the blender. Blend until it's the right consistency for you to enjoy!

Shakeology Cleanse

This past Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I completed the Shaekology cleanse. I felt like I needed to get over a hump I had hit with my goals. It wasn't as bad as I had imagined. the only day that was really rough was day one. The other three day I seemed fine.
Basic run down:
Started my morning with one cup of green tea
Had a shake(ology) for breakfast. This one I would put one purple container of fruit (no bananas though).
Had another cup of tea mid morning with my snack which was usually an orange.
Then at lunch again I'd have another shake...this time though with NO fruit.
Dinner was my favorite part of the day...LOL! I ate a salad (romaine lettuce, onion, and tomato) with chicken.
Then I'd have another shake (again with no fruit).
I felt like I had good results on the shakeology cleanse. I lost about 4 lbs on this and thus far have maintained it. I also noticed more definition in the abs and was really happy when a pair of short I put on fit better (I bought them as a motivation...fit but just fit prior to this...LOL).
I'd recommend this to someone looking to break a time period where you feel like you have lost little to no weight.
I still did insanity max 30 while on the cleanse.
Before the cleanse:

After the cleanse:

My liquid diet :):

Healthy Banana Pancaes!

First off, Happy Mother's Day! Today I got to plan out my day and what we were all going to do and eat!
I usually start my da off with shakeology...but thought I'd switch it up for the day! Searched around and thought that banana pancakes sounded like the perfect way to start my day!

 

These were seriously delicious and easy to make.

All you need is:
2 eggs
1 banana
1/2 cup oats...
1/4 cup apple sauce (I always use the unsweetened)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Put all ingredients into the blender and pulse for about 30 seconds. Warm up your griddle or pan and light spray. Cook just like a regular pancake.
You can add fresh fruit to them to sweeten them (or dark chocolate chips). I ate mine just as is and enjoyed them!

It's a great addition to our morning breakfast ideas!

 

 

I want to try shakeology......but am scared? The price is high......what if I don't like it? I get it....

Summer is coming quicker than I can imagine!! Am I excited? Heck ya! Two months of my boys (which yes can be exhausting), no real schedules (other than a few playdates), and visiting new places (this year Gatlinburg and Tybee Island). Right now I am in the zone....focusing on keeping my goals and getting summer ready!! Well, more than just summer..but having bikini season here helps me stay focused. LOL!

Are you in the zone of getting ready for summer? Do you need the motivation to make life changes?

Well that is why I am here to help out!! I know it's not easy. I spent 4 months after Camden (the youngest of my 3) complaining about how I looked and how I felt (both mentally and physically). I was definitely at the lowest point image wise. I was exhausted and instead of getting back into my skinny jeans I was the proud of way too many maxi skirts.

I would see post of the 21 Day Fix and replacing a meal with shake. Was I skeptical? Heck yes. But a chance brought me to where I am today. I have lost over 30 lbs. I have a healthier cleaner diet. I try to eat as clean as I can. We hardly have any carbs in our house. Pasta was a main staple in our house. Now we fuel our bodies with greens!

Our change in diets also meant a huge change for me. Including a shake...a protein drink into my diet. I had never done anything like that before. I was always a Special K cereal kind of girl. Now I had to drink a meal.

At first the price tag scared me...I knew I would never find it Bogo at our local Publix (LOL). But I was willing to find out if it would work for me or not.

Now here I am 10 months later...and cant stop smiling!

So what has shakeology done for ME?
~ I know it one meal taken care of for the day. And a healthy one at that. I know when you fist start eating healthy it's hard enough to change. This is one meal taken care of and totally healthy.
~ I have noticed my energy levels have improved. I can get so much more accomplished a day b/c I no longer feel sluggish!
~ It keeps me full for 2 1/2 to 3 hours!
~ It actually tastes really good (and I can get creative with my mixings and really feel like I am having a treat!)
~I found that I haven't been sick, which I attribute 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.
~ The convenience is the best! I can throw this in the blender while finishing dinner. Put it in the fridge and it's ready for the morning.
~ I have stronger hair and nails.
~ My complexion has cleared up.

So what does this all mean for you? I know you want to see what this can do for you...but the question of cost comes into your mind....the doubt.
I get it but Beachbody is here to help you through all that doubt.
They currently are offering a sampler pack.You can get 6 flavors all for $29.95. That's totally doable!

So what do you have to do? You must have me as your assigned coach on teambeachbody. I will help you determine which meal you should replace with your shakeology. I do breakfast because the mornings are just so crazy here. I can grab and go. I will also provide you with a 7 day clean eating menu to help you get the most of your shakeology days!

If you give it your all, you might even find yourself down a pant size in a week!!!

Who is ready to give it a try?

Listed below are the ingredients:

Combat results

Christmas 2014 was a healthy one for me. I received both Insanity Max (which I did from the end of December to the end of February) and Les Mills Combat.  I was excited to get into Combat as it was something that is totally different from anything I have ever done...in terms of the kicking...punching.
I lost about 3 lbs while completing the program. I still have yet to do measurements but I don't know if there was a huge difference. I can tell from my side views a difference in stomach definition which is great. Getting excited for this coming summer season.
My before pictures (these were taken as my after for Insanity max):

I am very pleased with the after pictures. I cannot even begin to explain to you all how much my confidence has grown while completing these programs. I feel better about myself both inside and out.

My two favorite days of the program were the power and plyo ones. It's not that I didn't enjoy the other combat ones..I just really felt like I got my best work out on these two dvds. I loved the weight aspect...and now am looking forward to starting Char Lean when I get home from vacation.

Mexican chicken

Yes another Mexican dinner....but this time chicken style. Sorry we love Mexican here. It just tastes so fresh to me and I don't feel bad for eating it!
This is one of my husband's favorite meals. I found it on Pinterest and must be served at a restaurant as it was called Qudoba chicken.

 

Ingredients start off simple: Package of chicken, a can of broth, and a package of taco seasoning.
Take these three ingredients and place into your slow cooker. I cooked mine at low for 8 hours.
Smells so good when you walk in the door after work.

Now you can get creative. I get a circular serving dish and first layer down lettuce. I had a cup of jasmine rice. On top of that I put cheese, onions, black beans, the chicken from the slow cooker, a little bit of tomato, and some spicy guacamole.

Took the pic after I start devouring it. LOL!!
One of our favorites and on our menu at least once a month!!

Sweet Treats: Peanut Butter Cups (shakeology style)

I don't know about you...but I LOVE my sweets. I could eat a whole bag of Dove Chocolates if I'm not paying attention (don't worry never have done that but have eaten a lot at one time...LOL). I saw this on my Facebook newsfeed and I knew I had to make it..ASAP!

It's hard to say how much of this I all used. The original recipe called for:

2 tbsp. of the coconut oil (melt it)

5 tbsp. of chocolate shakeology

Mix these together in one mixing bowl.

Now you'll need 4 tsp. of PB2 and 2 tsp. of water. Mix in a separate mixing bowl.

 

Line a muffin tin with the papers. Start with chocolate then layer with PB2 and then top with chocolate.

While I was doing this I had to make some more of the chocolate and PB2 mixtures.

Place the muffin tin in the freezer for 30 minutes.

 

Final verdict...YUMMY!!

Hit the spot when I needed a sweet treat earlier this afternoon!!