Beef & Broccoli with Sweet Potato Noodles

I realized while looking through my blog...I enjoy two types of food: Mexican and sweet potatoes! LOL!!!! This one sounded interesting to me just based on the fact that the noodles were made of sweet potatoes!! I was ready for the challenge of making noodles with a potato!! I'm really trying to get out of my comfort zone while in the kitchen and trying new things like this once a week!!
Here is how you can enjoy this yummy meal:

Marinade:

• 12-16 Ounces lean stir-fry beef slices
• ⅓ Cup fresh orange juice
• 2 Tablespoons coconut aminos
• 1 Clove garlic, crushed
• 1 Teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• ½ Teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ Teaspoon sea salt

Noodles:

• 1 Large sweet potato, peeled and spiralized
• 1 Tablespoon avocado oil (or cooking fat of choice)
• Salt and pepper

Sauce:

• ⅔ Cup coconut aminos
• 2 Tablespoon sunflower seed butter
• 2 Teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 Clove garlic, minced

Other:

• 1 Small head of broccoli, chopped.
• 2 Tablespoons avocado oil (or cooking fat of choice)
• Sliced scallions to garnish

Instructions

1. Place the marinade ingredients in a Ziploc bag, seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and no more than 60 minutes.
2. While the meat marinates, make the sweet potato noodles. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spiralize the sweet potato with the attachment with the smallest triangles. Lay the sweet potato noodles on a parchment lined baking sheet and toss with oil, salt and pepper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the noodles are tender. Set the noodles aside.
3. Place a pan over medium-high heat, add the broccoli, fill the bottom with water and cover with a lid. Steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes, drain the water and transfer to a separate bowl.
4. Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
5. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat (or Wok if you have one). While the pan heats, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat the sauce over medium-low heat until it begins to simmer, then reduce to low.
6. Place the oil on the large pan, and add the beef in a single layer. Toss for 2-3 minutes, add the broccoli to the pan and cook an additional minute.
7. Remove from the heat and toss with the sweet potato noodles and sauce.
8. Garnish with scallions and serve.

Chicken Faijita Bake

6 red containers boneless skinless chicken breast (approximately 4-5 breasts, depending on size) thinly sliced and cooked over medium heat with the following seasonings:
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
3 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp parsley
4 tsp black pepper
2tbsp cumin
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tsp paprika
1 tbsp pink Himalayan salt
+ 1 cup of water, use chicken and whatever liquid/sauce is in the pan when mixing in with other ingredients

3 bell peppers, thinly sliced (I used a yellow, red & orange, but it doesn't matter)
2 green containers onion, thinly sliced
6 yellow containers brown rice, cooked
1- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1- 7 oz. can diced green chiles
1/2 cup hot pico de gallo
1 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 tbsp Mrs. Dash jalapeño seasoning
6 blue containers shredded cheddar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick spray. In a large bowl mix all ingredients together except cheese. Transfer to baking dish and top with shredded cheddar and a little chopped cilantro. Bake for 30 minutes.

Makes 6 servings-

Each serving-
1 yellow, 1 red, 1 green, 1 blue

Cilantro chicken

I am always looking for healthy ways to jazz up chicken!! This one is def. a keeper for sure!!

I always cook my chicken in my slow cooker...just super easy for me and I love how the chicken comes out. I do not add anything..just throw in some breasts.

After it was done I shredded the chicken...cooked some brown rice (one yellow container for both my husband and myself).

For the green sauce I add the following to my blender:
The whole bunch of cilantro
Fresh lemon juice (I used two lemons)
Minced garlic (I love garlic so it's a spoonful of it)
olive oil (I didnt measure out...just poured for a quick second).
Cumin and red pepper flakes (again didnt measure...just add as much as you please.)

I pulsed it for a bit...made sure it was all well blended and chopped. Taste and see if you need to add more any of the ingredients.

Delicious and all fixed approved!

Hammer and Chisel Crash Course

You may have heard about Beachbody’s new STRENGTH TRAINING program, Hammer & Chisel that launched this past December! Trainers Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese have developed a program masterpiece that will help yo build your ultimate physique in 30 to 40 minutes a day. In addition to their workouts, they center their program on their customizable nutrition system that helps you eat the right proportions with easy to use color-coded containers. Their three phases of body transformation, known as SSP Training (stabilization, strength, and power), will help you build the body you've been wanting - and with summer right around the corner! wink emoticon
Today we'll be giving you the in's and the out's of what the program entails and how it works! What are YOU hoping we answer today?
Check out this quick trailer of H&C with Autumn and Sagi!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nczTuL7BtE&feature=youtu.be

✨So what ARE the workouts?✨
Below is just a little summation of each workout and what to expect! I've also included a little video you can take a peek at to see a sampling of what moves you'll be doing within the H&C program!
Hammer Plyometric: A jump-training workout that uses your entire body to create force, speed, and power
ISO Speed Hammer: A tempo training workout that uses speed and isometric holds in order to give you strength and grow muscle.
Chisel Balance: A total-body workout that creates stabilization, muscular endurance, and core strength.
ISO Strength Chisel: An intense resistance workout that uses isometric holds and flexibility to increase your strength.
Total Body Hammer: A workout focused on hypertrophy with pyramid-style sets in order to maximize strength and muscle growth.
Max Hammer Strength: This workout starts with a pre-fatigued muscle, and finishes with a maximum lift in order to increase strength, power, and muscular development.
Chisel Endurance: This time-under-tension workout increases muscular endurance and strength.
Chisel Cardio: Increase heart rate, circulation, and burn a ton of calories with this cardiovascular resistance routine.
Hammer Power: Increase speed, reactive strength, and power with this intense powerlifting-inspired workout.
Hammer Conditioning: These compound movements will help you improve stability, coordination, and strength.
Chisel Agility: Improve your coordination and stabilization with this challenging cardio workout. This full-body resistance is centered around creating lean muscle and strength.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JJeL_Y-3fY&feature=youtu.be

*What does the MEAL PLAN look like?*
*Simple Eating!*
Forget about ounces, cups, and calories... When it comes to losing weight, simplicity equals success. H&C comes with seven (super cute) color-coded containers that delivers exactly the right portions every time, so you never eat too much or too little. Fill them up with as much food as you want—if it fits, you can eat it!

Color-Coded Nutrition!
Customize your eating plan for the body that YOU want; whether you want to be lean and tone, or built with muscle.
Green – Veggies
Purple – Fruits
Red – Protein
Yellow – Carbs
Blue – Healthy Fats
Orange – Seeds & Dressings
Shakeology® Shaker Cup — Beverages
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud6ozzh5snc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuBzJvyAK4A

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS - ANSWERED!
*How much weight can I expect to lose?*
SO many variables to this question! We all start off in a different place - some with more weight to lose than others, some with a faster metabolism with others, some more familiar with working out than others... I've seen weight loss of 15 pounds and I've seen 5 pound weight loss but over 10 inches! The number on the scale is only a small aspect of how Hamer & Chisel can change your body.
What more FAQ's right here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYdQ6yZUiIA

Now we are going to talk about *COSTS* because I know this is something a lot of you were curious about!
The thing I love the most about how Hammer & Chisel is set up is how AFFORDABLE it is for all that you're getting! I know before I started Beachbody I had done some other trainer workouts and had spent around $20 for a program with only 3 workouts! I was completely bored after the first week and ended up quitting. I also love that Hammer & Chisel gives you more than just the workouts! The actual exercise is only a part of what is going to help you change your body - NUTRITION is such a huge aspect and this program understands that and includes the entire nutrition system along with fitness!

There are three different package options and I'm going to lay them out below for you!
*Hammer & Chisel Essential Package*
Includes: 12 workouts (Hammer Plyometrics, ISO Speed Hammer, Total Body Hammer, Max Hammer Strength, Hammer Power, Hammer Conditioning, Chisel Balance, ISO Chisel Strength, Chisel Endurance, Chisel Cardio, Chisel Agility, Total Body Chisel and a safety video) PLUS one bonus videos (Master’s Cardio) AND the complete nutritional system (seven food containers & meal guide)
$89.95
*Hammer & Chisel Challenge Pack*
Includes: 12 workouts (Hammer Plyometrics, ISO Speed Hammer, Total Body Hammer, Max Hammer Strength, Hammer Power, Hammer Conditioning, Chisel Balance, ISO Chisel Strength, Chisel Endurance, Chisel Cardio, Chisel Agility, Total Body Chisel and a safety video) PLUS two bonus videos (10 Minute Ab Chisel & 10 Minute Ab Hammer), Complete nutritional system (seven food containers & meal guide) AND a 30-day supply of Beachbody’s superfood nutrition supplement, Shakeology, in your choice of flavor.
*This option also qualifies you for $2 super-saving shipping.
$160
*Hammer & Chisel Perfomance Pack*
Includes: 12 workouts (Hammer Plyometrics, ISO Speed Hammer, Total Body Hammer, Max Hammer Strength, Hammer Power, Hammer Conditioning, Chisel Balance, ISO Chisel Strength, Chisel Endurance, Chisel Cardio, Chisel Agility, Total Body Chisel and a safety video) PLUS two bonus videos (10 Minute Ab Chisel & 10 Minute Ab Hammer), Complete nutritional system (seven food containers & meal guide) AND a 30-day supply of Energize (pre-work out supplement) AND a 30-day supply of Recover (post-work out supplement shake).
This option also qualifies you for $2 super-saving shipping
$160

21 Day Fix approved Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato

Let me tell you...I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious this was. I was again looking for new recipes and thought..oh what the heck. I will admit, I got nervous cooking this. More steps than I am used to..LOL! Never cooked spinach before...just totally out of my comfort zone. But we survived..and it was so good!

Ingredients

• 3 medium sweet potatoes
• 3/4 pound (about 2 small) cooked shredded boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1/4 cups olive oil
• 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1 tablespoon Flavor God's Chiplote seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• couple shakes of  hymalayain salt and pink pepper
• 2 (half a 10oz bag) cups spinach
• 5 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Wash your sweet potatoes and prick all over with a fork. Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until fork tender.
3. When the sweet potatoes are done, cut them in half and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
4. In a medium size bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chipotle seasoning, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.
5. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and wilt the spinach (this can also be done in the microwave). Toss the spinach and shredded chicken together, set aside and keep warm.
6. Turn the oven up to 400 degrees. Scrape the sweet potato out of the peel, leaving a medium size layer of flesh inside with the peel so that it can stand up on its own (reserve the remaining flesh for another use later) and place in a baking dish. Brush the skins with a little of the chipotle sauce and bake for 5-10 minutes, until nice and crisp.
7. While the skins bake, mix the spinach, chicken and chipotle sauce together. Remove skins from the oven and stuff with the chicken mixture. Top with shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the skins are hot and crisp

21 Day Fix Approved Chicken Marinade

One of the easiest meals I have made. I was on the look out for another way to make my chicken...still be healthy...and of course pack the punch with flavor...

I cooked my chicken in the slow cooker along with the following ingredients:
~ a bit of Olive Oil...really didnt measure but there wasnt a ton..and not a little either..LOL!
~ 2/3 cup of apple cider vinegar
~ A few shakes of the Webber Chicago steak seasoning
Let it cook on low for a few hours and bam...had dinner.

I served with brown rice and my roasted broccoli/red onions that I love.
Super simple to make those two:
Put as much broccoli and red onion in a gallon sized bag. Add the juice of two lemons. Garlic (your preference). And a few twists of pink Himalayan salt. Cook on 400 for about 20 minutes!! The best and easy side.

Sweet Potato Bites

Undoubtedly this has become one of my favorite side dishes. And believe it or not...this is all 21 day fix approved. Just watch and think about your container portions...and bam...you have a delicious meal.
This particular meal is flank steak...side salad...and the sweet potato bites.
No more chit chat...here's the recipe:
1 medium sweet potato, cut into 1/4" rounds, about 8 potato rounds
2 tsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
1/2 blue container shredded cheddar cheese

Rub both sides of sweet potato with olive oil, lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake at 425 for 25 minutes. When potatoes are done, remove from oven, lightly sprinkle with cheese and place back in the oven until cheese in melted. When cheese is melted, remove from oven and top with:

2 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 avocado mixed with:
1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tbsp plain greek yogurt
1/2 tsp Himalayan sea salt
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 tsp Mrs. Dash jalapeño seasoning

Is Shakeology worth it and how does it compare to other Protein Drinks out there?

Is Shakeology worth it is a question that I get asked many time over and over again?

Shakeology first came out in 2009. I didn't even pay much attention to it then. Even when I did Insanity in 2011 I still didn't pay attention to it. I will admit...I laughed everytime those  infomercial came on before I worked out. I will raise my hand and admit I thought...umm yeah sure! LOL! Gotta love how things come back at ya :)

Beachbody came onto the scene and made themselves known in the health and fitness world. They are the creators of various exercise programs (Insanity...the P90 series...21 Day Fix...to name a few).

Here is what Carl Daikeler, CEO of Beachbody, has to say about Shakeology himself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O20k9i2y8HQ&feature=youtu.be

In this post on is Shakeology worth it, we’ll cover:

• What makes Shakeology different?
• Which is better, Shakeology or a meal replacement shake?
• Which is better, Shakeology or a protein shake?
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  What’s in Shakeology? – Is Shakeology worth it?

  You can’t really ask  is Shakeology worth it without first understanding what’s in this health shake

   I first started getting into fitness in the summer of 2014. Yes in years before I had done Insanity to drop the baby weight...but this time around...I focused on my nutrition. Looking back, I was always tired...eating whatever I could grab quickly...eating way too much fruits and not enough proteins. Shakeology (along with 21 Day Fix) helped me looked at my eating habits and get them into gear.

  Do I eat perfectly even today? Heck NO! I am not perfect. I love my pizza...I like lean ground beef over turkey ground beef...I enjoy candy! But Shakeology helps me fill in the gaps. Helps me have more energy to keep up with my three boys!!! I truly believe Shakeology has helped give me a new lease on life.

  But… what makes Shakeology so healthy?
  As Carl mentioned in the video above, Shakeology was not created to be cheap but instead to actually improve your health naturally and with only the best ingredients possible…
  Shakeology is worth it because it has:
  
• Protein and Amino Acids – It’ll help you build lean muscles, improve your skin, hair, and nails, support optimal brain function, improve your mood, and reduce cravings.

• Antioxidants and Super-fruits – These are important because they help reduce oxidative damage from free radicals, which lead to degenerative diseases like cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Plus, the antioxidants and super-fruits will help promote heart health and ideal blood pressure, support joint health, and keep your brain healthy.

• Phytonutrients and Super-greens – They help to alkalize your body and promote detoxification of your liver, kidneys, and blood to restore health and vitality.

• Adaptogen Herbs – Used by ancient civilizations for centuries, the Adaptogen herbs will help protect your body from stress, support the immune system, and balance your endocrine system.

• Prebiotics and Probiotics – These two are greatly needed in your diet because many of the foods we eat are so overly processed that we no longer get much nutrition from our diet. The prebiotics and probiotics will help promote regularity, support a balanced microflora environment in the intestinal tract, and improve digestion.

• Digestive Enzymes – Not much happens without this guy being involved in the digestive process. The digestive enzymes will help you break down foods and increase absorption of nutrients.
• Check out what you would need to buy in order to create a Shakeology alternative:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o602m9EKzhQ&feature=youtu.be
•  
   
  
  

  Shakeology or Meal Replacement Shake? – Is Shakeology worth it?

  
  
  People will often look at several different meal replacement shakes and see prices ranging from $15 to $50… and then ask “Is Shakeology worth it?”
  Straight out, the Shakeology price is $129.95 because of the quality of the ingredients and the 70+ ingredients from around the world…
  MealReplacementShakeReviews.com reviewed several of the most popular meal replacement shakes and found Shakeology to be the second best meal replacement shake to date.
  What made Shakeology from being the best meal replacement shake?… the Shakeology price.
  MealReplacementShakeReviews.com gave Shakeology high reviews in Taste, Hunger Blockers, and Nutrition.
  Although Shakeology is not a meal replacement shake, it does act like one because of how nutrient dense the shake is.
  However, as Carl mentioned in the video above, meal replacement shakes are often out to make a quick buck instead of providing you real quality nutrition.
  As a result, many meal replacement shakes are chemically produced to trick your body into feeling full.
  So, is Shakeology worth it or should you get a meal replacement shake instead?
  If you want to feel full and nothing else, then a meal replacement shake may be best for you.
  If you’re looking for a high quality health shake that will give you many more health benefits than a meal replacement shake, then you’ll want to order Shakeology.
  
  
  

  Shakeology or Protein Shake? – Is Shakeology worth it?

  
  ecause Shakeology is a powdered shake, it will often be compared to protein shakes and meal replacement shakes. Much like before, there are several protein shakes you could buy for as low as $10 to as much as $50. Is Shakeology worth it compared to protein shakes?
  When comparing Shakeology with protein shakes, it’s actually a very simple and quick comparison.
  If you’re doing a resistance workout and are working on building muscles, then a protein shake will be your best choice.
  Yes, Shakeology offers as much protein as a protein shake. And yes, Shakeology is made with a high quality whey protein isolate (or if it’s the Vegan Shakeology flavor, made with rice and pea protein)… But a protein shake will be better designed to support a resistance training workout.
  Personally, I use Shakeology for my breakfast and when I do P90X or another resistance workout, I make use of the Beachbody Whey Protein or the P90X Results and Recovery formula.
  

  Thoughts – Is Shakeology worth it?

  Is Shakeology worth the money?… I would have to say YES!
  Shakeology is very much worth it because it provides life changing ingredients that will benefit your health.
  
• Shakeology will help you feel full with a nutrient dense shake.
• Shakeology will improve your health from the inside out.
• Shakeology will help your body work at it’s best.

I say, stop asking “Is Shakeology worth it?” and try it for yourself.
Beachbody offers a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee… If you don’t like Shakeology, then send it back for a refund.

If you have any quesitons, please do not hesitate to reach out to me!

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