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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Healthy Holiday Treats

If there is one thing that can drive me a little nuts...it's just all the sugar that comes into the house around the holidays. Luckily the boys aren't too obsessed with it..I might get them one small bag of their favorite candy but look forward to other treats. For easter I usually try to put one toy the've been wanting (has to be under $15) and a book. I dont go crazy with the candy. This year one will get  a small tube of skittles, another a small tube of m and m, and lastly one will get a bag of sour patch gummies. I'm all for moderation...just not going overboard. Even St. Patrick's day people can get carried away with the Lucky Charms.
Here are some yummy snacks to get you and your little ones through the spring holidays...healthy.

Rainbow Fruit Cups:

Vanilla Yogurt
Strawberries
Oranges
Bananas
Kiwi
Blueberries
Red grapes

Simply fill the bottom of clear plastic cups with a little vanilla yogurt. This creates the clouds at the bottom of the rainbow. Next, fill the cup with the chopped fruit a layer at a time to create a rainbow. Grab a spoon and enjoy!

Shamrock Pudding

2 Ripe avocados 2 ripe bananas
1 t vanilla extract
2 T honey
Blend all ingredients together in a food processor or high-powered blender.

Easter Egg Pops

1 pound frozen fruit of choice2 Cups coconut milk
Lollipop sticks
Easter eggs with the small holes in the bottom
Food syringe

Blend ingredients together.
Fill eggs with fruit blend about ¾ full through the hole.
Push sticks through hole and freeze 3 hours.

Spaghetti Nests

Now this is one that I thought was soo cute...but I know my kids...they would not go for this. LOL!!! They like their food just looking normal. hahaha! But it was too cute not to share.

sweet potatoe, corn, and black bean enchiladas

I am a SUCKER for all things Mexican! I see a new recipe and I either screen shot it...save it on pinterest...or write it down.
This one was WAY out of my element!! I had never thought about this combination...but was blown away by how delicious this was!!!

 I am also a sucker for Trader Joe's (or Trader Jose's for this recipe!!). I used their products to make this meal for us!

Ingredients:

1 large/extra large sweet potato, cooked, peeled, and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup corn and black bean salsa (I used Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar Salsa, use your favorite salsa; or use cooked and seasoned corn and beans)
2 to 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese, divided (I used a Mexican blend; use vegan cheese to keep vegan)
2 cups red enchilada sauce, divided (I used Trader Joe's; use storebought or homemade)
6 to 8 yellow or white corn tortilla shells
finely diced red peppers or tomatoes, optional for garnishing
cilatntro, optional for garnishing

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F and spray an 8x10-inch baking dish or similar with cooking spray; set aside.
2. Place a scrubbed and fork-pierced sweet potato in the microwave and cook on high power for about 10 minutes, or until done and fork tender. Potato can be cooked in the oven at 400F for about 45 to 60 minutes if preferred.
3. Remove potato from microwave, slice lengthwise, and the skin should slip off easily; discard skin.
4. Dice potato into 1/2-inch cubes and place cubes into a large bowl.
5. To the bowl, add the salsa, about 1 1/2 cups cheese (measure it loosely packed in the cup), and gently stir to combine; set filling aside.
6. Evenly add about 1 cup enchilada sauce to the bottom of the prepared baking dish; set aside.
7. Place about 1/3 cup filling in a tortilla shell, roll up, and place seam side down in prepared dish; repeat with additional shells until all filling mixture is gone.
8. Evenly pour remaining 1 cup enchilada sauce over the enchiladas.
9. Evenly top with remaining 1 cup cheese.
10. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Optionally garnish with red peppers, cilantro, and serve immediately. Enchiladas are best warm and fresh, but will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Happy Pancake Day!!!!

Today is national pancake day and to celebrate I thought I'd share some of my favorite HEALTHY pancake recipes!!

 First off is a chocolate shakeology based pancake:

• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup oats
• 2 tbsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• 1 scoop chocolate Shakeology
• Just blend all ingredients into the blender and pour into an oiled pan...just like making a regular pancake. I like to spread peanut butter on top!!!

 Next is a vanilla based pancake:

• 1/2 banana
• 3 egg whites (or 2 whole eggs)
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use Vanilla Shakeology)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Just the same as chocolate, blend it all in the blender and pour into a oiled pan and cook!!!

Above is a recipe for those of you who do not use a protein powder. These ones are super yummy too!!!

However you decide to celebrate pancake day.......Enjoy!

21 Day fix and fast food restaurants

I often get asked about how to eat while out on the go. In a perfect world you might have meal planned for being out and brought stuff with you to eat...but let's face it...life happens and you are on the go longer than you thought or your kids beg you for fast food...
Whatever the case might be...you are faced with fast food restaurants all the time.
Here is a little guide to help you while out and about in this crazy thing called life.

Chick Fil A is a family favorite over here. The boys do so well eating here and the play area is a great way to let them run around and run off steam.
Here are some fix approved options:
1.5RGGB.5P Cobb Salad: Chicken Nuggets (ask for grilled instead of breaded) (1R), lettuce and baby greens topped with red cabbage, carrots, & roasted corn kernels (2G), cheese (1B), crumbled bacon (negligible), diced eggs (.5R) and grape tomatoes (.5P). Order without dressing.
RGGBBPY This is an example of how even healthier options can add up. Order this with caution –> Grilled Market Salad: Grilled chicken (1R), lettuce and baby greens with red cabbage and carrots (2G), blue cheese (1B) and red and green apples, strawberries and blueberries (1P) Optional: Granola (1Y), Roasted Nut Blend (includes sugar) (1B). Order without dressing.
PP Chick-Fil-A Fruit Cup: (made fresh daily, a perfect snack) Mandarin orange segments, strawberries, blueberries, and red and green apple pieces (2P).
G Y Treat Swap Superfood Side Salad: Chopped Broccolini and kale blend (1G), topped with flavorful dried sour cherries and Roasted Nuts (both include sugar, so this counts as a treat swap).
1.5GB Side Salad: Lettuce topped with red cabbage and carrots (1.5G), cheese (1B), and grape tomatoes (included in earlier green containers)
R Grilled Chicken Nuggets, kid’s portion (perfect addition to the side salad)

Austin will beg and plead for a happy meal. I dont know if it's more for the toy or the meal. This is a once month treat (if even that...usually when mommy goes out with her friends...). You have really slim pickings when you eat here on the run.
BGGG.5YR Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken, no tortilla strips or cilantro lime glaze. Lime, cheese (1B), Southwest Vegetable Blend (corn, black beans, tomato, poblano pepper, lime juice, cilantro) 1G, .5Y, grilled chicken (1R), lettuce, spinach, baby kale (2G).
GO Side Salad (order no dressing or lowfat dressing for 1O) Tomatoes, lettuce (1G)

I miss my Publix subs since we moved to Ohio...LOL~!! But here is super easy...ask for the sub to be made into a salad.
If you do have the flatbread, it counts as 2Y

 Ask for your order “Fresco,” which means that the cheese and sour cream is replaced with pico de gallo.
RYG Chicken Soft Taco Soft taco shell (1Y), lettuce (1G), and chicken (1R). If you’re looking for some extra protein, you can order the taco with double the chicken.
RYG Grilled Steak Soft Taco Soft taco shell (1Y), lettuce (1G), and grilled steak (1R). Same as above–If you’re looking for some extra protein, you can order the taco with double the steak.

A few other tips

• Don’t be embarrassed to bring your containers in to a restaurant (if you need another set, you can order them on Amazon).
• If you have to eyeball a portion, make it easier by using a picture. Fill each of the containers up and empty it into your hand, then take a picture. Now you know about how much each container is, and you can quickly look at your phone to make an educated decision about how much to eat.
• Order foods free of everything–dressing, mayo, sauces, put it all on the side.
• Swap fries for fruit. You can always steal one or two from your kids, just don’t order your own, or you’ll eat it!
• These are educated guesses that I’ve made after researching the menus and restaurants. There are no 21 Day Fix friendly fast food restaurants. This guide is for when you’re out of other options but still want to do your best.
• If you have to have mustard, bring your own! The options at fast food restaurants have tons of added ingredients.
• Give yourself a break–but don’t sabotage your success by eating #allthefrenchfries