Month: December 2015

Shakeology 101

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Shakeology is a miracle in a shaker cup. I have been drinking it faithfully since April 2014 (I started a few months before my wedding) and I haven’t missed a morning since that day. To be honest, one of the main reasons I started was because I wanted a meal replacement protein shake to help me shed some pounds for my wedding gown. What I didn’t realize is that I would receive that benefit and SO MANY more!

I have a sensitive stomach which was made even worse by pre-wedding jitters. After just a few days, I could tell a huge difference in how I felt & my digestion issues literally disappeared. Don’t get me wrong, I still have those days where I feel blah but they are so few and far between that I barely notice. Now what on earth is in this “shake” that makes it so wonderful?!

Pr0biotics– healthy bacteria in the intestine, promote healthy digestion and colon function

Prebiotics– nutrients for probiotics, also shown to support the immune system (good digestion is everything!)

Digestive Enzymes– assist in breaking down food so that nutrients can be absorbed better

Proteins & Amino Acids– help to build/repair muscles, reduce cravings, support brain function & the immune system, and promote healthy skin, hair and nails.

Vitamins & Minerals- contains ALL of the essential vitamins for proper body function, help your cells make energy needed for day to day activities, and build/repair muscles & strengthen bones.

Antioxidants– protect the body from free radicals and cellular damage, support for cardiovascular health

Phytonutrients– support the immune system, promote healthy aging (what??), also helps to detoxify the body

Adaptogenic Herbs– immune system support, helps the body respond to environmental stress (think allergies!), helps increase energy while promoting a sense of calm, relaxed feelings

All of this wonderful-ness in one cup. Too good to be true? No such thing.

More information on Shakeology (including the yummy flavors) and success stories can be found through the link below.

Shakeology

Beachbody Programs

Beachbody & Shakeology

Meal Prep Tips- Mason Jar Salads

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Meal prepping is the newest fad for quick & healthy meals and guess what, it actually works. One of the biggest reasons going out to dinner or grabbing a bag of chips is so appealing is because it’s easy. If you take an extra hour or two to prepare you’re meals, you can stay on track with your healthy eating and save time during the busy week. Below I’ve included some tips for making the perfect Mason Jar Salad.

Layer in this order:

1. Salad dressings go on the bottom. Always start with the heaviest ingredients and work your way up to the light leafy greens.

2. Hard veggies- carrots, cucumbers peppers, etc.

3. Beans, grains, pasta

4. Cheese and proteins (eggs, cooked chicken)

5. Soft fruits & veggies

6. Nuts & Seeds

7. Salad greens

When you’re ready to eat, just unscrew the top and dump in a bowl to mix… ENJOY!

Tiramisu Bowl- Recipe

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Need a last minute dessert idea for a holiday party? This one is sure to be a hit… the bowl was gone in about 67 seconds after Christmas Eve dinner.

Ingredients-

  • 1 pkg Philadelphia Cream Cheese (I used the reduced fat version)
  • 3 cups skim milk
  • 2 pkg Jell-O Vanilla Flavor Sugar Free Instant Pudding
  • 1 container (8 oz) of  Cool Whip Lite Whipped Topping
  • 1 box of fat free Vanilla wafers
  • 1/2 cup brewed, cooled coffee (non-flavored, I use Maxwell)
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional- Raspberries, Strawberries & Blueberries for topping- Shaved Baker’s semi-sweet chocolate shaved  on top

Directions-

Beat cream cheese in large bowl with mixer, add in milk and dry pudding mix then beat again. Stir in 2 cups of Cool Whip. Fold in Chocolate Chips. Line 2.5 qt bowl with 30-35 wafers- drizzle with 1/4 cup coffee, Pour in pudding mixture and chocolate chips. Top with cool whip and grated chocolate. Finish with additional fruit tops… ENJOY!

 

 

 

 

Eggnog (healthy-ish version)- Recipe

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Once it was decided that we were going to have a combined Christmas Eve dinner with my family and my husband’s family, I knew I had to make something epic. What says holiday season more than Eggnog? The answer- cookies.  Eggnog is a close second. I may be part of the small population that has never even tasted Eggnog, let alone try to whip up some delicious nog last minute. The first batch I burnt to a crisp (don’t forget to WHISK continuously!),  however, after the second and third batch I was a real nog master. The only downside… smelling bourbon and brandy at 6 am in the morning. I prefer Folgers in my cup!

Ingredients-

  • 3 1/2 cup skim milk
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup of Bourbon
  • 2 tbsp Brandy

Directions-

Combine milk, condensed milk, flour, nutmeg and salt in a medium sauce pan. WHISK! Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add eggs. WHISK!! Cook for one-two minutes or until the mixture becomes a bit thick. Pour into a pitcher (bonus points if the pitcher is holiday related), add in Bourbon, Brandy and vanilla extract (admit this step for a virgin version), cover with wax paper and refrigerate over night. Garnish with nutmeg and candy cane before serving. ENJOY and Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light

Sweet Potato Casserole- Recipe

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A few months ago, I was lucky if I knew how to make boxed mac & cheese. Fast forward to present day and I am obsessed with cooking & experimenting in the kitchen! This way I have more control over what I am choosing to fuel my body with each day. I’ve searched through tons of recipes (I’m a pretty pick eater) and read reviews until my eyes were blurry to compile my favorite meals & sides. I’ve tried each and every one of these delightful dishes to take the guess work out of your meals.

Sweet Potato Casserole

I’ve made this dish for Thanksgiving and a holiday party. It was a H U G E hit. Prep time is 10 minutes- super easy to make & delicious!

Ingredients:
-2 (29 oz) cans of Sweet Potatoes
-1/4 cup butter
-2 Tbsp sugar
-2 1/2 Tbsp brown Sugar
-1 Tbsp orange juice
-2 eggs
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-1/2 cup skim milk
-pinch salt

Topping:
-3/4 cup pecans (chipped or halves)
-2/3 cup brown sugar
-1/4 cup flour
-1 tsp vanilla extra
-1/4 cup butter

Directions- Drain potatoes, add potatoes, butter, sugar, salt, brown sugar, milk, orange juice, eggs to slow cooker. Mix until smooth, In a small bowl- add toppings and fold in pecans. Spread over the top of potatoes in cooker. Cook on high for 2.5 hours or low for 4 hours. ENJOY!

 

Source: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Who am I? Great Question.

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Who am I? That’s a great question and one that I’m still trying to figure out myself. I’ve always been the token skinny, athletic girl growing up. I ride horses, live an active lifestyle and have a permanent smile on my face (most days). I could eat whatever I wanted and I never had to worry about asking for extra Blue Cheese to go along with my wings. I married my best friend in July 2014 on what could only be described as the best day of my life. Over the course of the next year, we indulged a bit too much with fancy home cooked meals, wine at dinner and going out on the town because hey we are newlyweds!

At the beginning of June 2015, I started to not feel like myself. I just was going through the motions and didn’t have much zest for life. I didn’t have an urge to get out my bikini… which is a first for me. After our family vacation, I was sitting on the couch looking at pictures and just wanted to curl up in a ball and cry. I barely recognized myself. No, I wasn’t overly obese but I didn’t look like myself. I didn’t look healthy. Lo and behold, my mom was right (do you see this mom? I said you were right!) when she said that your metabolism slows down when you get older and I won’t always be able to put my blue cheese on everything. I did what most newlyweds do when they are happy, I got too comfortable and didn’t feel like I needed to take care of myself because I already had my wonderful husband. WRONG!!!

That’s when it clicked. I have to take care of myself, so that I can take care of the others that I love. I should want to look good, not only for my husband but for me. One of my favorite quotes is “You can’t pour from an empty cup, take care of yourself first.” Soon after Armageddon aka the day I couldn’t fit in my “fat jeans”, I started the 21 Day Fix exercise and meal plan. This started my journey of being the best version of myself by completely changing my outlook on life through the way of a healthy mind & body. Stay tuned for more adventures!