This MIGHT be for YOU!

So, if you read my last post…then continue on now. If not, I’ll give you a minute to go and check it out….

….OK, Now, you’ve seen my before and after pictures. The first picture was taken in August 2012, just a few weeks before I decided to go for it as a Beachbody coach. And the second picture is me now, in February 2013, having too much fun to even call my job ‘work’. I’m 5 months in as a coach now, getting in the best shape of my entire life and getting paid on top of it! I get to pay it forward too, and help other people who are on their own journeys. I get to share health and fitness with my friends and family, which has been so fun and rewarding! It wasn’t a step I was totally sure about taking at first. I had some doubts and reservations, but after the first step, I started sprinting! And I haven’t looked back or regretted it for one minute.

If you enjoy helping others…If you like the idea of getting paid to get fit…If you LOVE the idea of being able to work from home, be your own boss and set your own hours…If you would enjoy earning some extra income WHILE helping to end the trend of obesity…than you should check it out!

If you’ve ever considered coaching, or just want to hear more, I’m doing a quick webinar tomorrow night @9:00 EST. It should only last about 30 minutes. I’ll tell my story, and explain a little bit more about what coaching is, and what I do, and how you might enjoy it, too! You can register here: http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=E953DE8587473D

“See” you then! 🙂

February 6, 2013

My Journey Out of the Rut

Before & After I decided to be a Beachbody coach

Five months ago, I didn’t know a lot of things. I didn’t know what Instagram was. I didn’t know that I was stuck in a rut. I didn’t know that I had 20 pounds to lose. I didn’t know that I was capable of getting a group of friends or family members together that wanted to get fitter and healthier. I didn’t know that I could be a more confident person. In September, I took a step that changed all that! That was then…

This is NOW…

I became a Beachbody coach. Now, I not only know what Instagram is, I have followers: over 400 people who are interested in the pictures I take and the things I have to say! Who knew? I had Instagram on my phone in the past, but I just thought it was a nifty picture-taking app. I had no idea that it was a social network! I like it quite a bit! I am a very visual person, so I like seeing what other people post. I get good, practical ideas about health and fitness, and other topics. But it’s so much more than that! I like to follow other people who are on their own health and fitness journeys. It’s kinda fun! You can follow me @AngieinProgress! I’ll follow you back. 🙂

Except for 4 pregnancies with mandatory bedrest, I have worked out, almost every day, for YEARS! BUT…I used to do pretty much the same workouts, the same way. I was in a rut. My body wasn’t changing, and I was complacent about it. I thought that was the best I could do. I even KNEW that the body adapts and stops responding after about 30 days of the same exercise routine, but for some reason…I didn’t change what I was doing. Then, I became a coach, and in the interest of “being a product of the product” I decided to give Turbo Fire and ChaLEAN Extreme a 90 day try. I did a hybrid of the two programs. What fun! I started looking forward to my workouts, instead of feeling obligated to do them. My body started responding a very positive way. My workouts were different! And every 30 days, by design, the workouts changed a little, and my body responded again. It was like magic! I dropped 16 pounds and 14 inches in those 90 days! I was shocked and THRILLED, and out of my rut! I like it better out here. 🙂

Since then, I switched up my routine yet again. Now I’m doing a program called Les Mills Pump that I am really enjoying! Again…my body is changing and I’ve lost another 4 pounds! Now here’s the thing…I had no idea that I had 20 pounds to lose 4 months ago. I would have been happy with 10 actually! But just last night my husband said the nicest thing to me: “Ang, you are in the best shape of your life! You look amazing!” WOWZA! This coming from a man who has known me since I was 15. So I’ll take it. 🙂

The biggest perk of my new job is that I get to work with groups of other people who are trying to get fit and healthy, too! I get to tell them that they can do it, too! Health and fitness is for everyone who wants it. You’re going to have to work for it, it’s not always going to be easy, but if you want it…it’s yours for the taking. And the rewards are worth it! You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who regretted the decision to get fit and healthy. I’ve had groups with my closest friends in life, my family members, and people I’ve never met in ‘real’ life, but have been motivated by something I posted on social media to make a change. I love that! These challenge groups are so fulfilling for me. I love reading about the successes that participants are having. It is so rewarding to see them overcome obstacles and get results! I feel so grateful to be part of the process. Now I’m sharing the coaching opportunity with other people who are interested in additional accountability for themselves to continue on their journey to health and fitness, while paying it forward to other people. AND the additional income isn’t bad either! This does not seem like work to me! I look forward to it EVERY day!

I have a more confidence now than I’ve ever had before. I’m letting go some of the negative body images I’ve had in the past. I don’t focus on the ‘flaws’ that used to jump out at me every time I looked into a mirror. I’m not saying that I’m cured 100% from my self-consciousness…I don’t know if anyone ever could be, but it’s a million times better! I used to run from anyone holding a camera. I HATED having my picture taken! My flaws seemed magnified through a camera lens somehow. Now, you just have to look at my Facebook page to know that I don’t have a big problem with that anymore. But if you had told me 5 months ago that not only would I have a new profile picture, but even more pictures of myself available for the world to see, I’d never have believed you. In four short months, I’m healthier, happier, confident-er and fulfilled-er than I was when I was down in my rut.

If you’re in a rut, personally or professionally…I encourage you to come on out! Take a risk. Leave your comfort zone. Be the change you want to see. Start today.

Interested in joining a Challenge group? Click on “30 Day Challenge” at the top of this page. Interested in coaching? Click the “What is Coaching” link at the top of this page or fill in the form below to receive more information.

January 31, 2013February 4, 2018

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Perfect for the Superbowl or ANY time! This is a family favorite recipe! And since they’re baked, I don’t mind making them! I make lots of extra so that we have leftovers for wraps and salads, too!

baked_buf_tenders

Looking for some healthier food options to bring to a Superbowl party, or serve up to your team at home? These are SO good! I’ve made them this way for several years of Superbowls, and they’re ALWAYS a crowd-pleaser! You won’t miss the grease OR the bones! 🙂

BAKED Buffalo Chicken Tenders

8 servings (adjust accordingly)

½ C. all-purpose flour

¼ t. paprika

¼ t. salt (or seasoned salt)

¼ t. cayenne pepper

¼ t. onion powder

¼ t. garlic powder

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips/tenders

Cooking spray

Hot sauce (Frank’s or your favorite brand)

1 dash ground black pepper

1 dash garlic powder

Blue Cheese Dip
¼ cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 Tbsp. crumbled blue cheese

Directions

In a large Ziploc bag mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, garlic and onion powder. Place chicken strips into the bag, a few at a time and shake until they are evenly coated. Repeat with remaining strips. Place coated chicken into a non-porous, glass dish. Cover and refrigerate for 60 to 90 minutes. *Do NOT skip this step!

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray large baking sheet with cooking spray, place chicken on the pan and spray the chicken until evenly coated. Bake the coated chicken for 30-40 minutes, (turning once) or until parts of the tenders begin to turn brown. Meanwhile, warm the hot sauce, pepper and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir together and heat until mixture is warm. Remove from heat and reserve for serving.

*For extra crisping, you can broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes at the end. Remove from oven, place baked tenders in serving bowl, add hot sauce mixture and stir together. Serve with celery and carrot sticks and a the blue cheese dip.

Nutritional info per serving (2-3 tenders)

Container equivalents: 1 RED and 1 tsp.

Calories: 158, Protein: 26 g.

Enjoy!

The Portion Fix container system has helped so many people SEE what proper nutrition and portion sizes look like. Planning is easy: if it fits in the container, you can eat it! 🙂 When combined with daily exercise, my customers who follow this plan lose up to 3-5 pounds per week. And you’re eating clean, whole foods, which keeps you full longer!

What’s on SALE this month?

Try my online workout library for FREE!

LEARN MORE!

If you are looking for daily support, and motivation…my customers have access to my private accountability groups as well as 24/7 support and guidance from me. Apply below and I will help you pick a program that will help you reach your goals!

January 23, 2013January 19, 2017

Salad Dressing with your Pancakes?

Alright, these are the two recipes that people are asking me about lately, so I wanted to get them both here for you. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend pairing them together…but that’s up to you. 🙂

These protein pancakes are my new love. They are so tasty, and filling and adaptable. You could even make a savory pancake with the right ingredients and toppings. The recipe below is the basic recipe I’ve been using, but play around with it and let me know if you come up with some good combinations!

Protein Pancakes (Sound weird, taste delicious)
Makes 1-2 servings (depends on how hungry you are and IF you like sharing)
1/2 C. Oats (regular or quick)
1/2 C. egg substitute (or 2 eggs)
1/2 C. cottage cheese (stay with me)
1/2 t. baking powder

Instructions: Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender. Blend until completely combined and smooth. Let sit for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet to medium heat. Add batter to the pan (you should get 4-5 regular-sized pancakes). Cook until bubbles form. Flip and cook and 2-3 minutes until done. Serve with fruit, berries, real maple syrup, low-sugar preserves, etc.

Nutritional facts: 297 calories & 32 grams of protein (if you eat them all yourself).

Ideas: Shred some apple into the mixture before blending and sprinkle in some cinnamon. Yum! Add some berries to the mix, it’ll be pretty and tasty (or pretty tasty)! Chia seeds would be an excellent, nutritious add-in! How about some different extracts: vanilla, almond, lemon, cherry, etc. You could even add in some natural almond/peanut butter, sprinkle a little shaved dark chocolate on top! Oh BOY the possibilities are endless! And I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

Ok, on to the Salad dressing. I have found that when I make my own salad dressing, there is a very basic formula that seems to work well for every time. You could make multiply this recipe and store extra servings in the fridge for the week, but I have found that it’s so quick and easy to do, that I just make it as needed. 🙂

Basic Salad Dressing Formula

1 T. acid + 2 t. oil + 1/2 t. thickener + seasonings = Yum!

Acids: vinegar, citrus juices

Oil: I really only use extra virgin olive oil for my dressings, but you could probably play around with that a bit.

Thickeners: Dijon mustard, honey, greek yogurt, etc.

Seasonings: ALWAYS salt & pepper (they make the world go ’round!), often minced garlic, oregano, basil, (whatever you like)…

Examples:

Balsamic Vinaigrette

1 T. Balsamic vinegar, 2 t. olive oil, 1/2 t. Dijon mustard, 1 clove minced garlic, S & P

Greek Dressing

1 T. lemon juice, 2 t. olive oil, 1/2-1 t. greek yogurt, 1/2 t. juice from beets (pretty), 1/2 Stevia packet (or honey), 1 minced garlic clove, salt, pepper and dash of oregano

Honey Lime Dressing

* Good for a Tex/Mex salad!

1 T. lime juice, 2 t. olive oil, 1/2 t. honey, 1 clove minced garlic, salt, pepper, dash of cayenne (BAM!)

Similar to the pancake recipe above, there is a lot of room for experimentation here. Have fun and know you are saving a TON of cash and a zillion calories by making your own! Plus…it’s FUN! 😀

What’s on SALE this month?

Upcoming Groups

January 18, 2013

Groundhog Day – Virtual 5K!

Interested in doing a 5K? Grab a friend, spouse, neighbor, significant other, dog, stranger, etc…and hit the road, the sidewalk, the treadmill…WHATEVER! This is your 5K to run, walk, skip, hop, crawl ANYWAY you like! *You get the idea, right?!

You’ve got about 2 weeks to train, recruit, and plan for the big event. Map out a 3.1 mile course, dust off your treadmill, or find a local track…and lace up your shoes!

On Saturday February 2, at 10:00 a.m., we’ll all do our own personal 5K’s, however, wherever and with whomever we choose! We’ll then report back with our results and celebrate all of our personal victories! Whether it’s your first or fiftieth 5K, it’s your race to win! Put it on your calendar and start training!

Sign up below to receive additional information, training tips and instructions! Pass it on, and make it an event to share!

January 16, 2013

Oodles of Zoodles!

Ok, I’m going to try really hard to remember how I made this fun dish! I went into it with just my ingredients and a fun new kitchen gadget! And the result was tasty and totally repeatable! Husband and kids raved!

Zoodles with Turkey Sausage & Peppers (makes apx. 6 servings)

Ingredients:

I pkg. sweet Italian turkey sausage, casings removed

3-5 medium zucchinis (Cut into spirals or julienne strips with whatever nifty gadget you like)

1 T. olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ red onion, quartered

2 bell peppers, cut into chunks

1 can diced tomatoes

1 T. dried basil (fresh would be awesome!)

1 t. oregano

¼ t. red pepper flakes (or to taste)

2 cups (or big hand-fuls) baby spinach

2 T. balsamic vinegar

Grated or shredded parmesan

Directions: Cook up the sausage in a big pan/skillet until browned. Remove from pan, reserve. Put 1 T. olive oil and minced garlic in the pan. After 2-3 minutes, add the onion and peppers and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add in the can of tomatoes, basil , oregano, pepper flakes and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Mix in balsamic vinegar and spinach, and then add the sausage back into the mixture. At this point, you can warm up your zoodles in a pan with a little olive oil or broth, OR you can just use them as-is. (*I heated mine for a couple of minutes) Serve the Turkey mixture over a bed of “zoodles”, top with a little parmesan.

Delicious!

Oh…this is the food slicer that I am using and LOVING! Check it out!

January 13, 2013

It!

Do you have IT? Do you want IT? What is IT?

IT is what pushes you, what drives you forward. IT is different for you than it is for me. There are no words for IT. IT just is. IT comes and goes throughout your life. IT changes from time to time. You can lose IT, but you can also find IT again. IT might not be where you thought it was and IT might not look the same as it used to, but IT is always there. IT can feel like a fire in your belly. IT can look like confidence and success.

So what the heck am I talking about? It’s so hard to explain, because it’s an abstract idea. There is just something, that makes people who they are. There is something that creates drive and passion in all of us. If you can harness this ‘something’, it can take you anywhere! I mean that! It is what turns your “I wonder if’s…” into “I can’s…” and “I did’s”!

You have to find it and believe in it, with all of your heart. You need to feel it and give legs to it! What do I mean by ‘legs’? Put it in motion. Apply it to your goals, your desires, your passions, your “I wonder if’s”. Make a plan, and GO!

I know there have been times in my life when I had lost it and life keeps moving. But without IT…you become a passenger, rather than a driver. Be a driver! When you have it, or rediscover it, or find it…you are in control of where you’re going! And you can go anywhere if you believe in IT! Set your mind to IT and JUST do IT!

You can see when someone has IT! They know they can, they can feel IT. IT changes how they approach each new day, and IT takes them exactly where they want to go. You can see their determination and their belief in themselves. They are taking IT to the next level. And they know that there is no limit to where IT can take them. I have participants in my challenge groups that have IT! I am inspired by them every day, and I’m sure that anyone who comes into contact with them is inspired, too. You can’t help but be inspired by someone who has IT. IT is a magical and sometimes contagious thing. You can catch IT!

Here’s the kicker though. I can’t tell you what IT is. Only you know. IT is SO much and SO little. IT is everything, and the ONE thing! Make sense? 😉

Do you have IT? I highly recommend IT! IT can change your life. 🙂

*Offer: If you have IT, and want to take IT to the next level OR, if you want IT and need IT, than consider joining my next 30 day challenge and put IT to the test! Click “30 Day Challenge” at the top of this page for more information.

January 10, 2013

White Chicken Chili, a Family-Pleaser!

This is SO tasty. The kids liked it as is, but you could spice it up a little more by adding some diced jalapenos, and/or a little more cayenne pepper. This is very satisfying and very healthy. Each serving will be about 285 calories. Makes about 6 servings. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chile peppers

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (or to taste)

2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked & diced)

3 (15 ounce) cans white beans

DIRECTIONS:

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Slowly cook and stir the onion until tender. Mix in the garlic, green chile peppers, cumin, oregano and cayenne. Continue to cook and stir the mixture until tender, about 3 minutes. Mix in the chicken broth, chicken and 2 cans of the white beans. Puree the 3rd can of beans with a little of the broth from the chili. Add to the rest of the ingredients in the pot. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the mixture from heat. Optional: Before serving, top w/diced avocado, light sour cream, reduced fat cheese, cilantro, etc…

For the salad: I made a tossed salad with a Honey Lime Vinaigrette Dressing.

Salad for 3-4

1 T. olive oil

juice of 1 lime

1 t. honey

1 crushed garlic clove

salt and pepper to taste

Wisk, toss and enjoy!

January 4, 2013

Groundhog Day – Virtual 5K!

You’ve got 4 weeks to train, recruit, and plan for the big event. Map out a 3.1 mile course, dust off your treadmill, or find a local track…and lace up your shoes!

Sign up below to receive additional information, training tips and instructions! Pass it on, and make it an event to share!

January 3, 2013

Try This! Kale Quinoa Salad

I made this salad today for lunch, and it was SO good! I highly recommend that you try it. Even my six year old couldn’t resist the yummy smells coming out of the kitchen, and enjoyed a bowl of the finished product with her lunch. Not sure you like quinoa? Do you like rice? I think it really has the same texture as rice, but it’s so much more nutritious, and high in protein, too! BONUS! Not sure you like kale? I found a giant bag of ‘baby’ kale at Costco, and it’s much more tender and mild. Good for adding to salads, or sautes…quite nice.

Anyway, back to my salad. It’s a New Year! If you’re working on a New You…then you’ll want to incorporate some New Foods! 😀

Kale & Quinoa Salad (makes 6 servings)

2 Cups of water

1 Cup of quinoa

6-8 loosely-packed cups of kale

2 Tablespoons olive oil

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1 garlic clove (minced)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3/4 C. Almond pieces or slivers

3/4 C. dried cranberries

1/2 C. reduced fat feta cheese

Directions

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir quinoa into the boiling water, reduce heat to medium-low, place cover on the saucepan, and cook until water absorbs into the quinoa, about 15 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Remove cover and allow quinoa to cool completely.
Put kale in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, pepper, and salt together in a bowl until oil emulsifies into the mixture; drizzle over kale. Add cooled quinoa, almonds, cranberries, and feta cheese to the dressed kale and toss to incorporate.

Nutritional Information: 297 calories, 12 g. fat, 11 g. protein per serving

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