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win, win, WIN!

holidayTis the season, eh! Already?! Seriously I swear it was JUST summer! But last night we had our first snow of the season! And you know what’s coming right? FOOD! Tis the season for sweets, treats and stuffing ourselves for the holidays!

Most people will gain weight over the holidays, and what’s worse is that MOST of those people will never lose the weight they gained over the next 2 months. The pounds will just keep adding up. You can promise yourself that you’ll lose it after the New Year; that’s what resolutions are for, right? But most people don’t follow through with their resolutions, and those extra pounds will be yours to keep. Bummer right?!

Well it doesn’t have to be that way. The best way to ensure that you don’t put extra weight on over the holidays is to get on track NOW and stay there! That doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the holidays and the occasional treats that come with them. But you don’t need to go on a 2 month, over-eating BENDER to enjoy yourself! The holidays can quickly turn into the season of regrets if you don’t make up your mind to do it differently this year.

Make this a season of giving, and include yourself! Give yourself the gift of health and happiness; of satisfaction and pride! Invest in yourself, and make this a holiday season you’ll feel GREAT about! My next challenge group starts the Monday after Thanksgiving. We’ll be working out, focusing on good, clean nutrition and keeping each other accountable during this challenging time of year.

And just in time for the holidays, Beachbody is giving back! When you purchase a Challenge Pack – a new fitness program PLUS Shakeology (at a discounted bundled price) – you will receive a $20 coupon! Additionally, Beachbody will make a $20 donation to Feeding America, a hunger-relief charity, on your behalf! Just $1 donated equals 9 meals for families, individuals and children who go hungry this time of year. So there you have it…win, win, WIN! You get $20, families in need get real help, and you get FIT and healthy for holidays!

So, if you’re ready to start now, instead of waiting until you’ve put on even more unwanted pounds, then fill out this APPLICATION so that I can help you get started!

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A Recipe for Making TIME!

make-Time

This is a recipe that ANYONE can and should make! You’re going to want to hang this it up, and refer to it daily, to remind yourself that you CAN make this recipe! We all have the same ingredients! You don’t need to go to the store. You won’t need ANY special tools or gadgets. You can cook it up anywhere, anytime! If you make it, you won’t regret it! After you’ve made it, you’ll feel full and satisfied! There is no other recipe that has the potential to change your life quite like this one. Are you ready?

TIME

Ingredients

  • 24 hours
  • Goals (1 or more)
  • 1 Plan
  • 1 BIG desire to change
  • 0-2 feet
  • 1 dose of creativity
  • 1 large batch of discipline
  • A dash of passion
  • A splash of positive thinking
  • 1 or more accountability partners
  • Various sized cheerleaders

 

Directions:

  1. First, leave your excuses in a drawer. You won’t need them for this recipe.no-excuses
  2. Next, take your 24 hours, and your calendar, smart phone or other scheduling device, refer to your goal(s), and set aside at least 30 minutes/day, 5 days week to be active (you can even divide into 2 – fifteen minute portions if necessary). Studies show that this amount of time is proven to be effective for weight loss and health benefits. An alarm clock is extremely useful for this step. This recipe turns out very well when made first thing in the morning, before you do anything else.
  3. Make sure you mix in enough desire to begin shaping your goals.
  4. Now, Put on 0 to 2 shoes, and move vigorously. You’ll notice the temperature rising, as well as a quickening of the heart and pride will start to bubble up from inside.
  5. Feel free to get creative with this recipe. Some variations include: stairs at work, long walks across parking lots, extra vigorous house-work, etc. Ask the kids to join you. Maybe your significant other would like to join you, too. This recipe is best when shared with others. The t.v., computer, and/or telephone can sometimes interfere with the outcome of this recipe. I suggest turning them off.
  6. Sometimes, this recipe needs a little extra attention and will require a large amount of discipline. Stay on task, don’t give up at this point. If you want to get the best results, refer back to your goals, and recommit.
  7. A little dash of passion will go a long way!
  8. Add a splash of positive thinking, and the results will amaze you! You can make this recipe…just keep telling yourself that!
  9. Do you know someone who could use this recipe, too? Share it with them, and work on it together. Before you know it, you’ll have made time, and enjoyed it too!
  10. You’ll make your friends and family members so proud, they’ll begin cheering for you to make more! And you’ll feel so amazing…that you will!

Enjoy! Makes unlimited servings for the rest of your life.

 

WHAT’S ON SALE THIS MONTH?

 

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It’s NOT Just for CHICKS, Men can do it TOO!

p90x-october

Here’s a funny story: My husband is a sucker for an infomercial! Late one night, sitting on the couch, Tony Horton’s abs and promises of a rock hard body in JUST 90 days were more than my husband could resist! And what a coincidence…his 20 year reunion was exactly 3 months away! Perfect right!?

This was back in 2009 – of course BEFORE I was a Beachbody coach – so he dialed the number, and help was on the way! Finally the package arrived!!! Joy! Bliss! He tore it open, checked out the schedule, organized the dvd’s and was ready to get his results! He did the first workout. Umm….ok…that was hard! I was invited along for the second and third workouts. Ya…it was becoming clear, that these results weren’t going to come quite as quickly and/or easily as they did in that 20 minute infomercial.

By about the 5th workout, he was done. Granted…this was a different time in his life. I am fairly certain that he could pop in any one of those workouts now and crush it! Easy Peasy!

But…I’m not going to lie…at the time… I was a little ticked off! I mean, he had just spent about $100 on this program that he used for 1 out of the prescribed 12 weeks!? I declared that someone was going to get our money’s worth out of those dvd’s…and I guessed it was going to have to be me!

I got out the schedule, hung it up where I could check it every day and was determined to do ALL 90 days…as written. I did end up needing to make a couple of modifications. For some reason, the Yoga X workout (the one that I thought would be the easiest!) actually made me sick! LOL! I did it one time all of the way through and actually felt like I would throw up; too many downward dogs for my shaky equilibrium to handle! So I just subbed in an alternate workout on those days (Core Synergistics usually). Also, I didn’t have a pull-up bar, nor was I capable of doing an actual pull-up at the time, so I used strong resistance bands, anchored over a door, and did lat-pull downs instead.

before-after-P90X-Collage

 

Yes it was hard. But I completed ALL 90 days!! And I also got in really good shape for my husband’s class reunion (probably not exactly what he had in mind! LOL!). Money well spent. This was my FIRST full 90 day Beachbody program, and I was hooked! I got amazing results, at home, with 4 kids! It can be done. I’ve completed several 90 day programs since then, because I’m a sucker for a calendar with little boxes to check off as I go! 🙂

This month P90X and P90X2 are BOTH on sale in Challenge Packs. So, if you have a reunion, party, wedding, or LIFE you’re trying to get hot for…this is your chance! You don’t have to do it alone either. If you purchase a challenge pack, you will be invited to join my November challenge/support group. These groups work so well because Fitness + Nutrition + Accountability = SUCCESS! Sometimes it’s just the support and accountability that you need to get it done. I’ll be your coach, and help you every step of the way. Promise! Next group starts Monday November 4th! Ready? Click HERE!

P90X3-Test-Group-ResultsAnd if you didn’t already know…this is all leading up to the big P90X3 coming out SOON! Check it out!

p90x3-video-splash

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’d like to be the first to know when it’s available, sign up here, and you’ll get it while it’s HOT (expected to be in HIGH demand!)

 

 

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Have You Ever Considered…?

join_the_team-youThis year has been an amazing adventure! Becoming a coach has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done! I have now worked with hundreds of people who have made health & fitness a priority in their lives and have lost more pounds and inches than I can even count! You can read some testimonials HERE.

I’ve also lost my OWN pounds and inches since becoming a coach. I am on my own fitness journey, and get to invite others along to before_after_Collage_8-13join me!

 

Have you ever considered becoming a coach? I have a few spots left in my New Coach Training! We’ll start Monday October 28 – for 30 days, in a private Facebook group where you’ll get daily training posts, videos, etc…that you can do anytime and anywhere as long as you have a smart phone or computer. As a matter of fact, this whole job can be done with your smart phone and/or computer! You can work when you have the time, and where and how you like! This is YOUR business. You are your OWN boss. I will be your mentor and teach you how to build your own successful coaching business and start earning money, while having FUN – right away!

You would be starting the business at the GREATEST possible time as we approach the holidays and New Year. People will be looking for fitness help and motivation! If you are in the US or Canada, you’re passionate about health & fitness as well as helping others, you might be a good fit! My team of coaches and I have a lot of fun working together, to find the best ways to help people start or continue their health and fitness journeys.

Maybe you just LOVE Shakeology, or any other Beachbody products/programs and would like to get a 25% discount each time you order? Anyone can sign up as a discount member coach, just for the great benefits! 🙂

FAQ

What is the earning potential? I will tell you my experience, being what I call and “average” coach. My first 6 months, I averaged $100-$500 per month. From 6 months to a year, that has doubled. With consistency and persistence, you can expect your income to continue to double every 6-12 months. 🙂

How much time will it take? I will share with you how I have been able to build my business with 1-2 hours per day of “work”. It is hard to call it “work”, because it amounts to checking Facebook, Instagram and talking to people. ALL things I LOVE to do already!  I still can’t believe I get paid to do this! I’m having way too much fun. 🙂

Do I have to be at my goal weight? Heck NO! I sure wasn’t! You are simply asking people to join you as you navigate your own health & fitness journey.

Do I have to be a health or fitness professional? Nope! You just have to be a real person, interested in helping real people, get real results with REAL solutions! I am not a personal trainer, or nutritionist. I am a former elementary school teacher, who has a passion for health, fitness and helping people.

Want to learn more? Interested? Provide your information below, and we can talk more about it. TeamBeachbodygif

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Friday Frittata!

frittataThis has turned into a recipe blog! I’ve been doing lots of cooking lately, and luckily…most of it…I LIKE! 🙂 I can never stick to any one recipe, which is how I come up with many of my own. I usually combine things I like from multiple recipes, and just hope for the best.

Today I was in the mood for eggs. But not just eggs…FANCY eggs! It seemed like a good day for a frittata! I have LOTS of different farm veggies and I’m always looking for new and different ways to use them. I’ve been thinking all week that I needed to something with all of these potatoes that I have in my pantry right now! I’m not usually a big potato eater these days…but everything in moderation. AND waste not want not, and all that!

For this recipe though, you surely wouldn’t HAVE to use potatoes…you could use anything! Broccoli would be good, or peppers, asparagus, etc…all maybe all of the above? What’s in your fridge/pantry? Get creative! 🙂 And the great thing about a frittata is that you can eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner…whatever! You can eat it cold, warm it up…whatever! You can add meat, keep it vegetarian…whatever! *I should have called this the Friday Whatever Frittata! Enjoy!

Spinach & Potato Frittata

4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 T. olive oil
  • 3 smallish potatoes (red, white, whatever!) quartered and thinly sliced.
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 roma tomato – diced
    Super excited, Costco carries these now!
    Super excited, Costco carries these now!

    frittata_stuff (3)

  • 2 T. onion- diced (whatever variety you like)
  • 1 clove garlic – minced
  • 1 t. basil (dried is fine)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 egg-whites (or the equivalent)
  • 1/3 C. milk

Directions

    1. Heat olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place potatoes in the skillet and cook about 7-10 minutes, until tender but firm. Mix in spinach, onions, tomatoes basil and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking 1 to 2 minutes, until spinach is wilted.
    2. In a medium bowl, beat together eggs, whites and milk. Pour into the skillet over the vegetables. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until eggs are firm. *You can tilt the pan every so often to make sure that the eggs on top are getting cooked-through.frittata_stuff (2)

 

Nutritional Information

per serving

Calories: 202

Protein: 12 grams

Carbohydrates: 22 grams

 

 

 

 

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Pumpkin Turkey Chili

My kids looked into the pot and declared: “Mom…it looks like dog poop!” But I assure you, it tasted delicious! So fall-y and pumpkin-y…perfect for a chilly weekend, or anytime you want your kids to compliment your culinary skills! :/

Pumpkin Turkey Chilipumpkin_turkey_chili

Ingredients:

  • 1 T. olive oil
  • 1 onion – diced
  • 2 bell peppers – chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves – minced
  • 1-1.25 pounds lean ground turkey
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz. cans)
  • 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz.)
  • 1 1/2 C. broth (veggie or chicken) – separated
  • 1 can black beans
  • 3 T. chili powder
  • 1 t. paprika
  • 3/4 t. cumin
  • 1/4 t. chipotle chili powder (or cayenne)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat oil in a large pot/dutch oven. Add onions, garlic and peppers. Cook until onions become translucent (about 4-5 minutes), add ground turkey and cook until evenly browned. Drain excess fat (if any). Add tomatoes, pumpkin and 1 C. of the broth (reserve the rest to adjust the consistency as desired).  Add spices, salt and pepper. Simmer over low-medium heat for apx. 20 minutes using the extra broth as needed.

Nutrition Facts

Calories – 176, Protein – 17 g., Carbohydrates – 16 g.

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Pumpkin Granola

pumpkin granola

I was busy in my kitchen yesterday! Sometimes, I just get in the mood to put on an apron and go to town! I made whole wheat grandmas_apronpizza dough for family pizza night and while the dough was rising, I decided to make some homemade pumpkin granola. It turned out REALLY well, and even the kids give it a thumbs up! You can just pour a little milk on it and eat it like you would cereal, or you can sprinkle some on top of your Greek yogurt, maybe add some fresh fruit? I enjoyed popping it into my mouth by the handful – just making sure it was edible…you know! It’s just part of the job. 🙂

Pumpkin Granola

makes 25 servings

Ingredients:

  • 5 C. old-fashioned oats
  • 3/4 C. quinoa
  • 1 t. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 t. cinnamon
  • 1/4 t. nutmeg
  • 3/4 t. sea salt
  • 1/4 C. honey
  • 1/2 C. pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 C. applesauce
  • 1/2 C. 100% pure maple syrup
  • 1 t. vanilla extract
  • 3/4 C. dried cranberries (or any combo of dried fruits)
  • 1/2 C. pepitas (or any combo of chopped nuts/seeds)

Directions:granola_pan

1. Preheat the oven to 325°. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and set aside.

2. In a large bowl combine oats, quinoa, spices and salt. Mix well.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, pumpkin, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and toss together until evenly coated. Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet.

4. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the pan and stir the mixture. Bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the granola is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven. Stir in the cranberries and pepitas. Let the mixture cool completely before storing in an air-tight container.

granola_yogurt

Nutrition

Per 1/3 C. serving

140 calories, 4 g. protein, 26 g. carbs

 

 

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Stuffed Pepper Soup

3-peppersI’m still getting a zillion peppers from our CSA farm and trying to come up with different ways to use them ALL!

Step 1 – Share some with my neighbor!

Step 2 – Search the internet for recipes to start with and then change to match the contents of my fridge and pantry! Which brings us to last week’s creation:

Stuffed Pepper Soup – with lean ground turkey and quinoa (or brown rice)

Ingredients:stuffed_pepper_soup
  • 3 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 T. olive oil
  • 1 – 1.25 pounds of lean ground turkey
  • 3 bell peppers (any color will do!) – chopped
  • 1 med. onion – diced
  • 3 cloves garlic – minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 2-3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 T. chili powder
  • 1/4 t. cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 t. marjoram
  • salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Directions:

In a large pot, over medium heat, add olive oil, onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Add turkey and cook through. Drain fat, if any. Add peppers and cook about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, 2 cups of chicken broth, paprika, chili powder, cayenne, marjoram, salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, adjusting consistency with reserved 1 C. of broth as needed.  Serve with 1/2 cup of quinoa or brown rice.

Makes about 8 servings

Nutritional Information:
  • WITH quinoa/rice – 241 calories, 17 g. protein, 32 g. carbs
  • without quinoa – 131 calories, 13 g. protein, 12 g. carbs

21 Day Fix containers: 1 red 1 yellow 1 green

 

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Free Shakeology?

Sept_challengeOne year ago, I took the plunge! The Shakeology plunge! I was SO curious about all of the hype, that I finally decided that I needed to try it for myself. I’m not going to lie though…I was skeptical! I was making my own shakes every day, and doubted that it would be that much better or different from what I was already doing.

Well, I was so pleasantly surprised, that I can’t imagine a day without it now. I feel so much more energy, less bloated, less cravings and haven’t been sick ONE time since I started drinking it just over a year ago! My husband was a doubter, too…and now he loves it! My kids come running every time they hear me fire up my blender. We’re all hooked!

So if you’ve been wanting to try Shakeology, but are worried about the cost, check out the deal this month! You can get 2 popular Shaun T programs. You know Shaun T? Focus T25, Insanity, Asylum? Ring a bell? Well before all of that, he did Hip Hop Abs and Rockin’ Body. People love these programs because they’re fun. This month you can get the challenge pack for $140. You’ll get BOTH of the exercise programs AND Shakeology, which normally costs $129 plus shipping by itself!!! So you’re kinda getting it for free!

Check out this quick video preview of the programs that are included:

Ready to get started?! You can order HERE!

On top of that, any time you opt for a challenge pack, you are automatically invited to join my FREE 30 day, on-line support group. You’ll get the support and accountability you’ll need to get started on your new programs, and start getting results!

Have you been wanting to try Shakeology, but feel like you can’t justify the cost? It will cost you about $4.00/day. When you consider that you are replacing a meal with it – it’s less than a ‘value meal’ would cost you. And SO much more nutritious! For the price of that value meal, you’ll get the healthiest meal of your day! You won’t likely need that fancy Starbucks drink to keep you going throughout the day either. Not to mention that the money you invest in your daily health NOW will prevent you from needing to spend money on health care later! I haven’t needed a single over-the-counter medication or prescription antibiotic this year! That’s REAL savings! For me, and our family, it’s totally worth every penny!

What’s in it?

Shakeology contains over 70 ultra high-quality ingredients conveniently located in one glass, to deliver nearly all the nutrients you need to maintain a healthy diet. It’s good for you—and good for everyone—because everyone’s diet is deficient in some of the key nutrient groups packed into just one Shakeology serving.

  • Protein from whey, which is highly absorbable, gives you 8 essential amino acids that help you build muscle, lose weight, support brain function, and keep your skin and bones healthy.
  • Vitamins and minerals support optimum health.
  • Antioxidants boost the immune system and help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, blood pressure, and stroke.
  • Phytonutrients support immune function and have anti-inflammatory properties. Many phytonutrients have antioxidant properties as well.
  • Prebiotics support digestive and immune health.
  • Digestive enzymes help in the digestion of foods and increase the absorption rate of those foods for optimum health.

Want to save even more money? If you sign up as a coach, you can save 25% on your monthly Shakeology. You don’t need to do anything else! If you’re not interested in coaching, FINE! Enjoy the discounts off ALL Beachbody products and programs. If you’re interested in covering the cost of your Shakeology each month and then some, I can teach you how to build your own successful business. SO MANY OPTIONS!

Want to learn more about being a coach? Provide your information below, and I can answer all of your questions.

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Can’t Stop Stuffing Veggies!

zucchini_stuff (1)

I’m at it again, stuffing stuff! I made these stuffed zucchini last week and they were delicious and totally blog-worthy! I use the term “zucchini” loosely, however. This is actually just a summer squash variety, I can’t seem to remember the exact name, that I got from our CSA. These were good-sized squash that I used, so you’ll need to adjust accordingly, depending on the sizes you’re using for this recipe. We really enjoyed these though! I hope you will, too.

Turkey Stuffed Zucchini

4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 large zucchini or 4 medium zucchini
  • ½ small onion – diced
  • 3 cloves garlic – minced
  • 1 C. + 2 T chicken broth (separated)
  • 1.3 lb 93% lean ground turkey (go leaner if you like!)
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/3 C. grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 t. paprika
  • 1t. basil
  • 1 t. oregano
  • ¼ t. cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:zucchini_stuff (2)

Preheat oven to 400°. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove seeds and flesh leaving about ¼ – ½ inch thickness around. Arrange in a baking dish. Chop the flesh into small pieces.

In a large sauté pan, cook ground turkey over medium heat. Drain fat (if any) and add onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add chopped zucchini and the 2T. of chicken broth. Add paprika, basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Cook another 2-3 minutes.

zucchini_stuff (3)Remove mixture to a large bowl and let sit until it begins to cool. Once cooled – add parmesan and egg white. Toss well. Using a spoon or measuring cup, fill the hollowed zucchinis with the meat stuffing, pressing firmly. Pour the remaining 1 C. of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 minutes.

Nutritional Info per serving:

220 calories, 30 g. protein, 6 g. carbs

 

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