Grain Free Recipe Reviews

Hey all!

Is it just me or is everyone going a million miles a minute? I love this time of year and we are doing so many fun things but it never seems to slow down!

My family is continuing on in our gluten free journey.  However, it appears that we are going more grain free than gluten free.  And after a friend shared some articles, I feel even more confident in this decision for our family.  {If you are interested in reading the articles, I posted the link to my Facebook page so you can check them out there}

Many dinners I make are already grain free.  And honestly, eating a grain free meal can be as simple as we want.  But I also know my family, and myself, like some variety, so I have been trying out some great recipes! In the midst of the busyness, I haven't been able to photograph them all but let's be honest, I don't take the best foodie pics anyway.  Instead, I am sharing with the link the original recipe and my family and I's opinions of the meal and if we changed the recipe at all!

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Strips

I served this main dish with broccoli sprinkled with parmesan.  It was a busy Friday night.  My husband has been working out of town a lot and was getting in. I wanted to make a meal that he would love but to get dinner done with my three littles is not always easy.  This meal was SO SIMPLE to make! It took no time to prep and was on the table in about 35 minutes.  

We all ate this dinner up! It was delicious.  The flavor of the chicken was amazing.  Really juicy; had the yummy taste of bacon and the honey sauce brushed on was the perfect addition of sweetness.  I used {what little} leftover strips in a salad the next day for lunch and they reheated and were awesome on my salad.  

My husband said he could eat them every week. And that is coming from a man who likes variety! 

Italian Sausage and Potato Quick Skillet

This dinner! Just make it! Tonight!

Like I said above, my husband has been traveling.  Which means it is me solo against the world...or my three boys, whichever.  On Mondays, my oldest has soccer at five.  It's just a half-hour intro to soccer because, I mean, he's three.  But by the time it is over and we have bundled up and driven back across town, we are nearing six.  For us, that is past the dinner hour and Tuesdays are preschool days.  I have learned that dinner needs to be simple and quick.  

On this night, I did all the prep work before soccer.  It took me about 10 minutes or so to chop everything up.  When we got home from soccer, my mom {bless her} gave the little two a bath while Hudson got a quick shower.  I had time to dump it all in the skillet per the directions and had it done in about 15 minutes.  This meal was full of flavor and texture.  It was hearty and filling.  

It calls for 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes.  I like spicy and so do my boys.  This meal was pretty spicy however.  If you are not a fan of spice, I would leave the red pepper flakes out or use less.  

Other nights we had really simple meals. I made chilli with 50/50 venison and ground beef.  We always have leftovers when I make chilli.  Another night was a simple meat/starch/veggie combo.  Sweet potatoes are generally are go to starch and are really versatile.  

Point is, if you have any issues associated with grains or gluten, or maybe you want to live a clean and healthy lifestyle, look into if grain free is a good choice for your family.  

Italian Meatballs and Marinara Sauce: Recipe and Review

When we began to seriously discuss and then go forward with becoming a gluten free (and according to my friend we have actually embraced more of a grain-free lifestyle) lifestyle, I began to immediately think of all the things I wasn't going to be able to have.  Why is it that we do that? It is like we are trying to make ourselves miserable.  We focus on the negative! 

While doing this, I thought of all the carb-y foods I just couldn't have.  Well, silly me! That is plain crazy and false! You really can have whatever you had before, it is just made in a different way, a cleaner, healthier way really.

So when I came across a recipe from homemade meatballs and marinara I was excited! I love pasta and my boy-filled family loves meatballs! Bonus- the recipe made enough for our family to have leftovers the next night! I LOVE when that happens!

Italian Meatballs and Marinara via
Meatballs
1.5 pounds beef
1 large onion diced small (set aside half)
4 cloves of minced garlic (set aside half)
1/3 cup almond flour
2 eggs, whisked
1/4 cup of fresh, chopped, flat-leaf parsley
pinch of red pepper flakes

Sauce
1- 28 oz can of San Marzano plum tomatoes with sauce
15 oz can of tomato sauce
other half of diced onion
other half of minced garlic
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
1/2 to 1 tsp salt
healthy pinch of red pepper flakes

1. Saute onion in 2 tbsp oil, 5-7 minutes
2. Season with a pinch of salt and add minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Pour half of mixture into the crock pot and set aside the other half in a separate bowl.
5. Add the remaining ingredients for the sauce to your crock pot.  Break apart the tomatoes into smaller pieces.
6. Turn crock pot on low.
7. Add your meat to the  bowl of onions and garlic mix.
8. Add the rest of the ingredients for the meatballs to the bowl.
9. Gently mix the meat mixture together.
10. Preheat a large frying pan with 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil over medium heat.
11. With your  hands, shape golf ball sized meatballs.
12. Place meatballs into the pan.  Let them get a nice brown coating.  They won't cook all the way through. They will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
13. Transfer browned meatballs directly into the crock pot.
14. Cook on low 4-6 hours.

My husband is a hunter and just helped stock our freezer with some fresh venison. I used a 50/50 mix of grass fed beef and venison.  I wouldn't recommend using all venison since it is a leaner meat and the meatball might not stay together as well.  The mix stayed together perfectly.

I also used coconut oil whenever the directions called for any kind of oil.  It is super healthy and has such a light flavor that I use it for all cooking and baking needs.

I stirred my crock pot occasionally over the course of the day.  I will say that my house smelled amazing all day long.  I prepped the meatballs and sauce that morning and it was a really quick process; much less time consuming than I thought.

A bit before dinner, I boiled a pot of water and made some gluten free spaghetti to serve with our meatballs and marinara.  The meal was SO GOOD! My entire family ate it up! It was such a cold day when I served it that the  meal warmed us right up.  It was the perfect guilt-free comfort food.  And the leftovers heated up great the next night.  This is a meal I will definitely keep in our dinner rotation.

Chicken Soup: Recipe and a Review

As I mentioned earlier, my family is working on becoming gluten free.  I say working on because there are days I still don't get it exactly right but overall the transition has been pretty seamless. My kids don't notice and to be honest, I don't really notice either.  I haven't  noticed a ton of change in some of  my son's symptoms (which is what prompted this switch to actually take place versus just talking about it) but I know it is still early.  And, like I said, I haven't been perfect so there have been some slip-ups.

I am also learning to love cooking and baking again.  Don't get me wrong; I don't want to spend all day in the kitchen.  Who has time for that? But I do enjoy trying out new recipes, seeing my family's reaction, learning something new.  It has been really fun.  And I love that I know that in this process that I am enjoying, I am actually doing something so great for my family.

If your family is like mine, your lives are seasoned with busyness.  For that reason alone, I love to use our slow cooker.  It is by far one of the most used appliances in our kitchen.  It is definitely used weekly if not more.  So color me happy when I found some slow cooker gluten free recipes! To add to my excitement, they were super simple to prep! All the mamas are rejoicing with me right now! :)

Paleo Crock Pot Chicken Soup via
1 medium onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, diced
3 carrots, diced
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon herbs de Provence
2 chicken breasts, bone in
2 chicken thighs, bone in
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
3-4 c filtered water

1. Layer all the ingredients into your crockpot. Place the chicken bone side down.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours
3. Remove chicken. Allow it to cool slightly then remove the bones and shred. Place the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir.
4. Reheat and serve.

When I made this recipe, I had chicken breasts on hand. Boneless.  Little old me didn't know that when making soup from scratch, so much nutrients and richness to a broth comes from the BONES.  Broth is actually quite a popular trend right now.  You can read more about it here and here, That being said, the broth for my soup was REALLY watery,  Which made it lack in flavor quite a bit.

I will definitely be trying this recipe again knowing now how important it is to make sure I don't just use what I have on hand to see if that changes the flavor.  If you like a really strong broth (and I do) you may cut the water in half and add some stock to your soup.

I would love to hear if you try this and your thoughts!

Good-bye November

Hello friends! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends! This time of year is my all time favorite and we certainly filled our long weekend with lots of family time and traditions to kick off the season!

This past month has been a crazy one for my family.  We moved out of our home Halloween weekend and into our new home in our new (technically old since we moved back to our hometown) town that Monday.  I left that Thursday (three days later) for a leadership training event in Dallas (you can read about that here) until Sunday night.  Then it was painting, a funeral, a birthday party for our middle guy, more painting and well--Thanksgiving hit!

To say November was a whirlwind would be an understatement.  All of that led to a pretty poor workout routine for this mama.  My workouts were spotty.  And if my workouts were on--my nutrition was OFF!

You see we all have triggers.  My husband is currently commuting as we transition so has been spending large parts of the week away.  I found myself with a lot of responsibility in addition to my usual routines and I can be a stress eater plus I hate to be alone.  Can we say triggers? But enough is enough.  I used to be blind to the fact that I was sabotaging myself or that I was getting bigger but I am so aware of how junky I feel when I don't have my clean eating and workout routine in order.

Tomorrow--new month, new Monday, new me!! I am getting back on track (along with some other ladies!)  I am really excited about it. I will be following the 21 Day Fix nutrition plan (ASK ME about that if you don't know because it is awesome) and starting T25.  I know I can easily fit in 25 minutes sometime in my day and the HIIT training is exactly what my post-partum body needs!

Check out my meal plan for this week! Talk about yummy!

You may notice everything on this menu is gluten free.  This is another added "new" in my journey.  Last week I began to transition  my family into a gluten free lifestyle.  There have been indicators for me that I may have an intolerance and there are some indicators we are seeing in our oldest based upon the research I have done, what I have read, and after talking with some other people who have transitioned to gluten free.  It is scary because I know I have lots to learn but also exciting because I think it can mean some great things for our family, especially our oldest.  I will be sharing recipes I find that our family loves with you all too! So I am looking forward to that! And I am definitely open to hearing some recipes you love! 

This time of year can be tough as we strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  But I am committing to it.  I know I need to for myself and my family.  Anyone else wanting to commit? 

Bucket Fillers

When I was a teacher, we talked a lot about the importance of being a bucket filler.  You know--about doing and acting in a way that would positively impact those we came in contact with.  Those actions didn't have to be big but they were so crucial in making our world better.  Giving a smile, a kind word, making eye contact and listening whole-heartedly, giving a compliment.  This was an important part of my role as a teacher.  I wanted to not only teach my kids in subject area but in LIFE!

This past weekend my bucket was so full it was overflowing! If the bucket were real, I would not have been able to carry it around it was so filled in every sense imaginable.  

Let me back up. Last Thursday, after moving into our new home on Monday and madly unpacking home contents and madly packing suitcase contents, I flew to Dallas for leadership training for work.  I knew I was going to be surrounded by amazing people, learning from inspiring leaders, and training with top coaches and instructors.  I was excited.  I was ready.  I was NERVOUS!

You see, I was going to this conference, meeting people from my amazing team, but actually, finally meeting them in person.  Out of the large group that was attending, I had only met three {THREE!!!} in person.  And of those three, I only really knew one.  I had lots of doubts and insecurities.  I mean, yeah we were cool online and I considered them friends but what if we didn't click? What if it wasn't the same in person? Can you relate? Have you ever been in that kind of situation?

I arrived on Thursday, nervous and cautiously excited, to find out that the ONE person I knew wasn't going to be able to make it into Dallas until Friday afternoon! "WHAT?? What now?" is what raced through my mind.  I literally did not have a clue what my afternoon and evening would look like.  But I stepped outside of my comfort zone, messaged a fellow coach I knew was already there and met up with her and some of her coaches. 

I  mean look at the hotel.  It was even intimidating! 

And y'all, that night, I met some of my best friends.  Seriously.  Within minutes, I was laughing harder than I had laughed in awhile.  I was sharing about my life and learning about theirs.  We were open and honest and all my insecurities left and my guard was completely down.  

PiYo Live with Chalene Johnson

Previewing Insanity: Max 30

The amazing thing though, is that same thing continued to happen all weekend long as I met more and more coaches from my team.  They smiled at me.  They listened.  They included.  We shared stories and meals and laughter and LIFE.  We learned together and worked out together and had a party of a time together! 

Dinner with two amazing women!

I am so grateful. What would my life be like if I hadn't gone, had I never taken the step and said YES! to this opportunity?  I can't imagine.  I am such a better person because of it; because of people like Cynthia, Brooke, Anastasia, Kristen, Stacy, and so many more who came into my life in an even bigger way last weekend.  

Do you have that in your life? Bucket fillers? Are you a bucket filler? I always strived to be but am definitely going to be even more intentional about it now! 

Results

How is it already the end of October? This month has flown by! This YEAR has flown by!

We have been crazy, busy around our house.  At the beginning of the month, we began to pack up our house in preparation for our move (2 more days!!). Add to that the responsibilities of two toddlers (one in preschool) and a newborn, I had my hands full.  Not to mention, I was busy running a challenge group with people all dedicated to reaching their health goals {ME included}! 

I took my before pictures and measurements exactly 30 days ago and committed to the 21 Day Fix.  I know this program can bring results but had not completed yet not pregnant.  {I did two rounds during my pregnancy.}

One reason I love being a coach with Beachbody is the accountability I have as a coach.  My team is great at keeping me motivated. Their energy and love for a healthy lifestyle makes me want to get up and get the work done even on days when I really don't feel like it or the time seems to be slipping away.  My clients in my groups push me too! They could all come up with 100 excuses but they don't.  I don't want to let them down so I press on!

Today when I got on the scale and did my pictures and measurements I was shocked! It is often hard to see the changes in our body day to day.  We doubt if we are making progress.  I also wasn't perfect this past month.  I missed three workouts and didn't eat as clean as I wanted to! I followed the plan pretty well but there were a few dinners {pizza} that I had an extra slice.  

Down 6 pounds

-6.5 inches gone (2.5 from my waist alone)

I am really happy with my results! I still have a long way to go but these photos prove that good choices, consistently, will pay off over time.  It isn't about fad diets, pills, or long workout sessions.  I love that I got to eat.  I consumed between 1500-1800 calories a day {higher than my bracket but I am breastfeeding}.  I only worked out for 30 minutes.  

I still have a ways to go to get my pre-baby body back but I have never been this fit so soon after a pregnancy before.  

ANYONE can do this!! I am proof of that! If you would like to get started or have any questions, I would love to hear from you! 

Did someone say FREE??

Happy Monday, everyone! It is absolutely beautiful weather around here! We were outside lots this weekend in between packing which was wonderful.  I know the cold months are coming so I relish these lovely, fall days!

I am going into my final week with my challenge group.  At last Friday's weigh-in I was down to 148.  I total of 5 pounds gone! Hopefully never to return. 

{Sidenote: I need a pedi.}

 I am so thrilled with my group and how dedicated they are! We have lost a combined total of 45+ pounds in three weeks and one of my members has lost 10!! It is so exciting to watch others succeed and find their way to their healthiest selves! 

I know this week will be a challenge as our entire kitchen is packed up.  I have planned out how to eat as healthy as possible even without cooking.  We have about a billion little details to wrap up on top of work and our three boys so my workouts are going to be something I have to be diligent about as well. One reason I know I will get my workouts in is because of the accountability of my group. I struggled when it is just me to be accountable to.  My excuses seem to take over.  But when I am part of a group, I have that team mentality that says don't let them down.  Show up and give it your best.  That is really helpful for me.

I'd like to extend that opportunity to you. And it's FREE!!! My team is hosting a 30 day challenge.  We will provide daily workouts, menu ideas, and motivation for 30 days! All we ask in return is that you participate and be engaged! It doesn't matter where you live! The group is done entirely on Facebook.  We already have some people committed and we'd love this group to be huge! 

I'm blessed every day to be surrounded by support on my journey.  I'd love to share that with others! If you are interested at all, or have any questions, please send me an email or a message on Facebook! 

Menu Revamp

On Friday I was a little disappointed in my weight loss, or lack there of, for the week.  I know I have lost inches the past couple of weeks but I really want to see that number drop too.  

For me, when that scale doesn't move in the direction I want, I look at my food choices.  I know my work outs had been good because I hadn't missed, I had gone harder and I had increased weight. Plus, we all know our results are based largely in the food choices we make (right, right? That is a must know). 

Although I had done well with clean eating, I felt my carb load might be a bit high.  So I started adjusting my plan.  I wanted my carbs to come from the fruits and vegetables I was eating more than the starchy carbs.  I also upped my protein.  I wanted my protein to be a larger part of my diet. I started doing this on Thursday.  I noticed by Saturday that I was increasingly hungry by the end of the day but I attributed this to me not eating later and the higher protein maybe helping my metabolism be more effective.  I also noticed when I woke up my tummy felt flatter.  

I am really excited to see where these adjustments take me this week.  I know I have to be making progress because today I put on a pair of pants I couldn't button last week AND because my husband said, "Wow, that is the thinnest you've looked.  You are definitely thinner than you were two weeks ago!" 

I will take those non-scale victories! 

What are your goals for the week? Any changes you are making to meet them?

Fitness Friday: Oct 17

Finally Friday! This week seemed a little long to me...probably because of the constant rain we seemed to get until yesterday! Today, I am linking up for Fitness Friday

Aubrey

Eating and Training
Week 2 of the 21 Day Fix is ending.  I feel like I worked really hard this week.  I used heavier weights during both the Upper and Lower Fix workouts when called for, went the full 60 seconds and rarely modified.  I definitely feel stronger.  I even went for a run yesterday; the first one in a LONG time (like 9 months!). Definitely wasn't feeling so strong after that.  

My eating has been pretty good.  I've been hungry more this week.  Not sure if that is because little guy is going through a growth spurt so I am nursing all the time or what.  It has been a constant battle to not just go snack every time I want to.  When I have caved (because I'm so darn hungry) I have made healthy choices. 

I am up .7 pounds this week (151..can't get the photo to load).  I feel like I need more calories and that not having enough played into the gain.  I could focus on it or I could focus on the fact that I feel stronger, thinner.  I'll go with the latter.

Looking Forward 
Looking forward to continuing with this program, my healthy choices and getting results.  I plan on adding in a few more runs next week too! 

I've been there

 Sometimes it is easy for people that haven't known you long to assume things. I have had people tell me that they don't think I know their struggle because I am thin.  Or was thin before I got pregnant with Gabe.  

The fact of the matter is, my struggle with weight started long before that.  If you have watched my YouTube video you know how I packed on weight my first year of marriage.  

March 2010

April 2010

 Just before our first anniversary we learned we were pregnant.  It was an exciting time.  But that extra weight was combined with even more pounds packed on with pregnancy.  I didn't exercise.  I ate what I wanted.  I had reflux, heartburn, and back pain a lot throughout pregnancy.  

37 weeks; my heaviest weight

After Hudson I vowed to get lose the weight.  I hated my body.  It tormented me because nothing fit.  But notice, I vowed to lose the weight.  It wasn't about health, not yet.  I just wanted to look better.

The weight came off but my body still wasn't where I wanted it to be.  By the time Hudson was 14 months, I was still in a pant size that was bigger than typical and we were pregnant again.  

It was after Beau (our second) that I knew something had to change.  My body didn't like the crap I was putting into it.  I was unhappy and felt unattractive to my husband.  I also knew that I wasn't teaching my kids good habits if I wasn't being an example.  I worked really hard to change my body, my eating habits, and my overall health.  I connected with Beachbody products and FINALLY got results that I could be proud of! 

Before Beachbody. 6 months post partum with Beau

Feb 2014 size 2 

8 months using Beachbody products

Yet here I am again.  I am blessed with another baby and trying to get my body back.  This time I have the tools I need to get back to feeling good.  I had the best pregnancy because I chose to workout and eat right.  I recovered much quicker from my c-section this time.  

4 weeks post partum with third baby

Here is what I am telling you.  I have been there.  I have been at the point where I didn't think I could ever get the body I wanted.  Where I could ever just feel good about myself.  But I did.  And I will again.  And you can too!

Know that I understand the struggle. I have learned how to use exercise and clean eating to achieve results.  I want to share that with you.  The question is, will you let me?

Progress

I loved waking up to it being Wednesday.  I love that the week is already half over and we are nearing the weekend.  I mean, not mathematically, no.  We need to get through Wednesday but whatever.  

Heather/Ash/Erin

Today was day 10 of the 21 Day Fix.  I love this program.  LOVE IT! I do my weigh-ins on Friday with my online fitness group {who are rocking it by the way}.  Today was Lower Fix; thirty minutes of concentrated leg work.  Talk about working up a sweat! This workout challenges me.  Last week, I had to pause the workout to calm my newborn back into his slumber. {We were having all kinds of nap issues that we seem to have surpassed. PTL!} This week, I not only didn't pause it, I used heavier weights for many of the exercises! #nonscalevictory

I have really been working on sticking to the nutrition guide.  It is honestly a guide I should follow all the time.  It is so simple and easy and advocates for clean eating.  As a nursing mom I did worry that my milk supply might be compromised but it honestly hasn't.  I am eating enough and drinking lots of water and still getting enough milk for my 7 week old.  I love that! 

Last week I lost three pounds.  My husband, who is working out on his own but using the Fix nutrition, lost almost 4 pounds last week.  

I am hoping to have another good loss this Friday.  More than that I want to loss inches.  I feel like my body is back to normal {well, close to it} except for the dreaded mom pooch area and thighs.  I know the pooch is just a result of my third cesarean and that area takes time.  But I'd really like to see some inches leave those areas ASAP! 

How is your week going? 

Fitness Friday

Happy Friday! I know it has been awhile since I linked up but life has been crazy! I am so happy to be back!

Aubrey

Eating and Training

This week I have been following the 21 Day Fix nutrition to a T. There have been many a times when I wanted to cheat.  {Going to the grocery store hungry, having a super fussy baby all day, playing referee to two toddlers...just to name a few} Yet- I stayed strong and on track. 

I also followed the workouts each day.  Some days were better than others.  I had to pause a few days to rock our sweet G back to sleep or to referee but most days I gave it my all without having to modify to much I am proud to say.  My older two even joined in on some of the workout fun and I love that!!

I mean, I can't even resist!

Excited for leg day!

I am happy to say the hard work these past five days has paid off! I weighed in this morning and...

Down 3 pounds!!

Looking Forward To

Continuing these next two weeks.  I hope to keep up the consistency.  Even if the scale doesn't show it, I want to be losing inches, especially in my hips and thighs which seems to be the area that is holding on to my pregnancy weight.  This month is super hectic as we are packing to move in just a few short weeks.  I know that final week as I pack up our kitchen, eating well will be more difficult but not impossible. I am already planning how to keep myself on track.  I love how much more energy I have this.  Here is to another great week! 

Progress Not Perfection

Oh goodness it feels good to get back into  my workouts! I know the body needs time to heal but my body was craving a good sweat session and I am getting those in daily with the 21 Day Fix right now! What I love about this program are the quick results I am seeing.  I am already down some pounds and inches (don't want to give too much away) and I love that! 

What I don't love is that I feel like I don't "see" it as much as I want to.  I definitely feel the changes.  I am less hungry throughout the day, fueling my body from clean, whole foods without any cheats.  My stomach feels flatter. My muscles are sore. 

I wish that my skin would be as tight as the muscles underneath.  The old Bekah would be feeling discouraged already.  Like my hard work should be paying off.  The thing I have learned the past year and a half of this new lifestyle, is that every day, the choices I make are going to show up.  Maybe not immediately but definitely down the road.  That holds true for both good and bad choices.  Working out consistently, eating well.  It will pay off in time.  Just like those treats will add up and show up on my body over time.  

I've learned to let go of that evasive perfect image.  The images I used to strive to look like.  You know, the airbrushed, photo shopped ones in magazines? Instead, I cling to progress.  
-Seeing the scale move. 
-Having my clothes fit better.
-Having more energy throughout the day.
-Lifting heavier.
-Getting in one more rep; going those last few seconds.

No matter where you are on your journey, remember that it is exactly that.  A journey.  Strive for progress today, friends! 

Bragging Rights and an Invitation

I am so super excited today! Last Friday my Back to School Bodies Fitness group ended.  I had the best time hosting these ladies in our group.  Each day we had a little challenge--something that kept us motivated and accountable to our goals. We shared encouragement, clean eating ideas, what we were learning, struggles--really anything and everything.  And each Friday, the would weigh in.  

Y'all, I am ECSTATIC!! The group, eight women who got me their final number, lost a combined total of 41 pounds in 4 weeks!! Isn't that amazing? These are regular, normal people.  Moms, college students, women with careers, making the time to workout each day and choosing to eat right.  It is the simplest thing but so many of us complicate it.  They did not.  They lost their excuses and found results!

Today, my October fitness group, Fall Into Fitness, kicked off.  We have 14 members and already, in just the few short hours that we have been officially started, I can feel their excitement, their motivation.  These individuals have big goals they want to achieve.  Some are losing baby weight, some are working out for their wedding, some are just trying to get a grasp of meal planning and clean eating.  

Why does this work? I mean, couldn't we all just work out and eat clean.  It isn't like any of us are getting together to work out.  I remember being skeptical when I joined my first challenge group two years ago.  Here is what I quickly found out:

1) Even though you aren't physically with the people in your group, you are very much mentally and emotionally with them.  You are working towards the same common goals.  You are sharing struggles.  You bond.  There is that team mentality of not wanting to slack or let anyone in the group down, so you put the donut down and go push play on your workout.  It is a very powerful thing to be connected to a group.

2) Competition is fierce.  Yes, teamwork is strong. BUT, add a little competition into the mix, and people get right down to business.  When you know your hard work could earn you a prize, it is a really good motivator! 

If you need something like this in your life--contact me! I would love for you to be a part of my next group.  It doesn't matter what your location is, what your level of physical activity is, where you are starting from! It just matters that you start. I'd love to help you! 

October Goals

Hey all! Happy October! I love this month! I love all fall months in general! I'm keeping this short and sweet but read to the end because I have some news on some GREAT deals to get into your skinny {jeans}! :)

Since it's a new month, I thought I'd share my new goals for fitness!

Here's the breakdown:

{ONE}

I started this program on Monday and am bound and determined to use this program to rid myself of this baby weight and tone up. I miss my clothes and am ready to rock any outfit I want again! 

{TWO}

Water is my best friend.  It helps me with nursing.  And with exercising, I need to make sure I stay hydrated.  This is the number one thing that can effect your milk supply so I really work to keep this in check!

{THREE}

The weather is beautiful and I just love watching the leaves change.  This month is BUSY for our family but I want to make sure to pause and take time to enjoy the beauty of the season and get some exercise and fresh air together!

{FOUR} 

Being a busy mom and breast feeding, I certainly can struggle with getting in my nutritional needs and can find myself snacking late.  It is a terrible habit and slippery slope for me so I am determined to nip it in the bud this month!

Fortunately, I am not going this alone.  My Fall into Fitness group on Facebook is full and I just know we are going to push each other to reach our goals! 

Check out the Current Promotions page to read about ways you can SAVE BIG on some programs that will give you amazing results! 

And--if you are looking for some accountability and support on your journey--I'd love to hear from you! Let's connect! 

I'm BAAACCKKK!

Seriously! How is it already mid-September! These days are flying by.  If you weren't aware, the reason for my hiatus:

Our little guy arrived almost three weeks ago! So between that and our oldest starting preschool, we have just been trying to figure out life with three, three and under! Some days are easier than others but I know how blessed we are!

So what is up in September? Well for one, my Back to School Bodies group is KILLING it! These women are checking in daily, working hard and kicking butt! It is amazing to see the motivation, support, and encouragement going on between these ladies all connected by their goals and this group! It is pushing me too! (You better believe I have goals! Buh-bye baby weight!!)

If a group like that sounds like something you could use in your life, then you should definitely be in my Fall into Fitness group that kicks off October 6th.

Yes you are reading that right--just by joining and doing the work, you could win some fabulous prizes! I can't tell what they are {because that would ruin the fun} but just think read the sign close and see if you can figure it out! 

If you aren't sure where to start, I can help you.  Helping people find something that they can get on board with and find success with is something I love to do! I am passionate about helping people realize that a healthy lifestyle isn't boring or too much work; it is 100% WORTH it! 

So please shoot me an e-mail {bmbruce20@gmail.com} or find me on Facebook {facebook.com/bekahmbruce} and let's chat about your goals! We can reach them together!! 

Getting my body back!

No--I haven't had baby yet but I am fully aware that I won't be slipping back into my size twos after baby unless I work for it! 

My thoughts exactly!

Fortunately, I have been staying on track {for the most part} during this pregnancy and am hoping that hard work helps my efforts.  But it is going to take more than that.  And since working out is out of the question for a few weeks at least {silly c-section} I know nutrition is going to be my biggest ally!

So I am hitting it hard with the easiest nutrition plan there is to follow.  This program has given countless clients amazing results in such a short amount of time.  There is no measuring, guess work, counting calories.  I have tons of clean food choices that I can prep beforehand or grab easily when juggling the responsibilities of a newborn.  

What little gem am I referring to? The 21 Day Fix of course! I will be utilizing my Shakeology and the nutrition guide to get myself back on track while not working out.  I know that I will still be eating for two (since I am breast-feeding) and want to make sure I am properly nourishing my body and my baby's by eating the best way I can: fresh, clean foods in the right portions! 

I would love to have some support and accountability! If you are interested in joining me, comment with your email below or find me on Facebook!! You can choose any program that is right for you! I am really excited to host my first post-pregnancy group and kick butt with you all! 

Let's get healthy{er} together!! :) 

Late pregnancy workouts

Oh hello 39 weeks! You are a sight for sore {tired, up many times a night} eyes!

There are so many great ways to workout during pregnancy that are safe for you and baby.  But as you come closer to the end of your pregnancy, those workouts might not be as comfortable anymore.  You may feel more winded, more pressure, or just not quite be up to the same level of activity.  

I know for me about 37 weeks I didn't have the same "oomph" going on during my workouts.  I wanted to listen to my body so I stopped doing PiYo and changed my routine last week.  I know I am still getting a good workout but definitely feel more comfortable with this level of activity until baby comes {which, really, any day now is fine sweet boy!}

Walking
For the past two weeks I have been walking around 4 miles a day.  Now, to be clear, I do not do all four miles at the same time. I usually take a walk in the morning and then again after dinner. I do this for a couple of reasons.
     1) It's August.  It's hot.  And I am pregnant and not super quick.  So a four mile walk would take around 45 minutes or longer and that is just not pleasant.  I also have my boys on the walk and they can only last so long at my slow pace in the stroller so we break it up.
    2) Should I go into labor, I do not want to be exhausted.  Most doctors say walking is wonderful exercise as this stage, can help with labor by keeping you in shape, but also advise not to walk too long because you can exhaust yourself before the ultimate workout of delivering your child.  

If you think plain, same pace walking seems a little boring, change it up with some intervals or change your route, throw in some hills, etc.  Here is a great little interval training that will give you a good burn. 

Yoga
While I stopped Piyo, I have been doing yoga.  Yoga is completely different than PiYo because it more stationary, I can choose poses to stretch out areas that need focus, and I can also focus on my breathing to deepen the stretch.  There are several great articles and tips of late pregnancy yoga.  I have been doing some flow of down dog, chaturanga into up dog, cat/cow, pigeon, warrior series.  I have also been holding a low squat pose which you can modify by doing against a wall if your balance is off.  

Really any stretching has been wonderful and relaxing, especially as my legs have felt restless these past couple of weeks. 

Strength Training
There are all kinds of strength training exercises you can do to keep your body active.  For  me, this little circuit has been great.  It targets different areas of my body, doesn't completely exhaust or strain an area and is something I can do several times through to get in a good burn. 

Whatever the case, for me, staying active has made a HUGE difference in my overall health during this pregnancy and has helped to alleviate a lot of the discomfort I experienced before.  What do you do to stay active? I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

What's for Dinner: Slow Cooker Jambalya

How is August almost half over?? These weeks just fly by don't they??

 This week we will be featuring the slow cooker once again for a meal my whole family ate up! 

Here's what you will need:

12 oz turkey sausage, sliced
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried parsley
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp cayenne pepper**
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 cup dry brown rice

The original recipe also called for chicken but I didn't want a "meaty" dish so we used just the turkey sausage.  I am sure you could use other sausage if you like.  Or you could use shrimp or just chicken.  It really is your preference. 

Directions:
Place all the ingredients in your slow cooker except your rice. {You don't need that yet.} Give it a good stir and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low 7-10.  

When you are almost ready to serve, cook up some brown rice according to the package directions. Spoon the jambalaya over the rice and serve it up hot! {For my boys, (3 and 1.5) I served their rice on the side.  I knew they probably wouldn't eat the tomatoes but everything else, seriously, GOBBLED UP!}

**I only used 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper since our whole family was eating this and I didn't want it to be too spicy for the littles. Well, my husband thought it was spicy {I did not}.  So you may want to tone down that measurement even more if you don't like a lot of heat. :) 

Original recipe here