My Healthy Plan: Week 2

Happy Monday, friends!

This weekend absolutely flew by! It was a busy one for our family so I was especially tired when the alarm sounded at 5 am but day 1 of week 2 was completed and a great way to get myself energized!

I've been open on here that I have some big goals with my program and what I want to achieve. So for the purpose of full disclosure, I thought I would tell you how my weekend nutrition went. (Weekends are typically my downfall)

Saturday morning I had an early morning meeting. I got a few things done around the house, made my boys cinnamon rolls and then headed out the door arming myself with my chocolate Shakeology. I was pretty proud of that.

I had a baby shower early afternoon and then our family had a wedding reception open house that evening before meeting my in-laws for dinner. I squeezed in some laundry and my workout before getting out the door!

Warrior workout! So tough but finished!

I grabbed a larabar (cashew cookie--only two ingredients). At the baby shower I had some water and fruit. And at the reception I had some veggies and nuts. I was pretty hungry by the time we got to my in-laws.  They ordered from a local spaghetti house which is AMAZING but I had a chef salad and only a small slice of the garlic bread because, balance. My father in law also made homemade ice cream and I had a small scoop of that. It wasn't a perfect day but it wasn't a bad day either!

Anyone else love getting dolled up??

Sunday our family did late church because we were going to friends' to swim. I knew I wanted to stay on track so packed the makings of a vegetable tray and some fresh salsa and gluten free chips. Since we did late church I made omelets and Ezekial English muffins (only halves) for breakfast. Those English muffins are thee best in my opinion! So good!

Our friends grilled some awesome hamburgers and hot dogs. So for lunch I had a hamburger (no bun), lots of veggies with greek yogurt cucumber dill dip, fresh fruit and some chips and salsa. Still full from dinner my husband and I had our shakeology for dinner.

It wasn't a perfect weekend but it was far more on track than many this summer have been!

Today it was back to to the plan and pushing even more water since the weekend I lagged a little with all the busyness.

It is definitely not about being perfect. It is about balance, making the best choices you can and always pushing ahead.

Week 1 Update

Technically week 1 ends tomorrow and Sunday is a rest day, but tomorrow is a crazy busy day with Super Saturday, a baby shower, a wedding reception and then family dinner with my in-laws.  Yes, all of that in one day. Talk about having to fight to stay on track nutrition wise! What a test! Ha!

Today's workout was one of my favorites in the entire program. All of these workouts are 30 minutes but they are varied that you have to push yourself every day to find the strength to get through THAT workout.

CVX is weighted cardio, meaning you do cardio moves holding a weight. #whoa #letthatsinkin
It's challenging even using a light weight like I did (only five pounds). What I love is that with a weight in my hand, the whole workout changes. I can feel the muscles I am working more acutely than if I was doing a jack press without a weight. To have to push through and engage your core every move is awesome. Talk about a challenge!

I mean look at me---SWEATY MESS!!

I feel stronger for sure. I feel really energized. I feel determined to continue to push physically. And mentally. I know it is not all about the number on the scale.  But, having a successful first week, not giving into cravings, following the meal plan EXACTLY, get in all my water.... y'all I'm down FIVE pounds! Determined??? Like never before!

I've always loved this program and now I remember even more why it is one of my favorites! If you want more info on this program, on joining one of my accountability groups, or a program that YOU will fall in love with, send me a message or drop a comment below with your email and I will be in touch.

Have a great weekend! Thanks for being on this journey with me!

Benefits of an Early Morning Workout

Well, friends, four days down. Four days of getting up early and doing a quick devotional as I wake up then pushing play on my workout.

I used to get up at 5 am when I worked full time outside the home. Having to get myself ready, get the boys ready for the sitter, dropped off and to school, being an early riser was just part of it. But it has been a few years since I had that routine. So this new change has taken a lot of effort. To be honest, once I am up, I'm good! It is just making myself sit up, swing my feet to the floor and shuffle to the basement.

This week I was curious as to if I would notice anything different from starting my day with a workout versus sleeping until my boys wake up. I'm really surprised at all I've noticed, in just four days!

{O N E} More Energy

Considering my old wake up time is a couple hours later, I was really worried that I would feel tired getting up so early. Sluggish around nap time, maybe. I haven't experienced that at all!! I am much more alert. I am more productive. I feel like I have time to get several things done in the morning after my workout before my kids get up. I feel more focused during the day; just clearer in general. As a mom with young kids growing my own business and juggling my outside responsibilities, this extra energy has been a HUGE benefit!

{T W O} More Time

My workout is only 30 minutes. When I finish, I have a good hour (or MORE) before my kids wake up most days. I have that extra time to fold some laundry, unload the dishwasher, clear my inbox, review the days activities so I am prepared for what we are doing. It is so, so nice. I mean, of course it's obvious: get up earlier, you have more time to get things done. Actually having it though, and utilizing it-- our home has run much more smoothly this week. 

{T H R E E} More Patience

With more energy and things already crossed off the to-do list when my kids wake up, I have so much more patience. It sounds terrible, I know. But I used to feel tired. Or because I slept late, I felt rushed. And when I feel that way my patience has a tendency to run a little thin. 

I love having my workout out of the way. I love that a quick devotional and time in prayer starts my day. I feel much more able to be present with my kids instead of running around trying to get everything done. I mean, the whole reason I work so hard is so I can be present purposefully in their lives.  Waking up and working out early is absolutely helping me do that. 

{F O U R} More Food

Ok. Maybe not more food. I am following the 21 Day Fix portion control containers which is a ton of food. But I'm noticing I feel hungrier quicker. When I wake up and workout in a fasted state, I am burning through stored calories instead of what I've taken in that day. I feel leaner when I wake up. And that is an awesome feeling after just 4 days. 

I am excited to keep going with this new habit! Any other early morning workout fans? What are your favorite parts of getting your sweat on early? I'd love to know!

How to Meal Plan As a Busy Mom

Failure to plan is planning to fail right?? 

Nutrition is always the tougher component when it comes to a healthy lifestyle.  In the last three years I have learned a lot about what to eat, when to eat, how to eat, how MUCH to eat. My issue has always been in the follow through. Allowing one too many treats, or deciding that what I planned for diner really isn't sounding good so just going with Plan B. 

Not anymore! My mindset is different. I want to succeed like never before. I know my body deserves more. I know I am made for more than just mindless eating. I've read Lysa Terkeurst's Made to Crave and know how deeply God doesn't want me to succumb to food cravings. 

Since I said I was going to be using this blog as a way to stay accountable, I figured why not share what I'm eating. Maybe nutrition is a struggle for you too! Maybe you don't know where to start or how to plan. Maybe you need some accountability. Whatever the case, here is the menu plan I am following this week. 

A few notes:

- The menu is color coded because I am using the 21 Day Fix portion control containers to help me stay within my portion parameters. I don't want to overeat; which, can still happen even if the food is healthy! 

-Shakeology: It counts as a serving of protein but know I mix in some other ingredients to increase the calorie count. Depending on the day, if I need more greens or purples, I add in spinach or 1/2 a banana. I always add in all natural peanut butter, ice, and water. YUM!!

-It's simple! I don't h ave time for a fussy menu plan. I won't stick with it if it isn't yummy, takes too much time, or leaves me feeling dissatisfied.  This menu combats all those feelings! 

If you are interested in more specific details of the recipes used in the menu, head on over to my Pinterest page and hit follow or shoot me an e-mail! I'd love to connect! 

The 3rd Mom: WAHM

This week it seems as though my social media news feed has a had a lot of articles being shared about motherhood and work.

*The struggle of staying home
*The choice to stay home
*The struggle of choosing to go back to work
*The BOGUS lack of time for working moms to have at home before returning
*The judgement of staying home after kids are in school

And the list goes on and on.

What I noticed, though, is a lack of a very prominent group of mommies: the work at home moms. And this group, is a GROWING group. With e-commerce becoming a staple in society and more and more people finding a way to make legitimate incomes for their families doing so (check out this article), moms are figuring out how to have their kids and make money too!

I have had the unique experience of being a part of all three groups at one time or another. I taught first grade both before and after having my first two boys. I remember the hardship of finding reliable daycare, only having a short amount of time for maternity leave and not feeling ready to go back, the piece of my heart outside of my chest each day as I dropped my boys off. Juggling the pressure to do my job well and still be the mom I desired to be all while keeping up with the house at home was hard! It was early mornings and late nights trying to get it all done.

Full time teacher 

2 year old and 6 month old in daycare

Because I taught, I had my summers off (for the most part). I got to stay home with my boys, go on play dates, sing songs and soak up every moment with them. What I found was that staying home was tough too. I missed the schedule and routine of our school year. I missed the adult interaction. I still couldn't get the house cleaned all through the day unless it was in shifts because I had the boys home with me. Messes were definitely more being home all the time.

Staying at home isn't a walk in the park. ;) 

Both roles are hard.

Equally as hard, is working from home. Almost 3 years into my coaching business there is a lot I've come to learn.

1. A lot of people don't understand working from home. 
Family members, friends, the outside world in general--a lot of people don't get it. When I say that I work from home, I automatically get pushed into the stay at home mom circle.  Which I get. Because I don't GO to work.

But moms who work from home have all the responsibilities of staying at home PLUS their actual work. It is different for everyone I suppose, but my work gets done in the cracks of my mothering. Which means nap times and after bed time aren't as leisurely as they used to be or can't just be used to catch up on housework. Which brings me to my next point..

2. We are always at work. 
Because we work from home, our work is always with us. My housework may get done but my job is still waiting. Or vice versa. I don't get to shut my computer down, straighten my classroom and turn of the light to leave. My work is always there. And since my work time varies, it can often feel like our work hours are 24/7. I have learned (the hard way) to set limits on my work time and when I respond to messages from clients. But finding the balance is hard, just like it is for any mom.

3. There is STILL a stigma
Like all things the mommy-war evokes, there is often a stigma with moms who work at home; especially those who are starting their own businesses. Often, we aren't recognized by other working moms. I can't tell you how many times another mom who works outside the job speaks about the balance of it all and when I comment--BLANK STARE. As if we both don't work. I've heard other moms experience this as well. It definitely doesn't feel good.

But at the end of the day, it is one of those things I choose to ignore. Because working from home has changed my life; my family's life. Motherhood is hard. Deciding what's best for you and your family is hard. Having experience in all three groups, I have found working from home is the best fit for our family.

And tomorrow, I'll be sharing the WHY behind how I've come to that conclusion! So check it out!

Top 5 Snacks for Picky Eaters

Mamas, tell me, do you struggle with picky eaters too??

I don't know what it is by my boys have each had a phase where they were the pickiest eater EVER!!

Hudson is really great about trying new things and even eating things he doesn't love (like brussel sprouts or broccoli) at dinner. But my little two- YIKES!!

Beau is all about eating with his eyes. If he doesn't like how something looks, odds are he isn't going to try it. He says before the plate hits the table, "What is that???" Bless.

Gabe used to be a great eater; probably our best. Now, he is very finnicky. He doesn't eat a lot of meat or veggies. Give the kid fruit, carbs, greek yogurt and cottage cheese and he'll give you his heart!

I can typically win at meal times and keep those pretty balanced but snacks are where it gets tricky. Kids (and adults) need snacks. We need calories throughout the day, these "small meals" to keep our metabolism going and so we don't experience a crash that makes us want to eat the entire pantry! #youfeelme 

The struggle is not letting those snacks be the packaged, sugar filled, processed kind that give us, and our kiddos, no nutritional  and leave their tummies feeling empty just minutes later, prompting another snack request. #thestruggle 

Today, I want to share my tried and true top favorite snack ideas that your kiddos, even the picky ones, will love AND that will be healthy for them!

{O N E} Ants On a Log

image via

This throwback has been around forever. BUT--you can totally switch it up so it feels new and fun every time! 

As fillers you can use peanut butter (because sometimes why mess with a good thing), other nut butters, cookie butter, cream cheese, hummus, guacamole, or refried beans. 

Toppings can be fresh or dried fruit, crackers, tortilla strips, bacon bits. It can be swapped out and reinvented lots of times over! 

{T W O}Pirate Ship Sails

image via

My boys love to play with their food. I hate it but at snack time, why not let their imaginations go a bit?? Especially if they are chowing down on some healthy choices! These little sails are simply thinly sliced cheese wrapped around deli turkey with a pretzel stick acting as the toothpick to hold it all together. This is another great little snack that you can try different cheeses and meats to keep the kids interested. And, because it's so simple to make, you can give your kids the ingredients and let them make their own! 

{T H R E E} Apple Nachos

image via

This looks indulgent (and totally is) but fruit, protein and little sweet make it a perfectly healthy snack. This is one I use as a treat or when friends are over because it's a definite crowd pleaser. It looks pretty plated and is quick to throw together. Use organic dark chocolate chips and you add antioxidant power! 

{F O U R} Energy Bites

image via

This snack takes a little more prep, only if you count measuring, pouring and mixing as a snack. What is nice is the batch makes quite a few so one little chore can be snacked on for days. Or maybe just day if you pop them as easily as we like to around here! ;)

What you're getting is a a sweet treat full of protein, healthy grains and healthy fats.

Recipe:
chocolate chips
toasted coconut
vanilla extract
peanut butter
old fashioned oats
honey (or agave nectar)
freshly ground flax seed
chia seeds (optional)

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.
Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Makes about 20-25 balls.

{F I V E} "Reese's" Peanut Butter Shake
Shakeology has been a favorite in our house for the last three years. My kids actually call it a milkshake. It is one of my favorite snacks to give before a soccer game or after a late practice on the way home. It is high in protein and offers super food nutrition. It can also be a great way to sneak in a serving of veggies with some raw spinach thrown in.

The boys' favorite recipe makes it is:

1 scoop chocolate or vegan chocolate shakeology
2 tsp peanut butter
1/2 banana
1 cup almond milk
1 cup ice.
Blend together and serve. 

You know it's good when you get a thumbs up! :)

Do you have any tried and true healthy snacks your picky eaters love?? I'd love to hear about them! If you want even more ideas, check out my Pinterest page. 

May Goals

I love a fresh month. Filling out my family's calendar, looking ahead. A month seems like such a long time but I am always amazed at how quickly a month flies by these days.

It's with that knowledge that at the beginning of each month, I set some goals. I know that if I don't set goals, the time will pass me by and I won't have accomplished quite what I set out to do.

They say that when you set goals. write them down, and visualize those goals becoming reality, that you attract that positive energy and outcome to yourself and are in fact more likely to succeed.  And who am I to argue with science?? ;)

{O N E} Finish the Ultimate Reset

I am over halfway through this program! In fact, I only have 8 days left! It seems like I should finish this program no problem then right?? WRONG! This program is so mental for me. I've gotten great results so far (down 9 pounds!) and it is because I know I've gotten great results and feel so great, that my mind likes to trick me. Saying things like, "Hey, why do you even need to continue?? You've done so great." "One little snack of ____ won't hurt."

No siree!!  I am not falling for that. I am going to finish strong! My plan after the reset wraps is to add back in proteins to my dinner at first and then to my lunch. I am going to keep my snacks strictly fruit and vegetables.  I am thinking of holding back on adding back dairy and any wheat.  I feel SO good without those products. I do love cheese and greek yogurt so I may phase dairy back in after a week or so, but only in small increments. I can't wait to share my final results with you all!

{T W O} 22 Minute Hard Corps

I am a planner. I like knowing what to expect. Which is exactly why I know what program I will be starting when the UR wraps.  I CAN NOT wait to get started on this program!!! Tony Horton is probably my favorite trainer and I don't what it is about his programs, but my body RESPONDS! I see muscles pop out, get leaner, get stronger, get faster! Who doesn't want those things!??!! 

In fact, I am hosting a fun accountability group centered around this program. If you want to join my May Accountability Group, you can check out details here. And because I am so excited, the first 5 people to commit to my group are going to receive a free gift and ONE lucky winner will be chosen for an extra gift--a $25 gift card to the store of their choice! 

Umm..helloo??? Getting healthy and free gifts!!? WIN-WIN!!

{T H R E E} Outdoor Play

I am PRAYING this new month means warm weather that will actually STICK around! We have had such nice weeks interrupted by dropping temps and lots of rain. My boys and I love to be outdoors so this month I want to intentionally make extra time for walks, trips to the park, wiffle ball in the back yard and bike rides. 

I know as their mom I am responsible for them loving to move and be active. I want them to always view activity as fun! 

{F O U R} 3 New Recipes

I am always looking for healthy recipes that my family will love. Since we are ending the Reset and my plan can be a bit more flexible, I will be testing out three new recipes that are *healthy, *fit in my 22 MHC eating plan, AND *are kid-friendly, kid-approved.  Stay tuned for what I find! 

What are your goals for this new month??

Let's Get Crockin'!

Hey y'all!

Happy {almost} fall! The weather around here has been absolutely gorgeous. Blue skies, mild temps, sunshine. My boys and I have walked almost every day. I like to save our walks for after dinner when Dad is home and we can do it all together.

I love summer but when the temperatures start to drop just a little, I am completely falling for fall! And when that happens, I want to cook for fall! Do you know what I'm saying???

Stews, soups, warm, hearty, filling, delicious, comfort food foods! The only problem is that sometimes all that comfort food undoes all of my effort from eating well or my workouts. And then those winter pounds slip back on.

Not anymore! I have learned that you can eat yummy, filling, healthy foods you love. You can even make life simpler by using your crock pot.

I am hosting, alongside some of my teammates, a FREE 5 Day Clean Eating Crock Pot group! It all begins Monday, September 28th and we would love for you to be part of it too!

You will get a grocery list, meal plans and recipes for all five days that will give you 3 meals and two snacks, all dinners done in your crock pot! PLUS you will have tons of positive support from multiple coaches! It doesn't matter where you live because it is all through Facebook!

Interested? I know--it's hard not to be. The only thing that could make it better is if someone would do the grocery shopping for you! ;)

If you want to join this group, comment below! I will get in touch!

Breaking My Addiction

I  have been doing Les Mills Pump for 2.5 weeks now.  My body is definitely responding but not as good as I wanted it too.  And I know the cause.  I've known the cause forever.  If there is ever a stronghold in my life, it's this one. 

I am a sugar addict. 

I love it.  I love sweets.  I love breads and pastas.  I love those things and not in moderation.  And as much as I'd like to say that I can have a little bit and get right back on track, my addiction is strong.  I get derailed easily.  

One bite turns into a whole serving turns into the whole pan of brownies (cookies, cake, you fill it in). 

I had considerably began to limit the carbohydrates from grains when I started Max:30. But February got the best of me and my nutrition just has suffered.  

On top of that, caring for three kids under 4 {one being just 6 months old and still waking during the night bless him} I hated waking up groggy and not in control of what I was putting in my body. 

I decided to change some things.  I don't believe that in order to be healthy you have to deprive your body of anything.  I preach moderation to my team and my clients.  But I also preach knowing your weaknesses and learning how to have control over food, not the other way around.  How to eat to live, not live to eat. 

On Monday, I began my 30 day no sugar commitment.  Of course I am still getting sugar where it naturally occurs, but I am cutting out added sugars.  I also decided to limit my carbs.  I am still eating grains but not eating wheat.  

I don't necessarily care about the number on the scale.  The scale doesn't define me.  But I do care about how I feel when I put on my clothes.  I do care how I feel when I want to be intimate with my husband and I just don't "feel" sexy. I do care about having control over what goes into my body. 

I am halfway through day three.  I haven't indulged in PB&Js with my kiddos.  I haven't popped goldfish mindlessly.  The biggest #NSV: I haven't touched the box of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies sitting in our freezer. {Yes, that is how my family enjoys them} 

I am down weight from last week.  I do feel more energized (getting out of bed is still hard. I'm looking at you Gabe- I-Want-To-Eat-Every-4-Hours). 

I'm excited to continue these next 30 days.  It will be a battle.  It is my siblings', SIL's, husband's and I's birthday in a few weeks (you read that right; it's a lot). Easter is approaching aka Easter candy. But I have support and accountability from my team.  And I have goals.  

Height: 5'5"

Last Weight: 142.2 (Monday 3/9)

Current Weight: 141.4

Change: -0.8

Total Loss (since 8/21/14): 25 lbs

Aha moments and results

This  may turn into a long post so consider yourself warned.  

On December 29th, I began Shaun T.'s new program, Insanity Max:30.  If you know me at all, I am not a fan of an all cardio workout.  This program was that exactly but to the umpteenth degree.  

I enlisted the support of some fellow coaches on my team and we began the program together.  I knew I needed accountability.  I was not planning on doing this program {probably ever} but I had gotten really complacent.  I wasn't following a program consistently, I was allowing to many cheats, and the holidays did not help my trim my post pregnancy body. 

In truth, I needed a swift, firm kick in the butt!

The premise of the program is to push yourself and max out every workout.  And each workout thereafter, to push yourself a little farther, increase that max out time. I was really amazed at how quickly my body began responding to the workouts.  My max time was steadily increasing. I could feel my body getting stronger.  I was finding a rhythm again.  

This program taught me so much. Before every workout, during the opening credits, Shaun T. gives a little pep talk.  During those minutes before I began, I had to really get my mind right.  The first month I was juggling my three kiddos, a nursing newborn, and a traveling husband.  To say there were days I didn't want to do it, days I didn't want to push to my max out- would be an understatement. 

Our mental statement is such an indicator of our success.  Not only in fitness but in EVERYTHING.  Negative self talk is destructive.  If I told myself, I could take a break.  If I told myself I could eat this cheat. If I told  myself that my actions weren't paying off; if I focused on the parts of my body I {thought} weren't changing, I would have given up.  If I didn't have the SUPPORT from my fellow coaches, I would have given up. 

Here is what this program helped me accomplish in just 30 days. 

That lesson of mental strength was an important one.  The program is 60 days. (56 to be exact, less than that if you opt out of the optional Saturday workout.) The second month, all workouts are taken up a notch (or two). I had to have the mental strength to push myself.  

Month two had a whole new set of obstacles.  Two birthdays, my son's birthday party, Valentine's Day. I didn't miss a workout but my nutrition began to slip. I wanted the best results possible and I also wanted to break some habits I started to see creeping up.

To end Max:30 I paired it with the 3-Day Refresh.  Tomorrow I will share those results as well as what I learned during those three days.  

I definitely achieved progress with Max:30.  I saw results.  I pushed myself harder than I ever have in a workout.  I saw myself gain strength and muscle.  I increased endurance and stamina.  My legs and arms have tone like they maybe never have.  All without a weight.  

Here are my results from Day 1---> Day 30 ---> Day 60

This program changed my mindset.  It changed my body. It changed my view of myself and what I was capable of.  I know that anyone can find success with this program.  It isn't easy.  But it is MORE THAN worth it!

Quick Update

Hey all!

I have neglected this space terribly.  To be honest, I have had ZERO time for blogging at either space.  My husband has been traveling 4-5 days a week for the past 2.5 months {thankfully he was home for the holidays}.  His absence has just added to my work load at home and my boys are needing lots of my attention.  And, family comes first!

BUT-- I just have to share with you about a new program that I am in love with!

Let me just preface--I am not a cardio girl.  I don't enjoy cardio activities or movements.  I was not going to purchase this program.  I actually wasn't entertaining the idea of ever doing it. But then, a good friend and fellow coach, who was part of the test group, shared her results.  And I was blown away! 

So I got it.  I recruited some coaches on my team to do it with me.  I knew I needed accountability and support. 

Last Saturday was the end of our second week.  I felt like my body was changing.  I was curious.  Was it all in my head or were there actual changes?  I stepped on the scale, took some photos and measurements and compared.

My JAW HIT THE FLOOR! I couldn't believe how my  body had changed in two weeks!

I still have lots of work to do but I am so proud of how far I have come.  Back into jeans that I was only squeezing into around Christmas time, inches gone, more energy.  Me against me every day.  

If you have any questions about this program, I would love to answer them for you! If you are interested and need support, my online accountability group is kicking off February 2nd.

Happy Wednesday, friends!  

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!

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!! :) 

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

Monday Motivation

Here we are at another Monday and I am thinking about all my teacher friends who are starting back this week or preparing to start next week.  I can't help but think about how fast this summer has gone!

Maybe you are like me and wondering how the time has gotten away from you; that you still have a list of things you were planning on doing that are still undone and you are wanting to squeeze them in before the rush of school and the next season.

I know I have been talking with quite a few people lately who have been so busy this summer they have put themselves on the back burner (again) and not gotten around to the goals they set for themselves about their fitness and health.  UGH! Haven't we all been there? Life just fills our calendar up so much that we take care of others first and find us burning the candle at both ends? Ladies? Mamas?? I know you know!

Well today, I want to tell you, you have a choice! You have a choice to keep going on like you are OR to stop, re-evaluate your goals, and make a plan to go after them! It can be small steps.  Overhauling your life might be too much.  Changing a little here and there over time, adding in more water, eating more proportionately, adding in exercise a few times a week--then building off of that could be your first step.  

Whatever the case, whether you want to start small, whether you want a more intense workout schedule, whether you just want some advice on how to get started and where to start, I would love to help you on this journey! 

Just because summer is ending and you haven't reached your goals means you have to give up! Keep going, get started! Just do!! 

Have a great Monday!

Feed Your Soul

So terribly sorry that I have been absent but July has just been crazy!

BUT--I wanted to post this quickly to give anyone a chance to join in if they are interested!

Starting Monday, I am hosting a FREE accountability group for clean eating! But there is a twist!! 

I am really excited to not only share some healthy clean eating and nutrition ideas but to delve into some encouragement for the spirit as well! 

It is 100% free (except the cost of groceries), is done via Facebook so no need to be local and starts Monday! Email me if you are interested! I would love to have you! 

What's For Dinner? : Week 2

Thursday is already here in this short work week! I have been looking forward to sharing this recipe with y'all since I made it.  So let's get right to it!

Cauliflower Pizza
Our family adores pizza and we have tried tons,several, HUNDREDS  quite a few cauliflower crust recipes.  They come out way to mushy, soupy, or more like a casserole than a crust.  The taste is the there but what is missing is the feeling of eating a piece of pizza.  Something I can hold in my hand or cut through with our slicer and here that crisp crunch of the crust. You feel me, pizza lovers??

So I found a recipe I hadn't tried here at Lucky Penny and decided to give it a go. 

Here is what you'll need:
~1 medium head of cauliflower
~1/4 tsp Kosher salt
~1/2 tsp dried basil
~1/2 tsp dried oregano
~1/2 tsp garlic powder
~1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (I like spice, you could cut this out or use less)
~1/4 cup parmesan cheese
~1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
~1 egg
~your choice of sauce and toppings

***Here is how this recipe was different.  It had me heat my pizza stone before putting the crust on it.  It had me cook the crust on oiled parchment paper on the stone.*** 

First you need to cut your cauliflower into florets and then get them nice and tiny in a food processor.  Or blender.  Whatever you have handy so you don't have to chop it all finely by hand. {Oh yeah, you should be preheating that oven at temp of 450. And don't forget to pop that empty pizza stone (or cookie sheet) in there too!}

You microwave that beautiful mess for 4 minutes. Then let it cool!! Don't rush a good thing people. You will also burn your pretty little paws on the next step if you do rush it!

When your heap of cauliflower is cool, dump it onto a tea towel or thin dish towel.  Then wring out all the excess water.  Cauliflower is one of the veggies that holds a lot of moisture naturally and you well, you just steamed it.  This step has always played a big roll in my pizza crust success. I squeezed and squeezed and got quite a lot of water out. 

Then dump your crust back into a bowl, and add all the ingredients listed above (except the sauce and toppings!)  Mix well with yo' hands!

Then form your crust on that oil piece of parchment I mentioned earlier.  You are going to place that crust on your hot stone.  Cook for 8-11 minutes then remove from the oven for your next step. 

Before cooking

After. Do y'all see how nice that is cooking up? This mama was feeling pretty hopeful about this crust!

Next add your toppings.  For sauce, if you are keeping it clean, mix no sugar/no salt added tomato sauce with some oregano, basil, and smidge of garlic salt to create your own clean sauce.  Spread that on.  Then add whatever you like.  My boys requested "peppy-oni" pizza so I used some turkey pepperoni.  Eh, not the cleanest but, it's better than frozen or delivery. *ahem*

Then pop your pizza back into the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is nice and melty.  

Y'all, I took it out and looked at those crispy edges and was just delighted.  I couldn't wait.  But let me honest, mmmmk.  It wasn't as firm as I'd have liked it to be.  And it stuck to the parchment.  So here is my little tip.  If you have a pizza stone, lightly grease it, and cook it straight on the stone.  I think that would have made all the difference.  The flavor of this pizza was phenomenal it was definitely sturdier than other recipes I've tried, but still could use improvement.  

So get to adding this to your list of must-tries and let me know how it turns out! :)