Take a look inside your grocery cart - it's a tell tale sign on how you shop and eat! The perimeters are usually the fresh, clean foods while the interior isles are the ones that are processed and loaded with artificial anything and preservatives. Yes, there are some good things in the interior isles - but you have a ton of temptations and the ability to make the wrong choice (can you say Mrs Butterworth's vs Pure maple syrup? We're talking $2.25 vs $9 sometimes). The better choice is of course there maple syrup - but the cost is what gets us. Fill your carts with fruits, vegetables, potatoes, dairy, seafood, meats and poultry first. Then go get your grains, oats, nuts and seeds. Your cart will be fuller and you will be less tempted to throw in cereals, cookies, crackers. You'll eat cleaner AND save money. And here's a tip: If you're craving a vegetable or fruit that is not currently IN SEASON - buy the frozen version. Fruits & veggies sometimes travel thousands of miles to get to our grocery stores and their nutritional value has already started to deplete. Frozen fruits and veggies are prepared at their peak! ‪#‎winning‬

My Master's Hammer & Chisel Results are In!

My Results are in and I'm here to share them with you!  For 52 days I had a standing date with #Autumn Calabrese, #Sagi Kalev and my Beachbody fitfam doing their new program The Master's Hammer and Chisel.

This program was not easy for me - but it was exceptionally rewarding.  There were days that I laughed, improved, grunted, groaned and yes, cried.  Every day I tried to push myself to do my best and I would say that on most days I did that.  What I didn't do was follow the meal plan 100% and I am now regretting it.  I can tell you I was about a 75-80%er and that's just not good enough - even though I'm happy with my results.  I look at these pictures, I see results with toning and definition and can't believe I was too stubborn to follow the meal plan!  Beachbody gives you the entire package for your success for a reason:  it works.   You get the program, you get the MEAL PLAN and you get support.  Use it.

At 52 I'm not trying to get into a bikini - I just want to continue to be the healthiest I can.  That includes workouts almost daily and proper nutrition!  With this program we had days that we lifted heavy (the hammer) and days that we did cardio (the chisel) and days with both with a rest day once per week - much needed, by the way!

Here are my official measurements:

As you can see, my weight increased by .2 lbs - I'm ok with that!  I am down 3.75 inches!  As women we are too attached to the number on the scale.  Through this program, I have learned to not rely on that - the real barometer of our health is how we feel in our clothes, how we feel physically and yes, how we feel mentally!  I'm finally getting good at all three!  I'm stronger, I could last longer with my cardio and I feel good in my skin.

The meal plan followed the color coded portion controlled container system - and I am getting back to it!  I thought I was a pretty good judge at what I was putting into my body but without the containers - I was not a good judge at how MUCH I was putting into it - that's the key.

What did I learn from this program?

*  I learned that lifting heavy for women does not equal bulk!

*  I learned to trust the process.  There were definite days that I didn't and I was wrong!

*  I learned that I loved the Beachbody Performance line while doing this intense of a program.                Energize helped me power through when I didn't have my coffee and the Results and recovery seriously combatted my muscle soreness.   There were days I skipped these and I felt it!

*  I learned NOT to be a slave to the scale.  My weight went up, down, up, up, down...

*  I learned that I am the only person who can break down the walls that I've built around myself - this program was as much mental as it was physical and I am stronger for it - physically & mentally.

*  I learned most importantly to stop comparing my self to others.  This is my body - the only one I've got - and I'm the only one responsible to taking care of it.  

I loved this program for so many different reasons but I am ready to move on!

I think one of the reasons why people don't achieve there complete goal is they get bored or too used to a particular program and I am no exception.  I'm ready to start our newest challenge The 22 Minute Hard Corps Bootcamp style workout - why don't you join me!  This total body workout kicked my butt the first day I was able to test it and I have been looking forward to it ever since!  Email me at luannehaak@gmail.com if you'd like some information.

If you've been considering trying The master's Hammer & Chisel Workout or any Beachbody program I hope my little bit of insight helps you :)

It's that wonderful time of the year again - Girl Scout Cookie Time!  If you're trying to watch your weight, or perhaps gave up sweets for Lent do not despair!  You can order these cookies from the cutie pie girl scout troops and have them ship the packages to our men and women serving in our armed forces over seas!  You're helping two causes then - and not blowing your diet!  To help you curb those cravings though - enjoy these two Girls Scout Cookie Shakeology recipes!

It's Hammer & Chisel Time!

IT'S HAMMER & CHISEL TIME AND I LOVE IT!

I am officially 9 days into the program and I couldn't be more happier!  I get the best of all of my worlds - Autumn Calabrese from my previous favorite program, The 21 Day Fix, Sagi Kalev with Body Beast whom I've always wanted to train with (I was kinda scared) and keeping up with my favorite portion controlled color coded containers for proper eating!  

The program is set up that every other day we're following these two Master trainers with Autumn and her cardio chiseling weights and then Sagi and his hammering body sculpting.  I. Love. It.  It pushes me every day to lift heavier and move faster - and I am not bulking up!

I am noticing that with each workout I am getting stronger!  When I first began I did my pull-ups (they're in just about every routine so far) I needed to use all three of my assist bands.  I would HIGHLY recommend getting them if you have a pull up bar.  Within one week I was able to do most of them with 2 bands - that's a huge victory for me!!!

Yes, I'm kinda sore!  But it's such a good feeling for me!  Beachbody's new performance line has helped me a lot with combating that soreness though.  I was skeptical - I thought it was just another product to sell or another "gadget and gizmo" as Tony Horton would call it - but here's how I know.  I started The Master's Hammer and Chisel during the holidays and quit December 28 because we went on a trip.  I had been using the chocolate recovery after my workouts during that week that I had initially started and wasn't that sore.  When we came back from our trip and started up again - FROM THE BEGINNING - with The Master group on Facebook I just didn't use them.  And I was S.O.R.E.  So 4 days into the new week I decided to use them - and I feel great!  My husband is choosing not to use them.  One of us is awfully whiney - guess which one ;).

The Performance line has 4/5 options of things you can use.  I use the Energizer first thing instead of my coffee (It seems like I've put food in my stomach with it's citrus flavor).  It helps me really push through!  You take that before your workout up to 1/2 hour.  There is Hydrate to drink during your workouts but I just drink water.  For men who want to really build bulk there is Creatine - I really stay away from that - no bulky lady here, just toned :).  Then, after the workout there is Recovery - I drink that and that is what helps to rebuild my torn muscles and take away some of my aches.  I love it - it tastes like cold hot chocolate to me.  I've been noticing that the more I drink it, the less pain my muscles are feeling - and I'm increasing my weights!  At night there is a drink called Recharge.  This is where the magic is supposed to happen - this vanilla flavored drink is supposed to help repair the micro tears in your muscles and help you get a good nights sleep.  Sleep is so important when doing a rigorous workout such as this!  That's it!

So far I am very happy with everything!  The meal plan since it's the color coded containers from The 21 Day Fix has been really easy to follow.  It doesn't hurt that smart phones have these amazing apps to help you track your foods!  I love trying all of these different programs and was so excited while at SUMMIT last July that they announced this one - it does NOT DISAPPOINT!  

If you have any questions about this program please let me know - I'll be updating my progress here as well!  In my first week I:  lost 1 lb and 2.5 inches overall.  I'll take it!

The Master's Hammer & Chisel

                 The Master's

                                     Hammer & Chisel

People let me tell you 'bout my best friend...The new Master's Hammer & Chisel.  Let me tell you - this program is going to be game changing for so many of us!  I thought I'd give a few workouts a try and I am HOOKED!!!  Now I can't wait for my next challenge group to start!  

Beachbody took two of their Master trainers Autumn Calabrese, creator of The 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme and the Beast himself,  Sagi Kalev, to create a knockout punch of a program - designed to sculpt, define and build our bodies!

This 60 day program will get you the results you want in a short amount of time.  You might think that when you walk into a gym and see someone in shape vs someone who is REALLY BUFF that the difference is the amount of time they spend lifting - WRONG!  The secret to getting these extraordinary results isn't about the time and intensity you put in, it's about the approach.  That's where The Master's Hammer & Chisel comes in!  It incorporates SSP Training - Stabilization, Strength and Power.  No two workouts are alike (well, maybe a few).  They start with building your balance (Stabilization).  Then comes the strength (the weights) and next the power - combining both.  It also follows Autumn's color coded containers for your nutrition plan to help you get the best results!  Beachbody has covered every corner to help you get your maximum results!

Day 1 was Chisel Balance with Autumn.  I loved it and needed it - because my balance was zero!  It works on core strength, muscular endurance and creates stabilization for you to be able to move on.  You can do it at your own pace and I was tired and sore by the time the 40 minutes were up.  Bingo!  Something's working!

Day 2 was with Sagi :  Hammer Plyometrics.  It was only 20 minutes long - I say only because I had nothing left in me!  This jump training workout used my ENTIRE body creating force, speed and power.   Buddha Squat Jumps were amazingly hard yet leaving you feel so satisfied with yourself!

Day 3 was back to Autumn with ISO Strength Chisel - an intense resistance workout using isometric holds and flexibility to increase strength.  Phew!

Day 4 is a rest day and I, for one, was glad!

The nutrition guide helps you with your goal whether you want to build muscle, maintain your current weight or lean out.  I think I'm going to build muscle.  I'm good with my weight right now, and hey, I like to eat and you get to eat more!

Here's a little preview of one of the moves - sorry if I'm out of breath - it happens!
https://www.facebook.com/luanne.haak/videos/1028476483840026/?l=5388960457221623083

We're getting challengers ready for our next accountability/success group - why don't you join us?  This might not be the easiest workout you've ever done - but it's not supposed to be.  You want to get Chiseled, right?  We're looking for couples (what better way to show you love each other than to improve on your health TOGETHER) or singles - it doesn't matter - we just want you to get healthy!  

Message me to get started!

Week one - done!!!

Whelp!  Week one of the 21 Day Fix Extreme is completed, survived and in the books!  I will be honest, I had a couple of adjustments I had to do - both physical and with my attitude!  Everyone knows how much I LOOOOVED The 21 Day Fix and was so excited for The 21 Day Fix Extreme!  But when I went to push play, I was not, let's say, thrilled.  I don't know - maybe it was the format.  Maybe it was that it just wasn't my old love.  Maybe it was the darn pink band!  I felt like I was spending too much time with a crooked dog's head watching and not doing (HUH?).  Then I remembered - THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALWAYS LIKE WHEN I START A NEW PROGRAM!  Phew, for a minute there last week I was kinda sad.

Let's talk about the Format.  Still actually, kinda the same.  4-5 rounds, 2 exercises each round.  (I think I just channeled my inner Autumn...)  The exercises each last 1 minute - technically.  See with the extreme, the first 30 seconds is always with weights, the second 30 seconds, with..weights, albeight lighter ones!  Or the pink band!  Sometimes we dropped them.  Don't let this scare you like it did me!  The routines are awesome, you feel the burn.  It goes by quickly!  You have bloopers  trying to wrap the band correctly - see?  Her workouts are fun!!!  But they're also tough.  That's why it's called the EXTREME!

The meal plan seemed to be my biggest hurdle this time - I wanted to do the Extreme workout with no treats - no chocolate.  Alas - that meant no Godiva Chocolate I was given for Valentines Day.  Didn't happen.  I tried to limit myself to one or two pieces each day, but it was GODIVA for Pete's sake!  Here was my solution and I am so sorry...

It's really not as bad as it looks - we ate (by we I mean me) all of the really good ones.  And that's the little bit of butter toffee that I had left but it all had to go because I gave it the good college try for a week and failed daily.  I'm actually kind of glad to learn that I'm human.

I did the workouts religiously every day and felt the burn every day - I loved it!  When your muscles are sore from a new workout it's your body telling you it's working!  That's what I LOVE about all of the Beachbody programs!  I had just finished Insanity Max 30 and totally thought I was going to kick some ass but nope - they decided to kick mine!

I only lost one pound but with seriously not following the eating plan all week I am SO GOOD with that!  Look above what 1 pound looks like!   I think too many times we become slaves to the scale and starve ourselves into weight loss.  If I can still eat, workout and continue to go downward on the scale I. am. happy!  I also lost 2 inches in my body so it is all good here!  The recipes, as usual are very good!  Enjoy this one for Hearty Beef and Butternut Squash Stew!

Stay tuned for more progress next week!  I'm doing the more difficult meal plan countdown to competition to REALLY dial in my meal plan to make up for last week!  Wish me luck!

3 Day Refresh Recap

I did it!  I took three days out of my busy schedule to concentrate on me!  And you know what?  It was easy!  I didn't need to take 3 days off - I went about my busy schedule like I normally do.  No having to hang around the house close to the bathroom.  NO being held up in my bedroom away from the kitchen because I was starving.  Nope - life went on as usual!

I wanted to lose a little weight and feel great.  I wanted to lose the bloat and eliminate animal products from my system to give it a break.  I wanted to lose the "heavy" feeling I had in my gut and that's just what I did.

This is not a system where you can't eat - in fact you start your morning with lemon water, then your Shakeology.  It's a dense, super food nutritional meal replacement that really keeps you full and satisfied.  I also was able to eat a serving of fruit with it.  The Shakeology has a vegan friendly, plant based protein in it and is really delicious!

Mid morning I was able to have a fiber sweep.  It wasn't bad tasting but was fiber none the less.  No running to the bathroom but it did keep me full and prevented me from having a mid morning sugar crash!  Mix it with COLD water and drink it QUICK - otherwise it gets too thick!

LUNCH!  For lunch I got to start with a veggie serving (the refresh guide tells you how much), another helping of fruit and a healthy fat like hummus, almond butter, avocado.  I switched between hummus with my veggies or almond butter with an apple.  The healthy fat helps to give you energy and keep you full.  I also got to drink a vanilla fresh shake for dessert - yum!  Loaded with another plant based protein!

Afternoon snack:  Another vegetable serving with another healthy fat.  One day it was veggies & hummus,  one day it was almond butter and celery sticks and one day it was a spinach salad with olive oil, sea salt and pepper.  All very good!

Now I'm ready for dinner!  The 3 day refresh gives you 9 different recipes so you don't get bored.  Yes, it was veggies and yes it was delicious!  I also got a vanilla fresh again.

I drank plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out toxins and keep me hydrated and full.

A couple of tricks:  cut back on your coffee intake before you start since you can't drink caffeine on this plan.  Drink plenty of water between all of your meals and snacks to keep you hydrated so you don't get a headache (I did get a slight one on day 2).  Drink Fiber Sweep as fast as you can!

I know I only lost 2.4 lbs but I am happy with that.  I am a pretty clean eater to begin with but could NOT get past all the holiday binging.  I just needed this to get me back on track and I have been able to make healthier choices ever since.  Yes, I do indulge and I'm perfectly ok with that - I wasn't ok with not being able to wrap my head around not indulging multiple times throughout the day though!

I love this program and will probably continue to do it every other month just to keep my body fine tuned.  They are machines and remember everything we plug into it.  I'm just going to look at it like an oil change!

HELP!!!

I'M ON A DIET AND I CAN'T EAT ANYTHING!

Did you ever feel like this?  You start on your way to healthier eating and you feel like all you can eat is:

It doesn't need to be like that!  There are so many ways to incorporate our every day foods into lower calorie foods, better portions and much, much healthier options.  Yes, eat your fruits and veggies.  Not only are they good for you, but they're oh so colorful and tasty!  Yes, eat your whole grains and beans - they're loaded with fiber to keep your digestive track super healthy.   Drink plenty of water - at least 1/2 of your body weight in ounces per day to help detox your system!

Most people fail on their diet goals because they eliminate so many foods that they feel they are down to only broccoli.  We're last for about a day or two on this rabbit food then we want the goods!  And unfortunately, there's not a diet plan around that let's you eat good food.

OR IS THERE?

Let's look into The 21 Day Fix.  21 Days of eating clean and portion controlled.  21 Days of 30 minutes of exercise.  21 Days to a healthier new you by breaking your old habits.  And, not much
is off limits.  That's right, to help you stay on track Beachbody has designed this program to easily portion control your food with it's color coded containers, give you your daily dose of dense nutrition in it's Shakeology meal replacement, provide you with 30 minutes of daily exercise and unlimited support from your coach!  It's pretty hard to fail.  I LOVE THIS PROGRAM!

But let's get back to the food!  Of course you can find oodles and oodles of recipes that are fix tested and husband and kids approved.  You can eat your fruit, your veggies, your proteins and your carbs all in the portions figured out just for you.  Yep, you can have pizza, nuts, chocolate and even wine.

Nothing is off limits - you just need to limit yourself.

So let's talk pancakes.  I love pancakes - especially on Sunday morning.  I've been eating this recipe from the Eat Clean Diet now for a couple of years and low and behold I can have it on the fix!  Happy, happy day!

These are power oatmeal pancakes.  They're loaded with wholesome oatmeal grain so they stick with you for pretty much your whole morning!  To make them clean, I top mine off with unsweetened applesauce and cut bananas and other berries (if in season).

POWER OATMEAL PANCAKES

2 1/2 cup dry rolled oats

6 egg whites

1 cup milk of your choice (I've used skim or almond milk)

1 Tbsp ground flaxseed

1 Tbsp Safflower oil

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon.

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend.  Use non-stick spray and drop batter on heated griddle.  Cook until pancakes are dry and bubbly on the edges and flip!

If you like syrup, use pure maple syrup to keep this recipe clean.  And don't forget to try it with the unsweetened applesauce and mixed berries - it's a different twist to an old favorite!  

For Fix approved portions, 2 4 inch pancakes are yellow, red & purple.

If you're interested in learning more about The 21 Day Fix, send me a message!  Enjoy!

YES! YES IT IS!

Have you ever wondered what Beachbody coaching was all about?  I was out to dinner with some of my friends that I haven't seen in a while and they had no idea.  They thought that I went to people's houses to train them, or that I was all about the sale.  It's my fault that my own friends didn't know so I'm here to change that!

Do I go to your house and make you workout?  Nope.  Do I guilt you into doing 10 extra pushups because you had a piece of cake?  Nope.  Do I constantly bug you to buy from my site?   Nope.

Then, what do I do as a Beachbody coach?  I simply help you achieve the gift of better health.  I give you the tools you need to succeed at your fitness, health and weight loss goals.  I find a workout and nutrition plan that best works for you.  I support you.  I challenge you.  I celebrate your successes with you and yes, I help to figure out a better way from the failures with you.

Is coaching for everyone?  YES!

It's for the person who needs to supplement their existing income to help pay bills.

It's for the person who doesn't need the extra cash but likes the perks it brings you!

It's for the person who likes to help people and wants to help end the trend of obesity.  #endthetrend

It's for the person who likes social media, keeping in touch with their old friends and making many, many new ones!

It's for the person who is disciplined and likes a great challenge - you know, something to do.

It's for the person who is undisciplined and needs the guidance and accountability of the Beachbody community.

It's for you, and it DEFINITELY is for me.

When I began as a coach, I also had no idea what they did.  I did not want to rely on my friends and family to make my sales.  Been there, done that.  My coach assured me that I didn't need to.  Jim and I both drank Shakeology daily and we were simply looking for a way to save a few bucks.  Enter coaching.  I started out as a discount coach.  I still worked out almost every day like I had for years and started drinking my Shakeology.  Something started to happen - people started to notice.  What are you doing they'd ask.  I simply told them.  Where do I get it they asked.  I simply told them.  I then realized that I was carrying around something they wanted - confidence.  I didn't hard sell them on anything,  I just simply was a product of the product and they wanted in.

I love what I do as a coach!  I get to help people every day feel better about themselves.  I get to help people every day learn the basics of clean eating,  challenge groups and regain their own confidence through working out.  I started this at 51 years young and am loving every minute of it!  I love the new confident,  stronger and more fit me.  I love that I can relate to other people my age with the struggles it takes to lose the weight.  I love that people trust me.

             But what I love most about coaching is that I make a difference - wouldn't you agree?

              Yes, Beachbody coaching definitely is for me - let me know if you think it's for you!

THURSDAY

JANUARY 1, 2015

I'm sitting here not on the edge of awesome and bombdiggity, but on the edge of dissappointment in a way.  2014 was a fabulous year for me.  My daughter got married, I lost 12 lbs,  I started my own Beachbody business and helped so many people with their fitness goals, I met so many new people and made new friends - life is good.  But the truth is for me, I could have ended 2014 better.  Yep, it's confession time.  I did really good - until I didn't.  Like so many people I know, the journey on fitness came to a screeching halt - called excuses.  Thanksgiving didn't do me in, Birthday dinners didn't do me in - neither did Christmas or New Years celebrations.  I did me in.  I got comfortable.  I mailed it in.  I made the decisions that I wouldn't have made 6 months ago while in the midst of my journey.  I put the 5th cookie in my mouth, or ordered that extra pomegranate martini.  I ate when I wasn't hungry and I was the one who skipped my workouts.  All me.  All excuses.  The successes were all me but so were the failures.

2015 will be all me as well and I'm going all in!  2014 introduced me to so many wonderful things and people and I couldn't be more grateful.  I have goals that are set.  I will achieve them.  I've grown a lot in 2014 and can only imagine that I will grow even more this new year.

I'm not big on resolutions because I was never able to keep them - heck, I can't even finish the 40 days of Lent!  This year though, I'm making REALSOLUTIONS.  

1.  My #1 goal is to quit hiding behind my insecurities and being afraid to hear the word no.  That's all it is - a word!  No biggie, right?  It's not no - you're an idiot.  It's not no - get away from me you freak.  It's just no.  No not now.   No thank you - that's not so bad now, is it?

2.  My #2 goal is to definitely build my Beachbody business.  It has made me grow in confidence in so many ways and I look forward to seeing what the next year brings!  It's scary for me but I'm up for the challenge!  And overcoming goal #1 is the catalyst for this!

3.  My #3 goal is to continue on my fitness journey. I still have 10 lbs that I would like to lose and abs that I would like to see , and I will lose & see them by June 1 - mark my words.

4.  My #4 goal is to volunteer more.  I feel that my life has been so blessed in so many ways and I want to, in some small way, pay it forward.

5.  My #5 goal is to recommit myself to my Faith.  My Faith has never wavered, but my church going certainly has.

 

Do you like Lentils?

Then you'll LOVE this!

I made my husband Jim a Turkey meatloaf a few weeks back while I was doing Beachbody's Ultimate Detox and have been hungry for meatloaf ever since!  I just am not ready to add a ton of animal protein back into my diet, and every day it was too late to make this Lentil Loaf recipe because I never had the lentils prepared!

Well, I made the lentils and couldn't wait to try this one out.  It is a vegan recipe from the creator of Oh She Glows and it is hearty, sweet, savory and downright DELICIOUS!

(This is her photo)!

It does take a little bit of prep work, but I found that eating clean and healthy using whole ingredients usually does!  This was total comfort food!

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked lentils (I used precooked - didn't hold together as pretty, but was fine)

1 cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped

3 tbsp ground flax + 1/2 cup of water (whisk together and set aside)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1.5 cups sweet onion, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup grated carrot

1/3 cup peeled and chopped sweet apple

1/3 cup of raisins (I used craisins)

1/2 cup of oat flour

3/4 cup of breadcrumbs

3/4 tsp of dried thyme

salt & pepper, to taste

red pepper flakes, to taste

Balsamic Apple Glaze

1/4 cup of ketchup

1 tbsp pure maple syrup

2 tbsp apple butter ( I used unsweetened applesauce)

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 325*.  toast your walnuts for around 8 minutes, set aside.

Raise temp to 350*.  Rinse and strain your lentils.  Place into a pot with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 40-45 minutes.  Stir frequently.  The goal is to overcook the lentils a bit so you can slightly mash them with a spoon.

Heat tsp of oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Salute the garlic and onion for about 5 minutes.  Add in diced celery, shredded carrot and apple, and the raisins.  Salute for about 5 minutes more.  Remove from heat.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients together, season with the thyme and red pepper.

Grease loaf pan and line with parchment paper.  Press mixture firmly into pan.  Whisk together the glaze ingredients, and spread 1/2 of mixture evenly on top.  Save the rest for a delicious dipping sauce!

Bake at 350* uncovered for 45-50 minutes.  Edges will be slightly browned.  Cool in pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.  Let cool some more before slicing.  ENJOY!

  I'm not vegan, but if this how the food tastes I may just convert!

Clean Eating Peanut Butter Cups?

My Life is Complete!

Anyone who knows me knows that I love peanut butter.  And Dark Chocolate.  Separate, together, in cakes, on spoons - however you want to dish it out.  And I found myself digging into the jar while adding chocolate chips on top a little too much.  I was hungry for these and was trying to recreate them.  It was good, really good.  The problem was when you dig into treats that way they don't seem like real treats, like they're invisible or something!  And my spoonfuls got a little bigger and a little more frequent.

Enter the clean eating Reese's!  There are so many different recipes you can find on Pinterest.  My good friend Jaissa forwarded me this one.  It uses all whole, clean ingredients right down to the cacao powder and madagascar vanilla.  It does have a little bit of a coconut taste to it as well because of the coconut oil but I'll take that over preservatives and high fructose corn syrup any day!  Give them a try - I hope they hit the spot!  Just don't eat all of them at one sitting...

Reese's

1/2 cup of Coconut Oil  (melted but not hot)

1/2 cup of Cacao powder (you could use cocoa but there's sugar in some)

1/4 cup of Raw Honey

1/2 tsp of pure vanilla extract (I used Madagascar vanilla from William Sonoma)

Mix all ingredients together until well blended.  Spread a spoonful evenly into cupcake liners.  I used mini.  Place in freezer to set for about 5 minutes.  Spread Natural Peanut butter on these once they have set, then cover with the remaining chocolate mixture.  Freeze and Enjoy!

Hubby's Favorite

Italian Potato Soup

Have you ever had one of those meals that your spouse asks you to make over and over and over again?  Well, this just may be another -especially since cold weather and the infamous football season is upon us!

I don't have an actual picture for this like my other posts - you just have to trust me on this one!  But you can enjoy looking at this cold winter scene while you're dreaming of this hot soup!  ;)

Italian Potato Soup

8 ounces of Turkey Sausage  (I use 1/2 hot, 1/2 sweet)

3 cups of chopped red skinned potatoes, skin on

1/2 cup of chopped onion (Jim hates onion so I omit this - never missed it)

1 (15) oz can Italian style tomatoes, low salt if you can find them

1 TBSP each of basil & parsley flakes

1 tsp each of oregano and salt

1 (15) oz can of tomato sauce  (many times I use leftover home made - about 2 cups)

2 (14) oz cans of chicken broth

3 cups of water

finely chopped escarole, endive or kale - your choice  I always use escarole.

Saute' the sausage in a 5-6 quart saucepan until the fat is rendered.  You can use links that you cut into coins or loose sausage - doesn't matter!  Drain the fat.  Add the potatoes and onion and cook for just a few minutes.  Add the rest of the ingredients except the greens.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat and cook until the potatoes are tender.  Add chopped greens in at the end and continue to cook for around 10 minutes or until they've wilted.  Kale usually takes a little longer.  Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you'd like.

Serve with a salad and Italian bread and you have yourself a meal!

Kale & Brussels Sprouts Salad with

Butternut Squash, Pomegranate

&

Candied Pecans

Salad:

1 small butternut squash, peeled & cubed

1 TBSP olive oil

Pinch of Sea Salt

1 small bunch of Kale, finely chopped

1 lb Brussels Sprouts, finely chopped

1 cup pomegranate seeds

1/2 cup candied pecans

1/3 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese

Dressing:                                                                  

1/4 cup olive oil

2 TBSP apple cider vinegar

1 tsp dijon mustard

1 small clove of garlic

2 tsps shallot, minced

Salt & pepper to taste

1 tsp raw honey

Preheat oven to 400*.  Place cubed squash in baking pan.  Drizzle with olive oil, salt & pepper.  Roast 25-30 minutes or until tender.  Remove and set aside.

Place kale in a large bowl and sprinkle with sea salt.  Massage leaves for 2 minutes or until they soften and begin to wilt.  Stir in chopped Brussels Sprouts, squash, pomegranate seeds, candied pecans and parmesan cheese.  Season with salt & pepper.  Pour on dressing and toss to coat.

*I also added chopped figs because, well, I'm addicted to them :)!

serves around 6

This recipe is by Two Peas & Their Pod

www.twopeasandtheirpod.com

New year coming,  New Me here!

We have one month left in the year 2014.  What's in store for you in 2015?  I know what is NOT in store for me - going back to bad habits!  It took me a while to figure out that clean eating, regular exercise and optimal nutrition is the way to lose weight, keep it off and look healthy and happy.  I've done them all - fasting, low carb, no carb, vegan, vegetarian, only fruits & salads and at times only meat!!!  I don't know what I was thinking!  But I do know now what has helped me get into the best shape of my life.  It's discipline.  It's eating real food.  It's exercising!  Is my diet perfect?  Nope - not at all.  But for the most part I follow the 90/10 rule.  90% healthy, 10% not so much.  I also don't miss a day of my Shakeology.  It has ALL of my nutritional needs in one delicious shake!  So I don't worry on special days now where in the past - everyday I would fret and ultimately blew my diet, again.  I was out of shape, didn't feel good about myself.  My diet already sucked so why bother trying?  I bothered trying because I was unhappy with myself.  Period.  No one was going to do it for me but me. Period.

I was a marathon runner for Pete's sake - how could this happen?  Excuses.  Temptation.  Low discipline.  I get it.  I know it's hard.  Exercise is hard.  But what was harder was being uncomfortable in my own skin.  You might say I picked my hard and exercise and nutrition was it!  Now, everything is easy.  It's not even about being thin for me - it's about being HEALTHY.  No more back pain.  No more bloating.  No more depression.   I look at the pictures above and what was hard was being like that.

 Everyday now until December 31 I'm going to post a healthy recipe for you to enjoy.  One with clean, natural ingredients to help me stay on track and possibly get you on track!  I love doing this and this is my thank you to you for motivating me!  Let this be the jumpstart you need, or just plain enjoy the recipes!

I love these Millet, Feta and raisin fritters - I even enjoy them cold!

Have a great Day!

THE FINAL PHASE!

PHASE 3 RESTORE!

Yee Haw!  The final phase of the Ultimate Reset is complete - phase 3 restore!  What a ride!  21 days of changing my eating habits, cleansing my body from all sorts of toxins and learning that I had the

discipline and determination to do it really was a confidence booster!  21 DAYS!!!  

I'm not going to sit here and tell you the last week was easy - it wasn't.  Phase 3, or the restore phase, eliminated all grains and legumes and left me to focus on an all plant based diet - only fruits and vegetables.  Normally that would be ok but it's getting close to winter and the fruit wasn't my favorite!  I tried not to eat any fruit high in sugar like grapes and bananas but sometimes a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.  The berries, kiwi and other low-glycemic fruits were just too sour so I needed to balance them out on some days - but I did it!  The portions were able to be larger but 4 cups of fruit is a lot on anyone's measurements.

I started every day off with my bowl of fruit, usually had the microgreen salad & baked sweet potato for lunch and dinners were a combination of some type of veggies.  On day 19 dinner did include Baked Tempeh which for me was a life saver!  Remember I still worked out as best I could during this reset so fruits and veggies weren't exactly easily cutting it and filling.  I may or may not have snuck in 1/2 tsp of peanut butter on the 3rd day of phase 3...

The only really new recipes I made during this phase were the Avocado Cucumber soup (which I was really looking forward to) and the Asian Stir Fry.  Wasn't a fan of the soup which really disappointed me but the stir fry was good!   Of course, all I kept thinking was this would be REALLY good with brown rice or quinoa but just veggies it was!  I also LOVED the Roasted Fennel Bulb!  It was a sweet, kinda savory licorice tasting veggie that I had never had.  It was delicious!  That will definitely be added to my roasted root veggies to give it an extra kick!

How much weight did I lose you ask?  I lost close to 7 lbs - 6.6 to be exact!  I'll take it!  This isn't touted as a weight loss regiment but rather a detox to get so many of the bad toxins our bodies are faced with every day like smoke (can you say fire pits), chemicals like hair spray, makeup and perfumes - just toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis.  Things like these cause internal inflammations that we don't even know about and I personally have developed a dairy intolerance so eliminating that one source made a huge difference!

Would I recommend this to others?  Yes.  You really must be prepared to do it and have the right mindset.  It seemed like a LOT of prep work and cooking but if you embrace the process you'll be fine!  There are quick start meals as well that you could choose from to make life easier for this detox but hey, I'm not easy!  For some unknown reason to my conscience I do much better the harder I make things...Who knows - go figure...

I was also amazed that I did lose weight because let me tell you I was eating a lot!  I guess that's the true beauty of eating whole, unprocessed foods!

So I'm leaving you with one last recipe: 

 The Roasted Fennel Bulb

1 large fennel bulb, greens and root removed - cut into chunks

1 tsp Extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt

Combine Fennel with olive oil and salt in a small bowl and mix well.  Arrange on a single layered baking sheet.  Bake for 25-40 minutes or until golden and tender.  Only the easiest recipe ever!!!

Thanks for tuning in and following my journey!  There were some days just knowing that you all were reading that kept me going!!!

The Ultimate Reset Days 11, 12, 13 &14

The Bomb.com!!!

Wow, the first two weeks were awesome.  The only complaint that I believe I have are the dishes I used to cook everything in and the clean up afterwards.  I'm kind of a fly by the seat of my pants kinda girl so I think it would have been better had I prepped everything but that's just not me!  Another week has gone by and I am still so satisfied with the food!

I'm feeling really good too!  I finally had enough energy to get good workouts in, although I can tell they're still not 100%.  That is the only thing I really didn't follow on this plan to a T.  I need my workouts.  I did about 50% capacity and in the beginning of the detox that 50% felt like 110%.  I did take a few days off.

Still sleeping really good which is amazing to me!  I'm such a light sleeper and now when it's bedtime it's lights out for this girl!

Some of the foods I've eaten during this last week were Vegetable Miso soup, Mediterranean Roasted Beets, Quinoa- Lentil Pilaf, fruit, micro-green salads, Coconut Collard Greens & Edamame and Roasted Corn Succotash!  OH MY LORD...   OOH, and Kabocha Squash with a garlic-Tahini filling!

So many people were commenting on the Kabocha Squash so here is the recipe as promised!!!  I thought it was really good and the Tahini filling for some reason reminded me of peanut butter.  There was definitely a nutty taste to it and no doubt I have peanut butter on my mind.  That is the ONE THING that I really do miss...

Kabocha Squash with Garlic-Tahini Filling

1 Kabocha Squash, halved and seeded

4 TBSP sesame tahini

2 tsp miso paste

1 tsp clove garlic, chopped

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 400*  Place squash halves on a lightly sprayed baking sheet.  Combine tahini, miso, garlic and oil in a small bowl.  Mix well.  Cover squash evenly with the tahini mixture making sure to get some on the top edges.  Bake for 30 minutes or until fork tender.  Enjoy!

I also loved the Coconut Collard Greens!  

1 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1/4 medium onion, diced

1/2 bunch of collard greens, stems removed, cut into 1/2 inch strips

1/4 cup of coconut milk

1 dash Himalayan Sea Salt (optional)

Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.  Add onions & cook, stirring frequently 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and soft.  Add collard greens and coconut milk.  Cook, stirring frequently for 10 minutes or until greens are very tender.  Add Himalayan Sea Salt if desired.

Now on to week three - the final phase of this detox.  This phase, called restore, eliminates all grains and legumes and focuses on a simple, cleansing fruit and vegetable based diet.  I'm looking forward to it!  As an added bonus, I'm down 5 lbs - and I felt like all I was doing was eating!  I didn't do this cleanse to lose weight but rather to rid my body of toxins that I know have built up n my body over the years!  But down 5 lbs?!  Hey, I'll take it!