30 Days

Did you know people are more successful in their nutrition and fitness journey when they are held accountable my others?  I know it is true for me.  I always worked out at a gym.  Never thought I could work out at home.  That is just crazy talk.  THEN I just happened to see on Facebook, someone promoting a "challenge group".  What the heck is that?  I was pretty down and out then so figured I would inquire.  The rest is history.  That small group of strangers and what it provided to me changed my life.  So NOW?  I run them myself.  Have for almost 3 years.  Every month.  30 days.  Then they stay with me.  They are my "lifers".  I have seen weight lost, health issues disappear, confidence gained, friendships made, mental wellness and all around better people.  I LOVE it!

Give me 30 days.  Comment below if you would like further info!

Why Am I a Beachbody Coach

I started to make a list yesterday and could not stop:
WHY I love being a Beachbody Coach:

I am my own boss.
I work my own hours, which allows me to be present for my family when I want and when needed.
I don't have to call in sick or ask for time off.
I can work ANYWHERE.
I have a far greater reach through social media, than I do in one focused location. I can literally reach the world.
I learned to love learning again (or maybe for the first time).
I hold myself accountable by helping others stay accountable.
There is no dress code. smile emoticon
My future, pay check, decisions are up to ME. Not a boss, or the economy.
I can provide the same opportunity to others. The only prerequisite is that you have a desire to help others and that you are fun because we would be working together. =))
No, I don't care that it is network marketing. I didn't know when I signed up, it didn't change my desire to do it. Who cares.
I get to use the top rated, at home fitness programs to show others what they are capable of accomplishing, no matter age, location or situation.
I get to help people find themselves again AND to love themselves, maybe for the first time.
I get to share, un-apologetically, the most tested, natural, superfood product on the market to date.
I get to see people transform physically, mentally, spiritually.
I cry because I love what I do so much and it doesn't feel like work. And yes it didn't happen until 40 so it is never too late to do something you love.
I have met some amazeballs people
My confidence and self worth have increased one million percent. Even when I don't feel my best.
I love to read/listen to material that makes me a better person. I never did that before. I actually made fun of it.
It taught me to care about health and nutrition. Doesn't mean I always follow it, but I know.
I get to be ME. Whether a train wreck, happy, sad, hot mess, silly, fun, BLESSED.

Sure they are skeptics. I see it every day. They are skeptics with all sorts of stuff. I know what I know. I do what I know. I love what I do. I am thankful I have support that allows me to do it. THIS is why I share it. Why wouldn't I?

Monday - Fresh Start

We have all been there. Ate too much over the weekend? Didn't get everything done you wanted to? Feel like this is the 250th Monday in a row you needed a fresh start? Did you know you are not alone? I would put money in it. You have some friends. We support you. Now we encourage one another to move forward. Yesterday is gone. (And the donuts and pizza) 🙈 Today is a gift. Let's make use of it. Even if it just working and cleaning the house. It is still a gift. Gifts don't have to be in a big red bow all the time. 🎁 it is just the gift of a fresh start. Make today count.

I am not full of fluff, I take the time to know my stuff!

OK, so, I am obsessed with Shakeology and the creator, Darin Olien.  His passion for nutrition is beyond words, and I have learned so much from him.  Key word, learn.  I take time to find out what the heck is going on so that I can share with other people.  I think that is super duper important.  So, if you want to know about Shakeology, like what the heck is it?  Ask me.

They just released what is called Shakeology Boosts.  Just as it states, they are an extra boost when you need it.  Maybe not something you need every day, but here and there.  Whatever floats your boat.

I have the privilege of grabbing training any way I can on these products.  Again, so I can share with you.  I was on a call Monday and the man himself broke them down.

First there is focused energy.  No sweeteners, no artificial colors.  Plants used to provide caffeine when we need that extra pick me up.  It uses adaptagens and mushroom blends to make this happen.   A lot of energy drinks have sugars, chemicals and cause that crash.  This eliminates the spiking and is good for an afternoon pick me up or even as a pre workout drink.  I love my coffee and used to love me some Red Bull, but like knowing there is an alternative that is completely natural.

Power Greens.  I have been drinking this one every day.  Greens greens greens.  We can't get enough of them.  I don't like many cooked veggies.  I eat most of mine raw.  And truth be told, I would rather now . BUT I do.  I down a scoop of this in some water each day and am done.  This is for the person that is busy, didn't plan for the day and is just plain convenient.  Kind of an "answer to prayer" (kind of like Shakeology itself).

Digestive Health is next.  Face it, sometimes we need help going to the bathroom.  Maybe we ate too much processed food over the weekend.  It contains soluble and insoluble fiber to help with cleaning the intestines.

How do these compare to other products on the market?  Well, Darin says it is the Wild West out there.  Beachbody does not apologize for putting a high quality product out there for people to use.  From the top down, research and development, quality assurance, testing facilities, traveling the world, working with continued audited facilities.  The best in standards.  =)

This helps take more control over foods.  Good for kids.  Let's us have a better responsibility for our health . SO,, I will continue to share and help one person at a time.

I Can't Cook

Sunday I was all gung-ho to make another recipe from the FIXATE cookbook. I was obsessed with this cake.  I kept looking at it ever since I got the cookbook.  BUT in my head I was thinking "that is a lot of ingredients and a lot of directions".  It looked so darn good, I just had to.  I had to finally make it.  That is when things got ugly.

The ingredients are listed all together for the cake and then the icing.  I did not pay very close attention to this part.  When it says "divided use", I jumped the gun.  I started to just measure and go for it.  Then I would get to the next step and realize I jacked it all up.  )(%@#%@#  My husband is good at math, so helped me back track and add one half more to everything.    SO, I finally figured it out, had two cakes instead of one. The mess was HUGE, and to top it off, I spilled my husband's orange juice ALL OVER EVERYTHING.  Sticky = messy = pi$$ed.  BUT, hey, the cake was delicious!  Downside was I waited to eat too long that day and had one of the worst binge eating sessions I had in a long time. I think I ate 4 pieces of cake (after the food I had eaten before). So, a fiasco, BUT I do recommend the cake!  Let me know if you make it, what you think, and if you had a better experience than I did!

 
Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting 
for you Fixers, serves 12 2 yellow and 1/5 blue

Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
2 tsp baking powder, gluten free
1/4 sea salt (or Himalayan)
3/4 cup unsalted organic grass fed butter, DIVIDED USE
1 cup raw honey (or maple syrup) DIVIDED USE
4 large eggs
1/4 cup + 3 TBSP unsweetened almond milk DIVIDED USE
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup organic unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

1. preheat oven to 350
2. Coat a 9 inch round baking pan with spray
3. Combine almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt in a med bowl. Set aside.
4. Cream together 1/2 cup butter and 3/4 cup honey in a med mixing bowl, beat on medium speed for one minute.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beat until blended.
6. Add 1/4 cup almond milk and extract; beat until blended.
7. Add almond flour mixture to butter mixture; beat until creamy
8. Pour batter into prepared pan
9. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Cool
10.  Whip REMAINING 1/4 cup butter in a med bowl, beat on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes, or until creamy.
11. Add remaining 3 TBSP almond milk to butter; beat until well blended.
12 Add cocoa powder, beat until well blended, scarping bowl occasionally.
13 Slowly add REMAINING 1/4 cup honey while beating on med speed.
14. Once cake is cool, evenly spread with frosting.  Cut into slices  (don't eat the entire cake like me!)

Change

I saw this quote the other day and fell in love.

Comfortable, for a lot of people, is good.  They feel safe.  They know where to go, what to do, what the next step will be day after day.  Are you happy?  Are you really truly happy?  Or do you look at the future and dread it?
Change is good.  Change, while sometimes SO scary, can be exciting.  Change, with growth, is how things happen.  My husband brought up an excellent point this morning.  He was talking about how the way I perceive things is not the way others do.  Or my timeline may be different from theirs.  He related it to personal development.  He never read a book to make him grow, then a friend handed him "Thinking for a Change" by John Maxwell.  From that point he could not stop reading.  Then there was me.  I made fun of him, I FOUGHT it, I thought no way.  Then the minute I did, I was changed.  I can't get enough.  I want to grow, I want a bright future.  I don't look at my life, even though I am blessed, and think it will just be this way.  I have goals, I get to dream and work hard and know if I keep going for it, I can make it happen.
It is up to each of us, as human beings, to make the change happen.  Don't watch someone else grow. You can grow!  Don't assume it can't be done.  Have you tried?  Don't quit just because it is hard.  I believe.  I believe in people.  I believe we ALL have a purpose.  I believe you CAN do better.
Make a better life.  For YOU, for your well being.  For your family.  For your future.
Have a blessed Sunday!

Social Media - before you know it, 30 minutes has passed by!

I was given a piece of advice a couple years ago - scrolling the newsfeed is not working. I tell my team this all the time. It is SO easy with so many social media platforms these days! I find myself trapped in one and wonder, where the heck did the time go? It is amazing and I LOVE how technology evolves every day. BUT there are downsides. We look down at our phones instead of what is right in front of us. We look at other people's lives and compare. We say we don't have time to work out, or eat right or do this and that, when we do. Time yourself one day. Then look and see how long you were on Pinterest. I am there with you! You just need 30 minutes a day to make YOU better. And a little bit of guidance to find time to eat better. And take a time to look up, not down today. ❤ have a great Friday!!

Almond Chocolate Protein Squares - FIXATE cookbook

I am having a good time making the recipes in the FIXATE cookbook.  I don't like to cook, I don't like the mess, but I do like the taste.  I found another winner.  Here is the recipe with MY TAKE on how I made them!

1 cup oat flour, gluten free
1 cup vanilla protein powder (I recommend Shakeology)
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 tsp sea or Himalayan Salt
1 cup all-natural almond butter
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, melted according to directions on package

1. line 8X8 pan with parchment paper
2. Place oat flour, protein powder, almond flour and sea salt in a food processor, pulse to mix
3. Add almond butter and extract.  Pulse for one min, or until crumbly
4. Add almond milk, pulse for 1 minute or until mixture is a soft dough.
5. Press dough into prepared pan.  Smooth with a spatula.
6. Freeze, covered for 15 minutes
7. Cut into squares
8. Drizzle melted chocolate evenly on top of bars.
9. Freeze for 10 minutes, or until chocolate sets
10. Store in Freezer for up to one week in air tight container.

(2X2 inch squares - 1 square each is a serving. 1/2 yellow 1/2 red


Now what I did; I did not have vanilla so used chocolate shakeology.  I did not have almond butter so used all natural PB  I don't have a food processor so used my hands.  My chocolate melted on top was not pretty.  Guess what?  They were STILL GOOD!  Please comment below to let me know if you make them!

Free Shakeology eBook

So I created my first eBook and wanted to share it with you.  My passion for Shakeology runs DEEP.  I continue to learn, and be fascinated.  I love experimenting with recipes.  Not just to make shakes, but desserts as well.  Nutritional, delicious, not full of processed ingredients.

I hope you enjoy it!

Click here:

https://fitfashionmom.leadpages.co/shakeologyebook/

Another Delicious Shakeology Recipe

I tried this today and it was really good.  I used chocolate Shakeology instead of Vanilla, as that is what I had on had.

Horchata is a creamy beverage from Spain and Latin America made from rice or nuts and spiced with cinnamon. It tastes like a rich dessert, and with good reason, because it is often made with sugar and sweetened condensed milk. This healthier version was created  to have a yummy treat that won’t end up on your waistline.

Total Time: 5 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or rice milk)
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
2 Tbsp. sliced raw almonds
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup ice (I don't use ice, that is just me)

Preparation:
1. Place almond milk, extract, Shakeology, almonds, cinnamon, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Sprouting

I am a fan of Darin Olien and also Autumn Calabrese.  They both speak highly of sprouted foods.  For example instead of wheat bread, try Ezekiel bread, which can be found in your freezer section.  "Sprouting makes it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients in the grains  Sprouting also reduces phytic acid, and "anti nutrient" that can prevent the body from absorbing some minerals."  That is straight from Autumn.

After reading Darin's book, Super Life, I was like sprouted foods?  Weird.  THEN I discovered these. Who doesn't love potato chips?  THESE ARE SO GOOD.  They come in various flavors AND you can find them on Amazon!  Let me know if you try them!

Day 9 - 21 Day Fix another recipe!

Day 9 - I am trucking along.  I won't lie, for whatever reason it is just harder.  Even as a coach, I know the struggle.  I have to stay committed.  I just have to.  The Fixate Cookbook has been AWESOME.  I am enjoying recipes and experimenting.  Today I used ginger for the first time.  I know, I know.  Enjoy the recipe!

21 Day Fix Recipes from Fixate!

I am on day 8 of the 21 Day Fix.  It has been going well.  NOW, I did cheat yesterday evening.  Won't lie but other than that have had focus.  Feeling good.  I wanted to share a couple of things I made over the weekend.

Peanutty Peanut Butter Squares

Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups all natural smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup raw honey (or pure maple syrup)
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temp
1/2 tsp. baking soda, gluten-free

1. Preheat oven to 350
2.  Lightly coat 8 X 8 inch baking pan with spray, set aside.
3. Combine peanut butter, honey, extract, eggs, and baking soda in a large bowl, mix well.
4.  Evenly spread batter into prepared pan.  Smooth top with a spatula.
5.  Bake for 20 to 30 minutes.  Squares may be soft when coming out of oven, but they will continue to cook.
6.  Cool.  Cut into squares.

THESE WERE SO YUMMY!  We had some furniture delivered Saturday and the guys loved them!  I was like "they are good for you"


I also like to experiment with the salad dressings and seasoning mixes. This one is an old favorite.  Smoky Southwest Seasoning.  I like my food to have a kick!

1 TBSP chili powder
2 tsp ground cummin
1 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp sea salt

This can be put on anything.  It is nice to have on hand to throw on some chicken or turkey or even sweet potatoes.

If you make one of these please let me know what you think!  ENJOY!