Chocolate Maple Cheesecake Shakeology

Snack time! I'm sticking with the fall theme today & went with maple this time!
Chocolate Maple Cheesecake Shakeology
Ice
8 oz water
4 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 Tbls. plain Greek yogurt
2 tsps. pure maple syrup
1 scoop chocolate #Shakeology
Blend & enjoy the flavors of fall!

Click here for more delicious Shakeology recipes!

Pumpkin Pecan Oatmeal

I am all about the pumpkin & fall flavors at this time of year.  This is quick, easy, & makes you feel like you are eating pumpkin pie for breakfast, but with out all the guilt!

Mix 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats & 1/2 cup water. 

Microwave for 1 minute.

Mix in 1 Tbls. ground flax seed, 1 Tbls. wheat germ, 1/2 scoop Vanilla Shakeology (or whey protein powder), 1/2 cup vanilla coconut milk or unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 2 Tbls. canned pure pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling), 8 pecans (chopped), & a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

For more clean eating recipes click here!

Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins

These muffins make a great grab & go clean-eating breakfast.  Pair with a hard boiled egg & some fresh fruit for a complete breakfast!  My kids all LOVED these!

1. Preheat oven to 375 & line muffing pan with liners or spray with cooking spray.
2. Combine 1 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup pumpkin, 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk or juice), 1 whole egg + 1 large egg white (lightly beaten), & 2 Tbls. + 1 tsp. canola oil.
3. In a separate bowl combine 1 Tbls. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg, 1 tsp. ground ginger (or pumpkin pie spice), 1/2 cup spelt flour (or quinoa flour), 1/4 cup whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup Stevia (or maple sugar flakes), 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries.
4. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients & pour in wet.  Mix just until combined.  Fill muffin tins 2/3 full.  Bake 15-20 mins or until lightly browned on top.

Looking for other clean eating breakfast options?  Click here!

Spaghetti Squash with Turkey & Tomato Sauce

I made a double batch of this the other night for dinner & it was a hit! So good that the kids CHEERED for the leftovers.

To cook the spaghetti squash preheat the oven to 375.  Pierce the skin  of the spaghetti squash with a sharp knife & microwave for 5-6 minutes & then let stand in the microwave for 5 minutes.  Cut the squash in half, lengthwise & scoop out the seeds.  Place squash on a cookie sheet, skin side down.  Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, & garlic powder.  Cook approximately 30-40 minutes, until squash is tender.  Remove from oven & shred the flesh with a fork.

To make the sauce, season the ground turkey with sea salt & pepper, then brown the meat.  Add 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered, 6 oz. tomato paste, 12 oz. water, fresh basil, 1 Tablespoon dried oregano, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, sea salt, & fresh ground black pepper. Stir well & simmer on low heat until the sauce has reached desired consistency.

Click here to check out other clean eating recipes!

Beachbody Transformed My Life!

     Just a little over a year ago I began my health & fitness journey, looking to just fit into some non-maternity clothes to go back to my job as a teacher after the birth of our fourth child.
     Over the past year I have completed three 90-day challenge groups, three workout programs (ChaLean Extreme, Turbo Fire, & Brazil Butt Lift), plus a hybrid schedule of my favorites!  I'm currently half way through Focus T25.  Today I am 40 lbs. lighter, 20 inches smaller, and much more energetic - I can truly say that Beachbody has transformed my life!
     After my third challenge group my coach approached me about becoming a Beachbody coach myself.  She had mentioned coaching to me before, but I was hesitant.  How could I coach others when I was still a work in progress?  I'm not a trainer or nutrition expert....but all I am good at motivating people and teaching people the skills & tips that I have learned about clean eating & fitness.  After speaking more with my coach I decided to give coaching a try.  That's when EVERYONE started asking me how I did it...how did I lose all my baby weight after having FOUR kids?  How did I plan healthy meals that my family would enjoy?  How can they get fit & have the same energy that I have gained?  That's when I knew that I had made the right choice...I could HELP OTHERS feel as awesome as I was feeling.  You've gotta love that!
     Around this same time we decided it would be best for our family for me to stay home from my teaching job.  Being a Beachbody coach gives me the opportunity to work from home, help others, & still contribute financially to the household.  Win, win, win!
     Does this lifestyle sound good to you?  I am starting new challenge group to help people reach their health & fitness goals each month.  Email me for more details.
     Interested in learning more about the Beachbody Coaching opportunity?  Listen in on a business opportunity call on Tues., Aug. 27 at 8:30pm/EST.  Email me for the link to this call!

Banana & Peanut Butter Swirl "Ice Cream"

Banana & PB swirl "ice cream"

Slice 4 bananas into rounds & place on a cookie sheet. 

Place in freezer for 2-3 hours. 

Place frozen banana slices in the food processor & pulse til it looks like pebbles. 

Wait a minute & pulse again until smooth. 

Stir in 1-2 Tbls. All-natural peanut butter.

Other Clean Eating Desserts

Cajun-Seasoned Tilapia & Black Beans with Brown Rice

Cajun-season Tilapia & Black Beans with Brown Rice

This dinner was a HUGE HIT with everyone in the family. It was simple, tasty, & even included dessert!
Cajun-Seasoned Tilapia
Drizzle tilapia filets with EVOO, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning & a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Broil (550 degrees) for 5-7 mins, until fish is flakey

Black beans with brown rice
Combine 2 cups water, 1 cup brown rice, 1 tsp. EVOO, & 2 Tbls. Cajun seasoning in a sauce pan, bring to a boil, lower to a simmer & cover. Cook approx 20 mins., until liquid is almost completely absorbed. Add 1 can of black beans, rinsed & drained. Stir well. Cook an addition 5 mins or until liquid is absorbed & rice is tender. 

Click here for the Banana & PB Swirl "Ice cream" recipe.

Peanut Butter & Banana Vanilla Shakeology

This is perfect for snack time! 

Peanut butter & Banana Vanilla Shakeology

Ice 

4 oz vanilla coconut milk

8 oz water

1 scoop vanilla Shakeology

1 Tbls. PB2 (powdered peanut butter)

1/2 banana

Blend & enjoy the healthiest meal of the day!

Clean Eating Tuna Patties

I did a little experiment this evening with an old stand-by...Tuna Patties! I really wanted to amp-up the flavor & find a way to make my tuna patties super-healthy. I pulled out my new favorite kitchen appliance & got to work. Here is what I came up with!
Not Your Momma's Tuna Patties
14 oz. tuna (packed in water), well drained
1 large or 2 small yellow squash (or zucchini), shredded
1 cup carrots, shredded
1 medium onion, shredded
* drain extra liquid after shredding veggies to avoid your mixture being too wet!
1 egg + 1 egg white
1/4 grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup ground flax seed (flax seed meal)
2 tsp. sea salt
1 Tbls. Black pepper
1 Tbls. Garlic powder
2 tsp. basil
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. celery seed
Combine well & form into patties. Place on a lightly sprayed cookie sheet & broil for approx. 5 mins., turn & broil an additional 5 mins.

Tips for eating out when you are living a clean eating lifestyle

Eating OUT! It's something that we all do and should enjoy. I don't want it to be a source of frustration or anxiety. When I was trying to find the balance between cleaneating & when to allow a cheat meal I became "no fun to go out with anymore" according to my husband because I would stress so much about a restaurant menu. But once I learned a coping skills eating out became much easier for me again.
*If possible, check out the menu online before every leaving the house. Look for the most "clean" menu item. That way when you walk in the restaurant you won't even have to open up the menu & be tempted by those pictures & scrumptious-sounding descriptions.
*Look for words like BAKED, GRILLED, BROILED. Avoid words like smothered, fried, scampi, creamy.
*If a dish comes with sauce request to leave the sauce off or have it served on the side.
*Opt for oil & vinegar for your salad or a vinegrette. Bypass the creamy dressings & don't be fooled by "fat-free"...that just means "filled with chemicals"....blah!
*Pass the bread basket - it's just empty calories!
*Skip the soda or sweet tea...get a big glass of WATER with a nice wedge of lemon. If you want some tea go for the unsweetened variety. I actually carry packets of Stevia in my purse now to sweeten my own tea & coffee on the occasion that I get it when I'm out.
*Look for half-portions or order from the appetizer menu. If that's not an option, don't be afraid to leave some on your plate or take home a doggy bag. I know I was brought up to be part of the "clean plate club"& not to waste food. Eat slowly & listen to your body. Don't keep stuffing yourself just because it tastes good. Eat what you know is an appropriate portion & push the plate away.
*If you REALLY want a bite of something sweet after dinner share a dessert & adhere to the "three bite rule"...three bites should be enough to satisfy that sweet tooth. Then put down your fork & walk away!

Why I love being a Beachbody Coach

In July 2012 I was two months post-fourth-baby & just a month away from returning to work as an elementary school teacher.  I could not fit in any of my work clothes, I was totally worn out from having a new baby & three other young children, & needed a big change.  That change came in the form of a Beachbody Challenge with my wonderful coach, Melanie.  Melanie & I had gone to college together & we were Facebook friends.  I often saw her posting about clean eating, exercise, and enjoying time with her family.  When I saw here post about her challenge group I was interested & signed up in hopes to gain some energy & lose some weight.
With Melanie's support, motivation, & advice - along with the other challengers in the group - I had the tools that I needed to stay on track & successfully lose nearly 40 lbs. & 20 inches with exercise, clean eating, & Shakeology in 90 days.  I was able to go back to work with more energy, I could now keep up with my 4 kids, and was also setting a good example for them to follow & teaching them healthy habits.  I was on cloud nine & wanted to keep the ball rolling.  I proceeded to join two more challenge groups & continued to have success!  I was feeling better than ever & was frequently sharing my success story with friends, family, & co-workers.  Each time I would refer these folks to Melanie she would invite me to become a coach so I could be the one to help my friends & family reach their health & fitness goals.  The first few times she mentioned coaching to me I did not think I had the time or ability to coach anyone...but the more I spoke to people & the more I shared the story of my fitness journey, it finally CLICKED!  I LOVE sharing health & fitness tips with people.  I LOVE teaching people about clean eating.  I want ALL my friends & family to feel as AWESOME as I feel....I should become a Beachbody coach!
Now I get to celebrate the victories, big & small, that my challengers are achieving each & every day.  I see people gain confidence, energy, and tools to live a healthy lifestyle.  I cheer them on as they drop pounds, fit into favorite outfits, and gain the stamina to finish an entire workout without stopping!  I get to hear good news all day long, I get "warm fuzzies" at every turn, and I get to help others....and I get to call this my job!  How awesome is that?!?!  On top of it all, it is enabling me to quit my full-time job as a teacher, stay home with my kids, & still contribute to the family financially.
If you would like the opportunity to help others, share your passion for health & fitness with others, get the opportunity to be your own boss, & control your own income send me a message.  I'd love to tell you more about the wonderful opportunity of being a Beachbody coach! jesshrbek@beachbodycoach.com  Find me on Facebook... www.facebook.com/FitMommaOfFour

Whole Wheat Waffles

Waffles are a family favorite in our house & of course, I'm always looking to make recipes healthier! So this is our spin on waffles...
2 eggs (beaten)
1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 3/4 cup skim milk
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 Tbls. Stevia
4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. sea salt
Mix until just combined & cook according to your waffle iron instructions.
Top with fresh fruit, raw honey, pure maple syrup, or fruit juice sweetened jam.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This side dish has become a family favorite. When we made it last night it was a hit again, but luckily there was enough left over that I got to enjoy done for lunch today. Gotta love left-overs!!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
2 cups cooked quinoa (follow instructions on the box for cooking. *Check your box to see if your quinoa is "pre-rinsed," if it is not, be sure to rinse before cooking.)
1/3 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 cucumber, diced
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
2 Tbls. extra virgin olive oil (or if your sun dried tomatoes were packed in oil you can use that)
2 tsp. garlic powder
Sea salt & fresh ground black pepper to taste

Keri's Tasty Tilapia

My wonderful, long-time friend Keri Harkleroad made this amazing tilapia for us this evening & it was mouth-watering & healthy!!
Coat tilapia filets with EVOO, sea salt & pepper
Place fish on a piece of parchment
Top with thin slices on zucchini, tomato, & a sprig of fresh rosemary
Add a few baby carrots
Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice on top
Fold the parchment into a little packet & place the packets on a cookie sheet
Bake at 375 for 20-25 mins (depending on thickness of filets)

Apple Pie Vanilla Shakeology

Late night cravings got you down? Try this amazing pick-me-up!
Apple Pie Shakeology
Ice
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology 
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup water
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Blend & enjoy!

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

I LOVE peanut butter & banana sandwiches, but don't often eat bread these days. So I turned my oatmeal into a Peanut Butter & Banana treat this morning. 
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup water
Microwave 1 minute
1 Tbls. wheat germ
1 Tbls. ground flax seed
1/2 scoop vanilla Shakeology
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 Tbls. all natural peanut butter
1 banana, sliced
As Elvis would say, uhhh-huh!

Vanilla Cantaloupe Shakeology

Summer deliciousness in a blender cup...yummo!
Vanilla Cantaloupe Shakeology
Ice
8 oz water
4 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
1 cup cantaloupe
Blend & enjoy a refreshing summer treat!

Chicken Stir Fry

Switched the order of my meal plan & it's only Monday...but I was really feeling like Chinese food this evening! I could've picked up the phone & ordered something from the Hong Kong. But I took some fresh veggies I just picked up, mixed them with some boneless skinless chicken breast chunks, & some liquid aminos (an all natural soy sauce alternative) & VIOLA! I had Chinese food in less than 30 minutes...but it's all fresh, I know all the ingredients, and I saved money! Win-win-win!!!

Pineapple Mango Vanilla Shakeology

1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
½ cup cubed mango
½ cup pineapple chunks
½ medium banana
½ cup ice (add more to taste)

Preparation:
Place mango, pineapple, banana, Shakeology, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Chocolate Coconut Bliss Shakeology saves the day!

Kids' birthday parties are filled with delectable treats that may taste good, but won't look so good on my hips. So as we drive to this party I am getting in my daily dose of dense nutrition & it's delicious!!
Ice
6 oz water
6 oz vanilla coconut milk
1 Tbls. unsweetened coconut flakes
1 scoop chocolate ‪#‎Shakeology‬
Shake or blend & enjoy!!

I love being a Beachbody Coach

Just a little over a year ago I started my health & fitness journey in a 90 day challenge group, hoping to fit into some of my non-maternity clothes to go back to work just a few months after having our fourth baby.  I was not expecting miracles, just hoping to shed a few pounds & needing someone to hold my hand through the process & keep me accountable.  I had tried going to the gym & doing exercises on my own at home in the past & could never keep myself motivated & accountable.  This time is was different.  I had the support from my amazing coach every step of the way & the other members of my challenge group keeping me accountable for my actions.  I had such amazing success in that first challenge that I wanted to keep the ball rolling...I ended up doing three challenges in a row.  I loved the way I was feeling & looking.  I loved my increased energy & being able to keep up with my kids!  I loved cheering fellow challengers along & sharing what I was learning in my fitness journey with my friends, family, & co-workers.  That's when it clicked!  My coach had mentioned that I might want to consider being a coach myself, but I never really gave it much thought...at first.  Then the more I spoke to people about my fitness journey & realized how much I love sharing my knowledge of clean eating & fitness, the more I heard people say that my transformation "inspired" them to get healthy...then I had my AHA! moment.  I realized that I could help people feel as awesome as I feel, I could help people get healthy, I could help people find their "soul mate" workout...and that would enable me to work from home & spend more time with my family.  Coaching would allow me to control my paycheck & dream as big as I want to dream.  Coaching would allow me more flexibility to travel & visit family & friends who live far away.  So I jumped in, took a leap of faith & signed on as a member of the Dream Team, the #3 team in the entire Beachbody organization!  I have amazing leaders to learn from & have already touched more lives in my challenge groups than I could have imagined just a few short months ago.  I love helping others & would love to help you achieve your dreams.  Message me today to learn how you can become a Beachbody coach & transform your life forever!

Focus T25 - Starting week 3

Yesterday I started week 3 of Focus T25& I'm proud to say I am seeing a difference in my body & feeling a difference in my ability to get through the workouts with more intensity.  Starting the week with Total Body Circuit could be intimidating, but I took it as a challenge & pushed myself as hard as possible.  I did more push-ups on my toes, but still had to drop to my knees for some.  My arms hold up fine,but my core is still an area that needs strengthened.  I suppose 4 c-sections will do that to you...
Good news for all of you who are still on the fence about ordering this amazing, kick-butt workout...Beachbody has extended the sale on the T25 challenge pack until the end of August!  So stay tuned on my progress & see if this could be the workout for you!  Message me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FitMommaOfFour if you have any questions about this workout or any other Beachbody program.

Healthy For Life

I saw this image & immediately thought of my family.  I want my children to learn healthy habits for life & I know that it starts AT HOME!  They see what I am doing every day, the food choices I make, the activities that we engage in, they hear me talk about fitness with family & friends.  

I love when my 9 year-old asks me if a food is a healthy choice, or points out healthy option while we are out.  It's awesome when my 7 year-old says she wants to work out with me today & please don't do it without her.  I love when my 4 year-old wants to go running!  And how cute is it that the baby is now signing to show he wants more blueberries & bananas!  I'm building healthy kids who will one day be healthy adults... one day, one choice, one game, one workout at a time.

I'm working to End the Trend of obesity & starting AT HOME!

No Bake Shakeology Balls

We were craving a sweet treat today, so we whipped up a double batch of these & stuck them in the freezer! Now we'll be ready to ease our sweet tooth any time and know we are eating something healthy!
No Bake Peanut Butter & Shakeology Balls 
1/2 cup all natural peanut butter
6 Tbls. PB2 (made into a paste with a few Tbls. of water)
1/2 cup chocolate Shakeology
3 Tbls. Raw honey
1/2 cup rolled oats

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined & the mixture has a crumbly consistency. (Add a little more Shakeology if the mixture is still sticky). Roll into balls & place onto wax paper or in a single layer in a plastic container. Put into the freezer to firm up. These are TO DIE FOR! Enjoy!

Mexican Crockpot Chicken

Mexican Crockpot Chicken

This one is soooooo simple & sooooo good!

All the ingredients are in the crock pot & ready to cook for dinner tonight!

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 jar all natural salsa (no added sugar or salt) or 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (no added salt)

1 cup frozen corn

1 can black beans, drained & rinsed

1 Tbls. each of chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder OR 1 packet low sodium taco seasoning

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot & cook on low for approx. 6 hours.  Shred chicken with two forks & stir before serving.  Serve on top of a bed of greens for a yummy taco salad or in whole wheat tortillas.  Top with a little sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, salsa, or plain Greek yogurt (in place of sour cream).

The delicious finish product.

For more kid-pleasing clean eating recipes, click here!