Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Black Bean Dip


Quick, easy, tasty, & healthy...this dip meets all my major snack food requirements!
 
You can make this dip in a food processor or a strong blender. 
You can make it ahead of time or right at the time of  your snack-attack.
 
Black Bean Dip
 
1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
1-2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
the juice of one lemon
2 Tbls. fresh parsley or cilantro, minced (pick the one that best suits your taste)
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
2 Tbls. extra virgin olive oil
 
Pulse all ingredients except olive oil in your food processor or blender until combined. 
Then stream in the olive oil until the desired texture.  I like to leave a few chunks of black beans but you may prefer a smoother dip.


Serve with fresh veggies or whole grain crackers.
 
 

Monday, December 29, 2014

Ring in 2015 in Good Health

 
The new year is a time when many set resolutions for better health, better habits, better jobs, better opportunities.  Do you have a plan to help you make these resolution dreams a reality?
 
If one of your goals for the new year is better health & fitness, I am here to help. 
2015 will be the last year that you make a resolution to get in shape or lose weight.  I will help you get the healthy habits in place that will help you reach your goals & start living a healthy lifestyle for the long-term.
 
Only 8% of people who set a weight-loss, fitness, or health related resolution stick with it & achieve success.  Don't become part of that statistic. 
You are 80% more likely to stick with your healthy lifestyle changes if you have accountability & support.  That is exactly what you get when you join a challenge group.
*Individualized coach support
*A group of like-minded individuals ready to make healthy lifestyles a priority
*Daily tips, healthy recipes, ideas, & motivation to help you succeed
*Weekly meal plans
*Fun, fitness friends!
 
In January the gyms are going to be over-crowded with all the folks looking for a "new year, new you."  Do you want to wait in line for a tread mill or a sweat-covered weight machine only to get your turn & not really be sure if what you are doing will harbor results?
Every Beachbody workout program can be done in the comfort of your home, no waiting in line, no driving to the gym, heck...you could work out in your pajamas if you want to!  These programs have been designed by the top trainers in the industry & tested to show that real people can get real results.  I will help you pick out the workout that will best meet your needs & goals. 
Pair that with clean eating, super-food nutrition from Shakeology, & the support of a challenge group & you can get amazing results for far less than a gym membership or point-counting food system.
 
Watch this short video to see how challenge groups changed my life:
 
Our Ring in 2015 in Good Health group begins prep week on January 5.  We will take time to write out goals, make meal plans, and set up for success! 
 
If you a ready to quit the quick fixes & throw in the towel on fads the join me today. 
Fill out your challenge group application below & you will receive an email response from me shortly.
 

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Sunday, December 21, 2014

Whole wheat bread with flax & chia seeds

 
I don't eat bread every day, but when I do I prefer sprouted Ezekiel bread or homemade bread that I've made in my bread machine.  I love the bread machine because it gives me the satisfaction of fresh, home-baked bread but it does all the hard work for me.
 
This recipe is hearty & delicious! 
 
1 3/4 cup warm water
3 cups whole wheat flour
2 Tbls. coconut oil
1 Tbls. blackstrap molasses
2 Tbls. ground flax seed
2 Tbls. chia seeds
1 tsp. sea salt
1 Tbls. quick rise yeast
 
*Be sure to refer to the manufacturer's directions that accompany your bread machine on the order in which you should add the ingredients.  It varies from machine to machine.
 

Friday, December 12, 2014

Insanity Max 30, Week 1 Progress Report

HOLY COW!  are the first words that come to mind when I reflect on my first week of Insanity Max 30.  For a workout that I was totally petrified to even try I could not be more enamored & excited to wake up & get my workout in for the day. 

I am loving this new challenge & the great feeling that comes with pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.  This workout is no joke & I would not recommend it to anyone who does not already have a base level of fitness - so if you are a beginner let me guide you to a program that will better meet your needs & you can tackle this one down the road in your fitness journey.  I wouldn't want anyone to become injured or get discouraged because you start with something that is too intense for your abilities. 

Now by no means does that mean I'm the most fit fiddle out there - I am doing my fair share of modified moves with Max 30.  Those high impact power jumps are not friends with my knee joints, so modified city is where it's at come crazy jump time.  Speaking of the modifier, I love that they have done an awesome split screen shot on the modifier track so you always have full view of the cast member doing the modified moves.  You never have to guess how to best modify a move or lose sight of your new BFF.

I am loving the Max 30 nutrition plan & for any of you out there who have tried the 21 Day Fix, you will be pleasantly surprised - this nutrition plan is VERY similar & you can even use your pretty little color coded proper size portion containers again!  If you are interested in seeing my color coded meal plans check out my FREE meal plan group on Facebook.  Click here :)

Here are a few "sneak peaks" from my workouts this week:

 



So drum roll please, after only one week of Max 30 workouts I have already lost 2 lbs.!  My goal is not to lose a ton of weight, but to get back to my "ideal weight."  Over the past few months I have let my nutrition slide a bit & a few extra pounds slipped back on...Time to get those bad boys off & gear up for an amazing 2015!

I would love to have you join me on this journey.  I'll give you all the support, accountability, and motivation you need to succeed.  I will help you develop your meal plan & provide you with healthy recipes even your family will love. 

Fill out your challenge group application today!
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Monday, December 1, 2014

What is Insanity Max 30?

We all know & love Shaun T - or at least everyone in my house loves this guy.  We have a wide range of Shaun T workouts in our workout library ranging from Shaun T's Fit Kids Club to Focus T25.  But in all honesty, I have only tried Insanity in Live classes & I've never done the Insanity home workout program. 

Why do I feel differently about Max 30?  Thirty minute workouts five days a week.  Now does that mean I'll be getting off easy?  HECK NO!  Insanity Max 30 is designed to build your endurance, strength, & take your body into PEAK physical condition.  You are working ALL out until you literally MAX OUT & cannot go any more - you write down the time you maxed out (to help track your progress), take a short break, & jump back in!

 
Could you benefit from Insanity Max 30?
 
*If you already have a base level of fitness & you are looking to take it to the next level - this is the program for you!
 
*If you a runner, tri-athlete, or someone who likes "extreme" sports like Tough Mudders & Iron Man races - Max 30 will help you increase your endurance & do even better in your chosen sport.
 
*If you are a lover of all things Shaun T - this is a no-brainer.
 
 
*If you want to take your fitness to the Max but your joints don't love tons of jumping there is a modifier in sight at all times.  There is NO shame in using the modifier.  You still get a kick-a*$ workout but don't have to half-a*$ the moves or hurt yourself.
 
 
I am hosting a special Max 30 challenge group beginning December 8.
Are you ready to take your fitness to the next level with
*hardcore 30 minute workouts
*clean eating recipes & weekly meal plans
*the healthiest meal of the day -Shakeology
*daily motivation, support, tips, & accountability
*a community of people striving for the same goal
 
Fill out your challenge group application to secure your spot now:
 
 
 
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