Road Trip Survival Guide

Just the thought of embarking on a cross country road trip can sound overwhelming for many & can invoke images of National Lampoon's Vacation.  Thoughts of meals from fast food joints & snacks from truck stop vending machines make my stomach hurt just thinking about it.

But instead of feeling defeated before the trip even starts, I am going into the journey with a PLAN! 

*I will prepare healthy snacks that we can pack in our cooler & bags to minimize desperate searches for food in random locations.

*I will stop at roadside stands / farmers markets along the way to replenish fresh fruits & veggies.

*I will pack balls, Frisbees, & other items to get my kids & I moving when we are at a rest stop.

I will share my best prep tips & hacks as we prepare for the journey.  Then you can join us as we begin our trek across the country - see how we incorporate wacky roadside workouts, seek out healthy eats at restaurants, & beat road trip boredom.

Join in on the fun via this event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/305752119770581/

Check out my family's favorite clean eating recipes.

Get daily support for living a healthy lifestyle in my newest accountability group.

Avocado Lime Salad Dressing

Talk about the perfect summer dinner...this hit the spot! Grilled chicken on a bed of mixed greens & our favorite veggies. But the best part was this quick & easy dressing that I whipped up in the blender. It was so creamy & decadent that it tasted like I was cheating...but it was chocked full of HEALTHY fat & fresh flavor.
Avocado Lime Dressing
1 ripe avocado
the juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove fresh garlic
3-4 fresh cilantro leaves (or more if you really like cilantro)
1 tsp. sea salt
black pepper to taste

✔️Put all ingredients except oil into the blender & pulse to incorporate. Scrape down sides with a spatula.
✔️Turn blender on & stream in olive oil. Blend until smooth.
✔️Taste test to see if the dressing requires more seasoning.
✔️Enjoy!

Click here for more clean eating recipes

Click here to learn more about my Simple Summer Solutions accountability group

Riced Cauliflower Fried Rice

This heaping bowl of "fried rice" is actually perfectly portioned & totally healthy. No need to sacrifice flavor or feel hungry when you are eating clean.

Riced Cauliflower Fried Rice
1 cup riced cauliflower* (see directions below on how to rice cauliflower)
1 cup vegetables of your choice (I used diced carrots & green bell peppers)...
1 tsp. coconut oil
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
2-3 grinds of black pepper
1 tsp. liquid aminos (a natural, healthy soy sauce alternative)

Directions:
~In a large skillet melt coconut oil on medium high heat.
~Sauté diced vegetables & put a lid on the pan to allow them to steam & soften for a minute.
~Add the riced cauliflower & return the lid to the pan for a few more minutes, until all vegetables have softened. Stir occasionally.
~Add eggs & spices. Mix well & cook until eggs are cooked through.
~Add liquid aminos. Stir well & serve!

This would also taste great with some grilled chicken or shrimp, but is totally tasty & filling all on its own.
For you 21 Day Fixers out there this would be 2 greens, 1 red, & 1 teaspoon.

*Riced Cauliflower
-Rinse & dry one head cauliflower
-Use a food processor with the grating attachment or a box grater to grate the cauliflower
-If you have excess liquid pat it dry with a clean dish towel or paper towel.
-Season with your favorite herbs & spices. I used a simple mix of sea salt, black pepper, & garlic powder.
-Sauté in a large skillet on medium heat with 1 tsp. coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil. Place a lid on top to allow the cauliflower to steam & become tender (approximately 5 minutes). Stir occasionally.

Click here for more clean eating recipes

Coco Mocha Almond Shakeology

How am I celebrating my 4 year FITiversary?!?!
✔️kick-a$$ workout
✔️housework
✔️opening up 10 additional spots in my Simple Summer Solutions accountability group (comment below or send me a personal message for details)
✔️Coco Mocha Almond Shakeology
...

Totally glamorous, I know!  Healthy living & being a Fit Momma of Four isn't always glamorous, but it is surely something that I will continue to do for as long as the good Lord allows.
Coco Mocha Almond Shakeology
5 coffee ice cubes (strong coffee frozen in an ice cube tray)
8 oz water
6 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology
1/4 tsp. almond extract
Blend & indulge!

Get more Shakeology recipes here.

Click here for clean eating recipes.

Avocado & Chick Pea Spread

Avocado & Chick Pea Spread
1 ripe avocado
1 can of chick peas (garbanzo beans) drained & rinsed ...
the juice of 2 lemons
1 clove fresh garlic
sea salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in the food processor & blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides occasionally, as needed.

I spread mine on a slice of toasted sprouted grain bread & added bell pepper rings & mixed greens for some crunch. YUM! This may be my new favorite lunch.

Click here for more clean eating recipes.

Love the skin you are in

The other day my daughter asked me, "Mom, why are your thighs so big?"

A few years ago that question would have stabbed me right in the heart.

I would have brushed the question under the rug or told her it was none of her concern.
But I have a confident, strong, body-positive daughter to raise...so I said, "why do you think (my thighs are so big)?"...

Then she grabbed my leg & said, "oh, they are all muscle! Your legs must be strong from your exercises."

That right there is why I do what I do...helping my daughter realize that muscles, exercise, & being strong is far more important than being thin or having skinny legs. And that is not to say that thin legs cannot be strong - my daughter is proof of that, you should see that girl run & kick the soccer ball...but she also has not hit puberty.

My point is...

Be confident & positive about the body that God has given you.

Do your best to take care of your body, keep it healthy & strong with good food & daily physical activity.

Talk to your children about body image in a positive way & address how images that they see in the media are doctored to remove flaws.

We are all uniquely & beautifully made, flaws & all. Embrace your uniqueness & love yourself. When your children see you taking care of your health & being body positive they will follow suit.

Read about my transformation story here.

Guilt Free Eggs Florentine

Tis the season for fresh vegetables from the garden & farmers market. I wanted to put together a few of my favorites (tomatoes & spinach) with a little bit of protein.

Guilt Free Eggs Florentine
2 thick tomato slices
2 sunny side up or over easy eggs...
1 cup wilted baby spinach

Yum! Yum! Yum!