Herb-Roasted Turkey

Serves: 12 servings, 3 oz. each w/plenty of leftovers

Prep Time: 30 min.

Cooking Time: 3.5 hours

This method produces all the good looks and moist flavor you dream of in a Thanksgiving turkey. Make sure you show this beauty off at the table before you carve it. Garnish your serving platter with fresh herb sprigs and citrus wedges.


Ingredients:

1 10-12-pound Turkey
1/4 cup Fresh Herbs, plus 20 whole sprigs, such as thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano and/or marjoram, divided
2 Tbsp. Canola Oil
1 Tbsp. Salt
1 Tsp. Freshly Ground Pepper
Aromatics, onion, apple, lemon and/or orange, cut into 2-inch pieces (1 1/2 cups)
3 Cups Water, plus more as needed

Directions:


1. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven; preheat to 475°F.

2. Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavities and reserve for making gravy. Place the turkey, breast-side up, on a rack in a large roasting pan; pat dry with paper towels. Mix minced herbs, oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey, under the skin and onto the breast meat. Place aromatics and 10 of the herb sprigs in the cavity. Tuck the wing tips under the turkey. Tie the legs together with kitchen string. Add 3 cups water and the remaining 10 herb sprigs to the pan.

3. Roast the turkey until the skin is golden brown, 45 minutes. Remove the turkey from the oven. If using a remote digital thermometer, insert it into the deepest part of the thigh, close to the joint. Cover the breast with a double layer of foil, cutting as necessary to conform to the breast. Reduce oven temperature to 350° and continue roasting for 11/4 to 13/4 hours more. If the pan dries out, tilt the turkey to let juices run out of the cavity into the pan and add 1 cup water. The turkey is done when the thermometer (or an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone) registers 165°F.

4.Transfer the turkey to a serving platter and cover with foil. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes. Remove string and carve.

Roasted Acorn Squash

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 min.

Cooking Time: 55 min.

Ingredients:

                    Nonstick Spray

2                  Med. Acorn Squash, halved, seeded

1/2 Tsp.       Sea Salt (or Himalayan Salt)

1/2 Tsp.       Ground Black Pepper

4 Tsp.          Unsalted Organic Grass-fed Butter

4 Tsp.          Pure Maple Syrup

1 Tsp.          Ground Cinnamon

1/2 Tsp.       Ground Nutmeg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350*F

2. Coat large baking sheet with spray.

    Place squash, cut side down, or baking sheet

3. Bake for 30 to 35 min., or until tender crisp

4. Turn cut side up. Season with salt and pepper.

    Dot each half with 1 tsp. butter; drizzle with 1 tsp. maple syrup

5. Bake for 15 to 20 additional minutes, or until tender

Sweet Potato Sides

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 min.

Cooking Time: 20 min.

Ingredients:

4       Med. Sweet Potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces

1        Large Onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

4        Tsp. Olive Oil

1/2    Tsp. Sea Salt (or Himalayan Salt)

1/2    Tsp. Ground Black Pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450*F

2. Place sweet potatoes and onion (if desired) on baking sheet

3. Drizzle with oil; toss gently to coat evenly.

    Spread sweet potato mixture out in a single layer.

4. Bake, stirring halfway, for 18 to 22 minutes, or until tender

5. Season with salt and pepper, serve immediately

Suggested Additions:

* chopped fresh rosemary and fresh garlic

* chopped fresh flat leaf (Italian) parsley and crushed red pepper

* ground chili powder and chopped fresh garlic

* dried thyme and marjoram leaves

Cucumber Hummus Roll-Ups

Serves: 2 (4 roll-ups each)
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: None



Ingredients:

1                Large Cucumber
1/4 Cup     Store-bought Hummus
1/4 Cup     Roasted Red Bell Peppers, thinly sliced

                 Toothpicks



Directions:

1. Use a vegetable peeler to peel off long, thin slices of cucumber
2. Spread Hummus evenly on each cucumber slice
3. Top evenly with roasted pepper slices
4. Pick up one end of the cucumber slice and roll cucumber loosely around the filling. End with the seam on bottom and secure with a toothpick



Variations:
(substitute for roasted red bell peppers)

* Chopped fresh red bell peppers
* Sun-dried tomatoes
* Capers
* Fresh chopped herbs
* Sliced green onions

Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers

Serves:8

Prep Time: 20 min.

Cooking Time: 54 min.

Ingredients:

4                 Medium Bell Peppers (any color), cut in half, seeds removed

2 Tsp.         Olive Oil

1                 Medium Onion, chopped

2 Cloves     Garlic, finely chopped

1 1/2 lb.      Raw Chicken Breast, boneless skinless; chopped into 3/4-inch pcs or shredded

1 Tsp.         Ground Chili Powder

1 Tsp.         Ground Cumin
1/4 Tsp.      Sea Salt (or Himalayan Salt)
1/4 Tsp.      Ground Black Pepper
1 Cup         Low-Sodium Healthy or Homemade Tomato Sauce
2 Cups        Cooked Quinoa
1 Cup         Canned Black Beans, drained, rinsed
1 Cup         Frozen Corn Kernels
5 Tbsp.      Chopped Fresh Cilantro, reserve some for garnish
1 Tbsp.      Fresh Lime Juice
1 Cup        Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

                  Hot Pepper Sauce (to taste; optional)



Directions:

1. Preheat Oven to 375*F
2. Place bell peppers, skin side down, in large baking dish, set aside
3. Heat oil in large non-stick skillet over medium heat
4. add onion; cook, stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes or until onion is translucent
5. Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently for 1 minute
6. Add chicken, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper; cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink
7. Add tomato sauce, quinoa, beans, corn, cilantro, and lime juice. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes or until heated through
8. Add heaping 1/2 cup of chicken mixture to each pepper half; cover lightly with foil
9. Bake for 35 minutes, or until peppers are tender; remove foil
10. Top each pepper evenly with cheese. Bake for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted
11. Serve sprinkled with cilantro and hot sauce (if desired)

Healthy French Toast

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 6 min.



Ingredients:

2                 Large Eggs
2 Tbsp.       Unsweetened Almond Milk
2 Tsp.         Pure Maple Syrup (or raw honey)
1/2 Tsp.      Ground Cinnamon
2 Slices      Low-Sodium Sprouted Whole Grain Bread
1 Tsp.         Extra-Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
1 Cup         Fresh Sliced Strawberries


Directions:

1. Combine eggs, almond milk, 1 tsp. maple syrup, and cinnamon in a shallow pan; whisk to blend
2. Soak each slice of bread mixture for 5 minutes, turning halfway
3. Heat oil in medium non-stick skillet over medium heat
4. Add bread; cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown
5. Top each slice evenly with fresh strawberries or blueberries and remaining 1 tsp. maple syrup
6. Serve immediately

DIY: Taco Seasoning

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon chili powder (toasted and ground dried chilies)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

2 teaspoons cumin (toasted and ground)
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt (I actually don't add any at all, and it still tastes great!)
1 teaspoon pepper


Directions:
1. Mix everything.

2. Add to 1 lb. of lean hamburger meat along with 1/4 cup of water and simmer for 5 minutes

DIY: Ranch Dressing Mix

Yield: About 1 cup
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Love all those recipes that call for a packet of Hidden Valley ranch seasoning mix, but wish you could eliminate the packaged food? Now you can!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup dried buttermilk powder
2 tablespoons dried parsley, divided
2 teaspoons dried dill, divided
2½ teaspoons garlic powder
2¼ teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS:


1. Place the buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of the parsley, 1 teaspoon of the dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried minced onion, salt, sugar, black pepper, paprika and cayenne in a food processor or blender. Process until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed, about 15 seconds. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or glass jar, add in the remaining 1 tablespoon dried parsley and 1 teaspoon dried dill and whisk to combine.

2. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Note: 3 tablespoons of this mix is equivalent to a 1-ounce packet of ranch seasoning mix.

To Make Sour Cream Veggie Dip: Stir 3 tablespoons of the homemade mix into 2 cups of sour cream (or Greek yogurt).

To Make Ranch Dressing: Whisk together 3 tablespoons of the homemade mix with 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1 cup of buttermilk until smooth. You could use more or less buttermilk depending on how you like the consistency of your dressing. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

(Recipe adapted from Simply Scratch)

Taco Soup

Clean Eating at it's Finest! 

Ingredients:
1 lb extra lean ground turkey, grass-fed beef, or ground chicken breast
1 onion, chopped
1 pkg ranch dressing mix (make your own)
1 pkg taco seasoning mix (make your own)
1 can (16 oz) pinto beans, drained
1 can (16 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (16 oz) whole kernel corn
1 can (8 oz) rotel-style tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) diced tomatoes


Directions:
1. Brown meat & onions, drain
2. Mix ranch & taco seasonings into meat
3. Add the rest of the ingredients into mixture (you may also need to add a little bit of water)
Simmer for at least 1 hour (we let ours simmer in the crock pot but you could also cook in a large pan)

Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

YIELD: 4 Servings
PREP: 5 mins
COOK: 4 hrs 0 min
READY IN: 4 hrs 5 mins


INGREDIENTS:

4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup whole grain mustard
2-3 Tbsp soy sauce low sodium, non-GMO certified preferred
1 Tbsp honey
1 cup chicken stock homemade or low sodium preferred
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
salt & pepper to taste


INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put all ingredients into crock pot, and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
2. Shred chicken to serve.

(Slow Cooker) Sweet Potato, Chicken, and Quinoa Soup

A deliciously easy and incredibly healthy broth-based chicken, quinoa, and

sweet potato soup made in the crockpot.

INGREDIENTS:

1 and 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup quinoa
2 large sweet potatoes (1 pound or ~3-1/2 cups)
1 can (15.25 ounces) black beans
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 packet (1.25 ounces) chili seasoning mix
5 cups chicken broth*
Optional: fresh parsley


INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray. Remove the fat from the chicken breasts and put them
    into the slow cooker along with the rinsed quinoa.
2. Remove the skins and chop the sweet potatoes into cubes adding them into the slow cooker.
3. Drain and rinse the black beans and add those in. Add in the undrained petite diced tomatoes,
    minced garlic, chili seasoning mix, and chicken broth.
4. Place on high for 3-5 hours (It took 4 hours on high for my crockpot.)
5. Using two forks, shred the chicken and stir all the ingredients together.
6. Add salt and pepper and if desired fresh parsley.
7. Serve immediately.

Feeling Discouraged....

Today for some reason I am feeling really discouraged. I'm overwhelmed with everything that I want to achieve, and not seeing any results yet from my efforts is holding onto my thoughts and my heart...

At what point do I take a step back, look at my choices, and then decide what to do about them?
Am I being true to myself?
Am I following God's plan for my life?
Should I give up?
Should I quit?

I know that failure breeds success. I know that if I never try that I will never succeed. I know that I may have to fail for months or more before I see results from my endeavors. I know, I know, I know.... That doesn't mean that every once in awhile it won't get a little heavy.

The answers to the questions above are actually pretty easy to figure out. I am right where I belong. I'm still learning what victory looks like, and although I am making mistakes along the way I'm learning. Victory is somewhere along the road I am walking, I just haven't reached my destination yet. I know that my story will be fraught with struggles. With little wins, and maybe big loses, but I will get there.

So today I started searching google for some advice. Discouragement is a pretty easy topic to find things on. Did you know that Discouragement is a disease unique to human beings and that its universal? Eventually everyone gets it. I have no doubt that you have experienced it at one time or another. You might even be discouraged about something right now. For a lot of people they find it an ongoing battle to just get up on Monday, pick up their sword and shield, and fight through the desire to just stay at home and do nothing.

So what causes Discouragement?

#1 Cause is Fatigue

When your physically or emotionally exhausted, your a prime candidate to be infected with discouragement. Your defenses are lowered, and the feelings find a way to creep in and take hold of you.

#2 Cause is Frustration

When you can't seem to get caught up, and everything starts to pile up around you its easy to start feeling overwhelmed. Then when something small or unexpected occurs that prevents you from doing what needs to be done you really can get frustrated and that causes discouragement.

#3 Cause is Failure

Sometimes, know matter how hard you tried, your best laid plans fall apart. Maybe someone doesn't show that said they would be there. You miss your deadline for your project. The deal falls through. You have an empty challenge group or meeting... So how do you react? Do you give up and give in to self-pity? Just as someone said, "Just when I think that I can make ends meet, someone comes along and moves the ends...!" Now that is discouraging!

#4 Cause is Fear

Fear is found behind our discouragement a lot more than most of us would care to admit. We fear failure, criticism from our peers, maybe we fear success a little, and a lot of us fear the responsibility that may come from success. Whatever is it that you admit to yourself as the reasons for your fear, it can cause a major dose of discouragement. Fear ties our hands, our hearts and our minds and locks us in.

So what can I do to fight back and defeat Discouragement?

Depending on what your beliefs are, there are different ways to help you get through whatever your struggling with. For me I have a belief and a faith that God will guide me through. For others it may be Self-Help books, (which I do also read by the way...), or a friend or respected colleague to lift you up. Whatever your source for help is, use it as often as you can. Here's what I've learned, and have to remind myself of each time that I find discouragement taking over me.

First, I rest my Body. When I need a break, I take one. Stepping away from the cause of the frustration for even just a little while can be more effective than anything else. You can't burn both ends of the candle for long, and not get burnt out.

Second, I try to reorganize my list of Priorities. Sometimes a simple shift in what I'm trying to do can help immensely. That doesn't mean I am losing sight of the goal or giving up. It just means that I am taking a different path to get there. The destination remains the same, but the way I get there may alter a little. Sometimes you just have to Shake Things Up!

Third, I personally make myself remember that GOD WILL HELP ME! I just need to remember to ask Him. So often I forget that He is the reason that I am here and why I'm able to do the things that I do. He blessed me, and He promises to guide me. I just have to remember to ask, and then He will grant me new energy, and motivate me to carry on.

And Fourth. To simply Fight Back and RESIST Discouragement. Discouragement is a choice. If your feeling it, its only because you have chosen to let it take hold. That doesn't mean that you wont ever face it, but its what you do when it rears its ugly head that matters. Just remember that no one is forcing you to feel this way, but if you hold fast and fight back, that those feelings will go away. Heck, just doing some research, reading and typing this story out has helped me in battling mine today.

So I guess the question is, are you willing to FIGHT BACK or are you just going to let the disease take hold and keep you from your goals, and dreams?

I hope not....

Oatmeal Raisin Cranberry Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cranberry Cookies

Need a sweet treat that won’t end up on your waistline? Your healthy diet can include these delicious oatmeal cookies with sweet raisins and tangy cranberries.

Total Time: 25 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Yield: 18 servings, 1 cookie each

Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
1¼ cups whole wheat flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ tsp. baking soda
1 scoop Beachbody Whey Protein Powder, Vanilla Flavor (or any other brand...)
¾ cup thawed apple juice concentrate
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup raisins
¼ cup unsweetened dried cranberries

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Lightly coat baking sheet with spray. Set aside.
3. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and Protein Powder in a medium bowl; mix well. Set aside.
4. Combine apple juice concentrate and applesauce in a medium bowl; mix well.
5. Add the apple juice mixture to the flour mixture; mix until just blended.
6. Fold in raisins and cranberries; mix well.
7. Drop by rounded Tbsp. onto prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Mashed Potatoes with Kale

Mashed Potatoes with Kale

Total Time: 28 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 18 min.
Yield: 6 servings, about ½ cup each

Ingredients:
¾ cup low-fat milk, warm
3 green onions, chopped
2 lbs. medium russet potatoes, peeled, cut into cubes
Water
½ tsp. sea salt, divided use
1 lb. fresh kale, large ribs removed, torn into large pieces
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Ground black pepper (to taste; optional)

Preparation:
1. Heat milk and green onions in small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Turn off heat. Set aside.
2. Place potatoes in medium saucepan. Cover with water. Add ¼ tsp. salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook for 15 to 25 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat.
3. While potatoes are cooking, boil water in steamer or large saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high. Place kale in steamer basket; cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender-crisp and bright green. Place in ice water bath to stop cooking process.
4. Drain water from potatoes. Return potatoes to heat. Gradually add milk mixture, mashing potatoes as milk is added; cook over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Drain water from kale; squeeze out excess water. Finely chop kale with a knife or in a food processor.
6. Add kale and oil to potatoes; mix until fluffy.
7. Season with remaining ½ tsp. salt and pepper (if desired).
8. Serve warm.

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips

How many times have you reached mindlessly into a bag of mediocre tortilla chips, shoveling one after another into your mouth? Those fried crisps are loaded with fat, calories, and sodium that adds up fast! Why do that, when it’s quick and easy to make your own healthy chips with actual corn tortillas? These baked corn tortilla chips taste fresh and have a satisfying crunch you’ll love, without the guilt. Dress them up with a squeeze of fresh lime, serve with salsa or this seven layer dip, or make these healthy nachos.

Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Yield: 10 servings (1.5 tortillas or approx. 9 chips, depending on how they’re sliced)

Ingredients:
15 corn tortillas, cut into wedges
Nonstick cooking spray
1 tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)

Preparation:
1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Lightly coat both sides of tortillas with spray. Arrange in a single layer on two baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crisp.
3. Sprinkle with salt.

Chunky Rainbow Salsa

Chunky Rainbow Salsa

It’s easy to “eat the rainbow” with this vibrantly colored salsa made with tomato, mango, avocado and bell peppers. Want to make it spicy? Add finely chopped jalapeño or habanero. Serve with baked corn tortilla chips, eat as a side salad, or spoon onto grilled fish, chicken, or pork chops.

Total Time: 15 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 8 servings, about ⅓ cup each

Ingredients:
1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped
1 medium green (or red or yellow) bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 medium mango, peeled, cut into ¾-inch cubes
1 medium red onion, coarsely chopped
3 fresh cilantro sprigs, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 medium avocado, cut into ¾-inch cubes

Preparation:
1. Combine tomato, bell pepper, mango, onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a medium bowl; mix well.
2. Gently fold in avocado.
3. Serve immediately.

Margarita Chicken

Margarita Chicken

Get festive with tequila, without the embarrassing side effects! This marinade gives chicken a tangy citrus flavor with extra kick. (Most of the alcohol evaporates during cooking.)

Total Time: 2 hrs. 20 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 10 min.
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. tequila
½ cup 100% natural orange juice
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
½ medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
4 (4-oz.) raw chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
1 dash sea salt
1 dash cayenne pepper

Preparation:
1. Combine tequila, orange juice, lime juice, onion, and garlic in a medium bowl; whisk to blend.
2. Place chicken in glass dish. Pour marinade over; toss gently to coat. Refrigerate, covered for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill or broiler on high
4. Remove chicken from marinade. Season with salt and cayenne. Discard marinade.
5. Grill or broil chicken for 5 minutes on each side, or until chicken is no longer pink in the middle.

3 Ways to Stay True to Your Diet even if you don't have someone to keep you on track....

When you’re working toward your health and fitness goals, it’s very tough to do everything alone. Some of us are lucky enough to have a friend on the same path who is willing to call us out on our double order of fries and remind us to hit the gym. Sometimes, however, you are on your own. Your family and friends might be chugging Bud Lights and downing bags of Doritos while you try to remind yourself why a six-pack stomach is worth eating salad during the Super Bowl. Here are some ways you can hack your brain into acting as if you have a gym buddy constantly giving you support and reminding you to stay on the journey.


1) Take a Picture of Everything You Eat

This is about as low tech as food tracking gets. And no, writing what you ate on a pad isn't “low tech” because no one’s written on a pad since 2004. Camera shots are as “old school” as it gets in this article...

For some reason, taking a picture makes what you’re eating more “real” and an actual “event.” You don’t have to upload it to Facebook or send it to anyone, but the mere act of taking a picture forces you to have some personal accountability over what you’re doing. It also takes you off “auto-pilot” and forces you to acknowledge every morsel you put into your body. You can’t claim you just got carried away because you were of sound mind enough to take the picture before consuming. Because of this self-accountability principle, you will slow down the amount of junk food you eat even if you never look at the pictures again.

Will people with you think this is weird?

Well if you’re obviously flashing camera lights at every restaurant, people will think you’re a tourist who is seriously amazed at his authentic American chicken salad. However, we all like to play on our phones in public (even when its rude) so if you have your flash off, people will assume you’re checking your email anyway.



2) Use a Food Tracking Site

What technology you use for this isn't as important as if you use it, period. My favorite app is the MyFitnessPal app, but there's also Daily Plate, Calorie King, and DailyBurn. And you’ll of course find a bunch of other apps in your iPhone or Android market as well. If all you did was simply track what you ate, without any regard to any diet plan, your health would still improve with no other adjustments. This isn't even necessarily because your eating behavior changes.

Tim Ferris postulates in the “4-Hour Body” that even if your diet is exactly the same, the mere act of observing and recording what you eat causes your body to digest and burn calories differently. I’m not 100% sold on that theory, but in the end, it doesn't matter. These online food trackers force you to account for what you eat every single day. This means that if you have a scoop of ice cream after lunch, your consequence is that you have to remember the event at 10 pm when you enter it into your tracker. This is often enough to avoid foods that aren't good for you, simply to spare yourself the guilt, and you start taking responsibility for what you eat.

If you take the food tracker to its fullest possibilities, you can track what you’re eating down to the last calorie and even record your carb/fat/protein ratios every day. And the good news is that new laws and customer demands are forcing companies and restaurants to be transparent about what’s in the food they’re serving. This means you can type in “Rubio’s chicken taco” and your tracker immediately counts all calories, fat, and carbs in that meal. Its a win win.



3) Join a Facebook Diet Group

Notice I didn't say “Post what you ate every single day to all your friends who don’t care.” Some people post every meal on their wall and quickly find themselves posting to no one because every friend unsubscribes from their feed or de-friends them. Instead find some people who actually like seeing postings like that or who will at least tolerate them. If you just type in the Facebook search box “Get Shredded” or “Food Posting,” you’ll see options come up for groups and communities. On those pages, you have free reign to post every little thing you eat. You can even add little comments about your progress.

You’ll notice that all of these techniques are things you can do with a partner if you have one. The effectiveness of what you’re doing goes up dramatically with the more people you know taking care of their health… and in any area of life for that matter. Be glad that we’re in such a rich technological age because this would take a lot more discipline if all you had was a pen, a pad, and a calorie book to help you guess what was in your last meal. Take advantage of everything available to you.

Decisions without action....

A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided. - Tony Robbins

Decisions without action are preparations for living without living. We need to act to experience life. We either make things happen or let things happen to us. Here’s how Edward Rickenbacker (1842 ~ 1914) expressed why follow through is important, “There’s a six-word formula for success: Think things through, then follow through.”

Often, the cause of inaction is the fear of failure. But isn't it better to try to do something and fail than to try to do nothing and succeed?

So what is it that you are afraid of?
What is keeping you from acting on your decisions?
What is it about your desires, your wishes, your hopes that have you so afraid to take that first step and make them happen?

Failure will grip tight and hold onto you for as long as you give it power. Self doubt will plague your soul, and fill you with regret if you let it. What would be worse? To possibly fail at the task you know you want to try, or the longing knowledge that you never even tried? I know that I would rather fail 1,000 times than to go through life never even trying and always looking back saying "I wish I had tried that... at least once."

Shouldn't today be the day that you finally "GOT UP AND TRIED!" ?

Make a list of your hopes and dreams. Then pick the one that is most important to you, and just do it. Pick one item from your list a week, or even 1 a month and just try. Regardless of the outcome, at least you 'll know you finally tried. "True" Success can only come from repeated failures. Its by failing that we learn, and grow stronger. You won't always fail, but unless you try, you'll never win either.

Easy Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Yeild: about 25 balls

Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups Old Fashioned Oats
1/2 cup Unsweetened Coconut
1/2 cup Ground Flaxseed
1/4 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup Smooth Peanut Butter
1/3 cup Organic Honey
1/2 tsp. Almond or Vanilla Extract

Directions:
1. Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
2. Scoop the mixture with a small cookie scoop or spoon.
3. Place on a sheet of parchment paper baking sheet.
4. Chill in the fridge until set, about an 1 hour.
6. Store in a closed container in the fridge.

Turkey & Spinach Quinoa Casserole

Turkey & Spinach Quinoa Casserole

Ingredients:
2 cups dry quinoa
2 lbs extra lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
4 medium garlic cloves, crushed
4-5 large handfuls spinach, chopped
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
3 cups light cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 tsp thyme, dry
2 tsp basil, dry
Salt & ground black pepper to taste
Cooking spray (I use Misto)
Green onions and diced tomatoes for garnish (optional)

Directions:
1. Cook quinoa as per package instructions and undercook by 4 minutes. Add to a large mixing bowl.

2. Preheat oven to 375 F degrees and spray 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

3. Preheat skillet on medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Add turkey and sautee for 5 minutes breaking into pieces with the spatula. Drain the excess liquid and add to the bowl with quinoa.

4. Return skillet to the heat and spray with cooking spray again. Add garlic and onions, and fry until golden brown. Add spinach and sauté until it's wilted. Transfer to a bowl with quinoa and turkey.

5. Into the same bowl, add tomato sauce, bread crumbs, 2 cups of cheese, thyme, basil, salt and ground pepper to taste. Mix enough to combine.

6. Transfer the mixture in a baking dish, sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheese and bake for 25 minutes. Serve immediately, no need to let the casserole cool down.
7. Optional: sprinkle with diced tomatoes, green onions, a dollop of Greek yogurt or salsa.


Storing Instructions: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze divided into individual portions, in an air tight container for up to 1 month.

Spinach and Avocado Salad

Spinach and Avocado Salad

We love sweet and tart dried cranberries paired with creamy avocado in this delicious salad. Poppy seeds give it extra texture and peppery flavor.


Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 4 servings


Ingredients:
3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. finely chopped shallot
¼ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. poppy seeds
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
8 cups fresh baby spinach
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 Tbsp. sliced raw almonds, toasted
½ medium avocado, sliced


Preparation:
1. Combine vinegar, shallot, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds in a small bowl; whisk to blend.
2. Slowly add oil, whisking continuously, until blended. Set aside.
3. Combine spinach, cranberries, and almonds in a large serving bowl; mix well.
4. Drizzle salad evenly with dressing; toss gently to blend.
5. Top with avocado; serve immediately.

Haslet, TX. Fit Club

So if you live in the Haslet, TX area I would like to invite you to join me for a FUN and Life-Changing Beachbody Fit Club. I have 2 to choose from depending on which would work better for you. There is an evening class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 pm as well as an afternoon class on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:15 pm. Classes are always free and all fitness levels are welcome! SO if your ready to find out how much fun getting healthy can really be, then join us and find out for yourself! Hope to see you soon!

Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili

You could call this Quinoa Chicken Chili or even Quinoa Taco Soup, but either way this is one delicious dish that your whole family should love. I had been looking for a way to incorporate Quinoa into a recipe that was both good for you (mostly...), and tasty and this one did not disappoint. 

Quinoa is very high in protein so it pairs exceptionally well in this chicken chili recipe to help give it some heft and substance. The fact that is also a crock pot recipe made the whole thing even better. I got it prepared in only a few minutes, and apart from a few stirs throughout the day I was able to leave it alone until it was ready at dinner. 


INGREDIENTS:
1 cup of quinoa, rinsed
One (1) 28 oz can of diced tomatoes (you could use crushed)
One (1) 14 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
Two (2) 16 oz cans of black beans, rinsed, drained
One (1) 15 oz can of corn, drained
3 Cups chicken broth
2 large chicken breasts, frozen or thawed (cook longer if frozen)
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp crushed red pepper
2 tsp chili powder


NOTE: I used NO SALT, NO SUGAR and Reduced fat options for all of the canned items to limit the amount of sodium that was put into this meal.

DIRECTIONS:
Add the chicken to the bottom of the crockpot, and then put everything else in on top of it. I used frozen chicken and cooked mine for about 6 hours on High. It came out perfectly. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and you'll be great.

When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it and shred it, then return it to the crockpot. Mix it in and it's ready!

You can top it with FF Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt. Cheese is a great addition or even an Avocado. Whatever you enjoy with your chili that's good for you, throw it on top.

ENJOY!

Banana Nut Bread Smoothie

Banana Nut Bread Smoothie

So this is by far my favorite Shakeology recipe. I have several that I use regularly, but I always find myself coming back to this one, or a variation that I made. I'll post that one soon.

Ingredients:

 * 8-10 ounces of Unsweetened Almond Milk

 * 1 medium Banana

 * Dash of Cinnamon

 * Dash of Nutmeg

 * 1 Tbsp of Peanut Butter. (since this picture I have started using PB2)

 * 2 oz. Water

 * 4 ice cubes

 * 1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology

Directions:

 * Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. 

 * ENJOY!!!

Add more ice if you would like it thicker.

I have found that adding the dry ingredients last caused less of it to stick to the sides of the blender cup.

Slow Cooker Cafe Rio Chicken

This is seriously one of my favorite recipes! It can go with so many things or be enjoyed all by itself. From salads, to Quinoa to wrapping it in a flour tortilla, your family will love this meal and it goes a looooong way to!


Cafe Rio Chicken

• 3 Lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (thawed)
• 4-5 oz. Fat Free Zesty Italian Dressing
• 1/2 Tbsp. minced Garlic
• 1 pkt. Ranch Dressing mix (mixed with 1/2 cup of water)
• 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 Tbsp. ground Cumin

Directions:

1. Place all of the chicken on the bottom of your slow cooker.

2. Sprinkle Chili Powder and Cumin evenly over the chicken

  

3. Spread minced garlic evenly over chicken

4. Add Zesty Italian dressing and Ranch mix to slow cooker

 

5. Cook on High for 5-6 hours until chicken is fully cooked. (you can also cook on Low for 8 hours if you prefer)

6. Shred chicken with a fork (I found using a potato smasher to do an excellent job!)

7. Serve in Salads, Burritos, Tacos... etc. 

8. ENJOY!!!

You can also Double or Triple this recipe to make extras for freezing or for a larger crowd. Simply thaw and reheat.