Quick, Healthy and Yummy Crab Dip

We tend to do a lot of Holiday meals in this house as a big old snacky food spread. For us, it makes a lot of sense when you do a middle of the day big holiday meal to just have some appetizers and other things that work to make small plates when you get a little bit hungry later on.

Now the problem with that is, typically, appetizers are not the healthiest of foods. Sure they tend to be bite sized but my problem around bite sized food is that I tend to end up eating way more than I would if it was all just normal sized. A nibble here, a handful there and pretty soon I have eaten triple
what I planned on eating.

One way to combat this issue....taking my old standby, unwaistline friendly foods and cleaning them up. This year I was totally craving crab dip like I crazy person. So I decided to clean it up, add artichokes for loads of flavor (and adding artichoke hearts to anything always makes me feel like it's  fancy and indulgent) and embrace my crab dip craving. Plus if you are trying sticking to the 21 Day Fix meal plan, artichokes are a green container. So bumping this dip up with loads of them totally helps fill up those green containers while packing a boat load of nutritional benefits. They are loaded with fiber, help promote healthy digestion and help stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. They are also loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and folic acid.

Even after cleaning it up, this dip totally hit the spot. It was yummy and super easy to put together. I served it with whole grain crackers and celery sticks.

Here's what I did:

2 cans of artichoke hearts (small, quartered work best)

16 oz crab (I used canned)

6 TBS greek yogurt

6 TBS mayonnaise (I always use homemade. Seriously it will rock your world.)

Juice of half a lemon (about 1 1/2 TBS)

1 cup shredded cheddar (divided into two half cups)

Old Bay Seasoning to taste

Coconut Oil



Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x9 pan or baking dish with coconut oil.

Drain the artichoke hearts and spread across the bottom of the dish. Add the crab. Season with Old Bay to taste.

In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, greek yogurt and lemon juice. Add to the artichoke/crab dish. Add 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar. Mix well.

Top with remaining shredded cheddar.

Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly. Enjoy!

Easy Breezy (and rock your world worthy) Homemade Mayo

I never liked mayonnaise much. It was super easy for me to leave it off of things because it totally grossed me out. I hated buying big jars of it for recipes to use a tablespoon here or half a cup there and then end up throwing out the entire thing. (Just because I don't like it doesn't mean I didn't feel bad about wasting it.)

When I started this whole clean eating journey and really started paying attention to labels and what was in all the food, I was appalled at the ingredient lists on condiments. Salad dressings, mayonnaise, sauces....they all seemed to have HUGE ingredient lists of stuff I couldn't pronounce. It totally shocked me. I expected it from things like poptarts and fritos but salad dressing is pretty much oil, vinegar and spices.....why did we need to have all that other stuff in there?

This lead me to start to figure out what I could make on my own and for things like salad dressing and mayonnaise....well it's easier, cheaper and tastes way better when you make your own. Who knew it was super easy to make mayo and it actually tasted good. It was completely different from the stuff on the grocery store shelves. Because mayonnaise is actually yellow, not white. And it can be flavored a billion different ways depending on your taste.

This is the recipe I use for basic mayonnaise. It is pretty good for when mayo is called for in other recipes. It doesn't have a crazy strong flavor that will alter what your dish is supposed to taste like. (Because no one wants bossy mayo that steals the show and takes over when it isn't supposed to!)

I also like to halve this recipe when I need just a little bit for something I am making (like my clean and easy crab dip).


2 egg yolks**
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 TBS dijon mustard (I use Annie's Horseradish mustard)
1 1/2 cups oil (I use cold pressed olive oil)
Salt to taste

Place the egg yolks in the food processor or immersion blender cup. Add the vinegar and mustard. Turn on the blending device you are using and slowly start to add the oil as you are blending. Once it starts to thicken you can be more liberal with how fast you are adding the oil. Salt to taste.



** This recipe contains raw eggs. Use caution when consuming raw eggs due to the slight risk of salmonella or other food-borne illness.  For more information on the risks and prevention and minimizing your risks click the links below:

http://www.cdc.gov/features/salmonellaeggs/

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/11/13/eggs-part-two.aspx

http://empoweredsustenance.com/raw-eggs-safe/

My Favorite Winter Salad - Orange and Pomegranate Green Salad

Holiday Parties.....

Not only are they a great way to catch up with friends and family, get dressed up in something sparkly and have a super fun time but they are typically teeming with yummy treats and festive cocktails. AND they seem to fall one after another.

So what's a girl who is trying to stay on track with her health to do?

Bring a killer dish that allows you to help out your hostess AND have a healthy option to load up your plate.

I made this salad as a side for Thanksgiving dinner this year and am looking forward to making it over Christmas as well. There is something about the combination of the sweetness of the pomegranates, the creaminess of the blue cheese, and the tartness of the oranges that combine with the crunch of the romaine that make me really happy. This is one of the best salads I've had in a while. AND it is full of antioxidants and vitamin C--and at this time of year who couldn't use a immune system bump this time of year?

Pomegranates are packed with some crazy healthy benefits (and they are one of my favorite things to eat this time of year too!)

Health Benefits of the Pomegranate Most powerful anti-oxidant of all fruits Potent anti-cancer and immune supporting effects Inhibits abnormal platelet aggregation that could cause heart attacks, strokes and embolic disease Lowers cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors Lowers blood pressure Shown to promote reversal of atherosclerotic plaque in human studies May have benefits to relieve or protect against depression and osteoporosis

Oranges too have been touted as having a huge benefit to the immune system. Feel al cold coming on? Better take your vitamin C. I remember as a kid my dad forcing me to take extra vitamin C tablets. Especially in the winter. Because it would help me not to get sick.

But oranges have more to them that just a concentrated dose of vitamin C. They are a good source of fiber, potassium, which is good for your heart, beta-carotene which is awesome for your skin and are rich in carotenoid compounds which are converted to vitamin A and help prevent macular degeneration. (And since macular degeneration runs in my family...I was super excited to learn about this benefit. Oranges aren't my favorite but I may be adding them to my plate a little bit more often now!)  To learn more about oranges and your health click here and here. 

On top of this salad being loaded with some killer health benefits.... it is really pretty. The red and the green are super festive and bright. It looks great in the bowl and tastes pretty amazing too.

So here is what I did:

Ingredients:

1 head of romaine lettuce--chopped
2 cups of leafy lettuce*
Seeds of 1 pomegranate--about 2 cups
4 large oranges--chopped, peels removed
1/2 of 1 a large red onion--chopped
Crumbled blue cheese

Dressing:

1/3 cup orange juice
2/3 cup red wine vinegar*
4 TBS  olive oil
zest of one orange
1 TBS honey
1 TBS Dijon Mustard
1 clove garlic - minced
salt and pepper to taste


In a large bowl combine romaine, leaf lettuce, pomegranate seeds, oranges and red onion. Mix well.

In a shaker cup or blender combine the dressing ingredients. Shake or blend until mixed. (I had better luck and flavor using an immersion blender to make the dressing. I also tend to like my dressing more on the acidic side so I always cut back on the oil. If the ratio isn't' right for you add a little more oil to the mix.)



*I used a power greens mix but you could use arugula, baby kale, or another kind of baby lettuce

** The second time I made this I used a pomegranate balsamic vinegar and wow was it amazing. So if you have a balsamic or a flavored vinegar that would work well with the orange juice feel free to sub it in!

Dabbling in Paleo -- Grain Free Wedding Soup (21 Day Fix approved!)

There is something about winter...it being cold outside or maybe being stressed and crazy over all the Christmas to-do....but it makes me want to eat soup. It must be a deep rooted comfort thing because I want to make it all the time. Soup and a big old loaf of crusty bread for dinner sounds like perfection.

I have been doing a lot of reading lately and feel like I need to cut back on the eating of grains thing. This past summer I was having a lot of issues dropping weight no matter what meal plan and workout I was doing. I wondered if food allergies were to blame. I set out to do an elimination diet and shortly after that found out I was preggers. So following my doctor's advice, I am putting that off until the baby is here and my hormones settle down. Until then I am dabbling in different ways of eating. Following the 21 Day Fix meal plan (with the added calories I need for a healthy pregnancy) and just generally cutting back on grains as a whole. I am trying to stick to 2-3 servings a day. Many of my pregnancy cravings have revolved around white bread and bagels and that has thrown me down a slippery slope to wanting to eat more of those than fresh veggies.

Not to mention the fact that when I am not pregnant....I tend to crave (and really want) to eat more of a plant based diet. Meat just doesn't appeal to me. There is something going on with my hormones that is totally making me want to eat things like steak....at every meal. Since this is a healthy craving (as opposed to chocolate and donuts) I decided to go with it and am incorporating more animal based protein into my diet, at least for now. Post baby I am probably going to go back to my plant based tendencies but we will figure that out when we are there. Right now I am taking things one day at a time.

Last night I was able to finally use the homemade chicken stock I made back in September. It has been sitting in my freezer for months waiting for the perfect recipe to make use of it's golden goodness and this one was a winner. In fact it made such a difference in this recipe that I never want to go back to buying store bought stock again. Not only is the color totally different but the flavor of homemade stock is amazing. I used to think I hated soup but in reality I never really had good soup until I started eating homemade soup. No more cans of soup for this girl. Ever. And making my own stock was one of the easiest things I have ever done. I am not going to be that weird relative that asks to take home the turkey or chicken carcass from family dinners and stores them in my freezer until I have time to make stock. I never want to let the amazingness of them go to waste again. Who knew the secret to the best soup ever was in a typically discarded carcass of chicken bones?

Anyway....my aunt made a recipe similar to this when we were visiting in Texas and I also picked up a new (totally awesome) cookbook by Danielle Walker, Against All Grain: Meals Made Simple and am slightly obsessed with it. So this recipe is kind of a fusion between her soup and my aunt's. (Although my aunt added tortellini to hers and it was kind of awesome.) And if you have a recipe for grandma's or great grandma's mini meatballs for wedding soup....feel free to sub it and use that instead. Unlike most of my friends, I do not have Italian roots so I don't have attachments to things like sauce and meatballs. If you are trying to do the Paleo or gluten free thing there are so many substitutes for breadcrumbs you can try until you get it just right. Gluten free oats, almond meal, quinoa, minced veggies....as long as you get it to bind.

I opted out of adding any type of noodle and honestly this soup was so full of flavor and other goodies I didn't miss it. At all. (Which for my bread addicted self, that is kind of a big deal.) You can also use parmesan cheese instead of nutritional yeast. I don't do well on dairy so I try to only have it when it makes a HUGE difference in a recipe (or because I just really want to eat a hunk of cheese.)

So here is what I did:

Ingredients:

(for the meatballs)
1/2 medium sweet onion
1 large egg - scrambled
2 cloves of garlic - minced or grated
2 teaspoons of coconut flour
2 1/2 teaspoons of nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb of grass fed ground beef
1/2 lb of ground lamb

1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 cups peeled and diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
10 cups of chicken stock
3 cups of baby spinach


To make the meatballs:

1. Grate or mince the onion
2. Combine onion, egg, garlic, coconut flour, nutritional yeast, salt pepper, and ground meat.
3. Mix well and roll into bite size meatballs
4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use

To make the Soup:

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large pot until melted. Saute carrots and celery until slightly cooked (maybe about 5 minutes)

2. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil

3. Turn the heat down to medium and add the meatballs. Cook until the meatballs are cooked through (about 10 minutes) and start to float to the top.

4. Turn the heat down to low. When ready to serve add the spinach and let cook about five minutes or until wilted.

5. Season to taste

I didn't add any additional salt to my soup but if you feel that it needs salt and pepper feel free to add. You can also play with the type of meat used in the meatballs too. Subbing in turkey or ground pork for the lamb. And I feel like this recipe could be made easily in the slow cooker. Adding the spinach just before serving. There is something that is awesome about coming home to a house that smells like dinner after a long day (and having very little to do before you can eat!)

21 Day Fix containers used: (per 2 cup serving)

1 red
1 green
1/2 teaspoon*

*There is very little oil used in this recipe once portioned out. Technically less than half a teaspoon....so if you are over on your teaspoons for the day, I wouldn't sweat it.

Here is what Autumn has to say about soup and the containers. I was pretty close. Since this soup has no grain in it but is loaded with spinach and other veggies I swapped out the yellow container for the green.

Happy Eating!

My Top Five Tips for Surviving the Holiday Season!

We made it to Thanksgiving week! A big part of me can't believe it is here already and even though I detest the cold and snow that is unavoidable in Pittsburgh, I do get excited for the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I love seeing people. Wrapping pretty presents. Decorating my house and even going out in the cold to pick out a tree. I have learned that seeing the excitement for Christmas and other
holidays in my three year old's eyes (and energy level!) is contagious. Dressing up in pretty Christmas dresses. Baking and decorating cookies, making bright colored candy and homemade hot chocolate as gifts has taken on more than just being something on my todo list this year. It is magical....because she sees it as magical.

But what is a girl on a mission to stay as healthy as she can to do while facing all of these big celebratory meals, parties and yummy homemade treats?

Here are the five big things I do during the holiday season to avoid the weight gain and falling off track when it comes to my exercise game (because when I fall off it is SO hard for me to get back on again!)

1. Sweat Everyday (and I mean everyday!)

I know this time of year is extra busy and it may mean you have to get up a little earlier or stay up a little later BUT make this a nonnegotiable. Schedule it into your day. You will feel better and help balance out those extra little treats that will make their way into holiday meals. Shoot for 30 minute workouts when extra time seems nonexistent.

If you are traveling...bring your DVD's with you and play them in your hotel room or make use of the hotel gym or even just go for a brisk walk or run. Anything to keep your body moving and your exercise routine in check. Plus once the Holiday crazy is over you won't be scrambling to figure out how to get back on routine.

Get your family and friends involved by finding a Turkey Trot near you and running or walking Thanksgiving morning. My sister and I ran one last year and it was so much fun. These runs are typically full of people out in costume running and having a great time. Not a runner? Who cares? So many novice runners (and walkers) participate in these types of races.... you will not be alone. Alternate between running and walking. Or just grab a buddy and walk the race. You will still reap the benefits of getting your body moving that morning!

2. Bring the Healthy Dish

Not cooking dinner? Worried about what will be available for you to eat and not stray WAY off track? Bring the healthy side dish. (This is my game plan this year!) Whip up a healthy version of your favorites (like Shakeology Pumpkin Pie or this clean Green Bean Casserole by the Gracious Pantry.) I am going to be making a huge, colorful winter salad chock full of healthy greens, pomegranate and oranges all topped with a healthy and homemade citrus vinaigrette. This way I know I will have something to fill most of my plate while still enjoying small bites of my favorites (like stuffing!)

3. Eat Breakfast

Do not skip breakfast (or lunch) to "save" your calories for the big meal. Binging will surely happen in that situation. Have a healthy and filling breakfast. You will be less likely to overindulge and choose your treats wisely.

4. Decide Where you Want to Indulge

The holiday's are for celebrating and having some of your favorite treats is an important part of balancing a healthy lifestyle. If there is something you always look forward to....by all means enjoy but be conscious of serving size. AND this is not an excuse to indulge in everything. Choose wisely and savor your favorites.

5. Hydrate

Drink plenty of water (especially if alcohol is one of your chosen treats!) Make sure water is still your drink of choice and you are aiming to get at least 1/2 your body weight in ounces a day. This will also help keep you full and from overeating.

If there is any way I can help you in achieving your health and fitness goals, please don't hesitate to contact me through email or a message on Facebook.

Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Catch the Black Friday Rush Early

It seems like retailers have slowly turned Black Friday and what used to be opening at 6 am the day after Thanksgiving to offer some awesome deals into a week long shopping event.

First it was opening at midnight....then even earlier on Thanksgiving and I have already seen advertisements and sales starting the weekend before Thanksgiving. Yesterday we received an email inviting us to a Best Buy VIP sale starting today.

And while I long for the nostalgia of only getting a few hours of sleep before it is up and out the door with big coffees while everything is still dark. There is a part of me that can kind of appreciate being able to space it all out a little bit. I even still kind of miss the retail days I used to have. The crazy long shifts that fly by in what seems like minutes. The hustle and bustle of not standing still. The long lines, huge tables filled with sweaters and even the terrible Christmas cd on repeat.

But every year brings new and exciting things and this year I am super excited to announce that Beachbody is jumping on the Black Friday week bandwagon and starting their sale early.....early as in tomorrow early. And with four Saturdays left until Christmas I am ready to get my shopping started!

So starting at 8 pm EST on Tuesday November 25 you can jump onto Team Beachbody and shop ALL of their holiday deals. 

As always, with any purchase through me as your coach, you have access to my FREE online support groups to help keep you motivated and on track. We share recipes, learn tips and tricks to meal plan and keep each other on track when it comes to sticking to a fitness program. We are all better with a little support and accountability from others (and the new clean and yummy recipes don't hurt either.)

And as an extra special gift to you I am going to break them ALL down so you know EXACTLY what you are going to get......

Beachbody 2014 Black Friday (week) Deals including Shakeology:

PiYO and Shakeology Bundle $140 (Regular price $160 --- you save $20)

This bundle gives you the awesome new program PiYO (with my favorite trainer Chalene Johnson) and a 30 day supply of Shakeology for only $140. PiYO was released this summer and I have to say it was an awesome break from the high intensity workouts I had been doing. It increased my flexibility and worked me really hard, without the added stress on my joints that too many HIIT workouts can bring. And don't let the low intensity fool you, many of these workouts left me dripping in sweat. For more information on PiYO click here.

PiYO Kickstart Shakeology Bundle $180 (Regular price $205 --- you save $25)*

This takes the PiYO pack to a whole new level and includes not only the entire PiYO program, a 30 day supply of Shakeology in your choice of flavor BUT also the 3 Day Refresh. The Refresh is Beachbody's newest way to jumpstart any program or to detox after too many indulgences. It is designed to help you get your health, energy and vitality back in just 3 days.

*only available in the US

Ultimate Reset Shakeology Bundle $275 (Regular Price $305 -- you save $30)

The Ultimate Reset is a 21 day program that is designed to increase energy, lose weight and lower your cholesterol.  You get the entire 21 day program plus a 30 day supply of Shakeology to help keep you on track. (Vegan shakeology is recommended for this program.) For more information on the Ultimate Reset click here.

Beachbody 2014 Black Friday (week) Deals on Workouts:

TurboFire Original Kit: $39.95 

(Regular Price $79.90 -- You save 50%)

TurboFire is one of my favorite workouts. If you follow me on Facebook, you have seen me rave about this over and over. Even if I am in a total funk, Chalene's energy and the fantastic music can totally bust me out of it. I am super stoked that they are offering it at such a great price. This is an amazing deal and I am super jealous it wasn't available when I ordered my copy! 

So you get 12 workouts on 5 DVD's that range from 10-55 minutes including: 

Fire Starter Class: Master the TurboFire moves as Chalene breaks them down for you at a slower pace, so you can be ready for the HIIT classes.

Low HIITs: Low HIIT 20 / Low HIIT 25 Classes Don't let the "low" (as in low-impact) fool you-these high-intensity workouts ignite the AfterBurn Effect to help you keep burning calories.

Fire HIITs: Fire 30/Fire 40 /Fire 45 /Fire 55 Classes Actively recover from the HIIT classes while melting the fat away with these longer cardio classes, which include the HIITs you love, created by Chalene.

Extreme HIITS: HIIT 15/ HIIT 20/ HIIT 25 Classes Give your max for up to 1-minute intervals during these classes, and you can burn calories for up to 24 hours AFTER your workout's over!

Stretch 10 Classes: Increase your flexibility, reduce soreness, and lengthen your hardworking muscles by warming down after your HIIT and Fire classes.

Plus these tools to help you succeed: 

TurboFire Class Schedule: Follow this daily schedule to get your best results.

Quick Start Guide: Learn how to ignite your TurboFire program—fast.

Fuel the Fire Nutrition Guide: Flip through our specially designed Nutrition Guide for easy-to-prep recipes to keep you energized and burning calories.

24/7 Online Support through Teambeachbody.com:  Sit in on live chats with Chalene, plus get tips, expert advice, and peer support through our helpful online community.

Fire Starter Class Instant Streaming: Don't wait for delivery! Log on and start burning fat in minutes with your first TurboFire workout. 

AND when you order through me (as your coach) you get 2 BONUS workouts: Ab Igniter and Greatest HIITs (a $29.95 value)—FREE!

TurboFire Deluxe DVDs + Turbo Tracker Journal: $29.95 

(Regular Price $59.70 -- You save 50%

Turn up the burn even higher with the TurboFire Advanced Classes package. You'll get 5 advanced workouts to help torch more calories, reshape your entire body, and prevent plateaus.

• HIIT 30 Class: Get through your longest HIIT Class (packed with 11 Fire Drills), and the AfterBurn Effect will be working overtime.

• Fire 60 Class: Add variety to your schedule with Chalene's longest Fire HIIT Class. This one will have you HIITing it 4 times with Turbo Tracks to motivate you along the way.

• Sculpt 30 Class: Get stronger for your HIIT classes (and leaner all over) with Chalene's total-body sculpting class. This class features dynamic moves to build endurance while firming and defining your hard-worked muscles.

• Tone 30 Class: Chalene never wants you (or your muscles) to get bored, so she's designed an additional total-body resistance class with new moves that will work you out from top to bottom.

• Core 20 Class: Focus on your entire core for 20 powerful minutes, and you'll see tight, flat abs in no time.

And you get the Turbo Tracker Journal: A really cool notebook where you can log all your workouts and meals. It also includes daily motivational tips from Chalene, a calorie-counting guide, and more.

P90X (including P90X Plus FREE): $49.95 

(Regular Price $119.95 -- You save 58% AND get a free $60 gift)

P90X includes 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. The secret is an advanced training technique called Muscle Confusion™, which accelerates your results by constantly introducing new moves and routines so your body never plateaus.

Here’s what you get with P90X:

12 Diverse and Intense Workouts:

• P90X - 01 Chest & Back. Targeted strength and definition workout emphasizes two classic upper-body exercises.


• P90X - 02 Plyometrics. Explosive jumping cardio routine, proven to dramatically improve athletic performance.


• P90X - 03 Shoulders & Arms. A potent combination of pressing, curling, and fly movements that will leave you stronger and more defined.


• P90X - 04 Yoga X. Combines strength, balance, flexibility, and breath work to enhance your physique and calm your mind.


• P90X - 05 Legs & Back. Squat, lunge, and pull in a total-body workout like no other.


• P90X - 06 Kenpo X. Intense cardiovascular workout includes punching and kicking for endurance, balance, and coordination.


• P90X - 07 X Stretch. Achieve a higher level of athleticism, prevent injuries, and avoid plateaus.


• P90X - 08 Core Synergistics. Build and support the core while conditioning your body.


• P90X - 09 Chest, Shoulders & Triceps. Targeted strength and definition workout emphasizing two classic upper-body exercises.


• P90X - 10 Back & Biceps. Flex your powerful biceps, and focus on toning and tightening those showcase upper-body muscles.


• P90X - 11 Cardio X. Low-impact, fat-burning cardio routine.


• P90X - 12 Ab Ripper X. Sculpt an incredible six-pack and improve your physical performance.

Tools to keep you on track and motivated:

• 3-Phase Nutrition Plan. Designed to help you lose fat, build lean muscle, and maintain high energy levels through each part of the program.


• P90X Fitness Guide. Packed with information and tools to help you set your workout goals, track your progress, and stay inspired.

• P90X Calendar. Lets you know exactly what to do each day, set your workout goals, track your progress, and stay motivated.


• Online Support. You'll have access to Tony and other fitness experts, and peer support from your fellow P90Xers.

P90X2 (including P90X Plus FREE) $49.95 -- 

(Regular Price $119.95 -- You save 58% AND get a free $60 gift)

P90X2 delivers the kind of results pro athletes insist on with a breakthrough in applied sports science called Muscle Integration. With P90X2, you'll do resistance moves on one foot, a ball, or some other unstable platform, forcing your body to fire an entire chain of muscles in order to maintain stability.

Here's what you get with P90X2:

12 breakthrough, muscle-challenging workouts –

• X2 Core. Works your core using instability. Master this routine for overall improved movement.
• Plyocide. Explosive movements combined with mind and coordination drills for super speed/endurance.
• X2 Recovery + Mobility. Realign your body with a foam-rolling technique and complete stretching routine.
• X2 Total Body. Push your body to use the correct muscles and proper form to handle resistance and instability challenges.
• X2 Yoga. Increase your isometric power and range of motion, and build stabilizer muscle strength.
• X2 Balance + Power. Push your limits through strength and explosive movements while improving alignment.
• Chest + Back + Balance. Achieve superior strength gains over those achieved through traditional weight training by working on unstable platforms.
• X2 Shoulders + Arms. Keep your shoulders and arms strong and in balance to help minimize your risk of injury.
• Base + Back. Give your two largest muscle groups a super workover with a pull-up and plyo extravaganza.
• P.A.P. Lower. Give your lower body a cutting-edge workout with four-round complexes that boost performance.
• P.A.P. Upper. Regain your youth with Post-Activation Potentiation training for your upper body.
• X2 Ab Ripper. Upgrade your concept of what an ab workout should be with a series of demanding core movements.

Plus, get these information-loaded tools to keep you on track:

• Fitness Guide. Get all the facts and tools you need to maximize your P90X2 results.

• Nutrition Guide. We've evolved the diet along with the exercise program. Now in addition to traditional high-performance food choices, you can customize your plan with grain-free and vegan options.

• 90-Day Workout Calendar. Set P90X2 workout goals each day, and schedule your recovery week when you need it.
• Online Support. You'll have access to Tony Horton and our panel of Beachbody^® experts as well as peer support from other people doing P90X2.

Exclusive FREE bonus workouts:

• Get 2 FREE workouts when you order from your Coach or Team Beachbody^®: P90X ONE on ONE^® 4 Legs and P90X ONE on ONE^® Upper Body Balance. A $39.90 value—FREE.

And with the purchase of P90X, P90X2 or P90X3 (for more info on P90X3 click here) you get P90X Plus as a free gift. Tony Horton takes your workouts to the next level with brand-new moves and never-before-seen workouts all set to hot music created exclusively for P90X Plus by Jason Scheff, lead singer of the band Chicago!

P90X Plus SERIES INCLUDES ALL THIS . . . 5 NEW X-treme Workouts on 4 DVDs: Interval X Plus: Propels your heart rate up and down with 3 speeds, creating more dramatic change in the shortest period of time. (40 minutes) Kenpo Cardio Plus: Advanced Kenpo with new moves builds stamina, balance, and agility while shredding the most stubborn layer of fat. (40 minutes) Upper Plus: This monster upper-body workout will blast all your muscles from the hips on up in a completely synergistic way. (45 minutes) Total Body Plus: By adding new synergistic moves, your muscles get pumped, then recuperate in stages until you've got nothing left. (45 minutes) Abs/Core Plus: Four different positions to intensify your ab work and shred your midsection even faster. (20 minutes) Plus Bonus Tools to X-celerate Your Results! Fitness Guide with fully customized workout schedules showing you how to incorporate your new P90X Plus workouts into your complete system. Downloadable Worksheets to record your reps and sets and track your progress! DVD Extras – Tony's Trainer Tracks with detailed professional tips on every move to help you achieve perfect form and even better results!

Les Mills Pump $66.95 

(Regular Price $165.95 --- You save 60%) 

I invested in Les Mills Pump this spring and it has quickly risen to the list of one of my favorite workouts to do. The music is awesome and keeps you motivated. It moves fast so a 45 minute workout does not seem like it drags on forever. AND it combines wieghts and cardio. I end this workout dripping in sweat and feeling like a rockstar. PLUS it comes with the barbell and weights you need to get started (if you're crazy strong you may want to pick up extra weights but for most of us what comes with it is a pretty good start.) 

This is a great program to add to any type of running training or other type of cardo because it is just 3 days a week. 

So what do you get?  7 fat-blasting, lean muscle-building workouts to engineer your perfect body. You'll blast calories with compound moves that help boost your heart rate and melt away the fat. Plus you get your very own barbell, 2 5-lb.and 2 10-lb. weight plates, the Lean, Strong & Unstoppable Fitness Guide, the Get Lean Nutrition Guide, a tape measure and a measurement tracker, unparalleled online support, and a FREE bonus Core workout when you order through a coach. 

Les Mills Combat (Plus free Combat gloves) $23.95 

(Regular price $58.95 -- You save 60%)

This is the ultimate mixed martial arts–inspired workout program! Get ready to punch, kick, block, and strike your way to an outrageously shredded body with 7 calorie-blasting and muscle-defining workouts—plus you get the LES MILLS COMBAT Training Gloves, designed to up the intensity so you can get your best body ever in just 60 days!

Plus, you'll get these practical tools to maximize your results: Stay With the Fight Fitness Guide, Eat Right for the Fight Nutrition Guide, LES MILLS COMBAT 30:LIVE! BONUS WORKOUT, Measurement Tracker Card, Tape Measure,and Online Support.

This program is a favorite of my coach Nicole who has lost over 50lbs. Check out her story  at fitmomoftwo.com 

Insanity: The Asylum Vol. I $56.00 (Regular Price $89.95 -- You save 38%)

Train like a pro. Play like a star in 30 days.

Winning the game, the race, the match starts now with INSANITY: THE ASYLUM™ workout program. Former track-and-field star Shaun T will push you to Dig Deeper® than ever with sports-specific training and drills inspired by pro athletes. During this 30-day program, he'll push you to build your speed, coordination, agility, strength, and power. So on game day, you'll have the unbeatable athletic edge.

Here’s what you get with INSANITY: THE ASYLUM:

6 Intense Workouts:

• Speed & Agility: Get quick on your feet—fast, with this intense cardio workout. (45 minutes)
• Vertical Plyo: Jump higher than ever with this lower-body training routine. (40 minutes)
• Relief: Stretch out to build long, lean muscle and increase your flexibility. (25 minutes)
• Strength: Increase your strength and power by cross-training with weights and resistance. (50 minutes)
• Back to Core: Build the rock-solid core, glutes, and hamstrings for the explosive power you'll need to play and dominate at an elite level. (45 minutes)
• Game Day: Put your new sports skills to the test with this cross-training workout. (60 minutes)

Plus, sports-inspired training tools:

• Agility Ladder: Build strength and agility by using this portable ladder to sharpen your focus and your form.
• Speed Rope: Improve your foot speed and endurance with this ultimate training secret.
• ASYLUM Workout Calendar: Check it each day to cross-train like a professional athlete.
• Guide Playbook: Map out your 30-day transformation with this smart step-by-step guide.
• Get Shredded Nutritional Plan: Follow meals and tips used by Shaun T and you'll be ready for game day—every day.

And receive 2 FREE bonus workouts:

• Sports Performance Assessment: Discover the improvements you've made in your fitness and skills with this performance measurement tool. (25 minutes)
• Overtime: Add this 15-minute monster to any Asylum workout to see if you've still got game.

The Slim Series $9.95 

(Regular Price $29.90 -- You save 67%)

Take Your Results to the Next Level
Debbie Siebers designed Slim Series^® as the perfect follow-up to her Slim in 6^® program. These advanced workouts add variety and intensity after your first 6 weeks, so you keep burning fat to get incredible results without frustrating plateaus.

What you get with Slim Series:

6 Advanced Body-Slimming Workouts

• Tone It Up! Get slim, toned, and tight with this full-body, cardio-focused workout. (60 minutes)
• Tear It Up! Shift into high gear as you challenge your entire body. (80 minutes)
• Shape It Up! Advanced body-sculpting moves shape lean, sexy muscles from head to toe. (80 minutes)
• Firm It Up! Tone and firm your thighs, hips, and buns. (60 minutes)
• Mix It Up! Break through fitness plateaus with innovative new moves. (60 minutes)
• Cool It Off! Time to give your body a chance to recover! (60 minutes)

Plus get a FREE gift

• Slimming Guide 
  Learn Debbie's secrets to success and get her easy-to-use diet tools.

Hip Hop Abs Dance Party Series: Rockin' Abs/Hard Body $5.95 -- (Regular Price $19.95 -- you save 70%)

Dance your way to hot, sexy abs and burn the fat off your entire body with Shaun T's fun, exciting dance program! Using Shaun's revolutionary Absolute Engagement™ technique, you'll "Tilt, Tuck, & Tighten" your way to 6-pack abs without doing a single sit-up or crunch.

Beachbody 2014 Black Friday (week) Deals on Equipment:

Barbell weights 5lbs $6.75 (Regular Price $16.90 -- You save 60%)

Barbell weights 10lbs $12.75 (Regular Price $31.90 -- You save 60%)

Les Mills Combat Gloves $5.95 (Regular Price $39.95 -- You save 85%)

Barbell with Speed Safety Clips $9.95 (Regular Price 56.90 -- You save 83%)

Ultimate Reset Dry Brush   $11.95 (Regular Price $29.95 -- You save 60%)

Beachbody Jump Mat $29.95 (Regular Price $59.85 -- You save 50%)

Stability Ball + Medicine Ball Combo Pack $29.95 (Regular price $130.85 -- You save 77%)

Step with 4 risers $29.95 (Regular Price $99.90 -- You save 70%)

Womens Apparel FREE SHIPPING (Product prices vary) 

Mens Apparel FREE SHIPPING (Product prices vary) 

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or for more information on any of the programs above. 

Have a happy and healthy Holiday week! 

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The Cat's out of the Bag.....and it's Okay (okay)

So I have been pretty quiet on the forefront of all things health and fitness. Not really toting any new health and fitness groups. Not posting any new meal plans or what my plans are to stay on track for the holidays.

And that's because I have felt like a big old hypocrite.

I haven't been working out 5-6 days a week like I normally do. I haven't been sticking to my meal plans and I haven't been quite so rigid about what kind of treats I am allowing myself to have. And I have been gaining weight like a champ.

Why?

Well because B is going to be a big sister in about four months.

So shouldn't I feel okay about all the things I listed above? Shouldn't I feel all glowy and wondrous and joyful about wanting to eat nothing but donuts for two weeks straight? Shouldn't I cut myself some slack when I am exhausted and can't' even fathom the thought of getting up extra early to squeeze my workout into an already jam packed day?

Maybe I should...but I don't.

It's hard to undo all the standards that I've held myself to over the past year and a half. And while yes in my brain I know I'm supposed to be gaining weight and letting myself get a few extra hours of sleep it's hard to not just feel like a slacker.

It's hard to get rid of the feeling of dread when my belly is getting into the way of my stretches....the way it used to a year and a half ago before I started this whole health and fitness journey. And I know that there is a much better reason for it now. I should be happy to see my baby growing and that we are both healthy. I know that in my head but it's still hard to shake that feeling.

And with that feeling comes the fear of gaining too much weight...not being able to get it off as quickly as I want. The downside of being a part of the health and fitness industry is that you see these women who are gorgeous...who gain the minimal amount of weight (that of course is all baby) and then four weeks later are back in their pre pregnancy jeans before they are even cleared to workout again by their doctors.

And then there is me. Who pees on a stick and gains ten pounds overnight. Who does not gain the kind of weight that is all baby. Who gains weight crazy easy even when she isn't' pregnant despite all the workouts and meal planning. And who would be stoked be back in my pre pregnancy jeans in four months instead of the two and a half years it took me last time.

It's taken a few months to wrap my head around all of that. To come to terms with it and be okay with the fact that working out 3-4 days a week is okay when I need the extra sleep. That giving in and opting for the easy dinner option after a crazy busy day is okay because sometimes that is all you can do. That eating white toast for a month straight was okay because it was the only thing that didn't send me running to the bathroom. That not working this Beachbody business as many hours a week as I was five months ago because I am exhausted and can barely form a sentence is okay. Because I need to put me and my kids first.

What matters is being aware and 80% of the time trying to eat the healthiest I can. What matters is cutting myself a little bit of slack and not comparing myself to anyone else who has had a baby and looks like a supermodel in their going home with baby pictures. What matters is to not compare myself to any other Beachbody coaches and their success because this is my journey and my road bumps are very different from everyone elses.

And guess what.

I am okay with all of it.



When I signed up to coach, I did so to hold myself to a higher standard and I help those who wanted to join me on this journey. I did it so that I could fit working around my life and be able to put my family first. I didn't do it to make a million dollars. My goal was to make enough to cover monthly expenses. Preschool, gymnastics, gas and groceries. To treat my coaches and clients like a family. To be there to help them with whatever they need, no matter where they are in their business and weight loss journey. A daily check in. A little extra motivation. Questions about meal planning and how to make it happen. I wanted to inspire, not sell. I wanted to encourage people to make it part of their lifestyle not offer them a quick fix.


And why should any of that change because I no longer fit in my jeans?

It shouldn't. Instead of letting myself be inspired by the success of others, I let their success impede my own. I took three big steps back when I should have been proud of what I have accomplished and what I am accomplishing (because chasing a three year old, growing another human being, supporting my team and the clients I currently have and still finding the time and energy to take care of me is a lot.)

So here it is....my big confession and my commitment to being back in the game (without feeling bad about wearing elastic pants while I do it.)

If you want to join me as part of my team or as one of my challengers as I navigate pregnancy, the holidays and fighting the Christmas cookie battle please don't hesitate to contact me or fill out the application below for more information.

Fill out my online form.

Online contact and registration forms from Wufoo.

Keeping the Sugar Monster at Bay

You know those days....the ones where you would pretty much jump someone and pry a piece of chocolate out of their unsuspecting fingers?

Yeah. I have them. The days when the urge for chocolate is so great that it makes me crazy. The days where going for a walk, working out, doing something else to forget about it is just laughable. There are days it doesn't work.

So what is  a girl who is trying to lose a few pounds to do?

This is totally where I have found Shakeology to be at total life saver. Not only does it help eliminate some of those I-will-cut-you-for-chocolate-days but it when those days do happen, it totally tames that monster. My goto shakeo recipe is Tropical Strawberry with the juice of half a lemon (Love!) but some days I just need some chocolate.

Here are some of my favorite (and my team's favorite) recipes to satisfy that chocolate craving.

Cinnamon Chocolate

Now cinnamon and chocolate are not a traditional pairing here in the US but wow is it yummy (And if you are a lover of all things spicy I encourage you to try adding all kinds of heat to your chocolate.) For me, cinnamon and ginger are about as spicy as I get. This is one of my chocolate go to recipes:

8-10 oz of almond milk or water

1 scoop of chocolate (or vegan chocolate) shakeology

1 TBS nut butter (I use almond)

Cinnamon to taste (for me this means a lot of cinnamon)

Blend well and serve over ice

Twix Shakeology

Twix is one of those candy options that make me crazy. Chocolate plus caramel is the best.


1/2 scoop of choco shakeology 

1/2 scoop of vanilla shakeology

 1 teaspoon of caramel extract

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 

1/3 cup of almond milk 

2/3 cups of water 

Ice to taste 

Blend well and serve with a sprinkle of graham crackers on top.  

Sea Salt Caramel Shakeology 

Because caramel is really and truly my downfall......

A pinch of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt

A drop or two of Caramel Extract

1/2 C of Almond Milk Unsweetened

3/4 C of water

1 Scoop of Chocolate Shakeology

Ice to taste

Shake in a shaker cup or blend and enjoy

Peanut Butter Cup Shakeology 

Now I don't do peanuts but this is a favorite among almost everyone but me. (And great for when you really  just want to sneak a Reeses pumpkin)

1 Scoop, Chocolate Shakeology
1 tbsp of Natural Peanut Butter or PB2
1-2 cups of water, almond milk, or low-fat milk
3-4 ice cubes

Blend and serve over ice

Want to totally indulge and eat your peanut butter cup instead of drink them? Is the picture above making you need to have a peanut butter cup right now? Check out this recipe from the Shakeology blog here. 

For more information on shakeology click here or feel free to contact me! Want to try Shakeology without the 30 day investment? Check out the side panel where you can order individual samples or 7 day kits! 

Here's to your health and happiness!