When you only have a few moments between getting home from work and leaving to take my son to ice hockey. I choose to go with my SHAKE! I switched it up today and decided to go with APPLE PIE, I was surprised how YUMMY it was! Here is the recipe for you all...
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup ice
Preparation:
1. Place water, Shakeology, applesauce, cinnamon, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.
I am always trying to find different way to eat veggies. I get so sick of the same thing over and over again. This was so good, I had to stop from eating the whole thing.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp olive oil $0.11
1 medium yellow onion $0.70
1 tsp minced garlic $0.08
1 medium zucchini $0.71
1 medium yellow squash $0.85
1 medium potato $0.91
1 medium tomato $1.65
1 tsp dried thyme $0.05
to taste salt & pepper $0.05
1 cup shredded Italian cheese $1.49
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Saute both in a skillet with olive oil until softened (about five minutes).
While the onion and garlic are sauteing, thinly slice the rest of the vegetables.
Spray the inside of an 8×8 square or round baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread the softened onion and garlic in the bottom of the dish. Place the thinly sliced vegetables in the baking dish vertically, in an alternating pattern. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, top with cheese and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.
YUM.. YUM… YUM... Tilapia, Brown Rice and Asparagus.. OH MY!
TILAPIA:
1lb Tilapia
1 1/2 Tbsp. Chili Powder
1tsp. Cayenne
2 Tsp. Black Pepper
1Tbsp. Paprika
1Tbsp. Onion Powder
1/2 Tbsp. garlic Powder
1 tsp. Oregano
1 tsp. Ground Thyme
1 tsp. Brown Sugar
Combine all spices together to create a rub.
Coat all the fish, and allow it to sit for about 15-20 minutes before cooking.
Heat oil in a large pan and add fillets.
Cook fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side and serve.
Brown Price: Followed the instructions on the box.
Asparagus: Sautéed with some olive oil, and spoonful of garlic.
I wanted to take a moment because I have had a few of you tell me how you feel. I wanted to take a moment and share my story.
For the longest time I wouldn't look at myself in a full length mirror. I would tell myself if I didn't look then it wasn't there. We all know that is not true. We all have a comfort level that we want to reach or be within, it is different for everyone. It is not about how big or small you are, it is about how YOU FEEL about YOURSELF! After having my son, I was so ashamed with my body. The extra skin on my belly has made me EXTREMELY self conscious. I hide it from EVERYONE... including my husband. I would always wrap my arms around my waist as if he could not see it (funny part is he could careless). What is amazing in my transformation is, although I have lost some inches and am feeling better then I ever have, i realized the more I help others feel better about themselves the less concerned I am about myself. I also realized that I am not alone in these feelings. We all have something about us that we want to improve, it is not always physical, but for many of it is. I am reaching my hand out to you... if you want to feel better about yourself... feel healthy... feel wonderful... come join my next challenge group so we can hold our heads high together!
DELISH. HEALTHY. EASY
Recipe:
👉🏻 1/2 a Box Whole Grain Penne Pasta
👉🏻 2TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
👉🏻 1/2 Clove of Garlic
👉🏻 1/2 Pint of Cherry Tomatoes
👉🏻 1TBS of basil spread or 2 leaves
👉🏻 1/4 Cup of Parmesan Cheese
👉🏻 1-2 Links of Chicken Sausage
Mmmmmmm...
If you are anything like me, you love to save money. I would love to clip coupons because I realize how much money you can save, but realistically I just don’t have the time in my schedule as of now. Over the years, I have learned ways to save money without using coupons. I still use coupons here and there, when I can but I don’t always rely on that. Below is a list of things I do, and would like to share with you. Maybe it will help you save a few bucks.
Buy Meats at Wholesale Prices
A few years ago, I found a place to purchase my meats at a wholesale place. The only down fall is there is not many of these places around. The one for me is an hour from my house, but it is worth the trip. We stock up, when we go so we only need to purchase meats every few months. This can be challenging if you do not have an extra freezer. If you have a place to put an extra freezer, I highly recommend picking up one. It will pay for itself in no time. So at these wholesale places, the steaks, bacon are sold in large slabs. The prices change each time we go, but we spend $2- $3 per lb on average. Our butcher will cut it any way you would like for FREE! Other items are just sold in large boxes, for instance we usually get a 20lb of boneless pork chops for $20. So you can see quickly how much money you can save. Do some research and see if you can find a location near you.
Buy Produce at Wholesale Prices
Produce at the market can be very pricey. I also noticed that sometimes when they have sales or buy one get one, they jack the price up. I purchase my produce from a location called, “Produce Junction.” It is just a wholesale place for your fruits and vegetables. Many items come in larger quantities than I will ever be able to eat. At first I saw this as a issue, BUT as I have learned and tried different things over the years, it no longer is an issue. You can split your order with your family or friends. Or you can meal prep crock pit dinners, or you can just freeze the fruit and veggies for smoothies or snacks, ect. Get Creative!
Purchase your Produce When It Is In Season
If you know when the produce you like to eat is in season, it is much cheaper to stock up or eat it within those particular months. Many times if your items is not in season it could cost significantly more per lb. The reason the price goes up is because it is being shipped from far away so they need to pay for the extra shipping cost.
Make Meals from Scratch!
People get started on a healthy routine and the first thing they do is go out and purchased all these pre-packed frozen foods. Besides the fact that these are not really that healthy for you, they are also a strain on the pocket. It is much cheaper to just make extra food for dinner you can reheat or spend a few hours every month and portion out your dinners or lunch and freeze them for later. Crockpot can become your new best friend.
DO NOT buy more then you need!
I have done this one two many times. I know that if I am hungry and I decide to go food shopping I end up with way more then I went in for. So, what ever you do, do not go food shopping when you are hungry. The best and cheapest way to purchase groceries is to plan out what you plan to eat for the week, and make a list of items you need for those meals. Then when you go shopping do not wonder off the list! The only time I will buy things I do not need is when something is a good deal and I need to stock up, because I don’t want to waste money later on.
Use Loyalty Cards
Just about every card has a loyalty card. Most stores are even making the loyalty cards more convenient. They can save you money for the items that are on sale throughout the store. Depending on the deal it could save you a good bit of money. Many of the loyalty cards allow you to attach e-coupons. As I am walking in the store I will login and do a quick scan for items I planned to purchase. Check them off and then when you check out.. CHA CHING… money saved!
Buy Store Brands
Have you ever started your workout and within the first minutes you are so tired you are not sure if you can make it through another minute? Don’t give up, PUSH through it! This is totally normal, and happens to most of us. Everyone’s body has a a lag time, when it comes to delivering adequate fuel to the working muscles. Believe it or not, after 10 seconds your body has depleted your reserve and needs to start producing more energy. As your muscles begin to warm up, your body will switch over to Aerobic Energy. Aerobic essentially means ‘oxygen’. In order to make it through your workout it need to convert to stored glycogen fat. This is what gives you the energy to keep going.
So, if you feel the burn, start breathing heavily, within the first minute… KEEP GOING! Once your body transitions you will began to feel some relief. You should began to breathe a steady pace, your heart rate will level out. Now, with that being said, I am not saying you will not be out of breathe or heart rate should not be elevated. I am just saying it will give you the energy you need to push yourself to get through the tougher areas within your workout.
Many believe that they need to workout at a gym, because of all the fancy equipment, and they believe it is just the right thing to do in order to see results. Well I am here to tell you why working out at home can be a huge benefit to your health.
1. Do you wonder around the gym, because you are not really sure what to do?
Many people sign up for a gym membership and are clueless on how to put a routine together. They will find something they feel comfortable with and they do that everyday. I know this, because it use to be me. Well when you workout at home, you just need to hit play button and BAM your routine is laid out for you.
The TRAINERS, walk you thru all the exercises and they change it up so you are guaranteed results. AND get this… you do not need to pay extra for these personal trainers. It is a WIN, WIN! This is people that have been going to the gym for years begin to see results much faster when working with these programs. Not to mention the programs that I deal with, have a free coach (ME!) to help support you and motivate you.
2. Save money
2. Save money
The average price of a gym membership is $55 a month. Most people only go a few days a week because that is what they can fit into there crazy schedules. So when you translate this out it comes to a little over $6 a visit. When working out at home you have your initial fee of the discs and you continue to use them as long you would like. The packages range in different prices, but lets just say you purchase a set of DVD’s that is a 90 day program and it cost $75. Even if you still stick to a schedule of twice a week it would break down to cost a little over $3 a workout. The best part is you can repeat these videos as often as you would like. If for some reason you need to take a few weeks off you are not wasting any money on your membership for the month.
3. How much time have you wasted waiting for a machine or a treadmill?
Many people that go to the gym are pretty much on all the same schedules, so it can be very busy if you are working a 9-5 or 8-4 job like many Americans. Gym’s are expecting and hoping most people that have memberships will not show up. So, with that being said they do not have enough equipment to go around. So you can waste a ton of time just standing around waiting. At home you are the only one, so NO WAITING! You can continue to work through your routine which allows you to keep your heart rate up, which will give you phenomenal results. By the way, you do not need a ton of fancy equipment to get the results you are looking for. With the money you save from your monthly membership will allow you to purchase a few items for your home workouts.
4. My favorite class is during work hours, UGH! What to do?!?!
When I went to a gym, it drove me crazy that all the classes I would be interested in where only going on when it was impossible for me to go. Now that I have kids this has become even more of a challenge. This is one reason I LOVE to workout at home. I make my OWN schedule. I choose when it will work best for me. You can get up early, you can stay up late, it doesn’t matter. You don’t need to drag your kids out early. I wake up before anyone is even awake and do my workout, this way it is done and I don’t have any excuses later in the day. Stop letting the gyms control your schedule and get it done on your terms.
5. Grunts, Faces, slamming of the weights… ALLOWED!!
I know you have all seen the commercials of the rules that some gyms have in place. No grunts, no loud noises, some even have a dress code! Are you kidding me. I am not saying you need to go crazy and workout like the Incredible HULK, but sometimes if I am pushing myself, to get that last rep out I may grunt or same something so that I can motivate myself to get thru that last little rep. When you are dying and you are struggling to finish your workout, you don’t need to be embarrassed by the faces and grunts that you need to make to get thru it. Sometimes I even go as far as cursing out the trainers on the TV, but that is ok, because they can’t here me. Haha
6. Did you forget to do your laundry, Don’t Worry!
When working out at home you do not need to worry about making a fashion statement. What you wear to workout is your business and no one else's. You can even workout without your shirt on. I am not to confident in my body so I am embarrassed to be prancing around in a sports bra, but I can in my house. You don’t need to worry about matching, if your clothes have rips in them. Profanity clothing is also ALLOWED in YOUR GYM!
7. EWWW… GERMS!!!
Have you ever wondered if the person before you took the extra few seconds and cleaned off their nasty, sweaty germs? Most people don’t, which means you are sitting in there sweaty mess. At home the only sweat and germs left behind are your own. You don’t have to question if anyone left any nasty sick germs behind.
8. Results & Recovery are only steps away.
The first hour after your workout is crucial when it comes to getting in your results and recovery formula. After I am done my workout and I am shaking because I pushed myself and finished an amazing workout, it only takes my about 5 minutes to get my recovery formula in my body. I don’t need to worry about the time it takes me to get changed, or drive to my house, ect. Since, I workout in the morning I like to have a nice wholesome breakfast after I workout, so working out at home allows me the time to cook a breakfast before I have to run out the door.
9. Shaking from leg day… No Problem!
After working my legs, I feel like I can barely walk. You can take a few minutes and sprawl out on the floor from pure exhaustion. No one will step on you, or better complain and have you get in trouble. Take as long as you need ☺
10. Shower TIME!!!
Jumping in the shower after a great workout is a FABULOUS Feeling! Getting into a hot car when your all sweaty is GROSS, or even worse stepping outside in the freezing cold and trying not to catch pneumonia is no fun either. I just walk from the basement to my bathroom, no walking around in sweaty clothes for lengthly periods of time. Feel refreshed in a matter of minutes… AHHHHH!
3. How much time have you wasted waiting for a machine or a treadmill?
Many people that go to the gym are pretty much on all the same schedules, so it can be very busy if you are working a 9-5 or 8-4 job like many Americans. Gym’s are expecting and hoping most people that have memberships will not show up. So, with that being said they do not have enough equipment to go around. So you can waste a ton of time just standing around waiting. At home you are the only one, so NO WAITING! You can continue to work through your routine which allows you to keep your heart rate up, which will give you phenomenal results. By the way, you do not need a ton of fancy equipment to get the results you are looking for. With the money you save from your monthly membership will allow you to purchase a few items for your home workouts.
4. My favorite class is during work hours, UGH! What to do?!?!
When I went to a gym, it drove me crazy that all the classes I would be interested in where only going on when it was impossible for me to go. Now that I have kids this has become even more of a challenge. This is one reason I LOVE to workout at home. I make my OWN schedule. I choose when it will work best for me. You can get up early, you can stay up late, it doesn’t matter. You don’t need to drag your kids out early. I wake up before anyone is even awake and do my workout, this way it is done and I don’t have any excuses later in the day. Stop letting the gyms control your schedule and get it done on your terms.
5. Grunts, Faces, slamming of the weights… ALLOWED!!
I know you have all seen the commercials of the rules that some gyms have in place. No grunts, no loud noises, some even have a dress code! Are you kidding me. I am not saying you need to go crazy and workout like the Incredible HULK, but sometimes if I am pushing myself, to get that last rep out I may grunt or same something so that I can motivate myself to get thru that last little rep. When you are dying and you are struggling to finish your workout, you don’t need to be embarrassed by the faces and grunts that you need to make to get thru it. Sometimes I even go as far as cursing out the trainers on the TV, but that is ok, because they can’t here me. Haha
6. Did you forget to do your laundry, Don’t Worry!
When working out at home you do not need to worry about making a fashion statement. What you wear to workout is your business and no one else's. You can even workout without your shirt on. I am not to confident in my body so I am embarrassed to be prancing around in a sports bra, but I can in my house. You don’t need to worry about matching, if your clothes have rips in them. Profanity clothing is also ALLOWED in YOUR GYM!
7. EWWW… GERMS!!!
Have you ever wondered if the person before you took the extra few seconds and cleaned off their nasty, sweaty germs? Most people don’t, which means you are sitting in there sweaty mess. At home the only sweat and germs left behind are your own. You don’t have to question if anyone left any nasty sick germs behind.
8. Results & Recovery are only steps away.
The first hour after your workout is crucial when it comes to getting in your results and recovery formula. After I am done my workout and I am shaking because I pushed myself and finished an amazing workout, it only takes my about 5 minutes to get my recovery formula in my body. I don’t need to worry about the time it takes me to get changed, or drive to my house, ect. Since, I workout in the morning I like to have a nice wholesome breakfast after I workout, so working out at home allows me the time to cook a breakfast before I have to run out the door.
9. Shaking from leg day… No Problem!
After working my legs, I feel like I can barely walk. You can take a few minutes and sprawl out on the floor from pure exhaustion. No one will step on you, or better complain and have you get in trouble. Take as long as you need ☺
10. Shower TIME!!!
Jumping in the shower after a great workout is a FABULOUS Feeling! Getting into a hot car when your all sweaty is GROSS, or even worse stepping outside in the freezing cold and trying not to catch pneumonia is no fun either. I just walk from the basement to my bathroom, no walking around in sweaty clothes for lengthly periods of time. Feel refreshed in a matter of minutes… AHHHHH!
