SAVORY BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

In case you wanted more RECIPES!!!!

Ingredients

12 eggs, whisked
1lb chorizo, cooked and broken into pieces
1 sweet potato, shredded
½ yellow onion, diced
2 tablespoons hot sauce (preferrably Sriracha)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Brown chorizo in a skillet until it begins to crumble.

While the meat is cooking, dice up your onion and shred your sweet potato using the shredding attachment of your food processor.

Now, beat the eggs in a large bowl.

Add the cooked meat, onion, and sweet potato to the bowl with the whisked eggs. Then add the rest of your ingredients and mix all together.

Grease a 8×8 or 9×9 glass dish and add your egg mixture to it.

Cook for 25-30 minutes until the eggs aren’t runny. The middle takes a bit longer so just be patient.

Let sit for 10+ minutes before consuming.

 

A hard look

Do me a favor. Walk into your bathroom. Bedroom, wherever there is a mirror.
Take a good hard look. Look yourself in the eyes. What are you hiding from? What are you not admitting or placing on someone else’s shoulders? Do you do things to hurt yourself emotionally, and health wise and then push it off? People try to hide from this conversation, but it’s real.
Do you take convenience as a “cop-out” and go to fast food? Or make your family boxed meals? Stating with X amount of children, X amount of work hours, I just don’t have time to eat clean. I don’t have time to work out. My family comes first. My job is demanding. A lot of excuses I have heard. Yes they are excuses. The previous recipe I posted for Rainbow Lentils took MAYBE 20 minutes MAX. And you want to hear what could be excuses?
I have bills coming out the wazoo. I have 3 children ranging from 14 years old to 20 months old. 2 of which are in sports, I run my Beachbody business fulltime, I work fulltime in the Ohio pension system Monday- Friday with an hour commute ONE WAY. Oh, and did I mention I will be having child #4 any day now? If anyone does and can have excuses it’s me. I do what I can exercise wise until my Dr fully clears me to exercise full force again, and I make sure my family and I eat as well as possible.

Do you blame fast food joints for making you fat? For making your health crap? While yes it is true, they do sneaky things like putting sugar in their food to up your addiction to it- I ask you again to look in the mirror. YOU are the one who drives in. YOU are the one who looks at the menu. YOU are the one knowing all the garbage that goes into that crud and still pass it back to your children in the back seat. Take that blame to where it belongs. At YOUR feet. You were lazy. You didn’t feel you were good enough and in your depressed state you just bought crap and tossed it to your kids to make sure they were fed and to make it so you didn’t have to deal with food. Truth is even a 25 minute workout is better than nothing. People work out at 11pm at night. May it be the best idea for you? No, it may not. But they get it done.
NO more excuses. No more whining. No more crap. If you need help, advice, guidance on where to start, continue and finish. Message me. I AM HERE.

 

Ohhh Sweets Craving!

FROZEN BANANA BITES

What you’ll need . . .
2 large bananas
1/4 to 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips
1/4 to 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
Unsweetened coconut flakes

Method . . .
1. Set out a large plate or bowl with a piece of parchment or wax paper on it.

2. Cut up the bananas into good-sized chunks. Each banana should give you around 5 to 6 pieces.

3. Heat the peanut butter and chocolate chips in the microwave on high for about a minute. Then stir until smooth.

4. Dip the banana pieces in the chocolate-peanut butter mixture. Lay them out leaving some space between them on the parchment/wax paper. Then when you’ve “covered” them all, use the remaining mixture to spoon over the tops (for even more chocolate-y goodness).

5. Then sprinkle the unsweetened coconut flakes on top. Transfer to the freezer for about an hour until hardened.

6. You can enjoy them like this (but they really aren’t frozen yet — and when they’re frozen, the banana tastes like vanilla ice cream) . . . I suggest then covering with some plastic wrap (or really you can do all of this in some kind of Rubbermaid container) and let freeze overnight. Enjoy!!!

 

Rainbow Lentils

I had A LOT of people ask me for the recipe of my dinner last night, but I don’t use a LOT of recipes. I just kind of throw stuff together. It’s either good or its not! HA! I encourage you as you step into a clean eating, or cleaner eating journey to just TRY. Something sound good? DO it! You never know unless you try.
I to have had things that my family was like, Um no. I’m not eating this, don’t ever make it again. And some stuff my kids have literally high fived me at the dinner table and told me to add it to our list. This one was a winner for ME! Literally thrown together last minute from stuff in my fridge/pantry I needed to use. I hope you like it as much as I do!

Rainbow Lentils
Ingredients
Coconut Oil
Carrots
Peppers
Sugar Snap Peas
Tomatoes
Lentils

Your ingredient amounts are going to depend on your family size. With 5 of us I usually use about 2 cups of Lentils. And I used about ½ a bag of petite carrots, one Roma tomato (I’m the only one who likes tomatoes) and probably 10 or 11 little snack peppers or you could just buy one or two big ones. I used Red and yellow. You could also use Green.
Boil Lentils in beef broth until soft, cutting all veggies into bite size pieces while these are cooking.
Stir fry all veggies in Coconut oil EXCEPT tomatoes.
Mix lentils and veggies together, then I chopped and mixed in tomato at the last minute.

 

Goals

I’d like to talk a little bit about goals. People decide everyday they want to change. They make goals, they make plans, resolutions, and what? Nothing. Only 10-20% of people who make goals actually achieve them. Why?
It’s not all that surprising. Follow through. The name of my personal training business is Monday Morning Fitness. Because when does everyone say they’ll start? On Monday. What’s wrong with today? Now?
People are under the impression you have to drastically overhaul your entire life in one day and totally change your way of life. They make a plan, and inevitably fail. Success is lots of little things added together. As humans you need positive feedback. You are much more likely to BE successful and stick with something when you see results.
Small obtainable goals. Some habits are hard to break and it won’t happen overnight. Start with adding more water to your diet. More fruits and veggies. Getting up and moving!! Just because you make the decision to exercise doesn’t mean you all of a sudden have to go from an overweight couch potato to slamming out an hour high intensity cardio workout everyday.
When I started I was fat. 300 pounds. Going up the stairs winded me. I literally started by doing 5-10 mins a day. That’s all my body could handle, but I did it. And soon I was doing 15, then 20. Before I knew it I could make it threw the whole thing. Might you have to pause? Sure! Just don’t sit down!!! Take a knee, wipe your brow, and keep going!!

 

Quinoa Tabbouleh

Ingredients

.1 3/4 cups water
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1/2 cup coarsely chopped seeded tomato
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint or parsley
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons minced fresh onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation
Combine water and quinoa in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; fluff with a fork. Stir in tomato and remaining ingredients. Cover; let stand 1 hour. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

I absolutely LOVE Quinoa!! Its a huge staple in my diet. Do you like it? I have tried hot and cold recipes with it, I’m surprised by how many people have never heard of it!

 

Summer Fun!

When it’s hot outside, there’s nothing like grabbing a bite of your favorite summertime grub on your pool breaks.

But just because it’s summertime doesn’t mean you can slam on your favorite fat-loaded item without consequences. So think about the health value of that juicy cheeseburger before sinking in your teeth.

So what should you eat? The Huffington Post rounded up the 17 best and worst summer food options:

Worst: Ice Cream Sandwich

The ice cream sandwich checks in at 500 calories and is made up of 60 percent saturated fat.

Alternative: Make your own ice cream sandwiches using lower-fat sorbet.

Worst: Fried Dough

Deep-fried flour, butter, shortening, and sugar means loads of trans fat.

Trans fat raises bad cholesterol, lowers the good kind, and can increase inflammation in your body.

Worst: Corn Dogs

Corn dogs pack about 20 grams of fat and loads of sodium.

Alternative: Choose a hot dog less than 150 calories and 14 grams of fat. Keep the sodium under 450 milligrams and have it on a whole grain bun.

Worst: Lobster Rolls

Lobster rolls weigh in at over 400 calories, more than half of which comes from fat.

Alternative: Try making lobster rolls at home, where you can use just a dash of low-fat mayo, put them on a whole-wheat roll, and limit/eliminate the butter.

Worst: Fried Clams

One 3/4 cup serving of fried clams packs nearly 500 calories and 26 grams of fat.

Alternative: Eat them cooked, but not deep-fried. Cooked clams pack protein and are one of the best sources of vitamin b12.

Worst: Ribs

A quarter pound of beef or pork ribs weigh in at 288 calories and are loaded with saturated fat (before the bbq sauce).

Worst: Daquiris

An 8-ounce strawberry daiquiri packs more calories than a double-patty hamburger and is loaded with fat and sugar!

Worst: Macaroni and Potato Salad

Fattening mayonnaise is what makes it taste so good.

Alternative: swap in low-fat mayo or heart-healthy unsaturated fats, like olive oil.

Worst: Onion Rings

Once onions are dipped in flour and eggs, thrown into a deep fryer, then salted, the outcome is a diet disaster.

Alternative: Try a Faux Fry! Coat sliced onions with egg whites and a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, whole-wheat flour, and panko breadcrumbs. Spritz with cooking spray and bake in a 450 degree oven for about 15 minutes.

Best: Corn on The Cob

Corn on the cob without butter or salt is a high-fiber, low-calorie food. Watch the butter!

Tip: choose the yellow variety over the white kind for added vitamin A.

Best: Watermelon

Watermelon is over 90 percent water. It weighs in at just 44 calories a cup.

Best: Fresh Iced Tea

Tea has zero calories, loads of antioxidants, and may even help you lose weight. Skip the bottle and brew your own.

Best: Fruit Salad

Fruit eaters tend to weigh less than people who don’t enjoy fruit! The red, purple and blue fruit are potent sources of antioxidants and vitamins, and some, especially berries, pack up to one-third of your daily fiber needs per serving.

Best: Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a chilled soup option that is filled with healthy ingredients like bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Best: Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Chicken kabobs are packed with protein but low in calories, fat, and carbs. Add veggies for additional flavor and loads of antioxidants.

Best: Zucchini

At only 20 calories per cup, it has zero fat and cholesterol, and 35 percent of your daily-recommended intake of vitamin C.

What are some of your favorite summer time snacks?

 

Limitations

Yes it’s true that you should never put limitations on yourself. In my opinion there is a very big difference between putting limitations on yourself, and accepting temporary limitations.
I think a lot of times people get comfortable, get lazy, get scared- and say I can’t. I can’t do this, I can’t do that. They limit themselves before even trying. There’s nothing you can’t do! When my kids say can’t, they do 10 burpees. That’s how it goes down in this house.
So then what is accepting temporary limitations? Sometimes you have to accept there is something either stopping you from doing something temporarily, or its in your best interest to stop. Example- I’m on pregnancy #4. Every single one of my pregnancies has been different. One I did tae Bo literally everyday even the day I delivered. I’ve had one I was pretty much on bed rest the whole time.
This pregnancy I am dealing with a MASSIVE iron deficiency. I am only absorbing iron at 5% right now which the baby takes. I have NONE for me. Needless to say I’m not lifting, or running, or doing HIIT. But this is TEMPORARY. Once he’s here and it’s leveled out I can get back to full on workouts. Right now I have to accept the limitation and understand if I don’t I could hurt myself, or him.

Taking a step back doesn’t always mean failing or coming up short. Sometimes a step back is needed for the next sprint!

 

Cauliflower PIZZA Crust??

Believe it or not YES! As a mom I am constantly finding ways to get my kids, especially my stubborn oldest daughter, to eat things that are good for them. And a Huge tip from this mom? When you can- HIDE IT! I made this pizza for my family, and they INHALED, I say INHALED it without question and had NO clue it had cauliflower much less a vegetable.

I dare you to try it on your loved ones and just see. They may obviously be able to taste a difference, but are they still shoving in their faces? Im gonna bet yes.

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

Ingredients
•1 small head of cauliflower, leaves and stems removed
•1 teaspoon basil
•1 teaspoon oregano
•1 teaspoon parsley
•1 teaspoon salt
•1/2 cup Cheese (Mozzarella)
•2 eggs
•cornmeal or flour , to dust the pizza stone

for pizza
•1 jar marinara or pizza sauce
•1/2 cup Cheese (Or your preferance. Some like it more cheesey)
•5-8 basil leaves

Instructions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.Chop cauliflower florets into chunks. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles a fine grain, like rice or couscous. Pour cauliflower into a large bowl. Add herbs, and salt, then cheese and eggs.
3.Spread a tablespoon or so of cornmeal all over a pizza stone. Place the cauliflower mixture (note- this won’t resemble a ball of dough) on the middle of the stone and use your hands to press it into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
4.Bake for 20 minutes at 350 then an additional 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Crust will be done when it turns golden brown in color.
5.Remove crust from oven. Change oven temperature to 450 degrees. Add pizza sauce, cheese and whatever toppings you would like, then bake again for about 5 minutes or until cheese on top is melted.

It is FANTASTIC!!

 

Shakeology Panel

I am looking for 10 people to complete a Shakeology Test Panel! These 10 people must be serious about getting healthy and fit! Must commit to 30 days of drinking Shakeology, replacing one meal a day with it. Must commit to eating clean for 30 days (meal plan provided). Must commit to tracking measurements, weight, and before/after picture. Must be willing to answer a few questions about their experience. Participants will be in a private online group for support. For those who are ready to lose weight, feel more energized, & change their health. At the end of the 30 days, if a participant is NOT satisfied with their results, they can then return their empty bag for a FULL refund! So there is absolutely zero risk to join! If this sounds like something for you, please email me at mondaymorningfitness6@gmail.com Subject line “Shakeology Panel”