Healthy Margaritaville

July 4th weekend is almost here!  My drink of choice is a glass of wine but this weekend as we all head to the pool, beach and BBQ's a Margarita sounds much more refreshing, festive and fun!  Being healthy doesn't mean giving up summer fun cocktails . . . . it just means going with some healthy alternatives that are just as good if not better than your standard Margarita which by the way on average is about 350 calories!!  These are all 21 Day Fix approved and about 100 calories or less because living a healthy life doesn't mean you have to feel deprived!!!  It's all about moderation, balance and staying within your container count! :)

SKINNY MARGARITA #1

• 2-3 fresh lime wedges
• 2-3 fresh orange wedges
• 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• ½ tsp. raw honey
• 1 cup ice
• 1 oz. 100% agave tequila
• 1 splash sweet and sour mix
•  lime slice for garnish

I added salt and skipped the sweet and sour. Counts as 1 yellow 💛 

SKINNY MARGARITA #2

1 ounce Tequila
3 ounces Fresca soda
juice form 1/4 lime
kosher salt for garnish  (optional)

Dip the top of your glass in bowl of water and than into plate of salt. You may need to turn it on the plate to get a good coating.  Add crushed ice to glass and add tequila, Fresca and fresh lime juice.  Stir and enjoy.  (70 calories, 1 yellow 💛)

COCONUT MARGARITA WITH Bai5 Molokai Coconut

• 1.5 ounce of tequila
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 3 ounces of Bai5 Molokai Coconut
• top off with sparkling water

Add glass to water and mix everything together.  It's about 100 calories.   1 yellow 💛

WATERMELON MARGARITA

• 1 cup fresh, cut up watermelon (cubed into 1/2" and frozen)
• 1 tbs fresh lime juice
• 2 tbs blanco tequila
• 1/2 tbs water (of more if needed)

Blend all ingredients until smooth and add more water (1/2 tsp increments) if needed.  Cheers.
1 yellow 💛 1 purple 💜

FROZEN STRAWBERRY PEACH MARGARITA

• 3-5 frozen strawberries
• 1/2 peach, peeled and chopped
• 1 ounce tequila
• crushed ice
• 3 ounces of sparkling water

Blend all ingredients until smooth!  1 yellow 💛 1 purple 💜

Taco (sort of ) Tuesday

It's hot outside and our a/c is broken and I grilled turkey burgers last night so I was looking for something that would not require the oven and heat up the house.   The answer . . . . turkey taco bowls!!!

TURKEY TACO BOWLS

Ingredients:

• 1 package of ground turkey
• 2 - 3 TBSP Southwest Seasoning 
• brown rice
• 2-3 diced tomatoes
• 1 can pinto beans or black beans
• lettuce
• avocado, sliced
• reduced fat shredded cheese

Brown turkey meat and add seasoning (more or less based on taste).  Cook brown rice according to directions on package.  Heat beans.  Put together bowls and enjoy!

For 21 Day fixers: Measure ingredients in specific container to build bowl (1 red for ground turkey in red,  1 yellow for rice, 1/2 yellow for beans, 1 blue for cheese and avocado, 1 green for lettuce and tomato)

New Healthy Recipes

I am adding new recipes every week!!!

I wouldn't say I am a great cook but I do cook almost every night and I am always looking for fun healthy recipes that my family will like and they can work with the 21 Day Fix meal plan.  And they have to be easy!!

Let's face it, it's easy to become overwhelmed if a recipe is to difficult or has to many ingredients!!  The important thing is to get cooking.  It ensures you are eating clean, saving money, and the bonus is your family is more likely to all sit down at the table and enjoy what you made.

My husband is starting back on the 21 Day Fix today and is doing the EXTREME workouts.  I love the 21 Day Fix EXTREME and can't wait to see how he likes the workouts plus I'm doing the same so we can workout together a few mornings during the week.  I love the combination of cardio and weights with these workouts!!!

The big hit last week were these meatballs!  These are a great alternative to turkey meatballs and the recipe makes enough for 2 nights worth of meals!!!  You can't beat that!oFirst night I served them with spaghetti and second night I made meatball subs for the kids.

Baked Chicken Pamesan Meatballs

2 llbs ground chicken
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 diced onion
1 -2 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 eggs
3/4 cup shredded parmesan
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Rao's sauce or homemade sauce*
shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line cookie sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray.  In large bowl mix chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, Italian seasoning, eggs, parmesan, salt & pepper.  Using your hands or spoon form small meatballs and place on sheet close together.  Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of marinara sauce on top of each meatball.  Bake for about 15 mins.

Remove meatballs from oven and increase the oven to broil.  Spoon another 1/2 tablespoon on each meatball and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on each meatball.  Place under broiler for an additional 3 minutes, until cheese is melted and turned golden.  Serve with extra sauce.

* You need to really watch sugars found in jarred tomato sauces.  Rao's only have 3 grams of sugar per serving which is very low.  Most jarred sauces contain 5 - 8 grams and you shouldn't use them.  Make your own instead.

21 Day Fixers:
About 5 meatballs = 1 RED plus 1/2 BLUE (if you use extra sauce add in 1 PURPLE)

I also made Maple Dijon Chicken in the crockpot.  The chicken came out moist and flavorful. I loved the maple flavor PLUS it made leftovers which I used on salads for lunches the following couple of days.  I like to try one new crockpot recipe a week and I try and schedule it for the busiest day of the week when I know there is no way we can all eat together as a family.

Maple Dijon Crockpot Chicken

1 cup dijon mustard
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
2-4 chicken breasts

Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in crockpot.  Combine mustard, syrup and vinegar together and pour over chicken.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Serve over brown rice or quinoa.

Prepped for the Week

We (Todd and I) are starting Hammer and Chisel tomorrow!!!  I am so excited to have a new fitness program to take me through the holidays and into the new year but I am also excited to get dialed back into my nutrition.  Between Thanksgiving and a week of celebrating my birthday with lots of lunches and dinners out I need some structure with my eating.  I am pretty good at making healthy choices but let's face it eating out and traveling always takes us a little off track!

Hammer and Chisel's nutrition program follows a program similar to the 21 Day Fix with portion control containers.  You take a quick quiz on your goals and fitness level and you get the Plan you are to follow.  

Because I am still without a kitchen I am keeping it super simple this first week.  I spent about an hour prepping and I am thankful to my neighbor and good friend who's kitchen I use each Sunday to get ready for the week.  

I bought 2 rotisserie chickens and shredded them, roasted veggies, hard boiled eggs, cut up fruit, cooked brown rice and even made chocolate shakeology bars.  It makes it so much easier to stay on track when the fridge is stocked with everything.  Not having to think about it makes all the difference in the world!  :)

Here's my plan for the week!

Roasted Chicken in a Crockpot

We are in month 2 of a whole house remodel which still means no kitchen and I just got word the kitchen install has to get pushed back 2 weeks.  As excited as I am about our new remodeled house including a kitchen that we got to design it has been a challenge to cook for my family of five.

I knew my crockpot and microwave would been invaluable but what has surprised me the most has been my panni press.  Grilled sandwiches, meatball subs, quesadillas and even warming up slices of pizza would be impossible if not for the panni press!!

The crockpot has been great for soups and stews BUT who would have thought you could "roast" a whole chicken?!  This came out perfect and no mess!

STEP ONE:
The foil balls just give the chicken a place to sit on without sticking to bottom of the pot but not needed.
Wash the chicken and pat dry.
Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper

STEP TWO:
Place chicken in crockpot and cook on high for 4 - 4 1/2 hours.

STEP THREE:
Enjoy!!

It's Crockpot Season

What's Sunday morning like in your house?  With 3 teenagers my house is peaceful!  There are many weekend mornings we are up early for soccer or a school event but I cherish the Sunday mornings when every one sleeps in until at least 9 and there is a lazy feel to the morning.

The nice part is that to me sleeping late is 6:30! That means on those lazy mornings I can enjoy a cup of coffee and read, get a workout done and plan for the upcoming week before anyone besides my husband is up.  There was a time and it wasn't to long ago when I never thought my kids would sleep in on a Sunday morning.  They were super early risers and I used to wish they would just sleep until 7!!  That was also when they were a sleep at night long before we were!  LOL

We are in the midst of a major house remodel which is all very exciting as well as messy, dusty and displacing.  For the next few months we are adapting to living in a home of constant change BUT time goes by quickly and the end result will be amazing for all of us.  There maybe moments of impatience and things will be far from perfect for the next few months but it's all good stuff so we will all learn just to roll with it.

Dinner time in our house is an important part of our family time.  It's that one time that we all connect so my challenge is to figure out how to make that still work.  The key is to not always be eating out or doing take out.  That would be the easy thing with no kitchen but that also gets costly and really who wants to eat out all the time?!

I made a little "kitchen" in my laundry room and I have a crockpot, pizza maker, panini press, microwave and a great neighbor that will let me use her oven on occasion.  With a little planning each weekend this might all just work.  :)

Thank goodness it's stew, soup and chili weather and those work great in a crockpot!  The key is finding GOOD crockpot recipes.  Here are my favorites they are all healthy and ones I will be making the next few weeks.  Bonus they are all 21 Day Fix Approved :)

Crockpot Italian Turkey Meatballs
Great over pasta, spaghetti squash and make great meatball subs!!
21 Day Fixers serve over spaghetti squash or alone with roasted veggies or salad.

Salsa Verde Chicken
This is super easy!!!  Perfect for tacos, over salads!

Crockpot Turkey White Bean Pumpkin Chili
This is perfect for the fall season.  I will serve it with simple green salad and cornbread or quesadillas.
21 Day Fixers: 1 RED, 1 GREEN and 1 YELLOW

Chinese Style Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
This is one of my favorites.  I need one pot meals and this is it. I just microwave brown rice and serve on top of that!
21 Day Fix: 1 RED, 1 GREEN and 1 YELLOW

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Who doesn't love sloppy joes and cheesesteaks?!  These were huge hit!  I used brioche buns for family and I had mine on whole wheat sandwich thin which was still delicious!
21 Day Fix: 1 RED, 1/2 GREEN, 1 BLUE and 1 YELLOW

Weights or Cardio?

Both! And as we get older it really is even more important to incorporate some weights into your weekly fitness routine.  It doesn't have to be an intense strength program, just adding in a couple days of weights can effect change in your body.  And there are health reasons as well.  Did you know that people over 45 lose 1% of muscle every year?  BUT the good news is strength training can prevent muscle loss!

I went years without ever lift a weight or even doing a push up or squat.  I thought if I wasn't running or doing cardio I wasn't burning calories!  I lost weight through cardio and my endorphins icked in with cardio - what more did I need?  I didn't see the payoff of adding weights into my already busy schedule.

And than I tried the 21 Day Fix Extreme and after just a couple of weeks of following the nutrition plan and using weights I started see and feeling some real changes.  I first noticed definition in my abs and arms.  And what I love about this program is it combines the cardio and the weights so it really was a great introduction into weights for a cardio girl like me! :)

The BEST things about consistently adding weights into your routine is you will burn MORE calories each day and your metabolism will get a bump post workout.  Why did it take me so long to figure this out?!!

A couple of months ago I decided to challenge myself and try Body Beast, full strength training program.  I've stuck with it but I've tweaked it to fit my personality.  It didn't have enough cardio for me and I have found some of the workouts are more male slanted like the chest workout.  But I have stuck with arm, shoulder, back and leg workouts and I have added in cardio at least 3 times a week.

What I have learned doing Body Beast is I need to go heavier with my weights.  I can't be afraid, I am not going to get bulky or big and in fact I will get leaner and more toned.  So I upped my weight range between 5-15 pounds. Sure there are certain exercises I struggle with but I can always drop my weight when needed.

Try something new.  Add some weights into your routine and push yourself outside you comfort zone!  Ultimately, it's good for your health, you will look and feel younger, you will burn fat more efficiently, your clothes will fit better and your stamina will increase and being strong is an awesome feeling!!  :)

Curious about 21 Day Fix, Fix Extreme, Body Beast or tips on how you can easily add some weights and strength training into your routine . . . email my at marciadeangelis@sbcglobal.net, or connect with my on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marciadriscolldeangelis.

Turkey Chili With A Twist

I am so ready for fall!!  I just want to wear a sweatshirt and not sweat in my own house.  A ten degree drop in temperature would make me so happy.  I just want mild temperatures, not hot and not cold!!

Yesterday morning I felt a little chill in the air (very little) and that was enough to decide on making chili for dinner.  There are so many turkey chili recipes and I make chili often in the winter so I decided to try a new one.  I got this recipe off a blog I love dinneralovestory.com.  It's was a turkey black bean chili and it had one very interesting spice . . . . . cinnamon!!!  I would have never thought but  I decided to go with it especially since the recipe said DON'T skip adding it and the result was delicious.  I served it with a green salad.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 3 tbs chili powder
• 1  28 oz of diced tomatoes 
• dash of oregano, thyme, cayenne 
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 tsp of cinnamon  (TRUST ME ON THIS ONE)
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed

Sauté the onions and garlic in a little bit olive oil.  Add turkey and break into pieces as it cooks.  Add chili powder and let it cook for a minute.  Add diced tomatoes, spices,bay leaf and cinnamon and simmer for 15 minutes.  Add black beans and cook another 5-10 minutes.

Serve with diced avocado, reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese and a spoonful of non fat plain greek yogurt.

21 Day Fix = 1 red,  1/2 green, 1 yellow (1 blue if you use toppings)

The Perfect Side Salad for the Summer

Maybe you are tired of hearing about Quinoa.  Maybe you don't make it because you don't know what to do with it.  Maybe it just sounds a little to healthy.  It is super healthy and it is extremely versatile!  It's a complete protein, its high fiber and antioxidants, rich in calcium, it has a low glycemic index and it is rich in vitamins and minerals.

You can use quinoa in salads, pancakes, baked goods, main dishes . . . the possibilities are endless.  I've actually created a pinterest board with some of my favorites:  https://www.pinterest.com/marciadeangelis/unique-ways-to-make-quinoa/

We are off to friends to watch the Women's World Cup Soccer Finals this afternoon - GO USA - and I decided to bring Quinoa Salad.  It's the end of the holiday weekend so I went with a healthy option plus this salad goes great with burgers, chicken and dogs!

Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked Quinoa (1 cup uncooked)
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup white vinegar
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 large cucumber, seeded and diced
1 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
1/2 cup feta cheese
4 Tbsp Olive Oil
4 Tbsp Lemon juice
sea salt and pepper

Directions:
Cook Quinoa according to package directions.   Chop onion and place in small bowl and cover with 1 cup white vinegar and let sit at least 5 minutes.  Meanwhile mix tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, basil and feta cheese in large bowl.  Drain red onions and mix in with tomatoes.

In small bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and dash of salt and pepper.  Pour over the tomato  and cucumber mixture and toss gently.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Serve.

Grilled Salmon with Avocado

This is my new favorite way to make salmon.  I found this online a couple of months ago and this was my second time making it and I made a few very small changes from the original recipe and doubled it up since I had bought I large piece of salmon from Costco.  You got to love Costco!

It was one of those perfect dinners that I served with brown rice and roast broccoli.  It is even 21 Day Fix approved! :)  It is simple and quick to prepare and the lime in the avocado salsa on top of the salmon was the best!  My boys don't care for salmon so I grilled up a couple of chicken breasts and topped them with the avocado salsa and that was a huge hit with them!

Ingredients:

2 lbs salmon, cut into 4 pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp pepper

Avocado Salsa
1 avocado, diced
1/2 small red onion, chopped
juice from 2 limes
1-2 tbsp chopped cilantro
salt to taste

Directions:
Mix olive oil, salt, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder and pepper together and rub/smear on salmon fillets.   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Combine avocado, onion, cilantro, lime juice and salt and chill until ready to use.
Preheat grill.  Grill salmon to desired doneness.  ( I did about 5 min on each side)
Top with avocado salsa and enjoy!

It's 21 Day Fix Approved:  1 Red, 1 Blue
Whole30 Approved

Let the Barbequing Season Commence

Memorial Day . . . the unofficial, official start of summer:  To me that means lots of grilling outside and the one thing I love about that is that my kitchen doesn't get nearly as messing during dinner time!!  Plus it's so easy to throw chicken, hamburgers, fish, veggies and even pizza on the grill and it all tastes BETTER!!

Monday night I not only grilled chicken BUT also pineapple.  Yes, that's right pineapple and it is amazing. I drizzled some honey on it and just threw it on the grill, turning frequently.  It is a great addition to your grilled entree but could also be used as a desert with some vanilla non-fat greek yogurt on top.

The chicken recipe below is one of my favorites and I recommend you marinate the chicken over night or for at least 4 hours.  I also quickly made an Israeli Couscous Salad which was great the next day for lunch!

Asain Chicken Marinade:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium or Braggs)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 4-6 chicken boneless chicken breasts

Combine everything in a bowl.  Place chicken breasts in ziplock and cover with marinade and place in refrigerator overnight or at least 4 hours.

Israeli Couscous Mediterranean Salad

Ingredients:

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp honey
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Combine all the ingredients and mix well.  Set aside.

Salad:

1 cup uncooked Israeli Couscous

5 cups water

1-1 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced or quartered

1/2 red onion diced

1 cucumber, peeled, sliced and diced

3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

2 tbsp basil, finely chopped

Bring water to boil in a medium size pot, add couscous and return to boil than reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 8-9 minutes.  Drain well, rinse well with cold water.  Transfer to bowl and add tomatoes, onion, cucumber, feta and basil.  Toss with dressing, use 1/2 dressing and add more if needed.  Can store in refridgerator for several days.  Serve at room temperature.

For 21 Day fix measure with 1 yellow and 1 blue

For 21 Day Fix:

Chicken Breast = 1 RED

Couscous Salad = 1 YELLOW,  1 BLUE, 1/2 GREEN

Grilled Pineapple = 1 PURPLE

A New Way to Make Zucchini

I bought the Vegetti, a vegetable spiralizer which makes zucchini look like spaghetti and is a fun, super healthy alternative for pasta!  I love that little gadget!

I opened my bottom drawer of my fridge yesterday and notice I had LOTS of zucchini and I think my family was getting a little tired of the zucchini spaghetti so I decided to try Baked Zucchini Chips.  I had see a recipe pinterest and went off of memory and made my own.  They were delicious, a perfect side dish to our chicken sausage and salad and of course super simple to make.  I couldn't stop nibbling them and by the time the dishwasher was loaded there were no more left!!  :)

Baked Zucchini Chips

• Zucchini
• Reduced Fat Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Olive oil 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cover baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the zucchini into thin circles and lay closely next to each other on baking sheet.  Spray olive oil over top (I use a Misto) and sprinkle cheese on top.  Bake in oven for 20 mins or until zucchini chips are crispy.

Do You Know Your Number?

How often do you step on the scale?  Do you step on the scale?  Maybe you are obessed with the number on the scale.  Maybe you just go by "how" your clothes are fitting.  I often get asked how often should I weigh myself or even should I weigh myself?  I have even had challengers tell me they aren't getting on the scale at all because that plays tricks with their head.

You NEED to step on the scale at least once a week and preferably the same day, same time.  The scale doesn't and shouldn't define you BUT it gives you an indication of where you are at.  I didn't step on a scale for years.  I figured if my clothes were fitting, I was good but I wasn't good.  My clothes were "still sort" of fitting,  I could zip up my jeans if I sucked it in.  I had a serious muffin top but hey I could still wear my clothes so I kept with that mantra for a long time.  And the clothes that were getting uncomfortable I stuck in the back of the closet.  I took to wearing leggings which worked well for a long time with a big shirt until the waistband cut in and my shirt was clinging to my back side roll (kind of like a muffin top but on the side of your back).  So one day I stepped on the scale . . . . WOW, WOW, WOW!!!  How was that number correct?  Maybe our scale wasn't correctly working?  How did I let it get to that number? I knew I was gaining weight BUT if I stepped on the scale then that would make it all real and that was something I didn't want to face.

If you know your number on the scale than you can stop the madness before it becomes overwhelming or daunting.  It's about taking responsibility and not closing your eyes.  Maybe if I had just stepped on that scale 6 months earlier I would have seen the upward trend and done something.  Maybe I won't have BUT I what I learned that day was I HAD to do something and I realized that I couldn't ignore the scale any longer.  We may never become friends but that scale kept me accountable every week.  It was an unbiased observer on my weight loss journey.  It had nothing to lose or gain by my success.  It told me the truth each week even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear.

I stepped on the scale twice a week, always the same day, always about the same time.  I learned stepping on it too often could be discouraging or unmotivating. By weighing myself once or twice a week on same day and time I was controlling what I could control!

There were days I was bummed but more often there was happy dancing in the bathroom.  Knowing my numbers each week allowed me to tweak what I was eating and that's what it really comes down to . . . what you are eating!  I was able to see the effects of over indulging and not sticking to my plan as well as the effects of all my hard work.

Yes, I could feel it in my clothes as things got looser and I could take my measurements and see inches lost but seeing a number on the scale gave me something more tangible.

I still get on the scale once a week just to make sure I am keeping withing a range.  I'm not married to a number, I am married to a range because as women we can go up and down a pound or two just depending on many outside factors. I am about maintaining a healthy weight and getting stronger.   The number on the scale can't tell you how strong you are getting, the confidence you are building, the increased energy you have BUT it can be one other tool to keep you accountable and on track.

My job as a fitness coach is to help support and motivate people so they can reach their goals.  Having the support of others is key to keeping them on track but so if they want to lose weight the scale is one adding component. I ask my challengers to weigh themselves each Friday and/or Monday depending what their goals are.  We can tweak their eating if they aren't seeing results and celebrate if they are and use that to motivate them to keep on track.

You have to own your number to move forward and it may not be what you want to do but it is just one more thing than can ma
ke a difference in reaching your goals and maintaining your weight long term.

These are some of the fun posts I got to read today!

"Happy to report that I'm starting the second round 5.4 lbs lighter (yay!!). This morning's weigh-in was a surprise . . ."

"down a little over a pound this morning, which put me just under my new goal weight."

"Down 5 pounds so far!!"

Plan for the Week

Since returning from Cancun 2 weeks ago I have not been on my game when it comes to planning out my meals for the week.  Which means very often at 5:00 in the afternoon I am trying to figure out what to cook for dinner and with a family of 5 that is NOT the time to be doing it.  I go to the grocery store unprepared and return with lots of food but not necessarily what I need to make, what I was thinking about making.    I took about 20 minutes, planned out dinners for the week and got my shopping list done.  I already feel better and I haven't yet hit the grocery store!

Today I am also back on track not just with planning my meals for the week but I am going back to my 21 Day Fix containers for the week just to get me more balanced in what I eat each day.  I eat healthy - that's not my problem.  My problem is I tend to eat more carbs than fruits and veggies and my portions start to get out of whack.  These past couple of weeks my energy levels are down, I'm not drinking enough water and my weight started creeping up just a little bit but at my age it goes right to the mid-section.  I had the vacation goal of Cancun for the last couple of months and that  helped me stay on track.  That is why goals are so important. We don't have any big events coming up so my NEW GOAL is SUMMER and I want to feel back to myself and it's such an easy fix . . . just pull out my containers and make sure my meals are planned out.  I need that balance back in my diet and that is what I LOVE about the 21 day FIX . . . balance!

I am also going back to the 21 Day Fix EXTREME workouts for the next 3 weeks.  The Extreme workouts did so much for my body and I really loved how I felt.  The last couple of weeks I have been switching it up each day with my workouts which has been super fun but I am the type of person that does much better when I am following a schedule.  One of the reasons I love these programs - they all come with a schedule and if you follow it paired with healthy eating plan and you will see results!

It comes down to finding what works for you, getting on a plan and having the support and accountability so you stick with it!  That's why I love my challenge groups - that's what we do we support each other and I provide the accountability, meal plan, recipes and tips for everyone to see it through to the end with results. 

I am sharing my dinner meal plan for this week with you to inspire you and motivate you. All the recipes are located in the recipe section on my blog.  I don't always plan out my breakfast, lunch and snacks because I am consistent with those meals and those are just for me! BUT for dinner I need to have a plan because I am feeding my family as well.  Dinners in our house are healthy, simple and the ENTIRE family eats what I make - that is the key!

I have a 30 day online support and accountability group starting May 18.  If you want to join or learn more about my group fill in the form below and let's connect.  

Stuffed Peppers

One of my goals in the coming weeks is to add and organize my recipe section on my blog.  I have so many family friendly healthy recipes that I want to share and I promise I will get there.  We all need a little inspiration when it comes to meal ideas and over the past few years I have found great recipes that my whole family eats and fits right into my eating plan.  The big thing I have learned is healthy eating can be easy, simple and taste great!!

Tonight I quickly make stuffed peppers and I had leftover meat which was perfect for my youngest to put in a tortilla and call it a taco!  I love how pretty stuffed peppers look and paired with a mixed green salad it's a simple dinner.

Turkey Stuffed Peppers

1 package ground turkey
1 small onion diced
1 tablespoon of Southwest Spice Mix
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1 - 1 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1/2 cup reduced fat shredded cheese
3 red, yellow and/or orange peppers

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Brown turkey meat in non-stick pan and add onions.  Cook for 3-4 minutes and add southwest seasoning, tomato sauce and 1/2 cup chicken broth.  Simmer for 5 minutes.  Cook brown rice.  Mix meat and rice together.
Cut peppers lengthwise and take out seeds.  Spray non-stick spray on glass pan and place the peppers.      Spoon turkey mixture into peppers, sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese and pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.  Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.  Top with remainder of the cheese and enjoy!

Never Buy Store Bought Seasoning Packets Again!

Seasonings can make all the difference to adding flavor to your meals.  I make both these seasonings up and store them in an airtight container so I always have them on hand to use as a rub for roasting or grilling chicken, steak, fish or spice up my roasted vegetables!  You will never buy those pre-packaged seasoning packets again and nor should you with all the unknown ingredients many of them contain.  Keep it all natural and know exactly what's in your blends!

The Mediterranean seasonings is my favorite. I love it on roasted chicken and potatoes and serve with a big salad on the side.  And the all-purpose seasoning can even be used to flavor rice, quinoa and vegetables as well as lean proteins.

These are all 21 Day Fix Approved . . . just one more added bonus!!! :)

Mediterranean Seasoning

4 Tbsp  dried parsley
4 tsp     dried onion flakes
2 tsp     dried basil
1 tsp     ground oregano
1 tsp     ground thyme
1 tsp     garlic powder
1 tsp     sea salt
1/4 tsp  pepper

Blend all together.

All-Purpose Seasoning

4 tsp     onion powder
2 tsp     garlic powder
2 tsp     mustard powder
1/4 tsp  dried thyme
1/4 tsp  black pepper
1 tsp     sea salt

Blend together!

Guilt Free Pancakes!!

Saturday or Sunday's I make pancakes or waffles for my family.  I love the smell in the house and they look so yummy all stacked on the plate!  This morning I was craving something like that for me! I decided to try a healthier version that I could indulge in!!  I had big container of blueberries and had been thinking about making blueberry muffins but decided to go with pancakes and join my family in all the fun.  I searched for different recipe options and found this one that I tweaked a little bit . . . no flour, 21 day fix approved and just as good as "regular" blueberry pancake AND no guilt or sugar crash mid - morning.  :)

The blueberries make them so sweet you don't need anything on them and I wrapped the extras in foil and stuck them in the fridge so I can warm up and enjoy tomorrow!

BLUEBERRY FLOURLESS PANCAKES

Ingredients

• 1 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup plain non fat greek yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup blueberries

Blend oats, yogurt, vanilla and eggs in a blender until smooth.  Stir in blueberries.  Heat pan and spray with non-stick spray.  Add pancake mixture to pan - make pancakes as big as you want - and flip after 2-3 minutes.  Enjoy!

Healthy Chimichangas!!

I grew up in Connecticut and never even knew what a chimichanga let alone a burrito, enchilada or even a quesadilla was until I was 25 years old.  We had tacos when I was growing up and that was it.
My first quesadilla was in college when we went to Chi Chi's and that seemed like the safest thing to order.  Okay that and the fried ice cream!  :)

When I moved out to LA for years I would still ask what the differences were between a burrito and enchilada.  Now Mexican food is one of my favorites but let's face it, you are trying to eat healthy you  have to choose wisely.  Chimichangas would NOT be the typically be the smart choice BUT these ones are . . . they are baked NOT fried!

These are so easy and for my 21 Day Fixers they are Fixed Approved!  You cook the chicken in the crockpot and you can even do that the day before and shred it to use in this recipe but also toss on salads, use in quesadillas, tacos and even sandwiches!

Healthy Baked Chimichangas

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, shredded (see recipe below)
• Mashed avocado (2 avocados mashed with garlic salt)
• Refried black beans
• Reduced fat shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Tortillas (21 day fixers, use whole wheat tortillas)

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees and lay parchment paper on top of cookie tray
2.  Lay out tortillas, spread refried beans in the middle of tortilla followed by avocado mixture, beans and cheese.
4. Top with shredded chicken and roll up like a burrito. Place on cookie tray.
6. Spray tops with olive oil or cooking spray (I use a Misto with olive oil)
7. Bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes.  Let cool before serving. Serve with salsa and non fat greek plain yogurt or fat free sour cream.

21 DAY FIXERS:  1 Red, 1 Blue,  1 1/2 Yellow

Lightly Seasoned Mexican Chicken Breasts

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/4 water
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp chili powder

Place chicken in crock pot, add 1/4 cup water and spices.  Cook for 2-3 on low or 3-4 on high.  Shred chicken.