21 Day Fix

Shakeology

Monday, October 13, 2014

Cinnamon Sugar Dough-nut Holes


These little beauties are great to have as a dessert or to eat pre, or post workout for some healthy energy. Packed with protein, vitamins and all raw/whole ingredients, yet they taste like a little treat! Your kids will love them too and they are easy and quick to make. I eat them at night to curb my sweet tooth.



Ingredients:



2 cups of cashews



1 ½ cups oat flour



1/3 cup coconut oil



1/3 cup coconut nectar



Topping:



½ cup coconut sugar



1 ½ tsp cinnamon



Instructions:



1. In a high-speed blender or food processor combine all ingredients, except the toppings.



2. Form into small balls – this will yield 2 dozen



3. Combine topping ingredients in a bowl and then roll the balls in the cinnamon/sugar mixture



4. Place on parchment paper and put in the freezer



5. Freeze for approximately 30 minutes



Eat and enjoy!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

I met a man......


What if your dreams as a little girl of being Cinderella, being swept off your feet, being loved unconditionally remained a fairy tale? The size of your jeans, that cellulite, those wrinkles on your face, that birth mark, that scar – all of those ‘imperfections’ remind you over and over that you are not good enough. Those nights when you wish someone would look at you and see you for your inner beauty, but instead you get eyes that look through you or past you. Each of us has a good heart and beautiful spirit, a smile, a laugh and a personality that is yearning to have someone take notice. To seek you for what’s inside and bring out that inner treasure that is waiting to be discovered.  

From a very young age, I was given the ability to be discerning and empathetic of others. As young as age four, I remember having the ability to see and feel for others based on their emotions, their personality, and their heart. I could tell when someone was hurting, I wanted to fix and I wanted to encourage. Did I ever expect that for myself? No. As I went through adolescence and adulthood I began to start feeling the insecurities as a woman that most of us face.  I never felt worthy of a lot of attention and often tried to divert attention from myself. Who was I to think someone would want to take interest in who I was?


All along there was a man who noticed me. There was a man who from the instant he knew me thought of me as beautiful, loved and cherished me for what was in my heart. He would lay down his life, go through pain, and offer to take all my burdens from me if I would just allow him to. He saw me for who I was on the inside and I am perfect in his eyes, no conditions, no imperfections. You see, I met a man. I actually met this man a long time ago but I did fully understand until recently. This man is Jesus.

A few weeks ago a song I have listened to many times took on a new meaning and direction in my life. It was actually a song I danced to at my wedding - the song is ‘Cinderella’. The premise of the song is a father writing it for his daughter that he is giving away in marriage. Well this song has a totally different meaning to me. This song now represents what God is speaking to me as my heavenly father.  I have been his Cinderella my entire life, he has danced with me all along;

She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me saying, “Dad I need you
There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh please, Daddy please”

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
‘Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
‘Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone …

She says he's a nice guy
And I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, “Dad the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh please, Daddy please”

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
‘Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
‘Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone …

Well, she came home today
With a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us
All they had planned
She says, “Dad the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh please, Daddy please”

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
‘Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
‘Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
But I know the dance will go on…….
 

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Standing for Health

There may come a time your in life where you need to stand in the gap for yourself or for another person. You may ask ‘what is the gap?’ well the gap is any space between where someone is and where they have the potential to be. On one side of the gap you or another person may be in a comfortable, monotonous life where each day looks fairly similar to the last. Possibly not happy with where they are financially, physically, emotionally or in relationships, but they do not believe that there is something bigger and better out there. Once you venture into the gap or have crossed the gap, you are walking, talking and making active changes to your life, behaviors, and emotions –faithfully wanting and desiring to experience a breakthrough for yourself or for others, a change in health, finances, relationships, life overall. 

The truth is that you we all need to stand in the gap at some point, but we also need others to encourage us and stand with us. This is true of any situation in life, including your health. If you see another family member or friend unhappy with their weight or health, maybe you will stand with them and offer the encouragement they need. The encouragement needed, to start and continue a health journey - one that you may have reached already yourself. There is no greater friend or family member, than one who will listen to what you desire for your life, encourage you and cheer you on through the process. There may be someone in your life who is facing a serious health battle or on the brink of financial ruin, in these situations you can stand for this person in prayer and encouragement. There is always a means to helping one another. 

 


Maybe you have reached a point in your weight battle and journey where you are feeling hopeless. Well, I am here to encourage you and stand with you as you face and go through the transformation that is waiting for you. Dig in, dig deep. Have faith in yourself and what you can accomplish, seek help from others and find encouragement. Soon you’ll find that the gap you were standing in is getting smaller and smaller. Eventually your faith and confidence will catapult into a life you may never have dreamed of. All of this is possible with a God who loves you, family and friends who encourage you and the right mindset knowing that you are an over comer. You will come out better than before! 

So, if there is anyone out there who is in need of encouragement on their health journey, please reach out to me and message me or post a response below to be a part of my next 30-Day Challenge Group. Where we can all work together toward a new perspective on health.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Tasty Tortilla Pizza

This is a go to lunch or dinner for me, because it is easy and customizable. It really helps curb my cravings for carbs and cheese. I love to dip this in a healthy fat, like guacamole or yogurt ranch. Really make this your own and spice it up!


Ingredients:

1 large Ezekiel sprouted tortilla or Ezekiel Brown Rice Tortilla (gluten free option)

Salsa or spaghetti sauce

¼ cup natural sharp cheese (any flavor)

Assorted Vegetables :

-          sweet peppers, spinach, mushrooms, onion, olives

Other optional toppings:

-          pineapple, chicken sausage, ground turkey

Directions:

1.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees or I like to set it on Broil – High

2.       Place tortilla in oven while it is warming to start crisping it up for the topping. Leave in oven for 5 minutes, 2 ½ minutes on each side.

3.       While the tortilla in warming in the oven cut up your toppings so they are ready to put on the tortilla

4.       Take the warm tortilla out of the oven and spread 2 tbsp of natural salsa or spaghetti sauce, watch the sodium and sugar content on these.

5.       Then top with your favorite veggies and other toppings.

6.       Top with the shredded cheese

7.       Broil/Bake in oven for approximately 6-8 minutes turning the pizza frequently so it cooks evenly. I place mine directly on the rack so it is crispier.

8.       Enjoy with a side of guacamole for dipping or a side of store bought yogurt ranch.

 

Thursday, July 24, 2014

PiYo Reviews

I thought about writing up an entire blog post marketing PiYo, but then thought, "for what?", the words of challengers and those who are currently going through the program speak for themselves! The feedback so far has been amazing. I am doing the program myself and absolutely love it. Not a day has gone by where I have not been sore.

This program is 60 days and features workouts that vary from 25-45 minutes. You can fit them into your day, they are quick, effective and great for ANY AGE. The moves are a mixture of Pilates and yoga.

BAD KNEES?

BAD BACK?

TIGHT JOINTS?

Check out what challengers are saying about how this program is helping with chronic pain and flexibility:

Workout done! I am seeing results in flexibility and of course the standard stuff like moving stagnant lymph fluid and stagnant energy - great week!!!

Have to share...Since I've started PiYo this week, I haven’t noticed my chronic lower back pain. Back spasms and pain are part of my daily routine. Between the core strength and stretching, this program is already changing my life...


 
So, I've only done a couple days of PiYo, but my lower back feels so much better. I have chronic lower back pain, and I feel like the stretching and core is really helping me support my back.


 
I have to say that I LOVE THIS PROGRAM!!!! I started running last year and my knees would ache so bad, I could hardly move the next day! Since doing PiYo my running has changed so much!! My pace is faster, I can run longer and MY KNEES DON'T ACHE ANYMORE!!!! I can hardly believe it!!!

 
MORE FEEDBACK......
I know everyone's mentioned this but can I just officially say I am so glad today is a REST today because SWEAT yesterday KICKED MY BUTT. Sooo sore. But it's soooo good.


I love PiYo and how I can already feel the changes! I am 64 years old so no excuses people.

 

Loving piyo and the ability to do them during naptime and not shake the house.


By changing my diet and following the food plan, I lost 4 lbs in my first week! Love PiYo!!
 

 

On a side note, since starting PiYo I haven't had nor do I crave pop. I used to drink Pepsi when I was really stressed....I am glad that I am able to put a stop to that unhealthy drink.

 

Ive lost 12lbs in 15 days w/PiYo!!

 

 Best workout and I'm hooked. I'm on week 4. And the change is crazy ! I highly recommend this program to everyone. Go for it !!
 

Here are some before and after photos from the test group - will be posting the ones from my current challenge group as soon as the 60 days is up. Cannot wait to see how we all do!
 



 
SOOOOO, what are you waiting for? Click HERE to order and be added to my next PiYo accountability group where you will get the support you need to start your track to a healthier you!