What is 22 Minute Hard Corps- Tony Horton

I am so excited about the next release of our newest home fitness program called 22 Minute Hard Corps! This is for all you Military men and women, or for those who want a hard core quick workout to get some serious results with only working out 22 minutes a day... SAY WHAT?!?! Yes, thats right!!

So what is 22 Minute Hard Corps:

So it was created by Tony Horton who also is the creator of P90X, P90X2, P90X3, Power 90 and more.  It is a mixture of eight routines that alternate between total body cardio & resistance 1 workout a day for 6 days a week.  The workout is fast paced and there is little rest.  The workouts are easy to pick up and learn.  You are moving from exercise to exercise quickly to maximize time and results.

What Equipment Do You Need:

Dumbbells or pull up bar (or resistance bands with a door attachment).  The harder you work the faster that you grow!!! 

I know you  might be thinking that you can't do this workout, but you CAN.  It is for everyone and don't worry, there are modifications for every ability level! FEAR NO MORE!!
The program is 8 weeks in length, 6 days a week, 1 workout a day for 22 minutes!  YOU CAN DO THIS!

What will you get with this program:

• 8 challenging workouts on 2 DVDs
• Quick Start Mission Guide
• 8-week Basic Training Action Plan
• Rations for Results Nutrition Field Guide
• Cold Start pre-workout drill
• Hell Week Challenge Card
• HARD CORPS: Battle Buddy Workout DVD (Network Exclusive)

Who is this workout for??  

People who don't have a lot of time to spend working out in a gym.

People who want fast effective results.
There is also an optional 2 a day hell week challenge if you are up for it! 

**I AM KICKING OFF MY 22 MINUTE HARD CORPS TEST GROUP EXCLUSIVE FOR MY NEW AND CURRENT CUSTOMERS ON THE 7TH OF MARCH. ** 

On the 7th of March we will start our pre season which consists of 1 week of goal setting, pictures, measurements, meal planning and education on the nutritional plan and then the following week is our official day 1.

******For 8 weeks I will guide you daily through the program with support, accountability, access to an online/app based closed group for support and guidance.  Each participant is required to purchase the 22 Minute Hard Corps Challenge Pack/Program and commit to replacing 1 meal a day with Shakeology for the duration of the group.

If you are interested in getting more information about the program please complete the form below and I will contact you within 24 hours with details.

If you do not currently work with a Coach please make me your FREE coach HERE.  

Home Fitness Business Opportunity---> Be A MOM BOSS with me!

I never thought in a million years, I would be able to say I do what I love and love what I do!! I always loved helping others.. so I went into nursing! I was an ER Nurse for 6 years... and LOVED IT!!! But I was simply missing something.... my time and freedom with my family!! 

I knew there were other ways to help people daily, be successful, but also have my time with my boys!! I mean, come on, our kids are only young once!! Those memories will go by SO quick!! I realized that with my oldest Chase who is 5!! I missed his first crawl, first Easter, and New Years because I worked 12 hour shifts.. I missed the opportunity to take them on vacations because I didn't have the extra finances to just up and go! I paid my bills, but that was about it.   I wanted to do something with the same value of making an impact on people's lives, but also be able to say I am not settling for less by having someone else watch my kids on holidays, someone else watch my kids play sports since I can't make it due to work... and the only person who could make that change was ME!! My life choices are up to me! 

I had to engrain that my past decisions, genetics, family history, NOTHING will define me and what I am capable of doing! I always held back in life and doing things I was passionate about because I didn't think I could make it because I was always that "average" person with a lot of crap in my past.  

One day something clicked.. I knew I didn't have to live life just being average.. I didn't have to miss memories with my boys, not have freedom to travel with my kids, or not give them the life they deserve!  I believed God put me on this earth to pursue my passion, and have an awesome life!!  Thats when I took the leap!! 

I LOVE fitness... I always loved working out! I did a fitness competition at age 18 (had no clue what I was doing, but it was a great memory lol).. I was a personal trainer at age 18.  Then just worked out at the gym, but there was always something in me that wanted to make a career out of staying healthy, accountable for my own goals, and help others do the same! Thats when I decided 3 years ago to step in the life of a Beachbody Coach! 

I have been incorporating the gym, but using my home fitness programs like 21 Day Fix, Hammer and Chisel, Body Beast, different programs that trick your body and have both weight training and cardio.... it gives me that gym type of workout and environment with a trainer in front of my face pushing me to keep going! I can be kept accountable now while I share my journey of working out and healthy eating! Shakeology is a dense nutritious meal replacement health shake that I use as a meal to help me get my extra nutrients and superfoods! I was so use to just buying regular protein powder, and being able to get more than just a protein shake has helped me with my own nutrition and goals!

So I thought, ok, I love working out, I love helping others, I want to be with my kids, travel, and gain financial freedom for our family.... was I missing something or was this my calling??? YUP!! This leap of faith I took that was placed in front of me was "that thing" that makes me excited to wake up in the morning, makes me feel complete, makes me feel I'm worth something, and allows me to be the role model for my boys so they can live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle as well!! 

THIS WAS IT!!!

Over the past 3 years, our team has been able to maintain being at the top 0.5 % of the entire Beachbody organization! My income has grown from making my average 75,000/yr nursing salary to making my yearly full time nursing salary in just 3 months working PART-TIME at HOME! I no longer miss holidays with my kids and I attend their sporting events without a problem.. We travel at LEAST 2 a year, and I travel 4 times a year with my amazing team.  I am living the life of freedom I never thought was possible!! 

Our team is close, we get our kids together, have play dates, and have amazing friendships!! We call our kids the Beachbody babes!! LOL

We are from all over the US and Canada and still travel to be able to spend time together!

I want YOU to have this same experience.. this incredible journey of a healthy lifestyle, financial freedom, and also a positive healthy mindset! I surround myself with positive people on a daily basis! This just gets me excited!! I no longer deal with drama and stress of being around others who are unhappy and unmotivated! Our team is self motivated, driven, energetic, and passionate!  

If you are interested to hear more about what it take for you to get started on your own journey to success, freedom and pursue your passion for health and fitness, with the ability to work right from home, please fill out the application below for a spot in my next New Coach University training.  You will get training from the top team in the organization, and all the tools you need to grow your own successful home fitness business! 

Turning Your Excuses Into Your Reasons!

"This isn't the right time, I have too much going on."

Does this phrase sound familiar to you?!?

I'm not going to lie, I have use this excuse as an outlet so many times but in the end, it did me no justice. In fact it held me back from what my fullest potential could be. It held me back from happiness, success, and confidence! Im talking about all areas of your life: Physical, Financial, Emotional, Spiritual, etc!

Part of me sharing my story and journey is to hopefully inspire just one person who truly needs it and has a desire for a great future ahead!

Now that I have shared about my situation with my divorce, I'm also going to share HOW I am going to get through it, along with WHY I needed to let go of my excuses.

3 years ago, I was not in a happy place in my life. I had no confidence, no strength, not much happiness or even hope..

How did I gain happiness, confidence and success? 
Two things:

1. God.
Over the past 2 years I have given myself to the lord. I decided to take my journey and build a relationship with him. It has been the best 2 years of my life. 

How could it be the best 2 years when I've been going through so much other struggle and damage in my life? 

Because I know God has given me strength, happiness, courage and the ability to believe that I am here for a purpose and that the struggles I am going through will only take me to something so much greater for my future!

I truly believe without God in my life, I would have given up, not thought twice about settling for less, but instead I gained strength to fight harder! 

2. My career as a fitness coach.

You may roll your eyes and say oh gosh she's talking about it again.. And that's ok!

I truly believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But hear me out at least before you roll your eyes or judge.

There are so many different ways that my life has changed since starting this career as a fitness coach 3 years ago.

From finding myself in my own physical transformation and financial freedom, I was also finding confidence and happiness with who I was.  I did this by reading and listening to personal growth and development that I never listen to before, because I just didn't think it was necessary. Here it has completely transformed my life with confidence, Learning to be completely satisfied with the person that I am, and just having such a positive outlook on everything in life.

Trust me I was not always this positive and full of belief! But it changed because of the journey I took. That decision I made for not only myself, but for my family as well. 

Physically, ok come on we all know exercise is a stress relief! Why don't we do it? Because we make excuses as I mentioned above that we just have too much going on or not enough time. Little did we know, we have time to watch TV, mope and lay in bed and complain about our problems, and have long conversations to our friends and family... OK I hope I just made you realize that you have enough time to exercise for 30 minutes LOL. 

I'm not saying you have to go to the gym, doing a quick 30 minute workout at home is definitely sufficient! It will relieve your stress, take away the anxiety, and help you become happier and healthier! I did NOT want to workout, but I knew that if I didn't, that stress and emotion would keep building up, and me sitting here crying about my problems was doing me NO justice!!! 

Financially, I was grew up in a family that lived paycheck to paycheck. As I had my nursing career, I did good for myself and family, but never had a savings. We didn't "struggle" per say, but could not just jump and go on a vacation if we wanted without worrying if we had enough money in our account.

Now that I am raising my boys as a single mother, I can say that I have made a career with doing what I love and am passionate about (health and fitness) to the point that I will be able to provide for my boys, and still give them the life I've always wanted to give them. I won't say it was easy, I mean it took time, sacrifice, and dedication, but the pay off has been such a blessing to us just after 1 year!

Today...Despite the struggles and obstacles that are in front of me, I've learned that making excuses will only keep me from more amazing opportunities. Making excuses only stop me from my fullest potential, happiness, and success! 

Instead of saying reasons why you can't, start making them your reasons why you should!

I'm leaving you with this... Do not base decisions or hold back because you feel "It's not YOUR time" or wait and do it at "your best convenience". There will never be a "good time" and honestly, this isn't about you, this is about doing it on God's timing! Believe His plan and I can promise and reassure you if you trust and have faith, it WILL all work out!! 

Hammer and Chisel Week 5 and Figure Competition Prep 15 weeks out!

So this Hammer and Chisel is definitely my FAVORITE home fitness program!! It gives me everything I need!! I get the heavier weight training, cardio, plyo all in 1 program!! Best of both worlds!! 

As Im training for my 3rd Figure Competition, I need that variety! I am really needing to build muscle in my quads, shoulders and back! Yes, all the areas that the judges look at most for figure competitors lol.. I need work!! 

Im doing something different this time... I have trained for both my shows previously working out at the gym AND home, but this time, I will soley focus on my workouts at home! I am moving and am getting my incline treadmill which will help with some of my morning cardio workouts or post leg workouts, getting my bowflex dumbbells of course, and bench with a leg extension .. I am also working on getting another piece of equipment so I can do arm, shoulder, and back workouts with cables.  Time to show people what can happen at home!! 

I love the gym, but for me, its more convenient with getting my workouts in the morning and doing another quick workout in between work.  I don't have to take my kids anywhere or wake them up! So for any mommas out there that feel the same way, trust me, you can make it happen and it doesn't have to take a gym membership!!

This past weekend, I was away and did manage to get my workouts in at the hotel gym which was fun because I was able to workout with my girls!!  It is so fun just being able to surround yourself around other positive and uplifting people with the same passion for health and fitness and exercise and just trying to better yourself and be a great role model!

OK we kinda rocked this one out!!

I wont say its easy every day, trust me, I struggle too and need my pre-workout drink to get my butt going in the morning, but I do work hard daily to make it happen!  Once I get that Pre-workout in, its on like donkey kong!!   I use Our Beachbody Performance Line (my new favorite) Energize! I ran out so kept with my Energy and Endurance...  they are the two pre workouts that don't give me jitters or make me itchy from the niacin!

NUTRITION:
Ok who agrees that nutrition is like the hardest thing with being healthy?!?! I meal prep and plan out what Im eating, but it doesn't always work out that way!
Hey, do I still get an A for Effort?!? 

I got lots of baked chicken, turkey meatballs, salads, green beans, cucumbers, buffalo cauliflower (yes its amazing), and fresh fruit!! 

Every day, I include my Shakeology to help give me the dense nutrition and superfoods to really fuel my body! 

For my show prep, I will be using it 2 times daily morning and second snack of the day as I did for my last 2 shows, and then about 4 weeks out, I will cut it out all together just to make sure I can lean out as much as possible since I can't even eat fruit then.
I literally cook up everything I need in 2 hours or less so its all done and I stress less during the week!!

Also, for my kids, yes, they do eat almost all of this too!! They love chicken, fruit, veggies (my 3 year old loves salad with greek yogurt ranch!) and some of my fancy recipes!!

So here you have it!! This is my week so far and despite a little off tracking with my nutrition (3 cheat meals over the weekend), Im back on and kicking butt this week!! Sunday I will be sharing my progress pics! STAY TUNED!!!

*If you would like to get daily support, motivation, and help with your fitness goals, please fill out the application below for a spot in my next private online group fitness challenge! 

There will be a requirement to use a home fitness program of your choice with Team Beachbody that I will help you pick based on your fitness level and preference of workout along with incorporating Shakeology into your regimen 1 meal a day with your other 4 meals a day to help with your nutrition!

Hammer and Chisel Week 4 Fitness Plan

Good morning good morning its a new week and the first full week to a brand new Year 2016!!! 

Are you so excited about what is to come for your fitness journey? I know I am!! 

Every year, so many of us make New Year Resolutions and I will also say so many of us NEVER stick to them!! How long does it usually take for you to fall off with the same old healthy eating, "dieting", going to the gym, stop smoking, drinking, swearing (yup mine unfortunately :/), gambling, and more?? We just want the bad habits to go away and the good habits to come! But its almost seeming impossible to keep them up after just a few weeks!

Heres what I want to tell you.  Please do not think because I said these and you make the same resolution AGAIN, that Im telling you to let it go because it's not possible... IT IS POSSIBLE!! I want THIS year to be YOUR year!! I do not want you to have to keep going over this time and time again!! 

But the key to this whole New Years Resolution is to really focus and make "habits" out of this so you don't have to keep going back!! For instance "Im going to DIET".. GAH I hate that word!!!  If you are thinking you are just going to "DIET", then NO, you will NOT stick with it!! WHY?? Because you cannot live off of a diet, you cannot live off of never eating carbs or fats again!! Sorry if that was your plan, but I'm going to be real with you right now! Do NOT starve yourself from the nutrients your body needs just to be "skinny"... because you will end up back where you started, if not worse! I may be hitting home with some of you??? 

I'm not trying to push buttons or make you feel sad about what your doing, I am simply telling you this because again, I want this to be your year of lots of success and happiness and freedom, and I want to help YOU get there without putting stress on your body, ruining your body, and putting your body in jail.. The solution to this is simple:

Make it a LIFESTYLE!! YES!!!! That's it!! Its that easy!! Did you know if you follow the 80/20 rule, have a cheat meal 1 time a week and just eat HEALTHY the rest of the week, add 30 minute workouts (you can even do these at home and I can show you how- See application at bottom), you can get the results you want without feeling like your neglecting your body and health!!

I cannot tell you how much my life has changed by skipping the diets, starving myself, and just did the right things that may be hard to do at first, but afterwards will make you feel and look amazing!!

So now I am going to show you what I do!! Get ready!!

So when I said about working out at home, yes, that is exactly what I do!! Being a momma of 2 boys ages 3 and 4, it gets complicated making it to the gym for the 2 hours morning or afternoon that they are available, plus driving back and forth, plus the good old gym membership.. yea you get me right?? If I have the opportunity to roll out of bed while boys are still sleeping, I can get a 30 minute workout in which is the time it would take me to drive back and forth to the gym, and just get it done without hassle! 

The program I am doing right now is called Hammer and Chisel! It's possibly my FAVORITE home fitness program I have EVER done!!! I did love going to the gym, its just not always convenient, so I get the gym type environment in this program, along with:

•  A schedule to follow so I know exactly what Im doing
• A nutrition plan telling me how many containers of what I need to get all my nutrients in per day
• Color coded containers for each food group- You'd be surprised what you can fit in these bad boys!
• A month supply (30 day) of Shakeology which is our health shake meal replacement that will give you all the superfoods and dense nutrients your body isn't getting from your typical every day foods (unless you juice with a million veggies and vitamins which by that time your spending $600) :P
• And when you sign up with ME, you get ME as your coach (I have one too still)
• Access to an online support group/challenge group for daily tips, recipes, motivation, and surrounding yourself around others with similar goals! 

How cool is that???!?! Pretty awesome to me!! Again, I've started my journey doing this 3 years ago, and here I am today still doing it, rocking different programs, staying on top of my nutrition, and feeling amazing!

Here is what I have planned for this week! Now I will be traveling from Thursday until Sunday, so I will still pack my cooler with lots of healthy foods and snacks so I stay on track!!

How do you like that?? My recipes such as Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo, and Greek Salad are here on my blog under clean eating recipes!!  
And I even added my grocery list for ya!! Trying to make it sweet and simple! Simple nutrition is sometimes best so your saving time prepping the food and money buying the food!

You will see I do drink my Shakeology more than once a day sometimes, and this is because I will be traveling, instead of my buying fast food, its just healthier and easier this way! Its also my sweet tooth craving! :)

My workout plan is as follows:
MONDAY- CHISEL BALANCE
TUESDAY- MAX HAMMER STRENGTH
WEDNESDAY- CHISEL CARDIO AND GLUTES
THURSDAY- OFF DAY (YAY)
FRIDAY- ISO SPEED HAMMER
SATURDAY- CHISEL AGILITY
SUNDAY- HAMMER POWER AND 10 MIN ABS

So there you have it!! The workouts again like I said, its like you at a gym, I use dumbbells, a bench or stability ball, a pull up bar or band with over the door extension (you can buy at walmart or target), and boom, your ready for amazing results!!!

If you would like more information on getting started in my 30 day fitness challenge/support group online (held in a private group on Facebook), please fill out the application below for a spot! I will contact you within 24 hours.

Did you know... Healthy FAT helps you BURN FAT?

So many people try to stay away from fat altogether because they have this thought in their mind that it will make you gain weight! FALSE!!! 

Its the unhealthy fat that makes you gain weight! If you put yourself on a healthy diet, and eat good fats, your body will actually help you on your weight loss journey!

One thing I will add is if you are going to add healthy fats, please be aware there is NO healthy fat that is calorie free! That does not mean leave it out of your regimen! It means you will just have to have fewer of another macronutrient with the same amount of calories per gram... yup.. CARBS!  I am not saying leave carbs out either lol!

You need a good portion of each to really give you the best results possible! I do not count calories simply because you can eat 100 calorie M&Ms all day and still be in your calorie range and nothing else... Well, that is NOT the healthy and long term healthy route! So, I would rather count macros so you are getting each food group and getting nutrients in to fuel your body. That would be called the "Right way" of a healthy nutrition regimen. 

Why low fat diets are NOT good for you:

I can't help it, I LOVE Peanut Butter!!! 

"Lower-fat diets can have negative impact on adipokines which impact fat loss. Adipokines are hormones released specifically from your fat cells. One such hormone, adiponectin, is a true fat-burning hormone that works to enhance your metabolism and increase the rate in which fats are broken down, curbing your appetite. Lower-fat diets lead to lower levels of adiponectin." -Bodybuilding.com

Not only do you NOT want to have a low fat diet, but when you are eating fats (healthy fats), they are actually more satisfying to you compared to other nutrients! Many low calorie foods will keep you hungry which causes over eating.  So adding these healthy fats will actually prevent the issue of over eating!

One more thing.. be sure when you are eating, you want to portion size!  Eating 5-6 small frequent meals is recommended.  When you eat these smaller meals, you will feel fuller longer, whereas if you ate 2 or 3 big meals, you are starving by the time you eat, and then you over eat, insulin levels spike and peek and throws off your entire body. This may not happen right away, but long term affects of overeating will cause these possible issues.

I have personally found lots of success with portion control and using the color coded containers from Beachbody's 21 Day Fix Program! 

Not only are you getting a fitness program with 30 minute workouts  that work your entire body and help you tone, lose inches, and get ripped, but also the nutrition plan is incredible and focused on portion control! This portion control nutrition guide allows you enough portions of each food group to fuel your body and get the best of the best results! 

I am currently eating 4 servings of fats a day based on the program and I am 5'5 and 140 pounds.  This is what is working for me and if you are looking for a specific regimen, this is a perfect opportunity to get you exactly where you want with your health and fitness goals!

*For more information on getting started on a regimen and you would like my free coaching, please fill out the application below for a spot in my next fitness challenge group/support group where you will get daily tips, recipes, motivation, and support!

Preventing Weight Gain Over the Holidays

Ohhh the holidays!! The cookies, the desserts and treats and everyone making these yummy snacks..
The business we all have running around making sure we get our Christmas shopping done, decorating, and having everything prepared for the season!
The finances.. well, were shopping for others, so we cannot afford to eat healthy for ourselves...

I feel we all can give so many excuses to fall off track with our health and fitness goals, but this is an easy one to use.. CHRISTMAS!! 

GUYS::::::: TOUGH LOVE::::::::
Those health and fitness goals that you want to achieve are going NO WHERE.. You can hide from them and make excuses as much as you want, but guess what?? EXCUSES DO NOT BURN CALORIES!! Lol 

I have seen it where people gain the average 5-10 pounds over the Christmas Holiday.  Will that be you? I dunno. It depends on if your willing to stay dedicated and not give into those temptations that are only temporary.  As I said, they are temporary! They do not last forever.  Maybe they are there because your body is so use to the junk food, artificial sweeteners (its easy to get addicted to this.. they are chemicals and chemicals are drugs), or because you have a hard time with will-power when you are alone, or in a crowd with family and friends who is eating the same food.

So my goal is to help you overcome the temptations before you lose control of your eating and goals! It's time to get focused, get motivated, and get dedicated!!

1. MAKE TIME TO WORKOUT- We make time for ANYTHING that is important to us right? If you say you can't do this, because you have to do this... well, your making time for the other, so how about that workout? I'm not saying it is easy, but small sacrifices will go a long way.. Waking up a little early, going to bed a little later, not watching your favorite tv show, not taking that 30 minute power nap, and so on!! When you say you have kids and they don't let  you workout.. There is something called let them JOIN you in the workout, or if they are a baby, let them watch you!! 
PS.. it is ok to let them cry!! They get use to it and will be ok!!! They want to see YOU as the role model.. get through the hard part of starting and it will get easier as time goes on!!

2. FOCUS ON FAMILY- Yes, the holiday is NOT about food as much as you want to think it is.. Think of the REAL meaning behind the holidays... Jesus being born.. Celebrating time with family and creating memories together (and Im not talking about making memories of who can eat a pie faster lol)... Focusing on the real meaning will help take your focus away from food and temptations.

3. STAY HYDRATED- with water that is!! Coffee, soda (pop), and alcohol DO NOT count!! lol! Nice try!! 
Drink that water, it helps cleanse your body, helps your skin, gives you energy, and relieves the bloating!! It also helps you realize that many of your "hunger pains" are actually due to being dehydrated!! So if you feel hungry and you know you had your calories, drink more water! It makes a huge difference!!

4. BRING A HEALTHY SIDE- Don't feel you have to cook unhealthy to have the best meal.. when you are cooking, think of your goals, but also think about helping someone else who will be eating with you!!  I call this, SHARING THE HEALTH!! You may be surprised on how many people dig into your healthy veggie pizza, your green and red cucumber and tomato salad, or even your Skinny Peanut Butter Brownies (my favorite recipe of all!).. be YOU and do whats best for you and your health!!

5. FOLLOW THE 2 BITE RULE (or 3 lol)- Hey 2 or 3 bites.. Just know nothing tastes as good as the first 3 bites do!! After that, you don't need it, so throw it away!! This allows you to not feel like your in food jail and get a little taste so you don't feel like your missing out!!

6.  NEVER GO HUNGRY- So one of the easiest things you can do for yourself before getting in front of that temptation is to fuel your body first!! If you fuel your body with the right things, you won't need the bad!! So when I have a party or a gathering that I am going to attend and I know there is going to be treat and foods that will tempt me, I will drink my daily dose of dense nutrition... My SHAKEOLOGY.  This is how I get help with my cravings because its filled with over 70 superfoods and natural ingredients so when you have this meal replacement health shake, you replenishing your body with the vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients that your body is lacking that was causing the cravings to begin with! So I drink that, and Im set!! 

This is Vanilla Shakeology with Fresh Raspberries and blackberries!

Now you have it!!! These are a few simple ways that I prevent weight gain over the holidays! As I said, it's not always easy, but I can promise you it's worth it!!

If you are serious about your fitness journey and are ready to set the bar high for 2016 and be in the best shape of your life, please fill out my application to get your spot in my Jan 4th Fitness Challenge Group--- The first group for the new year!! 

This is where I will provide you with FREE coaching, 1:1 support, accountability, motivation, help with meal planing and new healthy recipes to use for you and your family!! 

Herb Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

You can't do Thanksgiving without a turkey, right?!? Instead of frying a turkey which sounds really good, but not so healthy, I am going to give you a healthy alternative so you can stay on track for the holidays and continue moving forward with your fitness goals instead of backtracking and then living with the bloat and guilt afterwards!

Herb Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (about 12 pounds), thawed if frozen, rinsed and patted dry 
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley 
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves 
• 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped (3 tablespoons) 
• 5 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil 
• Coarse salt and ground pepper 
• 2 lemons, poked all over with a fork 
• 1 quart apple cider

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in lowest position. Remove packet of giblets and neck from cavity. Discard liver. Rinse remaining giblets and neck; refrigerate until ready to make broth. 

Turn turkey on its back and bend wing tips forward and underneath neck cavity of bird so they stay in place (you may have to break the bones).

In a small bowl, combine parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, garlic, 4 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Using your fingers, carefully loosen skin of breast and around thighs and rub herb mixture under skin of both. 

Season cavity with salt and pepper and loosely fill with lemons and rosemary sprigs. Using cotton kitchen twine, tie legs together so bird retains its shape and moisture during cooking.

Pour cider in bottom of pan. Set roasting rack on top. Lift turkey onto rack, breast side up; rub with remaining tablespoon oil; season generously with salt and pepper. Tent turkey loosely with foil. Roast 1 hour. Uncover and continue to roast, basting frequently with pan juices, until an instant read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh (avoiding bone) registers 170 degrees, 2 1/2 to 3 hours more.  Top off with foil if browning too quickly; add water if pan becomes dry. Cover loosely with foil, and let stand 30 minutes before carving. 

Serve with your favorite vegetables and potatoes!