Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad

There is nothing better than a good ol Spicy Taco Salad!! Making it healthy... even better!! There is always healthy alternatives to make sure you are satisfying your cravings while reaching your ultimate health and fitness goals!! 

This recipe was absolutely amazing!! I hope you like it as much as I did!! Be sure to comment below if you liked it! :) 

INGREDIENTS:

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2/3 cup light sour cream or yogurt
• 1 tablespoon minced chipotle chile, canned in adobo sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Salad:

• 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
• 2 cups chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2 breasts) Leftover grilled chicken works too.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup diced peeled avocado
• 1/3 cup thinly vertically sliced red onion
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 frozen bag steam fresh kernel corn cooked

DIRECTIONS:

1. To prepare dressing, combine first 6 ingredients, stir until well mixed.
2. To prepare salad, combine lettuce and the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle dressing over salad; toss gently to coat. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in the fridge – it’s just as good the second day!

Tip: Add a spoonful of adobo sauce for a spicier salad.

Yield: 4 Servings   Servings Size: Approx 2 1/2 cups

*If you are ready to start or working on your fitness journey  and would like daily support, tips, and accountability to help you reach your ultimate goals, please fill out the application below for a spot in my next 30 day private fitness challenge/support group! This is an opportunity for you to surround yourself with others with similar goals and get nutrition and fitness tips that will help you make this a lifestyle!

Getting Started on your Fitness Journey!

3 Years ago, my second son was born, I was unhappy, depressed, and disgusted with how I looked and felt.  I needed a change and the same old routine of jumping from diet to diet wasn't cutting it.  It was causing me to stress more, and it became more of a yo-yo diet which was NOT healthy for me! 

As I was looking for a change, I heard about Beachbody programs, which were home fitness programs that came with a schedule to follow AND a nutrition plan... and then Shakeology.  I was slightly skeptical because I wasn't sure this is another FAD diet that I was falling into.  As I did my research and saw the amazing results my cousin had and many other friends and family I knew were doing the same thing.  

I decided to trust in the process and take a leap of faith.  It was scary, yes... but what would be scarier, taking a leap and getting results, or not taking the leap and staying in the same unhappy place your in looking for a way out?! I have to be completely real and up front because I was in that same situation! Its easy to take the easy way out... to skip out on your goals because maybe your busy and use to putting everyone else first... but think about this.. those people you love and put first.. how will you take care of them the best way if you cannot take care of yourself? People follow the lead.  They follow what you do! So if you take care of yourself, then you as a role model will show others how its done and will join you and follow the lead! 

As I was reaching my goals little by little, I was so excited to share my success with others and show that it IS possible to reach your goals no matter how busy you are, what obstacles are in your way, and no matter how much you want to lose or gain! 

The biggest part that contributed to my success with my health and fitness goals was being in a challenge group/support group.  I've had personal trainers.. I was a personal trainer. I know the time spent with trainers helps a lot... but having them every single day is not realistic.  Being in the challenge groups gave me the ability to have a coach and mentor help me DAILY throughout the day with support, motivation, accountability, but also gave me tips on healthy eating and exercise, meal planning and meal prepping for the week, and I also was not only working with my coach, but the group of people doing the same thing I was doing! I found extra support, friendships, and having surround myself with others with similar goals pushed me harder, further when I wanted to give up, and gave me exactly what I needed to reach my goals!

Since being in challenge groups myself, I decided as I was getting the results I wanted, to give this opportunity to others as well! Having experience as a trainer, education on nutrition, experience now as a figure competitor, I can give advice, support, knowledge and motivation to others so they experience the success as well!

I am now accepting new challengers to take a leap of faith with me and allow me to help 1:1 with daily support, motivation, and accountability and reaching some BIG GOALS together as a team!

Please fill out the application below and we will talk more about starting your new journey! 

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!

Clean Chocolate Shakeology Lava Cake

Ok, so who doesn't love desserts??? I know my peanut butter and chocolate addiction can get very bad!! When I was younger, I would literally eat Reese cups DAILY!!! Pathetic, but fortunately I have found my chocolate replacement... SHAKEOLOGY!! This has not just helped me get my veggies in since I despised them, gave me the nutrients I need, but has helped my cravings in so many ways!! 

I am not here to throw out another "diet shake", "weight loss shake", or "protein shake" because it is NONE of those! You must eat clean!! This is simply a Health Shake that is giving you more nutrition than you get from you typical every day meals.. give you a meal with a good protein to carb ratio that will keep you fuller longer.

Alright, so lets get to the chase... I know you are not suppose to heat Shakeology (it will cause it to lose its nutritional value), BUT when you are ready to binge on a nice 1000 calorie desert, Im all about heating this bad boy up and making it into a chocolate lava cake!!

Ingredients:

For Lava Cake:

1 scoop chocolate Shakeology

1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or skim milk

For Icing:

1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Tbsp Natural Peanut butter

Directions:

1. In a microwavable bowl, add lava cake ingredients, mix together, and place in microwave for 45 seconds
2. While cake is warming, mix icing ingredients together
3. Place bowl with lava cake upside down to remove from bowl and place on plate.  
4. Top off with Icing
5. ENJOY!!!

How easy is that?!?! Seriously, it satisfies your cravings like no other!!! I was so close to going to grab some ice cream and I know I would've felt so guilty!! This is your chance to eat guilt free and eat closer to your fitness goals!!! 

Stuffed Pepper Soup (CROCK POT RECIPE)

Nothing like a good ol healthy crock pot recipe to get on track with your nutrition! You do now have to take hours prepping and cooking to have a healthy lifestyle! My favorites are when you can take a bunch of ingredients and throw it right in the crock pot, and walk away! 

Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean turkey meat
• 1 c onion, diced
• 14-1/2 oz can diced low sodium tomatoes 
• 2 c green peppers and/or red peppers, chopped (fresh preferred)
• 2 jalepenos chopped (fresh)
• 15 oz can organic low sodium tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• ½ t dried basil
• ½ t dried oregano
• 1/4 Cup shredded light Mozzarella Cheese (to top off after cooked)

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients into crock pot except cheese (make sure veggies are chopped) and cook for 6-8 hours.
2. Top off with shredded cheese to taste!

Yes, its THAT simple!! 

21 DAY FIX CONTAINERS- For those who are incorporating the awesome 21 DAY FIX program, here are the containers you will use per serving (1 cup):

2 GREEN

1 RED

1 BLUE (If topping off with Mozzarella Cheese)

If you are wanting to get more tips, healthy recipes, support and accountability to help you achieve your fitness goals, please fill out my application for a spot in my next 30 day clean eating and fitness challenge!! 

This is where we work together DAILY and focus on the overall healthy lifestyle.... Exercise min 25 minutes a day (I will help you pick the fitness program of your choice), healthy eating, and work everyday at gaining confidence in yourself to reach your ultimate goals in every aspect of  your life!! 

* I am only taking people who are SERIOUS about reaching their fitness and health goals! 

Healthy Kid Snack Ideas

Sometimes it's just difficult to get our kiddos to eat... but feeding them with chemicals and artificial sweeteners is not the answer! I know, it's fast, easy, and convenient to stop at a fast food restaurant or buy easy snacks at the grocery store, but have you ever stopped to think how easy it is to feed our kids fresh healthy food? 

Our job is not only to "feed" them, but we need to give them FUEL their little bodies so they grow big and strong, not big (overweight) and weak.   As the parents, WE must be the ones to take action and do whats best as their role models!

So I am going to share some really simple KID FRIENDLY SNACKS that have been a savior for me!!  Mind you, I have a very picky 4 year old, but as I am committed to my plan, he knows mommy is the boss and he either eats what mommy puts down, or "he wont grow big and strong like a football player or Batman"---> Feel free to use whatever super hero or sports player they like! :) 

• Grapes, cucumbers, and hummus- This is a perfect combo of food!! Cucumbers with some hummus (if they refuse the hummus, I also use Greek yogurt Ranch), and a little fruit to top it off!! The sugar content in grapes is slightly high, but compared to candy with sugar is no competition! Go with the fresh grapes!!

Yup, he is one happy camper!! 

• Greek Yogurt- You can do a lot with this!! I usually do 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, add some fresh fruit (my kids live strawberries), then top it off with a little Agave Nectar, which is a great sweetener that is low on the glycemic index, so it is great for diabetics! 

• Rice Cakes and Peanut Butter- Who doesn't love a little crunch with some rice cakes?! My boys LOVE them!! They are light, and easy for them to handle! Add a tablespoon of Natural Peanut Butter (I use Jiff), and wallah! 

• Apple and Peanut Butter- Ok so maybe I like peanut butter and the addiction has rubbed off on my boys lol?! A little healthy fat won't hurt!! Slice those apples up, and if your kids are crazy like mine, they need the skin off too, then put 1 tablespoon of Natural Peanut Butter in a little bowl, and let them dip away!!

• Peanut Butter & Banana Bites- Ok I am almost done with the peanut butter lol!! So much you can do with it!! Healthy fats and healthy protein!! 

When it comes down to it, my kids are getting lots of fresh veggies, that they can dip (Greek yogurt ranch, peanut butter, etc), or fresh fruits to dip!! Easy finger foods that do not have to be cooked are usually healthier and easier to handle!! Make it fun & simple for both you are your lil munchkins!!

21 DAY FIX EXTREME- MY JOURNEY TO SUCCESS!

MY JOURNEY- 21 DAY FIX EXTREME AND SHAKEOLOGY

So here it goes... I'm actually tired of prepping for the figure shows right now.  After doing 2 in a row, I feel like my mind is not where it use to be, especially with food.  I binge more than ever, and although I workout like I am training, it does nothing for me when I have these cheat meals.  So I have decided it would be in my own best interest to take a break from my shows.  After doing 2 back to back, I put myself on over load.  I didn't hurt my body, but was honestly more my mindset than anything.  
SO I am really excited to just get back into my own normal routines with my Beachbody workouts!!
I always do so well with them because I love the schedules, 30 minutes of working out is not overkill, and I feel like a normal human being on a healthy regimen NOT DIETING all  the time! Its what I teach my challengers... It is NOT a DIET, its a LIFESTYLE! When I say that, I know from experience!! Diets are temporary... they do not last forever.  
So to be back on my normal routine is pretty exciting!! I feel free!!

The only way to keep myself accountable is to do what I do with my challengers.... Take my before pictures and measurements! I know last time I took pics in this suit, I looked much better, but I have to realize I'm human and I need to do this for myself!! So here it goes... this is a promise to myself to NOT look like this in 21 days...Not saying I look terrible, but compared to 2 months ago, geeze I look different!!

The time you will see my side like this!! :(

 Well, this totally gave me some motivation!!! GAHH!! Ok, now to start working hard!!

 Had a little Pre-workout and Post-workout pic---> 21 DAY FIX EXTREME = NO JOKE!!!

My breakfast was:

1/2 cup oatmeal with cinnamon

1 Shakeology

1 Tsp. Coconut oil---> This was a first drinking it... yea, its something I need to get use to for sure!!

I had another Shakeology as my last meal, Chicken twice with brussel sprouts, and a grilled chicken salad with my new spicy ranch as my dinner!!  Ok, I did add shredded cheese to my salad, but still within limits of my containers :) 

Seriously, this new dressing I made was probably the BEST dressing I have had in a while!!

Here is some more prepping that I did for this week for my meals:

If you are wanting to start your journey with an easy meal plan, containers to help with your portion control, and daily accountability, tips, recipes, and motivation to help you reach your ultimate health and fitness goals, please fill out my challenge group application below for a spot in my next fitness challenge!

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