Hammer and Chisel- My Journey Starts Here!

DAY 1 HAMMER AND CHISEL JOURNEY STARTS NOW!!

I have had quite a journey of my own.. I have gone through numerous home fitness programs with Beachbody, working out at the gym, running outside, and I have found what I love and what works for me. Being a mom of two boys, a busy mom at that (as most mommies and daddies are) I do not always have the opportunity to just head out to the gym like some may be able to.   So having the ability to just wake up and get my workout in before everyone else wakes up makes life so much easier, and I'm still getting amazing results... more than I ever have even working out at the gym!

I have found having everything I need to reach my fitness goals with Beachbody.  You get the nutrition, fitness, support, and results! Its easy to go to the gym and workout, or google a workout and do some crunches and lunges, but adding in the support system and accountability changes it all!!

So here I am.. DAY 1 of my new beginning of another awesome journey! Our newest program that was just released Hammer and Chisel is about to go down for the next 60 days!! 6 days a week with 30-40 minute workouts, incorporating weight training and cardio to help build muscle and shred, and get in tip top shape!! There is no waiting for a new year for me, this is about making my health and fitness a lifestyle!  So Sunday was prepping for the big DAY 1!! 

I got my lean proteins (ground turkey meat, chicken, Filet Mignon), my good carbs (oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potatoes), lots of green veggies, and of course my Shakeology to give me my superfoods and dense nutrients to help with my energy, cravings, and bloating naturally!

I got my meal plan done, food prepped, and ready to rock it!!! My meal plan is using the color coded containers from the 21 Day Fix .  Its so much easier to measure out those portions, than to count every single calorie you eat.  Reality is, if you portion control, you will likely stay within the range you need to for reaching your goals.  But remember, not all food groups are the same portion!! You do not need the same size portion of carbs as veggies!! That's why these containers are so beneficial and I love the fact that they come with these programs!! 

This morning was my very first Hammer and Chisel workout!!! Ok, I thought, 38 minutes.. I can totally get through this without a problem... then I got into the second move and my legs and glutes were on fire!! Seriously, excuse me but my A$$ is still on fire and Im still shaking!!!! That was one heck of a workout!! The exercises and moves are different than any other program I have done, which is why I love it so much already!!  Today's workout was Balance.  I am pretty good with that.. didn't think I would have issues... until I realized I am also adding weights! GAHHH!! 

Needless to say, I was drenched, but felt AMAZING!!!!!!! It was a challenge for sure and I did say I love challenges!! Now, time to get through the rest of this week!!! It's going to be fun, interesting, and I'm going to make it successful!! 

My before pictures and Measurements are done and locked away!! I cannot wait to continue this journey and show you in 30 days what changes!! I will be posting here every week to share my progress along the way as well!! 

If you would like to join me on this journey to success and a fitter, healthier bod, please fill out the application below for an exclusive spot in my Hammer and Chisel Test Group starting Dec 14!! This is my very first Challenge Group for my customers and cannot wait to do this journey together!!! 

*Please take note, you will be required to actively participate daily and use the new Beachbody Hammer and Chisel home fitness program, along with incorporating Shakeology daily into you regimen to get your maximum results and nutrition!

Baked Zucchini Chips

So did this momma doing on yesterdays lovely Friday night??? Yup, being a mom!! Making some what I want to call AWESOME Ninja Turtle Cup Cakes and getting all prepped for my youngest son Weston's 3rd Birthday party!! I seriously cannot believe how time flies!! I felt like he was just born! Im sure all you moms and dads know where I'm coming from there.. Anyways... while I'm prepping for the party, I decided to use my last of my zucchini so it doesn't go bad!! I found a recipe from a fellow coach that posted in our challenge group about Zucchini Chips!! UMMM how awesome and simple right?!?! Healthy, but satisfies those cravings?! YES PLEASE!!
So here you go!!

ZUCCHINI CHIPS

Ingredients:

• 2 Medium Zuccchini peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick horizontally
• 1 tsp Himalayan salt
• 1 tsp crushed black pepper
• Spray Olive Oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees F.  
2. Spray Cookie sheet with olive oil to prevent zucchini from sticking
3. Place slices of Zucchini on cookie sheet, making sure there is only 1 layer of zucchini
4. Top with Himalayan salt and pepper over zucchini slices.
5. Cook for 90 minutes
6. Eat within 2 hours

Seriously, this yummy snack does not get much easier!! 

*For those who are using the 21 DAY FIX EXTREME, the breakdown is very simple...
1 GREEN ;)

If you are looking for more easy, healthy recipes for snack, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with tips on clean eating, motivation and accountability to help you reach your health and fitness goals, please fill out my application below for a spot in my next fitness challenge (held in a closed group on Facebook)!  

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15 LOW CALORIE FOODS!

15 LOW CALORIE FOODS!

Sometimes, we just need that "crunch", or few bites of something just to keep us going without having that yucky bloated and full feeling! So I am excited to help you out!!

Do not feel you have to starve yourself to get to your weight loss goals! There are TONS of ZERO CALORIE foods that you can have to satisfy you and will keep you moving forward with your weight loss goals!

1. ASPARAGUS- This yummy green veggie is not only low in calories, but it contains high levels of amino acids and acts as a diuretic, flushing excess fluid out of your system!

2. BERRIES- Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, whatever you would like, they are full of anti-inflammatories, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

3. BROCCOLI- This veggie is packed with lots of fiber, vitamins and minerals and contains antioxidants that can actually help improve odds of breast cancer survival and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

4. BRUSSEL SPROUTS- Ok, I seriously, NEVER ate this veggie until about a year ago! I was missing out!! This veggie is full of fiber and cancer preventing phytonutrients.

5. CAULIFLOWER- Cauliflower is full of cancer-fighting phytonutrients, and is a great source of Vitamin C and folate.  I love making healthy pizzas made with Cauliflower crust! 

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Clean

6. CUCUMBER- Cucumbers are a great source of antioxidants and Vitamin C.  Cucumbers help reduce inflammation, flushes out toxins, and helps fight cancer. Cucumber are also known to help improve blood sugar and reduce cholesterol.

7. GRAPEFRUIT- A.KA. The "Powerhouse for Heart Health"- This amazing fruit contains Vitamin C, Folic Acid, & Potassium, along with Pectin which is a soluble fiber that may help against atherosclerosis. 

8. KALE- Kale is one of the best superfoods and is a great source of Vitamin B, Folic Acid, and Mangenese which helps regulate blood sugar and is essential for proper immune system function.

9. LEMON- These citrus fruits are filled Vitamin C and are a great source of Fiber. Studies have shown that loading up on C-rich  citrus at the first sign of illness may reduce the duration of a cold by a day.

10. LETTUCE- What is great about lettuce is you can eat just about any kind and its all good for you!! I like to go for the dark green, which has a great source of B Vitamins,  folic acid, and Manganese, which helps regulate blood sugar and is essential for proper immune system function.

11. PEPPERS- These veggies are packed with Vitamin C fiber and are perfect for that craving for "crunchy" snacks! 

12. SPAGHETTI SQUASH- This amazing veggie that replaces noodles while making you feel fuller, has a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.  It is high in fiber and helps aid in weight loss.  Squash helps reduce the risk of heart disease, helps regulates blood sugar, and lowers cholesterol.

13. TEA- Teas are high in polyphenols which are anti-oxidants that protects cells from DNA damage that can cause cancer and other diseases.  Tea can also lower LDL cholesterol or "bad" cholesterol, ward off osteoporosis, and boost your brain power.

14. TOMATOES- These nice red veggies contain lots of potassium, fiber, and Vitamin C. 

15. ZUCCHINI- This veggie is packed with Vitamin A & is the ultimate high volume food where you can eat it, and fill up fast on just a few calories!

 Ok, so how often do you eat these foods? Maybe time to replace those unhealthy, greasy foods and snack with colorful, fresh foods that will help improve your health, and at the same time, fuel your body so it craves more of these superfoods and high quality foods so you can get closer to your health and fitness goals!

If you would like more tips, support, and accountability to tone, lose 5, 10, 25, or 50 lbs, please fill out the application below for an exclusive spot in my next 30 day online fitness challenge group! 
This includes daily check in's to keep yourself on track to those BIG goals! I will respond to your application within 24 hours.

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Balsamic Scallops & Asparagus over Spaghetti Squash

Today was a PERFECT day for meal prepping!! Easter is over and it was FINALLY nice outside! So the grill came out, I took my challenger grocery shopping and we prepped our meals for the week together!

Some of the groceries we bought were:

VEGGIES:

Green beans

Asparagus

Spaghetti Squash

Butternut Squash

Onions 

Tomatoes

Spring mix/Spinach 

Mushrooms

Protein:

Chicken

93% Lean Beef (for hubby and maybe I'll have some stuffed peppers :) )

Egg whites

Tilapia

Scallops

Fats:

Natural Peanut Butter

EVOO

Almonds (raw and yes I buy coconut almonds by blue diamond)

PB2 (peanut butter powder with 85% less fat)

Dairy:

Almond milk

Greek Yogurt (plain)

Other:

Balsamic Vinegar

Agave nectar

Fresh minced garlic

So here is an example of what I get when I am eating clean and prepping for the week.  Since my NPC Figure Competition Saturday, I have literally fallen off track with my eating which I kinda new it was going to happen because I was allowing myself to enjoy a couple days before cracking back down to the grind.  Fortunately, I actually miss my clean foods!  Once you are eating so healthy, your body and taste buds get acquired to what you are feeding your body with, just as if you eat unhealthy. 

So on a good note, I'm excited for this meal prep and get back into my regimen!

**NEW RECIPE ALERT**

BALSAMIC SCALLOPS & ASPARAGUS OVER SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Serves 2 

Ingredients:

• Scallops 8 oz
• 1 bunch of fresh Asparagus 
• 1 medium Spaghetti Squash
• 4 Tbsp EVOO 
• 4 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar 
• 1/4 red onion chopped
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1 cup chopped bella mushrooms
• Spray Pam

Directions:

1. Turn on grill and pre-heat to medium 
2. Take Spaghetti squash and cut length wise, and with a spoon  cut out the seeds and middle. 
3. Flip squash upside down so round is facing up onto a plate.  Put in microwave and cook for 12-14 min (depending on how big).
4. Cut asparagus stems off and place on large piece of foil. 
5. Add 1 Tbsp EVOO on top of asparagus, along with 1 Tbsp minced garlic, mushrooms, and 1/4 red onion chopped. Place on grill for approximately 6 minutes or until dark green and tender to poke with fork.
6. On another piece of foil, spray with Pam and place scallops on top and put on grill to cook for approximately 8 minutes.
7. Once spaghetti squash is done, use fork and take out squash (should look like spaghetti).  Put on plate (approximately 2 servings per squash)
8. Once asparagus is done, set 6 slices on top of spaghetti squash with onions, mushrooms and garlic.
9. Place scallops (4 oz per serving) on top of asparagus and spaghetti squash.  Top of with 1 Tbsp EVOO and 2 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar. 
10. Serve and ENJOY!!

One of the fitness programs I use frequently to help with my own health and fitness goals is the 21 DAY FIX EXTREME where the program is focused on portion control, but has a variety of workouts... you get Upper body, Lower body, Total body, Cardio, Yoga, and Pilates, but whats even better is the program challenges you with using weights during each workout!

For the 21 Day Fix Extreme, I use:

1 Red container

2 Green Containers

1 Blue container

*If you interested in getting more clean recipes, nutrition and fitness tips, and would like daily accountability and support to reach your health and fitness goals, please fill out the application below for a spot in my next 6 week Beachbody Boot Camp Challenge!  

Time to get that summer body so you don't have to be covered up at the beach or pool!

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