Homemade Almond Butter

I've been on an almond kick lately, so what better way to use almonds than making almond butter?  We all know the less ingredients you have, the healthier it usually is right?? Also, knowing how to pronounce the words assures you its clean, and not full of chemicals and preservatives that cause bloating, cravings, and health issues. 
Im such a fan of saving money and making food on my own to not only get more bang for your buck, but making my own food for my family shows them how to live a healthy lifestyle and teaches clean eating young so they can one day lead by example! 
My kids helped me make this for the first time and my 2 yr old LOVED IT!! 

Facts about RAW ALMONDS:

• Almonds are GLUTEN-FRE
• Promotes heart health and normal blood pressure 
• Helps ,lower blood sugar
• Lower bad cholesterol
• Good source of Omega fatty acids
• Nourish the nervous system
• Alkalize the body
• Good brain function
• Almonds contain more magnesium than spinach and oatmeal
• 1 ounce of almonds has as much calcium than 1/4 cup milk
• Also rich in minerals such as Iron, Copper, Zinc, and Potassium
• Casein and Lactose free

Facts about Agave Nectar:

• Low on the glycemic index (normalizes blood sugar)
• 100% natural from the agave plant
• Non- GMO

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN ALMOND BUTTER

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 tsp Himalayan or Sea Salt
• 1/4 tsp Agave Nectar

Directions:

1. Add 1 cup raw almonds to food processor or blender (I recommend food processor or good blender)
2. Blend almonds for approximately 5 minutes or until smooth and no clumps.  You may need to stop and scrape the almonds off the sides a few times.
3. Add salt and Agave nectar and blend for another minute.  
4. Serve with your favorite side!

SHAKEOLOGY VS. IT WORKS "GREENS" and "PRO FIT"

SHAKEOLOGY VS. IT WORKS GREENS & PRO FIT

I have been getting a lot of questions concerning the difference between IT WORKS GREENS and SHAKEOLOGY.  I am so excited to actually discuss this because I am familiar with both! Before starting my business with BEACHBODY, I actually was an IT WORKS independent distributor.  I have knowledge with both and more importantly, EXPERIENCE with them both.  I have had a good amount of customers using both as well, which was a better indication of what I should represent for my friends and family. 

IT WORKS GREENS:

With 8+ servings of fruits and vegetables and a blend of 38 herbs and nutrient-rich superfoods, Greens provides naturally occurring, bioavailable vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and enzymes to give your already well-balanced diet a nutritional boost.

 

-Comes in 2 flavors: orange and berry

-Detoxify, alkalize, and promote pH balance within the body

-Acidity-fighting magnesium and potassium blend

-Includes probiotic support for digestive health

-38 herbs and nutrient-rich superfoods

-8+ servings of fruits and vegetables in every scoop

-Free radical-fighting antioxidants

-Contains SOY protein

WHY IS SOY BAD FOR YOU?! After research, it is found that over 99% of soy in genetically modified and has one of the highest percentages of contamination by pesticides of our foods.  It has also found to affect thyroid and hormone levels. 

*This is NOT a meal replacement- This is simply a drink that does not have any protein, fats, carbohydrates, sugar, or calories.

Price:

33$ for loyal customers (50$ up-front fee with minimum 3 month commitment and 50$ penalty fee if canceled during that time)

40% retail

- To get the free shipping with It works, you must have auto ship for 3 months prior to getting free shipping. 

It WORKS Pro FIT

I have had many comments about comparing only the Greens and Shakeology, so I am adding in Pro FIT which is It WORKS protein drinks.  
The reason I am comparing the two is because with Shakeology, it is NOT a protein drink, nor just a shake with nutrients.... which putting BOTH Greens and Pro fit together still does not add up to Shakeology.  Shakeology is a health shake full of dense nutrition, more protein that is needed for muscle repair, and also has enough calories, fat, and protein to carbohydrate ratio which is how Shakeology keeps you full for longer.  

Pro FIT nutrition facts:
Calories: 100
Protein: 14
Fat: 2
Sugar: 1
Carbs: 5
Although the nutrition facts are important and do tell you this is not enough to replace an entire meal, it also is not the only indicator of what clean eating is.  
It is the nutrients and ingredients that make a difference and 
you will notice again, soy is an ingredient towards the top which means it has a higher amount of that ingredient.  
You will also notice, comparing to Shakeology, in Pro FIT, there is not 70 natural ingredients and super foods which is going to give you a natural boost of energy, help your cravings, and improve your overall health (including heart health).

SHAKEOLOGY

Shakeology is a MEAL REPLACEMENT that is used in place of any meal during your day.  This is NOT a protein shake or a diet shake, but is a meal that gives you your daily dose of dense nutrition.

-Comes in 4 different flavors:

Chocolate

Vanilla

Green berry

Strawberry

VEGAN chocolate (vegan is Gluten free, soy free, and wheat free. The protein is from plant protein Pea and Brown rice protein)

VEGAN strawberry

-GLUTEN FREE

-Protein- Whey Protein ISOLATE which is the purest of proteins that have least amount of lactose (will improve digestion).

Shakeology includes:

-More than 70 super-nutritious ingredients.

-Proteins, Vitamins, and Minerals – to help reduce hunger and food cravings.

-Antioxidants and Phytonutrients – to help detoxify and protect the body against free radical damage.

-Adaptogen Herbs – to help increase energy and combat stress.

-Prebiotics, Probiotics, Fiber, and Digestive Enzymes – to aid digestion and promote regularity.

Plus, Shakeology can help:

• Build and repair muscles

• Promote ideal blood sugar levels

• Support brain function to help promote alert thinking and a positive mood

• Promote healthy skin, hair, and nails

Price: You can get a month supply for 129$/month in home direct (HD), which you can cancel at any time without a penalty. 

If you break it down, it comes out to 4$/day.  I like comparing this to other meals you would have during this meal if you were not using Shakeology.  Please note, this includes your protein, carbs, NATURAL sugar, daily servings of veggies, and daily multi-vitamin.

Can you even get a 6 oz steak for McDonald’s/Starbucks for 4$?

It is time to think smart, and eat smart.. I was very skeptical on using Shakeology because it was 129$ every month.. But I knew within the first month, I was getting great results along with getting all these health benefits.  So what I did was went to the grocery store with my list and looked at all the ingredients I was getting for a meal.. For instance, I had 1 green pepper, 1 cucumber, kalamata olives, feta cheese, spinach, 1 piece of chicken, tomatoes, and a sweet potato..

If you add these up you will come up with 17$ and you will have a salad for 4  days… Even if you take 17 x 7.5 (30 days in a month and getting even the salads alone every 4 days) is 127.50…

*this is not including your sweet potato or chicken every day. Also not including your daily multi-vitamin which ranges between 10-25$ depending on where you get it.

The point of me breaking this down for you just shows what your getting physically with your money, but does not compare to the savings you will doctor visits, medication adjustments (including blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, anti-inflammatory, and I have had customers decrease and get off medication for Crohn’s and Diabetes).

I hope these comparisons helped you see a difference between Shakeology and It works nutrition supplements and their Pro fit protein drink. I am not here to try and promote one over another, but simple you facts so you can hopefully make a determination on what is best for you and your health long term.

Clean Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

So I'm a spicy kinda girl and LOVE hot sauce on almost anything! So instead of eating one of my old favorites, buffalo wings, WHY NOT make a clean recipe out of it?!
Sometimes, its hard for me to get all my veggies in, well certain veggies that is.. I have a hard time with carrots, celery, and cauliflower.. I needed to find a way to get these in without taking the meaning of healthy away from it.  Buffalo Cauliflower bites was the way to go!!

CLEAN BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER BITES

Ingredients:
1/2 head cauliflower, crumbled into bite size pieces
1/2 cup almond flour
3/4 cup almond milk
2 tsp garlic powder
Himalayan salt and crushed black pepper to taste
1 cup Sriracha chili sauce (My favorite hot sauce EVER)
2 tbsp EVOO

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 F
Whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, 1/2 cup sriracha, salt and pepper until smooth (if its too clumpy, you may need to add a little more milk)
Dunk your cauliflower bites
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle EVOO on it
Use a spoon to place bites onto paper
Pour remaining of sauce on top and bake for 20 min
When cauliflower bites are done, take out and add the 1/2 cup sriracha and 2 tbsp EVOO to the top and bake for another 5 minutes.

Serve with Clean Ranch Dressing and celery if you wish!!
ENJOY!!

If you would like more recipes, tips on weight loss or reaching your fitness goals, consider a spot in my next challenge group! This is a closed group on face book where you get 1:1 support and motivation by me as your health and fitness coach! You no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars on a personal trainer 3 X a week, I am here for you 24/7 for your entire 30, 60, or 90 day challenge!

My next challenge group is starting Feb 10th and is the 21 DAY FIX! This is a brand spanking new program that focuses on portion control, along with exercise.  What a great way to either jump start your body or get off of a plateau! Im not kidding you, people have lost 10-15 lbs in just 21 days.. all because you are using the correct portions and exercising 30 min a day! Everyone can make time for 30 min a day right?!? We make time for what is important! The great part about this is you even get your own containers in this package, along with a nutrition guide! You will be all set for your new healthy lifestyle!

If you would like a spot in my Feb 10th Challenge group, please fill out the application below and I will contact you for more information!

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Vanilla Shakeology

People have been asking for 2 years, WHY NO VANILLA SHAKEOLOGY??? Since we value our shakes so much, co-founder of Beach Body Carl Daikeler , Isabelle Daikeler, and Darin Olien was not going to use just any ingredients to make SHAKEOLOGY.  They use ingredients from all over the world, but only where the soil and air is best for the crops to grow.  After searching and searching, the perfect Vanilla Bean was found in the jungles of Madagascar where the farmers hand pollinate delicate vanilla orchids, hand harvest the beans, and then sun cure them to bring out the  robust flavor, without removing the nutrition from the plant! 

What can SHAKEOLOGY do for you:

Give you ENERGY

Curbs CRAVINGS

Helps with WEIGHT LOSS

Reduce the risk of Heart Disease

Why Shakeology over other popular name brand shakes/diets? First off, I am a coach that helps people reach their health and fitness goals, whether it be losing weight, toning, or bulk.  What I do is NOT a diet… it is simply a LIFESTYLE!  I teach people to live off of what they do, eat regular food, not starving yourself, but keeping your metabolism increased, and getting enough nutrients in your body to stay healthy and add years to your life! 

Why SHAKEOLOGY? Shakeology is NOT a protein shake, it is a MEAL REPLACEMENT full of dense nutrition.  If you want to compare nutritional facts, that is perfectly fine, BUT I assure you, you will not be getting the answer by looking just at nutritional content.  Look at the ingredients you are taking in, and the benefits of each ingredient.  If you have any education on nutrition, you will notice EVERY ingredient (over 70) are ALL NATURAL, NON GMO, and EVERY single ingredient has some kind of benefit to your body.  Our VEGAN SHAKEOLOGY is WHEAT FREE, SOY FREE, & GLUTEN FREE!

What these ingredients do:

Amino Acids and protein- Help rebuild and repair muscle tissue after being broken down from working out,  improves your immune system and fight disease, and reduce cravings.

Digestive enzymes and prebiotics- Helps regulate your digestive system, keep you regular, and helps you absorb nutrients

Anti-oxidants and phytonutrients- reverse damage done to your by disease causing free radicals. Reduce the risk of heart disease.

Now, Back to VANILLA!!

Vanilla Benefits:

Fights Cancer- Anti-oxidants block free radicals -- substances known to cause cancer and aging

Helps with relaxation- The scent of vanilla has a calming effect that can complement traditional treatments for anxiety.

Kills Bacteria- They found that vanillin inhibited the growth of all strains. Vanillin appeared to be most effective in foods with low pH values

DON”T LIKE VEGGIES??? Don’t worry, 1 glass of Shakeology is like going to the salad bar 6 times!!

Don’t have time to prepare meals every day, don’t worry, have a glass of SHAKEOLOGY!

HOW MUCH DOES SHAKEOLOGY COST? You can purchase a month of SHAKEOLOGY for 129$, which gives you 1 month supply.  This comes out to 4$ per day for an entire meal! Yes, all of these NATURAL ingredients in ONE shake! This saves you one meal for an entire month of spending on ingredients at the grocery store, going to fast food (burger king, Arby’s, McDonalds, or even Starbucks) and spending way more than 4$ without the nutrition and health benefits! 

It’s easy, tastes great, nutritious, and you can make more than just shakes with it! 

This is by far, my FAVORITE VIDEO CLIP EVER with SHAKEOLOGY!! Please watch and get a laugh, but also, notice the actual ingredients in these shakes!! Now you will see why we value our shakes!!!

                   SHAKEOLOGY WITH TONY HORTON

*If you are interested in getting your SHAKEOLOGY NOW, you can order in HD (home direct) and get FREE SHIPPING! http://www.MyShakeology.com/Deidrap8

Vegan and Glute Free Chick Pea Cookies

Vegan and Gluten Free Chick Pea Cookies

Ingredients:

1 can chick peas

3 tbsp natural peanut butter

2 tbsp agave nectar

1 tbsp baking powder

Flax egg (1 tbsp flax (ground)  + 3 tbsp water)

1/3 c chocolate chip cookies

1 tbsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Puree chick peas, peanut butter, agave nectar, flax egg, and baking powder in a food processor.

Stir in chocolate chips

Form into small cookies and bake at 350 degrees!!

Double Strawberry Cheescake Shakeology!!

DOUBLE Strawberry Cheesecake Shakeology- using TROPICAL STRAWBERRY SHAKEOLOGY!!!

Ingredients:

1 Scoop Tropical Strawberry Shakeology

½ fresh strawberries

2 tbsp sugar free fat free cheesecake pudding mix

2 tbsp pb2 (or natural peanut butter)

8 oz almond milk (or 4 z almond milk and 4 oz water)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Ice

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together in a blender and BLEND!!!! How simple can you get?! This is my absolute FAVORITE Tropical Strawberry Shake!!!  Most of the Strawberry Cheesecake Shake recipes call for Greenberry Shakeology, But I also LOVE using the Strawberry along with fresh Strawberries to make it extra berrylicious!!!