MY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SINCE I STARTED GETTING HEALTHY WITH BEACH BODY!

Today Is such a special day for me… 1 year ago, I started my transformation by joining a challenge group using Beach Body products.  I was definitely skeptical because #1. I didn’t have the money after having my second child and had 2 in diapers, going part-time, and building a house, #2. I did not even know if the products work, and #3. I didn’t have time with two kids, along with finishing school.  I could have used those excuses, but I trusted my gut and went with it.  What is the worst that can happen right!?  I started out with Insanity Aug 6^th 2012 and went all the way.. SHAKEOLOGY once daily, workouts 5-6 days a week (INSANITY), and eating healthy.. I was getting results, but did not feel they were coming fast enough.. Did that stop me?!? NO!! Im not one to quit so easily!! Also, you don’t know if it works, until you finish it!! Here, as I was slowly making progress, IT WAS STILL PROGRESS!! Every 30 days I was making changes (slowly), until looking at 90 days when I finished my challenge.. Those 30 day marks added up and now looking at the big picture, I had awesome results!! I changed my eating habits, build strength with my workouts, had more energy, and felt amazing!! It was not until after my challenges, that I was so excited with my results that I had to do this myself and coach others in challenge groups to watch them transform into their own success stories!! This is what I do now.. I watch people live a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle and it feels AMAZING!! This is one of the best opportunities I have had and it is all because I decided to participate in a challenge group! I know if I hadn’t, I would not be where I am today!  I have officially completed INSANITY, TURBO FIRE, ULTIMATE RESET, and ON T25 with a little P90X adn LES MILLS COMBAT! THANK YOU BEACH BODY!!

Now for how today went.. Great!! I am so motivated right now and am taking advantage of my opportunity to be healthy! This morning I had a new shake!! 

Pina Colada SHAKEOLOGY

• 1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
• 6 oz organic all natural pineapple juice
• 1/2 c pineapple chunks
• 2 oz c water
• A few pieces of ice
• Blend!

SHAKEOLOGY is not only good for you, but great for your kids!! My 1 and 2 yr old LOVE their SHAKEOLOGY!! They even fight over the next sip!! :) This is what being healthy is all about.. SHARING HEALTH with your family!! I wouldn't have this any other way!! 

I did my T25 of course, total body circuit (Its a killer!!)
I followed my meal plan as I planned and I feel great!  I had an apple and string cheese for a snack

Lunch: Quinoa salad and turkey meatloaf

Snack: Black bean, corn, and  edamame salad (under my recipes)

Dinner: Artichoke Lemon Pesto Chicken Pasta (under my recipes)

Snack: Kale chips (did not need my extra shake)

Just a little tip: YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!!!  DON'T GIVE INTO THOSE SMALL TEMPTATIONS THAT ARE ONLY TEMPORARY... LOOK FOR THE LONG TERM SATISFACTION!! :)

Artichoke Lemon Pesto Chicken Pasta

Artichoke Lemon Pesto Chicken Pasta

Prep time:  35 mins Cook time:  20 mins Total time:  55 mins

Serves: 4-5 

Ingredients

•1lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (or chicken thighs if you prefer)

•1 large spaghetti squash, cut in half lengthwise (get a BIG one)

•12-15 artichoke hearts, cut in half (I used jarred artichokes that were in olive oil for more flavor)

•⅓ cup walnuts

•4-5 tablespoons olive oil

•4-5 tablespoons vegetable broth

•2 garlic cloves, minced

•½ cup fresh parsley

•½ cup fresh basil

•juice of 1 lemon

•salt and pepper, to taste

•3-5 cups of spinach (optional)

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 405 degrees (not 450, stop questioning me)

2.Cut the squash in half lengthwise, place cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes or until squash gives when you poke the outside of it.

3.Use a spoon to remove the excess seeds then a fork to thread the strings from the squash. To make spaghetti, duh.

4.But while the squash is baking, make the pesto and chicken.

5.Place a large pan over medium-high heat, add a splash of fat and 1 minced garlic clove. As soon as the garlic becomes fragrant, add the halved artichokes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and let cook until slightly browned and tender on all sides.

6.Once artichokes are browned, add them to a food processor along with the walnuts, olive oil, vegetable broth, and second garlic clove. Puree until smooth.

7.Then add the parsley, basil, lemon, and salt and pepper. Puree once more until smooth. Taste and add more lemon and salt and pepper to your preference.

8.Once pesto is done pureeing, add the chicken to the same pan that you sautéed the artichokes in.

9.Cook chicken over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper.

10.Once chicken is cooked through, add in about ¼ of a cup of the pesto to the chicken along with the spinach, in the pan and mix well to coat. Cover and let cook for 2-4 minutes or until spinach is wilted.

11.Then add the threads of spaghetti squash to the pan (or a large mixing bowl if you need more room). Mix spaghetti squash, pesto, and chicken all together.

12.Serve with some fresh basil on top.

This recipe is from PALEOOMG which is an awesome site that I started looking at after a friend introduced me.. The recipes are awesome and I recommend using them!!