Grain-free Chicken strips

Grain free Chicken Strips

I adapted this recipe from another one I found in a magazine. They recipe called for all-purpose flour, and I suppose if you don't really care either way, you can use whatever flour floats your boat. :) I like to use garbanzo bean flour when doing breaded foods as it has a great consistency.

Hope you enjoy them as much as we did!

Ingredients:

- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup  and 2 tbsp garbanzo flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

1. In a skillet, heat oil on med/high heat until shimmering.  Reduce to medium heat.
2. In a shallow bowl or dish, add 1/2 cup of garbanzo flour.
3. In a second dish, whisk the 2 eggs.
3. In a third dish add the parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp garbanzo flour.
4. After chicken is cut into pieces, pat dry with paper towel.
5. Dip chicken in flour, then egg, and last parmesan cheese mixture.
6. Place chicken strips into pan 4 at a time and cook for approximately 3 minutes per side.

Get your favorite dip and enjoy! :)

Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Chocolate Shakeology Muffins

Say that 10 times fast!



Yep. Muffins with Shakeology. Because, why not?


The boys really wanted chocolate chip pancakes today for breakfast. But I really wanted to try something new. So I pulled together some basic muffin ingredients, threw in some shakeology and chocolate chips and there you have it. A delicious, not-too-sweet but oh-so-good and tasty muffin.



And there you have it! Easy to make and the kids LOVED them.





Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Chocolate Shakeology Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 1/4 cups gluten free oat flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1 packet Chocolate Shakeology
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut or almond milk
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• extra coconut oil for greasing pan
• Optional - 1 tbsp coconut sugar for decorating

Instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 400°F.
2. Using coconut oil, coat the muffin pan or place paper muffin/cupcake liners into the muffin pan.
3. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl and mix with a whisk so that everything is well combined. Stir in 3/4 cups of the chocolate chips.
4. In a separate bowl combine all the wet ingredients, making sure the eggs are well incorporated as well.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. IMPORTANT: If you stir too much the muffins will become too dense. For the muffins to be fluffy and moist just stir everything until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
6. Spoon the batter evenly into muffin cup.
7. Sprinkle the tops of the batter with the remaining chocolate chips and the coconut sugar.
8. Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes, checking after 14 minutes.
9. Once the muffins are finished baking cool on a wire rack.
   
   
   Devour! :)

**If following the 21 Day Fix, 1 muffin= 1 yellow 1/4 red and 1 tsp.

California Chicken Wraps

I cannot take full credit for this recipe as it was adopted from Danielle Walker's newest cookbook, Meals Made Simple. When in a crunch, I usually just toss them into a lettuce wrap or cabbage leaf, however you can also use her recipe for the tortilla wraps that are absolutely amazing!

California Chicken Wraps:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
3 Tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1 cup spinach or romaine lettuce


Ranch Dressing:

1/2 cup plain yogurt (I use greek yogurt)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried dill
1/2 tsp drived chives
1 tsp vinegar
3 tbsp water
salt to taste

Directions:

Mix together all ingredients for the dressing and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Mix together the dijon and honey. Place chicken on grill or in a skillet with some coconut oil. Brush both sides of the chicken with the dijon/honey mixture. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side brushing each side once again when turning the chicken.

Cut the chicken into pieces and assemble the wrap. Top with the ranch dressing.

Enjoy!!

Your why, my why....Our why.

People are always commenting and giving their 2 cents on parenting. How hard it is. The sleepless

nights. The constant crying. The never-ending dependence of these little people who just cannot help themselves.

And we know this going into parenthood, I think. It's "easy" to prepare for the sleep deprivation, the perma-puke, the poopy diapers and even the colicky baby. We've been warned by generation after generation about how hard it's going to be. We get it.

But I think the part that no one can prepare you for, the part that is so difficult to describe in words, is the completely helpless feeling you get when your child is heart-broken and sad. We expect crying from just being an infant, or from the pain of a broken bone or scrape.Those things are "easy" to fix and kiss away. The part that no one really tells you about is when you've said or done something that completely breaks their ever-loving heart. When they look at you with those eyes, and you can literally see the hurt they're feeling. But it's a hurt you can't make better. Or if you can, you don't know how. It's a hurt that can really only get better with time. 

They come home feeling upset about a kid who made fun of them at school. They get down on themselves about making a mistake in class. They do something that you wouldn't be proud of and you show your disappointment and they are sad! They've let you down and they feel guilt and shame for that. And then there are the times when YOU do or say something and you can't take it back. You yell or scream because you're frustrated. You have to tell them someone close to them has died. These are the moments that are impossible to prepare for as a parent. 

Last night as I was tucking the boys in bed, I reminded them that I would be leaving early in the morning for a work trip until Tuesday night, and then leaving again Wednesday night to be gone until Sunday. I was laying by Elliot and he looked at my face with those eyes, and he said "I feel like I want to cry, mom." And I said "you can cry buddy, but I will be back. I promise! And you'll have dad. You don't have anything to worry about." And then his eyes welled up with tears, he wrapped his arm around my neck and began sobbing. At this moment, probably because of a ripple effect, Jack began to cry as well. And then MY eyes began to get wet.

I broke their hearts. There is a routine that we have and an expectation and me leaving throws everything off. I tried to explain WHY I had to go, and that I have to work. And I explained that I am doing it for them. But they're 5 and 7. And while they're intelligent people, kids want their parents there to love and protect them. And they weren't feeling that at this moment.

I know that I have to work. Their reactions to me leaving do not change the fact that we still need to have an income to provide for our family. BUT, their feelings, their broken-hearts, and their tears helped define WHY I'm builing a business that will allow me to be with them more. 

I had a bit of an "aha" moment last night. I was about to get on a call to speak to individuals about why Beachbody coaching has and will continue to change my life, and the opportunity it can provide for others, and just before the call, here I am laying in bed with my children, crying because I have to go on a work trip away from them.

And it hit me. I'm building this business for THEM. For US. My why can be described in one word: Family. 

To the mom who puts herself first...

We've all heard the mantra "it takes a village", but I don't think many families practice this anymore.


I think one of the hardest things to admit as a mom, is that we need a break. That we cannot do it all and that we don't want to, even if we could. I love being a mom and I love my children more than anything in the world. But that doesn't mean that I don't get sick of them. It doesn't mean there aren't days where I want to scream and kick and throw a tantrum because I want something for myself! I see so many moms who are trying to do it all, be everything and do everything for their children. And not just do it, but do it RIGHT. We have become a society with such high expectations of parents, that somewhere, we've stopped enjoying the very thing that makes us great parents. Ourselves.

We hear less and less supportive words, and more words of judgment. We hear that we gave up our own lives when we chose to have children. Well, I for one, completely disagree with that. You are still a person! You are still YOU. And you cannot be a good parent, if you cannot first be YOU.

So,

To the mom who sits in her car for a few extra minutes before walking into what is bound to be a crazy madhouse filled with dirty dishes, laundry and toys strewn about and your small people asking what's for dinner: You're doing a good job.

To the mom who hires a babysitter so she can go grocery shopping in peace: You're doing a good job.

To the mom who has been in the bathroom for 20 minutes (we all know women don't take that long to poop, c'mon!): You're doing a good job.

To the mom who drinks wine every night, sometimes before the kids even go to bed: You're doing a good job.

To the mom who spends her work bonus on a pair of shoes she really doesn't need: You're doing a good job.

To the mom who has just spent countless hours up all night with a sick child and is running on 2 hours of sleep, but can't wait to get away and get to work: You're doing a good job.

To the mom sneaking chocolate and potato chips into the closet where the kids can't find you: You're doing a good job.

To the mom who takes time for herself; the mom who spends time alone, the one who continues to do what she loves BECAUSE she has kids to care for; the mom who knows that she cannot be the mom she needs to be if she cannot first be selfish and take care of number 1: You're doing a GREAT job!


Let us begin to love more and judge less. To support each other, as moms. To offer a helping hand to a mom who needs some time to herself. Because at the end of the day, we're all doing the best we can for the little loves of our lives. And we ALL have that in common.

3 reasons why gym memberships don't work

In 2014 the annual gym and health club industry revenue was $21.8 BILLION dollars.

68.5% of American's are considered overweight or obese. Please don't misunderstand my message here. Obesity and weight gain are NOT the enemy. It's not about looks. It's not about fitting into a mold that society has created. But, it is a FACT, that obesity is linked to higher rates of heart disease, stroke and death. According to the National Institute of Health, obesity and overweight together are the 2nd leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

With such a large gym and health club industry, one would believe the rates of obesity would be lower. And here is where we find out WHY gym memeberships don't work.

1. It's not about the workout. Only 20% of your success and results are coming from your workout. It is a well-known fact that you cannot outwork a bad diet. Good nutrition is ESSENTIAL to your success in weight loss and increased health.
2. You're not actually working out. Of the 58 million people who have a gym membership, 67% of them never step foot in the gym. Of the remaining 33%, the average number of times per week that people with gym memberships actually GO to the gym, is two. Twice a week. The US Dept. of Health and Human services recommends at least 60 minutes per day of aerobic activity to meet the PAG (physical activity guidelines). Guess what? Your twice a week trip to the gym, just isn't cutting it. 
3. Accountabilty. This is by far, the biggest reason that people fail. No one is keeping you accountable at the gym. It's just you, on your own. You need an accountability partner or a coach. The first couple of days with a new gym membership are exciting! The excitement wears off though, and that's when it gets tough. That is when you need someone beside you telling you to keep going. Someone who is reminding you why you started. Someone who knows you and knows your weaknesses. Without that person, you will allow the negative thoughts to seep back in, and in turn, fall off the proverbial wagon.

If you're a person who just hates exercise and you really would like to just do the bare minimum to stay somewhat healthy, then a gym may actually be a good option for you, however your twice a week eliptical, is still not cutting it. Get up and move around. Try new things and maybe even *gasp* go in the weight room!

On the other hand, if you DO like exercising and need a boost or kick in the pants, but personal training isn't in the budget, I urge you to consider trying an at home program with a coach.

If you're interested in kicking the gym thing to the curb (or you already have!), message me and we can chat. I would love to set you up with an accountability partner or be your coach.

21 Day Fix extreme progress...more than halfway!

I've completed many rounds of the 21 Day Fix program with great success. It's a very do-able program for people of all levels, whether just beginning or having high fitness capabilities.

When 21 Day Fix Extreme was launched, I knew I had to get it. I was excited to push myself to the next level for some extreme results.  What I learned over the first week, will stick with me for life. This program PUSHES you. I felt prepared having completed the 21 Day Fix, however there is nothing that could have prepared me for Extreme.  I don't say that to scare anyone. Truly. It's an amazing program but it is SERIOUS. I struggled the first week but did every workout and stuck as close to the meal plan as I possibly could. I won't say it's been easy and I would never say I have been perfect at it. I am far from perfect. BUT, I keep remembering what Autumn always says and I let the past stay in the past. Just because I had a bad day yesterday, doesn't mean I couldn't give it my all today.

So here I sit on week 3 of the program and I'm feeling fabulous!! I don't think I will see my abs by the end of this week, BUT, another round of this and I think there's a good chance I might. :)

The difference between the two programs doesn't seem huge at first glance, but it definitely is. The workouts are more intense and use more weights. The meal plans are more dialed in and offer the option for an even more extreme plan, using the countdown to competition plan. I haven't followed that plan until this week and my results thus far are still pretty astounding.

If you're looking for a program that will take you to the next level, THIS. IS. IT. This program is the real deal. Follow it and you'll see results. Plain and simple.