Heading into week 2 of Boston Marathon Training!

Week 1 down...Week 2 here I come!!

It was awesome to wake up to Coach Dan's email this morning talking about heading into week 2 of marathon training.  It is crazy that week 1 has flown by already.  Felt awesome getting a few short runs in, some cross training, and then the long run in on Saturday!

I love that with the beginner marathon training schedule, Dan is a huge supporter of listening to your body and adjusting accordingly.  If you need a cross training day, or an extra day off, then take it. Your body will thank you in the long run. 

In the first week, my short runs were done on the treadmill because it was 5am and I do not have any reflective gear...something I perhaps need to invest in!  But the long run yesterday, I could not have asked for a more beautiful day.  Smiling ear to ear, my feet hit the pavement and it all came together as to how amazing it is to run for the American Red Cross.  The team of individuals organizing the team runs, etc and the individuals who are training for the marathon are sure to be friends I will have for a lifetime.  I did not make it out to Newton for our team run together but will be sure to plan for this in the future.  I had already scheduled time to hand out gift bags my girlfriend and I made for the homeless people near us as a happy holiday gesture, so this took priority.  

I am happy to say I have already planned a cross training program to incorporate in with my training so that my body does not break down.  The new Hammer and Chisel beachbody program is absolutely amazing!  Focused on Balance the one day which completely works your core...Endurance another day, which I thought I was in shape until Autumn the trainer kicked my ass on the DVD...another day of strength.  It truly works the entire body and it will ensure my muscles do not break down for the next few months of training.

Nutrition has been on point this week which I am super happy with!  No cheating on my meal plan, shakeology is helping curb my chocolate cravings, and meal prepping prior to the week is just so easy to do!  I will say that after my long run yesterday, being treated to a north end italian dinner was pretty awesome :)

Overall, week 1 was a success and I am ready to tackle week 2.  Thank you to all who have donated so far, I am so grateful!!  If anyone else would like to donate and help me reach my goal of $7,000 please donate here! www.crowdrise.com/lynngugliuzza

ROASTED RED PEPPER & SUN-DRIED TOMATO SOUP

3 Red Bell Peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 bunch Italian parsley, trimmed
1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
salt and pepper to taste
red pepper flakes to taste

1. Place all ingredients, starting with the peppers, into a blender, followed by the rest of the ingredients.
2. Puree until smooth.
3. Pour mixture into a saucepan and simmer until heated through.  It is just that simple!!

I served it with cauliflower "couscous" but you can also mix in brown rice or quinoa as well!

Pre-Marathon Training

The official training has not begun yet but the days leading up to meeting my team are filled with excitement!  I have been continuing to run several times a week, one long run included in that just so my body is not in complete shock once the training begins! I am continuing my weight training with the home workout program Body Beast so that I continue to strengthen my muscles to prepare for what is to come!  Healthy eating is still in full effect and wow has it really been making a difference. Not sure what happened but my mindset has completely changed since entering the race.  I see food as fuel for my workouts, not to satisfy cravings. Am I perfect?  Not by any means.  But it sure is a hell of a lot better than it has been and I can see the benefits from it and feel the benefits!

From the first day I found out I was accepted onto the American Red Cross team till my most recent run in Boston, the weather sure has made the shift into the fall season.  Some research had to be done as well as drilling some friends who have run the marathon in the past about what I need for the winter training months.  New running attire had to be purchased since in the past, I have been only a seasonal runner (spring and summer that is!)

I am trying to slowly teach my body what a new "cold" really is.  50 degrees...no problem!  40 degrees...easy!  Now as the winter season approaches us, 40 and under will have to slowly become the "this is easy and not even cold mindset!"

December 2nd is when I finally get to meet the team, get the official training schedule and get after it!!  With less than 5 months until race day, the butterflies in my stomach will probably continue through race day.

Stay tuned with how team night goes and the start of training!!

Want to donate?  Any amount helps TREMENDOUSLY to reach my goal of $7,000 for Team Red Cross!!  www.crowdrise.com/lynngugliuzza

November BEACHBODY PROMOTIONS!!

Hands up if you love Thanksgiving!! Especially this year with the exciting news that I have been offered a spot on the American Red Cross Boston Marathon 2016 team…I WILL RUN FOR FOOD!! I am honored to be part of this team and would love your support in helping me raise $7,000 for such an amazing organization!!  (Thank you in advance!) www.crowdrise.com/lynngugliuzza

So…back to Thanksgiving…Yes the food is amazing, but what I cherish most is the time spent with family and the memories made. With the craziness of the holiday season, we can sometimes put our health on the back burner.  Little by little we over indulge, skip workouts, have huge portions, and end up feeling like crap leading into the new year which only forces us to make yet another New Year’s Resolution of “get in shape.” So I wanted to share some tips I have learned in recent years to avoid that, but first let's hear the promotions and sales happening this month! 


Once again we have both the 21 Day Fix and the Fix Extreme challenge packs on sale. Love shakeology and know someone who wants the 21 day fix for Christmas? One of these would be perfect for you! 


This month we also have the Cize Challenge Pack with Shakeology and the 21 Day Fix Containers on sale! All of these are $140 for the month of November!



Aside from those the Cize Kickstart Challenge Pack as well as the 21 Day Fix and Fix Extreme Kickstart Challenge Packs will be on sale. With these packages you get a month supply of shakeology, the fitness program, containers, and the 3 Day Refresh Cleanse which might come in handy after Thanksgiving! $180!



Now for the good stuff, here are my top tips to have a happy, healthy, Thanksgiving.

1. Eat Breakfast! Start Thanksgiving day off with a veggie egg white omelette or a bowl of oatmeal! Saving up calories for the big feast does not work. You end up 'spending' a lot more and overindulging because you are so hungry. Or have your shakeology to kick off the day in the best way possible with all the nutrients you need!

2. Pitch In! Offer to bring a healthy version of a dish to the dinner you are attending. Sweet potatoes are always a good one. Many times they are loaded with sugar so here is a healthy version! http://www.recipetobefit.com/2014/03/stuffed-sweet-potatoes.html

3. Divide your plate! Fill your plate half with veggies, one quarter with white turkey meat, and the rest with a healthy starch such as corn or sweet potatoes. 

4. Start the day with physical activity! Just because it is a holiday doesn't mean that you need to skip your workout. If you can't get your workout in take a walk with the family when you are finished eating. 

5. KEEP YOUR GOALS IN MIND! Before heading to your Thanksgiving feast take a few moments to really focus and think about yourself and your goals. Remind yourself of your ultimate vision: a healthier, leaner, happier you! Most importantly have fun with the people you love! 


I will be hosting a challenge group to keep you on tract during the holidays starting on November 16th as well as a 3 Day Refresh Cleanse challenge starting on November 30th. If you are interested in joining either of these let me know! 

I hope you all have an amazing November and holiday! 

Your Coach,

Lynn 

CARROT CAKE BITES

So excited to share this one as carrot cake is one of my favorites!  Coming up with a healthy alternative was my goal!

1 1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup ground flax
1/4 cup ground walnuts
1/4 cup almond meal
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup PB
2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup raisins
handful of crushed walnuts
splash of vanilla extract

Mix it all together, make into bite size using a cookie scoop (about 20-23), freeze, and enjoy!!!

SLOW COOKER BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Put everything into the slow cooker:

2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 Granny smith apple, cored and diced.  Keep the skin on!
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced
1 white onion diced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or more if you like!
1/2 tsp cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg

Toss to combine it all then cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.  When it is done, stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk (I used light coconut milk and it still gives a good depth of flavor!)

Place in 2 separate batches into a blender and puree till the soup is smooth.  Serve it up with some more cayenne pepper on top and some extra coconut milk swirled in if you wish.

SO SO good on a fall or winter day!

CHOCOLATE & PB SHAKEOLOGY BITES (no bake)

1/2 cup chocolate shakeology
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (Any kind)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
3 TBSP raw honey

Mix it all together!  You can add raisins and some cinnamon but that is just me.

Roll into balls about the size of a ping pong ball.

Makes 12, serving size 1 ball.


ENJOY!!! keep them in the freezer for cravings!

SPICY CAULIFLOWER BITES

So we made this one a little different from the recipe in the FIXATE cookbook that goes with the 21 say fix meal plan but I like it because it adds crunch!

6 cups cauliflower florets

1/2 tsp sea salt, divided into two separate 1/4

1/2 cup hot pepper sauce

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1 Tbsp corn starch

2 tsp ground chili powder

1/4 tsp ground smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp maple syrup

1 tsp worcestershire sauce

2 tbp organic grass fed butter

3 cups celery sticks (we chopped them)

Preheat oven to 350.  Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Place cauliflower on sheet and spray.  Season with 1/4 tsp sea salt.

Bake for about 20 minutes.

While that is cooking combine hot sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch over low heat.  Add in spices and whisk to blend.  Heat mixture over med heat, stirring frequently until thickened (about 10 min).

Take cauliflower out of oven and pour sauce over it (while still on the baking sheet) then return to even for 5 min.

We mixed in the chopped celery but you don't have to. ENJOY it!! 

ZUCCHINI BOATS

I had a craving for tacos so I made this bad boy and damn was it delicious!  I did not want the carbs of the tortilla or hard shell so instead I used a zucchini!

Southwestern Spice Mix:

1/2 tsp paprika

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp coriander

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp cayenne (if wanted)

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp sea salt

Make ground turkey in a pan and when it is cooked, add as much of the spice mixture that you want. Set aside.

Cut the Zucchini lengthwise and hollow out the middle using a teaspoon. Set the boats aside.

Chop up the zucchini insides, saute in a pan with black beans (rinsed and dried), quinoa (already cooked), and corn (already cooked). Mix in some chopped tomatoes.  I added salt and pepper at this point.

Stuff the zucchini boats with the cooked mix and meat.  Cook in oven for about 15 minutes at 350 and put in the broiler for additional few minutes.   You can top with a dab of greek yogurt and a little shredded cheese if you wish!

For 21 day fixers: measure out a container of meat for 1 red, 1 yellow container which is the beans/quinoa/corn mix.  It is also 1 green for the zucchini!  ENJOY!

BEAN SALSA

This is the simplest bean salsa you will ever make!  Serve with pita chips, veggies, sweet potato chips...throw it on top of a salad...whatever you want!  OR just get a spoon and dive in!

Mix together 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 3 tablespoons greek yogurt. Then add in:
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 red onion finely diced
1 avocado cut in chunks
2 tomatoes cut in chunks (I take the seeds out so it does not become liquidy)
2 cups frozen corn that is thawed and drained

Mix gently and season with salt and pepper.  ENJOY!!

CREAMY AVOCADO ZOODLES

Use a spiralizer to make zoodles out of 4 zucchini. Then saute them on the stove and add ground pepper (no oil) just a little cooking spray if the pan needs it.  I did it in 4 batches because I wanted to get some nice color on the "pasta"

Then for the sauce...which if you like fettuccine alfredo, this is right up your alley!
In a food processor blend together 1 medium ripe avocado, pepper and salt to taste, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.  Blend until smooth.

Mix it all together and serve!  You can sprinkle just a little Parmesan cheese on top if you want (like a teaspoon).  Makes 4 servings.

21 Day fix: 1 green, 1 blue.

ENJOY this amazing meal!!

21 Day Fix Meal Plan for the week!

It has been a while since being home and meal prepping.  WOW have we not missed doing dishes!  A dishwasher is definitely on the MUST HAVE list when we start house hunting.

Very excited to be home after tons of traveling and have a fully stocked fridge.  New recipes on the menu including a homemade black bean burger, creamy avocado zoodles, and a bean salsa to top our salads with.  All 21 day fix approved!

 

Workouts will include a combination of body beast/ insanity max 30/ and some outdoor running!  We will have to find a place for an additional protein in our meal plan, which will most likely be another shake each day.  

Have a great week everyone!  And as always whenever you have meal plan questions or questions on workouts, shoot me an email at LynnG258@gmail.com.

JALAPENO POPPER TURKEY BURGER

Ingredients:

Burger:
1 lb ground turkey
1 medium egg white
1.5 tsp Italian spice
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp southwestern spice
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/3 cup whole wheat panko crumbs

Stuffing:
1/2 cup Tofutti cream cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp diced white onion
2 tbsp chopped jalapenos (but I am adding more next time!)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Mix the burger ingredients together in 1 bowl and the stuffing ingredients together in a separate bowl.

Make 8 patties out of the burger mix.  Top 4 of them with some of the stuffing mix.  Then top with another patty.  Make sure to seal in the stuffing mixture.

It will make 4 burgers total.  Throw them on the grill about 5 minutes per side or in a 400 degree oven.  You can even do it stove top if you want!

21 day fixers: 1 RED, 1 BLUE, 1 YELLOW (if you use the bun!) ...technically cream cheese is not on the fix but hey this one time, I say it is ok!

ENJOY!!

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL!!

Holidays are for sure hard to stay on track with health and fitness goals.  There are tons of food around at any party you go to, not much movement besides walking around talking to people, and most likely not much healthy options on the food menu either.  My tips to stay on track today:

1.       Bring a HEALTHY appetizer that you know you can have and not feel guilty about

2.       Bring your OWN SNACKS.  It is a great way to start getting people talking about what you are doing with beachbody, nutrition, workouts and why. Let them know that the 21 day fix nutrition plan is all about and how the 30 workouts are!

3.       Have a SHAKE before you go to the party or a serving of protein in order to fill you up and not be tempted by all the crap food!

4.       Be ACTIVE!  Run around and play with the kids, take a dip in the pool, play outdoor games that involve moving. Don’t just let yourself sit there! And if you have time, get your morning 30 minute workout in!

5.       HELP OUT!  With set up, getting other people plates, clean up.  Extra hidden calorie burn right there!

6.       Drink plenty of WATER!  There are sure to be lots of high calorie beverages.  If you must have an alcoholic one, choose vodka and seltzer.

7.       Do NOT wear loose fitting clothing.  Dress to impress so you see how hard you have worked to get to where you are on your fitness journey.

8.       Recognize when you are full! Do not linger around the food tables picking all day.  Have a meal, eat, and move along!

9.       BE CONFIDENT!  Don’t worry about what other people think with your healthy choices.  Fill that plate up with veggies, protein, and the good food choices to fuel that body!

10.   HAVE FUN! It is a holiday so be sure to celebrate with family and friends!

It is easy to give into temptation but the guilt the next day is not work it.  The powerful feeling of saying NO to bad choices makes you feel so good afterwards.  STAY ON TRACK. BE GOOD, BE HEALTHY! HAPPY 4^TH OF JULY!

LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS:
5-6 chicken breasts
Juice of 2 lemons
Pepper to taste
2 tsp salt
3-4 tsp garlic powder
3-4 tbsp olive oil

Mix the marinade together, and pour over chicken.  Place in fridge for about an hour.

Then grill it or bake in the oven for about 30 minutes at 350-375 degrees.

Easiest recipe and so delicious! This chicken really is moist because of the marinade!

VEGGIE LASAGNA

Ingredients:
Part skim Ricotta Cheese
Mozzarella cheese
1 eggplant
3-4 zucchini
1 can diced tomatoes
salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil


Preheat the oven to 425 then get the food prepped!

Thinly slice an eggplant and 3-4 zucchini's lengthwise.  Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil.  A little olive oil as well.

Put a can of diced tomatoes on the bottom of a glass baking dish and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil.  On top place a layer of the sliced eggplant / zucchini.  Then put about 1/2 cup part skim ricotta cheese on top and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese as well.  layer again with eggplant / zucchini and repeat, repeat, repeat!

Cover with Aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes.  Then take the foil off and bake another 15 minutes.

Take out and ENJOY!!  Falls apart easily but the taste is just too damn good!!

VEGGIE PACKED MEATLOAF

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound of ground turkey or lean ground beef
1 onion, finely diced

1 cup carrots,  finely diced/shredded
1 bell pepper, finely diced
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1 tbsp oregano
1 tsp red pepper flake
1 tbsp garlic powder
salt and pepper

Mix everything together, place in a loaf pan sprayed with cooking spray and bake at 375 for about 45 min to an hour.


Kids will not even realize the veggies in it and believe me it is so yummy!  Personally I never think a picture of meatloaf is "appealing" but the taste is there!

SPICY AND CRISPY GARBANZO BEANS

1 can Garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed and dried
1/2 to 1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp paprika
1/2 tbsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayanne pepper
1/2 tsp salt

Mix all together then put on a baking sheet sprayed with Cooking spray.  Roast in 400 degree oven for about 30 minutes, giving them a shake every 8 to 10 minutes.

SO GOOD!!! much better than popcorn to snack on at the movie theater!

PROTEIN BITES- TAKE 2!

Mix together:

1 cup oats
1/4 cup ground flax seed
1/4 cup almond meal
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter (or any nut butter)
1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey)
handful of raisins (or mini chocolate chips)
2 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 Tbsp cinnamon
Dash of Nutmeg

handful of crushed up almonds (if you wish...sometimes I do walnuts!)

Roll into bites or use a cookie scoop! 
Put them in the freezer and enjoy whenever you want!

COOKIE DOUGH BITES

Mix together:
1 cup almond flour
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup
pinch of salt
several dairy free chocolate chips

Roll into bite size balls and freeze (put on a plate covered in foil)

you can enjoy right out of the freezer OR melt a little chocolate after they have been frozen and make them chocolate covered bites!

Conquering the month of MAY!

Have to start of the month of May on the right foot and get meal planning going.  I have the tendency to fall off the wagon when I do not have a plan.  I somewhat plan meals, somewhat keep track of what I need to eat as far as how many proteins, veggies, carbs..etc.  But usually do not stay on track because I am literally just grabbing anything I have and getting on with my day.

Starting off this month right with a MEAL PLAN!!  

For those who have not done the 21 day fix (beachbody workout and nutrition program)...

JUST DO IT!!  

I can not say it enough because it just makes meal planning so so easy!  As you can see above I have highlighted my colors in how many types of food in each category.  Now I may tweak it here and there to add additional calories, if needed, from doing some days of double workouts.  But other than that, meal planning REALLY helps planning the grocery list so that I do not over buy food and end up wasting.  I will be integrating a hybrid workout program of insanity max 30 / 21 day fix extreme / and running.  

Time to conquer the month of May!!  

MEATLOAF

Ingredients:
1 pound of lean ground beef (or turkey if you prefer)
1/2 cup oats
1 egg
1/2 small onion diced
1/2 green bell pepper diced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper


Directions:
1. In a bowl mix together ground beef, egg, and oats.  I did it by hand.
2. Add the veggies, sauce, and seasonings.  Then mix well.
3. Put in a loaf pan and bake in oven at 350 degrees for about 30-40 minutes.

Enjoy!

SLOW COOKER CINNAMON AND HONEY ROASTED NUTS

SO SO SIMPLE and a great snack on the go.

1 cup of each...almonds, pecans, walnuts
2 tsp cinnamon
2 Tablespoons honey

Combine nuts and cinnamon in a medium bowl, add honey and toss well to coat nuts.  Cover and cook in slow cooker for 1- 1 1/2 hours on low.

ENJOY this sweet treat!

BANANA BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

This one comes straight from Autumn Calabrese herself!

1 1/2 cup almond flour

1/8 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 Tablespoon melted coconut oil
2 large eggs
1 cup mashed bananas (about 2)
1/2 cup blueberries

1.Preheat oven to 350
2.Combine almond flour, salt and baking soda.
3.In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut oil and eggs then stir into the dry ingredients.
4.Stir in the bananas and fold in the blueberries.
5.Spoon the batter into muffin cups (makes about 8) and bake for about 25-35 minutes.

1 Muffin is 1 Purple and 1 Blue!

SPAGHETTI SQUASH AND BROCCOLI BAKE

I used a about a 1 1/2 pound spaghetti squash (for 2 servings) but if you want to double the recipe then go for it and use a 3 pound one, then giving you 4 servings.

1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2 small bunches of broccoli
garlic powder
crushed red pepper
basil
salt
pepper
1 tablespoon water
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Place squash cut side down in microwave safe dish, seeds removed, with about 1/4 cup water.  Cook on high until flesh is tender, about 10 minutes depending on size of squash.
3. While the squash cooks, saute broccoli in 1/2 tbsp olive oil for 4 minutes, season with garlic powder, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes.  Add 1 tablespoon of water and let cook another 5 minutes or so.
4. Using a fork, scrape out the insides ofspaghetti squash and combine with broccoli, 1/8 cup parmesean cheese, almost the entire amount of mozzarella (saving a little to top it with), and season to taste.
5. Place empty spaghetti squash shells on a baking sheet and stuff with mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake for 10 minutes, then place under broiler for about 1 minute (watch it so it doesn't burn!) just to toast the cheese.

ENJOY!!

HOMEMADE ALMOND MILK

-Put one cup of raw almonds in 3-4 cups of water for 8-10 hours. 

(I do it before I go to bed at night) 

-After, rise the almonds off. Put them in a blender with 3 cups of new water and blend for 45 seconds. 

Strain using a fine strainer (push it through with a spatula)

and wa-la... Almond milk.

I don't like to drink it warm so I put in it the fridge and by the next morning it's nice and chilled.

With the almonds mashed up in the strainer, I make almond meal out of it.  Place a parchment paper on a cookie sheet.  Spread out the mashed up almonds and bake at 200 or 250 degrees in the oven till they are dry.  Place in blender to make a fine crumb.  I put back in the oven to toast it a little longer, but that is your choice.  And BOOM yummy almond meal. 

SO EASY.  SO WORTH IT!

HONEY NUT GRANOLA (slow cooker)

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups of rolled oats

3/4 cup raw almonds (divided in half)

Handful of crushed up walnuts-optional

1 tsp cinnamon

dash of salt

dash of nutmeg

1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 tablespoon of brown sugar - optional

1 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS:

1. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray then add oats.

2. Grind half of the almonds into fine crumbs in a blender/food processor then add to slow cooker.  Grind the rest into medium chunks and add to slow cooker.  I added some crushed up walnuts as well at this point. 

3. Sprinkle with cinnamon, salt, and a dash of nutmeg. Mix well. 

4. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave.  Then whisk in honey, vanilla and brown sugar.  Pour mixture over the oats and stir until evenly coated.

5. Leave the lid off slightly and cook granola for about 2 hours on low, stirring every 30 minutes until granola is evenly golden.  Then spread granola onto sheet of aluminum foil to cool.

ENJOY!!!!

HEARTY BEEF AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH STEW

Makes 6 servings.  Each serving is 1 red and 1 green.

1 tsp olive oil
1 1/2 pounds of raw lean beef meat, boneless, cut into 2 inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup low sodium organic beef broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
2 cups cubed butternut squash
1/4 chopped flat leaf parsley

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat.
2. Add beef, cook, stirring frequently, or 4-5 minutes or until beef is brown.
3. Add onion and bell peppers, cook, stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
4. Add garlic, cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
5. Add tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, salt, pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cook, covered for 40 minutes.
6. Add squash, cook, stirring occasionally for 8-12 minutes or until sauce has thickened and beef is fork tender.
7, Remove bay leaf and serve topped with parsley!

YUM YUM YUM!!!

TURKEY CHILI

21 Day Fix Extreme Recipe!
1/2 green
1 red
1/2 yellow

Makes 6 servings, 1 cup each.

1 tsp olive oil
1 1/2 pounds raw 93% lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp Chili powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 15oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15oz can all natural dices tomatoes, no sugar added
12 fresh cilantro sprigs, finely chopped for garnish.



DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oil in large saucepan over med high heat
2. Add turkey, onion, pepper, and garlic. Cook stirring occasionally for 5-8 min until turkey no longer pink.
3. Add spices, cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
4. Add beans and tomatoes (with liquid). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and stir occasionally cooking for 15-20 min.
5. Serve warm sprinkled with Cilantro.

21 Day Fix Extreme Update

Officially made it to Day 9!!! It is amazing because I truly thought I would have caved in by now and cheating with some nachos, pizza, muffins...anything.  Plus sticking to the meal plan while being on vacation for a few days was an achievement. And personally, me going 9 days without frozen yogurt is UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Funny part is though, when you are eating healthy, working out, and in a routine holding each other accountable, it doesn't seem that hard at all.  Your cravings go away, thanks to shakeology too, and you don't think about the junk food.  I really do not miss it...OK I MISS THE FRO YO!  But on the days I can have 2 fruit servings, I blend up frozen strawberries and banana and that is my make shift fro yo.  SO good!

How are the workouts??

Well, I have to admit after going through insanity max 30, I thought they would be a breeze.  Boy was I wrong.  Autumn pushes you with utilizing the weights and giving minimal breaks.  I feel like the second I have a sip of water, we are already going again.  I like this because it keeps your mind focused on the exercises and not on the soreness you are beginning to feel.



How is the meal plan?  

My girlfriend and I have stuck to it!  Is it hard?  YES.  And I say yes because it seems like we spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  But comparing week 1 meal prep to week 2, we are speeding up the process.  Make several servings of each dish, use teamwork in the kitchen, have one person chopping while the other is using the stove...little ways to make it go by faster.  And come the end of meal prep, our fridge is full of tupperware containers ready to go!!

How are the recipes?

Tried Autumns Vegetable egg cups which are to die for and great to take on the go.  And we tried the turkey chili. With how cold it has been in New England, this was the perfect dinner to warm us up.
This week Chicken Fajitas and Turkey Meatballs, and Hearty Beef and Butternut Squash Stew are going to be tried from the 21 Day Fix Extreme book!!  Can not wait!





How are the results?

So far we have not taken inches but I can tell that I have a bit more room in my jeans which is never a bad thing!  On the scale we have dropped a few pounds, but ultimately the goal is to feel better, and feel healthier.  My skin has cleared up just by e



ating healthier and getting enough water / sleep in my life.  It is awesome to see that fueling your body does to you on the inside and out.  Less cover up is always a goal! haha

So heading into week 2, here is our meal plan!  It will be hard again towards the end of the week since we will be traveling for work, but again holding each other accountable will get us through!