BEACHBAR Snack Bars

How many times have you been running out of the house and need to grab a bar to keep you full on the go? What do you usually grab? An RX bar, a Kind bar, maybe a Larabar or Clif Bar? Those guys are LOADED with hidden sugars and definitely aren’t considered whole foods. That’s why I’m so excited to announce that Beachbody is launching its OWN line of nutrition bars, called the BEACHBAR!

These wholesome snack bars are packed with 10 grams and protein and come in at just 150 calories. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives and they’re gluten-free. BEACHBARs will be offered in two flavors: Peanut Butter Chocolate and Chocolate Cherry Almond. When it comes to the portion fix containers, these bars will count as ½ red, ½ yellow, and 1 tsp. How easy is that??

 BEACHBARs are a crunchy, chewy snack bar that is protein dense fruit base packed with nut pieces, nut butters, real chocolate chips, and whey protein crisps – but only 5-6g of sugar per bar. That means they have a better protein-to-sugar ration that most other leading snack bars!

Let’s break down the ingredients:

Nut Butters – A great source of protein and fiber that adds a creamy texture

Dried Cherries – Provides dietary fiber and phytonutrients, plus they taste good!

Whey and Pea Protein Crisps – These crunchy protein crisps deliver all nine of the essential amino acids

Real Chocolate Chips – Rich and delicious, these chocolatey pieces contain phytinutrients known as flavonoids

Diced Peanuts and Almonds – A source of beneficial monounsaturated fats, plus protein and fiber

Pomegranate Juice – This powerful fruit provides tart, fruity sweetness

Who are BEACHBARs for?

• People with a busy lifestyle
• People who want to reduce their sugar intake
• People who want more protein and fiber in their diet
• People who eat gluten-free
• People with a sweet tooth 
• People who love to snack
• Parents and their children
• People who follow the Portion Fix nutrition plan

Does that sound like you? I know I definitely fit most of those categories!!

How to Order BEACHBARs

I am so excited that these bars have FINALLY launched!!! Each box contains 15 bars and you are able to purchase bundles of 1, 2, or 3 boxes. Click on the links below to place your order!!

Peanut Butter Chocolate

• 1 box
• 2 boxes
• 3 boxes

Chocolate Cherry Almond

• 1 box
• 2 boxes
• 3 boxes

Combos

• 1 box Peanut Butter Chocolate & 1 box Chocolate Cherry Almond
• 2 boxes Peanut Butter Chocolate & 1 box Chocolate Cherry Almond
• 1 box Peanut Butter Chocolate and 2 boxes Chocolate Cherry Almond

Easy 21 Day Fix Lunches

Have the 21 Day Fix but need some inspiration for meals? I have 4 easy and delicious lunch/dinner ideas below!

Mediterranean Lunchbox

What’s in the Portion Fix containers:

• 1 green: mixed greens
• 1 green: a mixture of cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, and sliced cucumber
• 1 purple: grapes
• 1 yellow: whole wheat pita bread
• 1 orange: kalamata olives
• 1 blue: feta
• Free food: balsamic vinegar

Put them together, and you have this tantalizing lunch with fiber-rich pita and healthy fats to keep you feeling full. You can also stuff the salad ingredients inside the pita bread for a meal you can eat with your hands.

Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa Power Lunch

What’s in the Portion Fix containers:

• 1 green: mixture of chopped green and red bell peppers and white onion
• ½ green: sliced cucumbers
• 1 purple: mango
• 1 red: boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 yellow: quinoa
• ½ yellow: corn kernels
• 1 blue: shredded cheddar cheese
• Free food: cilantro, lime wedge (not pictured)

Combine the peppers and onion, chicken, corn, quinoa, and cheese for a bold and colorful salad — no lettuce or dressing needed. Tuck a wedge of lime in your lunchbox to squeeze over the mango and cucumber slices and give them a light dusting of chili powder (trust us on this one), you can even mix them together!

Roasted Turkey Breast and Vegetables

What’s in the Portion Fix containers:

• 1 green: steamed green beans
• ½ green: sautéed mushrooms
• 1 red: roasted turkey breast
• 1 yellow: baked sweet potato
• 2 tsp.: olive oil
• Free food: parsley

Buy cooked turkey breast in the deli or prepared foods section of your grocery store, or use this recipe for brined turkey breast. We served ours on a few leaves of spinach for extra color (if you use a full cup of spinach you can count an extra green container for the day!). Sautée some chopped mushrooms in a teaspoon of oil, bake a sweet potato or make sweet potato bites, and steam green beans (you can dress them up with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon zest, and chopped parsley).

Simple Spaghetti Squash Pasta — and Dessert!

What’s in the Portion Fix containers:

• 1 green: spaghetti squash
• ½ green: roasted broccoli
• ½ purple: marinara sauce
• ½ purple: apple
• 1 red: ground turkey
• 1 yellow: chocolate-covered almonds
• 1 blue: parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp: olive oil

Roasted spaghetti squash stands in for pasta topped with jarred, all-natural marinara sauce and cooked ground turkey. We roasted broccoli with a teaspoon of olive oil for about 15 minutes and finished it with shavings of parmesan cheese (you could sprinkle some of the cheese over the pasta, too).
Start End the meal with apple slices and chocolate covered almonds – a dessert we can get behind!

No-Cook Meal Prep for the 1,200–1,500 Calorie Level

This Week’s Meal Prep Menu
Breakfast: Overnight Oats with Greek Yogurt and Berries
Lunch (M/W/F): Tuna Niçoise Lettuce Cups
Lunch (T/Th): Roast Beef Salad
Snack (M/W/F): Shakeology, frozen fruit, and unsweetened coconut
Snack (T/Th): Shakeology, banana, and nut butter
Dinner (M/W/F): Asian Chicken Wraps
Dinner (T/Th): Turkey or Veggie Burger with vegetables and hummus

BREAKFAST
Overnight Oats with Greek Yogurt and Berries
(¼ cup oats, ¾ cup Greek yogurt, 1 cup fruit = 1 Yellow, 1 Red, 1 Purple)

LUNCHES

M/W/F: Tuna Niçoise Lettuce Cups
(4 lettuce leaves; ½ cup frozen green beans, thawed; ½ cup cherry tomatoes; 1 can tuna in water; 5 olives = 2 Green, 1 Red, ½ Orange)

T/TH: Roast Beef Salad
(1 cup lettuce, ½ cup cherry tomatoes, ½ cup shredded carrots, 3 oz. deli roast beef,
½ cup beans of any kind, dressing = 2 Green, 1 Red, 1 Yellow, 1 Orange)

SNACKS

M/W/F: Shakeology with 1 cup frozen fruit and 1 Tbsp. unsweetened coconut = 1 Red, 1 Purple, ½ Orange

T/TH: Shakeology with ½ banana and 2 tsp. nut butter = 1 Red, 1 Purple, 2 tsp.

DINNERS

M/W/F: Asian Chicken Wrap
(3 oz. rotisserie chicken breast; 8 raw, unsalted cashews; one 6-inch whole wheat tortilla; 1 cup shredded cabbage, cilantro or parsley; green onion; Peanut Lime Dressing [¼ cup smooth peanut butter, 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar, 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger, 2 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce, 2 tsp. raw honey] = 1 Green, 1 Yellow, 1 Red, 1 Blue, 2 tsp.)

T/TH: Turkey or veggie burger with vegetables and hummus
(1 turkey burger or veggie burger patty [microwave or put in toaster oven to heat], lettuce leaf, tomato slice, mustard, ½ cup baby carrots or chopped bell peppers, ¼ cup hummus = 1 Red, 1 Green, 1 Blue)

Your step-by-step plan to assemble the no-cook meal prep:

1. Make the overnight oats. Place ¼ cup oats and ¾ cup Greek yogurt in a Mason jar or food storage container. Top with one cup of fresh or frozen fruit.

2. Thaw the frozen green beans, then prepare the Tuna Niçoise Lettuce Cups. Between four lettuce leaves, divide one can of tuna, ½ cup thawed green beans, ½ cup chopped cherry tomatoes, and five chopped olives. Dress with a lemon wedge or balsamic vinegar.

3. Prepare the Roast Beef Salad. Combine 1 cup lettuce, ½ cup cherry tomatoes, ½ cup shredded carrots, 3 oz. deli roast beef, ½ cup beans of any kind, and dressing. If you are using a mason jar, place the dressing at the bottom and the lettuce on top. If you are using a food storage container, place the lettuce at the bottom. You can dress the salad during the meal prep, or wait until the day you eat it.

4. Make the Peanut Lime Dressing. Place 2 Tbsp. water, ¼ cup smooth peanut butter, 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar, 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger, 2 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce, and 2 tsp. raw honey in a blender, and blend until smooth.

5. Prepare the Asian Chicken Wrap. Set out three food storage containers and place one 6-inch whole wheat tortilla in each. Chop 8 raw, unsalted cashews; chop cilantro or parsley (to taste); and chop green onion (to taste). On top of the tortilla, add 1 cup shredded cabbage, 3 oz. rotisserie chicken breast, cashews, cilantro or parsley, and green onions. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp. Peanut Lime Dressing.

6. Prepare the turkey or veggie burger. Set out two food storage containers and place a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice in each. Serve with one turkey burger or veggie burger patty that has been microwaved or toasted and topped with mustard. For a side, serve with ½ cup baby carrots or chopped bell peppers and ¼ cup hummus.

GROCERY LIST:

Protein
3 cans of tuna in water
9 oz. rotisserie chicken breast
6 oz. deli roast beef
2 frozen turkey burger or veggie burger patties
Greek yogurt (32.5 oz.)

Fruit
8 cups frozen fruit (or 3 cups frozen fruit and 5 cups fresh fruit)
1 banana

Vegetables
14 lettuce leaves
3 cups lettuce
1½ cup frozen green beans
2½ cups cherry tomatoes
3 cups shredded cabbage
1 bunch cilantro
1 bunch green onion
1 lime
1 knob fresh ginger
1½ cups shredded carrots
1 cup bell peppers

Dry and Canned Goods
1¼ cups oats
Unsweetened coconut
1 jar peanut butter (smooth)
15 kalamata olives
Raw honey
24 cashews
Three 6-inch whole wheat tortillas
½ cup hummus
1 cup beans (any kind)
Shakeology

Pantry
Balsamic vinegar
Rice vinegar
Low-sodium soy sauce

Master's Hammer and Chisel Meal Prep

Master's Hammer and Chisel Meal Prep

Meal 1 (Breakfast): Frittata Egg Cups (recipe on page 36) with an orange – 1 green, 1 red, 1 purple
Meal 2 (Snack): Quinoa Berry Parfait (recipe on page 44) – 1 purple, 1 red, 1 yellow
Meal 3 (Lunch M/W/F): Chili Spiced Chicken Salad (recipe on page 42) – 1 green, 1 red, 1 orange
Meal 3 (Lunch T/Th): Baked Stuffed Sweet Potato (recipe on page 40) and an apple – 1 red, 2 yellow, 1 tsp. 1 purple
Meal 4 (Snack M/W/F): 3 tsp. peanut butter and an apple – 1 purple, 3 tsp.
Meal 4 (Snack T/Th): carrots with hummus and olives – 1 green, 1 blue, 1 orange
Meal 5 (Dinner M/W/F): Grilled flank steak with ancho chili powder and oregano, zucchini sautéed with ground cumin and 1 tsp. olive oil, salad of black beans, quinoa, cilantro, tomatoes, cotija cheese, lime juice, and 1 tsp. olive oil – 1 red, 2 green, 2 yellow, 1 blue, 1 tsp.
Meal 5 (Dinner: T/Th): Baked chicken breast, brussels sprouts roasted with 1 tsp. olive oil, bell peppers and onions sautéed in 1 tsp. olive oil – 1 red, 2 green, 2 tsp.

Grocery List for The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Meal Prep

Produce
5 zucchini
3 red bell peppers
1 red onion
2 small sweet potatoes
1 bag brussels sprouts
1 bag baby carrots
1 box baby spinach
1 head Boston lettuce
1 box cherry tomatoes
1 leek
1 bunch cilantro
5 small oranges
5 apples
1 container blueberries
1 container blackberries
2 containers raspberries
2 limes

Proteins
2 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken breast
¾ lb. flank steak
12 eggs

Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
32 oz. lowfat Greek yogurt
1 package cotija cheese
1 small container coconut milk or almond milk (optional)

Dry and Prepared Goods
1 ½ cup dry quinoa
2 cans black beans
small container hummus
nut butter
½ cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
30 olives

Pantry
Himalayan sea salt
black pepper
ancho chili powder
oregano
ground cumin
ground coriander
raw honey
olive oil

Need a Master's Hammer and Chisel kit? CLICK HERE!!!

21 Day Fix Meal Prep (2,100-2,300 Calorie Bracket)

21 Day Fix Meal Prep

Here are the meals in greater detail. Scroll for a complete shopping list:

Meal 1 (Breakfast M/W/F): Spinach and Feta Egg Cups (use these recipes as a guide) with 2 eggs, 1 cup fresh spinach, and 2 Tbsp. feta cheese cooked in 1 tsp. olive oil (amount makes 2 egg cups), with 1 cup raspberries – 1 red, 1 green, 1 purple, ½ blue, 1 tsp.

Meal 1 (Breakfast Tue/Thur): Breakfast sandwich with 1 toasted English muffin, 4 slices turkey bacon, 2 slices tomato, and 2 sliced hard-boiled eggs, with 1 cup blueberries – 2 yellows, 2 reds, ½ green, 1 purple

Meal 2 (Snack Daily): 1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology with 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 2 tsp. almond butter, and ½ large banana – 1 red, ½ yellow, 1 purple, 2 tsp.

Meal 3 (Lunch M/W/F): 1 cup arugula, ¾ cup chopped grilled chicken breast, apple slices, and 1 small sweet potato sliced baked with 1 tsp. olive oil – 1½ yellow, 1 red, 1 green, 1 purple, 1 tsp.

Meal 3 (Lunch Tue/Thur): Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Bowl and 1 medium apple – 1½ yellow, ½ red, 1½ green, 1 purple, 1 blue

Meal 4 (Snack M/W/F): ¾ cup reduced fat (2%) plain Greek yogurt with 1 cup mixed berries, topped with 2 Tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut – 1 red, 1 purple, 1 orange

Meal 4 (Snack Tue/Thur): 1 cup celery sticks topped with 2 tsp. nut butter, with ¾ cup cottage cheese, and 1 hard-boiled egg – 1½ red, 1 green, 2 tsp.

Meal 5 (Dinner M/W/F): 2 servings (about 3 cups) Turkey Chili and salad made with 1 cup romaine lettuce, ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup chopped bell pepper, and ⅛ ripe avocado) drizzled with 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil and 2 Tbsp. white balsamic vinegar (free) – 2 yellows, 2 reds, 4 greens, ½ blue, 2 tsp.

Meal 5 (Dinner Tue/Thur): Salad made with 2 cups green leaf lettuce, ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup chopped cucumber, ¾ cup chopped grilled chicken breast, and 2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds drizzled with 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil and 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar, served with a medium orange – 1 red, 3 greens, 1 purple, 1 orange, 2 tsp.

Grocery List for the 21 Day Fix 2,100–2,300 Calorie Level Meal Prep

Produce
3 apples
3 bananas
2 cups blueberries
2 cups raspberries
3 cups mixed berries
2 oranges
1 lime
3 cups arugula
3 cups spinach
4 cups leaf lettuce
4½ cups romaine lettuce
1 bunch parsley
1 bunch cilantro
1 avocado
1 large tomato
2½ cups cherry tomatoes
3 cups celery sticks (about 1 bunch)
1 cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers
3 to 4 red bell peppers
1 yellow bell pepper
1 large onion
3 small sweet potatoes

Dry Goods
raw, unsalted sunflower seeds
nut butter
unsweetened shredded coconut
⅓ cup brown rice (or 1 cup cooked)

Canned Goods
28 oz. can tomatoes
2 cans kidney beans
1 can black beans

Protein
24 oz. chicken breast (pre-cooked if possible)
1 lb. raw 93% lean ground turkey
8 slices turkey bacon
1 dozen eggs
5 packets Shakeology

Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
5 cups almond milk
3 cups reduced fat (2%) plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup jack cheese
½ cup feta cheese
12 oz. lowfat (2%) cottage cheese

Bakery
2 whole-grain English muffins

Miscellaneous
Fresh salsa

Pantry
olive oil
Himalayan pink salt or sea salt
ground black pepper
chili powder
crushed red peppers

Need a 21 Day Fix kit? Click HERE!!!

Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

Total Time: 29 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 19 min.
Yield: 3 servings, 2 pancakes each

Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
1 medium apple, peeled, sliced
¾ tsp. ground cinnamon, divided use
4 large egg whites (½ cup)
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop whey protein powder, vanilla flavor (or Beachbody Base Shake)
¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
2 Tbsp. coconut flour
½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. ground ginger
1 dash ground nutmeg

Preparation:
1. Heat medium nonstick skillet lightly coated with spray over medium-low heat.
2. Add apple and ¼ tsp. cinnamon; cook, stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes, or until apple is soft. Remove from heat. Set aside.
3. Combine egg whites, applesauce, and almond milk in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside.
4. Combine protein powder, oats, coconut flour, baking powder, remaining ½ tsp. cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a medium bowl; mix well.
5. Add applesauce mixture to oat mixture; mix until just blended.
6. Heat large nonstick skillet lightly coated with spray over medium heat. Ladle about ¼ cup batter for each pancake; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until bubbles form on top. Flip. Cook for 90 seconds, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Divide pancakes between three serving plates. Top evenly with cooked apple slices.

{{{21 Day Fix portions: 1/2 yellow, 1/2 red, 1 purple}}}

Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip

Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip

Total Time: 40 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 30 min.
Yield: 8 servings, about ½ cup dip and ½ cup veggies each

Ingredients:
2 oz. Neufchatel cheese, softened
1½ cups reduced fat (2%) plain Greek yogurt
¾ cup shredded part-skim Mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup cayenne pepper hot sauce
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
1½ cups shredded cooked chicken
Nonstick cooking spray
4 cupsvraw vegetables (like celery sticks, carrots sticks, jicama sticks, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices)

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350º F.
2. Combine Neufchatel cheese, yogurt, mozzarella cheese, hot sauce, blue cheese, and chicken in a medium bowl; mix well.
3. Place in a 1½-quart baking dish that is lightly coated with spray. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and edges begin to slightly brown.
4. Serve immediately with raw vegetables for dipping.

{{{21 Day Fix portions: 1/2 green, 1/2 red, and 1/2 blue}}}

Crock Pot Banana Bread Oatmeal

Slow Cooker Banana Bread Oatmeal 

Total Time: 8 hrs. 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 6 servings, about 3/4 cup each

Ingredients:
3 cups water
4 cups unsweetened almond milk, divided use
1 cup dry steel-cut oats
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
6 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
½ tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ cup pure maple syrup
6 Tbsp. chopped raw walnuts

Preparation:
1. Place water, 1 cup almond milk, oats, bananas, flaxseed, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a 3-quart slow cooker; cover. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until oats are soft but chewy.
2. Top each serving evenly with maple syrup, walnuts, and remaining almond milk; serve immediately.

{{{21 Day Fix portions: 2 yellows, 1 purple, 1/2 blue, and 1/2 orange}}}

Love The Skin You're In

As a woman and a mom of 3 I know what it's like to be so hard on how you view your body. You nit pick every little flaw. You long to look like someone else. You wish babies didn't mean stretch marks and saggy skin in places. For me, after 3 C-sections, you wish the scar wasn't there.

I know what it's like to be so FRUSTRATED and DEPRESSED with your body. 6 years ago I was a miserable mess. I had NO clothes, no self confidence, I wouldn't even leave my house anymore with my family, it was that bad.

I was exhausted and I needed something NOW!  I didn’t love my skin, I didn’t feel good and I had to make a change.  I was introduced to clean eating, Beachbody at home workouts, and Shakeology for the first time through a friend on Facebook.  I was so mortified of my body I didn't even let my husband take my "before" photos.

I joined a support and accountability group because I was at a loss for how to change.  I didn’t have the money to go to the gym, to get a trainer, a nutritionist and pay for childcare.  But I did have a living room I could work out in when the girls napped, a dvd to play the workouts on and the 100% drive and determination to change.  

Over the course of those next several months I focused on “ME” for at least 45 minutes each day.  I would put the girls down for a nap and workout. Or I'd wait till bedtime. Sometimes I just had to put them in a bouncy chair while I worked out.

I sweated, I cried, I thought I would never change, but then right before my eyes my body started to change.  As I embraced clean eating and drank shakeology daily my skin began to glow, my hair and nails got stronger, and I had more natural energy to keep up with my kids.  I was stronger and I started to have more confidence. Family and friends were starting to notice changes. I went from not being able to do ONE sit up or push up to doing several. I was getting stronger by the day! I LOVED how I was feeling. Loved how I could see the depression and frustration melt away with each workout.  

I can say that because of my coach, the support of the challenge group and the other women in the group I truly have found a way to love the skin that I am in!  It’s never going to be my pre baby skin but hey I earned those stretch marks and scars!  I earned my imperfections and I learned to love them! They are a part of who I am.

So now, my job as a coach is to pay it forward.  I am going to be launching a specific accountability and support group that is geared towards matching you up and with a fitness program and nutrition guide to meet your needs but to walk you through the process of changing your unhealthy habits, creating a more positive mindset, embracing your imperfections and chucking the word diet to the wind.  We are not dieting, we are creating a healthy lifestyle.

Check it out! Me "before" about 6 months after my 2nd daughter was born. Then 6 months later, abs after 2 C-sections!!! Crazy ain't it?!

What Do I Need For This Group?
-Each participant is required to have me as their coach.  You can create an account here. If you have a coach already, please get with them!

-You are required to do a Beachbody fitness program, which I will help you to pick the one that best fits your needs.

-You are required to replace 1 meal a day with Shakeology for the duration of the 6 weeks because as I am teaching you how to change your eating habits and give you the tools to make this a lifestyle change we want to have at least 1 meal each day that is quick and easy but isn't lacking in your nutritional quality.  Shakeology does that!  It is my saving grace because quite honestly there are days that I am so busy that I don't have time to make a balanced meal so this is my go to!!!  Plus it really does taste awesome!  

-You are required to log into our online closed Facebook group daily where I am going to share tips, recipes, meal plans, & support/motivation.

-My goal is to get you a program that you are excited about and that you start and complete it. I do not want it to be something that sits on your shelf and collects dust!  

Does this sound like something you would like to do?

If so, take the time to complete the application below.  I will contact you within 24 hours to discuss whether this would be a good fit!  I am accepting a small group of customers for this group and I would love to have some motivated women who are really ready to make a change!  Lets face it, there will never be a perfect time.  The right time is now!  So lets get started!  

I am NOT going to let you fail!  I am giving you my word that I am going to support, guide and help you to truly make a change, live a more positive life and embrace who you are on the inside out!  We live in a world full of comparison and its time to chuck that to the wind and just BE YOU!!  

Cauliflower Poppers

Ingredients

1 spray(s) cooking spray

1 head(s) (medium) uncooked cauliflower

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder, or more to taste

1/2 teaspoon table salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Cut cauliflower florets into bite-sized pieces (there should be about 4 cups). Place cauliflower in a medium bowl and add cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper; toss well to coat.

3. Spread cauliflower on prepared baking sheet and bake until cauliflower is tender, but not mushy, stirring halfway through, about 10 minutes. Yields about 1/2 cup per serving.

How To Cook The Perfect Chicken

Here is how you cook the perfect chicken breast

1. Rinse the chicken breasts in cold water and cut away any visible fat
2. Fill a large bowl with enough water to just cover the chicken breasts and add ½ tbsp. of salt for each chicken breast. Let the salt dissolve before adding the chicken breasts
3. Let the chicken breasts marinate in the salt water for 1-3 hours. This will draw water into the chicken and make it super moist when you cook it
4. Rinse the chicken breasts thoroughly in cold water. Dry them with a paper towel and put them on a baking pan
5. Add your favorite spices. My go to spice is Cavender's Greek Seasoning 
6. Cook them in a 365 F (185 C) oven for about 20 min, depending on the size of the chicken breasts (the ones I cooked today were huge, so they needed 23 min.). Cut into one with a knife to see if they are done before taking them out of the oven

That’s it! By cooking the chicken breast like this, you will get perfectly moist and tender chicken.

If you are worried about adding too much salt to the chicken, don’t be. Brining (this is what putting meat in salt water is called) doesn’t actually add a lot of sodium to the chicken, as long as you only leave the chicken in the brine for a few hours and rinse it well afterwards. Also, you won’t have to salt the chicken later for flavor.

If you cook your chicken breast like this, you will never again have to chew your way through a dry and tasteless chicken breast to get all the good protein you want. Give it a try!

One Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe

This is a great recipe to use leftover chicken and baked sweet potatoes. Don’t have leftovers? I’ll let you in on a little secret: the dish in the photograph above was made with a chicken breast from the deli section of the supermarket and a bag of frozen cubed sweet potatoes. And it was indeed hearty, and delicious! Best part? It only takes ONE dish to cook so clean up is a cinch!

Total Time: 23 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 13 min.
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
3 tsp. olive oil, divided use
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium tart cooking apples (like Granny Smith or pippin), peeled, cored, finely chopped
2 cups cubed baked sweet potato, cut into cubes
¼ cup raisins
8 oz cooked chicken breast, boneless, skinless, chopped
1 tsp. chopped fresh sage
¼ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
¼ tsp. paprika

Preparation:
1. Heat 1½ tsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and apples; cook, stirring frequently, for 6 to 7 minutes, or until mixture begins to brown. Place in a large bowl.
3. Add potato, raisins, chicken, sage, salt, pepper, and paprika; mix well.
4. Heat remaining 1½ tsp. oil in skillet over medium heat.
5. Add apple mixture, pat into an even layer in pan; cook, without stirring, for 2 minutes.
6. Stir gently; cook an additional 2 minutes, or until it begins to brown. Serve immediately.