Greener Grass

Sometimes I can get caught up too much on other people, what they are doing or have that I don't. While it is great to have mentors and surround myself with positive people- I will get much further in life by just buckling down and focusing on making MY life perfect for ME. When I focus on other people, I try to focus on how I can IMPROVE their lives or add to it. Ultimately that is what makes my grass greener anyway! :)

xoxo, Cassandra

Make Your Bed

I'm serious! I read about this once somewhere (personal development probably)- start your day by making your bed. Because that will fill you with pride in accomplishing your first task of the day and encourage you to do more. 

My day usually starts like this- alarm wakes me up, drink my E&E, get dressed, brush my teeth, make my bed, then go get my workout on.

It makes it so much harder to crawl back in bed when it is made all pretty for the day. 

Looking to the Future

I am forever an optimist, but after this week, looking at my team- I am seriously SO excited! There are SO many great rings coming our way and I am so excited for the direction that we are heading! I am so proud of my team, and am so lucky to be on this journey with them. I love each and every one of you and know that you can make all of your dreams come true. Together we are better, smoothing each others edges.

xoxo Cassandra

Be Proud of Who You Are

I choose to see the good in people. Ask any friend who has vented to me about another- and they will affirm that it is true. I always try to give reasons why someone could be acting the way that they are. I try to focus on what good things they may have done instead of their mistakes. 

Because of this, sometimes I am mistaken for being a pushover or that I live in my own "perfect world." This could not be further from the truth. I focus on the good in people because I can see it when other may not be able to. I know my faults. You know your faults. You know what? I can see the faults in others. What good would it do for me to point out others mistakes and faults all the time? Why do we walk around pointing out the worst in others? It only makes them focus on it more which in turn makes it an even bigger problem. Show people the good in themselves and they will believe in themselves a bit more.

I am not perfect, although I am mostly a perfectionist and would love to be. Haha I sometimes drop the ball, I can be horrible at returning texts or phone calls (or even following up with someone), I procrastinate, and I am very easily distracted. And you know what?! If someone just focused on those traits no one would want to get to know me. But I also love fiercely, am loyal to a fault, am always willing to help others, and can generally just be a fun person to be around.

THOSE are the traits I am going to focus on. And I am going to continue on seeing the good in others because everyone has some and they deserve to be seen.

xoxo, Cassandra

Just Begin

This is really hard for me. I have always been a perfectionist and I have never want to start anything until I know that I will be good at it. I guess this mostly stems form my deep need to not fail. My deep need to be accepted. For some reason I always think that I need to know everything or be doing everything the right way for others to accept me. This obviously is not the best way for me to operate throughout my life. Because of this, I have made it my goal for the rest of the year to set aside my fears of not being the best, and not being perfect and just going for it. So here it is- being made public for all of the world to see. I am going to spend the next two months taking chances and giving it my all- even when I may not be the expert. Wish me luck! 

xoxo, Cassandra

Focus on Amazing

This is just a little reminder for all of you. Sometimes we just get so swept up in life, work, and social media that we forget to stop and look around. We don't always see the beauty and awesomeness that is our lives. There will always be good things and bad things in life. What you decide to focus on is up to you. What you choose to focus on will determine your attitude. So focus on the amazing.


xoxo, Cassandra

Funky

I've been in a funk this week. Which is crazy because I start a great new nanny job on Monday, have been rocking t25, and am surrounded by some pretty great people. Operation work on my nutrition starts tomorrow but for now I will read some personal development and drink my sleepytime tea before bed. I'm getting back into the right mindset. Between personal development, more water, a good nights sleep, and my tea I should be good to go! I control my mood, so I'm going to fix it!

xoxo, Cassandra

How I Start My Weekends

I don't alway start my weekends the same, but they always seem to go SO much better when I do. I would love to be able to start every day like this in the sunshine but it is still dark when I head in to work! I have always been a list maker, and like to keep a notebook with my ever changing lists inside. To do lists, gratitude lists, shopping lists, christmas lists, dream lists, budgets- it is ALL inside! So to spend a little bit of time each morning dreaming, aligning my budget with those dreams, and plotting out a plan of action make the rest of my day feel so much more productive. I feel like I have direction and I also feel positive because I know I can achieve my goals. Now some of these goals may take a few years- but I know that I am on the right track, and that feel pretty great post workout. :)

Apple Cider Glazed Porkchops

I was perusing pinterest looking for recipes the other day for the giant package of pork chops we got at Costco and stumbled upon this one. I adapted it a bit  by reducing the brown sugar and baking it in the oven (I'm sure these would be yummy on the grill but we don't have one at this exact moment!) We tried these last night and they were SO GOOD. We served them with some brown rice and some baked apples/onions that we also brushed with the glaze. The worst thing in this recipe is the brown sugar, but the amount is not that much (it was spread between 6 pork chops and we had some left over). I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!

Ingredients:

1 lb Pork chops

For the Rub:
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. olive oil

 For the Apple Cider Glaze:
1½ c. apple cider
¼ c. maple syrup
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
½ tsp. salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degees.
In a small saucepan make the glaze by combining the apple cider, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Bring to a simmer. 
In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.  Add the oil to the spice mixture. It will be the consistency of a crumbly paste. 
Rinse the pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels, and then cover the chops on all sides with the spice rub.
Cover a 13X9 inch pan with tin foil and place the spiced pork chops inside.
Bake at 400 degrees for 17 minutes, then pull out of the over and flip. After flipping brush the pork chop with the glaze thoroughly. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Remove from the oven and flip the pork chops and  brush them with more glaze. Turn the oven to broil and place back in the oven for a minute (watch closely) to caramelize the top!

Butternut Squash

Nothing says fall like squash. It is such a cheap vegetable and is so simple to make as well. 

We make ours by slicing the squash in half, seeding it, and peeling it. 

We then slice it into 1 inch cubes and place on a baking sheet. 

Sprinkle with some pepper and Himalayan salt.

 Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. 

BOOM. done. It is seriously so delicious. I will even eat the leftovers cold!

Super Saturday Ramblings

My heart is so full right now- I just spent my weekend surrounded by the most kind hearted and genuine people I know. I am so thankful for having such a wonderful "family" in Florida just like I did back in Colorado. 

I am a huge INTROVERT. I don't like big crowds, strangers, or hanging around people that obviously know one another but not me. I can be "outgoing" but I have to seriously prepare myself for it. 

This weekend I drove four and a half hours to spend time with 500 people. I only knew 2 people prior to going to this event and one of them was speaking at it. Guess what?! I was excited about going. Nervous.... Yes. But excited just the same. 

I seriously was in the best mood driving home. This group of people pushes me and motivates me to be the best version of me that I can be. They push me to be a better, Kinder person. What other companies can seriously make you feel like that?

So thank you to my new Florida family for making me feel welcome and for giving me that dose of "beachbody" that I have been missing. 

And here is a little gem that was shared at Super Saturday by the beautiful- inside and out- Lindsay Matway. No matter your religious beliefs it's just a good message that we all need to hear some days.

Burn Bright

Transformation Tuesday: Lindsay Roy and Piyo

Check out the results that the beautiful Lindsay Roy got with PIYO and Shakeology! You may remember her from her Ultimate Reset results that were shared- here. If you wanted to follow this beautiful lady on her journey- you can do that here!

Procrastination and hard work

I am a professional procrastinator. I can put off just about everything until tomorrow, but I've realized that I get much better results (and feel more productive) when I just suck it up and do it. This can be with workouts, blogging, job hunting, meal prep, cleaning. Procrastination seriously only hurts yourself though! So from one hardcore procrastinator to another- here are the things that help me!

*Make a monthly and weekly to do list. 

*Every night before bed, make a to do list and schedule for the next day

*Break bigger tasks down into smaller details

*Follow the list!

I am such a list maker and crossing off things frequently really helps me. If I do things that are not on the list, I add them and then cross them off. I find that at the end of the week I have much more free time to spend it however I want to spend it. So think about what you have done for yourself today that will make your future better, what could you have done better? Ask yourself throughout the day if your activity will make your tomorrow better and adjust accordingly to meet your goals!

Why I require Shakeology for my Challenge Groups

I get this question just about every time I run a Challenge Group. Why is it that I require Shakeology?
Well, I believe in Shakeology and what it can do for you. It has been CLINICALLY PROVEN to help promote weight loss. There have been real actual clinical studies that have PROVED it. I want my challengers to have the BEST results, so guess what- I am going to make sure that they are doing everything that they can do to make sure that it happens.

I have found that the challengers that have committed to drinking Shakeology have actually pushed harder in their workouts and stayed engaged in the challenge groups longer. Now that is not a clinical study- but just something that I have personally found to be true in the Challenge Group culture.

Shakeology is also FULL of good for you ingredients that are REAL. No chemicals. It is something that I drink daily and feel good about fueling my body and I want others to have that feeling as well.

I KNOW Shakeology is not cheap. I fact Shakeology is the whole reason that I became a Beachbody coach. I was looking for a protein powder or a protein shake that was whey free and soy free that I could take while completing P90X. I found my coach Kati, signed up as a discount coach, and never looked back.

So there you have it. I require Shakeology for my Challenge Groups. I drink it, I stay on track- I want you all to as well :)

Personal Development

Today I just need to go ahead and share something with you all that is also important in meeting your weightloss or fitness goals. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. You somehow let yourself get away from your goals, and the track that your life was on. Or maybe you never even made it to the track you wanted your life to be on. Why is that? What happened?  That is what you need to look and and really change so that you can get your life back on track.

Really for most it comes down to self sabotaging. We know we need to change. Hell, everyone knows what it takes to lose weight but we do not always implement it. Is it because we truly believe that we don't deserve to be the versions of ourselves we want to be? Is it because we are afraid to fail? Whatever your reasons, the best way to get over them (like without professional help-totally seek that if you need it!) is personal development. I'm a big reader so for me that is books. Kindle books, actual books, library books, audio books- all great for me! They have truly helped take me "mentally" to where I need to be.

So here are a few of my recent reads:

#girlboss by Sophia Amorusa
Eat that Frog by Brian Tracy
The 5 levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell
Go Pro by Eric Worre
The 4 Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
The 45 Second Presentation by John Failla
Beach Money by Jordan Adler
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Leading at a Higher Level by Ken Blanchard
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

Transformation Tuesday- Stephanie Wharam and P90X3

Stephanie Wharam has gotten some really great results! She has been doing P90X3 and drinking Shakeology and rocking it! If you are interested in learning more about what Stephanie has been doing or connecting with her you can follow her blog here!

Big Goals

Have you ever had a big goal? Like a goal that was SO big you didn't know how you were going to accomplish it? I know I have. In fact right now, our big goal (as I am sure many of yours is) is to be debt free. I have literally SO much debt in student loans- not to mention my car loan or credit card debt. In the past my big goal was to lose 40 lbs. I am 30 lbs down and still working towards it. So how do you reach that big goal? ONE STEP AT A TIME. Every dollar paid off, every pound lost brings me closer and closer to that big goal. Brings me closer to that tiny speck of light at the end of the tunnel. So don't discount your big goals and your big dreams because you cannot see how you can possibly ever reach them. You can- it just will take some hard work, commitment, and TIME. So keep chipping away and chugging along my friends- you will get there!

Transformatio Tuesday: Melissa Molnor 21 day fix

These are Melissa's 21 day fix results. She drank Shakeology daily and lost . If you would like to follow her on her journey you can do so here!

Chasing the Dollar

In this business, a lot of people join trying to make money. However- if that is why you join- you will not be very successful int he long run. People are smart, and they will see what it is that you truly care about. You have to be in this business to help other people. Help other people get fit, lose weight, get healthy, fell better about themselves, gain confidence, and inspire those around them. When you stop trying to chase the dollar and instead be genuine and help people, you will find yourself in a much better place- both mentally and financially. 

La Croix

I was never really a huge soda drinker. Well at least not since my freshman year of college. In the last couple years I have become addicted to LaCroix. It started with the coconut flavor and has progressed from there! It is zero calorie, no artificial sweeteners and is pretty much just amazing. I constantly struggle with the amount of water I drink daily and this helps get a bit more in :)

Transformation Tuesday: Kyle Johnson

Kyle has been striving to help others since he had gotten his results with 21 day fix. He has completed two rounds with Shakeology and is down 25 lbs. If you are interested in Following Kyle on his journey- you can do that here!

Push Those Limits

Just a little inspiration for today. Push your limits in all aspects of your life. Lift more, push yourself just a little bit harder in your workout, smile to that stranger on the street, or even strike up a conversation with a stranger. Whatever your personal limits are, push them! It will help you to grow into the best version of you that you can be- and thats pretty great. So let go of your fears and go that extra mile today :)

Time Management

Schedule what is important to you in your day! If eating clean and healthy is important to you schedule time for meal prep on Sundays and Thursdays. If working out is important to you then you need to make sure that you schedule you workout like you would schedule a business meeting. You wouldn't bail on your boss- so don't bail on yourself.  If building this business is important to you then you need to really buckle down and schedule time to focus on the business. 

So its up to you- who is in charge of your day? 

Transformation Tuesday-Terena Sawyers

Check out how hard Terena Sawyers rocked TurboFire and Shakeology daily. This is her week 16 updated picture. She started out at 211lbs but is now down to 182! Great job beautiful Bombshell! If you are interested on following Terena more on her journey- friend her on Facebook here: 

Transformation Tuesday: Lindsay Roy and Ultimate Reset

This beautiful woman did Ultimate Reset- WITH HER FAMILY. Talk about accountability. She (a well as everyone else) all got some SERIOUS RESULTS. Great job Lindsay! If you are interested in following her on her journey you can do so here!

Find a Workout Buddy

Finding someone to workout with you is SO much better for everyone involved. It is a built in accountability partner that you don't want to let down. It is someone that makes sure you show up and try your hardest. When I workout with Mike, I push myself much more than I would otherwise because I am crazy competitive and I just want to "win." This isn't saying that I am always trying to be better than everyone else- because I'm not! The feeling of having someone else there watching me and knowing when I am not giving 100% gets to me and pushes me to "show" them that I can do it. 

Broccoli Salad

This cold salad is a nice way to enjoy broccoli on a hot day.  It is also a great picnic meal to take to those many summer events!

Basics:
2 heads of broccoli- chopped into small florets (or you can be lazy like me and buy it pre chopped!)
5 small carrots- sliced
3 bell peppers- I use a variety of colors- this time I used red, orange, and yellow.
1/2 onion- can be yellow or red- sliced
2 cans artichoke hearts- in water- quartered is best but you can always do that yourself

Combine all of the above in a large bowl. Then you get to add your dressing!

Pre dressing!

Dressing Options:
Creamy Garlic
Balsamic (Our Fav!) Add some sliced black olives and this is our favorite to take to cookouts!
Sesame Ginger- add some slivered almonds and green onion!

Shakeology: Jenna's Favorite- Creamy Chocolate Banana

There are SO MANY ways that you can enjoy Shakeology. Unfortunately I am a creature of habit and really only stick to one or two different ways. I do realize that maybe you all won't like my two favorite ways, so I have asked my friends and family what THEIR favorite recipes are and am sharing them with you! My beautiful friend Jenna started Shakeo around the beginning of the year. I totally used to let her have some of mine when we would meet for our workout/dinner/wine/ LOST watching dates :) She is a nutrition buff- and she prefers the nutrition of the vegan flavors.

Creamy Chocolate Banana

Shakeology: Chocolate Vegan 

Liquid: 1 cup coconut/almond milk

Fruit: 1 medium  banana

Extra: Ice and 1/4 cup Fage non-fat greek yogurt

Blend all of the above in a blender until smooth.  Then enjoy!

Shakeology: Erica's Favorites- Orange Julius and Chocolate Banana Nutter

There are SO MANY ways that you can enjoy Shakeology. Unfortunately I am a creature of habit and really only stick to one or two different ways. I do realize that maybe you all won't like my two favorite ways, so I have asked my friends and family what THEIR favorite recipes are and am sharing them with you! My lovely older sister Erica recently jumped on the Shakeology Bandwagon a few months ago to prep for my wedding. She started with the vanilla chocolate combo pack- these are her favorites for each chocolate and vanilla. 

Orange Julius Recipe

Shakeology: Vanilla 

Liquid: Almond milk

Fruit: frozen banana

Extra: Ice

Blend all of the above in a blender until smooth.  Then enjoy!

Chocolate Banana Nutter

Shakeology: Original Chocolate

Liquid: Almond milk

Fruit: Frozen Banana

Extra: 1T peanut butter

Blend all of the above in a blender until smooth.  Then enjoy!

Best Salad

I was never a salad eater. Given the option- I still usually will not pick a salad over other food. Something about it just made me feel like it wasn't food. I am not a rabbit and I want REAL food! Even while starting my weightless journey I felt like every time I ate a salad I was taking one for the team-haha. Well, during the Ultimate Reset you get salad for lunch pretty much EVERY DAY. Well- not every day technically- there are other options but I wasn't about to prep that much food. So due to my laziness I ate a salad for lunch almost EVERY DAY for 21 days. I can honestly say that I love salads now. Really, truly, LOVE them. Below is basically the salad I ate most of the reset tweaked a bit (and added chicken- although this salad would be great with any meat). I eat it at least 2-3 lunches a week now.

Ingredients:
2 cups Mixed Greens
1/8 cup onion sliced
1/4 cup bell pepper sliced into small matchsticks (any color)
1/4 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup Jicama peeled and sliced into matchsticks
1 small roma tomato- diced
1/4 avocado sliced
3 oz chicken breast (can be grilled, baked, shredded whatever!)

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients and toss. Top with your favorite salad dressing. For some clean dressings- check out my Clean Kitchen tab at the top!

Shakeology: Mike's Favorite: Tropical Strawberry and Tropical Strawberry Banana

There are SO MANY ways that you can enjoy Shakeology. Unfortunately I am a creature of habit and really only stick to one or two different ways. I do realize that maybe you all won't like my two favorite ways, so I have asked my friends and family what THEIR favorite recipes are and am sharing them with you! My wonderful fiancee Mike started drinking Shakeology shortly after I did. He really is not a huge fan of sweets so he only likes the Vegan Tropical Strawberry. He prefers to drink it for breakfast, and his two favorite recipes are really similar. 

Tropical Berry:
Shakeology: Tropical Strawberry Vegan
Liquid: coconut milk
Fruit: plain frozen strawberries or frozen mixed berries
Blend all ingredients above and enjoy!

Tropical Strawberry Banana:
Shakeology: Tropical Strawberry Vegan
Liquid: coconut milk
Fruit: frozen banana (and maybe a few frozen strawberries)
Blend all ingredients above and enjoy!

Shakeology: My Favorites- Tropical Passion and Chocolate Banana

I am a creature of habit. Not even kidding you, I can go one whole week eating the same three meals every day! Knowing this, it really isn't shocking that I really only like two recipes for my Shakeology.
For the longest time- I only liked one then the Ultimate Reset broadened my horizons and I got a second flavor haha.

Tropical Passion:
Shakeology:Tropical Strawberry (Vegan)
Liquid: Water with a splash of coconut milk
Fruit: Tropical mixed berries (strawberries, peaches, pineapple, mango)
Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy!

Chocolate Banana:
Shakeology: Chocolate Vegan
Liquid: coconut milk
Fruit: frozen banana (it is easier on your blender if you slice your banana before freezing it)
Extra: 3 ice cubes
Blend everything in blender until smooth then enjoy!

Beans and Rice

Another Ultimate Reset favorite. This is honestly one the the CHEAPEST meals you can make. Mike makes it all the time when we are low on groceries and he has made it frequently for the past year. On occasion he adds things like onions or tomatoes- but for the most part he sticks pretty close to this.

Ingredients:
1 cup canned pinto beans with liquid (you can also use great northern or black beans and it still turns out yummy!)
2 cups cooked brown rice
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp ground smoked paprika
1 dash ground cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
2 tsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos
1/4 tsp Himalayan salt (optional)

Directions:
Heat beans in a saucepan until hot. Drain, add oil and spices and mix well. Fold mixture into the cooked brown rice. This makes 2 servings!

Ginger Sesame Miso Dressing

I was introduced to this recipe during the Ultimate Reset. I typically don't lean toward the more asian flavors- but this dressing is GOOD! It is good on so many different things- but is fragrant! I once ate it in the car on my salad and my fellow passengers were not so happy- haha whoops!

Ingredients:
2 T miso paste
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 T Bragg liquid aminos
1/4 cup sesame oil
1 tsp chopped ginger
1/4 cup water

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Clean Balsamic Dressing

Salad dessing is something that I am hopelessly addicted to. I literally can put it on everything. Salad, chicken, pasta, veggies- you name it. Making the transition to eating clean meant cutting out my favorite dressings- well I am happy to say that I have now discovered how delicious the homemade dressings are and store-bought doesn't even compare! I still add them to things people generally wouldn't BUT I definitely don't consume as much as I used to.

Ingredients:
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 T balsamic vinegar
1/2 T red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic minced
1 T dijon mustard
1 T lemon juice

1/4 tsp ground pepper

Directions:

Mix all of the above together for a yummy, healthy CLEAN dressing!

You can store this in the fridge BUT it will turn solid because of the olive oil- just take it out of the fridge about 30 mins before you need it!

Ultimate Reset Results

So here it is- my final Ultimate Reset Results and Review!

So what is the Ultimate Reset? The ultimate Reset is a 21 day program that helps get  your insides into AMAZING shape. It involves NO working out, and focusing only on what you put into your body- with supplements and an eating plan that slowly weans you to a vegan diet. Okay so how did it go for me?
Well here are my starting stats (note- I am 5'8''):
Weight-160.4lbs
R Arm- 11''
L Arm- 11''
Chest (above boobs)- 37''
Waist- 31.5''
Hips- 39.5''
R Thigh (right under butt)- 24.5''
L Thigh-24''

The first few days are what I always hear to be the hardest- so I was preparing myself for that, but honestly the hardest for me were probably 5-8. This could be because I took a trip with my family during this time and they were NOT supportive or it could be that my body was detoxing. I will do a separate post on doing the Ultimate Reset while traveling- because that held its own set of challenges!

I was in a Challenge Group while I did the Ultimate Reset- which really helped me! Knowing that I had to submit my stats and photos publicly to the group really helped to hold me accountable. I was also pleasantly surprised at how well I did. I did not cheat even ONE time. This is coming from the girl that seriously believed she had NO WILLPOWER!

The hardest thing for me to give up? COFFEE- HANDS down. I am a coffee addict and it was so hard to smell it  (in fat I went to the store and could smell it from two aisles away- HAHA it made me so sad! The meal I loved most? Sweet potatoes, rice, and veggies. I seriously LOVE this meal, and actually have continued to eat it after the reset ended! Sometimes I cook the veggies in sesame oil and coconut oil, and sometimes I cook them in olive oil. Did I like the other recipes? Some of them. I honestly didn't try them all, but picked one or two meals for the week (one breakfast, one or two lunches, one or two dinners).

My day 21 results?

Weight-160.4lbs

R Arm- 11''

L Arm- 11''

Chest (above boobs)- 37''

Waist- 31.5''

Hips- 39.5''

R Thigh (right under butt)- 24.5''

L Thigh-24''

Above all? I slept really well, and I felt really light! Honestly, I am considering doing it again in April with Mike :)

Best Store Bought Marinades

The best store bought marinades are marinades that don't have a lot of ingredients. And you need to check those ingredients to make sure they are healthy AND real.

Hands down my favorite marinade is from the "Weber Just Add Juice Line." Now these aren't the best in terms of ingredients (they still list xanthan gum and food starch-modified) BUT compared to everything else they are pretty darn good. You just add whatever kind of juice the particular marinade calls for- NO oils and marinade your meat! My favorite is the lemon pepper, but we have also had the garlic and herb, sesame ginger, and teriyaki. Weber makes another line of marinades- but they are not as clean as the just add juice line AND they ask you to add oil.

My second favorite marinade? Why just some Mrs. Dash of course! I use the tomato and basil or the extra spicy but there are like a billion that you can choose from. I take about 2-3 T of the mix, and mix it with 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, and about 3T lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Mix together and marinade!

I have also used most of the salad dressings on my blog as marinades too- but I prefer the two options shown above.

Tips on working out at Home

1. Set aside time for it- Literally SCHEDULE your workout.
2. Put you workout clothes on ahead of time.
3. Take your pre-workout- ( I use E&E)
4. I like to have my laptop on- not open to the internet though!
5. Pretend like someone is watching you- making sure you give 100%. I really wish I was kidding- but I do my best when I think I am being watched and judged- haha.
6. Put your Phone on SILENT and in the other room!

Coffee

I get this question a lot too- Can I still drink my coffee on this meal plan? With the exception of during the Ultimate Reset, I ALWAYS start my day off with some coffee. I am hopelessly addicted and I honestly just don't want to ever give it up haha. So here are my tips with what help me to have coffee!

1. I love lattes. I bought a nespresso machine- although to be honest, I didn't actually buy it but someone gave me their old one.
2. I mix coconut milk (unsweetened, unflavored) in my lattes- brings calories down and nutrition UP!
3. As far as sweetener goes, I slowly weaned myself down to a lower dosage. It took me awhile- but now I only need a little bit of sugar.
4. I also tried agave nectar- but didn't like it.
5. Sugar in the raw is so much better than regular sugar- I actually use less!
6. Moderation Peeps!

So there you go- my tips to help you have a delicious cup of coffee every morning and still stay on track to reach your goals!

Discount on Shakeology

Another question I get a lot is about how to get a discount on Shakeology. Trust me, I KNOW Shakeology is not cheap. The best things never are. I am a crazy bargain shopper though (seriously guys- I may have been the only high schooler to find and carry coupons) so I tried to find the cheapest way for me to get Shakeology. For me that meant signing up as a "discount" coach. I quickly saw what the business could be for me- but not everyone has an interest in that. and THATS OKAY. It is 100% OKAY to be a discount coach and stay one.

It only makes side to be a discount coach if you are actually commit to drinking Shakeology daily. If you have known me for the last few years you KNOW that I drink it daily- so for me that is what made sense. As a discount coach there is a $40 sign up coach fee (which is waived if you get a challenge pack) and a $15.95 monthly business coach fee. You then receive 25% off ALL Beachbody products (and also get access to buy some super fun things like Shakeo cups). Thats about $30 a month off of Shakeology, which after the coach fee is about $14 a month savings. That equated to three Starbucks a month for me so it was worth it- haha.

Lemon Garlic Brussel Sprouts

Another one of my favorites. I had always been adamant about not liking brussel sprouts- but then I gave them a chance and now I love them!

Recipe:
Brussel sprouts- halved about three cups worth
1/2 yellow onion- diced
2 cloves garlic- minced
2 tsp olive oil
cayenne pepper to taste
juice from one lemon

1. In a small pot, boil about 2 inches of water.
2. Add the brussel sprouts and cook for about 4 minutes.
3. Drain the brussel sprouts.
4. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
5. Add the garlic and the onion. Cook for 1 minute while stirring.
6. Add the brussel sprouts and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes- stirring occasionally.
7. I like to lightly brown my brussel sprouts- but that is up to you! Remove form heat and top with lemon juice!

I seriously can eat just these for dinner. SO GOOD!

Coconut Crusted Chicken

This recipe actually comes with a funny story. Back before I started a blog, I thought I might want to have a Vlog. Somewhere where I could actually have videos of me making the recipes and such. Well that was the WORST idea ever. I only attempted to make one recipe (this one). Well, in the video my cat is in the background opening ALL of the cabinets, I stuttered, and I kid you not- I set off the smoke detectors. It was a disaster- but I still cannot believe I have not shared this recipe with you guys until now. It is one of my favorites and I like to make it when we have people over. 

Ingredients:
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts- cut into 8 strips1/2 cup egg whites1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs (or you can make your own from Ezeikial bread- I do that when I'm not being lazy)1 tbsp coconut oil1/4 tsp ground pepper
pinch of Himalayan salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Season the chicken strips with the salt and pepper. 
Place egg whites into a bowl and mix the bread crumbs and coconut in a separate bowl. 
Dip the chicken into the egg whites then place them into the bread mixture to coat. Repeat until all of the chicken strips are breaded. 
In a large non-stick skillet heat the coconut oil over medium high heat. 
Place the chicken into the pan and brown on one side- then flip and brown on the other. 
Place the browned chicken into a baking dish and bake in the over for about 10 minutes or until you chicken reaches a temp of 165 degrees. 

21 Day Fix vs. The Ultimate Reset

SO since the release of the 21 Day Fix I have been getting a lot of questions about if the 21 Day Fix and The Ultimate Reset are the same thing. Definitely not! They are two very different programs- but here is the compare/contrast for you all.



How they are similar:
-Both 21 Days long
-Both nutrition focused
-Both Beachbody Programs
-Both encourage Shakeology
-Both will get you awesome results

How they are Different:

21 Day Fix-

 Lindsay Matway's 21 day fix results

     - Calculates your calories based on your lifestyle
     - Has a portion based nutrition system. There are plastic containers that are color coded and allow you to consume proper amounts throughout the day.
     - You workout everyday (your rest day is yoga).
     - Much easier to eat out and travel with
     - Allows chocolate and wine

Ultimate Reset-

My Ultimate Reset Results

     - Is only nutrition based- no working out (unless its yoga or stretching)
     - Nutrition system is based on supplements and real recipes that you cook at home
     - Is a whole body detox- designed to get your body working right again!
     - Definitely takes a lot of time for food prep- and it is really hard to eat out out and travel
    - You follow the same plan no matter your weight (they do add some extra calories for men)
    - No alcohol, no sugar, no caffeine for 21 days


My Opinion:
 Honestly- what do I recommend? They are both great. I believe that 21 day fix is a long term thing. You can do several 21 day fix's back to back to continue to get great results. While the ultimate reset? Once or twice a year is good. If you have an injury- or are on several medications (high blood pressure etc.) the Ultimate reset may be what you need to get jump started!

Sautéed Veggies

This was hands down my favorite modified dinner from the reset. I ate it with a baked sweet potato and 1 cup of quinoa for dinner.

Recipe:

Makes two servings

 3 tsp. coconut oil

2 tsp. sesame oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 carrot, peeled and sliced diagonally

1/2 cup brocoli florets

1/2 of a medium bell pepper, sliced

1/2 zucchini halved lengthwise and sliced

red pepper flakes- to taste

3 tsp Bragg liquid aminos

juice from 1 lemon

1. Heat the oils in a large skillet over medium high heat.

2. Add garlic and carrot and cook for 1-2 minutes.

3. Add broccoli red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes.

4. Add bell pepper and zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender crisp.

5. Turn off the heat, season with liquid amines and lemon juice. 

Yummy Apple Chips

A healthy alternative to chips? Look no further!

These are super easy to make and really addictive!
Recipe:
3 sweet apples- like honeycrsip, gala, fuji, or even granny smith
cinnamon

1. Slice apples very thinly and remove seeds.
2. I like to spread foil on my cookie sheet then I spread the apples on it.
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon
4. Bake for about one hour at 300 degrees. Keep and eye on them and adjust the heat if you need to.
5. Remove when they are crispy- if they are still soft bake for longer at 250.
6. BOOM! thats it- enjoy :)

Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing

My all time favorite healthy salad dressing! I love this on some mixed baby greens, with some jicama, tomato, carrot, avocado, onion and bell pepper!


Recipe:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic
3Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp fresh parsley
1 tsp himalayan salt
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
1 Tbsp raw honey

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Refrigerate dressing. If it solidifies just hold at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. Shake before serving.

Quinoa Lentil Salad

This is another recipe that I learned from the Ultimate Reset. I pretty much love it, and had it for lunch when I just couldn't take another salad- haha!

Recipe:

makes one serving

1 1/2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 medium carrot, diced

1/4 medium onion, diced

1/4 medium bell pepper, diced

1/4 tsp ground smoked paprika

1 dash groun cumin

1/4 tsp ground turmeric

3/4 cup cooked quinoa

1/4 cup cooked lentils

1 1/2 tsp grated lemon peel

1 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice

2 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley

1. Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat

2. Add carrot, onion, bell pepper, parka, cumin, turmeric and cook- stirring frequently for 5 minutes.

3. Add quinoa, lentils, lemon peel, lemon juice, and parsley to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. 

4. Fluff with a fork and serve. 

Shakeology

I know how nerve racking it can be to commit to something that you haven't tried. I know how crazy it sounds that you can only get it online. I thought the same thing. Pretty much the only reason I did is because my friend Kati said it was good- and encouraged me to do my own research. She flat out told me to google it and make the right choice for me. Well, I am SO glad I did.

I took the plunge and ordered it on Home Direct. Am I the only one who REALLY doesn't want things on Autoship (uhhh hello scam!)? Once I had pro-active on autoship and it took MONTHS to cancel it. It was awful. Well- Beachbody has a great customer service staff and it is SO easy to cancel  autoship- I myself have done it by just calling in or shooting them an email!

My bought an individual serving packet form my coach to make sure that it wouldn't give me migraines (MSG gives me migraines and most protein powders actually have an open glutamate protein which does the same thing as MSG). The first time I had it- I didn't love it- but Kati assured me that I could play around with it until I found the way that I liked it best. And you know what?!

She was right! I prefer the vegan chocolate mixed with a frozen banana and coconut milk, the vegan  tropical strawberry with water and frozen tropical fruit, and the vanilla with ice, OJ and half of a frozen banana. I am SO BEYOND HAPPY that I actually gave it a chance. I go through my phases where the chocolate one will gross me out, and I only want the strawberry and vice versa- but no matter what- I can always find a recipe that I am in the mood for.

I can honestly tell the difference on days that I don't  have my Shakeo. It makes my feel energized and just right- kinda hard to explain haha. I travel with it, I bring it to my friends house, I make Mike drink it- I'm pretty much obsessed. haha. 

If you would like to buy any individual packets, or take the plunge and get a whole 30 days worth- email or message me!

Lemon Water

Lemons are packed  with nutrients, including vitamin C, B-6, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.  Because of how hard lemon juice can be on the enamel of your teeth, it’s important to dilute it with water of any temperature (I like it in my ice water throughout the day and in warm water at night!). To get the most benefits out of your lemon water- drink it Ultimate Reset Style- first thing in the morning then wait 15 to 30 minutes to have breakfast.


Benefits:-Boosts Immune system-Aids digestion-Cleanses system- by helping eliminate toxins-Help to clear your skin-Aids in weightless by fighting hunger cravings-Helps fight viral infections-Gives you a natural energy boost