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.