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!