Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for all that you are grateful for. I know in my family it is a time where we all gather, cook and just enjoy each others company. I love that sense of family and it was something I was definitely missing when we lived in Oklahoma alone. Having my mom close is priceless and I am forever grateful that her and her husband were able to join us yesterday. Not only did we have my mom and her husband over we got to spend our very first Thanksgiving in our new home. That's right... we bought a home on the 12th of November and it has been the most exciting and nerve racking experience. I LOVE that we now are home owners and in our home prior to the holiday season.

This Thanksgiving was FULL of firsts for my family and I. Another FIRST happened yesterday as well! I participated in the 5K Turkey Trot!!! 

So at 6:30 am I jumped out of bed and started getting ready. I was so excited and nervous all the same time. I couldn't believe that one of my goals, set back in June, would be accomplished! When I started running I couldn't even make it a full mile without stopping. I had to do intervals of running and walking along with sticking to the T25 program but soon built up my endurance and speed. My time per mile was over 11 minutes!! But I DIDN'T give up. Each time I went for a run I would push myself a little more. I will post HOW to made it from couch to 5K so you can see! It wasn't easy but totally do-able! 

The race started at 8 am so we all piled into the car and headed downtown. Once we got there I could feel the energy. There were so many people walking around, all ready to rock this race. There were people with kids and jogging strollers, dogs, teenagers and seniors ALL prepared to run the 5K. I was amazed to see the variety of people. As we all lined up and waited to hear the starting shot, I was filled with gratefulness and determination. Grateful that my heath and fitness has allowed me to do something like this and determined to do my absolute best. 

The race went a lot faster than I imagined it would!! For most of the race I was able to keep pace with my best friend, Amanda. She can run faster and longer than I can so it helped me keep a steady pace instead of sprinting in the beginning like I wanted to! My adrenaline was definitely to blame for that! Near the end I could feel my energy slipping and my pace slowing. That's went I decided to change my mindset. I KNEW I could do this. So I started running faster. I picked someone ahead of my and made it my goal to catch up and keep pace with them. It was a woman about my age and although she doesn't know it, she pushed me harder that last .50 miles than anything else. I didn't think of my legs feeling like jello or my side screaming because of a cramp. I just went for it. My time for that last little piece of the run was faster than I've ever run before. 

A sense of accomplished and pride went rushing through my body has I passed the finish line. I was so proud of myself for all the hard work I put in over the last few months and happy that my official time was UNDER 30 minutes. 

Here was my final stats:

-Official time 29.22 minutes 
-30th out of 90 runners in my age group (25-29)
-199 out of all 753 females
-537 out of 1411

I can't wait to participate in another 5K and continue to train so I can one day run in a 10K, hopefully this spring ;) !!

I hope you all had an AMAZING Thanksgiving!!

Your Dream is Worth it.

Have you ever had a dream or a goal in life that you felt so strongly about but it all faded in an instant? Maybe someone shot down your idea, you hit a bump in the road and decided it wasn't for you, or maybe you just lacked the confidence to follow through with it. There is a reason why you had that dream or goal in the first place. It was put in your heart so it could be fulfilled. Do not let someone deter you from it. Block out those negative opinions of others. No one needs to see the vision but you and when you do succeed they will see it and realize why you fought for it. 

People are wildly successful at the things they love so why can't you? WHY couldn't you be that person? All it takes in consistency, persistence and hard work. Start small and enjoy the every day so called "boring" activities that will get you closer to your dream. The time will pass no matter what you do. Why not work towards your dream?

Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

I was so sick of eating chicken and beef when I decided to check out some clean eating recipes for pork. My husband loves pork so I knew it would be a welcomed change. When I found this recipe I just had to try it! It did get a little messy trying to get the mustard and the parmesan onto the pork chops but WELL WORTH IT! I served this with steamed green beans and roasted potatoes. Needless to say this dish was a SUCCESS and I will be making it again so I just had to share it with you all! 

You will need:  

• 3/4 c parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp basil leaves
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dried orgeno
• 1 dash black pepper
• 1/4 tsp thyme leaves ( I didn't have this when I made it and it was still great!)
• 1/4 cup dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lbs pork chops

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
• In a small bowl whisk together mustard, oil, and spices.
• Season the 4 pork chops with pepper, then brush both sides of the chops with the mustard mixture.
• Press the grated cheese into both sides of the chops.
• Place the chops on the prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.  The coating should be browned and slightly crispy and the pork should be cooked through.

This recipe would be GREAT with chicken as well!!

Taco Casserole

I don't know what it is but I could eat tacos at least once a week. I love the simplicity of tacos and how most of the ingredients are fresh. My absolute favorite is to use avocado instead of cheese. There is something about it that totally allows me to not crave having shredded cheese drowning my taco. Here is a recipe for healthy taco casserole that will definitely fulfill your taco cravings!

You will need:

1 lbs lean ground turkey or lean ground beef, browned and drained.

1 small onion diced

1 serving of my clean eating Taco Seasoning Mix

8 oz jar of taco sauce

2 roma tomatos, diced

Iceberg lettuce, chopped

Plain Greek Yogurt 

Low fat Cheddar Cheese (you can omit this!)

Whole Grain Tortilla Shells (Hard ones)

Directions:

-Brown the meat and onion in a skillet over medium high heat. Drain off the liquid and add taco seasoning mix with 1/4 c water.

-Stir until combined.  Then add taco sauce and stir. 

- Layer a baking dish with crunched up taco shells

-Then put a layer of ground meat, thin layer of greek yogurt, tiny bit of cheddar cheese (if you use it), then layer with shells, ground meat, greek yogurt and cheddar cheese on top.

-Heat in 350 Degree oven for 15 minutes.

Top with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, avocados or anything else you normally top your tacos with! 

You can serve this with a vegetable side such steamed green beans or broccoli! 

Taco Soup

So I started out making taco soup but the recipe I used really didn't come out like "soup" there wasn't a ton of broth but it was yummy none the less. I did change a few things so I thought I'd post it for you!

The entire family loved this quick ONE pot meal!

Ingredients:

1/2 to 2 pounds ground turkey or beef (I used a lean ground sirloin beef)
1 serving of  Homemade Taco Seasoning
1 1/2 cups water
1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans-- drained and rinsed
1 can ( 10 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (15 oz.) Crushed tomatoes
1 package (10 oz) frozen corn (you could use canned too)
1 serving of Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing Mix

Directions

-- In a pot cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
--Return beef to pan and add taco seasoning. Stir to combine; mixing well.
--Add the remaining ingredients into beef mixture and bring to a boil.
-- Reduce heat and let simmer, uncovered for about 15 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Optional Toppings:
-Avocado
-Lettuce
-Green Onion
-Plain Greek Yogurt in place of Sour Cream
-Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Homemade Ranch Mix

I never really thought about making a homemade dry ranch mix to replace the packet from the store UNTIL I wanted to make this recipe that required it. I scoured the internet and found this one from This Italian Family. I added it to the recipe and it was yummy! I have yet to make this into actual ranch dressing but that will be next!

Ingredients

2 Tbsp  Dried Parsley
1 tsp. Dried Dill
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Onion Powder
1/2 tsp. Dried Basil
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and use as needed!

This recipe is the equivalent to 1 packet!

Homemade Taco Seasoning

You know those little spice packets you can buy at the store? Those typically are filled with junk and 50 times the amount of salt you actually need. I FINALLY found a homemade taco seasoning recipe that I love. It is perfect and most of the ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

1 Tbsp. Chili Powder

1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp. Onion Powder

1/8 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper (You could up this amount if you wanted it spicier!)

1/4 tsp. Oregano

1/2 tsp. Paprika

1 1/2 tsp. Cumin

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Black Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and YOU'RE DONE!

How simple is that?!?! 

This recipe makes the equivalent to 1 seasoning packet!

-- To use for ground beef tacos...

Cook beef fully and drain grease.

Return beef to skillet and put on med-low heat. Add seasoning mixture and 1/4 cup water. 

Stir to evenly distribute seasonings and cook until water is gone. Stirring frequently.

You don't have to struggle...

**

I've learned a lot over the past few days. I've learned that it's SO easy to be happy and motivated one day all to have it completely different the next. I've been in a slump of bad moods, lacking of energy and letting other people effect my self worth and confidence. I wasn't being the mom, wife and person I am striving to be. It was time for me to step up and get back to what I knew would help me. 

The thing is-- the more negative you are the more you will hate life. Once you let that negative creep in, you have to pull yourself out or it will bring you down. 

My plan is pretty simple. Work on myself by exercising daily, eating clean, reading personal development and constantly feeding my mind and soul is positive affirmations.

I really don't like sharing my struggles publicly. We all like to hide behind our computers and put on a good face but sometimes it's worth going out of your comfort zone. If I can help just ONE person from this, it will all be worth it. 

I will tell you that it is not easy; there will be ups and downs but it's the best thing you can do for yourself. If you want to join me and think this group is something you would benefit from, I urge you to message me for more details. 

If you want to make a change in your life but unsure how to do it.
If you feel trapped in a spiral of negative thinking, bad food, and lack of motivation. 
If you want someone to coach with your health and fitness while working on improving your mindset.

THEN THIS IS FOR YOU.

I know it's hard making a change and stepping out of your comfort zone, but this is life changing if you just give it a shot.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic Vinaigrette (Focus T25)

3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

½ tsp. raw honey or agave nectar

1 tsp. Dijon Mustard

3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

-Combine vinegar, lemon juice and agave nectar in a bowl; whisk to blend.

-Stir in mustard; mix well.

-Slowly add in oil while whisking; mix well.

Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing

Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing (Ultimate Reset)

½ C. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

¼ C. Apple Cider Vinegar

3-5 cloves of crushed garlic

3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

 1 tsp. Himalayan salt

½ tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tbsp. agave nectar

-Put all ingredients in blender and blend. 

Refrigerate after use. 2 tbsp.= 1 serving.

Citrus Vinaigrette

Homemade Citrus Vinaigrette

3 tbsp. fresh 100% orange juice

2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

½ tsp. raw honey or agave nectar

2 tsp. Dijon Mustard

3 tsbp. Extra virgin olive oil

-Combine orange juice, lemon juice, and agave nectar in a bowl; whisk to blend.

-Stir in mustard; mix well.

-Slowly add in oil while whisking; mix well.

Pumpkin Chocolate Granola Bars

Pumpkin Chocolate Granola Bars

Who doesn't LOVE pumpkin in the fall?! This recipe is the perfect healthy treat with all the comforts of Fall and CHOCOLATE :)

Ingredients:
• 3 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup 85% dark chocolate
• 2/3 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 by 8 baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
• Chop your dark chocolate into small pieces.
• In a large bowl, combine oats, spices and salt together. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk pumpkin, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour over the oats and stir well, until all of the oats are moist. Stir in the dark chocolate and almonds.
• Evenly press oat mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown. The pumpkin keeps the bars moist, so make sure they are golden and set-you don't want them to be under baked. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
• Using a sharp knife, cut into bars. Remove from pan and let cool completely.
Makes 10-12 granola bars.

--Recipe and picture courtesy of Melanie Mitro--

Priorities...

I know it's not easy.

Its not easy for me to make time to workout but I do because I've made it priority in my life. I actively try to create and look for times when my kids are happy to play together so I can concentrate on me for a second.

I know that between keeping up with the house, raising kids and working on this business I'm creating for myself that I will have to sacrifice somethings in order to get everything done. And you know what-- many times things don't get done. I'm not perfect and never will be.

But one thing I'm never willing to sacrifice is my family. They will always be my number one priority. So instead of reading a book or watching my favorite TV show or taking a nap-- I work on myself. That is were my priorities comes into play.

Now I'm not saying all this to make you feel bad. I want to give you hope that it is possible. That I understand and want to help you find ways to work on your health while making it work for you and your family. Everyone deserves to be happy and healthy. Not just for them but for their family as well.

Message me if you are willing to try, I know it's not easy but it will be worth it.