White Chicken Enchiladas

My blog today was inspired by a friend who messaged me and asked for my enchilada recipe. I thought I had already shared this on here but apparently I have not. How could I not share this?!? This a family and friends dinner favorite!! 

Ingredients:
- Whole grain tortillas
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 2 cups cheese of your choice
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 3 tbsp whole wheat flour
- 2 cups organic chicken broth
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt

Directions: 
- Mix 2 cups chicken and 1 cup cheese
- Roll chicken and cheese mixture into whole grain tortillas
- On stove top place 2 cups chicken broth, 3 tbsp coconut oil, 3 tbsp whole wheat flour, 1 cup plain greek yogurt together 
- Stir ingredients on stove, when it begins to boil pour on top of tortillas
- Cook in the oven at 425 for 15 minutes
- Take out place 1 cup cheese on top of enchiladas then cook for 5 more minutes

Enjoy this Mexican dinner favorite!! Follow me on Facebook, like this blog, or email me to get meal planning help and more recipes!!

Clear the Clutter- Feel Free

Happy Wednesday!! It was a relaxing and fun weekend for our family over Labor Day. Spent some much needed time with just us 3 and did some major cleansing of things in our house. I have a major issue with getting rid of items such as clothes or "keepsake" items. I always tell myself I will wear that or I can't get rid of that...then a few months or even a year later, there it is still not worn or used. No more of that! 

This weekend I listened to a podcast that said "we often times organize our clutter but never really go through it." DING!! That hit right at home for me, that is me summed up. I am a very organized person but I never truly rid my life of all the the clutter or unnecessary stuff. This can translate into any aspect of your life: clothes, mail, emails, cabinets, toys, negative thoughts, etc. 

We moved into our home about a year ago, I cleaned and got rid of items, but I really didn't get rid of any thing. I was holding onto things because well change is hard. Any change in life can be hard but it can also be very exciting, if we let it be! So, I knew this time I had to go through things and donate or throw away items. It was hard trust me, my husband had to put stuff in the trash or bags to donate for me because I couldn't and I would have kept it :) I want to share some tips of getting rid of the clutter and how to free your life of the unnecessary.

Tips:
1) Eliminate items you haven't used in a year. This was big one for me, I have kept clothes in my closet from high school and college...bad I know! This time around my motto if I haven't worn it in a year get rid of it. 

2) Do not transfer clutter. If you are going to get rid of it actually get rid of it. Don't take the pile to another room. Take a little extra time to through it away, box it up for donating, or file the items away. 

3) Have a junk drawer. Yes you read that right, we are not perfect and don't always have the time to deal with the papers at the moment. Keep the drawer so you can temporarily place your "junk" there until you have time to deal with it. My rule for our junk drawer is to clean it out once every 1-2 weeks.

4) One room (project) at a time. Pick one spot in your house to clean from start to finish. Start with a small task such as cleaning the junk drawer then move on to something bigger the fridge or pantry. This has always been a major issue for me, I get started on something and find an item which leads to another project which leads to another and I never fully finish one. It is more satisfying to see progress and complete an item on your to-do list rather than having a lot projects hanging around uncompleted. 

All of this can translate into all the other areas of your life. For example: eliminate the negative thoughts/people from your mind/life, write them down to identify what or who is causing this. Don't transfer these negative thoughts into your day to day tasks. Have a junk drawer- we all have those days where we are just in a funk, clear these thoughts quickly, and identify at least 5 positives in your life. Pick 1 area in your life you will work on to improve throughout the week, this should lead you to live a more positive life.

Once you have cleared the clutter in your life you will feel amazing, happier, and more free! When you clear the clutter you allow the "new" to enter into your life. This is where the endless possibilities begin for your life and you can start to live the life you dream of!

CIZE it up!

This week I started the new dance/workout program from Shaun T and Beachbody called CIZE. I had tried the program online through the on-demand feature through Beachbody. The first time doing one of the dance routines was pretty comical, I mean let's be honest I can't dance and have no rhythm. I was laughing, sweating and having fun the whole time though! A few days later I wanted to try it again because the program had just gone a sale. This time around I was a little better because I had done the moves before! 

Now, you are probably thinking "there is no way I could do this" "how can this be a workout." I had the same thoughts until I purchased the program. I am on day 4 and let me tell you, I am so sore! Tuesday morning I woke up and was like how can I be sore from a 30 minute dance. Wednesday my booty and obliques (side abs) were on fire! I can't wait to see my results after I complete the 4 week program. 

How the program works:
The program comes with 3 discs. On each disc there are 2 routines and the 8 minute ab workout. There are 2 options for following the program beginner which is 6 weeks long and advanced which is 4 weeks long. With the beginner you do the same routine for 6 days and the next week start a new routine. The advanced program is 2 routines per week and you alternate days. So for instance, I started this week and did 'Crazy 8's' Monday and 'You Got This' Tuesday, and then I repeat these for 6 days. Next week I start 2 new routines. 

If you are thinking there is no way I could I follow or learn a dance routine. I thought the same thing! In each routine the moves are broken down step-by-step and repeated until you feel comfortable. This makes learning the routines easier. Once you have learned all the moves you get to bust out your skills to music. You will honestly have so much fun and be amazed at how good you do!

What comes with the bundle package:
The CIZE bundle package is on sale for the month of August. In the package there is:

• the full set of DVDs
• CIZE nutrition guide
• color coated food measuring containers
• shakeology and shakeology cup
• workout calendar to follow
• weekend survival guide

The weekend survival guide is brand new and not in any other package. If you are anything like me, the weekends are struggle, you are out or you go places and your nutrition gets off track. The guide has tips and advice on how to stay committed on the weekend!

If you are looking for a new program to try, mix up your already existing routine, or just want to dance this is perfect for anyone. You do not need to be a good dancer to enjoy this program! You will tone up, drip sweat, get a workout in all while having fun!

                                


If you are interested in joining me with CIZE or want more information email me or fill out the application below! I have online health and fitness accountability groups forming now!

Finding the Time to Excercise

As a full-time working mom and wife it was hard to find time to get a shower in let alone get to the gym to workout. In the beginning I would go to the gym after work and feel guilty the whole time I was there. I felt guilty because I was spending more time away from my baby and husband. I felt like I had a million things to get done and the last thing I should be doing is going to the gym. I never in a million years thought I would be doing at-home workouts and actually getting results. 

We all live crazy busy lives and taking the time to focus on ourselves and our health always seems to be the last thing we think about. When in reality this should be one of our top priorities, if we do not take care of ourselves, then we won't be around to enjoy our families and the things we love! SO today I want to share some tips that have helped me transform my life to live a healthier lifestyle!

Tips:

1) First things first: Get your workout in before the day starts. I know for me if I do not do my workout right away in the morning, I use excuse after excuse as to why I can't do my workout. I wake up around 445 am to start my workout by 5 am. You might be thinking "you are crazy!" Trust me I know when I first started this I thought this was the craziest thing ever. But getting it done before my day starts allows me time to focus on just me for that 30 minutes, prepare for the day ahead, and I follow my meal plan better because I have worked out and don't want to ruin my day!

2) Have a plan: Schedule your workouts in your phone or planner. Make working out a non-negotiable each day. Think of this as an important meeting with your boss or a date, once you have it set you can't cancel! Lay out your clothes the night before, in doing this it helps me just wake up and get dressed, no thinking about it. Have your workout planned before waking up. I always put the DVD in the player so all I have to do is press play!

3) Include your kids: If early morning is absolutely not an option for you, include your family. Children will learn from your good example and they will want to join in on the fun! It is a great way to get your kids some physical activity and a great bonding activity. They will see mommy as a strong, dedicated, and healthy woman! Have equipment that is kid friendly so they can participate bosu balls, resistance bands, foam rollers.

Little man watching me workout!

4) Build a Support Crew: Juggling all of life's responsibilities can be overwhelming and we often feel alone. Trust me on this one, you are not! Find a workout buddy or someone who is going through the same program as you. This will help keep you motivated and accountable. Sharing your struggles and successes with others help you grow and continue on your journey! I offer online health and fitness groups for women that help with meal planning, motivation, support, and we all are going through the same program!

Beachbody Event surrounded by 100's of other women and men! 

5) Do your best: Life happens and some day are better than others. We should not get down on ourselves for the days where we simply can not fit a full workout in. Even if you only have 5-10 minutes, do some physical activity. If you have to break workout into sessions 10 minutes here, 5 minutes there, don't worry about it. All that matters is that you completed the workout! It will help your mood and you will feel better that you some workout in! DO NOT compare yourself to others. I was guilty of this for a long time but honestly we are all on our own journey. "Comparison is the thief of joy" -Theodore Roosevelt 
Enjoy every day and simply do your best!

Break up with perfection and just be YOU

6) Be a weekend warrior: If you are anything like me I used to use the weekend as a free for all. No workouts and eating whatever I want. Then Monday would come back around and there I was starting all over again. Commit to working out on the weekends. This can be anything! If you are going to the park walk around, play on the equipment just be active. Work out before you head out for the day so you have it done and you can enjoy the rest of the day! By staying committed on the weekend you will stick to your meal plan and see results a lot faster than if you would skip 2 days and start all over!

7) Give it your all: At the end of the day, spending more time with my family is a top priority. Working, blogging, and everything else means less time with my baby and husband. So my mantra has been "Give it your all." If I am going to workout or do something where I am not spending time with my family, I better be giving it 100%. 

My reason I push myself every single day...this boy!

Fitting a workout routine into a busy schedule is hard. But, with some planning it is totally doable! Make your well-being a priority and others around you will follow! I do not allow myself to think of my health as second anymore. If I am happy, healthy, and energized everyone around me receives the benefits of this! 

In finding the time to workout 30 minute at-home workouts were my live saver!! I have used 21 day fix, 21 day fix extreme, insanity max:30 and I am getting ready to start a new journey with CIZE!! If you are interested in joining my next online health and fitness group email me or fill out the application below!

 

Mac N Cheese

This past weekend I got my Fixate cookbook in the mail and have tried 3 recipes already, I have loved every single one of them! The cookbook has 101 recipes to use with the 21 day fix portion control program. This cookbook is broken down into different sections and I have fallen in love with it! I like simple recipes that uses items I already have in my own kitchen and that the husband and baby boy will love! The family has loved all 3 recipes so far...so that is a win in my book.

Here is the recipe for the Mac n Cheese with Broccoli and Chicken. Enjoy!

Ingredients for Mac n Cheese

Ingredients:
- 4 oz. whole wheat macaroni 
- 4 tsp. organic grass fed butter or organic coconut oil
- 2 tbsp. whole wheat flour
- 1.5 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 1/4 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 cups cooked and chopped chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Sauce mixture after heating and stirring 

Directions:
- cook macaroni according to package directions
- melt butter or coconut oil in large sauce pan over medium heat
- add flour; stirring constantly for 1 minute or until brown (don't let it burn)
- slowly stir in almond milk; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture thickens and there are no lumps
- Reduce heat to low. Add in the cheese; stirring constantly until cheese is melted
- Add chicken, broccoli, noodles, salt, and pepper. 
*Stir until heated all the way through and serve!

Little guy enjoying the meal

Family Approved!

Finished product

I cooked the chicken, broccoli, and noodles the night before so the day of cooking I did not have to do much. This made making the dinner super simple and quick!

Check out my video to hear all about the fixate cookbook and my special for this month!

If you are interested in more information email me or fill out the application below!

My health journey

Happy Wednesday!

I wanted to start a blog to share my fitness journey and hopefully inspire/help others along the way!

I started my fitness journey 4 months after having my sweet baby boy Krayton. I was uncomfortable in my own skin and did not have any self confidence whatsoever. I was fit before my baby, worked out every morning before work and ate relatively "healthy" or so I thought. After having Krayton I tried going to the gym, I tried counting calories, I tried eating healthy and I was running out of options to lose the extra baby weight. I did not want to go to the gym for an hour or more each day and spend less time at home with my husband and baby. So what was I going to do??

I was sitting on facebook scrolling aimlessly when I stumbled upon a friends post about the 21 day fix. Curious I messaged her and thought to myself could this at-home workout/nurtrition really work? NO WAY! But there was a little voice inside my head telling me to give it a shot. I ordered the 21 day fix and never looked back once I started the program. 

       

       

The program consist of 30 minute workouts with a different workout for each day, portion control containers, eating guide and shakeolgy. When I got the portion control containers I thought to myself I am going to starve!! I was wrong again...this was more than enough food and I had been doing it wrong all along! It takes the guess work out of losing weight and makes meal planning/eating so easy. And shakeology is simply amazing and my favorite meal of the day (we will save my love for it for another post)! I went full force with this program for 21 days and my results blew me away! 

I have continued with the 21 day fix nutrition and have tried out Insanity Max:30 and 21 day fix extreme from Beachbody. I have loved every single program and have continued to lose weight and tone up. Since starting the programs in November I have lost a total of 18 lbs and 11 inches! I am lower than my pre-baby weight, more toned, and feel better! I will continue to eat clean and do at home workouts. There is no turning back for this momma!

Left picture: 4 months post baby. Right picture: 9 months post baby

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't have your pre-baby body back or that you can't get fit! We all start somewhere and if we want to change we can make it happen. Are you ready for a change?

 If you want more information or want to join my next challenge group check out my page or email me!