Microwave Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Chips

We eat sweet potatoes a LOT.  Really, a couple of times a week for sure.  And I pretty much always prepare them the same way.  Very simply - roasted with just a little salt and pepper.  Delicious, but I was bored of it!

I remembered seeing on Pinterest a recipe about making sweet potato chips - in the microwave!  I think I was more intrigued than anything.  I honestly was a bit skeptical.  Hard to believe that something could get crispy out of the microwave!  But it works - and they are so good! 

  

I'm totally on a sweet and spicy kick lately.  I actually made maple and cayenne roasted Brussel Sprouts the other night that were out of this world!  Will be posting those soon.  These had a very similar flavor - maple and cayenne but I also added some chili powder.  As you can see in my picture, I cut these with my knife.  My next kitchen gadget purchase?  Definitely a mandoline.  I foresee that I will be making these a lot more and that would make my life SO much easier.  Plus, then all the pieces are the same size, and they cook evenly, etc...     

Serves 2

Microwave Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Chips

1 large sweet potato, scrubbed clean
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cut of the ends of the sweet potato and slice as thin as you can get them with your knife or on the thinnest setting on a mandoline (recommended).  Add the potatoes and all of the ingredients in a large bowl and toss with your hands.

Line the tray of your microwave with parchment paper and place the coated sweet potatoes in a single layer on the tray.  Microwave on high 4-5 minutes or until the ends start to curl up and get crispy.  If you used a knife and have some thicker pieces, these may need to remain in the microwave a little longer to ensure the middle of the chips are cooked.

Repeat with any remaining slices until all chips are cooked.  Sprinkle with additional sea salt if desired and serve warm.  I noticed they crisped up a bit more after sitting for a minute after being cooked.

21-Day Fix Meal Plan: March 23, 2015

This past week I wrapped up Insanity Max:30 and did a couple of days of Piyo and T25.  Felt good to slow down a little bit!  I've also been wavering about when to start the 21-Day Fix Extreme.  It was going to be March 23rd, but my daughter's 1st birthday is this week so I know we will be celebrating!  We will also be out of town for 2 days so I have no idea what my meals will be -- but I will be sticking to the Fix as much as I can! 

As of right now, my plan is to start the Extreme on April 6th when I kick off my Summer Slim Down challenge group {click the link for more info on that!}.  In the meantime, I'll be exploring some new programs on Beachbody On Demand.  

Even though I'm not doing the 21-Day Fix or Insanity Max:30 workouts, I am going to continue with the meal plan - because it makes me feel so much better when I do!  Here is my plan for this week... (and if you need a full week's plan, click here and here).  Each color represents a different food, or a different color coded container.

{Click the picture to download or print this meal plan} 

I am following the 1800-2099 calorie bracket.  I am on the maintenance plan, plus nursing so I need the calories.  I did try to do one bracket lower and just ended up cheating way too often.  

Here are a couple of the recipes from this week: 

Creamy Herb Dressing

1 medium avocado

1 1/2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt

4 tablespoons cilantro (or tarragon, mint, dill, etc)

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 dash of ground pepper

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Place avocado, yogurt, herbs, lemon juice and salt and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth.  Continue blending and slowly add the olive oil.  Store in the fridge, tightly covered until ready to use. 

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Man Pleasing Chicken

Turkey Paninis - from the Skinnytaste Cookbook

~ Other Beachbody News ~ 

I love 21-Day Fix meal plan...I have never felt better.  More energy, less bloat, sleeping great!  If you are interested in learning more about the 21-Day Fix workouts (Extreme or original) or even Shakeology, be sure to fill out the form below to send me a quick message.  Or if you are ready to purchase, click the links below! 

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Challenge Pack

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack

My Summer Slim Down challenge group starts April 6th!  We will focus on getting you beach ready with working out, drinking Shakeology and eating clean.  In this group, you'll find the support and motivation to get through the 60 or 90-day program of your choice.  You can fill out this quick form to get more information.  Once you do, I'll be in touch so we can figure out what program will work for you.  

Summer Slim Down Challenge Group

Have you heard about Beachbody On Demand yet??  With BOD, you get unlimited access to stream hundreds of world-class Beachbody workouts - anytime, anywhere.  Workout from your laptop, smartphone or tablet.  As long as you can connect to the Internet, you can work out with Beachbody, no DVDs required!

Get More Info

Beachbody On Demand Enrollment Form

Purchase the Club Member Challenge Pack

        

Still have additional questions?  Feel free to fill out the form to get in touch with me! 

Name:

Email *

Message *

Beachbody Coach Types - Which One is Right for You?

I've been a Beachbody coach for almost 11 months and in that time, I've talked to a lot of people about coaching.  The biggest push-back I get?  "I could never do what you do!"  First of all, yes, YES you can, but secondly, there are different levels of coaching that I don't think most people know about.  I went all in when I started.  I thought of this as my job from day one.  I'm not the norm.  MOST people start as a discount coach.  But what does that mean?  What does it all mean??  I'll explain...

Yes, there are THREE different types of coaches!  Who knew, right?  Let me elaborate...

Discount Coach ~ or really a "preferred customer".  This is someone who LOVES the products but has no desire to sell or coach.  NO problem!  You can take full advantage of a 25% off discount just by signing up.  This is on your Shakeology, programs, apparel, supplements, equipment, etc.!  No selling and you literally do not have to ever talk about the fact you are a Beachbody coach.  There is a $15.95 monthly coach fee, but you are STILL saving $16 a month on your Shakeology order, which is a savings of over $200 a year.  

Hobby Coach ~ you LOVE Shakeology and Beachbody products, and think it would be nice if you could make just enough to cover your shakeology order each month.  Yes, that can be done and it's easy to reach that goal!  Or maybe you have a full-time job and you are just looking to make a little extra FUN money from talking to people about how the products have changed your life.

Business Builder ~ you love the products, drink Shakeology and use the programs every day.  You believe wholeheartedly in them and want to pay it forward while earning a significant income as a coach.  You are ALL IN and participate in trainings and other opportunities to grow your business.  You want to be a top coach and have a goal of a six-figure income or beyond!!

If you are already sharing your workouts and healthy meals on social media, then you are already doing what I'm doing.  I share my ups and downs, my struggles and triumphs.  I invite my friends and family to join me because I love it SO much!  And I am growing my team and business.  I am not a salesperson, but I am extremely passionate about what I do.  And that makes sharing it with others VERY easy.

 
I am living my life by design.  You can choose to be happy!  YOU CAN DO THIS TOO!  What would an extra $100, $500, $1000 a month do for your family??  Think about it.  But in the meantime, just know there are coaching options for EVERYONE.

I am looking for people to join me!  At ANY level...let's talk about what this opportunity can do for you!!  There are so many unbelievable deals when you sign up as a coach right now too -- things I wish they had when I signed up.  You can apply by filling out this form and I will be in touch with the next step!

Coach Enrollment Application Form

Still have questions?  Then join me March 30th for our next 3-Day Beachbody Coaching Expo.  This is a NO fluff, facts and figures based informational Facebook group that you can join to see if coaching could be right for you.    

Join the Coach Expo

I look forward to chatting with you soon!  You can also send me a message on Facebook if you have any questions (be sure to send me a friend request as well so it doesn't go into my 'other' folder!).   

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

I honestly had no intention of posting my sauce recipe, but I shared these pictures a couple of weeks ago on my blog's Facebook page and had a ton of requests for it! The only reason I wasn't sure about sharing is because to me, making sauce is a little of this and a little of that type thing. I'm going to do my best to share how I make it! Sorry about the quality of the pictures...again, not planning on sharing, so these are just off my phone..

For this recipe, you need a HUGE pot.  I use my 7 quart Dutch Oven, but you probably could also use two smaller pots.  When I made it the last time, I actually doubled this recipe and ended up with 7 32-ounce plastic containers (you can find these on Amazon - I use them for everything and they are super cheap!).  So this recipe should yield about 14 cups of sauce.  Plan accordingly so you have enough containers to store in the fridge and freezer!

If you have any questions, feel free to post in the comments or you can send me a message on Facebook.  Enjoy and have fun!!  Sauce day is one of my favorite days!        

Makes about 14 cups

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Extra virgin olive oil

1 pound lean ground beef or turkey

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes

2 (28 oz) cans tomato sauce

2 (6 oz) cans Italian seasoning tomato paste

salt and pepper

Italian seasoning

Garlic powder

Sugar or other sweetener (maple syrup, honey, stevia)

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 

1 cup dry red wine (optional)

Heat about 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large pot.  Brown the meat (if using)* and add salt and pepper.  Right before the meat is done, add the chopped onions and cook for a few minutes until translucent, then add garlic.  Saute for a few minutes on medium to medium-low heat.  

Add the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, paste, Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon), garlic powder (couple of teaspoons), sugar (start with about 2 tablespoons), a pinch of red pepper flakes and the wine if using.  At this point, I usually add another tablespoon or two of olive oil as well.**  

Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a low boil or simmer.  Let simmer for about 3 hours, tasting and seasoning throughout.  You NEED to stir the sauce occasionally so it doesn't stick the bottom of the pot and burn.  Keep tasting and add additional sugar, olive oil, wine, seasonings, or salt and pepper to taste.     

*If not using meat, skip directly to the onions and garlic

** I probably end up adding 1/4 - 1/2 cup of sugar and about 1/4 -1/3 cup olive oil by the time I'm finished 

Whole Wheat Strawberry Banana Pancakes

I have an incredibly picky 3-year who will only eat pancakes and dry (no milk) chocolate cheerios.  While I don't mind the cereal thing, it's nice to know that I can make a huge batch of healthier pancakes on a Sunday morning to have all week for him.

This is the same base recipe I use for my Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes and my Whole Wheat Strawberry Pancakes - and in this recipe I just combined the two!

I make my pancakes pretty small - about 4 inches across and we get around 30 pancakes from this recipe.  I use a small cookie scoop to drop the batter onto our griddle.  You can serve these topped with more fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.  Your whole family will love them! 

Makes about 30 

Whole Wheat Strawberry Banana Pancakes

2 cups white whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon honey

2 large eggs, beaten

1 3/4 cup milk

1 cup diced fresh strawberries 

1 ripe banana, slightly mashed

butter for frying

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add the honey, eggs, milk, strawberries and banana and whisk until everything is combined.  Heat a griddle or pan over medium heat.  Add butter to melt and coat the bottom.  Spoon batter onto griddle or pan, using about 1/4 cup.  When bubbles start to form on the top, flip the pancakes and cook on the other side.  Remove from pan, repeat with butter and batter.  Serve with maple syrup and more fruit if desired. 

To freeze: place pancakes in a freezer bag, layered with pieces of wax paper.  Heat for a minute in the microwave to serve!

21-Day Fix Meal Plan: March 16, 2015

I will be wrapping up Insanity Max:30 tomorrow morning with Cardio Challenge - which is the very first workout of the program and the fit test.  I get to see how far I've come and how much longer it takes me to Max Out!  After that, I'm going to take the rest of the week to do some PiYo and really stretch out.  Then...I'm starting the 21-Day Fix Extreme!!

Full disclosure - my dad is visiting us this week so my husband and I are taking full advantage of an in-house baby sitter and having a date night.  And Tuesday is suppose to gorgeous so we are making it a beach day with dinner at our favorite pizza place.  And...this is why I am NOT starting the 21-Day Fix Extreme until the following week!!

Here is this week's 21-Day Fix food plan (or Nutrition to the Max).  Each color represents a different food, or a different color coded container.

{Click the picture to download or print this meal plan} 

I am following the 1800-2099 calorie bracket.  I am on the maintenance plan, plus nursing so I need the calories.  I did try to do one bracket lower and just ended up cheating way too often.  

Here are a couple of the recipes from this week: 

Creamy Herb Dressing

1 medium avocado

1 1/2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt

4 tablespoons cilantro (or tarragon, mint, dill, etc)

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 dash of ground pepper

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Place avocado, yogurt, herbs, lemon juice and salt and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth.  Continue blending and slowly add the olive oil.  Store in the fridge, tightly covered until ready to use. 

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken

Turkey Paninis - from the Skinnytaste Cookbook

The 21-Day Fix/Nutrition to the Max meal plans are amazing.  If you are interested in learning more about the 21-Day Fix workouts (Extreme or original), Insanity Max:30 or even Shakeology, be sure to fill out the form below.  Or if you are ready to purchase, click the links below! 

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Challenge Pack

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack

Purchase the Insanity Max:30 Challenge Pack

My next challenge groups start March 23rd and one will feature Beachbody's newest launch - On Demand!  With Beachbody on Demand, you will get unlimited access to stream hundreds of world-class Beachbody workouts - anytime, anywhere.  Workout from your laptop, smartphone or tablet.  As long as you can connect to the Internet, you can work out with Beachbody, no DVDs required!

Get More Info

Beachbody On Demand Enrollment Form

Purchase the Club Member Challenge Pack

The other one is my favorite group - Hot Moms!  A group of moms, trying to find a balance between working out, eating healthy and taking care of their family.  In this group, you'll find the support and motivation to get through the 90-day program of your choice.  You can fill out this quick form to get more information.  Once you do, I'll be in touch so we can figure out what program will work for you.  

Hot Moms Challenge Group Enrollment Form

        

Still have additional questions?  Feel free to fill out the form to get in touch with me! 

Name:

Email *

Message *

Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies

I have been working for some time on a clean chocolate chip cookie recipe and I finally did it!  Now that I've done it, as much as I love my old chocolate chip cookie recipe, I'm not sure I'll ever go back to making them with all butter or refined sugars ever again!

Replacing most of the butter with coconut oil makes these dense and so chewy.  Straight out of the oven, a little underdone and they are amazing!  But even a couple of days later, they were soft as can be. 

You know those cookies that you buy in the refrigerator section of the grocery store?  The ones that come on a piece of cardboard and are square in shape?  So good right?  That's exactly what these cookies remind me of.

I use a small cookie scoop to drop them on the baking sheet.  I have this obsession with getting my cookies all the same size and shape!  Doesn't always happen, depending on where the chocolate chips are, but I think that I get pretty close. :)

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen

Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup coconut oil, slightly softened

1/2 stick organic butter, room temperature

1 cup coconut sugar

1/2 cup honey

1 egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups white whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  With a hand mixer or stand mixer, combine the oil, butter, sugar and honey.  Add the egg and vanilla, mix.  In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt and add to the wet mixture.  Stir in the chocolate chips by hand.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.   They should be slightly underdone - do not overbake! 

Let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.  Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Insanity Max:30 Meal Plan: March 9, 2015

I'm in my last week of Insanity Max:30!  It's kind of bittersweet.  I'm excited to graduate and start a new program, but I will miss it.  I will absolutely repeat it in the near future.  And I have to say, if I can do it, ANYONE can.  Feeling stronger and better than I ever have!

Here is this week's Nutrition to the Max food plan, but you can also use this if you are following the 21-Day Fix.  Each color represents a different food, or a different color coded container.

{Click the picture to download or print this meal plan} 

I am following the 1800-2099 calorie bracket.  I am on the maintenance plan, plus nursing so I need the calories.  I did try to do one bracket lower and just ended up cheating way too often.  

Here are a couple of the recipes from this week: 

Creamy Herb Dressing

1 medium avocado

1 1/2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt

4 tablespoons cilantro (or tarragon, mint, dill, etc)

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 dash of ground pepper

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Place avocado, yogurt, herbs, lemon juice and salt and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth.  Continue blending and slowly add the olive oil.  Store in the fridge, tightly covered until ready to use. 

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Man Pleasing Chicken

Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken

Turkey Santa Fe Salad - from the Skinnytaste Cookbook

The 21-Day Fix/Nutrition to the Max meal plans are amazing.  If you are interested in learning more about the 21-Day Fix workouts (Extreme or original), Insanity Max:30 or even Shakeology, be sure to fill out the form below.  Or if you are ready to purchase, click the links below! 

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Challenge Pack

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack

Purchase the Insanity Max:30 Challenge Pack

My next challenge group starts March 23rd and will feature Beachbody's newest launch - On Demand!  With Beachbody on Demand, you will get unlimited access to stream hundreds of world-class Beachbody workouts - anytime, anywhere.  Workout from your laptop, smartphone or tablet.  As long as you can connect to the Internet, you can work out with Beachbody, no DVDs required!

Get More Info

Enrollment Form

Purchase the Club Member Challenge Pack 

        

Still have questions?  Feel free to fill out the form to get in touch with me!

Name:

Email *

Message *

Beachbody On Demand is Here!

You've been asking for it -- and it's finally here!! Beachbody On Demand!  As a Team Beachbody Club Member, you can workout with Beachbody anytime, anywhere...from your laptop, tablet or PHONE! 

If you travel, this is for you. If you just want tons of workouts all in one place, this is for you. Do you like to mix it up? Then this is for you!  With Beachbody On Demand, you will get unlimited access to stream hundreds of world-class Beachbody workout programs - anytime, anywhere.  You can stream your workout on your laptop, your smartphone or tablet.  As long as you can connect to the Internet, you can work out with Beachbody, no DVDs required!  You can also stream to your TV via Chromecast and Apple TV.
    

Inside the Beachbody On Demand Member Library, you'll find full Beachbody programs - including P90X, P90X2, P90X3, P90X One-on-One, TurboFire, Brazil Butt Lift, Insanity, Insanity: The Asylum, ChaLEAN Extreme, Hip Hop Abs, and 10-Minute Trainer.  PLUS select workouts from 21-Day Fix, 21-Day Fix Extreme, T25, PiYo, Insanity Max:30, Slim in 6, Body Beast, and P90.  Crazy right?  If you were to purchase each of these programs separately, it would cost you $1500.  What a deal!!   

You'll also have access to nutrition guides, calendars and so much more at the touch of a button.  Over time, they will add additional content, including programs you may have previously purchased on DVD!    

How does it work?  By simply becoming a Team Beachbody Club Member, you will have unlimited access to stream all of the workouts!  Not a Club Member?  Click here to join now and you'll get me as your FREE coach!  My next challenge group begins March 23rd.  You pick your On Demand program (I'll help you pick the one that is right for you!), drink Shakeology and get results.  I will support and motivate you in order to get those results.

To join my challenge group, and to get the most bang for your buck, purchase the Club Membership Challenge Pack.  For just $140 you will get a month's supply of Shakeology (normally $130 on it's own) and 90 days of Beachbody on Demand for FREE.  After the 90 days, you will be billed quarterly.  To me, this is a no-brainer.  $1500 worth of programs FREE for 90 days for practically the cost of a bag of Shakeology alone??  Click the link to purchase your challenge pack now! 

Club Membership Challenge Pack  

Still have questions?  No problem!  Just fill out this quick form so I'll know what your goals are and I be in touch! 

On Demand Form

Greek Yogurt Chocolate Peanut Butter Fruit Dip

A couple of weeks ago, Chobani reached out to me and asked to come up with a recipe for their #MadeWithChobani project.  I ended up coming up with two - these Double Chocolate Chip Muffins and this dip.    

This is like a grown-up version of those very sweet cream cheese fruit dips with tons of confectioner's sugar.  Play around with the maple syrup or you can even add a tiny bit of Stevia to make it as sweet as you like it.  And remember that you'll have lots of sweet things to dip in it!

So many options for dipping!  Any fruit, graham crackers, pretzels, etc.  We loved the strawberries with it - like chocolate covered strawberries only better for you!  The addition of the chocolate chips is completely optional, but it was fun having that little bite of chocolaty crunch throughout. 

Makes about 1 1/2

Greek Yogurt Chocolate Peanut Butter Fruit Dip

1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
3-4 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-4 tablespoons dark chocolate chips (optional)

Mix all the ingredients, saving about a sprinkle of chocolate chips for garnish (if desired).  Add more maple syrup or stevia to taste.  Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.  Store leftovers covered the fridge.

Insanity Max:30 Meal Plan: March 2, 2015

Week 7 of Insanity Max:30 starts tomorrow!  Honestly, if someone had told me a year ago that I would be 2 weeks away from completing a program with the word "insanity" in it, I would have laughed in their face.  It has flown by...and truly, if I can do it, ANYONE can.  Feeling stronger and better than I ever have!

Here is this week's Nutrition to the Max food plan, but you can also use this if you are following the 21-Day Fix.  Each color represents a different food, or a different color coded container.

{Click the picture to download or print this meal plan} 

I am following the 1800-2099 calorie bracket.  I am on the maintenance plan, plus nursing so I need the calories.  I did try to do one bracket lower and just ended up cheating way too often.  

Here are a couple of the recipes from this week: 

Creamy Herb Dressing

1 medium avocado

1 1/2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt

4 tablespoons cilantro (or tarragon, mint, dill, etc)

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 dash of ground pepper

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Place avocado, yogurt, herbs, lemon juice and salt and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth.  Continue blending and slowly add the olive oil.  Store in the fridge, tightly covered until ready to use. 

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Man Pleasing Chicken

Asian Meatballs 

Turkey Santa Fe Salad - from the Skinnytaste Cookbook

The 21-Day Fix/Nutrition to the Max meal plans are amazing.  If you are interested in learning more about the 21-Day Fix workouts (Extreme or original), Insanity Max:30 or even Shakeology, be sure to fill out the form below.  I am holding a March Madness challenge group for the 21-Day Fix and the 21-Day Fix Extreme.  

The original 21-Day Fix and the Extreme are SUPER on sale through 3/5/15 - only $10 when you purchase a month's supply of Shakeology!  And you'll get me as your coach for support through the entire program.  Order your challenge packs NOW or fill out the form to get more info!

Purchase the 21-Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack

Purchase the original 21-Day Fix Challenge Pack
    

Fill out my online form.

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