Banana Oat Bread

I don't know about you, but I can't get enough banana bread.  I always have bananas in the freezer so I can make it whenever I like.  This 'clean' version has quickly become a favorite in our house and I don't even think the kids noticed the difference in taste when I cut out the refined sugars! 

Since I make banana bread a LOT, I do try to mix it up a little with different flavors or add-ins.  I loved this oat version - and really thought it came out so pretty!

Kids loved it, husband loved it, I loved it!  Should've doubled the recipe!  Why don't I ever learn my lesson?  Banana bread freezes really well too so feel free to make 2 loaves.  Next time I surely will!

Makes 1 loaf

Banana Oat Bread

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup coconut sugar 

1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/3 cup buttermilk*
1 cup old fashioned oats

3 very ripe bananas, mashed with a fork

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Using an electric mixer, combine the applesauce, honey and coconut sugar.  Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda and add to the sugar mixture.  Add remaining ingredients; mix well.  Pour into a well-greased loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

*buttermilk substitute: 1/3 cup milk with 1/3 teaspoon white vinegar added; let sit for 5 minutes before adding

Tomato, Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

I first made this salad just last week, have since made it again and plan on making it again this week!  I'm a little obsessed.  And it's not even summertime yet so I know the tomatoes are just going to get better and better.  

We are lucky here in Savannah.  Because it's so warm, our local farmers' market opens in March AND it's within walking distance to from our neighborhood!  We try to go every week - it's fun and happening and the kids love it!  At any rate, I had some really pretty tomatoes and cucumbers that I wanted to do something with, so I whipped this up as a side for dinner one night. 

The dressing is tangy, but sweet because of the honey.  It's ridiculously good.  I never would have thought to give it to my 1-year old, but I think it looked so pretty that she wanted to try.  She kept pointing at and little by little, finished off what was left of the salad.  Good for her!  She is definitely my good eater.  So go ahead, give it a whirl...especially if you have the opportunity to pick some really fresh and fabulous produce!    

Serves 4

Tomato, Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons red onion, diced

For the dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon honey
Pinch of salt

Combine the tomatoes, cucumbers and red onion in a medium bowl.  Whisk the ingredients for the dressing together and pour over the veggies.  Toss everything together.  Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Pick Your Fix! Which 21-Day Fix is Right For You?

The 21-Day Fix is one of our most popular Beachbody programs.  Why?  Because it's what we call the total package...exercise, meal plan and portion control ALL rolled into ONE.  And you get it done in 21 DAYS.  Three weeks to lose 5-15 pounds.  And that's why in a nutshell.

These are all coaches on MY team.  Real people with REAL results.  The 21-Day Fix is not some fad diet.  It's a lifestyle change.  Amazing, right?

So we all knew how amazing the original 21-Day Fix was, then Autumn released the 21-Day Fix Extreme.  And you may be wondering, which one is right for me?  I'm sharing this simple chart so you can easily decide for yourself, but I want to go into a little more detail as well.  I want to help you choose the right program for you!  

Which of these programs is right for you?? Let me help you figure that out! 

And who is the 21DF Extreme for? It's for my 21DF graduates, for my friends that have done other more difficult workouts such as P90x3, Insanity Max:30, T25, or those that have been working out at a gym for some time and need a change. Maybe you've hit a plateau, maybe you want variation, MAYBE you have already come far but want serious DEFINITION in 21 days, maybe you need a bit of extra help with nutrition???

Because of the popularity of these programs, we have Challenge Groups that launch every week.  If you are interested, fill out this very quick form and I'll be in touch!!

21-Day Fix Challenge Groups enrollment form

{Keep reading below for more information on the 21-Day Fix Extreme}

What is the 21-Day Fix Extreme?

Extreme Fitness. Simple Eating. Serious Results

When you absolutely, positively need to get lean and defined in the shortest time possible...the 21-Day Fix Extreme is the way to do.  

The workouts are short but extreme.  The eating plan is simple, but no cheats.  It's a serious 21 days, but you can do anything for 21 days right?  If you stick with it, you'll walk away with serious results.

What is included in the 21-Day Fix Extreme?

6 extreme workouts on 2 DVDs ~ 

Autumn has seriously ramped up the calorie-scorching, muscle carving intensity with these 30-minute extreme workouts.  They feature a wide variety of steady-state aerobics, resistance training, and explosive power moves designed to give you a lean six-pack, cut arms, ripped shoulder and toned legs in only 21-days! 

1. Plyo Fix Extreme - an explosive lower-body workout that uses jumping and resistance to torch calories and sculpt muscles.

2.  Upper Fix Extreme - by alternating opposing muscle groups, this no-rest upper-body workout will help shred your chest, back, shoulders and arms.

3.  Pilates Fix Extreme - using a resistance band for every exercise, this intense mat workout works the entire body, placing emphasis on the core.  

4.  Lower Fix Extreme - glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves will get stronger, leaner and more defined with challenging resistance work. 

5. Cardio Fix Extreme - combining weighted cardio moves with traditional metabolic training intervals keeps your heart rate soaring.

6.  Yoga Fix Extreme - a fast-paced flow yoga class, combining strength, balance, flexibility and power. 

Simple Eating - portion control + clean food ~

Take all the guesswork out of what to eat and how much.  These seven color-coded containers and Shakeology shaker cup deliver exactly the right portions every time.  And you'll be eating clean!  No cheats, treats or excuses.  It's not easy, but after 21 days, you're going to look and feel amazing. 

Green - veggies

Purple - fruits

Red - proteins

Yellow - carbs

Blue - healthy fats

2 Orange - seeds, nuts and dressings

Plus, FREE bonus gifts ~ 

21-day Fix Extreme Eating Plan, the Countdown to Competition Plan and the Dirty 30 Extreme Workout

So...are you in??  I've made it easy...you can either click the links below to order your challenge packs NOW or fill out the form if you are undecided about which program is right for you.  I'll be in touch and help you get started!  The best deals are the challenge pack because you get a month's supply of Shakeology included!   

Order the 21-Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack

Order the original 21-Day Fix Challenge Pack

21-Day Fix Challenge Groups enrollment form

21-Day Fix Meal Plan: April 20, 2015

Week 4 of P903X and I still absolutely LOVE it!  This is called Transition week - just finished Block One and will start Block 2 on Monday.  Seriously getting stronger every day.  I discovered that I absolutely love using weights and I'm using the Beachbody On Demand feature which is so cool!  P90X3 is just one of 11 programs that is included - you can sign up for a STEAL and get access to all those amazing workouts!  Or if you'd rather have the DVDs, the P90X3 challenge pack is also on sale this month.     

Still following the 21-Day Fix meal plan - because it makes me feel so much better when I do!  Here is my plan for this week.  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. 

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Chicken Fajita Tostados

Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken 

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry 

Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas

Eggplant Parm 

Turkey Paninis - from the Skinnytaste Cookbook

~ Other Beachbody News ~ 

Upcoming Challenge Groups:

PiYo is one of my absolute favorite programs (pilates + yoga fusion).  You will move and you will sweat, but you will feel BETTER when you are done.  I'm actually adding new challengers to my PiYo group EVERY Monday since this program is so popular.  It's on sale this month with Shakeology for practically the cost of Shakeology alone.  Sign up with the link below!  

PiYo Challenge Group

It is actually not too late to join my Summer Slim Down challenge!  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

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This month's sales:

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

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

        

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

Name:

Email *

Message *

Carrot Cake Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

If you are big fan of carrot cake, you need to try these.  I have a hard time keeping these around when I make them.  My children LOVE them.  And if I told you they were a healthier cookie, I don't know that you would believe me...

NO refined sugar!  Maple syrup, cinnamon, coconut oil, raisins and of course the carrots, all give this cookie such a sweet flavor that you won't miss white or brown sugar.  These are soft and so chewy and amazing!!    

As with all of my cookies, I like them a bit underdone.  I think this actually allows them to keep a bit longer and not get dried out.  Not that it matters because no joke, they are usually gone in about a day in my house.  I've doubled this recipe plenty of times and it turns out great.  They also freeze well! So go ahead, make a double batch so you have some for later!

They do need chilled for a bit before baking.  If you chill them for longer than 30 minutes, you can flatten them down with the bottom of a glass for a flatter cookie.  Store leftovers for up to a week, but I highly doubt they will last that long.  Enjoy!

Yields 1 1/2 dozen

Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup old fashioned oats

3/4 cup white whole wheat flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

pinch of salt

2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled

1 egg, room temperature

1/2 cup maple syrup

3/4 cup grated carrots

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.  Turn the mixer on low to stir all together.  Add the coconut oil, egg, vanilla  and maple syrup and mix until just combined.  Fold in the carrots.  

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes and preheat the oven about 1/2 way through.  Line a baking sheet with parchment and drop the cookie dough into rounded scoops on the baking sheet (I used a small cookie scoop).  Bake for 12-15 minutes and cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.  

(Source:  adapted from Amy's Healthy Baking)

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

In our house, we LOVE Mexican food.  I have a great recipe for Spicy Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas on my site, but I think now I need to go back and add this sauce to them.  It's amazing!!  

The recipe is originally from Damn Delicious, but I "cleaned" it up a bit.  It is just as good - actually wait, even better (and MUCH MUCH better for you) - than the stuff you can buy in a can at the store.  And so simple to make!  I swear, less than 15 minutes!  I kept half in the fridge (about 2 cups) for a recipe I was using this week and placed the other half in the freezer for later.

Makes 4 cups 

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 white whole wheat flour

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon honey

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium high heat.  Whisk in flour until combined, about 1 minute.  Stir in the tomatoes, chili powder, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, honey and a cup of water.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.  

Store in a airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.  

(Source:  Adapted from Damn Delicious) 

21-Day Fix Meal Plan: April 13, 2015

Full disclosure - I'm restarting week 3 of P90X3 this week because I fell way too far behind to start the transition week this week.  Today is the last day of my kid's Spring Break and they were off school for 10 days!  We kept busy but I was so busy with THEM that I missed quite a few workouts.  And I hate that... 

But I love P903X (AND it's on sale this month)!  It's amazing to me how sore I feel the next day after every workout (and this was even after just finishing Insanity Max:30).  I discovered that I absolutely love using weights and I'm using the Beachbody On Demand feature which is so cool!  P90X3 is just one of 11 programs that is included - you can sign up for a STEAL and get access to all those amazing workouts!    

Even though I'm not doing the 21-Day Fix workouts, I follow the meal plan - because it makes me feel so much better when I do!  Here is my plan for this week.  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. 

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Man Pleasing Chicken

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry 

Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas

Turkey Paninis - from the Skinnytaste Cookbook

~ Other Beachbody News ~ 

Challenge Groups 

It is actually not too late to join my Summer Slim Down challenge!  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

My Strong Moms group starts April 20th!  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.  By filling out the form below, I will learn more about you and be able to help in choosing the right fitness program for you.

Strong Moms 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

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

        

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

Name:

Email *

Message *

Microwave Apple Cinnamon Chips

If you read my post on my Microwave Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Chips, then you know I didn't have a mandoline when I first made those.  But I bought one!  And now I'm on this kick to try all sorts of other types of "chips"!  

These apple chips are yummy!!  They are more like those chewy apple slices, not the crispy ones.  I did not core mine, but you can before you slice them.  I liked the look of the little "flower" in the middle.  Pretty, right?

I usually buy Gala or Figi apples, but you can use your favorite kind.  My kids loved watching how the edges curled up when I took the slices out of the microwave.  What they didn't love was the harder pieces in the middle because I didn't core them.  Lesson learned for next time!  It might make for a prettier picture, but that was sort of lost on the kiddos...

Serves 2

Microwave Apple Cinnamon Chips

2 apples, washed and dried
cinnamon, to taste

Core the apple if you like and thinly slice into 1/8-inch rounds using a mandoline or a sharp knife.  Line your microwave tray or a microwave-safe plate with a paper towel or parchment paper.  Place a few of the apples in a single layer (you'll make a couple of batches) and dust with cinnamon.

Microwave for 4 1/2 to 5 minutes until the edges of the apples start to curl up.  Watch closely around the 3 1/2 or 4 minute mark - the smaller pieces may start to turn brown in the middle.  Remove from microwave and let stand until cooled.  Repeat with remaining slices.  Serve immediately.

21-Day Fix Meal Plan: April 6, 2015

This week I kicked off my Summer Slim Down challenge group {click the link for more info on that!} and I am in my third week of P90X.  I'm using Beachbody On Demand to stream my workouts and I am loving that feature.  And loving P90X3 and Tony Horton.  I am seeing tone in my legs I never knew I had!  

Even though I'm not doing the 21-Day Fix 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.  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. 

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Man Pleasing Chicken

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry 

Quinoa Enchilada Bake  (I added 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 started today!  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 *