5 Day Eating Cleaner Challenge!!

Reality: Everyone falls off the wagon from time to time. 
 
It’s true. If this is you, I want you to toss aside the guilt & criticism. It happens!  It happens to us all.  Even those of us with the best intentions.  Right?

However, what’s most important is what you do about it right NOW. Stop beating yourself up.  Let's just make a different choice.

Here's the hard truth.  You have 2 choices. You can either stay right where you are and nothing changes OR you can say “Not any more” and do something about it.

You can join my FREE 5-Day Clean Eating Challenge Group! I’ll provide the meal plan, shopping list, tips, and motivation, giving you the perfect jumping off point towards the New You!  

This is one of my most popular challenge groups and one that I so love doing!!  Everyone gets fabulous results and feels so good when they are done.  Here are some results from past challengers:  

Brittany B - My results are in. 5 1/2 pounds! I think I need to do a little happy dance! I definitely want to do these in the future! Way to start off my weekend!

Angela T – I can now say I completely get why eating right + exercise makes a difference. I can do all the exercise in the world but if I don't watch what I eat I won't really see much results.

Gloria B - I am shocked by my results!!!!! I have lost 7.4 lbs in 5 days!!! How is that even possible?!!!

Tina F - I lost a total of 4.4 lbs and gained more energy

Jonda G - Loved the meals!! Really enjoyed being a part of the group!

Tracy V - Lost 4 lbs and a couple inches, felt better, and slept better.

There are several more like that and they all deserve a huge pat on the back!! We all need that little jump start and kick in the pants.

Join me on Monday, January 23rd for 5 days and commit to eating well and clean! This is a FREE group event where we will partner together focusing ourselves on proper planning for a busy week, getting the right foods and nutrition in and having the support of a healthy like-minded community.  I will give you everything you need: the meal plan, grocery list, recipes and my coaching support.

It's easy to let go of eating well and getting the right nutrition during a hectic back to school schedule where the drive thru and boxed processed food looks convenient. However, habits like these will actually have a negative effect on the way you can sustain and maintain a healthy work ethic, life and relationships because it's not giving yourself the right fuel to drive yourself well and give you the energy you need to get through your day.

It takes 3 things, a commitment from you, proper planning and faith that it is totally doable and will positively benefit your busy life in a GOOD way!

Unless you're already committed to another health group and community and are living this out daily, I don't think ANYTHING should be holding you back or offering an excuse to join us! Plus we are really cool and fun!!

It's totally FREE and nothing but supportive motivation and resources here to help you thrive and live life fully!

RSVP to the Facebook Event page and sign up here to get your profile with me and I will contact you directly so we can get you set up! 

~Christina

Healthy Holiday Tip #1

Before you head out to that party, be sure you eat a little something.  Have a protein shake or some soup.  Have a little bit of chicken and some veggies.  It doesn't have to be a lot.  By doing this you won't be absolutely starving and grab anything and everything in sight to eat.  You can be more purposeful about what you choose.  The cocktail or glass of wine won't affect you as quickly and you will feel more in control of what you are eating and drinking.

Banana Bread Oatmeal - Yummo!!

Slow Cooker Banana Bread Oatmeal

 Original post from Team Beachbody

Whoever said, “Life is short. Eat dessert first,” probably meant first thing in the morning. Right? Hmm. While birthday cake for breakfast might sound like the stuff of dreams, it certainly won’t help you fit into your skinny jeans. And crashing out by 10 am because you haven’t had any protein or fiber is definitely more of a nightmare.

Luckily, with this Slow Cooker Banana Bread Oatmeal, breakfast can taste like dessert while still being a wholesome and nutritious way to fuel your day. It’s got all of the flavor of a luscious slice of banana bread, without the oily fat (or the extra smear of butter on top). Cinnamon, nutmeg, and three whole bananas give it authentic “baked-in” taste. Ground flax seeds give it extra nuttiness and a boost of fiber and healthy omega-3s. And, the best part is, this recipe cooks overnight and is ready to eat when you wake up!



It’s super simple to make. Just pour all of the ingredients into a slow cooker before you go to bed. In the morning, you’ll be able to fumble your way to the kitchen with your eyes half-closed by following the scent of freshly baked banana bread. All you need to do is spoon your serving into a bowl, top it with chopped walnuts, maple syrup, and almond milk, and your banana bread breakfast is ready to eat (or heat it up in the microwave if it’s been stored in the fridge).

If you’re one of those people who leaps out of bed at the first twinkle of the alarm, you might consider the additional, but worthwhile, step of toasting the walnuts you’ll sprinkle on your Banana Bread Oatmeal. Simply heat a dry pan on the stove and toss in the walnuts. Gently shake the pan as they cook, until the nuts smell… well, nutty… then immediately remove them from the heat. WARNING: Do not attempt to toast walnuts if you can barely remember your own name before a cup – make that two – of coffee. Nuts can go from delightfully toasted to charcoal in the blink of a (very sleepy) eye.



Slow Cooker Banana Bread Oatmeal
Total Time: 8 hrs. 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 6 servings, about 3/4 cup each

Ingredients:
3 cups water
4 cups unsweetened almond milk, divided use
1 cup dry steel-cut oats
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
6 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
½ tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ cup pure maple syrup
6 Tbsp. chopped raw walnuts

Preparation:
1. Place water, 1 cup almond milk, oats, bananas, flaxseed, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a 3-quart slow cooker; cover. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until oats are soft but chewy.
2. Top each serving evenly with maple syrup, walnuts, and remaining almond milk; serve immediately.

Photographs by Kirsten Morningstar

My 21 Day Beachbody Ultimate Reset Journey - the decision

June 13, 2016

I made a really big decision today that really makes me nervous but something is calling me to do this. For the last couple of months I keep hearing that little voice in my head telling me to do the 21 Day Ultimate Reset. I keep telling that voice to keep quiet. I have even had dreams about this Reset. They are really trying to get this message through. Soooooo.......I decided to listen. After watching a fellow coach's journey through the Reset this month and another friend and Legion of FIT coach doing it for the second time now I feel like it's my time. I purchased the 21 Day Ultimate Reset today.

My body is really needing me to do this. I feel like I have too many toxins built up and it's time to get serious about getting healthier. The 3 Day Refresh felt amazing and gave me a great jumpstart. I feel so good when I do the Refresh so I know I will feel even more amazing doing the Reset. My body hasn't been feeling well lately. I'm reacting more to what I eat, I'm getting more headaches, feeling very sluggish and I'm not able to shed any pounds so these are all signs that I have some unhealthy toxins built up.

So.....I'll be embarking on a 21 day journey when I get this. I hear that the food is absolutely amazing and delish. The absolute hardest part for me, to be totally honest, will be the no alcohol part. I mean absolutely none! Not a drop..... so please support me friends. Doing this in the summer will be tough but it's only 21 days. I will be doing this over the 4th of July so it will definitely be a challenge for me. I think it will be a mental challenge more than physical. I need this. I need to do this for me. I need to completely Reset my system to wake it up.

I need cheerleaders!! I'll let you know when I start and I'll probably video journal my experience through this. I know I can do it!! I just might be crazy, but I will succeed and it will be worth it.

3 Day Refresh and 30 Day Clean Eating Support Group

Let’s face the harsh reality, no matter how healthy we think we eat, how much we think we exercise, there is always room for improvement!

Every time I really buckle down and keep track of my food and plan and prep meals in advance I notice big changes in my fitness, my energy levels, and I just feel better, lighter and leaner.  I know personally how easy it is to get off track.  It starts with one small handful of Cheez-Its (darn those cute little crackers) a bite of my kid’s snacks there, a few cocktails or glasses of wine with friends, a dinner or two out, and you feel like a busted can of biscuits!  All the working out in the world isn’t going to take away that bloated & sluggish feeling you get when you overeat!  It’s really difficult to get back on track and stay on track.  It’s crazy how hard and how long it takes to get to a good spot with my fitness and nutrition compared to how fast it is to fall back into old habits and patterns of not eating clean and not working out as consistently.

So…..how about a brand new 3-Day Refresh Program that incorporates a 30 day clean eating & Shakeology group! YES!  This is perfect!  Ok, so why is this perfect you might ask?!

The 3 Day Refresh is designed to give you fast, clean and efficient weight loss.  You can quickly drop a few pounds, break a bad habit or two and get back on track!  It’s 3 shakes a day, a fiber drink, plenty of water, fresh fruits, veggies, and healthy fats so that you keep your energy and your metabolism going.  It is not a juice or fasting diet but a healthy diet that is going to give your body nutrition not starvation.

If you'd like to read more about my personal experience please click here.  I blogged about my first Refresh experience.

Okay so what is this Refresh?

 

Now, why does my body need this?  

   

Once we jump start our weight loss and clear out the gunk over the 3 days, we can keep our results and not slide back into old habits by continuing on for another 5 days with a specific menu and meals that I provide the grocery list and recipes for and then after that we’ll finish the month, still with clean eating, but these will be on your own with ideas and support from me and the rest of the group.  It's great to do this for awhile with a very specific and detailed meal plan to give us that jump start, but at some point we need to cut the apron strings and move out on our own right?  We need to put what we are learning to work so we can make this lifestyle change and these healthy decisions on our own.  You will use your wings to fly!  (While still in the comfort and support of our group.)   :) 

I certainly don’t want you to do the 3 Day Refresh and just go back to how it was before you started.  I want you to maintain and make progress.  So for 30 days, I am going to give you great meal ideas, tips, resources, recipes and will share how easy it is to prepare family friendly healthy meals, talk to you about the importance of proper nutrition, the fundamentals of clean eating and how to fuel your body for energy and not comfort. 

So how does this work?  Well if I am not your Team Beachbody Coach then you would make me your coach.  You will need to purchase the 3 Day Refresh Challenge Pack or any of the complete workout Challenge Packs with the word "Kickstart" in it (Kickstart includes the complete workout program, Shakeology AND the 3 Day Refresh)  from me as your coach but the support and the group is totally FREE.  Then, you are accepted into my closed online support group that will begin on May 31st.  That is the Tuesday after the long, Memorial Day weekend.  Perfect timing right? 

We will start with the 3 Day Refresh then 30 days of replacing 1 meal a day with Shakeology, healthy eating and any exercise of your choice.  It does not have to be a Beachbody Fitness Program, although I encourage you to try them out if you haven't yet.  You must commit to some form of physical activity for 30 minutes a day 5 days a week!

Each day you will log into the group for your tip of the day, daily motivation, inspiration and accountability. I will share recipes along with ways to handle late night munchies, sugar cravings, emotional eating, temptations and more.  You will be accountable each day to report with the group your food and your workouts! 

At the end of the 30 days we will measure our progress, submit our results and in 30 days you will have kicked bad habits, introduced new healthy habits and be on your way to creating life long health and wellness for you and your family! 

Does this sound like something you would like to do? 

If so, join me by clicking on this link and RSVP to the event.

Then, create a free account so that I am your Team Beachbody Coach. 

If you are anxious to get started then check out all of your Challenge Pack options here.  Make sure to message me on the Facebook event page after you purchase and I will add you to the private group and get you up and running!


Either way, the cut off for registration is May 24th!  So act now and don’t wait until the last minute or you might miss an opportunity to truly transform your health and feel your best! 

Stop saying tomorrow, stop putting off the small changes because you never know what tomorrow will bring!  You only have today, your health, your choices and this ONE life! It’s so precious and I can’t say enough about how important it is to take care of what we have!  So whether you need a total overhaul or just a few tweaks, now is your time!

Contact me any time with any questions you might have.  Always happy to connect with you!!

P.S. You get the absolute best deal with the purchase of a Challenge Pack.  With this purchase you will have Shakeology shipped to you at the same time each month.  I want you to know that you can cancel this at any time you'd like.  You can put a hold on it for a few months, you can change your flavors, you can change your shipping date and you can cancel all together.  There are no obligations.  If within the first 30 days you don't like it for any reason, you can even finish the bag, you can return it for a refund.  It's our bottom of the bag guarantee.  This is a great way to give Shakeology a full 30 day try, to see what it truly does for you, how it makes you feel and what it does for your body without any risk. 

 7 Taco Recipes Under 310 Calories

Article reposted from Team Beachbody

Make any night taco night with these delicious recipes that are loaded with bold flavors, and low in fat and calories.
Steak Tacos with Red Peppers and Onions
Steak lovers are in for a treat with these hearty tacos made with seasoned beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and fresh cilantro. Get the recipe.



Shrimp Tacos
These mildly spicy shrimp tacos get flavor from cumin and chili powder and are topped with lots of fresh veggies. Get the recipe.



Chicken Tacos
Even though these simple chicken tacos taste like delicious comfort food, they have only 248 calories and 6 grams of fat per serving. It’s OK to add shredded lettuce or cabbage and salsa! Get the recipe.



Crunchy Spicy Shredded Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
These are a real crowd-pleaser. Sweet pineapple and crunchy radishes go perfectly with tender, slow-cooked pork loin in these mouthwatering tacos. Impress your family with these gourmet tacos that are surprisingly easy to make. Get the recipe.



Chipotle Vegan Tacos
Keep it fresh with these chipotle-spiced tacos wrapped in cabbage leaves instead of tortillas. They are low in carbs, and with only 166 calories per serving, they’ll keep you feeling light. Get the recipe.



Mexi-Cal Tacos
These versatile tacos are made with tofu, but feel free to swap in your favorite protein. They feature a lime and cilantro sauce and fresh salsa that can be as spicy or mild as you like. Get the recipe.



Black Bean and Veggie Tostadas
Top a baked whole wheat tostada with black beans and other veggies to get a filling, fiber-packed meal! Substitute pinto or kidney beans if you prefer them. Get the recipe.

Healthy Cinco de Mayo Snacks

5 Healthy Cinco de Mayo Snacks

Article reposted from Team Beachbody

Have a healthy Cinco de Mayo fiesta with these recipes for fresh salsas, guacamole, and homemade corn tortilla chips that will let you indulge in the holiday without derailing your diet. Not only do these salsas and guac taste amazing, they don’t have any of the hidden sugars, sodium, and preservatives that are often found in prepared versions from the grocery store.

Roasted Tomato Salsa
Fresh tomato salsa can be whipped up in minutes, but with just a little extra effort (hardly any), you can enjoy the rich, smoky flavor of this roasted tomato salsa. Get the recipe.



Salsa Verde
This fresh, vibrantly flavored salsa verde is great on everything from tacos, burgers, and fish to baked potatoes and omelets. Tomatillos are widely available at larger grocery stores, and often are quite inexpensive at ethnic markets and produce stands. Get the recipe.



Guacamole
Whether you’re adding it to a sandwich, enjoying it with Mexican food, or eating it as a snack, get ready to love this guacamole. Get the recipe.



Chunky Rainbow Salsa
It’s easy to “eat the rainbow” with this vibrantly colored salsa made with tomato, mango, avocado, and bell peppers. Want to make it spicy? Add finely chopped jalapeño or habanero. Get the recipe.



Baked Corn Tortilla Chips
These easy baked corn tortilla chips have a satisfying crunch you’ll love, without the guilt. Dress them up with a squeeze of fresh lime and a touch of salt. Get the recipe.

25 Healthy Superbowl Snacks

25 Healthy Game Day Snacks

reposted from Team Beachbody

It happens every year. Mere weeks after resolving to lose the love handles, we face a day devoted to sitting on the couch and filling our bellies with hot wings, nachos, and beer. Americans consume more calories on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year. The food, most of it smothered in cheese and dripping with fat, gets as much attention as the football game (and the commercials) and it’s easy to eat an entire day’s worth of calories by halftime.
We realize that this isn’t going to be your healthiest day of the year and that, more than likely, you’re going to indulge. We’re here to help you minimize the damage, and get through it without totally sacking your fitness goals. You don’t have to avoid every tempting platter of appetizers, but we’ve assembled 25 healthy recipes to give you an alternative to the unhealthy stuff.
Extra Points:

1. Don’t arrive for kick-off with an empty stomach. Drink your Shakeology or eat a light meal with lean protein before game time. This will help curb junk food cravings.
2. The best seat in the house is not front-and-center if there is a table filled with food within arms reach. Stake out a seat near the game but away from the junk.
3. Watch the game (and the commercials!). Talk to your friends. Cheer for your team. Heckle the other team. The more involved you are in the real action, the less likely you’ll be to absentmindedly fill your face hole with Funyuns.
4. Beer will be flowing. Have a plan for how many you’re going to drink before you start. Slow your intake, and ward off a Monday morning hangover by drinking tall glass of water between each beer.

SNACKS

Sweet Potato Skins with Turkey Bacon
We replaced fried white potatoes with nutrient-packed, baked sweet potatoes in this light and healthy makeover of a popular bar snack. Instead of bacon and sour cream, our recipe uses turkey bacon and Greek yogurt. Get the recipe.


Sweet Potato Skins with Chicken and Spinach
Here’s another way to make sweet potato skins that are healthy enough to eat as a meal! These are topped with spinach, spiced chicken, and cilantro. Get the recipe.


Buffalo Chicken Tenders
These tangy, spicy chicken tenders dipped in creamy blue cheese sauce are delicious enough to make you forget they’re only 158 calories per serving. Get the recipe.


Nachos
These nachos are made with freshly-baked tortilla chips are pretty addictive, but only 258 calories per serving! Get the recipe.


Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
These chicken fingers are baked, not fried, and have a crunchy almond crust.  Get the recipe.


Pita Pizza
Pitas make an ideal pizza crust! These pita pizzas are topped with basil, peppers, and onion. Create a pizza station and let people top their own pitas with a variety of vegetables or lean proteins. Get the recipe.


Habanero Chili
This hot, flavorful chili is tasty and filling. Get the recipe.


Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce
The foodies at your party will appreciate this Thai appetizer made coconut milk, honey, and a touch of spice. Get the recipe.


Hummus-Filled Eggs
These can be made with homemade hummus recipe below. I’ll let you in on a little secret, when I photographed these eggs, the amount of hummus in the recipe didn’t quite fill the center of the egg white, so I dropped a single garbanzo bean into the center of each to take up space…and I loved the texture it added. Get the recipe.


Bell Pepper and Cabbage Slaw
This tangy bell pepper and cabbage slaw takes minutes to make, and ensures that there is something healthy and light on the table that’s not technically a salad. Add even more color with red cabbage and shredded carrot. Get the recipe.


Shrimp Ceviche
This Baja California-style ceviche is made with shrimp, fresh lime juice, and refreshing cucumber. Make it as mild or spicy as you want by adjusting the chili peppers to your taste. Serving it in endive shells is a clever and crunchy alternative to tortilla chips. Keep your ceviche cool throughout a long football game by nesting your serving bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice. Get the recipe.


Teriyaki Salmon Bites
If you’re rooting for a certain team from Seattle, make a statement with this Northwest-inspired appetizer. Get the recipe.

DIPS

Healthier Seven-Layer Dip
What is a game day buffet table without a seven-layer dip? We created a lighter version that has all of the flavor and only 136 calories per serving. Get the recipe.


French Onion Dip
When I was a kid, French onion dip was the go-to appetizer at every party. Back then, we made if from a powdered mix and sour cream. I experimented with a healthier way to create this favorite dip from scratch using caramelized onions and nonfat yogurt. The result? It’s even tastier than the original. Get the recipe.


Chunky Salsa
Here’s a new recipe for America’s favorite condiment that gets extra crunch from bell pepper.  Get the recipe.


Guacamole
According to Wikipedia, 8,000,000 pounds of guacamole is consumed on Super Bowl Sunday. You might need to double this recipe! Get the recipe.


Spinach Dip
We created a lighter version of the classic spinach dip. Ours has only 32 calories per serving. Eat it with raw veggies like carrots, celery sticks, radishes, or sliced bell peppers. For a spicy kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving. Get the recipe.


Homemade Hummus
Whip up a batch of this homemade hummus in less than five minutes! Get the recipe.

CHIPS, FRIES & NUTS

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips
These baked corn tortilla chips taste fresh and have a satisfying crunch you’ll love, without the guilt. Serve with our seven-layer dip or dress them up with a squeeze of fresh lime and a touch of salt. Get the recipe.


Kale Chips
Kale chips? At a football party? Trust us, these will disappear fast. Get the recipe.


Tomato-Thyme Pita Crisps
With a light dusting of Parmesan cheese and baked-in herbs, these pita crisps are delicious on their own. Top them with a generous serving of chopped, fresh tomatoes and they become a great party appetizer. Get the recipe.


Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
Love sweet potato fries? Here’s a healthier way to enjoy them. Serve with homemade chipotle ketchup. Get the recipe.


Zucchini Fries
This tasty snack has flavor and crunch. And, our zucchini fries have only 74 calories per serving! Get the recipe.


Spiced Nuts
These cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne-spiced nuts are sweetened with a touch of honey. Just mind the mindless munching as the calories add up fast. Get the recipe.

SWEET

Flourless Brownie Muffins
These dark chocolate muffins are delicious and surprisingly healthy. Get the recipe.