Fall is the season of apples, chili, and soups!!! As the weather finally starts to feel like fall, I've been looking for some of those comforting foods as the air gets a little more brisk.
I have always said how I enjoy taking class or traditional dishes and cleaning them up. Soups themselves are hearty and typically healthy, so this is a great option that can provide you and some family and friends a delicious meal. This recipe provides at least 12 servings, so I sent some home with my brother-in-law and ran some over to our neighbors.
8 oz ditalini pasta ( I couldn't find this so I used whole wheat elbow macaroni. I found that 8 oz of it is about 2 cups dry, BUT I would use less next time as I had to add more liquid to the recipe because of amount of noodles)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Brown the turkey in a large pot. Season with salt and pepper. Drain fat. Remove turkey and set aside.
In the same pot, add onion, carrots, celery and green bell pepper. I used a food chopper for the vegetables. It saves a TON of time. Saute on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, both beans, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and browned turkey. Stir well and let simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.
Boil water and cook pasta according to package instructions.
Drain pasta and add to the meat mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes and serve!
**Tip: You can make this recipe ahead of time and then reheat it on the stovetop whenever you would like to enjoy it!
**I added water and a little butter to make it have more of a broth consistency since I didn't have anymore beef broth!
FIXERS: I would fill up a green container for measuring purposes. Container equivalents: 2 yellows (pasta & beans), 2 green (peppers, carrots, celery, and onion), and 1 red (ground turkey)
Those that know me are well aware of my lack of moves! It typically takes me some adult beverages to find my way to the dance floor as I flail my body in every which way, having no rhythm.
Despite that, I was pretty pumped about Shaun T's new CIZE workout. I have a deep respect for him. HE started it ALL for me. It was his Insanity program that got me moving again (6 weeks post 2nd c-section) and starting to think about myself as a priority. It was Shaun T that taught me to dig deeper with T 25 where I lost 15 lbs and nearly as many inches off my body, 14.75, in just 10 weeks. He got me doing moves and exercises I didn't think I was capable of because of 5 knee surgeries, wrist surgery, and a hernia surgery. He taught me to get out of my head and just move!
I went into the CIZE program, not looking to lose weight really. Honestly I don't weigh myself anymore. The only time I step on a scale is when a doctor forces me to do so, and even then, I ask not to be told my weight. I am a healthy because I fuel my body (most of the time) with clean, unprocessed foods and do a scheduled workout 6 days a week. That defines my health now. I feel confident in the clothes I wear. That's really all I need.
My main focus when starting CIZE was twofold:
1. Get out of my comfort zone with regard to my routine-It is so important to change up one's routine to create that muscle confusion. There are SO many forms of exercise to be used. I wanted to get away from the weights for a bit (my wrist needed it) and just get lost in the movements.
2. Tone my body - I am at the stage in my health where I don't focus on pounds; rather, inches and how I look in my clothes and pictures is the progress I want to make.
WORKOUTS:
There are 6 workouts in this program. There are 2 calendar options to follow. I followed the advance calendar option, which asked me to complete 2 of the 6 routines in one week. I would alternate back and forth between the 2 workouts and have Sunday as a rest day. The 4th week is where I showed off the moves I learned in the 3 previous weeks. I danced each routine one final time!
Another option is to do the beginner calendar which asks you to complete 1 routine each day for 6 days. That calendar lasts 6 weeks as opposed to the advanced calendar which is a 4 week schedule.
1. Crazy 8's-approximately 30 minutes (music "Hands in the Air")
This was a great way to start the program because it introduced 8 crazy moves that would be helpful in the other routines. Keeping it to 8 moves, which at first seemed challenging, allowed me to get comfortable with some basic footwork.
This is my first attempt at Crazy's!
Crazy 8's -Final Performance
2. You Got This- Approximately 43 minutes ("Treasure")
This is where moves started getting a little more involved. The routine is 13 minutes longer than the first one. I remember first doing this one and I had sweat on my knee caps!! It was INSANE! I hadn't sweat this much since my days of INSANITY. I know the song "Treasure" by Bruno Mars, so the music helped me with the movements when I CIZED IT UP!
You Got This-First Attempt
You Got This- Final Performance
3. Full Out- Approximately 34 minutes ("Lose my Breath")
This is where the pace of the routines picked it up a notch. The first 2 routines seemed to really build on one another using similar steps, but Shaun was ready for me to go full out with some new ones. I remember previewing this one the Sunday before I did it and was really nervous to get to it the next day. It took me out of my comfort zone for sure, but it felt great!!
Full Out- First Attempt
Full Out- Final Performance
4. In the Pocket- Approximately 37 minutes ("Problem")
So this routine takes moves that are inspired by professional dancers. Eek! You read that and just want to throw in the towel, right?! No way! Ariana Grande's song "Problem" got me in the groove for these more detailed moves. Week 2 was probably my favorite week, mostly because the routines were closest to my normal 30 minute workouts. :)
In the Pocket - First Attempt
In the Pocket- Final Performance
5. Go For It- Approximately 40 minutes ("Pass that Dutch")
Shaun T decided to take some of his favorite moves from his dancing days and incorporate it into this routine. Week 3 ( when following the advanced calendar) did call for my most patience. I kept reminding myself not to get frustrated and just Go For It! He picks up the speed of teaching the moves with this routine.
Go for It- First Attempt
Go for It- Final Performance
6. Livin in the 8s- Approximately 51 minutes ("Chandelier")
This by far was the most challenging. The moves were the most intricate in this routine. I was SURE I would NEVER get it down. I couldn't believe after just a few times of completing it, I did! Clearly no one is going to be calling me up to be his or her back up dancer, but this was a big accomplishment for me! The song "Chandelier" is a slower pace than the others so that posed a challenge as well.
Livin in the 8s First Attempt
Livin in the 8s Final Performance
These routines allowed me to give my wrist a break. I have a degenerative defect which lead to surgery nearly a year ago. I really enjoyed getting out of my comfort zone and exploring a different type of exercise!
NUTRITION:
Regardless of what exercise routine I am following, I will ALWAYS eat according to what the 21 Day Fix taught me about food. I eat various whole foods (fruits, veggies, protein, carbs, healthy fats, and nuts, seeds, and oils) within a proper portion size. The CIZE meal plan is the SAME way, which is great. You can even go ahead and purchase the Fix containers if you don't already have them to use! Regardless, the meal guide tells you the amount of each food you should eat on the list. This is the EASIEST way of eating healthy I have ever done!!
RESULTS:
I wasn't really looking for drastic changes. I did that already with other programs. My goal at this point is to just continue living the healthy life and any positive changes are a bonus!
I don't weigh myself so I have no clue what that is, BUT I do like to take pictures and measurements before and after I complete a new program. Even after indulging in my weekly treat meals (and indulge I did ;) , and finally finding a healthy pancake option that tastes delicious (hadn't eaten pancakes in like 2 years almost!!), I still see and feel results.
It may not sound like much to you, but I lost 2 inches off of my body during this 4 weeks! Could I have loss more inches if I took away the healthy pancakes, treat meals, and my dark chocolate chips? Probably, but I didn't find that necessary. If I was prepping for a certain special event, I likely would have for added toning. :)
Before (left) After (right)- You may not see it, but I can tell that my waist is cinched in a bit. My obliques are more defined too. My jeans are thanking me. :)
Before (left) After( Right)
It is great to keep the definition in my arms even though I NEVER lifted a weight or did a push up! My tummy is flatter. Crazy what a 1/2 inch here and 1/2 in there can do!
Before (left) After (right)
That bra line is an area I continue to work on. I did lose a little in the chest this month which translates to not having that bra strap bulge.
Are you ready to CIZE it UP?! Are you ready to find a FUN and exciting way of exercising while incorporating healthy foods, including your daily dose of Super Foods!?!
Fill out this online application to get started! Next group starts September 21!!!
