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!!!
I guess my husband's way of telling me to make some different recipes is sending me an email with the subject line, "recipes." haha! Well, point taken dear. I am always up for making new recipes, especially when I am not the one searching for them. I've been using the Fixate cookbook a lot lately, and I found some great staple meals to include in our weekly meal plan--mmm....pancakes!
INGREDIENTS:
*1 cup dry whole grain/wheat rotini
*1 lb. of lean ground turkey
*small onion, diced
* 1 tbsp of minced garlic
*16 oz can of chili beans (pinto or kidney)
*14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
*6 oz. can of tomato paste
*1 tbsp of chili powder
*1 tsp of cumin
*1 tsp of black pepper
*1 tsp of sea salt
*1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
*1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Add olive oil to the skillet and heat at medium.
3. Add onion, garlic, and turkey to skillet. Brown the turkey.
4, While browning meat, cook pasta according to instructions. Add the sea salt to the water.
5. Once the meat is browned, add in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper.
6. Mix all the ingredients together on low heat.
7. Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the turkey mixture.
8. Mix all the ingredients together and then transfer to a casserole dish.
9. Top it with the cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
FIXERS or CIZERS: One serving (green container portion, about 1 cup) is Two yellow (pasta and beans) ONE red (ground turkey)
**I really enjoy this meal because it is very hearty in a small portion! Pair it with a salad for some additional greens. :) It is nice that the entire recipe only calls for one cup of pasta, so it is not overwhelmed with it. The beans are a nice starchy carb to include in your nutrition.
With fall being about a month away, this meal reminded me of those "sweatshirt" weather kind of days!
I usually have a picture of the final product plated, but I must have been really hungry ( or tired) because I forgot, ha!
Another day...Another new recipe :) Two new recipes in a row is pretty good for me. It is nice to see my family enjoying delicious, healthy food! Our 2 year old, who typically eats everything in sight, is going through a bit of a phase it seems and not eating much of it, BUT our usually picky 4 year old has eaten her entire bowl for the last 2 evenings. Perhaps one day they will both be on the same page. :) My husband scarfed down his portion of it before moving on to his dinner salad.
INGREDIENTS:
*12 oz of whole grain egg noodles
* 6 oz of nonfat, plain Greek yogurt, divided
*10 oz of red enchilada sauce
*2 cups of Mexican shredded cheese blend (reduced-fat preferred), divided
*2 cups of frozen corn
*1 lb lean ground turkey
* 1/2 cup of diced onion
2 tsp of minced garlic
1 Tbsp of chili powder
*1 tsp of cumin
*1/2 tsp of sea salt
*1/2 tsp of pepper
**optional ingredients: avocado and extra Greek yogurt
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray( I use olive oil spray) a 9x13 pan.
2. Cook the noodles according to the directions.
3. In a LARGE bowl ( you don't think you need a big one now, but will need it later!), mix 2 oz (about 4 Tbsp) of Greek yogurt, enchilada sauce, 1 cup of cheese, and corn.
4. In a pan, cook the turkey for about 8 minutes and drain fat. Add the onion and minced garlic. Cook until onions are tender. Add the the spices and remaining yogurt. Mix until yogurt evenly coats the turkey.
5. Take the large bowl and add the turkey and noodles to it, combining all of the ingredients well.
6. Pour it into you lightly greased pan . Top it with the remaining cheese.
7. Cook for about 15 minutes.
**8. You can add chopped avocado and Greek yogurt to the top as we did!
THIS MAKES A TON!!! I am giving some to my brother and sister-in-law to enjoy! We will have some leftovers later in the week. :)
Fixers: I counted it as ONE red, ONE blue, and 2 YELLOWS- I used the green container as my portion size. :)
While lying in bed last week (resting from kidney stone surgery), I saw my husband was surfing the web, as he often does. He wasn't looking at houses or properties, which he enjoys;rather, he was looking up recipes. I suppose he was sending me a little or quite obvious hint really to change up what we have been eating.
I could truly eat the same thing day in and day out. I look forward to my one treat meal per week that changes it up. I live for consistency in my life. He detests leftovers and the same meal over and over again.
He bookmarked some of the recipes, so I figured I would give them a try. I "cleaned" it up a little bit, and we enjoyed a nice Sunday dinner after I got home from work.
INGREDIENTS:
* sea salt
*black pepper
* about 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts ( I used 3, thin cut ones)
*1 tbsp of olive oil
*1 small onion, diced
*2 tsp. of minced garlic
1 tbsp of whole-wheat flout
*1/2 cup of white cooking wine
*1 cup of milk
*4 tbsp of plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
*6 oz (1/2 bag) of whole wheat egg noodles, dry
*parsley flakes
INSTRUTIONS:
1. Heat 1/2 tbsp of olive oil in a pan.
2. Cut off any excess fat from chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cut into cubes.
3. Add chicken to pan and cook for about 3 minutes per side. It doesn't have to be completely cooked at this point.
4. Put chicken on another plate and keep off to the side.
5. Put the remaining oil in the pain and add the onions and garlic (You can also add sliced mushrooms at this point-I didn't because we don't like them.) If using mushrooms, cook on low for about 12 minutes. If only the onions and garlic, then cook on low for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Sprinkle to flour over the vegetable mixture and coat evenly.
7. Take the pan off the burner and add the cooking wine. Allow it to cook for a few minutes. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan while the wine is cooking.
8. Add the chicken back into the skillet with the yogurt and milk and cook until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through-about the amount of time it takes to cook noodles-low heat--add more flour if sauce isn't thick enough for you
9. While the stroganoff is cooking, cook the pasta as directed on the package.
10. Serve and garnish with a little parsley flakes.
FIXERS: I did 2 Yellow containers of noodles and 1 Red of the stroganoff mixture. You can do more or less depending on your nutritional needs.
I paired mine with a cucumber and tomato salad! Delicious.
My husband quickly ate his entire plate, and our oldest finished all of hers as well. :)
Our oldest daughter, Kynsten, was on an electronics hiatus in June. (negative consequence for a poor choice). Truthfully, I was a little nervous about it because she would get some screen time when her sister napped, which gave me some time to get some work done. She really started reading even more than she normally would. We made several trips to the library for new material. Our latest trip, we found this book.
Good old Curious George! I loved him when I was a kid. At the end of this book, there was a recipe shared for a really healthy snack. How cool is that?! We decided to give them a try. Yum! :)
INGREDIENTS:
* 1 1/4 cups of old-fashioned oats or quick oats
*1/2 cup of natural peanut butter
*1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips
*1/3 cup of honey
*1 tsp of vanilla extract
**Their recipe also suggested 2/3 cup of coconut flakes BUT I hate coconut so left that out. :) I actually have the other ingredients on hand at all times. :)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Take all of the ingredients and mix into a medium sized bowl.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
I LOVE sweets, candy really! I had a pretty unhealthy relationship with candy for quite some time. Shakeology has been a life saver for me. One of the MANY reasons I enjoy it daily. I am also an advocate of treating oneself. I won't ever believe it is necessary to 100% limit a certain food or food group. To me, that in itself is unhealthy because I have personally experienced the affects of completely deleting certain foods from my body. The 21 Day Fix meal plan, that I have been following since February 2014, is all about balance. I eat veggies, fruit, protein, carbs, healthy fats, and oils within the proper portion size, SO going along with this amazingly simple eating philosophy, I believe that treats too can be enjoyed in moderation!!
I typically enjoy pizza with my family every Saturday. Yep, good old pizza, my friends! I still make our family healthier pizza during the month as well, but I enjoy that unhealthier option too. I have been finding my body wanting more sweets lately for my ONE WEEKLY treat meal. I have been gravitating toward Brookside chocolate covered blueberries and acai. SO easy to down an entire bag...I've done it!!
Looking at the ingredients and seeing the 22 gram of sugar reminded me that is the exact reason why it is so easy to do! That artificial sugar surely plays trick on your brain eventually leading your belly to feel BLAH! Don't get me wrong! Those things are amazing!! Like seriously good! I just knew I could create the same delicious effect with way less sugar.
I LOVE simple recipes with minimal ingredients and this one meets those requirements.
INGREDIENTS:
*2 cups of blueberries
*1 cup of dark chocolate chips
*1 Tbsp of butter
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Wash the blueberries and dry THOROUGHLY! It is REALLY important that they are completely dry so that it does not affect how the chocolate adheres to them. Place them on a paper towel and cover with another.
2. Prep a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. I sprayed paper with a little olive oil spray to help with sticking.
3. Place DRY blueberries in a large bowl.
4. Heat the chocolate and butter in a microwave safe bowl. I started at 15-20 second intervals and took it out each time and stirred. The desired effect is that the chocolate is completely melted but still has a thicker consistency.
5. Pour the chocolate OVER the blueberries and gently mix to cover.
6. Take a spoon and shovel the blueberries out in clusters. It is way easier and FASTER than going one by one and place on the baking sheet. I did clusters of 3.
7. Put in the refrigerator to cool and harden. I made mine in the evening and waited to taste until the next day. :)
8. Store in a container in your refrigerator.
A nice sweet treat
FIXERS: fill up a yellow container and enjoy! :)
PS: Unlike the more sugary option I have been having, these bad boys are still around 2 days later! I've only had ONE serving. They satisfy in small quantities!
