Savory Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with White Beans and Kale

Simple Dinner Recipe:

Savory Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with White Beans and Kale

I love simple dinner recipes. I prepare my meals ahead of time (for the most part) and I really love the easy to put together ones with lots of nutrients. 

Not only are these great dinner ideas but think about all the parties you go to, or that you have and energy runs low and the list of to-do's get longer!

Time, energy and nourishing meals can be a challenge.

I will not take the credit for this recipe. Actually I was at Insanity class with a few friends and afterwards I had a message from my sister-in-law telling me I had to try this recipe and had the link below her message. Now I absolutely LOVE my family. We are all active, and eat healthy (for the most part-except my dad and sister who couldn't go a day with a several cookies-not that they look like they eat them!) But this is one thing we bond over! Recipes, exercise and health!

So my sister-in-law introduced me to this recipe!

It depends on your schedule, but you can cook this all at once, or make some of it beforehand, or make the entire thing beforehand and warm it up before.

It makes a satisfying meal full of colors and textures with warm. The warm flavors of rosemary, garlic, and red pepper and significantly more nutrient than many grab-n-go meals.

The sweet potatoes take about an hour to bake, but they're hands-off, so you can use this as down time to get things done! If you like, bake the sweet potatoes ahead, store them in the refrigerator and then reheat.

You can cook the beans from scratch-simmer them with a bay leaf, a sprig of rosemary and a sprig of sage. Or you can use canned beans, which are much quicker and easier.

Serving is 4

Ingredients:

-4 Sweet Potatoes

-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

-1 Shallot, diced

-1 Garlic Clove, minced

-1 (4-inch) Sprig Fresh Rosemary

-1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

-1 1/2 Cups (or 1 can) cooked and drained white beans

-6 Cups of Kale, trimmed and sliced into ribbons

-1/4 of a Lemon-juiced (or orange juice works as well as my sister-in-law discovered!)

-Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

-Preheat the oven to 400 degrees 

-Scrub the sweet potatoes and prick them in a few places with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake them until soft all the way through, about 45 minutes to 60 minutes

-Start the beans and greens about 15-20 minutes before the sweet potatoes are done

-In a wide/deep saucepan with a cover, heat the olive oil over low-medium heat.

-Add the shallots and cook until softened-about 5 minutes

-Add the garlic, rosemary sprig, and red pepper flakes: cook, stirring, for about a minute

-Add the beans and cook for 5 minutes or stir occasionally 

-Add the kale, cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes or until kale is soft

-Remove the rosemary sprig, stir in lemon juice (or orange juice) 

-Season with salt and pepper

Serving:

Slice each sweet potato lengthwise and push the ends to open up the middle

Spoon the beans and greens into the center

Please share with me your thoughts on this recipe! I would love to hear what you think and if you make it, take a picture and upload it to Instagram and hashtag #stuffedsweetpotatoes

Make food fun!!

Find me on Instagram while you are at it! @beplummer

These look so delicious! I am so thankful my sister-in-law shared these with me :)

Why Lemon Water?

Why Lemon Water?

The benefits are drinking lemon water instead of just water are numerous!

I want to share a few with you today:

*Lemons are packed with nutrients, such as; vitamin C, B- complex, vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and fiber

**they contain more potassium than apples or grapes!!

*Dilute lemon with any temperature of water so it lessons the damage done to your enamel on your teeth

*It give your immune system a boost: vitamin C is our immune system's jumper cables, the amount of vitamin C in our system decreases when we are stressed

*Amazing source of potassium: which is good for the heart health, brain and nerve function

*Aids in digestion: lemon juice encourages healthy digestion by loosening toxins in our digestive tract, but it relieves symptoms of indigestion  -heart burn, burping and bloating

*Cleanses your system: flushes out the toxins in your body by enhancing enzyme function-stimulating your liver.

*Freshens your breath: relieves toothaches and gingivitis due to the citric acid can erode tooth enamel, you want to either wait awhile to brush your teeth or drink the lemon water after your brush your teeth

*Keep your skin blemish-free: antioxidants in lemon juice help decrease blemishes, and wrinkles!! It can also be applied to scars and aging spots-it detoxifies your blood so it will maintain your skin's radiance!

*Help you lose weight: lemons contain pectin fiber-which aids in fighting hunger cravings

*Reduces inflammation: drink on a regular basis to decrease the acidity in your body, this is where diseases occur, it removes uric acid in your joints (which is a main cause of inflammation

*Gives you an energy boost: provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive tract, reduces anxiety and depression (including the scent of lemons because of the calming effect on your nervous system)

*Helps to cut out caffeine: replacing morning coffee with a cup of hot lemon water can really help you feel refreshed and does not leave you with an afternoon crash

*Helps fight viral infections: warm lemon water is effective at diminishing infections and their sore throats

How Much to Drink!?

If you weigh less than 150 pounds, squeeze half of a lemon into a glass of water

If you weight more than 150 pounds use an entire lemon

Feel free to dilute the lemon juice if you like it less lemony

The benefits are endless for lemon water AND it is one simple, yet substantial change you can make for your health!

*Balances your body's pH: our bodies pH balance becomes acidic from stress in life, from-junk food, pollution, lack of exercise and other toxins. The body should be slightly alkaline to fight off illnesses and chronic diseases (Cancer)

*Kills parasites: intestinal worms, this creates an environment where they can't survive. Parasites LOVE acidic environments, so the best way to kill them is to make your digestive system alkaline.

*Boosts your concentration: lemon balm essential oil, proven to calming effect. Creates alertness

*Exfoliate your skin: vitamin C found in lemons neutralizes free radicals

*Detox your liver: sourness of lemons signal the nerves and hormones of the body to activate the liver and kidneys. Antioxidants in lemons help enhance your kidney and liver function, enabling them to detox your body-mild diuretic which encourages the body to let go of stored water weight. You will feel cleaner, lighter and more energetic

*Treat high blood pressure: pectin in lemons lowers cholesterol which causes high blood pressure. Flavonoids in lemons and vitamin P help strengthen blood vessels. Lemons have loads of potassium which prevents high blood pressure

*Gets rid of Dandruff: combine lemon juice with natural ingredients like coconut oil to make a hair mask and create moisture.

*Makes your feet attractive: lemons contain citric acid and vitamin c which acts as a natural exfoliant to get rid of dead skin cells, enhance skin renewal, and brighten dark areas. Make a lemon foot soak with juice of 2 to 3 lemons with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup of milk.

*Cures acne: use a wet cotton ball in lemon juice and apply it to your face once at night on areas with acne, blackheads, and eczema as an alternative to topical acne creams. Wash the solution off with water the following morning and follow your regular skincare routine.

Excellent benefits of lemon water and lemons are delicious!!!

Night Time Snacker

Night Time Snacking

I find myself dealing with food choices throughout the day very well. I have to admit that this week I made a meal plan and it is PHENOMENAL!!! It sounds silly but I look on my fridge and that is what I am eating! 

Here is an example of my meal plan for this week-all meals were prepared ahead of time

(sorry it is a little blurry-contact me and I can send it to you!)

Okay so..here is my problem-night time snacking. I always get home from work and that is when I realize I am hungry or just want to eat. 

I really have to concentrate hard at this point in my day. Here are some of the ways I stay on track but get in my snacking.

**Plain Greek Yogurt 

    with either organic, 100% cocoa chocolate chips (about tablespoon)

 or with organic honey (about a tablespoon)

**Air popped popcorn

     no butter and no salt

**Hot Tea

(right now I am on an organic loose leaf spiced pumpkin kick)

what you have to be careful is sweeteners here. If you must add some (which I usually have to) add a little organic honey so you do not get any added chemicals 

**Carrots

less exciting but still filling

**Kale Chips

surprisingly pretty yummy!

I know staying on track can be hard-especially at night after a long day at work, with the kids, or personal business.

Try these tips and if you would like added support please contact me!

Vitamins and Protein in Comparison to Shakeology

GNC products are great, BUT like I used to believe, they were the products I NEEDED to have in order to be healthy and fit. The problem with this was-there was not just ONE product I needed, there were SEVERAL! 

Who wants several different products to take just to be healthy and fit? I do NOT! I know how easily I forget to take one thing let alone, 5-10-15 different items.
Here is how Shakeology  is different than not only GNC's Lean Shake, but also purely Protein shakes. 

Shakeology is Not a protein shake! 

Shakeology is: a meal replacement, a whole food vitamin supplement and a nutrient dense and all natural Super food shake. Shakeology does contain protein, but it is not solely a protein shake and it is not labeled as that. 

When looking at the ingredient list. The quality found in "other ingredient" section. If there are quality ingredients, then the price is worth it. Don't you want to know what you are actually paying for, and if it is worth it?

The first thing is protein shakes, especially Lean Shake has a load of chemicals that are no where close to being whole food and clean. 

Let's take a look at the products in the protein shake; there is carrageenan, partially hydrogenated soy bean oil, artificial flavors and splenda 

The reason why this product is so much less then Shakeology is because there is very little ingredients that is healthy. 

When you are spending money to invest in your health, you want to avoid chemicals in the products. Typically when we have cheat days or eat a certain "treat" occasionally we will intake some of these chemicals-but that is NOT on a daily account.

What about Vitamins?

Shakeology is a nutrient and vitamin dense shake. Shakeology is the equivalent of three servings of salad. This allows you to get your entire days worth of vitamins in one scoop (shake). A multi-vitamin is synthetic; which means your body is not recognizing this as real food. This causes vitamins to either go right through you-which causes you to waste your money, or they get absorbed and they accumulate in your body (which is stressful and harmful for your organs). Vitamins are better when they come from food groups. Vitamins do not provide you with a meal. Shakeology can be a meal or a snack. Vitamins are typically pretty expensive ($13/month). Which is not terrible-but again may not be actually getting used by your body!

People who sell vitamins and protein shakes are not there to promote what is best for YOU! They are there to promote what is best for them to sell. They do not care if their product creates a healthier lifestyle and weight loss in their customers-as long as they are selling their product. They are not invested in your weight loss efforts, struggle, journey or success. The salespeople are not educated in health and fitness, they are there to sell. They do not know what other products are, but they know what they have to push. Lots of the products they have contain chemicals that are not natural and can create more harm to your body. 

I am not forcing you to choose Shakeology, but I promote it because I believe in it and I have chosen to. I know what it has done for my health and fitness and I have seen how it helps my clients' health. I am an athletic trainer who deals with health, nutrition and fitness on a day-to-day routine. I have educated myself and continue to. Yes, I would love to be able to have exotic fruits and vegetables for every single meal and snack of every day-but obviously that is not possible. I am a busy, young athletic trainer and I love to be able to get healthy meals prepped for my week. So, for $4 a scoop, mixed with some extra basic ingredients-of everything I need, without spending lots of hours and money, without added carcinogens, chemicals and artificial ingredients, then SIGN ME UP!

No matter what, I will continue to enjoy Shakeology. I love what it has done for me and my health. I have been able to lead a healthier lifestyle, even with my hectic schedule. Whether or not someone else buys it or not, I will continue to drink it. 

Shakeology is a meal replacement, a whole food vitamin supplement and a nutrient dense and all natural super food shake. When this is placed into your body on a daily basis-you feel better, have more energy, recover better and have less cravings. It is nutrients made easy. "The Healthiest Meal of the Day" and it is in the convenience of a scoop from a bag.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this and continue this discussion.

Contact me at:

brittanyplummer271@gmail.com

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Focus T25 Results!

Focus T25 Results!!

I am very proud to be posting this! I have never fully committed to a workout start to finish. Here and there I did P90X and Insanity, but never fully committed. This was my first workout program I dedicated myself 100% to and I am so happy I did.

Before I started Focus T25, I was struggling with hiding my stomach; especially my muffin tops that just seemed to always find a way to stick out, my legs were getting thicker and my muscle definition was NONEXISTENT!! Now looking back I am embarrassed at how "okay" I was with looking like this and thinking I looked decent. WOW am I glad I decided to fully commit to this and now I know that this will NOT be my first workout program I complete!

These are the pictures I took of myself in August 2013. Let me remind you-I thought I was doing "Okay" with my workouts. The reason I dedicated myself to Focus T25 was because I knew I could do much BETTER,  and I DID!!

As you can see I have ZERO muscle definition, muffin tops, bad posture and what you cannot see is lack of self-esteem, lack of self control, lots of cravings, very little energy, poor digestion, low immune system and little strength.

When I started these were my measurements:

Weight: 147

Chest: 35.5 In.

Waist: 29.5 In.

Arm: 11.5 In.

Thigh: 23 In.

Here is a 3 step picture of my progression through the first month of Focus T25. I started to see muscle definition, I was losing my muffin tops, I was feeling more energized, stronger, better digestion, my attitude had done a 360 degree turn and I was ready to continue this transformation in full gear!

My Measurements on September 18th:                              Measurements on October 17th

Weight: 140 lbs                                                                                  Weight: 139 lbs

Chest: 35 In.                                                                                        Chest: 34 1/4 In.

Waist: 28.5 In.                                                                                      Waist: 28 In.

Arm: 11.5 In.                                                                                          Arm: 11.5 In.

Thigh: 21.5 In.                                                                                       Thigh: 20.5 In.

I am ECSTATIC about what Focus T25 has done for me. Physically, emotionally, and mentally. Physically I am seeing improvements in my body physique. I have muscle definition, I have lost inches and have basically NO muffin tops! My energy level is at an all time high, my digestion is smoother than ever- I do not feel like I have a rock sitting in my stomach, I am more agile and I am no longer worried about how I will look showing my athletes an example of stretches or therapeutic exercises. 

My completed measurements:

Weight: 137 lbs

Chest: 32 In.

Waist: 28 In.

Arm: 11.5 In.

Thigh: 20.5 In.

These might not sound like drastic changes, but let me tell you how drastic I feel!

Throughout this challenge I have combined Focus T25, Shakeology and Clean Eating.

If you are looking to create your before and after photos and transformation story, please contact me today to get started!!!

I run challenge groups every month and would love for you to be a part of it!

Contact me at:

brittanyplummer271@gmail.com

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For more information on Shakeology click HERE

For more information on Focus T25 click HERE

Is Beachbody a Scheme??

Is Beachbody Coaching a Scheme?

Let us look at Beachbody Coaching and see if it is for real. Is it a scheme or is it worth my time and money to do this?

Yes! This is very scary, I had so many questions as I was asked if I was interested in being a Beachbody coach. What was that? How do I go about handling this? I have a brand new job, can I take on this as well? SO many questions, and my upline coach continued to say-"YES." I was already drinking shakeology and loved the workouts. I had completed Insanity, and was in the process of completing P90X. I was so unsure of how I was going to "sell" their products. As an athletic trainer I deal with athletic injuries, how to keep them healthy and playing-I listen to complaints, I don't sell. I have ZERO business experience! Could I be organized enough to own my own business and be successful? Was I even capable of this? Was this just another idea I would have and give up within weeks?

Here I will provide you with information for you to decide if coaching is for you. Because Yes! you can make a very successful business by being a Beachbody Coach and you ca earn great money. So here it is:

The Company of the Background

Carl Daikeler and Jon Congdon founded Beachbody in 1998 in Santa Monica, California. The company is the creator of the nation's most popular fitness and weight loss solutions. In 2004 the idea of coaches was introduced. Beachbody decided they need to create a connection between the customers who buy the workout DVD's-completing them and then making lifestyle changes. Coaches are the bridge.

A coach helps others reach their fitness and health goals through a home-based business. this is done by at home workouts and nutrition products that has been designed through Beachbody. Some of the workout DVD's include Turbo Jam, Turbo Fire, P90X, P90X2, Insanity, T25, Asylum, Les Mills Pump, and Body Beast. Nutrition products include Shakeology, E&D,Results and Recovery Formula. 

Here is a video from Carl Daikeler, CEO explaining coaching:

Discounts for Coaches!

You receive 25% off of all Beachbody products, as a coach and you will make a 25% commission on all products sold. As well as the commission, you can earn bonuses as your business grows, like a gym. You earn bonuses, prizes-like free trips and awards for helping your team become successful.

*How Does it Work?*

This is a Multi-level-Marketing company, it is set up like a pyramid-BUT no this is not a true pyramid, because pyramid schemes are illegal! In a pyramid scheme, you can never get ahead of the person who signed you. As a coach, you have the opportunity to become more successful than the coach who signed you! Your success is controlled by you and how willing you are to develop your business-NO ONE else!! As a coach, you build YOUR DREAM-not someone else's, you reach YOUR GOALS!

*You mean, I Can Make Money With Beachbody?*

OF COURSE!! It is not going to be easy, but is any job easy to become successful and make money? No, it will take time and effort. There is no quick money maker and it will not happen overnight. It may seem like when you first start you're not making much-especially for the amount of time you put into it. If you continue the hard work and effort your business will grow. You will see your income rise and it will snowball!

Reasons to Become a Coach

The Cost

Signing up as a coach you will have two different costs.

1. $39.95-sign up fee. this cost is for your starting kit, access to your online office, and your 3 websites

 ***This fee is waived if you have purchased a challenge pack

2.$97.46-cost of your first bag of Shakeology. You should begin by using this because as previously stated you are a product of the product, so it is hard to help people with this product if you have not experienced.

The Challenge Pack option that was mentioned in cost 1. The challenge packs range from $140-$245, this depends which fitness program you chose. Within the challenge pack, you get your choice of fitness program and one months supply of Shakeology, a 30 day free trial of the Club Membership, your sign up fee is WAIVED, and FREE SHIPPING!! AWESOME

The Breakdown

If you chose to only start out with Shakeology, you will have the following costs-$39.95 (sign up fee) and $97.46 for shakeology. This equals out to $137.41 and for $3.00 more you could have a Fitness Program. Which is a better deal!?!?

*The Monthly Costs*

As a coach we have 2 ongoing costs. The following are:

1. $15.95/month starting in the second month of being a coach. This is for the websites you get when you sign up. Beachbody maintains, fixes, and updates your websites on a daily basis, this fee covers that.

2. $97.46 for your monthly order of Shakeology and to maintain and "ACTIVE" status 

I am looking for active coaches, coaches who LOVE the products and/or who want to create their own business. In order to remain an "ACTIVE" coach you must purchase or sell  50 PV  (personal volume) worth of produces each month. Shakeology alone covers this each month. If you would like to learn more about Shakeology click HERE.

If you would like to join my team and build an amazing team and start making your dreams a reality. I would absolutely love to talk to you about this opportunity.

I am looking for self motivated people who have a desire to help individuals reach their health and fitness goals.

Please email me at brittanyplummer271@gmail.com

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Top 5 Reasons to Become a Beachbody Coach

Have you ever heard of Beachbody Coaching and wondered what it was all about? Have you ever thought you might be interested in becoming one? DO you ever wonder if you will have enough time or how it will fit into your hectic lifestyle?

Do you think you have to be at your goal weight or be completely perfect when it comes to eating clean and working out? Well there is GOOD NEWS! You do NOT have to be at your goal weight-we are all a work in progress, and you do NOT have to be perfect, everyone has a cheat meal and miss a workout or two.

Not every coach is where they want to be-many are not even close. Being a coach holds you accountable and you work to help others as you are helping yourself. Do you need a reason to push yourself everyday? Here is a great reason! You can work towards your goal while motivating others to work closer to theirs.

How does being a coach hold you accountable? You are a product of the product, this shows others how well the products work on everyday people who are relatable. You also have a whole team of coaches motivating you and keep you on board when you feel let down.

The Top 5 Reasons to Be a Beachbody Coach:

1. Do you enjoy and look forward to working out? Are you someone who loves to workout? Do you feel a million times better once you get your workout in?

Did you answer "yes"?

2. Do you LOVE to eat healthy? Can friends rely on you to make a healthy plate for get together's? Do you meal plan your week?

So do I!!

3. Are you already someone who gives advice to friends? Help them meal plan? Are you an accountability partner to anyone? Making sure that they are eating healthy and working out, or moving closer to their goals?

Yes? That is what a Beachbody Coach does!!

4. Do you post motivation pictures or quotes on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or other social media? Pictures of you working out? The food you eat?

You got it! That is exactly what I do as a Beachbody Coach, and now you are starting to think, this might be for you?

5. Are you self-motivated? Are you someone who sets a goal and doesn't stop until you reach it? If so you would be a valuable asset to our Team!!

Do you believe you can create your own destiny??

If you answered "yes" to any of these question, and you would like more information-please contact me today! I am looking for people who have the passion for health, nutrition, fitness and to help others!

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brittanyplummer271@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fit-and-Beautiful/676502699034602 

Do You Have Aloe Plants Around?

Last year when I moved to Lock Haven, PA-I dug out a piece of my mom's aloe plant and now I have my own.

But Why?

Well I have to admit-I was not allowed to have a pet so I decided I would get plants and make that what I was going to take care of. So besides the fact that my mom had already had the aloe plant and it was originally from another family member-and an even bigger plus, it was free! 

I always knew there were benefits of using the aloe-most people have heard of it because of sunburns, but I never really thought about using it. 

But here are some of the benefits:

-High in minerals and vitamins

-High in amino acids and fatty acids

-It is an adaptogen (boosts the body's natural ability to adapt to external changes and resist in illness)

-Helps with digestion

-Helps with detoxification

-Alkalizes the body

-Cardiovascular health

-Boosts immune system

-Great for the skin

-Disinfectant, anti-biotic, anti-microbial, germicidal, anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-fungal and anti-viral

-Reduces inflammation

-Weight loss

I burned my finger while making pizza sauce, it blistered and I could not think of anything that would help-except cold water. Then I was leaning over the sink and my aloe plant was right in my face. OF COURSE!!! So here I am using aloe from my own plant! I love this. How awesome is that. I have a plant in my own kitchen that has SO many health benefits! 

By the way my blistered burn-feels excellent!!!

I cannot believe I have had this plant in my house for over a year and in my family for longer and I never cared about the health benefits it could bring me.

This makes me realize I need to pay more attention to my surroundings!

I love it!