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 :)

3 Day Shakeology Cleanse: Day 2

Day 2 of the shakeology cleanse is in the bag!

Yes I know my post is late, but the day ended up busy ( thanks goodness!!)

The morning I woke up and I was hungry and tired. Instantly my thoughts were negative (no way to start...bad idea)

So I did quite a bit of work, went to the gym and than the hard part happened..

  Coworkers wanted to go to the movies: okay I thought I got this! Eat my salad before hand and I will be fine! Well then they wanted to go to Buffalo Wild Wings! Naturally what do you always want when you go there?!? WINGS!

But I got my salad and water-YES I DID IT!!

I was very pleased! Even though the salad was bigger than I should have eaten! But still..give the girl some credit (and patting yourself on the back is fine!)

So here is my picture-not remarkable change but I am feeling, less bloated and powerful and in charge! 

Stay tuned for day 3!!!

No More Birth Control, Why?

No More Birth Control, Why?

First off, I want to mention a blog that I read-which inspired my post about the same topic. It was by The Holy Kale-very eye opening.

I want to begin by telling you my story about beginning the pill. I was a junior in college and I was an athletic training student working several hours with Villanova University's football team. So right off the bat, it is clear that I am surrounded by male athletes and I was always on the go. Yes, I also had just started dating the most wonderful, most gentle and open hearted man-who I currently am proudly still dating. With all this activity I had very little time to focus on my "time of the month" and because of this I found myself in a trap of never having supplies and never having time to take bathroom breaks. (Now I don't want you to think I am unsanitary or neglecting myself-it is not like that, but I was just too busy to have that as my number one thought!)

Why did I begin taking the pill? This is my PERSONAL reason and my experience, I do not want everyone thinking because this is my story it must match yours or that I am trying to change your mind-that is NOT my intention. 

It was honestly the easiest way to stay on track for when my time of the month would be arriving, I knew when to be prepared without much thought. The second reason was the lighter and shorter periods. I rarely used many tampons (saving money in my eyes-which at the time I thought was a plus!) along with other supplies going along with having my period. 

I began taking the pill without any research or information on the birth control.  All I knew was that I no longer had to remember when my period would be arriving. So I thought it was great!

Some of the Negative, but temporary symptoms I experienced

-Weight gain

-Acne, especially in overactive sweat spots

-Sensitive skin

-Hormonal mood swings

Some of the Positive symptoms

-Clear thinking

-Sound night of sleep

-No cramps

-Regular and light periods

I tell you this because many time women will stop taking the pill, experience negative side effects, panic and get back on the pill. I want you to realize that your body has aapted to not having to produce the proper hormones due to the contraception-now your body must re-learn how to balance your hormones. This means you MUST be aware of what is going on within your body and keep your expectations in line. But you can normalize your hormones, you can make them yourself, but this will not happen overnight-it is worth the challenge.

You may have to find a way to balance your hormones. I did not have to do this, so I do not have personal experience-but several do. 

The Foundation:

Diet: very important in setting your hormones on the right track because the body needs to be provided with the necessary nutrients to make the hormones. Foods can interfere with the production and balance of the hormone production. 

Xenoestrogen: these are estrogen mimickers-they imitate estrogen in the body. They are either synthetic or natural chemicals compounds, which they interrupt your normal hormone balance. These must be eliminate this from your diet because they block your natural production.

Main Exposure:

-Conventional meat: red meat, chicken, pork, turkey

-Conventional dairy: cheese, milk, butter, ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese

-Soy

-Beer and conventional wine

-Plastic: water bottles, Tupperware

-Conventional personal care products

-Aluminum canned goods (look for BPA-Free)

Saturated Fat: These are what the body uses to make hormones by the liver. Healthy saturated fats is very important for getting your hormones back on track-on a daily basis. Coconut oil is the best stimulating to the thyroid (or butter).

Bioflavonoids: These are the building blocks for hormone production. The best ways to consume these are through bee pollen or flower pollen. There are tablets you can take. They help normalize your period, and help regulate it. The honey and pollen mixture is a liver tonic. The liver performs hormone synthesis and without proper liver function, your hormones cannot be balanced.

Now I am not saying that you have to immediately stop taking your pill. BUT what I want you to do is take the time to sit down and really think and research your pill of choice. Make sure you know all the side effects, all the long term changes that your body will go through. Then and only then make your decision about what is best for your body. 

I have made the decision to stop using birth control and my body has made several wonderful changes and I feel phenomenal. 

If you would like more information about my experience, please contact me! 

email: brittanyplummer271@gmail.com

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Shakeology Shamrock Shake

Shakeology Shamrock Shake

Growing up, during St. Patrick's Day we used to have a day full of "green" items. We ate green eggs in the morning, from Dr. Seuss, we put green food coloring in our milk or drink of choice at dinner. At school we would have green sprinkles on cookies, cupcakes with green icing and green drinks for our classroom parties. I thought this was the most amazing day ever! I LOVED classroom parties because of all the yummy treats, but that was before thinking of what all the sugar did to my body, mood and brain! Not to mention what it did to my mom when I got home exploding with energy!

These are the "delicious" treats that have become apart of St. Patrick's Day, I have now come to love a brand new treat that satisfies my cravings, eliminates the sugar high and is packed full of nutrients. I heard that Shakeology Shamrock Shake was similar to the McDonald's Shamrock Milkshake and I did not understand how that was even possible! I thought there was no way that this could possibly taste anything similar to a milkshake from McDonalds' BUT let me tell you, it does! It definitely meets the requirements! :)

I can now have my Shamrock Shake during March, and get the ultimate benefits of more than 70 superfood, whole food ingredients. This is the equivalent to 6 salads in one meal! I do not feel bloated, miserable and I do not have to cheat on my diet, I still lose weight, get nutrients and get an energy boost. I absolutely LOVE to enjoy food, I love to have sweets and special treats, but I make all my treats in some healthy way-as much as possible, and this makes it so!

 

The ingredients you will need:

*8 oz unsweetened almond milk

*4 oz of ice and water

*Drop of peppermint extract or some mint water (NOTE:more is not better with this ingredient! Be very careful to add very little or else it will be completely ruined)

*1 tsp all natural peanut butter

*2 tbsp vanilla sugar free instant pudding mix

*1 packet or scoop of Greenberry Shakeology

Blend and enjoy!!

      **Do you want to try your own Shamrock Shakeology

         ** Do you want to know more tips to turn your own health and fitness around? 80% of your weight comes from your nutrition! Abs are made in the kitchen!!! Learn the tips and tricks that have helped me and many of my challengers through their health and fitness journey! 

**Join me on March 17, 2014 for 30 day Shakeology health and fitness support group. 30 day money back guarantee!! 

Contact me:

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Side Dish for Dinner

Asparagus; Delicious, Clean, Filling

Are you in charge of dinner every night, and running out of ideas?

Were you asked to bring a dish to your family's Christmas dinner?

Here is a delicious side dish that definitely will send everyone's taste buds soaring!!

Ingredients: 

Asparagus

Vinaigrette of red wine vinegar

Extra-virgin olive oil

Shallots-chopped

Fresh flat-leaf parsley-chopped

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

**Steam asparagus on the stove

Preparation:

Drizzle steamed asparagus with vinaigrette of red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil

Finely chopped shallots

Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Season all with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Bring a dish that your friends and family will

LOVE!! <3

Clean Chocolate Chip Cookies

Clean Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is the time of year where cookies are a MUST!

So many people have cookie exchange parties and they are always the go to dessert, during the holidays!

It is very difficult to stay away from fresh baked cookies for the whole season!

So how would you like to enjoy a few chocolate chip cookies during Christmas?

Thanks to The Delicious Pantry, I have found a clean version of several cookie recipes. Here is the chocolate chip one.

Ingredients: 

2/3 cups of almonds (I put this as optional, I used them in one batch but not the other.)

1/3 cup of cooked oatmeals

3 tablespoons of honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 cup of whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 cup of grain sweetened chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325

2. Mix everything EXCEPT the chocolate chips in a food processor-the consistency should be sticky/wet

3. Use your spatula to scrape the dough into your mixing bowl and mix the chocolate chips

4. Spoon onto a parchment lined cookie sheet

5. Bake for 20 minutes.

Enjoy a few chocolate chip cookies guilt free! 

Yum :)

Start 2014 With P90X3

Start the New Year with A New Workout

Program!

P90X3

Be a part of an exclusive test group

Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend getting ready for Christmas!! Holidays are a tough time. No matter what! Whether you are an extremely disciplined and fit person, it is still difficult to stay on track. 

The most important part is that TODAY we get back on track, and we pick up where we left off. My philosophy today as I got my  Rockin' Body workout in this morning, drank my lemon water, ate my power breakfast and drank my shakeology for a mid afternoon snack. If I mess up on a decision, I do not beat myself up for the choices I have made, I start the day as a new beginning! We need to move forward, not look in the rear view mirror.

Now that we have talked about that :) I want to share the most exciting thing for the beginning of my 2014 year! After I did Insanity for the second time, I began doing P90X. I also did a hybrid of P90X and Insanity. I love both of those workouts, but the one thing I HATED was how long the workouts are! Do you relate to that??! I just did not want to wake up an extra hour earlier than I already was so I could fit in an hour and a half workouts!! (sounds crazy right?! YUP) But I loved the muscles I started to develop and the tone I was seeing as I went through both workout programs. And now there is an answer!! I absolutely loved T25 it is 25 minutes, 5 days a week with Shaun T yelling in my face (okay more like through the TV-but you understand). An added bonus is the modifications he adds. I love the option to use the modifications because sometimes I need those! No matter what your ability level it, you can do the workouts and feel accomplished! So now we have another option for those of us that want to get great results but in 30 minutes a day!!!

Meet P90X3

What's it about?

For starters, YOU CAN NO LONGER USE THE EXCUSE YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO WORKOUT!! 30 minutes a day for 6 days a week is totally doable and everyone can find 30 minutes in a day to get a workout in!

Muscle acceleration explained: many P90X fans were hooked n the science of muscle confusion-which introduced variety to the workouts and prevented plateuing. P90X3 takes a hint from that success and from studies showing the most dramatic body transformations happen within the first 30 minutes of an exercise. Enter muscle acceleration, a Tony Horton-approved highly-structured schedule with an incredibly high level of intensity and an unprecedented variety of moves. P90X3 combined exercises and added some twists to maximize you time and keep every muscle challenge for the full 30 minutes.

The base kit includes 16 workouts so you are never going to get bored. From cardio to strength, pilates, yoga and MMX-there is something for everyone!!

The ideal P90X3-er: It may seem crazy to say this is a workout for everyone. Everyone searching for tighter abs and leaner muscle. For the beginner, the variety of workouts in P90X3 is the perfect place to discover your fitness style. If the move can be modified there is a cast member showing you how! But you can't hold the expectation that you will be an expert on day one!

Bells and Whistles!!!: If P90X3 is purchased through me as your coach anytime in the month of December (must be a challenge pack), you will receive an exclusive P90X3 baseball cap. What better way to spread the word about this revolutionary program??

And last but not least: we have the app!

Yes there is an app available on Andriod and iOS with P90X guided workouts, tools to track your reps, weights and progress. Brings you workout specific tracking modules, scheduling options and the motivation you need to power through 90 days! 

So how can you get it?

You can receive your very own P90X3 NOW!! There is an introductory price of $180 (versus $205) for the Challenge Pack which includes the 90 day workout, the nutrition guide, program manual, schedule of workouts, shakeology, free 30 day trial of the club membership, free shipping and a discounted price when you get the package.

Your second option is to purchase the program alone. That is $119, and the equipment needed for weights, bands and an optional pull up bar-but a band with an over the door attachment is used for as well for another option. This is what I use! I do not use a pull up bar due to a subluxing ulnar nerve! But I still saw amazing results!

If you would like to join the Dream Team exclusive P90X3 test group to see your ultimate results contact me today!

There are a select number of individuals who would like to get my free support, motivation, and accountability to start and finish this program. The point is to get in the best shape of your life in 90 days!!! I will walk you through every single step of the program using the nutrition guide, the workouts, and the 24/7 support of me as your coach in private closed group!! I will teach you how to meal plan, prep, and set yourself up for success! This group will begin January 6, 2014 and will run for 90 days. Just in time for your New Year's resolution!! Start the new year in the very best shape of your life and set your year for success!

I would love to have you in my group!

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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!!!

Clean Chicken Chili

Chicken Chili-Clean Version

Do you LOVE chili in the winter season? Besides the fact that it is EXTREMELY easy to make (especially in a crock pot) it is so nice to sit down to a warm bowl of chili!

The Ingredients you will need:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (raw)
1 (6 oz) can of diced no salt added tomatoes
4 (16 oz) cans of low sodium or organic beans
1 (4oz) can of fire roasted green chiles
2 medium onions, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup of chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 1/2 cups of reduced sodium chicken stock
1 cup of low fat cheese, shredded

Directions:
I am sure you can do it a harder way but I was running short on time and literally placed all the ingredients in my crock pot
Mixed them
Placed it on low heat (6-8 hours of cooking) or high heat (4-6 hours)

(I used low heat because I was going to be at work)

When I came home it smelled delicious!!

Before I ate it I placed some shredded low fat (skim milk) cheese on top 
 And loved every spoonful!!

Enjoy!!! :)

14 Day Shakeology Shake Off

14 Day Shakeology Shake Off

Here are some questions I want you to answer to yourself:

1. Have you wanted to try shakeology without spending the amount of a full month?

2. Would you like to stay on track and healthy during the holidays?

3. Do you want to begin a healthier and more fit lifestyle?

4. Would you like to wear that cute little cocktail dress at your New Year's Eve party?

5. Are you prepared to start 2014 with a BANG!?

If you have answered YES to one or more of these questions, then the 14 day Shakeology Shake Off is just what you are looking for!!!

Now you have the chance to do something for yourself and take control of your life and take this challenge beginning on Monday December 9th and finish 2013 strong! Start 2014 off with a BANG-healthier and happier! Don't make the same excuses I made for several years, don't make the same New Year's resolution this year-as I did year after year. Do not use trick yourself into thinking up excuses: too much money, don't know about shakeology, already eating healthy and working out, don't want to lose weight. 

So many people think all of these things, the truth is-Shakeology is not just for those who want to lose weight, it is much more than that!

Start of 2014 by giving yourself health and wellness! It is a wonderful way to give yourself and others the gift that just KEEPS giving! Don't you LOVE those gifts? Take advantage now! It is ONLY 14 days!!

Requirements:

1. December 9-December 23 you must commit to being accountable and present in my private facebook group (staying active by checking in daily)

2. Join my team for free at www.teambeachbody.com/BRITTANYPLUMMER

3. You can either order your own shakeology HOME DIRECT (month supply) or you can order the 14 day shakeology supply from me.

4. The cost from me is $80 dollars, including: 14 packets of shakeology, shakeology shaker cup, plus shipping

     OR

Cost from ordering from www.shakeology.com/brittanyplummer HOME DIRECT (month supply) $129

5. Order today!! You do NOT want to miss out on this amazing opportunity to try shakeology and make the next 14 days a complete health transition!

If you would like to join my 14 day shakeology shake off, I would absolutely LOVE to work with you!!

Email me: brittanyplummer271@gmail.com

                brittanyplummer@beachbodycoach.com

or message me at www.facebook.com/brittany.plummer.7

Staying on Track During Thanksgiving

Staying on Track During Thanksgiving

Today I feel like we finally have entered the holiday season. Thanksgiving is in TWO DAYS!! I have even started taking out my Christmas decorations, because when I return it will be Decemeber!! :) I have the Christmas candles placed out in exchange for the pumpkin candles and it smells like Christmas in here!! 

So with all the holiday celebrations so do the muffin tops and tight jeans! During the holiday season there is loads of cocktails, wine, dips, pumpkin pie, chocolate chips, holiday hot chocolates and more delicious treats! YUMMM!!

I allow myself to enjoy some holiday treats, BUT I continue to make good choices most of the time. I do LOVE sweets and enjoy them more than I thought, but I still stay focused and try to remind myself how I feel after I eat too many sweets!

What can you do to have a healthy holiday that will not leave you with those extra pounds and tight fighting outfits. I will give you some of my favorite tips.

1. Workout: I continue to get my workout in even when I am getting packed up to visit family and traveling. While my responsibilities, social calendar and work continue to pack my days-it is important for me to fit my workout in. Even with the busier days and extra hustle and bustle, I schedule my workouts like I schedule any other appointments that I would not skip. It is on my calendar for 7:30am every day! 

If you like to complete your workouts in the afternoon, decide what is most important to you in order to stay on track. If you say "I really need to do my workout." That is your answer and ask the friend to meet you later or if it is with a group meet them a few minutes late. Taking too many unschedule rest days during the week will throw off your routine and mess up your progress. Do not take unscheduled rest days unless it is on your calendar over your workouts!!

2. Thanksgiving Day: Even thought it is a holiday don't use that as an excuse to skip your workout. ESPECIALLY if you have been saving up for the special Thanksgiving FEAST, get in a good sweat session before! I still get up normal time, or later depending on when the festivities will begin and I do my workout. I know I am about to eat more than I am used to and I want to get my metabolism fired up and my feel good endorphins pumping so I can have an amazing day with family. If time is an issue T25 is literally 25 minutes! How easy is that to fit in? This year I am doing Hip Hop Abs and the workout is 30 minutes-I can still fit that in!! I eat a normal breakfast and I will be having Shakeology. I also have my usual snack about 3 hours after my breakfast. It is important not to starve yourself to save calories for dinner. Follow proper portion sizes throughout the day-even at Thanksgiving dinner. 

I continue to follow the palm size portion for lean protein (turkey), I have 1 cupped palm of potatoes (starchy carbohydrates) and I choose either potatoes or corn since both are starches. Then, load up on the vegetables (with no sauce or butter). It is okay to have a roll at dinner! I do!! But then stop there! I do not eat casserole, scalloped potatoes, stuffing, corn, rolls and cookie, pumpkin pie and apple pie. I pick and choose which ones I want to spend my calories on! Choose between the foods you absolutely know you want versus the foods you just want to try! Make sense? Drink LOTS of water! Still aim to drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces so you do not confuse thirst with hunger and your metabolism is still cranking!

3. If you are hosting or going to a Thanksgiving dinner bring a healthy dish. You can be sneaky about this-I am sometimes. I like to bring something I can eat a lot of! Usually it has protein in it so you have a back up plan (which happens often when you eat away from home). Quietly get you plate, fill it with what you brought, grab some veggies and fruit and be satisfied with that! I always have my shakeology in my car or bag for afterwards. Remember-it is all about will power and balance. Just because there is nothing healthy, does not mean you have to eat it. Pick and choose what maters to you. 

Enjoy your holidays!

Make sure you take some time to relax, cuddle up with family, laugh lots and play games!

I know my family and I love to play games with each other and watch some football. It is my favorite to do this with my family and catch up on some relaxing time!

Enjoy your healthy holidays!!

Lastly just in case you did mess it up a bit during the holidays you still have time to get back on track before Christmas!!

I am doing a 20 day clean eating and shakeology accountability group to keep you on track! I will teach you tips just like the ones above to help you stay focused and balanced.

There is something about having support that makes all the difference in sticking to your goals!!