New Year, New YOU!

Our tree is still up, but we started taking down all of the other Christmas decor, and I can't believe it is already over!  It always seems to fly by, and although it makes me a little bummed, I always look forward to a new year.  A new year comes with a clean slate, a fresh start, and the perfect time to set goals for myself and my family.  Last night Chris and I were laying in bed and reflecting on what we want to accomplish in 2015.  Setting goals always makes me feel rejuvenated and ready to seek success!

With goal setting and a new year also comes New Year resolutions.  Health and fitness usually ranks on the top for many.  The gyms are preparing to be busy and everyone is getting excited about the possibilites!  BUT, the truth is, in just a few short weeks......the gym won't be as busy and everyone's excitement will begin to fade.  Why is this?!?!?!  I will be honest, I was one of those people for so many years!!!  I failed time and time again for many reasons!  But just think, every time we fail, we also learn a little bit more about ourselves!  Use what you learn about yourself, fail forward, set new goals, and set yourself up for success by surrounding yourself with like minded people!

When I kicked off 2014, I started out with a bang and I made a vow to myself to keep pushing forward no matter what!  I reflected on everything I learned about myself from failing in the past and changed my way of thinking!  Beachbody programs truly changed my own health and fitness thanks to the SUPPORT GROUPS, KILLER WORKOUTS, MEAL PLANS and SHAKEOLOGY! It is now my turn to pay it forward and help one person at a time!   

If you are ready for change this year, there are still spots open in my January 5th Health and Fitness Accountability Group!  This is an exciting group that will give you the recipe for success!  Make 2015 your best year yet!

The gift of giving: Insanity Max 30 (check out the offer Insanity lovers won't want to miss!)

INSANITY MAX:30 is finally here!!!  I remember back when I first had Gavin and getting to the gym proved to just be straight difficult at 5:30 in the morning. I was bummed!!! I am a routine person and this was my routine after Finn and through most of my pregnancy with Gavin. I would wake up and leave super early before Chris left for work, but every time I tried to get out the door someone was crying. There were two now! This is when I ordered my first post baby workout, Insanity! After it arrived in the mail, I would drag Chris out of bed every morning to be my accountability partner, and we would hit play before the kids got up. If one of the boys happened to start crying (or both) they would come down and hang out with us while we got our workout done. This is when my love for insanity happened. I got my pre-baby body back in the beauty of my own home, and I was able to cancel my gym membership!!! 


The biggest challenge however, was the time....a 45 minute workout with an infant and 20 month old???  That was a challenge for me, and I always felt a little pressure to hurry up and get it done by the end of it.  This is why I am so excited for INSANITY MAX:30!!!  It is 5 days a week, 30 minutes a day!  The best part....you have your weekends off!  I love this program so much that I am offering a special promotion because I seriously can't wait for you to give it a try!!! After all, December is all about the gift of giving, right?!


SOOO what is INSANITY MAX:30?


This is an intense workout program that will take your fitness to the next level!  Think it might be to intense???  There is a modifier in all of the workouts and you can actually select to have the modifier on at all times through your screen.  MAX:30 is a 60 day program that is broken up into two 30 day sessions. 


The first month comes with 2 cardio workouts, 2 strength workouts, and a Friday Fight 2 workout.



















The second month comes with Max Out Cardio, Max Out Sweat, 2 Tabata Strength workouts and Friday Fight Round 2.






















What Does The INSANITY MAX:30 Challenge Pack Include:
10 Workout DVDs
MAX Out Nutrition Guide
Restaurant Guide
Wall calendar with scheduled workouts
Free Sweat Fest workout dvd with purchase through your coach
Shakeology





Are you ready to make a change this new year and jump start your fitness???  Since December is all about the gift of giving, I will give the first 5 challenge packs purchased a $20 Amazon Gift Card!  YES, this is on top of Insanity's introductory promotional price!!!


Thinking of trying it, that is one great deal! A few coaches are running an exclusive test group starting December 8th, and I have another Challenge starting in the beginning of January!  You will find extra support, meal plan ideas, and helpful tips and tools for success in these motivational accountability groups!


Ready to MAX out for MAX results?!

Kale Lasagna

So let me just say, I am not a big fan of Kale when it comes to being in my salad, but I force myself to eat it from time to time hoping it will grow on me. My husband, on the other hand will NOT eat Kale salad.  Yes, he truly dislikes it, and will carry on about how gross it is!  That being said, this Kale lasagna recipe is one of our FAVORITES, one of his favorites!  Chris seriously loves this, and is always happy when he comes home to it on the table!  I try not to eat a lot of carbs, and I try to replace them at dinner all together so this low carb recipe is a big winner!


Ingredients:
2 large bunches of Kale
1 jar all natural marinara (I use Mario Batali)
1 bag reduced fat mozzarella cheese
1 package poultry sausage
2 T fresh parmesan


Directions:
Squeeze poultry sausage out of casing and brown until well done.  Add Marinara and simmer for 30 minutes.


Chop Kale into ribbons and make sure to remove tough stems.  Place Kale in hot water on stove and blanch for 10-15 minutes.


Drain Kale and squeeze excess liquid out.  Layer it in the bottom of 9x13 pan. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons fresh grated parmesan cheese on it, and top with sausage mixture and mozzarella cheese

Bake at 375 covered for 25 minutes and then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes.

Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Brownies

Fall is my favorite season, and so is anything pumpkin!!!  After planting mums around our yard today, the boys came in and grabbed chocolate chips from the pantry, I guess this was my clue to bake something for dessert!  I would much rather bake for my boys, than buy them dessert that usually contains many processed ingredients.  Don't get me wrong, they sure have their fair share of donuts, but when it's up to me, I would rather bake for them. I came up with this recipe tonight and tested it out! When they came out of the oven, they looked delish and they were picky kid (and husband) tested  and mother approved!

Ingredients:

1 can organic pumpkin

3/4 cup organic coconut palm sugar

6 oz non fat plain greek yogurt

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg

2 cups white whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp baking powder

Mix the first 5 ingredients together in mixer, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix well.  Fold in a handful of dark chocolate chips.  Pour in a 9x9 baking dish (I sprayed mine with nonstick baking spray.)  Top with a few more dark chocolate chips.  Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out mostly clean.  DO NOT OVER BAKE!  

Beta T25 & Meal Plan & Vacay

T25, 21 Day Fix and VACATION~ Vacation, that word sounds amazing, and I love to take them, but they can cause complete fuzzines to our fitness routines!  I said over and over, not this time. Welllll let me tell ya, I still MESSED UP!!! I ate healthy, but my workouts were few and far between.  I was too busy thinking about getting up early with the boys and heading out for a nice stroll around Siesta Key making memories to even think about getting a workout in!  I wanted to soak up the sunshine with them and just have some good ole family time!  Finn's favorite thing was hopping in the golf cart and heading to the Village every morning for some famous Mini Donuts, bright and shiny early!  How could we say no??? That was one of his favorite things to do on vacation (& swimming)....and no, I did not join him in eating them, just a taste once or twice :)  Waking up today and getting back at it was a little on the rough side though, but it felt so good when I was finished.  I never really slack on my workouts these days, so I sure was kicking myself when I had to modify my workout once or twice, okay maybe threeee times this morning!!!

Chris and I have been doing T25 for quite a few weeks now, but since we did not do this program on vacation we decided to take a step back and start at the first week of Beta.  I am so glad to be back in a routine with T25. I sure missed it!  Everyday is something different, keeping it nice and fresh and sweaty:) It is seriously 25 minutes from start to end, and it is one heck of a workout!  25 minutes, yep, that's it!   I use this workout, but I incorporate the 21 Day Fix meal plan with any workout I do. I just honestly LOVE this program too! The nutrition aspect to it is very eye opening, yet so SIMPLE to follow.  It makes it easy to stay on track without counting all those calories but still get results.  It is honestly GENIUS and better yet, on sale this month, so if you are looking to join one of my online health and fitness accountability groups, now is a WONDERFUL time!

I often get asked about the 21 Day Fix and meal planning, so here is what's cookin' this week in the Avondet house.  The colors on my meal plan are based on the 21 Day Fix food categories.  Red is lean protein, and green is veggies, which you will see the most of.  

FaLl ChALlEnGe

FALL!!!  ooohhhh la la, my favorite time of year is quickly approaching!  This is such a bittersweet time of year.  The summer is coming to an end, but Fall is by far my favorite season!  I just don't look forward to what follows, but I won't even begin to think about that quite yet!   But seriously who doesn't love the fresh crisp air, the smell of spice, baking with pumpkin, and do I dear say, FOOTBALL around here?!  AND blankets and snuggles and comfort food.... I could seriously go on and on and on!  :)  Halloween has also secretly become one of my favorite "holidays" because of my boys.  I LOVE the excitement on their faces, and the thought Finn puts into what costume he wants.  Every year, never fails, we get a few catalogs of Halloween costumes in the mail.  He carries the catalogs around for weeks, yes, weeks!  At first, he wants to be a little of everything!  Then we talk about each one, and he makes his decision.  I am happy to say, he has picked his costume out for this year. Stay tuned for more of that;)

Though comfort food and family dinners is one of my favorite things about fall, I have learned to lighten them up quite a bit!  This fall will also be a little different from years past beacause this is my first year running challenges through Beachbody.  I started this back in the spring, and absolutely LOVE doing them!  It is not about me, I simply love doing them for others and helping those that really put forth the effort to live a healthier life.  If you want help keeping those dreaded winter lbs off or are looking for a whole new transformation, this would be a great opportunity for you!

My fall challenge starts September 15th and will go for 60 days.  The fall challenge group is a private FB group with daily motivation, inspiration, and helpful tips and tools to keep you accountable and successful with your Beachbody workout of choice!!!  No better time than now to join this fun and exciting group!

Spaghetti Squash, Bruschetta & Grilled Chicken

Spaghetti Squash is one of my favorite things to eat!  You get the comfort of pasta, without the unwanted carbs!  Not to mention, it goes great with anything!  Thanks to all of my friends that garden, we have had quite an abundance of them sitting on our counter this summer. One year, I will garden too, at least this is the joke in our house!  My famous line is always, "next year!"   After talking about spaghetti squash recipes with a dear friend, I decided to whip this up one evening and it was such a big hit, that we have made it many times since!

INGREDIENTS:
-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
-1 spaghetti squash
-Your favorite fresh bruschetta (I buy tomato bruschetta from Wegmans olive bar.  I also buy their portobella bruschetta when available).
-Low fat shredded mozzarella cheese
-salt and pepper to taste

A few hours before dinner:
Marinade chicken in your favorite marinade.  I usually use Wegmans Organic Teryiaki.  The longer you marinade the tastier it is:)

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350. Wash your spaghetti squash and slice in half length wise.  Scoop out seeds.  Put enough water on a baking sheet to barely coat the pan.  Place squash face down and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until you can pierce it with a fork.

Step 2:
While your squash is cooking in the oven, grill your chicken.  I like my chicken DONE so I cook it a little longer.

Step 3:
Assemble your dish.  Scoop squash out, it will shred like spaghetti with a fork.  I put it in a large pasta bowl. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and toss.  Layer with your favorite  Bruschetta (I do not mix).  Slice Grilled chicken thin and layer on top of bruschetta.  Sprinkle with low fat mozzarella cheese and ENJOY your pretty and tasty dinner!

***If everything cools down while you are prepping you may want to warm the prepared dish in the oven for a few minutes!

Delicious Banana Bread

It's Sunday night, and that seems to be the time everyone's sweet tooth kicks in around here!  This banana "bread" inspired recipe is absolutely delicious!  I have made it both with and without dried cherries and it is honestly a winner both ways!

INGREDIENTS

5 ripe bananas

2 egg whites

¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon

¾ cup almond flour

1 cup white whole wheat flour

Dark chocolate chips

Chopped walnuts

Chopped dates

Dried cherries (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Mash bananas, mix in egg whites, vanilla and applesauce and stir well. 

Add baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and flours.

***Add a handful of each:  chopped walnuts, dark chocolate chips, chopped dates, and dried cherries (optional)

Pour into 9x9 inch pan.  Sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top :)

 Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean! 

ABSOLUTELY DELISH!  ENJOY!

Pineapple Salsa

This has been a huge hit in our house this summer!  I usually put it over grilled chicken that I marinade in Wegmans organic teryiaki sauce or pork carnitas. I have also served this with grilled chicken prepared with a spicy rub, but this salsa is so versatile and would go great with your favorite seafood too!

Pineapple Salsa
2-3 cups chopped pineapple
1/2 red onion finely chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 cup tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp sea salt

Mix all ingredients together, chill and serve!

PiYo: HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY!

My honest thought about PiYo....I was extremely skeptical of PiYo at first because I am not a yoga girl, at least this is how I always defined myself, but to be honest I never really even gave it a try (except for one terrible DVD years ago.)  Talk about writing it off!  I tend to gravitate towards the rigorous cardio workouts like Insanity, T25, 21 day fix, and running.  Not the ones I have to slow down for, I mean who has time to slow down?!  My mentality has always been, I need to hurry up and get my sweat on before my kids or life in general derail my plan for the day.

So needless to say, I just had to see what all this hype was about PiYo, but I didn't go into the workouts with an open mind.  EEEEK, yes I admitted it, I said I was going to be honest here!  The first day I popped the CD in, I thought, wow this is wayyy out of my comfort zone.  The first video was Align: The fundamentals.  I didn't sweat through it, and the terminology, OH MY!  Down dog, up dog, warrior, namaste, chaturanga and the list can go on!  I literally was thinking, what in the world is wonderful Chalene Johnson talking about?!  I walked away, still skeptical and thinking this is just plain weird!  I didn't let this stop me.  I woke up the next day and pressed play, and the next day and the next.  It was then that I realized and saw WHY I needed those fundamentals, as well as the terminology to be successful with the program.

As soon as I started going into the workouts with an open mind, I thought, hmmmm not bad!  When I stepped it up a notch with the more advanced workouts it was just plain awesome! I truly felt like I was defining and sculpting every muscle in my body.  I was sweating, and my body was burning and shaking!  I was SORE after the workouts and I loved it, I love to be sore because I know my body is working hard!

This program seriously produces definition, and Chalene Johnson is such an enjoyable trainer!   She explains the steps very clearly, and she starts off with a couple moves, gradually building on those moves, and eventually putting them all together.   Tricep push-ups might be my new favorite move!  It is amazing how tweaking the position of our arms just a little bit compared to a traditional push-up can give you a whole new burn.  I also love how strong my core feels!  I can honestly say, I love this workout program now!!!  I am hooked, and I am so glad I gave it a chance!  My favorite workouts right now are Core, Sweat, and Drench. It is yoga, pilates and cardio all in one!  I look forward to getting my PiYo on now, and I will no longer let yoga define myself!   As the programs states, NO WEIGHTS, NO JUMPS, JUST HARDCORE RESULTS!

Need help following the 80/20 Rule?

Are you working out and eating healthy but not seeing the results you are looking for? Let's break it down....did you grab an extra handful of goldfish while passing the bowl to your child?  Did you take an extra taste of dinner while prepping?  Are you adding "just" a handful of this and "just" a handful of that between meals? Hmmm, just couldn't resist dessert at your friends house?  Skipping breakfast and eating everything in sight at noon time?  WELL, THE TRUTH IS,  I HAVE BEEN GUILTY OF A FEW (WELL, MAYBE ALL) OF THESE MYSELF! We often think, oh that little amount won't derail my results, but the truth is, it will.  The reason is this, when we are grabbing "handfuls" we are often having a little more than we planned on and before you know it one serving just became 2, 3, and 4 servings which means we are also consuming more calories than we thought!  80% of the results we are looking for are based on our nutrition, 20% of our results is based on exercise!  Talk about eye opening!

The good news is, it's never too late to get back on track!  Come up with a game plan, get your workout clothes ready, meal plan and execute it. Since I started the 21 day fix, I meal plan every week for my family, and it's second nature for me now.  It makes grocery shopping a cinch, and I am not pulling my hair out anymore trying to please the picky little eaters in my house!  I know for sure, it's when I don't have a meal plan and try to wing it, that I am way more vulnerable and will give into temptation to grab something easy.  This is not a diet, this is a lifestyle!  When you look at it that way, you will set yourself up for success.  This is an example of my meal plan that I share with my challengers weekly!  After finishing 21 day fix, I started T25 but still follow the nutrition guidelines from the fix because it is just plain GENIUS!

It is also important to switch up your workout routine if you stop seeing results!  If you hit a plateau, DO NOT give up!  It is simply time to come up with a game plan and change your routine to keep your muscles guessing!  I was famous for getting bored with what I was doing, or frustrated because I wasn't getting what I was looking for fast enough, so I would just quit.  A few weeks later, I would feel miserable and START ALL OVER!  I have learned this is not a race, but rather a process!  I would also often say to myself, well I worked out today, right?!  I guess we can order pizza tonight!  WRONG!  While it is okay to indulge every once in a while, doing it nightly or weekly because of no meal plan could be HAZARDOUS!!!

 I am writing this post from the heart because I used to be QUEEN of excuses! If I find myself indulging a little too much (which we all do because we are human) I face it head on and get right back on track!  It takes 21 days to create a habit!  I used to question,  how in the world does one workout everyday?  I figured it out....I did it for 21 days straight and now I am hooked!  If you are looking for a little motivation, I AM LOOKING FOR YOU!  I would love to help you pick a workout program that you will stick with while providing you with support and meal planning tips to set you up for success!  I realized once I stopped giving up, I started seeing RESULTS, and I LOVE to help others discover the same!  Doesn't matter what your current fitness level is, your age, or your current body type, there truly is a workout for everyone!

Shakeology is CLINICALLY PROVEN!

Do you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure or high sugar?  This is a MUST SEE VIDEO!  I am such a BELIEVER in this product!!! 

Avocado Chicken Salad

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

6-8oz fage 0% yogurt

1 diced avocado

chopped celery

chopped onion

chopped cilantro

2 limes

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

Step 1:   Boil chicken, cool, shred

Step 2:  Add yogurt, avocado, celery, cilantro, fresh lime juice from 2 limes, garlic powder, 

              salt and pepper to taste. 

Step 3:  Chill for at least 2 hours.  

PiYo

It’s finally here, what you have all been waiting for, PiYo with the amazing Chalene Johnson!  This is Beachbody’s newest and long awaited, highly anticipated workout!  PiYo is a low impact, full body workout that helps build strength, endurance and flexibility while also burning intense calories. 

Interested in PiYo?!  You can be part of our very first group kicking off this workout with a bunch of coaches all doing it right along with you! We will do this together, and we will push you to get the best results possible with support around the clock!  This workout is designed for all people, no matter where you are in the workout process: new to working out, strength training professionals, cardio gurus, and the super fit!

If you are new to working out, don’t hesitate!  They modify every move for you until you get stronger at it!  This is your time to shine! 

 

I am so excited for this workout, and I am so excited to help you get started with it!  My FAVORITE thing ever is to see everyone’s transformations!  It is such an indescribable feeling of happiness, when I know people are more confident and happy within because they took a leap of faith, stepped out of their comfort zone and joined a challenge group!

PiYo- Coming June 23^rd!