21 Day Fix Extreme Butternut Squash Beef Stew

I made this for dinner tonight and my sons exact words were, “Mom I love this steak.  Can you make this every night?”  Both of my boys loved it, and my husband and I did too!  It was a win winall around.  It is healthy and clean yet hearty and filling!  You MUST give this one a try! 

Ingredients:

1 tsp. olive oil

1 ½ lbs. raw lean beef stew meat, boneless, cut into 2 inch cubes

1 medium onion, chopped

½ green bell pepper, chopped

½ red bell pepper, chopped

4 cloves of garlic, crushed

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

1 cup low sodium organic beef broth

1 bay leaf

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

2 cups cubed butternut squash

¼ cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

Directions:

1.    Heat oil in large saucepan over medium high heat.

2.    Add beef, cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until beef is brown.

3.    Add onion and bell peppers; cook stirring frequently for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent.

4.    Add garlic, cook stirring frequently for 1 minute.

5.    Add tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

6.    Reduce heat to medium - low, cook, covered for 40 minutes

7.    Add squash, cook stirring for 8 to 12 minutes occasionally or until the sauce thickens and beef is fork tender and the squash is soft when poked with a fork.

8.    Remove the bay leaf, top with parsley and serve.

***Make extra and have lunch made for the next few days! 

***This recipe makes 6 servings and is approximately 1 ¼ cup per person.  This counts as 1 green and 1 red container on the 21 Day Fix.  

3 Day Refresh Results

I have been getting asked a lot of questions about what exactly the 3 Day Refresh is and what it entails.  The 3 Day Refresh is a cleanse that is designed to help you make a clean break from bad habits, jump-start a healthier lifestyle, and see real weight loss, without starving yourself.  It is great if you want to drop a few pounds fast!  You drink three shakes a day, a fiber drink, and plenty of filtered water, along with fruits and vegetables to help keep your energy up and your metabolism going.

What your day looks like on the 3 Day Refresh:

Breakfast:  Shakeology shake plus a fruit option from the guide provided.
Tea Break: Unsweetened green or herbal tea (optional)
Mid-Morning:  Fiber Sweep (a digestive health drink)

Lunch: Vanilla Fresh (high protein, hungersatisfying shake) plus an option from the fruit, vegetable, and health fats list.
Snack:  Fruit, vegetable, or fruit option
Tea Break: (optional)

Dinner: Vanilla Fresh shake again plus a meal made from the dinner recipe list in the guide provided
Tea Break: (optional)

MY Journey & Results:
I bought the 3 Day Refresh last year and was hungry on day 2, so what did I do?!  I threw in the towel and quit!  Naturally, I was hesitant about doing it this time, but I was READY.  I have heard many great success stories with people doing it, so I thought, WHY NOT ME?!

Day 1- I rocked day one, but I went to bed early to prevent my eyes wandering in the pantry and my hands dipping in a little of this and a little of that:)   I love Shakeology, so that was one of my favorite meals!  The Vanilla Fresh is also not bad. The worst thing to me was the Fiber Sweep, but to be honest the taste wasn't bad (tastes like tea) it was more a texture thing for me, so I just chugged and didn't look back.  Bottoms up! Overall it was simple!

Day 2- Okay, this is where I quit last time, so I was a little weary going into the day.  I caught myself looking around in the kitchen more, but I just had to be conscious and tell myself to walk away!  Talk about an eye opening experience.  It made me realize how often I "taste" food on an ordinary day! This is something I will definitely be more aware of from now on!  

I didn't feel any lighter or different on day 2, but I just kept reminding myself to TRUST THE PROCESS!  Day 2 was a success.

Day 3- I woke up thinking, I made it this far so there is no turning back now!  Again, I didn't really feel too different, but once again reminded myself to TRUST THE PROCESS.  Day 3 was a success!

RESULTS:  I woke up feeling lighter and my stomach was noticeably flatter, but I was nervous to step on the scale. I had the best break up in the whole wide world about a month ago....with the scale!!!  Rekindling that terrible relationship was a little nerve racking, but I was excited to see my progress!  I lost 4 lbs total and 2 inches off my waist in just 3 days! What a great feeling! :)

I thought I was not a cleanse kinda gal, just like I wasn't a shake kinda gal and look at me now....I LOVE my Shakeology!  I will definitely do this every few months, because it is a great way to get rid of toxins, and cleanse your body of cravings and junk!  It also feels so good to challenge myself to be as healthy as I can be!  If you are looking to shed a few lbs, I HIGHLY recommend the 3-Day Refresh!!!  

I am starting a 30 clean eating challenge starting August 31st, and I would love for you to join me! The 3-Day Refresh is on promotion this month too! Message me for details!  :) 

Spaghetti Squash Bowls

Ingredients:

1lb lean ground beef or turkey

1 jar marinara (watch out for sugar...I use Mario Batali)

1 red pepper

1 green pepper

1 onion

portabella mushrooms

spaghetti squash

low fat mozzarella cheese

olive oil spray

Step 1:

Wash spaghetti squash and microwave for 10 minutes.

Step 2:

Spray pan with olive oil spray.  Wash, dice, and saute mushrooms, peppers, and onions for 2 minutes.  Add lean ground beef or turkey.  Cook until meat is cooked through. 

Step 3:  

Add jar of marinara and simmer for 30 minutes (the longer the better).

Step 4:

Slice spaghetti squash lengthwise.  Scoop out seeds and place on baking sheet.  Fill spaghetti bowls with meat mixture.  Top with cheese.  Bake for 10 minutes at 350 or until cheese is bubbly.  

***You can also skip the meat and add more veggies!  Zuchini and asparagus added would taste great too!  

***We are not a big fan of leftovers in our house but this was great the next day also!

ENJOY!!!

Busy Moms Building a Business

Can you be the next busy mom to build a successful business from your kitchen table?  The answer is YES, busy moms can build a business too!

I started coaching a little over a year ago, and I am ready to expand my team!
This past year has been super exciting for me. I started my journey as a challenger myself, and absolutely LOVED the support I had that I just NEEDED to share my journey with others!

My own personal journey with Beachbody started a couple years back.  I am a former teacher that became a stay at home mom when we moved from Florida to Pennsylvania for my husband's job. With a preemie still on an apnea monitor and relocating to a new town, my husband and I decided it was best for me to stay home. I left my career in the classroom that I loved so very much and poured my own heart and soul into every day.  Talk about change!  Teacher one day to stay at home mom the following, and a for sale sign in my front yard...with hardly any notice at all!

Believe me, I LOVE being a mom, but I loved teaching too!  Staying at home as a mom in a new town, with a new house, and a new life was not an easy transition for me.  We had moved to a new state previously for another promotion my husband received, but it was different this time.  It was harder.  I was used to the classroom environment and interacting with people every day.  I was used to the hustle and bustle that came with teaching in a public school: meetings, commitees, volunteer work, and lesson planning for my own 20 plus little ones, that I was priveleged to greet each morning with a big smile and a warm hug.  I was used to laughing and working with my colleagues that I loved and became my family (since mine was all in Ohio).  I was used to coming home to my very first house my husband and I bought together.  I was used to the life we were creating with our new bundle of joy.  I was used to my life in Florida, and I couldn't have been happier there!!!

Shortly after our move to Pennsylvania, I knew I had to do something before I went a little crazy:) We moved from our beautiful beach house that my husband and I purchased together to my parents house while Chris lived in a hotel during the week, 90 miles away from us.  We then moved into a condo, until we found a house of our own.  I didn't have all of my belongings....some of it was still in storage because it wouldn't fit.  The walls felt like they were closing in! It was time...I had to step out of my comfort zone and make new friends.  I had to challenge myself to be a better mom and wife by challenging my own inner self and happiness.   I go through life with a smile, and always look at the positive side of things, but this time, it was just plain hard!

I am a people person and I need socialization, so I joined a gym and attended a bootcamp class every morning to see the same ladies. I used to joke and say that it was my power hour to workout and socialize!  After having our second baby, getting to my bootcamp class was merely impossible for me! Every time I woke up early to leave the house and be home before my husband had to leave for work, there was always someone up crying!  Sooo I ordered Insanity through the website.  I had no coach and no support system.  I quit when I got bored and the going got tough.  I quit when I didn't have the results I wanted in a couple weeks. I quit when I was super sore.  I quit because I was sick after our second baby for months, before realizing my gallbladder had to be removed due to progesterone shots I had received to help have a full term pregnancy.

So desperate to be energized and healthy again I decided to give 21 Day Fix a try and skeptically joined my first challenge group. What was a challenge group really all about anyways?!  Well I had nothing to lose and I was about to find out!

The results were in, after completing my first challenge group, I knew that if I could help just ONE person feel as good as I did, then it was all worth it!  My favorite part about coaching, hands down, is changing lives by running challenge groups and holding others accountable with an effective support system.....all right from my kitchen table!  I love surrounding myself with like minded people that set new goals for themselves to be the best they can be and working with them one on one. I love my Beachbody "family"!

After successfully doing this for over a year now, there is no turning back for me. I am so excited to continue my coaching journey and look forward to a little accountability myself after just having my third son.  I seriuosly couldn't do it without these groups that offer so much!  I realize how many people need this support and appreciate having this opportunity in their lives! I truly love to help others succeed in their goals to live a healthier life!  There is nothing better than seeing someone's confidence soar through their positive transformation.

If you are are passionate about inspiring and helping others and enjoy health and fitness, you can build a successful business earning extra money from your home too! If you are interested in becoming a coach or joining a challenge group to see what all this awesomeness is about, please feel free to reach out to me through facebook or you can email me at mkavondet@gmail.com

Flourless Dark Chocolate Brownie Muffin

I came across this recipe from the Beachbody blog, and they looked delicious!  I have tried recipes with black beans before and they were....okay, just okay, but I am always willing to give them another try! Needless to say, I was a little hesitant because of the garbanzo beans, but they were honestly soooo goood! My boys, big and small, all approved!  Anddd they all even had seconds! Even better, these muffins are 21 Day Fix approved (1 yellow; 1/2 orange/blue).

Ingredients:
1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
3 large eggs
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3 tbsp. coconut oil, melted
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Prepare 12 muffin cups by lining with muffin papers or coating with nonstick cooking spray; set
    aside.
3. Place garbanzo beans, eggs, maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking soda, coconut oil, and vanilla
    extract in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
4. Divide batter among 12 prepared muffin cups.
5. Top each muffin with about four chocolate chips; push into batter.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely and enjoy!

We are better together!

WOW!  What a whirlwind this past 10 months have been!  On September 28, 2014 we got one of the best surprises of our lives...we were going to be parents for a third time and adding to the Avondet clan!

BUT you see..with that comes nausea, cravings, exhaustion, and a hubby that is happy to live on the edge a little by running to the store and spoiling me with dark chocolate peanut butter cups from Romolos (my fav!) and brownies! :) Together, WE were pregnant, haha!

So, here we are 11 days postpartum and 100% committed to starting the 21 Day Fix nutrition plan TOMORROW!  We are ready to get back on track and it feels good!!!  My workouts will follow in a few more weeks after I recover from my first c-section, which I have to say is no joke!  I really appreciate all those c-section mommas out there and am giving you a high five! This was not what I wanted, but a decision the doctors made at 38 weeks, and I am truly grateful to them for a healthy baby and a safe delivery!

The cravings and nausea are gone, the exhaustion, well I pretty much tell myself to get over it and keep on moving...it is just part of motherhood!!!  The hubby also promises not to run home with any more sweets for me!

For the past 14 years of dating and (almost) 8 years of marriage Chris and I have been one heck of a team, and our support and respect for one another has only grown stronger over the years!  We are always better together and getting our nurtrition on track is no different.

It is truly wonderful to have an accountability partner, so if you are looking for help I would love for you to have your very own fun and colorful food containers and join my next health and fitness accountability group...together we are better!  :)

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Looking for a simple but tasty dinner?!  Look no further!  These were delicious and you can spice them up or down, depending on your preference.  

Marinade 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breast in Franks hot sauce for an hour.

Grill Chicken breast and brush with hot sauce....

Cut chicken in thin strips.

Wash lettuce wraps and prepare toppings of choice.

Topping option ideas: carrots, celery, avocado, peppers, tomatoes, low fat shredded cheddar, crumbled blue cheese, nonfat greek yogurt.

Assemble your wraps! Easy, fresh, healthy and DELISH! 

Recipe: Egg Muffins

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Last night I was craving something sweet, and I will be honest, I didn't want a healthy alternative.  I wanted something sweet, and yummy....I wanted dessert!  I made these cookies and they were soft, chewy, and AWESOME!  They felt like they should be sinful....but they still followed clean eating rules and were pretty heatlhy for cookies!  However, if you are doing the 21 Day Fix, you would still want to count this as one of your treats :)

Ingredients:
1 large egg
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups oats
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp.  baking soda
pinch of sea salt (optional)
handful of dark chocolate chips

Directions:
In a large bowl or mixer add egg, coconut oil, applesauce, coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.  Mix well.

Add flour, oats, and baking soda and stir to combine.  Add chocolate chips.  Chill dough for a couple hours in the fridge.

Preheat Oven to 350.  Spray cookie sheet with baking spray.  Roll into balls and cook for 10 minutes. Do not overcook, they will become more firm when they cool down.

Makes 15 cookies.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe & What's Cookin' in the Avondet House this Week (Meal Plan Included)

It's Friiiidayyy!!! Friday's are ususally my meal planning day, so I can head to the grocery store over the weekend with a list in hand and get prepped and ready for my week ahead.  Unfortunately I LOVE good ole cheese pizza when I am pregnant, a food I am pretty good at avoiding when I am not. Sooo, I have been living it up more lately and letting myself enjoy it in moderation before we meet our new bundle of joy. I got this recipe for Buffalo Chicken Pizza from another Beachbody coach, and asked her if I could share it here with all of you.  It was DELICIOUS and a little less guiltless too!!! 

Ingredients:

-   One 100% whole wheat pizza crust or dough

-   1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek Yogurt

-   3/4 cup buffalo sauce (I used Frank's), divided

-   1 lb raw, skinless chicken breast

-   1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped

-   1 cup low moisture part skim mozzarella cheese

-   handful of chopped green onions, celery or carrots to garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450.  Place chicken breast in skillet and season with 1/2 cup buffalo sauce.  Cook on medium heat until cooked through. Remove from skilled and shred. While chicken is cooking saute onion in small skillet.

2. Combine remaining 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce with Greek yogurt in small bowl and mix well. 

3. Spread the yogurt sauce mixture evenly over the pizza shell.

4. Layer the chicken and onions evenly over the sauce.

5. Top with mozzarella cheese.

6. Place the pizza on oven rack for approximately 10-12 minutes.

7. Top with a small handful of chopped green onions, celery, or carrots.  

 I have been getting a lot of questions on the 21 Day Fix nutrition, so I thought I would share what else is cooking up in our kitchen this week.  My meal plan is color coded according to the 21 Day Fix nutrition guidelines.  As you can see my calorie range is normally 1200, however, I have added some extra snacks here and there, and a few more calories in this plan due to being pregnant.  I also usually follow a workout program to a tee.  I plan my workouts for the week, and add them to this meal plan, so there is nothing left to the imagination and I can stay on track!!!  To be honest though, being 6 months pregnant right now, I kind of just go with the flow on what I am feeling that day between 21 Day Fix and Insanity.  Some workouts are just getting to be a little more uncomfortable than others! ;)  

Life as a Beachbody Coach a Year Later

It is so hard to believe that I started my journey with Beachbody almost one short year ago, and what a year it has been!  Prior to getting connected with the 21 Day Fix and Coaching, I was what I like to call, a yo yo workout girl. I wanted so bad to stick with something, but nothing just seemed to connect, so I was always on the lookout for a new workout routine.  After I had Gavin, I canceled my gym membership with such little time in my day to actually get there.  When I canceled my membership I saw an infomercial for Insanity, so I ordered it through the Beachbody website, rather than a Coach.  Not knowing any different, I did not have a coach, I was not drinking Shakeology, and I was not connected with a challenge group. Needless to say, after a few weeks of plugging along, I ended up getting bored and quit.  I resorted back to running, but I always just felt like I needed a little more and I definitely needed to fine tune my nutrition.  I was a tired mom and always lacking energy!

Around the same time, I had a friend that was posting about the 21 Day Fix.  I saw it a couple times, read about it, and then continued on with my day.  While browsing Facebook one day during naptime I saw a post about the 21 Day Fix yet again. I thought hmmm, alright what is this really all about?!  I will be honest....I was SKEPTICAL, very very skeptical, but desperate to feel better I thought, I will give it a try.  What in the world do I have to lose?? After getting my 21 Day Fix kit in the mail, meal planning, and participating in my first challenge, I WAS A BELIEVER!  My energy sky rocketed, my nutrition was the best it ever was, and I stuck with my workouts!  The truth is, I never felt better since becoming a mom!  I fell in love with the methodical plan that was spelled out for me!  It was GENIUS! I had support to get me started.  I had support during my victories.  I had support when I failed.  I had support!

I was such a believer in the 21 Day Fix and Beachbody's mission as a company, that I told Chris I just had to become a coach!  His reaction pretty much went like this.... uh huh Molly, yep. Sure. Are you serious??? Haha! I am sure he thought that this was just another fad for me, but after he saw how passionate I was, he not only supported me, but even better. He JOINED me for a date every morning before work and did the 21 Day Fix workouts with me, drank his Shakeology daily and followed the nutrition guidelines.  He lost 8lbs in 2 weeks, so I would say he is a believer too :))  

I can honestly say, I never started this to make money.  I started this because I wanted EVERYONE TO FEEL AS GOOD AS I WAS FEELING!!!  I wanted to help others improve their health and fitness.  I wanted to pay it forward!  Everyone deserves to feel fabulous about them self!

A year later, I am still going strong, and I am still just as passionate! I am still a BELIEVER in the products, and my mission to help others.  My team is growing, and I am building a successful business which is just plain crazy for me to even think about, and I couldn't be happier doing it!  I love surrounding myself with like-minded coaches and challengers!  It is inspiration and motivation at its finest!

The 21 Day Fix and all of the Beachbody programs are pure genius.  If you are willing to commit to 30 minutes a day, there is literally nothing left to the imagination.  The workouts and nutrition are spelled out for you, the 1:1 support is amazing, and Shakeology is just plain awesome for you (and yummy too)!

If you have ever thought about joining a challenge or coaching, follow your heart!  You seriously will not regret it!  :)

Love,

Cauliflower Crust Pizza Recipe

21 Day Fix Extreme

21 Day Fix Extreme

My journey with Beachbody began almost one year ago with the 21 Day Fix program by Autumn Calabrese.  This is the FIRST program I have ever fallen in LOVE with!!!  I truly made it a lifestyle rather than a fad, a bad habit I was used to!  Almost a year later, I am happy to say not only am I still following the 21 Day Fix nutrition plan, but my family is to!  

On February 2nd, Autumn is releasing the 21 Day Fix Extreme, and I couldn't be happier!!!  Just like the original 21 Day Fix, this program will also be 21 days and can be repeated as many times as you would like.  If you follow the program, you are guaranteed results in 21 days! Yes, that's it, 3 weeks and you can shred inches and watch extra body weight melt away!  There are no tricks.  No gimmicks. Just simple nutrition, 30 minute workouts, and serious results!  

The Workouts Included:

Plyo Fix Extreme: An explosive lower-body workout that uses jumping and resistance to torch calories and sculpt muscles.

Upper Fix Extreme: By alternating opposing muscle groups, this no-rest upper-body workout will shred the chest, back, shoulders, and arms.

Pilates Fix Extreme: Using a resistance band for every exercise, this intense mat workout works the entire body, placing emphasis on the core.

Lower Fix Extreme: Glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves will get stronger, leaner, and more defined with 30 minutes of challenging resistance work.

Cardio Fix Extreme: Combining weighted cardio moves with traditional metabolic training intervals keeps the heart rate soaring.

Dirty 30 Fix Extreme: Using only seven compound moves focusing on multiple body parts at a time, this workout will burn extra calories while defining muscles. Get down and dirty, and get it done.

Yoga Fix Extreme: A fast-paced flow yoga class, combining strength, balance, flexibility, and power.

The Fix Challenge: Keep things interesting and burn off calories with this quick resistance workout!

Power Strength Extreme (Upgraded Kit): Based on functional movement patterns, these nine total-body exercises will change the way the body moves, increasing strength, endurance, and power.

ABC Fix Extreme (Upgraded Kit):  A 30-minute workout that targets common problem areas by pushing abs, butt, and cardio to the extreme. It'll get that competition body ready for the stage.

*There will be an additional bonus workout included when you order through a coach. There will also be an option for an upgraded kit that will include 2 additional workouts: Power Strength Extreme and ABC Extreme. 

Is This Workout for Me?

 21 Day Fix Extreme is ideal for those:

ü Looking for a dramatic short-term weight loss deadline (upcoming vacation, photo shoot, wedding, etc)

ü 21 Day Fix graduates (or graduates of other exercise programs)that are ready for a new challenge

ü Who don't have much weight to lose, but want to get shredded and see those abs!

* If you are a beginner, I would recommend starting with the original 21 Day Fix!

Interested in More Information?

The 21 Day Fix Extreme will be launched at a promotional price on February 2^nd.  Last year when the original 21 Day Fix launched it broke records and sold out FAST!  There will be an exclusive challenge group just for the 21 Day Fix Extreme starting on February 9th!  If you are interested in more information, there is a Countdown Group that another coach put together.  She will begin posting daily starting on Friday, January 23rd!  Join us there for 10 days of details as we count down to the 2/2 release date!  To be included there, ask to join https://www.facebook.com/groups/754765004601232/.  

Thai Tacos & Cabbage Slaw

This recipe is inspired from the Cooking Light Magazine.  They are light, simple to make and oh soo yummy!  These are one of my all time favorite, but they do have a little kick, so you may want to adjust spices accordingly if you are cooking for your kiddos! The slaw gives it a refreshing crunch!

Ingredients

3 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breast

juice from 1 lime

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 shallot chopped

3 garlic cloves diced

3 tsp. low sodium soy sauce

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

1/2 tsp hot sauce

1 tsp olive oil

warm whole wheat tortillas

Cabbage Slaw

1 bag of coleslaw

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Wash and cube chicken breast.  I often squeeze a little fresh lime juice over it to marinade it for a few minutes.

Make cabbage slaw by mixing in rice vinegar and cilantro and set aside, you may also add sea salt/pepper to taste if you prefer.

Mix juice from fresh lime, chopped cilantro, diced shallot, garlic, soy sauce, crushed red pepper, hot sauce together and let sit for 10 minutes.

Heat pan with oil and add chicken.  Brown chicken until cooked and add the mixture of sauce/spices mentioned in the step above to the pan.  Simmer for 10 minutes.

Serve chicken mixture on a warm tortilla and top with the cabbage slaw.  Easy and Yummy!  Enjoy!

Chocolate Shakeology Balls

Taco Boats

I made these for dinner tonight and they were absolutely scrumptious!  I was craving crunchy tacos, so I substituted crisp tomaine lettuce instead.  Not gonna lie, I wasn't sure it was going to cure that craving for crunchy tacos but it did!  They were so yummy I ended up eating quite a few, but the best part is, I didn't walk away feeling guilty!!!

Ingredients2 lbs 95% lean ground beef or turkey
3 roma tomatoes
2 avocados
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
low fat shredded cheese
romaine lettuce-washed and dried
fresh lemon or lime
homemade Taco Seasoning

1st Step- Prep Avocado
Mash avocado with fork and add pinch of sea salt,  fresh squeeze of lemon or lime juice, diced onion, and cilantro.  Cover and put in fridge.  Wash, dice tomatoes and place in seperate bowl.


2nd Step- Prepare your meat
Next brown your meat and add seasoning.  I also had a little bit of water.


Prepare your Taco and Add your Toppings!

The Skinny on Clean Eating

Ahhh CLEAN EATING???  What in the world is this actually all about?  The term clean eating is gaining traction and seems to be appearing everywhere these days, so I thought I would give you the skinny on what it really is all about.  I want to first say clean eating is not a diet!  It is simply living a happy and healthy lifestyle while eating some quite tasty food.

Back when my family started clean eating I thought, hmmmm is it boiled chicken and steamed veggies?  Is there really any flavor?  Well, little did I know we were eating clean way more than I even knew.  We were almost following the 80/20 rule without even knowing it!  BUT we didn't get off the hook that easy, there was plenty to clean up too! Think of clean eating as basically eating whole (meaning REAL) foods that are unprocessed or minimally processed. I think you will be surprised how clean eating really is more simple than one thought.

So the big picture to look at in our kitchens and around us are the difference between processed vs. unprocessed foods.  Processed foods are foods that are changed from their natural state by the addition of additives like preservatives to keep food fresh longer or foods that are manufactured in labs.  Have you ever taken a look at the ingredients and couldn't pronounce some of the words?  I know, I sure have! Those are the ingredients that were manufactured in a lab, and most likely are NOT natural!!!  The problem with processed and genetically modified foods (GMO) is that they don't break down in our bodies properly and can be linked to a plethora of health problems, as well as, completely detrimental to our diets. Whereas, we know whole foods are linked to good health and can help ward off certain diseases.  

I AM READY TO MAKE SOME CHANGES AND GIVE CLEAN EATING A CHANCE, SO WHERE DO I BEGIN???

The first step to eating clean is cleaning out the kitchen.  Yes, your kitchen! So let's get started. It is time to go through your pantry and ditch items that have high sugar, artificial sweeteners, food color, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup or ingredients you can't pronounce.  Still unsure??? Google the ingredient in question or better yet, go to www.fooducate.com and type in the product name.  It will give you a rating, and give you details on why it was rated high or low.  There is even a fooducate app you can download on most phones.  Once you download it, fill out the info and start scanning away....my husband had fun with this nifty little tool while we were grocery shopping sans kids! Ohhh how our date nights have changed!

Once your kitchen is cleaned out, it is time to meal plan and gocery shop.  A few general rules apply to the grocery stores.  It is best to shop the perimeter, meaning produce, deli, meat, dairy.  Most of these are foods that will spoil and do not have a shelf life, and if this is true that means there shouldn't be as many preservatives. When you do shop the aisles, look at the ingredients.  If there is a long list, keep on walking, especially if you can't pronounce the names or there are artifical colors.  EEEKKKK!   The same rules you followed to clean out your pantry, apply while you are restocking your pantry :) 

TAKE A LOOK AT THE CATEGORIES BELOW TO HELP YOU GET STARTED!

Clean Eating Foods that are unprocessed or minimally processed include:

fruits

vegetables

hormone free eggs

nuts

legumes (beans/lentils)

Minimally Processed Foods Include:

unrefined grains-whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, steel cut oats, quinoa, brown rice

organic or hormone free dairy
frozen fruits and vegetables
unprocessed or nitrate free meat

oils

WHAT IS THE 80/20 RULE???

The concept behind the 80/20 rule is that you eat healthy (clean) 80 percent of the time while there is still room for cheats and treats 20 percent of the time.  Following the 80/20 rule still allows you to go to dinner, enjoy a cheat meal, have a dessert, or enjoy that happy hour cocktail while still maintaining your healthy lifestyle.

I can honestly say that since we have started eating clean and following the 80/20 rule we have not looked back.  We feel energized and we feel good!  It is amazing how crummy we feel if we are off track.