Italian girl and loves anything pasta? Yep, this one sure hits the spot. This is a simple recipe which takes fifteen minutes to prep & only calls for a few ingredients, but you can add any veggies you love, load 'em up.
Ingredients :
1 pkg of uncooked lasagna noodles (whole grain)
1 quart of your favorite spaghetti sauce
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
Ricotta cheese
your favorite vegetables
1 cup of water
1 tsp. of salt (I use sea salt)
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/8 tsp. pepper
Directions :
Preheat over to 350 degrees.
Spray bottom of pan with olive oil spray and add 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce.
Mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, veggies, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Cover pan with 1 layer of uncooked lasagna noodles; overlapping slightly.
Add half of the cheese mixture and spread almost to the edges of the pan.
Repeat with 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce & cheese mixture.
Top with another layer of uncooked noodles & add more sauce if you would like.
Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top and mozzarella cheese; if desired
Carefully pour water along the edges and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350 degrees for an hour; let cool for fifteen minutes.
How many of us have hit a goal; whatever it may be and we it hit? We get so excited and happy that we worked hard and we achieved it. We want to be proud and brag to everyone around. First, if you have hit your goal...Congratulations! You earned it and you should be proud. But what happens when we do hit this goal, we start to slowly back off & give ourselves some slack. And before you know it we are just getting to comfortable.
You don't want to get too comfortable and let your results go. What determines our success and the results we get....YOU are. You are in control of how hard you push yourself and work. The food choices you make. And if you will hinder your results. You have the choice to decide what goal you want to hit, and when you want to hit it by.
Once you see results, I always tell my challengers to celebrate, but celebrate in a way without food. Go buy a new workout outfit, get a maincure/pedicure (for the girls), treat yourself to a massage, plan a trip...anything you want it to be.
But the more you stay comfortable with your results and where you are now, the more you are hurting yourself. You will not change yourself & you will have to start all over. One bad week can ruin all your hard work.
Set a goal and make it public. Never stop pushing yourself. Find a success partner who will push you to meet your goals. Surround yourself with positive uplifting people. It is so easy to get comfortable and stay inside your comfort zone, but if you stop stepping outside of your comfort zone you are never going to go. You are going to become content with where you are and not push harder to your ability. You should never stop dreaming and setting goals.
STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE! Look to dream bigger. Do not get comfortable. For awhile there I was staying inside of my comfort zone. I stopped reading my personal development which ultimately effected how I thought about every second through out the day. You hit a goal and you slack, you have a piece of candy (here & there), you start picking at food (when you know you shouldn't), maybe slack off in your workouts, or in your business have you stopped asking people to join your team/challenges? You live and you learn, but you have to remember this is your life and you are in control. No one can do it for you, you have to wait it bad enough to get it!!!
Mother Nature you have done it again, when the groundhog said six more weeks BOY did he ever mean the full six weeks. The sun was slowly starting to creep out and that just wasn't good enough because it snowed & got cold once again. Which is why people are getting sick. One minute it goes from being freezing temps to 70 degrees with windows down & your shades on. But with the cold weather still slowly trying to stay around, I know I find it (as weird as this sounds) hard to find something to eat. Not saying we never have food in our house, but when it is cold at I am trying to stay warm, so I want something warm but healthy all at the same time.
I always wanted to try Stuffed Pepper Soup, so when I found this recipe I decided this is what we are having for dinner.
Ingredients:
*3 cups cooked brown rice (if you are paleo; totally do not need to add it in)
*1 lb of lean ground turkey
*1/2 cup of chopped green peppers
*1/2 cup of chopped red peppers
*1 cup of diced onions
*3 cloves of garlic ; chopped
*2 cans of diced tomatoes
*1 3/4 cups of tomato sauce
*2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
*salt & pepper (optional) for taste
Directions:
*In a large skillet brown the ground turkey on high and season with salt if you are using on high heat. Drain any fat (if there is any) then reduce to medium heat. Add peppers, onions, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes on low heat.
*Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, and season with salt & pepper if you like. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes on low heat. Serve about 1 1/3 cup of soup in each bowl and 1/2 cup cooked brown rice on top.
For all my fixers I would say this would be a red (lean turkey), a yellow (brown rice; if you are using), and you could add a green (for the veggies).
Let's take a minute and recap...it is a new month. A time to set new goals, wipe the slate clean, and accomplish something major this March. But not before we just sit down and talk about February. During the beginning of the new month I always like to sit down and see where I need to improve, what good happened, how I met my goals, etc. (I know we are already a week into March) I'm a bit behind but it is better late than never right?
So, February was HUGE in the Beachbody world. Seriously just out of this world and I don't even know where to start. First we kicked it off with the Beachbody Cup Challenge. This is meant to push you out of your comfort zone and build your business. You pair up with four other coaches of your choice, come up with a team name, and for the entire month you put your head down and get to work.
Here was my team :
I never really knew any of these women before we started, but I am so glad they asked me to join their team. You have no choice but to get to know your teammates (if you don't know them already) because for the cup you are working so closely with each other. You need to know what motivates, drives them and brainstorm together. And although you are growing your business you are there to always cheer on and support your team members. I loved every moment working with these ladies, we totally stepped out of our comfort zone and crushed our goals we had set for ourselves. Way to go ladies!!! Can't wait to see what this month brings us! On top of the team cup myself and other ladies paired up together and decided to donate $5 per every success club point to the American Heart Association. I ended the month with 25 success club points so, me personally I donated $125 and I am so glad I have been able to give back & help out in any way that I can.
Next up the newest Beachbody program hit the shelves on February 3rd. The 21 Day Fix by Autumn Calabrese.
This program is designed for anyone. Someone who has not worked out in a while to the fitness guru. The moves are simple exercise, but with added weights. And if you need modifications you can always use one . I can not say more than good things about this program. You have to figure out nothing but your calorie intake or what you will have for the weeks. Figure out your calories and then you follow the chart on how color containers you are allowed to have for each day. If it fits into the containers you can eat it, if it does not it is not allowed. Plain and simple. Portion control is the #1 reason why people can not lose weight. This is not a starvation diet, you are eating real food just not as much as you are used to. This launched the first week in February and they literally SOLD out in an 8 hour day what they thought they would do in a week. I think Beachbody really nailed it on the head with this program. And it is still on pre-order, this program is really a game changer and for anyone who is looking for those rapid results in a short period of time.
Lastly, I am so excited to say that my team is starting to take off . My team is growing and people are ready to make a difference around the world. Introducing my team :
Let me just begin to say you can be on my team and we can be miles away. Our team is focused all through social media. We are dreamers, believers, part of the Air Force, moms, daughters, full time workers, students, wives girlfriends, and the list continues to go on. We may be all different individuals, but we all have one go in mind. And that is simple, we want to help end the trend of obesity & help as many people as we can reach their help and fitness goals. Each one of my coaches has a different reasoning for signing up, and that is what I love about my team. We are all different, but we strive to make ourselves better and each other better. We are all in this together & help each other grow & bounce ideas off of each other. We want to help each challenger reach their goals they set for themselves right from the very beginning. We are not personal trainers or nutrition experts. We are just your normal everyday people who have dreams & goals. We are fun, positive, uplifting people who love health & fitness. I don't "coach" people for the money, I truly joined as a coach to help as many people as I could achieve their goals. I have a passion & a drive to touch many lives and this is how each one of these special ladies came into my life. This opportunity has allowed me to work on my own health & fitness transformation. I have been able to kick my stomach problems to the curb. I have never had so much natural energy. I feel comfortable about myself & I am not always worrying about how I look or what people think. The people you surround yourself with on a daily basis is uplifting and they make you want to be a better person. Have a positive mindset and really allows you to view life differently and you can achieve anything you want too. My life has completely changed and have never felt more blessed than this. I can only begin to tell you my journey. We are looking to expand our team and add new members to it.
You do not have to go at this alone. You won't sign up and be expected to learn everything by yourself and no help. I will mentor you one on one in my next Coach Basics Group giving you all the training and tools I received from TOP coaches. This is your business; however you want to work this I am here to guide you and give you new ideas.
I am looking for people who are passionate about helping others and love working on their health & fitness. I want people who are outgoing and fun. Up for new ideas and working together as a team. This may be YOUR business but we all succeed TOGETHER. Are you goal-driven, looking for something more, and want to find your passion in life. Are you meant for something more? Do you want to inspire those around you? If you are answering YES, to ANY of these questions I want YOU on my TEAM! I am looking to add five more people at this time. If you are interested please take a moment to fill out the application listed below.
Applications MUST be filled out and turned in by March 16th. At that time I will review all applicants and interview you for the process. **please note if you turn this in after the deadline you will have to wait until my next coach basics group to start**
-5 oz- boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 in. cubes -1 tsp. Olive Oil -2 TBS. Lemon Juice -1/4 C. Red Onion. Thinly sliced -1 tsp. Paprika -1 tsp. Mrs. Dash -1 C. Bell Peppers cut into 1 in. Cubes -3 Wooden or Metal Kabob Sticks
Prep:
-Marinate the chicken in the olive oil, lemon juice, red onions and paprika for 30 mins. -Then season the chicken w/ Mrs. Dash; skewer chicken cubes w/the bell peppers onto the kabob sticks. -Grill or broil until cooked through, about 8 mins. -Bake at 375 degrees for 12-5 mins, or until soft.
I have officially been a home owner for four months. It is still crazy to think that I have moved out and have something to call "my" own. I know it may seem crazy and most people are usually out on their own after college, but I didn't do that. I decided to stay at home with my parents and save money. I have always been the saver and the one who always got anxious when I had to break the bank open (no joke). But, I made it happen! I am extremely proud of myself for taking this big step and starting down a new road. But let's just make sure you know how my situation is. I live here with myself, my boyfriend (Eric), Dexter (my kitty), and Bubba (Siberian Husky). I am the only girl living with all boys. It can be a handful, but I wouldn't change it for the world. The fur babies can not be in the house at the same time unless : A.) One of us is holding Bubba on the leash or B.) Dexter is upstairs with the door shut. It is a total adjustment because they were both used to being the only pet. They are both curious, but just not yet. And the reason for that is because Eric's and my schedules are completely opposite. I work your normal M-F; 7-3:30. He is a bar manager at the Springfield Grille here in Cranberry, PA. So his hours and days are all over the place. Fast forward to now....Eric is starting a new job on Monday. A job where he will be home for dinner and it won't just be me and the fur babies. A job where we will get to spend weekends together and I won't have to stress about evening out my time with both pets because I'm just a sucker and want them both to feel loved. Eric got home from work a little after 8PM tonight. Bubba & I were sitting on the couch and Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. When they were talking about breakfast. Eric literally walked in the door and went to put a pair of sweatpants on when I said , "I wish we had pancakes." He asked if I really wanted them, and even though I said no I really really did. I am not sure why, but I have been craving pancakes for awhile. And of course I kept nagging saying how I really wanted them and he could go get some before he heads to work tomorrow. He has to be there early so I knew he wasn't going to go, but it did in fact get him to go tonight ...... I may have planned that one. But he will never know :) He came home and he thought I wanted them for the morning and NOPE I wanted them as a snack (weird right) I started to make them well, let's just say I am not the best pancake maker, ORRRRR did I plan it so Eric came to the kitchen, saw what I was doing & laughed. And then took over?! So my night & Bubba's consisted of taking a nap first (because I have been feeling under the weather), next we cooked dinner, read a little; while Bubba was outside, and then Eric came home. And I'm not sure if he is thrilled or not to be home with us on the weekends, but someone had to let him know what he is in for. The kiddies and I have a routine during the week & weekend. We have been doing this for four months, so it will be an adjustment....for all of us. But Bubba and I got a lot of things done but I'm not sure if Eric knows what he is getting himself into next week. Someone has to prep him and make sure he is prepared right? We have two demanding boys and I hate to admit it but I could be a little demanding at times too. I am random, such a spur of the moment kind of person when it comes to food. Luckily, bless his heart (he has to deal with me) he went out to Giant Eagle and bought pancake mix. He thought I was going to eat them for breakfast, but my little self got up and proceeded to the kitchen to get a move on so I could eat. He was talking to his sister on the phone when I just started laughing & saying I don't think I am meant to make pancakes. WHY? you may start to ask. Yes, I know they aren't really that hard to make, but I was so hungry I totally did not read that I had to fill it up with water to the line. I added way to much water and when I shook the mix there wasn't enough room for it all to mix. So, when I started to pour in the pan they were watered down, some still had the powder on. Eric came in the kitchen and just shook his head. And proceeded to take over...I'm sure at this point all he wanted to do was relax, but he cooked me pancakes!! And he is probably thinking, what in the world am I doing. haha totally random, spur of the moment Friday night here at 4348. I'm not sure if he is ready for spending every Friday night / weekends with me. Because honestly, it is all up in the air with what you'll get.. What is on our agenda next week?? Not sure, you'll have to check back then! **ps the pancakes were delish and I loved every moment of eating them. he's the best
It takes 21 days to create a habit. Twenty-one days to make it part of your daily routine, your lifestyle, something you don't even have to think about. But if think of all the reasons why you can't do it. You don't have enough time. Your too busy. You are to tired and can't get up early before work or have to get things ready for the next day when you get home from work. Then you are truly making excuses and believing all the negativity.
STOP THE NEGATIVE TALK!
The only thing you need to listen to is the belief in yourself. If this is something you want to do, if you are ready to make the change. That is the only voice you need to listen to. Take that step believe in yourself and the rest will fall into place.
No matter what if you want the results you have to put in the work. The program is seven days a week but only thirty minute workouts. You have the time, you must schedule it in. NO EXCUSES. The third week you are given the option to do double up days to get max results. You don't have to it is totally your call. Here is what the schedule looks like for double days:
Day 15- Total Body Cardio Fix & Pilates Fix
Day 16- Upper Fix & Cardio Fix
Day 17- Lower Fix & 10-minute Fix for the Abs
Day 18- Pilates Fix & Total Body Cardio Fix
Day 19- Cardio Fix & Upper Fix
Day 20- Dirty 30 & Pilates Fix
Day 21- Yoga Fix
I started out with double days because I wanted to challenge myself a little bit. Honestly, I made it to Wednesday. I was spreading the workouts out...one in the morning before work and the other right when I got home. I was so so very hungry come night time doing doubles. I felt like I was working too hard and pushing myself to the extreme, so I stopped. You have to do what is right for you and listen to your body. But if you are going to do the doubles, I would highly suggest adding an extra protein into your meal plan. You will need it or you will just burn yourself out.
I used to hate lifting weights because I was always under the impression that girls who lift heavy will bulk up and look way out of proportion, but not the case. Ladies, lift weights if you have been putting it off for that one simple reason. You are not going to bulk up. I can promise you, that you will feel stronger, determined, want to push hard, and you will gain muscle BUT lean out. You may not see a difference right away and in the beginning when you start out, but I promise you if you stick with it you will be so unbelievably amazed at the process. I can say that because this picture shows something I have been working on for awhile. My legs have always been something I just never really liked, my thighs were just a little too big and I am starting to get a leg muscle pop. I love the mix of cardio and strength training together, it targets different areas all at once vs. targeting one muscle group.
I will keep saying it....the 21 Day Fix, you do not starve yourself. You are not eating like a rabbit. You are fueling your body and eating actually food. You are not following a diet plan and eating things that you do not like. Read over the book when you receive your package and plan out what you want to eat and when. Each color container has a list of foods to eat from best to not as good for you. Make different recipes, try new things, and if you aren't sure what something would be considered head over to the beachbody message board and type it in. Someone will get back to you and tell you what containers you should be using. It is as simple as that! All the guess work has been completed for you!
And you are in luck the 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack promotional price has been extended until tonight at midnight. If you missed getting this program once, you do not want to miss it now, lose those last 10-15 lbs, learn about proper portion control and nutrition, and lean out. The results from my test group are starting to come in and I have never been blown away with results like these for three weeks....IT IS CRAZY!
Don't miss your chance to make the change. This program is for anyone. For someone who has never worked out a day in their life or for someone who is a fitness guru. This is designed for you! Struggle with what to eat and when to eat. This is designed for you! This is your last chance to sign up and get in my March 10th, Bikini Ready in March Group. Interested? Fill out the challenge application below to be considered!!!
