Easter Tips

Nervous the holiday will get the best of you. 

Don't want to throw your results down the drain.

Easter Tips

 

Try some of these TO DOs to keep on track :

1. Wake up & workout- don't skip your workout just cause it's a holiday. Get up and get moving. If it's an active recovery day like me (my schedule is yoga), I suggest adding in a little cardio to get your heart rate going.

2. Stay hydrated- make sure you are still getting your water in. If you will be drinking, remember for every one drink you replace with on glass of water.

3. Be prepared- if you are cooking try and make Easter a little healthier. There's always ways to make your dishes cleaner. If you are going somewhere ask if you can bring something, that way your in control of one dish. 

4. Ask what's on the menu- make sure the hosts know you aren't asking for something special you just want to know so you can plan your eating. What you wint have, what you'll splurge a little on, etc. 

5. Eat something small- if you're worried you won't be able to contain yourself, eat before you leave so you'll be somewhat full. 

6. Don't graze- ask if the kitchen needs help but don't be a picker. This is where drinking water helps, or if you know you will pick ask if you can help somewhere else. 

7. Get your shake on- always drink your shake. You know you're getting one healthy meal. 

8. Don't stress- the holidays are supposed to be fun and spending time with family. Don't stress over what you're going to eat & if you eat too much. If you do don't sweat it, do what you can, and get back on track Monday. 

 

For more tips and tricks email me- alyssayourish@gmail.com

Happy Easter! 

Be blessed! 

Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

When I was planning my meals for the week I really wanted to add new things to the plan because I always eat the same thing. Which sometimes is good for me because I can stick to something, but I was just getting bored with me food. 

I don't know where I stumbled upon this creation but I'm so glad I did because it honestly is heavenly. I tried to savor every last bite! 

Ingredients:

- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

- 1 medium size apple

- ground cinnamon

Cut the apple up in small pieces. Mix all the ingredients together. Add as much cinnamon as you'd like (but make sure it's ground and not cinnamon sugar :) 

For you fixers 1 red & 1 purple.
 

Be prepared to enjoy!

Late Night Cravings

Where are my late night snackers at?

Are you shy and you don't want anyone to know?

Honestly, that's how I felt. Truth be told I would do great all day and as soon as I got home I was digging through the pantry, overheating, and eating everything in sight...

NOT COOL when you are working extremely hard to get back on track & getting healthy.

But I came up with this little masterpiece to curve any sweet tooth. Especially if you are like me and you crave sincerely yogurt, chocolate, you name it I eat it. It's something so simple I can't believe I never did it before. But I will say i try to stay away dairy and such because it messes with my stomach. Every once in awhile is okay for me though.

One small cup of Chobani Greek Yogurt (red container)

Two drops of raw honey

Tsp. of PB2 (counts as a teaspoon)

Mix it all together and enjoy the sweetness!

Bye Bye Cravings!

Turkey Chili - 21 Day Fix Style

1 tsp. olive oil

1.5 lbs ground turkey 

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1.5 tsp. ground cumin

1 tbsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt or Himalayan salt 

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

2 (15 oz) cans black beans (or pinto), drained, rinsed

1 (15 oz) can all natural tomatoes, no sugar added

12 fresh cilantro springs, finely chopped (garnish) 

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

2. Add turkey, onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook, stir occasionally for 5-8 minutes or until cooked.

3. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper; cook, stir occasionally for a minute.

4. Add beans and tomatoes (with liquid). Bring to a boil. Reduce to low heat, gently boil, stir occasionally for 15-20 minutes or thick.

5. Serve warm, sprinkle with cilantro. 

Super Bowl Party Ideas

Game day is officially upon us. Whether your team is in the BIG game or not, I am sure you are still out there watching to see who wins. Maybe you have some money in a poll or you just always get together with friends no matter who is in it to catch up and you now have an excuse to have a party. Whatever the reason is you know the typical football foods will be there....pizza, wings, dips, you name it. But what if you are hosting or going to a party and you don't want to throw away all your hard work you put in during the week with your workouts & eating. How about making some healthy appetizers or taking something you know you can eat to a friends?

You don't have to throw away all your hard work for one football game, try out some of these appetizers.

1. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs - what you need...

1 small onion, chopped

1 stalk celery, sliced

4 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs

1/2 cup very finely chopped carrot

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

2 tablespoons hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot

1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

1 pound lean ground chicken

 

how to cook them -

Finely chop mushrooms, onion, celery and garlic in a food processor. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.

2.Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.
3.Add breadcrumbs, carrot, cheese, hot sauce, vinegar, salt and pepper to the cooled vegetables; stir until combined. Add chicken and mix gently to combine (do not overmix). Form into 30 meatballs (a scant 2 tablespoons each) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4.Bake the meatballs until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, about 15 minutes.

2. Pita Pizzas - pita-pizzas

3. Buffalo Chicken Tenders - what you need -
4 Tbsp. hot pepper sauce (like Frank’s®), divided use
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 dash cayenne pepper (to taste; optional)
1 lb. raw chicken tenders
¼ cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 Tbsp. crumbled blue cheese
4 medium celery stalks, cut into sticks

 

how to cook them -
 1. Combine 1 Tbsp. hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne in a small bowl; mix well.
2. Add chicken; toss to coat. Marinate, covered, in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 375° F.
4. Place chicken in a baking dish. Discard any remaining marinade. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in the middle.
5. Combine yogurt and cheese in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside.
6. Combine chicken and remaining 3 Tbsp. hot sauce in a large bowl; toss gently to blend.
7. Serve chicken with dip and celery.

4. Nachos - what you need
 4 corn tortillas, cut into wedges
2 tsp. olive oil
½ medium lime
1 dash chili powder
Sea salt (to taste, optional)
½ cup cooked pinto beans, warm
4 oz cheddar (or jack) cheese, shredded
2 medium tomatoes chopped
½ medium onion, finely chopped
½ medium green bell pepper, chopped
½ medium jalapeno, seeds and veins discarded, finely chopped
¼ medium avocado, chopped
4 fresh cilantro sprigs, chopped
2 Tbsp. nonfat plain Greek yogurt

how to cook them -
 1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Brush both sides of tortillas with oil. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crisp.
3. Squeeze lime over chips. Sprinkle with chili powder and salt (if desired).
4. Arrange half of the tortilla chips in a medium baking dish. Layer with half the beans and cheese. Repeat.
5. Bake chip mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, or until cheese melts.
6. Top with tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, avocado, cilantro, and yogurt.

5. Baked Corn Tortilla Chips - what you need -
15 corn tortillas, cut into wedges
Nonstick cooking spray
1 tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)

how to cook them -
 1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Lightly coat both sides of tortillas with spray. Arrange in a single layer on two baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crisp.
3. Sprinkle with salt.

6. Zucchini Fries -  what you need -
Nonstick cooking spray
¼ cup whole wheat flour
2 Tbsp. cornmeal
1 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. ground black pepper
3 medium zucchini, cut into ½ x 3-inch sticks
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten

how to cook them -
 1. Preheat oven to 475° F.
2. Line baking sheet with foil; lightly coat with spray.
3. Combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag; shake to combine.
4. Working with a few pieces at a time, dip zucchini in egg whites and lift out, letting excess drip back into bowl; drop zucchini into bag containing flour mixture. Seal bag and shake to coat. Repeat with remaining zucchini.
5. Place zucchini on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, turning after 6 minutes, or until tender-crisp and golden brown.

Mixed Veggie Salad with Grilled Chicken Breast

I'm so thankful to have this little treat for lunch. Shaun T. always knows to spice things up. Something simple, light, and refreshing.

Cumin Baked Chicken
 
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 3/4 cup  shredded or chopped grilled chicken
- 1/4 cup chopped tomato
-  1/4 cup  cucumber
- 1/4 cup  bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms...I don't eat mushrooms so I skip this one
- 1/4 sliced avocado
- 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

 

 

 

 

1. Place spinach in a large serving bowl.

2. Top with chicken, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, mushrooms, and avocado.

3. Drizzle with oil and lemon juice, toss gently to blend.

 

 

 

 

And remember to make sure you have a fork to eat your lunch! Or you'll be stuck like me with a spoon.

Insanity Max30 : Week One Overview

The newest program is here, out, shipped, and in my hands! It can be yours too if you order from your coach. If you don't have one sign up here and let's get ya goin'!

These weekly updates are going to be my thoughts, meal plans, how I am doing, & such. So excuse me if I am brutally honest and blunt about these next 8 weeks.

I notice I tend to be a follower when it comes to a lot of things in life. If you know me I didn't start with insanity (the original), in fact I never did it & had no desire to. Shaun T you scare the livin' daylights outta me. But honestly, what would make me want to Max30 without doing insanity...am I crazy??? I said in the beginning, I'm a follower & I ordered it to see what the hype was about. I wanted something different. I wanted a challenge. And I wanted to prove to myself, I COUD DO THIS! 

 

So, I ordered. Committed to doing this with a team of coaches, and helping challengers with what to expect and reach their fitness goals.

Day one came and went.can I say I just didn't expect it to be that hard. I'm actually not really sure what I expected. My max out time was 5:02 into a 30 minute program. I felt awful, I felt like I should have been able to make it further but I couldn't. And I remembered to get the results you must push yourself to the MAX....you WANT to fail!

 

For this week I kind of stuck my meal plan to simple. Call me plain Jane if youd like because  that's who I am. I need variety, but if I could have the same thing all week while at work (makes my life easier). 

- chicken (flavor up with spices)

- boil eggs off

- tried some new veggie ways from max30 booklet

 

- but I must say dinners haven't been planned and you can't succeed with a half assed meal plan. The energy you are giving, the high intense workouts, the sweat means NOTHING if you aren't following your nutrition plan. To get the max insane results you'd half to follow the plan 100%. Here I tend to follow the 80-20 rule. But this first week I was doing 60-40. I was making excuses...I was nervous for the program, terrified, my workouts certainky got done & i pushed to my limit, but my eating just FAILED and i knew i could have done better. But NO MORE! 

To say the first week kicked my butt in an understatement, I got my bootay handed to me. I was screaming at Shaun t. , telling Eric to be quiet because I can't talk and push myself hard at the same time, feeling like I couldn't catch my breath, feeling sick, & like I wasn't going to be able to move from the floor. But at the same time when you finish and your on the floor (dead) collecting yourself, you feel accomplished & strong. Your times may have sucked all week, but you just gave your workout for the first time in forever.... YOUR ALL!!!! You recommitted to your health, you are doing this for you. I can't tell you how many times when I was laying there, just talking to myself, saying "congrats" although, I may hate Shaun T. during the whole time, but after I feel 100% better.

 

Something has to motivate you, move you, & get you going to change your life. If you don't like something about your life, change it! For me, I was slacking. I didn't have the drive or motivation to get myself moving, but I was so tired of feel disgusting. I started doing little things daily & when this program came out I said this was going to be a program for me.  I took my before pictures & that was all the motivation I needed!! I really let myself go & I let myself down. 

if you don't have an accountability partner, I highly suggest getting one. This person knows your goals & gets you moving when you don't feel like it. It's nice having one at home too. I have been trying to get E to workout with me forever. Now we always can't workout together (trying to get him to be an early riser) but when we do I feel like I push harder and give it my all.

 

This week was hell! The workouts were hard. My muscles were burning. I was screaming & sweating. My calves were on fire & tight like I couldn't move. There were days where I didn't want to do it. Days I didn't think I could push longer, but when I told myself just one second longer I noticed I pushed one minute longer. YOU are your biggest competition. This program is all a mental game...will you let your mind or body win?

 

Monday- 5:02

Tuesday- 7:00

Wednesday- 6:30

Thursday- 9:45 (same workout as Tuesday) increased my time

Friday- 8:06

Follow my journey over the 60 day program, here I will be posting weekly updates and share my honest opinions. Or over on IG- ayourish123 you can see my daily action! 

If you have any questions about the program and are interested in it,please feel free to reach out to be: alyssayourish@gmail.com or on FB- Alyssa Yourish (send me a message) 

Stay tuned for max out times & stay true to yourself!!!!

 

Lose Weight During the Holidays

So the holidays are right around the corner. I mean Thanksgiving is practically a week away. And are you one of those people who just keeps saying,

"well I am just going to wait until the New Year rolls around."

"it's too hard during the holidays to lose weight."

"to much temptation, travelling, visiting with family."

I know, I have heard it before and honestly I was one of those people who gave these excuses. I would work hard all year round & then as soon as it would start to get cold I would just stop giving my all in exercises, quit watching what I ate, and just let myself go. I was that girl who always made the New Years Resolution to lose weight & clean up her diet. And can I let you in on a little secret..... Eric said some of these "excuses" this past weekend.  I had to stop for a moment and really let it sink in what he had just said. I mean people really wait until after the holidays are over to change themselves....why?

I looked at him and said why wait? It's to hard was the response I got. I said no it's not, I'm about to prove your wrong. And that is exactly what I tend to do. I am planning on starting a three week, Prove YOURSELF wrong group. I'm going to continue my routine til after thanksgiving and then December 1st I am going to open it up to ANYONE who wants to lose /maintain weight before Christmas. We will end 4 days before Christmas....are you IN?

- 3 weeks

- 30 minute workouts

- 30 day supply of shakeology 

- colored containers to portion your food out

- simple nutrition / meal plans

- accountability

- myself as your coach

All you need to do is COMMIT! Decide that you don't want to be a year you gain weight. Feel better than ever this holiday season & let's work together. Who's in to prove yourself (and your significant other) WRONG?? Take a moment to fill out the challenge application. 

 

**spots are filling up fast & I'm only accepting ten applicants** 

Fill out my online form.

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If you Miss A Day Don't Stress

I started a beachbody program, but now I have a day where I will be traveling. What should I do? It's a common question most people ask or are concerned about when it comes to joining a challenge group. I understand and get that if you can't commit 100% of the way you don't want to join. But we also all know, life happens. Life gets in the way and there are days things come up. Don't beat yourself up over it.

I had a hard time grasping this concept when I first started. I was one of those people. I wanted to go all in or nothing at all. But then after talking back and forth with my coach; I realized there was no perfect time to start. Life was always going to get in the way. So I just better start now and be one step closer than yesterday. 

Missing a workout is not the end of the world. But also don't think I am saying it's okay to just slack off there are a TON of alternatives. 

-If you are traveling take your DVDs with you. Most places have a DVD player, if not use your computer (if you have it).

-Go to a gym in the hotel: get some cardio and weight training in. 

-Take a walk outside and explore

-(I know you have a smart phone) get on Pinterest and look up workouts. Nothing complex, just short effective workouts. 

Then when your crazy schedule is over get back too it. You don't have to start from day 1 again, start from where you left off. Or if you were in the middle of a week maybe start fresh from the beginning at that week. It's not going to matter when you finish your program just that you do finish it!

If you need any help to hold yourself accountable please reach out to me : alyssayourish@gmail.com or fill out the application below...I would be glad to help!

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Tips to Lose Weight while Eating Clean

Happy Sunday Everyone! I want to give you a few tips to help you lose weight while clean eating. I have to say this is the biggest struggle for most people whether they start their weight loss journey or they have been working out for a while. Most of the time I am hearing I do fantastic during the week, my workouts are on point, I up my weights, and I just eat pretty well. But they cannot seem to lose weight or see any physical change. Sometimes we hit plateaus, we over train,don't eat enough, but mainly if you aren't seeing the results are you checking your "diet." 


The 21 Day Fix is an amazing program and you can get amazing results, but if you aren't sticking to the schedule of workouts and following the nutrition guide you aren't going to max your results. Don't get me wrong, you will lose weight, but to really see the full effect of the program you have to clean up that diet and the food you are putting in your body. If you don't know where to start, I suggest picking up this book ; Just the Rules by Tosca Reno. It really helps you focus on where you should be starting, so you don't get overwhelmed. 

You need to know this is a lifestyle change. You can't starve yourself. You can't skip breakfast. You can't eat less than you are supposed to. You need to eat the proper foods. Eat 5-6 small meals everyday. If you think a starvation diet is going to work you are WRONG...you will be slowing down your metabolism and burning fewer calories. Stick with the basics when it comes to eating : green leafy , fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken...whole natural foods is what you are going for!

Some tips that have helped me lose weight: 

1. Plan your meals out so you know exactly what you are having each day & it will allow you to stick to it rather than falling off plan. 

2. When cooking your protein a little bit of non-stick spray, EVOO, coconut oil. 

3. Add fresh fruit to your plain Greek yogurt instead of buying flavors. The flavor Greek yogurt has tons of sugar. If you add fresh fruit to plain yogurt its cutting half the calories. 

4. Just drink water. If you are struggling for the "fizz" taste, try La Croix flavor sparkling water. 

5. Try to avoid the condiments on sandwiches.

6. Clean out your house of any unwanted calories or foods.

7. Go for whole grains.

8. Portion your food out.

Monday Motivation : Workout Blues

Did the weekend get the best of you? Was it filled with parties, family get togethers, weekend away, seafood broil, night out with the friends. Lots of temptations and maybe some less then stellar food choices...right? Maybe you slacked on your water and eating every 2.5-3 hours. Had some drinks to unwind. Whatever it is dust yourself off, the weekend is over and it's time to get back on track!

But how? How do you get back on track when you just feel bloated, tired, and just want to catch up on sleep.

 

You set the tone for your whole week. So how you choose to feel and what you choose to do Monday morning will determine your success. Remember no one can do this for you, you have to push yourself. But here's what helps me if I ever have an "off track moment"

- Sunday as soon as you wake up and get situated start hydrated yourself. Don't just aim for half your body weight aim for more.

- Set your workout clothes before you go to bed. Put them right next to you (shoes included) so you see them as soon as you wake up. Heck if you want...sleep in your workout clothes. I mean no ones going to judge you at your home gym.

- Create a game plan. That means your workouts, food for the week, prepping, and getting your mind straight.

- Set your alarm (for me I have to set it 4 different times). I tend to turn it off in my sleep or set it for way later. And place it somewhere, where you have to get out of bed. When it's close by it's so easy just to reach instead of getting up. 

- Go to bed with a positive mind. Whether that be you create a list of everything you are grateful for, read a chapter of a positive book, or write over & over again "this is a new week, I will succeed." I have done this before and it really triggers your mind to believe and you then think about it as your falling asleep.

- Lastly find yourself an accountability partner someone that you can text/call/etc first thing in the am to get you both moving. Or they will text you whatever time you guys decide to workout. Send motivation quotes, positive words, sweaty workout pics, have fun with it!

Find what works for you! Everyone is different. Everyone likes different workouts and times to workout. But remember this is your fitness journey.

 

If you fell off track this weekend or your just getting started on your journey try these beginner steps, they may seem simple & easy....but they make all the difference. I hope these help! And if you have any questions feel free to email me : alyssayourish@gmail.com or add me on Facebook and we can chat more there!!!!

Happy Monday!! 

What is an Accountability Group?

 

What is an accountability group? How does it help you reach your fitness goals?

 

Have you ever started your weight loss journey and after two weeks decided it was either too hard or you didn't see the results quick enough so you gave up? Maybe no one supported you in your journey? You didn't like the workout program?

 

This was all me at one point until I heard about a challenge group & just invited myself to be in one...best decision to the day ever made!!

 

What is an accountability group? this is a group that is done online in a closed facebook group. or we could have a local meeting place if people were closer.

 

Why is it done online? it is easiest to run them online that way everyone is able to join and you do not have to be from a specific city/state.

 

Who can join these groups? anyone is able to join the groups. you just have to want to change your current situation and be ready to be surrounded by a group of amazing people.

 

Why join? like I said before have you tried to workout and then two weeks into it you just gave up? maybe you weren't sure where you start? if this is you, the support group is full of individuals who are where you are & with a group for all of us together we push each other to reach our goals and NOT give up.

 

Where is the done? this accountability is all done online, but the workouts are done in the comfort of your own home! 

 

What will you get? every morning I will post a small assignment or video that will last no more than 5 minutes. A tip to get you through the day, recipes, things that have helped me stay on track, meal plans, meal prepping, etc. I mean this is only half the stuff...every group is different and I tend to make my posts on what everyone has questions on, what they are struggling with.

 

An Accountability group is just another way for us all to stay on track. Because let's be honest.....we just can't do it by ourselves!!! There are times where we get frustrated, we aren't seeing the results we want so quickly, maybe we are struggling with our meal plan. When we struggle by ourselves we tend to let the negatives come into play. But when we are in an accountability group you have people cheering you on. Asking where you are if you do not show up daily posting all about your day. When you go to reach for that cookie a light bulb goes off and you think about the group and you put the cookie down. And if you don't put the cookie down and decide to eat it, you are in the group posting about it and everyone is saying okay, and giving you tips to swap it out next time and saying you can do anything & everything!

 

It is a safe place for everyone to come that have a weight loss goal! I remember when I started I was so scared. I did not know what anyone was going to think of me. Were they going to judge me? Was I going to be accepted?

 

 Guess what?!

 

No one knows about this group except, you, the other challengers in the group, myself  (as your coach), and then anyone you tell. This group is totally secret and everyone in the group is there for one of the same reasons. That is to get healthy and start a new journey.  Everyone may have a different end results and a different goal in mind, but we are ALL in this together. We all cheer each other on, we all are here to inspire. I may be the coach, but this is YOUR group. Tell everyone in the group what is working for you, shout yourself out for how much weight you have lost, your non scale victories, anything you want! Make the group fun, exciting, and most importantly BE YOU!!!!


Do you have more questions about accountability groups? Do you want to know when my next one is? Feel free to email me : alyssayourish@gmail.com and I will answer you back within 24 hours.

If you are ready to sign up and start your healthy journey TODAY, please take a moment to fill out the application listed below!

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Beast Turkey Chili

Makes 4 servings, 1.5 cups each

Total Time: 50 mins

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cooking Time: 35 mins

Ingredients : 

-1 teaspoon olive oil

-1.5 lbs lean ground turkey

- 1 medium white onion, chopped

-1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

-1.5 teaspoons ground cumin

-1/2 teaspoon sea salt

-1 tablespoon chili powder

-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

-1 (15 oz) can kidney or pinto beans, rinsed and drained

-1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (no-sugar added)

-2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions :

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-heat . Add turkey, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.

Cook, stir occasionally, for 10 minutes or until turkey is no longer pink.

Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne powder; stir and cook for a minute.

Stir in kidney beans and tomato sauce; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes or until thickened.

Serve warm sprinkled with parsley.

Belief Starts with YOU!



I have been having this AHA moments lately. I recently started running again after physical therapy was over and I have to say it hasn't been the prettiest. But you know what that is okay.

If you go out in life with an expectation and you don't reach that, you may be disappointed and you may change your goal lower to what it was ...that is NOT okay.

You aren't always going to hit your goal.

You are not going to be perfect.

You are going to fail.

You are going to learn.

You are going to grow.

But more importantly you MUST first believe in YOURSELF!

 

Yes, I know this is me and my distance says a little over a mile. I mean really, anyone could run a mile, so this may seem like nothing.

 

But you know what last week I couldn't run a mile. I have to remind myself , I am human and I am overcoming an injury. I have to pace myself and I am not going to be able to run as fast and as far as I once did. But you know what .... that is OKAY!

 

I am okay with where I am, I tell myself, I can do ANYTHING, if I just believe. And that is exactly what I am doing. I tell myself every single day, "Alyssa just run a little further than you did the day before." But I also have to listen to my body, I know I can run further than the day before, but if my knee is a little sore, I have to take a step back.

 

I know I will get to my goal, WHY? Because I believe in myself. I know I can do this. It is something I want and I will get it! It may take a little longer than expected, but time does not matter!

 

The power of belief starts with you!

 

You may not know how you are going to get to the end results, but you will get there!

 

 

 

Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a sucker for Mexican food. So, when I was prepping for the week I wanted something different with a twist. Chicken fajitas are always a go to, but a baked chicken fajita?!?!!! It is baking in the oven now as we speak.

Ingredients:

- 1 pound of boneless chicken; cut into strips
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes - no salt added
- 1 small can of diced green chiles
- 1 medium onion; sliced
- 1 large bell pepper (red, green, yellow)

Directions:

- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice the veggies and chicken in strips.
- Place chicken strips in greased 13 x 9 baking dish.
- In a small bowl combine oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt.
- Drizzle the spice mixture over the chicken and stir to coat.
- Mixed diced tomatoes and green chile in bowl. You can also buy a diced can of tomatoes with green chiles already added.
- Next add the tomatoes, peppers, and onions to the dish and stir to combine.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve with tortilla  shells or rice with desired toppings.

Tell me this is not delish!!!