Preparing for the new challenge!

So the new year starts tonight, and I'm ready to do the best Advocare challenge yet!  One of the most important things when doing a challenge is preparing!  Another thing I have to prepare for is a new semester of school, so that means plenty of crock-pot meals!  So, soon I will be going on a big shopping trip for everything!
I'm going to buy all the stuff for both lists for crockpot meals- see previous posts, and lots of fruits and veggies for the challenge.  I will also be buying Catalyst from Advocare to help get off the fat while protecting my muscles and lots of Spark to keep me pumped up!
I've got a friend who is doing the challenge with me and we'll be trying to swim laps once a week in addition to regular cardio things and the weekly "anywhere" exercises- also from a previous post- to get fit, toned and lose the Christmas fat! 
If you want to do the challenge, the link to order is http://www.advocare.com/130346245 and start thinking about food before starting!

New Year, New You?

***Sorry the formatting is off- I couldn't get it to work without messing it up more! ****

So, it's that time of year for new years resolutions!  I got my new treadmill for christmas and ready to start a new year off right! 

In honor of the new years, Advocare has some awesome deals and specials for the new year!
First, the 24 day challenge is on sale!  And there is an all new exercise program avaliable!
  Second, there is a contest within my area for those who lose weight and inches during the 24 day challenge! 

To order go to http://www.advocare.com/130346245

Off track...literally

My treadmill is dead.  I am sad.  The belt was loose and kept slipping when I tried to run, and there would be a horrible burnt smell after I tried.  After my hubby tightened it, the belt doubled onto itself.  Boo.  So, I'm hoping Santa Clause comes through for me and gets me a new one because I have a hard time exercising consistently without it. 
On the good news side- I have a new favorite Spark flavor!  Pink Lemonade!  Yum Yum! So good. 
After the first of the year I might just have to do another cleanse to get back on track after being without exercise for over two weeks and yummy treats the holiday brings.  :)

New Exercise Routine

One does not live by cardio alone.  While I think Cardio is awesome to keep you in shape and the lose weight, once you reach a plateau you need to add more.  More muscle= a toned, fit look.  While I like my Advocare 'Can you 24' workout DVDs, I get tired of workout videos.  So I went to pinterest to find something easy and do-able.  I printed off this list I found and trying to follow it.

I'll let you know how it goes!  I'm still feeling good with my progress, and last I checked I was down over 2 inches from my waist! 

Another Pinterest Find

Another find from pinterest- a snack that isn't technically Advocare or Allergy friendly, but if you have to have chocolate may be a good alternative to your favorite candy bar!

They didn't have a name, so I'm going to call them chocolate bites.  You melt your choice of chocolate chips in the microwave (30 seconds at a time, mixing each 30 seconds until smooth).  Drop it onto wax paper by the spoonful, put on some nuts or dried fruit and tada!

I have made "samples" of dark chocolate (think antioxidant!), milk chocolate, and semi-sweet chips.  I have used a variety of almonds (also antioxidant), cashews, peanuts, and dried fruit to see what I like the best.

Let them sit until hard, or can put in the fridge to speed it up.

I haven't tried it yet because it's still setting up! I'll let you know!

Crockpot meals #2- Allergy Friendly

So I promised a list of crockpot meals and shopping list that are allergy friendly, so here it is! :)

Eli Friendly Freezer Meals

Black Bean Taco Soup – Brown meat and onion, let cool and divide into two bags.  Cook high 1-2 hours or low 2-3.5 hours.  Serve with tortilla chips, cheese, and sour cream.

·      1 lb lean ground beef (we used turkey beef)

·      1 medium onion, chopped

·      1 package mild taco seasoning mix

·      1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn

·      1 (16 oz) can black beans drained and rinse

·      1 (14 oz) cans stewed tomatoes

·      1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

·      1 (4 oz) can diced green chilis

Cilantro Lime Chicken- makes 2 bags, cook on low for 8 hours, shred meat and serve on tortillas.

·         6 chicken breasts

·         4 tablespoons of lime juice

·         1 bunch of cilantro chopped

·         2 – 16 oz bags of corn

·         4 cloves of garlic- minced

·         1 red onion chopped

·         2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed

·         2 tsp cumin

·         Salt and pepper.

Honey Rosemary Chicken- makes 2 bags.  Cook low for 6-8 hours.

·         6 chicken breasts

·         2/3 cup balsamic vinegar

·         2/3 cup honey

·         2/3 cup olive oil

·         6 tablespoons rosemary, chopped

·         2 teaspoons salt

BBQ chicken- makes 2 bags, cook low for 6-8 hours.

·         6 chicken breasts

·         1 12 oz bottle of BBQ sauce

·         1 cup brown sugar

·         ½ cup vinegar

·         ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

·         2 teaspoon garlic powder

Chicken Fajitas- makes 2 bags, cook on low for 6 hours. Serve with tortillas or rice.

·         6 chicken breasts

·         Variety of bell peppers, sliced (about 5)

·         2 large onions sliced

·         Lime juice

·         Chili powder

·         Salt and pepper

Southwestern 2 Bean Chicken- makes 2 bags, cook on low for 5-7 hours, serve with tortillas or over rice

·         6 chicken breasts

·         2 cans (15 oz) pinto beans rinsed and drained

·         2 cans (15 oz) black beans rinsed and drained

·         2 cans (28 oz) diced tomatoes in juice

·         2 pounds frozen corn

·         2 jars (12 oz) of salsa

Tips:

·         Look over your pantry to see what you have/need.

·         Write instructions (how long to cook) on freezer bag and what is in it to make meal planning easy.

·         If you use potatoes that are NOT frozen boil first for a few minutes or they will turn black in the freezer.

·         Can buy slow cooker liners to save on dishes- they kind of cost a lot but then you don’t have to scrub the crock pot every night to use it the next day!

Shopping List:

Fresh:

·         3 onions

·         5 bell peppers, variety of colors

·         Rosemary

·         1 Red onion

·         Cilantro

·         Garlic- preminced or 4 cloves

Meat-

·         Chicken breasts- 30 breasts total

·         1 pound ground beef or turkey

Canned/Pantry-

·         2-15 oz cans pinto beans

·         5-15 oz cans black beans

·         2-28 oz cans diced tomatoes

·         2-12 oz jars salsa

·         Lime juice

·         Chili powder

·         Salt and pepper

·         1-12 oz bottle of BBQ sauce

·         Brown sugar

·         Vinegar

·         Cayenne pepper

·         Garlic powder

·         Balsamic vinegar

·         Honey

·         Olive Oil

·         Cumin

·         1-4 oz can diced green chilis

·         1-8 oz can tomato sauce

·         1-14 oz can stewed tomatoes

·         Package of taco seasoning

Frozen-

·         5 bags of Frozen Corn

My crockpot meals: version 1

So, school has been much better this semester and I have to say a lot of it has been organizing the rest of my life!  I've even had downtime to read (although from the weight I put back on I probably should have used the downtime on the treadmill...).  Anyways,  I made this document up for a few ladies that I work with that are expecting within the next two months.  The lists I found online were missing things from the grocery store, so I took the time to put together recipes that will cover for 10 days (two bags of 5 recipes) and probably have leftovers!  Hopefully these ladies have time to get them together before babies come and hopefully anyone who needs a list of crockpot meals with grocery list included can use this! I plan on making another version soon that is all Eli/allergy friendly!

Teriyaki Chicken-

   Divide into two freezer bags.  Thaw overnight and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 8.  Serve with rice.

·         1 bag of Baby carrots chopped into bite sized pieces

·         1/2 red onion in large chunks

·         20 oz can pineapple undrained

·         1 garlic clove chopped

·         6 Chicken breasts

·         1/2 bottle Teriyaki Sauce

·         2 cups broccoli

Sweet Barbecue Hawaiian Chicken- Divide into two bags. Cook on low for 8 hours

·         6 chicken breasts

·         2/3  cup of BBQ sauce

·         20 oz can of Pineapple chunks, undrained

·         2/3  cup soy sauce

·         ½ cup brown sugar

·         2 TBS corn starch

Salsa chicken- makes 2 bags.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stir in ½ cup sour cream at end and serve over rice.

·         6 chicken breasts

·         2 cups salsa

·         2 packages taco seasoning

·         2 cans of cream of mushroom soup

Cilantro lime chicken- makes 2 bags- cook on low for 8 hours.  Shred meat and serve on tortillas.

·         6 chicken breasts

·         4 tablespoons of lime juice

·         1 bunch of cilantro chopped

·         2 – 16 oz bags of corn

·         4 cloves of garlic- minced

·         1 red onion chopped

·         2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed

·         2 tsp cumin

·         Salt and pepper.

Pot Roast- make 2 bags- cook on low for 8 hours.

·         2 small hunks of beef roast or pork roast

·         Red potatoes- chopped

·         1 bag of baby Carrots- chopped

·         1 Yellow Onion- chopped

·         Celery- chopped

·         2 cans of beef broth

Shopping List:

Fresh veggies:

·         Bag of red potatoes (or can buy frozen potatoes)

·         2 red onions

·         1 yellow onion

·         Hearts of celery

·         2 bags of baby carrots

·         1 bunch of broccoli (or can buy frozen)

·         Cilantro

·         Garlic- 5 cloves or pre-minced

Meat-

·         2 small beef or pork roasts or 1 large to divide

·         About 24 chicken breasts

Canned/Pantry-

·         Lime juice

·         2 cans of black beans

·         Salsa

·         2 packages of taco seasoning

·         2 cans of cream of mushroom soup

·         Soy sauce

·         Teriyaki sauce

·         BBQ sauce

·         2 cans of pineapple chunks

·         Brown Sugar

·         Corn Starch

·         Cumin

·         2 cans of beef broth

·         Large Freezer Ziplock bags- at least package of 10 for these recipes

Frozen-

·         2 bags of corn

·         Broccoli (if not fresh)

·         Potatoes (if not fresh)

Dairy-

·         Sour Cream

Tips:

·         Look over your pantry to see what you have/need.

·         Write instructions (how long to cook) on freezer bag and what is in it to make meal planning easy.

·         If you use potatoes that are NOT frozen boil first for a few minutes or they will turn black in the freezer.

·         Can buy slow cooker liners to save on dishes- they kind of cost a lot but then you don’t have to scrub the crock pot every night to use it the next day!

Results are in!

Results are in!  My 10 day challenge is over, and I am down 4 lbs, 1.5 inches off waist, 1 inch off hips and 1/2 inch off bust.  Most importantly, I'm eating better and exercising again.  Keeping in a healthy lifestyle is the key to maintaining and I screwed up for awhile.  But now it's time to get back on track and keep it up! 

At it again!

So I'm back in the habit.  Which habit?  Eating well and exercising!  And I'm getting started right with another 10 day cleanse from Advocare!  I love this product for helping me feel full, giving me energy, and keeping my mind on the goal!  The last three months have been rough- I haven't been eating well at all, haven't exercised almost at all, and just in general been lazy with my body.  Time to get back in order before the holidays! 

I started different this time, by getting back into exercise and using a "cleansing water" before starting the Advocare products.  I got the recipe from a friend and it's super simple- a sliced cucumber, a sliced lemon, mint leaves and water.  Tastes clean and fresh.

Then I started by 10 day cleanse and really kicking up the exercise.  I'm on day 7 now, so I don't have final results, but when I do the "pinch test" (pinch my own fat rolls!  lol)  it's smaller!  I'm taking Catalyst too to really burn the fat!  Too much candy the last few months :(.
Advocare recommends using the herbal cleanse every 3 months- I don't do it that often but whenever I really start slacking off it works for me to get back into it!  So we'll see at day 10 what results bring. :)

Allergy Friendly Breakfast Bars

So inspiration struck me the other day when I couldn't sleep after working a third shift.  I could make a breakfast bar for Eli using rice cereal and sunbutter (a peanut butter like stuff but made with sunflower seeds).  So I bought some rice krispies, sunbutter and started tossing stuff together!

 So I started with dry ingredients- rice krispies, dried cranberries, raisins, honey roasted sunflower seeds, and coconut flakes.  Tossed these in honey and sunbutter until it all sticks together. Put it in the fridge for about 10 minutes then took it out- looked like this.

 I tried to roll this into balls, but it didn't lend well to rolling, so I pressed it into a Tupperware as bars and put in the fridge again.  Once they are totally cold I can cut it into bars and give to Eli to try!

Hope he likes it!

Crockpot meals

Here was my project this week.  My healthy eating wasn't doing so good with my busy school schedule, so I made crockpot meals to throw in the freezer.  I even bought crockpot liners so we don't have to scrub it between meals.  Here's the website I got the recipes from.  Warning, however....the grocery list provided doesn't actually make all of these meals.  A couple of them were missing important ingredients and there was no where enough chicken (I had to thaw some from our stock in the freezer).  So..my suggestion is go through the recipes you want and make your own list ;)
Sometime in the next two weeks (when I run out of these beauties!) I'm going to make my own grocery list and meal list and put it on here to share with you all.  Many of these are not Eli friendly so I'm going to aim for a few more allergy friendly meals!

http://femiology.com/make-ahead-freeze-crockpot-dinners-feed-your-entire-family-for-3-4-per-meal/

School is in

Back to school for the last year!  This means one thing...very little time.  As I come up with or try new recipes I'll post them, but don't expect as much activity for awhile. :)  A few things to look forward to: possible allergy testing for little man after the first of the year, a move to another state, new jobs and new home.  Big changes coming so stay tuned.

BBQ chicken salad

So it's a good think I take pictures of stuff...because I couldn't remember what I made yesterday until I looked at the picture!

So this was an easy chopped salad.  I did my own thing from the recipe on pinterest.  Ideally you grill the chicken and corn, and put chips and whatnot on it.  I just made it my own.

I broiled chicken breasts with BBQ sauce on it (we had sweet baby rays).  When that was cooked I took some canned corn and canned black beans and threw them into a skillet to warm up.  Had some bagged lettuce, chop some red onion, dice some tomatoes, put the chicken and corn/beans on it, top with montyjack cheese.  Done :)

It's Allergy friendly as long as there is a BBQ sauce you like and no cheese.  You'd want to avoid cheese for Advocare cleanse also.  You can top with more BBQ, some ranch or even sour cream, but I thought it was fine as is. 

7 layer salad and my own energy bites

So last night's dinner was a 7 layer salad...except for Eli's...I guess his was technically a 6 layer salad.  Why is it 7 layer anyways?  It has more than 7 layers of things.  Oh well.  Easy to make but supposed to set in the fridge for at least 8 hours...well I didn't make it far enough ahead of time and it only sat for 4 and was good. 

Start by making some crispy bacon to top it, so it can cool off to handle.

Then in a bowl, put a layer of lettuce, then diced tomatoes, and  then sliced cucumbers. Then make a layer of thawed frozen peas and chopped green onions, then a layer of sliced radishes.  In a separate bowl combine 2 cups sour cream, 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Mix well and spread over radish layer.  Top with shredded cheese and bacon.  

Eli's was the same except no dressing and no cheese.  

Ella wanted a picture with it...weirdo!

 Next I decided we needed some energy bites in the fridge again.  I was too lazy to look up a recipe and felt I've made several and could wing it just fine.  I didn't measure anything, just dumped.  I did some quick oats, ground flax, granola, coconut flakes, and mini chocolate chips.  Then added vanilla, honey, peanut butter and almond butter.  Mixed up, rolled into balls and refrigerated.  Done.  :)

Cauliflower poppers and Chicken with Peaches

So I found a perfect meal!  No alterations for allergies, perfect for Advocare cleanse, easy to do, and very yummy!

Cauliflower poppers:  Cut and wash a head of cauliflower, toss with olive oil (enough to lightly coat), salt and pepper then put on a cookie sheet at 400 degrees for an hour, stirring three times.  Yum yum!  It has a nice crunch, sweet taste.  It actually reminded me of the Kale chips I made awhile ago, but this was SO MUCH easier!

Chicken with peaches:  Salt and pepper chicken breasts, put in baking pan (No oil needed :) ) and put a fresh sliced peach (although I bet you can used canned too) on top.

Eli wanted a picture of "his food" even though it was the same!

So reviews-  Lyle and I both loved the cauliflower, the kids ate it but Ella said it had no taste and dipped it in ketchup.  The kids loved the chicken, but wouldn't eat the peaches with it.  Ella said they tasted like chicken.  Lyle and I thought the chicken was okay, but kind of plain.  I'm thinking of marinading the chicken in some peach juice from a can, then eating cold peaches from the can with the chicken...maybe next week since it's easy to do!

Spaghetti Squash Casserole and Chicken Avocado Soup

So first up was spaghetti squash casserole.  This isn't Eli friendly, or technically Advocare cleanse friendly due to the cheese and sour cream.  But it's MUCH healthier than cheesy potatoes and tastes similar!

Cook a spaghetti squash and use a fork to clean out the squash and put into a bowl.  In a skillet, put 2 TBSP butter and add 1 chopped yellow onion and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes and 1 tsp thyme.  Cook until slightly browned and salt and pepper to taste.  Put in the bowl with the squash then add 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese.  Mix together and transfer to a baking dish. Top with another 1/4 cup cheddar cheese.  (I added some chopped up turkey smoked sausage hunks)  Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes till it's all bubbly!    Yummy!

For Eli- I just saved some plain spaghetti squash and sausage and put a little tomato sauce on it :)

Next is Chicken avocado soup.  This is great for everyone!  Pretty simple too.  Season 2 chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in skillet with 1 tsp olive oil, cover until cooked through.  Shred chicken with fork and set aside.  In a large pot for soup, head 2 tsp olive oil over medium heat, then add 1 cup chopped green onions and 1 tsp minced garlic to pot.  Saute about 2 minutes, then add 1 large diced tomato and saute another minute.  Add 3-14.5 oz cans of chicken broth, 1/8 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp salt. Stir well and bring to boil, then simmer on low covered for 15-20 minutes. 

In your bowl, put in some shredded chicken, cut up avocado and pour the hot broth mixture over it.  *You are supposed to put cilantro and a lime wedge but I had trouble finding good produce*

This was good for everyone, but pretty light so maybe after a long day, cold day or a day you had a big lunch.  Or a perfect lunch :)

Dinner List

My meal planning for the next few days I hope will be Advocare diet, and mostly Allergy friendly :)  Once again, the ideas and recipes I found on pinterest!  Just takes a little time to find some creative and tasty foods!
Chicken with peaches- Advocare and Eli friendly
Sweet and spicy salmon- I think both friendly
Zucchini lasagna- all except cheese is Advocare and Allergy friendly
Orange asparagus chicken- friendly to both
BBQ chicken salad- friendly to both
7 layer salad- Advocare friendly, leave out some for Eli
Cheesy spaghetti squash casserole- I've made this already... and in a few minutes I post this recipe :)  Must have been a hit since I have a request for it again :)

I love Advocare!

I just want to say how much I like this company!   I have been continuing to take my Catalyst daily, exercising almost daily, and eating healthy but not as strict as on the cleanse!  I'm continuing to loose inches along my waist- down another full inch since I finished the 10 day cleanse!  Love it!

Several New Things!

So, this last I've been a busy person with trying out some Pinterest recipes! 

First is called Energy Bites, and these were Ella's Favorite!  These were super easy to make, and no baking involved. Mix together:

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to be able form into balls, then refrigerate for another hour at least to let form up.  Yummy in our tummies!  Next time we're going to do half peanut butter and half sunbutter because Lyle doesn't like it "just tasting like peanut butter."

 Next was some Oatmeal Banana Breakfast Bars.  Preheat oven to 375 and grease 8 inch square baking dish.  In one bowl, mix 2 cups old fashion oats, 1 cup coconut flakes, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup dried apricots, and 1/2 tsp salt.  Another bowl mix together 2 mashed bananas, 1/2 cup light brown sugar and 3 Tbsp melted butter.  Add together and mix until evenly incorporated, and spread into baking dish.  Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes and let cool.   This was pretty good, but fell apart easily, so not very portable.

 The next breakfast bar is My personal new favorite.  Of course it has more not as good stuff for you in it than the others.  I'm cutting and pasting the recipe as it's supposed to be...but I couldn't find a few ingredients.  I couldn't find psyllium husks, so I used ground flax seed.  No vanilla soy protein powder so I just added vanilla.  No gogi berries, so I did dried cranberries.  At this point I was substituting so much I stopped looking for special things...so we had plain normal honey and regular caramel sauce.  But I think it turned out great! :)

Banana Berry Granola Bars

Serves 24

2 cups gluten-free quick cooking oats
1 cup gluten-free oat flour
1/4 cup ground psyllium husks
1/4 cup vanilla soy protein powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup gogi berries
1/2 cup honey-roasted sunflower seeds
1 large, over ripe banana
1/4 cup dark amber honey
1/4 cup homemade (or storebought) salted caramel sauce*
2/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup melted coconut oil

1.      Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a 9x13" pan with greased foil or parchment.

2.      In a large bowl, combine the oats, oat flour, psyllium, protein powder, cinnamon, salt, chocolate chips, gogi berries and sunflower seeds.

3.      In another bowl, mash the banana with the honey, caramel sauce, brown sugar and coconut oil.

4.      Add to the dry mixture and stir well, until everything is thoroughly coated.

5.      Press into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

6.      Bake for 20 minutes.

7.      Cut into pieces while still warm - they will crumble when cut cold

Banana Berry Breakfast Bars

And last, but not least.  Vegan "fried" rice.  I put chicken in it to make it chicken fried rice.  It's super easy to make too.  I've made it twice this week.  You cook brown rice first.  This gives it the fried appearance.  Then in a skillet, put in 1 tsp of sesame oil, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, and 3 Tbsp water.  Heat on high and when bubbling add in 1/2 cup of frozen peas and let boil until cooked.  Then toss in about 1/4 cup of orange pepper diced up.  Turn down head and add 2 cups of cooked rice, heat through then add 1/4 cup chopped green onions.  Turn off heat and mix well.  Enjoy!

 I also made this allergy friendly for Eli by making a skillet exactly the same but omitting the soy sauce. Easy :)