Our Ultimate Reset Journey - Round 2

This Facebook post pretty much sums up why my hubby and I decided NOW is the time to start our 2nd round of The Ultimate Reset Journey!!!

Last time we attempted this cleanse, we didn't really know exactly what we were getting into.  We both thought, "smeh, anyone can do something for TWENTY-ONE days, right?!" LOL - (anyone who knows my hubby with appreciate the SMEH part of this!).

Well, we were wrong.  Cutting ALL caffeine, all alcohol, all sugar, and all processed ANYTHING is a cray cray process.  Your body does all sorts of weird things...that I strangely find fascinating (which I will explain in upcoming posts!).

BUT...I do miss my COFFEE...and hubby will get HANGRY missing MEAT...but, it will all be worth it!!  You will NEVER understand just how AMAZING you will feel during this cleanse...unless you personally DO this cleanse.  

So, what exactly IS The Ultimate Reset?

Click here to try The Ultimate Reset with me!  I can help you every step of the way!

I'M READY!!!!

We went to a local Farmer's Market and bought most of this (aside for the Ultimate reset package, canned organic black beanse, and ezekial english muffins) for $20 - so, for those who say eating healthy is expensive...think again!

One of my fav parts of The Ultimate Reset the first time around...was trying NEW foods...and learning NEW ways to prepare veggies.  For the last two years, we still keep some of the UR recipes in our weekly family meal plan rotation, AND, hubby and I have both found new, healthy foods we love!! 

Since this is ROUND 2 of The Ultimate Reset for us...I already know which foods we love and which foods we don't care for.  And, if I plan to have my hubby stick to this cleanse...I had to tweak the meal plan a bit.  So, basically...I chose the meals he loves, and swapped some of the ones he didn't like at all with ones he loves with the same nutritional components.

Here is our easy meal plan menu for WEEK 1 of The Ultimate Reset:

Can't wait to share this journey with all of you - you all are our accountability partners <3

Check out my Day 1 Review HERE.

Easiest Slow Cooker Pulled Buffalo Chicken

Ok, so this recipe is so easy...I almost feel funny posting the recipe.  BUT...I LIVE for anything that's super simple, so when I made it and tried it...and, then hubby tried it and RAVED over it...I was THRILLED and soooo excited to share it with you!!!

It all started when we got home from visiting family 3 hours away for a 3 day Labor Day Weekend.  We got home tired, not feeling like cooking (but felt like we had indulged with family over the weekend and we didn't feel like ordering take out).  I asked hubby to head to the store for chicken and veggies, and I'd figure the rest out!  Brave girl -- even braver hubby! ha!

Oh, and I had him pick up Slow Cooker Liners because...ain't nobody got time to CLEAN UP after a long weekend! :p  {{ PS- BPA Free }}

INGREDIENTS:
24oz Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1/2 onion diced (I cut mine bigger bc hubby doesn't like onions - easier to pick out :p)
1 TBS minced garlic
16oz organic low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup Frank's Cayenne pepper sauce
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp pink himalayan salt


DIRECTIONS:
Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and himalayan salt.  Place in slow cooker.  Top with chicken broth, cayenne pepper sauce, diced onion, and minced garlic.  Cook (covered) on high 2 hours and low for 1 hour.

SERVE:
On a whole grain thin wrap, taco shells, lettuce wraps, or a salad, and top with raw onion, tomato, avocado, and Bolthouse Yogurt based Ranch Dressing.

Better Together Fitness Journey - Couple's / BFF Challenge - APPLY NOW

EVERYTHING IS MORE FUN WITH A FRIEND, RIGHT?!

Grab your hubby, wife, fiance', boyfriend, girlfriend, BFF, sister, brother, mom, dad, neighbor, WHOEVER!!!  Let's get healthy and fit TOGETHER for FALL and win some prizes along the way!

CHECK OUT MEGAN (LAST MONTH'S CHALLENGE WINNER)

"Before getting dressed was a *big thing* - I'd try on 3-4 outfits to find something that I looked decent in and then I'd feel horrible the rest of the day. Now when I get dressed im happy to see what is in the mirror." 

Check out the rest of Megan's Story Here

If you're anything like ME, you're already anticipating the END of Summer and beginning of FALL -- which means cooler weather...which also means we are headed into "fitting back into last year's JEANS" season!!  Yippee!

But, THIS Fall...WE are going to be FULLY prepared for it and feeling awesome because we are going to commit to our health and fitness NOW!!  And, as for our men...they won't have to hear us complain about tight jeans or not having anything to wear! hehe

Do NOT let this be YOU!

DETAILS ABOUT OUR UPCOMING CHALLENGE GROUP:


GRAB A PARTNER!
Choose someone who will help you keep your head in the game!  Someone who will motivate and inspire you...but also call you out on your excuses!  Husbands, wives, BFF's, neighbors, and family members are welcome.  You are not REQUIRED to have a partner, but we do encourage that you do!

START DATE: September 26, 2016
We will begin with one full week of preparation before we begin.  During that week we will get to know each other, set obtainable goals, get rid of the junk food in our house, go over our healthy grocery shopping list, go over meal planning, simple yummy recipes, and take our "GOODBYE" photos, before measurements, and starting weight!  We will *Officially* begin on October 3, 2016.


LOCATION:  My Challenge Tracker App
(iPhone or Android - via email Invite from me as your Coach) - All workouts will be done at the comfort of your own home, or you may stream your workouts anywhere you'd like (outside, at your friends house, at the gym, etc)

Weight, Measurements, and Progress Photos are kept PRIVATE within the app for your privacy

REQUIREMENTS:

• I must be your assigned Coach by clicking here.
• Challengers must log in at least 5 Beachbody workouts per week (I will help you choose a workout based on your fitness level and goals)
• Challengers must replace (and log) 1 meal per day with Shakeology (my "busy mom nutritional go-to meal") 5 days per week.

PRIZE ELIGIBILITY:

• One hard working "Team of Two" who commits to the above requirements AND successfully logs their progress within the app daily during the 3 Week Challenge Period (October 3rd - 24th 2016) will WIN $50 in Gift Cards ($25 Gift Card of Choice per teammate).
• Gift Card Choices include but are not limited to: LuluLemon, Dick's Sporting Goods, Target, Starbucks, Victoria's Secret, Sephora, Ulta, Bass Pro Shop, Sport's Authority, Publix, Amazon, etc.

OUR GROUPS FILL UP QUICKLY!  DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE!  JOIN US NOW, AND LET'S GET IN SHAPE FOR FALL TOGETHER!

Fill out my online form.

SPOTLIGHT Challenger of the Week- Megan Fontaine

Megan started as a CHALLENGER just like I did!  She focused on bettering HERSELF and helping others along the way and is now ALSO a COACH on our FITS DYNASTY team <3

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE YOU WERE READY FOR CHANGE?

The reason I decided to start this journey was i was tired of feeling lousy.  Being a mother of 2 at the time and pregnant with a 3rd I knew I needed to be in great shape to keep up with them. Thanks to you I realized I was greater than my excuses. 

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS, AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT TO YOU?

My goal was to lose 20lbs on top of the 15lbs I gained from pregnancy. With starting my healthy eating while pregnant it helped get me down to my pre pregnancy weight fast and I'm happy to say I'm only 3lbs away from my goal of 20 extra lbs. I just wanted to feel happy in my own skin again and I'm honestly so happy. Before getting dressed was a big thing Id try on 3-4 outfits to find something that I looked decent in and then I'd feel horrible the rest of the day. Now when I get dressed im happy to see what is in the mirror. 

ARE YOU SEEING / FEELING RESULTS?

I'm absolutely seeing results after 3weeks I didn't think it was a big difference until I pulled out the before picture!

I think her RESULTS say it ALL!!!! <3

WHAT IS YOUR FAV PART ABOUT BEING IN A CHALLENGE GROUP?

My favorite part about being in this challenge group is checking in each day and having that extra motivation from others. 

HOW HAS A CHALLENGE GROUP HELPED YOU?

When I see someone post a sweaty selfie it makes me want to post one too. And it keeps me going strong.

HOW WILL YOU FEEL ONCE YOU REACH YOUR GOAL?

When I reach my goals, I will feel Empowered! That fact that I took charge of my own life and knowing that I succeeded bc of the choices I made. This is my new lifestyle and I love it! 

So proud of you girl!!!  You're accomplishing amazing goals and setting a great example for your family!!!  The sky is the limit for you!!! <3

Fill out my online form.

Healthy Chicken Tacos - Taco Tuesday!

I love tacos, but I can't stand how BLOATED I am after taco night!  I'm a little carb AND sodium sensitive, so I prefer very little starchy carbs and NO taco "kit" (those things are FULL of sodium)!!! 

My hubby makes these tacos, and they are amazing!  Give them a try...you will love them!

Ingredients:

1lb Ground chicken or Chicken breast

1 Medium tomato

1 Avocado

1 Large onion

1 Small jalapeño

1 Can organic refried black beans 

Lettuce

Salsa

Hot sauce

2tsp Chipotle powder

2tsp Chili powder

2tsp Onion powder

2tsp Ground cumin

Red Pepper to taste

Black pepper to taste

Low carb wraps OR low carb chips (if you prefer a taco salad)

Directions:

Brown chicken on medium-high heat, add Chipotle powder, Onion powder, Red pepper, Chili powder, Cumin, and Black pepper.

Serve on low carb wrap and top with tomato, avocado, onion, jalapeno, and heated refried black beans OR serve as a salad with low carb chips crushed on top :)  

My Instagram Hubby taking a photo of his Masterpiece :p

Paleo Crockpot Tortilla Soup

One of my FAV crock pot recipes!  Hope you guys like it <3

Ingredients:


4 large skinless chicken breasts
4 garlic cloves
1 yellow onion
1 red bell pepper
1 poblano pepper
1 jalapeño
1 (4oz) can diced green chiles
1 (14oz) can fire roasted tomatoes
3 tbps cumin
1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cayenne pepper
3 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper, to taste
32 oz fluid chicken broth
2 tbps Lime Juice
Avocado to Top!

Directions:

Add broth and chicken to crockpot and turn it on. Toss in the onion and garlic into the food processor, get it pretty finley chopped. Dump into broth. Repeat with peppers smile emoticon

Top the whole thing with the seasonings and canned items, and lime juice.
Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for longer, and ta-da! 

Stir so the chicken shreds. 

Top it with avocado and it’s perfection.

As Your Coach, I am Here to Believe in You Until You are Strong Enough to Believe in Yourself <3heart emoticon

What's your favorite SLOW COOKER recipe ya'll? Share below! :-)

SPOTLIGHT - Challenger of the Week - Connie Ketelhut

Congrats to our Challenger of the Week - Connie Ketelhut!!!  Connie is a huge encourager and support system for everyone within our group!  There hasn't been ONE day she hasn't shown up and participated.  She's embracing the group, feeling happy, and seeing results! <3

Here is what Connie had to say:

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE YOU WERE READY FOR CHANGE?

I'm getting older and my body is feeling it. So, totally selfish reasons!

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS, AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT TO YOU?

My goals are to be healthy, fit, trim, and sexy! They are important to me because I haven't felt that way in a long time. I miss it!

AFTER WEEK 2, ARE YOU SEEING / FEELING RESULTS?

I see results in my clothes and the way they fit. I feel better physically just moving more.

WHAT IS YOUR FAV PART ABOUT BEING IN A CHALLENGE GROUP?

Interacting with others facing my same struggles and are owning up to it is my favorite part of being in a challenge group.

HOW HAS A CHALLENGE GROUP HELPED YOU?

I love the challenge group because everyone participating pushes me to be a better me.

HOW WILL YOU FEEL ONCE YOU REACH YOUR GOAL?

When I reach my goals I will feel accomplished. And sexy!! LOL

Fill out my online form.