Sweet Potato & Roasted Red Pepper Bisque SAY WHAT?!??!!

If you can't tell by the weather...FALL is upon us and that means #comfortFOOD, right?!!?!? At least for me that's what cold weather means! hahahaha!!!

BUT in all seriousness....I LOVE me some comfort food BUT I also like to keep it healthy! AND this right here had my mouth watering just thinking about it!! 

Save this for future reference.....because BELIEVE ME.....coming from the PICKIEST eater, EVER, you will LOVE THIS!!! And I'm pretty sure your hubs will love it too!! #winwin

ENJOY!!! 

-xoxoxoxoxoxo
Jenn

Thanksgiving Gone Healthy

I know we all have a love/hate relationship with Thanksgiving!!! It’s the 1 holiday that everyone feels like it’s 100% OK to stuff themselves until they can’t move! HA!! While I know it may seem impossible to eat healthy on Thanksgiving, there are A LOT of healthy alternatives for the traditional Thanksgiving foods, that offer the same great tastes that we LOVE but with just a few tweaks to allow for a much healthier option! So I wanted to bring a few of these healthier options to your attention to make it a little easier for you to get thru this Thanksgiving! 

Ohhhhhh the appetizers….we all love the appetizers!!! Between the dips,  hor d’ouvres, spreads, etc. it’s enough to fill you up even before you get to the main course!!!  The best way to limit yourself from overeating on appetizers? Take smaller portions, that way you can still have a taste but won’t fill up on just the appetizers! If you are planning to attend a Thanksgiving Day celebration, be sure to pick and choose carefully before dinner. If you must, fill up on light snacks so you don’t totally ruin your appetite by the time the bird hits the table!

OK so the turkey isn’t the BIG issue, it’s all those yummy side dishes that we gotta worry about!! Many Thanksgiving side dishes are built with enough ingredients to be a main meal by themselves. This is half of the fun; however, it can be very unhealthy. I have found 2 SUPER yummy but healthy alternatives for some of Thanksgivings favorite side dishes!! Check them out….. 

These Glazed Yams will definitely satisfy that sweet potato craving for you!!  http://www.teambeachbody.com/teambeachbodyblog/nutrition/glazed-yams-cinnamon-nutmeg 

Next up we have stuffing, gotta have stuffing!! But it doesn't have to be loaded with carbs, check out this Quinoa Stuffing, you'll get that GREAT taste of stuffing without all the added carbs/calories!! http://www.teambeachbody.com/teambeachbodyblog/nutrition/quinoa-stuffing  

Now that we got dinner outta the way there MUST be >>>>> dessert! Of course there will be Pumpkin Pie or it just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving right?! Well I found you a healthy alternative to pumpkin pie, heck you could even make it if you are hosting or take it to the family gathering you will be attending!! I’m sure no one will know the difference and it’ll be a HUGE hit!!

*Low-Fat Pumpkin Cake Bars*

For the Cake: 

◦ 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

◦ 2/3 cup low-fat Greek yogurt

◦ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

◦ 4 egg whites

◦ 1 teaspoon baking soda

◦ 1 cup Stevia Sugar

◦ 3 teaspoons baking powder

◦ 2 cups all-purpose flour

◦ 1/2 teaspoon of salt or sea salt

◦ 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

◦ Cooking spray

For the frosting:

◦ 5 ounces light cream cheese

◦ 1 cup powdered sugar

◦ 1 teaspoon vanilla

◦ 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped

Directions:

1 To make the cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8 x 8-inch glass cake plate with cooking spray.

2 Mix pumpkin, yogurt, vanilla, egg whites and sugar well in a large mixing bowl. Once combined, add in baking soda, baking powder, flour, salt and pumpkin pie spice until fully mixed.

3 Bake for about 30 minutes, or until cake comes out dry when inserted with a toothpick.

4 To make the frosting: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla together. Once cake has cooled, frost and garnish with toasted almonds.

ENJOY!!! 

Remember the most important part of staying healthy at a Thanksgiving celebration is portion control regardless of what is served. Still, keeping the calorie count down on what goes into the food will benefit everyone involved. I hope these ideas/recipes help you make your Thanksgiving celebration a little healthier this year!!

-xoxoxoxoxo

Jenn 

3 Ingredient Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

The 1 thing I really struggle with when trying to eat clean and stick to my meal plan is my cravings for sweets!!! I do so well during the day and don't want to undo all my hardwork after dinner with my snack cravings. Sooooooo when I found a recipe for these 3 Ingredient Reese's Peanut Butter Cups I was SUPER excited and just had to share it with you AND 1 of the ingredients is Shakeology, I clearly have enough of that in this house!! 

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to put together. I love how they turned out and they are theeeee perfect dessert bite to curb that after dinner craving for chocolate and/or sweets! I used my Farberware muffin tin, but you could use an ice cube tray if that's all you have.

What you will need: (This will make 9 peanut butter cups)

*3 Tblsp of coconut oil

*2 packets of Vegan Chocolate Shakeology 

*All natural smooth peanut butter (I chose to use my favorite brand, Skippy)

What you will do: 

Microwave the coconut oil for about 30 seconds to get it to liquid form, add your Shakeology and mix until smooth. 

Fill only the bottom of your muffin tin (I'd say about a 1/2 tblsp full) with the chocolate mixture. 

Freeze for 2 minutes then add 1/2 tsp. of peanut butter to each and then add the remainder of the mixture on top. 

Smooth out so they are flat on top and all the peanut butter is covered. Freeze for another 10 minutes and store in fridge to maintain best consistency.

*BOOM* just like that you have yourself a tasty, BUT healthy snack!! 

Mix coconut oil and Shakeology until smooth

Try them out for yourself and let me know how you liked them! They definitely don't disappoint! 

My husband and I LOVE these and I make them at least once a week now so we always have a healthy snack option on hand! 

ENJOY!! 

-xoxoxoxoxoxo

Jenn 

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?!?!!?!?

There has been lots of bantering back and forth about one of my favorite teams, the Steelers, this pre season but no matter what ------- I am ALWAYS a TRUE Steeler girl!! And in honor of the 1st official game of the 2015-2016 season,  I wanted to share my  3 favorite snacks/appetizers with you! 

HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!! 

OK so first up is.....my *Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip*.....my absolute favorite snack and it's always a BIG hit with the family!! 

-2 cans of 95% Fat Free Canned Chicken (shredded)
-8 oz. of Greek Cream cheese
-1/2 cup of Frank's Red Hot
-1 TBLSP for WildTree's Blazin' Buffalo Seasoning
-1 cup Fat Free Ranch Dressing
- 1 1/2 cups of Fat Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese
*Mix all ingredients (only 1/2 of the cheese) in a sauce pan, bring to a boil, once finished garnish with the remaining cheese and serve with yummy BLUE Tortilla Chips!

2nd in my top 3 is.....*Mini Tacos*

-Won ton wrappers in muffin tins filled with taco seasoned turkey meat, fat free cheddar cheese & bake for 8 minutes at 350. Top with favorite taco toppings! .......yum!

AND last, but certainly not least on the list is......*Zucchini Pizza Boats* OHHHH YES, they are deliciously healthy! 

Hope these recipes help make your football season a little more yummy while also being healthy!!! ENJOY!! 


-xoxoxoxo
Jenn 

Tips for Eating Smart This Labor Day Weekend

I cannot believe the summer is finally coming to an end!! Labor day weekend is the official 'end' of summer. The pools & parks are closing and kiddos are back to school. We celebrate the end of summer with picnics/parties with our family & friends.....grilling some yummy eats and drinking some yummy drinks. It can definitely be a struggle to eat healthy & smart with all those eats and drinks surrounding you. So I wanted to make it a little easier on your with MY top 10 tips on eating smart this labor day weekend!!

10 Tips for Eating Smart this Labor Day Weekend: 

#1 Fill up before you go to the party. Avoid getting to the party or cookout on an empty stomach. Eat a healthy snack, like a banana, greek yogurt or Shakeology before heading out to the party. Going with something in your stomach will allow you to taste your favorite BBQ without filling up on it! 

#2 Skip the buns!! Enjoy your burger, but skip out on the bun, they are usually highly processed, sugar laden baked goods that are full of empty calories! 

#3 Top your burger with a mashed avocado instead of mayo. Avocado is loaded with healthy fats and helps your body with the nutrients it needs. Mayo is an unhealthy fat! 

#4 Put down the hotdog! But no seriously the average hot dog contains 513 mg of sodium which is about 20% of your recommended daily dose. 

#5 YOU host the party, if you are the host you get to choose the menu! You can opt for healthier versions of your favorite picnic foods. 

#6 Bring a healthy side dish to the party that you will enjoy as well as everyone else. 

#7 Skip out on the 1st round of drinks with everyone and opt for a bottle of water instead, then join in the fun! 

#8 If you are worried about over drinking.......have a glass of water in between every alcoholic beverage. (P.S. not only will this help with the empty calories but it will also help you with that ohhhhh soooo dreaded hangover tomorrow!)

#9 Skip the potato salad. Potato & macaroni salads are loaded with tons of calories and unhealthy fats!

#10 Walk right past that baked goods table and head for the fruit table!! 


I hope these tips help you to eat a little more SMART this holiday weekend!!! I wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday!! 

If you wanna get back on track after all the summer eats & treats, JOIN ME in my upcoming Facebook accountability group, I would love to have ya!!! The kids are going back to school, now its time to focus on YOU again!! All you gotta do is fill out this form below!! 

https://jennstevens.wufoo.com/forms/m1bkz2vn1fbwmht/

-xoxoxxoxoxxoxo
Jenn 

White Bean and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Ohhhhhh I LOVE me some Hummus!!!! And who doesn't like to shake up their snack game, or make any sandwich more interesting?? I know I DO!!! And with this super-flavorful twist on hummus. This garlicky, roasted red pepper hummus is absolutely delicious, and you can make it in just a few minutes, no cooking required. Four cloves of garlic give it a spicy kick! You can adjust the amount of garlic to your preference, or skip it entirely. White beans make it smooth and creamy, and you can also use chickpeas in a pinch.

Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 10 servings, about 3 Tbsp. each

What You'll Need: 
1 (15-oz.) can white beans or (cannellini beans), drained, rinsed
½ (12-oz.) jar roasted red peppers (not packed in oil), drained
2 fresh rosemary sprigs, leaves removed and coarsely chopped,
stems discarded
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp. olive oil

What You'll Do: 
1. Place beans, peppers, rosemary, and garlic in in blender or food processor; cover. Blend until smooth.
2. Slowly add oil, blending constantly until blended.
3. Serve as a dipping sauce for fresh veggies.

(*Recipe courtesy of the TeamBeachbody Blog*)

AND BOOM some yummy Hummus for you and your family to enjoy!!! AND even better Don't forget, the 21 Day Fix cookbook, Fixate, is available NOW!!! Wanna know how you can get yours? Shoot me an email at sis6481@hotmail.com and I get you all the info!! 

Wanna see more healthy tips & recipes just like this one? Join me in my next accountability group (starting August 3rd!).....just fill out the application, at the link below!! 

https://jennstevens.wufoo.com/forms/m1bkz2vn1fbwmht/

-xoxoxoxo

Jenn 

Shrimp Quinoa/Kale Salad

Ohhhhhhh you guys!! Sooooo remember last week I shared that awesomely yummy Chicken, Quinoa & Kale recipe with you??? WELL last night I made it but added shrimp instead of chicken AND let me just tell you it was even better with the shrimp!!! And again it is 21 Day Fix approved by being 1 red container and 1 1/2 yellow containers!! TOTAL SCORE!!

Total time: 15 min. 

Prep time: 5 min. 

Cook time: 10 min. 

(Makes 1 serving)

What you'll need: 

6 oz. extra small shrimp 

4 oz. quinoa/kale mix (Path of Life, found at SAM's or Costco)

A pinch of each of these seasonings: Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, Garlic Powder and All purpose seasoning

What you'll do: 

Sautee all of the ingredients in a skillet with coconut oil for about 15 min. or until chicken is tender and BOOM, just like that you have a yummy meal to enjoy!! 

You can choose to use this recipe for lunch or dinner and add more to make more servings, totally up to you!! Don't forget, the 21 Day Fix cookbook, Fixate, will be released in July!! Wanna know how you can get yours? Shoot me an email at sis6481@hotmail.com and I will keep you up to date on all the release details!! 

Wanna see more healthy tips & recipes just like this one? Join me in my next accountability group.....just fill out the application, at the link below!! 

https://jennstevens.wufoo.com/forms/m1bkz2vn1fbwmht/

-xoxoxoxoxo

Jenn 

Do NOT Drink Shakeology, IF......

This blog post has been a long time coming.....I have been contemplating it since the middle of January and finally decided that it's finally time to share it! I want to share my Shakeology story/transformation with you today, along with a little warning....do NOT drink Shakeology if you wouldn't enjoy these side effects below.....

WARNING: Side Effects May Include....
*Lasting Weight Loss
*Increased Energy
*Better Digestion
*Healthy Skin & Nails
*Improved ALL around health!!  (a little rundown of what Shakeology is: an all natural meal replacement shake & daily dose of dense nutrition that is jammed packed full of super foods and antioxidants)

I started drinking Shakeology a little less than a year ago......but I want to rewind about 10 years ago. So, we as women go to the ob/gyn every year (well at least you should and if you are not I encourage you to do so!) for an annual check up. Up until I was about 23 years old my annual check ups were always easy and non-stressful. That ALL changed when I went for my yearly check up the year of my 23rd birthday and about 2 weeks later got the call that no woman wants to get.....'we have your results, your test came back abnormal, we will need to do further testing'! WHAT??? My heart instantly sunk and I started questioning everything, 'why me', 'how could this happen', 'what is wrong with me' and about a million other things went through my mind. So I scheduled my next appointment and test (a colposcopy) with my doctor and waited. Come appointment day I was a ball full of nerves and still so so confused, my doctor was amazing, I have been with her since I was 16 yrs old and she made sure I understood everything that was going on and reassured me that 'this happens and it'll be ok'! This test I was having is a little more invasive so afterward I was given my instructions and sent on my way, of course still a nervous mess! Fast forward 2 weeks and my phone rings and it's my doctors office and this time it wasn't a dreaded call, it was a call saying that the results from the test were 'normal'! I instantly felt like I could breathe again and that a huge weight had been lifted! BUT I did need to come back for a follow up in 6 months rather than the normal every year! I was ok with that as long as I was ok! Or so I thought......

We are going to fast forward 6 months to that next appointment.....it was a routine appointment like always and then 2 weeks later, I got that dreaded call AGAIN 'your results came back abnormal, we need to do further testing'! Again my heart sunk and I began to question everything AGAIN!!! Of course I scheduled the next appointment and test and AGAIN this test came back 'normal'! I began to wonder what the heck is going on inside of me? Well at the time I wasn't living a healthy lifestyle, I was drinking like a fish and eating out any chance I got! This process of abnormal results, then further testing went on for about 10 yrs (YES you read that correctly, 10 yrs!) until I finally decided that something needed to change with ME! 

This brings me to my Shakeology story and transformation! 
Last March (2014) my husband and I really buckled down and started living a healthy lifestyle. We were both at our heaviest weights and we were just unhappy and wanted a change! We started a Beachbody workout program together called FocusT25 and started planning/prepping our meals with the correct portions, and eating more clean! This program was 10 weeks long and we both had AAAHHHHH-Mazing results from the program and our new found clean eating lifestyle, my husband lost 20 lbs. and I lost about 5 lbs. but totally defined and toned by body BUT most importantly we FELT GREAT inside and out!! I wanted more of this feeling so I reached out to my Beachbody Coach about Shakeology and what I needed to do to become a coach. So I purchased Shakeology and signed up to become a Team Beachbody Coach,(over the last 11 months I have drank Shakeology everyday and have completed FocusT25, PiYo, the 21 Day Fix, P90, Insanity Max30 and the 21 Day Fix Extreme workout programs and have lost about 18-20lbs.), I would've never thought that day when I made that choice, that our lives would be forever changed! 

Brad (my husband's FocusT25 transformation)

My FocusT25 Transformation

Fast forward to this year, the year of my 34th birthday, I was scheduled for my yearly ob/gyn appointment in January (2015). I go to the appointment, not as on edge as I usually am, because I can feel a HUGE difference in my body and all the changes that I have made over the last several months. The appointment goes as usual, but one thing that my doctor asks is 'how did you lose 18 lbs. in the course of a year and not look sick'? I said to her 'my husband and I have been drinking Shakeology, eating healthy and doing Beachbody workout programs daily', she was very proud and said 'well good for you'! Appointment was over and I was on my way, I had a good feeling and for the 1st time in a LONG time couldn't wait to see what those results were going to be in a few weeks! 2 weeks went by and nothing, I started to get worried and told my husband I hadn't heard anything, could that be a good sign or a bad sign? Well that day, in February I received the call I've been wanting for a very long time, it was the doctors office assuring me that the results were NORMAL and that no further testing will be necessary!! To some that may not be a big deal but this was HUGE for me, for us, we have been battling this on going and stressful process for the last 10 years and it finally ended!

Next month,  May 28th to be exact, it will be one year that I have been drinking Shakeology and living a healthy lifestyle and the changes I have seen over this last year from these (simple) lifestyle changes is beyond words! Shakeology daily, eating healthy and working out daily gave me my life back!! I am not saying 100% that Shakeology was the reason for these good/normal results BUT what I am saying is that it has changed my body inside and out and I know that it was a combination of just drinking Shakeology and living a healthier life that gave me these results and for that I will forever be grateful!

The point of this blog post was to show you the absolute IMPORTANCE to living healthy and just exactly WHY I love and believe in Shakeology so so much! Sharing this very personal information isn't easy and it brings back alot of heartache and frustration within myself BUT if I can reach 1 person through sharing my struggles & my story, then it was worth it! I encourage you first and foremost to TAKE CARE OF YOU!!! God gave us 1 life and body to live in, we need to cherish it, I am so happy that I took my life back and made a change and I will never go back to where I was! And secondly, if you have ever thought about, had questions about, wanted to try Shakeology or have NO CLUE what Shakeology is, reach out to me I'd be happy to tell you more and help you get started on your healthy LIFE journey!
Thank you for taking the time to read my story!!


-xoxoxoxo
Jenn

5 Tips for a Hoppin', Happy & Healthy Easter

I seriously cannot believe that we are only a few days away from Easter??? Crazy to me, where the heck did March fly away to? That month came and went so fast!!! BUT we are here, I am super excited for Easter Sunday and to get to spend time with family AND that we are getting closer to Spring & Summer!! I don't know about you but I am OVER this winter and cold weather!! 

Sooooooo with that being said, we all know that holidays are great, but with the holidays comes indulging and splurging on foods we don't always eat on a daily basis. I get that, I totally do, because I definitely live by the 80/20 rule when it comes to nutrition.....because let's be honest if you restrict yourself, you will start to dislike what you are doing and not stick to it.....moderation with everything is KEY in my opinion! 

I want to share with you my 5 Tips that keep me on track during holidays like Easter!! Even though I LOVE to have a little indulgence and treat here and there, I always feel tired and sick after overeating! To me it's just not worth it BUT I have a few tips to help you fight those indulges and not over do it this Easter holiday! 

• Exercise!! Make sure to mark off some time on your schedule for some exercise this week/weekend before the Sunday Holiday! Even if it’s just a few short minutes, this will help you burn off excess calories!
• Balance Your Meals Out: Don’t be tempted to fill up your plate with rich, high caloric food. Instead have a tiny bit of everything, including fruits & veggies! Doing this will still get you that little bit of indulgence in moderation! 
• Prepare for outings: There is no reason to totally give up your healthy eating during the holidays, all we have to do is learn to manage it a bit more carefully over the holidays! 
• Stock up on Healthy Snacks: Be sure to have some healthy snacks on hand at home, that way when you are tempted you can just grab one of those to curb your craving! Also about a 1/2 hour before you leave for your event or party, have a small snack to hold you over and keep you somewhat full until dinner so you don’t find yourself munching on chips or sweets! 
• Don’t over eat: I know we have always been told that we should eat everything on our plates but you are an adult now, don’t feel obligated to lick your plate clean. When you feel full, stop eating, it’s that simple! 

I hope these tips will be useful and help you stay on track for this upcoming Easter Holiday and remember, everything in moderation, moderation is KEY to success in your journey! 

**HAPPY EASTER!!**

-xoxoxxoxox

Jenn 

*Skinny Brownies*

I love love love turning not so healthy recipes into healthier versions to share with my family & friends!!! Now they on the other hand....not so much hahahahaha! But they come around once they taste that the healthier version is actually not much different than what they are used to......SHOCKING huh?! 

That brings me to.....BROWNIES!!! Ohhhhh how we ALL love brownies........(I mean if you don't, I think there is something missing in your life!) I love brownies a little too much sometimes and tend to overindulge when they are around me, so I found a way to make 2 of my favorite things collide {Shakeology + Brownies = MAGIC}!! This recipe for Shakeology Brownie bites is yummy and you get the brownie taste without all the calories/added sugars!! 

 What you will need: 
-2 packets or 2 scoops of Vegan Chocolate Shakeology 
-2/3 cups of PB2 Peanut Butter Powder
-2 Tblsp of Honey
-2 Organic Eggs
-Few pinches of Cinnamon
-Baking pan or bread pan

What you'll do: 
Preaheat your oven to 350*, spray your baking pan with EVOO cooking spray, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, pour into your pan and cook for 8-12 minutes or until cooked through (I had to add a few more minutes to mine), once they are done cut up into small bite size pieces and devour reasonably!!! 

These were a BIG hit with the hubby & our 3 yr old niece and of course ME!! Hope your family enjoys them as much as mine did!! 



-xoxoxoxo
Jenn