Weekly Meal Plan! 6/22/15 - 6/28/15 AND My Progress Update!

My Own Progress Update . . . .

So, I thought it might be helpful to share my own progress update?  The two photos above?  They were taken less than a year apart.

Since May 15th, I am down FIFTEEN POUNDS.  For me, that is huge!  HUGE.  I really see it in the slimming down of my face!

Do you want to know how I've done it?  By following a 21 Day Fix-style eating plan.  I wasn't even able to do any workouts at first.  (Due to an injury.)  I am back to working out some, but not 100% consistently. 

It goes to show you that food | nutrition | diet are SO key.  SO KEY!

With the help of weekly meal planning, and my monthly online accountability groups, I've been able to make some MAJOR progress. 

I would love to help YOU make similar progress!  You may ALWAYS reach out to me here, for help.

21 Day Fix Meal Plan

Weekly Meal Plan!  6/22/15 - 6/28/15

Monday:  Fend-For-Yourself
Tuesday:  Slow-Cooked Honey-Mustard Chicken Sandwiches
Wednesday:  Grilled Greek Chicken Salad
Thursday:  Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats
Friday:  Leftovers
Saturday:  Oven-Roasted Shrimp & Broccoli
Sunday:  Spicy Turkey Taco Burgers and Butternut Squash Fries

ALL of these dinners are 21-Day Fix compliant.  The rest of my meals are composed of:

• Shakeology
• Eggs and vegetables
• Fruits and vegetables
• Almonds and cashews
• Greek yogurt
• And, leftovers!

If you would like to participate in one of my upcoming monthly online accountability groups (21 Day Fix), please get in touch with me here.  I would love for you to join me.

Also .... please let me know if you try any of the above recipes, or ANY of the recipes on my blog!  Drop me an email or leave a comment below.  Your feedback means the world!

XO
ALL THE BEST,

Weekly Meal Plan - 6/8/15-6/14/15 AND my Meal-Planning Tutorial is ALMOST READY!

Weekly Meal Plan - 6/8/15-6/14/15 AND my Meal-Planning Tutorial is ALMOST READY!

Ok, so first things first ----> my FREE Meal-Planning Tutorial is ALMOST complete.  Scroll to the bottom of this blog post to sign up with your email address so that you can be the first to receive it when it is finished.  You may also email me here to receive it. 

So, back to my own meal plan.  Things calm down a bit for us this week - hooray!  Hopefully that means a bit less eating out and a LOT more grilling ...... since it feels like Summer out. 

Monday:  Chicken Stir-Fry with Chinese Broccoli
Tuesday:  Turkey Taco Quinoa Bake
Wednesday:  Daughter's 12th Birthday!
Thursday:  Lemon-Pepper Salmon & Grilled Vegetables (Flavor God seasonings)
Friday:  Slow-Cooker Mexican Chicken
Saturday:  Leftovers
Sunday:  Grilled Al Fresco Chicken Sausage Kabobs

ALL of these dinners are 21-Day Fix compliant.  The rest of my meals are composed of:

• Shakeology
• Eggs and vegetables
• Fruits and vegetables
• Almonds and cashews
• Greek yogurt
• And, leftovers!

If you would like to participate in one of my upcoming monthly online accountability groups (21 Day Fix), please get in touch with me here.  I would love for you to join me.

Also .... please let me know if you try any of the above recipes!  Drop me an email or a comment on my blog.

XO
ALL THE BEST,


P.S.  Don't forget!  I am currently creating a FREE three-part tutorial, that will provide you with step-by-step instructions (including file downloads) outlining exactly how I create our weekly meal plans.  This process now takes me only about 10-15 minutes each week!  What a time-saver.

Sign up HERE to receive the free tutorial when it is finalized.  Or leave your email address in the comments below.

Chicken Stir-Fry with Chinese Broccoli

Get all your foods groups in one delicious, tangy bowl full of flavor! 

This is a dinner that is quick and easy to prepare on any given weeknight.

A high-heat method of searing meats and vegetables, stir-frying is usually associated with Asian cooking, but you can use plenty of other flavors in a stir-fry as well. Stir-fries are fast, use little oil and are loaded of vegetables—three excellent reasons to master this method and make a stir-fry part of your weekly repertoire.

And, since I've discovered Flavor God seasonings, it takes the guesswork out of using many different spices.  I love that they are all-natural, low-sodium, and contain no MSG.

*Because stir-frying is fast, it's best to have the ingredients prepped prior to cooking.

21 Day Fix - Chicken Stir-Fry with Chinese Broccoli

(This recipe works well with chicken, beef and pork.)

Chicken Stir-Fry with Chinese Broccoli

Ingredients

• 4 small skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 bunch, Chinese Broccoli, cleaned, hard stems removed, leaves torn (I used 4 green containers worth)
• 1 Tbsp. fresh garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
• 1 Tbsp. fresh scallions, sliced into thin rounds
• Sea salt, to taste
• 2  Tbsp. coconut aminos, or soy sauce
• 1.5 Tbsp. coconut oil
• Flavor God "Everything" seasoning, as needed
• Flavor God "Garlic" seasoning, as needed
• Brown basmati rice

Cook rice as desired.

In the last 10 minutes before the rice is done, heat a wok or sauté pan on high heat for 1 minute.  Add half of your coconut oil, and melt it over bottom of pan.

Add Chinese Broccoli leaves. Stir-fry for 3 minutes.  Add coconut aminos and 1/4 tsp. Flavor God garlic seasoning. Stir-fry for 1 minute and reserve in a bowl.

Clean pan and return it to high heat for 1 minute.

Season chicken by sprinkling lightly with sea salt, Flavor God Garlic and Everything Seasoning.

Melt remaining coconut oil in the pan and let pan get hot.  Add chicken to pan and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add minced garlic, ginger, and scallions to the pan and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes or until chicken is browned and internal temperature is 165 degrees.
I also added some red pepper flakes for heat.  And, I threw in some mushrooms, as we had them here.  You could use just about any vegetable here.

Enjoy!

21 Day Fixers:  There are FOUR servings in this recipe.  Each serving counts as 1 red, 1 green, and 1 tsp.  Measure out your basmati rice (or other grain) and count that as 1 yellow.

If you would like to participate in one of my monthly 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme online accountability groups, get in touch with me here.

If you give this recipe a try (or any of my other 21 Day Fix approved recipes), please let me know.  I would love to hear how it went!

Drop a comment below ..... or contact me here! 

XO
ALL THE BEST,

Fresh Berries with Coconut Cream - 21 Day Fix Approved!

I love that I’ve found several delicious recipes to satisfy my sweet tooth while I’m eating healthier.  This kind of dessert makes it easy to stay on track and stick to my goals!  Give it a try!



21 Day Fix Dessert

Fresh Berries with Coconut Cream

Ingredients:

• One can of full-fat coconut milk
• Blueberries, strawberries and/or raspberries

Place the can upside down in the fridge, unopened for 1-2 days. Turn the can over and open, scoop out all of the “hard cream” and place in a chilled bowl. Blend on high until a “whipped cream” texture forms. You can add some organic vanilla extract -- or experiment with other extract flavors -- for taste!

Once blended, just put on top of your favorite fruits.

21 Day Fixers:  Measure out your fruit and count that as 1 "purple".  Measure out your coconut cream and count that as a BLUE.

If you would like to participate in one of my monthly 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme online accountability groups, get in touch with me here.

If you give this recipe a try (or any of my other 21 Day Fix approved recipes), please let me know.  I would love to hear how it went!

Drop a comment below ..... or contact me here! 

XO
ALL THE BEST,

Get Your Kids Involved! Weekly Meal Plan: 5/11/15 - 5/17/15

Get Your Kids Involved!

Do you struggle with picky eaters? 

We are NOT perfect in this household, either.  But, I work towards progress, not perfection -- in all areas of our health.



My cuties.  :-)

I AM happy to say that my kids will eat chicken, fish, beef, and shrimp.  They eat quite a few vegetables.  They have started to try more spicy foods (especially my son).  They LOVE couscous.  We are still working on quinoa.  LOL.  BUT, I must say that when my children are involved in the planning process, they are more likely to eat what is prepared.

Try asking your children what foods they would like to eat during the week. Get them involved in the planning process.  We all know that when we have more control over our choices, things tend to go a little easier.

Now, I’m not suggesting you give your kids executive control over grocery shopping habits and meal planning.  But it is kind of like you’re teaching them how to ride a bike without training wheels:

Practice.  Exposure.  Repeat.

And, maybe -- just maybe --  they'll slowly start letting go of the iron grip on the back of the seat.

21 Day Fix Meal Plan

So, here is our plan for the week ahead!

Weekly Meal Plan: 5/11/15 - 5/17/15

Monday:  Turkey Taco Quinoa Bake
Tuesday:  Slow-Cooker Honey-Mustard Chicken Sandwiches with Veggies (new recipe coming!)
Wednesday:  Grilled Chicken on a Mixed Green Salad (Flavor God Seasoning)
Thursday:  Spicy Mexican Shrimp with Jasmine Rice
Friday:  Homemade Pizza Night
Saturday:  Dinner Out
Sunday:  Turkey Taco Burgers & Sweet Potato Fries

ALL of these dinners are 21-Day Fix compliant.  The rest of my meals are composed of:

• Shakeology
• Eggs and vegetables
• Fruits and vegetables
• Almonds and cashews
• Greek yogurt
• And, leftovers!

If you would like to participate in one of my upcoming monthly online accountability groups (21 Day Fix), please get in touch with me here.  I would love for you to join me.

Also .... please let me know if you try any of the above recipes!  Drop me an email or a comment on my blog.

XO
ALL THE BEST,

Healthy Beef Burrito Recipe

Yes.  I know.  Another Mexican-style recipe.  What the family wants?  The family gets.  As long as I can make it healthier!

And, it is Cinco de Mayo, anyway!

These beef  burritos are so easy to make, and they are delicious. Double the recipe and freeze extras.  I will definitely be doing that the next time with this family-friendly Mexican recipe!

Healthy (21 Day Fix Approved) Beef Burrito Recipe

21 Day Fix - Beef Burritos

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (can use lean ground turkey, too)                            
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning (1 Tbsp. chili powder, 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, 1/4 tsp. onion powder, 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp. dried oregano, 1/2 tsp. paprika, 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin, 1 tsp. sea salt, 1 tsp. black pepper [optional])                                          
• 1/2 cup water (as needed) 
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 8 low-carb tortillas, warmed

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in salsa and homemade taco seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes. Add water, as needed.  Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.

Warm tortillas.  Spray baking dish with cooking spray.

Spoon one-eighth of beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Fold ends and sides over filling; roll up.  Continue with remaining tortillas and filling until you have filled all 8 tortillas and have snuggled them alongside of one another in the pan.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the rolled-up tortillas.  (I added a bit of fire-roasted tomatoes over the top, too.)  Cover with greased foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is hot and bubbly. 

That’s it.  It’s a super easy dinner recipe to make.  Let your family members choose what they want on top… salsa, Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream) and avocado were our choices.  A little chopped tomato would be good, too.  I think your family will love it and ask for it again (at least mine has). 

Enjoy!

(21 Day Fixers:  One burrito counts as 1 yellow, 1 red, 1 blue, and 1 purple for the salsa.)

If you would like to participate in one of my monthly 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme online accountability groups, get in touch with me here.

If you give this recipe a try (or any of my other 21 Day Fix approved recipes), please let me know.  I would love to hear how it went!

XO
ALL THE BEST,

Weekly Meal Plan: 5/4/15 - 5/10/15

Making little changes can make a big difference!

Losing weight and reaching your fitness goal is all about making small changes that you can live with forever. As you incorporate these minor adjustments into your lifestyle, you'll begin to see how they can add up to big calorie savings and weight loss

If you fail to plan, plan to fail.

First, you need a strategy for your meals and snacks. PLANNING your meals will help you tremendously to stay on track.

Keep in mind that the first time that you sit down to plan a week's worth of meals and create a healthy schedule, the process will take a little while longer.  Be patient!

Once you have a system in place, you'll breeze through the ritual and you might even like it!  Getting organized feels good and reaching your weight loss goals feels even better. 

21 Day Fix Meal Plan

Weekly Meal Plan: 5/4/15 - 5/10/15

Monday:  Shrimp & Vegetable Quinoa Bowls
Tuesday:  Leftovers
Wednesday:  Crockpot Bolognese with "Zoodles"
Thursday:  Clean-Eats Crockpot "Fried Rice"
Friday:  Skinny Beef Enchiladas (*new recipe to come soon!*)
Saturday:  Fend-For Yourself/Leftovers
Sunday:  Mother's Day!

ALL of these dinners are 21-Day Fix compliant.  The rest of my meals are composed of:

• Shakeology
• Eggs and vegetables
• Fruits and vegetables
• Almonds and cashews
• Greek yogurt
• My favorite breakfasts:  Egg & Vegetable Casserole and Breakfast Sausage Taquitos.
• And, leftovers!

If you would like to participate in one of my upcoming monthly online accountability groups (21 Day Fix), please get in touch with me here.  I would love for you to join me.

Also .... please let me know if you try any of the above recipes!  Drop me an email or a comment on my blog.

XO
ALL THE BEST,

Weekly Meal Plan: 4/27/15 - 5/3/15

"Meal times felt overwhelming!"

 

Do you ever feel this way?  With deciding what to make, figuring out ingredients and I won't even get started on how challenging grocery shopping can be

 

Having a MEAL PLAN is the answer.  I have been doing this for years, and it has helped me tremendously.  Not only to lose weight and live a healthier life, but to eliminate meal-time STRESS. 

You'll end up with more time to savor meals with less time wasted in the kitchen.  And, you'll save money on your grocery bill by not wasting food that goes bad in the back of your fridge (or is spent on last-minute take-out)!



21 Day Fix Meal Plan

21 Day Fix Weekly Meal Plan: 4/27/15 - 5/3/15

Monday:  Seasoned Shrimp Soft Tacos
Tuesday:  Leftovers
Wednesday:  WW Pasta with Turkey Sausage, Marinara & Ricotta Cheese (thrown together)
Thursday:  Spicy Turkey Taco Burgers
Friday:  Slow-Cooker Meatloaf with Mashed Cauliflower
Saturday:  Fend-For-Yourself
Sunday:  Simply Grilled Chicken on a Salad with Strawberries & Almonds

ALL of these dinners are 21-Day Fix compliant.  The rest of my meals are composed of:

• Shakeology
• Eggs and vegetables
• Fruits and vegetables
• Almonds and cashews
• Greek yogurt
• And, leftovers!

If you would like to participate in one of my upcoming monthly online accountability groups (21 Day Fix), please get in touch with me here.  I would love for you to join me.

Also .... please let me know if you try any of the above recipes!  Drop me an email or a comment on my blog.

xo
ALL THE BEST,

Seasoned Shrimp Tacos: 21 Day Fix Approved!

Dinners that have a Mexican flair are my family's favorite.  I swear, they could eat food like this every single night! 

This recipe is quick, easy, and tastes delicious. It is perfect and healthy for the whole family. 

21 Day Fix - Seasoned Shrimp Tacos

Seasoned Shrimp Soft Tacos

• Spicy Mexican Shrimp
• Fix-approved tortillas
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Avocado, mixed with a little lemon juice, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper

Prepare shrimp according to Spicy Mexican Shrimp recipe. 

Dice ripened avocado, and season to your taste with fresh lemon juice, salt, ground black pepper, and red cayenne pepper. 

Shred lettuce, dice tomatoes, and warm tortillas.

Assemble tacos by placing the shredded lettuce on the tortillas, followed by the diced tomatoes, and shrimp.  Top with avocado/guacamole.  

21 Day Fixers:  Shrimp (measured out) counts as 1 red and 1 tsp.  Measure out your greens (lettuce and tomatoes), blue (avocado), and count tortillas appropriately.

Enjoy!

If you would like to participate in one of my monthly 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme online accountability groups, get in touch with me here.

If you give this recipe a try (or any of my other 21 Day Fix approved recipes), please let me know.  I would love to hear how it went!

ALL THE BEST,

Weekly Meal Plan: 3/23/15 - 3/29/15

Well, I'm wrapping up my FINAL week of the 21 Day Fix Extreme!

STAY TUNED TO MY BLOG TOMORROW FOR MY FINAL RESULTS!

While I faced some challenges with a pulled muscle in my upper back, and missed the last 4 workouts because of it ..... I'm proud to say that I finished out the 21 days of the nutrition plan STRONG.  I honestly can't wait to do another round of this program -- in one week! 

So, this week's meal plan will still follow a 21 Day Fix-style of eating -- as I truly feel that I can eat this way forever --with a few small, planned treats.  Check out my dinners for the coming week below.  All are workable with the Fix eating plan!

Set your intentions for the week ahead.  People who plan -- Achieve.

Weekly Meal Plan: 3/23/15 - 3/29/15

Monday:  Spicy Turkey Taco Burgers
Tuesday:  Leftovers
Wednesday:  Skinnytaste's Pasta Fagioli
Thursday:  Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Salad (seasoning mix from 21 Day Fix guide)
Friday:  Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas
Saturday:  Fend-For-Yourself
Sunday:  Broiled Fish (what is on sale), Sweet Potatoes, and Roasted Vegetables

On that note -- once per month, I offer 21 Day Fix online accountability groups. These challenges take place in a secure, 100% private Facebook group.

The results from these short groups have been nothing short of AMAZING!  Pounds lost, inches lost, bodies transformed!

In order to learn more about my next online group or how I can help you to reach your fitness goals, please email me here.  I will be in touch within 24 hours. Thank you!

I would love to hear from you! 

ALL THE BEST,

Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas

This recipe was kid-tested and family-approved.  Just yesterday! 

I love a recipe that is versatile and easy to throw into the crockpot too.   Mexican-themed meals are also easy to make 21 Day Fix-approved.  Add some vegetables, a tortilla, some fresh salsa and some avocado and you're all set.

And, if anyone takes my leftovers this week, they're in trouble! 

21 Day Fix Approved Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas

3 lbs. of pork loin
1-1/2 cup of low-salt organic beef broth (or water)

Pork Rub:

• 2 tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 2 tsp. onion powder
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. red cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Coat inside of crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.

Pour broth into the bottom of the crockpot.

Combine spice ingredients for the rub, and rub all over the pork loin.  Place into the slow-cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
Remove pork loin from slow-cooker and shred.  Return to slow-cooker and stir, to combine with juices.

Measure out your RED container, and then serve with your favorite toppings, or simply on a salad!

Enjoy!

ALL THE BEST,

Spicy Mexican Shrimp AND my Week 1 Results!

This recipe was a HUGE hit with the whole family!  We will definitely making this one again.  So easy, and the shrimp have so much taste with this spice combination.  I served this with rice on the side. 

Want a tip to S T R E T C H your grain serving?  Add cauliflower rice to it!  I did a mixture of cauliflower rice and actual rice.  This dinner (with a side of roasted broccoli) was SO filling. 

21 Day Fix Spicy Mexican Shrimp

Spicy Mexican Shrimp

• 4 red containers of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1/4 tsp. red cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup low-sodium, organic chicken broth
• 1-1/2 tbsp. coconut oil

Mix spices together.  Coat prepared shrimp with spices and coat thoroughly. 

Heat coconut oil in a large pan.  When the oil is hot, sauté shrimp until cooked through. 

Remove cooked shrimp to a plate and cover to keep warm.  Add chicken broth, and use spatula to scrape up cooked bits from the bottom of the pan.  Once broth has reduced just slightly, add shrimp back to pan and heat.

(21 Day Fixers: This recipe makes 4 servings and each serving of shrimp counts as 1 red and 1 tsp.)

And, if you've been following my journey with the 21 Day Fix Extreme - here are my Week #1 results in the video below!

If you would like to participate in one of my monthly 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme online accountability groups, get in touch with me here.

If you give this recipe a try, please let me know.  I would love to hear how it went!

ALL THE BEST,

Weekly Meal Plan -- 3/9/15-3/15/15

Well, I've wrapped up the first week of 21 Day Fix Extreme!  I have to say -- I love, love, love these workouts!  I have really missed lifting weights, especially with doing Insanity Max: 30.  My body responds so well to weight-lifting and its been great to get back to it.

I won't really be weighing or measuring myself (I don't think, anyway) until the end of the 21 days - so stay tuned for my results.

A funny fact for you:  Did you know that I never before made it past Day #5 with the 21 Day Fix nutrition plan?  I was a 21 Day Fix failure! 

I don't know why - I just had a lot of trouble sticking to the food plan.  And, it wasn't the plan itself -- it was ME.  I just wasn't "ready" .... ready to commit to it 100%.  This time, I am READY.  My accountability group is also helping to keep me strong, along with the help and support of my two wonderful Coach friends who are doing it alongside me.  We message each other frequently during the day!  That accountability and support make all of the difference.  "Build a fortress of accountability."

You can follow my daily 21 Day Fix Extreme video updates on my Facebook page.

Weekly Meal Plan -- 3/9/15-3/15/15

My first week went really well, so I'm excited to be planning out my meals for the second week of this program, using some recipes from my blog.  If you have any questions, please let me know! 

21 Day Fix Extreme Meal Plan

Here are some of the recipes that I will be using this week (for dinners at least), from my blog.  Enjoy!

Monday:  Baked Greek Yogurt Chicken
Tuesday:  Leftovers
Wednesday:  Slow-Cooker Pork Chops and Vegetables
Thursday:  Classic Crockpot Chili
Friday:  Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
Saturday:  Fend-For-Yourself
Sunday:  Quinoa Turkey Taco Bake

ALL of these meals are 21-Day Fix compliant.  If you would like to participate in one of my monthly 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme online accountability groups, get in touch with me here.  New group starts SOON!

If you have any questions about my meal plan or about any of my recipes, please comment below.  I want to hear what you think, if you try any of the recipes.  I want to hear what you're eating this week, too!

ALL THE BEST,

Classic Crockpot Chili - 21 Day Fix

I am so excited to share this recipe for delicious Classic Crockpot Chili -- that is 21 Day Fix compliant -- with you all this week, for several reasons. Here are a few:

1. It's perfect cold weather food.
2. It is made in a slow-cooker.
3. It uses many pantry staple ingredients.
4. It makes great leftovers.
5. It's budget-friendly.
6. Classic recipe and flavor that should appeal to all members of the family.
7. It tastes really, really great! Really!

21 Day Fix Classic Crockpot Chili

Classic Crockpot Chili -- 21 Day Fix Approved!

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean organic ground beef
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
1 sweet onion, chopped
1/4 cup canned diced chilies or 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup-1 cup water (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the ground beef and garlic in a nonstick skillet breaking apart the meat with a spoon until well browned; drain off any fat then return to skillet.
2. Add in the bell peppers; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add in the chili powder and cumin and stir to coat.
4. In the slow cooker, mix together tomatoes, beans, sweet onion, chilies and tomato paste, then stir in the beef mixture.
5. Cover and cook on HIGH until flavors are blended (about 4-5 hours). If your chili looks too thin at the end, feel free to add some water to thick it out a bit.

(Source: adapted from Food.com)

21 Day Fixers, this recipe has 6 servings.  Each serving = 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow, and 1 purple

If you would like to participate in one of my monthly 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme online accountability groups, get in touch with me here.

If you give this recipe a try, please let me know!  I would love to hear how it went!

ALL THE BEST,

Cauliflower & Red Pepper Soup - 21 Day Fix

Have you ever tried the Roasted Red Pepper Soup from Trader Joe's?  If so, this is even better AND easier on your fitness and your wallet.  (I LOVE Trader's Joe's, but for me -- the less ingredients in my meals, the better.)

I love soup and could eat it every day.  Give this one a try and let me know what you think.  What a great way to get those vegetables/greens in -- especially on a cold winter day!

(Hello?  TWO GREENS in one serving of soup?  I'll take it!)

Cauliflower & Red Pepper Soup (21 Day Fix compliant)

Ingredients:
4 medium-sized red bell peppers
1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1.5 Tbsp. oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves
4 cups organic, low-salt chicken stock (+ more, if needed)
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. red cayenne peper
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cut the red bell peppers in half, scoop out the seeds and lay face-down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.  Broil in the oven on high until the skin has become black.  Remove from oven and place into a sealed container.  This allows the peppers to steam, and cool down.  This also makes it easier to remove the skin.

Broil the cauliflower florets on high until they are tender and crisp - about 20-25 minutes.  Turn them over halfway through.

Place the oil in a large pot, add in the diced onion and garlic cloves.  Sauté over low to medium heat until the onions are tender and caramelized.  Add the chicken stock and spices.  Mix and allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat.

Remove the skins from the peppers, dice and add them to the pot.  Do the same with the cauliflower. 

Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 20 minutes over medium heat. 

Add the soup to a blender 2 cups at a time, and blend until the mixture is smooth.  OR blend with an immersion blender.  You MAY need to add more chicken broth to the mixture -- I did. 

Return the pureed soup to the same pot, and allow it to simmer on low-heat until ready to serve.

Enjoy!

(21 Day Fixers, this makes 6 servings.  Each serving = 2 greens + 1 tsp.)

If you would like to participate in one of my monthly 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme online accountability groups, get in touch with me here.

If you give this recipe a try, please let me know!  I would love to hear how it went!

ALL THE BEST,

Weekly Meal Plan 2/16/15 - 2/22/15

Want to get healthier?  PLAN. YOUR. MEALS!

No matter what your cooking issues are, planning out your meals (at least your dinners!) ahead of time can make the whole process much easier, so I recommend giving it a shot—even if you're just doing it with pen and paper a week ahead of time.

I use Pinterest, and an excel spreadsheet on my laptop.  It REALLY doesn't take much time at all -- especially once you get some systems like this into place.  I cannot stress enough how much easier this makes my life.

Weekly Meal Plan - 2/16/15--2/22/15:

Monday:  Shrimp & Asparagus Stir-Fry with Lemon Sauce
Tuesday:  Leftovers
Wednesday:  Egg & Vegetable Casserole
Thursday:  Spaghetti Squash with Meat Ragu
Friday:  Slow-Cooker Meatloaf with Sweet Potatoes
Saturday:  Fend-For-Yourself
Sunday:  Make-Your-Own Turkey Taco Burrito Bowls (Turkey taco meet, with homemade taco seasoning, layered with rice, veggies, black beans, salsa and guacamole. Yum!)

Most of these meals are 21-Day Fix compliant.  If you would like to participate in one of my monthly 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme online accountability groups, get in touch with me here.

Would love to hear if you try any of these recipes, too!  Please leave me a review in the comments below.

ALL THE BEST,

21 Day Fix -- Weekend Egg & Vegetable Casserole

This egg casserole would be a great dish to double-up with this weekend, when you have a little more time, and then you can enjoy the leftovers during the week next week!

This recipe also makes it easy to swap out different vegetables and kinds of cheese.  Spice it up, and make a Mexican-style casserole!  (I may try that version next week.)

Egg & Vegetable Casserole - 21 Day Fix approved!

21 Day Fix ~ Weekend Egg & Vegetable Casserole

Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 cups packed fresh spinach (trimmed and chopped)
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1 *red container* organic diced ham (I used Applegate brand)
• 2 *blue containers* feta cheese
• 8 eggs + 2 egg whites, beaten
• 1 tsp. Mrs. Dash (I used the spicy version)
• Salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Spray baking dish with nonstick spray. 

Place chopped spinach and onion into baking dish, spreading it around so the bottom of the dish is covered.  Layer ONE container of feta cheese and diced ham on top of the spinach-onion mixture.

Beat eggs with seasoning, salt, and pepper.  Pour into casserole dish.  Use a fork to gently stir, so everything is combined and the vegetables are covered.  Sprinkle remaining blue container of feta cheese on top.

Bake about 35 minutes or until mixture is completely set and starting to lightly brown.  Let cool about 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

4 servings.

(21 Day Fixers, each serving = 1 red, 1/2 green, and 1/2 blue)

If you would like to participate in one of my monthly 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme online accountability groups, get in touch with me here.

If you give this recipe a try, please let me know!  I would love to hear how it went, and if you came up with any new variations!

ALL THE BEST,