21 Day Fix Tostadas

HONESTLY…. who doesn’t LOVE Mexican food? It’s a comfort food staple in my household!

Super simple, super quick… and great if you’re following the 21 Day Fix program (or any other program for that matter)

{{My total container count: 1.5 red, 2 green, 1 blue, 0.5 purple, 1 yellow}}

Ingredients:

• 2 corn tortillas (the more natural the better)
• Shredded chicken or other lean protein of your choice
• Chopped tomatoes
• Chopped lettuce
• Chopped onions
• Plain nonfat greek yogurt
• Shredded cheese and/or sliced avocado
• Natural salsa

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Place two corn tortillas on baking sheet, layer with protein (I used one red 21 Day Fix container full), top with cheese (I used 1 blue container full)
3. Bake for approximately 5 minutes, until cheese is melted & protein is warm
4. Top with a mixture of tomatoes, lettuce & onion (I used 2 green containers full)
5. Top with nonfat greek yogurt (I used ½ red container) & a side of salsa (1/2 purple container)

What I love most about this recipe is you can totally change it up. Use shrimp instead of chicken, or even a lean cut of steak.. replace the cheese with avocado or guacamole… add different veggies if you like too! So many options & all fit into the 21 Day Fix eating regime!

Enjoy!!

21 Day Fix {{SIMPLE}} Container Tracker

I hear lots of great things about the 21 Day Fix… how fun the workouts are, how easy it is to meal plan, how quickly people see results… but the one struggle I hear about over & over again is TRACKING your containers for the day!  As much as we’d like to think we can store all that info up in the good ole “noggin”… it leaves too much room for error.  Let’s be honest, if you want to see the best results possible in 3 short weeks (which this PROGRAM WILL get you)… you have to follow the program. That means eating ALL of your allotted containers for the day & also not going over your allotted containers!

Since I’m a paper & pencil type of gal, I decided to create a 21 Day Fix tracking sheet. I made it small, so it can fit into your purse or planner for the day… easily transported to school or the office. (also if you’re a stay at home Mom, tape it to your fridge!) 🙂

I simply laminated mine & use dry erase markers…

Feel free to print & use! (I’ve only created one for the lowest calorie bracket because that’s what I use, if you want one for another bracket, send me a quick message at my Facebook page!!  Lisa Gennae: Fitness & Freedom  I’ll be happy to create one for you!

The OFFICIAL 21 Day Fix Cookbook!

Have you heard?! Autumn Calabrese is releasing an official 21 Day Fix cookbook!! How exciting is that?!

She is sharing over 101 of her favorite 21 Day Fix approved recipes, WITH container breakdowns & nutritional information for each.  The cookbook includes vegan, gluten free, vegetarian and paleo options!

Fixate will teach you how to make healthy, delicious meals that fit your busy lifestyle and can be used with ANY Beachbody fitness program. (I know I’m ALWAYS searching Pinterest for new recipe ideas so I can’t wait to check out this amazing book!)

Book sections include:

• Simple breakfasts
• On the go lunches
• Sit down dinners
• Soups
• Salads
• Healthy Snacks
• Desserts
• Drinks

Check out a sneak peek of some recipes >>HERE<<!

>>> Who should buy this book???<<<

Have you ever asked or throught any of the following?….

• What is clean eating?
• How am I supposed to cook meals for my family AND myself?
• Do I have to eat just chicken and steamed broccoli?
• I hate salads, they are so boring, what else can I have?
• My family are picky eaters, what healthy meals can I make that they’ll love?
• I don’t want to eat the same thing every day.
• I don’t have time to cook that much every day.
• Eating healthy on the go is just too hard.
• I don’t know where to start with eating healthy.
• How do I know how much of each type of food I’m supposed to eat.
• I’m not a good enough cook to make healthy meals that taste good too.

If you answered yes to any of these then I highly suggest you look into Fixate!

Let’s throw those excuses out the door, Fixate breaks down healthy cooking and eating to make it simple and quick… so it fits into any person’s busy schedule.  Autumn will get you to LOVE cooking healthy meals…and guess what, your family will even LOVE eating this tasty creations!!  There’s no need to be intimidated anymore… let’s go on this journey TOGETHER!

I am hosting a FIXATE challenge group via Facebook starting in about 2 weeks.

How will it work?
SIMPLE. We will all get our copy of the new cookbook by Autumn Calabrese – Fixate… then spend 2 weeks together exploring and COOKING! We will share tips, learn how to meal plan & prep and my FAVORITE… create healthy recipes that are TASTY too!

This is a book that you can keep forever and will be available to purchase through me in less than a week!

There is a fitness component to the group too if you choose. You can use either the 21 Day Fix or the 21 Day Fix Extreme DVD’s (they’re on sale this month too!!) OR you can try Beachbody OnDemand and explore the workouts on there FOR FREE for 30 days (you can cancel before the trial period ends). OR if you choose, you can skip the exercise and just join us for the cooking!

I am super pumped to try some of these recipes and share this with you all!!

If you want to participate in the Fixate challenge, just follow this link to The Fixate/OnDemand Challenge and click “going!”.

If You Don’t Have Something Nice To Say….

I bet you’re kind to everyone else, right? I’m sure you’ve tip toed around people’s feelings, never wanting to hurt anyone. But how many times have you trampled your own feelings in front of the mirror or in your head? Too often I’m betting.
I think we often forget how important it is to be kind to ourselves. I have to remind myself constantly that my best IS good enough. I have to remind myself that showing up every day, taking small, almost unnoticeable steps toward my goals IS good enough. 
Please don’t let yourself stand in front of the mirror and pick yourself apart. Guard yourself from your own thoughts by making a conscious effort to think good, powerful, uplifting, optimistic, empowering thoughts. 
In the wise words of Jen Sincero:

“You are loved. Massively. Ferociously. Unconditionally. The Universe is totally freaking out about how awesome you are. It’s got you wrapped in a warm gorilla hug of adoration. It wants to give you everything you desire. It wants you to be happy. It wants you to see what it sees in you.”

  

What To Cook Wednesday {4th of July style!}

Woohooo!!!  4^th of July is coming up quickly {one of my FAVORITE HOLIDAYS!} and I don’t know about you, but I’m SO excited to have friends & family over… enjoy some good food, quality conversation and some awesome FIREWORKS! 

Here’s a fun 4^th of July salsa recipe, the colors are beautiful and it’s SO DELICIOUS!

Blueberry, Strawberry & Jicama Salsa

Yield: About 3 cups salsa

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

A fresh and fruity salsa with a nice crunch! Perfect for the 4th of July…or any summer day!

ingredients:

1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup diced strawberries
1 cup diced jicama
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeno pepper, stemmed and seeded
Juice of 1 large lime
Salt, to taste
Tortilla chips, for serving

directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine blueberries, strawberries, jicama, cilantro, red onion, jalapeno, and lime juice. Stir until well combined. Season with salt, to taste. Serve with tortilla chips at room temperature or chilled.

This isn’t just salsa either, it’s wonderful on some grilled fish or chicken… or wrap it up in a yummy shrimp taco! 🙂

Happy Independence Day Friends!!

My 21 Day Fix Journey

To say I’m perfect and I always do my workouts and follow my healthy lifestyle would be a complete lie.  Let’s just say this month has been a month where I’ve Iet loose and enjoyed myself…. a lot! 🙂

As much fun as it has been… it’s time to get back on track. I can see and feel a huge difference in my body, from weight gain & bloat… to moodiness and constant fatigue. I just feel…. BLEH!

So tomorrow starts ANOTHER round of my all time favorite workout program, the 21 Day Fix!  I’m excited to get back to feeling energized and drop the extra pounds I’ve put on the last few weeks.

I’ve set some simple goals for myself for the next 7 days:
1. Get my workouts in each day (they’re only 30 minutes, I have no excuse not to do them!)
2. Stick to my meal plan with zero cheat
3. Drink 70 ounces of water each day
4. Post daily for accountability on my Facebook page (Follow me HERE!)

My meal plan for the next 7 days is as follows:
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Check back in 7 days for my week 1 review & progress pics!

How To Make An Omelette In A Waffle Iron

Yeah… you feel my pain right? I’ve tried every way under the sun to make a nice looking omelette and 9 times out of 10, I go to flip it and yep… scrambled eggs!

But guess what, there is a super simple solution to the omelette making dilemna… use your WAFFLE IRON! Seriously, so easy… no mess, NO FLIPPING… #winning

>>> We shall call this creation the “Wafflette”! <<<

So here’s what you do:

~ Set your waffle iron to a low setting, I put mine on the lowest it had… let it heat up.

~ While it’s heating, whip together 2 eggs & chopped veggies of your choice. Feel free to add already cooked bacon or breakfast sausage also!

~ Once your waffle iron is heated I recommend spraying it with a little non-stick cooking spray, then pour your wafflette mixture into the iron, close and cook until done.

~ The amount of time your “wafflette” has to cook will depend on your iron, mine only took about 2-3 minutes… it came out fluffy & delicious!

Enjoy my fellow “wafflette” friends!

What To Cook Wednesday! {a healthy recipe share}

One thing I’ve discovered along my health & fitness journey is that it’s not always easy to create meals that are both healthy and TASTY!  Let’s be honest, you have to get CREATIVE sometimes to stick to your meal plan and not want to rip your tongue out because you can’t eat one more bite of baked chicken and steamed broccoli!!!

Because I am determined to PREVENT boredom with my healthy lifestyle, I’ve decided to create a weekly post so “bored” never ever happens!!

I shall call it……..

:>:>:> WHAT TO COOK WEDNESDAY! <:<:<: {{so make sure to check back every Wednesday for a new healthy recipe idea!}}

Today’s wonderful healthy meal share is this scrumptious plate…

Vegan Loaded Sweet Potato!

INGREDIENTS

• Two medium sweet potatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bunch kale
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• salt and pepper to taste
• Mashed Avocado

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a fork, poke multiple holes into both sweet potatoes. Place potatoes in oven and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
3. In the meantime, heat olive oil over medium heat in medium saucepan. Add garlic and cook for a couple minutes, until fragrant and before browns. Add kale and toss to coat. Add 1/3 cup water and cover for five minutes. Remove cover, toss kale, reduce heat, and cook for another 15 minutes or until kale is desired texture, adding more water as needed..
4. Add beans to kale and cook until warmed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Top with black beans, kale, and avocado!

Enjoy!

Recipe found at The Dietician Blog!

My first Stitch Fix review!

Hi everyone! So a little about me and my shopping & style habits….

1. I LOVVVVVVE to SHOP, what girl doesn’t though?!  Retail-therapy is where it’s at!

2. I am a total BARGAIN shopper… I didn’t use to be, but the older I get the more stingy I get with my money. I work hard for that, I don’t want to spend $60 on a cheap tank top! 🙂  You can often find me searching and comparing prices from every website available to get the best deal!

3. I’m not one of those girls that is good at throwing adorable, fashionable outfits together. 😦 You know, those outfits you see on Pinterest and you’re like, “OMGOSSHHHH that is SOOOO cute!” Yeah – I can’t create those on my own – I need inspiration. I don’t have the vision to put pieces together that look good and hip and classy and feminine (too much at once?) haha 🙂

4. I’m 31 and I feel like I’m stuck in between the juniors section and the women’s section of clothing. I want to be cute and classy, but mature at the same time, with out looking like a grandma.  This has been a challenge for me! (especially since most women’s clothing runs too big to fit my body frame)

I decided to give Stitch Fix a try for a few reasons, first… my friend has done it multiple times and LOVES it!  Second, I LOVE the idea of someone else styling me.  It really helps push me out of my comfort zone & try new things {I was shocked by what I ended up loving in my first Fix once I actually tried the pieces on!}. Third, like I said earlier, I’m not the best at putting together cute outfits, I’m a jeans and t-shirt type girl, not only does your Sylist at Stitch Fix send you great items of clothing, they also send style inspiration cards with outfit ideas for each item!

So, let’s start with what I received in my very first ever Fix!

First was the Livie Abstract Chevron Maxi Dress by Pixley.

This dress was cute, I was surprised because I’m not usually into patterns, but this was didn’t bother me and the colors were beautiful! Also, it was a thicker material, so it wasn’t see through like a lot of Maxi dresses I’ve purchased before. I didn’t end up keeping the dress however because it was a little large on me… this being my first Fix I wasn’t sure what sizes to pick in my “style profile”… so I made adjustments according to these pieces. Also, this dress was a little pricey for my taste, $78.00 is a little more than I would want to spend on a piece that I wouldn’t wear frequently.

Second & third was the Margaret M Emer High Waisted Cropped Trouser and the Sweet Rain Chancery Open-Back Blouse (both pictured)

I’ll be honest, when I opened the package I didn’t think I would like either of these pieces when I tried them on, but I was pleasantly surprised!

The tank was super cute with the scoop back. It was versatile enough that I can wear it outside of work and tucked into a nice pencil skirt for work.  The blouse was only $44.00 and to me, for a piece that I could wear so often, it was totally worth it.

The trousers were also cuter than I expected. They were elastic high waisted, but it didn’t bother me. I loved them because I knew I could wear them outside of work with a cute blouse and some pumps or flats, or I could dress them up with a blouse and blazer for work. Unfortunately I didn’t keep the trousers because again, I had my initial size wrong in my style profile and they were a little large. The price on these trousers was $98.00.

Fourth was the Market & Spruce Corinna Striped Dolman Top.

I liked a lot about this top, the fabric was super soft, I loved the loose fit of it and the grey color (I’m a big fan of neutrals) but I felt like it looked a little blah on my body shape. I’m not very curvy, so I felt it kind of just hung on me! Also, it’s finally Summer here in Michigan so I didn’t want to spend my money on pieces I wouldn’t wear very much the upcoming months. The price on this piece was $48.00.

Overall my first experience with Stitch Fix was a good one, I really enjoyed getting these items in the mail. {It’s like opening a Christmas present!}. I kept a couple of pieces and I think my stylist did a great job with the information I had given her. I know each Fix will get better and better and I can’t wait to receive my next one!

Click HERE to try StitchFix too!

Let me know if you decide to give it a try!

How To Make A Healthy Cup Of Coffee

HAPPY DAY FRIENDS!!! Let’s talk coffee today!!! I remember when I used to drink my coffee with more cream and sugar in my cup than actual coffee! {my dad would always say “do you want some coffee with your cream and sugar?!!” — then laugh at himself for about 5 minutes} hahaha, he was being silly – but he had a point…! When I started trying to eat healthier I knew I had to switch things up. {& there was NO WAY I was ditching coffee all together!}

I slowly started choosing healthier options & now I drink my coffee with only 1 tsp of coconut oil. {totally guilt free and it doesn’t ruin my “diet”} In fact, if it’s sweet like I used to drink it – it makes me gag! BLEH!

In case anyone else has a sugar/creamer addiction like I did- I want to share some healthier options for you to try!

• unsweetened almond milk (you can even use flavored)

• pumpkin spice

• low fat milk

• Bliss creamer (can be found at Meijer- natural and lower calorie than normal creamer)

• Stevia

• vanilla extract

• coconut oil

• cinnamon

Cheers!