The awesome folks over at Redmond just sent me a huge goodie BOX of products and I'm sooo excited to share them with my readers. I first found out about Redmond when I lived in Utah (they are a Utah company). We walked into a local restaurant and they had shakers of Real Salt on the tables. I was like "what in the world is this?!" I loved it and we've been using it ever since.
So, today I have TWO giveaways for you to have the chance to try some of these products. The first giveaway is the chef set which contains a shaker each of organic salt, onion salt, garlic salt and season salt. The second giveaway is for a tube of facial mud (which can actually be used for much more than facials!) and a tub of natural bath salts.
How to win:
1.) Like my Facebook page if we aren't already friends www.facebook.com/osugirl1
2.) Comment below and tell me which giveaway you'd like to win
3.) I will post a link to this post on my Facebook wall. Share THAT post on your wall and tell people one thing you like about my blog
I can't wait to hear from you guys! Drawing will be held Sunday.
Cooking from scratch always ends up being cheaper and healthier than eating out or eating processed food, but it does require some good tools to make your life a little easier. It has become a sort of obsession for me, I guess. My first major appliance purchase was my Kitchenaid mixer that I found on Ebay really cheap and it just escalated from there. Now I have all sorts of things that I'll be telling you about in time, but right now I just want to stick with what I consider the essentials.
1. Mason Jars- I cannot even tell you how much I love mason jars. Beautiful and functional, there are hundreds of things you can do with them besides canning (have you been on Pinterest lately?!). We store dry goods in them, use them for yogurt and other cultures and even drink out of them. I personally believe these are one of those things you can never have too many of and you can just wash them and use over and over.
2. Quality Blender- I may ruffle some feathers here, because I have many family and friends who absolutely love their Ninja. My Ninja blender however, has sucked pretty much from day 1 and I wish I wouldn't have wasted the money on it and held out for what I really wanted which was a Vitamix. Blendtecs are high quality blenders as well. Not sure about the Blendtecs, but Vitamix has a refurbished blender program with a warranty. Save your pennies and go for it. As soon as I save all my pennies up, I will be purchasing one and participating in their affiliate program so that I can offer my readers FREE shipping. You can do so many things with a quality blender. Nut butters and milks, food prep like chopping veggies, soup, whole food juicing, smoothies, grain grinding, dough making, ice cream, sorbet..... the list goes on.
3. Dutch Oven- My fiance was skeptical when I came home with a $70 pot. I tried to explain to him that at that price, it was a STEAL!. He has since changed his tune. We cook roasts, chili, soup, and even pop popcorn in coconut oil in ours. It gets used in this house several times a week. The great thing is they are perfect for taking something directly from the stove to the oven. Mine is a Cuisinart and I stumbled across it on clearance at Marshalls one day. I'm holding out for some Le Creuset to add to my collection though. A girl can dream can't she?
4.Quality mixer- Like I said above, my Kitchenaid mixer was my very first major kitchen purchase. I found it used on Ebay for less than $200 bucks. It is a plain jane white commercial style one and while it may not be the most beautiful with the array of colors now available, it is functional and does what I need it to do. I make bread and other dough with it and have even whipped up some cream as well as made butter with it. The other neat thing about the Kitchenaid is all the attachments that you can use with it. It has the ability to grind up meat, spit out pasta and perfectly slice veggies with the right attachments. A good quality mixer will last you a really long time.
5. Immersion blender- This little beauty will be your saving grace if you do sauces, soups or anything you need pureed. Before I had it, I had to transfer things in batches to my big blender which usually resulted in a huge mess and spatter that burned the crap out of me. No more with my immersion blender. I can blend things up right in the pot. It also came with a whipping attachment which would be nice for scrambling up some eggs.
I am sure there are some things left off here and honestly when it comes to anything "kitchen" I will tell myself it is ALL necessary. What are your most essential kitchen tools?
As a coach, one of my favorite questions to get is "What is Shakeology?" It's a product I wholeheartedly believe in and it has changed my health and well being.....but sometimes I feel I do a really POOR job explaining just exactly why it's good for you and why you will not find anything else out there like it. I am not the best communicator "on the spot". My brain moves faster than my mouth (believe it or not) and I am always that person who thinks of about 10 other things I could have said when I am trying to educate someone on something or a different way of saying it that could have made it more understandable. So today, I'm taking to my keyboard to explain to you just what you get in every dose of Shakeology, what it helps with and what it has done for me.
What is in Shakeology?
About 70 superfoods, that's what! Let's break it down a little more than that though:
Protein Blend- whey (pea protein for Vegans) Sacha Inchi, Chia Seeds, Flax, Quinoa, Amaranth.
Why? Builds lean muscle, improves skin and hair, supports metal clarity and reduces cravings.
Super Fruit/Antioxidants- Camu-Camu, Acai Berries, Acerola Cherry, Bilberry, Goji Berry, Grape Seed, Luo Han Gao, Pomegranate, Rose Hips
Why? Promotes a healthy heart and optimal blood pressure.
Why? Increases nutrient absorption, promotes regularity and improves digestion.
Whew... That's only SOME of what is in there and that's a lot! As you can see, there is much more to Shakeology than a protein shake, meal replacement or weight loss aid. It is actual whole food nutrition and we NEED help with that these days and that even means those of you who eat super clean and healthy! We don't give our bodies what they need on a daily basis. Part of the problem is that modern day farming practices (think: lack of crop rotation, pesticides, GMOs etc.) have depleted our soil of nutrients that it used to have. It's so bad, that according to Michael Pollan, author of several popular whole food books and collaborator on Food Inc. has stated that it would take 4 modern day apples to equal the nutrition of a single apple grown in the 1940's. I don't know about you, but I would have a hard time eating that many apples a day along with everything else I would have to increase to get that kind of nutrition.
Fortunately, you don't have to if you are drinking Shakeology. One serving is about equivalent to 5 trips to the salad bar. If you are drinking it and eating healthy for your other meals, you are much closer to getting what you need to fuel your body.
Well, that's great Jennifer, but what does it REALLY do? It really works. I have no health issues other than the weight I'm trying to lose. I have had one round of antibiotics in the last two years since I've been drinking it. My blood pressure and cholesterol are great and the most noticeable thing for me was improved digestion. I used to have horrible stomach issues which stemmed from poor diet and the removal of my gallbladder a few years ago. All of that is virtually gone now.
Don't take my word for it though, I want you to see for yourself. In honor of my 2 year anniversary, I am issuing a Shakeology challenge for the month of April. Try it for 30 days (drinking it in place of one meal everyday) and if you don't love it, you can send it back for a refund. If you are down for the challenge, get in touch with me and I'll get you set up.
On a final note, here is an AWESOME video done by Seay Stanford who is a fellow Bombshell team member. It's a couple of years old, but it is a must watch. Enjoy!!
It is the biggest complaint that you hear about sweet potato fries: "I tried to make them and they were SOGGY." Don't worry, my first batch was soggy too. It kept me from making them again for a very long time. However, when I did the Fast Metabolism Diet over the summer to reset my metabolism, the food that I could eat was fairly limited. Sweet potatoes were one of the foods I could have in phase 1 and 3 and I needed something in "fry" form that would console me a little since so many things were off limits. Luckily for all of you soggy sweet potato fry haters out there (which is everyone, right?) I have discovered how to make them crispy on the outside and melt in your mouth soft on the inside. What's the secret?
Arrowroot Powder (find it here)
This recipe is super simple and you'll never buy frozen processed sweet potato fries again after you try this out. First, a few tips:
1.) you will need high quality parchment paper or a baking/pizza stone to cook these. Do not buy the off brand parchment paper or you will have sweet potato fries that you won't be able to eat because they will stick to the paper. No worries if you use a stone though, just throw em straight on there.
2.) Less is more with the arrowroot powder. All you want is a "dusting" over the fries. Add too much and your fries will taste like, well... powder. Spoon a little in the baggie and see how far it goes. You can always add more.
3.) Cook them in batches if you are making a lot. They really need the surface area of the stone or pan to get crispy so don't get them too bunched up.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
You will need:
1 Sweet Potato (or more if you are making for a few more people besides yourself)
1-2 spoonfuls of Coconut Oil, melted
1-2 spoonfuls of Arrowroot Powder
Real Salt (or other natural salt) to taste
Peel your sweet potato and cut it into french fry size strips. Put in a Ziploc baggie and toss with arrowroot power until every piece has a thin coating (see above tips). Do this in batches if you have a lot that won't all fit in the bag. Next, pour them in a bowl and coat with melted coconut oil until generously covered. Place on baking stone or pan lined with parchment paper. Cook in the oven for 15 mins and when they're done place them in a container and toss with salt.
I hope these become a family favorite for your crew!
When I set out to write this, I was intent on the fact that I was going to do 2 things. One thing was that I was going to give you some tips if you decide to move on to Gamma round of T25. The second was that I was going to back off, do some more Alpha/Beta and work in a few Gamma workouts to build myself up. I am now only going to tell you about one of those things and the rest of this post will be about why I AM going to do Gamma round in it's entirety. Here's why:
Sometimes you have to fight for what you want in your life.
I could totally modify the workout and I'm pretty certain none of you would think any differently of me for doing it. Here's the deal though: I have goals that I refuse to give up on. I want to push myself physically and hanging out doing what seems easier isn't going to get me there. Sometimes in life it seems easier on the surface to walk away, change it up, make it easier. Usually when you walk away to avoid something though, it always pops up in your life somewhere, maybe in a different way, in order for you to face it. Bottom line: you can run away from your problems or a challenge, but they won't be far behind. So, even though I may fall on my face, stand there for 25% of the workout about to die or face some aches and pains, I'm doing it. Start to finish. 4 weeks of straight Gamma, and I'm starting over today to make sure I do it right, the best way I know how. Mostly, because this is bigger than just health and fitness. It's a MINDSET thing. I am not going to waste any more of my life avoiding things that I need to go through to make myself the person I need to be to reach my full potential....and also, because when things get tough and it looks bleak or impossible it usually means a breakthrough is about to take place. I don't plan on missing the breakthroughs in my life.
Now, on to the one planned thing I'm still going to talk about. Tips to get through Gamma:
1.) There are NO modifications in speed 3.0. That's right, Tania is keeping up with everyone else. It's the first workout of the schedule, so don't let it make you quit.
2.) If you haven't bought new cross trainers in awhile, now would be the time to do it. Your feet need the support.
3.) Wear some clothes that hold you tight ladies (think: good sports bra).
4.) If you are still in Beta, do the workouts unmodified as much as possible to get you ready.
There you have it. Now, go out there and challenge yourself and fight for your goals and dreams.
1.) Fully completed a fitness program
2.) Started a crazy intense fitness program
3.) Led a fit club
4.) started a Youtube channel (huh?)
Needless to say, I feel WAY out on a limb here. I am doing things I never dreamed I would do, honestly. It's funny how you start out to just be a coach, but your life ends up changing in so many areas. I have horrible stage fright. I love to sing karaoke, but my whole body shakes when I'm up there and when I speak to groups of people, I literally have to transport myself somewhere else because I'm so afraid I'll mess up. Creating a video of myself talking was a big deal for me. In order to get over my fears, I thought I would share my newest accomplishment with you and feel free to follow my channel along with my blog. I hope to eventually do some cooking videos in the future as well as educational videos about growing a business.
Have you ever read the back of a taco seasoning packet? Most are full of chemicals, MSG and other things you can't pronounce, not to mention expensive for what you actually get. We have been making this instead for a long time. It's simple, with ingredients you most likely have on hand. The ratios below are enough for a couple pounds of meat, but you can make up a whole batch by multiplying the amounts and then just use as you need it. We use this all the time in tacos, enchiladas and other recipes that need some southwest flair. Once you try it you'll never go back!
The verdict is in: T25 along with Shakeology and healthier eating has made a dramatic difference in my body in just a few short months. If you read my previous post from last week, you know the last week of Beta was a big challenge for me. I caught a stomach virus and missed both Monday and Tuesday's workout. I publicly put it out there though and said I would do three days of doubles to get caught up by Friday. I think some people thought I couldn't do it. Heck, even I had my doubts and after I put it out there I kind of wished I could take it back. There was no turning back though. Three days of doubles happened and by Friday as I finished my last workout and starting driving to meet my girlfriends for lunch and a little celebration shopping I felt so accomplished. Invincible even. It really felt like I could do anything I wanted in that moment after I got through all of that. I'm so glad I made it happen!
Now, it's on to my next challenge. T25 Gamma is in my Xbox now just waiting for me to push play. Mondays are horrible around here these days, so it's a late workout, but a late workout is better than no workout at all. I'll be keeping everyone up to date with my Gamma progress as it happens.
Soooo, this is week 10, the LAST week of the regular T25 program and.........I have a gross stomach virus that has taken over my life for the last 24 hours. That means I didn't workout yesterday and today is not looking very realistic either. I am going to finish this week though. I may have to double down the next three days or workout over the weekend or some combination of both, but however it happens it WILL HAPPEN. I have worked too hard and have come too far to not feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing this. Not only that, but Gamma round (separate from the basic program) will be here this week and it's scheduled to begin Monday.
Life just gets in the way sometimes, but all that means is you learn to adjust. You don't give up and throw in the towel, you modify. Sure, this is a program, but overall it's really a lifestyle change. Once I finish this it will be on to another, or a repeat cycle or a hybrid program I can put together. There is no way over the course of a lifetime that things are not going to come up, I'm not going to get sick etc. I have been learning that lesson all over again the last couple of weeks as we have been adjusting to Andrew's 50 + hour work weeks. Things can still get done, but not necessarily in the same way. It means sacrificing some things that aren't as important as our priorities, but that is really just life in general.
So, for the rest of the night I will be huddled up on the couch getting the rest I need to get up and hit it hard tomorrow. I will be sure to get progress pictures up after I get this week down in the books!
I mean, really. All I had to say was chocolate to get your attention, right? These were so stinkin easy and they are "Aiden approved". THAT is a big deal, because he turns down cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies (weirdo). Anywho, this is a great way to get all the benefits of Shakeology, along with some other whole foods without drinking it in shake form. It's also no bake! It took me all of 10 mins to put this together and stick it in the fridge to harden up a little bit. Keep in mind you can also play with these ingredients. I used cashew butter, but you could use a natural peanut butter or almond butter. Instead of coconut milk, you could use an unsweetened almond milk etc. They don't ever get totally hard and we ended up cutting them into little bites, putting them in a ziploc bag and sticking them in the refrigerator. We made this batch Saturday and there aren't many left!
Ingredients:
4 scoops chocolate Shakeology
2 Cups old fashioned oats
1/3 Cup chopped nuts (optional, and your choice of nut)
1/2 Cup raisins
1 Cup coconut milk
1/2 Cup cashew butter
Instructions:
Grease an 8X8 pan with coconut oil and set aside. In a mixer, combine cashew butter, coconut milk and Shakeology and mix well. Add in oats until combined. Stir in raisins at the very end until just combined (not too long!). Spread mixture into greased pan evenly. Top with chopped nuts if desired. Stick in the refrigerator to slightly harden and then cut into small bars (makes around 24) or into small bites (makes a lot). Don't eat all at once ;)
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you can let life get you down. It happens to all of us from time to time, but I think the difference lies in HOW you respond to negetivity whether it comes from inside your head or an outside source. I have been seeing great sucess with my fitness journey. The difference in how I look over the past two months simply amazes me. I know I am eating better the majority of the time and I know I'm being consistent, so why would I be down? It was something that my son said to me last week. I'm not going to go into what he said, but it was in regards to my size. Whoever said "words will never hurt me", quite frankly was full of shit. Words DO hurt. I know my son didn't mean to cause the flood of pain I felt, after all he's 7 and doesn't really comprehend the ramifications of what he says and does sometimes. I'm certain there was no malicious intent behind it either. It still hurt though. What hurt even more is that now I wonder if my little boy has to deal with comments from other people about my size too. Is that what brought on the comment? Kids have enough problems to deal with these days without having to deal with the reprecussions of things beyond their control. A few words was all it took to set off a wave of self doubt. I began to doubt if the results I'm getting are good enough, am I certain I'm eating the right things? Is there really a difference in my body or am I just imagining things ? After a few days of that, I found the peace I was looking for. Scrolling through my Facebook feed I saw some words and I believe they were from Joyce Meyer's Facebook page: "The fight is not against flesh and blood" Without sounding too preachy, it was exactly what I needed to hear. My pain and hurt had nothing to do with my son but with the enemy himself. I know he comes to steal, kill and destroy and he is ruthless in how he attains it, even using the words of a 7 year old to cause anger and pain inside of me so I'll be tempted to quit what I've been doing. I've got news for him though, and any other doubters that may be out there. This girl isn't stopping. I've given up way too many times to give up now. I will see change and I WILL make a difference; not only in my own life, but the lives of others as well. So, if you've been discouraged, I hope you will take this to heart. DON"T EVER GIVE UP. Don't let your head get in the way of your results. Keep it simple, stay positive as much as you can and reach out to your support system when you need the extra help or a push. Remember you CHOOSE to be happy or to be negative. Happy Monday everyone!
