Mommy & Me workout (22 Minute Hard Corps) - My son is not my excuse, he is my reason!

Mommy and me workout!

My son woke up at 5AM and would not go back to sleep, so I had him join me in my workout. We actually had so much fun!

My motto for the past 2+ years is that I will not use him as an excuse (did that for too long), I will use him as my motivation. When I take care of myself I am a better mom - there's no doubt about it. It gives me energy, helps me reduce stress, improves my mood, and just overall makes me feel better about myself. Any mom who is reading this can surely understand how these things can help you deal with the craziness of motherhood!

I'm so thankful that I found a solution that allows me to stay active without being a burden. If I had been planning to go to the gym today I would not have been able to go if he woke up crying for me like he did. Even if the gym had daycare, I'm sure they are not open at the crack of dawn. I do often miss the social aspect of the gym/ fitness classes, but because of my virtual challenge groups I still get to connect daily with other like-minded people. Even though most of us have never met in person, we have built up a wonderful support network and made some great new friends!

Want to learn more and see if our virtual groups can help you with your health and fitness goals?  CLICK HERE TO APPLY

3 Critical Habits I Created to Transform My Life

These are the 3 critical things that I did to transform my life!

About 2 years ago I was a new mom who was stressed to the max and living a life thinking it was ok to live my days feel sick, tired and overwhelmed.  I wasn't taking care of ME.  I was taking care of everything and everyone but me.  As a result I was at a low point with my health and battling anxiety and insomnia.  I hated my body and cringed that I had to wear Spanx every day to fit into my clothes. 

I am a new person now. 

Each day I work on improving my mindset, my habits, and my health.  It started off slowly in the beginning but consistently over time I saw huge changes in the way I not only lived my life, but the way I looked at life.  I became happier.  I am less stressed.  I have tons of energy. I am more motivated to continue improving myself because it feels so good that I want to get better and and feel better. 

Now I don't mind being at the beach or swim lessons because I'm not stuck thinking about how I could barely fit in the "mom suit" bathing suit.  Now my relationship with my husband is stronger because I am healthier and happier, and more confident. 

It's not about weight loss.  We all start out by thinking "oh I need to lose __ lbs", but the real WHY is all about you.  It's about the way you are able to FEEL and THINK.  When you don't feel good about yourself and you aren't taking care of yourself it's affecting you more than you know.  I know for me, I had just become used to feeling that way and accepted it as normal.  Now that I don't, I am alarmed that I accepted that and that many others probably do the same! 

It's your life.  Don't put yourself on the back burner because you deserve to enjoy this life to the fullest.  And to do that you have to have a healthy mind and body!

I can help you develop these life-changing habits when you join one of my Challenge Groups.  CLICK HERE TO APPLY

He may not listen to what I say, but he watches what I do!

TRUTH:  my lovely 3-year old son doesn't listen to ANYTHING I say!  He listens very well to everyone else BUT ME.  Sometimes I wonder what I'm doing wrong but I hear this is typical where children don't listen to their moms (sorry mom!).  

But my little workout buddy today showed me that although he doesn't listen to my words well, he watches closely what I do!  He was counting for me doing my workout (all the way up to the number twenty ten - aka thirty lol) and telling me when I was doing moves wrong and that I had to keep going.   

He certainly wasn't the most encouraging workout partner at times but it was so fun having him participate!   At the end he even clapped for me and said "thank you mommy!!".   I think he meant good job but that thank you really gave me the butterflies.   All I thought was "thank YOU sweet boy. Thank you for this moment, thank you for giving my life purpose, and thank you for making me the luckiest lady in the whole world by being your mom!"

Motherhood is such a wild ride.  It's crazy how that tiny personal can pull out every possible emotion from you so quickly!  

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Are you a mom that is sick and tired of feeling sick and tired?  Are you ready to get healthy and feel good again?  I can help!   Fill out my Challenge Group Application (it's confidential) and share your goals with me.  My challenge groups are private accountability groups that help motivate you and keep you on track.  You'll have tons of fun and form meaningful relationships with others in the group who are on the same mission as you!  

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Spicy Black Bean and Corn Salad

I just can't get enough of salad bowls and burrito bowls.  I like that these meals are simple to create at home and that I can make a big ole batch to keep around and repurpose for leftovers. 

This recipe was one I came up with when I was looking for a new Meatless Monday meal idea.  I had some fixings in the house that were perfect for a Mexican-style bowl, but I didn't have salsa so I had to create a dressing.  I was searching for a spicy dressing and came across this one here.  I had all the ingredients so I went with it!  This meal is crunchy, fresh, and full of spicy zest that sets your taste buds on fire!  

Would you like some free support with your nutrition?  

Apply here for my FREE 5 day clean eating challenge!

INGREDIENTS

• Baby spinach
• Shredded carrots (bought pre-made, bagged)
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• Guacamole or avocado (I use Wholly Guacamole 100 calorie guacamole packs)

SPICY DRESSING

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1/4 cup Sriracha 
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• sea salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add a half cup of water to a medium-sized sauce and add in frozen corn.  Put over medium-high heat until corn is no longer frozen. 
2. Add black beans (rinsed) to pan with corn until heated.  Drain all liquid from the corn and bean mixture.  
3. Add corn and bean mixture to a large mixing bowl.  Add in onion and carrots and toss with a little bit of the dressing.  
4. Make individual salad bowls by adding in baby spinach (amount to your preference), and top with the corn and bean mixture. Add additional dressing to the salad and serve with avocado or guacamole.  

The corn and bean mixture can stay good in the fridge at least 3-4 days.  Don't mix the baby spinach in until serving because it will wet soggy from the dressing! 

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How to Eat Smarter

Watch my video blog to learn how to eat healthy on a budget - no cooking required!  I will share with you what "healthy" foods to stay away from and how you can become a meal-prep master and prep an entire week's worth of lunch in under 10 minutes, for about $15-$16 TOTAL.  And like I said, these meals don't require any cooking!  You can't get any easier than that!  

Would you like some free support with your nutrition?  

Apply here for my FREE 5 day clean eating challenge!

Garden Veggie & Chicken Chili

This easy chili recipe will have your mouth watering.  White chicken and garden veggie chili recipe is a delicious and hearty dinner that is great to make for an easy weeknight meal.  FYI - This recipe makes A LOT so you can probably separate some out of the leftovers to freeze!  

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, cubed
• 1 jalepeno pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
• 1 Tbsp. chile powder
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 (28-oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 LB organic boneless chicken breast, diced into small chunks
• 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained, rinsed
• 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce, no sugar added
• 1 medium zucchini, cubed

Preparation:

1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Put in chicken and cook for 5 minutes.  
3. Add sweet potatoes, onion, and peppers; cook, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
4. Add chile powder, cumin, tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; gently boil, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
5. Add zucchini; cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 10 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.

An alternate cooking method for this recipe is to put all ingredients in a crock-pit and cook on low for 4-6 hours!  

 

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