Crockpot Buffalo Chicken

I love crockpot recipes because you can't beat the "set it and forget it" convenience factor. I have been pretty obsessed with this buffalo chicken recipe lately because it's super simple to make, delicious, healthy and versatile!  You can use it as an appetizer or snack (healthy swap from buffalo chicken dip) or as a main course.

Here is the recipe I've been using.  You can play around with this to customize to your needs (double the recipe for more servings) and/or preferences (adding or reducing sauce ).

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pack boneless breasts (about 1-1.5 lbs) 
• 1/3 bottle of Franks buffalo sauce
• 1 TBL coconut oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Put all ingredients in crockpot for 4 hrs on low.  I don't like this with too much sauce, so I do add in a few TBL of water to the pot.  You can add water or more buffalo sauce if needed.  
2. Remove chicken and shred, set aside in a bowl.  
3. Mix 1 TBL water and 1TBL corn starch together and then add to liquid to thicken up. Add shredded chicken back in and cook on low for 30 more minutes.

As mentioned above, you can use this as a snack or appetizer by serving with celery, crackers, pita chips, etc... or you can serve it up as the main dish by making a sandwich or try out my favorite dish: stuff it in a baked sweet potato (see pic below).  

This recipe is approved for 21 Day Fix and all Portion Fix-based eating plans!  Looking for more healthy recipes?  CLICK HERE

Are you interested in learning how to eat clean without counting calories?  Click here to learn about the eating plan that CHANGED MY LIFE!

5 Books That Will Change Your Mindset... and Your Life

Do you want to become healthier and happier in 2017?   Do you want to hang on to that "beginning of the year" motivation ALL YEAR LONG?

If you answered yes, then I have a solution for you:  READ A BOOK!  

You may be skeptical about "self-help" books.  And that's OK, because I was too.  I never thought I needed self-help books so if you feel these books are full of BS, and are for crazy / desperate people.... I GET IT.  That's exactly how I felt about it and why I was very reluctant to get into the world of self-help.  

The reason that I finally caved was actually due to my Beachbody business.  One of the vital behaviors of Beachbody Coaching is to do personal development.  I avoided this for a while but eventually I decided to give it a try because I so so many successful people crediting much of their success and motivation to the books they were reading.  When I won a free copy of the book The Compound Effect (by Darren Hardy) I decided that it was time for me to give it a try. 

That book changed my life.  It made my motivation skyrocket and I was hooked.  Even though the book was mostly based on success in business the concepts of The Compound Effect were ingrained into my mind and it helped me to get more focused with my nutrition, fitness and other personal goals that I wanted to achieve. 

Here is what I think you need to understand:  

If you want to change your life you have to change yourself.  To change yourself you have to change your mindset.  In order to change your mindset you need to work on it consistently (just as you would physical exercise), and you can easily do that with self-help books.  

Got it?  Good!  Now I will share with you my top 5 self-help books that I am sure can not only change your mindset, but change your life.  It happened for me so I know it can for you too!  

1.  The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

I put this at the #1 spot because I think this is a great book to start with.  It's a short read and helps set the foundation for consistency.  My greatest takeaway from The Compound Effect was understanding that even the smallest actions, if done consistently, can compound into great results.  If I can be consistent with small efforts (exercising 30 minutes per day, reading 10 minutes per day, etc) I can make great progress towards my goals and build solid habits that are hard to break.   

2. You Are A Bad Ass by Jen Sincero

This is probably my favorite book out of all the books.  If you are skeptical of self-help books then you'll love this.  The author is blunt, funny and overall very entertaining.  I own this in print and also bought the audio version because I listen to it ALL THE TIME - its THAT good! After reading this book you'll understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can't change, how to change what you don't love, and how to believe in yourself.  GET THIS BOOK!

3. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

In order to wake-up your greatest potential, you must wake-up wth the motivation to make each day great.  This book will guide you on how to wake up each day with more ENERGY, MOTIVATION, and FOCUS to take your life to the next level. 

4. Thrive by Arianna Huffington

As a mom who works full-time in the corporate world, I have hit a low point in my physical and mental health because I was giving priority to work and family and neglecting my own needs.  This is a very inspiring book that discusses some simple ways you can go from just existing to thriving in life.  

5. The Power of I Am by Joel Osteen

This is a wonderful book that is jam-packed with inspirational words.  We can be so hard on ourselves and if we let all of our fear and negative beliefs lead the way, we will hold ourselves back from the happiness and prosperity that we crave.  This book will help you stop criticizing yourself and become more confident.