Spicy and Sweet Coconut Honey Chicken

I am not the best cook, I think we have established that right?? That has not deterred me from attempting to make some recipes I NEVER would have attempted before. That is the case for this Spicy and Sweet Coconut Honey Chicken. I try to keep my recipes extremely simple and this one was up until the part where I made the sauce. I'm sure my sauce was a little lumpy but the hubs LOVED it and he is definitely my biggest critic. If only I could get my kids to eat this...baby steps.

The first issue that I would remedy when I make this next time would be...I would get the boneless skinless chicken thighs. I had to take it off the bone and I won't lie, it was slightly gross to me, but I did it! 

Now place a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium heat. Add coconut oil. Once oil is very hot, add chicken to the pan without crowding the pan to help with searing. 

I don't think I got my oil hot enough because my chicken did not sear very well. After chicken has cooked through, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

After I removed the chicken from the pan, there was a lot of liquid from the chicken cooking too slowly. Next time I make this I will make sure it is seared a bit better. I added the garlic and onions and cooked them until they were translucent.

After the onions were nice and soft (5 minutes or so) I added the honey, coconit milk, aminos and siracha. This is where I started to panic a little bit. I was supposed to whisk everything together and bring it to a boil ( and we know from the egg debacle that boiling things is rough for me!)

Once it was boiling, I was supposed to turn the heat down and add the tapioca flour and keep whisking. I need like 4 hands to be able to do this, so my sauce was a little lumpy. My goal though wasn't a lumpless sauce, it was a good tasting meal that my hubs would eat. 

After the sauce thickens up, I added the chicken back in to coat it (about 4 minutes to reheat) and then you can serve it with your favorite veggies. 

Since my goal was to make something my hubs would eat again, dinner was a success! This entire process of learning to cook (even at this stage in my life) is actually pretty fun. I haven't served anything raw or burnt all week!! Yay!!!!

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch cubes
• salt, to taste

For the sauce

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ small yellow onion, minced
• 1 (14 ounce) can of full fat coconut milk
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ cup coconut aminos (or gluten free soy sauce)
• 2-3 tablespoons sriracha, depending how spicy you like (find paleo sriracha here)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• salt, to taste
• ¼ cup tapioca flour
• chopped green onions (to garnish)

Instructions

1. 
   
2. Now place a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium heat. Add coconut oil. Once oil is very hot, add chicken to the pan without crowding the pan to help with searing. Sprinkle with salt. Once chicken begins to turn white, flip on cook on other side. After chicken has cooked through, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. When chicken is done cooking, add 2 more tablespoons to the pan (if needed) then add garlic and onion. Once onion becomes translucent, add coconut milk, honey, coconut amines, sriracha, red pepper flakes, and salt. Whisk together and let come to a low boil then reduce to low heat.
4. Lastly, while continuously whisking, add in tapioca flour ⅛ cup at a time. Be sure to continuously whisk to keep from tapioca flour from clumping.
5. Once mixture thickens, add chicken to the pan with the sauce and coat, let cook for about a minute to reheat the chicken.
6. Pour sauce and chicken on top rice and garnish with green onions.

Paleo Bison Chili

In my attempt to cook and eat healthier this year, I have realized one thing...I need to plan my weekly meals. Our family has always been a "what do you feel like" family. You know the one, me texting my hubs every morning asking, what do you feel like for dinner tonight? Him saying, whatever you want and then we end up ordering in since neither of us can make a decision. So, I sat down at my computer and researched meals that I thought looked good and relatively easy (because I am still a hot mess in the kitchen, lets be honest!)

 First up on my prep for the week is Paleo Bison Chicken.

 Prep your veggies... I am not an expert at this yet, I need to practice getting it all around the same size.

 Heat a heavy bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add coconut oil.Add onions, peppers and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent, about 3 or 4 minutes.

 Next, add ground bison, cumin, and chili powder.Stir while this cooks, about 5 to 6 minutes.

 I used organic green chiles, diced tomatoes with jalapeños and cilantro for some extra flavor and crab salsa. I wasn't sure about using the crab salsa but the hubs picked it and if it doesn't work out I can always use a regular salsa next time.

 Pour in salsa, tomatoes, green chiles and salt.

 Simmer for one hour.

It turned out a little bit on the spicy side thanks to the jalapeño in the tomatoes and the chili powder. For a milder flavor you can play with the spices a bit. I got a big thumbs up from the hubs and since he is my biggest critic, this dinner was a WIN!!!!!!

Spoon up and ENJOY!!!

Ingredients:

     1 Tbs coconut oil, tallow, bacon grease, or lard

     1/2 medium yellow onion, diced

     1 green pepper 

     1 red pepper

     2 cloves garlic, sliced

     1-3/4 lb ground bison (elk, venison, or beef may be substituted)

     2 tsp ground cumin

     2 tsp chili powder

     1 (12 oz) jar salsa

     1 (8 oz) can diced tomatoes

     1 (7 oz) can mild green chiles

     2 tsp sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Heat a heavy bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. 

When the pan is hot, add coconut oil.

Add onions, peppers and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent, about 3 or 4 minutes.

Next, add ground bison, cumin, and chili powder.

Stir while this cooks, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Pour in salsa, tomatoes, green chiles and salt.

Simmer for at least 1 hour.

Enjoy!

Applelicious Greenberry Recipe

Finding a good Greenberry recipe was something that after a year of drinking Shakeology, I was desperately searching for. I just figured that I would never drink anything except for me beloved chocolate and vegan chocolate and I was totally ok with that. 

When I was in New York, 2 people attending the certification class with me were drinking Greenberry with just ice and water. I have to admit, I may have made a face or two of disgust, BUT then Alicia gave me the golden recipe.  I had some Greenery packets and I figured I didn't have anything to lose so Monday morning, I put my ingredients in my trusty Vitamix, blended it up, and it was REFRESHING!!!!

Applelicious:

1 scoop Greenberry Shakeology

1 cup water

splash of Almond Milk

1 tsp oranic honey

3/4 of a honey crisp apple

Ice

BLEND and ENJOY

What do you do to decompress??

The last few weeks have been CRAZY in the Kyle household. While we were on vacation in Utah, hubs had to get 16 stitches from a gash he got while snowboarding. Then this last weekend I was traveling to get my Insanity Certification ( still flying high from that). While I was gone, Ryan broke his arm and we had to go get him casted when I got home...so CRAZY!

One of my goals for this year was to learn how to cook and we have been very vigilant in making our meals BUT we really like to eat out. Food always tastes better when you don't have to make it, so I suggested to hubs that we have a date night and of course he said yes!!

One of the perks of where we live is that we are literally 20 minutes outside of Philadelphia and we have so many great options for date night. Hubs gave me 2 choices and we decided that we would try out Talula's Garden. My reason for choosing this restaurant is because it claimed a Farm to Table atmosphere and when I looked at the menu there were plenty of options for our nutrition plan.

I wish I had been able to take more photos of the actual restaurant because the garden outside was beautiful but the waitress told me that the gardens aren't open to sit at until the temperature is consistently above 60. Since the temperature was around 35 when we arrived, I was very happy to be sitting inside.

The chef sent out complimentary brioche buns with a pat of butter and even though that is NOT paleo, it would have been rude for me to leave it sitting there, so I took a small taste and it melted in my mouth. I had already looked at the menu and hubs and I had pretty much decided what we were going to get. 

We started with:

"Oyster and Pickles"...cornmeal fried Chesapeake Oysters, Garden Pickels, Baby Romaine hearts and Smoke house made creme fraiche. (there is not pic because we inhaled it)

The Hubs had:

Overnight Pork Belly, Berkshire Pork, Black Garlic Crust, Ginger Scented Sweet Potatoes, Local Apples, and Pomegranate Pork Gastrique

     I have to say that I did taste the pork belly and it was very very good. I was expecting it to be a little bit crispier but he loved it.

My choice was"

Seared Day Boat Scallops, Fragrant Roasted Quince, Parsnip Puree, Toasted Hazelnuts, Citrus Herb Vinaigrette, Fresh Baby Kale

     IT WAS AHHHHH-MAZING! I don't think it was because I didn't have to actually make it but the parsnip puree was so so good!!! 

For sides we had:

Brussel Sprouts and Bacon "Stuffing" walnuts and Apple Cider Glaze

     and 

Maple Roasted Butternut and Acorn Squash , Hot & Spicy Toasted Pecans

The squash could have been a dessert. The maple syrup that they were roasted with really made them sweet and tender. I could have eaten just that and been a happy happy person. 

We did have dessert ( no pics)
Old Fashioned Maple Bread Pudding
     Toasted Brioche, Maple Ice Cream, Cayenne Cashews, and Bourbon Sauce.

It wasn't a HUGE dessert but it hit the spot and it was a very nice end to a wonderful meal with my hubs.

We really like being able to find places that have healthier options so that when we leave we don't feel like we have ruined the progress that we have been striving for in our workouts all week.

Do you like to go out to eat? What's your favorite places to go??

What a difference 6 weeks can make

That girl in week 1, she had no idea how much she would GROW. She looks scared- ha! She was scared. She wanted to see changes so badly and she wanted to be able to be a good example to as many people as she could be. 

That girl in week 4, she thought she was doing awesome. She had seen some results, she had stuck to the plan, and was pretty proud of herself.

The girl in week 6, she has been humbled. She has experienced some freaking HARD workouts. She has faced her fear of group exercise classes. She has learned that she is more than a number on a scale. She can see the light at the end of the tunnel. 2 more weeks and she will be an Insanity Max:30 graduate!!! She CAN push through and Max Out! She KNOWS that things she never thought she wanted are possible. 

When I started doing Beachbody programs (T25 to be exact), I wanted to be able to tone up a little bit, and I did. Max:30 has taken my toning to an entirely new level. It has taken it to a level that I didn't even know I wanted. I didn't know that finding abs would push me to want to see what other muscles were there. I didn't know that I could actually enjoy (gasp!) push ups! I didn't know I was capable of some of these things.

I am not posting this to make anyone feel badly. I am posting and sharing myself like this because I want you to see the possibilities. If you want to be a runner, go outside and run (even if it's just 100 yards) you have to start somewhere. If you want to learn about nutrition, start researching!!! All the answers you need are available- all you have to do is find the one that you are looking for.

2 more weeks and then I will be starting a new program, I will be committing to the 21 day fix Extreme program for 3 weeks and most likely I will then start another round of Insanity Max. If you are wanting some direction...ask me!!! I want to help you start your journey. It won't be the exact same as mine but it will be an adventure that I would love to go on with you :)

Coach Basics- Day 5 (part 2)

Day 5 (2 of 2) – Let’s talk PEOPLE:
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WHAT DO I SAY TO PEOPLE?
When you meet new people here’s an easy way to remember how to connect and build strong relationships— always follow the F.O.R.M. process.
F = Family: Does your prospect have kids, siblings, a spouse, etc
O = Occupation: What does your prospect do for a living?
R = Recreation: What does your prospect do for fun? Do they play sports? Are they in a club? Dothey go to the beach or go camping with their family?
M = Message: After you get to know your new friend by asking questions about their family, occupation, and recreation you can tailor your invitation for them to get their free Team Beachbody membership and join your general health and fitness Facebook page or your nextChallenge Group. We all know where it can go from there! So, get out there and F.O.R.M.
Goals: Make it a goal to F.O.R.M. with at least two new people via social media today. You can do this simply by having a conversation with a fellow member of a group that you belong to. Remember F.O.R.M.ing is all about sincerely wanting to get to know people, so always be sincerein your conversation and intent. Make it your goal the next time you are there to F.O.R.M. with at least one new person.
EXPANDING YOUR NETWORK:
One of the things I hear OVER and OVER as a Coach that has been in the business for over 3 years is - I just don't know enough people! WRONG. And if you have that mentality, then you willnot put the effort to find people to join you. Consider that MANY of YOU were not my personal friends before you and I met - we met through Facebook, my fan page, a referral and the list goeson and on! RIGHT?!?
Oh, and I guess the 430853408345 people on Social Media today aren't enough! I am being sarcastic but it is TRUE! My sister and I have independently built two 6-figure incomes with theSAME circle of friends. If you think there aren't enough people - think again. You just need to find them. HERE IS HOW:
By now, you have already told your family and friends that you are a Coach. Now what? Are you wondering how to keep the momentum going? Our most successful Coaches are always looking for more people to help and making new friends wherever their lives take them, as well as on theinternet. Always keep your eyes and ears open and don’t be afraid to just talk to people! Here are some great ways to expand your list:
1. Social Media – We’re doing it right now. You’ve gothundreds, possibly thousands of friends on Facebook, Google+™, LinkedIn®, Pinterest—plus they have friends you could friend!
TIP: Go to your friend's pages (THAT ARE NOT COACHES) and go to their friends list. You might find old friends from Elementary, Junior High School, etc. Send them friend requests. Do about 5 per day. Do not go crazy doing this as you can be thrown in Facebook jail. Skim YOUR friends list and make the day of 3 people each day. What do I mean? Private message 3 people each day simply to put a smile on their face.
"Hey Monica! I saw your daughter did awesome on her ballet performance. Just wanted to congratulate you. That is so great! I hope you have a fantastic day my friend!"
That is it. It will probably get a simple, un-intentional conversation going. Remember, NEVER assume it will end in a sale immediately. That is not the point. The point is to expand your Network and develop relationships. You never know if Monica has a friend that has mentioned she needs to lose weight. Now you are on Monica's mind.
2. Wear & Share – Wear Beachbody gear with pride (T-shirts, hats, etc.). Keep your ears open, and you’ll start to hear people mention that they’ve heard of, or done “that program.”
3. Are you a parent? Do your kids play sports? Are your kids in school? Are your kids in clubs? Every child has parents; connect with them!
4. Are you a member of any networking groups? If you’re not, join some.
5. Do you buy groceries or do any kind of shopping? People are everywhere; be friendly, SMILE, and people will want to talk to you!

Coach Basics- Day 5 (part 1)

Day 5 (1 of 2) – Let’s talk PEOPLE:
The contact list is probably one of the MOST important tools you will have as a Beachbody Coach. And crazy enough, like 5% of all coaches have one! Why is that? I think it's because most people pre-judge everyone they know and won't write any names down (i.e. "Susie willnever workout at home." "Juan will never eat healthy." "Maria is into that other shake so she will never drink Shakeology.") AHHHHH, DO NOT DO THIS! Everyone and their MOMMA goes down on that list. Pre-judging is BAD BAD BAD. Do not make decisions for people without talking to them FIRST (or A LOT).
Contact List: http://tbbcoa.ch/ContactList_2013
Video Assignment: Watch the How to Use the Contact List video. Are you using the Contact List effectively? This is a great way to keep track of the friends you have been inviting so you can seewhere they are in the process.
http://youtu.be/yJkZdJ3VlWE
Print off the Contact List and take the next 5 minutes to add 30 names to the list. Be sure to keep all your Contacts on one Contact List.

Coach Basics- Day 4 (part 2)

Day 4(Part 2 of 2) 
Challenge Groups: A good coach starts a Challenge Group, a GREAT Coach starts a Challenge Groups and converts all of its participants to Coaches because they had such a GREAT experience. They keep things fresh, engaging and EXCITING. They also personal message their participants to check in with them on a more personal level. A good coach, does one group every couple of months. Or gives up because no one joined. BOOOO! A great coach, starts at least 2 Challenge Groups a month and even if they “fail” THEY KEEP GOING. You need to gain traction with challenge groups. Keep pushing! A good coach will post once about the start of a new group. A great coach will be persistent and consistent about sharing the new group, will personally invite people to join, will start multiple conversations with people on a daily basis and will team up with another coach if needed to make the group a success! Are you worried about leading your own Challenge Group? Don’t be! Beachbody has youcovered! They created Challenge Group Guides for every program! They are all located in the Coach Online Office and all you do is copy and paste the daily posts into your private Facebook group page. They are located in your COO, Sales and Marketing, Beachbody Challenge. Also, the FITNESS JUNKIES always have coaches running challenge groups. If you want, you could always team up with other coaches to help make your Challenge Group ROCK!!

Coach Basics-Day 4 (part 1)

Day 4(Part 1 of 2) – The Good Coach v. The GREAT COACH:
Have you ever really considered that you are actually a coach? What does it mean to sponsor someone and what is the definition of a coach? A great coach leads by building relationships with people. They recognize the potential in others and inspire them to achieve. They affirm, encourage, and have a positive attitude with those they coach. When you hear about an athlete being recruited by a coach, you are always impressed. That is exactly what sponsorship is. When you sponsor someone to join your Team, you are saying that they are awesome and that you want to include them. It is a great feeling! Have any of you ever had a great coach in your past? What made them great? Who inspires you as a great Team Beachbody Coach?
Go into your Coach Online Office and take a look at the 2014 Elite 10 Leaderboard found under theIncentives & Rewards tab.
Choose 5 Coaches from the list and start following them on social media. The best advice I ever received was "Be the Coach that you would want Coaching YOU." Or "Be the Coach you would want to have sponsored YOU." Think about that. What does that mean to you?
Customer Service is KEY:This is a PEOPLE BUSINESS! Check out the “Johnny the Bagger” video and share your ideas for improving your own customer service. (3 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9hdy-fNyYw&feature=youtu.be

Coach Basics- Day 3

DAY 3 
At Beachbody® we know the secret to success! It’s simple: follow the 3 Vital Behaviors EVERY DAY.
1. INVITE. INVITE. INVITE. Invite to be a friend first. Invite to your general health Facebook or free Fit Club page. Invite to your Challenge Group. All it takes is talking to people with the intent of helping them. Use the 5-Step Invitation Guide (see files tab in the group for the guide) and follow the 5 steps to invite to a Challenge Group. The 5-Step Invitation Guide gives you a proven step-by-step process to invite and fill your Challenge Group spots.
2. Be Proof the Products Work. You can’t expect someone to join a Challenge Group if you’re not in one yourself. You don’t have to have an amazing transformation story; you just need to be on your journey. What Challenge Group are you in?
3. Personal Development. To improve your business you need to improve yourself. Get started with reading personal development book of your choice for at least 10 minutes each day. We suggest starting with The Compound Effect.

DAY 3 (Part 2 of 2) – Social Media: 
I wanted to address using Facebook, Instagram, etc. for your business at the front end because it is so critically important. When I started my business, I didn't realize how important learning the skill of posting would impact my business. I do now. And I learn from other leaders how it is effectively done.
Rule 1: 80/20 - 80% of your daily post will continue to be about what you LOVE. Your kids, your food, your outings, your adventures, your quirkiness, your love of interesting articles, your love of motivational quotes, etc.
The other 20% will be about Beachbody. A selfie after your workout, drinking your Shakeology, announcing your next Challenge Group, an interesting article about nutrition, a MOVE of the DAY, etc.
The point is to continue being YOU, just a better version of YOU. If you vomit Beachbody all day long, people will get turned off and stop following you. You need to ADD VALUE to their lives. Always ask yourself, what will this post accomplish?
1. Did I teach something?
2. Did I inspire someone?
3. Does this post make people laugh?
4. Did I position the Coaching Opportunity in a way that would make ME want to join?
Rule2: DO NOT POST YOUR WEBSITES PUBLICLY. Yes, I said it. Think about this, have YOU ever bought something from Facebook from a post with a website. I but the answer is NO. So don't do it. That screams I AM A SALESPERSON! Sending someone your website should be done privately and ONLY AFTER they have committed to joining.
Rule 3: CLEAR and CONCISE. And this means your pictures too. Do not post blurry pictures! Use appropriate apps to edit photos, etc. They must be eye-catching for people to appreciate it. Remember this is a business and sloppiness is a turn off.
Rule 4: Facts TELL, Stories SELL. This is a people business NOT a product business. It is ok to explain a new product in a post BUT the majority of your posts should tell a STORY. GET PERSONAL. How did this opportunity change your life, how did that program change your challengers LIFE? That is what will attract people to you and the business.
BAD POST: I am a Beachbody Coach. I am looking for 5 people to join my P90X Challenge Group. To order, go to www.beachbodycoach.com/blabla
GREAT POST: Just three weeks ago, my friend Sean started T25 and drinking Shakeology daily. I have seen him work so hard in my group - he's even been busy traveling for work and took his DVDs with him! That, my friends, is someone on a MISSION! Today, he has lost 15 pounds andis FULL of ENERGY. Seriously, I am so proud of him and this incredible accomplishment. I am certain this is a life-long change for him and his family. Help me congratulate him and give me a VIRTUAL HIGH FIVE!
There are many, many lessons we can give on this topic but think of this as a CRASH COURSE. Follow the Beachbody leaders as well as leaders on our team to learn how to do this. This is a skill that takes practice and it starts TODAY.

Coach Basics- Day 2

DAY 2 – WHY:
So why did you decide to be a Coach? What part of being a Team Beachbody Coach are you passionate about? You know, your deep meaningful reason... Just like in fitness Challenge Groups, the people who can connect with their emotional why never quit! Let us know the reason why you will not quit! 
P.S. - Your WHY is not "to help people." It is personal, it is about YOU, it is what will make YOU and your family happy and fulfilled. What do YOU WANT?

BTW—you can post a video response if you want to as well!

Coach Basics- Day 1

DAY 1 – HOUSEKEEPING:

Today is ALL about Housekeeping and BASIC set up! This video will guide you through everything you need to know about setting up your profile, and personalizing your Beachbody websites! Take time to watch the video, follow along, and complete your profile and edit your personal websites

Comment below “done” when completed! Then we'll check out your personalized websites!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb_3ekcjXzc&feature=youtu.be

Common Questions about Beachbody Coaching

I started as a Beachbody Coach because I fell in love with Shakeology! It all starts with an invitation to try a challenge.
#1 I don't want to drink a shake and I don't need a meal replacement.
TRY IT! Give yourself 30 days to see how your body responds. It is a meal replacement, so if you are making a food budget, add it in to that as one of your daily meals. Even though we may try to eat healthy, we all are lacking nutrients. Shakeology is your daily vitamins and healthiest meal of your day. You most likely will see a decrease in craving sweets, you will have increased energy because your body is receiving the nutrients it needs to operate at your maximum capacity. Shakeology is a health shake and you start to see results between 2 and 3 weeks after consistent consumption.
#2 Marketing
This is your business and you can run it however you want! How cool is that?? If you are a face to face person and you would like to go and talk to people all day long, you can do that. You don't have to do this business on social media, although it does make many aspects of this business much easier because you can reach so many more people and you have so many options. The sky is endless, there is no right or wrong way and whatever way you choose, we as a team will help you find the way to be successful. If you were to look at some of the Top Coaches in this business, they all run their businesses in ways that work for them.
#3 Unsupportive Spouse
That sometimes happens. They just don't know what it really means. The more people that you help and the more relationships you form, the more good suggestions you can give for the right workouts and products that will help them succeed will be how your network grows. If it was a scam, you would be signing people up to just sign them up, there would be no transactions of goods and services. You have to have a good customer base. You find good customers by sharing your experience. So, if you are just starting your journey, we will teach you how to share your experiences. We will walk you through each step together.

We have an awesome team to support you to make this WORK!!!!

Vanilla Nog

Vanilla Nog

1 serving Vanilla Shakeology
1 cup nonfat milk
1 tsp. rum extract
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

For the best taste experience, use a blender and add ice. The more ice, the thicker it gets. Feel free to use any kind of milk or milk substitute (almond, rice, or coconut milk)—the more milk, the creamier it gets! Enjoy!

Calories: 229

Tiramisu

Tiramisu

 1 serving Vanilla Shakeology
1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
1 Tbsp. marscarpone (or ricotta cheese)
1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa
½ tsp. rum extract

For the best taste experience, use a blender and add ice. The more ice, the thicker it gets. Enjoy!

Calories: 166

Cinnamon Roll

Cinnamon Roll

1 serving Chocolate Shakeology
1 cup nonfat milk
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla extract

For the best taste experience, use a blender and add ice. The more ice, the thicker it gets. Feel free to use any kind of milk or milk substitute (almond, rice, or coconut milk)—the more milk, the creamier it gets! Enjoy!

Calories: 248

Gingerbread Cookie

Gingerbread Cookie

1 serving Greenberry Shakeology
1 ½ cups ice
1 to 1½ cups almond milk
½ medium banana
1 Tbsp sunflower butter
1½ tsp. cinnamon

For the best taste experience, use a blender and add ice. The more ice, the thicker it gets. Blend slowly at first to get good consistency then speed it up for about 30 seconds. Feel free to use any kind of milk or milk substitute (almond, rice, or coconut milk)—the more milk, the creamier it gets! Enjoy!

Calories: 313

Chocolate Minty

Chocolate Minty

1 serving Chocolate Shakeology
1 cup water
1/8 tsp. mint extract

For the best taste experience, use a blender and add ice. The more ice, the thicker it gets. Enjoy!

Calories: 156

Sweet and Spicy

Sweet and Spicy

1 serving Chocolate Vegan Shakeology
1 cup unsweetened rice milk
2 tsp. pure maple syrup
½ tsp. cayenne pepper

For the best taste experience, use a blender and add ice. The more ice, the thicker it gets. Feel free to use any kind of milk or milk substitute (almond, rice, or coconut milk)—the more milk, the creamier it gets! Enjoy!

Calories: 331

Fig Pudding

Fig Pudding

1 serving Chocolate Vegan Shakeology
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
6 ripe figs
2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts

For the best taste experience, use a blender and add ice. The more ice, the thicker it gets. Feel free to use any kind of milk or milk substitute (almond, rice, or coconut milk)—the more milk, the creamier it gets! Enjoy!

Calories: 486

Dark Blue Moon Recipe

Dark Blue Moon

1 serving Chocolate Shakeology
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup water

For the best taste experience, use a blender and add ice. The more ice, the thicker it gets. Enjoy!

Calories: 228

Maple-Nana Recipe

Maple-Nana

1 serving Chocolate Vegan Shakeology
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 medium banana
2 tsp. pure maple syrup
½ tsp. ground cinnamon

For the best taste experience, use a blender and add ice. The more ice, the thicker it gets. Feel free to use any kind of milk or milk substitute (almond, rice, or coconut milk)—the more milk, the creamier it gets! Enjoy!

Calories: 353

Insanity Instructor- Check!

This last weekend, I really stepped out of my comfort zone and went to New York to get certified to teach Insanity.

Fun fact... I had never done the original insanity. Fun fact #2... I had never been to a group exercise class before in my life.

I have never been what some would call coordinated (at all). I'm the person who when they say move left, I go right but I totally fell in love with Insanity Max:30 and I felt pretty confident that I could make it through the training so I signed up and went to New York. My mantra for this certification was... Just make it through and you know what? I didn't just make it through- I loved every second of it. When I originally signed up, I was super excited because the instructor was going to be Danielle Katz, who is a master trainer and expert on Insanity formats. She is a kick butt Beachbody coach but she is an EXPERT on teaching Insanity!!
This means that short of Shaun T being there to teach me... Danielle is the BEST!

Not only did we have Danielle there to impart all of her knowledge but where Danielle goes, Darren goes and so we got to have the knowledge of two master insanity trainers!
That's kind of intimidating for a person who has never done insanity- right?!??
So, everyone shows up at the location and we sit in a circle and we all start saying who we are and where we are from... And the first 5 people to introduce themselves were in the Insanity Max:30 test group - oh ok. The next 4 people , they were in he insanity and insanity max DVD's - what?!?!? Apparently I had fallen into Insanity Royalty and I need to catch up!!
The class overall was super informative and I learned a ton about the Insanity Brand. Then... It was time to workout.
So, Danielle started previewing the moves for the round we will be doing in the class and she says - "oh wow this one is hard, WOW, this is really HARD!"
As a newbie... I was scared but I KNEW I just had to make it through. Could I do every move??? No, so I modified! I concentrated on doing good form instead of trying to "keep up" with all of these Insanity Pro's that were getting certified.. JUST LIKE ME!
I truly feel like doing the Beachbody programs has not only made me a stronger person on the outside but they have done more work on my insides! The confidence I have gained is AMAZING!!!

Sigh...I digress...
I made It through the workout!! ME! The person who had never done insanity or been to a group exercise class. And when it came time in our small group to teach our section- I did pretty good (if I do say so myself).

I have to practice and I have to learn but I WILL teach insanity in the near future - I can tell you that with full confidence because if there is one thing I have learned being a Beachbody coach it is how to set goals and meet them!
So who is ready to go Insane with me?? It was one of the best days of my life and I wish I could bottle up the feelings from that day and give it away to people!!
I can- come to a class with me!!!!! I can't wait to start teaching and it boggles my mind that a year ago, this wasn't even a dream of mine. What this whole experience has taught me is to be open minded!! Don't judge a program before you actually try it first and even though it's the "hardest workout ever made" it is the most rewarding one as well!! I am certifiably Insane - it's official now!!