Why do we only eat pumpkin in the fall?

I get why pumpkin is huge in the fall, makes sense. But when baking canned pumpkin is usually always used and that may not be in your front display now but it's still sold in the baking aisle.

I LOVE pumpkin and decided I couldn't wait until fall. I found this recipe and it sure was a delicious breakfast. 

The recipe calls for:

1 cup pumpkin purée

2 1/4 cup oatmeal or steal cut oats***

2 eggs

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk

4 tbsp coconut butter

1/2 cups + 2 tbs organic maple syrup

1 tbsp pure vanilla

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda 

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips 

-- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

-- Line or spray the muffin pan with baking oil. 

-- Mix all ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor or blender.

-- Fold in the chocolate chips or use them to top each muffin.

-- Fill the muffin tin 3/4 of the way.

-- Bake in the oven for 22-24 minutes and let cool.

*** So I didn't use oatmeal because the recipe I found said "rolled oats" which I now know just means oatmeal. Instead I bought steel cut oats which I've never had before but knew they were very healthy for you. Because of this I'm sure my muffins are a different texture then the recipe I saw but I like it. Makes the muffins hearty and fills you. 

One batch I only topped the muffins with some chocolate chips and the second batch I mixed them in the batter. 

ENJOY!

Product of the Week

No explanation needed, just buy it! This can be found in your grocery store either in the organic aisle or by the peanut butter. 

I finally got this over the weekend and love it in my shakes now! I always hated getting the natural peanut butter stuck to the sides of the blender so there was always less peanut butter flavor in my shake but this doesn't stick to the sides. It mixes well just like shakeology or protein powder.

I can't wait to see what else I can do with it!

Quinoa Porridge

The recipe calls for:

quinoa

coconut milk

greek yogurt

nuts/mini chocolate chips

natural peanut butter 

-- Cook the quinoa with coconut milk instead of water.

-- Add all the toppings, mix and enjoy!

Some substitute options:

almond butter instead of peanut butter 

jelly instead of yogurt 

fruit instead of nuts and chocolate chips

almonds instead of peanuts/peacans

almond milk instead of coconut 

Start Each Day With Gratitude

5 things to think about each morning...

1.) Smile, because you're alive and living is what you are meant to do.

2.) Begin your routine. Routines aren't boring, they keep you organized and sane. Follow your morning routine daily. It will make all the difference in your week. It will make you feel productive, keep you on time and keep stress away. Everyone's routine is different but everyone needs that structure if you have a busy life or family. One thing I am trying to add to my routine is emptying the dish washer. It's helpful to have that done already when I get home from a long day. Have a night time routine too that you follow daily. Pick up the toys in the living room, prep lunches, pick out clothes for the next day, etc.  

3.) Keep the tv off. Tv is simply a distraction, unnecessary and will get you out of your routine in the morning. Instead turn on some tunes to get you moving! If you don't want to wake the kids, just enjoy the silence. Collect your thoughts. 

4.) Again, get moving! If your time is limited then dance to those tunes or better yet wake up a little earlier so exercise can happen. You may not think it but exercise gives you more energy. During that chug some water. It will awaken you! 

5.) Enjoy something every morning before starting your busy work day or hectic mom life at home. It could be a cup of coffee with an adult coloring book, putting smiles on your kids face by making a yummy breakfast for them or  listen to an old cd while reminiscing in traffic. Not everyone has a lot of time before heading out for the day so this enjoyment for YOU could also be done on your lunch break or during nap time.

Another week at work, for most of us, completed now it's time to enjoy the weekend. I was off the past two days with my sick son so needless to say I am exhausted. Looking forward to the next two days!

Good vibes,

Jenn

Winged it, Balsamic Chicken

Pesto chicken was on the menu for dinner tonight but silly me forgot my son hasn't had pine nuts yet and can't try them until he's two so I had to quickly think of something else. I had leftover balsamic yogurt dressing from salads we had recently and also some leftover part skim ricotta cheese from a 21 day fix recipe I made. I hate wasting food so I used what I had and made this recipe up. I think it came out good! Only a few ingredients needed, healthy and easy to make. 

The recipe calls for:

balsamic yogurt dressing 

chicken breasts

part skim ricotta cheese

balsamic vinegar (optional)

-- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

-- Spray baking dish with coconut oil or whatever you use. Add the chicken to the dish. Marinate the chicken in the balsamic yogurt dressing. 

-- Put chicken in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. It would be longer if you used regular chicken breasts as opposed to the tenders I used.

-- Add a couple small spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese on top of the chicken breasts. Put back in the oven for a couple more minutes to melt the cheese.

-- Once the chicken was done I added a splash of balsamic vinegar but it's not necessary. There is plenty of flavor without it. 

The yogurt dressings are found by the bagged lettuce mixture, the refrigerated area in produce. It's the only kind of dressing I buy anymore. There are a variety of flavors to pick from, some grocery stores have different kinds so look around for your favorite. Marinating chicken in any of the flavors would be delicious I think too, just maybe different toppings to go with that specific flavor.

Enjoy! 

Protein Coffee

I am in HEAVEN! 

The recipe calls for:

ground coffee

chocolate protein powder

water

coconut milk or milk/cream of your choice

-- This is so simple! Add coffee to the filter in your coffee pot like every morning and add one tablespoon of protein powder per two tablespoons of coffee. 

-- BREW and await the deliciousness!

-- Pour in your favorite mug, add milk/cream of your choice and ENJOY!

Each sip keeps getting better and better...CHEERS! ☕️

Who loves pizza night?

Wow! Brown rice pizza crust, who would've thought to do this? I just saw the recipe on the box of brown rice and had to try it! Perfect for our pizza night! This officially has beaten my quinoa pizza crust. I'm in foodie love! This is going to be my go to pizza crust from now on. Can't wait to use different toppings next time and maybe even add some more spices to the crust!

The recipe calls for:

1 bag of brown rice (boil in a bag, 10 minute kind or approximately 2 cups)

1 cup mix of shredded part skim mozzarella cheese/parmasean cheese 

oregano

2 eggs, beaten

-- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a baking pan. 

-- Mix all ingredients above in a bowl and spread onto the baking pan. 

-- Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and add toppings. I just used a chunky mariana sauce, some shredded cheese and sprinkled some dry basil. 

-- Bake for an additional 10 minutes. 

Enjoy!!! Seriously so good!

Wake up call

I feel so tired this morning and I got more sleep than normal. How could this be possible?

Surprisingly I feel more awake after a good workout. Did I workout this morning? No. Did I last night? No. That is why I'm so tired. I plan to tonight but just missing yesterday got me like 😔💤

That is my wake up call, no slacking because this feeling right now sucks. I don't want to feel tired at 8am. I have work to do, a toddler to run after, dinner to make, bath to give and prep for the next day. There's no time to be tired. 

Drank my shake this morning and plan to chug some water when I get into work. I have to wake this body up!

I need to remember this!

Good vibes,

Jenn

#happymonday

Monday is here, attack it instead of dreading it. Start the week/month off on a good note, with a good sweat sesh. I promise you it will be worth it! I had a friend message me yesterday saying "I admire your determination for getting fit." That motivated me even more to keep going. 

cardio workout ✅

shakeology ✅

I used to always get so bummed Sunday afternoon like most people because the work week was coming yet again BUT we don't JUST live for the weekends. We have to make every day matter. For me, I start to look forward to being an organized mom. It may seem small to some but it's something I've dreamed about forever. Getting the menu set for the week, prepping cute lunches for my son and clothes that go with the theme or color at school that week. I also try to make each work day extra special in some way. Whether it be my guilty pleasure of Bachelor Monday, playing with new blocks Santa brought that we haven't opened yet or a new craft with my son. I want the time I am home with my family during the week to count. I don't want to just sit around waiting for the weekend again. It's good to look forward to stuff but don't lose site on the now. 

Yesterday was rest day workout wise. My son and I went on an adventure outside. We played in the snow, sled down hills, went for a mini hike exploring our woods backyard while listening to the birds sing and we sang back to them. It was a beautiful day. We weren't out there long but I did get a tiny workout in pulling him around in the sled. Memories like that though make my week bearable. 

Now I'm going to blast some Taylor Swift because that's what this basic bitch likes and have a good day. I hope you do too. ✌🏻️

Good vibes,

Jenn

Quinoa Caprese Casserole

I can't believe I haven't posted this recipe before. It's my absolute favorite quinoa recipe and I've made it many times or a family member has made it and we've split the recipe. Have you ever done that before? It is really helpful with food prep and keeps your meals more diverse. 

The recipe calls for:

olive oil

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 onion, chopped

red pepper flakes

8 oz frozen spinach

garlic, minced (I use quite a bit)

4 tomatoes, sliced

1/4 white wine

2 cups cooked quinoa

a bunch of fresh basil

fresh mozzarella, sliced or cubed

parmesan cheese

A substitute for the white wine could be chicken broth, you can also use the broth when cooking the quinoa instead of water for more flavor.

Another option is ground chicken or lean ground beef if you prefer.

-- Preheat over to 400 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13" baking dish or one a similar size with coconut oil.

-- Heat some olive oil in a pan. Add the ground meat, red pepper flakes and onion. Cook fully.

-- Add the garlic, white wine or broth and spinach (cooked/defrosted). Cook for a minute then add the cooked quinoa. Mix it all up.

-- Pour the mixture into your baking dish. Top with sliced tomatoes, slice mozzarella cheese and pieces of basil. Sprinkle some olive oil and parmesan cheese on top.

-- Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes.

I like to freeze leftovers into small containers and it's a convinent easy lunch to bring during the week.

Enjoy!

Dear 2016, you rock!

I've been skinnier, a lot skinner. I've been stronger, more athletic. All these things are in the past though. Where they belong. Right now I say screw all those things I used to be because now in this moment there's one thing I have never been and that is prouder. I can't remember a time in my life that I have felt this empowered and motivated.

I told myself this year would be my year and I am making that happen. Feeling great, losing weight, strengthening my body, learning, growing. What could be better?

I love squats. Like LOVE them. Who would've thought, certainly not me. My 1 1/2 year old son even does them sometimes now. Monkey see, monkey do. The first time I saw him squat with me I smiled so big. I was so proud. I was being the example I wanted to be. Again, what could be better?

Tricep body dips make me feel pumped up, upping the weight on my dumbbells and barbell makes me feel strong.

I am committed to this new journey. I have even worked out on my lunch break. I keep up with posts of inspiring fit women and moms, I have found yet another way to connect with my best friend in the world by being swole sisters and I have even been reading an actual book for more than a day. It's about  nutrition, fitness and the mind. I am still on the nutrition part of it but excited to get to the rest. It's called The Body Book by Cameron Diaz. Check it out! Because if it's a book I read daily it has to be winner.

One month into this new lifestyle and I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to see what all the days to come have to offer.

Good vibes,

Jenn

Balsamic Chicken & Veggies

This came out really good, I was surprised I liked it so much. It had a little kick to it which I liked. You can always make it spicer or leave that out if you don't like spicy food though. These type of veggies paired well with this sauce.

It's quick and easy!



The recipe calls for:

1 1/2 lbs chicken tenderloins
3 tbs balsamic vinegar
2 tbs honey
2 tbs olive oil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/4 cup & 2 tbs fat-free italian dressing
2 cups matchstick carrots
1 cup snow peas
1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
pepper

-- In a bowl, whisk together the italian dressing, basalamic vinegar, honey and red pepper flakes.
-- Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the chicken. Season with pepper and cook for about 6 minutes, flip chicken after 3 minutes.
-- Add half the dressing mixture to the pan and flip the chicken to fully coat it.
-- Remove the chicken from the pan and put on a plate/serving dish.
-- Add the carrots and snow peas to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes then put the veggies over the chicken. Add the tomoatoes to the plate.
-- Add the remainder of the dressing mixture to the pan and whisk constantly for about a minute until the sauce thickens. Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies.

Clean Eating Baked Ziti

 

This dinner was a hit with this kid. :)  It's a 21 day fix approved recipe, Baked Ziti with ground turkey. YUM!

The recipe calls for:
1 pound ground turkey
1 pound whole wheat penne pasta
1 medium size part-skim ricotta cheese
1 tbs balsamic vinegar
2 cups organic/natural pasta sauce
1 tbs honey
1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
1tbs of each of these spices: garlic powder, italian seasoning, oregano, parsley, basil, black pepper

-- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
-- Cook the pasta al-dente.  While cooking, brown up the ground turkey in a pan. Drain any fat from the pan.
-- Mix in a large bowl all ingredients except the pasta and mozzarella cheese.  Combine the mixture with the pasta and put in a baking dish.
-- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, a little more italian seasoning and parsley on top of the ziti.
-- Bake for 20 minutes.

Black Bean Hummus Wrap

 

HUMMUS

 

The recipe calls for:

2 cans of black beans, rinsed

2 garlic cloves or a spoonful of already minced garlic

2 jalapenos

1 tbs honey

salt & pepper to taste

 

-- Put all the ingredients into a food processor and you have hummus! Super easy! :)

 

I actually didn't add salt to mine, but the recipe says to and also I used the seeds to the jalapenos so it was extra spicy. I love spicy food, plus it helps me drink more water.

 

I am using the hummus for wraps this week for my lunches. The wrap is only 100 calories, it has flax seed in it. I just cooked up some zucchini and red peppers in a pan. I am going to switch it up each day, one day all veggies, one day maybe add cheese or just some lunch meat and hummus.

 

My brother has made this a few times as a dip with healthy dipping options. So delicious!

Healthy Chocolate Cake, Is There Such A Thing?

There sure is!

 

My mom's birthday was last month and my whole family is really trying to be healthy, but I still wanted to make something special for her. There is even a 90 day challenge going on with myself, my husband and brother to prep for our vacation in June. Even though we are trying to have a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean we can't have dessert. I wanted to make a cake for my mom because what is a birthday without a birthday cake. I was browsing online and found one that looked awesome. I had a few of the ingredients so I decided to try it out.

 

The recipe calls for:

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup coconut flour

1/4 coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup cocoa

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 eggs

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

pinch of sea salt

 

-- Preheat the oven to 320 degrees.

-- Combine all the dry ingredients. (cocoa, coconut flour, cinnamon, baking powder and sea salt) Mix together.

-- Add the eggs, honey, coconut oil, vanilla. Mix together.

-- Pour mixture into a greased round regular cake pan. I just sprayed the pan with some coconut oil.

-- Bake for 25 minutes.

-- Top with shredded coconut. You could also make an icing as well or some powdered sugar. I went the healthiest route I could think of and it paired well with the coconut flour in the cake.

 

 

 

This cake was delicious and very moist! It's definitely worth trying out. I am now obsessed with coconut flour. It smells so good and is a great substitute for regular white flour. We have since made pancakes with the coconut flour.

 

ENJOY & HOPE YOUR BIRTHDAY WAS A GREAT ONE MOM!