Wednesday, January 28, 2015

What is the 21 Day Fix EXTREME?


Do You Want the 21 Day Fix EXTREME? Click for Application


A year ago, almost to the day, Team Beachbody  launched the now #1 home fitness program the 21 Day Fix Created by Autumn Calabrese! The 30 minute total body workouts paired with the easy to follow nutrition guide and portion controlled containers created amazing buzz and nothing short of breath taking results!  Seriously for ME personally nutrition and portions were the missing links to me results.  I was eating clean, working out regularly but I was not getting the results I wanted.  The portion controlled containers paired with a food list categorized by the most nutrient dense and highly recommended foods at the top and the lowest nutritional value foods at the bottom!  I began to see results, my body changed and I am walking proof along with my hundreds of fix graduates that it works!!!!  



So after a few rounds of the 21 Day Fix and after crushing your initial fitness goals 
Autumn realized that she needed something that can take your fitness to the NEXT level!  
So now we are excited to announce the launch of the brand new 21 Day Fix EXTREME!!! Coming February 2nd to anyone who has a Team Beachbody Coach 
(if you don't have one, make me your coach please).


The goal with the 21 Day Fix Extreme is to create killer results, more muscle tone, definition, tightened up nutrition plan and advanced moves.  This worked is truly meant to get you shredded.  Autumn actually shares her competition meal plan with you to help you shred those pesky pounds that many of us hold on to.



Who should buy the program?

21 Day Fix EXTREME is ideal for those with a dramatic short-term weight
loss deadline--such as an upcoming vacation, photo shoot, or other big event.
It's an excellent next step for 21 Day Fix graduates ready for a new challenge
or graduates of other extreme programs like P90X, Insanity, and FOCUS T25.
Fix EXTREME is also great for those who don't have much weight to lose,
but want to get shredded and see abs; those with a "no BS" attitude toward
workouts and nutrition; or anyone who doesn't want to count calories, weigh
 their food, or follow complicated recipes.

I would not recommend the 21 Day Fix Extreme for a beginner.
This is an advanced program.  Autumn did talk about that when she was in
 Pittsburgh for our event last weekend.  So I want to make sure that you know
 to do the 21 day fix FIRST before moving to this program!

So what are the details?
The program is 21 days long!
You do 1 30 minute workout each day.
You do not need a lot of space to do this workout.  A 6 square foot area is all that you need.
What type of shoes do you need?  Cross Trainers or aerobic shoes are necessary.

The workouts include:  
Plyo Fix Extreme, Upper Fix Extreme, Lower Fix Extreme, 
Pilates Fix Extreme, Cardio Fix Extreme, Dirty 30 Fix Extreme  and 
Yoga Fix Extreme. 

There will be a bonus workout that you get for ordering through a coach plus 
there is also additional workouts that you can purchase also. 

Power strength extreme and ABC Extreme.

What Comes with the 21 Day Fix Extreme

What are the workouts all about??

  • Plyo Fix Extreme: An explosive lower-body workout that uses jumping and resistance to torch calories and sculpt muscles.
  • Upper Fix Extreme :By alternating opposing muscle groups, this no-rest upper-body workout will shred the chest, back,shoulders, and arms.
  • Pilates Fix Extreme: Using a resistance band for every exercise, this intense mat workout works the entire body, placing emphasis on the core.
  • Lower Fix Extreme: Glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves will get stronger, leaner, and more defined with 30 minutes of challenging resistance work.
  • Cardio Fix Extreme: Combining weighted cardio moves with traditional metabolic training intervals keeps the heart ratesoaring.
  • Dirty 30 Extreme: Using only seven compound moves focusing on multiple body parts at a time, this workout will burn extra calories while defining muscles. Get down and dirty, and get it done.
  • Yoga Fix Extreme: A fast-paced flow yoga class, combining strength, balance, flexibility, and power.
  • Power Strength Extreme: Based on functional movement patterns, these nine total-body exercises will change the way the body moves, increasing strength, endurance, and power.
  • ABC Extreme: A 30-minute workout that targets common problem areas by pushing abs, butt, and cardio to the extreme.  It'll get that competition body ready for the stage.
  • The Fix Challenge: Keep things interesting and burn off calories with this quick resistance workout!
Autumn Calabrese and Me @ SoCal Beachbody Event


Lets talk nutrition plan!

While the 21 day fix allowed for wine and chocolate the 21 Day fix extreme does
not.  It is 100% clean eating for these 21 days.  You do have the option to eat out at restaurants but you still have to follow the nutritional guidelines laid out.  Just think about it this way!  You can do anything you put your mind to for 21 days.
I can say from previous experience with Insanity Max 30 that when I followed
the nutrition plan to the T I really got amazing results.  I have never had abs
before and they were popping out!  I really do attribute a lot of my progress to
nutrition.  So make sure to take this part extremely serious.

You will get the 21 day fix portion controlled containers with your program
purchase!



So do you want to be the first to get it??? 

21 Day Fix Extreme Results
Plus I am going to be hosting an EXCLUSIVE 21 Day Fix Extreme TEST Group where I will be mentoring you through the program, teaching you how to navigate the nutrition plan, create a meal plan, prep, give you snack ideas, recipes, and tips.  Plus you will get daily videos, motivation and accountability right from me in a closed online group!!!  Our goal is to set realistic and achievable goals and to go 100% in for 21 days to achieve the very best results we can achieve!!! 

Does this sound like something you would like to do?  If so, complete the application below to be considered for a spot in my exclusive test group!!!!


The launch date is set for February 2nd.  If you complete the application
 I will give you the details of my group plus get you up to speed with
launch details, extra information and tips!  What are you waiting for??
 Summer isn't that far away, imagine what you can accomplish in 21
days but really imagine the possibilities if you made this a lifestyle
change!  Ummm.... total transformation by June! It could really happen!
Let me help you make it a reality!!!



Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Super Bowl Sunday Recipes and Tips



LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE...OH WAIT, THAT'S NOT FOOTBALL?

With Super Bowl coming up this weekend I think back to my past Super Bowls and all of the snacking, sitting on the couch, more snacking, cocktails, and more sitting...Did you know that more Americans gain wait on Super Bowl than any other day of the year! That's CRAY! Most of the food is smothered in ridiculousness of cheese and fats and grease! Leaving most people with half of their daily intake of calories consumed by half time. My old self would have relished in what then I considered "greasy goodness" but now it leaves me feeling gross and trying to find a way to avoid it, but still enjoy the day with family and friends! 

Being realistic, I know most everyone is going to indulge, but I'm hoping that these recipes may give you some better options, but still satisfy that thought of the "greasy goodness". You don't want to reverse all that hard work that most all of you are working towards as a result of your New Year's resolution! So...here are some tips and recipes that I am looking forward to this weekend! 



Tips:


  •  Don't show up to your party with an empty stomach!! I always drink my Shakeology right before I go to any party or function because I've realized it helps keep me away from hovering the appetizer and dessert platters! If you don't have Shakeology you can try eating some lean protein to help keep you full! 
  • Most people will find their seat next to the snacks, but the best seat in the house should be the closest to the TV, but the furthest away from the snacks! 
  • Be in the moment! The more your participate in watching the game and CHEERING for the team you hope to win, the less likely you'll have time to think about the food! 
  • Most importantly, don't slack on your workout!! Get up early and get it out of the way before you even leave the house! 
Snacks:

Sweet Potato Skins with Uncured Bacon

Original recipe from TeamBeachbody
We replaced fried white potatoes with nutrient-packed, baked sweet potatoes in this light and healthy makeover of a popular bar snack. Instead of bacon and sour cream, our recipe uses turkey bacon and Greek yogurt. Get the Recipe. 


Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Original Recipe From TeamBeachbody
These tangy, spicy chicken tenders dipped in creamy blue cheese sauce are delicious enough to make you forget they’re only 158 calories per serving. Get the Recipe

Almond Crust Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Sauce
Original Recipe from TeamBeachbody
These chicken fingers are baked, not fried, and have a crunchy almond crust. Get the Recipe.

Habanero Chili
Original Recipe TeamBeachbody
This hot, flavorful chili is tasty and filling. Get the Recipe.

Hummus Filled Hardboiled Eggs
Original Recipe TeamBeachbody



These can be made with homemade hummus recipe below. I’ll let you in on a little secret, when I photographed these eggs, the amount of hummus in the recipe didn’t quite fill the center of the egg white, so I dropped a single garbanzo bean into the center of each to take up space…and I loved the texture it added. Get the Recipe.


Dip

Healthier Seven Layer Dip

Original Recipe TeamBeachbody
What is a game day buffet table without a seven-layer dip? We created a lighter version that has all of the flavor and only 136 calories per serving. Get the Recipe

French Onion Dip

Original Recipe TeamBeachbody

When I was a kid, French onion dip was the go-to appetizer at every party. Back then, we made if from a powdered mix and sour cream. I experimented with a healthier way to create this favorite dip from scratch using caramelized onions and nonfat yogurt. The result? It’s even tastier than the original. Get the Recipe.

Chips

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips

Original Recipe Teambeachbody

These baked corn tortilla chips taste fresh and have a satisfying crunch you’ll love, without the guilt. Serve with the seven layer dip or dress them up with a squeeze of fresh lime and a touch of salt. Get the Recipe. 


ENJOY!!

Buffalo Chicken Tenders



These tangy, spicy chicken tenders dipped in creamy blue cheese sauce are delicious enough to make you forget they’re only 158 calories per serving.
Total Time: 50 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
4 Tbsp. hot pepper sauce (like Frank’s®), divided use
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 dash cayenne pepper (to taste; optional)
1 lb. raw chicken tenders
¼ cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 Tbsp. crumbled blue cheese
4 medium celery stalks, cut into sticks
Preparation:
1. Combine 1 Tbsp. hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne in a small bowl; mix well.
2. Add chicken; toss to coat. Marinate, covered, in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 375° F.
4. Place chicken in a baking dish. Discard any remaining marinade. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in the middle.
5. Combine yogurt and cheese in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside.
6. Combine chicken and remaining 3 Tbsp. hot sauce in a large bowl; toss gently to blend.
7. Serve chicken with dip and celery.

Sweet Potato Skins with Uncured Bacon



Nutritious baked sweet potatoes replace fried white potatoes in this healthy makeover of a popular bar snack. Instead of fatty bacon and sour cream, our sweet potato skins recipe uses turkey bacon and nonfat Greek yogurt. With only 190 calories per serving, they make a delicious snack, and can even be eaten for lunch or dinner.
Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 10 min.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
4 baked medium sweet potatoes, cut in half
1 tsp. olive oil
½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
8 Tbsp. low-fat plain Greek yogurt
2 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
8 green onions, thinly sliced
Preparation:
1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Scoop flesh out of sweet potatoes and reserve for another use.
3. Place skins on a baking sheet. Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10 minutes, or until crisp.
4. Top each sweet potato half evenly with yogurt, turkey bacon, tomato, and green onions.

Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers with Mustard Sauce



This kid-friendly meal is great for adults too!
Total Time: 35 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 20 min.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. raw honey
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. rice wine vinegar
Nonstick cooking spray (or olive oil cooking spray)
2 large eggs
2 Tbsp. water
1 lb. raw chicken breast tenders, skinless
1 cup whole wheat Panko bread crumbs (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
½ cup finely chopped sliced almonds
1 dash tsp. sea salt
1 dash tsp. ground black pepper
Preparation:
1. Combine honey, mustard, and vinegar in a small bowl; mix well. Chill.
2. Preheat oven to 425° F.
3. Line baking sheet with foil; lightly coat with spray.
4. Combine eggs and water in a medium shallow bowl; whisk to blend.
5. Soak chicken in egg mixture for 30 minutes, turning once; set aside.
6. Combine bread crumbs, almonds, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag; shake to combine.
7. Working with a few pieces at a time, lift chicken from egg mixture, letting excess drip back into bowl, and drop into bag containing bread crumb mixture. Seal bag and shake to coat; repeat with remaining chicken.
8.Place chicken on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning after 10 minutes, until no longer pink in the middle and golden brown.
9. Serve with honey mustard dipping sauce.

Habanero Chili




This hot, flavorful chili is so tasty, even meat eaters will love this recipe.
Total Time: 35 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 20 min.
Yield: 10 servings, about 1 cup each
Ingredients:
2 lbs. seitan
Nonstick cooking spray
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 habanero pepper, seeded and deveined, chopped (use gloves to handle)
1 tsp. chili powder
½ tsp. paprika
½ tsp. sea salt (to taste; optional)
1 dash ground black pepper
1 14.5 oz can black beans, do not drain
1 14.5 oz can kidney beans, do not drain
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
Preparation:
1. Place seitan in food processor; pulse until it has the consistency of ground beef. Set aside.
2. Heat large skillet, lightly coated with spray over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until translucent.
3. Add garlic, habanero pepper, and seitan; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until seitan is golden brown.
4. Add chili powder, paprika, salt (if desired), and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 more minutes.
5. Add black beans, kidney beans, and tomatoes; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until mixture is heated through.
Tip: Serve chili on top of cooked whole grain pasta (½ cup). Any remaining chili can be frozen to be reheated at a later time.
Tip: If you find habanero too spicy, substitute with jalapeƱo.

Hummus Filled Eggs




For a protein-packed snack, try hummus with your eggs.
Total Time: 5 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
5 hard-boiled eggs, cut in half lengthwise, yolks discarded*
4 Tbsp. prepared hummus
5 kalamata olives, chopped
Smoked paprika (to taste; optional)
*in other words – 5 egg whites
Preparation:
1. Fill each egg white half with about 1 tsp. hummus.
2. Sprinkle evenly with olives and paprika. Serve immediately.

Healthier Seven Layer Dip




Seven-layer dip was a regular feature of watching Saturday college football games with my dad when I was a kid. It’s one of his favorite snacks, and my sweet mom would make it for us, served with restaurant-style tortilla chips. Dad doesn’t like sour cream (or yogurt, or mayonnaise…weird, I know), so her version had a layer of diced onion, and black olives instead of peppers. It also had a LOT more cheese on top.
We asked our nutrition team to create this lighter version of seven-layer dip, that is heavy on fresh veggies, and uses nonfat refried beans and low-fat yogurt instead of sour cream. As a lifelong connoisseur of seven-layer dip, I can attest to its tastiness. The next time I make it I’ll buy spicier beans and add chopped jalapeƱo, because that’s how I roll.
Total Time: 25 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients:
2 medium ripe avocados
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 dash sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
1 dash ground black pepper
8 oz low-fat plain Greek yogurt
2 tsp. all-natural taco seasoning, no salt added
1 (15-oz) can nonfat refried beans, warm
4 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
1 bunch green onions, ends trimmed, sliced thin
2 Tbsp. shredded cheddar (or pepper jack) cheese (½ oz)
Preparation:
1. Mash avocados in a medium bowl.
2. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper; mix well. Set aside.
3. Combine yogurt and taco seasoning in a medium bowl; mix well. Set aside.
4. Top serving platter with beans, avocado mixture, yogurt mixture, tomatoes, peppers, green onions, and cheese.
5. Serve with baked tortilla chips.

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips




How many times have you reached mindlessly into a bag of mediocre tortilla chips, shoveling one after another into your mouth? Those fried crisps are loaded with fat, calories, and sodium that adds up fast! Why do that, when it’s quick and easy to make your own healthy chips with actual corn tortillas? These baked corn tortilla chips taste fresh and have a satisfying crunch you’ll love, without the guilt. Dress them up with a squeeze of fresh lime, serve with salsa or this seven layer dip, or make these healthy nachos.
Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients:
15 corn tortillas, cut into wedges
Nonstick cooking spray
1 tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
Preparation:
1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Lightly coat both sides of tortillas with spray. Arrange in a single layer on two baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crisp.
3. Sprinkle with salt.

French Onion Dip




We created a healthier version of the favorite party dip. Usually made from a powder of artificial flavors, our French onion dip is made from scratch with savory caramelized onions.
Total Time: 3 hrs. 35 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 25 min.
Yield: 7 servings, about 3 Tbsp. each
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
¼ cup low-sodium organic beef broth
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp. garlic powder
Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
Preparation:
1. Heat oil in medium saucepan over very low heat.
2. Add onions; cook, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes, or until onions are soft and golden brown.
3. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper if desired; cook, over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until broth has evaporated. Remove from heat. Let onion mixture cool completely.
4. Combine onion mixture and yogurt in a medium bowl; mix well.
5. Chill, covered, for 1 hour (or overnight).
6. Serve with raw vegetables for dipping.

Homemade Hummus




Total Time: 5 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 5 servings, about ½ cup each
Ingredients:
1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), reserve liquid
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic
¼ cup tahini (sesame butter)
Sea salt (to taste; optional)
Paprika (for garnish; optional)
Preparation:
1. Place chickpeas, lemon juice, oil, and garlic in food processor or blender and pulse until chickpeas are mashed.
2. Add tahini; pulse for 1 minute. If hummus is too thick, add some of the reserved chickpea liquid. Add salt if desired.
3. Garnish with paprika if desired.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Not Just About Weight Loss

It's Transformation TUESDAY and I have to share something that's on my mind! It's been a year since we began our journey and looking back I realize JUST how many things have changed!

I see success stories all the time from people who lose weight with A program, B drink, and C meal plan...but to me it has been more than that..you see, just a year ago, I was a very unhappy person. I had no real reason, I had a beautiful life, a roof over my head, and a family that loved me, but I just couldn't get my mind off what I didn't have. I had this feeling inside that I needed more and I felt like I lost something inside. This way I was living my life took it's toll on my marriage and we constantly argued and had a hard time getting along. I also noticed that it affected my parenting...I was always on edge and I felt like any little thing would set me off. I didn't know what was happening to me and why I felt this way.

Then one day, my husband and I were driving home from Vegas and I was complaining that I wanted to do something with the way I was feeling. We both decided at that moment that we needed to work on ourselves and we decided to do it together! We had been drinking Shakeology for about 6 months at this point, not consistently and I had told my husband that I saw something about P90x3 coming out and thought maybe it was something we could do together. You see, at the time we were a little tight on money and that was also one reason we were at our wits end. We decided to go ahead and purchase the program and were committing to making a change in our lives because we felt like we didn't have any other options.



We started following a meal plan that was provided in my group, as well as a grocery list, and we focused on eating clean 80% of the time, drinking our Shakeology for breakfast, and pushing play on our workouts every day.  We didn't see immediate results, but what I did feel was accountability, support, daily encouragement, I learned how to manage my eating, and I was surrounded by others who were literally seconds away from lifting me up, keeping me motivated when I felt like quitting and they were my biggest fans! I had no idea who these girls were, but we bonded and became great friends! My two biggest fans were the ones who were watching me every day and they were my driving force to be better than I was, because they deserved a mom who was happy!


Our Transformation with P90x3

When I am talking to a potential challenger and they give me the line "that's too expensive, I can't afford it" I have to giggle a bit!! First, because that was where my head was when I started, I had no idea what Shakeology was and why the heck it was any different than what I could get at Costco. I remember not knowing if I was going to get the results I wanted by working out at home and if I was actually going to complete the program because I was always a quitter before. But I was so desperate for results and I couldn't stand the way I felt anymore and if I wanted my marriage to get stronger and my kids to learn from example, it was worth giving a shot! 


So, you see, a challenge pack is so much more than Shakeology, a P90x, T25, or 21 Day Fix workout program, free shipping, and discount pricing. It's about having someone on the other end to make sure that you open your program, that you push play on Day 1 and Day 90! It's having someone to lift you up when you feel like you can't do anymore. It gave me LIFE again and it opened my eyes to how differently life can be if you just take chances. Most importantly, it saved my marriage and it made our family whole again! To me, that is PRICELESS!!!


If it wasn't for my coach, I would not have finished my P90x3, I would not be 12lbs lighter, and 13% body fat, I would not have been asked to work out with THE Tony Horton himself, and I would not have completely changed my families eating habits and influenced those that I love most to make a healthy change too! So when you are thinking about the options...think of this! 


When you go to the gym, who is making sure you show up every day? Who is checking your nutrition to make sure you're eating correctly for the workouts you are doing? Do you know if the workouts you're doing are going to give you the results you're wanting? Who is going to keep you accountable from start to finish?

Answer those questions and then go with your gut and what you think will truly give you the best results and be the best BANG for your buck!! 

Is it time for your own transformation?
Join my January 19th Get Healthy For Life Challenge group today: