Greek Chicken Pita

I could seriously eat this each and every day for lunch! I promise you won't be disappointed!

Ingredients:

1 Whole Wheat Pocket Pita

3 oz Cooked Chicken Breast

1/4 Medium Tomato, chopped

1/4 Cup Chopped Cucumber

1 Tablespoon Chopped Red Onion

1/4 Teaspoon Dried Oregano

1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 Cup Shredded Romaine Lettuce

2 Tablespoon Crumbled Feta Cheese

Directions:

1. Fill the pita halves evenly with chicken, tomato, cucumber, onion, romaine and cheese.

2. EAT UP!

Notes:

~ I like to make a batch of baked chicken on Sundays and shred it up then store it in the fridge. It makes the pitas a lot quicker to make. 

~ I also like to cut up a cucumber and tomato along with a red onion and then store it in a Tupperware container for the week. Again, the pita making process is really quick when you prep this way. (Don't add any juices to this mixture when you store it...it will make the cucumber soggy!)

Your 21 Day Fix Container Count: 1 Green, 1 1/2 Yellow, 1/2 Red & 1/2 Blue

Banana-Apple Muffins

My oldest daughter is out of school this week for Carnival break but my youngest daughter still goes to daycare a couple of days. Since we get a couple of days just the two of us I figured her and I could bake together. She absolutely loves helping me stir and mix everything together and then scooping it into the pan so who am I to deny the help?!

 (Isn't she just the cutest thing helping her mommy out?!)

Problem is that I did not want to make something unhealthy. It's rainy and cold here in Europe so I we are cooped up in the house all week. So I started the search and ended up at Autumn Calabrese's page. I absolutely love her and her workout programs plus I know her recipes are always pretty good so when I found this one I decided it was a must try and we already had everything on hand so even better. 

Here's the super simple recipe:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cup Almond Flour

1/8 Teaspoon Salt

3/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Tablespoon Melted Butter, cooled

2 Large Eggs

1 Cup Mashed Bananas (about 2)

1/2 Cup Chopped Apple (chopped into small pieces, it was 1 apple for me) 

***I used honey crisp apples because that is my family's favorite***

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine the almond flour, salt and baking soda into a medium sized mixing bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter and eggs.

4. Stir the egg mixture into the dry ingredients.

5. Stir in the bananas and fold in the apple.

6. Spoon batter into muffin cups. (Mine made 9)

7. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Watch for them to start browning. I baked mine for 30 minutes and they came out great but it depends on your oven.

My 3 year old was so excited to not only help but eat one as well!

You can also make a cream cheese frosting for them. I did not but here is Autumn's recipe for the frosting:

Ingredients:

4 oz Original Cream Cheese

1/8 Cup of Confectioners Powdered Sugar

Directions:

Blend it all together and frost the muffins once they have cooled.

Honey Sriracha Hummus

Okay, I know I am not the only one that dislikes buying hummus at the grocery store! I've honestly done it simply for the convenience and because I never found a recipe that seemed to hit the spot for my husband and I. I don't typically eat hummus unless it's with  my chicken so I like it to have a little spice to it. That's why this recipe is awesome! If you don't like a lot of spice then I suggest cutting down the amount of Sriracha because this recipe definitely has a KICK to it but it's a winner in my book! Plus....I know what's in it and I know that it's natural ingredients. 

(You like my little Sriracha heart? I did that just for Valentine's Day LOL)

Ingredients:

* 2 (14.5 ounce) Cans Garbanzo Beans, drained & rinsed

* 1/4 Cup Sriracha (less if you want less spicy)

* 1/4 Cup Olive Oil

* 2 Tablespoons Honey

* 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

*1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt

* 3 Tablespoons Cold Water

Directions:

1. In a blender, add the garbanzo beans and puree until pretty smooth.

2. Add the Sriracha, olive oil and honey. Blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides.

3. Add the garlic powder and salt. Blend again. Taste and season with salt to your liking.

4. With the blender running on low, add the cold water slowly through the lid. Once all the water is in, let puree until creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides. 

I can't wait to put this on top of some chicken for Hummus Crusted Chicken this week!

I turned my rough week into a positive...you can too!

I'm just going to say it....

THIS WEEK HAS BEEN PRETTY CRAPPY!

I am not a negative person. I used to be but over the last couple of years I have worked very hard through personal development to change my outlook. It takes just as much energy to be positive as it does to be negative. So even through this rough week, I have done my hardest to be positive. Let me just summarize some of this week's events...

#1 - My husband's new work schedule for the next couple of months started this week. Stick with me for a minute. If you are a military spouse then you will understand this and if not then I will try to explain it so you understand. So the saying among the military ranks is "with rank come privileged". I saw it as a military member myself and I see it happen within my husband's work. This basically means that as you progress in rank you don't necessarily have to take part in some of those extra tasks that get assigned. I was hoping to see that happen with my husband since he tested and has been selected to promote to a Senior Non-commissioned Officer. Unfortunately that wasn't the case so he is part of this extra work schedule for the next couple of months. We were told that it would be 12 hour shifts....no big deal since my husband works 10-11 hours on a regular day but in reality, this new schedule has him working/away from home 15-16 hours! Now some will say "at least he's not deployed" but try explaining that to your children who don't see their daddy because he leaves before they wake up and gets home after they have already gone to bed. My two and three year old don't understand that. But this isn't the sole reason this week was rough....I've learned to "embrace the suck" when it comes to work schedules and my husband. 

#2 - My youngest daughter came down with a fever and wouldn't even leave the COUCH! This is totally out of her nature and actually scared me quite a bit because even when she was not feeling well the week before, she was full of energy and playing her heart out. When she's down for the count and falling asleep in my lap....that means she's pretty sick. Luckily we have an amazing doctor here who, even though he was overbooked, worked us in to be seen and we found out she had a double ear infection and needs to be put on allergy medication. 

(This was before I came down with my migraine...)

 

*** Did you know that if either parent has allergies then the child is has a 70% chance of having allergies as well? I didn't know this and unfortunately, I am the parent with allergies so I'm publicly apologizing to my children now! ***

And since everything comes in threes (at least that's what my family believes)....

#3 - Not only did I get pink eye....I have been dealing with what I believe to be a sinus infection as well as a migraine (from sinus infection & stress) for DAYS. When I say migraine....it's been horrible. The last time I had one this bad, it lasted three weeks during my senior year of high school and I was getting daily shots of morphine! With my husband working, our youngest daughter sick, trying to get our oldest to school and my issues I had to find ways to relieve the pain without sitting in the hospital. Between essential oils, some over the counter medication, a heating pad and as much sleep as I could get when my husband was home....that's how I have tried to heal myself. I'm not back 100% yet but I am feeling better than I did so that makes me happy. 

(Yes I am wearing the same sweatshirt...don't judge...I'm lucky I had it in me to eat!)

 

So why am I doing such a negative post when I am normally such a positive person?

Honestly, I believe that everything is a learning lesson. I strongly believe that God will never give you more than you can handle and it was God who helped me make it this week. I honestly couldn't tell you the number of times I broke into prayer asking God to give me the strength to make it through the day.....and you know what HE DID! It wasn't without a whole lot of tears and prayers but I'm okay with that! This week was one of those defining weeks for me. You tend to experience a number of those when you are military spouse but there are only a handful that really stick with you. This is definitely one of those that will stick with me. It gives me the ability to say "If I made it through that week then I can make it through this." I guess what I am trying to say is that not every day, or every week is going to be positive. BUT you MUST FIND the positive in every situation, day, week, month and even year. 

My positives from this week...

My husband is working long hours and isn't home as much....positive side is that I will be able to dedicate more time to my business without feeling like I'm neglecting my husband. 

My kid getting sick with a double ear infection meant we saw the doctor and established that she needs to be on daily allergy medication. This should help her stay healthier because allergies can bring down your immune system and snot (sorry I know it's gross) is a carrier of germs. 

Getting my migraine this week really helped me learn some great alternative fixes such as my heating pad, essential oils and honestly got me in the practice of talking to God more often. Putting things in God's hands and asking for him to help me. 

If I can find the positives in my past week then I challenge you to find the positives in yours as well! Share yours below!

Sneak Peek Into Beachbody Coaching

I will admit, I was TOTALLY skeptical about Beachbody....not just the programs but the whole "Coaching Opportunity" as well. So I have decided to give the OUTSIDE WORLD a little glimpse IN so that they can decide for themselves if it is FOR THEM or NOT! This is not for everyone....but it just might be for you!

I've opened up a group where I'll share the answers to some frequently asked questions about what coaching is all about... You know... Questions & objections like:

- IS THIS some sort of PYRAMID SCHEME?!

- I am NOT at my goal yet... nor have I completed a program... Would that make me ineligible?

- How do you get paid?

- I am just NOT a salesperson!

- I am introverted and have a small network!

The list goes on and on...

If you would like to be one of those "flies on the wall" for the 5 day period... I don't need anything from you! All you have to do is click this link and request to join our group!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001696443223716/

Top Christmas Gifts for Fitness Lovers

I don't know about you but buying Christmas presents for adults can be the most difficult part of gift giving. I mean your kids are pretty easy...you give them one of the toy catalogs and let them circle everything they would like to have then you have a HUGE selection of items to buy. My husband and I always struggle on what to give each other so we started the list making requirement. My birthday is in October, our anniversary is in November and then Christmas and his birthday in December. We obviously weren't thinking about this when we got married but it works. By the beginning of October we make our lists, I usually do it in a Microsoft Word document, and we include a picture along with the link to purchase and size if needed. It makes it super easy to just pick and order! Well I decided to help you all out and compile a list of items that I believe any fitness lover would be happy to open on Christmas morning. There are a variety of price ranges to fit the budget of anyone. So here are some items that even I am hoping my hubby picks up for me!

Apple Watch (Sport)

Let's be honest, this is a fancy watch but I have done my research. There are some really great options to set reminders for working out and even to make sure you get up each hour and get movement. This is perfect for those people who sit at a desk during the day and time just slips away. There are a variety of colors and prices, this just happens to be the exact one that I am IN LOVE with! Did I mention it a syncs up to your iPhone health app so you can keep track each day? It's perfect!

S'well Water Bottle

This stainless steel, non toxic and BPA free bottle can keep your drink cold for 24 hours (or warm for 12 hours). It's perfect to ensure every fitness lover stays hydrated and does it in style. It also helps that S'well is part of the U.S. fund for UNICEF to help provide clean drinking water to children all around the world.

 Otterbox Resurgence Power Case

It's a given that every fitness lover also loves using the music on their phone to make it through their workout. That can drain the battery in our phones fast! Well this case is the fix to that. Not only is your phone protected by an Otter Box but you can double the battery life! It's a win, win! 

 Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells

Who wouldn't love to have all those hand weights laying around combined into this one set?! I have friends who have these and absolutely love them. Let's just say, they are at the top of my wish list this year! 

The Performance Paleo Cookbook

Many people these days are following the Paleo lifestyle but even if you aren't this is still a great cookbook. Nutrition is a huge part of fitness and these recipes are in line with those goals. Every fitness lover needs to add this to their collection. 

Awesomely Cute Workout Tanks

Ever since Chalene Johnson posted this picture on her Facebook page I have wanted this tank! It was out of stock for quite a while but it's finally back! The link above provides you the site to purchase this tank but if you are looking for a different type then you can always check out Etsy for a wide choice of sayings and styles. 

Blinged Out Sneakers

What explanation is needed here?!?! These sneakers are awesome and are a must have for anyone! 

Guided Fitness Journal

This journal has guided pages throughout including space for what you are grateful for, goals to live fit, how you rate your day, and more. Even the most seasoned fitness person could benefit from this journal. It's the perfect stocking stuffer!

FitDeck

This is the perfect stocking stuffer! These cards provide 50 different exercises with illustrations on how to do each one. The cards are great quality and are easy to pack for trips as well. These exercises require nothing more than your own body weight so it's definitely perfect for even the busiest person.

Smart Scale

This scale measures: Body Weight, Body Fat, Body Water, Muscle Mass, BMI, BMR(KCAL), Bone Mass and Visceral Fat. The scale uses bluetooth technology and uploads the measurements to the corresponding app or into the health app on your iPhone. It can also store information for up to 10 users making it perfect for everyone in the house.  There are a lot of great features and it's a pretty great price right now on Amazon. 

  Now, here are 5 great Beachbody products that would be the perfect gift as well.

The Master's Hammer and Chisel Challenge Pack

 
As professional fitness competitors and personal trainers, Sagi and Autumn are masters of total-body transformation. And now they've teamed up to bring you The Master's Hammer and Chisel, an expert resistance training system that combines the three essential phases of muscle sculpting—Stabilization, Strength, and Power—to rapidly build, chisel, and refine your physique.





Fixate Cookbook

This cookbook provides 101 amazing recipes that work with the 21 Day Fix portion control program. The Master's Hammer and Chisel program also utilizes the portion control program so this is a must have cookbook. 

The Beachbody Performance Line

The performance line is the most amazing product I have used! Meet the supplement stack that's going to help revolutionize your results. When you're serious about packing on maximum muscle, ripping through the toughest workouts, and reaching your body's potential for change, then choose the Ultimate Performance Stack.

The Ultimate Reset Challenge Pack

Increase energy, lose weight, and lower your cholesterol in 21 days. In just three weeks, the Ultimate Reset and Shakeology Challenge Pack will help you get rid of the toxins you've been taking in for decades, while fueling your body with Your Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition^®. This gentle, no-starvation cleanse helps restore your body to its optimal "factory settings" so you can feel, look, and be healthier than before. It is perfect for just after the all the holiday meals and treats. 

Shakeology Boosts

With this bundle, you get it all—energy, greens, and digestive health—all at your disposal! Focused Energy delivers that effective, but healthy, pick-me-up. Power Greens gives you a full serving of nutrient-dense veggies. And Digestive Health helps you get back to your "regular" self. With full-sized, 20-serving tubs of Focused Energy Boost, Digestive Health Boost, and Power Greens Boost, you'll be able to customize your shakes based on your daily needs.

Little Black Dress Challenge

You guys, I am so excited about this month's group! This is that opportunity for you to get into that dream dress for all those upcoming holiday events. Let's face it, we all have that dream outfit to really shine in for a work Christmas party or even New Year's Eve. This group is your chance to stay on track through some of those tempting times while still enjoying the holidays. Plus, you could be the winner of some great prizes! Join us this month and start your new year off without having to make that "weight loss" resolution. End your year achieving your goals!

If you are interested in joining us then fill the form out below and I will get back to you within a day. 

XoXo <3>

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