My Type of Inspiration

  
I’m not a “Post an Inspirational Quote” type of person, UNLESS….it speaks to me. (Funny enough, I love to read quotes to find ones that truly inspire me).Today, I found this one and it was perfect. I’m currently reading “The Slight Edge” and from what I’m understanding   one small decision you take EVERYDAY can have huge impacts down the road. Instant gratification is just that…an instant. But 1 small decision each day can create a HUGE change in your life.  

For example, weight loss. If you walked 15 minutes each day to maybe help you lost a pound a week. You could be 50lbs lighter by the end of the year.  

Small decision – 15 minutes walk.

Life Changer – 50 lbs down in a year.

❤️🍟

21 Day Fix Meals – Kids can eat it, too!

 I get a lot of questions about the 21 Day Fix meal plan.  What I often get asked is, “How do I eat on the plan and still feed my family?”

❤️This post is NOT about how to get your kids to eat veggies.  That’s a post in itself. 😩😩😩

What’s so great about the 21 Day Fix meal plan is that it’s real food.  No prepackaged meals….all the food you eat is probably meals you already make at home.  It’s all about PORTION control.  👉No, I’m not saying protein reduction…it’s eating the right amount to properly feed our body.💪

Here’s an example of a meal I made AND my kids ate:

🔸Spaghetti Squash

🔸Zucchini Noodles

🔸Turkey Meatballs

 

 🔻If you’re kiddos won’t eat the veggie spaghetti (what my kids call it) you can change the noodles out.

❤️❤️Meal time is so important for my family.  I would never sign up for something that didn’t allow me to eat with my kiddos.❤️❤️

If your biggest hesitation is not wanting to cook separate meals for you and your family, fear not.  Any questions?  

Email me: Sabrina.Grossi@yahoo.com

Shakeology Ingredient Roundup – BILBERRIES

No, I didn’t say BLUEBERRIES, I said BILBERRIES.  The bilberry may just look like a regular berry, but it is much more. This berry is packed with supernutrients that make this fruit a superfood. 

The bilberry, a relative of the cranberry, huckleberry, and American blueberry, is a plant with bright green leaves and bell-shaped flowers that grows wild, primarily in northern Europe.

The bilberry looks very much like a blueberry, but its flesh is darker — somewhere between deep purple and crimson — and its flavor is tarter, says Steve Foster, a plant photographer. 

While both fruits are loaded with antioxidants and anthocyanins, bilberries typically contain up to four times more of those goodies than blueberries. Plus, bilberries are extremely rich in vitamin C!

And for the last 500 years, these little “blue” berries have been used all across Europe for medicinal purposes.

Bilberry Benefits

~ Improve Vision

~ Retina Repair

~ Used to stop diarrhea, nausea, indigestion  

~ Cancer prevention

*these are only a few benefits of Bilberry

So if you want some bilberry action in your life, instead of seeking them out in supermarkets, just go make yourself a delicious and nutritious Shakeology. Because when it comes to putting healthy stuff in your body, Shakeology has your BACK!

Resources

Shakeology.com

WebMD

Shakeology is TOO Expensive

Shakeology is too EXPENSIVE.

For months I thought so, too. Then I learned a few things:

I thought Shakeology was a protein shake (an expensive protein shake). Heck, I could just go to GNC for a protein shake. There are so many protein shakes and meal replacement shakes out there. BUT, Shakeology is not protein shake or a meal replacement….it is both (and THEN SOME!). Shakeology was made for people who want more than protein and more than a meal replacement. It is for people who want good a nutritional meal.

If you took all the vitamins that are in Shakeology and bought them separately, you would be spending WAY over $250 a month on supplements. Shakeology breaks down to about $4 a day. If you really look at what you buy for a “quick” meal, I GUARANTEE you it is WAY more that $4 (I’m not talking about anything for the dollar menu either). I am talking about a nutritious, delicious, and filling meal for just $4.

Here my next another point: Shakeology is a WHOLE FOOD. You are buying a month’s worth of FOOD. I dare you to buy a month’s worth of food at the grocery store. Guess what, it is going to be more expensive then purchasing a day’s worth…or even a week’s worth.

Shakeology also has some extra “magic”, too. Here’s what a few of Shakeo drinkers have reported:

“Since I have been drinking Shakeology, my eczema is gone. GONE! When I missed it for a week after when traveling, it started to come back. It’s the best my skin has ever looked.”

“I have been taking medicine daily for years due migraines. Since I started drinking Shakeology, my migraines have been dramatically reduced. I am saving so much money on migraine meds!”

“Shakeology gave me the energy and mental focus I needed. I am able to get thought my work more efficiently and still have enough energy to exercise at the end of the day”

Guess what? Give your body what it needs…it gives back to you!

PB2 Thai Peanut Sauce and Shrimp

Catholics all over the world abstain from eating meat on Fridays (and Ash Wednesday) for all of Lent. Something so simple stresses me out EVERY year!! I know…just order Pizza, right?? Yes, yes we do eat a lot of Pizza, but we also really enjoy fish too.

Today, like every first Friday in Lent, I forgot the no meat thing and needed a lunch. I remembered my brain was working a few weeks ago when I bought some frozen shrimp to use during Lent (thank you Trader Joes!). So I found (and of course changed a bit) the yummiest shrimp recipe. Trust me, incorporate this recipe into your lent menu!! PB2 Thai Peanut Shrimp over Salad!!!🍤⤵️

PB2 Thai Peanut Sauce

2 Tbs PB2 (or any powdered peanut butter)
2 Tbs Soy Sauce
1 Tbs Water
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Ground Pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (more or less depending on spice preference)
2 tsp Stevia
1/2 tsp Sesame oil
2 tsp olive oil

*Additional ingredients:

-1 pound of Shrimp
-Himalayan Pink Salt
-Salad of choice (mixed greens, spinach, kale, etc.)

Mix all ingredients for sauce together in a bowl.

Cook Shrimp however you choose. I took a little bit of extra virgin olive oil and cooked in a deep pan over a medium flame. Once the shrimps were just about cooked I threw in the Peanut Sauce and lowered heat. I mixed shrimps and sauce for a a couple of minutes to warm sauce and cover shrimps.

Put desired amount shrimps on salad. I used warmed Peanut Sauce as dressing over salad. Sprinkle with some Himalayan Pink Salt and ENJOY!

Banana Oatmeal Anytime Muffins

Did I mention that I love baking?? I love the smells, the measuring, and teaching my girls how to measure. Oh YA…I love eating whatever I make!

I have made these muffins twice and they are absolutely delicious. I call them anytime muffins because they are good to eat anytime. They are filling for a breakfast treat and sweet for a dessert craving. You can’t got wrong.

Today we made them during our snow day. My oldest daughter loves having them warm from the oven. She really likes the chocolate chips nice and soft.

I love this recipe also has flaxseed. Here are some benefits to benefits of Flaxseed:

*Omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.
*Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.
*Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types.
*Recent studies have suggested that flaxseed may have a protective effect against breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.

So I’ll stop yapping…here’s the recipe!

Banana Oatmeal Anytime Muffins

2.5 Cups of Old Fashioned Oats (Ground)*
1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Honey
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
2 TBSP Flax Seed (Ground)*
1 tsp Vanilla
3 Ripe Bananas
3/4 Cup (or more 😉) Dark Chocolate Chips

*I just put the flax seeds and oats in the Nutribullet to get a fine texture.

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray tin with non-stick cooking spray or line 12 muffin tins with liners.
2. Place the oats and flax seeds in the food processor and pulse 10 seconds.
3. Add all dry ingredients in bowl and all wet ingredients in another.
4. Combine all ingredients and mix. I just used a hand mixer.
5. Divide batter among cupcake liners, and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

This recipe should make about 12 Full Muffins (I actually get close to 15).

(Flaxseed info found from WebMd)

21 Day Fix and Insanity Max 30 Meal Guide: I would count this as a YELLOW.

Apple Cinnamon Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal

One of my goals for 2015 was to try to prep my morning as much as possible so I don’t feel as rushed. My evening ritual is now layout my workout clothes, set coffee maker, make lunch for hubby, and to try to have breakfast planned out. One of my make ahead breakfasts is my Apple Cinnamon Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal. Not only does it make my mornings stress free, but it’s also super healthy, yummy, and filling. Oh ya, recipe was hubby and kiddos approved!

Ingredients

1 cup steel cut oats
4 cups water
1/2 cup milk (I used unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk)
1 large apple, cored and chopped
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar*
*You can also replace Brown Sugar with Maple Syrup for a heathier version.
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter

Directions

**Grease your slow cooker. If you don’t, you’ll have to really scrub to get clean.

Mix all the ingredients in cooker.
Turn on LOW and cook overnight while you sleep (I set mine for 8 hours).

Easy peasy!!

How to Use Shakeology

“Sabrina…how do you use Shakeology? Is it a meal replacement? Is it a snack? When should I drink it?” I get these questions DAILY.

These were the questions I even asked my coach before I got started. So I compiled a list of how I use it. With a little research I even came up with some information as to why each possible use of Shakeology could benefit you.

As a meal: One of the most popular ways to drink Shakeology is for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Shakeology can vary from 140-170 calories depending on the flavor. Adding ingredients like fruit, nut-butters, or milk gets you to a healthy caloric content that is satisfying and delicious (not to mention nutritious)!
Snack: Shakeology is an incredibly nutrient dense snack. Since Shakeology doesn’t have much fat, the nutrients are put to use very quickly in your body. Shakeology will give you lasting energy because it’s providing nutrients your body needs. You can either make yourself a ½ scoop serving of Shakeology or a full scoop. Sometimes I use 1/2 for a mid morning snack and the other 1/2 for a nighttime treat. It’s beneficial to eat small meals throughout the day, to help your matabolism work efficiently. Shakeology as a snack will keep your metabolism going and your cravings reduced!

Pre-Workout Supplement: A good way to use Shakeology is as a pre-workout snack/meal. Your workout will help you get the most out of Shakeology, and Shakeology will give you the energy you need to get through your workout.
Energy Boost: Next time the 2PM slump rolls around, try Shakeology. Shakeology will give you sustained energy because it’s providing nutrients your body needs to get things done. It has a low glycemic impact, meaning it helps keep blood sugar levels stable unlike sugary energy drinks.
Late Night Sweet Cravings: Sometimes at the end of the day i crave something sweet; ok, this happens a lot! Instead of grabbing something sugary, I’ll make a chocolate Shakeology. I often eat a small dinner with my kids and have a sweet treat at night. My kids are on the “early bird special so eating dinner at 5:30 was not cutting it for me! Drinking Shakeology at night is better than binging on cookies once I became hungry by 8 PM!
Post-Workout Supplement: Here are several reasons why Shakeology is a good post-workout supplement:

Calories: Too many of the wrong calories after a workout will greatly impair your fitness goals. At 140 to 170 calories, Shakeology fills your hunger needs with low caloriesthis requirement perfectly.
Protein: Protein is so important after a tough workout because it works to repair your muscles. Shakeology has 15 to 18 grams of protein in each serving, which great as a muscle building tool.
Replenish Electrolytes: The magnesium, sodium, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in Shakeology will boost your electrolytes. Better than Gatorade in my opinion!

Long story short: You can’t go wrong! Find out what works best for you and your needs!

Cheers!!

How to Shake Your Shakeology

It is so import to know HOW to make your Shakeology. If you follow the directions on the back of the bag, it will come out WAY too thick! Here’s what I do:

I use 1 cup of almond milk (I always use unsweetened almond milk). I then add water to my shake. Depending on how thick you like the shakes, will determine how much water to add. For me, I don’t like it too thick so I add 1/2 cup. My hubby likes them thiner, so he gets closer to a cup. From there’s I’ll add 8-10 ice cubes and I blend. It may take you a few tries before you find the consistency, so add the water gradually.

Here are some of my favorite recipes:

Chocolate Covered Banana
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (vanilla is really yummy)
1/2 cup water
8-10 ice cubes
1/2 banana (frozen if possible)
1 scoop peanut butter (Can use pb2)
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology
*this recipe is yummy without peanut butter, too!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Vanilla Shakeo
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup water
8-10 ice cubes
1/2 banana (frozen if possible)
1 scoop peanut butter (Can use pb2)
1/2 cup frozen/fresh strawberies or blueberries
1 scoop vanilla Shakeology
*if you use frozen fruit reduce ice cubes

Greenberry Berry Good
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup water
8-10 ice cubes
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup mango
1/2 banana
1 scoop of Greenberry Shakeology
*if you use frozen fruit reduce ice cubes

My Big Fat Greek Strawberry
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup water
8-10 ice cubes
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1/2 medium banana
1 scoop of Strawberry Shakeology

Better than a Frap
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup water
Splash of vanilla extract
8-10 coffee cubes (frozen coffee 😜)
1 scoop of chocolate Shakeology (vanilla tastes good too)
*I sometimes add 1/2 banana, too
**Try flavored coffee. It’s yummy!

Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie

This past weekend it was super rainy and dark. We decided to have a cuddly jammy day in on Sunday. No workouts, no work, and just relaxing at home with the family. My oldest daughter, G, asked me if we could bake cookies 😳. I haven’t baked in a long time. Truthfully I LOVE to bake. I’m not against baking and I think there are a lot of clean and healthy alternatives to box mixes. I know a lot of people shy away from baking from scratch because it can be messy or time consuming. But if I’m going to have some sweets, I’d rather make it the way I like and as “healthy” as possible. After inspecting my pantry and Pinterest (I actually tweaked the recipe I found) I came up with these yummy bad boys: Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies (now that’s a mouth full 🍪)

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (I used even a little more than half😜)
1/2 cup Dark chocolate chips (you can use milk chocolate, but this is all I had and there are actually a lot of health benefits to dark chocolate).

*Preheat oven to 350 F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

1. Mix peanut butter and brown sugar with mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes.
2. Add eggs, one at a time. Mix in flour until blended in, then mix in oats, baking soda, and cinnamon.
3. Stir in chocolate chips by hand.
4. Using an ice cream scoop, drop balls of evenly sized dough onto the prepared baking sheets (I took a cup and mashed down a bit) Leave enough room for cookies to spread slightly.
5. Bake for 10 minutes (bake times may vary a bit. I added a couple of minutes). Cool on a cooling rack.

Enjoy!!!