Macaroni & Cheese with Chicken & Broccoli

You're going to LOVE this one! A pretty AMAZING substitute for regular fatty-but-yummy mac and cheese. I got the recipe from Autumn Calabrese's Fixate but tweaked it a bit! Not gonna lie, I was pretty disappointed when we didn't have leftovers!

Ingredients

• 4 oz. dry whole wheat macaroni or pasta
• 4 tsp. extra-virgin organic coconut oil (I used that but you could also use organic grass-fed butter)
• 2 tbsp. whole wheat flour
• 11/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 11/2 cups grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 cups cooked chopped chicken breast
• 4 cups steamed chopped broccoli
• 1 tsp. Himalayan salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

1. Cook macaroni and set aside. Don't add salt to it.
2. Melt coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add flour; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute or until brown. Don't let it burn!
4. Sloooowly which in almond milk; cook, whisking constantly, until there are no lumps (1 to 2 minutes).
5. Reduce heat to low and add cheese. Whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes or until completely melted.
6. Add chicken, broccoli, salt, and pepper. Stir until heated through.
7. Serve! I mixed the noodles in with everything but if you want you can just top your noodles with it.

Serves: 8 (2 cups each)

Container Equivalents (per serving): 1/2 G, 1/2 Y, 1/2 R, 1 B, 1/2 tsp.

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Eating Clean While Eating Out

Heeeelllloooo <3

Did you know that eating out is about THREE times the amount of calories that you would consume making dinner at home!?

When I first started eating clean I had so much trouble whenever anyone asked me to go out for dinner or lunch. I didn't want to be rude and say no but I also didn't want to go and eat enough calories to last me my next 3 days. These following tips help me TREMENDOUSLY to stay on track and still enjoy myself :)

Tip #1: Pick the restaurant! Stay away from big chain restaurants (Chili's, Cheesecake Factory, etc.) and try a smaller place. Look up the menu in advance and see if there are any yummy foods that still keep you eating healthy.

Tip #2: NEVER leave the house starving. When that waiter walks by with that basket of bread and asks if you want a roll, it's way easier to say no if you had a little something before you leave your house. Even a full glass of water or a piece of fruit so that you're not famished!

Tip #3: Avoid foods that have the words "crispy", "buttery", "breaded", "smothered", or "covered in cream sauce." I think this tip speaks for itself ;)

Tip #4: Ask about their soups. Soups are usually filling, easy, and don't come with extra sides. Go for a broth based soup and avoid any cream soups.

Tip #5: Before your entree hits the table, decide how much of it you're going to eat. "I will be done when I eat a quarter of my entree, and all of my greens."

Tip #6: Going back to Tip #3, if you absolutely, really want to get an entree with one of those words, ask the waiter if they can hold the butter or oil. Almost everything can be modified for you. I worked in the service industry so I definitely can vouch for this one ;)

Tip #7: Eat the foods with the lowest calories on your plate first.

Tip #8: When you're done, put your napkin over your plate. This helps prevent you from picking at it and signals the waiter that you're done so he/she can take the plate. If you want to take it home, I suggest asking for a box as soon as the entree is dropped so that when you decide you're done you don't have to wait on the waiter (haha, unintentional pun).

Tip #9: Follow the three bite rule. If there's something that's completely unhealthy but you just HAVE to have it, take 3 bites. The first bite is because this is delicious and I love sweets and I'm going to eat this! The second bite is because I am ENJOYING it and I can control myself. And the third bite, is because I'm satisfied.

And last but not least...

Tip #10: Watch the cocktails!!! Each cocktail has tons of sugar and empty-calories your body doesn't need. Alcohol never leads to good decisions and you'll regret getting that big piece of chocolate cake when you wake up the next morning! :D

Hope this will help you plan your weekend festivities :)

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Crockpot Turbofire Chili

Okay this recipe takes the cake for easiness and yumminess! AND it's made in the crockpot so that's a big plus for me :) If you don't like beans you can sub them out for green peppers, mushrooms, or any other veggie you like. Just follow the correct portion sizes so you don't overindulge. It's easy to do with this one!

Crockpot Turbofire Chili

Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground turkey
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
8 oz. whole kernel corn, canned
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic
8 oz. black beans, canned
8 oz. pinto, chili, or kidney beans canned
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 package chili seasoning
4 oz. low-fat shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions
Brown turkey. Drain and discard any fat. Place all ingredients except cheese into a slow cooker. Cook for 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high. Top with 1 oz. cheese if desired.

Enjoy! Recipe serves four but we always have extra so I freeze the leftovers and have a small portion for lunch on a bed of spinach :)

Xoxo,
Andrea


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Skinny Pancakes

This is a super quick and yummy breakfast recipe that I LOVE because my whole family can enjoy them! Even Cami likes them :) Bonus - there are only two ingredients. Win! It's gluten free and dairy free and there are endless options to flavor it up or leave it the same. Hope you enjoy them! <3

Skinny Pancakes

Ingredients
4 eggs
1 banana
1/4 tsp baking powder (optional)

Directions
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl
2. Pulse in blender, with a hand mixer or even a food processor until there are no clumps
3. Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add a little EVOO or non stick cooking spray
4. Cook pancakes until they begin to bubble on one side and begin to take form. From there, flip them and cook for 30 seconds longer.
5. Serve with maple syrup if desired

OPTIONAL: If you're feeling in need of a treat toss in some chocolate chips, cinnamon, or frozen/fresh fruit :) I have a HUGE sweet tooth so this helps satisfy the craving without getting myself way off track!

Xoxo

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Do You Have A Morning Routine?

Goooood morning and happy Sunday! I just finished enjoying breakfast with Trevor and my little turkey so of course I HAD to share a pic of her cuteness!

I know, I'm THAT mom that can't stop posting pictures of her baby...who would've thought!?

Today, I want to share with you my morning routine and how it's changed the outcome of my day. You know what I realized that all successful people DO? They take advantage of the early morning. I've been listening to quite a bit of Chalene Johnson lately (you NEED to listen to her podcasts, she's amazing!) and picked up on a few things that she's touched on - early mornings being one of them.

Before I started my fitness journey, I used to DREAD and hate on Mondays. I used to set the same alarm every night and every. single. morning. I would hit snooze over and over and over. When I finally did get up, I'd be frustrated and just feel discouraged to get on with my day. I already woke up late so what was the point of trying to do what I needed? But I found out that research shows your morning routine sets the rhythm for the rest of your day. So here are 3 simple, yet effective, tips that I've learned that will help you become that go-getter morning person you thought you'd never be ;)

1. Give Yourself 3-5 Minutes:
Don't hop straight out of bed. Let yourself wake up, stretch, relax, and most importantly, don't stress about the day to come. Don't think about the tasks that you have to do. Just lay.

2. Start With Something You Love:
It could be anything. Breakfast, shower, reading, watching the news, whatever. But just make sure you do this right after step one. Doing this will help associate morning time with happy thoughts and excitement to get your day going. I personally have started my day with a nice mug of green tea while I look through my e-mails (usually to see if there are any good coupons or sales out there ;p).

3. Exercise:
Within the first 30 minutes of waking up, work in a quick exercise routine. It's not to help you get fit or lose weight, but to stimulate your mind to get your brain pumping and get the blood flowing. I've noticed a drastic change in my attitude since I've been starting my days with a 30-minute 21 day fix extreme workout. Believe it or not, now I actually look forward to working out in the morning. It's my me-time.

So, if you set a routine similar to this one (tweak it to your own needs), research shows that you'll begin to associate mornings with happiness and joy versus anxiety and stress. I know, life-changing right!?

Anyway, usually after I get through with this part of my routine, I make my to-do list for the day and either get ready for work or do some laundry/dishes before Camilla wakes up. Doing any type of housework (or anything) really helps me feel a sense of accomplishment and even better, it makes me want to keep getting more done. I have an awesome daily to-do list template that I recently started using and I'd LOVE to share it with you to help you get your day going - just shoot me a message and I'll make sure I get it to ya!

Have a FABulous day loves!!
xoxo, Andrea



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Fruity Oatmeal Bake

Ahhhhh I just love FALL! This oatmeal bake recipe makes the house smell like cinnamon while it's baking and just makes me warm inside :) It's super easy and super cheap. It's a great way for me to meal prep and have a yummy, healthy snack available for whenever I get a sweet tooth! 21 Day fix approved :) Try it - I know you'll love it!

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup strawberries (any kind you want!)
• 1/3 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup chopped nuts (any kind you want, I used almonds)
• 2 cups unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
• 1 egg
• 1 banana, sliced (I added these the second time I made this and LOVED it!)
• 3/4 cup maple syrup

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Generously spray a 9x13 pan with coconut oil spray (any cooking spray would work).
3. In one bowl, mix the oats, syrup, baking powder, half the nuts, cinnamon, 1/2 the chocolate chips, and 1/2 the berries.
4. In another bowl, mix the egg, vanilla, and milk.
5. Spread the oatmeal mix into the pan. Press into the corners to make sure it's even!
6. Pour the milk mixture over the oatmeal mix.
7. Top with the remaining 1/2 chocolate chips, 1/2 berries, and sliced bananas.
8. Bake for 35 minutes.
9. Enjoy! :)



21 Day Fix Counts
1 Yellow (Oats), 1 Purple (Berries & Banana), 1 Blue (Nuts)


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Greek Turkey Burgers

I've had a few people ask me about it so I finally got around to posting this TO DIE FOR turkey burger recipe! It has so much flavor and the best part - it felt like a cheat meal and it wasn't. Not to mention, Trevor actually liked it! Double win :) I'm definitely adding this recipe to my monthly (if not weekly) meal plan. Try it and I know you'll love it - especially if you love Greek food!

Turkey Burger Ingredients

• 3/4 cup grated zucchini, squeezed
• 1 1/2 lbs 93% lean ground turkey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup red onion, minced
• 1 T oregano
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/3 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice

Tzadiziki Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup cucumber, grated and peeled
• 1 tsp white wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dill (I left this out because I forgot to buy some!)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Greek Salad Ingredients

• 1 cucumber, peeled & diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 red onion, sliced (or diced depending on how you like it!)
• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives (I forgot to buy these so I used regular black olives)
• 1 tsp oregano
• Sea salt to taste
• 1 T Feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

• 1
  Grate the zucchini and then squeeze the moisture out with paper towels. It's crazy how much more moisture it has than I thought! 
• 2
  In large bowl, combine all of the Turkey Burger ingredients and mix well.
• 3
  Divide into 6 equal patties.
• 4
  Cook burgers on medium heat, about 5 minutes per side or until no longer pink in the middle.

Greek Salad Directions

• Combine everything and mix it up! Refrigerate until you serve :)

Tzadziki Direction's

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. I topped my burger with it and it was literally melt in your mouth goodness! 

• 
  
  21 Day Fix Counts
  
  
  Turkey Burgers - 1 Red, 1/6 Blue, 1/6 Green
  Tzadziki - I used a couple tablespoons and counted it as a condiment
  Greek Salad - 1 Green (cucumber, tomato, onion), 1/2 Orange (olives), 1/2 Blue (Feta) 

  -All depends on how much you serve yourself!

  
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Welcome!!

Hi there! I'm SO excited you're checking out my first blog post. I'm Andrea and I have a beautiful daughter, Camilla and an amazing future husband, Trevor (also a super amazing daddy!). I was born and raised in good 'ole Texas, y'all! But no, I don't own a horse or a pair of cowboy boots (yet). I'm 22 and have big dreams and goals for the future of my little family, especially in a financial sense. I am determined to get organized and stick to my budget so I can really start to plan for our future. I want that little brick house with a white picket fence and I want to eventually be able to be a stay at home mom that works from home. Buuuuut I'll get there and I KNOW I will with my new and improved attitude!!

So I'm sure you're wondering why I randomly decided to start a blog! First off, I've always enjoyed writing and sharing little moments of my life. I've always considered starting a blog but never really could commit to telling my own thoughts, ideas, fears, etc. in social media. But I recently finished my first round of 21 day fix and it has completely changed my life guys! It's motivated me to tell my story to you and every single person that will hear it. Like, I still can't believe how much I lost! 15 pounds and 25 inches!! I mean seriously, I've tried everything! SO many other programs and products that really just never stuck. What has hooked me with Beachbody is that it's really not a diet, it's a lifestyle change. At first the idea of changing my lifestyle really didn't appeal to me. Uh no I'm not giving up my Snickers and Hot Cheetos!!! Can I get an Amen!? But I'm not here to preach to you about Beachbody and how amazing it is blah blah blah (BUT it really is amazing). I'm here because I want to inspire you to be the best person you can be!

This program has taught me so much about portion control and healthy habits that I just want to share with everyone how amazing it is. If I of all people can do it, ANYONE can. So that's what brings me here. I want to share my fitness journey with you by posting recipes, stories, workouts, meal prep ideas, time management tips, and really whatever other random thing I think of! :) I want to help YOU reach your goals and motivate you while I strive to reach mine. I want to be held accountable for MY life and I want you to help me do that as well!

Basically, I just want to share my life and get on a personal level. Get to know me through my posts :) I'd love to coach you to be the best and healthiest person you can be as I strive to do the same! <3

Thanks for reading! <3 I hope you are having a fantabulous weekend!!

Xoxo,  Andrea