Positive Affirmations & Positive Thinking

    There are SO many moments in my life that I have failed, had a terrible time somewhere, or lost out on an amazing life experience all because of my thinking. How I viewed myself and what I can achieve. However I didn't realize that peoples view of me were so DRASTICALLY different from my views because I was so internally negative and self involved. It is almost like I had a complete life block from what my true reality and possibilities were. It had chocked and limited me on actually living my life..

    Looking back on reading positive affirmations or quotes I would criticize them... laugh and say okay there nut case who needs to tell themselves they are beautiful, capable, smart, or worthy?!? The saddest part was that I was so FAR from realizing that I was the person that needed to be telling myself that I was beautiful, capable, smart, and worthy... because I felt like I possessed NONE of those qualities. It took my husband and I having pillow talk one night and me telling him how I felt so down because I felt like I had no direction in where I wanted my life to go, I hated myself and body, that I was a mom but I wasn't living like I would want my kids to live.... I wasn't living like I would want my kids to live!! How is that an example.. my one life calling and job I was failing.

Then something miraculous happened.... instead of telling me some it's going to be okay junk and just appeasing me.. he was actually listening to me...he told me. " Kelsey then change... I believe that you can do anything you want to and I am here." On a side note... my husband is literally the best thing that has EVER come into my life and I am so thankful for him. As he said this I thought here my husband is going through so much yet he had to HELP me get through my "issues". In that moment I knew that I didn't need to know if he or anyone else believed in me.. I needed to believe in me.. the whole time I had been comparing myself or relying on how others valued me without valuing myself... That was the day...

  I knew that it wouldn't be easy to change so much negative into positive over night.. that's not realistic... but I was talking to my friend and huge inspiration in my life, Lindsay, and she gave me some tough love and repeated the EXACT same message I had thought a few days earlier... You can't place your own value on anyone else's perception of you... you have to believe in yourself first. 

   I began wondering how can I start believing in myself... I began googling personal development books... I purchased "The Secret" and "The Purpose Driven Life"... I have read a little bit of each ( I will be reading them cover to cover within the next month or two) and never finished them because I still wasn't receiving the information that was impacting me. Then I began telling myself... look Kelsey you are capable of this, you can do this, and you know who you are and you are BEAUTIFUL! Little did I know those were called affirmations.

    Everyday I gave myself my own inspiration, my own way of admiring myself and it began working. Everyday I felt a little better, I achieved more... until now... today I ask myself what more can I do.. I want to do and be more.. I want to change more lives.. I want to just shed my love onto anyone I meet. I want to live and share this new and beautiful me because more women and people in general should feel this way.

 I have also come to the understanding that because I had so many issues by not telling myself positive affirmations that I had bitterly torn myself apart during some of the most amazing moments of my life... traveling to Greece and Barcelona among other vacations.. I could have made so many amazing connections with people but didn't because I was too scared to reach out. I will NEVER not reach out again.. I enjoy the moment because I love myself!

   So instead of doubting yourself and keeping negativity in your mind.. everyday wake up and tell yourself five positive affirmations... maybe you can't think of five right now.. if you can't start with one... Tell yourself one positive thing about yourself or that you want to accomplish in your life... even if you feel like your faking it... fake it until you make it... do it EVERYDAY! I promise you one day you will wake up and say.. WOW I did it.. I am freaking AMAZING!! I hope you know while you read this... know I love you... I know for a fact I could find AT LEAST five positive things about you or that you have done or do. <3 br="">

Because frankly I don't have time...

I'm looking for mommies, wives, and women who don't have time but are serious about their health and changing their body! Because frankly I am WAY too busy to take the time to go all the way to the gym.. or even workout for longer than an hour at home.. so I'm choosing to only take 25 minutes.. sweet I can do that! When I look at these ladies results I am BLOWN away!!! It's so motivating!

Stop saying I'll do it later, I can't afford it... because you won't do it later if you keep telling yourself later that later never shows up. Ladies lets face it... are YOU worth it? Are you willing to make small sacrifices to FINALLY feel sexy again?

I can tell you I was hesitant because we are budgeting SO much for our house... but I could feel myself starting to make excuses and HECK no... I came one this baby to go to the top.. I will have the healthy confident body I want.. I am WORTH it!!! I have traded in bags of chips for bags of Shakeology and I will NEVER look back!! How bad do you want that change.... I know that if I don't keep moving forward and working to be the best me I'll just go back to being miserable with horrible body image!!

Don't have time?!? It's 25 mins I now you've got this!!!!  I am not going to let an international move stop me either!

Being in a challenge group was the BEST decision I made to start my weightloss journey... I was able to lean on others when I was feeling unmotivated! They were going through the same exact program right along with me and that let me know they feel the same things I do.. Because they say it takes a WHOLE village!!! Let me guide you, be there for you, inspire you, cry with you, laugh with you, and CHEER you on when you accomplish your goals!!!

Are you hitching a ride with me to hot bikini body town? If so head on over for your T25 challenge pack HERE and get $90 dollars off while it is still on SALE!!!! Challenge starts February 10th and I am PUMPED!!!!

Sweet Potato Shrimp Boil with Baked Hush Puppie Muffins

   In lue of our fast coming move to Louisiana I wanted to try my hand at a boil before I got there... let me just start by saying I am not from the South so all my lovely southern friends don't judge me ; ) I was determined to make the classic boil healthier so it wouldn't be a cheat meal. It came out great!! Not too spicy and definitely hit the spot!!

Ingredients: 

- 2lb of uncooked peeled & cleaned tail on Jumbo shrimp (Frozen)

- 2 ears of corn cut in half

- 1 small sweet potato cut into 1/2 inch cubes

- 1 Zatarain's Boil Packet

- 1/2 cup of lemon juice

- 1 tablespoon sea salt

- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

- 1 /2 quart of water

Biscuits Ingredients:

- 1 egg

- 4 tablespoons of water

- Pre- packaged hush puppie mix

Directions:

- Preheat oven to 200 F 

- Fill large pot with water, salt,  lemon juice, boil packet, and cayenne pepper

- Bring to a boil

- Mix all ingredients for hush puppies together

 - Spray muffin pan with non stick spray & scoop HP mix into each tin filling 3/4 of the way

- Push mix down to flatten

- Place in the oven & bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown on top

- When water is almost to a boil add corn and potatoes

- Bring water to boil and add shrimp

- Boil for 3 minutes

- Turn off burner and let boil sit for 15 minutes

- Pop muffins out of the pan

- Drain boil into a large strainer

- Serve & Enjoy

How my family affords a healthier lifestyle...

   A year ago if you would have told me your husband and you are going to change your lives, become healthier together and actually commit to a better way of life I would have laughed in your face and said okay there granola outdoorsy fitness hipster lol... It sounds like a gimmick and theres no way my husband and I would stay on board. 

   I am sure for many mommies, wives just like me it is hard to combine fitness, clean eating, and family together especially if this change is new. For my family it has been cutting out the fatty red meats, portion control, continual over indulgence, and most of all the financial cost of eating healthier and committing to shakeology. Both my husband and I decided that it was time for a change for our family and I can say that having him by my side has been one of the biggest reasons I have not failed.

    We are a...wait... we were a steak and potatoes kind of family who had a HUGE sodium intake. We liked our potatoes and steaks big and wouldn't blink an eye if we ate a steak dinner twice in a week. Not only was that terrible to begin with but whats a steak without washing it down with a nice cold one... alcohol is nearly non existent in our home now besides the occasional glass of red wine now. Our life change started with immediately taking away the fatty red meats traded for leaner proteins like chicken and fish; sweet potatoes occasionally instead of white potatoes.

     However, the biggest sticker shock is the cost of fresh veggies (because we have an unlimited veggies rule in our home it helps us with protein portion sizes & we are not calorie counters) in the amount we consume them it was getting VERY costly... about 250 bucks a month. CRAZY right?? Not to mention we are in the process of buying a new home and we are really budgeting our expenses. But.....There has to be something better because at this rate it was insane especially with a newborn baby I couldn't  breastfeed due to a breast reduction the year before. While my husband and I began to get frustrated I realized what the hell am I doing here I have this....

     At the time because I had previously used Shakeology to lose weight ( I knew it worked) I had about a bag and a half of chocolate Shakeology. Why in the hell am I not drinking this.. why would have I not thought about this before hand... low and behold it started with me drinking it everyday.. then my husband tried it... at first he was not okay with how much it cost for one 30 day bag but then something changed his mind...

    The way he felt.. he is now too an addict ;) Oddly enough...with two bags of Shakeology we are spending less on veggies and our grocery bill in general than ever before. Not only because we are getting all of the nutrition we need but also because my cravings for sweets is nearly gone which has led me to no longer over indulge. We don't need coffee or caffeine nearly ever!! We don't do multivitamins because we are already taking in so much whole food nutrients it's overload; check out the chart below and see for yourself :) As TMI as this maybe I have struggled with irregularity all my life... I am no longer in that struggle either.. in fact going once a day is one of the largest signs of a healthy body!

     The change in my family just in 2 months is crazy.. we are happier, more focused when we are with our children we are actually WITH them, we have far more energy than before which still blws my mind with two kiddos under five. 

All I can say is this is changing my family.. my husband and I's commitment to change has lead for a healthier lifestyle for our daughter.. she is already making healthier choices!! I am so happy we took this leap because I have never felt better... if you are skeptical.... Click & Read this... It is how you can find out just why I love Shakeology and I will NEVER be without it!!! If you have more question please contact me!!! 

The Launch of bombshellfitnessfoodie.com

   I am SO excited bout the launch of bombshellfitnessfoodie.com I still can't believe that this is happening because all of this just started out as my way of keeping accountable and hopefully making friends along the way. To say the I have made friends and have been so inspired by other moms and wives is SUCH an understatement.

   On the site you will be able to also view my blog their as well as get facts about Shakeology. I will also be keeping a current posting for present and upcoming challenges that I will be hosting, so if you see a challenge you would like to be a part of or you don't see the Beach Body program you've wanted to try please utilize the the site to contact me as I would LOVE to have you on my journey and watch you conquer yours!! 

Bombshellfitnessfoodie.com will be up and live on January the 24th which is THIS Friday. As well as the launch of the site I would also like to announce that I will be only posting new blog posts on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays! That way I can keep it fresh and really FOCUS on aiding others in their journeys! I hope everyone loves the site as much as I do!!! Have a killer week!!!

Lime Bacon Avocado Salad

Still really gloomy over here in Italy and we are going a little stir crazy.. Sometimes bacon is the only way to make it through ;) This is definitely a keeper as far as salads go in our household; However it did make me WAY to excited for sunny summer days with light meals and maybe sometimes a margarita to..... well who really needs an excuse for a margarita?!?

Serving size for two people

- 2 heaping handfuls of spinach

- 1 ripe avocado

- 1 chopped medium size tomato

- 2 tablespoons turkey bacon crumbles

- 2 tablespoons diced red onion

- 1/2 quartered cucumber

- 3 sliced baby carrots

- 1/3 cup WW Mixed Mexican Cheese blend

- 4 Quaker Chipotle Cheddar Popped rice snack wafer crumbled

- Juice of 3 limes

- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

- Pinch of salt & pepper 

Assembly:

- Start with spinach then throw all other ingredients in with the lime juice and olive oil going in last.

- Toss or shake in covered bowl share between two bowls... I always steal most of the avocado.. yes I'm that person ;) 

- Enjoy

Meatless Greek Lunch Wrap

   Today has been a hectic day in our house.. getting ready to move and trying to organize with two kids under the age of five is like trying to keep dry in a hurricane. So this was our lunch.. it's tasty, super quick and easy to put together :) The recipe makes two wraps.

Ingredients:

- 8 tablespoons hummus

- 8 Kalamata Olives (pitted) and halved

- 4 tablespoons herbed Feta Cheese

- 2 low carb whole wheat tortillas

- 1 cup baby spinach

- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion

- Half quartered cucumber

- 2 tablespoons Ken's Lite Ceasar dressing

- Dash of paprika

- Dash of garlic powder

-  Pinch of salt & pepper

Assembly:

- Smear half of hummus on whole wheat tortilla, sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.

- Layer all veggies; spinach, onions, olives,  and cucumber half of each required ingredient on each tortilla.

- Sprinkle feta cheese on top

- Drizzle dressing over the top of everything

- Wrap up & Enjoy :)

Icebox Vanilla & Chocolate Shakeology Pudding Pie

  Yet another amazing dessert that feels like I'm cheating.. Super simple to make even easier to eat!!!

Ingredients:

- 2 packages 100 calorie pack cookies

- 1 box of sugar free Vanilla Instant Pudding

- 1 box of sugar free Chocolate Instant Pudding

- 1/2 scoop of Chocolate Shakeology

-1/2 Scoop of Vanilla pudding

- 4 cups Almond Milk

- 1/2 tablespoon of unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Assembly:

- Spray pie dish with non stick spray

- Crush both 100 cal cookie packs up to fine crumbles

- Use the bottom of a spoon of measuring cup and press crumbled cookies on the bottom of the pie dish

- Prepare each box of pudding according to quick set directions sub milk for almond milk & adding 1/2 scoop of Shakeology with coordinating flavor

- Pour chocolate mix into dish

- Immediately pour Vanilla mix in dish

- I swirled my flavors with a whisk but they naturally mix together

- Chill in freeze for an hour or more covered 

- Sprinkle Cocoa Powder over frozen pie

- Serve & Enjoy :)

Why I now love my chunky body

  Even though I still have a ways to go in my weight loss journey I have never felt more sexy and confident before. I am realizing that I need to savor every pound lost because I will never have them again... putting myself out there for you all to see is making me realize that I even on my own journey have the chance to inspire others to do the same and challenge themselves!  Without this fat on my body how would I have ever had the chance to experience that kind of opportunity. Each time I go out and run into some one I love knowing my body is better than it was yesterday; that the next time they see me I will be different!!

  More over I have realized, after grocery shopping a few days ago, and walking through a fast-food cafeteria I realized just how much money and time has been wasted. I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars, I am sure, buying myself new outfits, changing my hair color, buying new make-up, or new wardrobe accessories only to go eat a HUGE meal in that very fast-food cafeteria. For what.. what was I changing by buying myself all those materialistic things... nothing... because there is NO amount of satisfaction that a pair of jeans can give you if you don't feel good in them to begin with. Instead I bought new clothes only to put them on and loathe myself... pick at every part of my body because I was not doing anything to actively change it.

  I can say that weightloss journeys are FAR more than just psychical.. they are so much more emotional and spiritual then I thought it would be. I have changed more in the last three months than I have EVER in my life...  can't wait for people to say you are not the same person you used to be (in a good way).. because honestly I never want to be remembered for what I used to look like and how I used to feel inside; that I am sure sometimes showed on the outside. I love that Athena and Thomas V now have a mother that shares healthy snacks instead of chips and dip. Athena will never think twice about if she loves herself or her body because she will have NEVER learned body shaming from her mother. She will be strong enough to dismiss the pressures and self doubt at school because she values herself and has confidence.

  All I can say is LOVE yourselves and if you don't, dig deep and make a change because I love my thick body more than ever because of all these wonderful lessons I have began to grasp. I know I will love my health, having enough endurance and energy to chase and play with my kids, my happiness, and let's face it a SMOKIN' hot bod even more so!

Chocolate Shakeology Covered Strawberries

  All I can say is I should have been making these a LLLOOOOONNNNGGG time ago!!! They are so damn delicious it's exactly like a chocolate covered strawberry from a candy store.. but better because there is ZERO guilt!!!

Ingredients:

- 6 Large  washed and dry Strawberries

- 1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

- 3 to 4 tablespoons of water 

Optional Goodies:

- 2 tablespoons of Lowfat Vanilla Yogurt

- 1 drop red food coloring

- 1 Tablespoon slivered almonds crushed up

Assembly:

- Wash and blott of excess water (MUST do this for Shakeology to stick)

- Foil a baking sheet

- Mix up Shakeology and water in small bowl, should be thick like the consistency of yogurt

- Put tip of strawberry into the chocolate and roll the strawberry clockwise in bowl while holding the leaves in your fingers; be gentle because sometimes the leaves can break off.

- If you choose to decorate your strawberries more you can use Vanilla yogurt turned red (like in the picture) you just mix them together and drizzle with a fork.

- Sprinkle crushed almonds on top of wet chocolate covered strawberry

- Place level in fridge and chill for at least an hour

-Enjoy :)

If you don't have Chocolate Shakeology you can get it by clicking here :)

Lift your Booty for your Cutie Valentine's Challenge

  So excited for all my challengers already good to go for our "Lift Your Booty For Your Cutie" Valentine's Day Challenge starting on February 1st!! I have had AMAZING results from the program as well as some of my friends.. those pictures speak for themselves... we will be using and it's the SAME trainer some of the VS Angels actually use!!! If you see yourself with a transformed tushy I still have a few spots left open!! Contact me at Mrsgentryiv@gmail.com for more info 

Hubby's Frozen Vanilla Yogurt Drop Berry Parfiat

  From the words of my husband.. "This is probably the best thing you have ever made in your life!" Uuummm thanks? In this moment I am so glad I have spent countless hours cooking from scratch meals for you for five years!! Who knew some berries, quickly made homemade granola, yogurt and honey would have made him so damn happy! Well no need to follow this blog anymore guess this is what he eats for the rest of his life... jjjjuuuuussssttt kidding ;) 

Ingredients:

This is for two servings

- Fresh sliced strawberries about 8 of them (rinsed)

- Fresh Blueberries 1/2 cup (rinsed)

- 1/3 cup of rice krispy treat cereal

- 1/3 cup crushed pecans

- 3 tablespoons of crushed up cashews (5 large cashews)

- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

-1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

- 1 tablespoon PB2 (powdered peanut butter)

- 1/2 cup of oats

-1 teaspoon of vanilla

- 2 tablespoons of honey

- 1/2 cup frozen low fat vanilla yogurt drops (see picture below) 

Assembly:

- Preheat oven 350 degree F

- Mix oats, pecans, crushed cashews, PB2, RK cereal, nutmeg, cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of honey, & vanilla together in a bowl with a fork until clumpy

- Slice up strawberries

- Spread granola out evenly on a bake sheet 

- Bake granola for 7 mins or until a little golden brown

- Remove and let sit to cool down for 10 mins

- Mix berries together shake granola on top then place yogurt drops, half of everything in each bowl

- Mix together and drizzle with remaining honey & enjoy :)

Almond Balsamic Strawberry Glazed Chicken with Crumbled Feta

 In leu of the new strawberry Shakeology coming out today... I had to go strawberry somewhere :) Excited and want to try the new Shakeology flavor like I am?!? You can grab your bag by clicking here :)  

   I can't even begin to describe how savory and sweet this recipe this chicken is.. so delish!!! Since I started this blog I have opened my palette and I can say I'll never go back to the boring cheeseburger and fries girl I used to be; Even though you can bet I'll be hitting up Blake's Lotaburger for a Green Chile Lotaburger and seasoned fries... drool (All my NM friends know the level of taste bud joy I'm speaking of) in good ole' New Mexico for the most epic cheat meal ever on our way to our new home in Louisiana!

   But seriously forcing myself to use up all the pantry "left-overs" has brought me to create some of the best dishes (according to my husband) I have ever cooked up... this chicken is no different.. simply scrumptious! It has been a money saver too.. I never realized how much options we had and how much money we've wasted buying the same old weekly dishes instead of branching out like this... Plus it's like playing my own house version of Chopped!!!

Ingredients:

- 6 chicken tender strips

- 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar

- 1/2 cup of sugar- free strawberry preserves

- 3/4 cup of slivered almonds

- 1/3 cup of herbed crumbled feta cheese

Assembly:

- Place chicken tenders frozen in ziplock bag with balsamic and strawberry preserves let thaw and marinate overnight and all day

- Preheat oven to 350 degree F

- Place almonds in bowl

- Using clean hand roll each chicken tender in almond to coat completely

- Place on a foiled baking sheet

- Sprinkle crumbled Feta cheese on top of each tender

- Bake for 25 mins

- Enjoy :)

Girls Trip to Cancun 2015.... Thanks Beachbody

Who's said all expenses PAID girls trip to Cancun, Mexico next April with my bestie Ana!!! Whoop Whoop!! I'm all registered for my free trip I earn through my business with Beachbody!! Best part is... I get to bring my girl with me for FREE!!!

Have you ever been to Moon Palace Resort?

I seriously LOVE this company! What other company would allow me to be at home with my babies & give me perks like this?!?

If you see yourself having the kind of business that allows you to be your own boss, spend quality family time, work with people you actually LIKE, and qualify for trips like these I would love to help you achieve that, please contact me!! HUGE life changes!!!

Doing the Ten and Ten while making Din Din

    So today I started my 3-day Shakeology Cleanse and I have been fairly tired all day... I chose to do the cleanse not to loose weight but mainly to get out all the icky out after Christmas and after all the craziness of my pregnancy and premature birth of my son Tommy; I'm sure I will lose a few pounds like I have in the past with the cleanse though. However because I am so tired I had to squeeze in a workout the best time to do it for me was while cooking dinner tonight.. So tonight I did the following and holy smokes I am SORE!!!! I shall call this baby the 10 & 10

10 reps and 10 sets of each movement... with a 10 pound weight.. can be a dumbbell or kettle ball anything you've got that's 10 pounds.... and lastly NO breaks in between sets and I rotate between the three movements to keep it fresh!!

10 side bends.. do 10 on each side.. okay so this is the only technical 20 rep move.. sorry 

10 burpees.. because who doesn't love burpees :/

10 squats

Then finally a 1 minute plank..... yikes!!!

Make your time for your workouts no excuses! If you get down with the 10 & 10 tell me what you think!!! 

EVER AVOIDED THE CAMERA BECAUSE YOU HAD PUT ON A FEW LBS AND DIDN'T WANT ANYONE TO SEE?

That has been ME for the past 3 months after having my son… Many of you know that I've decided that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH -- I want to be IN the pictures with my kids, not sitting on the sidelines! 

I am solidifying my commitment… drawing a line in the sand… {& putting myself totally OUT THERE right now} and proclaiming 2014 as the year I put myself BACK IN THE PICTURE and back on TRACK with making myself a priority!

I am starting an online FB accountability group using an at home fitness program that I have had great success with in the past (see my picture below) and because who has time with two kids to drive to the gym and back? Since I am on the journey as well I'll be right there with you along the way 

-If you see yourself in my story at all and you'd be interested in the details of the group - Comment below and I will shoot them over to you! Or you can reach me at MrsGentryIV@gmail.com 

Sweet Potato Chicken Shepard's Pie

   Tonight is our cheat meal and I am SO excited since I haven't had a cheat meal since New Year's Day!! So today I will be posting last night's dinner, which came after making the CBPB Guiltless Ice Cream I wasn't in the mood to really get down in the kitchen so this was thrown together with odds and ends.. and it came out amazing.. I didn't think it would because it's essentially a loaf style baking dish full of veggies, chicken, and 80 calorie weight watchers cheese layers on top of one another. 

Ingredients:

- 6 skinless chicken tender strips

-1 bag of frozen steam-able corn

-1 bag of frozen steam-able green beans

-1 bag of Alexia waffle cut Sweet Potato

- 1/3 cup of WW Mexican Style blend shredded cheese

- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper

-1 teaspoon of sea salt

-1 teaspoon of garlic powder

-1 teaspoon of Lawry's seasoned salt

      

Assembly:

- Preheat oven to 400 F

- Pull bag of sweet potatoes out and let sit while waiting for layering and the oven to preheat

- Make sure to steam and drain both your corn and green beans before layering

- Fill bottom of loaf pan with  1/2 of the bag of steamed & drained green beans

-Layer the chicken tenders & season with salt, pepper, seasoned salt, and garlic powder

-Put the next layer of corn on top of the chicken using only 1/2 the bag

- Then cover with a single non-stacked layer of waffled sweet potato

- Sprinkle cheese over the top

- Cook in oven for 30 mins or until waffled sweet potato is a tad cripsy

- Serve :)

  Another thing I love about this is that I had veggies for lunch for Athena and I already chilled and ready for our lunch salad. Hop you all are having a great Thursday :)

Guiltless CBPB Shakeology Ice Cream

    I was driven to find a way to make something tonight for dessert and that uses peanut butter for one of my favorite ladies!! So... Sarah this one is for you girl!!!

On another exciting note what is even more motivating is that my weight is literally melting off I am officially FIVE lbs down!!! That's what I'm talkin' about!!! For those that have always wondered what Shakeology is all about this page has a wealth of information just click here :)

    I didn't know how this would turn out as it is my first attempt at making homemade ice cream in general but also making it healthy and guilt-less however it is so much creamier than I thought it would be and truly satisfies my need for sweets.. plus it totally makes my daily "dose" of Shakeology that much better. Another plus, it gave me the chance to break out my new Cuisinart ice cream maker Eeeekkkk!! However if you don't have an ice cream maker I will put directions for blender prep below it's just as simple :)

Ingredients:

- 2 scoops of chocolate Shakeology

- 2 cups Vanilla Almond milk

- 3 tablespoons of Natural Peanut Butter

- 1 cup ice cold water (I put it in the fridge for a while)

- 1 very ripe mashed up banana

- 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder

Assembly (for ice cream maker):

- Mash up banana with fork in small bowl

- Put all ingredients in ice cream maker besides the mashed banana

- Start up ice cream maker after five minutes in gently put mashed bananas in

- Allow the maker to work it's magic for 25 mins, scoop, and serve :)

Assembly (for blender):

- Use only 1 cup of almond milk and add 1 1/2 cup of ice instead of water as stated above

- Combine all ingredients and blend until it become very thick

- put in a large tupperware container and chill in freezer for an hour or longer (depending on how firm you like your ice cream) 

- Scoop & serve :)

Asian Cashew Encrusted Salmon Filets with Creamy Siracha Sauce

   Since we are starting a new adventure in Louisiana and moving across the world we have decided to challenge ourselves (me) to cook with all the little odds and ends in our pantry so we aren't throwing away a ton of food... And that's how this healthy concoction was created...

Ingredients:

- 2 wild Alaskan Salmon filets

- 3/4 cup of Low Sodium Kikkoman Soy Sauce

- 1 1/2 tablespoons of garlic powder

- 1/3 cups natural (no oil & baked) cashews

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- Pinch of Salt & pepper

For the sauce:

- 4 tablespoons of Siracha 

- 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil Mayo

- 2 teaspoons of Low Sodium Kikkoman Soy Sauce

- 2 teaspoons of Lemon Juice

- 1 teaspoon of honey

- Pinch of Salt & Pepper

Assembly:

- After combining the garlic powder, 3/4 cup of soy sauce, salt and pepper in a gallon zip lock bag allow to marinate in fridge meat side in marinade all day.

- Preheat oven to 250 degrees and line a baking dish with foil while pulling the salmon out of the fridge.

- You can either blend or process the cashews until it is a crumb.. not too fine or you will have cashew powder ;) 

- Place salmon filets on foiled baking dish (skin side down) and spread a light coat of olive oil over the meat.

- Use a spoon to sprinkle cashew crusting all over the top of the filet then use spoon to gently press the smaller pieces on the meat so they stick.

- Bake salmon for 20 minutes, drizzle with creamy Siracha sauce and serve.

To make the sauce:

- Combine all ingredients listed above before you pull the fish out of the fridge, whisk together, and place in the fridge until you are ready to drizzle it over the salmon. 

Pulling myself out of the hole...

   Today I spent my lunch with a good friend of mine who was pregnant with her adorable little boy with me at the same time... as we shared lunch and stories of being a new mommy (for me all over again) I had a full circle moment. I have realized that this rise in my life pursuit  to do the best I can do is because of that one true as hell life rule... you are who you surround yourself with and how you choose to give yourself to those people and all people in general make all the difference. Since living in Italy I have met some amazing people and some not so great people but what I do know is that being here, having a massive cultural experience like living in Italy for three years away from my family and friends has changed me. It has made me realize there are SO many endless possibilities to life, so many ways to truly be happy, but most of all so many chances to make a connection with someone just by putting yourself out there genuinely with your whole heart.

    But let's back track a little as to why I would need a "rise" in my life? Why would someone who is literally... as I'm typing this very sentence, listening to my husband cooking and teaching how to cook turkey meatballs to our four year old daughter in the kitchen right now ever sad; he's amazing, she's amazing, right? I live such a blessed life and it took me pulling myself out of a very dark place to realize that. After our daughter Athena was born prematurely at 1lb 6ozs I lost myself; my husband left for his first deployment, Athena had multiple surgeries, there was insane amount of family drama, I gained so much weight, and I was so young I still didn't even know who I was. I now know that I was experiencing postpartum depression (the baby blues) and have been since a little over a year ago.
 
    It wasn't until something so devastating happened to my husband and his platoon that were deployed last year that I had a snap... life is so precious. so why am I wasting it? I can't even begin to tell you how much every moment means to me now because of the loss I've watched my husband and his brothers grieve over. Meeting those men before they left, their amazing families, knowing how young they were, now knowing just how much each of them enjoyed life with a zest that most people will never possess in their life.. I made a vow to myself that I will lift myself up because my husband needs to be lifted to be able to cope with such an immense loss...that I should live my life...ACTUALLY live it because these two young men I that I knew very little about gave their life so I could freely live mine. I talk to them often when I am unmotivated or I feel like I am losing it and it always brings me back to a place where I realize how ridiculous I am acting... it's insane how much someone you barely even knew in comparison can teach and show you.. unfortunately this came at the highest of costs.

   The change in my perspective of life has directly correlated with how and why I now ask myself everyday is this you doing your best? Are you living your life..? Because now you know that at anytime it can be taken away. It has made me shed off the friends that I realize are not worth my time and truly value the ones like my lunch buddy today that bring such joy into my life because they too whole heartily love others. I thank God for many amazing people that have been placed in my life, they are all blessings. Making this change has reminded me that if I can do one thing that makes one persons day better, make them happier, inspire them, or make them smile then I am living. Lord knows that in my dark period I made so many mistakes, I hurt people, I lived in my own internal misery and my love for the world and for people was nearly extinct.

  I will never live my life in such a dark place again.. it's a damn lonely space hating yourself, pushing everyone away, and being so frustrated because you don't know exactly how you can dig yourself out and change. But I can tell you, living my life for the ones I love... even strangers and making it a mission to give them a little part of my love has changed my life immensely because everyday I ask myself is this the best I can do? That question is asked for myself, my family, friends, and the complete strangers I haven't yet made my friends. LIVE everyday for others because it takes just one person or moment to change your perspective of life!

BFF Playoff Style Buffalo Ranch Chicken

     Tonight the hubby asked me for something that felt like we were being bad but wasn't actually bad (?) while watching the Bengals play the Chargers... and after their steal of a seed spot I proudly can say that I hope the Chargers lose miserably (Die hard Steelers fan and no I'm not sorry :) ) Anyhow back to the chicken....

Ingredients:

- 3/4 cups of Frank's Hot Sauce

-1/3 cup of fat free Italian dressing

-1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning

-7 frozen Chicken tenderloins

- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Assembly:

- Put hot sauce, dressing, garlic powder, and ground black pepper into a one gallon ziplock bag and shake together.

- Add frozen tenderloins, shake to get the marinade all over the strips, and place in fridge all night or all day to work it's magic.

- 30 mins before start of dinner/lunch drain out most of the hot sauce & dressing mixture (keeping chicken in ziplock bag)

- After sauce mixture is drained put the packet of Ranch seasoning in and shake

- Pan fry in a non-stick cooking spray oiled fry pan for 5 minutes on each side.

- Enjoy :)

Hope everyone enjoys this!! Let's go Bengals :D 

Healthy Sweet & Salty Strawberry Salad & Weightloss Update :)

Soo I'll kick this off by excitedly saying.... I'm 3 lbs down and so excited for this small but great start :)

  So for those of you who are here as personal friends of mine you likely know that I couldn't make a great sandwich if someone was paying me a million dollars (odd for an Airborne Infantrymen's wife I know I know I should be a glorified "sammich" maker) but I can salad your ass off if you give me the chance... so here ya go the Healthy Sweet & Salty Strawberry Salad and how it's made:

Ingredients:

- 2 Heaping handfuls of baby Spinach 

- 3 sliced Strawberries 

- 1 halved then quartered tomato

- 1/4 of a cucumber (skin still on) cut four ways

- 1 tablespoon of diced white onion

- 1 tablespoon of crumbled turkey bacon

- 2 tablespoons of slivered almonds

- 1 tablespoon of Sunsweet Antioxidant dried berry blend

- 2 Mezzetta Garlic stuffed green olives minced (include garlic clove)

- 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese

- 2 tablespoons of Ken's Lite Caesar Dressing

   Generally I like to make my food pretty or I won't eat it...so I assemble all the fresh ingredients then all the extra goodies down the middle and drizzle the dressing over the salad at the end so everything stays crunchy (I have two kiddos so most of the time I'm putting out a crisis meltdown before I can get to my plate) 

   Hope you all enjoy :) I'd love to know what you all think so please let me know and if you change the ingredients around... I love variety and change so tell me all about it!!

Hello World!!

        Where the hell has my body gone? I think maybe..Somewhere in between I'm a faux fitness junkie and Burger King lane... I often ask myself is this the best I can do? With not only my body but all aspects of my life...and everytime I ask myself I struggle with that question in only one area of my and that is my weight and body image. In fact for a little over four years now.. and I can tell you every single time I ask I always have fear, self doubt, loathing, and sadness.

        I have decided to make a change.. and honestly not because it's New Years and not because I want to make this drastic expected immediate results change my life type scenario. Because no I know this will be hard. I know it won't be easy, and everyday after all I will have to push because well.... I'm a foodie... I have that inner 800lb+ woman inside me that literally has eaten half the Christmas Pecan pie.. who has embarrassed herself in front of her husband because he caught her in the corner squeezing cookie frosting into her mouth like it was my last meal. 

          Then after... feeling such shame and regret that I go onto Pintrest and pin every single Health & Fitness pin I can think of and in my head say "I will start tomorrow". But that "I will start tomorrow" is complete bullshit.. but not anymore. No more self loathing looking at pictures of girls with gaps in their thighs, who can wear all the adorable outfits that I drool over daily... I will never loathe my body again because I will NEVER give myself the ability to say you are not doing the best that YOU can do. 

        Please understand that I am not saying I want to be a gap in my thighs sex-vixen because well I am a mother or two and an Army wife.. probably thee worst beachbody coach by example you could ever meet; and all I want is the ability to look at myself in the mirror and say hell yes this is the best I can do. Oh and yes, that's right I am a beachbody coach.. maybe I am losing some of you now because you think I am trying to sell you but honestly I love their products (when I actually stick with using them and stop the laziness) and my team is the greatest group of people I have ever met... they've stuck with me for three years patiently waiting for me to realize that who I am right now when it comes to my body image, view of self worth, and my capacity to love myself is nowhere near where they know that I have the ability to possess. So throughout my journey I will be using Beach Body nutrition and programs in combination with the good ole gym visit.. maybe even some different fitness classes too!

       So what does all of this have to do with this blog... This is my VERY public very REAL way of confessing my weightloss journey, my only and last resort to bring some shred of accountability to my pursuit of my best I can do body. I'll be posting daily posts on this blog.. updates on my journey, what has worked and not worked for me, AMAZING recipes I find along the way.  You can also partake in my journey by joining my free Facebook group Fitness Foodies.. a place where so many amazing people have come together to motivate themselves, me, and each other! And even though I am on my own journey I would love to help you with yours.. because after all it takes a village and I love meeting people who want a life change or who love to inspire to change lives!!