Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip

Oh.My.Goodness.

I was at a Christmas party last weekend and this dip was served. I had heard and read about it*, but I had never tasted it. Let's just say that it's something I CANNOT have sitting around my house. I will eat it all.

I have another Christmas party to go to tomorrow and then we have P's baptism on Sunday, so I thought I'd give the dip a whirl myself. Typically, I stink at cooking, reading recipes, and kitchen stuff all together, so I was fully prepared for this to be awful. I was pleasantly surprised! It tasted pretty dang good!

I doubled my recipe and added in extra chocolate chips because that's the way I roll :) I hope you enjoy it.

Ingredients:

• 1 15 oz can of garbanzo beans (chic peas), drained and rinsed
• 1/8 plus 1/16 tsp salt
• 1/8 heaping tsp of baking soda
• 2 Tbsp vanilla
• 3 Tbsp oats (I used the 5 minute oats, not the instant)
• 1 Tbsp unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup almond butter (I didn't have any so I made my own!)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
• low fat graham crackers for dipping (apples would be great too - or pair with a fruit/veggie of your choice)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth. Add extra almond milk, 1 Tbsp at a time, if the mixture is too thick.
3. Pour into a container and fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Serve with low-fat Graham Crackers!
5. Try not to eat all the dip yourself!

*original dip recipe found HERE.

<3,
Kell

Portion Control

Portion control has always bee a huge hurdle for me. When I am eating food that I enjoy I want to "EAT.ALL.THE.FOOD.NOW."

In today's society, everything is supersized. You name it, it's big. Food servings, drinks, plates, cars, houses, I could go on and on. The one thing that supersized food and drinks ultimately lead to = a supersized you! No one wants that now do we?

When I am at home, my trick is an easy one! I use smaller plates and bowls! I have these amazing little cereal bowls that were my Grandmothers. Instead of using my HUGE cereal bowls from Wally World for my food, I use these little bowls. Here's a pic that shows the difference in sizes of the two bowls.

See what I mean? If I had put today's lunch in the big white bowl, there's no way I would have been filled up because I would have already told myself that it wasn't a full portion! 

Alright - So what are correct portion sizes?

It's hard to tell exactly how much is the correct portion size, especially when you are out to eat. Here's a handy little picture I found to help you out!

So, what do you do when you know what the right portion should be, but you are faced with all.the.food? That's easy!

If you are out to eat, ask for a to go container BEFORE your meal even comes out. That way, you can divide their "portion" in half and have lunch for tomorrow before you are even tempted to eat.all.the.food.

Another way to help with portion control is to ask the server to just not bring the bread! It's empty calories and you don't need it. Yes, it may be good. But is it really going to make you feel better to shove that roll in your mouth? Ummm, temporarily - yes, long term - NO! You will feel guilty immediately and then the snowball effect happens. You feel bad, so you eat more, so you feel worse, so you eat more, etc. 

We went out to eat last Friday night to the Texas Roadhouse for the hubs birthday. I love that place. there were 5 adults, 1 preschooler, and a 5 month old. I couldn't tell the server to not bring the rolls because other people wanted them - said preschooler included! They smelled DELISH and I wanted one - bad. In the end, I just moved them to the opposite end of the table and enjoyed some nice conversation with the MIL, BIL, and SIL instead of eating mindlessly. It was kinda empowering.

Another trick I commonly use is to chew slowly! By nature, my family and I hoover our food. We don't take time to actually taste it. We just want it in our belleh's! I find that if I take the time to actually taste my food, I get fuller faster. Imagine that, I'm giving my stomach adequate time to tell my brain that it's full!

I also like to drink a big glass of water about 10 - 20 minutes before my meal. It helps me reach my 90 daily ounces and keep my portions in check because my belly is already partially full!

For me, portion control is mostly about will power. Do I have the will power to pass on the yummy goodness that is in front of me? Before I started my journey, the answer was no. I would eat it because my mindset was "well, it's only one roll this one time". Guess what? I was gaining weight because "this one time" was every day!

Now that I'm *almost* -40 pounds into my journey, I am seeing the big payoffs of my dedication. I have more energy, I sleep better, and I KNOW that my small daily decisions are effecting me in a positive way. 

Remember - YOU CAN DO THIS! If you need some extra encouragement, sign up for a free account HERE to make me your official coach, then find me on facebook or shoot me an email! I would LOVE to help you succeed!

<3,

Kell

Holiday Gifts for the Fitness Minded Folk!

It's that time of year! 13 days until Christmas! Are you done shopping yet??? I'm not but, eh, I'll get there!

As I was sitting here tonight, thinking of what to get everyone else, I realized that for the first time in my life, I have a serious Christmas list! Here are some of the things on my list and I'm pretty sure they would be on anyone's list that is a little bit or a lot into fitness!

1. Subscription to Clean Eating Magazine - this one has been on my list for a while. Who would want a magazine that is completely dedicated to Clean Eating arriving on your doorstep each month? HELLO??? Will SOMEONE please get me this???

2. Tosca Reno's "Eat Clean Diet, Recharged" book - This book was a LIFE CHANGER for me. Seriously. I would not be where I am at today without it. I am eating well, feeling better, and getting healthy! Once it was in my hands, I couldn't put it down. I am a REALLY picky eater so I modify most of the recipes, but they are good!

3. New shoes - What woman fitness buff couldn't use new shoes? It's exactly what I asked my MIL to get me for Christmas! I needed shoes that had more stability for my side to side movement in TurboFire and upcoming P90X! I can't wait to put these bad boys on! There is NO WAY they are getting worn for anything else other than my workouts! Meet my new New Balance wx813wm Trainers! I'm so essited!

4. Heart Rate Monitor - This is another big wish for me this holiday season. I really need a heart rate monitor so I can more accurately know how many calories I'm burning. This one is just too cute and comes with some GREAT reviews! It's the Polar FT4 - again - I'd be happy to accept gifts from anyone ;)

5. Shakeology - You are probably thinking - WHAT - she wants Shakeology for Christmas? Heck yeah! It will save me about $100 and keep me going all month long! Who wouldn't love that???

6. Good water bottle - I have a water bottle that I bought at good 'ole Wally World. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice bottle, but hind sight is ALWAYS 20/20. I wish I had gotten one that had a straw because I frequently spill water in myself. Then it looks like I'm leaking milk - NOT COOL! I prefer stainless steel because plastic kinda scares me, but if you must get plastic, PLEASE get BPA free!

7. New workout clothes - As I have been losing weight, I have a serious need for some new workout clothes! My XL's that were TIGHT before are now falling off me. Like, I can't keep them up. I go to do a TurboFire workout and they literally fall off - woot woot! I would love some new gear. I'm not ready to show off anything yet - I'm still about 40 pounds from my goal weight - but I am ready for some cuter stuff than the baggy workout clothes I have now! Here are a few of my faves:

8. A new fitness program - I am starting out 2013 with a new to me fitness program - P90X. I'm scared out of my MIND to start it but I'm doing it anyways! I have a challenge group starting up on Jan. 2 and as long as you are comitted to eating clean, training mean, and drinking your Shakeology, then there is a spot for you! Don't wait too long - there's only 5 spots left!

9. A 6 pack bag - It's official. I have to go back to work. I knew this day was coming, but I just kept putting it out of my mind. The date is April 4th. I DO NOT want to leave my kidlets but it's the best thing for our family. P will be just shy of 10 months so hopefully I won't have to pump toooooo much at work. No one likes being a cow. Back on track - the 6 pack bag. This would make my life so much easier when I go back to work. There is a spot for EVERYTHING I could possibly need to fuel my day. Seriously - I accept gifts - preferably the gray and pink one like pictured below!

10. New Kitchen Gadgets - Who doesn't want fun new stuff for the kitchen? I need quit a bit. A food processor, a mandolin slicer, a garlic press, some nice metal measuring cups and spoons, glass storage jars, I could go on and on and on!

Happy Christmas Shopping!

<3,

Kell

Italian Turkey Cutlets

I found this recipe from my friend Melanie's blog and I tweaked it to fit my own needs. It was DELISH and I can't wait to have the leftovers for lunch today!


This is a picture of what my Italian Turkey Cutlets looked like, but it's not my picture. We had green beans, not broccoli ;)

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Turkey Breast Cutlets, fat trimmed
• 2 Tbsp (aprox.)  of Italian seasonings
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ozs) organic, no salt added diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup 2% shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Lay a piece of foil in the bottom of a 9 x 13 glass baking dish.
3. Lay in the turkey breast cutlets.
4. Top cutlets with the Italian Seasoning. I don't measure mine out, I just sprinkle it on till it looks good!
5. Layer on the minced garlic and diced onion.
6. Top the garlic and onion with the diced tomatoes.
7. Sprinkle the cheese on top.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the turkey breast is cooked through.
9. Serve with whatever you choose. We had brown rice and no salt added green beans with ours. 
10. ENJOY!

<3,
Kell

Clean Taco Salad

This dinner is a popular one in our house! I make 2 pans of meat - 1 of beef for hubs and 1 of ground turkey for me! Seriously - this is the easiest dinner ever! If you don't want it as a salad, roll up a traditional soft taco in a whole wheat shell!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey breast
• 1 package of low sodium Taco Seasoning
• 1/3 - 1/2 cup of water
• 1 - 2 ounces of 0% Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1 ounce 2% grated cheddar cheese
• Bag of frozen corn or can of corn
• Can of black beans
• Fresh Salsa
• As much lettuce as your little heart desires!

Directions:

1. Brown the turkey breast and drain if there is any fat in the pan.
2. Turn heat to low.
3. Return the meat to the heat and add taco seasoning and 1/3 - 1/2 cup of water. 
4. Let the sauce thicken.
5. Heat up corn and beans according to the packaging.
6. Prepare your bed of lettuce.
7. Top your lettuce with the meat, cheese, corn, beans, yogurt, and salsa.
8. Enjoy!

<3,
Kell

My 60 day results

I'm sitting here crying as I type this. I guess I didn't realize just how far I have come until I saw these two pictures side by side. I cannot even begin to express my emotions right now - happiness, sadness, embarrassment, joy, pride, and many more!

I was going to type out my story again for everyone, but you can find it HERE and HERE.

It's time for my 60 day pictures. They aren't the best but I think they show off nicely the 38 POUNDS I have lost thus far. While I have a LONG way to go still, I am super proud of just how far I have come ;)

I have to thank a few people for making this journey possible. First, my husband. He gave me the wake up call I needed and continues to support me. Second, my coach Danielle Judd, for messaging me one night and talking to me about my health and fitness goals. She showed me the path to a better me and continues to help me on that journey! Third, my good friend Melanie Mitro, who has helped me and encouraged me along the way. I started out as a participant in her fit club on Tuesday nights and never dreamed that I would gain such a good friend out of the deal. Her encouragement and kind words have meant (and continue to mean) the world to me!


And last, but certainly not least, a HUGE thank you to everyone that has been following my story. When I see you out and about, I hear nothing but nice comments about how great I look. You can never even imagine how much those comments mean to me.

<3,
Kell

Beachbody Ultimate Reset

The name says it all. The Beachbody Ultimate Reset.

This is a 21 day program that is designed to train your body from the inside out! It's designed to restore your body back to it's natural settings - you could call it a "factory reset".

Ok - great. This is just another juice cleanse - right?

WRONG!!!

During the Ultimate Reset, you'll eat three healthy, satisfying meals a day and take supplements. You won't starve, drink only juice, or eat only meal replacements. You'll become familiar with delicious new foods and recipes that will help you maintain your health gains beyond those 21 days. In other words, The Ultimate Reset isn't a quick fix. It's a path to real, long-term change.


Help your body start fresh!

Whether you're looking to finally get healthy and fit for the first time and know Beachbody Ultimate Reset™ is that first important step, or you want to optimize your stamina and metabolism to take your fitness regimen to the next level, the Beachbody Ultimate Reset can benefit you because it's optimized for all levels of health and fitness.

Beachbody Ultimate Reset is a unique program that helps people of all ages find relief from digestive problems, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol levels, asthma, arthritis, depression, and inflammatory conditions. It has also helped active individuals get even more out of their workouts because it restores the body and makes it more efficient.*

The Ultimate Reset entails three phases:

Phase 1 - Reclaim

During phase 1, you will balance you body chemistry with four of the six supplements in order to optimize its systems. This will also reduce cravings or dependencies on items such as sugar or caffeine.*

Phase 2 - Release

During phase 2 you will be reversing the effects of poor habits, unhealthy foods, and environmental toxins. You'll modify your diet so that your digestive system won't have to struggle, and digestive problems you may have experienced before, such as bloating and indigestion, will be significantly reduced as your gastrointestinal tract is cleansed.*

Phase 3 - Restore

In phase 2, you will experience a profound positive change in your mood and energy level. Youwill eat foods of high-nutrient value, whose nutrients are easily absorbed and return healthy bacteria to your freshly scrubbed digestive tract with pre- and probiotics. At this point, your body will be ready for ongoing nutrition and ready to perform at peak performance.* 





Some of the benefits* of the Beachbody Ultimate Reset are:

• A stronger immune system
• Increased energy and more endurance
• Better digestion, metabolism and weight loss
• A more positive mood and mental clarity

From now until December 16, 2012 The Beachbody Ultimate Reset is on sale for $30 off. This includes the Deluxe and Ultimate HD kits. The best bang for your buck, as always, is going to be the Ultimate Reset Challenge Pack. 

If you would like to know more about the Beachbody Ultimate Reset, please check out my ultimate reset website. Click on the picture below to get there!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to friend me on Facebook or email me or even leave a comment right here on my blog! My goal is to help you be the best you can be!

<3,

Kell

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Results may vary.