Steak Stir-Fry

My family loves stir-fry and the more veggies I can add in, the better! Here is the recipe for the stir-fry I posted in my health groups last night! This is a semi-homemade kinda dish, an easy quick weeknight supper!

Ingredients:
1 lb. stir-fry sliced beef (steak)
1 package frozen stir-fry mix
1 can sliced water chestnuts
1 can Chinese mixed veggies (sprouts/corn/carrots)
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 1/2 tsp sirrachi (chili paste)
3 tbsp Bragg's amino acids (soy sauce alternative)
2 tsp real all natural honey
1 tsp ginger
1 tbsp garlic
1 tbsp onion
Brown Rice

Directions:
1. Sauté beef in 1 tbsp sesame oil until cooked through, remove from pan and place in covered bowl
2. Sauté stir-fry mixture, water chestnuts, and mixed veggies in remaining sesame oil. Once cooked through, mix in sirrachi, amino acids, honey, ginger, garlic, and onion.
3. Cook rice according to package, serve stir-fry over rice.

Awesome slightly sweet and spicy dish!

Chicken Caprese

This was the delicious low carb meal my family enjoyed tonight!

Chicken Caprese

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts

2 cups cherry or chunked Roma tomatoes

3 tbsp fresh minced garlic

4 tbsp Italian seasoning mix

2 tbsp Olive oil

4 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Salt & pepper

Bunch fresh basil

2 slices fresh mozzarella 

Drizzle one tbsp Olive oil in pan (I used a panini pan), sprinkle breast with 2 tbsp. Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook, turning part way through, until cooked through. Drizzle with 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar, cover, and let sit 10 min.

While the chicken is cooking, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place tomatoes, minced garlic, remaining italian seasoning mix, remaining olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a pyrex dish. Bake until tomatoes are tender, approximately 15 minutes. 

I suggest serving in a bowl, you wouldn't want to miss any of the delicious sauce that is drizzled over the chicken! Place chicken in the bowl, sprinkle top with fresh basil, place 1/2 slice fresh mozzarella on top, then spoon tomato mixture over top. Garnish with remaining basil and serve!!

I served this with a beautiful big salad and voila! Delizioso!

Day 2 of the 21 Day Fix-My Journey

Well, yesterday was another great day on the 21 Day Fix. Got up and got my workout in early! Prepped my meals for the day as I knew I would be out and about all day! No time for "fast food", prepping in advance is faster, easier, and healthier than stopping at one of "those places"!

Today the workout was great, had the choice of using weights or a residence band to add a little oomph to the workout, surely felt the difference! ;)

Sweaty Pic! ;)

I have found I am a creature of habit as many are and I can do just fine with eating the same thing everyday, but unfortunately my family can't.


They like things to be switched up a little, so I'm incorporating 21 Day Fix approved foods and making different dinners for us to enjoy.

I have to say (pat myself on the back!) last nights supper was delicious! It went over great with the family too!

Meals of the day:
Started with Coffee with a little almond milk and stevia

Breakfast was my normal vanilla shakeology with 2 tsp pb, 1/2 frozen banana, water, and lots of ice

1st Snack was a bowl of fresh fruit, ate it on the way to work!

Lunch was a thin bun sandwich with sliced turkey, spinach, cucumber, and romaine

2nd Snack was a bowl of fresh veggies and amazing 21 day fix dressing to dip

Dinner was slow cooked chicken tacos, yum!!! Want the recipe????

Dessert was plain greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and fresh berries!

Tell me I'm not eating like a queen! Definitely getting enough food in for sure!



If your ready to make the commitment and make some changes, I am offering a huge bonus today for those who commit. Msg me or email me at kimi.stotler@gmail.com

Day 1 of the 21 Day Fix-My Journey

Yesterday was the first day of the 21 Day Fix for myself and my mom! I was excited to start the day out on the right note with a walk and my 30 min. fix workout! The workout was great, a little tough, but very easily modified (we modified most moves for my mom)!




When I sat down and figured up how much I had to eat on the 21 day fix I almost had a heart attack. It is a lot of food, for something that is supposed to be a "diet" right! Well, thats because it isn't a diet, it is meant to be a healthy lifestyle supplement tool! The foods are actually foods I already ate on a daily basis and after evaluating the plan I have a feeling my problem is actually not consuming enough food!!! Crazy huh!

Lunch

Here are a few of the delicious meals I partook in:

Had my amazing Shakeology for breakfast! I love vanilla  with banana and pb!


Snacked midmorning on a delicious fresh picked peach!

Afternoon Snack

Lunch was a quinoa tex-mex bowl (quinoa, with a vegan boca burger, spinach, salsa, and feta)!




Afternoon Snack was mixed veggies (cucumber, carrots, and yellow pepper) with the 21 day fix creamy herb dip!

Dinner

Dinner was a vegetarian burger patty
(Morningstar griller) with brussels sprouts, sautéed kale, brown rice, and a mixed green salad with fresh strawberries and balsamic vinegar.

ARE YOU ready to try this amazing program, I bet you can't eat all the food!!! 

Send me a message or email me at kimi.stotler@gmail.com for more information!

You can always get more info through my site too!

The 21 Day Fix

As most of you know I am a healthy lifestyle coach and I work to help others get on the right track and stay focused in living a healthy lifestyle! It isn't easy by any means, but it is worth it, YOU are worth it!

I will be starting an awesome program tomorrow with my Mom! It was the gift my sister and I gave her for Mother's Day and we will be doing it together! We are very excited about starting the 21 day fix. The 21 day fix is an amazing program developed by Autumn Calabrese focusing on proper portion sizes and of each type of food consumed! Breaking it down to be as simple as 1, 2, 3!

If you are looking for/to:

• simple, 30 min workouts
• simple nutrion
• portion control 
• a simple plan to follow
• lose 10-15 lbs. in just 21 days
• change habits
• live a healthier lifestyle

Then this is the program for you! I will post how our first day goes tomorrow, but you have to check out this amazing program! I will be starting a challenge group to support those who want to do the program in the next couple weeks. If you want in on my challenge and are ready to make some changes, live a healthier life, lose weight, and be happier, then contact me for more information! I will be running a special the next week for those who make the commitment to join in on my challenge. 

Check it out Here! 

Tips for Staying ON Track!

Here are a few key components that can help you stay on track. Yes, I myself do not always feel like doing them or want to, but I know the difference these small chanced can make in my SUCCESS!

1.) Schedule your workout

Simply scheduling it into your routine as if you had an "appointment" which you actually do, you have an appointment with the most important person in your life, YOU! You have an appointment to better yourself, to be a better mom, a better wife, a better friend, etc.

2.) Prep your meals in Advance for a busy workweek

Cooking a giant pot of quinoa, grilling chicken and vegetables, cleaning and cutting up fruit, making eating healthy convenient will help you stay on track.

3.) Measure out meals

By measuring out your meals, then placing them on a regular plate, you will begin to be able to visualize an appropriate portion size

4.) Eat balanced meals

By balancing what you are eating, protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, etc. you will stay fuller longer and stay energized!

5.) Surround yourself with positive people

By surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, encourage you, and support you in living healthy are key components to be successful!

6.) Have an accountability coach/partner/group

By having the aspect of accountability, you will stop and take note of what you are consuming and partaking in due to the aspect of having to share with others. By sharing your progress and accomplishments you will also gain strength and SUCCESS!

If you need help with any of these steps, contact me, I am here to support you, assist you, help keep you accountable, and celebrate your success with you!!! ;)

Contact me at www.facebook.com/healtherhappieru4life
or via email at kimi.stotler@gmail.com

STAY Focused! ;)

Homemade Almond Butter

I am a fan of almost every nut butter out there, unfortunately when bought from most stores they include a ton of stuff, not stuff I particularly want in my nut butter! I had a friend who began making her own almond butter and found it was very easy, affordable, and DELICIOUS! Check it out!

Ingredients:
2 cups raw almonds
2 tbsp coconut oil

Directions:
1.) Preheat the oven to 375
2.) Bake almonds for approximately 6-8 min
3.) Put in food processor for about 10-15 minutes...scraping down the sides in the middle! Your will be able to see the texture change into almond butter. .  

TIPS:
*If it's not becoming oily you didn't blend long enough! *I added some cinnamon the other day and it was amazing!! 
*Store in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness 

I hope you enjoy this delicious almond butter as much as I have! 

It is great on an apple or slice of Ezekiel bread. 

Grilled Lemon Pepper Tilapia

I have been craving fish lately, so it was to my surprise to find tilapia on sale this week at Sam's Club!  My husband loves to grill so what better mixture than my fish and his grill!  Check out this awesome recipe! Our entire family enjoyed every last bite of it!

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless/skinless tilapia fillets
• 1 fresh lemon thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Fresh cracked pepper
• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic 
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 tsp freshly chopped parsley
• Sea salt 

Directions:

I made open top foil boxes to cook our fish on the grill, gaining the grill flavor without losing half our fish from sticking to the grill. 

Place a thin layer of lemon slices on the bottom of the foil, top with the tilapia fillets. Mix the olive oil and fresh lemon juice together. Drizzle the tilapia fillets with the olive oil/ lemon mixture, sprinkle with cracked pepper (visibly peppered), sea salt, parsley, and garlic. Top with a layer of thinly sliced lemons, cook until flaky to fork. Time will vary by grill, may also be cooked in the oven! 

Lemon Pepper Tilapia

I served the tilapia to my family with a side of roasted asparagus and quinoa. Would be great along side a salad as well! 

Happy New Year> RESOLUTIONS

As he year comes to an end and we get ready to watch the ball drop, we all begin thinking about the things we would like to change or do differently in the future year. We often call these things our New Years RESOLUTIONS. We may sit down a make a list, we may voice them on New Year's Eve, or put them in our phone as a continual reminder. Unfortunately, too often theses so called resolutions get overlooked as the year goes on and forgotten, thus giving the bad rep of New Years resolutions.

A few of the most talked about resolutions are...

• Lose WEIGHT
• Eat healthier
• Workout more often
• Pray more
• Pay off debts
• ... The list goes on and on

The honest truth is, the only person that can truly make those things on your list happen, fulfill you goals, accomplish your dreams, is YOU!!! YES, YOU! 

Our inability to accomplish what we have set forth for ourselves lies within our hands, most people are not ready to take the responsibility of admitting they didn't accomplish their goals, or they come up with a million excuses as to why they didn't complete them. A lot of people get started on their list for instance purchasing the gym membership, taking am ones management class, or even hiring a personal trainer or financial analyst. The truth is we may initiate he process, maybe even complete a couple weeks, even a couple months, then all the sudden there are other things that are more important or consuming our time. 

Last year I set some goals for myself, a list of 10 things and we'll I myself must confess, I completed 1/2 of them, I allowed excuses or what have you not come in between my goals and me. But I am glad I at least completed a portion of them rather than none, some is always better than none. 

Thus year is MY YEAR. I have set some high standards for myself and I am going to get this done! Whose with me??? What are your goals?

Here is my 2014 goals board, check it out, read over it, and keep me accountable!!! Accountability is key!

MY GOALS: Attend Coach Summit 2014 (My healthy lifestyle business), Pay down my student loan debt, Eat cleaner, Get turbo kick certified, Grow my business and become a DIAMOND, Run at least 2 5Ks, Attend BB Success Club trip to Cancun (It is actually next year, but I earn it this year, I mean really Cancun vacation FREE, heck yes), Read personal development EVERY DAY (I love The Compound Effect and Push, two of my favs thus far), Be the Strongest & Healthiest Me of my LIFE, Spend more time with my family (especially my niece, nephew, and sister ;), Put money in savings, Go on a cruise with my honey (this is our thing, we love it, this is also the only way I can get him on a vacay with no phone or computer), and Pay down my credit card debt. Don't judge me peeps, I'm just being honest and putting it all out there, thus I am going to have you ALL to keep me accountable!

Now go make your own here! Post your board in the comments below or on my Facebook page for accountability! 

Recipe Makeover - Pecan Crusted Salmon

I love salmon, unfortunately about a year and a half ago, I caught food poisoning from some delicious salmon I ate out at a restaurant. This led to my food aversion of salmon for quite some time and now I am still very particular on where I consume salmon. I prefer cooking it myself now, but it is at the top of my list for healthy and delicious dinners! I saw a recipe for pecan crusted salmon in a southern living magazine, and knew I had to figure out a healthier alternative to this recipe, because it was absolutely delicious! So...check out this awesome recipe makeover! By simply replacing the large amount of butter used with coconut oil/butter cuts the calories greatly and makes a crispy crust.

Ingredients:
1 large salmon fillet or 4 per portioned fillets
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 tsp dill
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp coconut oil (the thick texture similar to butter is necessary)
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Pulse pecans, dill, garlic, and oil, making a paste like texture
3. Season salmon with salt and pepper, top heavily with thick mixture in the center of each fillet. 
4. Bake uncovered for 18-20 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through, flakes with a fork. 
5. Serve immediately, I prefer serving with asparagus and wild rice.

The paste can be made in advance to top salmon and pop in the oven approx 30 minutes before serving dinner. 

I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as my family does! 

Christmas Eve~Traditions...

Yes it is that time of year, 

Christmas is almost here!

Scream and shout

You might even jump about,

Knowing he soon will be here. :)

This time of year I still find myself giddily with anticipation of Christmas morning! My reasoning behind my giddiness has greatly changed over the years however, from once giddy to see what had arrived for me, to now giddy to see the exictement on others face's. Waking up early to spend those precious moments with my family by the tree opening presents. Seeing the eyes of the youngest of the crowd grow bigger with excitement as they unwrap their presents! These are all moments we should hold near to our hearts and treasure! 

What is your favorite part of the holiday seasons?

Some might say: "the presents", "the food", "the music", or even "the movies", but for me I must say, "the moments with my family!" These other things are great, but the memories we make with our loved ones greatly outweigh all these small details.

Traditions...

Traditions often are the glue to a family's holidays, and each family has their own traditions. Our family has a couple different traditions and they might slightly vary by the year, but the basis is the same. I have traditions with my parents and sister that we have done since I was small, I now carry on my own traditions with my children as well. Keep these traditions alive as these are a way a family carries through the generation! 

As I type this I am partaking in a small aspect of our Christmas tradition already, my own family and I are on our way to my parents to make sure we are there for Christmas morning! 

Well, make sure those kiddos are in bed early, as I am sure the elves will be doing a lot of last minute running around! Merry Christmas to you all, and don't forget the true importance of the holiday season! ❄️⛄️🎄🎁🎅🎉

Christmas Eve~Traditions...

Yes it is that time of year, 

Christmas is almost here!

Scream and shout

You might even jump about,

Knowing he soon will be here. :)

This time of year I still find myself giddily with anticipation of Christmas morning! My reasoning behind my giddiness has greatly changed over the years however, from once giddy to see what had arrived for me, to now giddy to see the exictement on others face's. Waking up early to spend those precious moments with my family by the tree opening presents. Seeing the eyes of the youngest of the crowd grow bigger with excitement as they unwrap their presents! These are all moments we should hold near to our hearts and treasure! 

What is your favorite part of the holiday seasons?

Some might say: "the presents", "the food", "the music", or even "the movies", but for me I must say, "the moments with my family!" These other things are great, but the memories we make with our loved ones greatly outweigh all these small details.

Traditions...

Traditions often are the glue to a family's holidays, and each family has their own traditions. Our family has a couple different traditions and they might slightly vary by the year, but the basis is the same. I have traditions with my parents and sister that we have done since I was small, I now carry on my own traditions with my children as well. Keep these traditions alive as these are a way a family carries through the generation! 

As I type this I am partaking in a small aspect of our Christmas tradition already, my own family and I are on our way to my parents to make sure we are there for Christmas morning! 

Well, make sure those kiddos are in bed early, as I am sure the elves will be doing a lot of last minute running around! Merry Christmas to you all, and don't forget the true importance of the holiday season! ❄️⛄️🎄🎁🎅🎉

Mediterranean Roasted Cornish Hens

Sunday I spent the day with one of my best friends, staying warm inside. After multiple cups of coffee, we decided it was time for some good eats. She surprised my husband and I with this amazing delicious and healthy recipe! Check it out!

Mediterranean Roasted Cornish Hens-Candace Metcalf

Ingredients:
2 cornish hens, split
1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
1 cup artichoke hearts, sliced
1 cup onion, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves of garlic, diced
1/2 cup green olives, not just green but immature green olives
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp italian seasoning

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Place olive oil in bottom of baking dish, split Cornish hens and rub in olive oil, sprinkle with 1 tbsp italian seasoning, add 1/2 in water to bottom of dish, and bake until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes.
3. Mix remaining ingredients
4. Remove birds from oven, add vegetable mixture, sprinkle with remaining italian seasoning and bake an additional 30-45 minutes 
5. Let dish rest for 5 minutes before serving locking in juices and flavor!

My friend served it beautifully on a bed of rice, making sure to place plenty of the juicy delicious broth over the dish before serving! 

I know you are all jealous right! ;) 

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did, it was great!  This is a great recipe to make for the large groups of family coming in around the holidays, easy to throw together and have baking upon their arrival. 

Cold Weather Workout!!!

That time of year is upon us, the cold has swept in with many places under ice warnings. Where I live  in Florida however, it is a rainy, dreary day. Point being I will not be able to workout outside today for sure. What to do when you can't get outside to get your physical activity?

I myself enjoy running, biking, walking, hiking, tennis, and well about any activity that can take place outside. I do however have some awesome indoor workouts too though! In the past I did not enjoy workout movies or any workout keeping me inside. Then I found a workout program that is right for me, that I really enjoy, and actually want to do everyday!

This is the important part, to find a workout you actually WANT to do, this way you will stick with it!  I absolutely love TURBOFIRE, it is a fun, dancy type workout to awesome music! I also love Turbo Jam and Brazillian Butt Lift. These are all great inside workouts using your own body to gain muscle and lift those saggy areas.

It is important for you to find what works for you, if you need help finding a great workout, I am here to help! If you are limited on space and equipment a workout video is always a great go to! If you are one of the privileged few, you may have an in home gym, take advantage of your equipment on these cold days. I have attached a couple more inside workouts!

*If you are interested in finding a great workout video, you can check out mine at www.healthierhappieru4life.com or contact me at

www.facebook.com/healthierhappieru4life 

What Are You Really Eating?

Do you truly stop and think about every bite you put into your mouth?

Each small bite/sip can contain gobs of calories, and unfortunately can be consumed very easily. Mindlessly we pop chip after chip, piece after piece into our mouths. Then there are those calories we drink, chug chug chug, every drop easily going down. These are the areas where, to often, we do not keep track of what we are truly eating, which leads to keeping that muffin top or extra baggage.

One thing I have found to be crucial to my healthy eating and staying focused is food tracking, journaling, counting, whatever you might call it. There are many tools to help us do this these days. It is important to find what works for you in your situation. What are you more likely to follow through with completing every day! Keeping a spiral notebook or pad and pen with you and writing down what you eat may work best for you. There are now many options using technology, including using your phone as a tracking device either through simply taking notes on it or downloading an app that can go above and beyond to tell you what your truly eating. There is also the aspect of knowing subconsciously that since I am going to have to write it down I am more likely to not eat certain junk items.



I myself have found using an app, is what works for me! I personally love myfitnesspal, it is a great app that helps me keep track of not only what I am putting into my body (food and water), but also keep track of my physical activity, and show me a breakdown of my daily intake per nutritional value.

 It is hard to get into the routine, especially when you are busy at work and being a mom, but well worth it in the end.  If you can be determined to track just one months worth of eating, you will at this point be into a routine and should be able to stick with it. The payoff can be worth more than the time in the long run.

So...is it worth it for you?

Recipe Makeover- Egg Nog Frappuccino

The day after thanksgiving while visiting a SB with one of my best friends and sister I was introduced to the Egg Nog Frappuccino. Yes, it didn't sound the greatest at first to me, especially since I can't drink milk, but after taking a wee little sip, I knew I had to make it over! 

I literally wait for this time of year to enjoy my favorite holiday drinks at Starbucks, however unfortunately most often they break my calorie bank. So came the challenge of making a non-dairy, low calorie, yet still delicious holiday drink. When I made this amazing concoction last night, I knew it was a winner!!!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup silk eggnog
• 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla protein shake (I used vanilla Shakeology, it was amazing)
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• Lots of Ice

Directions:

Place all these yummy ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth! Serve immediately, garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg if you like! 

I enjoyed mine by the christmas tree while watching the lighting on TV last night! 

Have a favorite holiday drink you challenge me to makeover? 

Recipe Makeover-Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower (no taters here)

Usually our thanksgiving and christmas table has a spot for some deliciously creamy mashed potatoes, but this year we changed things up. I was one of the skeptical ones, who was a little nervous about making the conversion, but after trying the, all I can say is YUMMO! Here is the recipe, it is delicious by the way!

Ingredients

• 1 full head of garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 heads cauliflower
• salt & pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Cut just the top of the bulb of garlic, place in an aluminum packet and drizzle with olive oil. Close packet and bake for approximately 30 min or until soft.
3. Boil cauliflower until tender, beginning to fall apart. 
4. Drain cauliflower and place in blender/food processor, squeeze softened cloves of garlic into cauliflower, season with salt & pepper, and blend until smooth. 
5. Serve your delicious low calorie side! 

For a creamy and cheesy flavor, add either 2 tbsp cream cheese or 2 garlic herb laughing cow wedges prior to blending. 

This is a great CLEAN, VEGAN, VEGETARIAN, and GLUTEN-FREE recipe! 

Clean Eating??? What is it and is it right for ME?

The newest craze nutritional craze in the past couple years has been the concept of CLEAN Eating. What is Clean eating? Is it right for you?

The main concept behind clean eating is consuming only natural, healthful, items. Items which have been grown and delivered to you without any processing or preservatives, including grown with harsh chemicals. It is more less eating a healthy all natural diet! Eating clean involves eating 5-6 small meals a day of lean meats, whole grains, and complex carbs.

Is clean eating right for you??? Y>>>E>>>S, YES, YES, YES! If you are looking to:

• LOSE WEIGHT
• GAIN ENERGY
• EAT MORE OFTEN
• EAT HEALTHIER
• ETC. ETC. ETC.

I could tell you a thousand reasons why eating clean could help you, but the best advice I can give you is to simply try it and you will FEEL the difference! I consistently post Clean eating recipes, if there are any items in particular you would like me to makeover (make clean), feel free to contact me and I will help to my best ability! 

Here are a few simple steps you can follow to clean eating:

1. Eat 5-6 small meals a day, eating every 2-3 hours. (TIP: Find out how many calories you should be consuming in a day and divide the amount by the number of meals you plan on consuming to see approximate calorie breakdown for each meal)
2. Eating whole grains and complex carbs will help increase energy and keep you full longer. (TIP: Make sure your are looking for WHOLE GRAIN items, make sure you are also consuming the appropriate serving size)
3. Eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as you choose (TIP: Keep an eye on consumption of fruits high in natural sugar content and when you find certain fruits/vegetables you prefer above others, make sure to always have them on hand, washed and prepared to take with you at any time.)
4. Eat lean meats such as chicken, fish, and turkey (TIP: Cooking lean meats in advance and storing them individually packed in the fridge will help you stay on track, having something to grab any moment, portion size is important!)
5. Avoid white flour, sugar, sugar substitutes, trans fats, and saturated fats (TIP: Using Stevia in place of sugar and sugar substitutes in recipes will help you stay on track. Carrying a bottle around with you will help when out and about.)
    
6. BE PREPARED!!! (TIP: Carry small baggies/containers of nuts, pieces of fruit, chunks of meats, nutritional bars, and protein shake packets (my favorite is shakeology). Take a cooler if you will be out for an extended period, make sure you are prepared for the unpredictable moments, such as passing by your old favorite fast food restaurant or the junk machine.)
7. Take baby steps towards a fully clean lifestyle! (TIP: Making small changes over a time will lead to the big changes, including losing weight and having more energy!)
8. Indulge in Moderation (TIP: I get single size, small organic, chocolates I keep on hand for those times ;)

NOW, lets get clean! If you are ready to get started on the eating clean track and you want some support along the way, I am here to help.

I will be hosting a private Facebook 5-DAY FREE CLEAN EATING CHALLENGE, starting in just a couple days. You will be provided with a shopping list and daily menu for the challenge. It is completely FREE! Starting small with just 5 days will lead to a lifestyle of changes! If you are interested, follow me on here or visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/healthierhappieru4life

*Shakeology is available at www.myshakeology.com/hlthyhapyu4life 

Recipe Makeover-Chicken Salad

I love chicken salad, especially for a quick snack or lunch. After buying a rotisserie chicken yesterday while getting my grocery shopping done, I decided I needed to use part of it for some delicious chicken salad! Attached is my updated, healthier version of chicken salad, it is a little on the chunky side, but that's how I like it!

Ingredients:

• 4 oz (or approx. 1 breast) of a rotisserie chicken
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup quartered red seedless grapes
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 4 tbsp. Mayo (I used the brand made with olive oil)
• 1/2 tsp celery seed
• 4 tsp sweet relish
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Chop chicken into chunks or shred, place in bowl
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix, yes easy as that!
3. Serve chilled

I prefer my chicken salad in romaine heart boats! 

This made 6 servings for me, each coming in at 90 calories! Delicious and healthy!

If you have a favorite go to snack or lunch you would like me to makeover, let me know and I will do my best! 

Sweating Off Thanksgiving Dinner, Family Style!

As a family we decided to skip the Black Friday shopping this year and hit the trails  instead! One of my favorite outdoor activities growing up was hiking, and it still is one of my favorites. I am glad to say my niece and nephew come by it naturally in our family and, as young kids, already ask to go hiking! 

Did you get some exercise in today and work off those thanksgiving calories? Even though our table consisted of clean eating healthier alternatives this year, we still had plenty of extra calories to burn! ;) 

We hiked up to a beautiful Fall Branch Falls in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was chilly and there were still remnants of snow from the other day! 

Spending time with my family is at the top of my list for fun activities! I am truly blessed to be able to spend this holiday weekend with my family! Being on vacation and spending time with family isn't a reason not to get a good workout in though, just include the family!!! 

Having fun climbing the rocks at the bottom of the falls! 

My beautiful sister and niece!