Mexican Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Easy. Flavorful. Re-heats well...Yep, it's a WINNER!!

As a busy, working Mom, I'm always on the hunt for healthy but still tasty meals!  I love to find recipes that I can make ahead of time during my meal prepping time and it still be good as leftovers. This recipe does that. Plus, it's hard to forget that it helps satisfy that Mexican craving!! Enjoy!!

Mexican Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1/4 medium onion, diced

1/2 red pepper, diced

3 tbsp taco seasoning

1 cup diced tomatoes

12 ounces cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese or Mexican Blend

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until almost cooked through (just a little pink). Add the onion and pepper and continue to cook until no longer pink. Stir in the taco seasoning.

Add the tomatoes and cauliflower rice and stir to combine. Stir in the broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the cauliflower rice begins to soften (8 to 10 minutes for frozen).

Sprinkle the skillet with the cheese and cover. Let cook until the cheese is melted, 3 or 4 minutes. Remove from heat and top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, and chopped cilantro.

*I waited to add my cheese when I went to re-heat it!

Recipe Notes

Serves 6. Each serving has 5.04g NET CARBS.

Food energy: 352kcal Total fat: 21.71g Calories from fat: 195 Cholesterol: 96mg Carbohydrate: 7.04g Total dietary fiber: 2.00g Protein: 29.09g

I DID IT!!! I just completed 21 days of Shift Shop!!

Honestly, for the first time, I was a bit hesitant to share. I saw all of the amazing results from others in other test groups and started playing the comparison game. I don’t think my pictures are anywhere close to showing awesome results like many of the other test group participants. Did I really do good enough? I stopped and thought about the effort I put in and I can truly say that I did do my best and I am so proud! I worked hard for this and I chose to do this!!

This is what I know:
 

* I  never missed a workout. Even when we traveled, I planned ahead and got it done! It took a lot of hard work to get the 45 minute workouts done in week 3 (I'm used to 30 minutes or less) but I was proud each time I completed it!

*I followed the nutrition plan almost to a T with only a couple of “off” moments.

* I surprised myself by what limits I really could push myself to. I went into the program thinking I could always modify it. It was rewarding to “try before I modify” and I was able to do much more than I thought. I may not be the fastest, but I’m getting faster!

* I continue to have a mindset shift when it comes to nutrition. I was able to strengthen my ability to make good choices and fuel my body instead of just shuffling food into my mouth. I’m far from perfect but definitely improving! And I had MANY temptations (too many birthday parties to count!)

* I shared my journey daily, depended on my accountability group and felt amazing support from all of you!

* In 3 weeks I got mentally and physically stronger, leaner, quicker, and my focus and mindset are on a new level.

So, yes, I am proud of the 5.5 lbs and 6.75 inches I lost in just 21 days!! But, I am more proud of my mindset and the fact that I WANT to keep going! I’m EXCITED to do a second round and continue to get results!

Are you READY to make the SHIFT with me?? My next round starts Monday, August 14th.

Here's what you can expect:

A commitment to 21 days of working out (optional rest days on Sundays), sticking with a meal plan that is easy to follow and fuels your body with lots of healthy protein, healthy fats, fruits and veggies and some carbs. There's no need to count calories, and there are sample meal plans to follow (that's what I did). You have a personal trainer telling you what workouts to do on what days, he shows you each move and even shows you how to modify.  He also gives you PEP talks when you need it the most. And you get ME!!! I'm your personal Coach that will help to encourage you and motivate you each and every day.

Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.

Are you ready to join me?? WHY WAIT?? Start feeling, and looking your best and live the life you WANT!! Sign up today!!

 

Click Here to JOIN!!

Everything you need plus 1 month of meals!!

Shift Shop Week 1 Review

 

So, I just completed my FIRST week of the SHIFT SHOP!! The Shift Shop is a 3 week program that involves cardio and resistance training along with the portion fix containers, so I knew I had to try it!!

For week 1, we had 25 minute workouts Monday thru Saturday. Sunday was an optional stretch day or rest day. I took the rest day. Can Moms really say that though???

 

 

I am hosting a private accountability group with 13 women and we're all doing SS together! Sharing daily and helping to motivate others to take better care of themselves is the easiest way for me to stay on track. People ask me how I stay motivated. Coaching is how. I love to share my journey in hopes to inspire someone else!

        Shakeology is always part of the plan!

 

Last weekend, I took advantage of the sample meal plans and prepped using their handy shopping list and menu for the week.

We ate salads every day for lunch but this pork and edamame was different that my usual. It's great to be introduced to new flavors to add together!

I took my week 1 STATS this morning. I was down 3.5 lbs and 3.5"!! I'm feeling good, increased energy is plentiful, my cravings have diminished, and I noticed my Mom pooch is getting smaller!

Still want to hear all about my week and how I keep going? Check out my videos!!

Shift Shop Week 1 Review (Part 1)

Shift Shop Week 1 (Part 2)

Want to join my next group?!?! Email me to connect at healthymomlife@gmail.com!!

Beachbody’s Newest Workout, The Shift Shop is HERE!!

I just love all of the hype and excitement that comes with every new program!! The hope and desire to use something different as I continue on my health journey is fantastic!! No getting bored here!! I'm hosting a private accountability group helping you each step of the way and I'll be doing the program right along with you!! There are already over 10 women in our group, JOIN US!!

What is the Shift Shop Workout?

• It is a 3 week rapid rebuild program.
• It is for anyone who wants to ramp up their fitness fast.
• It goes from basic 25 minute workouts to advanced 45 minute routines, all while honoring your nutrition for optimal results.
• It’s great for all fitness levels.  If you have a lot of weight to lose, shift shop will be your on-ramp to fitness.  If you have spent time away from your regular routine, Chris will lead you through a fitness tune-up.
• The workouts are 25-45 minutes a day, 6 days a week for 3 weeks.
• There is a workout modifier in every workout.
• It is available on July 12th 2017 so make sure you get on my list so that you stay up to date on the latest release information.

Who Is Chris Downing?

Chris Downing Processing “The Shift”. What is it that I REALLY want? What effort will it take to get me there? Can I see it from WITHIN?

Chris is a NASM certified personal trainer with one goal in sight.  To help you accelerate the change you have always wanted.  As the creator of the Shift Shop fitness program, Chris’ engaging, motivation based approach lets you grow stronger both physically and mentally.  It is so much more than helping you get fit and lose weight.  It’s about shifting your body and mind to a place that allows you to reinvent yourself.
Chris takes the most results-driving training methods-effective for everyone from pro and amateur athletes to the everyday gym-goer and tailors them to help you achieve significant total-body transformation.  This includes shorter workouts with exercise intervals that help you burn fat and reshape your physique at lighting speed.

Want to make the SHIFT?? Email me at healthymomlife@gmail.com to chat!!

Zucchini Lasagna Boats

Summertime is filled with lots of yummy veggies! Zucchini is one of my favorites and I love cooking it different ways.

Do you have an abundance of zucchini coming out of your garden right now? This recipe is sure to help you find something to use them for! These were super easy to whip up. They cooked longer than it took me to make and assemble. I got the idea because this week for meal prep I decided to use what I had at home and not shop for more food. I found some frozen ground turkey in my freezer and I also had some zucchini I needed to use. Off to Pinterest (isn't that where we get most of our recipes now?) to scope out my options. A suggested recipe popped up and that's what I decided on!

I used my melon baller to scoop out the insides.

I prepared the cheese mixture while the turkey browned and then I added Aldi's marinara sauce.

Next it was time to layer up the meat sauce.

Waiting for this to cook was torture though! I couldn't wait to try it and couldn't believe I had never made these before. I'm excited to try other variations too that I saw like taco and buffalo chicken.

Enjoy! Leftovers were just as good!

Lasagna Zucchini Boats

Servings: 8 zucchini boats

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini (2 1/2 lbs), sliced into halves through the length*
• 1 cup (8.6 oz) part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley , plus more for garnish
• 1 1/4 cups (5 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 oz) finely shredded parmesan cheese
• 8 oz 93% lean ground beef or lean ground turkey
• 4 tsp olive oil , divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 3/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil , plus more for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using a spoon, scoop centers from zucchini while leaving a 1/4-inch rim to create boats. Set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl stir together ricotta cheese, egg and 1 1/2 Tbsp of the parsley. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir in 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese and the parmesan cheese. Set aside.
3. Heat 2 tsp of the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble beef into pan, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up beef when stirring, until browned (there shouldn't be any excess fat but if you happened to use a fattier beef then just drain excess rendered fat). Stir in marinara sauce and 1 Tbsp of the basil, remove from heat.
4. To assemble boats, brush both sides of zucchini lightly with remaining 2 tsp olive oil and place in two baking pans (I used a 13 by 9 and a 9 by 9). Divide cheese mixture among zucchini spooning about 2 1/2 Tbsp into each, then spread cheese mixture into and even layer. Divide sauce among zucchini adding a few heaping spoonful's to each. Cover baking dishes with foil and place in oven side by side and bake in preheated oven 30 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle tops with remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella, return to oven and bake until cheese has melted and zucchini is tender, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle tops with fresh basil and parsley and serve warm.
5. *Look for zucchini that is wider and more uniform in width. The skinnier zucchini won't fit much filling.

Crock Pot Steel Cut Apple and Cinnamon Oatmeal

My newest obsession.

Anything that I can throw in the crockpot these days and forget it, has my name all over it! (Can I get an amen?!?) I whipped up some steel cut oats for my mid morning snack this week at work. Super simple and you can customize yours how you want. I ended up waiting to throw the apple in, and instead I add it when I go to reheat it and it adds a little crunch!

What you'll ...need:
• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 4 cups liquid (I used 3 cups of water and 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk)
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• splash of vanilla extract
• you can also choose to add sweetener like maple syrup or honey now, but I sweeten it with either of those per serving
Just stir and cook on low for 7 hours. Portion out in mason jars and they're easy to grab and go!

What's your favorite oatmeal combo?

Coaching

 

What is Coaching? I partnered with Team Beachbody, the creators of Insanity, P90X, 21 Day Fix, Piyo and more back in 2013. An a Coach, I get to utilize the all the programs and products, share my journey and testimonies using them, provide encouragement to my clients, mentor other people to do the same and in turn, earn an income just by helping and leading others!

Want to hear more about WHY I love Coaching? Check out my video!