Day 6: Cheesy Chicken Quinoa Casserole

With my daughter's 1st birthday approaching (March 6th) I have been thinking about my Dad more than usual. I can't help but be sad and mad that he's not here and he's missing his little princess growing up. I know he's watching over her, but it's not enough. I'm so happy that he was able to meet her and see her, even though she was so little still. I still think about the nurses telling me that I shouldn't bring a 6 week old to a rehab center/nursing home...HE'S MY DAD!! How could I not bring her?!

Anyways...back to health and fitness.

Breakfast: Spinach, Fried Egg, a Sausage Link, and Strawberries

I brought my son to spend the day with my father-in-law and step mother-in-law...about an hour drive. I can usually get there in about 45 minutes, but there was tons of construction and tons of traffic.
I wanted to make a quick stop, but Bella was soooo tired that we just went home.

I had a doctor's appointment in the afternoon and my Mom was coming over to watch Bella while I was gone. I decided to get my Cize done before I left so I could relax when I got home. I'm SOOOO happy I got it done and over with!

I had my Shakeology on the road and then leftover Ground Sausage, GF Pasta, and Sauce for lunch.

I got my menu for next week done and watched a few shows while my daughter napped.

Dinner: Cheesy Chicken Quinoa Casserole

****I do want to make a note that I HATE doing dishes more than anything so I figured out how to do everything just using a large skillet and a large mixing bowl. I sautéed the onion, garlic, and broccoli in the same skillet. I had already cooked chicken and quinoa from food prepping, and once everything was added to the mixing bowl, I whisked the flour and milk in the same large skillet. Turned out delicious and much less dishes!!****

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2-3 chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 heads broccoli, chopped and steamed
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 cup cheese plus more for topping
• 1 TBS flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp parsley

Preheat oven to 375°

Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.

In a medium skillet, heat a little coconut oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté another 2 minutes.

While the onions and garlic are cooking, chop the broccoli into small pieces and set aside.

Chop the chicken into bite size cubes. Add to the skillet.

Add the spices and stir to coat the chicken and cook until no longer pink.

Meanwhile, steam the broccoli, slightly. Drain.

In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, broccoli, and cooked quinoa.

In a small saucepan, over medium heat, whisk together the flour and 1/4 cup milk. Whisk in the remaining 3/4 cup milk and continue until sauce is thickened.

Stir in the cheese and then add to the large mixing bowl.

Grease a baking dish and pour in the mixture.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

The dish make five 21 Day Fix portions.

1 Green, 1 Red, 1 Yellow, 1 Blue

10 cups of water!

Day 5: Asian Meatballs

Well, I'm almost through the week!!

Today was a tough day. I really wish my kids weren't sick. It's not only a pain for them, but their whining and bad mood doesn't help my "Italian Temper" haha.

My 11 month old decided she was only going to nap 1 1/2 allllll day long. Can you say miserable?!

Breakfast: 2 eggs fried in coconut oil, strawberries and kiwi, and whole wheat toast with peanut butter.

Workout: Cize and Cool Down (45 mins)

Post-Workout Snack: Café Latte Shakeology

Lunch: Baked chicken breast, quinoa, and salad with Bragg's dressing

Snack: 1/2 banana with 1 tsp peanut butter

Dinner: Asian Meatballs, wild rice, and salad

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 inch fresh grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 3 scallions, minced

Preheat the oven to 375°

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl by hand.

Form into balls and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 20-25 minutes and enjoy!!

I was able to fit 5 meatballs in my red container!

I did meet my water goal, too! (13 cups)

Day 4: Taco Salad

Well today did not start off as planned.

My alarm went of at 5:30 and when I shut it off, I fell back to sleep until my 3 year old woke me up at 6:40. I really don't have to get up at a certain time, but both kids are usually up by 6:30ish and I like to have some quiet time to myself in the morning.

But, no big deal if it doesn't happen, I obviously needed the extra sleep!

30 minutes later...my 11 month old throws up in the living room. Not too much, but enough to make a mess and churn my stomach a little. I clean up and make breakfast.

Breakfast: 2 eggs, 1/2 whole wheat sandwich thin with 1 tsp peanut butter and 2 kiwis!

After I clean up, my daughter starts to whine and act like she's tired so I bring her upstairs to get changed and take a nap...she then proceeds to projectile vomit all over me and the door and carpet to her room. I had my husband help get her in the bath and I clean up the mess. While she lays down for a nap, I shower and get the vomit out of my hair. Clothes into the washer.

Bella wakes up about 40 minutes later and she's feeling much better. I honestly don't know what it was, but I'm hoping it doesn't happen again.

Snack: Cafe Latte Shakeology.

Once my daughter layed down for nap and I was able to shower for the second time and have a yummy lunch (Chicken, quinoa, and salad) I layed down for a little snooze myself on the couch while my son watched TV! Thankfully, Bella slept for about 3 hours and felt so much better after her nap, no more throwing up!!

Then, my son and I went grocery shopping before having our yummy dinner.

We had Taco Salad for dinner and I seasoned and cooked the ground beef a few days ago. Today, I only had to re-heat it and I added some organic, from the farm, salsa! I added a ton of lettuce with grape tomatoes and cheese. The picture has a tortilla, but I ended up not eating it because it was a gluten free brown rice tortilla and tasted like cardboard :(

I'm short on water today because of my nap and grocery run, but it's ok! Tomorrow's another day!!

Day 3: Pasta with Meat Sauce

Woke up soooooo sore this morning. I'm sure a combination of the crazy abs I did at the gym on Sunday and then yesterdays Cize workout.

Since I was so hungry and had so many cravings I decided to have a normal breakfast and then do a shake for a snack.

For breakfast I had a 2 egg scramble with mushrooms, spinach, and scallions. Along with raspberries and 1/2 whole wheat sandwich thin with 1 tsp peanut butter.

I definitely wasn't hungry after breakfast.

I did my Cize workout with only a few pause and rewinds due to my kids. I also did the Abs workout and I admit that I wasn't able to do everything.

After Cize (and a shower) I had my Shakeology and 1/2 banana with peanut butter. I added the little bit of brewed coffee that was left from my husband's coffee and some almond milk. Yum!!

For lunch I had another amazingly huge salad, with spinach today and a chicken breast, wild rice and Bragg's dressing!

The rest of my day was super stressful, as my kids are still sick and cranky. My son fell asleep on the couch and my daughter finally passed out in her crib at the time she should've been waking up from nap. I let them sleep, of course, and then the rest of the night they were cranky and so was I!

Dinner was a little bit of a change...gluten free spaghetti, sausage meat sauce with ricotta and fresh basil. My son fought me all through dinner because he "wasn't hungry" and then once he was allowed to leave the table and relax on the couch, he was magically hungry and needed a snack.
#givemeabreakkid

Thankfully, everyone is finally asleep and it is quiet. I have Castle on my DVR and I am happy!!

I hit my 13 cup water goal and I think it's going to be an early bedtime for me :)

Day 2: Chicken, Quinoa, and Salad

Day 2 did not get much easier.

I had my Shakeology, 1/2 banana, and tsp peanut butter for breakfast.

Then, I did Cize for the first time and LOVED it! My 3 year old wanted to dance too! It was a lot of fun and harder than I thought it would be.

Lunchtime...I was so hungry that I would have eaten the plate and utensils if I could.
I had a piece of baked chicken with whole wheat soba noodles, and a huge salad with dressing.

I felt pretty good after that for awhile and then had the other half of my banana and peanut butter.

Dinner looked suspiciously like lunch with another piece of baked chicken breast, quinoa, and a big salad.

I still had a TON of cravings and that morning I had a migraine and ended up napping when my youngest did.

I did get in my 13 cups of water!!

Day 1: Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas

Well, since I'm doing the 21 Day Fix, I figured I should really document my progress and struggles.

Day 1...hard.

I didn't think it was going to be a walk in the park, but man was I hungry all day.

I started breakfast with Cafe Latte Shakeology, 1/2 organic banana with 1 tsp organic peanut butter.
I sipped a cup of hot water with freshly squeezed lemon throughout the morning.

I did my Sunday workout at the gym while my husband was at home with the kids. Luckily, I have the Cize workout now because I can't go to the gym with my kids while they're sick :(

After my workout I had the other 1/2 of the banana and another tsp of peanut butter.

I was STARVING come lunchtime and I had 1 baked chicken breast, rice, and peas (which I later found out that peas counted as a yellow container or carb)

I munched on some baby carrots and wholly guacamole for another snack.

Dinner was amazing...Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas (Recipe to follow) on a tortilla with lots of veggie toppings!

Phew...day 1 was definitely an eye-opener. I know I really have to push myself to keep up with everything and finally succeed in my goals!

I thank you and hope you continue to follow my journey.



Steak Fajitas

1 1/2 lbs steaks (I used sirloins)
Chili powder
Cumin
Coriander
Salt
Pepper
2 Tbs soy sauce
1/2 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, grated
4 bell peppers, chopped
Tortillas


Start by rubbing the spices onto the steaks and placing them into the slow cooker. Add the soy sauce.

Top and then add the peppers, onion, and garlic.

Turn the slow cooker on high for about 5 hours, or until meat pulls apart easily.

**21 Day Fix: 2 Green, 1 Blue, 1 Yellow, 1 Red

13 cups of water

21 Day Fix

I don't usually make posts like this, but I figured since I'm finally ready and committed to improving my life and health, I should write about it.

I'm starting the 21 Day Fix for real today (Sun, Feb 21, 2016).

My containers, Cize, and Shakeology came in the mail yesterday and I have never been so excited! I've already been eating clean, as you could probably tell from my recipe posts, but I struggle with portions, self-control, snacking, and just poor body image. I'm hoping through this journey I will learn what exactly I'm over-eating and how to stay on track.

I'll be doing Cize all week and then going to the gym when my kids aren't sick anymore. My gym membership is up in April or May and I'm seriously thinking about canceling if things go well with this program. I would continue with everything and get the other workouts also. Getting 2 kids out the door to and from the gym every morning is such a task. Especially when I have to work around my daughter's naps and my 3 year old's mood swings...

I really hate dragging them out when it's super cold or raining, too.

So anyway...I'm all in this time and plan on getting to my fitness goals. I think I've said this in a previous post, but I'm not really looking at a number goal, just a healthy, comfortable in my skin, goal!!

Feel free to comment with your own success stories and please continue to enjoy my recipes and follow my fitness journey!

Chicken Fried Rice

There is nothing I love more than Chinese food (well, besides my family and friends)!! What I love about Paleo, Primal, Whole30, 21 Day Fix...none of them are diets, they are a lifestyle change.
I was Paleo (and I mean true Paleo) for a few months a couple summers ago. I lost a ton of weight and I felt so great and healthy. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit my family life and budget right now.

I'm on day 5 of 21 Day Fix and learning so much already. I never realized how many oils and fats I was consuming. Even as healthy fats, I was having too many. I'm still just testing the water and I have much to learn, but any "diet" that I can figure out how to eat Chinese food, I'm committed!!

• 1 1/2 lbs cooked chicken, chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 2 1/2 cups mixed vegetables
• 4 Tbs coconut aminos

In a large skillet, scramble the eggs. 

Add the cook chicken, brown rice, and vegetables until heated through.

Add the aminos and stir again until heat through.

This recipe is doubled, it serves 4.

21 Day Fix Serving: 1 1/2 Red  1 Green  1 Yellow  1/2 Orange

Ground Chicken Taco Skillet

I'm a couple days into the 21 day fix and it's going pretty well. Both of my kids are sick, so I'm having a hard time getting a workout in and going to the gym is a negative...

I've been winging the fix and I can't wait until my Shakeology and containers come!! I spent another couple of hours last night re-redoing the upcoming week's menu. I'm really happy with the changes I've made and the fact that eating the same breakfast and lunch all week will save me a lot of time and stress!

This taco recipe was really great. I love recipes that only use 1 pot or pan. (I think I've mentioned before that I HATE doing dishes!)
The original recipe called for ground beef, but I used ground chicken because I had that on hand. That's another thing we're doing at our house...using up all the many ingredients we have in the pantry and fridge/freezer before buying new products.

I know, DUH, a no-brainer!! Now, let's get to the recipe!

• 1lb ground chicken (or beef or pork)
• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 15oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder (more or less depending on your taste)
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Cilantro, for garnish

Brown the ground meet in a large skillet.

Add the remaining ingredients, except the cheese and cilantro. Simmer until vegetables are tender.

Top with the cheese and cilantro. Enjoy plain or serve over rice or in a tortilla!

21 Day Fix: 1 Red 1 Green 1 Blue 1 Yellow

Meatloaf Mexi-Muffins

I started the 21 Day Fix yesterday...well, sort-of anyways. Thanks to Pinterest I didn't actually purchase all the containers and the actual program. I'm able to find recipes and portion-control that way.

This week, I'm able to stick with my "Meatloaf Monday" and I made this yummy Mexican Meatloaf recipe. The meatloaves were baked in muffin tins and I served them with roasted sweet potatoes.

I love using the muffin tins because they make cook-time so much quicker. These babies were done in 25 minutes!


You Will Need:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup organic or fresh salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 375°

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl.

Roll the mixture into balls and drop into your muffin tin.

Bake for 25-30 minutes. Top with extra shredded cheddar, if desired, and bake or broil for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese is melted!!

Paleo Marsala Chicken

Changing your eating lifestyle doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor. By substituting a few ingredients, you can enjoy your favorite food without the guilt.

I am a big fan of chicken Marsala. This recipe does not contain flour or milk. When I took the first bite into the chicken, I couldn't believe how much it tasted like the "real thing."

Pair this meal with gluten free pasta or cauliflower mashed potatoes and veggies and then you have the perfect, healthy, family meal.


You Will Need:

• 4 pieces chicken breast
• Salt for seasoning
• 1 Tbs coconut oil
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 3/4 cup Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 2 Tbs arrowroot flour
• Parsley, for garnish

Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet that can be fitted with a lid. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and add to the pan. Brown on both side (about 3 minutes each side).

Pour in the Marsala, chicken broth, and thyme.

Top the chicken with the sliced mushrooms. Cover and cook over a simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Remove chicken from skillet and sprinkle the arrowroot into the skillet. Whisk until sauce starts to thicken. Add the chicken back to the skillet and serve with parsley on top.

Paleo Coconut Almond Breakfast Bars

If you're on the go in the morning and are looking for a healthy, satisfying breakfast...well then look no further!

This breakfast bar is paleo, dairy-free, gluten-free, and delicious!!

You can make this ahead of time, freeze, and then defrost when you need a quick breakfast. You can enjoy a bar with your morning cup of coffee or for that mid-afternoon craving!

• Coconut Oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 4 Tbs coconut milk
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds

Preheat oven to 350°

Use the coconut oil to grease and small square baking pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs slightly. Add the banana and mash, then add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Pour into the pan and smooth flat. Sprinkle the almonds on top.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

(If freezing, let cool and cut into slices. Place in a freezer bag. Defrost the night before if planning this for breakfast or you can defrost quickly in the microwave for 30 seconds!!

Cauliflower Pizza

Since I can remember I have been obsessed with my weight and body image. I am a short Italian girl who gains weight just by looking at food (or at least it seems that way haha). I used to dance when I was younger and that helped keep me slim, but I ate whatever I wanted and nothing healthy. Plus, being a dancer, I was never skinny enough. I'm also not thinly built, I have an athletic-toned body when I'm actually in shape.

I am a HUGE Pizza lover...so finding a recipe where I can eat more than once slice and not feel guilty about it is amazing. I'd like to perfect this pizza crust so it's not so soggy, but all in all it tasted great and not like I was eating a vegetable crust.

So if you're gluten free, dairy free, or just watching your carbs, this is the recipe for you. Make sure you press/squeeze out as much liquid from the cauliflower as possible.

• 1 cauliflower, ground or grated
• 1 egg, slightly scrambled
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 425

Chop the cauliflower into small pieces and add to a food processor or blender. Blend into tiny pieces.

Transfer to a bowl and top with saran wrap. Poke a few holes in the top to vent. Microwave for 4 minutes and remove to cool a bit. Wring out the cauliflower with a towel or mesh strainer. Try to get as much liquid out as possible.

Add the cauliflower to another bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Mix well.

Spread out the crust onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or pizza plate.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, then add your favorite toppings and bake another 5-10 minutes.

Yum!!