I was finally tired enough of being tired.

::::Dusts off Blog::::

Hey guys! Man I've been a bad blogger! Can I start off by saying how busy we'v been?! 

School, sickness, baseball season began, crazy wind/rain storms, birthdays and all kinds of events in between. I am thankful to say we are all healthy now and adjusting to our newly busier schedule.

Before I get into what I wanted to write about today, I wanted to answer a question I've gotten in a few messages... Did I finish 90 Days of Core De Force?

The answer?

YES! YES I DID! 

How was it? How did I do? What results did I get?

All answered here:

Now to what I came here to write about. Being Tired.

I wrote a short post on this a few weeks ago and after speaking to so many friends and challengers afterwards about this, I realized that SO many people have been at that point or are currently in it.

The me on the left was so so tired.

Tired of having no energy.

Tired of being out of breath going up and down the one flight of stairs of my home.

Tired of still only fitting into my maternity jeans 9 months postpartum.

Tired of having no confidence.

Tired of not feeling like "me" anymore.

Tired of my PCOS symptoms getting worse and worse.

Tired of being TIRED of everything.

I was a yo yo dieter for all of my 20's. I looked for and tried any "magic pill' that popped up in store shelves. Thinking "THIS" would be it for me. (I cringe ad admitting this. But it's important to share.)

I was so wrong.

That was when 21 Day Fix came into my life.

Gone were the days of calorie counting, taking diet pills and eating "fat free" frankenfoods.

I learned how to cook healthy, measure out proper portions and not only did it NOT take too much time out of my day, but I started to enjoy it. My family started sitting at the dinner table again to eat together instead of sitting on the couch.

(My Carskey boy eating Fix Approved Fried Rice)

My kids started to roll around and "pretend" to work out with me. We were getting outside more and being more active together.

My daily Shakeology help curbed my sweet tooth and break my years of being a breakfast skipper.

For once in my adult life my metabolism and PCOS symptoms were healing.

30 mins of working out to the dvd's at home a day, eating healthy delicious portion fix approved meals and getting my daily Shakeology in.

There is NO such thing as a magic pill that works for the long term.

My family and I are the healthiest we've ever been. I'm a better wife and Mom for it. I'm a better ME for doing this.

21 Day Fix, Beachbody programs and the Portion Fix container system with Shakeology has helped change my life.

Wherever you are in your journey....

If you are just beginning, in the middle, at a plateau or debating on beginning..

Making that choice to take action, trust the process and put in the hard work will pay off. It can change your life.

From 21 Day Fix... 21 Day Fix Extreme... Hammer and Chisel and now Core De Force I can't image my life now without these programs, my #DreamBigTribe! So incredibly thankful for these ladies.

(Shout out to these amazing ladies that lost a combined over 100 pounds in the month January in our Virtual Gym Challenge!)

There is no perfect time to begin, just the time when you are tired enough of being tired. Each small step you make to live a healthier life will make a difference. Making the decision to commit, daily consistency, keeping your "why" fresh in your mind to fuel your determination will help you get there. 

If you would like to join me in my next group that starts on Monday 2/27 I would love to have you. You can click on the link here to get more info: http://bit.ly/DreamBigTribe

February Virtual Gym is ready to open. Have you RSVP'd?

Our January Virtual Gym is CRUSHING it half way through this challenge! So many inches, pounds lost and confidence gained in Meal Prepping, balancing workouts with day to day life etc. So proud of our Dream Big Tribe Challengers!!

We are having SO much success with this Virtual Gym Concept that we are opening up a group again for February! Week 0 (aka prep week) begins NEXT Monday Jan 30th and our official Day 1 is February 6th!

I'll help you find the program that best fits your needs, and you'll get live workshop training on meal prep, getting organized and more! Best part of this is you get to do this from HOME and you will have an awesome encouraging support system/group to help you stay motivated all month long.

You will be provided with:

⚜Transformation Challenge with incentives - (Weekly Prizes given away!)

⚜24/7 Access to your own private Virtual Gym with a workout plan to follow.

⚜30 Day Nutrition Plan and Shakeology

⚜LIVE Meal Prep Training in our Private Group (starts Mon. Jan 2nd!)

⚜Daily Challenges, Accountability, Fun and Motivation!

Here is a sneak peek of our LIVE FB Workshops coming to this group next week before we start day 1!!!

Are you ready to take action on those goals you've been saying "next monday" too for awhile now? I'm ready to begin with you!

Drop Your Email HERE👉🏻 http://bit.ly/DreamBigTribe and I'll get you the details! *The group is almost FULL. So the time is now if you want to join us! 💜*

Have a blessed day!

Recipe: Oh So Good Paleo Friendly Teriyaki Sauce

I really love making sauces from scratch. As someone who spent her early 20's living off of spaghetti o's and top ramen I didn't think I'd ever say that. 

One of my favorite go to meals is making meatballs from scratch and then cooking them in the Instant Pot. Only takes about 7 minutes to cook and it's pretty versatile! I typically make them with marinara sauce, but I do like making them with sweet and sour sauce too. 

Paleo Friendly Teriyaki Sauce

What's In It:

·         ½ cup coconut aminos (or braggs liquid aminos)

·         ¼ cup fresh orange juice or water

·         3 tbsp honey

·         1 TBSP crushed Garlic

·         1/4 tsp chili flakes

·         2 tsp arrowroot flour (if you want it thicker)

How to Make It:

In a small saucepan, mix everything BUT the flour and heat it over medium heat. If you are using flour, mix it with 2 tablespoon of cold water and add the mixture into the sauce and cook until it has thickened. If not using flour, just simmer on low the sauce until thickened.

That's it! I poured my sauce over a batch of raw meatballs I made. Put the meat balls in the Instant Pot, poured the sauce over and then cooked on Manuel High for 7 minutes with a quick release. 

Served it over brown rice I had cooked in my Instant Pot earlier and zoodles. Super easy and tasted like a treat meal!

For those of you using the Fix Containers: 1 orange container full = 1 orange! 

Want more recipes like this? Want more recipes like this, meal prep tips and/or to get started with a fitness routine? I would LOVE to be your coach! You can reach out to me by going to my Facebook page by clicking the picture below....

Have a blessed day!

Thanksgiving Survival Tips - Enjoy your meal AND stay on track with your goals - 21 Day Fix and Core De Force Approved!

Let's set the stage.. you are in the middle of a round of a program right now... 21 day Fix, Core De Force (like me), or maybe Piyo or Cize, etc. and you're wondering. "How am I going to stay on track and not lose my hard work over Thanksgiving week?"

I have a blog post for that! 

Here are 6 tips I personally will be using this week to stay on track with my health and fitness goals. I hope you find them helpful! 

1. Tracking Portion Control Containers? Save your yellow and blue containers for your Thanksgiving meal. That will go a long way, trust me!

2. Drink your Shakeology 1-2 hours before your meal. You'll get your super foods, daily vitamins, probiotics and and all it's delicious goodness. PLUS it will fill you up and help you not over eat during the meal itself. 

(want the recipe? Check it out HERE)

3. Fill your plate with mostly veggies! Enjoy that turkey, have a little of your favorites to get your fix. But make sure you eat lots of veggies.

4. Have a special dish that is only made once a year? Enjoy it! For me it's my Mother-in-laws stuffing. I look forward to it all year long! Or my Mom's mashed potatoes.. MMMmmmm I can taste them already. The point is, enjoy those special dishes. Just keep them in smaller portions.

5. Workout in the Morning: Yep, you heard me! Get that workout in first thing. You'll thank yourself! Burn off some calories before the big meal, and not miss a workout during the round of your program. Win win!

6. Listen to your body when you're full: Your body will tell you when it's had enough. Don't feel like you have to keep eating for the sake of it being Thanksgiving. You'll save yourself some bloat and a stomach ache later. 

When Thanksgiving is over what's next? Keep going with your program! Haven't started a program yet or looking to switch it up? Join my Core De Force Challenge Group that begins 12/7 :)

Zero Equipment. MMA Style Workouts that will ignited that fire inside you to fight for your health. Don't wait tell Jan 1st. to start on those goals. We'll be ENDING our 30 days just after the New Year. How's that for starting off 2017? Already shedding weight and inches and knocking out goals?

To RSVP and save your spot for our group you can do so here:

Fill out my online form.

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@FaithFarmFit www.Facebook.com/LifeLightUp

Have a blessed day!

                            

Recipe: Salsa Chicken - Instant Pot Edition

What if I told you that you could make flavor full, Mexican restaurant style taco filling in 1 pot with 2 ingredients?

Would you try it?

How about if I told you it takes less than 20 mins to prepare?

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 organic chicken breasts (thawed)

1 16oz jar of your favorite salsa (I used my favorite organic Salsa Verde)

I told you it was only 2 ingredients!

Directions:

Place both thawed chicken breasts at the bottom of your Instant Pot. Pour the jar of salsa over it. Place lid on and seal. Set to Manual for 7 minutes and make sure the pressure release valve is turned to "sealed". Once finished let it sit in warm mode (aka Natural release) for 10 minutes. Release pressure and take a whiff.... Mmmmmm

You can use a spatula or tongs and shred the chicken. That's it! It's ready to serve. I typically will be prepping my toppings at the same time as it's cooking so it's ready to go when the timer is done. 

Here are a few things I prep:

- corn tortillas on my small cast iron skillet

- sliced avocado or guacamole

- shredded lettuce

I don't use a lot of toppings because really, there is SO much flavor with the chicken cooking in the salsa like that. I've cooked this with regular red salsa and salsa verde and I will tell you personally, the salsa verde version is my favorite. 

(container servings above: Note add 1 purple as well for the salsa)

 Want more recipes like this, meal prep tips and/or to get started with a fitness routine? I would LOVE to be your coach! You can reach out to me by going to my Facebook page by clicking the picture below....

Have a blessed day,

Fill out my online form.

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Recipe: Paleo Chicken Salad

I'm always on the hunt for new meal prep friendly recipes. Something tasty, easy to make and something I can grab on the go! Recently I have been cutting dairy and gluten out of my diet to help with my PCOS symptoms so I've been switching up my normal meal prep staples. 

I loved this one and I just had to share it with you!

Meet my dairy free, gluten free, super tasty Chicken Salad!

Ingredients:

- 2 Boneless/skinless Chicken Breasts (cooked and shredded)

- 1/2 cup dairy free mayo (I used Primal Chicken's Mayo w/ Avocado Oil)

- 2 slices of cooked bacon (chopped)

- 2 celery stalks (chopped)

- 2 green onions (chopped)

-Himalayan salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix shredded chicken, mayo, bacon, and the rest of the ingredients in a bowl and mix. THAT'S IT! Simple right?

*Note: I cooked my chicken in my instant pot. 2  thawed chicken breasts, 1 cup of boneless chicken broth cooked on manual for 13 minutes, shredded and then chilled in the fridge before adding.

I served it over a cup of shredded cabbage/salad mix for lunches this week and it was a nice change of pace! Next time I may add a dash of hot sauce too it for a kick ;)

Want more recipes like this? Want more recipes like this, meal prep tips and/or to get started with a fitness routine? I would LOVE to be your coach! You can reach out to me by going to my Facebook page by clicking the picture below....

Have a blessed day,

Fill out my online form.

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My Pantry Favorites: Part 1

I did a Facebook Live today showing some of my favorite pantry items and I thought sharing here would be fun too! 

I plan to do more of these types of posts in the future so I'm only sharing a few things here today. These are definitely some of my top favorites for sure.

 Coconut Aminos: I love this stuff SO much. I used to use Braggs Liquid Aminos, but with my PCOS I have bee trying to cut all soy from my diet.  I LOVE soy sauce so finding an alternative that is tasty and healthy was huge for me. I use this for stir fries and my combination fried rice.

Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar: Oh man where can I start on this awesomeness? Helps prevent flu and other stomach illnesses, reduces acid re-flux and hear burn, good for your hair, skin and gut. I could go on and on and on. I love using Apple Cider Vinegar to "pickle" veggies. Add 1 cup of AC Vinegar, 1 cup water, 1/2 red onion sliced and 1 cucumber peeled and sliced. Store in a mason jar and chill in the fridge. A great "crunchy/tangy" snack when you are craving chips or crackers!

Organic Stoneground Mustard: I love to make "egg salad" with this or even use it to dip chicken sausage in. 

Local Organic Honey: No brand for this one, key word is LOCAL. When you digest local organic honey from your area it will help with allergies! Crazy right? I started eating a few tsps a week of local honey about 2 years ago and was able to stop taking allergy medicine. Check out your Farmer's Market and enjoy! I love using mine in my favorite Shakeology Recipe: Honey Nut Latte.

Homemade Seasoning: The two I have right here are staples in my pantry. The "21 Day Fix Taco Seasoning" from the 21 Day Fix Nutrition Guide and the "Mediterranean Blend" from the Country Heat Nutrition Guide. I use the Taco Seasoning like it's going out of style! It's my go too when making tacos and sometimes even chili.

Want more recipes like this? Or even, meal prep tips and/or to get started with a fitness routine? I would LOVE to be your coach! You can reach out to me by going to my Facebook page by clicking the picture below....

There are kinds of fun things coming to this blog and my Facebook page this fall! I hope you come back and see what's happening :)

Recipe: Sweet Potato Chili - Instant Pot Edition

You might not know this, but I LOVE Fall. 

Not just Pumpkin Spiced Lattes... I love the season Fall. The crisp air, the leaves changing, leggings, warm boots, hot cups of coffees and hot delicious comfort foods in the evening. 

This recipe is making me really excited about the season changing. I made this recipe this week and my family loved it. When I first told them I was making sweet potato chili they turned their nose up at it. Then when it was time to eat, they were pleasantly surprised! 

I can't tell you how happy that made me! 

This new recipe will be a staple in my house from here on out. The best part is how EASY it was to prepare/cook! I hope you enjoy this recipe.

(This recipe is Dairy and Grain Free)

Ingredients:

2 lb organic ground beef

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

2 garlic gloves, pressed

1 small red onion, chopped

30 oz organic tomato sauce

2 cups organic beef stock

2 carrots, chopped

3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 tbsp cup chili powder (or less if you desire *wink*)

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp thyme

2 tsp sea salt

 1 1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions:

Set instant pot to saute and wait tell it says "hot". Add  1 tsp of evoo then ground beef and brown. Once beef has browned add onion, garlic and let simmer for a few minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients in. Stir well. Seal the lid and set the mode to "meat/stew" and it will automatically set for 35 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to sealed. Once done let it "natural release" in warm mode for 10 minutes. Stir well and serve.

Makes 8-9 servings

*Note if you aren't eating this "dairy free" you can add some shredded cheddar to the top. My kids love this!

*Note again: If you want more of a "kick" to your chili, you can add red pepper flakes to taste. 

Ahhh Fall, my happy place :) 

21 Day Fix/Country Heat/Portion Fix Container Equivalent:

1 Red 1 Yellow  1 Green 1 Purple

*Note I measured out my serving with 1 cup

This Instant Pot recipe was easy, a huge time saver and DELICIOUS! Stay tuned for more healthy comfort food recipes coming soon.

 In the mean time...

Want more recipes like this? Or even, meal prep tips and/or to get started with a fitness routine? I would LOVE to be your coach! You can reach out to me by going to my Facebook page by clicking the picture below....

If 80% of your results are based on what you consume, then let's get in the kitchen! Learn how to meal prep with us!

Want to learn new recipes, tips, tricks and life hacks to not only make meal prep doable each week but simple?

This free 7 day group is for you! RSVP to the event below if you'd like to join

HERE <3

Have a blessed day!

Recipe: Sweet and Sour Meatballs and Zoodles: Instant Pot Clean Eating Edition

When making healthy lifestyle changes what is one of the first things we cut out? Soda? The junk food aisle? Eating out? 

Ah yes eating out was a big one for me. I love take out Chinese food. Sweet and Sour anything makes my taste buds jump for joy.

Not only does cutting eating out several times a week help your waist line, it also will help your wallet! 

This recipe I came up with last week in the instant pot sure hit the spot for my Chinese food craving.  Pair it with my Healthy Combination Fried Rice and you'll (hopefully) be a happy camper!

Ingredients:

Sweet and Sour Sauce:

3/4 cup organic coconut sugar OR sucanat

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 

1/4 cup organic ketchup

1 tsp garlic salt

1 tbsp braggs liquid aminos

2 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp water

Meatballs:

1/3 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

1/4 cup 2 % milk or unsweetened almond milk

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 lbs organic grass fed beef or organic lean ground turkey (note: we prefer this recipe with beef)

2 large eggs

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried oregano leaves

1/2 tsp sea salt or Himalayan Salt

1/2 tsp ground pepper

Zoodles: 

1 Zucchini

a little sliced onion optional

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Zoodler/veggie spiralizer

Directions:

Step #1: Make meatball mixture, cover and let chill in fridge for 30-60 minutes. Get your Instant Pot ready to go. Have the stainless steel pot clean/inside and place the rack inside as well. Add 1 cup of organic beef broth. Roll out meatballs and fill place them inside the pot. I start out by lining them up on the outside rim of the rack circle and make my way in. Cover the lid and set it to manual, high pressure for 5 minutes. Make sure the pressure valve is sealed. Once the pot has pressurized and cooked for 5 minutes put it in "natural release mode" ( set to warm for 10 minutes, then release the valve and remove the lid). 

*Note: I tend to prep my zucchini at this time as well.

Step #2: While the meatballs are cooking let's start making the sauce! Take a bowl and add all the dry ingredients BUT the cornstarch. Mix well then add water. Mix well again. Once the meatballs are done remove lid, take the rack out with meatballs on them. They make be a little stuck to the rack. If so, turn the rack upside down and dump the meatballs on to a plate. Drain any extra liquid left in the IP and then place pot back inside IP. Set IP to keep warm and add sauce mixture. Let warm up for a few minutes while stirring occasionally. Add cornstarch, stir well/frequently for about 2 mins. Once sauce begins to thicken add meatballs back into pot. Let meatballs sit for a minute, then turn them over and repeat the process another minute. By now you should have nice, flavorful sweet and sour meatballs! Turn pot off.

Step #3: Heat up a cast iron or skillet, add evoo and garlic/onion is optional. Then add zucchini and toss around for a few minutes. Take off heat.

Serve! 

Make these comfort food recipes into healthier versions at home as really helped me stick to my clean eating. Especially while I've been doing this round of Country Heat!

Want more recipes like this? Want more recipes like this, meal prep tips and/or to get started with a fitness routine? I would LOVE to be your coach! You can reach out to me by going to my Facebook page by clicking the picture below....

Have a blessed day,

Fill out my online form.

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