Healthy "Combination Fried Rice": Instant Pot Edition (Recipe)

So as you can see I'm kind of on an Instant Pot blog post kick right now. Yesterday I blogged about how I did all my Meal Prep for the week and how much time I saved HERE.

Now that I've been cooking for a week with this thing I decided to get a little brave tonight. My mission: to convert my 21 Day Fix Approved Chicken "Fried" Rice to the Instant Pot. I didn't want to stop there. I decided to make it a little more decadent and still keep it healthy...

Meet "Healthy Combination Fried Rice: Instant Pot Edition":

Ingredients:

2 cups Brown Rice (uncooked)  or about 2 1/2 cups cooked Brown rice (add more if you prefer)

1/2 chicken breast (cooked)

1 lb organic ground beef

3 eggs

1/2 onion (chopped)

1 cup chopped zucchini

1 cup of a blend of chopped carrots and sweet peppers

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 TBSP Braggs Liquid Aminos

1/2 cup sliced green onions

Other seasonings to tastes

Serves: 6-8

Directions:

You can have some of this pre made on Meal Prep Day or you can cook everything in one evening. Either way it won't take too long!

Step #1: Cook the Brown Rice: Add rice to the Instant Pot. Add 2 1/2 cups of water. Close and lock the lid. Press "manual" and then set to 22 minutes pressure cooking time. Once done set pot to "keep warm mode for a Natural Release for 10 minutes.  Then press cancel and turn the pressure valve "venting" position. One steam has finished releasing remove lid, take rice out and place in a bowl and set aside. If you happened to cook your rice ahead of time on Meal Prep Day go ahead and skip this step.

Step #2: Cook the Ground Beef:  Add 2 tsp of  evoo and the onion to the instant pot and set it to "saute" mode. Then add ground beef and stir/flip frequently until beef is cooked all the way through. Remove Beef from instant pot and set aside in a bowl. *Note: this takes about 8 minutes 

Step #3: Time to cook the eggs! Keep IP on saute mode and add another tsp of evoo. Crack 3 eggs into pot and scramble. *Note: this only takes about a minute

Step #4: Add all the things!: Add in your rice, chopped veggies, ground beef, chopped chicken, braggs liquid aminos, green onion and mi everything together well. Toss frequently for about 3 minutes then switch IP to "warm mode" and toss for another 3 minutes. 

Step #5: Serve and enjoy!

Total cook time (rice and chicken already cooked ahead of time): 15 minutes

*Note: If you need to cook up a chicken breast see my recipe here. 

Total Container Servings for those of you doing 21 Day Fix or Country Heat:

1 Red

1 Yellow

1 Green

1 tsp

1 Orange

The verdict? My family LOVED this recipe! Husband gave it two thumbs up, and our 5 year old and 2 1/2 year old gobbled it up without even realizing how many veggies were in it. 

And it fit in with my week #3 meal plan for Country Heat. 

Amazing. I'm one happy Mama!

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!

Hi Mama, I see you.

Hi Mama, how are you?

I see you. 💜

Are you feeling so tired that even your re heated cup of coffee isn't doing the trick? ☕️

Do you feel like your going in a million different directions and can't seem to finish one thing from start to finish?

I have been there and I want to help. 
💜

I'm looking to privately mentor 3 women who are who are wanting to commit to getting their health and mindset on track. 

What do you get during this mentorship?

⭐️Organizational/Life Hack Tips to make your day less stressful
⭐️30 minute a day exercise program
⭐️Private Meal Prep/Planning Training
⭐️1 on 1 Coaching, encouragement and accountability
⭐Daily Support Group
⭐️Super Food dense nutrition Shake 1x a day
⭐️Nutrition Guide and recipes that are delicious and kid friendly.

Are you one of those 3? Contact me today to get one of these 3 spots 

I'm only taking 3 for this group because I want to give the most attention/encouragement possible during this mentorship.

RSVP today here:

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I look forward to doing this side by side with you!

5 reasons why people put off taking care of their health

Have you ever heard something said to you by so many different people that you finally look up and say "Ok God, I hear ya."? Well that's happening to me currently. What is it that I keep hearing? "It's time to get back to basics."

I need to stop complicating things... to stop making them more intricate than they need to be. Simply... go back to the basics.

I sat down tonight to write a completely different blog post but this topic came to me. What are some of the reasons why people put off taking care of their health? I'm asking me 2 years ago this same question and this is what I came up with.

1.  I don't have time to workout: I'm gonna debunk this right now. 30 minutes a day is 2% of your 24 hrs you've given each day. We spend more time scrolling on social media and or watching tv/netflix binges than that. 30 minutes is all it takes to get a good workout in and improve your health.

2. I do well for a week and then I fall off the wagon: Been there, done that. Many, many times. What gets me back in the swing of things? My daily encouragement/challenge group and accountability partners on my team. I know they will tell me to step away from the cheeseburger if needed and will always be there to say "you can do this love, don't stop now". In the same breath I also know they will tell me to enjoy that said cheeseburger if it's a treat meal that I have once in awhile instead of a daily thing.

3. I have a bad knee or (insert injury here): 80% of your results come from nutrition. When I was recovering from my accident last year I was able to maintain my weight loss by sticking with my portion controlled containers and 21 Day Fix eating plan without workout out for almost 3 months straight.

4. I don't know where to begin: I would love to be able to help you with that! Together we can help find what program is right for you and your needs, what your goals are and how to begin without getting overwhelmed or frustrated.

5. I really enjoy desert: Have you seen my shakeology pie recipe or my Sea salt caramel shake?! Yum! I promise you can still feed your sweet tooth with delicious chocolate goodness without eating junk.

I can tell you now more than ever....This isn't about fitting into ___ size jeans, this is about improving my quality of life. I lift weights and eat whole foods because I want to be strong, healthier so that I can be the wife, mama and person God has called me to be. 2 years ago by 10 am I'd be on my 4th cup of coffee and still ready to go to sleep. Now coffee is optional, I drink simply because I enjoy it in the cool of the morning. The energy I've gained is so valuable. The perspective is priceless. If it's been put on your heart to make a change and improve your health I would love to help you. You can fill out the short application below and together we can do this.

Fill out my online form.

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Have a blessed day,

The life of a kid at R&M Ranch

One thing I get asked most often about our new homestead life is what do the kids do all day and do they like it? So here are a few things that the kids get to do here at R&M Ranch...

They help gather and collect eggs. Carson who's 5 also enjoys helping clean out the chicken and turkey pins on farm cleaning days. Lily has been known to crack a few eggs or two by "gently" setting them down. 

Tractor rides with Daddy. When Daddy is driving the tractor and working on the farm the world stops and these kids are in awe. They love watching him drive that tractor and bonus points when they get to actually ride on it with him.

They bring the goats banana peels, or greens from the scraps bowl in the kitchen. The goats especially enjoy those banana peels when batman brings it to them. 

They help plant things! Carson has big hopes for his first pumpkin patch. We're just hoping the seedlings last the summer so we can make that happen :)

When Grandpa and Daddy use an auger to bury stanchion polls you get to climb into said hole first.

Lily spends most of her days dressing herself to match her spunky personality, picking flowers and bouncing around like Tigger. We wouldn't have it any other way.

The kids are learning how to take care and be kind to all animals. Their favorite animal is the newest member of R&M Ranch... Bessie the cow :) Carson goes down and helps Grandma and Grandpa most mornings and evenings milk the cow and bring her food.

Impromptu dirt road runs while wearing jammies at sunset. 

Morning walks with Mommy. We try to at least walk the 1/2 mile loop around our Oak Grove each morning. We like to look for pretty birds, flowers and bugs (those aren't pretty).

There's also tire swinging with Bessie...

lots of dirt to mow...

And tractor driving to do...

At the end of each day the kids come inside to be washed up, I get to kiss their dirt smeared faces, put them in fresh jammies, and we get to sit around the table, pray and enjoy a meal together as a family. And I wouldn't have it any other way <3

With Love,

Join a Challenge

So if you've seen my posts or talked to me in person you've probably heard about this "Challenge Group" thing I talk about, and you're wondering what it is? I'm going to share with you 4 things that will help you not only make a healthy lifestyle change but KEEP one. 

Fitness: One of the things that drew me to starting my fitness regimen with Beachbody was the ability to workout in my own home in 30 minutes a day. That's it. No commute to and from the gym, waiting for machines or having to find a sitter. I literally could just pop the DVD in and get to work. 

Nutrition: Each program Beachbody offers comes with an amazing nutrition guide. The portion fix containers and easy to follow nutrition guide teaches you the proper amount of each food group you really need on your plate, and gives you delicious recipes to do so with. One of my favorite parts of my 21 Day Fix journey is I have never had to et something separate from my family. We all eat the same delicious healthy foods. I just simple measure out my portions using the containers before putting it on my plate. In my challenge groups I will help teach you new recipes to incorporate, answer questions and teach you tips and tricks to make this lifestyle change as smooth as possible. 

Support: Being in one of my groups means you get to have me as your Coach. I've lost 40+ pounds on this lifestyle change and have been blessed with the opportunity to be able to encourage and support others on their own. In my challenge groups not only will you have me there cheering you on, but you will have a group of others who are on their fit journey as well. People that will become part of your #FitFam who you will share your highs, lows, and challenges with a long the way. We are in this together and together we are stronger.

PRIZES!I love giving stuff away in our challenge groups. Sweat selfie prizes, encourager of the week prizes.. so much fun! My favorite are the surprise prizes I like to through in when you least expect it ;)

By joining one of my challenge groups you can be assured you will always have a place to share your accomplishments, ask questions, be fueled with inspiration, recipes and fellowship. 

How do I join? You can join one of two ways! Fill out the quick form below or send me an email at CoachJennyM@gmail.com. I'd love to hear about your goals, a little about you and together we'll pick the right program for you.

How long do these groups last? Typically about 3 weeks, which is the perfect amount of time to do a round of 21 Day Fix. Sometimes I'll do shorter or longer ones. If you want to stay in touch via Facebook you will be the first to hear of upcoming groups!

What is expected of me? To give this your best effort for the duration of the challenge. It won't always be easy, it won't always be comfortable. But the results you get and the new healthy lifestyle habits you will gain will be worth it.

Ready to begin? 

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Recipe: "Half and Half Bomb.com Spaghetti" - 21 day Fix approved!

When I first started 21 Day Fix I was hesitant because I LOVE me some carbs. I was under the impression that that "tiny" yellow container wouldn't be enough for a serving of pasta. 

Guess what? I was wrong! Today I'm going to share with you my recipe for my new way of eating a delicious hearty bowl of spaghetti!

 Mmm I'm getting hungry just typing this!

Step #1: Take 1 whole zucchini and make zoodles with your spiral maker. I use the "veggetti" and it works great! Next drizzle 1 orange container of the oil of your choice on it. I used Grapeseed Garlic oil I also added 4 fresh basil leaves chopped and tossed lightly in the bowl. Set aside.

Step #2: Start cooking that pasta and ground beef! After my ground beef has finished cooking I push it to the side and turn the burner on low. Then I add my zoodles and toss them frequently for just a few moments. You don't want them to get mushy! 

The smell of ground beef, garlic, basil and zucchini together is AMAZING. My house always smells delicious after I cook this :)

Step #3 (not pictured) take whatever marinara sauce you are using (I used the homemade marinara recipe from the Fixate Cookbook) and heat in a pot. Then it's time to mix your hearty bowl of pasta together! 

1 Yellow of Organic Whole Wheat Pasta

1 Green of the Zoodles 

1 purple of the Marinara Sauce (container not shown here)

1 Red of the ground beef

1 blue of shredded cheese

Step #4: Mix together (I use a larger bowl for this then pour into the bowl I'm eating with) and BAM, a big hearty delicious bowl of Spaghetti!

Step#5: Devour this delicious bowl of spaghetti with knowing you are eating a healthy, portioned, balanced dinner and it tastes like a treat meal!

This recipe is family approved! My kids LOVE it and I love that they are getting a big serving of veggies mixed in to their pasta without any fuss :) As you can see here Lily is a happy camper! 

Want more recipes like this? You can find them by clicking on the image below!

Have a blessed day!

First Weekend at R&M Ranch

Last weekend we had the blessing to go out and spend 2 nights in the Cabin we will be living in the next few months while our house is built. Our plan for the weekend was to get as much prep work done around there as we can. And to bring up a large load of tools and other items we'll need to do some repairs on the land before we move in 2 weeks later. 

Carson was a "tiny" bit excited to say the least. It was pretty cute, I had already packed all the clothes we'd need (and then some) for the weekend. He came upstairs when it was time to go with his backpack stuffed with 2 pairs of jammies for him and Lily, and he packed snacks. Love that boy so much and his heart.

One of the things I love about our land is that it's only about 5 minutes off the freeway. But once you hit that dirt road leading into our property it feels like you are out in the middle of no where. So quiet, beautiful, and peaceful. 

(Pic on the Left: Back road in/ Pic on Right: Front side in)

The kids "loft" in the cabin. I'm really excited to make this room extra special for them while our house is being built. First night sleep up there was a little rough for Lily. New place, excitement, she just didn't want to go to sleep! I ended up sleeping up there with them this weekend. I think they enjoyed that :)

First morning up there was my favorite. Carson and I were the first to be awake and we quietly went downstairs, snuggled up under a blanket, read a train book and watched the sun rise over the mountains together. I'll never forget that moment, it's something I'll always treasure. Thank you Jesus!

Breakfast on the porch, it was so beautiful outside!

While Hubby and the Grandparents worked hard, my job was to keep these kiddos busy and we worked on organizing the cabin. We even took a few trips hauling material in the golf cart, the kids loved that.

That's our girl. She's totally in her element.

Carson calls this "rock climbing" and he'd do it all day if I let him.

An old Fire pit ring we found on the land. Grandpa used it to make us a new fire pit.

How we ended night #2. Our campfire was literally the only light past the cabin, the stars are so bright out there. It's amazing to see God's canvas like that.

(Board games with Grandma)

Lily checking out the pantry/solar panel conex box.

I shot a gun for the first time this weekend on our shooting range! Never thought that would happen.

This was a major proud mama moment for me. We were all working hard on Sunday to finish up chores so we could head back down the mountain to town. Carson said he wanted to help, got a broom and went and swept every step leading up to cabin without being asked. He said "Mom I made it safe for everyone to walk on!" (tears) I'm so thankful for this boys heart, his desire to help and he's excitement for this new chapter of our lives.

Our first weekend was a success! Great weather, no problems, lots of team work and memories made. I can't believe that in less than 2 weeks this land will be our forever home. Stay tuned for many blog post and updates on the journey to building our homestead, house and adventures. 

With love,