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

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: Mason Jar Taco Salad

It's not secret that I love Mason Jars. Put some food in it that's healthy, easy to prepare and delicious and I'm a happy girl! This week I decided to switch it up again and got creative.

My newest Mason Jar Salad recipe (drum roll please)....tatatatatatatatatatata..

Taco Salad! (the crowd goes wild) "Yaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Ok maybe I'm a little to excited about this. Haha

This was crazy easy to make and tastes amazing!

Ingredients:

Organic Ground Beef

Salsa (your choice)

Shredded cheese

1 Cucumber (peeled and chopped)

Your Lettuce of choice (I used a coleslaw blend this time)

Directions:

Cook your ground beef how you like it. For taco seasoning I use garlic powder, chili powder, a little Himalayan salt and diced onions. You won't need to use all of your cooked meat, I actually used half for dinner that night and the other half for the 3 mason jar salads I made. If you want to make more salads than that, you'll need to just use the beef  just for the salads.  After your beef is cooked, place in a sealed container and let cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Then it's time to build your salads! I used my 21 Day Fix Portion controlled containers and measured out the proper servings for each ingredient.

1st Layer: Salsa (I used my orange container for this because you don't need much)

2nd Layer: Chopped Cucumber (1/2 a Green Container)

3rd Layer: Ground Taco Meat (1 red container)

4th Layer: Shredded cheese (1/2 a blue container)

5th Layer: Salad Blend of Choice (1 Green Container)

Seal the lid and store in the fridge! It's that easy! When it's time to eat it for your lunch throughout the week, simply shake it up and pour into a bowl and dig in. Delicious!

Want more recipes like this?

You can reach out to me by filling out the quick form below and I'll get back to you asap!

Fill out my online form.

Have a blessed day!

FREE 7 day Fit for the Holidays Guide - Quick Tips to Keep You Fit this Holiday Season

November and December may possibly be the two busiest months of the year. Parties, Family Dinners, events, kid's school events, etc.. The list could go on and on! We all know what happens at these events... FOOD, lots and lots of food! 

Don't get me wrong, this girl here loves some pumpkin pie, hot chocolate and stuffing with gravy. I believe whole heartily that this is a life style change that should have balance and allow yourself to eat those delicious foods in proper portions every once in awhile 

Whether you are at the beginning of your health and fitness journey, in the middle or you are maintaining your goal I have a  FREE 7 day "Fit for the Holidays Guide" that will help you!

What will be included in this 7 day "Fit for the Holidays Guide" that will be emailed to you?

 - Tips on how to enjoy Holiday parties without feeling like you've over indulged.

- Healthy Recipes of your Holiday favorites

- Workout Videos and Tips on how to sneak your 30 minutes of exercise in each day

-Meal Planning Tips: How to prep meals ahead of time to reduce stress and save time

- Inspirational Messages on how to kick stress to the curb and focus on being thankful for all the blessings we have!

- Me as your Coach! You can hit "reply" to each email that is sent and ask me any questions you have! Or even if you just want some extra support.

Want to sign up? You can do so here:

Fill out my online form.

Have a blessed day and I look forward to hearing from you!

Crockpot Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe - Perfect for Fall!

When I think of Fall, I think of cozy sweaters, leggings, boots, hot cups of coffee, family time around the fire and crockpots filled with delicious soups! (Ahh...My happy place)

Do I have a delicious recipe for you today! This was so quick, easy to do and the house smelled amazing! I took a few recipes for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup I've found and modified it a little to our liking.

Here you go!

Serves 5-6

Ingredients:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (frozen)

10 cups organic low sodium chicken broth

1/2 sweet onion (diced)

6 garlic gloves minced 

1/3 cup diced chives

zest of 1 large lemon

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 

1 cup brown rice

2 oz crumbled feta (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Add everything into the crockpot except the brown rice and feta. Cook on low in your slow cooker for 6-7 hours. Then take a spatula and shred the chicken gently in the pot. 30 Minutes before it's time to serve add the cup of brown rice, stir and let it do it cook.

Serve and sprinkle with crumbled feta if you'd like!

YUM! So easy, healthy and delicious!

If you are tracking with 21 Day Fix Portion Control containers the serving size for 1 serving of soup would be 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 tsp. 

Enjoy :)

Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

I love this time of year! One of my favorite go to crockpot recipes is this delicious Chicken Noodle Soup. It makes the house smell amazing, and it's a comfort food to eat on chilly days. 

Serves 8 (great for left overs)

Ingredients:

- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (frozen)

- 32 oz of low sodium chicken broth

- 8 oz water 

- 3 carrots chopped/sliced

- 2 celery stalks chopped/sliced

- 1/2 onion diced

- 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat or gluten free macaroni pasta

- salt and pepper to taste. 

Directions:

Place frozen chicken in the pot. Then add vegetables and liquid. Season with salt and pepper, and then cook on low for 6 hours. After 6 hours take a fork or a spatula and break apart the chicken breasts tell shredded. Add dry macaroni, put the lid back on and let it cook another 30 minutes. Stir well and serve :)

Want more recipes like this? 

Join our free 6 Day Crockpot challenge that starts Oct 5th! Breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes, inspiration, accountability and more! Email me today at coachjennym@gmail.com to get signed up. 

Have a blessed day!

Jenny 

Quick Easy21 Day Fix Approved Lunch Recipe: Open Faced Egg Salad Sand which

Hi Everyone! Here is a quick easy recipe that I love to make for lunch. Bonus, this is 21 day fix approved! I call it an "Open Faced Egg Salad Sandwich." I typically eat it with a side of baby carrots and hummus, but you could add salad with it, a piece of fruit, some nuts/seeds.. Very versatile! Here you go :)

Ingredients:

-1 slice of Ezekiel Spouted Whole Wheat Bread

- 2 hard Boiled Eggs (peeled)

- 1 tsp of Dijon Mustard

- 1 cup Raw Spinach

- 1 baby pickle (diced)

-1/2 a piece of turkey bacon (optional)

- pepper to taste

Directions: 

Grab a bowl and add your two hard boiled eggs, mash them up with a fork until they are in pretty small pieces. Add mustard, pickle, and pepper. Then take your piece of bread and lay the spinach on top of it. Add the Egg salad mixture you've made and pile it on top (I push it down as I add scoops to smash the spinach down. Sprinkle optional crumbled bacon on top an that's it! 

*Note: Mustard is considered a free topping while on 21 day fix

This took 5 minutes to make

21 Day Fix Container Equivalent: 

1 Red

1 Green

1 Yellow

If you include the side of Carrots and Hummus then the serving size is:

1 Red

2 Greens

1 Yellow

1/2 Blue

21 Day Fix - Quick Easy Lunch packing tips with your containers - VLOG

Hi Everyone! I was getting ready to pack my lunch this morning before work and thought this was a great opportunity to record a quick video. This is just a quick video on meal prep with the 21 Day Fix containers when you're on the go. If you have any questions or want more info on what the 21 Day Fix is. Comment below or send me a message on my Facebook Page.

Basil Garlic Zucchini "Zoodles" Recipe

Making Zucchini noodles (also known as "zoodles") is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meals and uses less processed foods such as pasta (also they are Gluten Free friendly). Zoodles are so versatile! I use them as spaghetti, stir fries, salads and soups... So many possibilities!

Here is a new recipe I came up with last night. 

Basil Garlic Zoodles:(makes 4 servings)

Ingredients:

2 zucchinis

1/4 sweet onion

1 or 2 hand fulls of fresh basil (chopped)

3 cloves of garlic (pressed or finely chopped)

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp salt

pepper to taste

Directions: 

-Take whatever tool you use to spiral your zucchini (I use the Zoodle Slicer) and make noodles out of both your zucchinis.

- take a medium pan and heat it up on the stove with the olive oil. 

-Once it's hot turn it down to medium and add garlic and onions. 

-Once the onions begin to turn translucent add the zucchini, fresh basil, lemon juice and salt and pepper. 

-Toss frequently (I like to use tongs while cooking these). 

- Takes about 5-7 minutes to cook. Then take off heat immediately (you don't want soggy noodles).

Warning: Your kitchen will smell AMAZING.

You could serve/eat these as is.Or you could add a little marinara on top. Here is how I served them last night for our 21 Day Fix compliant dinner:

(Pesto Chicken Sausage, Basil Garlic noodles with 1/2 cup marinara sauce, and brown rice)

21 Day Fix Portion Tracker: Equaled: 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow, 1 purple

Enjoy!

Quick Fix: My Fitness/Kitchen Tool Essentials (Healthy Edition)

Hi Friends! I've been asked a few times what gadgets/kitchen essentials I use to help work towards my health and fitness goals. 

(Click on the image to open Amazon)

1. The original Zoodle Slicer: I LOVE this thing! It gets used more than most of my kitchen gadgets. I love to make zucchini noodles out of these. It's a great low calorie substitute for regular pasta. You can make spirals out of all sorts of veggies (sweet potatoes, carrots, etc.)

(Click on the picture to open Amazon)

2. My Fitbit!: If you are like me and love stats, then this is right up your alley! It tracks your steps, calories burned, sleeping pattern... You can track your food intake, work outs and water intake on the app that automatically syncs with this little band that is on your wrist. I only have to charge it once a week too! Also, it syncs to MyFitnesspal.com app which is where I track my calorie intake and work outs. So I don't have to enter in the info twice. 

(Click on picture to open Amazon)

3. Immersion blender: This is the one I have and I use it multiple times a day. I use it to make my bullet proof coffee (recipe coming soon), mix my Shakeology, and I use it when cooking often. 

(Click picture to open link)

4. My Shakeology Shaker cup: This is great for when I'm working in the office, or out running around and don't have my immersion blender with me. My Hubby also uses this to drink his Shakeology on his way to work in the morning.

5. Bowflex weights: I've had these bad boys for almost 7 years now and they still work just like they did when I first bought them! If you don't have space in your house like me for a big rack of weights, these weights are great to have! The weights range from 5-50 pounds each and they go up in 2.5 increments. Totally recommend these!

(Click on picture to go to Link)

6. 21 Day Fix Portion Control Containers!: These were a game changer for me. For months I was tracking my calories EVERDAY and not losing weight. I was frustrated and didn't know why this wasn't working for me. When I started 21 Day Fix and used these containers to measure my food intake for each meal... that's when everything changed. I lost 11 pounds my first round. I still use these cups everyday to help me make sure I'm eating the proper portion of each food group.

A few other items I recommend having that I don't have a necessary "brand" to share with you...

7. Kitchen Knives: Having a few good knives is a plus! Makes chopping and meal prep so much easier

8. Cutting Board: I have to separate ones I use. One for veggies/fruit, and one for meats.

9. Workout/Yoga Mat: I use just a basic one that I got from Target. I keep it rolled up in my hall closet so I have easy access for my work outs that call for one. I use it a lot when doing Piyo and again on Pilates Fix and Yoga Fix on 21 Day Fix. 

10. Workout Shoes: This is so very important. Make sure you have a good pair of tennis shoes to do your workouts.

I hope this was helpful for you! If you have any questions or would like to join Team Life Light Up you can comment here or send me an email at coachjennym@gmail.com

Have a blessed day!

Jenny