Saturday, December 10, 2016

Flourless Brownie Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting



Ingredients

  • 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained, rinsed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup + 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, divided use
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2/3 cup Vanilla Shakeology

Preparation 
  1. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F
  2. Prepare 12 muffin cups by lining with muffin papers or coating with spray; set aside
  3. Place chickpeas, eggs, 1/3 cup maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking soda, coconut oil, and extract in blender or food processor; cover. Blend until smooth.
  4. Divide batter among 12 prepared muffin cups
  5. Top each cupcake with about 4 chocolate chips; push into batter.
  6. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
  7. Cool completely and enjoy!
  8. To make frosting while cupcakes are baking, whip peanut butter in a medium bowl, beat on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes, or until creamy
  9. Add almond milk; beat until well blended.
  10. Add shakeology; beat until well blended, scraping bowl occasionally 
  11. Slowly add remaining 1/4 cup maple syrup while beating on medium speed ( if frosting is too stiff, add 1 to 2 tbsp. additional almond milk) Set aside.
  12. Once cupcakes are cool, evenly spread with frosting

Round 1 of Core De Force

So I'm going to be honest with you all...

I was not excited about this program when it first came out. I had never heard of MMA and I am more of a lover than a fighter.

But, after the sneak peek my mind was completely changed and I was in LOVE!

This program kicked my butt, yet was my favorite program all at the same time!

It not only taught me a little bit about self defense, but it gave me self confidence, helped me stand a little taller and fight a little harder not only physically but mentally as well. 

I started this program with the intensions of shredding the weight off like crazy...unfortunately that was not the case. 

I had the goal of losing 8 pounds in my first round and ended up only losing 3.6 pounds,

BUT, I was pleasantly surprised when I compared my before and after photos and measurements!

I may have only lost 3.6 pounds but I lost 9.5 Inches!!!!

All from a 20-50 minute workout daily, clean eating 90% of the time, and drinking my yummy shake daily! 

I fell so in love with this program that I already committed and am in my first week of my second round of this program!

Turns out MMA is my thing after all <3 


Saturday, November 19, 2016

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Since starting Core De Force a few weeks ago I have been wanting to try some different recipes!

I had never had Tortellini before but Justin LOVES it so I promised him I would try this recipe.

It was perfect for the cool fall nights we had this week & was delicious! I love finding clean healthy recipes that still allow me to feel like I'm indulging in my favorite comfort food!

Definitely a winner in my book!


Try it out for yourself & let me know what you think!


Chicken Tortellini Soup




Ingredients:

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped carrots (from about 5 medium)
1 cup chopped celery (from about 3 stalks)
1 cup chopped yellow onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups of low sodium-chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups whole wheat three cheese tortellini
1/2 cup packed parsley
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken


Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery and onion and saute 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
3. Add broth, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to boil over medium-high heat.
4. Add tortellini. Cover and boil for 6-8 minutes.
5. Add chicken and parsley.

& Enjoy!

For all of my 21 Day Fixers/ or anyone who follows the portion control containers:
Serves 4 (1-1/2 cup each)
Container Equivalents (per serving): 1 Red, 1 Yellow, 1/2 Blue, 1 Green


Sunday, September 11, 2016

It's Sunday which for me means one much needed LAZY DAY!


After a long week I was ready to just relax and do nothing including not wanting to meal prep!

But, next week is only week 2 of Hammer and Chisel and I want to stay true to my goals so I found a recipe that was minimal prep, and clean up and am going to make it work for the week!

So todays lunch meal prep recipe is... Crock-Pot Garlic Chicken!



Container equivalent is 1 Red Container Per Serving for my 21 day fixers





Ingredients
  • 4 Chicken Breasts (we use frozen)
  • 3-4 Coves of Garlic
  • 2-3 cups unsalted chicken broth or chicken stock - just enough to halfway cover chicken
  • Mrs. Dash seasoning (we use garlic & herb AND Original blend) - season as much as you want (I recommend a lot since it is salt-free and a "free food").
Instructions
  1. Combine everything in the crock pot and cook for 10 hours on low!

Thursday, September 1, 2016

ACCEPTED

God is SO good! ðŸ™Œ❤️

Today was one I have been anticipating for a wile.

A year ago I received a letter stating I was not accepted into the Occupational Therapy program at Baker.

My heart was broken as that was something I had waited my entire life to accomplish. But, I knew that God had a plan for me and I decided to trust him and take it one day at a time.

After a lot of prayer I decided to apply for the Assistant Occupational Therapy Program at the Baker closer to home.

& as taking classes to apply I quickly found out the assistant program was more of a fit for what I wanted for my life & I turned my application in a few months ago.

Today I received the call that I was accepted into the Assistant Occupational Therapy Program at Baker and I could not feel more blessed.

The last few years was full of ups and downs with my emotions and worry of what my future held but I know all of the countless prayers and my trust in God has lead me to exactly where I am today, where I am meant to be.

Thank you SO much for the love, prayers, and constant support!

I can't wait to see what this next chapter in life brings. ❤️

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

I first would like to say this is WAY out of my comfort zone so please bare with me!

Coming home from summit I along with my boyfriend and best friends decided we were going to commit to one program and follow it 100%

The program I selected to complete was Beachbody's newest program Country Heat! 

This is a 30 Day program that is designed to not only get you in shape but to have fun doing it!

Country Heat is a cardio based workout that includes the portion control containers for a fool proof meal plan.

The last 30 days had many ups and downs. Days I felt like giving up and days I did double workouts for fun! 

All in all I have to say Country Heat is one of my favorite programs. 

I for once wasn't dreading coming home to get my workout in but excited to get home and dance away the stress of the day! 

& the results that followed from sticking to the plan to a T weren't so shabby either. 

In just 30 Days of clean eating, drinking my shakeology daily, and working out for 30 minutes a day with Autumn, I lost a total of 8.2 pounds & 9 Inches! I also feel lighter, am less bloated, my clothes fit better, I sleep better at night, I am more confident, and have less cravings! 

I Can't say enough how much I loved this program and experience. I am still far from my goal but I know I am so much closer today than I was just that short 30 days ago!  <3 

Thank you Country Heat for helping make me #StrongerEveryDay 




Tuesday, August 30, 2016

I just wanted to take a moment and thank you all for your continued love & support!

Starting a blog has been a dream of mine for a few months now and I am so excited to dig in and get started.

I am hoping to spend this holiday weekend getting it all set up so bare with me while it is still under construction.


With Love,

             Lynsey