Motivation Monday

There will always be someone out there who is stronger and faster than you.  The one thing you can do is try your hardest and be stronger and faster than you were yesterday.

Fit Friday

Topic Thursday

For those of you who like to juice or have a juicer but have never used it, this recipe is for you!  Improve your sinus problems and eyesight by juicing the following ingredients.  This can also be made in a high power blender but I will warn you that it will not turn out as smooth as it would in a juicer.

Wellness Wednesday

As we get older our metabolism starts to go downhill.  But, there are plenty of ways that we can slow the process down and get an added boost right!  Give these 10 steps a try and watch the magic happen.

Tasty Tuesday

Are you looking to spice up dinner this week?  Give this Cajun Chicken & Rice recipe a try!

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• Cajun or Creole Seasoning
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 4 cups diced onions and bell peppers (fresh or frozen)
• 1 (10oz) can Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
• Shredded cheese (optional) - I prefer mine without cheese

Instructions

1. Combine rice, water (or broth) and salt in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 40-50 minutes.  Remove from heat and set aside when done.  Keep covered.  *You can also cook your rice in a rice cooker if you have one.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.  Season generously with Cajun seasoning.  Add one tablespoon of the olive oil to a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat.  When the oil is very hot, add the chicken in a single layer.  Brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and brown on the other side.  Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan, increase heat to high, and when the oil is hot, carefully add the onions and bell peppers.  Add more seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and browned.
4. Add the tomatoes to the onions and bell peppers, then add the chicken back in, along with any juices that may have collected on the plate.  Add the cooked rice and stir until well combined.  Add cheese if you want and stir well to combine.  

Motivation Monday

I don't know about you but reading this list makes me feel like I can take anything that is thrown at me this week.  When something brings you down this week be sure to reread the list and watch your attitude change! 

Fit Friday

Don't let the weekend pass you by without fitting in a workout.  Do this simple circuit at home to stay on your fitness track! 

Topic Thursday

Bananas are a healthy treat that can be eaten when you are looking for an energy boost, as a side with breakfast, or as a quick post workout snack.  Bananas provide plenty of benefits for our bodies as well as a being very tasty.  If you didn't try out the ice cream from the Tasty Tuesday post what are you waiting for!!!!

Wellness Wednesday

It is no secret that stress does a number to our bodies.  You may have never suspected that some of these symptoms were caused by stress.  Learn what they are so you can detect when it is time to manage the stress in your life!

Tasty Tuesday

What better way to enjoy summer than to have a bowl of cold ice cream!  This dairy free ice cream will have you screaming for more when you taste it.  And guess what, it is made with... bananas!  That's right, a fruit filled ice cream that will not leave you disappointed.

One-Ingredient Ice Cream

Step 1:

Take 4-5 ripe bananas (the more ripe the better - the should have a few brown spots), peel them, and add to a plastic freezer bag to freeze overnight until they are completely solid.  They will keep for at least a week.

Step 2:

Cut the bananas into 1/2 inch chunks and add them to a food processor or blender.  The smaller the banana chunks the better for this recipe, chunk that are too big will just spin around and get caught in your blender or food processor.

After about 45-60 seconds, the banana should be fully blended into a smooth, creamy, and light frozen dessert.  Be careful not to over process or the friction from the processor will begin to melt the ice cream.  You can enjoy this dessert right away for best results, but it will also freeze well for a day or too.

Looking to mix up the flavor?  Give these combinations a try!!

After pulsing your plain ice cream in the blender, add the listed ingredients for the flavor you prefer and pulse for an additional 10-15 seconds.

Chocolate chip:  simple toss in a handful of your favorite chocolate chips

Mint Chip:  combine a few drops of peppermint extract with a handful of your favorite chocolate chips

Cherry Vanilla:  add in a few frozen cherries and a few drops of vanilla extract

Cherry Garcia:  add a few frozen cherries and a few drops of vanilla extract with a handful of chocolate chips

Chocolate:  add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder

Chocolate coconut:  combine some unsweetened coconut flakes with a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder

Peanut butter:  simply add a tablespoon or two of peanut butter

Peanut butter raisin:  add a tablespoon or two of peanut butter with a handful of raisins

http://www.oneingredientchef.com/one-ingredient-ice-cream/

Motivation Monday

No matter how small of a step you are making it is still a step in the direction you want to go!  Keep going and you will be that much closer to where you want to be!

Fit Friday

This looks like a fun one....Woo Hoo!  Burpees!!!

Topic Thursday

Wellness Wednesday

Carrots do more for you than just helping with eyesight!!!  Here are some great benefits of these crunchy veggies!

Tasty Tuesday

Cinnamon Peanut Butter Popcorn--this is one of my family's favorite treats and it's so simple to make!!!  Hope you try it out and enjoy it!


Cinnamon Peanut Butter Popcorn

Ingredients

• 1 bag natural popcorn, freshly popped
• 1/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Combine peanut butter, cinnamon and honey in a large bowl. Stir together and microwave until slightly runny, about 30 seconds.
2. Pour popcorn on top of peanut butter mixture and toss to coat.
3. Allow to cool slightly and enjoy!

Motivation Monday

So often we reach for chocolate or pizza or whatever comfort food we crave when we're stressed...instead turn to exercise.  You'll feel so much better after!!!

Fit Friday

Don't let the number one excuse "not having time" stop you from working out this weekend.  Right after you wake up get this quick workout in.  You will not regret it and you will start your day off on the right foot!  Remember anything is better than doing nothing!

Topic Thursday

Nuts are a tasty and easy snack to have with you when hunger hits.  They can also be a great addition to salads instead of using croutons!

Wellness Wednesday

Wellness Wednesday

Often we address the toxic chemicals that are put into our foods that we should not be consuming.  Have you ever taken the time to think about the toxic chemicals you rub on your face and bodies.  Take a look at this list and see what chemicals are in the products you have at home.  Are there products you can buy to avoid having to use some of these chemicals?

Tasty Tuesday

Turn your ordinary chicken into a flavorful dish!  Add some rice and veggies and you have a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 heaping Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro
• 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. oregano or 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped oregano
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

Instructions:

1. Mix fresh cilantro, olive oil, seasonings, and lime juice.
2. Next, hand rub the mixture over the chicken.  Marinate the chicken for as long as it takes to heat your grill.
3. Then grill on 400 degrees (adjusting the heat as needed) until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, turning the chicken occasionally.
4. Enjoy!

http://cherishedbliss.com/cilantro-lime-grilled-chicken/

Motivation Monday

Something so simple, yet can be SO difficult!!!