Pause

For this week, the blog is taking a 'Pause' but next week I'll be back with tons of fun, new stuff so be on the lookout! :-)

Fit Friday

Try this workout out at home...doesn't have to be done in the morning but would be a great way to start your day!!

Topic Thursday

Our focus is clean eating this week...here are some do's and don'ts that maybe you haven't thought about!  Keep it simple!!

Wellness Wednesday

Here are some great tips for clean snacks!!  Have a lot of these items on hand...preparation is key!

Tasty Tuesday

Here is a great chicken recipe to throw on the grill.  Instead of your conventional chicken breast, we're jazzing up chicken thighs!  Try this one out ASAP!

Ingredients

SERVES 3-4

• 2 Tablespoons grapeseed oil (or another neutral-tasting oil)
• juice of 2 limes
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• salt and pepper
• 1-1/4lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3/4 cup chicken broth

• Directions

  1. Whisk together oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl then pour into a large Ziplock bag. Add chicken thighs then squish to coat and place in the refrigerator to marinate from 1-3 hours.
  2. Make sure grill grates are clean then preheat grill on high heat. Remove chicken thighs from bag, shaking off excess marinade. Turn heat down to medium-high then spray both sides of chicken thighs very well with nonstick spray and grill for 2-3 minutes a side, or until cooked through.
  3. Meanwhile, strain marinade through a sieve into to a small pot then add chicken broth. Bring mixture to a boil then turn heat down and reduce until thickened and bubbly, 5-7 minutes. Plate chicken then drizzle with sauce.
  Source:  Iowa Girl Eats

Motivation Monday

This is SO true!  Do something today to make yourself a priority!!

Fit Friday

Here is a great no-equipment needed Arm workout.  Tank Top season is right around the corner! :-)

Topic Thursday

Add some of this super green in to your diet every day!  Put it in your salad, your smoothie or saute it with your eggs!

Wellness Wednesday

So often we forget just how good walking is for us!  Taking some time for yourself and getting in a good walk is so good for you!  Make it a family event!!

Tasty Tuesday

Here is a very easy meal prep idea and it will leave you with lunch for 4 days!  Woo Hoo!  Prepping your meals on Sunday will help keep you on track during the week and saves a ton of time!

(Make Ahead) Chicken Fajita Lunch Bowls

SERVES: 4

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt & pepper

Salad

• ¾ cup basmati rice (uncooked)
• 2 bell peppers, sliced into strips
• 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels

Vinaigrette:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

Instructions:

Chicken

1. Pre-heat oven to 425°F.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a small baking dish, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Turn to coat.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, turn the chicken, then bake for another 10-15 minutes (depends on the size of your chicken breasts), until cooked through.
4. Allow to rest for 10 more minutes before slicing

Lunch Bowls:

1. Cook the rice according to package directions. Allow to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rice, bell peppers, red onion and corn.
3. Shake together the vinaigrette and add to the bowl. Toss to coat everything completely.
4. Divide amongst 4 lunch containers, topping with the chicken.
5. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve

Source: Here

Motivation Monday

How about we make this whole week awesome??!!

Fit Friday

Here is an awesome ab routine.  No traditional crunches in this one and it's sure to work that core!

Topic Thursday

Here is a great list of things for kiddos to do as the weather finally warms up!  How many have you done with your kids already?

Wellness Wednesday

Eating what's in season will score you the best tasting and lowest priced produce.  May is a great month for the following fruits and vegetables...and soon the Farmer's markets will start!  Utilize those as much as you can!

Tasty Tuesday

3 ingredients...that's all you need for these tasty bars.  My boys LOVE these and I have to make them at least once a week!
Super simple and much better ingredients than your store-bought bars.  Try these out!!

Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• ½ cup honey
• 3 cups rolled oats

Instructions

1. Line a 9×9 pan with foil. Spray lightly with non-stick spray or use butter.
2. Melt the peanut butter and honey together until smooth, either in the microwave or stove top. Combine mixture with oats.
3. Press into prepared pan. Place in refrigerator until set. Cut into squares.
4. I store mine in the refrigerator.

original recipe from: Cookiesandcups

Motivation Monday

I couldn't agree more...

Fit Friday

Here is a great workout that you can do anywhere.  Nothing fancy but it gets the job done!

Topic Thursday

Wellness Wednesday

I'm seeing watermelons back in the grocery store!  One of my favorites, for sure!  Check out the awesome benefits of this yummy fruit!

Tasty Tuesday

In honor of Cinco de Mayo coming up, here is a great taco recipe that is not only delicious, but lighter than most!

Ingredients

For the Spicy Grilled Shrimp:

• 1 lb raw, organic shrimp
• 1 tsp olive oil
• juice, 1 lime
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust depending on spice tolerance)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• salt and pepper, to taste

For the Simple Slaw:

• 2 cups of coleslaw
• 1/2 medium red onion (about 1/2 cup), thinly sliced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• juice, 1 lime
• salt and pepper, to taste

For the Guacamole:

• 1 avocado (from mexico!)
• 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
• 1 lime, zest and juice
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pico de Gallo:

• Get the full recipe here
• 10 organic corn tortillas (I love these ones!)

Instructions

For the Spicy Grilled Shrimp:

1. Place shrimp in a bowl and top with all ingredients.
2. Let marinate for at least 1 hour (longer is even better!).
3. Once marinated, heat up grill or grill pan to high heat.
4. If using a grill pan, spray with olive oil. If using a bbq grill, place a piece of tinfoil down and spray that with olive oil.
5. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side.
6. Remove tails before serving.

For the Simple Slaw:

1. Place coleslaw in a medium bowl and add onion.
2. Top with olive oil, honey, lime juice and salt and pepper.
3. Let marinate for at least one hour.

For the Guacamole:

1. Mash up the avocado in a medium bowl.
2. Add in chopped onion, garlic and jalapeno.
3. Top with lime juice and zest, cumin and salt and pepper.

Assembling the Tacos:

1. Heat up each tortilla in the microwave for 15-20 seconds (or in the oven or stove top).
2. Top with 3-4 pieces of shrimp, a scoop of pico de gallo, a scoop of guacamole and top with a small handful of simple slaw.
3. Feel free to add hot sauce for an additional kick.
4. Dig in!

Motivation Monday

So often we dread 'Mondays'...but today is a new day, a fresh start and make sure you have a grateful heart!  Today is a great day to have a great day!