Core De Force RESULTS!

12/13/16

So I did it! I completed yet another Beachbody Program! Check out the other programs I've completed:
Core De Force
Insanity
Asylum
T25
21 DFX
21 DFX extreme
Piyo
Country Heat
22 min hard corps
Hammer and Chisel
Insanity Max 30
P90x3
CIZE
Body Beast
Turbo Fire
Brazil Butt Lift
Hip Hop Abs
Chalene Extreme

I will have to say this program made me a little nervous. I was worried I'd be able to do it. And truth is at first the moves were a little hard to figure out but before long I had them down pat. 

I loved the kicking and boxing! I also loved how many calories I burned! I felt like I had really kicked butt after every workout. 
You definitely get what you FIGHT for! I pushed myself each day with this 30 day program. While my nutrition wasn't 100% due to some travel and Thanksgiving. I was still happy with my results. I lost 6.5 lbs and 3 inches. I am most happy about my CORE! It has become a lot more stronger. My plan is to do this program again and make sure my nutrition is 100% dialed in!



IF you want more info about this program and how to get started check it out here:
https://www.beachbody.com/beachbodyblog/core-de-force-hub?code=SOCIAL_CDF_FB_01&sf45232488=1

Also, if you want to join a group let me know. I have a NEW Year, New YOU group starting on January 9th. If you are interested in joining, check out more info here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/353625348329400/

And did I mention that this Health Bet has an option for you to win part of the $2 Million Dollars!



3-Day Refresh RESULTS are in....

12/4/16

So I decided to do the 3 day refresh after my Thanksgiving Holiday. I enjoyed a few desserts, a few glasses of wine and stuffed myself Thanksgiving day. I do enjoy food and didn't want to miss some of my favorite foods for this holiday.

And just like I expected even though I exercised everyday over the holidays, I gained 4 lbs. But not to worry because the 3-Day Refresh is great way to get you back on track. Here are some ideas of what to expect on the 3 day refresh. I can tell you day one was a little difficult since I had to give up caffeine, but after that first day I immediately felt better and slept better.

I shared my journey on Snapchat this time and had fun with photos and videos. You can follow me here at dwatson05

So it's time for the RESULTS.....I lost 5.8 lbs and 3 inches with the 3 Day Refresh. I was more than excited!!!

You can see my results photos here! I plan to continue to stay on track with my nutrition by following the 21 day fix meal plan, as that's my next workout to start on Monday, December 4th. I will also be hosting a challenge group-Holiday Survival Guide to help others stay on track as well. You should join us. Find the group here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1789653537956962/

I am also super excited about posting my results from Core De Force this week. I absolutely love this program. The main reason I want to start 21 day fix, is to follow Autumn and 23,000 others as we commit to a 3 1/2 month challenge, 21 day fix, Chisel, 21 day fix extreme and then Country Heat.


3 Day Refresh-Meal Prep

11/27/16

This is 3-Day Refresh stripped down to be bare-bones simple. You’ll eat the same meals each day, but it’s only three days (not too bad, right?). If you want to add more variety, or hot meals other than soup, simply read the 3-Day Refresh Program Guide that came with your kit, and swap in a recipe that you like. Or, try this 3-Day Refresh meal prep.
Ready to get started? We’ve made it easy to jump right in.
Here’s what your meals will look like when you’re done:
ach day you’ll follow this simple schedule of drinks, meals, and snacks:
Upon Waking:
8–10 oz. filtered water with lemon
Breakfast (within 1 hour of waking up):
Shakeology smoothie blended with 1¼ cup water, 1 cup ice, ⅔ cup frozen cherries (or blueberries, or blackberries), ½ tsp. pure almond (or vanilla) extract and a of dash nutmeg (optional; free)
Optional Morning Tea (at least 1 hour after breakfast):
1 cup unsweetened herbal or green tea
Fiber Sweep (at least 1 hour after morning tea):
Lemon Drop (1 packet Fiber Sweep blended with 1 cup iced water, lemon juice to taste, and a dash of cinnamon)
Lunch (at least 1 hour after Fiber Sweep):
Cauliflower Rice Tabbouleh and a Vanilla Fresh Mojito (1 packet Vanilla Fresh blended with 1 cup water, 2 Tbsp. lime juice, and 3–4 mint leaves)
Afternoon Snack (at least 1 hour after lunch): 
½ red bell pepper and 1 stalk celery (or other options from the vegetables list), with 2 Tbsp. hummus
Optional Afternoon Tea (at least 1 hour after snack):
1 cup unsweetened, caffeine-free herbal tea (stevia sweetener is allowed)
Dinner (at least 1 hour after tea):
Moroccan Carrot Salad, 1 cup vegetable broth with parsley or cilantro (optional), and 1 packet Vanilla Fresh blended with 1¼ cup filtered water
Evening Tea (at least 1 hour after dinner):
1 cup unsweetened, caffeine-free herbal tea (stevia sweetener is allowed)

This is what one day of 3-Day Refresh drinks and meals will look like from morning to night:
Follow these instructions to make your meals quickly:
1. Each day you’ll make your Shakeology, Vanilla Fresh, Fiber Sweep, and optional teas just before drinking.
2. Prepare your snacks. Slice 1½ red bell peppers and 3 stalks celery into sticks for dipping. Divide evenly between three food storage containers. Top each with 2 Tbsp. hummus. Seal lids and place in refrigerator.
3. Next make the Cauliflower Rice Tabbouleh. Finely chop (or pulse in a food processor) 1 cup cauliflower florets, until they resemble couscous. Place cauliflower in a large bowl and add ½ chopped tomato, ½ cup chopped cucumber, ¼ cup chopped onion, ½–¾ cup chopped parsley, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, 3 tsp. olive oil, Himalayan salt to taste, and chili flakes to taste (optional). Stir to combine. Divide evenly between three food storage containers and place in refrigerator.
4. Now make the Moroccan Carrot Salad. Grate 6 carrots over a large bowl. Add 1½ tsp. olive oil, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, 6 Tbsp. chopped parsley (or cilantro), 1½ cloves finely chopped garlic, ¼ tsp. cumin, ¼ tsp. paprika, ¼ tsp. cinnamon, ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional), and ¼ tsp. Himalayan salt. Stir to combine. Taste the salad to see if it needs more herbs or spices. These are free ingredients, so you can add as much as you like. Divide salad between three food storage containers and place in refrigerator.
5. If you want to prep your optional dinner soups ahead of time, set out three small food storage containers. Pour 1 cup vegetable broth into each. Add chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to taste; cover and place in refrigerator.
6. You’re done! Wasn’t that easy?

GROCERY LIST
Produce
4 lemons
2 cups frozen cherries (or blueberries, or blackberries)
3 limes
1 bunch fresh mint
2 small red bell peppers
3 medium stalks celery
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 small tomato (or ½ medium)
1 Persian cucumber or small cucumber
1 small onion
1 bunch parsley
1 bunch cilantro (optional)
6 medium carrots (or 1 bag shredded carrots)
2 cloves garlic
Miscellaneous
3-Day Refresh
hummus
3 cups organic vegetable broth
herbal tea (optional)
green tea (optional)
Pantry
pure almond or vanilla extract (optional)
extra virgin olive oil
Himalayan salt
nutmeg
cinnamon
chili flakes (optional)
stevia (optional)
cumin
paprika
cayenne pepper



Cauliflower Stuffing

11/21/16

Cauliflower takes the place of bread in the low-carb stuffing of your dreams.
TOTAL TIME: 
PREP: 
LEVEL: EASY
SERVES: 6

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 tbsp. butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped or thinly sliced
  • 1 small head cauliflower, chopped
  • 1 c. chopped mushrooms
  • kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 c. Freshly Chopped Parsley
  • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh sage or 1 tsp. ground sage
  • 1/2 c. vegetable or chicken broth

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, carrot, and celery and sauté until soft, 7 to 8 minutes.
  2. Add cauliflower and mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook until tender, 5 to 10 minutes more.
  3. Add parsley, rosemary, and sage and stir until combined, then pour over vegetable broth and cover with a lid. Cover until totally tender and liquid is absorbed, 15 minutes.
  4. Serve.

Thanksgiving Recipes with a Healthy TWIST!

SO I know we all have our MUST HAVE dishes for Thanksgiving. But sometimes it's nice to try a healthier option for some recipes. You would be surprised how delicious they could be!!!

Try this as a healthier option for Mashed Potatoes!

Roasted Cauliflower Mash
 

Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Side Dishes
Serves: 8 servings, ¼ cup each
Ingredients
  • 1 (2-lb.) cauliflower, cut into small florets, discard stem
  • 4 tsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • ¼ tsp. granulated garlic (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp. low-sodium organic vegetable broth
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
  2. Wash cauliflower and pat dry.
  3. Place cauliflower in large baking pan. Drizzle with oil; toss gently to coat.
  4. Season with salt and garlic.
  5. Bake, stirring halfway through, for 40 to 45 minutes, or until tender.
  6. Place in food processor; add vegetable broth. Pulse until smooth.


Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 46
Total Fat: 3 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 319 mg
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 2 g
Protein: 2 g



Containers
1 Green
½ tsp.




Healthy Green Bean Casserole

Recipe type: Lunch/Dinner
Serves: 8 servings, ½ cup each
Ingredients
  • 5 Tbsp. whole wheat purpose flour, divided use
  • ½ tsp. paprika
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 medium onion, (½ onion thinly sliced, ½ onion chopped), divided use
  • 3 tsp. olive oil, divided use
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • ½ tsp. onion powder
  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves removed and chopped, stems discarded
  • ½ tsp. sea salt
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • ½ cup nonfat milk
  • 2 Tbsp. dry sherry wine
  • 1 lb. frozen French-cut green beans
  • 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
  2. Combine 2 Tbsp. flour, paprika, and garlic powder in a medium bowl; mix well.
  3. Add sliced onion; mix until well coated. Set aside.
  4. Heat 2 tsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add sliced onion mixture; cook, turning once or twice, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from skillet and place on a paper towel. Set aside. Wipe skillet clean.
  6. Heat remaining 1 tsp. oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Add chopped onions; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 4 minutes, or until translucent.
  8. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the liquid released from mushrooms is almost completely evaporated.
  9. Add remaining 3 Tbsp. flour, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper; mix until vegetables are coated.
  10. Add milk and sherry; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly thickened.
  11. Add green beans; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through.
  12. Add yogurt; mix until combined.
  13. Place green bean mixture in casserole dish. Top with onion mixture.
  14. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly.


Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 91
Total Fat: 2 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 1 mg
Sodium: 199 mg
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 6 g
Protein: 5 g


Containers
½ Green
½ Yellow
½ tsp.

And probably my VERY FAVORITE....

Blistered Brussels Sprouts

Total Time: 56 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 46 min.
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 cup balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 lb. Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed, cut in half lengthwise
¼ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
2 Tbsp. water

Preparation:
1. Place vinegar and garlic in small non-reactive saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; gently boil for 25 to 35 minutes, or until vinegar has become thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. (Watch vinegar carefully after 20 minutes of cooking to avoid burning.)
2. Remove from heat; cool. Remove garlic. Set aside.
3. Heat a medium cast iron (or nonstick) skillet over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Place Brussels sprouts in skillet, cut side down, in a single layer; cook for 4 minutes, or until browned.
5. Add salt; cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Add water; cook until water has evaporated.
7. Top each serving with 1 Tbsp. balsamic glaze; serve immediately.

Tip: Remaining balsamic glaze can be served over meat, salmon, roasted vegetables, strawberries, kale chips, etc.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 79
Total Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 179 mg
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 7 g
Protein: 4 g

Containers
2 Green

Check back soon for some other FAVORITE RECIPEs with a Healthy Spin!