Fitting Health and Fitness into Mom Life

The mom cracks. That's what I've heard people call those little amounts of time in between taking care of the kids, bathing them, making dinner, folding laundry, cleaning the house, doing the finances, and on and on and on. Sometimes I am baffled by how much is on my plate, and yet, the plates keep spinning!!

Sometimes I feel like I could not fit one more thing in or one more commitment. And at times, that may be true. I have read the book, "The Best Yes" by Lysa Terkeurst, and the premise of the book is saying "no" to the things that are less important, so that we have time to say "yes" to the most important things! It was so freeing to read that, because as moms, we often feel the need and obligation to say yes to everything!! And then we wonder why we are exhausted, burned out, and a little bitter at all of our commitments!

But I have found that I do have those "mom cracks." I do have to make certain things a priority, and in doing that, I say "no" to other things. I still make time to watch LOST at night with my husband. I still make time to have people over for dinner. I still have time to do playdates with my close friends and their kids. I can MAKE time for the things that are MOST important!!

A lot of times, I talk to people about their health and fitness, and so many people just can't fit one more thing into their busy schedule! And that is understandable. Even though I don't work outside the home, I homeschool my kids and have my own business from home, plus taking care of the kids, finances, and home. It is overwhelming at times! But I make time for what's most important to ME. I make time for my kid's schooling, because that is high on my priority list. I make time for my business, because I feel it's important for me to do what I can and to try to help our financial situation and work our way out of debt. And I make time for fitness because it's actually an outlet for me to stay sane!! I love to workout, have that time to myself, and the endorphins that are flowing after a workout help fuel my morning!!

There are so many reasons to make fitness a priority, but another huge reason is so that we can be a good example to our kiddos! They are watching everything we do! They see us do our workouts. They ask why we're eating healthy. Then, they start to ask which foods are healthy. And if they can do the workout with you. It's win-win! This is something that I feel should be a priority in our lives as busy moms! You don't have to be a runner. You don't have to do high-intensity cardio. But doing something to work your heart, choosing to feed yourself and your family healthy foods, and choosing healthy options not only benefits you, it will benefit your family for the long run!

If you need help with how to start making healthy choices for your family, how to plan and prep healthy meals and snacks, or how you can start a short, daily workout program so that you can feel better about the skin you're in, then please comment below, message me, or email me at steph4given@yahoo.com!! I love to help women feel better about themselves and to learn to start making healthy choices!! Let me tell you, it's totally worth it!


Fit Fuel Steph

Thai Cashew Coconut Rice with Ginger Peanut Sauce

 This was such a delicious dinner, I can't wait to make it again!! I love meals with lots of different elements, and especially with fresh veggies added to it for an extra crunch!! Plus, this was pleasing for the whole family because everything is separate, so each person can make it to their liking!! My 4 year old even liked the salad part with cabbage and cilantro!!

This meal will easily fit into the 21 Day Fix, because you can just count up each thing, depending on how much you have! The salad would be a green container, the rice a yellow container, the peanut sauce could probably fit into the teaspoon category or possibly the orange container, and the chicken would be the red container for protein!! The cashews would fit into the orange container! Just measure each thing out, and you have a bowl of yummy goodness!! Bon appetite!!

Thai Cashew Coconut Rice with Ginger Peanut Sauce
From Host the Toast
A Kitchen Kapers Blog

For the Coconut Rice:
1 1/2 cups dry jasmine rice (or white or brown rice)
1 (15 oz) can unsweetened coconut milk
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water

For the salad:
2 red bell peppers, finely chopped
1 red cabbage, shredded (I used a regular green cabbage because that's what I had on hand!)
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 small red onion, finely diced
1 cup cilantro, chopped
3/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup cashews, finely chopped

For the Ginger Peanut Sauce:
1/3 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
3 teaspoons freshly grated ginger (I just used ginger spice)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
Water to thin
Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dry rice well until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium-sized pot, mix together the rice, coconut milk, garlic, salt, and water. Cover and bring to a boil.
3. Once the pot reaches a rolling boil, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes.
4. After 30 minutes, turn off heat and let sit (with lid on) for an additional 10 minutes.
5. As you wait for the rice, make the peanut sauce.
6. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 15 seconds, or until the peanut butter thins. Stir well. Add the ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir again. Thin as desired with water.
7. Fluff the rice and combine it with the chopped vegetables and cashews. Drizzle with a bit of the Ginger Peanut Sauce and taste - you probably won't need to use all of it. Garnish with lime wedges!! Enjoy!!

Let me know in the comments section if you've tried it!! Keep coming back for more healthy, delicious meals!!

I will be starting my Slim Down for Spring Challenge group on Monday, May 23, and my first Challenge group just for clean eating on Monday, June 6!! All you need for that one is the Fixate cookbook and portion control containers!! Contact me for more details!! Let's get fit for summer!! In a delicious way!

Healthy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Bars

You guys!! These were so good and such a special treat for me and my kids one morning!! I have been having fun finding new recipes that are healthy and tasty! I used to bake all the time, but since my daughter started having to eat gluten free, I really don't bake much anymore. I know I could! But I try to eat healthy, and I usually don't feel like making 2 batches of something, one regular and one gluten free, and plus, not all gluten free baked goods taste the best!!

But, I am finding that a lot of recipes that don't have gluten in them are really tasty!! For awhile, I would look for "gluten free" recipes, and I would find lots of complicated, expensive recipes that didn't always taste good or "normal".

But you guys, there are so many recipes out there that are much healthier than the regular baking recipes, without all the added white flour, white sugar, butter, and oil, and they taste amazing!! I wish we could make even more of these kind of snacks and breakfasts, so that my kids had less processed junk for snacks!! Make sure you give these a try, they are seriously delicious and my kids and I LOVED them!!

Healthy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Bars
From AmbitiousKitchen.com

2 1/4 cups gluten free oats (or regular oats)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum free)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 medium ripe bananas
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (I didn't have this on hand, so I used coconut oil)
1/4 cup honey (agave nectar if vegan)
1/3 cup chocolate chips (vegan, if desired)
For Chocolate Drizzle:
2 tablespoons chocolate chips (vegan, if desired)
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 9 x 9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. To make oat flour: Place oats in a blender or food processor and blend for 1-2 minutes until oatmeal resembles flour. You may need to stop blender and stir oats a couple of times to ensure that all oats have been blended. Pour the oat flour into a medium bowl; whisk in baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; set aside.
3. Place bananas, vanilla, applesauce (or oil), and honey into blender; blend 1-2 minutes or until smooth and creamy. Add to oat flour mixture and mix until just combined.
4. Gently fold in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with rubber spatula. Bake for 15 minutes or until knife inserted into center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Cool 10-15 minutes on wire rack.
5. Prepare drizzle by adding 2 Tablespoons of chocolate chips and coconut oil in microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high 30 seconds; stir well to combine, then drizzle over the top of bars. Cut bars into 16 squares and enjoy!!

Caribbean Chicken Tacos

 

These Caribbean Chicken Tacos were so delicious! All the different elements made each bite so amazing!! This might not be the best family-friendly meal, since the meat was a little spicy and the salsa had raw onions in it. So I just made cheese quesadillas for the kiddos, and the hubby and I LOVED these!! I have never made a homemade salsa with mango, pineapple, and other yummy stuff...but it was delightful!! You have to make these!!

Caribbean Chicken Tacos
lecredmedalacrumb.com

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 tablespoons Caribbean seasoning (store-bought OR see below for the homemade recipe)
8 taco-sized soft flour tortillas
2 cups coleslaw (without dressing) (you could also just chop up some cabbage)

Caribbean Salsa

1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 mango, diced
1 cup pineapple, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Prepare the salsa by combining all ingredients in a bowl and stirring well. Cover and chill until ready to use.
2. Slice chicken breasts into strips (I like to buy chicken tenderloins, they are smaller pieces and seem easier to cut!) and place in a bowl. Sprinkle chicken with half of the Caribbean seasoning, stir, then sprinkle with the remaining seasoning and toss to coat.
3. Cook chicken in a large greased pan or skillet over medium heat for 5-8 minutes until cooked through.
4. To serve, fill each tortilla with cooked chicken, then top with coleslaw (or cabbage) and Caribbean salsa. Serve immediately with fresh limes for drizzling if desired.

Homemade Caribbean seasoning
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Stir together all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.

My Fight for 2016

Here is a post I recently posted on Facebook:

Fight. This is my word for 2016. I have to fight against my depression/anxiety. I need to fight for my health and against overeating. I have to fight my negative, degrading thoughts about myself. I need to fight for my business, because success is possible. I need to fight against laziness, and pursue God even when I don't "feel" like it. And if I want a clean house, I may just have to fight for that, too. Even if I'm fighting my kids smile emoticon So, 2016...get ready for a fight!!

So, let me expand a little!

Lately, I have been feeling extremely defeated. I can't put my finger on exactly what is wrong. I don't know if I have a chemical imbalance, aren't getting enough sleep, am depressed because of my weight, or feel overwhelmed with all my responsibilities/duties. It's probably a combination of all those things. Mixed with things from the past that have deeply hurt me. But whatever it is, I don't want to just give into all those things. I easily feel horrible, and let the negative spiral of thoughts and emotions take over me. But I know I was made for more. Created for more. And I want to use what God has allowed in my life to encourage and inspire others.

That's one reason why being a Beachbody Coach is so meaningful to me. It's not just my "job." Yes, it is a job that I work that brings in an income. But it is so much more than that. To help others reach their goals, encourage others on their journey to get healthy and fit, to be a part of something bigger than me...that is rewarding, folks!

So in 2016, how can I be an encouragement to you? What goals do you have that seem impossible? Which goals are you scared to write down, because they seem like they could never happen?

I'm not saying I'm a miracle worker or anything. But maybe we could help inspire and encourage each other. This Beachbody Coaching thing has become far greater and inspiring than I could have ever imagined. I started out just thinking that I didn't have enough time to invest in one more thing. Now, I find myself wishing I had more time to invest in it, because it's my passion, my love, and my creative outlet!

Soooo, I'm looking for 3-5 women who are looking for...

1. Something new to inspire and encourage them
2. Something to help inspire and encourage others
3. Are or want to be on a health/fitness journey
4. Could use some extra income
5. Want to be a part of something bigger!!

If any of these things sound like they ring a bell, then let's chat!! Being a part of my Team, Fit Fuel, might just be the place for you! We are doing amazing things in 2016...and you might just be our missing link!!

Comment below with interest, and I'll set up a time to chat!!

Healthy Holiday Tips

Well, the holidays are officially upon us, and it is definitely the season for parties, lots of food, and holiday treats! While there is nothing wrong with enjoying some of these things, leaving all caution to the wind and indulging in everything can be a problem!! And you will definitely reap the consequences if you indulge in everything!! So today, I wanted to give you some practical tips for NOT gaining the holiday 15!

1. Make a plan for each festivity. Decide ahead of time what you will allow yourself to eat, and what you want to stay away from. Without any guidelines, you will be tempted to overflow your plate, and will go home bloated and disappointed!

2. Get accountability for this season. This is where my Challenge groups can be a huge support! I encourage my Challengers to post for accountability before a tempting event! But you can ask a friend, spouse, or someone who also has goals to hold you accountable to your guidelines!

3. Keep your eyes on your goal! I have found that if you FOCUS on how much you're being deprived, how much you wish you could indulge, and how miserable you are, then chances are, you'll give in. But if you FOCUS on what you're working towards, what your goals are, and how good decisions at this event will bring you closer to your goal, then chances are, you'll succeed!

4. Commit to a workout program! That's also where my Coaching and recommendations for a workout program come in!! I love to hear people's fitness goals, help them with a couple solid recommendations, and help them get into a program that's right for them! If you are following a schedule and want to finish your program to get those results, that will also help to keep you on track!And each workout program also comes with a nutrition plan!

5. Eat healthy most of the time! You can control what you take in most of the time. Besides those parties and special events, plan for healthy breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks, and be careful to stick to that during the week, so that when you do have a special event, a few treats won't completely derail you!!

So there you have it! I know I could come up with more ideas, but for easy convenience, I figure that 5 ideas is enough to go on! If you truly want to reach your goals, amidst this holiday season, then stick with me, and I'll help you achieve them! I've got a group of ladies who are all working towards their goals, and encouraging each other along the way! Want in? Fill out this form, and I'll get back with you!!

https://steph4given.wufoo.com/forms/z1vf6znx03uidy5/

Welcome to Fit Fuel!

I am so excited to launch my new blog, Fit Fuel! Let me tell you a little bit about myself!

I have struggled with my weight for several years. I would try new things, but ultimately, would fail. I didn't really know what to do, or how to do it, I just knew that I wanted to lose weight and feel better about myself.

A few years ago, a good friend, Carolyn Green, contacted me and introduced me to Beachbody. I didn't really know what Beachbody was, or what Shakeology was, but once I talked to her, I was sold!! I got into one of her online Fitness Challenge groups, and lost 17 pounds in 2 months!! And as they say, the rest is history!!

I started going through the Beachbody workout programs, and loved how they were a whole workout program (not just one workout DVD to do each day), how each program included a nutrition plan, and how you can get results from following these plans!!

Now, over the years, I have definitely still struggled with my weight. But I now know what I need to do to get the results I want! The 21 Day Fix is probably the most effective program since it has a different workout for each day of the week (focusing on different areas), has a simple nutrition plan with color-coded containers (to help you eat clean and in the correct portions), and then you add in the support network of a Challenge group on Facebook, and you've got a recipe for success! This is the program I'm currently going through!

In October, I did a program called the Ultimate Reset, which jumpstarted my health and nutrition again! I lost 13 pounds and 9 inches in 3 weeks! It is a strict, 21 day plan where you take specific supplements at specific times, eat exactly what is prescribed (you prepare each meal), and you don't workout, or at least you don't workout strenuously. I was so grateful for that program, because it showed me the crazy discipline that I had, that I can stick with something hard, and that I could get results!! I was ecstatic!

Check out what that program is here: myultimatereset.com/steph4given

So, what do I hope to show you in this blog?

I hope to share my health and fitness journey with you!

I want to feature healthy recipes! I am a foodie by nature, and if I'm going to be successful in my weight loss journey, I have to find healthy, delicious recipes! I'll share them with you!

I will be sharing my next Fitness Challenge group that I will be hosting! If you are ready to start your health/fitness journey, I'd love to be a part of it!!

I hope to share health/fitness tips with you! As I find new tips and tricks, and find what works for me on my health journey, you can bet I'll share them here!

So, if you would like to be a part of my journey, get inspired by new recipes and fitness tips, or just like reading about my progress, then please subscribe to my blog, and be inspired!!