Chocolate PB Shakeology Ice Cream with Love Crunch

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I used to be a toasted bagel and cream cheese kind of gal with the occasional ice tea or even coke for breakfast. It was convenient to purchase, quick, and something my brain had trained me to ‘think’ I needed to function when at work. I now get the question almost daily about my Shakeology. This has become my breakfast on the go! People just don’t get what Shakeology is all about until they take the plunge and try it for themselves. I know I was that skeptical girl! At first your mind is going to probably tell you YUCK! This is because your mind has been trained to like artificial sweeteners and flavors. Definitely chat with me regarding ways to mix your Shakeology depending on the flavor you purchase. Ultimately, I have learned that you CAN kick the bad habits and train your brain to crave foods that are going to better fuel your metabolism and nourish your body!

Now people want to know how I mix it and why it always looks so darn good.

INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED:

  • Shakeology – Vegan Chocolate, Chocolate, or Café Latte
  • 10 ounces of milk (*I use Unsweetened Almond Milk. You can use regular milk, but be aware of the sugar. The other option is 1/2 water and 1/2 milk.)
  • 1 cup Spinach (*OPTIONAL – If you have trouble getting your greens in for the day, adding to the shake is an option. I do not always add Spinach to my shake.)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract, Caramel extract, Coconut Extract, etc. (*Pick one that you enjoy!)
  • 1 TBSP of PB (*You can use the powdered peanut butter…PB2)
  • ice (2 handfuls)
  • 1/3 cup of Love Crunch Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter

WHAT TO DO:

I combine all ingredients in my blender except for the Love Crunch (last ingredient in my list above). The tip is to add enough ice that will allow your blender to blend without getting stuck. Sometimes I have to stop the blender and shake the container a bit, but that’s how I get the ice cream consistency. Pour mixture into a cup or bowl. Top with Love Crunch Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter. Enjoy your Shakeology ice cream with a spoon!

If you are interested in learning more about Shakeology and clean eating, please contact me at Melissa@LLHealthyFit.com or fill at the application on my Get Support page.

 

 

 

Veggie Egg Muffins

I am all about a fast, easy, and healthy breakfast for my family! Also, I like recipes that my daughter can help make alongside me. I feel this recipe is a great way to sneak in veggies too. I have prepped this ahead of time and eaten the veggie egg muffins the next day as a quick grab and go. It is a bonus having parents who live close by and have farm fresh eggs available! I try my best not to support factory farms.

Veggie Egg Muffins

INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED:

  • 10 to 12 eggs
  • 1 (10 oz) bag of baby spinach, chopped (*you can chop half the bag and use the rest for a salad or another dinner depending on how much spinach you want)
  • 1 medium pepper, finely chopped (*I usually use red, orange, or yellow; your preference)
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped (*you could use a regular onion)
  • Ground pepper and salt (optional) to taste

Tip: You can even add mushrooms and cheese to this recipe. If you use cheese, try to keep cheese to about a 1/4 cup per day for balanced eating.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  1. Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Lightly coat a twelve-cup muffin tray with spray (*sometimes the veggie egg muffins can stick in the tray)
  3. Place eggs in a large bowl and whisk to blend. Season with pepper and salt, if desired.
  4. Add spinach, peppers, onions; mix well
  5. About a 1/4 cup or more in each muffin cup
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted into center of cups comes out clean.
  7. Enjoy!

For the 21 Day Fix, 2 veggie egg muffins would be 1 green container and 1 red container

The color coded containers are available for purchase in my fitness shop.

For more tips, support, recipes, meal planning, and other health and wellness assistance, please apply here by completing my get support form!

Become a TEAM BEACHBODY Coach

What is Beachbody Coaching?

Honestly, this job is all about helping other people succeed. LLHealthyFit is a team that is here truly and deeply just to help other people get healthy and in shape. We focus on our challengers getting results by teaching them clean eating, meal planning, meal preparation, and giving them daily support and accountability whether through a virtual accountability group, LIVE workout, or other forms of communication (email, text, phone call). We never give up. Every positive step you take, no matter how big or small, will make a difference. Your success is driven by helping other people succeed!

LLHealthyFit runs a lot of free groups and are always sharing information of value to improve the lives of others that we come in contact with on a daily basis. We help you personally and professionally grow along the way. So even if you are not familiar with clean eating or meal planning at this moment, you soon will be!

Our priority is to lead from the front through focusing on our own health and wellness first so that we can share our knowledge with others. Coaching will keep you accountable to your own health and wellness goals!

Not a Pyramid Scheme?

Coaching is a business opportunity. It is NOT a pyramid scheme or a “get rich quick” scheme. Just like any job, you have to put in passion and effort to start seeing a consistent income for yourself.

How Does a Career Focused on Sharing Your Journey and Helping Others Lead to Compensation?

This is a common question and many wonder how some people have been able to leave their teaching, nursing, and accounting careers in a few years of building the business. While 25% commission is something that is important as well as a big part of your paycheck in the beginning; however, as you begin to build your team you will quickly discover that the team bonuses are what makes up the largest percentage of your paycheck. Team Bonuses are calculated by what other coaches on the team are producing. I have to admit that being part of the TOP teams in BEACHBODY has it’s perks!)

The ability for our team to put coaches under you to help you bonus more quickly takes pressure off having to make sales to make money. Also, there are various incentive programs such as Success Club which further increase earning opportunities and count toward many of our reward trips and vacations.

You do not have to be a fitness professional, you do not have to be at your ideal weight or goal, but what you need to do is be passionate about helping others, be teachable, and be willing to give this business at least 1 year.

So How Do You Sign-Up as a Coach?

There are a few options to become a coach. First, you are not required to purchase Shakeology to become a coach. The coaching fees are set at $39.99 to start (waived for Military Members or with a Challenge Pack purchase) and are $15.95 (plus tax) a month after that. This monthly coaching fee cover the hosting and maintenance of three websites Beachbody provides, access to your online office, and an online subscription to Success Magazine.  The $39.99 sign-up fee covers the start up cost for the websites and a Business Starter Kit for you and shows Beachbody that you are serious about the coaching opportunity. People that invest in themselves are that much more likely to succeed personally and professionally because of their investment.

It is important to note that most coaches do; however, use Shakeology daily, being that true product of the product. You get Shakeology at a 25% discount, plus this makes you an “ACTIVE” ranked coach. Becoming active is a rank advancement that opens you up to opportunities such as qualifying for success club, bonuses, and starts your coaching off on the right foot.

In summary, there are 3 options for becoming a coach and you can chat with me about what works best for you.

  1. Option 1 is to become a coach for the $39.99 sign-up fee and that is it. Again, while this would make you a coach, you would be “inactive” meaning you are ineligible for commissions and incentives. You need 50 points of “volume” to become active.
  2. Option 2 is to become a coach for $39.99 and order Shakeology at the time of sign-up. This would make you active and eligible for all commissions and incentive programs. The Shakeology would be discounted 25% at the time of sign-up.
  3. Option 3 would be to sign-up with a Challenge Pack. This waives the $39.99 sign-up fee to become a coach and gives you a fitness program and Shakeology at a significant discount. This is the way to go!

Now That You Are a Coach…How Do You Succeed?

It is very important to know from day 1 that this is a business. Your service is valuable just like teachers, counselors, trainers, nurses, the list goes on and on. We help people because we care, but should not feel guilt that the service we provide is worth something. You are very valuable and have a lot to offer; we make each of our businesses unique based on who we are and our niche. You make your own schedule and you have FUN the majority of the time. The reality is with any business is that it can be frustrating if you are not moving as quickly as you like. It’s important to remember CONSISTENCY, PATIENCE, and having the mindset of I WILL DO THIS. At the end of the day…WHY NOT YOU?!

It is important to have open communication and include me in whatever you are going through. If you are struggling in certain areas then let me know because I guarantee you that I have dealt with and overcome exactly what you are going through. Otherwise I would not be where I am today. We all do our best to keep track of your progress, help you with your goals, and support your team groups. It requires you keeping us informed on where you are and what you need so please do not be shy! Coaches that keep in contact with THEIR coaches, keep them up to date, and actively participate in the coaches only group are the coaches that end up having the strongest teams, the continued growth, and end up really making an impact.

Coaching can sometimes be a roller coaster ride and if you can keep that focus and your WHY in the headlights then you will be able to overcome anything that comes up. The trials that we face as coaches are nothing compared to the triumphs. The trials come not from lack of dedication, motivation, or determination, but because some of this business relies on other people. Having patience is something that we all need to work on continually as we help our clients change their lifestyles. It is not an overnight process to change your entire health and wellness habits just like coaching is not an overnight success. If you decide to commit then you will succeed!

In the beginning, it’s important to note that this is a business. Your service is valuable, just like teachers, counselors, trainers, nurses, the list goes on and on. We help people because we care, but we shouldn’t feel guilt that the service we provide is worth something. Because it is! It’s very valuable! YOU are very valuable and you have a lot to offer. Though it rarely feels like work, you make your own schedule and you have FUN 90% of the time.. the fact is, the business side of it can be frustrating if you aren’t moving as quickly as you like. It’s important to remember that consistency is KEY, having an “I WILL DO THIS” attitude and overcoming any hurdles in your path will be your saving grace.

I’ve also noticed, the coaches that keep in contact with THEIR coaches, keep them up to date, and actively participate in the Coaches-Only Group are the coaches that end up having the strongest teams, the continued growth, and end up REALLY making a difference in this business. Those that teeter around, can’t commit 100% and don’t keep in contact with their coach struggle. Remember to ALWAYS include your coach in what you’re going through. If you’re struggling in certain areas TELL THEM! We guarantee your coach has dealt with AND overcome exactly what you’re going through. Otherwise they wouldn’t be where they are. It’s up to YOU to communicate with your coach and ask for help when needed. We do our best to keep track of your progress, help you with your goals, and support your team groups, but it requires you keeping us informed on where you are and what you need. Don’t be SHY!

Coaching can sometimes be a roller coaster ride, and if you can keep that focus and your “WHY” in the headlights, you will be able to overcome anything that comes up. The trials that we face as coaches are nothing compared to the triumphs. The trials come not from lack of dedication, motivation, or determination but because some of this business relies on other people. Having patience is a coveted virtue and something that we all need to work on continually as we help our customers change their lifestyles. It’s not an overnight process to change your entire diet/exercise habits just like coaching isn’t an overnight success all the time. The reality is, if you decide to commit, you will succeed!

For more information, click on Join Our Team!

Because nothing comes without hard work : Beachbody does not guarantee any level of success or income from the Team Beachbody Coach Opportunity. Each Coach’s income depends on his or her own efforts, diligence, and skill.

 

Crockpot Chicken Chili

chicken recipe, crockpot recipe, chicken chili

Meal planning can feel so difficult when my clients first get started; gosh I remember when I started and I dreaded this task. There are many benefits to meal planning/meal preparation especially that it makes the week go smoothly when we know what we are going to eat as a family. So why not make a crockpot meal!

You only need to buy 3 items from the grocery store to make this meal.

INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED:

  • 1-2 pounds of chicken breast
  • 1 – 15 ounce can of white beans (or beans of choice)
  • A packet of McCormick Seasoning (Chili – White Chicken)

Additional ingredients would be if you want to garnish with cheese of choice, green onion, salsa, red hot, or even a little bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO DO:

Instructions are on the back of the seasoning packet! During meal preparation Sunday, I will boil extra chicken and shred. Then I can easily add the shredded cooked chicken to the crockpot for this recipe and make my buffalo chicken dip for the buffalo chicken bowls. That is two meals taken care of for the week!

Serve warm with cheese on top!

For more tips, support, recipes, meal planning, and other health and wellness assistance, please apply here by completing my get support form!

21 day fix portion for this recipe is 1 red container, 1 yellow, and 1 blue. The color coded containers are available for purchase in my fitness shop.

Country Heat – Week 2

Well I officially finished my first week of Country Heat! So here is an honest review of my first week as well as my plan for week 2. Tomorrow starts week 2 so stay tuned for all the updates and videos on my Facebook (fb.com/LLHealthyFit.com) and Instagram (MelissaBrown66).

Workout:

The workout calendar is 6 days a week. There are 2 new workout routines each week to learn; the same workout routine for 2 days in a row and then alternate on days 5 and 6. For week 1, the first workout was Country Swing. I am still shocked at how much I sweat during the workout and was sore in my core and legs. Giddy Up was the second workout and there were some moves such as Wonky Feet that caused me to try and try again! Again, the focus was on my abs and lower body during this workout. The Country Music in the background of the workout makes the time go fast and before I know it…I’m dripping sweat!!

My workout schedule for week 2* looks something like this:

Country Heat - Week 2 Schedule

*I follow the Country Heat Deluxe workout calendar versus the basic.

Meal Plan:

Calorie range 1,200 to 1,499 – Plan A per the Country Heat calculation in the nutrition guide that comes with the program. I love the meal plan because it uses the color coded portion control container system developed by Autumn Calabrese. Shakeology comes in 7 different flavors. I alternate usually between two different flavors for my meal plan. Be sure to search my site for recipes to include in your meal plan.

Below is my meal plan for the upcoming week if you would like to check out what I will be eating. Meal planning can seem complicated so my best piece of advice is to KEEP IT SIMPLE and DO NOT OVER THINK. Try your best to not worry about complex recipes as I have found recipes with a few ingredients allow the meal planning process and grocery shopping to go smoother. I’m a big advocate to use what you already have in your pantry or refrigerator before buying more groceries.

Nutrition is extremely important to your success and people often give up on meal planning before even trying. Please take time to read through the nutrition guide that comes with your fitness program rather than jumping into the exercises without ever reading the nutrition guide. If you are finding it difficult or really are not sure how to start, then please ask. There are meal plans on my site that you can look at for guidance and then start substituting food items I have for food items you enjoy (i.e., a vegetable for another vegetable your family will eat). I started meal planning where my dinner options were a piece of chicken breast (1 red), brown rice or quinoa (1 yellow), and green beans (1 green). The more complex you make this process the harder it is to learn how to eat healthy and in the proper portions. Your goal is to eat 5-6 small meals a day to keep your metabolism up. Your food is your fuel.

I have been asked if I stick to my meal plan 100%. Most often I do stick to my meal plan; however, there are times where I will swap my AM snack and breakfast. This is completely okay! The whole point to this journey is progress not perfection. Let’s make this meal plan happen!!

There are tracking sheets on the Team Beachbody website so that you can check off the boxes when you eat the color coded containers throughout the day. This way you will visually be able to see that you are eating balanced meals throughout the day.

Country Heat - Week 2 Meal Plan

If you would like to join my Back to School – Back to You accountability group there is still time. We kick things off on August 22. If you have been thinking about making a change or if you are like me and let the summer fun in the sun get the best of you…do not just give up. The time is now to jump back on the horse and JOIN ME! You always find time for the things you want the most…why not make your health and wellness a priority?!

If you do not currently work with a Coach, please make sure to make me your FREE coach here.

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Stuffed Peppers – FIXATE style

Stuffed Peppers

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED:

  • 4 medium bell peppers, cut in half with seeds removed (or 8 medium bell peppers, tops cut off with seeds removed)
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 to 1/2 pounds of meat (grass-fed beef, locally raised chicken, etc.)
  • 1 tsp ground chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 TBSP fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup of shredded Monterey jack cheese

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO DO:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Place bell peppers, skin side down, in a large baking dish; set aside.
  3. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add onion; cook for 4 to 5 minutes stirring frequently or until onion is translucent.
  5. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute
  6. Add meat of choice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes stirring frequently or until meat is no longer pink.
  7. Add tomato sauce, quinoa or brown rice, black beans, and lime juice. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through.
  8. Add a heaping 1/2 cup of meat mixture to each pepper half; cover light with foil.
  9. Bake for 35 minutes or until peppers are tender; remove foil.
  10. Top each pepper evenly with cheese and bake for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
  11. Enjoy!

Serve sprinkled with fresh cilantro, salsa, or even red hot (if desired).

For more tips, support, recipes, meal planning, and other health and wellness assistance, please apply here by completing my get support form!

21 day fix portion for this recipe is 1 green container, 1 yellow, 1 red, and 1 blue. The color coded containers are available for purchase in my fitness shop.

Asparagus Fries

The asparagus fries are easy to make and something fun for my daughter to help make with me.

  • Line baking sheet with non-stick pan lining paper or spray with olive oil. This makes for easy clean-up.
  • Dip asparagus in whole wheat flour, egg (*2 eggs beaten), and then panko bread crumbs/Parmesan cheese mixture (*add 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to the 1 cup of panko bread crumbs).
  • Bake in oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes.

I enjoy dipping the asparagus fries in marinara sauce or honey mustard.

Asparagus Fries

For more tips, support, recipes, meal planning, and other health and wellness assistance, please apply here by completing my get support form!

Southwest Breakfast Scramble

I’m not one to sit down and eat breakfast in the morning. Shakeology is my go-to for breakfast on the go! You can often find me making breakfast for dinner in our household especially on the nights where it seems impossible to come up with something to cook. Today was different and I’m very happy I decided to try this recipe from the Country Heat nutrition guide that comes with the Country Heat at home fitness program. The fresh salsa and avocado made breakfast savory and refreshing!

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INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1-2 TBSP almond milk or milk
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt, dash
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 3-4 small red potatoes, finely chopped
  • 1-2 TBSP water
  • 1/2 cup fresh tomato salsa
  • 2 TBSP cilantro, finely chopped (*optional)
  • 1/2 medium avocado, sliced

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO DO:

  1. Combine eggs and almond milk in a medium bowl; whisk to blend. Season with chili powder, cumin, and salt.
  2. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add onion and potato; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Add water; cook for 6 to 7 minutes or until onion is translucent and potato is soft.
  5. Add onion/potato mixture to the egg mixture; stir. Once stirred then add mixture to the skillet; cook slowly over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes or until eggs are done.
  6. Divide mixture evenly between 2 serving plates.
  7. Top with salsa, cilantro, and avocado.
  8. Enjoy!

For more tips, support, recipes, meal planning, and other health and wellness assistance, please apply here by completing my get support form!

21 day fix portion for this recipe is 1 green container, 1 yellow, 1 red, and 1 blue. The color coded containers are available for purchase in my fitness shop.

Turkey & Sweet Potato Hash over Zoodles

Day 1 of the Country Heat meal plan included the Turkey & Sweet Potato Hash over Zoodles. I have to say that this recipe was enjoyed by my family. It made good use of items from our garden; yellow zucchini and green pepper. I used ground pork instead of turkey for the recipe. I attempt to use what I have in our freezer before buying more ingredients!

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INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED:

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped
  • 1-2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & chopped
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt, dash
  • Pepper, dash
  • 2-3 medium zucchini (*made into zoodles)

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO DO:

  1. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, green pepper, and sweet potatoes; cook for 8-10 minutes stirring frequently or until onion is translucent and sweet potato is tender-crisp.
  3. Add turkey; cook for 5 to 6 minutes stirring frequently or until turkey is cooked through and sweet potato is soft.
  4. Add garlic and thyme. Season with salt (optional) and pepper. Cook for approximately 1 minute.
  5. Serve over zucchini zoodles. I cooked the zucchini zoodles (separately) in a medium skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until tender-crisp; approximately 8-10 minutes.
  6. Enjoy!

This recipe makes 3-4 servings. For the 21 Day Fix, each serving is equivalent to 1 green container, 1 yellow container, 1 red container, and 1 spoon. The color coded containers are available for purchase in my fitness shop.

For more tips, support, recipes, meal planning, and other health and wellness assistance, please apply here by completing my get support form!

 

Zucchini Lasagna

This time of year we have a lot of zucchini (green and yellow) that is produced from our garden. I first attempted this recipe where a thin layer of ricotta mixture is placed on a slice of zucchini and then rolled up. That didn’t exactly go as planned; the zucchini slices must be very thin for the recipe to work. I decided to make zucchini lasagna instead of zucchini roll-ups! I have to say that this way is less time consuming, a refreshing switch from traditional lasagna, and the zucchini tasted delicious.

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INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED:

  • 2 (15 oz.) containers ricotta cheese
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1-2 TBSP Oregano
  • 1-2 TBSP Parsley
  • Sea Salt, dash
  • Pepper, dash
  • 1 jar of marinara
  • 2-3 medium zucchini, sliced approximately 1/8″ thick or smaller
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO DO:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a small bowl combine ricotta, parmesan, egg, garlic, sea salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread a thin layer of marinara into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
  4. Place one layer of zucchini in the baking dish and then layer on top of the zucchini the ricotta mixture followed by the marinara. Repeat this step until zucchini and ricotta mixture is used completely up. You might have left over marinara.
  5. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  6. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil; bake until bubbly. Approximately 30-35 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and bake until golden brown. Approximately 10-15 minutes.
  8. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
  9. Enjoy!

This recipe I will often pair with another vegetable such as green beans. Also, another option is to cook ground meat and simply layer as you add the zucchini slices, ricotta mixture, and marinara to the baking dish.

For more tips, support, recipes, meal planning, and other health and wellness assistance, please apply here by completing my get support form!

21 day fix portion for this recipe is 2 green containers, 1/2 red container, 1/2 purple, and 1/2 blue. The color coded containers are available for purchase in my fitness shop.