Did you ever wonder what you should be when you grow up? Oh wait, I am grown up.

Have you ever thought good and hard about "What you WANT to be when you grow up?"  I have had a hard time recognizing what it was I was meant to do with myself. Until recently, when I chose Health and Fitness Coaching.  My job is not conventional, but then again, neither am I.  Never have been and likely, never will be.  Until having a long(isn) discussion about what I'm doing with myself with a close family member,  I felt like I knew I was doing the right thing for me, but when you have the most important people in your life questioning what you're doing, doubt it almost inevitable.  Is this "really" a career, is it the right "fit" for me? Doubt is only natural. I took this test and answered from my heart.  I can say I'm not surprised by what I have learned.   Below is a screen shot of my results.

First as an interest in work I'd like to do was being social. Big surprise. My Mom use to refer to me as a "social butterfly". Um, yup. Talking to people is fun for me. I like to meet new people and learn about them. Here is what www.mynextmove.org has to say about the social aspect: 

As you can imagine, the three major points of a social interest fit extremely well into what I "do" with myself now. I love teaching people healthier food options. I LOVE teaching people different things I have learned in the last 5 years of cleaning up my families diet and my health. I can not tell you the warmth I feel when someone messages me and tells me how my direction, my coaching, and my advice has helped them. 

My next strongest interest is Artistic. This was a given. See below picture:

 Creating "things" has been a passion of mine my entire life. It still is. I have just funneled that creative energy into creating a better, healthier lifestyle for my family. I love creating new documents to use for my coaching business. It's fun for me. It feels fulfilling. 

The third most influential interest for me would be Enterprising. I really don't think this trio could have been MORE perfect:

As a coach I "persuade" people all of the time. But not with my fabulous saleswoman skills, I lack those horribly. I fail all of the time at presenting my "product" and "closing the deal".  I'm not great at convincing someone I have a product they "need". What I AM good at is being there when someone is ready to learn, grow and make a positive change. Because, I was there once too. I "persuade" people to join me in choosing a healthier lifestyle by living it. By being proof that the products I choose to promote will change the way you feel, the way you look and the way you think about leading a healthier lifestyle.  Don't believe me? Check out my before and after pictures on my Facebook page, make sure to "Like" it to keep up with me, get healthy recipes and ideas. 

As if the three top interest in a career for me weren't perfect enough, check out the sixth line down on this list of careers that my interests match with. Funny…kind of looks like I'm moving in the right direction to me.

Want to take this test and get an idea of what YOUR career interests are? Find it here www.mynextmove.org  You may be surprised at what you learn about your career, and about yourself. 

PB Thai Chicken and Veggies (Gluten/Dairy/Soy Free) Clean Eating 21 Day Fixed Approved

PB Thai Chicken and Veggies*

What can I say about this recipe? Not much other then, it is GOOD! Light peanut butter flavor coats the broccoli slaw in a way that would make anyone want to eat the entire pan. So go ahead and do that, unless of course you're on The 21 Day Fix nutrition program, then use the guides in the picture to determine your categories.  Want to make this a double shot of greens? Double the broccoli slaw and you now have TWO greens per serving. Yup, so good.  

NOTE: This recipe originally had the option of using soy sauce, I took that out so this would be 21 Day Fix approved, however, if you are just making this because it's AWESOME, I recommend you use Bragg's Liquid Aminos, as a substitute. Bragg's Liquid Aminos is called an "All Purpose Seasoning" but it tastes just like Soy Sauce without all of the junk and actually has health benefits. But that information is for another post…onto the recipe!!! 

Serves: 4 

Ingredients: 

3 chicken breasts (or 12 oz.), cut into small chunks

2 Tbsp extra virgin coconut oil
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1/4 cup lite coconut milk, canned
2 limes, juiced
1 12oz. package of broccoli slaw (carrots and red cabbage included), pre-shred at your grocery store
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, I recommend Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar
4 tsp. natural peanut butter
Chopped green onion and cilantro (I left the cilantro out because I didn't have any)

Instructions:
Heat a pan over medium-high heat (or a wok if you have one).
Add in oil and garlic, cooking for 1 minute.
Add chicken and cook until lightly browns, or about 2-3 minutes. Poor about half of the coconut milk over the chicken, set the rest aside.  Mix it to incorporate the milk in the juices from the chicken.
Add the lime juice and vinegar. Cover and cook until chicken is completely cooked through, stirring occassionally.
Add the entire package of broccoli slaw, and the rest of the coconut milk you set aside earlier. Cook through, stirring frequently.
Add in the peanut butter, stirring. Cook until slaw is soft but still firm.
Garnich with green onions and cilantro to taste and plate.

If you are not using this recipe in your 21 Day Fix arsenal, you have the option of using the Bragg's Liquid Aminos. If so, squeeze a small amount onto the serving on the plate! It is just TOO good.

Sausage and Kale Soup 21 Day Fix Approved


Sausage and Kale Soup**

Total Time: 48 min.


Prep Time: 10 min.


Cooking Time: 38 min.


Yield: 6 servings, about 1¾ cups each

Ingredients:


1 Tbsp. olive oil
 (this was only used to brown the sausage, we left it out of ours)

8 oz. turkey kielbasa sausage, sliced


2-4 cloves garlic, minced
 (we use 4 because we LOVE garlic)

2 to 3 medium leeks, chopped, just white and light-green parts


1 bunch kale, stems removed and discarded, torn (about 4 cups)


1 (15-oz.) can kidney beans, drained, rinsed


1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes, no added salt


6 cups low-sodium organic chicken (or vegetable) broth


Ground black pepper (to taste; optional)

Preparation:


1. Heat oil (if using it) in large saucepan over medium-high heat.


2. Add kielbasa; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned.


3. Add garlic, leeks, and kale; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until soft.


4. Add kidney beans, tomatoes, broth, and pepper (if desired). 

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

Calories: 181

Fat: 6 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Cholesterol: 23 mg

Sodium: 1137 mg

Carbs: 20 g

Fiber: 5 g

Sugars: 5 g

Protein: 12 g

Find and "Like" me on Facebook, Click here!!!!  where I post tips, tricks and information on transitioning to a healthy lifestyle, clean eating, living gluten/soy/dairy free and MORE recipes to come! 

**Original Recipes from Team Beachbody - Get a Club Member account for just $2.99 a week and have access to a HUGE database of healthy eating recipes, personalized meals plans and more. Get your member account HERE .

Dark Chocolate Muffins (Soy/Dairy/Gluten/Refined Sugar FREE)

Dark Chocolate Muffins (Soy/Dairy/Gluten/Refined Sugar Free)**

Sweet and moist with super chocolate punch, no one will ever know there isn't a DROP of flour in these yummo muffins.  Super simple to make and already measured out for your 21 Day Fix. Don't miss saving this recipe to use as your secret weapon during the holiday season coming up! 

Total Time: 22 min.


Prep Time: 20 min.


Cooking Time: 12 min.


Yield:12 servings, 1 cupcake each

Ingredients:


1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained, rinsed


3 large eggs


½ cup pure maple syrup
 (You can sub this out for Agave Nectar to reduce the effects on blood sugar) 

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder


1 tsp. baking soda
 (we use Bob's Red Mill Aluminum Free Baking Soda)

3 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted


1 tsp. pure vanilla extract


1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (we use Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Chips to make these SF/GF/CF)

Preparation:


1. Preheat oven to 350° F.


2. Prepare 12 muffin cups by lining with muffin papers or coating with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. (You can use a dab of coconut oil in each muffin cup instead of using spray, that's what we do). 


3. Place chickpeas, eggs, maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking soda, coconut oil, and extract in blender or food processor; cover. Blend until smooth.


4. Divide batter among 12 prepared muffin cups.


5. Top each muffin with about four chocolate chips; push into batter.


6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely and enjoy!

**Original Recipes from Team Beachbody - Get a Club Member account for just $2.99 a week and have access to a HUGE database of healthy eating recipes, personalized meals plans and more. Get your member account HERE .

Find and "Like" me on Facebook, Click here!!!!  where I post tips, tricks and information on transitioning to a healthy lifestyle, clean eating, living gluten/soy/dairy free and MORE recipes to come! 

Thank YOU For Comparing My Middle To Your End...

It has recently been brought to my attention that someone had questioned "If that 'stuff' works, then why are 'they' still fat?"  This person was referring to Shakeology and BB programs in relation to myself, and a few others, but I do believe they were truly trying to avoid singling me out. So kind. Alas, I knew the day would come when someone compared my middle to someone else's end. 

So here is what I have to say about it:

1) What this person may not know is that I have multiple medical issues that compromise my ability to shed pounds and keep them off.

2) What this person may not understand is that my PCOS (hormone disorder) and my Thyroid (slowly dying) causes my body to fight me every step of the way, making it exponentially harder for me then for someone without these issues to just "lose weight" and not be "fat". Their words, not mine.

3) They may not know that at 16 years old I was told I would have to shoot myself with hormones to sustain any miracle pregnancy, if I could have one at all, and those hormones added weight on faster then anything I've ever seen, all for the life of my children. That I FOUGHT to have those babies and my body, it's "condition" and NOT getting "fat" weren't important. The life of my unborn child trumped EVERYTHING. 

4) They may not know that at 16 years old I was also diagnosed with a malformation in my hips that WOULD 100% cause me to be wheel chair bound or have replacement surgery in my later years. That hip problem causes me pain frequently. But I fight through it. 

5) They may not know that this past January I detoxed off of a very dangerous and serious postpartum medication. That I was forced to be on for 2 years b/c the Dr's didn't want me to go through such a serious withdrawal with a spouse that had the potential to leave at any time. That I laid in a bed dialing 911 because my husband was at work and I couldn't physically care for my own children. Shaking, vomiting and dizzy. Ready to call an ambulance from the severe withdrawal symptoms that I can only imagine would be much like that of a street drug user coming clean…and had two small children to take care of. That this alone set me back. Don't believe me, GOOGLE Effexir XR withdrawal. I had every symptom, and it was scary.

 

6) What they may not know is that I've laid on the floor crying, as I made my way through some workouts b/c I PROMISED my Coach, my Teammates and my Clients that I would be right there with them. I refused to let them all down. 

7) That Shakeology has made such a HUGE difference in my life and the life of my children, not just b/c of weight, but overall it was the  catalyst we needed to show us a healthier lifestyle. To transition us into eating better and learning about a better way to feed our bodies. 

8) That they should look at the picture below. The one where my own child didn't recognize me. The one where my grown friend didn't recognize me, and would have had no idea it was even me if I didn't tell him.  That one where I started... where I will NEVER EVER go back to. Whether my body fights me or not. I will fight back. I will choose better foods to feed my body. I will choose to MOVE and keep my body ever improving. 

9) But most importantly I would LOVE to tell this person THANK YOU. It was your ignorance of my life, and my triumphs, that allowed me the thought process to even realize how much MORE amazing my journey has been. How sometimes we can even impress ourselves with the dedication, commitment and drive we find deep in our souls when we truly get the leverage we need to make the change. 

10) Thank You person. Though I know you, I will NEVER EVER name you publicly…but my questions for you would be: What's your excuse? Where's your leverage? Then I'd tell you to BRING IT. 

You CAN Do Anything For 3 Days...

…Ok, I'm sure there are SOME THINGS you can't do for 3 Days, but you CAN change your body, get a good clean up, and learn new eatings habits in 3 Days and you can do it with me!

Want to know the difference between the 3-Day Shakeology Cleanse AND the OFFICIAL Beachbody Approved 3-Day Refresh? HEAR it from the creator herself!

Contact me directly on Facebook by clicking HERE.  OR go right to the 3 Day Refresh on my site using this link right HERE!

3 Day Refresh