{Healthy} Double Chocolate Chip Muffins!

Hey guys! Sorry Ive been MIA lately-- with finishing insanity, my 2 little ones having the flu terribly and having a lot of work to do, I just haven't been able to blog! So today to make up for it, I'll be sharing one of the best guilt free, breakfast (heck, any time of day) desserts! Double chocolate chip muffins!
Recently I was contacted by a couple PR's for Chobani Greek Yogurt. Anyone who knows me, knows my obsession with Chobani and I guess the news spread to them as well! I was asked to share my favorite recipes, and this one just so happens to be my ULTIMATE favorite! After having the box version I decided to experiment with my own from scratch version of these tasty treats.
Hopefully you guys have self control when it comes to desserts. Knowing these delicious muffins were healthy too-- I couldn't help myself from having 2 (or was it 4 or 5?!)


Double-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Muffins
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Total time: 25 mins
Serves: 12

Ingredients
2 cups wheat flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder(I use Hershey's Special Dark)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cup Chobani plain Greek yogurt
3/4 cup almond milk
1/2 cup honey
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease 12 muffin cups.
Mix the wet and dry in separate bowls, then combine and blend with as few strokes as possible. Do NOT over mix!
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Shakeology!

Shakeology is a 100% natural nutraceutical meal replacement shake with over 70 healthy ingredients found throughout the world all packed into a low calorie meal. Today I'll be discussing the benefits to this one of a kind delicious powder!
I often get asked, Well what exactly is shakeology? How can Shakeology help me? Why is it expensive? Lets take a deeper look and answer these questions:

Shakeology is a meal replacement protein shake. But it's MUCH more than that. What makes it stand out is not only is it all natural and naturally sweetened, but it has 70 ingredients that are beneficial to a happy, healthy you. To top things off, the flavors are AMAZING. But what makes this better than Cellucor, Lean Dessert Protein, GNC or some other protein powder? Well, it's simple. Those powders all contain harmful metals according to consumerreports.org (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/july/food/protein-drinks/whats-in-your-protein-drink/index.htm). Not only that, but they contain artificial sweeteners. If you're going to put harmful chemicals and anything artificial into your body, clearly your goals aren't for optimum health! But hey, I'm not here to put down other powders, I'm here to tell you why Shakeology goes above and beyond all other protein and health powders ;)
So, back to the ingredients in Shakeology. Each and every ingredient in shakeology your body uses to benefit YOUR health! Below are the ingredients (credit to http://www.healthresearchnews.com/shakeology-review/)
Protein & Amino Acids – Amaranth, Camu-Camu, Goji berry, Sacha Inchi, sprouted quinoa, and whey protein- These ingredients work together to build lean muscle, heal wounds, improve skin & hair, Support optimal brain function, and reduce cravings.

Antioxidants – Acai berry, bilberry, green tea, Maca root, and Acerola cherry – These help reduce the oxidative damage in the body caused by free radicals.

Phytonutrients – Barley grass, blue-green algae, flax, grape seed extract, wheat grass, and spinach – These will boost immunity, fight diseases, slow the aging process, and detoxify the body.

Adaptogens – Cordyceps, holy basil leaf, relshi mushroom, and suma root – These plant derived ingredients work with the body to reduce stress and balance hormones.

Prebiotics – Pea fiber and yacon root – Promote intestinal and digestive health

Digestive Enzymes – cellulose, papain from papaya, amylase, and bromelain from pineapple – These help the body break down food and promote nutrient absorbtion.

Unlike other companies, Beachbody provides you with every ingredient in Shakeology, without holding back any information.
How can shakeology help you? well its simple! Another benefit to shakeology is its low calorie. When used to replace breakfast lunch or dinner, essentially you will lose weight as well. Shakeology will help increase stamina and energy, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, fight cravings, promote regularity and good digestion. Did I mention how amazing the flavor is?! My 4 year old loves it! (Yes, it's good for kids too!!)
Now of course I must answer, "Why is it so expensive?" Well, up front it may seem expensive but broken down its all about money management. Each shake/serving costs $4. But imagine what you spend those $4 on everyday. A Starbucks favorite, bottled water and a couple candy bars? A trip to Dunkin Donuts or fast food lunch out with coworkers? Make the switch from wasting money to investing it in something that is guaranteed to benefit your health. You are given one body, one life. Treat your body with respect and you will reap what you sew! The same goes for if you treat your body like a trash can-- you will reap what you sew. Would you rather pay $4 a day for a healthy meal, or pay thousands later in life for hospital trips and Dr bills? The choice is yours.
Ready for the best part?! Shakeology has a bottom of the bag guarantee. If you don't like it or find its not right for you, whether the bag is half full or completely empty, return it within the 30 days for your full money back. :)
Let Shakeology take the guesswork out of your daily nutrition and try it today! Purchase it on home direct (delivered monthly to your home) and have it shipped FREE every month! Click below or comment/message me if you have further questions.

Get your shakeology here!: https://extranet.securefreedom.com/MillionDollarBody/csShopping/ShoppingCart_Detail.asp?PriceID=154119&Cat=&Qty=1

Clean Eating- A Lifestyle, Not A Diet

Statistics show that nearly 70% of Americans are on a "diet" everyday, yet less than 5% will experience their desired lasting results. America leads the world with the largest population on a diet, but also leads the world with the highest rates of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Coincidence? Maybe it's time people learn the difference between clean eating and fad diets.

Clean eating is as simple as it sounds. Forget about the complicated menu plans of Dr Adkins; the single food diet where you eat the same one item for weeks-- instead learn to emphasize sensible, nutritious eating. With the clean eating approach prepare to still eat delicious meals that leave you satisfied and less hungry, healthier, and are actually GOOD for you! Sound too good to be true? Once you get the hang of clean eating you'll never want to go back. The key to a happy healthy you is all in what you eat!
The concept of “clean eating” isn’t new.
This fat-loss and muscle gain plan has been around for several decades now and you may be surprised that it wasnt the buff shredded body builders, athletes and fitness models who introduced this way of living. In fact, this idea of clean eating first became popular in the 60s by the free love crowd. However, clean eating is so back to the basics, that no one really can take full credit for actually developing this approach to optimum health and nutrition.
What exactly does eating clean consist of? Well, the basics are simple--
•Consume 5-6 smaller meals evenly spread throughout the day, every 2-3 hours.
•Drink half your weight in water- say you're 150lbs, aim for 75 oz. a day
•Always combine complex carbohydrates with healthy fats and LEAN protein at every meal
•Avoid refined sugars, especially sugary beverages and candy
•Eat a wide-variety of whole, unrefined and unprocessed foods in a form that’s as close to natural, of the earth as possible.
•Avoid saturated fat and trans fats, substituting them with healthy, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
•Rather than eating "empty” calories you would find in fast food, soda, snacks etc, substitute nutrient dense foods including fresh fruits and vegetables.
•Know your portion sizes and practice portion control at every meal.

There are numerous proven benefits to Eating clean including:
•Improved energy
•Increased muscle growth
•Decreased body fat
•Decreased risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease and cancers
•Overall better health and immunity
•Less consumption of sodium and sugar, artificial dyes additives and chemicals.
•Believe it or not - Less expensive! Clean Eating is actually more cost-effective than eating fast food or pre-packaged food or fast food. In example, the cost of a Big Mac Meal is more expensive than it is to make a hearty natural pot of vegetable soup which would also serve many compared to a single sized fast good meal.
Timeless- you don't go on a clean eating "diet"- its a holistic lifestyle change that you practice your entire life.
The ultimate goal of Clean Eating is to eat a product at its optimum natural state- while the nutrients and vitamins are all still there. The problem with processed foods is that the natural elements of natural foods are stripped away and replaced with chemicals, dyes, and toxins.... Who really wants that in their body?
Lastly, I'll provide you with a typical day of clean eating--
Breakfast: Bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit and scrambled egg whites
Morning Snack: Peanut butter with banana on whole wheat toast
Lunch: Sliced chicken breast (from a home-cooked chicken breast, NOT deli lunchmeat) on a whole wheat or multi grain mini pita with fresh spinach and tomatoes, with 1 cup dark leafy salad topped with olive oil and vinegar.
Afternoon Snack: 1 cup Greek yogurt with fresh fruit/granola
Dinner: Salmon filet with herbed brown rice and steamed asparagus
Evening Snack/Dessert: Smoothie- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 2 tbsp pb, 1 packet or scoop of shakeology, 1 banana BLENDED.
6 small snacks and meals all balanced with carbs, protein and healthy fats, spread out over the day. Depending on your goals (fat loss versus building muscle), the amount of fat and protein can be adjusted :)


Tomorrow I'll go into more about the all natural healthy meal supplement of SHAKEOLOGY.

Further questions, just ask :)

Insanity and Joining a Challenge Group!

So today ill be discussing my go to fitness program- INSANITY! As well as the benefits to joining a challenge group!
The name itself, Insanity is what originally interested me and unlike other infomercials I KNEW it was the real deal. But I had to ask myself a few questions before jumping into it. Was this program right for ME? Where I was at right then? Lets rewind to back then. I had just had my 2nd baby a few months prior and a workout to me was simply(well, not so simple but...) taking care of 2 little ones meeting their needs first. So, no. I was no way in any prior good shape. But what I did have was that little thing called determination and I was definitely ready to dedicate a small part of my day to the workout. Let me tell you-- those two ingredients of determination and dedication go hand in hand whether you're starting off in good shape or in no shape at all. We all have to start somewhere! I ordered my insanity and made the time each and every night after the kiddies went off to the land of Nod, to work on my push-ups and power jumps. I started off, no joke, not being able to do a single push up! I had lost all my flexibility I had had back in high school for cheerleading, I was literally wheezing at the end of each workout. But I stuck it through and pushed myself(that's where the determination and dedication came in :D) Finally around two weeks into the program I began to feel improvement and the fit Test- the bi weekly test insanity has you take- PROVED I was improving! My endurance was increasing, as was my strength. After a month or so, those butterflies in my stomach when I first started insanity had turned into noticeable ABS outside my tummy! That's right, even after 2 kids, all the stretching of muscles and under the layer of fat there are ABS! I was ecstatic! All the hard work was paying off. There were definitely days I didn't want to workout but I stuck through. Month 2 got intense, but I loved how my body was even allowing me to put myself through these workouts. My flexibility increased and I was now able to do at least 20 consecutive push ups!
Here is where the story turns slightly sad. Of course I loved insanity, but I had no one to share my love of this kick butt program with. Summer came around and that meant ice cream, fried foods, vacations and fairs. I wasn't making the time for insanity anymore. I wish I could use the valid excuse that "life just got in the way", but I know I can't belittle myself to that statement. It was MY fault I let myself go! I wish I had had the support from a friend who knew what I was going through, but I didn't. I lacked that support and in result I ended up stopping insanity all together.
Here is where the story gets happy again! Determination, dedication and I reunited one day when I met my coach Teresa! Coincidently she was a beachbody coach and we began to talk about what she did and she invited me into her challenge group. I was so excited and could not wait to start up insanity again. The challenge group helped me out so much. I tracked my daily progress, earning points for completing the following:
Completing a workout/having active day
Drinking half my weight in water
Avoiding refined Sugars
Avoiding alcohol
Eating 5 servings of fruit/vegetables
Bonus point for drinking shakeology!
I was now able to track my progress and had the support from an entire group of like minded people who were doing similar programs to me, as well as the daily support and motivation from my coach! I was finally sticking through with my program and NOTHING would get in the way.
Today, I have about 2 1/2 weeks left of insanity and I definitely don't see myself stopping there! Next I'll be trying a new program and now, I'm a coach too! Teresa along with other people I have met via social networks have supported and motivated me to where I am today. I am constantly asked how I even have two kids and am in such great shape. I've made it a goal now to help people like myself get in shape and stay in shape. This goes beyond insanity or some other program. I want to help others reach not only their fitness goals short term, but to see it as the whole picture. I want to help others make fitness and good health a lifestyle.
Sure, you can purchase a program via infomercial or somewhere online. But I am living proof that that's not where it all needs to end. Let me help you make that program the beginning to a healthy lifestyle and keep you on that path of healthy happiness. It's hard doing it alone without support so consider joining a challenge group! We all support each other and hold each other accountable for reaching our health goals short and long term and have fun in the process by tracking and earning daily points for potential prizes.
Lets reach that goal of yours together and turn it into a lifestyle :)


http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MsFitKate?bctid=26508204001

& Its Only Just Begun....!

Hey guys!(Currently referring to my non-existent audience :P) While Im not new with the "blog thing", I am new with the "fitness blog thing". Just about 7 weeks ago I decided to make the huge change to get my life on the right track to a happy, healthy ME! I knew it would be hard work but I was more motivated than ever. With 2 little ones who, let me tell you, are definitely little sponges (in the sense that whatever I do, say, eat, they repeat); I knew I had to become the healthy example that I wanted them to replicate. I wanted not only my kids but my husband too, to develop good healthy habits because the results of the switchover to a healthy lifestyle are beneficial from the inside out. I started Insanity intending to complete it this time and I started a twitter account, mainly for my thoughts, goals, etc. Little did I know I'd find a whole community of people who have dedicated a chunk of their lives (if not their WHOLE lives) to fitness and health. I started tracking my progress with updates and pictures of my daily insanity workouts and my daily snacks and meals. I quickly began to make friends and things set off! Everyone kept asking me my secrets, but having not worked out prior (other than my first attempt at insanity), I just told them I was doing insanity and started eating clean. After talking a while with my coach Teresa, I decided it was time to make the leap and become a coach too. My passion for helping others reach their fitness and health goals was actually made a reality. Sooo, that brings me to why I made this blog. I'm here to share my daily workouts, interesting stuff I find via pinterest and friends, hopefully upload a few pics, youtube videos, great recipes, healthy eating tips, and of course to answer questions on what I now do as a beachbody coach and how beachbody can help you too! Join me on my journey to optimum health from point A to point Z and everything in between ;)