Cranberry Chicken

Well, this looks like the week of saucy dishes.  A few weeks ago was the week of quinoa, last week was the week of stuffed recipes....I am sensing a weekly theme here.  Now, before we get too far into this I must give a disclaimer.  Canned whole berry cranberry sauce - yes, I know it is high sugar, high carb, no protein, and comes from a can - but it is so very tasty in this recipe.  You don't have to smother your meat in the sauce, use a slotted spoon and drain the sauce if you want.  Having said that, sometimes you just want something quick, comforting, and child pleasing.  This dish was a hit and reminds me of Thanksgiving.  Perfect for when the weather starts to turn cooler.

Place 3 pounds chicken thighs and/or drumsticks in a slow cooker.  Top with 1 16 ounce can whole berry cranberry sauce, 2 Tbsp onion soup mix, and 2 Tbsp quick-cooking tapioca.  Cook on low for 6 hours.  You could probably sub chicken breasts instead of thighs and maybe make your own cranberry sauce if you choose.  This can be served with a side of brown rice, a sweet potato, or just about anything you would like with chicken.  We happened to go the the farmer's market and served this with green beans, potatoes, and fresh tomato.

Margarita Glazed Pork Chops

Ok, so this isn't a picture of the actual pork chop dish.  We gobbled it up so fast I forgot to take a picture before it was too late.  Oh well, this recipe is probably better for you than all those margaritas anyway.

Glaze
1/3 Cup orange marmalade (I used Smucker's Simply Fruit)
2 Tbsp tequila (we just happened to have some in the house - leftovers from a party)
1 Tsp grated fresh ginger
1 small jalapeno chopped
Combine all of the above in a small bowl, mix well

4 boneless pork loin chops

Grill chops over medium heat for 7-9 minutes, turning once and brushing with glaze during the last half of grilling.

These had a great flavor and although jams and jellies are not the healthiest, the orange marmalade I used was 40 calories and 8 grams of sugar for a tablespoon.  The pork wasn't saturated in the glaze though and we actually had some left over.  You could probably do something similar with orange juice and honey if you don't like the idea of using "spreadable fruit".

Fit Family Robbins Fall Fitness Challenge

I am getting ready to kick off my next challenge group on September 16th .  Joining a challenge group is the perfect way to jump right in with both feet and make that commitment to your own personal health and fitness.  A year ago I had no idea what a Beachbody challenge group was and I didn’t know you could have 24/7 support to complete a Beachbody program and reach your fitness goals.  I found my coach Melanie Mitro online when looking for healthy recipes.  I took a leap of faith and joined the 2013 Weight Loss Challenge, which in turn changed my outlook and health and fitness habits.  The decision I made that day to commit to Chalean Extreme, clean eating, Shakeology and the challenge group helped me lose over 15 pounds (I am currently working towards my ultimate goal with T25) and now I am sharing my knowledge and experience with others to help them do the same.  It not only transformed my body but it transformed my health and my overall outlook on life.  I am a better mom, wife, and daughter because I take care of myself and I have the energy to keep up with my family.  That energy comes naturally from Shakeology and eating right!  I no longer am huffing and puffing walking up and down the steps and I can keep up with all my kid’s activities!

As a working mom of 4 boys, I know how hard it is to find time to eat healthy and exercise.  The Fit Family Robbins "Fall Fitness” Beachbody Challenge is HERE and is going to help you make 2013 the LAST unhealthy & unfit year of your life!  Are you stuck in a rut mentally, physically and emotionally?  Do you need a little jumpstart to your workout routine or do you just need to START your workout routine?  Do you have 10, 20, 50, 100 or more pounds to lose?  Then my Fall Fitness Beachbody challenge that starts September 16th is for you.  This challenge group is for busy people who need specialized support and guidance to keep them accountable to reach those health and fitness goals.  The challenge includes a small group of personally selected individuals that I will mentor and coach through their fitness program each day.  I will provide you with personal support, motivation and accountability to help you reach your health and fitness goals.  We will set small manageable health and fitness goals and work to achieve your overall goal together.  The challenge I did in January changed my life and I want to do the same for YOU! I can truly say that the challenge groups are the way to go!  It’s a nice way to workout in the privacy of your own home, on your own time and you can even make it work around your family’s crazy schedule! If you have a special event in the near future or just want to look amazing for the upcoming holiday season then this is your time to shine!

So what exactly do you need to do for the challenge?
1.        You commit to completing a Beachbody fitness program of your choice. We will measure progress at 1, 30, and 60 days.  I will help you choose a Beachbody fitness program to meet your needs.

2.       You commit to replacing 1 meal per day with Shakeology for the duration of the challenge group.  After that, you can decide whether or not you would like to continue.  Healthy nutrition is key to success in any weight loss and fitness program.  When you add Shakeology as part of your daily routine you will feel the effects in your workouts, daily life, and your overall physical and mental well being!  It’s so much more than a slim fast or a protein shake, its equivalent to eating 6 salads in one meal.

3.       You commit to showing up each and every day for your workouts and being a supporter and encourager in the group! This group will be provided one on one attention such as daily motivation, accountability and support through a private Facebook support group.  Each and every day we will hold each other accountable through the closed Facebook support group, text and email!  There will be open communication and a chance for you to pick my brain for all those healthy tips that have worked for me!  If you do not live in the area, that is perfectly acceptable.  I will keep everyone plugged in through social media or constant contact whichever you choose!  I promise if you commit to this challenge and give it your all, you will see amazing results. You will benefit from being part of a small group of hand picked motivated individuals who are all working together to help each other reach their goals.  You will develop friendships, trust and comfort in sharing both struggles and successes.

What does the Beachbody Challenge Pack Include?
The formula:Fitness + nutrition + support = success!  They are the complete package offering total support for achieving health and fitness goals.  Each customer pack includes:

• A choice of one Beachbody fitness program
• Shakeology Home Direct in either Vanilla, Greenberry, Chocolate, or Vegan Tropical Strawberry or Chocolate
• A 30 day trial of Team Beachbody Club membership
• Free Shipping
• If you chose the coach option you also get a game plan tools kit and business starter program free ($40 value).  Plus all future purchases you save 25%

Why are Fitness Challenge Accountability Groups so effective?
Accountability is the key to success.  Most people start out a new fitness program full of enthusiasm and energy, but often that enthusiasm fades quickly at the first sign of adversity.  In the accountability group, your fellow participants will be expecting to see you post each day and see the progress that you are making towards your goals.  Those mornings that you don't feel like getting up to workout, you will know in the back of your mind that the rest of the group is out there working out too.  When you are tempted by that donut in the office break-room you can post to the group and get that extra immediate support.  You can even tap into your competitive side by comparing your progress to the others in the group.  If you have 3 or 4 friends who all want to work toward their health and fitness goals, we can even form a group just for you and your friends.

How do I join the Fall Fitness Challenge group?
The first step is to really think about WHY you want to be in a group like this.  I would love to have you in my group, but YOU have to be committed.  You have to truly want to make a change in your life.  When you and I talk about the Challenge Group, my first question will be "Why do you want to join this group?"  I am looking to see what is driving and motivating you.  Next, you need to sign up for your free Beachbody account with me as your coach.  We use the Team Beachbody account for logging and tracking your workouts so this step is important.  Visit www.beachbodycoach.com/ashleywrobbins to have me assigned as your coach so we can start creating a customized fitness program to meet your needs!  Or if you have more questions, email me at fitfamilyrobbins@beachbodycoach.com - I'd love to help you reach your goals and get fit for life!

What fitness program should I choose?
Need help picking a fitness program?  Watch this short video and then contact me to find the program that meets your current fitness level and ability!  Beachbody has fitness programs for people that are new to fitness and those that are superfit! No matter how much weight you have to lose we can meet your needs!
http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/ashleywrobbins?bctid=1861298193

Stoplight Stuffed Peppers

It seems as though this is the week of "stuffed" recipes.  I tried another new one tonight, stuffed peppers.  Peppers were on sale this week and I love the red, yellow, and orange varieties the most - but I got some green too just so I could have a pretty picture for you!

3 large peppers (any colors will do)

1 pound ground turkey breast

1/2 large onion chopped

1 Tsp dried Italian seasoning

1/4 Tsp salt

1/4 Tsp black pepper

1 (8.5 ounce) package precooked whole grain brown rice (I know this is not the healthiest choice, but it makes for a very quick addition to the stuffing if you are in a rush.  If not you can always cook up some brown rice - about a cup and use that)

1 to 1.5 cups tomato basil pasta sauce (I used Muir Glen Organic)

1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella

1. Cut peppers in half lengthwise, discard seeds and membranes.  Place pepper halves cut side up in an 11 x 8 inch baking dish.  Microwave on high 6-9 minutes or until tender.  The bigger the peppers, the longer they take to cook so test them as you go.

2. While peppers cook, heat a large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Cook turkey and onion until no longer pink, stirring to crumble.  Draining shouldn't be necessary if using the ground turkey breast. 

3. Stir in dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, cooked rice, and pasta sauce. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until warm, stirring occasionally. 

This is everything but the pasta sauce

 4. Fill pepper halves with the turkey mixture, sprinkle evenly with cheese.  Microwave on high 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts.

Everything but the cheese

This was a pretty quick and easy dinner.  There was enough filling left over that another 4 or more pepper halves could have been filled.  The leftover filling could be used as a main dish with a different vegetable side or as a salad topping.

Stuffed Eggplant

The Farmer's Market this week was a score with eggplant, green beans, corn and tomatoes.  I had been wanting to try a new recipe with eggplant and I had it narrowed down to the eggplant lasagna and the stuffed eggplant.  The stuffed eggplant won out as it seemed a little bit healthier and easier.

Who says you can't have fun with your food?

 Eggplants are from the nightshade family and related to the tomato, potato, and bell pepper.  You can find them year round but they are in peak season from August to October.  Although there are several varieties of eggplant, most have a slightly bitter taste and spongy texture.  It can be baked, roasted, or steamed and eaten with or without the skin.  Eggplant is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins K, C, and B6, as well as niacin and folate.  For about 20 calories a cup, it is a good nutritional deal.

Stuffed Eggplant Recipe (Taken from the Blog: Beth's Journey)

1 medium eggplant
1/2 large onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic
1 shallot
1/2 cup white beans (or other beans)
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1 oz part-skim mozzarella
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cut eggplant in half lengthwise.  You can leave the stem on if you want.  I cut the stem off, but when it came time to fill the shells, there was nothing there to hold the filling in.  You will see what I mean in the picture. Next, score the eggplant diagonally about 1/4 inch from the sides.  Score the other way and then remove the cubes from the shell leaving the shell hollow.  Do this for both halves.  

 Bake the eggplant shells for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.  Heat a pan coated with cooking spray over medium heat.  Add the onion, and cook until translucent (about 4 minutes).  Add the celery, garlic, shallot and eggplant cubes and cook covered for 10 minutes.  Stir in the beans.  Remove the shells from the oven and divide the mixture evenly between the 2 halves.

I had to put them end to end to keep the filling inside.

 Top the stuffed eggplant with half the cheese and half the panko crumbs.  Season with the salt and pepper.

Place back in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.  Turn the temperature up to 425 degrees and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is browned.

This was a very filling meal.  I had it for lunch 2 days in a row.  I'm not crazy about the flavor, it seemed a little bland to me and I wonder if I did something wrong.  Next time I could possibly use some more seasonings to enhance the flavor.  It might also be good with a home made or low sugar marinara.  I think for my next eggplant adventure, I will try the lasagna.  

Focus T25 Results - Alpha Phase

I gave you some information about T25 a few weeks ago and I promised to give you some results and a review.  We finished up the Alpha phase this past Friday and did our weighing and measuring on "STAT"urday.  I have to say I am really pleased with the outcome, and although Beta phase scares me - I am really looking forward to the next 5 weeks!

So on to the review.  There are 5 discs to follow in Alpha phase.  Cardio, Speed 1.0, Total Body Circuit, Ab Intervals, and Lower Focus.  The first week happens in that order - Monday, Cardio; Tuesday, Speed 1.0; and so on until you get to Friday.  Here is where it gets tricky.  Friday is a double day, so you actually do Cardio again, and also Lower Focus.  Fridays are 50 minutes unless you chose to do 1 workout on Friday and 1 workout on Saturday.  Over the course of the 5 weeks of Alpha phase, these workouts will rotate and you will do different DVDs on different days with different doubles on Friday.  No 2 weeks are the same which is nice.  Even though you are rotating through the same 5 workouts each week, it doesn't get boring because you change the order each week.  Also, since the workouts are only 25 minutes it goes by so fast you don't have time to get bored.  However, there are cool downs after each workout which run between 2 and 3.5 minutes as well as a disclaimer at the beginning of each DVD that you can't skip through. When all is said and done you actually put in close to 30 minutes.  

CARDIO

 

This workout consists of a series of progressive moves.  In the beginning you do a run progression, this is nice as a warm up of sorts as well.  You start with an alternating knee lift and progress through several moves ending in a high knee jog.  Next come the jumping jacks.  You start with just your feet, then double feet, then double feet and arms, and end with a regular jumping jack.  Lunges up after that starting with a regular step lunge and end with lunges with your hand touching the floor.

Lateral moves and heel taps and jumps follow with the final exercise of this progression being a half tuck jump.  This takes you to about the 15 minute mark and that's when you get to experience your first Burn Out.  You go through a mixture of some of the moves you have already done, but this is where you speed up and push harder.  After this burn out comes a squat series, a sprint series, a kick series, and some speed and agility work.

The last 5 minutes consist of your second burn out where you again do a faster, harder version of most of the moves you just finished doing over the last 10 minutes.  The workout ends with a cool down that is just over 2 minutes long.  

This was a great workout and I got a serious sweat going even though I had to follow the modifier (Tania, she is in the blue T25 t-shirt in the pics) for quite a few of the moves.  The first time I did the video I did have to stop a few times to figure out exactly what I was supposed to be doing.  By the end of the 5 weeks though I was able to keep up with the majority of the workout.  

SPEED 1.0

This is probably my favorite workout of all the Alpha phase exercise DVDs.  I felt like I was in some kind of hip hop dance video.  Trust me, I can't dance but the music was great and by the end I felt like maybe I could one day be a "fly girl".  This is another fast paced cardio DVD that focuses on speed, stretching, and stability.  Tania is the modifier and even though she is doing everything low impact, she has got some moves! Along with the dance moves, you also get some stretching and balance work.  Don't think this is not a workout though, there is also punching, kicking, an extended  burn out, and yes..... burpees.  There is a cool down at the end as well.  

                TOTAL BODY CIRCUIT

So if Speed 1.0 was my dream workout, Total Body Circuit was my nemesis.  This workout has a special place in Dante's Inferno..... Oh it starts out innocent enough, very similar to the Cardio DVD.  Then within the first 5 minutes we hit the floor and that's when the fun really starts.  Shoulder taps, shoulder taps with push ups, more push ups, more shoulder taps..... I'm done - what do you mean there's still 18 minutes to go?  Back up off the floor for lunges, squats, and jabs.  Back to the floor for planks, plank walks, planks with in and out abs.  In and out WHAT???  Shaun T... those are BURPEES!  I don't care what he called them, I know a burpee when I do one.  Does this look like a burpee to you?

Back up again for some sprints and squats, then back down for pike ups, then back up for more squats and more burpees, then back down for a series of push ups.  Crazy push ups, spider push ups, plank push ups, push ups on your push ups.  If this wasn't bad enough we still have a burn out to go.  I am already dying - as I said earlier I was done after the first 7 minutes.  This workout made me sweat like nothing I have ever done before.  The tops of my hands were sweating, I know because I spent so much time on the floor looking at them!  After the burn out comes a full body run for the last minute.  I'm sure I look like some kind of drenched rag doll throwing my body around and flinging sweat all over the place.  Then thankfully it is over!  There is a cool down that lasts a little over 3 minutes.  This was never enough for me, I had to walk around and continue to cool down for a while after.

AB INTERVALS

25 minutes of abs as the only exercise for the day?  Well, as I soon found out it wasn't only abs.  This was Ab Intervals.  Abs, cardio, abs, cardio, abs...... you get the picture.  

You work the upper abs, lower abs, obliques - and as Shaun T says ...... the back abs???  What?  I really liked this part of the workout the best because I got to lie on my stomach for a few minutes.  Again in this workout, towards the end are these things that look suspiciously like burpees.  I think those must be Shaun T's favorite exercise.  I'm pretty sure he sneaks them into every workout, he just calls them by different names to confuse you.  A cool down that runs about 3.5 minutes follows the end of this workout.

LOWER FOCUS

The last workout to review is Lower Focus, this one is to "strengthen and sculpt muscles from the waist down."  That is no joke.  During the course of this DVD Shaun T only refers to your upper body twice and that is to just make sure you are straight and holding it still.  The first 5 minutes or so are really similar to some of the other moves learned throughout the week, run progression, jack feet, squats.  

Next you get into some calf work with a lot of hopping around which produced a pretty good burn.  This was nothing compared to the burn that happened next.  Lunges and more lunges.  I thought my calves were going to catch fire.  I had to stand up several times and look around to make sure the carpet wasn't burning.  So what is next?  What's that you say Shaun T?  The burn out?  Are you kidding me??  Another round of burn inducing moves like before except faster.  It's like a SAUNA up in here Shaun T!  After the burn out is some adductor work, some dance moves, and some hamstring work.  Then, I'm not believing this... ANOTHER burn out!  This almost takes you to the end of the workout, you finish up with some hip flexor work.  A cool down of just over 3 minutes follows.  

A Stretch DVD is also included to be done on Sunday.  25 minutes of well deserved relaxing and recovering the body.  This workout can be done  more than just 1 day if you feel you need more of a cool down or stretch.  

Overall I really loved T25 Alpha phase.  I felt like I got a great workout in only 25 minutes.  I questioned how well I could do working out only 25 minutes a day 4 days a week - don't forget the double on Fridays (and that is truly all I did for the last 5 weeks, no other exercise except T25) since I am used to working out for at least 30 minutes and usually closer to an hour.  Here are my results (which is probably what you really wanted to see all along - so thanks for hanging in there).  In 5 weeks, using the T25 program, drinking Shakeology, and making an effort to follow my weekly meal plan...... I lost 7 pounds and 8 inches!  I am really pleased with that.  It goes to show that you really CAN get results in just 25 minutes a day.

Top row before; Bottom row after

T25 really puts a nail in the coffin of that last excuse we tend to cling to when talking about exercise - I don't have time.....

 If you are interested in trying T25, or joining my next health and fitness accountability group just leave me a note.  I would love to help you get results in just 25 minutes a day.

Happy, Healthy, Labor Day

Do you have big plans for the Labor Day holiday?  A cookout, a ballgame, a family get together - or maybe all of the above?  What are your plans for staying on track and eating healthy over the Labor Day holiday? Or is your plan to just let loose - it's a holiday after all!

It is so easy to just let go, not plan, eat whatever you want, sleep in, or skip your workout when you have a long holiday weekend.  Usually though, when I do any or all of the above I feel pretty bad after.  Both physically and mentally.  So what are some things you can do to make sure you are sticking to your health and fitness plan when surrounded by all the temptations of that end of summer last hurrah?  Below is a list of ideas to help you stay strong during the holiday festivities.

1) Eat something light before you go and drink lots of water.  Don't save up all day in preparation for the event.  Most likely you will end up so hungry that you could overdo it to the point of making yourself sick.

2) Be picky about what you eat.  Choose the foods that fit in most closely with your health goals, and pick one item for a splurge.

3) Avoid hanging out near the food table and be prepared for social pressures.  Learn the art of saying "No thank you, I'm full."

4) Sneak in physical activity when you can.  Take a soccer ball, football, or frisbee and start a game with the kids or the adults - or both!

5) Remember alcohol increases appetite and contributes empty calories.

6) Bring a healthful dish to share.  Try the turkey meatballs or corn and bean salad.

7) Stay positive if you have a setback and remember that tomorrow is a new day.  Get back to your normal eating and exercise patterns quickly.