21 Day Fix Approved Jambalaya

After an impromptu trip to a New Orleans style restaurant over the weekend, the hubby and I were both itching for some jambalaya. (Side note: The restaurant, NOLA in Greensboro, NC was INCREDIBLE!! Seriously, if you're local, stop in a try it. Everything about it makes you feel like you're walking around the French Quarter. I only wish we'd had room for some of their beignets!!)

{Gator Bites & Remoulade Sauce}

{The BIGGEST...and most delicious Po'Boy Sandwich I've ever had!!}

{The coveted Jambalya}

While this recipe wasn't quite as good as the deliciousness we had at NOLA, it was still pretty dang delicious. Prepare yourself, this is not a quick dinner and you'll want to allow about an hour to an hour and a half so you'll have time to chop all of your veggies and cook everything. But once it's cooking, you can leave it to simmer so you won't actually be standing in the kitchen the entire time. You can cut down your cooking time if you prep your veggies beforehand. 

This is one of those meals that gets better the next day and could easily be frozen for later meals. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did...but eat it before you head over to NOLA and it will taste even better!!

INGREDIENTS:

3 Tbsp. olive oil

2 stalks of celery, chopped

1 sweet onion, diced

1 small red pepper, diced

1 small green bell pepper, diced

1 small yellow bell pepper, diced

1.5 Tbsp minced garlic (or 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced)

2 boneless, skinless chicken - cut into bite-sized pieces

1 lb turkey sausage sliced thinly into rounds 

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 c sodium free chicken stock

1 (14oz) can Cento crushed tomatoes

1.5 cups uncooked brown rice

2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 bay leaf

1 tsp thyme

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

salt & pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add celery, onion, bell peppers, and garlic.Saute for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are soft and mostly cooked.

3. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, chicken, and sausage, and stir to combine. Saute for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink.

4. Add the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, rice, Cajun seasoning, bay leaf, thyme, and cayenne pepper, and stir to combine. Let it come to a boil and let the water almost fully absorb, about 10 minutes.

5. Reduce heat to medium low. Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked, stirring occasionally. 

6. Once the rice is tender, add in the shrimp and stir to combine.

7. Let the mixture continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked and pink.

8. Remove the bay leaf and season the jambalaya with salt and pepper and additional Cajun seasoning as needed.

9. Remove from heat and serve. Enjoy!!

21 DAY FIX: Serving Size: 1.5 cup (1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow)

Throwback Thursday

Throwbacks like this make me so thankful for how far I've come. I hardly recognize the girl in the photo from 2011, but seeing that reminds me how she felt. Sad, miserable, unhealthy, lost, and drowning in depression. The sparkle is completely gone from her eyes.✨

For years, I could only dream about running around on the playground with my little girl. To be completely honest just bending over or going up and down the stairs was a struggle. Every slight bit of physical activity was completely exhausting and draining. The more exhausted or winded I felt, the more I would beat myself up. I truly hated what I saw in the mirror and little by little I was losing what was left of myself.

So many of us have been there and I know there are people reading this that are still there. If you're that person, please know you're not alone! I've stood in your shoes, I've lived in them, and I know how easy it is to think there's no way out. That it's too late or too hard to change your life...IT'S NOT!!⏰

Don't wait another day. Shoot, don't wait another minute! This is your wake up call. This is your chance! You too can change your life, get healthy, and put that sparkle back in your eyes...and I'm here to help you THE WHOLE WAY!! 

I'm getting ready to run a 21 day challenge group to help you shed some pounds before the end of the year. Why wait for a new year's resolution when you can get a head start today?!

Resolutions are HARD and if you're anything like me, as the year has dragged on, those resolutions have probably gotten set aside and forgotten about. Don't worry though...this year isn't over yet!! It's not too late to make those resolutions happen!

I'm hosting a Resolution Reboot group next month to help us finish the year stronger than we started! This group will give us the opportunity to get back on track and actually get those resolutions done.

During the course of this group, we'll work through the 21 Day Fix (or 21 Day Fix EXTREME, if you're looking for a bigger challenge) program. By joining this group, you'll get help achieving the best results possible.

What do you need to REBOOT YOUR RESOLUTION?

> Purchase your 21 Day Fix (or 21 Day Fix EXTREME) program or challenge pack

> Commit to doing 1 workout per day (unless you choose to go EXTREME) for at least 21 days

> Participate in the group daily

To reserve a space in the group, please click "going" on THE RESOLUTION REBOOT EVENT PAGE and I will send you the full sign-up details.

This group is your first step to an amazing throwback picture like the one I shared. You'll be looking back at today as the turning point, the time you finally shook off all of your excuses and dove in! You've got this! It's time to be brave and go for it...and I'll be here with you the entire way, cheering you own and holding you accountable to make sure you reach those goals!

Resolution REBOOT

Resolutions are HARD and if you're anything like me, as the year has dragged on, those resolutions have probably gotten set aside and forgotten about. Don't worry though...this year isn't over yet!!

I'm hosting a Resolution Reboot group next month to help us finish the year stronger than we started! This group will give us the opportunity to get back on track and actually get those resolutions done.

During the course of this group, we'll work through the 21 Day Fix (or 21 Day Fix EXTREME, if you're looking for a bigger challenge) program. By joining this group, you'll get help achieving the best results possibile.

What do you need to reboot your resolution?

> Purchase your 21 Day Fix (or 21 Day Fix EXTREME) program or challenge pack

> Commit to doing 1 workout per day (unless you choose to go EXTREME) for at least 21 days

> Participate in the group daily

To reserve a space in the group, please click "going" on this event page and I will send you the full sign-up details.

Chicken Fried Rice {21 Day Fix Approved}

Chinese food is a staple in our house so being able to make it at home is a must, but making it healthy has been a struggle until now. Today I'm sharing my favorite Chicken Fried Rice recipe.

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken (I use THIS RECIPE and make my chicken in advance.)

1-2 tsp coconut oil

2 eggs

1 cup brown rice

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or teriyaki sauce

Directions:

1. If you have not pre-made your chicken, cut into chunks, then saute on medium heat in a large skillet with a tsp of coconut oil for 7-8 minutes, until cooked through. Set aside. 

If you have pre-made your chicken, skip to step 2.

2. Scramble 2 eggs. Set aside.

3. Cook your rice. I use Seeds of Change's Seven Whole Grains, which only takes 90 seconds to make!

4. Add frozen mixed vegetables to pan with a tsp of coconut oil. Heat until thawed.

5. Add all ingredients to pan, add low sodium soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.

If you are following the 21 Day Fix Meal Plan:
Measure out 1 GREEN for portion size

One portion equals:
1 YELLOW
1 RED
.5 GREEN
1 ORANGE

{Photo Cred: Beachbody}

Chicken Stuffed Peppers {21 Day Fix Approved}

Stuffed peppers are one of my husband's favorites and one that I'm guilty of not making very often. In all honesty, I'm generally not that impressed with the recipes that I've found. They generally have the same ingredients and I've always made them with ground beef. Turns out, switching the beef out for chicken made a huge difference! So today I'm sharing my new Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe and to make it even better...it's 21 Day Fix Approved!!

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

Ingredients:

4 medium bell peppers (I used red and green, but you can use any color)

2 tsp coconut oil

1 medium red onion

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 tsp chili powder

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken (I pre-made my chicken using THIS RECIPE)

1 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

2 cups brown rice or quinoa (I use Seeds of Change's Brown Rice & Quinoa Mix)

1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tbsp lime juice

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

1/2 cup fresh or frozen sliced mushroom

1/2 cup fresh jalapenos, diced

Hot pepper sauce, to taste (optional - we like the new Chipotle Tabasco sauce)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. Place bell peppers, skin side down, in baking dish. I used a square 8x8 Pyrex dish which worked well to hold the peppers upright.

3. Heat coconut oil in large skillet over medium heat.

4. Add red onion, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes or until onion is translucent.

5. Add garlic, stirring frequently for 1 minute.

6. If you have not pre-made your chicken, cut it into small cubes and add it to the skillet here with chili powder. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. If you have pre-made your chicken, add chili powder to the skillet, let simmer, and move to step 7.

7. In a separate bowl, mix shredded chicken, cumin, salt and pepper.

8. Follow directions on bag for Seeds of Change Brown Rice & Quinoa. Add to bowl, stir.

9. Add beans, cilantro, and lime to juice to bowl and stir.

10. Add mushrooms and jalapenos to skillet and let simmer for 5 minutes.

11. Add 1/2 cup cheese to bowl and stir. Add contents of skillet to bowl and mix together thoroughly.

12. Add a heaping 1/2 cup of chicken mixture to each pepper and cover lightly with foil.

13. Bake for 35 minutes, or until peppers are tender, remove foil and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

14. Serve sprinkled with cilantro and hot sauce (if desired).

If you are following the 21 Day Fix Meal Plan:

1 YELLOW 

1 RED 

1.5 GREEN

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

Deconstructed Tacos {21 Day Fix Approved}

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

Y'all I could seriously eat tacos every single day. I love them!! I've yet to find a taco I didn't love. I mean even a less than stellar taco is still pretty amazing. But, I generally find that when I'm eating tacos, they're also slightly less than healthy. So, today I'm sharing my super delicious Deconstructed Tacos. These tacos are amazing and feel like a cheat meal, but they're completely clean!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (I use 97/3 grass fed angus beef, but you could easily substitute ground turkey and make this meal even healthier).

1 packet of your favorite taco seasoning (I use the low sodium version)

1/4 cup water

1 small red onion

1 tbsp minced garlic

Brown rice (I use Seeds of Change's Seven Whole Grain rice)

Broccoli slaw

Tomatoes, chopped

Fresh avocado, mashed (in a pinch I've also used Good Foods Chunky Tableside Guacamole)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef (or turkey) until no longer pink. 

2. Add taco seasoning packet and 1/4 cup water.

3. Add onion and garlic.

4. We assembled with brown rice on the bottom, then taco meat, topped with broccoli slaw, tomatoes, and fresh avocado (or guacamole).

If you are following the 21 Day Fix Meal Plan:

1 YELLOW of brown rice

1 RED of ground beef (or turkey)

.5 GREEN of broccoli slaw

.5 GREEN of tomatoes

1 BLUE of guacamole (or mashed avocado)

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

Salmon Burgers with Dill Yogurt Sauce {21 Day Fix Approved}

Y'all these are definitely a new favorite!!! They are seriously amazing and I don't think my family will be surprised at all when we have these again later this week! They're easy to make, so flavorful, and they're not just healthy...they're 21 Day Fix APPROVED!!

Ingredients:

For Burgers:

2 lbs salmon

2 tbsp red onion, diced

1/2 tsp lemon zest

1/4 cup whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs

1 egg

1 tsp dijon mustard

3 tsp olive oil

For Sauce: 

1/2 c Greek yogurt

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp capers, drained

1 tbsp dill, finely chopped

1. Remove skin from salmon. Dice meat into cubes.

2. Place cubes of salmon into food processor and pulse until the salmon is ground (about the consistency of ground beef/ground turkey).

3. Add salmon to medium bowl. Add egg, whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs, onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dijon mustard along with a little bit of black pepper. Mix together until thoroughly combined.

4. Evenly separate the mixture into 4 parts, and make patties out of each.

5. In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium to medium-high heat.

6. Sear patties for about 3-5 minutes on each side, until they are a deep golden brown. 

7. For your sauce, mix all ingredients (Greek yogurt, lemon juice, capers, and dill) together in a medium bowl. 

8. Top burgers with yogurt sauce and serve. We chose to serve ours with a broccoli slaw salad topped with a variety of nuts and dried cranberries. Yum!

Join my September Challenge Group and have a chance 

to not only get fit but win some money too!!! 

You won't want to miss this!

Chicken Tikka Masala

In the last couple of months, I have fallen in love with meal prepping. What started out as planned lunches for the week has grown into every meal and every snack for our entire week, pre-made and ready to go for the week. While it certainly takes time - and lots of containers - it has made our lives so much easier. I now only have to cook one day a week!!! Can you even imagine??!! In another post, I'll share all I've learned about meal prepping along with some tips and tricks, but for today I'm sharing one of our favorite recipes: Chicken Tikka Masala along with instructions for how we portion everything with our 21 Day Fix containers.

{Chicken Tikka Masala}

Ingredients:

3 Cups - Grilled Chicken (or 4 red)

1 box  - Whole Wheat Couscous (or 4 yellow)

2 Bags - Green Giant Chipotle Harvest Veggies (or 4 green)

2 Tbsp - Tikka Masala Sauce (or 1 orange)


Instructions:

1. Prepare and portion your grilled chicken using red container. The simpler the better, the veggies and sauce will give you plenty of flavor.

2. Prepare couscous according to box. I like Near East's Whole Grain Wheat Couscous. Portion using yellow container.

3. Saute Green Giant veggies in 1 tsp of olive oil. Top with pumpkin seeds. Portion using green container.

4. Portion tikka masala sauce using orange container. Mix chicken in sauce.

5. You can plate everything on their own or mix it all together for extra deliciousness!!

This is definitely one of our favorite meals each week. It saves well and tastes just as good on the last day of the week as it does on the day it's prepared. Enjoy!!