Clean Eating Pork Carnitas

This pulled pork inspired dish is flavorful and amazing!! Even better its a crock pot recipe that is kid approved in my house!

Ingredients:

3 lbs of Pork Loin
1 Bay Leaf
1.5 C Water

Dry Rub:

2 Tbsp of Chili Powder
2 Tsp of Cumin
1 Tsp of Ground Coriander
1/2 Tsp Cloves
1 Tsp Onion Powder
1Tsp Garlic Poder
1 Tsp Sea Salt
1 Tsp Oregano

Directions:

Put the 1.5C of water and bay leaf in your slow cooker.

Mix all spices together except the bay leaf.  I rinse my pork loins and place them in a bowl, toss the spices in the bowl and rub down the loins (I've yet to find a 3lb loin, I usually get two 1.5 lb loins). Place the loins in the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Keep an eye on the pork just to make sure it doesn't dry out.  I usually set it for 8 but check it at 6 hours and its usually ready to go.  If you need to add more liquid you can.

Once its done you will easily be able to shred it with forks.  Or my favorite tip- use a hand mixer! Its fast and blends all those juices right in.  (Try to remember to remove the bay leaf before you mix! ;) )

You can use this as your Red container for portion control systems.

For the Carnitas:

Corn Tortillas
Black or Pinto Beans in a can
Romain Lettuce
Diced Tomatoes
Diced Avocado
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cilantro Lime Topping (OMG- this is the money shot! Its the MOST amazing part!)
1 C Greek Yogurt
1/2 C Fresh Lime Juice (typically a whole lime)
1/2 C Fresh Cilantro Chopped
1 Lime cut into wedges for Garnish

Combine all ingredients in a bowl for the dressing and set aside.

Add the drained beans with 1/2 C of water to a pot on the stove over medium heat.  Cook until heated through.  Gently mash with a fork until they reach your desired consistency.  

Lightly spray your corn tortillas with cooking spray and place on a foil lined baking sheet.  Crisp in the oven on 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes until desired crispiness.

Assembly

Take your tortilla and add your fixings go make you Carnita.  Add a Tbsp of the dressing on top and enjoy!

Measure out 1 Red, 1 Yellow, 1 Green and 1 Blue for this recipe.  Choose which of each color you would like.  

Pork is your Red. Beans and Tortilla are your yellow.  Cheese and Avocado is Blue. Tomatoes and lettuce are your green.

I prefer to omit the tortilla for the Pinto Beans and put mine over salad greens instead!  Have fun! This is a regular in our meal rotation!

Beef & Carrots - Slow Cooker Recipe

Ingredients

2-pound boneless beef chuck shoulder roast (No substitutions! This is the best cut of meat for the slow cooker!)
1-2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
one seasoning packet (We love the Ms Dash seasonings eg. chipotle lime seasonings) 

Directions

Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker.
Add lid, and cook on “low” setting for 8 hours until beef shreds easily with a fork.

Portion out your Red and Green containers accordingly!

To Freeze and Cook Later

Combine all ingredients in a gallon-sized plastic freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in refrigerator. Cook on “low” setting for 8 hours, or until meat easily pulls apart with a fork. Shred meat and serve.

I think what I love most about this slow cooker beef roast and carrots is how flavorful the beef and carrots become. My husband and I could easily eat a pound of the carrots between the two of us, and our three-year-old and baby love them. (Our four-year-old prefers raw carrots. She doesn’t know what she’s missing!)

Serve with rice, or a big side salad.

Ann's Story - 60 lbs!

She lost 60 pounds with just 30-minute workouts!

"I was scared to invest my money in something that I wasn't sure was going to work, but I was even more scared to continue living trapped in a body I didn't recognize. Everything in my life was suffering as a result of how I was treating myself. I was depressed. My relationship and friendships were suffering. I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything. I was terribly impatient and tired all the time which affected me keeping up with my kids. I avoided any kind of social gatherings in fear I would run into people that had not seen me in a long time. I put everyone before me and it showed. What I emotionally ate in private, I wore in public. I was overwhelmed with how far I had to go and it kept me from starting.

"Then one day I decided that life was too short to waste it hating myself. It was going to take a lot of time but everyday I was going to get stronger. There would be set backs but I did not care. I put my journey out for everyone to see so I would be accountable to what I was doing everywhere I went. My schedule did not permit anything more than 30 minute workouts at home and a meal plan that was already done for me. That's all I could commit to and that remains the same today. That $140 dollars I spent was the best $140 dollars I have EVER spent. It's brought me 60 pounds of healthy and sustainable weight loss (14 pounds left??), incredible friendships, a thriving business where I can help people who are where I once was and most of all.... my LIFE back.

"I promise that if you are in a tough place...If you don't know the person you have become and you think that maybe it's just the new you...YOU ARE WRONG. She is in there. Fight for her because she is worth fighting for and don't you ever give up on her. You have the power to change your life. It's the small steps everyday that add up to success. I promise you that if I can do it, you can too. "

Ann's Story - 60 lbs!

She lost 60 pounds with just 30-minute workouts!

"I was scared to invest my money in something that I wasn't sure was going to work, but I was even more scared to continue living trapped in a body I didn't recognize. Everything in my life was suffering as a result of how I was treating myself. I was depressed. My relationship and friendships were suffering. I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything. I was terribly impatient and tired all the time which affected me keeping up with my kids. I avoided any kind of social gatherings in fear I would run into people that had not seen me in a long time. I put everyone before me and it showed. What I emotionally ate in private, I wore in public. I was overwhelmed with how far I had to go and it kept me from starting.

"Then one day I decided that life was too short to waste it hating myself. It was going to take a lot of time but everyday I was going to get stronger. There would be set backs but I did not care. I put my journey out for everyone to see so I would be accountable to what I was doing everywhere I went. My schedule did not permit anything more than 30 minute workouts at home and a meal plan that was already done for me. That's all I could commit to and that remains the same today. That $140 dollars I spent was the best $140 dollars I have EVER spent. It's brought me 60 pounds of healthy and sustainable weight loss (14 pounds left??), incredible friendships, a thriving business where I can help people who are where I once was and most of all.... my LIFE back.

"I promise that if you are in a tough place...If you don't know the person you have become and you think that maybe it's just the new you...YOU ARE WRONG. She is in there. Fight for her because she is worth fighting for and don't you ever give up on her. You have the power to change your life. It's the small steps everyday that add up to success. I promise you that if I can do it, you can too. "

Lori - Country Heat Transformation

She lost 28 pounds, and went from a size 12 down to a 4/6!

Lori Stuart, that has been in a test group for the upcoming program "Country Heat" with Autumn. Her results are incredible! Check out her story!

Here's what Lori had to say!

"Over the last 2 years I had gained back all the weight I had lost, and had been hiding it pretty well. I was honored to have been selected as part of the test group that began the week after the cruise. I had to try out for it, and keep it all a secret up until the new coach test group was created. We will finish the 3rd round of the program this week.

I went into this not excited about the program, but was desperate to make myself do something to commit and change, but what Ive found is something even bigger. I not only LOVE this workout program, and from someone that doesn't like country music or dancing was huge...but its changed me as a person, my mindset, my confidence, and my shyness as well as odd as it may sound.

In the last 3 months, and being one of the 'smaller' test group members of my group (their results have been WAY more) Ive lost 28lbs, and gone down from a 12 to a 4/6.

Just saying - even if you never thought you'd try this program out, just do it.. just do it for the 30 days, and if not for you, but for the person thats just like me that you can share it with and change their life - its fun, its low impact with tons of movement to burn calories, it makes you sweat, and its works!!.

Weights to Wedding Bells - Michelle's Story

My Challenger and now friend Michelle reached out to me in December of 2015- she was ready for a change and wanted to try something different. Her daughter's wedding prompted her to kick her fitness into gear and her neighbor's inspiration prompted her to contact me!

Here is her story in her own words: 

I'm so glad you asked me to write about my journey. And what a journey it has been! I'm sharing with you my day 1 picture from January 3, 2016 and today's picture August 21, 2016. What a difference! My husband says I look mad in the January picture. I told him, I am, because I allowed myself to let go and look like that!! Blah! Never again! That's the old me, never to return.

Michelle S.

I've lost a total of 32 pounds, to date, and 7.75 inches off my waist!! 

I'm not done, still have 3.6 pounds to go to my goal, but I think Country Heat is going to help me get there. 

What turned the tide for me was looking at a picture of myself visiting our daughter for Thanksgiving in November 2015. There's a family picture of us that I looked at and thought "Oh my God, is that what I really look like to everyone?" With her getting married in June 2017, I didn't want to be in those wedding pictures (which will be there forever and eternity of generations to come) and regret how I look knowing I could do something about it now. 

When I started this program, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical since it included a shake you had to drink everyday. But hearing my friend and neighbor had lost 16 pounds in a few months, I thought it can't hurt to give it a try. 

After the first 21 days on 21 Day Fix I was hooked! I wanted to do this for me so I could get back into a healthy lifestyle by eating well and get in shape, tone up. I haven't looked back since. 

Autumn and Shaun T and you have really helped me get to where I am today along with the amazing people on your Challeng group/team. I feel confident now that I have a better understanding of how much I should eat of the right food groups, drink lots of water, and excercise everyday. It's a routine like brushing your teeth that I don't miss or take for granted. It will always be with me. Sure I still have some work to do, I want to tone up some more while still losing those last few pounds. 

But then comes the challenge of keeping it off. I'm getting ready to go through my closets and drawers and making a pile for Goodwill. I don't plan on ever getting back into those close that are now too big for me, ever again. 

Looking forward to shopping for a new wardrobe for the fall! :) Yeah me!! The other positive side affect from this journey? My husband and grown sons love to eat clean now too. With me working out everyday, they're all trying to keep up with me in that arena as well. They're all a bit competitive and don't want to be outdone by me! Ha ha!

Thanks again for sharing my journey with others. I hope it helps inspire someone, especially at my age (49) that you can still make a positive change in your health and well being by finding a program through Beach Body that works for you. 

Even modifying here and there, but still got me where I am today.

Marathon Not a Sprint

You can see that its a process- a marathon not a sprint! Michelle is doing an amazing job but its more than just a fad for her, its become a way of life.  One that has not only inspired her to continue to drive forward and push past limits.  But also Inspires her family too!  She is just pounds away from her personal goal and she still has 10 months to her goal date! How exciting is that! One thing I know is I'll be here to continue to support her in her journey!

If you are in need of a change and what to try "something different" too- fill out the form below and lets talk about your goals and what you want to achieve! The first step is always the most difficult! Lets do this together!

Fill out my online form.

Fit 4 Fall Fit 4 Life! Health Bet

The summer is coming to a close and the kids are preparing to go back to school.  If you're summer was anything like mine there were MANY celebrations! Its so HARD to stay on track with parties, weddings and Bar-B-Q's! Its just a BUSY time of year, and thats a good thing!

As we summer winds down and the kids are back to school lets shift the focus back to YOU! Maybe its the RIGHT time now to spend some time and focus on your goals. But instead of thinking of this as a quick fix- lets see what we can do to create new healthy habits that will STICK this time!

Challenge Group

I have found that being part of an online Challenge Group kept me motivated- I loved the sense of community and the sense of accomplishment by checking in every day and staying accountable.  As well as sharing recipes and whats working-- as well as whats NOT! Sometimes other people in the group were struggling too! I loved that I was not alone- YET I didn't have to trek to a gym. I did my workouts in the comfort of my home, but was able to get one on one support from my Coach and support from my group!

I just don't have time for anything EXTRA I needed to get the information I needed to be successful with my program, learn more about my nutrition plan, get my workout in and move on.  Anyone that is a mom gets that, its total Mom Life 2.0.  Understand what you need and execute!

But its more than that for me because for the first time it WORKED! I was getting my workouts in, I was meal prepping and cooking (this girl did not cook a whole lot prior to this).  I was feeling better and looking better.  WIN! WIN!

Health Bet

Now what if I said you could win Money for Working out? Now THAT's Motivation! A cash pool between $1 to $3 Million Dollars is up for Grabs!

Check out the video for more!

Logging your minimum amount of required workouts and logging that you had your Shakeology at least 5 Days a week.  YOU WIN COLD CASH!

My Challenge Tracker

This group is unique in that we are using My Challenge Tracker App to be part of this group.  Its an App for your phone that works with iPhone or Android.  So no worries about where to find our Group! Its in the palm of your hand! Once you join the group I'll send you an email with instructions on how to download the app and get started!  Less distractions from other social media platforms.  Its customizable too! If you want the group members to see your posts you can post to the group.  Or just save it for your Coach.  

There is not a day that goes by that most people have a smartphone in their hand, your health and fitness accountability will be there too.  And if you log in and track your workouts for the month, you WIN! Its all in the palm of your hand! So what are you waiting for! This is the Challenge for you! 

The support doesn't stop at the App! You will get individual support for your meal planning so you understand your program 100% before you break a sweat in your first workout.

I am going to share my meal plans, tips and tricks.  As well as teach you how to do it too! If you need the support it will be there for you as well as the motivation to check that box every day!

My goal is to help you reach YOUR health and fitness goals and perhaps win a bit of money too!! 

This is really a game changer and SO exciting!!

So apply to the group by filling out the application below and I will get back to you ASAP!

Fill out my online form.

Southern Spiced French Toast with Bananas & Pecans

Breakfast for breakfast or lunch but this is a great recipe!!

Makes 4 Servings - 1 Slice Each!

Container equivalents (per serving) 1 💛, 1/2 💜, 1/2 ❤️, 1/2 💙, and a Teaspoon

4 large eggs

1/4 unsweetened almond milk

1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

1 Tsp pumpkin pie spice

4 slices low-sodium sprouted whole-grain bread

2 Tsp extra-virgin organic coconut oil

1 large banana, sliced

1/2 Cup chopped raw pecans toasted

Combined the eggs, almond milk, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice in a shallow pan, whisk to blend.

Soak each slice of bread and egg mixture for two minutes turning halfway.

Heat oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Add bread, cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Top each slice evenly with banana and pecans, serve immediately.

* Originally published in Country Eat - The nutrition plan that accompanies the Country Heat fitness program.

22 Minute Hard Corps- 3 Week Results!

⭐️⭐️I love these kinds of messages and I seem to get them often!!⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

I absolutely love that I don't have to search too hard to find a transformation to share with you on Tuesdays!! I literally just looking my challenge groups in there they are!!! Eeeek!!!! 

I am simply floored by the progress this Challenger has had! She is driven and motivated to continue her journey- she has found what works and continues to push to achieve her goals!!

This is the kind of change that has legs! By that I mean she is making habits that are not temporary. She's making a real life change!

I am so glad she is joining my next challenge group on August 22!! And I want you to be able to message me about the same types of achievements!! So don't hesitate message me or tell me that you're in below so I can get you some information on how we can work to meet your goals!!

Congratulations!🎉🎉🎉⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fill out my online form.

My 2 Year Fitness Journey Results!

That was me on the left about 2 years ago. I was stuck, miserable and figured that I could improve. But probably not that much. I quickly learned, the only limitations that I have are the ones that I set for MYSELF- I did not believed that two years ago. The hardest part.... GETTING STARTED!! Hands down!

I used to get so upset when people would say oh you're "this age" and now you have to settle, you'll never get your figure back post kids, you'll never fit into those pre-college jeans etc... etc... I let those doubts creep into my head. And it took a long time for me to convince myself that I didn't have to be the mold somebody else wanted for me!

Here I am today, amazed and proud of my progress! It took dedication and work but I achieve balance, broke habits, learned to feed my body right and break a sweat. I'm not interested in setting records- just being able to keep up with my kids and ROCK ANY OUTFIT I WANT!

Who knew that a home workout program, a meal replacement and an online support group would literally change my life?!? I did not but I'm so glad I took the chance! You can too!!  Now is the time-- you can turn it around! Fill out the form below!

I was there too- and I know I can help you find a way too!!

Fill out my online form.

Savory Turkey & Sweet Potato Hash

*Originally posted in "Country Eat" Eating plan for the Country Heat program.

Each Serving counts as follows for Containers: 1/2 Green, 1 Yellow, 1 Red, 1/2 Tsp

Divide recipe evenly into four servings! (Please note that the book says 3/4 of a cup is a serving- this is incorrect)

2 Tsp olive oil,

1 medium chopped onion,

1 medium green bell pepper chopped,

2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and chopped,

1 pound raw ground lean turkey breast,

2 cloves garlic finely chopped,

1 1/2 Tsp find shop fresh time or half a teaspoon dried thyme,

Sea salt or Himalayan salt and ground black pepper to taste (optional)

Heat oil and medium skillet over medium high heat.

Add onion, bell pepper, and sweet potatoes: cook, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until onion is translucent and sweet potato is tender crisp.

Add turkey; cook, stirring frequently, first 5 to 6 minutes, or until turkey is cooked through and sweet potato is soft.

Add garlic in thyme. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cook stirring frequently for one minute. 

Enjoy!!

New Cheat Sheet for Portion Control Nutrition Programs!

My all time favorite tool for portion control nutrition! Love to have you in my challenge groups but even if you just need a tool- here you go!

Its been a life saver for me - hope it helps you too!