Cashew & Oat Pancakes

These are in the new 21 Day Fix Extreme Plan !

Makes 10 servings, 2  hotcakes each

Ingredients:
2 cups Old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup raw cashews
1 dash sea salt or himalayan salt (Mineralize)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 large egg
1 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 1/3 cups water
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

5 cups mixed berries

Directions:
1. Place oats, cashews, salt and cinnamon in a food processor or blender, pulse until coarsley ground.
2. Add egg, oil, water and vanilla, pulse until well blended. Batter will be thick, but if it is thick as paste add 2 to 3 additional  Tbsp of water.
3. Heat medium non skillet, lightly coated with spray, over medium heat.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup batter into skillet for each pancake
5. Flip with spatula and cook for 30 seconds
6. Repeat with remaining batter
7. Serve pancakes topped with berries.

**21 Day Fix containers **

• Purple 1/2 
• Yellow  1
• Spoon   1 

Zucchini Cashew Soup

This soup is by far is my FAVORITE soup that I learned about while doing the Ultimate Reset. I still use it to this day!

Vegan and fabulous. Amazing flavor comes from the richness of the cashew and the zing of the Bragg's liquid amino's. You can substitute Himalayan salt or you don't have to you salt it all if it's excluded from your diet.   That's the beauty of this soup, you can really customize it to your personal taste and dietary restrictions. 

And then how you make it!  I normally toss my cashews in water in the morning and when I return from work I can literally be ready to blend it in 10 minutes.  I prefer it warm vs. cold but both ways would work fine!  

And then the fun part!! Love my Vitamix!

This is the nutrition breakdown below provided by My Fitness Pal.   This is an amazingly filling soup that I would not hesitate to serve at my next dinner party.  I love to season with my Bragg's and lots of dill and parsley.  You can modify it to your own taste!  Experiment and ENJOY!

18 Years: Disorder to Success #Truth

My health and fitness story has had MANY twists and turns. This part of my life is very personal and less than flattering.  However, it is part of my story and I believe everything happens for a reason to teach us lessons so here is one of mine.

One thing I struggled most in my journey was trying to figure out  how to achieve my fitness goals in a way that was sustainable and realistic.

The Catalyst

I went to college, gained the Freshman 15+ and was at a loss on how to lose it.  Being Italian/Spanish American you eat when your happy, sad, mad, everything.  So, without real nutrition education I started running and starving myself.  Torturing myself into weight loss.  But those types of activities have a vicious backlash that I was unaware of.  Cycles of weight loss, gain, staving or binging... no balance.  I began to educate myself about workouts and how better to feed by body.  I wanted to be successful so badly that I would do just about anything to achieve them.  However, it was coming from a place of self-hate and punishment.  I DID NOT enjoy it one bit.  If I worked out it was so I wasn't absolutely disgusted with myself.  

I was 23 in these photographs and competed in an Amateur Body Building competition. I was investing about an hour and a half of cardio per day and lifting heavy weight for another hour per day (2.5 hours per day minimum).  At my peak I was deadlifting 300 lbs. I weighed in at about 112 lbs.  Towards the end of my "training" I was consuming under 1000 calories per day.   This was my first competition.  I had a friend who competed regularly and consecutively won, so I used him as a resource and he helped me design a plan. I stuck to it religiously for 90 days. 

Heading Off Course

I literally did not go out, did not see friends or socialize, I was in isolation because I was afraid if I went out I would slip up and get off track.   I placed well in the competition and I was proud of my achievement but the aftermath would leave a serious mark.   

I didn't know how to feed myself in a normal way.  I didn't understand that when you lean out the way I did with so few calories, your body is in starvation mode.  I lost so much muscle cutting weight, that at the end of 90 days.  I had stress fractures in my feet from the stair-master, my skin was a disaster, and worse, I did not know how to eat in a way that was sustainable.  I did not know about the right carbohydrates (they were the enemy right??) or healthy types of fat. I was eating no fat foods, boiled chicken and steamed vegetables.  Post the show I ended up in a cycle of binging an purging.  I was desperate to hang onto my unrealistic results.  Which cascaded into full blown Bulimia!  If anyone knows anything about Bulimia, it is more an issue of control than it is about food.  About a year of a binge/purge cycle were to follow.  I'd feel such guilt for eating just about anything I would purge it.  

Road to Help

Thankfully I had a good friend I confided in and she got me the help I needed.  She referred me to a counsellor and after years of therapy, helped me past a really dark time in my life.  I made it a point to continue to educate myself to find a better way.  A smarter way that was sustainable, long term, that I did not hate, that made me feel strong and healthy. 
I wish I could talk to my 23 year old self, I could have prevented so many years of self-loathing.   I was standing in my own way.  I look back at pictures and I know that even though I was smiling, I likely felt inadequate, and likely frustrated and depressed.  What a waste of too many years of my life!?  I was missing life obsessing about this- it was literally paralyzing!  Hours spent obsessing over meal plans and what combination of workouts to do  for the best results. 

Side Note on Body Building

There are friends of mine that compete in Body Building, are successful and do it in a healthy way.  I surely take nothing away from that lifestyle and I admire the athletes that do.  I learned so much from the experience and in no way begrudge the sport.  If anything it gave me an appreciation for the dedication and effort they put in to achieve their results.  I wasn't in the right mindset emotionally at that age to perform and compete in a healthy way.  Looking back today my nutrition was way off course, these athletes would never sacrifice muscle by cutting calories as I was advised to do. 

My Personal Success

I'm 41 and its taken me this long to realize that there can a better way.  You don't have to punish yourself for HOURS in the gym.  You DO have to make an effort and you can learn to love fitness.  Food does not have to be horrible and tasteless OR rich and decedent.  There are ways to make it delicious and healthy with balance. 

When I see my transformation pictures today, I see someone who is not only strong and lean, but confident and comfortable, and HAPPY in her own skin!  This is something I'm passionate about because I have a son and daughter.  I don't want them to struggle with self image the way I did growing up.  I want them to know that it's not an all or nothing when it comes to nutrition and fitness but that daily healthy practices and balance can make a difference in how they feel and how their bodies work.  

I have striation of my Quadriceps I would have died for at 23!!

Guess what! We eat out and have ice cream and have movie theatre popcorn too!  We just don't have it EVERY day!  There is a place for celebrations and a place to fuel our bodies.  Food shouldn't be the only celebration either, there are other ways to reward ourselves!  Its all a matter of perspective. I stood in my own way for too many years, if I can help one person step out of there own way then sharing this piece of my life with you was worth the risk.  

I would love to help you with your own transformation!  It is possible to achieve balance and the body that body that you want.  You just need the right, realistic road map to get you there.

I spent many years trying many different programs.  Some worked, some just did not.  Others weren't realistic to fit into my life as a working mother of 2 children.  Guess what, I don't have endless hours to spend in the gym anymore. I do not workout much more than 30 minutes per day!  I have learned how to incorporate clean eating into my life and that of my family.   I love to enjoy the life I created with my husband and enjoy our home and family.  Which also includes horses, dogs and a variety of other pets.  Our household is ACTIVE and with TWO working parents I need to prioritize my time, I can't afford to waste it on things that just do not work or contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle!

I am still working on my journey, my story does not end here.  But YOU can inch your way closer every day by taking that first step.  We all make daily choices that either move us closer to our goal or further away.  You only FAIL when you stop trying!   So take the first step today, get out of your own way and start!  There is never going to be the perfect time to begin.  What is important is to just BEGIN!  If you are interested in learning more about my Challenge Groups I would love to speak to you about how you can make a long term, sustainable change in your own life.  There is no time like NOW!  This is your call to action.  Haven't you waited long enough?  Fill out the form below and I'd love to speak to you about your health and fitness goals!

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Clean Banana Pancakes

Mix this recipe in a food processor like a Vitamix. Spray you pan with some coconut oil and cook as usual. Absolutely   fabulous!! Kid approved as well!  No syrup needed on these cakes. Enjoy!! 

Piyo - 4 Weeks In!

This program has been a game changer for me!! I have absolutely loved my first full month of Piyo.  

The reason I chose Piyo was the fact that it was zero impact.  I was just coming off an injury and I really wanted to try a program that would challenge me and work on my core without the high impact I have found in other programs.

Choosing to slow down and try a program that focuses on body weight was definitely a different approach for me.  But just because it's zero impact does not mean it is EASY! There are modifications that you can work up to but Chalene brings it!  There is balance and body weight moves of Yoga along with strengthening and lengthening you find in Pilates. 

In the first month the longest workout was 45 minutes and that wasn't until week 4.  So on average its a 35 minute workout.  

The music is also really amazing as well and a great motivator.  Chalene's playlist flows with the movements and before you know it you are cooling down.  There is a timer on the screen so you can see how much time you have in each segment and that can be a good or bad thing depending how you look at it!  I enjoyed it because it motivates me to push harder as the clock runs down.

The meal plan is also very clean.  I carried over my knowledge from the 21 Day Fix and Ultimate Reset into this program and make sure to track my meals in the same way.
 Using a combinations of lean or vegan protein options, vegetables and fats. Hydration is also key since you are really sweating it out during these workouts!

The core work is also something I have missed.  I need to work on my core as well as the flexibility in my feet and legs.

Prior to this program I was in a boot due to a stress fracture for about 6 weeks.  So taking it easy and building strength up carefully is important to me.  Planking and working on core strength was not possible while I was laid up.  Well I have no worries anymore, because I'm a Planking Fool again!!

I'm really excited to see what the next 4 weeks will bring- so far with increased strength and core- I'm beyond thrilled.  Chalene keeps challenging me so I'm excited to see how much further I can push and transform! To be continued....

If you would like more information on Piyo OR any of my Challenge Groups, fill out the form below and I'd love to help you begin your own transformation!

Fill out my online form.

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Shakeology Breakfast Bars

Love this recipe!  I was looking for something  to switch things up a bit and this is a WINNER!  You can sub the raisins for Craisins and the Almond Milk with plain water as well.  I only had regular Shakeology on hand as well, not vegan. 

Another tip is to spray the pan with non-stick spray.  I used Coconut oil and I also sprayed a sheet of wax paper to help press them into the pan with less mess.  Give them a try and.... Enjoy!!

Challenge Groups WORK!

So if you told me that I would EVER post my before pictures when I took them, I would have told you NO WAY!  But now I'm so proud of, not only how far I have come, but the hard proof of how these programs work.

What was my secret? I can't lie it is all.....

W O R K!

There is no miracle pill, or crazy plastic wrap.  It takes the right calories in and work.  Now at one point in my life I would have believed it would take no less than 3 hours per day to achieve results.  But another wonderful thing that comes with age is the wisdom of working smarter, not harder.  I work out no more than 30 minutes per day.  PERIOD.  I think any of us can find 30 minutes in our day.  

You can achieve balance in your life, at home, work, school, time for family, time for yourself!

One thing I will say is that I LOVE that I have a blueprint for success.  And not only is it realistic but its manageable.  The difference in my fitness journey was joining a private Challenge Group!  That held me accountable and gave me a safe place to ask questions and learn tips and tricks I didn't have before.  We were in it together, through the ups and downs.  If they did get off track we were there to listen and help plan how they could find their way back.  

If you would like to know more about my Challenge Groups and how you can begin your fitness journey, reach out to me 
-----> HERE.

Fill out my online form.

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Ultimate Reset Week 3 Review AND Results

This was my week 3 on the Ultimate Reset. If you want to know what the Ultimate Reset can do for you click and see a video on the clinical study ----> HERE!

In this phase you move into an all vegan menu. It wasn't that big of a transition after week 2. I continued to feel amazing and again relied heavily on the Reset in a Crunch during this week. I truly loved the fruit for breakfast. As well as the Miso Soup and Micro Green salads. It was all amazing.




The supplements change slightly, no more Detox or fiber supplement. Still lots of water. There was the addition of Revitalize.

My Experience/Results Week 3

Food was further simplified by the removal of grains and legumes from the menu. The meals mainly consisted of fruit and vegetables. My energy level was surprisingly really good. I still can't believe I have made it 3 entire weeks without coffee! That in itself is a miracle! Herbal tea was my wheelhouse and for my "treat" it was Starbucks Pineapple Kona Pop. That will be another regular in the rotation for me moving forward.


Remember that you are supposed to do minimal exercise. Stretching, light Yoga or walking. At this point I was getting anxious because I really do want to get back to my sweat. But with my injury I also didn't want to sacrifice my knee or foot further.


We did go out to eat during week three but I found THE most awesome Restaurant EVER G-Zen in Branford, Connecticut! They are amazing and if I had not done the Ultimate Reset I would not have truly appreciated the flavors and work that goes into making a vegan dish. And he flavor?? It was OUTSTANDING! It was in Vegan heaven. For Week 3 I avoided the rice, but the rest... well it was amazing!

I have five words for you... Raw Lemon Lavender Vegan Cheesecake. Do you notice there is no picture? Yeah, I ate every bit of it. Cashew based and beyond fabulous! I have to learn how to craft something as decadent as this. In the meantime I'll be returning to G-Zen many times in the future!





The rest of the week was basic in terms of the delicious salads, Miso and my favorite Wakame seaweed. I felt lighter and my skin looks fantastic. I sleep like a baby and no stomach upset, at all. It has made me aware that I really was eating so many more processed foods that I thought I was and how they made me feel. I think I fully expected to feel starving and lightheaded over this three week period.... Guess what. I did not!! I really felt nourished for the first time ever. I learned so much about cooking and tried so many different vegetables and foods I would never have known existed.

It was a culinary adventure! Now you won't ever get me to eat fennel bulb, cabbage or collard greens again. The taste did not agree with me one bit. My husband however, devoured everything I made. So I kicked those out of the rotation.

As for Vegetables? Fresh kicks frozen's ASS!! Yes I'm swearing.... because I didn't think it made that much of a difference. But YES it DOES!

Result Time

So what were my physical overall results? Here they are! My main goal was to maintain my weight loss and muscle gain from my last round of 21 Day Fix. Well I DESTROYED my goal!! I never imagined I would lose over 10lbs on this plan ever.


Not only did I lose pounds and inches but I also lost FAT! About 9 lbs of my loss was fat alone! That amazed me! I had a fear that I would lose much of the muscle I built. This was NOT the case!! If anything I was finally able to shed that layer of fat that was covering up my progress! The pictures don't lie!


The inches I lost came mainly from my bust (2") and my legs (another 6") and I lost another inch off my waist!!

This has been an incredible experience. At the beginning I would never have thought I'd even consider doing the Reset on a regular basis. However now, I think that I may do it annually.

If you have any questions about my experience ask them in the comments below. You can reach out to me as well if you are interested in learning more about this program or any other Beachbody programs by clicking -----> HERE

I would love to have you be part of a Challenge Group, you can reach out to me by filling out the form below, or checkout my Facebook Page!

Fill out my online form.

Vegan Strawberry Delight!

1 Scoop Vegan Strawberry Shakeology

1 C Honey Dew Melon Diced

10 oz. Water

Ice 

Blend to desired smoothness. 

How to make your own miso soup!

This is a dish that I have come to love!  White miso paste is readily available at your local whole foods store. There are many other alternative grocery stores that you can find it in as well. They sell me so powder in the supermarket but I think you lose many of the health benefits of actual live miso paste. 

The four stages of making your own miso soup!  You start with: 

1 TBSP of White Miso Paste

2 TBSP of dry Wakeme seaweed

1 Diced Green Onion

Next add 2 cups boiling water

(I heat mine in a teakettle)

Then you let the magic begin as the seaweed rehydrates into lovely flat noodles like pieces. I season with a dash of Braggs liquid amino's (A better for you so I sauce alternative) and Himalayan salt. ENJOY!!