FIXate: French Toast Review from a French Toast Expert

If you know me at all you know that there is only one thing I EVER order when I go out for breakfast:

FRENCH TOAST.

Only one time in my entire life did I order something different.  October 4, 2014.  And that was because I had already tried the french toast at the restaurant we were eating at... and it was disgusting (#amiright? #lauraandjendoyoureadthis?).

I can't say I'm as good at making french toast as I am at ordering and eating it.  Although there was this one time I made a Paula Deen Overnight French Toast recipe.  I don't want to tell you how much butter was in that thing.  But my god it was amazing.

Enter FIXate, Autumn Calabrese's new cookbook.  It's perfectly aligned not only with her 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme nutrition programs, but it also lists other information for each recipe, such as calories, fat, protein and carbs.  When I saw there was a healthy french toast recipe in it, I about nearly died.

So this morning, I made it.

It DID NOT disappoint!

Healthy French Toast from FIXate

Prep time:  10 minutes

Cook time:  6 minutes

Total time:  16 minutes

Yield:  2 servings (I ate them both!)

Ingredients:

2 large eggs

2 Tbsp. unsweetened almond milk

2 tsp. pure maple syrup, divided

1/2 tsp. group cinnamon

2 slices low-sodium sprouted whole-grain bread (I used Ezekiel Cinnamon-Raisin bread)

1 tsp. extra-virgin organic coconut oil (I used Pam coconut oil cooking spray)

1 cup fresh sliced strawberries

Instructions:

Combine eggs, almond milk, 1 tsp. maple syrup, and cinnamon in a shallow pan; whisk to blend.  Soak each slice of bread in egg mixture for 5 minutes, turning halfway.  Heat oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat (know your stove, mine had to be a little hotter than medium, but it's good to start lower).  Add bread; cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.  Top with remaining 1 tsp. maple syrup.  Serve strawberries on top or on the side!

Crazy Delicious!!

21 Day Fix/Extreme (per serving!!):  1 yellow, 1/2 Purple, 1/2 Red, 1/2 tsp.

Calories (per serving!!):  219

Total Fat:  8 g

Saturated Fat:  4 g

Cholesterol:  186 mg

Sodium:  84 mg

Carbs:  27 g

Fiber:  5g

Sugars:  8 g

Protein:  11 g

Chicken and Fish and Turkey, Oh My!

I am so excited to announce my very first free clean eating challenge group, targeted at eating clean while on vacation!  Even when I became a coach, I was really resistant to clean eating, or at least labeling myself as a clean eater!  It seemed too difficult and there were a lot of things I didn't want to give up!

But soon enough, without even realizing it, I started slowly incorporating and substituting clean foods into my daily routine.  Like I said, it was a slow, gradual change.  But with the change in my diet, I started to see a change in my body as well.  It was pretty incredible and I became a believer.

You can make some amazing clean meals, but it's important to start with the staples.  Here are three, very basic meat recipes.  You can season these three forms of protein with any fresh or dried spices, or a combination of spices.  You can all add these to salads, stir fry, casseroles, tortillas, anything!  If you ever need suggestions, hit me up!

BAKED CHICKEN BREAST (from the Portion Fix Eating Plan)
(Makes 1 serving)

4 oz raw chicken breast, boneless, skinless
1 tsp. olive oil
All-Purpose Seasoning or Seasoning of choice (to taste, optional)

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2.  Place chicken in ovenproof dish.
3.  Drizzle with oil.  Season with seasoning of choice (if desired).
4.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the middle and juices run clear.

Cooking Tip!
Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and weight of the chicken breasts.  Cook chicken breast for the following times:
3 to 6 oz: 15 to 20 min
7 to 12 oz:  18 to 25 min
13 to 16 oz:  20 to 30 min
You can also season chicken with lemon or lime juice!


WHITE FISH (from the Portion Fix Eating Plan)
(Makes 1 serving)

4 oz raw white fish (such as cod, tilapia, halibut, etc.)
1 tsp. olive oil
All-Purpose Seasoning or Seasoning of choice (to taste, optional)

1.  Preheat broiler to high.
2.  Drizzle with oil.  Season with seasoning of choice (if desired).
3.  Broil fish for about 3 to 4 minute on each side or until fish is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.

Cooking Tip!
Cooking ties may vary depending on the thickness and weigh of the fish.  Cook fish for the following times:
4 to 6 oz:  5 to 7 minutes on each side
7 to 12 oz:  6 to 9 minutes on each side
13 to 16 oz:  7 to 10 minutes on each side
You can also season fish with lemon or lime juice!


GROUND TURKEY
(Makes 4 servings)

1 lb raw ground turkey
All-Purpose Seasoning or Seasoning of choice (to taste, I use 1 TB)

1.  Saute ground turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula or spoon.
2.  Season with seasoning of choice (if desired).
3.  The turkey is finished when there is no pink left.
4.  Drain excess fat by pouring it off into a disposable container and dispose of (do not pour fat down your drain!  It will solidify when it cools).

Chocolate Shakeology Protein Bar

I'm back for Tasty Tuesday!

Nothing new on the dinner front for me and Rachel.  We've both been very busy, and on my end, I've been prepping dinners in advance and doing a lot of leftovers, without a lot of pretty pictures to show you.  Today I've got something even better for you though.

Dessert.

About 13 days ago, I made a pledge on Facebook that I would go 24 days without sweets, salty snacks, soda or more that 1-2 glasses of wine in a week.  I've been doing pretty well, and more on that when I've finally finished (11 more days to go!).  HOWEVER, two ways that I've been able to get through this time of struggle is a) my morning chocolate Shakeology and b) these Chocolate Shakeology Protein Bars.  Ermygod guys.

I'll tell you I was really skeptical at first because they had almond butter in them.  I really detest nuts and peanut butter, so I figured my feelings would be the same for almond butter.  While I can tell you I'm definitely not a fan of almond butter, you can't even taste it in these bars.  And as someone who can smell peanut butter from two rooms away, believe me when I say you really can't taste it.

As a 21 Day Fix Extreme recipe, 8 servings is 1/2 Red, 1/2 Blue and 1/2 Yellow.  However, I find that just a small sliver is satisfying enough for me, so I don't even really count it.

Chocolate Shakeology Protein Bars

Prep time:  10 minutes

Refrigerate time:  2 hours
Total time:  2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 1x1 inch pieces

Ingredients:
2 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
4 scoops of Chocolate Shakeology (or Vanilla or Strawberry!)
1/2 cup of all-natural smooth almond butter
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk


Instructions:
Place the oats and Shakeology in a food processor, cover, and blend for 1 minute.  Add almond butter and almond milk, cover, and blend for 1 minute.  Next, place wet, sticky "dough" into an 8x8 inch baking sheet and press evenly to distribute.  Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm

I wish I could've taken a picture of how messy this stuff is on your fingers.  Seriously.  Of course, I was flying solo for these so I had no one to take pictures of said fingers.  Such is life.

You will not be disappointed with these bad boys.  They hit the spot when you need an extra sweet hit or a little snack to hold you over until your next meal!

21 Day Fix EXTREME Review!

IT'S HERE!!

The world has literally been waiting for this program since September. When the original 21 Day Fix launched almost a year ago to the day, the Beachbody team was "cautiously optimistic." The program sold out. It is Beachbody's best selling program to date as well as MY best selling program. The commitment is short and the results are quick. What you put in your body really is 80% of weight loss, and the 21 Day Fix nutrition plan, along with the variety of workouts, really helps people see that.

The one question I have been getting from EVERYONE is, What is the difference between the original 21 Day Fix and the new 21 Day Fix Extreme?

The difference in results?  21 Day Fix guarantees you'll lose weight.  21 Day Fix guarantees you'll tone up in ways you never imagined!

What do I get with 21 Day Fix Extreme?

So much!  Seven color-coded portion-control containers and a 25 oz Shakeology shaker cup.  This is the only program that comes with the Shakeology cup because Shakeology, while considered a necessary part of success with any program, is considered a non-negotiable for the 21 Day Fix Extreme.  Do you want results?  Drink Shakeology.  You'll also get the QuickStart Guide and workout calendar and two different EXTREME meal plans.  Finally, you'll get seven EXTREME workouts (eight if you order through me!):

Plyo Fix Extreme - Lower body workout that uses jumping and resistance.

Upper Fix Extreme - No-rest upper body workout that alternates muscle groups.

Pilates Fix Extreme - Mat workout that works the entire body, focusing on the core, while using a resistance band.

Lower Fix Extreme - Your lower half will get stronger, leaner, and more defined with this resistance based workout.

Cardio Fix Extreme - Combines weighted cardio and traditional metabolic training intervals.

Dirty 30 Extreme - 7 compound moves that focus on multiple body parts at once.

Yoga Fix Extreme - Fact-paced flow yoga class combining strength, balance, flexibility, and power.

**BONUS** The Fix Challenge - Quick, resistance workout.

There is also a Deluxe Kit that you can purchase that also includes the following two workouts: 

Power Strength Extreme - 9 total-body exercises that are based on functional movement patterns. Designed to increase strength, endurance, and power.

ABC Extreme - Targets the common problem areas - abs, buns, and cardio. Designed to get your body ready for Bikini Competition!


I am anxiously waiting for mine to come in the mail!  I can't wait to try it out and be able to update this post with mine own person transformation and experiences!  If you'd like to try it out with me, I have new Challenge Groups starting on the first Monday of every month.  Click the 21 Day Fix EXTREME image below, or fill out my Challenge Group/Test Group Application so we can find the best program for you!

21 Day Fix Extreme Launch

Happy Monday!  If this isn't motivation, I don't know what is!

21 Day Fix Extreme, the follow up program to Beachboy's BEST SELLING program 21 Day Fix is set to be released in just a few hours!!  Not only that, but it is only available through your coach (that's me) for the next two weeks!  I plan on doing a total review on Thursday of what you can expect with the program.  The image above will take you right to order the 21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack (on sale for $140) WHEN THE PROGRAM IS LIVE!!!  I expect this to happen around noon TODAY!  Keep checking back!

The Program Is Live!!  Order NOW by clicking the image above!

My next Challenge Group starts on March 2 and I can't wait to have you be a part of it!