Ingredients

• 1¼ cups almond flour
• 1¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten-free
• ½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• ¾ tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 6 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin organic coconut oil, melted
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
• Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350° F.
• Combine almond flour, flour, oats, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large bowl; mix well. Set aside.
• Combine bananas, extract, egg, oil, maple syrup, and almond milk in a medium bowl; mix well.
• Add flour mixture to egg mixture; mix until just blended.
• Place batter in loaf pan that has been lightly coated with spray.
• Bake for 43 to 48 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
• Cool completely before slicing.

Who says you have to sacrifice the foods that you love to lose weight and get healthy! It's all about balance and making good food choices along the way. To get the absolute best results from your health and fitness, join one of our online groups where you will find great ideas  and recipes, friendly accountability and the best tips and advice to help you look and feel your best at any age!

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Brenda

How do you stay motivated when you just aren't feelin' it? Part 1

It's not often that I talk about my husband on social media. To be honest, Bill hates social media and doesn't want anything to do with it. But even though he doesn't understand it, he knows I couldn't do my job without it. It's my virtual office, my e-gym, and a way to reach people and help them. Nevertheless, Bill still just rolls his eyes when I jump up and down like an Olympic gold medalist because Autumn Calabrese and Chalene Johnson just "liked" one of my posts!

But all kidding aside, I'm going to break the rules and talk about Bill this one time because he is the biggest reason I stay motivated. Everyone needs a Bill. Someone in their life to hold them accountable and offer encouragement so they keep going. For example, this weekend I really wasn't feelin' it. Being a health and fitness coach is not something that comes easy to me. I'm battling a chronic illness, I've struggled with my weight most of my life, I am not the fittest, thinnest, or most athletic coach out there, but I do it because I love helping people solve their problems. And this weekend I was really doubting myself, and worried that people might not trust me and want my help. In fact while out with friends the other night, someone asked me why I became a Beachbody coach. I couldn't find the words to explain what I have been so passionate about for the last two years. So I copped out and I turned to Bill and said "It was his idea! Bill thought I should be a coach." And it totally shocked me when he replied, "I knew she had to do it and she'd be really good at it. Yeah, she's all over social media, but she really know what she's doing." Just the push I needed.

But this blog is not about me. This is just an example. My point is, who is there for you to turn to when you're doubting yourself? Will they remind you why you started and offer encouragement so that you do not fail?

How do you find an accountability partner?

Post about it. Post your story on social media. Tell people why you're exercising or eating healthy, or why you want to improve your health. Step outside of your comfort zone, be honest and real, and share your story on social media. I challenge you to try it sometime and I promise you someone will pay attention and respond. And that one comment or like is sometimes just the little push you need to keep going.

Don't keep it in the closet. Be open about what it is you are trying to accomplish. Everyone needs health and fitness, including you. Make your friends and family aware of why it is so important that you keep going and succeed. Don't be afraid to ask them to help keep you accountable. Maybe someone will even want to join you.

Join an online accountability group. Online accountability groups are the most convenient way to get fit and stay fit. Everyone in the group is working on improving their health and fitness. You can workout at home whenever it's convenient, and focus on good nutrition. Your peers in the group will have struggles and successes just like you, but they are there to keep each other accountable by interacting in the private group setting.

Are you struggling with staying motivated? Want to try one of our online fitness and nutrition accountability groups? I'd love to know what health and fitness goal you are aiming for. If you want some more information about an accountability group, start by filling out this form.

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Brenda

Healthier Fettuccine Alfredo

Ingredients

8 oz. dry whole grain fettuccine
3 cups low-sodium organic vegetable broth
1 medium cauliflower, chopped (about 1½ pounds)
2 tsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 pinch ground nutmeg
Sea salt (or Himalayan salt) and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp. chopped flat-leaf parsley (for garnish; optional)

Instructions

• Cook fettuccine according to directions on package. Before draining, reserve 2 cups of cooking water; set aside.
• Bring broth to a boil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower. Reduce heat; cook, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes, or until soft.
• While cauliflower cooks, heat oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute, or until garlic is soft. Remove from heat and strain.
• Place cauliflower in blender (or food processor) with 2 cups of reserved cooking water, garlic, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Blend in two or more batches if necessary; cover with lid and kitchen towel. Blend until very smooth. Add additional cooking water if needed.
• Heat cauliflower mixture in same medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
• Add almond milk; cook, stirring frequently, 5 to 7 minutes. Consistency should be that of a thick soup.
• Add fettuccine; mix well.
• Divide fettuccine evenly between four bowls. Top evenly with cheese and parsley (if desired); serve immediately.

Container Count:
1 1/2 Green
2 Yellow
1/2 blue
1 tsp

Join our next 21 Day Fix challenge group for more great recipes like this! Start Here:

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Brenda

Make August a Happy Ending to a New Beginning!

Here we are, it's August and already the craft stores are setting up the Christmas displays! Like it or not, it's back to school month and our summer is coming to a close. So here's what I'm thinking...

Let's make August a happy ending to a new beginning!

Back to school time is bitter sweet. As much as I hate to send them back, I have to admit, I feel a little selfish and relieved because I can finally find some time for myself. Who's with me?! Not a lot of time, as little as a half an hour a day is just enough to enjoy some quiet time and to refocus on my health and well being. It's easy to get off track with eating healthy and working out in the summer, and August is a great time to start thinking about turning it all around and making some lifestyle adjustments to put your health at the top of your to do list again. Let's face it, you can do a much better job of parenting when you are in good mental and physical health.

Whether you are starting a new health and fitness program or just getting back into the swing of things after the summer, it helps when you have the accountability of some friends who are going through the same journey. Kicking those bad eating and lifestyle habits is not easy, that's why having friends to workout with or someone who's there for you just for support is really important. Having an accountability partner can really help to keep you going on those days when you feel like throwing in the towel. An online challenge group is a great place to go to find accountability and support. It's a virtual group where we exchange recipes and meal plans, tips and advice on how to work fitness and good nutrition into your busy schedule, and share our struggles and accomplishments. It's a great way to socialize and meet some new friends and have a lot of fun too!

Here are 3 more challenge groups coming up in August! If you want to focus on nutrition, start with our 21 Day Fix group, if you're looking for something fun and energetic give Country Heat a try or if you really need something calming and refreshing join our 3-week Yoga and PiYo retreat at the end of the month. There really is something for everyone and all levels of fitness. A challenge pack is required for most challenge groups. It provides you with all the tools you need to complete the challenge and reach your goal. Beachbody gives us their best promotions in August so it's a great time to purchase a challenge pack or add on Shakeology to your program.

August Schedule:

• August 8 - 21 Day Fix/ 21 Day Fix Extreme 28-day Super Group (free group)

• August 15 - Coach Open House

• August 22 - Country Heat Country Cooking & Dance Fitness Throwdown!

• Serenity NOW! 30-day group (session 1) featuring 3-week Yoga Retreat & PiYo plus Shakeology

Check out this list of special offers for the month of August!!! Get a head start on your health and fitness before the kids go back to school, and be ready to look and feel your best by the holidays.

Offer #1

Buy a one month supply of Shakeology and get one of the following fitness programs for free:

Offer #2

Commit to buying Shakeology for 3 months and enroll as a preferred customer and get one of the following fitness programs plus 4 months of Beachbody On Demand free

Free fitness program offer includes: 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, Country Heat, PiYo, Cize, 22 Minute Hard Corps, 3-Day Refresh and Beachbody Club.

In addition, when you purchase a challenge pack you will also havae unlimited enrollment in our online challenge groups at no additional cost. Join as many as you'd like for free!

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Brenda

Southwestern Rice & Bean Salad

from the Beachbody blog

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked brown rice (or other cooked whole grain)
• 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained, rinsed
• 2 cups frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed
• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 medium jalapeño, finely chopped (or cayenne pepper to taste)
• 1 tsp. mild chili powder

Instructions

1. Combine rice, beans, corn, tomato, green onions, oil, vinegar, cilantro, jalapeño, and chili powder in a large serving bowl; mix well.
2. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

New Country Heat dance workout group starting soon! Ready to kick up your heels with us? Start here:

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Brenda

14 Tips to help you stick to a healthy eating plan

Congratulations, you've made the decision to "go healthy" and replace poor eating habits with better choices! Adopting a healthy lifestyle is exciting. It's day one and you've made your meal plan, shopped for healthy foods and are all set to start your transformation. The first week everything goes as planned - and then what? What happens when you get so busy that you forget to plan your meals, you don't have time to prepare them for the week and you find yourself struggling to maintain your healthy diet?

Here are 14 tips to help you stick to a healthy eating plan:

1. Eat on a regular schedule. If it helps, set an alarm on your phone to eat a meal or snack every 2-3 hours. Eating regularly will help to regulate your blood sugar, reduce cravings and keep your body in rhythm.
2. Prepare meals and snacks ahead of time. Spend 1 - 2 hours on a Saturday or Sunday preparing all your meals for the coming week. To save space, buy some stackable plastic containers so you can store all your meals in the fridge and have them handy to grab and go.
   
3. Go to the store twice. Most people say once, but two trips of the store can help you stay on track and spend less. On your first visit only allow yourself to shop the perimeter of the store. The only things on your shopping list should be fresh fruits and vegetables; seafood, meats, chicken and turkey; and dairy. Your goal should be to make as many meals as you can for the week using ingredients only found in the perimeter of the store.
4. Keep pre-portioned snacks on hand in your car or at work so you always have something healthy to reach for when life's little interruptions cause your get in the way of your plan.
5. Drink more water. Most people only drink about half of the amount they should. Aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water each day. Often times you may feel hungry when in reality it is just your body asking for more water.
   
6. Enjoy your favorite foods, but limit them. What's your guilty pleasure? Chocolate, nachos, pizza, beer? Don't deprive yourself of the foods you love, just be sensible and consume them in moderation. Practice the 80/20 rule. It means that 80% of the time you stay on track and eat according to the plan and 20% of the time you indulge in your favorite treats.
7. Eat small and Eat often. Don't skip meals!!! Plan to eat 3 small meals and 3 snacks each day. Don't cut calories by skipping meals. You'll be sacrificing nutrients that your body needs to thrive and it could lead to binge eating later in the day.
8. Eat protein at every meal. Protein is more satisfying than carbs or fats and keeps you feeling full longer.
9. Always eat breakfast. Breakfast sets the tone for the day, just like working out on Monday set the tone for the week. If you get off to a good start with breakfast, odds are you'll eat healthy
   for the rest of the day. A good breakfast complete with protein, healthy carbs and fats, and some fiber will fuel your body early in the day when it needs it most.
   
10. Track your progress. Take your measurements and before pictures and update them often. When you're having a bad day, look back at where you started and convince yourself to stay on track. Sure everyone has a bad day once in a while, it doesn't mean you're a failure. It's about progress, not perfection.
11. Find an accountability partner. Studies have proven that people who workout with a buddy or regularly keep in touch with an accountability partner, are more likely to get fit and stay fit. Need some help? Join one of my online challenge group and have fun getting fit with a group of like-minded people just like you who are all working at improving their health and fitness.
12. Lift the weight you've lost. Thinking about throwing in the towel? Find a hand held weight that equals the amount of weight you've lost so far. Now try to pick it up. Losing 10 pounds may not seem like a big deal, but when you actually hold it in your hands it becomes pretty convincing.
13. Limit or avoid sugar and alcohol. Sugar and alcohol are the villains of weight loss. End your love affair with foods that seduce you. It's literally weighing you down!
14. Eat the same thing every day for a week. Spend a little extra time preparing before the week begins and get all your meals and snacks ready to go. You won't believe how much time and money your will save when you stick to the same menu for 7 days in a row. Not to mention, your body will get used to a routine and it will be easier for you to maintain that schedule in the weeks to come.

Need some help staying on track with your fitness and nutrition? Join one of our online challenge groups when we help each other stay accountable and successful! In our groups, everyone chooses a fitness program that they like and then works out in their own home and at their own pace. We also follow a customized meal plan that takes the guess work and hassle out of eating healthy. We share recipes, tips and support so no one fails! It's the most convenient way to get fit and stay fit!

To join, start here:

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Brenda

Sample meal plans for Country Heat

Here are some sample meal plans to get you through your first round of Country Heat. Since Country Heat meal plans are based on the same color-coded portion control container system as 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, Cize and the Master's Hammer & Chisel; you can use these meal plans if you are following any of those fitness programs.

Recipes can be found either right here on the recipe page of my blog or from the Fixate Cookbook or Country Heat Nutrition Guide. I also included a blank template that you can download and edit with your own meal plans.
Enjoy!!!

Country Heat Meal Plan Week 1
Country Heat Meal Plan Week 2
Country Heat Meal Plan Week 3
Country Heat Meal Plan Week 4

Here's a form you can edit yourself. To use this form:

1. Click on the image
2. Click "download" on the right side of the page and save to a file on your computer
3. After download is complete, open it and you will be able to edit

Want to join our next Country Heat Dance Party? You'll get motivation and support, tips, recipes and meal plans.. and you'll have the time of your life getting fit!
Fill out this form to get started:

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Brenda

6 Tips to help you get the best results from Country Heat

When most people think about country line dancing, they usually think about having fun with some friends, dancing their worries away and recreation - not fitness. But it is possible to get great results, lose weight and tighten and tone with dance when you follow the right program. Country Heat, a new country music inspired dance workout, was designed by Autumn Calabrese to make working out more fun. Her goal for Country Heat was to create a program that would transform people's bodies without the feeling like they were working out. “That’s exactly what makes Country Heat so powerful — you’re going to have so much fun doing it, you won’t even realize that you’re burning tons of calories and working your entire body,” says Autumn. While you may have failed to finish other programs before, Country Heat will make you want to keep coming back for more.

Workouts are just 30-minutes long and they're full of energy, yet low-impact and easy enough for anyone to follow. You don't need to invest in any equipment and you don't need a lot of room, just a comfortable pair of shoes and a willingness to commit to a 30-day program.
The biggest reason why Country Heat is so effective is because it is a complete lifestyle program. Besides the 30-minutes of dance fitness every day, the program also follows the same color coded portion control meal system as 21 Day Fix, and a great support system to make sure you complete the program and see results.

Although Country Heat is meant to be fun, it's also a total body cardio workout and it's challenging enough for people of all levels of fitness. Here are 5 tips to help you get the best results from Country Heat:

1. Push Yourself with Every Move

As with any workout plan, you should always challenge yourself and perform the most difficult exercises with control and good form. You can follow Autumn's lead in every exercise, but if you feel like find you're not able to keep up simply follow the modifier. The modifier is a dancer in each routine who is simplifying the moves a bit. It will be less complicated, but it will target the same muscles. “The key is to challenge yourself,” says Calabrese. “If you push yourself, and have fun while you’re doing it, you will see results.”

2. Follow the Eating Plan

“You can’t out-exercise a bad diet,” says Calabrese. If you want to see results you must manage your nutrition. To make that as easy as possible, Autumn Calabrese created an eating plan based on the same portion-control system she has used in other fitness programs,  21 Day Fix and The Master’s Hammer and Chisel. But for Country Heat, she spiced it up with country-inspired recipes that make losing weight more delicious than ever.

3. Drink Shakeology

Shakeology is not required for this program but it will help you achieve the best possible results. Simply replace one meal each day with Shakeology or use it as a snack and it will help you fight off cravings, keep you feeling full and give you the necessary vitamins and minerals you need to complete your nutrition for the day.

4. Be Consistent

The dance moves are very easy but there’s a progression to them—they become more complex as you work your way through the program. The more consistent you are with your workouts, the faster you’ll master the moves. “That consistency is also the key to reaching your fitness goals,” says Autumn. “If you want to see results, you can’t skip workouts—you have to be committed and consistent.”

5. Watch the Breakdowns

Each workout in the paid program comes with a 15-minute primer to help you learn the moves. “Yes, it’s an extra 15 minutes, but each workout is only a half hour, so we’re still only talking about a total of 45 minutes, which is shorter than a typical gym workout,” says Calabrese. “And those 15-minutes will be well spent — the more proficient you are with the moves before you begin the workout, the more you’ll get from it.”

6. Join a Challenge Group

Online challenge groups are the most convenient way to get fit and stay fit. Studies show that people who exercise with support from friends are more likely to finish their exercise program, achieve better results and are able to maintain their fitness longer. But let's face it, it's not always easy to find someone to workout with and sometimes it's just not comfortable working out in front of other people, even people who are close to you. Online challenge groups give you the opportunity to workout the way you want to, at your own pace and in the comfort of your own space. Simply check in to the online portal throughout the day the let the group know how you're doing. You'll get tips, motivation, recipes, meal plans and all the support you'll need to complete the program and get great results!

Ready to kick up the Country Heat with us? Join our next online challenge group in August and receive Country Heat for free when you purchase a one month supply of Shakeology.
Joining is easy, start by filling out this form or email me at coachbrendaajay@gmail.com

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Brenda

Free fitness program when you try Shakeology for one month!

No, sorry, there are no discounts on Shakeology, but how about the New Country Heat dance fitness program as a free gift?

How many times have you been thinking about giving Shakeology a try and backed out?

Shakeology is pure nutrition. There's nothing scary about it.
Replace one meal a day, or use it as a nutritious snack and watch your health improve in so many ways!

Shakeology is quick and easy to make so it's perfect for people who are on the go. Especially if you're in the habit of skipping breakfast! have a Shake and a healthy mid-morning snack and you'll have plenty of energy to get you though the morning without reaching for junk food.

Think Shakeology is expensive, think again! Stop for a minute and add up what it costs to eat out for lunch, or have your morning coffee at Starbucks or drive through meals. Most people find that replacing just one of those cash and carry meals a day with a Shakeology is a lot less expensive!

Here's an incentive to get you to try it out:

Get Country Heat, 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme for FREE when you try Shakeology for one month!

Use these links to buy a Challenge Pack that includes a complete fitness program & a one month supply of Shakeology and then I will send you a cash back rebate for the cost of the fitness program. Offer expires Sunday, July 31 so make sure you complete your purchase before midnight on 7/31 to receive the free program. Here are the links to buy:

Country Heat Challenge Pack with Shakeology

21 Day Fix Challenge Pack with Shakeology

21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack with Shakeology

Brenda

Country Heat is Here!

Alright, rarely do I get excited about dance fitness, but I just got my hands on the complete program for Country Heat by Autumn Calabrese and I have to admit… this is crazy, wild fun!!!

So I did my homework yesterday and rolled through the entire program so I could give you the low down on this new country-inspired dance workout. Country Heat is a fun-filled "make you smile" kinda program, but it's still a cardio workout. You WILL sweat, burn calories, tone, tighten and dance your way healthy.  This workout was developed as an option for people who aren't crazy about working out, but love listening to fun music and want to get fit and stay healthy!




Just like all Beachbody programs, Country Heat includes 3 elements - fitness, nutrition and support. That's the reason why Beachbody programs work and fad diets don't. Simply follow the program as it is planned for you and "healthy" will become your new lifestyle, not just a temporary fix!

I love that this program is paired with the same color-coded  portion controlled container system  as 21 Day Fix. This nutrition system is super easy to follow and is designed to simplify your busy life. It takes all the guesswork out of meal planning and will save you time and money.

This is a beginner level program. Absolutely anyone can do this program. I have absolutely no dance skills, yet I found the routines very easy to follow. Autumn Calabrese breaks down every move so it's really easy to keep up. The music is from some of Country's top artists and it is awesome! Each workout is only 30 minutes and you won't believe how time flies when you're kickin' up your heels and having the time of your life!

So how can you get this program?  

Well you can only get it from a coach like me!  The first step is to create a free Team Beachbody Account so that I am your coach.  Use this link to set that up:
Create A Free Account Here

A Challenge Pack is the best value

Next, the challenge pack for Country Heat is the best bang for your buck.  It comes with the entire Country Heat Fitness program, the nutrition guide, program manual, food storage containers, 30 days of Shakeology, access to stream your workouts with Beachbody On Demand and it's on sale so you'll get a and reduced shipping right now!

The challenge pack also gives you everything you need to participate in my exclusive Country Heat private accountability and support group where you will receive sample meal plans, recipes, daily tips and motivation to get you started with the program, keep you motivated and help you get lasting results.  To purchase the challenge pack simply click on this direct link. Just make sure my name (Brenda Ajay) is listed as your coach so you receive an extra workout DVD as a special gift!
Country Heat Challenge Pack link to purchase

If you want the best possible results and really want to get off to a good start, you can add a 3-Day Refresh nutrition boost and cleanse to your challenge pack. Here's the link to buy the "Kick Start" challenge pack:
Country Heat Kick Start Challenge Pack

This is also a great time to sign up as a preferred customer/ coach!
This is a great way to inspire others while you are going through your own health and fitness transformation. It's also a great way to earn some money while getting in the best shape of your life! If you love Beachbody's fitness programs and Shakeology, and you want to save 25% off of everything you purchase, this is a great time to sign up.
Link to purchase Country Heat as a Preferred Customer/ Coach

***Note when you sign up as a coach make sure that at the bottom of the first page it says that I am your Coach,  Brenda Ajay #573203.  If you already have a coach please contact him or her to sign up.

Country Heat Dance Party.... You're Invited!

Lastly, I am kicking off my Country Heat Dance Party Test Group on August 1st.  So you can join me for 45 days of meal planning, prep, accountability and lots of fun!!!  When you make your purchase do this:

1.  EMAIL ME AT brendalajay@gmail.com with your order confirmation # and let me know that you would like to be in the Country Heat Test group.

2.  We have a group Facebook page so we need to be friends (if you're not on Facebook let me know and I'll give you an app to use). Please send me a friend request on Facebook (here's the link to my profile) and send me a message so I can add you to the group page.

3.  Let's get this party started!!  I'm so excited!!!

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Kick up your heels & have fun getting fit!

Tomorrow is launch day!

When Beachbody releases a new fitness program, we're never really sure what we're in for. So it's pretty exciting when one of our own gets to try it out first hand. Kaleigh Hennessey is a coach on my team and we're all blown away by her results with "Country Heat," a new dance fitness program developed by Autumn Calabrese.
In just 30 days Kaleigh lost 16.4 pounds by following the low impact, fun workouts and following the nutrition program.
Do you love country music?
Do you love dance fitness?
Are you tired of doing that boring gym routine over and over again, day after day?
Then you are going to LOVE Country Heat!

What's even better is that Country Heat uses the same color coded portion control meal system as 21 Day Fix!!! I know there are some of you out there who really want to try the 21 Day Fix meal system but aren't sure if you're ready for the fitness program. If you're a beginner, Country Heat is a great way to ease into fitness. And yes, if you stick to the nutrition program and dance it out every day, you will get results!

I'm joining some other coaches to host a Country Heat 30 day test group and we decided to invite some guests to join us.

How about y'all?

I am only allowed to bring 5 guests to the challenge so hurry and let me know if you're interested.
We will do the program together and I will be using your feedback to develop future groups. Are you in?
We start August 1st!
You don't have to be a dancer or even be good at it. If you love country music and want to have fun while breaking a sweat, then this is the program for you.

Country Heat releases tomorrow so ask me how you can get instant online access!!!
Ready to join this group starting on Monday? Fill out this form to get started:

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Brenda

5 Minute Meal Plannning

What's the #1 reason why people hate meal planning?
Yep... It takes too much time!

Meal planning is supposed to simplify your life. It's designed to save you time and money, not add to your frustration. Here's a really simple method that you can use to keep meal planning quick and easy.

I call this the P V C (protein - vegetable - carb) plan
Think of it this way, plan to have a protein (Red) a vegetable (Green) and a carb (Yellow) with every meal. Then fill in the blanks with what's left.
It should only take you 5 - 10 minutes to complete the meal plan.

**Ninja Tips:

• To keep things super simple repeat the same breakfast, lunch and snacks every day of the week. Then you'll only have to prepare one meal each day!
• Your dinners will be super simple. Pick a protein (chicken, fish, shrimp, turkey, lean red meat), add a vegetable, then add a carb (potato, sweet potato, rice or quinoa). It doesn't have to be fancy. 3 things - that's it!!!

Here's the process step-by-step:

1. Use the formula in your nutritional guide or click here to find your calorie target. I've chosen the 1500 - 1799 range. Once you know that target you can use the calorie chart to decide how many containers you are allowed to have each day.

2. Write your container break down on a piece of paper or use the 21 Day Fix tally sheets to track containers.

3. Use a piece of paper to make a meal chart. Label each meal and snack like this:
Breakfast:
Snack:
Lunch:
Snack:
Dinner:
Snack:

4. Assign contiainers to meals first by giving each meal a Red, Green and Yellow container
Breakfast: R - G - Y
Snack:
Lunch: R - G - Y
Snack:
Dinner: R - G - Y
Snack:

5. Cross those containers off your tally sheet and fill in the blanks with the containers that are left. That will leave you with a "formula" that you can use for every meal plan. Here's what my main formula looks like:
Breakfast: R - G - Y - P
Snack: R - P
Lunch: R - G - Y - P - O
Snack: G - B
Dinner: R - G - Y
Snack: P - tsp x 2

Once you have your main formula figured out you never have to do it again. Use it as a starting point and make adjustments if you need to. For example, my morning snack is almost always a Shakeology with berries and ice (Red - Purple), but occasionally I like to have a Shakeology with unsweetened almond milk and natural peanut butter.
Here's how I adjust for that day:
I take the yellow away from my lunch and use 2 tsp for peanut butter. My new lunch plan that day will be R - G - P - O, which could be a small summer berry chicken salad.

Sample 21 Day Fix 5-Minute Meal Plan

10 tips to keep it simple & successful:

1. Repeat the same breakfast, lunch, and snacks every day. Then you only have to prepare one meal!
2. Make one of your meals or snacks a Shakeology. In one scoop you'll have perfect nutrition without even thinking about it. At $4 a serving, that's a bargain compared to what you'd spend if you were buying breakfast or lunch out.
3. Use Team Beachbody's free account to access quick and easy recipes. Click here to set up a new FREE account with me as your coach
4. When you find a recipe that you like or that's a big hit with your family, keep it on file so it's easy to find in the future. Keep a "family favorites" folder with meal plans and recipes the whole family likes. Or use Pinterest and create a board called "favorite recipes" separate from your main recipe board for only those recipes that you ave tried and liked.
5. Network with other busy moms and share ideas. Create a Facebook recipe exchange group. Make it a public group so anyone can join in. Click here to join our 21 Day Fix Friends Recipes exchange group
6. Create theme nights like Pasta night, Taco Tuesday, Sandwich night, Meatless Monday, etc
7. Eat leftovers. Or use them to make a new dish. For example, when I make roasted vegetable, I always make more than enough. The leftovers are perfect for Pasta Prima Vera the next day. Just mix them with some pasta, extra virgin olive oil and garlic.
8. Search Pinterest or Google images for "21 day fix meal plans" and you'll find hundreds of meal plans that you can use.
9. Clean, cut and prep foods ahead of time. Spending that extra hour to wash, slice and prepare food when you get home from the grocery store might seem like a lot of work but trust me it will save you time in the long run. Wash and slice produce, hard boil some eggs, make a large batch of plain rice or quinoa, grill some chicken and portion some snack foods like grapes and cheese, almonds, hummus, etc so that they will be ready to go and you can just reach for them when it's time to eat or cook dinner. Another advantage to prepping food, you won't believe how much space this will save in your fridge!!!
10. Make a grocery list and stick to it. Make sure you have everything you need, ready to go and on-hand to make cooking a much quicker and less frustrating experience.

Ready to give 21 Day Fix a try but not sure where to start? Join our next 21 Day Fix Challenge Group and let's FIX it together step-by-step! Joining is easy, start by answering a few questions:

Use Wufoo integrations and get your data to your favorite apps.

Brenda

Marinated Summer Veggies with Sausage

Makes 4 servings

Containers (per serving): 3 Green 1 Red 1/2 tsp

Ingredients

2 tsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Sea salt (or Himalayan salt) and ground black pepper (to taste)
1 lb. green beans, ends removed
2 medium zucchini, sliced
2 medium summer squash, sliced
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium red onion, sliced
4 cooked chicken or turkey sausages, sliced
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. To make marinade, combine oil, vinegar, lime juice, and garlic in a medium bowl; whisk to blend.
2. Season with salt and pepper, if desired; whisk to blend. Set aside.
3. Place green beans, zucchini, summer squash, tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion in a re-sealable plastic bag (or large bowl). Add marinade; shake to blend. Let sit for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat grill or broiler to high.
5. Place veggie mixture on a large sheet pan (or broiler pan). Add sausages; mix well. Spread out evenly.
6. Grill or broil for 4 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
7. Sprinkle with basil before serving.

Brenda

21 Day Fix Super Group!

Been Slacking a bit lately?
Blowing off your workouts?
Eating at too many concession stands and drive thrus?
Can't get away from the kids to go to the gym?

It happens.
Let's FIX it starting this Monday!!!

If you already have the 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme program, that's awesome! If not, this is a great chance for you to try it out and get all your questions answered before you commit.
You are all invited to join this FREE online challenge group where we will run through a complete round of 21 Day Fix, together!
For those of you who don't have the program, no worries. We'll give yous a sample meal plan to follow including recipes and shopping lists. All you need to do is pick some kind of exercise to do along with the rest of us for 21 days.

In this group you can expect to learn how to incorporate some really simple nutrition and fitness into your very busy life.
By the end of the 21 Day challenge you should feel better, have more energy and want to continue to make good nutrition and fitness your new way of life.

This group is completely FREE! No obligation to buy anything! And, we'll be having some really cool contests and prizes too!

Are you ready to FIX it with us???
Click this link to join or fill out the form below:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/21DayFixSuperGroup/

Use Wufoo templates to make your own HTML forms.

Brenda

8 Healthy Tips for Dads & Dudes

photo courtesy of Caribbean Kayak Co.

Most parents will agree that summer vacation can be anything but relaxing. Keeping up with the demands of a busy family in the summer months can be quite a challenge. Stereotypically, the scale tends to lean towards moms when it comes to juggling summertime activities, but let's give the guys some credit. Summer can be just as exhausting for men too. In honor of National Men's Health Month, here are 8 tips to help keep the Dads and dudes in our lives happy and healthy all summer long.

1. Avoid convenience foods

Make an effort to replace processed, junk and fast foods with healthier choices. Avoid concession stands and drive-thrus and opt instead for fresh, whole foods. No time to eat before a ball game? Try arranging a "healthy tailgate" before the game. Ask each family to provide a covered dish that's fresh, not frozen or processed. Some ideas are turkey burgers, fresh fruit salad, and potato salad.

Image from Nuts.com

2. Snack wisely

Keep plenty of healthy grab-and-go foods on hand to have when you feel the urge to snack. Our friends at Nuts.com have assembled a mega list of healthy snack ideas and recipes that fit perfectly into any busy lifestyle. We especially love the pumpkin granola bar recipe.

3. Eat plenty of protein

Protein is important to help your body maintain a healthy immune system and muscles. But that doesn’t mean you must consume more red meat. For added nutrition, without the added fat and calories, choose plant based proteins. Adding a tablespoon or two of chia or flax seeds to your morning Shakeology or oatmeal is a quick and easy way to boost your protein intake. Snacking on nuts and seeds is another good source of protein.

4. Make fitness a family thing

Don’t sacrifice your own health because of your family’s busy schedule. Look for opportunities for the whole family to get fit together. Spend some time each week doing fun activities that will keep everyone active. Create a theme day like “Family Adventure Friday” and spend a few hours in the evening doing things like biking, hiking, or kayaking; or make a list of nearby state and National parks and aim to visit them all before the end of summer.

5. Stay sun protected

Over exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, premature aging, skin damage and skin cancer. Have fun in the sun and stay protected by wearing sunscreen, a hat and UV protective sunglasses. For added protection, choose clothing that offers extra UV protection. Many popular brands like Nike and Under Armor offer UV protective golf and active wear for men, women and children.

6. Stay hydrated

Water is the single most important nutrient, yet it’s one that we often deprive ourselves of. Staying hydrated in the summer months is especially important because water carries heat away from your vital organs preventing dehydration and heat stroke. Aim to drink at least the equivalent of your body weight in ounces of water each day.

7. Avoid excessive alcohol

A beer or two at the end of a long hot day might sound refreshing, but too much can lead to serious consequences. Be especially mindful of your drinking at parties and while swimming, boating and driving. Alcohol can impair your judgement and can cause accidents to occur. Set limits and keep summer fun and safe for yourself and everyone around you.

8. Workout at home

Save time and never miss a workout by opting to exercise at home instead of the gym. Beachbody On Demand is an online fitness video streaming site dedicated to helping people get fit and stay fit whenever and wherever they choose to workout. With over 250 fitness videos to choose from, there’s something for everyone and all levels of fitness. And the great thing about B.O.D. is that it’s accessible from  most mobile devices. So, as long as you have an internet connection, you’ll have access to it 24/7 no matter where you go this summer. Think you can only get ripped by going to the gym? Think again. B.O.D. has fitness programs that will chisel your physique into a masterpiece in as little as a half and hour a day.

Make the most of it

With just 10 weeks left until Labor Day, why not make this summer the best and healthiest one yet by maximizing the fun and minimizing the risks to yourself and your health.

Brenda

I ate seaweed... and I survived!

When introduced to Beachbody fitness and nutrition programs 2 years ago, I had no idea just how much they would impact my life. Perhaps even save my life. If you're anything like me, you'll understand what I'm about to say. For too many years I selflessly put the needs of my family before my own, all the while believing that my own health would not suffer. Lack of sleep, little time to exercise, eating after the kids and running on empty is just something we moms are supposed to endure, right? Turns out it's a formula for disaster and believe me, you can take much better care of your family if you take care of yourself first.

Start by cleaning up your diet and eliminating toxins. You will be surprised by how much better you will feel when you start eating healthy and changing bad habits. Poor nutrition, stress, and toxins all around us are our kryptonite! They cause us to age way too soon and cripple us with chronic pain and illness one day at a time. No one is immune to it. But sometimes clean eating is not enough. There are still things we can't avoid like pollutants in the air, in the water that we drink and in products that we use every day? Over time, these toxins build up inside our bodies and can contribute to premature aging all kinds of health problems.

Every Body Needs a Tune Up!

Imagine what would happen if you never changed the oil and filter in your car. For a while you wouldn't notice a thing, but over time it would run less efficiently and need costly repairs. The same holds true for our health. Allow these toxins to build up in our bodies and eventually they too will cause all kinds of problems. The best way to reverse the toxic build up is from the inside out with a total body reset.

Beachbody's Ultimate Reset

The Ultimate Reset is a three-phase program designed to get people healthy on the inside, just like Beachbody's fitness programs get us fit on the outside. There's no starvation and don't worry, you won't be held up in the bathroom for days at a time. That's not what this is. It's an all natural, deep total body transformation. Not a diet. It's designed to deep clean the entire body.

I had my own reservations which is why I held off on posting about it, but today marks my half way point of the Ultimate Reset and I am more than pleased with the results so far. I'll save my review of the program until after I am finished, but I thought I would share with you some of the reasons I like the Ultimate Reset:

1. It has introduced me to some new super foods. Yep, including seaweed! I never thought I'd live to see the day when this Italian girl would eat seaweed, but I did. I've used it in sushi and added it to soups and it's not only nutritious, but delicious!
2. The program comes with a guide book that includes really easy recipes that can be prepared in less than 10 minutes! Better yet, there's a complete 21-day menu that tells you exactly what to eat each and every day. There's no guess work, all you have to do is follow the plan.
3. Online support. Beachbody has created am online portal as well as Facebook support groups for every phase of the program. If you're unsure about something, just post a question in one of the groups and you'll have an answer within minutes.
4. It's not a starvation diet. In fact, it's not a diet at all. The only thing you'll sacrifice are foods that are unhealthy and hard for our bodies to digest - sugar, processed foods, red meat, dairy and alcohol. The recipes are delicious and there's a lot of food, it's just 21 days of perfect nutrition.
5. You won't find yourself held up in the bathroom the whole time. This is an all natural, plant based program. No laxatives and unhealthy cleanses.

Do you feel tired all the time? Are your allergies out of control? Do you have chronic inflammation? How about skin and digestive problems? Can't seem to lose weight? Do you need to gain control of your health? These are all great reasons to give Beachbody's Ultimate Reset a try. Stay tuned to this blog for more updates or email me for more information:

brendalajay@gmail.com

Brenda