Carmel PopCorn

 I was inspired to find a Clean Version, after a friend of mine made some homeade carmel popcorn this weekend and shared it with me. While I ate the entire baggie that she gave me and enjoyed every last morsel, i decided that it was time to do my research and make some modifications. I really do love carmel corn and have just tried to stay away from it. But I found and taste tested a recipe that will allow me to have that special treat on occasion and without the guilt! 

Makes 8 cups popped corn (2 servings)

INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons coconut oil, divided ( 2 tablespoons if using allready popped pop corn)
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS:

Place 1 tablespoon coconut oil into deep pot or pan with tight fitting lid and melt over medium high heat. Add in popcorn kernels and cover. Shake pan back and forth every 20 seconds or so to heat kernels evenly. After about 2 minutes, kernels should start to pop. Once popping slows, remove popcorn from heat and pour into large bowl.

**Alternate method : I use Skinny Pop (already popped)

In a small saucepan, place remaining coconut (if using allready popped pocorn you will only need 2 tbsp)  oil with maple syrup and salt. Boil 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Drizzle over popcorn and toss to coat evenly. Spread out onto some parchment paper to cool 30 minutes or so. Serve.

Source: http://www.laurenslatest.com/healthy-caramel-corn/

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

What only 5 ingredients are needed to whip up these delicicious muffins ?? Yep!! 
I whipped these up tonight!! I was excited as they are super easy and all you need is a blender! Throw all the ingredients in, blend up, and pour into your mini muffin pans. 

These are going to be a perfect snack for the kids! OK me to !! This is a healthy snack that I can feel good about them grabbing !! No added sugar and junk !! 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 2 large eggs 
• 2 medium sized very ripe bananas
• 1 Tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 Tbsp honey (optional, but I added it)

Optional toppings: dark chocolate chips, coconut, raisins, craisins

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400
Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until mixed well
Pour batter into mini muffin pan greased iwth cooking spray/coconut oil
Add your toppings into each spot and stir.
Cooking time varies - 8 minutes for mini muffins

Source: http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com

Why Challenge Groups?

I have been part of that yo-yo category when it came to weight loss for YEARS !! I tried over and over to do it on my own. It was to easy to make an excuse becuase I had no accountability, no one to check in with, no one to push me on the days that I didnt want to do it. I dont think that I ever made it through an entire program.  UNTIL I came across a Challenge Group ! This one the one thing that finally worked - it kept me motivated, enageged and determined to succeed. This is my SECRET SAUCE !!  But its really not a secret at all. Its about having that FAMILY of people that are their day in and day out rooting for you - cheering you on, lifting you up and letting you know that you ARE WORTH IT !! You can achieve those results that you long for. 

It was a different feeling for me. When someone posted about having a good day, it pushed me harder, it made me second guess my choices for the day. I wanted to post a good score. I wanted people to be proud of me for what I did. When someone posted about a bad day, it made me realize that this was totally normal. It was OK. No one is perfect. I no longer let that bad day turn into a bad weekend just to start over on Monday. 

I finally found success with this apporach -- Fitness + Nutrition + Support = Success
I now run my own challenge groups. I wanted to pay if forward and help others who had experienced the same struggles that I had. In these groups we develop relationships. We share our WHY, we post sweaty workout pics, we share recipes and meal plans = We have FUN along the way. My challengers motivate me each and every day just as much as I am there to help them. 

These groups are the gateway to making a lifestyle change. It is proven that if you stick to the workout program, and the nutriton plan you WILL get resutls. We celebrate all the success along the way BIG and SMALL!! We are more successful in trying to make a change in our life when we have people alongside us to keep us accountable and motivated.

Are you looking to:

• clean up your nutrition

• increase your fitness levels

• learn how to stick to a meal plan

• increase your energy

• fit in smaller clothing

• drop a few pounds

• lower  your cholesterol

• feel stroger

• have the ability to make healthier choices

• become a happier version of you 

I have a new challenge group beginning on Monday February 16th and I would love for you to experience what the group is all about. Along with the group you'll get:

• an awesome workout you can do at home 
• nutritional guidance, tips and recipes
• a month of Shakeology 
• a focus in February on self love and establishing a positive body image, wherever you're at in your journey
• me as your coach!! 

All of this, plus the awesome support, motivation and accountability that comes from joining the group. 

I have a few spots left for February and would LOVE for you to join us. Fill out the form below to reserve your spot!

Fill out my online form.

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