Seasoning Mix Recipes

Tuesday, February 16, 2016


Taco Seasoning Mix


3 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground red pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and store in an airtight container. 

Italian Seasoning Mix


2 tablespoons dried basil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried rosemary, crushed
1 tablespoon dried marjoram
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and store in an airtight container. 

Cajun Seasoning Mix


2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons ground red pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and store in an airtight container. 


Guacamole and Hummus Recipe

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

I love guacamole! I'm pretty sure I could just eat it on it's own. Guacamole basically makes everything better.

Guacamole recipe:


3 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled
1 onion, coarsely chopped
1 serrano chile pepper, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlive, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 tomato, coarsely chopped

In a food processor or chopper, combine the avocados, onion, pepper, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Plus until slightly chunky and combined. Add the tomato and pulse until desired consistency.

Hummus recipe:


1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon pine nuts (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)

In a food processor, pulse the olive oil, chickpeas, and garlic. Add the lemon juice, tahini, red pepper, paprika, and salt, and process until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Sprinkle with cheese, pine nuts, or chives if desired. Store in airtight container in the fridge.

Wheat Free Recipe: All-Purpose Baking Mix

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

All-Purpose Baking Mix


Makes 5 cups

4 cups almond meal/flour
1 cup group golden flaxseeds
1/4 cup coconut flour
2 teaspoons baking soda

Whisk together all ingredients in a large bowl. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Sandwich Bread


3 cups All-Purpose Baking Mix
1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
5 eggs, separate
1/4 cup butter or coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon buttermilk or coconut milk

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 8.5 x 4.5 loaf pan.

In a food processor, combine dry ingredients until well blended. Add the egg yolks, butter/coconut oil, and buttermilk/coconut milk. Pulse until blended.

In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Pour into the flour mixture and pulse until the egg whites are evenly distributed, but to not run the machine at a constant speed. Spread into the pan and back for 40 minutes or until a fork comes out clean.

The Master's Hammer & Chisel: What's Included?

Monday, January 4, 2016

I've been looking forward to The Master's Hammer & Chisel ever since I saw the teaser promo video this summer. It looked like the perfect combination of strength training and cardio at a level that was doable for most people who have been doing workout programs for a while. I also liked the idea that it was taught by two trainers: Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese, which provides some variety.

While I love the 21 Day Fix and Autumn, I thought it would be great to have two perspectives going into this workout. I haven't done any of Sagi's workouts before, but I think I may look into Body Beast after finishing The Master's Hammer & Chisel.

So you may be wondering what's included when you order The Master's Hammer & Chisel.



In the base package, you get twelve workouts - 6 Hammer and 6 Chisel:

Chisel Workouts, led by Autumn Calabrese

Chisel Balance - 40 minutes
ISO Strength Chisel - 36 minutes
Chisel Endurance - 36 minutes
Chisel Cardio - 38 minutes
Chisel Agility - 38 minutes
Total Body Chisel - 35 minutes
10 Minute Ab Chisel - 11 minutes

Hammer Workouts, led by Sagi Kalev

Hammer Plyometrics - 22 minutes
ISO Speed Hammer - 24 minutes
Total Body Hammer - 42 minutes
Max Hammer Strength - 35 minutes
Hammer Conditioning - 29 minutes
Hammer Power - 38 minutes
10 Minute Ab Hammer - 12 minutes

Also included is the quick start guide, nutrition guide, program calendar, and a shaker cup.

You'll also receive a set of color coded containers that you may recognized from the 21 Day Fix. The nutrition plan is structured in the same way as the 21 Day Fix, but tailored to your personal goals. So if your goals are losing weight, gaining muscle, or maintaining, you'll follow a certain calorie and container bracket.

Are you interested in starting The Master's Hammer and Chisel? You can order it here* and get me as your free coach!


*Note: if you order The Master's Hammer and Chisel from this link, I will receive a commission, and you'll have me assigned as your FREE coach to help you through the program!

The Master's Hammer and Chisel

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Have you ever been both totally excited and also a little terrified of your next workout program? I know I am when it comes to The Master's Hammer and Chisel! I'm super excited about getting hammered and chiseled in 2016, but I'm not going to lie, I'm also a little nervous. I'll be doing the program with my husband, as well as our test group, so it will be awesome!


Learn more about the program here:

WHAT IS THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL™?


For the very first time, trainers Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese have teamed up to create an expert program designed to help you craft a powerful, perfectly defined body. The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is an innovative resistance training system that incorporates three muscle-sculpting phases—Stabilization, Strength, and Power—or SSP Training. This is how Sagi and Autumn help you efficiently build, chisel, and refine a masterpiece physique in just 60 days.




ABOUT YOUR TRAINERS


Co-creators Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese are experts when it comes to incredible physical transformations. Sagi has been crowned Mr. Israel— twice—and is a Master Professional Personal Trainer, IFBB Pro, member of the IFBB Propta Hall of Fame, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist. Autumn Calabrese is a celebrity trainer, best-selling author, and working mom who has held certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA), and has competed at the national level in various bikini competitions.


WHAT MAKES THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL INCREDIBLY EFFECTIVE & UNIQUE?

The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is built on the three phases of SSP Training— Stabilization, Strength, and Power. Other workouts only focus on one or two phases, which might give you decent results. But The Master’s Hammer and Chisel program incorporates all three methods to help you relentlessly chip away fat and carve every muscle for a strong, visually stunning body in 60 days.
12 brand-new, 30- to 40-minute workouts that combine Sagi and Autumn’s proven techniques for 60 days of hardcore resistance training.
Sagi and Autumn make eating for your goals simple. That’s why they included their easy-to-follow and completely customizable nutrition plan, along with 7 portion-control containers that show you how to portion out the right amount of food to help you reach your unique fitness goals.
Flexible nutrition that allows you to lean out, sculpt and maintain, or build muscle.
Includes options to adapt certain exercises if you have limited access to equipment.
Includes a modifier who demonstrates some moves at a lower intensity.

TEAM BEACHBODY® EXCLUSIVE WORKOUT: THE MASTER’S CARDIO


Ever wonder what Sagi and Autumn’s favorite cardio moves are? Find out as they tag-team this challenging workout that will get you shredded fast. You can get this workout when you order your Challenge pack through ME! If you don’t have an account and aren’t working with a coach, click here to sign up!!


EQUIPMENT NEEDED

A few dumbbells
A bench or stability ball
A chin-up bar or resistance band with a door attachment kit


NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS:

Shakeology® is an important part of The Master’s Hammer and Chisel nutrition plan
Beachbody Performance™ for better endurance, stamina, focus, and recovery (I personally will be using Energize and Recover!)
ActiVit® Multivitamins


WHAT’S IN THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL BASE KIT?



  • Portion-control containers + workouts
  • 12 hardcore workouts on 6 DVDs — Efficient 30- to 40-minute resistance-training workouts that will help you build muscle, sculpt incredible definition, and lose weight for a strong, visually stunning physique.
  • 7 color-coded, portion-control containers –Whether you want to lean out, sculpt and maintain what you have, or build more muscle, you don’t need complicated meal plans to reach your goals. With 7 color-coded, portion-control containers, this is one nutrition plan that’s easy to follow.
  • Resources
  • The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide –A comprehensive guide that shows you how to use your portion-control containers and nutrition plan. Also includes easy-to-make recipes and expert tips from Sagi and Autumn on how to get the most out of your workouts.
  • Quick-Start Guide — Your simple 3-step blueprint for building the body you’ve always wanted.
  • 60-Day Workout Calendar — For efficient and effective training, the order of your workouts matters. With this calendar, Sagi and Autumn have you covered for the next 60 days. Also includes your Nutrition Plan “cheat sheet” and Food Lists on the back!

Deluxe Kit

In addition to everything featured in the Base Kit, you get an 8-lb. medicine ball along with 4 advanced workouts designed around this piece of equipment. You’ll also receive an extra set of 7 color-coded containers for more convenient meal planning and cleanup.


BEACHBODY® ON DEMAND


When you purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and become a Premium Team Beachbody Club member, you’ll get unlimited access to Beachbody On Demand, where you can stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and hundreds of proven Beachbody workouts via any desktop, tablet, TV, or mobile device—wherever you have an internet connection. Just look for “Purchased Programs” on Beachbody On Demand to stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel workouts.

——

THE MASTER’S HAMMER & CHISEL FAQ

Q. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL CHALLENGE PACK?

12 workouts on 6 DVDs
A set of 7 portion-control containers and a shaker cup
The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide
Quick-Start Guide
60-Day Calendar
30-Day Supply Shakeology
Free 30-Day Premium Club Membership including access to live streaming via Beachbody On-Demand
Access to my Test Group starting June 4th
Me as your FREE coach!
2 bonus workouts: 10 Min Ab Hammer and 10 Min Ab Chisel

Q. HOW DOES THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL DIFFER FROM BODY BEAST®?


Body Beast is a bodybuilding program that focuses on muscular hypertrophy. The Master’s Hammer and Chisel includes aspects of bodybuilding, but also focuses on improving endurance, power, agility, strength, balance, and range of motion to sculpt a tight, defined physique.

Q. HOW DOES THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL DIFFER FROM 21 DAY FIX EXTREME®?


21 Day Fix EXTREME is a shorter, goal-specific program, whereas The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is a full 60-day program with slightly longer workouts. 21 Day Fix EXTREME focuses on getting you shredded, while The Master’s Hammer and Chisel also helps you improve other aspects of your fitness, such as muscular endurance, power, strength, and agility. It’s a whole new approach to getting you ripped.

Q. WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED FOR THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL?

A few dumbbells of various weights appropriate to your strength and fitness level.
A bench or stability ball.
A chin-up bar or a resistance band and a door attachment.

Q. HOW DOES THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL NUTRITION PLAN COMPARE TO BODY BEAST, 21 DAY FIX®, AND 21 DAY FIX EXTREME?


Like the nutrition plans in 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix EXTREME, The Master’s Hammer and Chisel uses the portion control container system. However, it is tailored to meet your specific goals and the nutritional demands that a challenging body-sculpting program like The Master’s Hammer and Chisel requires.


Q. CAN YOU CUSTOMIZE THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL NUTRITION PLAN TO MEET YOUR UNIQUE GOALS?


Yes! If you want to gear your nutrition toward building more muscle (a surplus), or toward shredding fat (a deficit), you can use the Nutrition Plan Quiz to recalculate your calories to help you reach your goals.


Q. HOW DO THE CALORIE CHARTS FOR THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL WORK?


The Nutrition Plan Quiz included in the program and nutrition guide will determine your appropriate calorie chart based on your goals. Like the calorie breakdowns in 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix EXTREME, the ones in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide also include the number of color-coded, portion-control containers your bracket requires each day to meet your goals.

Q. HOW DOES THE 60-DAY CALENDAR WORK?


The Master’s Hammer and Chisel program is a 60-day rotation of hardcore strength training built on the three phases of SSP Training—Stabilization, Strength, and Power. Sagi and Autumn strategically structured these workouts to train in all three phases efficiently, so following the calendar is important.

Q. HOW DOES THE BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE™ LINE FIT IN TO THE PROGRAM?


Because these workouts are so demanding, I highly recommend you consider adding Beachbody Performance supplements to your regimen to help support your energy, muscle-building, and recovery.* Instructions for incorporating Beachbody Performance into your nutrition regimen are included in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide.

Q. IS THERE A TEAM BEACHBODY EXCLUSIVE IF YOU ORDER THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL THROUGH ME?


Yes! Customers who purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel through me will get a FREE bonus workout—The Master’s Cardio (a $19.95 value)! When Sagi and Autumn want tough, fat-chiseling cardio, The Master’s Cardio DVD includes their go-to moves. Short, but intense, this workout boosts aerobic capacity, power, and muscular endurance—without impacting your lean-muscle gains.

Q. CAN I STREAM THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL WORKOUTS?


Yes! If you purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and become a Premium Team Beachbody Club member, you’ll get unlimited access to Beachbody® On Demand, where you can stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and hundreds of proven Beachbody workouts via any desktop, laptop, tablet, TV, or mobile device—wherever you have an internet connection. Just look for “Purchased Programs” in Beachbody On Demand to access The Master’s Hammer and Chisel.

The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is NOW AVAILABLE!! Reserve YOUR spot in my Test Group beginning January 4th, NOW!

Challenge Pack with Shakeology | Performance Pack with Energize & Recover

How I lost 40lbs

Monday, August 10, 2015

The worst part about PCOS is the whole "trouble losing weight" symptom.

Is that really a symptom?

But anyway, it sucks.

I see people who have lost inches and pounds in a mere matter of months, and I've struggled to lose 40lbs in the last two years. It's really kind of crazy.

I have to remember that I can't beat myself up though. I have hormonal imbalances that make it tricky to lose weight. And my doctor was actually impressed with my weight loss, which made me super proud.

So how did I do it?

Hard work. Resisting temptation. Saying no to sweets. 


I lost the first 20lbs doing TurboFire, at home, however, I often found myself yo-yo-ing in my weight due to no having a great meal plan. I always knew about the eating guides that come with the program, but there was never an "easy" way to get it done.

In February of this year, when I finally hit a breaking point that something had to change, especially being in the midst of infertility and if I wanted to have fighting chance at conceiving on my own, I needed to change.

You mindset is half the battle. Your mind needs to be in the right place if you want to make a change. You have to know why you want to change. For me, it was because we want to start a family and have been having a hard time. It just wasn't happening. 

In February, a friend invited me to do the 21 Day Fix. I had heard about it, but never really looked into it. I finally did, purchased the program and well, I was hooked. Who knew that little containers could make all the difference in the world. They are so simple and yet so effective.

This was the missing piece that I needed. My issues have always been portion control. My eyes are typically bad at measuring. With the 21 Day Fix containers, it eliminates the need to count calories or to weigh food. You just put the food in the container (if the food is approved) and if it fits, you're good to eat it.

After finishing three rounds of the 21 Day Fix, I did one round of the 21 Day Fix Extreme, and then my husband and I did Focus: T25. 

I hit the 40lb weight loss mark about Week 9 of T25.

I'm still not at my goal weight. I still struggle with food (I love it...especially carbs!). But with every step forward, every step in the right direction, I know I will get to my goal!

21 Day Fix: Round 4

Friday, August 7, 2015

This week I started my 4th round of the 21 Day Fix with my current group of Summer Survival Challengers.

Okay, let's just say that it's been a while since I've done the 21 Day Fix and I kind of forgot how good the workouts are! They totally kicked my butt. I guess I assumed that because I completed T25 that the 21 Day Fix workouts would be no sweat.

Well....they are totally sweat inducing!

Since I was still out of town on Monday, I did the workout from my aunt and uncle's office in Massachusetts thanks to Beachbody on Demand and about 15 square feet of space. You don't need a whole lot of room to get things done! I got my sweat on while on vacation!

Then, since I was traveling on Tuesday, I didn't get my workout in. However, I made up for it on Wednesday by doing both the Upper Fix and the Lower Fix. Whooooo-weeee my arms and legs could feel it! Haha. 

I really did forget how effective and killer the workouts are.

Probably the best thing about this program is that it is just 21 days. So it's completely doable and easy to follow. The workouts everyday are a challenge, and so is following the eating plan faithfully, but if you put the work in, you WILL see results!