Baked Carrot Cake Oatmeal with Greek Yogurt "Frosting"

Carrot cake is my absolute FAVORITE dessert. I ask for it on my birthday, and I love having it as a treat on Easter. Sometimes, when I'm craving it, I make carrot cake cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting. YUM. The flavors and the texture are to die for. This baked oatmeal brings those same flavors and textures to life. Since we, sadly, cannot eat carrot cake every day.



Ingredients (Oatmeal)

• 3 cups old fashioned, rolled oats 
• 2 tsps ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp sea salt 
• 3/4 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsps baking powder 
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 3 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk 
• 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins 
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
  

Ingredients (Greek Yogurt Frosting)

• 1 cup 0% plain greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey 
• 1 tbsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk 

Instructions (Oatmeal)

• Preheat oven to 375°F, and lightly spray 9.5 x 13" rectangular pan with cooking spray
• In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients (rolled oats, cinnamon, sea salt, ground ginger, and baking powder) 
• In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together wet ingredients (shredded carrots, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract) 
• Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until combined
• Pour combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, smooth out with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Press down gently to make sure the oats sink into the mixture. 

• Sprinkle walnuts and raisins on top, press down gently with spatula again 

• Bake for 35 minutes, until edges are golden brown 
• Let stand for 10 minutes 
• Prepare the greek yogurt frosting: Combine all three ingredients with a whisk
• Slice into squares, drizzle greek yogurt frosting over the top, and serve

Leftovers may be kept in a fridge for 3 days. We enjoy this for breakfast or even lunch during the week. Enjoy, and happy holidays!

Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

With the holidays quickly approaching, I've got the baking bug. There are are a few things I make each year to share with friends and family. I always say that if baking for others is a love language, it's totally mine. I love to bake and gift the goodies I make. My husband loves pretzel treats... you know the ones I'm talking about. The ones with zero baking involved. Pretzels, rolos, and an almond m&m on top. Easy and done in about 10 minutes. I also make my great-grandma's Italian Spritz Butter Cookies. These are something that I'm definitely going to indulge in. They've been a favorite since I was a very very little girl. I also love to make and decorate sugar cookies. Sugar cookies with frosting are delicious, but sometimes can be a little TOO sweet for my taste. So, I've found a healthier alternative: Almond Flour Sugar Cookies with a Dark Chocolate Drizzle.

Ingredients

• 2 cups almond flour (sift after measuring) 
• 1/8 tsp sea salt 
• 1/8 tsp baking soda 
• 4 Tbsp pure maple syrup 
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin organic coconut oil, melted 
• 2 tsps pure vanilla extract 
• 1 Tbsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk 

Instructions

• Combine (sifted) almond flour, salt, and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl, mix well. Set aside 

• Combine maple syrup, oil, and vanilla extract in a small bowl, mix well. 
• Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients to dry ingredients, mix well. 
• Add milk slowly, mixing to break up any clumps of dough there may be. 
• Form dough into a ball (add almond flour to hand before forming so dough doesn't stick) 
• Roll dough into a log, refrigerate 4-5 hours or overnight. 

• Cut log into slices, place on a baking sheet prepared with parchment paper or sprayed lightly with cooking spray. 

• Bake for 8-10 minutes, until set 
• Cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet. Remove from cookie sheet and cool completely on a wire rack. 
• Melt dark chocolate and use a spoon to drizzle over the cookies. Refrigerate to set the chocolate. 

Keep in a sealed container (add a slice of bread underneath a piece of paper towel as a trick to keep them moist and soft). Happy Holidays 2018!!

Southwest Spaghetti Squash Bowl

I will be the first to admit that I'm not a huge spaghetti squash fan. I think it's a texture and flavor combination thing for me. I know it's super healthy, so I kept adding it to our rotation and trying different flavor combinations. Nothing stuck except for this recipe. So now, I can happily put those feelings aside for this spaghetti squash bowl with a southwestern twist. It's flavorful, healthy and super filling! Even with everything added, this meal is 95% veggies. 

 Ingredients Spaghetti Squash:

• Parchment paper
• 1 medium spaghetti squash 
• Olive Oil (to drizzle) 1 tsp for sauteing vegetables 
• 1 tsp cumin 
• 1/2 tsp sea salt 
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chppped 
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 
• 2 Tbsp diced green chilies 
• 1 tsp chili powder 
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium is best)
• 20 chopped grape tomatoes, chopped
• 8 tbsp 0% plain greek yogurt (evenly distributed, 2 tbsp per bowl) 
• 8 tbsp fresh salsa (evenly distributed, 2 tbsp per bowl)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 

Ingredients Guacamole:

• 2 Avocados, Chopped 
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 tsp Sea Salt

Instructions Guacamole:

• In a small bowl mash together avocado, lime juice, and salt using a fork

Instructions Spaghetti Squash Bowl:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. 
• Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper
• Cut squash lengthwise in half, discard seeds. Place squash, cut side up, on parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Drizzle each half with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 tsp cumin and salt. 
• Flip the spaghetti squash over so it's cut-side down on the parchment paper. 
• Bake 60 minutes, or until squash is tender (check by poking with a fork). 
• Allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes and scrape the spaghetti squash with a fork into stringy noodles. Set aside.  
• Add onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently until onion is translucent. 
• Add garlic and cook for another minute. 
• Add beans, chilies, 1/2 tsp cumin, chili powder, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes. Set aside. 
• Chop tomatoes and Prepare Guacamole 
• Divide squash evenly between four serving bowls. Top evenly with bean mixture, guacamole, salsa and greek yogurt

I always add extra cumin and some garlic powder to the top of my bowl as well. I like the flavor combo! This makes four large servings. We like to make them and either eat the leftovers or pack them in our lunches (the lives of teachers and brown bagging it every day). 

Transform 20: Transform Your Life

Shaun T's Newest Program is coming in 2019

"Conquer your mind so you can transform your life."

You guys, Shaun T is my absolute FAVORITE super trainer. So when I found out about this program, I seriously geeked out. He is so motivational and such an inspiration he will make you want to keep working out (even when you're out of breath and don't think you can do anymore). If you are just like me, and can't get enough of this man and his programs, then I have some awesome news for you! VIP Access to Shaun T's newest program, Transform: 20, is available for purchase starting December 4th, 2018 with Early Access kicking off on January 14, 2019. Transform 20 will officially launch to Beachbody On Demand April 1, 2019.

What is Transform: 20 All About?!

Shaun T is coming your way with TWENTY MINUTE workouts! Everyone has 20 minutes to devote to their health and fitness... 20 minutes is less time than it takes to cook a meal or watch your favorite tv show. You'll be working every single part of your body (and your mind) with this six-week long program.

Rather than repeating exercise videos, Shaun T will be dropping new workouts every single day, six days a week for the duration of the program. That means you'll scorch fat, flatten your stomach, and get lean and toned without getting bored! Plus, Shaun T will be releasing new mindset videos on rest days to help you transform your mind as well. The mindfulness portion is AWESOME. Health and Fitness is truly a journey in both mind and body, and he is the best at helping you achieve your best results for both!

Transform 20 is clearly awesome for anyone out there who loves Shaun T as much as me. However, it's also great for anyone who wants quick workouts with minimal equipment and the built-in motivation that comes with having Shaun T as your super trainer. As always, there is a modifier for the program, so you can make the workout fit for your fitness level and ability. 

Who is Transform 20 For?

Everyone!! Shaun T created this new program knowing that there are a lot of people out there who don't have time to work out. As a new father himself, he finds less and less time to get workouts in. As a parent, I definitely know how this goes! This is exactly what motivated him to create a program for EVERYONE. If you think that 20 minutes isn't enough, just wait until your first Transform: 20 workout! I speak from experience, it's MORE THAN enough! 

When Can I Start Transforming?

You can join my virtual accountability group for January 2019 with VIP early access. However, you can start transforming now. Click here to send me an email and join our accountability groups  now as we wait for the launch of Transform: 20. I run new accountability groups each month, and I'd love to have you join us!

What Equipment Do I Need? 

The Beachbody Step

Get ready to transform your body in just 20 minutes a day with Shaun T and a Step. This step program is nothing like old-school step aerobics. Less dance, more functional. You'll burn fat while sculpting and toning all parts of your body. Shaun T also created weekly behind-the-scenes videos where he and the cast discuss their challenges and triumphs. It helps to keep everyone motivated to stay committed and finish strong. 

Let's recap!

• 20 Minute Workouts
• 6 Days per Week 
• 6 Week Program 
• Modifier in Every Workout 
• Each workout is in REAL TIME... you will never see the same workout twice! 
• A super simple nutrition plan to help you achieve and sustain your goals! 

I am hosting a Transform: 20 VIP Information Group for anyone who wants more insider information about the program.

If you're ready to jump in with Transform: 20 fill out this form and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

In the meantime, check out this video!

Banana Bread

Banana bread is a sneaky treat. It sounds healthy, but it often has a lot of sugar and fat. This version is just as yummy and is a bit friendlier for your waistline. This recipe includes healthy coconut oil and coconut sugar. You can have a very generous serving of this and slice it into 8 slices, but we prefer to make it last and cut it into slivers.

Ingredients

• 3 large, ripe bananas, mashed 
• 1/4 cup melted extra virgin coconut oil 
• 1 large egg 
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup almond flower 
• 1 cup flour 
• 1 tsp baking powder 
• 3 tbsp coconut sugar 
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Coat a bread pan with cooking spray, set aside 
• Combine mashed bananas, oil, egg, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl, mix well to combine 
• Combine almond flour, flour baking powder, sugar, and salt in a separate mixing bowl, stir to combine 

• Add flour mixture to banana mixture, slowly until a smooth batter forms 
• Pour and spread batter into bread pan
  
  
• Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean 
• Cool for 5 minutes in pan 
• Remove loaf from pan and allow to cool completely on a cooling rack 

My favorite way to enjoy this banana bread is for breakfast with a tbsp of natural peanut butter and my cup of coffee. Give it a try!

Transformation Journey: 80 Day Obsession

This transformation and this program is where I realized that abs truly are made in the kitchen!

This program was 80 days. I will be honest and say that I did not plug into the nutrition plan 100% until a few weeks in. I kicked myself for that. I was eating what I thought was healthy, but realized when I properly fueled my body, I had more energy and my body responded and rewarded me for my efforts.  The first two pictures are only two weeks apart. TWO WEEKS! Nutrition plays a HUGE role in your results. You can’t outrun or outwork your fork.

I know how difficult and how daunting clean eating can be at first. It gets easier as you do it. Take it in steps and make small changes. Remember, you’ve got this. If you ever need support, let me know. I’ll be your biggest cheerleader. 80 Day Obsession is a step-by-step fitness and nutrition program designed to get you flatter abs and a toned bum. What's unique about this format is that it includes 80 different workouts so you never get bored. It also completely overhauled my view of nutrition. This program included a nutrition plan based on the Timed-Nutrition theory, so you're fueling your body strategically pre and post-workout to burn fat, build muscle, and keep your energy up... which leads to incredible results! The workouts are a little more intense, but if you're a beginner there's a modifier for you! Each workout is anywhere from 30-60 minutes long, with most averaging 45-60 minutes in length.

If you are interested in hearing more about this program or more about the accountability groups I run each month, fill out this form and I'll get back to you soon.

Black Bean Tostadas

I love Mexican food. I could honestly eat it every single night. Burritos, tacos, taquitos, enchiladas, quesadillas... you name it, I love it. I make it a point to meal plan at least one healthy version of my favorite dishes once a week. This one is super simple to make. We are all about quick, easy, and healthy meals on busy week nights. This one checks all of those boxes.

Ingredients Tostadas:

• 6 Corn Tortillas 
• 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced (1 tsp) 
• 1 Can Black Beans, Drained and Rinsed
• Hot Sauce (optional) 
• 3 Cups Baby Spinach, Chopped 
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 
• 6 Tbsp 0% Plain Greek Yogurt
• 10 Cherry Tomatoes, Chopped and Divided 

Ingredients Guacamole: 

• 1 Avocado, Chopped 
• 1 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt

Instructions Guacamole:

• In a small bowl mash together avocado, lime juice, and salt using a fork

Instructions Tostadas: 

• Preheat oven to 425°F 
• Spray both sides of the corn tortillas with Olive Oil Spray
• Place in the oven for 12 minutes, flipping half way through 
• Chop baby spinach leaves into small pieces
• Chop 1/2 cup cilantro
• Chop tomatoes, divide them 
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat
• Add garlic, beans, and hot sauce to taste, cook for 4 minutes, slightly mashing with a fork 
• Remove beans from heat 
• Top the crispy tortillas with the bean mixture, spinach, cilantro, tomatoes and guacamole, and 1Tbsp Greek Yogurt 

These are best when eaten with a fork and knife. I hope you enjoy them!