Another caprese recipe!  Maybe you think I’m crazy, but I honestly love caprese anything, don’t you?  I’m pretty sure it’s the fresh mozzarella that does it!

I’m sure you have all tried Caprese Salad at least once.  But I wanted to try making this Quinoa Caprese Salad.  I love quinoa because of it’s high protein.  As someone who can’t eat eggs, I rely a lot on plant based proteins.  Some other benefits of quinoa:

• contains 9 essential amino acids
• has a ton of fiber per serving
• helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure
• is gluten-free

Mix this amazing grain with some baby tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and balsamic vinegar, and you’ve got a protein-packed, nutrient-dense salad.

This salad is so simple yet so delicious.  And your whole family will like it because it doesn’t have a strong flavor…and what kid doesn’t like cheese?!  I paired this salad with some grilled chicken and green beans.

This would be a perfect salad for a backyard BBQ party, just double or triple the recipe depending on how many people you are serving.  Now that herb growing season is in full effect, try growing your own fresh basil.  It’s a must for this salad, but also makes a great Lemon-Basil Pesto for many other dishes.

I know you are going to love this Quinoa Caprese Salad!  If you try it, I would love to know what you think.  Let me know here.

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You’re probably thinking why I would say “slow down” to lose weight.  When I say “slow down,” I’m not talking about physical exercise, because to lose weight, you definitely need to move more.  What I am talking about is slowing down while eating!

Are you one of those people who rush around in the morning, trying to get you and the kids out the door on time?  Do you end up grabbing a granola bar or a piece of fruit for a quick breakfast in the car?  Studies suggest that people who eat fast tend to weigh more that their slower-eating counterparts and are at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

If you’re guilty of speed-eating, it’s time to break those bad habits that keep you from slowing down and losing weight.

Bad Habit: Dining while driving

You’ve probably wolfed down a quick breakfast while racing to work or driving the kids to school.  In fact, 20 percent of all American meals are eaten in the car.  And while eating behind the wheel may save you time, it’s hard to watch the road and your calorie intake at the same time.  Worse still, eating and drinking while driving is about as dangerous as talking on a cell phone!

Fit Fix: Dine before you dash

Have some no-cook meal options in the fridge for those hectic days.  If breakfast is your biggest challenge, prep it the night before.  Overnight oats are the perfect solution.  Wraps with lean turkey and avocado, or chopped veggies and hard boiled eggs are ideal for lunch or dinner on the go.

Bad Habit: Eating in front of the TV or computer

Have you ever inhaled a bag of popcorn before the movie starts, or downed your lunch at your desk and barely remembered eating it?  Whether you work through your lunch break or eat in front of the TV, chances are, you pay closer attention to what’s on the screen than what’s on your plate.  Lunching in front of your TV or computer may also lead to overeating later on because you feel less satisfied with what you ate, making you more likely to indulge in sweets later in the day.

Fit Fix: Make lunch dates

Plan to get out of the office at least twice a week.  Make lunch plans with coworkers or bring your own lunch and eat it at the park or somewhere you can unwind.  Research suggests that our fat-burning potential declines the longer we sit, so get out of your seat and seek out less-distracting scenery.

Bad Habit: Grabbing pre-workout junk food

You know the feeling: you’re heading for your workout when you hear a rumble in your tummy.  That’s when you reach for that calorie-laden coffee shop muffin or unhealthy protein bar, leaving you feeling bloated and tired.

Fit Fix: Have a pre-workout plan

To help you make the most of your workouts while keeping your cravings at bay, plan a snack that includes a source of protein and slow-burning carbohydrates 1 – 3 hours before you exercise.  Shakeology is my number one suggestion.  If I need to workout in the late morning or afternoon, I’ll always make sure to drink my Shakeology about 1 – 1.5 hours before my workout to give me the necessary energy for a tough workout.  Another great option is low-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries and low-fat granola.  The protein will help suppress your appetite, while the carbs provide crucial fuel to power through your workout.

Bad Habit: Skipping snacks

Snacking may seem counterintuitive to staying slim, but if you wait too long between meals, you’ll feel famished by the time you eat again, making you more likely to eat a lot – and fast!  Slow snacking may actually keep you trim.

Fit Fix: Go nuts for snacks

Keep a stash of easy to grab snacks on hand that you can grab on your way out the door.  Nuts and seeds like unsalted almonds and pumpkin seeds make great choices because they contain healthy fats that elevate levels of cholecystokinin, and appetite-suppressing hormone.

Do you tend to eat on the run?  What are some of your “fit fixes” for slowing down and eating healthy?

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With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I thought I would give you some healthy gift ideas you can get your mom…or maybe you want to give these ideas to your kids (or hubby) to get you this Mother’s Day!

Gift certificates: Does your mom have a favorite hobby?  Perhaps she has a favorite store?  Gift certificates are a great option because mom can spend it on what she wants.  Or get her a Visa giftcard and she can go shopping anywhere.  For extra points, incorporate the gift certificate into a day of retail therapy that you can spend with her.

DVD workouts: You really didn’t think I would leave out the obvious, right?!  Whatever your mom’s fitness level, there is a program for her.  My mom recently starting working out every day, and Slim in 6 is a great starter program.  Now that she has finshed that, she is have moved to Body Gospel.  If your mom wants to build some lean muscle, try Chalean Extreme.  There are many options available.  Putting your mom on the road to a healthier lifestyle is one of the best gifts you can give.

Clean the house: Offer to clean your mom’s house, or hire a maid service for a day.  Just think of the great workout you’ll get while you clean her house!

Cook a healthy dinner: Give your mom a break from cooking and invite her over for a healthy and delicious meal.  Some of our favorites include Spicy Caprese Lasagna, Skinny Chicken Parmesan, and Rosemary-Lime Grilled Chicken.

Spa treatment or massage: Our mom’s do a lot for us, and they deserve a day of pampering..or at least an hour.  Most day spas offer a range of services from a simple manicure to a full-body makeover.  There is something for every budget.  And of course it’s even better if you both go together.  My mom and I love going for pedicures together.  It’s a nice time to relax and spend quality time together.

Make your own gift basket: You know what your mom likes, so it’s a fun idea to make your own gift basket for her.  Pick up a wicker basket at Pier 1 and fill it with goodies she likes.  Body Butter, hand cream, or her favorite scented soap are some great ideas.  Or maybe some fitness gear like these resistance bands or a gift certificate to Lululemon.

Time and thoughtfulness: I’m sure any mom would say that the best present they’ve ever received for Mother’s Day was time with her children.  And while that’s hard to wrap, it’s a present you can give your mom all year long. Let’s face it, your mom’s probably got a room full of gifts you’ve come up with over the years. And while you should get her something tangible for Mother’s Day, the most important component of that gift should be that you give of yourself, not just of your wallet.

Wishing all moms a Happy and Healthy Mother’s Day.

What are some of your favorite Mother’s Day gifts that you have given or received?

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Now that my boys are getting a little older and more involved in sports activities, I want to make sure they are eating nutritious food that is going to provide them with the energy they need.  I find that when I bring a store-bought packaged snacks to their activities, they are hungry 10 minutes later, but when I bring along a nutritious homemade snack, they are satisfied and full.

My boys love it when I make homemade baked treats.  And I love that they are getting the nutrients they need.  I don’t use any white sugar, only natural sweeteners.  I also like to add fruit for natural sweetness and added moisture.  Personally, I love the flavors of apple and cinnamon together, they make such a yummy and comforting combination.  Add in some oatmeal for extra fiber, and you’ve got yourself a Healthy Apple Oatmeal Bread.  I even snuck some carrots into the mix.

This bread is absolutely delicious and wonderfully moist.  Plus it makes your house smell great while it’s baking in the oven.  I of course had to taste-test this bread as soon as it came out of the oven.  Let’s just say I couldn’t stop at just one little bite

So what makes this Healthy Apple Oatmeal Bread nutritious?

• I’ve added in some whole wheat flour
• instead of white sugar, I used raw honey
• there is hardly any oil, instead, I’ve used unsweetened applesauce to replace most of the oil

The boys love this bread.  They were excited when I brought some to their soccer game.  This Healthy Apple Oatmeal Bread paired with a cheese string was the perfect snack for them after their game.

If you are looking for a healthy and delicious snack for you and your kids, try making this Healthy Apple Oatmeal Bread!

The post Healthy Apple Oatmeal Bread appeared first on Your Specialty Weight Loss Blog | Healthy Eating Recipes | Better Weight Loss Methods | Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss | Low Calorie Recipes | Better Health and Fitness Tips | The Best Fitness Tips and Advice | Lose Weight Fast | Lose Weight Meal Plan.

Do you want to save time and stress in the kitchen?

Do you want to save money at the grocery store?

Do you want to cook healthy recipes for your family?

Do you want to lose weight and feel great?

If you answered yes to any of the following, then this free weekly meal planner is for you.  Making a meal plan is crucial if you want to make healthy choices, save time, and save money.  All of the recipes have been tested and approved by my husband and 3 young boys.

Click on the links to see the full recipe.  Enjoy!

Monday: Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna Rolls with Salad

Tuesday: Skinny Beef Quesadillas with Fresh Veggies & Hummus

Wednesday: Cheesy Asparagus Quesdasillas

Thursday: Maple-Dill Chicken with Sautéed Peppers and Half a Baked Potato

Friday: Out for Dinner OR Breakfast for Dinner

Saturday: BBQ Chicken Burgers with Fresh Veggies

Sunday: Homemade Hawaiian Pizza and Salad

  Treat of the Week: Simple Chocolate Fudge Cake

The post Free Weekly Meal Planner appeared first on Your Specialty Weight Loss Blog | Healthy Eating Recipes | Better Weight Loss Methods | Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss | Low Calorie Recipes | Better Health and Fitness Tips | The Best Fitness Tips and Advice | Lose Weight Fast | Lose Weight Meal Plan.

I know you are probably thinking, “Jen, I can’t go without my daily java fix!”  Well, there is good news, I’m not asking you to give up coffee completely.  PHEW.  But I am asking you to carefully consider some of the popular blended coffee drinks that you may enjoy occasionally…or perhaps every day.  Surprisingly, even harmless lattes and teas can rack up the calories, sugar, and caffeine.

If it has anything more than just straight coffee or tea (and maybe a little milk), that blended coffee beverage probably isn’t worth the extra calories and sugar. An innocent-sounding Grande Chai Latte from Starbucks contains 42 grams of sugar and 240 calories, while a Grande Syrup-Flavored Latte with espresso has about 35 grams of sugar and 250 calories. These extra calories are anything but harmless: calorie-packed drinks account for nearly 25% of our overall calorie intake, and about half our population ages two and up consumes sugary drinks daily. And studies have found the result to be some serious weight gain.

Many of those pesky blended coffee calories come from the milk used in the drinks. If you don’t specify the type of milk you want in your coffee, the default is typically 2%— eight ounces of which contains 5 grams of fat, 12 grams of sugar, and more than 120 calories. So much for a calorie-free beverage— that’s more like half a breakfast! Milk’s not all bad on it’s own, but the problem is, drinks don’t trigger satiety (in other words, they don’t make us feel full) the same way healthy, solid foods do, leaving our stomachs grumbling even after sucking down all those calories.

Making the problem even worse, portions at many chains are larger than life. One Venti Americano is all the caffeine most adults should have in an entire day. Drinking more caffeine than that could cause a speedy heart rate, insomnia (surprised?), and nausea.

And we haven’t even considered the serious sugar rush from many blended, whipped, steamed, or brewed beverages.   One-third of our total added sugar intake comes from drinks. The “added” sugar (in other words, sugar not naturally present in the food or drink) sneaks into coffee drinks not just in the form of straight sugar, but also from those delicious pumps of sweet, flavorful syrups and/or whipped cream toppings.

SO WHAT IS YOUR ACTION PLAN?

All is not lost caffeine addicts! Instead of macchiatos and cappuccinos, drink straight tea or coffee— both are practically calorie-free and have plenty of other health benefits, and can even boost metabolism! Cinnamon can also be swapped in for sugar and cream in coffee to save 70 calories— not to mention, cinnamon actually has some health benefits of its own.

Still can’t resist the allure of the coffee shop? When going the latte route, opt for fat-free milk  (switching from two-percent to skim saves about 40 calories) and low- or no-sugar flavors. (At Starbucks, they call this ordering drinks “skinny.”) Or— if you don’t want to add faux sweeteners— skip flavor shots entirely in favor of a classic latte. It is worth noting the milk in lattes can actually be beneficial— it provides much-needed calcium. And keep it to a reasonable size to avoid overdoing it on the caffeine!

Do you think the extra calories and sugar are worth it, or will you start foregoing that blended coffee in favor of a more basic café drink?

The post Is Coffee Bad For Weight Loss? appeared first on Your Specialty Weight Loss Blog | Healthy Eating Recipes | Better Weight Loss Methods | Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss | Low Calorie Recipes | Better Health and Fitness Tips | The Best Fitness Tips and Advice | Lose Weight Fast | Lose Weight Meal Plan.

I personally love lasagna rolls because they are nicely portioned and easy to make.  I think I’ve mentioned before that I don’t make whole lasagna because most of it doesn’t get eaten…my 3 little boys aren’t eating that much…yet!

We enjoy the Skinny Mini Lasagna, but I also wanted to have a vegetarian option for those that don’t like meat.  We also like to enjoy one vegetarian dish each week.  These Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Rolls are perfect.

Originally, I thought they would be hard to make, but they took hardly any time at all!  I wasn’t sure what the kids would think since I knew they would find the “green stuff” inside.  However, my 7 year old was eating the filling right out of the pan as I was making them!  Must be the cheese

Typically, lasagna is made from white noodles.  However, I’ve made these healthier by using whole wheat noodles.  And trust me, no one in our house can tell the difference.  With the sauce and cheese mixture, you won’t even know these are healthy.

I like to eat 2 lasagna rolls, while the kids each eat 1, and my husband eats 3.  Serve these with a side salad or another veggie of your choice and you have a complete meal.

You won’t even notice the meat is missing in these Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Rolls because the mushrooms add a meaty texture.  And like I said earlier, your kids will love the melted cheese.

This meal would also be great to serve and impress guests!  Just double or triple the recipe to make more lasagna rolls.

Enjoy.

The post Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Rolls appeared first on Your Specialty Weight Loss Blog | Healthy Eating Recipes | Better Weight Loss Methods | Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss | Low Calorie Recipes | Better Health and Fitness Tips | The Best Fitness Tips and Advice | Lose Weight Fast | Lose Weight Meal Plan.

Do you want to save time and stress in the kitchen?

Do you want to save money at the grocery store?

Do you want to cook healthy recipes for your family?

Do you want to lose weight and feel great?

If you answered yes to any of the following, then this free weekly meal planner is for you.  Making a meal plan is crucial if you want to make healthy choices, save time, and save money.  All of the recipes have been tested and approved by my husband and 3 young boys.

Click on the links to see the full recipe.  Enjoy!

Monday: Mexican Lasagna and Salad

Tuesday: Taco Pasta and Veggies with Hummus

Wednesday: Healthy Waldorf Salad

Thursday: Honey & Walnut Glazed Salmon, Steamed Veggies of your choice, and Quinoa

Friday: Out for dinner OR Breakfast for dinner

Saturday: Sweet Chili Chicken Pizza and Salad

Sunday: Honey-Lime Grilled Chicken, Brown Rice, and Steamed Veggies of your choice

Treat of the Week: Almond Crunch Balls

The post Free Weekly Meal Planner appeared first on Your Specialty Weight Loss Blog | Healthy Eating Recipes | Better Weight Loss Methods | Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss | Low Calorie Recipes | Better Health and Fitness Tips | The Best Fitness Tips and Advice | Lose Weight Fast | Lose Weight Meal Plan.

If you’ve been following my Facebook page, then you have probably seen me post a few pictures of my Body Beast results.  To be honest, I was skeptical about Body Beast because it was intended for men to pump iron and get big muscles.  I knew I wouldn’t get HUGE muscles from the program because, well, I’m a woman, and I don’t want huge muscles.  I was just afraid that I wouldn’t like the format, that it would be too intimidating.

I fell in love with weight training about 4 years ago when I purchased my first at-home workout program, ChaLEAN Extreme.  I used to be ALL about cardio.  I would run on the treadmill until I could barely breathe, only to be disappointed with the results.  Sure, I lost some weight, but I could only lose so much before I would hit a plateau.  The reason I never tried weight training was because I thought you had to sweat a lot to burn calories and lose weight.  Turns out, I was completely wrong.  COMPLETELY WRONG.  I decided to give weight training a go and see what happened.

Well…the results were amazing.  I lost all the post-baby weight and more.  I became lean and toned.

Here are my ChaLEAN Extreme results:

Beachbody loved my results so much that they put me in their ChaLEAN Extreme infomercial!

I was happy with my results and I loved the program.  After the next couple of years, I kept adding to my at-home workout DVD library.  I added in some more intense cardio with TurboFire, and then some more muscle work with Les Mills Pump.  I kept seeing amazing results with these Beachbody programs.

Then, at the end of last year, I kept hearing about this new Beachbody program called Body Beast.  Like I mentioned earlier, I was a bit skeptical, I wasn’t sure I could do it.  But I decided to try, and asked for Body Beast for Christmas in 2012.

I started Body Beast at the beginning of January.  And by day 1, I was hooked…well, more like really sore…in a good way  I started noticing changes after just 30 days.

Here are my 30-day Body Beast pictures:

I noticed more tone, especially in my legs and abs.

I continued on with the program, and after month 3, I finished!  By the end, I had put on 5 pounds of muscle.  My clothes even fit better, and I felt stronger and fitter than I ever have.

What I love about this program is all the different types of sets.  Super sets, single sets, progression sets, giants sets, multi sets, combo sets, etc.  I didn’t even know these existed before this program.  Trust me, you won’t get bored of this program.

Here are some more pictures of my Body Beast results:

Ladies, If you are looking to get leaned and toned without bulking up, then this program is for you.  Guys, if you are looking to build muscle, burn fat, and look amazing, then this program is also for you.

If you have any questions about my results, or want to know more about Body Beast, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or message me on my Facebook page.  I would be happy to answer

The post My Body Beast Results appeared first on Your Specialty Weight Loss Blog | Healthy Eating Recipes | Better Weight Loss Methods | Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss | Low Calorie Recipes | Better Health and Fitness Tips | The Best Fitness Tips and Advice | Lose Weight Fast | Lose Weight Meal Plan.

I’m always looking for healthy snacks for me and the kids, especially when we are on the run.  Sometimes we have to eat in the car on our way to soccer or while running errands, but I hate to buy pre-packaged food for us as the ingredients usually aren’t that healthy.

So on the weekends, I like to bake a batch of muffins and then throw them in the freezer to grab when we are on our way out the door.  I was delighted to find a recipe for Chocolate Chip Avocado Muffins online.  Personally, I love avocado…and who doesn’t love chocolate?!  My kids on the other hand aren’t crazy about avocado.  I try to sneak it into them when I can, but they can usually find it, and then I have to listen to the whining and complaining of why they have to eat it.  So, why not disguise it in a muffin?!

You’re probably wondering…was I able to fool my kids?  YES!  They gobbled up their muffins so fast, they didn’t have time to see any “green” flecks inside.  All they cared about was the chocolate.

As a mom, I’m was happy with how these turned out and how healthy they are.  All of the ingredients are clean eating approved, which means no artificial sugar or sweeteners.  And, not that you can tell, but they only contain whole wheat flour.

Trust me when I say, you can’t taste the avocado at all.  There is a mashed banana in these which masks the flavor of the avocado completely.  This is my kids new favorite after-school snack!

The next time you need some healthy muffins for a snack, then you’ve got to try these.  You and your kids won’t be disappointed.

The post Chocolate Chip Avocado Muffins appeared first on Your Specialty Weight Loss Blog | Healthy Eating Recipes | Better Weight Loss Methods | Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss | Low Calorie Recipes | Better Health and Fitness Tips | The Best Fitness Tips and Advice | Lose Weight Fast | Lose Weight Meal Plan.