Recipe: Healthy Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowl

Hi there!

I've talked before how I'm following the 21 Day Fix meal plan and exercises as part of my journey to live a healthy life. In addition, I love to cook and have adapted many recipes from Pinterest to keep my work lunches interesting while following the meal plan. 

I don't know about your work situation, but I am so lucky to work in an incredible environment with many tasty options around me. However, the struggle is real and the temptations happen often! If I don't keep my lunches interesting, I'm much more likely to eat unhealthy food!

So today I'm sharing a recipe that I adapted from FOUR recipes that I love!

Spaghetti Squash Cooking Directions | Shredding Chicken Directions | Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls | Turkey Lettuce Wraps

This recipe is easy and full of flavor. It makes a lot of food, too. Yay for leftovers!

I brought this for my work lunch yesterday (and today!). It's basically chicken and veggies with some spices. It was SO filling and made my co-workers jealous!

Prep time: ~ 20 minutes

Cook time: ~ 60 minutes 

Total time: ~ 80 minutes (I'm a slow cook, so this may be different for you!)

21 Day Fix containers per serving (approximate): 1.5 green, 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 blue (and I cheated slightly and added 1 orange of low-fat shredded cheese!)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. chicken breast
• 1 medium or large spaghetti squash
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, however you like to cut it
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 green pepper, however you like to cut it
• 1 red or yellow pepper, however you like to cut it
• 2 cups corn kernels
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• Pinch of ground black pepper
• 1 jar (16 ounces) salsa (use your preferred level of spiciness, but make sure it's low in sugar!!!)

Toppings:

• Cilantro
• Green onions
• Tomatoes
• Avocado (1/4 per serving)*
• Low-fat shredded cheese (I use 1 orange container per serving...about a tablespoon I think?)*
• *If you're strict, you should probably choose avocado OR cheese and not add both. Buuuut a little bit of cheese just sounded too good to me. I include it on mine :)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 
2. Shred chicken 
1. Place 2 quarts of water over medium heat
2. Once the water is warm, add the chicken and simmer for 10-15 minutes (don't boil!)
3. Let cool then shred
4. Set aside
3. Prep and bake spaghetti squash
1. Cut in half (the hardest part!)
2. Remove seeds and strings
3. Lightly mist with olive oil and place face down on baking sheet
4. Bake 40 minutes
5. Let cool a few minutes, then use a fork to remove "noodles"
6. Set aside
4. While that's all cooking, get to chopping those veggies!
5. Add olive oil to big skillet, throw in all chopped veggies and spices and cook to desired tenderness (for me, I start with the onions and garlic, get those nice and tender and then add peppers and corn. Then I toss in the spices, beans and salsa.)
6. Add shredded chicken and spaghetti squash "noodles" to the skillet and mix up!
7. Serve on plate and add toppings.
8. Enjoy!

Let me know if you try this, what you think and how you adapted it for yourself!
Have a good one!

Work it Out Wednesday: Week 29

Hi gang!

It's been quite a while since I've posted a wellness post.

Why, you ask?

Well, I have been busy but mainly I have been unmotivated to post.

You see, I keep working out 5-7 times a week for at least 30 minutes a workout, but my snacking and drinking and (lack of) portion control have kept me from being happy with my body.

Why would I bore you with posts about that on a weekly basis?

I'd rather not post.
Which is what I've done.
But now I'm back to tell you why and hopefully by writing it out I will actually push through.

Honestly, I disgust myself.
Yeah that's a little dramatic but it's true. I look gross. I feel gross...and I'm frustrated that even though I workout and eat well (most of the time) I look and feel gross (all of the time). It's just not fair. Why do some people eat equal or more bad stuff than I do, workout less than I do and stay thin? 
I.DON'T.GET.IT.
OK fine. It's because of science and metabolisms and stuff.
Still sucks.
And the more I get mad and sad at myself, the more I want to eat and drink. It's not a good cycle.

To help combat my recent feeding frenzy I restarted Beachbody's 21 Day Fix. I've been doing well, even though I have already derailed a bit (chocolate happens when cramps happen. TMI? Whatever, #realtalk). However, aside from my chocolate attack I already feel better by overall eating less junk and shrinking my portions, so that's good at least. Hopefully I will see some results because I struggle to look in mirrors, get dressed and take photos.

It's pretty sad that my main goal is to be OK with the possibility of taking photos in social situations. I have canceled or thought of canceling plans with friends because I don't want to be in the photos that could potentially take place.
I hope that this ridiculous anxiety goes away soon. It's not fun and is completely selfish.

Enough of all of that, I am now going to be my peppy self for the rest of this post!
Exclamation time!!!

I have a few 21 Day Fix Pinterest workouts and recipes to share today, in case you're curious what I'm up to!

Weekly disclaimer:
Remember what I said about my lack of qualifications? Please keep in mind that I am aware that I am chubby and have no fitness/nutrition authority. I'm just trying to spread some wellness love as I fight the battle to live well myself.

Weekly Workout:
  

 

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How I made it harder: Nada.
Overall impression: The first one is pretty short and is just a taste of the Upper Body workout, but the triceps one is super tough. I love it!
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): About a 6.
How I felt when it was over: Pretty good!
Would I do it again? Obviously! Better question: will YOU do it? Please tell me if you do and what you think!

Weekly Recipe:

I made this a while ago and it's SO good that I'm making it again! My lunches will be so delightful!

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I'm also giving an Indian recipe a try tonight. It's 21 Day Fix-approved and was really hard to find but I'm making it!I will post pictures and the recipe if it's tasty! :)

Weekly Motivation:

I really need to remember this.

 

{via}

Weekly Workout Sass:
My little adaptation of this quote:

Have a good one!

Work It Out Wednesday and My New Niece!

Hi gang!

In very important news, I would like to introduce you to my new niece, Scarlett Susan! She was born on 3/3 and is just the cutest little thing!

I can't wait to meet her and squeeze those perfect cheeks!

I never review my weekends on the blog, but I have to today. My favorite part of this weekend was getting on Face Time with Scarlett and my other perfect niece, Lizzie! Being an Aunt is the best!

Scarlett wasn't too happy there, but all of us sure were! Distance truly sucks but God Bless technology so I can at the very least spend some face time with those gorgeous girls. I'm counting down the days until we're all in one state again for Scarlett's Baptism (approximately 79 days!!!).

I could talk about my nieces all day, but for now I'll go back to our regularly scheduled programming.




However, I hate to say it, but I didn't try out any new workouts this week. Oh I worked out, but I just did Piyo and actually ran outside twice! What?!?! It's over freezing which means it's finally outdoor running weather again!!! I'll try a new workout next week. Promise. ;)

Weekly recipe:

I made the prettiest little skinny shrimp scampi on Friday. I adapted this recipe and added more veggies. It was SO filling and downright tasty!

We made SO much food on Sunday that we probably won't cook again until this Sunday. Not sure what we'll make yet!

Have you made any awesome healthy recipes lately? I would love to hear about them!

Weekly motivation...and Weekly workout sass, too:

Thanks again to everyone who likes my new Facebook page! I think I made my favorite image so far for it. It serves as both motivation and sass for the week, don't you think? Enjoy!

Have a good one!

Work it Out Wednesday: Week 19

Hi gang!

Thanks to everyone who likes my new Facebook page! I really enjoy having it as an extension of the blog where I can focus more on wellness than I do on here. I accept any constructive feedback, so please let me know what you think and what you would like to see from me!

My silly migraines are back with a vengeance, so waking up this week has been tough. What do you do when you don't feel like getting out of bed? What motivates you?

When I wake up with a pounding head I quickly assess whether or not I have plans after work or if there a potential to work late. If not, I then quickly assess the likelihood of me working out after work. For me it's harder than in the mornings, but everyone's different. If exercise after work is a possibility, then I reset the alarm. Otherwise I get up, grumble and at least do something.

Here is one of those "somethings":

Weekly Workout:

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Weekly disclaimer:
Remember what I said about my lack of qualifications? Please keep in mind that I am aware that I am chubby and have no fitness/nutrition authority. I'm just trying to spread some wellness love as I fight the battle to live well myself.

How I made it harder:  Not much, just added dumbbells to the squats and lunges.
Overall impression: I'm happy I carved even just ten minutes last night to do this. My head really hurt during the day, so I made sure to do this quickly during a migraine break!
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): This was pretty impressive for bringing out the sweat, even for only ten minutes. I give it a 5.
How I felt when it was over: I knew I could have done more if I had time. But again, it was something! It also helped me feel relaxed.
Would I do it again? Absolutely! I think I want try to a bunch of 10-minute workouts for after work. It was a nice way to unwind. Are you interested in any 10-minute workouts? I can keep this up and review them for you!

Weekly recipe:

We tried a new recipe over the weekend and it was pretty "meh." Not impressed. It was tasty and all, but the title of "The Best Pork Chops Ever" was a lie. A lie, I tell you!! Oh well. It was fine. Can't win 'em all, right?

I have my eyes on many recipes this week, and I'm feeling like an easy one is going to win. Having "one pot" in the title of the recipe is definitely appealing. Here's what we may try:

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Meat, spices, potatoes and a little olive oil. No brainer!

Weekly motivation:

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I love this! Don't let anything hold you back!

I made one, inspired by one of my reader's favorite quotes. I adjusted the quote, since I love how it feels to be strong, too!

Weekly workout sass:

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This would be so much better than being invisible or flying.
Well, maybe not. I feel pretty good after a workout and flying would be freakin' cool.

Have a good one!

Work it Out Wednesday: Week 18

Hi gang!

Thank you so much for the overwhelming support about my announcement last week. It means the world to me that all of you who commented believe that I could make a good Beachbody coach. And thanks for making me feel normal and not fat! :)

I'm so busy with everything and from taking an incredible mini vacay this weekend, so I need to buckle down and build my business! Luckily my Piyo, boxing and Pinterest workouts are always there for me, even when I'm busy.

I even posed like a dork on the beach this Monday!

LOL my jumping jacks and squats crack me up!

Gosh I wish I was still on Amelia Island...sigh...

Alrighty back to it. Please feel free to send me any good workouts that you see. I'm always on the lookout!


Weekly disclaimer:
Remember what I said about my lack of qualifications? Please keep in mind that I am aware that I am chubby and have no fitness/nutrition authority. I'm just trying to spread some wellness love as I fight the battle to live well myself.


Weekly Workout:

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I love this workout, but you have to click through to view descriptions of the moves and such. I made a quick image if, like me, you just like to see what you need to do without scrolling!

Click through for descriptions if you don't know what all of these moves are (I didn't!).

How I made it harder:  I paired this with two other workouts!
Overall impression: I loved doing this after a short Piyo workout and the daily workout for my Beachbody 6-Day Shred Group. I really need to work on my back, so I was excited for all of these moves.
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): This wasn't a sweaty one, even after two other workouts. I think I was at a 4 after the whole shebang.
How I felt when it was over: So great! I loved giving about 45 minutes to myself Tuesday morning. Total body workouts make me happy.
Would I do it again? Absolutely! I should just do this as I watch TV at night. It really didn't take long so I'm happy that I added it!

Weekly recipe:

I don't know what's happening but I am CRAVING to cook! Honestly it's all I want to do as I'm writing this. I already planned my crock pot for Sunday. If you're curious, it's one of my favorite recipes from My Whole30: shredded salsa chicken. I'll also be making my mother-in-law's delicious black beans to go with it! I'm so excited!

Aside from that, last night I made Gina's recipe (from skinnytaste.com) for dinner this week: One Pot Turkey Taco Chili with Mac and Cheese!

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I mean, hi. It is SO amazing. Low fat and Weight Watcher-friendly? All the better.

Weekly motivation:

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I need to print this and post it on my mirror!

Weekly workout sass:

My friend saw this on Instagram and I immediately reposted it!

It made me giggle!

Have a good one!

Work it Out Wednesday: Week 17 (and an announcement!)

Hi gang!

Last week I started Piyo, part of the Beachbody at-home fitness company (the same company that made P90X and Insanity). It's been great so far, and today I paired the upper body workout with a leg workout that I found on Pinterest. Woo I feel good!

Also, I have a bit of an announcement: I am a Beachbody coach! I just started this journey last week, am still learning the ropes and am working on my branding. Facebook page forthcoming! Anyway, don't worry: I'm not going to start to sell you on the products and programs that Beachbody offers. This weekly post will stay the same. I'm just letting you know that I'm here for you if you want some motivation and if you want a cheerleader to encourage you through your wellness journey. Shoot me a comment or connect with me on other social channels for more info.

I'll address the elephant in the room (on the blog?): yeah, I know I'm chubby. Every week I have a disclaimer that I have no authority and am aware of my body. I own mirrors, folks. Being a Beachbody coach doesn't necessarily mean that my body is ready for the beach. It just means that I am fighting for myself to feel better and am using the programs to get there. It also means that I want anyone interested to join me in the battle.

Please allow me brag on myself for one quick sentence: I workout often, I'm muscular and I am strong.

Do I have things to work on? I mean, duh. Check out my seven chins.

Eating gunk and being disciplined with my portion control are my challenges. I'll never be a poster child for nutrition. What I can be is a wellness supporter. I'm in it with you. I'm your workout buddy - the one who cheers you on in the gym and cheers you with a cocktail at brunch after we are finished! ;)

Make sense?
Cool.

OK enough of all of that. On to our regularly scheduled programming! As always, please feel free to send me any good workouts that you see. I'm always on the lookout!


Weekly disclaimer:
Remember what I said about my lack of qualifications? Please keep in mind that I am aware that I am chubby and have no fitness/nutrition authority. I'm just trying to spread some wellness love as I fight the battle to live well myself.


Weekly Workout:

{via}

How I made it harder:  dumbbells!!!
Overall impression: I loved doing this after a short Piyo workout. My muscles were shaking for a while after I was finished!
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): About a 6.
How I felt when it was over: So great! I loved giving about 35 minutes to myself this morning. Total body workout? Check!
Would I do it again? Absolutely, especially if I do another mini workout (Piyo or otherwise) with it!

Weekly recipe:

Last week I made homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (my Mom's recipe! Yum!) for my sick husband. Poor guy. He's better now, so the leftovers are in the freezer. I also made one of my favorite Whole30 recipes, Paleo Cabbage Roll Skillet Dinner, which made a ton so that was also in the freezer. Needless to say, I have plenty of food so I haven't tried anything new this week. However, I have SO many new pins that I can't wait to test!

Also, on Monday I'm doing a 6-day Shred that includes a meal plan, daily workouts and a grocery list. It's free so if you want to join let me know and I'll add you to the group! Seriously, it's free!

Weekly motivation:

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Exactly! Keep pushing!!

Weekly workout sass:

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Preach on, Buddy! This is what I think after every boxing class!

Have a good one!

Work it Out Wednesday: Week 16

Hi gang!

I started a new workout program this week, called Piyo, part of the Beachbody home workout company (the same company that made P90X and Insanity). I'm pumped to do it and will let you know how it goes! It will be tough to do this while boxing and trying new Pinterest workouts for the blog, but I'm up for the challenge!

As always, please feel free to send me any good workouts that you see. I'm always on the lookout!


Weekly disclaimer:
Remember what I said about my lack of qualifications? Please keep in mind that I am aware that I am chubby and have no fitness/nutrition authority. I'm just trying to spread some wellness love as I fight the battle to live well myself.


Weekly Workout:

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How I made it harder:  weights for the squats, no knees for the pushups.
Overall impression: I woke up crazy late one day and needed something quick. This fit the bill because it took about 15-20 minutes. I still got to work on time!
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): About a 4.
How I felt when it was over: Mad I didn't have a longer workout, but satisfied that I at least did something.
Would I do it again? Probably, especially if I do another mini workout with it!

Weekly recipe:

Earlier this week I had a Chinese food craving but didn't feel like having the bad stuff. I consulted my friend, Pinterest, and found this Skinny Chicken Fried Rice recipe. I had to give it a try!

This was so easy to make and it looked so pretty that I had to take a picture. I actually really hate brown rice, but this was delicious and I couldn't tell the difference. I also used chicken thighs instead of the breasts, but I just prefer thighs and I think they freeze/reheat better.

This recipe makes a TON which has been great: I froze a bunch and have been eating it for lunches. YUM!

Weekly motivation:

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Might as well put that towel to good use, amIright?!?

And while we're on the topic of sweat:

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I WILL go to the beach this summer. 

And if I'm covered up it's because I don't want to get burned, NOT because I hate my body.

BOOM.


Weekly workout sass:

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I mean, seriously. I'm good about exercising, but I am a CHAMPION when it comes to eating. haha :)

Have a good one!

My Whole30: A Recap

You guys! What an incredible program! I loved Whole30!

Today this post is all about my Whole30 experience: I'll answer some questions, share some tips and tricks, ...and basically link to all of the awesome recipes I tried.

On board? Sweet. Let's jam.

I started the Whole30 Program on January 2. Some co-workers also participated in Whole30, and my husband, Andrew, ate most of what I made, too. It was a great support system!

Now that it's over, I honestly miss how I felt during those 30 days. I stupidly ate and drank a bunch of gunk right when the 30 days expired, and instantly felt like junk. The program advises to reintroduce different foods gradually to see how they affect your body. Then you can choose to make changes to your overall lifestyle.

Welp, I had carbs, dairy and booze most of the weekend. All in one fell swoop. I didn't pick and choose. The gang was all there.

I think I felt more hungover from the processed food and sugar than from the alcohol. I was also sluggish. Was it all in my head? Maybe a little, but my stomach hurt and I had a headache, so probably not completely.

When Monday arrived this week I ate clean, wholesome food again. And wine. :) Aside from the wine headache I now feel better. Phew! I'm happy I hopped back on the wagon. This further supports that a paleo lifestyle is totally for me. For the most part I will continue to eat clean and healthy, and, on occasion, will indulge in the big three c's: Cheese, Chocolate and Cocktails. Trying to cut out things completely just isn't realistic for me. A girl's gotta have some sweets every now and then, amIright?

OK here are some deets:

1. I missed the following: caffeine, pop, wine, and chocolate.
2. I surprisingly didn't miss dairy, which was strange because cheese is a good friend of mine. However, I found myself missing lattes, but only because it's cold outside and lattes are more of a comfort than a necessity. That was a mind-blowing realization considering I previously either had coffee or lattes every day. 
3. I still snacked. Granted, you're not supposed to...something about your brain thinking desserts and anything sweet (including fruits) could process the sweetness and make you crave the bad sugar later. Or something like that. Whatever. I could only eat so many veggies. Some of my favorite snacks were/are cashews, Chomps Meat Sticks and Larabars (the Apple Pie, Cherry Pie and Coconut Cream Pie flavors are the only Whole30-friendly ones that I could find). Those satisfied my salty and sweet cravings. I ate a ton of fruits and veggies, though, don't worry.
4. I messed up. I drank pop a couple of times and had some flavored water containing sucrose. I had a latte once. My husband and I went to Milwaukee for a mini vacation and I ate and drank so much that I shouldn't have. I also baked some delicious breakfast bars that had coconut sugar, which is apparently not Whole30-friendly. Whoops.
5. I didn't care that I messed up. Why? Well, I went right back to the program after I faltered. No one is perfect. Just because you fall off of a wagon doesn't mean you can't jump back on.
6. I loved cooking, but it did get tough. Seriously gang, stock up. It's so easy to resort to the easy stuff (aka take-out) when you don't have some meals prepared or easily handy. Make a bunch of the yummy meals you make and freeze them! Sundays were my big cooking days.
7. I wasn't too social and rarely ate out at restaurants. January is probably the least social month of the year. It was a good month to pick for this. When I did go out to eat I would go low-carb, high protein and dairy-free. AKA I'd get a burger with lots of veggies and without the bun or cheese. I'm sure it was cooked in something I shouldn't have had, but whatever. It's better than fried food and more interesting than a salad!
8. I worked out consistently. Admittedly there were times that I felt dizzy or faint, so I knew that I needed more protein pre- and post workouts.
9. Eating healthy is expensive, but I still saved money. Considering that I didn't go out and/or drink, the grocery bills weren't so bad at the end of the day.
10. I lost 4.5 pounds. Yep, I'm still your trusty chubby friend. I didn't expect to lose a bunch because I still ate a bunch. I still need to work on portion control! What can I say? The recipes were so good!!

Speaking of recipes:

l | 2 | 3 | 4
5 | 6 | 7 | 8
9 | 10 | 11 | 12
13 | 14 | 15 | 16

1. Mexican Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas
2. Easy Paleo Pot Roast
3. Sausage & Egg Breakfast Bites
4. Turkey Avocado Wraps
5. Mustard Balsamic Baked Chicken
6. Caramelized Apples & Cinnamon
7. Crock Pot Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin with a Balsamic Glaze
8. Paleo Cabbage Roll Skillet Dinner
9. Bolognese Sauce (over zucchini noodles!)
10. Shredded Salsa Chicken
11. Healthy "Ramen" Noodles
12. Paleo Italian Chicken Fingers
13. Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein
14. Paleo Shepherd's Pie
15. 3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies
16. Strawberry Banana Paleo Breakfast Bars

I wrote about all of these in my previous weekly posts with opinions and recipe modifications. I definitely have favorites (Numbers 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 14, 16) and one I won't try again (#11 - it was tasty, but it really didn't taste like Ramen). These recipes were phenomenal and I am so thankful to the creative bloggers who came up with them and shared them!

Overall, I recommend Whole30. It's awesome. It helps you hit "reset," especially after the indulgent holiday season. It helps you feel better. It was tough at times but it was definitely worth it!

Did I miss anything? Do you think you'll do Whole30 in the future? If you want a buddy, count me in!

Have a good one!