Healthy Apple Banana Mini Muffins

April 9, 2014 By

Today Molly was insisting that I make muffins. So, of course I had to make her muffins! The problem is that I usually plan out what I’m going to cook/bake/prepare for the week so that I can pick up the ingredients at the store. This time I had to wing it. I pulled out random stuff from the cupboard and just kind of threw these together and, thankfully, they turned out delicious! And Molly has already snuck 3 — at least, that’s what she told me. I should probably go count. :)

Healthy Apple Banana Mini Muffins 

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, smashed
  • 1 large apple, peeled, fine chopped (I made mine pretty small — the kids prob wouldn’t like large chunks of apples in their muffins)
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • handful cacao nibs (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Mash bananas in a large bowl
  3. Melt butter and mix into bananas with a wooden spoon
  4. Add sugar, egg, vanilla and mix well
  5. Add baking soda and salt
  6. Add flour and oats, stir until blended
  7. Fine chop the apple (I used this but you can use a food processor or a knife)
  8. Stir apples into mixture
  9. Add cinnamon and cacao nibs and stir
  10. Spray mini muffin pan and add your batter
  11. Bake for 15 mins
  12. Makes 30 mini muffins

bananaapplemuffins.jpg

Filed Under: Appetizer, Breakfast, Healthy, Meals/Recipes, Snack Tagged With: , , , , , Leave a Comment

What is a Beachbody Coach?

April 3, 2014 By

I’ve had a bunch of people ask me “What is that coaching thing you’re doing?” Some people just think I’m on Facebook ALL the time. My husband knows that I’m passionate about helping others learn how to get fit and eat healthy. My family knows what a HUGE difference Beachbody has made in my life.—>>> But what is it that we REALLY do as coaches?

I found out about coaching randomly and JUMPED on the opportunity (albeit hesitantly and with a lot of research), but I know most people like to dip their toes in the water before jumping all in. So, I’m offering a free, one week “What is Coaching?” group to answer these questions {April 7-13}:

->> What does a coach actually do?
->> How much time does it take to be a coach?
->> Is there training available?
->> What kind of person makes a great coach?
->> What kind of income can I make and how?

If you want the answers to those questions and more, then join my ZERO obligation “What is Coaching?” group on Facebook. For seven days, I’ll be sharing with you what it takes to be successful, and how you can CHOOSE your level of commitment based on your personal goals.The group is FREE to join… you just tell me you want in, and you are in! BOOM!! We kick off on Monday, April 7th! Just leave a comment or email me (nikki.hill.johnson@gmail.com and I’ll add you to the group….simple as that! I also included the link above — feel free to request to join, but shoot me a quick FB message so I know you came from my blog. Can’t wait!!

what is coaching.jpg

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21 Day Fix Dijon Vinaigrette

April 1, 2014 By

Since I started drinking Shakeology on a daily basis it has replaced my lunch — which was typically a salad. Therefore, I never really use dressings anymore. However, now that I’m doing the 21 Day Fix (which I still need to blog about!) I am switching around my meals a little and today I decided to have a salad. I’m saving my Shakeology for my dessert later! I wanted to show you my meal and share the recipe I used for my Fix approved dressing (which is one of the recipes found in the eating plan).

Dijon Vinaigrette

  • 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  1. Combine all ingredients except the oil in a medium bowl; whisk to blend.
  2. Slowly add oil while whisking; mix well.

Store in a covered container in fridge. When using again, remove 30 mins prior to eating and stir.

dijon viniagerette.jpg

turkey burger salad.jpg

Filed Under: Dinner, Health, Healthy, Meals/Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , Leave a Comment

Let’s Get Real

March 26, 2014 By

I’ve been struggling lately. Struggling to work out, to eat the right foods and to just feel good all around. The thing is, I have NO idea why I’m feeling like this. There are lots and lots of great things going on in my life right now.  So what the eff?

I think my hormones are out of whack from extended nursing. This can really be the only explanation for my funk. It’s been almost 18 months, so I think this is my body’s way of telling me it’s time to wean. I’m a little sad about it because I’m 90% sure this is our last baby (still 10% unsure!). So, closing this chapter is a little difficult for me. I actually can’t believe I’ve nursed this long…. seriously, I’m shocked! But it’s been so easy!

My 21 Day Fix gets here soon and I will be starting a new workout/eating routine on Monday. I really need it. I’ve been sneaking chocolate chips by the handful and starting to fall back into bad habits of skipping workouts — letting my excuses take over. I will not allow myself to slip backwards anymore. It happens fast.

So there it is. Out in the open. I’m not perfect and I have struggles. Hoping this funk leaves with the snow! I will keep you posted on my progress… wish me luck!

Maybe I will look like Autumn Calabrese in 21 days! Don’t I wish! ;)

Autumn-IG-HERO

Filed Under: Exercise, Health Tagged With: , , , , 2 Comments

Easy Fish Tacos

March 19, 2014 By

If you’ve never had fish tacos, you are seriously missing out! They are one of my favs and SO easy to make. This Cilantro and Lime Fish Taco recipe used to be my go-to, but now that I’m dairy-free, I had to come up with something different. So here’s the recipe I used the other night. I forgot cilantro, but it’s an easy way to add a little kick!

Easy Fish Tacos

Ingredients
  • 1 pound white fish such as tilapia, cod, etc.
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • 1 jalapeño, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin, toasted and ground
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 (4 inch) corn tortillas
  • 3 cups cabbage, shredded
  • avocado for garnish
Directions
  1. Marinate the fish in the oil, lime juice and zest, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, salt and pepper for 10-20 minutes.
  2. Grill the fish over medium-high heat until cooked, about 4-6 minutes per side. The fish will be cooked when it flakes easily and it is no longer translucent.
  3. Flake the fish and serve in tortillas garnished with your favorite toppings.

fishtacos.jpg

oh man, i forgot my cabbage. boo.

Filed Under: Dinner, Healthy, Low Carb, Meals/Recipes Tagged With: , , , , Leave a Comment

Bombshell Winter Retreat

March 17, 2014 By

These past 5 months as a Beachbody Coach have been so amazing and SO much fun! Of course, I fill you all in on my weight loss success but the business side of things I haven’t really shared, so today I am sharing! I have been on the fast track to build my business and become a full time coach. I’m not there yet, but hopefully very soon!

I am an honorary team member of the Bombshell Dynasty, which is the largest and most successful team in all of Beachbody. Kati Heifner has taken me under her wing and taught me so much. I am completely grateful for the opportunity to learn from her – one of the best!

Well this past weekend she invited the top performers on her team to an AMAZING cabin in the PA mountains. I drove up there for 2 days of fun and learning. I was so excited to meet all the girls that I talk to online every day and they didn’t disappoint! I love love love how positive, loving and inspiring everyone is. It is a dream to be able to do something I love and that never ever feels like work. I cannot wait until it’s my full time job!!

Trips are a huge part of being a Beachbody coach (yay!) and this was my first of many to come. Next up is Vegas in June! So here are some photos of my trip compiled from a bunch of my fellow coaches (thanks girls!).

If you are thinking about becoming a Beachbody Coach, I would love to chat with you about the amazing opportunity. It will totally change your life!

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Skinny Pot Roast

March 12, 2014 By

I have a lot of people that come to me and say their husbands/boyfriends/fiances/sig others are “Meat & Potatoes” kind of men and that they won’t eat “health” food. To that I say, “Psssssh.” This crazy thing called “health food” can be delicious and filling. I promise you all that my husband eats EVERYTHING I make and rarely do I have a complaint. Usually it is, “Wow! This is delicious babe!” And don’t think he’s just being nice, I have had quite a few, “Well, next time you make this I would add more of this….” Which is code for, “This is just okay.”

So if you remain unconvinced, here is a sneaky recipe for your manly man.

Skinny Pot Roast

Ingredients

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • optional, 8 small red potatoes (cut into wedges)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced thinly
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 (3 pound) boneless chuck roast or tenderloin for an extra lean cut
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cups beef broth, fat free, low sodium
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Directions

1. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, bay leaves, roast, garlic, vinegar and broth to slow cooker, in that order. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.

2. For a thicker gravy, combine cornstarch and water, pour into slow cooker the last 15 minutes of cooking time, for a thicker sauce.

skinny pot roast

Filed Under: Dinner, Healthy, Meals/Recipes Tagged With: , , , , 1 Comment

Sparkly Homemade Playdough

March 5, 2014 By

We go through playdough like CRAZY in this house. It’s actually quite annoying because it is pretty much my fault. Molly asks to play with it so I get it out and all set up. She plays with it for awhile while I’m working or cleaning (ha!) and then we go about our merry way. Without fail I ALWAYS forget about it because we’ve moved on to something else. About an hour or so later I walk over to the table and it’s sitting there drying up. WHY does it dry up SO fast? Well, probably because Molly likes to crumble it up in little pieces (ugh).

I asked my friend for a recipe because I am SO over the store bought and she gave me this awesome recipe. We made some today and so far it’s a hit! Supposedly it keeps for much longer as well. I’ll keep you posted on that! Here’s the recipe, but click over to the blog for photos and advice on how to keep it lasting longer.

The BEST Playdough Recipe

Ingredients: 

  • 1 C Flour
  • 1 C Water
  • 1/4 C Salt
  • 1 TBSP Vegetable Oil
  • 2 tsp Cream of Tarter
  • Food Coloring (I used the coloring I use for my icing)
  • Glitter (from the craft cabinet!)

Just mix all the ingredients together with a whisk until it’s clump-free, then heat over medium heat constantly stirring until it all sticks together.

Voila! So pretty and sparkly!

homemade playdough

 

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Focus T25 – 25 Minutes of Working Out

February 17, 2014 By

I am constantly asked if 25 minutes are REALLY enough time to get in an effective workout. I’m living proof that YES, yes it is enough time! I need to update y’all with my final final results and photos, but one of my current challengers is down 7lbs in 1 month!!! AMAZING!

So, what exactly does T25 look like? Here, I made you a little video. :)

Not bad right?! So why don’t you join me in my next challenge group?! The group starts March 3rd and the last day to order is Feb 24. Email me to get in: nikki.hill.johnson@gmail.com

 

Filed Under: Exercise, Health Tagged With: , , , , 1 Comment

Everyday Health & Wellness Conference

February 13, 2014 By

Announcement! The first-ever Everyday Health and Wellness Conference is on March 1, 2014 at the Fairfax Marriot in Fair Oaks, VA and I am really excited about it! There is an amazing line-up of exciting and informative speakers, lively food demonstrations, and experienced health-related exhibitors to give you the tools to know better and ultimately do better to be healthy, fit and happy! I mean, FOOD BABE is going to be there!! I love her, even if she is exposing things that I really really enjoy. Ahem, Starbucks.

The full-day conference includes a healthy lunch, networking opportunities and educational seminars that will set you up for 2014 and beyond.

  • Cost: $125 before Feb 28, 2014 / $150 after Feb. 28. BUT because you guys are so friggin awesome, you get 10% off with the code: SUPERNOVA10

So go REGISTER and we can meet up! It will be so much fun! LET’S GET HEALTHY!

everyday heath wellness conference

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