The END!!

Yeah for the final 6 that completed our 8 week challenge!!! These 3 worked extra hard and look how it payed off! Seriously you guys look great. Way to go Nate for loosing 30 lbs and winning our 8 week Challenge!

5 Ways to Stay Fit While on Vacation

 

1. Plan Ahead to Fit in Fitness: Vacations should be an opportunity to re-energize, refresh, and relax -- not an excuse to take a break from health. When planning your vacation, opt for locations that will allow you to engage in physical activities you enjoy. Keep in mind that physical activity is the ticket to enjoying extra calories without weight gain.
2. Be Prepared: When you travel, whether by plane, train, or automobile, be prepared with healthy food so you won’t have to eat whatever is available. Start the day with a nutritious breakfast, then pack easy and satisfying snacks or a small meal, such as a turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomato on whole-grain bread, a piece of fruit, and some cut-up veggies with hummus.
3. Avoid Dining-Out Disasters: Eating out may pose the biggest challenge for avoiding vacation weight gain. "It is easy to control calories if you stay away from fried, crispy, or creamy foods; hold extras such as cheese and mayo; top salads with low-fat dressings; drink water instead of sodas -- simple things that can shave calories and make room for the special treats," says Blatner.
4. Indulge in Moderation: Deprivation is no fun when you're on vacation. Instead, "the name of the game is moderation when it comes to controlling calories from treats and alcohol," says Blatner. So have one scoop of ice cream instead of the sundae, or split that decadent dessert with a dining companion.
5. Pare Down Portions: Even when you're on vacation, portions count if you want to avoid weight gain.

Sweat-Activated Workout Gear

 

 Have you seen these?? They are so awesome! Activated by sweat, they display sayings to motivate you to really break a sweat. Check them out here!

No-Bake Energy Bites

Finally! A healthy treat that doesn't taste healthy! Since I've had my 3rd baby, I am working hard to lose this baby weight and this snack is perfect for me. It makes me feel like I am really eating cookie dough balls....except they are cookie dough balls loaded with lots of good stuff! And my husband and kids loved them, too! Seriously, go get the ingredients now and try these, for heaven's sake!! Thanks, Smashed Peas and Carrots for the recipe! I can't wait to start trying these with some different variations...raisins instead of chocolate chips, nuts instead of coconut, adding some chocolate protein powder to the mixture...oh the possibilities!

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or other nut butter)--I use Adams

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flaxseed--this is actually usually near the vitamins in the grocery store, by the way

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy! Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. Makes 18-20 golf ball-sized treats.

A reader from Smashed Peas and Carrots figured out all the nutritional info, which I found helpful, so here you go:
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 26 g
Amount Per Serving:
Calories-114
Calories from Fat-62
Total Fat-6.9g (11%)
Saturated Fat-2.3g (11%)
Cholesterol-0mg
Sodium-33mg (1%)
Total Carbohydrates-11.5g (4%)
Dietary Fiber-2.3g (9%)
Sugars-6.5g
Protein-3.1g
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Turkey Bean Burgers

These are some of the best burgers ever! A great addition to all the summer barbecues that everyone is having! 

3/4 c. canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 egg white
1/2 c. finely chopped sweet red pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 lb. ground turkey
1 Tbsp. olive oil
4 hamburger buns, split
1 small onion, sliced
4 romaine leaves

*In a small bowl, coarsely mash beans. Add the egg white, zucchini, red pepper, chili powder, onion powder, pepper and salt. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Shape into 4 patties. (I made 6 smaller patties instead).
*In a large skillet, cook burgers in oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until meat thermometer reads 165 degrees and juices run clear. Serve on buns with onions and lettuce.

I ♥ Jillian Michaels

I have been working out to Jillian Michaels' DVDs for years now and, if I stay consistent, I always see results. A couple of my favorite are: 30 Day Shred and 6-Week Six Pack. To me, she is a great motivator and coach. I miss seeing her on Biggest Loser because I felt like out of the trainers, she was the one who would push the contestants beyond what they thought they were capable of. She struggled with obesity herself as a teenager and martial arts helped her turn her poor habits into healthy ones, so I feel like she also relates. Anyway, here are some of my favorite quotes from her...hope it inspires you today!!

Baked Oatmeal

 Serving size: 1 baked oatmeal square (makes 9 servings)
Approximate nutritional information:

Calories: 210 * Carbs: 26 * Fat: 10 * Protein: 6 * Fiber: 2 *
Ingredients:
3 cups rolled oats
2 large eggs, beaten
¼ cup Olive oil
1 cup 1% milk
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup applesauce (use homemade if you have it)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees

1. In a medium to large bowl mix together oil, sugar, eggs, applesauce, cinnamon, and vanilla.
2. Add to the bowl rolled oats, baking powder, and milk. Mix until thoroughly combined.
3. Pour oat mixture into an 8 inch square baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Let sit for about 3 minutes, cut into 9 squares, and serve warm. Top with fruit.