Caprese Quinoa

Caprese Quinoa


1 cup uncooked quinoa

16 oz container of grape tomatoes, quartered

3/4 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (or just buy a fresh mozzarella ball and cut it into chunks)

10 large basil leaves, cut into ribbons

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Prepare quinoa according to directions. Depending on whether you want your quinoa hot or cold (it’s great both ways) either let it cool completely or immediately add in the tomatoes, cheese, basil, salt and pepper. Drizzle about 2-3 tablespoons of basil oil over top and serve!



Homemade Basil Oil

1 cup olive oil

1 1/2 cups packed basil leaves, coarsely chopped

Blend oil and basil leaves in a blender or food processor for 30-60 seconds, just until the two are mix. Pour mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, just until bubbles appear around the edges. Heat for about 5 minutes, the remove from heat and let cool completely. Once cool, pour through a fine mesh strainer and press on the basil leaves to release all the oil.

Greek Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 cup quinoa
Pinch of salt
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup chopped cucumber
1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup feta cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To make the dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions:
1. Make quinoa according to package directions.

2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese.

3. To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano in a small bowl. Pour dressing over the salad and stir until mixed well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Ham and Cheese Quinoa Bites

Ingredients
2 cups cooked quinoa
3 eggs
1 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced ham
1 tablespoon dried parsley
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1/2 small onion, diced {about 1/4 cup}
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Olive oil for the pans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix to combine. Spray 2 mini muffin tins with olive oil and scoop 1 tablespoon into each cup. Bake qunioa bites for 18 minutes, or until the edges of the quinoa bites are a nice golden brown.

Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Mac And Cheese

1 1/4 cups quinoa
1 cup cubed chicken (about 1 medium chicken breast)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk (I used 1%)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Frank's Buffalo Wing Sauce
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese


Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a small casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly (if you don't, it'll be bitter!) then cook according to the package directions.

Melt the butter, then add the flour. Cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Gradually add the milk to the pan, continuing to whisk so you don't wind up with lumps. Increase the heat to medium, and cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens.

Remove the pan from the heat then add the cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce. Whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked quinoa and chicken and stir until incorporated.

Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Top with the crumbled blue cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles around the edges of the dish.

Quinia Muffins

QUINOA MUFFINS

Ingredients
1 tbsp applesauce
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp honey (or agave)
1/2 cup skim milk
1/3 cup non-fat greek yogurt
1/4 cup sugar
1 heaping tbsp peanut butter, slightly melted
1 egg
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 banana, mashed
Dash of salt
1 cup uncooked quick oats
3/4 cup flour (whole wheat or regular)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup chocolate chips (dark chocolate)
Blueberries (if desired)

Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together applesauce, vanilla, honey, milk, greek yogurt, and sugar. Once sugar has dissolved, add peanut butter, egg, quinoa, and banana. Stir together.
In a separate bowl combine salt, oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir together. Pour flour mixture into the wet mixture and stir to combine.
Add in chocolate chips and blueberries.
Bake for 16 minutes

SPECIAL OFFER!

SPECIAL PROMOTION----

If you buy Shakeology on Home Direct, I will personally buy and mail you either Insanity Fast and Furious, Insanity Insane Abs or Insanity Sanity Check.

If you buy a challenge pack, I will send you TWO of the workouts!

This is a great opportunity and a great deal if you are wanting to get in great shape, but not spend a lot of money!
Each of those 3 workouts are a great workout and gives you a taste of Insanity. On days I don't have a lot of time, I throw in Fast and Furious and get a GREAT workout in just a few minutes.

And you can buy at no risk! Shakeology has a bottom of the bag guarantee so if you end up not liking it, Beachbody will refund your money! Plus you get to keep the Insanity DVD. Remember, this is NOT a Beachbody promotion, this is something I am doing personally.


Here are the links--

SHAKEOLOGY-- http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/MDSUSH311G?referringRepId=187472

CHALLENGE PACK-- (Workout Program PLUS Shakeology) https://extranet.securefreedom.com/MillionDollarBody/csShopping/ShoppingCart.asp?Cat=Challenge%20Packs|ALL

After you purchase, send me an email so I can mail your free workout! LindseyCrafton@gmail.com.

Shakeology Recipes

MY FAVORITE SHAKEOLOGY RECIPES

1 Scoop Chocolate Shakeology
5 to 6 Ice Cubes
1/2 to 3/4 C. Water
1/2 to 1 C. Almond or Skim Milk
7-8 Walnuts
Mix with a blender

1 Scoop Chocolate Shakeology
5 to 6 Ice Cubes
1/2 to 3/4 C. Water
1/2 to 1 C. Almond or Skim Milk
1 to 2 t. mint/peppermint extract
Mix with a blender

1 Scoop Chocolate Shakeeology
5 to 6 Ice Cubes
1/2 to 3/4 C. Water
1/2 to 1 C. Almond or Skim Milk
1 Banana
1-2 T. Peanut Butter
Mix with a blender

1 Scoop Chocolate Shakeology
5 to 6 Ice Cubes
1/2 to 3/4 C. Water
1/2 to 1 C. Almond or Skim Milk
1 t. Coconut Extract
1 Banana
Mix with a blender

1 Scoop Tropical Shakeology
5 to 6 Ice Cubes
1/2 to 3/4 C. Water
1/2 to 1 C. Almond or Skim Milk
1-2 Graham Crackers
2 T. Sugar Free/Fat Free Cheesecake Pudding mix
Dash Cinnamon
Mix with a blender
*My Very Favorite!

1 Scoop Tropical Shakeology
5 to 6 Ice Cubes
1 C. Water
1/2 to 1 C. Almond or Skim Milk
1 packet Crystal Light sugar free classic Orange (or Orange Juice)
Mix with a blender

1 Scoop Tropical Strawberry
4 to 5 Ice Cubes
1 C. Water
1/2 to 1 C. Almond or Skim Milk
1/2 C. Frozen Strawberries
1 Banana
Mix with a blender

1 Scoop Tropical Strawberry
4 to 5 Ice Cubes
1 C. Water
1/2 to 1 C. Almond or Skim Milk
1 C. Mixed Berries
4 ounces Lowfat Vanilla Yogurt
Mix with a blender

1 Scoop Chocolate Shakeology
4 to 5 Ice Cubes
1 C. Water
1/2 to 1 C. Almond or Skim Milk
10-12 Walnuts
2 T. Pistachio Pudding Mix
Mix with a blender


***MORE LIQUID MAY BE ADDED FOR A THINNER SHAKE
***THE MORE IT IS BLENDED, THE CREAMIER THE SHAKE WILL BE


TO ORDER SHAKEOLOGY GO TO www.Shakeology.com/LindseyCrafton

QUINOA

We love quinoa in our house! For dinner last night we had quinoa with broccoli, rotisserie chicken, diced onion and cheese in it! SO simple, but delicious. All my kids loved it.
We also had roasted vegetables again...I already have the recipe on this blog, but here it is again-- cut up sweet potatoes, carrots and onions. Add coconut oil and himalayan salt. Bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Such an easy meal, but full of nutrients and my whole family loved it. What could be better than that:)

We didn't finish it all last night, so I am going to have leftovers for lunch right now. yum.

If you want to try Insanity, but not spend a lot of money then I highly suggest buying one of these DVD's. Sanity Check is brand new so I haven't tried it yet, but I have Fast and Furious and LOVE it. I do it on days where I don't have a lot of time, but still want a GREAT workout. It is very intense, but short!

You can get it here--
https://extranet.securefreedom.com/MillionDollarBody/csShopping/ShoppingCart.asp?Cat=Fitness%20Program|INSANITY

Turbo Fire is on sale!

Turbo Fire is on sale! I started with Insanity, but Turbo Fire is what made me LIKE to workout. I am obsessed with the trainer--Chalene Johnson. She is amazing. Click here to order it-- https://extranet.securefreedom.com/MillionDollarBody/csShopping/ShoppingCart_Detail.asp?PriceID=153349&Cat=Fitness%20Program%7CTurboFire&AddToCart=

THE Best Sports Bra

I LOVE Lululemon clothes, BUT I can't afford them. Someday right? :) There is ONE thing there that I have to have--the TaTa Tamer. It has changed my lift. I can know workout without holding my chest. For those of you that are well endowed--either naturally or surgically ;)...I STRONGLY suggest this bra. It is completely worth the price. I only have one Ta Ta Tamer bra, but I have to wear it every day I work out. Sometimes when it's dirty and I need to work out, I try using a different sports bra--but I end up holding myself and it's not worth it....

Get ready for the summer!

Summer bodies are made in the winter! Now is a perfect time to start. On days when I don't feel like working out or eating good, I think of the summer! How good will I feel when I can be comfortable on the beach or at the pool.
I LOVE Turbo Fire, but I have to be honest, some days I am too tired, too busy, etc. There are plenty of excuses. BUT, then I remember I will be so much happier and feel better about myself when I am done working out. Not once have I said--wow, I really regret that workout!
Not sure where to start in getting healthy and fit?? I CAN HELP!

Swimsuit season is coming soon!

Right now I am doing Turbo Fire, but when I am done, I am doing Brazilian Butt Lift! (right in time for swimsuit season) I am so excited to accomplish my fitness goals. For sooo long, I was only PINNING my fitness workouts and goals on Pinterest. BUT now I can say I am actually accomplishing them. If you want to actually ACCOMPLISH your fitness goals BEFORE summer, let me know! I would love to help and I have all the tools to help you. By the way, I do know the girl in this picture and this is really her before and after the program:)

My two fave's

I have two favorite things---WORKOUT CLOTHES AND BOWS! So....Why not put them together? How cute is this workout shirt? I want it. I need it. I am thinking some online shopping may be in order this weekend:)

Shakeology

It is CRAZY to me they can get SO many nutrients in ONE Shake.
Not only does it taste good, it's THE healthiest meal you will have.
AND it's cheaper than fast food or making your own smoothies!



http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/LindseyCrafton?bctid=16664447001

http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/LindseyCrafton?bctid=637865717001

TO ORDER SHAKEOLOGY GO TO www.Shakeology.com/LindseyCrafton

Lentil Lime Salad and Roasted Vegetables

Since Brice is still doing the Ultimate Reset, we are still eating clean, whole foods. I added chicken for the kids and I. The chicken was just cooked on the stove with Coconut Oil, Himalayan Salt, Black pepper and a blend of herbal seasoning.

Lentil Lime Salad
1 C. cooked green lentils
1/2 C. grated raw carrot
1/4 C. finely chopped cilantro leaves
1 1/2 T. sesame oil (more or less, to taste)
2 T. fresh lime juice (more or less, to taste)
Bragg Liquid Amino Acids or Himalayan Salt
1/4 t. ground cumin (more or less, to taste)
Herbal Seasoning (to taste)

I didn't have Sesame Oil so I used Mirin oil and I didn't feel like grating carrots, so I just used small cut pieces of carrot. I didn't measure anything, but it still tasted good! The recipes says to leave in fridge for a couple hours and it is even better the next day. I didn't read the recipe before starting dinner so ours wasn't able to refrigerate beforehand, but it was still really good!

Roasted Root Medley
1/4 medium yam, cut into 1 inch chunks
1/2 large carrot, cut into 1 inch chunks
1/2 large beet, cut into 1 inch chunks
1/4 yellow onion, peeled and cut into large wedges
1 t. extra virgin olive oil Himalayan Salt, to taste

I didn't measure anything, but I know I at least tripled the recipe since I was cooking for 5 people. I am out of olive oil, so I used coconut oil. I also omitted the beet because I didn't have one. It was so good! My husband does not like yams, but he said this was pretty good.

What's your New Years Resolution

What is your New Years Resolution? The number ONE goal for people is TO LOSE WEIGHT. But did you know only 8% of people actually accomplish their goal? I believe it's because it is so EASY to go back to old habits. There is no one holding us accountable. Which is why Challenge Groups are SO helpful! We have had tremendous success in the latest challenge group. I have groups starting every 2-4 weeks so contact me today to get started in the next one! You won't regret it.

Quinoa Salad

I'm trying lunch recipes from the Ultimate Reset since I am making the food anyway for my husband. Today was quinoa salad. It was actually really good--very fresh tasting and easy!

Quinoa Salad
1/2 C cooked quinoa
1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Himalayan salt or Bragg Liquid Aminos (to taste)
1 T fresh lemon juice
2 T finely minced parsley
1 T finely minced fresh mint leaves
1/2 large ripe tomato diced
1/4 cucumber, peeled and diced
2 T chopped pitted Kalamata olives

Ultimate Reset

My husband has been doing the Ultimate Reset for a couple days now. I am not doing it with him, but I am eating the same dinner as him. I haven't been eating what he eats for breakfast or lunch, though I am going to start! After seeing the results I had with just eating the same dinner as him, I need to eat the same breakfast and lunch too. I thought I ate healthy before, but following the Ultimate Reset recipes has given me a whole new perspective on clean eating. In just in 2 days, I have lost 3 pounds!
WHY DO THE RESET?
Even though the body is extremely resilient, our bodies have been pushed to the limit by pollution, pesticides, preservatives, chemicals, and toxins contained in nearly every item that makes up our modern world. These harmful items disrupt the normal function of our organs and bodily systems, which, in turn, weakens our immunity, hinders metabolic activity, and creates imbalances that can lead to health problems.

With the Beachbody Ultimate Reset you get these benefits:
Stronger immune system Increased energy and more endurance Better digestion, metabolism and weight loss A more positive mood and mental clarity

What Benefits Can You See in 21 Days?
Remove Harmful Toxins
Lose Weight Safely
Increase Energy
Lower "Bad" Cholesterol
Boost Mood and Mental Clarity
Reduce Inflammation
Improve Regularity

http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/lindseycrafton?bctid=1534876093001

Moringa!

Shakeology Ingredient Spotlight on Moringa! Moringa is known to promote energy, vitality, athletic performance and weight loss while also promoting a healthy immune system to keep you super healthy. Although the entire tree is edible, we only use the chlorophyll-rich leaves for Shakeology, which you'll find packed with vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, iron, zinc and all 18 amino acids. Cheers to your health!

Join my Challenge Group!

Join My Challenge! Are you fed up with starting over? Do you need accountability for your exercise and diet? Are you struggling to lose those last few pounds? Then join one of my Fitness Challenge Group and make THIS the time you succeed! But what is a Fitness Challenge Group? A fitness challenge group is a small group of like minded people all working together to help each other WIN. The fact is – I could just sell you P90X or Shakeology, earn some money for referring you to the program, and send you on your way. And that’s exactly what a lot of coaches do. But I want you to succeed. I want you to feel good about yourself and I want you to reach your goals! That’s why I started these Fitness Groups! We all need a little PUSH now and then. And chances are without a coach and without that support group there to hold you accountable, you are likely to fall through the cracks and never see changes in your life. My Fitness Challenge Groups help people get the BEST results possible. What is my commitment as a Challenger? The commitment is 90 days of your preferred Beachbody workout program, Shakeology every day and a private Facebook accountability page for daily mini challenges, support and motivation. –You do everything at home, on your time and your schedule. –Group interaction is all done on a private Facebook group where the team posts each day. What do I need to do to get started? It’s simple! 1st – Order a Challenge Pack. 2nd – Email me for future start dates. What is a Challenge packs? A Challenge Pack includes the following Workout program of your choice Your first 30-day supply of Shakeology®—The Healthiest Meal of the Day®, delivered through Home Direct, our autoship program that ensures timely delivery of Shakeology to your doorstep every month.* A FREE 30-day trial membership in the Team Beachbody® Club

My journey began....

Where did my journey start?? I started with Insanity! A GREAT workout. I lost 10 pounds the first 3-4 weeks when I started Insanity and drinking Shakeology. The most important thing to me though, was I was doing it nutritionally. I was not involved in a crazy fad diet. My husband has done HCG FOUR TIMES!! Every time he would gain the weight right back. We have finally learned to get healthy the right away and I can't even tell you how good we feel! I actually love working out! I have NEVER said that before in my life. I've been doing Turbo Fire for about a month now and I look forward to it every day. Yes, it is hard, but it works! Chalene and the music keep me going.

www.BeachbodyCoach.com/LindseyCrafton

Juicing and Shakeology

My most common FAQ: Can I just juice and make my own green smoothies, is that comparable to Shakeology? Simply put: NO! Yes that's healthy, and a great start! I love to see people making changes and starting to get more fruits and veggies in this way. I used to do the same thing! But it doesn't come close to getting you the same nutritional benefit as Shakeology. And it was annoying to go to the store so much to keep getting fresh produce and berries to make the smoothies. Let's compare ingredients: Shakeology in ONE serving: - 1 bowl of exotic fruit - 4 cups of raw broccoli - 7 large carrots - 10 cups of raw cauliflower - 3 cups of romaine lettuce - 4 cups of raw mushrooms - 3 raw onions - 1 cup of peas - 4 cups of raw radishes - 4 cups of non-fat yogurt - 1 shoot of wheat grass That's just the basic ingredients! I know I was NEVER putting that much into my green smoothies..and superfoods? You can't even find all of them at one store. Want to know the healing benefits of the superfoods that are in Shakeology? Here's an awesome video that will explain how POWERFUL this drink is and why nothing compares to it being the HEALTHIEST MEAL OF THE DAY. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnYbixayDdU I'm amazed over and over again, the dieases and common problems that are helped by Shakeology. Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Chron's Disease, migraines, stomach problems, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, Asthma, Diabetes, etc and the list goes on! I know what I used to spend on spinach, berries, and other ingredients just to make green smoothies, and the price racks up. And that wasn't getting organic. $4 a day, for WAY more nutrition and 2 minutes to make is a no brainer..and tastes SO MUCH BETTER! Plus I can make cookies with it, add it to pancakes and oatmeal..I LOVE IT!

Do you know the AVERAGE COST PER DAY is between $10 and $20? That is crazy! Shakeology is only $4 per meal, plus with juicing you are only getting a fraction of the nutrients that are in Shakeology.

TO ORDER SHAKEOLOGY GO TO www.Shakeology.com/LindseyCrafton

Shakeology has Changed My Life

Shakeology has changed my life! I have heard countless stories of what Shakeology has done for people. It is the MOST nutritious meal you can ever have--all natural, with no chemicals. No other shakes, drinks, meal replacements, etc. compare--I've done the research. For me, I can't remember a time when I haven't struggled with migraines. I have gone to the hospital, been in bed for days, thrown up, literally not been able to stand up, etc. I have been this way for YEARS. I finally went to a doctor over a year and a half ago and was put on daily Verapamil. I would take Imitrex on the days that I did get a migraine. The insurance company only allows 9 Imitrex per month though. Every month I would max them out and I would have taken all of them before the month was up. Since taking Shakeology, I have never taken all 9. I ONLY have a migraine when I don't get a good night sleep. I no longer have unexplainable, random migraines. For me, this is ONE of the many benefits I have had from Shakeology. I can't imagine not drinking it daily. It literally has changed my life.

EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SHAKEOLOGY LindseyCrafton@gmail.com
OR Friend request on Facebook Lindsey.Crafton

TO ORDER SHAKEOLOGY GO TO www.Shakeology.com/LindseyCrafton

Easy Tostadas

I LOVE to cook, but I don't have time to make time consuming meals. The real reason, is I don't like to clean up! I would cook all day if I didn't have to clean up. The other night I couldn't decide what to make for dinner so I just started boiling chicken but I didn't know what to make with it. I always have fresh vegetables in my house so I knew I had to incorporate those. One of my favorite foods is avocados, but I feel like I have to wait forever for them to ripen. I had about 3 avocados that just were ready to eat and I was so excited to eat them! So what meal can I make with chicken and avocados?? ---TOSTADAS! While the chicken was cooking, I cut up tomatoes, lettuce, black olives and avocados. After the chicken was cooked, I quickly tossed it in my Ninja blender to shred it. Then I put it back in the same pan (less dishes!) and added lime juice, a little taco seasoning (I'm going to start making my own), black beans, salsa and a little bit of water. I let it simmer together and voila! Instead of sour cream, I use greek yogurt. It tastes pretty much the same, but so much healthier! I'm not a gourmet cook, by any means. I just love nutritious, easy meals.

Why I BLOG

Why do I have a fitness blog? I'm not an "expert", BUT I can say I've done a lot of research and I know what works for ME. I'm putting it out there that you can do it too! I'm not into quick fixes--they aren't healthy and the weight just comes back. My husband did HCG FOUR times and needless to say, it's not healthy. I started my weight loss/fitness journey by being introduced to a "challenge pack" which is a workout program and Shakeology. I am not paying it forward because it worked for me--in a healthy way. It it's not your time to make a lifestyle change or you found something that works for you--great! I'm posting on my blog to motivate people that if I can do it--so can YOU and I have tools that can help. It's as simple as that.

Want to learn more? Email me at LindseyCrafton@gmail.com or friend request me at Lindsey.Crafton

I can be your FREE coach, click JOIN on BeachBodyCoach.com/LindseyCrafton