Turkey Meatballs

Alright friends, I had to share this one with you. I have tried a different turkey meatball recipe before and could not stand to eat it. Turkey meat is so good for you, yet I can not stand the taste of it. When I cook with it, its usually in tacos that has sauce & seasoning to cover up the taste.              

So, I found this recipes and thought "why not give it another shot?"                                              

Have at it my friends!

Total Time: 6 hrs. 22 min.
Prep Time: 20 min.
Cooking Time: 6 hrs. 2 min.
Yield: 6 servings, 3 meatballs each

Ingredients:
1 lb. raw 93% lean ground turkey
½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt), divided use
½ tsp. ground black pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ cup whole grain panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes, crushed
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves

Preparation:
1. Combine turkey, ¼ tsp. salt, pepper, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and cheese in a large bowl; mix well with clean hands.
2. Roll mixture into eighteen 1½-inch meatballs. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add half of meatballs; cook, turning occasionally, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until meatballs are browned on each side. Place browned meatballs in a 3-quart slow cooker.
4. Repeat with the remaining meatballs. Set aside.
5. Add onion to same skillet; cook, over medium-high heat, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
6. Top meatballs with cooked onion, tomatoes, oregano, and remaining ¼ tsp. salt; cook, covered, on low temperature for 5 to 6 hours, stirring once or twice.

XOXO,

SJB

Independent Beachbody Coach

The Master's Hammer & Chisel is officially LAUNCHED!

What is The Master’s Hammer and Chisel™? 

I am going to first tell you that this program is going to be a GAME CHANGER!!!  I haven't been this excited in quite some time!  I counted down the hours until I was able to buy it TODAY!  I have access On Demand to get the workouts and the nutrition guide and program manual even before it arrives on my doorstep.  So if you are just as excited as I am make sure you get the challenge pack which comes with 30 days of On Demand so you can access it right away!!!  I am ready to get hammered and chiseled for the new year!  HECK, if I can stick to this program in December and have all of you for accountability and support we are NOT going to be setting New Year's Resolutions to get in shape! We are going to be rocking out NEW GOALS! 

ARE YOU IN!?!?!
I'm kicking off my EXCLUSIVE HAMMER AND CHISEL TEST GROUP on December 14th.  You gotta make sure you are included! 

So lets talk details!  Yup I'm about to get all technical on you, but I know that having all the facts helps so much!  HERE YOU GO!

For the very first time, trainers Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese have teamed up to create an expert program designed to help you craft a powerful, perfectly defined body. The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is an innovative resistance training system that incorporates three muscle-sculpting phases—Stabilization, Strength, and Power—or SSP Training. This is how Sagi and Autumn help you efficiently build, chisel, and refine a masterpiece physique in just 60 days.

About your Trainers 
Co-creators Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese are experts when it comes to incredible physical transformations. Sagi has been crowned Mr. Israel— twice—and is a Master Professional Personal Trainer, IFBB Pro, member of the IFBB Propta Hall of Fame, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist. Autumn Calabrese is a celebrity trainer, best-selling author, and working mom who has held certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA), and has competed at the national level in various bikini competitions.

What makes The Master’s Hammer and Chisel incredibly effective and unique? 

• The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is built on the three phases of SSP Training— Stabilization, Strength, and Power. Other workouts only focus on one or two phases, which might give you decent results. But The Master’s Hammer and Chisel program incorporates all three methods to help you relentlessly chip away fat and carve every muscle for a strong, visually stunning body in 60 days.

• 12 brand-new, 30- to 40-minute workouts that combine Sagi and Autumn’s proven techniques for 60 days of hardcore resistance training.

• Sagi and Autumn make eating for your goals simple. That’s why they included their easy-to-follow and completely customizable nutrition plan, along with 7 portion-control containers that show you how to portion out the right amount of food to help you reach your unique fitness goals.

• Flexible nutrition that allows you to lean out, sculpt and maintain, or build muscle.

• Includes options to adapt certain exercises if you have limited access to equipment. BONUS!

• Includes a modifier who demonstrates some moves at a lower intensity.

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Team Beachbody® Exclusive Workout: The Master’s Cardio 

Ever wonder what Sagi and Autumn’s favorite cardio moves are? Find out as they tag-team this challenging workout that will get you shredded fast!  You only get this workout when you purchase through a coach which is ME!! So if you don't have an account or a coach, make sure you go here and sign up!

MY SITE TO MAKE ME YOUR COACH~~~~  IT'S FREE

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Equipment needed 

A few dumbbells, a bench or stability ball, and a chin-up bar or resistance band with a door attachment kit.  I have the Bowflex adjustable weights and they range from 5 to 50 lbs. 

Other options:

1. Stability Ball 

2. Red Resistance Band 

3. Door Attachment 

4. 8-lb. Medicine Ball

Nutritional supplements

• Shakeology® is an important part of The Master’s Hammer and Chisel nutrition plan 

• Beachbody Performance™ for better endurance, stamina, focus, and recovery 

• ActiVit® Multivitamins

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What’s in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Base Kit?

Beachbody® On Demand 

When you purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and become a Premium Team Beachbody Club member, you’ll get unlimited access to Beachbody On Demand, where you can stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and hundreds of proven Beachbody workouts via any desktop, tablet, TV, or mobile device—wherever you have an internet connection. Just look for “Purchased Programs” on Beachbody On Demand to stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel workouts.

FAQ

Q. What’s included in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Challenge Pack?

• 12 workouts on 6 DVDs 
• A set of 7 portion-control containers and a shaker cup 
• The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide 
• Quick-Start Guide 
• 60-Day Calendar 
• 2 bonus workouts: 10 Min Ab Hammer and 10 Min Ab Chisel
• 30 Day supply of Shakeology

Q. How does The Master’s Hammer and Chisel differ from Body Beast®?

Body Beast is a bodybuilding program that focuses on muscular hypertrophy. The Master’s Hammer and Chisel includes aspects of bodybuilding, but also focuses on improving endurance, power, agility, strength, balance, and range of motion to sculpt a tight, defined physique.

Q. How does The Master’s Hammer and Chisel differ from 21 Day Fix EXTREME®?

21 Day Fix EXTREME is a shorter, goal-specific program, whereas The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is a full 60-day program with slightly longer workouts. 21 Day Fix EXTREME focuses on getting you shredded, while The Master’s Hammer and Chisel also helps you improve other aspects of your fitness, such as muscular endurance, power, strength, and agility. It’s a whole new approach to getting you ripped. 

Q. What equipment do you need for The Master's Hammer and Chisel?

• A few dumbbells of various weights appropriate to your strength and fitness level. 
• A bench or stability ball. 
• A chin-up bar or a resistance band and a door attachment.

Q. How does The Master’s Hammer and Chisel nutrition plan compare to Body Beast, 21 Day Fix®, and 21 Day Fix EXTREME?

Like the nutrition plans in 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix EXTREME, The Master’s Hammer and Chisel uses the portioncontrol container system. However, it is tailored to meet your specific goals and the nutritional demands that a challenging body-sculpting program like The Master’s Hammer and Chisel requires.

Q. Can you customize The Master’s Hammer and Chisel nutrition plan to meet your unique goals?

Yes! If you want to gear your nutrition toward building more muscle (a surplus), or toward shredding fat (a deficit), you can use the Nutrition Plan Quiz to recalculate your calories to help you reach your goals.  Plus as your coach that is my job to help you navigate the nutrition plan to get the very best results possible!!!  I'm going to be sharing my meal plan my nutrition guide and all my tips that will help you get the best results possible.

Q. How do the calorie charts for The Master’s Hammer and Chisel work?

The Nutrition Plan Quiz included in the program and nutrition guide will determine your appropriate calorie chart based on your goals. Like the calorie breakdowns in 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix EXTREME, the ones in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide also include the number of color-coded, portion-control containers your bracket requires each day to meet your goals.

Q. How does the 60-day calendar work?

The Master’s Hammer and Chisel program is a 60-day rotation of hardcore strength training built on the three phases of SSP Training—Stabilization, Strength, and Power. Sagi and Autumn strategically structured these workouts to train in all three phases efficiently, so following the calendar is important. 

Q. How does the Beachbody Performance™ line fit in to the program?

Because these workouts are so demanding, we highly recommend you consider adding Beachbody Performance supplements to your regimen to help support your energy, muscle-building, and recovery.* Instructions for incorporating Beachbody Performance into your nutrition regimen are included in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide.  Check it out here!

Q. Is there a Team Beachbody exclusive if customers order The Master’s Hammer and Chisel through me?

Yes! Customers who purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel through you will get a FREE bonus workout—The Master’s Cardio (a $19.95 value)! 

When Sagi and Autumn want tough, fat-chiseling cardio, The Master’s Cardio DVD includes their go-to moves. Short, but intense, this workout boosts aerobic capacity, power, and muscular endurance—without impacting your lean-muscle gains.

Q. Can I stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel workouts? 

Yes! If you purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and become a Premium Team Beachbody Club member, you’ll get unlimited access to Beachbody® On Demand, where you can stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and hundreds of proven Beachbody workouts via any desktop, laptop, tablet, TV, or mobile device—wherever you have an internet connection. Just look for “Purchased Programs” in Beachbody On Demand to access The Master’s Hammer and Chisel.

Q. Is there a The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Challenge Pack? 

Yes! It contains The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Base Kit, your first 30-day supply of Shakeology® Home Direct, and a FREE 30-day premium trial membership to the Team Beachbody Club where you can stream your workouts anywhere with Beachbody On Demand.**† 

There is also The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Performance Pack that contains The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Base Kit, your first 30-day supply of Beachbody Performance Energize and Beachbody Performance Recover, and a FREE 30-day premium trial membership to the Team Beachbody Club where you can stream your workouts anywhere with Beachbody On Demand.‡†

Challenge Pack price: $180 

Performance Pack price: $180 

To get your challenge pack click here.  Get The Challenge Pack NOW {DECEMBER 1st}
Follow me on FACEBOOK for the exclusive launch times!

When you purchase your challenge pack make sure you send me an email at sjbender11@gmail.com if I am your coach so that you are enrolled into my exclusive Test Group for Hammer and Chisel where I will guide, direct and mentor you every step of the way!

ARE YOU IN???  ARE YOU GOING TO GET HAMMER AND CHISEL??  COME ON, LETS DO IT TOGETHER!  ACCOUNTABILITY AT ITS FINEST!!!

Let's get HAMMERED!!!

Chat with you soon!

XOXO,
SJB
Beachbody Coach

Shakeology Bark: 21 Day fix APPROVED

Shakeology Bark

Makes 1 serving

21 Day Fix Portion: 1 red and 3 tsp

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
• 1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

Directions

1. Line a bread pan with tinfoil. It makes it easier to remove the bark — and you can fold it up in the foil like a REAL chocolate bar.
2. Melt 1 Tbsp coconut oil in a bowl.
3. Slowly add in 1 Scoop of  Chocolate Shakeology. Stir until well mixed.
4. Pour mixture into the tinfoil-lined pan.
5. Freeze until hard.
6. Store in airtight container in the fridge.

Consider adding peanut butter, crushed nuts, fruits, shredded coconut or sea salt for variations. But, be sure to update your container count, according to your additions.

Laundry 101: How to Clean Your Washing Machine (top loader)

Since I've been at home with my son, I have had the chance to do some of my Pinterest boards. About time right?!  

We inherited our washer from my parents when we moved into our new home 3 years ago and they had it for awhile before then so this thing had never been cleaned. Our towels were getting a little gross so thought I would give this a try before stripping my towels. 

Getting your laundry back on track starts with just two items*:

• 1 quart of bleach (many tutorials went without the bleach step, if you’re concerned about using harsh agents in your laundry)

• 1 quart of white vinegar

* Some of you might be thinking: But wait, isn’t it dangerous to mix bleach and vinegar? The answer is yes, but we will not be mixing the two here. Read on …

Fill the empty washer with hot water, as if you’re doing a large load of laundry. Add the quart of bleach, and let the full machine run for one minute to mix up the bleach with the water. Open the top of the machine and let it sit, all bleach-y and full, for an hour. At the end of the hour, shut the cover and let the machine run a complete cycle. (The water will drain out all the bleach, so it won’t have a chance to mix with the vinegar.)

When it’s done, start again. This time, when you fill the washer with hot water, add the quart of white vinegar to the water and down the bleach channel and let the machine run for a minute to agitate the water and vinegar. After that minute, open the top of the machine and again, let the hot water sit in the basin for an hour before you let the cycle complete.

This has been a game changer in my washing. It worked like a charm!

If you try it, let me know!

XOXO,
SJB
Diamond Beachbody Coach 

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

I am so excited that I found a oatmeal recipe I LOVE! With having no time in the morning to cook a gourmet breakfast anymore, this is great since I can make this the night before and let it sit in the fridge until the next morning.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats

1/3 cup almond milk

1/4 cup low fat greek yogurt

1 1/2 teaspoons dried chia seeds

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon honey

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or enough to fill the jar.

In a 1/2 pint jar or 1 cup jar put in the oats, milk, greek yogurt, chia seeds, cinnamon and honey.  Put the lid on and shake that up!  Open up the jar and add in the applesauce to the top, cover and shake.  Refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days. Eat chilled!

If you try it, let me know what you think!

XOXO,
SJB
Independent Beachbody Coach 

Spiced Nuts

These cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne spiced nuts are sweetened with a touch of honey. This light snack with only 103 calories per serving.

Total Time: 40 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 30 min.
Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients:
¼ tsp. ground cumin
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground cayenne pepper
½ tsp. coarse sea salt
1 large egg white (2 Tbsp.)
2 Tbsp. raw honey
2 cups mixed raw nuts
Nonstick cooking spray

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 325° F.
2. Combine cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside.
3. Combine egg white and honey in a small bowl; whisk to blend.
4. Add nuts to egg white mixture; mix until nuts are well coated.
5. Sprinkle a small amount of spice mixture over nuts, toss to coat. Repeat until all of spice mixture has been used.
6. Place nuts on baking sheet, lightly coated with spray; spread into a single layer.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Source: http://www.teambeachbody.com/teambeachbodyblog/nutrition/spiced-nuts

Beachbody Performance Supplement Line

What is Beachbody Performance Supplement?

The news broke a couple of months ago that this summer not only will Shawn T be releasing a new workout but also Beachbody will have a new line of nutrition performance supplements. YES!!  It’s going to be like a one stop shop like GNC however with SUPERIOR QUALITY and clean ingredients.  This is designed for those of you that are intense on your workouts runners, those that use crossfit, and of course people just like myself that enjoy working out from home but making it intense and count while the kids sleep early in the morning. 

• An easy-to-use, complete supplement system that's guaranteed to boost your workout performance and help accelerate the results from any fitness program.

• It's designed by Harvard-trained scientists and combines the latest cutting-edge science with the most effective performance-boosting ingredients from nature.

• Every ingredient is thoroughly tested and scientifically shown to enhance performance and recovery.

• There are 5 unique formula Energize, Hydrate, Recover, Recharge, and Creatinethat can be used alone or easily customized depending on your fitness goals or needs.

• It will help you overcome any obstacle—from low energy to muscle soreness—so you can push yourself harder in every workout.

What's included in the Beachbody Performance line?
The system has four powder drinks formulated with key ingredients scientifically shown to be effective.

BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE ENERGIZE PRE-WORKOUT (Lemon Spark Flavor) - Improves intense exercise performance, increases energy and endurance, and sharpens focus, and reaction time.

BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE HYDRATE DURING-WORKOUT (Citrus Cooler Flavor) - Supports hydration during exercise, replaces electrolytes lost during exercise, fuels working muscles, and improves endurance.

BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE RECOVER POST-WORKOUT (Chocolate Chill Flavor) - Speeds muscle recovery, promotes lean muscle synthesis, combats exercise-induced muscle soreness, and improves muscle strength recovery.

BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE RECHARGE NIGHTTIME (Vanilla Dream Flavor) - Supports overnight muscle recovery, improves overnight adaptation to exercise, promotes lean muscle synthesis, and reduces muscle breakdown.


 
PLUS: BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE CREATINE - This add-on has no flavor and mixes well with the Post-Workout formula to improve high intensity exercise performance, increase muscle strength and power, and enhance the effects of resistance training.

To find out more details about the release of this new line please sign up for a free account with me as your coach by clicking the image below! 

Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Here is a really great refreshing salad that is perfect to accompany your lunch, dinner or a side dish for a get together. This recipe is from the Ultimate Reset and it is one that accompanies our family dinners and lunches quite often!!

Ingredients:

•1 English cucumber, half peeled in alternating strips, sliced in thick half-moons

•1/4 small container ripe plum or cherry tomatoes, each cut in half.

•1 tbsp chopped red onion

•2 tbsp red wine vinegar

•1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

•1 tbsp lemon juice

•2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

•1 tbsp chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

•1 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves

•Himalayan salt (to taste)

•Herbal seasoning (to taste)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss well.

Serves 1.

So you would have to quadruple it to feed multiple people! :)

XOXO,
SJB
Independent Beachbody Coach 

Honey Dijon Chicken with Steamed Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

This dinner is sure to please! It is easy to make and very tasty.

Four 6 oz, chicken breast halves
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. parsley flakes
Salt, to taste

4 cups broccoli
4 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese
Garlic salt, to taste

Directions: Mix Dijon mustard with honey, add parsley flakes and salt.
Coat a 6-oz, chicken breast half in the mixture. Cook on a grill for about 7 minutes on each side(or until chicken is fully cooked) can put in oven for 20-25 at 350 degrees. 
Steam 4 cups of frozen or fresh broccoli and top with 1 Tbsp, olive oil, 2 tsp, garlic salt and 4 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese.

Makes 4 servings
Nutrition Info: Calories 349/ Protein 41g/ Carbs 21g
                         Total Fat 12g/Fiber 1.5g

ENJOY!

XOXO,
SJB

The Fixate Cookbook Launch!

    The Fixate Cookbook Launch! 
 In  July, Autumn Calbrese, creator of the 21 Day Fix is launching a new cook book called Fixate.  It will inclue 101 Fix friendly recipes! 

Fixate will teach you how to make healthy, delicious meals that fit into your busy lifestyle. And every recipe includes container equivalents to use with 21 Day Fix, as well as nutritional information you can use with any Beachbody^® fitness program. So what, inspired Autumn to assemble this culinary masterpiece?

Each of the recipes comes complete with detailed instructions, mouthwatering photos, nutritional information and container equivalents. What's more, Autumn has added icons to each recipe that will let readers know if they are paleo, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian. 

 Who this is for?
"This book is for everybody," says Autumn. "You don't have to be graduates of 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix EXTREME^®. You also don't have to be a chef or great in the kitchen. It's for anyone who wants to make healthier versions of the foods they love."
According to Autumn, "Everyone will use the book differently. For some, it will become their "go-to" cookbook they use every single day. Others may use it when they're going to a special event like a barbeque or party."
And in addition to all the amazing recipes, Autumn has also included a detailed checklist for her absolute must-have kitchen and pantry staples, as well as the basic utensils and tools that every cook needs.

What to Expect:

Inside Fixate you'll find a section for every possible meal you can imagine: simple breakfasts, on-the-go lunches, sit down dinners, soups, salads, as well as healthy snacks like kale chips and protein bars. 
Autumn insisted that all the "on-the-go" lunch recipes be easy and fast for working moms. "I based all of the lunches off leftovers from dinner and even breakfast," she reveals. "I turned them into delicious, easy-to-make lunch recipes." Autumn adds, "I also included a few of my favorite Shakeology recipes—even some Fix-approved skinny cocktails."
And then there's the desserts. "I have a big sweet tooth so I was really pleased with them," she says. "I especially love the brownies (made with chick peas), peanut butter cookies and cake recipes, and the desserts are all gluten-free so absolutely everyone can enjoy them."


I am so excited for this to launch. Stay tuned!

XOXO,
SJB
Independent Beachbody Coach