Slow Cooker Lasagna

 I am so excited to share this recipe with everyone. I made this last night so I could bring to lunch today and so happy I did. I have been craving lasagna for awhile now. This is PERFECT!! Must TRY! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Ingredients

 1 pound(s) uncooked 93% lean ground beef   

 1 small uncooked onion(s), chopped   

1 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced   

28 oz canned crushed tomatoes   

15 oz canned tomato sauce   

1 tsp table salt   

1 tsp dried oregano   

1/2 tsp dried basil   

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste   

1 cup(s) part-skim ricotta cheese   

1 1/2 cup(s) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided   

6 item(s) uncooked lasagna noodles, no-cook   

1/2 cup(s) shredded parmesan cheese, strong-flavored like Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano   

 

 

Instructions

•Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes; simmer 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

 

•Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together ricotta cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

 

•Spoon 1/3 of beef mixture into a 5-quart slow cooker. Break 3 lasagna sheets in half and arrange over beef mixture; top with half of ricotta mixture. Repeat with another layer and finish with remaining 1/3 of beef mixture.

 

•Cover slow cooker and cook on low setting for 4 to 6 hours. Remove cover; turn off heat and season to taste, if desired.

 

•In a small bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over beef mixture. Cover and set aside until cheese melts and lasagna firms up, about 10 minutes. Yields 1/6th of dish per serving.

 

Notes

•To boost your vegetable intake, add a can of zucchini in tomato sauce to the meat mixture. You can also add 2 cups of sliced shiitake mushrooms to the beef mixture.



ENJOY!

XOXO,
SJB
Independent Beachbody Coach

Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Bell Peppers

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! Watch out! This is was an amazing meal we had the other night. I found this on another coaches blog and had to give it a try.

This is a healthier take on the classic Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich.   This isn't a dinner that I would make weekly, but it's a nice change every once in a while. I made a couple extra for us to have for leftovers

(Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients: 
* 8 oz. thinly sliced roast beef
* 4 slices of Provolone cheese
* 2 large green bell peppers
* 1 medium sweet onion
* 6 oz Baby Bella mushrooms
* 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
* 1 Tbsp garlic - minced

* Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Slice the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the ribs and seeds.
3. Slice the onion and saute it, as well as the mushrooms on medium heat with olive oil, minced garlic, and a little salt and pepper.
4. Slice the roast beef into thin strips and add to the onion/mushroom mixture.  Allow to cook for about 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Place each pepper half in a baking dish, open side up.  Spoon the meat/onion/mushroom mixture evenly into each pepper.  It will be nearly overflowing.
6. Top each pepper with a slice of cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is golden brown.

ENJOY!

XOXO,
SJB
Independent Beachbody coach

Week 5; Block 2 Progress update

HEY!!! hope everyone's been well! This week was a little rough for me. My body is adjusting to this new workout routine BUT I'm still slamming the workouts in the ground. We've been outing our basement bathroom back together since we had to gut it last Spring, super exhausted this week.

I have skipped some workouts on days because my body is telling me to relax and take a break. So I will double up the next day so I don't miss a workout. My favorite new workout has to be Triometrics. Holy leg burning and shaking. I definitely felt that one the next day. I love being sore the next day. BEST FEELING TO ME! SO here is my lineup for this week:

MMX workout



Workouts for week 5:

Monday: Triometrics

Tuesday: The Warrior

Wednesday: X3

Thursday: MMX

Friday: Incinerator

Saturday: CVX

Sunday: Rest or Dynamix



I did my 30 day pictures and needless to say I was a little disappointed in myself. I have let myself go the past couple of weeks with the sweets, BUT I am back on track. I keep telling myself that I am a work in PROGRESS and SUCCESS doesn't happen overnight.

Here's my weekly meal plan for this week. I have tried new recipes and they turned out AMAZING.

I was very happy with this weeks menu. Anything you like on my menu, check under the recipes and you will find the recipe there. I also received my Shakeology HD shipment and it was the Neapolitan box. I tried the new Strawberry Shakology and it was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.                                   

 

 

 

 

Strawberry Shakology recipe:

1 cup water

1.5 cup of Almond milk

Ice

Whole banana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I mentioned earlier, this has been such an exhausting week for both my husband and myself. I am not letting that get in the way of reaching my goals. I have set crazy high goals for myself this year and I am ready to SMASH them! Until next week, Have a great weekend and Happy Superbowl Sunday!

 

XOXO,

SJB

Independent Beachbody Coach

21 Day Fix: what is it?

As you may have heard, the 21 day fix will be available February 3^rd. Everyone is going CRAZY over this! I can’t wait to purchase mine.  

 

So what IS the 21 day fix?

The 21 Day Fix program takes the guesswork out of weight loss. It's a unique portion-control system combined with easy-to-follow workouts that fit into anyone's busy schedule. Trainer Autumn Calabrese, shares her passion for food and fitness as she shows you how to make simple choices that add up to life-changing results.

 

How can you get your own copy?

For starters you can go to my site and create a free account which makes me your Beachbody Coach.  I will be hosting a 21 day FIX EXCLUSIVE TEST GROUP for individuals who would like the continued support, guidance, motivation and accountability to start and complete the workout program!!! 

 Do you want to be a part of the test group?  If the answer is yes, then send me an email at sjbender11@gmail.com The group will be a select few individuals who are ready to commit to 21 days of focus and intensity.  I will be there to walk you through the nutrition plan, to teach you how to plan it out, how to make it work for your lifestyle and to keep you accountable.  I won't let you fail!  If you invest in me, then I will invest in you!  The only cost is the cost of the challenge pack which includes everything you need to get started.  The 21 day nutrition guide, the program manual, the workouts, free shipping, discounted price and me as your coach for the accountability, support and guidance.  Let's make it happen! 

Exclusive TEST group:

I will be hosting an EXCLUSIVE group that will begin on February 17^th but with a week of preseason beforehand to get to know one another. I will be letting in 10 individuals into this TEST GROUP. This group is done through an online closed support group. That means that no one but the members of the group can see what is being posted. 

 



 

You are going to look amazing this spring and summer!  Why not start now!!  You will be the next TRANSFORMATION STORY!!!

 

If you would like to be considered for the 21 day fix test group please email me to reserve a spot in the exclusive group!

This group will begin on February 17th 2014.

 

XOXO,

SJB

Independent Beachbody Coach

 

 

 

Brushetta Chicken

This was a HIT at my house.

Salsa Topping:

• 6 medium Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Dinner is served.

Chicken Breast:

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

For Salsa, combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.  Cover and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

For chicken breast, combine all ingredients in a large ziplock plastic bag.  Shake to distribute well, seal, and marinate in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Preheat over to 350 degrees.

Remove chicken from bag; discard marinade.  Place chicken in glass baking dish.  Cover with foil and place in oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.  Serve with salsa on top; garnish with fresh basil leaves.  Also I love cheese so I add just enough fat free shredded mozzeralla cheese to taste!

This is served with some brown rice and fresh broccoli, or asparagus!!

For 1 piece of chicken here are the facts:Calories 201; Fat 7g, Saturated fat 1g; Carbohydrate 9 g; Protein 24 g; Fiber 2g; sodium 354 mg; cholesterol 62 mg

ENJOY!

XOXO,
SJB
Independent Beachbody Coach

Week 4: P90x3 Progress update

Wow, can’t believe were already at the end of month 1. This week is considered our Transitioning week. We’re going from BLOCK 1 workouts that have been the same since the first week to BLOCK 2

Workouts for this week are:

Monday: Isometrix

Tuesday: Dynamix

Wednesday: Accelerator

Thursday: Pilates

Friday: Agility X

Saturday: X3 yoga

Sunday: REST or Dynamix

Agility X at the lake

One thing I have never done before starting X3 was YOGA. I am not flexible by any means and thought I had some decent balance. Yoga definitely confirmed I am not flexible and I learned that I am off on my balance. So one of my goals I am setting for myself is to be able to touch my toes by the end of this program. THIS IS HUGE FOR ME.

Short story about my childhood. In elementary school they had different levels of awards in my PE class. I could never make presidential award because I could never hit the SIT & REACH at 33. I could never get my hands on the board.

Gorgeous view from the condo Saturday morning

Isometrix is another form of yoga, but is a little more intense. Great workout! Pilates is new this week so I am excited to try that as well.

One thing I have been doing, is if I skip a workout one night ill double up on another. This has helped me not miss any workouts.

 

Physical Changes:


I feel so GOOD!

I can start to see a difference in my body. My arms are getting stronger and my obliques are becoming more defined.

 

Next: My meal plan for this week. I have changed a few things. I had too many carbs on my diet before so I did alter that a bit with switching some snacks.

 

 

To give you an idea of what meal plan outline I am following if from P90x3’s Nutritional Guide they suggest while doing the 90 day workouts.

As you can see I love my SHAKEOLOGY. I normally switch it up between breakfast and lunch but this week it’s ALL lunch. It makes is easier during the week with my job and also on the weekends with errands.

I just switched my SHAKEOLOGY HOME DIRECT and ordered the combo pack with chocolate, vanilla, & strawberry. I cannot wait to try the new Strawberry flavor.

 

Are you currently doing P90X3 and do not have a coach? I can be your coach!! Create a FREE ACCOUNT and contact me to chat about how I can help you reach your health & fitness goals today!

 

Stay tuned for next week’s update! I will be starting Week 5 and a new Block of workouts.

 

 

This also happened at work this week. I was having a major sweet tooth and caved into our candy at work.

XOXO,

SJB

Independent Beachbody Coach

 

 

 

  

 

 

FREE Clean Eating group: Starting Januray 27th

I am so excited to put together this group. It will be short and sweet.

We will be learning the basic to:

• clean eating
• tips & tricks that have helped me succeed
•  meal planning

The reason why I wanted to put this together is because I know money is a factor when it comes to weight loss and making a life style switch but also I LOVE to talk to people about clean eating. My passion is to help others better themselves.

This session will be starting January 27th.

If this is something that interests you, please email me at sjbender11@gmail.com and we can get you added to the group.

XOXO,
SJB
Independent Beachbody Coach