Win the 21 Day Fix or Fixate!

Win the 21 Day Fix or Fixate!
  ​Announcing....dat da da da!....SPARKLE IN JULY! It's time to CELEBRATE!! What is it you ask? Well I am so glad that you asked! lol August 2nd is my Beachbody Coaching 2 year anniversary! Yay me! I have had the opportunity to help a lot of peeps...mostly women...start and continue on their health and fitness journeys and it has been incredible. Now I want to CELEBRATE!!! How? Well, I want to celebrate by doing a giveaway. The way it is going to work is this. I am going to do a point system for an entire month...yup one month...and announce the winner on my anniversary!Here is how you earn points...Oh wait. I bet you want to know what the prize is right? Well...there will be two prizes. I started ALL of this, my own fitness journey with Beachbody and in essence because of the incredible progress I got my coaching journey as well from Autumn Calabrese and the 21 Day Fix. So the grand prize will be, drum roll please....a copy of the 21 Day Fix!The second prize will be a copy of Autumn's amazing cook book FIXATE with a set of containers!
Now I can hear your gears turning wondering how you can possibly be the winner, it's ALL based on the point system. And like I said I will announce the winners on August 2nd! Point system...5 points...Sign up with me as your coach (for those of you already signed up, you are grandfathered in and already have the points ;) ) 10 points...Sign up for a club membership 20 points...Join a challenge group 25 points...For any order placed in the month of July B O N U S P O I N T S50 POINTS....refer a friend or loved one to me, make sure they tell me you sent them 50 POINTS...sign up to join my team and help end the trend Alright, this starts now. Any questions? Let the games begin! PS Don't forget I have a FREE 7 Day Abs of Summer Challenge Starting on July 5th and I also have a Program required group starting on the 5th as well. It's not too late to join! Please remember this is just a fun way for me to celebrate my coaching anniversary. The most important thing here is that we have fun while we continue our journeys. :)
 
You can also contact me at darlenecaronfitness@gmail.com
#DarleneCaronFitness #SparkleInJuly #21DFX #EndtheTrend​

Fly into your new life with Darlene Caron Fitness!  <3
 

Thank you so much for the support and your interest in this blog!  If you haven't already, please make sure to check out Darlene Caron - Nutrition and Fitness where you can find more recipes, fitness tips, motivation and information on upcoming Health and Wellness Accountability/Challenge Groups that I offer.

**21 Day Fix Approved** Chia Pudding Parfait

Last night I decided to finally take the chia seeds out of the cupboard and try a recipe that I had found on the team beachbody website.  Chia Pudding Parfait.  I wasn't sure if I was going to like this one.  But I figured if I didn't I would chalk it up as a lesson learned and never buy chia seeds again. Every time I think of chia seeds, I remember the Ch ch ch chia commercial.  lol

Let me know what you think of it and if you have any other chia recipes.  I would definitely like to try some more. :)

This recipe was easy to make and very yummy!

Chia Pudding Parfait
The recipe calls for either Kumquats or oranges but I decided to use mango instead. :)

Yield: 4 servings, ½ cup each

Ingredients:
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
2 tsp. raw honey
½ cup chia seeds
½ cup low-fat granola
20 kumquats, thinly sliced (or orange sections) (reserve some for garnish) ( I used Mango instead. )  Or you could use any kind of fruit that you wanted to use.  My niece thought it would taste good with sliced bananas.)

Preparation:
1. Combine almond milk, honey, and chia seeds in a medium bowl; mix well.

2. Cover bowl; refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, mixing after 2 hours.
3. Before serving, layer chia seed mixture with granola and kumquats in parfait glasses.

If you are following the 21 Day Fix containers it is:
1 1/2 yellow 1/2 orange 1/2 purple

CRUSTLESS PUMPKIN PIE....21 DAY FIX APPROVED

After making custard, pumpkin and apple pie for my family for Christmas, it was certainly nice to have one that was a healthy choice for me as well.  I can't tell you how delicious this pie is.  I am so thankful that my friend Amee at inspiredhousewife.com decided to share this recipe.

Besides, let's face it, everything tastes better when it is pumpkin :)

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

3 large eggs
2 cups pumpkin
½ cup honey
1 cup almond milk
1 TBSP vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cloves

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Grease pie plate with coconut oil.
In a large mixing bowl,add in three eggs, pumpkin, honey, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ground ginger and cloves and whisk until mixed well together.

Add pie filling to the pie plate. Bake until the center is set and inserting a toothpick comes out clean.

21 Day Fix 1 slice of pumpkin pie = 1 purple container

This recipe is gluten free and refined sugar free.

Baked Banana Almond Oatmeal **21 Day Fix Approved**

Cook Time:30 Min Total Time:30 Min
Ingredients
· YELLOW - Steel Cut Oats
· PURPLE - Banana
· BLUE - Almond Slices
· FREEBIE - Cinnamon
· Optional: Drizzle Maple Syrup or Honey on top

Instructions
Cook steel cut oats per directions. I typically make a large batch on the weekends and cook for about 20-25 minutes on the stovetop.  Refrigerate portions as needed.

If you are eating it immediately, you can top it with banana slices, almond slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon (to your liking) and a little drizzle of natural sweetener (maple syrup or honey is best).

Bake in your oven at 425 for 5 minutes or until caramelized and slightly crisp.

* If refrigerated bake at 425 for 10 minutes.
Notes
21 Day Fix Optional: You can use 1 tsp of honey as a natural sweetener when on the 21 Day Fix. Honey is NOT allowed on the 21 Day Fix Extreme.

Enjoy!

Make the rest of your life the best of your life! <3

21 Day Fix REVIEW

On June 1, 2014 I started the 21 Day Fix. Autumn Calabrese is completely amazing and I fell in love with this program.  I love the variations each day. It was nice not to do the same work out over and over.

Each Sunday, my daughter would help me with the meal prep for the week.  I would fill each of the containers, put that food into baggies marked with what color coded container they went with, then put it all in a plastic shoebox in my refrigerator.

Every night, I came home from work and no matter how tired I was I would push play and work out.  The key to any program is making sure to push play.  At the beginning you may not feel like it, you may think I am too tired, too sore, too whatever.  But at the end there is the "post workout high" and I always felt great.

When I started my first round I made sure to be in a challenge group.  I joined my coach Amanda's group, June 21 Day Fixers.  The women were incredible.  They were so inspiring and every time that I even thought for a moment that I did not want to continue, I would read one of their posts and then push play.

My biggest problem in the past has always been finishing what I start.  I did finish this program and I sent my results to Beach Body.  They sent me a great tshirt which I wear with pride because I know that I didn't buy this, I EARNED it!

This is my truly amazing coach Amanda Smith, and of course me wearing my new 21 Day Fix tshirt. 

Love it!!!!

In 21 days I lost 6.8 lbs and 12.9 inches.  I was truly amazed.  This program was super easy, a lot of fun and I really do love the containers.

I did learn an lesson and that was the importance of taking photos.  Your goodbye photos (before photos) and then your hello photos (after photos).  One of the ladies in the group I am in came up with goodbye photos.  I truly love that. So from now on I am going to use that terminology.

Anyhow, make sure that you take your photos, and measurements so that you can see your progress when you finish any program that you do.

The 21 Day Fix is amazing and I did 2 rounds of it.  If you have any questions or would like help to start your journey, message me, I would love to help.

~ Darlene  

Get Autumn Calabrese's FIXATE cookbook FREE!

Did you know that September is Autumn Calabrese's birthday? Woohoo!

Maybe you don't know who she is...well, back in June of 2014, when I was at my absolute lowest, I decided to take a chance and try the 21 Day Fix. It was a last ditch effort to get healthy and lose weight! Not only did I lose weight, but I also learned how to control my portions! The 21 Day Fix was created by none other than, you guessed it....AUTUMN CALABRESE!

So, I decided to honor one of my favorite trainers and to help celebrate her birthday month.....

Drum roll please.....

Anyone who purchases a challenge pack or signs to be a coach (with me) gets a FREE Fixate cookbook! Want more information....comment below or send me a message!

Happy birthday to the amazing Autumn Calabrese! I can not wait for the sneak peek of your new program Hammer and Chisel to be on Beachbody on Demand starting in October!

If you would like to know more about the 21 Day Fix, Fixate, when my next group starts or how you can become a coach on my team, please comment below or find me at:  DarLean Fitness

1. Make the REST of your life, the BEST of your life! <3

Creamy Chicken Salad - Fixate Style

Are you looking for a fantastic supper idea that is quick, super easy and doesn't require much cooking on this hot summer day?

Check this out.  I had this today for my lunch and it was so good I just may have it for supper too!

This is from Autumn Calabrese's Fixate Cookbook.

Creamy Chicken Salad Wrap
1 1/2 Green, 1 1/2 yellow, 1/2 purple, 1 red, 1/2 blue and 1/2 orange

Ingredients:
3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken breast (boneless / skinless)
1/2 cup chopped green apple
1/2 cup seedless red grapes, cut in half
1/2 cup raw almonds
2 green onions, sliced
2 Tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
1/4 cup Honey Mustard Dressing (see below)
8 cups shredded romaine lettuce
 I used mine to make a wrap by using
1 8 inch sprouted whole grain tortilla and not serving it on a bed of lettuce. :)

Directions:
Combine chicken, apple, grapes, almonds, green onions, tarragon, and Honey Mustard Salad Dressing in a large bowl.  Mix well and then refrigerate (covered) for 2 hours.
Fold 1 1/4 cup Creamy Chicken Salad in the sides of the tortilla and roll the wrap burrito-style.

Honey Mustard Dressing:
** Serves 8 with 2 Tbsp per serving
** 1 Orange Container
1/2 cup reduced fat plain Greek yogurt
3 Tbsp Dijon mustard, gluten-free
3 Tbsp raw honey
3 Tbsp rice vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Sea Salt to taste (optional)

Directions: Combine yogurt, mustard, honey, and vinegar in a medium bowl and mix well. Slowly add the oil, whisking constantly until well blended.

Delicious! :)

If you would like to find out more about the delicious recipes in Fixate, join a fitness or clean eating challenge group or even would like to know what being a beachbody coach is all about you can either leave a comment below, send me a message or find me at :  DarLean Fitness

Make the REST of your life the BEST of your life!

21 Day Fix Baked Banana Almond Oatmeal

Baked Banana Almond Oatmeal

Cook Time:30 Min Total Time:30 Min

Ingredients

·         YELLOW - Steel Cut Oats

·         PURPLE - Banana

·         BLUE - Almond Slices

·         FREEBIE - Cinnamon

·         Optional: Drizzle Maple Syrup or Honey on top

Instructions

Cook steel cut oats per directions. I typically make a large batch on the weekends and cook for about 20-25 minutes on the stovetop. 

Refrigerate portions as needed.

 If you are eating it immediately, you can top it with banana slices, almond slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon (to your liking) and a little drizzle of natural sweetener (maple syrup or honey is best). 

Bake in your oven at 425 for 5 minutes or until caramelized and slightly crisp.

* If refrigerated bake at 425 for 10 minutes.

Notes

·         21 Day Fix Optional: You can use 1 tsp of honey as a natural sweetener when on the 21 Day Fix. Honey is NOT allowed on the 21 Day Fix Extreme.

Follow me at : DarLean Fitness

Beacause I'm Worth It! <3

21 Day Fix Extreme **RESULTS**

I can honestly say that when I first started this program I was very worried.  I had let my fitness go a bit, and really wasn't working out.  Which of course showed up on my waistline.

But...AFTER 3 weeks of doing the EXTREME, mostly modified,  I was very happy with my results.  I used the Extreme meal plan, by the way :)

I was very happy to lose 5.2 lbs and 13.5 inches!  I couldn't believe the results, especially where I modified everything. I even had a few times where I didn't eat the best.

Are you ready for the Fix?  Whether it is the regular 21 Day Fix or Extreme, I promise if you put in the effort and follow the eating, you will see results in 21 Days!

Have a question or want to know more?  Want to join one of my accountability groups?  Contact me on Face Book, comment below or send me an email.  

I love to meet new people. :)

                                                                         Let's talk :)

21 Day Fix Pumpkin Pizza

Today I decided I was going to start trying some different healthy recipes.  The first of many that I will review is Pumpkin Pizza. ( I got this recipe from the recipe section on teambeachbody.com.)

21 Day Fix -  2 Green 1 Yellow per slice

To make the Pizza Dough"

1/4 oz active yeast

1 cup warm water

2 tsp sugar

3 - 3 1/4 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp sea salt

2 tsp olive oil

nonstick cooking spray

1. Put yeast, water and sugar in a medium bowl.  Let it stand for 10 minutes or until it becomes foamy.

2. Combine 3 cups of flour and salt in a bowl.  Add flour mixture to yeast mixture. Mix by hand until mixture doesn't stick to your hands.   Add more flour as needed.  Roll dough into a ball and brush with 1/2 tsp oil.  Place in a bowl and cover with a towel.  Let it rise for 2 hours.

3.  Punch down the dough to remove air, knead and roll into a ball.  Brush with 1/2 tsp oil.  Place in bowl and cover with a towel.  Let it rise for 2 more hours.

4.  Preheat oven to 450.

5.  Roll dough until it isn't stretchy anymore.  Let it rest for 5 minutes. Roll out to 10-12 inches and about 1/2 inch thick.  Lightly coat the baking stone with oil and place dough onto it.

6.  Brush with remaining 1 tsp oil.

To Make the Pizza:

1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree

3/4 tsp curry powder

2 Tbsp low sodium organic vegetable or chicken broth

1 tsp olive oil

2 cups chopped kale, stems removed

1 medium red onion, chopped and caramelized

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1. While pizza dough is resting, combine pumpkin, curry powder and broth in a bowl.  Set to the side.

2.  Heat oil in a medium skillet over med. high heat.

3.  Add kale, cook while stirring frequently for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the Kale softens.  Set to the side.

To Caramelize Onions:

Heat 1 tsp. olive oil in medium pan. Add the chopped onion; cook while stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes. Once onions begin to brown reduce heat to low. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until onions are brown.

4.  Spread the pumpkin mixture on the pizza dough within 1/2 inch from the edge.

5.  Top with kale and onion.

6.  Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

7.  Top with feta cheese.

When I first took a bite, it was a unique flavor.  The pumpkin with curry was a lot different than anything I had tasted before.  Once I took a few bites it the flavor started to grow on me.

I actually liked this, This was a good meal to eat on a colder fall night.  

Enjoy!

- Darlene

21 Day Fix Sweet Potato Salad

21 Day Fix Sweet Potato Salad

I made this salad for me and my husband and was delighted with how it tasted.   My husband even enjoyed it and said I should make it again.

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp lemon juice

1 /2 tsp pure maple syrup

1 dash of sea salt

1 tsp chopped fresh herbs (basil, oregano or parsley)

1 med baked sweet potato, peeled and cubes into 1/2 inch pieces

1 med green apple, chopped

1/2 med red bell pepper, chopped

1 stalk green onion, finely sliced

2 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro

4 cups fresh arugula

2 Tbsp chopped walnuts

Combine oil, vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt and herbs in a medium bowl; whisk to blend then set aside.

Combine sweet potato, apple, bell pepper, onion and cilantro in a large bowl; mix well

Drizzle dressing over sweet potato mixture, toss gently to blend.

Place even amounts of arugala on two serving plates; top each with sweet potato mixture and sprinkle with walnuts.

21 Day Fix containers used:

1 green, 1 yellow, 1 blue/orange container

Enjoy! :)

21 Day Fix Chocolate Shakeology Pie

Ok, so I won't lie, today I really didn't want to eat anything healthy.  I wanted the standard family tradition of pumpkin pie, custard pie, chocolate cream pie, banana cream pie, any kind of pie that didn't involve being healthy.

I decided that since I was trying to teach others how to eat clean that I would try a new recipe for a healthy Chocolate Shakeology Pie.  I was all for this until I heard I had to put Tofu in it.

Tofu?  Really?  In my PIE?  My first reaction wasn't pleasant.

It's funny because I have gone on cruises and tried escargot and frog legs.  I actually pride myself on trying new food each day on a cruise ship.  So, why was tofu any different?

This is 1 1/2 yellow and 1 blue/orange container.

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp nonfat milk
1 (12 oz) container of firm (or silken) Tofu
2 scoops Chocolate Shakeology
1/2 cup all natural peanut butter

(I was suppose to use a whole wheat graham pie crust, but after I finished the filling I realized I didn't have everything to make it :(  )

Preparation:
1.  Place milk, tofu, Shakeology and peanut butter in blender, cover.  Blend until smooth.
2.  Pour tofu mixture into pie crust, refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
3.  Cut into eight servings

I tried to blend this in my blender, but it was so thick that my poor blender was not having any of it.  So out came the mixer.

The brave men in my family are complete wimps and will not try this pie.  They have been stuffing their faces with pumpkin and banana cream pie.  I did try it and I have to say it was good.  If I hadn't made it, I would not realize that there was tofu in it.

It just tastes like my chocolate peanut butter shakeology drink that I have for breakfast each morning, just thicker.  YUM!

I guess I will survive my tofu experience.  But, if anyone out there eats tofu,  please tell me, do you drain it before you use it?  Maybe that is why my tofu mixture was so thick, because I drained it first.

Anyhow, enjoy!  I know I will.

                                    ~Darlene <3

21 Day Fix Extreme Week 2 Results

I am finishing up my second week of the 21 Day Fix Extreme today.  So, of course that meant I wanted to check my measurements.  But before I share them with you, I needed to make a confession.

This was the start of week 1

Friday I did not do my work out as I was getting ready for a huge event for my son on Saturday.

Saturday I woke up at 4 am took my son to Sanford for his All States Wrestling Championship.  He had already won first place in Class C States but ALL  States is the best of the best.  The top three in each weight class go to Andover Mass. for New Englands. He came in second place so in two weeks we are heading to Mass!

Anyhow, my eating was ok for most of the day, I had done my meal prep and had my handy cooler from 31.  I ate my salads and fruit etc, but by the end of the day I had a bagel with cream cheese, two muffins and two extra large pumpkin coffees from Dunkin.

We did not get home until 9:30, so of course that meant no working out last night either. :(

This morning I was very nervous about taking my measurements.  I was afraid with not working out for two days and eating  not quite clean food yesterday that I had blown it.

Ready for my results?
Starting weight - 177.4,     today - 171
Waist - 39.25                     today 36
Hips - 41.75,                      today - 40
Chest 40.5,                        today - 38.5
Right Arm 12.5,                today - 12
Left Arm 12.25,                today - 11.5
Right Thigh 23.5,              today - 21.5
Left Thigh 21,                   today - 21

So drum roll....in two weeks of doing the 21 Day Fix Extreme I have lost
6.4 lbs and 12.75 inches!

I am so proud of myself.  

There have been days when I thought I could have eaten better or pushed myself harder in my work out, but even with that, I look at my results and I am blown away by my progress.

I still have a week left before I take my final measurements and photos to submit to Beach Body for the challenge.  I want to lose a total of 10 lbs and 18 inches.  That is my goal for the three weeks.  So now it is time to get moving and fight for this last week.

I want to challenge you to stay motivated and reach for your goals.  Are you ready to start your health and fitness journey?

The journey is long, the journey is hard but the journey is ALWAYS worth it!