New Website Launch Day!!

Well the day is finally here!  After months of hard work, time, effort, energy and love - I'm super proud to announce that Heather C Dalton, my new website, launches today!

I wanted to create a place where women could go to tap back into their inner warrior.  A place to again reconnect and find mind, body, soul balance.  It's also a place where live liver donors can go to receive the support and resources they need for their epic, life changing journey!

I will be sharing great blog posts, upcoming events, success stories, tips, tools and lots more!  Please come on over, check it out and sign up to receive my weekly news letter.

Please click here to be sent to the new site!  See you there :)

The New Website Launches on Monday

After a lot of time, effort and energy - I'm proud to announce the new website if finished and will be launching this Monday the 5th! 

That's right this coming Monday!  This has been such a labor of love and I'm so pumped to share it with all of you!  Check back here Monday for launch details.

What Do You Mean I'm Human?

Well as many of you now know, I donated half of my liver to my step father on 1/26/15.  Since then, I really can't complain about anything progress wise because I am doing great!  They say when you hit that 2 month mark you feel like a new person and boy were they right!  I noticed so much happening at that 2 month mark.  I noticed myself getting stronger, a lot more energy, more clarity, increased endurance ... I was really just starting to feel like ME again! 

With that being said, I have still really been listening to my body and taking it one day at a time.  I started easing into my workouts at the 5 week mark, but they were very gentle and modified.  I never pushed myself past my limits or went against the advice of my doctors.  I knew where my limitations were so I pushed them slightly but never in a reckless manner.

Each week, I push myself a little more and have been on a really great path - feeling just a little stronger everyday.  My surgery was done laproscopically, so my abdominals were not cut and I've never had any issues with my incision, so in these aspects, I've been extremely lucky!  I've had no issues with doing any of my kick boxing workouts, interval training or hiking.  Believe it or not, the most challenging practice to get back into has been my yoga.  So many people think yoga is really gentle and it should be easier then those other high intensity workouts but I beg to differ!  Yoga is an incredible workout for strength and flexibility.  Every move focuses on your core and toning your body.  The core work, bending and twisting has been where I really need to listen to my body, modify and go at MY pace.  With that being said, yoga also makes me feel my best!  It helps me to connect to myself and reduce pain I have from other issues.  It really helps me on all levels, so I've been eager to get back to it. 

On Saturday, I completed a great yoga session that had me feeling wonderful and I went on about my day.  I was out all day walking around and felt completely fine.  That night I came home and was sitting on my couch doing some work on my computer.  Out of no where I started to get a good amount of pain around my incision.  Even though I had done yoga hours ago, it was showing up now.  I'm sure it was from all of the stretching and there being some scar tissue present that I need to work through. 

Since I haven't had any set backs like this, it was a humbling reminder that my body is still very much healing and I need to respect that.  I've backed off my activity, other then some minor walking, for a few days so I can focus on healing.  I received the message loud and clear :)

It's also time to brag about some very special challengers - who made some really great progress last week!!  You guys know me, there is nothing I love more then to brag about the people around me who are working really hard to change their lives!!  Nothing is more inspiring to me :)  This week we celebrate these 3 incredible women:

* Ashlie - Dropped 1 whole pant size!  Ashlie has been working so hard to implement healthy habits into her life and also eliminate others that are no longer serving her.  She walked a total of 15 miles this week and has also been putting a lot of time into getting her vegetable garden ready.  Nothing better then being able to go into your backyard to pick your fresh produce!  Keep up the awesome healthy work girl! 

* Tianna - Yep this isn't the first time you're hearing her name lately and certainly not the last!!  Tianna is charging her health right now after having her precious son in October.  I admire T so much because she has really not had an easy road.  She had a rough pregnancy, and a rough post partum.  She is working through a lot of health obstacles to get back to feeling like her again ... and even more awesome :)  She is following her meal plan, getting in her workouts and plugging into her accountability group and is now down 8.7lbs!!  Girl you are KILLING it and I'm SO proud of you!!

* Aimee - Last, but definitely not least, is Aimee.  Aimee has my heart this week, not gonna lie!  Aimee has been investing in herself big time!  She has seen a lot of progress but she has also seen a lot of frustration and self doubt.  She is getting to the root of what she needs to work on to free herself and that's the hardest work of all!  However, the hardest work is the most worthwhile and Aimee's hard work is starting to pay off!  She just started a new adventure with T25 and is loving it!  She is also eating well, investing in her personal development and checking in with her accountability partner regularly!  She is setting herself up to win :)  I'm so proud of all of the hard work you've done to get her Aimee  - don't you ever stop!!

Are you wanting to create YOUR success story but don't know where to start, please reach out to me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com or Facebook.com/heather.dalton.754

You don't have to do it alone and it doesn't have to be so hard :)

Get Up, Get Outside and Get Curious

Today was another amazing Seattle Fit Club adventure day!  I just have to say, I'm totally in love with  this book that I bought, called Seattle Stairway Walks.

I figured it would be a great way to workout but little did I know just how cool it would be!  It's not only an awesome workout but it's been a great way to explore new parts of the city.  Every time I do one of these, I fall in love with this city even more.  There are so many hidden gems, secrets and nature throughout this big city.  I think today was my favorite one yet!  It was called the Mount Baker Loop.  It was a 2.4 miles, took about 1.5hrs and gave us 569 steps down and 372 steps up.  It was a great workout but what was even cooler were some of the views ... they were some of the best yet!!  If you'd like to see all of the pictures, you can do so on my fitness page at Facebook.com/coachheather312 

 

 

Have you ever experienced the feeling that you on the right path and on the verge of a life you've only dreamed of?  If you haven't, this lifetime is too short not to go for it!  What are you passionate about?  What do you envision when you allow yourself to dream?  What are the things you've always wanted to do?  Coming from someone who was on the complete wrong path and very self destructive - to now being someone who is this being who radiates health, love and light .... it's so worth it!  It's been close to 5 years of intense personal development and the willingness to get really uncomfortable in order to grow.  It starts with loving yourself and knowing YOU ARE WORTH IT!! 

Sending positivity and love to everyone reading this :)

 

If you are in the Seattle area and would like more information on my free fit club, please email me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com or send me a friend request at facebook.com/heather.dalton.754

We're going to be getting outside - doing some really awesome things this summer and we'd love to have you join us! 



Why I Absolutely Love Sundays!

There are countless reasons to love Sunday's right?  I know for me, Sunday's is a great day for me on so many levels.  Not only do I get prepared for my week ahead and set my goals for what I would like to accomplish, but more importantly, it's the day we celebrate our weekly success in my accountability groups.  I just LOVE hearing what awesome things the challengers have accomplished!  Yes we track our physical progress, but that's not all.  We track all kinds of success like:  If we get farther in our workouts, when we do a full burpee for the first time, how we feel in our clothes, if we get a compliment ... these are all awesome reasons to celebrate!!  Each week we celebrate our success, discuss our struggles and set a plan for the new week.

Each week I also like to pick a Challenger of the Week and do a spotlight on all their hard work!  This week is no exception.  This week I'm shining the spot light on a challenger that never gives up ... her determination is inspiring and infectious!  Her name is Jennifer and she is a rock star :) 
Jennifer is a hard working mom of two beautiful children, a daughter and son, and is an amazing wife as well.  She would be the first to admit to you that she is super busy and that definitely causes obstacles in staying on track with her health plan.  I'm sure you busy, working moms out there can relate!  You start off with the best intentions, then life happens and day after day you find yourself putting YOU last.  I'm so proud of Jennifer because she has really been investing in herself and the mindsets that go along with being successful and she just KILLED this last month!  She was on track the entire time with her fitness and her nutrition, had a great attitude and was committed to reaching her goals.  I have seen her work so hard over this past year on making progress and she made all kinds of that this month!  Because of all her hard work, she is down 9lbs!!  Girl I'm so proud of you and I can't wait to see what you do in April with this mindset.  Keep up the amazing work :)

 

 

It truly is the right combination of fitness, nutrition and support that is going to get you to your goals.  You can't just engage in one area and expect to get there and stay there.  Jennifer has been plugging into this system and seeing great success - right along with the rest of us :)  I joined my first accountability group, 4 years ago this month and haven't turned back! 

 

 

If you are looking to change your life on any level, it's important to have a plan in place.  I take on a mind, body and soul approach to coaching.  Where you start all just depends where you are currently at in your life.  I do run various online groups online, both health and mind, body & soul related, but I'm also excited to announce the launch of my new local, free health group called Strong in Seattle Fit Club.  I'm starting to get a bigger local posse and a bigger demand to get out there and start something we can do as a group, so this is what I came up with.  For anyone in the Seattle area, we are going to get together a few times per week and do various activities around the city.  I'm training for a 3 day, 18 mile hike in September so now through the summer I'm going to focus on stair training and hiking.  Did you know there are hundreds of stair routes in the Seattle area - I have a book and everything.  This will be a great workout, along with a great way to explore the city!  I'm also going to try to do one hike per week as well.  There will be weeks I may not be able to do both but I'm going to shoot for a minimum of one activity for the week.  It's a free group, anyone is welcome, and there are no commitments or obligations.  If you're interested, let me know and I'll add you to the Facebook group I've started.  Our first outing is this Wed where we'll be tackling an awesome stair/walking route.  Can't wait :) 

You can email me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com or send me a FB friend request at Facebook.com/heather.dalton.754  

 



My New Volunteer Adventure

Some of you may have seen my post on social media earlier regarding a meeting I was going to.  I also eluded to new things being on the horizon.  Let me start by giving you a little back story.  Volunteering has always been a part of my life and my nature.  I have done various things like candy striper at a hospital when I was younger, donating time at pantry's or soup kitchens, trips to donate time helping those less fortunate, outdoor work, etc. 

It was always irregular and very random because I was typically working a lot of hours and short on time.  When I started my business I told myself, "As soon as I'm able, I'm going to make volunteer work a regular part of my routine."  Not only does giving back help me to feel amazing but I also want to make an impact.  I decided in the Fall that it was time to start looking for somewhere I wanted to volunteer.  I knew I would wait until after I was healed from my surgery but I wanted narrow down some places I was interested in.  I looked at all different kinds of places and opportunities, but nothing called out to me.  I put out into the universe that I was looking for an opportunity and asked for guidance to point me  in the right direction.  Well a few weeks ago ... the answer came.

I was doing some research and stumbled upon something familiar from my past.  The more I started to dig and do some research, the more I realized that this opportunity really had everything I was looking for.  When considering opportunities I really wanted:  To be in a position to mentor and motivate others, teach others about health and wellness, make an impact on lives and the community, have the opportunity to get outdoors, have the opportunity to try new things and something that felt rewarding.  This opportunity had it all! 
The organization I will be volunteering for is .... Girl Scouts of America!  The meeting I had today was an area director and the girl I will be running a troop with.

 

 

 

This struck me as the right opportunity for a few reasons.  One, I was involved with this organization as a young girl and I have really fond memories, especially when my mom was my troop leader :)  I was a Daisy, Brownie and Girl Scout!  I remember we had a lot of fun but we also learned a lot and gained many life tools like:  Sharing, giving back, being independent, the importance of exploring, positive self image, etc.  What I love most about this organization is what it stands for and the message it's teaching young women.  Statistically speaking, girls who engage in Girl Scouts are less likely to engaged in bullying (on either end), have a more positive self image, are more independent, are happy and balanced, sociable, and much more.  Not only do they learn these skills at a young, impressionable age, but they carry them into life as young women who have the skills to change the world!  I am so excited to play a role in helping young women see that they are beautiful just the way they are, to approach the world with love, to be a unique individual and follow their hearts. 

I am looking forward to starting this new positive adventure!

 

I will be starting as a Daisy Co-Leader, which is making me nervous and I see as a good thing all at the same time lol!  I'm nervous because of the young age, they will all be kindergarteners!  What's good about it is, they will be too young to have any expectations :)  It will be a great opportunity to get my feet wet and learn.  Ultimately I see myself mentoring young women (middle school and up) and possibly getting involved in their journey's program, where they go on various adventures.   Exploring, mentoring, inspiring, giving back ... right up my alley!  Daisy's here I come ... wish me luck!!

 

 

 



Challenger Spot Light

This week I want to shine a light on someone I am so inspired by on so many levels!  
This weeks Challenger of the week is Carlos !! :)
Carlos is not only a challenger but he is a long time friend and holds a special place in my heart!

Carlos and I attended elementary school, middle school and high school together and I can honestly say he has never changed.  He's always had a huge heart and hung out with everyone, not just a particular group.  He is compassionate and caring for everyone! 

Carlos and I did not remain close friends after we graduated high school but just like many people, stayed in touch through Facebook (and probably even Myspace for a minute!)  When I became a health coach, I would reach out to him and let him know I was here to support him if he ever did want to start his health journey - although I never pushed him.  I followed him as he tried various things and I celebrated his successes when he had them.  One day he reached out to me and we connected on the phone.  We talked for well over 1 hour about the life he envisioned for himself and what he wanted to accomplish. 
I made a pact with him that day that I would support him and stand by his side until we reached that goal and together we haven't looked back!  What I admire most about Carlos is he NEVER gives up! Just like anyone else, he may have bad days or bad weeks, but he stays connected to why he is doing this and gets back on track!  We have set some awesome goals together and I have no doubt in my mind, that he will reach every single one of them!

Carlos has lost over 40lbs this past year and more importantly, is learning and implementing some healthy long term habits.  He is changing his life and inspiring those around him too. 
He wants to hit the 100lb weight loss mark by this summer and I KNOW he can do it!  Let's all get behind him and support him on this amazing journey.  I know I won't miss a moment of it :)

I'm behind you all the way buddy! 

What's the low down on sodium?

I'm sure you've heard lots of talk about being sure to read your food labels to monitor for sodium levels.  If you haven't, you're hearing it now and you really should!  So many processed foods are full of sodium, especially frozen meals.  Salt is used as a preservative so it typically higher in frozen meals or canned foods.  It doesn't stop there though, it's in everything!  So why should we care about our sodium levels?  Consuming higher levels of sodium will raise your blood pressure, aka hypertension, which is the leading cause of death, disability and cardiovascular disease.

So how much sodium should an adult consume per day?  Humans, 2 years and older, should not consumer more than 2,300mg per day (and yes you should be monitoring your children's food as well).   Guess what the average American consumes in one day .... 3,400mg!!  Wow - that's over 1,000mg over the recommended serving! No wonder cardiovascular disease and stroke are the leading cause of death and costing America nearly 4 billion dollars per year!
* Please note that if you fall into one of the following categories, you should only be consuming 1,500mg per day:  Over 51 years of age, African Americans of any age, people with high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease. 

Another place you will pick up lots of extra sodium is dining out.  Keep your dining out in check to avoid high sodium, calorie and fat levels.  Don't be afraid to speak up and ask for light sodium, butter or oils when you are dining out.  Most chefs will accommodate your requests. 

So we've covered recommended sodium levels per day, reading food labels and being conscious when dining out.  Now let's go in your home - what kind of salt do you use and have you ever looked at the sodium content?  For the longest time, I was reading food labels looking for sodium but not looking at the sodium on my salt - it didn't even dawn on me.  Hey we're constantly learning right!

Here's what I found out ...

Here is an ordinary, popular, over the counter table salt. The sodium is at 590mg, per 1/4 tsp.  Can you see how if you're trying to stay under that 2,300mg per day, it can start to add up real quick?

Here's another one.  This one is just a generic, store brand, table salt.  This one is not much better at 560mg per serving.

 

 

This next one I wanted to add because it's pretty popular right now.  Not only that but it has a lot of health benefits as well.  I'm referring to Pink Himalayan Sea Salt.  Where most salts dehydrate your body, this salt has benefits to it.  Some of these benefits include:  Rich in Iodine, creates an electrolyte balance, reduces PH, reduces acid reflux, promotes proper metabolism functioning, strengthens bones, lowers blood pressure, helps intestine absorb nutrients, improves circulation and helps eliminate toxins.  All of these awesome properties, and it sill comes in with a lower sodium content at 380mg per serving.

 

 

If you want the straight up lowest, best quality, table salt here it is.  At 280mg per serving, this comes in at the lowest sodium option.  You should be able to find this at most grocery stores and I believe I've seen it at Costco.  I did have to go to a nicer grocery store to find it.

 

 

 

 Hopes this helps everyone to be a bit more sodium conscious! 

Challenger of the Week & Why accountabiltiy rocks!

This weeks challenger of the week has accomplished SO much and is not stopping now!  This week we celebrate Aimee!  Aimee has lost 19.7lbs and 34.5" ... I mean WOW! Girl that's just incredible :)  I'm so beyond proud of you because no matter what you never give up.  She is following her fitness and nutritional plan to help her succeed.  She is also engaging in our online accountability group for motivation and support!  Aimee is working to find balance mind, body and spirit and she is committed to investing in herself.   She is dedicated and doing a lot of hard work.  That's the beauty about hard work though, it pays off :)  Keep up the awesome work Aimee!

I joined my first accountability 4 years ago this month and it completely changed my life!  I yo-yo dieted my entire life and gained and lost the same 30lbs over and over again.  It wasn't until I joined my first accountability group that I received the perfect combination of fitness, nutrition and support!  Up until then, I had no idea how to approach nutrition and thought that if I just worked out, it didn't matter how I ate.  Boy that couldn't be further from the truth!  Now I understand that good nutrition is the key foundation to having great health.  Still to this day, my accountability groups keep me on track and motivated.  I'm not one of those people that just jumps out of the bed pumped to go workout.  However, when I log into my online accountability groups and see everyone showing up and doing their best - it makes me want to show up and do my best too!  It encourages me to set a good example for everyone and it surrounds me with motivation everyday!  After 4 years, I still rely on them to help keep me on track.  I love interacting with all of the people in there because they are all working to better themselves.  We support, motivate and encourage each other to never give up - and that's such an awesome thing to be apart of!  Not only that but the groups are a great source of:  Tips, tools, recipes, advice and so much valuable knowledge to support everyone in reaching their goals.  It truly is about living a healthy lifestyle and never dieting again! What an amazing feeling that is :)

Team Inspire starts various health groups monthly.  If you'd like more info, please just send me an email at heatherchristine312@gmail.com and we can determine the best group for you.  Here's what's coming up ...

Current Groups

Biggest Loser Challenge - Enrollment Open

Team Inspire will be hosting a Biggest Loser Challenge to kick off April!  You will be paired with the perfect fitness and nutritional plan for YOU to get the best results you possibly can.  Not only will you have an awesome fitness and nutritional plan, to fit your needs but you will also have the amazing support and motivation from your online accountability group.

The person who loses the biggest amount of body fat, in 30 days, will win a fantastic prize!  Let's get ready for summer together!

Start date:  April 6th

We will also be kicking off the group with an optional 3 Day Refresh Cleanse to really optimize our results!  It's a super awesome way to drop a few excess pounds, gain energy, kick your cravings, eliminate toxins, revitalize you organs and give you a boost to start your your health journey.

This group will fill up fast so please message me if you would like to be added to list!  Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have as well.  Please email me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com and request to be added to the list.

Make  2015 your best year yet!!!

FREE 21 day Mind ~ Body ~ Soul course -

Starting the second Monday of every month

I'm hosting a free 21 day Mind, Body, Soul group that I'm so exited about!

I wanted to offer this because I am a healthy lifestyle coach and what I do goes well beyond losing weight or getting tone. I aim to support my clients in living a healthy lifestyle permanently. This in...cludes finding balance in mind, body and soul! You cannot just address one area, neglect others and expect for everything to be flowing smoothly in your life.

I want to help as many people as possible get on a path to living their best life

This course is going to contain tips that I have learned along the way, which have helped me to transform my life completely! You CAN live the life you have always dreamed, it's inside every one of us! These tools will help you radiate on a level that will allow you to start attracting what you truly want!

We will cover such topics as:  Making time for yourself, creating a vision for your life, de-stressing, expressing gratitude, finding balance, etc.

If you would  like more information or would like to enroll, please email me and we'll chat!

Heatherchristine312@gmail.com

 

The Word of the Day is Progress!!

Yes that's right, my word for today is progress!  Despite this cold still lingering on and on, I can feel myself starting to turn a corner.  I am still really congested and go through periods where I have very little energy.  Today was a little different though, today was special.  Despite my cold, I heard that little voice in the back of my mind saying, "It's time, today should be your first workout day!"  I knew my body would tell me when it was time to start easing back into it and today I got the message.

I wasn't sure which workout was going to call me first and it was one of my all time favs, PiYo!  For those of you who have never tried it before, it's a fun and dynamic combination of yoga and Pilates.  You're in constant movement and Chalene Johnson totally kicks your but.  I have been feeling the need to stretch and strengthen, so I figured this would be a good place to start.  I also really like that there is a great modifier that you can follow to meet your level, which was heaven sent and boy did I need it.  I modified just about everything and even made up a little on my own to compensate what I couldn't do.  I kept reminding myself that this is step one of what will be a whole lot of steps.  Just take one day at a time!  I also managed to get in 30 squats for a challenge my accountability groups are doing.  It felt really great to get back in with my groups and accomplish my first workout post surgery - no matter how modified the workout was!

 

I know I have to go slow and take baby steps to get back to where I was physically.  This journey is really going to force me to grow in the patience department.  It's also going to force me to learn a new speed, slow.  I am looking for all of the positive lessons I will learn from this journey and I'm looking forward to growing in those areas.  It was clear after todays workout that this phase of my journey is going to be slow going.  Today starts day one of my training to strengthen my body in many ways.  Today I start the physical journey ... I can do this!

 

 



 

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies!

I have a total sweet tooth and I love to bake, so I'm always looking for healthier alternatives.  I play with lots of different options including both vegan and gluten free.  Not only do I like to play with new recipes, but I also like to be able to offer my clients different options to suit their needs and style of eating.

I'm really bad with recipes because I tend to cook a lot from taste, heart and spur of the moment improvising.  So when people say, "That was amazing, can you make it again?"  My answer is usually, "Yes but most likely it will taste different."  Baking is a little different because it requires more precise measurements.  Recipes I try end up in 3 different categories:  1) I won't be making that again! 2) This was pretty good!  I'm gonna keep it with my other recipes (sometimes they get made again but most of the time not) and 3) Wow this is awesome I've gotta share it and I'll definitely be making this again!

Here are some category 3 cookies!  These can be gluten free and also have no butter or oil either. 

Try these awesome Healthier Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter* ( I use the kind you blend yourself at the store)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 tablespoons light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats (I use gluten free oats to make them gluten free)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips + chocolate chips (I use all organic dark chocolate chips)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. (My oven tends to run cooler so I bumped it up to 375)
2. In a medium sized bowl stir together the peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar. Do NOT warm up the peanut butter or the honey.
3. Add in the oats, salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
4. In a separate bowl lightly beat the egg and then add it to the mixture.
5. Stir in desired add-ins (I used a peanut butter and chocolate chip mixture), but you can use dark chocolate chips, raisins, craisins, peanuts, etc. to make these even healthier and more breakfast worthy.
6. The mixture will be thick and hard to stir. Continue stirring until combined and then use a cookie scoop to scoop out the dough. Press the dough very tightly in the cookie scoop to form the balls. Without a cookie scoop these tend to crumble.
7. If not using a cookie scoop you will have to work with the dough a little bit more by squeezing it into a ball.
8. Form the balls onto a cookie sheet and bake for 7-9 minutes. (Again my oven runs cooler so I had to add time to these.  I added 3 mins at a time and kept checking them)  Took them off when bottoms were browned.
9. Remove and allow to cool completely.

 

Enjoy! 



Which is better? Kale vs Spinach

I often get asked by my clients, "Which do you feel is better - spinach or kale? 

Both greens are bursting with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants!  Leafy organic greens, are among the most nutrient dense veggies you can go for.  Even though Kale is winning the super food popularity contest right now, spinach is actually a more concentrated source of nutrients, nutritionists say.

Kale contains 10% of your daily needs for 7 different nutrients, whereas spinach packs 10% of your daily requirements for an impressive 18 vitamins and minerals, including energy- boosting iron, bone enriching calcium and folate, a key vitamin for women of child bearing age.  Plus, with 5 grams of protein in spinach versus 2 in kale, so you'll feel fuller longer.
Spinach Recipe
I really like my spinach with an Asian flare!  Here is a simple spinach recipe!

*Bring your water to a soft boil
* Put in spinach and just blanch it (you will see it start to wilt and turn bright green).  This should only take 1-2 mins or so. 
* Remove and put in ice bath to stop cooking
* If you have a salad spinner use it and get as much moisture out of the spinach as you can.  If you do not have one, you will need to do this by hand.  You can use paper towel.
* When it's as dry as you can get it, toss it with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper (I also use toasted onion granules and garlic granules)
* Add raw garlic to taste (1-3 cloves)

One Pan Mexican Quinoa Recipe

Healthy, easy recipe alert! I love trying new recipes and I do my best to try at least one new recipe per week.  Sometimes they come together and I love them and other times I don't.  That's what cooking is all about though!  Get in the kitchen, experiment and have fun!  Try new things and expand your horizons. 

Here is a new recipe I tried tonight that I will definitely keep in the rotation.  It's really easy too so you could easily do this after working a long day.  This recipe would make great leftovers too.

One Pan Mexican Quinoa

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Yield 4 servings

 

What you will need ...

 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapenos, minced (if you like some heat)
• 1 cup quinoa (raw)
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

 

 

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and jalapeno, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder and cumin; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until quinoa is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Stir in avocado, lime juice and cilantro.
• Serve immediately.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

What do you want from the new year?

The new year is right around the corner!  Have you thought about what you would like to accomplish in 2015?  Now is a great time to start!

I will be starting to starting a list to keep track of who wants to enroll in our New Year Now You group.  This is going to be an amazing place to kick off the new year on the right foot!  In this group you can expect to receive:

* Support in setting your goals for the year

* Assistance in implementing a health plan

*  Education on nutrition

* Exposure to tools that will help you find balance mind ~ body ~ spirit

*  Support, motivation and inspiration

 

 

We will also be kicking off the group with an optional 3 Day Refresh Cleanse to really optimize our results!  It's a super awesome way to drop a few excess pounds, gain energy, kick your cravings, eliminate toxins, revitalize you organs and give you a boost to start your your health journey. 

 

This group will fill up fast so please message me if you would like to be added to list!  Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have as well.  Please email me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com and request to be added to the list.

Make  2015 your best year yet!!!

Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe

I have to tell you, I'm really not one to toot my own horn but today I'm tooting away :)  I did it .... I finally made my own chicken stock!!  For those of you who have been making your own you're probably thinking, "ummm what's so hard about that?!"  The answer is .... absolutely nothing, yet I still kept screwing it up.  This time I got the low down on what not to do and it turns out I was doing all of them and my stock was cloudy!! 

So here are the top 5 things not to do, if you want clear stock!
1.  Always start with cold water
2.  Do not cover the pot
3.  Do not stir the stock
4.  Do not boil the stock
5.  Do not salt the stock

Nothing beats homemade chicken stock and once you're following good instructions, it's super easy!  Store bought chicken stock is full of sodium and other artificial ingredients.  Not to mention, most of the time it comes in cans with chemicals in the liners.  Making it at home is a great way to avoid these unwanted ingredients and it just tastes better!

Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe (Makes right around 3 quarts - give or take)
What you will need:
* 10 quart sauce pot
* Chicken carcass and parts if you have them ( I used the carcass from my Costco rotisserie chicken)
* 2 large yellow onions
* 4 Carrots, peeled
* 3 ribs of celery (leaves and all)
* 1 bouquet garni (thyme, parsley, bay leaf)
* 8 black peppercorns

 

 

Instructions:

* Put your chicken parts in your stock pot and cover with water.  Add a few extra cups because some of the liquid will evaporate. Place on high heat and bring to a boil.  Once it has boiled turn down to a simmer and with a ladle or a spoon skim off the scum and chicken fat that has risen to the top. 

* While you are waiting for the water and chicken to come to a boil, rough chop the onions, carrots, and celery (leave them big and chunky).

 

 

 

* Place all the rough chopped vegetables in with the chicken and water.

* Next add the bouquet garni:  3 fresh sprigs fresh thyme, 8 sprigs and stems fresh parsley and one dried bay leaf (you can tie together or let float).

* Add 8 black peppercorns; bruise peppercorns with flat side of your chefs knife.

 

 

 

* After stock has simmered for a minimum of 8 hours and up to 24 (you want it to be nice and rich), turn off the heat.  (If you don't want to leave it on overnight, you can put in the fridge at the end of the first day and start again in the AM.  You are only on a simmer though so I just left it on all night).

* Put a strainer over a big pot and strain out all of the big pieces first, discard the chicken and veggies.  Then cover your strainer with cheese clothe, or paper towel and strain a few more times to get out the smaller particles (if using paper towel change).

* Chill the stock uncovered in an ice bath or in a refrigerator, until the fat congeals on the surface.  Scrape off with a spatula or spoon.

 

When the stock is cooled portion into 1 quart containers, date, label and freeze for future use.