Believe in Yourself

Not that long ago I was pretty uncomfortable in my own skin and I was too afraid to even try to do something about it, I was overweight, alone, and unhappy. I had lost hope and faith in myself. I was stuck.

It wasn't a matter of my body's inability to change and believe me I had the DESIRE to be better, to feel better and to look better. I WANTED it. Badly! I just didn't think I could do it. You see, I had tried to loose weight before, many many times before and had not achieved my goals. Sometimes, I was partially successful only to be struck down by life circumstances and they would cause me to fall off track and gain it all back. Sometimes I wouldn't even get close to my goals. Gosh, Sometimes it seemed I couldn't even get out of the starting gate!

 And all those failures haunted me. They toyed with my soul and set me up to give up before I could let myself down again. It seemed like they were guarding my heart from my own possible future failures. I didn't believe in me anymore. It took a lot for me to finally see a tiny ray of hope, it is way too much to share on this message today but I will say this...I am grateful for the tiny spark that set my soul ablaze. It has been life changing. And I will be sharing more on this soon in hope to encourage you to find your own spark. And although I am not where I want or need to be just yet in my journey I know that I am on the path that I am supposed to be on. 

So as you go through this day be encouraged to BE YOU and BELIEVE in YOURSELF!! I know sometimes it is hard when the world around us is so eager to point out what is wrong with us rather than point out what is RIGHT with us. And we usually hold ourselves back more than the world does. I know that I am incredibly guilty of this  but the TRUTH is that we have been given everything we need to succeed in this life! The gifts and talents that are locked up on the inside of you are just waiting to get out!!!

Are you frustrated or depressed about where you are right now in your life? A mentor of mine suggests that our frustration and/or depression is our Spirit man or inner self screaming to be unleashed and to make an impact in the world! You ARE game changers and you just need to believe it and believe in your capabilities to SOAR above the have nots, could nots, and would nots!!! Tell yourself I CAN & I WILL!!!

My HOPE is that you began to see yourself in new way! STRONG, CAPABLE, BRAVE, BEAUTIFUL, FEARLESS!!!! You are all these things and more!! Each day keep going, keep pushing, & seizing each day as the opportunity it is to change yourself and your course towards the future you have always wanted! You can achieve it!!

Clean Pumpkin Yogurt

Pumpkin is everywhere and I am loving it! ! Um...I would say I'm a bit obsessed anything pumpkin right now! :)

This clean pumpkin yogurt is amazing! I love researching new healthy ‪#‎cleaneating‬ recipes to share with my online accountability groups!! Just one of the many added benefits of surrounding yourself with other like-minded ladies all working on being the best selves possible!!! XO

Directions:

√ One cup plain Greek yogurt
√ One cup puréed pumpkin
√ One tablespoon honey
√ One teaspoon cinnamon

Blend together and freeze for about an hour, enjoy!!!

21 Day Fix Approved BAKED GENERAL TSO'S CHICKEN

Did you know you can eat HEALTHY, TASTY meals on the 21 Day Fix? Check this one out!!

BAKED GENERAL TSO'S CHICKEN

Container count per serving: 1¼ red, ¼ yellow, 1 teaspoons, 1½ sweetener teaspoons (for maple syrup)

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
½ cup liquid egg whites
½ cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
¼ cup low sodium soy sauce (or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos)
¼ cup vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp chili sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp 100% pure maple syrup
1 tsp cornstarch

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and mist with non-fat cooking spray.
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder.

Dip chicken strips in liquid egg substitute, shake off excess and lightly coat in flour. Place chicken strips on baking sheet and lightly mist with an olive oil mister, or more non-fat cooking spray.

Bake chicken in oven for about 30 min, turning over once at halfway through cooking time. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
While chicken is cooking, combine soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, syrup, chili sauce and sesame oil in a small sauce pan set over medium heat. Once sauce has begun to lightly simmer, mix cornstarch and I tsp water in a small cup, and then pour into sauce. Continue to cook, stirring regularly, until sauce has thickened up a bit, about 3-5 more minutes. If sauce remains runny, add in some additional cornstarch, tsp by tsp.

Toss the cooked chicken pieces with the sauce and serve immediately.

Fall in love with Healthy FREE 5 Day Clean Eating Group

Are you ready to "fall" back into a healthier lifestyle? Join us for our monthly FREE 5 Day Clean Eating Group!
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School is back in and it’s time to put yourself first and "Fall" in Love with Health and yourself! 
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This menu will be full of simple yet delicious food, have tasty ,healthy recipes, and you will get real results, most importantly FUN!
Plus you will get an easy meal plan, grocery list and tons of support and, encouragement! ...what could be better?!
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We start the 28th! Join us!
Just send me a message / comment below or reach out to me on face book :)
***Please no coaches or those working with a coach outside of my team***

APPLE ALMOND BUTTER OVERNIGHT OATS

Now that it's fall is almost here and apples are in season for for picking I am going to share one of my favorite fall make ahead breakfasts. It is quick, easy to prep, and requires no cooking at all! Oh and I totally forgot to mention that it's super delicious too!  It is packed with tons of taste and filling goodness that you won't be hungry til lunch! 

Today I’m sharing how to make Apple Almond Butter Overnight Oats. If you give this recipe a try, please let me know :)

INGREDIENTS:

1. 1 cup rolled oats (I used Gluten Free Organic old fashioned rolled oats)
2. 2 cup unsweetened almond milk
3. 2 tablespoons chia seeds
4. ½ teaspoon cinnamon
5. ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
6. 2 tablespoons almond butter
7. 1 medium apple, chopped
8. Pinch of sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Add oats and almond milk into a large mixing bowl
2. Add in chia seeds, cinnamon and vanilla extract and stir everything together
3. Divide batter into two 12-ounce Mason Jars or containers
4. Top with diced apples, a sprinkle of sea salt and a dollop of almond butter
5. Cover with lid and place in refrigerator overnight
6. In the morning, they are ready to eat! No cooking or heating required. Enjoy!

NOTES:

1. Choose organic ingredients when possible
2. If almond butter is already salted, it is not necessary to add more salt

THIS RECIPE IS:

• Vegan
• Plant-Based
• Dairy-Free
• Gluten-Free *If using gluten-free oats
• Delicious!

*credit for recipe and images:healthygrocerygirl.com

Sharing is Caring!

Share this blog post and recipe with a friend who you think would enjoy it! Also if you make this recipe and post a pic on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter… tag me in it and use #jennamerson!! 

9-11-01 In Remembrance

Does anyone remember the day when, race, gender, age, religion & political affiliation didn't matter? 

The day when Firefighters and Police were the biggest HEROES in our country....the day that we were all equal and we were UNITED as AMERICANS??

I will never forget this day in our great country's history it was a day that we as a Nation United overcame the most unspeakable act of hatred. We Americans rose up from the ashes of terror and came together to help each other and rebuild.

Please take a moment to pay tribute to all we lost on 9/11, our Friends, our Neighbors, our Firefighters, our Polices Offices, our Military. For they gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Freedom. 

Thinking of, praying for, honoring and remembering those who lost their lives, loved ones, and those who stepped forward to protect and defend the United States of America! 

and ...On the anniversary of such a terrible day, lets all take a second to say I LOVE YOU, share a smile with a stranger, give a hug, lend a helping hand graciously, thank those who serve our country and REMEMBER on that day we were UNITED. heart emoticon . So let's keep these two takeaways :

#1- HOLD ON TIGHT to your loved ones and make sure every second counts. No day is guaranteed.

#2- We are all still UNITED, Still ALL AMERICANS, Regardless of race, gender, age, sexual preference, religion & political affiliation, we are all humans fighting against the evil that comes from EVERY direction, we don't need to show more of it to one another. BE THE KINDNESS in the world and Honor America.

‪#‎NeverForget‬ ‪#‎WeAreOne‬ ‪#‎NoHate‬ #remember #911memorial #911 #wewillneverforget 

Autumn Calabrese PUMPKIN “PIE” BITES - 21 Day Fix Dessert

PUMPKIN “PIE” BITES

Who is ready for Fall? I know it is certainly one of my favorite times of the year– especially when it comes to all the delicious seasonal dishes I look forward to all year. Pumpkin Pie is one of those dishes, but so often it’s loaded with lots of junk that takes me away from my heath and fitness goals. These pumpkin “pie” bites are an amazing substitute, and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

It may still feel like summer around here but let’s be honest, it’s never too early to start indulging those pumpkin cravings!

Enjoy!

WHAT YOU NEED:

Pumpkin Bites
1 can pumpkin or 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
2 very ripe bananas
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Himalayan or sea salt

Whipped Topping
1 can coconut milk- full fat
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla or vanilla beans

(Makes approx 12 standard muffin sized bites)

WHAT YOU DO:

1. Combine all the pumpkin bite ingredients in a food processor, and blend until smooth. (You may need to scrape down the sides a few times.)
2. Spoon the mixture into lined muffin pans. *Option to use silicone liners to lessen chance of bites sticking to paper.
3. Preheat oven to 350. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
4.Let these cool completely before removing from the muffin liners. Since they are soft like pumpkin pie, I highly recommend putting these in the fridge after baking so they can firm up a bit.
5. (For the whipped topping) Open can of coconut milk that has been in the fridge overnight. Scoop the fatty white part off and place in a mixing bowl with the vanilla and maple syrup. Use the whipping attachment and whip the coconut into a cream.
6. Scoop a little on top of each muffin and option to garnish with pumpkin pie spice!

* MUST keep these stored in the fridge.
* I highly recommend making the whip topping right before eating for optimal results in taste and texture.

** I know a lot of you are looking for the container equivalent (the color coded portion control system from 21 Day Fix), well not everything fits so nicely into a little box.

This recipe is for sure healthier, it does not container refined sugar, white flour, or gluten. It is also vegan. That being said it is still dessert, it still has calories, it still has fat and it is still meant to be enjoyed on occasion not all the time.

Not every recipe I share on here fits perfectly into the container system! I try to offer healthier versions of treats as an option for people to enjoy, especially during the holiday season where it can be hard to be surrounded by sweet temptations. If you want to use the recipe as an inspiration for a #21DayFixApproved recipe and share the containers, I know many other fixers would appreciate!

Recipe and content from http://autumncalabrese.com/

Black Bean and Sweet Corn SALSA RECIPE!!!

These past few weekends have been crazy busy with Birthday parties and Labor Day parties. Fall is almost here and we have been taking advantage of the last few remaining weeks of summer!  I wanted something easy to serve that was refreshing yet would still maintain my clean eating.  I also am finding that what is served at most parties offer little to no nutritional value at all! 
So instead of caving to the moment and giving into eating whatever is served and feeling awful afterwards or instead of starving every time I go to a get together I have learned to bring an appetizer I can eat or eat before I go!! This quick and tasty dish gets better the longer you let the flavors marry. 

Ingredients:
1 Red onion finely diced
1 15 oz can of Black Beans drained and rinsed
1 can of Kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 avocado sliced into chunks
1 tomato diced
1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
2 TBSP salsa
1 1/2 cups of frozen sweet corn thawed and drained
3 TBSP Greek yogurt

Fresh Cilantro  
Olive Oil 

1 Fresh Lime (Cut and Squeeze in Lime Juice)

Mix all liquid ingredients together first then add in the remaining ingredients and stir.  Cover and chill in refrigerator for 1-2 hours.  

You can serve with tortilla chips or in my case just a scoop on my plate as a side dish!! This recipe is super versatile too! It is also great with quesadillas, on top of tacos and salads, I love it on roasted avocado, add meat some cooked lean ground tukey to it and stuff it in a pepper and even or as a garnish for soups (I love it on my Chicken tortilla soup)! The options are endless!

21 Day Fix - Healthy Peach Crumble - Cobbler Dessert

Here's a yummy 21 day fix recipe I made today for a healthy peach crumble. Now that it's September and summer is almost over and fall is just around the corner I have been craving fall-like desserts like crazy, so I can't wait to try this with pumpkin, apple, and everything else fall like!

1 Fresh Peach - sliced (1 Purple)

1/4 cup Rolled Oats (not the quick cooking kind) (1/2 Yellow)
1 Cup Plain Fat Free Greek Yogurt (1 red) 

1 TBS Water

1 Packet of Stevia

Vanilla, Cinnamon, &/or a dash of Brown Sugar

Spray a pan with a small amount of cooking spray. Place sliced peaches in a pan and allow to cook for a few minutes. Add a tablespoon of water and your oats to the pan and stir frequently. With your Greek yogurt, mix packet of Stevia, a couple sprinkles of cinnamon, and a couple drops of vanilla. Place 1/2 of the Greek yogurt mixture on the bottom of the plate, then layer your "crumble" from the pan, top with the remaining mixture. Sprinkle top with a dash of brown sugar... Okay,Okay, so brown sugar may not be in the plan, but you can use cinnamon instead if you are a die-hard!
Already dreaming up some new healthy desserts I can try this fall, as well as indulging in the real deal! I will share them with you as they come to me---> And Please share your fave healthy fall treats with me too!