Autumn's Banana Apple Muffins

Who doesn't love a delicious muffin fresh out of the oven?  Here's a recipe from the FIXATE cookbook that will keep you on track but still allow you a little treat.

Serves 9 (1 muffin each) Container Equivalents per serving: 1 Purple & 1 Blue

Ingredients: 

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
1 Tbsp. organic, grass-fed butter melted, or melted extra virgin coconut oil
1 1/2 cups almond flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 dash salt
1/2 cup chopped apple
optional: Cinnamon to taste (I added 1 tsp and plan on doing at least 2 tsps next time)

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Prepare nine muffin cups with liners or spray with non stick spray

3. Combine eggs, banana, and butter or oil in a medium bowl; mix well.  Set aside.

4. Combine almond flour, baking soda and salt in medium bowl; mix well.

5. Add almond meal mixture to egg mixture; mix until blended.

6. Add apple; mix until just blended.

7. Divide batter evenly between prepared muffin cups.

8. Bake 16-18 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

9. Transfer muffins to rack; cool.

What Would the New You Say to the Old You a Year From Now?

Wouldn't it be nice if we could get a glimpse into the future? The 1 year anniversary of my fitness journey is approaching and I've been thinking a lot about where I am versus where I thought I would be. 
Here are a few things I wish I could have told myself when I began this process:
1. This isn't going to take as long as you think. 
2. You are going to exceed all your expectations.
3. You can and you will make time for daily fitness.
4. Don't get your feelings hurt when people aren't on board with your lifestyle change or happy about your success. (I know, crazy right? But sadly, it's true and you just have to get over it.)
5. Realize that this time it won't just be a diet- it will be a true lifestyle change.
6. You will finally be able to do a burpee!
7. You will do P90X3. (What? Because I thought I would NEVER, EVER, EVER be physically capable)
8. You will become a coach and give back to others beginning their fitness journey.
9. Not only are you going to love fitness, but you are going to post videos on Facebook with crazy workout faces hoping to inspire others to simply start.
10. Thank You. Thank You for loving yourself enough to change. It won't be easy, and some days will be better than others, but you can and you will do this.
If you are ready to begin your own journey, I would love to help you get started. I believe in you and know that you can do it!

Transformation Tuesday- I Already Know What Giving Up Feels Like. I Want to See What Happens if I Don't

Kate has an inspiring story of learning that there are no shortcuts to success. By loving herself enough to fuel her body with proper nutrition and incorporate fitness, she was able to change the negative self body image she had struggled with for years.

"Even though I was super healthy and athletic growing up, I had NO self-esteem. I was super short (I'm only 5' 0") and weighed 98lbs soaking wet. I was bullied and teased for being skinny and not have a "womanly figure". I kept a list of all of the various plastic surgery work I was going to have done so I could "be pretty".
With my first pregnancy, I went from 110 lbs to 180 lbs. I gained 50 lbs in the last month because I was retaining water like crazy. I got stretch marks everywhere. (I have them all the way down my legs, past my knees.) Due to complications with the delivery, recover took six months and I never got all the weight off.
Two more children and 11 years later, my husband had a serious health scare. We had to make some changes and they had to work. We had tried all kinds of diets, pills, drinks, fads, you name it. If we lost anything we gained it back as soon as we stopped taking the products or added back in the forbidden foods. Nothing was working.
My self-esteem was at an all time low. When I looked in the mirror, I literally hated what I saw. I hated my body. I hated myself. I was ashamed of who I was and what I looked like. I felt ugly, disgusting, and physically I felt miserable. I had no energy, I was tired all the time and I couldn't go on a simple hike without being exhausted.
We started PiYo and Shakeology and followed the 21 Day Fix meal plan. I had sooooo much more energy! I felt better than I had in years! We saw positive changes in the first week in how we felt and in how we did with the workouts.
I am down 20 lbs. and 30 inches. I have 15 lbs. to go to my goal.
The most important thing I have gained is that I don't hate what I see in the mirror. Taking care of my body the right way, for the right reasons (not to look a certain way, or to please others, but to FEEL good and be able to give my kids my best) has given me a genuine love for myself as a person and my body. My self-esteem is the best it has been in as long as I can remember.
The photo is after one round of PiYo and one round of 21 DF."
Favorite Shakeology Recipe:
Chocolate Shakeology
4 oz.. water
4 oz. unsweetned almond/coconut milk
1 cup ice
1 ripe banana
a few almonds for crunch
Favorite Beachbody workout- PiYo Drench and P90X3 Yoga
Favorite Motivation Quote: "I already know what giving up feels like, I want to see what happens if I don't."

Doubt Kills More Dreams Than Failure Ever Will

"DOUBT KILLS MORE DREAMS THAN FAILURE EVER WILL." -Molly Richards

I'm guilty of believing I can't do something before I even try. Sometimes it's easier to play it safe and stay in that comfort zone.
I hear this from challengers before they even start a fitness program, "I guess we will see if I can do this, because I don't know that I can."
I set a goal to be able to do an unassisted pull up by the end of the year. About 4 days in, I told my husband I wasn't sure if I was going to make my goal. He stopped, looked at me and said, "You are 4 days into this. What are you going to do with the next 361?" I'm going to get that bar back out, use my little chair and know that I get a little stronger with each rep.
We want instant results, but sometimes, we have to trust the process and the time it will take to reach that goal.
Here are a few mind tricks to try the next time you feel self doubt creeping in.
1. List positive things you feel about yourself. Keep the positive affirmation with you.
2. Expose your doubts and remind yourself of all the positive things your wrote on that list.
3. Trick your mind- flip any negative thought into a positive one.
4. Own what you want in your life. Do you want to turn off the re-runs and invite in change?

Doubt your self doubt and believe that you do have what it takes.

Transformation Tuesday- My Help Cometh From the Lord

This story is close to my heart because Natasha is one of my best friends.
Towards the end of last summer, she began asking me about Shakeology. She decided to join my 7 day Shakeology group in September. Natasha lost 5 pounds by the end of the week. She loved the convenience of this superfood shake and decided to incorporate it as a meal replacement.
After 2 months, she sent me a text that she had lost 30 pounds and all her labs had dramatically improved since her last Doctor appointment. She said he was very happy!
Her favorite Shakeology recipe is:
Chocolate Shakeology
Skim milk
1 banana
1tbsp peanut butter
Ice
She drinks this for breakfast each morning and it gives her tons of energy throughout the day.
Favorite inspirational quote:
Psalms 121
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord who made heaven & earth.

I'm so proud of you, Tosh! Small changes add up to big successes.

Transformation Tuesday- If You're Sick of Starting Over- Stop Giving Up

I hope Erica's story touches your heart as much as it did mine. She is proof that anything is possible if you are determined and have the proper nutrition and fitness tools to meet your goal. Most importantly, YOU ARE WORTH IT.

"My journey started in the beginning of this year when I was at my heaviest weight ever. The end of January I was diagnosed with diabetes, liver failure, and high blood pressure. After seeing a liver specialist, I was told my liver would never be better, I could only slow down the inevitable by losing at least 40 pounds. I was told I maybe had 10 years. I was put on numerous medications for the diabetes and blood pressure.
On February 10th, I went to see a nutritionist for the first time and was taught how to eat and track calories. I met Lorie (her Team Beachbody Coach) through FB in March and joined in on my first Shakeology challenge in April.
Within 6 months I had lost 65 pounds and completely got rid of my diabetes, high blood pressure, got off all medication and best of all at my liver ultrasound I found out my liver had in fact healed itself even though the specialist said it wouldnt!
Now 10 months into my journey, I am down 75 pounds, I have lost over 12 inches in just my stomach alone, I have built muscle definition I never thought possible, and I am the healthiest and happiest I've ever been! I drink vegan chocolate shakeo, I eat clean, go to gym regularly, and I am doing Hammer and Chisel at the moment! I am now an Emerald coach,
Why did I neglect myself and my health for so long? Why do a lot of people neglect themselves? I went from the beginning of the year feeling not worthy to finally realizing my worth! I AM important and so is my health.
I love sharing my story and helping others. I am doing things I never thought possible, even ran my first 5K. I have so many people to thank for their support, but most of all Lorie...for reaching out to me and helping me change my life.
***Believe***"

Her favorite Shakeology recipe is:
Vegan Chocolate
7oz. water
7 oz. almond milk
2 tbsp PB2
Ice cubes

Favorite workout: The Master's Hammer & Chisel

Favorite inspiration quote: "If you're sick of starting over, stop giving up!" and "Pain is only temporary." -Autumn Calabrese