Italian Chicken Noodle Soup

Have you ever found a recipe that sounds super delicious but all the sudden your creative mind starts wandering and you end up creating your own "HEALTHY" version of that delicious recipe? 

Seriously y'all that is what happened to me, and let's be honestly it usually is what happens haha! Just ask me hubby... I can't follow a recipe.

I started making homemade chicken broth yesterday morning knowing that I wanted to make Chicken soup but just wasn't really feeling the normal Chicken Noodle. I googled different ideas and came across one from The Pioneer Women ( Ree Drummond)'s Blog! I absolutely LOVE that women! Go check her out if you haven't before! 

Her's was a creamy soup with some other stuff in there that I took out and added my own things. 
Really with soup the possibilities are ENDLESS! However, I know there are some who like recipes and follow from the book so I will share my recipe ( and some different options) with you here! 

Italian Chicken Soup!

Ingredients

8 Cups Chicken Broth ( homemade or box-watch sodium)
1- 28flOz Can Whole Tomatoes
1 Medium Onion
2 Bell Peppers (any colour, mix and match it you wish)
2 Cloves Garlic
3 Stalks Celery
2 Carrots
2 Tbsp Oregano (Dry or add another Tbsp if using Fresh)
1 Tbsp Pizza Seasoning  (Epicure is what I use) 
2 Bay Leaves 
1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil (divided) 
3 Cups Cooked Shredded Chicken or diced it is up to you! 
2 1/2 cups Pasta of your choice( optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Parmesan Cheese for Topping

** If you don't have pizza seasoning you can just add 1-2tsp crushed chili flakes and 3 tsp basil. 

Directions:

1. Heat half the olive oil in a saucepan ( large enough if you want to save on dishes :p) 
2. Add diced celery, carrots, bell peppers and onion- add some salt and pepper to them and cook until onion is translucent and there is a good browning on all veggies. While those are browning take out the whole tomatoes from the can and dice up then return them back to the juice. (you will use it all!)
3. In a small fry pan add the rest of olive oil and spices ( oregano, garlic and pizza seasoning) when heating it up with a little oil really awakens the flavour! 
4. Meanwhile, if you are using noodles cook your noodles accordingly to the package directions minus a couple minutes in the chicken broth and then scoop out when done and save for later. You can just cook in water as well.
5. Add Chicken broth to veggies and add the spices and tomatoes with juice and all. Simmer 20 minutes to incorporate all flavours.
6. Add in noodles and chicken and simmer another 10-15 mins. 
7. Serve topped with a little shredded parm! 

Some variations:

You can leave out the noodles if you wish or add in barley, quinoa, rice, (just cook prior to adding)
Go meatless 
Switch up the meat- Ground turkey or hamburger would be great oo! 
Play with the spices and add or take away whatever you need to make it to your liking. 

1 cup of soup would count as 1 PURPLE, .5 GREEN, 1 Tsp, and depending if you use noodles or not 1 YELLOW for all you
portion fixers out there :) 

This recipe was well liked by my 2 year old son who is currently going through a eating regression so HALLELUJAH! Plus my husband said I could make it again which is his way of saying "THIS IS DELICIOUS!"

Please let me know if you try it and remember sharing is caring so please share to your social media too and leave a little comment! 

Stay awesome friends! 

Kristie XO

Healthified Chocolate Cake

Chocolate lovers beware! This cake is to DIE for and you can't even tell it is healthified!

I found a delicious Healthy Chocolate Cake Recipe and then of course tweaked it to my liking!

You can ice it or leave it plain. It is super moist and delicious just the way it is so that is your call!

Cake:

2 Med Zucchini (Shredded 3-4 cups)
7T unsweetened Cocoa Powder
2T unsalted butter, softened (can sub Coconut Oil)
3 Eggs
1C Brown Sugar or 1/2 Brown Sugar and 1/2 Cup honey or pure maple syrup
1 1/2C Applesauce
1T Vanilla ( I love pure vanilla from Watkins)
2C Whole Wheat Flour
1t Baking Soda
1t Salt
1C Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F Degrees.

Grate the zucchini and wring out in cheesecloth or a tea towel to get out all excess moisture. You may end up with a little more or a little less but it won't affect the recipe any.

Combine sugar, eggs, applesauce,zucchini, butter/coconut oil, and vanilla.

Combine the chocolate chips with a little flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom while the cake is baking.

Stir in the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips.

Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Pour the batter into a well-greased bundt pan. Bake the cake for 60-70mins or until a cake tester or toothpick comes out clean.

Be sure to let the cake before inverting onto a plate.

SOUNDS AMAZING RIGHT?!

Ok now if you wanted to go ALL OUT,you can use this chocolate glaze recipe to go over the cake.

Chocolate Glaze:

3/4C Dark Chocolate Chips

3T Coconut Oil

1T Light Corn Syrup

1/4t Vanilla

Directions:

Combine chocolate chips, coconut oil, corn syrup and vanilla in a microwavable dish. I use big glass measuring cup, making it easy to drizzle over the cake. Heat in the microwave in 30 seconds intervals making sure to stir in between until nicely melted. Pour over the cake and enjoy!

If you make and modifications post a comment below! I would love to try :)

Cauliflower Tots

I have heard about all the different things to do with Cauliflower but never ever had the guts to try it myself. So I am not taking the credit for these as I found them on a different site.

These make a great appies or a side. 

Cauliflower Tots (from LittleThings.com)
2 Cups Cauliflower, steamed and crumbled 
8 Tbsp Shredded Parm
1 Tbsp Butter
1 Large Egg
1/4 Onion Powder (I used 3 Onion Dip from Epicure)
Salt and Pepper to taste

                                               
What To Do:

1.Preheat Oven to 425F
2. Steam Cauliflower and mince I throw mine into the food processor. Once done be sure to drain out using either a tea towel or Cheesecloth
3. Melt the Butter, and beat the egg mix in with the cauliflower and spices.
4. You can add any other spices you want as well. 
5. Use a Teaspoon and form the mixture into a ball place on a cookie sheet layered with parchment paper
6. Refrigerate tots for 10 mins so that they firm up, they will be pretty mushy before you refrigerate them.
7. Bake for 18 mins or until golden brown.

Serve warm. I enjoyed dipping mine in siracha yogurt sauce! 

Tbsp Greek Yogurt and siracha sauce to your liking mix and use as a dip!  

Meal Planning Tips That Will Make It Less Stressful!

I was never a planner. I used to fly by the seat of my pants in every area of my life! 

I was the person who waited until the last possible day of the deadline to get assignments done. What can I say I strive under pressure.

When it came time to figure out portion control and healthy meals, I was totally lost. I thought I could just roll through my days without a plan and just magically eat according to plan. This, my friends, was not the case! 

This is the one thing that I could not just wing. I would catch myself craving food that wasn't on my food list or just end up reaching for boxed easy food for supper which is filled with chemicals and crap. 

SO I had to LEARN how to plan and prep. It took me awhile but I figured out what works for me and I want to share some ways to make it painless for you too! 

Meal planning is one of the easiest things you can do to set yourself up for success. There are no rules so really, YOU CAN'T MESS UP!  The key is just to start, and to set aside a little bit of time each week to do it. There are so many ways to approach meal planning that, once you do it once or twice and schedule it into your week you will be golden!

First thing first decide how you want to plan it. Spreadsheets, paper and pen, whatever you choose. I am a HUGE paper and pen gal so that is what I go with! ( see picture below to the right) It is nothing fancy and there is a bit of scribbling but hey it's good for me and gets the job done!

Next, make sure you have a set time during the week to plan, scope out flyers and deals (if you are looking to budget as well) I meal plan on a friday as Saturday or Sunday is usually a city day. 

Step 3- figure out your eating situation. What meetings do you have, extra curricular activities, meals with friends, etc. Mark those on the meal plan sheet and take those into consideration so you can plan or be on the lookout for dump, crockpot, or easy meals.

*Tip*- create a pinterest board or master recipe binder of all the recipes you try or would like to try and your family loves. You can make sections or label fam favourites, breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, fast etc. 

Step 4- Plan your meals with overlapping ingredients. Ex. Greek Chicken Kabobs w/wild rice. Make enough chicken that you can make Chicken salad the next day for lunch and enough rice that you can make something with rice for supper then next night. OR you can just mix the rice and chicken together the next day for a yummy chicken fried rice! This will save you money and time but that will also come with meal prep! 

Once you get everything planned out then make your grocery list! I like to look for deals and I price check lots but it is up to you!

Click here for my CLEAN EATING GROCERY LIST. 

Now you are ready to roll! 

Greek Chicken Dinner

Greek Chicken Dinner

I love love love this delicious recipe! Something about greek food makes me excited. This is a quick, easy and healthy recipe!
For anyone following Ultimate Portion Fix (portion control containers) it would be considered 1P, 1G, 1Y, 1R

Greek Chicken Kabobs

Cube 4 Chicken Breasts 

2T Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1T Red Wine Vinegar

3 Garlic cloves minced

2tsp oregano

1/2tsp basil
dash mint or dried mint
dash chili flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all together in a bag or bowl and marinate for no longer than 2 hours.

2 large red peppers ( or whatever colours you have)

3 small zucchini ( I just realized I forgot this 😩)

1large red onion

Cup all into chunks to your liking

*While doing all this soak skewers if using wood ones

*When ready skew chicken and veg alternating

And throw on the barby!

While those are cooking make your Tzatziki

Tzatziki Sauce

1 med cuke( dice and sprinkle some salt on let sit while mixing up everything else. If you miss this step you will end up with killer watery sauce

In a bowl mix together:

1 cup Greek yogurt ( plain 2%)

1tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1T lemon juice ( fresh is best)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 clove garlic

1T fresh parsley and fresh dill

Directions:

*Once cukes are done you can either drain them using a tea towel or cheesecloth then chop small by hand or use a food processor same with garlic then add into the sauce.

*Chill and drizzle over kabobs and serve with Rice. I use Brown and Wild Rice!

*I ended up hand blending everything together then adding another 1/4 cup yogurt and it was runny but still good!! Your call!

Optional Greek Salad:
Mix together whatever veggies you like.
I typically like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives *Optional and you can add feta if you like.
Then I use 1/2 orange of this dressing
Greek Dressing:
2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon finely chopped, fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt
Shake of garlic powder
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Container counts would go for 2 of your tsps or 1 orange if you use the whole container. If you have olives be sure to divide it up and track. And 1G container for the veggies.

Notes:

I started making mine either in kabob form or chicken breasts. Grilling is the best but some people don't have that option so baking is also an option. For nice juicy chicken I make mine in parchment paper packets. Roll up the edges all the way around to make a sealed pack and bake at 400F for 20-25mins. Let rest before you open but it will most likely be juicy everytime. Great way to make prepped chicken breast for the week as well! 

I also like adding Naan Bread to our dinners but then I just will eat half the amount of rice and a couple pieces of naan. 

To make our naan bread we spray with a little spray olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano, parsley and garlic powder and grill until soft or toss straight into the rack in the over and bake 325 for 5-8 mins or until it is soft. You can also find whole wheat naan bread but sometimes I live on the edge and enjoy the normal kind. 

I will serve with Brown Jasmine Rice as well and that would be counted as a yellow container. 

Zucchini Boats!

It is that time of year when those who grew Zucchini have it coming out of EVERYWHERE! I, myself, LOVE Zucchini as it keeps super well but also freezes well! I have many many recipes but this is one I just tried today. 

Zucchini Boats

Serves 4 

1 Medium Zucchini

3/4 Extra Lean Ground beef or Turkey

1 Cup Marinara sauce ( I make my own)

1/2 Cup Shredded Cheese 

Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise

Hollow each side out using a spoon or a melon baller

Brown meat and mix in the sauce

Add whatever spices you like (I used Taco Seasoning) 

Split mixture into the two halves of zucchini

Sprinkle cheese over top 

Bake at 400F for 10 mins - should be able to stick a fork easily into the end

Broil on high until browned

Serve as a side or main dish with a side of rice :) 

HEALTH BET?? SIGN ME UP!

Have you ever heard of diet bets?? It's where you bet that you will lose so much weight by a certain time and if you hit your goals you win the pot kinda thing? 

Well here is the thing. Beachbody has a mission. That mission is to MOTIVATE, INSPIRE and HELP EVERYONE live the lives they want to live starting with loving themselves. ❤️
What better way to get there than starting with your health?
Beachbody has created the "Health Bet". Which not only focuses on getting fit and staying active but also on your nutrition which goes hand in hand with fitness.

 ---and the crowd goes wild--

For 4 weeks, starting on September 5th, you have a chance at splitting a massive pot that is starting out at 1 million dollars and going as high as 3 million! This amount will be determined by our monthly Challenge Pack sales. More sales = higher pot!

😮---mouth drop---😮 it's ok I did the same thing :) 

I've decided NO WAY I am missing this so I've created a challenge group to keep us all motivated and on track, taking charge of our lives starting with our health!

Do you have any old Beachbody DVD's on the shelves collecting dust? It is time to get those down and get back to it. I mean money is on the line here (hehe)

If you don't have a coach here is what you do!

It's quite simply really:
1. Register for a free TBB account with me (or already be my client).
2. Request invite to My Challenge Tracker App.
3. Log 3 Beachbody workouts/week.
4. Log 5 Shakeology/week (plus photo)
5. Split the pot at the end if you have followed all the requirements. HOLLA!!! 

Simple ya!?!?

Get PAID to Get HEALTHY! It's on man!!! 

PS: There will be group prizes as well 😉😉😉

Turkey, Ricotta and Spinach OH MY!

Who woulda thunk it? Clean eating tastes DELICIOUS!

I posted a picture on my facebook page last week of this freaking AMAZING lasagna that I made while at my grandparents. It got lotsa hits and many people wanted the recipe.

This recipe came from my G-Pops but it has been "kristiefied" and made into my one recipe. Let's face it. I just can NOT follow any recipe without making it my own *wink wink*

<<<<<OH YUMMMY>>>>>

Here is what you will need:

1 lb Ground Turkey

1 Med Onion diced

2 15oz Canned Diced Tomatos ( no sodium or your own)

2 Tsp Garlic Powder

3 Tsp Dried Parsely

2 Tsp Oregano

2 Tsp Basil

2 Tsp Herb De Providence ( I like spices haha) * Optional

Salt and Pepper to taste

1/4 Cup Shredded Parm Cheese

4 Cups Ricotta Cheese

1 Egg- beaten

1 Tbsp Parsley

1 Bag Spinach Chopped

9 no cook lasagna noodles ( whole grain are available out there too)

1 bag shredded Mozzarella cheese 

Here is what you will do:

Brown Turkey in a large skillet then add the diced onion- cook until onion is translucent

Stir in tomatoes and spices- once boiling-turn down and simmer 35 mins to incorporate flavours 

In a medium bowl mix together ricotta cheese, parm cheese, egg, spinach and parsley- stir to combine

Spray a large 9X11 baking dish with oil then lay down 3 noodles, a layer of meat mixture, then cheese mixture then noodles repeat until gone ending with noodles on top. Layer mozzarella on top and cover with tin foil. Pop in preheated oven @ 375F and bake for 45 mins, uncovering then bake again for 15 mins until cheese is browned and bubbling. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 mins. 

Served great with side salad! 

** NOTE** If you decide to use cooked noodles you will need to add a can or two of tomato paste to thicken the meat sauce so it won't be watery. 

** Also if you find when simmering the meat sauce it gets to thick add half a cup of water- The package directions for the noodles will tell how much water for how much meat sauce to ensure the noodles cook properly. 

I would love you to share a picture when you make this recipe to my facebook page::::>> Live Your Passion-Kristie Sereda and share if you tweaked it to make it your own! 

Happy Cooking Y'all and always remember to:

STAY AWESOME & LIVE YOUR PASSION

Kristie XO

Country Heat~What's that all about?

Are you a lover of country music?
Do you like to get your groove on?
Looking to workout but the thought of "hard work" has you running the other direction?
Need fun workouts?



No matter your reasons whether you are looking to maintain, to tone, to lose, to get active- this may be the program for you! I want to share this amazing program with you so bare with me as there is lots to share because it is SO WICKED.

Want in on our test group August 22nd? 

Registration is now *OPEN*

(US and CANADIAN RESIDENTS)

Beachbody launched a BRAND NEW fitness program July 28th and it is TOTALLY KICKASS! I was so beyond excited for this program because I LOVE line dancing and country music. The thing about this program is you DON'T need to know how to dance, you DON'T need rhythm or coordination. Autumn walks you through the steps and makes it really simple and fun! IT IS AMAZINGLY FUN!!!

WHAT IS COUNTY HEAT?

Country Heat is set to the hottest country hits. JoDee Messina even recorded an exclusive song for this program! There is NO CHOREOGRAPHY to remember, just follow along for the 30 minute workout!  This program is high energy, low impact dance workout that is super fun and easy to follow. Autumn Calabrese created this program and has also created the 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, Co Creator of Hammer and Chisel, author of the Fixate cookbook, mom and bikini competitor.  I have yet to do a live workout with her but I will one day! My friends who have says she is just as amazing and motivating in person as she is in her programs. 

There are 5 high energy, cardio based dance workouts, 1 dance conditioning workout, and the portion controlled eating plan! 

Who is Country Heat For?

Are you ready for this?? ANYONE! Whether you are a beginner, 21 day fix grad, pro dancer, football player, advanced in your fitness or ready for something fun and different to mix up your fitness regime. It is great for all ages and fitness levels. People who like Zumba or love to dance, people who want to lose weight and are looking for results in 30 days.  People who generally don't like to exercise or who want a lifestyle change, but aren't sure where to begin! 

 Does this sound like you? 

 This workout is great for people who have tried and failed at complicated "diets" and exercise programs.  It is great because this isn't a "diet"  It's an easy to follow portion control container system and you'll have ME as your coach to guide you every single step of the way! I don't know 'bout you but lots of the times I've attempted to start programs on my own I NEVER stuck with it.  You will learn how to properly fill the containers and what to eat. I will teach you how to meal plan, prep, and stick with the workouts from beginning to end.  Plus the workouts are fun and you don't even know you are working out. Totally kick ass right?

  I encourage everyone to do at least 2-3 rounds of the program. Just another reason why I LOVE this program. You can finish 1 round and start your next round the NEXT day!  The reason is that in the first 30 days you are just learning and getting into the swing of things. You are getting a good handle on your nutrition and understanding how the portion controlled containers work. Into your second month you will be able to focus are really getting the workouts down plus your nutrition will be on point. Your third round you will just be a total pro!

This program is great for those that like to dance but are intimidated by choreography. EEEEEK SO EXCITED TO START!!!!

Why does line dancing 30 mins a day work? What am I missing here?

It's a fun, easy-to-follow dance workout that ANYONE can do so you are MORE likely to actually stick with it! You'll have so much fun dancing to the hottest country hits you'll barely notice you're dropping pounds and getting a great total-body workout. 

You get 5 dance workouts and 1 dance conditioning workout that are all high energy but low impact- to give you all the calorie burning benefits of a great cardio workout while using every muscle in your body to fire up that metabolism. 

NO silly moves no one can do. NO weights. NO equipment! 

It is so hard to stick to an eating program when you feel deprived of the foods you love so including the portion-control containers to help you lose weight while still enjoying your favorite foods is perfect. We all know fitness + staying active = kick ass results right!? 

Gone are the days where you have to avoid going out with friends or family, counting calories, diets and pills! 

Autumn's easy-to-use Eating Plan shows you how to use your portion-control containers to create easy, delicious recipes— with foods that actually taste delicious—in the right portions to reach your goals.

I love this program so much already that I've decided to walk a group of people through the WHOLE program in our team's COUNTRY HEAT THROWDOWN test group we are running August 22nd. We are only accepting a select few for our first group so we can focus on YOU and make it personal and help you reach your goals. There will be meal planning and prep tips, recipes that work with the containers as well as with the whole family, prizes, motivation, accountability & support to really ROCK the SOCKS off this program y'all!

The people in the test group are getting incredible results.This is really amazing!

Apply Here----->>> http://bit.ly/FitCountryHeat 

What Do I Get With the Program?

• 6 workouts on 3 DVD's that are 30 mins or less
• 7 colour-coded portion control containers to really help you dial in your nutrition & efficiently portion out your servings
• The Country Heat nutrtion plan- an easy to follow guide complete with tips, recipes & more to help you get the best results
• Quickstart Guide- This is a simple 3 step guide that preps you for your fitness journey by giving you the info on the nutrition plan and workouts
• 30 Day Calendar so that you know exactly what workouts to do in what order to maximize your results
• 30 Day supply of Shakeology in a flavour of your choosing. ( my favs are chocolate, cafe latte, and tropical strawberry) **NOTE-Cafe Latte is currently only available to US residents
• When you purchase the challenge pack you get access to Country Heat On Demand which means unlimited access to stream Country Heat and all the other workouts to any desktop, laptop, tablet, TV or mobile device allowing you to start your workouts the minute you make your purchase and test out any other programs you would like as well!
• If you opt in to get Country Heat Kickstart you will then get the 3 Day Refresh as well to help maximize your results ( shown in picture below)
• If you become part of our challenge groups there will also be prizes for participation- Why? Because I can!

Sound like something you may be interested in?

You can get it right here from me. Plus gain access to my exclusive test group starting August 22nd with prep week to start August 15th. You can get personal, 24/7 mentoring, guidance and support from me and my awesome team in a closed online accountability and support group!  I am going to walk you through the entire program from beginning to end (30 days).  I will teach you how to make the most of the nutrition plan, how to choose healthier snacks, create healthy new habits, and make this a permanent lifestyle.  

Again, there are no diets here!

I will be there to support, motivate, listen, hold you accountable and give ya a little kick in the arse from time to time if you need it *Wink wink*

Follow this link to join our challenge group:

I am ready to kick the dust up and get it shape!

For the challenge packs you can check out these links or please email me to get started!

Country Heat Pack US

Country Heat Pack CAN

Country Heat Kickstart US

Country Heat Kickstart CAN

Stay awesome friends and remember to always 

LIVE YOUR PASSION

Kristie XO