Recipe of the Day: Samosa Quesadillas

I'm in the mood for some vegetarian Indian food tonight, so this will be dinner. :)


Samosa Quesadillas

Potato- 1 medium sized one boiled
Onion-1 small one chopped
Frozen Green peas-1/2 cup defrosted
Red chili powder-1/4 tsp
Coriander powder-1/2 tsp
Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp (toasted and powdered)
Black Pepper-1/4 tsp
Turmeric-1/8 tsp
Garam Masala- 1/2 tsp
Cilantro leaves-3 tbsp chopped
Salt-1/4 tsp (to taste)
Lemon Juice-1/2 tsp
Canola/Vegetable oil -1 tbsp
Grated cheese- about 4-5 tbsp
Oil for brushing
6 small tortillas or 2 big tortillas. Preparation:
1. Heat the oil in a deep skillet and add the onions. Sauté the onions for a few minutes and add the spice powders, stirring further to cook the powder. Add the peas and cook till the peas get cooked, without adding any water. Stir in the chopped potatoes, lemon juice, salt and cilantro leaves. Mix well and take it of the flame. It should be a dry mix. The potatoes should be dry. I normally cook it in the microwave as I can never get it to boil in water and yet be dry on peeling.
2. Heat the quesadilla toaster, brush surface with oil, place one tortilla on one side and spread the filling evenly, leaving space at the edges for it to seal. Sprinkle about a tablespoon of grated cheese or more evenly and place the second tortilla on top. Brush the top surface also with a dab of oil. Close the toaster firmly and let it toast for a minute or two as needed. Cut into wedges and serve warm with chutney of choice.Non Toaster Option- If you don’t have a tortilla maker, don’t despair. Before I got one, I used to make the quesadillas with my cast iron pan (or skillet). Just brush the tortilla with oil or butter and toast lightly on both sides and keep. Once you have two of them, place one tortilla on the skillet, spread the filling and cheese and cover with the second one. Now press down on the tortillas with something heavy for a minute till the cheese melts and starts sticking. Cook on one side for a minute or two, flip over and repeat till it gets toasty.

Beachbody deal of the week - Slim in Six w/ Shakeology!

Slim and Shake Special*  (please contact me and I will walk you through ordering this)

Item #: SL6Shakeology

Reshape your body in just 6 weeks with Slim in 6® and Shakeology®. Thousands of people have lost up to 25 pounds in 6 weeks with Debbie Siebers’ breakthrough system—and you can too. And what better way to step up your weight loss efforts than with Shakeology, the Healthiest Meal of the Day®. Each shake helps you increase energy, become more regular, lose weight, and feel great.* And, FOR A LIMITED TIME, when you buy the two together, you’ll get 25% off Slim in 6. Exclusive Free Gift! Get Debbie's Keep It Up! workout for free when you purchase on Team Beachbody. A $19.95 value—FREE. When you choose Home Direct, our monthly autoship program, you get FREE basic shipping every month, plus 2 FREE gifts.

Please make a choice below Choose the Slim and Shake Special Home Direct or one-time order:

Price: $164.84 The fastest way to a slim body Slim in 6 will reshape your body in 6 short weeks. The secret is Debbie Siebers' exclusive Slim Training® technique, which combines fat-burning cardio with light resistance moves to help you slim and sculpt your body without bulking up. You'll shrink your midsection and get slim, sexy thighs, hips, and arms. Order now and get Debbie's 6-Day Express™ Diet Plan to help you lose up to 6 pounds and 6 inches in your first 6 days—guaranteed! 3 workouts for amazing body-slimming results Start It Up! Introduces you to the basic Slim Training moves for burning calories and reshaping your body. (36 min.) Ramp It Up! Helps you burn more calories each day to accelerate your results. (57 min.) Burn It Up! Takes slimming and toning to the next level to complete your body reshaping. (64 min.) Tools for tracking your progress Simple Steps to Success! This guidebook helps you get the most out of your program for your best results. Step-by-Step Nutrition Guide. Helps you make the right food choices so you lose weight faster. Motivational calendar. Lets you chart your progress. Tape measure. Watch the inches melt away! Free online access. Get diet and fitness tips and amazing peer support. Plus 2 Bonus Workouts Slim & 6-Pack. Advanced abs routine for flat, sexy abs. (16 min.) Slim & Limber. Flexibility routine to revitalize you on your days off. (17 min.) Plus 4 FREE gifts 6-Day Express Diet Plan. Helps you lose up to 6 pounds and 6 inches in your first 6 days. Also includes a handy measurement card. Cardio Core! Express. New moves to burn fat while tightening and strengthening your core. (30 min.) Slim Training Band. Burn fat and tone muscle even faster. Exclusive Team Beachbody Free Gift! Order Slim in 6 from Team Beachbody and you'll receive Debbie's challenging "Keep It Up" workout. She'll keep you moving with squats, plyometrics, kickboxing, resistance bands and much more. A $19.95 value, it's yours FREE with your Team Beachbody Slim in 6 purchase. Shakeology. The Healthiest Meal of the Day. Why you need Shakeology now* Shakeology can help you: Lose weight Reduce cravings Increase energy and stamina Promote healthy digestion and regularity Lower cholesterol1 Tastes delicious, too. How Shakeology works Ingredients derived from whole-food sources deliver the daily vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your body needs to curb cravings, allowing it to shed stored fat. More than 20 different antioxidants and phytonutrients help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and stroke. Fiber, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes help your body gently eliminate toxins more efficiently and promote better absorption of nutrients.* What’s in Shakeology Protein and essential amino acids help build muscles and reduce food cravings. Prebiotics and digestive enzymes aid in improving digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption. Antioxidants and phytonutrients help counteract free radical damage that can lead to degenerative diseases. A daily dose of vitamins and minerals provides your body what it needs to function for optimal health. FREE gifts when you sign up for Home Direct, the monthly autoship program FREE shipping every month† 6-Week Money-Back Guarantee Debbie guarantees you'll reshape your body in 6 weeks—or your money back. You have 6 full weeks to try Slim in 6 and Shakeology for yourself. If you don't get the results you want, or if you're not 100% satisfied for any reason, simply return it within 6 weeks for a full refund of the purchase price (less s&h)—no questions asked. But keep the 6-Day Express Diet Plan, Cardio Core! Express, and Slim Training Band as Debbie's gifts. Ingredients and Nutritional Information for Shakeology Chocolate Flavor Download PDF Ingredients and Nutritional Information for Shakeology Greenberry Flavor Download PDF Shakeology® FAQs Download PDF *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. Slim Training Band contains natural rubber latex, which may cause allergic reactions. †Free monthly shipping offer applies only when you select basic ship method (outside the continental U.S., a surcharge will apply). Free DVDs and free monthly shipping offer on Shakeology requires a minimum commitment of 2 shipments on monthly Home Direct. Results may vary. 1In a 90-day study, participants replaced one meal per day with Shakeology, ate a balanced diet, and exercised moderately three times per week. Total cholesterol was reduced on average by 30% and LDL cholesterol reduced on average by 38%. 2Participants followed the Shakeology Program, which included replacing one meal per day with Shakeology, exercising three times a week, and eating a balanced diet. This product is only available to residents of the United States and its territories. **With Home Direct, you'll receive this item every 30 days, shipped directly to your door and billed to the credit card used today. You may cancel at any time. © 2010 Beachbody. All rights reserved. All trademarks, copyrights, and proprietary rights in and to Shakeology and Beachbody are owned by Product Partners, LLC, Santa Monica, CA 90404 The contents on this Site are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health provider with any questions you may have regarding your unique needs and medical condition.

Friday Fitness Deal!

Hi there!  And thank you for reading my blog!  I've posted before  this incredible man named Sean Sean M O'Malley, and how his passing has affected so many people. Sean provides HIIT (Hight Intensity Interval Training) workouts for any pice of exercise equipment. He truly challenges you to push yourself, but he also makes you feel so accomplished at the end. If you need to shake up your boring workouts - there is a special right now - 5 CD's - Volumes 1-5 - for $14.95. What a small price to pay to truly liven up your workouts. Just read the testimonies... These are truly worth so much more than $14.95.


To order go to www.cardiocoach.com and scroll to the bottom.  Your heart and your soul will thank you.  

Recipe of the Day: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole


3 cubanelle pepper, halved and cleaned of ribs and seeds
1 jalapeno pepper, halved and cleaned of ribs and seeds
1 lb of Tomatillos, peeled, rinsed, and quartered
1/2 onion, sliced thin
1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp of salt
6-10inch flour tortillas (you can use corn)
3 cups of chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1/2 cup of low-fat cheese optional

Preheat the broiler with a rack about 6" away from the heat element.  Line a baking sheet with foil and mist with cooking spray.  Place the peppers, cut side down on the baking sheet.  Broil for about 10 minutes until the start to soften and blacken.  Set aside to cool then peel.  Then slice into thin strips

In a medium saucepan on medium high heat, place the Tomatillos with enough water to cover.  Bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes.  Then using a slotted spoon add the Tomatillos to a blender with the cilantro, 1/4 of the onion, garlic, roasted jalapeno and salt.  Process until smooth, using the cooking liquid to achieve a medium-bodied sauce.  

Preheat the oven to 350degrees.  Mist a 9"x13" baking dish with cooking spray.  Pour 1/4 cup of the salsa verde in the bottom of the pan.  Then place 2 tortillas, cutting them to cover the bottom of the dish well.  Then layer 1/2 of the shredded chicken and 1/2 of the roasted cubanelle peppers.  Pour another 1/2 cup of salsa verde on top and cover with another 2 tortillas cut to fit.  Layer again with the chicken, peppers, salsa verde, and tortillas.  Pour the rest of the salsa verde over the top of the third tortilla layer and sprinkle the cheese on top.  

Cover with aluminum foil.  Bake for 40 minutes covered and 5 minutes uncovered.  Slice and garnish with cilantro or hot sauce.  Enjoy!

Step one is moving. It doesn't really matter how you move. What matters is that you do

I came across this article and found it so very true that I had to share it:


A Healthy Life

Tony Horton: The Secret To Happiness Is Actually Very Simple

With the arrival of spring, it's typical for people to establish new disciplines (at least temporarily), but the new season is also a reminder that time is passing relentlessly. With every nanosecond, we all get a little closer to death. Yes, I said it. And don’t say I’m being a downer -- this is reality speaking. Most people meander through life as if death isn't coming. We wait, hesitate, procrastinate and blow off life-altering opportunities all the time. Our goals, ideas and aspirations are put on hold for some ideal moment in the distant future. Why and for what? Most often it's because we're scared to live at our full potential.

How can you make the present day worthwhile?

I'm here to tell you that your life on this earth is precious and shorter than you think. Turning 50 a few years back proved that to me. I swear it feels like I was in high school 10 minutes ago. As we get older, change can become more daunting with every passing day. You don't have to be at midlife for this to be true. Teenagers get just as stuck as people in their 50s and 60s. I've seen people give up and throw in the towel at all ages. We've all been witness to the tragedies of misguided lives. The hope and optimism of childhood gives way to despair and disappointment with one bad experience after another. It's the saddest thing in the world. Maybe you know what I'm talking about.

If you think this is too hard for you, you're wrong

Is there hope for the fallen? Can we turn it around after years of wasting time, procrastinating, plenty of hardship and waiting for the right moment that never comes?

Hell, yes!

The good news is that you can have the life you dreamed of as a kid without meds and therapy. Step one is moving. It doesn't really matter how you move. What matters is that you do. Step two involves eating healthy food, whole food that feeds the body, spirit and especially the mind. The garbage this country eats most of the time is killing us. Junk food and fast food (also known as food porn) do not fuel our desire to grow, learn and change. They keep us in a state of flux and despair. If you have problems, procrastinate and feel stuck in general, odds are you're overweight, out of shape and eat junk.

It's not the outside world -- It's you.

The deck is stacked against you at this point. Your brain can't function to solve problems properly if you’re feeding your mouth tons of sugar and grease. If you like this life of quiet desperation, then continue to spend endless hours sitting around. If procrastination, sadness, depression, low self-esteem and a state of malaise fit your lifestyle, then continue to eat candy, cupcakes, high-fructose corn syrup, fried food, saturated fats, soda, processed carbs, hot dogs and tons of cheese on your pepperoni pizza. Nobody gets away with making lame choices in this world. Sooner or later (turns out later comes sooner than you thought), your bad behavior will ruin your life.

On the other hand, good behavior can and will save your life. It’ll give you the opportunity to turn misery into joy and happiness, things we all seek. Authentic joy and happiness come from treating ourselves and others with respect and civility. Adult toys (cars, homes, jewelry, etc.), prestige, money and looks are usually a means to short-term pleasures. These things feed the ego. The ego isn't real. It's your desire to create a false you to present to the world -- but that’s just smoke and mirrors making you feel better than someone else. It’s poison.

What is good behavior? You know exactly what it is by now. It's a matter of whether you want to practice it consistently or not. The more disciplined you are, the fewer problems you'll have. Honestly! For real! Life will still come at you at a million miles an hour and the issues in your life will still exist, but when you exercise and eat right, you create the brain chemistry of a person who can deal with issues, problems and challenges productively and happily. Other variables like proper sleep and stress management skills play a roll as well, but the foundation of "the good life" comes from the two things that make you a joyous, happy human being: exercise and healthy food. Period.

The clock is ticking and your death is inevitable, so while you’re here, why not take the first steps toward a better life. Get off the fence, ask for help, start moving, eat your veggies, enjoy the journey, enjoy the power of right now, push play and experience the life you desire and deserve.

Recipe of the Day - Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

This is so easy and so delicious.  Serve in tacos, or use in enchiladas or a Mexican style casserole.  I will be making taco salads tonight with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, cheddar cheese and some of those pickled jalapeño peppers (I like it spicy).  I mix some sour cream and salsa together for a dressing.  YUM!


Chicken breast - 2 pounds
16 oz jar of salsa
1 tbsp olive oil
salt to taste


Put it all into your crockpot and cook for 4-6 hours.  Shred the chicken and you're done.  

Half of all cancers are preventable: study

This is pretty incredible news, but if you think about it, isn't it kind of logical?  I mean, don't smoke, eat right, use skin protection.  Isn't that logical?  But how many of us do it.  Well, maybe this study will help you (and me) make those life changes that we need to make.  In the next few days we will explore what eating right and exercising means.  Here's what the study says:

Half of all cancers could be prevented if people just adopted healthier behaviors, US scientists argued on Wednesday.

Smoking is blamed for a third of all US cancer cases and being overweight leads to another 20 percent of the deadly burden that costs the United States some $226 billion per year in health care expenses and lost productivity.

For instance, up to three quarters of US lung cancer cases could be avoided if people did not smoke, said the article in the US journal Science Translational Medicine.

Science has shown that plenty of other cancers can also be prevented, either with vaccines to prevent human papillomavirus and hepatitis, which can cause cervical and liver cancers, or by protecting against sun exposure, which can cause skin cancer.

Society as a whole must recognize the need for these changes and take seriously an attempt to instill healthier habits, said the researchers.

"It's time we made an investment in implementing what we know," said lead author Graham Colditz, an epidemiologist at the Siteman Cancer Center at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.

Exercising, eating right and refraining from smoking are key ways to prevent up to half of the 577,000 deaths from cancer in the United States expected this year, a toll that is second only to heart disease, according to the study.

But a series of obstacles to change are well enshrined in the United States, which will see an estimated 1,638,910 new cancer cases diagnosed this year.

Those hurdles include skepticism that cancer can be prevented and the habit of intervening too late in life to stop or prevent cancer that has already taken root.

Also, much of the research on cancer focuses on treatment instead of prevention, and tends to take a short-term view rather than a long-term approach.

"Humans are impatient, and that human trait itself is an obstacle to cancer prevention," said the study.

Further complicating those factors are the income gaps between the upper and lower social classes that mean poor people tend to be more exposed to cancer risk factors than the wealthy.

"Pollution and crime, poor public transportation, lack of parks for play and exercise, and absence of nearby supermarkets for fresh food hinder the adoption and sustained practice of a lifestyle that minimizes the risk of cancer and other diseases," said the study.

"As in other countries, social stratification in the United States exacerbates lifestyle differences such as access to health care, especially prevention and early detection services.

"Mammograms, colon screening, diet and nutrition support, smoking cessation resources and sun protection mechanisms are simply less available to the poor."

That means any bid to overcome deep social imbalances must be supported by policy changes, said co-author Sarah Gehlert, professor of racial and ethnic diversity at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work and the School of Medicine.

"After working in public health for 25 years, I've learned that if we want to change health, we need to change policy," she said.

"Stricter tobacco policy is a good example. But we can't make policy change on our own. We can tell the story, but it requires a critical mass of people to talk more forcefully about the need for change."

A separate annual report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other major US cancer groups found that death rates from cancer in the United States continued to decline between 1.3 and 1.7 percent from 1998 to 2008.

New cancer diagnoses also decreased less than one percent per year from 1996 to 2006 and leveled off from 2006 to 2008.

However, the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer also highlighted the problem of obesity-related cancers, such as colorectal cancer, as well as cancer of the kidney, esophagus, pancreas, breast and endometrial lining.

"If you watch your diet, exercise, and manage your weight, you can not only prevent your risk of getting many lethal forms of cancer, you will also increase your chances of doing well if you should get almost any form of cancer," counseled Edward Benz, president of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

P90X, knee injuries and other thoughts

I tore my meniscus and did not get it treated right away, so now my knee is out of alignment.  Fun times.  I have to wear a brace that is pushing everything back into place and I'm supposed to stay off my leg as much as possible.  I can ride a bike at low resistance, and I can swim.  I can also do upper body, which I am doing, to the tune of P90X.  

My rotation consists of P90X Chest, Shoulders and Triceps and P90X Back and Biceps, with Ab Ripper X (I hate this, but man it works) and Cardio Coach and Spinervals on my bike (and the recumbent at work).  As I crave variety, it's a bit tough, but every time I start whining, I remember that I'm lucky to be doing anything at all.  

If you ever thought of doing P90X, but thought it was too tough, or too manly for you (if you're a girl), you might want to rethink that.  Yes, it takes a lot of dedication - an hour a day, 5 days a week - 90 minutes one day for yoga (honestly, though, I sub in other yoga as well) and it's tough.  But, it's a great, great workout, and will teach you how to put together a proper rotation to keep seeing results.  I have had P90X for 7 years now and it's still one of my go to workouts when I need something effective.  

Oh, and girls - you won't get bulky.  That's a myth.  You'll get long, lean and sexy with P90X and other heavy weight workouts.  :) 

If you want to try it - please click on the P90X link at the bottom of my page and order it.  If you are interested in a challenge group - we can do that, too.  Let me know by responding to the post and we can get one going.  By the way - if you already have P90X - you can join the group, too!  I'd love to have a fun group to workout with through my knee recovery.  

Recipe of the Day - Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Roasted Vegetable Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients:

1 eggplant - sliced crosswise into ¼ inch think disks
1 baby zucchini - halved crosswise and sliced into ½ inch thick planks.
1 red bell pepper, seeded and quartered
1 yellow pepper, seeded and quartered
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt to taste
Pepper to taste
3 cups marinara sauce
4 oz. fresh mozzarella
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 425.  Place eggplant on one baking sheet, and zucchini , red and yellow peppers on another baking sheet.  Using a pastry brush, coat both sides of eggplant slices with 2 tbsp olive oil.  Drizzle remaining oil over rest of vegetables.  Sprinkle all vegetables with salt and pepper and spread into a single layer.  Place in oven to roast until soft and starting to brown (12 to 15 minutes).  You’ll want the vegetables almost cooked through.  Remove and set aside.

Lower heat in oven to 350 degrees.  In a three-quart baking dish.  Spread ½ cup of marina sauce over bottom.  Begin layering vegetables, starting with eggplant, completely covering bottom of pan.  Spread a layer of sauce over eggplant and add a layer of another vegetable, then sauce.  Repeat until all vegetables and sauce have been used, making sure you have enough sauce to cover the last layer.  To finish assembling, lay sliced mozzarella over top in a single layer, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  Bake, uncovered until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned - around 45 minutes.  Remove, and let sit to cool 10 minutes before serving.  

Recipe of the Day - Healthy Macaroni and Cheese

I typically do not eat much pasta, but this recipe is so delicious that I cannot resist.  If you are more paleo, use rice pasta, and I have also made this with rice and added chicken and spinach for a different twist.  A definite family favorite.  


Macaroni & Cheese

8 servings

12 ounces low-fat cottage cheese
8 ounces lowfat sour cream
4 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
2 cups lowfat cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup skim milk
1 green onion, chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 egg whites
Butter-flavored cooking spray
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Garnish: fresh oregano sprigs


Combine cottage cheese and sour cream in container of an electric blender; process until smooth. Combine cottage cheese mixture, macaroni, and next 6 ingredients; spoon into a 2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and paprika; coat with cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 additional minutes. Garnish, if desired.


Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving: Calories 370 - Calories from Fat 79
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 21%, Protein 27%, Carbohydrate 52%
Totals and Percent Daily Values (2000 calories): Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 4g, Cholesterol 25mg, Sodium 584mg, Total Carbohydrate 48g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 0g, Protein 25g, Vitamin A 162 units, Vitamin C 0 units, Calcium 0 units, Iron 2 units

Recipe of the Day - Spiced Chicken and Greens w/ Pomegranate Dressing

Yesterday's recipe was a bit heavy, so this one is lighter. The Pomegranate dressing is to die for! :)


Spiced Chicken and Greens with Pomegranate Dressing


Ingredients Chicken:  
Cooking spray 
1 teaspoon chili powder 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves  


Dressing:
1/3 cup pomegranate juice 
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons canola oil 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 


Salad:
1 (5-ounce) package gourmet salad greens 
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
3/4 cup orange sections (about 2 medium oranges) 
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup (1 ounce) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese 


PreparationTo prepare chicken, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle chili powder and salt over chicken. Add chicken to pan; cook 5 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from skillet; let stand 3 minutes. Cut chicken across grain into thin slices; set aside. To prepare dressing, combine juice and next 5 ingredients (through crushed red pepper) in a small bowl; stir well with whisk. To prepare salad, place greens on a serving platter; top with onion, orange, cranberries, and chicken slices. Sprinkle evenly with cheese; pour dressing over salad. Yield4 servings (serving size: 2 cups salad, about 4 1/2 ounces chicken, and 2 tablespoons dressing)

Nutritional InformationCALORIES 333(18% from fat); FAT 6.7g (sat 2.3g,mono 2.4g,poly 1.2g); PROTEIN 42.2g; CHOLESTEROL 105mg; CALCIUM 115mg; SODIUM 527mg; FIBER 5.4g; IRON 2mg; CARBOHYDRATE 27.1g 

RIP Sean O'Malley

If you have never tried the Cardio Coach workouts, do yourself a favor and try one.  You can download one to your MP3 device via the Cardio Coach Website.  Sean O'Malley coaches you through 30-60 minute workouts that you can do on any machine in the gym (or even outside walking or running).  There are several other companies that offer such things, but none have the inspirational element that Cardio Coach has.  I finish a CC workout and I feel ready to take on the world, spiritually (I do not mean in a religious way), physically and emotionally.  He has helped me get through some very rough times with his workouts.  And he was just as incredible in real life.  I have never had the pleasure of actually meeting him, but I have exchanged several emails with him and he was a friend of mine on Facebook.  He always answered any questions and was always there to encourage me (or anyone else).  The world is definitely a little sadder place without him in it.  Again, do yourself a favor and discover his magic.  Your heart and your soul will thank you.


Today I will be doing his most special workout - Cardio Coach Press Play - where he teams with Jim MacLaren and shows that whatever your reality, it's what you do with it that matters.  It's truly inspiring.  I'm pretty sure I will be crying through the entire workout.  


I'm simply going to end today's blog with the following quote from Sean O'Malley - "May you live your life with the energy of your full potential."

Fitness versus Health

I'm at that age where I've accepted that I won't be a supermodel.  I'm also at the age where that is okay.  I do want to go through life, however, with energy and feeling good.

That's what this blog is about.  It's not about killing ourselves to get into shape so that we can wear a size 0.  It's about finding that balance where we are happy with ourselves and our lives.  I do believe that balance can and should include exercise and healthy foods.  Of course, I love to cook and eat, so if I'm going to eat healthy, it has to taste incredible.

Every day I will post a fitness tip and a recipe of the day.  Hopefully if you read this, you will let me know where you are, and what your journey includes.  If you need help with starting an exercise program, please ask.  I've been working out to home videos for over 20 years and I know what works for which people (there is no one size fits all).  If you have questions about specific programs, please do not hesitate to ask.  I'm always happy to help in any way I can.

My email address is andtckrtoo@gmail.com - if you want to reach out privately, please email me there.  I will respond within 24 hours, unless I mention otherwise in a post.

Recipe of the Day - Christine's Chicken Chili

It's a cold day here in the Bay Area of California and Chili seems like the perfect dinner! So, I'm starting my blog with my favorite recipe (I've won chili cookoffs with this recipe):


Christine's Chicken Chili

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1.5 pounds skinned and boned chicken breasts chopped
1/2 cup green onions (scallions) shopped
1 medium red onion chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 14 ounce can chicken broth
1 11 ounce can (or 5/6 fresh) tomatillos chopped
1 4.5 ounce can shopped green chilies, undrained
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp cumin
2 tbsp good quality chili powder
2 16 ounce can cannellini beans
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup cilantro chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Cheddar cheese and diced jalapenos for garnish (optional)

Add oil to large pot and heat until hot. Add chicken, green onions, onions and garlic and saute until chicken is no longer pink and onions are soft. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, tomatillos, green chilies, oregano, cumin, chili powder and beans and bring to a boil. Let simmer 30 minutes. Add lime juice and cilantro, then salt and peppper. Serve with shredded cheese (optional) and jalapenos and a thick crusty bread.