Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Craving something warm but offers a zing?  Then don't miss out on this twist on chicken soup.  I found the recipe on the beachbody website.  You can read it here. https://www.beachbody.com/beachbodyblog/recipes/greek-lemon-chicken-soup-avgolemono

Ingredients:

3/4 cup dry whole wheat penne

1lb. raw chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces

Olive Oil

Garlic Powder

3 large eggs

6 TBSP lemon Juice

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup chopped fresh spinach

Preperation

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain. Cool.

2. Heat medium nonstick skillet, add a TBSP of olive oil

3. Add chicken, sprinkle with Garlic Powder to taste.  Stir frequently until cooked thoroughly.

4. Whisk together eggs and 6 TBSP lemon juice in a large bowl. Slowly add broth, wisking constantly.

5. Transfer egg mixture to mediu saucepan. Add chicken, spinach, pasta, and any remaining broth; cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until it starts to boil.

6. Turn heat off and serve. Season as desired.

Homemade Nachos

Who doesn't love Nachos?  Skip that processed crap you buy at places.  Instead make your own at home with this delicious and super simple recipe

Ingredients

• 2 - 6" tortillas
• Prepared Taco Seasoned Ground Turkey
• Black Beans
• Chopped Onions
• Chopped Peppers
• Chedder Cheese

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Cut the torillas into six sections.  Place on cookie sheet and cook in the oven for 10 or so minutes.  Take them out when they are crispy!  Place the tortilla chips in an oven safe bowl and top with hot Taco meat, Black Beans and Cheese (and onions and peppers if you like although I like adding them after).  Place the covered chips in the oven until cheese is melted.  Top with the rest of the ingredients and enjoy!

Cranberry Sauce

While it may not be thanksgiving time this recipe is delicious!  Especially for my family when we have a thanksgiving type meal for Easter.   A healthy and freaking delicious cranberry sauce that blows the canned stuff away.  This recipe comes from the Beachbody website.

Ingredients

• ½ cup 100% orange juice
• ½ cup unsweetened apple juice
• 1 tsp. finely chopped orange peel
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp. ground ginger
• 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries, rinsed
• 1 cup chopped raw pecans
• ½ cup raisins
• ⅔ cup canned crushed pineapples, packed in juice
• 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

Instructions

1. Bring orange juice, apple juice, orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to a boil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add cranberries. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, uncovered, for about 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Add pecans, raisins, and pineapple; cook for 2 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from heat.
4. Add maple syrup; mix well.
5. Cool before serving.

Chicken Pot Pie

Perfect for a cool day this recipe is packed with veggies and protein.  Don't miss out on this recipe and please share your meal with us on social media!

Ingredients

-2 1/2 cups of Chicken (or Shredded Turkey, Ground Turkey, Ground Beef, Shredded Beef)

- 1 Cup Frozen Peas

-3 Cups of Broccoli (cut into smaller pieces)

-1 Large Carrot (cut into bite size pieces)

-1 Medium Onion(chopped)

-1 Clove Garlic

-1 1/2 Cups Milk

-1 Cup Chicken Stock (If you are using beef, use beef broth)

-2 TBSP Whole Wheat Flour

-1 TBSP Coconut Oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Turn on the burner on medium high.  Add the oil.  After it melts add the Garlic, Onion, and Carrots.  When the onions turn translucent add the Milk, Broth, and Flour.  Turn the burner on high and let it boil for a bit, letting it reduce slightly.  Then add the rest of the ingredients. (Chicken, Broccoli and Peas)  Let them heat up and wait until right before the liquid turns into a thick gravy.  

Make a crust, using the recipe from the Pecan pie below.  Feel free to make one whole recipe if you want a bottom and top crust or cut the recipe in half for just a top crust. When it turns into a gravy texture pour it into the crust.  Then add the top crust.  Fold the edges in.  Place in the oven for 30 minutes or when the top starts to brown.  Let it cool for 5 minutes and enjoy!  

Quinoa Stuffing

This stuffing is not just for the holidays but is delicious for anytime of the year.  Simple and easy to make theres no excuse not to try it!  This recipe comes from Autumn & Bobby Calabrese off the beachbody website.  You can find it here:  https://www.beachbody.com/beachbodyblog/recipes/quinoa-stuffing

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 8 medium celery stalks, chopped (about 4 cups)
• 2 medium green apples, with peel (about 2 cups)
• 4 cups low-sodium organic vegetable broth
• 2 cups dry quinoa, rinsed
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• ½ tsp. ground black pepper
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ cup pine nuts

Instructions

1. Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add celery and apple; cook, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender.
4. Add broth, quinoa, salt, cumin, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, for 15 minutes, or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
5. Add cranberries. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
6. Add cilantro and pine nuts; fluff with fork and serve.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Get your vegetables in without being bland.  This broccoli cheese soup is bound to pack a flavor punch.  I didn't create this recipe but found it from Stephanie on  http://thefoodieandthefix.com/21-day-fix-broccoli-cheese-soup/

Ingredients

- 2 tsp Butter

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 1 cup chopped carrots (about 2 medium)

- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

- 4 cups broccoli, roughly chopped

- 2 cups cauliflower, roughly chopped

- 1/2 tsp salt & pepper, to taste

- 2 cups broccoli, chopped into small pieces

-1 1/3 cups shredded sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1) In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the onions and carrots.  Cook, stirring occasionally until they start to soften 

2) Add roughly chopped broccoli (not the finally chopped broccoli), cauliflower, salt, and broth

3) Cover and let boil (stirring frequently) until all veggies are soft

3.5) As veggies are boiling, steam the finely chopped broccoli in a pan or in a microwave

4) Once veggies are soft, puree the mixture in the blender

5) Put blended mixture in pot on low heat.  Add shredded cheese and soft finally chopped broccoli.  Add pepper to taste and enjoy!

Container Equivalents: 1 1/2 Green, 1 Blue, 1/3 Red, 1/2 Tsp

Pumpkin Custard Bars

While it may not be the holiday season but I love desserts and couldn't pass up these pumpkin custard bars.  Who says eating healthy means eating bland food.  I found this recipe from Stephanie on http://thefoodieandthefix.com/flourless-pumpkin-custard-bars/

Ingredients

    -1 1/2 cups pumkin puree (1 can)

    -3 Tbs Almond Butter

    -1 tsp vanilla

    -1 Tbs Pumpkin pie Spice

    -3 Tbs Maple Syrup

    -3/4 tsp baking soda

    -2 eggs

    -Dash of Salt

    -Optional: Pecans

Instructions

    1) Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.  Spray an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.

    2) Whisk all ingredients together until well combined and spread into the baking dish. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let cool, then cut into 9 bars.

    3) Refigerate any leftovers

Notes

Container Equivalents: 1/6th PURPLE, 1/9 RED, 1 TSP, 1 TSP Maple Syrup

Almond Energy Bars

Almonds, yes.  Energy bars, definitely.  Dessert, HECK YEAH!!!!!  This recipe comes from my coworker Sam Woods.  A delicious and perfect treat for anyone who loves to workout and stay fit. 

Recipe:

Base:

2 cups ground raw almonds

1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 cup flaxseed meal

3 scoops whey protein

½ cup of almond butter

1 cup of melted coconut oil

3 tbs. of coconut sugar (the recipe calls for stevia, but I don’t like the weird aftertaste in my mouth.)

Frosting:

1 full slab of cooking chocolate, 100% cacao

½ cup of coconut oil

½ stick of butter

2 tbs. of cinnamon( more or less according to taste)

Sweeten to taste, more coconut sugar, like ¼ cup maybe…

Mix all base dry ingredients in a bowl first. Then add the melted coconut oil and almond butter. Sometimes I melt the almond butter with the coconut oil so it mixes with the dry ingredients better. Make sure the oil is mixed throughout and press into a 13x9 pan. Should be about ¾ inch thick, maybe more. Not exact science happening in a guy’s kitchen!  HA!  Refrigerate for about an hour.

While the base is cooling, put the frosting ingredients in a pan and on LOW heat slowly  melt the chocolate. Once it is melted turn off the heat and let it set until the hour is up for the base to cool. Pour the chocolate stuff over the base until all is coated and refrigerate for another hour or so. Then you can serve up and power up!!

Because of the coconut oil, these bars need constant refrigeration. If you set them out, they’ll last a little while, then they get crumbly. Still good, but messy. Let me know what you think.

Peanut Butter Chicken

I love mixing up my dinners and making some fun dishes.  THis one came from all recipes and the author is: CHANDRA6.  You can find the recipe here if you wish.  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/81310/grilled-peanut-chicken/

Special Jonesin' to get Fit Directions:

-Cube up Chicken and Dice 1-2 cloves of Garlic

-Place cubed chicken and garlic in a preheated pan with a little bit of oil

-Cut up 1 Bell Pepper, 2 cups of Broccoli, and noodle 1 Squash

-After the Chicken is 90% cooked, add teh veggies to the chicken and mix them in

-Add 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 tsp soy sauce, and 1/4 cup Peanut Butter (or other nut butter) to the pan.  Feel free to add a little more oil if you wish.

-Let it simmer until the sauce just starts turning thicker

-Serve and enjoy!

Quinoa Pizza Crust

This recipe is awesome for a delicious and very healthy pizza crust!  It does take a little bit of time to make, but well worth it!  I didn't create the recipe but found it on Amanda Finks webiste  http://www.thewholesomedish.com/quinoa-crust-pizza-cheesy-garlic-bread/

Here's what you do!

-Preheat the oven to 425 degrees

- Put 2 tsp of olive in a hot pan. Rinse off 1/2 cup quinoa and put in the oil.  Stir around for 5-6 minutes just lightly browning the outside.  Then add 1 cup water (1 part quinoa to 2 parts water)

-After Quinoa is cooked, let it cook a little more to help get all the water soaked up or evaporated.

-Cool for 10 minutes.

-As the Quinoa is cooling, mix together:

    -2 eggs

    -1 tsp garlic

    -1/2 tsp basil

    -1/2 tsp oregano

    -1/2 tsp baking powder

- Mix above mixture with cooled quinoa.  Add 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.  Mix well

-Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet or pizza pan.  Spread the mixture across the paper and even it out until it's about 1/4" thick.  

-Place in oven for 15-20 minutes (when it looks cooked)

-Take out and add favorite sauce and toppings. Pop back into the oven for 5-10 minutes until the toppings are done the way you like.

-ENJOY!

Peanutty Peanut Butter Squares

Who doesn't love Peanut Butter!  This recipe from Autumn Calabrese doesn't disappoint!  Give it a try and share a pic of it on social media.  Don't forget to tag me in it!  I got this recipe from her. Author: Fixate Cookbook

Ingredients:

2 eggs (room temperature)

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

1 1/2 Cups Peanut Butter

1/2 Cup Honey or Natural Maple Syrup

Directions: Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.  Spray an 8"x8" pan.  Pour mixture into pan and spread evenly.  Place pan in oven and let it cook for 20-23 minutes.  Cook until a toothpick or knife comes out clean.  Cut into squares and enjoy!

Grilled Steak Kabobs

This is the perfect recipe for any party or family get together (especially in summer).   Give this simple and delicious recipe a try!  Don't forget to take a picture of your meal and share it with me on social media!

Here's what you need (feel free to customize)

For the Rice
Rice

Ginger

Curry

Paprika

Oregano

Tumeric

For the Kabobs

Sweet Potatos

Squash

Peppers

Lean Steak (I marinated the steak with some soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and ginger)

For the directions, watch the video below:

3 Ingredient Waffles

Let's be frank, waffles are delicious!  However, being so heavy on carbs and if you're on a diet you may have had to abandon waffles.  Well, NO MORE!  Give these delicious waffles a try and let me know what you think!

Here are the ingredients you need: (Makes 2 waffles)
1 Scoop Protein Powder
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 Egg

Want the directions on how to make it?  Follow the directions in the video below.

Breakfast Skillet

Time to mix up the meals a bit and decided to make dinner outside in the firepit!  Plus breakfast for dinner, how can you go wrong?!?  You can make this over a campfire, your grill, or on your stove!  

Here's what you need: (Remember it's totally custumizable so you can make it your very own)

Italian seasoned ground turkey

Red Potatoes

Red Pepper

Chives

Fresh Spinach

4 eggs

Ground Pepper

For directions to make this meal follow the video below: 

Spicy Southwestern Soup

Time for some hearty soup that’s perfect for winter! This recipe is quite flexible and can be made vegetarian and even vegan if you like! Give it a try and be sure to tag us in a picture of you making it and enjoying the delicious soup!

Here's what you need:
1 pound or more of shredded or diced chicken
1 - 1 1/2 diced onions
1 diced red pepper
3 diced garlic cloves
5 sliced red potatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatos
1 can tomato puree
1 can drained black beans
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/8 tsp cayanne pepper

Learn how to make it by watching our LIVE video here:

Cold Brew Chicken

If you know much of anything about me, you know I absolutely LOVE coffee!  So when I found the recipe for this cold brew chicken making it was a no brainer!  Now I didn't create the recipe but found it here: https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/3-healthy-chicken-wing-recipes

It's simple but freaking delicious!  Give it a try today and let me know what you think of it.

Here's what you'll need:
2 lbs of chicken
Sea Salt
Olive Oil
Ground Cinnamon
Ground Paprika
Cayanne Pepper
1 TBSP Sugar
2 TBSP Coffee Beans

To create this tasty meal follow the directions in this video:

Carrot Cake

Who doesn't love dessert?  This carrot cake maybe considered healthy but it's tastes ridiculously unhealthy!  I didn't create this recipe but found it here: http://celebratingsweets.com/healthier-carrot-cake-naturally-sweetened-whole-grain/

Here's what you need to make this amazing recipe:
1 2/3 cups whole wheat flour
1 3/4 cups diced carrots
2 eggs
2/3 cups honey
1/2 cup crushed pinapple
1/2 cup applesauce
1/3 cup walnuts
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
Cream Cheese
Vanilla extract
Ground Cinnamon
Salt

For directions to make this incredibly recipe watch the video here:

Shepherds Pie

This recipe is perfect for a cold night whether you use beef, chicken, turkey, or lamb!  You'll be able to stick with your diet, have veggies, protein, and enjoy this crazily delicious dinner!

Here's what you need:
Makes 4 portions
3/4 pound of meat
1/2 onion
2 carrots
2 garlic cloves
1 cup of frozen peas
3/4 cup almond milk (or 1/2 cup beef broth and 1/4 cup milk)
3 potatoes
1/2 cauliflower head cut into florets

Learn how to make this delicious and easy recipe by watching this video:

4 Ingredient Pumpkin Pie

It's that time of year... pumpkin time that is!  Stay on track with your diet but enjoy a phenomenal pumpkin pie.  Plus it only has 150 calories!!!!  I think that's reason to have two servings if you as me!

This recipe makes 2 pies.  Here are the ingredients you need:
Whole Wheat Crust (find the recipe here. https://www.sites.google.com/site/jonesintogetfit/recipes-more - You'll need to scroll down a little bit)
2 cans of Pure Pumpkin Puree
1 can of Sweetened Condense Milk
Pumpkin Pie Spice
4 Eggs

For directions on making this amazing dessert watch the video below!

Shrimp and Rice Cups

Time to get fancy with our meals.  But no worries, just because it's fancy doesn't mean it's hard.  Give this super easy meal a try tonight and your family will be amazed at your skill!

Ingredients needed
Coconut Oil (or any other oil that would work)
Soy Sauce
Honey
Ginger Powder
Garlic Powder
Cayanne Pepper
Shrimp
Sticky Rice (Rice That's cooked and not rinsed afterward)
Zucchini
Broccoli
Red Pepper
Green Onions

Watch how to put it all together and make it a smashing night here: