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.

Protein Apple Cobbler

Want a tasty dessert that'll keep you on track with your diet?  Then don't miss this easy and delicious recipe!  

Ingredients:

4 Apples

1/2 cup cottage cheese

1/2 cup water

2 scoops of vanilla protein powder

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

4 tbsp Natural Maple Syrup

1/2 tsp vanilla extract (split in half)

1/2 tsp cinnamon (split in half)

1/2 cup oats

1 tbsp honey

Directions:

preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Dice apples into bit size pieces and put into a pan.  Turn stove on medium and soften the apples.  Add 2 tbsp natural maple syrup, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp cinnamon.  Stir until soft.  Then place apple pieces in 8" x 8" oven safe pan.  In a bowl combine cottage cheese, water, protein powder, flour, and the rest of the of the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.  Stir until there are no clumps, then spread evenly on top of apples.  In the same bowl combine oats and honey.  Stir together and then spread on top of mixture.  Place in the oven and cook for 30 minutes or until the oats have browned.  Take out and let it cool 10-20 minutes before serving.  ENJOY

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!

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

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!

Healthy Pecan Pie

This is one of my favorite desserts.  But with the the amount of sugar and calories in a normal pecan pie, I sadly pass on it.  Well, NO MORE!  Time to enjoy this heavenly dessert!

I did not create the recipe but found it on Jamie Callahan website http://www.adventuresofashrinkingprincess.com/recipes/21-day-fix-pecan-pie/

Recipe makes one 9" pecan pie.

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (optional, white whole wheat flour)

1/2 cup oat flour

1 TBSP coconut sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2/3 cup Cold Coconut oil (optional, organic pure unsalted butter)

Ice cold Water

Crust directions:

Make the crust by combining the wheat flour with the oat flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.  Add the coconut oil or butter and work it through the flour mixture with your hands until it's crumbly.

Slowly add ice water, about 2 TBSP at a time, until you have a stiff dough.  Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until firm, about a half hour.

Roll the pie crust out, lightly flouring the dough and work surface. Carefully lay the dough in your pie pan.

Pie Filling:

1/2 Cup Honey for a less sweet pie OR

2/4 Cup Honey for a medium sweet pie OR

1 cup honey for a SUPER sweet pie

3 egg whites, whipped with a fork

2 TBSP safflower or other light flavored oil

1 cup raw pecan pieces

4 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

3 TBSP whole wheat pastry flou

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.

Pour batter into raw pie crust and bake for 10 minutes.  Reduce heat to 350 degrees F, and continue to bake for 20-25 minutes. The pie shoudl raise in the oven and have small cracks in the top when it's done.

Remove from oven and allow to cool overnight

21 Day Fix Containers: 1 Yellow, 1 tsp, and 1/2 blue per slice

French Toast Bake

Christmas Special -French Toast Bake

This super simple breakfast is perfect for Christmas morning after everyone opens their presents or really anytime when family is over. Prep it the night before and then pop it in the oven in the morning enjoy some coffee and then dig in!

Here's what you need:

For 4 larger servings

8-9 slices of Whole Wheat Bread (or your favorite healthy bread)

5 eggs

1 cup milk (dairy, almond, coconut, whatever!)

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Almond Extact

Apples

Honey

Here's how you make the magic happen!

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:

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:

Simple & Delicious Cheesecake

This is one of my favorite desserts in the holidays. However, it can derail you from your diet. But no more! This recipe is healthy, freaking delicious, and super easy. Make it this Thanksgiving and let your families be the judge on how wonderful it is.

PS-this recipe isn’t mine.  I found it here: https://www.theworktop.com/breakfast-brunch-recipes/healthy-cheesecake-with-cottage-cheese/

Here's what you need:

Crust
2 cups crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup sugar
6 TBSP melted butter
1 tsp cinnamon

Filling
2 1/3 cup Cottage Cheese
1 cup Greek Yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp flour (or 1/2 scoop of protein powder)
2 eggs

For directions, watch the live cooking show here:

Easy and Healthy Pie Crust

I love pies.  The ones with butter crusts taste amazing but are a huge sidetrack to my diet.  Well it's not a concern anymore!  Here is a healthy and easy crust recipe I use for any dessert and pot pies!

Crust:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (optional, white whole wheat flour)

1/2 cup oat flour

1 TBSP coconut sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2/3 cup Cold Coconut oil (optional, organic pure unsalted butter)

Ice cold Water

Crust directions:

Make the crust by combining the wheat flour with the oat flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.  Add the coconut oil or butter and work it through the flour mixture with your hands until it's crumbly.

Slowly add ice water, about 2 TBSP at a time, until you have a stiff dough.  Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until firm, about a half hour.

Roll the pie crust out, lightly flouring the dough and work surface. Carefully lay the dough in your pie pan.

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!

Homemade Greek Yogurt

There are a few things as delicious and healthy as greek yogurt.  Plus who doesn't love making it at home.  This crazy simple recipe will have you experimenting and trying new flavor combinations your entire family will enjoy!

Here's what you need for this ridiculous simple recipe:
Milk (Whole milk is best but 2% or 1% works too)

Want to know exactly how to make it?  Watch here:

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:

Taco Spaghetti

Wait, say what!?  Yep, you read that right.  Taco Spaghetti.  A viewer's son requested making this dish.  So I take on this challenge and make a delicious dinner that any family will love.  Oh yeah, your waist line will like it too.

Ingredients:
Shredded Chicken (learn to make that HERE. Make it without the seasonings)
1 Zucchini
2 Corn on the Cobs (Precooked and corn kernels cut off)
1 Can of Tomato Sauce (No salt added)
1 Can Black Beans
1 Pepper (Chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
1 Shallot (Chopped)
Ground Cumin
Chili Powder
Paprika
Cayenne Pepper
Coconut Oil (or other oil)

Learn how to make it by watching the live cooking show here:

Kale Soup

EEEWWW!!!  Kale soup?  It almost sounds gross but this is far from disgusting!  Here is a super delicous and simple soup that will blow your mind!  A huge thank you to my good friend Pamela Barnhill for giving me this recipe.  Oh yeah, you can make it vegan or vegetarian.  Plus this soup is a great way to use any veggies from your garden.

Ingredients:
2 packages of kale (6 - cups)
2 cans of Garbanzo beans
4 cups Vegetable broth (low sodium or unsalted)
1 Green Pepper (chopped)
6 stalks of celary (chopped
4 carrots (chopped)
1 Shallot (chopped)
1 clove of garlic (minced)
Oregano
Grapeseed Oil (or oil of your choice)

Give this soup a try today!  Follow the directions by watching the live today here: