autumncalabrese

No-Cook Swiss Oatmeal

Planning breakfasts that feed a crowd and are easy to grab and go is what I plan for because I never know when a random sleepovers will happen, or I’ll be rushed and short on time. Here are some of my favorite breakfast planning tips:

Don’t be afraid of repeating - I like to plan two recipes for breakfast and alternate them throughout the week. Simple!

Remember carbs + protein in the morning to keep you fueled all day.

Make it delicious, not depriving. You want to wake up looking forward to your meals!

Here is a breakfast I have on repeat often, especially in the mountains . Is it just me or does oatmeal & mountains go hand in hand?

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No-Cook Swiss Oatmeal

Serves: 4


Ingredients

2 cups dry old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten-free

3 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk

3 ½ cup reduced-fat (2%) plain Greek yogurt

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 cups chopped strawberries

1 large banana, chopped

1/4 Tbsp. sliced raw almonds


Instructions

Place oats, almond milk, yogurt, extract, cinnamon, strawberries, banana, and almonds in a medium bowl; mix well. Soak, covered, in the refrigerator overnight. Divide evenly into 4 mason jars or plastic containers to grab and go each morning.


What’s your breakfast plan for the week?

Summer Potluck Recipes

Click to download!

Click to download!

There’s nothing like the dreaded “Bring your own…” at the end of a summer invite to really get you sweating! What does the host like? What is the theme of the party? Should I bring hot or cold?

Look no further because the ultimate Potluck Recipe Guide is here! Flip through the PDF below to get my favorite summer recipes to serve a crowd. Whether it’s a cookout, birthday party, barbecue or beachy lunch - I think you will find something that you love!

Open the PDF and let me know, what recipe are you excited to try?

Form Corrections for these 2 common exercises

We've all done it, especially at the end of our workout when our muscles start getting tired or we get lazy with form. I’m not perfect either so this applies to me too!!

Here are two ways to ensure you are using proper form and help force yourself to be in the right position. If you use these tricks, it's almost hard to cheat! Let me know if there are specific exercises you need help with and I’ll try to do a video specifically for you!

Surviving the Holidays + Fun Workout Challenge!

Click image to download pdf!

Click image to download pdf!

Can you believe we're talking about the holidays? Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas and New Years are all going to be here before you know it! Here's my Holiday Survival Guide with lots of ideas for healthier holiday recipes and tips for staying on track and enjoying every minute. I've got you covered this holiday season!

Bonus, I included 8 different workouts to help get you moving, even as the weather gets colder. These are some of our newest programs and they are all so good! If you are looking for a new full program or just a few workouts to try out, press play and try them out. I would love to hear what you think of them, so if you try one out, send me your thoughts!

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

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Overnight oats are one of my favorite breakfasts for fall - and this recipe has all the best autumn flavors! Plus, it’s high in protein and fiber, so you stay full all morning! Bonus: it tastes like dessert, I’m here for that! 

Let me know if you make this Apple Cinnamon Crumble Overnight Oats and what you think!

Ingredients

For overnight oats

  • ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk

  • ½ cup dry rolled oats

  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (I use Shakeology)

  • 1 small apple, chopped, divided use

  • 2 tsp chia seeds

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For crumble

  • 1 tbsp chopped pecans, unsalted

  • 1 tbsp dry rolled oats

  • 2 tsp almond flour

  • 1 tsp coconut sugar

  • 1 tsp extra-virgin organic coconut oil

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. To make overnight oats, combine almond milk, oats, protein powder, ½ apple, chia seeds, and extract in a medium bowl and mix well. Evenly divide the oat mixture between 2 jars; seal the jars and refrigerate overnight.

  2. To make crumble, combine pecans, oats, almond flour, sugar, oil, and cinnamon in a small bowl; mix well.

  3. In the morning, top each jar evenly with crumble and remaining apple pieces. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

Turkey chili - hello fall!

Turkey chili - the perfect meal to pull together on a cool Sunday in the Fall. 😍 Who is with me?! Maybe you can try this tomorrow! This is also a great recipe to make ahead for a quick, high-protein lunch, or to freeze for a busy weekday dinner when you’re too busy to cook! 

This recipe has 2 cans of kidney beans… but you can use any beans you like, or ne wild and try 2 different types of beans.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 medium yellow or orange bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 lb raw 93% lean ground turkey

  • 1 (28 oz) can chopped tomatoes

  • 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, rinsed + drained

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • ½ tsp sea salt

  • Crushed red peppers (to taste, optional)

  • 12 sprigs of parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes, or until the onion is soft.

  3. Add the turkey and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the turkey is browned.

  4. Add tomatoes, beans, chili powder, salt, and crushed red peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes.

  5. Divide turkey chili into 6 serving bowls and garnish with parsley if desired.

Yield: 6 servings
Ultimate Portion Fix Containers: ½ Green, ½ Red, 1½ Yellow
2B Mindset Plate It: Add a side salad or veggies for a great lunch option.

Peppermint Patty Shakeology

Peppermint Patty Shakeology

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

  • 1 cup ice

  • ½ scoop Chocolate Shakeology (whey or vegan will do)

  • ½ scoop Vanilla Shakeology (either forumla)

  • ½ tsp pure peppermint extract

  • 1 tsp shaved dark chocolate

  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish, optional

Instructions

  1. Place almond milk, ice, Shakeology, and peppermint extract in a blender; cover and blend until smooth.

  2. Pour into glass and garnish with chocolate + mint leaves, if desired.

Yield: 1 serving

Ultimate Portion Fix Containers: 1 Red, 1 tsp
2B Mindset Plate It: Enjoy as an occasional snack(tional) or enjoy as part of breakfast.

Pumpkin Spice Breakfast Yogurt

It’s time for a tasty treat … and this time of year is perfect for Pumpkin Spice! You may have seen a wonder whip recipe from 2B Mindset but this one is made for October!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Mix pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, Greek yogurt, and honey together in a bowl. Top with granola and enjoy!

Yield: 1 serving.

Ultimate Portion Fix Containers: 1 Red, ½ Yellow, 1½  tsp
2B Mindset Plate It: Eat as a healthy breakfast option!

Cocoa Nut Butter Protein Balls

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These are sooo easy and can be modified however you want if there are allergies!

Ingredients:
- 5 cup QUICK oats (old fashioned requires more sweetener IMO)

- 1 cup any Creamy nut 🥜 butter (just make sure it’s clean and there’s no added sugar or oil)

Yogurt, Shakeology powder, loose granola on top!  1.5R, 2Y, 2 tsp

Yogurt, Shakeology powder, loose granola on top! 1.5R, 2Y, 2 tsp

- ¾ cup sweetener of choice (I combined local Honey🍯 and Pure Maple Syrup)

- ½ cup cocoa

- 2 scoops / packets Shakeology (any flavor and either whey or vegan will do)

** if for a kids’ class, you could switch 1 cup of Oats with 1 cup Rice Krispies for a crunch

**other modifications can be diced cranberries, nuts, coconut or chocolate chips. These will require more sweetener to make it sticky enough to hold, so instead swap out ½ cup Oats for these modifications.

Directions:
1. Mix together with a mixer or you’ll get an arm workout too. It doesn’t matter which order you add ingredients, I mix once all are in the bowl.
2. Roll into balls (24-30), or put in a 13x9 pan and make bars (yields ~20-22 bars depending on thickness).

Serve with plain greek yogurt for breakfast (see above) with 2 - 3 balls (these are sweet enough so you don’t need a sweetened yogurt like Vanilla, and then you forgo the additives that aren’t great for you anyways). You can also put additional Shakeology in your yogurt and stir together before topping with loose granola, or crumble a few balls.

For lunch these can be a healthy carb (2-3 balls), or for snack (kids 4-5 balls, adults 2). These are heavier than my 21-Day Fix Granola Balls so I limit these to heavy fitness days like training, or days I work out for longer than 40 minutes.

Let me know how you like them! I find them very kid friendly!

Chia pudding

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Chia pudding: tastes like dessert, delivers protein, fiber, and antioxidants #WinWin! If you haven’t tried it yet… it’s time! You can prep on the weekend and then eat it for breakfast, a midday snack, or for a sweet dessert to end the day, but it’s a great thing to have on hand for when life hands you curve balls!

The possibilities are ENDLESS! Make it with almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Sprinkle with cinnamon or get wild with pumpkin spice. Add your favorite fruits. You do need to have the right ratios of seeds to liquid, so here you go!

Ingredients

  • 1½ c unsweetened almond milk (or fav milk alternative)

  • 1 tbsp raw honey

  • ⅓ cup chia seeds

  • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine almond milk, honey, chia seeds, and vanilla in a medium bowl and mix well.

  2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, mixing after 2 hours.

  3. Divide evenly into 2 servings.

So, that’s the basics. But let’s elevate this, shall we; try my favorites below and let me know which is your favorite! 

Citrus Chia Pudding Parfait

Raspberry Chia Pudding

Coconut Mango Chia Pudding

Chia Pudding with Tumeric, Almonds, and Goji Berries

Avocado Smash

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In Australia we call it Avocado Smash and it’s just about as good as gold! So delicious and filling. I chose this, with wholemeal sourdough and add 2 poached eggs on top. The macros are perfect for a balanced breakfast and if they have rocket on the menu, add that for flavor and spice!

Ultimate Portion Fix = 1R (with opt 2 eggs), 1Y, 1G (with opt rocket), 2B (chose ¼ avocado for just 1B and stir with lime juice and it will cover more area!). I never get more than 1B so I get creative!

Sweet Potato Muffins - MAJOR HIT!

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First let me say, this recipe can be made many different ways. I rencently made this for our babysitter’s birthday because she requested a healthy, nut-free, dessert-like baked good and since most things I make are clean, but have nut butter of some sort, I modified this. I’ll show you how below…

Ingredients the way I prefer it most:

  • 1 cup pealed orange sweet potatoes / yams (cook and allow to cool first. they should mash fairly easily so you can squish in measuring cup if you like, no need to dice or get all fancy here - cram it in ;)

  • 1 cup non-dairy milk. I prefer unsweetened almond milk (you’ll get enough sweetness from the potatoes, but if you need this to be nut free, you can use coconut milk, soy or rice milk)

  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (PURE, not Aunt Jemima’s here!)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (not imitation)

  • 2 TBSP hemp / chai seeds (these can be pricey and some kids don’t like the texture so it’s not do-or-die, I omitted them and they turned out just as well)

  • 2 cups less 2 TBSP wholewheat flour (if you need this to be nut-free), or 1 cup almond flour AND 1 cup whole wheat flour (this is my preference and what I used in the recipe)

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 2 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 tsp baking soda

  • 1/4 tsp ground sea salt

  • 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips (then you have prettier muffins and isn’t that half the purpose? with my kids eating it, yes!) or use non-dairy chocolate chips if you need this to be dairy free.

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Preheat oven to 170 celsius and fill muffin tins with 12 liners. If you want more, fill a little less and you can get 18 easily.

Combine cooled sweet potato, hemp seeds (opt) and all wet ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Takes less than 2 minutes. In a large bowl, add remaining dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until well combined. Add wet mixture to dry and stir until completely mixed and then add chocolate chips (you could add sultanas instead, but lets live on the wild side and use dark chocolate chips here - there are health benefits you’re gaining too!).

Scoop mixture into muffin pan and bake for 15-18 minutes (if you made 18, cook on lesser side). Check doneness around 12 minutes. Remove and let cool a few minutes in the pan and then transfer to a cutting board to cool completely. Serve 1 muffin (if 12 servings) or 2 muffins (if smaller) with 2 eggs for a complete breakfast! ENJOY and share your thoughts below! These freeze well too!

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Egg White Pizza tutorial

I make these 2 at a time so I can eat one fresh and have one to look forward to the next day.  When you love something this much and it’s dense nutrition, you don’t mind leftovers.  And that’s how I survive motherhood right now. #dontjudge

I make these 2 at a time so I can eat one fresh and have one to look forward to the next day. When you love something this much and it’s dense nutrition, you don’t mind leftovers. And that’s how I survive motherhood right now. #dontjudge

Step 1 (this is 6 egg whites, flipped once, 1 TBSP pizza sauce

Step 1 (this is 6 egg whites, flipped once, 1 TBSP pizza sauce

Step 2 - that’s 1 slice of ham in slivers

Step 2 - that’s 1 slice of ham in slivers

I found a rendition of this on Iliana Mulestein’s Instagram page and have played with this till I borderline perfected it (to me at least) and I have this at least 3 days a week for lunch or dinner. My kids have watched me eat it and inquired if they could “try it” (afraid to commit to a whole serving LOL) and now they love it too. See if it’s a crowd pleaser in your house!

The key is to use a small enough pan (6-8” at most) so it’s thick enough to hold a “slice” to eat. If the pan is too big it’ll fall apart, but if that happens, call an audible and make a delicious scramble instead. It’s not going to be a wasted meal!

I do 1 of 2 recipes… 1) 8 egg whites for vegetarian pizza, or 2) 6 egg whites with 1-2 slices of ham or prosciutto. 1 TBSP clean pizza sauce is plenty. Then chose whatever veggies you want to add. I like to put these on once I flip the pizza so they get warm, but not wilted or cooked too much. Did you know when you cook vegetables that you lose a lot of nutrients? And it’s not necessary. My go-to are arugula (aka Rocket in Australia), red peppers (healthiest choice of pepper and has the most calcium) and sometimes if I’m low on veggies for the day I’ll add mushrooms too (but I’ll cook those because raw is #yuck). Bust out those containers because cheese is hard to eye ball! Use 1 blue container of your preferred cheese 🧀 as long as you haven’t already enjoyed cheese or avocado 🥑 that day, as the very last step.
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This was my dinner while family had frozen bacon & cheese pizza from grocery store. I love pizza y’all but honestly, this was damn good, I was very full and I didn’t feel like I missed out at all. You should enjoy what you eat, but you also want to remember it’s food and food provides fuel for your body. A recent video with Shaun T really impacted me when he said “talk to your food and ask it, what are you going to do for me?” When you think of it like that, the brownie or white flour pizza, doesn’t look so appealing, amiright?

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Step 3 (from tutorial above) serve & slice into 4 pieces.

Step 3 (from tutorial above) serve & slice into 4 pieces.

Containers simplified!

Vegan Vanilla Shakeology (1R) + ⅓ cup water stirred, blueberries (1P) on top

Vegan Vanilla Shakeology (1R) + ⅓ cup water stirred, blueberries (1P) on top

Let’s talk about these containers and see if I can simplify them. I know so many see all the colors and think… how will I know how much to eat, how much of each food group I need, how much more to I need if I do intense exercise, or don’t exercise at all? Or what if I’m nursing and need extra calories for the baby and I? I’ve got you covered and can help you know with all these questions! It takes 21 days to start a new habit and make it stick and by 30 days, your body will be craving it!!!

I started with containers 3 years ago and have never looked back, and still use them daily. If I don’t measure cheese for example, I could eat a whole block and call it 1 serving. The more I like something, the more tempting it is to just keep eating and eating and then regret it the next day when I’m bloated, low energy for my kids or workout, or clothes are feeling tight. It' feels amazing to wake up feeling proud of your choices and feeling good.

This one-pot-wonder is a hodgepodge of ingredients I had in my fridge which a client actually inspired me to make. It’s clean 6 chicken sausages, 4 medium sized zucchini, 6 portobello mushrooms, served over cauliflower rice (for me) and fried rice (for my kids). You can add onions and garlic too which would taste amazing, but those don’t sit well with my stomach :( I used Italian Seasoning and it was amazing. This served a family of 4 for 2 nts and 1 more lunch for myself and the whole thing was under $15! My plate on right is 1 red and 2 greens. If you’re doing 1B Mindset you’d want a few more veggies so your ratios are 25% protein and 75% veggies (#veggiemost), and make sure to drink 16 oz water (#waterfirst).

Let me know if you try this and what you think!

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Ultimate Portion Fix is coming March 18th!!!

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THESE AREN’T YOUR 2014 CONTAINERS - NOT AT ALL!!

Anyone remember these that we introduced FIVE YEARS AGO? They may still be hanging around in your container drawer from years ago getting worn out, or sitting there bored, just collecting dust. Or maybe your kids hi-jacked them for their play kitchens or to build towers? Well, consider this your sign to dust them off, and get ready for a new, fresh take on them - 2019 upgraded style! Their latest makeover features: 


—> New videos covering topics most of us can relate to: sugar addiction, emotional eating, binge eating, etc.
—> New nutrition concepts 
—> New recipes / Ideas for kids - happy kids & easy eaters is a mom’s dream!
—> New streaming workouts for 2 programs that revolutionized Beachbody
—> Tracking app
—> A NEW START!!

I have a FREE informational group going on NOW showing how we will use the container system, break past mental barriers, break sugar addiction and figure out which eating plan is right for you. We'll talk about how to make healthy eating a sustainable lifestyle for the ENTIRE family. JOIN HERE!!!

March 18th when this program is launched for purchase, you can be one of the first to join my FREE ACCOUNTABILITY TEST GROUP and start laying a strong foundation for improving your nutrition. Then we will add in the new upgraded workouts starting April 1st.

Lets celebrate the 5 yr anniversary and eat correct portions, macros best suited for our body and metabolism, have freedom back in our life within those food groups, and stop counting calories FOREVER!

Lets take back the kitchen and make this simple and easy, yet still delicious! Join me now for free!!!