Asparagus, Egg & Bacon Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette (taken from Skinnytaste)

I absolutely LOVE Skinnytaste! I bet most people would agree that those recipes are pretty darn healthy AND delicious!! This one is no exception to that statement. I love salads and I am always looking for different ways to get those greens in without being too bland or boring. So this little baby was delivered to my inbox a while ago and I tried it and immediately fell in love. Asparagus is one veggie that my kids will eat straight off of the grill but any other way is a definite no-no. To my surprise they enjoyed this salad. It's fresh and light and the hard boiled egg makes it a great meal in itself. 

Ingredients:

• 1 large hard boiled egg, peeled and sliced
• 1 2/3 cups chopped asparagus
• 2 slices cooked and crumbled center cut bacon
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• pinch salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the asparagus and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until tender yet firm. Drain and run under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Set aside.

In a small bowl mix the Dijon, oil, vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper.

I tossed the asparagus with the vinaigrette and topped the salad with a sprinkle of the bacon and then served the egg on the side. ~Enjoy!~

Insanity Max 30-Week 3 Menu

Alright, so week 3 is about to kick into gear. My shoulders and upper back are SORE!! My legs and buns are SORE!! BUT my mind is telling me to keep pushing forward. I am looking forward to the results...I had some great results from my initial round of Max30 and I know that I can get killer results this time around. It's taken me some time to really get in the groove but I can feel the energy starting to ramp up within me. Cardio has got to be my biggest challenge...I know shocking that I LOVE such a cardio intense program. Here is the plan for week 3....stay tuned for recipes, I like to try at least one each week. Cheers!!

Insanity Max 30-Week 1 Progress

Week ONE is in the bag!!!  I have been so excited to repeat Insanity MAX:30...like SOOOO super pumped!!  Back a couple months ago I completed my first round of Max 30 and had some really awesome results!! But to be perfectly honest with you, I was scared to death to start.  I really wanted an extreme workout but I really didn't have the desire to put in 60-90 minutes....insert Shaun T and his insane compilation of wildly intense max interval training system and BOOM! you've got one serious kick@$$ workout!!! You go hard for 30 minutes 5 days a week and then you get 2 rest days. I prefer to incorporate the optional Pulse DVD which is more of an active recovery workout but necessary for optimal results. I do enjoy working out, but I really only want to do it for a hard 30 minutes and be done!  Honestly...that's just how I roll! 

So, the whole idea behind Insanity Max 30 and MAXING OUT is to go as hard as you can for as long as you can with each exercise. Once you feel like you are unable to do one more rep you record your time and take a quick breather and then hop back in. So each week the goal is to increase your Max Out time!

Apart from the exercise portion of Max 30 and Shaun T being my "soul mate" trainer if you will...the nutrition is consistent with the 21 Day Fix program. They have incorporated the portion control containers with the Insanity Max 30!! Yay!! This way of eating is just a no brainer for me...so yay! It's so simple, there are two brackets for nutrition...A or B. I fall into the B category, so I follow the container allotment laid out for me in the guide. The guide will literally give you a list of recommended foods for the appropriate container and all you have to do is fill the containers and EAT!! How cool is that?? So simple even my kids have gotten into the habit of preparing my plates for me lol...you never know who is watching ;) 

So with week 1 being done, I have noticed an increase in my energy and endurance again...ya! I've also noticed that I have lost some weight already..woot! My rings are fitting looser as well as some of my clothes...tres cool! 

If you are ready to make a change in your health and fitness and would like to join me in my trek to being fit, shoot me a message at evelynbrunette5@gmail.com I would be more than happy to help you get started!

Pork Tenderloin with Apple Orange Salsa and Greek Yogurt (from Frank's RedHot Recipes)

For the tenderloin:

2 tbsp olive oil
1-2 cloves minced garlic
1/3-1/2 cup hot sauce (we used Frank's Original)
1/2 cup OJ
2 tbsp zest of orange
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1-2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
approx 2 lbs pork tenderloin (we used 2)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

Saute garlic in olive oil until tender. Stir in hot sauce, OJ, orange zest, cilantro, chili powder & oregano. Be sure to save about a 1/4 cup of marinade.

Combine the tenderloin and marinade in Ziploc bag or container and refrigerate for 1-3 hours. Remember that 1/4 cup of marinade?? Ya add that to the Greek yogurt and place in the refrigerator.

Alright, when you're ready...toss the tenderloin on a heated grill and cook for about 20 minutes or until it's done.

For the Salsa:

2-3 oranges, peeled and sectioned...dice into pieces
2 apples, diced into pieces
2 tbsp onion (I prefer sweet or red but you can use whatever you have)
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp hot sauce (we used Frank's Original)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until you're ready for it!

When you're ready to eat, slice up the tenderloin and serve over a bed of rice or greens. I like kale personally!!

Insanity Max 30 Week 1 Meal Plan

Eeeeekkk!! Tomorrow is Day 1 of my Max 30 journey!! I am both terrified and excited at the same time! This is my second round of Max 30 and I am totally thrilled because I know what to expect and I know what I need to do in order to get Max results. So to kick-start the week I've got my meal plan ready to go...time to hit up the grocery store with my list and prepare for the busy week ahead! If you think you're up to the challenge and get insane...shoot me a message!

Meatloaf Muffins

Here is a quick and easy meal that can be eaten immediately or frozen in individual portions for later. I personally love meals that I can freeze, I am never then put on the spot if I need something for lunches/dinner or even while traveling. Serve up with a salad or veggies and you've got a perfect meal...nothing says fast food like that!!

1lb ground turkey (you can also use ground chicken or extra-lean ground beef)
2 egg whites
3/4 cup oats
1/4tsp cumin
1tsp dried mustard
1tsp chipotle (if you have)
1/2tsp sea salt
1tbsp garlic powder
1/2 onion chopped
1 celery stalk chopped

1. Preheat oven to 375
2. Spray muffin tins with cooking spray
3. In a large bowl mix together all ingredients
4. Roll mixture into balls and fill each tin
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes

Serving size is approximately 2 muffins

Mini Workout

What do you do when you know you will be away from wifi AND in an environment not conducive to your regular DVD workout routine?? Well I put together this little plan for myself for exactly that reason. I did this last summer when we were travelling as well...it works great! All you have to do is find a space that will accommodate your workout and pump out those reps....