Big Nasty Mud Run Savannah Georgia, September 2012

I did it! I accomplished one of my goals. And I hate to toot my own horn, but toot toot! We scored 2cd place in the womens team division. Our time was 108.57 to complete a little over 4 miles with mud obstacles every half mile or so. It was the most amazing experience. It was hard, and I had some amazing friends who truely pushed me to go hard.

We killed it! I am so looking forward to doing the next one. During the run, a bee or hornet or some yellow bee looking thing latched onto my knee. It about gave me a heart attack. I screamed, "AHHHHH somethings biting me!!!," and all I could think is that some deadly spider has just bitten me and I am going to die in the woods covered in mud...HA! Lukily, it was just a bee or hornet, but that sucker did not want to stop stinging me. It was hanging on for dear life, which freaked me out even more cause I was like, "get it off me!" And apparently there was a swarm by me, so my friend Samantha, is yelling at me to come this way and get away from the bees. It was crazy! Then when we got to this tire carrying obstacle, I, being such a smartie, pick up a huge tire. I could not figure out why everyone else was smoking me on this course, but by the time i figured it out, it was too late. I had to push through it. I bet that thing weighed 50 lbs! Lord, thank you for being with me cause I did not think I could make it after that.


So, I overcame that one and we pushed ahead. We were all able to climb the vertical wall with the rope, which was amazing! I felt so strong after that one. It was like I was in a movie! The last mud pit before the finish line was awful. I felt like my legs were in concrete. I could feel my quads struggling to push through and pull my legs up out of this mess, but it was so difficult. I crawled, I fell. I dug my way to the end. Then my friend Melissa who was struggling, but she was not giving up, she decided to sit down (almost collapse and seemed very out of it) right before we got to the official finish line. They still counted our time, but we had to get her up to keep her heartrate from dropping to fast. It was so amazing. I wish we would have had a photo of us on each side of her, supporting her and carrying her to the finish line. Overall, it was one of the most memorable moments of my life. If you are considering a Mud Run, do it! It was incredible. I suggest you do some Insanity and run to get ready for it. I know Insanity helped me tremendously because my speed and agility in the mud and on the obstacles was definitly due to the Insanity workouts. The strength training from Les Mills Body Pump really gave me the muscle strength I needed to power through the mud and pull myself up on the obstacles. Have you done a mud run? What was your experience?

Progress Pictures - Shakeology,Les Mills, Insanity

The results over this last year have been amazing. I am starting my second month of Insanity and my first month of Les Mills. I also do a boxing class at the gym once a week. I also started drinking Shakeology the begining of May and that is when I really started noticing BIG RESULTS. These products kick major butt. I love Beachbody because they know how to BRING IT! So, here's my progress pics. What do you think?

 
The best part of all of this, is just feeling so much more confident. I stand up taller. I am proud of where I am at. Not that I looked awful before, but I just did not feel comfortable in my own skin, in a bathing suit, i just didn't. Now I do. I feel amazing. I have never felt like this before. I know I did the work, but the products from Beachbody, Shakeology, Les Mills, Insanity, the accountability and support, that's what helped me to get these results.

Food Prep Friday -Lentil Rice Chicken Bowl - My Go-to Make Ahead Healthy Meal

FOOD PREP FRIDAY with a RECIPE!

Take a few hours this weekend to prep your snacks and some of your meals to use throughout your work week. Those hours will save you a lot of time and you will be more successful throughout the week. I always keep snack bags or containers of cut up carrots, celery, peppers, oranges, strawberries, along with hummus, almonds, walnuts, grapes in snack bags, Greek yogurt, etc in the fridge. I don't always have all of them, but those are my typical go-to fridge snack items. For the freezer I keep on hand, peeled and frozen banana halves, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and I sometimes freeze pineapple juice to throw in my shakes.

This is my favorite make ahead healthy meal This makes dinner time on the go, so much easier for me. I am often lacking time at night, or going somewhere that will not have healthy options for me. I like to make these in advance to keep me on track when I do not have time, or need a quick meal. Eat them with a side salad to complete the meal.

Here is how I make several Chicken Rice Lentil Bowls and freeze them to use throughout the week. You do not have to freeze. This recipe is from one of the 10 Day Challenge Meal Plan's. What's a 10 day challenge? Contact me jenniferwoodfitness@gmail.com and I will fill you in!

*marinate about 2 lbs of chicken and grill until inside reaches at least 170*. Once grilled, chop into bite size portions, set aside

*Prepare 1 cup of dried brown rice or wild rice blend (1 cup dried equals 3 cups cooked). Cook according to the bag directions (sometimes I do half brown and half black - you have to cook them seperately)
*Chop a red or yellow onion. Spray pan with olive oil, Saute until golden. Set aside to cool.

*Prepare a little less than 1 cup dried lentils (yields 2 cups lentils when cooked) cook according to the bag directions
* In a small bowl combine 2 Tbsp olive oil, 4 Tbsp lemon juice, ¼ tsp house seasoning (or a pinch of garlic powder, salt and pepper).

*Get containers lined up and ready.
*Top with 1/3 cup of lentils, 1 tbsp of onions and 3-4 oz of chicken.
*Drizzle each container with 1 tbsp of the olive oil/lemon juice mixture.
*Close lids, label and freeze. To eat, remove from freezer, pop out of container into a bowl, microwave on high 2-3 minutes or until hot. Enjoy!

**You can also put the meals in quart sized freezer bags.

Why I drink Shakeology

As I was slurping down my Vegan Tropical Strawberry glass of deliciousness, I was thinking "I should post something on why I drink this everyday." This little powerhouse of nutrients has honestly changed my life. I know that sounds silly and you are probably thinking, "whatever," but it has. It really helped me to refocus my eating habits and to make better choices overall. But...the once-a-day meal replacement has taken my body to a level it's never been at. I have tried in the past to cut calories, not eat, eat every few hours, etc etc...nothing has ever taken me to this size before. I have never been this small and healthy in my life! I am a size 2/4 depending on the brand. I think I was a 2/4 in 6th grade, so this is huge for me. And, I have muscles. This girls got some guns...lol...not really, just mini guns


As for how I feel when I drink it, it has alleviated my digestion issues, I can eat eggs now without doubling over in pain. I am able to eat lots of different foods without pain. The pain in my back from tension is so much better and I no longer wake up so sore like I used to. Increased muscle tone, increased cardio endurance and strength. I feel more peppy, just better...like I am happier and things are working right. I can think more clearly, have the energy to get things done and I am satisfied knowing I am not putting harmful ingredients into my body to give me that energy like stimulants or caffeine (don't get me wrong, this girl loves a good cup of joe and tea).



I went about 5 days without Shakeology this summer and WOW what a difference it made. I just felt crummy. My back tension got really bad and it felt like it needed to be popped. It was awful. That's when I knew how awesome this product really was and have not missed a day since. It is that incredible. It makes a difference. It fuels me each day. I love my Shakeology.




The best part about this awesome glass full of goodness....you can try it for 30 days with the Bottom of the Bag Guarantee. How cool is that? Trust me, just get a bag, try it for 30 days. If you don't love the way you feel and look, send it back, no questions asked.
What are you waiting for? Try it now!

Differece Between P90x and P90x2

Want to know what the difference between P90x and P90x2 is? Watch this video and see for yourself. They are both fantastic results getting workouts that will challenge you and get you in the best shape of your life. Bring it!

Fresh N' Fruity Vegan Tropical Strawberry Shakeology Recipe

Fresh N' Fruity Shake

This reminds me of a fruity slushy or icee. Mmmmm. It's light and refreshing.

1 Scoop Tropical Strawberry
1/2 cup frozen banana
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 cup water
Ice
2-3 frozen strawberries

Place ingredients into blender and blend well. Enjoy!!!

PreOrder Les Mills Body Combat October 1st, 2012

Have you seen the teaser video on this workout???? Holy Cow! It looks amazing!!! Check out the video on it. Beachbody is offering free shipping when you preorder Body Combat, a new unlike any other workout on the market, fitness program. They will not charge you until it ships!



Christmas time is coming and this would make a fantastic Christmas present for someone who loves doing kickboxing/marshall arts style kick butt workouts. Sign up for a free Beachbody memebership, and or, message me at usarmywife@gmail.com if you would like email updates on the release of this product.


Saturday Night Dinner - Skinny Chicken Pesto Bake with Green Beans and New Potatoes

What's for dinner? Chicken Pesto Bake with Green Beans and New Potatoes...YUM!



The Skinny Chicken Pesto Bake was found on Skinny Taste. I love the recipes on this site, they never dissapoint me. I did cut my chicken into 3 - 4 oz servings before I baked them, just so it would be easier to serve smaller portions. My kids dont need 8 ounces of meat, and neither do I  :)

The Green Beans With New Potatoes is one of our family favorite recipes. I do not make it all the time, because it takes a little bit of work to snap the green beans and cook the recipe, but it's a crowd pleaser.  I decreased the bacon grease to 1 tsp and the butter to 1 tbsp. It turned out just as good.

Happy Eating!

Jen

Dietitian Review and Explanation of Shakeology Benefits



This is a review and explanation from a Dietitian residing outside of the United States.
It is a great breakdown of the " 'healthiest meal of the day', Shakeology. Yet another reason why this product is so great! This is what he had to say. Mind you, he’s a doctor that lives outside of the United States, so he’s NEVER heard of Shakeology.

Want to try it out, join my 10 day challenge!


Viral Diseases ——————– Vitamin D+ phosphorus.+ Zinc+ Copper. + Magnesium
Influenza, Fever, Cold———- Vitamin D+ phosphorus + Magnesium
Weakness of bones ————- Vitamin D+ phosphorus + Magnesium
Typhoid, Weakness of bones — Vitamin C + Vitamin D
Frequently urination————- Vitamin D + Vitamin C + Phosphorus + Folic acid
Short Sightedness ————— Vitamin D + Vitamin C + Phosphorus + Folic acid
Schizophrenia ——————— Vitamin D + Vitamin C + Phosphorus + Folic acid
Constipation ———————- Vitamin C + Calcium
Digestive system —————– Vitamin D+ Phosphorus + Zinc+ Copper + Magnesium
Neuralgic pain ——————– Vitamin C + Vitamin B + Copper
Pains of bones ——————- Vitamin D + Phosphorus + Zinc
Hormones (glands) ————– Vitamin E + Magnesium.
Muscles ————————— Phosphorus + Magnesium + Vitamin B6 + Vitamin B12
Blood circulation —————– Vitamin C +iron + Calcium

Shakeology has excellent prevention to viral diseases, influenza, fever, cold, typhoid, weakness of bones and have benefits for frequently urination, shortsightedness, schizophrenia, constipation, digestive system, neuralgic pain, blood circulation and pains of bones. Shakeology provides a lot of energy and boost-up the nervous system, muscular system, and bones and also maintain the hormones. It’s price is very affordable as you cannot get many nutritional ingredients in this price.

Vitamin A ————– vision, motor nerves, brain
Vitamin C ————- vision, motor nerves, brain, teeth
Vitamin D ————- sensory nerves, brain, bones pains, joints
Vitamin E ———— hormones, sex, brain, acidity
Vitamin K1 ———— skin, mucus membranes, injuries, glands
Vitamin B1 ———— motor nerves, liver
Vitamin B2 ———— motor nerves, kidney
Vitamin B3 ———— motor nerves, bones
Vitamin B6 ———— motor nerves, brain
Folic acid ———— motor nerves, muscles, heart
Vitamin B12 ———– motor nerves, bladder, cartilage
Biotin ———— muscles, liver
Pantothenic acid —————glands, spleen
Calcium ———— bones, teeth, , bladder, blood, brain
Iron ———– oxygen, motor nerves, blood circulation, bone morrow
Phosphorous —————-liver, brain, sex, lungs
Iodine ———– thyroid gland, metabolism, glands
Magnesium ———–glands, muscles, acidity, brain
Zinc ———–sex glands, bones
Copper ———– skin, sex nerves
Manganese ————- muscles, heart
Chromium ———— blood vessels
Molybdenum ———— glands, blood vessels, pancreas
Cinnamon powder ———– vision, motor nerves, sex, heart, kidney
Gingko powder (leaf) ———- brain, bones, sensory nerves, sex, bladder
Maca powder ————— brain, bones, sensory nerves
Sacha inchi —————heart, liver, motor nerves
Yacon ————- heart, liver, muscles
Flax ———– heart, bones
Chia ———— kidney, muscles
Chlorella ———– glands, kidney
Astragalus powder (root) ———— glands,, nails, stomach
Blue green algae ———— bones, teeth
Spinach powder ———– glands
Ashwagandha powder (root) ———– sensory nerves, liver, sex
Barley grass ———— motor nerves, heart, sex
Kamut grass ————- glands
Oat grass ————- bones, vision
Wheat grass ———– muscles, brain, sex, swelling
Stevia ———– brain, bones, sensory nerves, sex, bladder
Amaranth ———– motor nerves, intestines
Grape seed ———– skin, hair, motor nerves, heart, nails
Green tea ———— stimulator
Holy basil ———— muscles, stomach, intestines

Shakeology has a great amount of nutrition that can definitely help prevent and improve your health on many different levels. Unfortunately, because I do not live in the United States, I do not have access to this shake as I would recommend this to my patients who are under strict diets. Although the shake may seem like a hefty monthly investment, you are definitely getting a bang for your buck. The majority of people that work a regular 9 – 5 job end up going out for lunch 20 times a month and spending an average of $8 per meal. People are not careful with what they are consuming and because your body is not receiving the appropriate nutrients, it will ask you for more, and some people will continue to eat the wrong foods. This shake is only $129.95 for 30 days which averages to $4 per meal and it will fill you up because of all the nutrients in this shake.

Lucky for us in the US, we are able to get this amazing product. I know it is now in the process of possibly going world wide! That means even more growth in this company. If you want to know more about how you can earn money, feel better, look better and help others, email me at jenniferwoodfitness@gmail.com or add me on Facebook and message me. 

White Chocolate Strawberry Shakeology Recipe

White Chocolate Strawberry Shakeology- One of my ALL TIME Fav's

1 scoop tropical strawberry shakeology
1 cup almond/coconut milk
1/2 banana
1 Tbsp white chocolate peanut butter
ice

Blend well and enjoy!

Crock-Pot Black Beans

Crock-Pot Black Beans

1 lb black beans
Water
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder,
1 tsp dried onion flakes
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt (after cooked)

To make black beans: rinse and sort beans. Place beans in slow cooker covered with water overnight; drain. Re-Cover with water about 2 inches above the bean line; Add  1/8 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried onion flakes, 1 tsp cumin, and1 tsp chili powder. Cook on low 6-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Once cooked add salt.

This is great in Black Bean Soup, Tortilla Soup, Black Bean Mango Tostada's and more!

To FREEZE: Place approximately 15oz of beans and liquid in freezer containers or freezer bags to use later on.

*15 oz = standard can of beans

October 10 Day Shakeology Challenge With a MEAL PLAN!

Are you tired of working out and not getting results? Nutrition is 80% of the battle. Join our 10 day challenge and learn HOW to fuel your body to maximize your metabolism. We take the guess work out of the equation, and provide a meal plan, 10 days of Shakeology and one on one support with me to help guide you and encourage you towards your goals.

The next challenge begins on October 1st and I would love to be a part of your fitness journey. The last challenge a woman in our group lost 12 pounds and 12 inches and the BEST part is she learned SO much and is going to keep going and making those changes, so she can LIVE her life and not just exist. SO she can run and play with her kids instead of worrying about having a heart attack.

Send me a message at usarmywife@gmail.com, or add me on facebook for more information. I would love to speak with you and see if this is the right fit for you.









Oven Baked Spinach Eggs - SO EASY!

Oven Baked Spinach Eggs




This has quickly become one of my all time favorite breakfast recipes because it is so simple, tastes great and I can do it ahead of time and not in the morning, because honestly, I hate cooking in the morning. I got the recipe off pinterest and have modified it very little.
*metal pans can be hard to clean, next time I am going to try using a silicone pan to see if that is easier to clean and pop them out. If you try this let me know.


Want to learn how to eat healthier and lose weight? Join my 10 day jump start shakeology support group.

Follow me on Facebook for more great recipes, tips and motivational posts.

Oven Baked Spinach Eggs


Ingredients:

Eggs
Baby Spinach, rinsed and dried well
Paula Deans House Seasoning

Preheat oven to 350*

Spray muffin tin with olive oil or drizzle with oil and then spread around with your fingers. Place a little bit of spinach in each one, i prefer more, so I cram it in there.

Crack one egg on top of each muffin tin. Use your finger to gently move the spinach to ensure the egg goes down and around the spinach (not that important, but just precautionary). Sprinkle each with a pinch of house seasoning. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes. I cooked mine for 12 minutes so they would not be overcooked when I microwaved them.

Allow to cool. Use a butter knife to scrape the edges and carefully remove eggs. Place eggs in a storage container and store in refrigerator for a week.

 To eat, toast an english muffin. Place 2 eggs on a plate, microwave for 30 seconds. Top with a slice of swiss and microwave for 15 seconds. Place egg onto toasted english muffins and enjoy!



Peanut Butter Chocolate Homeade Lara Bar (Vitamix update)

I love making Homeade Lara Bars to grab when I am in a pinch. They are so good and I know what goes into them. They are really easy to make. Make these in the food processor. See below for Vitamix Recipe.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Homeade Lara Bars

Yields 4 - 2 oz bars

1 Cup Dates + a few extra
1/2 Cup Almonds
1/2 Cup Peanuts
1 tsp vanilla
1 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp cocoa powder

Food Processor directions: Process Dates, Almonds and peanut until it it really comes together and you can smush it into a ball and it will somewhat stick. Add vanilla and cocoa powder. If it is too dry, add the water. Process again. If it will stick together, continue. If not, add a tsp of water at a time and process. Dump into bowl and remove 2 oz, place in plastic snack bag. Use the bag to shape it into a bar. Store in refrigerator, or at room temp for about a week.

Vitamix directions: Turn on and increase power to 5. Drop in dates and process. Do the same and drop in almonds and peanuts. Add vanilla and cocoa powder. Use damper to push ingredients into the blade. You may have to get a spatchla and move it away from the sides. Dump into bowl and remove 2 oz, place in plastic snack bag. Use the bag to shape it into a bar. *Do not need to add water to this one.

*Warning: it is very hard to get the mixture out of the vitamix. I can usually get most of it and then i put water in the vitamix and blend and drink the milk/almond water. I hate wasting food - im weird like that.

 *I have even froze these and they thawed and tasted great!

OH SO GOOD Greenberry Recipe: Shakeology Mint Monster

I just tried the Greenberry for the first time and I am honestly IN L.O.V.E with it! I have heard a lot of bad reviews from friends, but I think what I just drank was heavenly. Reminded me of a Dairy Queen Mint Blizzard. Next time I will make it really thick and eat it like a blizzard! YUM!

Want the recipe?

Greenberry Mint Monster

1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
1/2 cup Water
1 Tbsp peanut Butter
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
Ice

Blend and drink.



We Did it! I bought Les Mills Body Pump


I cant wait to get started on Les Mills with my husband in October.  Who wants to join us? Think of it as marital counseling. lol We will be holding a 90 day challenge. Message me at usarmywife@gmail.com for more info :)

Insanity Day 13

Just finished up Insanity Cardio Power and Resistance and I feel A-MA-ZING! I love these intense workouts. I have to be honest, it is so hard to push play and just get started some days, but when I do and I push through it, I always feel so EMPOWERED and just really good when I finish. I do other workouts, but this one always gets my blood pumping and I release a ton of feel good hormones afterwards. I love the afterburn too. Knowing my body is so revved up that its burning calories long after I finish. We also started our 10 Day Challenge today. It's really exciting to see who is really ready to make a change and put forth the effort. I love being a part of something that changes lives. I am giving a child back their Mom. A husband back his wifes confidence, so she feels great naked! Someone's fitness journey is so emotional and it makes my heart smile.

~Jen

Operation Little Black Dress 90 Day Challenge

Challenge starts Sept 24th! It's not too late! I just love a good Challenge, don't you. Nothing like healthy competition to help you get in shape. We are going to give the WINNER a gift card to buy themselves a new little black dress as well as other monthly prizes! How exciting. Join me for 90 days and come out of this Challenge looking ah-mazing! Beachbody fitness programs are the best I have ever seen. You will get results if you do the work. Contact me @ usarmywife@gmail.com for more information.

Whole Food Power Granola and Granola Parfait


The original recipe can be found here. I decided to tweak it a little - because  I do not follow directions well I love to experiment - so here is the revised version. Use it to make a fruit parfait. I just ate mine and it was Yummy! Recipe is below :)

Whole Foods Power Granola

Yields approx 5 cups.

Combine in a large bowl:
  • 2 1/4 cups oatmeal
  • 1/3 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 2 Tbsp chopped peanuts
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch salt

Combine In a small pot:
  • 1/3 cup orange juice (used country style)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup blonde coconut palm sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 2 tsp coconut oil (or cooking oil)
1 tsp vanilla
cooking spray (i used olive oil in the mister)
 1/3 cup dried cranberries

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl; Stir. Heat OJ, honey, sugar and oil until the oil and sugar melts. Stir in vanilla. Pour sugar mixture onto the dry ingredients; Stir well.

Spray a large cookie sheet with olive oil or cooking spray. Dump granola onto pan and spread thinly. Bake at 300* for 10 minutes; Stir. Bake another 10-15 minutes. Scrape granola into a large clean bowl. Add cranberries. Allow to completely cool. Store covered in an airtight container.

*I refrigerate my granola, but I have read you do not have to.

Granola Parfait
4 Strawberries, sliced
handfull of blueberries (frozen works)
a few rasberries (frozen works)
1/4 - 1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup granola

Alternate layers of berries, yogurt and granola, ending with granola on top. Enjoy!