New and Improved Chocolate Shakeology!

I am a huge Shakeology fan and Chocolate has always been my favorite flavor. This past summer a new "Superfood Formula" came out that had added Superfoods, less sugar and more fiber. At first taste I was a little disappointed. It was not near as sweet as what I was used to and it had a little bit of an aftertaste I hadn't noticed in the previous formula. It still was by far better than anything else on the market I had tried - and I would take a little less sweetness over artificial ingredients any day of the week! I am happy to say that after asking customers and coaches and receiving TONS of feedback - even a testing panel was involved - a NEW and IMPROVED Superfood formula is now available! I have tasted this new formula and it is a lot better! It reminds me a lot of the original formula I loved and craved!

So what is so special about this new Superfood formula? Our team focused its improvements around five key sensory aspects: Aroma, taste (especially aftertaste), sweetness, chocolaty-ness, and texture. How did we do that? Two key ways: 1) We adjusted the protein blend to improve the texture/grittiness (still the same amount of protein) and 2) We created a more harmonious chocolate flavor that reduces aftertaste, accentuates the chocolate aroma, and allows the chocolaty-ness of the natural cacao to shine. All of this was done without compromising the new superfoods that were added and keeping the formula with less sugar and more fiber.

This new formula will be available starting 12/21. It still has the 30 day money back guarantee. I have been drinking Shakeology for a few years now and stand by it 100%.

I am also running a special for anyone who wants to try the new and improved formula. Starting tomorrow 12/21 and ending 12/31 - if you purchase Shakeology on Home Direct (free shipping, 2 free workouts and no obligation - cancel anytime) you will receive an extra gift from me. Shakeology can help you reach those goals by getting your nutrition on the right track.

You can order Shakeology here

Questions? Need to contact me to let me know you are going to take advantage of the end of the year sale and get your free gift? E-mail me at bbcoachkaren@yahoo.com.

BBQ Chicken Pizzas

Being on a diet or living a lifestyle of eating healthy foods does not mean you have to live on boring, tasteless foods! Many of what we consider "comfort foods" or "cheat meals" don't have to be! 

Pizza is one of my favorite foods. Lucky for me there are plenty of healthy alternatives to the greasy stuff you order to go. Here is a recipe for BBQ Chicken Pizza courtesy of Clean Eating Magazine.. Enjoy!!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 5-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 lb ball whole-wheat pizza dough, room temperature 
• 1/2 cup minced red onion
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

SAUCE:

• 3/4 cup boxed or jarred unsalted tomato sauce 
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup Sucanat
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp smoked Spanish paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium saucepan on high, combine all sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and gently simmer, partially covered, for 25 minutes, until thickened. Set aside to cool for about 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, place chicken in a wide, deep skillet with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low; cover and gently simmer for 20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside to cool for about 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 450ºF. 
3. Meanwhile, sprinkle flour over work surface and roll out dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut circles of dough and transfer to two parchment-lined baking sheets. Gather dough scraps and roll again as needed to make 36 circles. 
4. Transfer sauce to a food processor and blend until smooth. Pour into a medium bowl. Shred chicken finely and add to bowl. Add red onion and stir to combine. Top each mini pizza with chicken mixture and cheese, dividing evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly browned, and dough is crisp around the edges. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Nutrients per serving (3 mini pizzas): Calories: 247, Total Fats: 6 g, Sat. Fat: 2 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g, Carbs: 34 g, Fiber: 4 g, Sugars: 6 g, Protein: 14 g, Sodium: 254 mg, Cholesterol: 20 mg

Les Mills COMBAT Challenge Group

Do you need a new program to get you started on your best body for the new year? I am starting this program on January 7th and am looking for a few people to join my Challenge Group. Why join a Challenge Group? Challenge groups are great to help support, motivate and encourage you throughout the entire program. Working out with a group of people who are doing the same program - having that extra accountability - has proven to help people stick with it and complete whatever program they are doing. The group will be a closed, private group where you can vent your frustrations, ask questions, tell us your accomplishments and share as you mark off each goal along the way.

Les Mills COMBAT is going to be an amazing program that is unlike any other program I have ever done. I am excited to try it out! So what exactly is Les Mills COMBAT and why is it such an amazing program?


The secret to the program’s proven results is Fast Twitch Integration Training. LES MILLS COMBAT works your fast-twitch muscle fibers—the ones with the greatest capacity for change—like crazy. It’s a breakthrough fusion of the most dynamic moves from karate, tae kwon do, boxing, muay thai/kickboxing, capoeira, and jiu-jitsu, arranged in explosive, escalating patterns—all designed to help you burn massive amounts of calories, amp up your strength, and maximize your lean-muscle definition, fast. 

Who should try Les Mills COMBAT?

• Men and women who are inspired by mixed martial arts.
  
• Those at a beginning fitness level looking to enjoy fun, energetic moves that ramp up their cardio, burn off their fat, and lean out their muscles.
  
• Moderately athletic people who wish to take their bodies to the next level.
  
• Extremely fit people who want to power beyond their limits, burn away their last few pounds, and get totally shredded in 60 days.
  

If this program sounds like something you want to try - come join my Challenge Group! We start on January 7th. I will be taking a limited number of people. Order your Les Mills COMBAT today and let me know you want to join the group. This program is also available in a Challenge Pack - any Challenge Pack purchase will receive an extra bonus from me. Kia Kaha!

Does Your Body Need a "Reset"?

Do you ever wish your body came with a "reset" button? From the overly processed food to the abundance of toxins in the air - our bodies take a beating on a regular basis. The Ultimate Reset is a 21 day detox system that will reset your body back to factory settings.

Are you curious about the Ultimate Reset? From personal experience I can tell you the results from this program are AMAZING!! People doing the program are sleeping better, feeling better and seeing drops in their cholesterol. Personally, in the 21 days I lost 13.5 lbs and got to quit taking my acid reflux medicine! This was HUGE for me. I was having to take a pill every night!

The best thing about this system is that it is not some crazy, harsh program that is going to keep you parked outside the nearest bathroom. It is a gentle system detox using supplements and clean foods. Oh yeah.. the foods! These recipes are to die for! Even after I finished the program I kept many of the recipes in my regular rotation. I learned where my weaknesses were (mindless snacking) and learned to cook some foods I had never tried. Who knew I would come out of it loving kale, coconut collard greens and beets?!?

If you want more information on the Ultimate Reset - success stories, how it was made, what it is about - then I highly recommend you check out the Ultimate Reset channel on YouTube.  If you have any questions about the program I would love to answer them for you!

The holidays can be a really rough time for people. The average person gains 6-8 lbs! I will be starting an Ultimate Reset Challenge Group for the new year. Joining this group will give you the extra support you need to reach your goals! New Year's is just around the corner and this would be a great system to start the year with.

To make things even sweeter I have a deal for you guys. Between now and Dec 16th the Ultimate Reset is $30 off! For every HD Ultimate Reset pack purchased I will throw in an extra $25 (either via PayPal or a gift card). Refer some friends who want to join you and the rewards get even sweeter. I want each one of you to experience what an amazing program this is. Truly life changing!

To purchase the Ultimate Reset click HERE

Questions? Email me at bbcoachkaren@yahoo.com

Butternut Squash with Quinoa, Spinach and Walnuts

I ran across this recipe while browsing Facebook and thought it was too good to be true. Quinoa AND butternut squash together in one dish?!? I absolutely love both of these ingredients and what is even better is they are packed with nutrition and budget friendly! 

Thank you CookingChannelTV.com for this awesome recipe! I can't wait to give it a try!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, cleaned and thinly sliced
• 2 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups peeled and diced butternut squash

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons toasted chopped walnuts

Directions

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, squash, quinoa and raisins and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed and the squash and quinoa are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Gently stir in the spinach and cook until it just begins to wilt, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with the walnuts.

Per Serving: 345 Cal; 14 g Protein; 8 g Tot Fat; 1 g Sat Fat; 3 g Mono Fat; 60 g Carb; 9 g Fiber; 11 g Sugar; 239 mg Calcium; 7 mg Iron; 147 mg Sodium; 0 mg Cholesterol

Christmas Chocolate Bark

Need a quick treat to take to your next holiday party? Here is a quick recipe for you to mix up that you can eat and not feel guilty afterwards!

Christmas Chocolate Bark
(Makes about 12 servings, 1 square each)

½ cup natural smooth almond butter
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

1 medium ripe banana, mashed
¼ cup quick-cooking rolled oats
3 Tbsp. chopped pistachios and dried cranberries

1. Combine almond butter, Shakeology, banana, oats and nuts in a medium bowl.
2. Shape mixture into the bottom of a square pan, sprinkle with Himalayan salt ; Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Cut into 1 inch squares (makes about 12 squares); store in refrigerator in an airtight container if not serving immediately.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 101
Carbs: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Sodium: 45mg

Black Friday Specials!

Black Friday deals are here! Now it's not a tv or the newest electronic gadget but I am willing to bet those things won't get you any closer to your goals. Taking time for yourself and investing in yourself - your health and your future - well that is something you can't put a price tag on!

Here are the specific links for each program. Supplies are limited so hurry and get yours before they are gone! Sale starts at 12pm EST (9am PST) and goes until Monday or until supplies last.

P90X Offer - http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/P90XOffer?referringRepID=53508

Turbo Fire Offer - http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/TurboFireOffer?referringRepID=53508

Ten Minute Trainer Offer - http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/TurboFireOffer?referringRepID=53508

Hip Hop Abs Offer - http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/HHAOffer?referringRepID=53508

Power 90 Offer - http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/P90Offer?referringRepID=53508

Body Gospel Offer - http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BGOffer?referringRepID=53508

Squishy Ball Offer - http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/SBOffer?referringRepID=53508

It's that time of year again! People are already waiting in line outside certain stores in hopes that they are going to grab up one of the Black Friday specials of the year. I prefer to do my shopping online which allows me to spend more time with my family and friends. This year you can give the gift of health and fitness - and it is only a click away! I will be unveiling more specials soon so keep your eyes peeled for the deals! 

Here is a sneak peek into some of my own personal Black Friday specials..

Special #1 - Shakeology Home Direct

Order Shakeology on Home Direct and receive a FREE bottle of Slimming Formula to help you reach your goal! Home Direct is going to get you FREE shipping and 2 FREE workouts! 

Special # 2 - Challenge Pack

Order a Challenge Pack and receive a $25 Gift Card! There are only 5 of these available so get yours fast! With the Challenge Pack you are getting a full workout program, 30 day supply of Shakeology, 30 days of Club Membership, FREE shipping and me as your personal coach and a $25 gift card!