Pan Seared Brussels with Cranberries and Pecans-- Recipe

I've been in a rut lately. My husband is gone a ton and it's affecting my mood, which is in turn affecting the way that I eat and workout. Instead of falling back into old habits I'm trying really hard to stay strong and move forward, one day at a time!

Debating starting a PiYo-T25 hybrid, doing a mix of the two workouts. Stay tuned ;)

Last night I decided to try something a little different for dinner. Do you ever just feel so sick of eating the same old food over and over?! I do. I really enjoy food, but hate cooking...so on the rare occasion I do actually feel like cooking something different, I run with it. Here is one of the sides we had last night.

isn't she beautiful?! Tasty, too!. I found the recipe here.

PAN-SEARED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH CRANBERRIES & PECANS

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound brussels sprouts, de-stemed and halved

2/3 cup fresh cranberries

1/3 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup pecans

1/2 cup barley

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Olive oil

Salt & pepper

*I omitted the barley. Also, I think this would taste equally delicious with feta cheese if you're not a fan of gorgonzola!

Prepare barley according to package instructions. Heat brussels sprouts, cranberries, and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt & pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, then add balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. Stir to coat then remove from heat. Let brussels & cranberries cool for a few minutes, then toss in a large bowl with remaining ingredients.

And voila! Easy, tasty, and oh so pretty! Perfect for a healthy Thanksgiving side dish!!

yummy stew recipe!

good morning from California! the rest of you are experiencing fall-- colorful leaves, and crisp cool air, and maybe even frost on the ground. but here it's still sunny & warm (I'm not complaining), and doesn't feel like fall at all. so I decided to make a stew in hopes that it would make it sort of seem like fall was visiting so cal for a few days ;) the best part? my husband was out of town, so this stew lasted us for five days. that's right, we had this for dinner five nights in a row and loved it each time!

*Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Chicken, & Quinoa Soup* via Chelsea's messy apron

1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless & skinless 1 can black beans 1 can tomatoes, petite 1 tsp garlic 2 large sweet potatoes 5 cups chicken broth 1 cup quinoa 1 packet chili seasoning mix

Just throw everything into your crockpot and let it cook on low heat for about 3-4 hours! Super easy and super delicious!!

PiYo results!

I just completed round one of PiYo! I love this program so much! The stretching feels so good to my tight runner's muscles, and the strength work has really helped to shape my body! I've noticed a huge change in my lower body, which is impressive...I always have such a hard time getting results in that area! The meals are all tasty and easy to prepare. And of course I love my Shakeology ;) The schedule is easy to follow! I like having one day off each week to rest or do some light yoga! This week I'm starting round two. I think I've found my soulmate workout program ;) I definitely feel leaner and have more energy. I feel STRONGER! And here are my results! If you are curious about PiYo or my next Challenge Group, feel free to comment below or shoot me an email! I'd love to tell you more!!

August 4th Challenge Group!

Next Challenge Group starts August 4th!!

One thing that is unique about Beachbody, is the COMMUNITY! We don't just throw a fitness program or healthy shake at you and send you on your way. Are you crazy?! We want to HELP you through your journey!

I want to be here for the times you are struggling not to eat that donut that's staring you in the face...or the day you really don't want to workout...or the day you can finally get your "skinny" jeans to zip! I want to be here for YOU, through it all!

I want to help you FINISH what you start!!!

Spots are LIMITED! I only have 5 left, and they fill up fast! If you are interested please shoot me a quick message or fill out the application below!:

https://annabmac.wufoo.com/forms/challenge-group-questionnaire/