10 Easy Meal Prep Recipes

Meal Prep with these healthy recipes for the week!!

https://www.eatyourselfskinny.com/10-easy-meal-prep-recipes/?utm_source=New+Recipes+And+Posts+From+Eat+Yourself+Skinny&utm_campaign=2709e92c21-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7044bc0a15-2709e92c21-70360213

No Bean, Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili

I LOVE this chili... Its hearty but not heavy! You can always add beans or use lean ground beef if you would like! Quick, healthy diner the whole family will love!

NO BEAN TURKEY AND SWEET POTATO CHILI

5 Freestyle Points 235 calories

Total Time:35 minutes

Prep Time:5 minutes

Cook Time:30 minutes

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is so good, you might want to double the recipe!! It’s made with no beans, but you can of course add them if you wish!

INGREDIENTS:

• 20 oz 93% lean ground turkey
• kosher salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp cumin, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• fresh cilantro, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Stove Top:

1. In a large skillet, brown turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin.
2. When meat is browned and cooked through add onion and garlic; cook 3 minutes over medium heat.
3. Add the can of Rotel tomatoes, sweet potato, tomato sauce, water, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt and bay leaf.
4. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through, about 25 minutes stirring occasionally.
5. Add 1/4 cup more water if needed. Remove bay leaf and serve.

Instant Pot:

1. Press saute, spray the pot with oil and brown the turkey breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin.
2. When meat is browned and cooked through add onion and garlic; cook 3 minutes.
3. Add the can of Rotel tomatoes, sweet potato, tomato sauce, water, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt and bay leaf.
4. Cover and cook high pressure until potatoes are soft and cooked through, about 15. Natural release.
5. Remove bay leaf and serve.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Yield: 5 servings, Serving Size: 1 cup

• Amount Per Serving:
• Freestyle Points: 5
• Points +: 6
• Calories: 235 calories
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 81mg
• Sodium: 578mg
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 23g

Thai Coconut Butternut Squash Soup

Thai Coconut Butternut Squash Soup

https://www.nerdswithknives.com/thai-coconut-curry-butternut-squash-soup/

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons coconut or vegetable oil
• 2½ pounds (1kilo) butternut or kabocha squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 2 - 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (see note above about vegan brands of paste)
• ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt, more to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons agave (or honey, not vegan)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 5 cups vegetable broth (or chicken - not vegan, obviously) (1liter)
• 1 cup coconut milk (save the rest of the can for drizzling) (250ml)
• Handful fresh mint or cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add onions and cook until soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Add squash, garlic, ginger, curry paste, and salt. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute, until garlic is fragrant. Add broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until squash is completely soft, about 20-25 minutes.
2. While soup is simmering, make Spiced Candied Peanuts (if using)
3. Blend soup well using a stick blender or, working in batches, transfer soup to a blender (do not fill blender more than halfway with hot liquid and use a kitchen towel to protect your hand from any escaping steam). Purée soup and add back to the pot. Add coconut milk and re-heat the soup until just hot, then stir in the lime juice and honey, and adjust the seasoning with salt. Ladle soup into individual bowls. Use a spoon to drizzle a bit coconut milk over each bowl. Top with Spiced Peanuts and a sprinkle of cilantro or mint.

Thai Beef/Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

 

Thai Beef/Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

-I use ground turkey... You can choose whatever protein you and your family like! 

https://fountainavenuekitchen.com/thai-beef-lettuce-wraps/

Ingredients 

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 ounce button or baby bella (cremini) mushrooms
• 1/2 a large onion (red or yellow)
• Olive oil for pan (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce*
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Romaine, butter, or leaf lettuce leaves, washed and dried
• Optional for serving: julienned carrots, cucumber, red peppers and/or sliced scallions; chopped peanuts; cilantro; sriracha sauce or dipping sauce (recipe follows)
• Optional Dipping (or Drizzling) Sauce
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce*
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce**
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions 

1. In a small bowl, mix together the Thai red curry paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, and garlic powder. Set aside. If using, mix together the dipping sauce ingredients in a separate small bowl and set it aside, too. Both sauces may be prepared 2-3 days in advance, covered and refrigerated.
2. Finely chop the mushrooms and the onion. (To make quick work of this, you can pulse the veggies with a food processor if desired. Just make sure to stop at a fine chop…you don’t want to puree them.)
3. In a large sauté pan coated with olive oil, cook the mushrooms and onion over medium to medium-high heat, stirring regularly, until the mushrooms release all their liquid and are nicely browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the ground beef, and continue to cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up as it cooks. When the meat is about halfway cooked, stir in the curry paste mixture (not the dipping sauce if you mixed that up, too), stirring to evenly coat the meat.
4. To serve: scoop some of the meat mixture on top of individual lettuce leaves. Top with the julienned vegetables and other toppings of choice. Roll the lettuce around the filling (sort of like a burrito) and enjoy!

Notes 

• *For a soy-free option to soy sauce, coconut aminos work well. The taste is not a spot-on replica but quite similar. I used this in place of soy sauce for someone with a soy allergy no one noticed the difference in this dish. It’s a lower-sodium, gluten-free option as well.
• **For the dipping sauce, my original recipe called for chili paste instead of sriracha sauce. Since this is a condiment I rarely use–and I figured it might be one that others would have to buy just for this recipe–I tried several substitutes. Sriracha sauce is my favorite; the Thai red curry paste used in the meat mixture is delicious, too, for those who prefer no spiciness. All of these items can be found in the Asian section of most large grocery stores.

Jerk Chicken w/Mango Avocado Salsa

Whole 30 Jerk Chicken & Mango Avocado Salsa

https://www.asaucykitchen.com/jerk-chicken-mango-avocado-salsa/

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

25 mins

Whole 30 friendly Jerk Chicken with a simple mango & avocado salsa - sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor. Paleo & Gluten Free

Course: Main Course 

Cuisine: Jamaican 

Keyword: jerk chicken 

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 419 kcal

Author: Sarah

Ingredients

• 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

marinade

• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 3 green onions chopped
• 3 garlic cloves crushed
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced ginger
• 1 scotch bonnet or sub with another chili pepper for less spice. Scotch bonnets are SPICY so be warned*
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 date seed removed
• juice from 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon salt and pepper or to taste

mango salsa

• 2 large mangos peeled pitted and diced
• 2 avocados diced and pitted
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
• juice from 2 limes about 4 tablespoons
• 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno pepper

Instructions

1. In a high powered blender or food processor, combine all of the marinade ingredients and process until fully combined and smooth.
2. Coat all four chicken breasts with the jerk paste. Place in a large ziplock bag and place in the fridge to marinate for a minimum of 20 minutes, preferably 2 hours.
3. When you’re ready to cook, take your chicken out of the fridge. Preheat a grill or skillet to high heat. When it’s up to temperature place the chicken on the hot grill or skillet. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until it’s no longer pink in the middle.
4. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting in. While it’s resting you can make your mango salsa.
5. Make your mango salsa by combining all the ingredients in a medium bowl.
6. Serve the chicken with rice or cauliflower rice and top with the mango salsa and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

cook time does not include marinating time

If you can't find scotch bonnets at your local supermarket, or you want a less spicy alternative you can use a jalapeno instead. Habaneros and thai chili peppers can also be substituted

Nutrition Facts

Whole 30 Jerk Chicken & Mango Avocado Salsa

Amount Per Serving

Calories 419 Calories from Fat 225

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 25g 38%

Saturated Fat 8g 40%

Cholesterol 72mg 24%

Sodium 722mg 30%

Potassium 1074mg 31%

Total Carbohydrates 26g 9%

Dietary Fiber 8g 32%

Sugars 13g

Protein 27g 54%

Vitamin A 25.5%

Vitamin C 72.5%

Calcium 3%

Iron 6.1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

12 Days of Christmas Video of Exercises

Day 1 Exercises...




Day 2 Exercises:

12 Days of Christmas Exercises

 12 Days of Christmas Fitness Challenge

-WEEKDAY COUNTDOWN-

Complete each days workout as we move closer to Christmas Day!

Workouts/ Videos of Exercises: www.haleyyoung.com    

Questions/Comments: haleyeyoung@gmail.com

Day 1: Repeat 2x

15 Modified Pushups

50 Mountain Climbers

15 Plank-Pushup R

15 Plank-Pushup L

Day 2: Repeat 2x
20 Basic Squats
20 Explosions
20 Stationary Lunge R
20 Stationary Lunge L
20 Low Squat Jacks (out,in=1 rep)

Day 3: Repeat 2x
20 Froggers
20 Elbow Plank Punch R, L (R=1,L=2)
20 Side Plank R with Hip Dip
20 Side Plank L with Hip Dip
20 Spider Mountain Climbers (R=1,L=2)

Day 4: Repeat 2x
20 Basic Crunches
20 Bicycle (R,L=1 rep)
20 Butt-Ups
20 Plank Hip Dip R, L (R=1,L=2)
20 Burpees

Day 5: Repeat 2x
20 Jumping Skaters
20 Lateral Lunge R
20 Lateral Lunge L
20 Low squat Jacks (out,in=1 rep)

Day 6: Repeat 2x
20 Forward Alternating Lunges (R=1,L=2)
50 Low Pulses
20 Reverse Alternating Lunges (R=1,L=2)
50 High Knees

Day 7: Repeat 2x
50 Tricep Dips
10 Plank Tap R,L, Frogger
10 Baby Pushups
50 Mountain Climbers

Day 8: Repeat 2x
10 Burpee Plank Dip R, L
20 Basic Crunches Knees to Right Side
20 Basic Crunches Knees to Left Side
20 Cross Over Crunch
20 Tap for Toes

Day 9: Repeat 2x
20 Toes Out Squats
20 Toes Out Explosions
20 Jumping Skaters (R=1,L=2)
20 Toes Out Explosions

Day 10: Repeat 2x
50 Quick Bike (R=1,L=2)
40 Flutter Kicks (R=1,L=2)
30 Basic Crunches
20 Drop Reverse Crunches
10 Full Sit-Ups

Day 11: Repeat 2x
20 Modified Pushups
20 Froggers
20 Plank Drive R/L
20 Burpees

Day 12: Merry Christmas! 
Pick your most challenging day
and repeat 2x

12 Days of Christmas Fitness Challenge Details

12 Days of Christmas Fitness Challenge... 

Here's how it works! 

Starting Monday 12/11 there are 12 WEEK DAYS until Christmas Day!! 

A workout will be posted each day on my blog. 

YOUR challenge is to complete all 12 workouts leading up to Christmas!

-Leave a comment once completed as well as any questions, etc. to motivate each other to stay active during the holiday's! 

Balance & Moderation throughout the Holiday's

🎄 Tips on maintaining Balance & Moderation this Holiday 🎄

How often do you hear... "Just have one... It's the Holidays"...

Follow these tips to stay on track this holiday season.

1. Remember that saying "NO" is hard. For everyone… 
You are not the only one dealing with the anxiety of situational pressure. Just because the "norm" is to have another drink or piece of pie does not mean you have to participate. Simply say "NO"!! I promise, no one is going to ask you questions or force you to do anything! *Be your real self. 

2. Role-play scenarios you know are coming… 
Plan ahead for situations you know will arise. Someone is going to ask...Why are you on a diet? Why can you not have a drink? Why can't you stay later? Have an answer prepared. A simple no thank you usually does the trick. But, if someone is pushy all you have to say is... I know how it will make me feel, or I am trying to stay on track during the holidays. You can not get a rebuttal to that! *Always speak the truth, and you will come out on top. 
Funny Example: When you are pregnant and have not told anyone yet...Before you go to dinner or a party, you have a plan. You know what you are going to say or know you are going to walk around with a club soda and lime all night! And not get questioned :)

3. Encourage friends to give back and remember what they are grateful for... 
If your fear is looking ungrateful, constantly remind yourself how grateful YOU are. Holiday's can easily turn into hospitality with LOTS of calories and uncomfortable situations. People want you to feel welcome and comfortable, which usually means food, drinks and late nights. On the flip side of that relationship, you don’t want to appear ungrateful and feel obliged to accept. So, let them know what you are grateful for and obligated to (kids, family, plans the following day). If you are doing service work over the holidays, invite them to join. *Gratitude will only spread love. 

4. Respond with values, not outcomes… Responding to uncomfortable situations with your true values will keep you grounded and bring a little light into their lives. 
If the idea of saying, “I might not stop at just one” is scary...
Try using one of these: “I’m trying to do this for myself", “I’m trying to practice a little willpower.”, “I’m trying to stick to my plan.” 
Responding with the values you are trying to embody rather than the outcomes is a great way to show your true character. *Remind yourself what this journey is really about.

*Be your real self* Always speak the truth and you will come out on top* Gratitude will only spread love* Remind yourself what this journey is really about*

Happy Holidays!!! XOXO Haley 💚

Single During the Holiday's...Reasons to be HAPPY!

Single life during the Holidays...

It's that time of the year- you run into old friends, family, distant relatives, and people you have not seen in forever! 

SUDDENLY they are interested in every aspect of your life... 

-The QUESTIONS start firing: Are you dating anyone?  Why not? What is going on with you?  How is your job? And all you want to say is NO COMMENT!!!! 

For me, which a lot of people do not understand- I am very happy with my career,helping people be the best they can be through fitness. It is rewarding and I feel like it is my true calling. This is where I am supposed to be right now and there is a reason! So my goal is to be HAPPY during the holidays and think about all of the positive and great things in my life :) 

5 reasons I believe it is great to be single and dating yourself during the holiday season! 

1. You don't have to compromise... Go to the parties you want with the people you want (the ones that have the best food and booze!). You don't have to split up your time between groups of friends, be you and have fun! Everyone knows the holiday’s are chaotic and you simply can not do it all! 

2. Create new traditions for yourself... This is a tough one. This year, I am focusing on being happy with being with just me! I have so much to be thankful for and there is no need to get down about not being surrounded by people 100% of my time. So if it means going for a run while everyone else is spending family time, or serving at a local non-profit, or simply spending quiet time with yourself- Do what makes YOU happy!

3. Spoil Yourself.... YOU DESERVE IT!! You have worked so hard, do something for you that you have been wanting to do and do not feel guilty about it. This will in turn make you a more giving, loving human! 

4. Take advantage of the Mistletoe... GET OUT. Don't sit at home and sulk (yes I am talking to myself). Mingle, flirt, go to a fun party with a random guy- and there is ALWAYS Mistletoe somewhere!!! 

5. Remember what you are thankful for... Life if full of happiness, rewards, friendships, success, love and laughter. So embrace it! Try to be the best person you can. Lift others up- which means more to most people than you know. And remember there is a great plan for you. We just all have to get out there and be who we are and it will happen when it is supposed to! 

Happy Holidays. Be you. Be great. Don't hold back! -XOXO Haley

7 Tips on how to beat Holiday Stress

7 Tips on how to beat Holiday Stress…

The Holiday’s can be stressful, but you can make them fun at the same time! Starting in October with Halloween, straight to Thanksgiving, and all the way through the end of December with Christmas, then New Years… Thats over 3 months filled with activities, parties and obligations! 

When you add all of this to your goal of staying healthy and fit while still talking care of your family it takes a tole on you! 

Here are 7 ways that will help you still enjoy the holidays, not forget about yourself, and not feel frustrated or defeated. 

1. Practice the power of “NO”… We all feel the need to attend every event/party/gathering that we are invited to. But sometimes it almost makes you crazy trying to hit all of these gatherings. Pick the ones that are closest to your heart. For the ones you can not attend, simply say NO. You can not make it, thank you for the invitation, maybe next year. No need to lie or make an excuse. Just do what your heart tells you! Wouldn’t you rather be in good spirits when seeing the ones you love instead of it feeling like a burden?

2. Take a day OFF… Instead of trying to cram all of your errands, gift buying, and holiday shopping on the weekends take a week day off of work you have been saving! There will be less traffic, you will feel relaxed and actually get into the Christmas Spirit!

3. Simplify your gift giving… If you have a large family suggest drawing names and buying one special gift instead of trying to pick up random presents that are just a “filler”. Buy something for someone they will actually enjoy using throughout the year.

4. Focus on the Community… Christmas is more than receiving gifts! I get so much joy out of giving gifts, actually I would rather give than receive! Suggest to your family instead of buying gifts for each other sponsor a family and buy gifts for those in need. This will eliminate the stress of making sure each person has the perfect gift and also contribute to a family who needs more than we all do. 

5. Take time for yourself… Skipping your workout is not going to help you accomplish any more during the day. It will actually be in the back of your mind all day that you have not worked out! So get up, get moving, make a list and knock it out! Take care of YOU first, then the rest of the day will fall in place. You will have more energy, focus, and a much better attitude :) 

6. Boost your immune system…. This time of year is a prime time for running your self into the ground and ending up in bed. Make sure to drink lots of water, incorporate good, whole foods in your diet, and get plenty of sleep. You can not neglect yourself- Otherwise it will throw you for a loop! 

7. Make a list and have a plan… You will run circles around town tracking down gifts, etc. Make a list of where you are going and what you want to accomplish and your “errands” will be a lot more enjoyable.

Christmas is not about gift giving or how much you can do. I think we all need to stop and think about the real reason for the season :) -XOXO Haley

-See my blog: www.haleyyoung.com for other holiday tips, recipes and workouts

10 tips to help with not being intimidated at the gym

10 Tips on how to not be intimidated at the gym...

Have you ever walked into a large gym, confused on where to go, and intimidated by all of the people lifting weights? 

Automatically thinking you are surrounded by super hunks and gorgeous women... 

That was ME today and it totally threw me off! I have been in fitness for over 12 years training every different type of person, in charge of their workouts from their form to routine, as well as reassuring the client they are doing things the "right" way in the gym... I knew there was a way to overcome this barrier! 

It was raining, so I decided to go to a local gym which is a franchise so it was busy. There were so many different people, I felt like everyone was staring at me, and I didn't know where anything was. SO... all I knew was to go straight to the thing I felt most comfortable with. The treadmill!!  While running I was planning my workout which consisted of light weights and fat burning cardio exercises. I started to run, looking around the gym for equipment I needed, etc. This made it even worse- people were either in the area I wanted to be in or using a piece of equipment I needed. I felt TOTALLY lost! Long story short... I walked in the gym, ran 7 miles, and walked straight out. The only thing I knew to do! 

10 tips to 

 not being intimidated at the gym... 

1. Overcoming just GOING- You have already made the hardest decision about working out, GOING to the gym!! Most people procrastinate or do not go at all. 

2. Your Not Alone- Everyone in the gym has been in your shoes. They have walked in for the first time and felt that same feeling. 

3. Take a Tour- When you sign up, even though you think you know what you are doing- agree to let the staff take you around and show you the gym. This will help with getting acquainted with equipment and floor placement. 

4. Pay Attention to just YOU- Your workout is YOUR workout. So don't look around at others, compare yourself to others, or let yourself  wonder "I hope they are not watching me". Because I guarantee they are not. 

5. Wear Headphones- Wearing headphones, listening to my music, and getting in the zone helps me stay concentrated. 

6. Have a workout plan- Before going in, know what you want to accomplish by being there

7. Don't be afraid to communicate- This is a tough one because you dont know if a person is using a piece of equipment or just forgot to re-rack the weight (that is the case 90% of the time). You can simply say "are you using this" or "are you in the middle of a set?" And they will kindly let you know. You will also be asked this question often.

8. Take a buddy- Research has shown you get more accomplished and feel more comfortable working out with a friend. 

9, Dont Compromise- Just because someone is using a piece of equipment you need or in the space you need, Don't skip that exercise! Move on to the next one. Then come back. 

10. Have confidence in yourself- If anything, Be confident in the way you carry yourself, watch your form, and be polite... People will think you are a pro! 

SO GRAB YOUR GEAR, PLAN YOUR WORKOUT, BE CONFIDENT AND  HEAD TO THE GYM! Remember you are doing this for YOURSELF! 

-If you need exercises, workout plans, or workout tips you can go to my blog www.haleyyoung.com or order my workout DVD at www.fit-workouts.com

Email me with any questions! Have a great workout! XO Haley

haleyeyoung@gmail.om