Saturday, May 26, 2012

Look at how far you have COME!

Inspiration to get fit!

Easy Chicken Ranch Tacos


Easy Chicken Ranch Tacos Recipe:

Ingredients:
3 cups cooked chicken, cut up
1 pkg. taco seasoning (chicken or beef)
1/2 cup ranch dressing
Taco shells
Lettuce
Cheese
Preferred taco condiments

Directions:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooked chicken and warm it for a few minutes. Sprinkle on the whole package of dry taco seasoning. Do not add any water! Heat for 5-7 minuted until all heated through and taco seasoning is stuck to the chicken.

Add ranch dressing, heat an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through.

Serve in taco shells with all your favorite fixings!


 Easy Chicken Ranch Tacos Recipe.  Only a few ingredients but tons of flavor!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

10 New Ways to Eat Oatmeal


Give your favorite healthy breakfast food a makeover with these quick and easy recipes with oats

Courtesy of Shape.com
10 New Ways to Eat Oatmeal

Chocolaty Overnight Oats

In a rush to get out the door in the morning? This no-cook healthy breakfast comes together in a flash, thanks to some easy prep work the night before.Ingredients:
Makes 1 serving
1/2 c. old fashioned oatmeal
1/2 c. almond milk (regular milk will also work)
1 heaping spoonful dark chocolate cocoa powder
1 tbsp. chia seeds
1 packet or 1 tsp. sweetener (such as Stevia, Splenda or sugar), optional
½ frozen banana, sliced
Directions:
Combine oatmeal and sweetener in a container, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, stir up oatmeal mixture. Top with frozen banana slices, stir, and enjoy! Note: You may stir in more milk in the morning until your desired consistency is achieved.
Recipe provided by Peanut Butter Fingers
10 New Ways to Eat Oatmeal

Oatmeal Protein Pancakes

These oatmeal pancakes pack a protein punch, thanks to the addition of cottage cheese and egg whites.Ingredients:
Makes 2- 3 servings
1 c. old fashioned oats
1/2 c. fat-free cottage cheese
8 egg whites
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
Heat griddle to medium high heat and spray with cooking spray. Combine all ingredients and blend with an immersion blender until a smooth batter forms. Pour or scoop batter onto griddle in round pancake-like circles. Let cook until tops of the pancakes begin to bubble and then flip and let cook until they’re no longer doughy in the middle and slightly brown on both sides. Top with syrup, nutmeg, fresh fruit, or desired toppings.
Recipe provided by Peanut Butter Fingers
10 New Ways to Eat Oatmeal

Almond Butter Granola

Bake up a batch of this almond butter granola over the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week on top of yogurt, in a bowl with milk, or simply by the handful.Ingredients:
Makes eight 1/4 c. servings
4 tbsp. almond butter
4 tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbsp. chia seeds
2 c. oats
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees and spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Combine almond butter and honey in a bowl and microwave until almond butter is slightly melted (about 30 seconds). Stir almond butter and honey together. Add cinnamon and vanilla to almond butter mixture. Stir oats and chia seeds into almond butter mixture, completely coating oats in the mixture. Spread oats onto cookie sheet and bake for eight minutes before tossing oats and baking for another four minutes until granola is slightly brown. Let cool until granola is crunch and enjoy!
Recipe provided by Peanut Butter Fingers
10 New Ways to Eat Oatmeal

Pumpkin Protein Oats

A fall favorite, pumpkin is so nutritious, why not enjoy it year-round? This warm bowl of oatmeal is reminiscent of pumpkin pie but kicked up a notch nutritionally with the help of protein powder.Ingredients:
Makes 1 serving
1/2 c. old fashioned oats
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 c. canned pumpkin
Several shakes of pumpkin pie spice
¼ c. milk or water
Directions:
Combine ingredients with milk or water and microwave for approximately 90 seconds, stirring every 20 seconds to prevent overflow . Note: WATCH the oats while they’re in the microwave, as they can “grow” and overflow from the bowl.
Recipe provided by Peanut Butter Fingers
10 New Ways to Eat Oatmeal

Salmon Burgers

These salmon burgers scream summer! A combination of heart-healthy salmon and whole grain oats make these burgers both nutritious and delicious.Ingredients:
Makes 3 burgers 
3/4 lb. fresh salmon
2 tbsp. oats
2 tbsp. green onions, chopped
1 tbsp. light mayonnaise (I used light Miracle Whip)
2 tsp. stone-ground mustard (Dijon, honey mustard or regular mustard will also work)
1 tsp. dill
Directions:
Heat a griddle on medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Combine ingredients in a food processor and pulsate until everything is fully mixed. Shape salmon mixture into three patties and place on griddle. Cook until sides of the patties appear cooked (approximately 5 minutes). Flip patties and cook until salmon is completely cooked (another 5 minutes). Serve alone or on top of a fresh bun with lettuce and tomato.
Recipe provided by Peanut Butter Fingers
10 New Ways to Eat Oatmeal

Chocolate Protein Granola

Many granola recipes lack protein, but that’s not the case with this chocolaty creation. Add a couple handfuls of chocolate chips once the granola is cooled for even more chocolate goodness.Ingredients:
Makes four 1/2-cup servings
1 tbsp. honey
3 tbsp. water
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. canola oil
1/2 tsp. coconut extract (vanilla extract will also work)
1 tbsp. cocoa powder
1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder
2 c. old fashioned oatmeal
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine honey, water, brown sugar, oil, and extract in a small bowl until mixed. Stir in cocoa powder and protein powder until fully combined. Pour chocolate mixture on top of oats and stir until oats are coated. Spread onto a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway.
Recipe provided by Peanut Butter Fingers
10 New Ways to Eat Oatmeal

Oatmeal Banana Flax Muffins

Bake up a batch of these muffins on Sunday and enjoy one as a grab-and-go breakfast topped with some peanut butter or as a healthy snack throughout the week.Ingredients:
Makes 6 muffins
¾ c. whole wheat flour
½ c. old fashioned oats
¼ c. firmly packed brown sugar
2 tbsp. ground flax seeds
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
1 egg white
2 ½ tbsp. canola oil
¼ tsp. vanilla extract
1 small banana, mashed
½ c. milk
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line muffin pan with six paper muffin cups. Combine whole wheat flour, oats, brown sugar, flax seeds, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together egg white, oil, vanilla, banana, and milk. Gradually mix flour mixture into egg mixture until batter is combined. Divide the batter into the six muffin cups. Bake for 15-18 minutes.
Recipe provided by Peanut Butter Fingers
10 New Ways to Eat Oatmeal

Coconut Granola

Coconut lovers rejoice! By using both coconut oil and coconut extract, this granola is packed with coconut flavor.Ingredients:
Makes 4 small servings, 1/4 c. each
1 c. old fashioned oats
1 tbsp. chia seeds
1 1/2 tbsp. + 1/2 tsp. coconut oil
2 tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. coconut extract
2 tbsp. packed brown sugar
½ c. shredded coconut, optional
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together coconut oil, honey, brown sugar, and coconut extract. Continue whisking until ingredients are combined. Add oats to the honey mixture and stir in chia seeds until oats and seeds are coated in the honey mixture. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread out evenly. Bake for 8 minutes before flipping the granola and baking for another 3-5 minutes. Stir in coconut.
Recipe provided by Peanut Butter Fingers
10 New Ways to Eat Oatmeal

Chewy Granola Bar Bites

These super-chewy granola bar bites are moist, dense, and perfectly portable.Ingredients:
Makes 6 bites
1 c. old fashion oats
¼ c. packed brown sugar
¾ tsp. pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon will also work)
2 tbsp. chia seeds
2 tbsp. ground flax seeds
¾ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
1 egg white
½ c. milk
Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line muffin tin with paper cups. Combine oats, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, chia seeds, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and egg white into oat mixture. Divide batter among six muffin cups. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until batter is fully set.
Recipe provided by Peanut Butter Fingers
10 New Ways to Eat Oatmeal

Oatmeal Breakfast Parfait

Take advantage of seasonally ripe berries by including them in a parfait with cold oatmeal and creamy Greek yogurt.Ingredients:
Makes 1 serving
½ c. cooked oatmeal, refrigerated until cold (granola may also be used)
½ c. Greek yogurt
Seasonal berries of your choice
Directions:
Place ¼ c. Greek yogurt at the bottom of a glass. Top with ¼ c. oatmeal and then top the oatmeal with a handful of fresh berries. Repeat one more time and enjoy!
Recipe provided by Peanut Butter Fingers

Monday, May 14, 2012

10 New Smoothies You'll Love


Mix up the perfect portable meal or snack in less than 5 minutes

Orange creamsicle smoothie

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

400 caloriesCottage cheese makes this smoothie extra thick and creamy and adds a healthy dose of the protein casein. Casein is a slower digesting protein that will continue to feed your muscles hours after your last sip.
Ingredients:
1 scoops vanilla protein powder
1 orange
1/4 orange peel
2 Tbsp Walnuts
2 Tbsp flaxseed meal
1 cup cottage cheese
1.5 cups water
3 ice cubes
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a thicker shake add less water or more ice cubes.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Mixed Berry Smoothie

Mixed Berry Smoothie

400 caloriesThis smoothie contains Chia seeds, which are loaded with healthy omega-3 fats and pack 5g fiber per tablespoon.
Ingredients:
1 scoops vanilla protein powder
1 cup strawberries
2 Tbsp pecans
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup blueberries
1 Tbsp Chia seeds
1.5 cups water
3 ice cubes
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a thicker shake add less water or more ice cubes.
Chocolate Almond Mocha Shake

Chocolate Almond Mocha Shake

400 caloriesFind a chocolate almond milk made with dark chocolate (like from Silk) for an extra health boost from the antioxidants.
Ingredients:
1.5 scoops chocolate protein powder
1 Tbsp flax meal
1 Tbsp Nutella
1 cup chocolate almond milk
3 ice cubes
1 packet Starbucks Via
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a thicker shake add more ice cubes or more water for a thinner shake.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

400 caloriesThis smoothie is the perfect fix for when you're craving pumpkin pie. The flax and walnuts provide a healthy dose of essential fats while the spices add a variety of antioxidants and flavor.
Ingredients:
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
3 Tbsp walnuts
1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
2 Tbsp flaxseed meal
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
1.5 cups water
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp all spice
3 ice cubes
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a thicker shake add less water or more ice cubes.
Coconut Almond Smoothie

Coconut Almond Smoothie

400 caloriesThe combo of chocolate, coconut, and almond will make you feel like you're indulging in an Almond Joy candy bar, but this blend has a fraction of the sugar and enough protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied for hours.
Ingredients:
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese
2 Tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup Silk Pure Almond dark chocolate almond milk
1 Tbsp almond butter
1.5 cups water
3 ice cubes
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a thicker shake add less water or more ice cubes.
Strawberry Pistachio Smoothie

Strawberry Pistachio Smoothie

400 caloriesFlaxseed oil can be overpowering in flavor, but its high concentration of heart-healthy omega-3s and lignans—unique antioxidants that may help protect against breast cancer—make it a superfood you need to be eating. The solution: Flavored flaxseed oil. Barlean's Organic Oils Omega Swirl Omega-3 Flax Oil is the perfect ingredient for smoothies since it allows you to add healthy flaxseed oil without the raw flax taste.
Ingredients:
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup pistachio
1/2 cup strawberries
2 tsp strawberry banana flavored flaxseed oil
3 ice cubes
1.5 cups water
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a thicker shake add less water or more ice cubes.
Double Chocolate Mint Smoothie

Double Chocolate Mint Smoothie

400 caloriesThis blend includes cacao nibs, which are partially ground cacoa beans high in fiber, magnesium, and iron.
Ingredients:
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 cup Silk Pure Almond chocolate almond milk
2 Tbsp walnuts
2 Tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
1 Tbsp cacao nibs
2 mint leaves
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a thicker shake add more ice cubes or more water for a thinner shake.
Pomegranate and Blueberry Cream Smoothie

Pomegranate and Blueberry Cream Smoothie

400 caloriesThe powerful dose of antioxidants in pure pomegranate juice makes it taste too bitter for some, but creamy cottage cheese and coconut milk mellow out the intense flavor in this smoothie recipe.
Ingredients:
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
2 Tbsp coconut milk
1 cup blueberries
2 Tbsp flaxseed meal
4 oz Pure Pomegranate juice
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a thicker shake add less water or more ice cubes.
Double Chocolate Cherry Shake

Double Chocolate Cherry Shake

500 caloriesDark sweet cherries provide natural sweetness. The combination of their flavor with unsweetened cocoa powder makes you feel like you're cheating on your diet—but you're not!
Ingredients:
1.5 cups dark cherries, pitted, unsweetened (frozen)
2 Tbsp walnuts, chopped
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder, unsweetened
2 Tbsp flax meal
1.5 cups water
3 ice cubes

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a thicker shake add less water or more ice cubes.
Fat-Burning Power Shake

Fat-Burning Power Shake

400 caloriesThis low-carb, high-protein smoothie contains a diverse blend of fiber, essential fats, and antioxidants, making it the ultimate fat-burning blend.
Ingredients:
1.5 scoops vanilla protein powder
3 Tbsp walnuts
2 Tbsp flaxseed meal
1/2 cup blueberries
1 tsp powdered green tea (optional)
1.5 cups water
3 ice cubes

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a thicker shake add less water or more ice cubes.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Truth About Energy Bars

Lets be real. These so called "energy" bars do not all give you energy. Majority of them are no natural sugar in them at all and have an overload of artificial ingredients that you be better off drinking a cup of coffee or a coke. 
However some of them are pretty decent, here are our top picks


Larabar Cherry
190 calories
8 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat)
4 g protein
21 g sugars
4 g fiber

Made from exactly 3 ingredients: dates, almonds, and cherries. Larabar is the closest thing to real food in the bar section of the gocery store.


Atkins Advantage Peanut Butter Granola Bar
200 calories
7 g fat (1 g saturated fat)
17 g protein
1 g sugar
6 g fiber










Monday, May 7, 2012

Whats in Your Bag?

Here are what Power Force Apparel Feels are the Essential Gym Must haves!





1. Ifrogz Earbuds run about $10. Theses ear buds are perfect because they drown out tons of noise and actually stay in your ear http://www.ifrogz.com/category/275
2. Power Force Running Shorts- they are light weight and have soft liners on the inside. They are perfect for any sport indoor or out. Plus they are super affordable only $26.99 https://powerforceapparel.com/products/womens-vented-running-shorts/
3. Power Force String Tank- This is one of the softest shirts i have ever put on. Plus its it the bet length to workout or run in, it doesn't ride up and stays right in place when moving around! This top is $39.99- you can order online at https://powerforceapparel.com/products/womens-string-tank-hot-pink/
4. Power Force fitted jacket is perfect for those last night work outs whether is a run and just needing an extra layer for the ride home this jacket is best! at $69.99 it is a great buy and come in black or a pretty purple https://powerforceapparel.com/products/womens-jacket-black/
5.ImapMyfitness App- this app keep up with everything! and its free!
6. Power Force Women's Dash- these shoes are so hot. they are ideal for the gym, cross-training and any leisure sport you might be in the mood for. Power Force has these in tons of different colors ans styles. Check out their website and find the perfect pair for you today! https://powerforceapparel.com/product-cat/power-force-footwear/powerforce-womens-footwear/
7.Garmin Forerunner is the best watch out there for ladies- while it is expensive there isn't one that compares to the functionality of this watch!