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Easy family meals with Perdue Farms Easy Gathering Box

This is a sponsored post from Perdue Farms although I am compensated for this post. My thoughts are my own.  My Full Disclosure Policy

Planning family meals made easy

When I meal planned family friendly dinners consistently. We saved money, ate better and had more time to connect.  That is something that I want to get back to in 2020. After a very busy 2019 I am reflecting and looking back on the things I want to change in the New Year.  I want to go back to having family meals together. With work, sports and extracurricular schedules. It’s really hard to make time for family dinners like when the girls were little.  I find when the meals are planned and I have all the ingredients family dinners are less effort.  Perdue Farms Easy gathering Bundle Box inspired me to get back into meal planning.  

how to meal plan family meals in 30 days

Something that I used to do and want to begin again is meal planning for 30 days.  It helps me budget better and makes shopping much easier. Having a variety of options and all the ingredients makes me want to cook more as well. It’s the prepping and planning that I don’t like but I love to make a delicious meal.  

How do you plan family meals for 30 days?

I found its very easy to meal plan 30 different meals for the family if you get them involve.  I make a list with 3 columns. One for the diva’s, one for my husband and one for me with 10 spaces to fill their favorite meal.  It’s really that simple and I find that they very rarely duplicate but if they do it’s 30 days and a family fave it will get eaten anyways.  The goal is to have a variety and make something that every one will eat.  

Perdue Farms Easy Gathering Bundle Box

I recently got to try Perdue Farm Easy Gathering Bundle which is a new meat subscription box from Perdue Farms. You can have a variety of meats shipped directly to your door.  Ready to be placed in your freezer or thawed and cooked. It made meal planning even easier because I didn’t have to do the shopping. 

Where can you get organic chicken and premium meat for family meals?

Since attending Shift Con I have been trying to make sustainable efforts and to eat organic meat.  With Perdue Farms Easy Gathering Bundle Box I am able to do both. Perdue Farms does not raise chicken conventionally as well as they work with small local farmers.  The box was full recyclable and all the products were encased in brown recyclable paper and not plastic.  

Easy Family Meals you can make in under 20 minutes

It was easy to add the Perdue Farms Easy Gathering Bundle box to my monthly meal plan.  I made some of our family favorites. Highlighting my husband and my diva’s three favorites.  One meal was a tie! My husband loved the Pulled Pork Sliders on Gluten Free Ciabatta Rolls with Apple Coleslaw, Sweet Potato Fries and Salad.  This was an easy three ingredient hit!! 

Niman Ranch Barbeque Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Coleslaw

easy family friendly dinner

Perdue Farms Herbed Olive Oil with Roasted Garlic and Sea Salt wings

Lailah’s Favorite was the Herbed Olive Oil with Roasted Garlic and Sea Salt wings, Broccoli and Cauliflower Rice. This is another easy three ingredient meal that is nourishing tasty and easy to make Perdue Farms Easy Gathering Box made this supers simple with their pre-seasoned Herbed Olive Oil with Roasted Garlic and Sea Salt wings. This was simple. I made steamed broccoli which is my kids favorite and added riced cauliflower rice.  Simple easy meal healthy and nutritious meal.  It doesn’t have to be complicated to eat healthy and especially when you are always on the go.

 

Niman Ranch Kielbasa Stir-Fry

Niman Ranch Kielbasa Stir-Fry is Kyhia and Milah’s favorite. Its one of my favorite meals to cook because it takes about 20 minutes.  It’s so easy and a healthier option when we need a meal quick in the evenings.

This meal is a plate cleaner with the family and its really easy to make.  Even if you’re not the best cook you can’t mess this one up. Adding seasonings like oregano, basil or Italian Seasoning and dinner is ready.  You can add a few Niman Ranch Uncured Kielbasa to your Perdue Farm Easy Gathering  Bundle Box.  You get to choose what meats you want delivered directly to your door.

Eating well doesn’t have to take a lot of time with the right ingredients.  With your Perdue Farms Easy Gathering Bundle box delivered right to your door. Just add some healthy sides and you easily have family friendly meals without having to stop at a drive thru.  We’re going to spend more time at our dining room table. I am saved some grocery shopping and it’s a great way to switch up some of our favorite meal rotations. I can’t wait to see what comes in my next Perdue Farms Easy Gathering Bundle box.   Family meals are coming back in the Bolton home and I am going to make my life easier with the Perdue Farms Easy Gathering Box and planning my meals.

Have you ever tried a food subscription box before?  Check out the link to get your own Perdue Farms Easy Gathering Box.

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Product Review Product Reviews raising family Weightloss Journey Wellness

2018 Fitness Holiday Gift Guide & Desk Cycle Ellipse Giveaway

2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Turkey has been consumed! Family time has been had, and now if you haven’t already, it’s time to get ready for Christmas.

I am sure you have had some sort of clue from the Christmas Display that has been taunting us in most retail stores that’s it’s that time of year.  If you have intentionally been ignoring the festive advertisements until now.

Yay! Me too!

Time to start Shopping

Now that the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers have been eaten I am ready to decorate the house for Christmas.

For my girls it’s simple, and I pride myself in getting the girls Christmas complete the week before Thanksgiving and regardless of the early date this year. Now is the hard part shopping for others that I love in my life and the older we get, the harder it gets?  

I love checking out gift guides because it gives me some great ideas of things that I may have never considered. Have you ever considered giving someone the gift of Wellness?

Gift ideas for Fitness Enthusiast

No seriously, I know it sounds lame, but your gift can help some live a better life. Whether its makeup, skincare, fitness equipment or the gift of preventative health it all could be appreciated. There may be that person in your life who really values going to the gym, wellness or just fitness.  It can be daunting to find a unique gift that they don’t already have or may need.  

Feeling a little like Oprah but here are:

7 of my Favorite things

that are must buys for Holiday gifts this year! I am excited to share with you some of the things that I truly love this year. I hope it’s helpful and buying the perfect gift for the one you love. 

My Affiliation

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com. 

This post also contains other affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I make a small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to you. Although, I was given these products or am an ambassador my opinion is entirely my own and can’t be bought. My Full Disclosure Policy 

Activmotion Bar

Life is dynamic, and our training should reflect that and really didn’t realize the potential until receiving my activmotion bar to try. This bar is excellent for anyone looking to add core stability to their workout or challenge themselves.  Activmotion bars come in different weights, and the most popular is a 10-pound bar.  This gift is going to add variety, body awareness, and stability to your workout and just a great tool to have if you like to exercise.  

Right now you can get 25% off your bar using code fitapproach25 from now until January 5, 2019.  Grab your bar here

PlateJoy

Plate Joy has been a lifesaver this year for me and definitely one of my favorite things.  Getting a subscription to this app would be an excellent gift for the Mom who is at her wits end with creative meal ideas.  Until I found Plate Joy, I was always frustrated trying to think of something healthy, fast and affordable for dinner.  When it’s the end of the day nothing is worse than asking your family what they want for dinner for them to respond, “I don’t know.”

Having my own personal meal planner that not only plans the meals but also makes the grocery list, tells me the correct portion size and even takes into consideration leftovers. It has been a time saver, budget minded and just a helpful tool.  I think any Mom would love to have a year of meal planning from Plate Joy for a Holiday gift!

You can get a Free Trial here, or You can get $10 off your Gift Card or Subscription with code FAITH10 Get your PlateJoy here.

Momentum Jewelry

Photo Credit https://beforeandaftermyemptynest.com/

Often get asked about my Inspire necklace from Momentum Jewelry! I customized it this summer to remind me of my “why” The Inspired Necklace inscribes “For His Glory,” and it’s a great reminder of why I do what I do!  You probably will always catch me with some type of Momentum wraps, jewelry, and accessories.  It’s nice to have wearable inspiration for when you need to see a reminder or your spirits lifted.  I think Momentum Jewelry is great for everyone, but this inspiring jewelry is meant for the Athlete in your life.

They are having so many sales for the Holiday’s grab some spark to share with someone in your life! Grab your Momentum Jewelry here.

 

Glider Gloves

It’s cold ya’ll! Every year around November I start to reconsider my residency in New Jersey. I was made for Arizona or New Mexico because I hate the humidity and hate the cold.  Winter in Jersey comes with hat, scarf and a warm pair of gloves.  The worst is when you have to take your texting handoff in the cold.  Get someone you love these warm and cozy Glider gloves that swipes just like your finger without the biting chill.  Great gift for anyone in your life this year!

Get your Glider Gloves here!

 

SoleHealers

Sole Healers are Therapeutic Stretcher and Massager for your feet! They are amazing, and everything begins at the feet. SoleHealers are a pair of foot and calf stretching tool.  It helps to increase circulation, flexibility, and range of motion in your feet. I highly recommend these to anyone whether you are active or not, using these after you Desk Cycle or standing on them and gathering your balance at the day. If you suffer from foot, knee, or hip pain, plantar fasciitis, tight Achilles tendon, bunions or hammertoe I would add one in for you too! These are by far one of my favorite things to use for recovery.

Grab your Sole Healers here and don’t forget to get you a pair too! Use coupon code “15BLESSED” to get 15% off your purchase.

Cross Training Couture Tanks, Sweatshirts and Hat

Often, I get messages of “Where did you get your tank or what we call a “Truth on a Tee”?

The answer usually is Cross Training Couture which is a Faith and Fashion line that I am an ambassador.

When choosing brands represent companies I have to personally love and believe in what they represent. Cross Training Couture’s ministry is to witness through fitness (And wardrobes) is similar to my own. I am grateful to be able to be a Cross Training Influencer for them.

Another way that I get to connect with women fueled by their faith and desire to honor their temple is through their CTC VIP group monthly. It’s such a God-centered group that devotes, worships, prays and workout together and if you’re looking for something like that in your virtual world you should join them. If you are looking for cute, hats, tanks, sweatshirts and more for you and your family. Check them out! Tell them I sent you through this link and got your very own Truth on a Tee for someone you love this Christmas!  Another one of my very favorite thing! 

Grab your tank here! 

 

 

Desk Cycle- Ellipse

Whoever thought to put an elliptical under your desk was a genius! I am pedaling right now and have to say since getting my Desk Cycle Ellipse I have been getting some extra cardio instead of sitting idle.  The Desk Cycle Ellipse can only be used while sitting and is excellent for a tall or short desk.  It’s very quiet and comfortable to adjust resistance.

The other day I cranked up the dial, and after reading through emails, I was feeling the burn — leaves very little excuses for why you can’t move.  There is an LCD that is found on the Ellipse, or you can have sit on your desk to keep you motivated.  My little divas have competition on how many revolutions they can get in their homework time.   I am obsessed with the Desk Cycle Ellipse and think it’s a fabulous gift for anyone who sits at a desk in your life and shares it on my Instastories. I am amazed at what I can achieve while sitting.  It’s a great way to get your body moving while you work.

Grab your Desk Cycle here!

Desk Cycle Giveaway

Have I told you lately how absolutely thankful I am for you? Some of you have been following me and supporting me from the very beginning. Others are very new to my journey.  Whenever you came in I am grateful for your likes, double taps, follows, shares and comments.  I want to say Merry Christmas and give you some motivation to stay active in the New Year!

You have no excuses now because I have partnered with Desk Cycle. We are giving away their new under desk exercise equipment the Desk Cycle Ellipse by 3D Innovations.  The giveaway will end 12/9/18 11:59 pm EST.  So enter as many chances as you can before now and then!

I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and hope I gave you some ideas for a gift for your loved ones!

Click Picture Below to Enter into the Giveaway!

 

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Fitness Fitness and Health Weightloss Journey

My Body on a Carb Cycle

disclosure

My Full Disclosure Policy

FaithFueledfRIDAY

Carb Cycling, some consider it a Diet Fad others consider it a weight loss secret and some see it for Body Builders and Bikini Competitors.  When I first heard of it I totally dismissed it because to take away my carbs seemed like cruel and unusual punishment.  After trying it I am considering adopting it as a new lifestyle change.  As you know I am apart of a workout program called Beyond Fit Life  with the workout and my own workout routines. I have been able to lose over 55 pounds in less than 10 months.  I even came to a point where I had plateaued which is when I incorporated my own workout routines and began to see progress again.  Then, I got to the point where I was starting to see results but I really wanted to make a huge difference and impact on my body. Around that time Carb Cycling was reintroduced to me. So, I tried it and the results that I found was nothing less than amazing but were they sustainable?

What is Carb Cycling?

A very basic definition of carb cycling is a meal/nutrition plan that is based on your carbohydrate intake.  It is usually used to prevent a fat loss plateau and maintain a functional metabolism. It is an addition to a workout or exercise program not an lieu of a workout performance.  What? Basically you alter how many carbs you eat from day to day. So, an example of a Carb Cycle meal plan may be:

Monday-No Carbs

Tuesday-Low Carbs

Wednesday-Low Carbs

Thursday-No Carbs

Friday-High Carbs

Saturday- Low Carbs

Sunday- No Carbs

It can be repeated for several weeks, the schedule varying from week to week.

So week 2:

Monday-Low Carb

Tuesday-Low Carb

Wednesday-No Carb

Thursday- No Carb

Friday-Low Carb

Saturday-High Carb

Sunday-No Carb

Is their a methodology to the No Carb, Low Carb, High Carb days. Some would say yes and others would say no.  I did variations every week to see if it produced greater results.  One week I would intentionally schedule my no carb days on a HIIT workout day and a Low Carb day on a Sprint day.  Did I see greater inches or weight loss than the week that I did No Carbs on Rest Days and Low Carb on Workout days.  I did but it was very little difference less than 2 inch loss or pound weight loss.  From my own experience I would say no the days do not matter. How your body feels is the most important thing and what you are eating to fuel your body optimally.

I encountered a “Certified Nutritionist,” (which after looking at her credentials she paid $200 for a online certification so that she could call herself a Certified Nutritionist.)  I was in a facebook group and she was telling us of the dangers of Carb Cycling. She claimed that Carb Cycling resulted in Ketonic Failure and Carb Cycling caused your body refuel on muscle.  She said it was very dangerous, did not have sustainable results and was basically “a dumb way to eat”.  Now, these were very serious accusations for someone who had minimal qualifications to diagnose anyone with any type of disease or disorder. I am currently studying and getting my certification for Fitness and Weight loss nutrition and a self proclaimed fitness and nutrition geek. I like to do research on most things that I come across. Whether it be the Bible, Workouts, or Food I am going to take more than someone’s opinion for face value. That’s just me! I had to breakdown some of her fancy scare tactics.

Ketosis– is a normal metabolic process that your bodies goes through when it has lower levels of glucose or carbohydrates to process.  When your body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates to burn energy it starts to burn fat.  Then, and only then if it does not have enough fat then it will start working on your lean muscle.  It is normal for your body to make keotones and to use them accordingly.  Ketosis, usually does not take place in the body until you have eaten less than 50 grams of Carbohydrates for 3 to 4 days.  Ketosis is also know to help\ you to feel less hungry and also helps you maintain muscles.  All of this is dependent on if you are “Normal” don’t suffer from diabetes, dehydrated or have high levels of lead in your system. Ketogenic and low carbs diets are also used to treat a number of disorders and diseases.  With that being said, I have found that Carb Cycling done correctly can be a great way to lose weight but is it sustainable?

What did I eat?

I was really anxious before my first week. I overthought my meal plan and didn’t think I could withstand from Carbohydrates.  I also was overwhelmed with the list of produce that was High in Carbohydrates. Say what? Yes, produce contains carbohydrates its not just bread and pasta.  Similar to when I did the Sugar Detox and found that sugar is in almost everything. So are carbs.  They are found naturally in fruits and vegetables, some veggies and fruits have more than others but when trying to get under 50 grams of carbs per day. Those carbs cannot be taken for granted.

 

Vegetables with Carbs

I ate a lot of food. I was eating about every 2 hours meals that included lots of produce and lots of protein.  I also drank the recommended gallon of water to stay hydrated.  On No Carb days I drank Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) twice a day instead of one time. I ate well and was full and felt amazing while Carb Cycling especially on No Carb days. I carb cycled for three weeks out of the month and I ate really well each day. I think if I wasn’t able to eat well then the diet wouldn’t have lasted very long.

Here are 7 Carb Cycle Meals Days. I didn’t include the snacks but they were usually a Protein Shake in the afternoon and the morning would be a carb free snack that had high fat, protein and produce. Some favorites were Lettuce Roll-ups with Turkey, Fresh Salsa and Avocado, Apples/Celery with Peanut Butter, Hard Boiled Eggs, just to name a few.  I was able to stay full and carb or lower carb free all day long.

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Did I get results?

I had few fears when I was starting. That I would be hungry, have cravings, feel awful. I thought that it would be like the Sugar Detox and have some withdrawal symptoms.  I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to maintain the entire 21 days with only a carrot slip up on the first week (I could have done worse). I was full all the time, I did not have cravings, I had energy and felt amazing on it. I had really great physical results too. I would say that sacrificing for 21 days brought me great results but I don’t feel like I had to sacrifice anything. I lost over 13 inches (I rarely get on the scale but I am sure that I lost some pounds too).

I would definitely recommend this to someone trying to reach a goal quickly for example a wedding. It could also be a lifestyle change but it takes a lot of planning and prepping. I would have continued through the following month but I needed a break from the planning and the prepping. That was a key factor to my success with this.  I plan on doing it again starting next week but the last few weeks I wasn’t able to prep and plan and after two days of trying to wing it I had to put it on hold for a week. Some people do better without carbs and I am finding that I am one of them. I prefer how I felt without carbs to how I feel with them and think that I will be making this lifestyle change for myself this could possibly be a sustainable lifestyle change. With a little of the 80/20 rule like with all things!

 

Have you heard of carb cycling? Tried it?

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