20 Super Low Cal Snacks for Superbowl

Super Bowl Sunday is the first real challenge to your New Year's Resolutions. It's the day when it's normal to chow down on fried foods smothered in cheese and bacon...and then wash it with a few beers.

In fact, Americans consume more calories on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year and it’s easy to eat an entire day’s worth of calories before kickoff. We don't expect you to avoid every tempting platter of appetizers, but to help minimize the post-game belt loosening, we've assembled 20 healthy snack recipes, all under 260 calories per serving! 

Rooting for the Seattle Seahawks to score their first Super Bowl win? Try these recipes inspired by the Emerald City's love of salmon and coffee.

Teriyaki Salmon Bites (147 calories)


Flourless Espresso Brownies (160 calories)



Want Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos to take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy? We've got you covered with Mini Denver Quiches and Southwestern Salad!

Mini Denver Quiches (73 calories)


Southwestern Salad (157 calories)



Wow your friends with these lighter versions of Super Bowl favorites that we promise are every bit as delicious as the originals!

Buffalo Chicken Tenders (158 calories)


Nachos (258 calories)


Chili Sweet Potato Batons (135 calories)


French Onion Dip (50 calories)


Artichoke Pizza (242 calories)


Baked Chicken Drummettes (67 calories)


Guacamole (139 calories)


Habanero Chili (231 calories)


Chunky Salsa (47 calories)


Tomato-Thyme Pita Crisps (120 calories)


Yolkless Deviled Eggs (59 calories)


Kale Chips (51 calories)


Classic Hummus (104 calories)


Spinach Dip (47 calories)


Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce (253 calories)


Raw Vegetables with Dipping Sauce (56 calories)


Which of these recipes are you going to make? Tell us below!

Do You Raise an Eyebrow?

When you hear me say I am a Beachbody Coach does that cause you to raise an eyebrow?  (I can't do that by the way, raise one eyebrow. I have always wished I could. Random fact. You're welcome). I digress, anyway, I was reading in Success From Home magazine and came across this 10 point outline and thought, "YES, this is why!" So I thought I'd share it with you:

Top 10 Reasons Why

Team Beachbody Coaches Succeed

1. We are doing something we love to do.
2. We are able to promote world-class brands that people are already familiar with.
3. We are doing something we can take pride in, because we know we are making a difference in people's lives.
4. We are part of a company that has a lot of momentum.
5. We have all the tools and training that empower us to be successful from Day One.
6. We have powerful leadership.  We know there is an upline of success eager to engage with their organization.
7. Because the Team Beachbody program is based on exercise and proper nutrition, coaches know the program offers genuine results.
8. We are part of something exciting and successful that other people want to be part of.
9. We know the program offers emotional, mental, and spiritual results, in addition to physical results.
10. We pride ourselves on being part of a high-integrity company.

This year is about me reaching for new goals in the face of my own silly fears.  I have said it before and I'll say it again.  Personal development has been key in my progress thus far.  It is something leadership in Team Beachbody teaches and believes in.  In the same magazine I mentioned above I read this:

"At Team Beachbody, everyone is always a work in progress, and no one ever becomes a finished product.  When you're through changing, you're through.  That's why we believe in the continuous process of learning and growth.  In this industry, most people don't have the opportunity to learn about human behavior, leadership and potential.  Creating transformation within oneself, whether it's physical, or emotional, or spiritual, is fundamental in this business.  You cannot lead other people beyond your ability to lead yourself, so through personal development you can learn to lead others at a higher level." -Jeff Hill, Sr. VP of Global Sales

I've still got a lot to learn about being the best coach I can be to my team and those who trust me to be part of their health and fitness journey.  I'm excited about what the future holds, and I'm trying to become comfortable with being uncomfortable! 

Stop Waiting for the Perfect TIme | It Won't Happen

"If you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done!"

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (LB)

I couldn't have said it better myself, so I thought I'd let this word speak for itself.  

You can find more at:  http://proverbs31.org

July 22, 2013 Progress or Procrastination? Lisa Allen

Unhealthy habits had crept their way into my life. At first it was only occasionally, but then it became easier to stay home rather than head to the gym. I turned a blind eye to how much sugar I was eating. And dinner from a drive-through became more convenient when I was in a rush.

After a few months in this downward spiral, I knew it was time to reintroduce healthy habits. But then the excuses started: I know I should work out, but this just isn't a good time for me ... I have two trips coming up and then there's that birthday dinner for my friend this weekend. And everyone knows that Mondays are the best day to start a good habit!

This pattern of thinking gives me permission to eat unhealthy foods and put off exercise. Somehow I justify that I will ultimately be more successful if all the conditions are perfect for me to improve my health. Perhaps it's my selfish nature that screams, "I want what I want when I want it." The truth is, if I know I should take steps toward healthier choices, then my response should simply be to ask myself, "What can I do today?" and then do it. I don't have to have a plan for a month or even a week ... only today.

As I've observed this pattern of procrastination within myself, I find when faced with a desire and necessity to make a change for the better, sometimes I wait until I can do it perfectly before I'm willing to begin. Scripture tells us though "If you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done!" (Ecclesiastes 11:4).

I don't know about you, but I struggle with feeling that perfection is unreachable, so I push my goals to the back burner.

We wait to start consistent quiet times until we feel like getting up earlier. We wait to clean our house until there is a convenient weekend. We wait to join a small group until our schedules open up. We wait to begin a healthier lifestyle until the holidays are over.

Taking that first step is the hardest and yet most important step. Even a baby step toward a goal is better than staying in place. Aiming for progress rather than perfection can be quite freeing. So, I can't run a marathon. But I can lace up my sneakers and go for a walk. And while my home isn't in spotless, I can wipe down the counters and put away the piles of laundry around my living room. Yes, there are still dishes in the sink, but I have to start somewhere, right?

God is teaching me that I can make progress in the midst of less-than-perfect circumstances. While I still want to do things with excellence, a friend once told me I need to be willing to "take a B instead of an A+" on some things in life, and that helps bring perspective when excuses start to rise up. Plus, I'm learning to overcome my tendency for excuses by telling myself imperfect action is better than perfect procrastination.

There may never be a perfect time to get organized, eat less sugar, and workout more. However, we have to begin somewhere. The perfect place to start is where we are today.

Father, You know me so well, and I confess to You I've been avoiding obedience by waiting for things to be easier, better and more convenient. I recognize this as disobedience and ask You to forgive me. Give me the strength to focus today on this area of obedience. Let me know that You are providing all I need to take this step today and tomorrow, as I continue this journey with You. Amen.

Related Resources:

Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst

Our newest Online Bible Study, What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst, will be studying the perfect companion book to help you stop procrastinating and start progressing! Click herefor more information and to sign up.

Visit Lisa Allen's website for more encouragement.

Reflect and Respond:

What area of procrastination are you wrestling with? Whatever it is, choose to take one step toward your goal. Share it with your spouse, friend or mom and ask them to help you live this truth: "Imperfect progress is better than perfect procrastination."

Power Verses:

Ecclesiastes 7:8, "The end of a matter is better than its beginning and patience is better than pride." (NIV)

Proverbs 31:27, "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." (ESV)

© 2013 by Lisa Allen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

630 Team Rd., Suite 100

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org

It Takes Effort

I have a question for you.  Do your relationships need work?  I mean, can you ignore the relationship, think about it only when things start going awry, or put effort into it only when you feel like it?  I've never heard anyone say, "Gosh, you don't have to work on your marriage.  You guys have it all together!" RIDICULOUS RIGHT? 

So, please tell me why I hear people saying things like, "You don't need to work out or watch what you eat. You are in such good shape"! Is it sort of a compliment they are trying to give? If you have worked diligently, and had to overcome obstacles to get where you are, wouldn't you be a bit discouraged if someone made light of it by saying you DON'T need to work at it?  Most of us are not blessed with the "skinny" gene where we can eat what we want, not workout, and not gain a pound.  Most of us have to be mindful every single day of our health.  We plan and schedule our workouts.  We plan and prepare meals and snacks in advance.  It takes work.  Just like the best relationships take time, energy, and conscience awareness all of the time, so does our health!

Photo courtesy of Cross Training Couture

I hope what I'm saying reminds us all to look deeper into someone's life when the surface appears to be perfect. I would rather be noticed for overcoming obstacles, than appearing to have it all together. Do you feel inspired by someone who overcomes their obstacles, or someone who appears to be perfect?  If you are ever tempted to say such a thing stop yourself.  Instead let them know they are a great motivator to you to be healthy.

It brings me great joy to inspire others, lead by example, and cheer others on.  I will be real with my ups and downs.  Making an effort in fitness and health is a daily choice , and it doesn't always come easily.  There are days when time is not on my side, or I really don't want to make the effort.  I would rather people be encouraged by my struggles and victories, than appear to have it all together.   In doing so, I hope to build others up and encourage them to move every day, eat right, and in turn be an example to others.  What an amazing chain reaction that would be!

3 Day Shakeology Cleanse: What I learned, What I lost, What I gained

Why  the 3 Day Shakeology Cleanse?

For me it was to boost a few pounds of weight loss I'd been looking for and to re-energize myself after a busy weekend in Las Vegas.  I'd heard about other people doing it, and I know Shakeology is filled with such goodness that it couldn't hurt.  So I gave it a try and this is my story (and I'm stickin' to it).

Click here to learn more about Shakeology.

See below for a snapshot of what the cleanse entails.

What I learned:

The first day was hard because I didn't get my coffee and my body was a little shocked by the decrease in calories for the day.  I survived.

I have to have coffee in the morning.  Yes, it's true.  I'm an addict and I'm not willing to change.  So, to try and keep it as clean as possible I swapped my creamer for honey and that did the trick.

I also learned you must consume your calories on a very scheduled basis or your gonna be a cranky pants :)  This includes making sure you eat dinner no later than 6pm! Yikes that can get ugly. 

I never lacked energy or felt sleepy.

What I lost:

3 pounds overall and 1 inch off my waist. Who doesn't love that?  Hello bathing suit season!

What I gained:

A reminder of what good food is for my overall health.  What I can still cut back on (I heart Dutch Bros. lattes but I don't need them more than once or twice a week) in the way of processed food...and the beloved bread!

The knowledge that I don't need creamer in my coffee anymore!  I've made the switch to honey...It's better for me and my wallet!

A new favorite dinner recipe:  Turkey burger with spinach and mushrooms. OH.MY.WORD.

Flavors include:

Chocolate

Chocolate Vegan

Vanilla

Strawberry

Strawberry Vegan

Greenberry

To break it down quickly:

• Green Tea in the a.m.
• Shakeology mixed with ice, water, & fruit for breakfast
• 1 serving of fruit for a mid-morning snack
• Shakeology mixed with ice, water & fruit plus a cup of green tea for lunch
• Shakeology mixed with ice and water for afternoon snack
• White/lean meat, veggies, and salad for dinner
• Drink a lot of water throughout the day