Healthy Ice Cream Made With ONE Ingredient....



Ever try frozen banana ice cream? Try it! It's an easy way to stay cool and use up over-ripe bananas at the same time.

It turns out that frozen bananas are good for more than just dipping in chocolate.  If you freeze a banana until solid, then whiz it up in a blender or food processor, it gets creamy and a little gooey, just like good custard ice cream. I was surprised at this bit of kitchen wizardry; I assumed that a blended banana would be flaky or icy. But no — it makes creamy, rich ice cream.

Some bananas, depending on their ripeness, have a bit of that green aftertaste. I've been experimenting by adding in another ingredient or two, like a tablespoon of peanut butter and another of honey. Delicious!

 

Italian, Anyone? Zucchini Eggplant Lasagna

 

 

Who doesn't love a nice warm slice of saucy lasagna?! Well, I do. However the caloric intake is terrifying! Here's a healthier alternative to the less "picky" eaters.  My husband would never go for this, but I certainly love it! I had a hard time finding an eggplant though. I've never worked with one before.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 large eggplant, cut crosswise into 1/4 inch thick slices
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3/4 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium onion) 
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes 
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 cup (8 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
• Cooking spray 
• 1 (8-ounce) package precooked lasagna noodles
• 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices 
• 2 1/2 cups (10 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on several layers of paper towels. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt; let stand 15 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic to pan; sauté 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, oregano, red pepper, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Combine basil, ricotta, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Spread 1/2 cup tomato mixture into the bottom of a 13 x 9–inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 4 noodles over tomato mixture; top with half of eggplant and half of zucchini. Spread ricotta mixture over vegetables; cover with 4 noodles. Spread 1 cup tomato mixture over noodles; layer with remaining eggplant and zucchini slices. Arrange remaining 4 noodles over vegetables, and spread remaining tomato mixture over noodles. Top evenly with mozzarella. Cover with foil coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes or until browned. Cool for 5 minutes

 

 

Chicken Fajitas: A Quick, Easy Meal for Families on the Go!

As many of you may know, I've been all about my wraps lately, in my lunch especially. This is a very quick easy meal that doesn't take much effort or time, and is loved by most. Not only is this a good snack, but can also be an easy dinner for families that have kids with extracurricular activities, ie. Little League.

Baked Chicken Fajitas Recipe:

(Serves 4-6)

 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 jar of Tostitos salsa
• 12 flour tortillas, warmed to serve
• 1 sliced onion
• 1 can tomatoes, chunks
• 1 avocado (optional)
• 1 bag fat free shredded cheddar cheese

 

 Directions:

1. Bake or broil your chicken until thoroughly cookedCube or slice chicken into slivers
2. Place chicken in the bowl with salsa
3. Apply lid, and shake up.
4. Add on your favorite toppings
5. Serve with warmed tortillas and enjoy!

 

 

Total Calories for 1 wrap is 246 calories

 

 

Soothe That Chocolate Sweet Tooth Guilt Free

Ingredients
1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
1 package (2.1 ounces) sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix 1-3/4 cups water
3 egg whites
1-1/4 cups cold fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 package (1.4 ounces) sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed Chocolate curls, optional
Directions In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, water and egg whites. Beat on low speed for 1 minute; beat on medium for 2 minutes.
Pour into a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 12-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
For frosting, place milk and extract in a large bowl.
Sprinkle with a third of the pudding mix; let stand for 1 minute.
Whisk pudding into milk.
Repeat twice with remaining pudding mix.
Whisk pudding 2 minutes longer. Let stand for 15 minutes.
Fold in whipped topping.
Frost cake.
Garnish with chocolate curls if desired.
Yield: 16 servings.
Nutritional Facts
1 piece (calculated without chocolate curls) equals 197 calories, 5 g fat (3 g saturated fat),
trace cholesterol,
409 mg sodium,
35 g carbohydrate,
1 g fiber,
3 g protein.

No Bake Ginger-Lime Yogurt Pie

The summer months are quickly creeping up on us, although the nights are still frigid, we can't help but get excited for cook-outs, family reunions, trips to the beach and BBQs with friends and family. So I figured a nice clean, refreshing dessert would be the best item to take to your next summer function.

 

INGREDIENTS:



3c plain non fat greekyougurt

4 oz reduced fat cream cheese softened

1/4 cup water

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1/2 sugar substitute (stevia or splenda)

2 to 4 minced crystallized ginger**

1 tsp grated lime zest (peel)

1 (6oz) reduced fat graham cracker crust

1 tub lite cool whip

 

DIRECTIONS:

• Beat yogurt and cream cheese in medium bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until light fluffy
• Place water in medium saucepan, sprinkle with gelatin and elt stand 2 minutes to soften.Stir in sugar a substitute. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, about 1 minute or until mixture thickens slightly and gelatin dissolves. (do not boil)
• Add gelatin mixture, minced ginger and lime peel to yogurt mixture, stir til well blended.
• Spoon filling into crust; cover surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours OR up to 2 days.
• Top with cool whip using a icing bag.
• Garnish with lime slices and serve.

 

Serves 8 to 10

 

**NOTE: crystallized ginger is available in large supermarkets and Asian markets. Its moist and chewy, with a strong spicy-sweet flavor.

 

 

 

You can also do these in a mini form, with cupcake wrappers, for smaller portion control.

Plus you get more bang for you buck, getting more product for the same amount of money.



 

Cheesecake?? On a Diet?! YES!!

I'm sure you probably thought eating cheesecake was something you could never enjoy on a diet. WRONG! You can enjoy a healthier version by simply swapping some ingredients for healthier ones. Here's a recipe that is a winner in my family (even the kids!):

Ingredients:

• About 4 graham crackers
• 1 tbsp low-fat margarine or butter
• 3/4 cup FAGE Total 0% Greek Yogurt
• 1 tbsp good quality lemon curd
• Thin slice of lemon and lemon zest to decorate

Preparation Directions:

1. Place the graham crackers in a plastic sandwich bag and roll a rolling pin across them, or crush with fingers until they are small, even crumbs.
2. Melt the margarine in a pan and add to the graham crackers.
3. Mix well until all the crumbs are lightly coated.
4. Place a small metal ring on a serving plate.
5. Pour the graham cracker mixture into the metal ring and press it down firmly with fingertips.
6. Combine the yogurt with the lemon curd and a little lemon zest.
7. Spoon this mixture on top of the graham cracker base and chill for at least an hour.
8. Remove the metal ring and add a slice of lemon rind to serve.

Additional Notes:

If you don’t have metal cooking rings, use a clean, small baked-bean can with each end removed. In-season, soft fruit, such as strawberries, can be pureed and used in place of the lemon curd. If you are in a hurry for the cheesecake to set, it can be frozen. Just lift it out of the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.

 

 

WOOT WOOT!!! INSANITY: FIT TEST 2

 

Well its been 2 full weeks of my 60 day INSANITY journey. Needless to say, it has been hard mentally and physically. In fact, today I earned some shin splints while enduring such strenuous workouts. I'm the type to push myself as hard as I can, and although it some times results in injury, I don't push myself so much that risk not being able to finish the program. I'll just have to take my plyo workouts a bit easier and push that much harder in my other sessions.
Well here's what you've been waiting to see. How much progress can one person make in 2 weeks of Insanity? The proof is on the paper - and let me stress- you get out of your workouts what you put in.

Week 2 Fit Test Results:

• Switch Kicks..............70 (shin splints)
• Power Jacks................46
• Power Knees...............82
• Power Jumps...............12 (quit @ 25s to go from shin splints)
• Globe Jumps...............16 (had lower back pain)
• Suicide Jumps.............12
• Push up Jacks..............11
• Low Plank Oblique.....34

Keep up with my fitness journey and let me guide you through your own!!
 Just find me at:
 www.facebook.com/coach.rockitwithrenee
www.beachbodycoach.com/rockitwithrenee
www.twitter.com/rockitwithrenee
www.myshakeology.com/rockitwithrenee
www.youtube.com/rockitwithrenee
www.instagram.com/rockitwithrenee
www.myfitnesspal.com/rockitwithrenee

Summer Refresher: Peachy Vanilla Smoothie

Want something light in calories, but cooling every sip? Entertain guests poolside with this delicious smoothie and feel guilt-free in enjoying consumption!

You will need:
Blender
2 glasses

1 medium peach, pitted & peeled
       (or canned sliced peaches)
1/4 cup fat free (skim) milk
      (or vanilla soy milk)
1/2 cup crushed ice
1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 TBSP sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions:
1. Combine peach, milk, ice, yogurt,sugar and vanilla in blender until smooth.
2. Pour into 2 glasses  and serve IMMEDIATELY


Nutrition Facts:
Calories 110g
Protein       6g
Carbs       20g
Sodium  120g

Conquering the MIND, Before the BODY

Some of you may know that yesterday was my step son Logan's birthday. We ended up going to dinner at KFC, (I wasn't happy). I almost didn't eat b/c I KNEW there was nothing I could eat that would be even remotely healthy. I've been a stickler for fueling my body for my health AND indulgence. I knew it would be awkward for everyone, had I not eaten ANYTHING. So, I ate while I fed Sophia. I had this shame and guilt for eating so badly, when I've been boasting about losing 4 lbs, and working out so hard. Last night I got a couple texts from people at BBW that said "you know you work tonight?" I had NO IDEA, I was so preoccupied with other things, it didn't even dawn on me. After mentally kicking my own A$$ and I weighed myself to see how much I'd gained in the course of the day (and after a hefty meal). It was 1.8lbs. (ugh!! SO MAD at MYSELF!! not only for missing work but also gaining lbs) So this morning, like every morning, I pee'd (tmi) then weighed myself.... I GAINED 1.1lbs! GASSSPP! So in my disappointment and depression, I ate a vanilla sugar wafer. Awhile later, Sophia was ready for her nap. When I came back downstairs, I plopped on the couch and started watching Real Housewives of Orange County. I sat there in the debate we've all had with ourselves, over doing something we KNOW we should and need to do, but don't want to "right now". It is what I've done every time I'm upset or depressed.  My workout time is when Sophia sleeps, and I NEEDED to do take advantage of the nap time. So, in my guilt, I got up double up on regular bras, put on a pair of Ben's socks, an old pair of shoes (all my work out gear is in Sophia's room) and I pushed through Pure Cardio harder than I EVER have before. Mentally, I was beating myself up, over losing control, not sticking with my diet, letting not only myself, but my fans and family down. I'm doing this not only for MYSELF, but I'm doing this for every woman who's a little insecure, every Mom who's putting their children and family first and have lost sight of themselves. Every Grandmother, who wants to keep up with their grandchildren. ANYONE who wants to make their lives more fulfilling, whom wants to live longer. To show people LAZINESS IS A CHOICE.
During my workout, while all this is going through my mind all I can hear echoing ahead of my own thoughts is Shaun T yelling, "keep pushing" and "dig deeper" and "you're almost there"... In that moment, I realized I wasn't pushing harder because I was mad at myself, I was pushing harder because I knew I had to work harder to burn what I had gained. I had an epiphany by the end of the workout. In today's society, we EAT when we celebrate, we EAT when we're depressed, we EAT at holidays. When we indulge, we know we'll regret it, but its OKAY to be human. Its OKAY to have cake, and mashed potatoes. I refuse to miss out on life's moments that we can NEVER get back. Logan will only turn 9 once, I can turn down cake and KFC any other time. But this day was about HIM, and I think we owe it to ourselves to allow these indulgences to being freeing from the daily grind. 
Once you've mentally conquered your lifestyle, the rest falls into place. We can't hate ourselves for one day of slip ups, or one day of celebrating, or one day of depression. All we can do is say "well, I screwed up, but I'm jumping right back on".
I'm telling you this, so you're aware that when it happens to YOU, you're not alone. You're NOT the only one that has bad days. We are all human, and we all love comfort food. :)


The Cherokee Proverb (for those whom don't understand the relevance)- means that we can be negative to and about ourselves (and other problems) or we can see the bright side, be truthful and positive to ourselves. The path we chose (or mouth we feed) is ultimately the winner of our attitudes, demeanor and actions.

Healthy, Simple Burger & Fries Lunch

Here's a super simple, practical lunch for anyone on the go, or busy Mom's. I decided for lunch today, Sophia and I would indulge a bit, and have  a burger! Who knew you could eat a delicious burger and still manage a low caloric meal.  Here's what I used and the nutrition facts. For each product and the whole meal.

So for the burger, I obviously used the all veggie, Boca burger. I put Kraft light mayo, mustard and a slice of Kraft American cheese on it.

My choice of fries are Alexia Sweet Potato fries, that are Cajun spice flavored. Many of you may not know that one trick of eating spicy food is that your body burns more calories trying to keep itself cool, there by expending more energy and melting away some extra calories.

 

 Although having fries seems very unhealthy, sweet potatoes actually pack quite a punch when in comes to nutrients and benefits. They contain vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, fiber, B vitamins, potassium and even iron.

Some other health benefits of sweet potatoes are their antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. They're also a wonderful choice for diabetics. Diabetics can eat sweet potatoes without worry because they have a low glycemic index.

 

 last, but not least, if you or someone you know suffers from kidney or gallbladder ailments, sweet potatoes may help because they contain a small amount of oxalates, (which in high concentrations can cause kidney damage.) Those with a healthy digestive tract will be better able to absorb the nutrients of sweet potatoes without suffering ill effects.

As always, doing research on your specific condition and a consulting with your doctor are recommended.

 

Then of course I had some grapes. Which, yes is a CARB!! AAAHHHHHH! But in the history of the human race, will you EVER see anyone who got fat eating fruit.  Here's what these little green wonders give you nutritionally:

vitamin C, the choline, vitamin A, vitamin K, along with trace amounts of vitamins B-6 and

vitamin E, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and thiamin. potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. Grapes are a low-sodium food. They also contain trace amounts of copper, iron, manganese, zinc, fluoride and selenium.

 

So as you can see I had a nutritious, healthy meal. But the biggest question of all is...HOW MANY CALORIES???

So, lets add them all up!

 

Bread:...........................................70c (2 slices)

Boca burger:.................................120c/patty

Kraft 2% American Cheese:..........60c/slice

Kraft Light Mayo:..........................35c/serving

Mustard:...........................................0c (EAT AS MUCH AS YOU WANT!)

Alexia Spicy Sweet Potato Fries: 130c/serving

Grapes:...........................................15c (6 large grapes)

 

 

Grand total: 430 calories!!

 

 

Although this meal seems small, there's so much protein in it, its super filling and delicious. Its quick, easy, and even my 2 year old daughter loved it! However, she ate tator tots, not spicy fries.

Until next time, enjoy your "Spring"!!

Day 1 Week 1 INSANITY Fit Test

At 5a this morning, I watched the Dig Deeper DVD with Shaun T, then completed the Fit Test & enjoyed some Shakeology (vegan chocolate).

Here are my Day 1 Fit Test results:
Switch Kicks: 78 (quit at 15s left)
Power Jacks: 40 (quit at 11s left)
Power Knees: 61 (quit at 15s left)
Power Jumps :8
Globe Jumps: 7

Suicide Jumps: 10

Push-up Jacks: 0 (haha! Yeah, right.)
Low Plank Oblique: 24

Clarisonic Mia = Heaven

Hi Dolls!
I have been watching YouTube tutorials and reviews for years.  It wasn't until  December of 2011 that I stumbled on one of MakeUpByTiffanyD's skin care videos and she said she used a Clarisonic to cleanse her face. The more i started to watch the more intrigued I became over this electronic wonder.  I had watched some people say "its amazing" others said "Proactives is better, and more affordable" or that "Olay Regenerist was as good, if not better." I had to try this thing out!

So without testing any others, I went to Sephora's website and ordered my Clarisonic Mia. I bought the Mia, b/c it was smaller, good for travel, and was much less expensive than the original Clarisonic.

I was so excited to test it out! I couldn't wait till it was bedtime so I could wash off my make up and use this "miracle brush." I put it on charge (which is pretty cool because the charger is magnetic to the handle.) The brush was super easy to twist on and off.

So I'm finally tired enough to get ready for bed, brush teeth, wash face and moisturize.
The moment of truth comes, I put the cleanser they give you (a sample size) on the bristles and turn on the Mia. It reminds me of an electronic toothbrush (which I later found out, they are the pioneers of the Sonic toothbrush...who knew?!) So they give you advice on the time limits for your forehead, each cheek, chin and nose. Well I'm not that anal, so I just moved it at my leisure, when I felt the time was right. Going over my nose, took some SERIOUS getting used to. It vibrates so fast, it tickled my nasal nerve and kept making me sneeze. hahaha! So after it shuts off (after 1 min) I proceed with my normal routine; rinse, pat dry, then moisturize. Within just that ONE use, I knew that I'd gotten every pennies worth of my $119. My skin IMMEDIATELY felt smooth, my moisturizer went on easier, my skin was glowing, my skin was so soft. It was like another persons face I was touching. I've never had my face that smooth! Not with St. Ives exfoliant, or even The Body Shop. This handheld slice of heaven was my new best and favorite beauty product. Hands down.

So, if you're considering buying a Clarisonic, I say DO IT! Its so worth the money. The brush attachments come in varieties for sensitive, normal, deep cleaning and others for specific skin types. My skin tends to get redness easily so I prefer the sensitive.

I hope if you were on the fence, or even if you've never heard of this wonderful product, you'll take the initiative to get the best healthy, glowing skin  (aside from eating healthy and drinking water) you can!

Introduction 101

 The Early Years:

I was brought into this world on July 30, 1981. (Yep, I'm 31). I was born and raised in small rural towns about an hour North of Pittsburgh, PA.

I had an wonderful childhood, thanks to my AMAZING Mom. Times were hard and as a single mom she struggled to manage 2 kids, work, family time, bills, and putting food on the table.


The Partier:

As I grew up, I began to dabble in the smoking/drinking scene. I was tied up in the wrong "crew" and it just wasn't the ideal lifestyle my Mom had struggled to give me. I was drunk every weekend, hung out with drug addicts, had contact buzzes more times than brain cells. It got to the point friends were over dosing and dying.  My wake up call was when I saw a girl I went to school with (whom was the ENVY of all the girls), looked like pure hell. Sunken in face, dark circles under her eyes. She just looked completely strung out. Seeing her was all it took to make me realize its "hugs not drugs" and I dumped my druggie bf, and all his friends.
Sobriety:

Well, I'm clean, living with my parents and have virtually no friends. Now what? I started being more social at work. Befriending people I had otherwise been "too good" for "too wild" for. Once I started realizing you could have fun without having to drink, or watching people on drugs, I began to see that all that I'd been going through, was the right choice. It was freeing to not feel the pressures of "having one more drink". I look back at those people I hung out with now, and more of them are dead and the others are so strung out, they don't have a care in the world, or they're in jail. NO JOKE.
I am now proud to tell you I've been drug/alcohol free for 9 years.

Currently:

 

I met my husband, Ben, online- Facebook actually. The difference is, my brother went to school with him, so technically I knew him (but I don't remember him!).

I was going through a divorce, and he'd just gotten over one himself. He has 2 children, Ashleigh & Logan.

We met for the "first time" at a local pub on Thanksgiving, November 26, 2009. Needless to say - my life was about to change forever.

We were inseparable! We joked that in the upcoming New Year, it would be OUR year. "Ren & Ben in Twenty Ten" was our motto.

Our Time Line (in a nutshell):

April 2010: Ben moved in with me

June 2010: Ben "asked" me to marry him (i'm still waiting on a REAL proposal.)

Octobter 2010: We got married! <3

 

December 2010: We're Pregnant<3

February 2011: Ben went on tour in Afghnistan

August 2011: Ben came home for the birth of our daughter, Sophia Belle.

September 2011: Ben left again for "the Stan"

February 2012: Ben FINALLY made it home to me<3

August 2012: Sophia's FiRST birthday!

I love my life, I love my family. I wouldn't change the challenges I've faced and conquered or the ones I faced and failed. All roads have lead me right to where I'm supposed to be this very day, at this very moment. So essentially, if you're reading this, its lead me to YOU!