Shakeology Breakfast Bars

Good Morning Lovelies,


I don't know about you all but my boys LOVE bars (of any kind) and I struggle to find brands they like that aren't loaded with sugar and other additives.  For instance, they love Z-bars and it wasn't until recently that I realized they have quit a bit of sugar in them!

On a positive note, I actually really like making and trying out different bar recipes. I also feel like there great for little helpers because you usually just mix everything in one bowl....SCORE!

Anyway,  this morning I made Shakeology Breakfast Bars. If you don't have Shakeology, you can try a protein powder or maybe almond flour...if you do let me know how they turn out ;)

Ingredients (Makes 9 bars):
- 4 scoops Cafe Latte Shakeology
- 2 cups dry old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup (walnuts, almonds, seeds...whatever you like! We used pumpkin seeds this time)
- 1/2 cup raisins (or other dried fruit...I also added some Cocoa Nibs)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup (1 med. banana) mashed banana
- sprinkle of shredded coconut

Directions:

1. Combine Shakeology, oats, nuts, and dried fruit in a large mixing bowl; mix well
2. Add almond milk and banana; mix well
3. Press mixture into an 8x8 inch backing pan
4. Sprinkle with coconut, cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
5. cut into 9 bars
6. ENJOY ;)

Have a great day Lovelies,

Deanna

Summer Strong Accountability Group

Well May is knocking on our door and in AZ that means the temp is about to go UP, UP, UP! That means the shorts, dresses, and summer vacation are quickly approaching. Before about a year ago you would NEVER ever catch me in shorts...seriously I never wore them. Why? I had a complete lack of self confidence. That is something I have spent the last year working on in may different ways. My philosophy is to change, tweak, grow learn, improve and NEVER stop. Will I ever be the best? Heck no, and what would be the fun in that? I love to constantly challenge myself mentally, spiritually, and physically. So I started reading personal development (hit me up for recommendations), working on my nutrition, and getting some sort of physical exercise each day! 

No I am a busy mama, with a lot going on, so I am just NOT able to hit the gym or fitness classes. I have found that home fitness programs really allow me to try new things (not afraid of looking silly), they are proven effective, and I can workout on my schedule! 

Here is some more info on my challenge groups...please ask any questions:

What is a Challenge Group?

A challenge group is a small & intimate group of people who have committed to getting healthy by participating in a Beachbody workout program. Through fitness, nutrition, peer support, and accountability, a Beachbody Challenge group plays a key role in helping you reach your health and fitness goals. 

How Does it Work?

Every month, I host a private Challenge group. This is your chance to really commit yourself to your goals & take steps to leading a healthier lifestyle.

We will all commit to our fitness goals, health goals, and stay accountable to one another. We will all be in this together and what is what's so cool about these challenges. 

We will all be doing a Beachbody workout program, drinking shakeology, tracking our progress, staying connected in our private facebook group, etc. So if you are thinking “Well I don’t have shakeology” well then YES what I am saying is you will have to commit to getting on shakeology and drinking it 1 time per day (I chose breakfast). This will be a commitment for everyone I take in and I want us all to be 100% committed… I plan on giving 110% of myself to YOU to help you reach success and I want you to do the same!

By joining my challenge you will automatically get 1 month FREE of Beachbody on Demand (HELLO AWESOME RIGHT?). This is a great tool to have for all of us because you can workout anywhere with wifi, try out other fitness programs, have your workout guides and plans right on your computer. 

Is a challenge group right for you? sk yourself these questions….

1. Do you want to get healthy?

2. Do you want to fit in your skinny jeans?

3. Do you want to look in the mirror and feel GOOD about what you see?

4. Do you want to have energy?

5. Do you want to add years onto your life ?

6. Do you want to set a good example for your children?

7. Do you want to have a more positive attitude?

8. Do you want to build relationships with others going through the same things?

9. Do you want to have more confidence?

10. Do you want to get your life on track and start a new healthy lifestyle?

I think we all want those things and THIS challenge is the answer to help you achieve those goals. It takes 21 days to create a habit and with this you will have others looking to see if you did your workout, so that accountability will keep you on track!

So, are you interested? OF COURSE YOU ARE .…

1. DECIDE & COMMIT to joining my Beachbody Challenge and sign up with me as your FREE coach (click Beachbody challenge). Already have a coach? Ask them if they run any challenge groups and if not, you can always send me an email and I can let you know how to switch coaches.

2. Fill out the form below or message me on Facebook so that we can discuss which Beachbody program and Shakeology flavor is the best fit for you

3. I will get you all signed up and send you a conformation email where you will confirm the program and Shaekology flavors and enter your payment information.

4. I will friend you on Facebook and you will be entered into the next private challenge group! 

5. Succeed!

I can not Wait to Summer Strong with you,

Deanna

The Busy Girls Spring Shape Up

What is a Challenge Group?

A challenge group is a small & intimate group of people who have committed to getting healthy by participating in a Beachbody workout program. Through fitness, nutrition, peer support, and accountability, a Beachbody Challenge group plays a key role in helping you reach your health and fitness goals. 

How Does it Work?

Every month, I host a Gradiator Challenge group. This is your chance to really commit yourself to your goals & take steps to leading a healthier lifestyle.

We will all commit to our fitness goals, health goals, and stay accountable to one another. We will all be in this together and what is what's so cool about these challenges. 

We will all be doing a Beachbody workout program, drinking shakeology, tracking our progress, staying connected in our private facebook group, etc. So if you are thinking “Well I don’t have shakeology” well then YES what I am saying is you will have to commit to getting on shakeology and drinking it 1 time per day (I chose breakfast). This will be a commitment for everyone I take in and I want us all to be 100% committed… I plan on giving 110% of myself to YOU to help you reach success and I want you to do the same!

By joining my challenge you will automatically get 1 month FREE of Beachbody on Demand (HELLO AWESOME RIGHT?). This is a great tool to have for all of us because you can workout anywhere with wifi, try out other fitness programs, have your workout guides and plans right on your computer. 

Is a challenge group right for you? sk yourself these questions….

1. Do you want to get healthy?

2. Do you want to fit in your skinny jeans?

3. Do you want to look in the mirror and feel GOOD about what you see?

4. Do you want to have energy?

5. Do you want to add years onto your life ?

6. Do you want to set a good example for your children?

7. Do you want to have a more positive attitude?

8. Do you want to build relationships with others going through the same things?

9. Do you want to have more confidence?

10. Do you want to get your life on track and start a new healthy lifestyle?

I think we all want those things and THIS challenge is the answer to help you achieve those goals. It takes 21 days to create a habit and with this you will have others looking to see if you did your workout, so that accountability will keep you on track!

So, are you interested? OF COURSE YOU ARE .…

1. DECIDE & COMMIT to joining my Beachbody Challenge and sign up with me as your FREE coach (click Beachbody challenge). Already have a coach? Ask them if they run any challenge groups and if not, you can always send me an email and I can let you know how to switch coaches.

2. Fill out the form below or message me on Facebook so that we can discuss which Beachbody program and Shakeology flavor is the best fit for you

3. I will get you all signed up and send you a conformation email where you will confirm the program and Shaekology flavors and enter your payment information.

4. I will friend you on Facebook and you will be entered into the next private challenge group! 

5. Succeed!

I can not Wait to kick some Spring BOOTAY with you,

Deanna

FREE 5 Day Clean eating and Ab Challenge

I don't know about y'all but I have been in Spring cleaning mode HARD CORE around here the last couple of days!!! Just feeling like I need to purge and organize!

No better add in then a FREE 5 day clean eating challenge to give yourself a check on what may need to be purged from the cupboards OR added in! As a BONAS lets add in some ab challenges for that added tone up before spring officially starts!!

What is Clean Eating?

Eating Clean is not about deprivation. It’s not about giving up one food group or another. Many of you may not be sure what Clean Eating really means.  With all the fitness and nutrition buzzwords out there, it can definitely be confusing.  Most people agree that Clean Eating at its most basic definition means eliminating processed foods, additives, preservatives and artificial sugars from their diet.  Basically, you’re eating whole, unrefined foods.  Since you’re avoiding anything that has been altered in any way, your diet will be filled with whole grains, fruits, veggies and other wholesome, nutritious foods.   Since 70-80% of your fitness results come from the foods you eat, clean eating is a crucial part of your success.

 Eating Clean is about giving your body what it needs to thrive. Everything is about balance and moderation!! You have only one body. It’s yours for life. If your body is spening all its time trying to rid itself of the junk you put into it, how will it perform optimally? What you put into your body dictates every moment of every day. It dictates whether you are lean, overweight, or obese. It dictates whether you have energy to spare or find yourself falling asleep at your desk. When you give your body everything it needs, it will run along so smoothly you won’t even give it a second thought … that is!

Want to JOIN IN?

Our NEXT Clean Eating  Group starts on September 7th, 2015.

• I provide 5 days worth of meal planning, grocery list, tips, motivation, and accountability to get you on the right track to accomplish your personal goals!
• I have TWO requirements for joining the Clean Eating group: The first is participation.  No bystanders in this group!   You must participate in the daily check-ins and assignments.  The time required is minimal, but follow-through is mandatory.  We are all learning and trying new things together. Also, you must sign up to have me as your FREE Beachbody coach! You can do this by clicking HERE.  NOTE:  If you have a coach already and want to switch, you can do so by contacting customer relations at 1 (800) 998-1681 or fill out their online customer service form (https://beachbody.custhelp.com/app/ask).  Tell them you want to assign Deanna O'Halloran as your coach (coach ID 768631).  
• THAT'S ALL folks! Once that step is done fill out the form below and I will add you in :) 

I can't wait to see you in there,

Deanna

February Valentines Day Sandwich Party

So today the dudes are not feeling well and their being a handful!!! But really keeping these two down resting...I would rather wrestle a lion. I was trying to come up with something fun that would keep them resting. We deiced on a sandwich party! They absolutely loved the idea. They helped me choose the toppings and get it all set up.  I made sure both incorporated some honey because it really helps with their cough ;)

You can use whatever ingrediants you want but here is what we did:

  

                                         

- Sourdough bread

- Jelly

- A variety of nut butters (we got it at our farmers market)

- Coconut

- Dark chocolate chips

- Cookie cutters (we ended up using hearts)

- Strawberries

- Honey (we used raw local honey from our farmers market)  

Once we had all our ingredients laid out I gave them each a butter knife and let them spread there toppings. Once they finished with their toppings they chose their cookie cutters and made shapes. This is really fun way to get your kids to try different types of sandwiches too or if they hate crust.

They were really proud!

We had a lot of fun eating them and the boys compared what they chose to put on theirs! 

All you need is a Love Sandwich

I hope you have just as much fun as we did! Comment below with pictures or toppings you used and/or the shapes you made :)

Remember to show up in all you do today,

Deanna

Get Your Cardio On

Sometimes we need a little something quick because we are short on time! Hey remember any movement is better then nothing and this will get your heart rate up and get sweaty! Here is a video of the moves and above is what 1 round looks like!

Enjoy and remember to show up in all you do today,

Deanna

The Balance Between Wife, Mom, and Me

Finding that oh so sacred and sought after balance between being a wife, a mom, and me is exhausting, exhilarating, trying, and sometimes maddening.

I heard it called recently in an interview with Jada Pinkett Smith (below) a paradox and that really stuck with me. On one hand I have to think about each of my sons and what they need from me. Then I think about okay what does my husband need from me. Now, if I am being real with you all, often times in my past that is where my thinking would end. My life revolved around the wants of everyone else and I put myself last, or really, less then last. There would be times where it would be 2pm and I would realize I hadn't eaten. A day would go by and I would realize I hadn't drank water. A month would go by and I would realize I had done nothing for me. Now don't get me wrong being a wife. Being a mom. Those two things are my most sacred job, gift, responsibility, and passion. They truly are what I put above all else. There are so many joys. I have learned to play, be present, love unconditionally no matter what, and to grow and change each day.

However, I noticed as the years went by that I was feeling drained, cranky, not confident, and just plain not like "me". That brought up even harder questions, "who was me? What had I become? Who did I want to be?" I think as moms we so easily forget ourselves and what I have learned is when you forget yourself you're not the only one to pay the price. I have seen my life change in the last year. How my kids see me, how my husband sees me, how we interact, how I see myself, and how I feel about myself. 

This process has been long and is forever evolving. Do I think I have it perfectly figured out? No. I do however see a bigger picture, and strive for a better balance, with the understanding that at certain times one piece of all that I juggle may need more of my time and that is okay, as long as I am conscious. 

The key for me: Communication, time, and understanding. Communication is really just the foundation of all healthy things. It took me really talking out my concerns with Bryan (my husband), counseling (which I always highly recommend for everyone...it's a game changer), and personal development. No one is going to help you if you don't ask. If you don't communicate your needs to your husband, yourself, and your kids. 

We need to remind ourselves that these changes are slow and are a fluid journey, not a destination. Be gentle with yourself. Also, understand that what works for one mom may not work for all. You need to do some soul searching and dig deep into your goals, reconnect with passions, set out on a path to rediscovering yourself.  

When we lose ourselves and we don't take care of ourselves, that causes us to get out of balance. When we are unbalanced and lost in it all, we really can't, as effectively, take care of others. When I had kids or when I started thinking about the balance in my life, you want to know how I felt? SELFISH.... I feel like our society today makes us feel like we are selfish for taking care of ourselves and putting us first sometimes. I believe however that it's my responsibility to take care of me. What I do and what all the mothers I know do takes an immense about of strength, heart, and mental capacity every single day. If I'am not on my own game, if I'am not feeling good, then how in the world can I expect to model, take care of, and provide for everyone else at a level that they deserve and that I deserve. So, I actively seek and work hard every singe day to take responsibility for my own happiness. I don't put that expectation on my husband or on my kids. I choose happiness and balance every single day. Is it always pretty? Heck no..life is messy but what I am working on reminding myself of is that there is a small win in those moments to be thankful for and guess what? Tomorrow is a new day, with new potential, to try again. So take time for you. That can look different for all of us. Below is my list and stay tuned for what each of these looks like in my life, how I make it work, and why I feel it's important. 

1. Working out 

3. Gratitude

4. Follow a passion or start a hobby

5. Eat clean MOST of the time

6. Date