Why you need to eat breakfast!

Let's talk about breakfast. I ❤️ breakfast!! How many of you eat breakfast? 
Studies show that eating a HEALTHY breakfast (as opposed to the kinds that include donuts ) is linked to many health benefits, including weight loss. You may have heard the weight loss tip before but how about the others?

Did you know:
1. Eating breakfast can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes? Very simply put, people who skip breakfast experience insulin resistance, a condition in which you need more insulin to bring your blood sugar into a normal range. Chronic insulin resistance is a major risk factor for diabetes.
2. Improved memory! Giving the nutrients that your body and brain need is important for memory. Increasing the nutrient intake provide your brain and neurotransmitters all the elements needed to properly function.
3. Heart health. Studies show that those who skip breakfast have a higher risk of a heart attack or coronary disease! Experts say that not eating breakfast will lead to a greater chance of eating MORE calories later which can not only spike your blood sugar but clog your arteries.
4. Lose weight! If you skip breakfast, your body is in starvation mode - and conserves your calories, storing them instead of allowing them to burn. Eating breakfast boosts your metabolism and gets the digestion moving! "Fun" fact: sumo wrestlers typically skip breakfast for this very reason! They don't want to kick start their metabolism but rather want it stored. Who knew??

For more information on metabolism, eating clean recipes, and #girlieboss talk - connect with me on Facebook!  I have monthly free groups on metabolism boosting tips, clean recipes, and more! I'd love to have you!

Recipe alert - and don't let the name fool you, it's clean and healthy! Creamy Mexican Chicken

Happy Monday!!!

And it's the last Monday in January!!! I feel like this month FLEW by! How is everyone doing with their New Years Resolutions!?? Did you know that only about 8% of people actually keep their resolution?? IF your resolution was anything to do in health/fitness, then this recipe will help keep you on track but provide a 'cheating' feel....

Creamy Mexican Chicken is not only delicious but it is super easy and nutritious! Let's face it, usually when you hear "creamy", you think that the dish can't be all too clean and healthy? NOT this one! So, if you struggle to stay on track, this meal may be perfect for you....plus, with all the time saving benefits of a crockpot, you have extra time to get that workout in! ;)

CREAMY MEXICAN CHILI

Ingredients:

-4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (may be frozen)

-15 oz. can black beans, drained

-7 oz. canned chopped green chilies

-1 cup frozen corn

-1 large onion, diced

-3 bell peppers, chopped

-15 oz. can diced tomatoes

-Salt and pepper, to taste

-1 tsp. paprika

-1 tsp. cumin

-1 red container plain Greek yogurt

-Fresh cilantro

Directions:

Add chicken breasts to slow-cooker. Top with remaining ingredients, except for Greek yogurt and fresh cilantro. Cook on low for 8 hours, until chicken breasts begin to fall apart easily.

Remove chicken and shred. Add back to crockpot. Add Greek yogurt, cover and continue to cook on low for 30 minutes. Stir well, top with fresh cilantro. Serve with tortillas, or over quinoa or rice.

21 Day Fix approved:

This makes 6 servings, and each serving counts as 1 RED, 1 GREEN, 1/2 a PURPLE, and 1 YELLOW. Count additional YELLOW for tortillas and/or rice and quinoa. Top with avocado or cheese with your BLUE container!

P.S I read that you shouldn't put frozen foods into a crockpot -- I've never had a problem with doing it but have you heard that?? For more tips like that, benefits of using, and over 40 crockpot recipes (all clean and healthy) be sure to join my FREE 5 day crockpot group that starts next week! JOIN HERE!

#ThankfulThursday

Thankful Thursday!! I am so grateful for my workout partner! Today especially, I needed a little kick in my booty...and she always provides it! Who is your workout buddy? Do you have one?? Be sure to Tag & Thank your workout buddy! 

Why you love your workout partner:

1. You'll Actually Show Up! Half the battle in a workout can be just getting there! Having an accountability partner will guarantee you show up! 

2. You'll Work Harder! It's proven that when you work out with someone, you are more likely to push yourself harder! The motivation and even competition with another person will kick up your workout!

3. You'll Score a Free Therapy session! Not only do you get a workout but you can talk and vent and laugh with a good friend! That's a priceless bonus!

4. You'll Learn New Tricks. Having another person to workout with means two brains versus one! Tired of boring bicep curls? Your friend may have a different move that works your biceps in a new way! Or, you can't master that Piyo flip? Your friend can help you dissect the move! 

5. You'll Burn More Calories. In fact, you'll burn, on average, 41 more calories per session exercising with your plus one than you would solo, studies prove.

Not to mention, it is just more FUN!  Why go thru a workout alone when you have someone by your side cheering you on and supporting you?  You can grab a cup of coffee after your workout and plan your next gym sesh or just catch up, too.  It's good for the body AND soul!  

**As always, you can connect with me on Facebook -- speaking of which, I am doing a FREE 5 day clean eating ROCK your CROCK POT challenge there starting February 3rd.   You should grab your workout buddy and join in the fun!  CLICK HERE to check it out!