Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

I saw something like this on Pinterest, but kind of did my own thing. I am not a huge lasagna fan and my boyfriend is not a huge spaghetti squash fan, but figured I'd give it a whirl anyways. (It has cheese in it - so couldn't hurt).  Let me tell you how amazing it is and I can't wait to make it again.  My boyfriend has already requested it be added to our dinner rotation. 

It takes about 5 min to prep the squash, and total cooking time 50 minutes to an hour.

Ingredients:
1 Spaghetti Squash
Cottage Cheese 2%
Ground Turkey
Tomato Paste (8 oz)
Mozzarella Cheese 
Basil 
Oregano
(other Italian spices you enjoy) 

Directions: 
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F 

2. Slice your spaghetti squash in half long ways.  Scoop out the seeds and gook in the middle, like you would a pumpkin. 

3. Rub the inside of the spaghetti squash with some olive oil.

4. Place the inside of the spaghetti squash face down so the outside of the squash is outward.

5. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes.

6. While that is cooking - chop an onion.  I didn't measure this you can put a little bit or a lot of onion depending on your taste.  I'd say I used about 1/4 a cup.  Put the onion in a pan with some olive oil and let it start to cook.

7. Add a tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan and let that cook for 2 minutes or so with the onion.

8. Add 1 package of ground turkey - about 1 lb. and cook that with the onion and garlic.  Add your spices to the meat at this point and let it cook with the turkey.  I did about 10 leaves of fresh basil chopped and about 1 tsp of oregano. 

9. Once the turkey is cooked add tomato paste and mix it with the turkey, onion, garlic mixture. 

10. Set this aside so the tomato paste does not burn.

11. When your Spaghetti Squash is finished take it out and flip the squash over so the inside is facing up. 

12. Using 2 forks - one to hold the squash in place and the other to scrape the squash into "noodles"

13. Once you have most of the squash scraped - I moved it all to one side and added a spoonful of cottage cheese and a spoonful of the meat mix.  Then move the squash on top and fill in the other side. I then added a layer of cheese - you do not need a lot of cheese just a light sprinkle over the top.  Then add a layer of meat, then another thin layer of cottage cheese and sprinkle of cheese. 

14. Put this back in the oven for about 10 minutes. 

15. ENJOY!

I mixed mine up inside the spaghetti squash before I ate it so I got a good mixture of squash, turkey, cottage cheese and cheese! 

To make 21 Day Fix Approved you can measure out the turkey mixture you add in 1 red, cottage cheese in 1 red, cheese in 1 blue, and the squash as 2 green. 

Guilt Free Wings Made at Home

Football season is here.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE wings when watching Football.  I think the two should go hand in hand.  Literally, one wing in each hand.  I also really like staying home on Sunday's and not going to a bar to watch the game.  ALSO, I don't want to eat fried wings all of the time. Here is my solution.... and I'm sure it could be better for you depending on the sauces you use. 

First you need to get some wings! I got them at Costco and put them in my freezer.  I got 6 packages of 10-12 wings for $13. They are all packaged individually for easy storage.  

Marinade! I take the wings out the night before and marinate them on the sauce.  I did BBQ and Buffalo in my picture.  I didn't have zip lock bags, so I just did it in some Rubbermaid containers. Worked out great.  I let them sit from about 6 pm until around 11am.  

Then we grilled them on Med heat for about 20 minutes.  You should use the excess sauce while grilling.  We have a brush we use.  Just add more sauce when you flip them. 

The first time I made them we were having a party, so I didn't want them to get cold before everyone could enjoy them.  I put them in my crock pot for about 2 hours on low.  (I have a casserole crock pot  get your crock pot here ) Honestly, they were the best wings.  They were crispy from the grill, but still moist from the crock pot! 

I cannot wait to make these again..... this weekend.

Sweet Potato Hash - 21 Day Fix Approved

So I had a pack of Chicken Apple Sausage and had NO idea what to make with it.  Honestly, I hadn't even tried it before.  I found a recipe online and it is seriously, and I mean seriously the BOMB.COM!  I had it for dinner and it made enough for me to have it as breakfast the next two days.

PS it took maybe 20 minutes to make from cutting veggies and cooking.

Ingredients:
Al Fresco Chicken Sausage Apple (you could use different brands)
1 Red Pepper
1 Zucchini
1 Green Apple
1/4 Onion
1 Sweet Potato
Eggs

First thing I did was wash my sweet potato and poke it with a fork.  I cook it in the microwave for 3 minutes on one side, flip and cook on the other side for 3 minutes.

Then while that is cooking, put some extra virgin olive oil in a pan and heat up.  You probably want to use a pan that has higher sides, so that your veggies don't fall out.

Dice your onion first.  I used about 1/4 of an onion, but by all means if you're an onion lover feel free to add more.  My boyfriend calls them poison, so I can't add too many. (even though he doesn't know 1/2 the time I add cooked onion to meals) Add them to the pan and let them start cooking.

Next, dice up a red pepper and add it to the pan.  Once that is added I sliced the zucchini in rounds then cut the round into 4 pieces (so it was 4 triangles). Add that to the pan.

Dice an apple into small pieces and add that to the pan.  I used 1/2 an apple the first time and the second time a whole apple. I like it with the whole apple better.

Once the sweet potato is cooked, you can cook the Al Fresco Chicken Sausage in the microwave! (SAY WHAT!) Crazy right.  If you're using a different brand than what I used check the cooking instructions.  I don't want anyone getting sick.  I cooked the 4 sausages on a plate for 1 min then flipped them over and cooked for another 2 minutes.

Your potato is going to be HOT! So, what I do is slice it so that it can cool off a little bit.  Once it's cooled so you can touch it the skin should come off relatively easy.  Then cut it into smaller pieces.  It's going to be a bit mushy, but that is ok! Add that to the pan with everything else.

Once the chicken sausage is cooked, slice it into smaller pieces and add to the pan.  I sliced it then cut the slices in half to make them go further.

While that is all cooking, cook 2 eggs over easy in a separate pan.  I know sounds weird, but trust me it's so good.

Don't fill your plate with this! Seriously, a little bit goes a long way.  I put some in my bowl and thought that isn't a lot maybe I should add more. Then I said to myself NO ASHLEY, you can come back and get more if you really think you need it.  Top with the fried egg.  Then break the egg up and enjoy!

You can measure everything out with your containers and cook an individual serving or you can try to measure after you cook it all.  I would say it's about 1/2 a yellow, 1 green, 1.5 red, and 1/2 a purple.

PS - if you want to eat it as leftovers at home with a pan where you can cook more egg go for it, but you can also eat it with out the egg and it's still amazing.  I had it at work for breakfast and was in heaven.

I hope you enjoy!!

Egg Muffins

Get your FIXATE COOKBOOK here


I decided to try something new for breakfast this week.  I am tired of hard boiled eggs, yogurt, and toast with peanut butter and banana. PLUS it's always good to get in a few extra veggies when you can. 

This recipe was so easy.  The hardest/most time consuming thing was cutting up veggies. 

Ingredients
12 eggs
pepper/salt
1 red pepper
Salsa - make your own/organic
1 floret of broccoli
hot sauce

You will need a muffin tin to make these

*optional - onion, mushroom, carrots... CHEESE if you're feeling jazzy! (I totally would of added cheese if I wasn't trying to be good!)

Preheat your oven to 375 and then grease your pan so it's ready to go. 

Dice your red pepper and broccoli and set aside. 

Whisk 12 eggs with salt and pepper to taste. 

Pour eggs into muffin tin with a little bit of room left at the top - maybe 1/2 an inch.

Then drop your ingredients in each tin and then take a fork and give it a light stir.  If you have any egg mixture left top off the muffins that are low. 

Cook for 15-20 min 

Let cook then take a knife around the outside of the egg muffin to help pop it out! 

You can eat this cold or warm it up! I plan to add some hot sauce on mine to spice it up!

I would count this as one Red - you can add green but there is so little (maybe 1/4) that I don't think it is necessary.  

Enjoy!

PS - The tin is hard to clean if you let it sit so make sure you clean it right away. I learned this the hard way.

Interested in the 21 Day Fix?  Email me ashleyfrancisfitness@gmail.com 

get your 21 DAY FIX here

Chocolate Protein French Toast

Ingredients 
3/4 Cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk

1/2 Scoop Chocolate Shakeology (or protein powder you use)
2 eggs
Cinnamon 
Bread - Whole Wheat or Ezekiel bread

Directions
This recipe was so easy! You basically are making regular french toast but adding the protein powder.  I was going to use my ezekiel bread, but it was frozen.  So, if you are like me and keep it in the freezer take out some slices the night before and put them in the fridge they will be ready for use in the morning. 

Start by mixing unsweetened almond milk, eggs, protein powder, and cinnamon in a bowl.  Use a fork to whisk it together 

Use coconut oil on your pan so that the bread doesn't stick.  

Dip the bread, both sides in the mix and put on the pan to cook.  Flip after a few minutes of cooking. 

Use some pure maple syrup or some peanut butter and enjoy! 

Banana Pancakes - No Flour - 21 Day Fix Approved

I  LOVE pancakes, but I know that my love handles and thighs do not!  This morning I tried a new recipe and it's so yummy!! I'm thinking I could even add other fruits to it like strawberries or blueberries!  You don't even really need that much syrup for them!  If you do use syrup I do suggest using the pure maple syrup. 

Ingredients:
2 Eggs
1 Banana
1/2 cup apple sauce
3/4 cup quick oatmeal
1 tsp cinnamon 
1 tsp vanilla 

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.  I suggest breaking the banana into smaller pieces so that it blends completely.  I used the liquify option for about 30 seconds.  

2. Pour onto a lightly greased pan (coconut oil) to make you pancakes.  The first round did not come out as well as next.  Make sure you pan is nice and warm before you pour the mix. 




3.  Enjoy! This will make two servings of pancakes.  

21 Day Fix Friends: I counted this as 1 purple, 1/4 yellow, 1/2 red

Get your 21 Day Fix Here!

        

Stitch Fix #3

GET YOUR FIX HERE!

So excited about my third Stitch Fix!! I feel like everything was perfect for me.  I really really really wish the skirt would have fit around my butt and hips.  Sad day.  I guess I could have worse problems.  Anyways.  This time I linked a Pinterest Board, so I'm not sure if that helped at all, but I love it all!

I got two tops, a dress, a skirt, and a necklace! The dress has sail boats on them and will be perfect for my cousins outdoor, end of June, hot, hot, wedding.

I never shared this before, because I just forgot, but the Stitch Fix comes with a card that has suggestions on how to wear the article of clothing!

I love how the polka dot shirt ties at the bottom.  It reminds me of the movie The Sandlot! hah I know so random.  I love how the white shirt looks on my arms and isn't too flowy.  I just can't wait to wear the dress! It ties on the side.  It might be hard to see that so it will be tighter or loser.

So this is what I got!  

I just really can't get over how great it all fit and worked out.  I also LOVE that I don't have to go to the store and try anything on.  I just send what doesn't fit back in the bag :) I plan to keep everything except the Necklace and the Skirt that didn't fit!  Also, the shirts I'll have to wear a tank top under.  Now I need some black skinny jeans/pants.  The pants shown in the picture are dark skinny jeans!

 

GET YOUR STITCH FIX HERE

Meal Planning, Shopping, & Prepping 101

Ways to set yourself up for success:

1. Meal Planning
2. Shopping
3. Meal Prepping

Sometimes meal planning and prepping can seem overwhelming at first.  It took me a few weeks to get the hang of it.  I thought some of my experience could help you if you are feeling overwhelmed or just don’t know where to start.

Meal Planning

I started by creating a template that I could easily use week to week.  This took about 5 minutes, but saves me time each week.  I don’t mind typing my meal plan, but I know others like to hand write things.  This template works for either person.  You can easily type your meals, change the font colors for different items, and even include links to recipes you will be using.

OK NOW THAT WE HAVE THE TEMPLATE (if you want a copy of my template email me ashleyfrancisfitness@gmail.com)

I like to start my planning off with what I am going to have for dinner throughout the week.  I write down the different items I will need for that meal.  An example is grilled chicken, asparagus, and ½ a sweet potato.  I like to write out all the things that I will need so that I can easily make a grocery list from my meal plan. 

I then move onto my lunch because I will take some leftover food from dinner the night before.  I will usually add a salad to what I had before – maybe put the extra protein on top of the salad.  If I don’t take left overs I usually plan something easy, but I like to have variety through the week.  I don’t want to eat salads every day.

After that I plan my breakfast, which is easy, I have Shakeology every morning with 1 fruit serving mixed in.  I then have a snack around 9:30 at work.  It’s either hard boiled eggs with hot sauce or Greek Yogurt.  So I plan that out too even though it stays the same.  Sometimes I will have a bagel thin with Peanut Butter or Oatmeal with Peanut Butter and Cinnamon.  It really depends on the rest of my meals and how many carbs I am eating.   

I also plan an afternoon snack which is usually a piece of fruit to hold me over until dinner.

After you create one meal plan a lot of things stay the same throughout the week.  For example I don’t usually need to change much for my breakfast and morning snack don’t usually change week to week.  This helps cut down on the planning time.  Sometimes I will have the same lunches the following week and dinners.  It really just depends on what you are in the mood for when you are planning!

Grocery Shopping

If you make your meal plan with all the ingredients listed this will be easy!  I make my list straight from my meal plan.  This allows me to organize things like produce, meat, dairy all in order on my list so I can make my shopping trip nice and easy.  Sometimes I linger in the meat department because I like to check out sales and will buy additional items and freeze them if it’s a good deal! 

If you belong to Costco, BJ’s, Sam’s Club, etc.  I recommend checking the meat selection and pricing there because I usually save money by buying in bulk and freezing.  Another tip check out the frozen fruit at these locations because I add frozen strawberries to my shake and it’s much cheaper at Costco for a large bag. 

Once you have your list created head to the store.  While you are at the store, try to avoid the center isles because they are filled with processed food.  I know that it’s not always possible, but that is where the temptation will get you.   If you are thinking about buying something processed check out the label and see what is actually in the product, can you pronounce the names, is it 50 ingredients?  That product might not be the best choice. 

Meal Prep

When you get home from the grocery store do not put all your food away.  Make sure you leave your veggies out so you can prep them for next week’s meals.  Also, if you bought a lot of meat and need to portion it to put in the freezer keep that out so you can do it right away.  I think the easiest downfall is putting everything away and relaxing on the couch!  Just get it done.  At least the time consuming things like cutting the veggies.  If you’re having hard boiled eggs put cook them while you are prepping everything else.  When you finish cutting your veggies portion them into single bags that are easy to grab throughout the week and take with you.  Also, if you have salads on your plan throw them together and store them so they are easy to grab.  

I also like to cook my protein for lunches at this time.  So I will either bake or grill chicken for my salads or meal.  I will also cook ground turkey to top a salad.  I will make meatballs and store them in easy to grab containers for the week and then have them with steamed veggies.  I will cook extra veggies the night before I have that meal so it’s quick and easy.

My downfall is the weekends.  Make sure you plan yummy things when you are home on the weekends for lunch because otherwise you will want to run and get Chipotle, Chinese, Pizza, or a sub….. I try to plan new things so that I’m excited to try them.  I am not very good on the weekends and it’s something I am working on.  I have noticed that this does help!

I’d love to hear back from you on this and any comments you have to help me make it easier! Or even quick meal ideas J  Shoot me an email at ashleyfrancisfitness@gmail.com

I talk about portions and how many carbs I am having in this I follow the 21 Day Fix meal plan which is simple and easy.  Feel free to shoot me an email about it or you can check out  My website

Chicken Cheese Steak Quesadilla - 21 Day Fix Approved

Everyone thinks that eating healthy and clean means that you can't eat good food! That is FALSE.  I had some left over grilled chicken from the week, frozen bell peppers, tortilla, and cheese.  That was all I needed to throw this together.

Ingredients: 

Grilled Chicken
Frozen Bell Peppers
Cheese
Tortilla
Tomato (optional) 

This takes about 10 minutes to cook!  

Start by sauteing the frozen bell peppers in a pan.  While those are cooking, chop up your chicken into little pieces.  Once your peppers are almost completely cooked add your chicken into the pan to heat it back up.  If you choose to add tomato you can add it at this time too. 

Place your tortilla in a separate pan and sprinkle with shredded cheese.  Let the cheese melt.  Add your peppers and chicken to one side of the tortilla and then fold in half.  Let cook for another minute. 

Place on plate and cut in half.  ENJOY! 

If you are a fix friend - 1 green, 2 yellow, 1 red, 1 blue 

Want more information about the 21 Day Fix?  Email me at ashleyfrancisfitness@gmail.com or check out my website CLICK HERE

Stitch Fix Month 2

Get your Stitch Fix Here!

I was really excited for this stitch fix.  I am going to two weddings coming up and I made a special request for dresses.  To my surprise I got two dresses in my box!  Everything was really cute and out of my comfort zone, which is great.  I really really loved the color of the purse, but I got a purse from my last stitch fix and I didn't think I needed one this time. 

The first dress is a blue and white striped dress.  It was really comfortable, but really just did nothing for me.  I think it might have been one size too small.  I like that it had cap sleeves, but would have liked it more if it was a solid color.  However, that would not be out of my comfort zone.  I decided not to keep this dress.

The second dress is a Blue zip up dress.  It was really nice, but my back is very broad and it wouldn't zip up.  Also, I had a hard time getting it over my butt.  It was a little short for my taste, but that is just me getting older.  I have had an issue with dresses zipping up my whole life.  It is very frustrating. 

I got a blue pencil skirt with a simple pattern.  It is a stretchy material and very comfortable.  I would have kept it, but it was pricey and I know that old navy has similar skirts for a fraction of the price.  Now I know that I can wear this style!  The top was really nice paired with the skirt, but I wouldn't wear it with jeans because it makes me look like i'm wearing a tent.  

AND the purse.... what is not to love about it! It is so fun.  

I returned the entire box this time in hopes that I will get something great next month! 

If you have not checked this website out DO IT!! The link is at the top of this post!

Blackened Fish Tacos with Lime Cabbage - Clean Eating Skillet Cooking

This was a little adventure.  I really liked the blacked fish tacos that one of my old co-workers would make for us.  This was when I worked as a waitress at a Tex-Mex place.  They were amazing, and I haven't found a fish taco that I like as much as his.  This recipe is a good start.  I would like to be able to make it a little bit better, but for a first time make - I'll take it! 

Ingredients:
Tilapia (any fish you like)
Cabbage Coleslaw Mix
Small Corn Tortillas
Avocado
Plain Greek Yogurt
Extra Virgin Olive Oil / Coconut Oil
Lime Juice 
*salsa optional
*cheese optional - recommend pepper jack! 

Blackened Seasoning Mix: 
Black Pepper
Cajun Powder
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Paprika
Chili Powder 


Directions: 
Pre-heat your oven to 375 and place your corn tortillas on a baking sheet in the oven.  They can cook for about 10 minutes and while the oven is heating up. Start by oiling and heating your skillet  and letting it warm up.  While it is warming mix your seasonings together.  I like my mix to be mostly pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder with the other seasonings mixed in - but you can adjust the cajun to your level of spice that you like.  You can't really go wrong when you mix all of these together.  I never measure them and it always turns out great.  


Once they are seasoned place them in the pan and let them cook.  I would say for 3-5 min before flipping.  Continue to flip until the fish is completely cooked. 

While the fish is cooking in another pan add some coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil and start to cook your cabbage.  Cook as much as you would like - I did about 3 handfuls for 4 tacos.  While it's cooking add some lime juice.  If you are using a fresh lime I would say about 1 lime worth.  I used the store bought lime juice.  Let that cook for about 5 minutes.  

Slice your avocado in half and remove the pit.  I mashed my avocado to spread onto my tortilla.  You could easily have sliced avocado.  

Remove your tortillas from the oven.  Spread your avocado and plain greek yogurt on the shell. Next, place your cooked fish on top of the spread.  Top your taco with the lime cabbage.  You could easily add cheese or salsa to the taco if you choose. 

Enjoy!  

For FIX FRIENDS you can also use your container to measure - 1 red, 1 blue, 1 yellow, 1/2 green or 1 green, 2 tsp

Interested in learning more about clean eating feel free to send me an email ashleyfrancisfitness@gmail.com - or if you want to know more about the 21 Day Fix check out my website 

One Pan - Spicy Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Skillet

Spicy Chicken Sausage and Zucchini Skillet

First off, I don't know why I have the hardest time spelling zucchini, so if you see it spelled wrong, please no judgement. 

I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out when I made it but it was really tasty! I think my taste buds are changing because I truly enjoy chicken sausage over regular sausage.  Ok, ok, on with the recipe which you are here to read! 

Ingredients: 

Chicken Sausage - 5 or 6 
Zucchini/Squash - 2
Spinach - 2 cups
Cherry Tomatoes - 1 container
Onion - 1/2 chopped
Garlic - 1 tbsp
Crushed Red Pepper - 1/2 tsp (add more if you like really spicy)
Oregano - 1/2 tbsp
Fresh Basil (to taste)
Brown Rice (optional)




Start by chopping your veggies and setting them aside.  Chop your zucchini into rounds then cut them in half.  Chop the cherry tomatoes in half length wise.  Chop half of your onion into small pieces. (Click here for onion chopping trick) Last, slice your sausage - you should have about 6 or so round disk slices. 




Add extra virgin olive oil to your skillet and let it heat up for a minute.  Add your onions and garlic to the pan.  Let them heat up for about a minute.  Add your sausage and let cook for about 5-10 minutes allowing for minimal pink.  Then add your zucchini and tomatoes and spices.  Mix everything in the pan so that the spices are spread throughout the meal.  Let this cook for about 10 minutes so that all your veggies are cooked. 

When everything is cooked, add about 2 cups of spinach to the pan and stir allowing the spinach to wilt/cook in the pan. 

You can eat this over brown rice, quinoa, or a whole grain pasta would be nice. 

I measured everything separately with my portion control containers from the 21 day fix.  It wasn't hard to use a spoon to fill each container from the skillet.  My portions were 1-yellow 1-red and 1-green.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!! 

Want to know more about the 21 Day Fix feel free to email me at ashleyfrancisfitness@gmail.com or stop by my website MY WEBSITE CLICK HERE