Try Green Spanish Eggs... Simple, Creative & Healthy!

One of my BodyJoy Slim Down Challenge participants, Alba went to Spain last year.  She's been making the most incredible Spanish Eggs and sharing them with me ever since. Today I decided to use the chopped veggies from my St. Patrick's Day "All Things Green Salad" (recipe posted just a few days ago on my blog www.mindybuxton.com) and toss them in a skillet with two 🍳 eggs and six egg whites. 

This was a simple, fast meal thanks to having pre-cut veggies on hand!  It's a delicious option worth trying anytime you have less than 30 minutes.  It saves great in the fridge for a few days and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  I'm a huge fan of cooking once but eating several times!  This makes 4-6 servings: plus, kids & husband approved!  (Even with sneaking in a few veggies they normally don't eat, everyone cleaned their plates and my oldest daughter ate it twice today!)

💚 Preheat oven to 350 while sautéeing chopped veggies (use any you have on hand) on med-high heat in olive oil or spray for about 5-7 minutes 

💚 Wisk eggs & egg whites with salt, pepper & basil seasoning into a bowl, pour into skillet over the veggies & cook for about 5 mins

💚 Finish in over at 350 for 10-15 minutes! 

“WAHOOO!!! I am so excited about my results this week! I am down 8.8lbs!!! (Yay for getting rid of bloat from soda etc). I also got 271 points this week, this includes the points for my weight dropped.”

— Kirin K., March BodyJoy Slim Down Challenge Week 1 Results

If you want to see what my BodyJoy Slim Down Challenge is all about, go to www.mindybuxton.com.  Details for the challenge and the awesome probiotics & protein powder are found here.  I love how the Silver Fern Brand probiotics are helping people get even better results by reducing sugar cravings and rebalancing gut issues.  Use the discount code Mindy10 for the best pricing on any Silver Fern Brand items and ELEVATE your results by clicking the picture on my website.

I'm adding participants for the May challenge waiting list.  You can register directly on my website by clicking the "sign up" button.

Mug Cake for Breakfast? Yes Please!!!

Yes I'm a trainer, but sometimes I just want dessert for breakfast.  Am I the only one?  My Silver Fern Protein Mug Cake is the best way to enjoy something truly decadent while getting in my protein.  The greatest part, there's no added sugar but this is perfectly sweet.  I've been known to enjoy this for lunch, dinner or a snack as well!  

Thanks to Cenavi Chocolate Flats, I only need 1/2 a square to get warm, gooey, melted chocolate that allows me to have this daily if I want.  Bonus: you never feel deprived because this fits into a healthy lifestyle AND you'll still fit into your favorite jeans!  

 Here's the recipe...

Mindy's Silver Fern Mug Cake

• 1 Scoop Silver Fern Brand Chocolate Protein Shake (I've also used their Chocolate Mint flavor which is fabulous!)
• 1 tbsp, Coconut Flour
• .50 tsp, Baking Powder
• 1 tbsp(s), Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened
• .25 Cup, Vanilla Coconut Milk (or milk of your choice)
• 1 tsp,  Kakato Natural Sweetener  (or sweetener of your choice)
• 1 large, Egg (or egg substitute)
• 1 tbsp. Almond Extract (or vanilla)

Add all the dry ingredients in a microwaveable mug or bowl, mix well.  Add the milk, egg & extract into your dry ingredients and stir until well mixed.  Microwave for 1:30 seconds.  

Break up 1/2 a Cenavi Chocolate Flat to sprinkle on top (only 35 cals.).  Optional:  I add a dollop of SoDelicious Coconut Whipped Cream (only 30 cals.).  

Nutrition Facts: 247 cals., 11g fat, 20 g. carb., 21g protein.  You can adapt the calories by using egg whites only or making any other substitutions to your liking.  

Rest assured this is husband and kid approved.  Both the whey and plant-based protein powders work great, plus you can change the flavor to your preference.  Silver Fern's vanilla and cookies & cream protein flavors are a big hit with my girls as well as the chocolate and chocolate mint (my personal fav)!  

By using the coupon code Mindy10 you can go to www.mindybuxton.com where you'll see the Silver Fern box at the bottom of my home page.  This code will get you the best prices for any of these 3 items mentioned or your favorite Silver Fern Brand foods.  

4 weeks of the BodyJoy Slim Down Challenge...

Sign up for my March BodyJoy Slim Down challenge at www.mindybuxton.com.  Registration closes February 26.  See how many inches you can drop in only 4 weeks!  Share this Blog Post on your page for a chance to win a free spot!  Winner will be announced by March 1.

A Winning Idea for the Upcoming Big Game!

Greetings Fitness Friends,

As a pouting Denver Bronco fan, I  just realized that the BIG GAME is this upcoming weekend.  I thought I’d pass on my simple, option-loaded, Ceviche recipe that can be enjoyed several different ways.  

Regardless if you prepare this dish or your own recipe, I challenge you to prepare one thing healthier at this year's football party!  Remember to have a few health food options along side those  treats we all enjoy!  There's room for both, right?!?!

Mindy’s Ceviche Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes to prepare, let soak overnight in fridge.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. of raw shrimp chopped (you can also use mahi-mahi, red snapper or halibut)

2 fresh squeezed limes (use juice)

             1/2 red onion, finely diced

             ½ cucumber diced

             1 chopped fresh tomato

 Fresh cilantro to taste

 ½ avocado diced

               5 Tbsp. fresh salsa

METHOD

In a glass casserole dish, either Pyrex or ceramic, place the fish, onion, tomatoes, salsa, cucumber and cilantro. Squeeze in lime juice. Stir well, making sure the fish gets exposed to the acidic lime juice. Let sit for several hours in the fridge, giving time for the flavors to blend.  (My daughter adds a splash of her favorite hot sauce!) ALSO, if you leave the avocado pit in the mix it won’t turn brown.

Creative Serving Options

Serve with chopped cilantro and slices of avocado with heated tortillas

Serve in romaine lettuce leaves or over a bed of green for salad style

Serve over cut cucumbers as cucumber nachos

Serve in hard shells for ceviche tacos

Serve on a tostada shell

Serve nacho style with tortilla chips

Use ceviche as your veggie dip or chip dip

Serves 8. Approx. 80 calories per serving of the fish ceviche mix.

By popular demand, I'll be sending my BodyGym Football Challenge out at the end of the week to give you a fun option for enjoying the BIG game! I hope you have a happy and healthy week! 

For a few more free recipes go to www.mindybuxton.com to sign up for my Most Made's Recipes!

Keep it Simple!

So...January's a little more than half way over and this is the time when people tend to get burnt out on their "resolutions."  Why are they so hard to stick with?  When you do a complete overhaul on your life with new food, new workout routines, and eliminating tons of things you used to do, it gets overwhelming.  

When you keep things simple, your goals become manageable and results will show up through consistency.  

Simplify Workouts.  Just move anyway you like for at least 30 minutes a day.  Go on a walk, jump on a tramp, stretch, go to a class, do push ups and squats---any movement counts and some exercise is better than no movement at all!  BodyGym is my favorite go-to since I can do it when and where I want.  Women underestimate how important strength training is to their health, not to mention inch loss.  Experts are now saying it's as crucial as getting yearly exams.  Strength training is necessary for our health--and in my case, my happiness and mental sanity!

Make it easy on yourself by scheduling it a week at a time.  Get out your calendar or phone and write in appointments that work for you.  Treat it like any other important appointment you schedule.  Write in exactly what you'll do for your workout--a walk, body weight exercises, swim, etc..  This takes the guess work out once the time comes around.  

Keep Food Simple. Have a protein or two on hand at all times.  If you've got eggs and chicken in your fridge all you need to do it grab a few vegetables and you've got yourself a simple meal.  How easy is it to make an omelet or throw together a salad, taco or soup with just a few food items?  Cook in large batches so you only have to do it sparingly, but you can eat off that meal a few times.

Do What Works for You.  Keep yourself focused on your needs and your goals.  Eat only foods you love, move in ways that your body loves and trust that if you have joy in the process you'll continue to do it.  Consistency, not deprivation is what leads to success.  I hope you can simplify your eating and exercise so you'll continue to keep some of these New Years habits going all year long.  If for whatever reason you didn't start improving your health January 1st, it's never to late to start.  It's an awesome thing that simple leads to results!

Sign up for more tips & free recipes below or by going to  at www.mindybuxton.com. 

Elevating Your Treats

My online BodyJoy Slim Down Challenge includes 7 simple strategies. I don't believe in extreme rules or restrictions, just smart concepts that've been proven to help you hit your goal.  One strategy I focus on is eliminating processed sugar & artificial sweeteners.  I encourage participants to aim for 6 or less grams of sugar so they can eat it more mindfully.  We avoid sugar alcohols and look for stevia, monk fruit extract or other fruit as a smart alternative.

Use these tips taken from my  Recipe E-Book.  

Make your own homemade ice cream by doing ½ the sugar amount the recipe calls for. Use coconut sugar rather than white sugar. You'll love the flavor it adds not to mention the nutrients!

Try using in-season fresh fruit chopped or sliced as a simple, fast, delicious dessert.  Think fruit bowl once in a while!

I enjoy slicing fresh apples or pears in a bowl.  I sprinkle them with cinnamon and a little Silver Fern Brand vanilla protein powder, adda bit of vanilla or almond extract and microwave for 2 minutes.  Sometimes I add just a pinch of sea salt.  You can drizzle melted peanut butter, sprinkle with chocolate protein powder or melt a little chocolate over yours as well.  That leads me to my favorite option...chocolate!

Sometimes we just need a taste of something intense to get satisfaction.  Think quality of flavor vs. quantity!  I love great quality chocolate such as Cenavi Chocolate Bark or the Theo Organic Mint Chocolate bar.  Just a piece or two can satisfy my craving for something sweet.  

You have to try the Cranberry, Blueberry & Ginger Cenavi bark!  It's my absolute favorite.  I love how I don't even need a full serving, just a small piece to get the sweet fix I need so I can keep my cravings under control. I love that these barks have probiotics and fiber in them but taste like "regular" chocolate.  They offer 3 delicious flavors!  Treats should be savored with each taste and enjoyed without guilt, right?!?!

When you ELEVATE your idea of treats, you find you can enjoy them without sacrificing your goals.  Remember it's not about perfection, deprivation, or being extreme. There's room for treats in moderation.  

Through the month of January, use the coupon code SIlverFern10 for a discount on any protein powder or chocolate bark items found by clicking the chocolate above. I bet these chocolate barks will become your new favorite!  I've added a link to my website on the bottom right  just to make it  easier for you to find.  Watch for my upcoming FaceBook LIVE for more ELEVATED treat ideas!

7 weeks to ELEVATED Results with my BodyJoy Slim Down Challenge!

I hope your holidays were full of fun, family, friends and great memories.  It's 2017 and that means it's time for YOU to make your health a priority.  

Incase you missed it, here's the KSL link that aired last weekend about my online BodyJoy Slim Down Program. Sarah, who you see above, dropped 85 lbs. and will continue to participate n BodyJoy as she plans to hit her overall goal in 2017.  The only difference between you and Sarah is that she knows my simple strategies and how to adapt them to her life. You can see your own results, all you have to do is decide that NOW is your time and begin, just like Sarah did!

https://www.ksl.com/?sid=42714430&nid=148&title=find-a-doable-fitness-program-to-meet-your-health-resolutions

There's only one more day to register for my BodyJoy ELEVATED Slim Down Challenge.  You can participate from any location since it's Facebook based!  Use the next 7 weeks following my simple and doable strategies to make your 2017 the healthiest year yet!  All ages, genders and fitness levels participate.  

The program is only $129 for the 7-week program which includes 1 protein powder and probiotic from Silver Fern Brand (a $70 savings over buying the products elsewhere).   You can participate in the private online group for $79 without the supplements.

Register at www.mindybuxton.com by Wednesday, January 4.  Space limited to 70 participants.  

Please specify which option you'd like to participate in and which flavor of protein powder flavor you'd like:
Chocolate
Vanilla
Banana
Cookie & Cream

More challenge details are found at www.mindybuxton.com under the "learn more" button..  Weigh In Kick Off Meeting Date: Saturday January 6 at 9:30am at LifeCentre Athletic Club (for Utah participants).   For those of you outside of Utah, you can get on FaceBook and see the meeting!  I look forward to helping you ELEVATE your results to find BodyJoy in 2017.  Give me 7 weeks, and I'll give you RESULTS!

Here's to a year of progress, success and joy!

Happy, Healthy New Years!

BodyJoy Slim Down + Silver Fern Brand's Protein & Probiotics = A Fit, Healthy Body for the New Year!   Take the 7-week BodyJoy Slim Down ELEVATED Challenge, beginning January 9, and watch your body transform.
 
$129 for the 7-week program + 1 protein powder and probiotic from Silver Fern Brand (a $70 savings over buying the products elsewhere).   You can participate in the private online group for $79 without the supplements.

Register by EMAILING ME at www.mindybuxton.com by Wednesday, January 4.  Space limited to 70 participants.  

Please specify which option you'd like to participate in and which flavor of protein powder flavor you'd like:
Chocolate
Vanilla
Banana
Cookie & Cream

Weigh In Kick Off Meeting Date: Saturday January 6 at 9:30am at LifeCentre Athletic Club (for Utah participants).   For those of you outside of Utah, you can get on FaceBook and see the meeting!  I look forward to helping you ELEVATE your results to find BodyJoy in 2017.  Give me 7 weeks, and I'll give you RESULTS!

BodyJoy Slim Down ELEVATED

I hope you've been enjoying this festive time of year!  I'm loving the winter wonderland that's outside my front door.  I'm balancing the celebrations (which obviously include chocolate) with still finding time to squeeze in short but effective workouts.  

At parties I've focused on getting in my veggies and protein before I indulge in my treats.  I love not feeling deprived but also not feeling overstuffed and sick because this year I just haven't wanted/needed to over indulge.  Thursday I'm going to share WHY.  But I can tell you right now,  this is a good place to be mentally & physically!

Know if you've gone a little overboard on the treats, you can get back to eating healthy your very next meal.  Go for a walk or get in a few push ups and lunges.  Nothing needs to be extreme and every little bit of movement adds up.  

Don't wait for January 1 to start making yourself better, join me Thursday at 11am MST for a Facebook Live with Charity Lighten.  Charity is chief nutritionist for Silver Fern Brand. I'm going to let her explain the science behind some of the mentioned benefits I'm experiencing.  I'm so excited to share with you how BodyJoy is getting ELEVATED starting January 2017! Until then, enjoy Charity's popular KSL article "Hit a diet plateau? 6 steps to jumpstart your weight loss!"

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1010&sid=41737551

Be sure to go to the SilverFern Brand Facebook page to join our live discussion Thursday!  We'd love to answer any of your questions or to say Hi.  You don’t want to miss out!

 

Happy Holidays!

I just wanted to take a minute and tell you thank you for being part of my tribe!  Regardless if you're one of my BodyGym or BodyJoy fitness friends, I hope you have a healthy & happy holiday season!  May you enjoy time with your family & friends.  

Here's to celebrating the season while taking care of your body, mind & spirit. May you find balance between enjoying the celebrations, eating nourishing foods and exercising daily.   

May you reflect on this year as the happiest, healthiest one yet!  Enjoy your Christmas and I'll be checking in with you before the New Year.  Know you're loved and appreciated!

Your Fitness & Food Coach,

Mindy

Fun Winter Activities to Keep You Moving

There's so many ways to take advantage of being outdoors this time of year.  Here's some ways you can have an active and fit winter regardless or your age or fitness ability.

Snow Sports

You may not be a downhill skier, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy outdoor sports.  Cross country skiing and snow shoeing can be done by all fitness levels and regardless if you're a beginner or an athlete.   You WILL get a great workout while having fun.  Equipment can be rented if you don't own it--no excuses here.  

Check out local areas that you can go to with friends or family members to make some great outdoor memories together! One of my favorite dates with my husband and daughters have been up at Solider Hollow learning to cross country ski!  You can go to a field, your favorite hiking spot or an actual track to participate in either activity.

Iceskating indoors or outdoors can be enjoyed by everyone.  Most places have "ice walkers" for those who aren't as steady on their skates so kids and adults can channel their inner skating Olympian.  

Local Outdoor Activities

Check out the activities in your area that have some type of walking or active component.  Within a 20 mile radius, I can go tubing in Park City, walk light-covered grounds such as "Luminaria" at Thanksgiving Point, Utah's Hoggle Zoo Lights, or explore beautiful Temple Square.  

I can visit decorated shopping areas to see the Macy's windows at City Creek or drive up to Heber Valley to wander the ice castles.    

How about visiting your local covered pool?!?!  I'm inviting my family to a "Polar Bear Plunge" where we can play pool games in the warm bubble covered pool at LifeCentre Athletic Club.  We've never had a winter pool party or swim day with the cousins before, so I'll have to report how that activity turns out!  

I challenge you to make some new memories this winter in the spirit of getting together and being active.  You only have one body and if you don't use it, you lose the ability to move it.  Don't let winter slow you down.  Tag me at @Mindybux with ideas and activities you enjoy with your friends & family this winter!

Baby It's Cold Outside...But Are YOU Still Moving?

Movement is not just about exercise or time working out.  Movement can be incorporated into errands and activities while you're busy preparing for holiday festivities.  Here are a few examples to increase YOUR movement as the business of the holidays approach.

Stand More

Rather than sitting to wrap gifts, set your wrapping station up at your counter or in a place you can stand.  Standing burns more calories than sitting, it allows you to activate your abdominals and core muscles and you'll avoid the aches and pains that come from extended time seated.(Sitting is the new smoking you know!)  Set your phone alarm and every 45 minutes take a lap around the house then get back to your presents.  

Indoor Movement

Take advantage of this colder weather to tackle projects you've been putting off.  Clean out drawers, paint a room, rearrange closets and shelves; or declutter and donate items you no longer use.  Do some deep cleaning. Bending down to do baseboards or reaching up to clean walls can be a great way to accomplish tasks and get your heart rate up at the same time.  Turn on music while you're cooking or cleaning and dance like nobody is watching!

Play WiiFit with your spouse, kids or grandkids vs. watching movies or sitting around on electronics.  Try to balance your time lounging around with fun indoor activities.

Outdoor Preparedness

Be sure you're prepared with hats, gloves and boots as you're out and about doing errands.  I know it's tempting to find the closest parking spot to your destination now that it's freezing outside.  Bundle up, wear good boots and challenge yourself to park further away so you can get in extra steps outdoors.  You'll get an extra calorie burn as you push your cartload back to the car while you reap the benefits of being outdoors for a few extra minutes.  

Any moment you can catch a glimpse of sunshine or see a break in the weather, go for an extra lap around the parking lot, your neighborhood or take a few minutes outside on your lunch break.  Be the one to take out and bring in the trash cans.  Go to the mailbox daily.  Use the opportunity to clear snow from your driveway and walkways as bonus movement that will make others around you happy (that they didn't have to do it) while you strengthen your heart and muscles!  

Remember that staying active is much more than just getting in a workout. Movement goes back to basics and can be simple yet so effective.  I'd love to hear how you're getting in your movement while you prepare for the holidays.  Message me with your tips and tricks so we can all stay active & healthy together!