This site is owned and managed by a team of independent FirstFitness Nutrition Directors. As a team, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and experience a lasting transformation. We've been there, we've done it. We've each had our own personal weight loss and/or fitness journey. This site is filled with tips, tricks, and recipes that were helpful to each of us as we pressed onward toward our goals.

If you are ready to lose weight, get fit, and live life in abundance, we are here to guide you along that path. Please contact us and we will assess your individual goals and needs and outline a program that will work best for you!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

FAQ: Why are carrots, watermelon, bananas or (insert food here) not on the menu?

www.sugarstacks.com
You might find that many things that you consider "healthy" are not on the menu guide. Items that are not on the list are not there either due to their sugar level, carb level, glycemic index or their acidity.

Carrots, for example, are known to raise blood sugar. That’s because the type of sugar they contain is transformed into blood sugar very rapidly — almost as fast as table sugar.

Keep in mind that this program has worked for millions of people and is very scientific in nature. If it's not on the menu, there is a good reason and you should avoid it until you reach your goal.

FAQ: What about breads & grains?

Often times we get questions about how many servings and when to eat the breads and grains listed on the menu. Admittedly, previous versions of the menu were incomplete here. Newer menus now show the portion as follows.

90-Day Challenge Menu (Click to Enlarge)

Starting on Day 11 of your Challenge, you may add one serving from the list to Lunch and Dinner. Work with your coach if you have questions or want to make adjustments for any reason.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

FAQ: What makes this program work?

Lee Causey

Simplicity & Science

This program is based on 50 years of research by weight loss pioneer Lee Causey and his team of medical experts and scientists.

Simplicity

Losing weight is a struggle and we understand that and it's our goal to help you keep it simple. All of our programs are centered around XanoLean Supreme, the world's first nutraceutical formula to solve the problem of food addiction and break the cycle of compulsive overeating and our step-by-step menu guide, designed to break your addiction to sugar and carbs and to guarantee that you never feel hungry.

This program is simple because there is no counting and no guess work!

No counting carbs! No counting fats! No counting calories! 

Science 

 Ultimately, the program focuses on 3 things:

  1. Cleansing and Detoxifying the body - The average person is carrying 7-25 pounds of excess waste in the body. Getting rid of that waste will help with gas, bloating, bad breath and body odor. Cleansing will also help maintain a healthy intestinal balance and control parasites and intestinal fungus. Symptoms of improper balance or toxicity of the body include water retention, sugar cravings, mood swings, insomnia, allergies, acne, constipation or diarrhea.
  2. Lowering the blood sugar - Lowering the blood sugar by careful attention to the glycemic index will increase energy, stabilize mood swings, and trigger the body to release fat. Keeping blood sugar regulated will also help prevent or control diabetes.
  3. Alkalizing the body - While everyone's pH may vary, when the body reaches an overly acidic state, symptoms such as rapid weight gain, exhaustion, allergies, bloating and other illnesses may result. Additionally, an acidic body is a playground for cancer. Having an alkaline pH will result in a natural vitality and the ability to maintain a healthy weight more effortlessly.

The combination of these three changes can result in an enhanced metabolism and rapid weight loss, naturally flattening the belly and providing more energy.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

FAQ: Can I chew gum on the program?

You can chew sugar-free gum, but you should be aware that it can cause intestinal bloating and gas. This could affect your inch loss measurements.

Often times people want to chew gum to satisfy a sweet craving.  This might work to pacify you for a while, but our ultimate goal is to get rid of the cravings all together.  Pacifying them means they will return and you may replace your food addiction with a chewing gum addiction.

So, the answer to the question, yes, but be aware of the consequences.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

FAQ: What about diet soda?

@realDonaldTrump
We don't have to tell you about the controversy over whether or not diet soda is healthy or not. It's all over the media and you can read countless articles skewing the facts both ways.

Our goal with the 90-Day Challenge is to get you healthy and in the best shape of your life.  Our take on diet soda is plain and simple - avoid it!

Healthier low-calorie choices abound, including water, unsweetened tea or coffee.



Saturday, August 18, 2012

Ultimate Body Challenge Party Thursday

What would it mean to you if you could have a total body transformation in only... 90 DAYS?


Shannon has lost over 70 lbs!

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE?


The 90-Day Ultimate Body Challenge is a health revolution that is empowering individuals to find transformation THAT LASTS! The 90-Day Ultimate Body Challenge has the potential to transform your life, thanks to the amazing results you will get by using FirstFitness Nutrition's life changing products and programs.

Whether you want to lose weight, get fit, run a marathon or improve your health, we challenge YOU to make a commitment to make your health and wellness a priority for at least 90 days using our 90-Day Ultimate Body Challenge. 



Amy lost 10 lbs in 10 days!
Join us to learn more.  
Thursday Evenings @ 6:30 pm
No obligation to enter!
Eventbrite - Ultimate Body Challenge Party

Call for directions: (386) 623-0476 or (904) 304-3142

Grand Champions win...

All-Expense Paid 5-Star Dream Vacation to the Mayan Riviera!

PLUS...
• V.I.P. treatment
 • Ultimate spa experience
 • Professional photo shoot
 • Featured in FirstFitness Nutrition print, video and e-marketing
 • Personalized UBC Grand Champion marketing material
 • Ultimate Body Challenge Grand Champion apparel

Monday, July 30, 2012

Orange Dream Weight Loss Shake

Ingredients:

2 scoops Body FX Chocolate or Tropical Crème
2 tsp. orange extract
6-8 ice cubes
8 oz water

Instructions:

Mix the ingredients listed above together in blender. Enjoy.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

True Story: Desperation to Transformation

A few weeks ago we told you about our 90-Day Online Coaching Program designed for those who want to dig deeper, get to the root issues of their weight issues, find what triggers their poor eating habits or lack of motivation and self-esteem.

Today we want to share with you the real-life story of Christian Bearden who gives an intimate testimony of how this 90-Day Online Coaching Program brought her from the depths of despair to a life of prosperity, how she lost the emotional weight from years of drug addiction and abuse and is now mentoring others like her!

Christian Bearden
DESPERATION TO TRANSFORMATION

“I lost over 62 lbs and went from a size 20 to 12. I have been set free from fat and failure, but more importantly, I’ve gained my life back.  The Ultimate Body Challenge Program changed my life - from private desperation to a complete transformation for me and my family!”


Chances are you, too, are carrying some form of emotional baggage, we all do. Is it what is holding you back from living the ULTIMATE life that you deserve? 

Contact your coach about this program today! If you don't have a coach, call one listed below - don't wait another second! 

Mike & Shannon Morris 
Personal Website: www.livingtobefit.firstfitness.com 
Email: livingtobefit@gmail.com 
Phone: (904) 226-0637 or (904) 304-3142 

Jason & Amy Polk 
Personal Website: www.renewedyounow.com 
Email: amympolk@gmail.com 
Phone: (386) 623-0476 

Bob & Carol Brown 
Personal Website: www.weighless.firstfitness.com 
Email: bbrown11@isgroup.net 
Phone: 386-755-2324

Monday, June 11, 2012

Turkey & Brown Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash

Ingredients:

1 lb Fresh Ground White Turkey 97/3 Extra Lean
1 Green Bell Pepper chopped
1/2 Onion chopped
2 Cups Cooked Instant Whole Grain Brown Rice
2 Acorn Squash
2 tsp A.C. Leggs Pork Sausage Seasoning Mix

Instructions:

Cut squash in half; remove and discard seeds. Also cut the ends off of the squash. Place squash cut side down on a microwave-safe plate lightly coated with extra virgin olive oil. Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes or until tender.
Cook Turkey with Onion and Bell Pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
Turn squash cut side up and scoop out all but 1/4 inch lining. Add with rice to turkey mixture
Scoop turkey, rice, squash mixture into squash hull.
Place into oven-safe dish and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Team News: Shannon Morris featured in EL Magazine

How exciting! Our very own Shannon Morris was featured in the June edition of Empowered Living Magazine published by FirstFitness Nutrition.

Our team is rising to the top!  If you'd like to know more about losing weight or building a business by promoting the Ultimate Body Challenge, please contact us!
EL Magazine June 2012

Friday, May 25, 2012

Bubba Gump inspired Shrimp & Veggie Skewers

Ingredients:

24 raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 Zucchini
1 Yellow Squash
1 Green Bell Pepper
1 Red Bell Pepper
1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil
1 tbsp (15 mL) sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1/8 tsp (1 mL)sea salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper


Instructions:

Cut veggies in half lengthwise.
Cut crosswise into 3/4-inch (2 cm) thick chunks.
Alternately thread veggies and shrimp onto each of 8 more soaked wooden skewers.
In small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
Brush over skewers.
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Place skewers on greased grill over medium-high heat.
Close lid and grill, turning once, until shrimp are pink and veggies are softened, about 4-6 minutes.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Dig deeper with this unique coaching program

When you join the Ultimate Body Challenge with the Live Fit team, you're getting teaming up with the best coaches in the industry. We have a personal commitment and interest in your success. Your success is our success and we mean that!  


Sometimes our clients want to dig deeper, getting to the root issues of their weight issues, finding what triggers their poor eating habits or lack of motivation and self-esteem.  When that's the case, we are proud to offer the 90-Day Ultimate Body Challenge 90-Day Online Coaching Program, designed and authored by life coach, and Executive Vice President of FirstFitness Nutrition, Staci Wallace.


The UBC Personal Coaching Program is an online personal development program designed to help you get to the root behaviors that have been sabotaging your success. This Coaching Program is uniquely designed to help you experience that breakthrough, and is designed to work with FFN products. You will receive daily email coaching, daily audio podcasts, weekly video coaching, recipes, menu guides, and more, to partner with your UBC Challenge and offer you a transformation that LASTS.


This unique program offers:


  • Daily Email Coaching
  • Daily Audio Podcasts
  • Weekly Webinars
  • Recipes & Menu Guide
  • Journal & Measurement Guides
  • Resolution to Deep Rooted Issues
  • Identification of Addictive Behaviors



The UBC Personal Coaching program is valued at $99 but is currently available for just $15.00. 


Please contact your Coach to learn how to add it to your Challenge Program

Look at what others are saying about this program!

Dr. Pete Coon, PhD
Forensic Pathologist


"As a health care professional and research scientist, I'm well aware of the extreme health issues in our society resulting from both poor nutritional choices and daily stress. The UBM program has been a God-send in helping people come to grips with deep emotional factions, as well as recognizing the role nutrition plays in mental health and every area of wellness and performance."
Hugh Roomes 
LOST 220 LBS 

"I lost 35 lbs in 30 days and an amazing 110 lbs in 6 months on Suddenly Slim. Then, I started using the Ultimate Body Makeover Coaching Program in conjunction with Suddenly Slim, and I lost a total of 220 lbs in only 18 months. The UBM program helped me to finally discover the root issues that were the cause of my yo-yo dieting throughout my life.”

Denise Gerrich 
LOST 181 LBS IN 18 MONTHS


“The Ultimate Body Makeover not only changed my life, but it SAVED my life. Eighteen months ago I weighed 330 lbs and was told by my doctor that I had approximately one year to live. I was hopeless and having tried every diet in the book, I was convinced that CHANGE for me was simply NOT possible. This program enabled me to not only lose 181 lbs in 18 months, but I did so WITHOUT going to a gym.  I eat 5 meals a day, and I have COMPLETELY changed my entire life, relationships, and now have a powerful sense of hope and destiny for my future." 


Jessica Bowen
HAS A NEW LEASE ON LIFE!


"After making a huge lifestyle change in a quest to get truly healthy, I lost 35 lbs on my own and then was stuck at size 12 for about 6 months, and nothing I did made a difference. I was beginning to accept that that was the size I was going to be. Then I was introduced to the Ultimate Body Makeover and lost 20 lbs plus 2 dress sizes in about 2 months. I'm now the smallest I've been in over 8 years, and I'm not finished with my journey yet. The UBM addresses more than just eating & exercise.  It really addresses the root cause to weight gain & self-destructive habits. I'm so excited to now be able to share this program with anyone who feels bound to a life of being unhealthy, overweight and depressed."

Brad & M.J. Binder
CERTIFIED WELLNESS COACHES

"As Certified Wellness Coaches, we use all the FirstFitness Nutrition products and incorporate the Ultimate Body Makeover as a tool to empower others and bring a credible, life transforming message of hope to our community."

Christian Bearden
DESPERATION TO TRANSFORMED

“I lost over 62 lbs and went from a size 20 to 12. I have been set free from fat and failure, but more importantly, I’ve gained my life back.  The Ultimate Body Makeover Program changed my life - from private desperation to a complete transformation for me and my family!”


Karen Imhoff
IS "HOT FLASH" FREE


"I've been using the Suddenly Slim products with success for over 10 years.  They helped me lose 55 lbs and I've been able to keep it off.  After turning 50, however, I began feeling the symptoms of menopause and thought I had tried everything to get relief.  That is when I was introduced to the Ultimate Body Makeover.  I never realized how significant negative emotions, words and, even thoughts, were to the underlying root causes of weight gain and the physical symptoms in our bodies. The UBM helped me address those areas and revealed how they were actually sabotaging my success.  As I began to make the suggested adjustments and continued my journey with the Suddenly Slim products, the menopause symptoms disappeared!  My husband said he felt like he got his wife back and I feel like I've got a new lease on life!" 
Chad O'Kane
LOVES THE LIFE COACHING 


Chad O'Kane says the Ultimate Body Makeover was just what he needed.  More than a weight loss program, the UBM has been instrumental in his personal transformation. Through the UBM, he received the tools, the encouragement, and the permission he needed to dream again. He has also completely changed how he eats and is no longer controlled by out-of-whack cravings. He no longer lives to eat, but eats to live! He has lost 40 lbs in 4 months on the UBM!   He believes one of the keys to the Ultimate Body Makeover is the life coaching.” Left to ourselves, we tend to self-destruct. It helps to align ourselves with, and gain the support and encouragement of someone who is committed to our radical life transformation. I needed to know that someone is in my corner. I got that from my UBM Life Coach!"

Monday, May 14, 2012

Fit & Frugal Deal - through 5/16

PUBLIX 
through 5/15 or 5/16 depending on your area





WINN-DIXIE
through 5/15





Crockpot Lemon Pepper Chicken

Ingredients:

1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 cup lemon juice
Lemon Pepper seasoning
Garlic Powder

Instructions:

Add lemon juice and olive oil to crock, then put in the chicken and season with lemon pepper and garlic as desired.  Cook on low 6-8 hours.

Crockpot Mexican Chicken

Ingredients:


2 cups Picante Sauce or Salsa
1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

Instructions:


Put in crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Can shred meat and use in whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps if desired.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

CINCO DE MAYO: Hot n’ Spicy Stuffed Peppers

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with this Healthy Twist!
Ingredients:

2 large bell peppers (red or green)
1.5 tsp olive oil + 2 TB water
1/4 cup onion, chopped
8 oz. cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 c canned diced tomatoes, no salt added
1 TB lime juice
1/2 tsp each: cilantro, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (more or less depending upon your desired heat), ground cumin
1 packet stevia
Sea salt, to taste (optional)
3/4 cup cooked brown rice (after day 10 only)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 F
Carefully slice the tops off of the peppers (approximately ¼ inch from top). Remove the seeds. Wrap peppers in aluminum foil and place on baking dish. Put in oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes.

In the meantime, heat oil and water in skillet pan over medium heat and add onion. Cook approximately 5 minutes until onions are tender. Add chicken, tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, garlic powder, cayenne, cumin, stevia, and sea salt. Stir well and allow to cook together for 5 minutes.

Add brown rice to skillet and mix to thoroughly combine all ingredients. Remove from heat and set aside.
Remove the peppers from the oven and spoon half of the mixture into each of the peppers. Return peppers to the oven and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Enjoy!!

Nutrition Data:
Per stuffed pepper (recipe makes 2): 264 calories, 27 grams protein, 28 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fat

Recipe originally posted at Fitness Rx.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Ginger Stir Fry Vegetables

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
1/2 cup sliced celery stalk
12 snow peas
8 small broccoli florettes
8 rutabaga sticks
12 slices of water chestnuts
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. fresh grated ginger root
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/4 tsp pineapple extract
4 ounces diet 7-Up

Instructions:

In large non-stick pan stir fry the onion and garlic until they are lightly caramelized. Mix the soy sauce, the pineapple extract and the diet 7-Up together. Add the ginger and all of the remaining vegetables to the onions and continue cooking. Slowly add the diet 7-Up mixture to the vegetables to provide moisture as they cook. Cook until the diet 7-Up is evaporated, but leave the vegetables moist and crisp. Add the stir fry vegetables to the filet plate garnish and enjoy.

Baked Okra Snack

Ingredients:

1 bag frozen sliced okra
Spicy seasonings
Non-fat cooking spray

Instructions: 

Spray baking pan, then place okra in pan and sprinkle with spicy seasonings. Bake at 300° for approximately one hour. Let okra dry, then bake until golden brown at 400° and serve.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Fit & Frugal Grocery Deals 5/2-5/9

Here are your Fit and Frugal Deals found on SouthernSavers.com.  We've listed deals from popular stores in our area, Winn-Dixe, Publix and Wal-mart.  Unless otherwise noted all items here are on the Ultimate Body Challenge Menu Guide.




NOTE: Not all items on the Make-A-Meal Deal are part of the UBC program, but it is a good deal if you need something quick and easy.  Leave off the tortillas (unless they're whole wheat and you're on Day 11 or later) and the calcium-leeching, gut-rotting soda. 

 



Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Spring Health Fair - May 5th - Lake City Mall

Health, Nutrition and Fitness for all ages! 


 Come learn more about the 90-Day Ultimate Body Challenge this Saturday at the Lake City Mall.

This Saturday from 10:00am until 1:00pm, Children's Medical Services will host a fundraiser for New Generation School.  It's a Family Health Care Fair at Lake City Mall.  Various vendors with a variety of ways families can stay healthy in all aspects of their lives will be on hand for the three hour event.  Demonstrations begin at 10:00am with American Family Fitness.  Other demonstrations will be by Baya Pharmacy and Anytime Fitness.  Some of the vendors on hand include Columbia Eye Association, TD Bank, First South Insurance, Pro Motion Physical Therapy, Century Ambulance Service, Senior Home Care and many others.    
  

For more information, listen to the North Florida Now radio interview here.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Tonight - LiveFit Team makes National Conference Call

Tune in to hear our very own Shannon Morris give her powerful XanoLean testimony LIVE on the National Conference Call tonight!



May 2012 Corporate Power Call


Tonight - Tuesday, May 1st 
9:00 PM (EST)
Call: 712-338-8047, then enter code: 5295#

Hosted by FFN President, Nigel Branson and Executive Vice President, Staci Wallace.


On tonight’s FirstFitness Nutrition Power Call you will hear:

  • Breaking News for May
  • Success Stories
  • 2012 Convention News
  • Recognition of Top Achievers
  • Special Guest Speakers
     

Special Guest Distributor Trainer:

May Empowered Living (EL) Magazine 
"Distributor Spotlight" Distributor!

Diamond Presidential Director, Lisa Garrison

Call tonight to hear Diamond Presidential Director, Lisa Garrison share her  amazing business and product success story featured in this month's issue of EL Magazine!

You'll hear her powerful story and how she is helping people transform their lives with the products and with the FFN business opportunity.

Plus, Lisa will share some great success training tips to help you build your business too. 
 


Don't Miss This Important CALL!

Vegetable Dip for raw vegetables

Ingredients:

One container (large or small) plain, non-fat, no sugar added, yogurt
One package of dry ranch dressing or salsa

Instructions: 

Mix dry ranch dressing packet or salsa into yogurt and add other seasonings, if desired. Use dip with raw vegetables of all types – enjoy!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Fit & Frugal Grocery Deals 4/22-5/2

Each week we will try to post Ultimate Body Challenge Menu items that are on sale at popular grocery stores. This list is compiled using SouthernSavers.com.  You'll also see recent coupons that have been released either in newspaper inserts or online listed below each item.  Feel free to add any items you find on sale in the comment section below!  Here's to FIT & FRUGAL shopping!







Taco Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs lean ground turkey, beef or chicken
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 small onion, minced
2 tbsp bell pepper, minced
3/4 cup water
4 oz can tomato sauce
8 large lettuce leaves from Iceberg lettuce

Directions:

Brown meat in a large skillet. When no longer pink add dry seasoning and mix well. Add onion, pepper, water and tomato sauce and cover. Simmer on low for about 20 minutes.

Wash and dry the lettuce. Place meat in the center of leaf and top with tomatoes, guac and salsa.

Enjoy any time on the Ultimate Body Challenge.  May add brown rice after day 10.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Fit Shopping on a Budget

Hey gang! It's Amy. Today I was thinking about grocery shopping.  A lot of times people complain that eating healthy is expensive, but the truth is, if you leave off all the junk food, you'll probably be saving money at the store. I'm going to share some tips with you here and weekly, we will post any fit deals that we find at the store.

I usually do my shopping at the local Winn-Dixe and I have a bi-weekly cash budget that I absolutely MUST stick to (I don't take any extra cash or debit card in with me).  I'm the annoying lady with her calculator out figuring out what it cost per ounce and keeping a running total of my bill so there are no surprises at the register.

1. Shop around. I know Wal-mart has lower prices on most things when compared to Winn-Dixie, but it is not as convenient for me and I find that Winn-Dixie's produce and meats seem fresher and they often have what I want for buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO).  Shop wherever is convenient for you, but shop around.


Things WD has on BOGO regularly (usually once a month or more):
Sanderson Farms Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Frozen Tilapia Fillets (other fishes and shrimp sometimes too)
Ham steaks
Quaker or WD brand Quick Oats
Almonds, Emerald or Blue Diamond
Crystal Light
Salsa, Pace or Old El Paso
Lunch Meats, Turkey, Chicken
Canned Chicken or Tuna
Winn-Dixie brand spices
Whole Wheat Bread, Arnold, Nature's Own, Winn-Dixie brand
Birdseye Steamfresh Veggies
Popcorn, Winn-Dixie brand, Orville Redenbacher

2.  Be prepared. Do not go into the store without a list and a calculator.  This will keep you focused so that you don't kill your budget or your progress.

3.  Compare brands.  This was hard for me at first and there are somethings that I will not use generic, but you can save by using the generic\store-brand of the product.  Compare the ingredients to the name-brand, if they're basically the same, try the store-brand.  If you don't like it, don't buy it again. But the differences are usually very subtle if there are any and you'll find that the name-brand isn't worth the cost. Don't skimp on the name-brand if the generic has more sodium or sugar.

4.  Price it by the ounce.  If there's a product that you use a lot of, buy the bigger size, but check to see how much it is per ounce (total cost divided by # of ounces).
For example, Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt is 5.89 for a 32 oz container - 5.89/32=0.18 - so it is 18 cents per ounce. This week the Winn-Dixie brand 6 ounce cups were 10 for $10, so I got 60 ounces for $10 or 16 cents per ounce. So, I saved about 1.28 on my yogurt. Now, that may not seem like it was worth the trouble, but when you do this for all items on your list, it adds up. 
Sometimes the store will trick you if you just assume the larger size or store-brand is cheaper. Wal-mart is especially bad about having their store-brand cost more per ounce than the name-brand.  Most people will just assume that the store-brand is cheaper and pick it over the name-brand, but that is not always the case.

5.  Ask for coupons.  People save a lot of money, sometimes outrageous amounts of money, using coupons.  But if you watch those couponing shows, you'll see they're buying a lot of processed junk food.  The truth is, it's harder to find coupons for healthy foods, but it is not impossible.  Go to the websites of the brands you use, look for coupons there.  If there aren't any, fill out their "Contact Us" form and ask for some.  Just last week, I got some coupons in the mail from Chobani and In the Raw.

6.  Buy fresh.  You're going to be eating a lot of veggies now.  Go to your local produce stores or farmers' markets for better prices on produce.  It'll be fresher, riper and cost a lot less.  The trick here is to not buy more than you can eat before it goes bad.

I hope this helps you see that you can afford to eat healthy - the key to fit and healthy grocery shopping is just like anything else in this journey - plan, plan, plan!

Please share your money-saving tips with us in the comments below.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Beanless Chili

Ingredients:

1 lb. of lean, ground beef, 1 onion
1 bell pepper
1 (8 oz.) can of stewed tomatoes
1 (8 oz.) can of tomato sauce
1 pkg. of chili seasoning mix

Instructions:

Season and brown lean ground beef. Strain well to remove extra fat. Mix onion, and bell pepper, then add stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce and chili mix. Simmer on low-medium temperature for approximately 10 minutes and enjoy!

Skinny Crockpot Balsamic Chicken


This is one of my favorites.  I usually put it on before bed and its ready for me to pack in my lunch the next day.   I'm the laziest cook I know, so often I substitute the onions with just onion powder and the garlic with garlic powder.  I know it doesn't taste as good, but its easy when I'm busy! - Amy
Ingredients

4-6 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts (about 40 ounces)
1 medium onion thinly sliced (Not chopped)
4 garlic cloves
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp each: dried oregano,basil, and rosemary
1/2 tsp thyme
ground black pepper and salt to taste
Directions

Pour the olive oil on bottom of slow cooker, add chicken breasts, salt and pepper each breast, put sliced onion on top of chicken then put in all the dried herbs and garlic cloves. Pour in vinegar.

Cook on low 6-8 hours.  After day 10, serve with whole wheat pasta. 

Another popular recipe for this adds 2 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes.  I don't care for them, so I just leave them out, but you could add them if you like.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Eat All You Want Soup!

Ingredients:

Cabbage (shredded)
Squash (sliced)
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 chopped onion
1 chopped bell pepper
Several stalks of finely chopped celery
Peeled and diced turnip root
1 packet of Goya ham-flavored seasoning
1 can water chestnuts
1 container of sliced mushrooms
1 can of fat-free broth
(You may add any of the thermic vegetables to the soup.)

Instructions:

In large pot combine 1 can stewed tomatoes, 1 can Rotel tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, several stalks of finely chopped celery, peeled and diced turnip root, 1 packet of Goya hamflavored seasoning, 1 can water chestnuts, 1 container of sliced mushrooms. Bring to hard boil for 15 minutes to let veggies tenderize.

Add shredded cabbage, sliced squash, cover and turn to low. Remove from heat when cabbage and squash are tender enough for your taste.

(Note: The Goya seasoning has MSG in it, so don't add if you are sensitive to it or have allergies. Rotel tomatoes are on the spicy/hot side, so only use them if you enjoy spicy foods. If you do not care for spicy foods, use regular tomatoes instead.)

This soup is loaded with thermic vegetables, so you can eat this whenever you are hungry.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Welcome to our new venture!

Hey friends! Thank you SO much for stopping by to check out our newest project!

We are so excited to be able to use this platform to enhance your fit living journey!

We'd like to encourage you to subscribe using the box in right-hand column so you can get our updates right in your email inbox.  We've still got tons of tips and recipes to add and will be sharing photos from Team events too, so you don't want to miss out!

Speaking of Team Events, we have a few things coming up in the next week for our local friends!  Heck, if you're nearby, we'd encourage you to consider driving over to check them out!


Strawberry Festival - Sat & Sun
This weekend we'll have a booth at the Strawberry Festival in Starke, FL!  It's always a lot of fun and we'll have XanoLean & SPN Energy samples!  So come out and see us!


Upcoming Challenge Parties
Tuesday, April 24th 5:45 -7:15 pm
Mamma Mia's Ristorante Italiano (click for map)
Downtown Starke, FL
Click here to RSVP (its not required but is appreciated)

Thursday, April 26th 6:00 -7:30 pm
Bethel United Methodist Church (click for map)
Lake City, FL
Click here to RSVP (its not required but is appreciated)

Come take the new 90-Day Ultimate Body Challenge with us!! Get free personal coaching, recipes, and more! Mark your calendars because you will NOT want to miss this PARTY! Bring as many friends/family members as you want so they can learn about the challenge and take it with you!!! You could even get your Challenge Kit FREE!

We hope we get to see you soon!  In the meantime,  take a look around and let us know what you like about what you see or if you see any typos or grammatical errors!  And if you will, leave us a comment below!

Disclaimer:

The information and products contained herein are not to be misconstrued as diagnosing, or prescribing remedies for the treatment of disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements and/or products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.