Meal Planning for a successful Week!!

BLAH - that is what life has been like lately or should I say a BLUR!!

So much has been going on and most days I feel like I am barely staying afloat!!

You know what I mean?

If there were only more hours in the day or at least one more of me!
Between working my 9-5 job, beachbody coaching, mom of 2 very involved kids, housework, volunteering, head chef at the Horcher house (only chef really!) and I am sure I could add a few more jobs onto the list but I think you get my point. I know I am not alone with the overcrowded schedule as this is how most of us live our lives anymore.



The good news is that there are a few tips and tricks I have learned and many I plan on continuing to learn that help me get it all done and well through it all....

First that has been my saving grace for quite some time - MEAL PLANNING and PREPPING for the week ahead. Let's face it - we all need to eat and drink to survive yet I know so many that forego eating because they are too busy. I also know many that REALLY want to eat healthier but say they don't have time to cook healthy meals. Meal planning and prepping helps me take care of both of these excuses!! YEEESSSSSSS - at first it takes time to find and get into your groove but once you do MY GOODNESS you are golden.

When you have a plan in place and the food prepped and ready to go it makes running out the door on time (or GAH - EARLIER!) easier. It also makes running home and warm up and eat a healthy dinner possible!!

lunch today at work

This is how it worked in my house yesterday...
Let me back up when we arrived home late Saturday evening after being gone for a week..
Sunday came and piles of laundry had to be done, our fridge was empty, we were all tired, luggage and more was scattered all over our downstairs. I knew what I had to get done though and so I got started -
Step 1: The meal Plan
Step 2: Grocery shopping
Step 3: Cook food
Step 4: Portion Food
 and in between did my other daily duties as well but guess what I got it done.

meal plan for the week!!

Having a plan in place and food ready to go, meant putting our lunches together this morning was a breeze.
Coming home from work and then picking up kids I was able to quickly throw dinner on the stove to heat it up.

some of our dinners prepped for the week

While dinner is heating I helped my kids with their homework. If I hadn't prepped our dinner I have no idea what we would have ate and I probably would not have had the time to help with homework.

Meal planning and prepping totally make my life easier and these days I will take whatever easy I can get!!

So if you too would like to make life easier and healthier then we should totally talk!! I can help you get started but you gotta want to do it as I won't do it for you.

Cheers to a new week

Now is the time to learn how to live a 

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY Life 

and we will do it 

TOGETHER!!!!

alysonhorcher@gmail.com

facebook.com/alyson.horcher

Raspberry-Peach- Mango Smoothie Jar

I am all about snacks and meals that I can fit into a mason jar!! 
When I saw this recipe I am sharing with you today in the Eating Well magazine I knew I could make it into a mason jar recipe!! It was kind of a tight fit but I did it and now I get to share this awesome healthy tasty recipe with YOU!!

Raspberry-Peach- Mango Smoothie Jar

Ingredients...

1 cup frozen mango chunks

2/3 cup plain Greek Yogurt

1/4 cup reduced fat milk (I used water in place of the milk)

1 teaspoon vanilla extra

1 teaspoon chia seeds 

1/4 ripe peach, sliced

1/3 cup raspberries

1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions...

1. In a food processor or blender combine mango, yogurt, milk/water, and vanilla. Blend until smooth

2. Transfer this mixture to a mason jar.

3. Add in chia seeds first and then top with peach, raspberries, and coconut flakes

4. Screw that lid on and save for later or Enjoy right now!! 

This makes 1 serving. 

If you are following the color coded containers used in many of the Beachbody nutrition plans this would equal

2 purple

1 red

1 orange

If you are interested in more healthy recipes or maybe even learning how to eat healthy, CONTACT ME and I can help you get started. I know for me the biggest part of learning how to eat healthy was to have support to help me have the strength to say NO MORE to the bad junk food that use to fill my house!! After that it was all about learning how to change some of my eating habits and from their healthy habits were formed.

Click here to get more information about 

my next group!!

YES I'M INTERESTED!!

Have a fabulous week!!

My passion and my goal is to help others to learn 
how to live a 

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY Life 

and we will do it 

TOGETHER!!!!

alysonhorcher@gmail.com

teambeachbody.com/alysonhorcher2

myshakeology.com/alysonhorcher2

facebook.com/alyson.horcher

Zucchini Tots

It's Tasty Tuesday and oh my yum is this one a keeper!! 

but first the background on how I came up on the recipe...

This summer we had a ton of zucchini growing in our garden and wow were they huge!! I could only make so many loaves of zucchini bread before I needed something new to make. 

Zucchini fresh from our Garden!!

I only had a few recipes that include zucchini so I went searching for more. Some recipes we tried were fabulous, some not so fabulous. The recipe I am sharing with you tonight was FABULOUS!! We all loved it and the kids although they say they don't like zucchini ate these up and asked for more!!

It would also make a great hot appetizer at a party (who's hosting the next one?!)

Here I share with you

Zucchini Tots

Ingredients...

2 cups shredded zucchini

1/2 medium onion, diced

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

2 large eggs

4 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs

sea salt and black pepper to taste

Directions...

1. After you shred your zucchini, lay it out on a few layers of paper towel and lay another layer of paper towel over top and press down. This will help remove some water from the zucchini. 

2. Sprinkle sea salt over the zucchini and let sit for an additional 15 minutes. 

3. In a medium bowl, add zucchini, onions, bread crumbs, eggs, and cheese. Sprinkle salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well.

4. Spray a 24 cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray and then scoop about a tablespoon of zucchini mixture into each cup. Fill all cups and then top off each cup with some panko breadcrumbs.

5. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until slightly browned on top. 

6. When tots are done use a knife around the edges to loosen the cup and then use a spoon to lift them out.

7. Last but not least - ENJOY this healthy side dish, snack, appetizer!!

So easy, so delicious, and so good for you!!

Interested in learning more about how Healthy eating can help you look and feel your best? 

Ask me about my healthy eating support and accountability groups where I teach you how to eat healthy, share more delicious recipes, meal planning tips, and best of all help you learn how to make this part of your lifestyle!! 

Click here to get more information about 

my next group!!

YES I'M INTERESTED!!

Have a fabulous week!!

My passion and my goal is to help others to learn 

how to live a 

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY Life 

and we will do it 

TOGETHER!!!!

alysonhorcher@gmail.com

teambeachbody.com/alysonhorcher2

myshakeology.com/alysonhorcher2

facebook.com/alyson.horcher

Thin Mint Shakeology

Who needs the empty calories of the Thin Mint cookies when you can have a delicious and nutritious THIN MINT Shakeology Shake!! 

Yes you heard me right, this shake tastes like a Thin Mint without the empty calories and without the guilt!! 

I don't know about you but when those little black decadent cookies (a.k.a THIN MINTS) enter my house each year they are gone in NO TIME!! 

They taste so darn good!! 

This year I REFUSED to buy any Girl Scout cookies because we always devour them. 

We were given one box this year from my in-laws and guess what they only lasted an hour, if that!! 

When you love the taste of something why not look for another way to get the flavor but in a healthy way??

This idea is what lead me to my week of Girl Scout Cookie Shakeology Recipes...yes this week I will be sharing with you some of the recipes I have been working on. My mission was to make these recipes where they can be 21 Day Fix approved too.  I am currently in my 2nd round of the 21 Day Fix extreme and I want to stay on track with my goal of completing the program!! 

Thin Mint Shakeology

8-10 ounces water

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

1/2 - 1 Teaspoon Mint Extract

4-6 cubes of ice

Blend and Serve!!

I normally like my shakes more liquidy but this one I like thicker so I added extra ice cubes. Try it out and see what consistency you like the best. I was even tempted to put it in the freezer for later and enjoy like ice cream!! Maybe another day!!

Also mint extract can be very powerful so I would use caution and say add less first and give it a taste. If you need more then add more. 

and there you go a delightfully delicious & nutritious shakeology recipe inspired by THIN MINTS!!

Go get your Thin Mint fix on!!

Want more shakeology recipes inspired by Girl Scout cookies? check back this week to see what else I trying out!!

Now is the time to learn how to live a 

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY Life 

and we will do it 

TOGETHER!!!!

alysonhorcher@gmail.com

teambeachbody.com/alysonhorcher2

myshakeology.com/alysonhorcher2

facebook.com/alyson.horcher

Baked Chicken with Tarragon and Dijon Mustard

When your kid asks for seconds at dinner you know the recipe is a KEEPER!! 

I kid you not, my son Leo asked for Seconds of our dinner tonight!! This was a new recipe I was trying out so honestly I think my mouth hit the table!! New recipes as you know can go either way with the family!! Not everything we try we like but tonight this chicken dish was a HIT!!


Any mom would love to hear 
1. her child is eating their dinner with no complaints 
2. her child asking for more!!

This is a healthy dish that I am proud to serve my family!!
I give you the recipe for...
BAKED CHICKEN with TARRAGON & DIJON MUSTARD

Ingredients...
4 tablespoons EVOO
1/3 cup Dijon Mustard
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon or 1 tablespoon dried tarragon
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
6 chicken breasts or 12 chicken breast tenders
1 cup dry breadcrumbs

Directions...
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
2.  In a shallow bowl add EVOO, Mustard, Pepper, and Tarragon. Mix until combined
3. In a plastic zip baggie add the bread crumbs (or you can do another shallow dish of bread crumbs)
4. Take chicken and place in shallow bowl with mustard mixture and coat well. Then transfer chicken to either baggie or dish of bread crumbs and coat. 
5. Transfer well coated chicken to roasting pan or large baking dish
6. Cook for 35-45 minutes or until cooked thoroughly.
7. Serve immediately and ENJOY!!

Tonight as I said this is what we had for dinner. I paired it with a serving of green beans which I steamed. 

This recipe came from eatingwell magazine although I made a few modifications. 

Currently I am on Round 2, Day 2 of the 21 Day Fix Extreme fitness program which also comes with an awesome nutrition plan. 

I counted tonight's dinner as 

1Green, 1Red, 1Teaspoon. 

I hope you and your family enjoy this recipe as much as ours did!! If you try it and like it please be sure to let me know!! 

Happy Healthy Eating!!

Now is the time to learn how to live a 

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY Life 

and we will do it 

TOGETHER!!!!

alysonhorcher@gmail.com

teambeachbody.com/alysonhorcher2

myshakeology.com/alysonhorcher2

facebook.com/alyson.horcher

Veggie Stir Fry

The recipe I am sharing today is inspired by my quest to find meat free meals we as a family can eat during the Season of Lent!! 

I got the following recipe from the 3-Day Refresh program guide booklet.
and added a little bit extra seasoning!! This recipe is also my go to meal during the Refresh as well!

Fresh ingredients, herbs, and very little time to prep and cook make this a FAVORITE of mine!

Ingredients...

1/2 teaspoon EVOO

1/2 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1/2 cup green beans (I have also used asparagus & broccoli. Picture above has asparagus!)

1/2 cup sliced fresh carrot

1/2 cup sliced fresh red bell pepper

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon 21 Day Fix All Purpose Seasoning Mix

2 tablespoons organic vegetable broth

Directions...

1. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat.

2. Add in garlic and ginger and stir ~1-2 minutes or until fragrant (this is one of the best smells!!)

3. Add green beans, carrots, bell pepper, salt, seasoning mix, and broth 

4. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until veggies are tender-crisp!!

Enjoy!! 

Now I know many people think eating healthy is super expensive, but in fact everything can be super expensive. I have found if I plan my meals ahead of time, If I make a like, If I shop around, I can save a ton of money and still eat super healthy. 

If you would like more of my money saving tips on living a healthy lifestyle or recipes please follow me on my website or via Facebook!

I also offer 30 day Clean Eating and Shakeology groups to help you get started on your own healthy lifestyle journey. Not everyone is ready to take the plunge with both exercise and nutrition so this is my way of helping lessen the load a bit and focusing on only one area!!

Now is the time to learn how to live a 

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY LIfe 

and we will do it 

TOGETHER!!!!

alysonhorcher@gmail.com

teambeachbody.com/alysonhorcher2

myshakeology.com/alysonhorcher2

facebook.com/alyson.horcher

Agua Fresca Strawberry Shakeology

Ahhh this week I have been reliving my moments on the S.S. Beachbody!! What a fantastic time I had!! One of the perks on the ship was we had the opportunity to do live workouts with some celebrity trainers like Shaun T, Tony Horton, and Autumn Calabrese.

working out with Autumn on the cruise
Hello, she is the creator of the 21 Day Fix!!

Another perk was after every workout there was a Shakeology Bar!! Um Hello, my favorite drink...my favorite meal...and now someone else was making it for me? SOLD!! I overindulged in Shakeology that is FOR SURE!!

What was also nice about this shakeology bar was there were recipes that were used that quite honestly I would not have tried.  One in particular AGUA FRESCA!! See this recipe is make with cucumbers and at the time I didn't know what was in it but all I knew is I loved it!! When I found out the recipe had cucumbers I couldn't believe it - huh, who would have thought to include cucumbers!!

Well thankfully the Shakeology gurus did and now I have that same awesome recipe to share with you!!

AGUA FRESCA SHAKEOLOGY

yep that's me!!

1 scoop Strawberry Shakeology

¾ cup water (or club soda - personally I used water)

½ medium cucumber, peeled, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Ice, if desired

Blend and Enjoy!!

For the best taste experience, use a blender and add ice. The more ice, the thicker it gets. Feel free to use any kind of milk or milk substitute (almond, rice, or coconut milk)—the more milk, the creamier it gets! and get ready for this, my shake is equal to 5 plates of salad for a whopping 146 Calories! 

Now I don't calorie count, personally it's not for me, but I can tell you without counting calories I have been able to stay at the same weight (which was below my goal) for a year and a half now.

Want to know one of my secrets for this continued success?
SHAKEOLOGY!!!!

How do you get your nutrients? I CONDENSE mine!
I once lacked ENERGY and lived off coffee all day long. Now, I start my day POWER PACKED with nutrients. Fueling my body the best way I can!! Shakeology makes the most important meal of the day, both my HEALTHIEST and EASIEST!

If you are not already drinking Shakeology YOU SHOULD START NOW! Not because it is a weight loss shake or a protein shake because it is neither of them.  Instead it is a nutrition shake that will do so much for you, you will wonder how you got by without.

TRUST ME!! If you would like more information to get started or maybe you already drink shakeology and are interested in how to get it cheaper, 
CONTACT ME!! I can give you the scoop and help you get set up!!

Although I miss my Ocean View from aboard the S.S.Beachbody, I am thankful I found this tasty recipe to enjoy at home!! It will always remind me of my time I got to workout LIVE with Tony Horton!!

one of Tony Horton's live workouts
aboard the S.S. Beachbody Cruise March 2014

If you decide to give this recipe a try I would love to hear what you think!!
Please do share!!

Until then, always remember...

Now is the time to learn how to live a 

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY Life 

and we will do it 

TOGETHER!!!!

~Alyson

alysonhorcher@gmail.com

teambeachbody.com/alysonh

myshakeology.com/alysonh

facebook.com/alysonhorcher