The Keto Craze!

THE KETO CRAZE

Here is the deal… I am not a fan of ANY fad diet… and I see Keto as just that.

Now Im not talking about using Keto for medical reasons. There is evidence that proves it helps people that suffer from many illnesses and conditions.

I am strictly talking about using Keto for AESTHETICS.

The real deal is that most of the time an individual never even really enters true Ketosis.

Ya see… Ketosis is a normal metabolic process, something that your does to keep working. When your body doesnt have enough carbs from food for your cells to burn for energy it burns fat instead. As part of this process it burns ketones.

If your healthy and follow a well balance nutrition plan, your body controls how much fat it burns and you dont normally make or use ketones.

But when you cut way back on your calories and carbs your body will eventually switch to Ketosis for energy.

It takes 5-7 days to even hit ketosis… then when you get there… you will likely feel like death aka the Keto flu. Then once you have an off plan meal (non keto meal), you are OUT of ketosis.

My issue is that IT IS NOT SUSTAINABLE.

Are you REALLY going to eat a super high fat , almost no carb diet forever?

Anything that isnt sustainable is a FAD. I am not interested in prescribing QUICK FIXES to our clients.

We want to teach clients to eat for their health and performance… sure aesthetics plays its part… but I would never prescribe a nutrition plan that was detrimental to someones health or not sustainable.

Now… please keep in mind that I am generalizing… I am speaking to the mass demographic.

Bottomline, the average Joe that needs to shed a few lbs of body fat is not going to see sustainable results with ANY FAD DIET.

Instead… shoot for a well balanced plan that truly FUELS your body!

xo Coach Jen

Flourless Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

FLOURLESS DAIRY FREE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Ok if cookies could talk… these would be the winner! I swear they call my name!

But in all seriousness… these are BOMB.

Enjoy! xo Jen

 

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup dairy free chocolate chips
2 tbsp coconut oil
2-3 tbsp of almond milk (start with 1…)

Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 F. Blend the first 4 ingredients together in a food processor or blender, until it looks like flour. Mix with remaining ingredients to form a dough. If too dry, slowly add the second or third tbsp almond milk. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll or form into balls, and place on a greased cookie sheet. Press down a little to flatten. Cook 6 minutes, then take out when still a bit undercooked. Let sit 10 minutes before handling 🙂

Fall Pumpkin Chili

FALL PUMPKIN CHILI

Everyone is in a pumpkin trance these days lol!!

This pumpkin chili is DELICIOUS!!!

Enjoy! xo Coach Jen

INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp coconut oil
2 cups chopped yellow onion
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ pounds grass-fed ground beef
1 28-oz can diced tomatoes
½ 6-oz. can tomato paste
1 14-oz. can pumpkin puree
½ – 1 cup chicken broth or water
2 ½ tsp. dried oregano
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add oil and saute the onions and peppers, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes or until onions start to soften.
Add the garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds
Add the ground beef. Use a spatula or large spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook until meat is nearly cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker.
Add remaining ingredients and stir.
Set heat to LOW and cook for 6-7 hours.

Autumn Beef Stew

AUTUMN BEEF STEW

Who doesnt love a hearty stew on a cold Fall day?!

This is one of my all time favs! Enjoy! Xo Coach Jen

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 pounds filet mignon, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
2 medium onions, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
2 tablespoons tomato paste
5 cups reuduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups less-sodium beef broth
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon snipped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 pound sweet potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks
1 pound butternut squash; peeled, seeded and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
4 carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 stalks celery, sliced into 1/2-inch thick
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
directions
In a large plastic bag, combine flour, salt and pepper. Add beef; shake to coat evenly. In a Dutch oven or large heavy pot, Add half the beef to pot, shaking off any excess flour. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove beef with a slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining beef.
If pot is dry, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onions; cook and stir for about 4 minutes or until starting to brown. Stir in garlic; cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste. Return beef, bacon and any remaining flour to pot. Stir to combine. Add chicken and beef broth, wine, bay leaves, thyme and paprika. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender, stirring occasionally.
Add potatoes, squash, carrots and celery. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove lid and simmer about 15 minutes more or until vegetables are tender and liquid is desired consistency. Remove bay leaves. Stir in parsley.

 

5 Grab & Go Snacks

You can ALWAYS find a way to eat healthy! xo Coach Jen

5 Healthy Grab & Go snacks you can get almost anywhere!

1) Almonds or any nut

2) Apple with nut butter

3) All-Natural Multigrain Waffle

4) Sliced cucumbers and one or two wedges of Laughing Cow Light Swiss Original Cheese

5) Turkey and Grapes
Two slices of low-sodium deli turkey and a handful of grapes