Asian Cucumber Salad

So I was challenged to try some things, AGAIN, that I just don't like, foodwise.  I give you the CUCUMBER.  I detest them.  Or at least did.  

The texture, the taste...ALL of it...truly vehement!! 

Funny thing is I ate pickles for as long as I remember but raw cucumbers..no bueno!!  So I got creative in my kitchen and this is what I came up with:

Asian Cucumber Salad.  It is DEElish!!!

Here is the recipe:

4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers (I used baby cukes)

1/3 cup thinly sliced onion

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1/2 tsp toasted sesame seed oil

dash red pepper flakes

fresh grind of pepper and salt

2 green onions, chopped

1 teaspoon honey

Add onions & cukes to bowl.  Stir together remaining ingredients and pour over veggies.  Eat right away or let marinate overnight. Seriously ADDICTIVE!!

Let me know if you give this quick recipe a try and how you like it.  I see lots and lots of bowls of this being made this summer!  

Peanut Butter Marshmallow Coconut Protein Fudge

OK so this is going to be the easiest recipe. EVER.  Ready?  Wait for it......

You might want to play around with protein powders but I used Trutein.

1 scoop Peanut Butter Marshmallow Trutein protein powder
1 Tablespoon of Coconut Manna (I used Nutiva..I melted in the microwave for about 15 seconds, power level 8)
A bit of cashew milk to mix, if needed.

Mix together, put in a small greased dish (think fruit bowl size).  Throw in the fridge to cool.

I used half as one serving.  

Seriously.  AMAZE.  ING.

PS...my son ate the other half and asked if there was more.  I think I am trying Red Velvet next.

You are welcome.   

Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce

I was in town last week food shopping and I ran across one of my fave demo ladies in one of my favorite food stores.  I used to be in food brokerage and she always loved to talk to me and she thought I was her boss!  LOL.  She used to demo many of the products I handled accounts for & she always kept me entertained.

I digress.

She had a little salad station set up and was demoing 4 yogurt based dressings, one of which was a Cilantro Avocado based.  So to make her happy I said of course I will try a sample.  I had 2 forkfuls and it was enough to tell me I loved the flavor combo, but that I could make it better myself at home.

And that is what I did.  Feast your eyes on THIS:

So I whipped this recipe up and it literally only took a few minutes to do.  This is a new fave at our house.

Kept thick it is a fantastic option for burgers and wraps.  Thinned out a bit with just water makes it perfect as a salad dressing or on tacos.  I LOVE this recipe.  Did I already say that?  Shaaaa, baby!  It's the little things that make me happiest!

Here is what you will need:

1 ripe avocado
Juice from one lime
1 clove of garlic
1/3 cup cilantro leaves (stems removed)
1 teaspoon of honey
1 teaspoon olive oil
Himalayan Pink salt to taste

Blend all ingredients in food process or in blender til smooth.  If you want it thinner add a bit of water an blend again .  Adjust seasonings to taste.  

PS:  You might want to double this.  Or triple it.  Just an idea.  ;-)

Chocolate Chia Protein Pudding

I frigged around with this recipe for 3 days.  Too much liquid, not enough chia...and so on.  Day 3 was a charm and this is totally perfect now and SUPER easy to whip up.  And some extra protein and super foods to your day with this creamy concoction of delirium! :-)

Here is the recipe:

1/2 cup water (you can use almond, coconut, hemp, etc milk)
1 Tablespoon whole chia seeds, not ground
1 scoop protein powder (I used Trutein Vanilla)
1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
splash of caramel extract (that is just what I felt like today...you can leave it out or experiment with others)

Throw everything in a bowl, whisk for about 30 seconds and refrigerate for about 2 hours.  It will thicken during that time.  Grab a spoon, dig in!!

PS:  I topped my pudding with 1/2 tablespoon of Lily's Chocolate chips.

You are welcome, BTW!

Want to see a quick video on how I threw it together?  Watch here:

 

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Have you ever tried Chia pudding before and if so, what did you think?

Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Sounds lethal, doesn't it?  Au contraire. This was totally easy, and pretty darn healthy and on plan except for the carbs which I am not supposed to have for brekkie because I am carb backloading. But having said that it was Easter and I have been planning this one for several weeks. It was everything and MORE!  :-)

Enjoy!!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup low fat/skim milk (I used Almond Coconut milk)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (or dutch cocoa powder)
• 2 packets of stevia (I used Krisda Cafe Vanilla)
• 1/4 cup of egg whites
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 slices of your bread of choice (I used ancient grains)
• unsweetened coconut to crust french toast in after dipping in egg mixture

Peanut butter cheesecake filling mixture:

• 1TBSP PB2 (powdered peanut butter)
• 3 tablespoons 5% (or reduced fat) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Extra PB2 for drizzle

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the milk, cocoa powder and stevia.   Add in the egg whites and the vanilla, and continue to whisk until everything is combined. Set aside.
2. Combine all Peanut Butter Cheesecake ingredients together and mix until smooth. Divide the 'cheesecake' mixture between two pieces of bread, and spread them with the mixture. Top with remaining bread slices; dip each 'sandwich' into the chocolate egg wash; turn to evenly coat.  Then after that crust each soaked side of bread in the coconut.
3. Heat a nonstick pan/griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with coconut oil (or whatever you choose to use here)
4. Fry on both sides until a darker brown and firm to the touch on the outside, and cooked through.
5. I drizzled mine with a little PB2 mixed with water, but you can add you favorite sauce or toppings.
6. Dig in and enjoy!!

Recipe adapted from Cafe Delites:  http://cafedelites.com/2015/03/27/peanut-butter-cheesecake-stuffed-chocolate-brownie-french-toasts/

"I am Breaking Up With Winter" GIVEAWAY!!

GIVEAWAY!!! Since spring has sprung (FINALLY!!) I wanted to celebrate and share some fitness and health love!

PLUS April is also my birthday month and I want to celebrate by giving a gift to YOU by sharing some of my favorite products with you.

There is no better motivation to get whipped into shape than warm breezes and hot summer nights being just around the corner. I love doing things like this and hopefully this will serve to inspire someone to make some fantastic life changes.

EVERYTHING you see is included in this amazing giveaway & just ONE follower will win it all. This basket is valued at over $110.00.
The winner will receive the following :
1. Leggings (one of my fave things ever!)
2. 2 Single serving packets Shakeology (Yes, I drink it every day)
3. Resistance Band
4. 2 Cookies 'N Creme Quest Bars (also, my fave!)
5. Weekly planner & pens
6. Shakeology shaker cup
7. The COMPLETE 21 Day Fix Extreme program including:
*all workouts/DVDs
*Portion Control Containers & Workout Schedule Guide
*Full Nutrition Guide/recipe book
*My coaching services for FREE!
MUST FOLLOW ALL THE RULES to win!! The Contest runs until April 5th at MIDNIGHT, the winner will be chosen at random & be announced on April 6th!
Contest is open to US & Canada ONLY. Must be 18 years of age or older!

To ENTER you MUST do ALL 4 of the following steps:

1. Be sure to follow me @subjecttofire on Instagram and LIKE my Facebook page www.facebook.com/SubjectToFire
2. REPOST/SHARE this pic with friends (make sure the post is public so I can see it).
3. Friend request me (I will be checking) if we are NOT already Facebook friends here: https://www.facebook.com/wendy.m.kennedy.7
4. Comment below, “I WANT to win” and then tag 3 friends.

GOOD LUCK everyone!!

SALTED CARAMEL SHAKEOLOGY

This past week has been one of epic cravings.  Right from the cheesy bagels I did not eat, but longed for to the salted caramel Lindt chocolate bar that I picked up about 4 times this week and put it down.  

Just.
Walk.
Away.
Wendy.

And I did.

To my saving grace, I was told there was this caramel extract available to me, so I got hooked up with some and OHMYGOD!  My life is changed.  I threw together these ingredients to bring to you only the best freaking thing EVER:  The Salted Caramel Shakeology.  As I type this, I am actually anticipating having another one after tonight's workout.   Can I get a WOOP WOOP??

Yes, I am normal and YES I crave sweets & Shakeology has been a life saver for many years for me.  I do indulge now & than with some treats, but for the most part, this helps keep my cravings intact and my brain just straight up happy!  Not to mention all the amazing things my body is getting nutritionally every single day.

I am also on plan to compete next year in a figure competition, and this is definitely helping me get to that goal.  

If you want the best of both worlds...and you are happy to have a little flavor explosion in your mouth, give this a try.  

I think I just drooled a little.  :-)

Peanut Butter Marshmallow Coconut Protein Pancake

You might need a chair to sit down in before digging your fork into this bad boy.

LOOK.

AT.

IT!

OK, now wipe the drool off the screen and get just a few simple ingredients ready and whip one up!

This is what the recipe includes:

1 scoop of Trutein Peanut Butter Marshmallow protein powder (see pic below)
1 tablespoon of coconut flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened chipped coconut
enough water to make into pancake batter consistency

Mix all ingredients together til smooth, about 15 seconds should do it.

Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to frying pan over med high heat and pour in batter.  Fry as you would with any other pancake.  Flip that sucker over and cook for just a bit longer.

Put on plate and top with your favorite nut butter (I used coconut peanut butter) & syrup, if desired (I used Walden Farms chocolate syrup. 

Take your first bite.  Moan with sheer delight.

You are welcome!!

My favorite protein powder EVER!  

"WTH Did She Do Last Week" Sunday Nov. 2nd, 2014

HERE WE GO, BABY!  The start of a brand new month and a new set of goals and dreams.  HOLY Mother of Pearl...where did this year go?  I am fired up now more than ever to finish the year strong!

Well, I digress, so let's get to the goods, shall we? This week was one of utter insanity when it came to my business, but my food and fitness were 100% on target.  I even managed to make it through a killer wine craving.  Man..there are some things you just cannot replace.  Haha!

FOOD:  Oh the wonderful, glorious, amazing food I am eating.  Let's start with my life altering moment earlier on this week.

I revisited a vegetable I have despised since childhood.  BEETS.  It was on my radar to try in another form other than pickled and I did it!!  WHOOP!!  I freaking LOVE them.  I feel rather like I was missing out on something amazing for the last 40 years, which is a bit sad.  I am now going to be experimenting in many ways on adding them to my menu.  Angels sang and more kittens were born after this I swear!

Pureed Caulifower....OMG, so deelish.  I could hoover the entire pot!

I tried roasting squash this week in my crockpot.  Again, more kittens & angels.  :-)

I am still carb cycling so you can bet your hiney I enjoyed every minute of my high carb day.  For the most part I am 100% satisfied with what I eat but the days I seem to work harder in the gym, I am hangrier than usual.

Of course what week would be complete without caffeine & Shakeology?  Yep...my vices.  Hey, I don't drink wine OR do drugs.  I think my choices are good!

FITNESS:   This week was fabu in so many ways.  I upped my weights, I feel stronger and WOOHOO, I am now working out in the brand new gym that is opening soon here in town.  I got to be the first person to use the facility and I am there now every day.  I am going to be teaching PiYo classes there after they open so, I kind of have a bit of an advantage with the awesome owner who is letting me train.  Just like Christmas!!

Yesterday I started a brand new regime for the month of November...more pyramids, which get add ons as well each week.  It looks interesting for sure.  My trainer has been doing an exceptional job of keeping things fresh and  exciting! I plan on killing these work outs.  I GOT GOALS, baby! 

I also had a meeting this week with a lovely lady who is going to be giving me posing lessons.  *Insert Twilight Zone Music* This scares the bejesus outta me, but I am up for the challenge so stay tuned for updates on that.

BUSINESS:  It was an insanely busy week, work wise.  My team had a major growth spurt which is so exciting to me!  I am doing my best to be a strong leader and teach them all the things I have learned since becoming a coach.  With that comes new trainings, plenty of motivational talks, team calls, and one of the most important factors, Personal Development.  I am trying hard to finish off this book this week because I have an exciting new one in the wings that I believe has my name written all over it.  :-)

Since this week was Halloween, my entire team dressed up for our weekly call.  We are TOTALLY fun like that.  I love their spirit!  And hey, any excuse to be Wonder Woman, right?

Tell me, does your life fire you up?  Do you set new goals for yourself every week, every month, etc?  Do you need to have something to strive for in your fitness, your business, your personal life? I would love you to share with me if you do. Leave a comment below and tell me what something is that you are working towards right now. 

"WTH Did She Do Last Week" Sunday Oct 26th, 2014

OK, let's just lay it out here....moving sucks.  Ass.  I have been a bit preoccupied with the cardboard and the ripping and tearing of my basement, but with the aid of my BFF, Juan Valdez, we are getting through it and making poop happen, DESPITE it all!  It takes a special kind of crazy (I know that) to get through this.

So this week I am back on track with the posts and making a bit of a tweak to include some other facets of my journey like fitness and Personal Development and maybe even throwing in some of my fave things to perhaps inspire you to try something new.

Since I am all about the food, lets get this party started with what I ate.  And of course my bevvies of choice.

Throw in my Shakeo and the day is complete!

Let's talk about the food, shall we?  Mmm, Hugh Jass salads and Pumpkin pancakes and bacon, oh my!  Eating for this competition has been nothing less than enjoyable so far.  I know it will change but I will take my nut butters while I can.

Now about those workouts.  This week I felt really strong.  I felt muscles and saw muscles I have never seen before.  I also weighed in 3 lbs less this week, which is rather mind blowing.  Since I started, my goal was to get my body leaner.  I am sitting at around 13 lbs less that when I started working with my coach.  This has been a slow and steady journey but I have loved every single minute.  Patience is a virtue I am learning well!

Heading to other news, to keep myself on track, focused and fired up I do daily personal development.  It not only fuels my drive but it helps me be a much better leader to my team.  It keeps me inspired! 

This week I have a been a podcasting, book reading, webinaring freak.  Chalene Johnson's Build Your Tribe is on the top of this list! She is SUCH a blast and is one of my mentors.  If you haven't looked her up, DO IT now!  :-)  Throw in my book, "Influencer" and I have a well rounded mental feast.

So as I head to the kitchen to make my afternoon coffee & coconut oil, I am once again feeling fired up to kick ass and take names this coming week.  Maybe it's the caffeine....or maybe life is JUST that great! 

Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• sea salt
• fresh cracked pepper 
• 1 lb butternut squash peeled & diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• water to thin to desired consistency.  I used about 1/2 cup.

Directions

1. In a large stock pot over medium heat, heat the coconut oil. Add the onion, celery and pinch of sea salt. Cook and stir until the veggies soften and lightly brown.
2. Add the butternut squash cubes and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Cook for another 10 minutes or so until the squash is tender. Stir a few times being careful it does not stick. Remove from heat and let the veggies cool for a few minutes.
3. Then, add the tomato paste to the squash. Start adding water. Puree the veggies until they become a sauce. If it's too thick add water by the tablespoon at a time. 
4. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. 

"WTH Does She Eat" Sunday Oct. 6th

This week was a little more a testing of my willpower, with 4 low carb days.  DAMN, you carb cycling.  But alas I must listen to my coach's words of wisdom.

This is what went down in my kitchen (and a couple not) this past week.

Let's start with breakfast...because, well they are my my absolute most favorite meal of the day.  NOMS!!  I had my pancake bowl for most days, and yes I am addicted, then other mornings Pumpkin Vanilla Shakeology porncakes...ahem...pancakes!  And coffee, oh yes with coconut oil.  Nectar of the gods! 

My lunch and dinners were a lot about zucchini and Hugh Jass salads.  I had one high carb day this week and you can bet your ass I inhaled some sweet potatoes.  Heaven, I tell ya!!


OK, I did NOT have cake, but I had the next best thing!

Ok my obsession with zucchini is epic. Seriously eating this every day is not a problem for me. I sautéed 4 ounces of ground turkey in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil with garlic, onions, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. Then in the end I added in my zucchini noodles and sautéed for about two minutes.

Inhale!

4 ounces of ground turkey sautéed with garlic and red onion. I seasoned it with spicy chipotle pepper and sea salt. Then at the end I tossed in spaghetti squash that I had cooked the day before. Topped with a quarter of a cup of homemade salsa.

 I ate out this week and the real easy choice for me is always Edo.  I can get veggies & protein, prepped just the way I ask, no issues.  Gotta love that!

Me, at Edo's ordering food.
"I'll have the chicken and shrimp with no rice no teriyaki no oil and no soy sauce. All veggies, all steamed".

Lady behind counter, "Oh you are a very healthy girl".

Comp prep really isn't hard as long as you are willing to make short term sacrifices. And I DID eat a spoonful of peanut butter for my fat after so yay!!

And because I was on Low Carb alert, I only got apples once this week. This was the day I painted my front entry..'scuse the step stool and crack fillah!

And yes, Shakeology 'erry damn day!  It keeps me sane, curbs my cravings and makes me feel like I have a treat after every workout.  I am special...I deserve it!  :-)