Introducing CIZE: The End of Exercise

Have you ever thought about fitness and losing weight and thought, "MAN, I despise working out!"?

I can tell you that although I am an online heath and fitness coach, that I have had these same thoughts go through my head here and there. I don't always like the run, jump, and lift weights. And I know I'm not the only one.

If you are like that where either you just don't like working out, period, or you are someone who likes to switch things up and make fitness FUN, then you are seriously in for a treat!

It is time for you to DANCE your way to a rockin' bod - and have fun doing it!

Official CIZE Preview Video

 CIZE is being released on JULY 20th - the day after I get back from the biggest coaching event of the year! (LIKE + Follow my Facebook for the quickest scoop on what we are doing in NASHVILLE!)

CIZE is a DANCE program that the creator, Shaun T, literally breaks every move down for you so that anyone can do this program. And I'm telling you-it's been a LONG time since I've danced like this. I did competition dance back in the day for many years, but was never good at hip hop and won't claim to be!

My first CIZE experience was at work!
And MAN, did I sweat!

Each workout is literally a break down of learning a dance to some of the latest music that Shaun has picked out himself. Each workout is roughly 35-45 minutes in length and the program is 4 weeks long. And no worries, if you want to extend the length of this program.... YOU CAN! Master the moves, dance your heart away and get even more results.

 

Previewing CIZE with a friend
via a video call, so FUN!

Now, you're probably wondering how this is going to help you get results?! Dancing doesn't give you that great of a workout, does it? WRONG! Dancing is fantastic for you and really gives you some great definition/toning along with fantastic cardio. I mean, LOOK at these results from a fellow coach!

However, to really help you out, the nutrition plan for size uses the same portion control container system to take the guesswork out of your diet - if you even want to call it a diet! The portion control system has changed so many lives in the last 2 years and is seriously fool-proof!

 Here is the best part.... I am launching the very first CIZE test group! What is that?
Wellllll..... It is a private accountability group hosted through Facebook where we are going to be among the first people doing this program!

We are going to keep each other accountable to our program and work together to reach our goals. We are going to support each other through the ups and downs of our lifestyle change journey. This is a daily accountability group that we are going to check into to make sure we are all getting the most out of our CIZE experience. There are going to be contests and lots of fun and friends to be made in this group! I haven't been so excited about a new program launch in a VERY long time!

Fill out the application below to be considered for the group!

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Guide to Winter Produce

Are any of you like me and have a hard time figuring out what is in season? Here is some examples of what you can get in the winter that is in season:

1.  Broccoli Rabe or Rapini
SELECT: Look for bright green leaves, firm stalks and relatively few buds or open flowers. Avoid bunches with yellowed leaves or dry stalks.
STORE: Remove the wire twist or rubber band that secures the bundle, roll up in dry paper towel and store in a loosely sealed plastic bag in refrigerator crisper drawer for up to five days.
EAT: Cook as you would broccoli: steamed, sauteed, stir-fried or braised. To serve cold in salads, blanch first to lessen the naturally bitter flavor.

2. Citrus (Oranges, Tangelos, Grapefruit)
SELECT: Heavy fruits with shiny, smooth skin and no signs of bruising. Tenderness when squeezed indicates juiciness.
STORE: In refrigerator crisper drawer for up to two weeks. Wash skins before cutting or zesting.
EAT: Peel and eat out of hand, or cut into segments and add to salads and stir-frys. Use fresh-squeezed juice in marinades or sauces.

3. Lucinato Kale (Tuscan Kale)
SELECT: Sturdy and firm bunches with deep-colored leaves and hardy, fresh-looking stems.
STORE: Remove wire twist or rubber band that secures the bundle, roll up in dry paper towel and store in a loosely sealed plastic bag in refrigerator crisper drawer for up to five days. Wash only before serving to minimize spoilage.
EAT: Chop and use as a delicious alternative to spinach in soups, stews, sautes, curries and frittatas. Pairs well with garlic, bell peppers, chile peppers, onions and tomatoes.

4. Pomegranates
SELECT: Large fruit that feels heavy for its size with smooth, shiny, blemish-free skin. Some stores sell fresh pomegranate arils already extracted from the fruit.
STORE: In a cool, dark place for up to one month. To refrigerate, extract arils and store them in a sealed container for up to one week.
EAT: Slice top from fruit to expose arils, t hen score the skin by slicing it from top to bottom in quarters, exposing the white flesh. Hold over top of or submerge in a bowl of cool water and use your fingers to pry sections apart; scoop out arils and drop into bowl; drain. Eat arils as salad toppings or juice them for concentrated pomegranate juice.

5. Sweet Potatoes
SELECT: Firm, heavy potatoes with smooth, bruise-free skin.
STORE: Loosely sealed in a paper bag in a cool, dark place for up to two weeks.
EAT: Boiled and mashed to accompany poultry or pork, cubed and sauteed with onions, garlic, fresh ginger and herbs, or sliced into wedges for carb-friendly fries.

Article credit: Clean Eating Magazine

FREE 5 Days of Clean Eating

Last month I did a poll to see what people would like most out of a free group, so now we are finally getting this ball rolling and starting our FREE 5 day clean eating group on MONDAY the 9th.

On top of meal planning, recipes, and advice (all for free) I will provide those that join me a workout to do each day. They aren't going to be very elaborate, just something to get you moving and have some physical activity for the day.

The only thing YOU will need to do is sign up for a free account, making me your coach and I will give you the link to do that. It's super easy! Here is where you go: http://bit.ly/1C5DaJDFree Account Here

Are you ready to join me? Email me with "I'm in!" in the subject line to kjeskacoach@gmail.com

Clean Cauliflower Crust Pizza

I came from a place where I didn't think there was anything wrong with the intense carbs and greasy-ness (yes, that's a word to me!). I didn't think that there was anything wrong with ANYTHING that was "processed" and I'm not even sure that I knew what processed meant.

The fillers and garbage that is added into our foods today for a variety of reasons, is simply unethical and misleading. I won't get into all this, because I could rant forever. So let's continue.

In the United States, pizza has become such a staple food item. It is commonly a family favorite in the house and is commonly extremely bad for you. I wanted to share this recipe with you because it is simple and I simply like to find alternative ways to enjoy your favorites in a healthy way - without feeling like you were missing something. Don't get me wrong, I like good old fashion pizza, too, but I have it in serious moderation!

Ingredients:

1 small-medium head of cauliflower or 3 cups of cauliflower florets, stems removed. 

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp dried basil (additionally crushed between your fingers)

1/2 tsp dried oregano (additionally crushed between your fingers)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1/4 cup organic, shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup organic, shredded Parmesan cheese

1-2 egg(s)

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry your cauliflower. Pat dry to remove any additional liquid. Cut the cauliflower into florets (the top part) and remove the majority of the stem.

2. Pulse in a food processor for approximately 30 seconds until you create something resembling cauliflower snow. This will serve as your "flour" for the recipe. It should yield from 2-3 cups of "snow."

3. Place the cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 4 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. If you are using a pizza stone, place the stone in the oven so that it can heat to temperature before you will put your crust on it. 

5. Once your cauliflower has cooled (it will be a few minutes), place it in a tea towel and wring it out to remove excess water. Watch out - there will be a lot of water! You will want to do this over the sink!

6. In a bowl, combine cauliflower, spices, and cheese. Add egg and combine to a "dough ball" using your hands.

7. Place dough onto a piece of parchment paper sprayed with olive oil. Begin forming the dough into a round pizza shape. Dough should be approximately 1/2 inch thick with no thin spots or overly thick spots.

8. Take parchment paper and dough and move to pizza stone or pizza pan. Bake in oven for approximately 8-10 minutes until cauliflower is a light golden brown.

9. Remove pan and crust from oven and add any toppings you would like to put on it - sauce, cheese, meat, veggies, etc. (we used a clean soppresatta).  

10. Once you have put your toppings on your pizza, bake it in the oven for about 5-7 more minutes until cheese begins to bubble.

11. Let pizza sit for 3-4 minutes to cool. Cut with pizza wheel and enjoy!

Did you try it? Leave your comments below with what you think! Share this with those you want to benefit from HEALTHY pizza alternatives!

Some Beachbody News! Get in the know NOW!

News and info about the Club membership as well as info about the 21 Day Fix Extreme program, which is being launched on February 2nd, 2015.

Club Membership Link and sign up for me as YOUR coach:
https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/club?referringRepId=438486

21 Day Fix Extreme Test Group Application so that you know EXACTLY when you can get it:
https://kristijeska.wufoo.com/forms/21-day-fix-extreme-test-group-application/

What can a grapefruit do for you?

My recent meal plan has me eating lots of grapefruit, but do you know why?

Here's 5 fun facts and I think I found the reasons why I am supposed to eat them on my meal plan!

1. Naturally curbs hunger (YAY!)
2. Helps to protect your heart by having the ability LOWER the bad cholesterol
3. Can smooth your rough skin by rubbing a piece of grapefruit sprinkled with sugar (don't use on face, though!)
4. Boosts your metabolism and is great to jump start some weight loss! (OOOOOH YEA!)
5. Firms your skin because of the high amount of vitamin C needed to produce healthy collagen

The 21 Day Fix Misconception

The first time I heard about the 21 Day Fix and some color-coded containers showing me how much I was allowed to eat, I was upset. I thought if I ate healthy, that I didn't need to measure out the amounts. In hindsight, I realize that OF COURSE the amount matters, but I had no idea. I came from a life of processed foods and no concept of what eating clean and healthy truly was (other than vegetables, I've always liked vegetables).

While I waited for my package to arrive, I looked up reviews online. They were super mixed and I read the bad ones, because I was nervous that I made the wrong decision! People said that they gained weight even though they followed the meal plan to a "T". Now I'm like.... Great. Now what did I get myself into. I kept it to myself and decided I was still going to give it a shot because I just needed to do something and I was looking forward to the workouts.

THEN I get my package in the mail and I look at these little containers and am SO nervous about starving, like was I REALLY supposed to eat my days worth of food out of these TINY containers? I decided to give it a week and then say I'm totally done. I'll just do the workouts.

Boy was I WRONG!!!!! First of all, you get multiple of each colored container each day (the number depending on where you are currently at with your weight, and should be recalculated after each round) and they each stood for something different (fruits, vegetables, grains, fats, oils, protein). 

Meal prep was actually a lot of fun and I didn't have to think a lot about it with the way I decided to do it (Blog post for another day) but I just portioned out according to the containers and didn't have to actually measure anything. 

On the first day I couldn't believe how much food I was supposed to eat. Not only were my meals a decent size, but I was allotted 2-3 snacks EVERY day! I had to actually tell myself that it was time to eat. With the water intake you are supposed to have (half your body weight in ounces), I was also staying fuller longer. With drinking the Shakeology, I was actually full for about 3-4 hours and it stabilized my energy so I didn't have my usual late morning crash.

As the weeks went on, it got easier for me to do the meal plan and I actually was eating all the food and still getting results. I was ecstatic. The Fix has literally been a lifestyle and I can't imagine not following that meal plan EVER, I've even tried. It just works for me and is so practical.

At the end of 30 days, I had lost 10 pounds and I never measured inches (BIG mistake). 

I am in love with the 21 Day Fix and I have found that it teaches everyone something new and we can all improve somewhere.

Checking off colored containers on a list is much more fun than checking of the vegetable list anyway.

If you found this helpful, I would love to see you comment below or share it on your social media.

Any questions I didn't answer or hesitations that I didn't cover? Comment below and I will respond to you!

Ready to take the plunge and try it out in my next accountability group? Fill out this application: https://kristijeska.wufoo.com/forms/za111ow0a59o0z/

I will contact you in whichever way you specify on the application. If you choose Facebook, please add me as a friend so I can find you! :) www.facebook.com/kljeska