Pumpkin Pancakes

I have 2 kids that are gluten and dairy intolerant. (I don't do very well with dairy either). These pancakes are an awesome alternative and something we can all eat at an affordable price. I grind my own quinoa into flour in my Vitamix. If you have a wheat grinder, you can also use that.

1 1/2 c. quinoa flour
1/4 c. packed brown sugar (I use Sucanat, pure maple syrup, or agave nectar)
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
1 3/4 c. buttermilk or sour milk (I make my own buttermilk, using just shy of 1 c. rice, almond milk with 1 TB vinegar or lemon juice mixed in. Since the recipe calls for 1 3/4 c. buttermilk, I adjust my homemade buttermilk to make that much).
1 c. pumpkin puree
2 large eggs (I use chia seeds. 1 TB chia seeds to 3 TB water. Mix and let sit 15 minutes)
2 TB vegetable oil (I use unsweetened apple sauce)
maple syrup
1/2 c. toasted pecans (I haven't used these)
whipped cream (optional. I don't use this either)

Measure the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and salt into a large bowl. Mix well.
Whisk together the milk, pumpkin, eggs, and oil in a medium bowl. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just blended.
Serve with maple syrup, pecans, and whipped cream.

Layered Tex-Mex Lasagna

If you haven't watched "Forks Over Knives," you should. It's on Netflix and SO worth your time! This recipe comes from the "Forks Over Knives" cookbook. My kids loved it and so did I!

Tomato Sauce
2- 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
3 c. water
1/4 c. cornstarch
3 TB chili powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder

4 c. mashed cooked pinto beans
1 c. chopped green onions
1 1/2 c. frozen corn, thawed
1- 2 1/4 oz. can sliced black olives, drained, optional
1-2 TB chopped green chiles, optional
10-12 corn tortillas
salsa, optional
tofu sour cream, optional

1. To make the sauce: Put all ingredients for the sauce into a saucepan. Mix well with a whisk until well combined. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and add more chili powder if desired. Set aside.

2. To assemble casserole: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put the beans, green onions, corn olives, and green chiles into a large bowl and mix gently until well combined.

3. Spread 1 1/2 c. of the sauce over the bottom of a nonstick baking dish (9x13). Place 3-4 corn tortillas in the bottom. Spread half of the bean mixture evenly over the tortillas. Place another 3 or 4 tortillas over bean mixture, then spread the remaining bean mixture on top. Cover with 3 or 4 more tortillas, and then pour the remaining sauce over the tortillas. Cover the baking dish with parchment paper, then cover with aluminum foil, crimping the edges over the baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes.

Southwestern EggRolls

These are AMAZING! They take A LONG time to prepare. So when we make these, we do a huge batch! That's why the recipe has such large quantities. It makes about 50 burritos. So if you don't want that many, divide everything up and make maybe 5. :) But it's just as much work to make 50 as it is 5. So we just go all out. And then we freeze them for meals for later. They do have chicken and cheese in them. But you can just omit it if you want. My kids are obsessed with these and they are so so nice to pop into the oven from the freezer for 30 minutes for an awesome dinner. This is a recipe from the restaurant "Chili's." They fry them. I like them better baked like I do with this recipe.

10 chicken breasts
10 T. oil
1 1/4 c minced red pepper
1 1/4 c. green onion
3 1/3 c. frozen corn
2 1/2 c. black beans (2 cans)
1 1/4 c. green chiles (1 lg can and 1 sm can)
5 TB minced fresh parsley
1 1/4 c. frozen, drained spinach
5 tsp. cumin
5 tsp. chili powder
2 1/2 tsp. salt
7 1/2 c. monterey jack cheese (I don't use nearly this much if I use the cheese)
50- 7 inch flour tortillas

BBQ chicken, brushed with oil and salted and peppered until cooked.
Saute green onion and red pepper in oil. Dice chicken and add to oil. Add everything except cheese and heat through. Stir in cheese and fill tortillas. Roll up and freeze on baking sheet.

Obviously if you don't use the chicken, you won't need NEARLY that much oil. Just enough to saute the green onions and peppers. I have never made them completely without the chicken AND cheese, but I want to try it soon. I think they would be so so good still! If you do omit the chicken , definitely add more black beans!! You'll have to experiment since there is a ton of chicken in them.

When ready to bake, put into oven frozen for 25-35 minutes on 350 degrees.

Tortilla Soup

I had this soup at a luncheon one time and fell in love. It's a little more complicated, but worth the trouble! Of course to make it Vegan, omit the chicken and use Veggie broth instead. I am famous for doing that with recipes.

1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 TB olive oil
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1-2(14 oz) cans chicken broth/veggie broth
1 c. corn
1 small can green chiles
1 can white hominy
1 can black beans
1/4 c. fresh cilantro, chopped
2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

Toppings: avocado, tortilla chips (leave those out to minimize calories), cheese (if you wish. this will add a significant amount of calories), green onion

In medium stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic in oil until soft. Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to boil and simmer 5-10 minutes.

Stir in corn, hominy, chiles, beans, cilantro, and chicken. Simmer 10 minutes.

Veggie Chili

My sister gave me this recipe and I loved it. My kids aren't huge Chili fans, but they still eat it. :) If your family likes Chili, you'll love this Vegan version.

1 c. onion
1 green pepper
2 tsp. garlic
2 cans black beans
1 can white beans
1 can kidney beans
1 28 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
2 TB chili powder
2 TB oregano
1 tsp. coriander
2 tsp. cumin
4 c. veggie broth

Cook on low in a crock pot for 4-8 hours. At end, stir in 1/3 c. couscous to thicken.

Note: You can always use whatever beans you have on hand. It doesn't matter what kind. :)

Chicken (or non-chicken) Chowder

This is one of my kids favorite soups. I do sometimes do it with chicken or sometimes I will just leave it out. I modified the original recipe for a healthier, non-dairy version. :)

2-3 pieces chicken
1 qt. chicken or veggie broth
1 c. celery (diced)
1/2 c. onion (diced)
1 c. grated carrots
4 c. potatoes (diced small)
2 TB butter (I use Earth Balance brand)
cornstarch and water mixture for thickening (1/3 c. cornstarch with warm water mixed in to make it runny)
1 c. almond or plan rice milk

Boil chicken 15-20 minutes. In separate pan, cook all veggies in a broth. Bring to boil and then simmer 20 minutes. Add in cooked chicken once veggies are cooked through.

Add butter and almond milk. Stir in cornstarch mixture with wire whisk to thicken. Salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 10 minutes.

Note: If you don't use the chicken, you can ALWAYS add some more of the veggies. :)

New Favorite Hummus

I combined two of my favorite hummus recipes and came up with this beauty. My kids devoured it and I had to stop myself from doing the same. Here goes.

This made A LOT of hummus! It filled up my 11 cup food processor. So if you don't want as much, just cut it in half.

Black Bean Hummus
2 cans black beans
2 cans garbanzo beans
1 clove garlic
1/4 c. tahini
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1/4 c. olive oil
juice from 1 lemon
1/3 c. water

Blend in food processor and enjoy!

Workout Group Challenge Update

Wanted to update you guys on my Workout Challenge Group plan:

I have a few awesome and committed ladies that are ready to change it up and dramatically change their bodies with an awesome exercise program and good nutrition (some will be using Shakeology, some are not).

One group is an exclusive, BeachBody Challenge group. www.beachbodycoach.com/tiffanydansie (See the Beach Body Challenge button on the right hand side of my BeachBody Page). They have committed to do P90x, drink Shakeology as a meal replacement for the 3 month duration of the program, and to become a BeachBody Club Member. An invsement? Yes! But those willing to actually invest in their health have a better change of actually changing their health and following through.

Our second group is also going to be a P90x group but without Shakeology or the BeachBody Club Membership. The people of that group will simply be doing P90x together. This group is just a flat fee of $35 per month, for the 3 month challenge. An investment? Yes! But more likely to see results, especially with me coaching everyone, every step of the way.

This is my plan. I will be creating private Facebook groups for these challenges. No one can see you are in it and what we talk about except for the few members in each group. We will each report daily, about our workout, about our nutrition, give and get advice, etc. I will be there to answer ANY questions via text, email, phone. I WANT these ladies to be highly successful! I am committed to being there, every step of the way to hold people accountable, give nutrition tips and advice, and give advice for the workouts so the people of the group are getting what they pay for in the program, meal replacements, and my personal help. These groups will have my name on them, and I want them to be successful. I cannot wait!

We start December 1st. If anyone is interested in joining one of these groups, please let me know, as you have to have time to get prepared to start up the program.

And for those interested at a later date, I plan to start up a few more groups on January 1st. It will be time for New Years Resolutions and instead of paying for a gym membership, going for 2 months, and then never going back, you'll have be right at your side (and the other people in the group) to help motivate and push you, like you've never pushed yourself before. Results do not come for free. I can promise you that! No one that is toned and in great shape doesn't have to work hard to get there.

If you are ever interested in joining a group, please let me know. I am willing to start up a group whenever anyone is ready and committed to changing their life. Just shoot me an email or leave a comment here, or message me on Facebook. tiffanydansie@gmail.com

Happy Holidays!

Workout Challenge Groups

Hello everyone!

As many of you know, I have a passion for helping people on their fitness and wellness journey. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Health Science and am currently studying to become a Personal Trainer... something I have wanted to do for about 10 years now. I have been helping friends and family lose weight, get in shape, giving advice, feedback, tips, etc., for years. I have had some people succeed. But most people just aren't that committed. They can't do everything needed in order to be successful. Getting into shape is a long journey. Your body doesn't build muscle and lose weight over night. It is something that takes time and serious effort. 

So, I have decided to run a new kind of challenge... This challenge group would only have 5 MEMBERS. There will be money invested into this. At first, I struggled with this thought. But the more I thought about it, when someone invests money into something, they are way more likely to stick to it, and truly want to change and be motivated. If I just let anyone into a group for free, I could get hundreds of people wanting help, but only a small percentage of them would truly be committed to succeed and work hard. That is the problem I have had when working with people over the past several years... commitment to do what it takes to really become fit and healthy. There are two ways you can invest. I'll talk about each way individually when I explain what each group consists of. 

I am going to start with 2 groups (or possibly more). The rules for each group are as follows:

Group #1- Starts December 1st- P90X

This group will consist of up to 5 people who would all be doing P90X, starting on the same day. Everyone would be required to be replacing one meal a day with Shakeology (a meal replacement, protein shake, supplement). This would mean, you will have to invest in Shakeology. If I am going to invest my time working one on one with you, I need tho know you are willing to invest into your own health first, and that you are truly committed.

WHAT IS REQUIRED??

1. Purchase your Shakeology HD in a 30 serving Bulk Bag OR To-Go packets for the duration of the 90 days. 

2. Purchase P90X through my site. www.beachbodycoach.com/tiffanydansie

3. Join Beachbody Club so that you have access to the meal plan during the challenge to help with your nutrition. ($2.99 a week! And includes a 10% discount on all of your purchases!)


Something to think about too... Beach Body just launched "Challenge Packs" where you get these three things at a discounted price, all in one bundle, for the purpose of these group challenges.

-WHAT IS P90X??  

www.beachbodycoach.com/tiffanydansie (you can look up any program under the shop button and then fitness programs link.

P90X is amazing for people that are exercise veterans. If you have been exercising, need a change in your routine, and have 5-20 lbs to lose, that's how I feel it fits the best. If you have large amounts of weight to lose, I may recommend a different workout program.

WHAT IS SHAKEOLOGY?

It's a nutritional protein shake that provides a wide spectrum of healthy nutrients in a low-calorie formula. Shakeology is an effective way to help you lose weight (if used appropriately as a meal replacement), increase your energy and feel better all around. Many people have had great success with Shakeology while also incorporating a healthy diet and a Beach Body program. Most people are missing the nutrition part when it comes to getting fit and healthy. Almost anyone can exercise and get that done. But nutrition is huge... for me, it's 90% of the battle. So with Shakeology, you are taking care of one meal and have tons of fruits and vegetables from it, you are on the right track for your nutrition. And it's only 150 calories, so when used as a meal replacement, you are well on your way to cutting out calories needed to lose weight. But it MUST be used appropriately. You cannot use it as an additive to your diet, or just like any other food or drink, you will not lose. Yes, it is an investment and a pretty big one. But cut the treats and other crap out of your diet and spend the money on something good for you! It comes down to about $4 per day. That's as much as getting your morning coffee or eating one fast food meal out. (Or getting your daily latte, or drinking your glass of wine). So cut that stuff out and replace it with something healthy! Here is a little more information about Shakeology... www.shakeology.com/tiffanydansie

-WHAT'S THE CHALLENGE? 

It's simple...for 90 days you will be replacing ONE MEAL A DAY with Shakeology and using the P90X Fitness program to reach your goals!

If you order your Shakeology on Home Direct- you get FREE SHIPPING, 2 Workout DVDs and a Shakeology cup! And if you don't love it you can cancel your Home Direct after the first shipment and send back the empty bag for a full refund! What do you have to lose?? Remember that if you don't LOVE your new program or Shakeology then you can return it within 30 days! 

At the end of the event their will be a drawing from the contestants for a free gift! ONE PERSON WILL WIN A GIFT THAT CONSISTS OF A PERSONAL BLENDER FOR YOUR SHAKE AND A SET OF BEACHBODY PUSHUP STANDS!!! You must COMPLETE the challenge to qualify for the giveaway! LETS GO!! 

Let me know if you have any questions!! And be sure to let me know if you want to be in this group. I only have 4 slots left, as I have already filled one. :)

Group #2- Starting December 1st- 

This workout program is to be decided (based on your input). I'm thinking Insanity, Lindsay Brin's 60-day slimdown (for those from the Operation: Get your body back group on facebook), or any other Beach Body program.

This group will be up to 5 people with the same idea as the group above. But the investment you will be putting in is $35 per month to be part of the group. That will be the only requirement (other than your serious commitment to use your money wisely and work hard). This group will also have a drawing at the end of the program. The prize will depend on what workout program the group does. It may just be a cash prize.

Both of these groups will have unlimited access to me and my fitness and nutrition coaching via email, facebook, and you will also have my cell phone number. I will hold you accountable, motivate, encourage, give nutrition and workout advice, and be there for any problems of questions you may have along the workout program. I want to help people on a smaller scale to truly succeed. Giving random advice is great, but doesn't target the person specifically and get to know them on a one on one level so that together, we can help you succeed.

For those not interested in a group at this time, or if they fill up and you aren't able to participate, I plan on starting more groups in the very near future. If you are interested, please let me know. Also know that I am offering personal coaching (without the group support of others doing your same workout) exclusively from me for the same price as above. $35 per month for unlimited access to me via email, text, and phone. Let me know if you are interested in anything above or have questions. I would love to answer them and help in any way that I can.

Also, if you already have a program and don't need to buy one, that is fine for either group. Again, let me know if youvare interested as soon as possible and I can give you more information on how to register for both groups. Participants will be chosen on a first come, first serve basis. So commit to getting healthy and get started!! You can do it!

Also, if you do want to participate, I will need to know some more information about you to be sure the program we will be doing will suit your needs. I may recommend another program for you, based on your individual goals. But we can always start a group for that program also. :) Let me know as soon as possible!

Tiffany Dansie

To check out my Beach Body's website, go to www.beachbodycoach.com/tiffanydansie

You can order anything from there that you need. Keep in mind, Beach Body has a lifetime guarantee, where you can replace a DVD for a lifetime if it gets scratched or ruined, you can send it back 10 years from now and they will mail you a new DVD. A great reason to purchase from Beach Body.