Shakeology 101

Protein and Essential Amino Acids can help you:
- Build and repair muscles
- Reduce hunger and food cravings
- Promote ideal blood sugar levels
- Support brain function to help promote alert thinking and positive mood
- Promote healthy skin, hair, and nails

and guess what... You get protein and amino acids in your daily serving of Shakeology!

Shakeology 101

One of Shakeology's superfoods is Kamut Grass... here are a few facts about this grain-
Kamut has a sweet or nutty flavor. Kamut has a higher nutritional value than wheat! It is considered a high-energy grain. Kamut is 2x larger than wheat and studies show it is is non-allergenic.

What can Kamut Grass do for you?
-40% more protein than wheat
-Higher in lipds than wheat
-65% more amino acids than wheat (tryptophan, leucine, tyrosine, alanine and glycine)
-More vitamins and minerals than wheat (Folic Acid, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C and E)
-30% more Vitamin E than wheat
-Cholesterol free
-Superior protein levels
-Cleanses the blood and detoxifies our cells to restore health and vitality.
-Effective therapy for ulcerative colitis (according to Israel Institute of Technology)
-Lightweight protein for vegetarians
-Anti-aging properties and the potential to normalize pH balance.

SHAKEOLOGY 101

WHAT IS SHAKEOLOGY?

Shakeology is the most delicious, nutrient-dense, superfood-packed protein shake on the planet.

It contains more than 70 natural ingredients derived from rich, nutrient-dense whole-food sources from around the world.
Shakeology is so incredibly healthy, no other single food item out
there can supply you with all the nutrients, vitamins, proteins, and
minerals in the amounts you need the way one delicious shake can.

Not only does it provide a wide range of essential nutrients from the fruits and vegetables you should be eating every day, you'll also reap the benefits of incredibly nutritious food you'd otherwise never have the opportunity to eat

Shakeology truly is NUTRITION SIMPLIFIED. I can't imagine not drinking it and I have NEVER felt better!

Shakeology 101

Did you know that Shakeology has 30+ super foods in just one serving?

These super foods come from all over the world including SACHA INCHI which is a plant that grows in the highlands of Peru. 

Not only is sacha inchi a super food but it is a great source of protein which makes this Shakeology ingredient twice as good for you.

-An organic vegetable protein that's easily assimilated
-Naturally rich in good fats and fiber, which help control your appetite
-Helps promote the body's natural anti-inflammatory response
-Has a high concentration of omega fatty acids—providing a perfect balance of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9

GIVEAWAY!

Okay everyone, I am so excited for this giveaway! One lucky winner will receive this cute jar with a chalkboard tag, along with 3 samples of Shakeology in the flavor of your choice!

Here is how this one is going to work. Everyday for the next 2 weeks you have a chance to enter your name into the drawing... this means 14 possible entries total if you participate every day! 

Since I am promoting a healthy lifestyle change I want you to post a picture on Instagram of a healthy choice you make that day. 

It can be anything like eating something healthy (a snack, dinner, lunch, anything), going on a walk, running, working out, anything active, drinking LOTS of water, getting 8 hours of sleep, or even throwing away those cookies in your cupboard. 

Get creative! 

Post your healthy lifestyle change pictures on Instagram, tag me in the photo @simplykatiegraham and use the hash tag #simplykatiegiveaway so I can see all your healthy changes! 

One entry per day. I will draw a winner on Monday, September 2nd.

Happy Instagraming and good luck!!

Powdered Organic Peanut Butter

I added a tablespoon of this powdered organic peanut butter to my Shakeology today. 

I am not going to lie, I was nervous about trying powdered peanut butter because I thought it would taste nasty, but seriously this blew me away! 

Same peanut butter taste in my shake without the extra calories and fat! 

Bye bye natural creamy peanut butter... hello powder! 

Seriously, if you drink a lot of shakes, go get this! 

I found mine at a health food store while in California this last weekend! 

Powder: 45 calories 
Natural creamy: 190 calories 
Powder: 90 mg sodium 
Natural creamy: 125 mg sodium 
Powder: 1.5 g fat 
Natural creamy: 17 g fat

Shape Tape

Have you heard of shape tape by Frogtape? Every time I pass this at Lowes I think to myself that I should get this. Finally, the other day Brian was at Lowes and picked some up for me. Such a good hubby! So I pulled out a few scrap pieces of wood from the mess in my garage and started crafting away. I had no idea what my plan was, I just picked a few colors from my stash of paints and started painting. 

Have any of you tried doing chevron print before? I have and it was a pain! On my old project, I wanted everything even, so I grabbed a ruler and started making staring lines. When all that was done I started making my diagonals to get the chevron shape. It was a pain and took forever! So Frogtape is genius for thinking of this shape tape! Seriously... it is so easy to use and saves so much time!

Here is what I did made with the tape...

1. First paint or stain your piece of wood and let dry. You can find pieces of wood like this at any craft or home improvement store. Use shape tape and cut to fit your piece of wood. Remove the back and stick to your dry piece of wood. Press down firmly all over the tape so the paint doesn't spread. 

2. Paint the areas that are not covered by tape. Make sure to cover everything completely. Then pull the tape off and let dry. 

3. While the paint dries, print a letter from your computer. My printer was out of ink so I traced it from the screen. Ghetto, I know! I didn't want to wait to get to the store to! So after I traced my letter I took some chalk and colored the back of the paper that my letter was on. Then I flipped it over, placed it on the spot that I wanted it and used a pencil to trace the letter. When you remove the paper you should see an outline of your letter. 

4. I used a small brush and painted in the outline of the letter. I also painted the sides of the wood with the same color as my letter. 

5. After letting the paint dry again, I painted the letter and sides with modge podge and covered in glitter. The modge podge will dry clear.

 That was it. This letter K is going into Kambree's room once I find some shelves to put in there. I also decided to do one with a G for our last name.  It was fun, quick, and easy! Plus, I have a ton left over for more projects. I love this tape and you can use it for so many fun and creative things!

Vitamix

Okay, so I have been doing some research in power blenders. Does anyone the Vitamix 6300 or Vitamix 750? Just curious what your opinions are! Or do you have another power blender that you like? What do you have and why do you like it?

Easy Chicken Tacos

I love making these tacos, they are quick, easy, and delish!

Easy Chicken Tacos

2-3 chicken breast (I use frozen)
Taco seasoning (recipe below)
Small corn tortillas
Shredded cheese
Shredded lettuce
Tomatoes
Fresh cilantro
Sweet chili sauce

Put 2-3 chicken breast in a pot of boiling water. Cook for 25 minutes or until cooked all the way through. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, place in a mixing bowl with 1/3 cup of water from the pan and 1 heaping Tbsp. of taco seasoning. Mix on high for about 20 seconds to shred and mix the chicken. In a hot frying pan with a little olive oil brown tortillas on both sides. Top tortillas with desired toppings.

Taco Seasoning 
(I like to double or triple the recipe to keep this on hand)

1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.

Progress Pictures

Saturday was the last day of my fitness challenge group, and we have to post before and after pictures. I am not where I want to be yet, but progress is progress.  I have lost 16 lbs and more than 12.5 inches. I am closer to my goal than I was 3 months ago. I am doing it the right way so I know this isn't coming back. Drinking my Shakeology, eating clean, and working out. This has seriously changed my life and I have more energy than ever! 

There are 2 weeks until my next challenge group starts. I can't wait and I am excited for the people that are already committed to this challenge. The daily motivation and accountability got me through these last 3 months! I have had the best time and have made great friends. If you are interested in changing your life then join my challenge starting August 19th. Let me know if your interested and I will send you info.

Greek Pasta Salad

So at the Zupa's VIP event I won a cook book for posting a picture of my salad on Facebook and Instagram. I love this cookbook because it is done by seasons. So I picked the first recipe that started in the Summer section. This is so good and light, perfect for a hot Summer day. I did add chicken to the recipe to make it more filling for my family since this was all we were eating tonight. I seasoned the chicken with salt and pepper then placed them in a hot pan with a little olive oil. Once they were done cooking, I let them cool then diced the chicken. You could also grill the chicken. 

That's it, quick and easy!  Enjoy!

Greek Pasta Salad:

SALAD

1/2 lb (1/2 box) whole wheat bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
1-2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 can chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained (I used the whole can)
1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and cut in half lengthwise
1/2 can (1 cup) artichoke hearts, drained and cut in half lengthwise
1 cup roasted red peppers (optional)
5-6 cups fresh spinach

GREEK VINAIGRETTE

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot minced (Next time I make it, I will use about 1/4 cup of red onion for a stronger taste)
1 Tbsp. fresh basil, minced
1 tsp. fresh oregano minced
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. agave nectar
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper
3/4 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS

*Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients except for the olive oil.
*Slowly whisk in 3/4 cup olive oil a little at a time
*Mix together all of the salad ingredients
*Slowly add vinaigrette to salad, just until it is coated. Toss well and serve