40 Days of Faith and Fitness Challenge

I am looking for a group of 10 ladies who want to support one another on a 40 day journey to getting healthy and fit, while also strengthening their faith.

This is normally the time of year where we let ourselves go overboard with all the delicious food, we're too busy to workout and with all of the parties, shopping and gift-giving, we can forget to really celebrate what Christmas is all about in the first place... CHRIST!

With this challenge, I hope to help bring you the most healthy, happy and hopeful holiday season ever! Are you ready, because I know I sure I am!! Let's do this together! Let's end the year strong, so that we can set ourselves up for the best year yet, in 2016!

You will receive:

*30 Minute daily workouts
*30 nutrient dense meals
*Healthy meal plan
*Recipes
*Support and Accountability
*Private Online Coaching
*Faith Building Activities and Bible Verses
*AND SO MUCH MORE!

...and did I mention that everything is done online. So you can join us from anywhere, anytime... whatever works best with your schedule!

For more information or to reserve your spot, fill out the application below:

My Dream Job: Want to Get Healthy, Fit, Help Others & Work from Home?? Sounds Too Good to Be True, Doesn't it?

When I feel like my life starts to go off track, there's always one thing that I rely on to help me find my way.... I pray! I remember, about 2 years ago, I had everything in the world that I had ever wanted and I still felt like something was wrong... something was missing. I was a stay-at-home mom, with 3 beautiful children and a husband who loved and provided for us all.

I wasn't sure what was missing, but I could just FEEL that I was supposed to be doing something bigger with my life. I wanted to feel like I was making a difference in the world, somehow. Being a mother was my ultimate dream come true, but as my fellow mommies probably know... you still need "YOU TIME". You need that time to yourself to focus on YOU for a change. We need to take care of ourselves and continue to find things that make us happy, aside from parenting. We all know when mom is happy, then everyone is happier, right!?

So, I remember that I was having a tough day at home with the kids and I just broke down and started crying. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, I felt guilty because I wasn't the happy, energetic mommy that I had always envisioned being for my kids and I felt lost. So I did what I always do and I prayed to God to help me find my happiness again. I knew something needed to change, but I didn't know how or what it was that I needed to do... so I left it in God's hands and hoped for some kind of answer!

The very next day, an old friend of mine messaged me on Facebook asking me if I was ready to join this health and fitness challenge group that she had been inviting me to for over a year. I told her the same old excuse that I always had and was like, "look... I WISH I had the time to workout and learn how to meal plan and set all these goals for myself, but I have 3 kids at home and DON'T HAVE TIME!!" I literally couldn't find the time to shower most days, so working out everyday was a joke!

Then she told me that there was actually a brand new workout, T25, by the guy that did the Insanity programs... the catch... ALL the workouts were only 25 minutes long! That's it! Okay... so the whole, "I don't have time excuse" was kind of out the window now. Because to be honest, after I put the kids to bed at 8pm every night, I sat up until 10 or 11PM watching The Kardashians or whatever other celebrity drama came on tv at that time. Hmmmm.... mayyybe I could find 25 minutes for me?! I didn't see how this was going to be as life-changing as I had hoped, but then she told me about something else that caught my interest!

She told me that I could actually become a 'Coach' and make some extra money from home by helping other people join me on my journey with this whole T25 and Shakeology challenge. Hmm... this is when the light bulb went off. This was when I remembered my breakdown from the day before. The tears, the feeling of being exhausted, knowing I was meant for something bigger for me and my family... that's when I realized that God was answering my prayer! I didn't hesitate for another moment. I told her to sign me up then and there and she did!

From that day on, I haven't looked back! I started the workouts and shakes about a week later, was added to a group full of some of the most motivating and inspiring women who were from all walks of life, at different points in their journey, with different goals and different workouts, but we all had one thing in common... we wanted to be better, inside and out, and we wanted to help pay that forward and help as many other people that we could along the way.

I can say, with 100% confidence, that I made the right choice that day to take a leap of faith and join this Beachbody family of mine. I also know that God put this opportunity in front me, just like I'm putting it right here in front of you, for a reason! I have changed so much over the past 2 years, not even just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, socially... I have a huge, extended family full of positive, happy, like-minded people who I can totally relate to. We share our struggles, we share our successes, we change lives... starting with our own.

If coaching is something that you would like to know more about or you think that you'd be a good fit, then don't hesitate to shoot me a message. I will be doing a 5 day sneak peek on Monday so that you can learn all the details, ask questions, see how we make money and SO MUCH MORE, so be sure to let me know if you want to be added to the private group! smile emoticon

Work From Home, Spend More Time With Your Kids and Get Fit: Accepting Applications

Do you hate leaving your little one(s) to go to work on Mondays?

Or maybe you're a stay-at-home mom who has completely lost herself in the busy life of a MOMMY!

Regardless of which end you're on, I think that all of us moms can agree that we want to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be, for our kids.  We want to have the energy to run around with them, chase them through the yard, play tag and catch fireflies!

We want to be positive *ROLE MODELS* for our kids and teach them how to stay active, fit and eat healthy so that they can live long, healthy, happy lives.  Children are like sponges and are watching our every move!  If we aren't taking good care of ourselves, then what makes us think that they will learn to do the same for themselves?

Well ladies, this is where I offer to help you become that mom that you've always wanted to be!  I know how you feel right now, because I used to be in your very same shoes!  I was losing myself and my personal identity in my role as "mom" and I wasn't taking good care of myself.  My needs came last and I felt completely selfish if I made time for ME!  But I've found that when mom's happier, everyone's happier!

When I finally decided to take matters into my own hands, get a little bit outside of my comfort zone and make my health, fitness and financial situation a priority, it completely changed my life as a mom, wife and friend!  I became happier, full of energy, financially set and all the while, getting to stay at home with my children everyday and see them grow!  I wouldn't want to miss those first steps for the world! My babies are my #1 and always will be!  But now I get to feel like the #1 mom that they deserve, as well!

If you're interested in learning more about what I do from home and would like to apply for a spot in my next online apprenticeship, where I will mentor you one-on-one and teach you how you can build your own successful business from home, working part time hours while getting in the best shape of your life, then please fill out the application below.  Spots are limited each month, but I will be happy to get you started as soon as possible.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at Crystal.Laiti@yahoo.com also.

Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms Recipe -- 21 Day Fix Approved

Alright... you guys asked for it, so here it is!!! The most delicious stuffed portabella mushrooms around!  What I loved most about these babies was that they were super quick and easy to prepare and cook! In this house, time is of the essence! So with that in mind, I'm just going to cut to the chase for you and get down to the nitty gritty... after all, the whole reason you're here is to get the recipe, right?

So, there are actually 2 ways you can make these... the healthier version and the easier, even quicker version.  One is for meat lovers, the other for carb lovers (I must admit... I'm guilty! I love my carbs!  Luckily in the 21 Day Fix meal plan, you're allowed carbs... just proper portions per day!)

Okay, now I'm rambling... so here go:

That super quick and easy (not quite as healthy version) of the ones that I made:

Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms:

Ingredients:

1 box of Stove Top Stuffing (or you can make your own healthier stuffing HERE)

2 tbsp margarine or butter.

4 Large Portabella Mushrooms.

1 tbsp olive oil.

Mozarella Cheese (or whatever kind of cheese you prefer).

1/2 cup diced tomatoes.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Prepare stuffing as directed on box, adding the diced tomatoes.

Remove stems from mushrooms.

Brush with olive oil.

Fill mushrooms with stuffing mixture.

Cook for 15 minutes and then add cheese to top and broil for 2 minutes until melted.

And TA DA!!! There you have it!  Some of the most delicious stuffed portabella mushrooms you've ever had and in no time at all!

21 Day Fix: 1 Serving: 1 Mushroom = 1 green, 1 yellow, 1 blue, 1/2 orange

GROUND TURKEY STUFFED PORTABELLA MUSHROOMS:

Ingredients:

4 large portabella mushrooms 

1 cup cooked brown rice

1 lb lean ground turkey

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 can diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning

Tomato sauce, enough to cover the bottom of a casserole dish plus a few tablespoons extra

2 tbsp canola oil or olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Shredded cheese (I used mozzarella)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Remove stems from mushrooms.

Brush with olive oil (just thin layer over entire mushroom).

In a pan, add oil and sautee the onions until translucent {5-7 minutes}. Add minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Then add the ground turkey and brown.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground turkey, brown rice, diced tomatoes, and a couple tablespoons of tomato sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Scoop the mixture into each mushroom and place into casserole dish with a layer of tomato sauce covering the bottom.

Cover with tinfoil and cook for 20 minutes.  Then  remove foil, add cheese and broil for 2 minutes to melt.

Let cool and ENJOY!

21 Day Fix: 1 serving, 1 mushroom= 1 green, 1 red, 1 blue, 1/2 orange

*You can also use this same recipe for stuffed peppers!  Just cut them in half, remove seeds and fillings, fill em' up and cook em'!

Just click here for more of my favorite recipes, including Chicken Marsala, skinny crock pot enchilada soup and honey dijon and garlic salmon... just to name a few! ;)

xoxo,

Crystal

Find me here, also:

Facebook: Crystal Laiti: The Motivating Fit Mom

Instagram: @Motivating_Fitmom  and @Crystal_Chelle

Beachbody Coach: Want to join my Online Coach Apprenticeship or Bikini Body Bootcamp?

Join my FREE 7 Day Clean Eating 101 Informational Group

So if you missed my last FREE 7 Day Clean Eating 101 Group, then you're in LUCK, because I will be running these groups monthly! (Next one starts tomorrow, Monday June 15th) If you haven't joined yet, here's the link>>>

REQUEST TO JOIN BETWEEN June 15-22!

I will be providing you all with some great information and educating you on how you can eat clean and adapt to a healthy lifestyle on a budget. 

I will be going over a lot of great information, including: 

*What is 'Clean Eating'?
*What foods you SHOULD eat
*What foods you should AVOID
*Grocery Lists/Meal Plans
*Shopping on a Budget
*Meal planning tips and tricks
*Healthy recipes for you to try ......and MORE!! 

This is a totally FREE group, offered to anyone and everyone who could benefit from this information! 

There will also be a chance for you to win an **AWESOME** prize at the end (worth $50) as well as a spot in my next 7 day challenge, which will have VERY limited space available!! 

So for each person that you add or invite to this group, you will get a name put into the drawing.  The more people you add to the group, the better chances you have of winning this awesome chance to participate in my next group!  (I will give you more details on the PRIZES as we go, but I don't want to spoil the surprise quite yet!)

TO JOIN, just click the link below and click the JOIN button in the group>>

  FREE 7 DAY CLEAN EATING 101 INFORMATIONAL GROUP

Feel free to SHARE this post to invite all your friends! The more, the merrier! #EatClean #GettingHealthy

Healthy Sauteed Garlic Spinach Recipe

This is seriously one of the easiest, quickest, most delicious sauteed spinach recipes ever!  To be honest, I was never a big fan of spinach, before.  It's just one of those foods that gets a bad rep when you're a kid, right!?  Kind of like brussels sprouts! I don't ever remember eating either of them as a kid, but for some reason, as a young adult, I would just automatically get this kind of yucky look on my face when someone would mention eating one of them.  It was like a conditioned response that I just learned over the years after hearing so many people talk about how they didn't like it. 

Well, let's fast forward to today... I freaking LOVE both of these veggies!!  ESPECIALLY if you cook them just right!  My husband and I love going to Maggiano's Little Italy, because that was where he took me on my first date.  It's also where he took me the day that he decided to propose to me, so the place holds a special place in my heart!  

A few weeks ago, we went there for a nice date night (which was much needed since we now have 4 little munchkins at home)... and I asked to substitute SPINACH for whatever side dish came with my meal... BEST DECISION EVER!!! This spinach was freaking AMAZING!!! (like so amazing that I had to shove my husband's fork off my plate numerous times throughout dinner because he was trying to steal it from me! haha)

So I did a little researching and a little experimenting and this is the recipe that I came up with as the official "Maggiano's copy cat sauteed spinach recipe".  Like I said... super quick and easy and there's really not much to it!  Check out the recipe, below!! Let me know what you think if you give it a try!!!

SAUTEED SPINACH:

Serves 6

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
20 ounces fresh spinach
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper


Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until beginning to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add spinach and toss to coat. Cover and cook until wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add lemon juice, salt and crushed red pepper. Toss to coat and serve immediately.


Check out some of my other healthy recipes:

Crisp Parmesan Zucchini and Squash Sticks

Honey Dijon and Garlic Salmon

Peanut Butter and Banana Breakfast Cookies

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Broccoli over Rice

Frozen Yogurt Bark with Strawberries and Pistacchios

Frozen Yorgurt Cupcakes

Skinny Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup

ENJOY!!!!

A Preview of Shaun T's new CIZE Dance Workout: Mom Style

So today I got to try out 'Cize', Shaun T's newest dance workout that's coming out next month and I freaking LOVE it!!! As you can see, my dancing skills are a bit rusty, but who cares!!?...I worked up a sweat and had a blast doing it, which is really all that matters, right??!!  

Any of my challengers who have the Beachbody Club membership can get on and try out this workout now On Demand! Definitely let me know what you think if you try it out! And anyone who wants to know more about the actual workout program, shoot me a message and I can get you on a list so you can be one of the first to try it out!! Or fill out the application below to apply to be one of the first official CIZE challengers and try the program before anyone else.

Healthy Recipe: Crisp Parmesan Zucchini and Squash Sticks

BAKED PARMESAN ZUCCHINI & SQUASH STICK RECIPE

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME: 30 MINUTES

YIELDS: 4 SERVINGS

These crisp, crunchy zucchini and squash sticks are seriously one of my favorite side dishes! Not only are they delicious and healthy, but they're super quick and easy to make! Even the kids will enjoy these babies! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 zucchinis & 2 squash, quartered lengthwise
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place on a baking sheet; set aside. (don't forget to use the cooling rack over your baking sheet to place your zucchinis/squash, or else the veggies will be limp and soggy, rather than crisp and crunchy))
• In a small bowl, combine Parmesan, thyme, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste.
• Place zucchini onto prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan mixture. Place into oven and bake until tender, about 15 minutes. Then broil on top rack for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown.
• Serve as soon as they're finished and add a garnish of parsley if you'd like.

*And be sure to really keep an eye on them once you switch your oven over to broil. Leaving them in for just one minute too long will burn the Parmesan cheese on top! (I was guilty the first time around, but you live and you learn, right!?)  Hopefully you will learn from my mistakes!

But these really are delicious! Be sure to comment below and let me know what you think!

I found this recipe over at Damn Delicious! Definitely check out her website! She's got TONS of great recipes!

What Does a Beachbody Coach Do? How much Money do Beachbody Coaches Make? Get a Sneak Peek into the Business!

Have you seen posts about these Health & Fitness Challenge Groups that I do and wonder what exactly I do as an online health and fitness Coach?  Curious how I make money doing it and what kind of money you can make doing this part-time or even full-time?  

Well, I am super excited to start my *OPEN HOUSE* group on Tuesday, May 26th where you can have a glimpse into what exactly I do as a coach, how I make money doing it and get all of your questions answered.

It's been such an amazing experience that I feel like I would be selfish not to share the opportunity with you all and it is something that I am very passionate about!

If you want to join the informational group, simply click the link below and join. Feel free to also invite any friends or family members who you think may be interested in making some extra money from home, helping others and/or starting their own business while improving your own health and fitness at the same time.

My only regret with becoming a coach so far has been that I didn't get started sooner!!

What you need to know BEFORE becoming a Beachbody Coach!!

Interested in Joining my Team? Fill out the Coach Application below and I will contact you with details!

Try Shakeology for 7 Days -- Free Sample included

I've heard too many people tell me that they just don't have the money to spend on Shakeology®! And believe me, I totally get it, because I used to say the same thing...and then I tried it and haven't gone a day without it in almost 2 years!

I love this stuff for so many reasons!!

1.  I'm a busy mom, so any meal I can blend up in 60 seconds is a winner!

2. ShakeO gives me more energy than my morning coffee (plus there's no crash)

3. It's ALL natural, organic, gluten and soy free, no artificial sweeteners and is packed full of heathy ingredients like Chia, Acai, quinoa, flax, maca root and so many more! (70+ SUPERfoods, baby!) Oh and did I mention you can say goodbye to your daily vitamin!?

4. It's given my metabolism a boost like I've never experienced before! Adding a shake to my daily routine allows me to get in those 5 smaller meals a day vs. just 3 bigger ones. ('Hasta la vista' Baby weight!)

Okay, okay...I could go on and on with why I love this stuff, but it won't help you out at all unless you actually get to experience it for yourself! So this is where you can take advantage of this opportunity to try it out for a whole week for just $35!! Watch the video for all the details and let me know if you want into my group! I only have a limited number of samples, so please message me ASAP if you want in!

I can't wait for you to try it!! I know you'll love it as much as I do after you see and feel the benefits of it!! I'm so much healthier and in better shape AFTER kids (4 now) than I was BEFORE kids and I owe a lot of my progress to Beachbody and especially Shakeology!!

My email is Crystal.Laiti@yahoo.com.  Please email me or fill out this form here if you're interested!

Honey Dijon and Garlic Salmon Healthy Dinner Recipe -- 21 Day Fix Approved

Honey Dijon and Garlic Salmon

What you need: 

-1-1 1/2 lbs. fresh salmon (cleaned, pin-bones removed)

-3-4 cloves garlic

-2-3 tbsp. parsley, finely chopped

-3 tbsp. honey dijon mustard.. (I used 2 tbsp. dijon mustard and 1 tbsp. honey)

-Juice of half a lemon

-pinch of sea salt

-1/8 cup olive oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 and line the baking sheet with tin foil. Set aside.

In a bowl mix together honey dijon mustard, juice of half a lemon, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and sea salt. Whisk together. 

Cut the salmon into preferred portion sizes. Top with the mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes.--Keep an eye on it! 

Serve with your favorite sides! (I cooked up some squash and zucchini with onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme and sea salt! Yummy!)

Yummmmmmy!!! Can't you just taste it already?  I love salmon... and this is so simple to make!! Takes 30 minutes from start to finish!! Plus it's super healthy and 21 Day Fix approved, so you can feel good about eating it!! (especially if you go for extras like I did tonight!) ;)  

Just click here for more of my favorite recipes, including Chicken Marsala, skinny crock pot enchilada soup and honey dijon and garlic salmon... just to name a few! ;)

xoxo,

Crystal

Find me here, also:

Facebook: Crystal Laiti: The Motivating Fit Mom

Instagram: @Motivating_Fitmom  and @Crystal_Chelle

Beachbody Coach: Want to join my Online Coach Apprenticeship or Bikini Body Bootcamp?

Surround Yourself With Positive People -- Why I Love Being a Beachbody Coach!

"Choose your friends with care - they create the environment in which you will either thrive or wilt. Give everyone the opportunity to be a friend, but share your dreams and goals only with those who value them as much as you do."

In our everyday life we are surrounded by a variety of people. Some of the people we deal with on a daily basis are a joy to be with, and their loving presence nurtures and encourages us. Others may have the opposite effect: draining us of our energy, making us feel tired and exhausted through constant emotional bullying and manipulation. We must refuse to allow ourselves to be treated poorly. Our well-being is definitely easily influenced by those around us, and if we can keep this in mind, we will have greater insights into the quality of our social interactions and their effect on us.

Once we think more deeply about the people we interact with, it becomes easier for us to work toward filling our lives with people who help us to cultivate healthy and positive relationships. That's one of the many reasons that I love my Beachbody family. Today, I surrounded myself with 500 other positive, encouraging, fun coaches!!

I also had the honor of meeting 3 amazing ladies, and fellow moms, who I have looked up to since I began my business. They were honestly the sweetest, most beautiful women, inside and out, who have built super successful Beachbody businesses, by simply helping others and going for their dreams. They are women that I aspire to be like and I am already counting down the days until I get to join them again, along with some of my own coaches in Nashville!! I'm sure some of you may be tired of hearing about Beachbody, but I am that passionate about the opportunities it has presented me with and the huge support network of other coaches! It's one of hose things where you can't truly understand until you're a part of it and can experience it for yourself.

PS- Do you just love the sneak peek workout from Shaun T's Cize program that's coming out this summer??? So.MUCH.FUN!!!!

A video posted by 💕Ꮯ Ꮢ Ꮍ s Ꮖ Ꭺ Ꮮ * Ꮮ Ꭺ Ꭵ Ꮖ Ꭵ💕 (@crystal_chelle) on Apr 26, 2015 at 6:18pm PDT

Cize is the BEST Dance Workout by Shaun T! Workout and Lose Weight While you Break It Down!

Ahhhh!!! I am seriously SOOO EXCITED about this new dance workout program that's coming out soon!! If you know me, you know that I LOVE me some Shaun T!! His Focus T25 program was what started my whole Beachbody journey!

If you're interested in being one of the first to try out this program when it's released and joining my exclusive test group later this summer, please leave me your information in the form below so I can contact you with the details.