Happy OCTOBER!!
Today is not only a NEW day, but it also brings in the NEW month! There are many reasons why you may not think about eating healthy or exersizing right now. It is fall here in Minnesota, its starting to get cold, and we are all about layers, sweatshirts, and jeans. We are covering up our bodies, and also getting excited and in the mood for all those yummy fall treats.
As a Minnesotan, I am with you! I LOVE wearing my big thick sweatshirts and layers over layers, drinking hot apple cider, and making apple pies. Our family is even already making plans for Thanksgiving, and Christmas., which of course are HUGE feasts. Who wouldn't have a hard time staying motivated to workout and eat healthy? I know I have been. So here are a few healthier choices for you when you are craving those YUMMY snacks, drinks, and meals.
Gluten-Free (Organic) Apple Pie
Crust:
2 cups g-free all-purpose flour blend that does not contain xanthan gum
1/4 cup sweet rice flour (mochiko)
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
1. Mix flour blend, sweet rice flour, sugar, xanthan gum, and salt in medium bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
2. Make a well in center of mixture. Add eggs and vinegar. Stir together just until dough forms. Divide dough in half; shape into two flat discs. Refrigerate at least 45 minutes or until very cold.
3. Roll each piece of dough on floured surface to circle slightly larger than pie pan. (If dough becomes sticky, return to refrigerator until cold.) Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
Filling:
6 medium (organic) apples (Granny Smith is great), cut into 1/4 inch slices, peeled if you want
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 Tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca flour
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1. Prepare the pie crust. Generously butter a 9-inch pie pan. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Combine apples, sugar, cranberries, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon in large bowl. Toss gently.
3. Press one crust into prepared pan. Arrange apple mixture in crust. Place remaining crust over filling. Pinch edges of crust together; trim excess pastry. Cut slits in top of crust to vent steam.
4. Bake 12 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F. Bake 30-40 minutes or until apples feel tender when pierced with tip of sharp knife. Cool on wire rack.
Old Fashioned PeanutButter Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter (not the all-natural variety)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
- Heat oven to 350° F.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the peanut butter and sugars on medium-high speed until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low and beat in the eggs, baking soda, vanilla, and salt.
- Roll heaping tablespoonfuls of the dough into balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. With a lightly floured fork, press the dough to a ⅜-inch thickness, making a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie.
- Bake, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the edges are set, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool slightly on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Maple Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 4 large apples
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup (about 2 ounces) walnut pieces
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- Ice cream (optional)
Directions
- Heat oven to 400° F.
- Using a paring knife, remove the cores and trim about a 1/2-inch slice from the bottom of each apple, so they sit flat. Place the apples in an ovenproof skillet or 8- to 9-inch baking dish.
- Drizzle with the syrup. Divide the walnuts and raisins among the apples, filling the cavities, and place any extra in the dish. Dot the apples with the butter. Bake until tender, 40 to 50 minutes.
- If using a baking dish, pour the liquid from the dish into a skillet. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until it thickens slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the warm apples and serve with the ice cream, if desired.
I also wanted to post some motivation to keep you going and keep you on track, along with support.
Transformation:
This is Mandy Keel she won $10,000.
Mandy's first week of Power 90® was the hardest. The first day left her so sore that she wasn't sure she'd be able to continue one more day, much less another 89 days. However, her friends who had made it through the program encouraged her to Keep Pushing Play. By the time she and everyone around her started to notice changes in her appearance, Mandy knew that she could not only complete the program but that she wanted to start P90X® afterwards. In the end, Mandy's sweet tooth proved to be the most challenging obstacle to conquer, but since leaving her bad diet behind, Mandy's never looked back and she now enjoys her balanced diet even more than her old, more indulgent one. She lost 42 pounds and 8.8 inches off her waist alone, but it's not only about the weight loss—Mandy's lifestyle is completely different. She's got more energy and stamina than ever before and can now go hiking in the mountains around her house.
I dont know about you but those are AMAZING results she got from power90!!
***I like to use those as motivation and also post my next goal outfits! :) Below are two cute dresses I found to be appropriate for New years, and that gives me 92 days to REACH these goal dresses! :) Find a dres or outfit you want to fit into and post them! I would LOVE to see YOUR style. :)
Do you want support? Dont be shy I would love the company and the support myself! :)
New Challenge Starting October 7th!
Contact Info:
Stephanie Lapinski
Email: lapinski.steph@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephanielapinski12
webpages: www.beachbodycoach.com/stephlapinski
www.teambeachbody.com/stephlapinski
Instagram: @stephanielapinski
