Vacations. BBQs. SummerTime.... Staying On Track!

How many of you have already attended a bazillion BBQs, birthday parties, graduation parties, company picnics, vacations, etc?! How many of you feel you need to go purchase a bigger belt!

Honestly, I find it so difficult to stay on track during these difficult times. As for an example today, I was invited to a birthday party. I went and really had no intentions on eating any cake. But, I did. The temptations got the best of me tonight, which is ok because I am human and I am not perfect BUT I will not let that happen every time I attend a party this summer!

I wanted to share with you all a few tips I put together for my current accountability groups! Staying on track during the weekends could honestly be a game changer for your journey! One tip that I did not put on this list below but I want to share with you all because I honestly think that it makes the biggest impact on your success... GO IN IT WITH A "CAN DO" ATTITUDE!

It is really that simple. When you focus on something and you believe that you are capable of achieving great things, you will do just that! You have to program your mind that you are able to achieve these goals!

So here are my 6 tips that I hope you find beneficial for staying on track during the weekends and all throughout this crazy, busy summer! :)

1. Don't Skip a Workout -- Honestly, it is so hard to just want to relax during on the weekends but even if it's a 20 minute walk around the neighborhood, a yoga class, or a bike ride! Just get moving!
2. Drink Water! -- Drinking water is so important. Staying hydrated is extremely vital for every bodily function. If you have too, set a reminder on your phone to get it in!
3. Get Outside -- Yes the outdoors are amazing! Go for a walk with your children, play outside with them, take the dogs for a walk... getting in fresh air can clear your mind and just make you happy overall!
4. Prepare for the week ahead -- I always spend my Sundays meal prepping. I will create my meal plan for the week with lunch, and dinner at home. It takes the guessing game out of work so when it comes Monday morning - you aren't thinking oh man, I forgot to get my lunch! No having to spend money out at the local Subway or restaurant! I also plan out a dinner menu with my husband so we aren't guessing on what to have and then get so frustrated we just go eat out (which truth be told... this does happen!)
5. Try something new - This can cover a wide variety of things.. a new outside activity, new recipe, new workout program, anything! Just try it. :) 
6. Evaluate your previous week - Take a moment to sit down. Think about what worked for you, and what didn't. What can you skip out on and what should you be doing more of!

I really hope that you find this beneficial. Feel free to share with any friends or family! Remember, be a weekend warrior and keep focused to achieving your goals even through these busy months of the year!

If you still find yourself with struggling to stay on track, feel free to contact me! I have an exclusive accountability group open to anyone and everyone! We share clean eating tips, recipes, tips to avoid the temptations at the summer BBQs, and the support is amazing! If you would like more information, please contact me: www.facebook.com/stephaine.clemmer!

Balsamic Chicken & Veggies Recipe

My husband and I have been looking for new recipes to try out and come to some sort of agreement since I am an extremely picky eater! Haha. So, we decided to try out this amazing looking recipe we found on Pinterest!! And to give credit, where credit is due -- I found it over on www.CookingClassy.com for sharing this delicious recipe!! I have to say it was definitely a hit for the husband and I!

So I wanted to share the recipe with you and hope you all enjoy it as much as I did! HOWEVER, we decided to switch up the veggies because we didn't have the asparagus and I don't like tomatoes! :)

"One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies"


Prep Time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 3-4 Servings
Cook Time: 13 Minutes

Ingredients you will need -- This is where you may want to modify to make it cleaner. I will most definitely be looking to use some other ingredients the next time around!

1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp Italian Dressing
3 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
1 1/2 Tbsp Honey
1/8 Tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (we added more to give it a little kick)
1 1/4 lbs chicken breast tenderloins (we used full chicken breasts)
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 lb Fresh Asparagus, trimmed of tough ends, chopped into 2-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups MatchStick Carrots
1 cup Grape Tomatoes, halved

****We used broccoli and carrots****

Directions:
1. Mix the salad dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey and red pepper flakes, set aside
2. Heat Olive Oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season Chicken with salt and pepper to taste, then place chicken evenly in skillet. Cook until thoroughly cooked. Add half the dressing mixture to skillet and rotate to coat the chicken evenly.  Remove chicken then add your choice of veggies. Season with Salt and Pepper to taste and cooking - stirring frequently. Cook until your desired tenderness.

Once completed, add the rest of the dressing into the skillet. Stirring consistently until thickened (about a 1 minute). This is where you can add the tomatoes to the other veggies and chicken, then drizzle the left over dressing mix over the top.

The taste was perfect! It was just want we were looking for. I recommend pairing it with a brown rice! The taste was similar to something you would find on a local Chinese Buffet BUT you know for sure what you are putting in your foods, and it more than likely has less calories!

Hope you all enjoy! :)
(recipe credit: www.cookingclassy.com)