The Gang :: Updated!

You have probably already read our "About Us" page but a lot has changed in the lives of The Gang and we thought now would be the perfect time to give you a quick update!

Jim & Tiffany welcomed their baby boy, Bryce Timothy, on May 15th.  He was a healthy 19.5 in and 7.2 lbs.  He is just precious and we are so excited to add another one to "The Gang"!  Keep up with Tiffany on her personal blog, www.TiffanyStaples.com (you can also follow on Facebook).

Scott & Whitney started a new journey in their life as well.  Whitney recently obtained her personal training certification from ISSA.  They also made the decision it was time for her to resign from her position in insurance to pursue her dreams of being a trainer and online coach full time (here is her post on leaving her job to pursue her dreams).  Keep up with Whitney on her personal blog, www.WhitneyCarlson.com (you can also follow on Facebook).

Whitney was also featured as the "Success Story" in the June 2013 issue of Oxygen Magazine (here is her post on being in Oxygen Magazine)!  The issue will be on newsstands May 21st or you can subscribe here (it's one of our favorite magazines!).

What does this mean for you?  Stay tuned for some awesome things on the blog and also in-person!  We have a lot of big things planned!

We truly appreciate every email, message, and comment that we receive.  Our goal is to help as many people as possible live a clean and healthy lifestyle!  You can email us at thegang@heandsheeatclean.com with any questions.

- The Gang

The Gear :: Graduation Gift Ideas for the Health & Fitness Nut!

Need help finding that perfect gift for the graduate in your life?  We have complied a few of our favorites for you!

Are they the "fitness buff"?  Try a heart rate monitor or a duffel bag for the gym!

Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor

Nike Brasilia 5 Medium Duffel Grip

If they don't like to cook but are still concerned about their health, get them the Quest Variety Box for an easy, healthy snack!

Quest Nutrition - Quest Bar Variety Box of 12

The Vitamix is perfect for making protein shakes, smoothies, and slicing and dicing.  We even use ours for juicing!  It would be the perfect addition to their kitchen!

Vitamix 1782 TurboBlend

Vitamix not in the budget? Try the Magic Bullet!

Magic Bullet 17-Piece Express Mixing Set

And, of course, a new graduate will need a slow cooker.  They can throw their dinner in it and have it cook while they are working at their new job!

Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

Want to get them a gift that will make them think of you everytime it comes in the mail?  Try a subscription to Oxygen Magazine or Clean Eating Magazine!

Oxygen

Clean Eating

And, last but not least, a Clean Eating Cookbook!

The Best of Clean Eating

What else could you suggest for someone looking to get a graduation gift for a health & fitness "nut"?

- Whitney

Clean Eat Recipe :: Taco Soup

My mom always made this Taco Soup for us while we were in high school.  I think it is a Weight Watchers recipe but I am not positive.  It's delicious - try it out!

Ingredients:

1 lb extra lean ground turkey, grass-fed beef, or ground chicken breast

1 onion, chopped

1 pkg ranch dressing mix (make your own)

1 pkg taco seasoning mix (make your own)

1 can (16 oz) pinto beans, drained

1 can (16 oz) kidney beans, drained

1 can (16 oz) whole kernel corn

1 can (8 oz) rotel-style tomatoes

1 can (8 oz) diced tomatoes

Directions:

1. Brown meat & onions, drain

2. Mix ranch & taco seasonings into meat

3. Add the rest of the ingredients into mixture (you may also need to add a little bit of water)

4. Simmer for at least 1 hour (we let ours simmer in the crock pot but you could also cook in a large pan)

He & She Tip:  We usually double this recipe so we have leftovers for lunch during the week!

- Whitney

Clean Eat Recipe :: Make Your Own Ranch Seasoning Mix

We shared our Taco Seasoning Mix and now it's time for a Ranch Seasoning Mix!  In the past, I would use ranch packets to season meat until I actually became aware of the ingredients.  It's much easier and more cost-effective to make your own!  Not to mention, MUCH better for you!

Recipe from Bake Your Day

 

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp dried parsley

2 tsp dried dill

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp dried chives

pinch of salt

Directions:
1. Mix all spices together!

Makes the equivalent of two store bought packets.

He & She Tip: Use greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to make ranch dressing!

- Whitney