Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes!

As of last Saturday, I've taken on a 28 day Vegan Challenge via Whole Foods.  This has forced me to try some new recipes and experiment in the kitchen.  I love it! Tonight I wanted something sweet, so I experimented with a strawberry cake mix I had in the pantry.

INGREDIENTS:

• strawberry cake mix
• egg substitute:  mix 3 T ground flax seeds with 9 T (approx 2/3 c) water until it gels
• 1/2 c cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1/2 c almond meal
• 1/2 c unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 c applesauce
• 2 t vanilla
• 1 c water (or more if your mix is too dry)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Grease 24 muffin tins (or 48 mini muffin tins) with coconut oil or spread.
3. Create your egg substitute with the flax seeds and water in a small bowl.
4. In a large bowl, blend cake mix, cocoa, almond meal, and unsweetened coconut together.  Add egg mixture, applesauce, vanilla and water.  Stir until blended, but do NOT overmix.  If your batter is too thick, carefully add a tablespoon or two of water at a time until batter consistency.
5.  Spoon out batter into muffin tins and bake for 18-20 min on 350.  (Test doneness by sticking a toothpick into the center.  If no batter sticks to the toothpick, cupcakes are done.)

These cupcakes are SO yummy & moist!  They are just under 100 calories for the large size and only 50 calories for the mini ones.  I like to make the mini ones and freeze them for a  quick 100 calorie or less snack.  (**I had to correct this post on the number of calories**)

I've been reading about how to make "buttercream" frosting with coconut oil instead of butter, but I don't have enough on hand to try that.  I guess I know what I'll be getting at the store next time!  (I'll update soon with a picture.)

Speaking of vegan recipes.....Beachbody has come out with a Tropical Strawberry Shakeology that will be available for purchase on Valentine's Day!  Contact me for more info or to be reminded of when it's available.

Coach Kelly's 30 Day Weight Loss Challenge!

This is a program designed for women who want to lose 40 pounds or more.  However, it's open to everyone!

I've decided to develop a program for people just like me.  In April 2011, I had a goal of 50 lbs to lose.  I know what it's like to look in the closet and just want to cry because nothing fits.  I know what it's like to get winded walking up stairs.  I know what it's like to feel guilt after gorging myself on bad food.  I know what it's like to make resolution after resolution....try diet after diet.........Now I'm happy to say that I'm down more than 40 and SO close to my goal! 

Begins: January 1, 2012
Ends: February 1, 2012

Guaranteed** results:
This will vary from person to person, but imagine yourself 10, 15, or even 20 lbs lighter. You’ll have more energy than you’ve had before…..you’ll need new clothes…and people will notice!

Requirements:
• Friend me on Facebook & post on my wall: "I want in the 30 Day Challenge!"

http://myshakeology.com/kellyabattles/

• Sign up for the Beachbody Challenge (Free!)
• Order Shakeology on HD* by December 20, 2011



What you get:
• 1 full meal replacement per day
• Shakeology recipes
• A beginner and intermediate workout
• Access to private FB group with daily inspiration
• Weekly phone calls from me to check your progress (we’ll set an appt. time)

Optional:
• Team Beachbody Club Membership ($38 for 3 months) – this will give you access to a personalized meal plan.
• Log your workouts into the Supergym online and be entered into the daily $500 drawing every time! (These don’t have to be the Shakeology workouts….log a 20 min walk!)
• Complete the Beachbody Challenge by sending in your results at the end of the 30 days and be entered to win up to $100,000 for your transformation!

BONUS: If we have a minimum of 8 participants, the person who logs the MOST workouts during the challenge wins $20 off Shakeology for February!

I was hesitant at first about promoting shakes to lose weight.  Personally, I have finally discovered that the secret to weight loss and long-term management is to change your lifestyle:  Exercise at least 3 times per week and eat healthy!  But when I signed up to be a Beachbody Coach, I decided to try Shakeology and see what all the fuss was about.

I must say.....Shakeology is amazing!  If you aren't eating right, or you're having difficulty with portion control, or you skip breakfast because you think it'll save you calories, then Shakeology is for you!  The ingredients are NATURAL.  My insides feel good when I have my Shakeology every morning.  It's easy.  It's convenient.  And you will feel different.  I promise!  And if that's not good enough, it comes with a "bottom of the bag" guarantee.  Seriously, you have nothing to lose but those excess pounds. 


*You can call and cancel autoship of Shakeology after your first shipment arrives to avoid any future charges, (by ordering it on “Home Direct” you receive FREE shipping & the FREE Shakeology workouts).
**If you are not satisfied with your results, you may contact Beachbody for a full refund (minus the shipping/tax) of your Shakeology order – yes, just send them the empty bag for your money back!

Regular Exercise + Healthy Diet = RESULTS!

Are you ready to make a change in your life?
Are you tired of feeling tired?
Want to get into the best shape of your life?  

Want to transform your body?
Want to win $100,000?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, it's time to get serious and join the Team Beachbody Challenge!

Go here to begin the challenge (click on the "Team Beachbody Challenge box on the right hand side)  and select your Challenge Pack (available during the registration process).  You can customize your pack to get you into the best shape of your entire life!

Have questions?  Feel free to leave a comment or email me: coachkellyabattles@gmail.com.  I'm here for you, because I've been there!  I've lost 43 lbs since April and gone from a size 18 to a 10!  I know this works.  It all boils down to a decision:  Are you really ready to make a change?  It's not a magic pill.  It's hard work:  exercise + healthy diet = RESULTS!  Trust me, it's worth it!