Roasted Root Vegetables and Garbanzo Beans - easy version

I promise this is WAY easier and WAY tastier than you think!

Roasted Root Vegetables and Garbanzo Beans

10 carrots, peeled and cut into about 1 inch pieces

10 medium red potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 red onion, cut to chunks

1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

olive oil to preference (about 1/2 C)

Italian seasonings spice blend (about 2 tsp)

Sea salt to taste (1-2 tsp)

Super simple.  Just throw the ingredients into a large bowl and toss to coat with the oil and seasonings.  Pour onto a sprayed sheet pan and bake at 400º for an hour, turning every 20 minutes.  You can bake more or less for your favorite texture.  I turned on the convection fan when I turned it the first time, so had convection running for 40 minutes.  The serve steaming hot!  

Before

So pretty!

I kept picking at this, snitching tastes before we sat down.  Vegetarians and meat eaters at my table both finished their plates without argument.  This was my answer to the traditional pot roast dinner as I'm focusing on making more meatless meals.  I've heard of roasting garbanzo beans (otherwise known as chic peas).  Potatoes have protein, but to add more I threw the garbanzos in and it's a delicious win!  And so simple that my kids can easily make it.  

I did not add Blendfresh to this recipe since I had already had a huge smoothie earlier in the day, but it would be very easy to sprinkle on Green right as it came out of the oven, or Orange if you were doing just a pan of roasted carrots.  Blendfresh adds such good flavor (and nutrition), but this time I was more focused on making sure this passed for a new comfort food recipe than experimenting.

As a bonus, I felt like a total 1960's home-maker as I peeled potatoes and carrots.  Good old-fashioned workin' in the kitchen.  It made me realize how long it's been since I actually did that simple task.  Plan for half an hour of peeling and chopping, and just enjoy the process.  If you finish early then celebrate.

While I was at it, I ate a big, long carrot once I peeled it.  I totally felt like a kid again.  Baby carrots just cannot take the place of a ten inch crunchy snack!  Long live old school nutrition!

The Blendfresh Business Opportunity from Blendtec

It is said the first half of your life you try to make a living, 

and the second half of your life you try to make a difference.  

Why not do both right now?

Click here for the video

Blendfresh by Blendtec is the first business opportunity ever to be centered around healthy, clean eating and real, raw, whole foods.  Combine a consumable product like groceries bought every day, with an internationally known, long lasting brand like Blendtec and you have the ULTIMATE OPPORTUNITY!  Right now you can position yourself perfectly for success by becoming one of the first consultants in the "pre-launch" phase of this amazing opportunity!

Yes, I want to become a Consultant!

(Click to get started)

Tell me more...

Blendtec is the maker of the most advanced blenders in the world.  They have just spun off a new sister company called Blendfresh, with the beginning pre-launch phase in July of 2014.  Blendfresh features a line of raw, whole food powders that are pesticide free, non-GMO, organic, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free and cheaper than fresh produce.  Wow!  

Health is trending right now.  Combine a high demand, consumable product (food), with huge savings on the best kitchen appliance that exists (Blendtec blenders), and you get a total win.  As soon as I heard about this program I said "I'm in!  Now give me the details".

Here's how it works.  Most people already know they need to improve their diet.  The proof is everywhere.  They don't do it because changing your diet for the better is hard.  BLENDFRESH IS THE EASIEST WAY TO EAT HEALTHY EVERY DAY.

Blendfresh takes raw fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds and sprouts, and they "Fresh Dry" them at low temperatures to preserve nutrition and enzymes.  Entire clean crops are used (benefiting organic farmers) and the produce is made into a whole food pulp where only seeds and stems are removed.

Next they make the pulp into a powder that can be added to any meal or smoothie.  The process uses light instead of heat to protect fragile nutrients. We are only just discovering all the fun ways to use it!  Not just for nutrition, but chefs and caterers are looking at Blendfresh as an easy way to add enhanced flavor to their recipes.  As a consultant you will receive commission on every bottle sold.

Once people understand the amazing value of Blendfresh foods, you have a unique chance to offer them a huge savings on a Blendtec blender.  Customers can save up to $900 off retail prices!  (depending on the model purchased).  Blendfresh pays weekly commissions on blenders and Blendfresh foods.  Customers qualify for this savings based on subscribing to Blendfresh foods for one year.  People buying blenders will naturally also buy produce , so why not help them get the best produce at a savings?  And secure a loyal customer for yourself for a year in the process.  Click here to see how this works.

Up front commissions are just the first way to earn with Blendfresh.  Because health is such a personal subject, Blendtec felt the best way to teach people to change their dietary habits was to connect on a personal level.  As consultants we really do consult with those in our circle to help them making lasting healthy changes, sharing recipes and supporting in groups and challenges.

As people get healthy, the word spreads and the most lucrative part of the Blendfresh opportunity comes from building a team of people carrying forward the mission of improved health, worldwide.  The chart below showcases the bonuses that stack up beyond commissions to give you a sizable income.

Compared to other compensation plans, this is amazing!  25% commissions on the first order, then 5% on every level 7 levels deep, and then bigger bonuses kick in.  There are bonuses for keeping your customers active, bonuses for rank advancement, and bonuses to reward you for maintaining your rank so that your own Blendfresh is paid for by the company after just three months on one of the first levels (Trainer)!   This would be good by itself, but this is the only opportunity where you can build a large product flow quickly because your customers continue purchasing for a year.  They get a great value on a piece of hardware like Blendtec, and that let's your business grow quickly on subscription orders because you are not having to replace lost customers.  Take a look.

If you like the sound of this and need more information click here for everything else you'll need to know. Your commitment as a consultant is just a $35 fee per year and $69.98 each month in Blendfresh product purchases.  There are no sales quotas or stock to keep.

If you like the idea of Blendfresh, and would like to save money on the product, but don't wish to share as a consultant right now, just sign up as a Blendfresh Club member instead.  You get the same product prices as a consultant and pay just a $10 lifetime fee to be a member, no monthly product purchase commitment.

 Click here to sign up

My team at the Blendfresh 2014 Summit one month after I signed up - I'm far left)

Why join my team?  

1.  Connection.  A wonderful thing about this opportunity is how new it is.  So far there are only a handful of power hitters who can see the vision of where this opportunity is going.  I am one of them.  I live within 20 miles of the Blendtec factory and often teach evening classes in their kitchen.  All the Blendfresh vice-presidents know me by name and we have each other's personal cell numbers.  When there is something new coming out, I am one of the first to know about it.  As the company grows, I have been invited to strategic meetings to help shape policy.  I am your connection.

2.  Leadership.  My background is wellness and marketing.  I have been teaching fitness classes (Zumba, Insanity, PiYo pilates yoga fusion, AFAA certified group exercise instructor, UVU continuing ed) for years.  Nutrition has been my hobby for about 20 years, and I embraced the raw and vegetarian lifestyles, learned about them and incorporated them into my family life (I consider myself flexitarian now).  This background gives me a lot of information on how to present the products themselves and help combat dietary and habit obstacles people face, as well as being able to better help my students through diet. 

I started and ran the Costco Wholesale wellness program for over 300 employees, started my own essential oils bath and body company, complete with warehouse and nationwide customers and did all the marketing there.  I did marketing for two other companies and achieved Diamond rank twice as a Beachbody Coach, earning their company trips and perks.  I know fitness and nutrition, I know marketing, I know leadership.  And I've broken this Blendfresh business down into bite sized chunks so you can know exactly what to do that will help your business grow the fastest.  My team is rank advancing each month and it's exciting and fun to be a part of it!

Marketing.  While there are a few emerging leaders, most use the home party method.  I am a mother of four and the time I take to my business is precious, so I want it to be as efficient as possible.  While I am familiar and capable with home parties and expos, my preferred method of growing my Blendfresh business is marketing online.  It doesn't have to be expensive, and is what I teach my team.  I feel it's the best way to leverage our time.  People everywhere are on their phone, so that's where I want to be!  I would love to include you as part of our team and show you how you can make your own dreams come into your life through increased health, income, and making a difference for others.

Click here to join my Power Smoothie Team

If you have additional questions please email me at jenn@coachjenngibbs.com .  I can't wait to meet you and see how exciting it will be to work with you!  Together we can make a lifelong impact for ourselves, our families, and for those we can influence.  See you soon!

Just Fudge It!

Just Fudge It!

1 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

2 C chocolate chips

1 cube butter

1 tsp vanilla

1 scoop Blendfresh Sprouted Fiber Blend

1 C broken walnuts (optional)

Microwave ingredients and pour into a 11x7 pan lined with foil that is sprayed with non-stick spray.  Refrigerate until cool, then peel the foil from the back and cut into small pieces.  This is definitely a treat to be enjoyed in small amounts and shared.  It is more filling than most fudge (because of the fiber), so there is a natural tendency to be satisfied more quickly and eat less.  Whew!

Ok, I promise that's the last treat recipe for a while, but I had to sneak it in cuz the picture I took was too perfect!  Happy New Year!

Scottish Toffee Pudding Cake

Scottish Toffee Pudding Cake

1C pitted dates

1 C water

1 tsp baking soda

Combine above ingredients in your blender jar and blend until smooth, then extra 90 seconds (or use Hot Soup setting on your Blendtec).  Then add to jar:

1/4 C butter (1/2 stick)

3/4 C sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla

Blend until creamy and lastly add:

3/4 C flour

 and blend just until mixed.  It should be thin like batter.

Pour into a greased 11x7 pan and bake at 350º for 30-40 minutes.

When it's done, set the cake to cool for a few minutes while you make the toffee sauce (below).  Once a little cool, slice the cake into about one inch cubes.  Separate cake pieces with a fork to pour the sauce in between each one and around the edges.

"The Sauce"

3/4 C brown sugar

1/2 C butter (1 stick)

3/4 C heavy cream

Add above ingredients to sauce pan and heat until thick without boiling.  If you have any sauce left over after pouring between the pieces, just pour it on top.  If you make and slice the cake ahead of time, you can make it piping hot again if you pour the sauce on it just before serving.  Optionally, you can save some sauce to do a drizzle on the plate as well.  For the photo above, I did a drizzle with some of the heavy cream that was left.

Note:  I love this recipe.  It is an old, Scottish family recipe of Chef Brad, the Grain Chef who I met at the BYU Education Week classes on whole grain nutrition.  He has many great recipes,and most of them are much healthier!  I actually attended a private cooking class at the Bosch Kitchen Center with a personal trainer friend when this was revealed.  Fun memories.  

There's no question that this is a "treat" best made only once or twice a year.  I have tried to modify it and make a healthier version, but it's my family's consensus that it's just not worth it.  The Sauce really can't be modified well, and using whole grain flour instead just changes the texture.  My advice: make this as dessert, THOROUGHLY ENJOY YOUR SMALL PORTION, and invite friends  over to help you finish it so it doesn't stay in your kitchen after that first night.

If you want to feel a little better about it, add a scoop of Blendfresh Green to the batter (you won't taste it with everything else going on), and when your done, drink a tall glass of water with a scoop of Blendfresh Spouted Fiber Blend to bind with some of the fat and minimize the damage!

And Bliadhna Mhath Ùr (Gaelic for Happy New Year!)

Better-than-other Cranberry Sauce

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

1 C water

3/4 C sugar

3 C fresh cranberries

1 scoop Blendfresh Reds (optional, but tastes better!)

Zest of 1 orange

In a medium sauce pan bring water and sugar to boil.  Add fresh cranberries and reheat back to boiling.  As they heat, the cranberries will begin to pop open, releasing natural pectin which will thicken the sauce.  It's a fun, festive sound!  Continue to cook about 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir gently as it cools.  Sauce will continue to thicken.  Add the zest of an orange for color and flavor, then add a scoop of Blendfresh Reds and stir to combine.  Serve in a nice bowl.  

I like to make this right as the dinner is being placed on the table so the sauce is fresh and warm, but it can be made ahead and refrigerated for convenience.  It goes nicely with a salty meat like turkey or pork, and makes a delicious sandwich spread too.

This is a fun twist on the traditional Ocean Spray recipe I've been making for years.  It has slightly less sugar, the added citrus texture, plus a whole new set of flavors from adding the 12 fresh dried fruits and vegetables found in Blendfresh.  

This is the first year I have added Blendfresh to the recipe and several people at our family dinner asked what I had done differently this year because the cranberries were so good.  Thank you very much Blendfresh :)

Click here to learn more about Blendfresh or click here to get your own Blendfresh.

Alfredo Sauce with a "healthier" spin

Disclaimer: This recipe is delicious, and yet please understand the goal.  This is not what I would call a "healthy" recipe.  This recipe is for moments we are intensely craving pasta with alfredo sauce, and this is a very tasty way to make it better for you, but I would not recommend this recipe often as being "good for you".  It's just better than the traditional recipe because of the added fiber and whole grain.  That said, let's make some yummy pasta alfredo!

Alfredo Cream Sauce

1 cube butter

3/4 C heavy cream

1/3 C parmesan cheese

1 scoop Blendfresh spouted fiber blend

Cook: 1/2 box Barilla whole grain spaghetti

Cook pasta.  In a separate pot gently melt butter, then add heavy cream and stir until very warm and blended (do not boil or cream may separate).  At the last moment quickly add parmesan and Blendfresh fiber and whisk to blend.  Pour immediately over cooked pasta and mix together.  The parmesan will melt and the fiber will begin to thicken immediately, so you want them on the pasta as that happens so it's easier to work with.  You can still add it after it thickens, but it will become very thick, not like a traditional sauce.

Serve with steamed broccoli.  To make a complete meal serve with a protein.  In this picture I show turkey seasoned with Blendfresh Orange.  As an alternate, try kidney beans added to pasta for a vegetarian meal.

Why I'm passionate about spreading health

Being healthy isn't hard, it's just that being unhealthy is SO much easier!

It is human nature to take the easy road.  It's built into our DNA to help us conserve energy for survival. So is a taste for dense calorie foods with sugars and fats (to fuel our long pioneer treks across many lands when food could be scarce).  So it's totally natural to want what we now consider "treats".  The danger now it that they are so readily available.

You would think that since nutrition has been my hobby and passion for about two decades, and I've been a fitness instructor and coach for years, that all this healthy stuff would come easy for me.  And I'll admit, it's much easier than it used to be.  In college I remember only being able to afford one zucchini as my vegetable for the grocery trip, and then throwing it away when it rotted.  As a new mom I remember realizing one day that I hadn't exercised for about 3 months (I couldn't actually remember the last time I had).  And I do much better now!

And though early in my health journey I was mostly motivated by vanity (I wanted to look good in those pants again dangit!), I have come to realize the blessing of health and how valuable it is.  Especially when you begin to see the lack.  And when it hits home.

Last fall, a business associate called me asking for help with his health.  I took the time to meet with him, assess his needs and make recommendations.  He decided it wasn't quite the right time to make big changes and start a whole program.  So I honored his decision and kept in touch loosely, suggesting small, positive lifestyle changes.  I was shocked to hear of him less than two months later hospitalized for a "hypertensive event" which eventually lead to the replacement of a kidney.  I can't make choices for other people, but I realized then that I could have done more.  I stepped up my coaching business, and became more bold about suggesting changes.

Last week my 2nd grade son came home from school using lots of big words and talking about diabetes, a concept he could barely grasp.  He said his friend at school got it (almost like it was like chicken pox), the teacher had been talking to the class.  My heart went out to him for having to handle such a difficult concept like his friend getting shots all the time, when they should both be carefree children on the playground, bursting with life and health.  I was sad for the child that would have to deal with this disease daily and for a mother that no doubt feels like a failure for allowing this to happen.

These days even a "home-cooked" meal will often come from a box or a deli.  School lunch in my town doesn't usually go a good direction, even with recent changes.  There is candy for incentives from the classroom to the doctors office.  Healthy habits need to start and become natural at home.  But what about working parents, all the games and activities, and everything that seems to keep us from quality time at the kitchen table?  It seems our modern world is geared away from the healthy, whole foods that could heal us.

What finally has sparked this post is the recent death of a friend this week.  It came as quite a shock, he was only 47 years old.  He too had asked me for help several months ago, we had talked, and he decided to do a high protein "paleo" style plan and then get back to me.  I have never want to come across as a sales person, so I didn't push.  I didn't want him to feel like I didn't care.

He was a great person, but had some unhealthy habits.  Now he has no more option to change.  All the things in life that were waiting for him, he will never get to experience.  Again, I realized I could have been stronger in my approach.  I could have emphasized the need for whole foods, which for centuries have been recognized as the best medicine.  I could have given him easy recipes, taught him to use time saving tools.  It's hard to look back sometimes.  All you really can do is move forward.

Now it's time to be more bold.  It's time to get LOUD about doing things that will change people and literally give life!  "Being healthy" is not just something cool, or something to put on you to-do list.  This is a life and death matter.  The people I work with are not just clients, they are friends and beyond that they are people that deserve a life where they have time to become who they can be, serve others, spread joy and memories, be a friend, discover their potential, make an impact and experience all that is offered to us in this existence.  Taking care of your body matters!

It can be hard if you have never done it or if you are out of the habit.  This is where I have a chance to help make changes, help start new patterns.  It's not just about losing pounds for a reunion or squeezing into the dress.  This is about teaching real people that need help how to take responsibility for the temple that carries their amazing soul through this life.  And hopefully creating a ripple effect that will spread far beyond.

This is why I am passionate about spreading health with tools that will make it easier.  I'm busy too.  I'm a mom of four beautiful children, and we all want to eat every single day.  That's a lot to do!  I want to share what's helped me get to this point where I feel good about myself, healthy and strong,  even ways to make exercise an automatic part of who you are.  Yes, there are still holiday treats right now (more than there should be), but what you focus on expands in your life.  My goal is to help as many people as possible focus and expand health in their life and help others to do the same.

So much of the pain of living and of losing loved ones can be attributed to the diseases above.  We can change it!  We can take the biggest risks completely off the list!  But it starts with one choice at a time.  

I hope you consider joining me, both in creating a life of abundant health for yourself, and in helping others that are clinging to a sinking ship because they don't know how to get into the life boat.  If you found this post, maybe it's time.  

Please contact me, and begin to learn how whole, raw food, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds and give you the life, the health and the nutrition that is your birthright from your Creator.  Click here to learn more about Blendfresh and Blentec, two of my favorite tools for bringing excellent nutrition into your own life the easiest and most economical way possible.  Let's talk and find how to make real, vibrant health a part of your daily life too!

Does Blendtec really make the most advanced blender in the world?

The answer is yes.  But don't take my word for it.  I'll show you why and you can decide for yourself.  If you want the short version, here are a couple of videos:

The 5 Differentiators of Blendtec (2 minutes)

Blendtec Engineer speaks on differences between blenders (12 minutes)

Click here to Join and save hundreds on your own Blendtec

Click here to learn more about Blendfresh foods by Blendtec

Blendtec is an innovator company.  They don't just see what's out there and make small improvements. They lead with original ideas and inventions.  10% of the Blendtec employees (about 40-50 total) are engineers.  Compare this to a major competitor like Vitamix who has about 6 engineers, but 50 marketers on staff.  You can see where the emphasis lies.  This creative and cutting edge focus has lead to innovations like the following;

The Blendtec blade is blunt.  It doesn't cut your food, it hammers the heck out of it!  Since it doesn't need to be sharp and can never dull with this philosophy, it can be much thicker and stronger.  This means it will not break off when cutting through hard ice and frozen fruit, or even rake handles and iPads (as seen on the Will It Blend? show).  The engineer talks about this in detail in the video.  Other blenders that cut food instead, must be sharp.  Sharp blades must be thin.  What happens when something thin and hard and is forced into another hard object like ice?  It will break.  In the middle of blending.  And that is a huge safety issue.  

Actual blender blades

This article is to educate, not bash any other brand, so I'll let you do your own research on blade related blender recalls.  Just know you are safe with the Blendtec blade, and won't cut yourself with it either, whether you are cleaning it (doesn't come apart) or if you're reaching in to grab the bread dough you just kneaded in your blender!  (Always follow common sense safety guidelines and unplug before reaching in).

Because of the patented design of Blendtec's Wildside Jar, the ingredients inside spin around and then drop back down toward the blade.  You don't need to use a plunger or anything else to shove the food down to continue blending.  One less thing to clean, and safer too since plungers can get nicked and leave cuts that collect bacteria and food inside. 

For years Blendtec was only available to the commercial market.  This means restaurants and smoothie shops like Baskin Robbins and Planet Smoothie and coffee shops like Starbucks.  Working with the owners of these businesses, Blendtec learned to respond to what they needed in terms of programming.  How many seconds at what speed does it take to make the perfect macchiato?  Blendtec knows because through years of trial and error and talking with businesses that have to get it perfect, they have learned.  Now consumers get the benefits of all this feedback.

Blendtec blenders come programmed so you can touch a program button and walk away.  The blender will change gears and complete the cycle, then stop on its own.  Very useful for someone at home with a busy morning.  It is the only "smart" blender with shutoff safeties built in.

The smart touch interface is just like your smart phone, a touch screen that can quickly be wiped clean.  No knobs or buttons to have to push or turn, which collect food grime and can be unsanitary.

Here's where we get a little techy.  The drive socket is what spins the blade.  Because Blendtec warranties run 7-10 years (depending on your model), they don't want to see your blender back at the factory for a repair.  They want you blending happily on your way the whole time.  

Many other blenders are designed with a plastic piece here so as to strip itself over time (so you go buy another blender), or with a piece that's part rubber and designed to split in half under tremendous pressure (to hopefully stop blending before the blade breaks inside the jar).  Because the Blendtec blade is so thick and strong, and there is smart technology to stop the motor if needed, this piece can be made of hardened metal for long life.

Here's another shout-out to the engineering staff.  One thing they have been working on for years is a way to make blending more quiet, and they've done it.  This powerful motor spins upwards of 330 miles per hour and blends most anything your can imagine.  They can put more horsepower behind it (up to 3.8 horsepower) because of the metal drive socket and thick, strong blade.  In the last few years they have designed a duct and baffle system to quiet the motor and the fan that cools that powerful motor.  

The other thing that makes blending noisy is the fruit and ice or other ingredients hitting the sides of the jar during blending.  They've fixed that too with the Express Pro model.  You can find this in shops and restaurants, and in my kitchen too!  It's the one I have and LOVE.  See this post to learn more about different Blendtec models available and which one might be best for your lifestyle.

In a nutshell, these are a handful of the reasons I can say that Blendtec makes the most advanced blenders in the world.  If you have questions feel free to email me at jenn@coachjenngibbs.com.  

You should know just a few months ago, Blendtec spun off a sister company called Blendfresh.  This company makes a line of clean, raw, whole food powders to make recipes more healthful.  Take a look because if you'd like to get the best deal on a Blendtec, you can Join the Blendfresh Club, subscribe like so many others to Blendfresh foods and save hundreds!

As a side note, I lead a team of people getting the word out on how these tools can make healthy eating more economical and convenient and I'm currently seeking additional help.  If you or someone you know might enjoy promoting Blendtec or Blendfresh, please share this info.  My vision is to help as many people as possible enjoy incredible health.  Thank you!

Click for more info on Blendtec and Blendfresh!

Get the Black Friday deal - held over through Cyber Monday!

Click here to get yours now!

Wow!  This Twister Jar sells all year for $120, but for Black Friday you can get the Twister Jar for free, and get an amazing deal on a new Blendtec too!  This is advertised for the first 50 shoppers, but I am guaranteed by the company that everyone ordering through my link through Cyber Monday will get the free Twister Jar!!  Here's how it works;

Blendtec has spun off a new sister company of raw, whole foods called Blendfresh.  You'll love how Blendfresh saves you money on high quality produce (clean, pesticide free, non-GMO), it gives you diversity in your diet, and makes eating healthy so fast and convenient. Click to learn more.  

If you aren't sure why Blendtec makes the most advanced blenders in the world, or if you need help deciding which model is right for you, just click the links in this post for more details.  

 Much like a new smart phone is cheaper with mobile phone service, when you purchase a Blendtec through the Blendfresh subscription program, you get a BIG discount.  We guarantee you'll love it!

Get your deal!

1.  Click here for the ordering website

2A.  Join the Club (lifetime membership for $10 gets you huge discounts on Blendtecs and accessories, and $10 off every bottle of Blendfresh.  There is no minimum monthly order required unless you purchase a discounted blender)  OR

2B.  Join as a Consultant ($35 year let's you earn commission with a new business opportunity and you get access to all the same savings as a Club Member).

3.  Select your blender model and from the shopping page and click on the subscription button to see the discounted price (includes shipping).  Scroll down to add accessories if desired at the discounted Club price.  

4.  Select your Blendfresh foods.  Choose any combination you like as long as it totals the right amount for your blender.  90 day money back guarantee on all Blendfresh foods, just to make sure you love them!  It's the easiest way to eat healthy every day.

*If  you are purchasing the Refurbished Total Blender model for $99 ($329 suggested retail), you commit to buy one bottle of Blendfresh totaling at least $29 per month for 12 months.  

*If you purchase the discounted Express Blender for $199  (suggested retail $599), you commit to buy two bottles of Blendfresh totaling at least $69 per month for 12 months.

*If you purchase the discounted Express Pro Blender for $599  (suggested retail $1500), you commit to buy two bottles of Blendfresh totaling at least $69 per month for 12 months.

5.  DO NOT ADD A TWISTER JAR TO YOUR CART or you will be charged for it. Orders placed through my link on Black Friday will automatically be shipped the free Twister Jar separately  from Blendtec.  They are not changing the website for the Black Friday promo, so you will not see anything about a free Twister Jar, but every subscription blender order placed through my link on Black Friday is guaranteed the free Twister Jar!  (one per household).

6.  Complete your order and then count down the days until it arrives!  This will be the beginning of a new, easier, healthy way to eat and live.  I'm excited you're choosing to follow this path and I can't wait to hear how Blendtec and Blendfresh benefit you personally! 

7.  Stay connected.  I really care about the success of my customers.  When your purchase is complete I'll send you an email with recipes and a link to join my next Blendfresh Lifestyle Facebook group.   Through recipes and videos I'll teach you how to make the most of these great tools and really make them a part of your life.  It's easier than you think, especially when you have someone to guide you.  If you have questions at any time, email jenn@coachjenngibbs.com and I'm happy to assist. 

Click here to order and get your free Black Friday Twister Jar

and congrats on making a commitment to your health!

My favorite ways to use Blendfresh!

I have loved plants for nutrition for many years.  The idea just sits right with me.  The One who made our amazing bodies also made the perfect fuel for them, and in pretty colors as a bonus!  Each color does something different in the body.

When I found Blendfresh, it was a sigh of relief.  Clean, pesticide free, non-GMO, raw, whole, good foods, preserved gently by removing the water so they can be picked when they are ripe, and they won't spoil before I can use them.  Plus I love to save money!

I want to help as many people enjoy great health as possible, so once you have your own Blendfresh, how do you actually USE it in real life?  Here are some suggestions for my favorite ways.  I'm sure I'll discover more as I go!

Reds
Beautiful!  Add a ruby color to any dish and a variety of tastes come into play.
Sprinkle on Eggs
Sprinkle on Oatmeal
Salsa
Pizza Sauce
Enchilada Sauce
Soups
Add to chili
Smoothies
Raspberry salad dressing
Syrups
Yogurt for a fruit dip
Use as a food coloring
Smoothie
In coconut water as a workout recovery drink
Add to red jello
Add to cranberry sauce
Flavor chutneys or sauces
Add to chunky dips

Purples
Add to any smoothie that may have a brownish color from adding greens
Oatmeal
Let kids lick fingers and use like Fun Dip
Berry salad dressings
Use like sugar over cold cereal
Make a flavored water
Roll with peanut butter, oats, honey, Protein and a little water for an energy bar
Add to smoothie
Add to cottage cheese
Stir into yogurt

Orange
Use in scrambled eggs or a baked frittata
Use in enchilda sauce
Use in any orange soup like pumpkin, sweet potato, taco soup, etc
Sprinkle on cheese quesadillas for extra nutrition and taste
Use in meatballs
Add to macaroni and cheese
Add to scalloped potato dishes
Use in warm water first like tea
Use a s a pre-workout mild energy drink
Use as a season salt on meat or veggies
Add to sweet breads like pumpkin
Serve over baked chicken

Greens
Anywhere you can sneak them in!
Stir into scrambled eggs or frittata (baked eggs)
A scoop to any smoothie
Make a flavored Mayo
Keep in a salt shaker and sprinkle on foods to season
Sprinkle on quesadilla
Add to box brownie mix or chocolate cake
Add to green soups like spinach or broccoli
Add to lasagne
Sprinkle a little into the middle of a peanut butter jelly sandwich!
Drink with water if I know I haven't eaten well during the day (not delicious, but doable)
Add to green jello

Protein
In smoothies!
Make a high protein almond milk
Make a high protein hot chocolate
Protein pancakes
Substitute for part of the flour in sweet recipes
Make energy balls by adding peanut butter, a little water, Purples and oats
Experiment!

Fiber
Stir into a tall glass of water and drink quickly before bed
Add to a thick smoothie and pour into cups to make pudding
Substitute for powdered sugar when making fudge (if the chocolate in the recipe is sweetened)
Thicken soups and gravies
Alfredo Sauce
Add to cake recipes or boxed cornbread mix
Add to a smoothie with protein and a veggie color as a meal replacement (very filling)
Use half a scoop in water with kids and call it a "Fiber Racing Drink".  Let them race to see who finishes theirs first!

Probiotic
Add 1/2 tsp. to a smoothie once per day.

Caring for your Blendfresh
It's best to refrigerate these items.  All are raw and nutrients will be best preserved in low temperatures.  It is recommended to use the bottle within 90 days of opening.  There are no fillers or preservatives, so once oxygen enters the container, fragile nutrients can begin to deteriorate.  If unopened, it is suggested to use within 3 years for optimal nutrition, but they are shelf stable for 20 years.  Consider adding them to your home emergency storage.

Blendfresh Product Labels

People have asked me what exactly is inside the beautiful bottles, so here are the actual labels.
Click here to see my post about how to analyze the label and what to look for.

Ingredients: Organic beet juice, Purple Carrot Juice, Organic Concord Grape Juice, Organic Acai, Organic Blueberry, Blackberry, Purple Cabbage, Organic Acerola Juice, Plum, Eggplant, Black Raspberry, Black Currant Juice, Passion Fruit.

Ingredients: Organic Apple, Beet Juice, Red Pear, Strawberry, Organic Beet, Raspberry, Cranberry, Oraganic Acerola Fruit Juice, Pomegranate Juice, Red Pepper, Rhubarb, Prickly Pear, Tomato, Cherry Juice.

Ingredients: Peas, Organic Apples, Organic Apple Juice, Kiwi, Broccoli, Spinach Leaf and Stem Juice, Kale, Green Cabbage, Organic Acerola Juice, Asparagus, Brussel Sprouts, Lime Juice, Collard Greens, Romaine Lettuce, Chard.

Ingredients: Organic Carrot Juice, Organic Sweet Potato, Organic Pumpkin, Butternut Squash, Banana, Organic Mango, Pineapple, Organic Acerola, Apricot, Peach, Yellow Bell Peppers, Organic Lemon Juice, Orange Juice.

 Ingredients: Protein Blend (Pea Protein, Rice Protein, Potato Protein, Quinoa, Black Bean, Flaxseed, Alfalfa Juice, Spinach), Honey, Oat Bran, Agave Inulin, Natural Flavors, Guar Gum (from Guar Beans), Stevia Leaf Extract, Citric Acid (from Beets), Xanthan Gum, Tara Gum(from Tara pods), Orange Fiber, Papain (from Papaya), Bromelain (from Pineapple).

Ingredients: Psyllium Husk Powder, Organic Acacia Gum, Organic Amaranth Sprout, Organic Garbanzo Bean, Organic Quinoa Sprout, Organic Lentil Sprout, Organic Buckwheat Sprout, Oat Bran Fiber, Organic Millet Sprout, Organic Adzuki Sprout, Organic Flax Seed, Organic Sunflower Sprout, Organic Pumpkin Sprout, Organic Chia Seed, Organic Sesame Sprout.

Meet the Mormons movie review

Click here to see the film trailer

(all proceeds benefit the Red Cross)

There are a lot of misconceptions about the Mormon faith, most people don't know much about it except for what they've heard or seen in movies.  So it makes sense that they would make a movie to get the word out.  Yes, they are Christian, no they don't drink coffee or alcohol.  This is a documentary, but a lot more fun than I had planned to have!

I don't know what I was expecting, maybe a dry, educational 90 minutes.  But it starts out with a trendy, bleach-blond cute girl in Times Square doing quick on-street questions about Mormons, then several short movie clips (I wasn't planning to be laughing at this movie!) followed by a series of short personal interests stories.  What wonderful people they showcase.  It really makes me want to be a better person.

I was surprised and delighted with the fun people they chose.  First was a young, black bishop (a service leadership position in the church) from Atlanta.  Trendy, fun to know, beautiful wife, doing a pretty crazy cool African rooted dance with the youth of his area.  By day he is a college counselor.  I love his perspective he shared about Christ and how his faith shapes his decisions daily.  It ended with a BBQ rivalry at a backyard cookoff.

There's a cute mom of two in Costa Rica with her hubby and their cute life, a more traditional view you assume.  They talk about supporting each other and loving family life, and next thing you know she is taping her hands and jumping in the ring to fight another chic!  Wow!  They own a boxing gym and do tons of charity work.  I love her big smile, she just radiates happiness.  I like how they showed her connection with her Catholic parents, and that becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) doesn't mean leaving behind nourishing relationships.

How about the coach of the United States Navy football team?  A Polynesian husband and father continues to lead his team to excellence, being called by name by President Obama in the film as he is recognized as a champion.  He has taken a stand to have no Sunday team meetings, getting to work at 4:00am on Mondays instead to honor the Sabbath.  I love seeing a big, tough football coach sit down with his family and read the Bible!

The Candy Bomber - now 92 years old and still going strong, this man shares his story of being a pilot in World War II and seeing the needs of sad and starving children in the east block of Berlin.  He tells how he was inspired to begin dropping candy with tiny parachutes to bring happiness to the people there, and started a huge movement that may have shaped the course of the war.  

The beautiful mountains and colors of Nepal are showcased as a western educated man comes back to his home country to do humanitarian projects like bring running water and schools to remote villages.  I love seeing good people in action and it makes me realize I don't have to be wealthy or special to contribute.  Just do what you can where you are.  What a humble man with a good heart.  "I am perfect at one thing.  I am perfect in trying" he says.

And a Cinderella story to end it.  Teen mom has a daughter who becomes a teen mom.  The downward cycle of poverty, this time though with a beautiful ending.  A woman who at 16 decides to keep and care for her baby, finds hope through missionaries, and though she has many heartbreaks on her path, is able through her faith to find happiness and ultimately marry a good man and have a happy family of her own.  An uplifting story of personal growth that ends in her sending that son she had cared for out as a missionary himself.  The faith that he talks about is so impressive too.  "Now I have a better understanding of how to find peace" she says.

These are stories of some amazing individuals, no matter what faith they happened to be a part of.  I like how they subtly answered many questions people might have about the church.  As a Mormon myself, I wanted to support an objective film, especially one promoted by the church itself, as a way of educating people on our beliefs.  If you'd like to know more you can visit www.mormon.org.   

No one is perfect, and many Mormons have a long way to go, but as a whole we are trying to be loving, giving, tolerant, give service, and help people have a better relationship with Jesus Christ, the giver of all good things.

Blendfresh raw, whole food powders

Want something that makes getting your fruits and veggies easier? I have just found this and am IN LOVE! Raw, whole food powders, pesticide free, non-GMO, soy free, gluten free, dairy free, vegan. Just the good stuff you actually want in your body. I have been sneaking scoops of this into our smoothies the last two weeks and no one in my family seems to mind they are eating so many veggies! This is the new foods line put out by Blendtec and one of the reasons

 I'm so excited to work with them.

What happened was that Blendtec, the maker of the world's most advanced blenders, would make a great product and then their completely satisfied customer would be gone for 8-10 years enjoying their blender.  Millions of people worldwide know this brand for quality, and they all go and buy various qualities of produce to use for their smoothies.

Blendtec saw an opportunity to better serve their customers by spinning off a sister company that would focus on high quality foods that could be used with their amazing blenders.  As soon as I knew this line was affiliated with a 200 million dollar company and a 38 year reputation, I wanted to know more.  There is no way a stable company like this would put out a substandard product.  

The more I learned, the more excited I got.  Yes, several companies sell greens powders, I've been buying them for years.  But how many are actually raw?  Dried with light instead of heat to keep the enzymes unharmed and active?  And are greens all we really need?  What about the orange, red and purple colored vegetables - we are supposed to "eat a rainbow" of color right?

I was even more impressed when I read the label.  "Bell pepper, rhubarb, strawberries, cranberries..."  twelve ingredients.  Only fruits and vegetables.  No fillers so that they will make more money selling a larger container of product.  No binders so it looks artificially pretty.  No preservatives so they can keep an abnormally long shelf life.  This is just a bottle of food with the water carefully removed.  Wow.

Because it is a fresh, raw food they suggest keeping it in your fridge and using within 90 days of opening.  I love looking in my fridge the last couple of weeks, wonder what I should make, and then having a beautiful bottle remind me and inspire me to make a nutritious smoothie.  Sounds corny, I know, but that's what's been happening.  And with zero arguments from kids or hubby!

I'll post more detailed articles soon on the other great products in the line, but here's a teaser; a probiotic complete with blackstrap molasses as a pre-biotic, so your friendly germs are still alive when you open your bottle.  A fiber blend of sprouted nuts and seeds that meets FDA requirements for soluble and insoluble fiber so that they can say it "lowers cholesterol" right on the label.  And last but not least a delicious (which is rare) vegan protein powder, with not one but 8 different protein sources for a complete amino acid profile.  Lighter on the digestive system than traditional whey and made of whole foods - you can actually read and understand the label!  I could go on and on, and I will, soon.  Just know that if you need a solution for more nutrition quickly and simply (and I forgot to even mention that it even costs you less than fresh produce!) just find out more about this!  I've made a YouTube video link so click here to see me explain it in more detail.  It even goes along with a Blendtec blender discount program if you need one of those.  

So think on it, and have a great day.  I'm going to go mix up a glass of Purples!

Pumpkin Muffins - the first ever Recipe Card!

I don't know about you, but I started out with a file box of recipe cards, just like my mom did.  Then I graduated to a binder (or several!) to collect my favorites.  Then finding a recipe turned into typing a search into my favorite recipe website and if it looked really promising, printing off a recipe.  

Well I have been getting nostalgic lately for the old fashioned stuff like quilts and hand made furniture.  No wonder vintage is back with a vengeance!  We all want to be connected to our traditions.  So, to pay homage to the recipe card box, I'm going to post my "recipe cards" as I share my favorites.  Maybe they will make it into your recipe card file too.  

I have a new Blendtec blender (which I LOVE) and I've never made muffins in a blender before now, but this took just seconds and I was the hero.  I am all for quick and easy when it comes to dinner prep!  Warm soup and fresh muffins - how can you beat that for a rainy night?  I adapted this recipe to my own style (more healthy, but still very tasty).  It also has a lot of fiber, which goes nicely to keep you satisfied with a light meal like soup.

As a side note, I love the Orange Fruits and Veggies Blend by Blendfresh.  If you aren't familiar with it yet, it's a powder made of 12 fruits and veggies dried at low temperatures to protect their nutritional value and enzymes, and then powdered so they won't spoil.  It makes it easy to add extra plant nutrition to your foods.  For example, the bottle of Orange has carrot, sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, banana, mango, pineapple, acerola, apricot, peach, yellow bell pepper, lemon and orange in raw, whole food powder form.  But the beautiful thing is that while you and your family will enjoy all the benefits of added vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and fiber, no one will even taste it!  Awesome ;)

If you'd like to learn more about or purchase any of the whole food blends from Blendfresh, just click www.blendwithjenn.com to learn or shop.

In case you can't see my old fashioned recipe card graphic above, here is the text version of it.

Pumpkin Muffins

In your blender jar combine and blend 20 seconds:

1 C canned pumpkin          2 C buttermilk
3 eggs                                1 t vanilla
1/2 t salt                             1/2 t baking soda
1 tsp baking powder           1 t cinnamon
1 T coconut (or other) oil    1 C oats
1 T (optional) Blendfresh Orange Fruits & Veggies Blend

Next add:
1 C flour and pulse 4-6 times.

Pour into 12 muffin tins and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes.
Enjoy!