Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

I just saw this on Facebook, but couldn't Pin it and there was no link to the actual website with the recipe.  So.....this isn't a healthy recipe, but we are loving pulled pork at my house lately and I wanted to be able to Pin this recipe!  You have no idea how many times lately I have cooked something and loved it only to go to make it a second time and realize I didn't Pin the recipe.  Don't you hate when that happens??

Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker

2 1/2-3 lb pork butt (also known as a pork shoulder)
24 oz. (2 cans) Dr. Pepper
1 medium onion, cut in quarters and then again in half
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons dry ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
Barbecue Sauce of choice

Place the chopped onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the pork butt on top of the onions and add the garlic, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the Dr. Pepper on top and cook on high for 4-5 hours (or on low for 8 hours).

Very carefully, because the pork will be hot, remove the meat from the slow cooker and place on a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork by pulling away from each other. The meat should be very tender by this point. Place the shredded pork back into the slow cooker and continue to cook for an additional hour.

Drain the remaining juices and toss the meat and onion mixture in the barbecue sauce of choice. I don't have an exact amount listed-just add a bit at a time until you get to your desired sauciness!

The Weekend Five

Do you eat healthy and work out all week only to fall off the wagon on the weekend??  Did you lose a pound or two during the week only to gain in back on the weekend??  Ya, me too.  I think we have all been there.  But, I have found a few things to keep me on track during the weekend.    

1. Don't forget to drink your water.

I sit at a desk all week with my handy water bottle at my side that I refill multiple times during the day.  I find that on the weekend I really struggle with water intake because I'm not sitting with the water bottle next to me.  On the weekend, I have a few different water bottles that I leave through out the house so no matter where I end up, I have water.

2. Eat 1 hour of waking up

Again, I have a routine on week days and have my Shakeology shake in the car on my drive to work.  Obviously that is not my weekend routine and I found myself not eating anything until lunch time.  I had to find something else that worked for me.  My weekend routine is now an veggie omelet with a side of fruit.  

3. Get up, get dressed and put your shoes on

This would be my normal weekday routine.  I don't have time to hang around in the morning, but on the weekend, I do.  I find that the longer I stay in my pajama's or "lazy clothes" the harder it is to get moving later on.  So stick with your normal morning routine.  Of course I'm not getting up at 5:30 as I do on week days, once I do wake up, my routine is now the same 7 days a week and it has helped my motivation tremendously. 

4. Do something outdoors

Staying inside all day just makes me lazy.  I am lucky to live in Southern California where the weather stays nice for most of the year and I understand not everyone has this luxury.  However, if you live where it is snowing, there are still plenty of outdoor activities that can done.  No excuses!!

5. Get a few extra hours of sleep 

Who has time to get 8 hours of sleep every day with a full time job, 2 hours of driving, kids with homework, dinner that needs to be cooked, laundry....I could go on and on.  But, your body DOES need rest in order to repair itself from your work outs and just to rest and recharge in general.  Sleep in on the weekends and don't feel bad about it.  You NEED it!!

This is what I have found to work for me.  If you have some tips that work to keep you motivated and on track on the weekend I would love to hear about them.  Come chat with me on Facebook.  

March in to Fitness

I know so many of us have tried so many times to lose weight doing crazy diets like eating only cabbage soup or the lemon, cayenne pepper and maple syrup cleanse or what about that crazy 3 day diet that has you eat a grapefruit, hot dog and ice cream all in the same day???  And yes, you may lose weight (maybe even a lot) but once you stop and go back to eating what you were before, the weight is bound to come back….usually with some extra. 

I want to help you end the crazy weight loss and diet yo-yo forever!!  I want to teach you how to live a healthy lifestyle!!  How to eat the right type of foods and be dedicated to physical activity every day. 

My “Hot Mama” Challenge group starts on March 18^th and I’m only accepting 5 of the most dedicated women for this group. 

I am seriously so excited for this challenge because all the participants will be ready to hit the ground running...and from previous challenges, these participants leave the group not only physically changed but have made several new LIKE MINDED friends to help them continue their journey!

Want more info?? Connect with me on Facebook or e-mail me and let's chat.

Saturday Work Out

The weather is beautiful here in Southern California today and one of my favorite weekend activities is taking my boys to the park.  They have fun and get to get rid of some energy.  Now, what is mom to do while the kids are playing??  Sit on the bench??  Read a book??  Stalk people on Facebook??  

My choice is to get rid of some energy myself.  I follow the routine outlined below...usually twice.  Remember to take a towel with you so you can do some stretching afterwards as well.  Even if you don't have a park nearby, you can do this work out in your yard.  Too cold where you live??  Guess what....you can do this work out in doors as well.

Happy Saturday!!!

My Favorite Salmon Patties

This is quite possibly the quickest, yummiest and healthiest thing I have ever made!!  I absolutely LOVE salmon patties but don't like to use canned salmon and having to add in mayo and breadcrumbs to make it bind into a patty.  Well, I found some frozen shrimp on markdown and had some salmon and.....well, the rest his history.  

It's so quick and easy and with only 5 ingredients, it is a frequent go-to meal when I am in a hurry or short on time after a long day at work.  

Here is what I used:

2 oz fresh salmon

5 pieces shrimp, cooked & devained

-Dill weed

-Parsley

-Garlic Powder

Mix salmon and shrimp in the food processor.  Once it is at desired consistency add in dill, parsley & garlic.  (I don't tell you measurements because everyone's tastes are different.  I LOVE dill and put in more than most people might prefer.  lol)

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in skillet.  

Place formed patty into heated oil and cook until browned on both sides.

Serve with fresh lemon slices.