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Hi, my name is Noelle and I’m 49 years old. I have 3 boys (Ryan – 17 years old, Gavin- 15 years old, and Henry – 12 years old). I am an Account Manager for a TPA who administers health care benefits to Automotive suppliers. I have amazing and supportive family and friends. I really enjoy working out, running, and playing basketball. Being part of a very athletic family was so helpful for me to stay active all the time. It also helped to have 3 brothers who helped to keep me competitive. Being active has always been in my blood. I played college basketball and also became a personal trainer shortly after college. I am a half marathon runner and enjoy competing in races. I took up golf last year thanks to my dear Dad and I absolutely love it.
Since having children, my body has never been the same so it’s always been a struggle and I have also been an emotional eater since my divorce in 2013. BUT, the struggle became even more real when COVID hit. I am engaged to an amazing Welshman and we have been together for 5 years. However, during the pandemic, we were not able to see each other for 2 ½ years. It was extremely difficult on our relationship at times, but I was also dealing with my Dad being diagnosed with cancer in June 2020. The cancer was so aggressive that it took him in 4 months. Part of my heart died with him on November 1, 2020. So these last 2 years have taken a real toll on me mentally, physically and spiritually.
I was introduced to this group in early February by my dear friend. So I finally decided to “get with the program” and started my journey with CleanFoodCrush Clean Eating Challenge on February 22, 2022. I purchased the month and was able to get two months for the price of one.
In the first 30 days, I lost 11.4 pounds, 2 inches in my hips, 3 inches in my waist, and 2 ½ inches in my thighs. I have lost even more weight going into the next month.
I definitely have come a long way and my Dad would be really proud of what I have done. My fiancé is also very proud of what I’ve accomplished in such a short period of time. We are planning on getting married next year.
I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to figure out how to really enjoy food.
➡️ I now have more energy.
➡️ I sleep so much better.
➡️ Even my workouts feel differently.
Now, I am very conscious of what I’m putting in my body and realize what I have been doing wrong all these years. I know that this is NOT A DIET, but a way of life.
Planning ahead is key to eating the right foods each week. This is a complete lifestyle change for me. I realize that I can still enjoy some of the foods that I like, but in moderation and maybe even looking at ways to make a healthier version.
The support from the group has been incredible. I have managed to make some delicious recipes and find out new things that I wasn’t aware of before. I’m truly blessed that I’m part of this amazing group.
I have enjoyed a lot of the recipes that have been shared so far. Two of my favorite meals are: Garlic Butter Beef Steak Bites and Baked Mushroom Chicken. I’m really looking forward to making more of the CFC recipes that Rachel has provided. They are delicious and I like the variety of recipes that are available to us.
If you are thinking of joining this group – JUST DO IT!!!! You will be happy you did. If you are serious about making a lifestyle change once and for all, this is the plan you want to follow.
I have done other weight loss programs, etc over many years and nothing compares. This is by far the BEST plan I have ever followed. You’re not depriving yourself at all. There are so many delicious options.
I have a goal of wearing a two-piece bikini that I purchased for our family trip in August and I’m well on my way thanks to the CleanFoodCrush 30 Day Challenge.
You will get endless support from Rachel and the other members. Rachel’s encouragement helps to motivate you to keep going. Thank you!!!!!
– Noelle
Hi, I’m Meagan and I’ve been following CFC for about a year. I cooked Rachel’s recipes and followed some of her tips, but I didn’t commit to the 30-Day Challenge until December of 2021.
One of my biggest obstacles to losing weight before the Challenge was a lack of information. I didn’t know how to even begin clean eating, or what clean eating even meant. I didn’t know what kind of food my body needs or how much of different foods I’m supposed to be eating. Another huge obstacle for me was my coffee creamer. I LOVED the sugary coffee creamers and LOTS of it, and I didn’t think I could give it up. (I have given it up and still enjoy my coffee every day!) Finally, I didn’t think clean eating was a sustainable lifestyle for our family of 7. I figured there was no way we could make such a huge change and keep it up.
We learned so much! The 30-Day Challenge helped us to make good habits and jump-start our weight loss, but most of all Rachel taught us what kinds of foods our bodies need, how much food our bodies need, and what our bodies don’t need.
The 30-Day Challenge plan is clear and easy to follow and gave us everything we needed to succeed. We have discovered that clean eating is totally sustainable, and a lifestyle that we very much enjoy and are excited to continue.
In addition to our weight loss, we feel better and have more energy. Before the challenge, my husband used to take ibuprofen every day for neck and back pain. Now, he hardly ever has to take ibuprofen because his body feels so much better. That’s a huge victory for us!
I’ve lost 23 pounds and continue to lose weight every week! My husband has also lost 20 pounds.
My favorite CFC recipes are 1) Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Cauliflower: This recipe is FULL of flavor and very easy to make. And the best part is, you’re eating cauliflower! 2) Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup: My whole family loves this recipe. Plus, anything I can make in a crockpot is a total bonus.
The CFC recipes are easy to follow and most of them are pretty quick. They’re loaded with flavor and we have really enjoyed trying them out. I’ve learned about different foods and flavors by using the CFC recipes.
My advice for anyone sitting on the fence is – Just do it! I tell everyone we know that my only regret is that we didn’t do the 30-Day Challenge sooner. Switching to clean eating was so much easier and much more enjoyable than we ever imagined. It truly is a lifestyle and not a diet, so you don’t have to worry about losing weight and then gaining it all back.
– Meagan
Salads are a great option for lunch, dinner, or a side to the main course. While there’s nothing wrong with a simple lettuce salad, there are so many other delicious and creative options. Discover some great choices below, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own favorite ingredients to make these salads uniquely yours
This salad is full of crisp, brightly colored veggies and is tossed in a lemon-dill dressing. Full of avocados, tomatoes, lemons, cucumbers, and tuna, this is a meal that can feed your family or yourself for a few days. It’s great for a nice breezy spring day and will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.
Want a salad with a little more filling? This one is made with brown rice as well as yummy veggies and tuna, which makes it a heartier option than the one above. This would be great to have on one of those transitional spring days when there’s still a little chill in the air.
Tuna is a fantastic food to add to your diet. It’s full of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure, has a high percentage of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol, and has a ton of antioxidants and vitamins that can help keep you healthy overall. Basically, tuna is amazing!
Hosting a spring BBQ? Try this hearty, spicy sweet potato salad! You’ll get an assortment of fresh veggies, including sweet potatoes, avocado, tomatoes, black beans, and lettuce.
Add your favorite hot sauce to kick this salad into high gear and give your guests something to talk about during the game!
This green lentil salad is one you’ll be making again and again! It goes great alongside fish or seafood or with some BBQ meat of some sort. The best part of this salad is that it’s super tasty and fresh-tasting while ALSO being packed full of nutrients and protein, which makes it a great side dish. Plus, you can eat any leftovers for lunch the next day!
Fennel is a great source of fiber, antioxidants (vitamin C), and phytonutrients – including certain flavonoids that may reduce inflammation and prevent cancer. Just like celery, all the parts of the fennel – bulb, stalk, and fronds – are all completely edible, and will add texture and flavor to soups, stews, salads, slaws, pasta, and skillet meals!
This salad has a little bit of everything: protein in the shrimp and quinoa both (plus some complex carbs to keep you feeling full, but not heavy), veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, and onions, PLUS homemade pesto that adds a creamy, delicious texture! Psst… check out our homemade pesto recipe here.
Looking for a colorful, jam-packed salad that’s fun to look at and super tasty? This is your go-to! This salad is full of protein-rich foods like eggs, avocados, and turkey, which will help you feel rejuvenated and energized. Paired with homemade dressing and veggies, this salad is sure to be a fan favorite for lunch or dinner AND you can make it in 15 min or less!
Eggs are such a great ingredient to add to your everyday diet. They’re full of amazing benefits, including an assortment of vitamins; selenium, which is a cancer-fighting antioxidant; phosphorus, which aids in healthy bones and teeth; calcium, which helps your bones stay strong; and zinc, which helps your immune system stay strong.
A fishy take on a classic sandwich! In this salad, you’ll get all the makings of a classic BLT plus some delicious shrimp, crisp onions, and a homemade dressing that’ll please your taste buds. This is a great salad to enjoy in warm weather and can last you a few meals.
This Mediterranean-inspired salad is completely dairy-free and PACKED with fresh veggies, including tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Nothing complicated at all here – even the tasty light dressing is made of just a few simple ingredients: garlic, oil, and lemon juice!
Cabbage is a super underrated vegetable. A report by the Department of Agriculture has shown cabbage to be the second most economical cooked vegetable in terms of price per edible cup – that’s a win for everyone! Plus, cabbage can help reduce inflammation and help with digestion. This is no doubt a veggie to keep on hand!
Salmon makes almost every “superfood” list out there. Not only is it loaded with protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but it contains a long list of vitamins and minerals – especially B vitamins and potassium. It’s linked with a lower risk of heart disease and its healthy fats mean it’s good for your brain health.
Why not pair two of the tastiest green vegetables out there into one amazing salad? The crisp fresh cucumbers, combined with creamy rich avocado pieces, then drizzled in a tangy flavorful homemade dressing make this salad a real home run and is sure to please your family and guests all summer long! All that water in cucumbers can help keep you hydrated. Plus, the fiber boost they give you helps you stay regular and avoid constipation.
Protein? Protein. Tender steak pieces mixed with avocados and crunchy lettuce, plus if you’re feeling kinda risky, you can add in some jalapenos as well! A nice little kick to an already scrumptious salad that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Protein is considered the most satiating nutrient and can help keep your appetite at bay between meals. It also helps maintain muscle mass if you’re losing weight, which can be VERY important for keeping up your strength. Research shows that spreading your protein intake out over the course of the day is the best bet for making the most of it.
Do you ever crave a whole assortment of fruit? This salad is perfect if so! Packed full of strawberries, blueberries, papaya, kiwi, grapes, and pineapple, then mixed in a delicious dressing, this colorful salad is sure to put a smile on your face and keep your tummy satisfied.
With the right quantity and type of fruits, a fruit salad can work wonders for you! It provides a power-packed dose of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. At the same time, you will also get a wide range of health benefits, right from lower blood pressure levels to weight management.
Chickpeas are a tasty, healthy ingredient to keep around. Although tiny, these beans are full of nutrients and proteins that can help regulate your weight, control cravings, regulate blood sugar, and help aid digestion. Tossing them into salads like this is a great way to absorb all their amazing benefits.
This salad combines lots of tasty ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry (which means you can make this quickly and with little effort!). Made with apples, pears, grapes, celery, cranberries, pecans, and blue cheese, then mixed in a creamy homemade dressing, this salad is a perfect choice for a hot summer day.
Another great salad for your summer BBQ or potluck is full of zucchinis, summer squash, cucumbers, carrots, spinach, onions, and your choice of chopped nuts then mixed with a homemade vinaigrette. This is a crunchy, brightly colored salad that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!
As you can see, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to preparing salads, whether they be the main course or as a side to your favorite meal.
This spring salad roundup includes more nutrients than we can count, a variety of fruits and veggies, several different types of protein, and much more! These salads are a great way to keep you feeling full and satisfied all spring and summer long.
Have a great season, CRUSHers and be sure to share in the comments below what your favorite salad to enjoy in the springtime is!
My name is Jamie; I am 37 years old. I’m married, and we have 3 children, ages 11, 9, and 3. Once our youngest was born with down syndrome, I decided to become a stay-at-home mom to care for her. I was never able to get all my baby weight off because I was pulled in so many different directions between all the kids and their needs and activities I didn’t have time to focus on my health.
After she was a few months old and we got into a routine with appointments and therapies, I really started researching food and health. We started buying all organic foods, and recently I even took some holistic online courses. My problem was I still wasn’t understanding how to eat 100% clean and wanted to learn how to cook yummy meals!
I found CleanFoodCrush and started following them about 2 years ago.
I am so glad I did! It was exactly what I have been looking for….knowledge!
I now know HOW to eat clean and thoroughly enjoy trying all the fantastic recipes!
My energy levels have also improved SO much; I no longer have afternoon crashes where I just want to sleep.
My kid’s favorite so far is Rachel’s pizza chicken recipe, and my husband and I really love the tangy pulled chicken recipe, amongst others!
I am currently doing another 30 Days and am still losing more weight and having trouble keeping my pants up!
I am SO thankful for the CFC 30-Day Clean Eating Challenge as I will use this knowledge and their recipes as our new way of eating.
My piece of advice is, don’t sit there worrying about things like… “Will I be starving all day long? What if I don’t like any of the foods? What if I don’t lose any weight? ”
This program is not a diet. You will NOT be hungry! We eat LOTS of food.
There are MANY different recipes to choose from, you WILL love many that you try, and as long as you make your best effort, you will lose weight!
– Jamie
Honey is a well-known syrupy liquid used in many dishes, from entrees to desserts to smoothies. It’s applauded for its sweet, deep flavors, which help make it a versatile ingredient. It is not only flavorful but also full of antioxidants and nutrients that make it a great alternative to regular sugar (without sacrificing the sweetness!).
Honey is widely available, but you may not know all the different kinds, how it’s made, and even some secret uses!
Read on to find out more about this sweet, intricate ingredient. Here is everything you need to know about honey:
There are many different types of honey, some more readily available than others. Not all are best when eaten, but they have qualities that make them a resource you’ll want to have on hand. Here are just four:
Clover Honey – This type is made from nectar collected from clovers, which are plentiful in the spring and summer months. This is your primary kind of honey, the kind you’d likely get from the grocery store, and is known for the floral notes and subtly sour aftertaste.
Clover honey has many potent antioxidants and some acids that support heart health and the lungs and nervous system. You truly can’t go wrong with this delicious sort!
Acacia Honey – This type of honey comes from the black locust tree, commonly found in North America and Europe. Sweet, barely-there floral hues denote it. It’s a light amber color and is slow to crystallize, meaning it’ll stay in its liquid form longer than others.
Like all honey, acacia has many health benefits, but it’s also valuable for treating and preventing skin conditions like acne. If you’ve got adolescents at home, I suggest keeping a jar of this around just in case!
Buckwheat Honey – Best known for its intense, bold flavor and a deeper hue, buckwheat honey can be used as a marinade for meats or any other food that could use a hearty flavor. You can also use this variety to treat certain types of infections because of the honey’s powerful antibacterial properties.
Manuka Honey – This type comes from tea tree bushes and, much like tea tree oil, is known for its antibacterial properties – it’s even been FDA approved to treat wounds and burns.
While manuka honey is amazingly powerful for these healing effects and is worth keeping on hand, it has a rather astringent taste, so it may not be your go-to for a food ingredient.
We all know honey starts with honey bees. There are three types: queen bees, worker bees, and drones. The queen bee is responsible for reproduction; she’ll produce up to 2,000 eggs a day at the height of the season. Worker bees are the most numerous in a hive; they’re responsible for secreting the wax used in the honeycomb, collecting all the nectar from various flowers, and transforming that nectar into honey. Drones are the male bees; their only job is to fertilize the queen bees.
Once the worker bees have collected their nectar, they take it back to their hives, where it’s broken down into simple sugars stored in the honeycomb. The design of the honeycomb and constant fanning of the bees’ wings causes evaporation, which in turn creates the sweet liquid honey we all know and love. Beekeepers harvest the honey when it’s ready by removing the honeycomb from the hive and scraping the honey out into jars.
The different flavors and colors of honey come from the various flowers, trees, and plants from which bees collect nectar. For example, honey made from clover nectar is lighter in color, whereas honey from buckwheat nectar is a darker amber color.
Honey crystallization is the formation and growth of sugar crystals in honey. Keep in mind that crystallization is a natural process and is not a sign that yours has gone bad. Due to its physical properties and super-saturated sugar solution, honey tends toward crystallization. When stored in colder temps, honey will start to crystallize, so it’s best to store it in rooms above 50°F.
If you have a jar of honey that’s starting to look solid, don’t throw it out! Instead, simply heat it on the stove or microwave, and voila – perfectly good!
While store-bought honey is great, getting it from local beekeepers is the best way to get the most potent nutrients and antioxidants. Buying locally will help the bee farmers around your area continue to supply you and your family with the best honey out there! And this is super important because bees are essential to the ecosystem.
Plus, if you have any problems with seasonal allergies, local honey is a great way to help ease those symptoms! Basically, you’re ingesting local pollen from the plants and flowers the bees have gathered from. Over time, you may become less sensitive to this pollen, and as a result, you may experience allergy symptoms.
Last but certainly not least, some delicious recipes! We have many meals that utilize honey, but here are 5 of my absolute favorites.
Here is an herb-infused, garlic-buttery, honey twist for your nutritionally PACKED sweet potatoes tonight!
The honey will caramelize with the high heat, and those dark-browned crispy edges are an edible crunchy chip-like treat.
This Honey Garlic Sauce is PERFECTION and will satisfy those salty, tangy cravings.
Honey is such an excellent resource for anyone’s home.
Its sweet flavors can add so much to meats and treats alike, and its antioxidant properties are great to have at the ready.
The process for making honey is intricate and vital for helping the environment, bees, and local farmers in your area. Support them today by picking up a jar of fresh honey and treating your family to a delicious meal or dessert!
