Thursday, April 11, 2013

Shakeology: Healthiest Meal of the Day

Shakeology: Healthiest Meal of the Day

I have absolutely fallen in love with Shakeology.  What it has done for my body was more than I ever expected it would.  There are so many pros to drinking this shake that are not found in other shake systems.

Shakeology =$4 a day. -less than most medications and vitamins (with no side effects).

Most protein drinks have hidden metals, additives and sugars.  Shakeology proudly lists all of the healthy, all natural ingredients on the bag.

Shakeology is made in a lab (in the U.S.), not in a factory.  Every bag is tested.

No other shake on the market can compare to Shakeology's 100% natural ingredients and superfoods.

Shakeology has phytonutrients that help your body fight and prevent disease.

Shakeology relieves stress, the leading cause of chronic disease.

The top three causes of death in the US are obesity, diabetes and heart disease.  All of which are preventable.  In relieving stress to prevent disease, Shakeology can help lower these numbers.

Shakeolgy has digestive enzymes and probiotics.  These improve absorption in the digestive tract and colon.

Shakeology can bring relieve symptoms of IBS.

By day 4 or 5 of Shakeology you feel more energetic.  Like a good nights sleep.

Shakeology has adaptogens that boost the immune system helping white blood cells work stronger.

Shakeology's antioxidants help to reduce inflammation and oxidation damage.

The proteins and amino acids in Shakeology build lean muscle, reduce cravings, support brain function, clarity and mood.

Shakeology will help you feel better, improve your health, increase energy and reduce cravings.

It would take 5 plates of salad, $400+ per month in supplements and additional protein to equal the nutrients in Shakeology.

There is nothing artificial, controversial, in Shakeology.  It is pure, clean eating.  The ingredients are imported from foreign countries for purity.

Chris Powell & Dr. Oz talk Metabolism & Weight Loss

Chris Powell & Dr. Oz talk weight loss!

We all know and love "America's Doctor" Dr Oz, and I have recently fallen in love with Chris Powell on his show "Extreme Makeover Weight Loss".  Seriously, I am in tears every time I watch the show, it is such an inspiration!  Chris was a guest on the Dr. Oz show talking about weight loss and metabolism and these are the notes and tips that I thought were most important.


Chris Powell's Metabolism Power Plate:



High carb=boost muscle
Low car=burn fat

Eat every 3 hours!  Not all meals should be your normal full size meals.  Have small, healthy snacks prepared and easily accessible.   


Thyroid Gland
Carbs increase the rate of the thyroid hormonesGood carbs lead to healthy and happy thyroid.  Good carbs include a beans (low-sodium), sweet potatoes, a rainbow of fruits.

With all of the low-carb and no carb fad diets going around people have become confused on what is really a safe amount of carbs to be cutting.  Cutting carbs 100% will lower thyroid function by 50%.


Build Metabolic Muscle
Weight lifting or resistance training!!! SQUATS are so important, you are working the largest and strongest muscle.


My favorite of all of Chris' tips about metabolism....

"Metabolism is NOT genetic!"
 "Genetics loads the gun, lifestyles pull the trigger."

  

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Oven Baked Onion Rings (Dr. Oz)

Oven Baked Onion Rings
(Dr. Oz)

Ingredients:
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 c. fiber cereal
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. oldbay spice (optional)
Slice onion into rings.  Finely chop the fiber cereal mixed with the spices.  Dip onion in egg and then in cereal mixture.

Bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes.

1 serving=150 calories

PB & Banana Quesadila by Dr. OZ

PB & Banana Quesadila 
by Dr. OZ

Ingredients:
  • mini 100% whole wheat tortilla
  • 1 tbs reduced fat peanut butter
  • 1/4 c. banana, sliced
  • pinch of cinnamon
Spread PB on tortilla and add banana slices.  Fold over. Enjoy!

Dr. OZ says this healthy snack will kick start metabolism and help raise blood sugar, boosting energy.

Pizza Popcorn by Dr. OZ

Pizza Popcorn 
by Dr. OZ

Ingredients:
  • 3oz. popcorn kernels
  • 1 tbs grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika, oregano, salt and chives
Pop in brown paper bag in microwave.  No oil!  After the popcorn is popped add toppings and shake.  

Makes 8 cups with less than 200 calories!

Monday, April 8, 2013

Clean Chicken, Potato and Veggie Bake

Clean Chicken, Potato and Veggie Bake


Ingredients:
  • 2 skinless chicken breasts, chopped
  • 1 lb. red potatoes, chopped
  • asparagus or other desired veggie
  • 1/3 c. fresh basil
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tbs. olive oil (I like coconut oil)
  • 1 tsp. rosemary
Combine all ingredients in to a non-stick baking dish.  Sprinkle with rosemary.  Bake for 40-45 minutes turning every 15 minutes.

Makes 4 servings. 

Nutritional information:
285 calories
7.2 g. fat
22.4 g. carbs
32 g. protein

Grilled Banana Sandwich (Dr. OZ)

Grilled Banana Sandwich 
(Dr. OZ)

Ingredients:
  • 2 pieces whole wheat bread (I use Ezekiel bread!)
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 tbs. brown sugar
  • cinnamon to taste
  • 1 sliced banana 
  • powdered sugar to taste
 I like to use a panini maker or George Coleman grill but you can use a regular frying pan if necessary.

Heat your pan (or grill).  Make french toast with brown sugar on the eggy side.  Place banana slices in pan.  Flip toast and sprinkle more brown sugar (to cut down on sugar I only use brown sugar on one side of each slice of bread).

When french toast is done, remove from pan and add bananas to the bread like a sandwich.  If desired add cinnamon and powdered sugar to inside of sandwich on top of bananas.

Breakfast Pizza

Breakfast Pizza

Oven at 400 degrees

Ingredients:
  • Boboli original Italian pizza crust (or pre-cooked cauliflower pizza crust)
  • Roasted garlic tomato sauce
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Baby spinach
  • Artichoke hearts
  • egg
Cut pizza crust into 4 even pieces.  Add a light layer of sauce, cheese and baby spinach.  Form a boarder with the artichoke hearts.  Crack egg within the boarder of the artichoke hearts.  

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake for 15 minutes or until egg is cooked as desired.
 

Shrimp Stir Fry

Shrimp Stir Fry

Ingredients:
  • 5 oz. shrimp, peeled & de-veined (substitute chicken if desired)
  • 1/4 tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 c. low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/4 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp. rice vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp. purple onion, chopped
  • 1/2 c. broccoli florets
  • 1/4 c. canned water chestnuts (optional)
  • 1 c. snow peas
  • 1/2 c. halved mushrooms
  • 1/4 c. red bell peppers
  • 1/2 c. cooked brown rice
Rise and drain shrimp.  Heat soy sauce, rice vinegar and broth.  Add garlic, ginger and cook till tender.  Add vegetables.  When vegetables are half way cooked add the shrimp (or chicken) and cook until the shrimp is pink (or chicken cooked through).

Serve over the brown rice.

Turkey Meat Loaf

Turkey Meat Loaf

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 lb. lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 c. chopped onion
  • 2 tbs. minced garlic
  • 1/2 c. chopped green pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 egg whites (slightly beaten)
  • 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 c. chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 c. quick cooking oats
Topping---1/3 c. low carb ketchup, 1 tbs. mustard, 2 tbs. splenda brown sugar

 
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Saute onions, peppers till brown and add garlic.  Continue to saute for 5 minutes.  Let cool.  Mix all ingredients including saute mixture.  

Shape to a loaf and place on a non-stick backing dish.

Spread topping on loaf.

Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes.  Cool for 20 minutes.

Makes 4-6 servings.

Nutritional Info. (approx):
230 calories
85 g. total fat
100.6 mg potassium
7.3 g. total carbs
1.1 g. fiber
1.1 g. sugar
25 g. protein

Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

Ingredients:
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1/3 c. canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 c. oats
  • 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 
  • Splenda to taste (optional)
  • 2 tbs. sugar free syrup (optional)
I find if the mixture is too thick add water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Cook as you would any other pancake, flipping when pancake begins to bubble.

Makes 1 serving.