Follow me on Facebook!

Showing posts with label fat loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fat loss. Show all posts

Monday, January 7, 2013

Grocery List

"Let's start of the new year right with a grocery list full of delicious and nutritious health foods so you can start cooking and eating clean!"


The other day, my friend Stephanie asked me what my grocery list looks like when I go shopping, so I figured I would post an outline of the things I normally purchase when I'm stocking up my fridge and pantry.

I'm sure you've heard it time and time again... "Abs are made in the kitchen!" But, that's because it is SO TRUE!  You can do a million and one sit ups but unless you lower your body fat percentage through clean cooking and eating you will not be able to see the results of all your hard work in the gym!  Plus, when you clean up your diet, not only will you start to SEE changes in your body, you will FEEL it as well.  You'll enhance your brain function, you'll have increased energy, and I guarantee you will be performing your daily activities and tasks much better.  Now what's not to love about that?!  All things positive come from clean eating :)

I tend to buy what is in season because that's usually what's the freshest and cheapest.  Also, I try to use coupons to cut costs and look for anything that is on sale of course!





Candy's Clean Cooking - Grocery List


Macronutrients are the structural and energy-giving caloric components of our foods that most of us are familiar with.  These are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
Micronutrients are the vitamins, minerals, trace elements, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that are essential for good health!

Processed foods tend to have more macronutrients than natural foods at the expense of micronutrients.  This is because processing food strips the foods of many of the vitamins, and minerals to give the food a longer shelf life.  So much of fast foods and other processed foods give you tons of calories without much micronutrient content – which is why we have so many health problems in America today.  I personally recommend eating a balanced diet composed of high-quality natural foods from the earth.  Skip the stuff that comes in packages that can sit in your pantry for months and not spoil!  Eat lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and lean meats. 
 
Macronutrients are the structural and energy-giving caloric components of our foods that most of us are familiar with.  They include carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Micronutrients are the vitamins, minerals, trace elements, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that are essential for good health.
- See more at: http://bonfirehealth.com/micronutrients-macronutrients-food-breakdown/#sthash.dJOQttYj.dpuf
Macronutrients are the structural and energy-giving caloric components of our foods that most of us are familiar with.  They include carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Micronutrients are the vitamins, minerals, trace elements, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that are essential for good health.
- See more at: http://bonfirehealth.com/micronutrients-macronutrients-food-breakdown/#sthash.dJOQttYj.dpuf
Vegetables
- Asparagus
- Arugala
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Garlic
- Green beans
- Kale 
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Peppers
- Salad 
- Spinach
- Squash
- Tomato
- Zucchini

Fruits
- Apples
- Avocado
- Bananas
- Berries
- Pineapple
- Pomegranate 

Meats
- Bison
- Chicken breast
- Lean ground turkey
- Mahi Mahi
- Salmon
- Steak
- Tuna

Dairy
- Cottage cheese 
- Eggs
- Egg Whites
- Greek yogurt (plain)

Dairy Substitutes
- Almond cheese
- Unsweetened almond milk

Nuts/Seeds/Oils
(all natural, unsalted)
- Almonds
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Cashews
- Chia
- Coconut oil
- EVO
- Flax
- Nut butters
- Safflower oil
- Sunflower seeds
- Walnuts

Complex Carbohydrates
- Brown rice
- Gluten Free Oats
- Quinoa 
- Sweet Potato
- Whole Wheat bread/wraps

Canned Goods
- Beans
- Lentils
- Low-Sodium Tuna

Other
- Green Tea
- Honey
- Lemon/Lime juice
- Mrs. Dash seasonings
- Spices


Note:
Since I shop at Costco and buy in bulk most of these items last me for quite some time so I do not have to buy them every single time I go grocery shopping.
Remember: Buy what suits you and your lifestyle; choose clean products that fit your dietary needs and tastes!  I'm always learning about new health foods so many of my shopping trips include me trying out something new!  This list is just a helpful outline from me to you :)


*Tips* 
  • Don't go to the grocery store when you're hungry!  Make sure you consume a good clean meal before stepping foot into the store, this way, you'll be less inclined to buy junk food or purchase products you really don't need.
  • Shop the perimeter of the store.  If you haven't noticed, this is the area where the majority of healthy products are placed; fruits, veggies, meats, dairy, etc.
  • Plan your meals ahead of time, make a grocery list beforehand, and STICK TO IT.
  • READ LABELS!  The first 5 ingredients are the main ingredients.  If you can't pronounce the ingredients then you probably shouldn't be eating it.  Also, make sure you're aware of the PORTION SIZE.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Simple Snack - Strawberry Peanut Butter Sammie

Strawberry Peanut Butter Sammie & Baby Carrots

Like me, I know a lot of you are short on time.  I often find myself saying "If only there were more hours in a day!".  Well, I wanted to share with you this SUPER simple low calorie snack idea that anyone (even kids) can make when pressed for time!

We're taking it back, old school style, with a slight twist on the staple PB&J sandwich ;)

Ingredients:
- 1/2 of an Arnold's Multi-Grain Sandwich Thin
- 1 tbsp of Jif Natural Peanut Butter
- 1/4 cup of Sliced Strawberries
- 3 oz of Baby Carrots
- 2 tbsp of Walden Farms Ranch Dressing

This heart-healthy meal contains 7 grams of protein and is under 200 calories total.  It is a great balanced meal that incorporates essential protein, good carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables.

Ingredient Information:

Arnold’s Multi-Grain Sandwich Thins
  • No high fructose corn syrup
  • 0g trans fat
  • 11g whole grains per serving
  • Cholesterol free
  • Excellent source of fiber
Jif Natural Peanut Butter
  • Low sodium
  • Made with five simple ingredients
  • Available in Creamy or Crunchy
Strawberries
  • Nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants (like vitamin C)
  • Promote eye health and aid in cancer prevention
  • Help to improve skin’s elasticity and resilience
  • Reduce inflammation
Carrots
  • Help lower the risk of breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer
  • Contain vitamin A which improves vision and skin tone
  • Beta-carotene helps the body to fight against free radicals
Walden Farms Salad Dressings
  • Zero Calorie
  • Zero Carb
  • Zero Sugar
  • Fat Free
  • Gluten Free

Enjoy!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Turkey Muffins

In preparation for upcoming photoshoots and fashion shows, I decided to alter my eating and become more strict with my meals.  Therefor, I decided to make fitness model (and my personal role model) Jamie Eason's Turkey Meatloaf Muffins (click for her recipe) which I found on one of my favorite websites, Bodybuilding.com.

This is a picture from my first time making her exact recipe!
*Tip*
I like my food caliente, but if you are not into fiery foods (or can't stomach spice).
I recommend cutting down on the chipotle pepper because they are pretty spicy!

Turkey Muffins make the perfect grab and go snack!

When I went to go make my turkey muffins for the week last night, I realized I did not have all of the same ingredients, but, I made it work!  So this is my recipe below.

Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup egg whites
  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1 tsp Mrs. Dash Original
  • 1 tsp Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb
  • 1 tsp Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy
  • 2 tsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic 
  • 2 celery stalks (chopped)
  


Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Spray muffin pan with olive oil.
  3. Mix all your ingredients together in one large bowl.
  4. Roll the mixture into balls and place in muffin pan. Muffins should be about the size of a racquetball.
  5. Bake for 50 minutes.
Makes 12 muffins.

Serving Size:
Women: 2 muffins
Men: 4 muffins


Enjoy! :)

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Spaghetti Squash

I'm always looking for different low-carb foods, cause let's face it, who wants to eat the same thing over and over again.  I sure don't!  So, my mom suggested spaghetti squash as an alternative to pasta.  The squash can be baked, boiled or microwaved. Once it's cooked, you can pull a fork lengthwise across the flesh and it will fall into strands that resemble spaghetti.  Pretty awesome!


Nutrition wise, a 1 cup serving of cooked spaghetti squash has 42 calories and 10 g of carbohydrates.  It is very low in fat and is a great source of dietary fiber.  Spaghetti squash also contains many nutrients, including folic acid, potassium, vitamin A, and beta carotene.

When it comes to taste, spaghetti squash can be quite bland. To spice up my squash, I lathered both halves with extra virgin olive oil and chopped garlic.  I tend to use garlic a lot when I'm cooking and not just because of the amazing aroma and fabulous flavor!  It’s the best overall plant for stimulating the immune system, the best anti-clotting herb, one of the best anti-fungals, and potentially useful for preventing heart disease and cancer.

“People have known garlic was important and has health benefits for centuries,” said Dr. David W. Kraus, associate professor of environmental science and biology at the University of Alabama. “Even the Greeks would feed garlic to their athletes before they competed in the Olympic games.”

So... why not eat like a Greek Olympian? :)

Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides.
*Tip* The seeds can be saved and roasted just like pumpkin seeds!
- Spread 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil on halves.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic on halves.
- Place squash on baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes (mine took about 45).
- When squash is done (tender) run a fork through the flesh lengthwise.



And there you go!  You can save 180 calories and 33 g of carbohydrates by eating a cup of spaghetti squash instead of a cup of pasta ;)

Enjoy!



Grilled chopped chicken, spaghetti squash and mixed vegetables, for the win!

References:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/81490-spaghetti-squash-nutrition-information/
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/15/unlocking-the-benefits-of-garlic/
http://www.motherearthnews.com/ask-our-experts/health-benefits-of-garlic-zb0z11zphe.aspx