Mind Over Munch - Fall Seasonal Recipes eBook Review

Mind Over Munch - Fall Seasonal Recipes eBook Review!

Hi #fitfam! It has been quite a while since I have last posted on my blog.  I have been swamped with preparing for my 4^th NPC show, going to school, and starting a new job!  But now that I’m fairly settled, I think it’s about time I start sharing again!  This time around, in addition to posting my healthy recipes, I will be trying other people’s recipes, reviewing eBooks, and even rating restaurants!

So, since it is October 1^st and we are officially in the beautiful Autumn season, I’d like to start off by writing my review on my friend and fellow fittie, Alyssia Sheikh’s very first eBook entitled Fall Seasonal Recipes!  Alyssia is the creator of Mind Over Munch, which began as her personal challenge to eat clean for 100 days on Instagram and has quickly grown into a journey of sharing recipes, fitness tips and general advice for living a healthy lifestyle.  Mind Over Munch can be found online through all social media outlets and I have included links to each one at the bottom of the page so you can check them out when you’re finished reading my review of her new eBook!

For starters, I LOVE FALL and everything that comes with the season.  I also love that this eBook includes an easy to read list of in season produce.  These are the fruits and vegetables you will want to purchase due to the fact that they are at their peak of freshness during the fall.  She also gives you a guide on what foods you should consider buying organic due to pesticide usage.  I was glad to know that two of my favorite foods; avocados and sweet potatoes, are part of the “Clean Fifteen”, which will certainly save me some money the next time I go to the grocery store!

Speaking of going to the grocery store… I am going to need to stock up after seeing all the delicious looking dishes included in the Fall Seasonal Recipes eBook!  Alyssia hasn't left a thing out when sharing these recipes.  Not only does she include the ingredients (in cups AND in grams), the instructions, and the serving size, but she also puts the estimated time it takes to prepare and cook the dish and the level of difficulty.  Not to mention, every single recipe has the nutritional content given so if you follow a specific macronutrient, or if you are vegan or gluten free, you know exactly which recipe will work for you and your diet!

As a bonus, the Fall Seasonal Recipes eBook includes numerous nutritional and fitness tips!  From 5 Easy Ways to Cook Squash, to Homemade Pumpkin Puree, you are sure to have a fit and fantastic fall when you read this eBook.

With 25 recipes in total which includes 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, 5 snacks, and 5 desserts, you have a variety of fall recipes that will soon become your favorites.  My mouth is watering just looking at them all!  I cannot wait to try the Sweet Potato Waffle and the Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread!  I will probably make both this weekend, and when I do, I’ll be sure to post! ;)

If you’d like to purchase the Mind Over Munch - Fall Seasonal Recipes eBook you can do so at the link below:

http://mindovermunch.com/ebooks/

Use the coupon code– "candyscleancooking" – and you will receive $1 off of the $5.99 original price!  This code will be active now through the end of 2014.

Mind Over Munch:

Website - www.mindovermunch.com

YouTube - www.youtube.com/user/mindovermunch

Twitter - www.twitter.com/mindovermunch

Facebook - www.facebook.com/mindovermunch

Instagram - www.instagram.com/mindovermunch

Please Note: I was not paid to endorse this eBook nor do I receive any of the monies generate from it's sales.  My friend has graciously given the eBook to me so I may try the recipes and asked me if I would write my personal and honest opinion, which, I obviously think it is wonderful!

Southwest Chipotle Chicken Salad

This is is super easy salad you can make for lunch or dinner.  It's only 155 calories, very high in protein (27g), and has virtually no carbs.  It's perfect if you're preparing for a competition or just trying to shed some unwanted fat and lean down!

Southwest Chipotle Chicken Salad

Ingredients:
- 1 4oz Organic Chicken Breast
- Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle Salt Free Seasoning
- 2 cups Organic Baby Spinach
- 2 cups American Salad Blend
- 1/2 cup Coleslaw Cabbage Mix
- 1 Tomato Slice (diced)
- 1 tbsp Almond Slices
- 1 tbsp Walden Farms Ranch Dressing

Instructions:
- Season chicken breast with Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning and cook in steamer for 20 minutes.  If you do not have a steamer (which I suggest you go out and buy one right now!) then you can bake the breast in the oven at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes, or, you can grill at medium heat for about 7 minutes on each side.
*Note*  Chicken should be cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees F.
- While the chicken breast is cooking, assemble your salad my mixing the spinach, lettuce, and cabbage together.
- Add the diced tomato slice and sprinkle almond slices on top.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over salad.
- When chicken breast is fully cooked and has rested, slice and place atop salad.

Yum!

Nutritional Information:

Serves 1

155 calories, 3g fat, 210mg sodium, 294g potassium, 

8g carbohydrates (4g fiber, 4g sugar), 27g protein.

Enjoy.

Clean Eating & Eating Out!

Yesterday was my besties birthday!  To celebrate, we went out to eat at one of the best restaurants in town.  Normally, I would have just scheduled this event as a planned cheat meal.  But, I'm in the midst of prepping for my first NPC bikini competition of the season and since we're getting so close, it's 100% clean eats from this point on.

Personally, I kind of dislike going out to eat because I know that any food I cook at home will be a million times healthier and tastier than something I order out at a restaurant.  It's disgusting how unhealthy they prepare meals and I can't stand not knowing what they are doing to my food and having to worry if the kitchen is clean or if they are using quality produce and products.  Remember, FOOD IS FUEL and NOURISHMENT to your body!

But the reality is, most people eat out at least once a week.  Sadly, during one evening at a restaurant  you may very well consume an entire day (or twos) worth of the recommended calorie, fat, and notably sodium intake in just a single sitting.  It's okay to have the occasional indulgence but it's important to establish and stick to specific goals you have set for yourself.

It can be very overwhelming and complicated to choose the cleanest, healthiest option when dining out.  So, let me help you subtract the stress and share with you some of my helpful tips for eating clean while eating out!

Clean Eating & Eating Out

1) RESEARCH THE RESTAURANT
Know before you go!  Go online and look at the restaurants menu and nutritional information.  Now a days, most large restaurant chains have the nutritional data posted on their website.  From there, you will be able to choose what meal meets your dietary requirements and know exactly what to order ahead of time.

  
2) DITCH THE DRINKS
Order H2O.  Why guzzle down hundreds of empty calories on cocktails and soda?  These drinks are loaded with sugar and artificial sweeteners and will do nothing but pack on the pounds.  Also, you'll be saving yourself a pretty penny when you bypass the brewskies.

3) STOP WITH THE STARTERS
Most eateries supply you with endless baskets of bread and biscuits, which we all know do nothing but add bulge to your belly.  Do yourself and your waistline a favor and avoid the appetizers which typically have more fat and calories than an entree and generally have no nutritional value.  Start with a small salad, hold the croutons, and have the dressing delivered on the side.

4) PRACTICE PORTION CONTROL
Portion sizes at restaurants have seriously sky rocketed.  Most meals are enough to feed an entire family!  Ask for your dinner to be cut in half and doggie bag it.  By taking a to-go box home not only are you cutting calories, you're saving time and money you would have spent on another meal.

5) MAKE YOUR MEAL
I suggest keeping it simple.  Grilled, baked, or steamed is the way to go.  Opt for chicken or fresh fish!  Read the entree description, if it has gravy, sauces or dressing, ask for it on the side or not at all.  One of the biggest problems I have with restaurants is the excessive amount of sodium they use.  It's absolutely ridiculous how they incorporate salt into literally every dish.  For example, the pecan crusted salad at Applebee's sounds harmless enough, but it's loaded with 1,360 calories, 80 g of fat, 17 g of saturated fat and 2,640 mg of sodium.  Seriously!? That's more than a days worth of sodium in just one salad.  Always ask for no (or light) salt, it's just not necessary!  Also, be sure to ask for no butter or "dry".

6) SUPER SIDES
We all know that fried foods are completely unhealthy, so forfeit the french fries and make way for a small baked potato or even better, a sweet potato!  If your dish comes with rice, substitute white for brown.  And of course, don't be shy about ordering a large helping of delicious and nutritious steamed vegetables

  
7) SKIP THE SWEETS
You're sweet enough already :) But seriously, just say no those extra calories, fat, and sugar.  It may taste good for the moment, but it will be over in a matter of minutes and you'll regret it later.  Consider having fresh fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth without setting yourself back.

  
8) ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE

Don't be afraid to ask the waiter questions, remember, this is YOUR BODY, in order for it to function at it's peak you need to provide it with the proper fuel.  Most waiters are understanding, but if you should get one that gives you a hard time for any reason, don't be afraid to explain to him/her your situation.  You may even influence them to make better choices the next time they dine out!

 

Hopefully this post has provided you with some helpful tips and thoughts to consider when ordering your meals the next time you dine out.  Please know that it is OK to indulge every once in a while for special celebrations and occasions and you should not feel guilty doing so.  But, keep in mind your true desires and know that you need commitment and consitency to achieve your goals!

 

*Additional Fit Tips*
- Add fresh lemon or lime to your water, on your salad, or on fish for added flavor and to promote proper digestion.
- Start your meal with a small salad packed with veggies to help control hunger and feel satisfied sooner.
- Ask for salad dressing to be served on the side so you can add only as much as you need.
- Order foods that do not have creamy sauces or gravies.
- Add little or no salt & butter to your food.
- Keep it simple.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

 

Cabbage Slaw Salad

Today I was blessed to spend the day with my mom!  Whenever we get together, we always have a great time :) Our activities usually consist of shopping, crafting, and of course... cooking!  A lot of my clean eating ideas stem from things my mother makes.

Currently, my mom and my stepdad are gradually transitioning into the Paleo lifestyle.  In fact, I even bought them a Paleo cookbook for Christmas.  So today's lunch is 100% Paleo approved!  We made made a delicious grilled chicken breast topped with a strawberry, mango, clementine salsa and on the side, an amazingly healthy cabbage slaw salad.  I knew immediately I had to share this with you all because it is incredibly easy and SO yummy!  I'm glad we made a big batch of it because I'm going to take some home with me to eat with my lunch tomorrow :)

Cabbage Slaw Salad

Serves 8

Ingredients:

- 3 cups Coleslaw

- 3 miniature Bell Peppers (red, orange, & yellow)

- 2 medium Organic Gala Apples, diced

- 1 medium Cucumber, diced

- 1/2 cup Green Onion, chopped

- 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped

- 1/4 cup Walnuts, chopped

- 1/2 cup Raisins

- Lemon (squeeze on diced apples to prevent browning)

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl!

How easy is that?!

Simple. Healthy. Delicious.

My mom and I went shopping before lunch and picked up some organic hazelnut oil and organic walnut oil.  We tried both oils on separate slaw to see which one we preferred.  I liked the walnut and my mom liked the hazelnut!  So everyone has their own preference of flavor of course.  You could also use organic olive oil or your own dressing.  I think a light raspberry vinaigrette would be a great choice.

Enjoy!

Nutritional Information:
Per 1 Cup Serving
71 calories, 2.5g fat, 8.1mg sodium, 108.6mg potassium, 11.1g carbohydrates (2g fiber, 8g sugar), 1.4g protein.

Strawberry Cinnamon Casein Treat

I've had to increase my protein intake by quite a lot in order to build and maintain muscle for my next NPC bikini competition.  In order to do so, I have been making some very delicious casein treats before I go to bed.  This one in particular is under 150 calories, provides 17g of protein, and is beyond easy to make!

If you are not aware of casein protein, like whey, it comes from cow's milk.  Casein is unique in that it has the ability to gel and glob. During digestion, casein thickens as it contacts stomach acid.  This reduces digestion rate and allows for a slower, more continuous release of casein's amino acids (the building blocks of protein).  Although casein does not provide whey's peak anabolic response, it does provide a more sustained amino stream.  Casein can be consumed any time of the day, however, due to it's slow digestion and amino acid release, casein is commonly taken when you might be without food for a long period of time (at night, before bed).

So, now that I've provided you with a little information on casein protein, let's eat it!

Strawberry Cinnamon Casein Treat

Ingredients:

- 1/3 cup Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt

- 1/3 scoop Vanilla Casein Protein Powder

- 1/4 cup Strawberries (fresh, diced)

- 1/8 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon

- 1/2 of an Organic Cinnamon Graham Cracker Sheet (crushed)

- 1 tbsp Fat Free Cool Whip

Instructions:
1) Combine the first 5 ingredients in a small bowl, cover, and place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.
*Note*
This doesn't have to be exact.  The longer it chills, the firmer the consistency.  Most of the time I don't even put it in the freezer at all because I just want to gobble it all up! :)
2) Sprinkle crushed graham cracker and top with a spoonful of Cool Whip or all natural Truwhip.

Enjoy!

Nutritional Information:
143.7 Calories, 1.5g Fat, 110.5mg Sodium, 230.2mg Potassium, 15.8g Carbs (1.4g Fiber, 6.4g Sugar), 17g Protein.


*Fit Tip*
Add whatever nutricious and delicious health foods you like to suit your dietary desires!
Some suggestions include:
- All natural, unsalted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews.
- Organic fruit; apple, berries, banana slices, orange, mango.
- All natural cocoa, carob chips, or dark chocoalte chips.
- Any nut butter or PB2.


Why strawberries?
Strawberries provide numerous health benefits!  Strawberries are nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants like Vitamin C; which boosts your immune system, promotes younger looking skin and eye health and reduces inflammation.  So remember the three As: Antioxidant, Anti-Aging, Anti-inflammatory.

Why cinnamon?
Many studies have found that cinnamon regulates blood sugar; making it a great choice for diabetics, hypoglycemics, or anyone seeking to stabilize their energy levels.  Also, research has shown that cinnamon may cause an increases in metabolism, thus aiding in fat loss.  In addition, cinnamon has also been shown to reduce the harmful LDL cholesterol and reduce arthritis pain.

References:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/the-case-for-casein.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/501674-benefits-of-cinnamon-to-lose-weight/
http://www.fitnessrxwomen.com/nutrition/healthy-eating-tips/10-health-benefits-of-strawberries/

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.

Triple Chocolate Proats

It's no secret I have a super sweet tooth!  I'm pretty much a certified chocoholic :) lol!  So, this is an absolutely delicious breakfast, or perhaps a post workout meal, that I came up with to satisfy my chocolate craving I was having this morning.

I've been doing a lot of various proat recipes lately because they are so quick and easy to prepare.  I loving how nourishing and filling proats are.  They are very versatile too; you can pair oatmeal with any flavor of protein you desire and incorporate your favorite fruits, nuts, or seeds to suit your own taste.  Personally, my favorite flavors are chocolate, cinnamon, and peanut butter, so that's what's in this particular recipe <3

Triple Chocolate Proats 
w/ Banana & Graham Cracker Topping

Ingredients:

- 1/3 cup Quick Cooking Oats

- 1/8 tsp Cinnamon

- Water (depends on how wet or dry you'd like)

- 1/2 scoop Chocolate SRO Zero Carb Whey Protein

- 1/2 tsp Chocolate PB2

- 2 oz Chocolate Protein Rush Shake (liquid)

- 1/2 Banana, sliced

- 1/4 Organic Chocolate Graham Cracker, crushed

Instructions:

- Combine oats, cinnamon, and water in a bowl.

- Cook in microwave on high for 1 minute 30 seconds.

- Mix in Chocolate SRO, Chocolate PB2, and Chocolate Protein Rush Shake.

- Top with banana slices and crushed chocolate graham cracker.

Ta da! Super easy, and VERY yummy!

Serves 1

Nutritional Information:

233 calories, 3g fat, 5g cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 246mg potassium, 31g carbohydrates (5g fiber, 8g sugar), 20g protein

Zero-Calorie, Zero-Carb, Gluten-Free - NoOodles

I've been hearing a lot of buzz about these zero calorie, zero carb, gluten-free "miracle" noodles lately and have really wanted to try them!  Lucky me, I stumbled upon an amazing deal on Groupon for NoOodle Shirataki Zero-Calorie Noodles.  

It was only $36.00 for 24 8oz. packs of these all natural noodles!  

Regularly, they would be $72.00.  Plus, I got free shipping. Cha-Ching!

The arrival!

One pack of NoOodles.

NoOodle's angel-hair pasta provides a healthy alternative to traditional noodles thanks to its complete lack of calories, net carbohydrates, gluten, fat, sodium, and preservatives.  Derived from yam flour, these high-fiber noodles require a simple rinse or dry fry to prepare before starring in your favorite soup, salad, or entree.

NO Calories... NO Fat... NO Net Carbs... NO Soy... NO Gluten... NO GUILT!!!

NoOodles Nutrition Label

So, now time to tell you my thoughts about these suckers :)

Upon opening the bag, there is a very foul fish like odor that is released *BLEH* they reek!  So naturally I did what I always do and Googled this stench right away.  I quickly found on the NoOodle website that this is a FAQ and the aroma does not mean the noodles are spoiled.  The smell is from a mineral called lime (calcium hydroxide, as seen the the ingredients above) which is apparently used in many foods and drinks as a firming and neutralizing agent.  It is harmless, but they recommend rinsing and draining the noodles to remove the smell prior to adding them to your recipes.

Speaking of recipes, this is the first meal I made using the "no guilt" noodles!

 

Ingredients:

- 4oz chopped grilled chicken breast

- 1 cup of steamed broccoli

- 4 oz NoOodles (drained and pat dry with a paper towel)

- 1 tbsp Walden Farm's Sesame Ginger Dressing

Instructions: 

Mix all of the ingredients together and microwave for 1 minute!

Easiest thing ever made?! Quite possibly!

As far as taste and texture goes, NoOodles are translucent, similar to Asian style noodles or angel hair pasta, and have no flavor.  So, you can add any of your favorite sauces or soups to your dish and the pasta will absorb those flavors. You can cook them with your favorite spaghetti or Alfredo sauce, or you can experiment with different vegetables and herb dressings until you find a dish that suits your taste and is delicious and healthy!

Enjoy!

Spicy Spaghetti & Meatballs

This just in... I made this dish last night for dinner!

Ingredients:

- 1 package of NoOodles (drained, rinsed, and dried)

- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion

- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes & green chilies

- 2 tsp Mrs. Dash Italian Medley seasoning

Instructions:

Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray, place all ingredients in pan and cook on medium-high heat for 2 minutes, turn heat down to medium and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Makes 2-3 servings.

Serve with 2 Turkey Muffins (recipe on my blog).

Bon Appetit!

French Thins

After looking at someone's Instagram photo of delicious french toast I really wanted, no, I needed, some french toast for breakfast! Lol!  So, after my cardio sesh this morning I scoured my kitchen in search of a few basic ingredients to make a healthy and delicious batter.  As for the bread, I used one whole Flax & Fiber Arnold Sandwich Thin, which, if you're counting calories, is only 100 cal per roll.  Also, they are high in fiber and pack 5g of protein, score!  Any who, this batter recipe below actually makes enough for two servings, meaning, it is more than enough to dredge 2 whole sandwich thins (4 slices) in!  You can make this breakfast for you and your boo, or do what I did and prepare the other French Thins for a tasty mid-day treat!

French Thins!

Banana Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate French Thins! (say that 5 times fast) lol!

Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup Egg Whites
- 1/4 scoop VPX SRO Zero Carb Chocolate Protein Powder
- 1/8 tsp Cinnamon
- Splash of VPX Chocolate Protein Rush
- 2 Flax & Fiber Arnold Sandwich Thins

If you're not a chocoholic like me *gasp!* then you can always sub it for vanilla protein and add some pure vanilla extract to the mix ;)

Instructions:
- Whisk the first four ingredients together in a bowl.
- Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray and heat on Low.
- Soak slices in batter.
- Cook covered until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes) on each side.

As you can see from the above picture I topped mine with two of my favorite foods, banana and peanut butter!  I sliced up half of a small banana and used 1 tbsp of Peanut Butter & Co. Cinnamon Raisin spread.  Amazeballz!  I also sprinkled some sunflower seeds on top for an added *crunch* :)

You can add your own toppings/stuffings to meet your nutritional needs and suit your taste buds.  Below I listed some suggestions I may have to try myself!

Stuffing Suggestions
- Apples
- Pears
- Peaches
- Berries
- Nuts
- Greek Yogurt
- Honey/Agave
- PB2

Nutritional Info (per serving): without toppings
140.3 calories, 1.1g fat, 259.8mg sodium, 92mg potassium, 21.3g carbohydrates (5.2g fiber, 2g sugar), 13.3g protein.

With the toppings it came out to about 285 calories and 18g protein.
Caloric Breakdown:
French Thins Batter - 40 cal per serving
Flax & Fiber Arnold's Sandwich Thins - 100 cal per roll
Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Peanut Butter - 80 cal per tbsp
Banana - 45 cal for 1/2
Sunflower Seeds - 20 cal

Hope this helps :)

And as always... I hope you ENJOY!

Easy Open Faced Egg White Omelette

I wanted to make a quick and easy breakfast this morning, and I did, so I thought I'd share it with you!  With just 5 healthy ingredients and only 5 steps, this recipe is super simple for my busy but health conscious fit fam.  Packed with 26.3g protein and only 158.3 calories, this high protein, low calorie, and low carb meal is the perfect way to start a healthy day!

Easy Open Faced Egg White Omelette

Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup egg whites
- 1/2 cup chopped baby spinach
- 0.5 oz low sodium turkey breast
- 1 oz low fat shredded mozzarella
- a dash of Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb seasoning

Instructions:
- Spray small pan with olive oil and heat on medium.
- Add chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in egg whites and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add turkey breast and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Mrs. Dash on top and cover with lid for 1-2 minutes.

And that is it!  You can always incorporate additional veggies such as; onions, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, the list can go on and on!

Serving Size: 1
Nutritional Info:
158.3 calories, 3.4g fat, 11.2mg cholesterol, 378.3mg potassium, 1.7g carbohydrates, 26.3g protein.

Enjoy!

Baked Spinach Salmon Burgers

This is a great meal because the main ingredients are powerful SUPERFOODS packed with nutrients!  And personally, I love spinach and I love salmon, so why not mix them together and make a delicious recipe out of it? :)

But first, I'd like to provide you with a few facts about our two key ingredients:

Salmon -
As you may already know, salmon is a highly nutritious food. Of course, it is high in protein, and Omega-3 healthy fats. But did you know that a serving salmon provides a full day’s requirement of vitamin D, which is essential for the maintenance of bone density?  Salmon also contains over half of the necessary B12, niacin, and selenium, and is an excellent source of B6 and magnesium.

Spinach -
Low in calories and high in vitamins, spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence.  One cup of the leafy green vegetable contains far more than your daily requirements of vitamin K and vitamin A, almost all the manganese and folate your body needs and nearly 40 percent of your magnesium requirement. It is an excellent source of more than 20 different measurable nutrients, including dietary fiber, calcium and protein.  And yet, 1 cup has only 40 calories!

So, here is another amazingly healthy, high protein (18.5g protein), low calorie (only 143 calories per patty!) recipe that is easy to make and only takes a few ingredients!

Baked Spinach Salmon Burgers

Serves 4

 

 Ingredients:
- 15oz of canned salmon, drained
   (I used 3 5oz cans)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped baby spinach
- 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
- 1/3 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/3 cup egg whites
- Fresh black ground pepper to taste
- Lemon juice to taste





Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine ingredients and mix well.
*Tip* If mixture is too dry, add more egg whites, if mixture is too wet, add more oats.
- Spray baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
- Form mixture into 4 patties (should be about 1/2 inch thick) and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes in the oven (mine took only 10 minutes).
 

Now, I was making this meal for not just myself, but hungry boys as well, so I had to beef it up a bit!  I used a 5 Grain Flax Artisan Foldit Flatbread in place of a bun (one flatbread is 90 calories).  On the flatbread I spread all natural, no salt added, Stoneground Mustard.  Then I put a slice of Swiss cheese, added some fresh baby spinach, and chopped up a large tomato and red onion and placed slices on top.

Some suggestions if you are trying to reduce your caloric/carbohydrate intake:
* In place of a bun, use romaine lettuce leaves.
* Skip the cheese, or use low fat mozzarella instead.

Side Dish: Steamed Squash
As a side dish, I seasoned and steamed squash.  I washed and sliced 4 zucchinis then put them in a large Ziploc bag with a tablespoon of Mrs. Dash Original seasoning and shook the bag up real good to make sure all the slices were coated.  I let the zucchini sit in the seasoning while I was preparing the patties then popped em in my steamer for 7 minutes.  Voila!

Nutritional Facts: (per patty only)
143 calories, 3.6g fat, 304.4mg sodium, 76.4mg potassium, 9.2g carbs (1.8g fiber, 0.8g sugar), 18.5g protein

ENJOY!

References:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/408658-what-are-the-benefits-of-canned-pink-salmon/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/2700-facts-health-benefits-spinach/