Thursday, February 28, 2013

Mrs. Fit's Turkey Muffins

 
 
These are by far my favorite snack! They can be eaten as lunch or dinner too.
I discovered this recipe from bodybuilding.com, but tweeked it to my liking. I find that these turkey muffins provide enough protein and healthy fats, but are absolutely delicious!
 
 
Directions:
 
First preheat oven 375* and spray muffin tin with non-stick spray
 
You'll need:
 
2 lbs. extra lean ground turkey
 
 
 
3egg whites
1 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 tsp. ground tumeric
1/2 tsp. oregano leaves
2 tsp. ground mustard
2 tsp. black pepper
2tsp. Mrs. Dash spicy seasoning or chipotle seasoning (salt free)
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp. garlic powder (2 gloves minced)
1 small onion finely chopped or none if you aren't a fan
2 celery stalks finely chopped
2 tbsp. flaxseeds
 
 
Mix all ingredients in one large bowl
 
 
 Roll the mixture into balls and place in muffin pan. Muffins should be size of racquetballs.
 
Bake for 40-50 min.
 
 
 
This is what they'll look like!
 

 
 
Makes about 18 muffins. Serving size: 1 1/2 for women, 3 for men
 
 

Green Monster Smoothie

   My favorite green smoothie...   


What you'll need:   

Blender
1 cup water  
2 cup Spinach  
Dandelion root 
bunch of collard greens 
1/2 banana 
1/2 apple (green ones are my fav) 
Kefir sprouts 
1 Tbsp. Flaxseeds 
Opt. 1/2 cup frozen berry or Ice

 
 
Blend greens first with water, then add in the rest ingredients. If you need to add more water or ice to get desired consistency. I like mine thick like a smoothie.
ENJOY!!!
 

 



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Detox Bath


Soothing wellness....and those muscles ;)


I started taking detox baths so beauty and health reasons. I take one 3 days a week for 30 minutes

each time. I love taking them because my skin feels amazing afterwards and it helps get rid of all the

impurities and toxins from my body and off my skin. I recommend these baths because if you

workout hard 5-6 days a week then this will help with muscle soreness and overall wellness. They are

 also really relaxing. I will usually play soft music and close my eyes daydreaming. It's

FANTASTIC!

Here's what you'll need....



2 c. Epsom Salt
2 c. Sea Salt
2 c. Baking soda
1 Tbsp. Ground Ginger
4 Tbsp. Lemon juice


Mix all ingredients in large bowl while bath starts to fill. Add to hot bath and RELAX!



I know it sounds weird, but I feel it has helped me. Hope you try it, let me know what you think.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

My get fit the right way and quick plan!


My Get Fit the right way and Quick Plan

The Rules

  • Like my other plans, this is a lifestyle change so don’t think of it as a diet. The goal here is to feel good and look great.
  • Stay focused and remind yourself daily of why you want to get fit and healthy! Flex that willpower.
  • Drink lots of water. Aim to drink an ounce for every pound you weigh.
  • As soon as you wake up, have some lemon water. Try to do this at least 3 times a week. (If you do it every single day, it can make your teeth a bit sensitive.)
  • Pick one exercise from the “Exercise Options” list to do every day (save one day for rest).
  • Do all of the exercises listed under “Everyday Exercises” list each day in addition to your selected workout.
  • Pick one meal from each category for each day, in addition to one snack.
  • To get your metabolism revving, personally, I swear by green tea.
  • I suggest to help build lean muscle, incorporate protein after your workouts, such as Muscle Milk Light. or protein powder.

The Off-Limits List

  • No candy, baked goods, or ice cram. Ideally, no sugar!
  • No soda or flavored drinks. Remember—water!
  • No white bread.
  • No fried foods. None!
  • No eating 2-3 hours before bed. (Your body needs time to digest!)

Breakfast Options

  • Greek yogurt with a handful of berries, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, and 1 tablespoon of slivered almonds
  • Egg White Omelet
  • Overnight Oats
  • One slice of toast with two hard-boiled eggs and a side of grapefruit or pineapple
  • Slim-Down Smoothie: 1/2 banana, 1/4c. blueberries frozen, 1 c. spinach, bunch of parsley
  • Protein Pancakes: Mix together ¼ cup egg whites, 1 small mashed up banana, 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (whey is good), 1 pinch of cinnamon, and 1 handful of berries. Cook like a normal pancake and top off with a drizzle of agave.

Lunch & Dinner Options

  • Greek Salad: (tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, drizzle of vingarette) with a side of grilled chicken, white fish, or tofu
  • Honey Mustard Chicken served with a side salad
  • Chickpea Salad: chickpeas, dices onion, red, yellow, green peppers, and corn. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper or Ms. Dash Spicy seasoning
  • Pita Pocket with a side of greens
  • Salad greens with 1 cup of Spicy Quinoa :Quinoa with salt free taco seasoning.
  • Chicken sandwich with Avocado Salsa and a side of pineapple
  • Detox Soup: (celery diced, vegetable stock, onion diced,  chopped carrots and any other vegetables you want) with a side of grilled chicken, white fish, or tofu
  • Salmon Tacos (substitute the tortillas for lettuce and eat as a salad)
  • Chicken Wrap with Mango, Basil, & Mint
  • Grilled chicken, white fish, or tofu served with a side of steamed vegetables
  • Easy lemon pepper Chicken with a side of quinoa (or millet) and steamed broccoli
  • Watermelon, Feta, & Mint Salad with a side of grilled chicken, white fish, or tofu

Snack Options

  • Greek yogurt with chia seeds
  • Crackers with a slide of avocado and a dollop of hummus
  • Apple
  • Raw vegetables
  • Grapefruit
  • Raw coconut
  • Celery with peanut butter
  • Almonds
  • All natural popcorn
  • Sliced turkey rolled in lettuce with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette

Exercise Options

  • Run for 30 minutes or powerwalk for 1-hour
  • Alternate walking and sprinting for 60 seconds for 20 minutes
  • 1 hour of yoga, kickboxing, Pilates, hiking, or spin
  • 30-Minute Indoor Workout or HIIT
  • *My traveling workout or strength training class 3 days a week
  • ab work 2-3X a week
 
*If you are doing cardio one day do just cardio, if not do strength training before your cardio segment.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Cellulite! ugh...


 
 
 
 
 
 

Cellulite!

 
Yes, 90% of all women develop cellulite at some point or to some degree. The unfair part is men

almost never do! Cellulite is actually a skin problem not a fat problem. Even skinny people have it!

Where cellulite is located circulation is an issue. It's hormonal. Circulation tends to be weaker in the

hips, thighs, and butt area and collagen is weaker in these areas due to lack of blood flow and the

result is a cottage cheese effect. Cellulite is caused by water damage and fat cells that come closer to

the surface of the skin and become visible due to this weakening of the skin's structure.  What can we

do? Adding hydrating and cell-fortifying ingredients to your diet like glucosamine, essential fatty

acids, amino acids, lecithin and antioxidants may help. A regular fitness regimen to boost circulation

may also help.  Drink lots of water to keep the skin and body hydrated! You should also eat  more

fruits, vegetable and whole grains to help build collagen. Consume protein in the form of lean meats,

nuts, seeds and eggs, which all contribute to building connective tissue, helping to prevent and

minimize the appearance of cellulite. If we flood our bodies with the nutrients they need we mitigate

the damage and potential for fat to migrate in the space.  Stress reduction has also been shown to be

helpful. A regular exercise program can help maintain your stress level. And what about crèmes?

Most don't work, but there are some that increase blood flow with circulation-boosting agents such as

cayenne pepper, cat's claw herb, B vitamins and bioflavonoids, to name a few. I personally use

coconut oil with vitamin E as my body lotion. These really help only the top layerof the epidermis,

but they may be effective when combined with reduced stress, exercise and the proper nutrition.





 
Well, it's nice to know we're all in it together! :)

Tips to help you eat clean


Clean Eating!



Keep These Tips in mind to get the most out of your clean-eating plan.

 

1. EAT WHEN YOU'RE HUNGRY.  If only a specific flavor, texture or food can satisfy your desire to eat, you're probably having a craving. Take a minute to get centered before packing your plate. It's like the counting to ten when you're angry. Stop, think, then eat.

 

2. STOP EATING WHEN YOU'RE FULL.  Use a hunger and fullness scale before and during your meals (one being very hungry, seven being very full)Learn to pay attention to your body and stop when you are moderately full, about a 5.5.

 

3.  FOCUS ON EACH BITE, NOT THE WHOLE MEAL.  Pause with each bite to discern the different flavors and textures. This mindset will allow you to stop eating once you reach the bite that makes you feel full.

 

4.  MINIMIZE THE DISTRACTIONS. Turn off the TV and put down the book. Give all your attention to your meals. Get all your food for the meal out. Put it on a plate. Do nothing else but eat. 

 

5.  KEEP A LOG OF HOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS IMPACT YOUR EATING.  Do you eat more in a certain place, at a certain time, around certain people? Do you binge when circumstances or happenings get out of your control? Recognize and eliminate your triggers.

 

Friday, February 22, 2013

How much protein are you eating?


 
Hi Guys!

Are you eating your protein? 

Protein is essential for burning fat and building muscle. Making sure you get enough protein to support your muscles is key to building lean muscle. It depends exactly what your goals are. You should aim for about 1g per lb you weigh. For example if I weigh 125 lbs, then I should eat at least 125 grams of protein daily.

 
 
Here's what chicken does: with  about 17 grams of protein per 3 oz. along with essential vitamins and nutrients, just one serving can net you most the protein your body needs.


Here are other proteins for you to try:

Shrimp- 4oz =24 g. protein  112 calories

Beans-red,black,navy,lima,pinto,etc.- 1 cup=15 g.protein 225 calories

Low-Fat Yogurt- 8oz.=32 g. protein, 140 calories

Bison-(it's the new thing)-4oz=31 g protein, 190 calories

Flank Steak- 3.5 oz.= 23 g. protein, 190 calories

Tofu- 4oz.= 9 g protein, 85 calories

Eggs-1 large egg=6 g protein, 75 calories

  3 egg whites= 10 g protein, 60 calories

Turkey-3 oz= 26 g protein, 110 calories

Whey Protein- one scoop= 24 protein, 120-140 calories

Salmon- 4oz=29 g. protein, 207 calories
 

Try all different proteins, eat protein with every meal!

That's going to help some of your sugar cravings!
 


Friday, February 8, 2013

Peanut butter protein bars

Here's the recipe you've been waiting for...

Ingredients:
 
1/2 c. Vanilla protein powder
1/2 c. almond milk unsweetened
1/4 c. PB2
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2tsp ground ginger
3 egg whites
2 tbsp. unsweetened applesauce
4-5 stevia packets
 
 
*Other substitues: Use chocolate protein powder, add 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, use regular, soy, or skim milk, egg white substitute, add flax seeds.

Directions:                               


  1. Preheat oven 350 degrees. Spray loaf pan or 8x8 with non-stick spray and set aside. *8x8 pan will make thinner bars and loaf thicker.
  2. Place all ingredients in large bowl and whisk until everything is combined.
  3. Pour batter into pan.
  4. Place into oven for 15-20 min or until bars are set.
  5. Cut into 8 bars and enjoy!
*These bars should end up sponge like and fluffy.


Let me know how you like them and other alternatives you have used.
Ashley

Thursday, February 7, 2013

What things are keeping you overweight? Let me tell you!


If you aren't losing weight there could be something you're doing wrong. Here's a list of some things keeping you from becoming the best you possible!

·        You eat the wrong post-workout snacks.

You should aim to have a mix of protein and complex carbs under 150 calories unless it's a meal.

 

·        You never indulge.

 

Eating a piece of chocolate or burger isn't going matter as long as you maintain a healthy diet in the long run. It's ok to indulge, but that doesn't mean overeat. You still need to watch portions.

·        You leave out entire food groups.

Don't eliminate all fats, carbs or proteins. All are necessary for healthy weight loss and maintenance.

·        You don’t eat enough.

Don’t starve yourself for calories for later. It just messes up your metabolism and makes your body go into starvation mode.

·        You wear clothes that are too big.

I love wearing comfy clothes, but not all the time. Loose clothing covers you up to mask what you really look like.

·        You eat without thinking

If you are a cardio junkie then you are missing out! Not only does weight training help prevent injury and increase lean muscle it also increases your metabolic rate.

·        You exercise with an empty stomach

Research shows that when you work out on an empty stomach the calories burned come from muscle, not fat. Fueling your body properly will help you avoid losing hard earned muscle and give you more energy.

·        You don’t keep a food journal

Writing down or logging your food intake is crucial for weight loss. It shows you exactly what you put into your body. Those that keep journal/logs are more successful with weight loss.    *My Fitness Pal is a great app/website that you can use. I use it personally!

·        You’re always dining out

·        You’re on a diet, sort of…

You can’t eat clean halfway if you want to see results. Stay committed to your plan and think about the end result.

·        You don’t leave time for fun

Stress is shown to cause weight gain by triggering you to eat more foods high in sugar and fat. Give yourself a treat every month or more often like…massage, pedi/mani, time with family, etc.

·        You don’t drink water! GASP!

Water is the most important for not only weight loss but, our bodies function and hydration.  Filling up on water before meals also helps for portion control and can speed up your metabolism.

·        You’re addicted to condiments and toppings.

These can be loaded with extra calories and fat that you just don’t need. Try using salt free seasonings, citrus fruits, and balsamic vinegar instead.

·        Your partner isn’t on the same healthy road.

Having your family/partner be on a similar path can help motivate you. You will know you’re not alone and can encourage each other. If you’re not your relationship can be making you fat. Communication is key and only great things can come out of this.

·        You still drink soda

Yes, even diet soda isn’t good. Try slowly replacing each soda with lemon water and work your way down.

·        You don’t cut your food

It may seem childish but, studies have shown that human find smaller portions more satisfying and as result are satisfied with less.

·        You think walking your dog is enough

·        You don’t eat enough veggies

Eating 5-7 servings of fruits and veggies is important especially for weight loss. They are packed with nutrient that clean out our bodies of impurities.

·        You overindulge in low-fat foods

Lower calorie, low fat foods can be deceiving, since many are filled with extra sugar, sodium, or chemical additives. They also are chemical made to make you want to eat more of them.

·        You don’t sleep enough.

You should try to get 6-8hrs of sleep each night. Not enough sleep will increase appetite stimulating hormones causing you to overeat.

·        You eat while standing up

This can lead to mindless eating and also make your body think it’s not being fed, so sit down with your family and eat together.

·        You don’t practice portion control

·        You don’t eat breakfast

People who eat breakfast regularly lose more weight than those that don’t. So make sure you do to jump start that metabolism.

·        You overeat healthy foods

You still need to watch portion control with healthy foods. For example there are many benefits of almonds, but when you eat the whole bag it goes to waste or to your waist.

Hope this helps! Now let’s get fit!


Source:tralcln