Favorite Salad with Chicken

Last night we had one of my favorite salads for dinner! Here's the recipe to share:

2 cups of mixed lettuce - I chose spinach, baby romaine, and green leaf

1 TBSP of dried mixed berries

1 TBSP of tomato and herb feta cheese

1 TBSP of fat free feta cheese

1 TBSP of Brianna's New American dressing (creamy balsamic)

1 TBSP of balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup of chow mein noodles 

4 oz sliced thin seasoned chicken breast

Mix all together et voila! 

About 375 calories and 33 grams of protein! 

Enjoy!

28 Days of Healthy Focus

It's time for another 28 days of focus: food logging, exercise, and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. This focus starts today and will last through spring break and end April 15th. Hopefully, you will be on your way to a fit and healthy summer!!

With the help of a countdown calendar, you can see your progress as well as being able to see yourself get closer to your goal.

As a group, we will be able to motivate and cheer each other on. Sharing successes help to keep others on track - if you can do it, I can do it. MyFitnessPal enables us to be friends with each other, track our food, and motivate each other by cheering each other on and reading each others logs.

Good luck!! Stay focused and kick some butt!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mix up your workouts!!

Working out has to be fun and challenging. Trying new things can help to keep you focused on your workout and weight loss goals. I have been working out with a great friend for the past 4 weeks religiously to get ready for race season. We have been logging our food every day, working out between 4 and 6 days a week and have actually seen results. 


In addition, this great friend has been going to a boot camp class. I have always loved going to classes for the same reason people like to come to me - they don't have to think about what they are going to do and they have someone to make sure that all moves are being done correctly. She invited me to come with her last Saturday and I could finally join in - I was psyched!! 


Well, we walked in to Living Lean at 7:45 AM on Saturday and I was completely IMPRESSED! What a great facility Mark Derry has - clean, enough space, wide range of equipment, etc. I was also impressed by their professionalism and non-militant focus on each participant. The moves were tough and new to me and each participant has the ability to change the weight amount specifically for them - including having Mark or Jen, his assistant, increase the weight amount for your ability - to my dismay of course...


It was a great class and I plan on going back whenever my schedule allows. I was physically tired at the end of the workout, but I had no idea how sore I would be!! WOW! Being sore has reminded me how important it is to mix up your workouts and incorporate new ideas. Whether you incorporate new classes, a personal trainer, yoga, a new sport - whatever you decide is going to benefit you and your workout routine. Mix it up and trick your body into something new! 


If you haven't checked out Living Lean here in Chagrin Falls, I highly recommend it!

Healthy Valentine's Dinner

Cooking a Valentine's Day dinner? Looking for some healthier options that are still very tasty and romantic? If you have been to our house for dinner, you have probably had this meal. It's my favorite:


Steak, potatoes, vegetables, salad, and of course, dessert. 


Buy 2 - 4 red potatoes per person depending upon size of red potatoes. Slice the potatoes extra thin and soak in a bowl of water. Lightly Pam 2 cookie sheets and lay sliced potatoes flat on sheets. Add parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper powder - all according to taste preferences. Bake in oven at 375 until crispy - could be close to an hour depending upon your oven. 


My preferred salad is a caesar for this meal. Chop or tear up organic romaine lettuce. I also like to add organic red leaf lettuce for a bit of color and texture. We enjoy two light caesar dressings both from Ken's. First is Ken's Steak House Lite Caesar and the other is Ken's Light Options Caesar. It's your preference. A trick I also use is with any oil based dressing, I pour out all the oil on top before I mix it up - you won't miss it!! By doing this, you lower the fat and calories in addition to it being lite. 


Buy your favorite vegetables - for this meal mine are asparagus, broccoli, and mushrooms. Clean and chop into bit size pieces. Lightly spray a skillet or wok with Pam (or preferred spray), add vegetables, and season with onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch or parsley. As the vegetables begin to heat up, add a bit of water to steam the vegetables instead of burning them against the dry pan. Remove from pan when brightly colored and slightly soft. 


Buy your favorite lean cut of beef - sirloin filet, filet mignon, etc. Crush black pepper into the steaks and press on with your fingers. Grill them according to your taste.


Lastly, dessert. I found 2 great low fat recipes online as I am not a good creator of desserts. Here you go: Chocolate Fondue and Triple Berry Mini Cheesecakes.


Add your beverage of choice but try to keep low calorie, please!


Have a wonderful Valentine's weekend!!

Detox After Super Bowl

So we all did it - ate too much last night during the pre-game, game, and post-game. So now what to do?

Here are my suggestions - take or leave what you'd like.

First and foremost - water water water!! Drink your 3 liters today!! This will help to wash out and rid your body or the toxins that were consumed.

Exercise!! This is another great way to rid the body of toxins.

Load up on the healthy foods - fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. It may seem hard to eat well when you don't feel great, but your body will thank you.


Log your food and watch your portions - it will make all the difference.
Last but certainly not least - get some good rest tonight - use your DVR. You will wake up refreshed and ready to continue your healthy lifestyle.

Good luck and live well!!