Thursday, March 31, 2011
LetUS Wrap you in Amazing Tasty Healthy Food: Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
3 TBPS Hoisin sauce (check it out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoisin_sauce )
2 TBSP Honey (remember it has vitamins and minerals!)
2 TBSP Soy Sauce(low sodium)
1 TBSP Freshly minced ginger (its a root! look for it in the produce section!!!) check it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger
2 tsp minced Garlic
Mix together and set aside. In a bowl combine:
2 cups cabbage (I use the pre shredded cole slaw that is ready in a bag for Convenience or you can get a bag of just shredder cabbage)
1/2 cup matchstick carrots
3 TBSP peanuts chopped
3 TBSP Green onion (green and white parts)
1 can water chestnuts
1 cup diced chicken breast (cooked...baked with salt and pepper before you chop. I also recommend chicken breast tenders...they cook faster! Chop after cooked to lock in more flavor)
Mix sauce into cabbage mixture. Place mixture into butter lettuce leaves and enjoy.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Shape Magazine and Metabolism
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_1_23/ai_107488078/?tag=content;col1
Great way to break down the basic's of metabolism.
www.rmrtest.com
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Hey Chub Chasers, We all Gotta Have Some Fat Ya'll
Protein: building blocks of the body
Carbs: Energy for the Body
Now you hear about healthy fats.....say what fat? Yes, you need fat too. We all have it...and its important mkay?
Fat does more internal things. It insultates your body organs, maintains your body temp and helps promote healthy cell function.
Fat also is an energy storage center for your body. Your body will store excess calories as fat, which is healthy, in moderation. Your body will store excess calories as fat.....so you can use them as energy later. Your body breaks down fat....for energy when needed.
So what I am saying, you can have your fat...and eat it too.
BUT....only certain types of fat ya'll.
Your body needs fatty acids to help build cell membranes...as well as help with key fuctions in the brain, eyes, and lunges. Fat helps your cells stay movable and flexible.
The human body uses fatty acids to do everything from building cell membranes to performing key functions in the brain, eyes, and lungs. The functions of fats include: (please itunes Baby Got Back...while reading....)
---Brain: Fats compose sixty percent of the brain and are essential to brain functioning which include learning abilities, memory retention and moods.
--Cells: Fatty acids help your cells stay moveable and flexible, as well as being responsible for building cell membranes
(ba-nanas)
--Heart: Sixty percent of our heart’s energy comes from burning fats. Specific fats are also used to help keep the heart beating in a regular rhythm...should a 90s music song cue here??
--Nerves: Fats compose the material that insulates and protects the nerves, isolating electrical impulses and speeding their transmission...so fats make you fast??
--Lungs: Lung surfactant (say that out loud three times), which requires a high concentration of saturated fats, enables the lungs to work and keeps them from collapsing (nobody likes saggy lunges)
--Eyes: Fats are essential to eye function (I am thinking that kid from The Sixth Sense had allllot of fats, I mean he sees dead people and all.....!)
--Digestion: Fats in a meal slow down the digestion process so the body has more time to absorb nutrients. Fats help provide a constant level of energy and also keep the body happy for longer periods of time. Fatsoluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) can only be absorbed if fat is present (I call this a FATastic bonus!)
--Organs: Fats cushion and protect your internal organs (is this where more cushion for the pushin comes from???)
--Immune System: some fats help inflammation, helping your metabolism and immune system stay healthy and functioning (oh snap did someone say metabolism??)
Before you jump in the car and run to Chic-Fil-A......not all fats are created equal.
Some types:
-Monounsaturated fats: these are plant oils....from canola...to olive oil....also found in avocados, almonds, and seeds like pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds
-Polyunsaturated fats: sunflower, corn, soybean, and flaxseed oils, and also foods such as walnuts, flax seeds, and fish. This fat group includes the Omega-3 of fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory and your body can’t make. Omega-3 fats are found in very few foods. Salmon...this is why you eat wild salmon!
Omega 3s are called super healthy fats! They are needed for body functions like controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain. They are said to help with your heart, liver (who even has one left at this age) and depression.
Good sources: fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, or sardines, or if you don't want to eat that....try some cold-water fish oil supplements. Canned albacore tuna and trout can also be good sources, pending on how the fish were raised and processed.
Saturated fat: these come mostly in animal products like red meat and whole dairy milk.....also in tropical oils like coconut, palm and foods from these oils . These fats raise low-dense lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol that increases your risk of heart disease.
PLEASE NOTE: It is NOT necessary to eat saturated fat sources since our bodies can produce all the saturated fat that we need when we consume enough of the bueno fats. (like a steakhouse in your body)
I do love me some red meat......but you have to make it a treat. Also, I try to eat a filet...which is leaner red meat...and fancy! I am fancy!
and now to the red headed step child of fats...the bully of them all....TRANS FAT:
okay I copied the definition because its just too gross EW:
Trans fats are created by heating liquid vegetable oils in the presence of hydrogen gas (vom), a process called hydrogenation. Partially hydrogenating vegetable oils makes them more stable and less likely to spoil, which is very good for food manufacturers and very bad for you.
AKA its cheap....and bad....like a Vegas h@@ker.
Sources of trans fat are vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, candies, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, baked goods, and other processed foods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils...make sure you check the label....who wants cheap and bad h@@kers? Oh I mean fats.
Trans fat....raises LDL (bad cholesterol) and lowers HLD (good cholesterol).
So there you go...a lesson on findin' fats. You need to be careful with amounts. Since fats can be tricky...talk to your doc or a registered dietician about the amounts you need. But do add fats like fatty fish, olive oils, salmon, and almonds etc into your diet....cook with extra virgin (no Vegas h@@kers here) olive oils...instead of butter.
Limit red meats.....and stay away from those Vegas H@@kers, hey I am just looking out for ya. :)
Got Munchies?
I love to munch...and snack. I started doing this a few weeks ago and its been working....you do it!
....in the morning measure out how many almonds or nuts you can have for the day....and keep them on the counter in a bowl.
Every time you walk by or have a munch urge...grab a few. When you bowl is empty, you done for that for the day!
Just gives you a quick snack and something to grab when you have a munch urge.
and when people say....you snack all the time...and eat nuts all the time...tell them to mind their RMR! :)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Pro Pro Proteeeeeein Packed Punches. Why is Protein Important?
When you eat carbs, the body breaks them down into simple sugars, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. As the sugar level rises in your body, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin is needed to move sugar from the blood into the cells, where the sugar can be used as a source of energy.
Every cell in our body contains protein. It is a major part of the skin, muscles, organs, and glands. Protein is also found in all body fluids except pee and bile (ew vom)
Protein is important for growth and maintenance. Think about it...why does everyone tell you to have protein after a hard work out...you need protein to REPAIR your body. You have carbs before a workout....for the energy and fuel for that work out...and protein after so you can repair your body and grow them muscles you are after (don't worry gals you WON'T get bulky)!
Proteins are the basic building blocks of the body...and many people do not eat enough protein! I mean...I confess I am a carb craver.....our body is designed to love carbs...the instant rush of energy, who doesn't love that....but we must not forget to eat our proteins people!
There are several types of proteins:
Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids. Complete proteins are found in animal foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products such as yogurt and cheese. Soybeans are the only plant protein considered to be a complete protein. Your body digests and uses animal proteins easier then plant based ones.
Incomplete proteins lack one or more of the essential amino acids. Sources of incomplete protein include beans, peas, nuts, seeds, and grain.
Plant proteins can be combined to provide all of the essential amino acids and form a complete protein.
Its important to get a variety of proteins as well. Don't just eat all beans.....add in other things like yogurt, cottage cheese, meat, eggs....your body likes variety...just like feet. What foot wants to wear the same shoe each day? As if.
Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. When proteins are digested, amino acids are left. Your hot bod requires a number of amino acids to grow and breakdown food.
Amino acids are classified into two groups:
-Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body and must be supplied by food. These include cysteine, lysine, and tryptophan. Sources of essential amino acids include milk, cheese, eggs, certain meats, vegetables, nuts, and grains. Salmon people salmon!
-Nonessential amino acids are made by the body from the essential amino acids or normal breakdown of proteins. They include aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and glycine.
Your body can only absorb so much protein. Don't go out and be crazy and eat only protein.
When you eat a protein and a carb together...the protein slows the digestion of the carb....resulting in feeling more full for longer, oh holla thank you protein friend!
My fav sources of protein:
-nuts, almonds!
-Greek yogurt
-chicken breast
-ground lean turkey
-Quinoa is actually really nice in protein
-milk...chocolate milk that is lowfat is GREAT after a workout
-lean red meat (filets!)
-egg whites....I love me some boiled eggs
-black beans...great in fiber too..and at this age...we all need fiber. You can even sing the magical fruit song.....
-fish....salmon...wild caught is great for you!
-shrimp or scallops!
-peanut butter...the all natural kind!
To me, protein powders are hard...many times they are incomplete proteins....and not high quality proteins. You really need to read the labels of those things....and investigate. Same with protein bars. Most of them have high sugars you don't need and not a great source of overall protein....plus they are uber processed. Just really read the labels and research before you eat powders and bars.
NOW go forth and rebuild thy muscles......you need proteins for growth, repair.....and overall health. Proteins keep you healthy!!!! They are lower calories than carbs...but you need both for your body.
Protein builds the body.......and carbs provide energy for the body...and now what do fats do?
.......soon we will talk about fat, that is right chub chasers.....we all need some fat! munch munch
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
finger lickin' good, healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe
This is courtesy of Lea Anne! I am so happy to have her contribute this amazing recipe!
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
- 1 TBSP fresh ginger
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 (15 1/4-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, undrained (make sure its just pineapple and no sugar added to them)
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce or other amino acids
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 TBSP honey
- 1/4 cup dry-roasted chopped cashews or peanuts
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ginger, red pepper,onion and chicken to pan; sauté 5 minutes or until chicken is done. Drain pineapple, reserving 1/2 cup juice. Add 1 cup pineapple chunks to pan; cook 5 min. Combine the reserved 1/2 cup juice, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, and honey in a bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth.
Stir in juice mixture; bring to boil. Cook 5 minute. Add carrots and heat through. Sprinkle with cashews!
- Brown Rice
- ENJOY.....only eat .5 a cup of the rice........and portion out the rest for the week in your Fit Foods!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Things that are Totally Bitchin'
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Lesson on Pickin' Carbs
When you eat carbs, the body breaks them down into simple sugars, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. As the sugar level rises in your body, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin is needed to move sugar from the blood into the cells, where the sugar can be used as a source of energy.
When this process goes fast — as with simple sugars — you're more likely to feel hungry again soon. When it occurs more slowly, as with a whole-grain food, you'll be satisfied longer. These types of complex carbohydrates give you energy over a longer period. (is this starting to have an ahhhh moment yet???)
Examples of single sugars from foods include:
- Fructose (found in fruits)
- Galactose (found in milk products)
Double sugars include:
- Lactose (found in dairy)
- Maltose (found in certain vegetables and in beer)
- Sucrose (table sugar)
Honey is also a double sugar. But unlike table sugar, it contains a small amount of vitamins and minerals. (this is why using honey to sweeten things is better than sugar...has more nutrients in it!
Complex carbohydrates, often referred to as "starchy" foods, include:
- Legumes (beans, beans the wonderful fruit) or peanuts!
- Starchy vegetables
- Whole-grain breads and cereals
Simple carbohydrates that contain vitamins and minerals occur naturally in:
- Fruits
- Milk and milk products
- Vegetables
Simple carbohydrates are also found in processed and refined sugars such as:
- Candy
- Regular (nondiet) carbonated beverages, such as soda
- Syrups (not including natural syrups, such as maple)
- Table sugar
Refined sugars provide calories, but lack vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Such simple sugars are often called "empty calories" and can lead to weight gain. (this is also alcohol)
Also, many refined foods, such as white flour, sugar, and white rice, lack B vitamins and other important nutrients unless they are marked "enriched." It is healthiest to get carbohydrates, vitamins, and other nutrients in as natural a form as possible -- for example, from fruit instead of table sugar.
Basically when you are eating normal pasta vs. whole wheat pasta....they are still carbs.....and still have a lot of calories but one is empty calories and the other...the whole wheat...has nutrients in it.
A few tips from todays carbo lesson:
-Carbs=energy.....you should try to eat your starchy carbs in the day....and stick with protein and vegetables at night. Eating brown rice, whole grains, etc should be eaten at breakfast and lunch....and maybe afternoon snack so you have time to "burn them off/use them for energy" by the time you go to bed.
-Carbs digest more quickly than proteins. If you eat a protein and a carb together....like an apple and some almonds....the protein slows the digestion down of the apple...so you stay more full for longer! holla. Make it a rule...eat a carb with a protein.
-If you eat carbs in the evening...your body digests them....and doesn't need the energy....and your body can say to itself...."self, we aren't using this energy now, we don't need this energy....oh I know...I am going to store it (as fat) so we can use it later!"
....if you need an evening snack...try vegis....cucumbers, etc....or eat some protein...but try to stay away from carbs!
-We will have a lesson on alcohol soon...but until then....just know alcohol slows down your metabolism. Your body stops burning fat so it can process the alcohol (your body thinks its a toxin...go figure). When you are having drinks...try to eat more proteins and vegis with it...and cut the starches down....so those don't turn into fat as quickly.
(since your body stops everything to process the alcohol....the carbs are more likely to not be used as energy and stored as YIKES fat)
For example...when going for Mexican food....have a drink or five....but cut back on the chips and tortillas...stick with the meat and vegis!
Does that help? The reason why you need carbs....is so you can have energy. Cutting carbs out is BAD...your body needs them. Just monitor your intake...because if you aren't expending energy......you don't need as much carbs.
This is why its better to have carbs before a workout...for the energy...and protein after (for rebuilding). Protein lesson later as well :)
tata!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Smooth Summer Sippin'
Monday, March 7, 2011
Weekly Challenge
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A Salad a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!
okay. Aren't salads a pain to make?