Friday, August 30, 2013

... Party in the Back! SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS! Meet Michelle!

Disclaimer: You are about to have your Mind Blown!!

It is my honor to introduce you to my amazing friend Michelle! I have known Michelle for almost 8 years and trust me when the two of us are together you may wish you had a set of earplugs handy! Michelle turned the BIG 3-0 in October last year! And she decided that she was going to do everything in her power to make the "BIG" in 3-0 ... the SKINNY! She started with me on my very first blog post in February & girlfriends let me tell you ... her achievements have changed her ENTIRE LIFE!

In February Michelle weighed 250 pounds
BEFORE













AFTER! (OH MY GOSH!) 

She now weighs 150 Pounds!
SHE HAS LOST 100 POUNDS IN 6 MONTHS!!
 If this does not motivate you CHECK YOUR PULSE!

I am so proud of all she has accomplished and so flattered when she tells me I was her motivation! Well My dear friend YOU are my motivation and NOW motivating so many others!

Cheers to you and all of your success you have always been such a beautiful person but now your BIG heart is wrapped in a ROCKIN Skinny Minnie BODY!

P.S. She now is happier than EVER and has a mob of handsome men beating down her door! & she is currently taking kick-boxing classes to keep them all in check ;]

I love you Shells & thank you for letting me share your success!

LOVE: ME XOXO

Business in the Front ... Friday Post Part I

Happy Friday My Pretties! 

I literally can not sleep! The "Mind of Megan" is going a million-miles a minute! So I can not contain myself and will be posting not ONE but TWO awesome posts today! First, I will be giving you my grocery list and another incredible list of recipes to use this week or save for next week!! These recipes were given to me by a wonderful friend Michelle ... Oh and speaking of Michelle! My second post I will be calling "SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS" and it is ALL about Miss Michelle and her amazing weight loss success sparked by this very BLOG! (I am so flattered) She is now undoubtedly a motivation to everyone who meets her ... and if you do not know her .. .You are about to! :D So onto our first order of business ...

My Grocery List: 


    This list will vary depending on your preference of fruits and veggies etc. & I recommend hitting up a few different stores to get the best deals, meats in bulk at Costco, veggies and whole wheats at Trader Joes, and probably another stop at Ralph's or Walmart for the rest! 
 
2 Bags of Spinach
1 Bag of Lettuce
1 Head of Romaine Lettuce
4 Bananas
1 can of Pineapple Chunks
Eggs (18+)
Whole Wheat Pita Pockets
12 Yakults
8 – 10 Chicken Breasts
Whole Wheat Tortillas
4 Carb Master Yogurts (Vanilla)
Frozen Turkey Meatballs
Whole Wheat Hot Dog Buns
Spaghetti Squash
Light Marinara Sauce
Small Hummus
Jar of Medium Salsa
1 Salmon
1 Steak
2 Packs of Chia Seeds
1 Carton of Blue Diamond Unsweetened Almond & Coconut Milk
BBQ Skewers
2 Onions                                            
1 Red Onion                                         
3 Green Onion
3 Red Bell Peppers
6 Lemons
1 Bag of Grapes
6 Apples
Blueberries
5 Avocado
2 Cucumbers
Cherry Tomatoes
3 Beef Steak Tomatoes
Shredded Carrots
Sprouts
1 Can Black Beans
2 Can Corn
1 Can Chickpeas 
Green Beans
2 Limes
2 Jalapenos
Mushrooms 
Soy Chorizo
Zucchini 

& Here is a list of recipes to check out to add to your menu this week OR save for next week! I will be testing all of these next week with corresponding pictures!! :] I cant wait to try these out and stuff my face!! 



Southwest Meatball Skillet:
1 Lb ground turkey (or chicken)
*you can buy premade meatballs that are low sodium as well
2 egg whites
¼ cup whole wheat bread crumbs (or panko)
2 Tbsp olive oil (or coconut oil)
I cup frozen (or canned) corn
I can black bean (drained)
2 cups diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp lime juice
¼ cup chopped cilantro
½ cup chicken broth (low sodium- Trader Joe’s has an excellent brand)

Combine turkey, egg whites, bread crumbs, and mix well.  Shape into meatballs
Heat olive oil in large skillet, medium high, and add meatballs. Cook 3-5 min, turning frequently, until browned on all sides. Add remaining ingredients (except cilantro) to skill and mix well.  Reduce heat to medium and cook until meatballs are cooked through.  Stir in cilantro and serve.


Muffin Tin Eggs:
1 egg per cup (depending on a 6 or 12 muffin tin)
Veggies can anything you desire: garlic, onion, chive, bell peppers, tomatoes, etc.

Preheat oven to 375. Spray muffin tin w/ non stick cooking spray. Whisk together eggs w/ veggies until smooth. Poor into muffin tin cups (about ¾ full).  Bake for 20 minutes.  Let cool before removing.  Garnish w/ avocado and parsley if you desire.


Sea Scallops w/ Pesto Asparagus:
1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
1 pkg. sea scallops (Fresh & Easy sells them super cheap and yields 8-10 scallops)
1 cup pesto hummus
¼ cup water
2 Tbsp olive oil (coconut oil)
¼ cup chopped parsley

Prepare asparagus accordingly.  Heat olive oil in large skillet, medium, and add sea scallops (3-4 at a time).  You don’t want to overcrowd your skillet or they won’t cook right.  Cook about 3 min each side, until golden brown. 
Whisk together hummus and water until smooth. Drizzle over asparagus and scallops. Garnish w/ parsley and serve.


Shrimp & Avocado Salad:
1 pkg. cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (Fresh & Easy sells them super cheap)
2-3 lg. avocados, chopped
1 cup red onion, chopped
¼ cup cilantro
1 red pepper, chopped
1 lime, juiced

Soak the red onion in a tbsp or so of olive oil to lessen the harshness, set aside.  Combine avocado, shrimp, red pepper, and cilantro in large bowl.  Add red onion and lime juice until well mixed.  Serve over lettuce cups or eat plain.


Chicken & Broccoli Bake:
1 lb chicken breasts, tenders, cutlets (which ever you prefer)
1 pkg. broccoli (sub w/ Brussels’ sprouts as well)
I pkg. mushrooms
Salt/Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450.  In large baking dish, cover w/ foil and spray w/ non-stick cooking spray (can use olive or coconut oil as well to coat bottom).  Place chicken in a row (ok if touching) and cover w/ broccoli and mushrooms, salt/pepper.  Add water- maybe 2 cups and cover.  Bake 30-45 min, until chicken is thoroughly cooked. 


Israeli Cous Cous Stir “Fry”:
1 pkg. Israeli Cous Cous (Trader Joe’s has an excellent brand)
1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed, chopped into 2” pieces
1 cup onion, chopped
¼ cup garlic, minced
I pkg. sweet baby bell peppers (should be a mixture of red, yellow, and orange), chopped
1 bunch pea shoots (Trader Joe’s sells them a large package, super cheep)
2 tbsp olive oil (or coconut oil)
¼ cup parsley, chopped

Prepare cous cous accordingly and let stand.  Heat oil in large skillet, medium, cook onion and garlic until slightly browned.  Add remaining veggies and cook until aldente.  Combine w/ cous cous and garnish w/ parsley.  Serve over lettuce cups or as a side to your choice of meat/poultry/seafood. 

Enjoy your grocery shopping this weekend! & get Prepped and Motivated to start another successful 17 DAYS! 

XOXO: ME 


 

Thursday, August 29, 2013

WEEK 1: Meal Plan & Recipes :]


It is a GORGEOUS Day! 

I am so excited to share my meal plan for Week 1. But there are a few things you MUST keep in mind! 

1. This Is My Meal Plan: There are plenty of recipes here on my blog for you to mix and match what works best for you! If you don't like salmon (Johnny) substitute it for a can of tuna for you and a lean cut of steak for your man! If you don't like cucumbers substitute those for some carrots or sliced bell pepper! THE main objective it to be eating every 2-3 hours lean proteins, vegetables, small servings of whole grains, fruits before noon, and PLENTY of water (90oz) and green tea (3 cups) 

2. Remember Your Man Is A Man!: They need more protein, and more calories than we do! So always make sure you don't deprive your honey! Add in some crackers, or oatmeal packs to their lunches. Add extra slices of chicken or turkey to their sandwich! Hell give them 2 sandwiches if they know they will need it! As long as we are offering our men healthy alternatives to food trucks and drive thru-s we will all be successful! 

3. Prep Prep Prep: When making dinner you are also prepping your lunch for the next day! Dont dirty your kitchen twice! Set out zip-lock bags or Tupperware when making dinner so all you have to do it plate two servings and pack the others up for lunch! Easy! 

4. Selfies!: I will be posting pictures and prep ideas throughout the week so with the first 4-6 days TOGETHER we will all have a better understanding and visual of what we're making and if we even like it! For example: The Chia Breakfast pudding may not be for everyone so if you try it and want to vomit well come up with some other healthy breakfast choices!

 MY MENU: WEEK 1 

Tuesday: Sept. 3
6:00 – Spinach Smoothie
8:30 – Fruit (grapes)
10:30 – 2 Hard Boiled Eggs (no yolk)
1:30 – Veggie Pita*  
4:30 – Yakult
6:30 – Baked Chicken Breast & Veggies


Wednesday:Sept. 4
6:00 – Egg White Burrito
8:30 – Carb-Master Yogurt & Fresh Berries
10:30 – Fruit (apple)
1:30 – Chicken Salad*
4:30 – Yakult
6:30 – Turkey Meatballs & Spaghetti Squash*


Thursday:Sept. 5
6:00 – Chia Seed Breakfast Pudding
8:30 – Fruit (grapes)
10:30 – 2 hard Boiled Eggs (no yolk)
1:30 – Turkey Meatballs & Spaghetti Squash*
4:30 – Yakult
6:30 – Salsa Chicken Lettuce Wraps*


Friday: Sept. 6 
6:00 – Spinach Smoothie
8:30 – Fruit (apple)
10:30 – Sliced Cucumber & Hummus
1:30 – Salsa Chicken & Fiesta Bean Salad*
4:30 – Yakult
6:30 – BBQ-ed Salmon & Spinach Salad*


Saturday: Sept. 7
6:00 – Egg White Burrito
8:30 – Carb-Master Yogurt & Fresh Berries
10:30 – Fruit (grapes)
1:30 – Veggie Pita*
4:30 – Yakult
6:30 – BBQ Chicken and Veggie Kabobs


Sunday:Sept. 8
6:00 – Chia Seed breakfast Pudding
8:30 – Fruit (apple)
10:30 – Sliced Cucumber & Hummus
1:30 – Chicken & Veggie Kabobs
4:30 – Yakult
6:30 – Egg White & Veggie Scramble*



Recipes:
 
Spinach Smoothie: 2 Servings  (in a blender mix)
1 Carb-Smart Yogurt (vanilla)
2 Bananas
½ can (drained) pineapple chunks
2 LARGE handfuls of fresh spinach
1 cup of Water
1 ½  cups of ice cubes


Veggie Pita:
1 Whole wheat pita pocket
½ of an Avocado – used as a spread substitute for hummus or mayo
STUFF with Veggies!
I use sprouts, sliced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and thinly slices carrot strings
-          Man Modification
1 Whole wheat pita pocket
Thin layer of light olive oil based mayo
Sliced turkey meat
One slice of fat free cheese
Spouts


Egg White Breakfast Burrito: 2 Servings
2 Whole wheat tortillas
6 scrambled egg whites
Pico de gallo or ketchup to dip!
(wow that was easy)


Chicken Salad:
Take chicken breast (prepared the night before)
Lay over lettuce and loads of veggies
Dressing Ideas: 1 Tbs Olive oil & 2 Tbs Balsamic or salsa or mustard :]
-          Man  Modification
 Chicken Sandwich


Turkey Meatballs:
I buy the bags of Jenny-O frozen turkey meatballs (home style)
Brown 10 Meatballs in a large pan (following directions on bag)
Add LIGHT or Low sodium Marinara
Toss into serving of Spaghetti Squash (see earlier post on how to make)
-          Man Modification
 Turkey meatball sandwiches
 1 whole wheat hot dog bun
 3 turkey meatballs
 And a small sprinkle of mozzarella
 (Serve with steamed, baked, or grilled veggies)


Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
4 defrosted chicken breasts
Place in crock pot and cover with salsa
Cook on high for 4 hours
With 30 minutes left remove chicken breast and shred
Place shredded chicken breast back into the Crockpot and salsa for remaining 30 minutes
Use shredded chicken inside lettuce cups topped with grilled onions and bell peppers
-          Man modification
Two whole wheat tortillas
Topped with bell pepper
Beans
Hot sauce
Light sprinkle of cheese

Chicken and Veggie K-Bobs!
Take chunks of chicken breast and assorted mixed diced vegetables onto a skewer
BBQ till chicken is NO longer pink
I use veggies like squash, onion, and bell pepper   
-    Man Modification
      Add Shrimp (& for me too!)


Egg White Scramble:
My honey & I love breakfast for dinner!
Scramble 3 egg whites with diced onion, tomato, garlic, spinach, bell pepper, and mushroom 
-     Man modification
      3 egg whites with browned soy chorizo in a whole wheat tortilla 

For today I will be drafting my "Week 1 Grocery List" to share with you as an example and pondering a realistic weight loss goal! Getting antsy to start this cycle! & I hope you are too! 

Have a beautiful day! xoxo ME