Countdown to the Reunion

Wait a minute!

I just looked at the calendar and there are about 45 days until my High School Reunion!  OMG!  I can't believe it.

I have been keeping up with the comments on how to dress, formal attire or jeans and sneakers.  What alcohol has to be at the bar. What music must be played.  Who the party people are, etc!

Screw all those superficial topics.... You know what the real deal is!

"How the H*&% am I going to loose _____ lbs in 2 months?"

It doesn't matter if you are going to a reunion or not.  Summer Officially started yesterday and WOW did mother nature let the SUN shine in!  I know I felt like being naked.... so I am sure each of you might have been feeling the same.

First the fine print:

• This is just a suggestion
• You make the call!  Read and decide what's right for you
• If you plan to exercise or increase your current exercise plan this calorie intake could be too low
• If you are on medications - CONSULT your Doctor before making any changes
• Consider my last blog and journal to keep up with everything you are doing
• Be SMART and listen to your body
• Don't forget you can consult with a Nutritionist
• You've got the Power to adjust to taste and eating needs

Here it is!  A 7 day meal plan to guide you along the way to cranking up your metabolism and burning away some fat.  Follow this for 30 days and connect with a new you! 

Day 1:
Breakfast:

Cereal and Fruit

• 1 cup High Protein, High Fiber Cereal. (8g protein 5 g fiber minimum)
• 1/2 cup skim or soy or rice milk
• 1/2 blueberries

Lunch:

Turkey and Hummus Wrap with a Grapefruit on the Side

• 1 Whole Wheat Pita
• 2 tbsp Hummus
• 3 slices of turkey breast
• 1 slice of reduced fast pepper jack cheese or 1 slice of provolone
• 1 leaf of romaine lettuce, 1 slice of tomato and onion if desired

Dinner:

Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken with Green Beans, Sweet Potato and Salad

• 5 oz chicken breast
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• pinch of black pepper
• pinch of garlic powder or 1/2 tsp of fresh garlic

Oven @ 375 - Pour lemon juice on chicken add season and bake Chicken 25-30 minutes 

• 1 1/2 cups of steamed green beans
• 1 medium baked sweet potato (wrap in aluminum foil and bake along with chicken)

Season Potato with cinnamon and lightly spray with olive oil.

• 1 cup of salad greens of your choice
• 1 tsp of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar

Toss together. 

Snack:

• 1/4 cup of nonfat cottage cheese
• 10 strawberries 

Day 2:

Breakfast:

Egg White Omelette and Fruit

• 3 Eggs Whites
• 1 tbsp of EVOO or cooking spray
• Veggies of your choice
• Garlic, black pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup of grapes (not in the omelette)
• 1/2 cup strawberries (not in the omelette)

Lunch:

Chicken Pistachio and Cherry Salad

• 3 cups of salad greens of your choice
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
• 2 tbsp white beans (canned and rinsed)
• 4 oz baked chicken breast (cut it up)
• 4 diced bing cherries
• 2 tbsp pistachios
• 2 tbsp part skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp EVOO
• 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Add all ingredients, Toss and Serve

Dinner:

Pork Chops with Spicy Peach Salsa, Rice and Salad

(Fish, Chicken, Seitan optional)

• 1 lb thin pork chop loin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp of fresh garlic
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 1/2 tsp black pepper

Remove fat from the pork. Combine seasoning in a bowl and light coat the pork chop on each side. Grill pork chop on High heat cooking until done about 3-5 minutes

• 2 finely chopped peaches (not canned)
• 2 finely chopped plum tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1-2 tbsp diced fresh jalapenos
• 3 tbsp of lime juice
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Makes 4 servings

In a separate bowl combine peaches, tomatoes, red onion and jalapenos. Pour lime juice over top.  Add cilantro, salt and pepper.  Stir and Refrigerate. 

You can serve by pouring 1/4 cup of salsa on the plate, put chop on top and then top with 1/4 cup of salsa. 

• 1 Cup of cooked wild rice (option to cook in low sodium veggie broth)
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup of chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp of light Italian dressing

Snack:

• 1 medium apple
• 1 tbsp almond butter (optional sunflower, cashew or peanut)

Day 3:

Breakfast:

Light and Fit

• 1 Cup nonfat cottage cheese or 1 cup of greek yogurt (can be flavored)
• 1/4 cup of strawberries (or another fruit of choice)
• 10 Almonds

Lunch:

Pork Chops with Spicy Peach Salsa and Soup

Yes left overs from Yesterday :) 

• 1 cup black bean soup topped with 1/4 cup of greek yogurt (note sour cream has more fat)

Dinner:

Turkey Burger and Salad

• 4 oz cooked turkey burger (fresh ground turkey is the better option where possible)
• 1 slice reduced fat cheese or 1 slice of provolone
• 1/4 medium avocado
• 1 medium whole wheat roll or bun
• 1 slice of onion, lettuce and/or tomato
• 2 cups of Salad greens with 2 tbsp of light Italian dressing
• 1 Cup of watermelon

Snack:

• 2 tbsp hummus
• 1 oz part skim mozzarella cheese
• 4 high fiber crackers

Day 4:

Breakfast:

Egg White Sandwich

• 4 hard boiled whites
• 1 whole wheat English Muffin
• 2 tomato slices
• 1 slice reduced fat cheese or 1 Provolone Cheese
• 1 Cup cantaloupe

Lunch:

Shrimp Salad

• 25 large cooked shrimp
• 2 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp garlic powder or minced garlic
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp parsley
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 sea salt
• 2 tbsp avocado
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced red pepper
• 1/4 cup diced yellow pepper
• 1 whole wheat tortilla
• Makes 2 Servings

Preheat Broiler to 400.  Finely chop shrimp and place in medium bowl cove with lemon juice.  In a separate bowl combine all seasonings.  Pour over shrimp and shake until evenly distributed.  Place shrimp on foil lined cookie sheet.  Place in over on the top rack.  Broil for 10-12 minutes

Once cool, return to a bowl. In a separate bowl mash avocado with a fork, Add remaining 1 tbsp of lemon juice, mix until creamy.  Stir into shrimp mixture, add onion and peppers.  Serve with whole grain tortilla.

• 1/4 cup salad greens
• 10 baby carrots
• 1 serving of greek yogurt
• 1 cup sliced strawberries

Dinner:

Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

• 1/4 cup uncooked whole wheat pasta
• 2 cups steamed broccoli
• 4 oz baked chicken
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp of garlic powder or 1 tbsp of minced garlic
• Pinch of red pepper flakes and black pepper
• Parmesan cheese if desired

Cook pasta, when 1 minute left to cook toss in broccoli.  Drain. Return pasta and broccoli to the pot and add chicken, tomato sauce and seasonings to taste. Top with cheese if desired. 

Snack:

Sweet Chocolate Oat Mix

• 1 cup oatmeal
• 4 tbsp flaxseeds
• 4 tbsp sliced almonds
• 3 1/4 tbsp water
• 3 tsp stevia
• 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 20 whole or chopped blackberries
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt
• Makes 4 Servings

Preheat oven 350.  In a bowl combine oatmeal, flaxseeds and almonds.  Pour water over to moisten

In a separate bowl, combine stevia, cinnamon and cocoa powder.  Add oatmeal mixture to seasonings.  Mix until evenly dispersed.  Add blackberries

On foil lined cookie sheet, spread out mixture, Bake for 15 minutes or until slightly crisp. 

Day 5:

Breakfast:

Sweet Chocolate Oat Mix, Cereal and Fruit

• 1 serving Sweet Chocolate Oat Mix
• 3/4 cup cereal (8 g protein and 5 g fiber per cup)
• 1/2 cup skim, soy, rice or almond milk
• 1/2 blueberries

Lunch:

Baked Chicken Greek Salad

• 4 oz baked chicken breast
• 3 cups salad greens of choice
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
• 5 grape tomatoes
• 1/4 cup reduced fat feta cheese
• 10 small black olives
• 1/4 cup canned white beans (drained and rinsed)
• 3 tbsp vinaigrette dressing
• 1 large orange or other fruit to see separately 

Dinner:

Seasoned Salmon, Asparagus and Wild Rice

• 4 oz Salmon
• 1 tsp seafood seasoning (Old Bay)
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350. Place salmon on foil lined tray.  Add seasonings and lemon. Bake for 30 minutes

• 1 cup of wild rice
• 10 steamed asparagus spears
• 1 tbsp parmesan cheese (optional)

Snack:

• 2 plums or another fruit
• 1/2 cup granola 

Day 6:

Breakfast:

Egg White Omelette and Fruit

• 3 Eggs Whites
• 1 tbsp of EVOO or cooking spray
• Veggies of your choice
• Garlic, black pepper to taste
• 1 whole wheat English muffin
• 3/4 cup of grapes (not in the omelette)
• 1/2 cup strawberries (not in the omelette)

Lunch:

Salmon Wrap

• 4 oz baked salmon
• 2 tbsp avocado
• 1 whole wheat tortilla
• 1/4 cup salad greens
• 2 tbsp peach salsa (from Day 2)  You can also do a Mango Salad

Dinner:

Veggie Burger and Broccoli

• 1 Veggie burger (Morning Star or Dr Praegers - this is my favorite) 
• 1 slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese
• 1 medium whole wheat roll
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp hummus
• 1 slice onion, tomato and 1 leaf of lettuce
• 2 cups steamed broccoli
• 1 cup diced cantaloupe

Snack:

• 1 serving of Sweet Chocolate Oat mix
• 1 apple or pear or other fruit

Day 7:

Breakfast:

Granola Parfait

• 1 cup of Greek Yogurt
• 1 cup blackberries (raspberries, blueberries optional)
• 5 almonds
• 1/4 cup high fiber cereal

Mix together and enjoy! 

Lunch:

Shrimp Salad

• 1 serving of Shrimp Salad mix
• 3 cups of baby spinach leaves
• 3/4 avocado
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 kiwifruit
• 3 cups of reduced fat popcorn (can replace with low sodium rice cakes)

Dinner:

Chicken Tortilla Pizza

• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1 whole wheat tortilla
• 4 oz baked chicken cubed or shredded
• 1/2 cup steamed baby spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup reduced fat jalapeno cheddar cheese

Evenly spread salsa on tortilla. Add chicken and spinach and cheese. In toaster over or Broil for 3-5 minutes. 

• 2 cups salad greens of your choice
• 2 tbsp reduced fat vinaigrette dressing or mix EVOO and Balsamic Vinegar

Snack:

• 1 cup cottage cheese and 1/2 cup peach salsa

or

• 1 Chobani Greek Yogurt with Fruit and small apple.

Seven Helpful Tips:

1. Read the entire menu - Make a grocery list and prepare as much as you can on the weekend
2. Make enough Chicken for the week. For example when you make Lemon Chicken make some plain.
3. Wild Rice is high in protein but brown rice can be an option.  Make extra and freeze in single serving container to use later. 
4. Salmon can be replaced with Cod or Tuna.  Watch your mercury intake. 
5. Feel free to explore and play with different seasonings.  
6. Use very little salt. 
7. Drink half of your body weight in water (in oz)

You can change things up! Remember this is just a guide to get you going.  Following this plan for 30 days and you should see a difference in your body, mood and energy level. 

Have any questions.  ASK! 

Taj 

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/madpole/3871709997/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Breakfast Time

So you decided to come back and follow the 20 days til Spring Get Right Plan!

Today's focus is on Breakfast.  I am not a morning person either but Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and today we start with some breakfast options to get you going on this plan.

Skipping breakfast is not an option.... so if that means you have to get up 20 minutes early, then set that alarm clock now and plan on breakfast!  If you usually eat at work.... take a look at the time you are eating.  If you get to work at 9 and breakfast is at 11 but you wake up at 6 to prepare... YOU are waiting too LONG to Break Your Fast.  

Here are some quick options for you to choose from:

• 2 Egg White Omelette can be made with any veggies you like - onion, green peppers etc. 
• Greek Yogurt with whole wheat toast or granola, adding fruit is always an option
• 1/2 cup of oatmeal with fruit - other hot cereal like grits, farina, cream of rice
• 2 Boiled eggs with fruit or whole what toast
• 1 cup of whole grain cereal - milk of choice and 1 banana

Need meat during breakfast, try Turkey bacon or sausage vs pork. Tofurkey or try turkey lunch meat. 

REALLY Strapped for time! Drink your breakfast:

Chocolate Coffee Protein Shake:

2 scoops of chocolate protein

1 cup of skim milk

5 ice cubes

1 cup of water

1 spoonful of instant coffee

Ok folks that is if for now, get ready for more tomorrow!  And don't forget EAT BREAKFAST! 

Talk Soon!

Taj

photo: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/proteinshakes.htm 

20 Days til SPRING!

Which means we are 20 Days closer to SUMMER - 108 to be exact!  Summer happens to be my favorite season for several reasons:

• Trees are green
• Flowers have blossomed 
• Days are long
• Weather is hot

Heat = Less Clothes,  Less Clothes = It's time to tighten things up a bit.  

Well at least on my end.  I have to admit I have enjoyed my share of mac n cheese for dinner, burgers, fries and more.  But enough about what I have been putting down this winter it seems some of you have been doing a bit of the same.  Testimonials below: (these are real quotes)

• "I have been avoiding seeing you until I lost 5 lbs"
• "Do you see this winter roll right here (pinching belly) can you help me, PLEASE"
• "So glad to see you, now just sit right down and give me a workout plan NOW"

OK, OK, OK, I hear you so you want a workout plan!  Making changes involves more then just a workout plan we need to tackle our food plan also. How many of you are Ready and Willing to take on My 20 days til Spring Get Tight Plan?

For the next 20 days I want you to follow my steps to help you get things together via eating and working out.  Lets start by assessing how we eating, most of us are eating too much in too little sittings.  For today's tip we are making our very own No Cook Protein Bar to add to our mid day snack.

• Cooking Spray
• 1 1/2 cup dry oatmeal
• 2 scoops chocolate whey protein
• 2 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1 cup nonfat powdered milk
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup raisins (other dried fruit maybe used)

Lightly spray a 8 inch square pan with cooking spray

In large bowl mix oatmeal, protein powder, flaxseeds and powdered milk. 

In a separate bowl whisk together peanuter butter water and vanilla.  Add the peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients an stir to from a sticky dough.  Stir or knead in the raisins

Using wet hands or a spatula spread the mixture evenly into the prepared 8 inch pan.  Freeze for 1 hour or refrigerate over night, until mixture us firm enough to cut.  Cut into 9 squares. Wrap or put in a plastic container and store in your fridge to grab on your way out. 

Make the bars today and plan to have one a day as our Afternoon Mid day snack!  Plan for this week is to eat 4 meals- Breakfast, Lunch, Mid Day Snack and Dinner.

See you tomorrow for more! 

Taj 

photo:  courtesy of me- taken in Chang Mai, Thailand.  

Day 11 of New Year New You

Welcome to Hump Day Wednesday!  I swear I was just typing out Monday's blog like five minutes ago.   Well here we go with another day of fun together.

My Day 10:  Today was a great day! I taught some of my favorite people at Crunch John St and Union Sq.  Taught my 1st ZUMBA class, it was AWESOME.  Can't wait to get back next week.  If you are available join me next Tuesday at 90 John St - 1245 PM.  Not a Crunch member? Be my GUEST - just let me know you want to come.  Got in my BLT workout for sure and enjoyed my Self Growth moment.  :) It really feels good writing for all of you everyday!

Now its time for Day 11:

Fitness:
Well we've had an Abdominal day and yesterday was BLT.  I think its time for a little upper body workout. Show me your GUNS!

Do this workout to help sculpt and tone your biceps tomorrow.

• Alternating Hammer Curls with 10-15 LB dumbbells perform to failure  Rest 1 min - Repeat 2x
• Body Bar or Barbell Biceps Curls.  Using the heaviest body bar in the gym or at least a 20 LB Barbell perform Biceps Curls to failure.  Rest 1 min - Repeat 2x
• Concentrated Biceps Curls.  Using 10-15 LB dumbbells perform to failure.  Rest 1 min - Repeat 2x

Food:

Make today a Protein and Veggie day!  You heard right, do your best to have a no Carb day.  It might seem hard but you can do it.  Here are some examples for you to try: 

• Egg White Omelette - add onions, spinach, mushrooms whatever you like
• Burgers - Grilled Chicken no buns  
• How about this Mexican Collard Green Wrap
• Salad always works
• Steam some Veggies for Dinner
• Try the Peanut Butter Protein Shake from yesterday

Be sure to come back and let me know how your day went. 

Self Growth:

We have been giving to ourselves for the past 10 days, its time for some Heartfelt Acts.   Here are 4 ways to strengthen your connection with others.  

GIVE- Donating money to a charity is just one way to give but why not donate your time where possible.  How about volunteering to pick up a friends kid from school.  Or offer to babysit so they can go out or to the gym.  Think about donating your expertise or services to a cause.  How about volunteering with an organization such as NY Cares. 

LISTEN- Take time to really listen to another person be it a friend, a co-worker or stranger.  Everyone loves to be heard and you never know what you might learn by listening.   

INCLUDE- Think of ways to make someone else feel included or welcome today.  Is there a new employee at your job?  I am sure you remember your first day.  Ask him or her to grab a coffee with you.  Say hello to an unfamiliar face in your yoga or spin class etc. 

FEED- Invite a friend to dinner.  What about helping out at a local food bank or shelter.  It's flu season, I know I would love to receive a pot of soup from a friend if I was sick. 

Until tomorrow!

Taj

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/qthomasbower/3470650293/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Day 10 of New Year New You

Here we go Day 10 of 31!  I can't believe 10 days has gone by so fast.

My Day 9: Started my day off with some exercise before leaving the house. Had leftovers for lunch and enjoyed them.  Didn't get a chance to call my friend BUT its on the to do list for today!  I really do want to call and make her day.

Now is time of Day 10:

Fitness:
Lets make today a BLT day.  No I don't mean Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato.  Its Butt, Legs and Thighs!

Here's a quick routine to give your legs a pick me up - No equipment needed!

• Standing with feet hip distance apart, step the right leg forward to perform a lunge and then return to start. Do this 15 times on one side and then switch - Repeat 3 times 
• Standing with feet hip distance apart perform calf raises for 45 seconds, Rest 15 seconds - Repeat 3 times
• Standing with feet slightly wider then shoulder distance apart, toes turned out. Perform 30 Plie squats, focus on squeezing the glutes at the top. Rest 30 seconds - Repeat 3 times
• Standing with feet hip distance apart lifting right leg and pressing leg backwards. Perform Hip Extension 30 times on one side.  Switch - Repeat 3 times

These quick exercises target the major muscles of the legs and can be performed anywhere.  Don't hesitate to take a break while at work and rock it out. 

Food:

Need something to help with your sweet tooth?  Why not try this recipe for Breakfast, Lunch or a mid day snack! Its packed with protein and flavor. 

Peanut Butter Protein Frosty

1/2 cup chocolate soy milk or low fat milk, chilled

1- 4 oz container of whipped chocolate yogurt

1/3 cup chocolate whey protein powder

2 tbsp Smucker's Natural Creamy Peanut Butter, stirred*

Ice Cubes

Cinnamon - optional

Combine soy milk, yogurt, protein powder, peanut butter and enough ice cubes to make 2 cups in a blender.  Process for 45 seconds or until smooth and frosty.  

Makes 2 servings, so pour into 2 glasses Share and Enjoy! Garnish with Cinnamon if desired. 

*Almond Butter can be used in place of peanut butter.  If there is too much chocolate for you with the milk, yogurt and protein powder, feel free to replace any one with Vanilla flavor.  Adding a half banana is also an option. 

Self Growth: 

Take time out today to notice positive changes - yes there are some already at day 10.   Starting with the fact you have been returning to the New Year New You 2012 Challenge everyday! 

Recognizing the immediate benefits of exercise reminds us why we started in the first place.  There are all kinds of long term benefits to changing our routine.  However instant gratification comes in the form of improved energy, reduced stress, better sleep, a healthier and happier outlook, increase confidence and more.  

Taking time today to acknowledge these immediate positive changes will also keep you coming back until Jan 31st. Remember, starting with small habits lead to creating bigger, long lasting habits. 

Enjoy the day!

Until tomorrow, 

Taj

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elanaspantry/6009765671/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Break Fast!

So how many times have you heard the following (in your mothers voice)

" Eat your breakfast" 

" Breakfast is the most important meal of the day" 

Well as much as You might hate to hear it... she was RIGHT!!

Breakfast is THE most important meal of the day as it literally means Break your (night long) Fast. Most people eat dinner around 6-8 PM, the average person gets up about 5-8 AM and usually doesn't eat breakfast until 8-10 AM.  When we wake a person may have gone 10-12 hours without food which means you awaken in a energy deprived state. Thats for people who actually eat breakfast! Did you know 25% of the population skip breakfast all together.

Now some of you are maybe saying "I can can go for hours without eating". As soon as you wake up and get moving its like starting your engines as the body has to turn on to get ready, shower, walk or drive to work etc. Your energy reserves are woefully low by this time. You need to fuel the system before you kick start it into high gear for the day. 

The body is your vehicle and you want to keep it fueled and functioning optimally.

                     Some things to think about next time your considering skipping breakfast :

- When your body lacks fuel your metabolism shifts into starvation mode creating a greater potential for sluggishness and slower metabolism. Symptoms of this include headaches, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

- Breakfast skippers in both adults and children are more likely to be obese or overweight. Not eating Breakfast can create BAD eating habits including over eating because the body is SO famished or resorting to fast food, high in calories, low in nutrients

What counts as Breakfast? 

Aim for breakfast providing 25 - 30% of the calories for the day.  This can varies based on your activities for the day.  Remember a desk worker versus a UPS truck packer will need to consume a different amount of calories. 

An Ideal breakfast should provide carbs, fiber and protein.  For Example:  Fruits, Vegetables, Low Fat Milk, Eggs or Yogurt.  In worse case: Something is Better then Nothing so grab the doughnut if that is the only option.... but don't make it a habit (better yet find the nearest apple/banana/orange).  

Looking for a way to track your hourly energy fluctuations check out http://nutritiming.com  

As you read this hope you had, are planning to have or are having your breakfast. 

                    Taj

                    

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlg/181566881/sizes/m/in/photostream/