Here it goes!

So I have started constructing my first diet plan.  Along with all the knowledge I have learned in the past year from, personal trainers, fitness friends, Tosca Reno, Oxygen Magazine, my schooling, and my dad I am pretty excited at how its turning out.  At first I was skeptical but since this has become such a big part of my life and is something enjoy I figured to give it a go.  Keep in mind I don't believe in crazy crash diets, diet pills, and the new HCG diet.  They are only fast temporary fixes.  My diet is designed to maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight.  In the longrun losing weight at an average of 3-4 pounds a week will be easier to keep off and maintain rather than losing anywhere from 5-10 pounds a week.  Losing that much weight is not healthy and can cause long term health problems.  Diabetes runs in my family on both sides so I have always kept on top of my testing and diet to make sure I don't develop it.  Once I got to highschool I noticed that if I didn't eat breakfast first thing my blood sugar levels would drop and I would get sick.  Since I changed my eating habits I have been able to keep my blood sugar levels at a normal reading.  Still every know and again I let my crazy lifestyle mess up my diet and my blood sugar drops but you got to stay on top of it.

Something New

Fellow bloggers I have some new research I am doing.  I have always been skeptical about doing any kind of body cleanse.  Although many people I know have done them and liked the results afterward.  Recently I read an article from eat-clean herself Tosca Reno about a broth cleanse.  She starts off by saying that she has never followed diet cleanses before or has never been much of a believer in them.  In this article she talks about her love of making homemade soups and broths all year round.  She is currently doing a four day broth cleanse along with her daughter which she says is excellent for the digestive tract.  In the next few weeks I am going to look deeper into this broth cleanse and try it out myself.  Tosca gives great tips on how to make homemade broth.  Once I get it started I will keep you updated on my progress and the research that I find!  In the meantime I also will be baking up a storm cause I have a new shipment of protein coming in.  Hopefully I will discover some new recipes along the way.  Have a great week!

The Bread Basket

One of the best parts of going out to eat at a restraunt is the bread basket.  It is also one of the hardest things to avoid.  The restraunts try to trick us by filling us up so much on bread that we don't finish our meal or are to full to eat it by the time its brough to the table.  Especially when they keep offering to bring you more.  These rolls and delicious breads are far from healthy.  They are made with simple and refined carbs and slathered in butter.  The butter used in these resturaunts is also the worst kind filled with cholesterol.  My favorite resturaunt is Texas Roadhouse.  I will admit I went there two weeks ago and literally ate 5 rolls with lots of butter.  I felt horrible afterwards.  I have been working extra hard in the gym this week and will continue to step it up.  So I am going back to sticking to my eat clean regimin NO CHEAT MEALS.  My brother called me to have dinner which is a very rare occasion.  Of course we chose Texas Roadhouse.  My first thought was how will I avoid the bread basket.  I did good not one piece and it was sitting at the table throughout the whole meal.  I also watched everyone else enjoy their loaded baked potatoes and french fries while I had steamed broccoli and carrots.  Must say I am very proud of myself.  I know I can avoid temptation.  If you know you can't avoid the bread with it sitting at the table just ask your waiter not to bring you any or only bring enough for the other people at your table.  It's tough believe me especially since bread is one of my BIGGEST weaknesses, but if I can do it so can you! You will feel much better later and can enjoy a glass of wine without feeling guilty!

Sesame Ginger Tilapia

1/4 cup sesame oil
1-2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1/2 tsp. honey mustard
2 cloves garlic minced ( if using whole cloves chop it finely and sprinkle salt then mash with a large knife to mince)
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 Tilapia Fillets

Defrost tilapia fillets completely in the refrigerator.  Combine sesame oil, soy sauce, honey mustard, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.  Whisk ingredients together.  In a shallow baking dish place fillets and pour marinade over them.  Marinate in the refrigerator 4-5 hours.  Place on grill and grill until translucent pink fish turns white.  Keep a close eye on it, it will burn easy.  Place foil over the grill if needed.  The fish can also be baked at 325 for 20 minutes.

Pita Pizzas

Pre-heat oven 400
Makes one Serving

1 whole wheat pita
2 tbsp.  low sodium marinara sauce
5-6 slices of turkey pepperoni (can use regular pepperoni)
1/4 cup part skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup mushrooms (great source of protein)
1/4 cup olives
(olives and mushrooms are optional or use any vegi you like)

Place whole wheat pita on a cookie sheet. Layer sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and vegi's then bake for about 20 minutes.  For an even healthier kick leave out the pepperoni all together and add more vegetables.  Vegetables are a great source of complex carbs and protein!

This recipe came from my childhood actually I just put a healthy twist into it.  My parents made these for us all the time! Kids will love them too and it is a fun way to have them help in the kitchen.

39.5 Net Carbs
16 grams Protein

With any diet and exercise combo you should always mix things up a bit and throw new stuff into your routine.  If you do the same thing over and over again and cook the same thing over and over again your going to get bored.  Also your body gets into a routine and eventually your body will get used to the same exercises and you won't see the results that you did in the beginning.  Every three to four weeks try something new to shock your body.  Today I got up early and went to a spin/pilates fusion class! The pilates was intense and nothing like I expected it to be, but I think I found a new exercise that I will be adding to my plan.  I am always looking for new ways to focus my energy.  Cooking also helps me focus energy.  When I first started eating cleaner I was making the same things over and over and was getting tired of the same food combos.  Once I got the knowledge I needed I was able to mix things up and I am starting to come up with my own recipes.  I have a new one that I will be trying out soon and can't wait to share.  It is the weekend so indulge in a treat for your hard work throughout the week.  Whether it be a glass of wine, light beer, or a piece of cake at a birthday party don't deprive yourself but don't overdue it either.  Many people think well I worked hard all week I can over indulge on the weekend but realize that if you overdue it, it will through a wrench into your routine and set you back!  Also take your workout outside this weekend it looks like its going to be a beautiful day! Soak up some Vitamin D.