Food That I Replaced Into My Healthy Lifestyle

Most people ask me how I lost weight and I have to thank certain products that I replaced into my diet. I also work out 3-4 days in the gym. I do 30 minutes of cardio, whether it be on the treadmill or elliptical. I then focus on my core. Your core is more important that any cardio you can do--it is what makes you shred fat and tone your body. I do also have an 8 pound medicine ball at home and a gym mat. When I watch television I also get my exercises in without realizing how much time has passed. I will show you my workouts in another blog. First, we need to replace these items into your fridge and cabinet, which is the first start to feeling and looking healthy.

*Please Make Sure You're Not Allergic Before Trying*

1) Royal Blend - Texmati Brown & Wild Rice With Soft Wheat & Rye Berries (Cooked)

For 1 Serving, 3/4 Cup:

Calories, 160 Sodium, 5 mg

Total Fat, 2g Potassium, 0 mg

Saturated, 0g Total Carbs, 33 g

Polyunsaturated, 0g Dietary Fiber, 2 g

Monounsaturated, 0g Sugars, 3 g

Trans, 0g Protein5 g

Cholesterol, 0 mg

Iron6%

I am not a self professed chef so bare with me while I explain how to cook it! I count to 7 when I put the water into the bowl...you can't have too much water or else the rice will be like creme of wheat! I put 3/4 of the rice into a cup and then into boiling water. I add a tablespoon of Smart Butter (see below) into the bowl, stir once, and cover. Put the heat on low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Check around this time and stir again to see consistency. This is an easy go-to side dish that won't make you full for your main meal!

2) Ancient Harvest Quinoa Pasta

Serving Size 2 oz (57g) Servings Per Container 4

Calories, 205

Calories from Fat, 7

Saturated Fat 0g

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 4mg

Total Carbohydrate 46g

Dietary Fiber 4g

Sugars less than 1g

Protein 4g

The inner Italian in me is a carb FIEND!!! Ancient Harvest's Quinoa pasta changed my life...I am serious. I promise you that you won't feel full after eating this. Jeff and I make one box worth, split into two. I never feel bloated. I like to add peas to my pasta, but that is a preference for me. I add 1 miniature can of Hunts NO SALT ADDED sauce to the pasta after it's cooked and then I mix in a tablespoon of Smart Butter. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

I used to buy already made sauces without realizing how much salt and added ingredients there are. You can add whatever you like to the No Salt Added sauce, which is very different than not knowing what you're putting into yourself. I add a little bit of salt and pepper to Jeff's dish, but I eat the sauce without anything added. Up to you :)

3) Ezekeal Bread- No Sodium/Low Sodium

This type of bread will be found in the frozen section and please keep it frozen when you bring it home. Sometimes I will defrost a few pieces in the refrigerator if you know you're going to use them. If you don't plan your meals just put the pieces of bread in the microwave for 30 seconds.

According to FoodForLife.com

• We use only freshly sprouted certified organic grains.

• Our products are kosher.

• We use absolutely no flour. Studies have shown that grinding grains into flour increases the surface area upon which enzymes in the body can work to more quickly convert starch into glucose.

• We don’t use any genetically modified organisms (GMO’s)

• We don’t use refined sugars. When sugar is refined and processed there are many harmful ingredients that are added to the sugar as a result. Instead, we use malted barley, a natural sweetener produced from sprouted barley, which is basically a carbohydrate comprised mostly of complex carbohydrates rather than the "sugar" carbohydrates.

• We don’t use anything artificial – no preservatives or shortenings.

• We use a unique slow-bake process to preserve the natural fiber and bran benefits of grains.

• Source of Complete Protein - Rated 84.3% as efficient as the highest source of protein (comparable to that of milk or eggs)

• Contains 18 Amino Acids - Including all 9 essential amino acids

• Increased Digestibility - Sprouting breaks down starches in grains into simple sugars so your body can digest them easily.

• Increased Absorption of Minerals – Sprouting breaks down enzyme inhibitors, so your body can more easily absorb calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc.

• Increased Vitamin C - Sprouting produces vitamin C.

• Increased Vitamin B - Sprouting increases the vitamin B2, B5 & B6.

• Great source of Fiber - Combining sprouted grains and legumes gives a good amount of natural fiber in each serving

It’s this special, unique combination of 6 grains and legumes that harvests benefits beyond what we normally expect from our breads, pastas, cereals, and other foods.

4) Nature's Bakery Gluten Free Fig Bars

When you're in need for a snack in the middle of the day or late at night, Nature's Valley Gluten Free Fig Bars are my go-to. I always keep a few in my bag for some energy and a quick pick-me-up.

• Made with Ancient Grains

• Gluten Free

• Conveniently packaged for on-the-go snacking

• No High Fructose Corn Syrup

• No Artificial Flavors

• No Artificial Colors

• Soy Free

• Dairy Free

• Cholesterol Free

Serving Size:

1 oz.

Calories per serving, 100

Servings per twin pack, 2 oz

Calories per twin pack, 200

5) Egg Whites

I'm the type that can eat egg whites at any meal. Egg whites contain just over 50% of the protein in the egg and are a source of low-fat, high-protein nutrition.

Nutrition Facts: Raw Egg Whites

Amount Per 1 large (33 g)

Calories, 17

Total Fat 0.1 g

Saturated fat 0 g

Polyunsaturated fat 0 g

Monounsaturated fat 0 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Sodium 55 mg

Potassium 54 mg

Total Carbohydrate 0.2 g

Dietary fiber 0 g

Sugar 0.2 g

Protein 3.6 g

6) Dinner

My fiancé and I enjoy cooking dinner and do it at least 4-5 days a week. It's the best way to keep your body healthy and in shape while saving money. I used to buy already made turkey burgers and chicken, but when I took a look at all the sodium and bread crumbs were in there I flipped! I knew it tasted good, but from then on I wanted to buy ground meat and prepare it myself. Our dinners always consist of a protein, a low carb and a vegetable.

I'm not a vegetarian so for protein I always have salmon, chicken breast, chicken thighs, chicken wings, ground turkey, and occasionally steak in the freezer. If I know I don't have a lot of time to cook I buy Dr. Praeger's Kale burgers and Black Bean and Quinoa burgers. They are so easy to make and don't need to be defrosted.

Steamfresh Birds Eye Frozen Veggies are my favorite! Put the bag in the microwave for 5min and 20 sec. I love their brussel sprouts, brocolli, cauliflower with brocolli and carrot mix, petite peas and green beans.

Steamfresh® Chef's Favorites - Birds Eye

Serving Size: 0.75cup (84 grams)

Calories From Fat, 2.21

Sodium, 37.81 mg

Total Fat, 0.25 g

Saturated Fat, 0 g

I hope you'll enjoy incorporating these items into your kitchen as I do! The first step to looking healthy and fit is feeling it! No more bloating and feel satisfied without feeling full.

MANGIA BENE!

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