You have to EAT to lose weight

Alot of people think....."if I just don't eat..I will LOSE WEIGHT.." WRONG...

It is really just the opposite... You have to eat to lose weight... If you don't eat, your body thinks it has to hold on to every bit of fat that you have stored or that you consume....

So the more you eat....the more you lose....

With that said....you have to eat HEALTHY and SMALL portions...

BREAKFAST is the most important meal of the day.... It gets your body on the right track.. It lets it know that you are not starving and it can start burning and not holding on to what you already have. It gets your metabolism started reving up. AND IT GIVES you ENERGY for the rest of the day..and for your exercise you have planned...

(for those that DON'T have time....

try a protein shake.... (check out some of the recipes on the website)......

PROTEIN BARS..... I love the ZONE and LUNA bars.....

scramble you an egg or two

OATMEAL - try organic oatmeal (check out the "PRODUCTS ." on the webiste)

MY TIP TO YOU: If you eat 2 smaller meals and a couple of LIGHT snacks.... You should be able to have 1 bigger meal a day... My husband and I chose to have our light meals earlier in the day...and then we get to SIT DOWN and have a meal together as a family at night.....

and if you eat a big meal at lunch or so....TRY NOT TO HAVE THAT MUCH AT THE OTHER MEALS...

ANOTHER TIP TO YOU: DO NOT eat past 6:30 pm if possible....if you do....try not to have a big meal and very little portions and number of carbs...

HEALTHY RECIPE - great for those who are busy in the morning

Chocolate Peanut Butter SMOOTHIE....

In a blender, combine 3/4 c frozen berries, 1/4 c low-fat vanilla yogurt, 1/2 c chocolate low-fat milk (soy if you want) and 2 tablespoons reduced-fat (all natural) peanut butter.... 355 calories if you use SOY MILK...

Product of the week.... FLATOUT flatbread...

Most of you know....especially if you have talked to me about eating habits....

I say....

ABSOLUTELY
NO

WHITE

Anything!

That means...
bread, rice, potatoes, and etc...

I really like sandwiches for lunch....

and I use the Ezekial bread....

but I have found a new treat that even my family likes....

It is called

Flatout Flatbread...

it has 90 calories, 6 net carbs, 0 sugar and 9g fiber....

that is really good...and it is SOFT and has a great taste...

I have found them at Walmart at the deli section...

and it is made with WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR....

try it....I am sure that you will like it....

You can use it as a rollup and pizza...and much much more....

let me know what you think..

Easy and Fast sweet Potato RECIPES...

Clean and microwave your potato for 5-8 minutes...(until soft) then add some sugar (splenda) and cinnamon.... It is filling...it makes a great side or a small meal....

Clean, cut your potato into chunks, put in a microwavable dish....toss with a little bit of Extra virgin olive oil, and cook in microwave (or oven) for about 30 minutes....after cooked....sprinkle a sweetner and cinnamon....

Clean and cut your potato....cook the potatoes the way you desire...and then instead of sugar and cinnamon....get a can of pineapple (perferably low or no added sugar) and then mash together with your potatoes.....

ENJOY....

Sweet potatoes are a true and enjoyable food....I am just sad that I just tried them....I missed out on a lifetime of good food and nutrients....

Thin-n-Crispy BBQ Chicken Pizza Snack wedges

I am cravin' BBQ pizza from Schlotzky's......but since I can't just drive down the road.....and it is really high in fat and calories....so I found this recipe....







Ingredients-

1 - whole wheat flour (96% fat-free tortilla)

2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (7 grams of carbs or less per 2 tablespoons)

1/2 c (2 oz) finely shredded 2% fat Cheddar Cheese

2/3 c chopped grilled chicken breast

1/4 c slivered red onion

1 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves



Preheat the oven to 400 F.

Place tortilla on a small non-stick baking sheet. Bake for 4-5 minutes per side, or until crisp. If air bubble forms, poke them with a fork, then press out the air with spatula or oven mitt. Remove the sheet from the oven. Top the tortilla evenly with a layer of the sauce, cheese, chicken, onion, and cilantro. Bake for 2 to 4 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Slice and serve immediately. (I personally like to add jalapenos.)

Per serving - 381 calories, 45g protein, 32 g carbs, 9 g fat, 78mg cholesterol, 3g fiber, 861 sodium (8 weight watcher points)

COMPARED TO Schlotzsky's Sourdough BBQ pizza- 683 calories, 37g protein, 93g carbs, 15 g fat, 24mg cholesterol, 2g fiber, 2533 sodium (15 weight watcher points)

Share with us your favorite recipes....or send me recipes that you would like to be converted to a healthier option.

Healthy Recipe - Sloppy Joe Meat Loaf

Meat loaf is one of my favorite meals.... And just think leftovers...make a great sandwich...

2/3 c old fashioned oats

1/3 c + 1/4 c + 1/4 c canned sloppy joe sauce

2 large egg whites, (lightly beaten)

1 lb 96% lean ground beef

1/3 c minced green bell pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion

1 clove fresh garlic (minced)

Preheat the oven 350 F degrees. Lightly mist a 9" x 5" x 3 non stick loaf pan (slightly smaller one is OK0 with olive oil spray.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, 1/3 c + 1/4 cup of the sloppy joe sauce and the egg whites. Lets the mixture stand for 3 minutes or until the oats begin to soften. Add the beef, bell pepper, onion. and garlic. With fork or clean hands, mix the ingredients until well combinesd..

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread so that the top is flat. Spread the remaining 1/4 c sloppy joe sauce evenly over the top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink in the center. Let sit for 10 minutes. Cut into 8 slices and serve.

I recommend serving it with fresh (or canned) green beans, a fresh tossed salad.....(go light on the dressing)

Recipe of the week.....Sweet Potato Fries

1/2 pound sweet potatoes, cut into 1/4"-thick sticks
1 tablespoon grated reduced-fat Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon paprika
pinch of cayenne
salt, to taste
pinch of ground black pepper
ketchup (optional)

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
In medium bowl, toss the potatoes, cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

Place the potatoes in a single layer on a medium nonstick baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Flip the potatoes and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and browner in spot. Serve immediately, with ketchup, if desired.

Makes 1 serving.... 249 calories, 5g protein, 49 g carbs, 4 g fat, 8 mg cholesterol, 7 g fiber, 238 mg sodium

Recipe is from the Biggest Loser Cookbook

ZONE BAR RECALL

I received a notice today in the mail.....
to let me know that about the
RECALL of ZONE perfect Peanut Butter Bars due to potential contamination with Salmonella.

How ironic....I put ZONE bars as my product of the week....I really suggest you taking back or getting rid of your ZONE bars that are Peanut Butter....(and anything else that has peanut butter in it until they find the cause....)

I am sorry for an confusion....but I wanted to let you know the seriousness of this issue....
Remember, there are lots of different flavors of the ZONE bars that are not on the list....

take care of yourself and your family....

Chocolate Toffee "SUNDAE"

Ingredients -

1 (106 gram) Double-chocolate sugar-free, fat-free pudding snack cup (or any desired flavor)

1 (15 gram) Quaker Cracker Jack Butter Toffee rice cakes

2 tablespoons frozen fat-free whipped topping (thawed)

Spoon about 1/3 of the pudding in a parfait glass or sundae dish. Crumble the rice cake on top. Top with remaining pudding. Followed by the whipped topping and serve. (also you can add some fresh fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries or anything you like)

(makes 1 serving)

Per serving - 135 calories, 3 g protein, 30 g carbs, 2 g fat (1g saturated) 0 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 245 mg sodium

You can make this for your entire family or just for you for a great HEALTHY snack.

This recipe is from THE BIGGEST LOSER FAMILY COOKBOOK.

Body CLEANSES...

Some of you might know....but I just finished a TOTAL body cleanse. I did it with the help of a 7-day program that I purchased from a whole food store Eat Rite in Amarillo, Texas.

I have talked to alot of you that are very much interested in the whole process and how it all works. It made me even more curious about all the details and all the different ways to do it. Like I said, I purchased a program that came with not so delicious shakes and vitamins... but I have done some research on different ways that you can naturally detox and cleanse.

On a personal note, I feel great after the whole process. I am not going to lie.... IT WAS HARD. You had to drink these drinks 2-3 times a day....and then you get to have one meal a day of chicken and steamed veggies. (let's just say that chicken never tasted SOOOOOO good). I feel good and I even lost some weight....(you just have to be careful and not PIG OUT and gain it all back)

I have attached some websites for you to check out. I encourage everyone to think about a colon cleanse and detox. If you decide to do it....let's do it together.... Having a support system would make it much easier.

I am not promoting unhealthy eating...and I encourage you to do your own research and consult your doctor for more details.

Let me know if you are interested...and let's do it together.

If you want more information, leave a comment on the blog....or email me at Fun Family Fitness.

I am interested to see what you think...

Lemonade Cleanse

Homemade Detox Recipes for Cleansing

Healthy Recipe that the WHOLE family will ENJOY

We are coming up on the weekend....so I have a fun...easy.....and HEALTHY recipe that the whole family will enjoy.....

PIZZA BURGERS

1 lb 96% lean ground beef (or turkey)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 oz low-fat mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced or shredded

1/2 cup low fat, lower-sodium, low-sugar marinara sauce

4 whole grain or whole wheat hamburger buns, split

Preheat a grill (or George Foreman) to medium heat,

In a large bowl, mis the beef, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and sald until well combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into balls, packing them tightly as you do. Press each into a patty that is about 1/2" larger than the diameter of the buns.

Grill the burgers for about 2 minutes per side (medium rare) or until desired doneness (do not smash the burger with a spatuala). About 1 minute before they are done...divide the cheese slices among the tops and melt.

Meanwhile, spoon the sauce into a medium microwave-safe bowl (preferably glass). Microwace on low until hot (30 - 60 seconds). Place the bun halves, cut sides down, on a upper grill rack or away from direct flame for about 20 seconds, or until toasted...

Place each bun bottom on a serving plate, toasted side up. Place the patties, cheese side up, on top of the bun bottoms. Spread 2 tablespoons sauce on each bun top, flip atop the patties, and serve..... (makes 4 servings)

Per serving - 304 calories, 32 g protein, 27 g carb, 9g fat (3 g saturated), 68 mg cholesterol, 5 g fiber, 605 mg sodium

Serve with fruit, salad, or baked chips....

and a BIG glass of WATER...

for a complete meal

This recipe is from THE BIGGEST LOSER FAMILY COOKBOOK.

Wild West Frittata - start off the day right

Wild West Frittata

Ingredients

• Olive oil spray
• 3/4 cup chopped sweet onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 4 oz 97 or 98% lean ham steak (cut into 1/4" cubes)
• salt, to taste
• ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups of egg substitute
• 2 oz (1 cup) finely shredded light Swiss cheese (I prefer 2% cheese)

Preheat the broiler.

Place a medium broiler-safe nonstick skillet over medium heat. Lightly mist the skillet with the olive oil spray. (I love the Pampered Chef - pump....call Lori Rabe to purchase yours) Add the onion, bell pepper and ham and cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onion and pepper are softened but not browned. Season with salt and pepper (keep in mind that you will be adding ham and cheese, so you won't need much salt.)

Turn the heat to medium-high and pour the egg substitute into the pan. Stir in the veggies and ham in the eggs until they are evenly distributed and the eggs are slightly scrambled, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium. Continue to cook, continuously sliding a spatula all around the side of the frittata as far into the bottom as possible to loosen and gently lift the eggs slightly from the pan to prevent sticking, until the frittata is almost set but still runny on top, 4 to 6 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the egg is completely set. Cut the frittata into 4 equal wedges and serve.

Stephanie's suggests having with a piece of WHOLE wheat toast (perferably Esekial bread) and possibly honey.

PER SERVING: 142 calories, 22 g protein, 7 g carb, 2 g fat (2 g saturated), 13 mg cholesterol, less than 1 g fiber, 621 mg sodium

This recipe is from "The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook."

When you try it let me know.....also let me know if you have any recipes you would like to share.