Sunday, January 24, 2016

Taco Salad and Menu for Monthly Shopping



This recipe is the FINAL one (YAY!) in a series on "A Month of Meal Plans and Groceries in 30 Minutes." - link HERE

We shop for a month at a time, for more explanation on how we do this see the above blog post link. It saves a ton of time, money, and calories from buying off plan items. The shopping list in the link above as well. Today I am going to share just what my weekly menu looks like; we repeat this menu four times for the month. We spend $500 a month and that includes extra of the food to feed both of our growing children as well as household items such as detergent.




MON
TUES
WED
Breakfast
PB Cup Shake
245 Cal – 12 F – 9 C – 28.5 P
Loaded Oatmeal
313 cal – 10 F – 25 C – 31 P
PB Cup Shake
245 Cal – 12 F – 9 C – 28.5 P
Lunch
Apple Turkey Salad
505 cal – 14 F – 41 C – 33 P
6 oz chicken
1/2 cup rice
1 cup green beans
297 cal – 4 F – 30 C – 39 P
Burrito Bowl
519 cals – 4 F - 41 C  - 47 P
Snack
Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe Bar 180 cal – 5 F – 17 C – 20 P
Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe Bar 180 cal – 5 F – 17 C – 20 P
Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe Bar 180 cal – 5 F – 17 C – 20 P
Dinner
6 oz chicken
1/2 cup rice
1 cup green beans
297 cal – 4 F – 30 C – 39 P
Burrito Bowl
519 cals – 4 F - 41 C  - 47 P
Chicken Tacos
355 cals – 5 F – 39 C – 38 P
Dessert
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup strawberries
228 cal – 4 F – 14 C – 32 P
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup strawberries
228 cal – 4 F – 14 C – 32 P
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup strawberries
228 cal – 4 F – 14 C – 32 P
 DAY TOTAL
1455 cal – 39 F – 111 C – 152.5 P
1537 cal – 27 F -127 C – 169 P
1527 cals – 30 F – 120 C -  165.5 P



THURS
FRI
SAT
SUN – Maintenance Day
Breakfast
Loaded Oatmeal
313 cal – 10 F – 25 C – 31 P
PB Cup Shake
245 Cal – 12 F – 9 C – 28.5 P
Hashbrown Omlet
379 cal – 11 F – 23 C – 41 P
Hashbrown Omlet
379 cal – 11 F – 23 C – 41 P
Lunch
Chicken Tacos
355 cals – 5 F – 39 C – 38 P
Taco Salad 523 cals – 27 F – 24 C – 57 P
Lean Tuna Salad  365 cals – 4 F – 40 C – 47 P
Red Chili with Chicken and Beans  428 cal - 5 F
 52 C -  41 P
Snack
Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe Bar 180 cal – 5 F – 17 C – 20 P
Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe Bar 180 cal – 5 F – 17 C – 20 P
Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe Bar 180 cal – 5 F – 17 C – 20 P
Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe Bar 180 cal – 5 F – 17 C – 20 P
Dinner
Taco Salad 523 cals – 27 F – 24 C – 57 P
Lean Tuna Salad  365 cals – 4 F – 40 C – 47 P
Red Chili with Chicken and Beans  428 cal - 5 F
 52 C -  41 P
Apple Turkey Salad
505 cal – 14 F – 41 C – 33 P
Dessert
1 cup plain fat free Greek yogurt
1/2 cup strawberries
Stevia as needed
169 cal – 0 F – 21 C – 24 P
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup strawberries
228 cal – 4 F – 14 C – 32 P
1 cup plain fat free Greek yogurt
1/2 cup strawberries
Stevia as needed
169 cal – 0 F – 21 C – 24 P
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup strawberries
228 cal – 4 F – 14 C – 32 P
 DAY TOTAL
1540 cals – 47 F – 126 C – 170 P
1541 cals – 52 F – 104 C – 184.5 P
1521 cals – 25 F – 153 C – 173 P
1720 cal – 39 F – 147 C – 167 P


Shopping List and Recipes HERE

Are these macros for everyone? No way. I am 5'9" and active,, If I were shorter, I would lighten up or eliminate the snacks and dessert options on all the days. My husband is 6'0" so he needs more calories even while dieting so he adds in a snack between breakfast and lunch along with more at his afternoon snack time. His macros are pretty much just increased by 25% to 2000 cals a day on a deficit day.

I serve the same exact dinners to my kids, we eat dinners every night together. They make some tweaks like they would have nachos instead of a taco salad, for example. The kids eat different things that they like at breakfast like a PB sandwich or frozen breakfast sandwich. They eat lunch at school or pack a tuna sandwich. But on the weekend, they like the omelets or oats that we eat, again we like to sit down to breakfast as a family.






Taco Salad


Serves 1

Ingredients
Baby Spinach , 2 Cups (or kale/romaine as desired)
Hamburger - 90% Lean Beef Burger, 8 ounces   
Black Beans, 0.5 cup  
Salsa, 2 TBSP
Cheddar, 0.25 cup, shredded  
Greek Nonfat Yogurt Plain, 2 TBSP
Taco Seasoning

Directions
Brown the beef as directed with taco seasoning. (I usually cook this up in bulk for the week!) Pile your lettuce of choice on your dish. Top with beef, beans, cheese, salsa, and Plain Greek yogurt. (Note- in the picture I left off the cheese to save 114 cals (and 0g Carbs - 9g F - 7g Protein))

Nutritional stats per serving

523 cals
24 g carbs
27 g fat
57 g protein

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Lean Tuna Salad



This recipe is the sixth in a series on "A Month of Meal Plans and Groceries in 30 Minutes." - link HERE

We shop for a month at a time, for more explanation on how we do this see the above blog post link. It saves a ton of time, money, and calories from buying off plan items. I will also be sharing with you a week of my eating and how I plan these recipes into my diet.



I love this simple recipe, and it is something you can whip together in a flash when you don't have much time. My kids like tuna sandwiches made with mayo or tuna salad with crackers, so the whole family can enjoy some variation.


Lean Tuna Salad

Serves 1

Ingredients
5 oz can tuna in water
1 tbsp pickle relish
2 tbsp mustard
1 cup baby kale
1 thin sandwich bread roll
10 baby carrots

Directions
Drain tuna and mix with relish and mustard. Salt and pepper as desired. (Zero calorie seasonings are great here, try lemon pepper or Greek seasoning in your tuna salad!)

On a plate, lay each half of the thin sandwich roll, top with kale leaves and then split the tuna between the rolls. Serve carrots alongside. Enjoy!



Nutritional Facts per Serving

310 cals
40 g carbs
3 g fat
34 g protein
954 mg sodium
11 g sugars

Sunday, January 10, 2016

PB Cup Protein Shake


I am back on a protein shake kick because my brother got me a Nutribullet for Christmas. Lucky for me, this protein shake also happens to be on my monthly grocery shopping list. You can take a look at it here - http://venuscrossing.blogspot.com/2015/11/a-month-of-meal-plans-and-groceries-in.html


Man, this blender is AMAZING! I thought my Kitchenaid blender was fantastic, or even my Ninja. But this machine grinds spinach into bits of nothing and makes ice into snowcone-style shaved ice. I have been so impressed. It is also made to be one cup sized, the top flips off and you can put a handle lid on. It is also super easy to clean. Pretty much perfect for anyone who makes shakes and smoothies.

So this protein shake is just about my favorite one ever. If you like chocolate and peanut butter, you will love it. It takes like a milkshake, no way shape or form healthy LOL


PB Cup Protein Shake

Serves 1

Ingredients
1 scoop chocolate whey powder (I used Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 handful ice
1 tbsp creamy peanut butter (I used Jif) * you can also sub 2 tbsp PB2 powder to saved cals
*optional but not shown* 1 handful or 1 cup fresh spinach (or you can use frozen) - promise you cannot taste it!

Directions
Place all the ingredients into blender and enjoy!






Nutritional Facts per Serving

(as made as pictured with regular PB and no spinach)

Nutrition Facts
Servings 1.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 245
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12 g18 %
Saturated Fat 2 g11 %
Monounsaturated Fat 2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 40 mg13 %
Sodium 350 mg15 %
Potassium 60 mg2 %
Total Carbohydrate 9 g3 %
Dietary Fiber 27 g108 %
Sugars 4 g
Protein 29 g57 %
Vitamin A10 %
Vitamin C0 %
Calcium53 %
Iron8 %
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.

Nutritional Facts per Serving

(as made with PB2 and spinach)
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 205
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6 g9 %
Saturated Fat 1 g5 %
Monounsaturated Fat 2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 40 mg13 %
Sodium 398 mg17 %
Potassium 227 mg6 %
Total Carbohydrate 11 g4 %
Dietary Fiber 29 g115 %
Sugars 3 g
Protein 31 g62 %
Vitamin A66 %
Vitamin C14 %
Calcium56 %
Iron10 %
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.

Monday, January 4, 2016

Top VenusCrossing Articles of 2015



Some oldies but goodies are in here! Several owe their chart topping performance to going viral on Pinterest. Number one definitely owes its over 30,000 reads to Pinterest!

Number 10 post of 2015 - Exercise Progressions and Modifications: Push ups, Planks, and Dips



Here are some ideas for exercise modifications and the progression of difficulty for push ups, planks, and dips. These are the most common exercises that newbies need help with. Read here - http://venuscrossing.blogspot.com/2014/03/exercise-progressions-and-modifications.html

Number 9 - Controlling Your Calories


Our focus this week is controlling your calories. This post is intended for those that have not reached our desired look/ ideal metrics. Read here - http://venuscrossing.blogspot.com/2012/10/controlling-your-calories.html

Number 8 - Venus Ab and Core Work Progressions and Modifications




As a fitness coach, I am often asked about substitutions for core work in the various Venus Factor and Venus Index workouts.

What if I do not have a stability ball for stability ball roll ups or roll outs?
What is stability ball curl ups are too difficult for me?

Read here - http://venuscrossing.blogspot.com/2014/05/venus-ab-and-core-work-progressions-and.html


Number 7 - Commitment and Starbucks Blendicano



The most successful transformations 1) identify a clear goal 2) find a lifestyle plan that works with a nutrition and lifting component 3) stick to the plan- even when the going gets tough <- that is the hard part.

 I found the recipe on how to order a Starbucks Blendicano on IG a few weeks back and finally tried one while travelling. SO GOOD and something that will not suck all your cals up!

Read here - http://venuscrossing.blogspot.com/2014/08/commitment-and-starbucks-blendicano.html


Number 6 - Healthy Crockpot Peach Cobbler Oatmeal


Oh my word, this stuff is SO GOOD! Like dessert for breakfast good. Humm, that is an idea! I think I might start having it for my nightly treat sometimes! And guys, it is so easy. Seriously easy, just dumping stuff in your crockpot! Read here - http://venuscrossing.blogspot.com/2013/02/healthy-peach-cobbler-oatmeal.html


Number 5 - A Week in the Life of Liss: Planning your Deficit



This week, I want to share with you what a week of my eating and workouts look like. This is a pretty typical week for me if I am eating in a deficit (or cutting). For the 20 week VI contest, my calories averaged to approximately 8,000 per week. So that or lower is generally my goal for cutting calorie-wise. Read here - http://venuscrossing.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-week-in-life-of-liss-planning-your.html



Number  4 - Weekly Healthy Dinner Menus for the Whole Family


 I make breakfast and dinner for my family most every day. I have a 45 minute commute each way, and teach an hour long gym class 4 days a week. Both of my littles play sports and my husband works a crazy shift which means he is only there to help about 25% of the time. If I can cook most of the time, I bet anyone can if they plan accordingly. Read here - http://venuscrossing.blogspot.com/2013/06/weekly-healthy-dinner-menus-for-whole.html

Number 3 - Sweet Balsamic Pork Loin


This recipe became my go-to pork loin recipe about a year ago. Since then, we have had it almost weekly and I still love it.  One of the first things that I want to point out is that I prefer to use the small pork loins by Farmland rather than pork tenderloin. #1 it is cheaper by about $1 per pound and #2 there is less calories per serving. I find the Farmland pork loins at Walmart, they are about 2 lbs generally. If you are eating lean meat and you have not discovered pork loin, you are missing out. It is almost identical to chicken breast in terms of grams of protein per serving and cals per serving. Read here - http://venuscrossing.blogspot.com/2013/09/sweet-balsamic-pork-loin.html

Number 2 - My Story



No surprise here, everyone likes a good transformation story and this article tops every year since I started blogging! I summarize growing up and my lifelong weight struggles, then how I lost and have kept off over 50 lbs. Read here - http://venuscrossing.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-story.html



aaaannnd.... *drum roll*

Number 1 - Lower Calorie Hawaiian Dream Cake




My birthday was a few days ago, gaaa... I am getting old! And I wanted CAKE! But wait, most cakes are 500 calories a serving. That takes a big hit out of a girl's daily calorie budget!

So, I made my lower-calorie Hawaiian Dream Cake. People do not believe me that this cake is half the calories of a normal cake with frosting.  Read here - http://venuscrossing.blogspot.com/2013/07/lower-calorie-hawaiian-dream-cake.html

... And that wraps up my top articles in 2015! If you made it this far, I want to take a minute to tell you thank you for being a reader :) sometimes I wonder why I do this haha! But my motivation is, and has always been, to help and inspire others. I hope your 2016 is wonderful, make it happen.
X- Liss