Posts tagged dinner

Fitness, Gold's Gym, Health

“Birthday” by Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Participant

Who else is celebrating a birthday during the challenge? I celebrated mine this last weekend and had to make a few modifications to my normal traditions. My kids were especially disappointed that there wasn’t any cake this year. I wasn’t sure how much FUN it was going to be without having all the “normal” food, dessert and alcohol. I was so wrong. I didn’t really end up missing those things. We went out for a sensible dinner and even went out and burned a few calories dancing. I had lots of FUN minus the calories. I admit that in the moment it was tempting but it was great to know at the end of the night that I didn’t blow my whole diet. Thank you to my friends and family for making my birthday a special one. I realized how blessed I am by having so many wonderful people in my life. I realized that I don’t need “emotional comfort” from food to make me happy. It was a much better feeling to have my friends and family see how far I’ve come on my weight-loss journey. And I got to do a little clothes shopping for my birthday too…it felt awesome to be shopping and FITTING in smaller sizes!
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Fitness, Gold's Gym, Health

“Discipline” by Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Participant

Wow! What a weekend! I felt like I was put to the test. Saturday was especially difficult. We had big scheduling issues. My daughter had a school activity that required her to be there all day, my husband needed to be at the office all day and I had my two-year old to entertain and his naptime to work around. So when was there time for me to workout? How was I going to work in my healthy eating? How was I going to take care of everything and still take care of me? Thankfully, I have a wonder husband. He was able to go in to work a little later than planned. I got up early and went to the gym, and then finished my workout at home while the kids ate breakfast. I packed lunches for all of us and somehow we made it to school on time and even had cookies for the bake sale. Then I was faced with my next temptation…dinner. We had a small break between school performances in the evening. The kids really wanted McDonald’s and, well, I really wanted McDonalds. I admit it….I have a problem with fast food. “Hi, my name is Melissa and I love french fries.” It would have been so convenient to run and grab fast food. But “It’s not willpower, it’s discipline”, right? So we reluctantly headed home for dinner. Yes, it required more preparation on my part, but in the end I felt great about sticking to my meal plan and it was healthier for everyone. I realized that I will continue to be faced with temptations and challenges in the next couple of months and beyond. My own discipline will be my weapon against them.
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Gold's Gym, Health, Nutrition

“Recipes” by Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Participant

I’m always looking for new, healthy recipes. I’m probably one of the pickiest eaters on the planet, so when I find something I actually like I’m really excited about it. If anyone has a recipe to share, I’d love to see it. I tried the Lentil & Chicken Sausage soup recipe from the Challenge playbook and thought it was great. I decided to try and make a favorite soup recipe a little healthier. So, I took Paula Deen’s Taco Soup recipe (you know, the southern gal from the Food Network) and changed a few things. It’s great because you can dump everything in a crockpot and at the end of the day you’ve got dinner. So here it is:
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Health, Nutrition, Recipes

Mediterranean Salmon Wraps from Better Homes and Gardens.

I like recipes that can be whipped up at the last minute with things on hand and still be healthy! See my notes at the end :)   Kari Hall ACSM HFS
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Health, Nutrition

Family Meal Times Make the Difference!

Life gets busy! Between late meetings and fast-approaching deadlines, after-school clubs and team practices, it can be tough to get some face time with your family. Parents leave take-out menus on the dining room table and kids get accustomed to grab n’ go meals. With so many commitments, it’s no small wonder that family meal times have fallen by the wayside.
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Health, Nutrition

The 29 Most Healthy Foods!!- This is a must read article!!

Great foods that should be in everyone’s diet!!
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Nutrition, Recipes

Mexican Quinoa (keen-wa)

This dish can be a side or a main dish ( I like to add a chicken breast if it’s a main dish). Its ridiculously easy and tastes great – make extra for the small to-go meals during the week!!
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Recipes

Beef Lettuce Wraps

Cooking spray
1 (1-pound) flank steak, trimmed
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce
4 teaspoons dark brown sugar
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
8 Bibb lettuce leaves
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup torn fresh mint
1/2 cup matchstick-cut English cucumber
1/2 cup torn fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts
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Recipes

Cara’s Healthtastic Pesto

A quick meal that is high in antioxidants and taste!  I usually cook some chicken or scallops with the sauce and pour it over the pasta.  This is a great dish for people who don’t usually like veggies.
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