DIET & FITNESS

 On one of my trips to the gym, I saw this protein cookie which I grabbed on the way to work.  I hadn't had time for my usual granola, and needed something to eat in the car while in transit.  Well, I eye-balled this cookie, and from the first bite it was a match made in heaven.  Lenny and Larry have many different flavors, chocolate chip, macadamian nut, oatmeal raisin, and snickerdoodle, but the lemon poppy seed is my favorite.  Their website is http://www.lennylarry.com.  However, you can find these at health food stores, the gym and even your local Walmart if you're lucky! They are perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike, as they are made with no eggs and no dairy. One cookie is like 3 servings, so you can made one cookie stretch.  Let me know if you get a chance to try one, they are delicious!

After gaining a few extra pounds over the holidays, I decided to get back to the gym and my healthy eating plan.  I have always eaten healthy, and I was a vegetarian for over a year, but its my portion size that has always gotten me!  Nonetheless, in my effort to get back into shape, I was inspired by a colleage at work to drink a gallon of water a day. 

I went to Wal-Mart and purchased one of those containers which hold up to 8 glasses of water a day, and decided to start with that.  Once I master that, I will be able to upgrade to the gallon.  Since I started on this journey, I have found that I am more alert, and am losing some weight.   Now while I don't have any numbers, I could tell by how my clothes fit and eye-balling myself in the mirror.  I have never been one to frequent the scale.  I always let me clothes let me know if I've gained a pound or two.

To this date, I am still working on reaching my water goals. But since I am seeing results, that has inspired me to continue.  Stay tuned because I plan to check back in with an update.

Here are a few goodies from my latest trip to Trader Joes and other stores.  The ones with the asterick (*) are the couple staples to my diet.  I cannot call myself a vegetarian any more because I do eat chicken on occasion, and I eat fish regularly.  But I don't consume red meat or pork, and eat as many fruits and vegetables that I can get my hands on.  I'm hoping to cook some more vegetarian meals when I can carve out some time to do so.......

For breakfast, I love Heartland Granola, and even Vanilla Almond Granola that you scoop, bag and weigh.  I top them with blueberries also.  I use Earth Balance butter, which I find to be tastier than your traditional butter or margarine.  And blue chips whether this brand or Multigrain Blue Chips with Sea Salt (found at local health food stores and Kroger) which have half the sodium in them.  These have become part of my meal when paired with my favorite burrito from Chipotle. 

And for the tasty delights, I enjoy the Meyer lemon cookies which I've found only at Trader Joes, agave nectar for my tea and coffee.  Once you try these cookies, you'll want to have them also as an evening snack or dessert. Cheers!

XOXO,

Tiffany

 

I loved making my Kale and Navy Bean Soup! It was delicious.  I found the recipe on All Recipes which I will post below. A1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil 8 large garlic cloves, crushed or minced 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 4 cups chopped raw kale
 4 cups low-fat, low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth 2 (15 ounce) cans white beans, such as cannellini or navy, undrained 4 plum tomatoes, chopped
Tomatoes Plum 
2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup chopped parsley add garlic and onion; saute until soft. Add kale and saute, stirring, until wilted. Add 3 cups of broth, 2 cups of beans, and all of the tomato, herbs, salt and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes. In a blender or food processor, mix the remaining beans and broth until smooth. Stir into soup to thicken. Simmer 15 minutes. Ladle into bowls; sprinkle with chopped parsley.