Meatless Monday Challenge

IMG_2081Ah, yes, it is another Monday.  Have you heard about the Meatless Monday movement?  It is a challenge to make Monday’s meals meatless. So how can one go about providing wholesome complete vegetarian meals for their family?  By using beans or lentils of course!

Did you know that beans and lentils average 7 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup cooked serving?  That is why for this week of National Nutrition Month®, I am going to talk a bit about beans and lentils to help inspire you to break out of your comfort zone and give these wholesome high protein, high fiber staples a try. (more…)

Tips for Getting Healthy in 2016, Week 2

Hope you are off to a healthy start for 2016!

Last week, I gave 5 tips on how you can start helping yourself to become more healthy in 2016.  This week’s set of tips is going to challenge you on eating a protein rich breakfast, monitoring portion sizes, trying out some vegetarian main courses, incorporating more fish in your weekly meal plans and how to make meal planning a breeze.

This week’s tips include:

Protein, its what’s for breakfast.

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Blueberry, Greek Yogurt, and Whole Grain, High Protein, High Fiber Cereal Parfait with Strawberry, Greek Yogurt, and Milk Smoothie

When you eat a breakfast that is high in protein, you will feel full for a longer period of time and have more energy throughout the day.   It is best to aim for about 25 to 30 grams of protein before noon each day to feel this effect.   It is easy to do, for example, pair 5 oz. of plain Greek yogurt with 3/4  cup unsweetened high fiber cereal topped with walnuts and fruit OR pair a smoothie made with Greek yogurt and milk with two eggs and an oatmeal blueberry muffin.  The increased protein within your breakfast will keep you satisfied for the rest of the morning. (more…)