Tuesday, August 13, 2013

RECIPE} Eggplant Pomodoro Pasta

I receive biweekly deliveries of fresh, locally grown, organic produce. I always have the option to swap a few of the items out for things that we use a lot or want more of. Sometimes, I decide to just go for it and TRY something new. This week, I saw eggplant on the list. I've heard great things, but never have I eaten it. So... I was on a mission to find a recipe that used eggplant WITHOUT dairy!

I found a recipe and didn't have all of the ingredients, so I had to do a few swaps and cross my fingers! Good news is, we have NO leftovers AND it wasn't so gross that it got thrown away. I will definitely be making this again. It was DELICIOUS!!


Eggplant Pomodoro Pasta




Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium eggplant, (about 1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 plum tomatoes, diced
  • 1/3 cup chopped pitted green olives
  • 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon of red wine
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 8 ounces of your choice of pasta

  • 1. Put a pot of water on to boil

  • 2.Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add tomatoes, olives, vinegar, salt, pepper and chili powder and cook, stirring, until the tomatoes begin to break down, 5 to 7 minutes more.




  • 3. Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling water until just tender, about 6 minutes or according to package directions. Drain the pasta, place on a plate, spoon the sauce over the pasta and serve.



Let me know what you think, after you have tried it! 

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Friday, August 2, 2013

3 Day Shakeology Cleanse



The Science Behind the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse” by Steve Edwards, Beachbody Director of Results
I like to call the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse a “performance cleanse.” This is because it was designed to be done with a workout program. Let’s take a look at how this differs from other cleanses, how to tailor it to your needs, and what to expect if you decide to try it.

First of all, it’s not a true cleanse. It’s a calorie-restricted and nutrient-dense diet plan. Traditional cleanses contain very few calories and nutrients. Compared to the much more popular Master Cleanse, it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Traditional cleansing diets are done to rid your system of toxins and bring it into homeostasis. They also contain a spiritual aspect. This process can take a long time, which is why you may have seen coworkers walking around the office in a zombie-like state for weeks on end—swilling a strange concoction of lemons and maple syrup.

The Shakeology cleanse is nothing like that. Depending on how you decide to do it, you’ll be eating frequently and consuming between 800 and 1,200 calories per day, and it could be even more should you feel the need. The point of this cleanse is not calorie restriction, per se—it’s nutrient efficiency. The aim is to get the most nutrients possible into the fewest number of calories. The goal is to put all of these calories to use as a part of your exercise program, to rid your body of undigested foods and toxins, and to bring your hydration levels into homeostasis. The result you’re after is not weight loss—though it will likely occur—but for your body to be running more efficiently. This should make you feel lighter and more energetic, even though you’re doing an exercise program.
How it Works:
Your eating structure doesn’t change. You still eat every few hours while you’re awake. Each meal should have a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. And while you’re not eating as much food as you’d normally eat, your calorie-to-nutrient ratio is extremely high. This means that you shouldn’t restrict the actual nutrients you’re getting by too much, so activity can continue as normal.
We recommend you try to keep your shakes to just Shakeology. Adding fruits of any kind, or seeds (for fat and fiber), or the Shakeology Fiber supplement, can and should be done as you see fit.

Ditto for your one solid meal—a salad. As we all know from any salad bar, the definition of salad can be varied. The goal of the salad in the plan is to keep your calories coming from natural sources (no artificial ingredients should be added, including artificial salad dressing). Aside from that, you can add ingredients as necessary. Keep your meat intake to four ounces or less, but add veggies, seeds, nuts, fruits, and legumes in quantities to satiate you.

The goal of the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse is to optimize your performance. You want to eat enough to fuel your day AND your workout. The foods you’re eating are so high in fiber and nutrients that it’s virtually impossible to overeat. You’ll be consuming so much fiber, along with enzymes and digestive aids, that your body’s ability to flush excess foods quickly will be at its peak.

What You Need:
1) Shakeology: I recommend purchasing a  BAG vs the packets, as you will get 6 free shakes this way. Once you are done with your cleanse I recommend finishing your bag by taking one shake a day until it is gone. As a money saving tip, if you choose auto ship home direct option, you'll receive free shipping, saving you about $10. You can cancel the next shipment with one simple email or phone call! You can order it from my site HERE and I’ll also become your free personal coach!
2) Green Tea:You can buy individual bags of green tea at just about any grocery store. I recommend getting the natural and organic green tea tea bags. I love the Yogi brand for the fun inspirational messages on the little tags!
3) Fruit: NOT bananas! Think low sugar fruits like 1/2 cup of berries, or maybe just an apple if that’s easier. The rule of thumb, is that if you HAVE to peel it, such as banana's and oranges, it's high in sugar.
4) Green Veggies or Salad
5) Chicken or fishFish
6) A TON of Water!
The Plan:
1 cup of green tea to start the day
Breakfast:
  • 1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
  • 1/2 cup of fruit (60 to 90 calories)—optional
  • Ice to taste
  • 8 to10 oz. of water
Snack 1 (85 calories):
  • 1 piece of fruit (apple, pear, orange, banana mango, etc.)
Lunch:
  • 1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
  • Ice to taste 8 to 10 oz. of water
  • 1 cup of green tea or a detox tea
Snack 2: (you can have the second snack before or after dinner)
  • 1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
  • Ice to taste
  • 8 to10 oz. of water
Dinner:
    • Salad with grilled white fish or poultry (roughly 340 calories) OR
    • Greens—3 servings of GREEN vegetables (peas are NOT a veggie), plus 4 oz. of grilled white meat (fish or poultry)
    • 2 tablespoons of dressing—no more!
Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse FAQ's:

Q: How many calories per day?
A: 800 to 1,100 calories per day

Q: How often can I do the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse?
A: Ideally, you should do it once per quarter (every 3 months), 
    As the seasons change
    Before starting a new workout program
    When you feel you need help breaking through a plateau

Q: Should/Can I still do my workouts during the Cleanse?
A: This cleanse was designed so that it can be used during most workout programs. However, it may affect you differently than other and depends on the individual. You’ll have less energy than normal, so consider doing it during a recovery week
Try not to do in the middle of P90X® or INSANITY®

Q: Can I do a 1-day or a 2-day cleanse instead of a 3-day?
A: Yes! Some people will see results with one or two days. 
We recommend against continuing the cleanse for more than three days

Q: Should/Can I take other Beachbody® supplements during the Cleanse?
A: Results and Recovery Formula™ should NOT be used during this cleanse, because they contain too much sugar/calories. Other suppliments such as Omega-3, etc. are not necessary, but won’t hurt.

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