On this first Monday of July, let's try to make the 2nd half of 2015 be your best! Today, let's focus on being thankful for the body that we have and set new goals to ensure we are treating our body with care and respect!
"So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
One new goal could be to increase the amount of high quality protein that you include in your daily nutrition plan! Protein is an essential food for repairing muscle tissue, and for keeping you feeling full for longer. High protein snacks should be consumed after 30-45 minutes after workouts for maximum muscle building and repair benefits, or should be consumed as a snack during the day to fight cravings and help manage weight. Below are some of my favorite snacks that are high in protein, many of which can be eaten on the go during a busy day.
- 1 cheese stick- 8g
- 4 oz of low fat cottage cheese- 14g
- 1 hard boiled egg- 8g
- 1 cup fat free Greek yogurt- 20g
- 1 cup cooked Edamame- 17g
- 1/2 cup chickpeas- 18g
- 1/2 cup black beans- 20g
- 1/2 cup cashews- 16g
- 3 oz of tuna- 25g
- 2 tbsp of peanut butter- 8g
Try out these great high protein snacks and start your healthy lifestyle with a delicious, higher protein nutrition plan!
Chillin’ Cherry Smoothie or Popsicle
Serves 2
· 1 cup coconut or unsweetened vanilla almond milk
· 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or 1 serving vanilla protein powder
· 1 frozen banana
· 1 cup frozen cherries
· ½ cup frozen zucchini (peeled & chopped in 1 inch cubes)
· 1 tbsp. flax-seed
· 1 tsp. honey or stevia (if needed)
· ½ cup crushed ice
Blend until smooth – if leftovers put the smoothie mixture in a popsicle mold for a high protein, nutritious snack or treat!
TransFit Super Charged Trail Mix
1 Cup lightly salted Almonds
1 Cup lightly salted Walnuts
1 Cup lightly salted Cashews
1 Cup dried cranberries or blueberries or gogi berries
½ Cup dark chocolate chips
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cinnamon
You can always toast the nuts in the oven 450 for 3-5 minutes first to bring out a rich flavor then toss with favorite mix-ins.
Let the family measure and mix and have fun playing with your favorite combinations. Place ¼ cup into snack bags and keep in your snack basket!
Homemade protein bar
Ingredients: 2 & 1/2 cups whole grain oats 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter 4 scoops vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 tsp cinnamon
Directions: 1. Line a 8×8 dish with wax paper 2. Mix all ingredients by hand 3. Press mixture down into dish, using a spatula to flatten 4. Freeze for 30 minutes. Cut into six or eight bars. Refrigerate. Enjoy!
If you need assistance with healthy meal plans please email me at transfitathens@gmail.com!
Blessings,
Caroline