Personal Training
Fat Burning Food Staples!
I love food. Lets be honest, whoever says they do not enjoy food…they’re lying. I love the fact that food can transform your mood, and also transform you into a new country within a few minutes. Sushi one day and healthy whole wheat pizza with fresh mozzarella the next takes you from Italy to Japan in no time right?
The biggest struggle while training for my show was the lack of food choices toward the end of it. I was okay with this because I knew this was temporary. There is NO way I could eat what I did close to show year round because like I said, I love food!
I want to share some of my FAVORITE staple foods that I will always incorporate into my diet! These foods are great for keeping your metabolism revved up and continue to make your body a fat burning powerhouse! I have already touched upon some of my favorite staples here but here are even MORE!
APPLES: My favorites are Pink Lady, Gala and Macintosh (when in season!) Apples help to ward off hunger, sweet, delicious. Apples are packed with fiber and may help reduce your risk of heart disease, according to a study published in the Nutrition Journal. They also contain the mineral boron, which is good for bones. I always have apples in my fridge and usually you can always find one in my bag! They transport well and stay fresh for a while!
I could eat an apple every single day!
ALMONDS/ALMOND BUTTER: : 90 percent of the fats in almonds are unsaturated, and the nuts are high in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. Almonds help prevent osteoporosis and they regulate blood pressure. Almond butter when spread on whole wheat bread can actually lower bread’s GI (a measure of a food’s effect on blood sugar)
Paired here with some whole grain cereal and Greek yogurt!
COFFEE: Okay, if you know me, you know I am a coffee junky. My family is in the coffee buisness and it literally runs through my veins. I love coffee,a and have a cup every single day. The caffeine in coffee can raise your resting metabolic rate by 15% and that can last up to 4 hours! (a possible 30 to 50 calories burned per day) Plus, people who sip 3 to 4 cups of regular or decaf coffee per day are 30% less prone to type 2 diabetes. Chlorogenic acid, found in coffee, may help prevent insulin resistance, leading to diabetes and obesity. Drink up! A while back I reviwed the most amazing To-Go French Press cups! You have got to get your hands on them if you love a good cup of coffee.
CINNAMON (and spices in general): I use cinnamon every single day in my oatmeal and on my yogurt. Just ½ teaspoon a day can help to lower LDL cholesterol. Cinnamon may also have a regulatory effect on blood sugar levels. Skip the sugar and go for the cinnamon! It adds a sweet, spicy and delightful flavor to oatmeal, yogurt, sprinkled on toast, peaches, apples..you name it! I also love cinnamon in my pumpkin pie protein shake!
Cinnamon covered oats.
EGGS: Eggs are one of the most versatile food out there, and extremely affordable! Eggs (with the yolk) have about 70-80 calories. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids so do not fear the yolk this is where all of the heart healthy fat lays! In addition, One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Eggs can be used for breakfast, lunch dinner or a quick snack! I have eggs almost every morning with my oatmeal and berries
***Another way I love to use eggs is in a baked, fluffy frittata mixed with lean protein such as ground turkey and tons of fresh vegetables or a delicious smoked salmon and eggwhite omelet!
OLIVE OIL: Need I say more about this healthy, antioxidant packed oil? EVOO contains Monosaturated Fats or MUFAs. MUFAS may lower your total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. MUFAs may also help normalize blood clotting. MUFAs may also benefit insulin levels and blood sugar control, which can be especially helpful if you have type 2 diabetes.
***Drizzle on salads with balsamic vinegar and mustard for a delicious, summer dressing! Use to roast veggies and sprinkle on fresh seafood before hitting the grill!
I used some olive oil on these grilled scallops and asparagus that I had last night before they hit the grill. They were BEYOND delicious! Another fabulous summer recipe that has a touch of this heart healthy oil is my roasted corn and eddamame salad! Bring it to your next get-together!!
QUINOA: this may not sound like a typical ‘food staple’ or ‘fat burning food’ but it truly is one of the most powerful grains out there today! You will ALWAYS find quinoa in my fridge precooked so I can grab it and go for a quick snack! Quinoa is technically a seed and is a complete protein, (contains all the amino acids necessary for our nutritional needs. It’s also high in iron, calcium and fiber as well!
One of my all time favorite snacks that is quite the power house: Quinoa, Greek Yogurt and diced apple. I usually sprinkle some cinnamon on here as well!
There we go! SO delicious!
**Use Quinoa where you would use rice such as for stirfrys!
** Cook ½ C quinoa stove top with 2/3 C water, 1/3 C orange juice or other fruit juice. Simmer and let the liquid absorb. add ¼ C nuts and some fresh orange slices for a delicious, filling breakfast!
STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 of my favorite fat burning staple foods!
Have a wonderful night!!
Question: What is your most versitile kitchen staple?
