Coconut Oil - Has Beaten It's "Bad Rap"

I have had several people email me asking if the coconut oil that I consume and that Jorge Cruise uses in some of his recipes is safe to eat.  I will admit that when I first heard about the idea of eating coconut oil it brought on the same concerns I have heard throughout my entire life.  Coconut oil has gotten a bad rap all these years.  It was believed that it would clog up your arteries and cause heart disease.  After all of these years and thanks in part to the vegan community coconut oil has made a huge comeback and the scientific studies are making this natural oil a new healthy fat alternative.
Coconut oil is also great as a moisturizer for your skin and a conditioner for your hair. 
Keep in mind that any fat that is overly consumed can be unhealthful and lead to obesity.  Portion control is always key to a healthy, clean eating lifestyle!

Read this to find out some more amazing benefits of coconut oil!

• Coconut oil is antiviral, antifungal (kills yeast too) and antibacterial. It attacks and kills viruses that have a lipid (fatty) coating, such as herpes, HIV, hepatitis C, the flu, and mononucleosis. It kills the bacteria that cause pneumonia, sore throats, dental cavities, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, food poisoning, pneumonia, and many, many more bacterial infections. It kills the fungus/yeast infections that cause candida, ringworm, athletes foot, thrush, jock itch, diaper rash and more.
• Coconut oil is called the "low fat" fat. It actually acts like a carbohydrate in that it is quickly broken down in the liver and used as quick energy. It is NOT stored like other fats. It boosts one’s energy and endurance. Many athletes use it blended into their drinks. It also supports thyroid function and increases your metabolism (great if you want to lose weight).
• Coconut oil improves digestion and absorption of fat soluble vitamins, minerals (especially calcium and magnesium), and amino acids. It improves the body’s use of blood glucose and improves insulin secretion and absorption (great for type II diabetes). In fact, many diabetics (type I and type II) use it to reduce their symptoms. One’s risk of diabetes decreases with regular use of coconuts and coconut oil. And as we already mentioned, cooking with coconut oil does not create any harmful byproducts.
• Coconut oil helps the body heal and repair faster. It aids and supports immune function, protecting us from a variety of cancers.
• Coconut oil, contrary to much hubbub, is good for your heart. It keeps our blood platelets from sticking together (and causing dangerous clots). Regular users of coconut oils have a much lower chance of atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries), arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and strokes. Coconut oil can lower your blood pressure.
• Coconut oil is a natural antioxidant. It protects the body from free radical damage and prevents premature aging and degenerative diseases.
• Finally, coconut oil is the best massage oil on the planet. What it does to your skin, you simply have to witness. It forms a barrier against infections, softens and moisturizes your skin, and prevents wrinkling, sagging, and age spots. It promotes healthy hair and complexion, protects from any damaging UV rays.

Excerpt from: http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/nutrition/coconut.htm

Here is another great article about coconut oil:
http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

Zucchini Hash Browns - Stay on Track with Jorge Cruise

Whether it's Atkins or Jorge Cruise or just plain simple and clean eating, these little mounds of zucchini goodness will be a welcome treat. If you have cravings for potatoes or starchy things then these "hash browns" made from shredded zucchini will help to conquer those cravings and keep your carb intake down as well!

Zucchini Hash Browns

(From a recipe by Tina T.)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 medium eggs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 dash pepper
• 1 dash salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1  1/2 cups shredded zucchini

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oil in skillet.
2. Mix together zucchini, slightly beaten eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
3. Drop by spoonfuls into the hot skillet.
4. After browning on one side flip and brown the other side.
5. Note: you can substitute egg whites to lower calorie, cholesterol, and fat counts. (1 egg white is about 3 Tbs)
6. You can also add a bit of shredded onion to the mix if you want them to be more like a potato latke

Week 4, Day 2 The Belly Fat Cure - Jorge Cruise

I transitioned over from The Belly Fat Cure - Fast Track , to Jorge Cruise's Original Belly Fat Cure Program.  The major differene is that you can have some Healthy grains or "Belly Good Carbs".  I am still watching my sugar intake, basically, not really eating any sugar, but I am letting myself have 1 or 2 pieces of fruit a day (when I want). 

Since being on Jorges program I have come to realize that you really don't need to eat all of these processed foods and sugar.  Once your body gets used to not having them, you don't really miss them.  I know if I want to have a piece of "white" bread, or a cookie every now and then, I can, but I find myself not wanting to even go there. 

I have come up with new ways to satisfy my love of chocolate and carbs in a healthy way!

I have lost about 8 1/2 lbs since the start.  The scale stopped moving after the first 2 weeks, but I am stilllosong inched which leads me t believe that some of the original weight loss was what Jorge calls "False Belly Fat Loss" meaning that most of your initial weight loss is water & waste, so I am not discouraged as I know that the decrease in my measurements proves that the 8 1/2 lbs is now actual fat loss.  I'll take it!

Cilantro Pesto Grilled Shrimp - Perfect for Jorge Cruise's Belly Fat Cure

Since I had left over grilled Pasilla Chile Peppers and a nice big bunch of fresh cilantro I decided to make a flavorful low calorie, low carb, low sugar entree.  The result was fabulicious.  Just a few easy steps and some basic ingredients from your pantry and dinner is ready in no time.  With simple clean food like this it is easy to stay on the Fast Track and enjoy what you are eating.

Grilled Cilantro Pesto Shrimp

INGREDIENTS:

•  1 - 1/2 cups of fresh cilantro
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup olive oil
•  Fresh garlic clove to taste (1 or 2)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Juice from a small Lemon & Lime
• Juice from a small Mandarin Orange
• 1/2 chopped jalapeno or Serrano Chile
• 1/2 of a cooked Pasilla Chile chopped
• 30 Med/Lg Raw Shrimp, cleaned and peeled

DIRECTIONS:

•  Add cilantro and garlic to a small food processor and chop finely
• Gradually add in olive oil and watch it emulsify
• Add squeezes of Lemon, Lime & Orange Juices.  A couple of TBS of each should do it.
• Go easy on the orange juice , you don't want it too sweet
• Add in the jalapeno , pasilla , salt & pepper
• Continue processing until it gets thicker.
• Set aside about 1/4 of the marinade as a topping for your shrimp.
• Marinade the shrimp in the remaining marinade for at least 15 minutes or longer
• Grill in a grill pan or skillet until done.
• Remove to a serving dish
• Drizzle remaining Cilantro Pesto sauce over the shrimp.
• Add a squeeze of lime if desired.
• Enjoy!

Beef with Roasted Chiles & Golden Peppers - Fabulicious

I am on Week 3, Day 3 of Jorge Cruise's "The Belly Fat Cure - Fast Track".  I have been having fun coming up with new recipes to satisfy my taste buds and keep my carb & sugar intake lower.  No Problem!  For lunch how about a nice serving of Beef with Roasted Chiles & Golden Peppers?

I roasted these Pasilla Chiles on my indoor grill. They were popping and crackling and they smelled so good!

Some Like It Hot! Jorge's Skinny Muffin Gets Some Flava'

OK, So by now I am sure you have figured out that I tend to obsess over certain things.  Food is one of them.  I am constantly trying to find new ways to make over great recipes.  I love chocolate and on the opposite end, I also love foods that are spicy & sassy!

One of my favorite things to eat is Jalapeno Cheese "Anything".  So why not?  With a few minor adjustments this simple skinny muffin can be any flavor you want.

FABULICIOUS!

Ooh La La, Spice Up My Life!

This muffin cooked up super light and fluffy!  It was also very, very moist!  I used almond meal instead of the flax meal and it had a very nice "corn meal" texture which was perfect for this savory muffin.  I substituted egg whites for the whole egg.

Jalapeno Cheddar Skinny Muffin:

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 Tbs. Egg Whites or 1 Whole Egg
• 1 tsp. Olive Oil
• 1 tsp. Baking Powder
• 2 Tbs Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 Tbs Sliced Jalapenos, or more (the nacho slices in a can or jar)
• 1/4 cup of Almond meal (Flax meal can also be used)

DIRECTIONS:

• Add egg whites to mug
• Stir in baking powder with a fork making sure it is fully incorporated
• Add the olive oil
• Stir in 1/4 cup of Almond Meal
• Stir in the Cheddar Cheese
• Fold in the Sliced Jalapenos
• Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar on the top
• Microwave for 50 - 55 seconds

CARB & SUGAR INFO: 8g Carbs, 0g Sugar
Almond Meal - 6 carbs, 1 sugar per 1/4 cup serving
Cheddar Cheese -  0 carbs, 0 sugars
Jalapenos - 1 carb, 0.5 sugar
Egg Whites - 0 carbs, 0 sugars
Baking Powder - 1 carb, 0 sugars
Olive Oil - 0 carbs, 0 sugars

DIET is a 4 Letter Word! HELP is on the way!

D.I.E.T. - Good heavens it has the word "die" in it!  Not my idea of fun.  I always cringe inside when people ask me "How's your diet going?"

Let's learn to give this a new spin and call it a Healthy Eating Lifestyle Plan or H.E.L.P.
There...isn't that better?  Help...say it...Help.  We all love help, right?  A simple Healthy Eating Lifestyle Plan! 

Life is beautiful, and so are you.  Life should be enjoyed.  Food should be a beautiful experience not a punishment.  If you don't like green beans, don't eat them!  Simple!

DIET vs. HEALTHY EATING LIFESTYLE
It is so true that weight loss really begins with the "diet" (ugh, there I said it), but I am using this term as the basic definition of: Diet:The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats.  I have never been a fan of the word "diet". When the experts make statements that your weight loss begins with your diet, they mean you have to cut out all of the garbage you are eating and clean things up, not starve yourself. I feel that most people set themselves up to fail when they go on a "diet"! You are already telling yourself that this will be a short term adventure. Make a lifelong commitment to be conscious of what you are eating!

CALORIES IN vs. CALORIES OUT
Yes you need to consume less calories than you burn, creating a deficit, but starving yourself is not the answer.  Depriving yourself of food will make you go out of control and binge with a vengeance on all of those things you love so much.   Not to mention what it will do to your metabolism.  Going into starvation mode will only cause your body to hold on to all of those goodies you put in it when you finally binge. Sound familiar?  And how many times have you gone on a binge and then felt physically and mentally beaten when it was over?

If you are eating a healthy, clean balanced "diet" you will most probably automatically be in a calorie deficit because good, clean foods are naturally lower in calories and fat than the processed junk we find ourselves addicted to.  And think about it, if you get up and move a little you will burn even more calories creating an even greater deficit.  But if you continue to get most of your calories from "White stuff" (processed wheat and grains, sugar, etc) you can exercise until you drop and you won't see the results you desire.

FOCUS ON YOUR FOOD/SNACKS
We are all so guilty of mindlessly eating at times. You know what I mean...grabbing for that bag of chips, box of crackers, package of cookies, granola, ice cream, etc and going to town. I do believe it is OK to have these things within reason but it is of utmost importance to serve yourself a true portion and not just "eyeball" it, right?

CRAVINGS
I am not craving anything at this moment, but I do miss eating certain things. Jorge's plan is great at balancing your hormones and getting your insulin levels under control. I will be posting about cravings later and why they happen. It really is so simple once you understand it.

TRY A "CHEAT MEAL"
If you are finding it hard to stick to a rigid healthy eating plan and you are really missing eating certain foods then try giving yourself a cheat meal once every 5 - 7 days.

This means you can go have that nice dinner with your friends, or attend that luncheon or brunch. Don't go crazy, but eat those things you are missing. You don't want to undo all of your hard work by ingesting 7000 calories, right? But having a small piece of that cake you have been craving or a small serving of those Ravioli's from your favorite Italian restaurant won't kill you. But Jorge's original Belly Fat Program really let's you eat pretty much anything. Don't forget that if you take this route then you must also follow your healthy eating plan perfectly for the other 5 - 6 days! No excuses, lol.

GET UP & MOVE
You don't have to go overboard if you are not used to working out, but just get up and move. Take the stairs at your work, you can burn 100 calories by doing that. Park a few extra spaces away, let someone else have that really close spot at the mall. Walk! Break up your workouts into 3, 10 minutes sessions a day instead of 1 long session. Get a walking buddy and walk during your lunch break or go for a brisk walk first thing in the morning.

NEVER GIVE UP!
We all fall from time to time.  Let's really try to find out what is going on that is causing that constant falling back into our bad habits.  You can do this and learn to love it and love yourself.  So many good things to eat.  You just have to find ways to be creative with your meals.

Stick with me and have some great food and fun while we Live, Laugh & Love Life! Cheers!

Week 3, Day 1 Jorge Cruise's The Belly Fat Cure - Fast Track

Relaxation - So Nice!

Today was my off day for exercise!  It was so nice to relax and get some things done that I was falling behind on.  I have been doing well on Jorge Cruise's Belly Fat Cure Program. 

I will continue to follow the Fast Track program but I do plan to add back some of the grains like brown rice, quinoa and oatmeal perhaps 3 times a week in controlled portions to see how things go.

I will also continue to keep my sugar intake at 15g a day or less which is quite a challenge considering that almost everything we eat has some sugar in it.  I will allow myself to have a bit of fruit a couple of days a week to treat myself and my body.

I feel I am getting good results, but I want to be able to live as normal a life as possible and that means not restricting healthy foods forever.

It was my plan to try and balance my hormones and get my sugar under control.  I think it has worked!

Looking forward to a good day at school tomorrow!  We have a NASM Quiz on Program Design for workouts! 

Sometimes A Girl Just Has to Have Chocolate!

Sometimes A Girl Just Has to Have Chocolate, so yes, here I am again with another Jorge Cruise - Skinny Muffin recipe.  I love chocolate and sometimes I just need it, lol.  My son decided to bake chocolate chip cookies tonight.  Oh goodness, now what?  Well, I made my own chocolate chip muffin.  It is perfectly safe and acceptable for Jorge's Belly Fat program. 

SATURDAY NIGHT - GIRL JUST WANTS TO HAVE FUN MUFFIN

 This Skinny Muffin recipe incorporates Almond meal instead of Flax meal for a nice fluffy texture.  By using egg whites intead of a whole egg it offsets some of the fat and calories that the Almond meal adds.  Ghiradelli 86% Cacao & unsweetened coca powder bring home that good chocolate flavor!

Double Chocolate Skinny Muffin:

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 Tbs. Egg Whites
• 1 tsp. Coconut or Olive Oil
• 1 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Cinnamon (ground)
• 1 tsp Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)
• 1 packet of Stevia sweetener (Xylitol can be substituted but will ad 4 more carbs per packet)
• 1 splash of Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 cup of Almond meal (Flax meal can also be used)
• 1/2 of 1 square of Ghiradelli 86% Cacao crumbled into chips.

DIRECTIONS:

• Add egg whites to mug
• Stir in baking powder with a fork making sure it is fully incorporated
• Add the coconut oil (it will break up and dissolve a bit)
• Add cinnamon & cocoa powder
• Add Stevia & a splash of the Vanilla extract
• Stir in 1/4 cup of Almond Meal
• Stir in the crumbles chocolate pieces
• Microwave for 50 - 55 seconds 

Some pointers about making the muffin:

• Be sure your baking powder is really fresh
• Add the egg whites first, then the baking powder and really mix it good to break up the baking powder and mix it well into the egg.
• Add the rest of the ingredients
• Add a dash of Vanilla extract to give it a more homemade taste.
• You can use either coconut oil or olive oil
• Fold in the chocolate pieces last

Yummy Good with a cup of coffee!

CARB & SUGAR INFO: 13.8g Carbs, 2g Sugar
Almond Meal - 6 carbs, 1 sugar per 1/4 cup serving
Xylitol - 4 carbs, 0 sugars
Ghiradelli 86% cacao - 4 carbs, 1.5 sugars
Cocoa Powder - 1 carb, 0 sugars
Cinnamon - 1.8 carbs, 0 sugars
Egg Whites - 0 carbs, 0 sugars
Baking Powder - 1 carb, 0 sugars
Vanilla Extract - 1 carb, 0.5 sugar

Belly Good Almond & Flax Veggie Pizza

Who would have thought we could make pizza without flour? Since I started Jorge Cruise's "The Belly Fat Cure - Fast Track", I have had to find creative ways to eat all of those "carby things I love so much! So, last night I had to make Pizza for my family. I wanted pizza too, but since I am not eating grains or gluten I had to come up with something. I used 1/2 flax meal & 1/2 almond meal to make a decent crust. I think next time I would just use the almond meal but it tends to have a bit more fat in it and more calories. So...Here it is:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Cup Almond Meal
• 1 cup Flax Meal
• 1 Large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 Tbs Olive Oil
• Water - small amount as needed. (Dough should be firm and a bit crumbly).
• 1/4 cup Low Sugar Tomato sauce (your favorite brand)
• Granulated Garlic
• Grated Parmesan
• Shredded Cheese (your choice of favorites, mix it up)
• Sliced vegetables: Bell Peppers, Onion, Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Olives, Meats, etc

Belly Good Pizza

DIRECTIONS:

• Press this dough into a lightly oiled cookie sheet
• Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes until slightly golden
• Add your low sugar sauce as needed
• Sprinkle a bit of Granulated Garlic on top of sauce
• Sprinkle a bit of Grated Parmesan
• Add Toppings - Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Onions, Jalapenos, Onion, Meats (if desired)
• Add Shredded Cheese of your choice
• Bake again at 350 degrees until cheese is golden and bubbly!

Mmm Good! Makes 4 servings -

Week 2, Day 7 - Jorge Cruise's "The Belly Fat Cure - Fast Track"

Yippee!  It has been 2 weeks since I started Jorge Cruise's "The Belly Fat Cure - Fast Track"

I ran again today and finished up week 2 of the Couch to 5k program I am doing.  I am feeling very exhausted.  I had to take a little rest today, but I am feeling much better now.

I tend not to sleep in a lot but I did get 7.5 hours of sleep.  Nice!

I made a very nice Belly Good Pizza last night.  Ever since I stumbles upon Jorge Cruise's Belly fat Cure, I have been obsessed with finding different ways to eat gluten free / grain free foods.  Finding Jorge's Skinny Muffin was like opening a whole new door to eating healthy for me.

I played around with Almond & Flax meal and this is what I came up with:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Cup Almond Meal
• 1 cup Flax Meal
• 1 Large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 Tbs Olive Oil
• Water - small amount as needed.  (Dough should be firm and a bit crumbly).
• 1/4 cup Low Sugar Tomato sauce (your favorite brand)
• Granulated Garlic
• Grated Parmesan
• Shredded Cheese (your choice of favorites, mix it up)
• Sliced vegetables: Bell Peppers, Onion, Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Olives, Meats, etc

Belly Good Pizza







 DIRECTIONS:

• Press this dough into a lightly oiled cookie sheet
• Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes until slightly golden
• Add your low sugar sauce as needed
• Sprinkle a bit of Granulated Garlic on top of sauce
• Sprinkle a bit of Grated Parmesan
• Add Toppings - Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Onions, Jalapenos, Onion, Meats (if desired)
• Add Shredded Cheese of your choice
• Bake again at 350 degrees until cheese is golden and bubbly!

Mmm Good!  Makes 4 servings,

MEALS:
Meal #1: Jorge Cruise's Skinny Muffin with Blueberries, coffee with sugar free creamer
Snack: No Snack
Meal #2: 2 servings of Belly Good Veggie Pizza
Snack: 4 ozs grilled Top Sirloin Steak
Meal #3:

WATER: 9 glasses

Week 2, Day 6 - Jorge Cruise's "The Belly Fat Cure - Fast Track"

Today was another great day. I gave my body a rest because it was a bit achy from all of the running yesterday. I felt weird not working out, but I am trying to listen to my body more. I will be running again tomorrow morning as I finish up week 2 of the Couch to 5k program I am doing.

I got a bit more sleep as well, it was nice.

I seem to be losing fat in odd places. I can see that my arms are smaller and my back is smaller, etc. I have not been weight training , yet I can see more definition on my shoulders, etc.


MEALS:
Meal #1: Jorge Cruise's Skinny Muffin with Blueberries, coffee with sugar free creamer
Snack: No Snack
Meal #2: 2 servings of Shrimp Campechana (shrimp, abalone, tomato, cilantro, avocado, hot sauce, lime juice)
Snack: 1 small pkg. of Trader Joe's "Just a handful of cashews", 1 Tbs of shredded cheese
Meal #3: 2 servings of my Belly Good Almond Meal Crust Pizza (almond flour, egg, olive oil, 2 Tbs low sugar sauce, bell peppers, mushrooms, tiny bit of onion, cheese.)., 1 square of Ghiradelli 86% Cacao (1/4 of a serving)

WATER: 9 glasses

Week 2, Day 4 - Jorge Cruise's "The Belly Fat Cure - Fast track"

Today is the 4th day of the 2nd week. I am feeling really great on the program. I wish I could get more sleep, but once again I was up late. I managed to sleep in a little but I really need to work on this.

I am happy to announce that I have lost a little more weight on Jorge's program. I am down another 2 lbs for a total of 8.25 lobs in 2 weeks. I don't have a lot of weight to lose so I am very happy with these results. I know Jorge claims that a person can lose u to 14 lbs in 2 weeks so for me 8.25 lbs is terrific!

I went for another run in my Couch to 5k program this morning. I am in week 2, day 2. It was challenging but i was thrilled to do the run 2 times. I am still feeling tired from it but I also feel victorious!

MEALS:
Meal #1: Jorge Cruise's Skinny Muffin with Blueberries, coffee with sugar free creamer
Snack: no snack
Meal #2:
Snack:
Meal #3:

WATER: 4 glasses

Week 2, Day 3 of Jorge Cruise's "The Belly Fat Cure - Fast Track"

So far...So good!

I am now halfway through my second week of Jorge Cruise's "The Belly Fat Cure - Fast Track" eating plan.  It seems easier now that my body is used to not having those bad carbs and sugar.  I haven't lost any extra weight yet this week but my clothes feel looser and I feel good.  I am hoping by the end of the week I will have a small loss.

I was happy that I made it through the Fish Fry on Friday night and my book club on Saturday night without cheating, or messing up.  I just made good choices and passed on the hors d'oeuvres, bread basket & dessert and ate a small bowl of beef stew and a nice fennel salad.  I didn't even have any wine even though I could have had 1 or 2 glasses.  I really want to have a good, clean 2 weeks on this fast track program.

I do need to get more sleep but that has alwas been something I have a hard time managing.  I woke up early and got a nice workout in:

Awoke:  4:45 am
Warm-up & Workout: 5:00 am

TURBO FIRE - 45 minute workout!

I had a quiz at my Personal Fitness Training School, Chapter 13, NASM - Strength Endurance Chart - Acute Variables.  Woo Hoo, I Aced it!

We seem to be ahead in class so our teacher had us work out before lunch for about 30 minutes.  It was an exhausting circuit.  We learned how to progress exercises to make them more challenging for our clients. When we were finished he gave us a 30 minute break and we all ended up laying on mats on the floor to cool down and rest.  We looked dead, lol.

WARM - UP:  5 - 8 minutes Stretching
WORKOUT:  2 Circuits of the following - 1 minute each, as fast as possible - 10 seconds "rest"

3 minutes rest - Repeat 2 circuits again.

• DB Push Up with Renegade Row to Mountain Jumper
• MB Lunge with Rotation to Overhead Reach
• Squat with Horizonatal Row and Alternating Side Leg Lift
• Crunch on Bench to Jumping Pull Up
• Plank Diagonal Mountain Jumpers

We came back from lunch to our usual Lab work:

Warm - Up: 30 minutes Foam Rolling (Self Myofascial)
                     5 Minutes Dyamic Stretching

WORKOUT:  Too many circuits to list of Balance and core exercises some alone, some with partners. 
The workout lasted about 50 minutes of Balance, short break and about 20 minutes of core work.

MEALS:
Meal #1:  Jorge Cruise's Skinny Muffin with Blueberries, coffee with sugar free creamer
Snack:  1 scoop of MetRx Protein powder with water
Meal #2: 3.5 ozs or beef , top sirloin, 1 cup of brussels sprouts
Snack:  1 small pkg. of Trager Joe's "Just a handful of cashews", 1 Tbs of shredded cheese
Meal #3: 1 small bowl of homemade chicken soup (chicken breast, stock, carrots, celery, onion

WATER:  9 glasses

Yes, I am Obsessed with Jorge Cruise's Skinny Muffins!

Okay, I admit it. I really love these muffins and the idea of making something so simple that is good for you.  I eat one every morning with my coffee.  I have since added the fresh blueberries and think it is the perfect healthy muffin.  Mmm good!

Some pointers about making the muffin:

•  Be sure your baking powder is really fresh
• Add the egg first, then the baking powder and really mix it good to break up the baking powder and mix it well into the egg.
• Add the rest of the ingredients
• Add the blueberries last
• Add a dash of Vanilla extract to give it a more homemade taste.
• You can use either coconut oil or olive oil

Enjoy!

Gina ☺ 



Jorge Cruise's Famous Skinny Muffin - As seen on Dr. Oz.

I am absolutely NUTS about this muffin & idea.   I have been making them in the morning.  I tweaked Jorge's recipe to my liking (read, chocoholic), by adding 1/2 square 86% Cacao crumbled up and a dash of vanilla to Jorge's original recipe.  He has new variations and you can download the recipe at his link.  ENJOY! ☺

Grab a copy of the recipe here:

http://www.thebellyfatcure.com/funnel_events/21708-jorges-skinny-muffin?pt=wKb9CpcscsF0YRVnFBnL&art=http://www.kajabi.com/admin/funnels/10159

Low Carb - Low Sugar - Pepper & Asparagus Beef

Pepper & Asparagus Beef

I am trying out new ways to stay low carb, low sugar.  Jorge Cruise mentions that bell peppers and Asparagus are super carb foods so I used those and some very lean beef sirloin to create a tasty and healthy dish.

Pepper & Asparagus Beef
(makes 3 - 4 generous servings)

Ingredients:
1 Bell Pepper (or more)
1 Bunch of Asparagus
2 cloves of garlic
Olive Oil (a few Tbs as needed)
6 - 8 ozs of lean, beef sirloin
Salt & pepper to taste
Sriracha hot sauce (optional)

Preparation:

• Slice bell peppers
• Cut asparagus into 1 1/2" pieces
• Slice beef into thin strips
• sprinkle with slat and pepper and set aside

Directions:

• Heat Olive Oil in pan
• Saute bell peppers and Asparagus in oil until they start to soften
• Season with salt and pepper
• Mince or use garlic press and add garlic to the peppers and asparagus
• Add sliced beef to pan and continue to saute until the meat just turns brown outside.  (I like my beef tender and a bit pink inside, if you like it more done, cook a bit longer).  Do not overcook or beef will get tough.
• Stir in a dash of Sriracha hot sauce or your favorite if desired.

So Good!

Jorge Cruise - Zucchini Cheese Fries! A Little Bit of Heaven!

Wow, I just made a recipe from Jorge Cruise's "The Belly fat Cure - Fast Track" called "Zucchini Cheese Fries".  This is Jorge's alternative to french fries.  It was delicious!

These are super easy to make.  I just made 1 Zucchini instead of the 8 - 10 he suggests you use to make 6 - 8 servings.  I found that 1 egg was more than enough for making a single serving.  I also used a combination of grated Parmesan and shredded Parmesan to give it more texture and crunch.

Here is the recipe for a single serving (I only ate half of this myself)

Jorge's Zucchini Cheese Fries for One!

Ingredients:

1 med Zucchini

1 egg

1 pinch of chili powder

handful of shredded Parmesan (or as needed)

handful of grated Parmesan (or as needed)

Olive Oil (just a bit for frying)

Directions:

Wash and slice ends of of the zucchini.  Slice it crosswise to make 2 short pieces, then slice it down the middle and cut each half into halves & cut each of those into halves or 1/3rds again.  The object is to get the zucchini slices to look like fries.  You can make them thicker or thinner for your preference.

• Beat egg with the dash of chili powder. 
• Put Parmesan cheeses on a paper plate.
• Dip each piece of zucchini in egg mixture
• gently roll and press the zucchini into the cheese
• set aside until they are all breaded

Heat oil in a med to large fry pan.  Just enough to put a nice layer on the bottom.

• Fry in the olive oil turning gently on each of their 3 sides until golden brown and softened.
• Drain each "fry" on paper towels.
• Serve immediately or keep in a warm oven.

Mmm.  Good stuff!

Week 1, Day 7 - Jorge Cruise , The Belly Fat Cure - Fast Track

Yes!  I am on my 7th day of the program!  1 week!  I am feeling great about staying on track with this program.  I was able to overcome eating breads and fried food last night as well as not having any chocolate or wine (yes, I know I am allowed to have this if I want, but I want to do the first 2 weeks without any of the "treats".

Tonight will prove to be a bigger challenge for me.  I have bookclub and always love going but I never know what the hostess will have on the menu.  Hopefully if it turns out to be a pasta main dish that there will also be salad and I will fill up on salad.  There will also be wine and I haven't decided if  I will allow myself to have a glass.  At this point I say no but we will see.  I woll NOT have dessert, lol.  We will be discussing the book, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer.

Week 1, day 6 - Jorge Cruise's "The Belly Fat Cure - Fast track"

Another day and I am still going strong!  I am feeling great after achieving my first "run".

I am down another 1/2 pound, yippee!  I am happy that I am almost to my 1 week mark.  I will have a challenge tonight as I have to work at a community "fish fry".  I think I will be okay, as I don't love the fried fish anyway.  If I do eat any of it I will take the breading off of it.

MEALS:
Meal #1:   11:00 am - 2 slices uncured bacon, 1 egg, coffee with half & half , vanilla & stevia. (Probiotic taken 30 minutes after this meal)
Snack: No Snack
Meal #2: 2:30 pm - 4 ozs of extra lean ground sirloin cooked with 1 slice of cheddar cheese, 1/2 avocado, 1/2 cup mushrooms & dash of hot sauce.  (Probiotic taken 30 minutes after this meal)
Snack:  15 almonds, 8 cashews, 1 scoop of MetRX Protein Powder with 8 ozs water
Meal #3: 4 shrimp (fried but I removed the breading), 3 ozs of fried cod (again, I removed the breading from it).  2 slices of reduced sodium, no nitrate turkey breast with 1 oz of brie & 1/2 oz of cream cheese. (Probiotic taken 30 minutes after this meal)
Sugar:  2.8g (another great sugar free day)
Carbs: 31g
Water: 8 glasses