Tag Archives: diet

GAME PLAN – High Protein Meal Plan on a Budget

Posted on by

Hello everybody, it has been a six weeks since my last post and I have been working and experimenting on mastering basic cooking techniques that I am proud to share on this blog.

Recently I was glancing through several articles and reviewing food labeling content when I realize do people really know portion control.  For example, on a typical diet, one serving of chicken is 4 oz or 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons so for about a pound of chicken, total servings would be four people.

Over the weekend we went grocery shopping at Shop Rite and we brought several ingredients to see how many portion meals we can make and how long it would last for under $50.  We created dishes, which will be shown on Instagram throughout the week. These recipes are inspired from Thai and Chinese cuisines in combination with recipes from Ideal Protein.  Here is the game plan that should last at least 7 days:

low carb game plan

Stay tuned for more.  Let us know if you have any questions, concerns, comments or feedback on how to improve this blog.  We are open to suggestions.  Thank you for all your support.

 

 

Sunday Game Plan

Posted on by

It has been awhile since I posted a game plan for meals of the week. For the past two weeks I have been exploring cheap places to eat and new restaurants. Now it is time to get back to business and proceed with my weight loss plan in order to reach my weight goal by the end of the year which is easier said than done at this point. 

 Today’s game plan include recipes for vegetarians, pescatarians, paleo eaters, and gluten free consumers on a budget. This week’s recipes are inspired by Physique57 Solution, The Food Babe Way and The Pound a Day Diet. 

In addition to the food consumption I will be doing at least 30 minutes of cardio with strength circuit training. 

Let the weight loss journey resume. Stay tuned. 

 

Week One Semi Paleo/Clean Eating Diet and The Final 15-20 Update

Posted on by

Hello everybody, as Labor Day approaches which unofficially means that summer has ended.  So in my last diet game plan post,  I took ideas from the a diet published by the authors of Physique 57 Solution   The good news is that I followed the classic workout outlined in the book, it definitely took longer than 57 minutes because I kept taking breaks.  However, I struggled with the diet as unfortunately I have cheated numerous times with ice cream, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, flour and alcohol.  I improved my water intake and slept according to schedule for the most part.  Consequently I did not lose the weight.

I am not giving up and still hope to lose the last 15-20 before the year’s end.  I began doing research again on devising another diet plan and for the next two weeks I am going into the plan that is semi paleo and semi clean.

Slide1Slide2

It is obvious that I have stocked up on spinach, onions, eggs along with my own pantry of oils and spices.  My goal is to track the number of calorie consumption and calories burned throughout the day.   I do plan on having lots of left overs so hopefully by the end of next week I can feel skinnier.   Stay tuned.

Meatless Monday – Red, White & Blue Smoothie

Posted on by

On behalf on Tablespoons & Teaspoons, we want to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July!

Since it is a holiday and given that today is Monday, I came up with a quick, healthy, low calorie and gluten free patriotic concoction that will commemorate the continuous blending of America’s diversity on birth of America.

Red, White & Blue Smoothie

Total calories – 194 calories

Total cost at Stop & Shop at minimum with a $25 purchase in order to get the blueberries at the cheapest price – $5.55

RED 1/2 cup of sliced strawberries (approximately 24 calories) –$2.99/lb. Stop & Shop this week.  Health benefits of Strawberry consumption can be seen in a previous Meatless Monday Post.

WHITE 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk – 30 calories – Silk almond milk is on sale this week at Stop & Shop – 2 for $6.   Health benefits of almond milk consumption include: Low sugar, which provides an option for diabetics.  It also has no cholesterol and low sodium plus contains omega 3 fatty acids, which helps maintain blood pressure & a healthy heart.  One cup provides 10% more calcium than regular milk and more vitamin D, which helps strengthen bone and even lower the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.  Almond milk also contains vitamin E, which is involved with maintaining healthy skin.  It also has vitamin B especially iron and riboflavin with helps build muscle.  It also has fiber and is lactose free, which helps aid digestion.  Other health benefits include boosting the immune system, preventing cancers, and improving vision.

BLUE 1 cup of blueberries – 85 calories – on sale for $0.97/pint with a $25 purchase at Stop & Shop this week.  Blueberries, similar to strawberries contain plenty of antioxidants, which prevents cancers, aging, degenerative disease and infections.  They also contain chlorogenic acid which lowers blood sugar levels & control blood-glucose levels in Type II diabetes.  Blueberries is also considered a brain food which helps boost memory and focus.  Research studies also show that blueberry consumption has lowered blood pressure and even reduce heart disease risk.

1/2 medium banana (sliced) – 55 calories – $0.49/lb at Stop & Shop.  Health benefits of banana consumption include replenishing energy.  It also contains soluble dietary fiber which reduces constipation by helping normal bowel movements.  Bananas also carry antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxantin, carotenes that helps reduce aging.  Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) helps with neuritis and anemia and reduces homocystine levels, which is a contributor to heart disease & stroke.  It also contains vitamin C, which develops resistance again infections.  But most importantly bananas are known for their rich source of potassium, which helps control heart rate & blood pressure.

Instruction: Combine and blend until smooth.

20160704_115323

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!! Cheers to good healthy and more budget friendly meals.

Sunday Game Plan – 1st week of May

Posted on by

I am so glad to be back and feeling rejuvenated.  I have visiting my local library to read books on food and the various diet types that have been already published.  One of the books I finally was able to read and somewhat apply was The Genotype Diet by  Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo, a naturopathic physician.  I was introduced to naturopathic medicine by my previous employer and I am currently still on the fence on whether to pursue it, but that is a story for another day.   Anyways, I have been fascinated by his findings and research especially in my search to foods related to inflammation e.g. rheumatoid arthritis.

I decided to perform some of the assessment tests outlined in Dr. D’Adamo’s book.  The assessment was based on blood type, rH type, leg length, torso length, finger length and height.  My results revealed that I can be either the Gatherer or the Nomad.   Therefore, this week’s Sunday Game Plan I am using most of the ingredients that is allowed from either genotypes.  In addition, on Tuesday 5/3/16 I have had the privilege to cover the annual Queens Taste 2016 event.

Meatless Monday: Egg Banana Pancakes & Arugula Strawberry Salad

Traditional Tuesday: Queens Taste 2016

Wednesday: Tentative dinner plans with co-workers in Chinatown

Thursday: Cinco de Mayo

Friday: Meeting in NYU, Charity work 20160501_201213So excited on what is ahead for the week and the month as I will attempt to incorporate national food observances to develop meal and find dishes that are elevated, healthy yet on a budget.  Stay tuned!

Traditional Tuesday -Sloppy Joes

Posted on by

Happy Tuesday!  Today’s blog will focus on one of America’s favorite childhood and even adulthood dishes – The Sloppy Joe.

After researching the history behind the staple dish, there appears to be a lot of debate regarding its origin and unfortunately I do not have the answers.

What I found in this research is that this dish was established at a cafe in the Midwest in the 1930s by a man name Joe who added tomato sauce to loose meat.  Another source says that it originated as a Cuban loose meat sandwich in Florida.  The Sloppy Joe was also even called a “Manwich”.

Well thanks to the recipe posted by Bodypotential I decided to try on the healthier version of Sloppy Joes.  This dish was healthy on a budget and serves 4 people:

1 lb. Perdue Ground Turkey = 160 calories/serving = $2.99/lb. at Stop and Shop

16 tablespoons of tomato paste = 80 calories

6 tablespoons tomato sauce = 30 calories

2 tablespoons honey = 60 calories/serving

1 tbsp. garlic powder

1 tbsp. paprika

1 tbsp. cumin

1 tbsp. chili powder

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Since I am doing this body cleanse for the next few days, the healthy sloppy joes will last me 2-4 meals either lunch or dinner.

First Sunday Game Plan – Body Cleanse

Posted on by

It has been a very busy few weeks since my last post and I am making the effort to plan ahead.  I have decided to do a 5 day cleanse through Bodypotential.  My ultimate goal is to be 20 pounds lighter.  Below is my Sunday Game Plan for this week.   The ingredients used to make my dishes were for the most part on sale during the last two weeks:

Watercress $0.79/lb (H Mart)

Snowpeas  $0.99/lb (H Mart)

Crabmeat  $2.00 (Stop and Shop)

Bok Choy  $0.58/lb (H Mart)

Perdue Ground Turkey $2.99 (Stop and Shop)

Quinoa $4.99 (Stop and Shop)

Baby Carrots $1.49/2lbs (Stop and Shop)

Wild Caught Cod $5.99/lb (Stop and Shop)

20160403_200445

I am very excited to post new material this week from this game plan.  There will a post for Throwback Thursday and Flashback Friday, which will consists of dishes from restaurants I have eaten in the past.  Stay tuned.

Sunday Game Plan – Portion Control Week

Posted on by

This past week I completely slipped in diet and training, which resulted in weight gain and fatigue.  This week is a new week and a bigger effort is being made to plan my meals ahead.  The goal is not go out to eat this week for lunch or dinner.  As a fitness buff once told me it is 80% what you eat and 20% exercise.  Therefore, this game plan is different this week because instead of recipes being made for the week,  I have a detailed outline on what I hope to eat for the week.  This outline seems feasible yet easier said than done.  This week’s game plan includes items either currently brought or stored at home:

  • cinnamon
  • rolled oats
  • walnuts
  • corned beef/brisket
  • cabbage
  • yogurt
  • almond milk
  • lamb chop
  • bananas
  • strawberries
  • blueberries
  • canned lentil soup
  • chicken drumsticks
  • mixed blend salad
  • onions
  • garlic
  • Cheerios
  • eggs
  • bread
  • canned salmon
  • canned tuna
  • instant oatmeal
  • roti
  • brussels sprouts

20160306_224022

Stay tuned for exciting recipes and throwback posts this week.

Traditional Tuesday – Egg in a Hole

Posted on by

Happy Tuesday! Starting off my revising diet with a recipe I have been making and consuming for several weeks and complementing with either a half avocado or a cup of strawberries.

Egg in a Hole is a fried egg on toast.

The original recipe was published during the late 19th century by Fannie Farmer, author of the Boston Cooking School Cookbook.  The recipe was called “Egg with a hat”.  The dish was made using a two-and-a-half-inch cookie cutter to remove the bread’s center.  It is served with a cooked egg, that becomes the “hat”.

The dish has many names such as “Egg in a Basket,” “Egg in a Frame,” “Toad in a Hole,” “Egg in a Nest,” “Sunshine Toast,” and even “Gashouse eggs.”  Movies such as “Moon Over Miami,” “Moonstruck” and Vendetta” have made this very simple dish popular.

The dish itself is primarily made of two ingredients: toasted bread and an egg.  It is a fun, quick and simple dish to make.

1 extra large egg = 70 calories (recipe below I used a jumbo cage free egg = 90 calories)

1 toast bread, I used Udi’s Gluten Free Omega Flax Fiber Bread = 75 calories/slice

Total calories = 145 calories (using a jumbo egg = 165 calories)

Total cost = Investment of $10 (ingredients last about 1-2 weeks)

1.5 dozen Eggland’s Best large eggs  on sale this week for $3.99 at C-Town.

Bread on sale this week ranging from $2.99 to $4.99 at Stop & Shop

20160124_083742

Two ingredients used – toast bread and egg

20160124_083900

Cut a circle in the center of the toasted bread, set it to the side, then place the “hole” bread into a non-stick pan.

20160124_083928

Crack an egg into the hole and let it fry for about 2 min.

20160124_084016

Flip the bread over and cook the other side.

20160124_084108

Egg in a hole is cooked and ready to serve.

 

Sunday Game Plan – Diet Challenge

Posted on by

Happy Chinese New Year!! Happy SuperBowl 50!! It’s is also Vision Awareness Month, American Heart Month, National Children Dental Health Month and International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month.

Well now that the big game is over, it is time to take on a diet challenge in the effort to lose weight and inches.  Time to focus on the real purpose of Tablespoons and Teaspoons by devising a game plan that will take on this challenge over the next two weeks.  Stay tuned.

20160207_231618