Tag Archives: healthy

Sunday Game Plan

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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. 

 

Flashback Friday – Dosas

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Happy Friday! Although it is National Dessert Day, I have been fascinated about the popular Indian street food – Dosa.  When I first saw this dish, I was overwhelmed by the how big it is.  It is mostly served as a meal for a good part of the day.  Personally I have consumed it as an early dinner.

Dosas also known as Dosai is an ancient Tamil dish.  This gluten free, vegetarian street food dish is made up of rice and lentils.  Therefore, there are health benefits in its consumption.   Dosas are a good source of carbohydrates and protein that will last the whole day.  It is a lengthy process to make dosas and I don’t think that I will be making one anytime soon.  Therefore, I will be leaving this up to the pros.

Recently, I have had the experience of consuming this vegetarian dish at two places in New York City.   One famous spot world is Saravana Bhavan.  There are two locations in New York City (Manhattan).  This restaurant does not need an introduction because it is well known throughout India; the establishment of this franchise was made a controversial person who is banned from leaving India because he was convicted of murder.  This is to show that as long the food is good it does not matter where it originated from. But if you don’t want to be traumatized,  I visited another spot, which is located in Queens called Hillside Dosa Hutt.  This neighborhood spot is in the heart of the Indian community. The cashier that served us was hospitable and knowledgeable about Dosas.  Hillside Dosa Hutt was recently listed on the Eater list of the top 60 cheap eats places in NYC. 

Hillside Dosa Hutt – Marsala Dosa $5.50 (Top Left) and Paneer Bhurji Masala Dosa $9.00 (Bottom left) Saravana Bhavan $9.99- Marsala Dosa (Top right)  and Onion Chili Rava Dosa $10.99 (Bottom right)

Portions of each dosa were huge. I have not been able to finish a whole dosa in one sitting.  If you want more variety then Saravan Bhavan is the place to go, but for a quick meal on a budget then Hillside Dosa Hutt will suffice. 

 

 

 

Traditional Tuesday – Paleo Party Food – BBS: Bacon, Basil, Shrimp Finger Food.

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My friend introduced me to a three ingredient dish that was so cost-effective and easy to make.   It is a great day game day appetizer plus it is quick, healthy, low calorie and paleo-friendly.  This dish does not have its true origins, but restaurants have made it part of their appetizer, bar and/or gastropub menus.  It is called Bacon Wrapped Shrimp.  I call it:

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As you can the total number of calories for each piece is between 33 and 45 calories depending on the type of bacon used and the size of the shrimp.

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Turkey BBS – Turkey Bacon Basil (Wrapped Around) Shrimp

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Oscar Mayer BBS – Oscar Mayer Bacon, Basil (Wrapped Around) Shrimp

This three ingredient quick dish is made in five steps totaling about 15-20 min.

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Rinse shrimp, pat dry and place a piece of basil on top.
  3. Holding the shrimp with the basil, wrap the slice of bacon around each piece.
  4. Place the wrapped shrimp on a greased cookie sheet or small pan.
  5. Place it in the oven and cook for 12-15 minutes until the shrimp is opaque.

This dish is so addicting in a sense that when one piece is eaten, there are cravings for more.  Just remember everything in moderation.  Bon appettit!

 

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

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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.

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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.

(Sunday) Game Plan – The final 15-20 – Week 1

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Hello everybody, it has been a over two weeks since my last post and after doing additional research on healthy meals, weight loss and trying to get off the weight loss plateau, I am devising a diet game plan inspired and partly adapted by the authors of Physique 57 Solution   After reviewing my food supply, I have been attempting to follow  the diet plan as outlined in the book, which appears to be cost-effective, but requires a lot of discipline especially playing catch up with my social life.  To be brief, this two week diet and exercise plan outlined in this book calls for no carbs, no soy, no dairy, no alcohol in combination with pilates, barre and yoga.  The hardest part of all this is getting enough sleep and drinking enough water.

So, in order to ideally lose 5 lbs., I would have to burn 14,000 calories, since 2000 calories equals to 1 lb.  Here’s my ambitious potentially unhealthy and unsafe plan, I want to lose 5lbs. in seven days; easier said than done.

Based on the blogs and fitness articles, the minimum calorie consumption is 1200 calories daily; that is 8,400 calories per week.  According to articles and testimonials about Physique 57, for about a hour of exercise one can lose up to 500 calories.  So five hours of Physique 57 exercises would total up to 2500 calories, that is about 1.25 lbs weight loss from this exercise alone.    Well as they say it is 85% what is consumed and 15% what is burned off.

A few days ago I started on my grocery shopping and had to come up with a game plan that models the diet plan outlined in Physique 57.  To start here is this week’s game plan:

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The star ingredients of each of these dishes were on sale this week at the various supermarkets in my neighborhood.   I am looking forward to start this diet and exercise plan, hopefully I can lose five pounds in the next seven days.  I will provide updates in the next week of my progress.  Stay tuned!

 

Meatless Monday – Red, White & Blue Smoothie

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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.

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

Sunday Game Plan – 1st week of May

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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 Thai Dish – Kra Prow

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Happy Songkran!! Happy Thai New Year! Today is the new year and to celebrate, I want to post a traditional Thai dish.  This Thai dish consists of only five ingredients and if you want a sixth ingredient add a fried egg.  Anyways, this dish is not only healthy but cost effective.  The dish I am writing about is called Kra Prow, which is translated into Holy Basil.

Kra Prow is a popular Thai dish throughout almost all restaurants in NYC.  The dish can be made with any meat stir fried with vegetables, but it has to have garlic, fish sauce and most importantly holy basil or basil.

Below is a healthy and cost effective version of Kra Prow.

Ground Turkey Kra Prow (serves 2)

1/2 lb. Perdue Ground Turkey = 160 calories/serving = $2.99/lb. at Stop and Shop

2 tablespoons minced garlic = 38 calories

2 tablespoons olive oil = 120 calories/serving

3 tablespoons fish sauce = 27 calories/serving

15 snow peas = 15 calories = 0.99/lb = H Mart in Flushing

2 cups of basil = 12 calories = $2.00 = Asian Supermarket

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Meatless Monday – Mung Bean Pudding

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Happy Monday, technically Tuesday.  Well, this week there is no game plan because, I had an accident working out and I am recovering from the aftermath.  Therefore, since this week is Songkran aka Thai New Year, I will dedicate this week to posting healthy Thai recipes and recent places I have eaten at.

Therefore, the first of two Thai recipes for the week is meatless for Meatless Monday.  This dish is a Thai dessert, which personally can be versatile and be served as a meal.  The meal can be made with two ingredients or up to four ingredients.  The star ingredient of the dish is Mung Bean, a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and it is very nutritious and detoxifying.

Health Benefits of Mung Bean Consumption:

Contain high soluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol

Contain protease inhibitors, which block the copying and reproducing of tumor and cancer cells especially breast cancer

Contain isoflavones that regulate hormones, estrogen, in particular, which helps women with post-menopause.

Low glycemic making it diabetic friendly.

High in protein

Recently, an article was published at the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggesting the possibility that the extract of mung bean sprouts can serve as a potent antiviral property.  The extract’s potency can economically and effectively fight against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Herpes Simplex virus −1 (HSV-1).

Tau Suan – Mung Bean Sweet Dessert/Pudding

This dish is very easy to make and it cost effective.  Total cost of the dish can range between $5-$10 at most Asian supermarkets.  This dish serves two people.

8 tablespoons of dried mung beans = 361 calories/2 servings

2 cups of water = 0 calories

4 tablespoons tapioca starch  = 84 calories/2 servings (optional)

4 tablespoons sugar =186 calories/2 servings (optional)

5 tablespoons coconut milk = 100 calories/2 servings (optional)

Ingredients
Final dish
  1. Boil beans in water for approximately 20 minutes.
  2. Mix tapioca starch with water, keep stirring so nothing sticks in the bottom of the pan.
  3. Add sugar (optional)
  4. Warm coconut milk but do not heat it all the way (optional).
  5. Pour warm coconut milk to the lentil dish (optional).

Personally I have made this dish several times, using three ingredients and performing only the first two steps because my father does not eat sweets.  Recently I have made this dish using all the ingredients listed to obtain the sweet and creamy texture.

Cheers to better health! Off to the next recipe.  Stay tuned.

Traditional Tuesday -Sloppy Joes

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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

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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.