Fit Pantry - a Fit Foodie's thoughts, tips and recipe

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Day 9 - Unboring Vegetarian

DAY NINE

  • Breakfast: Veggie Juice
  • Lunch: Southwestern Quinoa + Black Beans and Roasted Red Pepper
  • Workout: Body Combat (1 hour)
  • Post workout Snack: Sweet Potato + cinnamon and almond slices + half banana
  • Dinner: Southwestern Quinoa (lunch leftover) + Mushroom and cilantro

Recap

Second day of being a vegetarian was not bad at all, although still feeling I'm missing something during breakfast (protein). Veggie juice helped floated the day all the way until lunch. Workout was intense, but I didn't feel exhausted or low on energy. Post workout snack definitely helped a lot. Drinking the Detox three times a day plus Alkalanize is rather troublesome. I never am good at taking supplements. I don't think I will ever get tired of quinoa at this rate. in fact, I think I ate too much for dinner :P

Starting the day...

What still threw me off during breakfast is the absent of protein. I could try making the mashed chickpeas for breakfast, but I decided to restrain myself in using too many new players in the pantry. Since I only had 2 kiwis left, I decided to make green juice for breakfast. I figured the fibers would hold me up until lunch time. And it sure did. 

[ View post on Facebook ]


I had early lunch in anticipation of an afternoon workout. I almost forgot to drink Detox. This is a new routine that I needed to get used to for the next 5 days. Three times a day is quite a lot... Lunch was yet another quinoa hit, using Southwestern spice blend I got when I bought Vitamix. It's all natural, no MSG and low sodium. I would have added corn next time. It will lend to the texture, taste and presentation.

[ View post on Facebook ]


Snack for pre/post workout was the same thing, sweet potato with lots of cinnamon and some almond slices (not pictured as it was a last minute prep). I went grocery after workout, bought banana and shared it right away with Andy. The workout was so intense the snack I brought was not enough. We were feeling depleted within half an hour.  Back home, popped in the supplement, guzzled Detox, and we had early dinner over a movie. 

[ View post on Facebook ]


I honestly think I'm enjoying the vegetarian cooking a bit too much. I might have had more servings than I should for dinner. I justified that with my workout this afternoon. For now, rest and tomorrow morning ready to teach Turbo Kick.

On to day 10...





Summer Chicken Pita Pocket

  • 1/2 Chicken Breast - rotisserie chicken shredded or cut in small cubes
  • 2 eggs - boiled, white only chopped large
  • 1 stick celery - slice thin
  • 1/4 cup onion - slice thin or chopped small
  • 1/2 tomato - chopped small
  • 1 cup spinach - roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup of fruits - choose one: berries, grapes, peach, apple, etc. 
  • 1-2 tbs sliced almonds
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 tbs Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbs Light Catalina or French dressings
  • 2 whole wheat pita pocket - warm it up in microwave for 20 sec (cover with damp paper towel)

* Amount in the ingredients above are approximate. Add more of what you like or take out some. 
* Add hot sauce to the dressings for a bit of heat. (Sriracha or tabasco, or dash of cayenne pepper)
* For Beachbody Ultimate Reset meal, replaced mustard and salad dressing with balsamic vinegar, add more spinach and serve as salad.


Directions

Mix the dressing, mustard and pepper in a small bowl. Put all the ingredients in a big bowl and add the mixed dressings. Toss until all is coated with the dressing. Stuff the pita pocket. Serve.





Want to cut the carb? Simply make it a salad. 

Monday, April 29, 2013

Day 8 - Turning Vegetarian

DAY EIGHT

  • Breakfast: Fruits & Sweet Potato
  • Workout 1: Teaching Turbo Kick (1 hour)
  • Snack: Sweet Potato
  • Lunch: Veggie Soup
  • Snack: Vegan Shakeology Chocolate + Coconut & Pineapple
  • Workout 2: Teaching Turbo Kick (1+ hour)
  • Dinner: Soy based Italian Mushroom Soup

Recap

First day of week 2 was more than satisfactory. The only part I was a bit anxious was breakfast. And it will probably continue on to week 3. Why? Because of the lack of protein in that first meal of the day. Nothing new about lunch, veggie soup minus egg whites and chicken. Dinner was yummy! Soy based mushroom soup was unexpectedly creamy. Since this was the first day of the second phase, I was still getting used to the supplements. Detox (brown stuff) was actually taste better than Alkalanize (green stuff). Drinking them with straw as supposed to shot it worked well for me. I wasn't planning on doing two workouts. But life happens. I helped a friend subbing the evening class. Energy level was good during the class, low after one hour. I didn't have much appetite for dinner, or may be the soup was so fulfilling that I only had a bowl. 

Starting the day...

I didn't account the time to drink extra supplement in the morning, so here goes: pre-workout breakfast, workout, post workout snack, then the Detox supplement, then "breakfast". Nothing exciting I only have kiwis left at home, but in combo with the purple sweet potato the color was nice, so I took a pic anyway.

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Not so yucky brown stuff. I could taste the sweetness of Stevia in it. The texture is much better than the colon detox I had taken before. It is not thick or coagulated and easier to drink. Pretty much slipped through to your throat when drinking it with a straw. Why straw? So it passes quick through my mouth with touching the whole mouth cavity, and that means I don't smell or taste it as much.

[ View post on Facebook ]


I devoured my lunch before thinking about taking photo of it. So this pic is from a previous veggie soup. They are all pretty much the same anyway. Today though, was completely vegetarian/vegan.

[ View post on Facebook ]


Why did I offer to sub that class?? Oh well, I was planning to workout practicing Body Combat anyway this evening, at least this way I was helping out a friend. To boost up my energy, the afternoon snack needed to be more substantial. Ding ding! Shakeology. It's nutritious, tasty and has a lot of nutrients. That should boost my energy level for the class. The recipe I followed from the guidebook was a hit! I love it. Chocolate mixed with coconut and pineapple, reminds me of the taste of Hawaii. Tons of ice made it slushy. I wonder if I added soy milk that would make the consistency more ice cream like...

[ View post on Facebook ]


After 1 hour plus of workout, I could not wait to go home and make dinner. Popped in the supplements - Optimize, Soothe and Detox. Waited 30 minutes (while showering and freshened up) then... finally. 
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I have been waiting to make this soup since I got the base recipe from a girlfriend, whose family used to own a vegetarian restaurant. Simple soup, but you know me. I just gotta embellish a little :p  So from a simple soy milk, mushroom and pea sprouts, my concoction was Italian Mushroom Soup, soy based. 

[ View post on Facebook ]


I completely forgotten about the post workout snack I stashed in the bag. I didn't feel like I needed it. During my workouts, I have been drinking Mineralized water instead of the Recovery Drinks (too much sugar and stuff in it). That seems to help.
Now rest and get ready for second week, day two.

On to day 9....


Day 7 - Insanity Certification

DAY SEVEN

  • Breakfast: Egg Scramble, Toast + Fruits
  • Workout: INSANITY Modify (50 min) + training day
  • Snack: Sweet Potato
  • Lunch: Chicken Egg White Salad
  • Snack: Steamed Sweet Potato with Fresh Grated Coconut
  • Dinner: Quinoa with Chicken and Egg Whites

Recap

Since I'm used to working out throughout the week since the reset began, I wasn't nervous about spending the day in the certification. I was prepared and ready with mineralize water, snacks and food. I knew I was going to expend a lot of energy and was ready for it mentally and provisionally.

Starting the day...

It has been a while since I had the scramble for breakfast. Mainly because I thought it was my typical breakfast so I kinda get bored. Second, eggs could wait but I still had that tub of Greek Yogurt. On top of that, I needed to fuel myself for the good part of the morning in the Insanity Certification.

[ View post on Facebook ]

The rest of the meal for the day had been packed the night before and ready. Lunch was chicken salad. I dressed mine with balsamic vinegar, instead of Light Catalina (I made a batch for hubby too). 
[ View post on Facebook ]

I packed snack, a leftover from last night dinner, steamed trio sweet potato. This was a good munch after the workout. I actually brought a small sweet potato as well, so this is more like post certification snack.

[ View post on Facebook ]

The certification finished early. I finished the snack at home, popped in the supplements (which I forgot to bring with me ... UGH!! And I already packed them too!) then had dinner. 
[ View post on Facebook ]

Time to rest, rest, and rest. I just remembered that I have a class to teach tomorrow morning. Oi....

On to day 8...


Day 6 - Light Weight Training Day on Ultimate Reset

DAY SIX

  • Breakfast: Greek Yogurt & Fruits + cinnamon
  • Lunch: Veggie Soup + Chicken
  • Workout: Insanity Upper Body Weight Training (1+ hour)
  • Snack: Sweet potato
  • Dinner: Steamed Trio Sweet Potato

Recap

The plan was to do weight in the morning, but listening to my body, I ended up starting the day later in the morning to let my body recover from an exhausting Thursday and Friday. Taking it easy with light weight training in the afternoon. I was a little worried to losing my muscles and strength. The rest of the day was reserved for rest and relaxation.

Starting the day...

I could feel it in the morning when the alarm went off at 7am, body all sore and tired. I turned the alarm off and went back to sleep. Bliss. When I finally got up, it was time for Optimize then prep the day's breakfast. I still have almost a full tub of Greek Yogurt, better eat them as much as I can before week two started. I love this Greek Yogurt from Trader Joe's, by the way, it is smoother and not as sour and tarty as Fage.

[ View post on Facebook ]


Lazy morning like this made me missed the mornings where hubby and I were both enjoying coffee over PBJ.... Ah well, time for those later. We sneaked in the weight training after breakfast. While I had planned to lift lighter, I did feel my muscles weren't as ready or as strong as the last time I did the same weight routine.

Now, lunch. Nothing fancy, just a repeater as expected; Veggie Soup. Oh, with kale this time; I finally got some the day before. I plan to make my green juice with it for snack on week 2.

[ View post on Facebook ]


Time to enjoy the rest of Saturday. I prepared dinner which was steamed trio sweet potato with fresh grated coconut on top & sprinkle Himalayan Salt.  Sweet potato is my comfort food. As a kid growing up on Indonesia, it was my snack or dessert. Indonesians create a variety of yummy stuff with it. Although finding the purple colored ones there usually a bit tough and more expensive. 
 
[ View post on Facebook ]

Tomorrow I'd be taking my meals out to the Insanity Certification. That means preparation begins tonight. 

On to day 7...


Saturday, April 27, 2013

Day 5 - Ultimate Reset. Perfect Breakfast on the Run: Shakeology Vegan

DAY FIVE

  • Breakfast: Shakeology Vegan Tropical
  • Workout: Turbo Kick (1 hour)
  • Post workout snack: Banana
  • Lunch: Quinoa with Chicken
  • Snack: Green Juice
  • Dinner: Mushroom Chicken Quinoa


Recap

Shakeology is handy for meal on the go. A morning workout is not recommended when one already spent 3 hours in intense workout the day before - energy level is low, sore muscles still haven't recovered. Compensating with extra protein and snack, then sleep early to let the body repair. Experimenting with quinoa is fun.


Starting the day...

I strongly believe that snooze button was invented as a trap! I hit it once and found myself woke up with barely enough time to get ready for my friend's class. Three workouts from the previous day was enough to tire me even on a regular day. My body was still sore and I hardly had energy to through punches, let alone jump. But, the class was fun and it was my friend's birthday after all :)  I had to run with my breakfast. Shakeology Tropical Vegan was the ticket.

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I had a banana to hold off my hunger (also as post workout snack), while I ran errand and did grocery. Back home, lunch was leftover quinoa with chicken.


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Before I knew it, it was snack time. Something light that would last the whole afternoon until dinner.  I blended a double serving green juice for both me and Andy.
 
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Well what do you know, Andy is digging quinoa. Awesome! This time I toasted the quinoa and simmer it with ginger, cooking wine and garlic before cooking. Dinner was another hit! The quinoa turned out more savory and filling.

[ View post on Facebook ]


On to day 6...

Friday, April 26, 2013

Day 4 - Surviving Three Workouts During Ultimate Reset

DAY FOUR

  • Breakfast: Greek Yogurt + Fruits
  • Workout 1 : Teaching Turbo Kick (1 hour)
  • Post Workout Snack: (finishing breakfast)
  • Lunch: Roasted Roots + protein (Egg Whites + Tempeh)
  • Snack: Vegan Tropical Shakeology
  • Workout2: Teaching Turbo Kick (1 hour)
  • Workout 3: Body Combat (45 min)
  • Post Workout Snack: Banana + Purple Sweet Potato
  • Dinner: Ginger Garlic Quinoa stir with mushroom, egg whites + veggie

Recap

I didn't feel hungry and teaching the class that morning was not difficult. Energy level was good. My evening class also went well. Second class that evening, however, was more intense. Energy level started to go down, I felt winded faster. It could also because that was my second hour of workout in a row. I planned not to go all out but it was hard to in Steven's Body Combat, so it was 45 minutes of pure energy and sweat. I went prepared with banana and small purple sweet potato to fuel me during and after that workout. Cooking extra so I would have leftover is proven to be life and time saver.

Starting the day...

Got a class to teach so no time to dawdle. Mineralize water, gulp. Optimize, pop, pop. Breakfast was Greek Yogurt with fruits. Spiced up the yogurt with cinnamon was the right call. I was not that hungry and no time to finished breakfast. The leftover became post workout snack. 

[ View post on Facebook ]
  
Lunch came fast! Pulled out leftover roasted roots adding egg whites (pre steamed and stored in the fridge) and tempeh for protein. While the color combo looks good, I gotta say the egg white was a bit forced. I think next time I would add beans instead.

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Time to snack something more substantial than just a pear. Shaked me up some Shakeology Vegan Tropical and I should be good for my evening class.


[ View post on Facebook ]


Before I ran to teach Turbo class, I cooked the quinoa with ginger and garlic knowing that I would be too tired to cook after Turbo Kick then Body Combat class. And pack myself a banana and a small purple sweet potato. Good call. I was tired and famished by the time I got home and finished shower around 10pm. Dinner could not have come sooner.

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Not that I could think much more after that, tired, sleepy, I thought to z......... 

*dream state .... On to day 4.... *



Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Day 3 - One Class to Teach

DAY THREE

  • Breakfast: Toast and egg scramble with spinach
  • Workout: Teaching Turbo Kick (1 hour)
  • Post Workout Snack: Purple Sweet Potato
  • Lunch: Sauted veggie with Tempeh
  • Snack: Asian Fragrant Pear
  • Dinner: Roasted Roots Medley - Southeast Asian style

Recap

I practically passed out last night, zonked for a good 7 hours and woke up refreshed and not hungry. Energy level was even, didn't feel tired. Starting to twiddle my thumbs to avoid reaching for habitual snacking. Today's workout was considered light, so extra snack was minimal.


Starting the day...

No time to dawdle, got a class to teach. Downed the Mineralize water plus Optimize. Breakfast was done in a flash, ate only part of it the rest hubby gladly finished for me. 


[ View on Facebook ]


I was not feeling hungry and I had energy for the class. I decided not to eat banana post workout, I just took a bite of a purple sweet potato and called that a morning. Lunch came fast when you have a morning workout. Second round of supplement done and I started with lunch. Tempeh with sauted veggie. Too bad, I actually missed my deep fried tempeh ala Indo-snack :)
 
Sauted Veggie & Tempeh
[ View on Facebook ]


Not going out means I faced the home temptation and only one workout meant no extra snack. Darn it... Fragrant pear for snack, then here goes the green stuff...  >.< 
Actually it's good for my body. Alkalanize supports a healthy immune system by helping reduce blood acidity levels, bringing your body back into a healthy pH balance.

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It's not easy when you have a stock full of kitchen goodies and whats not. Work as always was a good distraction from habitual snack. Finally it was time to make dinner ... *yay!!* I had been wanting to try roasting the sweet potato. I got the idea from the guide booklet and ran off modifying it. The result is a medley of beautiful colorful roots with a hint of coconut fragrant. 
Roasted Roots Medley
[ View on Facebook ]

Ups, almost forgot Optimize and Soothe. Now time to review new round of Turbo Kick for tomorrow's class then catch my zzz. 

On to day four ...

Day 2 - First Workout During Ultimate Reset

DAY TWO

  • Breakfast: Greek Yogurt + Fruits
  • On The Go Lunch: Green Yogurt Juice
  • Lunch: Veggie Soup
  • Snack: 1 Asian Fragrant Pear
  • Pre Workout Snack: Sweet Potato
  • Workout: Turbo Kick (1 hour)
  • Dinner: Sweet Potato + Shitake Mushroom Chicken Quinoa & Brussel Sprouts

 

Recap

I found myself going a to the bathroom a lot to pee throughout the day. That would be troublesome if I were on a trip or out running errand. As for working out, energy level was even. I didn't have any problem at all. My weight went down 1 lbs and body fat down 0.6%


Starting the day ...

After gulping the Mineralize water and Optimize (supplements), my morning starts with Greek yogurt with fruits and some almond slices, while Andy enjoying scramble egg and toast. Not that he is a fussy eater, but after last night hit with Shitake Mushroom Quinoa, I think he starts seeing this diet thing differently.

I was about to steal a bit from his plate... but he finished it so quick!!
 [ View it on Facebook ]


Close to lunch time, I had to go run errand. So I made a green juice and carried it with me in a shaker bottle. That hold down my hunger until I got home and had the real lunch. 

1/4 cucumber, 1 kiwi, 1/2 cup broccoli, 1/4 apple, 1 tbs Greek yogurt, cinnamon, water and ice
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Back home. Popped in 2 more Optimize with Mineralize water and prep my lunch, the veggie soup leftover from yesterday. Added in a few chunks of chicken in there and lunch was served.

Veggie soup is best to clean up your fridge.
Seasoned with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
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Snack time. Chugged the green stuff (Alkalinize) with Mineralize water, sipping the leftover green juice throughout the afternoon, and I ate a small fragrant pear - this type of Asian pear is not as dense as bartlett, it is more fibrous and juicy. 

Now the first workout during the Reset, Tuesday night Turbo Kickboxing with Scott, which is notoriously fast and furious. I'm usually spent after that. My strategy was to do it low impact and focus on my form and breathing. Typically I burn 500 calories within the hour in his class. So, just to be safe, make sure I didn't burn myself out, I added extra snack/calories for the workout.

Pre Workout Snack: sweet potato, cinnamon, grated coconut, almond slices.
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I was not lightheaded or tired, but at the same time I was afraid of going all out. I know my body didn't get as much calories as it is used to for an intense workout. Even so, with low impact and less jumps I was sweating a lot and got a good workout. I drank water, not the Recovery Formula.   

Home again. Starving! Took a big bite of a sweet potato, drank the Mineralize water, Optimize and Soothe, then quickly cooked the brussel sprouts while chopping the onions, mushrooms and chicken, sauted them, tossed in cilantro and mix them all with the leftover quinoa from last night. Dinner was served. Bliss. 


Quinoa Shitake Mushroom & Chicken
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On to Day 3...

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

So I'm doing The Ultimate Reset... Prep and Day 1

The Ultimate Reset is a 21 days gentle cleansing program by Beachbody. More info here »

Pass me a diet and I would fail it in 2 days. I couldn't last more than 2 days of my friend's "magical diet" nor the 3-day Shakeology cleanse.  You see, I'm not a dieter in a sense that one would go to the extreme or starving herself.

Here's my confession. I am a snacker. I enjoy eating, I enjoy cooking, I enjoy preparing and making food.

Now here's my principle. I believe in moderation and balance. I enjoy living and tasting life to the fullest.


So why am I doing this? 

Well, because after reading and researching what's involved in the program, I know I can make this "dieting" beyond bearable and actually enjoyable. I take it as a challenge to make our meals (me and husband who is not doing the reset) tasty and fulfilling.

Second, a friend wanted to do this together with me. Can we say "buddy system"? It's proven to work most of the time. Then just so happen Beachbody was running a sale on the Ultimate Reset kit at that time. Puhfeict!

Now, when you are doing a diet program like this you should have a goal in mind. To be healthier, yes, it is the intention of the program. Personally, I want to get leaner and lower body fat. As you may heard, abs is made in the kitchen.
I don't ask much, just to have less cellulite and so I can show off more muscle tone; just like when I did the filming for Turbo Fire. The only difference between then and now, I don't have the luxury of working out my legs off for 8 hours a day. So I have to do it in the kitchen as supposed to the studio or gym.


The Challenge

  • 21 days of guided diet with supplements (Ultimate Reset kits)
  • 2 certifications (3 days) and teaching kickboxing classes 3 times a week during the Reset.

I'm not supposed to workout during the Reset, but I always believe that a program as generic as this  has allowance for adjustment. No way a 150 pound man eat the same amount as a 110 pound woman per shown in the guidebook.  I will do this diet and follow the guide but doing it on my terms.  Will I get good result, it remains to be seen on day 21.


The Game Plan

Going into an unknown territory a girl gotta have strategy in order to come out on top. The Program and Nutrition Guide booklet is well designed and easy to read. Pictures are good and appetizing. Choices, choices...

It is so easy to sway and get carried away with the selections and varieties presented. But reality is, if you start choosing something foreign, something you are not familiar with or if you choose too many varieties of ingredients, you won't only get confused, you will break your wallet.  Decide on making something simple enough for you. If reading the directions already got you into PMS mode then skip that food.

I decided to choose several recipes from the booklet, incorporate a couple recipe from friends, and modify my own cooking. To me it's less complicated and I can carry on the modification if I choose to, beyond the Reset.

Next, grocery shopping. To make it (cooking) more interesting, I introduced 2 new ingredients to the pantry. Quinoa and Coconut oil for cooking. I got the spray coconut oil that way I can simply coat the pan.Quinoa is something new that I never cooked before. People say it's easy so I will give it a go.  

I plan to bump up the calories on the days I have to workout (more dense veggies, quinoa, mushrooms, etc.) and perhaps pack myself some of my green juice, just less sweet, to the gym. The fibers in the juice should help settle the hunger.  


The Set Up

I wrote down the menu on three papers - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - and stick them to the fridge wall for easy look up.

The pantry is stocked with ingredients needed for Week 1.

Schedule and supplements are set on a tray on my desk.

I have 1 blender bottle ready for my water + Mineralize.



DAY ONE

Food is easy, as expected of week one. I drank water to replace my snacking habit. No work today so I killed time by prepping raw materials for this week food. The supplements are easy to swallow. The pills smell like herbal stuff. Water with the Mineralize reminds me of Evian.

 

Food:


Breakfast: Scrambled Egg (modified) 
1 slice whole wheat bread, 3 egg whites 1 yolk scramble with red bell pepper, 1 cup spinach.


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151408251631915&set=a.10150191883911915.306923.661746914&type=1&theater


Lunch: Veggie Medley Soup

Oma's Indo Dutch version, adding a bit of rotisserie chicken chunks (skinless of course).

 
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151408511621915&set=a.10150661140696915.390601.661746914&type=1&theater

Snack: 1 fragrant pear and several black berries

Dinner: Shitake mushroom chicken quinoa, brussel sprouts

My own creation

 
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151408843831915&set=a.10150191883911915.306923.661746914&type=1&theater

I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow and cook more quinoa :)


And that's it for Day Uno. No sweat.  I went to bed not hungry nor full.  On to day two...