Friday, 30 August 2013


DO YOU WANT TO BE MORE ATTRACTIVE? Listen to Audrey! "For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others. For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness. And for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." Audrey Hepburn.

Remember... you are on a journey. No matter how much weight you lose, you will always be happier looking in the mirror when you work as much on inner beauty as outer. Loving yourself, being kind and seeing the good in others will absolutely help you in the other aspects of your life you are working on. (This is especially needed in these days of such hyper negativity, competitiveness, anger and media oversaturation of unrealistic photoshopped images of perfection.)

Have a positively fantastic weekend!



NEW PRODUCT! Double Chocolate Brownie/ Cookie!


Kale seems to be the talk of the town lately, so why not join the crowd! Omit the Asiago cheese, and add in a protein of your choice, voila! And for the fam, serve over/along side rice.

Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup diced onion
1 red pepper, diced
1 yellow pepper, diced
8 oz. baby portobello mushrooms, sliced
4 cups kale
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
¼ cup Asiago cheese
salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add the onions and peppers; saute for several minutes until softened. Add the mushrooms and one tablespoon butter; saute for several minutes until browned.
Add the kale, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Saute until the kale is deep green but not yet wilted. Remove from heat and serve topped with Asiago or Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

NOTES
Possible additions: grilled salmon, chicken, white beans, etc. I also liked having this over a brown rice/ancient grain blend.


Paleo Chili Lime Pork
with
Cilantro Cauliflower Rice Recipe

The coming of fall has brought a busy schedule for us all. This tasty recipe is made in THE CROCK POT! And, not only that, the Cauliflower Rice may just become your new favorite 'carb'!



Chili Lime Pork Ingredients

2 lbs of pork shoulder or pork butt
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cans (4 oz size) of green chilis
Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbs chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne

Cilantro Lime Rice (Cauliflower)
1 head of cauliflower – “riced”
1/4 cup broth (from the crockpot)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 limes, plus zest
1/4 cup chopped cilantro – leaves only
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions

Plug-in your crockpot and set it to low
Chop onion and add to crock pot
Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth
Next combine all of the pork spices in a small bowl
Use the spices as a rub and coat the pork roast completely on all sides
Juice the 2 limes, and add to crockpot
Add your pork roast to the crockpot
Pour the two cans of chilis over the roast
Cook for 6-8 hrs.

(Note: it will look like there isn’t much liquid in the pot. That’s OK. As the roast cooks it will add its juices to the liquid. You don’t want to dilute the lime flavor by adding too much chicken broth.)

Once the pork is done, start the cauliflower rice
Chop the cauliflower, and pulse until it resembles rice
Heat a burner to medium high, add 'riced' cauliflower, and about 1/4 cup broth from crock pot to the pan
Add 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
Stir occasionally as it cooks. Continue cooking for 10-12 mins
Taste the cauliflower rice for consistency
Once the rice is done, stir in the juice and zest of 2 limes, add cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste
Serve rice to the side or as a bed for the pork
Add vegetables such as grilled peppers if you like


 Ideal Protein foods are the best way to get a maximum amount of protein with a minimum amount of calories.
A new study finds healthy lifestyle programs aimed at kids improve everyone's well-being, regardless of their weight.

http://www.ottawasun.com/2013/08/23/kids-health-initiatives-should-target-lifestyle-not-obesity-researchers
"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." - Arnold Schwarzenegger


The absence of freedom, in relation to eating behavior, is the opposite of pleasure. If you hyper control your eating, or give in to your urges, you'll always be frustrated.
 "Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else." - Les Brown


Thursday, 15 August 2013

DON'T BE AFRAID OF VEGETABLES! There are tons of ways to get your veggies in. You won't lose weight faster by eating less. So try using your blender to add veggies to IP Soup (makes thicker and adds flavour). And IP Potatoes (I love adding cauliflower and jalepenos for super thick, spicy potatoes. Or adding roaster peppers for a different taste). Whip up a vegetable lasagna with thinly sliced eggplant, zucchini and paprika with a nice basic tomato sauce with a hint of tabasco. The possibilities are endless. You don't have to suffer with salad every day unless you want to!


SWEET & SOUR SAUCE. I have a variation of this where I add 1 TB Sugar-Free Low Carb ketchup to the recipe. But both are great over chicken, meatballs, veggies, "rice" (shredded cauliflower), or IP Pasta (wonderful dressing for a salad.) Yum!


As long as you don't recognize that every pound has a story, you'll run the risk of putting back on the pounds you lost.
Study shows a poor night's sleep can make people crave junk food more than healthy food.




"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle


Thursday, 8 August 2013

Weight gain that occurs after the Ideal Protein weight loss method tends to be gains of lean body mass, whereas regain after low protein diets tends to be more fat mass.
  "Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't." ― Steve Maraboli


Protein is the main building block of the body. We need ½ gram of protein per pound of lean body mass per day (divide your lean body mass by 2). This is just to maintain your vitality. This is a minimum.
"Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones." - Phillips Brooks


Thursday, 25 July 2013

Are you missing crackers like some of my dieters? Well then I have just the solution for you: Ideal Protein Crispy Cereal crackers!

These delicious crackers could be a breakfast or could be a snack! The trick with the crackers is to cut them in pieces before putting them back in the oven, that makes them a bit crunchy!




Mock-amole

Ingredients

8 oz asparagus (34-36 skinny spears, ends trimmed)
1/2 c steamed broccoli florets
3 tablespoons Walden Farms Mayo
Juice of 1/2 a lime
1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp salt
2 tablespoons diced red onion
2 teaspoons dry cilantro

Instructions

Steam the asparagus just until soft, then combine all ingredients (except onion) and blend in a food processor until very smooth. Stir in onion (you can omit if desired). Fridge until cold. (Or you can steam the asparagus and broccoli in advance and chill them, so your dip will be cold after blending.) serve with I.P. Chili or I.P. crisps!



FOIL PACKETS! (11 Recipes for IP FOR THE BBQ)
Please add your own ideas for other foil packet recipes in the comments section.

How to make a foil packet:
1. Lay a large sheet of heavy-duty foil or a double layer of regular foil on a flat surface. (Use nonstick foil where noted.)

2. Put the ingredients in the center of the foil. Bring the short ends of the foil together and fold twice to seal; fold in the sides to seal, leaving room for steam. Grill as directed. (Each recipe serves 2 to 4.)

Lemon-Herb Chicken
Toss 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, 1/4 cup chopped mixed herbs and 3 tablespoons each olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl. Divide among 4 foil packets. Grill over medium-high heat, 12 minutes.

Jerk Chicken Wings Toss 6 split chicken wings, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning (make your own if you can’t find one without sugar.) on a sheet of foil. Form a packet. Grill over high heat, turning once, 25 minutes. Top with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Roasted Garlic Slice the point off 1 head garlic to expose the cloves. Coat with 2 teaspoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Seal in a foil packet. Grill over medium-low heat, 45 minutes.

Coconut Shrimp Toss 1 pound peeled large shrimp, 2 each chopped lemongrass stalks and scallions, 1/3 cup coconut milk and the juice of 1 lime. Divide between 2 foil packets. Grill over medium heat, 10 minutes. Top with chopped cilantro.
(Note that the Coconut milk is not on IP Phase 1 protocol. However, I have not had problems with this recipe kicking out of ketosis because the milk just flavors the shrimp and you are not using the sauce)

Meatballs Mix 1/2 pound ground beef with 1 egg, 1 minced garlic clove and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a bowl. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls. Arrange in a single layer on a sheet of foil; top with 1/4 cup tomato sauce with 1 package of Truvia or other sweetener + dried or fresh italian herbs (thyme, oregano, basil) and form a packet. Grill over high heat, 20 minutes.(Note, the original recipe is for 1 lb ground beef plus 1/4 cup bread crumbs and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. I have made this without the 1/2 cup of bread/ cheese and its fine. Its more of a little hamburger than a traditional meatball (texture/ consistency/ stay together nicely) but its still great)

Asian-Style Ribs Mix 1/3 cup each hoisin sauce and sugar-free ketchup, 4 teaspoons Sriracha and 1 1/4 teaspoons each salt, sesame oil and rice vinegar. Coat 2 pounds baby back ribs with the hoisin mixture; place in a single layer on a double sheet of foil and form a packet. Grill over indirect heat, covered, turning occasionally, 1 hour.

Zucchini and Tomatoes Toss 2 sliced zucchini, 2 diced tomatoes, 4 smashed garlic cloves, olive oil, basil, and salt and pepper on a sheet of foil. Form a packet. Grill over high heat, 10 minutes. (Not Phase 1 IP Protocol, but for other family members you can top with grated parmesan.)

Fish Provençal For each serving, pile 1 halibut fillet, 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, some shaved fennel, 1 teaspoon each capers and chopped garlic, and the juice of 1/4 lemon (original recipe says orange...you can use orange extract or ) on a sheet of foil. Form a packet. Grill over medium-high heat, 10 minutes. Top with olive oil and chopped basil.

Mexican Fish For each serving, pile 1 tilapia fillet, 1/2 cup fresh salsa, and olive oil and lime juice on a sheet of foil. Form a packet. Grill over high heat, 10 minutes.

Mustard-Dill Salmon For each serving, layer a few lemon slices, 1 salmon fillet and some dill sprigs on a sheet of foil. Sprinkle with Truvia (Original recipe says brown sugar), salt and ground coriander; spread whole-grain mustard on top. Form a packet. Grill over medium heat, 12 minutes.Shishito Peppers Toss 1/2 pound shishito or Padrón peppers, a drizzle of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon paprika on a sheet of foil. Form a packet. Grill over medium-high heat, 7 minutes. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Portobello Mushrooms Toss 4 portobello caps, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, salt and chopped parsley to taste. Divide among 4 foil packets. Grill over medium heat, turning once, 10 minutes.

Sesame Bok Choy Toss 1 pound baby bok choy, 1 tablespoon sesame oil and 1 teaspoon each grated ginger and sesame seeds on a sheet of foil. Arrange in a single layer and form a packet. Grill over medium-high heat, 15 minutes



STUFFED BREAKFAST PEPPERS (Non-Restrictive!)
Although this says Breakfast, I would usually eat these as a snack between meals if I was having a hard time with cravings. Great end of evening treat if you have an early dinner.

INGREDIENTS
4 Egg Whites (Large Eggs. May be 6 egg whites for smaller eggs, but 4 should do)
1 dash Salt
1/2 tsp Olive Oil
1/2 cup, pieces or slices Mushrooms
2 cups Spinach
1/4 tsp Mrs. Dash Table Blend (or other salt substitute with spices.)
3 medium (approx 2-3/4" long, 2-1/2" dia) Bell Peppers, cut in half. (Cook 5 halves. Use 1 half in recipe)
(optional: 1/2 chopped onion)

INSTRUCTIONS
In a frying pan, cook chopped mushrooms, 1/2 of one diced red pepper and spinach in 1/2 tsp olive oil (Can use less). Season to taste. I use lemon pepper to give a bit of acidity to the mushrooms and spinach. Then I add a few drops of Tabasco for heat.)

Distribute mixture evenly into pepper halves.

Lightly beat egg whites. Pour into pepper halves.

Bake in oven at 375 for approx 40-45 min or until eggs are set.
(EDIT: It was suggested by a reader that "350 degrees for 20 - 30 minutes should do it". So use your discretion. I personally like the peppers to be soft, so I cook at a higher heat for longer. ))

NOTE: You can also make this with 1 or 2 whole eggs if you need additional protein. Using egg whites makes this unrestricted. (Eat 2 pepper halves per serving)

EDIT: Some readers asked if Bell Peppers were unrestricted. Let me clarify:

Unrestricted means that this meal does not have to count as your protein for the day if you use egg whites, not that you can eat as many bell peppers as you want in a day.

According to the official IP chart, there are certain foods which are restricted which should not be eaten more than a few times a week. (For example, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, beans (wax/ green), eggplant). Bell Peppers are NOT on that list and are considered unrestricted (you have no limit of days where you can eat them.)

However, Bell Peppers have carbs... different colors have different carb content. They are unrestricted, but not unlimited. Meaning you shouldn't eat a bowl of 8 sliced bell peppers in a day.

As always, if you are in doubt, speak with your own coach. Thats one of the great things about IP is that you have a personal coach who will know your own body and weight loss as you meet weekly. It's YOUR weight loss, so in all cases, you can use what you see on the internet as a guide, but always use your head and use your coaches if you have questions.



KALE! I love the Kale Chips when I am craving something like a crispy potato chip. (Spray lightly with olive oil, salt + pepper and roast at 200 C). I also drop Kale into my shakes with ice in the blender. Or roast it in the oven til dry, then crumble onto my salads or soups. Beware the bitter stem, but this really is a superfood.  


I love having a windowsill garden of fresh herbs. They improve the taste of just about everything I cook (especially adding basil, thyme or rosemary to IP Soups!), they also have many other benefits.


JUST SAY NO: No Diet Sodas on Phase 1. At All. And once you have weaned yourself aware from the addiction, don't go back. There have been many studies that diet drinks are bad for you and fool your body into craving more sugar and carbs. It's not worth it.

http://healthyliving.msn.com/health-wellness/7-side-effects-of-drinking-diet-soda



 I know. I know. I shouldn't be gleefully sharing anti-excercise jokes since it really IS critical for long-term health and wellness. But this one really is perfect for those new dieters starting the first month of IP... you lose an unreal amount of weight without the exercise or pain. Sorry... but I LOVED that part of the diet!  



Fish is an excellent food because of its protein content, which has a very well-balanced amino acid make-up and is therefore highly efficient nutritionally, because of its low lipid content, and because of the important dietary fats it contains.
"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength." - Unknown


 Unlike a diet, the maintenance phase has no end, as the goal is to maintain a balanced weight forever
"Character is doing what you don't want to do but know you should do." ― Joyce Meyer


Tired of drinking plain water? How about the wonderful refreshing taste of Mangosteen? This tropical fruit has a tangy and sweet flavour that you will just love. Our new Water Enhancer has plenty of electrolytes to replace those that are lost by sunny days. Mix it up in a 500ml bottle of very cold water and enjoy summer!


Insulin is also called the lipogenesis hormone, because it prevents the destruction of lipids and promotes fat storage. In other words, insulin diets make you gain weight.
Study suggests fast food hamburgers are comprised of little meat.

http://www.naturalnews.com/041116_hamburgers_fast_food_meat_content.html
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe,it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill


  There are simple sugars (also known as simple carbs) and complex sugars (also known as complex carbs). Simple sugars are basically sweet-tasting and found in foods like powdered and cubed sugar, candy, chocolate, cakes, jam, honey and fruit. Complex sugars, which are not sweet tasting, are found in bread, pasta, pulses, grains, etc.
New study suggests that limiting foods high in highly processed carbs could help control the urge to overeat.

http://www.canada.com/health/carbs+stimulate+brain+region+involved+addiction+study+shows/8582675/story.html
"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." ― Marcus Aurelius




We are proud to introduce our new Orange Wafer, just in time for summer! Like sunshine in a tasty treat, the sweet citrus chocolaty taste goes along perfectly with all your summer activities, and will brighten your day! Take one Orange Wafer during rainy days to keep the summer sun close by!


  Apart from oil and protein seed crops (dry fruits like almonds), carbohydrates and fats are rarely found together in nature. Fruit contains no fat; neither do starchy foods. Meat contains fats but no sugar, and foods containing complex sugars (think pulses) also have some protein.
The American Medical Association declares obesity to be a disease.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/u-s-doctors-group-declares-obesity-a-disease-1.1332160
"Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change." - Jim Rohn


 The pancreas is the root cause of insulin dysfunction, and therefore gaining weight. However, since it is easily derailed, it can also be easily reset. Give your pancreas a break by significantly reducing your carbohydrate intake.
"Change might not be fast and it isn't always easy. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped." ― Charles Duhigg


You will return to normal eating behaviors during the maintenance phase, meaning that you'll no longer fill an existential void with food and that you'll be able to re-embrace food assuredly. No more compensating, only rethinking and feeling food.

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

SWEET PEPPER NACHOS: Use baby sweet peppers as a chip base for nachos. Fun idea... just leave out the cheese (of find an IP friendly substitution like veggie cheese).

INGREDIENTS
1 pound grass fed beef
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp white pepper
1 tsp ground cumin

About 10 to 12 small sweet baby bell peppers, halved
hot sauce, banana peppers, and Parmesan cheese (optional, Not IP Phase 1 approved. Ask your coach about other possible substitutions like veggie cheese if you require it)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat ground beef, garlic, and other spices in a pan over medium high heat. Cook until meat is no longer pink and then let simmer for a few minutes.

2. Cut baby peppers in half length-wise and cut out the middle (clearly by the picture I wasn't too worried about leaving some of the seeds in there). Lay out on a baking stone, or whatever you have, and spoon the cooked meat into the centers.

3. Top with banana peppers and grated cheese if desired.

4. Broil for about ten minutes then eat!



WOLFGANG PUCK'S GRILLED ROSEMARY GARLIC SHRIMP KEBABS: Summer is in full swing, so fire up your BBQ. In my opinion, Summer is one of the best times to diet, since you want to drink a lot of water and its so easy to grill up your meats and veggies for a wide variety of delicious, quick meals. Here is a great one for entertaining.

INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest, grated
2 or 3 fresh basil leaves, cut into fine julienne strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 lemons, cut into 8 wedges, seeds removed
8 sturdy fresh rosemary sprigs, each 6 to 8 inches long
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a large nonreactive bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, basil, and garlic.

2. Add the shrimp, stir to coat them evenly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and no more than 3 hours.

3. Preheat an outdoor grill, an indoor double-sided grill or the broiler. Strip the leaves from each rosemary sprig, leaving just a tuft at one end. With the knife or gardening sheers, trim the opposite end of each branch to a point. Soak in water for 15 minutes.

4. With the tip of a small, sharp knife, carefully remove any visible seeds from the lemon wedges. Set the wedges aside.


5. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and skewer them on the rosemary sprigs, passing the point of each branch through both the head and tail end of each shrimp and alternating the shrimp with lemon wedges on the skewers.

6. When the grill or broiler is ready, season the shrimp on both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Place the skewers on the grill rack directly over the fire, or under the broiler, and cook until they turn bright pink all over, 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning the skewers once with long-handled tongs.

Serve immediately, encouraging guests to slide the shrimp and lemon wedges carefully off their skewers and squeeze the warm lemon wedges over the shrimp.

*Courtesy of Wolfgang Puck's "Wolfgang Puck Makes it Easy."




ASPARAGUS: Hints for perfect grilling! Spear with bamboo. All you need is a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a spray of olive oil, and some freshly ground salt and pepper.



Study shows that as states spend more money on health care, obesity rates actually increase.


http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/261564.php
"My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." - Oprah Winfrey


 For the body, simple and complex carbohydrates are its checking account, while fat is its savings account. Money can be withdrawn from a checking account or a savings account, but it is not spent in the same way. To lose weight we must learn to live off our savings account.
Eight sneaky sources of sugars to keep an eye on while on maintenance.

http://www.youbeauty.com/health/columns/beauty-equals-health/healthy-foods-with-high-sugar
"Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success". - Dale Carnegie



Saturday, 1 June 2013

JAMAICAN JERK SEASONING: Want to fire up your BBQ with some spicy meat? This unusual island favourite will burn your taste buds with delicious heat.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon garlic powder
4 teaspoons crushed dry thyme leaves
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 package (coffee serving size) Truvia or other sweetener
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
(I add 1 teaspoon crushed cardamom, but not required)

Squeeze of lime and some fresh cilantro if desired.

DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl, stir together the dried onion, thyme, allspice, ground black pepper, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt.

Coat meat (Chicken, Pork or Jumbo Shrimp/ Prawns) lightly with olive oil (I use a spray bottle to use less oil than just pouring it on), then rub seasoning onto meat.

Grill on BBQ or cook in over or pan as desired. I squeeze a fresh lime over the meat and serve with grilled veggies (Zucchini, Eggplant, Paprika) Very spicy, sweet, and flavorful.