Ms Bliss Fit

Eat This, Not That, Part 2

Here are a few more low-fat, healthier food swaps for you!

Now, I am not a vegetarian by all means but I do enjoy eating the “meatless” products every once in a while. I have found that many of the soy-based veggie burgers are very high in sodium and have very little protein. In other words, they don’t benefit you much at all. I found a really great option for veggie burgers at Kroger. Franklin Farms makes the healthiest veggie burger I have seen. It is a portobello burger and has 14 grams of protein, 390 mg of sodium (some are much higher than that), 1.5 grams of fat, and 10 grams of carbs. Compare this to the Garden Burger brand that has 3.5 grams of fat, 10 more calories, 480 mg of sodium and only 6 grams of protein. See the difference? The little things do add up!

I used to drink soda all of the time. When I was in college, my drink of choice was Dr. Pepper. Pretty soon, I won’t be drinking any carbonated beverages but right now, I can get away with a few. Although Diet Dr. Pepper does taste exactly like the real thing, (how do they do that?) it is still bad for you. I was so happy when I found a natural “soda” by Blue Sky. The Vanilla and Cherry Creme flavor is the bomb!! I mean, maybe it is because I know I can’t drink regular soda and that is why it tastes so good but I can’t believe it. Of course it is zero fat, sugar, calories etc… It is sweetened with Stevia. Try this! I think you will like it. If you just need that strong taste and have to have the soda, this might satisfy you. I purchased this from Kroger as well. (It is on sale this week). Just go into the natural food section. It comes in a 6 pack.

I love ice cream just like everyone else. Although lately, I have been making my own protein ice cream, I have found alternatives to the higher fat versions. Almond Dream makes good ice cream and it is not dairy. So if you have an intolerance for dairy, this is a good option. You can also try the So Delicious brand. Depending on your goal, choose the no-sugar added kind or low-fat kind. There are many different versions, so read the labels carefully. Ice cream is okay every once in a while but why not make it a healthy ice cream?

Eat This, Not That (Figure Style) Part One

This morning was one of those mornings I did not want to get out of bed. I mean, I really had to talk myself up to get out of bed. I have to tell myself sometimes what my goal is…and trust me it is not easy. Of course, I am going to stick to my goal and I am pushing, and clawing, and doing everything to make it happen, because I know I can do it without a doubt. But, I have to make a choice EVERY DAY and every minute to stay committed. When you decide to do a competition, you don’t have people whispering in your ear telling you what to every moment but you always have your own voice to listen to.

So, this week has been kind of busy and I am forcing myself now to write this blog before bed because this is also part of my goal. I have been thinking lately about  how to create new recipes and lower fat versions of meals. If you have heard of the book, “Eat This, Not That,” then you know the entire book is about better substitutions for some of your favorite junk foods. For example, the book will tell you what to get from Burger King, like a Jr. Whopper and side salad instead of a regular Whopper and fries.  But this will take it to a different level. When you are trying to get extremely lean, you have to cut back on  few things….lean body=lean diet. So, here are two substitutions I have been making lately. (They taste good too!) This will be an ongoing series so look for more!

Peanut Butter

I love peanut butter or any type of nut butter for that matter. Although I do eat it (not the whole container…one tablespoon) I choose healthier versions. One very low-fat option is PB2. PB2 is a powdered form of peanut butter. You mix it with water to create the butter. It has 85% less fat and is only 45 calories per serving. I will stick with this as I get closer to the competition. (available at Brighter Day, Publix, or online)

Syrup

I have to cut back on the sugar so I don’t eat certain types of syrup. (Too much sugar turns into fat) I don’t eat the Aunt Jemima. If I do eat syrup it has to be pure maple and only a tad bit…or if I want more, I will eat the Walden Farms Zero Calorie Syrup. I love the way it tastes. (Available on www.bodybuilding.com ).

Also, I tried a new veggie this week! Butternut squash. This squash is sweet and tastes great. I put some sugar-free syrup and cinnamon on it and it was like a dessert. I think I will also try them mashed. Only 4o calories in a one-cup chopped serving. It fills you up nicely. You could probably bake them and eat them like fries too!