Operation: #NoMoreCheatDays

So here it is, the totally unpredictable post where I pledge to improve my fitness in 2015.  Here's the thing: I'm extremely optimistic and confident because I last year I learned what it took to be healthy AND look good.  I also learned how great it was to feel like a little hottie again ;) No shame here, peeps.

I always have some sort of phrase that keeps on playing over and over in my head.  Last March when I initially started the kick, it was #NoMoreCheatDays.  I literally would say to myself "HASHTAG no more cheat days!"

Although I still follow that general train of though (because I have to just to keep my "cheats" to a minimum, my new motto is "#Operation:SkinnyBitch2015."   I apologize in advance for using profanity, but for some reason I find it a little ironic and catchy, and it's what is sticking.  It makes me smile and not take myself to seriously, but is still keeping me motivated.

The key factor I found to work for me was to make an effort to eat really healthy. I haven't really bothered with calorie counting.  Instead I focus on finding meals that are high protein, and also eating lots of fruits/veggies.  I also try to choose the lower calorie option if I have a choice, but I don't count my total calories throughout the day.

I basically prepare all of my breakfasts, and 4 out of 5 dinners for the week.  I can never seem to get to all 5 - I always seem to have some social activity come up that prevents me.  Also - I gotta eat the leftovers!

So, without further ado, here is my meal plan for the week!

Breakfasts:
Alternate as preferred between these three:
1.) 1/4 -1/2 cup scrambled eggwhites with salsa (scramble the salsa into the eggwhites for full flavor)
2.) Old Fashioned oatmeal made with Almond Milk (add some Agave and cinnamon for flavor)
3.) Greek Yogurt Posicles
Source: Fruity Greek Yogurt Popsicles by Nutritioulicious.com

Note: My go-to is egg whites and salsa.  Egg whites are protein packed, and I prefer savory foods for breakfast!

Snacks: 1 snack between breakfast and lunch, 1 snack between lunch and dinner every day.
Pick your favorite!
1 serving of health nuts (I usually choose almonds or cashews)
1 serving of Edamame
1 Serving of fruit (apples slices, stawberries, or raspberries are my favorite)

Dinners:
1.) Stir fried broccoli beef with classic brown sauce
Source: America's Test Kitchen Comfort Food Makeovers page 52
2.) Beef Tataki 
Source: Beef Tataki Recipe Eatingwell.com
3.) Cashew Chicken
Source: America's Test Kitchen Comfort Food Makeovers page 37
4.) Spaghetti Squash Lasagna with Broccolini
Source: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Recipe Eatingwell.com


A few notes on these dinners - these are all healthy spins on the classics.  You must follow the "healthy" version of the recipe or there is a good chance they won't actually be that healthy.  I am obsessed with my Comfort Food Makeovers book/magazine.  Its so awesome and so worth the money!  The recipes can't really be found online anywhere because America's Test Kitchen has done a good job locking down the content.  Eatingwell.com is an awesome free resource, and one of my go-to's for recipe ideas and baselines.

Also for my vegetarian friends, recipes one and three can both have tofu, or fake meat in substitution for the animal meat.  Two is basically a no-go unless you are Carnivorous, but 4 is vegetarian!



Grocery List:
Meat:
1 lb chicken breast
1 lb thinly sliced flank steak
1 lb top sirloin steak

Produce:
1 small spaghetti squash
1 bunch broccolini
1 fresh ginger root
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup chopped scallions (can use green onions as substitute)
1 clove of garlic
3 red peppers
1 lb broccoli crowns
8 oz snow peas

other:
8 0z water chestnuts
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
red pepper flakes
lemon juice
hoisin sauce
soy sauce
1/4 cup roasted cashews
Cooking Sherry or Chinese Rice Wine
corn starch
mozzarella cheese
parmesan cheese
italian seasoning
olive oil
salt and pepper

Hopefully I didn't forget anything! Wow that took a lot longer than I expected! I hope someone takes advantage of this :)
Don't forget your healthy breakfast and snack foods of choice!