Author: melaniewalessustainableliving

Fit Recipes!

Easy And Beginner Friendly Pumpkin Chili Recipe

melaniewalessustainableliving

Just in time for Halloween!  Warm up with this chili after the trick or treating.  It will also help you feel more satiated from the high volume and high protein content…so maybe you won’t overdo it on candy…🤞🏻🙌

For this recipe if you can open a can and chop an onion you can make this.  If there was ever a recipe to get you started on your meal prep lifestyle this is it.  It is delicious, high volume, high protein and full of flavor!  The pumpkin blends in seamlessly while adding a sense of sweetness and richness to the chili while  keeping the calories low.  Pumpkin is so versatile!  If you like my recipes and fitness tips remember to share!  We can all reach our fitness goals and enjoy the process too!❤️ 

Serves 8

For 1 serving (443g)

280 calories 

24g protein 

36g carbohydrate

7g fat

Ingredient’s you’ll need:

  • 1 can pumpkin (425g)
  • 1 can black beans (425g)
  • 1 can tomato paste (170g)
  • 1 large can diced tomatoes with chilis (794g)
  • 1 can beef broth (425ml)
  • Some jarred or canned salsa (300g) 
  • 2 tbsp chili powder (30g)
  • 760g ground lean turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 large onion chopped (400-500g)
  • 1/2- 1 tsp ground pink Himalayan salt

Directions:

Add everything to a slow cooker and cook on high for 5-8 hours.  Stir occasionally and chop the ground turkey up as it cooks so it can blend with the chili.  Allow to cool a bit before storing.  When reheating add some water to make it more high volume of you need.  Or top with cheese, sour cream, etc.. and enjoy with cornbread/corn chips if you need more calories and less volume.  Enjoy within 5-6 days of preparing or store portions in the freezer for future meals. 

Need some more fun and delicious recipes to help you reach your goals? My e- cookbooks are available! Click below for details. 

https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

This Super Easy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili bulk prep recipe is in Volume 1 as well as many more yummy and versatile quick prep, bulk prep, and sweets and snacks prep recipes.

Find me on Instagram for more recipes, fitness tips, and meal ideas.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fitness Tips

How To Lose Fat And Build A Lean Physique

melaniewalessustainableliving

My transformation from 2017-2025. In the photo on the left I had already lost 40 lbs.

Over the course of losing and keeping off over 145 lbs since 2016 I have learned quite a bit about what it takes to make fat loss not only possible, but also sustainable.  Next are the five things you need to do to lose fat and build a lean physique.

  1. Don’t rush.  Slow and steady consistent effort with your nutrition and regular activity wins every time.  
  2. Create a small to moderate calorie deficit.  Don’t slash your food intake to lose crazy amounts of weight fast.  Aim for about 1/2-1 pound of fat loss a week.
  3. Prioritize protein in every meal.  25-30g per meal with a total daily goal of 1g per lb of ideal bodyweight. 
  4. Move more often in your daily life.  Create a step goal of 8-10k steps and start hitting this target everyday. 
  5. Resistance Train.  Follow a high quality and progressive resistance training program so you can build lean muscle along the way.  

6. BELIEVE your efforts are worth it!  Keep going!

Sound basic and foundational? You bet it is. This is what actually works. No gimmicks, fads, or quick tricks. Put the basics on repeat. Let’s see what happens.


Remember that the process is slow. Very Slow.  Some weeks we can feel like no progress is happening at all. Start again fresh every day. It’s amazing how all the small things we do each day add up with time and consistency.  Keep Going!  

If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey using sustainable and realistic strategies check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website. With my 1 on 1 online fitness coaching service I take out the guess work and create customized activity and nutrition plans for your unique needs and goals while providing support, accountability and education for ongoing success. That way you can start taking action to get the epic and long lasting benefits of a sustainable fitness lifestyle.

See my client testimonials.

www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Did you know I wrote 2 E Cookbooks? Find loads of easy and healthy recipes in my E Cookbooks perfect for meal prep and beyond.  Knowing how to prepare healthy meals at home is a game changer for your long term health and wellness. Plus save money by skipping expensive carry out or delivery one delicious bite at a time.

Click below for details. 

https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

Fitness Tips

Focus On This To Succeed In An Epic Fitness Transformation

melaniewalessustainableliving

My transformation through the years. 2016-2025.

Over the course of losing and keeping off over 145 lbs since 2016 I have learned quite a bit about what it takes to make fat loss not only possible, but also sustainable.  Next are the things you need to stay focused on. Day in and day out… for years.

  1. Meet a daily step goal to ensure regular activity.
  2. Resistance train with a focus on progressive overload to build muscle and strength.
  3. Keep track of your total calories and prioritize protein and fruits or veggies with each meal to align your nutrition with your goals.
  4. Include some fun foods in moderation. 
  5. Do the above consistently. 
  6. Believe it is possible.
  7. Believe your efforts were worth it! 

Sound basic and foundational? You bet it is. This is what actually works. No gimmicks, fads, or quick tricks. Put the basics on repeat. Let’s see what happens.


Remember that the process is slow. Very Slow.  Some weeks we can feel like no progress is happening at all. Start again fresh every day. It’s amazing how all the small things we do each day add up with time and consistency.  Keep Going!  

If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey using sustainable and realistic strategies check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website. With my 1 on 1 online fitness coaching service I take out the guess work and create customized activity and nutrition plans for your unique needs and goals while providing support, accountability and education for ongoing success. That way you can start taking action to get the epic and long lasting benefits of a sustainable fitness lifestyle.

See my client testimonials.

www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Did you know I wrote 2 E Cookbooks? Find loads of easy and healthy recipes in my E Cookbooks perfect for meal prep and beyond.  Knowing how to prepare healthy meals at home is a game changer for your long term health and wellness. Plus save money by skipping expensive carry out or delivery one delicious bite at a time.

Click below for details. 

https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

Fit Recipes!

Free Recipe: Dark Chocolate Walnut Protein Oatmeal Brownie Bowl 

melaniewalessustainableliving

For me, chocolate is a need not a want… And I have fit goals.   How do I combine my desires with my goals?  Well, this delicious take on protein oats is one solution.  

Rich in deep dark chocolate flavor, while still remaining sweet, my brownie bowl does not taste like you are eating it for your fitness goals.  Boasting 40g of protein and balanced macros to promote satiety, unlike a regular brownie, you will actually be aiding your progress!  

Let’s get and stay lean and jacked together AND eat chocolate too.  

Makes 1 Serving

  • 584 Calories 
  • 40g Protein
  • 62g Carbohydrate
  • 20g Fat

Ingredients you’ll need:

For the Bowl:

  • 250ml 1% Milk
  • 40g Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
  • 30g Chocolate Whey Protein Powder Of Choice
  • 10g Chocolate Sugar Free Instant Pudding Mix
  • 10g Cocoa Powder
  • 15g Monk Fruit Zero Calorie Granulated Sweetener
  • Pinch Of Pink Himalayan Granulated Salt

Toppings:

  • 10g walnuts
  • 10g dark chocolate of choice 

Directions:

On the stove top or microwave, cook the oats in the milk until softened.

In a mixing bowl measure out your protein powder, pudding mix, zero calorie sweetener, a pinch of salt.

Add your cooked oats in milk to the bowl with your measured dry ingredients and whisk together for 1 minute. this will help it to thicken.

Top with the walnuts and chocolate.  Enjoy right away, at room temperature, or pop it into the fridge to cool.  

Pro Tip-Can also be made the evening before as an amazing overnight oat breakfast.  Brownie bowl for breakfast?  Yes, please!!!

Want to try one of my favorite protein powders to make this recipe? Check out Outwork Nutrition.

Find loads of high protein recipes and so much more in my E Cookbooks dedicated to macro friendly recipes perfect for meal prep and beyond.  Reach your fitness goals with my easy and delicious recipes!  Only $20 each to grab your own downloadable copy. This is an amazing price for so many amazing tips, meal ideas, and recipes that took me years to create!

Click below for details.

E Cookbooks

Find me on Instagram for more recipes, fitness tips, and meal ideas.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fitness Tips

What is something you could do MOVING FOWARD to MAKE IT EASIER?

melaniewalessustainableliving

This is a question on my weekly email check in form for all my 1 on 1 online clients.

Next I share a couple responses from the real people I coach.  They demonstrate how the process of getting and sustaining incredible results is not a stagnant process.  Instead the journey is alive and ongoing.  

I won’t be able to work out at my normal times… due to family activities…so I am going to go to the gym in the middle of my workday.”

“Taking it one day at a time.  I’m excited to see what my body can do.”

“I will start referring back to my goals and reevaluate/ get more specific on what I want to accomplish and why….”

“I am going to put my phone in the other room….instead of doom scrolling.  I can do it!”

“I’m focusing on getting enough rest to recover effectively”

“I’m making chili for my whole fam for a celebratory event. I got the lean ground beef ready! Gonna fill up on the good stuff before we are inundated with desserts.”

Every day, every week we try to make it happen.  Not out of sheer will, but through mindfulness, creativity, and patience.  We reflect and consider. 

Is there is a way to make it easier? 

It’s not always possible, but we keep trying anyway.  

If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey using sustainable and realistic strategies check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website. With my 1 on 1 online fitness coaching service I take out the guess work and create customized activity and nutrition plans for your unique needs and goals while providing support, accountability and education for ongoing success. That way you can start taking action to get the epic and long lasting benefits of a sustainable fitness lifestyle.

See my client testimonials.

www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Did you know I wrote 2 E Cookbooks? Find loads of easy and healthy recipes in my E Cookbooks perfect for meal prep and beyond.  Knowing how to prepare healthy meals at home is a game changer for your long term health and wellness. Plus save money by skipping expensive carry out or delivery one delicious bite at a time.

Click below for details. 

https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

Client Spotlight

Client Spotlight: Find Out How This Dad and Plumber Balances Life With His Passion For Parkour

melaniewalessustainableliving

Checkout my long time client (and long time husband) John’s unique starting point, goals, and plan as he embarked on becoming a recreational parkour athlete.

Basic Stats: late 30’s Male 

Starting Point: Former Kung Fu Black Belt, Naturally Slim and a “Hard Gainer”, Commercial Plumber, Recovering from Hernia Surgery, Dad, Husband(mine😉)

Goal:   Increase full body strength, build a functional lean muscular physique, improve overall athleticism.  Maintain high function at work and at home.  Support and enhance performance in his new passion for Parkour!  

Plan: 2-3x per week custom and progressive functional performance full body gym workouts.  60 minute sessions with a rotating training focus every 4 weeks between Strength, Hypertrophy and Power.  Key exercises chosen and sequenced to carry over to sport specific skills.  Daily healthy lifestyle protocols for maintaining The Foundational Five: Eat Well, Move Often, Stay Hydrated, Prioritize Sleep, Reduce Stress.  Nutrition for lean gains as a hard gainer.  Yep, he gets to eat all the food!  

Current Results: Over 3 years later and improvements across the board in full body strength, muscularity, and athleticism!  Continues to recover well in order to maintain a high capacity to thrive at home and at work.  Parkour skill improvements keep coming. 

Thank you for the ongoing opportunity to be your fitness programmer, wife, and life partner! You are amazing and I love you so much!  

Kisses!

Warmly, 

Mely (He’s the one that get’s to call me that!) 

So yeah, he’s mine.  Best husband and life partner ever.  Did I mention he used to be a chef, so he can cook and does most of our weekly meal prep.  

He even does the laundry and cleans the kitty litter boxes.  

He has offered me unwavering love and support during my own transformation.  

I’m glad I can return the favor by using my skills and expertise to support his unique fitness journey.   

If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website for more info and how to inquire about my online fitness coaching service. Receive customized coaching and benefit from my expertise in all things holistic fitness and wellness.

See my client testimonials.

www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

Follow me on Instagram for fit tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fit Recipes!

Free Recipe: Protein White Chocolate Chocolate Chip Covered Strawberries

melaniewalessustainableliving

You must try my brand new recipe! These Protein White Chocolate Chocolate Chip Covered Strawberries are so good I had to share with you right away. These covered strawberries are high in protein, low in calories, and super satiating.  All without losing their sweet flavor and chocolate-y goodness.  Enjoy!

Makes 10-12 large covered strawberries 

  • 475 Calories 
  • 30g Protein
  • 67g Carbohydrate
  • 10g Fat

I could give you the per strawberry macros…, but I doubt you will share these..I never do!

Ingredients you’ll need:

  • about 300g fresh strawberries

For the protein frosting:

  • 150ml 1% milk
  • 30g @outworknutritionofficial build whey vanilla protein powder 
  • 15-20g sugar free fat free white chocolate flavored instant pudding mix
  • 10g monk fruit powdered sugar replacement zero calorie sweetener 

For dipping:

  • 10g sugar free strawberry gelatin powder
  • 20g mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Wash the strawberries and pat dry with a towel.

To make the frosting, in a small bowl whisk together the milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes until thickened.  Whisk or stir in the protein powder and sweetener.  

Pro Tip-If using a whey/casein blend or vegan protein powder you will need less pudding mix.  

Scoop each strawberry into the frosting and then roll into either the chocolate chips, gelatin, or both.

Enjoy right away!

Want to try one of my favorite protein powders to make this recipe? Check out Outwork Nutrition.

Find loads of high protein recipes and so much more in my E Cookbooks dedicated to macro friendly recipes perfect for meal prep and beyond.  Reach your fitness goals with my easy and delicious recipes!  Only $20 each to grab your own downloadable copy. This is an amazing price for so many amazing tips, meal ideas, and recipes that took me years to create!

Click below for details.

E Cookbooks

Find me on Instagram for more recipes, fitness tips, and meal ideas.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fit Recipes!

Free Recipe: Quick Prep High Protein Breakfast For Dinner Wraps

melaniewalessustainableliving

With both fresh and quickly sautéed veggies, plus an egg and breakfast sausages these fun and easy Quick Prep High Protein Breakfast For Dinner Wraps will have you smiling.  Super savory with a kick of tangy ketchup, this may become your new favorite quick prep meal.  

Makes 1 large serving

(Calories will vary slightly depending on wraps, dressing, and protein choice)

571 calories

41g protein

59g carbohydrates 

19g fat

Ingredients you’ll need:

  • 2 low carb tortilla style wraps
  • 100g sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 100g sliced bell pepper
  • 50g sliced red onion
  • 3 small chicken or turkey breakfast sausages 
  • 20g shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 20g ketchup 
  • +salt and pepper to taste 

Optional Ingredients to add more volume and veg! 

  • 50g mixed greens or spinach 
  • 100g sliced cucumber

Directions:

Using a non stick skillet or cast iron pan sauté the onions, peppers, and mushrooms over medium heat for 3-5 minutes stirring occasionally. 

Whisk the egg lightly and slice the sausages into bite size pieces.  Add the egg, sausages, and cheese to the sautéed veggies and cook covered for an additional 3-5 minutes and the egg is cooked and cheese is melted. 

Serve in the wraps with ketchup and optional fresh veg. 

Salt and pepper to taste!

Find this high protein recipe and so much more in my E Cookbooks dedicated to macro friendly recipes perfect for meal prep and beyond.  Reach your fitness goals with my easy and delicious recipes!  This recipe is from Volume 2 in the “Quick Meals And Snacks” chapter. 

Only $20 to grab your own downloadable copy. This is an great price for so many amazing tips, meal ideas, and recipes that took me years to create!

Click below for details.

E Cookbooks

Find me on Instagram for more recipes, fitness tips, and meal ideas.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Uncategorized

The Best Time To START Or Get Back On Track Is NOW 

melaniewalessustainableliving

Examples of The Foundational Five.

  • eat 30g of protein in your next meal
  • do 10 body weight squats and/or take a 10 minute walk
  • drink a glass of water
  • turn off your screen and go to bed
  • enjoy 3 deep slow breaths with your eyes closed

Do any, some or all of the above.

Nice!

You are now a fitness minded person who also takes action!

Remember, there is no perfect time to start or get back on track.  

There will be injuries, emergencies, vacations, holidays, deadlines, births, deaths, and all manner of craziness all along the journey. 

It doesn’t take much to start or get back on track.  

It only takes a moment.  The moment you decide there is no reason to wait. 

NOW is always the best time to start or get back on track.  

Results are built through all the small thoughts and actions done consistently despite it all.  

Keep going.  You’ve got this. 

Hugs🤗

Warmly,

Coach Mel

If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey using sustainable and realistic strategies check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website. With my 1 on 1 online fitness coaching service I take out the guess work and create customized activity and nutrition plans for your unique needs and goals while providing support, accountability and education for ongoing success. That way you can start taking action to get the epic and long lasting benefits of a sustainable fitness lifestyle.

See my client testimonials.

www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Did you know I wrote 2 E Cookbooks? Find loads of easy and healthy recipes in my E Cookbooks perfect for meal prep and beyond.  Knowing how to prepare healthy meals at home is a game changer for your long term health and wellness. Plus save money by skipping expensive carry out or delivery one delicious bite at a time.

Click below for details. 

https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

Fitness Tips

The Foundational Five: Daily Actions For Sustainable Results

melaniewalessustainableliving

For amazing and long term sustainable results, put your focus on the daily actions I call The Foundational Five.  

The Foundational Five 

  • Eat Well
  • Move Often
  • Stay Hydrated
  • Prioritize Sleep
  • Reduce Stress

    With a focus on these basics, plus time and patience, results will come!  Results  not only in your body, but in your mind and overall wellness too.  

    Nail the Basics.  Repeat.  

    Sure there are nuances and better plans and protocols than others to optimize each foundational action to ensure results for individuals.  However, without The Foundational Five as a base for your daily healthy habits it will be so much harder to get and maintain your results.  

    You’d be surprised as a coach when a new client wants to know the quick trick, best supplement, best specific exercise, etc… and they are barely moving throughout the day, endlessly yo-yo dieting, barely hydrating or sleeping and/or stressed beyond belief…. And wondering why they keep failing to get and sustain their results. 

    Nail the Basics.  Repeat. 

    If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey using sustainable and realistic strategies check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website. With my 1 on 1 online fitness coaching service I take out the guess work and create customized activity and nutrition plans for your unique needs and goals while providing support, accountability and education for ongoing success. That way you can start taking action to get the epic and long lasting benefits of a sustainable fitness lifestyle.

    See my client testimonials.

    www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

    Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

    www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

    Did you know I wrote 2 E Cookbooks? Find loads of easy and healthy recipes in my E Cookbooks perfect for meal prep and beyond.  Knowing how to prepare healthy meals at home is a game changer for your long term health and wellness. Plus save money by skipping expensive carry out or delivery one delicious bite at a time.

    Click below for details. 

    https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/