Tag: meal planning for beginners

Fit Recipes!

Free Recipe: 5 Minute Protein Pumpkin Pie Mousse

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High volume, high protein, low calorie and tastes like pumpkin pie! Need I say more! This Protein Pumpkin Pie Mousse makes a delightful breakfast, snack, or dessert elegant enough for company. It is also quick and easy to make.  All you need is a bowl, a spoon, and a scale and it takes only 5 minutes.  Do what I did and quadruple the recipe to make a bigger batch.  Enjoy! 

Serves 1 (including toppings)

285 calories

25g protein

35g carbohydrate

6g fat

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

  • 125g canned pumpkin puree 
  • 125g nonfat Greek yogurt 
  • 10g Outwork Nutrition Build Whey Vanilla Protein Powder 
  • 10g white chocolate or vanilla instant pudding mix (5g if using sugar free)
  • 20ml 1 % milk 
  • Dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

Optional Toppings:

  • 7g pecans 
  • 7ml real maple syrup 

DIRECTIONS

In a bowl mix the milk, cinnamon, protein powder and pudding mix. Will make a thick frosting like consistency.

Add in the pumpkin and mix well. Then add in the yogurt and mix well.

Can be eaten right away or placed in the refrigerator for a short time to thicken a bit. Serve topped with the pecans and maple syrup. Enjoy within 2-4 days of preparing.  Leave off the toppings if you want to keep the calories even lower. Add more if you want to make them higher.   

Want to try one of my favorite protein powders to help you reach your daily protein needs? Use code MELANIE10 for 10% off your first order from Outwork Nutrition.

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 1.

Click below for details. 

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

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

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Fit Recipes!

Free Recipe: 3 Minute Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

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Enjoy this seasonly inspired smoothie for an easy high protein and super tasty breakfast. Only a couple of ingredients and it tastes like Pumpkin Pie. Enjoy!

Serves 1

230 Calories

25g Protein

31g Carbohydrate 

2g Fat

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

  • 90g ripe frozen banana
  • 110g canned pumpkin
  • 30g Outwork Nutrition Build Whey Vanilla Protein Powder 
  • A dash or two of ground cinnamon
  • 2-3 ice cubes
  • about 240ml of water, or enough to reach your desired smoothie consistency

DIRECTIONS

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Want to try one of my favorite protein powders to help you reach your daily protein needs? Use code MELANIE10 for 10% off your first order from Outwork Nutrition.

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 1.

Click below for details. 

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

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

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fitness Tips

The Best Meals and Snacks For A Fat Loss Diet

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The best meals and snacks for a fat loss diet include choices that are high volume, high fiber, high protein and lower in calories.

Including meals and snacks that fit this criteria help to ensure better satiety and hunger regulation. This makes it easier to stick to the calorie deficit required to lose fat.

In addition, a high protein diet is crucial for muscle retention while dieting. Otherwise the risk of muscle loss during dieting makes any weight loss results less sustainable. Aiming for 1g of protein per pound of ideal bodyweight everyday is a great target.

It’s also important to include foods that are delicious and flavorful. Any fat loss diet that lacks the opportunity for food enjoyment requires unnecessary levels of will power. When we feel overly restricted and bored, diet adherence disintegrates.

Next is a list of some of my favorite meals and snacks to include in a fat loss phase.

  • Air Popped Popcorn seasoned with grated parmesan cheese and garlic powder
  • Fresh Fruit such as sliced apple dusted with cinnamon
  • Frozen Fruit such as mixed berries sprinkled with cocoa
  • Hearty Soup or Stew packed with a lean protein source and loads of vegetables
  • Huge Salad filled with a variety of vegetables, a lean protein source, and a light dressing
  • High Protein Homemade Baked Treat such as chocolate brownies made with greek yogurt instead of butter and protein powder instead of wheat flour
  • Fruit And Protein Smoothie containing a scoop or two of flavored protein powder and frozen strawberries and bananas

I highly recommend putting the time in to learn how to turn your favorite foods and recipes into healthier versions by swapping in better ingredients. My e cookbooks are filled with ways to do this. They are also filled with over 100 of my tried and true recipes for soups, dressings, brownies, cookies, smoothies, and so much more!

Click for details. https://melaniewales-sustainableliving.com/shop-cookbook/

They contain all the recipes I have personally created and used consistently to lose fat, build muscle, and keep off over 140 lbs for years!

Find me on Instagram for more recipes, fitness tips, and meal ideas.
www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fitness Tips

How To Master The Nutritional Content Of Your Own Recipes 

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As you dive into the world of meal prep take your own favorite bulk recipes including soups, stews, and baked goods and find out the nutritional content with the easy steps outlined below.

First, grab a notebook and keep it handy with a pen in your kitchen. 

Next, weigh out each ingredient you are using in your total recipe and jot that down. 

Then, decide the number of servings you want that recipe to be.

Divide each of the ingredients by the number of servings you have chosen. 

Those numbers and ingredients are what you will track in your food tracking app or log book. 

To figure out your portion of the prepared mixed meal to eat, weigh out the total cooked weight of what you made and jot that number down too. 

Divide that number by the number of servings. 

This is how much you portion to eat.

Make sense? 

It does take more effort up front, but the results from having accuracy in your portions and how much you are eating more then makes up for the effort. It also gets easier with practice. 

Some nutrition coaching apps like Carbon Diet Coach have a recipe function. You input all the ingredients and then add in the prepared weight of the food and voila. Pick any portion and it does the macro calculations for each unique serving for you. This is what I do.  I’ve been using Carbon since it launched in 2020!  I highly recommend. 

Find more meal prep tips, ideas, recipes and more in my e cookbooks.  This info comes directly from The Art Of Meal Prep For Sustainable Living Volume 2.  Click below for details.

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

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

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Fitness Tips

Start Meal Prepping Now With 2 Simple Prep Ideas

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Want to start meal prepping so you can have an easier time reaching your fitness goals but have no idea how to begin making it a habit? Here are 2 simple quick prep ideas to get you started.

Prep Idea # 1: Cut up some veggies so they are ready for snacking and use a store bought dressing as a dip.

Prep Idea # 2: Prepare bananas for protein smoothies. Simply peel ripe bananas, break or slice into chunks, place in a freezer bag and freeze. Add a few pieces along with water, ice, and protein powder to a blender so you can make delicious smoothies in a matter of minutes.

Meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about planning and preparing ahead so when those feelings of hunger strike it’s easier to make choices that align with your goals.

Need plenty of meal prep ideas, recipes, and tips to help you reach your goals? My e- cookbooks are available! Click below for details. Find over 100 macro friendly recipes and so much more.

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

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

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fit Recipes!

Easy Protein Packed Light Ice Cream Recipe

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Make your own protein packed light ice creams using the Ninja Creami.  This is one of my favorite recipes that I’ve come up with based on my simple high protein and fruity milkshake recipes.  

Mix and match fruits, protein powders and pudding mixes for an endless variety of flavor combos.  Like so many of my recipes use this as a jumping off point and get creative.  

Once you try it you will never go back to store bought light ice creams!  

Serves 1 (calories and macros will vary slightly depending on the ingredients you use)

380 calories
30g protein
57g carbohydrate
3g fat

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

  • 250ml 1% milk
  • 250g fresh or frozen fruit
  • 30g protein powder or choice
  • 10g sugar free fat free instant pudding mix
  • 15g monk fruit granulated zero calorie sweetener

DIRECTIONS

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.  (Enjoy like this as a thick milkshake.) Pour into a Ninja Creami container.  Freeze for 24 hours.  Using the Ninja Creami blend using the light ice cream function.  Blend again using the re spin function.  Enjoy right away!  

Pro Tip: Meal prep in bulk and keep in the freezer for anytime you want a delicious and satisfying protein packed light ice cream. (Me twice a day😎!)

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/

My simple high protein and fruity milkshake recipes can be found in Volume 2 as well as many more yummy and satisfying sweet treats including recipes for my lighter and protein filled take on cookies, cheesecakes, frostings, and so much more!

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

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fit Recipes!

The Best Macro Friendly Lasagna Recipe For Meal Prep

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This lasagna is one of my staple dinners. Using simple ingredients and a few key swaps to cut back on the calorie load of a typical lasagna it is an amazing option that the entire family will enjoy. Made in bulk, it is still delicious when reheated during the week. 

Meal planning and meal prep is a huge part of my weight management success. I plan each week what my meals are going to be and their portions. Then I grocery shop and prep ahead of time for those meals. 

To keep and maintain my results I continue to set myself up for success on a daily basis. It’s those moments when we feel tired and hungry that we make the easiest and fastest choice. For me, that used to mean carry out or having extra snacks while waiting on my main meal to come together. However, planning and preparing ahead makes the fastest and easiest choice also the best choice for my health and fitness goals. 

The recipe for my Macro Friendly Lasagna is from the Bulk Meal Prep section of my e cookbook “The Art of Meal Prep for Sustainable Living Volume 1”. 

The recipe pages are taken straight from the cookbook. Free recipe below. Give it a try and see what you think!

I wrote my cookbooks so I could have all my go to recipes in a convenient location to make choosing what to meal prep each week easier. But I am excited to be able to share them with you too. This way you have plenty of easy and delicious recipes to help you reach and maintain your own fitness goals. 

If you want over 120 more of my recipes in two convenient E Cookbooks check out my website for details on how to get your own copies.  Click below for details. 

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

Here is a review for Volume 1. 

“Melanie has managed to put together an amazing collection of recipes which are not only macro friendly and easy to make, they are incredibly delicious! This recipe collection is a must have for anyone. Every recipe is easy to make, full of flavour and fits into my lifestyle! Thank you Melanie for sharing all your wonderful creations!” -Wendy D.

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

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fitness Tips

Easy Fit Family Meal: Same Meal Prep 3 Different Meals

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Here I share a real world example of how my family of 3 created an easy fit family meal using the same meal prepped foods (chicken, potatoes, hard boiled eggs and salad dressings, along with fresh salad veggies, spices and condiments) and created 3 different meals by making small adjustments to accommodate our own unique goals, taste preferences, and portion needs.

Do you ever feel like because the members of your household do not have the same fitness goals as you that you struggle to stay consistent with your own nutritional goals?

Or that you have to cook an entirely separate meal for yourself which can be time consuming and exhausting? 

It’s okay and completely normal to have different goals, taste preferences, and portion needs as the other members of your household.  You can still eat well without additional time and hassle and reach your fitness goals by making small adjustments.  

These meals are also pictured above.

Meal Option 1:  Roasted chicken and potatoes seasoned with sugar free BBQ sauce, mustard, hot sauce, and spices without added oils.  Big salad with light ranch dressing and a whole hard boiled egg.

Meal Option 2:  Olive oil roasted chicken and potatoes seasoned with regular BBQ sauce and spices and a mayo dipping sauce on the side.  Small salad with vinegar and olive oil dressing and a hard boiled egg yolk.

Meal Option 3: Chicken and cheese quesadilla w/ ketchup.  Sliced veggies and light ranch dressing.  Hard boiled egg white with mustard.  Olive oil roasted potatoes lightly seasoned.

Need loads of fun and delicious recipes perfect for meal prep to help you reach your goals? My e- cookbooks are available! Click below for details. 

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

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

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fitness Tips

My Top 5 Healthy Fat Grocery Staples

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Foods rich in healthy dietary fats promote hormonal function and are dense with  energy. They also help make your meals delicious and satisfying. But remember, a little goes a long way!

Next are my top 5 healthy fat sources and portions. Include these in your cart on your next grocery shop so you always have the ability to create amazing and health promoting meals.  

  1. Chia Seeds– 15g 75 calories 5g fat
  2. Olive Oil– 15g 135 calories 15g fat
  3. Avocado– 50g 90 calories 7.5g fat
  4. Dark Chocolate– 15g 80 calories 5g fat
  5. Natural Peanut Butter– 15g 91 calories 7g fat

2 basic guidelines for enjoying healthy fats for overall health and wellness. 

  1. We should aim for a minimum of .8g of dietary fat per kg of our total bodyweight. (or .4g per lb)
  2. 10% or less of our total calories should come from saturated fat.

Looking for ways to make these healthy fat staples a delicious addition to your meals? My E Cookbooks are loaded with recipes and meal ideas to put these ingredients to good use. Click here to learn more about me E Cookbooks “The Art Of Meal Prep For Sustainable Living Volumes 1 and 2” dedicated to meal prep and to eating well without sacrificing enjoyment or flavor.