Fitness Tips

The Best Holiday Fitness Gifts

This season give your loved ones something that will help them crush their fitness goals.

Discover this carefully curated list of my 10 favorite holiday fitness gifts. These amazing products and services are the ones that I have vetted, trust, personally use, and find helpful.

  1. Commit 30 Planner for organizing and scheduling work and life’s to do’s and for creating and tracking goals
  2. Forever Strong by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon for the why’s and how’s to life long health and strength
  3. Carbon Diet Coach App for nutrition tracking and guidance
  4. Coach Mark Carroll for Building the Bikini Body Guides and high quality resistance training programing
  5. Buff Bunny for gym and lifestyle clothing
  6. BC Strength for home fitness equipment
  7. Versa Gripps for when your legs are strong but the limiting factor is your grip
  8. Outwork Nutrition for Pre workout and Build Whey Protein Powder. Use my coupon code “MELANIE10” for 10% off your first order. Use my Outwork Nutrition affiliate link to shop. https://outworknutrition.com/?ref=dkNH36V5xmUfmm
  9. Lakanto for zero calorie sweeteners to make all your healthy treats extra amazing
  10. Fitbit Inspire Watch and Activity Tracker for tracking steps, workouts, and monitoring health metrics like resting heart rate

On the personal side, I worked for years to develop, create, and write E Cookbooks dedicated to macro friendly meal prep. They contain over 100 recipes, meal ideas, and tips to help you tackle one of the hardest aspects of a fitness journey: eating well day in and day out for years. Check them out via the link below. They are worth it!

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

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

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

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Client Spotlight

Client Spotlight: 2 Individuals And Goals… But Equally Incredible Progress!

Despite their differences, below are some of the commonalities these 2 amazing individuals share that are key to their ongoing and sustainable success.

Plus, they have me as their Coach. I’ve got their back every step of the way.

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 activity and nutrition plans, monthly virtual calls, and weekly email check in’s.

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

Fit Recipes!, Uncategorized

Stick To Your Fitness Goals With This Easy Halloween Night Menu

Successfully navigate Halloween Night by meal planning and prepping these fun and festive family friendly meals.  

Enjoy some candy in moderation and stick to your fitness goals one delicious bite at a time. 

3 Minute Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie ~ Fill up on this before you go trick or treating.  

Click here for my previous blog post featuring the full recipe and macros.

Super Easy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili ~ Meal Prep this ahead so it is hot and ready for an easy dinner.

Click here for my previous blog post featuring the full recipe and macros.

5 Minute No Bake Crustless Halloween Candy Topped Protein Cheesecake ~ Enjoy some candy AND feel satisfied doing it!

Click here for my previous blog post featuring the full recipe and macros.

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 these 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!  These recipes are 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

Fit Recipes!

Free Recipe: 5 Minute Protein Pumpkin Pie Mousse

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.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fit Recipes!

Free Recipe: 3 Minute Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

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

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 

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.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Fit Recipes!

Great Snacks For Losing Fat

When it comes to a successful fat loss phase, sticking to a calorie deficit is a must.  These 2 low calorie snacks help curb cravings and increase satiety with their bright and refreshing flavors and volume.  

Fat Loss Snack #1: Savory Salsa and Fresh Veggies

Use any low calorie salsa (check label and avoid any with added sugar) as a dip and fresh sliced veggies as “chips”.  I especially love a spicy salsa during fat loss phases to help curb appetite even further. Veggies that work great with salsa include sliced cucumbers, peppers, carrots, and celery.  About 50 calories for 1/4 cup of salsa and 100g sliced veggies.  

Great paired with chicken and cheese quesadillas made using low carb wraps for a complete low calorie and high protein meal. 

Fat Loss Snack #2: Light and Sweet Berries in Jello

Using flavored sugar free jello and any combo of berries prepare the jello according to box directions and stir in 250g of berries.  Set in the refrigerator overnight or for 4-6 hours.  About 130 calories for a huge bowl!  

Great paired with greek yogurt for a complete low calorie and high protein meal. 

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

    Fitness Tips

    Start Meal Prepping Now With 2 Simple Prep Ideas

    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 Frozen Yogurt Recipe

    Make your own protein packed frozen yogurt using the Ninja Creami.  This is one of my favorite recipes that I’ve come up with based on my simple protein creme  recipes.  

    Mix and match protein powders and pudding mixes, crunchy and fruity mix ins, use cocoa, cinnamon, or other flavorings and spices to create 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 frozen yogurt!  

    Serves 1-4 (calories and macros will vary slightly depending on the ingredients you use)

    Calories and Macros for the whole thing 

    500 calories
    70g protein
    45g carbohydrate
    4g fat

    INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

    • 300ml 1% milk
    • 300g non fat greek yogurt
    • 40g protein powder of choice
    • 20g sugar free fat free instant pudding mix
    • 30g monk fruit granulated zero calorie sweetener

    DIRECTIONS:

    Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.  (Don’t have a Ninja Creami?  Add ice when bending and 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.  Add mix in’s, if using, and use mix in 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 frozen yogurt. 

    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 protein creme 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