The dirt on clean eating

Love a good read?


Check out Alan Aragon's latest article here.

Farm Stand Feasts

There's nothing I like better than being offered someone's half of the farm share when they go away :)

Here are two recipes you will surely enjoy, for some veggies you might not not eat as often as you would like!

Ingredients

Fresh Okra

Almond Meal (Flour)

Sea Salt

Egg Whites

SunFlower Oil

*Keep in mind the quantities depend on how much you want to cook

"If you love life, don't waste time, for time is what life is made up of."- Bruce Lee

I love T-Nation,  but to your average girl or even guy the very appearance of the site may be intimidating.
I have read a few of my favorite articles on this very site.

 This one really hit home with me.

Funny that I was just discussing this very same topic with a client the other day, even though I'm just 27 I'm getting used to "coincidences" happening like that.  Everything does happen for a reason folks ;)

So this client of mine, she loves what I have done for her in terms of functionality because it has enabled her to ride her bike with greater ease...
she loves riding her bike, it is one of her favorite pleasures in life.

I can relate I replied,
it's like me with weights.

She looked at me surprised.
And I found myself a bit surprised.

I'm not sure how to describe it,
although Nate seemed to have climbed into my brain and did some of the work for me.

I encourage you to read it,
I promise you will be able to relate to it in some way shape or form :)

The incredible edible EGG

AT LAST!!!!

Three or more years ago I was diagnosed with a BUNCH of food allergies/intolerances.
I eliminated these food groups and felt instantly better.

I then decided to contest diet.

I did a meat and egg free contest prep :0

Little did I realize what a toll this would take on my body. Four shows later I worked with an amazing nutritionist who helped nurse me back to health :)

I am so FREAKIN EXCITED TO SAY that eggs (YOLK and WHITE) are no longer an issue for me!

This means MAJOR MENU EXPANSION and a HEALTHIER STACEY :)

I was pretty sure I would never have another pancake in my life!! 

Just goes to show... NEVER SAY NEVER.

The following recipe is from fellow yogi, bikini and figure competitor and health nut Jen Comas Keck!
Check her out here.

ALMOND FLOUR PANCAKES 
(low carb+oat free to boot!)

4 egg whites

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (Sun Warrior has 14g of protein, this will vary)

1/2 cup lowfat cottage cheese

1/2 cup almond flour (often referred to as almond meal at health food stores)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2-4 oz of cold water to make pancake batter consistency

Mix in a blender until smooth

Coat your pan with coconut oil and cook 3 pancakes.

These will brown a bit more than traditional pancake batter.

Makes 3 servings.

Per serving:

Protein: 18 grams

Carb: 6 grams

Fat: 10 grams 

(1.3g coming from saturated fat)

Calories: 186


Jen points out that there is no bad time for these protein packed pancakes.
Most of us folks like to have our last meal consist of protein and fat, so this is a welcome alternative!

Protein Powder Recommendations

Over the last few months I have gotten a lot of inquiries about Protein Powders.

Depending upon what your goals are my recommendations to you would differ.

If your goal is weight loss, substituting a protein shake or any other "liquid meal replacement" is not in your best interest. Eating REAL FOOD satisfies you and the thermogenic effect of food (chewing and digestion) will help you as well :)

If you are looking to put on mass, the same too applies EAT MORE FOOD.  FOOD IS GOOD :)

When I do supplement my nutrition with protein powders I like to cycle them, the following are a few of my favorites.  

These are all dairy and wheat free.

If you don't mind a little chalkiness SUN WARRIOR Vanilla is your GO TO!

Berry Flavored Vega is great if you are into a fruity green shake, it is on the expensive side however.

When you are traveling or in a pinch, you can find the Chocolate Vega shake and go at all Wholefoods locations :)

Lifetime Basics Plant Protein Unsweetened variety is my go to when I am hardcore dieting.  This can be mixed with liquid to make THICK PUDDING- LIKE TREATS!!!!

Life is yours

Don’t wait for someday. This is the day, this is the moment, this is your opportunity to live.

Let go of any thoughts of unworthiness or limitation. You absolutely deserve every joy you can imagine and you’re fully capable of creating them all.

Stop settling for what’s merely easy or comfortable or convenient. Give yourself the respect you deserve and take on the difficult challenges that bring real fulfillment.

Give your life some beautiful, meaningful substance today. Remind yourself of how fortunate you are to have each moment, and sincerely, authentically fill those moments with richness.

Acknowledge and be thankful for what you desire to experience, to express, to give and to live. Then, fully engage the power of your purpose and make it happen.

The best of life is never out of reach. It is yours to fulfill, with richness and substance, right now.

— Ralph Marston

Water Water everywhere, not a drop to drink!!!

Friend and fellow trainer Jenna Klane Nelson owner of The Training Fix had a great post that I wanted to share with you...

Warning : This is a lengthy post and I encourage you to really take the time to read it because I think this is so important, and could really help out each and every one of you with your health in the long run.

I love random coincidences.. they always freak me out in a good way