Monday, April 1, 2013

Easy Baked Meatballs

These meatballs are packed with protein and veggies, making it the perfect snack, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make a quick batch on the weekend, and then enjoy throughout your week. Makes: 24 Meatballs

Here's what you need...

  • 2 lbs ground pork
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • dash of pepper
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. In a medium bowl combine the ground pork with all of the spices. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty!
  3. Place a skillet over medium heat and warm the coconut oil. Add the garlic, onion, celery, carrots, pecans and parsley. Cook for about 3 minutes, until soft. Set the mixture aside to cool.
  4. Add the vegetable mixture into the ground pork and combine well. Use your hands to form golf ball sized meatballs.
  5. Place the meatballs in an oven-safe baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked all the way through.

Nutritional Analysis: 77 calories, 4g fat, 76mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate, .5g fiber, and 8g protein

Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.
Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

Get Fit Newsletter

Here's a healthy pasta salad recipe that you can indulge in! The secret is to use a vegetable peeler to turn zucchini into long pasta-like strands. This recipe is filled with fiber and is the perfect side to a lean chicken breast. Servings: 4

Here's what you need:

  • 3 organic zucchini
  • 1/2 cup organic cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • juice from 1/2 a lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • dash of salt and pepper
  1. Trim the zucchini ends. Peel down the length of each zucchini until you reach the seeded center, creating long, noodle strands.
  2. Place the noodles in a medium bowl, add the quartered cherry tomatoes.
  3. In a small bowl combine the oil, garlic, lemon juice, dried basil, salt and pepper. Pour over the noodles and mix to combine.
  4. Chill for at least 20 minutes in the fridge.
  5. *Optional, garnish with drops of balsamic vinegar glaze before serving.

Nutritional Analysis: 92 calories, 7g fat, 68mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 2g protein

Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.
Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

Eating plenty of vegetables will help you cleanse. Here's an awesome recipe for roasted broccoli and cauliflower that is quick to make and tastes great. Serve this with a piece of lean meat for a well-balanced, fitness approved meal. Makes: 4 Servings

Here's what you need…

  • 1 bunch broccoli
  • 1 bunch cauliflower
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • dash of sea salt
  • dash of pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • juice from 1 lemon
  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil.
  2. Wash the broccoli and cauliflower heads and then pat dry. It's important to dry thoroughly so that it will roast properly. Cut into small florets.
  3. In a medium bowl combine the florets, olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic cloves. Toss until well combined and then spread over the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from oven once the florets are tender with crispy bottoms.
  5. Drizzle the lemon juice over the cooked florets and serve immediately.

Nutritional Analysis: 160 calories, 4g fat, 98mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, and 4g protein

Monday, August 20, 2012

Holy Guacamole!

Today I'm sharing a recipe that most people consider fatty or unhealthy.  I'm here to disprove the myth and get you saying, "holy guacamole!" before you can finish this blog.

 

Guacamole.  Believe it or not, as long as you skip the corn chips, guacamole is a very healthy source of monounsaturated fat.  My version combines avocados, tomatoes and lime juice for a quick, healthful side dish.  Instead of using chips, try dipping with carrots, celery, cucumber or any vegetable of your choice.  You can always spread "the guac" over a roasted chicken breast together with salsa for a Mexican twist.

 

Fun fact: If you’ve got under-ripe, rock-hard avocados and can’t wait to make your favorite avocado recipe, place them in a brown paper bag and store them at room temperature. Voila!  Avocados ripening before you have a chance to eat them?  Place them in the refrigerator and this will slow down the ripening process.

Holy_guacamole

 

Ingredients

 

- 1/2 tomato, diced

- 1/4 onion, diced

- 2 Haas avocados

- 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)

- juice from 1/2 lime

- handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

- salt, to taste

- pepper, to taste

 

Directions

 

Halve avocados and remove the large seed. Score with knife and scoop out the good stuff. Lightly mix all ingredients in a bowl. Leave some chunks of avocado for good texture.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed. Press that plastic wrap right up to the guacamole to keep it nice and green. I like to leave the seeds in the bowl to prove to my friends it's homemade when they say it tastes so good I must have bought it (stays fresher longer too) :) 

 

As always, if you can't get your monounsaturated fats from the superfood avocado in this healthy guacamole, chew down some almonds, cashews or macadamia nuts.  Research shows that diets with healthy amounts of monounsaturated fats have a host of amazing health benefits including decreased risk for breast cancer, reduced cholesterol levels, weight loss and more. Studies have found that switching to monounsaturated fat from diets with trans fats and polyunsaturated fats results in weight loss.

Hope you enjoyed the recipe and information!  Check back in next week when I introduce another delicious superfood.  If you made this guacamole and love it, comment "holy guacamole!" below and share this with your friends.  

To your optimal living,

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

Sources:

Mark Wolk, Alicia, “A Prospective Study of Association of Monounsaturated Fat and Other Types of Fat With Risk of Breast Cancer,” Archives of Internal Medicine. http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/158/1/41

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

My Quest for Greatness

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I remember researching “enlightenment” at 14 years old.  I wasn’t quite sure what I was looking for, but I knew that something inside me sought answers.   I wanted to learn about life and intention. Little did I know it would be the experiences throughout the next decade that would teach me the all-too-important lessons a book never could.

To say the last several years had their share of ups and downs would be a slight understatement.  It hasn’t been an easy journey… yet I wouldn’t have it any other way.  

My quest for greatness begins with what I strive for in life:  authenticity, integrity and purpose. 

Authenticity (def): the degree to which one is true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, despite external pressures.

Perfect.  How often do we hear that?  Perfection was so important to me; it caused me to abandon my authenticity.  I had the picture perfect life planned at 14: graduate high school, go to a great college, meet a beautiful girl, get married, buy a house, have kids and grow old.  It was simple.

Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned.  The reality ended up quite different from my “plan” and I couldn’t allow myself to let go of what I thought “perfect” should be.  Why?  I have discovered we often try to show everyone that we are flawless in hopes that we will be liked and accepted.  Not only is it impossible to please everyone; we shouldn’t even try.

Our beauty lies in our vulnerability, our love, our complex emotions - our authentic imperfections.  When we embrace who we are and choose to be authentic, instead of perfect, we open ourselves to deep meaningful relationships and real happiness. There is no need to pretend to be someone you’re not.  You are perfectly imperfect just the way you are.

Holden
MY LIFE

Integrity (def): the concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, and principles.

Another pivotal discovery in my adult life is that circumstance does not define character… integrity does.  Aristotle said it best with, “we are what we repeatedly do.”

Being rebellious in high school does not define me as “bad ” just the same as graduating college with honors does not define me as “good”.  Serving on active duty in the Marine Corps does not define me as a “jarhead” the same way I am not a “frat boy” because I joined a fraternity.  I am nothing in quotation marks.  I am me.

As long as I strive to consistently align my thoughts with my actions, I will live with integrity.  It is my belief that integrity is the glue between authenticity and purpose.

Purpose (def): the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

When I discuss finding and living your purpose, I’m not referring to placing your life on hold to discover something mysterious that’s hidden somewhere nearly impossible to reach.

I genuinely believe we all have a unique arrangement of strengths, experiences and passions that blend together in unexplainable ways, leading us to our most authentic, purpose driven lives.

It is almost too easy to get wrapped up in the notion that “someday when I’ve figured it all out and I’ve discovered my purpose, I’ll be happy and until then my life sucks”.  Living a life of purpose is all about knowing that our highest goal or ultimate purpose is seeing just how consistently we can plug into the best within us.  With that as our goal, every moment gives us an opportunity to be on purpose.

“In life we do things.  Some we wish we had never done. Some we wish we could replay a million times in our heads.  But they all make us who we are, and in the end they shape every detail about us.  If we were to reverse any of them we wouldn’t be the person we are.  So just live.  Make mistakes.  Have wonderful memories.  But never ever second guess who you are, where you have been, and most importantly where it is you’re going.” –Unknown

Here I stand on my personal quest for greatness. Striving to live with authenticity, integrity and purpose. Excited to embrace the growth and development as I focus on only that which I can control.  No regrets, no worry of the past for it is has led me to this moment that I wouldn’t trade for the world.  Proud of the  life I’ve created, as it all makes sense when I look back to connect the dots.  It is perfectly imperfect and it has only begun.

To your quest,

Mike Sherbakov  

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Salmon Broccoli Scramble

Salmon, broccoli and egg whites combine for the perfect protein-packed breakfast. Add a side of avocado for healthy fats and a serving of fruit for a delicious start to your day.
Servings: 2

9-1-2011

Here's what you need...

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh broccoli, cut into small pieces
  • 5 egg whites
  • 8oz grilled or smoked salmon, separated into small pieces
  • dash of salt and pepper

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 225 calories, 7g fat, 557mg sodium, 6.5g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, and 33g protein. 

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

Guilt-Free Cobbler

This recipe makes a perfect dessert for any time of the year. I used peaches, but feel free to substitute with apples or pears. Traditional cobblers and pies are filled with fat and sugar - this recipe is much lighter, but will satisfy your sweet tooth just as well. 
Servings: 1 

9-15-2011
Here's what you need:

  • 1 sweet, ripe peach (or apple or pear)
  • coconut cooking spray
  • 1 teaspoon agave nectar
  • pinch of sea salt
  • pinch of freshly ground cinnamon
  1. Wash, peel and pit the peach. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Pre-heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Spray lightly with coconut cooking spray.
  3. Saute the peach pieces for about a minute, then add the agave nectar, salt and cinnamon. Continue to saute for another few minutes until it turns a deep golden color.
  4. Serve and enjoy immediately!

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 53 calories, .2g fat, 100mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate, 1.8g fiber, and 1g protein. 

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

Wild Blackened Catfish

Any caveman would be proud of this catch! Wild caught catfish is delicate and flaky, with loads of flavor. Catfish contains healthy fatty acids, provides complete protein, is a source of vitamin B-12, and is low in mercury. Pair it with dark leafy greens and some fruit for the perfect caveman meal. 
Servings: 4 

10-1-2011
Here's what you need...

  • 2 teaspoon olive oil
  • 4 fillets wild caught catfish
  • blackened seasoning (try Cajun's Choice)
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil a glass pan.
  2. Coat the catfish fillets in the olive oil. Generously apply the seasoning to both sides of each fillet.
  3. Line the fillets in prepared pan, and top with sliced lemon.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until flaky.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 160 calories, 9g fat, 120mg sodium, 0g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, and 17g protein. 

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

Protein Pumpkin Pancakes

Enjoy these tasty pumpkin pancakes without guilt. Made with almond meal and packed with protein from eggs, these pancakes are sure to satisfy without shortchanging your results. 
Servings: 5

11-15-2011

Here's what you need…

  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup egg whites
  • 1 can of pumpkin
  • 1 cup almond meal
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • dash of nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • cooking spray
  1. In a medium bowl, mix all of the ingredients together.
  2. Heat pancake griddle to medium heat and coat with cooking spray.
  3. Cook each side about 3 minutes until brown, then flip and cook remaining side.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 255 calories, 15g fat, 112mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, and 19g protein. 

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

Sesame Chopped Salad

This has to be one of my favorite recipes.  Super healthy, super tasty.

1-1-2012

  • 1 cup cabbage
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 green onion
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro
  • 1 Tablespoon sliced almonds
  • 2 teaspoons sesame low fat dressing
  • 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast
  1. Chop the cabbage, carrot, onion and cilantro into very small pieces. Add the almonds and toss with dressing.
  2. Top with chopped chicken breast.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 276.5 calories, 7.5g fat, 468mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate, 7g fiber, and 26g protein. 

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

Easy Egg Muffins

Here is the perfect snack to enjoy guilt-free. Each muffin is packed with protein that will fuel your day and support muscle growth. Make a bunch of these and save them in the fridge for snacks-on-the-go.
Servings: 6 

12-15-2011
Here’s what you need…

  • 6 omega-3, organic, free range eggs
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/8 cup of organic shredded cheese
  • sprinkle of salt and pepper
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Line muffin tins with paper liners or grease lightly.
  3. Mix up the eggs, add bell pepper, cheese and seasonings. Fill 6 muffin tins.
  4. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the egg is fully set.

Nutritional Analysis: One muffin equals: 89 calories, 6g fat, 120mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate, .16g fiber, and 7.5g protein. 

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

Chocolate Protein Pudding

Here is a protein packed snack that the whole family will love. It's important to enjoy snacks that are low in carbohydrates and sugar, and high in protein in order to shed body fat and develop healthy muscles. This recipe delivers on all fronts, without sacrificing flavor. 
Servings: 1 

1-15-2012

Here's what you need...

  • 6 oz Greek Yogurt, plain, fat free
  • 1 scoop high quality chocolate protein powder
  • Sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa powder
  1. In a small bowl use a whisk to combine the yogurt and protein powder. Mix until all lumps have disappeared.
  2. Garnish with a sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa powder.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 220 calories, 0g fat, 445mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, and 42g protein. 

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

 

S.G. French Toast

Sprouted Grain French Toast. Just because you gave up white bread and sugar doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a delicious plate of French Toast! This recipe is made with sprouted grain bread, egg whites and protein-packed Greek yogurt. The whole family will love it. Servings: 5

2-1-2012
Here's what you need...

  • 5 slices cinnamon raisin, sprouted grain bread
  • 1 cup egg whites
  • 6 oz fat free, Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • dash of salt
  • Optional: additional fat free Greek yogurt and pomegranate seeds for topping.
  1. Preheat a skillet, or pancake griddle over medium high heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray.
  2. In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg whites, yogurt, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Mix until well combined.
  3. Dip each slice of bread in the egg white mixture, flipping to coat each side. Place on the prepared skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, until the eggs set and turn golden.
  4. Serve immediately with the additional yogurt and pomegranate.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 127 calories, 0 fat, 157mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 12g protein. 

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

Breakfast Protein Parfait

Here's a great recipe to make the night before for an easy grab-n-go breakfast straight out of the fridge. It's packed with protein, vitamins and minerals for sustained energy all morning long. And it tastes great too.

2-15-2012

Servings: 1

Here's what you need...

  • 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt, plain or fat free
  • 1/4 cup low fat cottage cheese
  • 1 scoop high quality strawberry or vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 cup fresh berries
  • 1 Tablespoon pecan pieces, toasted

In a small bowl use a whisk to combine the yogurt, cottage cheese and protein powder. Mix until well incorporated. Place half of the yogurt mixture into a clear cup, top with the berries and then the remaining yogurt mixture. Top with pecans.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 260 calories, 6g fat, 307mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, and 38g protein.

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow- 

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

A Twist on Tuna Salad

Most recipes for tuna salad call for fat-filled mayonnaise, but this recipe uses fat free Greek yogurt instead. You get all the creaminess without added calories to set back your results.

3-1-2012

Servings: 5

Here's what you need...

  • 2 (5oz) cans wild albacore tuna, packed in water
  • 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
  • 2 Tablespoons champagne mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed, plus more for garnish
  • Dash of freshly ground pepper
  • 1 green apple, shredded
  • 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 4 cups organic mixed greens

Drain the tuna and flake in a medium bowl. Add the yogurt, mustard, dill and pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined. Add the shredded apple and cabbage. Mix well. Arrange mixed greens on plates, then use an ice cream scooper to place the tuna mixture. Sprinkle with dill weed.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 140 calories, 1 fat, 210mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 20g protein.

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow- 

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, RYT, CPT

Breakfast Bird Nest

You know that curbing your carbs will help you lose weight and tone up, so try this low carb breakfast. It's a great way to eat some veggies with breakfast.
Servings: 4

Here's what you need...

  • 4 large, round tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 slices organic, nitrate-free turkey bacon, chopped
  • dash of dried oregano, plus more for garnish
  • optional dash of salt (added salt is not in nutritional analysis)
  • dash of pepper
  • 4 organic, omega-3, free range eggs
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Wash tomatoes, slice off the tops and scoop out the insides. Place tomatoes on a pan, and bake for 5 minutes.
  3. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add garlic. Add onion. Add chopped bacon. Saute for 5 minutes, until mostly cooked. Add the spices and mix well.
  4. Turn oven to broil.
  5. Fill each tomato with the bacon mixture, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top of each tomato. Crack an egg into each tomato then sprinkle with oregano. Place in the oven under broiler for 5 minutes. Remove from oven once the top has set, and you'll have perfectly done over easy eggs.
  6. For well done eggs: change oven temperature back to 400 degrees F, and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 98 calories, 5g fat, 162mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate, .6g fiber, and 9g protein.

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, CPT, RYT

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Another sure-fire way to feel better than ever is to eat a diet that is high in fiber and protein and low in refined sugar and carbohydrates. These shredded chicken lettuce wraps are easy to make and will keep you on track with your healthy, fit lifestyle.
Servings: 6

Here's what you need...

  • 1 Tablespoon chile pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup lime juice, divided
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 whole chicken legs
  • 3 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 6 large butter lettuce leaves
  1. In a small bowl combine the chile pepper, salt, pepper, oregano, 1/4 cup of the lime juice and the olive oil. Place the chicken in a large baking pan and coat with the seasoning mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the cabbage, onion, cilantro and remaining 1/4 cup lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.
  3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Roast the chicken legs for 40 minutes.
  4. When the chicken has cooled, discard the skin and bones and shred the chicken.
  5. Fill each lettuce leaf with a spoonful of cabbage mixture, topped with shredded chicken.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 248 calories, 12 fat, 740mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 26.7g protein.


-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, CPT, RYT

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Creamy Egg Salad

Most recipes for egg salad call for fat-filled mayonnaise, but this recipe uses fat free Greek yogurt instead. You get all the creaminess without added calories to set back your results.
Servings: 3 Here's what you need…

  • 8 organic, free range eggs
  • 4 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons onion greens, chopped
  • 1/4 cup non fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons champagne mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon
  • dash of salt and pepper
  1. To boil the perfect egg: place eggs in a large pot and cover with cold water by half an inch. Heat the water to a boil, turn off the heat and cover the pot. Wait exactly 7 minutes, and then place the eggs in a bowl of ice water for 3 minutes.
  2. Peel and chop hard boiled eggs, discarding 4 yolks. Place in a large bowl. Add celery, onion greens, yogurt, mustard, lemon, salt and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Chill and then serve.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 148 calories, 7 fat, 212mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, and 16g protein.

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, CPT, RYT

Poached Pears & Cottage Cheese

Here's a recipe that serves your sweet tooth like a dessert without derailing your results. Poaching pears is a simply, easy process. The pears end up sweet and tender, like canned pears, but without the added sugars. Serving with low fat cottage cheese adds protein and makes this snack filling and nutritious.
Servings: 6

Here's what you need...

  • 4 cups fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 (2 inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • zest from an orange
  • 6 pears
  • 3 cups low fat cottage cheese
  1. Place all ingredients, except pears in a large saucepan over low heat.
  2. Wash, peel and core the pears. Use a small melon baller to scoop out the core from the bottom of the pear.
  3. Place all the pears in the saucepan, making sure that all the pears are fully covered with liquid.
  4. Bring the pot to a simmer for 30 minutes. When the pears are soft, but not mushy, remove from liquid.
  5. Serve each pear over 1/2 cup of cottage cheese.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 177 calories, 1 fat, 452mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, and 15g protein.

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, CPT, RYT

Lettuce Wrapped Fish Tacos

These tacos are the perfect get-ready-for-beach-season meal. Flaky, protein-filled fish topped with mango salsa and wrapped in a crunchy guilt-free lettuce leaf. It's flavorful, satisfying and will keep you on track with your fitness goals.
Servings: 8

Here's what you need...

  • 4 (3.5oz) Cod Fillets
  • 1/2 cup tropical vinaigrette
  • 1 lime
  • 4 large pieces of butter lettuce
  • 4 Tablespoons guacamole
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 4 Tablespoons mango salsa
  1. Marinate the cod fillets in dressing for 20 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a pan with olive oil.
  3. Place marinated cod in prepared pan, cut lime in half and squeeze juice over cod. Bake for 15 minutes.
  4. While cod is baking, separate leaves from lettuce, being careful to keep them intact. Assemble individual tacos by putting a tablespoon of guacamole on a lettuce leaf, topped with 1/4 cup of cabbage.
  5. Once fish is done, change oven to broil for a few minutes, watching closely until top is browned. Remove from oven.
  6. Top each prepared taco with a piece of fish, a spoonful of salsa, and a slice of the remaining lime half.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 141.5 calories, 2.5 fat, 61mg sodium, 4.8g carbohydrate, 1.2g fiber, and 23g protein.

-Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow-

Mike Sherbakov, CSCS, CPT, RYT