Easy, Peasy Protein Shake

This is one of the simplest things to mix together, making this shake not only healthy but super wonderful in the morning or after working out.

• 1 large scoop of protein powder (I really love Gold Standard vanilla flavor, but the Walmart vanilla creme isolate is a close and economical second)
• 2 T milled chia seed (make sure it is milled, otherwise it will feel like a ton of strawberry seeds in the shake!)
• 2 T milled flax seed
• 1 cup low-fat milk

Mix and enjoy! I really enjoy using our magic bullet for this (Which is the only function it serves since it cannot handle anything tougher than liquid ).

And Voila!

You can totally add some fresh or frozen fruit, PB, etc. I typically do this in the mornings, but after a good workout I want to hurry and get that muscle building and repairing protein in!

Fun Fact: The best time to consume protein after working out is ten minutes post-workout. Shaker cups are a great investment if your gym is far from home. Lucky for me, my husband is a trainer at a gym less than 5 minutes from our home. Win!

Stay healthy and burn off all of those Christmas cookies with me! 😀

Spinach Alfredo Meatballs Recipe

This recipe is a great way to have a easy, balanced meal. Just watch portion sizing as this is fairly high in fat, but delicious!

Ingredients:

• about 2 lbs of lean ground beef (can also use ground turkey to lower fat content)
• 1 jar of Alfredo sauce
• 3/4 cup Italian cheese
• 1 frozen bag of spinach
• Italian seasoning

Directions:

Mold ground beef into medium-large meatballs. Cook in oven on 375 F until thoroughly cooked (about 30 minutes). Drain fat. In a separate bowl, mix defrosted spinach and the jar of Alfredo sauce. Pour on top of cooked meatballs. sprinkle shredded cheese on top and liberally apply Italian seasoning (I really like Emeril’s). Bake in oven for about 10 minutes.

Unfortunately, I did not take a picture when I just grabbed it out of the oven. 😦 However, here is a picture of it cold in Tupperware. haha 

Mark’s Amazing Chicken Curry

I was lucky enough to steal this recipe from my mother…who stole it from my sister’s boyfriend all the way in Manhattan. Man, is it delicious! In fact, this is the SECOND time we will be eating it this week.
This is definitely a keeper, particularly when you want to get rid of some left overs in your fridge.

Bonus: this recipe only takes about 30 minutes from prep to plate.
Ingredients: Serves 4

• Red curry paste
• Vegetables and/or fruit (we have been using 4 cloves of garlic, 1-2 onions, 3 bell peppers, 3 small boxes of yellow raisins, and 1/2 of a can of pineapple.)
• Protein- I have tried both times with a container of chicken, although I know shrimp would also pair well.
• 1 can of coconut milk
• Canola or coconut oil
• Finely grated ginger (about a 2 inch slice)
• Steamed Jasmine rice- about 3 cups

Cooking:

Saute ginger and vegetables with curry paste and oil until tender. Add in fruit and coconut milk. Lastly add the chicken (cut into small strips). Cover the pan and cook over medium heat until done. Serve with jasmine rice. Enjoy!