Lizzie Bananas on Protein

So, Summer is fast approaching and we are DYING to get into our white denim, cutoff shorts, racerback tanks, and mini dresses but we have been hiding in our winter "coats. It's time to shed those extra layers and feel great about ourselves again! A lot of women live off of low calorie cereals, bars, reduced-fat wheat thins, veggie burgers, lean cuisines, etc.. all of which have a really high carb content and barely ANY protein. If you are working out all the time but feel like you aren't losing any weight then it's time to cut the carbs and AMP up the protein! Protein helps the body burn fat and maintain lean muscle mass. Muscle burns more calories at rest. You should be trying to eat at least 30 grams of protein AT EACH MEAL. Pick protein for your snacks too, don't grab the Kashi bar, think cottage cheese, greek yogurt, sargento 2% cheese sticks, or make the Smoothie recipe that I have listed as the recipe of the day - look over there.. to the right of the screen :) Sounds yummy huh?? You are getting your mid-day caffeine kick, and tons of protein and only around 200 cals!

One of the easiest ways to get that protein in is to purchase some whey powder and add it to anything you can.. hide some in your oatmeal in the mornings, add it in with the dry ingredients and then cook according to the package directions. At lunch don't just get salad, get grilled chicken salad, or salmon salad, just account for the extra calories and cut out any additional snacks you may usually have in the afternoons, probably due to the low quality lunch of lettuce, because once again, you will burn more calories at rest as your body utilizes the protein to repair or maintain your muscles! The best dinner you can have for yourself is lean protein and veggies. Carbs at night will leave you craving more carbs and you will wake-up with that puffy look in your face and belly. I live off of salmon and asparagus, sashimi, or even low-carb fish tacos. (LB has currently sworn off red meat or chicken, and hopefully will never again eat PORK.. That's a whole other beast :) I have added the Spicy Fish Tacos recipe (which feeds like 4 people) on the right as well... YUMMMMY

Well girls get on the juice.. juice being lean protein and protein powders, to lose body fat quicker and get in those hot pants as soon possible.. SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVING'S EASY...