{Where's the Beef?}

Just a small town girl, livin' in a beefy world!

In today's world, meat rules.  Every meal seems to revolve around the main course which is meat of some sort, in most cases beef.  Did you know there are better options to choose from than fatty ol' beef?!  In today's blog post I'm sharing some other varieties of protein that will help you cut out some fat and incorporate lean protein into your diet. 

Below I've complied a list of protein options commonly found in your local grocery store along with the lean protein sources I commonly purchase so you can compare the Weight Watchers points values.  I think you might be surprised!

Ground Beef (80/20)          4 oz = 8 WW pts

Ground Beef (90/10)          4 oz = 6 WW pts

Ground Chicken                 4 oz = 3 WW Pts

Ground Turkey (99% FF)  4 oz = 4 WW pts

Steak, T-Bone                    4 oz = 9 WW Pts

Pork Chop, fat trimmed     4 oz = 4 WW Pts

Chicken Breast, no skin     4 oz = 4 WW Pts

Bratwurst                           4 oz = 10 WW Pts

Turkey Bratwurst              4 oz = 5 WW Pts

Salmon, wild                     4 oz = 5 WW Pts

Tilapia                               4 oz = 3 WW Pts

Shrimp                              4 oz = 2 WW Pts


Don't get me wrong, I'm a girl who loves a steak cooked medium and smothered with A1 sauce.  However, it's not an item I eat on a regular basis.  In fact, I "treat myself" on special occasions only with a steak.  Reality is, when you're going to the local steakhouse and order that juicy 8 oz steak (which is considered a small steak), you're racking up a whopping 18 WW Pts.  That doesn't even include the free bread and side items that come with it! 

Next time you're planning your weekly grocery shopping trip, get creative and try something new.  Lean towards lean proteins!  My next two blog posts are going to include lean protein recipes that are a big hit at our house, so stay tuned! 

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{V-Day Treat}

In celebration of Valentine's Day, I am sharing another one of my Weight Watchers recipes.  This one in particular is one of my faves because it's a no-guilt chocolate treat loaded with lots fiber goodness!  These little treats are perfect when you get the craving for something sweet, but don't want to ruin your whole day.  Reward yourself this Valentine's Day, my dear friends.

{Chocolate Crunch Treat}

1 Hershey Bar
1/4 Cup Reduced Fat Peanut Butter
1 Cup Fiber One Cereal

{Directions}
Melt chocolate bar and peanut butter in microwave.  Stir until smooth.  Add Fiber One Cereal.  Using a spoon, put a spoonful on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.  Allow to set.  Can be refrigerated or frozen.  They are delicious!!!

1 Piece = 1 WW Pt!

Oh-so comforting AND a great source of fiber - knock ya'self out!

 

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Better Boozing}

I'm a girl who likes an occasional drink, whether it be a glass of wine, beer, or a yummy margarita at a Mexican joint.  On the Weight Watchers program, liquor can quickly drain your daily points allowance, so I learned to cut back....a lot.  I noticed that my weight loss was significantly boosted once I cut back on my liquor intake.  One trick that worked pretty well for me was telling myself that alcohol is off limits during the week.  Mentally knowing I could treat myself on the weekend really helped me stay on track.  To give you a visual, below is a list of some popular alcoholic beverages and the Weight Watchers points value they carry. 

Margarita {4 fl oz} = 9 WW Pts

Jack and Coke {6 fl oz} = 4 WW Pts

White Russian {4 fl oz} = 10 WW Pts

Pina Colada {9 fl oz} = 12 WW Pts

Long Island Ice Tea {8 fl oz} = 15 WW Pts

Mojito {6 fl oz} = 5 WW Pts

Beer, Regular {1 can/bottle} = 5 WW Pts

Beer, Light {1 can/bottle} = 4 WW Pts

Wine {5 fl oz} = 4 WW Pts

Champagne {5 fl oz} = 4 WW Pts

Vodka {1 fl oz} = 2 WW Pts

Tequila {1 fl oz} = 3 WW Pts



Gotta love a good ol' marg!

Weight Watcher's definition of a serving of wine wasn't what I thought a serving of wine should be.  In my world, a "glass of wine" is poured almost to the brim.  I was wrong. Very very wrong.  I challenge you to grab your measuring cups at home and pour 4 fluid ounces; it will give a visual guide for a TRUE serving size.  It's pretty shocking, or at least it was to me. 

Be mindful of your serving sizes and limit yourself when you drink.  You will shed those pounds fast!

Cheers to better boozing!

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Flu Bug}

As illness spreads like wild fire this time of year, this past week I got sick.  That's the reason I've been a little MIA lately, sorry guys!

I felt it coming on at work, and it turned out to be the flu, yuck!  Luckily my husband is pretty much the best ever, and he took great care of me.  I had to miss two days of work, but my  body needed rest and time to heal.  I was doped up on Tamiflu and sleeping 14 plus hours a day, but thankfully I got better rather quickly.  One part of being sick that really sucked was I missed about a week at the gym.  My body was DYING for activity.  I was so tired of just sitting at home feeling helpless and watching countless re-runs of Giada at Home.  Stephen took me out into the world for a frozen yogurt treat a few times {I HAD to get out of the house}, but other than that I was sedentary. 

Monday night was my first night back at the gym and my body was thirsting for it.  Hot Vinyasa class was calling my name.  A 95 degree yoga studio and my hot pink yoga mat were all I needed.  One hour later and drenched in sweat, I was so refreshed; I felt brand new!  I was shocked at how challenging it was on my body when I had only missed one week.  I definitely felt it the next day, but in a good way!  Although I struggled with my breathing {"ujjayi" breathing for all you yoga pros} because I still have a slight cough, I realize how much my body loves working out and is so thankful when I treat it right.

I want to share a quote with you that my Zumba instructor at Lifetime Fitness shouts out during each class she teaches, "WORK OUT TODAY LIKE YOU MIGHT NOT GET TO TOMORROW!!"  I now understand completely what she means by that quote.   

Our bodies are a wonderful creation, telling us when we need rest to heal, saying thanks when we eat a healthy meal, and rejoicing when we work out those wonderful muscles.  This week I'm thankful for my body's voice and I'm thankful I am able to be back in full swing again! 

Stay tuned, more posts and recipes to come soon!

Xox,
Mrs. Munana