Mango Banana Green Smoothie

It's been a while.......but I'm baaaaaack ;-)

Of course I got this from my favorite health recipe website skinnytaste.com. It's a delicious morning smoothie that I highly recommend all of you to try. Here is the recipe and instructions. Guaranteed to give you a boost to start your day right!

Ingredients:

1 Frozen Banana
1 Packed Cup of Baby Spinach
2/3 Cup of fresh Mango (Diced)
2 Tbsp Raw Hemp Seeds (Shelled)
1 3/4 Cups of Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 Cup Ice
Sweetener to Taste (I personally prefer not to add sweetener but you can do so)

Directions: Blend all ingredients in the blender until smooth. Add Sweetener to taste.

-Markesha xoxo

Fiesta Bean Salad

As I was browsing through SkinnyTaste.com, I came across a dish that I have tried before; however, I loved it. I am a huge fan of Bean Salad and Beans are one of the most important foods that boosts your metabolism. You can eat it alone as part of a meatless lunch or a side dish. Here is the recipe. I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
3 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tsp Cumin
Pinch of Crush Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 Tsp of Salt
15 oz Can of Black Beans (rinsed and drained)
1 Cup of Canned Chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
1 Cup of Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
1/4 Cup of minced Red Onion (finely diced)
1/4 Cup Cilantro (chopped)
1 Medium Avocado (diced)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the Garlic, Lime Juice, Olive Oil, Cumin, Crushed Red Pepper and Salt. Add the Black Beans, Chickpeas, Tomato, Onion and Cilantro; mix well. When ready to eat, mix in Avocado and eat right away. Makes 4  1/3 Cups

-Markesha xoxo

Lemon and Lime Water

Water is such an important part of our every day lives; but did you know that adding Lemon or Limes to your water aids in weight loss? After doing some further research, adding lemons and limes not only helps you lose weight, it gives your body natual electrolytes. It is a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidents which helps maintain your body's energy while on a diet and working out. It also gives your skin a natural glow.

You can also add a few leaves of Mint or Cucumbers to your water to give it flavor. We all know drinking water every single day can be a little boring as it has no taste. Now you can enjoy a flavored beverage that gives you positive results.

When adding lemon, limes, mint leaves or cucumbers to your water, leave them inside the water for an hour for more flavor. PLEASE NOTE: Do not replace the lemon and lime cleanse instead of eating other foods as it could lead to muscle breakdown and nutrient deficiencies. Drink up!

-Markesha xoxo

My Fitness Pal

Hey everybody!

I've been using this app for a year and a half and I find it to be very helpful when keeping track of my calorie count. It's called My Fitness Pal. It's a free app that you can use to keep track of your daily calorie count and it has the largest food database. Whatever you eat, I bet My Fitness Pal can locate the brand then apply it to your daily count.

Your calorie count is determined by your weight and age. My Fitness Pal gave me 1200 calories to have per day. Whatever I eat, I add it to my diary and the calories I ate gets deducted from the total I was given. The app also tells you if you have went way over or under your calorie count and what could happen if that continues. When you work out, you can add it to your diary and that tells you how many calories you have burned and also gives you more calories to your total of the day. Thousands of people have joined My Fitness Pal so you can add friends to your page for encouragement and to read their fitness diaries. The app also keeps track of your weight and will compare your weight from the past few months to see if their has been some progress.

I have lost a lot of weight thanks to My Fitness Pal. If you need help trying to lose weight, I highly suggest that you get this app. It's for iPhone and Android users. Don't want to use the app? Don't worry, My Fitness Pal has a website www.myfitnesspal.com.

Share your experience with me. Let me know how you liked or disliked My Fitness Pal. I have spoken to a few people and so far, I have not heard any complaints :-)

-Markesha xoxo

30 Day Abs Challenge

As I was surfing through the Internet looking for some fitness ideas, I came across an article called the 30 Day Abs Challenge. As the weather gets warmer, the less clothes some of us tend to wear and a lot of us want to look good as we roll through Spring and eventually get to summer. Here is a challenge that I think we all should try to get fit. Please consult a doctor first before trying any of these moves. While you are doing the challenge, make sure you are eating clean and doing the following:

• Drink 2.5 Liters of water a day
• Give up ALL sodas, fast food and junk food (Yes, even diet soda)
• Eat clean by eating whole foods instead of processed foods
• Toss the refined sugar or try to avoid any added sugar or sweeteners for the next 30 days
• Eat Smaller Portions (I prefer to eat from saucer plates)

Here is a routine that I found from http://skinnyms.com/fabulous-abs-in-30-days-challenge/ . You can work on your abs any way you want to, but for those who do not know what to do, here are some ideas:

Perform 4 circuits of the following routine; rest 15 seconds between exercises; rest 15 seconds after each circuit is completed. If you don't know what any of these routines are, please visit YouTube or the link above for instructions.

Leg Lifts – 20 seconds
Rest – 15 seconds
Scissors Kicks – 20 seconds
Rest – 15 seconds
Plank – 20 seconds
Rest – 15 seconds
Flutter Kicks – 20 seconds
Rest – 15 seconds
Reverse Crunches – 20 seconds
Rest – 15 seconds
Mason Twist – 20 seconds
Rest – 15 seconds

If you have any questions in regards to this challenge, please feel free to leave your question or comment in the comment section below. I will be posting before and after pictures ;-). Good luck!!

-Markesha xoxo

Healthy Meal Plan

Hello Lovers,

A lot of us go to the grocery store without a list. Meaning, we usually leave the store getting something we didn't really need. When you are eating healthy, it is very important that you create a list of meals you are going to cook for the next week, 2 weeks or a month depending on how much food you buy. You're supposed to have 3 meals a day and a snack every 2-3 hours. I am going to share with you an example of my meal plan. I'm not going to write out the entire week; however, this will give you a clue as to what I make, create and bring with me to the store. This list was based on my work schedule:

Monday

Breakfast: Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie
Ingredients: Vanilla Almond Milk, 1/2 of a Banana and a Tbsp of Peanut Butter (I add a pinch of cinnamon too)

1st snack: Almonds (Unsalted)

Lunch: Tilapia with a hint of lemon and Steamed Brocoli

2nd snack: Celery w/peanut butter and Raspberries

Dinner: Whole Chicken with Asparagus and Homemade Mashed Potatoes (No Butter)


Tuesday

Breakfast: Egg White Omlet with Spinach, Tomato and Banana

1st Snack: Baby Carrots

Lunch: Chicken Breast with Bean Salad

2nd Snack: Grapefruit and Nuts

Dinner: Honey Pepper Salmon with Avocado, Tomatoes, Lime and Chilli Pepper sprinkled on top


See how simple that was? You can make your list however you want :-). But like I said before, it's easier to create a list to avoid extra shopping and spending extra money.

-Markesha xoxo

iDrated app for iPhone users

If you find yourself confused as to how much water you're supposed to drink in a day, there is an app called iDrated that will help you with your daily hydration. It's very simple to use the app gives you step by step instructions as soon as you download and open the app for the 1st time. To remove the last drink, all you have to do is shake your iPhone or iPad and the app removes the last drink. To measure the amount you had, you swipe up and down. The app also reminds you throughout the day when you need to hydrate your body. I am sooo in love with this app because I  have a hard time drink the correct amount of water and this truly helps me. I would recommend this app to all of my friends and of course, my Last Slice Radio family. Hope this helps!

-Markesha xoxo

Angel Hair Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes

Hello healthy eaters,

Here is another recipe that I found on skinnytaste.com that I will be trying sometime this week. This is the perfect spring/summer dish that you can try! It's called Angel Hair Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes. Feel free to leave a comment if you have tried this dish before. I would love to hear some feedback!

Ingredients:

2 Zucchini (Julienne or cut into ribbons)
4 cloves Garlic (Chopped)
2 Shallots (Diced)
3 Tomatoes (Diced)
4 tsp Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Crushed Red Pepper flakes to taste
8 oz Angel Hair Pasta (I prefer to use whole grain angel hair pasta)
2 tbsp chopped fresh Parsley
1/4 cup low sodium fat free Chicken or Vegetable Broth

Directions:

In a large pot of salted boiling water (I use Sea Salt), cook pasta according to instructions.

While pasta is cooking, in a large saute pan, heat pan on medium-high flame, add oil when pan is hot. Add garlic and shallots to the pan and saute about 1 minute. Add Zucchini and season with salt and pepper. Cook about 2 minutes, add tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, parsley, chicken broth and adjust salt and pepper. Stir for another minute. Remove from flame.

Drain pasta when done reserving some of the water and toss pasta well with Zucchini. Add pasta water if needed and serve with Parmesan (Optional).

Enjoy friends!

-Markesha xoxo

Karma Wellness Water

Hello Lovers,

So, I walked into the store this morning and I was going to purchase some Gatorade. I stumbled across a 18oz bottle of Karma Wellness Water. I bought the flavor "Passionfruit Green Tea." There are 5 different flavors to this water but I purchased the one that is for your Spirit. I was very stressed today.

When I finally got to work, I tried it and a few minutes later, I felt relaxed. Not sure if it was the water or not, but I like it!! It's only 20 calories per bottle. Love love love!!!!

Each bottle does different things. Here's the information for each bottle:

Passionfruit Green Tea: Spirit- Strengthens the body and helps it recover from stress.
Acai Pomberry: Balance- Enhances your immune system, brain function and mood.
Pineapple Coconut: Vitality- Natural source of caffeine that supports general health and wellbeing.
Raspberry Jackfruit: Body- Vital to muscle formation, energy storage and electrolyte and fluid.
Orange Mango: Mind- Amino acid that supports brain function, clarity and memory.

Here's how it works: First, you feel off the protective seal at the top, push to infuse the fresh vitamins, shake to inflate the health benefits then transform water into wellness. I LOVE the taste of the Passionfruit Green Tea and i'm going to try the other 4 flavors throught the week. It's Spring Water, Low Sodium, Gluten Free, Lactose Free and Vegan. What more could you ask for?? Not sure where you can buy this stuff but I purchased mine at a Holiday Stationstore. You can buy these Wellness Waters online by visiting their website: www.drinkkarma.com . Hope you enjoy!

-Markesha xoxo

Guacamole Deviled Eggs

Hello Healthy Eaters!

Here is a receipe that I found on www.skinnytaste.com for Guacamole Deviled Eggs. I am a HUGE fan of Deviled Eggs but unfortunately, they are not good for me. Luckily, someone was nice enough to upload a "Cleaner" version of this dish. You will need:

6 Large Eggs
1 Medium Haas Avocado
2-3 Tsp Fresh Lime Juice
1 Tsp Red Onion (minced)
1 Tbsp Minced Jalapeno
1 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper to taste
1 Tbsp Diced Tomato
Pinch of Chile Powder (for garnish)

Directions:

-Peel the hard boiled eggs
-Cut the eggs in half horizontally and set the yolks aside
In a bowl, mash the avocado and 2 whole egg yolks, discard the rest. Mix in lime juice, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, salt and pepper and adjust to taste. Gently fold in tomato.
-Scoop heaping spoonfuls of the guacamole into the 12 halved eggs. Sprinkle with a little chile power for color and arrange on a platter.

Servings: 12, Serving Size: 1 Piece, Calories: 44

-Markesha xoxo

Want a flat belly? Lose the carbs!

Hello Lovers,

So many of us want a flat stomach like Beyonce, Rihanna, Brittany Spears and other celebs. Here's a tip that is really obvious, yet we try to ignore.......IGNORE THE CARBS! I'm not saying to get rid of carbs forever, but at least for 30 to 90 days. Instead of eating a Burger with bread, try eating a Turkey Burger with Lettuce to substitute the bread. Add a little Swiss Cheese, a teaspoon of Avocado and a Tomato. You can also make Lettuce Wraps instead of using a Tortilla. Sure, there are whole wheat breads like Pita, Dinner Rolls, whole wheat Tortillas and Flat Breads but try to start by not having any at all. Also, a good exercise like crunches is another way to get those abs forming. Here is a list of carbs to avoid:

Regular Soft Drinks
Commercial Candy (Like Jellybeans & Gummies)
Pancake Syrup
Sweet Pickles, Sauces and Salad Dressings (Replace Salad Dressing with Cottage Cheese)
Flour, Cakes and Cookies
Pizza
Low Fat Crackers, Rice Cakes and Potato Chips
Dried Fruits like Apples, Prunes and Dates
Sugary Cereals
Fructose and Granulated Sugar
Potatoes (Hashbrowns and Fries)

My favorite food is Pizza.....sad!! But if I have to go without it for a while, that is a sacrifice I have to make in order to be healthy. Good Luck!!

-Markesha xoxo

Exercises You Can Do At Work

There are times when we get so busy, we don't have time to go to the gym or work out at home. Did you know that you can do some excersises at work too? Here are a few exercises you can do so you can keep active. These tips will definitely help those who work in an office setting. I work in an office so doing these really helps!

Hips: While Sitting in your chair, lift your right foot a few inches off the ground. Keep your knee bent at an 90 degree angle and hold the position as long as you can.

Cardio: Walk the hallway as fast as you can without running.

Arms: Pump both of your arms over your head for 30 seconds (I do this about 30-40 times)

Buttocks: Tense up the muscles of your rear and hold for a count of 10.

Full Body: For chair squats, lift your rear end off your seat and hold for a few seconds

Neck: Drop your chin and roll your neck. Raise your chin up and bend your neck to each side.

I hope these tips help! Happy Fitness :-)

-Last Slice Radio

water....Water....WATER!

Hey Everyone!

 I wanted to post a blog about how important drinking water is because I don't think a lot of us know how it helps our bodies. I must admit, I wasn't a huge fan of it and I wasn't drinking as much as I should. For men, they should be drinking about 3 liters (13 glasses) of water and women, 2.2 liters (9 glasses) a day. Here is a list of reasons why we should be drinking tons of water......Drink up ;-)

-Composes 75% of your brain

-Regulates your body temperature

-Makes up 83% of your blood

-Helps remove waste

-Composes 22% of your bones

-Cushions your joints

-Helps carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells

-Moistens oxygen for breathing

-Helps convert food into energy

-Protects and cushions your vital organs

-Helps your body and absorbs nutrients

-Makes up 75% of your muscles

I'm going to attempt to drink a gallon of water in one day so wish me luck! For the next few months, I will be drinking nothing but water. No soda, no juice, strictly water!

-Markesha xoxo

30 Day Squat Challenge

Hello Lovers,

So, I came across this picture on Instagram and thought this would be great idea for me to do. A lot of women want a firm booty and for it to be lifted so why not do the challenge? Join me and let me know how it worked for you! I will take a before and after picture of what my behind looks like ;-) lol. Ready, set, GO!

More ways to boost your metabolism

Here are some ways to boost your metabolism. It is very important that you do not eat only a few calories because that will cause your body to crash! Happy dieting :-)


Running or Speed Walking
Build Muscle (Lift weights)
Aerobic Muscles
Drink LOT'S of water
Sex (Lot's of it....hehe)
Sinless Snacking (every 3-4 hours)
Spice up your meal (Add a tablespoon of chopped red or green chilli pepper can boost your metabolism rate)
Power up with Protein (Lean Beef, Turkey, Fish, White Meat, Chicken, Tofu, Nuts, Beans, Eggs, Low-Fat Dairy Products)
Drink Black Coffee
Recharge with Green Tea

-Markesha xoxo

Metabolism Boost! Get those calories burning!

Hello lovers,

As some of you may already know, boosting your metabolism helps burn calories. Your metabolism is influenced by your age, your sex and proportion of lean body mass. Here is a list of foods that will boost your metabolism and to get those calories burning. Remember, also eating small snacks during the day (2-3 times a day) helps.

Almonds

Apples

Asparagus

Beans

Berries

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrots

Celery

Cucumber

Curry

Eggs (whites)

Garlic

Grapefruit

Lemons

Limes

Oats

Oranges

Peanut Butter

Spicy Peppers

Spinach

Tomatoes

Yogurt

Soymilk

Curry

Cinnamon

Coffee

Green Tea

Also to remember portion size! If it's hard for you to eat healthy right away, eat from small saucer plates instead of the bigger ones. Sooner or later, trying to eat large portions will be difficult due to the fact that your stomach is shrinking. I hope this helps all of you!!! Feel free to leave me a comment or question below.

-Markesha xoxo

A simple Salmon Salad

Here is a simple Salmon Salad that you can have. I threw all these ingredients together and made the perfect lunch. Happy healthy eating :-)

1 Medium Salmon Fillet
(Season and leave in oven for about 15-25 minutes)

1 Cup of Fresh Express 50/50 Mix Salad
(I chose the 50% Green and Red Roman Lettuce and 50% Spinach)

2 Tbsps of Fat Free Lime Basil Salad Dressing

A squeeze of Lemon Juice

Mix the ingredients together and you have one zesty salad ;-)

-Markesha xoxo

My Morning Breakfast

Good Morning Lovers,

So, I was supposed to post this yesterday but unfortunately I got busy at work......no bueno! This is the breakfast I had yesterday morning since I was running a little late. It's just like the previous PB & Banana Smoothie I posted weeks ago but without the Skim Milk and Banana. This Smoothie includes:

1 Tbsp of 100% Natural Peanut Butter
(Peanut Butter provides protein and folate- Keeps you feeling full for a couple hours)

10oz of Silk Pure Almond Milk- Original
(Almond Milk has 50% more Calcium than dairy milk)

1 or 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cinnamon
(Cinnamon is one out of the 15 foods that boost your metabolism)

You can either mix this up with a spoon, a protein shake bottle with the round wisk or a blender. The taste kind of reminds me of a liquid version of the cereal "Cinnamon Toast Crunch." Enjoy!

-Markesha xoxo

Angel Hair Pasta with Scallops and Tomatoes

Today I tried Scallops for the 1st time and I LOVED it!!!! I'll admit, I was still a little hungry after I ate this meal but a few minutes later, the hunger went away......weird! 

The flavor was really zesty which is awesome because i love spicy food! When cooking this dish, the scallops make your kitchen smell a little "fishy" but as soon as you add the White Wine and Lemon Juice, the smell goes away. 

This is another recipe from SkinnyTaste.com. I recommend you guys to go to the site if you are trying to eat right or if you are planning a romantic evening. Here is what you need to create this lovely dish: 

1 lb bay scallops, dried well
2 tsp olive oil, divided
1 tsp butter
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1/2 cup white wine
14 oz can diced petite tomatoes, drained
salt and fresh pepper
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped parsley
7 oz angel hair pasta (I used whole wheat)

Directions: 

Put a large pot of salted water to boil. 

Meanwhile, heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet on high heat. When hot, add 1 tsp of oil and the butter over medium-high heat until mixture starts to brown.

MAKE SURE THE PAN AND OIL MIXTURE IS VERY HOT - Transfer HALF of the scallops to the skillet and cook WITHOUT MOVING until seared: ABOUT 30 SECONDS. Gently flip and sear on other side for another 20 - 30 SECONDS. Remove from skillet and set aside; cook remaining scallops and repeat as the first batch; set aside with first batch.

Add the angel hair to the boiling salted water, cook according to package instructions for al dente.

Reduce the skillet to medium-high heat; add remaining teaspoon of oil. When hot add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, wine, salt and pepper and cook an additional 2 minutes. Add lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of parsley, remove from heat.

Drain any liquid that accumulates from the scallops, then add the scallops to the skillet and remove from the heat. 

Drain the pasta and place in a large serving bowl. Top with the scallops and sauce, more fresh parsley and serve with grated parmigiano (I used Feta Cheese) if desired.

Makes about 5 cups. Below is my picture of my meal :-)

-Markesha xoxo

a Very Berry Banana Fro Yo Smoothie

Good Afternoon Lovers <3

I stumbled upon a drink on www.skinytaste.com and I fell in love with it. I had this as my lunch and it kept me real full. Here is the yummy recipe that Skinny Taste provided and then you will see in red font what I used in substitution. Hope you all enjoy!

1/2 Cup Mixed Berries (I just used 1/2 cup of Frozen Raspberries and 1/2 cup of Frozen Strawberries)
1/2 of a Banana
1/2 Cup of Organic Frozen Vanilla Yogurt (I used fat free Vanilla Yogurt NOT frozen)
1/2 Cup of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (or Skim, Soy, ect)
(Then I added 4-5 Ice Cubes and a 1/4 cup of plain Oatmeal to keep me full)

Blend in the blender then you have yourself the perfect breakfast or lunch. I love it!!! Below is my version of it.

-Markesha xoxo

And for breakfast.....a Green Smoothie

Hello lovers,

I am soooo sorry that I have not posted a health blog for you guys in a while. I've been extremely busy but I promise I won't leave you guys hanging like that again ;-).

So yesterday, I made a Green Smoothie which tons of people are now doing as it is healthy. Here is a photo of what I made and you can try it too!!!! Let me know how you like it.

1/2 Haas Advocado
1/2 Medium Banana
1 Cup of Spinach
2 Strawberries
1/2 cup Pineapple
1/4 Medium Pear
1/4 Cucumber
1/2 Cup Plain Oatmeal
Ice Cubes
2/3 Cup Water

Mix it in the blender and you have yourself a delicious Smoothie. Sorry the picture is sideways.....I tried to fix it but I wouldn't let me.

-Markesha xoxo

Black Bean Breakfast Burrito

Hello Lovers <3

Here's a healthy breakfast you can try that takes less than 10 minutes to make! I uploaded a picture of what mine looked like. I added a few Spinach Leaves but you don't have to......it's optional. Hope you guys like it :-)

1 Egg and 2 Egg Whites
1/4 Cup canned Black Beans, rinsed and drained.
2 Tbsp Salsa
2 Tbsp Feta Cheese
1 Small Whole Wheat Tortilla
Make it: Scramble Eggs, Beans, Salsa and Cheese.
Fill Tortilla with Eggs mixture

-Markesha xoxo

Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie

Here's a smoothie that you can have for breakfast. It will have you feeling full for at least 2-3 hours. At least it did for me :-). If you don't like Banana's, substitute it with some Cinnamon. Enjoy!

1-2 Tbsp of All Natural Peanut Butter
1 Whole Banana
10 oz Skim Milk

Mix them all into the blender and BAM!!! There goes your smoothie. Takes less than 3 minutes to make.

-Markesha xoxo

400 Calorie Fix

In 2011, I purchased this book called the "400 Calorie Fix" which claims to be the easy new rule for permanent weight loss. I was a little skeptical about buying this book but after skimming through a few pages, I found a few good ideas. Not only does this book give you healthy recipes, it tells you that you can still eat the same food that you have been eating before in portion sizes. For example, if you go to McDonalds, pick the smallest size possible, usually a single burger, small fries or small shake. Also, splitting an order with a friend is a good way to keep your calories under control. Instead of eating a 10 or 20 piece Chicken Nuggets, eat just 8. 8 Chicken Nuggets with 1 packet of BBQ Sauce is 400 Calories.

In this book, you will also see a few pages that will tell you active ways to burn 400 calories. I can go on and on about this book.....but you gotta see it for yourself. I bought mines at Walmart but i'm sure you can buy it at your local book store, amazon, ect. 435 pages worth of useful information to help you maintain a healthy diet!

-Markesha xoxo

Light Lunch

For those who don't eat meat......or want to lay off from eating meat for a while, try this healthy dish. I had this on my lunch and it was good and light :-). Pasta & Peas, can't go wrong with that!

2 Ounces Whole Wheat Rotini or Pene
2 Teaspoon Olive Oil
2-3 Cloves or Garlic Minced
1/2 Cup Frozen Peas
1 Tablespoon Parmesean Cheese

Make it: Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While Pasta is cooking, heat oil over medium heat.
3. Add Garlic to oil and cook until garlic is translucent, beingi careful not to burn (lower the heat if needed).
4. Add the peas and cook until heated through
5. Drain the pasta. When it's done cooking, then add it to the peas and garlic. Toss the coat and serve.

-Markesha xoxo

Healthy Start to my day!

Good Morning everyone,

This morning i'm starting my day right by eating Honey & Pear Oatmeal with Almonds. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and this will surely fill you up......without feeling too full or greasy ;-)

1 Medium Pear  (Diced)
2 Teaspoons Honey
1 Packet of Instant Plain Oatmeal
1 Tablespoon Almonds (Chopped)
Make it: Microwave pear and honey until warm (about 3 min)
Prepare Oatmeal with hot water and top with pear and honey. Sprinkle with Almonds.

I know this isn't your usual breakfast with Bacon, Hashbrowns and Eggs but I promise you this........Once you start seeing yourself losing weight, it will all be worth it! Enjoy!

-Markesha xoxo

Tuna Salad.....aint nothing wrong with that!

So, as some of you know, I'm on this whole "Healthy Eating" thing and this afternoon, I ate some Tuna Salad that was yumtastic!!! Now, this isn't your ordinary Tuna Salad as it does not include mayo. Here is the ingredients to my Tuna Salad that won't leave you feeling like you just ate a whole pizza lol :-P

2 Cans of Tuna
Lettuce (Shredded)
Sprinkle of Lime Juice (I use real Limes)
1/2 an onion (Chopped)
Sprinkle of Pepper

I hope you guys enjoy this version of Tuna Salad as much as I did!! Let me know your thoughts!

-Markesha xoxo

A Hustlers Dream.....

I follow a woman on Instagram by the name of @keepingupwithkrenee (Follow her, she's amazing) and she posted a drink called "A Hustlers Dream" for those who have a sweet tooth and don't feel like chewing lol. I had a drink of this as Breakfast and I was on the go all day long LOL. Not only is it healthy, it keeps you energized! I would recommend this drink to anyone! It is soooo good and this is what marathon runners drink to get charged up. Here is a photo and the ingredients. I hope you all enjoy <3.

2 Medium Navel Oranges
1/3 of a Whole Pineapple (Peeled of course)
2 Apples (Honey Crisp or Pink Lady- You don't have to peel or core, but I did)
1 Medium Yam (Peeled)

Put this in your blender with a little bit of water and BAM, a Hustlers Dream (See Below)
-Markesha xoxo

Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup......YUM!!!

As we all know, the beginning of the year is the time that people want to start eating healthy and losing weight. As I was looking for some healthy, yet delicious recipes to try online, I stumbled across a dish called "Pan Roasted Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup". I tried it and I must say.........I fell IN LOVE! This is the perfect soup for those cold winter days. Here is the ingredients.....I hope you guys like it as much as I did.

Prep Time: 1 Minute  Cook: 12 Minutes
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
1 (4-Ounce) package fresh gourmet blend mushrooms
1 Cup refrigerated chopped celery, onion and bell pepper mix
1 (2.75-ounce) package quick-cooking wild rice
1 (6-ounce) package light garlic and herb spreadable cheese wedges
2 cups of 1% low fat milk
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add Mushrooms and Celery mixture; cook 6 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are browned, stirring occasionally.
2. While Mushroom mixture cooks, prepare rice according to package directions. Omitting salt and fat. Unwrap Cheese; chop into bite sized pieces.
3. Add Milk, Cheese, Thyme, Black Pepper and Salt to Mushroom mixture, stirring well; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook for 3 minutes or until Cheese melts and Soup thickens. Stir in Rice. Cook 1 minute or until heated. YIELD: 4 Servings (Serving size: 1 Cup)

Calories: 214

I know this isn't a Big Mac or Fried Chicken......but trust me, this soup is awesome!!!!!! And it helps you shed those lbs. Leave a comment and let me know how yours came out. Love ya xoxo!!!

-Markesha

Changing Bad Habbits

So I recently started exercising and portion control because I'm trying to lose weight and become a healthier person. I'm really excited about how much better my endurance is already! I don't get winded as fast and I can do things like walking up hills and around the neighborhood a lot easier than I could before. This has been a long time coming so here I go on the path to becoming a better and healthier me!

Tesha