Time for a little rest and relaxation....

So far, the new year is going quite well. I've lost 5lbs in fat and still at it! Today I am taking a 'cheat' day. Relaxing and kicking back. I had sushi with some girl friends. YUM! I have found that if I don't allow myself to cheat or be imperfect every once in a while, I am doomed. I've cut out most sugars, except the raw sugar I drink in my coffee. Although, since I've cut out sugars I don't crave much sugar anymore. Here has been a typical diet for me:

6 AM Breakfast: Plain oatmeal (hold the salt) with one scoop of protein, a tsp of flaxseed, 1/4 cup of raisins, 1 banana sliced and 1 tbsp of stevia sweetner. 10 oz water (this oatmeal fills an entire bowl to the brim!)
7 AM: Coffee (yes, I do love my coffee), fat free/sugar free creamer, 1 tbsp raw sugar
12 PM: 1 whole boneless, skinless chicken breast (flavored with cajun Mrs Dash), 1 medium sized boiled potato, 1 cup of grean beans 10 oz water
3 PM: protein bar 10 oz water
7 PM: protein shake (recipe below) *if I'm still hungry then I usually have a piece of toast with all natural PB

So far, so good. I wanted to include a recipe today. I LOVE protein shakes! The shakes they make at the gym are awesome, but I think I have control issues and I have a hard time eating things when I don't KNOW everything that is in it. I've started making some of my own shakes and they are oh so yummy. Here is a recipe for one of the shakes I like to make after a workout:

Berry Shake
10 oz of water
1 whole scoop of vanilla Pure Whey Protein
1 cup of frozen fruits (you can buy these in a bag at ANY store)
1 packet of sugar free crystal light (ANY flavor rocks! I use pomegranite, white grape and fruit punch.)

Put all of the stuff above in a blender. Blend! No ice needed, because the fruit is frozen. Enjoy!

Here are some rules of thumb that I use when picking a protein powder. You're body can not digest more than about 25 grams of protein in one go, so picking one that has 31 grams is silly. It's best to take in protein in 25 grams or less throughout the day to get what you need. Also, a lot of protein supplements taste awesome, but are full of sugar and carbs! EEK! So, I look for powders that are high in protein and low in sugars and carbs. I really like Pure Protein, but there are a ton at GNC, Lifetime Fitness, Gold's Gym etc. Make sure you read the labels!