Thai Beef‏

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons coriander seeds, coarsely cracked
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch ground ginger
1 1/2 pounds flank steak

DIRECTIONS
1. Place flank steak in the freezer for 20 minutes
2. Whisk coriander, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and ground ginger together in a bowl until marinade is well combined.
3. Remove steak from the freezer and slice thinly across the grain. Place steak in a large bowl, pour marinade over steak, and toss to coat. Cover bowl and marinade at room temperature for 1 hour.
4. Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler. Line bottom of a broiler pan with foil.
5. Lay steak slices in a single layer on the rack of the prepared broiler pan.
6. Cook in the preheated broiler, brushing occasionally with marinade, until steak reaches desired doneness, 1 to 2 minutes for medium rare.

What a great mixture, WEIGHT CLIQUE! Thai Beef is so very satisfying and filling! Your tummy will be full for the rest of the day. Broiling is the greatest! You deserve a great dish!

Cheers,

Gina

Spaghetti Squash‏

INGREDIENTS
1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons sliced black olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2. Place spaghetti squash with cut sides down on the prepared baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a sharp knife can be inserted with only a little resistance. Remove squash from oven and set aside to cool enough to be easily handled.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in oil until tender. Add garlic, cook and stir until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook until tomatoes are warmed through.
4. Use a large spoon to scoop the stringy pulp from the squash and place in a medium bowl. Toss with vegetables, feta cheese, olives and basil. Serve warm.

Hello, WEIGHT CLIQUERS… This meal is Quality, Quality, Quality! Strands of baked spaghetti squash are tossed with feta cheese, onions, tomatoes, olives, and basil for a Greek-inspired dish that tastes like pasta with out all the calories. I knew that you would love this dish when I discovered it and it did not let me down, as well! Have a content day!

Cheers,

Gina

Brick-Oven Pizza (Brooklyn Style)‏

INGREDIENTS
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup cold water
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups bread flour
6 ounces low moisture mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
1/2 cup no salt added canned crushed tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 leaves fresh basil, torn

DIRECTIONS
1. Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes to proof. Stir in salt and cold water, then stir in the flour about 1 cup at a time. When the dough is together enough to remove from the bowl, knead on a floured surface until smooth, about 10 minutes. Divide into two pieces, and form each one into a tight ball. Coat the dough balls with olive oil, and refrigerate in a sealed container for at least 16 hours. Be sure to use big enough container to allow the dough to rise. Remove the dough from the refrigerator one hour prior to using.
2. Preheat the oven, with a pizza stone on the lowest rack, to 550 degrees F. Lightly dust a pizza peel with flour.
3. Using one ball of dough at a time, lightly dust the dough with flour, and stretch gradually until it is about 14 inches in diameter, or about as big around as the pizza stone. Place on the floured peel. Place thin slices of mozzarella over the crust, then grind liberal amount of black pepper over it. Sprinkle with dried oregano. Randomly arrange crushed tomatoes, leaving some empty areas. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
4. With a quick back and forth jerk, make sure the dough will release from the peel easily. Place the tip of the peel at the back of the preheated pizza stone, and remove peel so that the pizza is left on the stone.
5. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the crust begins to brown. Remove from the oven by sliding the peel beneath the pizza. Sprinkle a few basil leaves randomly over the pizza. Cut into wedges and serve.

WEIGHT CLIQUERS, I knew instantly when I saw this recipe that I had to try it. I was so excited that this could possibly be one of my favorite dishes. What’s not to love about this pizza! Overall, this dish will definitely be a keeper. This brick-oven pizza is also great for a quick snack. Add this to your menu!

Cheers,

Gina

3 Tips to Keep You Motivated‏

shutterstock_128840261. Moving onto other equipment:

By building more confidence, I branched out to more challenging equipment. I chose the elliptical because it exercised more muscles. By trying new equipment was a turning point for me. By moving onto diverse equipment, I felt that I was building up my upper and lower body by gaining strength and stamina. My progress and endurance intensified.

2. Having a clear image of your ultimate goal:

Keep yourself motivated by having an image of how you want your body to be. Be realistic. In my case, I thought of myself as an athletic teenager and as the shape that I want to be in my life now. I envisioned myself with becoming an athletic person again. Imagine what you would look and feel like.

3. Buying clothes for the future:

You will feel more comfortable and self-confident in new clothes. It is very motivating purchasing main stream clothes in your favorite store in a size smaller than your current size. You may want to select an item that you never would have worn before as when you were heavier. Doing this has been another key motivator to my success!!

Cheers,

Gina

How to Build a Strong Support System

shutterstock_67604023It is very important to set a proper support system which works best for you starting from day one. In my case, I relied heavily on dealing with professionals including doctors, nutritionists, family and friends. Physicians and nutritionists provided me with guidance, facts and food options.

During the course of my weight loss journey, my family and friends supported and accepted me by encouraging me to keep moving forward. Do your best to try to surround yourself with people who will be optimistic about your weight loss vision. Go above and beyond with learning about physical fitness and a healthy diet everyday. There is nothing as valuable as having an excellent support for achieving your weight loss goals. I know that you will be a success!

Cheers,

Gina

3 Steps to Break your Weight Loss Plateau‏

shutterstock_2861925801. Re-evaluate your calorie intake:

Every 10-15 lbs. you lose (even if you have a lot of weight to drop) always re-evaluate your calorie intake to ensure you are eating less than you were before. As you lose weight, not only does it become harder, but you must take proper steps to make sure that you can get past your weight loss plateau and reach your goals.

2. Keeping track of your nutrition:

The best place to start is to track your food intake if you are not already doing so. There are many awesome reasons to keep a food log. Tracking your nutrition (long term) is possibly the smartest and most important step you acquire to improve your nutrition regimen.

3. Progress your body:

While nutrition and exercise is likely the culprit for stall in your weight loss journey, always make sure you are progressing the intensity of your exercise routine as it can only improve your results. Continue to push yourself and stay focused.

Cheers,

Gina

3 Ways to Boost your Confidence‏

shutterstock_2642165661. Work with your heart:

Be strong and you will immediately feel a boost of healthy inner confidence and self pride. Reflect on your positive accomplishments and blessings. Focusing on what you love in yourself and others is key to feel happy and successful with your life.

2. Step out of your comfort zone:

Attempt to try something new and overcome a fear. This will make you feel powerful and that you can take on the world and tackle any challenge. Perhaps it is signing up for a zumba class, joining a marathon or reaching out to a new person or self-help group.

3. Break a sweat:

Having a solid work-out will make you feel so good and confident. By sweating, it releases endorphins to help you experience a calm, relaxed feeling and tones your muscles at the same time. Training will elevate your mood and make your body feel remarkable!

Cheers,

Gina

Emotional Effects of Weight Loss

shutterstock_250811359Since I have lost weight, I have been struck by how many individuals notice me now. Before, the kind of notice I received was negative. People used to tell me I need to take care of myself. I felt embarrassed and ridiculed. Now, when friends notice me, they say “How did you do it?” or “You look fabulous!” I feel proud of myself and acknowledged for my effort. Before, when I would run into acquaintances I was ashamed by my appearance. Now, I feel more accepted and my self-esteem has vastly improved.

My relationship with the world has transformed. It is heartbreaking to look back at old pictures and realize how out of control my weight was. I know that I was not happy. I feel compassion for myself and others more than I ever have. I never want to go back to that weight again. I realize that I used food to comfort me during a very demanding time. Looking back, I had a lot of poignant effects during the full course of my weight loss, but have conquered the battle and feel so blessed!

To my fellow WEIGHT CLIQUERS, Take a step towards a healthy lifestyle even if it’s drinking more water or choosing to eat smaller meals through out the day. Challenge yourself each day so that you can feel good about yourself too! GO FOR IT!

Cheers,

Gina

Greek Salad

DRESSING INGREDIENTS
4 tablespoons or more to taste of balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup olive oil

SALAD INGREDIENTS
6 cups mixed greens, tear into bite-sized pieces
1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch disks
1 cup cubed feta cheese
1 small yellow onion

Toss the greens, kalamata olives, cucumbers and onion together with enough dressing to coat. For the dressing add the items listed under dressing ingredients. Add some feta cheese on top. Enjoy this healthy delight, WEIGHT CLIQUERS.

Cheers,

Gina

Rosemary and Garlic Roast Beef, Collard Green Slaw and Cucumber Tomato Salad

One of my core goals to living a healthy and balanced life is making my body and mind feel properly nourished. It is time to feel good! Today, I sampled rosemary and garlic roast beef, collard green slaw and cucumber tomato salad. Believe in the power of a nutritious diet! This trio dish is marvelous! It is time to grab a bite and start eating better…

Please take time out of your day to try rosemary and garlic roast beef. So very tasty! The ingredients are as follows: beef, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, fresh rosemary, salt and black. This simple and light recipe is easy to prepare and has a juicy flavor to it and you can apply other seasonings. The above mentioned item provides a high content of protein. I really am learning what healthy eating means and so will you!

Collard green slaw contains multiple ingredients… starting with: collard greens, carrots, green cabbage, orange juice, tahini (pureed roasted sesame seeds), green onion, oats, lemon juice, liquid aminos (vegetable protein from soybeans and purified water), garlic and almonds. Also, it contains soy and tree nuts. This is a perfect side entrée to splurge on.

The last, but not least meal is… cucumber tomato salad. Yes, the ingredients are easy to prepare from home. This salad features: cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, dill, canola oil, white vinegar, salt and black pepper. You can add another dressing to this. Supplementing a nutritious salad such as this instead of carbohydrates is the way to go. Take time to think about what you are eating. Truly, there are so many healthy, organic meal options to choose from. Definitely, start changing your lifestyle- TODAY!

I have lost more than a entire person and have never felt better in my whole life. I want to inspire you to make a lot of changes in your life and give you support. Try to make nutritious choices. WEIGHT CLIQUERS, you will love your trim body and healthier approach to diet. Thank you, for the opportunity to write about a Whole Foods dish that is simply wonderful!

Cheers,

Gina