Now What?

With only 1 week left of our first 21 Day Sprint 

the question becomes...

what is your next step?

Ready, Set...

If you're ready to sprint with us...we are ready for you! 

Saturday Update On The 21 Day Sprint

We Pick Your Foods...
You Get RESULTS!
You know Ideal Protein Works!
Let's Get This Done Together!

Jicama Fun Facts

A few more reasons to start exploring the most exciting select veggie you're probably not eating.

Jicama Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• 1 large cucumber
• 1/4 jicama, peeled and cut into matchsticks
• 1 lemon, zested

• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 12 ounces white cherry tomatoes, quartered

Directions

1. Peel cucumber, alternating rows so that thin green strips of peel are left. Slice cucumber into thin rounds.
2. Stir cucumber, jicama, lemon zest, and lemon juice together in a bowl until salad is evenly mixed. Gently fold tomatoes into salad.

Allrecipes.com

Ideal Protein Diet Rated #1 Diet

Check out this press release from Ideal Protein Corporate:

Ideal Protein is the #1 Most Popular Diet of 2015

Comprehensive Weight Loss Method Tops Prestigious DietsinReview.com Ranking

Gatineau, QC. (January 11, 2016) – Medically developed weight loss method Ideal Protein has ranked #1 on the “Most Popular Diets of 2015,” list by DietsinReview.com, the largest and most trusted diet resource on the web. Ideal Protein has jumped twelve places from its #13 position in 2014, beating out competition from diet programs including Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, Optifast and Medifast.

Ideal Protein is a proven four-part method that enables safe, rapid weight loss, with a healthy lifestyle approach and structured, evidence-based maintenance program to sustain weight loss success. The method – offered through preferred healthcare partners and trained coaches – targets the root causes of weight gain by regulating insulin levels.

Ideal Protein strongly emphasizes the importance of education and understanding as part of its weight loss program. Maintaining healthier lifestyle habits, including eating “smarter” are key throughout all four phases of the Ideal Protein method. Dieters are provided with one-on-one coaching, which includes a diet plan that promotes losing fat while maintaining lean muscle mass.

The method teaches weight maintenance habits and balanced lifestyle choices, including:

• How body fat is effectively burned?The relationship between insulin and weight gain
• Which foods are best suited for healthy weight management
• When, why and in what combination to eat carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
• Weight stabilization and maintenance habits.

“The Ideal Protein weight loss method has helped many thousands of dieters reach and maintain their weight loss goals, and we are delighted to be listed as the most popular diet of 2015,” said Olivier Benloulou, President and CEO of Ideal Protein. “We know there are many diets and programs on the market today, but Ideal Protein is unique in our dedication to ensuring our dieters receive the support and education they need to safely and successfully meet their weight loss goals.”

He continues, “As we enter a new year, we look forward to helping more people to enjoy the benefits of long-term weight maintenance, such as improved energy and heart health, in 2016 and beyond.”

Cardiologist Douglas Rothrock, MD, lost more than 100 pounds on the Ideal Protein program. He said of the method, “The science behind Ideal Protein makes it stand out amongst other weight loss methods. Their education coupled with supervised weight management is the key for success.”

Ideal Protein is available at more than 3,000 medical establishments in the U.S. and Canada. An alternative method is available for type I diabetics.

Join us for our upcoming FREE workshop where you can find out how Ideal Protein can change your life.  Click here for our schedule! If our workshop times do not work for your schedule, we also offer daily one-on-one consultations to help you get started.

Stocking Up At Costco...the IP Way

I have off on Thursday mornings, so I often use my work and kid-free time to stock up on IP staples that I will need to make my upcoming weekend a low carb success story.  Today, while doing my usual shopping order, I decided to make a list of my go-to Costco items.  So here it goes...take a look at what's in my shopping cart...

Really...Better Than Take-Out?

So a little backstory...good Chinese take-out is a big deal in my house...and I definitely have my usual "go to" restaurants on speed dial...but I know nothing good ever comes after opening those steamy little white boxes...all the white (or brown rice if I'm feeling "healthy")...and don't forget the heavy sauces and starchy veggies and those noodles... 

So, when I say better than take-out...I realize I may not be referring to being better tasting than those take-out joints in China Town.  

  Don't get me wrong this is a really nice dish and is really easy to assemble, but it is in no way better tasting than the take-out in NYC.  That said, I believe the name of this dish..."Better Than Take-out" is referring to you feeling MUCH better about yourself for eating this dish rather than your typical Beef and Broccoli entree.  There is no guilt associated with this indulgence and it is packed with veggies and protein...so the point has been made...it definitely is better than take-out!

This recipe can be found on page 5 of Janeva's Ideal Recipes Cookbook.

Janeva's Ideal Recipes Cookbook is available in our office our office and ***For more recipes like this visit Janeva’s Ideal Recipe Cookbook – Phase 1 on Facebook or www.janevasidealrecipes.com.  A portion of the proceeds will support Samuel’s House Foundation, a non-profit charity helping disadvantaged children and those in need of a nice meal on their plate every day. 

I Said "Hunky Monkey"...Not Chunky Monkey!

I have finally resolved to the fact that I am definitely a sweet over a savory person.  Thank god for Janeva Eickhoff, because she has saved me so many times with her unlimited options for sweet treats that are...you guessed it...unrestricted.

I've been missing that banana and chocolate combo over the past few weeks and Janeva had a perfect substitute for the my old friend Chunky Monkey.  The recipe for Hunky Monkey Cupcakes can be found on page 41 of her new cookbook, Janeva's Ideal Recipes. Within 15 minute my kitchen smelled like an enticing chocolaty banana bread...and the cupcakes did not disappoint!

I iced them using her frosting recipe(found on page 42), but I actually preferred them sans-frosting...or "bald" as my daughter calls them.

My tip is to eat them while they are warm...so the chips are all melt-y and skip the frosting!

Janeva's Ideal Recipes Cookbook is available in our office our office and ***For more recipes like this visit Janeva’s Ideal Recipe Cookbook – Phase 1 on Facebook or www.janevasidealrecipes.com.  A portion of the proceeds will support Samuel’s House Foundation, a non-profit charity helping disadvantaged children and those in need of a nice meal on their plate every day. 

Keeping Things "Moving"

Many of my clients express concerns of slowdowns while on our program.  

Lucky for them we have found a wonderful companion which eases their worries. 

Total Tea provides subtle and gradual results and should be used on an "as needed" basis.

Total Tea is available in our office.

You Had Me at "Cookies"

I've been meaning to try Janeva's Cinnamon Maple Oatmeal Cookies for a few weeks now...and I am so happy that I finally found the 12 minutes to make them.  

They did NOT disappoint.

Check out page 41 of her cookbook for the simple recipe.  The only Ideal Protein packet that it requires is the Maple Oatmeal...so these cookies, all 6 of them, equal 1 unrestricted! Warm cookies and only 1 unrestricted...now you're talking my language!

Janeva's Ideal Recipes Cookbook is available in our office our office and ***For more recipes like this visit Janeva’s Ideal Recipe Cookbook – Phase 1 on Facebook or www.janevasidealrecipes.com.  A portion of the proceeds will support Samuel’s House Foundation, a non-profit charity helping disadvantaged children and those in need of a nice meal on their plate every day. 

Let's Have Chinese Tonight!

Janeva has a great answer to those chinese take-out cravings!

Her recipe for Orange Chicken is slammin' and can be found on page 59 of her cookbook which can be purchased on her site Click Here or in our clinic.

This was one of the easiest and fastest Janeva meals that I have made. My son was standing next to me as I was making it, ensuring he got the first bite.  He couldn't believe that I could cook a "Chinese Take-out Meal".  Everyone gobbled it down and didn't even notice that I swapped cauli-rice for the white rice...Win-Win!

Chili On This Chilly Day!

My house smells like garlic and olive oil and all kinds of goodness.

Check out this amazingly simple Phase 1- Phase 4 friendly meal.

CHILI CON CARNE

Recipe by Janeva Eickhoff

Ingredients:

2 pounds lean ground beef (may use turkey or chicken)

1 green bell pepper, diced

6 cloves garlic, minced

IP salt, to taste

2 T. olive oil

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

3 T. cumin, or to taste

1-1/2 T. chili powder, or to taste

1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 small can mild green chiles

1 C. fresh mushrooms, sliced

Directions:

1.     Heat a large skillet and add olive oil, garlic, mushrooms and green pepper, stir fry over med/med hi heat until lightly browned.   Add hamburger, brown and drain any fat.

2.     Add the remaining ingredients, turn down heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.

TIP:  Divide chili into 4 portions and refrigerate or freeze extra servings for another dinner.

Servings = 4 – 8oz lean protein / 2 C. veggies per serving

***For more recipes like this visit Janeva’s Ideal Recipe Cookbook – Phase 1 at Facebook or www.janevasidealrecipes.com for the cookbook coming spring 2015.  A portion of the proceeds will support Samuel’s House Foundation, a non-profit charity helping disadvantaged children and those in need of a nice meal on their plate every day.

Success Requires Prep Work!

Success Requires Preparation!!

My biggest weakness is getting enough veggies in everyday, so on Sundays I prep a couple of grab-and-go options for when life gets crazy mid-week.

This weeks veggies are Mockamole (found on page 49 of Janeva's cookbook or in her facebook group) and my favorite Cauliflower Soup.

Below are the recipes:

MOCKAMOLE:

Recipe by Janeva Eickhoff

Ingredients:

1 ¾ C. asparagus, skinned and cut in 1” pieces

1 T. lime juice

3 T. Pico de Gallo (or tomato)

¼ C. chopped fresh cilantro

¼ C. chopped green onion

½ jalapeno pepper, minced

1 tsp. minced garlic (from a jar)

1 or 2 dashes Frank’s Red Hot sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Clean the asparagus by using a potato peeler to peel off the tougher outside skin of the asparagus stems; not the tops of the spears.

2. Once cleaned, cut asparagus in 1” pieces. Make sure to cut off the tough ends and toss.

3. Place asparagus in a steamer on the stovetop and steam, covered, approximately 10 minutes.

4. Put steamed asparagus in a food processor and puree until smooth. Cover and refrigerate till cool.

5. In a medium bowl, place cooled asparagus puree and the remaining ingredients; fold.

6. Keep refrigerated after use.

Servings: 2 C. veggies  
***I use this as a dip to be used with Ideal Protein Garlic & Herb Chips.

TIP: I use Pico de Gallo in place of the tomato to give it more flavor. You can usually find a sugar free blend in a container in the refrigerated section of the fresh produce aisle(I find it in Costco). Serve with Ideal Protein chips.

For more recipes like this visit Janeva’s Ideal Recipe Cookbook – Phase 1 at Facebook or www.janevasidealrecipes.com for the cookbook coming spring 2015. A portion of the proceeds will support Samuel’s House Foundation, a non-profit charity helping disadvantaged children and those in need of a nice meal on their plate every day.


Delicious Cauliflower Soup: 

I make it with Rachael Ray chicken or veggie broth. It's delicious and I add it to any of the Ideal Protein Soups, which makes them even creamier and more "volumous".  It is also great served by itself! 

1 T olive oil 
1 medium onion (6 ounces) chopped 
1 head very fresh cauliflower, cut, about 1-1/2 pounds 
Real Salt, to taste 
5½ cups hot water and/or chicken broth, divided 
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (I added some some roasted garlic when pureeing it into a soup) 

1. Warm the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. 
2. Add the cauliflower, salt to taste, and ½ cup water. Raise the heat slightly, cover the pot tightly and stew the cauliflower for 15 to 18 minutes, or until tender. Then add another 4 cups chicken broth, bring to a low simmer and cook an additional 20 minutes. 
3. Working in batches, purée the soup(add in roasted garlic here if you would like) in a blender to a very smooth, creamy consistency, adding the onion as you go. Let the soup stand for 20 minutes. In this time it will thicken slightly.

Saturday Morning = Pancakes

Happy Saturday Morning! 

It's time to make The Perfect Pancake!! 

Janeva offers the perfect solution to making light and fluffy pancakes every time. 

Check out her Facebook group or page 66 in her cookbook to learn the magic trick!

Sausage on Phase 1?

This is a must make dish!

Janeva's Sausage Zucchini Lasagna has quite a few steps to it...but the end result is something everyone in your family will eat with no complaints. The "sausage" is really not sausage...but amazingly it works in this dish. The best part is that your veggies are built right into this dish.I recommend making this on a weekend and doubling up the recipe so that you have leftovers for another night.    Let me know what you think!

***Due to copyright, Janeva asked that I only reference the page number on which these recipes can be found.

Outside the Box October

October is an amazing month to focus on weight loss. 

There's nothing in your way...and still about 80 days left until the holidays!!

For the next month I am going to be focusing on variety! Everyday I am going to share with you my rendition of a recipe idea from Janeva's Ideal Recipe's Facebook Page or from her new must-have cookbook (available on her site or in our clinic). I hope to inspire you to try a new dinner or veggie or to "shake-up" your usual shake. 

Let's think "Outside the Box" this October...and race to the end of the year together!

Day 1~ Outside the Box October

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

Why have plain old maple oatmeal when you can add a taste of fall to your morning? 
What a great way to kick off the first day of October!

***Due to copyright, Janeva asked that I only reference the page number on which these recipes can be found.

Dr. Tracey Weighs In On: Drinking Water

Did you know that water is scientifically proven to help boost weight loss? You should be drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. This number may seem overwhelming, but there are some fun and simple tips to achieve this amount—with some added benefits of their own.

1.       Add natural flavor. When adding these flavors to your water, make sure to let it sit overnight to get the full advantages. Feel free to mix and match to create a variety of yummy flavors and health benefits.

·         Lemon is a natural energizer with multiple health benefits. It can boost your immune system, speed up your metabolism, flush out toxins, and much more!

·         Fresh, crushed mint has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help with bad breath and oral hygiene.

·         Cucumber gives water a refreshing taste while also helping with body detoxification, anti-aging, oral-health, digestion, and much more.

2.       Eat water-rich foods. By adding more water-rich foods to your diet, you can increase your overall water intake without having to drink all 64 ounces.

·         Cucumbers, celery, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, and red cabbage all contain around 90% or more of water per volume.

3.       Time it. Drinking water at the correct times can maximize its benefits. For the most effective use of water on the human body, try these easy ideas.

·         2 cups after waking up will help activate internal organs and jump start your metabolism.

·         1 cup 30 minutes before a meal helps with digestion and portion control.

4.       Need extra help drinking water? Try these tips.

·         Always have a water bottle on hand.

·         Drink a cup every time you go to the bathroom.

·         Buy a water bottle that you really like and fill it up/finish it at least once a day.

·         Set hourly alarms to remind you to drink up.

·         Warm water can be used as an appetite suppressant to keep hunger at bay. Add lemon!

·         People often confuse hunger with thirst. When you think you are hungry, drink a few cups of water to suppress your appetite.

By drinking more water, you can significantly improve your energy levels, aid weight loss, improve skin, flush out toxins, save calories, and so much more! For more tips and tricks, join our Facebook group, ‘Results are Typical’ for your daily dose of motivation and support!

Italian Herb Baked Spinach Chips

Italian Herb Baked Spinach Chips by DivasCanCook

Looking for a healthy snack idea that is also full of flavor? With only FOUR ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes, this is the savory and low-calorie choice for you!

Ingredients:

2 Cups (32tbs, big, healthy-looking leaves)     Spinach Leaves

1 Tablespoon (as required)                                 Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To Taste                                                                  Italian Seasoning Blend

To Taste                                                                  Salt

Directions:

For directions, please visit http://divascancook.com/2013/02/italian-herb-baked-spinach-chips-recipe.html

Recipe Summary:

Difficulty:            Easy

Course:                Snack

Method:              Baked

Prep Time:          10 minutes

Cook Time:         10 Minutes

Tips for Staying Healthy this Labor Day!

Labor Day Weekend is finally here and there may be many thoughts running through your head. You might have kids getting ready to go back to school (or already have), or you might be excited for the cooler weather to finally come around. Some of us are thinking more in the short term—the annual tradition of Labor Day cookouts with family and friends. If you have been sticking to your individualized weight loss plan or are currently on an Ideal Protein Phase, you may be stressing out about these cookouts. What can I eat? Is it rude not to eat the food that is served there? Can I bring my own food?

We have all had these questions. Labor Day cookouts are supposed to be fun, and now they can be fun AND healthy! There are some tips you can follow that can not only keep you on your weight loss plan, but make cookouts an enjoyable and worry-free time!

Take something with you

Prepare some snacks or a meal to take with you. If everyone else is eating at the cookout, why shouldn’t you? Even simple solutions such as cutting up some celery, pepper strips, or cucumbers to bring with you can be enough to get the job done. If snacks aren’t going to cut it, bring a healthy dish that you enjoy! One idea is to make note of your favorite Ideal Protein Phase Approved recipes and save them just for special occasions, like Labor Day! It will not only give you something to look forward too, but it will also be a delicious and rewarding holiday treat!

Eat Throughout the Day

Usually cookouts take place in the late afternoon or early evening, so the food available there will not be the only meal you eat that day. Eating throughout the day, prior to the cookout, can keep you full and satisfied so you aren’t hungry during the party. You can, of course, still bring food with you, but you should try to eat a well-balanced breakfast, light lunch, and a protein-rich snack to help curb hunger and temptation.

Stay Hydrated

These are two easy things you can do to help take off some of the pressure that comes with eating healthy at cookouts, where food is a major focus. The last tip is an easy one that anyone can do—Stay hydrated! Water is your best friend no matter what day it is, and Labor Day is no different! It can keep you full, energized, and even speed up your metabolism. Drink up and make sure you’re properly hydrated. Your body will thank you!

So this Labor Day, get out there and have a blast. You deserve it!