Eat. Gym. Repeat.

So Many Choices!

In celebration of my soon 21st birthday, I’ve been looking up some info on what drinks to order at the bar that won’t completely kill my nutrition for the day. Some may think this is crazy, but I do not. There are so many choices out there - I might as well make an informed one!

I’ve found that each (about 1.5oz) shot of liquor ranges from 60-80 calories, depending on proof. Obviously, higher the proof, higher the calories.There are also the obvious ones like light beer will have less carbs and calories than regular. Although I won’t be downing a bunch of Blue Moon’s (my favorite, even at 171 calories a pop), if I’m going to enjoy one or two beers than I’m going to go for the good stuff. Save the MGD 64 for the night you’ll drink the entire case.

As far as mixed drinks go, there are some elements you can mix up (no pun intended) to make your choices a little lighter. From my favorite site, Greatist.com, here are their suggestions:

1. Avoid premade mixes. They’re loaded with sugar, calories, and usually artificial coloring. Ask if the drinks are fresh or from a mix. A margarita made from a mix can run anywhere from 300 to 450 calories depending on the size.

2. Know where you’re ordering. Most sports bars use mixes. You’re more likely to get fresh drinks at restaurant bars.

3. Limit juice. Bars use juice from concentrate, which was dehydrated and then re-constituted with water, leaching out the vitamins and leaving essentially sugar water. When able, use fresh fruit juice or none at all. A vodka cranberry can run from 140 to 160 calories depending on the proof of the vodka.

4. Avoid caffeinated mixers like energy drinks or cola that will worsen dehydration.

5. Choose drinks with short ingredient lists. Long lists mean more calories and sugar.

6. Avoid cream based drinks. I’m talking to you Mai Thai, Pina Colada, Bailey’s Cream and White Russians. These guys can have over 500 calories and a fair amount of fat.

7. Add seltzer and ice to all drinks. This is a win-win tactic that will dilute the calories and hydrate. That’s why whiskey on the rocks is better than taking a shot. Vodka seltzer is a favorite, both hydrating and weighing in at only 60-80 calories. If it’s too harsh, throw in lime wedges or a splash of juice.

8. Ask for all drinks, especially mojitos, light on the sugar. To replace the sugar, ask for more tart or citrus. This won’t offend the bartender, restaurants are used to diet requests.

9. Simple syrup is fancy name for sugar. It’s half part sugar to half part warm water. It’s no better than refined white sugar.

10. Avoid tonic. Tonic is carbonated water with quinine (gives the bitter taste) and almost as much sugar and calories as soda. It is NOT equivalent to seltzer.

11. For every alcoholic drink ordered, have 1 glass of water. Alternating is key.

So, my plan/summary will be:

Everything in moderation, don’t load up on the sugary extras, and alternate drink with water!

Sneaky Sneaky

I try to sneak in protein where ever I can in my diet. That being said, I can only eat so much chicken. And can only drink so many protein shakes for that matter.

Solution - hide it!

And man I did a great job of that today!

Enter the common dessert item: The chocolate sugar-free snack pack.

Delicious.

Now, add the sneaky part

Add in some strawberries for fun and yumminess - and you get, dun dun dunnnn…

The best dessert EVER! It was so chocolatey and then the berries, yum!

How do you hide your protein powder?

Protein protein protein!

From what I read, a high protein, lower carb, moderate fat diet seems to be the touted diet structure to build lean muscle and burn excess fat!

So, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.

However, seems like all I eat is meat! Ugh. And protein shakes. So, when I found this drink, Protein Ice, I was so excited!

42g of protein in 170 calories!! So, I’ve been using it as a base for protein shakes that I add some D-Fine 8 to:

However, this stuff is so expensive to keep stocking up! BE EXCITED - here’s an awesome code for 10% off! Use code ldicker at the checkout. And this website is the cheapest I’ve found so far - 

Stronger Nutrition

Happy shopping!

Deep fried goodness

Almost.

The closest I’ll get anyway.

DELICIOUS

I hope. My expectations are extremely high. First, because I really want them to be good. Secondly, this is from an Iowa blogger, so they must be good ;)

I’ll be trying them later in the week.

I just saw these over at

Iowa Girl Eats

She’s so creative!

Here it is:

Chick-fil-A Bites with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Serves 2

Adapted from My Name is Snickerdoodle

Directions:

2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with salt & pepper

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup pickle juice

1 egg

1 1/4 cups flour

2 Tablespoons powdered sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup peanut oil, divided (or canola or vegetable oil)

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup plain greek yogurt

1 1/2 Tablespoons yellow mustard

1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 Tablespoons honey

Directions:

1. Whisk together egg, milk and pickle juice, and pour into a large ziplock bag or bowl. Add chicken pieces and marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.

2. Combine flour, powdered sugar, salt and pepper in a large ziplock bag. Shake to combine. Remove chicken from the marinade and add into the bag. Shake to coat the chicken completely.

3. Heat half the oil in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat (6 or 7 out of 10.) Test the oil by dropping in a bit of the flour mixture. If it sizzles, the oil is ready, if it pops, lower the temperature a bit.

4. Gently place chicken pieces into the oil with tongs. Do this in 2 batches, as you don’t want to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown on one side. Turn the chicken over and allow to cook for 3-4 more minutes. Remove to a paper-towel lined plate. Heat the remaining oil and continue with the other half of the chicken pieces.

5. Stir together the honey mustard dipping sauce ingredients, and serve with the hot chicken bites.