Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Quality of life, it starts with YOU!

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Wednesday, December 10, 2014

WEBSITE RELAUNCH IN EFFECT **UNDER CONSTRUCTION**

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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Don't ruin your progress by going buckwild during the Holidays!

How crazy that the holidays are fast approaching! Turkey Day is THIS WEEK! and Xmas is around the corner. It’s time to start preparing ourselves for the holiday food. Just like we prepare our weeks in advance, having a plan during the holidays is just as important....if not more!

Tis the season where junk food is everywhere! We are tempted at work, home, friends, and just about everywhere we go. This can make it harder to stick to your workout routine and eating schedule -but not if you are prepared and have a set plan!

Can you eat a little of your fav holiday goodies?? If you have been exercising and eating healthy so far this year, F**k ya!!! You CAN indulge A LITTLE.

Here are a few things you can do to make the Holidays have less of an impact on your pant size!

EXERCISE EARLY IN THE DAY
Get up and GO! Getting it over with early means that you're less likely to blow it off later and you'll feel better about having a bite or two of your favorite holiday treats. The holidays bring a lot of uncertainty to your schedule, so it’s best to get it done early! If you can’t make it to the gym or your gym is closed, a simple indoor or outdoor circuit workout can help!


Sample workout:

5-minute warm up: jumping jacks, jump rope or running in place (be sure to actually time yourself to keep it honest ;o)

20 reps of the Following:

• Jump Squats (be careful to land on the balls of your feet 1st and control your landing-don't pound)
• Push Ups (if your wrists are sensitive with this, grab onto 2 cans of food or similar-one in ea hand)
• Planks with a twist (holding plank, reach one arm to opposite side of the body-switch)
• Walking Lunges
• Burpees with the jump up
• Toe Touch crunches
• Tricep dips with a chair or table
 Repeat 3-4 times

For cardio, you can do simple Sprints, run as fast as you can for 30 seconds, walk back & repeat for a total of 10 times.
You can jump up on anything outdoors, be creative



EAT BEFORE YOU GO OUT
Don’t go to big holiday meals on an empty stomach. Eat a light healthy snack before going to family dinners or holiday parties. It sounds funny to eat before you go, but being hungry when you arrive can lead you to eat too much, too fast. Also you know how it is, waiting for everyone to arrive and for the food to be finished cooking, you could be waiting hours before you eat!

So be prepared and eat something before you head out the door! I always drink a protein shake or bar (I like quest cookie dough bars or Oh Yeah low carb Shakes) and grab a handful of nuts before leaving for any event.


EATING LESS IS NOT THE ANSWER!
Do not eat less during the day to bank your calories for dinner. So many people try to work out more and eat less in order to bank their calories for later, but this is NOT the smartest approach. First of all, you want to keep your metabolism going, so you need to start with your breakfast and eat every two to three hours. In order to be able to burn off that Thanksgiving food, you need your metabolism to be on point.

If you wait to eat until Thanksgiving dinner, you will be absolutely starving and eat more than if you were to have been eating on your normal schedule! Not to mention, if you slow your metabolism down from not eating throughout the day, your body will start storing those extra cals for later-turning them into fat! NOT what you want!
One of my FAMOUSLY moist & tasty turkeys

PEEP THE SCENE
Look closely at what’s being offered, pick a couple of your favorite high-calorie options and have a small-and I mean SMALL serving of each.

WATCH THE LIQUOR!
Most drinks have TONS of sugar & calories. Go for the clears (e.g., vodka) with a no-calorie mixer (e.g., seltzer water or diet soda) or a glass of wine, but avoid egg nog martinis etc!

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Often you think you are hungry when really you are just dehydrated! A lot of holiday food may have extra sodium, so drink your water! Try for at least half your weight in ounces.

DRINK FOR DRINK
For every glass of alcohol you have, have a glass of water. This will help keep you hydrated and often leads to less liquor intake.

LIMIT SUGARS (my biggest problem during the holidays!)
We indulge ourselves by eating way too many sweets during the holidays. We either use this as an excuse or possibly a subconscious way to deal with the normal stress of the holidays. Remember that eating healthy foods will give you energy, keep you feeling great and help keep you healthy at the same time. Pick and choose your sweets and ask yourself, “Is it worth it?” or “Am I going to feel guilty later??!!

A BITE OR TWO ISN’T GOING TO KILL YOU
If you want dessert, account for it and don’t feel guilty! Portion control is key here. If you know you want something after dinner, maybe have less mashed potatoes and stuffing and save a small about of room for something small and sweet. My thought is, if it was bought at Albertsons, I'm gonna pass, but if it was Grandma that slaved away baking all day, give it a taste or two!
Definitely made with love :)
DON’T BRING YOUR OWN FOOD
This is one day I would not recommend you bring your own protein. There will be plenty of turkey— just go for mostly light white meat over the dark meat.

USE ALTERNATIVES WHERE APPROPRIATE
It is easier to control a meal if you are the one hosting, making it easy for you to use healthier alternatives in your cooking. This is something I pride myself in doing, so if you are hosting the holidays, it's a great way to show people how tasty healthy food can be. If you're cooking, be sure to make choices that can easily substitute for the “real deal.” I usually make 2 of the same thing, one traditionally unhealthy and one healthy substitute, the healthy sub usually gets devoured 1st-I swear lol!

• Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and mayonnaise in mashed potatoes, coleslaw, egg salad, tuna salads and other cold salads.
• Cauliflower mashed potatoes for real potatoes OR Plain Yogurt for half and half.
• Apple sauce for butter and oils in baked goods
• Natural sugars-stevia instead of a bunch of sweet white sugar

HEALTHY HORS D’OEUVRES
Whether you are hosting or attending try to stick with the healthier offerings; veggie trays, nuts, smoked salmon etc.

WALK IT OFF
Get out and get moving after your holiday meal. Going for a walk will burn a few extra calories and more than anything, make you feel better to get out and move! You can also stay active & burn cals WITH your family & friends by getting outside & playing some ball...the family that is active together-LIVES LONGER & happier lives ;o)


GET BACK ON THAT HORSE PEOPLE!
No matter how much or how little you had, the key is jumping right back on your plan the next meal and the next day. If you make an effort to jump right back on your healthy eating program, you won't have setbacks on the scale!
If you just stay active and make smart nutritional choices, you will get through the holidays guilt free! It's all about prepping yourself for whatever comes your way. Plan and prep and you'll stay on track.
Sample of my weekly prepped meals-No excuses
Cheers! Here is to a happy and healthy holiday season!



Happy Thanksgiving to you all, remember that while we are reminded during this time of year to be grateful for our lives blessings, carry that into the rest of the year, pass it on & be happy. 

Xxoo Brianna Jordan

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Healthy body. Happy tummy.

You all know that I pride myself in being a great cook but I am also really health conscious. The best way to have the best of both worlds in having a healthy lifestyle but enjoying the food that you make is to make some of your favorite things a lot healthier. The more we start paying attention to what we ingest, the better we will feel day in and out. For some of us, its a big adjustment but I always recommend to beginners, baby steps! Don't just quit everything cold turkey, you won't last very long. Back in the day when I first tasted whole wheat pasta, I almost spit it out! It was so gross and cardboardy to me! Now that I know what to expect AND have found the best quality brands/products, its a lot easier to stick with.

So to start with the MAIN thing you should really take notice of when trying to cut back is what you are intaking on a daily basis. Start by writing down each thing that you eat or drink, be sure to write down the portion size (weigh it or measure it out), the time and include anything you use like butter-salt-oil etc. You will be shocked to find out how many empty calories/sugar etc are in what you are eating.

There are also a LOT of misleading advertising ploys to get us to think we are buying healthier foods "FAT-FREE" "SUGAR-FREE" "LOW-FAT" all quickly come to mind. I have been fooled by these quick claims just like everyone else. As more and more studies and research become available to the public, we have learned that Low-fat/no-fat is a Big FAT Crock! All it really means is that instead of the extra fat, they ADD more unhealthy things like more sugar and higher carb content which simply CONVERT INTO FAT when we eat it! They also alter the oils used by putting more unnatural chemicals into our foods.

In fact when we eat foods high in carbs especially white refined ones (white bread-pasta-rice), our bodies digest them more quickly. This can lead to blood sugar swings and cravings making it more difficult to control our overall calorie intake - which means that second or third 'low fat' cookie starts to look very tempting! A diet too high in these refined carbs and sugars can be as unhealthy as a high-fat diet because it increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and causes high cholesterol levels.

Make sure you're getting good fats:
  • Eating more fish and nuts
  • Removing the skin from poultry and trimming visible fat from other cuts of meat.
  • Checking labels on food products.
  • Using good quality un-saturated oils, like walnut or pumpkin, for dipping your bread instead of using spreads.
  • Avoid frying instead steam, bake, poach or grill.
  • Replace mayo with plain yogurt - just add a squeeze of lemon juice and some mixed herbs, chives work well. You can also use Greek Yogurt in place of sour cream!
One of my favorite snacks are Granny Smith Apples with 2 Tablespoons of Natural Peanut Butter. Delish and keeps me going when I need something to tide me over.

My almond crusted Halibut with grilled asparagus

Beware of Artificial Sugar!!  


Sweetener lesson 101: Avoid artificial sweeteners like the plague. While the mechanisms of harm may differ, they’re all harmful in one way or another. This includes aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal), sucralose (Splenda), saccharin (Sweet'N Low), acesulfame potassium, neotame, and others.
 

  
In the beginning of my own journey to healthy living, I was not completely swept up in the SUGAR FREE Craze, but now there's little doubt in my mind  that artificial sweeteners can be far worse for you than sugar and fructose, and there is plenty of scientific evidence to back that up! 

Aspartame is perhaps the most dangerous of the bunch. At least it’s one of the most widely used and has the most reports of adverse effects. Aspartame has been linked to causing cancer, increasing insulin levels in diabetics as well as many other horrible health problems. Did you know that it actually converts to METHANOL in our bodies?? Do you know that methanol is what is used to make fuel for vehicles?! I do not want that in my body, do you?

I will admit that it has been the most difficult thing for me to cut out of my life, after all its designed to be that way. Highly addictive and very dangerous for you. I try to cut it out all together but occasionally I will find products in which the labeling is not as clear. 

Its really better for you to watch your sugar intake on a whole and if you are consuming something with sugar, the real stuff is a better choice. 

I think we have learned a little today?? Now for the good stuff! Some of my most requested recipes! I really pride myself in making traditionally UN-healthy food, healthier and not sacrificing great taste. 
Brianna's Easy Cajun Chicken with Red-Pepper Sauce
   Serving Size: 4 people  Prep Time: 10 Cook Time: 25 min

you will need:
1
lb trimmed chicken breast-sliced
2-3 Red (or orange) Bell Peppers Seeded & Chopped
1 (3 cups) bag of Haricoverts (thin green beans)
 
4oz cooked Barilla Whole Wheat Fettuccine
1 tsp Sodium Free Cajun Spice
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tsp Hot Sauce (I like Cholula-add more if you like heat)
1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
1.5 Tbsp of fresh Parsley


  • place the chopped bell peppers in a steamer and steam for approx 20 min or until soft
  • Boil water add pasta-cook for 7-8 min or until aldente-drain & set aside
  • Add Green Beans to pot of water and boil for 10 minutes-Drain & set aside
  •  in bowl mix chicken strips with 1 tbsp of olive oil and Cajun spice-cook on medium skillet
  • Once peppers are done steaming, drain and place in blender-add 1tbsp olive oil, hot sauce, sea salt and 1 tbsp parsley-Blend until smooth
To arrange, place 1 cup of pasta in the bowl, top with half of the green beans, half of the chicken, and pour red pepper sauce-toss with 2 forks-top with parsley if desired and enjoy!

This dish is really a crowd pleaser at my house, its easy to make, healthy and delicious!

Serves 4

Calories 247, total fat 6g, 58mg chol, 360mg sodium, 25g carb (4g fiber, 5g sugar), 24g Protein

For dessert!

Healthier version of a Molten Lava Cake

Brianna's Molten HOT Cakes

Prep time: 20 min. Total time: 2 hours
You'll need:


  • 3 tbps unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp canola oil
  • 3 oz high quality dark (bittersweet) chocolate (60-70% cacao) chopped
  • 3 oz whole wheat pastry flour (I like Bobs-approx 2/3 cup)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • Baking spray with flour
  • powdered sugar (optional)
1.Combine butter, oil, and chocolate in the top of a double boiler. Cook over simmering water until chocolate almost fully melts, stirring gently with a spatula. Remove top of double boiler; stir gently until chocolate fully melts. (you can create your own double boiler by placing 1 pot on top of another that is the same size)

2. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; stir well with a wisk.

3. Place granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and eggs in a large bowl; beat with mixer on medium until light & fluffy (about 2 min). Set aside 2 tbsp (or a little more) melted chocolate. Gradually pour remaining chocolate in a thin stream over egg mixture-while still beating at medium speed. Then gently fold flour mixture into the egg mixture.

4. Divide batter evenly among 10 5oz ramekins (or you may use a little more in larger ramekins) coated with baking flour spray. Working with 1 ramekin at a time, spoon in 1/4 tsp melted chocolate that you reserved, pushing teaspoon towards the center of the batter. Repeat with the remaining ramekins. Arrange ramekins on a jelly-roll pan. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour (may for a bit longer if desired)

5. Preheat oven to 400.

6. Let ramekins stand at room temp for 15 min. Uncover and bake at 400 for 13 min OR until cakes are puffy and slightly crusty on top (centers will not be set). Place a dessert plate on top of each ramekin and using a dry kitchen towel or oven mitt, invert each cake onto plates. Garnish with powdered sugar if desired. Serve immediately.

Serves 10
Calories 249, Fat 11.8g (sat 5.1, mono 4.4g, poly 1.3g), Protein 4g, Carb 35g, Fiber 3g, Chol 65mg, Iron 2mg, Sodium 135mg, calc 71mg

Tips for a better & lighter cake;
A traditional lava cake has approx 7-900 calories triple the fat content and while they're delish, there are better alternatives. My healthy version is NOT something you want to eat every day, this is more of a special treat for you when you are craving something decedent. The whole wheat pastry flour lightens up the batter and creates a crisp outer crust, its a bonus that it adds 1g extra fiber per serving. Cocoa powder allows for intense chocolate flavor without the cocoa butter of whole chocolate. Saves so many cals and fat per oz over regular chocolate.
 
Remember guys & girls, NOTHING taste
s as good as healthy feels so do what you can to lighten up your tummy, you won't regret being able to fit comfortably into your clothes! 

For more healthy lifestyle tips and so much more, follow me on Instagram 

Until next time, 

XO Brianna




Thursday, November 13, 2014

Island hopping

My last Grecian stop was in Santorini Island. Really a beautiful place. I was even able to meet up with the friends I made in Athens, however we took literally no pics together because we were lookin tore up from all day at the beach lol! Sunscreen & "waterproof" makeup combo OH MY LOL!

Santorini was a very relaxing setting, we visited the Ancient Ruins, slept atop the lava flowing underneath the island and watched the most beautiful sunsets of all.

Haha, the 1 photo I snapped of my girl, more to come when she visits me in Vegas!

The beautiful Village of Oia, LOVED it here

Celebrating the Volcano


Even in 400BC they constructed a toilet!!

YES PLEASE

Miss my authentic Greek salads
Needless to say, I loved my time in Greece but it was time to say Goodbye! Last stop of the trip before heading home via London was Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

I have been to Amalfi before and was thrilled to be asked back for an appearance. It was an honor and a privilege.This time I stayed in Ravello, which is high above the sea with sprawling villas and amazing food. Its really hard to say no thank you when little Nonna's are saying "manja, manja". Came back only 6lbs up which is not too bad lol...hey I have the rest of my life to be fit! Gotta enjoy the good stuff sometimes. Just remember moderation.

 I was only in Naples overnight but took an early am tour to see what I was missing. It was SO hot (as Greece was) so I look a little impatient in my pics lol, but it was cool, saw the sites, ate a pizza...kind of depressing how there is graffiti everywhere here! On historical monuments and everything. I wouldn't come back to Naples but glad I experienced it.

 Had a chance to go back to my ALL TIME Favorite restaurant in Ravello, this is the owners son who took pleasure in hand feeding every woman that walked in the doors, when I wanted a pic, he quickly snuck in this pose! Bad boy lol...his mom has her hands full!


A beautiful Duomo in Amalfi City

A huge highlight of my trip was a tour of a lemon grove. These lemons are the size of your head & not only are they super sweet-not sour like ours here, but you can eat the entire thing-rhine included and its SO Delish!
Of course an Amalfi trip is NOT complete without Positano

Homeward bound and after being gone for an entire month, I was SO ready to be in my own bed and see my little Baby boy. He is getting really up there in age, so I have to soak in all of the time that I can with him. It was a great adventure that I am truly grateful to have had at the age that I am.

Speaking of age! Those of you that follow my IG (www.instagram.com/thebriannajordan) know I have been doing a really fun Birthday countdown! Each day gets a little naughtier lol. Just like last year, for anyone that wants to make me smile & feel extra special on my day by sending gifts off of my wishlists will receive a gift back from me! I'm a giver too lol.

Here are some ideas for you to choose from. Can't believe how fast the time is flying this year!

December 1st is only 18 days away! Crazzzzzy!!! 
Amazon All sorts of fun stuff! 
Lulu Lemon My FAV sexy workout apparel

And I'm in need of vouchers for my upcoming trip! Hotel Gift Card

Neimans My fav luxury items





I GIFT BACK WHEN SPOILED! RT I give YOU a gift back (the more generous you are with me-the more I am with you!!) #birthday #Sagittarius #gifting #giftback #briannajordan #vegas #playboy #penthouse #hustler #model #smile #kiss #makeawish #specialday #spoiled


Love & Hugs, Brianna Jordan