Energy Mix...Extra Lean Style

1/4 cup walnut halves

1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup whole grain cereal

2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds

~combine all ingredients & mix

~divide into 6 equal portions & distribute into resealable plastic bags

serving size: 2 heaping tablespoons

calories: 146 kcal

fiber: 2g

protein 4g

I read Mario Lopez's book 'Extra Lean' & 'Extra Lean Family'.

Just randomly stumbled upon it and was surprisingly good!

His basic principles were:

1. Balance your daily intake of carbs, protein, and fat (and yes eat EACH!)

2. Practice proper portion control

3. Eat frequently throughout the day

(snack btwn breakfast & lunch, and 2 snacks btwn lunch & dinner)

Nothing new right? It just helped remind me in my post-partum period TO EAT properly!

I felt like I was stuck with the 'last 10 lbs' and I couldn't understand why; but then I

re-evaluated how I was eating and I figured it out. I was grazing the whole day (yes it was on whole grain crackers and other 'relatively healthy food' but it was nothing substantial, and then I felt like I over-ate at dinner because of it. Most of the book is recipes and weekly meal plans. After trying the first week, following it to a T, I lost 3lbs (this was with occasional exercise, and lots of running up & down the stairs). Wow I thought to myself, what and how we eat directly impacts our health & well-being!

Just another friendly reminder ;)