Kinda Like Jamba High Protein Berry Orange Smoothie!

Okay, so pretty much anyone trying to lose weight knows all about the low-carb, high-protein debate. Not going to go into that. But I will say, the current eating plan I am following emphasizes eating a lot of protein, so I have been trying to be creative with ways to pack in as much protein as possible while also avoiding protein powder shakes. Nothing against protein powder, I just really can't stand protein powder shakes. I basically have to force-feed them to myself, which is stupid, really. So, I'm always trying to think of ways I can make new smoothies/shakes without the vile chalk taste.

If you're not a fan of Greek yogurt yet, you really should be (provided you can eat dairy!). The non-fat variety gives so much bang for its buck: lots of protein, calcium, and good-for-your-gut bacteria. It can be a little more expensive, so I have had to be a little creative in finding good sources for it. Walmart has their own brand which is pretty inexpensive and tastes great! Also, if you have a Grocery Outlet in your town, check them out. They often have 5 oz containers of Greek yogurt for 50 cents each, and I've even found 32 oz containers of Brown Cow Greek yogurt there for $1.49 (also worth mentioning: they often have lots of protein products on the cheap). So it pays to shop around.

Anyways, I use it as a replacement for protein powder in a lot of things, namely this smoothie. It gives it a nice, creamy taste that reminds me of something I'd get at a smoothie shop.

High Protein Berry Orange Smoothie

1 cup frozen mixed berries (no sugar added)
1/2 large orange (I scoop out the orange and toss the peel. More fiber this way!)
1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (I use Oikos)
Stevia, Splenda, xylitol or other no-cal sweetener to taste
2-5 ice cubes, depending on how thick you like your smoothies.

Blend!

Note: I use a vita-mix, so if you don't have a high power blender, you might need to add a little liquid, like water or almond milk. 

Nutrition:  (approximate, may vary depending on what brands you use)
Calories: 213
Fat: <1g
Carbs: 37g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 23g

Fifty Pound Mark!

It's been a really long time since I've posted anything on here. I've been pretty busy for the last year working on all my pre-reqs for nursing school, studying and then taking the nursing school entrance exam, so unfortunately this has fallen to the wayside. Thankfully, I was accepted into a nursing program and I start in January!

While I am thrilled about that, what I am really excited to say is that I have finally hit the 50
lb mark in my weight loss adventure. It's been a slow and laborious process, but it is so worth it. My health and fitness have improved so much, and I can't wait to lose some more!

I tried to find some "before" pictures of when I was at my heaviest, but I realized I had no full body shots. I never wanted my picture taken below the shoulders before, so I had to steal this blurry picture of myself off my aunt's Facebook:

And now, for a recent shot:

While I still have a long way to go, it's exciting to look at old pictures and know that my hard work is paying off. I've lost another three pounds since hitting the 50 lb mark!

I've tried lots of different exercise programs, but the one I am doing now (which seems to be making a big difference in weight loss, endurance and increasing strength) is following the one in Jamie Eason's Female Fitness Bible. Check it out here:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/womans_lean_sexy_bible.htm

I hope this encourages you in your own weight-loss adventure!