Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Mmmmmm Shake

Today, after my workout I made a delicious protein shake. It was AMAZING because I was sweating like a lunatic during my workout, so it was a perfect sweet and cold combination treat!


Chocolate Strawberry Protein Shake
1 C frozen strawberries
1 C fat free milk
1 level scoop chocolate protein powder
1 T cocoa powder
1 handful fresh spinach
4 ice cubes
Blend in blender till smooth

This delicious treat came in at about 250 calories.
ENJOY!!!!


Monday, June 27, 2011

Stage 8

Today, I start with Stage 8... I am guessing that I could skip this stage and the next one... but I think I should stick to the program and really work on building up my endurance. I'd hate to burn out because I didn't train properly. That would be NO BUENO!

Stage 8
Walk 2 min. Run 9 min.
Repeat sequence one more time
Walk 2 min. Run 8 min.
End 3 min walk

Promises I Can't Seem to Keep

I know I've promised a few recipes and a meal planning post, still working on the correct presentation of the meal planning post, and I'll get those recipes up soon! Things around here have gotten a wee bit crazy...
I promise I'm not lying!!! I'll get the posts up!

My good friend, Tugaw (not his first name, but that's what we call him), is coming to visit this Saturday!!! YAY! I met him years ago in college, we were both in the "Greek System" and have been friends ever since. He'll stay for a week and I am working on a list of activities! He came out here two years ago, and I guess he returned home extremely sore and VERY tired... not exactly a vacation when visiting the Whipple Family. We're not the relaxing type... we're the "go-go-go" type. I guess we sort of beat him into the ground, but he REALLY enjoyed his time here, so we're doing it again!
We went as Derek Zoolander and Cruella DeVil one year for Halloween!
Well... except Derek isn't an Ambi-Turner and Tugaw is
clearly, turning left

Also, my sister (Pam), brother in law/her hubby (Nick), and baby ( Wil) are coming here because of a cool job offer here in the Eug. We're VERY excited to have them here. Pfo will return to the UT for a bit to finish out her job while Nick starts his new job here. We'll all be on baby Wil detail, woot woot! He's ADORABLE. Nick and baby will be chillin at the Whipple Home for the next couple months, it'll be a full house (DUDE ! I just got why "Full House" is called "full house!!")
I just love this little squish!!!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Holy Amazing Sandwich Batman!

I got home this afternoon from church, completely ravenous (8am breakfast... then 3 hours of church... no food till 1:20pm... not happy), so Rachel and I started in on making our lunchies immediately. I'm usually the type that as soon as I got home, I book it upstairs to kick off my heels and get into my yoga pants... I don't like being dressed up for long, but instead we went straight for the food.

We dove into the corn relish with multi-grain chips as an appetizer while we perused the fridge and cupboards. I decided I wanted to give the panini press a shot because the mother made AMAZING pesto this morning {Recipe coming soon}. I have found HEAVEN.
Chicken & Pesto Panini
This heavenly goodness was made using 100 calorie Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins! On one inside slice I smeared about a 1/2 T of garlic roasted hummus, and fresh pesto on the other. Then I added 2 oz of shredded chicken (I just drained the canned chicken from Costco), a giant slice of tomato, and 1 slice of low-fat Sargento provolone cheese. I then lightly LIGHTLY buttered the outside of the sandwich thin and popped it in the panini press for about 5-6 minutes (until golden brown and cheese melted)... Oh my gosh. So many AMAZING summery flavorful goodness. Best. Sandwich. EVER. And this beauty came in just below 300 calories!


Saturday, June 25, 2011

Didn't Know I Had That In Me?!?!?!


Yesterday (Friday), I started out for my run and I had made a mental note that I was going to try something outside of Stage 7 since I'd already completed necessary 4 runs for the week. BTW, I totally OWNED this stage. Since, I felt like I had completely womped the stage, I decided to see just what I was capable of because I have, apparently, been under estimating myself.

I did a short warm-up, and started running. I did a slow enough pace so that I didn't freak myself out and get short of breath or anything. I ran for 30 min. straight. I could've kept going but I was so freaking shocked that I did intervals for the rest of the hour. 30 MIN STRAIGHT! For me, this is a WIN! I couldn't believe how easily I did it and how much I loved it! For many of you, this wouldn't seem like much. For someone like me, who has never been a runner... going from never running and always walking to running 30 minutes is a BIG DEAL.

I think we sometimes underestimate our abilities and what we're capable of doing. I'm sure it was in me all along to do this but I had to finish Stage 7 to really know it was in me to KEEP going. Before, I would mentally wig myself out and just crap out and give up. BOO! I don't know what mind games you play with yourself when you run, but I wasn't very optimistic about what I could do. Mean Girls says it the best....

Friday, June 24, 2011

Friday Five

Friday Five

Welcome to Friday Five where I share 5 randoms about ME!

1. I am obsessed with VEGGIES. I would eat veggies over
fruit for the rest of my life (wow this color combo looks like Christmas)
I love to grill, bake, saute, steam and eat them raw! I LOVE veggeis!!
My favorites are: asparagus, broccoli, carrots, red peppers,
cucumbers, and celery!
2. I have really weird texture issues. I can't touch, hear, look at,
or eat certain things because the texture severely wigs me out and
makes my spine go all weak and tingly. I'm weird it's cool. I shall
now attempt to show you a few things I have issues with which will cause
my spine to go weak, but for you... anything :)

Walking on concrete in a garage with socks! shiver up the spine.
When edges of a paper bag rub together. Gag.
Fuzzy peaches... the thought of biting into one... EW.
This one is the WORST. I want to vom. The center of a sunflower. SICK

3. I have been obsessed with Rosebud Perfume Co. Strawberry Lip Balm
FOREVER. I found it years ago at Urban Outfitters and I LOVE it.
It's AMAZING, you won't be disappointed. Get it. Love it. Use it.
4. I would LOVE to get a tattoo someday. Some people think they're
trashy and that's cool, but I think that some can be done in good taste.
I'd love to get a simple single wave on the side of my foot to symbolize
my love for the ocean and always having my feet in the water. Every
time I go to the beach, the first thing I do is kick off my shoes and run
to the ocean to put my feet in the water so I can be in the ocean and apart of it!
side of foot
+
single wave

5. I have kept a journal since I was in middle school. I have a stack
of journals {somewhere... not telling where!}. My favorite journals to
use are Moleskine lined journals. I love writing :)


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Love the Race

I like doing races, I've done 5k's mostly and one 10k. I'm currently training for the Disneyland Half Marathon in September 2012... well by training I really mean that I'm attempting to run the entire duration of a 10k then move onto to officially training for the 1/2. It's all a process so I call it "training," it makes me feel better! A half marathon may sound torturous BUT make it a half marathon in my favorite place in the world, Disneyland, and I'm ALL IN with a GIANT smile on my face! I, also, have big ambitions of completing the Run Disney Coast to Coast Race Challenge, where you must complete a marathon or half marathon in Walt Disney World AND Disneyland in the same calendar year. I'm planning on doing this in 2013 when I'm in real good with Disney and they choose to send me on their dime, it's going to happen. You'll see. They give you a special medal for it, in addition to the medals you receive from the other races. I WANT that medal.

"click me" to go to their site

So that's the goal... let's talk about the fun I've already had. Every year we wake up freaking early on Thanksgiving to run the Turkey Stuffer 5k, we've been doing this since 2004. I remember the first year they got me to do it, I thought it was some cruel form of punishment but then it just became something hilarious and fun to do, plus I love the shirt we get every year!

My favorite is the grey one!!!

People dress up in costumes and I do my horrible impersonation of Enrico Pollini from Rat Race... "it's a race, it's a race!" It was funny the first time I did it 7 years ago... not so much anymore. I need new material. crap.

"Click me" to go to their site

Rachel, Chuby and I did The Dirty Dash this last fall (September 2010) and LOVED it. It was a 10k of fun, dirt and mud. It was a mess and it was FABULOUS. I highly recommend this run to anyone who wants to have a good laugh, amazing pictures, and lots of fun during a 10k. The race trail had "obstacles" that needed to be passed; including slogging through mud pits, hurdling hay bails and 6 ft walls into mud pits, crossing a nasty swamp and creek, a giant slip'n'slide into a yet another giant mud pit, and in order to cross the finish line you had to swim through a HUGE mud pit in front of an audience armed with water balloons. Best. Race. EVER!
Before all nice and clean
The creek to cross had a slimy slippery wall to crawl up
many people slid back into the creek. AWESOME

The final mud pit to swim in!
AFTER! Lllooovveeee!

I am not fast, and I am not {yet} a runner. But I LOVE races when I can do them for fun and just jog {slog really} through it and enjoy the laughs along the way. I love the pictures, the laughs and the memories. The 10k was LONG but it was so much fun and I would do it again in a heart beat! I figure that if it's enjoyable, it'll make me want it, rather than dread it. My advice to you: find a race you could have fun with and get a couple friends together to do it. Make silly costumes or tie-dye shirts for the race and wear them together. I don't know, but have fun with it!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Post Workout Lunchies!


Today's post-workout lunch was not only delicious, but colorful! I have been forced to upgrade my dinnerware when I make my salads because the wimpy little cereal size bowls just weren't able to contain the amount of lettuce I use nowadays. I've now moved on to using a small mixing bowl and it's working out much better for me!
Corn Relish, Mango Salsa, Shredded Chicken and Regular Salsa
.Heaven.

Our family friends have a beautiful garden and they have shared their romaine lettuce abundance with us and I am very grateful for it. I nearly finished off a gallon size bag of lettuce myself, just for lunch. When it comes to the amount of lettuce I use, I really don't care. It's super filling and VERY yummy. I LOVE fresh produce. I enjoy going to Farmer's Markets and buying the delicious seasonal items they have to share. The area I'm moving to in California has a Farmer's Market in a nearby square every weekend... my goal is to step in grocery stores only to purchase meat and live off of fresh produce from the farmer's market and meat. It will be sssooo difficult (*note sarcasm here*). Hhhmmm.... now I want some berries. Bye!

In Other News...

This blog isn't just about health and fitness... although I do write about that A LOT. This is a blog about the things I LOVE; exercise and food being two of those {which reminds me... I have MORE recipes to share!}. Another love of mine is DISNEY. As many of you know, I will be working for the Wonderful World of Disney in August, and it's a dream come true for me! I have ALWAYS wanted to work for Disney, and I'm getting the opportunity through one of Disney's internship programs. From August - January I will be working as a Disney Desk Representative and I will be living in Disney housing.

Today, I got an email from Disneyland Recruiting telling me who one of my roommates will be... and to my great surprise and happiness, I will be rooming with a woman I met through facebook and requested. We are BOTH so so excited about this! She's doing the program for the same reasons that I am; to strengthen the resume and gain some amazing work experience through a reputable company. If the opportunity to stay on with Disney works out, wonderful, if it doesn't, then we have great work experience to show from it and, hopefully, find jobs somewhere else. {I'm praying to stay at Disney though!!!} Many of the other college program participants are much younger than us and are in different places in their lives than we are (which is GREAT for them!), so we wanted to room together because we have similar mindsets going into this experience.

I will have more information for all of you about Disney related items later this year but for now, this is my exciting Disney news! When I learn more, I will definitely share any hints, tips and secrets that I can. If any of you are thinking of making trips to Disneyland this fall or winter, please contact me and I will give ANY discounts I have available to make your trip happen. Disneyland is an amazing place and it's one of my favorite places in the world, so if I can help make a trip for you and/or your family happen, I will GLADLY extend whatever discounts and knowledge I have so you can go and not completely break the bank!


Blast You Internet Gods!!!


Sorry I've been a lame blogger, 1. I'm still new to this, 2. I have LOTS to say with several posts in the works but just not sure how to really finish them and 3... it totally sucks when the internet is being flaky like the crap-tastic roommate you had in college.

"I'm NEVER late for our very important dates!" .right.

This week, I have moved onto Stage 7! What what!? It's my FAVORITE stage so far!

Stage 7
Walk 2 min. Run 8 min.
Repeat sequence 2 more times
End with 3 min. walk

I'm loving this stage because it's more straight running with only 120 seconds in between running segments. I' starting to actually feel like a runner! I did this stage yesterday, I love my Monday workouts because I {usually} try to take Sunday off (unless it's uber beautiful outside so therefore I MUST hike or something) so when I get to my Monday workouts I feel AMAZING. Safe to say, yesterday's workout was phenomenal.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Coming Soon....



I've been working on a post about "Meal Planning" but I wanted to get some pictures of me actually doing this so that you all know that I practice what I preach.

Rachel and I will be cooking up a storm this afternoon to prepare our meals for the coming week. More on this later!



Friday, June 17, 2011

WOW

I am a morning person. I'm that annoying type that's really REALLY talkative and perky in the morning. When Rachel has to interact with me in the earlyness of the morning she often says to me "no more talkie-talk," which means "Heather, shut up, you're annoying." You'd think that with my morning-person thing that I'd be able to exercise in the morning.... oh how wrong was I!

I am doing a 24-hour babysitting gig for a family I used to nanny for and I figured that I should get my workout done this morning (8am) so that I can get everything else I need to do done before I head off for the day. I ssssuuuccckkkkeeedddd. I have always been an evening-ish (5pm) workout person, taking workout classes around the late afternoon when I got done with classes or going to the gym and either doing the treadmill or swimming. I always had early morning classes at school so I usually waited to go to the gym to do my workout. My attempt to do an a morning workout was {really} an exercise in futility. The run didn't happen, so I just walked at a brisk pace for 60 min at a slight incline. Whatever, I'm happy with that. I'll just have to get my last Stage 6 run in tomorrow... here's hoping that works!

First Annual - Friday Five

Friday Five

Welcome to Friday Five where I share 5 randoms about ME!

1. I LOVE rain. Like irrationally love the rain.
Going to school in freaking Logan, UT where it NEVER rains - lame,
I once got so excited when it started raining there that I was,
literally, ROLLING in the rain on the university quad.
(*guess it's a good thing my hometown - The Eug - sees like 376 days
of rain a year*)

2. I am not a huge fan of "sweets."
I don't like ice cream, I can always say no to a slice of cake, and
cookies just don't do it for me. You get what I'm saying...
No, thank you.

The exceptions to my no-likey-sweetness rule...
These I can't say "Oh, I've had enough" to...

Brownies

Peanut Butter M&Ms
Uh-Oh Oreos (aka Golden Oreos with Choc Creme)

3. I Karaoke. Seriously, it's like the funnest
thing to belt out "Total Eclipse of the Heart."
Try it.

4. I'm a closet crier. Literally. If I'm upset the best place to find
me is in a closet. I hardly ever cry. So when I do,
I hole up somewhere... like a closet. It's hilarious.

5. My dream is to one day have babies...
No, not human babies (NO, thank you).
These preciouses will be my babies...
Black Labrador - her name will be Belle
Chocolate Newfoundland - his name will be Chewbacca
I will call him Chewie (Doesn't he look like a Chewie!?)
American Bulldog - her name will be Agnes
I will call her Aggie (Oh my gosh I LOVE those rolls!)

What are 5 things you love? hate? obsessed with?



Thursday, June 16, 2011

Recipe Project

I LOVE Costco. It is the most amazing place in the world! It houses so many wonderful treasures at great costs AND their return policies are very reasonable. I like.

Anyway, I was looking through the books and movies and I came across a recipe binder. The reason I'm so excited about this is because I have been meaning to write down my favorite recipes and store them in the same place and I was about to go out and design my own or try and figure something out. Lucky me! For $12.99 they'd already done it for me! WOO! This is a project I really want to get started on because with the grand move to California in a couple months, I want to have as many things organized and ready to go as possible and not having to worry about a bunch of loose recipe cards is a bonus!

Oooooo! I also found the Cuisinart (how is that pronounced? Rachel and I keep fighting about it) Griddler Compact I've been looking at for $40.00. I love finding these treasures!!!

YAY for successful shopping outings!

An Off Day Now and Then...


I went hiking with my friend, Lauren, yesterday. We hit up Spencer's Butte because I was traumatized from my previous Mt. Pisgah snake encounter... we were SO close to the top of beautiful Spencer's Butte when Miss Lauren nearly stepped on a rattle snake, and this boy was a fatty. Again, we screamed and pulled some amazing mid-air ninja moves and high tailed it down the trail. Am I just not meant to hike anymore?

Anyway, after our eventful hike, I headed home and decided that I needed to do one of my runs. Holy brick Batman!? I couldn't get past walking and into a run, I felt like a clydesdale tromping rather than gracefully bounding. It was not desirable. I didn't end up running, but boy am I glad that I did the hike earlier that day so that I got some of a workout in!

Today, on the other hand, I ran effortlessly? I finished the 33 min. of Stage 6 and decided I keep going, so I kept up the 3 min. walk and 7 min. run sequence for the rest of the hour. It was great!

*Random thing I love: I love when I get so hot and sweaty and then I wash my face right after in cold water. Seriously, the most amazing and exhilarating feeling. Love love LOVE.

Any tips on dealing with snakes on trails?
What do you do when you have an "off" day?
How do you get over that "brick" feeling?

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Rachel's Birthday

Earlier I wrote that Rachel and I were doing a double hike day, hitting up Spencer's Butte and Mt. Pisgah. Spencer's Butte was BEAUTIFUL and amazing! Take a look...
Rachel in the neat little canopy section of the trail
I love how lush and beautiful Eugene is!
View from the top

After we finished the hike up Spencer's Butte, we headed over to Mt. Pisgah... I have no pictures of Mt. Pisgah because about 1/2 way up, Rachel and I came across a GIANT (like 3-4 ft.) snake going across the path. Without a word to one another, we both turned around (I may or may have not yelled an expletive) and ran for our lives down the mountain, only stopping to warn those we headed up. I hate snakes... just writing the last few sentences I feel squeamish. I have serious texture issues with snakes. Moving on...

Even though we didn't finish the 2nd hike, we still got a great workout for the day! I also did my Stage 6 run for the day and it felt great! My legs were crazy tired after all the hiking and running, but it's a great feeling. For Rachel's birthday she wanted to read Harry Potter, going hiking, and come home to watch Star Wars! Then we had the BBQ with the rest of the family and miss Chuby came over as well. We made something delish that I think you kids will LOVE...

Corn Relish
1 can black beans (rinsed)
1 can corn (rinsed)
1/2 red onion finely chopped
1 bunch cilantro chopped
2 avocados diced
Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Salt
Mix all ingredients in a bowl
Add lime juice and salt to taste



This stuff is AMAZING!!!! It's great as a side to any dish, add it to a salad, add it to a sandwich, or it's great as a dip with chips. It's really fresh and has a lot of amazing flavors. I love this recipe, and I hope you all love it, too! We got the fire pit going and roasted s'mores...

Here is Rachel's fine creation!

I know with family-get-togethers and parties, it's easy to get carried away and hard to resist the delicious treats. It's important to not deprive yourself, but to also keep yourself in-check. We had burgers tonight, and to make things reasonable, Rachel and I used "1oo calorie Sandwich Thins" as buns for the burgers. I added tomato and some of the corn relish to my burger for flavor and to make it more filling. I added plenty of watermelon to my plate, and some more of the corn relish on the side to munch on. When it came time for dessert, I made one s'more - One graham cracker (65 cal), 1/4 of a chocolate bar (53 cal), one JetPuff stacker (17 cal) = 135 calories. It can be hard but it's important to make proper substitutions but make them tasty enough so that your body doesn't feel like it's missing out. With the dessert, I didn't make any substitutions, but I had only one. Practice self control. If you can, bring some healthy side dishes (like the corn relish or a fruit medley) to a BBQ or party that you're invited to. Then you know there is something you can indulge in that you'll enjoy.

Rachel and Chuby

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL!!!!!!



Let's Go Take a Hike!


Today is this one's birthday! Rachel is 22 years old! Woot woot! For her birthday, we're going to go hike Spencer's Butte AND Mt. Pisgah! She wants to do both, plus we're doing a delish dinner tonight, so doing both is an attempt to equal out the crap we'll undoubtedly consume. She requested burgers for her birthday dinner and s'mores for her dessert! Rachel and I have been oddly collecting strange marshmallows... like the new JetPuff Stackers and these freaking HUGE mallows, I also got Reese's PB cups to try and use instead of a chocolate bar (the child's favorite thing is Reese's!). I'll post pix later! Have a great day and don't forget to celebrate the birth of the Rachel!

Monday, June 13, 2011

On to Stage 6


On to the next one! (speaking of "On to the Next One" -- GREAT running song by Jay-z!) I did 6 days, last week, in stead of just the 4 and I'm happy I did! I am feeling very confident with Stage 5 and feel ready to move onto Stage 6. I started Stage 6 yesterday, which looks like this...

Stage 6
Walk 3 min. Run 7 min.
Repeat sequence 2 more times
End with 3 min. walk
I think Stage 6 is my favorite, thus far. It's more running and I'm surprised how well I'm doing... I keep thinking that one of these stage is going to stump me and I'll have to repeat it but nope. I am moving right along with the stages and it's going great! I am feeling, really and TRULY,
more confident with my running. It's interesting... I think I've had it in me all along to do what I'm
training to do but I think we let our minds have way too much control and convince us that we can't and that we need to stop.
So true, Jillian, so true. *side note: She terrifies me but I LOVE her at the same time! She can come kick my butt any day!*

Will Return...


My blog is being wonky when attempting to write/publish posts... I've got a few I am working on so I shall return shortly...

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Delicious Dessert Idea


Who wants a delicious treat that is about 125 calories?!?! {Whole room jumps up and down screaming "me!" "me!"}


Okay the picture doesn't really do it justice... but rest assured! It is amazing! I like to call this "Banana Soft Serve!" The name needs work. It is truly, decadent! Okay! On to the recipe... it's pretty difficult, I mean seriously. Intense.

Banana Soft Serve
1 Banana, peeled
Store banana in zip loc bag
Freeze overnight
{I told you, hard stuff this is!}
Place in blender/food processor (whatever)
2 T cocoa powder (or do 1, whatevs)
Blend
Enjoy!
Super hard stuff I know! So good though! It's banana chocolately goodness.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Cafe Rio Chicken Salad -- MY WAY!

I went to school in Logan, Utah at Utah State University and I, easily, got a Cafe Rio Chicken Salad once every other week. I LOVED them! Seriously, so delish. I love these salads SO much that it was a selling point to work in Anaheim,California because there was a Cafe Rio about 15 min. from where I'd working/living. There isn't a Cafe Rio in Oregon... big sad face! Upon moving to Oregon for the summer, I stopped eating out. I haven't eaten out for about a month now... mostly in an attempt to save money before moving to California and to help with eating more healthy. I was surfing the internet the other night and came across a recipe... for Cafe Rio's Chicken Salad!!!! Mind. Lost. SO HAPPY! I'm attempting the recipe today, so we'll see how it turns out! I'm not doing the exact Cafe Rio salad because it's super calorically intense, so I'm doing my own spin on it. I'll give you the recipes then explain how I'm preparing it in my own way!

Cafe Rio Chicken
5 lbs chicken breast, boneless, skinless
1 sm bottle (8oz) zesty italian dressing
1 T chili powder
1 T Cumin
3 cloves of garlic, minced
Put ingredients in a slow cooker on HIGH for 6 hours
Shred the chicken the last hour

Creamy Cilantro Ranch Dressing
1 packet TRADITIONAL Hidden Valley Ranch Mix ( NOT buttermilk)
1 C. mayonnaise
1 C. buttermilk
2 tomatillos, remove husk, diced
1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
2 clove garlic, minced
1/4 C. fresh lime juice
1 jalapeno (I do NOT like it spicy so I removed the seeds,
keep the seeds if you like spicy)
Mix all ingredients together in a blender.

The original Cafe Rio salad is assembled in the following order: Tortilla, cheese, black or pinto beans, lime rice, shredded chicken or pork, red and green leaf lettuce (shredded), sprinkle crunch corn strips on top, grated Parmesan cheese. Then add sides of pico de gallo, guacamole, fresh cilantro, fresh lime slice, and then dressing. According to the MyFitnessPal website that = 960 calories all together..... WOW. BTW when I ate this salad, I usually cut it in 1/2 or even 1/3 and ate it over the span of 2-3 days -- eat the things you want... again, just in moderation! Plan ahead and plan accordingly. I always got the salad to go and when I got home I would divide it up, put some on my plate, and place the remainder in the fridge so that it wasn't a temptation to keep eating. Plus, then I could savor the deliciousness over time!

This is how I assembled my salad... I used one of La Tortilla Factory's Smart and Delicious Low Carb High Fiber Tortillas (80 cal, 6 net carbs, 8 protein!), 1 oz low fat shredded cheddar cheese, (45 cal), 1/4 cup pinto beans (60 cal), 2 oz shredded chicken breast (90 cals, 8 prot), lots of lettuce, some fresh salsa, fresh lime slice, and then the dressing (I'm guessing about 100 cals, could be wrong, don't quote me) -- When I made the dressing, I didn't add the mayonnaise for two reasons; 1st it's a freaking calorie kick in the pants and I didn't want that; and 2nd Rachel HATES mayonnaise, like the child will Vom if she finds out it's in anything she eats. Literally. She is such a drama queen (I actually think it's a vile substance, as well, but it's more fun to make fun of her). Then my salad was complete! My version of Rio's salad calorie total = 375 calories-ish... again don't quote me.

That's a hell of a lot better than the original salad and just as tasty!!!! Actually MORE tasty! Seriously, so good. I ended up skipping the tortilla because the salad was AMAZING without it, so I just had extra... I decided I wanted more lettuce and
chicken as opposed to a single tortilla. Chuby tried the tortilla and thought it was amazing though, so you won't be sorry trying them! This variation is something I could easily whip up for lunch or dinner and isn't going to kill me or my weightloss goals, especially if I plan accordingly. The recipe calls for 5lbs of chicken breast which makes A LOT of shredded chicken! So I froze the majority of it in several little sandwich baggies so that I could put them in the fridge the night before and let it thaw the day before I want it. I'm really big on planning my meals out! I'll do a whole other post on planning meals ahead, but I thought this would be a useful tip for this recipe seeing as it's A LOT of chicken and I'd hate for the amazingness to go to waste! Definitely worth trying!!!

I hope you enjoy!

What kinds of variations do you do to your favorite recipes/meals to make them less calorically intense? What are the foods that you're OK with splurging on every now and then?