We all know that vegetables are a super-healthy food group, and they should make up a good portion of our diets. Quite simply, a whole-foods, plant-based diet is a way of eating that can help you take better control of your overall health. On my new Cruise Control Fasting program, I suggest that during your 8-hour eating window, 30% of your diet should include healthy carbs like veggies. Plant-based diets have also been linked to a slew of health benefits, including boosting brain health and reducing the risk of heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, and obesity. As they say, “you are what you eat”…and if you eat lots vegetables, you’ll look and feel great.
But eating lots of veggies can get really boring. Or, maybe you’re a picky eater and you just don’t like them — some veggies are an acquired taste, and you don’t enjoy eating them in their natural state. SO many of my clients complain that they have to force themselves to get all their servings of veggies in. If that sounds like you, then I have some great news for you — this shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be torture, people! Veggies can be tasty, surprisingly fun ingredients, if you can find more creative ways to work them into your meals. My friends at Cece’s Veggie Co. couldn’t agree more. Their delicious, natural, veggie-based noodles, rices, and meals offer a simple but twisted way to eat your veggies!
The folks at Cece’s named their company after their founder’s daughter, who was the original inspiration for creating a better way to eat more veggies. Cece has a gluten allergy, and her dad didn’t want her to miss out on fun, noodle-y meals with the family — but he couldn’t find a pasta substitute on the market that really fit the bill. There was very little that wasn’t filled with preservatives and other sketchy ingredients he wasn’t too happy about. But when Cece gobbled up tons of the raw veggie spirals her dad created in his early experiments, a lightbulb went off. Of course, veggie noodles and rices…what a simple, versatile way to get your daily dose of veggies.
The team at Cece’s likes to say that they were born to become everyone’s sous chef! From their curly spiral noodles to their exotic rices, these products offer a shortcut to pack more nutrients into any diet without sacrificing taste, time or quality. These guys truly believe that veggies are delicious and wonderful, and SO versatile. If you check out their website or their social media channels, it’s easy to see that Cece’s likes to introduce cool new ways to enjoy their noodles and rices, and there are a ton of recipes and meal ideas to suit every dietary need and palate.
Another thing I love about Cece’s is their naturally-sourced ingredients, which come from a group of farms that are spread out all over the country. And because so many families have to work around dietary restrictions and food allergies these days, it’s great to know their products are made in facilities that are wheat-free, gluten-free, peanut free, tree-nut free, shellfish-free, and soy free. So many of our kids – and their friends who hang out in our kitchens! – have food sensitivities, and we all need to be a little more aware of where our food comes from and how it’s made.
To take it another healthy step further, all of Cece’s products are also Whole 30 approved, certified organic, gluten-free and non-GMO. All the things you’d expect from a company that celebrates healthy, whole foods and organic farming. For these guys, it’s all about inspiring others to get their nutrients in while still enjoying delicious, creative meals with a truly healthy pasta alternative.
So if you’re struggling to find ways to get more vegetables into your diet, give Cece’s a try. They make twisty noodles from veggies that suit a wide variety of tastes, including beets, butternut and yellow squash, sweet potatoes – and of course, zucchini. And how about the wildly-popular ingredient that’s all the rage, cauliflower rice? I mentioned it a bunch and I included it in some recipes in my new book, “The Cruise Control Diet,” because I think it’s a totally brilliant swap for rice. I have an amazing fried rice recipe in the book that uses cauliflower rice, I know you will love it. They also make a broccoli rice and a veggie medley, which bring even more flavor options into the mix.
Like my friends at Cece’s say, you can eat them raw, sautéed, sauced, in a salad or soup. So, get creative! They know you’re going to love their natural pasta alternatives, and they want to see how you noodle. To find out more about Cece’s delicious line of products and to check out some recipes, head over to theirwebsite. And to keep up with all the latest recipe ideas and happenings in the world of Cece’s Veggie Co, check them out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Man, do I love a good charcuterie plate! So many rich, exotic flavors, all combined on one beautiful platter. Charcuterie is a French word for smoked, dry-cured or cooked meats, and a typical charcuterie board is overflowing with meats, cheeses, and crackers or bread, as well as olives, nuts, dried fruits, and jam. But I often take a hard pass on some of those foods in a typical spread, because they just don’t fit into my current diet and lifestyle. Most prominently, the carb-heavy breads and crackers that are always piled high! But it’s natural to want to treat yourself from time to time, and in moderation it’s ok to splurge. Charcuterie is certainly a decadent treat that I reserve for special occasions. But there are some ingredients on the tray that can be regularly enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, as well as some smart swaps that can make a charcuterie board a little bit healthier.
Some of the items on a traditional charcuterie plate are more in line with a sensible diet than others! Parmesan cheese is one of those items – nutty, sharp, and delicious, it’s really versatile and complements so many different dishes. On my Cruise Control Fasting program — which is my own spin on the popular weight-loss trend of intermittent fasting — I show you how to cheat your 16-hour fast and never feel hungry by leaning on healthy fats like butter, avocado or MCT oil, and heavy cream. And for your 8-hour eating window, I share tons of recipes and ideas for creating yummy, anti-inflammatory meals, many made with parmesan cheese. In fact, if you check out my new book, The Cruise Control Diet, you’ll see a slew of meal options that include this tasty variety of hard cheese!
Given my affinity for parmesan cheese, it’s no surprise that I’m completely obsessed with ParmCrisps. Oven-baked and made from 100% aged parmesan cheese, ParmCrisps are crunchy little rounds that are perfect on their own as a snack, or if you want to add some texture and cheesy flavor to soups or salads. My friends at this awesome company like to say that with ParmCrisps, the possibilities are endless! I couldn’t agree more…they make truly delightful products that my boys and I really enjoy. So, is it possible to make a healthier charcuterie plate with ParmCrisps – YES!
I love to replace all the carb-heavy breads and crackers on my charcuterie platter with ParmCrisps. It’s literally THE carbless cracker! Whether you’re craving the cheesy crunch of the crisps on their own, or you want to layer other ingredients on top, there are so many tasty combinations you can create — without all the extra carbs you want to avoid. ParmCrisps are keto-friendly, gluten-free, packed with protein, and have ZERO carbs. So whatever your diet restrictions or your reasons are for avoiding carbs, these crispy wonders provide a really tasty alternative.
The folks at ParmCrisps care about their high-quality ingredients, and it shows in their products. The cheese used to make ParmCrisps is 100% aged parmesan cheese, and I really love that the team is committed to sourcing their cheese from right here in the U.S.A. ParmCrisps are oven-baked in small batches, and they’re seasoned with a special selection of all-natural spices for rich, authentic flavor. There are a bunch of delicious varieties to enjoy, and it comes in a bunch of convenient packages like pouches, tubs, and trios. It’s so easy to grab a package and go, too, since the pouches are resealable and totally portable. For snack-time, meal-time OR a healthier charcuterie plate (!), ParmCrispsare a great, savory option.
So go out and discover your favorite ways to enjoy this tasty, totally carbless cracker! To find out more about ParmCrisps’ delicious line of products, head over to theirwebsite. And to keep up with all the latest happenings in the world of ParmCrisps, check them out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
In the 20+ years that I’ve been a fitness trainer and wellness expert, I’ve said this time and time again…I’m like a broken record. No matter what diet or nutrition plan you follow or what types of workouts you do, hydration is crucial to keeping your body in balance. There’s no question, our bodies depend on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in our bodies needs water to function properly. Dehydration occurs when we don’t drink enough water — through excessive sweating, diarrhea, vomiting or exercise. When we’re dehydrated, it’s common to feel faint, have a headache, experience cramps, or feel fatigued. Not fun!
One other thing I do during and after an intense workout besides rehydrating is making sure I get enough electrolytes. These are really important for keeping your body hydrated and in good balance. When you do intense exercise, you can sweat out too many of your electrolytes. Many sports-type drinks that have electrolytes also contain a lot of sugar and other nasty chemical ingredients. I’ve found an electrolyte product that I love that is totally natural called LyteShow. It’s a concentrate that you add to water, it adds a lemony tang, and a little goes a long way so it’s a great value.
On my new Cruise Control Fasting plan, which is my spin on intermittent fasting, I offer lots of ways to “cheat the fast” so you never feel hungry during your 16-hour fast. Many times, even when you’re NOT fasting – you can feel “false hunger” when you’re simply thirsty or low on electrolytes. So it’s really important to hydrate and also replace your electrolytes — especially before and after a workout.
My friends at LyteLine, who make LyteShow in addition to a whole line of amazing supplements, say they simply create BETTER hydration products. I know for a fact that the team at LyteLine always use, drink and take the products they make themselves. Their products don’t taste like your typical sports drinks — they taste so much better, because it’s not just the usual sugar water. LyteLine’s fresh flavor is intense, because their teams says their commitment to hydration is intense! They make a bunch of different types of products, including these awesome rip packs that I carry around with me everywhere, electrolyte drops, and LyteZone sports drinks. It’ll all have you feeling great after you drink it!
Are you finding it hard to get the recommended amount of water in each day? It’s super-important, not just for keeping your body in balance, but if you’re following a plan like my Cruise Control Fasting program, you don’t want to have any false hunger pangs slowing you down. Here are a few powerful tips for staying better hydrated:
As I mentioned before, drink before, during, and after exercise.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water – if you wait that long, you are already somewhat dehydrated!
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, which have a high water content.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you, so you always have a container to fill up wherever you are.
As I said earlier, if you think you’re feeling hungry, drink some water first. It may be false hunger and you may just be thirsty.
Drink water at a restaurant before you order. When your body is properly hydrated, it’s easier to tell how truly hungry you are. This can prevent you from overeating!
So make sure you get all your water servings in each day, and use products like LyteShow to keep your water brimming with crucial electrolytes. To find out more about LyteLine’s amazing line of hydration products, head over to theirwebsite. And to keep up with all the latest happenings in the world of LyteLine, check them out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
I’ve been a busy guy in the past couple of weeks since my new book, “The Cruise Control Diet,” dropped. The book, which went to the top of both the Diet and Nutrition categories on Amazon, details my spin on intermittent fasting, where you select an 8-hour eating window, and you fast for the remaining 16 hours. I’ve never seen anything more effective for losing belly fat fast and transforming health, but there’s a catch to traditional intermittent fasting — you’re hungry! That’s what makes my Cruise Control Fasting plan different and BETTER…I show you how to “cheat” the fast with healthy fats, so that you never feel hungry.
A staple of my Cruise Control Fasting plan is, of course, my Cruise Control Coffee! It’s one of the Burn Zone Breakfast Beverages you can enjoy during your 16-hour fast, and it’ll keep you satiated for hours until it’s time to have your first meal. All of the ingredients work quickly and effectively to curb your hunger, all while you enjoy a delicious cup of hot, creamy, frothy coffee. So without further ado, here’s the recipe.
Cruise Control Coffee
*In
this recipe you can choose between MCT or coconut oil, and between grass-fed
butter and ghee.
Servings: 1
1 cup (8 to 12 ounces) coffee
1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons MCT oil or coconut oil
Pinch of Himalayan pink salt
1 to 2 tablespoons grass-fed, unsalted butter or
grass-fed ghee
1 tablespoon Cruise Control–friendly sweetener *I love Swerve!
*Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy.
In the recipe above that I mention that you should use a Cruise Control–friendly sweetener, and one of my absolute favorites is Swerve! My friends at Swerve, who make a variety of sweeteners to compliment any recipe (as well as cake and cookie mixes), like to say it’s the ultimate sugar replacement. Why? Because Swerve has zero-calories, it’s non-glycemic, and it measures cup-for-cup like regular sugar. Made from ingredients found in select fruits and starchy root vegetables, it’s sweet, safe and natural — and contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives or flavors. It’s even safe for those living with diabetes, since it has no effect on blood glucose or insulin levels.
Swerve is a blend of three ingredients. Erythritol is the most prominent ingredient, and is naturally made by fermenting glucose. Prebiotic fibers called oligosaccharides are then added to the mix, along with some natural flavor from citrus to provide just the right amount of sweetness. Unlike other natural sweeteners like stevia, there is no bitter aftertaste, which is a huge benefit to me. It just tastes more like sugar than the others, plain and simple! It’s also the only sugar replacement of its kind that browns and caramelizes, just like sugar does — so all of your favorite recipes will turn out just the way you like them. Me and my boys have a serious sweet tooth — so besides using Swerve in my Cruise Control beverages, we use it all the time to make delicious, sugar-free treats.
So I hope you give my Cruise Control Coffee recipe a try – it’s incredibly effective for curbing your appetite during those dicey “bumper zones” in the morning and at night when you’re fasting. And if you like your beverages sweet, I highly recommend using Swerve as your sugar replacement.
To find out more about Swerve’s delicious products, and to check out all of their super-tasty recipes, head over to theirwebsite. And to keep up with all the latest happenings in the world of Swerve, check them out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Fat
used to be considered Enemy #1 in our diets, but there’s been a complete shift
in the past several years. Now, doctors and nutritionists are confirming more
and more that some types of dietary fats are actually essential nutrients for a
healthy mind and body. Not all fats are created equal, though – the healthiest
types of dietary fat are unsaturated
fats. For reference, the longer, more scientific names for these fats are:
Monounsaturated fatty acids: This type of fat is found in a variety of foods and oils.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids: This type of fat is found mostly in plant-based foods and oils.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3, found in some types of fatty fish, appears to decrease the risk of coronary artery disease.
It’s a fact…our body needs some healthy fat to function normally, and to thrive. The bad fats to avoid include trans fats, as well as saturated fats. But if you try to avoid eating all fats, you risk getting insufficient amounts of fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids.
Also – I’ve seen it time and time again with my clients – if you remove fat from your diet completely, you may be tempted to replace it with processed, “fat-free” foods rather than naturally-lower fat foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In my new Cruise Control Fasting program, I encourage people to make fat 50% of their overall diet! There are many ways to enjoy healthy fats as part of a delicious, healthy, balanced diet.
Like me, my friends at FBOMB are big believers in the benefits of using fat as a healthy fuel source. They make a variety of amazing products, including natural oils and nut butters, that make it really easy for me to take my fat on the go. They like to say that fat is smart fuel, so let’s dig into the science a little bit. Using fat for fuel shifts your metabolism from burning glucose as your primary fuel to burning fat instead. When you replace carbs with fat for fuel, you turn on your body’s ability to burn body fat. Which can help you lose belly fat fast, and better age and disease-proof your body.
Two of my favorite sources of healthy fats that I can easily grab on the go are FBOMB’s naturaloils — like avocado, olive and MCT oil – which are all a tasty complement to salads and vegetables. These oils are a big part of my individual diet, as well as my Cruise Control Fasting program, and I always have a few packs on me. The cutting-edge packaging is totally airtight, so there’s no worry about spills, and the oil stays fresh until you’re ready to use it.
And as you can see in the photo above, I’m obsessed with FBOMBnut butters. They are so easy to eat while I’m running around during the day, so I always have a bunch of them stashed away in my pockets, my gym bag, and the car. Along with my favorite celery juice, I really enjoy having some macadamia nut butter in the afternoon. It feels like instant energy, and I know I’ll stay full and satisfied for hours.
I can honestly say that FBOMBoils have become a main staple of my personal Cruise Control Fasting plan. Besides the convenience of their packaging, they use the highest quality oils that are all 100% pure, fresh, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, minimally processed – and where available, organic. The couple who founded this brand are strong supporters of the low-carb/high-fat (LCHF) diet, and they wanted to easier fulfill people’s desires to increase their intake of good fats, and wanted to cater to active people like me, who wanted to get their fats on the go more easily.
The nut butters are just plain delicious – and versatile! I enjoy them all the time on their own, straight out of the pack…but I also get creative with my boys when it’s time to have something decadent. For those who have a sweet tooth like us, you can melt down some nutter butter over ice cream for a frosty treat, or you can make indulgent nut butter fat bombs to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Fat is smart fuel, and FBOMB products are thoughtfully designed for those who want to take their fats on the go! So if you’re ready to add more healthy fats into your diet and you want to find out more, or check out some delicious recipes, head over to FBOMB’s website. And to keep up with all the latest happenings in the world of FBOMB, check them out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
We’re all SO busy these days, like little hamsters in a wheel! I’m literally scheduled down to the minute on most weekdays, so I always have the stress of something going long and then being late for the next thing. I know many of you can relate to that; being so scheduled that we don’t take any downtime. We’re all juggling so many activities in our schedules and dealing with so many stressors, it’s not surprising that so many of us are not living our best, healthiest lives. Between home, family, work, and all the other elements that contribute to our lives, we barely get a moment to catch our breath and relax. Gathering for dinner is a great opportunity to unplug and reconnect with loved ones, but that can be stressful too — especially if you’re the one responsible for getting food on the table! Sometimes it feels as though there are simply not enough hours in the day to get to everything on your list.
So what if I told you that there’s a totally game-changing meal delivery service out there that is not only quick and convenient, but also affordable? I’m talking about chef-prepared, genuinely healthy meals with optimal taste and nutrition. Meals that you can feel great about eating and sharing with your family, so you can spend less time prepping and cooking, and more time connecting. My friends at Factor 75 provide this amazing service, and I’m excited to tell you more about it.
Whether you’re looking for meals all week long or if you just want to have a few back-up meal options on hand, Factor 75 works for all types of lifestyles. It’s really simple to join, because it’s designed for busy people like you and me. You choose a meal plan, you pick your meals from their weekly rotating menu, and you’re set! Each meal is cooked with care by their chefs and delivered to you — fresh. Then, just heat, eat and enjoy – either at home or on the go. These guys don’t mess around, everything is brilliantly prepared and never frozen. You can choose as little as 4 or as many as 12 meals per week, depending on what works best for your life and your family. And you can rest assured there are no sneaky commitments here! You can pause, cancel or change your Factor 75 meal plan at any time.
You may think that a meal delivery service is out of reach for you, but Factor 75 provides an impeccable level of quality for the cost. Their meals are prepared by gourmet chefs, who use the finest ingredients and ensure the dishes are as appealing as they are wholesome. Rather than going out and buying tons of produce and groceries each week that just go to waste if you don’t eat them fast enough, you can use your food budget to have fresh meals delivered instead. If you do the math, you may find that you’re actually saving on your food bills.
Their in-house dietitians also assess each and every dish, to make sure that each meal is nutritionally-optimized. We’re all looking for ways to sneak more nourishing food into our diets, and Factor 75 makes that task really easy. Their meals are healthy, tasty and convenient, making it easy to reach any health and fitness goal without sacrificing time or good taste. Factor 75 meals are packed with lean proteins, low glycemic carbs, and lots of healthy fat. Because when you eat real food that fuels you, it makes you feel good — and that’s what these guys are all about.
Factor-75-Meals
What’s also cool about Factor 75 is their overall philosophy as a company. Their meal plans aren’t about dieting…they say it’s about performance eating. They want to help their customers eat the very best cuisine and also get the most out of their valuable time. Whoever you are and whatever you’re busy doing each day, my friends at Factor 75 believe that eating better means living better. Improving your overall health with foods that are good for your body and your soul.
There are no compromises when it comes to the ingredients in Factor 75 meals. They are grass-fed and pastured, gluten-free, no antibiotics or hormones, no refined sugars, soy-Free, and non-GMO. And while the team at Factor 75 have their own philosophy on what makes a healthy meal, they still have a selection of meals that accommodate all types of diets like Paleo, Keto, and dairy-free.
Factor-75-Meals
So if you’re looking for an affordable, time-saving, and nutritious solution to your family’s biggest dinner dilemmas, head over to Factor 75’s website to check out their menus and find out more about their plans. And to stay on top of all things related to Factor 75’s community, you can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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