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Have you ever pulled out the new season's wardrobe and found everything fitting just a wee bit tight? .......... That was me about a month ago. It made me mad. I'd eaten a little too much comfort food over the long winter and indulged my sweet tooth too many times. I could "suck in" and close the zippers, buttons etc. but nothing felt very comfortable. Like I said, it made me mad, because I was not about to buy a whole new wardrobe or spend the whole season feeling like ten pounds of taters squeezed into a five pound sack! My husband, Scott was in the same boat; he's not only my wonderful photographer, but the CEO of taste-testing here at The Café (and that can mean trouble for the old waistline).
It was time to devise a plan. I know myself pretty well, and have learned over the years that I'm just not real great at dieting, counting calories and measuring each bite I take. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that and I admire people with the strong will power to accomplish it; but I'm just not that disciplined, and I know it. So I came up with another plan, and have been implementing it for a month now. It's definitely working; my summer wardrobe is feeling noticeably looser and much more comfortable, and so is Scott's. In fact, he told me yesterday that he was down a few notches on his belt buckle.Yeah!
What did I do? Just used common sense for the most part. I made the decision to make smaller portions for us at each meal. Leaner and lighter eating, with lots of grilled chicken, fish, pork, etc., accompanied by a fresh salad or some yummy grilled veggies. Occasional, small servings of bread, potatoes, pasta, etc. Minimal desserts - of course as a full service food blogger and baking lover, I still make sweet treats but, for the most part limit myself to a few bites, a small piece or sometimes just a taste.
We also bumped up our exercise a bit, making sure to get out on early morning walks, spend more time working out and taking long bike rides through nearby quiet neighborhoods.
Like I said, all these things are just common sense and definitely help in the weight loss battle, but there's one other little secret I employed that's really helped us; protein smoothies. Protein smoothies? Yes, it's a well know fact that protein not only gives you lots of energy, but it helps ward off hunger pangs.
I've found that if my stomach's not rumbling with hunger, it's much easier to resist all those temptations to snack and/or overindulge. I decided to substitute a low calorie smoothie for one of our meals each day. Most days we sip on it for breakfast, but sometimes we'll have our protein smoothie for lunch instead and enjoy eggs and toast or yogurt, fresh fruit and granola for breakfast.
I did a lot of testing and tinkering to come up with the best tasting, lowest calorie smoothie with the highest amount of protein. I'm not really crazy about protein powder and wanted to keep my drink as natural as possible. After a few trial and errors, I think I've come up with a winner. I found that the best source of lean protein is non-fat Greek yogurt. Tofu works as well, but is a bit higher in calories, and not as readily available. I use almond milk for a bit of liquid, as it's low in fat and calories and has lots of great nutritional benefits. Half of a nice ripe banana and a little honey are all we usually need for sweetness, though you could add some Stevia or another sweetener of your choice.
This Strawberry Protein Smoothie makes 2 large servings, each having 18g of protein and 205 calories. We've enjoyed one these protein smoothies just about every day for the last month, and haven't tired of them yet. We've had lots of energy, have been satiated till the next meal and, seeing some of those extra pounds roll off .......... well, let's just say .......... ALLELUIA!!
P. S. Since it's strawberry season, I'm sharing my Strawberry Protein Smoothie, but feel free to substitute any fresh or frozen fruit.
Oh, and one last thing. I have to admit, along with my clothes being snug, another thing motivated me to shed a few of the extra pounds - a trip!! Yup, we're headed to California for a wedding and will be doing a classic California coastal road trip as well. We have a few fun surprises planned for you as well as some great recipes that we tucked into our arsenal before we left. So California; The Café's headed your way!!
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries 100 calories - 2g protein
- 1 ½ cups 0% fat Greek yogurt 195 calories - 34g protein
- ½ medium ripe banana 50 - 0.5g protein
- ½ cup almond milk 20 calories - 0.5g protein
- 2 teaspoons honey 44 calories
- 1 cup crushed ice or 1 ½ cups ice cubes
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Combine strawberries, Greek yogurt, banana, almond milk and honey in a blender container. Blend on high till smooth and creamy.
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Add ice cubes and blend on high for about one minute.Taste and add a bit of Stevia or sweetener of choice, if needed. Pour into two tall serving glasses and enjoy.
Beth says
Your common sense program is the best way I know to keep the pounds off. Making small changes a part of your everyday life is the way to go! And your smoothie looks delicious.
Have a wonderful time in California! I'm looking forward to reading about your travels.
Wendy says
Have a wonderful trip in California, Chris! I love your travel posts (especially the UK posts with your granddaughters)! This protein smoothie is certainly timely. A delicious smoothie makes it a whole lot easier to get back to healthy eating (and back into my summer clothes)!
Janie says
Chris...I too am trying to shed some unwanted pounds. I thoroughly enjoy smoothies. This will be most helpful.
You and your husband continue to amaze me with your beautiful and inspirational posts. Would you please share where you found the lovely napkins as seen in this post.
Have a wonderful trip to California. I will pray for safe travels.
Chris Scheuer says
What a kind, sweet comment. We really appreciate your thoughtfulness. As far as the napkins, I think I found those at HomeGoods or TJ Maxx. I love to peruse both of those and often I see something so pretty and inexpensive that I can't help myself. 🙂 I am definitely what they call a "prop junky"! 🙂
Muna Kenny says
Looks so refreshing and filling too! Love your pictures, they made me crave this smoothie even more! When my clothes are a bit tight I convince myself that they kept shrinking with time 🙂
Veronica says
I love strawberry milkshakes and this healthy smoothie would totally satisfy me - creamy cold strawberry stuff is the yums! Congrats on losing that extra weight - you two are such sensible eaters, it's wonderful to behold how you balance healthy and treats and mainly maintain your weight. 🙂
Angie (@angiesrecipess) says
It looks very tasty and perfect for the season. I have to make a batch too.
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says
Hello Chris! It's been far too long -- your gorgeous smoothie drew me in 😉 love the recipe and it's so nice to see your star photographer husband in the pic with you!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Kelly! We appreciate your stopping by. Scott is a star, I have to agree! 🙂
cheri says
Hi Chris, I had the same problem a couple of weeks ago, cut out most carbs and things are looking brighter and looser nowadays. Great looking smoothie!
Merri-Beth says
Looks delish!!! I will try tomorrow!!
Kate says
Sounds perfect! I had the same issue and have been working on it for the last nine months....yes, nine months! I decided that there was so reason to weigh as much as I did when I delivered my children! Like you, I added a morning smoothie lots of walking and vegetables... You are right, sensible eating. I have made very few desserts....
Sandra Garth says
This is right on time!! Here at Sweet Sensations the high calorie treats are never ending.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I want it to be strawberry season! 🙂
I also find that if I get up in the morning and have two big classes of water, I'm far less hungry. I'm often guilty of eating when what my body is saying is, "I'm thirsty."
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Yum Chris! Your smoothie looks so light and refreshing! I love it and would love to have this for my dinner tonight!
Happier Than A Pig In Mud says
Very pretty, the pics turned out great! Congrats on finding something that works for you and is very tasty too:@)
ATasteOfMadness says
This looks fantastic! A perfect summer drink 🙂
Catherine says
I think we are all in the same boat!! I need to shed those 10 extra pounds too. The winter was long and cold and the pounds found me too!!
Sounds delicious and healthy and very refreshing.
What a nice trip to travel to California. I look forward to the pictures and surprises.
Blessings, Catherine
Thelma says
Your recipes are always tasty and nutritious. Thanks for this wonderful smoothie - I, too, seem to have gained a few pound during winter so off I go with this smoothie. BTW, Scott's photography is amazing!
How to Philosophize with Cake says
Looks delicious! I love the glass you put it in, very cute! 🙂
Suzanne says
Hi Chris, you r smoothie looks very delicious and I know what you mean all too well about the Summer wardrobe not fitting, being a food blogger and baker is tough on the waistline.. I am not a very good dieter either always do better bumping up the exercise and cutting back on sweets. Enjoy your trip and wedding.
Jodee Weiland says
Looks great, Chris! This is my kind of smoothie...both delicious and healthy....great way to keep off the pounds. Thanks for sharing!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Your pictures are so lovely! I have a bunch of frozen strawberries in the freezer so looks like this is going to be enjoyed very soon!
Ginny Hartzler says
How exciting! Have you ever been to California before? I hope you show us some pictures when you return. This looks yummy, especially in your little milk bottles. I have lost 40 pounds, and it is not easy. But only one blouse would fit me, now it is so good t have a closet full of clothes again. You always look so thin and pretty, I can't imagine I would have noticed the little weight gain!.
Elena Perez says
It looks delicious!!! I will try it tonight as I am, too, trying to get ready for the Summer!! Congratulations!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I love a good protein smoothie - and this looks wonderful! Congratulations on those few pounds - it makes all the difference.
gloria says
I lovev this smoothie look delicious!