Coach Lauren's blog

Are you familiar with quinoa (pronounced keen'-wah)?! This is another approved carb option if you're looking to mix it up and try something new. 1/2 cup cooked (~1/4c uncooked) is a carb serving that you can add to soups, casseroles, stirfries or simply top with a main dish just as you would with brown rice.  This week I have a tasty shrimp and quinoa dish to try and a lovely, crisp side. Feel free to substitute brown rice, or for a no-carb option, miracle noodle rice, in place of the quinoa. Read more »

One of the wonderful things about fall is fall squashes! Perhaps my favorite fall squash is spaghetti squash. If you're not familiar, the cooked squash's flesh scrapes away from the skin in threads like skinny spaghetti and is a great pasta substitute but with a bit of a crunchier texture. I prefer to microwave my squash because it's faster but some receipes suggest roasting - up to you!

Basic Spaghetti Squash Read more »

Brrrrrr! It's suddenly gotten a bit chilly on us. Leaves are changing and fall is approaching. Here's a classic comfort food that I've tweaked to fit the Meltdown. Give this a try soon and bank it for later when you need a pick me up!

Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Potpie Read more »

CALLING ALL SWEET TOOTHS! Just because we're on a nutrition plan doesn't mean we can't have dessert! Today I have a few meltdown-friendly cookie recipes.

One thing to keep in mind is that like any dessert, meltdown-friendly desserts should be consumed in moderation. While Splenda, Stevia, and Truvia are approved, all sweeteners should be used minimally. Use of such products can trigger your body's desire for more sweets and may lead to unhealthy cravings and unapproved cheats.

NGPT Fake No Bakes Read more »

What diet level are YOU on this week??? Guess what? Doesn't  matter, because this week's recipe will fit any level as a protein/veggie! Gotta give a shout out/thank you to my roomie Jacquline Barrie for this recipe that she makes for me from time to time!

Stuffed Zucchini Boats Read more »

Wow Bootcampers! We're already well into week 8! This is the last recipe blog from me during your bootcamp, but no worries, I'll still be sending out the goods each week but the diet levels may vary or jump around.

I don't know what my deal is, but lately I want cinnamon on EVERYTHING!!!  For today I have one of my ultimate favorite breakfast recipes, and yep, it has cinnamon. I don't have a lot of time during the week for a big breakfast so I love having this on the weekend after one of my Sat or Sun empty stomach classes.

  Read more »

And so begins Level 4! We have reached the last diet level and the bootcamp finale is in sight. The main difference with the level four diet is that protein portions have been cut, so this week and next, I'll be posting recipes that already do or can easily be made with a 2-4oz protein portion. For this week, here are two super simple recipes I use all the time that you can adjust protein protions for easily.

Chicken Gumbo Read more »

Who loves ethnic foods?! THIS girl (and her roommate)! I'm always on the hunt for something new and different. I'm a fan of the restaurants on Bloomington's 4th Street but know those sauces are heavy in butter and cream and other non-friendly foods so I look to experience tastes of the world without the cost of travel or pounds! Read more »

Do you enjoy entertaining or attending social events? I don't know about you, but I really struggle at parties and gatherings where there is a lot of food to graze upon but often times nothing Meltdown friendly, except perhaps some boring raw veggies I can have any old time! So this week, I thought I'd provide a few ideas of appetizers, finger foods, etc. that you could bring to an event or entertain with that would help you feel a part of action without destroying your diet plan!

Salmon Patties Read more »