5 Power Foods That Drop Pounds!

Hi there! HAPPY Wednesday :D
How are you?! How's your week going so far?! Are you CRUSHING IT or are you reading this and thinking, I need to get motivated...lol?! Feel free to jump in anytime...remember you can only fail if you give up!!

If you're reading Fitness Blogs (I'm HAPPY this is 1 you're reading), then at some point, 1 of your goals may be to scale down or look more FIT :) Am I right?! I can't stress enough how important it is to exercise AND eat healthy if you want to drop pounds!!
Today's post is on POWER FOODS! Buy the following 5 foods and eat your way to a smaller size!! YOU GOT THIS :D

1. SALMON - This rich protein has the power to fill you up, thanks to plenty of healthy fats that also pack metabolism boosting omega-3's.

2. EGGS - 2 have nearly a quarter of the satiating protein you need in a day. 1 reason research shows that eating eggs in the a.m. equals eating less all day long.

3. CUCUMBERS - More than 90% water, cucumbers are great for beating bloat or when you want a crunchy snack for next to no calories.

4. HAZELNUTS - The smoky nuts are loaded with monounsaturated fats that can help blast belly blub. They also contain ample fiber, folate, and potassium.

5. STRAWBERRIES - A recent study found that munching on these berries instead of other sweets led people to eat an average of 134 fewer calories at their next meal.

Keep reading and find out how to incorporate these foods into delicious meals :)

BREAKFAST: Salmon Scramble
Saute 3 oz sliced raw salmon in 1/2 tsp olive oil until fish is opaque, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add 2 beaten eggs and scramble to desired doneness. Serve with 1 cup spinach drizzled with a mixture of 1 tsp olive oil and 2 tsp balsamic vinegar.

LUNCH: Deviled Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches
Slice 2 hard-boiled eggs in half. With a fork, mash yolks, 1 tsp Greek yogurt, 1/2 tsp Dijon, and 1 tsp chopped dill. Spoon into egg-white halves. Spread 1 slice Ezekiel bread (crust removed) with Dijon and slice diagonally into 4 pieces. Top each with 2 cucumber slices, 1 piece feta, and deviled egg.
* OMGosh...i LUV LUV LUV these sandwiches :D

SNACK: Quick Pickles
Sprinkle 2 sliced cucumbers with 1/2 tsp salt and let sit for 15 minutes. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp chopped fresh dill, 1/2 tsp mustard seed, and 1 tsp sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes. Cool and pour over cucumbers. Can keep in the refrigerator for 1 week.
* I'm making and serving these on Thanksgiving while the turkey is in the oven ;)

DINNER: Hazelnut-Crusted Salmon with Strawberry-Cucumber Salad
Mix 2 Tbsp finely chopped hazelnuts with 1 tsp olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Coat a 4 oz salmon fillet with the mixture. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees until fish is flaky, about 8 to 10 minutes. Fan out 1/4 cup sliced strawberries and 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers on plate, and sprinkle with 1 oz crumbled feta and balsamic vinegar to taste.

DESSERT: Nutty Strawberry Yogurt Bark
Mix 1 tsp honey with 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp chopped hazelnuts, and 1 chopped strawberry. Spread an even layer in a glass dish and freeze for 3 hours. Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before breaking into bite size pieces.
* I'm definitely making this bark during the Holiday Season :D

If you have ANY questions OR comments about this post...BRING IT ON...lol!
SEE YOU right back here on Fridayyyyy!!