My New Kitchen Toy: The NutriBullet

I love getting new kitchen gadgets! For Christmas my parents got me the Nutribullet. So far I have made mostly green smoothies, because I LOVE them, but I have also been trying to experiment with some other fun combinations.

I had asked for this device because I was interested in a juicer without actually being a juicer. Juicers are great and all, but I feel like they discard the best parts of the veggies. The Nutribullet keeps every part of the vegetable/fruit and extracts all of the nutrients. It's basically like a blender, but better. There is also a milling blade that can be used for nuts and spices. I really want to try making my own nut butter!

Here are some of my favorite NutriBullet concoctions:

Banana Nut Protein Smoothie:

• 1 banana
• tbsp. of your favorite nut butter
• 1 scoop protein powder (chocolate is pretty tasty)
• a dash of cinnamon
• water, coconut milk, or other base of your choice

DELICOUS! This was just something that I whipped up for a post-workout, pre-dinner, snack. Fat, carbs and protein :)

Green Smoothie:

• Almond/coconut milk
• 1 handful of leafy greens (I used spinach)
• 5 strawberries
• small handful of blueberries
• 1 tsp. flaxseed oil
• 1 scoop of protein powder, optional

This is a great way to get in your fruits and veggies with your breakfast in the morning, or just as a snack! I like to add protein powder for a little extra love, but it tastes great without it! Also, if you need it to be a little sweeter, try adding in a small amount of your favorite sweetener.

Energizing Smoothie:

• the juice of 1/2 a lime
• 1 tbsp. honey
• 1 pear
• 1 apple, cored and seeds removed
• 1 small handful of spinach
• ground ginger
• green tea

If you have a Nutribullet, where do you find your recipes? Share your finds with me!

Weekly Meal Prep

Disclaimer- I focus on REAL food. I am not 100% Paleo, but I strive to eat quality ingredients, 100% of the time.

When I am prepping my meals for the week, I start off by sitting down and writing it all out. I write down my weekly schedule so I know if meals or snacks need to be ready for on-the-go or if I'll be eating them at home. I also try to plan out what days I know that I will be eating meals out so that I don't buy too much at the grocery store. So here's a snapshot of my meal plan for this coming week:

Sunday

Breakfast- Green Smoothie

Lunch- Turkey burger patty with a tomato, cucumber and onion salad (make extra for 2 more meals)

Snack- Pate with cucumber slices

Dinner- Crockpot roast, red wine

Monday

B- Smoothie

L- Turkey burger patty with a tomato, cucumber and onion salad

S- Trail mix and a piece of fruit

D- Chicken breast (cook 2 more for future meals), black beans, 1/2 an avocado, wilted spinach, red wine

Tuesday

B- Bacon, eggs and 1/2 an avocado

L- Turkey burger patty with a tomato, cucumber and onion salad

S- Trail mix and a piece of fruit

D- Chicken breast, black beans and broccoli, red wine

Wednesday

B- Smoothie

L- Shrimp cocktail, broccoli and 1/2 sweet potato

S- Trail mix and a piece of fruit

D- Grilled chicken breast salad, red wine

Thursday

B- Smoothie

L- Pack of tuna fish, veggies and guac

S- Trail mix and a piece of fruit

D- Steak stir fry with quiona, red wine

Friday

B- Bacon, eggs and 1/2 an avocado

L- Leftover steak stir fry 

S- Trail mix and a piece of fruit

D- Dinner out

Saturday

B- Smoothie

L- Tuna pack and pate with cucumber slices

S- Lara Bar

D- Dinner out

Once I have each meal planned out, I make a grocery list around it. Then when I go to the store, I'm not buying anything extra that will not get eaten. This is essential when you are only buying fresh, raw foods as they do not last nearly as long as processed foods. Also, make your life easier by preparing as much as you can for a meal ahead of time. For example, if you're cooking a chicken breast for dinner one night, cook a couple extra for lunches or dinners later on in the week! You'll thank yourself later!

Do you meal plan for your weekly meals? Any tips or suggestions to share?