Protein-packed Breakfast

Easter came and went this past weekend. If you are like me, you got your portion of ham and brisket, then overloaded on the mashed potatoes! Through the hustle and bustle of a busy weekend, I maintained my 30-Day Protein Challenge journal over the weekend.

I found that only a couple of meals had close to, if not more than, 30 grams of protein (my goal). On Friday, I was able to get my protein from a lunch date with my (soon-to-be) sister-in-law, Briann. I should have subbed out the side of fries, but they paired great with my cheeseburger. If you are ever in Ames, I highly recommend Wallaby's! Great food and a great environment. Another source of protein over the weekend was another, no surprise, burger at West Towne Pub in West Ames. (I like beef, can you tell?)

One thing was missing this past weekend - breakfast. I often times struggle making time for breakfast before I go to work, but weekends are typically easier. Well, this weekend wasn't the case. I skipped breakfast and missed out on a huge opportunity to start my day with the recommended amount of protein. Have no fear- I have found the perfect solution!

The most important meal of the day just got beefier! The Beef and Egg Breakfast Mug is loaded with about 21 grams of protein! The staff at the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen's Association enjoyed this quick, easy and nutritious breakfast Monday morning. Here are some photos from our staff breakfast (which, might I add, is a great way to start the week post-holiday).

The assembly line.

A minute is a long time when you're hungry!

The end result... worth it!

Two ICA staff members gives the Beef and Egg Breakfast Mug a thumbs us!

Preparing the meal: I purchased a pound of ground beef and prepared the beef sausage the night before. That would also be helpful to do as part of weekly meal prep. I would suggest preparing the pound of ground beef sausage, then placing it in a container and refrigerate for the week. Having the meat prepped for the week helps to make this a quick and easy breakfast on the go!

Now for the how-to: Crack an egg (or two) into the mug and add one tablespoon of water, mix. Add a spoonful or two (your preference) of the beef sausage mixture along with chopped veggies of your choice (ex: peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc.).Mix together and microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and stir. Microwave for one minute. Top with cheese. Let it cool for a couple of minutes- it will be hot. Enjoy!

Take control and join me in the 30-Day Protein Challenge. Visit http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/proteinchallenge.aspx for more information!

Conquering my challenge one meal at a time.

30-Day Protein Challenge

It feels good to be back to blogging (still weird, but good). The last time I blogged, I was finishing up my senior year at UNI. While a lot has changed over time, the biggest change has been my interest in fitness. Now that is weird! I had always believed the best way to get in shape and lose weight is to diet and eat nothing but salad. Wrong. I used to hate running, absolutely hate it. Now, I "crave" to go run for 2-3 miles around town. I hit the gym and lift weights. I eat, and I eat a lot. Results? A happier and healthier me.

While I continue my quest to be happier and healthier, I came across this 30-Day Protein Challenge. The staff in the building at work (Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen's Association) have joined forces to take part in the challenge. Here is some information about the challenge:

It's for anyone! It's a fun, step-by-step way to get an optimal amount of protein throughout the day. Significant research shows that people looking to lose or maintain a healthy weight (ME!), support a healthy metabolism (ME!) and/or age more vibrantly (who wouldn't?) may benefit from consuming a balanced amount of high-quality protein, within calorie goals. It's a great way to take control of your appetite (stop mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacking!).

By participating in this protein challenge, I am working my way up to eating 30 grams of protein at every meal for one month. I compare it to training for a marathon or 5k. You don't get off the couch and jump into running 3 miles. You work your way to that point. That's what this challenge is all about. It provides the stepping stones to work your way to eating 30g of protein 3 times a day.

The first 5 days of the challenge is easy. I journal. I write down everything I eat and drink, and the amount of protein it contains. This is a great way to see where you are lacking protein throughout the day. For me, I lack protein in the morning- the most important meal of the day (oops!).

The start of day 3... I need more protein!

I'm very excited to see what the rest of this challenge brings. Don't worry, you can join me too! Sign up online at www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/proteinchallenge. There are great tools and resources including a calendar, journal and protein snack ideas.

Follow me as I share my journey @brookeyoung23 #proteinchallenge

Challenge accepted!