Topopo Salad

Taiso Topopo Salad

 

2-3 tbsp No Fat Refried Beans
Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
2 tbsp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
2 tbsp Black Olives, sliced
2/3 cup Salsa Verde Chicken, plus extra sauce
1/4 Avocado, sliced
Salt and Pepper, to taste
1 tsp Ranch dressing(optional)
Cholula Hot Sauce, to taste (optional)

To make the salsa verde chicken:
Combine cooked chicken with a jar (about 12oz.) of salsa verde. Simmer for about an hour on the stovetop, or on low in a crockpot.
To assemble the salad:
Heat the beans on the stovetop or microwave. Line the bottom of a bowl with 2-3 tbsp of the warm beans. Top the beans with the lettuce, then the chicken(adding 1/4 cup sauce with the chicken), then add olives, cheese and avocado. Salt and pepper to taste. Add hot sauce and ranch, if using.

This is a homemade version of my favorite dish at El Toro Mexican restaurant. Mexican food is my all time favorite comfort food, but unfortunately, that means I have no ‘off’ button while I’m eating it! So when I discovered this salad I was super excited. The iceberg lettuce gives that crunch you’re looking for, and you still get to enjoy that super yummy salsa verde(AND a little bit of cheese, beans, and avocado). Think of how many calories you’re saving by cutting out the chips, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese smothered tortillas!
When I received a jar of homemade salsa verde, I knew I had to do something with it or else I’d sit down and eat the whole jar with like, a thousand chips. At the restaurant, I use the green salsa verde as a dressing. So I thought, why not cook chicken with the salsa and make topopo salad!?
The salad is […]

By |2024-11-22T15:50:16-08:00April 12th, 2013|Blog|Comments Off on Topopo Salad

Meet Amanda in Our New ‘Meet A Member’ Profiles

amanda

 

Hi there! My name is Amanda (aka Panda), and I’ve been working out at Taiso for a little over one year.

My biggest obstacle is balancing between my desire to meet my fitness goals and having an active social life. By active, I mean actually seeing and hanging out with my friends and family. So many of my social activities revolve around eating and drinking. I found I was either happy with my physical appearance and lonely, or enjoying time with those I love while unhappily watching my weight creep back up.

Jennifer and Butch have helped me find a balance between the two that works specifically for me! I want to have a beer on a sunny afternoon and not feel guilty about it. Jennifer worked with me to develop a healthy eating strategy that allows me to do just that, while staying on track with my fitness goals. I get to have my cake and eat it too. Literally.

The best thing about being part of the Taiso community is that you stay an individual throughout your fitness journey. Butch and Jennifer know who’s looking to lose weight, who wants to gain lean muscle mass, and who’s there to maintain. They know how to push you just enough, to keep you motivated to do more and push harder. I’m lifting heavy weights, and doing push ups, pull ups, and bench press! It’s extremely satisfying to know that after work there is a stress free environment waiting, (leaving the negativity and pressures of my outside life at the door) to spend an hour focusing on ME.

Recently, I’ve started to run the Taiso Test Kitchen. Implementing healthy eating habits […]

By |2024-11-22T15:50:16-08:00April 3rd, 2013|Blog|Comments Off on Meet Amanda in Our New ‘Meet A Member’ Profiles

Women’s Jeans Challenge and Men’s Fitness Challenge Update

jeans challenge winners

 

Congratulations to all the participants of the Women’s Jeans Challenge and Men’s Fitness Challenge.

Dianne was the winner, not because she lost the most weight or got in her jeans the fastest, but because she stuck to her healthy habits the most consistent.

Anders won in the men’s category, his goal was based on performance rather than weight loss and he did a great job.

The next challenge is in late August! Pre-registration is open on our website!

Taiso Fitness and Nutrition

If you are looking for a unique gym experience try Taiso Fitness and Nutrition. We are Tacoma’s fitness and nutrition gym for people who want to get out of pain or improve performance, who need immediate, measurable results, and want to make educated decisions to take control of their health.

Ready to get out of pain or improve performance? Looking for a gym, personal trainer, or unique boot camp experience? Set up a complimentary consultation, or start a 21 Day Risk Free Trial. Stay up to date on the latest information through our website at www.taisofitness.com

By |2024-11-22T15:50:16-08:00April 3rd, 2013|Blog|Comments Off on Women’s Jeans Challenge and Men’s Fitness Challenge Update

Does Beer and a Juice Box Effect A Child’s Liver the Same?

This video debunks 30 years of inaccurate public nutrition information, the calories in calories out myth, and explains obesity in 6 month old babies by comparing formula and soft drinks. This may be the most important 90 minutes you ever spend for you and your children’s health!

Taiso Fitness and Nutrition

If you are looking for a unique gym experience try Taiso Fitness and Nutrition. We are Tacoma’s fitness and nutrition gym for people who want to get out of pain or improve performance, who need immediate, measurable results, and want to make educated decisions to take control of their health.

Ready to get out of pain or improve performance? Looking for a gym, personal trainer, or unique boot camp experience? Set up a complimentary consultation, or start a 21 Day Risk Free Trial. Stay up to date on the latest information through our website at www.taisofitness.com

By |2024-11-22T15:50:16-08:00April 1st, 2013|Blog, Homepage Slider|Comments Off on Does Beer and a Juice Box Effect A Child’s Liver the Same?

Zucchini Fritters

Taiso Zucchini Fritters

1 medium sized zucchini, grated
1 large egg, whole
1 egg white
1 tbsp coconut flour (or flour of choice)
1.5 tbsp coconut oil (or oil of choice)
1/2 tsp herbs de Provence (optional)
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste

Shred the zucchini, using a cheese grater or food processor. Squeeze out all the excess water from the zucchini using a thin dish towel.  Combine grated zucchini with the egg, egg white coconut flour, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Set aside as you heat 1 tbsp of oil in a heavy skillet on medium high. Using clean hands, form one handful of the zucchini mixture into a loose patty and add to skillet, flattening slightly. Add up to 3 patties, depending on the size of your skillet. Allow patties to cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until crisp. Add the other 1/2 tbsp of oil and cook the rest of the fritters.

These are perfect when you’re craving something fried. I had them two nights in a row for dinner! A crispy crust forms on the outside, while the inside of the fritter stays soft and moist. The fritters are also very filling, and full of veg! I like mine with a big dollop of light sour cream and I think plain Greek yogurt would be tasty as well.
I tried this first without the coconut flour, but the fritters were just too loose without it. They really need the flour to hold things together. I used coconut flour because I had it, but you could easily use all-purpose or wheat. Since there is only a tablespoon in the recipe, the carbs aren’t significant.
I love herbs de Provence! It’s a lovely […]

By |2024-11-22T15:50:16-08:00April 1st, 2013|Blog|Comments Off on Zucchini Fritters

Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasted Tomato Soup

 

Roasted Tomato Soup

8 medium size tomatoes
1 large sweet onion
6-8 cloves of garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
3-4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 tbsp coconut oil or butter
1 tbsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Handful of fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Chop and core tomatoes and onions. Spread tomatoes and onion on a baking sheet, adding garlic cloves and sprinkling with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and transfer baking sheet to oven, roasting for 30-40 minutes.
Dump the contents of baking sheet into a large soup pot. Add stock and bring to a boil. Once the mixture reaches a boil, add coconut oil or butter. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add basil, thyme, and cayenne(if using). Blend until smooth using a blender or food processor. Taste, and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
For a creamy, bisque-like soup stir in a spoonful of fat-free Greek yogurt.

I like soups that can count as a vegetable serving, so I changed the original recipe a bit. I upped the amount of tomatoes. The recipe makes about 8 cups of soup, so I wanted to have at least one tomato for every serving. I figure a soup can’t replace a vegetable serving unless it’s as nutrient dense as eating a half a cup(at least) of the vegetable it contains.
The original recipe called for unpeeled garlic, but I used peeled cloves. I got tired of constantly buying garlic and most of it going bad, so now I just buy those bags of peeled garlic and store the garlic in the freezer. Inside the big bag are smaller bags of about 10-12 cloves each. Less […]

By |2024-11-22T15:50:34-08:00March 4th, 2013|Blog, Recipe|Comments Off on Roasted Tomato Soup

Hard Baked Eggs

Hard Baked Eggs

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place eggs directly on oven rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes, depending on how well you like your eggs cooked. Use kitchen tongs to remove eggs from oven and place immediately into an ice bath to cool. Peel and eat, or refrigerate for later use.

I think this is the best way to make a large batch of hard-boiled eggs(I know they’re baked, but I’ll always refer to eggs cooked this way as hard-boiled eggs). The results are less stinky, easier to peel, and you don’t get that gross gray-ish ring around the yolk.
I place my eggs in a staggered pattern an a rack placed in the middle of the oven. The eggs may get little brown spots on the shell after they are done baking, but the spots are superficial and won’t transfer to the egg inside. The egg might have brown spots where the egg rested on the oven rack, but it doesn’t taste like anything.
Hard-boiled eggs at the perfect protein rich snack or complement to any meal. Eggs are also cheap, so they’re an affordable protein to have on hand. Enjoy!

Taiso Fitness and Nutrition

If you are looking for a unique gym experience try Taiso Fitness and Nutrition. We are Tacoma’s fitness and nutrition gym for people who want to get out of pain or improve performance, who need immediate, measurable results, and want to make educated decisions to take control of their health.

Ready to get out of pain or improve performance? Looking for a gym, personal trainer, or unique boot camp experience? Set up a complimentary consultation, or start a 21 Day Risk Free Trial. Stay up to date […]

By |2024-11-22T15:50:34-08:00March 4th, 2013|Blog, Recipe|Comments Off on Hard Baked Eggs

Protein Powder Desert

Protein Powder Desert

1 rounded scoop protein powder of choice
3-4 tbsp water or milk
1 tsp Omega Swirl (optional)

Mix water/milk with protein powder in a microwave safe bowl. The mixture should have a pudding-like consistency. Microwave for 20-30 seconds. If using, top with omega swirl.

This is the best treat when having a sweet craving. It’s also something you could have every night if you wanted!
They have different flavors of the omega swirl, and I think the orange one would be great with vanilla protein powder. Another variation is chocolate protein powder with a spoonful of peanut butter on top. Or vanilla protein powder topped with a tablespoon of jam. Adding a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or PB2 can really kick it up a notch if you’re craving chocolate.
When I make mine, I use strawberry Muscle Milk and lemon zest Omega Swirl. Tastes just like strawberry lemonade cake. Yum! The omega swirl is really sweet. You don’t need to use a lot of it, but it really makes the dessert feel decadent. Plus, it’s an omega-3 supplement, so it’s good for you.
Also, I only microwave my dessert for 20 seconds. Cooking for the whole 30 seconds makes the dessert cake-like, and I prefer the pudding consistency that results from a shorter cooking time.
Recently, I’ve been using unsweetened almond milk instead of water. It thickens the mixture a little, although the dessert tastes just fine with water. Enjoy!

(Serves one)
With 2oz unsweetened almond milk and 1 tsp omega swirl
Calories      181
Carbs          11
Fat               9
Protein        16

Taiso Fitness and Nutrition

If you are looking for a unique gym experience try Taiso Fitness and Nutrition. We are Tacoma’s fitness and nutrition gym for people who want […]

By |2024-11-22T15:50:34-08:00March 4th, 2013|Blog, Recipe|Comments Off on Protein Powder Desert

5 Spice Fish with Wasabi Sauce

5 Spice Fish

4 cod fillets (6oz. each)
2 tsp olive oil
2 tsp Chinese 5 spice powder

1 avocado
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp wasabi paste
1/2 cup low- fat yogurt
Salt and pepper, to taste.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. While oven is preheating, mash together avocado, lime juice, and wasabi paste in a medium bowl. Whisk in yogurt until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Place fish in a shallow baking dish. Drizzle with the oilive oil, then sprinkle on the 5 spice powder and salt. Roast the fish in the oven for about 10-14 minutes, or until fish easily flakes when tested with a fork. Serve each fillet with a generous dollop of the sauce.

This was super easy to prepare, and so delicious! I didn’t have any Chinese 5 spice, but I did have a Chinese 12 spice rub that I used instead. I know, I totally got all fancy and one-upped the 5 spice. Honestly though, if you don’t have Chinese 5 spice (or 12 spice), you can make your own by combing a teaspoon each (ground) of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise, and peppercorns.
I’d pick a larger avocado for the sauce. The one I used was kind of small, and I would have preferred a little more avocado in the sauce. Otherwise, the wasabi and avocado pair really well with the spices on the fish. I can’t believe how quick and yummy this recipe was. It felt like a cheat meal, even though it fit well within my nutrition plan. Enjoy!

(Serves 4)
Calories       231
Protein         29g
Fat               10g
Carbs           7g
Sodium        431mg

Taiso Fitness and Nutrition

If you are looking for a unique gym experience try Taiso Fitness and Nutrition. We are […]

By |2024-11-22T15:50:34-08:00March 4th, 2013|Blog, Recipe|Comments Off on 5 Spice Fish with Wasabi Sauce

Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata

 

12 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2)
2 tbsp flour (I used coconut flour)
4 tbsp oil of choice (I used coconut oil)
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
2 tsp capers, minced
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Lay the chicken out on a work surface. Using a smooth scaloppine pounder or a rolling pin wrapped in plastic wrap, flatten chicken to 1/4″ thickness. Lightly dredge chicken in the flour.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add oil to skillet until heated. Add chicken to skillet and cook 4 minutes per side or until lightly browned and cooked through. Set chicken aside.
Remove pan from heat and add lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and capers. Bring the mixture to a boil and let simmer for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
Serve chicken with pan drippings.

This was a fun one. I love pounding out the chicken! You get to smash out any pent up aggression, and with the chicken flattened out it makes 4oz of chicken seem like a lot of food! Making sure the chicken is an even 1/4″ thickness is and important step, not to be skipped, because it ensures the chicken cooks evenly at both ends.
Instead of dredging my chicken in all-purpose flour, I used my wire mesh strainer to lightly dust coconut flour over both sides of the chicken. By doing this, I got an even coating of flour and ending up only using about 1 tbsp of flour. I do this with any recipe that calls for dredging because I’m just terrible at it dredging! I end up using twice the amount of flour because it gets all […]

By |2024-11-22T15:50:35-08:00March 4th, 2013|Blog, Recipe|Comments Off on Chicken Piccata
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