Professional Documents
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THE
FORCE FACTOR
COOKBOOK
Companion recipes for your workout and Force Factor
supplement program selected to help you
Unleash Your Potential
Anthony Lewis
CONTENTS
BREAKFAST.....................................................................................................................................3
SOUPS...........................................................................................................................................17
SALADS.........................................................................................................................................31
POULTRY.......................................................................................................................................46
BEEF.............................................................................................................................................61
PORK............................................................................................................................................74
FISH & SHELLFISH..........................................................................................................................84
SIDES & SAUCES............................................................................................................................98
DESSERTS & SNACKS...................................................................................................................111
PROTEIN SHAKES.........................................................................................................................124
BREAKFAST
Youve heard it before: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Well, its true, especially when youre trying to build muscle, lose weight, or
just get in better shape. The fuel you give your body at breakfast can make
a huge difference for your energy level at the gym later on. It can also help
you to stay on track with your diet plan and resist temptations later. During
sleep, our body is fasting. So, breakfast literally means breaking the fast.
You need nutrients in the morning to start up your metabolism and get
your body back to building muscle. Thats why many experts recommend
you eat breakfast like a king and make dinner your smallest meal.
The building blocks of a great breakfast include proteins, complex
carbohydrates for energy, fiber for fullness, and a small amount of
(healthful) fats. Breakfast is the right time of the day to ingest the
carbohydrates you need for energy. Choose complex carbs in the morning
to avoid the insulin surge caused by simple carbohydrates (like sugars).
For breakfast, weve included recipes that cover the basics of our favorite
morning muscle-building meals. From the protein-rich eggs in our Easy
Spinach Frittata to the complex carbs of oats in our Chocolate Banana
Oatmeal to a makeover of traditional pancakes, weve got great choices
that will get you out of bed in the morning and fill you up so youre ready to
start your day.
THE RECIPES
BREAKFAST EGG CUPS............................... 5
CAULIFLOWER HASH................................. 6
CHOCOLATE BANANA OATMEAL.................. 7
EASY SPINACH FRITTATA............................ 8
FIESTA EGGS............................................. 9
FRENCH VANILLA OATMEAL...................... 10
LOW-FAT BREAKFAST BURRITO................. 11
MEDITERRANEAN EGG WHITE OMELET...... 12
PROTEIN PANCAKES................................ 13
PUMPKIN PIE OATMEAL........................... 14
ZUCCHINI PANCAKES............................... 15
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and red
pepper and cook until just before onions become translucent. Add garlic
and fresh spinach and saut until spinach is fully cooked (spinach will
12 large eggs
In a medium bowl, whip the eggs, shredded cheese, and bacon bits.
When completely incorporated, add cooled veggies and mix well.
Spray a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon the egg mixture
evenly into 18 muffin cups. Cook in the oven for 20 minutes or until eggs
are set.
Makes 18 savory egg muffins.
Cauliflower Hash
Both fast-food and diner-style hash browns are diet-disasters. Deep frying in oil adds lots of fat
and saturated fat to the starchy potatoes. As oily and greasy as French fries, they can also be
as addicting, making it impossible to stop after just a few bites. Instead, try our cauliflower hash.
The cooked cauliflower has a similar texture to potatoes but has less starch (and fewer carbs) per
serving. Using turkey bacon and just a little oil also helps keep the fat content under control.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the bacon and onion and
cook until they just begin to brown. Add in the cauliflower and some of the
oil. Stir continuously, adding the remainder of the oil gradually as needed
while the cauliflower browns. The hash is complete when the cauliflower is
Chocolate-Banana Oatmeal
If youre a fan of chocolate in the morning, than this is the oatmeal recipe for you. Using a low-calorie
hot cocoa mix and zero-calorie sweetener helps keep the calorie and fat count low so you can get a
sweet fix while youre getting complex carbs for all-day energy from the oatmeal and potassium from
the bananas.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, mix the cocoa packet, boiling water, and cinnamon until
dissolved. Add in the cold water and stir. Place in the refrigerator for at
least 15 minutes.
teaspoon cinnamon
cup cold water
Remove from refrigerator and mix with oats and mashed banana in a
Stir, then allow it to cool and thicken before eating. Serve with additional
banana slices on top, if desired.
Makes 1 serving.
Cook eggs in skillet for approximately 2 minutes, scraping the sides and
bottom with a spatula. When eggs are somewhat cooked, but still very
loose (there should be chunks of cooked eggs amid the loose eggs), stop
Sprinkle the eggs with the remaining cup of cheese. Put skillet under
broiler and brown for 2-4 minutes.
DIRECTIONS
Preheat broiler.
Remove skillet from oven and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to complete
cooking. Cut into 8 wedges and enjoy.
Spray a skillet (12 preferred) with nonstick cooking spray and place over
medium-high heat. Saut spinach, peppers, and onions until cooked.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk and cup of the cheese.
Add egg mixture to the skillet.
Makes 8 servings.
Fiesta Eggs
Start the day off right with protein-packed eggs, lots of flavor, and a kick of spice. You can serve
these eggs plain, without the wrap, if you prefer, but the tortilla makes it super easy to take them for
breakfast on-the-go.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Spray a large skillet with nonstick vegetable cooking spray. Over low heat,
add the chopped chilies, onion, and tomatoes. Cover skillet and cook until
1 onion, chopped
In a bowl, combine eggs and taco seasoning. Uncover skillet and push
vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the egg mixture to the other side
and scramble them. When the eggs are almost completely cooked, mix
them with the vegetables to complete the cooking. Season with salt and
pepper.
Place of cooked eggs on a whole wheat tortilla and sprinkle with
shredded cheese. Wrap tortilla up and enjoy.
Makes 4 servings.
DIRECTIONS
cup oats
On the stove, add a dash of salt to the water and boil. Stir in oats and
Dash salt
cook for about 4 minutes on medium heat. Add in the almond milk and
cup water
cook 1-2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and
sweetener. Allow to cool and thicken for 2 minutes. Then top with sliced
10
Makes 1 serving.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Spray a small frying pan with nonstick cooking spray. Saut the onions,
bell peppers, and chile over medium heat until the onions are translucent.
Add in the egg mixture and scramble gently until just before it reaches
to soften it. Then, place the tortilla flat on a plate and add the scrambled
eggs on top. Sprinkle the chives and the salsa over the egg, add salt and
11
DIRECTIONS
1 whole egg
In a small bowl, mix the egg whites and whole egg with a fork. Add to
4 egg whites
spray) over medium-high heat. Cook on one side until the bottom side
has completed cooking, then flip. Add the bacon, cheese, avocado,
olives, spinach, and tomato atop of the omelet while the egg completes
cooking. Fold egg over to cover the ingredients and serve hot.
12
Makes 1 serving.
Protein Pancakes
Using whey isolate protein powder in these pancakes keeps their carbohydrate count very low while
still allowing you to indulge in a favorite morning meal. The egg whites add more protein to these
pancakes, but if you want even more, spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter over the top of a warm
pancake.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
cup oats
Cook oats by mixing oats and hot water in a small bowl. Stir well and allow
to stand until the oats have absorbed much of the water and are fluffy.
In a separate bowl, combine egg whites and protein powder. Mix well and
teaspoon cinnamon
then add to the oats mixture. Finally, stir in the cinnamon and optional nuts
if desired.
Spray a hot griddle pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add of the batter to
the pan and flip after cooking on the bottom side has completed and the
pancake is golden brown.
Makes 4 pancakes.
13
DIRECTIONS
cup oats
Mix well. Cook for 1-2 minutes longer on the stovetop. Set
teaspoon cinnamon
teaspoon nutmeg
Dried cranberries and chopped pecans (optional toppings)
14
Makes 1 serving.
Zucchini Pancakes
Halfway between hash browns and pancakes, these zucchini patties are delicious and easy to make
on a hectic morning. Zucchini is easy on a low-carb diet, with just about 7 grams of carbs in 1 cup
cooked. Plus, its a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The two eggs in the recipe hold it
all together, acting as protein-packed pancake glue.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Grate the zucchini and blot lightly with a paper towel to remove some
2 eggs
teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Canola oil
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. With hands, shape
mixture into 4 flattened patties and add to oil. Flip when browned on one
side to complete cooking.
Makes 2 servings.
15
SOUPS
Soup can act as both a meal starter and a meal substitute. High in liquid
content, soup eaten as a mid-day meal or as a first course can help you
satisfy your hunger and make you feel fuller. Some research shows that
eating soup before a main course can reduce the amount eaten by about
20% at the main meal. This means that having soup before your meal is
a good decision especially when you know youre going to be faced with
a tempting, unhealthful buffet/menu later on. When you feel full, youre
less likely to overindulge! If youre cutting weight, soup can serve as a
low-calorie meal substitute. Try pairing one of our soups with a small
side salad or a slice of toasted whole-wheat bread to fill up your stomach
even more.
To keep fat intake low, weve chosen soups that are broth and vegetablebased instead of those that are high in cream and/or butter. Chunky
vegetable soups like our Vegetable Minestrone and Zesty Taco Soup also
have the extra filling power of fiber from vegetables. If you like a thicker,
creamier soup, our vegetable puree-based soups, like the Pumpkin Soup
and Creamy Carrot Soup, will definitely satisfy.
THE RECIPES
CHICKEN, NOODLE, & SPINACH SOUP....... 19
CREAMY CARROT SOUP........................... 20
FAT-FREE TOMATO SOUP........................... 21
GAZPACHO WITH CHICKPEAS................... 22
MINTY PEA SOUP.................................... 23
MISO SOUP WITH MUSHROOMS............... 24
PUMPKIN SOUP...................................... 25
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP....... 26
SPICY BLACK BEAN SOUP........................ 27
VEGETABLE MINESTRONE......................... 28
ZESTY TACO SOUP................................... 29
DIRECTIONS
Over medium heat, add oil to a large soup pot and saut garlic, onion, bell
peppers, celery, carrots, and leeks. Cook, stirring often, until the onions
are translucent. Add the chicken stock and season with salt and pepper
and optional chili powder if desired. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow
Add the fresh spinach and cover the pot. Let spinach reduce in size,
cooking for approximately 2 minutes. Then add noodles and chicken. Cook
Makes 6 servings.
19
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Heat the carrots with the brown sugar and water in a large saucepan.
Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes. The carrots should be very
2 cups water
3 tablespoons flour
teaspoon nutmeg
Add both the white sauce and drained carrots to a blender and puree until
smooth. You may thin the soup with a little hot water, if desired. Garnish
with parsley and serve hot.
Makes 4 servings.
20
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Spray a large saucepan with nonstick spray and saut the onions and
garlic over medium heat. Cover pan and stir occasionally. When onions
teaspoon cumin
are cooked, add the cumin and black pepper and stir. Turn the heat to low
and cover.
Drain the canned tomatoes and set their juice aside. Blend the tomatoes
tomatoes to the onion mixture. Then add their reserved juice and the fresh
diced tomatoes. Cover pot and let simmer on low heat for 45 minutes.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley and oregano and serve.
Makes 12 servings.
21
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Cover and chill in the
refrigerator for at least 1 hour prior to serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro,
if desired.
22
Makes 6 servings.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
until they begin to turn translucent. Add in the peas, broth, and water and
bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool for 15 minutes. Then stir
2 cups water
Puree the pea mixture in a blender until smooth. Pour half of the blended
soup through a sieve to remove the solids. Allow the other half of the
mixture to remain unstrained. Combine both halves and return to the
stovetop over low heat until ready to serve. Just before serving, sprinkle in
mint and garnish with walnuts, if desired
Makes 6 servings.
23
DIRECTIONS
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Saut the
onion until translucent. Then add the tomatoes, ginger, and garlic and
saut for about 5 minutes. Add the stock and bring the soup to a boil.
Add the miso, stirring constantly until dissolved. Add the cubed tofu,
mushrooms, and arugula leaves and simmer for 1-2 minutes longer.
24
Makes 4 servings.
Pumpkin Soup
Canned pumpkin is available year-round, but this soup makes a great lunch especially during the fall
and winter. Having this soup before your meal may even help you avoid the temptation of pumpkin
pie later on! As an added bonus, pumpkin puree is very low in fat and calories and an excellent
source of vitamin E, vitamin A, and fiber.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 cup water
water, pumpkin, broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and allow soup to simmer for 5 minutes. Gently stir in the
milk and heat until warm enough to serve. Do not allow the soup to boil
25
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Combine squash, olive oil, salt, onion, and ginger in a baking dish and
toss well to coat with the oil. Bake in the oven for 50 minutes. Vegetables
should be very tender. Remove from oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes.
26
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a blender, process 2 cans of the black beans with the chicken broth. Set
aside.
Spray a Dutch oven with nonstick cooking spray and heat on medium-
teaspoon cumin
high. Add frozen corn to the pan and saut for 5 minutes or until just
beginning to brown. Add in the blended beans, the remaining can of whole
1 teaspoon salt
beans, the tomatoes (with liquid), cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir to
combine. Bring the soup to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and
simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Makes 6 servings.
27
Vegetable Minestrone
Dont be intimidated by the long list of ingredients in this soup! Most are vegetables that are easy to
find in your grocery store year-round. Although chopping the vegetables takes time, its worth it. This
soup is chock-full of tasty (and fat-free!) vegetables that will fill you up with fiber and a huge number
of other important nutrients. Its a great choice for satisfying your hunger before a winter meal so
you wont go overboard on the main course.
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
DIRECTIONS
Heat oil in a large soup bowl over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion
and saut for about 3 minutes. Then add all remaining ingredients, except the
pasta and cheese. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
1 cup water
1 (15 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
Bring the soup back to a boil and add the pasta. Cook for 10 minutes or
Serve hot and sprinkle each bowl with about a tablespoon of the
teaspoon salt
28
Makes 6 servings.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a large soup pot, brown the beef with the onions and jalapeo until beef
is fully cooked (no pink remaining). Drain excess grease from the pot. Add
in the tomatoes, chilies, beans, corn, taco seasoning, and chicken broth.
Mix well and simmer for 20 minutes. Add in extra chicken broth if you
prefer a thinner soup. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Makes 4 servings
29
SALAD
Like soups, salads are a great way to fill up your stomach with the
vitamins, minerals, and fiber of vegetables without adding a lot of fat
and calories to your daily budget. Try to choose salads that are high
in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and legumes as these can provide
antioxidants as well as important vitamins and minerals that you cant
get as easily from other food groups. Salads require caution if they are
topped heavily with dressing (especially creamy varieties like Caesar,
Ranch, Thousand Island, and Russian dressings), full-fat cheeses, and
croutons. Instead, aim to use vegetable oil-based dressings (like olive oil
and balsamic vinaigrette) as well as avocadoes and nuts in your salads to
provide more healthful, monounsaturated fats.
The salad recipes weve included for this book are some of our favorites
and definitely cover a wide range. Some, like the Apple Slaw and
Tabbouleh, are best served as a side dish, while others like the Peppered
Steak Salad can act as a whole, light meal on their own. Salad recipes
are also some of the most flexible. If you hate an ingredient, like a
specific fruit or vegetable, you can often just swap it out for one you like
better or eliminate it entirely without ruining the recipe. So, feel free to get
a little creative with our salad recipes to tailor them to your own unique
preferences.
THE RECIPES
APPLE SLAW........................................... 33
ASIAN SEAFOOD SALAD........................... 34
BLACK-EYED PEA SALAD.......................... 35
CAULIFLOWER SALAD.............................. 36
CITRUS SPINACH SALAD.......................... 37
FRUITY CABBAGE SLAW........................... 38
PEPPERED STEAK SALAD......................... 39
QUICK & EASY BLACK BEAN SALAD.......... 40
SALSA-FIED RED BEAN SALAD.................. 41
SUMMER SQUASH &
BROWN RICE SALAD................................ 42
TABBOULEH............................................ 43
TUNA MACARONI SALAD.......................... 44
Apple Slaw
Green and red apples give this side dish/salad its tart taste. They also give it a lot of fiber, vitamin C,
and natural sweetness. Nonfat yogurt adds in a little protein and provides the creaminess to hold it
all together. This salad goes great as a side dish for pork and poultry main courses.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a separate bowl, combine the vinegar, juice, honey, and yogurt. Mix well
and pour over the vegetables. Toss well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
before serving.
Makes 4 servings.
teaspoon honey
cup nonfat yogurt, plain or apple-flavored
1 ounce dried cranberries
33
DIRECTIONS
2 cucumbers
Slice cucumbers very thinly and pat dry. Drain the canned crab.
In a small skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sesame
seeds and toast them, stirring constantly, until they are lightly browned.
Remove seeds from pan and grind with a mortar and pestle.
thoroughly.
34
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Marinate at least 6-8
Makes 8 servings.
35
Cauliflower Salad
Love the taste of a classic potato salad, but dont want all the fat and carbs? Subbing out the
potatoes for cauliflower is the answer. This recipe is cheap, easy, and perfect summertime barbecue
fare (although we enjoy it year-round).
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
After hard boiling the eggs, peel and slice them in half. Remove the yolks
4 eggs, hard-boiled
Dry thawed veggies with paper towels. Chop any large cauliflower pieces
teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
36
Makes 8 servings.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, olive oil, and vinegar. Mix well.
Add in the prepared oranges, tangerine, and grapefruit and toss to coat
Add baby spinach to a large bowl. Top with fruit mixture and dressing. Toss
gently to combine. Sprinkle cranberries and pine nuts over the top. Serve
immediately.
Makes 5 servings.
37
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
38
Makes 4 servings.
DIRECTIONS
Salad:
Dressing:
Mix all dressing ingredients well in a large bowl. Add all salad ingredients
except the cabbage and bean sprouts. Mix well and refrigerate for 2-3
thin strips
hours to allow dressing to soak. Add cabbage and bean sprouts and toss
teaspoon ginger
Makes 1 serving.
39
DIRECTIONS
leftovers.
40
Makes 8 servings.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Makes 6 servings.
41
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients except dressing and mix well. Refrigerate until
ready to use. Top with dressing and toss just prior to serving.
42
Makes 4 servings.
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that is packed with parsley and bulgur. Bulgur is a
grain that has more fiber, protein, and most vitamins and minerals than white rice. Its also a great
source of whole grains and complex carbohydrates for a balanced diet. You can serve it warm, but
its traditionally served chilled.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 cup water
In a small saucepan, combine water and bulgur and bring to a boil. Cover
cup bulgur
and remove the pot from the heat. Allow it to stand until the water has
been absorbed completely, about 25 minutes. Drain any extra water at this
To make the dressing, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, zest, salt,
teaspoon salt
To the bulgur, add the parsley, mint, tomatoes and cucumbers. Pour on the
dressing and toss well to coat. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour
before serving.
43
DIRECTIONS
Combine all remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add in the pasta and
peas and mix well. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
44
Makes 8 servings.
POULTRY
If youre like most guys who are trying to build muscle, youre probably
a little too familiar with plain, grilled chicken breast by now. Dont let
boredom get you off track, though! Chicken and turkey are some of the
best sources of lean protein that your body will use to build and repair
muscle. Theyre also some of the most cost-effective sources of animal
protein which helps to keep them at the top of our easy dinner list. The
same old plain, grilled breast can get tedious though. Using low calorie,
low carb herbs and spices along with vegetables can totally reinvent
the plain chicken breast. Even better, baking, poaching and stir-frying
chicken are all new preparation methods to add to your grilling routine.
When it comes to chicken, boneless, skinless breasts are the most
popular base for our recipes. To save money, you can buy them in bulk
and freeze some for later in the week to use in a different recipe. For
turkey, we use ground turkey breast most often. Turkey is already a lean
meat, but you can find extra-lean varieties in the grocery store that are
up to 99% fat-free. Keep in mind that these will be drier, so you might
want extra sauce or wet ingredients when using extra-lean turkey in our
Turkey Loaf and Turkey Meatballs.
THE RECIPES
BAKED LEMON-VEGETABLE CHICKEN......... 48
CHILI POWDER CHICKEN.......................... 49
GRILLED JERK CHICKEN........................... 50
LIME CHICKEN BREAST............................ 51
MUSHROOM CHICKEN QUESADILLA.......... 52
ORANGE CHICKEN................................... 53
PRETZEL-CRUSTED CHICKEN NUGGETS
WITH HONEY-MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE.... 54
SPICY GRILLED GARLIC CHICKEN.............. 55
TANDOORI CHICKEN................................. 56
TURKEY BEAN BURRITOS......................... 57
TURKEY LOAF.......................................... 58
TURKEY MEATBALLS................................ 59
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
spray. Sprinkle with the basil and the lemon juice. Add chopped onions
over top and arrange the chopped zucchini and carrots on top of the
chicken. Pour artichoke hearts over the top of the chicken and vegetables.
48
DIRECTIONS
Combine oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, pepper, and salt in a large,
re-sealable plastic bag. Mix well. Add the chicken breasts to bag, seal,
2 teaspoons paprika
flavors.
Add chicken breasts to grill. Cook until the juices run clear, about 10-12
teaspoon salt
49
DIRECTIONS
Rub chicken breasts with jerk seasoning. In a separate bowl combine the
Grill chicken on medium high heat, about 6 minutes per side (for 6-ounce
breasts). Brush chicken with chutney mix every few minutes during the
cooking process. Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Makes 4 servings.
50
DIRECTIONS
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
Place the chicken breasts and bay leaves into a medium-sized baking
dish. Mix oil, vinegar, and lime juice together and pour over the chicken.
Add the thyme, coriander, and black pepper over the top of that and bake
1 teaspoon thyme
Place the lime slices over the top of the chicken and return the dish to the
51
DIRECTIONS
garlic, and onion over medium high heat until the mushrooms are tender
(about 7 minutes). Remove from heat and drain the excess liquid that the
Heat sandwich press to high heat. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
52
Orange Chicken
We turned our favorite Chinese take-out dish into a leaner, lighter, cook-at-home meal. By ditching
the deep-fryer and swapping out the super sugary sauce, we kept the orange taste with less
saturated fat and fewer calories.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Place the chicken on a shallow baking pan and cover with the orange juice
and white wine. Sprinkle basil, parsley, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a skillet over medium-
high heat, heat the oil. Add in the onions and tomatoes and saut until the
53
DIRECTIONS
Sauce:
Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and blend together well. Divide
sauce into two small dishes. Place one in the refrigerator to be used for
Chicken Nuggets:
Dip each chicken cube into remaining mustard sauce, then coat with
crushed pretzels. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake the tray of nuggets in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Serve with the
extra sauce.
Makes 3 servings.
54
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients except chicken in a small bowl and mix well to
make marinade.
Place chicken in a large plastic bag. Add marinade, seal bag, and
1 teaspoon salt
for later. Place chicken pieces on a lightly oiled grill rack and grill on
medium high heat. Grill until chicken is cooked through and the juices run
clear. Brush both sides with remaining marinade at least twice during the
cooking.
Makes 6 servings.
55
Tandoori Chicken
Weve lightened up this classic Indian preparation for chicken breast. Slashing the meat before
applying the spices helps it to absorb as much of the spice blend as possible prior to cooking. Also,
make sure to allow the chicken to marinate for a full 24 hours before cooking. If you love spice, feel
free to kick up the heat even more with extra chili powder and crushed red pepper in your marinade.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder and lemon juice.
Place chicken in a large casserole dish. With a knife, slash each chicken
breast a few times. Brush lemon juice mixture over the chicken and let
incorporate. Pour mixture over the chicken breasts. Cover the casserole
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garam masala
56
Makes 4 servings.
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Add the beans, tomato sauce, salsa, and chili powder. Cover and reduce
8 oz tomato sauce
cup salsa
Spoon a cup of turkey mixture onto each tortilla and then sprinkle with 1
tablespoon of each cheese. Roll up tortilla and place, seam side down, on
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 375F.
In a saucepan sprayed with cooking spray over medium heat, cook the
turkey, onions, and garlic, stirring frequently, until the turkey is no longer
57
Turkey Loaf
Miss the taste, but not the fat of meatloaf? We make ours with lean, ground turkey. This recipe
requires very little preparation time and is much lower in fat and calories than the average meatloaf
dish. 1/6th of the recipe has about 220 calories and 6 grams of fat. Keep the fat count low by serving
it with a baked, not mashed, potato.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Lightly beat the egg with a fork. Then combine all ingredients in a bowl
and mix thoroughly. Put the mixture in loaf pan and bake, uncovered, in
the oven for about 1 hour. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon parsley
1 egg
Salt and black pepper
58
Makes 6 servings.
Turkey Meatballs
Few foods are as universally satisfying as a big, warm bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. The typical
recipe is usually a diet-disaster though- packed with way more fat and carbs than you really need
in one meal. Instead of limiting yourself to just 2 meatballs, try our turkey meatballs over cooked
spaghetti squash. Weve kept the same great flavors of traditional meatballs but swapped in a
leaner, high-protein meat with ground turkey instead of ground beef.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except tomato sauce and mix
Cover pan and cook for 10-15 minutes (meatballs should no longer be
teaspoon salt
teaspoon black pepper
Makes 6 servings.
59
BEEF
Nothing says protein like red meat! The protein in beef helps to build,
maintain, and repair your bodys tissues. Beef is also a great source
of iron, the mineral that is necessary to help your bodys red blood
cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. However, many people
have eliminated beef and other red meats from their diets, citing health
concerns. While some cuts of beef are high in cholesterol and saturated
fat, choosing the leanest cuts can help you get the protein, iron, and
taste you want, without sacrificing your workout gains. Top sirloin steak,
top round roast, sirloin tip side steak, and bottom round roast are among
some of the extra-lean cuts of beef. You can also find lean and extra-lean
ground beef at your local grocery store.
Weve chosen from among the leaner cuts of beef to base our recipes
around. Most of these recipes also remind you to trim any excess surface
fat that is easily removable before cooking the beef. Dont worry though.
Our beef recipes, like the Beef Lettuce Wraps and the Cuban Braised
Beef, are so well-seasoned that you wont need the flavor of the extra fat!
THE RECIPES
BEEF & VEGETABLE STEW........................ 63
BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS............................. 64
BEEF SIRLOIN ROAST............................... 65
CHINESE-STYLE BEEF WITH BROCCOLI....... 66
CUBAN BRAISED BEEF............................. 67
FORCE FACTOR BURGER......................... 68
PHILLY STEAK WRAP............................... 69
SEASONED FLANK STEAK......................... 70
SPICY BEEF TACOS.................................. 71
WHISKEY-MUSHROOM STEAK................... 72
DIRECTIONS
1 lb. lean beef round, trimmed of fat and cut into cubes
Spray a large Dutch oven lightly with cooking spray and place over
medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add in the green pepper, carrots, celery, onions, and parsnip and cook
for about 5 minutes longer. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Add
in the beef broth, tomatoes, rosemary, and thyme. Season with salt and
pepper to taste.
Cover the pot and place it in the oven for 1 hours. Stir in the frozen peas
and then return to the oven for 15 minutes more. Serve hot.
Makes 4 servings.
63
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 onion, chopped
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, chile
In a large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray, cook the onion for 3 minutes.
Add the beef mixture to the skillet and cook about 4 minutes, or until the
beef is cooked through. Add the sesame oil and mix well. Remove from
heat.
Place about cup of the beef mixture in the center of each lettuce leaf.
64
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
In a small bowl, combine the garlic, rosemary, and oregano. Mix well and
rub mixture all over the top of the beef. Press the herbs into the meat so
they stick well. Transfer beef to a roasting pan that has been sprayed with
nonstick cooking spray.
For medium doneness, cook the meat in the oven for about 30 minutes.
Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Makes 8 servings.
65
DIRECTIONS
lb. lean sirloin beef, trimmed of all visible fat, sliced thinly
In a small bowl, coat the strips of beef with 2 tablespoons of the cornstarch.
with cup of the chicken broth and the soy sauce. Mix well and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry
for about 4 minutes. The beef should be lightly browned. Move beef to a
Add cup of the broth to the pan. Add in the broccoli and mushrooms and
cover the skillet for about 3 minutes. Uncover and add in the garlic and red
pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes longer.
Stir in the soy sauce mixture to the broccoli and stir-fry for 2 minutes longer.
Return beef to skillet and toss with sauce and vegetables. Serve hot.
Makes 4 servings.
66
DIRECTIONS
Coat a large Dutch oven with nonstick cooking spray and heat on medium-high.
Cook steaks until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove steaks from pan
Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to pan and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
Add in cumin, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook 1 minute.
Add vinegar, stir well and cook until almost all the liquid has evaporated (about 2
minutes). Then, stir in the beef broth and tomato paste and return the steaks to the
pot. Cover, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook 1 hours. The steaks should
be very tender.
Remove the steaks from the pot and shred using two forks. Return shredded beef
Cilantro, if desired
to the pot and mix well with the vegetables. Sprinkle in cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Makes 8 servings.
67
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients. Do not overmix (to avoid dry
teaspoon salt
teaspoon pepper
each side.
Place on hamburger buns and layer with lettuce, red onion, pickles,
desired.
68
DIRECTIONS
In a small skillet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, saut the green
pepper, onion, and garlic for 5 minutes. Add in the shaved roast beef and
saut for an additional 3 minutes. Place half of the mixture atop each
tortilla. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and optional hot sauce over
each.
Re-spray the skillet and place over low heat. Add 1 tortilla and heat until
the cheese begins to melt, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and wrap
up tortilla. Repeat with the second tortilla.
Makes 2 servings.
69
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Over medium-high heat, sear the steak in oil, flipping once. Remove steak
1 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf
Pour the water into the hot skillet once the steak has been removed
and stir to release leftover flavor. Pour over the meat. Add the remaining
2 carrots, diced
Place casserole dish (uncovered) in the oven for 30 minutes for medium
steak. Cook 5 minutes longer if you prefer your steak more well-done.
Makes 4 servings.
70
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a skillet over medium heat, toast the chili powder and cumin together for
1 minute before adding the oil and onion. Cook the onion and pepper for
about 3 minutes. Then add garlic and stir fry for an additional 3 minutes.
1 onion, chopped
Add in the ground beef and stir well with a wooden spoon, breaking up
beef, until meat is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add in the tomato
Wrap cup of the beef mixture with lettuce and a tablespoon of salsa in
Makes 4 servings.
71
Whiskey-Mushroom Steak
Craving a flavorful steak? This one is a great choice and requires no sugary steak sauce. The
mushrooms soak up the flavors of the garlic, butter, and whiskey while also providing fiber that will
keep you feeling full, long after the steak has disappeared.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
2 New York strip steaks, approx 4 oz. each, trimmed of visible fat
Preheat broiler.
Spray a broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add steaks to broiler pan
and broil about 10 minutes on each side. The steaks should be slightly
Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic,
mushrooms, and spices. Saut for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Allow to
cool for 1 minute, stirring constantly, before carefully adding the whiskey to
the sauce. Stir well for another minute. Pour sauce over steaks and serve.
Makes 2 servings.
72
PORK
Like beef, the cut of pork you choose will have a big impact on its
nutritional stats. Flavorful preparations like bacon, ham, and pancetta
can rank high in fat and sodium. However, when trimmed of excess
surface fat, pork typically contains more unsaturated than saturated
fats. In fact, on a per ounce basis, pork tenderloin can have less fat than
chicken breast! Lean pork is a good source of protein as well as vitamins
and minerals including iron, zinc, B vitamins, and selenium.
As with our beef recipes, weve chosen cuts of meat that are among the
leanest for our pork recipes. These include pork tenderloin as well as
pork chops (both bone-in and boneless). A variety of seasonings and
accompaniments make every one of our pork recipes distinct though.
Pork is a great protein to season with a wide variety of flavors, from
the sweet of our Apple Spiced Pork Tenderloin to the savory of our
herb-infused Pork Chops with Zucchini, to the spicy of our Cajun Pork
Tenderloin.
THE RECIPES
APPLE-SPICED PORK TENDERLOIN............ 76
CAJUN PORK TENDERLOIN....................... 77
PORK CHOPS WITH ZUCCHINI................... 78
PORK & TURKEY BURGER......................... 79
ROASTED PORK CHOPS
WITH TOMATOES..................................... 80
SLOW COOKER PORK CHILI....................... 81
STIR-FRY PORK & VEGETABLES................. 82
DIRECTIONS
1 lb. pork tenderloin, trimmed of visible fat and cut into 12 even medallions
In a small bowl, combine teaspoon of the salt with the coriander, black
pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Apply spice mixture to both sides of each
pork medallion.
Heat a large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray over medium-high heat.
Add spiced pork to the pan and heat about 3 minutes per side (or until
pork is fully cooked through). Remove pork from pan and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the pan. When the butter has
melted, add the apple slices, onions, and the remaining teaspoon salt.
Saut until the apple slices begin to brown (about 5 minutes). Add the
cider to the skillet and cook about 2 minutes longer.
Remove from heat and pour apples over pork and serve.
76
Makes 4 servings.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Preheat broiler.
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin,
sage, and all three types of pepper. Rub the lemon juice all over the pork
tenderloin. Pat the spice mixture all over the tenderloin to make an even
coating.
Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Add the seasoned tenderloin and broil about 6 inches away from the heat
source. Turn meat over once during cooking. Broil for about 15 minutes.
Transfer meat to a cutting board and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing
and serving.
Makes 4 servings.
77
DIRECTIONS
Season both sides of each pork chop with the oregano and salt.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the pork chops
teaspoon salt
and cook for about 7 minutes or until well browned on both sides.
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Add the onion, garlic, and zucchini to the pan and cook for another 6
minutes.
78
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine the pork, turkey, mashed black beans, onion
powder, garlic, oregano, rosemary, and salt. Mix until well combined.
cup canned black beans, rinsed, drained, and mashed with a fork
Grill patties until they are well-done, approximately 4 minutes per side.
Place each patty on a toasted bun and top with avocado slices, tomato,
teaspoon salt
Makes 4 servings.
79
Trim pork chops of visible fat. Sprinkle both sides with seasonings and
Separate the juice from the canned tomatoes and pour over the pork in
teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375F.
Combine all seasonings (garlic powder, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper) in
a small bowl and mix well.
80
Add the tomatoes and cheese over the top of the chops and bake for an
additional 30 minutes.
Makes 4 servings.
DIRECTIONS
1 onion, chopped
Spray the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add in all
ingredients except the bell peppers. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours
until pork is tender. Add in the bell peppers and cook for an additional 30
minutes.
Makes 6 servings.
81
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Trim pork of as much visible fat as possible. Cut into strips (1/2 thick).
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and stir
Return the skillet to the stove and add in the garlic and onion. Cover skillet
and cook until onion is translucent. Then add the apple, peppers, carrots,
4 carrots, diced
celery, and stock. Cover and reduce the heat to low. After 5 minutes, return
the pork to the pan. Add ground ginger, stir, and continue to saut until the
82
FISH &
SHELLFISH
The bodybuilding diet is typically low in fat, low in carbohydrates, low in
Our fish recipes are prepared in some of the most healthful ways: baking,
broiling, steaming, and grilling. Weve also chosen some of the most popular
types of fish, so youre likely to have success finding them at your local
grocery store. Although fish is a healthy addition to any diet, you shouldnt
eat it every day. We recommend you fit in 12 ounces of (low-mercury) fish into
your diet per week.
calories, and high in protein. Fish is a great lean protein choice because most
types meet all of these criteria. Some varieties, including tuna, salmon, and
trout have more fat than others, but even fatty fish have health benefits.
In addition to being good sources of lean protein, fish have bonus nutritional
benefits. First, fish (especially sardines, salmon, halibut, and mackerel) are
great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are important for supporting
healthy heart and brain functioning. Research also indicates that omega-3s
can help reduce inflammation a great benefit for those who are working out
regularly.
When deciding which fish to buy, your first consideration should be what
is the freshest. If youre shopping at the grocery store, ask the employee in
the fish section what has arrived most recently. If nothing fresh appeals to
you, turn to the freezer section. Shopping at a fish market? Make sure the
fish has been on ice and either cook it within 2 days of purchase or seal it in
an air-tight bag and put it in the freezer. Typically, the sooner you can cook
a fish after its caught, the better it is. Fish can be pricier than other proteins;
however, you can often save by buying frozen, canned, or local catches.
THE RECIPES
FLOUNDER WITH SPINACH....................... 86
INDIAN-SPICED SALMON.......................... 87
MUSSELS WITH COCONUT BROTH............ 88
PEACH & BLACK BEAN SWORDFISH.......... 89
PIZZA-STYLE TUNA MELT.......................... 90
SALMON BURGERS.................................. 91
SESAME SALMON FOR ONE...................... 92
SHRIMP WITH MUSHROOMS.................... 93
TERIYAKI SALMON................................... 94
TROPICAL STEAMED FISH......................... 95
WASABI TUNA STEAKS............................ 96
DIRECTIONS
Combine the crushed crackers, flaxseed, and grated cheese and set
aside.
86
Indian-Spiced Salmon
Heres an easy way to pack a lot of flavor into a favorite, high-protein fish. About 5 ounces of this
cooked salmon yields just 200 calories and 8 grams of fat. Serve it with vegetables like asparagus
and whole grain rice for a complete, filling, and healthful meal.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Put the salmon steaks in a baking dish and pour the chicken stock and
lemon juice over them. Then sprinkle the cumin, fennel seeds, coriander,
salt and pepper over that. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and put it in the
teaspoon cumin
When youre ready to cook, cover your broiler pan with aluminum foil.
Place the steaks on top and add 1 tablespoon of the marinade on top of
each. Place under broiler on low broil for 8-10 minutes. Turn them over and
add leftover marinade. Then broil them for an additional 8-10 minutes.
Makes 4 servings.
87
DIRECTIONS
In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the coconut milk, sugar
substitute, lemon juice, curry powder, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil and add in the
mussels. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until shells open. Discard any
88
Makes 4 servings.
DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, make the salsa by mixing the peaches, kiwi, red
pepper, black beans, salsa, salt, and juice of 1 lime. Mix well and set
aside.
Preheat the grill or set a grill pan sprayed with cooking spray over
teaspoon salt
medium-high heat. Squirt the juice of the remaining lime over the fillets
2 limes
and grill for about 8 minutes, turning them over halfway through cooking.
89
DIRECTIONS
teaspoon oregano
1 (5 ounce) can of tuna, packed in water, drained
Drain the tuna and pat dry with paper towels. Divide tuna evenly between
2 slices tomato
the two halves, place a slice of tomato on each half, and sprinkle with
cheese.
Broil in the toaster oven for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has just
melted.
Serve open-faced as two mini-sandwiches.
Makes 1 serving.
90
Salmon Burgers
If youve never tried a salmon burger before, youve got to try this one! Salmon is a great source of
protein packing 19 grams in just 3 ounces. Its also a great source of essential fatty acids that keep
the body, mind, and heart healthy. Serve each burger with our tangy yogurt sauce to impress your
guests (and your taste buds) at your next barbecue.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Salmon Burger:
To make the sauce, combine all sauce ingredients and mix well in a small
To make the burger patties, combine all salmon burger ingredients and
mix well. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into
1 egg white
a 4 patty.
Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray. Heat skillet over
medium-high heat and add patties. Cook 5-8 minutes, turning once during
Yogurt Sauce:
cooking.
Makes 4 burgers.
91
spray. Place the zucchini pieces in the center and cover with the salmon.
Pour all the remaining dressing from the bag over the salmon.
Use the aluminum foil to completely cover the salmon and vegetables so
that it makes a sealed packet. Place the packet on a baking sheet and
bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
DIRECTIONS
Place garlic and dressing in a plastic bag and add the salmon filet. Cover
Remove from oven and allow packet to sit for a minute. Be careful of the
fish with the dressing and allow it to marinate in the bag for 15 minutes in
steam released when the packet is opened. Sprinkle with sesame seeds
the refrigerator.
and serve.
Makes 1 serving.
92
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the sliced
mushrooms, onions, garlic, red pepper and saut for about 5 minutes,
stirring constantly. Add in the shrimp, wine, and basil. Reduce heat to low,
cover the skillet, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Add in salt and pepper to
taste.
Makes 4 servings.
93
Teriyaki Salmon
Looking for a high-protein dinner with a little more taste than the usual grilled chicken breast? Try
our Teriyaki Salmon. In addition to being rich in protein, salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids which
have been found to support a healthy cardiovascular system and brain functioning. Your body
cant make omega-3s on its own which is why its a good idea to get them in your diet and through
supplements.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Preheat broiler.
Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil and spray it with the nonstick cooking
1 tablespoon honey
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, ginger, and mace to make
the sauce. Brush the salmon with the sauce. Broil about 7 to 10 minutes
on each side. Apply remaining sauce during the cooking process.
Makes 4 servings.
94
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a sturdy base for the fish. Arrange
1 lime
fillets on the foil and place on top of a steamer rack over boiling water.
1 lemon
cup onion, finely chopped
Squeeze the lime and lemon over the fish evenly. Then top with the finely
chopped onions.
Cover and steam the fish until it is cooked, about 5 minutes. The fish
should flake easily with a fork. Serve with a pineapple or mango salsa if
desired.
Makes 4 servings.
95
DIRECTIONS
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce over the tuna steaks and allow it to
96
SIDES &
SAUCES
Man cannot live on meat alone! While protein may make up the
center of your plate, its important to supplement your meals with the
carbohydrates, fiber, healthful fats, vitamins, and minerals that you
can get from side dishes. For this cookbook, weve chosen mostly
side dishes that are focused around fruits and vegetables. Starchier
vegetables like the potatoes in our Easy Microwave New Potatoes,
Oven-Roasted French Fries, and Fruity Sweet Potatoes and the
rice in our Spinach and Rice Bake are all good sources of complex
carbohydrates that will provide your body with long-term energy.
Complex carbohydrates are broken down into simpler sugars and stored
in your muscles in the form of glycogen. Later on, during your workout,
this glycogen is broken down by your muscles as it is needed for energy
to power your workout. Your body needs some complex carbohydrates
in both your pre-workout and post-workout meals.
THE RECIPES
BAKED TOMATOES................................. 100
CLASSIC BBQ SAUCE............................. 101
EASY MICROWAVE NEW POTATOES......... 102
FRUITY SWEET POTATOES...................... 103
MANGO SALSA...................................... 104
OVEN-ROASTED FRENCH FRIES............... 105
PEAS & CRUNCHY CARROTS.................. 106
PROSCIUTTO-CORN SAUT...................... 107
ROASTED SWEET POTATO
& BANANA MASH.................................. 108
SPINACH & RICE BAKE........................... 109
Baked Tomatoes
There are so many ways to use these tomatoes in your meals. You can enjoy them cold, as a
summertime side dish, or piping hot. You can even serve them cold on top of a fresh garden salad.
Each cup serving of tomatoes has about 40 calories so feel free to get creative about the dishes
you add them too.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Wash tomatoes and remove any stems and leaves. Place cleaned
Bake the tomatoes for 6 minutes, stirring once halfway through the
cooking process.
Serve hot or allow tomatoes to cool to room temperature before
refrigerating.
Makes 4 servings.
100
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons molasses
101
Easy Microwave
New Potatoes
Hungry right now? These microwaved potatoes are the answer to time-crunch cooking. If you dont
have any leeks in the house, swap them out for chopped onions or scallions instead. These make
a great side dish for poultry and beef dinners and are a lower-fat alternative to both mashed and
scalloped potatoes.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
to melt. Add potatoes, leeks, pepper and toss to coat. Cover dish and
102
DIRECTIONS
Scrub the sweet potatoes to remove any lingering dirt from the skin. Drop
them in a large pot of boiling water and cover. Boil the potatoes until they
teaspoon cinnamon
are tender. You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork.
teaspoon salt
teaspoon nutmeg, optional
Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool. When possible, peel them. Cut
into chunks.
In a saucepan over low heat, combine all ingredients including the cut
sweet potatoes. Cook until most of the orange juice is gone, about 9-10
minutes.
Makes 6 servings.
103
Mango Salsa
Choose the ripest mangoes for this salsa. Ripe mangoes will be slightly softer and will have a fruity
fragrance. Use this salsa as a side dish or topping for grilled chicken or fish.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and toss well. Allow juices to mix
104
Makes 9 servings.
DIRECTIONS
Wash and dry potatoes. Cut into wedges. Each potato should yield 6-8
wedges. Lay wedges flat on a baking sheet and brush both flat sides with
oil. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Roast in the oven for
40-45 minutes.
Makes 5 servings.
105
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, beat together the egg and milk. Stir in basil, oregano,
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onions in the oil until they are
1 teaspoon parsley
translucent. Add cooked onions and grated carrots to the milk mixture and
stir to combine.
teaspoon salt
teaspoon black pepper
Pour the mixture into a small casserole dish and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
While the carrots are baking, cook the peas in the microwave according
to package directions. When carrots are finished baking, stir cooked peas
into the casserole dish, mix well, and serve.
106
Makes 4 servings.
Prosciutto-Corn Saut
You can get the great taste and flavors of bacon in a leaner way by using the Italian ham known as
prosciutto. Prosciutto is a complete protein, delivering all nine essential amino acids, with about
15 grams of protein in a 2 ounce serving. Its also a good source of iron. Best of all, it livens up the
flavors of the vegetables in this recipe for a delicious side dish.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the
chopped prosciutto and saut for about 4 minutes. Add in the corn,
pepper, and garlic and saut for 5-7 minutes longer. Drain any excess oil/
107
While potatoes are cooling, place the bananas in a baking dish and roast
in the oven for about 15 minutes. They will become very soft and juicy.
Remove from oven and add orange juice to the hot dish. Mash the orange
1 teaspoon cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
brown sugar and beat until well-combined. The mixture will be smooth.
pan sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake potatoes in the oven for about 1
hour or until they are soft. Set aside to cool. Remove skin when they are
cool enough to touch.
108
Makes 6 servings.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, mix together the egg white (pre-beaten), parsley, and
pepper.
Combine rice and cottage cheese in a large bowl. Add the egg white
mixture and spinach and mix well. Pour everything into a casserole dish
and top with Panko crumbs. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. Serve hot.
Makes 2 servings.
109
DESSERTS
& SNACKS
If you have a sweet tooth, you know that any diet that forces you to
abandon all sweet treats entirely is just not going to work. Instead, youre
more likely to have success if you allow yourself flexibility. This could be
in the form of a weekly, indulgent cheat meal or by choosing lighter,
sweet treats on a daily basis. The desserts included here fit the latter
category best and can be enjoyed, in moderation (aka just one serving!),
every day.
Fruit is one of the best ways to get the sweet flavors you crave into
your diet without reversing the progress youve made in the gym. For
this cookbook, weve chosen a variety of baked fruit desserts like our
Baked Cinnamon-Sugar Apples, No-Crust Peach Cobbler, and Warm
Streusel Pears that can be enjoyed piping hot out of the oven or cold as
refrigerated leftovers. Youll be getting the sweetness of the fruit as well
as the healthful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that they contain.
Weve also lightened up some of our favorite rich desserts, including
brownies and pumpkin pie, so you can indulge in those cravings with
less guilt.
THE RECIPES
BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR APPLES......... 113
BLACK BEAN BROWNIES........................ 114
CHILLY COCONUT BANANA TREATS......... 115
CREAMY FRUIT DIP................................ 116
GREEK YOGURT PARFAIT........................ 117
NO-CRUST PEACH COBBLER................... 118
NO-CRUST PUMPKIN PIE........................ 119
PINEAPPLE ANGEL FOOD CAKE............... 120
SWEET & FRUITY BRAN BARS................ 121
WARM STREUSEL PEARS....................... 122
DIRECTIONS
cup raisins
minutes to re-plump.
dried cranberries
2 tablespoons of low-calorie brown sugar substitute
1 tablespoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
cup oats
Spray a small casserole dish liberally with nonstick baking spray. Add
apple slices, raisins, cranberries, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of the
cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix well. Top with oats and sprinkle
remaining tablespoon of cinnamon on top.
Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. Enjoy hot or cold.
Makes 4 servings.
113
DIRECTIONS
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained very well
4 large eggs
cup low-calorie sugar substitute
Spray an 8x8 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Add the eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, coffee, baking powder, and oil to a
blender. Blend well. Add the black beans and vanilla and blend again.
1 teaspoons vanilla
Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the
brownies comes out clean. Cool and serve.
Makes 16 brownies.
114
DIRECTIONS
4 bananas (firm)
toothpick, dip each piece first into the lemon juice, then into the yogurt.
Then roll gently in the coconut to coat well. Place the coated banana bites
in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for
at least 3 hours. Store leftovers in the freezer.
Makes 7 servings.
115
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft. Slowly add the
yogurt, vanilla, and sweetener and beat well until light and fluffy.
116
DIRECTIONS
Shell the pistachios and place the nuts in a small plastic bag. Use a flat,
cup raspberries
1 teaspoon honey
Into a small bowl or parfait glass, pour cup of the Greek yogurt. Layer
10 pistachios
on the sliced strawberries, then add the remaining cup of yogurt. Top
with raspberries. Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle the pistachios
over that.
Makes 1 serving.
117
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats.
teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons oats
Place peaches in a small baking dish. Cover with oat mixture and toss to
mix. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
Makes 4 servings.
118
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and beat well. The batter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Reduce oven heat to 325F and bake for
another 45 minutes. A knife inserted into the center of the pie should come
out clean when baking is complete. When cool, sprinkle the top of the pie
with cinnamon.
Makes 8 servings.
119
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
120
DIRECTIONS
cup raisins
and honey and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well
combined. Remove from heat and add all remaining ingredients. Mix well
to incorporate.
Grease a 9x9 square pan with baking spray. Press the mixture into the pan
Makes 20 bars.
121
DIRECTIONS
For the streusel mixture, combine ground oats, brown sugar substitute,
1 tablespoon honey
butter, honey, cinnamon, allspice, and walnuts in a small bowl. Set aside.
teaspoon cinnamon
teaspoon salt
Spray a small baking dish with nonstick baking spray. Scoop the core
teaspoon allspice
out of each pear half using a spoon and place each pear cut-side-up in
the dish. Pour cider and brandy into the dish around the pears. Spoon
of the streusel into the center of each pear half. Cover baking dish with
aluminum foil.
122
PROTEIN
SHAKES
Its not always easy to get all of the protein you need through your
diet, especially if you dont have a lot of time to devote to cooking and
preparing your meals. Thats where protein shakes come in. Fortunately,
they can be absolutely delicious, like many of the recipes for sweet
shakes that weve included here. While protein powders often make for
delicious drinks on their own when shaken with water or milk, youll be
glad you invested in a blender to create these unique, delicious, and
protein-packed shakes.
Proteins are not only used to build, maintain, and repair muscles, but
also to make up and repair structures within nearly every cell, tissue, and
organ. Solid food sources of protein can take more time to digest and
break down to repair muscles than liquid sources of protein. As a result,
drinking a protein shake immediately following a workout can be the best
way to help your muscles begin the recovery and rebuilding process.
THE RECIPES
BERRY CHEESECAKE SHAKE................... 126
CHOCOLATE PB BANANA SHAKE............. 127
CINNAMON BUN PROTEIN SHAKE........... 128
MOCHA CHOCOLATE SHAKE................... 129
ORANGE-COCONUT PROTEIN SHAKE........ 130
PEANUT BUTTER CUP SHAKE................. 131
PUMPKIN PIE PROTEIN SHAKE............... 132
STRAWBERRIES & CREAM SHAKE........... 133
TROPICAL PROTEIN SHAKE..................... 134
ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE PROTEIN SHAKE... 135
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
126
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 frozen banana
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 scoops chocolate or dark chocolate protein
2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
127
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
teaspoon cinnamon
teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup skim milk
1 packet no-calorie sweetener
128
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
129
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
130
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Blend all ingredients except chocolate chips until shake reaches desired
consistency. Add water to thin the shake if desired. Mix in chocolate chips.
131
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 cup water
132
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1 cup water
133
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
frozen banana
1 cup non-fat vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon flax seed oil
1 cup ice cubes
134
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
consistency. You can alter the amount of ice to change the thickness of
the shake and the amount of caramel topping to increase or decrease the
sweetness.
135
Index
apple
Apple Slaw, 33
Whisky-Mushroom Steak, 72
banana
Chilly Coconut Banana Treats, 115
bran
Sweet & Fruity Bran Bars, 121
breakfast
Chocolate-Banana Oatmeal, 7
Cauliflower Hash, 6
beans
Fiesta Eggs, 9
Protein Pancakes, 13
beef
Beef & Vegetable Stew, 63
Beef Lettuce Wraps, 64
Beef Sirloin Roast, 65
Chinese-Style Beef with Broccoli, 66
Cuban Braised Beef, 67
Zucchini Pancakes, 15
broccoli
Chinese-Style Beef with Broccoli, 66
brownie
Black Bean Brownie, 114
burger
Dipping Sauce, 54
Tandoori Chicken, 56
Salmon Burgers, 91
burrito
Low-Fat Breakfast Burrito, 11
Turkey Bean Burrito, 57
cabbage
chickpeas
Gazpacho with Chickpeas, 22
chili
Slow Cooker Pork Chili, 81
chocolate
Apple Slaw, 33
Chocolate-Banana Oatmeal, 7
carrot
Creamy Carrot Soup, 20
Peas & Crunchy Carrots, 106
cauliflower
Cauliflower Hash, 6
Cauliflower Salad, 36
chicken
cinnamon
Baked Cinnamon-Sugar Apples, 113
Cinnamon Bun Protein Shake, 128
coconut
Chilly Coconut Banana Treats, 115
corn
Prosciutto-Corn Saut, 107
Orange Chicken, 53
eggs
Breakfast Egg Cups, 5
Easy Spinach Frittata, 8
Fiesta Eggs, 9
Mediterranean Egg White Omelet, 12
fish
Asian Seafood Salad, 34
Flounder with Spinach, 86
Indian-Spiced Salmon, 87
Mussels with Coconut Broth, 88
flounder
Flounder with Spinach, 86
gazpacho
Gazpacho with Chickpeas, 22
lemon
Baked Lemon-Vegetable Chicken, 48
lettuce
Beef Lettuce Wraps, 64
lime
Lime Chicken Breast, 51
mango
Mango Salsa, 104
meatballs
Turkey Meatballs, 59
miso
Miso Soup with Mushrooms, 24
mushrooms
Salmon Burgers, 91
Whiskey-Mushroom Steak, 72
mussels
Mussels with Coconut Broth, 88
oatmeal
Chocolate-Banana Oatmeal, 7
orange
Citrus Spinach Salad, 37
Orange Chicken, 53
Orange-Coconut Protein Shake, 130
pancakes
pineapple
Pineapple Angel Food Cake, 120
pizza
Pizza-Style Tuna Melt, 90
pork
Apple Spiced Pork Tenderloin, 76
Cajun Pork Tenderloin, 77
Protein Pancakes, 13
Zucchini Pancakes, 15
pasta
peach
No-Crust Peach Cobbler, 118
Peach & Black Bean Swordfish, 89
peanut butter
potatoes
Easy Microwave New Potatoes, 102
Fruity Sweet Potatoes, 103
peas
poultry
pears
Warm Streusel Pears, 122
Orange Chicken, 53
Pumpkin Soup, 25
quesadilla
Mushroom Chicken Quesadilla, 52
rice
Tandoori Chicken, 56
Turkey Loaf, 58
Turkey Meatballs, 59
prosciutto
Prosciutto-Corn Saut, 107
protein shakes
salad
Apple Slaw, 33
Asian Seafood Salad, 34
Black Eyed Pea Salad, 35
Cauliflower Salad, 36
Tabbouleh, 43
pumpkin
salmon
Indian-Spiced Salmon, 87
Salmon Burgers, 91
Teriyaki Salmon, 93
salsa
seafood
Asian Seafood Salad, 34
Flounder with Spinach, 86
Indian-Spiced Salmon, 87
shrimp
Shrimp with Mushrooms, 93
soup
Salmon Burgers, 91
Teriyaki Salmon, 94
Pumpkin Soup, 25
Vegetable Minestrone, 28
spinach
squash
tomato
Pumpkin Soup, 25
steak
tuna
Whiskey-Mushroom Steak, 72
stew
Beef & Vegetable Stew, 63
strawberry
Strawberries & Cream Shake, 133
sweet potatoes
Fruity Sweet Potatoes, 103
Roasted Sweet Potato & Banana Mash, 108
tabbouleh
Tabbouleh, 43
taco
Spicy Beef Tacos, 71
Zesty Taco Soup, 29
tenderloin
Apple Spiced Pork Tenderloin, 76
turkey
Pork & Turkey Burger, 79
Turkey Bean Burritos, 57
Turkey Loaf, 58
Turkey Meatballs, 59
yogurt
Greek Yogurt Parfait, 117
zucchini
Pork Chops with Zucchini, 78
Zucchini Pancakes, 15
You work hard in the gym, but is your diet getting in the way of achieving your
best results? The sports nutrition experts at Force Factor break down their
favorite recipes for muscle-building meals that will fill you up, keep your taste
buds satisfied, and help you achieve your best results yet. From breakfast
scrambles to protein shakes to midnight snacks, the Force Factor cookbook
has the answer to all your cravings and your bodys needs.
$19.99