Winter Solace – Low Carb Macaroni & Cheese

Posted by Andrew Boyd from Carb Freedom

Serves 6 – 8
Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

Combining pork, lamb, low-carb pasta and cheese, our low-carb take on mac and cheese is the perfect winter meal for the whole family. We recommend using Sedani pasta as these ribbed, hollow pastas help capture the dish’s full flavour, but feel free to experiment with other varieties.

Ingredients
For the Ragu
1 pack of low-carb Sedani
250g of coarsely minced pork
250g of coarsely minced lamb
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 Large onion diced
3 or 4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
100ml red wine (optional)
Salt
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp dried mixed herbs
For the Sauce
600ml milk
200g grated mozzarella cheese
50g grated parmesan
2 tsp of xanthan gum
For the Topping
1 slice of crisp bread
Grated mozzarella cheese

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees
  2. In a large saucepan add the olive oil, onion, garlic and salt and cook on a medium heat.
  3. Meanwhile add the sedani to boiling water.  Cook for 10   minutes or until al dente.
  4. Once the onions and garlic have softened add the paprika and crumble the mincemeat into the pan.  Cook on a medium heat for 4 minutes using a spoon to break-up the mincemeat.
  5. Add the tomato paste, dried herbs and red wine to the mince.
  6. Once the juice has reduced by half (approx. 2 minutes) turn the pan down to a low heat.
  7. When the pasta has cooked drain and add to the Ragu and mix well.
  8. Place the milk and grated mozzarella in a saucepan on a medium heat. Stir continuously so the milk does not stick to the bottom of the pan
  9. When the cheese begins to melt turn the heat to low.
  10. In a small bowl mix the Xantham Gum and a 2 tablespoons of COLD milk and mix well.
  11. Add the Gum mix to the cheese sauce and stir continuously.
  12. Blend the cheese sauce over a low heat with a bar mix style blender until it thickens.
  13. Add half the sauce to the ragu & pasta & mix through.
  14. Transfer the mix to a 30cm rectangular deep sided pan and add the remaining cheese sauce on top
  15. Using a blender or even just by hand crumble the crisp bread over the top of the pasta mix.
  16. Grate mozzarella on top and place in the oven for 10 minutes.

Note if you want to prepare the dish earlier, you can stop after step 15 and place in the fridge.  When ready to serve continue with steps 16 & 17 but reheat in the oven for 20 – 25 minutes.

Low Carb High Protein Fusilli Salad

Posted by Andrew Boyd from Carb Freedom

Serves 2

This colourful pasta dish combines olives, cabbage, feta cheese and low-carb pasta spirals and is the perfect way to enjoy a healthy lunch. We recommend Fusilli as it captures the feta cheese, but feel free to experiment with other low carb pasta options.

This dish also works well with the addition of croutons, for that extra crunch.

Ingredients
200g of Carb Freedom High Protein Pasta
100g of Feta Cheese
½ Red Capsicum
½ Yellow Capsicum
¼ red cabbage
1 Small Red Onion
16 Olives
2 Tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Basil
Preparation
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil over high heat. Add the Pasta to boiling salted water and cook for 15 minutes or until Al-dente.

Meanwhile finely chop the onion and place in a large mixing bowl.

Julienne (cut into thin strips) the capsicum and add to the onion.

Shred the cabbage and mix in with the onion and capsicum, along with the olives.

Mix the salad together in the bowl.

When the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.

Crumble the feta with your hands over the salad [you want small pieces for the best result] and add the pasta, the warm pasta will slightly melt the Feta and create a creamy sauce.

Dress with olive oil and mix well. And add Salt and pepper to taste.
Serve in a bowl with finely shredded basil.

Ali Ahmadi

THREE TIMES AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION NATURAL BODYBUILDER ALI AHMADI is a versatile athlete, a Martial Artist, a Qualified Master Trainer and a performer in roles across stage and screen. He has accomplished a tremendous amount both in his personal life, and helping in the Transformations of many other Individuals ranging from average men and women to Professional Athletes during the past 10 years. It was through training his clients that Ali realised his true passion and purpose is to help others achieve their health and fitness goals. ALIFIT is designed to fulfil that dream.

Qualifications & Achievements

Ali is a Qualified Master Trainer, NLP Master Practitioner and has Certificates in Weight Loss Nutrition and Sports Nutrition.

MUSCLEMANIA JUNIOR MR. AUSTRALIA 20051ST PLACE
INBA JUNIOR MR. AUSTRALIA 20061ST PLACE
INBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2006 JUNIOR2ND PLACE
ANB MR AUSTRALIA 20111ST PLACE
WNBF ASIA PACIFIC 20111ST PLACE

ALI AS A PERFORMER In 2003, ALI BEGAN HIS PERFORMANCE CAREER, participating in the Xtreme Games, Sydney with The Deadly Moves Crew. During 2003-2007, Ali performed as one of the main acrobats in the circus group called Turn Up The Heat performing at events including Adelaide Fringe Festival. In 2008, Ali starred as NOMAD in the Channel 7 Television Show Australia Gladiators. Since 2008, Ali has been featured in a number of Film, TV, Commercial, Corporate and Modelling Productions including NIKE, ASICS, EVERLAST, SATURDAY DISNEY, NICKELODEON.

Focus, Believe, Achieve! We LEARN and GROW by overcoming Obstacles & Challenges. In order to Conquer our Obstacles we need a STRONG BODY and a DISCIPLINED MIND. Only then we are able to Transmute our Challenges to ENERGISE us and provide us the FUEL we need to TRANSFORM ourselves and REALISE our MAXIMUM POTENTIAL.  

“Give Ali any challenge and he will literally rise to the occasion.” Rosanna Mangiarelli, Today Tonight Channel Seven 

www.alifit.com.au

Balsamic Beef & Glass Noodle Salad with Rocket & Parmesan

This Beef and Glass noodle salad recipe is a really simple and healthy dinner or lunch recipe!

Ingredients

400g piece lean rump steak
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar
200g glass noodles (bean thread vermicelli)*
1 Lebanese cucumber, halved lengthways, thinly sliced on the diagonal
3 firmly packed cups rocket leaves
1 loosely packed cup basil leaves
40g parmesan, shaved
1 tbs olive oil 

Method

  1. Place steak in a shallow bowl with garlic and 2 tablespoons vinegar. Rub all over beef. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes
  2. Place noodles in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Stand for 5 minutes or until softened. Drain thoroughly.
  3. Heat a lightly oiled chargrill or barbecue on high heat. Cook beef for 3-4 minutes each side until browned on the outside and cooked medium rare. Stand for 3-4 minutes, then slice thinly and combine with noodles, remaining balsamic and other ingredients. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Relay for Life

On the 24th of September 2011 Good Vibes Fitness took part in the local Relay For Life event held at Macquarie Park.

Relay For Life is an overnight, community event where teams of 10-15 participate in a relay-style walk or run to raise funds for the Cancer Council. The event brings the whole community together for a night of fun, entertainment, celebration and remembrance.    

With the event program offering the whole community something to enjoy – Good Vibes Fitness decided to get on board. Good Vibes Fitness put together a team of members who were eager to participate, celebrate life, remember loved ones who have been touched by cancer and empower the fighters against cancer.  

With such a positive result and outtake Good Vibes Fitness is keen to continue and grow its support of community and fundraising events.  

With 1 in 2 Australian men and 1 in 3 Australian women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85 and is a leading cause of death in Australia.

Ivon’s Transformation

My name is Denesh Gibson – Ivon I am 40 years of age, I started Training at Good Vibes about 7 weeks ago. My goal was to lose weight, get fit and tone my body. Since I have been training at Good Vibes I have lost 15cm around my waist in 7 weeks.  

The trainer put together a training program that helped me achieve my goals. Without their help this would have been very hard to do if at all. It’s also great to know if I have any questions or don’t really understand an exercise I can contact them and they will help solve the problem.

Tuna Sashimi with Coconut Rice

This Tuna Sashimi recipe is a really simple and healthy dinner or lunch recipe!

Ingredients

1 cup (200g) jasmine rice
4 spring onions, thinly shredded
1/2 cup (125ml) coconut milk 
Juice of 1/2 lime 
1/4 tsp dried chilli flakes 
400g sashimi-grade tuna (see note), sliced 
2 avocados, flesh cut into thin wedges 
50g toasted sesame seeds 
Gluten-free tamari (naturally brewed soy sauce) 
lime wedges (optional), to serve

Method

  1. Cook the rice in boiling salted water according to packet instructions.
  2. Meanwhile, place the spring onion in a bowl of iced water until it curls. Drain and set aside. Combine the coconut milk, lime juice and chilli in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
  3. Drain the rice, return to the pan and stir in the coconut dressing and half the spring onion.
  4. Divide the rice among serving plates. Top with the tuna and avocado wedges, then garnish with the remaining onion and sesame seeds. Serve with a bowl of tamari to dip, and lime if desired.

Matthew’s Transformation

“When I decided it was time to start leading a healthier lifestyle, I knew from previous attempts joining a Gym was the easy part. I was unsure of where to start and very confused by all of the information and opinions on how to reach my goals.

I was lucky enough to find out about Good Vibes and their trainers who have really taught me the secret to achieving the lifestyle change I desired. By following the training program, eating and rest routines I have lost an impressive 4kgs in weight and 7cm from my waist within the first 4 weeks.

Good Vibes’ professional approach and ability to explain what you need to do and why is very helpful. This also really helps in keeping me motivated for success. The turnaround in the way I feel both physically and mentally has been unbelievable.”- Matthew Gilhooly

Mick’s Transformation

Another member of Good Vibes has transformed his body and life. Mick’s concern about his weight and its side effects on his health, performance dropped at work and poor quality of life drove him to do something about it. He began training at Good Vibes Fitness weighing in at 110kg and since then has shed an amazing 35kg through hard work and a healthy diet.

Since he has taken control, his body and life have shifted to a positive lane. Mike now understands the importance of living a health and fit lifestyle and will encourage others to do the same.
Exercise and diet are important but total commitment is the single most important thing and mikes was second to none.

Bianca Natalia

Bianca has been strength training for 9 years and has nearly 6 years of industry experience coaching individuals both face to face and online. She has competed in both bodybuilding and powerlifting and played soccer for 7 years. She knows the importance of hard work, consistency and recovery when it comes to getting optimal results.

Bianca likes to work closely with her clients to help them reach their goals. She understands the importance of continuous education and upskilling to improve her service to her clients.

Her specialities are:

  *   Strength Training
  *   Training Technique Correction
  *   Pre/Rehab
  *   Body Re-composition
  *   Nutrition
  *   Improving Overall Health & Fitness

Qualifications:

  *   Certificate III & IV in Fitness
  *   Level 1 ASCA Strength & Conditioning Coach
  *   First Aid & CPR
  *   Pre/Post Natal Training