Today, we kick off DAY 9 of our Challenge and we hope you’re feeling great for this new week together! As we mentioned yesterday, we start with a large glass of lemon water (cold or warm) to detoxify our body after a good night’s sleep.
Today’s recipes
BREAKFAST
SOY-BANANA-ALMOND SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
• ½ glass of soy milk
• 1 banana
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp almonds
Method: For this recipe, you’ll need a blender. Start by peeling the banana, then slice it into small rounds. Blend all the ingredients for a few minutes — and it’s already done! Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon. This smoothie makes a truly complete breakfast, thanks to the protein-rich soy milk, banana and almonds! Pair your drink with a yogurt topped with oat flakes.
LUNCH
Pork stir-fry with Thai rice and pineapple
Ingredients (serves 4):
120 g Thai rice
400 g pork tenderloin
280 g pineapple (fresh or pre-cut)
1 garlic clove
2 shallots
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
1 pinch of salt and pepper
Method:
1 ~ Cook the rice in a large pot of salted water, following the instructions on the packet. Drain and set aside on a plate.
2 ~ Cut the meat into small cubes. Cut the pineapple into small pieces. Peel and finely chop the garlic and shallots.
3 ~ In a non-stick pan with no added fat, dry-fry the shallots and chopped garlic. Add the diced meat and cook until lightly browned.
4 ~ Add the pineapple and deglaze with the soy sauce. Simmer for 5–6 minutes.
5 ~ Stir in the rice and adjust the seasoning.
6 ~ Serve piping hot, scattered with chopped coriander.
DINNER
SWEET POTATO & ENDIVE GRATIN
Ingredients (serves 4):
• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 3 endives
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp light thick crème fraîche
• 1 tsp grated nutmeg
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 50 g grated Parmesan
• 50 g light grated Gruyère
Method: Trim the base of the endives and slice them into strips. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into cubes. Peel and thinly slice the onion, then finely chop the garlic. Heat the oil in a pan. Add the onions and cook over low heat for 2 minutes. Add the sweet potato cubes, endive strips and chopped garlic. Cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring regularly. If the mixture starts to stick, add a splash of water. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Spread the mixture into an ovenproof dish, pour over the crème fraîche and Parmesan, then mix well. Sprinkle with a little nutmeg, salt and pepper. Finish with the grated Gruyère and bake for 15 minutes. Enjoy hot!
OUR TIPS
Following your many messages, we’ve decided to share a few extra tips to help you structure your day.
You can absolutely adapt this plan to suit your own lifestyle (whether you exercise or not, whether you’re a stay-at-home mum, a student, etc.).
Here are a few slimming tips to keep in mind:
- You can have a slice of bread alongside your lunch
- You can treat yourself to 1 square of dark chocolate (70%+) during the day, whenever you fancy it
- If you feel peckish in the morning, reach for an apple — its filling power will easily keep you going until lunch
- For your afternoon snack, go for a handful of dried fruit or nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts… unsweetened and unsalted).
- If you prefer something savoury, opt for 2 slices of ham or a hard-boiled egg — ideal for those who exercise, as it’s a protein-rich snack!
- For dessert, you can have 1 yogurt or a fruit of your choice — and try to skip dessert in the evening.
- In the evening, eat less than at lunchtime 🙂
- Stop eating after 10 pm
- Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep a night
TIP OF THE DAY
Sweet potatoes are a great source of magnesium, which acts as a natural stress-reliever and relaxant. Their juice is rich in vitamin B6, which helps keep arteries healthy. They support digestion, help manage weight (when eaten in moderation) and give the immune system a boost. Sweet potatoes are eaten cooked, with or without the skin. They can be boiled, baked or fried, and work beautifully in both sweet and savoury dishes. They make a great substitute for regular potatoes thanks to their similar texture — think crisps, mash and gratin. They pair wonderfully with meat or fish. And believe it or not, they’re absolutely delicious in ice cream, cake or jam.
CHALLENGE VALIDATION STEP
At the end of the day, don’t forget to confirm your participation in Day 9 by heading to our Facebook page and/or our Instagram account and leaving a comment under today’s post with “DAY 9 DONE!”
Join us on social media and share your culinary creations every day using the hashtag #defiminceurcellublue! Our coaching team will be checking in every day to cheer on all the brave challengers! 🙂