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What's in store for today:

• This little device made me SO much more productive...
• My new favorite high protein cereal...
• Steal my macro balanced taco recipe...🌮

Hey friend,

I'm gotta be honest...we are DEEP into the newborn sleep deprivation struggle over here in the Portwood house. 😂😵

But we are blessed none the less. 💛

It's times like this that I am reminded why I focus so much on my health.  

I can't imagine being in the shape I USED to be years ago before I developed the healthy lifestyle I have today.  

It goes to show that while it is great to be able to enjoy a healthy body and lifestyle in the present moment, it's the unexpected or future moments that might be just around the corner that we might appreciate the decisions we make today and every day all the more.  

As I sit here writing this on about 2 hours of sleep last night...I'm thankful I have a healthy foundation to carry me through 💪🏻

Here's to a healthy body and a healthy foundation to keep us all going like the energizer bunny when life gets a little crazy 🤪

It's Protein Ramen, Bae 🍜

As much as I am ashamed to admit it, I never really got on the Ramen trend that seems to have take over in younger generations.

Truth be told it always looked like a whole lot of carbs, and no protein, in a puddle of soup broth...

And me?  I like a lot of substance with my noodles.  I like lots of protein, lots of veggies, and a banging sauce. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

Which means I am more of a stir fry guy myself.  

So when I saw these high protein Ramen STIR FRY noodles pop up in an ad on my Facebook feed...I couldn't resist buying some to try.  

They have 3 flavors of protein ramen stir fry noodles at Ramen Bae...

Teriyaki Chicken, Teriyaki Beef, and Smokey Sacha Seafood flavored.  

I bought all three to give them a try and here's my take on them...

I LOVE the noodles.  The noodles themselves are about 36% protein, which is pretty good for a noodle that ACTUALLY tastes like a standard stir fry noodle.  No weird flavor or textures at all.  

The sauce packets that come with them...Meh.  

Not a lot of flavor.  So I ditch the sauce packet that comes with them and instead I use my own sauce favorites like G Hughes Sugar Free Sweet Chili Sauce or G Hughes Sugar Free Teriyaki.  

I just take the noodles out and boil them like any other Ramen noodle and then I stir fry them up with a few ounces of chicken breast and some chopped onion and peppers to get the added protein and flavor, and lastly I throw in my own sauce.  

And bam...super fast...super tasty...high protein stir fry noodle goodness.  

Pricing isn't bad when you buy in bulk or with a coupon code.  As of the time of writing this they still have code NEWYEAR active for an additional 20% off an variety 18 pack, which comes to about $3.30 per pack of noodles, and makes them comparable if not better in price than many other brands. 

I've already eaten 7 packs of these in the last week and a half so I have a feeling these are going to be a frequent flyer in my house.   

You can check them out here.

My Work + Walk Hack ⌚️🚶‍♂️

You know the struggle...

The struggle of trying to be super productive...but yet you need to go get some steps in so you can easily hit your step goal for the day...

So you aren't out walking at 9pm at night 😂

But there in lies the problem...

If you are working on a computer and typing while you walk (which isn't as hard as it sounds), then your watch won't count your steps because your arm isn't swaying at your side 🫣

And furthermore...I found it hard to get my computer to the right height for me to comfortably type while walking, since I don't have one of those fancy adjustable height standing desks over my treadmill.  

So here's the two part hack / solution that is finally working really well for me and allowing me to get a lot more steps every day without feeling like I am neglecting my work.  

Step 1 - I bought this little laptop stand off of Amazon that elevates my computer up a few inches off of the treadmill surface, which was always a little too low for me to comfortably type without hunching down.  

Step 2 - When I want to be working AND walking AND tracking my steps...I take my Apple Watch OFF and I sit it aside and then I make sure my iPhone is in my pocket while I walk.  

By doing this, my phone stops trying to track steps with my watch and it starts tracking them in my pocket.  Because as long as I am wearing the watch, it only tracks if my arm is swaying at my side.  

Simple, but effective.  

I actually use the free Pedometer++ app to get the most accurate step count every day instead of trusting the Apple Health app, because Pedometer++ is more accurate at merging the data tracked on my phone and Apple Watch together, where the Apple Health app sometimes leaves out my steps tracked on my phone when not wearing my watch.  

Now I am being WAY more productive on two tasks at once, rather than having to feel like I am choosing between one goal or the other.  💪🏻

Hope this little tip helps you if you have a treadmill or walking pad.  

Steal My Simple Macro Balanced Taco Recipe 🌮

Blah, blah, blah...it's TACOS!  What more is there to say 😂

Matt's Macro Balanced Taco Recipe

Single Serving Recipe Makes 3 Crunchy Tacos:

• 368 Calories
• 42% Protein
• 28% Net Carb
• 37 Grams Protein
• 24 Grams Net Carb

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. 96% Lean Ground Beef
• 3 Great Value Taco Shells
• 3 Teaspoons Taco Seasoning
• 1/4 Onion
• 1/4 Poblano Pepper or Green Pepper (or 1 Jalapeno Pepper)
• 1/2 Cup Shredded Lettuce
• 1/4 Cup Fat Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Taco Bell Taco Sauce To Taste (Zero Calorie)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the 96% Lean Ground Beef on one side of the skillet, and saute the onions and peppers in the other side of the skillet.  Once the ground beef is browned you can stir in the taco seasoning.  
   
   If you want to mix the taco meat and peppers together you can or you can portion them separately to the tacos as you see fit.  
2. Set out your three crunchy taco shells in a taco shell holder if you have one.  These are the ones I use.
3. Add your lettuce to the bottom of the taco shells first, then layer on your taco meat between the tacos on top of the lettuce, then add the onions and peppers, then the shredded cheese, and lastly the taco sauce.  
4. Enjoy!

Win Of The Week:

Ashley's Epic Progress 💪🏻

Ashley’s progress is such a great reminder of what sustainable success actually looks like.

She reached out for help when things got harder—not easier—and invested in coaching so her results would last. She’s sharing her journey openly, asking questions, trying new recipes, and letting community support her along the way.

Most importantly, Ashley isn’t in a rush. She’s focused on building habits and a lifestyle she enjoys, not chasing fast results or perfection. She’s learning real nutrition, expanding her food options, and becoming someone who knows how to maintain results long-term.

She’s open, coachable, and welcomes accountability—even tough love when needed.

The scale progress is impressive, but her mindset, growth, and consistency are even better.

Incredible work, Ashley. We’re proud to have you in the Healthy & Whole family 💛

A Quote To Finish Your Week Strong

“A fit body, a calm mind, a house full of love. These things cannot be bought — they must be earned.” 

— Naval Ravikant

When you're ready, here's how I can help:

If you're looking to lose weight sustainably while building a flexible lifestyle that you enjoy, I can help.   Apply for coaching here in the Healthy & Whole Mentorship Program.  

Disclaimer: This email is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.