Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Join the Wellness Revolution
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Three Foods You Should NEVER Eat
Here are three foods that will put you on the fast track to fat:
Breakfast Cereal: This one is a little deceptive. No one thinks of cereal as being a threat to their health.
But no matter which one you choose, breakfast cereals are high on the glycemic index (GI). For many people, a dose of high-glycemic carbs in the morning is the prescription for building excess body fat.
You’d almost be better off eating a candy bar or a piece of cake.
The GI of an average piece of chocolate cake is between 31 and 38… a Snickers bar is about 43. Not bad.
Compare that to the GI of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes… which registers a whopping 132. That means corn flakes break down into sugar in your bloodstream faster than pure glucose!
And if you add fuel to the fire by putting sugar on your cereal, you’re sending an overwhelming surge of sugar into your system.
Remember, high blood sugar triggers a wave of insulin. And insulin is the hormone that sends the message to build and store fat.
Even “healthy” cereals like Grape-Nuts have a GI of 80. That’s also very high.
It might be a fast fix when you’re rushing in the morning, but cereal in the morning will make you fat. Avoid it at all costs.
French Fries: Possibly the worst foods you can eat. First off, potatoes are high-glycemic and not good for you in any form. But when you take potatoes and deep-fry them in trans fatty oil, you have a recipe for sickness and disease.
While white potatoes aren’t the best choice, the oil they’re cooked in adds much more danger than the potatoes do. If you need a potato fix now and then, opt for a baked potato or, better yet, sweet potatoes. They’re loaded with carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Bagels and Breads: Don’t fall for the “whole-grain goodness” trap. When it comes to the glycemic index, it matters very little whether breads are made from whole grain or not. Grains spike your blood sugar, and you know what that means.
Forget about the commercials you see on TV. Unless you are very poor and can’t get enough calories without them, you should avoid grains at least until you get as lean as you want to be. You’ll be better off without them.
In the morning, take a few extra moments and scramble some eggs. Before you throw the eggs in, sauté some sliced tomatoes and spinach. Maybe some onion, too. In less than 10 minutes, you can have a breakfast that will make you feel pumped and energetic for the whole morning.
And if you need a fast lunch, try a wrap instead of a sandwich. More and more restaurants offer wraps these days. They come in all styles – spinach is my favorite. (Try and avoid the heavy flour tortillas.)
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
- Whitehouse MW, Macrides TA, Kalafatis N. “Anti-inflammatory activity of a lipid fraction (Lyprinol®) from the N. Z. green-lipped mussel.” Inflammopharmacology. 1997;5:237-46.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Simple Steps to Success
- Believe while others are doubting
- Plan while others are playing
- Study while others are sleeping
- Decide while others are delaying
- Prepare while others are daydreaming
- Begin while others are procrastinating
- Work while others are wishing
- Save while others are wasting
- Listen while others are talking
- Smile while others are frowning
- Commend while others are criticizing
- Persist while others are quitting
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Healthy Dessert? An Oxymoron?
Each week the Team Beachbody® newsletter brings you the latest health and fitness news, updates on new projects and upcoming releases, and tips and advice for getting in the best shape of your life. Don't worry if you missed a newsletter—you can catch up on back issues here.
Issue: #163, March 18, 2010
QUICK AND HEALTHY DESSERTS
7 Days, 7 Desserts
What's Your Problem? Abs? Butt? We've Got You Covered.
Climbing Michi's Ladder: Spelt
How to Prevent Wrinkles
Test Your Healthy Fats IQ!
Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.
—Ernestine Ulmer
7 Days, 7 Desserts
By Joe Wilkes
Sugary treats and drinks are so prevalent in American society that it's a real challenge to kick the white stuff, not to mention the high fructose corn syrup stuff. However, that doesn't mean that we should totally abandon our sweet tooth. After all, how could something that tastes so good be that bad for us? Our palates are conditioned to enjoy sweets because, in nature, sweetness can attract us to some of the healthiest foods, like fruits and berries. The trick is in learning to enjoy sweet foods that are closer to their natural states before all the vitamins and fiber are extracted, and we're left with just the diabetes and tooth decay. Here are some ideas for desserts that could actually be the healthiest part of the meal.
Note: All nutritional information is for one serving.
Sunday: Giant Fruit Salad
Sunday is a great day to make giant bowls of stuff you can eat all week. I like to make big pots of soup or other big entrées for healthy leftovers throughout the week. Fruit salad is super-easy to make; it's just a hassle to chop everything. I find it can be a nice Zen-like activity while I'm watching the Sunday news programs or sports. The best fruit salads use fruits that are in season and contain a variety of colors. It's not just that the colors make for a lovely presentation, but the more colors you have, the bigger range of antioxidants you have. By tossing the fruit in lemon juice, you can prevent the fruit from turning brown, so it will still be appetizing later in the week. You can layer the fruit with yogurt for a delicious parfait, or add some granola or nuts for a little crunch, too.
1 red apple, unpeeled, cored, and diced
1 Granny Smith apple, unpeeled, cored, and diced
1 cup green grapes, seedless
1 cup red grapes, seedless
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
2 cups cantaloupe, balled
2 cups honeydew, balled
2 cups pineapple, cut up
1 banana, sliced
Lemon juice
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with lemon juice to lightly coat all fruit. Serves 6.
Preparation time: 15 to 20 minutes, but it depends on how good a chopper you are!
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
187 <1 gram 48 grams 6 grams 2 grams
Monday: Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Chocolate is full of great antioxidants and is actually pretty healthy in its unadulterated state. It's when we add cream, butter, and sugar that it starts to get unhealthy. It may not sound intuitive to add avocado, but it provides a delicious creamy texture, without all the saturated fat of actual cream. The flavor of avocado is usually mild enough that you won't even taste it with the chocolate, and you get all those heart-smart unsaturated fats with the antioxidants in your chocolate.
2 ounces dark unsweetened chocolate (70% to 85% cacao solids)
1 avocado
1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tbsp. agave nectar (could substitute maple syrup)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Microwave chocolate in large mixing bowl until melted. Add remaining ingredients, and mix until smooth. For best results, use a hand mixer or food processor. Serves 2.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
395 27 grams 39 grams 11 grams 5 grams
Tuesday: Apple Crisp
What's as American as apple pie? Well, the obesity rate for starters. Apples are certainly healthy, and apple pie flavorings like cinnamon are also healthy. In fact, some studies have shown that cinnamon may help stabilize blood sugar levels and even lower blood cholesterol. However, once you mix it all up in a shortening-laden crust with a cup or two of sugar, most of the health benefits go right out the window. Try this easy-to-make recipe for an apple crisp, and you'll get apple pie flavor without getting fat. For extra fiber, don't peel the apples. You can also experiment with other favorite fruits, like peaches or blueberries, instead of or in addition to the apples.
4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
2 Tbsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup rolled oats
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour, whole wheat (or soy flour)
2 Tbsp. butter, organic, from grass-fed dairy cow
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium baking dish, combine apples, maple syrup, and 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon. In a separate mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Top mixture in baking dish with mixture from bowl. Bake for about 30 minutes or until apples are soft. Serves 4.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
200 6 grams 31 grams 3 grams 3 grams
Wednesday: Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
You don't have to shell out the big bucks at Godiva® to make it a romantic evening with your sweetie. All you need is a microwave (or a double boiler), some dark chocolate (70% to 85% cacao solids), some strawberries, and some love. And if there's a better way to show your love than with these two great sources of antioxidants, I'd like to hear it. In fact, if you're single, this is a much better way to love yourself than with that pint of Ben and Jerry's® (4 servings, ha!)
1 dark chocolate bar (3 oz.), 70% to 85% cacao solids
1 pint large strawberries (about a dozen)
Microwave chocolate in microwave-safe bowl, or melt in double boiler on stove. Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip in melted chocolate to lightly coat. Set aside on plate or wax paper to cool. When chocolate has hardened, serve (or if you can't wait, dip and eat, and call it chocolate fondue!). Serves 2.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
360 22 grams 36 grams 9 grams 5 grams
Thursday: Black Bean Brownies
Well, if you didn't stop reading this article after the chocolate avocado mousse, you may be adventurous enough to try this next recipe. This is super-easy to make and actually delicious. For Christmas one year, my mother found a box of brownie mix of indeterminate origin in her pantry, and we decided to experiment with something we saw on one of the morning shows. Basically, instead of adding eggs and oil to the mix as directed on the box, you food-process a can of black beans (unseasoned, of course) and 1/4 cup of water. Add the mix and bake according to the directions on the box, and voilà! You have delicious chewy brownies—now with more fiber than fat. In fact, we even served them to my finicky nephews who declared them edible until my mom revealed the secret ingredient and ruined Christmas.
1 15-oz. can unseasoned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup water
1 package brownie mix (12 to 14 oz.—we recommend a healthy one with whole-grain ingredients)
Puree beans and water in food processor or blender. Add beans to brownie mix, and bake according to package instructions. Do not add any other ingredients. Serves 16.
Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus baking time
Nutritional information (per serving; will vary depending on brownie mix used):
Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
80 3 grams 8 grams 2 grams 5 grams
Friday: Fruit Kabobs
As fans of Strangers with Candy know, nothing makes a party like hot fruit! Grilling or broiling fruit can make the fruit taste sweeter without adding sugar. It's easy to prepare and makes for a dramatic presentation. You can experiment with different kinds of fruit, but the best ones are the ones that are a little firm and juicy, like pineapples, apples, and pears; or stone fruits, like peaches, nectarines, plums, and mangoes. You can serve with a spiced yogurt dipping sauce or just a sprinkle of cinnamon.
1/2 pineapple
2 mangoes
3 nectarines
3 peaches
3 pears
2 apples
Cut all fruit into chunks and thread onto water-soaked bamboo skewers. On hot grill or under the broiler, cook kabobs, turning often for about 5 to 7 minutes, being careful not to burn them.
Preparation time: 10 minutes (not counting chopping time)
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
226 <1 gram 59 grams 9 grams 2 grams
Saturday: Chocolate Shakeology® Pie
So we've seen some pretty healthy desserts, but could dessert be the Healthiest Meal of the Day®? If it's made with Shakeology, it could be. The Team Beachbody® Message Boards are full of great recipe ideas. This one was found by juliefit, a Team Beachbody Coach. No one knows where the original recipe came from, but it tastes delicious and gives you a protein punch from the tofu—in addition to the more than 70 healthy ingredients in Shakeology.
1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter
1 container silken tofu (12 oz.)
1-1/2 scoops Chocolate Shakeology
2 Tbsp. soy milk
2 Tbsp. agave nectar (or maple syrup)
1 whole-grain graham cracker pie crust
Blend or food-process peanut butter, tofu, Shakeology, soy milk, and agave nectar until smooth and creamy, adding more soy milk if necessary. Pour into pie crust, and refrigerate until firm (about 1 hour). Serves 6.
Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus 60 minutes in fridge
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
307 17 grams 19 grams 3 grams 13 grams
Of course, you should feel free to eat any of these desserts on any day of the week. And repeat your favorites. Most of these can be integrated into your favorite Beachbody meal plan. If you missed parts one through four of the series, see the Related Articles section below. Bon appétit!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
You Don't Ever Have to Eat Carpet Again
- a fitness coach--FREE, just there to help you reach your goals, and be there for your support
- meal planning/guidance--incredibly healthy recipes to help you get slim and trim, and keep you and your family healthy and fit
- incredible supplements at a discount--Shakeology, the healthiest drink around...the world(find out for yourself), plus recovery drinks, pre-workout drinks, vitamins, protein bars, etc...
- fitness friends--it's a lot more fun sharing a goal with someone; you'll find and make friends in no time that you can workout with and support each other in the online gym...WOWY(Work Out With You)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Fitness In a Bottle?
- P90X with Tony Horton
- Insanity with Sean T. (this takes fitness to a whole new level)
- ChaLEAN Extreme with Chalene Johnson
- 10 Minute Trainer with Tony Horton(for those days you're really short on time)
- RevAbs with Brett Hoebel
- Turbo Jam with Chalene Johnson
- Hip Hop Abs with Sean T.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Shake It Off
- lost an average of 10 pounds and 2 inches off their waste
- reduced their risk for heart disease and other degenerative diseases
- cholesterol had lowered an average of 30% and even up to 70%
- healthier skin, hair, and nails
- functioning better
- looking better
- feeling better
- thinking clearer
- overall, a lot healthier
Thursday, February 11, 2010
7 Days; 7 Healthy Breakfasts
7 Days: 7 Breakfasts
By Joe WilkesIt's hard to work good nutrition into our days. We're working longer and longer hours and still trying to fit in 30 to 60 minutes of exercise, not to mention all the studies coming out that say we're not getting nearly enough sleep. The hours run out. The snooze button gets pushed. Breakfast often turns into eating last night's leftover takeout during the morning commute. Or worse, it turns into no breakfast at all.
People often skip breakfast in hopes of getting more sleep or losing more weight, but in fact, people who replace breakfast with extra sleep end up having less energy. Breakfast skippers also tend to gain more weight. They start the day with a slow metabolism and then overeat at lunch because they're hungry. You're much better off trying to eat something nutritious in the morning so your brain and body rev up and you don't start the day with cravings that often get relieved by donuts in the break room. Here are seven breakfasts that you can squeeze into the busiest schedule.
Note: Some of the recipes call for eggs. You can use egg substitutes like Egg Beaters® (1/4 cup per egg), two egg whites per whole egg, or tofu, depending on the recipe and your dietary concerns. Additionally, some recipes call for whole wheat ingredients. Gluten-free versions can be substituted in every case (but no white-flour substitutes!). All nutritional information is per serving. Recipes are for one serving unless otherwise noted.
Sunday: Mom's Pancake Recipe
Like so many of my family's "secret" recipes, this one began life on the side of a package of food. In this case, it was a carton of eggs (no surprise when you see the second ingredient). But this is a pretty good way of sneaking extra protein to your kids—it'll definitely get a better reaction than a boiled egg and a scoop of cottage cheese. For the grownups who are watching their cholesterol, my brother came up with an alternative; substituting six egg whites and half an avocado for the six eggs. The pancakes turn out a bit green, but if you can get past that, they're quite tasty. You can top them with your favorite fresh fruit. If you can't live without maple syrup, go for grade B or grade C. Those syrups contain more of the natural minerals that are filtered out of the grade A syrup. And they're cheaper!
- 1 cup fat-free cottage cheese
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or 1/4 cup whole wheat and 1/4 cup barley flour)
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- Pinch of salt
- Dash of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Blend or food-process the first six ingredients on high until smooth. Add milk slowly to reach batter consistency. Cook on a hot, nonstick griddle. Number of pancakes varies depending on size. Serves 6.
Preparation time: 15 to 20 minutes
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Protein |
225 | 15 grams | 9 grams | 1.5 grams | 13 grams |
Monday: Power Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the healthiest grains around. The Mayo Clinic even includes it in its list of the top five foods to lower your cholesterol numbers. It has a high soluble fiber content that helps cholesterol reduction and slows sugar digestion, a benefit for people living with diabetes. It also has a high insoluble fiber content, which has been linked to cancer prevention. It's a good source of protein, as well as vitamin E, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and iron, among other nutrients. While it is a little on the bland side flavor-wise, it's easy to liven it up with some healthy ingredients, including seasonal or thawed frozen berries, nuts, and flaxseed.
There are a lot of schools of thought on the best way to prepare oatmeal. Purists will choose unrolled oats, either whole or steel-cut, and cook them forever (all right, 30 to 40 minutes). Those of us who don't live on "Martha Stewart time" are more apt to select rolled or quick-cooking oats, which can cook in about 5 to 10 minutes. And those of us truly strapped for time enjoy the convenience of instant oatmeal. For this recipe, use the plain oatmeal of your choice; just choose one that doesn't include sugary flavorings like maple brown sugar, apple cinnamon, etc. We're going to flavor it ourselves with high-antioxidant blueberries and heart-healthy fats from walnuts and flaxseed. For extra protein, add half a scoop of Beachbody's Whey Protein Powder.
- 1 cup prepared oatmeal (see above)
- 1 Tbsp. flaxseed
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl (or a to-go cup).
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Nutritional information (per serving); without and with Whey Protein Powder:
Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Protein |
436 | 26 grams | 48 grams | 10 grams | 12 grams |
491 (w/ Whey Protein Powder) | 27 grams | 50 grams | 11 grams | 21 grams |
Tuesday: Carl's Chocolate Almond Shakeology®
I was able to get my hands on Beachbody® CEO Carl Daikeler's favorite Shakeology recipe. And anyone who has been fortunate enough to spend time in the company of our energetic boss, you'll join me in saying, "I'll have what he's having." For hard-to-find ingredients like almond butter or almond milk, you could substitute peanut butter or soy, rice, or skim milk. For hard-to-stomach ingredients like the raw egg, you could use protein powder.
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp. almond butter
- 1 whole banana
- 1 whole egg, raw
- 1 scoop chocolate Shakeology
- 1 scoop Shakeology Boost: The Fiber
- 1 cup ice
Mix all ingredients in a blender until creamy.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Protein |
443 | 12 grams | 62 grams | 13 grams | 27 grams |
Wednesday: Healthy Breakfast Burrito
Going to college in Southern California, I gained a lot of sustenance from burritos of all kinds. I also gained a lot of weight. Stuffed full of cheese, fried potatoes, and larded-up refried beans, the breakfast burritos were delicious and filling to a fault. But breakfast burritos don't have to be unhealthy. Fillings like veggies and eggs that were often crowded out by the cheaper and fattier ingredients can be elevated to star status in the dish. You'll create a quick, healthy breakfast that can be eaten on the move (although the police department and your dry cleaner would discourage trying to eat while driving).
By the way, here's a tip for easy-peasy scrambled eggs or egg substitutes I learned from a "restaurant" in our last office building that prepared a wide variety of hot dishes using only a microwave. Scramble an egg in a coffee cup or small microwave-safe bowl. Depending on your wattage, nuke it for 30 seconds to a minute, and voilà, scrambled eggs perfect for a sandwich or a burrito.
- 1 scrambled egg or egg substitute (or tofu)
- 1 6-inch whole-grain tortilla
- 2 Tbsp. black beans, canned
- 2 Tbsp. low-fat cheddar cheese (or soy cheese)
- 2 Tbsp. chopped tomato
- 2 Tbsp. chopped onion
- Hot sauce to taste
What follows are the microwave directions. You could alternatively scramble the egg and heat the beans in a small frying pan.
Microwave scrambled egg or egg substitute until cooked. While egg is cooking, spread out tortilla on a dinner plate or cutting board. Spread cooked egg in the middle of one-half of the tortilla. Heat the beans in the microwave (not too much or they'll explode!). While beans are heating, sprinkle cheese on eggs, then pile on beans, tomatoes, and onions (if you don't have time to chop fresh veggies, a healthy salsa could be substituted). Add hot sauce if desired. Fold tortilla in half over the ingredients and fold in the sides. (This part may take some practice. My first burrito-folding attempts usually resulted in a dish I called burrito salad, but I eventually got the hang of it.)
Preparation time: 10 minutes (or more, depending on your tortilla-folding skills)
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Protein |
304 | 10 grams | 35 grams | 6 grams | 20 grams |
Thursday: Fruit Parfait
The Harvard School of Public Health recommends that most people have at least NINE half-cup servings of fruits and vegetables per day. So you can see that if you skip breakfast, you're really putting the pressure on the rest of your meals. A diet high in fruits and veggies lowers the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, cancer, and blood sugar problems, as well as offering many other health benefits. This recipe layers yogurt with three different types of fresh fruit. You can substitute any other fruit (preferably seasonal) for one of the fruits in this recipe. (For anyone thinking of hitting the drive-thru at McDonald's® for its version of this recipe, you could do worse in an emergency, but this is way healthier.)
- 1-1/2 cups plain low-fat yogurt (or soy yogurt)
- 1 Tbsp. almonds, chopped fine
- 1 Tbsp. flaxseed, ground
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup apple, diced
- 1/2 cup cantaloupe, diced
In a tall glass, layer ingredients in the following order: 1/2 cup yogurt, followed by a sprinkle of almonds, flaxseed, and blueberries; repeat process with apples and cantaloupe (or whatever order of fruit you choose). If presentation isn't that important to you, you could just mix it all up in a bowl and eat it. (I live alone. No one's watching.)
Preparation time: 10 minutes (more or less depending on what needs chopping)
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Protein |
453 | 16 grams | 57 grams | 9 grams | 27 grams |
Friday: Tuna Salad Surprise
Have you ever noticed that some mornings the cat has a healthier breakfast than you do? Tuna's not just for lunch anymore. In fact, when we have our big, healthy employee breakfast at Beachbody, a big bowl of this tuna recipe is usually the star of the buffet. Tuna is really high in protein and a great source of vitamin D and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. You could mix it up by substituting canned salmon once in a while. This recipe replaces fattening mayonnaise with healthy veggies and lemon juice for a refreshing, high-energy breakfast (although we might suggest an after-breakfast mint).
- 5 oz. canned tuna in water (if in oil, skip olive oil)
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice (or to taste)
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, diced
- 2 Tbsp. parsley and/or cilantro (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Raw jalapeño (if desired)
Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and season to taste. Chop in some raw jalapeño for extra zip!
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Protein |
356 | 15 grams | 12 grams | 2 grams | 43 grams |
Saturday: Vegetable Frittata
Since it's the weekend, it might be nice to make something you don't have to eat in the car. Frittatas are like omelets for the oven. All the flavor, but you don't have to try to flip it on the stove top (or onto the floor as the case may be.) It's a crowd pleaser! Feel free to experiment with other favorite veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini, etc.
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup fresh spinach, torn
- 1 tsp. garlic, crushed
- 2 medium plum tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup low-fat Swiss cheese (or soy cheese), shredded
- 1 oz. Parmesan cheese (or soy cheese), grated
- Cooking spray
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Spray an 8-inch pie pan or baking dish with cooking spray. Beat the eggs in a bowl, then mix in all ingredients. Pour into the pan. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the eggs are firm. Cut into 2 servings (like an omelet!).
Preparation time: 15 to 20 minutes
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Protein |
414 | 23 grams | 14 grams | 4 grams | 33 grams |
Of course, you should feel free to eat any of these breakfasts on any day of the week. And repeat your favorites. Most of these can be integrated into your favorite Beachbody meal plan. Come back next week for part two of our five-part series, and get recipes for 7 Days: 7 Lunches. Bon appétit!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Power of Words
"The pen is mightier than the sword."
-Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1839
"Let's Roll."
-Todd Beamer on flight 93, September 11, 2001
"Go ahead. Make my day."
-Clint Eastwood, Dirty Harry, 1983
"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
-Neil Armstrong, Moon Landing, 1969
"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."
-John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address, 1961
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
-Declaration of Independence, 1776
"I have a dream - that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
-Martin Luther King at his March on Washington, 1963
"What we've got here is a failure to communicate."
-The Captain, Cool Hand Luke, 1967
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want"
-King David, 1000BC
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"
-Charles Dickens, a Tale of Two Cities, 1859
"My Mama always said, 'Life was like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get.'"
-Forrest Gump, 1994
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn!"
-Rhett Butler, Gone With The Wind, 1936
"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
-Jesus to Nicodemus, 30AD
`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
-Lewis Carroll, from Jabberwocky, 1872
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."
-Robert Frost, 1915
Friday, January 22, 2010
10 Pounds In 12 Days..Sound Good?
How hard is it?
How much does it cost?
These are a few of the questions my friend was asking me before he finally "pushed" the order button & P90X was on it's way to his house.
First, he took the fitness test & passed(barely). But that didn't stop him, that motivated him, because he realized just how out of shape he was, & if he didn't do something now, when was he going to?
After his first heart attack?
Now he's calling me & bragging about how much weight he has lost!
10 pounds in 12 days!
He's telling me how much he is going to lose(50lbs), AND how much better he's going to feel, because he already feels better after losing just 10 pounds. Just multiply that feeling by 5!
How much better would you feel, physically & mentally, if you lost 10 pounds?
You'd look and feel a lot better! And you know it!
What's stopping you, besides yourself? That's what's stopping most people.
You're not alone, or at least you don't have to be because you can get your own personal coach for FREE, that will help you reach your personal & fitness goals!
How?
By following the world class fitness program that you choose!
You could procrastinate, put it off until tomorrow, or next Monday, but we all know what that leads to.
Don't we?
If you forgot, just go look in the mirror. Walk up a flight of stairs.
If you got winded or didn't like what you see, click here & let me help you transform your life.
It's not to late to look, feel, and live the life you've dreamed about.
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Thursday, January 7, 2010
8 Ways to Keep Your Weight Loss Resolutions
By Debra Pivko
Each year, so many of us make New Year's resolutions to lose weight and get healthy. Now that the holiday treats have stopped miraculously showing up at our doors and desks, there's no excuse not to get in health mode to look and feel better. Wanting to lose weight is a start. But it's better to break this daunting task down into achievable behaviors that get the job done. Even if you can't leave your house to work out or dine out, you can still set yourself up for weight loss success by following these 8 simple tips.
1. Start each morning with something healthy. By starting off your day with a healthy breakfast you're already ahead of the game each day. Pick out a cereal high in protein and fiber and low in calories and sugar such as Kashi® Go Lean® Crunch. This will keep you full on few calories so you don't eat the wrong foods at lunch. It's an easy way to start the day off healthy without the guesswork and get closer to your weight loss goals each day. Plus, if you take a daily vitamin such as ActiVit® Multivitamin with your breakfast, you know you'll ensure you get the nutrients you need each day to fuel your body and your workouts without even thinking about it.
2. Look before you eat. Ordering in takeout or even visiting fast food restaurants doesn't mean you have to pack on the pounds. Look up the calorie count of meals at your favorite restaurants and pick one that's under 500 calories. Check out dietfacts.com to look up the calorie count of foods at popular restaurants. You can even take a look at the nutrition guides that come with the Beachbody® workout programs, as many of them include fast food guides to help you make healthy choices when in a rush or on a budget.
3. Pre-portion your snacks. I don't know about you but if I have a bag of Pirate's Booty® or even chips with me in front of the TV, I'll chow through the whole thing by the end of the show. It's important not only to stock your house with healthy snacks but also to pre-portion them out into baggies when you buy them so you stick to eating one serving whether you're in front of the TV or at work. Most foods are healthy in moderation but overeating can make the pounds creep up. You can also prepare healthy foods such as sliced-up cucumbers or red peppers to munch on or dip in balsamic vinegar. You're more likely to reach for those—since they are ready—rather than high-calorie, easy-access foods like chips or a quick frozen quesadilla or egg roll. P90X® protein bars are a convenient pre-portioned meal replacement or snack to keep with you on the go.
4. Socialize health-consciously. Hanging out doesn't have to mean eating out. Instead of going out for dinner or drinks to catch up with friends, go on a hike or walk to catch up. It's a great way to get a workout in while catching up with friendly conversation. Plus, you save money and calories. Or host a health-conscious potluck where everyone makes their favorite healthy treat and prints out the recipes so you get an arsenal of healthy treats to make in the future and enjoy. If you're feeling daring, try hosting an activity party where you pop in a Beachbody workout, play Nintendo Wii®, or go ice skating so you know you'll burn off those extra calories.
5. Top your foods on the down low. Of calories, that is. The calories in creamy sauces and dressings can really add up. Stock up on low- to no-calorie toppings like pico de gallo, hot sauce, mustard, pepper, 1-calorie-a-spray salad dressings from your local market, and even parmesan cheese in moderation. You'll be surprised at how quickly the weight will come off without sacrificing taste.
6. Commit to workout times. Whether you're doing Tony Horton's 10-Minute Trainer® or an hour of P90X, make sure to set the times in your schedule to work out and stick to them. Plan other obligations around those times. Working out is important to your health and your life and making it and yourself a priority will not only help you meet your weight loss goals but help you live a better life. Use a calendar from the workout programs or set up a time to work out with a friend—whatever it takes. I like to set the time in my phone calendar so an alarm goes off that beeps and says "Time for Slim in 6® Ramp it Up" if that is my workout planned for that day and if I'm not doing it, I'm not gonna get slim in 6 weeks. It's my choice. You can even sign up for Beachbody's WOWY® (Work Out With You) Online SuperGym for free, where you can log in your workouts and get support from hundreds of people cheering each other on.
7. Lay out your workout clothes the night before. This can make a big difference not only in saving time but also making sure you commit to actually doing the workout. I like to get my workout clothes ready the night before for motivation but also so I can snooze through the extra time before working out. If you don't work out at home, then pack your gym bag the day before and always have it ready in your car or at work, so there's no excuse not to work out. My favorite new workout here is Brazil Butt Lift®. Leandro Carvalho (known as the "Brazilian Butt Master") created such a fantastic workout, with booty-sculpting moves, cardio, and Brazilian dance beats, that I don't mind waking up a bit early to do it before work and starting my day with some fun.
8. Drink the healthiest meal of the day. Replacing one meal a day, even a snack, with Shakeology® is the simplest way to lose weight and get the nutrients you need for optimal health. By targeting nutrition, fullness, digestion, and detoxification, Shakeology provides a multifaceted approach to help you keep full, shed fat, reduce food cravings, improve digestion, lower cholesterol, and have more natural energy—all through a delicious 140-calorie shake. I've been drinking them every day as an afternoon snack or after working out. Everyone at work makes them a little differently to craft their favorite concoctions. Some of us use water; others use milk, or even add a teaspoon of peanut butter or mint. They're delicious!