Celebrate Green!

Take St. Patty's Day to the diet! At the center of each chlorophyll molecule (the molecule that makes fruits and veggies green) is my favorite mineral: Magnesium. Amp up your Magnesium intake today by eating your leafy greens and green fruits!

C


Happy St, Patty's day!

Happy Hour Tonight, Still Happy Tomorrow

Many health officials will advise skipping happy hour all together, but Im more realistic. There are many ways to let loose with out waking up tomorrow in a pit of self loathing because you had 5 margaritas, a plate of nachos, and then ordered Pappa Johns when you got home. If you're going out for Happy Hour tonight, stick to some low-cal rules:

• Order an unflavored, clear liquor (like vodka or light bacardi) with soda water. Flavor it with your favorite cirtus fruit like lemon, lime or orange. It'll cut back on the calories and sugar significantly.


• And while everybody else is eating nachos and french fries, order a salad with chicken and maybe a couple slices of bread. You'll feel less weighed down through out the night and you'll wake up ready to have a fun and productive weekend.


• Order a water everytime you see your server. It'll ensure that you're hydrating enough and cut back on the alcoholic beverages.


• Walk to your car tomorrow morning to burn a few extra calories. If you cab it- have the driver drop you off a few blocks away.

Have a good weekend!

Salads are Healthy...Right???

A rude awakening about your favorite salads.

read more | digg story

Save Your Money, Not Your Appetite

In these 'hard times,' we're all looking for ways to save a buck. But more and more, people are compromising their diet for this money saving venture. But they don’t have to! There are many ways to make grocery shopping fun, yummy, AND nutritious, without breaking the bank. The key is planning. Buying random grocery items will leave you bored and hungry in just a few days. By setting yourself up to make some hearty meals using versatile ingredients, you'll make your dollar go farther without depriving yourself of nutrients.

Need Ideas!?

1. Whole Grain Pasta: Boxes are currently 3 for $4 at many grocery stores. There are so many ways to jazz up this grainy noodle. Add some veggie meat and tomato sauce for dinner and save the rest for a pasta salad to take for lunch the next day. You can also serve it with chicken breasts, capers and olive oil, or just toss in some veggies and parmesan. It’s cheap, versatile, and delicious.

2. Take a number!: Sure waiting in the deli is kind of annoying- but it's worth it. It’s fresh and costs less than the prepackaged deli meats. Use it in a butter free grilled cheese, to make a chef's salad, or heat it up with some egg and put it on a bagel from the bakery (usually under 70 cents- making your breakfast sandwich $1 and change instead of $4 or more). It’s also great in a pita or just rolled up in a cheese slice for a low carb and easy snack. Your local deli probably has some on sale too so be sure to ask!

3. Get more Cluck for your buck: Tyson’s offers chicken that is already frozen. You get more in the bag and it’s cheaper! Most of us freeze the chicken we buy anyway so we might as well buy the bargain. Just defrost a piece or two when you’re ready and cook it up. It’s great with whole grain pasta, on top of a salad or with a side or two of fresh veggies. Another option: Buy a fresh rotisserie chicken (most grocery stores sell them for under $7) and cut it up right when you get home. By buying, slicing, and storing, this easy purchase will go a long way!

4. Forget the Orgo Buzz: If the high price tag on organic produce is causing you to steer clear- forget it! More often than not people opt to skip the fresh fruits and veggies for fear that the traditional produce isle is poisonous. It’s not! Splurge on a bottle of produce wash and start bagging your goods. Having lots of fruits and veggies in your fridge means more salad, wrap, and snack options. Grab some hummus while you're at it for the perfect veggie snack dip (or to replace mayo and other fatty condiments in your wraps and sandwiches.)

5. Forgo the pre-packaged foods!: Yes, this means a little extra effort on your end but it can result in HUGE savings, fewer calories, and fresher meals! Cut up and wash your own lettuce and veggies for an 'on the go' salad or sandwich stuffer. Chop up a variety of fruit and use it yogurt, granola, or as a finger food snack.

6. Make your own coffee!: Dixie makes coffee cups with lids that are perfect for travel. You can find them by the paper plates in the grocery store. Add a bag of Starbucks beans to your cart and brew a fresh pot every morning. It'll save you hundreds of dollars and thousands of calories a year!

Where not to Skimp...

1. Don’t skimp milk, meat, and eggs. In the case of products derived from animals, organic is the better option because they’ll be free of antibiotics and hormones.

2. Get quality bread. It’ll provide more nutrients and be more satisfying.

3. Don’t get margarine instead of butter just because it’s cheaper….ew.

Planning your meals may take some creativity and a little extra effort, but putting forth that effort will be totally worth it when you see how much you can save. And it’s an added bonus that you’re getting fresher foods with more nutrients and FEWER calories!

Welcome the new year! And the New YOU!

As you've heard from CNN, ABC, and NBC, the number one New Year's resolution is to diet and get into shape. Unfortunately, too many people fail to follow through with this self improving goal and are left more discouraged than ever. Some of the most common reasons people fall off the weight loss wagon include: not personalizing a resolution and plan, and setting the bar unrealistically high. Here are 6 tips to give you the upper hand and help you achieve your 09 success.

• Give yourself a goal. Deciding to just "lose weight" or "get into shape" is too general and allows for you to make too many compromises. Whether you choose to lose 5 pounds, 50 pounds, or just an inch around your waist, make a decision. Once you have a goal and a finish line in sight- you'll be much more likely to see it through.
• Be realistic! Lofty goals aren't accomplished over night. Most people forget they even made a New Years resolution by March! Why? Because they expected too much and too quickly! They were way to hard on themselves, became discouraged, went for the cake, and never came back. Accept that this weight loss business takes time and commitment, you'll be thankful you stuck to it.
• Personalize your plan. There is no easy way out of this one! What worked for your best friend might not work for you. We all have different metabolisms, different cravings, different weaknesses and different strengths. Accept that. Find what works for you and go with it.
• Remember your feelings. Rule of thumb: if eating something makes you feel good about yourself, go with it! If you feel like you're falling into a pit of self loathing crap 20 minutes after you eat it- remember that feeling. Chances are you wont want to feel that way again for a loooooong time.
• Count! Yeah yeah yeah- counting calories is annoying and tedious. But guess what? It works. You wanna lose a little everyday? Go to this handy calculator. As you'll see it takes a number of factors into consideration when figuring the appropriate number of calories one should consume daily. Simply aim to consume fewer calories than needed to maintain your current weight. It's just math. Burn more than you consume- even if slowly- the weight will come off.
• Create a mantra. I didn't even really know what a mantra was until I started examining what diet tricks worked for people, and many people have had great success with this one! My favorite thus far "I don't want to feel like crap anymore!" (This person remembered her feelings!) And when you've met your goal you can change that to "I never want to feel that way again!" Another good one: "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." Whatever works for you- whatever your motivation is, don't let yourself forget why you chose this resolution in the first place.

What seems to work for people most frequently is commitment. Its the single more important factor in a health plan. And should you fall off the wagon for a day, or even two, don't allow it to discourage you so much that you quit! Instead, remember how it makes you feel and make it your motivation.