Jun 16, 2010

How Fabulous is Frozen Yogurt for YOU??



Q: Is frozen yogurt better for you than regular ice cream?


A: YES!


Q: Is frozen yogurt as good for you as regular non-fat, plain yogurt?


A: NOT QUITE! While a cup of regular nonfat, plain yogurt delivers protein, calcium, B vitamins, and live and active yogurt cultures (which help digest lactose) for just 110 to 130 calories per cup, the sweet frozen stuff is another story. While some frozen brands are fat free, others dish up 14 grams of fat per cup. Calories vary, too, ranging from 180 per cup to 460. Do not expect to find all the nutrients in frozen yogurt as you could in regular nonfat, plain yogurt.



Q: So how can I make regular non-fat, plain yogurt taste good?


A: Experiment with these 9 tips and keep what you like best!

1. Put yogurt on top of cooled oatmeal, topped with lots of fresh fruit!
2. Spice it up with berries, nuts, granola, cinnamon, and honey.
3. In the evening for a snack put the yogurt in the freezer for about half an hour and eat it like ice cream- but with much fewer calories!
4. Dip veggies or fruit in yogurt to avoid the fattening dips or sauces
5. Mix yogurt with cottage cheese, fruit, and slivered almonds- yummy!
6. Put plain fat-free yogurt into smoothies. Add a mango, milk, and some honey and you get Mango Lassi!
7. Add 2 tbsp of peanut butter or a serving of Kashi Go LEan cereal for a protein packed "after workout" treat!
8. Spread yogurt on a bagel...sounds weird, tastes great!
9. Instead of drenching your waffle/pancake in sugary syrup, put low-fat yogurt and fruit on top instead, mmmmm!
http://www.fatfightertv.com/blog/2009/09/20-creative-ways-to-eat-yogurt-from-the-fabulous-fftv-community/




Jun 14, 2010

Makin' Mexican!


Are you ready for something hot and spicy to match this beautiful summer weather? Including spice occasionally into your diet is good for your metabolism and overall health! Chicken burritos are just the thing to satisfy the pallet for dinner. They are not only low-fat and delicious, but SUPER EASY! If there are some left over, throw them into the freezer to have for another night. Enjoy!

Low Fat Chicken Burritos

2 Chicken Breast

1 Package Taco Seasoning

1 Tablespoon Pepper

1 Pinch Salt

1 Package low fat shredded cheese

1 Package tortilla shells

1 can low fat beans

In a medium saucepan take grilled chicken breast and saute. When completely cooked mix in all ingredients except the shells. Leave all ingredients in a covered saucepan for approx 5 minutes. When done spoon in your shells and enjoy. I know it seems hard to mix all that together in one but trust me it is excellent.

Jun 11, 2010

TOO HOT OUTSIDE? DO THE "COOL" THING, EXERCISE INSIDE!!


Woke up late? Missed the cool morning air for your exercise? Never fear...Exercise TV is here! I just recently stumbled upon this fantastic website that has TONS of workout clips for FREE! I thought that there was a fee at first, but it really is free :)


I was thrilled to find this website because it has so much variety on it. There is something for everyone on here, and at every level of difficulty. Some of the workouts are a little unique and the instructors could have chosen a better outfit, but most of them are fantastic. If you have 40 minutes, 20 minutes, or even 10 minutes there are wonderful workouts on here that will help you feel great about yourself! Check out out Exercisetv.tv and have fun!

Jun 10, 2010

Stretching, it is worth the "Reach!"


Benefits of Stretching:

Stretching has so many benefits! Just start a program of stretching, and you’ll soon notice many of them. Some of the benefits of stretching are–
- relief from pain
- increased energy levels
- increased flexibility
- better range of motion of the joints
- greater circulation of blood to various parts of the body

- relaxation and stress relief
- enhanced muscular coordination
- improved posture
- greater sense of well-being


Some rules of thumb about stretching:

- Learn the right technique or you will be stretching the wrong group of muscles.
- The proper time to hold a stretch is 20-30 seconds.
- Easy does it - imitate a cat when stretching, do it slow and gracefully, never bounce.
- You only need to stretch far enough to feel your muscles elongating, not until you feel pain.
- Improper stretching can lead to pulled muscles and soreness - if you experience these, then go back to your references to learn how to do it right.
- Do not stretch cold muscles. Warm up first by walking at a leisurely pace for 8-10 minutes, then stop and do your stretches and flexibility exercises.
- Set up a stretching regimen you will remember - start with the top of your body and work your way down or the bottom and work your way up.
- Muscle groups to stretch: Calf, shin, hamstring (back of thigh), quadriceps (front of thigh), back of knee, hips, shoulders.

Click here to see some examples of stretching!

May 18, 2010

Recipe of the Week: A Barbecue Feast For All!


It is that time of year where nothing hits the spot like a good ol' barbecue! Grilling rather than frying the main dish is not only easier, but so much better for you. Enjoy this collection of delectable and well-balanced entrees to tickle your taste buds on a perfect summer night!

AMAZING MARINADE FOR GRILLED CHICKEN:

Ingredients
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 lime, juiced
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons olive oil
ground black pepper to taste
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

Directions
1. In a large, non-reactive container, whisk together ingredients beginning with cider vinegar through salt.
2. Then whisk in olive oil and pepper.
3. Place chicken in the mixture.
4. Cover and marinate chicken in the fridge 8 hours or overnight.
5. Remove chicken from marinade just before you turn on your grill or broiler to let come up a few degrees.
6. Discard marinade.
7. Lightly oil your grill or broiler pan.
8. Grill or broil about 10 minutes per side.

Recipe Source: Recipe Zaar

GRILLED PINEAPPLE SLICES:

Ingredients:
1 fresh pineapple - peeled, cored and cut into rings
1/4 cup canned coconut milk
1/2 cup cinnamon sugar

Directions:
1. Preheat a grill for medium heat. When the grill is hot, lightly oil the grate.
2. Place the coconut milk and cinnamon sugar into separate dishes. Dip slices of pineapple into coconut milk, then coat in cinnamon sugar.
3. Grill slices for 6 minutes on each side. Remove to plates, and serve.

Recipe Source: All Recipes.com

GOURMET GREEN SALAD WITH HOMEMADE RED WINE VINAIGRETTE:

Ingredients: Salad
10-12 cups mixed greens (I use the large rectangular box from Sam’s Club)
1 pound white button mushrooms, sliced
2 ripe, fresh pears, sliced thinly (you can also use fresh strawberries, raspberries, or apples)
1/4 cup thinly sliced Parmesan cheese (I grab my big block of Parmesan cheese and use my vegetable peeler to slice of thin peels of Parmesan)
1 large carrot (or about 5-6 baby carrots), thinly sliced
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 to 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
5-7 slices of bacon, cooked and coarsely chopped
3 cups of low-fat croutons of choice (preferably some with parmesan flavor)

Ingredients Red Wine Vinaigrette:
2/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup red onions, finely grated (about 1/4 of a large red onion)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons salt
ground pepper to taste
2 cups canola oil

Directions for Vinaigrette Dressing:
1. Add all ingredients except oil in a blender.
2. Blend well.
3. While processing, slowly add the canola oil and blend well.
4. Transfer dressing to a jar or cruet.
5. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks (although I’ve found it gets a little thick if it is too cold so I’ll pop it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to help thin it out before I use it if it has been in the refrigerator for several days).

Recipe Source: My Kitchen Cafe


PULL-APART WHOLE WHEAT GARLIC ROLLS:


Ingredients:
12 frozen white or wheat dinner roll dough, thawed
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
parmesan cheese (you choose amount)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 12 cup Bunt pan or 10 inch angel food cake/tube pan.
3. Cut thawed dinner rolls in half; place in a large bowl.
4. Combine butter, parsley, onion and garlic in a small bowl. Pour over rolls; toss to coat well.
5. Arrange rolls in a greased pan. Cover; let rise in warm place until double in size (45 - 60 minutes).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of rolls.
8. Cool 10 minutes; invert pan on cooling rack.
9. Serve warm.

Recipe Source: Cooks.com

May 14, 2010

Water Aerobics: A lot of gain without the pain!



Water provides the perfect medium for a gentle but thorough workout. Water’s buoyancy supports the body and acts as a cushion during exercise. Movement in the water is low impact, prevents injury and strain common to other exercise programs. Water provides resistance to any movement, because it is much denser than air, muscles have to work harder. The harder one pushes, pulls and kicks the more resistance is felt. These properties make water highly adaptable for individuals of all physical capabilities. Aerobic exercise raises body temperature, on land you feel hot and sweaty but in the water you are cooled quickly. Hydrostatic pressure aids in blood flow back to the heart.


Water exercise is a perfect environment for those recovering from injuries or suffering from chronic pain. People of all ages and physical condition enjoy freedom of movement land based exercise cannot provide. Individuals that suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions have found regular water exercise has eased their discomfort. One class member commented on pain diminishing 75% after starting water exercise. Another diabetic individual found by exercising an hour a day, three days a week, her insulin use dropped by half. Anyone who exercises on a consistent basis will improve strength, balance, and coordination, improve circulation and relieve stress. No matter what the weather an indoor pool provides the ideal temperature for a workout. Don’t worry about what size you are, you will find people of all sizes and physical condition at the pool. They all come for the same reason you do, to exercise and feel good.

-Wendy Hill, Certified Water Aerobics Instructor Davis County



Provo Recreation Center Water Aerobic Times:

Deep Water

Mon: 5:30am

Tues: 12:00pm

Wed: 5:30am

Thurs: 12:00pm

Fri: 5:30am

Sat: 8:00am

Shallow Water

Mon: 3:00pm & 8:00pm

Tues: 3:00pm & 8:00pm

Wed: 3:00pm & 8:00pm

Thurs: 3:00pm & 8:00pm

Friday: 3:30pm

Saturday: No Shallow Water Aerobics

It is $3.00 to get in per person/ per time, so totally inexpensive!

Provo Recreation Center
1155 North University Avenue
Provo, UT
84606
(801)-852-6610

What are you waiting for? Go and get wet :)

May 6, 2010

Recipe of the Week: Strawberry-Honey Bruschetta


This is a super fun, light, and easy recipe that can be used for Mother's Day or any other fun gathering. You can use it as an appetizer, or as a light dessert. Enjoy!!!

Ingredients

1 loaf (8 oz) baguette-style French bread
1 container (6 oz) Yoplait® fat-free Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 fresh strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup honey

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut bread into 1/2-inch slices; arrange on a baking sheet. Bake about 10 minutes or until golden. Turn oven setting to broil.

2. Meanwhile, stir together yogurt, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread yogurt mixture on one side of each toasted baguette slice.

3. Broil bread slices 4 inches from heat about 1 minute or until mixture is hot. Arrange strawberry slices on the yogurt mixture. Lightly drizzle each bread slice with honey. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information 1 slice: Calories 70 (Calories from Fat 5); Total Fat 1/2g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 100mg; Total Carbohydrate 15g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 7g); Protein 3g % Daily Value Vitamin A 0; Vitamin C 10; Calcium 2; Iron 4 Exchanges 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 0 Fat

Recipe Source: Eat Better America

Recipe of the Week: Strawberry-Honey Bruschetta

Apr 29, 2010

Do YOU want to LOOK 12 years YOUNGER?


CHICAGO — Four common bad habits combined — smoking, drinking too much, inactivity and poor diet — can age you by 12 years, sobering new research suggests.
The findings are from a study that tracked nearly 5,000 British adults for 20 years, and they highlight yet another reason to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Overall, 314 people studied had all four unhealthy behaviors. Among them, 91 died during the study, or 29 percent. Among the 387 healthiest people with none of the four habits, only 32 died, or about 8 percent.
The risky behaviors were: smoking tobacco, downing more than three alcoholic drinks per day for men and more than two daily for women, getting less than two hours of physical activity per week and eating fruits and vegetables fewer than three times daily.
These habits combined substantially increased the risk of death and made people who engaged in them seem 12 years older than people in the healthiest group, said lead researcher Elisabeth Kvaavik of the University of Oslo.
Source: Deseret News

Apr 27, 2010

Healthy Recipe of the Week: Honey Lime Fruit Salad














*Note: This fruit salad is best served right away (or at least within an hour of making) because the strawberries tend to stain the light colored fruit. It does not affect the the taste at all but is a slight bummer for presentation.

  • 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained well
  • 1 can mandarin oranges, drained well
  • 2-3 ripe kiwi, peeled and sliced into thick half moons
  • 1 cup green grapes, halved
  • 1 cup strawberries, quartered
  • Zest from one lime, about 1 tablespoon
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)

Combine the fruit in a medium-large serving bowl. Add the lime zest and poppy seeds, if using, and gently toss. Drizzle the honey over the fruit and again, gently mix until the fruit is evenly coated with the honey. Serve and Enjoy!!

Recipe Source: My Kitchen Cafe