Its Time To Take Pleasure in Persimmons

I love stocking up on whatever fruits are in season and Autumn is the perfect time of year to discover the magical fruit called Persimmons. This fruit has its origins in China, Japan, throughout Asia and eventually made its way into California.  My favorite Variations has a lightly sweet taste and crisp texture. You can pick out the best Persimmon by choosing one that is hard and firm, but dark orange in color. You can eat them with or without the skin.  Below are some great reasons to stock up and try this delicious exotic fruit!

I like to peel the skin off and eat them in slices. They are also great in salads, bruschettas, grilled, and can be used in many desserts. They pair very well with seafood like shrimp & scallops. I however still prefer mine all natural as snacks.

Here are a few great and healthy benefits of Persimmons in addition to their many Nutrients.

Fiber source: Just one persimmon contains six grams of fiber, which is already about a quarter of your recommended daily value. Fiber digests slowly, so it keeps you fuller longer.

Cravings cure: The fiber in persimmons, called pectin, is responsible for another appetite-controlling feature: pectin helps regulate blood-sugar levels to keep them from spiking, which can help prevent blood-sugar-crash-related cravings.

Flat belly: Persimmons are known for their stomach-soothing properties, so eating the fruit may help you feel less bloated or constipated. Note, however, that in rare cases, eating too many persimmons, especially on an empty stomach, can lead to a bezoar (an intestinal obstruction) because of the fruit’s highly fibrous properties.

http://www.fitsugar.com/Persimmons-Weight-Loss-Health-Benefits-25589039

Home-Made Chicken & Vegetable Curry

Tonight I had left over chicken breast and decided to make a home-made curry that turned out delicious so here is the recipe below.

Ingredients:

1 Clove Garlic

1/2 Chopped Onion

1 Tomato Pureed

Shredded chicken

Cauliflower

Mushrooms

Carrots

Almonds

Cilantro

(optional) peas, golden raisins

1 can Coconut Milk

2 tbls Curry

1/4 tsp paprika

dash Cumin

dash Cinnamon

splash Tapatio

Salt & Pepper to taste

In a large pan lightly saute garlic, onions, carrots, cauliflower, and mushrooms(add salt/pepper to veggies). Pour in Coconut Milk, add spices and whisk together, add more salt & pepper to taste. Add shredded chicken, almonds, and fresh chopped cilantro ( save some for garnish).

Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes

Serve with wild rice. If you don’t have rice you can also add potatoes or even sweet potatoes to this dish as well as peas and golden raisins.  I also added almonds to mine and it added a nice crunch.

10 Must Have Healthy Foods to Start Adding to Your Diet

Doing my weekly grocery shopping at one of my favorite stores, Trader Joe’s, I realized there are some amazingly healthy foods I need to start eating as often as possible. If we all included these 10 ingredients to our diets, I’m certain we would lose weight, have more energy, fight off colds, and who knows maybe even live longer. I for one haven’t been sick or had so much as a cold in years and I really think my diet has contributed to my bodies immune system. I think we should all keep these 10 ingredients in our homes at all times and start using them often!

1. Lentils

130 calories 5g Fiber 10g Protein

Can you say wow, we all eat so much pasta, potatoes, refined carbs, these lentels make a great replacement and are so easy to make. I buy Red Lentels from Trader Joes and they cook in 10 minutes. I can just add salt and pepper or get fancy and add some diced veggies. I can’t tell you how yummy they are and they go great with so many dishes from salmon to baked chicken. They can also be a great vegetarian meal on their own or the perfect side dish. If even once a week you replaced Lentels with the typical rice and potatoes you would certainly start losing weight!

2. Barley

1/2 cup Serving,  270 calories,  10g Fiber,  7g Protein

Oh Barley where have you been all my life and why haven’t I been using you? I always loved Beef & Barley soup and just recently I found out how easy it is to make. In fact all soup is really easy to make. I’m becoming a firm believer in not wasting food and this was a perfect way for me to recycle my left over pot roast into a brand new meal. Next I plan on making wild mushroom and barley soup and finding out everything else I can make with barley. What I love best about this wheat is its texture, it doesn’t taste grainy or wheaty at all, but boy do those nutritional facts pack a punch! Trader Joes also makes a Barley that cooks in 10 minutes. In fact when I make soup I just pour it in with the veggies, simmer for 30-40minutes and they cook perfectly.

3. Kale

1 cup cooked, 36 calories, 3g fiber, 2g protein,

Daily Vitamin Requirements 180% Vitamin A,  200% Vitamin C, 1,020% Vitamin K

Ok now lets talk about why this vegetable is so important and popular! Check out those vitamins, especially Vitamin K which is necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions, including normal blood clotting, antioxidant activity, and bone health. It’s been known to fight illnesses from cancer to Ahlzheimerz and per calorie Kale has more Calcium than Milk! Kale is so easy to make just saute with some olive oil, salt, pepper, onions, garlic. Or crisp them up for Kale chips, they go great in any soup, or cream them with your spinach.

4. Flax Seed or Chia Seeds

2tbls ground 55 Calories,  3g Fiber, 2g Protein, 2338mg Omega 3 Fatt Acids, 606mg Omega 6 Fatty Acids

Both Flax Seeds and Chia Seeds are all about their Omega 3 Fatty Acids. So lets talk about why Omega 3’s are so important for our diet. Research shows strong evidence that the omega-3s EPA and DHA can boost heart health and lower triglycerides. And there are studies showing that omega-3 fatty acids may help with other conditions — rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and not to mention the benefits for our skin, hair, and nails! For more information on Omega 3 Fatty Acids visit http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet The most important factor is that essential fatty acids (ALA,DHA,EPA) are not made in the body or are inefficiently converted from ALA to EPA and DHA, we need to get them from our diet.

I prefer Flax seeds because frankly they are much cheaper and have almost the same nutritonal content. In fact I get my seeds pictures above from the 99 Cent Store!! And grind them in my magic bullet. When added to oatmeal, waffles, pancake, baking ect they are completely undetectable so why not add them? If you’re making pancakes add a big scoop and make those pancakes healthy!

5. Cinnamon

What a simple and underrated ingredient that most of us don’t use nearly enough. And  make sure its real cinnamon. Start sprinkling it on your food, in your baking, on your coffee, its even great in some soups and super easy to incorperate in many of the foods you already eat. There are in fact so many great benefits please read here for just a few http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-surprising-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html

6. Squash(Winter)

These include butternut, acorn, pumpkin, spaghetti. Not only are they delicious but rich in B Vitamins and Carotene which has been proven to be beneficial at preventing cancer and lung disease. The carotene from squash can also help prevent high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Read more here http://www.livestrong.com/article/2701-facts-health-benefits-squash/ Squash is so easy to make why don’t most of us eat it more? Simply bake in the oven until soft with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and done. Squash makes great soups, spaghetti squash is a great substitute for you guessed it, and we all know the many many uses of pumpkin  but get creative. Make pumpkin butter, icecream, use the puree in your pancakes, breads, waffles, pasta sauce, you name it get creative! When Tis the Season, take advantage and eat winter squash once a week!

7. Sweet Potatoes

Are 10x healthier than regular potatoes, so why don’t we make them more? In fact why don’t we always substitute sweet potatoes instead of regular? First they contain twice as much fiber as any other potato, contains your complete daily value of Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), and are high in vitamin B6, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and contain Iron. Simply put they are full of vitamins which white potatoes are not, they are also lower on the glycemic index and actually help lower your insulin levels instead of spiking them. If you switched to sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes you would experience permanent weight loss. Its a very healthy habit to start getting into and one I highly recommend instead of mashed potatoes or rice as a side dish.

8. Onions & Garlic

Not only do they make everything you cook taste better they are full of health benefits. Everyone who cooks should first add chopped onions and garlic into every meal. I add it to my sauteed vegetables, soups, sauces, pretty much everything and I truly think it has kept me healthy.These natural foods are full of chemicals that can help protect a person from a variety of infections, diseases and illnesses. Garlic and onions help to protect against cardiovascular disease, respiratory concerns, diabetes, and a variety of cancers.

Disabled World – Disability News for all the Family: http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/onions-garlic.shtml#ixzz2K9Hdlkv2

9. Brussell Sprouts

Now some people don’t like them but I just don’t know why I LOVE them and they’re so good for you. There are 4 vegetables I cook regularly squash, broccoli, kale, & Brussell Sprouts. For a quick list of benefits visit here http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/11-health-benefits-of-brussels-sprouts.html they are full of fiber, vitamins, and are even said to help lower cholesterol. I love to jazz mine up by adding dried cranberries and chopped pistachios.

10. Kiwi’s

Did you know a little Kiwi actually has 2x the Vitamin C of an orange and contains more potassium than a banana? They are so yummy I am not sure why I don’t eat them more often. They go great in salads or just eaten by themselves. They are also full of minerals and folic acid, check out some more health benefits here http://www.ingredientsinc.net/2012/05/10-health-benefits-of-kiwifruit/#.URKwd6VJOAg they are truly a super fruit!

These 10 ingredients are so healthy for us, but not used nearly enough. I picked these 10 because I decided to make an extra effort to include all of these constantly available in my home to cook with, enjoy, and I hope you will too!

5 Healthy Super Bowl Party Appetizers

Who says a Super Bowl Party has to be all greasy pizza and nachos. Impress your friends with these healthy and delicious appetizers on Game Day

1. Lemon Rosemary Chicken Skewers

Simple and easy to make, find the recipe here http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2000/12/lemon_rosemary_chicken_skewers

2. Bruschetta Skewers

these really cants be any more simple. Add cherry tomatoes, basil, and half a mozzarella ball, sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, and drizzle with Balsamic reduction (the thick stuff)

3.  Asian Meatballs

I pulled this one straight from my pinterest page http://pinterest.com/sondrabarker/

Now tell me these don’t look tasty, bite size, low carb, no gobbles of melted cheese, 2 thumbs up. You can find the recipe here at: http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/saucy-asian-meatballs/

4. Cold Shrimp Scampi Cocktail

I made these last year and I must say I probably ate them all. The non traditional shrimp cocktail so good it doesnt even need a sauce and so easy. Simple purchase some cold pre-cooked shrimp and combine in a bowl with fresh lemon juice, chopped garlic & fresh chopped parsley, sea salt, pepper, and a small amount of olive oil.

5. Prosciutto Wrapped Dill Pickles

Another one of my absolute favorites I had at a girlfriends house warming party years ago. I was the awkward one standing at the food table all night! These are so simple to make and addicting.

I like to use baby dill pickles, cut the prosciutto in 3 slices, smear a little cream cheese and wrap the pickles. Its that simple. Now if you really want some brownie points top with a slice of peach or fig. The flavors go amazing together, it will be a sure hit. Looks oh so fancy, but its simple!

 

Enjoy and remember Superbowl doesn’t have to be one cheesy, greasy, carb fest =)

 

Rosemary Lemon Baked Chicken

Here is one of my favorite recipes that is just full of flavor and oh so simple to make.

Ingredients:

Chicken Half Breasts with Bone

Rosemary

Lemon slices

Gravy:

Flour 1/2tbls

Coat a glass baking dish with cooking spray, make sure to use a baking dish if you want to make a gravy so the chicken creats its own sauce. Season both sides of the chicken breast and place them in the dish. I like to use my Himalayan Pink Salt, Pepper, Onion/Garlic mix and Paprika. Then with your fingers pry open the chickens fat layer and stuff with a thick slice of lemon and a sprig of rosemary.

Bake at 375 for 1 hour

The gravy is very easy to make, your chicken should be sitting in its own juices, simply transfer the juices to a pot, add a small amount of flour and bring to a boil simmering until you get the desired consistency. I like to add the flour a little at a time, start with just 1-2 teaspoons.

Tip: The best way to serve is with the gravy at the bottom of a plate, never pour the gravy on top or you will lose that nice crispy skin.

Why You Should Replace That Coffee for a Smoothie or Juicing!

Now lets start by saying this is coming from a Coffee Addict, but I’ve decided to make an important change. Trading in my morning coffee for a smoothie and here’s why!

1. Crash & Burn

Its widely known coffee gives you an immediate burst of energy, but soon after you crash and burn leaving your body to crave more. But what you should know is that a smoothie will give you the same effect without the crash and burn. I make my smoothie with fresh squeezed oranges, banana’s, strawberries and even add a special antioxidant Red Powder from trader Joes full of amazing ingredients. I get the same burst of energy from the sugars of the smoothie, but no crash, no burn, and my energy last longer!

2. Get your Vitamins

The natural way that is. We rely too much on manufactured vitamins, but nothing as is good for your body as the real thing. If we all just ate the way nature intended we wouldn’t need to take vitamins at all. I get all my servings of fruit first thing in the morning when they can be used for energy and I get plenty of vitamins which keep me healthy and my immune system strong. I’m getting all my vitamin C the natural way. Better yet is if you have a juicer, you can add in some apple, beets, green peppers…the possibilities are endless and then you’re getting even more nutrients and cutting down on the sugar.

3. Coffee is a Drug

Let me tell you, after 2 weeks straight of headache withdrawals  I can tell you coffee is an addictive drug. I felt like I should be in a rehab facility! Anything that causes such a severe withdrawal should tell you that its not good for your body. Drinking coffee leads your body wanting even more. Whens the last time you had a headache from drinking too much, or not drinking enough smoothies? Never.

4. When in doubt go Healthy

When in doubt, use your wits and just go healthy. What has nutrients, vitamins, whats good for you, whats all natural? Fruits & Vegetables! You will lose more weight giving your body nutritious fruits and vegetables, than just coffee.

5. Stop running on empty

Coffee does not sustain you, fruits and vegetables do. Drinking a smoothie or juicing can be used as breakfast and at least keep you feeling satisfied throughout the morning. With coffee you’re running on empty, and in fact the acid from coffee can actually cause stomach irritation.

So if you want to lose weight, feel better, be healthier I encourage you all to make the switch with me and take note of how much better you feel throughout the day!

5 Quick Breakfast Ideas that are Healthy, Low Calorie, & Tasty!

Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. The wrong breakfast can leave you feeling tired, sluggish, and making bad food decisions for the rest of the day. Avoid the fast food, stacks of pancakes, and worse absolutely nothing! All of these breakfast ideas are quick, simple and can even be taken on the go. By starting your day off with a great breakfast you”ll feel great throughout the day and studies show that when you start the day off with a healthy nutritious breakfast you’re more likely to make better food choices throughout the day.

1. Try a Smoothie

most of us are in a rush, so try making a quick smoothie instead of your usual cup of joe. I use a magic bullet and it literally takes the same amount of time. Simply add a little OJ or Skim Milk, some fruit ( fresh or save time with frozen), and for extra benefits add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or green veggie powder. I am using a red anti oxidant detox powder from Trader Joes. When I have extra time in the morning I fresh squeeze my oranges and it literally takes me just a few extra minutes. What ever you choose your smoothie will surely be packed with more vitamins and nutrients than your morning cup of coffee. Even better, with the Magic Bullet you can simply screw on a lid and take it with you. If you are really on the go try a pre-made smoothie drink.

2. Breakfast Burrito

I love the idea of a breakfast burrito because they are easy to wrap up and eat as your heading out the door. You can also pack a ton of goodies inside full of your protein, complex carbs and packed with vitamins. Use a whole wheat tortilla and pack with eggs, your favorite veggies, avocado, spinach, you can even add some extra brown or wild rice, skip the potatoes or opt for sweet potatoes instead. Go light on the cheese and use a small amount of sharp cheddar instead. For an extra punch I like to add some chopped chives and go for the salsa instead of the sour cream. Now of course this is my fancy burrito so feel free to simplify it with just some eggs, veggies, dash of cheese, & salsa. This is really one of those breakfast items where you cant go wrong.

3. Fresh Oatmeal

I don’t think many people realize that fresh oatmeal and store bought oatmeal in the packets takes the same amount of time to make. So save yourself some calories and make your own. If you buy just the oatmeal you will often be able to buy a kind that is higher in fiber. It is so easy to make, just pop in the microwave for a few minutes with some diced bananas and skim milk. If you’re on the go put it in a small microwave container and you’re good to go. Most of the time the bananas are sweet enough so you don’t need any extra sugar but you can also add a small amount of raw honey( the thick stuff, not the syrup) which is much better for you and actually contains vitamins and nutrients. I also love adding some chopped walnuts for a nice crunch and adding in some healthy fat and protein. You will feel so much better throughout the day and your energy will actually last!

4. Healthy Elvis Presley Sandwich

That is whole grain bread, all natural low fat peanut butter, and sliced banana’s. A perfect breakfast you can eat while heading out of the door and it only takes minutes to make. Simple, delicious  and packed full of nutrients, complex carbs, fiber, and protein. You really can’t go wrong. Always choose a whole grain brain that has 3+g of fiber per slice and select a peanut butter that is all natural and low in fat. Avoid ones that include hydrogenated oils. You can also sprinkle with cinnamon for some extra deliciousness, and if you can find real cinnamon you will enjoy even more health benefits http://www.organicauthority.com/health/11-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html!

5. Muffins

If you’re short on time in the morning consider making a batch of healthy muffins in the evening or on the weekend when you have more time, they will last for over a week in an air tight container and make the perfect quick breakfast on the go or even a quick healthy snack during the day. Plus if you make it yourself you know its healthy and can even add in goodies like ground flax seed. Here are some great Healthy Low Calorie Muffin Recipes to try. http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/recipe_slideshows/low_calorie_muffin_recipes_low_calorie_scone_recipes

5. Low Fat Cottage Cheese & Fruit

This is a great low calorie choice that will start your day off with protein and a great dose of vitamins and antioxidants  My favorite fruits to add to cottage cheese are strawberries, blueberries, melons, mango, & pineapple.

Great Snacks that are Satisfying & Only 200 Calories

Like most people, I love snacking, especially at night. As most people know eating late at night and heavy snacking can spell disaster for your weight loss efforts. There are however some great snacks that are low calorie and will keep you feeling satisfied before you head to bed and even throughout the day.

1. Soft Pretzel with Mustard

Surprisingly 1 Soft Pretzel is actually quite low in calories, but skip the butter and opt for Mustard. In total this snack will only set you back 200 calories

2. Strawberries & Sugar Free Pudding

In the mood for some chocolate covered strawberries? Try Strawberries and Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding which will totally hit the spot. The best part is at only 200 calories you can still eat a ton of them

3. Portobello Mushroom Bruschetta

This is one of my favorites as its very hearty and easy to make. Because mushrooms and tomatoes are mostly water, this dish is surprisingly low calorie and will become a favorite. Simply combine diced tomatoes, chopped basil, and a small amount of diced or shredded mozzarella cheese(1 oz or 1/4 cup), add some salt, pepper, and set aside so the flavors can meld together. Then lightly saute a Portobello Mushroom cap, set on a plate, and scoup the tomato mixture in the center..enjoy!

4. Small Sweet Potato with Yogurt

Satisfying and low calorie, sweet potato’s are a great alternative to baked potatoes and make a delicious snack. Top with a spoon full of plain greek yogurt and sprinkled with cinnamon, they are delish!

5. 4 Devil Eggs

We all love devil eggs, add 1/4cup nonfat greek yogurt, yellow mustard, & add half the yolk for a guilt free pleasure. You can eat 4 as a snack!

Don’t Skip Those Weights!

Too many times I see women at the gym sweating on the cardio machines day in and day out wondering why the pounds aren’t just melting off, and I will tell you exactly why…..because they’re not adding weight lifting to their routine. It’s a vital component to weight loss and achieving that tones body.

tip #1

Most women avoid weights because they think it will make them bulky but every good trainer will tell you this is a common myth. I have very toned arms and the only reason they look the way that they do is because I lift as heavy as I can. For example I started bicep curls with 10lbs, then quickly went up to 15lbs only being able to do 2 reps and then finishing the rest with the 10lb weights. Now I am curling a full 10-12 repetitions using only the 15lb weights. You have to challenge your body in order to see results and I am a firm believer in lifting as heavy as you can, but doing so in perfect form.

Tip #2

Strap on those ankle weights ladies! I have some friends who do cardio bar type exercises religiously and wonder why they don’t have the thighs of Heidi Klum and again the answer is simply because they aren’t using weights. At first it might be challenging using your own bodies resistance but the body quickly adapts and you must increase the resistance to see results. I never do a leg exercise without either holding weights or strapping on my ankle weights, it is a must.

Tip #3

Don’t do your entire body in one day! This is really important, just doing one exercise is not enough. Split your weight lifting into different muscle group. One day do biceps/triceps/shoulders, the next day do legs, then do chest and back, you can even divide up your leg days. The beginning of the week I’ll do exercises like side kicks, squats, lunges, and the end of the week I’ll use the leg machines. You have to really work those muscles at least 3 exercises for each muscle group, add in multiple sets, and be sore the next day!

Tip #4

Don’t underestimate the amount of calories you burn through lifting weights. Nothing fatigues me more than weight lifting. By the end of my set I am completely out of breath and my heart is racing as if I just did a sprint. Proper weight lifting burns tons and tons of calories and gives you double the workout because not only are you burning calories, but your building well needed muscle at the same time.

Tip #5

Finishing every weight lifting session with a low calorie protein shake or a healthy high protein meal. Don’t let that exercise session go to waste. Your body needs protein after a workout to start the building process and taking protein no more than 30 minutes after your workout will make a difference.

Next time you look at celebrities like Jessica Biel  Cameron Diaz, Kelly Ripa check out their muscular definition because these ladies are not in shape from starving themselves, they workout hard and absolutely make lifting weights part of their exercise routines.

I hope these tips help and as always, feel free to ask questions and let me know if there is a topic you want covered!

Maximize Your Fat Loss with these tips!

Trying to lose weight is a challenge for everyone. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your fat loss and achieve the best results during your workout. These tips really work and have made a huge difference in my ability to lose weight more efficiently.

1. Do morning cardio on a Low Carb Breakfast or After Lifting Weights.

To explain this tip you have to understand how your body works. When you first start your cardio routine your body will naturally burn carbs first before it begins burning fat. To maximize fat loss you want to have the least amount of carbs in your body when you jump on that treadmill or elliptical. The best trick is to start first thing in the morning with a low carb snack that is high in protein like sliced turkey with cottage cheese or some boiled eggs.

2. Lift weight first then do cardio

This goes back to the same idea as tip #1. We want those carbs to be depleted. When you lift weights you are using carbs for energy so its great to eat some carbs before you start weight lifting for energy.  After weight lifting you should have very little carbs left in your body and you will start burning fat much quicker.

3. Extend your warm up

Why just do 10 minutes. Try doing a 15-20 minutes warm up, and then doing another 20-30 minutes of cardio after you lift weights. You’ll burn more calories and ensure you’ve used up all those carbs for energy.

4. Don’t workout without putting protein in your body immediately after.

Whether it’s a delicious fillet of salmon for lunch or a protein shake, make sure you put protein into your body right after you workout to maximize your muscle gain which of course leads to burning more fat. The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn period! Don’t waste a workout by not giving your body what its craving right after.

5. Use Alli!

some might disagree and are able to stick to a clean diet 100% of the time, the other 90% of us need a slice of pizza every now and then. I don’t believe in deprivation. I eat healthy 80% of the time, and for those days I eat anything high in fat like pizza, fried calamari  fast food yikes! I take an Alli. They are FDA approved, they block some of the fat you eat from staying in your body, and they really work!