Merry Citrus

Happy Holidays Everyone!

I thought it would only be fitting to continue my holiday motivation [and cheer] for sticking to your routine by letting you know what I am snackin' on into this holiday weekend.
What I'm loving at the moment...

Yes, guys totally diggin' the clementines during this time of year! They're sweet, satisfying, low calorie and loaded with immune boosting vitamin C. At only 35 calories a  pop, the little buggers are easy to stash in your bag for a snack and easy to peel in a hurry....I mean, let's be honest, what's not to love?

I love clementines. It's funny how food can bring back so many memories; clementines remind me of my family; particularly my Mom and Sister. Around my house, clementines would always be in stock; they are our number one family snack for all hours of the day! YUM! Merry Citrus!

Quick Grocery/Meal Planning Tip

Hey guys!

With the cold weather, it's a perfect time to cuddle on the couch with a nice, comforting [healthy] meal during the week. A quick tip that I find helpful when planning my meals [to ensure that everything gets used with no waste] is plan to use the more perishable items (fish, meat, fresh veggies) earlier in the week  and use the pasta, frozen items later in the week!  

My favorite place for quick go-to recipes [with the nutritional run-down]: Food for Fools- I can't even begin to tell you how much I love Real Simple...you may already know as I have mentioned them numerous times before (Dinner plans,  Fun Recipes, While Winding Down and For Interesting Facts)!
Anyway, it's "Food for Fools" as they have a completely fool proof website for all chef levels, with a daily recipe chosen out of their repertoire to keep it interesting. Check out what I'm making this week...warm, comforting, low cal- YUM!

Making you Holiday's Sweet [calorie-free]

Did you know that seasonings can add sweetness to some of your holiday foods without the extra sugar and calories?
Allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, mace and nutmeg make great additions to holiday foods.

Incoporating them into your diet:

• Try adding ginger to a fruit glaze
• Blend frozen raspberries with a pinch of ginger and a small amount of fruit-juice concentrate and toss the glaze with fresh berries or sliced fruit.
• For a warm treat, add a cinnamon stick to your coffee grounds before brewing
• Top with nonfat or low-fat whipped topping and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate and enjoy!

I'm just doin' it

With the holiday's creeping on [in more ways than one], I am finding new ways to mix my fitness routine to fight off the extra calories at the numerous holiday parties, luncheons and office treats. Anyone in my boat?

Well, I have a group of "gym friends" that have been dogging me for months now about doing a half marathon with them in March. As you know, I like to consider myself a motivational person as I find myself trying to motivate others all of you but, it's hard to find it for myself too!

Today, I think I have found the courage and that "feeling" of "I got this" that I needed. You know that feeling? When your just not sure you can do it and then you just stop thinking terrible thoughts and say "I'm just doin' it?" Well, that was my EXACT thought this afternoon...

I got on the treadmill and without even allowing myself to think of a distance to run, a time to stop (when I hadn't even started yet) or that I was going to not be able to do even 2 miles...I started running. and running. and running. I don't know what came over me...

it may have been the new shoes...

or the company of one of my favorite gym rats alongside of me...
possibly the two episodes of my favorite show, Friends, on TV...

and even a break in my everyday workout helped too :) But I ran, and not only did it feel great but I ran a personal best record in distance-- 5 miles!

Whatever it was, I know it stemmed from my I'm just doin' it attitude!
Don't forget to set new goals, find ways to motivate yourself and most importantly, stick with the fight and keep a positive attitude! If I can do it, anyone can!

Holiday Hints

Hey guys and Happy Holidays!

So I wanted to share with you my latest and greatest find! I have stumbled across a great site for holiday gift giving. If your anything like me, it's hard to break-away from routine and get to the mall for a quick holiday shopping spree. Avoid the crowd and support local artisans, farmers, ranchers, cheesemakers, bakers and other small, family-owned companies! What a great way to give to your loved ones, friends or co-workers. Chose a healthy treat, indulgent sweet or sign someone up for Jam of the month club : )

Shopping Local! Check it out! As seen in this month's Shape magazine!

Hot off the Press- New Dietary intake Levels for Calcium and Vitamin D

From the Press- The Institute of Medicine and American Dietetic Association:

 

New Dietary Intake Levels Established for Calcium and Vitamin D

 

 

November 29 -- The majority of Americans and Canadians are getting enough vitamin D and calcium to meet their needs, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine. Most U.S. and Canadian residents up to age 70 need no more than 600 international units, or IUs, of vitamin D per day to maintain health; those 71 and older may need as much as 800 IUs. The daily amount of calcium needed ranges from 700 to 1,300 milligrams based on age.

 

Office of News and Public Information

 

For the complete article: Click RIGHT here!
Copyright © 2005. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved. 500 Fifth St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001.

Go on and Add it in daily; here's how...

Sources of Calcium:

• Tofu (calcium fortified)
• Soy milk (calcium fortified)
• Green leafy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, brussels sprouts, mustard greens, kale)
• Chinese cabbage or bok choy
• Beans/legumes
• Tortillas
• Sardines/salmon with edible bones
• Shrimp
• Orange juice (calcium fortified)
• Pizza
• Bread
• Nuts/almonds
• Dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese, yogurt)

 Sources of Vitamin D:

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Shrimp
• Milk
• Cod
• Eggs
• Some Yogurts