Saturday, August 10, 2013

corn

The summer corn is really starting to get good around here. We are entering one of the best times of the year to buy corn and I plan to enjoy it in all its glory while its here by whipping up plenty of corn recipes. Here are some of my favorites, what are yours?

1. Mexican Street Corn, 192 calories, 5 PointsPlus

Take a steamed, roasted, or grilled piece of corn and then slather it in a hint of mayo, lime juice, chili powder, and some crumbled salty cheese and you have the perfect summer treat.

2. Fresh Corn Soup, 123 calories, 4 PointsPlus

This corn soup celebrates all the freshness of corn in a simple, corn packed soup. Perfect for a cool summer evening as a main course or starter.

3. Corn, Bacon, and Onion Frittata, 68 caloires, 2 PointsPlus

This is one of my all time favorite breakfast and lunch meals – a simple frittata packed with fresh corn, bacon, onion, and a touch of heat from a jalapeno. Great warm and cold and very low in calories.

Thank you slender kitchen.

Friday, August 9, 2013

The Weight-Loss Lies We Tell Ourselves

The Weight-Loss Lies We Tell Ourselves
Do these statements sound familiar? Time to reframe your thinking – and aim for weight-loss success.
Article By: Toby Bilanow

The little white lies we tell ourselves don't seem harmful, but these tiny "untruths" may stand in the way of you reaching your goals. "People may set unrealistic goals or deprive themselves in extreme ways that are very difficult to maintain," says Bethany Teachman, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Virginia.

Want to stop telling yourself lies that sabotage your efforts? We've compiled six of the most common myths that undermine a healthy approach to weight loss — and offer simple ways to banish these words from your lips so that you'll gain confidence and reach your goals.

1. "I need to go on a diet."
"The whole concept of a 'diet' sets us up to think we will be 'on a diet' then 'off a diet,'" says Teachman. Instead, think of your weight-loss plan as a lifestyle commitment to healthy eating and exercise, for the long haul.

2. "I'll get back on track on Monday/after the holidays/when the sun comes out."
Why procrastinate? It will only lead to more slippage. Just track any splurges now, then pick up where you left off. Look forward, not back.

3. "All my problems will be solved when I lose weight."
Dropping pounds may leave you feeling healthier and happier, but it won't make you more lovable or turn you into a runway model. Be clear about why you want to lose weight, and set realistic goals. "It's far more motivating to strive toward being fit and energetic than it is to strive toward being a size 2," Teachman says.

4. "Heavy people don't deserve to eat."
Do you forgo the office pizza because you're afraid people will think you shouldn't be eating? Seeing yourself through others' eyes in a harsh, critical way "is a surefire way to blow a weight-loss plan," says psychologist Debra Mandel, PhD, author of Healing the Sensitive Heart. Instead, she suggests, focus on developing a more loving relationship with your body. People who started out accepting their bodies were more than twice as likely to lose weight than those who felt dissatisfied or ashamed, as reported in a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine.

5. "I shouldn't wear a bathing suit (shorts, a tank top) until I've lost all the weight."
People of all different sizes and shapes enjoy sexy clothes. "When you love yourself, you start enjoying life," says Mandel. Break big goals into smaller ones, and reward yourself along the way. Rather than saying, "I need to lose 25 pounds," say, "I'll buy a new swimsuit, one size smaller."

6. "The less I eat, the faster I'll lose."
Wrong. Cutting back calories to an unrealistic amount can lower your metabolism. What happens is your body becomes more efficient — meaning it needs fewer calories to perform the necessary daily functions for survival. This can slow down your weight loss. Plus, depriving yourself can backfire. Says Mandel, "Deprivation makes us unhappy and actually causes us to overeat and overindulge." A slow and steady approach — including treating yourself to your favorite foods, in moderation — is your best bet for building a healthy relationship with food and reaching your long-term goals.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Blueberry Caprese


Blueberry Caprese



Bluberry Caprese
Servings: 2 servings
Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
Nutritional Info: 123 calories, 9.8g of fat, 2.7g of carbohydrates, 5.3g1g of fiber, 7.7g of protein * 4 P+

Ingredients
1 cup blueberries
2 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped
10 basil leaves, chopped
2 tsp. olive oil
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Handful of greens
Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Sunday, August 4, 2013


This Month's Routine: Get 7 to 8 Hours of Quality Sleep Each Night
Meeting Topic:  The Sleep-Weight Loss Connection

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Standing Lateral Raises

Grasp dumbbells in front of thighs with elbows slightly bent. Raise upper arms to sides until elbows are shoulder height. Maintain elbows' height above or equal to wrists. Lower and repeat.