5 Tips for Battling the Memorial Day BBQs

It is officially the start of grilling season! That means food, drinks, and more food. Anyone getting a little worried about "going off their diet" with all the festivities? Here are some tips for keeping on track through the BBQs, parties, and summertime bashes!

Tip #1: Don't skip meals
So many people skip breakfast if they are going to an afternoon BBQ. They tell me they are "trying to save calories." Throw this logic out the window! When you skip meals, your metabolism slows down and you tend to eat more at the next meal to overcompensate. I'm not saying to stuff yourself before you head out; however, eat something with a protein and a carbohydrate (peanut butter + apples or Egg + WW toast) to keep hunger at bay!

Tip #2: Bring your own healthy dish
Let's say your going to your neighbors house and they are the least healthy eaters ever. You know there will be very little that will be healthy. What do you do? Bring your own healthy dish! Maybe it is a veggie salad or fruit dessert. Sure you can indulge in what is offered; however, you can lean on your dish for some better nutrition. Try bringing fruit kabobs! Use long toothpicks and thread on grapes, kiwis, pineapples, etc.

Tip #3: Assess before you eat
Instead of just grabbing before you think, walk by the food options and plan out what your going to eat. Maybe there are hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, and grilled veggies. What should you choose? The best option would be your chicken and grilled veggies. You could add a pasta or potato salad for a carbohydrate as well. Maybe you want both pasta and potato salad? Do a small serving of each (not a huge scoop). Maybe you want the burger and salads. Forgo the bun and dig into your salads. Again, think protein and carbohydrate (plus some non-starchy veggies if you got em).

Tip #4: Sip healthy
Margaritas, wine coolers and beers can all add up calorie wise. Remember to drink some water in between. It will help cut your intake and keep you hydrated. Try a wine spritzer as another option. Simply halve your wine with some seltzer water. Not looking to drink but want to stop everyone from bugging you about drinking? Grab a seltzer and add lemons/limes! You can also apply the same principle from Tip #2 here too!

Tip #5: Do a reality check
So, maybe you went to a party/BBQ and all nutritional restraints went out the window. Don't panic but do a reality check. How much did you really splurge? Was it just one brownie or did you eat the whole tray? Did you eat sensibly that week? Maybe you did overdo it. Instead of moping on the couch or eating more, get up and move! Take a walk, go for a run, hit the gym. Get back on track at the next meal or next day. Remember to drink water and fill up on fiber-rich foods to keep your digestive system running smoothly. And last but certainly not least, don't be so hard on yourself :)

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone :)

5 Tips for Getting Fit for Summer

We are getting into warmer days now, so it is time to start thinking of getting yourself in shape (if you haven't done so already)! The past week, I have been getting a lot more clients asking about weight-loss and how to "lose the belly fat." While nutrition is a huge part of getting the body you want, exercise is also a major player. Getting "in shape" doesn't mean you have to get a gym membership, especially if you know you will never go! Simply moving more throughout the day can help you to get on track for the healthy body you want.


5 Tips for Getting Fit for Summer
1. Find an activity you enjoy!
Don't just walk on the treadmill or go to a Zumba class if you know you will hate it. Try new things like swimming, weight training, or biking. If you like what you are doing, you are way more likely to keep it going!

2. Schedule when you will exercise!
If you get a gym membership, think about when you will actually go and set aside that time. Lay out your exercise clothes from the night before or keep a gym bag in your car!

3. Move every hour!
If you are normally sitting throughout the day, like most Americans are, make it a point to get up every hour for 5 minutes. Walk around the office or do some squats at your desk. It is actually better for your health to move more frequently than to sit all day and hit the gym for 2 hours.

4. Take a brisk walk! 
Walking is a great way to boost your cardiorespiratory endurance and improve your heart health. I recently had a client say that walks with her dog don't seem to do much for her since her pooch is always stopping to sniff. My advice was to jog in place or do 1/2 squats while waiting. You can also drop off your furry friend and head out for a more brisk walk on your own.

5. Don't forget to stretch!
Think of this scenario: you start exercising and you are very motivated. Within the first week, you pull a muscle and your back to square one! Now, you have to wait 2 weeks until your back at it again. Keep yourself flexible to help prevent injuries. Practice some light stretching before and after working out. Try out yoga, tai chi, or Pilates too!


On a recipe note, I made this salsa for a demo at work and everyone loved it! If you look at the original recipe, there are a few different measurements and ingredients. I made a few adjustments based on my work population. The salsa is very light and refreshing. Great for a party :)

Navel Orange Salsa
Ingredients
3 Navel oranges, segmented and diced
8 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 small sweet onion, diced
3T fresh cilantro, minced
Dash salt and pepper

Directions
1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Serve with chips or use as a topping for fish or chicken.

Adapted from: www.sunkist.com 

National Nutrition Month

March starts one of my favorite times of the year, National Nutrition Month! This is a nutrition education and information campaign held annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Basically, it focuses on how important it is to develop healthy eating and physical activity habits. This year's theme is "Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle." Also in March is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day (March 11). This is a time to not only recognize RDNs for their awesome job of helping people develop healthier lifestyles, but also, to increase awareness of RDNs as providers of food and nutrition services.  For more information, check out the NNM site.

Going along with the "Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle" theme, here are 5 tips for keeping your meals healthy!

1. Build your meal around your lean protein. I always get people who ask me what to eat for dinner. My first response is what is your protein (chicken, fish, tofu, etc). Then, we think about what goes well with it. For example, you have chicken for dinner so maybe you plan some steamed broccoli and roasted potatoes. Or if you have fish, maybe you plan for stewed tomatoes and rice. Or maybe you want to do a chicken stir fry with rice and string beans. Don't overcomplicate your meals. Just remember you want a lean protein, non-starchy vegetable, and starch (could be vegetable or other carb).

2. Eat slowly and put your fork down between bites. Let your body have time to digest and tell you you are full. Also, don't "clean your plate." Wrap up your extra dinner for a balanced packed lunch the next day!

3. Check in with mindfulness. Before grabbing a snack from the cabinet, think to yourself, "Am I really hungry?" Sometimes we eat out of boredom or stress. Instead of immediately grabbing for the chips or cookies, drink a glass of water or hot tea. Then, take a walk or read a book for 10 minutes. If hunger still strikes, then reach for a healthy snack (veggies and dip, Greek yogurt, apple and peanut butter, etc).

4. Eat from a plate, not a package. Read the food label and portion out a serving size into a bowl. When we eat from the package, it turns into mindless eating. Most of the time we don't realize how much we ate until the whole package is gone!

5. Plan your meals and snacks. You can do this in a couple of forms. One way is to pick a day to batch cook a few meals/sides. Then, each day you can just pull from what you already made. Another way is to simply write down what you plan to make for the week. From this information, you can build your shopping list (remember to stick to it)! Having planned meals and snacks can help to decrease grabbing unhealthy foods out of convenience.

Happy National Nutrition Month and Happy soon-to-be Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day to all of my fellow RDNs :)

Almond Milk vs. Coconut Milk

Almond milk has become an increasingly popular substitute for those with food allergies or intolerances. Almond milk is a creamy, nutty beverage made by toasting and grinding almonds; then, blending them with filtered water. Almonds are naturally low in sugar and provide a vast amount of nutrients for your body. Almond milk is also lactose, gluten, dairy, and casein free (This is good news for me since I am lactose intolerant!). On the glycemic index, unsweetened almond milk falls on the low end, which means a lesser rise in your blood sugar.

1 cup of unsweetened almond milk contains 30 calories (100 calories less than 2% milk), 2.5g fat, 45% DV for calcium, 50% DV for vitamin B12, and 25% DV for vitaminD. Almond milk also contains 30% of your DV for riboflavin and 50% of your DV for Vitamin E, which decreases inflammation in the body.

Coconut milk is made by pressing coconut pulp to release the cream, which is blended with filtered water and other ingredients. Coconut milk has a mildly nutty flavor and is dairy free. Fun fact, coconuts are really a fruit! 1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk provides 45 calories, 4.5g fat, and <1g carbohydrates. Coconut milk contains the same amount of vitamin D (25% DV) as regular milk and 50% DV for vitamin B12. Coconuts have antimicrobial and antibacterial agents, which can aide in immune health. Coconuts also supply medium chain fatty acids (MUFAs), which can decrease inflammation in the body.

So, are almond and coconut milk better than regular old 2%? While coconut and almond milk are both nutrient powerhouses with more calcium than 2% milk and less calories, they do lack protein. This limited protein supply does not need to pose an issue if you are already consuming other protein sources throughout your day. Almond or coconut milk can be implemented in a diet where other dairy foods are lacking due to culture, preference, allergies, or intolerances.

Check out this site to make your own almond milk --> http://wellnessmama.com/366/organic-almond-milk/

Green Protein Smoothie 
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
1c milk (almond or coconut)
1c fresh kale
1/2 cucumber (peeled)
1/2 frozen banana
1 scoop vanilla protein (optional)
1c ice

Directions
1. Combine all ingredients in blender and process until smooth.

Nutrition Facts 
290 calories, 4.5g fat, 41g carbohydrates, 25g protein, 4g fiber
150% DV vitamin A, 150% DV vitamin C, 60% DV calcium


www.silk.com
www.livestrong.com
www.almondbreeze.com

Chocolate Dipped Oranges

Part of my job as a Retail Dietitian is doing healthy food demonstrations. In one of my recent demos, I highlighted oranges; mainly because of cold and flu season (Vitamin C) and they were on sale.  It was so funny doing this demo because I got a ton of people saying either, "This is healthy?" or "I never thought to combine chocolate and oranges."  Most people have the impression that healthy eating is bland or boring. Then when you present these people with healthy recipes that taste good, they are in shock! The way you prepare food and how good it tastes is completely subjective. Get creative in the kitchen and try new recipes and spices to spruce up your meals! While you are at it, try my chocolate dipped oranges for a sweet snack:)

How to Select/Store Oranges
Select an orange that is firm, shiny, and heavy for its size. The fruit should be free of any soft spots or wrinkles. Oranges should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated area. You can store in the fridge for 2 weeks or at room temperature for 4 days.

My Chocolate Dipped Oranges :)

Chocolate Dipped Oranges
Ingredients
2-4 ounces of dark chocolate
1 medium orange, peeled and segmented

Directions
1. Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.
2. Melt chocolate (microwave or double broiler). Dip orange segments in chocolate and transfer to baking sheet. Set aside until chocolate hardens. Serve at room temperature.

**I found it easier to only dip 1/2 of one side of the orange. This way I didn't lose any chocolate when I removed the oranges for serving. You can also use clementines instead!

For about 1/2 the orange with chocolate, your looking at about 180 calories. Not too shabby for a sweet treat. Not to mention the 75% of your daily value of Vitamin C :)


http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-calculator.asp

Flaxseeds!

So, it has been quite a long time since my last blog! With the holidays and work, I kept putting off writing one. Lately, I have been getting a lot of questions about super foods and flaxseeds. What are they good for? How can you cook with them? What are they?! Probably most of the questions are stemming from the fact that it is a new year and everyone is trying to get and stay healthy. Go figure :)

What Are Flaxseeds?
Flaxseeds, aka linseed, come from the flax plant. The seeds have been used since ancient times for their various health benefits. Flaxseeds contain lignans, which possess antioxidant qualities.

Whole flaxseeds

What Are The Health Benefits?
The tiny seeds are a great source of both Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Omega-3s can help to decrease inflammation in the body. They can also reduce the amount of lipids circulating in your bloodstream. Just 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds contain 2400mg of Omega-3 fatty acids. You can also find Omega-3s in walnuts, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds! The fiber in flaxseeds can help you to maintain a healthy weight, lower your risk of diabetes, keep you fuller for longer, and decrease your cholesterol. Two tablespoons of flaxseed contain 4g of fiber!


How Can You Eat/Cook With Flaxseeds?
Flaxseeds can be eaten whole or ground (more bioavailable). They can be added to baked goods, cereals, salads, or casseroles. I love breading chicken in flaxseeds! Flaxseeds can also be mixed into a mayo or mustard when making a sandwich. Try topping your yogurt with ground flaxseeds for a boost of Omega-3 fatty acids.

My favorite brand of flaxseeds is probably Bob's Red Mill. I get the ground version because it is much cheaper and tends to mix better into what I am making. Also, it doesn't get stuck in my teeth like the whole flaxseed does!

If you are looking for a new recipe to try Healthy Flax has a great recipe for a Pecan Flax Pilaf. Happy flax eating!

http://www.bobsredmill.com/flaxseed-meal.html
www.nutrition411.com

Healthy New Year's Resolution Ideas

It is just about the New Year and that means....health makeover!  Cue the 200 people who say, "January 1st I am starting my diet." If your wondering, I met about 100 of those people at work in the past month. Maybe your looking for something different as a resolution? Or maybe, you want to be "healthy," but don't know where to start. This is where I come in! Here are my top 5 resolution ideas :)

Idea #1: Focus on a Healthy Lifestyle
Weight-loss can sometimes bring on some "not-so-healthy" behaviors. Fad diets, unsafe supplements, and extremely low-calorie plans are just a few of the many methods for the "quick fix." Being healthy is not about being on a diet. It's not about making changes that you can only keep for 3-4 weeks (because they are that extreme). It's not about cutting out everything you enjoy. Being healthy is about choosing nutrient-rich foods, but indulging every once in a while (if you see fit). It's about a long-term commitment to health. There is no magic pill for weight-loss (even though 90% of people who come to me for nutrition advice expect that). Focus on adopting reasonable and healthy habits that your can incorporate into your lifestyle. Try goals like: including a fruit or vegetable at each meal/snack, or cutting back on high-calorie/sugary beverage, or choosing lean meats and healthy fats.

Idea #2: Don't Skip Meals
One of the most skipped meals is breakfast, which if you didn't hear already is the most important meal of the day. Skipping meals can slow your metabolism (impairing your body from burning calories efficiently) and lead to overeating. Think about it, you skip breakfast, run to work, and are faced with the best looking donuts. Your blood sugar has dropped, your energy is poor, and wow those donuts look good. If instead, you had a balanced breakfast (protein, fat, carbohydrates) like eggs and a side of fruit, you might have more of the "willpower" to walk away without indulging. Cheers to a fully and happy breakfast belly! Remember, keep your meals simple and balanced with some healthy protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Idea #3: Enjoy Family Meals
Eating family meals is a great way to get all members to adopt healthier habits. Make a plan each week to choose and prepare a new fruit or vegetable. Get other family members involved in the meal planning and challenge your family to create their own healthy meal ideas! When everyone gets involved, they are more likely to try new foods.

Idea #4: Exercise
While nutrition is a huge part of the resolution planning, exercise is another. Get fit together with a friend to help keep you motivated. Try new exercise classes, a new walking route, or grab a fitness DVD to change it up! Remember to track your progress and goals to stay with your plan!

Idea #5: Personal Change
Maybe you are not one to partake in the nutrition/fitness aspect of the resolutions. Another idea can be to think about what personal change you want to make in your life. Maybe it is a business endeavor you want to pursue. Maybe you want to start giving back through volunteering. Maybe you want to focus on being a more open-minded person. Whatever the case may be, start with a year long goal first and then break that into small short-term goals to keep you on track.


Wondering what my New Year's Resolution is? I am going to spend more time on starting my private nutrition practice, aka stop being afraid of making the big decisions :)


Click here for my --> blog <--on how to make those resolutions stick!