Leaving.. on a Jet Plane...

Well, not really... but I am closing down this blog.  I have started a new one over at www.KristyFordFitness.com.  It is NOT all about fitness, but I do talk about fitness there... its a more comprehensive blog... at least that is my goal.  I just posted pics of our vacation to D.C.... there are actually a couple of posts because there was just so much to do and see I took a TON of pictures... I am sure some of you can relate.  So, please go over there and "FOLLOW" me there.  I will be permanently shutting this one down September 1st.  Also, if you think I can help any of your friends, family or bloggy readers I would appreciate a recommendation.  Always yours...

Kristy Ford Fitness: Make an Impact on Your Life With Chalene Johnson's...

Kristy Ford Fitness: Make an Impact on Your Life With Chalene Johnson's...: "I believe that there is more to being fit than just fitting into a pair of skinny jeans or eating a salad every day. To be truly fit you ..."

Immunity Boosting Muesli

100% maple syrup is a natural sweetener that is high in manganese and zinc, important immune system allies.  Ground flaxseeds are the richest plant source of the inflammation fighting omega-3 fatty acids.  They contain fiber, which improves insulin sensitivity and wards off fat build-up.  Greek yogurt has about double the amount of hunger-controlling protein and fewer carbs than regular yogurt.  Plus probiotics to support your immune system.

Ready in 5 Minutes (not including overnight prep) *Makes 2 Servings

½ cup old-fashioned oats

1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

1 Tbsp ground flaxseeds

1 Tbsp crushed almonds

1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup fresh mixed berries

1 Tbsp 100% maple syrup

Stir oats into yogurt.  Mix in ground flaxseeds and crushed almonds.  Stir in cinnamon and mix.  Toss in berries and stir in syrup.  Refrigerate overnight.

Nutrients per serving:

Calories: 242, Total Fats: 0.5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0g, Sodium: 36mg, Total Carbohydrates: 36g, Dietary Fiber: 5g, Sugars: 18g, Protein: 16g, Iron: 1mg

From the April 2011 edition of Oxygen Magazine

Once Upon A Time...

There lived a pint sized

P90X loving

Tony Horton quoting

Prince named Ethan

All he wanted was a snack

A crisp

Juicy

Red

Apple

So he went to the kitchen

And found just what he was looking for

But try as he might

 This is all that happened...

So his mother

The most beautiful queen

To ever have lived

Cut and chopped

And

Cut and chopped

 So he could have these

and live happily ever after

Once more

Tony Horton on NBC's Today Show -- 5 Moves for a Beach-Ready Body!!

All I ask..

You may not always agree with me - or my intensity in life. You may not even share myPASSION and LOVE for the things that I do and make my own.  But ALL I ask from you is that you support me - as I will always support you, cheer me on - as I am already your cheerleader in return, guide me - as I have helped to direct you, and just love me for who I am - because I will always LOVE and ACCEPT you for you.

These words were shared by my dear friend, Jaime Kallay, and they ring true for me as well.

How to Trick Yourself Into Eating Healthy Food!!

By Denis Faye

In a perfect world, countries would stop fighting, cars would emit rose-scented oxygen, and broccoli would taste like chocolate cake. Sadly, that's not the case. But there's always hope. Beachbody^® may not be able to stop wars or global warming (yet), but we can certainly give you a few tips on getting your veggies to taste better. It's easier than you think.



There are a number of books on the subject of sneaking healthy foods into kids' meals, including a few The Sneaky Chef titles and Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food. Basically, the same principles you'll find in these books apply to grown-ups. The only difference is your mind-set. Given that you're the one who'll be doing the cooking, you won't really be sneaking healthy foods into meals—you'll just be altering healthy foods to suit your tastes.

There are other easy ways to make sure you get your veggies, including taking green nutritional supplements and drinking everyone's favorite prebiotic, micronutrient-packed nutritional shake, Shakeology®, but remember that most healthy diets are supposed to be made up primarily of fruits and veggies. If you can drink your Shakeology and sneak a couple of servings of cauliflower into your Texas chili, you'll be in great shape.

The goop
The gist of the Sneaky Chef and Jessica Seinfeld cookbooks is simply to steam veggies for 10 to 15 minutes, throw them in a blender or food processor with a couple of tablespoons of water, and puree them into a fine goop. Then you introduce the goop into foods that overwhelm its veggie-goop flavor. It's that easy.
Although the books offer a near-infinite variety of goops, I'm going to boil it down (so to speak) to two goops.

White goop. Most of the time, this is cauliflower, although some people throw a little zucchini in there. It's the most flavorless of the goops, and it's ideal to mix into anything with a cream- or cheese-based sauce, like pasta Alfredo or mac 'n' cheese.

Green goop. Anything green can go into green goop, but I find that broccoli and spinach work best. Green goop works well with red (or reddish) sauces, like chili, marinara, or pizza sauce. You can also throw a massive layer of green goop into lasagna or manicotti and have your dinner guests be none the wiser, yet all the healthier. I've never tried it in enchiladas, but I'm guessing it'll work there too.

Bonus pesto goop recipe! Pesto is incredibly easy to make from scratch and impresses the pants off of anyone who doesn't know how to make it. And the best thing about it is that its rich, complex flavor makes it easy to tweak, so you can sneak a little healthiness in the form of iron-packed spinach onto your unsuspecting dinner guests' plates.

1-1/2 cups packed basil
1-1/2 cups packed spinach
1/3 cup grated or shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts
3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

Directions: Mix ingredients into a paste with a food processor or blender. Done!

The split
If you've eaten enriched flour pasta and white rice your whole life, it's understandable that brown rice and whole wheat pasta would taste weird. After all, brown rice and whole wheat pastas have flavor!
The solution is simple. Make a 50/50 mix. It's half as healthy, but it also tastes half as different. Once you're used to that, cut the white out and go 100 percent brown. You'll never look back.

Bonus Split Tip! Next time you make mashed potatoes, go half potato/half yam or sweet potato. You'll be adding flavor, which means less need for salt and butter. Also, you'll be adding the fiber you're probably not getting enough of, especially if you don't like veggies.

Miscellaneous strategies
While all the stuff I've mentioned works great for fussy eaters young and old, keep in mind that at your age, techniques for sneaking healthy food into anyone's daily diet shouldn't always have to be so covert. Here are a few ideas that are slightly less sneaky but effective nonetheless. Do any or all of these and you'll be adding a very subtle taste to a strong, rich food.

Carrot juice in your apple juice. The former doesn't taste nearly as strong as the latter, but it packs a nutritional wallop that includes vitamins A and C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Broccoli in your burger. Shred the broccoli florets and mix them into the meat. Yeah, you might still see them floating around, but after piling on the lettuce, onion, tomato, pickle, mustard, or whatever else you add, you're just not going to taste them.

Whole wheat French toast. Yes, this might change the texture, but who eats French toast for the toast part? Your taste buds will be so busy dancing with the fresh fruit and syrup you put on top, they won't have time to notice the nutritious, fiber-rich whole grains you're sneaking in.

No, we don't live in a perfect world. Pollution is a bummer, and there will probably always be countries that just can't seem to coexist on the same planet. But there's no reason why—with a little effort and a few tricks—nutritious and delicious can't live together happily on the same plate.

9 Appetite-Suppressing Foods!

By Whitney Provost

If you're like most people, conquering your appetite is one of the biggest challenges you face in your fitness and weight loss journey. As soon as the word "diet" crosses your lips, you may find yourself craving all the junk you know you're not supposed to eat. The secret is eating the right foods to help calm the cravings for the wrong ones. Adding these 9 easy-to-find, tasty foods to your meal plan can help you rein in your appetite before it gets out of control!



1. Oatmeal. This hot cereal is high in fiber and low on the glycemic index, which means it fills you up and takes a long time to digest. Research has shown that diets high in slow-burning carbohydrates like oatmeal suppress the hunger hormone grehlin more effectively than diets high in fat do. In fact, when you eat oatmeal for breakfast, you may find that your appetite is lower at lunchtime. Steel-cut or rolled oats digest more slowly than the "instant" variety do, so it's worth taking a few extra minutes in the morning to prepare your breakfast the old-fashioned way.

2. Apples. Not only are apples nutritious, but what sets them apart from other fruits is pectin, a soluble fiber that helps regulate blood sugar, keeps you full, and sustains your energy. One medium apple with skin contains 4 grams of fiber, which is more than you'd get in an average slice of whole wheat bread. Add an apple and some cinnamon to your morning oatmeal for an appetite-suppressing breakfast.

3. Pine Nuts. These edible pine-tree seeds contain more protein than any other nut or seed, and their oil stimulates two appetite-suppressing hormones (cholecystokinin [CCK] and glucagon-like peptide-1) that tell your brain you're not hungry. Blend pine nuts with basil, garlic, and a little olive oil to make pesto, or sprinkle them on your salad or oatmeal for a delicious, nutty crunch.

4. Salad. The fiber in typical salad vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, spinach, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, and peppers is very filling and helps slow the release of glucose into your bloodstream. Studies have shown that when people start a meal with a small salad, they eat significantly fewer calories in the meal itself. Just watch out for the high-fat dressings (or worse, fat-free dressings that are high in sugar). Try having the dressing on the side and dipping your fork into it for easy portion control, or simply add a dash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tasty, super-low-calorie option. Bonus tip: Try to eat a vegetable at every meal to keep your appetite at bay all day long.

5. Olive oil and other unsaturated fats. Researchers at the University of California at Irvine found that unsaturated fat causes the intestines to release a compound (oleoylethanolamide) that has been shown to reduce appetite and stimulate weight loss. Some great unsaturated fat choices include avocados, olives and olive oil, almonds, salmon, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, macadamia nuts, and sesame seeds. These foods are high in calories, so enjoy them in moderation while regulating your appetite.

6. Flaxseeds. Flax is one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The seeds are also very high in protein and fiber, making them excellent for appetite control. Sprinkle ground flaxseeds over oatmeal, salads, or yogurt, or add them to smoothies to help stabilize your blood sugar and turn off the hunger hormones.

7. Beans. The fiber in beans increases CCK, a digestive hormone that's a natural appetite suppressant. A research study at the University of California at Davis found that men who ate a high-fiber meal containing beans had CCK levels that were two times higher than when they ate a low-fiber meal. Beans also keep your blood sugar steady, which helps stave off hunger.

Whey Protein Powder

8. Whey protein. New studies suggest that whey protein stimulates the hormones that increase the feeling of being full. In one study, researchers at the University of Surrey in England found that people who consumed whey protein felt fuller and more satisfied with less food. Whey also stabilizes blood sugar, and that can help control food urges. Make a drink with Beachbody's Whey Protein Powder to calm your appetite any time of the day.

9. Spicy foods. Capsaicin, the ingredient that gives peppers their heat, can also help control your raging appetite. A recent study published in Clinical Nutrition suggests that capsaicin-rich foods may help you consume fewer calories, plus they help support weight loss by suppressing your appetite and making you feel fuller. You can add hot pepper sauce to tomato juice, stir-fry some Anaheim or Serrano peppers with other vegetables, or cook up some jalapeño or poblano peppers in your omelet. Other spicy ingredients may have similar effects, so try adding spices like hot mustard and curry to your salads and meats.

Motivation Monday!!

If you want to look and feel amazing then it is your responsibility, to yourself and all those around you, to do what you have to do in order to attain it. No excuses.

Trainer Tip by Turbo Fire Creator, Chalene Johnson

Dreamy Avocado Dressing

I have been searching for a Creamy Avocado Dressing for a while. I should have known Beachbody would come to my rescue!! I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. Follow quantities as written for a thicker dressing that also makes a terrific dip. Add more yogurt for a creamier texture that makes it a little easier to toss. Either way, it's outstanding

1 ripe avocado, cubed
1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1 clove garlic
1 Tbsp. minced red onion
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and mix until smooth. Chill, and then toss with chosen salad ingredients just before serving. Makes 4 servings.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories 97, Protein 4 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Carbs 9 grams, Fat Total 6 grams, Saturated Fat 1 gram

Turbo Fire/Shakeology GIVEAWAY Time!!

I am in the mood for a little giveaway...

How about a FREE Sample of Shakeology for everyone AND a chance to win a drawing for Chalene Johnson's NEWEST Turbo Fire workout "The Greatest HIIT's"!!

How do you enter?? It is easy-peasy my friends.

Head on over to TurboKristy.com and sign up for a FREE membership (absolutely zero purchase necessary!)  Then, email (find it under the contact tab) me the following info:

1.  Tell me a little bit about yourself.
2.  What workout program are you currently doing?
3.  What are your goals?
4.  What are your struggles?

That is all.  This giveaway is strictly for those I coach along their fitness journey so you MUST sign up at TurboKristy.com to be eligible.

Hurry fast!!  The drawing will be held on Friday April 8th!! Don't miss out!

Insanity ASYLUM -- It's Coming... are YOU Ready?? Muwahahahahaha

The 5 Best Fats for Getting Lean

By Whitney Provost

You might think that to lose weight, you need to cut the fat out of your meals. After all, fat is higher in calories than protein and carbs, and low-fat diets have been popular since the Senate Nutrition Committee first recommended them in the late 1970s. But research shows that a moderate-fat diet (with about 35 percent of calories consumed coming from fat) will help you drop pounds permanently, feel full longer, and avoid bingeing. The trick is to eat the right kind of fat to increase satisfaction and boost weight loss. Here's why it's important to eat fat—and we offer five of the best fat sources to add to your diet.



How eating fat will help you lose fat.

In 2008, researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel found that people who followed low-fat diets lost less weight than people who followed low-carb or moderate-fat diets. The low-fat group lost an average of 6.5 pounds over 2 years, but the low-carb and moderate-fat groups lost about 10 pounds. Women did especially well on the moderate-fat diet, losing an average of 13 pounds during the study.
Fat is an important element in weight loss for several reasons:

• Fat helps your body control blood sugar and insulin spikes after eating carbohydrates. Better sugar metabolism means less fat storage.
• Fat slows down digestion and aids nutrient absorption. You'll stay fuller longer and get more health benefits from the food you eat.
• Essential fatty acids (like omega-3s) may boost your metabolic rate and increase fat burning.
• Fat tastes good. It also provides a "mouthfeel" that is satisfying, which can help you be happy with less food.

Eating more fat may also help you stick to your diet longer. In a study conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, participants got either 20 percent of their calories from fat or 35 percent of their calories from fat. After 6 months, both groups had lost weight. But after 18 months, only 20 percent of the people in the low-fat group were still following the diet, compared with 54 percent of the people in the moderate-fat group. Likewise, the subjects in the moderate-fat group had maintained their weight loss, while the low-fat group participants had gained most of the weight back.

If you reach for a box of low-fat or fat-free crackers or cookies because you want to lose weight, you may actually be sabotaging your diet. Manufacturers frequently replace fat with sugar in packaged food items to make them taste better. You think you're making a good decision by eating fat-free products, but the excess sugar and refined flour can lead to fatigue, cravings, mood swings, and weight gain caused by the overproduction of insulin—the fat-storage hormone. As a snack, a sliced apple with some peanut butter or a salad with oil and vinegar dressing would be a better weight loss choice. The complex carbs and healthy fats will maintain your blood sugar levels, boost your energy, and keep you satisfied longer.

What kind of fat should you eat? To get lean, you need to eat the right kind of fat. Avoid saturated and trans fats (which are found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, and many packaged foods), and instead choose monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Here are some of the best sources of fat to help you reach your weight goal.

1. Fish. Fish like salmon, albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, and sardines contains beneficial amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Most experts agree that eating two servings of fatty fish per week is safe for people who are worried about mercury or other toxins. (Pregnant women should consult with their doctors about consuming fish.) If you don't like fish, a quality supplement like Beachbody's Core Omega-3™ will give you the benefits without the fishy taste.
2. Olive oil. Heart-healthy oils like olive, canola, and peanut oil are excellent sources of fat for dieters. They have also been shown to lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Use them sparingly when sautéing, or drizzle them over your favorite salad or vegetables with a little vinegar and some herbs to maximize the absorption of nutrients. Moderation is important: You really only need about a teaspoon of oil to get all its benefits. Using more will add significant calories.
3. Avocados. Eat a spinach and carrot salad with a little avocado, and you'll not only get a dose of good fat, but you'll also absorb more phytonutrients like lutein and beta-carotene. Scientists at Ohio State University in Columbus found that more antioxidants were absorbed when people ate a salad containing avocados than when they ate a salad without this tasty fruit. One-quarter of an avocado will add flavor while only adding about 75 calories.
4. Nuts. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and peanuts are powerhouses of good nutrition—full of antioxidants, minerals, and monounsaturated fat. The Nurses Health Study, where more than 86,000 nurses were followed for 14 years, found that those who ate nuts regularly (about an ounce per day) tended to weigh less than those who didn't. The protein, fat, and fiber make nuts more filling, which helps dieters stay on track. Plus there's a psychological bonus to eating nuts: Because they're rich and satisfying, you probably won't feel like you're on a diet.
5. Flaxseeds. Packing the triple wallop of fat, protein, and fiber, flaxseeds are a delicious and healthful addition to any diet. You can grind them up and add them to oatmeal, yogurt, salads, or vegetables, or pretty much anywhere you want a nutty crunch. They're a plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, making them a good choice for vegetarians or the aforementioned non-fish-loving folks. Ground flaxseeds also have 3 grams of fiber per tablespoon, which helps slow digestion and keep your blood sugar stable.

Making room for fat.

Certain fats might be considered necessary for health, but that's not a cue to overindulge. At 9 calories per gram, fat is a more concentrated energy source than either protein or carbohydrates (each has 4 calories per gram). You need to be mindful of your overall caloric intake if you want to eat more fat and lose weight. But when you feel full and satisfied after eating the right kinds of fat, you'll probably find it a bit easier to manage your calories.

Are You Ready to Make a Change?

I believe that there is more to being fit than just fitting into a pair of skinny jeans or eating a salad every day.  To be truly fit you must have a fit life... the whole thing... if one part is not fit, it will affect the other parts of your life and those you share your life with.  Here is a FREE 30 day program that if you follow it, will change your life in just 30 days...

What do you have to lose??
  
30 Days to a new you. Go into April with focus and determination, come out of it with a game plan for life. You only have until March 31st to get in on the 30day challenge. NOW is your time. http://30daypush.com/

I am counting on this one!!

A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly.  You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.

~Roald Dahl

Being a Beachbody Coach....

...is NOT about the coach.  It is about who we are going to help today, tomorrow, and the next day!!

By Joe Wilkes
 
It's almost springtime, which for a lot of us means it's time to do a deep-clean of our homes—throwing out the old, organizing the new, storing the winter clothes, and getting ready for warmer weather and a fresh start. For others, it's the beginning of another season of denial about how squalid our living conditions have become. Even more than New Year's, spring is a good time to make some new resolutions and create an environment that'll make us want to keep them. Here are some ideas for getting your kitchen into shape.



1.  Out with the old. I like to think of my refrigerator as a cabinet of hope. Most times, it's full of fruits and vegetables, purchased in a fit of confidence that I would steam and stir-fry my way to a slimmer me. Then I end up going out to restaurants with friends, and my Sunday produce ends up looking pretty bad by week's end. Yet, unbelievably, I leave it all in my refrigerator with the hope that it'll somehow return to a state of edibility. Similarly, expired dairy products and aging condiment bottles litter my shelves, the result of my misguided optimism that they too will come back in fashion—like my '80s wardrobe will, if I just wait long enough. I'm here to tell you, however, that there's been no grocery miracle in my refrigerator these many years. And now, it's time to give the expired residents of this frosty food hinterland a proper burial.

First thing to do: Get rid of everything that even looks old. Be merciless. If it's past the expiration date, throw it out. If it doesn't have an expiration date, throw it out. Another scourge in my fridge is the many plastic containers filled with leftovers. I don't remember exactly what meal they are left over from, but I can't recall anything that included frizzy mold as an ingredient. Much of the reason the containers languish in the back of the fridge is because I'm avoiding the horror of having to wash out the science experiment they've become. This year, I'm going to throw money at the problem, and throw out the leftovers in their containers without ever lifting the lid. Then, I will treat myself to shiny, new plastic containers as a reward for my new hygienic lifestyle. Additionally, if my plastic cutting boards are beyond bleaching, it's a good annual tradition to replace them.

2.  Out with the bad. While I'm gripped in the mania of throwing away all the food that has literally turned to garbage, I'm also going to throw away the food that's metaphorically garbage. All the unhealthy snack foods that lure me away from my healthy eating plan are going to have to go. I'm evicting the half-full bags of tortilla and potato chips from my cupboards. Ben and Jerry's^® are moving from the freezer to the dumpster. Any empty-calorie snacks I can steal a spoonful or handful of and pretend they don't count have to hit the road. Once I clear the cupboards and refrigerator, I can go to the store and load up on healthy staples, whose temptations I won't have to resist.

3.  In with the new. Now that the refrigerator's clean and the cupboards are bare, it's time to shop. Stock up the larder with delicious, healthy foods from the first two tiers of Michi's Ladder. And make sure to get lots of easy-to-prepare snacks to keep within easy reach when hunger pangs hit. Great snacks include cottage cheese, nonfat yogurt, hummus, salsa, and raisins. Instant oatmeal, whole-grain cereals, and egg whites are good to have on hand for breakfast. And foods like brown rice, dried beans, canned broths, water-packed tuna, and frozen fruits and vegetables are good staples to always keep in supply for mealtime. Of course, you should also try eating plenty of fresh produce, seafood, and lean meats. Just don't be like me and go crazy at the Sunday farmers' market only to have to throw food away at the end of the week. Buy enough perishable items to last a couple of days, then make short trips to the supermarket or farmers' market during the week. Your food will taste better and fresher, and you won't have a CSI episode in the crisper drawer at the end of the week.

4.  When life gives you lemons . . . I know I've talked a lot about throwing all your produce away. But some of it can do a little cleaning work for you before it hits the compost bin. Lemons are very acidic, and their juice is naturally antibacterial and antiseptic. You can use lemon juice to bleach countertop stains and shine up metal. And it makes your kitchen smell lemony fresh to boot! Instead of throwing those lemons in the trash, throw one or two in the garbage disposal and grind away. It'll help get rid of food dried onto the blades while filling your kitchen with the smell of lemons. (If the lemons are really old and the rinds have turned hard and leathery, don't try this. The disposal blades might not be able to chop them, and they'll just rattle around in your disposal forever. Trust me, I know.) Another great tip a friend gave me is to cut a bunch of lemons in half and put them in a big microwave-safe bowl filled with water. Then microwave the bowl of lemons on high for a few minutes, until the water steams. Keep the microwave closed. The lemon-juice-infused steam will permeate all the stuff cooked onto the microwave walls from various exploding culinary attempts. The crud will wipe off easily and your microwave will smell great. Best of all, no toxic cleaners will accidentally find their way into your meals!

5.  Vinegar—not just for salad. While you're cleaning and staying nontoxic, try using the Michi's Ladder top-tier favorite vinegar to spruce up your kitchen. Diluted with water, white vinegar can be used to clean windows, wash floors, and wipe countertops. It cuts grease and removes stains from cookware, and if you run a pot full of the vinegar and water solution through your coffeemaker, you'll be amazed at the kind of hard-water deposits it removes. It's also good for removing hard-water stains on your glassware. It even cuts soap scum and kills mildew, so you might give good, old-fashioned, cheap white vinegar a try before investing in expensive cleaners that can introduce toxins into your kitchen.

6.  Baking soda—not just for baking. Here's a fun fact. Did you know that baking soda mixed with grease makes soap? It's true. It's a great, cheap, nontoxic way to wipe off your stovetop and the surrounding areas that have been spattered by a season's worth of stir-fries. An open box can absorb odors in the refrigerator, and a little sprinkled in your garbage can will do likewise. If you have a grease fire, you can put it out with baking soda. If you have pots with burned-on food, let them soak in baking soda and water overnight. Also, if you have plastic storage containers that are a bit stinky from their previous occupants, try soaking them overnight in baking soda and water. You can make a baking soda paste with water and polish your silver. It's a miracle product—nontoxic and cheap!

Apple Pancakes

I like to make breakfast for dinner a lot because I don't spend time in the morning cooking... there is never enough time...  and, I am lazy.  So I always have my Shakeology for breakfast.  But we do like breakfast foods.  One of our favorite things is pancakes but, as you know, most pancake mixes are not good for you AT ALL and if it is good for you it probably tastes like tree bark.  Last week when I was out shopping I perused the pancake mixes hoping to find something new.  I am willing to give most anything a try in an attempt to find yummy and nutritious foods for my family and I came across this which may NOT be new, but is definitely my new favorite Pancake Mix:

Apple Pancakes:

3/4 cup Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancake Mix
1/3 cup milk
1 cup applesauce
a little bit of cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 Tbsp oil (I used light olive oil)

Preheat griddle to 360 degrees.  Place mix into bowl, add milk, applesauce, vanilla, egg, cinnamon and oil.  Mix just until blended.  Let stand for 5 minutes.  Spray griddle with cooking spray (I use the Pam Organic Olive Oil Spray).  Spoon onto griddle and cook until bubbles form on the edges,m then flip and cook the other side.  Serve Hot.  Top with natural maple syrup, a sugar free variety, or fresh fruit.  If you want the pancakes a little thinner, use less milk.  I like them thick and satisfying!

Big Breakfasts for Big Results!!

By Joe Wilkes
 
Breakfast. It seems like forever since Mom told us breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but one study shows it's actually true—she wasn't just nagging us. Breakfast is a key component of weight management: A study presented at the 90th annual meeting of the Endocrine Society showed that participants who consumed large breakfasts high in protein and carbohydrates followed by a low-carb, low calorie diet for the rest of the day lost almost five times as much weight as the participants who followed a low-carb, high-protein diet throughout the day. So what's the big deal about breakfast? And what is a big breakfast anyway? It doesn't seem like the lumberjack special at the local diner would do much to get the pounds off, so what should we be eating?



The study supported the idea that when we wake up in the morning, our bodies want food. You've burned through all the fuel from the previous day, and now your body's ready to burn anything—even muscle—to get a jump-start on the day. And if you skip breakfast, muscle is indeed what your body will burn. Later in the day, your brain is still in starvation mode from breakfast (or lack thereof), so your body will store all the calories you eat as adipose tissue, or fat, to save up for the next day when you try to starve it again. This study also found that levels of serotonin, the chemical responsible for controlling cravings, were much higher in the morning, which is why breakfast is the meal so many of us are willing to skip. But if our bodies are left unfed, our serotonin levels drop, and our bodies' craving for sweets begin to rise throughout the day.

But before you hit McDonald's for their 800-calorie Big Breakfast, or worse, their 1,150-calorie Deluxe Breakfast, or swing by Denny's for a 740-calorie Grand Slam or 950-calorie All-American Slam with hash browns, keep in mind, these weren't the breakfasts the study participants consumed. The big-breakfast group had a 610-calorie breakfast as part of a 1,240-calorie day. Breakfasts included milk, lean meat, cheese, whole grains, a serving of healthy fat, and one ounce of chocolate or candy to defray the craving for sweets. The other group's participants consumed 1,085 calories per day as part of a high-protein, low-carb diet; only 290 of their daily calories were consumed at breakfast. Both groups were on their respective diets for eight months. The high-protein group lost an average of nine pounds, but the big-breakfast group lost an average of 40 pounds. And, perhaps not surprisingly, the big-breakfast group complained less about cravings and hunger.

The big-breakfast group's breakfast consisted of 58 grams of carbs, 47 grams of protein, and 22 grams of fat. Study reviewers attribute some of the success of the big-breakfast group to the fact that the protein and healthy fats eaten kept the participants full and reduced cravings. They also said that nutritional requirements were well met and that there weren't empty calories consumed, because the breakfasts included lots of whole grains, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy unsaturated fats. So bad news for the lumberjack-special devotees—a big plate of greasy hash browns, bacon, and biscuits with gravy isn't going to get the job done, unless the job we're discussing is clogging your arteries.

Here are some healthy big breakfasts, similar to the ones consumed by the study's participants.

Chicken and the Egg

2 large eggs, scrambled
2 slices whole wheat toast
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled
1 grapefruit

589 calories, 52 grams carbohydrates, 48 grams protein, 19 grams fat, 5.5 grams saturated fat, 12 grams fiber.

Oats 'n' Berries Breakfast

1 packet plain instant oatmeal, prepared, with 1 scoop Beachbody^® Whey Protein Powder
1 cup fresh blueberries
3 oz. roasted turkey breast
1 large hard-boiled egg
1 oz. dark chocolate

631 calories, 62 grams carbohydrates, 47 grams protein, 21 grams fat. 8 grams saturated fat, 10 grams fiber.

Two Egg Sandwiches

2 whole wheat English muffins, toasted
2 large poached eggs
2 slices low-fat Swiss cheese
2 slices Canadian bacon, grilled

597 calories, 57 grams carbohydrates, 45 grams protein, 13 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 8 grams fiber.

Vegetarian Breakfast

1 cup cottage cheese (2% milk fat)
1 cup sliced peaches, canned in juice, not syrup
1 slice whole wheat toast
1/2 avocado
2 vegetarian sausage links, cooked

621 calories, 62.5 grams carbohydrates, 47 grams protein, 26.5 grams fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat, 16.5 grams fiber.

Pescetarian Breakfast

1 6-oz. can light tuna, canned in water, drained
2 Tbsp. mayonnaise (preferably olive oil- or canola oil-based)
2 slices whole wheat toast
1 oz. dark chocolate

592 calories, 45 grams carbohydrates, 51 grams protein, 22 grams fat, 7 grams saturated fat, 10 grams fiber.

Reference http://www.endo-society.org/media/ENDO-08/research/New-weight-loss-diet-recommends-high-carb.cfm

Motivation Monday!!

I have to exercise in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing.  

~Marsha Doble

Every Now & Then...

... somewhere, someplace, sometime, you are going to have to plant your feet, stand firm and make a point about who you are and what you believe in.

9 Healthy Reasons to Indulge Your Coffee Cravings

Coffee gets a bad rap, but study after study shows your java habit is actually good for you. From a lower stroke risk to fewer cavities, here are the best reasons to enjoy a cup or two.

There's no need to feel guilty about your morning cuppa joe. On the contrary: Women who drink a cup or more of coffee daily have up to a 25 percent lower stroke risk than those who sip the dark stuff less often, according to a new study reported today in the journal Stroke. Researchers followed nearly 35,000 women ages 49 to 83 for an average of 10 years and found the reduced risk held up even after accounting for such factors as BMI, high blood pressure, diabetes risk, and smoking habits — indicating that coffee's stroke-lowering ability was independent of these known heart disease risk factors.

But this study is hardly the first one touting good news for java junkies. "Coffee is incredibly rich in antioxidants, which are responsible for many of its health benefits," says Joy Bauer, RD, nutrition and health expert for Everyday Health and The Today Show. Its caffeine content may also play a protective role in some health conditions, but many of coffee's health perks hold up whether you go for decaf or regular.


Related: Heart-Healthy Diet Habits


Beyond lowering stroke risk, you may be surprised to learn that coffee can also decrease your odds of developing the following health issues:


1.Diabetes. Women who drank four cups of caffeinated coffee daily were nearly 60 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-drinkers, UCLA researchers found. The beverage is rich in the minerals magnesium and chromium, which may help control blood sugar levels.


2.Skin cancer. Rutgers University researchers found that when sunburnt mice drank caffeinated water and then exercised in a running wheel, their risk of developing skin cancer decreased. The caffeine-and-cardio combo caused damaged skin cells to die before they had a chance to become cancerous, explain study authors. Capping off your sweat session with a cup of coffee (iced works too) may help protect your skin from sun damage.


3.Stress. You know how the mere aroma of a rich French roast seems to wake you up on a sluggish morning? Turns out that whiff can help minimize the effects of too little sleep on your body. Researchers found that when stressed-out, sleep-deprived rats simply smelled coffee, it triggered gene activity known to protect nerve cells from stress-related damage.


4.Cavities. Although this doesn't mean you can ditch your dental floss, coffee may even help fight cavities. According to research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, coffee's compound trigonelline (responsible for its flavor and aroma) has antibacterial properties that may keep cavity-causing germs, such as Streptococcus mutans, from invading tooth enamel.


5.Parkinson's disease. Here's some good news if Parkinson's disease runs in your family: People with a family history who drank coffee were less likely to develop the debilitating neurological disease, according to Duke University Medical Center researchers. Although scientists are still trying to understand why, evidence suggests that the caffeine in coffee (as well as caffeinated tea) may act on a gene called GRIN2A to help lower risk.


6.Breast cancer. Women who drank boiled Scandinavian coffee, which is similar to stronger French press or Turkish or Greek varieties, more than four times a day had a reduced risk of breast cancer compared to women who had it less than once a day, found a study in the journal Cancer Causes & Control. An important point: Because the coffee wasn't filtered, it contained up to 80 times as many coffee-specific fatty acids, which have been linked to slower growth of cancerous cells.


7.Heart disease. Dutch researchers found that people who drank coffee in moderation —two to four cups a day — lowered their heart disease risk by 20 percent, compared to those who had more or fewer cups. Coffee's antioxidants may have a protective effect, says Keri M. Gans, RD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.


8.Head and neck cancers. Although some of the data on coffee's cancer-fighting capabilities have been mixed, Italian researchers found that the caffeinated kind guards against head and neck cancers. Compared with coffee abstainers, those who drank about four or more cups daily reduced their risk of certain mouth and throat cancers by nearly 40 percent.

Related: How Your Diet Can Affect Breast Cancer

One coffee caveat: Most health experts agree it's wise to limit your intake to a few cups a day — that's a standard 8-ounce mug, not the super-sized beverages many coffee shops offer. Overdoing it can lead to interrupted sleep or even insomnia, stomachaches, a racing heart, nervousness, irritability, and nausea. Remember, we're talking coffee with a splash of milk or a packet or two of sugar — not loaded with whipped cream and sugary syrups. "Adding a lot of calories to your coffee can actually raise your risk for diseases like stroke and diabetes," says Gans.


Also, doctors recommend that pregnant women or people with certain health issues, such as high blood pressure or high blood sugar, limit their caffeine intake. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about how much coffee is safe for you.


This article was taken from Everydayhealth.com
By Rachel Grumman Bender

Low-Sodium Mixed Pickles

Here's a recipe for a colorful assortment of pickled veggies that have the tangy zip of cider vinegar and spices—without any added salt!

• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 onion, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced carrot
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1/2 cup chopped asparagus
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets
• 1-1/4 cups cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric
• 1/2 tsp. mustard seed
• 1/2 tsp. celery seed

In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, and spices. Bring to a boil. Add vegetables to pan and heat for 3 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and chill. Makes 16 servings.
Note: Can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 month. For longer storage, sterilize two pint jars. Pack hot pickles to within 1/2 inch of top. Wipe off rim of jar, screw on top, and place in Dutch oven or other deep pan. Cover with water, bring to a boil, and heat for 10 minutes.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories	Protein	Fiber	Carbs	Fat Total	Saturated Fat
26	1 gram	1 gram	6 grams	<1 gram	<1 gram

recipe from Teambeachbody Newsletter

6 Simple Rules for Eating Sugar

By Denis Faye
 

Few topics boggle the minds of dieters and fitness enthusiasts the way sugar does. Is this simple carbohydrate the key to unlocking elite sports performance? Or is it the chains that drag our country deeper and deeper into the obesity epidemic? Annoyingly, the answer is "both." But before you throw your hands up in frustration and grab yourself a Twinkie^®, let's take a minute to talk about sugar. It's not as complex as it seems. In fact, with just a few guidelines, it's incredibly easy to use these simple carbohydrates for good instead of evil.

Rule #1: Just say "know."

Here's a grossly over-simplified look at how sugar, also known as simple carbohydrates, works. Just as with all carbs, you eat sugar and it's absorbed by your blood, where, if you have the right amount of insulin in your system, that insulin converts the sugar to energy. However, if you introduce too much sugar into your system, the insulin stores it as body fat. A little stored body fat is fine; the body likes some emergency fuel. However, if your blood sugar spikes too often and the insulin has to work too hard converting fat, this can lead to a variety of health issues, including type 2 diabetes and heart problems.
As we'll discuss later, when your body obtains sugar from natural sources, like fruits and veggies, the process tends to be checked by fiber, which slows absorption. However, when you eat foods with added sugar, this can overwhelm the usual checks and balances, causing problems like those nasty blood sugar spikes. To make matters worse, consuming too much added sugar can cause a host of other problems, including tooth decay, increased triglycerides (or stored fat), and malnutrition (from overconsumption of foods filled with empty calories and deficient in nutrients).
If you wanted one overarching rule to work from, you might choose to avoid added sugars entirely. You'll get all the energy you need from foods with naturally occurring sugar. That said, there are times when refined sugar is OK or even beneficial. If you're able to build yourself a lifestyle completely free of added sugar, nice work. But for the rest of us, the trick is moderation.

Rule #2: Less is more.

One teaspoon of table sugar has 15 calories. Honestly, if you have a couple of cups of tea or coffee in the morning and you dump the proverbial spoonful of sugar in each, that's 30 calories. If the rest of your diet is tight and you're active, it won't matter. If you're trying to lose weight and are eating at a severe deficit, you'll probably want to skip those few spoonfuls of sugar, because table sugar is nutritionally void and you want every calorie to count nutritionally. Other than that, though, life's short—enjoy your java.

Rule #3: Sugar is sugar is sugar . . .

Agave nectar, honey, beet sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar, dextrose, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), whatever. At the end of the day, they're all simple carbs, unregulated by fiber with minimal micronutrient value. Sure, you might prefer one over the other. I like honey because I'm a bit of a whole foods person and it does have a tiny bit of nutritional value, but I still know that if I eat too much, it'll make me fat.

Rule #4: . . . and it's hiding behind every corner.

And you thought Invasion of the Body Snatchers was creepy . . . Avoiding the obvious sweetened foods, like soda, cake, cookies and pies, is only half the battle. Manufacturers add HFCS (as well as other sugars) to a mind-boggling amount of foods because it adds flavor. If it's in a bottle, box, or can, read the ingredients. You'll find sweeteners in everything from ketchup to peanut butter to bread to salad dressing. With a little effort, you can usually find versions of the same food with no added sugars or HFCS that are more nutritious and taste just as good.

Rule #5: No, the sugar in fruit isn't bad for you.

When the low-carb "revolution" hit in the early aughts, fruit was demonized for its sugar content. This is, in a word, ridiculous. Yes, fruit is loaded with sugar, but it's also usually loaded with fiber, which slows sugar absorption, making it an ideal way to get your simple carbs without straining your little insulin buddies. Fruit is also loaded with easy-to-absorb vitamins and minerals. Most fruit is also filled with water, yet another benefit.
Even relatively low-fiber fruits like bananas offer far too many benefits to be denied. Bananas, in particular, are rich in electrolytes, which are crucial to sports performance. As I always say, I defy you to introduce me to an overweight person whose biggest indulgence is fruit.
You can think of the ingredients in Shakeology^® the same way. Sure, there's a little sugar in there, but the protein and fiber slow absorption and the massive amount of nutrients makes it all worthwhile.

Rule #6: Occasionally, a hit of straight sugar is a good thing.

You're sitting around watching television. You haven't done much today. Your glycogen stores are up, and because you've eaten normally, your blood sugar level is balanced. Time for some P90X Results and Recovery Formula^®? Probably not.
Conversely, you just blasted a killer workout. You've blown through your blood sugar and your glycogen, leaving you shaky and tired. Getting some sugar in there now to help you recharge fast wouldn't be such a bad idea. Furthermore, since it'll rush in so fast, it's a great opportunity to add some protein and micronutrients to that sugar blast, because they'll rush into where they're needed just as quickly.
If you genuinely gave the workout your all and you're truly wiped out, you won't even come close to storing that sugar as fat.
So there you go. Not so tough, huh? With a little forethought and self-control, keeping an eye on your carbs can be, ahem, a piece of cake.

That Time...

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right and pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down...is a part of LIFE, getting back up is LIVING.

Meatloaf Makeover

Who among us (carnivores and omnivores, at least) doesn't love a good meatloaf? And with 24 grams of protein per serving and lots of healthy veggies, this recipe will let you feed your craving for this classic American comfort food without sending your good eating habits off the rails.

• 1-1/2 lbs. extra-lean ground beef, ground turkey breast, or extra-lean ground turkey
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 tsp. chopped garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 3/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup unsweetened tomato sauce
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp. dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix together well with wooden spoons or hands. Place on board or waxed paper and shape into loaf, then place in loaf pan and bake for about 1 hour. Depending on the shape and thickness of the loaf, it may need to cook for slightly longer. Serves 6.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories

Protein

Fiber

Carbs

Fat Total

Saturated Fat

257

24 grams

2 grams

13 grams

12 grams

4 grams

recipe courtesy of Teambeachbody.com

Size Matters!!

Eating low-carb, or low-fat foods, but super-sizing the portions will quickly turn into extra pounds. No matter how well you eat, if you eat more calories than your body needs, you will store the excess as fat. Often healthy eaters ignore total calorie intake. Take one week to calculate what you're really consuming and what you need.

Motivation Monday

Do not let what you can't do interfere with what you CAN do.

John Wooden

Celebrating New Life...

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a baby shower for one of my dearest friends (who I met through Beachbody via social media) in Indianapolis.  Another one of my friends was able to make the trip too so we had a Turbo reunion of sorts... We refer to each other as Turbo Sisters and have a bond that is as priceless as it was unexpected.  I mean really, who makes real, true, honest to goodness friends through the Internet?  Ummmm.... me!

I hope we are able to make these reunions occur a little more often because I truly love these girls....

Gabi, Beth (and baby Violet) and me

2011 Daytona 500

Oh yes, its that time again!

The last several years we have watched the opening race of the season with our friends... this year was no different.  We start talking about it in January.  By then we have had two full months without any Nascar festivities and we are ready for a little racing action.

I never seems to fail though that about... oh, say 50 laps in... we start saying "Wow, this race is taking forever".  And besides chatting, we start looking for other things to occupy our attention.  Yes, even steadfast racing fans like us can get a little bored when our drivers have hit the wall and have to spend several laps in the garage.  Of course we always have plenty of food to occupy some of the time.  This year I made tacos and Rachel brought her yummy guacamole and chips!!  They both hit the spot!!

Rachel took pictures of each of us to show how we spent our time watching the race.  They made me laugh...

According to Chad, Rachel and I talk too much and too loud so he had to lay down in front of the TV
away from our yapping...

Curt watches with my computer in his lap so he can see online what is happening when the race coverage 

goes to commercial...

Rachel watches while she reads the latest scrapbooking magazines looking for ideas and inspiration... 

p.s. I love her jacket!!

I watch with my phone in hand.  My nephew introduced me to a most addicting game.... Can't. Stop. Playing.

By the end of the race all of our drivers had somehow managed to get out of contention to win... mostly through wrecks.... most of which were not their fault...  Frustrating!!  Throughout the race we kept hearing the name of one rookie driver, Trevor Bayne.  He had a fast car, seemed to work well with other drivers, and seemed respected by the other drivers because he wasn't out there making a mess of things like some others (I will refrain from naming names).  Nobody knew anything about this kid except that he had turned 20 on Saturday, even Dale Waltrip, one of the commentators, said his bio sheet on this kid was empty.  Well, this kid that nobody had ever heard of before didn't have a scratch on his car, he had been in the top 10 pretty much all day, and was about to lead the race... so, we decided to cheer for him.

My favorite part of the day came when Trevor took the lead for the last two laps and all of us were jumping up and down screaming "GO TREVOR!!!".  

I just love being able to say my driver won! Here's to wishing you all a very happy Nascar season... with many burnouts to come!

Action.... and enter Ethan

Just about every week Curt does a challenge called the Saturday Fitness Beatdown on Facebook. The fitness challenge is different every week and chosen by the winner from the week before. This week during the taping he had a little visitor... Man I love this kid... I was cracking up, I hope you get a chuckle too.