Category: Healthy Recipes

Spread Yourself Thin

Jelly can be a source of hidden calories. Sure, you think it’s just a little dollop of goodness. It’s made from fruit, so how bad can it be? Well… most jelly os almost pure sugar and a tablespoon is a whopping 50 calories. But I found a great jelly that is actually low cal and sweet and even has fiber! At just 10 calories per tablespoon Polaner Sugar Free has now also added 3 grams of fiber to that. So if you’re following Atkins you actually get back 3 grams of carbs. So that can offset some of the carbs from a slice of whole grain toast.

I also like to skip the toast and just use a spoonful as a condiment with sausage, or ham and eggs. The berry ones are great with meats and I even skip the meat entirely and fry a couple of eggs hard and top them with some orange marmalade. I know… it’s odd, but it has a flavor a little like a crepe. So add a jar of the Polaner Sugar Free jelly to your pantry and have a guilt free treat.

TODAY: DO SOME STRETCHING EXERCISES.

Don’t Swallow The Hype

Do you really think that a pill can be the answer to getting fit and trim? I know, you want to, THEY want you to. But if it was possible to take it off and keep it off by simply swallowing a capsule don’t you think that there would be far fewer overweight people in the world. The fact is that the number is growing. Face it, the way to better health is actually NOT swallowing… at least not swallowing as much.

TODAY: EAT LESS, EXERCISE MORE.

Feel Better With Chicken Noodle… Hold The Noodle

Cold weather can make you feel like eating all the time. You actually are burning more calories keeping warm The problem is getting calories that won’t make you put on warming layers of fat. Soup always is a great choice. But it can be full of hidden calories and carbs. This is where chicken noodle soup without noodles comes in. A handy container of chicken broth is a fast, easy snack. Pop a cup in the microwave and enjoy a satisfying snack. By simmering some veggies you make a substantial meal. I also really like matzo ball soup. But of course the matzo is full of carbs. But I’ve found that by just cooking celery in the broth you have a really close replica.

So stock up with stock and when spring comes you’ll be less stocky.

TODAY: ADD SOME STOCK TO YOUR PANTRY.

Salt Can Be A Salad’s Best Friend

Salad dressings can add so many calories to that pile of fresh veggies that it destroys much of the salad advantages for your diet. Sure, the fact that you’re eating something that isn’t battered, fried and served on a bun has some benefits. But you’re missing out on a lot when you drench it in goo. The surprise I have found is the simplicity of a dash of salt and pepper. Believe it or not vegetables actually have unique flavors that can be very satisfying when the minamalist approach is applied. Those grinders with mixed spice varieties are also a nice option.

TODAY: HAVE A SALAD WITH NO DRESSING

Unlimited Snacks!

Non starchy vegetables like celery, peppers, broccoli and carrots are great snacks. They’re easy to keep on hand, satisfying to crunch and have great flavors to savor. They may keep you out of trouble over the weekend. Remember, if you’re starting Atkins this doesn’t apply to you. You’re limited to a cup a day of dark green veggies. But you can have some hard cheese, beef sticks or pork rinds!

TODAY: DO YOUR STRETCHING EXERCISES THEN TAKE A BRISK WALK THAT IS ONE THIRD LONGER THAN YOU HAVE BEEN WALKING.

BONUS: IF YOU HAVE A DOG, GO OUT AND PLAY FETCH FOR A HALF HOUR. IT’S GREAT FOR YOU BOTH!

Step It Up, Then Slow It Down and Repeat

If you can do a good thirty minute walk you can get more exercise value out of it by adding some different speed to your routine. Walk in intervals of slow and fast and push yourself a bit. Speed walking has as much aerobic value as jogging, and is a lot easier on your joints. Here’s how.

  • Walk at your usual pace for three minutes.
  • Increase the speed for one minute.
  • Go back to your normal speed for three minutes.
  • Repeat this till you hit your 30 minutes.

As you get more fit increase the fast time and decrease the slow. Of course ask your doctor about pushing yourself to a faster pace. I think you’ll find that your doctor is pleased with your efforts. They don’t hear that a lot.

TODAY: TRY AT LEAST ONE FASTER INTERVAL OF WALKING.

A Diet Is The Perfect Time To Eat A Lot

A lot of different foods that is. It will keep you satisfied. Eating the same kinds of food or the usual stuff doesn’t give you the satisfaction you crave, so you’re tempted to eat more. So try something different like tuna mixed with diced apples. The tastes actually complement each other. Just toss some different crisp vegetables.

Try some new flavors you may have not had in a while, like sardines, kipper snacks, cottage cheese, cold leftovers from the grill. Then add sides like fresh fruits, melon, nuts and even dried fruits. The protein will keep you satisfied longer.  Just be careful about the portions.

TODAY: EAT SOMETHING NEW OR THAT YOU HAVEN’T HAD IN A WHILE.