Eat Simply. Live Healthy.

I HAVE MOVED

2012-06-12T11:36:00.001-04:00

I have recently changed blogging interfaces from Blogger to Wordpress. I am in the process of finalizing everything including the URL, but you can now find me at http://www.eatsimplylivehealthy.wordpress.com!

Go there to check out my new post: Size Matters: How Portion Sizes Can Make A Big Difference

The Best Healthy & Frozen Meals

2012-06-07T15:27:00.002-04:00

Frozen meals get a bad rep for being full of preservatives and deemed unhealthy due to soggy meatloaf and brands like Hungry Man; however, when chosen properly, they can be a huge time-saver and healthy meal option. Since starting my summer internship, I've lived off of frozen meals. I'll make my lunch once in a while if I have time but convenience eventually takes over and I get down right lazy. Yes, fresh is always best but life happens and sometimes its just easier to accept the microwave as your friend.

When buying a frozen meal, it's important to look at the nutritional label and ingredient list. Frozen meals are notorious for being saturated with sodium so beware (Try to look for ones under 600 mg). To keep your calories in check, look for options that are 350 calories or less and over 8 grams of protein. Higher quality meals (like Kashi or Amy's) range from $2.50 to $4.00 but is the same or less than what you'd spend at your work's cafeteria or a quick trip to Panera.

Key words to look for when shopping

Steamed: these options are often healthier because they freshly steam right in the container-- how convenient!
Low sodium: these meals contain less salt than their saltier counterparts but check the ingredients to make sure it's low sodium isn't compensating for another ingredient.
Whole grains: especially in pasta dishes, these meals contain more fiber and nutrients that white flour.
Organic: this seal of approval is a safe go-to when picking any frozen meal.

Still need some help deciding which meal is best for you?

Here are some of my favorites:

Calories: 340

Total fat: 9 g

Saturated fat: 1 g

Sodium: 380 mg

Fiber: 8 g

Protein: 9 g

*Vegan

Calories: 340

Total fat: 8 g

Saturated fat: 1 g

Sodium: 380 mg

Fiber: 7 g

Protein: 8 g

*Vegan

Calories: 230

Total fat: 5 g

Saturated fat: 2 g

Sodium: 490 mg

Fiber: 5 g

Protein: 10 g

*Vegetarian

Calories 260
Total fat: 4 g
Saturated fat: 1 g
Sodium: 570 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 15 g

Calories 310
Total fat: 9 g
Saturated fat: 0 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 21 g

Calories: 260
Total fat: 7 g
Saturated fat: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 9 g
*Vegetarian

Calories: 290
Total fat: 6 g
Saturated fat: 1 g
Sodium: 590 mg
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 20 g

Calories: 240
Total fat: 4.5 g
Saturated fat: 2 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 8 g
* 94% Organic
** Gluten-free

Calories: 240
Total fat: 5 g
Saturated fat: 0.5 g
Sodium: 590 mg
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 11 g
*Vegetarian
**Dairy-free
***Lactose-free

What are some of your favorite frozen meals, share them with me by leaving a comment!

How To Ease Into A Vegan Lifestyle

2012-06-04T12:57:00.004-04:00

Quiz time! Besides being stunning, what do all of these women have in common?

If you said "they're all vegan", you're a smarty pants or you read the post's title; regardless, you're correct!

The vegan lifestyle is something I don't live but it fascinates me. I have always wanted to attempt it for several reasons: (1) I support a lot of the diet's values, (2) it's a healthy diet and good for the body when well-balanced and (3) I'm curious if I could survive without fish. If I had to, I could go vegetarian because I'd live off eggs, veggies and tofu; however, vegan is a whole other animal (no pun). Since I'm lactose intolerant, the no cheese or dairy aspect is easy but I doubt I could live happily without eggs. This lifestyle is not for everyone but I hold a high level of respect for anyone who carries it out. This is a diet hard to switch to cold turkey especially if you're a heavy dairy or meat eater. It's important to transition slowly and not be hard on yourself if it's not the right lifestyle for you. Below is a 5 step guide for anyone interested in easing into a vegan life.

(1) List your reasoning: Just because the celebrities are doing it isn't reason enough to cut out all animal-based foods. "Go though and make a list of all the reasons you want to adapt this type of diet," says Elizabeth DeRobertis, Director of The Nutrition Center at Scars Medical Group in Scarsdale, NY. This is a good way to organize your thoughts and really decide if its something you want to commit to and stand behind.

(2) Do some research: Like anything new skill, you must take time to obtain the proper resources to do some heavy research. You will need to become familiar with which foods you can and cannot have and also be able to read the big, scientific words on the nutrition labels. DeRobertis says to check with your doctor and "take a look at your medical history and family medical history, as vegan diets are often rich in soy".

(3) Learn the cooking style: This is the fun part, looking up recipes! Find some vegan recipes that look interesting and give 'em a go! The more practice you have cooking vegan the easier it will be to shop for the right ingredients.

(4) Trash the temptation: Why tempt yourself with foods you can't have? Create an environment that is vegan-friendly and always have your shelves and fridge stocked with vegan foods. If it was me, I'd also find some sweets that are vegan-friendly so temptations are easier to subside-- it's no fun having a chocolate craving and the only means of sweets is a slice of chocolate cake.

(5) Find professional help (in a good way): Team up with a dietitian to make sure your diet is well-balanced and rich with the right vitamins and nutrients. The point of a vegan life style is to be healthier not malnourished.

Even if you don't want to go completely vegan, try a vegan recipe for fun!

If anyone has any advice on becoming vegan or has tried it, please leave your comments!

The BBQ Picnic Diet Survival Guide

2012-06-01T12:14:00.001-04:00

Summer means AC, no school and picnics full of BBQ-deliciousness. What does BBQ stand for? Good question; but, it's a signal to strap on a bib because you're about to eat something really scrumptious. We had barbecued chicken and ribs for my graduation party with all the fixings. It was a carnivore's paradise. I don't eat meat a lot, but when I do I tend to have portion distortion and channel my inner dinosaur. By the end of my consumption, I had a face full of saucy war paint. I looked like a child who had just eaten her first bowl of Spaghetti-Os, but I was a happy child.

Putting my primal instincts aside, it's difficult to health-consciously load up your plate at a picnic. A portion of meat is usually cut for a small family and the pasta salads and cookie trays always look more appetizing on a check-board table cloth. Put down that turkey leg, King Henry. Here are some tips I use to slim down my BBQ and save some calories:

Avoid The Creamy Dips: Yes, the Spinach-Artichoke dip looks heavenly but healthier choices taste just as good. I stay away from anything dairy-based so I opt for guacamole which is a super food though higher in calories. If you're wary of calories, choose the fresh salsa instead and enjoy as much as you want!

Veggies Are Your Friend: I am a veggie freak, maybe a tad obsessive. I overload my plate with fresh veggies so by the time I get to other sides, I don't have much room. Veggies are filling and low-cal so you'll get stuffed on a low-calorie intake. Nice.

Pick Your Meat Wisely: If available, veggie burgers are a great alternative to beef patties. If you're craving some meat, lean towards items that are grilled versus slathered in sauce. If you just have to have the ribs, just be aware of your portion size and you'll be fine. Try this Lamb Burger with Greek Yogurt Dressing for a healthy alternative!

Go Bun-less: If possible, I go bun-free. If there's large pieces of lettuce, I'll make burger wraps instead. Take a large lettuce leaf, roll in your patty of choice and voila! Need a bun? Try to look for whole-wheat options.

Be Condiment-Conscious: All that mayo and ketchup can add extra calories to your burger. Try raw tomatos or salsa instead of ketchup and mustard over mayo!

Be Dessert Decisive: Desserts are my weak point and I wish I had 8 stomachs just to fill with chocolate, but sadly I don't so I'm very selective when satisfying my sweet tooth. Eye all the desserts and only narrow in on the ones you can't resist and can't have all months of the year-- no need to grab for the boring sugar cookie that you can buy at the store. Try a small slice of your cousin's famous apple pie and enjoy!

Beware Of Brews: If you're going to throw some back, look for lighter options because beer can add extra calories fast. Check out these lower calorie beers when you need a cold one.

Bib up and enjoy!

"Healthified" Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

2012-05-29T14:49:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day weekend was filled with my 3 favorite F-words: fitness, family and food. My family, boyfriend and I spent the weekend in the Adirondacks soaking up the perfect and sorta-bug-free weather. We didn't have much service which was a welcomed change; however, it didn't stop me from taking pictures of trees and desserts with Instagram. My aunt is a skinny-chef who whips up cookies the size of Frisbees then goes for a 17-mile run; so, though I didn't run a 1/2 marathon this weekend, I still got some yummy looking pictures!

A gym of any sort is out of the question so we stay active by running, biking, rowing and hiking. My boyfriend and I didn't bring our road bikes up this time--- the first hill off my road is known for flashing your life before your eyes--- instead, we hiked and the view looked like a photograph (and with the help of Instragram it really did, mwhaha!).

Whew! Going up was a workout but we did see 21 frogs--- which doesn't have to do with the hardness of the hike but it was still a lot of frogs!

Before the weekend my aunt and I bought several bushels of rhubarb from the farmer's market. I haven't cooked a ton with it but wanted to try a crisp with a healthy twist, so I introduce to you my "healthified" version of Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp.

What you'll need:

4 C chopped rhubarb

3 C hulled and halved strawberries

14 packets of Stevia (we only had individual packets)--- or use 1/2 cup of suagr

2 tsp cornstarch

4 tsp butter at room temperature

4 tsp unsweetened applesauce

1 C soft white wheat flour

1/2 cup oats

1/4 cup brown sugar

What to do:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and grease a baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix the rhubarb, strawberries, Stevia, and cornstarch.
Pour into the greased baking dish.
In another bowl, add the butter and applesauce into the flour oats and brown sugar.
Sprinkle the topping over the fruit and bake about 30 minutes, topping should be golden brown.
Let cool and enjoy!

The crisp.....

and weekend was a success!

The Organic & Cage-Free Myth

2012-05-27T13:13:00.003-04:00

How many times during your grocery shopping trip do you idly scan shelves in hopes to select the most organic and environmentally-friendly product? I do this an average of 5 times per trip and most of the time it occurs in front of the egg and meat aisle. We’ve all heard that happy food comes from happy animals; therefore, these animals are not raised in cramped cages or killed inhumanly. Knowing this, I do my best to buy products that are dubbed organic by the USDA and featured the words “grass-fed” or “cage-free”. I assumed I was doing my part as an ethical carnivore until I read an article that made my rethink my buying habits.

The article featured on PETA’s site wrote:

Many organic and free-range farms cram thousands of animals together in sheds or mud-filled lots to increase profits, just as factory farms do, and the animals often suffer through the same mutilations—such as debeaking, dehorning, and castration without painkillers—that occur on factory farms (PETA).

I was really hurt by this information and felt I was being tricked by companies that trusted. I’ve always tried to buy organic beef but the FDA said that this meat can be labeled as organic as long as the cows are given organic feed; therefore, these cows are deemed organic but still sent to factory-farm feedlots to be fattened prior to slaughter. Cows on organic dairy farms may still be kept in inhumane enclosures though their milk is labeled organic. I also read that some organic and “cage-free” chickens have their beaks cut off. According to my own opinion, this is not what I or the USDA should consider “organic”. I’ve always believed organic meant that animals were raised properly and never mistreated; however, this definition is becoming misconstrued and twisted into something more of an antonym of its core meaning.

What really is "Organic"?

The only advantage of organic products is that they do not contain antibiotics, hormones or arsenic-based addictive. The flesh may be somewhat healthier than non-organic animals but to avoid all of these unethical animal behaviors is to avoid all meat, eggs and dairy. This is difficult for someone like myself who doesn’t eat a ton of red meat but loves eggs. Realistically, there’s no win/win in this situation. I look for “organic” and “cage-free” eggs and buy from suppliers that I trust. There is no perfect answer and my advice is just to do the best you can when selecting your produce.

Lamb Burger with Greek Yogurt Dressing

2012-05-22T10:58:00.002-04:00

I've been buggin' my friend and fellow blogger, Tony, for months now to share one of his delicious and inventive recipes! He'll describe his lasted dish in which I wipe up my drool and follow up with a "Tony, when are you going to send me this recipe for my blog?" Atlas, I am thrilled to feature one of Tony's yummy creations on my site. He is a gifted technological guru who's digital presence has thrived over the past years and has been an huge inspiration to my own blog. Check out his impressive website, Sheckiiville, and Twitter!

This lamb burger is as delicious as it is healthy and I'm about to grill up a few up this Memorial Day (FYI: Tony just informed me that if you're going to grill these, add some bread crumbs to the mixture for more patty firmness!)

Thank you so much Tony and enjoy everyone!

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Recipe for Summer Burger with Greek Yogurt Dressing

Patty

Ground lamb

Red onions, diced

“Greek seasoning” (garlic, onion, black pepper, oregano, mustard powder, thyme)

Ground Cayenne red pepper

Fresh garlic, chopped finely

Salt and pepper

Olive oil

(Optional)

Red pepper, diced

Ground pork

Dressing

Greek yogurt

Whipped cream cheese

Cucumber, diced

Tomatoes, diced

Cantaloupe, diced

Lemon juice

Lemon zest

Before I start explaining the recipe, here are some pressure points:

· Dressing needs to be in fridge immediately after mixing the ingredients. The burger’s temperature will make the mixture runny — and a thick, rich dressing is better.

· Most people under season. Also, if you have never cooked with lamb, it reacts to seasoning different from beef. So, a pinky nail-sized test meatball is recommended.

· When cooked, the patty’s circumference will shrink, while the thickness will increase. Keep that in mind and form accordingly to bun size.

Start with the patty mixture using a 3:1 lamb to pork ratio. The pork is optional, but a 100-percent lamb burger doesn’t taste right to me. For this recipe, make it a total 16 ounces (ie: 16 ounces of lamb or 12 ounces of lamb and 4 ounces of pork).

Dice up about a fourth of a medium sized red onion. The red pepper is optional, but I think that spice adds a very interesting taste profile with the dressing. Mix that into the patty mixture.

I’m a huge believer in season it to your pleasing, so please forgive me if you hate those type of cooks. I added a 1/4 cup of the Greek seasoning, and two cloves of finely diced garlic.

(I bought a premix named “Greek seasoning.” I’ve listed what was in the ingredients at the top.)

For the olive oil and cayenne pepper, I mix those in a small bowl together. After dividing the patties into equal amounts (I made six burgers from that 16-ounce mix), I rolled each of the meatball-shaped portions into the mix, generously coating it. Then, I formed each burger patty.

Notice I haven’t added salt and pepper yet. I adjust accordingly after the taste meatball.

After you’re please with the mix, put it into the fridge, patties fully formed and ready to cook. Let it chill there for about 30 minutes.

Now work on the dressing, but add in the Greek yogurt last.

Dice equal amounts of cucumber, tomatoes and cantaloupe. Even if you don’t like one or two of those ingredients separately, an equal combination of those together brings a lovely mix and texture.

The great thing about this dressing is that you could eat it as a desert, too — so dice a generous amount. The highlight of this burger is this dressing!

Combine it with the Greek yogurt and mix. Add in a small amount of lemon juice. Then, put it back into the fridge.

After the patties have been set for about 30 minutes, cook it on a pan on medium heat.

Because it’s a summery burger, I don’t like to toast my buns with salt, butter, mayo or anything. Like stated above, the dressing should be the highlight! Still, a light toast is recommended.

Take out the dressing from the fridge and put a light coat on the bottom bun. Put the patty on the bottom bun, put more dressing on it and generously sprinkle the lemon zest. You’ll love the scent!

I’d recommend serving this with apple fries (still working on a good recipe for this) with a whipped cream and whipped cream cheese mix (whipped cream cheese alone is pretty dense). Or a nice baby greens salad mix with a mango ginger vinaigrette.

Gardening: Basil & Onions & Peas, Oh My!

2012-05-20T22:08:00.000-04:00

Every summer I look forward to planting my garden because (1) I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with every grown vegetable and (2) I love food. My garden is essentially my child in which I'm incredibly proud of. When plant shopping, I pick my seedlings with precision and a critical eye. It would probably be unbearable for anyone to accompany me because I've been known to scan a single section for 15 minutes...or more (I have a tad case of veggie OCD) in hopes to adopt the perfect addition to my garden family. I am also prone to buying more vegetables than what will fit in my garden. It's like being at an animal shelter and having all of those adorable animals tug at your heartstrings, how can you say no?

This year my 3rd year so I've gotten an idea on what works and what doesn't (zucchini = huge success and broccoli = epic fail). I bought tomatoes (Early Girl and Cherry), cucumbers, yellow straight-neck squash, zucchinis, sweet banana peppers, baby eggplant, white and yellow onions, Brussels sprouts (curve ball), Swiss chard, Romaine lettuce, sugar snap peas, green beans and basil. Holy cow!

Here's the forest I had to cut down before I started planting:

After I broke out my machete and anaconda repellent, I finally had a blank canvas to color with basil and onions and peas (oh my!):

My boyfriend is like my personal landscaper and garden expert, he was a huge help in leveling my back bed, topping off my soil and planting. He grounds me (no pun here) when gardening because I get planting-happy and he reminds me that my children need space to thrive. I have an issue that I can't leave a lone seedling unplanted, so I had several extra pots full of tomato and pepper plants. We worked in the full sun for a solid 3 hours and I have the sun burns to prove it.

The backyard supermarket is open and ready for business:

I can't wait for everything to grow because that means new recipes and tasty new summer dishes!

What do you plant in your garden?

Banana Nut Breakfast Cookies

2012-05-17T14:42:00.000-04:00

What if I said that you could have cookies for breakfast? Delicious cookies. For breakfast. Can you contain your excitement? I can't. What if I told you that these cookies are also healthy? Hallelujah, it's like every childhood dream that followed us into adulthood has come true.

I saw this recipe in my May issue of Fitness Magazine. After seening the words "breakfast" and "cookies", somehow the the oven was magically turned on and set at 350. They're full of fiber, iron and yumminess. A perfect start to any day. Here's the recipe:

I slightly tweaked the recipe and used two banana vs. one (more bananas = more fun) and Stevia over honey--- sadly, honey wasn't home. These cookies are >150 calories a piece according to the recipe but will be more or less depending on how big or small you want them.

Step 1.

Ground 1 cup of ground oats in a food processor.

Ground walnuts and flax seed.

Step 2.

Mix all of the ingredients together and mash the bananas (isn't this a line from a kid's song? mash bananas, mash mash bananas, go bananas, go go bananas--- any one?)

Step 3.

Place on a well butter sprayed cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 4.

Let cool and eat! You have permission to enjoy these outside of breakfast.

Ander's Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2012-05-15T12:55:00.000-04:00

My downfall is sweets especially chocolate. If it's covered in chocolate, it seems to quietly speak to me in a tongue that only my stomach can understand. Knowing my downfall, I've substituted healthier alternatives into my baking. Baking has also given me a greater respect for skinny chefs; somehow when I bake, there's always more broken cookies than whole and the perfectionist in me can't serve cookie halves (so they find their way into my stomach). Oh well.

I had the opportunity to bake for my graduate class, I was excited to produce healthy cookies that tasted far from healthy. A few tweaks in the ingredients and I was able to create ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies that wouldn't take tolls on waistlines.

______________________________________________________________________________

What you'll need:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup whole-wheat flour

5 teaspoons water (to balance out whole-wheat flour)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon liquid Stevia (or 3/4 cup sugar)

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 large egg whites

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (I used minis for a bigger chocolate punch)

Yields about 3 dozen (depending on cookie size)
with less than 90 calories a cookie!

What to do:

Preheat oven to 350.

Add dry (minus chips) ingredients in a large bowl and wet ingredients in seperate large bowl.

Mix both bowls well.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet (add half, mix well, then add the rest).

Add chips!

Try not to eat all the dough (this is the toughest part).

Spoon (about an inch or two apart) onto a well-butter sprayed cookie pan lined with aluminum foil for easy clean up.

And bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cool, pair with almond milk and enjoy!

I think they were a hit with my class (the 2 lone cookies were #proof of success). They couldn't believe they were healthy and I was proud to show how healthy can be delicious!

What healthy substitutes do you use while baking or cooking?

P90X: The Benefits of a Home Workout

2012-05-13T22:27:00.003-04:00

I graduated from college today! Yay! With that being said, I have been extremely busy and unable to blog (*tear*, but I promise to make it up to you); however, I am thrilled to feature a guest post by John McKiernan. He is a health and fitness writer for Supplement Helper. I've done P90X and it is no joke of a workout, it kicks your butt. His quality post features the benefits of P90X and how it may be your solution to an effective home workout!

Enjoy!

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Reaching Your Fitness Goals Without Leaving Your Home

For many of us, the extra time and money spent on getting a gym membership and commuting to a gym make it an unattractive option, to say the least. Further there is a large population of people that don't like working out in front of other people. There's nothing wrong with valuing your privacy, especially when you’re at a point where you’re not comfortable showing off your body to strangers. And There's certainly nothing wrong with wanting to save some money and time (after all, time is money).

Achieving Total Body Fitness From Your Living Room

Fortunately there are some highly effective workouts that you can do in your own home that touch on every major aspect of total body fitness. Today I'm going to write about a workout program that includes elements of cardio, muscle endurance, strength, flexibility and overall athleticism.

P90X - The Ultimate Personal Trainer

My guess is that you've probably already heard of P90X. This is one of the most popular video workout series for good reasons. One of the most crucial reasons P90X works for people is that you're working with a time-line in place. When working to achieve any goal, setting a time-line will help keep you motivated and on track. With P90X the goal is to transform your entire body in 90 days.

With the P90X videos it's almost like having your own personal trainer. You have Tony Horton telling you what to do every step of the way. One of the main reasons people spend money on personal trainers is so that they can have someone there telling them what to do, when to do it and how to do it. When you have someone holding your hand, it takes the guesswork out of it. That's exactly what these videos do - they take the guesswork out.

Working Out Should Be Fun!

The thing I used to hate most about going to the gym is that it's boring, I'm was doing the same thing every time. I would either lift weights or run on a treadmill. One of the things I realized about fitness over the past few years is that the more exciting you can make it the easier it will be to get yourself to do it - and that means changing up your workouts constantly.

With that in mind the P90X videos includes kickboxing, yoga, Kempo karate, plyometrics, weight training and more. Every workout is like a new fitness adventure. You get to try something new and challenge your body at the same time!

Muscle Confusion - A Recipe for Faster Results

One of the ideas that P90X promotes is a technique called muscle confusion. This means the workouts are always changing, which keeps the body from adapting to one specific workout and plateauing. With muscle confusion the body continues to be challenged every step of the way. With this challenge comes faster and more efficient body adaptation, in other words - a better body in less time.

Have I Done P90X Myself?

Having completed P90X myself I can tell you firsthand that the workouts in these videos are no joke. They are pretty intense and I did have to pause the videos a few times myself so I could catch my breath. This is coming from someone who works out regularly and is in good shape. Although the workouts are a little bit intense for beginner you can always positive videos and take a break whenever you need to, and of course you can do the workouts at any level of intensity that suits you.

An Even Shorter Option - The 10 Minute Trainer

If you're looking for a really short workout, the folks at P90X released a new video series called the 10 minute trainer. It's essentially another version of P90X, but it's only 10 minutes of exercise per day. Although it sounds too good to be true you can actually getting great shape only working out 10 minutes per day. The trick is that the workouts are at a high intensity and they are pretty much nonstop.

Sum It Up

To sum it up P90X is like having a personal trainer guiding you through a total body fitness routine with a preset goal of changing your body in 90 days. And you can do it all in your own home with minimal equipment and no gym membership. I'm speaking from personal experience in writing this review, however I don't have any affiliation with the folks at P90X and I receive no compensation for writing this article. I've simply used the product and enjoyed it. I believe the concepts behind this program are rock solid and the way that it's put together is top notch.

About the Author: John McKiernan is a health and fitness writer at Supplementhelper.com

Ugly Meters, Body Confidence & How We See Ourselves

2012-05-05T18:36:00.002-04:00

I was in the mood to download some free apps on my iPhone. I enjoy the simple things in life so it's always an adrenaline rush to download a quality app for free, cha-ching. As I was "shopping" I came across something that did not sit well with me. This is what I observed directly below my beloved Draw Something:

an Ugly Meter? Excuse me? I don't understand why these applications are becoming so popular. What really irked me was the description: Do you ever wonder if you're ugly and your friends don't tell you? People are paying 99 cents too much for this application and giving it 4 stars. Come on, we're better than this. Society as a whole has a fragile state of self- confidence as it is, we don't need the Ugly Meter ranking our appearances--- the name itself sets us up for failure. In a world saturated with materialistic mindsets, this just adds to the clutter.

Growing up, I was never tiny. I wasn't unhealthy but I wasn't slim and trim. This mindset stuck with me throughout high school and the beginning of college where I'd hide behind baggy sweatpants and lots of mascara. Only within the last couple years have I gained the confidence to accept myself. Since then I've became healthier and more fit but my self-perception should not have been built around my physical appearance.

How many times have you been with a friend and said "Ugh, I feel so fat" and your friend who doesn't negate your statement but tries to out do it by replying "You're fat? Look at my muffin top." It's gotten to the point where we try one up the other's flaws. A survey from FITNESS Magazine and Yahoo! Shine reveals that men and women view themselves as too heavy and far from their goal weights. Look at these statistics:

41 percent of people believe that they would be happier at their "goal weight" than they are right now. What's more, 18 percent believed their sex lives would be improved, 7 percent thought they would make more money and 5 percent were under the impression they would have more friends.

While almost half of all women said they had a "fat day" at least once a week, only 28 percent of men said the same. Also, 58 percent of women said they wanted to lose between 10 and 20 pounds.

31 percent of women believed they looked fatter than other women and only 10 percent thought they looked "better." Whereas, 16 percent of men compared themselves unfavorably to other men.

51 percent of women and 21 percent of men said that they had deleted a photo of themselves because they worried they looked fat in it.

If someone wants to lose weight to become healthier, I am 100% on board with that idea (Good for you, that's what I did!); however, it's unhealthy if someone is trying to lose weight so he or she can fit media's "beauty" standards. Perception and reality are opposite sides of the spectrum, how we feel and what we are can be totally different things. It's important to address if our minds are acting on perception or reality and, for Heaven's sake, don't let an iPhone application make that decision for you.

Roll It Out: Foam Rollers & Muscle Soreness

2012-05-04T11:27:00.000-04:00

Have you been to the gym and seen those odd cylinder rolling pins mixed in with the dumb bells and jump ropes? I've seen them at my physical therapist's office but now they've made their way into gyms. They don't look like fitness tools (and some of the more serious rollers look like medieval torture devices) but these foam rollers may be the answer to healing all your tight and sore muscles. They're like a miniature masseuse in disguise!

How they work: Foam rolling is a way to massage away tension from various trigger points throughout your body. It's cheaper and more convenient than a professional massage and reaps similar benefits. You use the roller by lying on top of it and placing the muscle you wish to massage directly over the foam cylinder. You then gently roll over that area until you hit the tender trigger point or knot.

The direct pressure may hurt but don't stop! It may seem like cruel and unusual punishment but when it hurts (you may yelp but it's normal) it means its working because you're moving the lactic acid from its concentration point which causes soreness. It's similar to a deep tissue massage and you may start belting out Hurts So Good by John Mellencamp. Roll it out until you feel all of the tension leave that trigger point, and don't forget to stretch the area you just targeted!

I use a foam roller after most of my cardio sessions because my back gets extremely tight. I'll end up placing the roller directly under my lower back and roll until I'm a lesser green Gumbi.

Try these simple poses suggested by Running Times & feel the love of the foam roller:

Why Is It So Hard To Eat Healthy In Social Settings?

2012-05-01T00:08:00.001-04:00

Ever since the Pilgrims and Pocahontas (and Grandmother Willow), social settings have gathered around friends, fun and food. Food has been the focal point of socializing from celebrations to bad break ups(no one wants to drown his or her heartbreak with tofu). People don't crave toasted chick peas at the movie theater or carrot sticks at McDonald's, it's a norm that society gravitates towards unhealthy eating due to convenience, affordability and impulsive emotional cravings. When's the last time a friend said: hey, lets celebrate with some beers and celery sticks?

This cultural habit can make social settings difficult for those trying to eat healthier. I've sometimes felt "uncool" or judged if I opted for a salad over chicken fingers when eating out with friends; however, it's hard not to be swayed into peer pressure. Even a no thank you can quietly excommunicate a person from the snack pack. Why is it so hard to stick to a healthy lifestyle when temptations are always lurking behind every pizza box and value menu? Occasional cheating is expected and an essential to keep our cravings in check, but why do social settings always seem to deteriorate our willpower?

The LiveStrong site addresses this bamboozle perfectly:

When you eat with friends and family members, you're liable to be goaded into eating foods you normally wouldn't. It's human nature to observe what others are doing and follow suit. If everyone at your table is ordering indulgent meals, it can be embarrassing to ask for a salad or grilled vegetables. If you do try to order something healthy, you could be laughed at by your friends. To avoid that ridicule, you might order something high in fat and calories or go for a dessert you wouldn't when eating on your own.

Have you ever heard the saying, sharing the guilt? I think this phrase perfectly sums up why healthy eating can sometimes be shunned in social settings. It starts with one person craving the Triple-Chocolate-Mousse Cake and not wanting to be lonely in his or her indulgence. As a result, the peer pressure gets piled on as thick as the triple chocolate mousse. How can you survive these situations without feeling uncomfortable? Here are some tips:

Be honest: Honesty is the best policy especially for staying on track with healthy eating. Be upfront about your eating habits and own your decision, your crew should be supportive (If not, do what my grandpa always said: Screw 'em!)

Share an entree or dessert: If there isn't any healthy alternatives when eating out, split a dessert or entree. If no one wants to split, ask the waitress to put half in a to-go box and take it home for later!

Bring your own healthy side: At a potluck or picnic? No problem. Bring a dish that fits your dietary criteria so you'll have something to nosh on as you socialize.

Eat prior: If you know beforehand that your palate isn't feeling the party's food platter, eat something prior to the event. If someone asks why you're not eating, simply and honestly say I'm not hungry but thank you!

Remember, never feel guiltily about passing on dessert or even indulging once in a while. Just be healthy and all will be fine in body, mind and soul!

The Comparison Game: The Gym & Our Mentality

2012-04-29T11:47:00.002-04:00

We live in a world where we strive everyday to be the best, have the best and look our best. It's been seared into our DNA since childhood when we dreaded being picked last in kickball. The same concept followed us to adulthood as MTV broadcasted stick-thin celebrities and Pinterest asks us to re-pin athletes with washboard abs. In a perfect world we want to choke those annoying voices in our heads that say we're not good enough, but it's not always easy when we're constantly surrounded by opportunities to compare ourselves with others. I love Pinterest and find it as a great motivator to stay fit and healthy. However, I'll see a pin like this before the gym:

and feel slightly discouraged when I don't leave my workout with a BMI of 18 and abs made of pure steel; I have to then take a step back and realize that once again I was a victim of the comparison game.

This mentality always seems to sneak up at the gym. I will admit that I have been guilty of running on the treadmill and trying to out run the person next to me. But why? Who cares. Another person's workout is not mine or my concern and another's fitness goals are different than what I am trying to achieve. We cannot compare ourselves, especially at the gym, because it will only set us up for temporary satisfaction and overall disappointment.

Actually, the answer is no but enjoy yourself as you set yourself up for temporary self-fulfillment.

The other day I was at the gym and glanced at the guy running next to me: he was nearing his fifth mile while I was walking at a pace of 4.0 on the treadmill. I immediately thought, he's obviously pushing himself harder than I am so after this I'm going to bike and elliptical for 30 minutes. Woah, what am I doing? I immediately put myself on an equal playing field as the person next to me. He obviously looks like a Cross Country runner, I am not, and I had a hard workout yesterday and was using today to take it easy. My workouts are catered to my own fitness goals and not the stranger hoofin' it next to me.

Yes, it's hard but we can't be sucked into the comparison game. Instead praise yourself that you just beat your mile record time by 30 seconds and who cares if the person next to you just ran a 5K. It's important to focus on our own achievements, big or small. Comparing ourselves, in and outside the gym, only leads to discouragement plus it's exhausting. What I discovered early in my softball career, no matter how hard I practiced there will always be someone stronger, faster or better than me. I learned to only push myself against my own limits and no one else's.

Use others' achievements as motivators but never as criteria in which to measure yourself. You are you and no one else. Be your personal best and you can never be disappointed.

Which Water Hydration is Best for your Workout?

2012-04-24T19:54:00.001-04:00

In this crazy world, nothing can be simple--- not even water. You wouldn't think to mosey down a supermarket's water aisle and leave overwhelmed. There's vitamin water, flavored water, fitness water, sports drinks and I think I once saw diet water. There's too much H2O indecisiveness; what happened to plain old water?

Water has acquired some stiff competition over the years, but how do you know which competitors are best for your workout and overall health? Thankfully for Self Magazine, I got the 411.

Sports Drinks

What are they? Sports drinks refuel the sodium and potassium, electrolytes that are sweat out during exercise, to help muscles work efficiently.

Do you need one? Only when enduring a serious sweat session (heavy lifting or spinning); they're designed for people exercising more than an hour at high intensity. If you're not hoofin' it, then one of these drinks could negate the calories you just burned. Many sports drinks also include unnecessary sugars so make sure to check labels.

How to buy: Look for a drink with 50-70 calories, up to 19 grams of carbs and at least 100 milligrams per 8 ounces. Keep an eye out for Gatorade G-Series 02 Perform and Powerade Ion 4! (source)

Fitness Waters

What are they? Fitness waters represent the lighter version of sports drinks. They have little to few calories and some replenish electrolytes; however, don't rely on them to aid in muscle recovery.

Do you need one? These drinks are perfect for a moderately-intense 45 minute workout (running or biking). Keep adding water to enjoy the flavor longer but remember plain old water works just as well!

How to buy: Look for calorie-free options that have 80- 100 mg sodium per 8 oz. Propel Zero is a great pick and will keep you hydrated without canceling out the calories you just burned! (source)

Vitamin Waters

What are they? Vitamin waters provide added vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B, C, and E. Some brands advertise extra perks such as a boost in energy, immunity or concentration.

Do you need one? Probably not unless you really love the taste and feel the perks prove true. According to sports dietitian, Jenna Bell, R.D., vitamin waters won't dramatically change your health. The body absorbs vitamins better for food so reach for an orange when you need a boost in vitamin C. (source)

How to buy: Snatch a no-calorie options like Vitaminwater Zero or Skinny Water Total-V. To stray clear of a vitamin overload, skip brands with nutrients that you already get in your diet.

Flavored Waters

What are they? Just as the title states, it's water with a little pizzazz. They're infused with natural ingredients such as citrus, berries, mint and fruit. They provide the benefits of water with a hint of flavor without adding calories or unnecessary artificials.

Do you need on? They're great alternative to plain old water but can often be pricey. To save money and the environment: use a refillable BPA-free bottle, tap water and a little lemon juice. It's just as tasty and less expensive!

How to buy: Make sure the ingredients list is short and sweet (and you can pronounce the ingredients). It should only include: water and natural ingredients. Choose calorie-free options like Hint Water and Mentromint.

And remember, there is nothing wrong with plain old water! It's the nectar of the fitness gods!

Is 'Tuna Scrape' the new Pink Slime?

2012-04-23T00:05:00.001-04:00

Just when you thought the Pink Slime outburst subsided, another pink food imitation has reared its ugly head: tuna scrape. Geez, I've already seen how beef is mutilated and transformed until unrecognizable but leave my spicy tuna roll alone! This is a sad, sad day.

So what is tuna scrape and why am I crying over fish? Let me explain. Tuna scrape is "tuna backmeat", which is meat scraped directly off from tuna bones mixed into a ground product a.k.a. tuna hamburger (source). This fishy "hamburger" meat is then sold to restaurants and supermarkets in hopes become a spicy tuna roll or other recipe that includes ground or chopped fish, but this frog has failed to become a prince.

This sad-excuse-for-a-tuna (Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA) has caused 116 people in 20 states to become ill due to Salmonella Bareilly. It this particular case, it should be called Tunanella, too soon? According to public media source, WRVO, 58,828 pounds of this stuff has been recalled. Yikes! This is far from a small problem.

If it's Tuna Scrape, you may opt for the brains instead.

The FDA stated that they have traced the illness back to certain lots of tuna scrape from Moon Marine and there could potentially be more infected tuna meat out there (source). This whole situation sounds fishy to me, how about you?

Given the whole outburst about pink slime (click here to read my post about Pink Slime), how does tuna scrape measure up regarding its danger factor. Michael Doyle, director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia, gives his expertise about two things to consider when thinking about health and ground fish meat:

(1) "My rule of thumb is that raw food of animal origin should be cooked before it's eaten," and

(2) does ground fish cause more health problems? "For chicken, turkey and beef, the ground product tends to be more contaminated than the whole cuts" That's been the issue with ground beef because one contaminated carcass can spread disease to the whole batch (source).

So what have we learned? Well, raw fish doesn't mean it's free of germs which alone makes me skeptic of sushi-- always be cautious of your food's history! I don't know about you, but I feel the only way to avoid any health issues regarding food is to becoming vegan. Instead, I'll resort to "pass the shrimp tempura roll, please".

How to Find Real Food at Supermarkets

2012-04-21T13:02:00.000-04:00

I have been extremely busy due to my last few weeks as an undergraduate! Soon I will have a diploma and continue to work towards my Master's degree! It's all very exciting, but the only thing standing in my way is a mountain pile of work; therefore, I have limited time to blog. *Sad face* But I do need to blog for one of my classes, so next week I'll be able finally sit down and focus on a quality post. In the mean time, check out this chart. As silly as some of the answers are, it makes a good point about the grey areas of what's considered food at supermarkets. If needed, print it out for your next grocery trip-- ha!

Small Weight Loss Tips = Big Difference

2012-04-16T13:23:00.003-04:00

When I decided to eat healthier, I started with small dietary adjustments: I switched to oatmeal from a bottomless bowl of cereal, soda to more water and said no thank you to the bread basket at restaurants. It would have been unrealistic for me to completely change what and how I ate overnight; it would have only resulted in getting myself frustrated and reaching for a Snickers.

Diets in general are short-term, it's about slowly incorporating healthy changes into your everyday routine that reap long-term benefits. Small changes set you up for success, these slight dietary tweaks turn into habits and, boom, you're a Healthy Helen without realizing it. Go you!

One pound of fat is 3,500 calories, so all you need to do is subtract a few calories from your caloric intake every day. There's so magic pill or fancy drink, just make small and healthy choices. And look below, never say Ughhhh I only lost one pound, again! That my dear is one pound and a huge accomplishment!

I just read a great article in Shape Magazine that provides some simple tips and everyday food swaps to get you started, you can do this!:

Breakfast

Skip Bakery bagel with cream cheese

Swap Two pieces of whole-wheat toast with 2 tablespoons peanut butter

Savings per day 300 calories

Weight loss per year: 23 pounds

I used to eat a huge, vitamin-empty bowl of cereal every morning to only find myself starving by 10:30 am! Instead I mix a 1/2 cup of oats with either Greek yogurt or sliced almonds! or both! *Don't forget to eat breakfast!-- it revs your metabolism for the day!

Mid-Morning Snack

Skip Large glass of juice

Swap Piece of fruit

Savings per day 90 calories

Weight loss per year: 7 pounds

I carry an orange around almost any and everywhere! The time it takes to peel it equals the same time I'd be on my second glass of juice. A lot of juice is packed with sugar anyways so beware!

Lunch

Skip Cup of sweetened yogurt

Swap Plain low-fat or fat-free yogurt with 1/2 cup sliced fruit

Savings per day 100 calories

Weight loss per year: 8 pounds

I love Greek yogurt, too! It packs a punch of protein and tastes heavenly! I recommend Stonyfield OIKOS and Chobani!

Mid-Afternoon Snack

Skip Tall mocha

Swap Tall latte with 1 percent or skim milk

Savings per day 145 calories

Weight loss per year: 11 pounds

Black coffee has little to no calories. Can't do it black?, opt for skim milk or sweeten with cinnamon or mocha powder!

Dinner

Skip Large plate of pasta (2 1/2 cups) with 1/2 cup red sauce

Swap 4-ounce skinless chicken breast with 1 cup pasta and 1/2 cup red sauce

Savings per day 240 calories

Weight loss per year: 18 pounds

A good tip from Shape Magazine!: “If you're a carb queen who loves bagels, pretzels and pastas, you're probably lacking in the protein department. Lean meats such as chicken are satisfying and low-calorie, a good balance to carbohydrate intake.”

Dessert

Skip 2 cups fat-free ice cream

Swap Two miniature (0.7-ounce) candy bars

Savings per day 200 calories

Weight loss per year: 15 pounds

I'll reach for a few blocks of dark chocolate (70% or higher) to munch on! It’s just enough to satisfy my sweet tooth plus it’s high in antioxidants!

Should you be like Miley Cyrus & Go Gluten-Free?

2012-04-14T11:20:00.000-04:00

I love food but food doesn't always love me. Over the past few years, I've had to rethink what I eat or end up in fetal position on the bathroom floor. It's not fun and it's not cute by any means. I'm lactose-intolerant-- so dairy is never an option-- but lately I'm starting to think there's more to my tummy troubles. My beloved Luna bars are starting to cause digestive wars and I've already cut out LARABARs.... hey, I just kinda rhymed. Anywho, this is not a pity party for my stomach and what I can't eat (trust me, I'm not whittling away by any means), but there may be an alleged culprit and I'm investigating--- cue the 60 Minutes ticking clock.

Gluten. tick. tick. tick.

Within the last year gluten has been dubbed a villain in the food industry, but who even knew what gluten was or heard of it until hyped up on health blogs and dissed by Miley Cyrus? So, why are we picking on gluten?

What's gluten anyways? Here's the fitbie definition:

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, as well as in many common food additives. It's what gives dough its elasticity and baked goods their satisfying chewiness. But for people with celiac disease—a type of autoimmune disorder—eating foods that contain gluten can lead to a cascade of nasty reactions, including damage to the small intestine, poor nutrient absorption, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, anemia, and fatigue. Celiac disease is surprisingly common, affecting about one in every 133 people, according to an often-cited 2003 study from the University of Maryland center for celiac research.

For some, gluten is a big pain in the butt,:

while others take gluten lemons and make lemonade:

Even those who don't have Celiac disease may have a gluten sensitivity and are avoiding it all together; but if gluten doesn't bother you, should you avoid it anyways? Ever since Miley Cyrus emerged slim and trim and said she's been avoiding gluten and dairy due to allergies, people have been saying a gluten-free diet encourages weight loss but doctors say otherwise.

Here's my non-expert perspective: I'm allergic to dairy but it doesn't make me lose weight, it just limits my options. I could make poor health choices regardless of my intolerance and an article in Self agrees:

Rachel Begun, a registered dietitian and food industry consultant, told Today's Health that only those who have been diagnosed with a gluten-related disorder should go on a gluten-free diet.In fact, Begun said "People who go gluten-free may gain weight if they rely mostly on highly-processed gluten free foods, many of which tend to be higher in fat, calories and sugar than their gluten-containing counterparts."

Karen Ansel, also a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, agreed. "There’s absolutely no evidence that a gluten-free diet promotes weight loss," Ansel explained. "However, there is data that indicates that following a gluten-free diet can result in a diet that's low in key nutrients -- especially iron, zinc and B vitamins such as folate and niacin.”

Like anything, everyone has their own preferences and what works for one person may not work for another. I think there's too many differing opinions to make a definte decision, but if you think gluten is hurting your health then talk to your doctor. If not, keep making healthy decisions and partying in the USA.

Guest Post: Jentry Nielsen & How to get Fit for Summer!

2012-04-12T11:24:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to feature Jentry's post on my blog! She's a fellow health nut and has been a huge supporter of myself and my blog! I love her writing and you will, too! Don't forget to check out her blog and her great posts about everything health and fitness, she knows her stuff!

________________________________________________

I was so excited when sweet AnderBeth asked me to do a guest post for her, yet very nervous! I absolutely love her blog and did not want to let her down with any ho hum post on her baby here! So hopefully this makes the cut to match your amazing work Ander! J

Now with swim suit season coming rapidly, I’ve been a little more conscious of my body and wanting to make sure I’m prepared. Unfortunately I work a lot and go to school, which leaves little time/energy to get in a work out while still having ample time to hang out with friends and the boyfriend, which is what summers are for right?!

So I thought why not kill two birds with one stone, going on some fun dates or group activities that get us all a little more active! Better than your typical dinner and a movie date, or card game night with friends, where you are sitting down the entire time!

I came across a fun slideshow from Spark People that had a list of active date nights, but felt a lot of them can be done as groups too. So here’s a fun list of ideas we can all do for either your next date night, or group hangout to get us all moving:

Go Dancing: you can do this as a fun date or group outing! This will help get your heart and blood pumping, plus it’s really fun! Check your communities to see if they offer any fun line dancing or ball room dancing lessons. It’s a fun, active way to learn new moves! Or just turn up the jams at home and bust a move! All of these are going to burn calories for everyone involved!

Go Bowling: although you don’t move around too much here, it’s still fun and better than sitting down for 2 hours straight during a movie! Plus you and your friends can dance around to that background music for some extra calorie burn while waiting for your turn! Yes you will probably get stares, they are just jealous! J Just make sure you skip the beer and french fries while you’re there.

Play Laser Tag: laser tag gets you running around like crazy! Get a bunch of friends together for a laser tag game night, play a little competitive boys verse girls. This will get everyone more active and have a fun competition as well.

Play a sport: speaking of competition, play a sport. Play a round of golf, and don’t opt for the cart! Or even miniature golf will get you up and moving around hole to hole. Get a group of friends and play basketball, kickball, or even some ultimate Frisbee. All of these will get you running around, all while getting in some quality friend time!

Game night: now this is not your regular old monopoly and scrabble game night, this is modern day-in-age game night! With all the technology of game consoles like Wii and Xbox Kinect, there are plenty of games that can get you all moving. One of my personal favorites, Just Dance!

Take a hike and eat a healthy picnic: this will be a great dinner and activity date! You can find a fun hike that leads to a place you can lay out a blanket and take in some healthy eats, all while enjoying a great view. Plus it will allow for more talking and getting to know each other, better than when you are trapped in a theater.

Go to an amusement park: Ever noticed how exhausted you feel after a day at the amusement park?! That’s because you are walking around the ENTIRE time, or standing in line for a ride. Then you’ll sit for only those two minutes of that joyous ride! You’ll have so much fun you won’t even notice all the walking you’re doing!

Go swimming: with all the hot weather you’re going to want to cool off somehow! Go swimming with your friends! Swimming is one of the best exercises for burning calories and getting a total body workout. Don’t just float around soaking in the tan though; to get the full calorie burn make sure you are swimming around with your friends.

So get out and try some of these activities this weekend! Anything that gets you up and moving will beat sitting on the couch any day! Thanks again Ander for letting me post on your blog!

About the Author: Jentry Nielsen is a health and fitness nut currently attending school at Dixie State College for nursing with an emphasis in exercise science. She writes about her passion for health and fitness on her blog Such Good Exercise!

Pink Slime... Is it as gross as it sounds?

2012-04-10T11:32:00.002-04:00

Over the past few weeks I've been seeing the words "pink slime" saturating my Twitter feed. I knew it had something to do with a meat filler and school lunches but didn't have a chance to pry further. Well, curiosity has finally gotten the best of me. Pink slime sounds like something that's be dumped on contestants during a Nickelodeon game show; it's definitely not something I'd want to eat or even consider food. So what's the deal with this mystery meat?

Here's what I think of when I picture pink slime: Pink getting slimmed on Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards!

Here's the exact description of pink slime that I found on CBS News:

"It's actually "lean finely textured beef," a low-cost ingredient in ground beef made from fatty left over meat trimmings from other cuts. The bits are heated to about 100 F and spun to remove most of the fat, then compressed into blocks for use in ground meat. The product, made by South Dakota-based Beef Products Inc. (BPI), is then exposed to "a puff of ammonium hydroxide gas" to kill bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella."

Want a visual?

Here's the pink slime used as a chicken filler (think chicken nuggets):

... and here's the pink slime used as a meat filler (think hamburgers):

Um ew... and this stuff has been on the market for years and the FDA actually approves it as safe. My question is: have the FDA people actually tried this stuff AND are they okay with their children consuming it during school lunch periods? It's disgusting when "food" need to fit specific criteria to actually be considered food! Food should be food.

This is what gets me: McDonald's--- the king of fast food--- doesn't even use the "pink slime" filler but FDA is still approving it as school lunch appropriate... I mean, come on, that alone should scream something.

I'm slightly biased because meat these days gives me the heebie jeebies but what does everyone think? Is this stuff really unsafe or is it just the aesthetics that are freaking people out?

Happy Easter-- French Toast Casserole Recipe!

2012-04-08T18:56:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter! This is the first time in 3 years that I've been home for the entire Easter break, and it has never felt so good to lounge in my yoga pants. The weather has been absolutely beautiful but given me a bad case of summer fever. I'm counting the days!

I enjoyed the day with my family in which we were blessed with love and grub. We usually cook a ~~dinner~~ feast but this year we chose to dabble in the traditional Easter brunch. Needless to say, I was game. We called up our good friend, Betty Crocker, and borrowed some of her award-winning recipes (what a lady). We tackled a french toast casserole and an garden egg bake (<-- click to check them out). The french toast was a holiday treat and the egg bake was healthy and delicious!

French Toast Casserole

Garden Egg Bake

Though I'm 22, I am never too old for an Easter basket. Since I was little, every Easter morning my parents would hide my basket somewhere in the house: the bathtub, behind the couch and I think it was once in the oven. To keep the tradition alive, I ran around the house like a giddy child to find my surprise... I must say it took me a while to find it (touche, parents). As I've grown, the contents have changed. Chocolate bunnies have turned to Green & Black chocolate bars, malt balls to Stacy's pita chips, glittery head bands to K-cups and sticker books to a jar of pickles (yes, pickles). The Easter egg hunts are over and coloring eggs has become an activity of the past but I will always look forward to my Easter basket. I am lucky to have such wonderful parents and will pass on the same tradition until my children have children. Happy Easter everyone!

Super Simple Overnight Oatmeal Recipe

2012-04-06T20:38:00.003-04:00

Just last week I made a delicious discovery. My boyfriend and I were wandering in downtown DC where we stumbled into The Corner Bakery. Apparently it's a chain and I had no idea! Shame on me because it was fantastic. To paint a picture of this restaurant to those who are not familar with it.. I'll say this: if Starbucks and Panera Bread had a love child, The Corner Bakery would be it. Does that clear things up?

Anyways, I ordered chilled oatmeal. CHILLED!? Who chills oatmeal? Wouldn't that insult the Quaker Man?... but you know what? These cold oats (mixed with yogurt, bananas, cranberries, apples and other yum yums) WAS AMAZING. I can easily say it was in the Top 5 of my favorite breakfasts. How could I've been so naive? I'm embaraased to say the least.

CEREAL FACT ALERT:

According to Quaker, the "Quaker Man" was the first registered trademark for a breakfast cereal... in 1877!

As homange to the Quaker Man, I've created my own cold oats recipe. You only need 3 main ingredients which makes it so easy that a caveman could do it!

Ander's Super Simple Overnight Oatmeal

what you'll need:

1/2 c rolled oats

1/2 c greek or plain yogurt (I use flavored yogurt to give the oats some zip!)

1/2 c almond milk or any other milk

(if you want to make a larger batch, just make sure the measurements are about equal; ie. if 1 cup oats then 1 cup of milk and yogurt... just eye ball it )

Add-ins:

walnuts (check)

apples (double check)

bananas

cranberries

what to do:

mix all the ingredients together well, cover, then place in the refridgerator overnight! Follow the pictures for a step-by-step:

REFRIDGERATE for 12 hours AND....

BAM. Welcome to Heaven in your mouth. Enjoy!

L'Oreal: Are you worth animal cruelty?

2012-04-04T11:03:00.002-04:00

Each morning after I wake up, I have a pre-day routine (1) stretch, (2) brush my teeth, (3) make my coffee and (4) plop down in front of my laptop. I was glancing at my Facebook feed when this image was thrown in my face:

This picture was linked to an article about L'Oreal and how the company uses animals to test its products. I'm shocked, disgusted and upset is an understatement. Animal testing reminds me of something out of a SAW movie. I've bought L'Oreal in the past and am so conditioned to see the little rabbit logo on the back that says Not Tested on Animals, did I miss something? I've always made an effort to check labels before I purchase beauty products; I feel cheated in a way. I have a huge soft spot for anything fluffy and cute. Think about if this was your pet...this is not okay.

Plus, if the products are having these affects on animals...what can it do to our bodies?

I decided to do some ameteaur research and this is what I found about L'Oreal:

(1) The L’Oreal company is amongst the world’s largest beauty companies, but is the worldwide leader in animal cruelty.

(2) Many of the animals tests by L’Oreal are on rabbits, dogs, and cats.
--- BUT..the company has a special preference for rabbits because they are the only animal who can't flush chemicals out of their eyes without using aids like water or their paws.
--- AND..most of these animals are taken out of shelters

(3) L’Oreal regularly conducts eye irritation tests by securing rabbits so they are immobile while substances are dropped into their eyes (rabbits are used because they have no tear ducts and therefore can’t relieve the stinging and pain).

(4) Poisoning takes place whereby groups of animals are continually force-fed an ingredient until half of the group dies

(5) Animals have their skin shaved and scraped until it’s super-sensitive, then the particular chemical is applied to test skin while L’Real researchers make sure that the animal cannot scratch or remove the substance.

"Although L’Oreal has vowed to eliminate animal testing by 2013, they seem to simply be undergoing a corporate restructuring so as to contract out their animal testing to subsidiary or contract companies that they control (resource)"

This experience has made me more aware of my buying decisons and it is safe to say that I will not be buying L'Oreal make-up in the future. Here are some ways you can stop this awful practice:

(1) Stop supporting L'Oreal by buying its products.

(2) Only buy prodcuts that are cruelty-free and approved by PETA.

(3) Sign this petition to stop L'Oreals animal testing.

Research the companies' whose products you've been buying and see where they stand on animal testing. It may be cliche to say, but think to yourself: are you worth it?