Best and worst summer cocktails

Before you gulp down that refreshing cocktail, check out the nutrition facts! Just because some festive seasonal cocktails may have fruit on the rim, does not mean they are low-calorie! Check out the link to see how your favorite summer cocktail measures up.

http://www.prevention.com/cocktails/2.html

What to eat (and not eat) when traveling

I’ll be in and out of airports all weekend, and it’s got me thinking what happens if I get hungry? So I’ve included 2 helpful articles about what to eat when traveling, one about what to choose at airport food courts, and the second about what snacks to bring with you whether traveling by plane, train, or automobile.

The conclusion? Bring your own healthy snacks from home! It’s cheaper, more convenient, and much more nutritious than any other options. So no Starbucks, I do not want cake on a stick, thank you. 

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/healthieryou/what-eat-airport

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/expert-advice/diet-detective/healthy-snacks-for-traveling/

Strategies to Control hunger

If you ever find yourself so hungry you think you could eat an entire pizza come dinner time, read this. Before you indulge in a heavy meal to satisfy your immense hunger try having a small snack before your meal. A recent study in the journal Obesity Research found that people who ate an 80-calorie appetizer that included three key ingredients—a type of fat, a protein and a fiber—went on to eat 43 percent fewer calories at their next meal. Check out the link for more information!

http://www.self.com/fooddiet/2009/06/eat-and-stay-full

Diamond ring measuring spoons

Okay these are just too cute not to share. These diamond ring measuring spoons would make an adorable addition to any kitchen. Not to mention a perfect shower gift for a bride-to-be who loves to cook.

http://www.lighterside.com/product/diamond+ring+measuring+spoons.do#

Cayenne pepper’s secret powers

New research from Purdue University is supporting the theory that as much as half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper added to a meal can help you consume fewer calories. Pass the pepper!

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/adding-food-and-subtracting-calories/?ref=health

Are these nutrients missing from your diet?

Think you’ve got the perfect diet? There is always room for improvement (depending on who you ask). Check out this article to be sure you are including these 5 important nutrients.

http://online.prevention.com/5nutrientswomenmiss/index.shtml?cm_mmc=Spotlight-_-05112011-_-Nutrition–_-5-Nutrients-Even-Healthy-Women-Miss

What is your nutrition IQ?

Take this test to find out your nutrition IQ. Its only 19 questions. And it might just improve your diet!

http://www.prevention.com/cda/quizpage.do?channel=news.voices&category=quizzes&quizKey=f13d7dc6082a7110VgnVCM10000013281eac____

Eat Breakfast!

If you want to boost your metabolism and stay slim you’ve got to eat breakfast every single day. If you don’t, your body goes into starvation mode, and your metabolism slows to a crawl. The staff over at Women’s Health has put together their favorite healthy breakfast recipes to make your first meal of the day a whole lot easier!

And the heartier your first meal is, the better. In a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, volunteers who got 22 to 55 percent of their total calories at breakfast gained only 1.7 pounds, on average, over four years. Those who ate 0 to 11 percent of their calories in the morning gained nearly 3 pounds.

In another study published in the same journal, volunteers who reported regularly skipping breakfast had 4.5 times the risk of obesity as those who took the time to eat.

Still not convinced? Then check out how tasty these breakfasts look: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/healthy-breakfast-ideas?cm_mmc=Newsletter-_-05032011-_-Dose-_-MainImage

Can salads really make you fat?

They sure can. With some restaurant salads totalling 1400 calories, you can pack on extra pounds fast. Salads are thought to be the healthy option to a lot of people, but here’s a tip: check those nutrition facts before ordering. Chili’s Quesadilla Explosion salad is a whopping 1400 calories. For one salad! To calculate the calories in your favorite salad, you can use Fitness magazine’s new “Salad Calorie Counter” to be sure you are making a healthy choice: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/build-a-salad/

4/26/11 dinner

Dinner tonight was half of a Jason’s Deli turkey wrap (180 calories), an orange (70 calories + immune boosting Vitamin C!), and a pickle (<5 calories). After dinner I baked some of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, of which I ate 2 (and some change, while mixing). The cookies were probably 250 calories, taking my dinner calorie total to approximately 505 calories.

Need help calculating calories in your next recipe? Here’s a helpful resource: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-calculator.asp. Using this recipe calculator, you simply add ingredients by amount, and then decide how many servings the recipe yields, and there you have it – nutrition facts for your favorite recipes!