Let the countdown begin!

The NEW YEAR is upon us! Ready to kick healthy into overdrive and get going on your resolution to choose all things good for you? Of course you are! We, at  B-FIT4U have been gathering tons and tons of recipes, inspirational stories, antidotes, and just plain good ol' weight loss information to keep you motivated straight through this new year. So check back with us everyday to get your heatlhy know how to lose those pounds and keep it off!
Now I know you're off to a party or two tonight, or chilling in with the kiddos, or just hanging with your sweetie as you usher in this beautiful New Year, so don't forget your good for you cocktails! Oh yes, permission to drink granted! Here are a few to get you started on choosing a healthy cocktail over those sugar and calorie laden ones this year. And remember.........................
Drink responsibly tonight , be safe and a Happy and Prosperous New Year from B-Fit4U!~FoodieGIRL

Sangria Sparkler

from: fitnessmagazine.com
Makes: 12 servings
750-milliliter bottle dry red wine
1 cup light orange juice
1/4 cup brandy or cognac
1/4 cup orange liqueur
2 tablespoons sugar
2 medium oranges, sliced
2 cups club soda, chilled
Crushed ice and/or orange peel curls (optional)
In a large pitcher, combine wine, orange juice, brandy, orange liqueur, sugar, and orange slices. Chill at least 2 hours. Add club soda before serving. Serve over crushed ice and/or with orange peel curls, if desired.
Calories: 100 per serving

Mojito

from: fitsugar.com
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 lime
3 sprigs mint
1.5 ounces light rum
soda water
Put the sugar in a highball glass (or any 8-12 ounce glass), squeeze in the juice of 1/2 small lime, and toss in the squeezed lime shell. Add mint sprigs and muddle for a moment. Then add the light rum and handful of ice, and fill with chilled soda water.
Calories: 122

Glass of red wine 88 calories
Glass of light beer 100 calories

Happy New Year!!~Resolutions!

Welcome back B-fitters! Are we all slowly coming-to from our own personal Holiday food comas? Oh yes, me included....SO let's talk healthy resolutions in the New Year.....
Ok, so technically we are about 48hrs from toasting all our lovelies with a "Happy New Year!" BUT, are you already adding up those resolutions? Be healthy, be thin, be beautiful, be happy, be honest, be bold, be brave....BFIT4U! Yes! Why not just roll it all into one with a BIG B-FIT4U! Listen, I know you want to lose a few pounds, I still quarrel with my thighs now and then and always have to keep them on a leash ;) BUT through and through I have that beautiful and remarkable mantra going through my head to keep it all in persepective...B-FIT4-ME! Don't lose weight for your honey bear, or your friends, or your family; sure these can be motivators whom which you want to be healthy for, BUT your body is YOUR temple, so take care of it for YOU!
So do yourself a favor, when you're going over this past year, your loves, your losts, you triumphs and your defeats, remember all of these moments of good and bad are making you a better you! And so when you make those resolutions, stick to the most important one,
"I want to be Healthy in 2013". not just lose weight....that will come when you choose healthy. Don't let food define you. Let the beautiful smile that exudes from you define your journey, it's all a choice starting with Being-FIT4U :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS! ~FoodieGIRL

In Loving Memory of the Angels and Heroes

This week B-FIT4U will be going "black" in honor and remembrance of those angels and heroes who tragically lost their lives last Friday in Connecticut. Our hearts are with the families of Sandy Hook Elementary. May the peace of God's grace hold you up during this tragic time, and may His light help you to find joy once again in your hearts.

Holiday Party Appetizer Make-overs!

It's Holiday Party Season! And we have you covered with three of our favorite holiday appetizers and dips that will have you going for seconds, 'cause you can! (and we even included a cocktail festive and colorful for the season!)

Light Spinach Dip
1 (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 cup non-fat sour cream
1 (8-oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
3 green onions, chopped
1 packet Knorr vegetable soup mix

Drain the spinach and squeeze dry. In a medium bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Add spinach and mix well.
Refrigerate 3 hours before serving.
42 calories per serving/servings 24

Light Crab Dip
1, 250g bar of light philly cream cheese.
1/4 cup frozen spinach
1 cup diced, canned tomatos
1 can crab meat
salt & pepper

Put all ingredients together in small sauce pan, melt and blend on medium low heat.
Add tortilla chips or whole grain crackers for dipping.
Nutritional Info

• Servings Per Recipe: 6
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories: 134.4

• Total Fat: 8.4 g
• Cholesterol: 48.9 mg
• Sodium: 433.8 mg
• Total Carbs: 6.5 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 8.5 grvings: 6

Mushroom Roll Ups6 laughing cow light swiss cheese wedges
4 oz. fat free cream cheese
1 small can of mushrooms cut into very small pieces.
One roll of Pillsbury reduced fat crescent rolls
2 Tbsp of garlic powder
3 Tbsp of poppy seed
1 egg white
Preheat oven to 375.

Mix laughing cow, cream cheese and garlic powder in medium bowl. Drain mushrooms and stir in.

Roll out crescent rolls into two logs. Cover with half of the egg white, pressing seams together.

Spread half of cheese mixture on each roll. Carefully roll into a log. Spread rest of egg white on each log. Sprinkle all sides with poppy seeds.

Carefully cut log into 1 inch slices (dental floss works great so that it doesn't smoosh the circles). Place individually on a baking sheet. Bake approx 13-15 minutes until golden brown.

Nutritional Info

• Servings Per Recipe: 30
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories: 42.2

• Total Fat: 2.0 g
• Cholesterol: 2.7 mg
• Sodium: 135.5 mg
• Total Carbs: 4.3 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 2.2 g

Poinsettia Cocktail

To a glass of champagne, add 2 tbs of VS strawberry banana juice (made with fruit AND veggies, you would never know it!)and 2 raspberries.  120 calories, refreshing and MERRY!

Mangia!!

Woke up this morning and found myself going through my beautiful pictures of Italy...so hard to believe it was just last year that I visited this most amazing country!( And how I enjoyed all the culinary offerings of every region!!) So inspired by my travels, tonight's dinner is going to be my favorite turkey meatball recipe, paired with a lovely whole grain pasta (gotta get that extra fiber, vitamins and iron, right?) and perhaps a glass a vino because a glass of red wine has lovely antioxidants (not to mention it's yummy ;)

So sit back and relax and let me plan your dinner tonight for you! Here's the recipe (lowfat and delicious!!) Viva Italia! (below a picture of Tuscany from my trip!)

 

Turkey Meatballs on a Bed of Leeks
(courtesy of Extra Virgin/Cooking Channel)
(of course you don't have to do the leeks and can substitute whole grain pasta as I am doing tonight)

• 2 leeks
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1/2 handful fresh parsley, leaves picked and finely chopped

• 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 egg yolk
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup warm chicken or vegetable broth

Directions

Clean the leeks: cut off the green top parts and slice them lengthwise, separate each leaf and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Dry the leeks well and then roughly chop them. Using a wooden spoon, saute the leeks in a large skillet with about 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat, for about 10 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat once completely softened and the leeks begin to turn a golden blonde.
While the leeks are cooking, start the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, shallot (or onion), chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, and egg yolk. Season the mixture lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper. Pour the bread crumbs in a pasta bowl and roll in the meatballs as you are preparing them. Set the meat aside on a large plate, do not make a pile; use 2 plates, if necessary. Return the pan with the leeks to a medium-high heat, add the meatballs and saute gently flipping them once or twice. Once they are browned, lower the heat and add the broth a few tablespoons at a time. Season with a light sprinkle of salt and some ground pepper, lower the heat to medium-low and cook for about 25 minutes, always making sure that the sauce does not dry up. This dish makes Debi very happy, she says that this sauce is probably the closest thing that I prepare that actually deserves to be called gravy! Serves: 6; Calories: 265; Total Fat: 10 grams; Saturated Fat: 2 grams; Protein: 24 grams; Total carbohydrates: 21 grams; Sugar: 3 grams; Fiber: 1.5 grams; Cholesterol: 65 milligrams; Sodium: 351 milligrams

My latest obsession!

Well, B-fitters! I have been at it again! Scouring the shelves of my local market trying new products, all in the effort to keep us all trim, healthy and satisfied! Gone are the yester years when eating a steamed piece of chicken with a steamed side of broccoli was your only meal ticket to wearing those skinny jeans! Oh yes, I believe to eat healthy you need to eat BOLDLY! That is bold flavors that still tickle those tastebuds, just as those not so good for you foods do! So you stay full, satisfied and ready to take on the world, or at least not overindulge on cheesecake at your office Christmas party ;)
So here's my latest favorite: Lightlife Smart Grounds!

Yep, this vegan product (no animals here) is a textured soy protein that mimicks the taste and texture of ground beef, without being so "tofu-eee" ;) Ya know what I mean? It's a great substitute for ground meats in your tacos, huevos rancheros (I had that this morning) casseroles, and dips! I am telling you, meat lovers and meat free-ers will not know the difference because the texture and flavor is ALL there! Not to mention you get a generous portion; 1/3cup for only 70 calories and 11g of protein! And because you are not eating meat, NO CHOLESTEROL! Yes, even those ground chicken and ground turkey products have fat and cholesterol. So why not give it a go? I haven't steared you wrong yet, have I? Oh don't answer that, just try it!

And P.S. Season it and sautee it in a pan as you would any meat, for instance I used taco seasoning for my huevos rancheros this morning! It was sooooo delicious that I am still dancing around saying O'le!

Check out all the Lightlife products here, and aim to go "meat-free" once a week :)  http://www.lightlife.com/Vegan-Food-Vegetarian-Diet

Holiday Shopping 4U!

Ooooooh do I have a goodie for you today! Looking for the perfect little gift for yourself this Holiday season? Oh come on, you've been working hard all year long, you deserve a little treat too, don't you think? Well, nothing can be better than staying on top of your B-FIT4U lifestyle straight into the New Year, and maybe, just maybe NOT having to make yet another weight loss resolution, right?
(Those are sooooo Bah-Humbug!)
How's about you just continue on your healthy journey, mind, body and spirit; a choice to do this for yourself everyday, instead every once in awhile, following yet another one of those crash, fad diets that eventually cause you to do just that, crash! So this month and straight into the New Year, take a look a these gifts below....for yourself! And keep on movin' cause this year is going to be another one to B-FIT4U!

1 .A quick read that you can pick up quick on Amazon or on your Kindle, it's a great read, full of sensible easy ideas to get your party during the Holidays and still be able to button your pants, you get my drift? ;)

http://www.amazon.com/Sensible-Holiday-Eating-Guide-ebook/dp/B009VOFIK8

2. A weighted jump rope! Start out slow and build up your endurance and time with a jump rope. Quick way to burn calories and tone up in the comfort of you own home! (I usually do this one outside, weather permitting, or in the garage) Slim quick without the gym!

3. Hands down my favorite fitness magazine, featuring real women and real results! Both for weight loss, recipe inspiration and lifestyle, get it and GET INSPIRED!

.

Shopping, Wrapping, Ready Set GO!

It's the Holiday Season and I know you're just as busy as I am, shopping, wrapping, driving everywhere, GO GO GO! And it's easy to forget to eat, overeat and binge eat when your schedule is out of wack and the emotions of the season have a hold on you! So what's a B-fitter to do when she/he is stuck in a crowded mall with a food court of pizza, hamburgers and french fries calling to you? You must go prepared! First you must have a bottle or two of water in your bag to stay alert and hydrated, then you'll be less likely to grab for a sugary soda (or diet soda, yep I'm watching you, put that fake sugar down!)

Second, meal replacement bars are awesome! If you grab the right one and my favorite is the Cliff Bar! It's 240 calories, so it's a great substitute for a meal when you're on the run because you really can pop it into your bag and GO! Made with all natural ingredients like rolled oats, maple syrup and dried fruits, and come in a variety of flavors, the taste and texture will have you hooked! Like a cookie without the guilt of a cookie, ya know? And there will be more than enough Christmas cookies available to you this Holiday, so pick and choose where you indulge on your calories.

And lastly, pack an apple! Whole or cut-up, it will bring you a free sugar buzz from mother nature as well as keep you full because it's packed with fiber. So no excuses as you run around town, Santa! Choose to be healthy this Holiday Season, and save those calories for your favorite Aunt's eggnog on Christmas day.
P.S. Right now you can get Cliff Bars in 3 seasonal flavors, iced gingerbread, pumpkin spice, and peppermint stick. What are you waiting for, go get some!

Let it snow, it's HOT CHOCOLATE TIME!

I have this calendar on my desk, and today it reads:

" So I tried a dessert called, "Death by Chocolate" but it only made me stronger. "

 

So funny, so true! Right? Oh chocolate, such a sweet little decadent treat. Now I am sure you've all read the hub-bub that chocolate is actually good for you because cocoa contains flavanols which act as an antioxidant. SO where can these flavanols be found? Basically in a small portion of dark chocolate, the less processed the chocolate the better. That's why you see these chocolate bars labeled 70% cocoa, etc. (meaning more flavanols, less processed) That's great and all, but how many of you prefer milk chocolate or can't seem to keep your serving of chocolate down to one?!

I see some hands raised out there, and listen, I am with you! Sometimes I want milk chocolate, so there. So to get my chocolate fix more often, without the extra butter fat of those more processed chocolates, I turn to homemade hot chocolate. It's simple, fast and easy, low cal, low fat and all that chocolatey goodness you deserve. 'Cause we all deserve a little chocolate sometimes, right? And when you make your own, you avoid all that extra sugar (or fake sugar) of those packet mixes. ICK!

So when you have a hankering for chocolate, go with this, you're little black dress will thank you!

 

HOT CHOCOLATE

PS. you can even add a few marshmallows on top!

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup lowfat milk (I like to substitute almond milk, but you can do whichever you fancy)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Dark chocolate, as a garnish

Directions

Heat the milk and the cinnamon stick until just simmering. In a mug, combine the cocoa powder, sugar and water and stir to make a paste. Remove the cinnamon stick from the milk. Pour the milk into the mug and stir to mix well. Add the vanilla extract and stir. Grate a little dark chocolate on top for garnish.

Calories: 139 (slightly less with almond milk)
Total Fat: 3 grams
Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
Protein: 9 grams
Total carbohydrates: 20 grams
Sugar: 18 grams
Fiber: 0.5 grams
Cholesterol: 12 milligrams
Sodium: 8 milligrams

Holiday Party Survival Guide

It's that time of year again, HOLIDAY PARTIES! Sooooooo fun, BUT also can be a calorie nightmare!  So what is a B-Fitter to do?? Here's our B-FIT4U Holiday Survival Guide that will have you dancing around the Christmas tree, all the while looking fabulous right into the NEW YEAR!

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

(tips to stay on track to your weight loss goals)

Appetizers:

Go for the protein choices and vegetables/fruits first

Fill up one plate only

Take one bite of everything

 

Drinks: (liquid calories add up quick!)

Go for a 2 drink minimum and

choose cocktails made with less sugar (light juice mixes or agave nectar)

vodka

wine

wine spritzer with diet soda or seltzer

Know your calories and quantities:

Examples:

Alexander (2.5 fl oz)	180
Bacardi (2.5 fl oz)	120
Black Russian (3 fl oz)	250
Bloody Mary (5 fl oz)	116
Bourbon & Soda (4 fl oz)	105
Daiquiri (2 fl oz)	110
Gin Rickey (7 fl oz)	115
Gin & Tonic (7.5 fl oz)	170
Grasshopper (2.25 fl oz)	165
High Ball (8 fl oz)	165
Mai Tai (4.5 fl oz)	310
Manhattan (2.5 fl oz)	130
Margarita (3 fl oz)	170
Martini (2.5 fl oz)	155
Mint Julep (10 fl oz)	215
Old Fashioned (4 fl oz)	180
Pina Colada (4.5 fl oz)	260
Screwdriver (7 fl oz)	175

 

*Every party doesn’t have to be a time to splurge!

Pick and choose, stay within your calorie count, make a plan of “attack” before you go, don’t skip meals the day of the party.

 

HOLIDAY BIG TIP: The actual Holiday is only 1-2 days. By the 3^rd day you should no longer be indulging and back to your mindful interval eating every 2-3 hours /5 times a day.

 

Avoid the “food pushers” and emotional/stress eating. Let’s face it Holidays can be stressful sometimes with family and priorities; take a minute to breathe and remember what’s most important, you and your health. You have set a goal and are working hard to make a lifestyle change, NO EXCUSES, food diary, get in your exercise, and be mindful of portions/servings and calories.

Start the New Year with a new attitude and NEW YOU!

I got NOG on the BRAIN!

Oh egg nog, how I adore thee! Let me count how many years you have taunted me with your thick, rich goodness of calorie gut-busting flavor! But this year I have you whipped! That is I have found a rich, creamy, dreamy version of you with less fat and calories per serving, and still ALL THE FLAVOR! That's right folks! SILK NOG! (also comes in a creamy mint chocolate and pumpkin spice version, too!) Vegan, Dairy free and Gluten free, it's just the perfect HO HO HO in your HOliday, without all the cholesterol and that other bad stuff, that well, just won't have you feeling pretty in all your holiday best! SO DRINK UP!

So I went to McDonald's......

All in the name of research, I say! I set forth though the Mcdonald's drive-thru this morning, all for you! Why you ask? Have you heard of the new "egg white delight"? Yep, Mcdonald's is touting a new healthier alternative to your on the go breakfast, and well did they get a passing grade? YES! All the flavor and warmth and delightful deliciousness I was looking for, and with only 260 calories, you can't beat it!
It's a lowfat english muffin with an egg white, one slice of cheese, and once slice of canadian bacon, simple and straightforward. Now I'm not saying eat one everyday; variety is the spice of life, right? And when you eat out too much, you can't control your sodium levels. And besides yoru whole grain cereal and fruit plate would get jealous if you just left them behind. BUT if you are on the go, running late (that was me today!) or just plain tooooo hungry to wait to get home and cook something, this is a great way to keep with your healthy B-FIT4U lifestyle!

And do me a favor, don't pair it with a diet soda like the I heard the woman in front of me order; have we not learned our lesson yet that fake sugar is ruining our bodies?? If you need a caffeine fix, go for a simple coffee or hot tea. And if you're shaking your head no right now and mumbling, "but I love my diet soda"...well don't worry I'll break you eventually with my constant chatter on how BAD IT IS FOR YOU! Now go forth and be healthy, it's a brand new day, go get it! ~FoodieGIRL

Slim without the Gym

I have said it once and I'll say it again, I don't like the gym. YEP, it's true, just not a gym rat. I do love to exercise, though. And I know there's a lot of you out there that say, "I just don't have time, and I don't like to exercise". But what I say to that is, you like to feel good right? Exercise is not about machines that have you running to no destination, or weights that make you feel less than strong. It's about moving! Get out there and move! And you don't need a gym to workout!
Do you like to dance? Do you enjoy a walk with your best friend chatting over the latest news? Guess what? That's EXERCISE!! So the next time you start climbing the excuse wagon, remember, it's about feeling good, and we all want to do that! So find what works for you! Don't climb on a treadmill because you think you should. Grab a jump rope because you think it's fun! Take a hike with your dog and get some fresh air because it makes you feel good!
Keep moving everyday, and you're exercising!

Here's one of my favorite workout videos when I am on the run and need to fit something in fast! The series THE FIRM are awesome!! Feels like I have my own personal trainer! They have different DVD's to target the areas you want to firm up, like butts and thighs, arms, and my personal favorite, "slim without the gym".  Go to their website for your personal "jumpstart" calendar to get moving!

http://www.firmdirect.com/firm/ecs/main/aboutTheFirm.html