Never say Never....New Years Resolutions 2016

Happy New Year 2016-B-fitters!! It's that resolution time...are you ready to take care of you this year? How about we all stop saying "never" and I'm going to try! Try something new as your resolution this year....adopt an all veggie dinner night once a week, get creative in your workouts, keep consistency in your healthy routine. Consistency is key! Workout, take the time for YOU each and EVERYDAY! All you need is 20minutes a day to feel good, to take a moment and look at you- You as a whole person, body, mind and soul. Your health is the key to achieving all your goals this year. Take care of YOU and the rest will fall in line. Be well, be real, and B-FIT4U in 2016 :) Cheers to YOU!!oxoxo -~FoodieGIRL

Soup's on!

Soup.... Let's talk about it! It's a wonderful way to get a full, yet slimming belly without a ton of calories. Easy to fix and fabulously heart warming, it's a one bowl meal packed with veggies and protein. And sure it's great to make a batch of homemade soup on a Sunday and have it portion controlled in Tupperware for the week, but if you don't have that kind of time, canned has come a long way! With low sodium, healthy choice options like Campbell's Chunky healthy choice. Sooooo gooood and soooo filling with amazing creamy options like chicken and dumplings. You get a comforting meal that has the calorie count and fat all figured out there for you! And it's delicious! Pair your soup with whole grain crackers and you have a great meal. So ditch those toooo comforting belly busting winter meals for soup, fill up not out, Ya dig? ;

"Slim" Comfort

Baby it's cold outside....you just sang that last line didn't you! It's hard not too right? There's a little Fa la la la laaaaa in the air whether you're ready for it or not, and Tom the Turkey has no say in the matter! The weather is changing and so is your wardrobe...but what about that waistline? Do you really want to find yourself 10 lbs. heavier this holiday season? Or are you ready to challenge yourself to B-FIT4U? Sure with colder temps comes belly warming foods BUT that doesn't mean your workouts fly out the door! Keep up that movement everyday; it won't only keep you healthy and trim, it will de-stress you when dealing with those unforeseen anxiety ridden talks with your Aunt Gerty at Thanksgiving, you get our point! Keep up those workouts! Don't let weather be your excuse to fall off the healthy wagon! And comfort food can easily be trimmed down! Yep! Turkey meatloaf anyone? Smart balance "butter" spread in those mashed taters? Fill those casseroles with more veggies than cheese. While you're at it, think veggies all around that plate before you go for a second helping of anything else. And veggies are oh so comforting when roasted and carmelized in the oven. So don't make excuses for your unhealthy living by blaming it on Mother Nature. The truth is she's going to make the sun shine and the temps rise sooner than you think, so be prepared to throw away those bulky sweaters with healthy pride! You got this, B-Fitter!

Halloween!!

Yay!! It's almost Halloween!! All that CANDY!! Indeed one of our favorite holidays!! But how do you stick with your B-FIT4U lifestyles AND enjoy all the tricks and treats of the season?? Well first don't forget that workout Halloween morning, yep prepare yourself for those little indulgences or allowances you know you're going to partake in later that day. Secondly, portion control those treats...it's the land of "fun size" candy bars this time of year so that is helpful in snacking without overindulging. Each fun size is generally 50 calories so you do the math;) AND remember with each fun food, family and fun centered Holiday approaching us, the actual Holiday is one day! Not a week before and a week after. So if you find yourself hiding in the closet with your kids trick or treat bag gobbling everything up before anyone finds you....it's time to donate it. There are tons of fun organizations that will make you feel good! Donate to the troops or turn all those chocolates into cookies and bring to your local shelter, fire department or soup kitchen and make someone smile. Whatever you do remember holidays are one day, have fun, give yourself a treat or two guilt free because you work hard everyday to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle. Balance includes a little chocolate, it just does :) Don't forget your 80/20 rule-80% of the time healthy-20% treats and when you gotta get yourself back on track put those sneakers on, grab a friend and get back out there walk, run or jog through those beautiful Fall leaves and always remember to B-FIT4U! Happy Halloween!!

EAT those GREENS!

Fall and Winter are a wonderful time to eat the vegetable bounty of the season, namely "greens". Things like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are beautiful leafy veggies that love growing in your garden alongside these cooler temps, AND they are just as plentiful at your grocer's mart. They are easy to prepare and add tons of fiber and vitamins to your diet! Eat them raw in your favorite salad or sauté with olive oil, garlic and vidalia onion for a delicious side dish. Kale chips are all the rage and so easy to make! Spread your kale on a baking sheet and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings and a little olive oil. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes or until crispy. And don't forget you can add greens to your smoothies! Bananas, greens, yogurt, almond milk and honey/ blend in your mixer and add a straw! Yum! Any green can be tossed into your pasta, wilted into your soups(even your canned soups for an extra antioxidant punch and another serving of veggies in your healthy day!) Toss into your stir fry and rice dishes. And greens pair great with another Fall vegetable, squash! Butternut squash, sage sausage and greens are a great sautéed side dish or main meal! Don't forget that greens and squash are also conveniently in your grocer's freezer, chopped washed and fresh frozen! B-FIT4U all winter long with the vegetable bounty of the season!

What we are eating now !

I love heading to the market and finding new things to eat! Healthy new spins on my old favorites and new products calling from the shelves! So what are we eating right now? Chex Gluten Free Oatmeal is divine! Won't weigh you down and tons of glorious flavors like maple sugar will keep your belly full of fiber and your energy up! Horizon cheese snack crackers baked with a hint of carrots, organic wheat and of course cheese! With no artificial stuff! Not just for kids but you will love too! Barbara's organic cereals, certified Non-GMO put some fun in your breakfast and be a kid again without putting yourself in a sugar stuper! Honey! A great way to sweeten everything the natural way, and buy locally for great antioxidant power and support a local bee farmer :) Cliff bars, when big energy is needed, a great replacement meal on the GO! Natural Jif peanut or almond butter, great on apples or bananas for a sweet energetic treat at 3pm to power the rest of your day until dinner! Whole grain pastas, easy way to pack some more fiber in your diet. And eat your greens- winter kale, Swiss chard and spinach are growing like wildflower this time of year, put into your smoothies (you'll never taste it promise when you add a banana) or sauté with garlic and oil for a divine side dish! Better yet, bake your kale for a crispy kale chip! Eat those greens and stay lean, Ya dig? Happy Fall B-Fitters! Don't let cold weather weigh you down, breathe in that crisp air and get out there and move! You got this!!

Cool, Crisp Fall Days!

It's here.....Fall!! A beautiful time to renew your spirit with fresh air and beauty! Cool months are NOT a time to hibernate but to get out there and enjoy all this lovely season has to offer! Toss a football with your kids, kick a soccer ball with a friend, grab a group of your peers at lunch hour and toss that frisbee!! No need to be confined to your home or office, take a brisk 20 minute walk and get that fresh air circulating in your bones! Feel it deep in your soul! Exercise is not an annoying word; it should be a way of life! Move, groove, get off that old boring treadmill and discover that moving is indeed fun!!! Exercise is FUN! It works to bring all happy feelings to all parts of your mind and body! So get creative with your moving and get your groove back, one hsppy brisk walk with a friend at time! :)

Not feeling so good?

Is the food you're putting into your body making you sick? Did you know that many of us are walking around with food sensitivities and don't even know it? Lactose intolerant, gluten allergy, nut or soy allergies can all spell disaster for our bodies. So here's the deal....don't hesitate to get tested by your allergist for anything that feels "off" to you. You know your body best! Gastrologists can you help you with tummy issues and a yearly physical is a must with your family physician. The specialists are lining up for anything specific you need checked. It takes a minute to call and make an appointment, and wouldn't you rather take care of yourself before your ill? Preventative medicine is as important as taking care of yourself when you are sick. You wouldn't drive a car with a flat tire, would you? So why are you walking around in a body that's not feeling well? Take care of yourself inside and out! And always B-FIT4U!

Dessert, anyone?

Life is just sweeter with dessert! But when you're trying to adopt a healthy lifestyle, it seems dessert is not an option, right? No way! Totally disagree! Being-FIT4U is about moderation and part of that is allowing yourself dessert. If you skip over all the luxuries of life, you're going to find yourself head first in a vat of cookie dough never looking back...to your adopted healthy lifestyle. So don't set yourself up for falling off the food wagon, and allow yourself dessert in moderation. That is a serving...not a brownie sundae the size of your head, Ya dig?;) AND rework your sweet treats to make them less heavy for your waistline and still oh so satisfying! In the B-FIT4U ️️kitchen, we are totally in love with dark chocolate covered frozen bananas! Just slice banana into chips and freeze about an hour, then dip in dark chocolate and set in freezer until firm! Or how about sliced apples with warm peanut butter and cinnamon warmed in the microwave? You can also add dried fruit or chopped nuts to your peanut butter dip too! Or how about sorbet, ice cream's skinny cousin ;) or Pepperidge Farm cinnamon toast with sliced strawberries and a drizzle of honey and a smear of white chocolate peanut butter!!! Oh yes, get creative with your sweet tooth cravings and your waistline will thank you!! Namaste B-Fitters! :)

A Wellness Checkup

Hello B-Fitters, We are headed into the Fall months; the last beautiful part of the year; have you had your wellness checkups? A big part of your healthy journey, and eating well is a wellness checkup with your doctors. No excuses! Make the time, don't fall behind on keeping track of all things related to your body. Heart healthy, mind and spirit are all apart of your journey in staying strong, energetic and you guessed it, healthy! The thing is, if something is wrong with your functioning body, it's going to rear its ugly self at you whether you want it to or not. SO why not detect these possible unpleasant things early and get a leg up on keeping your body healthy and strong! Don't wait for when you're not feeling well. Just like your car, your body needs a tune up, a check up. Make yourself a priority through diet, exercise and wellness checkups. Happy and healthy starts with the heart💛️

Are you always hungry?

Let's keep today's post short and sweet, shall we? You're busy and on the go and need quick tips to keep your energy up, right? But no matter how hard you try to be healthy...you're always still hungry. What's the deal, you ask? Well let's look at your food choices...are you choosing snacks and meals with fiber and/or protein? Are you eating enough to sustain your active lifestyle? And are you interval eating...that is every 2-3hrs, having a nosh to rev up that metabolism!? If you're not doing these things, then yes you're going to set yourself up for the "hungries"! Make sure your healthy snacks are well balanced nutrition, read your labels, not too much sugar, full of fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein! Balanced food, sustainable energy, balanced life! It all starts with the choice to B-FIT4U! You got this!

Back to School Basics

Seems like Summer was here and then it went, and somewhere in between you fell off your routine of healthy eating. Well there is no time like the present to get back into a routine. Whether you're back to work or back to school, keeping a schedule is the best way to adopt and keep healthy habits. Sleep, drinking enough water/staying hydrated, eating every 2-3hrs to keep your metabolism revved up and your mind sharp, and making sure your meals and snacks are portion controlled (1 serving) are all you need to keep with your B-FIT4U lifestyle. Add 20-30 minutes of exercise and you're staying on top of your healthy game! Of course you can exercise more, but if you efficiently and effectively get a shorter routine in with more reps you are getting a great workout! AND your more likely to do it and stick to it more often...work towards everyday! If you have time to TiVo, you have time to get a quick workout in while watching that show. Consistency in all these things, healthy eating, good nights sleep, exercise are key to your success! You got this! Post these tips on your fridge and check them off mentally each day. Are you taking the time to B-FIT4U?

Wake up, sleepyhead zzzzz

Did you know that getting a good night's sleep is half the battle when trying to fight the "snack attacks"!? Yep, if you're overtired, you are more likely to overeat the not so good for you stuff and find your willpower napping zzzz. You don't need that! You have to make sleep as big a priority as working out and eating healthy because you're not going to have energy for either of these things if you don't get adequate sleep. So turn off the screen, phone, iPads etc. at least 30 minutes before you hit the sheets to start quieting that busy mind. Be quiet with your thoughts and try meditation to calm your soul. As you find yourself reuniting with a great nights sleep, you will find your willpower soar during the day, giving you the energy to make great food choices for your B-FIT4U lifestyle :)

It starts with a list, grocery store economics 101

Sooooo you are hanging out late at night and you hear your name being called by the Oreos in the pantry....total nightmare when you're trying to be healthy, right? But wait....what are those Oreos doing there in the first place? Are you unknowingly sabotaging your B-FIT4U lifestyle? Here's the deal, if you don't buy it, it's not an overwhelming temptation in your home to eat later! Let's repeat this mantra: It ALL starts in the grocery store! Indeed, good and bad choices start at the store. If you have a love of ice cream but a hard time keeping it portion controlled, then no reason to have that willpower sabotager in your house. Go out for a treat like that once in awhile, and order a sensible portion; have your treat"out" but not the temptation to overeat it by the gallon in your home. And never go to the store hungry, you will never stick to your healthy grocery list! Start in the produce aisle, hit up lean proteins there after and low fat dairy. Keep to the perimeter of the store for healthier items, and only fill in your basket with the middle aisle items of whole grain cereals, breads and pasta, keeping the snack aisles to a minimum. Don't sabotage your healthy promise to yourself by filling your pantry and fridge with sabotagers. Think B-FIT4U and stock up on the good stuff, leaving treats as an outside snack with a friend every once in awhile. You got this B-FITTERS! :)

Cool lunches 4 HOT days!

Let's face it, it's hot out there! And like most, you need a cool, quick lunch to keep the edge off the hot summer heat! The thought of A hot bowl of soup makes you cringe, and comfort food is taking a back seat to cooler, crisper summer fare. The obvious #1 pick to keep you refreshed is salad! But ye ol' salad doesn't have to be boring. Change up those greens with kale, baby spinach and romaine for wonderful crunch and antioxidant green power! Toss with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives and feta in a balsamic vinaigrette, or go slightly sweet dressing those greens in a raspberry vinaigrette and tossing berries and walnuts into your salad. And of course, chicken, hard boiled eggs, salmon or shrimp are great protein toppers to any salad! How's about a refreshing gazpacho chilled soup? At the ready, fill your blender with 3 tomatoes, one green pepper, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 cucumber, 1/2 a seeded jalapeño, 1/4 cup water, dash of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinaigrette and salt and pepper to taste, blend away and serve in a bowl with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and cilantro! So YUM, sooooo refreshing on a hot day! And don't forget fruit salads! A protein packed Greek yogurt dresses up any old fruit salad! Add a sprinkle of fiber with a 1/4 cup raw whole oats and a TBS of ground flaxseed, little sprinkle of cinnamon and honey and you have lunch and dessert in one bowl! So don't get all hot and bothered this summer! Cool off with a refreshing lunch and remember to always B-FIT4U! :)

Staying fit the WHOLE Summer long!

B-fitters! I can barely keep up with all your wonderful messages this Summer! It seems you're all taking names and pulling no punches when it comes to your health, and we are so proud of you!!! Healthy IS inside and out, to B-FIT4U with great nutrition and exercise. Summer is not a season to be lax in your health, but a time to cease that sunshine and get out there and move! Vacations, poolside days and picnics are no exception to a healthy eating lifestyle! These are the times to be vigilant in all you have learned so far, healthy choices, portion control and keeping active will bring your heart great happiness and your body energy to do all you dream of this Summer, and all year through! Tips for enjoying a great vacation And a wonderful relaxing Summer but NOT coming back with unwanted pounds are simple: Keep your eye on the veggies when ordering at restaurants, swap those heavy oil laden french fries for fruit salad, a baked potato or sautéed veggies, order lean proteins (seafood being a great light way to fill up and not weigh you down when ordering out) AND make personal fitness and food goals to follow before you leave on vacation and stick to to them! First weigh yourself before you go on vacation. Keep yourself accountable on your vacation to come back to a healthy weight, not 5lbs over...vacation does not mean an excuse to come back annoyed that you need to lose the weight you lost for the trip...because you gained it back on the trip, ya dig? Think before you drink, liquid calories add up too!! Like those fun cocktails.. guess what?! Alcohol brings your inhibitions down to eat more, pay less attention to your health and slows your metabolism down. So just as with food choices you need to pick and choose where you will indulge on vacation, still staying mindful of your healthy lifestyle. That means dessert once or twice, 2 drink maximum on anything that isn't water, including alcohol, and portion control! You can have unhealthy foods, like fries in moderation, once in awhile BUT making sure to keep that portion small. Picnics can be terrible culprits for overeating or grazing SO grab a plate, fill it up with a portion control mindset and you're done! Take a bite or two of things like cookies, pies, cakes OR try or share with a friend, OR choose that day as your day for a little indulgence and have your whole slice of cake, BUT then fill the rest of your day with great choices! I recently went on vacation and yes food abundance was everywhere, but I made 3 simple goals for myself and came back from vacay feeling great, NOT gaining that dreaded vacay weight, AND kept my energy up while on vacation seeing the sights, relaxing and enjoying myself, not feeling deprived but feeling GREAT! The 3 simple personal goals I kept were, lunches were always vegetable based, fun salads etc even if ordering out, kept sugar to a minimum with one dessert indulgence, kept dinner on a portion control leash, especially when dining out AND chose healthy all the way around, starting with a healthy breakfast to fuel the day! You see it's about balance on vacation, during summer, and for all outings...YOU do not have to feel out of control and make these beautiful moments about overindulging, but savoring the memories you're making, eating mindfully for a healthy body, and choosing when to indulge instead of being a slave to your food, you're in control of your body, your choices, and your desire to B-FIT4U :)Happy SummerB-Fitters keep up the great work!!

JULY 4th~Picnics, BBQs and all that FOOD!

JULY 4th! An incredible celebration marked with great American pride, food, family, friends and fellowship~and BBQs are a must!!! But how do you navigate all that food and drinks without busting that bathing suit waistline? First no grazing... That is hit the appetizer table once with a small plate of nibbles and save those calories for the BBQ dinner. When dinner is served meet with the veggies, fruit and proteins first, then go light on those mayonnaise based salads. Thinking portion control will keep you on track;)a 2 FUN drink maximum and lots of water will keep you hydrated and happy :) Dessert, pick one or share a nibble or two with a friend! Have fun and focus on the positive steps you have taken to B-FIT4U this year, living a healthy lifestyle one bite at a time! Happy 4th!!🇺🇸

Summer Romance

Hello B-Fitters and Welcome to JULY! How is your Summer romance going with... Food? Is alcohol ruling your summer with unwanted liquid calories? Are you oversnacking at the pool or beach? Has vacation turned into a buffet? Summer is FUN, but should not be ruled by overindulgence. Sure a treat here and there is great! But on the whole, every Season should be a chance for you to romance your food! Savor the vegetables and fruit that are in season! Stock up on blueberries for snacking, cucumbers for salads and portion your snacks! Fuel your body with water to keep up with all those sun filled, hot day activities and get creative in your eating! Cooool, chilled soups like gazpacho, strawberry and mint cucumber, or delightful fruit and low fat yogurt smoothies will keep you cooool on the hottest days! And don't forget to watch for unwanted sugar in your favorite cocktails, keep portion control on your liquid calories too! And while you romance your body with all these good for you foods, you'll feel great, look great and have energy to keep you on the move all Summer long! Cheers to a B-FIT4U Summer! Oxoxo~FoodieGIRL

Breakfast COOKIES!

Breakfast the most important part of the day! It energizes you and keeps that metabolism revved up! Cookies are a sweet treat that should be savored not forgotten, but eaten in moderation..so how do you bring the two together in your healthy journey to B-FIT4U!? The almighty Breakfast Cooooookie!! It's delicious and packed with all those good for you ingredients...without making you feel like your sacrificing all the goodness of your traditional cookie! And guess what!? They are kid tested! I have picky ones...kids that is, and they LOVE these cookies, and if you know any picky eaters kids or adults, you know this is saying ALOT! So give them a try you will LOVE them too!! And pssst if any of the ingredients seem strange to you or your picky eaters..follow this recipe too a "T" with my little tricks...and you and "they" will never know the flax seed, etc is hiding in there! Ok so big trick here is I take the oats and all the nuts, and I process them into a fine flour in my blender, yep that's it! No one is the wiser and all they get is that chewy goodness (and healthy vitamins it provides) oh and I buy flax seeds already ground which by the way, seem to only come in a big bag, so save the rest by putting in the freezer. It keeps it fresh, doesn't really freeze it so you can pull out a tablespoon here or there to add to cookies, all baked goods, smoothies or sprinkle on your cereal. Soooo good for you and you don't even know it's there! So back to the Breakfast cookies! I am a dump it all in one bowl kinda baker when it comes to these cookies, so take the following below, dump it all in one bowl and mix with your beaters or cuisinart, adding the dried cranberries or cherries and dark chocolate chips at the end. Ready Set Go make them! 1 cup walnuts and 1 cup almonds (measure then pulse in blender until ground up fine) 1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats (pulse in blender until fine like flour) 3/4 cup whole wheat flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 stick smart balance butter 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark) 2 TBS. Ground flaxseed 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 cup soy or almond yogurt vanilla flavor 1 egg 1 cup dark chocolate chips (I like to keep this entire recipe lactose free so I buy chips that have no dairy but do as you please here, we have a lactose intolerant family member :) 1/2 cup dried cherries or dried cranberries Place in one bowl and blend until dough forms, adding dried fruit and chocolate at the end. Place golf ball size dough balls on greased cookie sheet and flatten with palm of hand making perfect round circles, Bake 375 for 15 minutes. Enjoy!! Happy Friday!!~FoodieGIRL

Easy, healthy Fun!

You have all asked for easy ways to get healthy and stay healthy this Summer, and we got you covered! It's easy when Summer rolls around to get a little lax and lazy about your eating habits...a little ice cream here, another cocktail there...you really need to stay on top of your nutritional needs and pick and choose when you will indulge, cause that's important, too! Deprivation does no body or mind any good! You don't have to overeat on all your summer vacations, but you can treat yourself and still stay healthy!! Soooo let's get back to easy! A great habit to adopt this Summer and anytime is salads! Have a salad everyday for lunch and see the change in your energy and physique. And how about packing good for you snacks at the pool or beach? Indeed snacking sensibly on veggie sticks, edamame for protein, fruit and whole grain crackers will keep you refreshed and your energy up! And don't fall into the trap of eating a whole bag of anything...portion out your snacks, calories add up fast. Alcohol..stick to one cocktail or two..nobody needs a beer belly, a wine waistline, or a slow metabolism, ya dig? Keep it light and fresh this Summer while you're on the go! Fitness and Health is a life long wonderful journey with no finish line, just a great attitude to do well for yourself , body mind and soul-B-FIT4U!

Easy Recipes!

We all need easy recipes, right? Smart, delicious and healthy! Well look no further B-FIT4U has got you covered! Easy Peeezy Strawberry smoothie: 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries 1 banana 1 1/2 cups of OJ 1 cup ice Blend till smooth, Enjoy! Roasted Veggies: 1/2 bag of small red potatoes 1/2 head of broccoli 1 red pepper 1 small Vidalia onion 1/2 tsp garlic powder Sea salt and pepper to taste Chop all ingredients to bite size, toss in 3 tbs olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, pepper and garlic powder. Place on greased baking sheet and Bake at 450 for 25-30 minutes or until tender. Yum! Turkey Chili: 1 large Vidalia onion 1 green pepper 2 cloves garlic 1 lb ground turkey 1 Tbs chili powder 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp hot sauce 1 can of diced tomatoes, undrained 1 can red kidney beans, undrained Peel and chop into small bites, the onion, green pepper and garlic. Cook ground turkey, garlic, green pepper and onion in saucepan for 8-10min until browned. Stir in seasonings, hot sauce and undrained tomatoes. Heat mixture until boiling, then reduce heat. Cover and allow flavors to marry for one hour, stirring occasionally. After an hour, stir in beans with their liquid. Heat to boiling again, then quickly reduce heat to low so mixture bubbles gently. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes or until desires thickness. Cooking can be easy and fun! Get creative, get healthy and enjoy those moments in the kitchen, taking control of your healthy eating habits one bite at a time!

Summer Ice Cream addiction!

Who doesn't love ice cream?! In all its glory and flavors, it is one delicious summer treat! But if you are watching your waistline or lactose intolerant, all that temptation can be difficult. So what is a B-fitter to do? Find a recipe that can save you on some fat and cholesterol, that's really awesome if you are intolerant to dairy, BUT still be rich and creamy!!! We got you covered with our double chocolate chip peanut butter almond milk ice cream! Get those ice cream machines ready! 2 cups almond milk vanilla unsweetened, 1/3 cup sugar, 3 egg yolks,3 tsp vanilla extract, 1/3 cup unsweetened Cocoa and 3 heaping TBS of powdered peanut butter (melts into the ice cream perfectly) and 2 dairy free dark chocolate bars. Put sugar and egg yolks in in a bowl with vanilla and blend with your mixer until totally emulsified together into a creamy base. Add chocolate powder and powdered peanut butter (can be found at most health food stores, Whole Foods and smoothie places)Blend until creamy. Add almond milk that has been warmed in microwave for 2 minutes and blend furiously! Put mixture in sealable container and cool overnight. In the morning, place mixture into ice cream machine (Make sure your ice cream insert bowl is frozen right out of freezer before placing liquid ice cream mixture in) Blend for 20-30 minutesbin ice cream machine, or until thick and creamy ice cream has formed, adding dark chocolate candy bar in chopped bits at the end. Enjoy!!! Happy Summer!!-FoodieGIRL

Salad fun!

Salads are a great satisfying way to get all your nutrition in one bowl and feel energized! And during the hot summer months, you don't want anything to weigh you down! Keep in mind portions, even with your good for you salads, and be mindful of using more than 2Tbs of dressing and too many fatty or sugary add-ons like nuts and dried fruit, in moderation only. So get your salad on this summer and feel great! Avocado and Citrus Salad 2 large ruby red grapefruit 1 large orange 2 avocados sliced 5 cups arugula 1/2 cup slivered red onion Vinaigrette 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp honey or agave Salt/ pepper to taste 3 tbsp pine nuts toasted Trim grapefruit and orange of all peel and section into slices. Combine citrus segments with avocado, arugula and onion, tossed in a large bowl. Mix together vinaigrette and toss with citrus/avocado salad, adding pine nuts at the end. Enjoy!!! East Fresh! Eat great!

Eating out tricks to staying trim

Is your eating out habit sabotaging your health quest? The problem lies in your choices....you see every eating out excursion should not be used an excuse to treat yourself from "soup to nuts"....date night, yes, girls night or guys night, yes...but if you have a few of those in a row you need to focus more on the company and fun, and make better food selections. And if convenience is a factor in your eating out habit, whether on your lunch hour, or dinner...again you must think HEALTHY! And no EXCUSES! The reason why your excuses won't work here, is every restaurant offers healthier options these days,even giving you a calorie count. So follow these tricks below to help in your B-Fit4U quest for a healthy lifestyle, and leave that restaurant feeling lighter in your step :) Take half of that large portion home for later, portion control is key! Avoid fried foods, Get a salad and 2tbs of dressing only Go for extra veggies, and less starches, restaurants are accommodating to those requests, One cocktail only, Dessert, share:) Appetizer for dinner, smaller portions here Watch calories, if offered on menu Always B-Fit4U!

yummy snacks!

So when snacking throughout your day, to keep your metabolism revved up and fighting fat, you want to think healthy and filling! Eating a small handful of chips once in awhile is ok, but know what you are doing OR not doing....you are not going to satisfy your stomach for long, you are not eating healthfully, and you've set yourself up for overeating, as you try to fill that hunger. Choose snacks with that salty or sweet crunch you crave BUT with power snacks, filled with fiber and/or protein ...apples, peanut butter (just 2TBS, though) soy crisps, baked veggie fries(snack bag or roasted in your oven), portions of cheese and whole grain crackers, popcorn, greek yogurt, and a delicious favorite,SnapPea Crisps by Harvest Snaps. In flavors like wasabi ranch, black pepper, sea salt and caesar you will LOVE! And with half the fat of potato chips, it's a winner!! So snack sensibly, and keep your energy up all day and your waistline trim!

On the GO go go!

Hello B-fitters! Salutations and all that good stuff! Where have I been...busy! On the GO! But have I forgotten you? No! A few times a year I like you to have time to peruse the blog and catch up on all this healthy, great information before we move on with more. So back to my "on the go" comment, seriously life is busy, mine, yours, everyone's! But good nutrition and taking care of yourself should always run along side that busy. You can't keep up a fast pace without food fuel, so think before you run out that door. Organize your "busy", so life is not chaotic, but full and vibrant! When you say you're busy, be busy and blessed! Don't bite off more than you can chew, your life is by your design! Pair back the unimportant and take on the most important only! Do what matters to you, and you will find peace in the busy. And food food food, pack those snacks for your on the go! Just this morning I have sliced apples, two hardboiled eggs, and a protein bar to take with me. No excuses, you can do this too! Pack a salad the night before for tomorrow's lunch, while you are making one at dinner. Double duty! Organize your life and find peace in the busy, all at the same time. Stay ahead of your meals, and your food choices will not include a drive thru window, ya dig? AND you know veggies are #1, make them a priority! Chop and place in your togo bag for on the go munching! Need a change up snack? Here is a great idea from our reader, Cindy. Cindy's veggie go to for a quick snack or side dish...Asparagus crisps....Asparagus dipped in egg wash, then a flour, panko, parmesan and salt, pepper mixture, spray rack on top of a baking sheet and place asparagus. Bake 400,15minutes and you have a healthy, crunchy, snack! (And you can do the same with any of your favorite veg!) Move over chips, there's a new snack in town! So next time you tell a friend you are busy, reevaluate what that means to you....are you simply busy or fulfilled? Your life, your design, your choices, B-FIT4U!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from B-FIT4U! It's Good Friday and hopefully the sun is shining where you are, or at least in your heart because you have taken your health into your own hands and are on your way through a successful life health journey! Remember this holiday to be mindful of all those yummy eats and chocolate bunnies! Don't use an occasion as an excuse to forget all you have been working towards....a healthier you! So pick and choose this weekend when you will treat yourself and when you will remember serving sizes and portions. You can have all those yummy things if you remember your portion control! I know I have my eye on a certain chocolate bunny but also a plethora of beautiful spring salads and lean proteins all dolled up for Easter, both delicious AND healthy! It truly is about BALANCE in your LIFE from work to play, sleep to exercise activity, and healthy eats vs treats. So choose a balanced life full of healthy choices and remember to always B-FIT4U! Hoppy Easter Bunnies! -FoodieGIRL

Easy quick veggie meals!

Listen we get it, chips are so much easier to grab them a vegetable, BUT that is because you aren't looking at the convenience that the grocery store is begging for you to see! First, crudités platters aka. chopped, fresh and cleaned for you veggies are right there in the deli to grab and stuff in your bag...after you pay for them, of course. Snacks to go! And don't miss the steam in the bag veggie section in your frozen food aisle. We can't think of anything easier than grabbing a bag of these and popping them in your microwave. 5 minutes and you have fresh veg to dress as you like! Our favorite, steam beans, tossed in olive oil, garlic, kosher salt and crushed red pepper, then add a chopped hard boiled eggs and sliced almonds and you have a perfect lunch or dinner! How about brussel sprouts tossed in the same delicious olive oil dressing but add a can of cannellini beans, soooooo GOOOD!! A can of diced tomatoes can easily be tossed with any of the above, too and warmed through in the microwave with a sprinkle of oregano and basil for a delicious veggie marinara. Steamed in the bag veggies don't make it any easier, so no more excuses! With chooses like, carrots, peas, green beans, Brussels, mixed veg, corn, broccoli, etc make veggies the star of your meal, not just a side dish!

ROLL it up!

Sandwiches are the go to norm for lunch it seems, but for your waistline, sandwiches can be a disaster if they are overstuffed! A virtual calorie bomb if you order them from a restaurant, or if you are careless in constructing them with too much mayo or too much meat! So what is a B-fitter to do? Simply, order more veg on that "sammie", mayo on the side to apply yourself or opt for mustard, 1/2 the amount of meat the restaurant gives you and take home in a goodie bag for another sandwich day, AND only eat 1/2, save the rest for tomorrow OR opt out of the bread all together and wrap those wholesome ingredients in a lettuce wrap, saving a ton of carbs and calories! Our fav low-fat go to fav is a lettuce wrap, romaine filled with tomato, lettuce and chicken or turkey, sliced pickle and sweet onion with a light swipe of light mayo. Less calories, less fat, more of a healthier you to love!! You're welcome!

Frozen

Frozen! Not the movie that seems to have consumed us all...although LET IT GO is a great message to release the chains that bind you and live freely in the body you were given. Seriously don't we all need to let some old, negative body images of ourselves go? You are a beautiful creation inside and out, start seeing that beauty and change your perception of yourself. Positivity is a powerful tool to get healthy and stay healthy; believe to achieve because nothing is impossible with a positive mind! It will reflect your inner beauty to your outward beauty and your healthy self will exude all tha glory! So perhaps stop being "frozen", it is time to take that baby step forward. Any direction is UP and will catapult you to a healthier you!

Shake your Shamrocks!

Happy St Patty's Day! Erin Go Bragh (the luck of the Irish) and all those blessings coming your way! The official calendar day of Spring is March 20th....are you still holding onto your winter fur? It is never too late to get moving and eating well, what are you waiting for? Are you afraid that feeling healthy will feel too good? Isn't it time to put yourself first? You are worth it! Don't be afraid to walk taller, feel better, smile more, it is all inside of you waiting for you to release it! So, where do you start? Get outside and take a walk, breathe the fresh spring air! Don't fill that grocery cart with processed foods, it starts in the cart! If it is not in your house, it is not a temptation. Buy foods that are of our Earth. A ton of ingredients? Not of our Earth. Fruit, potatoes, veggies, multigrains, fill up on the good stuff and stop weighing your mind on the bad. Small changes, big successes, one day at a time :)

Why aren't you eating this?

You are hungry, but you are trying to lose weight....what is a B-fitter to do? Follow your checklist! Are you drinking enough water, interval eating every 3hrs, getting enough protein and fiber? You need to fuel your body with energy foods to keep you moving and grooving all day through, and that includes a nutrition plan that satisfies the "hungries"! Get creative with your cuisine and your cravings and waistline will thank you! Losing weight is not about deprivation, but portions, servings, mindfully eating, not grazing, changing old habits into new tasty ones! So stop complaining there is nothing to eat, and start looking at your food differently! Fun ways we are eatng this week to satisfy our salty and sweet side: thinly cut apples to dip into peanut butter that has been warmed in the microwave with a pinch of cinnamon mixed in, hot chocolate, roasted and salted chickpeas, honey butter whole grain toast with raspberries on top, kale chips, roasted vegetables, olives, nuts, sliced oranges, pie apples(microwaved chunked apples with honey and cinnamon), laughing cow cheese as a toast spread, on crackers, or mixed into sauces, pasta and veggies for creaminess without all the fat and calories, soothing cup of herbal tea, steam in the bag veggies(pop in microwave for a quick veggie meal or snack, add olive oil and herbs), popcorn, pretzels, breakfast cookies sweetened with applesauce and tons of oatmeal, nuts, ground flaxseed and cinnamon. See! Eating healthfuly is about a balance between salty and sweet, and filling that need with good food choices! Rework those tastebuds and step into Spring being the beautiful, confident you...inside and out!

Pep talk! You got this!

Hello B-fitters! How proud we are of you today! You are moving, grooving and getting healthy and that is apparent to me from all your emails! You got this! Once you realize that healthy is not skinny, healthy is a beautiful soul exuding from the inside out, then you can take care of yourself, body and mind! Life is a journey, highs and lows are apart of it and always will be. Guess what...so is your health journey! Sometimes you will feel invincible, and sometimes a donut will win...but that doesn't mean you have to fall straight off the good eating wagon. It means you are not perfect, soooo no one expects you to eat perfect. None of us are perfect, I mean how boring if we were! So do your best, keep yourself first, love your body, keep moving forward, find that 30min a day to run, walk, jog, pop a exercise dvd in, yoga, meditate, whatever it takes! And fill your body with food that brings you energy, don't forget serving sizes and portion control...it will make a world of difference in maintaining your successful health journey. And don't forget to smile, it is your greatest strength to get through even the toughest day. You got this!

Alfredo sauce and tomato bisque.... Dairy free!

Hello dairy freeERS and lactose intolerant loved ones, I hear declare today a miracle for you, me, and all things low fat and calorie eclipsing! B-FIT4U has single handedly come up with some dreamy creamy recipes for you that taste like you are jumping into the dairy pond, but you are NOT! So you save your belly a headache if you are intolerant, and you save your waistline and your cholesterol if you are trying to be healthy....which IS what you are trying to do, or why would you be reading this blog, right? Correct! So first tomato bisque easy peeeeasy: in a large soup pot add 2 tbs spoons olive oil, 1 onion chopped, 2 garlic cloves chopped, 2 tsp sea salt, 2 tsps italian seasoning and 1 tsp basil, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (adds a hint of spicy, yum!). Sauté everything until fragrant and translucent. Add 1 can diced tomatoes-28oz, with its juice, 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth if you are vegan, bring to a boil. Stir and reduce heat once boiling. Now add contents in batches to blender to purée, then return to pot. You want a smooth consistency. Now add 1 can of coconut milk ( not the stuff in the milk section to drink, the canned coconut milk) stir until creamy, adjusting salt and cracked black pepper. Now very important, bring back to a boil for about 10-15 minutes until all the liquid contents of pot reduces by half, leaving you with a creamy dreamy bisque! Add croutons and fresh basil to garnish and devour!!! Alfredo: 1 cauliflower head, chopped, 4 garlic cloves, chopped, 1 vidalia onion. Sea salt to taste, 2 cups almond milk, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1 cup vegan parmesan, black pepper and olive oil. Drizzle a a pan with olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Boil water and add cauliflower for about 10min, or until fork tender and drain. Transfer garlic, onion and cauliflower to a blender and add almond milk, vegan parmesan,( I like GO Veggie brand), and blend till smooth. Add back into sauté pan to warm through, and add salt, pepper to taste and additional parmesan if needed to thicken and get that Alfredo creamy creaminess we all love. Toss with your favorite whole wheat noodle and a sprinkle of parsley and you have dinner! Happy weekend B-fitters!!

Winter Snacks!

So yesterday's post resonated with alot of you, and your messages have been great!! Sounds like we are all in the same winter sled of hunger! We want to overeat because it's cold, and we are hibernating like bears!! But what is so wonderful is that you are all really trying to get back onto the spring boat to summer and stop the winter eating binge! And good for you!!! I told you that you got this!! So in an effort to curb the major cravings to overeat, here are a list of snacks to help with the munchies, that will still satisfy your salty or sweet (or both!)cravings and not break your calorie bank, or the button on your jeans ;) So instead of those cookies, chips, candy bars and cinnmon buns, let's try some of these B-FIT4U favs: popcorn, granola bars, cereal without milk is a great crunchy affair, multigrain crackers, sorbet, ice pops, pretzels, bananas or apple with almond butter and a bit of cinnamon, applesauce, whole wheat pita crisps, a bit of dark chocolate on a frozen banana, berry smoothies with lowfat yogurt. These simple swaps will satisfy your salty/sweet, feel like a treat and keep you on track! Happy Weekend B-fitters, you got this!!

Beat that winter bulge!

Can we all agree...it is sooooo cold this winter!!! And weather(hee hee)you are stuck in the snow or the freezing cold temps, suffering from cabin fever, you want to eat! Cold weather just does make you want to hibernate and eat, and well, with spring around the corner, you don't need an extra spare tire on anything but your car, ya dig? So what is one to do when will power as flown to the caribbean and left you stuck under your snuggy blanket with netflix and a bag of chips? YOU remember why you started this journey in the first place, and you man up!! First, exercise can be done in your house, if your stuck there cause of the winter weather! Look up a simple routine on your computer to follow, or use an exercise tape, no excuses! And guess what, they still sell vegetables in the winter, yep! Mind blowing right? So get creative with your comfort food, adding more veggies, instead of cheese, cream, and starchy breads, Don't graze all day long!! Monitor your eats by remembering your interval eating every 3 hrs, 3 meals, 2 snacks. And water, water, water, still stay hydrated even in cold weather! And when Old Man Winter wants to taunt you with indulgence too often, save your fun meal for once a week. It's not a time for deprivation, but winter is also not an excuse to overeat around the clock. Remember what is important to you, health, well being and always Being-FIT4U!

A cup a tea.....a moment in time

Exhausted, tired, running ragged....is this your life? Part of your B-FIT4U journey needs to start with a.....deep breath.....ready set go breathe.... Now sit down, for 10 minutes....we all have 10 minutes. Just think about what is most important in your life....is this rat race you're choosing a good thing? These long, hours, no sleep, do you know what this is causing you to do? Overeat, gain weight and just feel, blah! You need sleep, you need to take a break, you need to remember you in all your busy! And if you say, I don't have time, well that is your choice! You need to make the time! I hear ya, we are all busy, BUT busy is what you make yourself, and time is how you spend it. So take that time, even if it is only 10 minutes every few hours to recharge, reboot, with a deep breath, a soothing cup of tea, a mental break with some mediation and remember your blessings. In the end, your busy will never suffer, but your life will if you don't mindfully take a moment for yourself. And in those calm, quiet moments you will start to eat better, sleep better and B-FIT4U :) namaste B-fitters, you got this!

Spice up your life with a little Puttanesca sauce!

So in an effort to UP my veggie intake in more creative ways, I have adopted the spaghetti squash as my new go to happy little vegetable. It is versatile and so easy to make, so don't let it confuse you with its tough exterior. All you gotta do is cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, making sure to leave all the squashy flesh inside. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt and pepper and then place cut side down on a greased baking sheet. Roast at 450 for 30 minutes then remove from oven, careful it is hot!! I like to let it cool for a minute and then hold each half of the squash with an oven mitt, then one at a time I take a fork to the flesh of the squash and pull it out in downward strokes. This will pull the squash into spaghetti like strings! Add a little more salt and pepper and a pat of butter and some parmesan and you have a delicious meal or side dish! BUT if you want to take this creation over the top.....make a robust and spicy puttanesca sauce to go over top of the spaghetti squash. A delightful and delicious way to stay healthy, cut the carbs and still be ever the bit satisfied! Really! This is addicting! So my method for puttanesca is a little bit recipe a little bit taste as I go, cause I love to adjust my seasonings to my tastbuds, so feel free to make this sauce as spicy as you like it! So in a sauté pan, sauté 2 tbs olive oil, 3 garlic cloves and 1/2 of a small onion, all diced up! Once translucent, add tsp basil, tsp oregano, and a generous pinch of crushed red pepper, and salt and pepper (good sprinkle of both). Then add 2 anchovies, or a big squirt of anchovy paste to the pan and let it melt into the ingredients. This is an important step! Puttanesca gets a robust salty flavor from the anchovies, no worries you won't taste anything fishy! Then the important part, chopped green olives, about 8. Of course you can do capers and black olives instead, a traditional favorite, but the green olives are what I had on hand recently, and they played the part deeeeeliciously! Last, add a large can of diced tomatoes, drained. Sauté all ingredients together until hot and spicy, adjust salt and pepper if needed and crushed red pepper if you want it a bit spicier! Right at then end, before serving I like to take my mashed potato masher and squish the tomatoes a bit to make the sauce a little juicy along with the chunks of tomato. And if you need to thin the sauce out a bit, a little water will do the trick, but make sure it gets warmed through with all the saucy ingredients. All there is to do next is pour a generous portion over your spaghetti squash and tada, you got a dinner that will actually taste soooooo good, you wasn't believe it is making you thinner! Lesson learned here, if you're going to cut your carbs, do it deeeeeliciously!

Game day snacks!

Listen up B-fitters! It is Super Bowl weekend, but whether you are a gamer or not, there are tons of tempting not so good for you treats calling your name when celebrating sporting events! BUT there are better for you options too! So steer clear of falling into a vat of onion dip and choooooose figure friendly alternatives, or at least cut the calories by making better swap outs for your favorites! Salsa is a great dip, pair with a multigrain pita crisp and you have a game day favorite without all the fat! Grab yourself a package of chicken wings and drummies AND bake, don't fry those bad boys! Protein will keep you fuller longer than that chip bowl can call your name!! And chili is great great great!!! You can make it with ground turkey or chicken to cut the fat, and watch adding too much cheese or sour cream as a topping. 1 tablespoon will do ya, on the fatty toppings. And don't forget your beverages....yes games and parties go hand in hand with cocktails, but a 2 drink maximum will keep you lean and mean on game day! Nuts, pretzels, popcorn, are better than all those fried snacks, too! So have fun, be Merry and be mindful of the good food you want to put into your body, then everyone is a winner!

Where is your head at?

Hey, you! Yes you! Listen up, I know you are trying to be the BEST you, you can be! BUT what is with all that self doubt and negative talk!? I'll tell you what it is, head games!!! You cannot play head games with yourself and be the best version of your healthy self. Why? Because you are sabotaging your progress with negativity! Healthy is a choice! A lifestyle choice to better yourself through good nutrition, exercise and wellness. If you want to hang on words like, I can't, I don't know how, I never can do this, and this is too hard, well then it will be too difficult! Because half the battle of weight loss and making good nutrition choices is to feel good about yourself mind body and soul! And you can start feeling better about yourself by being your own cheerleader! You have to be mentally strong to choice healthy! You have to push those negative thoughts away when they want to creep up, and say to yourself, I am STRONG, I am worth it! You are worth it! You don't have to be a certain size to be worth it or a certain weight, you just have to try to do better, be better, try harder when it comes to good food choices. And if you slack off one day, don't beat yourself up mentally about it! Go back to your mantra of, I am worth it! I am strong! I choose healthy because I want to be the best version of me, body, mind and soul! And know that you are not alone! We all stand beside you in this, we all strive to be better. Take one day at a time, this isn't a race to the salad bar, ya dig? Keep focused on your goal and remember to always B-FIT4U :)

Back to the GRIND, calories!

Ok, so listen up! I know you hate to hear this, but isn't hate a strong word? How about seriously dislike......so I know you seriously dislike counting calories, but here's the deal.....IF you don't know what you're putting in your body, then all that exercise is canceled out! YEP! You know the ladies and gentlemen at the gym that have been "lifers" for a decade or two, and yet their healthy doesn't seem to look so healthy? Yep! You gotta get rid of those calories with exercise, and then eat what you need. If you eat more than you need, that is canceling out your fitness routine. This puts your body in a constant state of yo yo dieting! The deal is you have to count your calories at least for one week to be mindful of just how quickly they add up!! 190 calories for 2tbs of peanut butter, 250 calorie protein bar, 300 calories and too much sugar in your latte, it adds up! So count for a week, and see where your calories are going. Can you slim down your latte, eat more fiber filling veggies, and try for 3 meals, 2 snacks, and less empty calories? Don't let your workout be a BUST! Eat less, move more and EAT BEST! Meaning, eat more energy inducing good for you foods that fuel your workout and your lifestyle with good nutrition, and put down the donuts, ya dig?

Cauliflower Mash

I know you're like, what? Cauliflower mash? But really I was a huge skeptic, too!!! Listen up! There is nothing wrong with eating potatoes, or mashing them. In fact, it is easy to slim your mashed taters by using lowfat or dairy free milk, smart balance, chicken broth, etc. BUT sometimes we don't need all that starch, AND we do NEED more less starchy vegetables in our lives, ya dig? SO I tried this cauliflower mash last night, and not only was it sooooooo easy to make with ingredients right around your kitchen, BUT it was soooooooo GOOOD! And I was totally craving mashed taters, SO that is how I knew these were good because it gave me all the dreamy creamy I was needing without the belly bulging effect of taters. Again, you can eat taters, they are good for you too, but more waistline friendly should be chosen more often. like duh?! ;) So all you do is take a head of cauliflower and chop it into chunks. Place in boiling water for 10mimutes then drain and pat dry. Place in a blender with 1 tbs olive oil, 2 palmfuls of parmesan cheese, 1 garlic clove, 1/4 cup chicken stock, 1 tbs smart balance butter, 1 tsp rosemary, and a pinch of pepper and generous sprinkling of kosher salt. Blend till smooth. Really serious yum factor here! And I would place a piece of savory chicken, fish, or even turkey meatloaf over top of this for a cute little meal. And a cup of frozen mixed veggies on the side (warmed and cooked through, of course) and ta daaaaaa, a well balanced meal! (83 calories a serving for Cauliflower mash, this recipe makes four servings) And another great veggie purée is butternut squash! Just take a frozen butternut squash already puréed and microwave until smooth and warmed/cooked through according to package directions. Add to the cooked squash, a handful of parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste and chopped fresh basil. Mix and place on plate. Top with fresh fish or chicken for a beautiful presentation and delicious plate!! It is easy to get those extra veggies in and stay fit and lean, you just got to get creative with your FOOD! A satisfied belly will not stray to the chips in the cabinet later! Ya, dig? :)

ReTHINK healthy!

Listen, I know where your head is at regarding healthy.....you think you have to give up delicious foods....NO way!! That is some crazy talk! I love food, you love food, we all LOVE food, and food should be celebrated, not scorned. You just need to get creative in your cooking and your thinking! You don't have to walk around with a baggie of raw veggies, unless that floats your boat, to lose weight. But you can incorporate more veggies in fun and DELICIOUS creative ways to lose weight and maintain your healthy lifestyle. Vegetables can be tossed into your morning egg scramble. They can be put into your fruit smoothie (and you won't even know they are there!) You can decorate them with teriyaki in a scrumptious stir fry and quinoa, or toss a bunch in your favorite dressing and top romaine lettuce. How about tossing extra veggies into your tuna salad or chicken salad, substituting the fatty mayo for Greek yogurt. And how about a favorite here at B-FIT4U....take a store bought hummus and top with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and shaved carrot, and dip into it with more veggies or your favorite whole grain pita crisp, or cracker. ReTHINK healthy this year by getting creative with your cooking! It is soooooo delicious!

Comfort that won't break your waistline!

Brrrrrr it is cold in this neck of the woods and it got us thinking ALL about comfort foods! Seems natural that when the weather gets cold, we want to eat warm belly warming foods, too! And that is OK, but you must be mindful not to overeat, stick to your portion control, AND slim line those recipes! Yes, indeed every recipe can be made healthier with swaps like almond milk for whole milk, or Greek yogurt for sour cream, you just need to get creative!! And let Pinterest be your friend....it is not just a site for over crafting, ya dig? Ha ha. It is a tool for recipes! Whether you are Vegan, vegetarian, or want to fast from certain things like sugar, dairy, wheat or gluten, it is all at your fingertips simply by putting your recipes preferences into the search engine on Pinterest. And would we leave you without an actual recipe? Of course not!!! This is one of our favs, comforting, delicious, and won't make your waistline bust this winter ;) Barley Bowls (this is a method, not an exact recipe, cook to your tastbuds and season it up!) Quick barley, cook to package directions To the cooked barley, add these veggies.....sautéed in a bit of olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper to taste, spinach or kale, red peppers, butternut squash, mushrooms, and shredded carrots Toss all together with a TBS of smart butter, salt and pepper to taste and a pinch of sage and thyme. So yum!!! And goes lovely with a wild grain or brown rice, too!! Fill those bowls with fiber and nutrient dense veggies this winter, and you won't dread bathing suit season! All the comfort, none of the fat!

Cold days, workout!!

Listen up!!! It is winter, (in case you have been living under a rock), and unless you live in a warmer climate, guess what?! It is only going to get colder, yes colder this next month. Sooooooo be prepared to want to hibernate, not workout, and eat comfy belly bloating foods.....BUT DON'T!! Stick to your spring routine, workout, and no excuses! Exercise videos are a great alternative to being out in the cold, and they are FUN!!! Switch them up and you won't get bored! And keep those comfort foods to a serving only, and pair with tons of veggies, lean proteins and good for you multigrains. And soup soup soup, is a wonderful and fantastic way to stay lean and clean! Pair with a fiber rich salad and you got yourself a fat burning meal! Don't use cold weather as an excuse to bulk up like a polar bear, ya dig? Don't forget to B-FIT4U!