Dessert Food Swap…

Wow - I think I will have to try this over the weekend!  Since we all know desserts/sweets are my enemy!

Instead of: Ice cream  Eat this: Frozen banana

The body benefit: Replacing a huge splurge with fruit is a win-win. You not only sidestep tons of sugar, but you score plenty of potassium, folate, and vitamin C. If you have a few minutes, you can even throw the banana in the food processor to give it the same creamy, spoon-able texture as your favorite soft serve.

Until Monday - Keep thinking veggies and protein!

The Sandwich Ingredient You Need to Stop Using NOW…

One common food that I see a lot of is the use of mayonnaise on sandwiches. I often say that if you actually knew what was in mayonnaise, you probably wouldn't eat it. With egg yolks, sugar and salt topping the ingredient list for most popular mayonnaise varieties, it's clearly not a choice that will make you more healthy and beautiful.  Although there are many varieties of mayo today, from vegan versions to ones made with healthier oils such as olive or canola, the one tip I often give when it comes to adding more zip to the sandwich is to look beyond mayonnaise to other, more beautiful spreads-ones that provide just as much taste and a whole host of health benefits to go with it. 

The easiest most convenient swap is mustard.  Even the cheap yellow kind!-is one of the most beautiful spreads out there. Why? Because it's got lots of turmeric-a spice (main active ingredient, curcumin) that's been linked to everything from improving liver health, decreasing the risk for certain cancers and even helping as a treatment for tendonitis. Use mustard on sandwiches or mixed into canned salmon or tuna for a yummy seafood salad option.  

Be creative and try a black bean, avocado or even an edamame hummus spread. There's a beautiful world beyond the calorie- fat- and sugar-laden mayonnaise. Your sandwiches-and your body-are screaming out for a different choice.

B-ball Palm Rotation…

I call these “Madonna” arms!  I also do these with 3 pound weights!  Stand with feet a little wider than hip-width, arms extended out to sides, palms down as if palming a basketball (A). Leading with pinkie, rotate arm forward from shoulder socket until palms and elbows are facing up. (B). Reverse motion, this time leading with thumb.  Do 30 to 40 reps.

Nutrition Labels…

The proposed changes to the nutrition labels on foods have officially been released by the White House, and they look GREAT! The calorie count is now HUGE, and the servings-per-container section is in larger, bold lettering. Also great: Serving sizes should start to become more realistic. We can't wait for the new labels to hit the shelves

Spinach - An Artery Cleansing Food…

The potassium and folate found in spinach can help lower blood pressure, and according to recent research, one serving of nutrient-packed leafy greens (like spinach) a day can help reduce your risk of heart disease by 11 percent. Enjoy some in salads, omelets, and smoothies.