Beauty, Nutrition & Health

 

 

Staying Healthy:

 

It's extremely difficult, yet possible, to stay fit!  Especially with so much temptation all around us, in the new restaurants opening up around town!  MyPlate has plenty of resources to help us all stay fit.  They provide resources from: meal plans to BMI calculators, calorie charts to label reading education, to my favorite, the SuperTracker!  The SuperTracker allows you to calculate calories, analyze progress, track your diet and physical activity...and it's FREE!

 

  

With youth, it's difficult for them to understand portion control, and how what we put into our body has an impact on how healthy our body is and our energy levels.  According to a study by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth, 20% of youth between the ages of 10-17 in Northern Virginia are obese.  That's 1 out of 5 youth!  More children spend time playing video games, than being active.  Help them understand about nutrition, by meeting them where they are.  Start by having them play USDA's"Blast Off" Game!  Then get them moving by playing games with them-outdoors!  If it's too cold, check into Planet Fitness' Black Card Membership.  They don't allow memberships for those under 13, but if you have the $19.95 Black Card, you can bring a guest at any time!  The family that works out together, stays fit together!

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Gotta Eat...Breakfast!

 

As a single parent on the go, there are many times I am guilty of skipping breakfast, the most important meal of the day!  I have made a point to purchase more things I can grab and eat on the go, like: granola bars, trail mixes, breakfast bars, and keeping natures ready wrapped snack-bananas, in stock.  However, there are times I wish I could have a home cooked breakfast, prior to going to work.

 

The solution-Frittata!  Frittatas are very pleasing to the palette, and so simple to make, that the kids can help you in the kitchen.  Here's my simple recipe:

 

Ingredients (feel free to omit or add):

8 strips Turkey bacon

16 oz Egg substitute

1 cup Mushrooms

1 cup tomatoes

1/4 cup diced onions

1/2 cup shredded cheese

2 cups fresh spinach

5 slices cheddar cheese

 

Finished Frittata...missing a slice!

Directions:  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  1.  Cook the bacon and dice the slices.  2. In a casserole dish, add all ingredients, except for the egg substitute and slices of cheese.  3. Mix the ingredients together.  4.  Cover the entire container with egg substitute and place in the oven for 40 minutes.  5.  Add sliced cheese, let cook for 10 additional minutes, then serve!  Better yet, save and serve yourself a hot nutritional breakfast for the workweek!

#1 Ingredients in casserole dish, prior to mixing.

#2 Baked, prior to adding slices cheese.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

How often do you pick up dinner for your kids, from the neighborhood McDonald's?  Sometimes, we get so busy with life, that we may make the quick unhealthy decision for our meals, instead of preparing a healthier choice.  Well, it appears McDonald's is planning to help it's customers lead a healthier lifestyle by providing fast, convenient food, and offering a calorie count for items on the menu!  See McDonald's Press Release and Nutrition Progress Report. 

The next time you visit your local "Mickey D's," take notice of the section of the menu (in the drive-thru), that highlights items under 400 calories!  Also, be on the lookout for new menu items, to help make healthier choices at McDonalds!

How many times per week, do you eat at a fast food establishment?