November Health Tips

• Keep a journal to record positive changes that you've made.
• March in place during your next phone conversation to get more steps in your day.
• Try a half cup serving of peas with dinner tonight. This will give you more fiber than a bowl of oatmeal.
• Looking for ways to save calories this Thanksgiving? One less bit of pecan pie can eliminate 115 calories.
• Focus on family and friends during your holiday parties rather than the food being served.
• Change up your side of fries for a salad when dining out.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to reduce your chance of spreading germs.
  

White Chicken Chili in Acorn Squash

This is what I made for dinner last night and it was not only healthy but delicious! When you read the recipe, you'll probably wonder why there aren't any spices and be tempted to add some - DON'T! I followed the recipe (almost) exactly and it was perfect!

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large red onion, chopped
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (I boiled two breasts and chopped them)
1 can tomatoes with Mexican spices
1 can black beans, drained
1 cup frozen corn kernels
4 cups chicken broth (I used probably two at the most)
1 cup prepared salsa
1 small bunch of spinach or Swiss chard, cleaned and chopped (I omitted this)
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (also omitted)
4-6 oz shredded Mexican cheese

In a large pot over medium heat, add oil and onion. Saute onion until just translucent. Add chicken, tomatoes, beans, corn, broth and salsa. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer 20 minutes, then ad spinach or chard and cilantro. Sprinkle cheese over the top as a garnish.

What I added was bake an acorn squash cut in half (guts removed) with cooking spray and salt and pepper on top for around 30 minutes and serve the chili in the open squash half.

YUMMY!

Foods that boost your immune system

(from USA Weekend)

• Lemons restore the body's acid-alkali balance, maintaining natural pH levels that support healthy bacteria instead of the viruses that thrive in acidic conditions.
• Green tea and white tea are a powerful duo, stimulating and aiding your immune system in the disease-fighting process.
• Kidney beans and chickpeas contain the necessary daily protein required for a strong immune system.
• Brazil nuts are the No. 1 source for selenium, an antioxidant that helps rejuvenate our bodies and kill off germs.
  

October Tips

• Stick with an exercise program for a month. This will make it easier to keep to your routine.
• Read a good book for inspiration.
  
• Make only a few large trips every month to the store to lower your grocery bill.
  
• Going out for dinner? Decide what you are going to order ahead of time if you are familiar with the restaurant.
• Add meaning to your life - volunteer.
• Try to cut back on your caffeine consumption.
  

If you have time to kill, peruse the 2010 Zagat survey. Five Guys has the best burgers hey? I still haven't been there! I guess I better now.

Quick Tips

Make fruits and veggies about half of what you eat at every meal.

Shop the edges of the supermarket rather than the middle.

Need a little energy in the afternoon? Drink a glass of icy cold water.

Looking for a healthy snack? Try 3 graham cracker squares topped with 1 tbsp of peanut butter.

Start a monthly dinner club with friends.

Cut 100 calories a day to lose 10 pounds a year.

Well I guess this link doesn't need much of an introduction. I saw this smoothie recipe on TV today and thought y'all might want to try it. Let me know how it works out for you!