https://youtube.com/watch?v=OInjFPj3vTc%3Flist%3DPLONuAjeQtHicCTDffd-XtyimYtsPwDBpa
How to Lose Weight
Start to Finish: Pasta Primavera
I LOVE pasta and I was not about to give it up when I eliminated wheat from my diet. Instead, I use brown rice pasta for all my pasta dishes. This pasta primavera is one of my favorites and it is super healthy! I used brown rice fettuccine this time but I often use angel hair—both are great.
The ingredients are simple. All you’ll need is brown rice pasta (any shape you crave), broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, garlic, tomato, fresh basil (optional), salt, black pepper and olive oil spray.
In a large pot, bring water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions. In a large saucepan with steamer basket bring one inch water to boil and add broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini and yellow squash and steam until tender. Set aside.
Coat a large skillet with extra virgin olive oil spray and heat on medium. Add tomatoes and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add steamed vegetables, salt and pepper, and cook for an additional minute. Top angel hair with vegetable mixture.
Super simple! I hope you enjoy and please let me know if you try this recipe.
- 8ounces brown rice pasta(fettuccine or angel hair)
- 1cup broccoli florets
- 1/2cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2cup sliced zucchini
- 1/2cup sliced yellow squash
- 1/2teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1large tomatochopped
- 1 clove garlicminced (optional)
- sea salt
- Ground black pepper
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions.
- In a large saucepan with steamer basket, bring 1" of water to a boil. Steam the broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, and yellow squash in the basket for 5 minutes, or until tender. (The time depends on the individual vegetables. The mushrooms will be tender before the squash, for instance.) Transfer to a colander to drain. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Cook the tomato and garlic (if desired), stirring frequently, for 1 minute. Add the steamed vegetables, season with salt and pepper to taste and cook for 1 minute. Place the pasta in a serving bowl and top with the vegetable mixture.
Start to Finish: Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
I find stir-fry to be an easy way to get a load of nutritious vegetables all in one meal. The great thing about making stir-fry at home is that you can make an often unhealthy dish (loaded with oil) a healthy one.
What you’ll need: Chicken breast, brown rice, olive oil spray, garlic, onion, broccoli, snow peas, baby carrots, bean sprouts, baby spinach, soy sauce, chicken broth and salt.
Pre-heat your wok on medium heat, coat with olive oil spray, and combine onion, garlic and soy sauce.
Cook 1 minute, then add chicken and chicken broth, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add carrots, broccoli, snap peas and half of the water and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Add bean sprouts, spinach and remaining water, and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.
Cook rice according to package directions. Serve stir-fry over rice and enjoy!
- 1cup uncooked brown rice
- pinch sea salt
- 1/4cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
- 1teaspoon vegetable oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halvessliced into 1/4
- 1tablespoon minced garlic
- 2teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2cups broccoli florets
- 1cup snap or snow peas
- 1/2cup chopped carrots
- 2cups baby spinach
- 1cup bean sprouts
- 3 scallionschopped
- Cook the rice according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the broth and soy sauce or tamari. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and swirl the pan to coat. Cook the chicken, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it browns and is partially cooked. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, for 15 seconds. Add the broccoli, peas, and carrots and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Add the spinach, sprouts, scallions, and reserved broth mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and divide among 4 plates. Spoon the chicken mixture over the rice and serve.
It’s Never Too Late!
It’s never too late to change your lifestyle. Small changes, no matter your current age or fitness level, can drastically impact your overall health. I first met John “The Penguin” Bingham in 1998. I was the president of a sports nutrition company based in San Diego, and John was one of our best customers who later became a good friend and one of the company’s ambassadors.
John was in his forties when he finally decided he could make some real changes to his eating habits and his activity level. A self-proclaimed “overweight couch potato with a smoking and drinking habit,” John had no idea that he would one day run more than 40 marathons and inspire scores of others to get off their couches. But John set his mind to losing weight, and his “I can do it” attitude helped him surpass his initial goals. Nearly 20 years later and 100 pounds lighter, he’s one of the greatest weight loss success stories I’ve encountered. He’ll tell you it all began with the courage to change, prompted by the crucial decision to believe in himself. John is now in his sixties and has impressively kept the weight off.
Often people in their forties, fifties and sixties assume that it’s too late to change their behavior and habits. But in fact, this is the perfect time to make changes. Later in life, we finally realize that we truly control our own destinies. Losing weight might not come as quickly or effortlessly as it did in our twenties, but it can be so much more rewarding.
Mary Kay Andrews, a New York Times best-selling author, was in her mid-fifties when she decided to change her diet and curb her emotional eating habits. Although it proved a constant battle, especially while traveling on book tours, Mary Kay managed to lose 70 pounds by eating fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats as well as by limiting processed foods and sugar—her trigger foods. In the summer, the season when her book deadlines usually occur, she often finds the scale creeping back up. Focusing on a clean diet and drinking plenty of water has enabled her to get back on track.
When I asked Mary Kay what losing weight means to her, she said, “It’s about eating healthy, feeling better and having more energy. I want to feel good about myself while I am enjoying life.” Mary Kay is a great example of how it’s never too late to change your eating habits and to successfully lose weight. Mary Kay changed her life, and so can you!
No matter how much weight you need to lose, no matter how out of shape you feel and no matter your age, I believe you can improve your life. Just believe in yourself and take the first step.
Mango and Avocado Salad
This salad recipe is amazing as a side to a meal or as a satisfying snack. You'll taste a perfect balance between sweet and savory…yum!
- 1 mangodiced
- 1 avocadodiced
- 1large tomatodiced
- 2tablespoons lime juice(freshly squeezed)
- 1tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4teaspoon salt
- 1/4teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1tablespoon Italian parsleystems removed (optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper and set aside for dressing.
- In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Top with dressing, toss lightly and serve.
Setting Realistic Goals Can Help New Year’s Resolutions Stick
Not surprisingly, New Year’s resolutions are top of mind this time of year. Many of us are setting goals around self-improvement, financial success and relationship. But merely setting the goal may not be enough. Before you embark on your journey to achieve your goal or goals, you need to clarify goal specifics. Following these 10 simple tips can help any New Year’s resolution stick!
#1: Clearly Define Your Goal
Your weight loss goal needs to be well-defined and given an assigned time frame. For example, having a generic weight loss aim isn’t as effective as articulating the goal to lose 45 pounds by March 1. The probability of achieving success increases when you hone in on a well-defined goal with a target end date. Making goals clear and specific helps you to achieve them.
#2: Make it Realistic
Make sure you set realistic intentions. Your goal should be challenging but also achievable. There’s nothing worse than setting yourself up for failure. If your goal is to lose weight, it should be one that gets you to a healthy weight for your body, disregarding futile hopes of resembling a supermodel or Hollywood superhero.
#3: Write it Down
Write down your goals and refer back to them often. Mount your goals somewhere you’ll see them on a regular basis like your bathroom mirror. “Out of sight, out of mind” really is true. Keep your goals top of mind!
#4: Make It Your Own
It might go without saying, but make sure that “your” goal is not someone else’s. Too many people get sidetracked by what others want for (or of) them. You have to really want the goal. If your husband wants you to lose weight but you feel perfectly content as you are, the likelihood of achieving the goal is much lower than if you want the change for yourself.
#5: Break it Down
Break down your big goal into several small goals. Each milestone or short-term goal will get you closer to your final mark, yet the process will feel less daunting. For example, if you have a goal to lose 30 pounds, attempt to lose the first 10 pounds by a certain date, the next 10 pounds by a later date and so on.
#6: Review It
Review your goals on a regular basis and monitor your progress. Praise yourself when you’re on track. If you happen to fall off, figure out what steps need to be taken to get moving in the right direction once again.
#7: Share It
Share your goals with others. Just telling someone else about your ambitions makes them seem more real and makes you feel more accountable. It may also help you garner support for your goals, which will make the challenging days feel easier.
#8: Adjust It
Be prepared to reevaluate your goals, and make minor adjustments as needed along the way. Also, try not to get caught up comparing yourself to others.
#9: Know Why It’s Important
Write down why it’s important for you to reach your goal. No matter the reasons for your goal, exploring the root of your desire and seeing the answers in black and white will help keep you motivated.
#10: Reward Yourself
Reward yourself for a job well done. If you have achieved your goal or are on the right track, celebrate yourself. Just make sure your reward is in line with your long-term goals. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, food may not be the best “prize”. Instead, reward yourself with a new pair of shoes or a smaller size pair of jeans, get your nails done, or buy yourself a new lipstick. It doesn’t matter how big or small the reward, just acknowledge your hard work and the achievement.
Whether you have a weight loss goal or other challenging goal you hope to achieve, following a few simple steps can help you achieve your goal with ease. What are your goals for 2014?