Healthy Tip of the Day: Best and Worst Foods for Losing Weight

Here's a link to an article featuring the best and worst foods to eat when trying to lose weight:

http://fitbie.msn.com/slideshow/best-and-worst-foods-diets/slide/4

No surprises here. Some of the best foods are walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, and yogurt. Try making yourself a parfait including your favorite nut and yogurt. Delicious, and will keep you satisfied longer to ward off more snack runs! Also included, whole grains and leafy greens, which are rich in vitamins and fiber!




Amongst the worst? Salty and fried foods like french fries, sugary drinks such as soda, and foods loaded with saturated fats, like processed meats.


Have a great day!

Exercise of the Day: Plank Punches

Ah yes, planks. Love them or hate them, they do wonders for your core and are great for shoulder stability. 

Of the many variations of the planks that are out there, the one I'm loving right now is the plank punch. This exercise is going to work your shoulders, arms, glutes, and, of course, your entire core. Take your time with this one; it's extremely important your nail the form perfectly before you start trying to speed through it!

1-Begin in High Plank position. Your shoulders, elbows, and wrists are in line with one another, and your back is flat, creating a flat line from the top of your head to your heels. Really engage your core and your glutes.

2-Raise your right arm and punch your right hand forward, punching out from your forehead. Keep your core as still as possible, resisting any tipping to the left or right that may occur from throwing off your balance.

3-Lower your right arm down back into its starting position, shoulder, elbow and wrist aligned, and immediately raise your left arm, punching it forward, even with your forehead.

4-Repeat the alternating punches, resisting any tipping movement in your core, for 1 minute. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat!

ENJOY!

Healthy Snack of the Day: Avacado and Greek Yogurt Dip

July 4th! The day of Bar-B-Qs and side dishes galore, which usually means veggie platters and chips. With these sides also comes the heavy and creamy dips. Try a healthier option by making your own dip from fresh ingredients and using Greek yogurt. You can easily play around with the recipe to make it your own and work with all people's tastes. The recipe I have here comes from Two Peas and their Pod http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/creamy-avocado-yogurt-dip/

It includes jalapeno pepper and cumin to spice it up a bit, but again, play around with your own approach and then serve it with pita chips or some veggies to keep your sides at the holiday get together not only delicious, but healthy too!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
2 ripe avocados, peeled and seeded
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon finely chopped seeded jalapeño pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Place the yogurt, avocados, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and cumin in a blender or food processor. Mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
2. Scrape dip into a serving bowl and serve!

ENJOY!!