Healthy Lunch Ideas

I am always trying to figure out what to have for lunch that’s easy to prepare and leaves me feeling satisfied. I usually have the same thing, either a non-fat greek yogurt with fruit and granola (a little bit of my homemade granola) or a salad with italian tuna and lots of mixed veggies. These two meals are no-brainers for me and can be eaten at my desk or packed to go. But, I need a change. So, I am going to step up my game and try to incorporate a few new simple ideas that I am sure you will love as well! I am so excited to make this week all about new healthy lunches!
I love salads- and this cilantro lime avocado shrimp is easy and fast to assemble and delicious to eat! Click here for the recipe.
Feel like a wrap. This whole grain wrap with egg and avocado (yes, I can’t get enough of the avocado- it’s creamy and nutty flavor adds life to every meal!) is an easy on the go meal. Click here for the recipe.
I love adding fruit to my salad and right now you can’t go wrong with strawberries and cheese and adding a protein. This recipe calls for grilled chicken but I would love a piece of grilled fish (maybe try salmon). Click here for the recipe.
Kale salads are still “in” and this one is loaded with superfoods that’s easy to make. It is loaded with quinoa, raw almonds, avocado, blueberries, chickpeas, and goat cheese. And it has a lemon dijon honey dressing, Click here for the recipe.

Have any good healthy lunch ideas you’d like to share? I would love to hear from you and share them on my blog!

Amazing Energy Balls

This is the recipe for the best energy balls ever! They are easy to make. They are healthy and taste great- you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Ingredients:
1 cup oats
⅔ cup unsweetened organic coconut flakes
½ cup organic smooth peanut butter
½ cup organic cashew butter
⅓ cup honey
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp flax seeds
1 tsp vanilla
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup dried blueberries
½ cup dried cherries

Mix all ingredients together and roll into balls. Place on parchment paper. Freeze. Transfer to container.
Can be kept and enjoyed fresh for a week - but they probably won’t last that long cause they are that good!  

Sunscreen

I have had a sort of mid-life metamorphis. I have started to use sunscreen. It has only taken me 49yrs to realize how important it is to protect my skin from the damaging rays of the sun. What took me so long (I can hear my mother saying as she reads this). Well, to be honest it is part vanity (I look better with when I am not so tan and I don’t want wrinkles or a part of my face cut off for a biopsy), part common sense (the medical reports flood my in-box with news and information) and part the real life knowledge that skin cancer isn’t pretty (I visit the doctor 2x’s a year for annual skin exams).
Just like everything that life has to offer there are the good and the bad and we have to have a balance. The sun can be good for you- moderate sun exposure can increase the vitamin D supply which helps strengthen bones, muscles, and the body’s immune system. Exposure to the sun can also help with some skin conditions. The flip side (the bad) is that the worst consequence of long-term exposure to the sun is the development of skin cancer. Because the sun damage to the skin develops over years, the older you are, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer.
Being smart is the answer. And there are so many products that line the store shelves for the best sunscreen. I recently found an article in the NY Times sharing the best sunscreen. Click here for the information.
The sun has some great benefits and it does make me feel good - it gives me energy, stamina and it lifts my mood. I am not hiding from the sun, just being smarter. I encourage you to do the same!

Trying Your Best Isn't Always Easy

I know it’s summer and you have been eating healthy and exercising as much as you can but every once in awhile you aren’t as “good” as you intend to be. Temptations are out there- cocktail parties with fun drinks, summer bbq’s and sweets abound. If you overeat, miss a workout, or gain a pound or two, all hope is not lost. Remember how far you've come! Simply return to your healthy habits and recommit to your plan.

Be Confident: Focus on the strategies that play to your strengths and your skills. You have succeeded in the past, and there’s no reason to let a “slip” keep you on the ground. We all know that past experiences (good or bad) are learning opportunities. You can use these opportunities to tackle new goals with optimism.
Get into a Routine: I like to create a “schedule” both for exercise and meals. It helps me to feel more in control of my day and it is easy for me to follow (especially for the short-term). And it keeps me motivated to stay on course.
Focus on what you're adding to your life: Don’t obsess on what your giving up but rather focus on things like the delicious, healthy meals you are eating and how energized you feel after a workout. Feel proud of the success you have made!
Make your program your own: If you try to do what your friends are doing because you want to be like them chances are it won’t work for you. The more you make your program work for you, the less likely you are to rebel against it. Figure out what it takes — within reason — to make your healthy lifestyle pleasurable and sustainable.

As you continue to commit to your healthy life you can enjoy a lifetime of healthier living and a healthy weight!

Get Moving!

The other day I was at the doctor’s office and there was a man filling out a form at the desk. I overheard the receptionist asked if he’d like to sit and he responded that he’d been sitting all day and he’d rather stand. We can all relate to that, right? How much sitting is too much?
Sitting for long periods of time has been linked to a number of health concerns, including obesity and heart disease. Many of us sit at a desk, behind the screen doing whatever it is we do at our desks. Others sit in our car, whether driving carpool or driving to and from our jobs or driving for a living. Many of us have our meals or snack mindlessly behind the desk or behind the wheel. And then sitting in front of the tv is also part of the problem. Sound familiar? What’s the solution?
Here are some ideas:
    1.    Get out and move. Take mini breaks just to get out of your chair.
    1.    Stand while talking on the phone.  
    2.    If you work at a desk for long periods of time, have you ever thought about  a standing desk? I am not sure how I feel about a “treadmill desk” but they are on the market. Click here to see the reviews.
    3.    Take a walk with your colleagues rather than gathering in a conference room for meetings.
    4.    Go out for lunch. And if you don’t have the time to eat out, don’t order in, go and pick it up for yourself.
    5.    Walk to and from your appointments.
Moving, even leisurely movement, can be profound. For starters, you'll burn more calories. This can lead to weight loss and increased energy.
Plus, the muscle activity needed for standing and other movement seems to trigger important reactions related to the breakdown of fats and sugars within the body. When you sit, these responses stall — and your health risks increase. When you're standing or actively moving, you kick the processes back into action.
Hope this has inspired you to get up and go! Especially while the weather is nice, take advantage of it!
 

Beach Magazine

Thank you Beach Magazine for this wonderful feature!

Apple Cider Vinegar

When I was in college, at a party, I could throw back a shot of jagermeister like it was no big deal. As a “mature adult” I gave that up for shots of apple cider vinegar (maybe they taste the same but didn’t leave you with a headache?). I had read that apple cider vinegar was good for your digestive tract and had other healing properties. Who wouldn’t want to do things that made you feel good. We live in a society of “food fads” and so I too drank the “kool aide”. I downed a  shot of apple cider vinegar every day for a few months. I did it because I read that it was good for me. But too much of a good thing is not a good thing.
Here are some ways apple cider vinegar can be harmful if done every day for too many days:
    •    Taking apple cider vinegar every day, especially if you don't drink enough water when taking it in tablet form or if you don't adequately dilute the liquid, can cause throat pain and make it difficult to swallow. This is not a good thing.
    •    Apple cider vinegar can cause potassium levels to fall.  
    •    Apple cider vinegar can cause an increase in episodes of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, in diabetics.
    •    Apple cider vinegar can act as an anticoagulant, or blood thinner.
    •    The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can erode the enamel on your teeth, increasing your risk of developing cavities.
Needless to say I am all for doing things that are good for you. I believe that we should all do as much as we can to feel our best. I don’t mean to sound like a party pooper, and if drinking apple cider vinegar for a week or even two weeks makes you feel better than go for it. But, just know that knowledge is power and that over time, it’s benefits get diminished and can even be harmful.

Healthy July 4th Cocktails

Everyone loves a reason to have a party and July 4th is no exception. For many people, the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July is with friends, barbecue, and a few cold drinks. But have you ever thought about the calorie counts and sugar levels for most drinks? And what about beer? I like to have a good time but it’s not worth waking up the next morning feeling bloated, puffy, and achey.
You don’t have to forgo good food or drinks in your effort to stay healthy. There are plenty of healthy drinks that you can have without feeling guilty.

Here are a few to keep you cool and refreshed and enjoying the party:

• Tequila-Watermelon Refresco- Easy and refreshing. Watermelon is about 92 percent water, but this refreshing fruit is soaked with nutrients. There are significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There's even a modest amount of potassium.
• Red White and Blue Sangria- Loaded with berries which are filled with antioxidants. You can feel good about this drink!
• Pinya- Baya Slushie- This is a non-alcoholic drink that feels like both a dessert and a beverage at the same time! In a large blender add all these and blend: 1 pound of mixed berries, 1 whole pineapple—remove skin and cut up in smaller pieces (you can also used canned but without the sugar water), ½ cup of lime juice, stevia, or raw honey, to desired sweetness, 2½ cups of sparkling or seltzer water, 3 cups of ice.Blend and serve chilled!

Happy Holiday!
 

Snack Time

Snack time is not just for kids. We adults need snacks too! Good snacks satiate hunger between meals which prevent overeating and help to lose weight. Snacks can also be a way to get valuable nutrients you're missing from meals alone.
But, not all snacks are created equal. And timing is everything. So what do I suggest?
Timing: maybe you are someone who likes to eat lunch at 12pm sharp. Then you probably don’t need a mid-morning snack. But if you eat a later lunch, then a small snack before your late lunch is needed. If you eat an early dinner you probably don’t need a snack. Later dinners call for an afternoon snack. You have to find a schedule that works for you. Remember, feeling a little hunger isn’t a bad thing as snacking can prevent that famished feeling that makes people overeat. And eating late at night won't cause weight gain, but overdoing it on your daily calorie intake will.
Include FAT, CARB, FIBER, PROTEIN in every snack. For example, an apple is great, but not by itself. Have a few almonds and you will be set!
Here are a few snack ideas:
Avocado Toast- Take half a slice of whole wheat bread, smear with either some mashed avocado or a few slices and you can top with sliced or mashed hard-boiled egg, some slices of tomato or cucumber and then a sprinkling of chia seeds or sunflower seeds.
Greek Yogurt With Apple and Walnuts- for a snack you don’t need a whole container. You can have a quarter-cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt with half an apple, a few chopped walnuts and a dash of cinnamon.
Banana and Peanut Butter- go easy on the peanut butter (or almond butter or cashew or sunflower butter). One teaspoon is all you need.
Remember, a snack is just that — a snack. It's not a mini-meal. Be mindful that prepackaged snacks like granola bars, protein bars, smoothies, or bags of crackers aren’t always the best option. Think ahead before you have a snack attack!

New Ways to Use Protein Powder

Protein helps build muscle and keeps you satiated, and eating various forms of protein (meat, poultry, fish, soy, dairy) can help you do this. But, eating or drinking protein powder is an easy and convenient way to get more of this vital nutrient into your diet. If you are like most people, you think of protein powder as something you shake up with water and chug down after a workout. And while they’re great for that, there are so many other ways to use protein powder.
Here are some easy ways:
Protein Shake- A traditional shake that I blend one serving of flavored whey protein (I prefer the vanilla flavor) powder with either cow’s milk, almond, coconut or soy milk and any fruit of choice (banana, berries, melon).
Cookies- I know, how healthy can this be? Well, I wouldn’t go an eat the whole tray, but these protein based cookies are a great energy boost! Click on this link for the recipe.
Protein Pancakes- I have never been a fan of pancakes, too sweet and leaves me feeling hungrier than I started out feeling. But these pancakes are a great source of energy and taste delicious! Click here for the recipe!

It's ok to Play!

There have been times, as silly as this sounds, that I am walking to my garden in my backyard or taking a beach walk that I have an urge to do a cartwheel (and let me tell you, I do!). Really, haven’t you had a similar urge? We, as adults, are quite serious- we are workers, thinkers, problem solvers. We strive for focus and efficiency, trying to stay on task. Being an adult is hard work! When my friend told me that her office had ping-pong tables in the middle of the workspace, for a second I thought this was insane! I thought isn’t she too old to be playing pingpong and maybe she should find a new job. I soon realized that having fun at work is just as productive as working. I am not saying to slack off, but rather we all need to laugh a bit more and indulge in playfulness. Free, open-ended, pointless play is important to all of us at all ages. As adults we can enjoy some of the same benefits that children get from play, like enjoyment, release from stress, or enhancement of memory and imagination. Being creative, spontaneous, fun loving and lighthearted allows one to better cope with stress and have an active and healthy lifestyle. In a recent survey, researchers noted that young adults who had played more as children were more likely to be healthy, to eat nutritious diets, and to get regular exercise. We should all let ourselves play more - or at least be more playful.

What to Eat at Nite After a Workout

My husband works late and comes home and often goes to the gym to “unwind” from the day. He returns home and has a late dinner. This can’t possibly be healthy so I have tried to make dinners that are on the healthier side for those late nites.
During your weight training workout you typically break down your muscles and you need the right kind of food for recovery. You need to eat something to replenish nutrients, and help your body recover from physical wear and tear. That means protein and healthy fat (to support your workout and not undo it) within 30 minutes to an hour after your workout. So, what should you eat for a late nite dinner without feeling bloated right before bed. Some great ideas are: tuna salad (hold the mayo), grilled or poached salmon, lentils, eggs, grilled chicken, hummus, and a yogurt smoothie are some options.
Here are some easy meals that don’t require much doing:
    1.    Quinoa bowl- combine 1 cup cooked quinoa with 1 cup roasted sweet potato, 1 cup of your preferred roasted veggies (I like roasted eggplant, zucchini and asparagus),  1/3 cup avocado, and 3 ounces grilled chicken.
    2.    Almond butter quesadilla
    3.    Caribbean chicken salad
    4.    Roasted butternut squash with lentils and walnuts
    5.    Strawberry oatmeal smoothie
What do you like to eat at nite after your workout? Make it healthy!

The Sunshine Vitamin

Happy Memorial Day! The “official/unofficial” start to our summer season! Oh how I love summer! It’s easy to motivate when I feel the warmth of the sun. It’s like instant happiness! That’s why it’s important to get your dose of Vitamin D. Did you know that it’s produced in your skin in response to the sunlight (many call Vitamin D the sunshine vitamin!). Naturally, your body produces vitamin D when it’s directly exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorous, and facilitating normal immune system function. Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases.
Besides getting vitamin D through sunlight, you can also get it through certain foods and supplements to ensure adequate levels of the vitamin in your blood. And, it’s easy to eat fresh fruits and vegetables in the summer time mainly because they just taste better when the sun is out! Some sources of Vitamin D are salmon, sardines, egg (the yolk), shrimp, milk (almond if you don’t do cows milk), yogurt, green leafy veggies, orange juice, whole grain oats (including oatmeal) and nuts.
So now that summer is here- get your dose of sunshine and eat right too! Get happy- it’s easy!

Will Eating Dairy Make Me Fat?

Will eating dairy make me fat? I get asked this question quite often as my clients try to lose weight. There are so many mixed messages as I look through the books at Barnes and Noble and read online. How can one possibly know the answer.
So I try to make it simple. I ask my clients if they like dairy. If the answer is “no”, it upsets their stomach or they don’t like the way cheese smells or the texture of either yogurt or cottage cheese just doesn’t do it for them, then I tell them simply- don’t eat it. There are plenty of other foods to eat that will yield the same benefits as dairy. For example, dark green vegetables such as broccoli can contain high concentrations of calcium.
If my clients say that they like dairy, then I tell them to eat it in moderation. I have to admit, that when I am abroad in a European country, there is nothing better than a fine cheese (not a wedge of kraft) paired with some fruit, crackers and a nice glass of port wine to wind down a meal. But this is not for everyday- it is a simple pleasure. What about gelato? Ok, well, in Italy that’s ok to have, just so long as you aren’t in Italy every month! What about yogurt. Only a non-fat plain (no fruity sugar added) yogurt (I love greek yogurt) and I add my own fruit (or I add it to a smoothie that I make with fruit). I enjoy this for either breakfast or lunch. There is so much protein and tons of vitamins and minerals that it is an easy meal. And, an important note is that yogurt is good for your bones! As we age it is even more important to have strong healthy bones. A good short article found in the NY Times is worth a quick read. And I Iove a bowl of 1% or 2% cottage cheese with either the sweet tropical fruits or berries or as a savory with tomatoes, cukes, and avocado and a slice of whole grain bread as an easy meal or snack.
So, what’s the answer- no dairy won’t make you fat. Eat in moderation and enjoy what is good for you!

Meatless Monday

My family loves meat (steak, chicken, pork). But every week, I make a meatless dinner. I don’t want my family to give up meats, just eat less of it. Fatty red meats and many processed meats are high in saturated fat, which raises LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases risk of coronary heart disease. Research has linked those who ate mostly red and processed meats were found to have the highest risk of breast cancer. In addition, meat consumption is linked to colon, prostate, pancreatic, and gastric cancers.
This should compel you to at the very least eat less meat and more fish and vegetarian dishes. A vegetarian diet is inherently healthful because it is about consuming more fiber and more antioxidant-rich produce. This type of diet is associated with a higher consumption of fiber, folic acid, vitamins C and E, magnesium, unsaturated fat, and countless phytochemicals.
So, for dinner tonite I am making an eggplant lasagna. Click here for the recipe. I will make a tossed arugula salad on the side. It’s so good, you might never want to eat a meat filled lasagna again!

What Kind of Salmon Should You Buy?

I have a few foods that I can never get tired of and salmon is one of them. That is good news. The new US Dietary Guidelines recommends eating at least 2 servings of fish a week. But when I go to the fish market to buy my salmon I am so confused. There are several different types of salmon and I wonder whether I should buy farmed, organic or wild. You may have these same questions and so here are some answers.
FARMED or WILD? You should opt for wild salmon. Why? Environmental groups such as Seafood Watch and the Environmental Defense Fund, have put farmed salmon on their “avoid” list. The reason: many farms use crowded pens where salmon are easily infected with lice, may be treated with antibiotics and can spread disease to wild fish.
What about buying ORGANIC? There is no USDA organic standard for salmon. So if you are buying organic, it’s likely farmed.
While buying WILD salmon is pricey, it is loaded with heart healthy brain boosting omega-3 fats. And the quality of the foods you eat is so important to your health, so why would you want to skimp on that?
There are so many ways to prepare salmon. Here is one of my favorites- it’s a simple sweet glazed salmon dish. Serve with roasted vegetables and a side of healthy quinoa. Click here for the recipe.

Cinco de Mayo 2017

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo (and you don’t have to be Mexican to celebrate)! As I thought about what to make for dinner to celebrate (we will have our feast this evening as tomorrow is Friday and I am sure we will be out on the weekend), I was reminded of how often I get asked if guacamole is good for you? The answer is YES! It should be considered a “superfood”! It has raw garlic, avocados, lime juice, cilantro, onions, and jalapenos..plus some salt and pepper. Some people add tomatoes as well. When I don’t want to go to all the effort of chopping, I just scoop out the avocado and mix it with fresh salsa for my guac.
Instead of eating chips (that are usually heavily fried) with your guac there are alternatives. Try raw veggies: carrots, jicama, colored peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes are just a few. Or you can use it as condiment with grilled chicken, fish or steak. And that’s just for starters. The possibilities are endless of ways to use guac!
What are the health benefits of my favorite fruit? It provides a substantial amount of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA).  They are a naturally nutrient-dense food and contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. Many people think that they should stay away from avocados if they want to lose weight. But, this is not true. Avocados are filling and provide heart-healthy fats, about half your day’s fiber, folate, vitamin A, potassium and more. Avocados are packed full of essential nutrients, and they provide health benefits such as improved heart health, hormone balance, better digestive health and so much more.
So, what’s for dinner tonite in my house? I have crock pot and have never used it! I am going to try this recipe that I found. Looks easy and good! I will let you know! Click here to find the recipe.

A Spring Detox

I can’t believe it’s May! Yeah! Spring is finally here! The trees are budding and the flowers are blooming and I can smell the cut of fresh grass (my seasonal allergies are killing me, but it’s a small price to pay for the beauty of this time of year!). It’s the perfect time to do a healthy detox.

What, not another “no food” or a “liquid diet”? NO- let’s take a good look at habits and set health goals!

With Spring in bloom, don’t you feel like you are filled with inspiration and have more energy to achieve your healthy goals? I know I do! I feel that overall we are more active and more creative (I recently attempted to paint a pair of old jeans, not my best job but it was a lot of fun throwing paint all over my jeans!). In addition, with the nicer weather and longer days, it is easier this season to stick to healthy routines.

So, when I say “detox” I mean a diet- a way of living- that incorporates whole foods and daily activities that support your body.  You will feel increased bouts of energy, eliminate your cravings, lose weight, reduce bloating and get rid of belly fat. Your mind will be clear and focused, your mood will improve and your skin will glow!

Eat whole, real foods: Eliminate processed foods. By this I mean foods with added sugar, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, gluten, soy, and animal protein that come in a bag or box.Stick to organic fruits and veggies for your cleanse. Lots of vegetables, fruits, greens, grains, legumes, and beans.
Go green: Spring time foods consist of dandelion greens, spinach, parsley, watercress, asparagus, peas, fennel, and mustard greens. You can also add in additional dark leafy greens such as kale, swiss chard, and collards. The chlorophyll from the leaves feed the blood, and help your body achieve balance. Therefore, ridding your body of toxins becomes easier. You feel cleaner.
Set your clock: 7-10 days is a perfect time period to feel and see changes in your body. It’s just enough time to really get the full effects of a detox. It takes time to make changes, and your body needs time to adjust to eating differently, getting rid of toxins, and establishing habits.

And don’t forget about sleep and exercise! Getting the proper rest and enough exercise is also fuel for your body during a cleanse.

I can promise you that with this “spring detox”, by flushing out all of the toxins (physical, emotional and dietary) that are left over from the long winter months, you will feel renewed and invigorated to begin the new season. Spring ahead to a new and bright you!

Fiber

Fiber helps you to feel full and maintain a healthy weight. But do you have to drink a glass of metamucil or a big bowl of fiber 1 cereal to get your fill? No, there are plenty of foods that are high in fiber. Here are just a few that I think you will like:
    1.    PEARS- a great fruit that is loaded with fiber. You can eat on it’s on, blend into a smoothie or have with almond butter on a sandwich (using whole grain bread of course!).
    2.    RASPBERRIES- It’s the little seeds that dot the  raspberries that are responsible for raspberries’ high fiber content. Enjoy with yogurt for breakfast, snack or dessert.
    3.    OATMEAL- Oats are a great way to get soluble fiber, the kind that can help to lower your cholesterol. I love to eat a cup of cooked oatmeal with a sliced banana (did you know that you can also add the banana while you’re cooking the oatmeal — it will add to oatmeal’s creaminess) or mixed berries.
    4.    GREEN PEAS- I love peas and they are high in fiber and an easy way to get fiber into your meals.
    5.    ALMONDS- High in fiber and an easy snack. Pair a few with an apple or pear for a morning snack and you’ll be almost halfway to your daily dose of fiber.
There are so many more foods that contain fiber and I am happy to tell you more!

Veggies

Growing up we are always told the importance of eating our veggies. I was a quirky kid- I remember eating salad without dressing, loving peas (only the baby ones out of the can, never frozen or fresh), liking only the stem part of broccoli, would never try cauliflower and the thought of spinach made my stomach turn but I couldn’t get enough of sweet okra gumbo made with stewed tomatoes and corn. At some point as I “grew up”, my tastes changed and I started to like many vegetables (with the exception of collard greens- while my mother is from the south, I couldn’t seem to acquire the taste for this southern style vegetable). The fact is, I can eat vegetables at every meal and eating vegetables for my meal simply makes me happy.
So, are veggies really as important as we were led to believe? Do you have to eat veggies in order to be healthy. Yes, you have to eat vegetables in order to be healthy. They are loaded with important vitamins and minerals that you can’t get by just taking supplements. Vegetables are nutrient dense and can fill you up (not out). But what about the person who really doesn’t like vegetables. Well, let’s look at this another way- maybe you haven’t found a vegetable that you really enjoy. Ok, let’s not be a 5 yr old. Let’s be a mature adult. Let’s try  to find a vegetable that you like and then prepare it in a way that is pleasing. My kids never liked avocado until I started to make it as guacamole and served it with tacos. Voila, got the veggie in! Now, they eat avocado in their salads or on their sandwiches. And red yellow and green peppers taste better in a stir fry (made with chicken, beef or shrimp). I don’t like raw asparagus, but served roasted with melted truffle cheese=heaven! And what about spinach sauteed with mushrooms and tomato in an omelette! There are so many ways to enjoy vegetables, it doesn’t have to be in just a salad (although I love that too!).
Just to show you how to incorporate veggies into your meals, here are 3 of my favorites made with simply veggies:
    1.    GREEN JUICE SMOOTHIE
    2.    CRISPY GLAZED TOFU WITH BOK CHOY (I will add some broccoli and snow peas to the dish as well)
    3.    HEALTHY BANANA ZUCCHINI BREAD
Do you have a favorite vegetable to eat? A healthy recipe you want to share? Or simply want to learn some more ways to eat your veggies and get healthy? Contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com and I would love to hear from you!