Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar & Honey

Have you tried apple cider vinegar yet?  Hopefully not by itself.  It is NOT tasty on its own (in my opinion).  However, it has some GREAT health benefits and I have a recipe to make it a little more appealing to your taste buds.

I saw this recipe on a website and it had come from Dr. Oz.  I know not everyone out there likes Dr. Oz, but I for one reallllllly like him.  His books with Dr. Roizen are fabulous, easy to read, and offer humor on serious subjects.  I like that.  Anyway, so this is from Dr. Oz and it is super yummy if you like grapefruit at all:

Mix 8 oz. grapefruit juice with 2 tsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp of honey. 

I drink it before breakfast several times per week to get that apple cider vinegar in!

Some of the touted health benefits of apple cider vinegar include:

• Helps tame tummy troubles and prevents indigestion
• Helps maintain healthy skin
• Relieves muscle pain from exercise
• Helps control weight
• Promotes digestion and ph balance
• Helps soothe dry throats
• Helps remove toxins
• Supports a healthy immune system

The above is my favorite apple cider vinegar recipe, but I have seen people drink it as a shot or put into a salad dressing.  What's your favorite way to get in some apple cider vinegar?

Eat well,
Bri

Summer Time Salads

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, let's officially call this swimsuit season.  Some of you have been working hard to feel and look good in that swimsuit (maybe a few extra pure barre classes?), while some would rather wear that cover up. It's all about confidence, ladies, and one way to stay confident in that swim suit is to eat light before you head out to the beach, pool, or lake.  

Nutty Nix Up Salad
(I hate food pics b/c the food never looks
as good as it really is)

One easy way to eat light, but not feel starving is to fill up on a summer time salad. One of my favorites is the Nutty Mix Up Salad from Jason's Deli (the smaller portion with dressing on the side).  This creation can easily be made at home though, too.  Here are a few keys to keep in mind for that light salad:

1. Have a nutritious base.  Fill up that bowl with spinach or spring mix.  These greens are full of antioxidants & vitamins.
2. Include plenty of protein.  To keep you full on your outdoor adventure, choose a protein source like chicken, shrimp, salmon, or boiled eggs to top your salad with.
3. Go nuts!  I personally like walnuts or slivered almonds, but add whatever nut you want.  Most nuts are full of healthy fats and some even have omega-3's, which we all know are great for the heart.  Healthy fats also help slow down your digestion (leaving you fuller longer). 
4. Color it up.  Add a colorful fruit to the mix like fresh blueberries, strawberries, or mandarin oranges.  Or if you prefer dried fruit, add raisins or cranberries.  Adding a carbohydrate from fruit will give you a little more energy & keep you from crashing later on.  Plus, can I say more vitamins?  Seriously, fruits & veggies provides so many vitamins & minerals that your body is probably rolling out the red carpet for them as we speak.
5. Keep your dressing on the side.  It is so easy to over pour dressing, which of course adds calories.  Keep your dressing on the side  & either dip as you go or sprinkle dressing on as you need it.  A little goes a long way!

What is your favorite summer time salad?

Eat well,

Bri

Just Add Lemon!

Add a lemon to your beverages & favorite recipes!

Ever tried warm lemon water first thing in the morning or a tall glass of iced water with lemon in the afternoon?  Ever tried lemon chicken or put lemon in any other favorite dish?  Sure, lemon looks pretty by adding a touch of color to your beverage or food dish & adds flavor, but it also has some health benefits.

We all know water is great for us and we should drink more of it.  Heck, our bodies are mostly made of water too.  But what if drinking a little warm water every morning with lemon juice squeezed from about half a lemon boosted your immune system, made you feel a little more energized, cleansed the body from toxins, and aided in daily digestion?  Would you try it?  I know I would.  You can't get more simpler than a lukewarm glass of water and half of a lemon.  I learn best from other people and what I have found is that people are liking the results they get from this little trick.  Some even say it helps their skin glow & clear up any impurities!

Lemon water not your thing? Add some slices to your favorite baked chicken recipe!  I bake chicken in chicken broth and plenty of sliced lemons below and on top of the chicken.  I then put whatever spices I am feeling for that day (thyme, oregano, & black pepper to name a few) & bake the chicken for about 40 minutes or until no longer pink.  Lemon really does add some good flavor!

Lemons are in the peak of their season in May, June, & August!  Lemons have vitamin C & are said to have antibacterial properties too.

So now when life gives you lemons... make lemon water!

Eat well,

Bri