Fitness4Her

Women's Fitness

Salsa Deviled Eggs

By

Just because you are trying to lose weight doesn’t mean you have to forego favorites like deviled eggs. This low-fat favorite can be enjoyed as a side dish, an appetizer or a quick snack. The salsa adds a bit of spicy zing that tantalizes your taste buds.

6 hard boiled eggs
1/4 cup no-salt salsa
2 Tbsp non-fat mayo
Sprinkle with paprika

Directions:

1. Slice each egg long-wise in two pieces and place on plate to make 12 halves.
2. Scoop out yolks and put into bowl.
3. Mash yolks, add salsa and mayo.
4. Spoon into egg whites.

Health Benefits:
A high protein treat that is low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol, low in sodium, low in sugar and low in calories. It’s low on everything that’s bad and big on flavor.

Tropical Chicken Salad

By

Everyone loves this variation of the infamous chicken salad. It’s sweet and crunchy and livens up a sandwich or salad. There’s no need for chips or croutons with this multi-dimensional chicken salad.

2 cups turkey breast, cut-up
4 cups Romaine lettuce, cut-up
1 large red apple, cut-up
Small can of mandarin oranges
1/4 cup dried cranberries
3 Tbsp unsalted walnuts, chopped
3 kiwi fruit, cut-up
Dressing 1 cup jelled whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup frozen orange juice
4 tsp fresh lemon
1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp mustard
1/2 cup chopped pimiento
1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
2 clove garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Combine turkey, apples, cranberries, mandarin oranges and walnuts in medium bowl.
2. In a small bowl mix cranberry sauce and orange juice concentrate.
3. Just before serving mix turkey with dressing.
4. Serve over lettuce and add kiwi slices.

Health Benefits:
Chicken is a great source of protein. It is low in fat, low in cholesterol, low in sodium, low in sugar and low in calories. The immense variety of fruits adds a nutritional twist to this delectable treat. It’s full of antioxidants, the busy woman’s ally for fighting cancer causing free radicals.

Turkey Marinara

By

If you are looking for a way to enjoy the comforting taste of pasta and marinara but want to watch your ingredients, this version of turkey marinara is truly tasty. Many of the jar type marinara sauces found in the grocery store are laden with sugar, but fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion and Italian seasoning can give you the same flavor with a lot less calories. Remember to remove the smell or garlic from your hands, just rub them along the surface of a stainless steel sink or use a stainless steel bar, sold at department and kitchen specialty shops.

4 oz cooked lean turkey
1 small onion, chopped
1 small tomato, chopped
2 tsp crushed garlic
1 to 2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 to 4 tsp olive oil

Directions:

1. Saute onion on medium heat.
2. When onion become transparent, add tomato pieces.
3. Add turkey and garlic.
4. Saute all ingredients for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Serve over whole-wheat zita.
6. Top with 1 scoop low-fat ricotta cheese.
7. Enjoy with a salad on the side.

Health Benefits:
A great source of protein, antioxidants, and vitamins. This dish is low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol, low in sugar, low in calories and low in sodium. Garlic provides anti-inflammatory benefits that protect the heart and other organs in the body. It can also help the body to metabolize iron more efficiently and is a natural aid in digestion.

Shrimp & White Bean Salad

By

This is an elegantly beautiful salad as well as being delicious and nutritious. I’ve had varieties of this dish at restaurants, but I like to serve it at home because it’s quick and easy and I have complete control over the ingredients and the serving size.

11/2 lb. of shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 Tbsp minced garlic
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt & pepper
1 bag cleaned spinach
(1) 15 oz. can of cannellini beans

Directions:

1. In skillet saute garlic and oil.
2. Add shrimp and cook till pink, 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Add drained beans.
4. Add pinch of salt & pepper.
5. Serve over fresh spinach.
6. Squeeze lemon and use for wedges.

Health Benefits:
Cannellini beans are a good source of cholesterol lowering fiber, while spinach is packed with iron to build strength. This dish is low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol, low in sodium, low in sugar and low in calories. It is an excellent salad for those watching their waistline.

Plan Ahead To Eat Healthy

By

Carefully planning your meals in advance will ensure you have the right ingredients on hand to prepare healthy, nutritious meals. Making a plan will help to balance your meals so you get the right amount of vitamins and minerals in your diet. It’s also a smart way to save money when you do a little planning before you head to the grocery store.

Make a chart for the week and decide what you want to eat for each meal. Be flexible if you think you might dine out for any of the meals. Think about foods you want to prepare and take an inventory of the ingredients that you already have. Make a list of the items you need to buy. Don’t forget about snacks. Add foods to your list that you want to keep on-hand for quick snacks. Fruits, nuts, and cheeses are all healthy foods that are easy to eat on the run.

Select a variety of menu items so your meals never get boring. Browse through cookbooks or surf the Internet for different recipes you can prepare. Don’t be afraid to try cuts of meat that you may not have cooked before. Substitute sautéing for frying and grilling for baking to cut calories while adding a touch of versatility to your presentations. Look for ways to prepare foods that will lower excess calories, salt, sugar or saturated fat from foods you have sworn off from. Experiment with herbs and seasonings to give your food that gourmet taste.

Colorful food, like peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, beets and squash decorate the plate and taste great. The array of colors adds excitement to every entrée. Enjoying your food is as important as the nutrition you get from it. Love your food and get the most out of every bite.

You don’t have to stick strictly to your plan, but it’s always helpful to have one in place. If you decide to dine out rather than eat in, you can always postpone each planned meal by one day or use the time-sensitive ingredients like produce and meat as soon as you can. Raw veggies are great on a salad, so if you don’t have time to cook them just toss them together and have them for lunch or a side dish at dinner.

To ensure healthy eating at every meal, plan ahead. Even when dining out, make a mental plan of what you want to eat. Eat a small apple and a full glass of water before the meal if you are afraid of overeating. Go easy on the bread and appetizers so you get the most out of your main meal. Planning ahead will always help you to eat healthy no matter where you dine.