Saturday, December 29, 2007

Diet - Breakfast Casserole

The morning after the biggest party night of the year calls for some serious sustenance and it’s all about kicking the New Year off right. Who needs a culinary hassle? We've got just the answer: a healthy dish that can be prepped or prepared days ahead of time so you can enjoy the first morning of the New Year.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp canola oil
1 14 oz. tube soy sausage
¼ C. chopped onion
1/3 C. red bell peppers
1/3 C. green bell peppers
1 small can mushrooms
½ tsp. salt
16 oz. egg beaters
1 lb. frozen hash browns (thaw)
Fresh ground pepper
2 C. reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat 2 tsp. of canola oil in skillet on stovetop and brown soy sausage. In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients: onion, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, salt, egg beaters, and soy sausage. Coat a 9x13” casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread hash browns over the bottom of the casserole dish. Pour the mixture over the hash browns. Add some fresh grated pepper. Top with reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy or refrigerate and re-heat at desired time!

Servings: 8, Fat: 7.8g, Calories: 240


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Healthy Living – Helpful New Year’s Resolution Tips

It's easy to make a New Year's resolution to be fit and get healthy, but it's equally as easy to let that resolution slip away. Here are some tips that will help you keep your promise to yourself.

1. Choose an attainable goal. A body builder’s chiseled abs and physique aren’t realistic for most of us, so be realistic when choosing your personal goals. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is setting yourself up for failure year after year!

2. Put together a plan. Now that you’ve chosen your goals, sit down and think about how you’re going to achieve them. All successful plans start with a mission and specifics on how to get the desired end result. Write a personal plan that is customized to fit your lifestyle and you’ll be more likely to succeed.

3. Break it down. A big goal can be extremely intimidating. Set smaller goals and shorter timelines that you can achieve throughout the year. An easy way to do this is to forecast where you think you should be so that you will be on track at to meet your big goal at the end of the year.

4. Make it a habit. On average, only about 20% of us keep our New Year’s resolutions and the bulk of those failures are fitness resolutions. It only takes about 3 weeks to create a habit and 6 months for it to become just another part of your daily life.

5. Reward yourself. If you’ve found that 2 months have passed and you’re still going strong, treat yourself to something special. Choose carefully! Instead of a piece of cake, try a professional massage.

6. Don’t do it alone. Everyone needs help and sometimes a friend just isn’t enough. Sometimes the help of a trained fitness professional is just what you need to improve your success rate.

7. Stick with it! You’ll be happy with yourself when you do!


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Sunday, December 9, 2007

Get What You Really Wanted for the Holidays from Fitness 4 Home Superstore

Oops! Did you not get what you wanted this holiday season? Well, we can’t think of a better gift for you than one that promotes good health and fitness! You could use a new piece of home fitness equipment that will help you get in shape and start the New Year off on the right foot.

Here are some ideas from Fitness 4 Home Superstore that are sure to kick-start the New Year:

The Ab Coaster design features a curved track that mimics natural spine flexion allowing anyone to perform an abdominal lift in perfect form, regardless of their fitness level. It promotes core stabilization while exercising the abdominal muscles through a full range of motion. An ergonomic carriage places you in a comfortable kneeling position, virtually eliminating any hip flexor involvement.

The True ES9.0 O Treadmill was voted “Best Home Treadmill” by Treadmill Doctor. The many features of the True ES9.0 O make it superior when it comes to durability, performance, innovation and cost. With its ingenious Heart Rate Control system, the True ES9.0 O maximizes your workout benefits, overcomes the fitness plateau and never lets you over- or under-train -- it’s like having a personal trainer available 24 hours a day!

The True PS900e Elliptical Cross Trainer is another “Best Buy” voted by Treadmill Doctor. This self-generated, light elliptical trainer is designed for maximum performance and comfort. Like our featured treadmill, the True PS900e Elliptical also features the patented Heart Rate Control system, allowing for maximum efficiency in reaching fitness goals. The smooth, front-drive motion provides a low-impact workout while delivering great results.

The Spirit XBR55 Recumbent Bike is considered a “Best Value” product from Fitness 4 Home Superstore. It is an extremely compact recumbent bike with easy walk-thru access design. The Spirit XBR55 provides 20 levels of resistance and oversized cushioned foot pedals with an inward slant for a natural feel.

The Tuff Stuff AXT-4 Home Gym offers a 360-degree “free-form” allowing complete freedom of movement. This lets anyone at any fitness level experience their own natural abilities, range of motion and resistance paths. The AXT-4 also offers an optional high-low pulley system that adds the dimension of a full functional trainer. The unit is light-weight, ergonomically designed and space-efficient – perfect for any home!

PowerBlock Dumbbells are the world’s best dumbbells! They are the most compact and easiest to use quick-change dumbbell – the most versatile and effective exercise tool ever developed for strength training. With PowerBlock Dumbbells, you can have rapid access to a whole rack of dumbbells at home in the space of just one pair!

So, give yourself and your family the gift of great fitness and good health in the New Year with home fitness equipment from Fitness 4 Home Superstore!


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Healthy Living –Take the Stress Out of the Holiday Season

While the holiday season is usually a time full of joy, cheer, parties and gatherings, for many it can lead to loneliness, anxiety and stress. In fact, the stress of the holidays can deliver a blow to mood and energy levels, even in people who are not normally susceptible to depression. Here are some quick tips that will help you take the stress out of the holiday season:

1. Exercise. Get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and work out that built-up anxiety.

2. Be realistic about what you can achieve and expect from the busy holiday season. Spread out your activities to lessen stress and increase enjoyment.

3. Prevent money problems – don’t create them. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is your time and that’s free!

4. Do things for others. It’s always a great time to volunteer.

5. Spend time with supportive and caring people. Reach out to old friends you haven’t heard from in awhile.

6. Avoid excessive drinking – it will only increase feelings of depression.

7. Look ahead to the New Year and plan ways for you to enjoy the next chapter in life!


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Diet – Hoisin Chicken Canapes

Every time you turn around, there’s another holiday party on your calendar. Sure, they’re a ton of fun, but it’s hard to stick to your diet when you’re surrounded by tempting foods that aren’t in your plan. Next time you head out for a get-together, bring along your own healthy fingerfood. Try this recipe for Hoisin Chicken Canapes – everyone will love them!

2 T. Hoisin sauce

2/3 C. cabbage/carrot mix, shredded

1 T. peanuts, chopped

2/3 C. cooked chicken, finely chopped

Dash of hot sauce

2 medium cucumbers, halved lengthwise, seeded and cut into thirds


In a medium mixing bowl, stir together Hoisin sauce, cabbage mix, peanuts, chicken and hot sauce. Spoon mixture evenly onto cucumber slices. You can refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!



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