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#140Wednesdays: What’s Your Favorite Healthy BBQ Pick?

July 4, 2012 at 11:55 am
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Grilled corn and veggies? Yes, please! (Photo by Peter Ardito)

Written by Lisa Turner, editorial intern

Ahh, Independence Day. Sunshine, fireworks and enough delicious food and beer to put a roadblock on all that progress you’ve made on your summer routine. Hey, you haven’t been working at the gym for a rockin’ bikini bod just to throw it away on hot dogs and apple pie!

We asked our Twitter followers what kind of healthful indulgences they’ll be digging into to celebrate the Fourth of July. If these aren’t mouth-watering enough, check out these healthy summer grilling recipes to find your next barbecue favorite.

@thebendigirl: @FitnessMagazine my fav healthy pick for BBQ is grilled corn on the cob with chili powder sprinkled on it, turkey burger & watermelon

@redcurlgirl: @FitnessMagazine lots of fresh fruit #140Wednesdays

@Michaela_J_: @FitnessMagazine watermelon and grilled veggies!!

@FITNESSjenna: Planning on making one of these recipes this week! Thinking the grilled avocado with salsa :) http://fitm.ag/j9Xvnp

Now tell us: What’s your favorite healthy barbecue food?

Fit Links: The Benefits of Busting Your Workout Rut and a Top Stress-Less Secret

June 1, 2012 at 2:43 pm
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If you always jog for exercise, try yoga or strength training. You may learn something about yourself! (Photo by Denise Crew)

This week’s fit links from around the web:

6 Tricks to Stay Slim All Spring and Summer Long

April 26, 2012 at 12:15 pm
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Burgers are still on the menu. Just balance them out with a side of veggies! (Photo by Peter Ardito)

True, the traditional “eating holidays” like Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday occur during the colder months. No matter the month, though, diet disasters are sure to pop up. That’s why Karen Ansel, a registered dietitian in Long Island, New York, decided to write her new book with CNN diet and fitness expert Melina Jampolis, M.D. The Calendar Diet: A Month to Month Guide to Losing Weight While Living Life shows readers how to fit in their skinny jeans—and make smart, healthy choices—from Valentine’s Day to Cinco de Mayo to Halloween.

Here are Ansel’s top tips to outsmart seasonal diet traps:

  1. Pack travel snacks. “For car trips or when you’ll be staying at a hotel, bring energy bars and portion-controlled bags of nuts, crackers and dried fruit. This way, you won’t be as tempted by fast food restaurants or the hotel mini bar.”
  2. Store pantry staples. “The key to maintaining a healthy diet when you’re busy is a well-stocked pantry so you don’t dial for Chinese takeout on a busy evening or when you’re just back from a trip. Items like pasta and beans last a long time and can make a nice meal in a hurry.”
  3. Order drinks on ice. “Frosty drinks, like sweetened iced teas and margaritas, can increase your calorie total for the day very quickly. Ask for plenty of ice and order your margarita on the rocks rather than blended. It’s automatic portion control and will keep you from downing glass after glass too fast.”
  4. Skip the chips. “With Cinco de Mayo and outdoor picnics approaching, keep in mind that a few big handfuls of tortilla chips can be 500 calories! I tell me clients to skip them because it’s really hard to stop after just a few. Cut red and yellow peppers into strips and dip them into a mix of salsa and guacamole.”
  5. Go fish. “Shrimp fajitas and fish tacos are wise choices whether your hosting a barbecue or dining out. Skip the cheese and pile on veggies for a filling, satisfying meal.”
  6. Plan ahead. “It’s all about balance. If you know your dinner is going to be heavy on macaroni salad and hamburger buns, try to get plenty of protein, fruits and vegetables in your breakfast and lunch.”

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