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Cool Off With 4 DIY Desserts For Hot Summer Days

June 14, 2012 at 12:06 pm
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What a fun way to get your antioxidants! (Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market)

When the weather warms up, our tastes naturally veer toward lighter, oven-free fare. Whole Foods Market’s Health Starts Here program has dozens of low-calorie, refreshing ideas to help you fit in your fruit and vegetable servings all summer long. Here are four of our favorites, all of which will please a crowd!

Double Grape Slushies

Serves 4

  • 1/2 cup concord grape juice
  • 1 cup seedless red or green grapes
  • 1 cup honeydew melon chunks
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  1. Pour juice into a blender. Drop in fruit and ice.
  2. Put the lid on and blend until smooth.

Nutrition information per serving: 60 calories, 0 g fat

It takes just minutes to whip up healthy, protein-packed ice cream. (Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market)

Banana Nice Cream

  • 2 bananas, sliced and frozen
  • 1 cup unsweetened soymilk
  • 2 tablespoons smooth almond butter or peanut butter
  1. Put bananas, soymilk and nut butter into a blender.
  2. Puree, turning off the motor and stirring the mixture two or three times, until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour into two bowls and serve.

Nutrition information per serving: 280 calories, 13 g fat

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Fit Links: The Strong Woman Workout and Saving Dough at Whole Foods

February 10, 2012 at 4:12 pm
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This workout has flex appeal! (Photo by Karen Pearson)

    This week’s fit links from around the web:

  • Are you tough enough? One TV anchor takes on a fitness class that rivals the strong man competitions. — Today Show
  • “Whole Paycheck” may be a misnomer. One woman proves that you can eat well and eat frugally at the popular grocery chain. — Diets in Review
  • Do you phone it in at the gym? Three reasons to unplug. — FitSugar
  • Serve up a heart-smart breakfast for your Valentine to show them how much you care! — Eating Bird Food
  • If you find yourself skipping workouts without a second thought, try one of these seven ways to keep yourself accountable. — A Healthy, Happier Bear
  • Because one can never have too much workout music…one blogger’s favorite songs for the gym—both classic and contemporary! — Carrots ‘N’ Cake

    • Save Cash and Calories with a Bowl of Goodness

    January 3, 2012 at 12:25 pm
    By

    Losing weight and saving money are two New Year’s resolutions Americans return to again and again. These are abstract goals, so planning small action steps, say, signing up for a bootcamp class or having $50 from each paycheck directly transfer to savings, can help make these resolutions a reality. Another option to help you reach both of these goals? Visiting Whole Foods…Really!

    The natural and organic grocery is launching Bowls of Goodness, a program that teaches you how to make a easy and healthy breakfast for about $2 or a savory and satisfying lunch or dinner for about $4. Simply stock up on a few pantry items, spices and a bit of fresh produce and you’ll have all you need for meals that will keep both your waistline and wallet happy.

    A few basics Whole Foods Market recommends keeping on-hand for quick fix recipes:

    • Whole grains: brown rice, millet, quinoa, steel-cut oats, whole-wheat pasta
    • Beans: black beans, chickpeas, lentils, white beans
    • Colorful vegetables: avocado, bell pepper, corn, kale, spinach, sweet potato, zucchini
    • Protein: bison, chicken, grass-fed beef, salmon, tofu
    • Milk or non-dairy beverage: almond, hemp, rice, soy
    • Fruit: fresh, frozen or dried
    • Nuts and seeds: almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds
    • Herbs, spices and condiments: basil, cilantro, cinnamon, honey, hot sauce, nutmeg, parsley, oregano, salsa, vanilla

    Here are a couple recipes to get you started. And click here for our top 10 budget-friendly grocery items!

    Pomegranates are in season now—a smart money-saving move! (Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market)

    Spiced Apple Oats 

    Serves 3

    • 3 cups unsweetened almond milk
    • 1 cup steel cut oats
    • 1 to 2 apples (depending on size), diced
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
    • ½ cup pomegranate seeds
    • Cinnamon to taste
    1. Bring the almond milk to a boil. Stir in the oats.
    2. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer about 20 minutes or until creamy and tender, stirring occasionally.
    3. Remove from the heat and stir in the diced apple and nutmeg.
    4. Serve topped with pomegranate seeds and a dash of cinnamon.

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    Fit Blogger We Love: Beth’s Journey

    September 22, 2011 at 3:58 pm
    By

    Beth rocks her medal after completing her half-marathon last September.

    Flip to page 26 of our October issue and you’ll see the smiling face of Beth Klein, triumphant and healthier than ever after losing 88 pounds. Not only has she transformed her life, but she’s also sharing her day-by-day experiences, struggles and triumphs on her blog, Beth’s Journey.

    We caught up with this cardio queen to learn more about her healthy must-haves and her top treat.

    On my fit life list: Run a marathon and complete a triathlon!

    My favorite way to work out: Outdoor yoga, running or doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.

    5 things I can’t live without: Coffee, my Asics, Whole Foods, my camera and my family and friends.

    My fave fit snack: Low-fat cottage cheese with defrosted frozen berries.

    My biggest indulgence: French fries! And I’m not talking about the baked kind…

    Do you have a favorite fit blogger you want us to highlight? Leave a comment below or email blog@fitnessmagazine.com.

    Fun Blockbuster Film-Inspired Recipes

    August 4, 2011 at 10:54 am
    By

    Who can forget Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates? Or Meryl Streep’s mastery of the kitchen as Julia Child in Julie and Julia? How about Violet Beauregarde transforming into a blueberry in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

    Similar iconic film food scenes etch themselves in our memories, and eating and movie watching often go hand in hand for viewers too. On the Upper West Side of Manhattan, one Whole Foods location is celebrating this partnership next Wednesday with a special in-store tasting tour. Guests will be able to stop by different stands spread throughout the grocery store’s floor to sample dishes inspired by favorite summer blockbuster movies.

    You can throw a similar event at your home by whipping up these recipes that will also be served at the Whole Foods tasting. Get your Netflix queue ready now!

    Chocolate Almond Smoothie

    If you use frozen bananas, you can skip the ice. (Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market)

    Serves 2, Inspired by: Like Water for Chocolate

    • 1 ripe fresh or frozen banana, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
    • 6 ounces vanilla soy yogurt
    • 3/4 cup vanilla soy milk
    • 2 tablespoons almond butter
    • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
    • 1 tablespoon finely ground flax seed
    • 1 tablespoon evaporated cane juice
    • 1 tablespoon chocolate protein powder
    • 1/2 cup ice cubes
    1. Combine ingredients in a blender and mix at top speed for about one minute or until smooth.
    2. Pour in glasses and enjoy.

    Nutrition Information Per Serving: 310 calories, 14 g fat (1 g saturated fat)

    Grilled Salmon with Mustard Glaze

    Omega-3s have never tasted better! (Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market)

    Serves 6, Inspired by: Ocean’s Eleven

    • 6 (6-ounce) skinless salmon fillets
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1/2 cup honey
    • 1/3 cup dry mustard
    • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 1/4 teaspoon tamari
    1. Prepare a charcoal grill. When charcoal is hot, spread around the coals for an even heat source.
    2. Season the salmon fillets with salt on both sides. Place the fish on the grill and cover with the grill lid. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, without turning.
    3. Mix honey, dry mustard, oil and tamari to make a thick glaze. If needed, thin just a bit with water to glaze consistency.
    4. During the last 3 to 4 minutes on the grill, brush fillets with the glaze. Turn fillets and replace cover until salmon is finished cooking.
    5. Transfer to plates and serve with grilled veggies, steamed spinach or a green salad.

    Nutrition Information Per Serving: 510 calories, 25 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat)

    More from FITNESS: Cook like a gourmet chef with these seven dishes created by top chefs like Wolfgang Puck.

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