Can Drinking Water Really Help You Lose Weight?

💦💦 WATER 💦💦

We ALL need it! But how much AND does it really help you lose weight, lean out, etc? Well here ya go! I watched an excellent video the other day with tons of tips and studies explaining how and why it DOES! Here's a bit of it! I'll be hosting a ⚡️⚡️ FREE⚡️⚡️ Water group in a few weeks to help motivate you to CHUG 💧! If you'd like more info, send me a message through this site, in Facebook, Instagram or via email at ellieperico@aol.com! Now....for the details!

Can drinking water help you lose weight/cut fat?

Here are some studies that have been done that prove YES!

1. Drinking half a liter or 17 oz of water increased metabolism from 24-30% for 1.5 hrs!

2. Drinking water before a meal decreases appetite = you eat less!

3. Half a liter before meals lead to 44% more weightloss than people who didn't drink before meals!

4. All metabolic processes that take place in your body work more efficiently with adequate water intake. Think of it in car terms, as the oil for your engine.

How much water should I drink per day? 

The general rule is half your body weight in ounces. So, if you're 150 lbs you need AT LEAST 75oz. More if you're exercising and/or sweating for any other reason, hence losing extra water. 

What if I'm bloated? Do I drink less? 

If you're bloated, that's an indication that you're bloated. DRINK water. It seems ironic but that's your body's signal to give it H20! It retains any water you have anticipating it may not get any for some time. Similar to when you don't eat.

People think if you don't eat you'll lose weight. Not necessarily. Your body's metabolism will slow down and it will create fat stores. 

Should I drink tap, filtered or bottled water?

Ideally, the best option is getting a good quality filter and drinking filtered water from a BPA free bottle. Stainless steel is a great option. It's been estimated that 205 million Americans are drinking contaminated water, including tap AND bottled water filled with pollutants, fluoride, heavy metals and even prescription drugs! 

Bottled water is no better either! I've been drinking bottled water for years and after reading this, I'll be finishing all of the water bottles I have at home and permanently switching to only BPA free bottles like my kids use

.

They did a study that women who had higher BPA levels in their body weighed 40 lbs more than women who didn't. The BPAs are coming from bottled water, plastic containers for food, etc.

Water in general will help with weightloss not only to make you eat less but to make the body function better as a whole. Your digestive system will work better, you'll have more energy, skin will improve and you'll have less headaches. 

So remember, water is a CRITICAL part of your weightloss and/or fitness routine. Drinking water alone won't shrink your belly BUT drinking water and combining that with a proper diet and fitness routine will lead to success, NO doubt! 

Remember, if you'd like to join me 💧💧 WATER ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP 💧💧 contact me! I may be adding a bonus free meal plan with recipes and snack ideas along with daily nutrition and fitness tips just like I do in my client paid groups! JUST in time for summer 🌞👙💦

Benefits of Warm Water with Lemon in the Morning

Lemons are vitamin C rich citrus fruits that enhance your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within bringing a glow to your face. One of the major health benefits of drinking warm lemon water is that it paves the way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy.

Lemon Water Flushes Out Toxins And Is Extremely Beneficial For The Body
Warm lemon water serves as the perfect ‘good morning drink’, as it aids the digestive system and makes the process of eliminating the waste products from the body easier. It prevents the problem of constipation and diarrhea, by ensuring smooth bowel functions.

Nutritional Value Of Lemons
A glass of lemon juice contains less than 25 calories. It is a rich source of nutrients like calcium, potassium, vitamin C and pectin fibre. It also has medicinal values and antibacterial properties. It also contains traces of iron and vitamin A.
Lemon, a fruit popular for its therapeutic properties, helps maintain your immune system and thus, protects you from the clutches of most types of infections. It also plays the role of a blood purifier. Lemon is a fabulous antiseptic and lime-water juice also works wonders for people having heart problems, owing to its high potassium content. So, make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of warm lemon water in the morning and enjoy its health benefits.

16 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water

1. Lemon is an excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies
2.  Lemons contain pectin fibre which is very beneficial for colon health and also serves as a powerful antibacterial 
3.  It balances to maintain the pH levels in the body 
4. Having warm lemon juice early in the morning helps flush out toxins 
5. It aids digestion and encourages the production of bile 
6.  It is also a great source citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium 
7.  It helps prevent the growth and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria that cause infections and diseases 
8.  It helps reducing pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid 
9.  It helps cure the common cold 
10. The potassium content in lemon helps nourish brain and nerve cells 
11.  It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute 
12. It helps balance the calcium and oxygen levels in the liver In case of a heartburn, taking a glass of concentrated lemon juice can give relief
13. It is of immense benefit to the skin and it prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne 
14. It helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems 
15. Aids in the production of digestive juices 
16.  Lemon juice helps replenish body salts especially after a strenuous workout session

Packed with all the goodness, make it a point to begin your day with a glass of warm lemon water. Its cleansing and healing effects will have positive effects on your health in the long run. However, it is very important to note that when lemon juice comes directly in contact with the teeth, can ruin the enamel on the teeth. Hence, it is advised to consume it diluted and also rinse your mouth thoroughly after drinking lemon juice.

Via Food Matters 

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Looking for a healthy, nutrient packed dinner the whole family will love? Try my Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers. They take a little prep time but they're well worth it. If you know you won't have time in the evening,  you can pre make the turkey filing, stuff the peppers and leave them ready in your fridge to pop in the oven for 10 minutes when you get home.  In one meal, your family will get lean protein from lean ground turkey, antioxidants from pasta sauce, nutrients from fresh bell peppers, healthy carbohydrates from organic brown rice or quinoa and cancer fighting elements from garlic!

Ingredients

Approximate prep time: 1 hour
-- 4 Bell Peppers (any color)
-- 1 lb. Jennie-O lean or extra lean ground turkey (plain, taco or Italian flavor)
-- 2 cups of marinara sauce (homemade or your fave in a jar!)
--1 chopped onion (optional)
-- 1 cup rice or quinoa (optional)
--2 tablespoons of garlic
-- 1/2 cup shredded cheese or 4 slices of cheese (provolone or mozzarella)

1. Begin by rinsing and hollowing out your bell peppers. Try to use bell peppers that are large and round so they can sit well in a glass baking dish. After they're hollowed out, you can either bake them on a cookie sheet for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees to soften them up OR boil them. If you boil them, you'll need a large pot.  Place them in the large pot covered in water. Bring water to a boil and let the bell peppers soften in the water for approximately 15 - 20 minutes.  Once they are done, remove them from the water and place them in a square glass baking dish. For me, baking is easier :)

2. While the peppers are softening, make your rice or quinoa as you normally would. You can make it in a rice cooker or a pot.  Typically it's two parts water to 1 part rice. I make 2 cups of it. Sometimes i have some left over that I just save and eat as a side dish.  It's up to you how much rice/quinoa you want to add. I like mine with about 3 parts turkey to 1 part rice/quinoa.
.

3. As the peppers are softening and rice/quinoa is cooking, brown your onions and garlic (if you want to add them). Garlic is optional.  I add garlic to almost everything but not everyone likes it in this recipe so it's up to you. If bell peppers are on sale and I buy a few extra, I also chop a bell pepper or two and brown it to add to the turkey filling along with the onions and garlic. Adds a little more substance,  flavor and veggies to the recipe.

4. After browning the onions and garlic, cook the ground turkey. I place the chopped onions in a pan for a few minutes then remove them, put them aside in a bowl and cook the turkey in the same pan. Once the turkey is cooked, I add the onions and mix it together.  If you buy the Jennie-O Taco or Italian turkey you won't need to add seasoning but if you buy the plain you may want to add taco seasoning to give it some flavor.

5. Once the rice/quinoa and turkey with onions is prepared, mix it together and add as much or as little of the marinara sauce as you'd like. I typically add about 1/2 cup to a cup but I don't measure. I just go by how I like the consistency.  You are now ready to stuff your peppers. 

6. Fill each pepper up to the rim. Pour a little more sauce on top of each pepper so that it drips slightly down the sides. Then add a dash of shredded cheese or you can add a slice instead. It depends on what I have on hand :). Sometimes all I have in the fridge is string cheese so I grade that and it works just fine ;)

7. Once topped with cheese, heat the oven to 375 and bake for approximately 7-10 minutes or until cheese melts and is a golden brown. Remove from heat, let cool and serve. Enjoy!

*For a low carb option, do not add the rice and stuff simply with turkey and onion blend. Sometimes I make a few of each.  Low carb for me usually without rice/quinoa and rice/turkey for my kiddos. I prefer the rice or quinoa on the side as a side dish :) Hope you love 'em! Comment and let me know what you think! 

Still Haven't Started Working on Your New Year Goals? It's NOT too late!

It's not too late! Yes, January 1 has come and gone but you can still get on track and start fresh with us tomorrow

Meal plans ✔️ Recipes ✔️ Meal prep guides ✔️ Shopping lists ✔️ Snack ideas ✔️ 1:1 coaching from me ✔️ Daily fitness & nutrition tips ✔️ and more

If you're up for it, send me a message, text me 818-632-6969 or email me at info@fitfluentialmom.com! 

Tips to Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain!

Every holiday season, you try the same old drill. Stuffing? Don’t need the extra carbs. Eggnog? No amount of nutmeg can hide all that fat and alcohol. Pumpkin pie? Too many calories… delicious, creamy decadent calories. Nope, this holiday season, you’re going to stick to your nutrition goals!

But have you ever been successful in doing that? How many times have you gazed miserably at the dessert table, avoiding it like the Plague, only to eventually give in? Come January, you’ve eaten everything you said you wouldn’t — and then some.

You’re not alone. The average American ate 32% more over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend alone. Despite your best efforts to keep unhealthy food out of your line of sight, with all of the social events, candy corners at the office, and tasty sabotages (i.e. gifts, from friends), you simply cannot control your environment as well as you can during the rest of the year. Regardless of all the oaths and intentions, most of us still gain weight during the holidays.

So how do you stay 100% committed to your nutrition plan during the holidays? You don’t!Trying to stay completely on track during the holidays may be the exact thing that causes you to gain weight.

There are several possible reasons for this. The first is the Forbidden Fruit Effect (or Theory of Psychological Resistance). You always long for whatever it is you can’t have. The deprivation itself makes holiday food all the more tempting. Your brain also perceives that you’re being punished and you end up in a battle between the side of you that has promised to stay in control and the side that wants no part of the food restriction. Guess which side typically wins?

The second cause is the Law of Dominant Thought, which says the focus of your thoughts will affect your choices, behaviors, and achievements. There is a reason why health experts recommend you clean out your cupboards of unhealthy foods. Out of sight, out of mind right? Unfortunately, during the holidays, indulgences are constantly in your sights — and therefore at the forefront of your mind. When you spend the day obsessing over not snacking on peppermint bark, you can’t be surprised when you go through the whole tin in one sitting. Where your mind goes, energy flows. Constant exposure to unhealthy foods, combined with the alcohol that often flows freely at holiday events, can make you more likely to overeat.

The third culprit that contributes to holiday binge eating is stress. The planning, cooking, decorating, and managing schedules of the holidays may push you to crave comfort foods — anything high in fat, sugar, and/or salt — that temporarily calm your nerves. But, in the end you end up more stressed from the disappointment of not being able to fit into your “skinny” jeans.

So, now you know what’s going on in your head during the holidays. So how can you overcome all of these influences and keep off added holiday pounds?

The solution is the Holiday Hall Pass. This sweet indulgence allows you to make the most of the holidays, with five safeguards to prevent you from getting too crazy. These safeguards — let’s call them holiday helpers — create an environment that evokes positive emotions that calm the negative ones you experience when you attempt to deprive yourself.

Holiday Helper #1: Exercise a little bit every morning.
The first little helper is a pre-performance morning exercise routine. Spend at least 20 minutes doing anything active: FOCUS T25, PiYo, walking the dog, whatever it is that you do. During typical weeks, fitness experts recommend one day of rest, but during the holidays, it’s best to be active every single morning to stay consistent. It can be an all-out workout or a simple physical activity to create a positive tone for the day, helping you keep off the stress.

Holiday Helper #2: Keep a journal.
If you simply write down what you do and feel throughout the day, you’ll become aware of your choices, causing you to continue to make good ones. Through writing, you bring a little logic back into the equation, which helps you overcome your emotional tendencies.

For maximum results, journal immediately before you show up to a holiday event. Write down what you’ve already eaten that day and how your choices have made you feel. If you’ve already chosen to eat unhealthily throughout the day, the awareness you bring through this journaling process will help you to create a plan of action for the upcoming event. It’s not about saying to yourself “Well, I’ve already ruined this day so I’ll start again tomorrow,” but rather asking yourself what one positive thing you can achieve at this event to feel good about yourself and the choices you made.

On the other hand, if you have been eating healthily so far and are energized and proud of yourself, bringing those thoughts and feelings to the present moment will enhance your opportunity to be mindful about what you choose to eat at the holiday event.

Holiday Helper #3: Don’t let yourself get hungry.
You should graze every 2–3 hours. Whether it’s a full meal or just a light snack. Keeping your metabolism up and your stomach satisfied will prevent you from becoming too hungry. You won’t end up with plates of food you have to haul away with a forklift if you aren’t starving when mealtime finally rolls around.

Holiday Helper #4: Set holiday indulging intentions for yourself.
Remember, this isn’t about denying yourself anything delicious; your intentions simply set the scene for an enjoyable-yet-controlled feasting experience. You can choose to allow a small indulgence with each meal, whether it be one piece of cake or a few little cookies. You can also choose to go ‘all out’ for one special night. Also use attentional cues — pre-made questions pre-programmed and scheduled in your smartphone to help you stick to your intentions. Some examples of attentional cues are: Are you proud of your food choices so far today? Would the people who want you to succeed be happy with your choices? Are you giving all the effort you can to following through on your plan? Does this food taste better than how your body looks/feels when you’re healthy?

Holiday Helper #5: Be easy on yourself
Feeling guilty about indulgences only amps up the stress, leading you right back to the second and third serving of turkey and cranberry sauce. Enjoy your holiday and indulge without beating yourself up.

By Dr Haley Perlus via the Beachbody Blog

Banana Nut Protein Packed Overnight Oats

🍌Banana Nut Overnight Oats🍌
Super easy and delicious breakfast you can make ahead and have ready in the morning! The following recipe yields 2 servings.

Ingredients

Vanilla Siggis Yogurt
1 cup SteelCut Oats
1cup boiling water
1/2 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
1 Tbsp PB 2 
2 tbsp crushed walnuts
1 Banana (sliced)

Directions

1.  Pour the oats into a bowl, pour the hot water on top and allow the oats to soak it in for about 15 minutes.

2.  Mix in the vanilla Siggis until well blended and thick. If you don't have Siggi's, you can use pain Greek yogurt with vanilla extract but the creamy, rich, thick texture of Siggi's is the BEST! .

3.  Blend in the vanilla Shakeology, PB2 then cover and leave in the fridge overnight until the next day. In the morning, heat it up, top with crushed walnuts and enjoy. You can also top with hemp seeds.
 
4.  If you want to eat it immediately as a late night snack, you can do that do that too. It's one of my fave foods.

5. If you don't have Shakeology but would like some, let me know and I can get you some samples!

If you're doing the 21 Day Fix, this recipe would be:
1 yellow (oats)   
1.5 red (yogurt & Shakeology) 
1 purple (1/2 banana)
1 orange (crushed walnuts  & PB2)

9 Foods That Can Sabotage Your Diet

If you have a cheat meal or eat unhealthily every so often, that isn’t so bad (we try and follow the rule of eating an 80% clean diet). But, what if you’re eating badly and don’t know it? Sure, you stay away from deep-fried Oreos, but is your favorite “health food” snack keeping you from reaching your goals?

Here are nine foods that have successfully disguised themselves as “diet-friendly” foods. Don’t let them fool you.

Granola
Shocked? Granola is often touted as an outdoorsy health snack. Yet, it’s super high in calories and many variations are loaded with sugar and saturated fat.
Solution: Go raw. Muesli is basically just raw granola and it tends to have less sugars and oils—but just in case, always read the label. If you are trying to lose weight, make sure to measure to keep your portion size reasonable.

Frozen Diet Meals
Frozen dinners are not as healthy as they advertise. Though many are low in calories (most range from around 240–400 calories), they are highly processed, lacking in nutrients, and brimming with sodium. Although they may seem convenient, you give up a lot in exchange for the convenience of a three-minute microwaved meal.
Solution: Prepare healthy meals in bulk at the beginning of the week to deter you from having to choose these unhealthy convenient options. Or, if you absolutely must, read the labels. Some brands are better than others. Amy’s Kitchen, for example, does a better job than most.

Sports Drinks
Note the word “sports” in the title. These drinks are specifically designed to replenish carbs, electrolytes and other nutrients during long, hard efforts. In any other situation, they’re just sugar water. You might as well drink soda.
Solution: Generally, sports drinks are only useful for hard exercise going longer than an hour. Otherwise, you’re probably better off with water. However, if you’re eating at a calorie deficit and you’re having a hard time making it through your 30–60 minute workout, a little extra blood sugar might help, so experiment with a diluted sports drink. And again, read labels. High fructose corn syrup or artificial dyes won’t give you the fitness boost you’re looking for.

“Fat Free” Products
“Fat Free” might look good on paper, but your body actually needs fat! Plus, as Nutrition Expert Denis Faye explains, in most of these products “they just replace the fat with carbs and salt, so you’ve basically gone from pouring a little unsaturated fat on your salad to dumping on a pile of sugar.”
Solution: Stick with simple homemade dressings, like balsamic vinaigrette, and, if you’re out, ask for them on the side to control how much you’re using.

Muffins
American-style muffins first came into popularity at the end of the 18th century…and never went out of fashion again. But, this sweet quickbread is hardly healthy. Take those tempting blueberry muffins you see at some classic coffee chains. They’ll pack on about 460 calories and 15 grams of fat. Not to mention they’re usually made with refined flour, tons of sugar, and goodness knows what preservatives.
Solution: Almost all store-bought muffins should really just be avoided. If you’re really craving a muffin, try this flourless chocolate muffin that’s lower in calories and higher in fiber and other good-for-you components. Or, this plum bran muffin if you’re looking for a real fruit and fiber boost.

Sushi
As far as proteins go, fish deserves a high place in your diet and sushi can be a great way to enjoy it. However, most sushi is more rice than fish, and sometimes, it’s been deep fried (we’re looking at you, spider roll) or coated with mayonnaise (cue the dynamite roll and almost any sushi that has “spicy” in the name). While it’s never a complete junk food, like many items here, you can’t chow down without restraint and expect to see nothing but benefits.
Solution: If you do rolls, try to choose rolls made with brown rice or those that are low-carb (in other words, rice free). Or, stick with sashimi.

Pretzels
Don’t confuse these travel-friendly little bites that are low in fat, for a “healthy” snack. This carb-heavy, calorie-laden treat is almost completely devoid of nutrients and is often high in sodium. For instance, you’ll get an entire day’s worth of sodium in one cup of Rold Gold pretzels.
Solution: Stick to nutrient-dense snacks like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds. Just keep an eye on the serving size if you’re watching your weight.

Veggie Chips
Just because something contains the word “veggie” in the name doesn’t mean it’s healthy. High in fat and sodium, Veggie Chips are often extraordinarily high in fat and sodium and, honestly, not much better for you than potato chips.
Solution: When snacking, eat your veggies raw—and dip them in hummus if you want to add flavor.

Tea
What’s the problem with tea today? It’s mainly not tea! Most mass-produced teas come bottled with preservatives and designer drinks like chai lattes pump the sugar and additive content through the roof.
Solution: Try Tejava (which is all-natural and just contains brewed tea), stick to unsweetened teas from your local coffee shop, or brew your own. It’s easy!

Via Amanda Meixner and the Team Beachbody Blog

Top 20 Foods That Help Gain Muscle and Burn Fat

To build muscle & lose fat, you'll need to consume a balanced diet complete with lean protein, veggies, fruits, complex carbs and healthy fats. Yes, fats. Fat is not what makes you fat, contrary to popular belief and you NEED it in order to build and maintain muscle.  Protein is another key nutrient you need to help aid in fat loss since it has a higher thermic effect than carbs and fats. This means, after consuming it, your metabolism works slightly more efficient, thus leading to more efficient fat loss.  

When you eat healthy fats, your body holds onto less fat.  Eating fats tells your body it's not in starvation mode, it's going to keep getting fat so it can let the fat you have go....no need to store if for the winter!  Fruits and veggies are just necessary as well.  They help you recover from grueling workouts and fuel your muscles so you have steam when you get to the gym.  

Many struggle to consume all of these foods, each day, throughout the day but you really don't have to.  Just choose wisely and add foods to your daily diet that will give you each of these nutrients in the most efficient way! Information is key and knowing WHAT to eat will help you reach your goals much sooner! 

Here's a list of the top 20 foods that help you build muscle and burn fat!

1. Whole Eggs: Cheap & rich source of protein: 7g/egg. The yolk contains most nutrients: half the protein, vitamins A/D/E and cholesterol to naturally increase your testosterone levels. Don’t worry about cholesterol in eggs. Dietary cholesterol isn’t bound to blood cholesterol. If you have bad cholesterol, lower your body fat rather than throwing the yolk away.

2. Fish Oil: Reduces inflammation (joints/skin), lowers body fat and increases testosterone levels. You need 9000mg EPA/DHA per day. Since you’ll probably struggle to get that from eating fatty fish, consider a fish oil supplement. 

3. Wild Salmon: One of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids that also gets you 20g protein per 100g serving. Farm raised salmon is, however, omega-3 deficient: it’s corn/grain fed. Go with wild salmon. 

4. Berries: Strong antioxidants that prevent cancer, heart & eye diseases. Any kind works: cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, etc. Buy fresh or frozen berries and mix with oatmeal or a protein/nutritional shake. 

5. Yogurt: Contain bacteria that improve your gastrointestinal health. Don’t buy frozen yogurt or yogurt with added sugar and fruits at the bottom. Get plain low fat yogurt. Eat it with berries, flax seeds, honey, steel cut oats, fresh fruit, etc.

6. Flax Seeds: Source of fiber, protein & omega-3. Grind the flax seeds to get the most out of them. Take 1 tbsp with yogurt & berries before going to bed. Stay away from flax oil: it’s unstable and contains no fiber. 

7. Extra Virgin Olive Oil:  70% monounsaturated fats that protect against heart diseases and cancer. Add 1-2 tbsp olive oil to your salads. Buy Extra Virgin Olive Oil: it contains more polyphenols and tastes better. 

8. Mixed Nuts: Contain mono- & polyunsaturated fats, proteins, fiber, vitamin E, zinc, potassium, magnesium, etc. Mixed nuts are caloric dense, great if you’re a skinny guy who wants to gain weight. Anything works: almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, … Peanut butter also works as long as you buy natural peanut butter without added salts/sugars. 

9. Virgin Coconut Oil:   Healthy medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil do not circulate in the bloodstream like other fats.  They are sent directly to the liver and converted into energy versus being stored as fat.  

10. Broccoli: High in cancer-fighting phytochemicals and anti-estrogenic indoles. Broccoli is also high in soluble fiber and low calorie, helping fat loss. Eat other cruciferous vegetables for a change: cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, kale, … 

11. Spinach One of the most alkaline foods. Spinach prevents muscle & bone loss, but also cancer and heart diseases because of its high nutrient profile. Try one of my many Shakeology recipes with loads of spinach in it! 

12. Turkey: If you don’t believe saturated fat is good for you, try white turkey. The leanest beef has about 4.5g saturated fat/100g, while white turkey has close to 0g (that why it’s so dry). Eat turkey with spinach & quinoa. 

13. Quinoa: South American “king of grains”. Quinoa is higher in fiber & protein than rice or oats, tastes a lot better and is gluten free. Buy the whiter grain, it’s better quality. Eat it post workout with meat & spinach. 

14. Oats: Reduce cholesterol, provide you with low-gi carbs for energy, and high in soluble fiber. Try having it post workout. 

15. Tomatoes: High in lycopene, which prevents cancer. The lycopene in tomato paste is 4 times more bioavailable than in fresh tomatoes. 

16. Oranges: Vitamin C to fight diseases, magnesium to lower blood pressure, anti-oxidant beta-carotenes, etc. Avoid drinking processed orange juice which often has added sugars. Eat oranges or make your own orange juice instead. 

17. Apples: Pectin in apples helps weight loss by increasing satiety. Apples are also the strongest antioxidiant after cranberries (eat the peels). Unfortunately apples are one of the most pesticide-contaminated fruits too so go organic when you can. 

18. Carrots: Their huge vitamin A content improves eye-health, especially night vision. Carrots are also rich in fiber, low calorie and taste good, even raw. 

19. Water: Your body holds water if you don’t drink enough so, contrary to what you may thin, the MORE you drink the LESS bloated you'll be. Drinking prevents water retention, helps muscle recovery and prevents dehydration from strength training. Get a water filter and try to drink 2 cups of water with each meal, totaling at least 100 oz per day. 

20. Green Tea: Strong antioxidant and natural diuretic. Green tea also speeds up fat loss, prevents cancer and improves blood sugar & circulation. Drink green tea in the morning instead of coffee. 

So, to wrap this up... the key is to eat every 3 hours. Try to make a habit of having at least 2 cups water with each meal and reaching 100 ounces each day.  If you can, make a habit of having carbs in the morning or early afternoon only and, when possible, have complex vs simple carbs.  They're used more efficiently by the body and having them earlier in the day will guarantee they're burned off, not stored as F-A-T. And junk food (aka treats) are ok but NOT all the time! 85/15 rule remember! 

6 Foods Our Bodies Need More Of!

No one likes to be on high alert when it comes to calories. In a dream world, that huge slice of German chocolate cake would only be around 100 calories, and nutritionists would suggest skipping vegetables in favor of a creamy pasta dish for dinner. Sadly, we don’t live in that world, folks, which means we need to be smart about what we put on our plates.

Annoying, the challenge of making healthy choices can lead to a lot of confusion and questioning at meal time. Who hasn’t experienced the dread of wondering whether or not the bite you’re about to take is “good” or “bad” for your weight loss goal? It can cause you to look at out food options in terms of what you can’t eat. But what if you changed your mindset, and looked instead at what you can eat?

There are tons of delicious foods you should be eating more of—not less! And you might find adding more of the healthy choices to your eating plan, will help you naturally eat less of the processed, sugar-laden, carb-loaded, fatty foods you don’t need. Here, Megan Roosevelt, R.D., L.D., founder of Healthy Grocery Girl, reveals 6 nutrient-dense foods you can load up on.

Sweet Potatoes “Fiber helps us feel full and satisfied, as well as manage blood sugar levels,” says Roosevelt. Consider the vitamin and mineral benefits, including potassium and vitamin C, and you should be opting for treat-like sweet potatoes, more often. You can bake them, mash them, or serve them up as sweet potato fries, just like your classic white potato.

Avocados Avocados are brimming with benefits. “Protein, fat, and fiber are the three key nutrients that help us feel full and satisfied,” says Roosevelt. “Healthy fats in our diet also support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.” Next time you’re tempted to use sour cream, add a quarter of an avocado to your dish instead. Whipped avocado has a similar texture, but offers more healthy nutrients.

Zucchini You can swap in zucchini as a base for many recipes—from fries to brownies. Roosevelt’s favorite switch is for pasta. “Use a julienne peeler to make noodle-like strips, and you’ve got a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate option that’s also nutritionally dense and contains fiber,” she says.

Corn Tortillas White flour causes your insulin levels to rise, which promotes fat storage. Corn on the other hand contains more fiber, so you’ll stay full after noshing on that veggie wrap or taco. “Fiber delays digestion and regulates the release of glucose from our food into our bloodstream, helping us avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes,” says Roosevelt.

Sliced Whole Fruit There’s no reason not to eat more fruit, says Roosevelt, who again points out that it’s all about fiber—and flavor. “Feeling full after meals and snacks is key for weight loss. If we’re always hungry, it’s hard to lose weight,” she says. Her suggestions: Use fruit slices in sandwiches and wraps instead of jam or jelly (try PB and apple, or almond butter and pear), and toss fruit slices into your water for a hint of flavor that will get you to drink more.

 Dark Chocolate Need a sweet treat? Don’t deny yourself now, only to binge later. A one-ounce serving of dark chocolate is about 150 calories, and it contains flavanoids that have been shown to improve circulation and heart health, says Roosevelt.

Via My Fitness Pal Blog

55 Snacks Under 150 Calories!

Eating healthy doesn’t need to be complicated or boring! Here are 55 easy-to-prepare snacks, each under 150 calories, that will keep your taste buds happy.

1. Mini tostada
Spread ¼ cup of nonfat refried beans on a small tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and a sprinkle of your favorite cheese.

2. Frozen grapes
Freeze 1 cup of grapes and enjoy them as if they’re sorbet.

3. Greek yogurt with honey
Mix one teaspoon of honey into half a cup of plain, nonfat Greek yogurt.

4. Cinnamon apple
Sprinkle an apple with cinnamon for a treat that tastes more decadent than it is.

5. Strawberries and chocolate
Dip 4 or 5 (depending on their size) strawberries into 2 squares of melted dark chocolate.

6. Almost apple pie
Try 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce with a hint of cinnamon.

7. Jicama
Chop one and a half cups of jicama and add a splash of lemon juice and a pinch of salt for a tangy, refreshing treat.

8. Café Au Lait
Enjoy 8 ounces of skim milk with a shot of espresso.

9. Carrots with hummus
Crunch on 9 or 10 baby carrots with a side of 2 tablespoons of hummus.

10. Nuts
A handful of 25 pistachios, 14 almonds, or 16 peanuts makes for a nice “good” fat and protein snack.

11. Eggs with guacamole
Hard boil an egg and replace the yolk with 2 tablespoons of guacamole for a protein-packed snack.

12. Edamame
Boil or steam one-half cup of unshelled edamame with a pinch of salt for a fiber-rich snack.

13. Bitter chocolate
Enjoy 1 large block or 3 small squares of dark chocolate.

14. Mediterranean tomato
Dice one medium tomato and top with 2 tablespoons feta cheese and a pinch of salt.

15. Kale Chips
Make your own kale chips for a fraction of the price with this recipe.

16. Bell peppers with balsamic vinegar
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar on top of 2 cups of sliced bell peppers.

17. Eggs with spinach
Scramble 3 egg whites with one-half cup of raw spinach and 1 Tbsp. of feta cheese.

18. Corn with garlic
Coat one-half of an ear of corn with a 1 tsp. of olive oil and 1 minced garlic clove. Grill until tender.

19. Santa Fe black beans
Combine one-quarter cup black beans, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 Tbsp. of nonfat Greek yogurt for a hearty snack.

20. Chocolate banana
Dip one-half of a banana into 2 squares of melted dark chocolate.

21. Caprese
Top one ounce of mozzarella cheese with half a cup of cherry tomatoes and 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar.

22. Tuna salad
Mix together 2 ounces of water-packed tuna with 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.

23. Sweet potato
Enjoy one small baked sweet potato plain or with a pinch of salt.

24. Popcorn
Munch on 2 cups of air popped popcorn.

25. Olives
For a salty snack, enjoy 9 kalamata olives.

26. Greek watermelon
Top 1 cup of watermelon with 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta.

27. Peanut butter
Even on its own, peanut (or almond) butter makes for a treat full of good fats.

28. Cottage cheese and melon
Combine three-quarters of a cup of melon with one-quarter cup of nonfat cottage cheese for a sweet dessert.

29. Strawberry and spinach salad
For a savory and sweet salad, mix together 1 cup of baby spinach with one-half cup of sliced strawberries. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.

30. Shakeology
Mix one-half serving of your favorite flavor of Shakeology  with water.

31. Spiced cottage cheese
Mix ¾ cup nonfat cottage cheese with a pinch of chili powder and a pinch of curry powder. Top with chopped scallions if desired.

32. Shrimp cocktail
Dip eight medium-sized cooked, peeled shrimp in 2 Tbsp. all-natural cocktail sauce.

33. Crisp bread and lox
Top a Wasa whole-grain cracker with 1 ounce of salmon lox, two slices of cucumber, and a pinch of crushed black pepper.

34. Ham-wrapped asparagus
Wrap three slices of lean, nitrate free deli ham around three cooked asparagus spears.

35. Mediterranean rice cake
Spread 1 Tbsp. of hummus on a whole grain rice cake. Top with two cucumber slices.

36. Carrot salad
Mix two grated carrots with one Tbsp. of raisins, one tsp. of raw sunflower seeds, and 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar.

37. Black bean salad
For a snack with protein and fiber, mix ¼ cup drained black beans, one chopped tomato, half a green bell pepper chopped, and a pinch of chili powder.

38. Roasted red pepper Wasa cracker
Spread 2 Tbsp. hummus on a whole-grain Wasa cracker. Top with one jarred roasted red pepper, sliced.

39. Avocado cracker
Mash ¼ avocado with a squeeze of lime. Spread on a Wasa cracker and top with a pinch of espelette pepper or smoked paprika.

40. Pistachios and cranberries
Combine 16 shelled pistachios with ¼ cup unsweetened dried cranberries.

41. Veggies and ranch dip
Enjoy ranch dressing without the guilt! Dip 10 baby carrots and 8 cherry tomatoes into 2 Tbsp. healthy ranch dip made with Greek yogurt vs. mayo or sour cream! 

42. Frozen nutty banana
Roll half a peeled banana in one Tbsp. chopped peanuts, pressing so that nuts stick to the banana. Freeze. Enjoy!

43. Baked Apple Chips 
Bake your own apple chips and you can enjoy them with much less sugar. 

44. Cheese and cracker
Top one Wasa cracker with slices of 1 piece of string cheese

45. Italian cucumbers
Cut up 2 cucumbers and enjoy them with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar

46. Seaweed snacks
1 package of roasted seaweed snacks from Trader Joe’s or your local supermarket.

47. Crunch + spice
Cut up 4 celery stalks and enjoy them with ¼ cup salsa.

48. After school snack
Cut up 4 celery stalks and dip them in 1 tbsp. almond butter.

49. Cheesy popcorn
Sprinkle 1 tbsp. nutritional yeast over 2 cups air popped popcorn.

50. Turkey tartine
Top one slice whole grain bread with 2 slices deli turkey and 1 tsp. mustard.

51. PB + J
Top one Wasa cracker with 2 tsp. nut butter and 3 sliced strawberries.

52. Monkey snack
Cut up one half of a banana and dip it in 2 tsp. nut butter and then 1 tbsp. granola.

53. Easy avocado
Mash up one half of an avocado and mix it with 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar.

54. Japanese avocado
Mash up one half of an avocado and combine with with ¼ tsp. soy sauce, ¼ tsp. sesame seeds, and a drizzle of rice wine vinegar.

55. Chips and salsa
Whole grain corn tortilla chips with 2 tbsp. fresh salsa.

Find this article and more when you create a FREE account at http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/ellieperico

Benefits of Drinking Warm Lemon Water in the Morning!

How many of you wake up and go straight for your coffee or tea?  I know I  used to! And still do sometimes if I'm exhausted and don't think about it. BUT a better habit is drinking a glass of warm lemon water when you wake up before eating or drinking anything else!  SO many health benefits AND weight loss benefits too!

HOW TO DO IT: You should be using purified water and it should be lukewarm not scalding hot. You want to avoid ice cold water, since that can be a lot for your body to process and it takes more energy to process ice cold water than the warm. Always use fresh lemons, organic if possible, never bottled lemon juice. I squeeze 1/2 a lemon with each glass and I drink it down first thing before I eat a single thing, or workout, etc.

10 Benefits to Drinking Warm Lemon Water Every Morning

1) Aids Digestion. Lemon juice flushes out unwanted materials and toxins from the body. It’s atomic composition is similar to saliva and the hydrochloric acid of digestive juices. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that is required for digestion. Lemons are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen ama, or toxins, in the digestive tract. The digestive qualities of lemon juice help to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, belching and bloating. The American Cancer Society actually recommends offering warm lemon water to cancer sufferers to help stimulate bowel movements.

2) Cleanses Your System / is a Diuretic. Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials in part because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Therefore toxins are released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy. The citric acid in lemons helps maximize enzyme function, which stimulates the liver and aids in detoxification.

3) Boosts Your Immune System. Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds.  They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) found in lemons demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects, and is used as complementary support for asthma and other respiratory symptoms plus it enhances iron absorption in the body; iron plays an important role in immune function. Lemons also contain saponins, which show antimicrobial properties that may help keep cold and flu at bay. Lemons also reduce the amount of phlegm produced by the body.

4) Balances pH Levels. Lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods for the body. Sure, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they’re alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). Lemons contain both citric and ascorbic acid, weak acids easily metabolized from the body allowing the mineral content of lemons to help alkalize the blood. Disease states only occur when the body pH is acidic. Drinking lemon water regularly can help to remove overall acidity in the body, including uric acid in the joints, which is one of the primary causes of pain and inflammation.

5) Clears Skin. The vitamin C component as well as other antioxidants helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes and it helps to combat free radical damage. Vitamin C is vital for healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. It can actually be applied directly to scars or age spots to help reduce their appearance. Since lemon water purges toxins from your blood, it would also be helping to keep your skin clear of blemishes from the inside out. The vitamin C contained in the lemon rejuvenates the skin from within your body.

6) Energizes You and Enhances Your Mood. The energy a human receives from food comes from the atoms and molecules in your food. A reaction occurs when the positive charged ions from food enter the digestive tract and interact with the negative charged enzymes. Lemon is one of the few foods that contain more negative charged ions, providing your body with more energy when it enters the digestive tract. The scent of lemon also has mood enhancing and energizing properties. The smell of lemon juice can brighten your mood and help clear your mind. Lemon can also help reduce anxiety and depression.

7) Promotes Healing. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), found in abundance in lemons, promotes wound healing, and is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of healthy bones, connective tissue, and cartilage. As noted previously, vitamin C also displays anti-inflammatory properties. Combined, vitamin C is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of good health and recovery from stress and injury.

8) Freshens Breath. Besides fresher breath, lemons have  been known to help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. Be aware that citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so you should be mindful of this. No not brush your teeth just after drinking your lemon water. It is best to brush your teeth first, then drink your lemon water, or wait a significant amount of time after to brush your teeth. Additionally, you can rinse your mouth with purified water after you finish your lemon water.

9) Hydrates Your Lymph System. Warm water and lemon juice supports the immune system by hydrating and replacing fluids lost by your body. When your body is deprived of water, you can definitely feel the side effects, which include: feeling tired, sluggish, decreased immune function, constipation, lack of energy, low/high blood pressure, lack of sleep, lack of mental clarity and feeling stressed, just to name a few.

10) Aids in Weight Loss. Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. Studies have shown people who maintain a more alkaline diet, do in fact lose weight faster. I personally find myself making better choices throughout the day, if I start my day off right, by making a health conscious choice to drink warm lemon water first thing every morning.