Try La Panzanella Croccantini !

I happened to be shopping in Marshalls and was waiting on a long line at checkout. As always the checkout area was lined up with products to tempt you just when you think you are done shopping. As I was perusing the shelves I came across a variety of flavors of  Panzanella Croccantini. They looked interesting and were only 110 calories an ounce so I bought a box of the Tomato and Oregano flavored ones.

When I got home I immediately opened the box to try them. They look like salmon colored matzahs but have a flat surface. The flavor is amazing! You can taste the tomato and oregano and there is sea salt sprinkled generously on each, yum! They also taste like they are made with very little oil which makes sense since they only have 110 calories an ounce!

When I checked the website I saw that the Croccantini are currently offered in nine varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile... savory, spicy, herbal. All excite the palate: Rosemary, Sesame, Original, Fennel, Garlic, Whole Wheat, Black Pepper, Onion, and Tomato/Oregano. They are also made and packaged by hand.

So, try  Panzanella Croccantini !

Try Wasa Crisp ‘n Light!

My mother came to visit and on our way home from dinner we stopped by the Gourmet Garage. While shopping we passed by a shelf with Wasa Crisp Bread. She told me she recently tried them and they are low in calories and taste great. So I bought a box. 

They taste amazing and only have 20 calories a slice! A slice is about the length of three saltines but about 3 times as thick as saltines. There are currently 10 varieties: crisp n’ light 7 grain,  crisp n’ light mild rye, whole grain,  whole wheat, fiber, hearty, light rye, multigrain, sourdough and sesame.  This could be my new substitute for crackers and bread!

The description from their website: 20 Calories per slice. Good source of whole grain. All natural. Crisp 'n Light crisp breads are a delicate and wholesome whole grain alternative to breads and crackers. They make the perfect complement to your favorite spreads, cheeses, soups and salads. Crispy and full of unique flavor, they are light enough to enjoy between meals and a snack. Crisp 'n Light will soon become your personal favorite. Product of Germany.

So try Wasa Crisp Breads!

For more information on Wasa visit their website at http://www.wasa-usa.com/health-food.aspx

Whole Body Vibration!

Could this really work? Celebrities like Madonna, Heidi Klum and numerous athletes use vibration machines. The vibrations act as resistance, like the resistance training you might do at the gym. The resistance helps tone your muscles and increase circulation, they say!

Below see an episode of the "Tyra Banks Show" where the audience member who tried it on the show lost one pound in 10 minutes! It was also on "The Doctors" where they stated 10 minutes of using the machine is like an hour run.  Although in my opinion this should not replace your exercise regimen it may be a great addition to it!

                                

Thermage to Tighten the Skin After Weight Loss!

Often after weight loss the skin is not as tight as it once was. One non-evasive way to tighten skin is to get a Thermage treatment. As per the Thermage website, "Thermage uses patented radiofrequency (RF) technology to safely heat the deeper layers of your skin, stimulating existing collagen and promoting new collagen growth for younger looking skin." Even Oprah sings it's praises!

Watch the videos on Thermage below.

 

                                

Visit thermage.com for more information.

Plus Sized Models Share Their Secrets On Looking Slimmer!

I just finished watching an episode of Dr. Oz with Emme, Denise Bidot and Lizzy Miller, three plus size models. They shared recommendation on how to look slimmer and feel more confident at any size. The episode included many great tips that can be used while you are on your weight loss journey; everything from cosmetics, to clothing choices, to how to look slimmer in photos. Some of their product recommendations include:

• Benefit Glimmering Body Balm
• Not Your Daughter's Jeans
• American Apparel High Waisted Easy Jeans
• Maidenform's Torsette
• Camibands
• Spanx Tight End High Waisted Tights

See the commercial for the episode and the behind the scenes footage of the episide of Dr. Oz below:

Watch the actual show footage, if you missed the episode, at:  http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/secrets-plus-sized-models-pt-1

More On Finding Your Perfect Weight!

Don’t let society dictate what size you should be. There is no perfect weight or perfect size. Whether your goal is to be a size 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 or even 16 it’s about being healthy, confident and comfortable with your body. I was reminded of this when I recently saw the cover of Vogue Italia below. These ladies range from size 14 to 16 and are confident, comfortable with their bodies and absolutely beautiful!  

Goal Setting and Finding Your Perfect Weight!

One mistake many people make when starting a diet is choosing a goal weight or size that is unrealistic or unachievable. Remember your goals must be SMART (specific, measurable ATTAINABLE, REALISTIC and time sensitive). I would also recommend that you create benchmarks.

So let’s say you are a size 24, a realistic initial goal may be getting down to a size 16. So your smart goal might be: I will lose 4 dress sizes by February 1, 2013. Since a dress size is about 15 pounds this would be 60 pounds in about 8 months or 2 pounds a week. Then once you get down to a 16 reassess your goal. Do you feel comfortable with your body? Are you confident? Are you healthy? Maybe now you realize the perfect size for you is a size 12. So then create a new goal for yourself.

Although it’s important to have long-term goals like above. I would also recommend you break down the long term goal into smaller benchmark goals.  So smaller benchmark goals might be: I will lose 1 dress size (or 15 pounds) by July 30, 2012. Then your next benchmark might be: I will lose 2 dress sizes (30 pounds) by September 17, 2012.

Solstice Yoga in Times Square June 20th!

If you live in the NYC area don't miss this event!

Solstice in Times Square: Athleta Mind Over Madness Yoga

Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets

Anyone can find tranquility on top of a mountain.Can you find it in the middle of Times Square?

Attendees will be challenged to find tranquility and transcendence in the midst of the world's most commercial and frenetic place, Times Square. Thousands of yoga enthusiasts will celebrate the longest day of the year (June 20th) with an all day yoga fest. Join us as we come together for a collective ohm in the middle of Times Square.

We're celebrating the sun, summer and creativity at the Crossroads of the World with free outdoor yoga classes. Participants of "Solstice in Times Square: Athleta Mind Over Madness Yoga" will also enjoy musical performances, giveaways and more.

Class Schedule (June 20th)

7:30am - 8:45am - Open to all levels (Drisana Carey)
12:30pm - 2:00pm - Bikram, open to all levels (Rajashree Choudhury)
3:30pm-4:45pm - Open to all levels (Douglass Stewart)
7:00pm - 8:30pm - Open to all levels (Dana Flynn)

For more information and to register go to http://timessquarenyc.org/events/solstice-in-times-square/index.aspx#

More On Air Yoga!

There are many benefits to be gained from participating in air yoga. They include decompression of the spine, lengthening of the spine, improving posture and back pain, and increasing confidence. In addition, being upside down is good for the brain!

Here are some more videos on air yoga. It seems air yoga goes by many names including air yoga, anti gravity yoga, aerial yoga and cocoon yoga. In this video they call it anti gravity cocooning.

And, in this video they call it anti-gravity aerial yoga.

 The more I read and watch about air yoga the more excited I get about trying it!

Try Air and Paddle Board Yoga!

One of my favorite classes to take is yoga. There is nothing that can compare to the way you feel after a yoga class. It is a feeling of complete harmony, both of mind and body. I recently read about two new trends in yoga; air yoga and paddle board yoga.

Air yoga is done with the individual suspended in air on a hammock. When I saw the segment on air yoga on “The View” it reminded me of how much I loved flying high on the swig set in my back yard when I was a child.  It looked much easier than I had expected. Air yoga classes are offered in many major cities now.

Check out the segment on air yoga from “The View” below:

Paddle board yoga as you would guess is done on a paddle board in the ocean. Imagine, doing yoga with the beautiful blue sea below you. I would guess that it is a little bit more challenging than traditional yoga considering you have to balance yourself on a paddle board.  How exciting! Next time I go the Florida to visit my family I will try this out. Apparently, there are a many places in Miami to take paddle board yoga classes!

Check out the video below on paddle board yoga:

So, if you have the chance try air and paddle board yoga. I will definitely share my experience with you after I get the opportunity to try them both!

Drop Dead Healthy by A.J. Jacobs! A Must Read!

I just started reading what I think is going to be my favorite healthy living book, "Drop Dead Healthy" by A.J. Jacobs.The author went on a 2 year quest for optimal health from head to toe and wrote about his adventures along the way.

I have only read the first two chapters but have to say it is the funniest book I have ever read! I usually bring the book with me to the gym to read while I am on the elliptical or treadmill. I laugh so much while reading the book, that people come up to me to ask me what I'm reading.

The book teaches you about healthy living but also the crazy ways people work towards creating bodily perfection. For example in the first two chapters I learned about the caveman (Paleo) movement where people live like and work out as cavemen lived. I also learned about the calorie restriction movement where people believe if you live on the edge of starvation you will increase your lifespan!

Below is an interview with A.J. Jacobs about his book:

 Download or pick up this book from your local bookstore! It is a must read!

Mug Sized Desserts!

These recipes from the Hungry Girl are so great I had to share them.  If you want more healthy sweet treat recipes visit her website, hungrygirl.com!

MON TUES WED THURS 05.31.12 FRI     Making mug-sized desserts is one of our favorite pastimes. Try these recipes, and you'll understand why...     Cloud Cake Sundae Entire recipe: 213 calories, 1g fat, 330mg sodium, 46g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 32.5g sugars, 3g protein -- PointsPlus® value 5* Angel food cake ROCKS. And with this single-serve microwave recipe, you have no excuse not to make some (unless you don't like angel food cake)... Ingredients: 1/4 cup angel food cake mix 3 frozen unsweetened strawberries 1/2 tbsp. low-sugar strawberry preserves 2 tbsp. Cool Whip Free (thawed) 1 tsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips Directions: Spray a wide, large microwave-safe mug (or HG Alternative) with nonstick spray. Add cake mix and 3 tbsp. water, and stir until just mixed. Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes, or until just set. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave strawberries for 45 seconds, or until thawed. Add preserves and thoroughly mash with a fork. If you like, transfer your cake to a plate. Top with strawberry mixture and Cool Whip, and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Enjoy! MAKES 1 SERVING HG Alternative: It's important that the mug is both large and wide. If you don't have a mug like this, use a wide microwave-safe bowl!        Coffee Cake in a Mug Entire recipe: 166 calories, 3g fat, 387mg sodium, 36g carbs, 2g fiber, 20.5g sugars, 1g protein -- PointsPlus® value 5* Pssst... While this is a totally sweet and dessert-y item, we're not opposed to having it as a brunchy treat. You know, with your coffee! Ingredients: 1 tbsp. Fiber One Original bran cereal 2 tsp. brown sugar (not packed) 1/4 tsp. plus 1 dash cinnamon 1/2 tsp. light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown) 3 tbsp. moist-style yellow cake mix 3 tbsp. club soda 1 drop almond extract 1/4 tsp. baking powder Directions: Place cereal in a sealable plastic bag and, using a meat mallet or heavy utensil, crush into crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a small bowl. Mix in brown sugar and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon. Add butter, and mash and stir until well mixed and crumbly. Spray a microwave-safe mug with nonstick spray. Add cake mix, club soda, almond extract, baking powder, and remaining dash cinnamon. Stir until well mixed. Sprinkle crumb mixture over the cake mixture. Microwave for 1 minute and 45 seconds, or until set. Enjoy! MAKES 1 SERVING       Hungry for More Muggy Desserts? We've got more mug-bound sweet treats, don't you worry... Wanna make something for yourself AND a pal? (Aren't you nice?) Check out this recipe: our Caramel Bread Pudding for Two. If you're craving gooey chocolatey goodness, our Mississippi Mug Pie should satisfy that need. Grab an apple and some classic cinnamon candies -- you're on your way to a Red Hot Apple Pie in a Mug! And you'll fall in love with our PB&C Cake in a Mug in less time than it takes to make the darn thing! Pretty speedy...     CHEW ON THIS: Happy last day of May! Say good-bye to National Salad Month and hello to National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month... by making a big leafy-green salad topped with fresh fruit!