5 Slim Down Secrets to Spring into Shape!

    Forty percent of American adults don’t participate in any leisure-time physical activity. If you’ve been hibernating this winter and are noticing the extra pounds adding up, it’s time to get some extra activity during your daily routine. Remember, exercise is just one component; you must also follow a healthy diet to control weight gain.

    You can lose extra weight and keep it off this spring with these 5 slim down secrets:

    1. Drink More Water! Studies show proper hydration keeps your metabolism running at its peak.

    2. Boost Energy with Breakfast!Start your day with sensible selections like fresh fruit, nonfat milk, protein foods such as peanut butter or eggs and whole grains. An easy, on-the-go breakfast is a peanut butter and banana sandwich!

    3. Keep Lunch Light! Avoid the temptation to order out. Plan a lunch that includes vegetables and a lean protein source like tuna or boneless skinless chicken breast. Watch out for heavy dressings and mayonnaise.

    4. Plan Snacks! Eating mini between-meal snacks can help control portions at mealtime by curbing hunger.

    5. Commit to exercise! Develop a routine you enjoy and stick with it! Exercise can be broken up into short burst of activity throughout the day; 15 minutes during lunch and 15 minutes after dinner –30 minutes a day; now that’s no sweat!

    Avocado Cobb Salad

    All the great flavors of the famous Cobb Salad – turkey, bacon, bleu cheese and, of course, avocado – in an easy skillet breakfast, brunch or supper! This recipe is light on calories and rich in protein and healthy monounsaturated fats – two nutrients that help keep you feeling satisfied longer!

    Prep: 10 minutes

    Cook: 5 minutes

    Makes: 4 Servings

    Ingredients:

    • 1 Chilean Hass Avocado
    • 1 1/2 cups Egg Substitute
    • 1/2 cup cooked Turkey or Chicken, chopped
    • 2 slices Turkey Bacon, crisp and crumbled
    • 1/4 cup Bleu Cheese
    • 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped

    Instructions:

    1. Rinse avocado, cut in half, and remove the pit. Spoon out flesh and cut into chunks. In medium bowl, beat eggs. Stir in avocado, turkey, bacon, bleu cheese and onions.
    2. Heat non-stick skillet sprayed with pan coating over medium-high heat. Add egg-avocado mixture and scramble, stirring occasionally, until eggs are set but still moist.

    Nutritional Information per serving – 183 Calories; 11g fat; 6g Monounsaturated fat, 3g Saturated fat, 25mg Cholesterol, 354mg Sodium; 5g Carbohydrates; 1g fiber; 17g Protein