Monday, December 29, 2008

YUMMY MONDAY: NEW YEAR'S MARGARITA

Cocktails can be diet-friendly too!!! This sugar-free margarita will save you 285 calories!!

INGREDIENTS

6 oz. Sprite Zero
1 1/2 oz. tequila
Crystal Light lemonade mix
splash of fresh lime juice
ice, crushed or cubes

Blend all ingredients together. Serve with a slice of lime and a touch of salt on the rim of the glass.

It tastes just like the real thing but has just 115 calories and 0 grams of sugar!!!!! YUMMY!!!

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

9 TIPS TO AVOID HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN

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Happy Holidays

Aaahhhh, the holidays…the scents of fresh pine and baked goods fill your home, everywhere are twinkly lights and culinary delights…but every to die for dessert and festive cocktail represents temptation, overindulgence, and missed workouts. The season can be downright frightening for those struggling to lose or maintain weight. While gathering with family and friends is one of the best gifts shared during the holidays, most American families, including my own, gather with a healthy dose of high fat, butter infused, sugar coated, carbo-loaded family favorites. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without Grandma’s homemade apple squares. The crust alone calls for 4 sticks of butter! (I am so not kidding)

It’s hard to say how many pounds the average American gains between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some studies suggest the average weight gain to be as high as 10 pounds while others argue the statistic is closer to a pound. Regardless of the number, most of us would like to enjoy the traditions of the season without the traditional weight gain.

Here are 9 tips to help you enjoy the traditions and treats that make your holiday season special without blowing the progress you’ve made all year.

1. Start your day by pushing play: No matter how many guests you have coming for dinner or how much you have left to do, make time to start your day with exercise. By “pushing play” and doing an exercise video like Turbo Kick, Hip Hop Hustle or PiYo you’ll have more energy, decrease your appetite, reduce stress and boost your spirits.

2. Don’t deny yourself: Studies show that those who deny themselves their “favorites” often consume more calories in other food selections and are more likely to “binge” later. Decide in advance what you’ll have and how much you’ll put on your plate, then stop. Make your calories count. Avoid mindless munching and take time to truly enjoy a small dose of any decadent treat your heart desires.

3. Keep a running total: Estimate your calories as you consume them. Research shows that those who are aware of their calorie consumption eat less and fill up faster. Don’t forget to include those “sneaky” calories consumed when testing and tasting recipes or the handful of nuts you ate while catching up with cousins.

4. Drink water before and after your meal: This rule applies regardless of the day of the year. Water consumption decreases cravings and helps to regulate hunger. Be sure to consume water after your workouts as well.

5. Use a smaller plate: If salad plates are available, use one for your main entree. A smaller surface area will help you become aware of moderate portions of all your favorites.

6. Plan a physical family activity. Start a family tradition of splitting into teams for a “friendly” game of flag football or doing a 5k together. Meet for a morning walk on the beach or take a post-feast stroll through the neighborhood to enjoy the Christmas lights. (Although in my neighborhood, there’s no sense in walking far because ours will be the best for miles! Honestly, I’m not a competitive person…except when it comes to my Christmas lights. Those Griswold’s ain’t got nuthin’ on the Johnson’s! J) Anyway, even if it’s 20 below, you can have a dance party inside with the kids. Be silly, play and laugh with your family. Doing physical activity together strengthens family bonds and builds traditions that can last generations.

7. Give it away: If you’re hosting the festivities, add disposable containers to your shopping list so you can send guests home with ALL of your leftovers. Eliminate a week filled with left over pie, stuffing, gravy and goodies by sending family members home with special care packages. Ok, if you must, save yourself that one piece of cold pumpkin pie for breakfast or fixins for ONE of dad’s traditional turkey, mashed potato, and cranberry sauce sandwiches and send the rest packin’.

8. Throw it away: If you find yourself on the receiving end of a half eaten pecan pie, or a neighborly plate of cookies, graciously accept but once home…toss it! Yes, I said, “TOSS IT!” Which would give you greater long-term happiness, more pie or to fit into your skinny jeans?

9. Get back on track: Remember that the occasional splurge is what diet experts call “moderation”. Go ahead…treat yourself! You deserve it! Remember, a splurge should last a meal or a day at the most. By eating poorly for several days, you set yourself up for a season of weight gain. Plan for and enjoy your favorites then get back on track to your journey of healthy living.

Happy holidays! Enjoy the season and all of the goodness it brings.

Monday, December 08, 2008

YUMMY MONDAY: Cocoa Nutty!




Warning: Humans who love chocolate may become addicted to this recipe. The beverage you are about to consume is extremely delicious. Prepare to fall in LOVE...


Ingredients:
1 packet Swiss Miss Sensible Sweets Diet Hot Cocoa Mix
2 tsp. Coffee-mate Sugar Free Hazelnut powdered creamer
2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 tbsp. Lite Cool Whip
Garnish: additional unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a mug except for the Lite Cool Whip. Add 1 cup very hot water, and stir until ingredients are fully dissolved, melted, and combined. Top with Reddi-wip and, if you like, sprinkle with additional cocoa powder. Consume as soon as you can without burning your tongue!

MAKES 1 SERVING

Serving Size: 1 cup with whipped cream (entire recipe) Calories: 114, Fat: 5g, Sodium: 173mg, Carbs: 14.5g, Fiber: 2.5g, Sugars: 8g, Protein: 3g

Compare to Starbucks
Serving Size: Tall with whipped cream, made with 2% milk
Calories: 450, Fat: 23g, Sodium: 110mg, Carbs: 56g, Fiber: 5g, Sugars: 47g,Protein: 11g

Found in The Hungry Girl Cookbook by Lisa Lillien

Monday, November 17, 2008

YUMMY MONDAY:TO DIE FOR PUMPKIN PIE




Today I am going to feature another recipe from The Hungry Girl website. When I saw she was featuring Libby's 100% pure Pumpkin, I was sold!! I use it in many of my own recipes. The average slice of pumpkin pie can have over 400 calories, this recipe has only 133 calories per slice!!!! And thats with crust!! So here it is. ENJOY!!

Ingredients:

For Crust
2 cups Fiber One bran cereal (original)
1/4 cup light whipped butter or light buttery spread, melted & mixed with 1 oz. water
3 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, granulated
1 tsp. cinnamon


For Filling
One 15-oz. can pure pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
One 12-oz. can evaporated fat-free milk
3/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, granulated
1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters)
1/4 cup sugar-free maple syrup
1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
Optional Topping: Fat Free Reddi-wip, Lite Cool Whip or Sugar-free Cool Whip

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a blender or food processor, grind Fiber One to a breadcrumb-like consistency. Combine crumbs with all other crust ingredients. Stir until mixed well. In an oven-safe 9-inch pie dish sprayed lightly with nonstick spray, evenly distribute mixture, using your hands or a flat utensil to firmly press and form the crust. Press it into the edges and up along the sides of the dish. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients for the filling. Mix well. Pour mixture into pie crust. (Filling may be taller than the crust -- trust us, this is okay!) Bake pie in the oven for 45 minutes, and then remove it and allow to cool. Chill in the fridge for several hours (for best results, chill overnight). Cut into 8 slices.

Makes 8 servings

Serving Size: 1 slice, Calories: 133, Fat: 3g, Sodium: 236mg, Carbs: 28g, Fiber: 9g, Sugars: 8g, Protein: 6g

Monday, November 10, 2008

YUMMY MONDAYS: VITALICIOUS


The other morning one of the ladies in my Turbo class brought one of these brownies for me to try, and I have to say I was a bit excited to have an excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast!!! I mean I HAD to try it, it would only be polite. All I can say is YUUMMMMYYYYY!!!!!!!

For 100 calories, high fiber, high protein, low fat and full of vitamins and minerals its a great treat. And remember that is what it is a TREAT.

They have all different products based on the same low calories, high fiber and protein. Its in the freezer section and the website I listed below is great! You just enter your zip code and it lists the stores that carry this yummy product close to you. ENJOY!!

Monday, November 03, 2008

Brought to tears

Today I payed a visit to my podiatrist. Just a simple adjustment to my Orthodox. Helps keep my plantar faciatis at bay! (4 years pain free, knock on wood!)

My doctors office is located in a medical building next to a senior community (Laguna Woods). As you would expect most of the doctors in the building specialize in treating the elderly. Sitting in the waiting room amongst much wiser and experienced patience, it was nice to be the youngest!

Most of the patients were escorted by a care-giver or who I assume was their adult child. I watched a woman (probably 60-something), with grey overly permed hair and those weird beige, plastic looking shoes that old people wear, trying to escort her mother out of the waiting room. Her mother was probably in her late 80's, with thinning white permed hair and the posture of someone who once stood much taller. (She also wore the same lovely beige shoes.)I thought how much patience it took on the part of the daughter to follow next to her mom as she slowly, ever so slowly scuffed along with her walker.

How interesting it is that our roles reverse as we age.

I finished scheduling my next appointment and headed toward the parking garage. I could hear beautiful opera music playing loudly from another building. It was unmistakeably Italian, deep, powerful, full, emotional, beautiful. The sound was traveling into the parking garage and as I approached, I could hear it echoing like a concert hall. It was so moving, so overwhelming I actually stopped walking so I could hear it clearly over the clicking of my heels on the pavement. I stood there listening, actually feeling goosebumps form on my arms. The music got louder and more impassioned. I thought I must have been heading toward the car playing this music.

The vibrato of the woman's voice vibrated through my bones. Such power. Such a gift. I wondered what it must feel like to be able to sing with such perfection. Where was this music coming from? Just then, I turned to see the tiny little old lady who had been in the waiting room with. There she stood, propped against her walker, serenading the parking garage. It was the most unbelievable sight. This tiny frail woman with this enormous gift. Her voice brought all who were walking through the garage to a halt.

She sang two songs. We applauded and everyone went on their way. I tried so hard to hold back the tears. I could feel my chest tighten, tears welling in my eyes. It was just the most beautiful moment, the most beautiful reminder of how precious life is. I literally stood there in the middle the lot with tears of joy streaming down my face. She finished and her daughter went about helping her climb into their giant Oldsmobile. I walked to her car and asked I could give her mother a hug.

Her daughter told me that as a young immigrant, her mother supported her large family by singing in restaurants. She said her dream had always been to be an opera singer. "Now," she said, "she lives for her doctor visits so she can sing in the parking garage. Not for anyone in particular. She just loves the way it sounds."

I thanked this tiny woman with a giant voice for making my day, my week, my month. She smiled, patted my hand and assured me, "God gives all of us blessings. May God bless you."

What a beautiful moment.

YUMMY MONDAY: CHOCOLATE BANANA SMOOTHIE



I have found this new sweetener that is THE BOMB BAY ! Its called Zsweet, 0 calories and is all natural!!



INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsp Zsweet®
1 medium ripe banana, peeled
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup non-fat yogurt
1 ½ cups chilled skim milk
Ice

DIRECTIONS:

In a blender, add milk, Zsweet® peeled banana,
cocoa powder, vanilla and yogurt. Cover
and blend until smooth. Add ice cubes if
a thicker shake is desired and
blend again.
Serves 2

NUTRITIONAL GUIDE
Per serving Calories 175, Fat 3 g, Protein 12 g, Carbs 30 g, Fiber 2 g

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

CAMP TURBO KICK 2008 WAS FREAKIN' AWESOME!

It all started with

GLOW IN THE DARK TURBO!

The results from ChaLEAN Extreme Results
A smile always makes it seem easier!


Chalene Makes It Look Effortless!
"HIGH 5" Turbo Style
Honoring Jackie Bull, Powder Blue Presenter of the Year

Chalene and the Dance Crew

But...who knew the models could dance?


Danielle & Mini-Me Were Show Stoppers!


Jenelle Workin' the Cat Walk


CTK Makeover Patti "So" Fine


Ciera and Maddie Strikin' a Pose


Genelle Brought Sexy Back!


Johnson Family Rocked It! But, Brock Was Missed...

Motivation Magic


Dance Party Royalty

Bret, George, and "Jack"


MC Monica was Marvelous

Hot Party Chix



Turbo = Electrifying Energy!













Too much Turbo? NEVER!

Have YOU signed up for


Camp Turbo Kick 2009?




Monday, October 20, 2008

Me.... on the Gayle King Show



First of all, this is why I love my
job. How fun!

Last week Bret and I flew off to New York City for me
to appear as a guest of the Gayle King Show, part of the Oprah and Friends XM radio network.

As a bit of background, m
ost of you know that Gayle and Oprah are
BFF's. Gayle has her own radio show (among other things). In July of 2007 Gayle started talking about this exercise program that she bought off an infomercial and how much she was loving it. Well, as you can probably guess that was
Turbo Jam. Since then, Gayle has made her workouts with Turbo Jam a regular topic on her morning talk show, including talking about the time while on the campaign trail for O'Bama she and Oprah did the workout together. That's right, the "O" has done Turbo (OMG!OMG!OMG!). Back to my girl Gayle......

Well, Gayle is my kinda girl. If there were so many miles between us, aside from being her personal trainer, I would apply for the rank of BFF 2nd position. She's hysterical (and in my opinion, you have to be very intelligent to be funny. Except for the accidental funny.) She's honest. She's an optimist. She's sassy. She's beautiful. She's fair. She's witty. She loves hip hop music and (most importantly), she loves her some Turbo. Actually I love that she loves to talk about things that she believes in. Doesn't try to get people to try them for her own gain, but rather because when she finds something that works, she wants to share.

Anywho... enough kissin' up. :) She has recently begun referring to me as "her personal trainer". Love it. So, after more than a year of doing Turbo Jam, Gayle decided it was time to meet me in person. So off I went to NYC (my first trip btw). It was so much fun and I'm so happy Bret was there to experience it all with me!

Of course I was just dying to meet her and just dying to go to NYC for the FIRST TIME!






















Enough suspense.
So you walk in her studios and sit in the green room, which is really just a tiny little
waiting area. While I was waiting, who walks in by Holly Robinson-Pete. Now mind you, I'm a bit geeked up as I'm about to meet Gayle. I turn and see Holly and I recognize her, but it doesn't immediately click where I know her from. So as every good instructor does when they see a familiar face, I assume I know her from one of my classes and I give her the "Heeeeeeeeey Gurrll! How are you?" the same Oh-crap-I'm having a brain fade "hey" you give to people you totally know but can't remember their name. Only problem is, it's not one of my classes that I recognize her face from, it's from HELLOOO... TV! What a bowling shoe I am. Not only do I not
realize who this is, but the star of Hanging with Mr. Cooper and the wife of Rodney Peete CERTAINLY doesn't know me! But being one of those people who people think they know, I understand the "awkward" position I have just put her in.


None the less she played it off like a pro and was all sweet, down to earth and as beautiful as you would hope. She and Bret chatted football while I did some deep breathing to chill myself out. Chillax! Chalene, chillax!

Next, the production assistant (Andrea, a 24 year old with a smokin' hot body who begrudgingly told me she never works out) took me back to the studio to meet Gayle. The room is tiny, and set up kind of like a comfy living room with microphones next to your chair, a chair for
Gayle and a comfy chair for her guest. Her Production manager/side kick and on-air personality JJ sits across from you. She too was super sweet and made me feel like we were long time GF's.

Gayle is to-die-for-gorgeous. She's either super tall, or I'm super short. Okay. Fine. I'm super short. She was all dolled up in a beautiful brown knit, curve hugging knee length
dress and fab shoes to match. She looked as dee-gorgeous as she does and even more so in person that she does on t.v. Of course her first comment was how "much taller" I appear on t.v. and how fabulous she thought my pink and sliver Dior platforms were
. (I'm not braggin, but I do have to say the shoes are freakin' fabulous fuscia pink
with big silver square plates on the toes! You just want to eat them for desert. They are yummy and comfy too..well, kinda comfy for about 3 hours.)

We chatted with Holly Robinson-Pete who had followed me back for a few minutes, then we continued to chat fitness and fashion and diet for maybe 5 more minutes. Then a quick mic check and we were back on the air. We taped the show "live to tape" which means it will air at a later date, Monday October 20th to be exact. I adored her to pieces. The questions she asks just really show she's a curious person who wants to know "why" and "how". We talked about Turbo Jam and then on to ChaLEAN Extreme. I had sent her the only three advance copies in existence. She had done them a few times before the show. I won't spoil the show, you'll have to listen to see what she thinks about it. I think we chatted for a good 20 minutes or more on air and another 20 off. Not sure. Time flies when you are obsessed with the topic. It was all a blurr, but I do remember talking about my Mom, Marge and her cute little "Margisms". She loved that. She mentioned menopause and being a huge believer in weight training to change the slowing of your metabolism. Rock on!

Gayle was flying out to be on Oprah the next day. After we were no longer on the air
I just sat in the chair and kept talking and talking and talking, like a giddy school girl on a first date. I momentarily lost my ability to pick up on those subtle body language cues that people send when you've stayed too long. Once I snapped back to reality I kind of sat up straight and said, "Oh... am I supposed to leave now?" They laughed and said, "Ummmmm...... yeeeaaaah".

Wow. What a dream come true. Now if only we can get my new BFF Gayle to get her BFF Oprah to fall in love with ChaLEAN Extreme I can prove to her that a slowing metabolism is reversible!
I hope you'll subscribe to XMradio for seven days free to listen to the show. Go to

As for my new program, ChaLEAN Extreme, it's expected to be released in December. It's not available yet. You can sign up to be notified of its release and grab a sneak peak by going to www.chaleanextreme.com

Well, don't forget to visit my website... http://www.turbokick.com and sign up for my newsletter.

All for now!

YUMMY MONDAYS: WATERMELON & CUCUMBER SALAD


This salad is so refreshing, delicious, and easy to make. Because it is different, people like it at potlucks, and you can easily adjust it to make many portions or a few. Basically, it's half watermelon and half cucumber, with a sprinkling of mint and feta cheese. The saltiness of the cheese makes a surprisingly delicious contrast to the watermelon.


Prep Time: 15 minutes


Ingredients:


2 cups chopped watermelon
2 cups chopped cucumber
1/4 cup minced fresh mint
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese


Preparation:


Mix watermelon, cucumber, and most of the mint and cheese together. Sprinkle remaining mint and cheese on top. Garnish with whole mint leaves if desired.


8 servings


Nutritional Information: 33 calories, 3.5 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber, 1 gram protein

Monday, October 13, 2008

YUMMY MONDAY: PUMPIN PUMPKIN PUDDING



The Holidays are almost here!!! Try this guilt free pumpkin pudding!!!


Ingredients:
1 15-16 oz can pumpkin
2 cups unsweetened soy milk
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ginger
1 box instant (no-cook) sugar-free butterscotch or vanilla pudding, 6 serving size
If using butterscotch, add 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, spices, and half the milk. While whisking, add the pudding mix and the rest of the milk. Whisk well to fully combine. (You can also use a stick blender.) The pudding will continue to thicken a little over time. You can add more liquid and/or spices for the consistency and flavor you prefer.

Makes 8 half-cup servings.

Nutritional Information: Each serving has 62 calories, 8 grams Carbs, 3 grams fiber, 4 grams protein, 1.4 grams fat

* Go Crazy!! and Top with a little Cool Whip Lite or Sugar Free Cool Whip*

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Camp Turbo Kick 2008



Man--did we have a blast! These pictures just tell the story

Camp Turbo Kick 2008

Boy...did we have fun at Camp. Sometimes pictures tell the whole story...

Monday, September 22, 2008

YUMMY MONDAYS: Chalene’s Guilt Free Key Lime Protein Pie!


Ingredients: 
1 cup 0% Fage non fat greek yogurt (available at Trader Joes)
Z-sweet or Splenda to desired sweetness (start with 2 packs)
2 heaping tablespoons Light Cool Whip
1 pack True Lime

Directions: 
Throw everyting into a bowl and mix! For a ice-cream like treat, throw it in the freezer for 25 minutes!

Calories: 160
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 9g
Fat: 0g

Monday, August 11, 2008

YUMMY MONDAY: LEMONADE SLUSHIE





Lemony Sip-It!
No need to battle the bees (and calories) at carnivals or amusement parks. We swapped sinfully sugary frozen lemonade for an equally sweet guilt-free recipe. Start blending, lemon-lovers! P.S. This also ROCKS when made with pink lemonade mix!






Ingredients:



2 tsp. Crystal Light Lemonade powdered drink mix (2 On The Go packets )



1 tsp. fat-free powdered non-dairy creamer (like Coffee-mate Original Fat Free)



1 1/2 cups crushed iced or 8 - 10 ice cubes






Directions: Dissolve creamer in 1/4 cup warm water, and mix well. Add 1 1/4 cups cold water and Crystal Light. Mix well. Place mixture in a blender with the ice. Blend at high speed until thoroughly blended. (If using ice cubes, start with half of the ice. Stop blending occasionally to add a cube or two, and then continue blending -- repeat until desired consistency is reached.) Pour into a tall glass, and then spoon and/or sip your way to lemon satisfaction! (Pssst... for an even slushier and less liquidy consistency, place in the freezer for about 20 minutes before enjoying!) MAKES 1 SERVING






Serving Size: 16 oz. (entire recipe) Calories: 30 Fat: 0g Sodium: 140mg Carbs: 2g Fiber: 0g Sugars: 0g Protein: 0g



Monday, July 14, 2008

YUMMY MONDAYS:EZ TOMATO BASIL CHICKEN


This is a great tasting chicken dish and it only has 3 ingredients!!!!

Ingredients:
1 lb. raw boneless skinless lean chicken breast tenders
Half a 28-oz. can (about 1 1/2 cups) crushed tomatoes with basil
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onions


Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While you wait for the oven to preheat, cook onions over high heat in a pan sprayed with nonstick spray, just until they begin to brown (about 3 minutes). Pour half of the tomatoes (1/4th of the can) into a medium baking pan. Lay chicken in the pan, and then top with onions. Pour the rest of the tomatoes (another quarter of the can) evenly over the chicken and onions. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes (until chicken is cooked through). Allow chicken to cool and sauce to thicken slightly before serving. Tada!

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

PER SERVING (1/4th of recipe): 175 calories, 1.5g fat, 251mg sodium, 11g carbs, 2g fiber, 6g sugars, 28g protein -- POINTS® value 3*

Monday, June 30, 2008

YUMMY MONDAYS: HUNGRY GIRL


I Think I found a long lost sister!!! Lisa Lillien the author of Hungry Girl, I swear we share a brain.  Her website and book is THE BOMB!!!! I am sure she won't mind, but I am going to feature a few things from the book and website.  I hope you find them as great as I have.

TOP ATE CALORIE-SAVING COOKING SWAPS!!!

1.  Nonstick cooking spray instead of oil ( for stove top)
2.  Canned pumpkin instead of eggs or oil ( for baking)
3.  Light vanilla soymilk instead of milk or cream
4.  Fat-free liquid egg substitute instead of eggs
5.  No-sugar-added applesauce instead of butter
6.  Ground-beef-style soy crumbles instead of ground beef
7.  Splenda no calorie sweetener (granular) instead of sugar
8.  Butternut squash instead of potatoes 



Monday, June 16, 2008

YUMMY MONDAYS: CARNIE'S SPAGHETTI


CARNIE WILSON'S SPAGHETTI RECEIPT

INGREDIENTS  

1 Spaghetti squash, split in half, seeds removed
1 small onion, diced
5 large cremini mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 jar low-sugar spaghetti sauce
Canola cooking spray
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
dash of cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. Lawry's Seasoning
Kosher salt to taste


1.  Place cut squash face down on a heavy cookie sheet. Bake at 375 F for approximately one              hour or until juices start flowing and squash is turning color and soft.  Set aside, let cool and      then scoop into a bowl.
2.  In a large skillet, heat canola spray and olive oil.  Add onions, garlic and mushrooms.  Saute        on a medium heat until mushrooms shrink a bit and onions become clear.
3.  Add basil, oregano, cayenne and Lawry's and salt to taste.  Add squash and mix well.  Add spaghetti sauce and stir well to combine.  Heat through and serve.

Serves 4


Sunday, May 18, 2008

YUMMY MONDAY: FRENCH-TOASTED TUNA & HUMMUS SANDWHICH



Ingredients

6-ounce      Can water-packed solid tuna
3/4 cup      Prepared hummus
1 cup           Finely shredded fresh spinach leaves
1 cup           Grated carrots
1 tsp            Cumin
8 slices       Ezekiel Bread
1/2 cup       Low-fat milk
1                  Large egg
2                  Large egg whites


Preparation 

1.  Crumble tuna in a bowl.  Add hummus, spinach, carrots and cumin; mix thoroughly. Make four sandwiches with the bread and tuna mixture.

2.  In a shallow bowl whisk together milk and egg and egg whites. Dip each sandwich one at a time until lightly soaked on both sides. You should use all egg mixture.

3.  Spay a large nonstick skillet with Pam or other vegetable spay.  Over very low heat add sandwiches cover loosely with a lid or piece of foil.

4.  Cook until the undersides of the sandwiches are well browned, 8 to 10 minutes.  Turn over and cook still covered until second side is well browned.

Nutritional info: 290 calories; 6 g fat; 31 g carbs; 25 g protein


Serve open faced for lower calories and about half the carbs.    




Monday, May 05, 2008

YUMMY MONDAY: HEMP PLUS GRANOLA


I don't know about all of you but I am a cereal lover!!!! I know its hard to find a cereal that is low carb, high protein and still tastes good. I mean come on we all know how most "good for you" cereals taste.....NASTY!!! But good news I have one for you and I must say I am addicted!!! Even my kids like it so that's a big bonus!

And yes you read it right its made from Hemp,don't worry its all legal I buy it in the grocery store. So here are a few facts about this yummy "good for you" cereal.

* Low sodium
* Good source of fiber
* 400 mg Omega-3 per serving
* USDA Organic
* lower in Carbs
* good source of Protein

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1/2 cup, Calories 140, Calories From Fat 45, Total Fat 5g, Saturated fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g, Omega-3 .6g, Omega-6 1.8g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 25mg, Total Carbohydrates 20g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 5g, Protein 3g.

Monday, April 28, 2008

YUMMY MONDAY: TURKEY CHILI



This is a great low-carb, low-fat and low calorie chili, and tastes great!!! And talk about easy to make!!!

Ingredients

Makes 9 servings

Cooking Spray, olive oil
2 cup onion, chopped
12 oz ground turkey
15 oz Beans, pinto, unsalted, fat free, canned, including liquid
15 oz Beans, kidney, unsalted, fat free, canned, drained
15 oz canned, unsalted, diced tomatoes, including liquid
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 oz Cheese, cheddar, fat free, shredded, optional


Directions


1. Coat a heavy saucepan with olive oil-flavored cooking spray.

2. Over medium heat, add onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in turkey, beans, and tomatoes. Add chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.

3. Cook for 20 minutes reducing heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally.

4. Taste toward end of cooking time and adjust seasonings, if desired.

5. Sprinkle with a small amount of cheese, if desired.

Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts: Calories 162.1, Total Carbs 18.1g, Dietary Fiber 6.9g, Sugars 3g, Total Fat 4.1g, Saturated Fat 1.2g, Unsaturated Fat 2.9g, Protein 12.7g, Sodium 77.3mg

Sunday, April 20, 2008

YUMMY MONDAYS: OLD FASHION BLUEBERRY WHIP




Easy, light and tasty - this colorful, lower-carb dessert is good all year round!

Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 1 mins
Extra Time: 3 hrs 30 mins (for refrigeration)

Yield: 4 x 3/4 cup servings

Ingredients:

3 oz raspberry-flavored sugar-free gelatin powder *
1/2 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
7 1/4 oz frozen blueberries, thawed and drained (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 cup frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed (about 2.4 oz) (such as Cool Whip)
4 mint sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

In a bowl, combine gelatin with boiling water; stir until completely dissolved. Stir in cold water. Refrigerate just until gelatin starts to mound.

In a blender container, add 1/2 of the gelatin mixture and 1/2 of the blueberries; blend until smooth. Pour into a bowl. Repeat one more time with the remaining gelatin and blueberries.

Fold in whipped dessert topping. Scrape mixture into a shallow container. Chill until firm, about three hours.

Spoon about 3/4 cup of the Blueberry Whip into each of four dessert glasses. Garnish with a mint sprig, if desired.



Variations:

Layered Blueberry Whip: Spoon alternate layers of the completed Blueberry Whip blueberries into dessert glasses, using approximately 3/4 cup Blueberry Whip and 1/4 cup blueberries per serving. Garnish with mint sprig. Makes 4 (1 cup) servings. (Note: This variation uses above entire recipe and adds an additional 1 cup of thawed and drained blueberries.)

NUTRITIONAL INFO :(Per Serving), Calories 77, Fat 2.1 g, Saturated fat 1.9 g, Carbs 13.1 g, Protien 1.4 g, Cholesterol 0.0 mg, Sugar 7.0 g

Monday, April 14, 2008

Come Dance with Me! Camp Turbo Kick 2008




Many of you have stumbled upon my Blog through your exposure to Turbo Jam, my at-home exercise video series offered through Beachbody. I get hundreds of emails each week asking if I'm actually a teacher (that's so funny!), or people wanting to know where they can take a live class or how they can take a live workout with me. So, I thought I'd tell you exactly how to do that, and a little more! Yes...you can take a live class with me, but better than that, you can spend 4 days with me and a couple hundred of your closest Turbo friends and leave thinner, happier, more motivated and inspired than you ever thought possible!

A little history ....

You see... Turbo Jam is the "at home" version of a class I've been teaching for health clubs across the country for over 11 years, called Turbo Kick. Turbo Kick is the club version, Turbo Jam is the home version. Many Turbo Jammers fall in love with the program, master it and then wonder what's next. That's when so many of you do a little internet investigation and learn that there is a way to take your new passion for Turbo to the streets and you make the jump from exerciser to instructor! YES! You CAN become a Turbo Kick certified instructor. My company, Powder Blue Productions (which I have operated along with my husband for 12 plus years) offers training programs to become a certified Turbo Kick instructor in locations across the United States and dozens of International locations every weekend. To learn more....check out my website at http://www.turbokick.com/



But YO! That's not what I'm blogging about today. Today, I wanted to tell you about an event that brings people who love Turbo, hip hop, dance and all things positive together for 4 days of fit-tab-ulous FUN with me and all your favoirte Turbo Video stars! It's called Camp Turbo Kick! You don't have to be an instructor. You don't have to be in great shape. You don't have to be an experienced Turbo person. All you have to be open minded, positive and ready to have a fit-tab-ulous good time.



Camp Turbo is a one time, one location event held every summer in Southern California. (And don't even botha asking... cuz we ain't gonna do one in your town, or in the winter or in your state, or a different week....Love it or leave it. It's one time a year, one location!)http://www.turbokick.com/index.php?content=CampTurboKick

So... the what's the big deal???...



In a nutshell, here a few quotes from people who went to Camp Turbo Kick 2007....

"It was like adult cheer camp for those of us who never got to be a cheerleader!"

"It's like lightening in a bottle."

"It gave me high that I feel could last me the whole year."

"I've never felt so supported or good about myself in all my life. "

"I'm a changed woman. I leave today with a better body and a plan for a better marriage."

"I will never look at Turbo or any exercise the same way again."

"I feel 10 years younger. ""It's like going back to a highschool pep rally that lasts 4 days and didn't include the mean girls!

""I wont be able to sleep for weeks. This is just the pick me up I needed."

"I arrived knowing not a soul. I left with 300 new friends."

"I have no idea how to put into words what this weekend has done for my spirt."

http://www.turbokick.com/index.php?content=CampTurboKick

So if 300 hundred hyper, happy, music crazy, turbo frenzied workout fanatics doesn't sound like your cup of tea, this might not be your thaaaang. We ask that all "Debbie Downers" stay home. This is 4 days of motivation. This is an investment in your personal battery pack!




You'll workout with me several times every day! Even though there will be 350 participants, you can select to be on any team you want. Being on the team helps you to get to know a small group and really feel connected. Here's a run down of our team captains, which were selected based on your votes!

http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=ila5ywp9y82d3kx422147

Your team rallies around their 'team color" and your team leaders will make sure you feel a welcome part of the family. Even if you come to camp all by yourself without knowing a soul, you'll feel welcome and supported! You can pick the team you want to be on! Then let the fun begin! We'll work-out, do an evening dance party, shopping, motivational lectures, hip hop for the non funky, healthy food, body shaping and loads of shopping..So what can you expect? You can expect a nice mix of workouts blended with motivational workshops and lectures. It might look like alot of exercise, but there's just enough spacing for you to regain your energy, even if your not in great shape.












Honestly camp attendance is about 85% female, with many gals bringing along husbands (who don't seem too terribly disappointed to be in the minority...note the huge smile on my husbands face in the photo below). Heck, what better gift to give your husband than to surround him with hundreds of energetic women who love to dance! Of course we have a decent and ever growing population of Turbo Men each year who also seem to love being in the minority! As a matter of fact, we have three male Team Captains this year who can shake it with the best of them! During the day you'll be wearing workout clothes from sun up til sun down. The evenings are speical events like our meet and greet photo session on Thursday, Friday's fabulous LA style fashion show, and Saturday nights dance party!


Basically you'll be having fun and burning calories from sun up to sun down! Check out the slide show from last year's camp at the bottom of the page...




http://www.turbokick.com/index.php?content=CampTurboKickWe limit attendance every year so that it's more of a personal experience. We are already approaching capacity.


I had not planned to mention camp on my blog until June, but with so few spaces left and teams filling up fast I didn't want you to miss out on the fun or the early bird discount!Come on! I promise you wont regret it!See you at camp!

Koom-buy- yah!Chalene