???? BMI Chart?????

 OK, this is a BMI chart! Most of you are familiar with this chart, but many of us might not like what it has to say! Too many people tell me "I'll never be that weight". Some comment "I'm not obese"!!
Remember this is supposed to be a tool, to help you gage where you are, and set goals on where you want to be! Let's get real a weight or a number on a scale is not the only predictor of health!  It is also our diet (food choices) and lifestyle behaviors that determines that!! But the BMI chart does tell us some important facts! If you need to lose weight don't get hung up on the number, just work hard to obtain a healthier weight! Any weight you lose is going to benefit your health! Just losing 10 lbs can impact you health in numerous positive ways! So keep moving forward, continue making positive choices and don't give up! A positive attitude is 50% of your success.
Set some new, obtainable goals for the new year!

• Regular physical activity
• More fruits and Veggies
• Lose 10lbs and keep it off

With these new goals you will see the changes you are looking for!!!

Why GREEK?

GREEK Yogurt! Yes, it's wonderfully delicious! Located right along side the other yogurt, this one boasts a big score in the protein department! And helping you feel fuller longer! Plus it fits well into a healthy diet! With many different flavors to choose from everyone will soon go GREEK!!!

I fell in love with this brand at a conference, when we walked to the nearest food market for a healthy snack! It is rich, creamy and honestly filling! I love to add a few berries for texture! Sure your husband might sigh when he sees it in the fridge and ask, "how much did that cost". But just tell him there is no price tag on his health (or that's what I told mine) ! And it's worth every penny!

Great to use for breakfast or afternoon snack, layer it in a parfait cup with beautiful berries for a healthy dessert!

  Check out more of Chobani recipes at www.Chobani.com/kitchen

Enjoy,

Always Healthy Mom!

New Year, New You?????

Does something magical happen on the first day of the New Year??? 
I know so many people that are frustrated with their health, but unable to make any progress or commitments until 2011! I'm over this, that ship has sailed! Start now!

There is no time like NOW! Think about this logic... I will gorge myself and eat everything unhealthy now, so on January 1st I can start fresh!!! Really? I feel like you would be treading water! Start now, today, so then you will be days ahead of everyone else! The truth is if you are even considering making changes in the new year, something needs to be changed. You are probably better off making a long term commitment instead of a a short term New Years resolution, which has the shelf life of one or two months!! Giving up is like saying that you are better off not making the changes! So stay positive and get prepared to make the changes needed for a healthier you!

Challenge Monday!

 I hope you had a wonderfully healthy holiday! Today I want to focus on stretching out of your comfort zone! My challenge for you today is to sample a NEW fruit or vegetable! You might be asking why and what?

Why: There is a variety of fruits  and vegetables you might not know about or know if you like! The more strategies we have, the better our long term success will look! So have fun go to the store and treat yourself to a healthy new item!!!

What: Did you know they have grapples now?????
 
I bet the kids will have fun with this one! An apple that tastes  like a grape!

One too many!!

OK, I'm not perfect!! Today was so difficult... Wine, Cheese, cookies and more!
                        
                                                    

 I feel like I  ate too much and tomorrow will be more of the same! Does this sound like your story??? If it does have no fear Always Healthy Mom is here... Tomorrow is a new day! Don't put your health on the back burner until the New Year.

                                                        



Start fresh tomorrow with a good filling healthy breakfast! *I suggest a high volume strategy like oatmeal with a fruit to fill you up and get off to a good start! The reality is there is probably left over ham and cheesy potato's in the fridge and you will look at them frequently! Plan out how your day will go... When, what, who and how! The holidays are fun, but they are definitely more challenging!! My plan for tomorrow one less cookie and limit the wine! Enjoy!

Happy, Healthy Holiday!!!
Celebrate and enjoy the love of family and friends! See you Monday!

Lighten up with Sargento!

 One of my favorite low calorie snacks is this 50 calorie  Light Sargento String Cheese! It is great with some fruit or just as you running out the door! Throw one in your lunch for an afternoon snack. Not only do I love these because they are easy to grab, but they taste great too. Too many times I have tried light cheese and been left feeling disappointed! But not with this one, my whole family is in love with Sargento's Light String Cheese!





 I love this next idea for the kids!!!! Great way to get them to eat healthy, make it fun!

This holiday season these “Christmas Tree” shaped cheese snacks will make a festive holiday platter. Made with a combination of natural Colby-Jack and Mild Cheddar cheese for a delicious snack that pairs perfectly with your favorite crackers and fresh fruit.

Coming soon!

Look for more from Always Healthy Mom! Video, Give Aways and Inspiration!!!! Coming Soon!

Healthy Holiday

 Remember the Holiday Season is about celebration , family and friends.It's easy to get caught up in the seasonal food choices and overindulge! How will you feel when you over eat???
Some tips to staying on track this Holiday...

•  eat before you go to any party or celebration
• fill up on fruits and veggies first
• take your own healthy dish to share
• don't drink your calories ( limit alcoholic beverages)
• move away from the kitchen and food display
• plan physical activity into you day!
• put everything you eat on a plate ( don't pick)
• use a smaller plate

I hope these tips will help you and your family have a Healthy Happy Holiday!

Challenge Monday!!!

  Challenge Monday is here again! How is your daily food records and fruits and veggies going?? 

Here is your challenge for this Monday... Try a new type of physical activity today.  Break away from your normal routine and try something new and exciting , even if it's only for 10 min. The more strategies you have the better off you will be long term! Have fun!

Tired Rock Star Mom!

  OK I admit being a Rock Star mom is not always easy! Ummmm... honestly it's never easy! The other night is no exception! It was following a week of earaches, antibiotics, and runny noses, when my middle son came in my room at 3am. I had barely even shut my eyes 3 hours earlier when  his feet hit the side of my bed! "Belly ache" he claimed. Of course I had to question what kind of pain? Silly me, I never learn, go with your gut instinct! Yep sure enough one empty stomach later, all over my floor, it was indeed a belly ache that lasted into the morning hours! I'm sure you have a few stories of your own that sound similar! My point to sharing this is not for sympathy but to bring attention to the fact that we need to support the Rock Star Moms! You know at best what they are going through on a daily or hourly basis. Team together, to raise the happiest, healthiest kids we can! I can't do it alone! So good luck! May all of you get some shut eye tonight!!!

The basics...

 I think eating healthy can sometimes be confusing, like a puzzle missing a few pieces! But I want to try and simplify it for you!

There are four main groups of foods as far as I am concerned (fruits/vegetables,lean proteins,whole grains, and everything else)! To be successful you need fruits and veggies. There is no limit to these low calorie high volume foods! Second lean proteins like chicken, fish, yogurt,veggie burger, even beans.Next whole grains, like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, bread, barley. And everything else category, look at this group on a scale from highest to lowest calories. Focus on the lower calorie items and try to avoid the higher calorie items like chips, ice cream, burgers, fast foods and alcohol. 

So now reflect where the groups of foods fit into your day!

FlatOut GOOD!!!!!

Who would not like these low calorie whole grain options! Coming in at only 90 calories! These ingenious wraps can be versatile ( sandwich, wrap, pizza, power snack and more).  I love to layer mine with hummus and veggies and enjoy a healthy lunch as a mom on the go! I have even tried the pizza with lots of veggies and low fat cheese, talk about a show stopper, you will be the hippest mom in town!  

FlatOut says... The taste everyone loves! Flatout Traditional Flatbreads is where “Better Than Sliced Bread” ® all began! They are low in fat, good source of fiber and of course, perfect for wraps, pinwheels and super easy pizza. Don't forget to grab your at your local store!  With a variety of many flavors to choose from and get this they even come in kids size wraps... whats not to love!! These people get it!!! Always Healthy Mom approved!

CHALLENGE MONDAY!

 You next challenge focus is on fruits and veggies. What do I mean by fruits and veggies??? Fresh, Frozen, or Canned. If you choose canned look for light syrup or choose fruit juice and light or no sodium. When choosing frozen look for steam fresh bags with no sauces. There are so many choices when it comes to fruits and vegetable, have fun go wild! There is a reason this section is always at the front and beginning of the store!

*** Today's challenge eat at least 5 servings of fruits or vegetables.

Remember one whole cup of fruit or vegetable, a medium size whole fruit or vegetable and go wild with salad! Just remember low- calorie dressing and avoid cheese, meats and nuts!

Checking in...

Are you still keeping your food diary? Remember there are many research studies that show people who track their food lose more weight and keep it off longer! So pick up that pen, and start writing for better health!    

Who came up with these ideas?????

       Today my son saw a commercial for a Cotton candy maker for kids! Yes let me say that again a Cotton candy maker for kids! Who comes up with these ideas? I think we need some fresh new ideas in marketing! Some other ones that I scratch my head at are.....

the Dairy Queen blizzard machine for kids                 

• The giant donut cake    

The giant Oreo cake       

• McDonald pretend food for my 18 month old 

So Yes if I want my daughter to pretend she is at a drive-thru this would be the perfect gift!

I might pass on this today!    Love, Always Healthy Mom

Food; health; obesity; No one's a 'victim' of obesity - latimes.com

Food; health; obesity; No one's a 'victim' of obesity - latimes.com

Top this... VITALICIOUS !

When looking to satisfy my sweet tooth, I always turn to VitaTops for a healthy Low-calorie vitalicious treat! Coming in at only 100 calories you can't go wrong! My favorite the double chocolate Vitatop! But with so many flavors everyone will find one that is vitalicious! As a mom on the go there are good to grab and throw in my purse or bag, and when my sweet tooth hits I zap one in the micro for 30 sec or less and top with low cal cool whip and some berries! Here's what they say about them...

VitaTop™ 100 calorie muffin tops have all of the healthy benefits of our delicious VitaMuffin™ - now even more convenient to carry and eat on-the-run. The VitaTop™, a "one-hand" satisfying snack food with the portability of an energy or granola bar, is easy to eat anywhere, anytime. At your desk or on the road, these handy muffin tops fit conveniently into a purse, briefcase, work out bag, backpack and lunchbox. Always healthy Mom gives this a Healthy Family rating! Try one soon, you will love it!

How did Challenge Monday go?
Share with me on my facebook page (alwayshealthymom) !

CHALLENGE MONDAY!

There is something to be said  for a Strong Start to your week! So I present to you your Challenge Monday ! Are you women enough to take it on???

***Today  start a food journal or diary! Write down and track your healthy eating! This is a great tool to keep you on the healthy eating track!

Tip... Remember we need to eat small frequent meals so plan out small meals throughout the day. I suggest every 3-4 hours! Remember focus on the healthy filling foods like fruits and veggies! And eat before you get hungry! Eating when you are hungry usually leads to poor food choices! Have a healthy day!

Some Changes!!!

OK I have decided that "Healthy Reviews" will be every Wednesday! And I'm adding a new idea on Mondays.... A healthy Challenge! Are you "women enough" to take it on?

Letsmove.gov

Check this out for everything you need to know about the concept!
http://www.letsmove.gov/

Your health...How much is it worth?

My question is... How much is your health worth? I know it sounds funny, but seriously! What would you pay or do for your best health? Is there a price to health? Is there time restrains and excuses? Is there forgiveness and break-ups? No, there is not! I want to share with you that there is no time better than the present! Be selfish for you, your health, and your family! When I take the time to eat right I feel confident in my investment, it is priceless. I know I will get more back in the end! So how much are you willing to bet on your health at this very moment??? If it's not a lot, than its a sign to make some positive changes today!