Over Stuff'd Avocado Recipe

Here is a delicious and healthy lunch or snack idea for yourself or for the kids (if you have them) to eat to keep healthy, watch your figure or make to take with you to a day on set! Avocado is one of the best foods for you and this tuna/avocado mix recipe is to die for!

Ingredients:
1 medium Avocado
3 oz. can tuna, drained
1/4 cup each: green pepper, red onion, cucumber - all diced
1/3 cup nonfat greek yogurt, plain
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp each: sea salt
1 packet sweetener (i.e. Splenda or stevia)
1/4 cup fresh orange sections, diced

How to Prepare:
1. Slice Avocado in half, lengthwise (be careful of the pit, it’s big!) Split open and remove the bit.
2. Scoop out the center of the avocado, leaving about ¼ inch of the fruit all around, and put the scooped out fruit into a bowl. Set the halves aside.
3. Add tuna, pepper, onion, cucumber yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, salt and sweetener to the bowl with the scooped out avocado. Mix all ingredients until very well blended.
4. Add orange sections and mix gently.
5. Scoop half of the mix into each of the Avocado halves.
6. Put in refrigerator for approximately 10 minutes to slightly chill. (Or wait to take them out until you’re ready to leave for your picnic!)
7. Grab a spoon and eat up! Yum. Enjoy!

NUTRITION DATA
Per serving (serves 1): 470.5 calories, 32 grams protein, 28.3 grams carbohydrates, 25.5 grams fat (good fat!)



 Original Post: http://www.muscleandfitnesshers.com/recipes/over-stuffd-avocado

Zucchini Flaxseed Banana Muffins

Here is a great recipe that tastes amazing but is extremely healthy for you! We tested these out in the office a couple weeks ago and they were a hit with everyone. They are moist, healthy and so easy to make. If you want to bake some muffins to take with you to casting's or for day's on set or even a quick snack for the road in the morning these are perfect!

Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 cup lightly packed stevia* or organic sugar*
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups coarsely grated zucchini (from 1 large zucchini)
• 2 mashed ripe banana
• 3/4 cup vanilla almond milk*
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  
  
  * = changes to the recipe 
  
  
  How to Bake:
  
  
  1.  Step 1:
     Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat 12 standard muffin cups with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, flaxseed, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add zucchini and banana and stir to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla. Add milk mixture to flour mixture and stir until combined (do not overmix).

  2.  Step 2:

     Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let muffins cool completely in pan on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.

     Cook's Note: Fresh zucchini and ripe banana add moisture to these muffins, ensuring they are soft and tender but low in fat.

     Original Post: http://www.marthastewart.com/851872/zucchini-banana-and-flaxseed-muffins
     
     

5 Avacado Healthy Meal Ideas

If you need more fiber in your diet, then it's time to turn to the smooth and satisfying avocado. This treat is delicious and very healthy for you! If you are looking for some great, quick meal or snack ideas full of fiber, look no further than here for 5 great ways to add avocado into your diet. This is great for yourself or the kids or even to make to take with you to a day on set. Set foods are not the most glamorous so having something pre-made like these suggestions can help you out.

Just half an avocado contains seven grams of fiber. Although high in fat, avocados contain the good-for-you monounsaturated fats (MUFA) your body needs to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and maintain the HDL (good) ones. Here are 5 ways to snack on the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of an avocado. 

1. Avocado and Strawberries With Balsamic Vinegar:
Fill your bowl and your belly with this sweet snack made with fresh strawberries, ripe avocado, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

2. Guacamole Portobello Mushroom:
Homemade guacamole has to be on the list, but instead of pairing it with high-calorie and high-sodium tortilla chips, place a few dollops on top of a sautéed portobello mushroom.

3. Avocado, Tomato, and Brie on Crackers:
If you're in the mood for a little crunch, top whole grain crackers with a slice of brie, avocado, fresh tomato, cilantro, and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. If you're not a fan of brie, substitute provolone, goat cheese, or your favourite cheese.

4. Cucumber-Avocado Caprese Salad:

Who says you can't snack on salad? Made with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, avocado, balls of fresh mozzarella, and tossed with homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this cucumber-avocado caprese salad makes a refreshing post-workout snack.

5. Creamy Cottage Cheese Avocado:

For an easy snack that's packed with fiber and protein, make this creamy cottage cheese avocado. Slice an avocado in half, remove the pit, and fill the hole with low-fat cottage cheese. This snack is a little over 200 calories, so if you're looking for a smaller snack, use one third of an avocado instead.

Original Post: http://www.fitsugar.com/Avocado-Snack-Ideas-21828074

Ice Cream Cupcakes for Summer

Now that Summer has arrived, here is a guilt-free and delicious summer treat that is great for you or the kids! Reward them for their patience and good behaviour on set with an Ice Cream CUPCAKE!

Ingredients:

9 ounces vanilla Greek yogurt
8 strawberries
Half a ripe banana
1 teaspoon mini chocolate chips (or carob!)

Directions:

1. Place 12 mini silicone baking cups on the top of an ice cream tray or small wooden cutting board.
2. Fill each of the cups halfway with yogurt, using one six-ounce container.
3. Puree the strawberries and banana. Add a small spoonful to each cup, so no white is showing.
4. Add a dollop of yogurt to each cup using the last three ounces of yogurt. Sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips on top of each cup. Gently place the tray in the freezer for at least an hour.
5. Remove from the freezer and allow to thaw for 10 minutes before eating.

Makes 12 Servings and is only 30 calories!


Original Post: http://www.fitsugar.com/Low-Calorie-Ice-Cream-Cupcakes-28553112

Wellness Wednesday - Healthy Ranch Dip Alternative

When you're going to casting's and go-see's and need a great healthy snack, veggies are always a great option. When you want to munch on crunchy raw veggies with a yummy ranch dip, it can be packed with calories and fat. It's easy to overindulge on the dip and fill up on calories, so here is a great option for a low fat and delicious ranch-dip alternative that you can take with you to your casting's and on set to eat with your veggies.

Rethink your ranch by substituting Greek yogurt for the sour cream and mayonnaise. Instead of the powdered spices and salt, quickly chop up some chives, parsley, and garlic. There is so much flavor packed in these fresh herbs; only a little salt is needed to satiate your palate. The thick, creaminess of the yogurt will provide you with a seemingly decadent treat when really you are loading up on protein and probiotics that are benefits of eating Greek Yogurt.

Ingredients:

1-2 cucumbers, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
1 clove garlic, mashed into paste
1/2 bunch chives, thinly sliced
1/4 bunch flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped
1 6-ounce container of strained Greek yogurt
Lemon juice to taste
Salt to taste

Directions:

This dip will complement any raw vegetable, so be sure to try it on bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli florets.

1. To make garlic paste: chop garlic then add a generous pinch of coarse salt. Mash the garlic and salt mixture with the flat side of your knife.
2. Stir garlic paste, chives, parsley, and lemon juice to Greek yogurt until well combined. Salt to taste

 Original Post: http://www.fitsugar.com/Ranch-Greek-Yogurt-Dip-18676892

Wellness Wednesday - Label & Plan Your Meals & Snacks

Here is a great tip to help you stay fit and healthy so that you are feeling at your best when you are on set or at casting's or go-see's.

Plan out your meals and snack's so that you have prepared yummy and healthy foods for yourself throughout the day, may it be on a daily basis or just to take with you on day's you're at casting's or on set.

Decide on foods you want to eat throughout the day, lots of fruits and veggies are good along with nuts and seeds (Trail Mix's are amazing) that are "Hunger Killers" since they suppress your appetite, keep your satiated and are good for you.

Use recyclable bags and sticky notes to package and label your meals. An added tip - add the time you plan on eating them as well so that you keep your metabolism going and this can even help you lose weight.

As long as you're eating healthy foods and eating at regular intervals, planning meals so you don't impulsively eat junk or fast food, you'll be sure to find you have lots of energy and are ready to take on anything, even a leading role in a movie or TV show!

Hope you enjoyed this little tip from us to you!
Bree xoxo

Wellness Wednesday - Tips to get your children to eat their veggies

How To: Get your children to eat their vegetables

Anyone who has kids understands that it takes a lot of skill and a little finesse to get your kids to eat their veggies. Most kids would prefer to dine on a strict diet of sugary and processed goodness. Pleading seems in vain because they tune out when you say, "Please eat your vegetables. They're good for you." Eating healthy is majorly important for anyone to live a full and healthy lifestyle but especially in the entertainment industry. Not only do you want to stay fit and healthy so that you can look and feel your best but so that you can have lots of energy to take on roles and last days on sets working.

Number One Lesson- Start Early

• Offer babies variety of baby food and toddlers a variety of veggies and entrees
• Encourage you children to taste everything, but never force them to eat anything
• If you kids reject something keep cooking it; it may take 15 times before they will even taste it but they can eventually acquire a taste.
• Breast feeding for longer than 6 months seems to help prevent picky eaters
• Make meal time fun: surprise dinner- mealtime mystery, give a squeeze- preschool tips, uncover the character- colorful spoon and stickers
  
  

Number Two Lesson- Make Veggies a Treat

• Add a small amount of sugar to veggies
• Add cheese to broccoli
• Sneak veggies in foods your kids like: use recipes from Deceptively Delicious, or add fruit to cereal, yogurt and Jell-O
• Offer fresh veggies and dip with meal
• Let you kids help prepare meals
• Plant a vegetable and garden together with your kids
  
  

Number Three Lesson- Become a Great Example

• Make sure you eat fruits and veggies at every meal.
• Stir fry veggies
• Snack on veggies, homemade trial mix or dried fruit
• Serve fruit salad for desert
• Put grated carrots, and fresh or frozen spinach into spaghetti sauce
• Cook a vegetarian dinner one night a week

Original Post: http://wellness-llnl.blogspot.ca/2009/06/how-to-get-you-children-to-eat-their.html

Healthy On-The-Go Food Choices

Here are some great snack idea's to take with you on-the-go or to have at home quickly in the morning in preparation for a big day of being on set, attending a casting/go-see. 

Toast a whole wheat bagel, spread some peanut butter or light cream cheese and top with banana's and strawberries! This yummy treat is a great breakfast combo to take with you in the car in the morning or for a snack during the day. 

Healthy Eating Tips!

So being in the entertainment industry it's very important to stay fit and healthy, so here are some great tips to keep your cravings down and eat healthy.

1. EAT BREAKFAST

Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. When you sleep your body goes into a mini starvation mode and your metabolism slows down so when you wake up, eating something right away gets your metabolism going again. You even consume less calories later in the day if you eat breakfast! It also helps having something in your stomach so you feel full in the morning and don't overindulge during lunch or dinner.

2. KNOW YOUR PORTION SIZES

It is very important that you aren't over or under eating. Read labels and know how much of what kinds of foods you should be consuming throughout the day. There IS such thing as too much of a good thing, even with healthy foods. It is possible to eat too many fruits and veggies and you WILL gain weight, weird right? So make sure you're not eating too much and especially remember to eat enough. If your portion sizes aren't big enough your body isn't getting enough calories and will start to starve itself. You want to be full of energy and have a strong, healthy body ready to take on the industry!

3. SNACK

It is very important to snack throughout the day. Eating small portions of snack type foods during the day keeps your metabolism going and curbs your appetite and any potential cravings you may have. Things like nuts, fruit, veggies, oatmeal bars or even cheese and crackers are great options!

4. WATER

Be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day. You should be getting a minimum of 2L a day so pack your reusable water bottle and take it with you wherever you go. If water gets boring add flavouring like MiO's (my favourite is the Berry Pomegranate). They have no calories, sugar free, no artificial flavouring and taste great! They're also pretty inexpensive and last quite a while!


5. LUNCH: PROTEIN & WHEAT with a TREAT?

Be sure to eat a lot of protein and turn to whole wheat's instead of white flour based breads and pasta's. Have a balanced lunch and eat some meat on whole wheat bread and it's okay to treat yourself at lunch! Have a yummy treat with lunch, don't deprive yourself of sweets entirely, just be sure to keep the portions small.

6. AVOID YOUR TRIGGER FOODS (For Dieters)

We all have them...those foods that we just can't help ourselves with. May it be chocolate, potato chips or french fries...none of it is good for you especially if you can't help yourself from overindulging in them. Get your friends or family to be sure to keep you away from them and help restrain you from giving in. Know yourself and what you crave and stay as far away from it as possible and you'll be fine.


Hope you all enjoyed these healthy eating tips! Be sure to follow us to get more updates on posts like these!

Healthy Eating!