Thursday, December 6, 2012

Texas Fit Chicks Photo Contest - Reasons I'm getting FIT



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Pin or post a photo of you and the "Reason you're Getting FIT" and win $100 off boot camp with Texas Fit Chicks!

Here's How to Enter:
1) Follow Texas Fit Chicks on Pinterest
2) Upload a picture of you and why you're getting FIT - if you wear your TFC tank top in the picture and win, you get an additional prize!
3) Tag your picture with #texasfitchicks 
4) When you're done, comment on this pin with a link to your photo

Facebook Entries
Take photo as described above and post HERE to our facebook page

Contest starts 11/8/2012 and ends at 12am cst on Dec 6, 2012. No purchase necessary. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer/discount. You must be a member of Pinterest.com to enter, and you must be following Texas fit Chicks Pinterest pages, http://www.pinterest.com/texasfitchicks. If you do not have a Pinterest account, you can sign up for one here: http://pinterest.com/landing. Winner Selection: We aren't going to have you ask your friends to vote - all entries will be put into third party drawing service and one winner will be selected.  
Winner will receive $100 off their next boot camp with Texas Fit Chicks - no cash value, non-transferable. If winner is wearing a Texas Fit Chicks tank top in their entry, they will also win a Free Texas Fit Chicks hoodie (retail value 34.99).




Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Fitness Success with Texas Fit Chicks. Stephanie shares her experience...


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"Twenty-three months ago today I gave birth to twin boys…6lbs 2 oz and 5lbs 15 oz. My stomach was over 55 inches around and I weighed ap

proximately 190 pounds. I spent 14 weeks out of 36 weeks on complete restrictive bed rest. The twins completely separated my abdominal wall from my rib cage to my pelvic bone. I spent the next six months desperately going from surgeon to surgeon trying to find a “fix” for my body. In spring 2011, I began a Couch to 5K program, determined to lose some weight. By the time I ran the 5K I was suffering severe joint pain in my wrists, elbows, back, and ankles. I could hardly walk. Twelve months ago, after months of tests, I underwent an emergency hysterectomy. I had an internal infection which had spread to my joints causing permanent arthritic damage. I truly thought I would never be physically active again. I needed steroids daily to get out of bed, and regular prescription anti-inflammatory medications to get through the day. I lived that way, believing that, until the end of April 2012, when I decided to join Texas Fit Chicks boot camp with Aimee Storm.




By the time I started boot camp I had lost 33 pounds. I weighed 147 pounds and was a solid size 8/10. There was not one defined muscle in my body. After the first session I thought I would never make it. I didn’t throw up, but I went home and laid in bed for over an hour! Getting up was hard, and I was tired. I couldn’t complete a full set of anything. I was so impressed with all of the girls. No one was perfect, and everyone worked hard. I kept coming and I kept doing the work…after 5 weeks I lost FIVE inches and 3 pounds! It was unbelievable! After 10 weeks I lost 2 more pounds and several inches. I was stronger than I had ever been. I began to complete full sets at the “advanced” level, instead of struggling through the modified sets. I finally decided to try to alter my eating. I have followed a strict diet for the past 6 weeks…Today, after 16 weeks I have lost 13 pounds and 15 inches!!!! I am a size 4! I have repaired my body on my own. I no longer have to take steroids and daily anti- inflammatory medication to get out of bed or make it through the day. I have energy I haven’t had since my teens. I am happy and healthy, and still working hard everyday to reach my goals! I am not perfect, but I will keep striving to improve. ANYONE can do this. It will be hard work in the beginning but you have to do it for yourself!!! I could not have done it without Aimee supporting me and pushing me, and of course without all of my Texas Fit Chick Boot Camp ladies!!!" - Stephanie S.




Click HERE for more info on Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp 

and training with Aimee in Frisco!

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Monday, December 3, 2012

Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp Hoodie Sizes S,M,L,XL,2XL



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Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp Hoodies sold out for December
If you want to put one on hold for our Jan inventory, email Melody@texasfitchicks.com

Sizes S,M,L,XL,2XL Pocket in the front. Order yours today for just $34.99 plus $8 s/h. Ships in 7-10 business days


Texas Fit Chicks Boot camp ~ Come train with the best in McKinney, Frisco, Mesquite, Keller, Colleyville, Prosper, Plano, Anna, Wylie, Richardson, Dallas, Fairview, The Colony, College Station, Spring and Houston Texas

7 Healthy and Easy Crock Pot Recipes


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I love when 5pm rolls around and dinner is almost done! I don't know about you, but the last thing I want to do late afternoon, is figure out what's for dinner, and be in the kitchen working. Crock pot recipes are fantastic but sometimes not on the healthy side. We found 7 great recipes we wanted to shaer with our Texas Fit Chicks to make dinner time easy breezy, and healthy! Hope you enjoy.





Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Ingredients:
2 lbs. beef chuck roast
2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
2 jalapeƱos (tops removed, chopped)
2 medium peppers (tops removed, chopped)

1 medium onion (diced)
4 medium radishes (tops removed, cut in half)
1-2 sweet potatoes (cut into chunks)
1 8-oz. can pineapple chunks
1 14.5-oz. can stewed tomatoes
2 cups frozen corn
1 14-oz. can coconut milk
1/4-cup canola oil
1-tablespoon garlic powder
1-tablespoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Heat oil in frying pan over medium-high heat. Season roast with garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper; brown on both sides. Remove roast from pan; put in slow cooker with remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low about 8 hours.
This recipe yields 8 servings







Chicken Cacciatore 


Ingredients
    3 pounds chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
    Kosher salt and pepper to taste
    2 onions, chopped
    1 pound fresh mushrooms, thickly sliced
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1/4 cup flour
    1 cup chicken broth
    2 tablespoons tomato paste
    1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
    Fresh basil to garnish
    Hot cooked linguini
    Grated cheese, Pecorino Romano or Parmesan 
Directions
  1. Add chicken to Crock-Pot slow cooker, and then top chicken with remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on Low 7 to 9 hours or on High 4 to 5 hours.
  2. Garnish with fresh torn basil, and serve over linguini and pass the cheese.
Serves: 6-8



 


Savory Bean and Spinach Soup
Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients
3 14-ounce cans vegetable broth
1 15-ounce can tomato puree
1 15-ounce can small white beans or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 garlic cloves, chopped
8 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach or kale leaves
Finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine vegetable broth, tomato puree, beans, rice, onion, basil, salt, pepper, and garlic.
2. Cover; cook on low-heat setting 5 to 7 hours or on high-heat setting 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.
3. Just before serving, stir in spinach or kale and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition facts per serving: 150 calories, 9g protein, 31g carbohydrate, 3g fat (1g saturated), 8g fiber




Beef Vegetable Soup
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 pound boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
3 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 small potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 14-1/2-ounce cans diced tomatoes
1 cup water
1/2 cup loose-pack frozen peas
Fresh parsley sprigs (optional)
Directions
1. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine beef chuck pieces, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and chopped onion. Sprinkle with salt and thyme. Add bay leaf, tomatoes with their juices, and water. Stir until all ingredients are combined.
2. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.
3. Remove and discard bay leaf. Stir in peas and garnish with parsley if desired.
Nutrition facts per serving: 269 calories, 28g protein, 29g carbohydrate, 4g fat (1g saturated), 4g fiber



Red Beans Over Spanish Rice
Makes: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
2 cups dry red beans or dry kidney beans
5 cups cold water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 1/2 cups chopped onions
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon ground cumin
4 cups water
1 6-3/4-ounce package Spanish rice, cooked
Fresh jalapeno peppers, sliced
Directions
1. Rinse beans; drain. In a large saucepan, combine beans and the 5 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
2. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 1 hour. Rinse and drain beans.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork in two batches; drain fat.
4. Coat a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add beans, pork, onions, garlic, and cumin. Pour in the 4 cups water; stir.
5. Cover; cook on low heat 10 to 11 hours.
6. Using a slotted spoon, remove beans and pork. Serve beans over rice, and spoon liquid over the top. Garnish with sliced jalapeno.
Nutrition facts per serving: 344 calories, 19g protein, 68g carbohydrate, 1g fat (0g saturated), 17g fiber



Cajun Shrimp and Rice
Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 14-ounce can chicken broth
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 6- to 6-1/4-ounce package long-grain and wild-rice mix, such as Uncle Ben's
1/4 cup water
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 pound cooked, shelled and deveined shrimp
Hot-pepper sauce (optional)
Directions
1. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, onions, bell pepper, rice mix with seasoning packet, water, garlic, and Cajun seasoning.
2. Cover; cook on low-heat setting 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
3. Stir shrimp into rice mixture. Cover; cook for 15 minutes longer at high-heat setting. Sprinkle with hot-pepper sauce if desired.
Nutrition facts per serving: 223 calories, 21g protein, 32g carbohydrate, 2g fat (0g saturated), 3g fiber



Gingered Beef and Vegetables
Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless beef round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1/2 cup sliced scallions
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons instant beef-bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 cups loose-pack frozen sugar snap peas, thawed
Cooked rice
Directions
1. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine beef, carrots, scallions, and garlic. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups water, soy sauce, ginger, bouillon, and crushed red pepper; pour over mixture in cooker.
2. Cover; cook on low-heat setting 9 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting 4 1/2 to 5 hours.
3. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and the 3 tablespoons cold water; stir into meat mixture along with bell pepper. Cover; cook 20 to 30 minutes more, or until thickened, stirring once. Stir in sugar snap peas. Serve with rice.
Nutrition facts per serving: 350 calories, 29g protein, 35g carbohydrate, 10g fat (4g saturated), 3g fiber
- Fitness 2009

Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp is devoted to helping women in the N Dallas area reach their personal fitness goals. With TFC, you have access to your own personal trainer that is experienced in helping women lose weight. We provide nutritional accountability and a free meal plan with any purchase of bootcamp with us. Lose weight and become the next Texas Fit Chick with us!

Want free Fitness Tips and Healthy Recipes daily? Be sure to Like us on Facebook to get your chance at winning a free bootcamp with us!

Friday, November 30, 2012

Mesquite Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp Starts Jan 7!



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*NEW* Mesquite Texas Fit Chicks
 
Starts January 7

Are you ready to commit to being fit? Want access and accountability of a fitness expert without paying outrageous prices? Our program gives you all of that, and guarantees results! We are so excited to be expanding to the Mesquite area!
 
Texas Fit Chicks is a womens' only boot camp that meets 3 days a week for 5 week sessions. You can start any Monday, so no need to wait for a new camp to begin! Our program is non-military with trainers that will inspire and motivate you. We don't see the need to yell or scream at our clients. Each workout is different and guaranteed to get results. Our trainers show each exercise at 3 levels, beginner, intermediate and advanced ~ so it's ideal for anyone, no matter what your fitness level!
+
BONUS You receive a meal plan that we provide with healthy recipes that the whole family will love. You will also get a full body comp for you before and after your 5 weeks to see your results!
 
Get all of this for 1/2 price when you sign up with a friend before camp begins! You and your friend will each get a 5 week session for just $99! That takes boot camp with your trainer down to just over $6 a session - it's a steal!
This offer only lasts until Jan 6 - and has limited availability, so sign up today

Here's the scoop for
 
Mesquite Texas Fit Chicks:

MWF INDOORS at
Self Defense America at 500 N Galloway Ave.
5am-6am
 
Here's a little more about your trainer, Lindsey...
 

Lindsey has always had a love for sports, starting at age 4 with softball and later taking an interest in volleyball and basketball. Leading an athletic lifestyle, she never really struggled with her weight until after graduating from high school. She put on the "freshman 15" that so many do after starting college and from there out was on a roller coaster of losing and gaining weight. She would try every fad diet that came out, every "magic pill" that was placed on the shelves, and every new exercise craze that hit the market. After trying everything, nothing seemed to take the weight off and keep it off.

She finally got serious about working out and although the pounds came off, there was still something missing. It wasn't until she figured out how to incorporate healthy eating into her active lifestyle that she saw a noticeable, lasting change in her body. After figuring out what works in the way of eating healthy and exercising, she wanted to be able to share that with people who haven't been as fortunate to figure it out yet. It was then that she made the decision to obtain her certification as a personal trainer.

Obtaining her certification as a personal trainer through NASM was one of the best decisions she has ever made! She loves being able to help people reach their goals and motivating them to find their healthier selves! There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you made a difference in someone's life!
 
Here are some of our FIT chicks that had great results from our program...

Click HERE to contact Lindsey
 
Connect with Mesquite Texas Fit Chicks on Facebook

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

NEW Carrollton Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp starts Dec 10!



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*NEW* Carrollton Texas Fit Chicks

Boot Camp!

Starts December 10

Get ready to be in the best shape of your life. Our program guarantees results! We are so excited to be expanding to the Carrollton area! Texas Fit Chicks is a womens' only boot camp that meets 3 days a week for 5 week sessions. You can start any Monday, so no need to wait for a new camp to begin! Our program is non-military with trainers that will inspire and motivate you. We don't see the need to yell or scream at our clients. Each workout is different and guaranteed to get results.

 All exercises are shown at 2-3 levels, so no matter how fit (or sedentary) you are, everyone will get a great workout and results!

+
BONUS You receive a meal plan that we provide with healthy recipes that the whole family will love. You will also get a full body comp for you before and after your 5 weeks to see your results!

Get all of this for 1/2 price when you sign up with a friend before camp begins! You and your friend will each get a 5 week session for just $99! That takes boot camp with your trainer down to just over $6 a session - it's a steal! 

This offer only lasts until Dec 9 - and has limited availability, so sign up today 

Here's the scoop:

MWF 5am-6am
Chung's Taekwondo
NW corner of Rosemeade & Marsh Ln in Carrollton (behind a Texaco)
2515 E. Rosemeade Pkwy. Ste# 119 
Carrollton, TX

Here's a little more about your trainer, Wendy!


"I've always had a keen interest in learning and sharing about health, fitness, and nutrition. Let me tell you it's never NEVER too late to change your health.
My husband introduced me to running in college and even though I continued to run through the years, a few milestones--called "age" and "slower metabolism" and "babies"--began to show up in the form of an extra 20 pounds. In May 2011 I adjusted portion sizes and added more workouts and the weight came off after 4 months. The best part has been maintaining because eating well and exercising are truly part of my life! I really noticed results when I added boot camp workouts and can't wait to share this with other women. I understand what it's like to fit in time for yourself while being a wife, raising a family, and carving out a career. 

While continuing to work full time in communications and as a technical writer, I decided to become a certified personal trainer, but my plan really took off after finding Texas Fit Chicks. Thanks to trainer Tia, for her support and advice! I love that I get to workout with other women and help them reach their fitness goals. I'm telling you now that whatever your age, you can be in the best shape of your life! 

My husband and I just celebrated 20 years of marriage and we have two awesome kids, ages 14 and 12. I have a Bachelor's in Advertising from The University of Texas. I'm now also a W.I.T.S. certified personal trainer and AFAA certified group exercise instructor. I taught Pilates for 3 years (while living in Colorado) and have completed 2 marathons and 2 sprint triathlons. Currently I'm working on a challenge to complete half-marathons #7, 8, and 9 in consecutive months."


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

3 Holiday At-Home Workouts from Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp



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The holidays have arrived...along with all those treats you don't usually eat. I wanted to put together a few at-home workouts for you, so  you can burn off that pie! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family...

Be sure and warm up before you workout

5..4..3..2..1 Workout

5 minutes of cardio:
1 minute booty-kicks
1 minute high knee run (or march)
1 minute jumping jacks
1 minute Squat Jumps
1 minute Mountain Climbers

4 Rounds of Leg Exercises
Forward/Reverse Lunge with rt leg - 15 reps
30 Super Slow Squats (count for 3 down/3up)
Forward/Reverse Lunge with left leg - 15 reps
Donkey Kicks - 15 on each leg (on all 4's knee bent, lift and lower)

3 Rounds of Cardio
20 Burpees
20 Star Jumps
20 Side to Side Hops

2 Minutes for the Core
Forward Plank - 1 minute hold
Side Plank - each side for 30 seconds
Repeat 2x

1 Minute at the Wall
Wall sit

GO for 2-3 Rounds if you can!

___________________________________________

Jump Rope Fat Blast Workout

50 Jumping Jacks
30 sec Jump Rope
20 Alternating Lunges
30 sec Jump Rope
10 Tuck Jumps 
30 sec Jump Rope
20 squats
30 sec Jump Rope
1 minute High Knees
30 sec Jump Rope
10 Squat Jumps
30 sec Jump Rope
10 Burpees
30 sec Jump Rope
20 sec Mountain Climbers
30 sec Jump Rope
25 Push Ups
30 sec Jump Rope
1 minute Plank

Repeat 2X

___________________________________________

Run Off the Pie Workout

20 Jumping Jacks
10 Burpees with Push Up
5 Minute run around the neighborhood
10 push Ups
20 Tricep Dips (can do on curb)
20 Curtsy Lunges (on each side)
5 Minute run 
30 second plank
15 Jump Squats
5 Minute run 
20 Bicycle Crunches
20 Mountain Climbers
10 Sumo Squats
5 Minute Run

Repeat total of 2x

__________________________________________

Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp is THE premiere womens fitness program in Tx. We offer training at a fraction of the cost! Our nationally certified fitness experts will guide you to your personal goals. All fitness levels welcome! 
We offer boot camp in Allen, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, Richardson, Wylie, Anna, The Colony, Keller, Dallas, Spring, Braes Heights, University Park, Mesquite and College Station Texas

Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. 


Monday, November 19, 2012

Winner of our 30 Day Fit Chick Challenge!



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We are so excited to announce the winner of our 30 Day Fit Chick Challenge....Bambi! Read about her experience below and how she did it!

 Started at 141 down to 128.4... 8.94% of weight loss!


"I started with the TFC in August of 2011 after having a reality check from my doctor. I was 32 and my blood pressure was out of control. He told me I had three months to try and get it under control or he was going to medicate me. That was it. So I heard about Texas Fit Chicks from a friend of mine and decided to try it. After the first 5 weeks, I only lost 3lbs! I know I worked harder than that. Then I did my first challenge where they gave me a diet plan. I lost 14lbs in 30 days coming in 2nd place! When I had my three month check up with my doctor, he was shocked by my fitness level. The best part was my blood pressure was perfect! That's when I realized that my overall diet was the reason I was not seeing results. Once I connected the two components, diet and exercise, I was able to maintain the weight loss for the most part for a year and was smaller than I had ever been in my life. 

I was content with my size and shape before I started this last challenge and to be honest, I didn't think I could be any smaller than I was as I have always been "thick". My trainer talked me into doing it again and let me tell you, I was amazed at how fast my body was reacting to the clean eating. For my exercise, I did my usual bootcamp 3 days a week and then ran 3-4 miles on my non-workout days setting aside one rest day per week. The more I stuck with the plan, the more I wanted to do because of how good I felt! 

I cannot thank LeighAnne and Texas Fit Chicks enough for continuing to help me feel so good about myself!" Bambi C.

Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp is the premier fitness program for women in Texas. We are a group of fitness experts and personal trainers here to help you reach your goals. Locations include: Prosper, McKinney, Allen, Plano, Anna, Wylie, Keller, The Colony, Frisco, Richardson, Dallas, Spring, College Station and Houston Texas





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Healthy Recipes for Thanksgiving Day



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Turkey, Sweet Potato, and Cranberry Stew

Conjure up the holidays! Cranberries and ginger give this turkey stew a sweet-and-sour tang; $2.21 per serving.
Work Time: 25 Minutes
Total Time: 6 Hours 10 Minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
3 lb turkey drumsticks, skin removed
1 sm onion, diced
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp cider vinegar
1 1/2 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 c chicken stock (we used Kitchen Basics)
1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1" chunks
1/2 c dried cranberries
2 Tbsp flour
Directions:
1. Combine turkey, onion, honey, vinegar, ginger, salt, pepper, and stock in large slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 5 hours. Add potatoes and cranberries. Cook until potatoes are tender, 45 minutes more.
2. Remove turkey and pull meat from bones. Pour one-quarter of the liquid into small pot and whisk in flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in remaining liquid. 3. Toss meat, potatoes, and cranberries with gravy and reheat if necessary.
Nutrition (per serving) 412 cal, 53 g pro, 35 g carb, 4 g fiber, 6 g fat, 2 g sat fat, 909 mg sodium
Prevention.com





Green Beans with Shallots

Pass Up: Green Bean Casserole
Per 1/2-cup serving: 175 cal, 10 g fat (3 g sat), 18 g carbs, 541 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 5 g protein

Pass the Green Beans with Shallots
No need to sabotage a perfectly good vegetable by drowning it in a pool of cream of mushroom soup and deep-fried onions. This lean bean dish delivers just as much flavor and crunch, and it sidesteps two-thirds of the belly-bloating sodium you'll find in a casserole.

1/4 cup olive oil
4 large shallots, peeled and quartered
2 Tbsp reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 lbs green beans, trimmed

1/ Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2/ While water is heating, pour olive oil into a large saute pan over medium heat. Add shallots. Reduce heat to medium-low and saute until shallots are soft, about 10 minutes. Add chicken broth, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; stir well. Remove from heat.

3/ Add green beans to boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. Drain. Toss beans with shallot mixture. Serve immediately.

Makes 8 servings
Per 1/2-cup serving: 107 cal, 7 g fat (1 g sat), 12 g carbs, 181 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 2 g protein
Womens health

Brown Rice Pilaf with Apricots and Almonds

Pass Up: Traditional Stuffing
Per 1/2-cup serving: 265 cal, 11 g fat (2 g sat), 38 g carbs, 865 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 6 g protein

Pass the Brown Rice Pilaf with Apricots and Almonds
Make your stuffing with wholegrain pilaf instead of bread and you'll trim 61 calories and seven grams of fat. Not only will these slow-to-digest grains help keep you full, but they've also been shown to blast ab fat.

1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 3/4 cups medium-grain brown rice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup finely chopped Vidalia onion
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
2 tsp lemon zest
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/ Combine chicken broth, 1 3/4 cups water, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 40 minutes.

2/ Ten minutes before rice is finished, heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium-low heat. Add onion and saute until just soft, about 5 minutes. Add apricots, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons water, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir well and remove from heat.

3/ Once rice is cooked, remove from heat. Let stand covered 5 minutes. Uncover and toss with onion mixture, parsley, and almonds. Serve.

Makes 8 servings
Per 1/2-cup serving: 204 cal, 4 g fat (1 g sat), 37 g carbs, 203 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 5 g protein
womens health

Chili-Spiced Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Pass Up: Candied Sweet Potatoes
Per 1/2-cup serving: 315 cal, 7 g fat (3 g sat), 61 g carbs, 153 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 2 g protein

Pass the Chili-Spiced Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Not only is this dish practically fat-free, but the chili powder contains capsaicin, which studies have shown may inhibit fat-cell growth and help people consume fewer calories. And cinnamon is no slacker spice either: It keeps your blood sugar stable and your appetite in check, so you won't be tempted to go back for a second helping.

4 large sweet potatoes (3 1/2 lbs total)
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tsp orange zest
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp chili powder

1/ Bake the sweet potatoes in a 425°F oven until they are soft, about 70 minutes. Remove sweet potatoes from oven and allow them to cool slightly.

2/ In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, cinnamon, and chili powder.

3/ Scoop out the insides of sweet potatoes and place in a large mixing bowl. Pour orange juice mixture over sweet potatoes, mash well, and serve.

Makes 8 servings
Per 1/2-cup serving: 191 cal, <1 g fat (0 g sat), 45 g carbs, 169 mg sodium, 6 g fiber, 3 g protein 
Womens Health




Stuffing with Celery and Thyme
Do you love traditional turkey stuffing enough to take the colossal calorie splurge most stuffing recipes require once a year? With a little revision we’ve made this once-a-year favorite a low-calorie food that you can eat year-round.
4 cups cubed reduced-sodium whole-wheat bread
1 teaspoon olive oil
4 stalks celery, minced
1 cup chopped onions
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups frozen defatted chicken stock, thawed
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 12" x 8" baking dish with no-stick spray.
2. Coat a large baking sheet with no-stick spray. Place the bread on the baking sheet and mist with no-stick spray. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. Coat a 10" no-stick skillet with no-stick spray and place over medium-high heat until hot. Add the oil, celery, onions, poultry seasoning, thyme, and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft but not browned.
4. Add the stock to the bread cubes in the bowl. Toss to mix. Add the onion mixture and mix well. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
NOTE: To freeze, cool the cooked casserole. Wrap the baking dish in freezer-quality plastic wrap, then in freezer-quality foil. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the foil and plastic wrap; discard the plastic wrap. Cover with the foil and bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until hot.
Makes 8 servings. Per serving: 93.9 calories, 1.9 g fat, .3 g sat fat, 14.9 g carbs, 4.1 g sugar, 3.7 g fiber, 4.5 g protein