Have you made changes, yet?

     Evening!!!  I am in bed, relaxing, trying to think of what I could possibly say to you guys...  As I have said before,  in so many ways, I am just trying to encourage and motivate myself and you to get up, get moving, change some bad habits, and adopt a HEALTHIER lifestyle.  Since we didn't get to this unhealthy point overnight, we cannot expect things to change and be perfect overnight, BUT we can make a change IMMEDIATELY.  So, take a look at your lifestyle over the last month.  Have you made a change for the better???  Did you start to exercise, did you increase your exercise, have you stopped frying foods e'reday?  Have you decreased your alcohol intake?  Did you try a new vegetable or fruit that you never had before?  Come on, now...Make a move.  NO, make a change...

     Truth is, I am relaxing early because I went to a Zumba class taught by JANA with the Temple Holistic Warriors of Chester, Pa. and can I say, THEY GET IT IN!!!  I invited the Bombshell and Mimi Harris and they are both siked!!!  I guess that's what getting your workout in is all about.  You have got to make it challenging fun not a chore...

     So, I was reading through an article by the Diet Detective and found some really good suggestions.   They were suggesting gadgets and appliances to have readily available for use that could possibly help eliminate some of those UNHEALTHY habits that we tend to cling too like a life raft, as we float down the river of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, clogged arteries, obesity, etc...  Here are some of  the suggestions: 

• Cooking spray/oil mister--less calories if spraying rather than pouring
• Non-stick pans--once again, less use of oil, less calories
• Indoor grills--again, less oil needed for cooking, hence, less calories
• Steamer basket--steaming veggies allows you to maintain the nutrients that would otherwise be lost if you boiled them. 
• Air popper--you will save calories and unnecessary fat if you use this for your popcorn.  Add some flavorings like cayenne pepper, a little grated parmesan cheese, or hot sauce for a pop of taste.
• Rotisserie oven--great for cooking meats.  The meats are cooked using their natural fats.  All you need to do is spice the meat before cooking by marinating, rubbing with dry spices, or injecting with a mix of spices in liquid.
• Kitchen scale--just like you weigh yourself, weigh your food portions.  This may only work well for the true diehard dieter or is it dietee, okay for the person that is truly serious about their intake and portion sizes...

      Personally I am a kitchen gadget person and the only items I do not have are the oil mister (because mine broke) and the indoor grill (because I gave mine away)...

     Food for Thought:  I know most of us have had kale, yes the greens.  One cup of raw kale supplies a day's worth of vitamins A and C and more than the daily requirement of Vitamin K which is great for our bones.  Why am I talking about kale?  Well suddenly, I keep seeing the new hot item, "kale chips" everywhere.   Kale is slightly bitter to me, but I am planning on trying this "new" delicacy and  I will let you know what I think.  But, if you try them before I do, holla at your girl and let me know what the thrill is all about.  Here's a recipe for you:
     Strip the leaves off the tough stems and tear them into "chip-size" pieces.  Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Bake on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until crispy.   Enjoy!!!  Smooches...