Chug Your Vitamins

The key to curbing cravings: Drink lots of water. And the only way to top this solid-gold advice is to drink water that's fortified with vitamins! New research has found that Vitamin Water Power-C works in more ways than one to counter your cravings. This speedster sip delivers vitamins B and C to your body at a superfast rate -- more swiftly and effectively than a traditional meal -- at only one-fifth the calories: 125 for a 20-ounce bottle. Talk about a good exchange rate! Plus, staying hydrated will help you ward off hunger pangs. And in a very berry dragon fruit flavor, it's way more tantalizing than what's on tap.
The Fattitudes recipe for success
http://diet.ivillage.com/issues/iemotional/0,,3l5s,00.html?nlcid=cv11-22-2006
Weight loss and the pleasure principle
http://diet.ivillage.com/issues/iemotional/0,,2w8x,00.html?nlcid=cv11-22-2006

More Websites

Gym Etiquette: The Rules
http://diet.ivillage.com/measure/0,,81xfcl2d,00.html?nlcid=sw11-21-2006
10 Weight Loss Do's and Don'ts
http://diet.ivillage.com/issues/ichoices/0,,8xbw,00.html?nlcid=sw11-21-2006

Seconds, Anyone?

It's the craziest thing: Two hours after lunch, you're already hungry for more. Or are you? Keep in mind cravings are often taste-driven surface impulses -- a hankering for flavor variety that can manifest as hunger. It's time to untangle the wires in your brain-body circuit. Nutrition experts suggest this mental trick to staunch your salivating: Imagine a hot, heaping portion of your most recent meal -- an exact duplication of what you've just polished off. If your craving seems to turn up its nose at the prospect of another sandwich or salad, it'll prove that it's not borne of hunger -- but rather, a common case of taste-bud boredom. Pop a stick of sugarless gum, or sip some flavored seltzer with a twist of lemon or lime. You'll please your palette without OD'ing on calories.
Eat right for your body type
http://diet.ivillage.com/measure/mshape/0,,hf7m,00.html?nlcid=cv11-20-2006

Chose A High Water Snack

To help boost energy and feel full longer, snack on a food that is high in water; these items will help fill your stomach and make you feel satisfied, without being high in calories. Good options include apples, grapes, cauliflowers, bell peppers, green beans, carrots or tomato or veggie soup. If it's something sweet you're hankering for, water can help you there, too: diet hot chocolate packets are usually only 25-30 calories (be sure to pick one that's low in sugar or is sugar-free), and will help take care of any chocolate cravings.
5 tips for controlling your portions
http://diet.ivillage.com/issues/iportions/0,,grieger_99w3sp3w,00.html?nlcid=cv11-17-2006
Great snacks under 200 calories
http://diet.ivillage.com/issues/isnacks/0,,92vg2cvp,00.html?nlcid=cv11-17-2006

How Many Steps Have You Taken Today

Health experts recommend that the average adult takes 10,000 steps per day to stay active and healthy. But let's face it, most of us never reach that... unless the office snack machine is really far away. Or unless you've got a cool gadget like this one to motivate you: the Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer. As pedometers go, this one is ridiculously easy to program and use, with a memory chip large enough to store a whole week's worth of steps, calories and miles. Plus, it'll remember all of your settings if the battery should happen to die before you remember to take those 1,345 steps to the nearest drugstore for a replacement battery.
Boost your walking workouthttp://health.ivillage.com/active/acardio/0,,4lnp,00.html?nlcid=sw11-17-2006
Not into walking? Find your ideal workouthttp://quiz.ivillage.com/health/tests/wb_fitnesspersonality.htm?nlcid=sw11-17-2006

Don't Deny It

We all have a little rebel inside of us -- you know, the voice that insists on asking "Why not?" or "Who says so?" whenever our more rational side says "Don't eat that." So instead of ignoring the little devil (which only makes him madder), deal with it by not denying yourself all the time. Every once in a while, go ahead and indulge in your favorite treat; if you know that you can have it at some point, you'll crave it less -- and less intensely -- the rest of the time. If you feel that willpower might be an issue or that once you start you might want to indulge everyday, pick a specific time, like Sunday evenings or Wednesday afternoons, for your snack. Once you give yourself permission to snack smartly, the rest of the days should be a piece or cake... er, rice cake.
How to help a dangerously overweight friend
http://diet.ivillage.com/issues/iemotional/0,,8n6gf4td,00.html?nlcid=cv11-15-2006
If I'm eating healthy, why am I gaining weight?http://diet.ivillage.com/issues/iplateaus/0,,3b4t,00.html?nlcid=cv11-15-2006

Take a Break From Joe

Sugar and carb cravings may hog most of the attention, but we can't forget the love that most of us worker bees feel for almighty caffeine. (That includes you Diet Coke fans, too!) If a cup of coffee has become a must-have part of your morning (and afternoon), try switching to a faux-Joe, like the recently launched Maya Herbal Coffees from Teeccino. Unlike most herbal coffee substitutes (and many decaf versions) that lack the oomph of the real stuff, the Maya line is based on the ramon nut, an ingredient new to the U.S. that's found in the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala. The ramon nut has rich, robust flavor very similar to coffee, without all the side effects of caffeine. Even better, the nut is high in protein and essential amino acids, helps detoxify the liver, has alkaline to cut down on acidity and is full of nutrients like calcium, iron and vitamins B and C -- all of which help drinkers enjoy a steady, prolonged increase in energy instead of a quick crash and burn. Brewed just like regular coffee, Maya Herbals are available in three flavors: Caffe, a full-bodied coffee taste; Chai, with hints of spices and Mexican vanilla; and Mocha, with an overtone of chocolate and chilies.
Lose your love handles workout
http://diet.ivillage.com/tone/thips/0,,mfq1,00.html?nlcid=cv11-14-2006
I have been doing everything right -- but I still can't lose weight
http://diet.ivillage.com/issues/iplateaus/0,,mmq8,00.html?nlcid=cv11-14-2006
Change your behavior for long-term weight losshttp://diet.ivillage.com/issues/iplateaus/0,,5z2,00.html?nlcid=cv11-14-2006

Websites to check

For info to tone your back check out:
http://diet.ivillage.com/tone/tback/0,,96wddq9x,00.html?nlcid=cv11-10-2006
For more info on losing big check out this:
http://diet.ivillage.com/motivate/mtrainer/0,,9vswq3tk,00.html
To get rid of cellulite:
http://diet.ivillage.com/tone/tcellulite/0,,9w0c,00.html?nlcid=cv11-10-2006

Be Sure To Snack

It's official: Snacking is good -- at least, according to the Mayo Clinic, one of the country's top medical facilities. In an article on their Website, the clinic explains the pluses of indulging in mini-meals, including binge and portion control and the absorption of extra energy and nutrients. Of course, they also stress the importance of choosing healthy snacks; suggestions include low-fat whole-grain crackers, pretzels and crisp breads for extra energy; fruits and veggies to help feel full without empty calories; small quantities of nuts and seeds for protein and to keep you feeling full longer; and low-fat, low-sugar dairy products for their vitamins and protein. The site also has a few healthy recipes and links to more in-depth articles.

Also try this site:
http://diet.ivillage.com/tone/tabs/0,,14zx,00.html?nlcid=cv11-07-2006

Keep Sweets in the Bathroom

Forget lavender or "fresh rain"--these days, lots of beauty products are turning to the kitchen for inspiration. To help cut cravings, try out a few of these lotions and potions in the bath, since associating the smell of cookies or chocolate with your grooming time might make you less likely to want to eat them later. Available at Sephora, Philosophy makes 3-in-1 body and hair cleansers in tantalizing scents like Cinnamon Buns, Waffle Cone, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Vanilla Birthday Cake, White Chocolate Hazelnut Cake and Crumb Berry Pie. (The line also includes lip shines in such flavors as Powdered Sugar Cookie, Frozen Lemon Custard and Raspberry Sorbet, and lotions that correspond to the bath gels.) Chocolate-scented or -infused products abound: Sephora Chocolate Body Glosser, Hard Candy Bon Bon Lip Glosses, and Origins' Cocoa Therapy line (including lip balm, body scrub and candle) all smell of the sweet stuff.

Fast Food

Sometimes you MUST have Chinese food! But when it comes to fast Chinese food sometimes it is better not to listen to that inner voice. Here are some "good" for you choices from Panda Express.

Chicken with Mushrooms (not one of my favs, but you may like it)
This dish features skinless chicken strips (mostly breast and thigh meat) with whole button mushrooms, sliced zucchini and a thin, soy-based sauce. It's low in carbs so add a side of steamed rice to soak up the sauce. Order this instead of deep fried orange flavored chicken and dodge 370 calories and 20 grams of fat.

Calories: 130

Fat: 6 g

Sodium: 520 mg

Carbohydrates: 8 g

Fiber: 3 g

Protein: 11 g

Veggie Spring Roll

Shredded mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini and cabbage) in a flour wrap are cooked until golden brown. Although you might be tempted to order two rolls, they're fried so limit yourself to one. Chomp on one of these instead of the Chicken egg roll and skip 90 calories and 4.5 grams of fat.

Calories: 80

Fat: 3.5 g

Sodium: 270 mg

Carbohydrates: 11 g

Fiber 2 g

Protein 2 g

Beef with Broccoli

Enjoy the slightly sweet, thin strips of marinated beef and large, tender broccoli florets in an oyster-spiked soy sauce. The broccoli is tender crisp, not wilted. Try this meal over the sweet and sour pork and avoid 250 calories and 16 grams of fat.

Calories: 150

Fat: 8.7 g

Sodium: 510 mg

Carbohydrates: 11 g

Fiber: 4 g

Protein: 11 g

Tangy Shrimp with Pineapple (as I am allergic to shrimp this is not a good idea for me.)

This dish features sauteed whole shrimp with big chunks of pineapple in a tangy sweet and sour sauce and its respectably low in fat. Great with mixed vegetables and steamed rice on the side. Order this instead of fried shrimp and dodge 110 calories and 8 grams of fat.

Calories: 150

Fat: 5 g

Sodium: 550 mg

Carbohydrates: 16 g

Fiber: 2 g

Protein: 9 g

And last on our list

Chicken Breast in Garlic Black Bean Sauce

Try this unbattered and unfried, sauteed chicken breast with a mildly salty, black bean-based sauce. A good source of cancer-fighting folate (believe this about food all you want, I don't) from the beans and low in carbs. Opt for this over the fried kung pao chicken and skip 100 calories and 7 seven grams of fat.

Calories: 140

Fat: 8 g

Sodium: 540 mg

Carbohydrates: 8 g

Fiber: 3 g

Protein: 10 g

Buffie

Calorie Burners

Activity: Intervals on a treadmill calories burned for a 140 lb woman: approx 200
Warm up- light walking (3.0 mph)- no incline (0%)- 5 minutes
Conditioning Phase 1- Increase pace (3.5 mph)- Increase incline (5%)- 5 minutes
Conditioning Phase 2- Increase pace (4.0 mph)- Maintain incline (5%)- 5 minutes
Conditioning Phase 3- Maintain pace (4.0 mph)- Increase incline (10 %)- 5 minutes
Pre-cooldown Phase- Maintain pace (4.0 mph)- Decrease incline (5 %)- 5 minutes
Cooldown- Decrease pace (3.0 mph)- Decrease incline (0%)- 5 minutes

Activity: Circuit training calories burned for a 140 lb woman approx 215
Warm up- light walking, cycling or elliptical machine- 5 minutes

Circuit (complete twice):

Hips and thighs- squats-1 minute

Cardio- jump rope- 1 minute

Chest, shoulders and arms- overhead shoulder press- 1 minute

Hips and thighs- forward alternating lunge- 1 minute

Cardio- jumping jacks- 1 minute

Back, shoulders and arms- bent-over row- 1 minute

Cardio- speed run in place- 1 minute

Trunk- abdominal crunch- 1 minute

Trunk- side bridge (plank)- 1 minute (30 seconds each side)

Cooldown- light walking, cycling or elliptical machine

Buffie

Weight Watchers Twinkies

For those of you who know the "points" system of Weight Watchers, these are two "twinkies" for 2 points! and NUMMY!!!
Twinkies:
1 Package moist deluxe butter flavor cake mix (one without pudding in the mix)
2 Egg whites
12oz. Diet Sprite
Mix well
bake as 24 cupcakes (350 degrees for 20 minutes)
Cool completely on a wire rack. When cooled remove cupcake liners and inject cool whip "free" into the bottom center of cupcake with a pastry bag or icing "kit" using a star tip.
**Note if Diabetic use "Sugar Free" cool whip in place of cool whip "Free"
For those of you not on Weight Watchers or not diabetic you can inject any "whipped" icing or any kind/flavor of cool whip.

Diana

Vegetables Primavera

Makes 5 servings
Ingredients:
4 cups vegetables: any combination of the following
chopped broccoli, cauliflower, celery, cabbage, eggplant, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, carrots, green beans, sliced zucchini or peas
1 jar (26 oz) spaghetti sauce (less than 4 g of fat per 4 oz)
2 1/2 cup cooked spaghetti noodles
Directions:
Microwave oven: Mix vegetables and spaghetti sauce in a microwave safe dish. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes, stirring at 5 minute intervals. Cook longer if you prefer vegetables to be less crisp.
Stovetop: Mix vegetables and spaghetti sauce in a saucepan. Cover and simmer until vegetables are cooked to preferred tenderness. Serve cooked vegetables and sauce with noodles.

Chicken with Corn Salsa

Makes 8 servings
Ingredients:
CORN SALSA
1 can (14 oz) stewed tomatoes * or 1 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) whole kernel corn, drained*
1 cup chopped cucumber, not peeled
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper, green or red
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp each, garlic powder and ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt (optional)*
1/8 tsp ground balck pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
CHICKEN
2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
1/4 tsp salt (optional)
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
cooking spray
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine salsa ingredients and set aside. Place chicken in a 9x13 inch baking pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Serve chicken topped with corn salsa.
Nutrition facts per serving:
Cal: 154
Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg
Sodium: 85 mg *figured for reduced salt
Carbs: 7 g
Sugars: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 27 g

Blueberry Cake Bars

Makes 24 servings
Ingredients:
CRUMB TOPPING:
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cardamom, if desired
3 Tbsp, firm butter or margarine
BARS:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup fat free buttermilk
2 eggs or 1/2 cup fat free egg product
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup frozen blueberries (from 16 oz bag), thawed, drained
Directions:
TOPPING:
In medium bowl, mix 1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, the cinnamon and cardamom. Cut in 3 tbsp butter, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until mixture is crumbly; set aside.
BARS:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom only of 13x9 inch pan with shortening or cooking spray. In large bowl, beat one cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup butter with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Beat in buttermilk and eggs on low speed until smooth. Beat in flour, baking powder and salt. Spread in pan. Sprinkle with blueberries and topping. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.
Nutrion facts per serving:
1 bar
Cal: 120
Fat: 4.5 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sodium: 70 mg
Carbs: 19 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 2 g

Mixed Berry Cream Tart

Makes 8 servings
Ingredients:
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup boiling water
1 package (0.3 oz) strawberry flavored sugar free gelatin
3 pouches (1.5 oz each) roasted almond crunchy granola bars (from 8.9 oz box)
1 package (8 oz) fat free cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp almond extract
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh raspberries
far free whipped topping, if desired
Directions:
In small bowl, crush 1 cup of strawberries with pastry blender or fork. Reserve remaining cup of strawberries. In medium bowl, pour boiling water over gelatin; stir about 2 minutes or until gelatin is completely dissovled. Stir crushed strawberries into gelatin. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, leaving granola bars in pouches, crush granola bars with rolling pin. Srinkle crushed granola in bottom of 9 inch glass pie plate, pushing crumbs up side of plate to make crust. In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and almond extract with electric mixer on medium high speed until smooth. Drop by spoonfuls over crushed granola; gently spread to cover bottom of crust.
Gently fold blueberries, raspberries and remaining 1 cup strawberries into gelatin mixture. Spoon over cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm. Serve topped with whipped topping, if desired.
Nutrition facts per serving:
1/8 of pie
Cal: 150
Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 240 mg
Carbs: 27 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 7 g