6 Small Changes That Impact Your Health In Big Ways

Getting healthy might seem hard, but there are a few things you can do right now that will get you in shape!   Start out by incorporating a couple of tips and then, promise yourself to stick with them.

Pick Strawberries Day!

 Did you know that May 20th is "National Pick Strawberries Day!" Check out these amazing Strawberry Dishes from Food.com! Get your strawberry fix and then some.

 

 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

"What a great way to serve strawberries and make a huge statement. My kids had a blast dipping them in coconut, chopped almonds and rainbow sprinkles!" -HokiesLady

 Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie

"This has a wonderful sweet and sour taste, and it's so easy to make. My hubby says this is his new favorite pie!" -Dolores Richards

  

Easy & Tasty Strawberry Shortcake

"Outstanding shortcake! This dessert is so easy to put together and so easy to devour, too!"
-Sydney Mike

Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread

"This is probably the best strawberry bread recipe I’ve ever made! My whole family loves it. If you love strawberries, try this recipe.

 

 

Healthy Potluck Ideas

My fellow television broadcaster Jen Herrera is a Cross-Fit Mama. So, when it was time for her birthday potluck at WPLG Local 10 News-- we ONLY did healthy food. Here are some suggestions-- if you are ever looking for a healthy dish for your next office party!

Canadian Bacon Egg Casserole

You can never go wrong with veggies!

Pasta Salad-- YUMMY!

Zucchini Rice Casserole from Delish.com!

Seven Layer Salad from Delish.com!

There are TONS of other dishes-- that are easy to make! 

Just click here-- for recipes on delish.com!

YUMMY- High Fiber Brownies

My sister Stacie is a health freak- who loves chocolate. A weird mix--right?!? She found this yummy High Fiber Brownie Recipe from Tastefullyjulie.com! 

It's so so so so good!

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 egg whites
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ⅔ cup sugar
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Grease or spray an 8-inch baking pan.
3. Process all ingredients EXCEPT chocolate chips in a food processor until well blended.
4. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
5. Bake the brownies for 30 to 35 minutes, or until just set in the center.
6. Cool before cutting into squares.

Cool Food Art

Melon Monkey

Look what I found at my sister's graduation banquet! YUMMY FOOD ART-- I love this!  My favorite is the monkey! What's yours?

Watermelon Flower

Pear Mouse

Swan Melon

Bird Honeydew

Check out the spread!! YUMMY!

Rosey Melon

Bigger is Better: Old Weight Gain Ads

Girls forget about being too skinny! Back in the day--it was all about the curves! Some of the most beautiful stars from the Fifties had soft, womanly shapes as opposed to the yoga toned bodies of the 2012.

These ads tout the fastest ways to “add pounds” and curves!  It's clear that being skinny was not the way to be!

Why do you think the image of beauty changed?

 Special thanks to FB Page--Will Work for Cheese for sharing these images! the image.

Miami Design District’s Gallery Walk Served Up Fashion

Gallery Walk in downtown Miami is known for its artsy community. But, did you know there are tons of designers who showcase their handmade items at the monthly event. The District Factory in the Miami Design District opens their doors to these artisans, serving unique fashion finds. More than 35 local designers had a chance to sell their goodies, which included jewelry, art and apparel!

The District Factory also featured special guest and fashionista Annie Vazquez, who is known as The Fashion Poet in her online blog.

The group was founded on the belief that you can make a living doing what you love! The District Factory encourages the entrepreneurial spirit of emerging designers and artists by facilitating exchanges with the community that result in awareness, support, and ultimately commerce. 

Get Ready to Shape Up!

From Mama Talks

It's swimsuit season, and I'm not happy about my midsection - so I dragged my Jemimah Health Hoop out of storage.  I like the hoop because it's fun and easy to use.  It makes me feel like I"m doing a heavy workout (which I'm really not).  When my daughter Stacie came to visit she wanted to get in on the action, too - -  I believe the picture speaks for itself. 

The Jemimah is a hula hoop with 96 built-in magnets covered by air-cushioning projections/knobs.  While you exercise, they stimulate abdominal acupuncture points and also create a massaging effect.  The abdominal area is being toned, slimmed and strengthened.  Supposedly, it also has a stimulating effect on blood circulation and the intestinal metabolism.

A word of caution:  This hoop is designed for ADULTS.  The first few times you are exercising with it, you might experience mild discomfort and bruising (yes, I turned black and blue).  This will not last, though.

The hoop weighs about 3 1/2 lbs. and is about 40" in diameter.  It is made of plastic and can easily be assembled or broken down for storage.  I bought mine at a local Asian supermarket, they are also available online.  Well, gotta go and exercise some more ...  Let us know what you do to get in shape!

Homemade German Salad

From Mama Talks:

With warmer weather on the way, I decided to share a basic German recipe for Vinegar-Oil dressing:

Combine 2 TBS oil (vegetable, olive, whatever you like) with 2 TBS vinegar; add a pinch of salt, a little sugar (about 1/3 tsp). Blend well, using a whisk or a fork. I prefer using German vinegar because of its higher acidity -- and because my family likes it sour! If you prefer a more mellow flavor, use 3 TBS oil with 1 – 2 TBS vinegar.

This dressing works well in a tossed leafy salad, or - with chopped onions and a little black pepper it’s great in a tomato salad. It’s also very good over sliced cucumbers with a little fresh or dried dill weed added. 

One of my family’s favorites is an egg-tomato salad. You need about 4 medium tomatoes, 5 – 6 hard-boiled eggs. Slice eggs and tomatoes and layer in bowl, starting with a layer of tomatoes, followed by a layer of eggs, some chopped onions and fresh or dried parsley flakes. Repeat; finish with a layer of tomatoes. For the marinade you will need about ½ cup of oil, ½ cup of vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Mix well, and pour over salad; marinade should just “touch” top layer. You want this salad to marinate in the dressing for at least an hour, longer is better. 

You might need to test which ratio of oil and vinegar works for you, but I’m sure you will love this versatile dressing. Let me know what salad combinations you are using it!

Wasa What??

Yummy Wasa

My husband says it taste like cardboard, but I love it! Wasa Crispbread.

Growing up in Germany, my mother always found the perfect snacks for our family.   

Wasa was always in our diet.  The European treat has roots in Sweden, dating back hundreds of years!

 Like many low fat breads, Wasa is made with rye grain and whole wheat flour. Wasa is a great alternative to chips or bread! They are 100 percent whole grain and have little sodium.  

 I top mine with muenster cheese and turkey!

It’s also a great snack to take to work!  I pack two pieces every day!

You can find Wasa at Target and Publix.