Pineapple Banana Smoothie

Pineapple Banana Mama

Half a pineapple, peeled and chopped
2 small bananas, peeled and chopped
1 peach, stoned and cut into quarters

Tip:  It is really up to you whether or not you peel the fruit. If you’re using organic fruits then it’s a good idea to leave the peel on as it contains lots of vitamins and nutrients.  If you’re using non-organic fruits, then it may be best to peel them before using.

Blend all the fruit until smooth and enjoy!  For a healthier smoothie try throwing a little spirulina powder or a few flax seeds before blending – these are great super foods and you’ll find them at your local health food store.

Watermelon Cooler

Tangy Watermelon

¼ of a small sized watermelon
Juice of one lemon

Tip:  Always use organic vegetables and fruit when juicing.  Non-organic vegetables contain large amounts of pesticides and other chemicals which are harmful to your body.

Juice according to juice instructions and enjoy!

Fruit & Veggie Facts:

Lemons are great for helping the body absorb iron.  Also a good source of Vitamin C.
Watermelon has been shown to help reduce the inflammation that may contribute to asthma, diabetes and arthritis.

Mango Melon Juice

Mango Melon Yum

1 mango, peeled, stoned and chopped
Half a cantaloupe, peeled and chopped

Blend the mango and cantaloupe until smooth and serve.  Turn it into a super smoothie by adding a little wheatgrass powder, available at your local health food store.

Fruit Facts:

Mangoes are great immune boosters since they provide lots of Vitamin C.  They also contain high levels of carotenoids, vitamin A, folate, potassium and fibre… and they taste good too!
Canteloupes contain betacarotene and Vitamin C which are great if for combating passive smoking.

Grape Power

Grape Power

Bunch of red grapes
2 stalks of celery

Tip:  Fruit juices are great for overall health.  At first it takes a little time to get used to the taste, but eventually you’ll get there…. Just think of all those health benefits!  Another tip is to mix your fruit juice with a little natural apple juice (juice apples along with the veggies) to give it a sweeter taste.

Juice according to juice instructions and enjoy!  Turn this juice into a super juice by adding a little spirulina powder, available at your health food store.

Help Someone Dealing with Stress: Smile

If you’ve ever spent time with a depressed person, you probably already know that depression is contagious. If we are constantly exposed to negative attitudes and emotions, they tend to rub off on us and affect our thinking. The good news is that this works the other way as well. Having a positive attitude can rub off on a depressed or severely stressed person and help them start to feel better. So if you’re around someone whose feeling burnt out, or just want to improve the attitudes of people around you, just take some time to share a smile.

Low-Fat Trifle

Low-Fat Trifle

MMM, this one is perfect for so many special occasions!

Ingredients:

1 8oz package of low-fat cream cheese
2 cups fat-free milk
1 8.5oz package angel food cake (cut into 1-inch slices)
1 8oz package of whipped topping
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup raspberries or blueberries
1 package instant vanilla pudding (low-fat)

Instructions:

Beat cream cheese in a large bowl using an electric mixer.  Slowly add milk, ½ cupful at a time and mixing well.  Add pudding mix and mix well.  Gently stir in whipped topping and then fold in fruit.

Chocolate Banana Mousse

Chocolate Banana Mousse

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons low-fat milk
4 teaspoons sugar
1 medium banana, cut into quarters
2 teaspoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
Banana slices for garnishing

Instructions:

Place the milk, vanilla, sugar, cocoa powder and banana quarters in a blender and blend until smooth.  Transfer to a bowl and gently mix in the yogurt.  Chill until set.  Spoon mixture into serving bowls and top with banana slices.

Baked Pears with Cranberry Wine Sauce

Baked Pears with Cranberry Wine Sauce

This is a light and delicious dessert.  You can also serve with a little fat-free frozen yogurt or fat-free whipped topping.

Ingredients:

4 ripe, firm dessert pears (peeled, cored and cut into quarters)
1/3 cup red wine
¼ cup dried cranberries
Cinnamon and nutmeg for sprinkling

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F.  Place the pear quarters in a baking dish and pour the wine over the pears.  Scatter the chopped cranberries over the pears and sprinkle with a little nutmeg and cinnamon.  Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until tender.

Baked Brown Sugar Apples

Baked Brown Sugar Apples

This is the perfect light dessert for winter days.  Delicious as is, or with a scoop of low-fat frozen yogurt.

Ingredients:

4 Granny Smith apples
¼ cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ cup raisins
Cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325F.  In a bowl, combine the raisins, pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon.  Wash and core each apple and place in a baking dish.  Divide the brown sugar/raising mixture into four parts and fill each apple with the mixture.  Bake approximately 40 minutes or until tender.

10 Fun Ways To Become More Active – Every Day

You know you should be getting some sort of exercise, you know of all the health benefits that come with a more active lifestyle. You’ve tried the whole Gym thing, but it just wasn’t for you. The temptation to just sit in front of the TV, to curl up with a good book, or to spend a little extra time at your computer is just too big. Who wants to head to the gym right now anyway?

There are many other options to get more physically active that don’t include jogging, weight lifting or other “traditional” ways to work out. Here are a few ideas to get you moving.