Get Outside!

Every year we spend the Winter cooped up where it’s nice and warm. When Spring rolls around, we can’t wait to get outside.  Getting outdoors can not only battle Spring fever, it also gets you up and moving.  Exercising outdoors can give you a better workout and burn more calories than the machines at the gym.  Typically this is because once you walk out a block or a mile, you have to come back home.  lol  As spring approaches, if you want to get outdoors and get in shape, here are some great activities you can do.

Exercising after the baby

During pregnancy, it’s good to gain around 25 pounds of healthy weight.  This is used to support your growing child and to provide the extra calories when you start breastfeeding.  New mothers naturally lose weight after the birth; however, if you don’t lose the weight because of gaining too much weight, or other reasons, it can be hard to take the rest off.   This can get dejecting and make some women take drastic measures.  But post-baby is not the time for anything drastic.  Take your time losing the weight in a healthy way that will keep you and the baby happy.

Spinach and Tomato Ravioli’s

Want to up your leafy greens in the yummiest way possible?  Throw down some of these.

Spinach & Tomato Ravioli

Ingredients:

1 cup tomatoes — peeled, seeded,diced
1 small onion — oven roasted
1 cup mushrooms — minced
2 teaspoons garlic — minced
1/2  pound spinach leaves — blanched, chopped
1/4  cup nonfat cottage cheese
3/4  cup tofu — mashed
2 Tablespoons fresh basil — minced
Ground black pepper
salt — to taste
48 eggless ravioli dumplings

Instructions:

Grilled Pineapple

I am so having this for Mother’s Day this weekend!  Dessert on the grill?  I’m in heaven!

Grilled Honey Pineapple Slices & Madeira Yogurt

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons honey
6 fresh pineapple slices, Peeled and cut 1/2 inch thick

1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
2 tablespoons Madeira liqueur

Instructions:

Preheat grill. Place pineapple slices on baking tray and drizzle the honey evenly over the pineapple slices.  Sprinkle brown sugar onto pineapple slices and place on  grill over medium heat. Cook about 10 minutes, turning slices occasionally, until browned on both sides.

Fresh Fruit Fun

i love smoothies.  There are so many ways to change it up.  Try this option with some fresh berries left whole for a surprise.

Fruity Fun

3 peaches, stoned and cut into quarters
3 plums, stoned and cut in half
3 ripe pears, cored and roughly chopped
1 handful blueberries

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.

Heart Healthier Turkey Reubens

We just got back from our favorite little bavarian town of <a href=”http://www.leavenworth.com”>Leavenworth</a> and boy I could have used one of these healthier options for the reuben.  It’s amazing how you get used to less greasy foods and the real thing just doesn’t taste as good anymore.  Give this reuben a try and add some yummy german potato salad made with cidar vinegar as a side dish with carrot sticks.  You’ve instantly got a dinner out of a lunch idea.

Good for the Heart Turkey Reubens

Ingredients:

Chicken Tomato Pasta

Chicken Tomato Pasta

Note: This recipe is great for those who are lactose intolerance or who want to limit their dairy intake for any reason.

Ingredients:

18 oz. chicken breast, cut into small pieces (1/2″ square)
1/2 c. onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14.5 oz.) of diced tomato
1 1/2 c. sliced mushrooms
1/3 c. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. rosemary
1/4 c. tomato paste
cooking spray
3 1/3 c. cooked pasta

Instructions:

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers Vegetarian Style

Note: This recipe is especially for those with a gluten-free diet.

Ingredients:

3 bell peppers
15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 c. corn
1 c. cooked rice
1/2 c. onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1 oz. light cheddar cheese, grated
1 oz. Jalapeno Jack cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. cilantro
1/4 c. water
nonstick cooking spray

Instructions: