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They cast a spell over the most well-meaning dieter, and cause logical people to overeat until their sides hurt.

They occupy your thoughts to the point of obsession as you try to ignore a plate of cookies.

And when it’s all said and done, they accumulate on your body in the most obtrusive way as a result of dozens of unused calories.

Why does food hold such power? And, most importantly, how can you control your eating?

The End of Overeating

David A. Kessler, MD set out to answer these pressing questions in his instant bestseller, The End of Overeating. Despite being a pediatrician, a former FDA commissioner, and former dean of the medical schools at Yale and the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Kessler struggles with his weight.

Observing the current obesity epedemic, he knew that he wasn’t alone.

Dr. Kessler, with the insight of some of the brightest minds in medicine and science, discovered the following three reasons that most of us are compelled to overeat.

1. An Irresistable Combination Rewires Your Brain: Think of your favorite treat - most likely it can be broken down into the basic building blocks of sugar, fat and salt. This combination is known of as the ‘three points of the compass’, a combination that has been shown to literally alter the biological circuitry of your brain.

   Sugar, fat and salt give food a high hedonic value which gives you pleasure. This pleasure reinforces you to return to your favorite foods time and time again.

2. The Food Industry Targets You: Everywhere you go you’ll see the clever work of the food industry, tempting you with highly palatable creations. Food has become a science, and your taste preferences the guiding light.

   The food industry has one goal - to get you hooked. By constructing food items that are high in sugar, fat and salt they know that you will come back time and time again.

3. Conditioned Hypereating Becomes a Way of Life: Humans are conditioned to seek more reward. When readily available, hyper palatable food become our reward a pattern of hypereating quickly emerges. Dr. Kessler describes the cycle:

   “Foods high in sugar, fat, and salt, and the cues that signal them, promote more of everything: more arousal…more thoughts of food…more urge to pursue food…more dopamine-stimulated approach behavior…more consumption…more opioid-driven reward…more overeating to feel better…more delay in feeling fulll…more loss of control…more preoccupation with food…more habit-driven behavior…and ultimately, more and more weight gain.”

Breaking the Cycle

The good news is that you don’t have to remain trapped in a cycle of overeating. The following three tips will put you back in control.

1. Set Your Rules: In order to resist overeating in today’s tempting food environment, you must eat by a set of self-imposed rules. Predetermined rules take away the need to make food decisions in vulnerable moments.

   Dr. Kessler thinks these rules should be, “simple enough to fit with your busy life, but specific enough to remove uncertainty from the food equation.”

   For suggestions as to what rules you should adopt, let’s turn to another authority on eating, bestselling author of ‘In Defense of Food’, Michael Pollan:

   • Don’t eat anything your great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.
   • Pay more, eat less. Look for quality of food over quantity.
   • Eat meals. Cut out snacking, stick with structured meals.
   • Don’t get your fuel from the same place your car does. Gas stations are great for fueling your car, but the food they sell are not suited to fuel you.
   • Try not to eat alone. Eating can become mindless when alone, leading to overeating.
   • Eat slowly. Eat foods that have been prepared slowly – that means no fast food.
2. Make Negative Associations: When was the last time you peeled a lemon and ate it whole? Probably never. That’s because your taste buds have a negative association with the sour taste.

   Our taste buds have traditionally been our guide when it comes to food selection, but this must change for you to successfully avoid overeating. Since the food industry purposely crafts food items to please your taste buds (not waistline) what tastes good can no longer dictate what you eat.

   It’s up to you to create negative associations with unhealthy food - despite their pleasing taste. Here are some negatives to focus on:

   • Those extra calories will accumulate around your waist.
   • Your health will suffer.
   • You will become more disspointed with your appearance.
   • You’ll feel sluggish.
3. Give Yourself a Real Reward: The bottom line is that we eat unhealthy food as a reward, even though it causes more harm that good. It’s time to give yourself a truly benificial reward – exercise.

   Exercise is a healthy reward that will not only release endorphins into your system, but will also give you the benefit of weight loss and improved health.

I truly believe that you can overcome your pattern of overeating with healthy eating and regular exercise. Call or email today to get started on a program that will truly change your life.

Breakfast is the most influencial meal of the day. If you start your day with sugary pastries or a greasy breakfast sandwich, the rest of your food choices will follow suit. However, when you start your morning with a wholesome and nutritious meal you’ll be more likely to continue with good choices throughout the day. Try the Veggie Power Juice recipe below as a nutritious start to your day.

Remember how Popeye would drain a can of spinach and half a second later his muscles would begin to bulge? Think of this recipe as your own can of spinach. While your muscles may not instantly grow to three times their size, your body will surely experience a nutritious surge.
Yield: 2 servings

Here’s what you need…

• 1 cup packed fresh spinach
• 2 green apples
• 4 large carrots
• 1 Tablespoon fresh ginger
• Juicing machine

1. Wash the vegetables, cut the ends off the carrots and peel the ginger.
2. Run each item through the juicer. Mix until combined, pour into two glasses and enjoy.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 139 calories, .5g fat, 34g carbohydrate, .8g fiber, and 2g protein.

Share this newsletter with your friends. Use the “refer a friend” link below to forward this newsletter to those you care about. 

knisell

721 Opal st

(310) 721-4055

My Site

Over the last five years we have found Kurt to be an invaluable resource. His expansive knowledge of nutrition and understanding of the benefits of physical training allow him to customize personal training programs. He is capable of adapting our programs to accommodate physical injuries and limitations. Reed and Nan H.

Working out with South Bay Fitness has helped me stay on top of my game. I would highly recommend them to everyone. Raju C.

I’ve often wished that I could give each and every one of you a personalized pep talk to get you up off the couch and into the gym, day after day. So here’s my pep talk in bullet form - 21 rewards that you will gain from regular exercise.

Do yourself a favor and print this list and post it where you’ll see it every day. When you need motivation or encouragement simply read over this list and feel your motivation soar.

1. You’ll reset your body: Exercise has been described as a giant reset button. A good workout will block appetite swings, improve your mood and even help you sleep.
2. Your clothes will fit better: Consistent exercise will tone and tighten your body, causing your clothes to not only fit better but to also look nicer. Also exercise ensures that soon you’ll be trading your clothes in for smaller sizes.
3. You’ll be less stressed: You have enough stress in your life - it’s time for a break. A good workout invigorates your muscles, leaving you relaxed and less stressed.
4. You’ll have more energy: WebMD tallied research studies and concluded that 90% o f them prove exercise increases energy levels in sedentary patients. Next time you feel fatigued, fight it will the most powerful tool available: exercise.
5. You’ll be stronger: Exercise improves muscle strength and endurance, two things that you use throughout each day. When you exercise consistently you’ll be pleasantly surprised when difficult tasks begin to seem easy.
6. You’ll be less likely to binge: Exercise has a powerful anti-binge effect on the body. This is due in part by an increase in sensitivity to leptin, a protein hormone, which has an appetite-taming effect.
7. You’ll burn calories: You know that excess body fat is made up of stored and unused calories. Fight back by burning loads of calories with fat-blasting workouts.
8. You’ll be more confident: Who doesn’t wish they walked and talked with more confidence? A consistent exercise program will do just that. As your body becomes more fit, watch as your confidence sky-rockets.
9. You’ll have fun: Believe it or not, exercise can be extremely enjoyable. Remember how fun it was to run around as a child? Tap into your inner child as you find a mode of exercise that gets you excited.
10. You’ll reduce your blood pressure: Exercise has been proven more effective than medication in r educing blood pressure to normal levels. A single workout has been shown to reduce blood pressure for the day and regular exercise reduces overall blood pressure in the long run.
11. You’ll lose the jiggles: Regular exercise tightens flabby arms, legs and waistlines. So wave goodbye to the jiggles with a solid exercise program.
12. You’ll increase insulin sensitivity: Researchers at Laval University in Quebec discovered that exercise improved insulin sensitivity dramatically. Peak after-meal insulin levels dropped by more than 20 percent after as little as 3 weeks of consistent exercise.
13. You’ll sleep better: Do you toss and turn for hours before falling asleep? Exercise is a powerful sleep aid. Your tired muscles encourage your body to quickly fall asleep so they can get their overnight repair work done.
14. You’ll lower your risk of heart disease: Regular exercise strengthens your heart and makes it more resilient against disease. A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for heart disease, so rest assured that consistent exercise is your ally against disease.
15. You’ll feel great: Vigorous exercise releases natural endorphins (happy hormones) into your blood stream that dissolve pain and anxiety. You’ve probably heard of ‘runner’s high’, this can be achieved by any great workout.
16. You’ll lower your risk of diabetes: Studies show that exercising as little as half an hour each day can dramatically reduce your risk of diabetes. If you are at risk of diabetes, or already have diabetes, regular exercise is the most effective treatment for reversing the disease.
17. You’ll meet cool people: You could benefit from a group of new, energetic friends, right? Gyms, bootcamps, workout centers and even the jogging trail are all great places to connect with fun new friends.
18. You’ll improve your BMI: You know that maintaining a healthy BMI is key in disease prevention. Exercise is the best way to keep your BMI under control.
19. You’ll increase your endurance: Do you ever get out of breath when walking up stairs or through the mall? Regular exercise builds your endurance for everyday activities.
20. Your doctor will be impressed: How many times has your doctor given you the lecture about losing weight and exercising more? Exercise regularly and get your MD off your back!
21. You’ll look amazing: Are you happy with the shape and size of your body? Regular exercise works wonders on your physique. Within a few weeks you’ll see shape and tone in all the right places.

What are you waiting for? Lace up your shoes and get moving!

knisell

721 Opal st  Redondo Beach CA, 90277
(310) 721-4055

My Site

Over the last five years we have found Kurt to be an invaluable resource. His expansive knowledge of nutrition and understanding of the benefits of physical training allow him to customize personal training programs. He is capable of adapting our programs to accommodate physical injuries and limitations. Reed and Nan H.

Working out with South Bay Fitness has helped me stay on top of my game. I would highly recommend them to everyone. Raju C.

Of course no one wants to listen to a lecture on the importance of healthy eating coupled with a solid exercise routine. That would preclude the quick and easy part.

So in a world where two thirds of all adults are overweight or obese, and some doctors predict that we will soon see a generation with a lower life expectancy than their parents due to obesity related diseases, I’ve come up with a solution that is both quick and easy. (Drum roll, please.)

Stop eating fried foods. (Gasp!)

Fried foods, despite having little to no nutritional value and being loaded with fat and calories, have become an accepted indulgence in our society. So accepted that many restaurants serve fries or chips alongside every meal.

It’s no wonder that fried foods are the number one thing that most people crave – they are salty, addictive and plentiful.

Are Fried Foods Really That Bad?

In a nutshell, yes, fried foods really are that bad for you.

Take an average potato, bake it and you have 110 calories and 0 grams of fat. Take that same potato, turn it into French fries and you have 380 calories and 18 grams of fat.

Frying food is the easiest way to dramatically increase the calorie and fat content. And you know that extra calories and extra fat end up as extra body fat.

Other disasters that fried foods put you at risk for include:

• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Clogged Arteries
• High Blood Pressure
• Obesity
• Acne

Fried foods have also been known to trigger Acid Reflux and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Need I say more?

Going Fried-Free

Giving up fried food may not be easy, though it will arguably be one of the best things you do for your health and appearance. You will lose weight and improve your health by eliminating fried food from your life.

Keep in mind that, like all habits, the first thirty days will be the toughest. Make things easier by staying away from situations that place you in front of a big basket of fries or plate of doughnuts.

New Foods to Love

Instead of fried foods, enjoy the following:

• Substitute a salad or fruit instead of fries
• Baked potato – but pass on the butter and sour cream
• Baked chicken instead of fried chicken
• Baked chips instead of fried chips
• Raw veggie pieces

You may be surprised how delicious these healthier options taste.

Help, I’m addicted!

If your diet has consistently included fried foods - multiple times a day or several times each week, then giving it up may take more work than simply trying healthier options.

Yo u’ll need to use some mental strategies as well.

To do this focus on all the negative things about eating fried foods:

• Think of how bloated and heavy you feel afterward
• Remember the heart burn you’ve experienced
• Focus on the extra pounds you want to lose – imagine doughnuts and French fries sticking to your belly and thighs
•  
• Feel the discomfort of being out of breath doing normal activities

You didn’t think I was really going to skip telling you how beneficial exercise is to achieving your health and weight loss goals did you?

The bottom line is that exercise plus healthy eating will give you the body that you want.

What are you waiting for? Drop that bag of chips and call me for a workout that will change your life!

Before you eat a trans-fat-free item check the overall nutritional content. Does it contain saturated fat? What is the total fat and calorie count? What about sugar and sodium? Don’t let a trans-fat-free label distract you from the overall nutritional content of the food.

knisell

721 Opal st

(310) 721-4055

My Site

Over the last five years we have found Kurt to be an invaluable resource. His expansive knowledge of nutrition and understanding of the benefits of physical training allow him to customize personal training programs. He is capable of adapting our programs to accommodate physical injuries and limitations. Reed and Nan H.

Working out with South Bay Fitness has helped me stay on top of my game. I would highly recommend them to everyone. Raju C.

Why do you overeat? Here are a few likely reasons:

1. Habit: Whether you realize it or not, you eat in a learned pattern, rather than out of need. You clean your plate because that’s what your mother taught. You eat what is served without stopping to check if you are full. You butter two pieces of toast for breakfast rather than questioning if one piece would do the job.
2. Absentminded: You forget to pay attention when you eat. Mindless munching while watching a movie, snacking while driving, or picking at food while cooking - these absentminded calories really add up.
3. Something Deeper: Sometimes you use food for recreation or to change your mood. These calories may lend you a temporary sense of comfort or pleasure, but ultimately your body suffers from the indulgence.

Here are 3 Steps To Overcome Overeating - read these, and apply them to your life.

Step #1: Pay Attention

Be aware of what and how much you eat. This simple concept will save you from hundreds upon hundreds of calories each week.

To apply this rule, don’t eat while your attention is distracted by another activity. Only put food in your mouth when you are hungry and conscious of it. This means turn off the T.V., get out of your car,=2 0and no matter what you do, don’t graze in the kitchen while cooking.

Step #2: Practice Balance

Be aware of the types of food that you eat during each meal, and make sure that it’s balanced. When you eat a balanced diet filled with lean protein, whole grains, lots of veggies, a few daily servings of fruit and limited fat and sweets, your body will be satisfied and you’ll lose the urge to overeat.

This means you shouldn’t always eat carb-based meals, and you also shouldn’t always eat high-fat meals. Make a mental checklist of the food groups that you’ve eaten each day. Did you eat lean protein? Did you have plenty of vegetables? Did you refrain from eating more than one or two primarily carb-based meals? This mental checklist will save you from making food decisions that you’d later regret.

Step #3: Be Tuned In

Your body will always tell you when its hunger has been satisfied - you’ve just gotten so good at ignoring the signs that you barrel through your meal only to feel like you’ve been hit by a ton of bricks once all that food hits your stomach. It’s time to take a deep breath and listen to your body.

An important part of being tuned in is to eat slowly. Once you start to pay attention you’ll notice a point when each bite becomes less and less satisfying. That is your body’s way of letting you know that you’ve had enough and that each continued bite is simply overkill (yes, even if you’re only halfway through that plate of pasta).

By learning how to control your eating habits, you’ll find weight loss to come simply and naturally.

Want to speed up your weight loss, make it permanent, and shape your body at the same time? Kurt Knisell Redondo Beach Personal Trainer has what it takes to get you there! No guess work, no fad diets, and no super long workouts.

Call or email today to learn more about my fitness and fat loss programs that will quickly change your life. http://www.southbayfitness.com

knisell

721 Opal st

(310) 721-4055

My Site

Over the last five years we have found Kurt to be an invaluable resource. His expansive knowledge of nutrition and understanding of the benefits of physical training allow him to customize personal training programs. He is capable of adapting our programs to accommodate physical injuries and limitations. Reed and Nan H.

Working out with South Bay Fitness has helped me stay on top of my game. I would highly recommend them to everyone. Raju C.

That’s an easy question for Helen Phillips.

Last month Helen wowed the world with her dramatic transformation on the NBC show The Biggest Loser. At 48 years of age she is the oldest contestant to win the weight loss competition, shedding 140 pounds and 54.7% of her body weight.

I’d call losing more than half of your body weight a huge accomplishment - wouldn’t you?

The crazy part is that Helen was clearly the underdog. She was simply too old and too fat to win. At least that was what the other contestants thought.

And that’s what Helen thought too.

“I never believed in myself in the beginning,” she admits. However when a doctor told her that she was living in the body of a 60 year old woman, Helen got serious.

“I’m tired of doubting myself,” she decided and something inside of her head clicked into place. “The minute I started doing that, things changed for me.”

And, oh, how she changed.

Helen buckled down and made losing weight her only focus. Her hard work paid off, giving her the prized title of the Biggest Loser.

She accomplished something huge and now her life is vastly improved. “I feel so good! I feel like I can do anything,” she told reporters with a huge smile.

Helen also had a message for you. “If I can do it, you can do it.”

I have to agree with her.

If a 48 year old, 257 pound woman can transform her body from a size 22 to a size 2, then anyone really can do it. Think for a moment of that huge accomplishment that you haven’t made. Maybe it’s a weight loss goal that you’ve had for years. Maybe it’s something completely unrelated to your weight.

What’s holding you back?

Are you afraid you’ll fail?

The fear of failure is a powerful thing. No one likes to fail, and repeat failure is even worse. So what can you do to conquer it?

• Realize that failure isn’t the worst outcome. Not trying is.
• You only fail when you decide to give up. Get up and try again!

Are you afraid you’ll succeed?

You may not realize it, but most people fear success. Success means change and change can be scary. It is important that you embrace the idea of success and ditch any negative self talk.

• Close your eyes and picture yourself accomplishing your goal. What will that accomplishment do for your life? List the benefits you’ll enjoy.
• Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself accomplishing your goal. How great does it feel? Savor those victorious emotions and use them to drive your motivation.

Helen didn’t believe in herself, until one day she decided that she was done doubting.

Are you done doubting?

When you’re ready to transform your body, like Helen did, I’m here to help. Is NOW a good time? Call or email me Kurt Knisell Redondo Beach personal trainer at (310) 721-4055 and let’s get started on a program that will really improve your life.

It’s your turn to accomplish something huge.

While being interviewed after her victory Helen revealed the secret behind her staggering weight loss. “Who knew diet and exercise really were the answer?” It always comes back to diet and exercise. When it comes to losing weight forget about the fad diets, the pills and the potions. Focus on your diet and focus on your exercise plan then you too will see amazing results.

It’s mango season! If you’ve been hesitant to try tofu then this is the perfect recipe for you. The mango and ginger marinade gives the dish a sweet and tangy flavor that is hard to beat. Choose mangoes that are ripe, but not overripe. The fruit should give only slightly when squeezed. Serve with brown rice and fresh steamed broccoli.
Yield: 6 serving

Here’s what you need…

Marinade:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons chopped ginger
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 large mangoes, chopped
• 1/4 pure maple syrup
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• Dash of pepper
• Dash of salt

Tofu:

• 2 pounds extra-firm tofu, drained and sliced
• 1 mango sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into long slices

1. In a medium saucepan combine the oil, garlic, ginger and onion, saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add the chopped mango and sauté for another 5 minutes.
2. Add the maple syrup and vegetable broth, cover and simmer for 35 minutes. Uncover and simmer for another 5 minutes.
3. Add the vinegar, lime juice, orange juice, allspice, pepper and salt. Allow the mixture to cool and then puree in blender until smooth.
4. Place the sliced tofu and mango marinade in a sealable plastic bag or a plastic container with lid. Marinate in the fridge for one hour or overnight.
5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place the marinated tofu in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, reserving half of the marinade. Bake for 20 minutes.
6. Flip over the tofu. Coat the remaining mango slices and pepper slices in marinade and add to pan. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
7. Serve with brown rice and steamed broccoli.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 219 calories, 1g fat, 7g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, and 9g protein.

Spread the word. Forward this newsletter to your friends, family and coworkers by using the “refer a friend” link below. They’ll thank you for it. 

knisell

721 Opal st

(310) 721-4055

My Site

Over the last five years we have found Kurt to be an invaluable resource. His expansive knowledge of nutrition and understanding of the benefits of physical training allow him to customize personal training programs. He is capable of adapting our programs to accommodate physical injuries and limitations. Reed and Nan H.

Working out with South Bay Fitness has helped me stay on top of my game. I would highly recommend them to everyone. Raju C.

The list holds your favorite foods, music, TV shows, movies and even people in your life that you can’t get enough of. This is the stuff that you really enjoy. It’s the stuff that makes your life worth living.

Somewhere on the list is your health and appearance. You know that looking and feeling great make a good life even better.

The interesting thing about your list is that without fail you’ll always make time for it.

• When your TV show airs, you watch it or record it to watch later.
• When your favorite actor stars in a new movie, you do your part by going to the theatre.
• When you’re hungry, you turn to your favorite foods.
• When the weekend rolls around, you do everything you can to spend time with the special people in your life.

Yet when it comes to exercise you automatically say, “I don’t have time.”

Time for TV, but no time for exercise… We live in an age where life is full. You don’t have extra time anymore.

You no longer have time. You make time.

• You make time for your TV show.
• You make time for your hobby.
• You make time for your friends.

It’s time to drop the charade of “I don’t have time to exercise” and call it what it really is.

An excuse.

You know how to make time for your favorite things. You know you want good health. You know you want to look great. You know you want more energy.

Exercise delivers all those benefits - and more.

I believe that exercise belongs on your list of favorite things.

Make It A Favorite: How do you turn something that you’ve dreaded into something that you enjoy?

1. Block the Negative: Your thoughts play a big part in determining your favorite things. Block out any negative thoughts you may have about exercise. Focus your energy on creating a positive attitude that will get you excited about hitting the gym, rather than dreading it.
2. Focus on the Benefits: With exercise you have so much to gain and nothing to lose. Exercise makes you stronger, sexier, happier, and gives you more energy. Pick the benefit that moves you the most and fixate on it.
3. Get Guidance: The easiest way to put exercise on your list of favorite things is to experience it at its best. Get onboard with one of my Redondo Beach personal training programs and I’ll show you the most effective and enjoyable techniques that will get you into the best shape of your life.

Finally, a great-tasting muffin recipe with no added sugar! Naturally sweetened with banana and blueberries, these muffins are as sweet as they are delicious. Enjoy one with a side of scrambled egg whites for a quick and nutritious breakfast. Servings: 18

Here’s what you need…

• 1 cup mashed banana
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup refined coconut oil
• 2 cups wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup frozen blueberries, left to thaw in a strainer

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare 18 standard-sized muffin cups with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine banana, egg whites, water and oil. Add the flour and mix. Gently fold in blueberries. Immediately spoon batter into muffin cups.
3. Bake for about 20 minutes. Remove muffins from tins and cool on a wire rack.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 98 calories, 4g fat, 13g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 3g protein.

Motivate your friends, family and co-workers! Use the “refer a friend” link below to forward this newsletter and subscribe your friends. 

knisell

721 Opal st

(310) 721-4055

My Site

Over the last five years we have found Kurt to be an invaluable resource. His expansive knowledge of nutrition and understanding of the benefits of physical training allow him to customize personal training programs. He is capable of adapting our programs to accommodate physical injuries and limitations. Reed and Nan H.

Working out with South Bay Fitness has helped me stay on top of my game. I would highly recommend them to everyone. Raju C.

This recipe is as refreshing as it is nutritious. Plump black lentils mixed with chunks of mango, strawberries, tomatoes and onions will tease your taste buds into submission. A splash of balsamic vinegar is the only flavoring that this colorful salads needs. Serve as a side dish or as a light meal.
Yield: 3 serving

Here’s what you need…

• 1 cup black lentils, cooked
• 1 medium mango, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 6 medium strawberries, chopped
• 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Place the lentils in a medium bowl. Chop the fruit and onions, add to lentils.
2. Add balsamic vinegar to the lentils and fruit, mix until well combined.
3. All of these items can be purchased at Trader Joes or Whole Foods in Redondo Beach or Torrance. Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 148 calories, 1g fat, 27g carbohydrate, 10 g fiber, and 9g protein.Spread the word. Forward this newsletter to your friends, family and coworkers by using the ‘refer a friend’ link below.

This one I tell all my personal training clients. An easy way to live healthier: don’t drink calories. Liquid calories are sneaky. You don’t get that full feeling like with solid foods, but you’re still taking in tons of calories. Avoid drinks like: regular sodas, smoothies, juices, sweet coffee drinks, hot chocolate, milk shakes, and alcoholic beverages. Drink plenty of water instead-you’ll lose weight and feel great.

What a delicious way to enjoy soy. Pre-shelled soybeans make this dish easy to prepare - it’s ready in 10 minutes. Serve this as a healthy side dish or a light meal.
Yield: 3 serving

Here’s what you need…

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 3 garlic cloves, diced
• 1 1/2 cups shelled soybeans
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• Dash of salt
• Dash of pepper

1. Heat saute pan over medium heat, add oil and onions. When onions begin to soften lower the heat, add the garlic and saute for two minutes.
2. Add soybeans and thyme, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Cook until soybeans are fully heated. Serve warm.
3. You can buy all these item’s at Trader Joes or Whole foods in Redondo Beach or Torrance.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 172 calories, 9g fat, 11g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, and 10g protein.

Motivate your friends, family and co-workers! Use the “refer a friend” link below to forward this newsletter and subscribe your friends. 

Use this recipe for a light dinner or quick lunch. It’s easy to make, tastes delicious and is low in fat. What’s more it’s full of natural protein. And guess what? Lentils are packed with cholesterol-lowering fiber.
Yield: 8 servings

Here’s what you need…

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 pound lentils, picked and rinsed
• 1 cup peeled and chopped tomatoes
• 2 quarts chicken broth, fat free, reduced sodium
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground toasted cumin
• Optional, spoonful of fat free cottage cheese
• Optional, dried parsley

1. Put the olive oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven and place over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery and salt. Sauté for 6 to 7 minutes.
2. Add the lentils, tomatoes, broth, coriander and cumin; stir to combine. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture just to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook at a low simmer until the lentils are tender, about 40 minutes.
3. Using a stick blender, puree the soup to your desired consistency. Serve with cottage cheese and sprinkle with dried parsley if desired.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 240 calories, 2g fat, 35g carbohydrate, 18g fiber, and 16g protein.

Motivate your friends, family and co-workers! Use the “refer a friend” link below to forward this newsletter and subscribe your friends.