The "Unofficial" Start to Summer, Memorial Day!

This weekend is Memorial Day, just in case you didn't know already :-)

In addition to a long weekend and the unofficial start to summer, it is a day dedicated to those who have fallen during service to the US.  Remember to take a moment to give thanks for the freedoms they fought to uphold. 

Chances are you have plans to attend a party or BBQ.  Are you bringing a dish to that BBQ?  Will it be healthy? If your lucky the weather might be perfect and you will head to the beach.  Are you ready to put on your swimsuit?  

Here are some healthy tips for the weekend:

1. Instead of soda/pop, which is not the healthiest option. Try fixing yourself a seltzer water with a squeeze of lime/lemon or maybe just a splash of juice.
2. If you’re consuming alcoholic beverages remember calories in mixers (soda and juice) quickly add-up .  If you can do it, drink it straight a.k.a, neat.  Think chilled vodka or gin with lemon or lime.  Always remember to drink responsibly.
3. Remember to re-apply your sunscreen, bring a hat and drink lots of water if you are at the beach all day.
4. Toss the coverup, be confident in your swimsuit by finding a suit that fits your body type.  There are many articles out there on this topic, here is one that I like, http://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/womens-swimsuits
5. Use a small plate and add a reasonable amount of food to your plate. Try to only do seconds if absolutely necessary. Say no to thirds!
6. Take the bread off your hamburger or hotdog or maybe only have the bottom half of the bun.  
7. Try to have a larger portion of fruits and veggies verses foods that are high in sugar, fat and salt.
8. Bring a healthy dish that you will enjoy.  Here are a couple healthy recipes to bring to the party/BBQ:

Vegan Brownies with Spinach

 INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup oat flour
1 cup organic raw sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups raw spinach
1/4 cup dark semi-sweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, stir together the flours, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In blender, whip the water, olive oil, vanilla, and spinach. Mix until smooth.
Fold wet ingredients into the flour mixture until it forms a uniform batter. Add chocolate chips.
Spread evenly in a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15–20 minutes in preheated oven or until the top is no longer shiny. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting.

Raw Kale Salad

INGREDIENTS

2 bunches kale, washed, dried and chopped

1/2 medium red onion, chopped

1 medium apple, seeded and chopped

2 teaspoons garlic, minced

2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled and grated

1 whole, ripe avocado, peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons Tamari soy sauce or Bragg’s Amino Acids

1/2 cup raw cashews, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Wash, de-stem and chop kale; place in large bowl. Add lemon juice and avocado, and with your hands mix together until the avocado is smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.