Quick Tip #1: How to avoid over doing it during the holidays
As much fun as holiday celebrating can be, with every celebration comes the next day where we can find ourselves questioning, "why did I eat that?" Here are a couple tips we implement during this festive time of year:
1. Enjoy, in moderation, your favorite treats. ColorFUEL is not about deprivation, it's about moderation. If mom's chocolate caramel treats are your FAVORITE thing on earth, enjoy that. Just not the whole batch!
2. Plan ahead. When going to a party, don't starve yourself all day to save up for the big feast. Eat your regular ColorFUEL meals and keep party portions in check. Trust us, one day isn't going to throw you off track. Eat a snack before you go to help ward off the temptation that comes with being hungry. The same reason you don't want to go grocery shopping when you are hungry is the same reason you don't go to a party hungry.
3. Thank goodness for turkey! Turkey is a great tasting, lean protein (well, when it's not deep fried.) Enjoy the white meat and know you have made a great choice!
4. Avoid the following: high fat appetizers, processed foods, fried foods, cream based dishes, heavy casseroles and extra desserts. Look for: lean proteins, fruit, veggies and whole grains. Don't be afraid to bring a dish that you will enjoy and feel good about eating. Shrimp platter anyone?
5. Water and veggies will keep you hydrated and full along with keeping your hands busy. A smart holiday move!
6. Don't think about dieting. ColorFUEL is not a diet, it's a lifestyle. Enjoy yourself, enjoy your family and friends and enjoy all the hard work you put into fueling your body well.
Quick Tip #2: Quinoa
What the heck is quinoa? Let's start off with how to pronounce it, "KEEN-wah." Technically, quinoa is a seed, however it is cooked and eaten like a grain. The seeds are round and come in a variety of colors like red, purple and off-white. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning, it contains all the amino acids necessary for our nutritional needs. As a complete protein is rare in the plant world, quinoa is a staple in vegetarian diets or for anyone looking for a healthy protein source. It's high in iron and calcium (listen up ladies!) and is a good source of manganese, magnesium and copper, as well as fiber.
When cooking quinoa, start off by giving it a good rinse. Place it in a small strainer and run water over it until the water is clear. This ensure's the "soapy" resin that protects the seeds is removed. Then combine your quinoa and water with a 1:2 ratio. For example, 1 cup of quinoa requires 2 cups of water (or broth.) Then bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the seeds have become translucent and water is absorbed.
Quinoa has a nice nutty taste and is naturally gluten free. Feel free to make some tonight and substitute it for brown rice in your ColorFUEL recipes. Then, get creative with it, add it to soups, stews or chili's. Use cooked quinoa for breakfast vs. oats/oatmeal.
Quick Tip #3: Ambush Pantry
We've all heard of Ambush Makeover, why not Ambush Pantry? Are there items in your pantry that haunt you, tease you, just beg you to eat them? If so...ditch it! At the very least, consider what is on the shelf that is at your eye level. If the tempting items stare you down as soon as you open the pantry, move them. Move them up a level, move them to the garage or move them right back to the store. We believe in setting yourself up to succeed and success comes with being honest about what gets in the way. Instead of cookies, have a pack of gum in it's place. Grab a piece and walk away. You'll be so glad you did!
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