Today I had a craving (yes, I get them too)  for some popcorn.  So here is my fav pick…

I really enjoy Newman’s Own Oldstyle Picture Show Microwave Popcorn (whew, that is a long name).  Of course, doing it the old fashioned way is always best …you want quick, Newman’s is a good choice.  They sell them in 100 calorie packs.  It’s all natural and no trans fats.  An added bonus – all the profits (after making the product) that Newman makes goes to charities!

Pair it with some nuts, low fat cheese stick or Shaklee protein shake and you’ve got a great snack!

Breakdown:

100 calories/bag, 2.5 Fat, Carb 18g, Fiber 4g, Protein 2g

“I saw results within the first 2 weeks and continued to see results (lost inches, felt stronger, more energy).  Nicole is an excellent instructor. She changed each session with new challenges and different routines.  It is never boring.” – SIU Boot Camper

About the Author:

Nicole Simonin is a local South Jersey fitness expert recognized for her well-rounded approach to health and fitness.  Nicole’s mission is to spread the truth about weight loss and how to become healthier.  Nicole’s S.H.A.P.E. Method Boot Camps have been helping many South Jersey residents reclaim their body.  To learn how Nicole can help you achieve your fitness goals, visit shapeitupfitness.com

Want to help me spread the word about health and fitness?  Forward this to your friends and family or share it on your Facebook, Twitter, etc. Thanks in advance!

I love this recipe!!  I don’t think it even needs syrup! It’s a little high on the carbs but great for a Sunday breakfast!  Pair with an egg white omlete and your good to go.  If you have a comment feel free to respond below.  Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pancakes

Prep Time:
20 Min

Cook Time:
20 Min

Ready In:
40 Min

 Recipe Yields 12 pancakes

 Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar

Directions

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 278

• Total Fat: 7.2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 608mg
• Total Carbs: 45.8g
•     Dietary Fiber: 2.6g
• Protein: 7.9g

Compliments of AllRecipes.com

Here are some recipes to help keep it healthy this weekend  

Also, take advantage of the beautiful weather we are expected to have and go out and play!! Walk in the park, play frisbee just be active! 

Nicole Simonin 

Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs 
 
Prep Time: 10
Minutes
Cook Time: 20
Minutes
Ready In: 2 Hours 30
Minutes
Servings: 8
“A light marinade of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sherry with sesame and spices
tenderizes these chicken pineapple kabobs into an aloha grilled dream of a dish!”
INGREDIENTS:
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons sherry
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast
halves – cut into 2 inch pieces
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks,
drained
skewers
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a shallow glass dish, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, sherry, sesame oil, ginger,
and garlic powder. Stir the chicken pieces and pineapple into the marinade until well
coated. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours.
2. Preheat grill to medium – high heat.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken and pineapple alternately onto skewers. Grill
15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, or until chicken juices run clear. 

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 203 | Total Fat: 4.2g | Cholesterol: 61mg 

I get a lot of questions about what kinds of foods I personally purchase.  So I thought I’d start a segment about just that!

So here is a great company I came across….Applegate Farms. They believe in old traditional values…ya know when meat was made from meat…not hormones, artificial and chemical preservatives. I came across this brand in Shoprite (look for it mainly in the organic section).  I LOVE the Sunday Bacon (in the bacon section at Shoprite).  Yes, it’s really bacon minus the nitrates.  Their cheese does not have growth hormones in them.  They are based in New Jersey so they don’t need to process their food (unlike getting meets from across the country). You can check out their website here http://www.applegatefarms.com .  You can also place orders online.  Worth checking out!

If you have a food you’d like me to check out or have a comment about this blog please put a response below.

Mocha Ricotta Cream

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 packet sugar substitute (you know how I feel about sugar substitutes so make the adjustment)
• Dash espresso powder
• 5 mini chocolate chips

Directions

1. Mix together the ricotta, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sugar substitute in a dessert bowl. Serve chilled with a dusting of espresso powder and sprinkled with the mini chocolate chips.

Servings Per Recipe: 1

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 181

• Total Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 38mg
• Sodium: 154mg
• Total Carbs: 7.3g
•     Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
• Protein: 15.2g

From Allrecipes.com

Great, quick dessert! A little high in fat but it is a dessert

½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon of sugar

10 semi-sweet chocolate chips mini

Mix. Serve chilled. Serves 1.

1 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories		267.4
Total Fat		15.0 g
	Saturated Fat	9.2 g
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.5 g
	Monounsaturated Fat	4.6 g
Cholesterol		38.4 mg
Sodium		157.2 mg
Potassium		223.0 mg
Total Carbohydrate		18.8 g
	Dietary Fiber	1.0 g
	Sugars	11.3 g
Protein		14.9 g

4 slim leeks, whites and light green centers only, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

1 tbsp fresh sage

6 cups low sodium chicken broth

2 cups water

2 cups cooked navy beans

2 lbs chicken breasts, grilled and cut into 1 inch chunks

8 oz package of frozen spinach, thawed and partially drained

Heat olive oil in pan and add leeks and onions.  Cook about 5 minutes…  Add sage and cook 2 more minutes.  Add broth and water and bring to a boil.  Add chicken, beans and thawed spinach and continue to cook until all ingredients are cooked.

Submitted by Shelle McGovern

1 ½     Cups plus 3 tbsp. tomato and basil pasta sauce

1        15 ounce can of cannelloni beans, rinsed and drained

¾    tsp crushed red pepper

2        boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin

6        ounces pre-washed baby spinach

½     Cup chopped fresh basil

Salt and pepper and grated low fat cheese to taste

(The healthier option is to skip the salt and cheeseJ)

Bring the chicken broth, pasta sauce, beans and crushed red pepper to a simmer.  Turn heat to low.  Add the chicken to the broth.  Gently poach the chicken, stirring occasionally for about 2 minutes.  (The broth should barely simmer)  Stir in baby spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted and chicken is just cooked through…about 2 minutes more.  Stir in basil; and season with salt (leave out if you want it to be healthier)and pepper.  Ladle soup into bowls and top with small amount of low fat cheese.(leave this out if you would like to make this healthier).

Submitted by Shelle McGovern

1 Cup corn (leave this out if want less sugar)

1 Cup chopped zucchini

1 grated carrot

½ cup diced plum tomato

1/3 cup diced red bell pepper

¼ cup chopped green onion

2 tbsp of diced red onion

2 tbsp of chopped fresh cilantro

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

1 tbsp canola oil

1 tbsp minced seeded jalapeno peppers

½ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp chili powder

¼ tsp ground black pepper

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained.

Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and stir.  Cover and chill at least one hour before serving.    You need to add a protein with this salad.  (Try a grilled chicken breast or turkey breast or  white fish.)

Submitted by Shelle McGovern

  2tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp Dijon Mustard

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 green onions, finely chopped

¼ tsp ground black pepper

1 ½ lbs of beef flank steak

Whisk together all ingredients except steak.  Place steak and marinade in a large plastic food storage bag.  Refrigerate, and turn occasionally, for 6 hours.  Grill the meat 12 to 14 minutes for medium rare; turning occasionally.   Let stand 5 minutes and then cut on the diagonal.

Submitted by Shelle McGovern