Our diet, overall, is really quite simple. On any given day, we as a family consume chicken breast, fish, whole grains, fruit, and veggies. While it sounds simple and perhaps boring, we prepare these foods in a variety of ways so that our children are exposed to diverse, ethnic cuisines. We avoid trans fats, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, and ingredients we can’t pronounce, which means our consumption of packaged foods is quite limited. That’s not to say that we don’t eat the occasional chip or drink the occasional soda, but it’s done in moderation.
A few weeks ago, I sat in on an online webinar with registered dietitians and personal trainers Lyssie and Tammy Lakatos (aka The Nutrition Twins) who authored the book The Secret To Skinny and serve as the exclusive nutritionists for celebrities and employees at the Rockefeller Center NBC Fitness Center. During the online webinar, they offered several nutrition tips in conjunction with their partnership with the US Potato Board.
Before I share their tips (which I think are fabulous), I wanted to talk a little bit about potatoes and their role in a healthy diet. These starchy vegetables are free from cholesterol, fat, and sodium and provide 45% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C and more potassium than a banana. At just 110 calories, you can top potatoes with veggies and a protein for a complete meal while still keeping your caloric intake in check.
The US Potato Board has come up with a variety of new potato recipes. Here is one of the recipes I’d like to try (think I can make it Vegan?):
Photo Credit: US Potato Board
Quick and Healthy Greek Potato Salad
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds red potatoes
1 cup low-fat 2% Greek yogurt (such as Chobani, FAGE, Oikos or YoPlait)
1/3 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1/4 cup peeled, chopped cucumber
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese
Chopped fresh oregano (optional)
Directions
Place whole potatoes (do not poke) into microwave-safe dish. Cover dish. (If covering dish with plastic wrap, poke small hole in plastic). Microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes depending on strength of microwave. Use oven mitts to remove dish from microwave; carefully remove cover from dish due to steam build-up and let cool. Cut potatoes into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl with remaining ingredients; stir well to mix. Sprinkle with cheese and oregano. This salad may be served right away, but is best if refrigerated for at least one hour to allow flavors to blend.
So how do The Nutrition Twins manage to keep fit, stay active, and eat healthy? Here are their best tips for a healthy lifestyle:
1. Always include vegetables in your meal.
Vegetables are packed with nutrients and fill you up without contributing significant fat, calories, or sodium to your diet. Make it a point to include vegetables at each meal.
Tip: Include yogurt or cottage cheese and vegetables on your baked potato or serve up a spinach, mushroom, and potato omelet.
2. Exercise
Physical activity helps blood move through your body, releases endorphins, maintains weight and generally assists in physical and emotional wellness.
Tips: Do something you enjoy. Make an appointment for yourself to exercise (particularly in the morning) so it doesn’t get pushed aside. Include cardio and weights since muscle mass is metabolically more active and helps to burn calories.
3. Include a fibrous carbohydrate and a protein with each meal. `
The body digests glucose in 1-2 hours. When you combine a carbohydrate with a protein, you slow down the process of digestion and boost energy levels.
4. Water
Every process in body needs and uses water. Aim for 9-12 cups of water.
Tip: Water can come from food and is included in the 9-12 cups. Put fruit in the water to flavor it.
Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. I attended an online webinar and received a gift.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
Leave a Reply