Pull up a chair, pop open your tupperware, and shake up your canning jar salad. It’s time for our lunch date!

Last Week’s Nutrition News:

I’m in the news! Here’s what I’m talking about:

• Weight Loss: How can you lose weight and stay motivated? Build those muscles, baby! See my thoughts in 10 Tricks to See Weight-Loss Results Fast in Everyday Health

• Snacks: Did you know that half of all eating occasions are snacks? Next time, try one of these 10 High-Protein Snacks You Can Eat On the Go for LIVESTRONG (statistics source)

• More Snacks! Here’s my advice on picking The Healthiest Store-Bought Snacks for Booya Fitness

• Food Waste: Reduce it. Here are 14 Ways to Cut Food Waste & Save Money in LIVESTRONG

• Quiche: I share my recipe for whole grain breakfast quiche with Shape Magazine in 10 Good-for-You Gluten Recipes Under 400 Calories

• Picnics: Read about healthier recipe swaps, food safety, and fun outdoor games in my article for LIVESTRONG: 16 Tips to Pack a Healthier (and Safer) Picnic

Food, Health, & Nutrition:

• Bring Your Own Bag, Treat Yourself to Ice Cream – The New York Times // People who bring their own reusable grocery bags to the store are more likely to buy organic produce AND TREAT THEMSELVES TO JUNK FOOD! It’s not necessarily conscious, but it’s happening. So next time you’re standing in line at checkout, chuck the junk at the register. You’re awesome for bringing your bag, but it doesn’t give you license to indulge unless you’re actually craving those Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. #toughlove

• How Seltzer Water Became Cooler Than Coke – The Washington Post // Newsflash: We’re all about the bubbles, but leave out the calories, sodium and fake sweeteners please. Fine with me!

• Is Coconut Really More Hydrating? Clarifying Myths and Facts on Water – The Washington Post // Water is almost always the best choice. Plant waters have a lot of personality; not a lot of substance. pH alkaline water is suspect – but it may help keep your bones strong.

• Rethinking Exercise as a Source of Immediate Rewards –  The New York Times // Find an exercise that makes you feel happier, energized, less stressed, and/or closer to friends and family. That’s what will keep you exercising, not the fear of heart disease or a desire to lose weight. We like to do things that make us feel good! As a side note, don’t feel guilty taking care of yourself when you ‘should be’ spending time with your family. Everyone benefits when you’re the best, happiest, and healthiest version of yourself.
  • Check out what exercises are popular across the country to get some new ideas

Recipes I Think Look Fab:

Breakfast:

• Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos – The Foodie Physician

Photo Credit: The Foodie Phyisician

• Overnight Oats with Figs and Honey – Skinnytaste

Muffins:

• Cranberry Almond Swirl Muffins (Vegan) – Healthy Happy Life (Kathy is a veganista, friend, and author of the new cookbook, Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen)

Main Course:

• Pollo in Potacchio – Skinnytaste
• Rainbow Trout with Jasmine Rice and Citrus Vinaigrette (wonderful dinner) – The Food Network
• Caramelized Onion and Fennel Pizza – Sara Haas, RDN, LDN
  

  Photo Credit: Sara Haas, RDN, LDN

Slow Cooker:

• 10 Surprising Ways to Use Your Slow Cooker – Real Mom Nutrition

Desserts:

• Zucchini-Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies – Cooking Classy (these are insanely good)
• Lightened Up Frozen Chocolate Pie – Chocolate Slopes
• Chocolate Dump-It Cake – The New York Times
• Walnut Raspberry Chocolate Tartlets – California Walnuts

Whenever I hear the word ‘tartlets,’ I think of this clip from Friends (anyone else?)

One More Thing!

Does your child love to cook? California Strawberries is hosting a Kids Cook-Off Contest with $1,000 in prizes!  Find out more on their website. (Note: I am a California Strawberries Blog Ambassador and I am compensated for sharing this message).

Thanks for having lunch with me today – have a great Wednesday! 🙂

xx,

Caroline

Your Turn! What was your favorite piece of news? What did you have for lunch today? What’s your pet’s name? It’s a lunch date….we should get to know one another a little! 🙂