superfoods for weightloss

today when i was perusing self.com, i came across a slideshow of 20 superfoods that help with weightloss.  looking through the the slideshow, i started to get pretty excited and then wonder why i am not a size zero...these are all foods that i like to eat! there are not any huge surprises in this list of superfoods but i thought it was worth sharing as a reminder.  when i go grocery shopping tomorrow, i am going to make sure to bring this list with me so i can stock up and hopefully be a size zero in no time (i just shouldn't hold my breath for that one..)

1. beef - if you keep it organic and lean it can help you take off the lbs instead of put them on!
2. eggs
3. oats - steel cut oats are even healthier than instant oats!
4. lentils - apparently these are an excellent belly flattener...these will be going to the top of my grocery list tomorrow!
5. goji berries

6. wild salmon
7. apples - apparently if you eat an apple before eating a bowl of pasta, you will consume less calories! awesome!
8. buckwheat pasta
9. blueberries
10. almond butter

11. pomegranates
12. chiles - i hate spicy food but adding some to your diet can cause your body to burn calories for 20 minutes longer.  no wonder my college roommate who loved spicy foods is so skinny!
13. yogurt
14. quinoa
15. sardines - these kind of gross me out but are so healthy they are worth a shot!

16. kale
17. tarragon
18. parmesan
19. avocado - my favorite food!! another reason why i should eat guacamole every day.
20. olive oil

check out the whole slideshow here

a healthy tip: vitamins

back in august, i attended the 2011 blogher conference in san diego, where i had the chance to meet with representatives from companies across many different industries and learn about their products. some of those companies have kept in touch with their new blogger friends, and they've shared some exciting news that i wanted to pass along to you, our readers.


since it's tuesday and we've promised to share a healthy recipe, tip, or fitness routine, here's a new product that can help you live a healthier lifestyle.  the makers of Centrum multivitamins launched ProNutrients, a line of supplements to help increase confidence in supplementing and help make nutrition possible.  (hint: click the ProNutrients link and you'll find a coupon to save $3)



the new product kicked off backstage at the Emmys, where it was introduced to celebrities who were asked what they consider themselves a "pro" at.  check out Centrum's Facebook page for some of these very interesting tidbits!

in addition to the ProNutrients launch, Centrum debuted Centrum Specialist, a line of enhanced multivitamins that is aimed at specific health priorities adults want to target - like energy, heart, prenatal, and vision. with these new offerings, Centrum expands its commitment to providing a comprehensive portfolio to help people achieve health and wellness. 

 

i recently had laser vision correction surgery, and i'm not planning on having a baby anytime soon, so i would probably go with the energy product (maybe i wouldn't feel like i needed coffee anymore?) or the heart product, since heart disease runs in my family.  in all seriousness, i did actually start taking vitamins when i got back from the blogher conference, after hearing bob harper's advice.  i chose Centrum ultra-women's.

all images via centrum.com and pronutrients.com

recipe: orzo salad with lemon, mint, and fresh ricotta

for my birthday celebration one of the dishes my mom made was an orecchiette and ricotta salad and it was phenomenal.  since then i have been slightly obsessed with healthy versions of pasta salads.  this one from dean and deluca looks both simple to make and delicious!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup minced shallots
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, or more to taste
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup uncooked orzo
1/2 cup very finely diced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup very finely diced seedless cucumber
1/2 cup crumbled ricotta salata cheese (about 3 ounces)
3 tablespoons minced fresh mint leaves

Directions:

1. Stir together the olive oil, shallots, lemon juice, garlic, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the orzo in a large kettle of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain pasta completely in a colander, running under cold water. Transfer orzo to a bowl, stir in the olive oil mixture, and let cool. Stir in the bell pepper, cucumber, ricotta salata, and mint until combined well. You could serve the salad immediately, but we think it tastes best if you let it stand at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours.

recipe from dean and deluca picture from serious eats

bob harper on diet and fitness

as part of my vacation this past weekend, i attended the 2011 blogher conference in san diego, ca.  it was an absolutely fabulous time and extremely educational as well. i went as company sponsor but also as a blogger.  another company sponsor was quaker, who has teamed up with celebrity personal trainer bob harper (from the biggest loser).  bob was present at the conference for one of the days - he led a cardio workout saturday morning, spoke at a breakfast session, and then was available in the quaker booth for photos and autographs.  unfortunately, the wake up workout was sold out, but i did have the pleasure of attending the breakfast to hear him speak.  i took some videos to share with you guys - i hope you enjoy!

before you watch... let me just say that, in person, bob is extremely attractive.  he's like a perfect specimen of a human being.  you could see his triceps through his shirt and he had some of the most chiseled calves i've ever seen.  i'm guessing his body fat is in the range of 0%. 

here is bob answering a blogger's question on how to lose her last ten pounds:

in this video, bob talks about how working out affects your mood and how you can stay motivated to work out, even when you don't want to:

listen to bob talk about supplementing your diet with multi-vitamins and other nutrients:

and finally, bob's motivational quote will keep you on track: