Something on the Side

Sesame Broccoli
On a rimmed baking sheet, toss 1 pound broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Roast at 450 degrees until browned, about 20 minutes. Toss with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds. (Good with: grilled stake or port tenderloin)

Scallion Couscous
Stir 1 cup couscous into 3/4 cup boiling water. Cover and let steam, off heat, until tender, about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and add 2 scallions, cut into matchsticks, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Season with coarse salt and ground pepper. (good with: leg of lamb or grilled kebabs)

Asian-Style 3 Bean Salad - by Ellie Krieger
For recipe click here.

Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad
For recipe click here.

Brun While You Clean

Did you know that you doing house and yard work can help you burn calories and lose weight? Just to give you idea of how much you can burn, here is a list of how many calories a 150 lb person would burn doing these activities for 30 minutes. If you weigh more than 150 lbs then you would burn more calories and less calories if you weigh under 150 lbs. Now, there's a reason to put a smile on your face while cleaning!

Weeding = 150 calories

Gardening (moderate) = 135 calories

Washing the car by hand = 112 calories

Ironing = 75 calories

Mopping = 128 calories

Scrubbing the floor = 210 calories

Window cleaning = 112 calories

Buying Healthy Bread

When it comes to buying bread you almost need an advanced degree to figure out what your really getting. Every label claims to be "whole wheat" or "whole grain" but is it really? Picking out a healthy whole grain bread can be more difficult then you might think, thankfully the wonderful nutritionist over at healthyeats.com have written a great article on bread shopping.

Check it out HERE!

Try making your own Whole Wheat Bread - check out this Recipe by the Mayo Clinic.

Key to Weight Loss Sucess

Are you still keeping a food journal? Research has shown that the key to losing weight and keeping it off is in keeping a food journal. When we began the Biggest Losers Contest everyone was given a food journal and encouraged to keep track of their food, exercise, water, and sleep. Keeping a food journal is a hard habit to keep but now maybe a good time to start journaling again, especially if you have gotten off track lately.

There are many different ways to keep a food journal and it is important to find one that works best for you. So if writing everything down in a little notebook is not for you try making a spread sheet, using an online tool, or purchasing a food tracker appp for your iPhone.

Want more info on food journals check out this great article on SparkPeople.

Check this out!!

Finding a new healthy food that makes ones life easier is always a treat so check out these 5 great options!

Breakfast

Kashi TLC Pumpkin Spice Flax bar

This bar is great for in the morning when you just don't have time to even make a bowl of cereal - stash these in your car or desk to keep yourself on track.

Per package: 180 calories, 6g protein, 26g carb, 6g fat, 4g of fiber

Lunch

Smucker's Reduced Fat Natural Style Creamy Peanut Butter

Hello, who does not love a good peanut butter? Do it old school and bring a PB&J for lunch!

Per 2 tablespoons: 200 calories, 9g protein, 12g carb, 12g fat, 2g fiber

Dinner

Bertolli Mediterranean Style Shrimp & Penne Primavera

Okay so freezer dinners are not always the best, but sometimes its the best you can do. So, stock up on this little wonder and pair it with a quick salad for a easy dinner that will keep you on track.

Per 1/2 package: 320 calories, 15g protein, 35g carbohydrate, 15g fat, 5g fiber

Snack

Kashi TLC Trail Mix Bar

Here is a great healthy snack to take with you on the go. This bar is chewy, moist, and just a tad sweet - plus it provides you with the two most important things in a snack, carbs & protein.

Per bar: 140 calories, 6g protein, 20g carb, 5g fat, 4g fiber

Dessert

Blue Bunny FrozFruit No Sugar Added Chunky Strawberry Bar

Ok, chunks of real strawberry and only 35 calories with 3 grams of fiber, need we say more?

Per bar: 35 calories, 0g protein, 15g carb, 0g fat, 3 g fiber