Portion Control, Tomato/Pea Dip, Best Butt

Tip of the Day: Portion Control

One of the many ways to help you lose those extra pounds is to watch your portions ever time you eat. You need to control yourself to eat less, so you consume less calories. One way to help control your portions is to eat on a small plate rather than a large one. You'll actually feel like you're eating more. Another tactic that I use myself is to use a small spoon or fork. You know how the silverware sets come with large forks and small forks? The smaller ones will help you take smaller bites, therefore helping you eat less!

One more thing I'd like to add. Remember as a kid when your parents made you "clean your plate"? You're an adult now...don't do that. Save it as leftovers, and you'll save yourself some unwanted calories.


Healthy Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato and Pea Dip

I just made this today! Such a healthy snack to have, and great for entertaining! I saw this on "Giada at Home", my favorite cooking show. It's pretty much guilt free too!

1 pound frozen peas, thawed
8 oz sun-dried tomatoes, drained (3/4 cup)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
4 heads of endive, ends cut off and leaves separated

Combine the peas, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse the machine until the peas and tomatoes are finely chopped. Add the olive oil and pulse until the olive oil is incorporated and the mixture is minced but not yet pureed. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the salt and pepper.

Serve as a dip with the endive spears alongside.

Mmmm.

Exercise: Best Butt

Many people think that doing squats (hip flex) is the best way to get a toned butt, but there have been studies to show that doing hip extensions instead will actually help you sculpt your butt! Try this:

Start on your hands and knees, knees bent. Lift your right heel toward the ceiling, then lower it back down to the starting position. Do 12 reps, then repeat on the other side.

They study done by American Council on Exercise showed that doing this exercise will work 55% more of your hamstrings and 79% more of your glute than a plain squat will work. Easy choice!