Skinny Fund, Sweet Potatoes w/ Black Beans, Mountain Climber

Tip of the Day: Skinny Fund

This is something that has been helping me strive harder to lose my weight. As presents for my birthday I got a bunch of gift cards. I spent a little bit of them and decided to save the rest for when I'm down to the size I want to be. If you take some money out of each paycheck (even if it's just $5) and put it in a jar, it'll add up and you'll have some extra cash when you get to the size/weight you want to be! You will have so much fun buying new clothes that you haven't been able to fit in for a while.


Healthy Recipe: Sweet Potatoes with Warm Black Bean Salad

4 medium sweet potatoes
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Prick sweet potatoes with a fork in several places. Microwave on High until tender all the way to the center, 12 to 15 minutes. (Alternatively, place in a baking dish and bake at 425 degrees F until tender all the way to the center, about 1 hour.)

Meanwhile, in a medium microwaveable bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, oil, cumin, coriander and salt; microwave on High until just heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. (Alternatively, heat in a small saucepan over medium heat.)

When just cool enough to handle, slash each sweet potato lengthwise, press open to make a well in the center and spoon the bean mixture into the well. Top each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.


Exercise: Mountain Climber

This is one of my favorite exercises. It really gets your heart rate up, and works your core at the same time!

Start in a pushup position. Keeping your head in line with your body, bring your right knee to your chest, then back to starting position. Alternate rapidly with the left leg. That's one rep.

Do 20 reps.