Lemons, Florentine Ravioli, Barbell Rollout

Tip of the Day: Lemons

There is a fiber in lemon peels (called pectin) that have been known to help weight loss! Find ways to add lemons to your daily diet. Add an ounce of lemon juice, along with some lemon zest (just grate the peel of the lemon) into your daily 8 glasses of water. It won't just help you be healthier, it'll help you feel fuller, which in turn will help you consume less calories through out the day!

Healthy Recipe: Florentine Ravioli

Yet another low calorie Italian recipe! At 277 calories a serving, this makes 4.

- 1 package (20-oz) frozen cheese ravioli or tortellini

- 6 tsps extra-virgin olive oil, divided

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 tsps salt

- 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper

- 1 bag (16-oz) frozen chopped or whole-leaf spinach

- 1/2 cupz water

-1/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; cook ravioli (or tortellini) according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tsp oil in a large nonstick skillet over med. heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add salt, crushed red pepper to taste, spinach, and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach has thawed, wilted, and heated through, 5-7 minutes. Divide among 4 bowls, top w/ pasta, drizzle 1 tsp of remaining oil over each portion. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Exercise: Barbell Rollout

Remember that really old exercise tool called the ab wheel? You hold onto the handles and roll out forward? Even with how old the ab wheel is, it is still an effective exercise! As long as you are using the right technique it is SO good for working on that 6 pack. Using a barbell and two 10 pound weigh plates for each end will get you the same results, if not better! On your knees, bent forward, hold onto the barbell with your hands, barbell underneath your face. Tighten your core and glutes and roll forward as far as you can without your hips sagging. Keep your back straight and everything still as you roll forward. Do this a few times a week and you'll noticably get better and better, and be able to roll further and further forward.