30 Day Ab & Squat Challenge

Here's one you can add to your routine! Challenge yourself! 

The Best and Worst Holiday Appetizers

You know I LOVE my CHOOSE THIS not THAT! 

'Tis the season for holiday parties, and if there's one thing you're dreading more than awkward conversations with drunken acquaintances, it's the array of deep-fried diet-busters awaiting you at the refreshment table. How are you supposed to keep eating healthy and feeling under-the-mistletoe sexy when cocktail franks are calling your name? We asked Ani Aratounians, MS, RD, the manager of nutrition and culinary development for Team Beachbody®, to help us navigate the good, the bad, and the ugly among your favorite holiday appetizers.

Hummus and Veggies

What's Good: "Hummus is an exceptionally healthy food, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, protein, fiber, zinc, and magnesium," says Aratounians. "Paired with fresh veggies, it becomes a powerhouse of nutrients."

Bad: Hummus contains around 25 calories per tablespoon—so if you don't keep an eye on how much you're scooping, you can rack up calories quickly. In other words, less hummus and more veggies is the ideal strategy.

Shrimp Cocktail

What's Good: "Not only is shrimp a good source of the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory astaxanthin, as well as omega-3s, but 80% of its calories come from protein," says Aratounians.

What's Bad: Shrimp are high in cholesterol, which may be an issue for those who are watching their numbers—but for most people, the high omega-3 content still makes it a worthy option. Just be careful not to douse the shrimp in high-sodium/high-sugar cocktail sauce.

Chicken Skewers

What's Good: "Chicken skewers made with low-fat, high-protein chicken breast can be a healthy and filling appetizer," Aratounians says. "If the chicken pieces are layered with superfood veggies such as peppers and zucchini, it makes it even better."

What's Bad: If the chicken is breaded or slathered in a sugary sauce, you may wind up consuming a lot of hidden calories and carbs.

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

What's Good: The scallops—they're an awesome source of selenium, phosphorus, B12, zinc, iron, omega-3s, copper, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

What's Bad: The bacon, of course. "Wrapping scallops in bacon can potentially triple their calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol content," says Aratounians. Indulge in one or two if they're your absolute favorite, but don't polish off the whole tray.

Stuffed Mushrooms

What's Good: They have potential. "Stuffed mushrooms can make a delicious and healthy bite-sized appetizer, as long as the stuffing is veggie-based and isn't loaded with bread crumbs, cheese, and cream," Aratounians says.

What's Bad: What's inside is anyone's guess. While there are plenty of healthy homemade recipes out there, most people will opt for the carb-heavy, prepackaged variety. "Stuffed mushrooms are labor-intensive, so they're usually store-bought," cautions Aratounians. "This makes it harder to find healthier versions." Of course, you can always find out who brought the mushrooms and ask for their recipe—and then plan your noshing strategy accordingly.

Nuts

What's Good: "Raw nuts can be a nutritious appetizer that provides heart-healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals," Aratounians says.

What's Bad: Portion control is a toughie—who can stop after an ounce of nuts? "You can quickly add hundreds of calories to your daily intake without even realizing it," warns Aratounians.

Spinach Dip

What's Good: The spinach—and that's about it.

What's Bad: The leafy greens are usually drowning in mayo and cheese—and you're probably scooping them up with chips, crackers, or pumpernickel. "Although this is a party favorite, a few tablespoons of this dip can be loaded with hundreds of calories that come mostly from saturated fats," Aratounians says.

Frozen Goodies

What's Good: They're easy. There's a reason heat-and-eat apps like pizza rolls, cocktail franks, and mini quiches are a party staple. After all, you don't have to be Martha Stewart to microwave some Southwestern egg rolls.

What's Bad: "Packaged appetizers are often highly processed and loaded with calories, sodium, unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, additives, and preservatives," says Aratounians. "This makes them one of the unhealthiest choices with hardly any nutritional benefits."

Nachos and Cheese

What's Good: Salsa can be low in calories and a good source of antioxidants, lycopene, and potassium.

What's Bad: Everything else. "Most cheese sauces don't even meet the requirements for being called cheese—they're loaded with neon-orange food dyes and MSG," says Aratounians. "This appetizer is high in calories, fat, sodium, additives, and preservatives—need I say more?" Nope, that pretty much covers it.

Of course, even when you know the nutritional damage of your favorite finger foods, it's hard to resist temptation when it's staring you in the face. The easiest way to avoid overeating? "Don't go to a party hungry!" Aratounians says. "Have a Shakeology® with water and ice, or a handful of raw nuts, before you head out." Two more smart tips from her: Hold a glass of wine in one hand and your phone in the other, so you can't nibble without doing some juggling. And if you're worried there won't be any healthy options, bring one with you—you'll salvage your diet and help the host out. Win-win!

By Kara Wahlgren

A Jewish Christmas Day

 

Hi my name is Michelle GOLDSTEIN and my mother has an even more Jewish sounding maiden name. I am 30 years old, have always celebrated Hanukah and I have never once celebrated Christmas. Christmas is not a Jewish holiday and it not an American holiday... It is a holiday where only Christians celebrate. I would think people would know this by now, just like Christians don't celebrate Hanukah.

Every year I still get strange looks and questions on WHAT do I DO during CHRISTMAS.. One is why aren't you flying home for Hanukah (well many times Hanukah doesn't fall on Christmas -- including this year) and another is you will be ALONE on Christmas. Well there are many days I spend alone and I think I will still be OK spending December 25th alone. Hey sometimes I get "adopted" for Christmas.

I LOVE Christmas actually, but on a cultural level. I love the decorations, the trees, presents and all over feeling of the holiday. Shit I even SANG "All I Want for Christmas" by Mariah Carey at our choir performance. That was my favorite performance ever -- I made the solo!

America is so accepting of other religions, but I am still so BAFFLED on the mystere around Christmas and Jews. So I would like to clear up what Jews do on December 25th...





Looks like Santa is asking as well

                                                          
I mean there really is a lot of pressure to celebrate Christmas. But no fear, here are a few things Jews can do!

• Go out for Chinese food. Many Chinese places are open, because some Chinese people are also not Christian
• Go to the Matzah Ball! I have even co-hosted this in Tampa and boy was Blue Martini packed! This is an event either held on Christmas Eve or Christmas. Jews drink and sometimes a lot, so then we can just spend Christmas in bed
• Go to a movie! That's always fun!! Movie theatres are open everyday.
• Casinos are open! So many Jews travel to Vegas or Atlantic City
• Work!

And which one will I be doing this year? I will be working. With Beachbody I always work from home anyways. To top if off, this is the season where I will soon be getting SLAMMED because thankfully -- just a WEEK after Christmas EVERY YEAR is when the New Year hits! New Years (American holiday) so I am preparing for everyone wanting to get THINNER and FIT for the new year. So what I will do is work from home, watch football and cook something at home.

I will be ok this Tuesday. Although if you do want to adopt me for a day.. that would be fun!

And with that being said -- MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!

 

xooxoxx

Michelle-Naomi