8 SUPER FOODS TO ADD TO YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY RECIPES

   WOO!!! The holidays are here and I'm super excited. Great friends, family, gifts, and, most of all wonderful food. Are you looking for ways to still keep it healthy and low calorie? I know 8 super foods that can help you reach your goals.

SWEET POTATOES: My favorite!! Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and phyochemicals that ward off some cancers and arthritis.

CRANBERRIES: They are full of antioxidants. Their fiber content plays a role in lowering LDL's, which are the bad cholesterol levels.

PUMPKIN: This fruit is packed with fiber and vitamin A. I mean a lot of vitamin A , which is a big acne fighter and aids with night vision.

PECANS: They are a great source of vitamin E and magnesium, which supports muscle strength.

COLLARD GREENS: This veggie is ultra healthy, when not cooked with pork. Collard greens are green leafy vegetables that are full of vitamins A, C, and K. They are also loaded with, bone strengthening calcium.

NUTMEG AND CINNAMON: Both can lower cholesterol and maintain blood insulin levels.

POMEGRANATE SEEDS: The power of the pomegranate!!! They have a plethora of disease fighting antioxidants. They are a good source of fiber, folate, vitamins C and K.

RED WINE: I had to save the best for last! When taken in moderation, red wine gives you the most antioxidants for your buck. Here is a little heart healthy tip to remember when buying red wine; the dryer the wine the more concentrated the antioxidant.

It is just that simple. So go ahead, include these great foods in your next holiday meal. I DARE YOU!

YourSkinnimini:-)

SNACKS FOR THE SWEET AND THE SALTY

THE SALTY

• 15 almonds 150 calories
• 1/4 cup of hummus with 1 sliced red pepper 140 calories
• 45 pistachios 148 calories
• 10 Kashi TLC Cracker with 1 block of laughing cow cheese 110 calories
• 1/2 cup of edamame 120 calories
• 2 cups Trader Joes organic popcorn 130 calories
• 1 Slice of ezekiel bread with 1 slice of swiss cheese 170 calories
• 1 cup of tomato juice with 1 piece of string cheese 100 calories

                                             THE SWEET

• 1 cup of strawberries dipped in 1tbsp of melted dark chocolate chips 115 calories
• 1 medium apple with 1 tbsp of natural peanut butter 143 calories
• 0% greek yogurt with 1/2 banana 130 calories
• 1 medium pear with an 8oz glass of almond milk 136 calories
• plain oatmeal with berries 170 calories
• Kashi granola bar 160 calories
• chocolate covered soy nuts 140 calories
• 1/2 cup of sorbet with berries 140 calories

Fitness411 Productions has done it again. The 21-Day Belly Blast Holiday Challenge. Do you want to lose weight and still enjoy delicious food during the holidays. If the answer is yes, this challenge is for you. For more information, registration and payment, please visit www.Fitness411.net. Also, for a more visual concept of this challenge join Fitness411 Productions and YourSkinniMini Fitness and Nutrition for some Belly Blasting Recipes. Sample amazing recipes, get nutritional tips, food swap ideas, and get all your questions answered. Although, prior registration is encouraged; you will be able to register at this event. See you there. Game Face On!!!