Nutrition Momma
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
Kate Gosselin Beach Body — Revamp Your Routine
Despite any drama within their personal lives, reality mothers Kate Gosselin and Denise Richards have both been looking fit and healthy lately (when recently spotted at the beach). If you want to feel slim and trim this summer, try stealing simple tips from these busy moms, while avoiding any Hollywood price tags…
* Get A Personal Chef: Okay, we know you can’t actually hire a personal chef like so many celeb mommas, but you can find sneaky ways to track your food intake (and take the guess work out of meal planning). We love at-home services like the Sensei nutrition program, which allows you to enter your current body information and goals into a website, pick a meal plan that is ideal for your lifestyle (with the option to eliminate foods you might hate, like meat, or tasks you can’t stand, like cooking), and will personally help you along the way.
Try it out FREE for a month with our exclusive Makeover Momma reader discount code (courtesy of Sensei), which allows you to recieve weekly shopping lists, activity charts and daily meal plans/recipes. Just enter the code MAKEOVER at “check out”, and you’re ready to go! For more on meal planning (like food delivery fan Denise), click here.
* Go Raw: Do you ever wish that you could eat a trendy, raw food diet like Demi Moore, or go completely organic like mom-of-8 Kate? Try getting the celebrity treatment by signing up for a raw food delivery service (like P.J.’s Raw Cuisine), which will ship a weeks worth of freshly-prepared meals to any place nation (once per week), and is completely organic, vegan and gluten-free (for those with food allergies).
Try cutting down on the $100 price tag, by freezing 1/2 of the food upon arrival, and supplementing one or two meals per day with simple salads, fresh smoothies (using affordable frozen fruit) and other low-budget (but healthy) options. You will get two weeks worth of nutritious options, without having to cook or prepare for hours at a time.
If you could try an celebrity diet or meal, what would it be? How do YOU mimic Hollywood eating from home, without spending a fortune?
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Friday, June 19th, 2009
High Protein Patties — Double Duty Diet
If your kids or family love anything shaped like a nugget, try making them a healthier alternative by using protein-packed beans and plenty of spice. This Makeover Momma™ recipe for Chickpea Patties is easy to make, nutritious for you and your family, and gluten-free*. Try mixing it up by using other varieties of beans or vegetables, eating with a knife and fork (like a crab patty) or letting little ones dip in a variety of fun sauces and spreads. Check out our favorite double-duty diet idea here, or visit websites with plenty of vegan recipes (like Vegalicious.org).
Ingredients:
- 1 can of garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
- 1 can of cannelloni beans (white beans)
- 1 cup of cooked vegetables (like squash, zucchini or carrots)
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 egg
- Garlic powder, Italian seasoning and additional spices for flavor
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing your vegetable as preferred (cook frozen veggies in microwave, cook in a pan, or simply re-use leftovers from another night). Add your cooked vegetable of choice to a food processor or blender…
- Open, drain and pour both cans of beans into the food processor, along with one cracked egg and tablespoons of olive oil. Blend the entire mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, or until smooth.
- Take large spoonfuls of the mixture (or use an ice-cream scooper for circular shapes) and place on a flat, greased pan. Once the pan is covered in scoops, cook in the oven for at least 30 minutes (or until patties are slightly crispy and lightly tan on top).
- Let patties cool, and serve with dipping sauce of choice.
What is your favorite way to sneak protein into your family’s diet? Share with us!
*All meal suggestions at Makeover Momma™ will include allergen information and suggestions for children with allergies, celiac disease, or additional health concerns. The above recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian.
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
Simple Summer Smoothies — Speedy Food Makeover
The Food Makeover: Smoothies
It’s the time of year when you and your family will inevitably be craving something cool, refreshing and tropical amid the hot, summer sun. Unfortunately, fruit smoothies can often be loaded with calories and sugar (even though we feel like it’s a healthy treat), so learn how to make this tasty favorite better for your body…
Make It Better:
Go Fresh: The best way to prepare a smoothie is by using as much local produce as possible, so scoop up a variety of fruit at your local farmers markets. If this is too expensive, try purchasing frozen varieties (their nutritional value is just as good!)
Get Frozen: If you hate cooking, chopping or anything remotely involving “prep work”, try checking out a simple product like Chiquita Banana’s new fruit smoothies. They are affordable (click here for $1 off), completely gluten and allergy free, last forever in your freezer,and are low in calories per serving. Blend with ice and water, and they make the perfect texture of smoothie…
Mix In: It’s tempting to blend smoothies with fruit juice, milk or sugary yogurts, but this adds additional calories. Keep calories low by blending with ice, low-calorie yogurts, soymilk, or sparkling, flavored water.
Do Research: The next time you enter a smoothie store or shop, make sure to ask for the calorie content of your favorite flavors (or look it up online beforehand). Try choosing a new favorite with the lowest amount of calories per serving…
* Do you have a healthy recipe for smoothies, or a suggestion for improving this summer favorite? Share with us!
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Thursday, June 4th, 2009
Healthy Summer Eating Tips — New Momma No Brainer
* Do you have nutrition questions for Makeover Momma? Want to share your tips, tricks or advice? Share with us!
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Friday, May 29th, 2009
Weight Watchers Diet Revamp — Momma Diet Makeovers
Many other moms are fans of Weight Watchers, including Jenny McCarthy.
Balancing diet and exercise as a busy mother is an extremely difficult task, and it can be made all the more frustrating if your post-partum weight loss begins to stall. Makeover Momma reader, Tiffany, expressed her own problems with healthy eating and cooking, because there is just no time left on her plate. (For more on Tiffany’s weight loss plateau and Makeover Momma’s fitness tips, click here).
The Problem: “My problem with eating is that I have never been much of a cook. I am more of a “heater” than a “cook”… I buy almost everything pre-packaged or frozen and then just throw it in the oven.”
Her Diet Now: Tiffany (a mother of one) follows the Weight Watchers diet plan by counting points (18 to 20 per day), and keeping her calorie count at a low 1,200 to 1,500. Her breakfasts usually consists of a Slim Fast shake or 2 pieces of Weight Watchers toast (with low-fat cream cheese or butter spray), and lunch and dinner are typically microwavable meals (like Lean Cuisine).
Although Tiffany is already at a healthy weight for her height (and needs to fuel her active lifestyle), making small changes to her diet can help her look leaner and bump up that metabolism. (For more on Tiffany’s eating habits and weight loss, please check out her amazing blog Paging Dr. Mommy).
The Fix:
* There is nothing wrong with being an “anti-cook” momma (we can be too!). Instead of trying to master fois gras in five seconds flat, start working with your motherhood personality and lifestyle, instead of against it. In Tiffany’s case, it may benefit her to increase or relax her calories slightly one day per week and enjoy some “worthwhile treats” (while still keeping track of her Weight Watchers points). This can refuel her focus for the up-and-coming week, and give her body a break from such a strict regimen…
* Try rearranging how you eat throughout the day, instead of adding more food (to speed up your metabolism). Instead of 3 square meals and healthy snacks (Tiffany prefers fresh fruit and leafy greens), split your meals into 5 or 6 smaller portions. Your goal is to eat smaller meals (or well-rounded snacks), more frequently…
* Stop worrying about cooking fresh foods (if you simply hate it), and start mastering a variety of no-cook options. Choose foods that do the portion control (or point counting) for you. Make low calorie options like egg whites (or Egg Beaters) in the microwave with a serving of vegetables, a serving of cottage cheese or Weight Watchers yogurt with a handful of almonds, a few slices of rolled up turkey with low-fat cheese, or an apple or celery with two-tablespoons of peanut butter.
* Incorporate extra protein and fiber into meals, to help you feel fuller for longer. Add protein to previous snacks (like fruit or sugar snap peas), with a scoop of hummus, some apple butter or a handful of unsalted nuts. (For more on making microwavable meals work for you, check out “Meal Delivery Plans: Diet Trends Decoded“).
* Give your body extra nutrients and vitamins (instead of subsisting on processed meals alone), by introducing a small serving of produce to every heat-up entree (like a small side salad with low calorie dressing or a serving of vegetables).
* Do you want your diet revamped, or tips on your latest nutrition plan? Pose all nutrition questions, quandaries and advice… and we will answer!
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Friday, May 22nd, 2009
Gluten-Free Veggie Pizza — No Brainer Recipe
Ordering take-out is very rarely a healthy experience for the family, so why not create your own, nutritious version of pizza at home? Although this Makeover Momma™ recipe for Artichoke-Cheesy Pizza may be daring for most kids taste buds (and it does take time to prepare), your little ones will quickly adjust to the new flavors (without ever knowing they’re full of vitamins and nutrients). Plus, you’ll be burning calories while making this gluten-free*, lactose-free* dish as a family!.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 package of gluten-free pizza crust (like Namaste Foods brand)
- 2 cups of crumbled goat cheese (just don’t tell the kids!)
- 1 can of quartered, drained artichoke hearts
- 1/2 cup of sliced cherry tomatoes (or tomatoes of choice)
- 1 can or container of sliced mushrooms (or other vegetable of choice)
- 1 cup of gluten-free, antioxidant rich tomato sauce (like Newman’s Own marinara)
- 1 cup of olive oil
- Italian seasoning and garlic powder for taste
Instructions:
- Begin creating your pizza by starting with the dough first. Mix the gluten-free pizza dough according to package directions (typically adding olive oil and water), mixing in a bowl by hand (or machine), and adding additional Italian and garlic spices for flavor.
- Spread the dough on a small, greased pan (forming a crust around outer rim, if prefered), place in the oven for roughly 20 minutes at 450, and begin preparing the toppings seperately (chopping tomatoes, draining artichokes, etc.)
- After the pizza crust is firm and starting to bubble slightly, there should be a fair amount of olive oil resting on top. Remove from the oven, drain the oil, and set aside (removing crust from the pan). Take time applying tomato sauce, goat cheese, artichoke, tomatoes, mushrooms, and/or any other toppings you prefer (try sliced peppers and onions, black olives, or turkey sausage).
- Slide the pizza (without pan) directly into the oven again, and let it cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool, and serve warm!
Makes: 1 personal size pizza (feeds 2). Makes more if using entire package of gluten-free crust…
*All meal suggestions at Makeover Momma™ will include allergen information and suggestions for children with allergies, celiac disease, or additional health concerns. The above recipe can be made gluten-free and dairy-free.
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Friday, May 8th, 2009
Healthy Cheese Sticks Recipe — Double Duty Diet
Finding healthy foods for your family at restaurants can be quite the process, and sometimes it just seems easier to dine at home… Luckily, this original Makeover Momma recipe for Healthy, Stringy Cheese Sticks is a wonderful meal to make (and eat) with your kids. Although it’s not perfect (come on, we’re still frying something!), this recipe is completely gluten-free* and lactose-free, and is a better alternative to the high-calorie original.
Ingredients:
- 1 to 2 cups of gluten-free bread crumbs (like Dr. Schar brand).
- 1 cup of organic goats milk (or allergen-free, low calorie milk).
- 1 packaged of lactose-free string cheese (or low calorie variety).
- 1 cup of olive oil
Instructions:
Take the gluten-free breads crumbs, pour into a small container and add additional garlic powder, italian seasonings and a pinch of sea salt for taste. Pour the goats milk into a seperate container as well (for dipping), and heat a small pan of olive oil on the stove to Medium-High. (Test a slice of cheese, and if it “sizzles” when placed in the oil than it’s the right temperature).
Take each individual string cheese and cut them in half, making additional small slits along the sides (for proper frying). Finally, take each piece of cheese, soak it completely in goats milk, and immediatly coat with gluten-free bread crumbs (repeat this pattern a couple of times, until thoroughly coated). Drop the cheese stick into the heated olive oil for 60 seconds or less (until golden brown)…it doesn’t take long!
Let cool, and serve with tasty tomato or marinara sauce.
Serves: 2
*All meal suggestions at Makeover Momma™will include allergen information and suggestions for children with allergies, celiac disease, or additional health concerns. The above recipe can be made gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan.
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Thursday, April 30th, 2009
Jennifer Garner Diet Plan — Celeb Momma Nutrition
The Nutrition Momma: Jennifer Garner
How She Eats: We at Makeover Momma love Jennifer Garner for her seemingly laid-back, practical attitude and approach to mothering (don’t you feel like you could be friend?) When she isn’t taking her little ones to the playground or working out with her long time trainer Valerie Walters (if she has the time), she’s strolling local farmers markets and picking up tons of fresh produce and ingredients for her diet.
According to her trainer, Jennifer eats small meals frequently throughout the day (5 to 6), averaging in at about 1,600 calories (track your own at websites like Spark People). Even though it’s tempting as a tired mom, she makes sure to never skip meals (even breakfast), and chooses lean protein, colorful produce (vegetables and fruit) and small amounts of whole-grain carbohydrates for most of her meals.
Do It Yourself:
* Instead of worrying about portion control, keep calories low by choosing pre-portioned meals like packets of organic oatmeal, low-fat string cheese, or slices of apple or celery with miniature containers of peanut butter.
* Keep lunch and dinner simple at all times, by choosing a lean protein (grilled salmon or chicken) and plenty of produce (steamed vegetables and salads).
* If you’re a busy mom, creating healthy snacks throughout the day seems nearly impossible. Take the time one day per week to stock your fridge with “grab and go” snackslike small containers of low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese with fruit, Wasa-brand crackers with a few slices of cheese or almond butter, and unsalted, raw nuts (like almonds).
* Improve the nutritional value of every mealby adding fresh fruit and flax-seeds to morning oatmeal, vegetables to egg white omelets, or a scoop of whey protein powder to fresh fruit smoothies. (For more ideas on avoiding weight gain during motherhood, click here).
* Have a celeb momma you’d like us to review? Is there a celebrity diet you’d love to know more about? Let us know!
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2009
Tasty Cereal Trail Mix — Healthy Meal in a Hurry
Getting toddlers and young children to eat a nutritious snack may seem impossible, but cooking a good-for-them bite (that they’ll actually eat) can be easier than you think. Try this Makeover Momma original recipe for Crunchy, Chewy Cereal Trail Mix, using dried fruit, peanut butter (for protein), dry cereal (healthy grain) and a small amount of chocolate and butter (we didn’t say it’s the perfect snack!)
Make this recipe* even healthier by using a wide variety of dried or chopped fruits, adding nuts or a whole-grain cereal (if kids don’t have allergies), other nut butters (like sunflower or almond), or Nutella instead of chocolate chips. It’s up to you!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of gluten-free, crunchy cereal (like Rice Chex cereal)
- 1 cup of peanut butter (or other nut-butters)
- 1 cup of organic or vegan butter (like Earth Promise soft spread)
- 1 cup of assorted dried fruits
- 1/4 cup of chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
Add the nut-butter and normal butter into a large, microwave-safe bowl, and heat for 30 second increments (until mixture can be easily stirred together). Mix in dried fruits and small amounts of chocolate into the bowl, and stir until creamy and evenly dispersed.
Pour in cups of gluten-free or high fiber cereal of your choice, and gently mix until thoroughly coated. Pour into a flat pan or large serving dish, and let it refrigerate overnight. You’re done! This makes a wonderful trail mix to be eaten like dry cereal (in a bowl) or served in portable baggies!
*All meal suggestions at Makeover Momma™ will include allergen information and suggestions for children with allergies, celiac disease, or additional health concerns. The above recipe can be made gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
White Grilled Cheese Bagel — No Brainer Recipe
This Makeover Momma original recipe for White Grilled Cheese Bagel With Dill Sauce is a tasteful twist on the classic sandwich: creating a healthy, nutritious lunch that will make you (and your kids) feel rich and famous. Although it is not severely low in calories, this gluten-free* meal is a great way to get your calcium for the day (and can be perfectly balanced with other healthful items throughout the day). Or try making it healthier by using low-calorie or fat-free yogurts, sour cream, and cheese…
White Grilled Cheese Ingredients
- 1 gluten-free frozen pre-made bagel (like Glutino Premium Plain)
- 4 lean slices of gluten-free fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp. of fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp. of fresh goat cheese grumbles
Dill Sauce Ingredients
- 1 medium cucumber
- ¼ cup of fresh dill
- 4 tablespoons of lemon juice
- ½ cup of gluten-free sour cream (like Organic Valley or Daisy).
- ½ cup of plain gluten-free yogurt (try Fage Total 2% Greek Strained)
- 2 tablespoon of shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Directions:
- Create sauce by combining 1 medium cucumber (it doesn’t need to be peeled), fresh dill, sour cream, yogurt, and 4 tablespoons of lemon juice in a blender until smooth. Pour sauce into separate bowl, mix in additional salt and 1/3 cup of shredded Parmesan until evenly distributed. Sauce will be liquid until placed in refrigerator for 1 hour (or until has thickened and chilled).
- Shortly before eating, prepare bagel by covering in thin slices of mozzarella cheese, followed by gratings of Parmesan. Cook in oven according to package directions, or until cheese is thoroughly melted.
- Let bagel cool, and top with additional fresh goat cheese crumbles. Follow with drizzles of chilled gluten-free dill sauce, and get ready for some fine dining!
Serves 1 (or split with your child for a low-calorie lunch!)
* This recipe is gluten free, and can be made dairy-free by using vegetable, soy and vegan cheeses.
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