Healthy meals from a vending machine!

Eat Empowered

Ever find yourself grabbing a pastry from the coffee shop or a bag of chips from the vending machine, even though you know you should be stashing an apple or trail mix in your bag for when hunger strikes? Here’s another reason to stay prepared for cravings by packing healthy snacks on the go: Research shows that away-from-home eating is often associated with lower nutrient intakes, greater caloric intake, poor diet quality, and greater weight gain.  If you do happen to leave home unprepared, look for your best food option—foods made from real, whole-food ingredients that are also low in calories!

NLT: On days when hunger hits and you haven’t stashed a nutritious snack, keep a lookout for H.U.M.A.N. vending machines. These machines offer healthy snacks and drinks that you know are in keeping with a nutritious life. Even better, some machines offer fresh or frozen meals – ensuring you get a complete, healthy meal when you’re on the go.

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Healthy meals from a vending machine!

Eat Empowered

Ever find yourself grabbing a pastry from the coffee shop or a bag of chips from the vending machine, even though you know you should be stashing an apple or trail mix in your bag for when hunger strikes? Here’s another reason to stay prepared for cravings by packing healthy snacks on the go: Research shows that away-from-home eating is often associated with lower nutrient intakes, greater caloric intake, poor diet quality, and greater weight gain.  If you do happen to leave home unprepared, look for your best food option—foods made from real, whole-food ingredients that are also low in calories!

NLT: On days when hunger hits and you haven’t stashed a nutritious snack, keep a lookout for H.U.M.A.N. vending machines. These machines offer healthy snacks and drinks that you know are in keeping with a nutritious life. Even better, some machines offer fresh or frozen meals – ensuring you get a complete, healthy meal when you’re on the go.

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Mother’s Day at Nutritious Life

One of the perks of having your own business is that you get to choose (to some extent) the people who you surround yourself with on a daily basis.  I am continually inspired by spending time with my colleagues, who I am lucky to also call friends.  I have asked some of these great women who work with me at Nutritious Life to take a moment to reflect on Mother’s Day.  Their answers speak to some of the pillars that are the foundation of a Nutritious Life. I hope these words inspire you as you recognize and honor the women and mothers in your life, this Mother’s Day.

Tiffany: Eat Empowered

As a mom of a preschooler, people ask me if my daughter eats healthy because I’m a nutritionist.  The truth is, she’s a typical kid who loves her sweets and struggles to get in green vegetables.  When I was in grad school studying nutrition I had very strong ideas about how I would feed my child when I became a mother…and then I actually had a child.  She is her own person and has her own likes and dislikes.  She does like a lot of healthy foods, but it is a daily, ongoing attempt to get her to try new foods.  I just try to expose her to these wonderfully healthy foods as much as possible, so at the very least she recognizes them (she can identify kale and avocado even if she hasn’t quite yet learned to like them).  She helps me assemble my salads, we go to the farmers’ market together, and she knows all about vitamins A, B and C and how they make her body healthy.  I keep telling myself that I was picky as a kid and grew up to love vegetables, so there’s hope for her, too. So, on Mother’s Day we will enjoy one of our favorite weekend activities together…cooking whole wheat pancakes.  She gets on the step stool and helps me measure and mix the batter, and we occasionally add some fruit to bump up the nutrition.  But let’s be honest, for my daughter it’s not about the whole grain goodness; it’s really all about the syrup.

 Amanda: Stress Less

Growing up, my mom always taught me to STRESS LESS. I’ve always had a tendency to stress about things that were out of my control or that really weren’t worth stressing about. My mom has a saying: “Is this tragic or merely inconvenient?” Putting the problem into perspective and knowing that I can deal with the “inconvenient”, and helping me come up with a plan always helped me stress less, and is a phrase I often repeat to myself today when something arises. To return the favor, my mom and I spend Mother’s Day indulging in a relaxing spa day each year.

Lara: Sleep Deep

As the mother of two little girls, almost 4 and 20 months, sleeping in doesn’t happen often. Since our eldest child was born, my husband makes Mother’s Day a special day for me beginning with a lazy morning in bed. It’s amazing what a little extra sleep can do for my overall mood and energy. It sets me up for an amazing day with my family. In fact, just the idea of knowing I can stay in bed is enough for me. On Mother’s Day, like most days, I just want snuggle with my girls and get lots of hugs and kisses. Being a mother is the greatest gift in the world. And a little extra sleep doesn’t hurt!

Michelle: Pamper Thyself

Mother’s day is a traditional day in my family where for as long as I can remember, the day is all about embracing, valuing, and pampering my mom, grandmothers, aunts, and all mothers in the family alike. For brunch, my dad’s side of the family would gather around my grandmother over an abundance of middle eastern Persian cuisine and tell jokes, past time stories, and sing happy mother’s day songs in Persian, Hebrew, and English. My cousins and I would create small gifts of hearts and poems to distribute to our mothers, giving them hugs, kisses, and unforgettable keepsakes. Then for dinner, we would do the same exact thing with my mother’s side of the family. As I grew older, my gifts became more sophisticated from a scribble of love to a spa date. It is a big day of appreciation and acknowledgement for all mothers do – so do a little something extra to pamper all the mothers out there, including yourself! No matter how old you get mom still loves the hand written heart shaped poems – a keepsake that she can always turn to for happiness and smiles. This Mother’s Day pamper mom with written love whether that is a beautiful poem, note, engraved poetry art, or a handmade scrapbook/collage, it will be sure to keep her smiling and feel loved and appreciated for more than just one day!

Stacia: Sex Ed

I don’t really like to be the center of attention. It makes me nervous. I have tried repeatedly to make Mother’s Day about my mother or mother in law – pampering others is much more my style. But, with 3 amazing kids, I have no choice but to succumb to their doting. Really, it is like bizzaro day. Instead of making 5 breakfasts, lunches and dinners, cleaning up and managing the household, my family takes charge. Behind it all is my husband, who plans, orchestrates and organizes breakfast, my kiddie “rock concert” and barbecue or picnic. There is nothing sexier to me than watching the man I adore (after 12 years 6 moves, more than 10 jobs between us, sickness and health) make super-daddy-egg-sandwiches, and actually clean up. On Mother’s Day, it is not lost on me that the honor of being called mumma is really because of the man I love.

Cheers to another year of parenting! I hope you are honored, pampered and rested in celebration of all your hard work.

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Cinco de Mayo Celebrations Can Be Healthy, Conscious Indulgences!

I’m going to use Cinco de Mayo – a gorgeous opportunity in my mind to enjoy all that Mexican flavors have to offer – to remind us all about the important balance between indulgence and portion control. There is room in your everyday diet to enjoy some of the best Mexican-influenced fare, including tequila, guacamole and tortillas. If you are mostly eating healthfully and making good choices with your nutrition, lifestyle and exercise, there is room to celebrate with food on occasion. I’m going to help you make sure these are conscious indulgences that make you feel good about your food choices, rather than overwhelmed and regretful. Having a plan can be an amazing tool – practice it when you celebrate Mexico’s independence this Cinco de Mayo.

Let’s start with the libations. The first thing that leaps to my mind when talking about Mexican food is a beautiful Margarita with a salty rim and sassy lime. (Bring on the sand, the surf and the hot sun). Whether frozen, on the rocks or straight up, a Margarita is generally made up of tequila, triple sec, lime and sometimes sugar. The calorie content varies, depending if yours is served in a small glass or giant bucket-like-glass and how much sugar is used. Be careful; calories can range from 160 to over 300. Tequila comes from the agave plant and is known for its sweetness and kick. While it has some benefits, including relaxing effects, cholesterol lowering properties and digestive aid properties, one tequila-based drink should do the trick. If you plan to indulge in a cocktail, leave off the salt (who needs the water retention side effects?). Or, if you’re like me and cannot give up the salt, try adding a splash of cayenne pepper to your salt rim to boost the health properties. Also, use fresh lime to boost the tartness and increase the freshness and nutrition of the cocktail. Choose a small glass option and sip slowly and remember to order a glass of water or seltzer with your drink.

Cocktail conquered, let’s move onto the second potential danger zone. Are those tortilla chips on the table your absolute downfall? Understood. They are crunchy, salty and delicious vehicles for the salsa, guacamole and bean dip! The nutritional contribution is going to be small – an ounce (about 15 chips) is approximately 140 calories in the commercially prepared version, with not much to offer besides calories and fat. Homemade and restaurant chips tend to be even higher in both. If you simply must (and I understand), do not feel guilt. Say out loud “I am having 5 chips.” Put 5 chips on your plate and really, slowly, deliberately enjoy them. I know it may sound like a small amount, but sip, bite, and chat slowly and you will be satisfied until the main dish comes. You do not need to eat the chips out of the basket or go back for seconds! If it is in your power to turn down the basket, before it hits the table, you will feel so good being proud of yourself that you won’t even miss the crunch.

Finally we get to the guacamole: a delicious buttery, verdant, delectable avocado-based dip with cilantro, onions, lime and just a perfect pinch of salt. While avocados are high in fat, they are full of those good cholesterol lowering fats and loaded with gorgeous nutrition in the form of potassium, vitamin A, B vitamins and more. There are approximately 25 calories in a tablespoon and a tablespoon can be really satisfyingly stretched.

See?! I have you consciously indulging in a margarita with 5 restaurant-made chips and a tablespoon of guacamole. You can still have an entrée salad with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onions, radishes and 3 oz grilled chicken, shrimp or steak, dressed with vinegar as an entree.  Ole!

Decadent and indulgent, enjoy your Cinco de Mayo with portion control and a plan. You will feel both satisfied and on track. Salud!

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Farting, Burping and Gas…Hey It’s Human (Even for Women!!)

A lot of embarrassing wind comes out of us. Usually the burps and farts are manageable, but sometimes, and let’s be honest, the human body seems to have a mind of its own. And what’s the deal with hiccups, those moments when it feels like puke comes up your throat and the incredible pain that sits just under your rib cage for no apparent reason at all? Today we get down and dirty with ‘the what is that?’ and ‘how to manage’ gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Hey, no one said it would be pretty, but we all want some answers.

Burping: There are conditions that cause excessive burping, such as gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying). These have extreme side effects of what everyone experiences on a daily basis — burping. Burping is a result of swallowing too much air, generally while eating or drinking. More air is swallowed when chewing gum, sucking candy, eating rapidly or drinking carbonated beverages. Many people swallow air as a nervous habit, when they are speaking or talking while eating. The best trick to reduce air in the upper GI tract is by slowing down. Chew food thoroughly and slowly, avoid sodas, gum and hard candies. Do not smoke and manage reflux or heart burn if diagnosed by a doctor. A cup of mint or ginger tea will help to relax the lining of the throat and reduce stress, which may also be a contributing factor.

Heartburn: Ugh, heartburn is a sharp pain that is right behind the breastbone or under the rib cage and is commonly most painful after eating a meal, bending over or lying down. It is caused by a backup of stomach acid in the esophagus and is often confused with feeling like one is having a heart attack. People experience heartburn when their esophageal sphincter is weakened and does not work properly – instead of sphincter opening to allow food and fluids into the stomach, and closing when the food has passed, the sphincter stays partly open and gastric juices seep through. Most people experience this feeling occasionally as a little throw up coming up the throat; it should resolve fairly quickly. Foods that exacerbate symptoms include: alcohol, pepper, chocolate, coffee, fried or fatty foods, foods with vinegar, mint, carbonated beverages and citrus foods. These foods should be eliminated when symptoms are present.

Farting: Farting is usually caused by gasses built up and created by undigested food fermenting in the colon. It can also be caused by swallowing air, medication use, constipation or malabsorption. Some people are gassier than others and some foods create more gas than others. The best way to get rid of flatulence is through a bowel movement.   To manage posterior gas, avoid the foods that exacerbate the issue (common culprits are fatty foods, beans, peas, cabbage, lentils, bananas, dairy and wheat products). You may want to also consider a probiotic to introduce some bacteria that will help with, ummm, digestion.

Bloating: Bloating is basically the buildup of gas that cannot escape. It leads to an uncomfortable pressure in the belly and may be related to smoking, stress, eating too many fatty foods or conditions such as lactose intolerance, celiac disease, GI blockage or irritable bowel syndrome. You can reduce bloating by avoiding the foods listed in the farting paragraph, as well as chewing gum, sucking candies and carbonated beverages. One of the best remedies for bloating is exercise, which helps with, ummm, motility.

Hopefully this helps to clear the air (ha!) about what is going on, on the inside! Remember that nothing aids digestion better than hydration, so drink water slowly and steadily as you manage your burps, heartburn, farts and bloating. No one said the human condition was pretty all the time!

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Get your Healthy Cheap Eats this Tax Season!

With April 17th and tax day looming, I write today with your wallet in mind. Healthful food can really drain the old food budget. Even I must admit, it does seem trickier and more complicated to eat healthfully than it should. Vegetables do cost more than candy. High fiber crackers are more expensive than the regular ones. There is no denying that organic milk is almost twice the cost of conventional milk. While we all want a more healthful kitchen, it is also nice to have a few more bucks in the bank. Following is my ode to healthful cheap food!

For the price of beans – Pair them against almost any food, and beans will win. You cannot get more nutrition for fewer cents. Black beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, fava beans . . . all pack a huge nutritional punch. Loaded with fiber, protein, folate, thiamin and magnesium, you can buy them canned (rinse the starchy water) or dried. Add them to soups, salads, or snacks. Puree them into a dip or appetizer. Delicious and substantial, beans are light on the purse and dense in nutrient power.

Lunch in a can – There is no denying a tuna sandwich every now and again. More healthful than deli meats, cheeses, and many other traditional sandwiches, tuna is the star of low budget brown bags everywhere. When packed in water, tuna is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids and protein. Look for chunk light and albacore; when a sale comes around, stock up! Canned tuna can be priced as low as $0.70 per serving and is super easy to make a meal out of when paired with pasta, salad or in a sandwich.

Generic 101 – Store brands that offer generic versions are often the same as fancy brands. While not everything comes in a generic form, many cereals, ingredients, snacks, cans, jars and specialty items that are labeled generic or under the store brand label must conform to the same standards as their name brand counter parts. Do not pay more for foods, just to have the pretty packaging. Nutrition comparison between generic and name brands will be equivalent, so save the $0.02 or more on everything possible and you may have enough left over dough to invest in your 401K.

Whole grains – Instead of looking at labels for foods containing whole grains, shop for the whole grains themselves! Popcorn kernels, oats, kasha/buckwheat, brown rice, and quinoa are whole grains that you can find right in the market. Because they are minimally processed, and contain no other ingredients, they are less expensive than foods containing them. Most whole grains are excellent sources of fiber, folate, B vitamins and heart healthy nutrients. Furthermore, you can use the ingredients for baking and stretch your dollar by making your own muffins, breads, breading and desserts.

Happy and healthy cheap eats, my friends! May the tax fairies be good to you, one and all!

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Healthy Easter and Passover Favorites!

Spring is blooming all over NYC.  The tulips are up on Park Avenue and spring fashion has already been unleashed. Usually spring holidays precede the warm weather, so I am loving that this year Easter and Passover will be accompanied with sunshine and an abundance of flowers.  Of course, the food is always forefront in my mind. I will be on the west coast for the holidays this year but that certainly doesn’t diminish my love of holiday grub… I wanted to share a few of my favorite spring holiday foods with you .

Eggs. Both Passover and Easter use eggs as a symbol of spring, rebirth and new beginnings. Eggs are a ridiculously eggcelent choice as an appetizer—deviled eggs topped with paprika or capers or jalapenos…the possibilities are endless! One of nature’s most perfect foods, hardboiled eggs are versatile to have on hand and incorporate easily into salads and make a festive addition to a first course.  No matter how you like them, eggs are a phenomenal source of amino acids and protein, as well as antioxidants and choline (brain health).

FYI, if you are still questioning the whole egg and cholesterol relationship, breathe easy. We now know that eating foods with cholesterol does not raise one’s cholesterol. It is saturated and trans saturated fats that are the real culprits in damaging arteries.

Perfect Hardboiled Egg – put large eggs into a pot, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cover eggs with cool water and bring to a boil. Turn the burner off and set a timer for 10 minutes. When 10 minutes has passed, drain the eggs and peel when they are just cool to touch. (It is easier to peel warm eggs than cold ones).

Egg ideas: Instead of mayonnaise, substitute equal amounts of Greek yogurt or low fat sour cream into your egg salad or deviled eggs. Replace salt with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of white pepper.

Horseradish. One of the most under-the-radar and delicious additions to any meal is horseradish. Many people only know the version that comes in a jar, but fresh horseradish is a brown skinned root with bumps and knobs that generally shows up in the market as 6 – 12 inch roots.  Low in calories, it is a great source of fiber and anti-oxidants including Vitamin C. It is a powerhouse of flavor and adds an unexpected zest to holiday meals.

Horseradish 101: If you are new to the world of fresh horseradish, look for roots that are firm to the touch and fairly odorless. Wash the root well and peel the outer beige skin. The intensity of the flavor will vary, and the potency lessens with exposure to air. Grate or chop just before serving and start with a little – you can always add more. Vinegar will help to maintain the flavor and potency, so horseradish does well in vinegar based dressings and mustard.

Horseradish ideas: Steam a bunch of broccoli, a pound of green beans or artichokes until just crisp tender. Add a tablespoon of lemon and grate fresh horseradish over the bowl.  As an alternative to conventional dips, mix together 1 part mustard to 2 parts plain Greek yogurt and add a spoonful of horseradish jarred in vinegar to taste. Let the flavors marry for a couple of hours before serving.

Hearts of palm. Decadent and celebratory, hearts of palm decorate my holiday salads whenever possible. Actually the stem of the palmetto plant, hearts of palm reminds me of a cross between white asparagus and my personal fave, the artichoke. Full of fiber, low in calories, a solid source of vitamins and minerals, hearts of palm are tremendously versatile and work well in a classic salad or an unconventional salsa.

How to uncover the heart: Generally sold in 14 oz cans near the artichokes, olives and fancier food isles, hearts of palm is often packed in water in a can or jar. Fresh hearts of palm are rather challenging to find, and should be consumed pretty quickly, as they do not store well. Look for solid, firm stalks, free from blemishes.

Palmtastic ideas: Drain hearts of palm and pat dry. Slice on the bias into rings and toss into salads, or pair with tomatoes, avocado and red onion with a splash of lemon or vinegar as a quick salsa. For a great vegetarian go-to, mix hearts of palm, garbanzo beans, fresh herbs and chopped raw vegetables such as cucumber, radish, peppers and carrots.

Happy spring. Happy holidays. Happy eating. Enjoy exploring some of my favorite tastes of spring and I wish you a wonderful Easter dinner and Passover sedar. Cheers!

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Spring Shape Up Package: Nutritious Life Teams Up with SLT!

It’s that time of year again, when days are defined by warmer weather, increasing sunlight, and more outdoor activities. You know it’s time to shed layers, but it’s hard to strip down when you’ve got those pesky winter pounds still hanging around.

 To put the spring back in your step (literally) we’re teaming up with SLT and offering a two-week spring shape up. The goal? To get you in sizzling summer-shape. The plan? Start with a 30-minute session with a Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life Registered Dietitian (RD) to get the information and guidance you need for a successful two weeks. They will jump start your weight loss by putting you on a 4 day eating plan. Then, you get 7-days of portion-controlled, nutrient-balanced Nutritious Life Meals that are delivered right to your doorstep. These meals are exceptionally tasty, convenient, and will help you shed pounds and gain energy without having to plan, cook, or clean! During this time, you’ll also partake in eight belly-blasting sessions of the revolutionary fitness program SLT.

SLT offers a total-body program that melds together cardio training, weight-bearing activity and Pilates to create a revolutionary, one-of-a-kind fitness program that burns calories rapidly and allows you to sculpt your physique in ways traditional exercise cannot. Expect 50-minutes of heart-pumping music, muscle quivering, and total body strengthening, lengthening and toning in an inspiring, small-group setting.

 Mid-way through your second week you’ll return to Nutritious Life for another 30-minute session with your RD. They will send you home with eating tips and guidelines for the rest of your  spring slim-down, and congratulate you on your success thus far. A few more days, and you’ve made it!

 The result? In two weeks time you will have shaped up, slimmed down, and regained your sexier summer bod!!

 What you’ll get:

  • Two 30-minute sessions with a Nutritious Life Registered Dietitian
  • 7 days of Nutritious Life Meals, delivered to your home or office
  • 8 sessions at SLT, a revolutionary Megaformer™-based workout from acclaimed fitness guru Sebastien Lagree

 

Your Price: $600

Retail Value: $1000

If you are  interested in learning more or purchasing our Spring Shape Up Package, please contact lauren@sltnyc.com

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Why Eggs are Spring’s Superfood

During the month of April, eggs finally get the recognition they deserve. From deviled eggs, to dyed eggs, to Easter-egg hunts – this superfood becomes much more than just a breakfast staple. Eggs are egg-ceptional because they are a complete protein and a great source of choline, which has been shown to improve memory and help reduce inflammation. Try a healthy deviled eggs recipe this week by swapping out mayo for Greek yogurt, adding Dijon mustard, and topping with paprika or dill pickle. For an added kick, try mixing in horseradish!

NLT: Dyeing eggs is an Easter tradition that is often more fun than even the hunt itself, and a great activity to do with kids. When making this year’s batch of Easter eggs, use all-natural food dyes made from organic fruit, vegetable, and plant extracts. These are a better option for you, the earth, and maybe even the Easter bunny.

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Grocery List for the Slim Calm Sexy Diet Three Day Cleanse

Wanna get on your way to being Slim, Calm, and Sexy? Here is your grocery list for the Slim Calm Sexy Diet Three Day Cleanse…order the book today, hit the grocery store this week, and by the time the book arrives you will be all set!!

Produce

  • 2 Grapefruit
  • 6 cups greens of your choice or green juice
  • 1 avocado
  • 2 red cabbages
  • 2 green cabbages
  • 3 cucumbers

 Eggs

  • 9 DHA-fortified eggs

 Nuts, Nut Butters, and Seeds

  • 6 tablespoons sunflower seeds or 1/3 cup almonds
  • ¾ cup almonds (for Slim Slaw)

 Meat and Seafood

  • 24 ounces lean protein of your choice (such as sliced turkey, shrimp, and fish)

 Condiments and Teas

  • Green Tea (enough for 6 servings)
  • Cinnamon
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Rice Vinegar
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Thoughts on the Slim Calm Sexy Diet

As a registered dietitian on Keri Glassman’s Nutritious Life team, I have to admit there are perks. Recently I had the privilege of getting a sneak peak of Keri’s new book Slim Calm Sexy Diet, set to be released to the public on Tuesday, March 27th. I consider myself on top of the newest and latest in nutrition, but have to admit I both highlighted and took notes . . . I wanted to take a minute to share, in place of Keri’s weekly blog. Without being cookie cutter, everyone can apply the lessons in this beautiful book to their own life and I feel uniquely qualified to report on it.

Slim Calm Sexy is called a “diet book” and there is a very structured food plan: with 6 weeks of food, gorgeous recipes, a grocery list and tips for success. I have no doubt that when followed, weight loss will be a wonderful side effect, but expect that most people would feel better within the first two days. Consistent with Keri’s philosophy, the food plan is based on whole, fresh foods. A huge majority of the foods and ingredients are unprocessed, without artificial ingredients, preservatives or chemical additives, but they also fit into a busy and fast paced lifestyle. The foods are inherently satisfying, and most impressive is that there is a rationale for why the foods are chosen. When following the plan, the reasoning behind the recommendations is laid out. For example, when nuts are suggested as a morning snack, there is no wondering what it is about nuts, or why there is a morning snack, or what it does in the context of following the food plan. Every recommendation is thoroughly (scientifically and anecdotally) explained. The “diet” seems entirely satisfying . . . not at all unlike how we eat in the office.

More than a diet book, Slim Calm Sexy Diet looks at the whole person. Keri realizes that what we eat doesn’t exist in a vacuum. A person’s diet needs to be looked at with regard to the rest of their lifestyle. The ‘calm’ in the book refers to how stress hormones wreak havoc on our health efforts and how we all need to get to a place of ‘calm’ in regards to our relationship with food. The book speaks to revolutionizing one’s health with deference to each individual’s life – it respects jobs, families, cooking ability, physical ability, genetics, health profile and more. There are affirmations (101 of them to stay slim, calm and sexy for life), a workout, psychological troubleshooting, recipes, a grocery list and mind-body strategies to make this diet a lifetime worthy lifestyle.

Right from the introduction, where Keri shares her personal struggling journey into a slim calm sexy world, I knew this book would appeal to anyone. While being fit and healthy looks so effortless for her, it took a lot of dancing with devils and battling demons to wind up where she did: in a place where she has a healthy relationship with food and her body. She can eat chocolate, drink a glass of wine, rave about a kale recipe and not eat a dessert if it just isn’t delicious. I can tell you firsthand that Keri absolutely practices what she preaches and the whole book reflects her ability to be science based, spiritual, an educator and a student.

Slim Calm Sexy Diet is a great resource – pick it up when you need a little inspiration, or read it cover to cover in one sitting as I did. Before you crack the cover, though, go and brew a delicious cup of green tea, or slice some lemon in your ice water, or try a green juice. Cheers to a slimmer, calmer, sexier you!

Stacia Helfand, MEd, RD, CDN, Nutritious Life dietitian

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