Hey, Jets Fans!
2011 has gone by so fast! It's hard to accept that this season has come to an end but I am so thankful for everything that I have experienced and been a part of.
With that said, it's never a good time to let the holidays come between you and your health. I am Puerto Rican and Colombian so it can be very difficult to cut my cultural food habits. I believe that being in good shape is 70% of what you eat. I have put together a few tips that keep me healthy and happy.
Items I have available for me in the kitchen:
Fresh Produce: Apples, banana, carrots, avocado, celery, oranges, lemons, lime, berries, pears, peaches, plum, peppers, onions, garlic, corn
Fresh Greens: Romaine, arugula, iceberg, cabbage, spinach, collards, broccoli, peas, zucchini, asparagus, green beans, cauliflower
Seafood & Meats: All white meat ground turkey, lean ground beef, chicken (skinless thighs, breast, whole chicken), salmon, cod, trout, cold cuts (no nitrates added — turkey & roast beef)
Condiments: Raw sugar, honey, vegan mayo, sea salt, low sodium soy sauce, oil, vinegar, basil, oregano, rosemary, black peppercorn
Deli/Cheese/Dairy: Eggs, Greek yogurt, milk (organic, 2%, soy, almond), hummus, butter, part skim mozzarella, ricotta
Beverages: Tea, 100% orange juice, sparkling water, seltzer, vitamin water, cranberry juice, coconut water
Grains/Pasta/Cereals: Oatmeal, whole grain cereals, brown rice, 100% whole wheat or whole grain bread, 100% whole wheat pasta
Beans/Soy: Edamame, chickpeas, lentils
Snacks: Nuts, dried fruit, popcorn, veggie chips, protein bars (no more than 5 grams of added sugar), frozen fruit popsicles
It is very important to stick with what you like so create your own list. I am always on the go so I like to keep some healthy snacks with me all the time. Anytime I am hungry, I avoid looking for the first place to stop to eat. We are surrounded by fast-food restaurants and it has become a social habit to go out for dinner or lunch. So just be aware that eating a salad at a restaurant may not always be as healthy as you think.
I confess; I do cheat every now and then. That brings me to my next tip. If you want to go out and eat, here are some good places I like to go to:
â– Muscle Maker Grill
â– Organic Grill
â– Angelica Kitchen
â– Spring Street Natural Restaurant
â– Gobo
â– Smoothie King
â– Planet Smoothie
â– 4food
So remember, JETS fans, it's never too late to change your menu! I love the way I feel after a good workout and I wouldn't feel that way without eating healthy. It's a new year, so let's start it off right.
- Go Gang Green *
—Love, Jessika V.
