Entertaining Ideas

When most people hear the words healthy food they think no flavor, no variety, and very small portions. When FitCity hears healthy food, we think about ways to share it with others!

There are easy ways to include healthy eating in your entertainment plans. Check out this month's Entertaining Idea.

January - Motivation on a Mission

Annessa Chumbley, RD, always has wonderful ideas  to share. She kicks of January 2012 with tips for staying motivated and then she shares two delicious recipes to try this month.

Motivation on a Mission

Are you on a mission to become healthier? To get your family or kids healthier? The hardest part can often be getting motivated to make the changes we want to make. Many of us know what to do—it’s the getting motivated to do it where we all struggle.

Some simple tips will get you geared up for knocking out those health and fitness goals you’ve always wanted to achieve. So get ready to put that motivation on a mission!

• Explore, Don’t Ignore! One of the best things you can do is identify barriers specific to you. What hurdles prevent you from making those healthy changes? Whether the changes be cooking or eating healthier meals, daily fitness for yourself or your family, peace of mind, etc, you can be sure there will be barriers.Write down your goals, and then the barriers that you can forecast will be in your way. One of the most common barriers: NO TIME. So, how could you build in time? Pre-schedule your health initiatives until they become a routine.
• Focus on Feelings. How is it that you want to feel? Is it stronger, more confident, healthier, more outgoing, more energetic, more yourself? Remember that good nutrition and fitness can take you there! The bottom line is that you will do what you value is worth doing. Exercising everyday gives you doses of endorphins - those good-feeling chemicals your body makes. Focus on the good feelings and benefits that will come from putting in the healthful dedication and your motivation will kick in!
• Persistence, not Perfection! Remember that if you expect perfection starting January 1, you will only get discouraged. Don’t get caught in that downward spiral and destructive way of thinking! The tendency is to give up on all healthy goals once you’ve “messed up” once. If you have one donut at the office breakfast party, do not fall into the thinking that you’re a failure and eat five more because your goals are over. Remember, commitment does not require perfection...it only requires persistence!
• Your Personal “Power Why” What is your ultimate reason for getting healthy? If you could put it in one or two words, what would it be? This will help you continue on your goals when all else fails. It’s different for everyone, and it may be a person or idea - but make it as specific as possible. Write your “Power Why” on your bathroom mirror, or leave positive, encouraging sayings in the kitchen, your car, your or office. 

Remember, there is no special equipment, weight, video, health book, nor ultimate food that will do the job. The only thing you need is to put that motivation on a mission...and then get geared up to succeed!
 
January Recipes

Since “party food” is often where we get off track, below are two recipes that you can take to parties that everyone will enjoy! 

Turkey Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Veggies are the ultimate “vehicles,” so get ready for a delicious stuffed mushroom that is so tasty these will be gone in seconds!

1 package turkey breakfast sausage
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
3 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon fresh grated garlic OR garlic powder
1 (8-ounce package) light or nonfat cream cheese, room temperature
1 egg yolk
24 large (about 2-inch-diameter) mushrooms, stemmed
1/3 cup white wine

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 15×10x2-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Sauté sausage and oregano until sausage is cooked through and brown, transfer sausage mixture to large bowl and cool. Mix in Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Mix in cream cheese. Season filling with salt and pepper. Finally mix in egg yolk.
2. Brush cavity of each mushroom cap with white wine. Fill with scant 1 tablespoon filling. Arrange mushrooms, filling side up, in prepared dish. (Note: these can be made 1 day ahead. Just cover and chill).
3. Bake uncovered until mushrooms are tender and filling is brown on top, about 25 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Delicious Three Layer Dip
This south-of-the-border dip is beautiful AND delicious! Remember, all of the bright colors means lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for your body! Plus, the Greek yogurt increases the protein content.

1 can fat-free refried beans
1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
1 cup 0% Greek yogurt (or light sour cream)
1 can black beans
1/2 large avocado
1 cup cherry tomatoes
2 green onions, chopped finely
kosher salt or sea salt

1. In a medium saucepan, heat refried beans with salsa, stirring to combine. Meanwhile, slice cherry tomatoes in half, and drain and rinse the black beans.
2. Once refried beans and salsa are completely heated, remove from stovetop and pour mixture into a 8x8 clear baking or serving dish. Scoop Greek yogurt and spread on top of refried beans. Sprinkle on black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and scoop avocado on top in small chunks. 
3. Sprinkle a little kosher or sea salt over dish. Refrigerate until enjoying. Serve with sliced veggies!

Instead of keeping your good food ideas to yourself, tell us about them. Don't forget to share them with your friends, neighbors and family members too.

Did you miss a month? Check out past Entertaining Ideas here