My Honest Opinion, Iced-Tea Review

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Diva Dietitian

photo12 My Honest Opinion, Iced Tea ReviewI’m enjoying a beautiful beach day with my kids, just sipping some Honest Tea under the hot sun as I watch them play in the waves and build me fairy tale castles out of sand and shells.

As my daughter will report, “The Honest Tea Man came to our house!”  Lou Parisi, the marketing Rep from Honest Tea, dropped off a variety case of tea and some juice boxes this week before our beach adventure.

I am not being compensated for this review, but did receive some free products.  I also must say I am and have been a huge fan of Honest Tea for the last couple of years.  Here is why:

1) It’s Real Tea, which is loaded with antioxidants.   My favorite flavors are the Honey Green Tea with just 70 calories per bottle, White Mango Tea and The Half and Half (half tea/half lemonade)- 100 calories.
2) There is not a lot of added sugar and what is added is REAL cane sugar.  Many commercial “Teas” are loaded with either too much sugar, high fructose corn syrup or fake sugars (of which I’m also not a fan!) Honest Tea is the perfect amount of Sweet!  They also do have a new “Sweet Tea” that has 100 calories.  This has a combination of sugar and Stevia (which is derived naturally from a plant.)
3) Honest Tea cares about the environment and good health.
4) I love the little inspirational quotes on their teas in the glass bottles.  It’s like opening a fortune cookie every time!
5) It’s Organic.
6) It just tastes good! Mmm!

 

Posted in Diva, drinks, Eat Right, Food, honest tea, low calorie beverages, organic, real sugar, Reviews, Sugar Shout Out, summer beverages, tea | Comments Off on My Honest Opinion, Iced-Tea Review

Safety First in Belmar, NJ Will Land You a Parking Ticket

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Diva Dietitian

I just enjoyed a beautiful day with my 3 kids (all under 7) at the Belmar, NJ- beach.  As safety always comes first when I’m with my three kids, I chose to park in the nearest metered parking space to the 20th Street beach entrance AND as an extra precaution I backed into the space- not wanting to have my back facing traffic while I unloaded the kids and our trunk full of sand toys, towels and etc.

This way, I could pop the trunk, unload everything right on the side walk with my kids standing next to me- not waiting in the hot car or alone on the sidewalk while I run around to the other side of the car to unpack our stuff.  And later when leaving, it is much safer to drive frontwards out of a parking spot when leaving this busy beach area.

We then put about 12 quarters in the meter (25 cents/15 minutes) and made our way to the beach.

photo11 Safety First in Belmar, NJ Will Land You a Parking TicketAfter just under 3 hours of fun, we made it back to the car with 18 minutes left on the meter AND a parking ticket, a $45 ticket. I was in shock! There was time left on the meter.  Did the meter man make a mistake?

I saw a Spring Lake cop who told me I needed to find an officer with a blue shirt on (Belmar, NJ)  I saw no “blue shirts” around.  I had three hungry sandy kids and a 2 year old who was starting to lose it.  I decided to just call the number on the ticket.

I was told that it is illegal to back into an angled parking spot. I told them that there were no signs stating this rule and that I was trying to be a careful safe Mother unloading her 3 kids alone for a day at the beach.  Did I mention there was another mini-van next to me parked the same way also with a ticket.  I’m sure that Mom didn’t know the “rule” either.

They said it was a State law.  I told them I was from Pa. & had no idea and that I think I should have just gotten a warning since there were no signs. They said I could fight it in court.

Really?  Will they pay my child care and gas money to get to NJ court from my home in Pa?  I’m sure NOT and they probably count on people not fighting these tickets.  Way to go Belmar- you just made $90 on two Moms trying to safely unload their kids at the beach- feel good?

Sigh…What do you think!?

(Toes in the picture belong to my 7 year old)

Posted in Junk Drawer, Kristie, safety | Comments Off on Safety First in Belmar, NJ Will Land You a Parking Ticket

Nutrition Counseling

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Jennifer

Do you know that many insurance companies offer coverage for nutrition counseling? Personal Choice and Keystone Health Plan East offer 6 visits with an in-network Registered Dietitian each calendar year.  Visits are coverage at 100% with no co-payment or referrals needed.  Aetna also offers coverage as well with some plans requiring only small co-payments.

Currently the City of Philadelphia employees are being asked to participate in one of three wellness activities, one of which is to see a Registered Dietitian.  How easy would it be to receive your credit and an excellent meal plan in just one hour?

Nutrition counseling is not just for individuals who want to lose weight.  Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, elevate cholesterol, and food allergies/sensitivities can benefit by improving their symptoms simply by eating differently. Athletes and recreational exercisers can benefit by receiving meal plans tailored to there needs.

Are you ready?  Contact me to schedule your appointment.  To find a Registered Dietitian in your area visit www.eatright.org.

 

 

Share

Jennifer

More Posts - Website

Posted in Bariatric Nutrition, Featured, Headline, IBX, Insurance, Nutrition Consulting, nutrition couseling | Comments Off on Nutrition Counseling

Ultimate Summer Workout Playlist- Update Your Tunes- Best App

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Diva Dietitian

Pandora Icon Ultimate Summer Workout Playlist Update Your Tunes Best AppWith all of the amazing technology today, there is absolutely no excuse to ever get bored of your workout music.   I look back to my high school & college days when I had a yellow Sony Sport Walkman.  I would get so frustrated having to change AA batteries and got so sick of my homemade mix tapes (yes, plastic cassettes) which would skip if I didn’t hold the lid on right.   And as much as I loved Salt -N- Pepa, listening to the same old songs after just a few days got boring.

Today, with MP3 players, ipods, smartphones and iPhones (my fav) your music will never get stale.  I just stumbled across Ultimate Summer Workout Playlist Slideshow |on LIVESTRONG.COM.   At the top of the list is my recent favorite, “Somebody that I used to Know” by Gotye.  This funky song can always get your mind wandering.

But no matter how many fun songs I download, I find Pandora to be my favorite music app and it’s FREE.  You just type in one tune or genre you like and similar songs will automatically come up.  Go ahead try it- type in Black Eyed Peas, Will Smith or Jennifer Lopez.  And if you don’t like a tune that comes on, simply give it a thumbs down so it won’t play again.

I also use Pandora with my kids to get them moving and put on fun music in the kitchen while we make dinner!

This afternoon, we’ll be listening to Pandora for some fun beach tunes.

 

Posted in Apps, Cooking, Culinary Secrets, Dietitian in the Kitchen, Diva, excercise, Featured, fun stuff, inspiration, Music, Reviews, Weight Loss, Women's Health | Comments Off on Ultimate Summer Workout Playlist- Update Your Tunes- Best App

Tomato

Posted on June 17, 2012 by Jennifer

The tomato, which is generally thought of as a vegetable, is actually a fruit.  The tomato plant originated in South America and was spread around the world by the Spanish who colonized the Americas.  Today the tomato is one of the top foods consumed throughout the world.

Tomatoes grow in a number of varieties from small cherry tomatoes to large beef steak tomatoes.  Colors also vary.  Tomatoes are a rich source of nutrients.  They contain lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant.  Some studies have indicated that lycopene may help prevent some forms of cancer, improve the skin’s ability to protect against UV rays, and protect vision.  Lycopene is the carotenoid that gives tomatoes their rich color.  The concentration of lycopene is enhanced by cooking tomatoes.  This differs from many vegetables where cooking generally diminishes their nutrients.

1 cup of tomato contains 27 kcal, 5.8 gm CHO, 1.8 gm Fiber, 3.9 gm sugar, 0.3 gm Fat.  Tomatoes are also rich sources of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Potassium

Bruschetta
Print
Recipe type: Appetiser
Author: Jennifer Lynn-Pullman
Serves: 2-4
Ingredients
  • 2-3 large Plum Tomatoes
  • 1 large glove of Garlic, minced
  • 3-4 large Basil Leaves, shredded
  • 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Dice tomatoes and place in a serving bowl, disgard seeds. Add minced garlic and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Combine ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crusty italian bread.

 

 

 

 

 

Share

Jennifer

More Posts - Website

Posted in Bariatric Nutrition, basil, Featured, Headline, Nutrition, recipes, salad, tomato, vegetable | Comments Off on Tomato

Tomato Mozzarella and Basil Salad

Posted on June 17, 2012 by Jennifer

Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Print
Recipe type: Salad
Author: Jennifer Lynn-Pullman
Serves: 2-4
Ingredients
  • 2 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
  • 3-4 large Plum Tomatoes
  • 6 large Basil Leaves
  • Balsamic Vinegar to drizzle
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Slice plum tomatoes in 1/4 inch slices. Place slices on a serving plate in a single layer. Slice mozzarella cheese into quarter sizes pieces and place on top of tomato slices. Shred basil and sprinkle over plate. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with desired amount of balsamic vinegar (I use approximately 1 Tb.)

 

Share

Jennifer

More Posts - Website

Posted in Bariatric Nutrition, Featured, Headline, mozzarella cheese, Protein, recipes, salad, tomato, vegetables | Comments Off on Tomato Mozzarella and Basil Salad

Nobody Likes Brown Guacamole

Posted on June 17, 2012 by Diva Dietitian

Here is a quick tip to keep your homemade guacamole looking green.

photo9 Nobody Likes Brown Guacamole
Yes, guacamole quickly turns brown even if stored in an airtight container due to the oxidation that occurs with the avocados.  Even though the lime juice and salt act as a preservative and it will still taste good, it’s tricky to keep it looking green.

As Kermit the Frog says, “It’s not easy being green!” And let’s face it nobody wants to eat brown guacamole, especially food snobs like me.

Here is my trick:
*Use plastic wrap or my favorite product Glad Press’n Seal and push it right down on top of the guacamole so it’s touching it.
*Put the lid on the container over the plastic wrap to store in the refrigerator.
*Unwrap right before you are ready to serve.
*If any of the “guac” looks brown, scrape it off before
putting it in your pretty serving bowl.
*Do not let guacamole sit out in the heat too long
Enjoy with your favorite chips and salsa or on a sandwich.

Here is my Guacamole Recipe- CLICK HERE!

Posted in appetizer, avocados, Cooking, Culinary Secrets, Dietitian in the Kitchen, Eat Right, Food, Fruit-a-licious!, guacamole, Headline, recipes | Comments Off on Nobody Likes Brown Guacamole

Nobody Likes Brown Guacamole

Posted on June 16, 2012 by Kristie Finnan

Here is a quick tip to keep your homemade guacamole looking green.

Yes, guacamole quickly turns brown even if stored in an airtight container due to the oxidative reaction that occurs with the avocados. Even though the lime juice and salt act as a preservative and it will still taste good, it’s tricky to keep looking green.

And as Kermit the Frog says, “It’s not easy being green!” And let’s face it nobody wants to eat brown guacamole, especially food snobs like me.

Here is my trick: *Use plastic wrap or my favorite product Glad Press’n Seal and push it right down on top of the guacamole so it’s touching it. *Then, put the lid on the container to store in the refrigerator. *Unwrap right before you are ready to serve. *If any of the “guac” looks brown, scrape it off before putting it in your pretty serving bowl. *Do not let guacamole sit out in the heat too long Enjoy with your favorite chips or on a sandwich!

Diva Dietitian (Registered and Licensed Dietitian) blogs in Full Disclosure. Please see: http://divadietitian.com/about/disclosure. All Opinions are my own. I will ONLY write about things I love, believe in or that truly inspire me.

Some articles include affiliate links. For more about me- see the ABOUT page.

Comments Off on Nobody Likes Brown Guacamole

Weight Loss Surgery Friendly Menu

Posted on June 16, 2012 by Jennifer

Ralic’s Steakhouse in Haddonfield, NJ., has introduced a menu spefically designed for weight loss surgery patients.  Owner David Ralic, who underwent a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, developed the menu with the assistance of his surgeon and dietitian.  The Weight Is Over menu contains 3-4 oz portions of protein combined with healthy vegetables and starches.  There are sugar free desserts available as well as complimentary unsweetened iced tea.

I find that many weight loss surgery patients have difficulty eating out because portions are often too big and choices are limited.  I am excited to hear about this new menu and look forward to sampling it soon.  The portions and food choices offered on the Weight Is Over menu are also appropriate for any individual wanting to watch their intake regardless of whether they have had surgery or not.  Visit Ralic’s website at http://www.ralicssteakhouse.com.

Share

Jennifer

More Posts - Website

Posted in Bariatric Nutrition, Featured, Ralic's Steakhouse, weight loss surgery | Comments Off on Weight Loss Surgery Friendly Menu

Great Dressings for Your Salads

Posted on June 16, 2012 by Jennifer

 

Yes, I am putting in another plug for the Market at Delaware Vally College.  The Market has their own line of salad dressings, many of which are around 50 calories per serving (2 Tablespoons). They add great taste to your salads without hurting your calorie intake for the day.  My favorite is the Vidalia Onion Creamy Cucumber.  Today the Market is hosting Fun on the Farm.  For further infromation check out their website http://themarketatdelval.com.

 

 

Share

Jennifer

More Posts - Website

Posted in Featured, Headline, Low calorie salad dressing, the Market at Del Val | Comments Off on Great Dressings for Your Salads