Joy Bauer’s Food Cures
Where to buy: www.amazon.com
Review by: ACMMom

Joy Bauer’s Food Cures is an inexpensive little book that’s packed with information. In essence, it tells you how to eat in order to fight off certain conditions, ranging from diabetes to arthritis to migraines to foul moods.

A well known nutrition consultant, Joy Bauer has spent time working with gold-medal winning Olympic athletes, as well as celebrities and actors. In this book, Joy Bauer teaches us how the food we eat, day in and day out, is affecting our health – and how the right food choices can be used to lower  cholesterol, enhance memory, improve skin, treat arthritis, manage diabetes, and lose weight – as well as in the managment of other health conditions.

The individual chapters in her book provide information on a particular health condition, such as PMS, migraines, cholesterol, etc. The author then recommends which foods to eat and which to avoid. Each chapter also includes grocery lists, meal plans, recipes and supplement recommendations.

Joy Bauer’s Food Cures is a book that you’ll enjoy having in your reference library. You can use it again and again to make sound nutritional choices and achieve optimum health.

For more information on this fantastic must-have book, go to www.amazon.com.

You might also enjoy:

The Organic Living Channel at Momscape
Health and Fitness Articles at Momscape
Weight Watchers Coupons

You may have already read this Weight Watchers review, but I wanted to call your attention to something new that has become very popular. It’s called the Weight Watchers PointsPlus program, and it is the weight loss giant’s biggest change in 13 years.

The PointsPlus program combines the latest nutritional science with the tried-and-true Weight Watchers approach. This new Points Plus program works by emphasizing simple ways that you can make healthier, more satisfying choices. There are no required foods – just an easy-to-follow plan (and you’ll have room for the occasional indulgence, too.)

On this program, you’ll learn about Weight Watchers Power Foods, healthy and satisfying foods that can really help you keep hunger in check. Focusing on these foods helps you to maintain your focus on healthy weight loss, and helps you fight temptation when it strikes.

As soon as you get started, you’ll be given a daily “PointsPlus Target”, which you use along with the PointsPlus values of foods so you can make sure you’re eating the proper amount for effective, healthy weight loss. Your PointsPlus Target is personalized for you, and you’ll receive this target after you sign up for Weight Watchers Online or join Weight Watchers at a meeting.

Weight Watchers Online is currently offering two generous money-saving coupons.

One coupon for Weight Watchers Online:

Discount: Save on Weight Watchers® Online.
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You can also stay up-to-date on all Weight Watchers coupons and promotions here: http://momscape.com/weight-watchers

Check it out and share it with your friends. Springtime is a great season to lose weight!

We are committed to bringing you honest reviews and recommendations of programs we love, and we’d like to disclose that Momscape is a Compensated Affiliate of Weight Watchers.

Moleskine Wellness Journal
Moleskine notebooks have such a romantic connotations. I think of famous artists and writers tucking the tiny notebooks into their satchels. I think of soft covers and pages, recording the thoughts and ideas of people from all walks of life.

Just in time to record your new resolutions, the 5″ x 8.25″ Moleskine® Passions Wellness Journal features 240 pages of acid-free paper, complete with 6 themed sections (Personal Goals, Exercise Log, Diet, General Health, Games/Sports, and Inspirations). The journal includes 6 blank tabs to customize as you choose, 16 blank pages for notes and thoughts and a double expandable inner pocket for storage.

Also features special pages for seasonal food calendars, food facts, measures and conversions, and plenty of space for ideas and thoughts, it’s a great gift for yourself or for someone who cares about being fit and staying well. Plus, the three ribbon place markers help you create shortcuts to your favorite journal sections.

Includes set of adhesive labels to customize your journal, embossed and thread-bound black cardboard cover with rounded corners, and an elastic closure.

From Barnes and Noble. Find it here.

If you watch The Biggest Loser, you’ve seen the bodybugg personal calorie management system in action, and now there’s a new version available that makes it even easier to use.

The bodybuggSP is smartphone compatible with Android and iPhone, which makes it a snap to  manage the calories you consume and burn in real time!

Right now, you can get the bodybuggSP system for just $249 plus get FREE shipping and $10 off with promo code: AFPSPBUG4.

bodybuggSP Features

• Smartphone compatible with Android and iPhone – upload your calorie burn, steps and activity from your armband straight to your smartphone. No more need for the digital display.
• Food logging available on Android and iPhone – no need to wait until you are in front of a computer. (also available with bodybugg version 3)
• 6-month free online subscription (also available with bodybugg)
• Free phone coaching session (also available with bodybugg)

Here’s the bodybuggSP coupon:  NEW bodybuggSP system $249 plus get FREE shipping and $10 off with promo code: AFPSPBUG4. Expires 11/30/2010

If weight loss is on your list of New Year’s Resolutions this year, here are a few money-saving coupon-codes and promotions to help you get started!

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Also:

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See all Diet Reviews at Momscape >

Read Weight Loss Articles at Momscape >

From the time the first mini-Snickers hits the kids’ plastic halloween pumpkins to the very last sip of bubbly on New Year’s Eve, it feels like the holidays are one long lesson in avoiding overindulgence.

And while it might not be super duper easy, here are a few strategies to help you avoid holiday weight gain. (Plus some lowfat recipes to help you celebrate the season.)

1. Think bite size. When you find something you must treat yourself to, give yourself a wee bit. Imagine the amount you’d be given at the grocery store on free sample day. Take that little bit and savor each and every morsel. Yum.

Instead of taking an entire slice of pie, split a portion with your kids and/or your spouse. Just try not to label any food as completely off limits. That’s sort of a recipe for disaster.

2. Remember that you won’t forever miss your chance to eat this food. Sometimes, we tend to think that this holiday food is “special food” and so we rationalize eating it because it is food that we won’t be able to eat at any other time of the year. And so we are more likely to not want to cheat ourselves out of this special food. We must partake so as not to feel sad about it the whole year through. It helps me when I can remind myself that I am an adult with my own kitchen and access to ingredients at the grocery store, which means that I can actually make that food anytime you want. The whole year through!

3. Plan ahead. Before you arrive at the party, fill up on foods that are low in calorie but protein-rich and high-fiber. Some ideas: lowfat cottage cheese and fruit, a few slices of turkey, or a garden salad sprinkled with nuts. You can even slam a Slim-Fast shake. Do whatever you have to do such that, when you arrive at the party, your ravenousness isn’t instantly faced with creme puffs and egg nog.

Again, when filling your plate at a party, make sure that most of your choices are lean protein or high fiber. You’ll fill up and won’t have as much room for other stuff.

4. Ditch the calorie-rich alcohol drinks (or have one and sip on it for awhile.) Drink sparkling water instead. We all know that alcohol is high in calories, but it can also make you want to eat more and it might make you less able to resist the allure of aforementioned crème puffs and egg nog.

5. Stay busy. Engage yourself in conversation, join or start a game, or go help the hostess. Try not to position yourself near the food.

6. Make a supreme effort to eat healthfully at home during this season. Make sure your grocery basket includes fresh fruits and veggies, including some of the amazing fall and winter bounty: pumpkins, an amazing array of apples, and squash, pomegranates.

7. Exercise. Keep your normal exercise routine. Even if you don’t normally exercise, make a point this season to at least get out and walk a little each day. You’ll feel better and less stressed. (Make sure to talk to your doctor before you start a new exercise program if you don’t currently have one.)

8. If you overindulge one day, don’t go and beat yourself up. Just jump back on the wagon. Eat a healthy breakfast. Drink water. Take your daily walk. Know you’ll do better.

9. See your weight loss as part of a big picture. You are treating your body well so that it serves you well for years to come – so that it has the energy it needs to do the things it needs to do and so that it feels good doing them. Part of treating your body well involves eating things you love – but not in quantities so large that it’s not good for your body.

10. Experiment with low-fat holiday recipes. Find some good, healthy appetizer or dessert dishes to bring to those potluck parties. That way, you know there will be at least one healthy item on the table.

Here are a few holiday recipes to enjoy:

Christmas Biscotti

Ingredients:
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
¼ cup molasses
1 tbsp baking powder
1 ½ tbsp ground ginger
¾ tbsp ground cinnamon
½ tbsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375degrees F and lightly grease a cookie sheet.

In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, molasses, sugar and oil. In a separate bowl, add the rest of the ingredients and combine, then mix into the egg mixture until the dough has a stiff consistency.

Divide the dough into two halves and roll each half into a roll the length of the biscotti. Place the two rolls onto the cookie sheets and pat down to ½ inch thickness. Place into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, then set aside to cool enough to touch.

When the rolls have cooled, cut them into ½ inch thick diagonal slices. Then place the biscotti back onto the cookie sheet and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until they are nice and crispy.

Cooked Pears with Spiced Syrup
Low Fat Low Sodium Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups water
2 cups sugar
12 peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
3 pears, peeled

Instructions:

Pour the water into a large saucepan and place over low heat.  Stir in the sugar until dissolved.  Add the peppercorns, cinnamon stick and cloves.  Place the pears in the pan.  Place a piece of parchment paper over the pears and lay a plat on top of the pan.  This will keep the pears under the water so they will tender.  Cook over low heat 25 minutes or until the pears are fork tender.  Remove the pears and place on a plate.  Continue cooking the liquid another 20 minutes or until it becomes a syrup.  Strain the liquid to remove the peppercorns, cinnamon stick and cloves.  Cut the pears half lengthwise and remove the seeds and core.  Slice the pear halves in quarter.  Spoon the syrup over the cut pears.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Values)

Number of Servings: 6
Serving Size: 1/2 pear with syrup

Per Serving
Calories 281
Carbohydrate 72 g
Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 0 g
Sodium 1 mg

Orange Laced Apple Cider
Low Fat Recipe

Ingredients:

6 cups apple cider
3 whole allspice berries
3 whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
1 navel orange, peeled and quartered
1 navel orange, unpeeled, sliced

Instructions:

Place the cider in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add the berries, cloves and cinnamon sticks.  Stir to combine the ingredients.  Add the quartered orange.  Bring the mixture to a quick boil.  Once boiling reduce the heat to low.  Cook 7 minutes.  Pour the cider through a strainer being sure the berries, cloves, cinnamon sticks and oranges are removed.  Place the mugs in the microwave 30 seconds to warm. Pour the cider into the warm mugs and garnish with orange slices.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Values)

Number of Servings: 6
Serving Size: 1 mug

Per Serving
Calories 151
Carbohydrate 38 g
Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 1 g
Sodium 8 mg

Vegetable Medley with Vinegar Salsa
Low Fat and Low Carb Recipe

Ingredients:

3/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped very fine
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and chopped coarsely
3 tablespoons white onions, chopped very fine
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons low carb breadcrumbs, toasted
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 pound small green beans, blanched
3/4 pound small new potatoes, boiled and cut into wedges
3/4 pound small beets, cooked and cut into wedges

Instructions:

Place the parsley, capers, onions and garlic into a large mixing bowl.  Pour in the vinegar and olive oil.  Mix together well to combine all the ingredients.  Add the bread crumbs and mix until completely moist.  Sprinkle in the black pepper and stir to incorporate.  Place the bean, potatoes and beets on a plate.  Cover the vegetables with the sauce completely before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Value)

Number of Servings: 6

Per Serving
Calories 170
Carbohydrate 19 g
Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Fiber 4 g
Protein 4 g
Sodium 232 mg

Product Review:
Yoga for Weightloss DVD – Beginner & Beyond (2007) with Maggie Rhoades
Where to buy: www.amazon.com
Reviewer: ACH Mom

Yoga for Weight Loss DVD

We all know that Yoga is good for our health and our inner balance.  Not only can it leave you refreshed, and de-stressed, it will also tone your body and contribute to a slimmer and fitter you.

Yoga exercise will give you a complete body workout and stretch your muscles while at the same time burning off calories. You will feel challenged but also feel great after each exercise regime.

The Yoga for Weightloss DVD – Beginner & Beyond is an outstanding practice DVD for all levels of yoga students, from beginner to more advanced student. You can choose from 12 different set routines that range from between 15 to 60 minutes depending on ability and time restraints. It has a “Getting Started Routine” for the complete beginner, a “As you Progress Routine” and a weights & bands bonus section.

The instructor, Maggie Rhoades, gives very clear instructions and explains in detail the different poses throughout the routines and additional useful advice, for example when to breathe. The routines will help you practice a nice selection of different poses and you will find yourself advancing to more difficult poses in no time.

Enjoy the health benefits of yoga in the comfort of your home, watch your body getting more and more toned, flexible, slimmer, invigorated and fit.

Weight Watchers has just announced the Lose for Good Campaign:

For every pound of weight lost with Weight Watchers between September 7th and October 18, Weight Watchers will donate the equivalent of one pound of food (up to $1 million) to someone who needs it.

That means, if you lose just one pound, you could be helping to provide 3 meals to a hungry individual. The pounds lost by online subscribers will be determined by total weight loss recorded in your online weight tracker, from 9-7-08 through 10-18-2008. Your online account will include an “Impact Calculator” to help you see your progress.

Donations will be made 70% to Share our Strength up to $700,000 and 30% to Action Against Hunger up to $300,000. See the Weight Watchers website for all the details.

There’s never been a better time to get started with Weight Watchers, especially because you can Join now and save more than 25% on Weight Watchers Online.

Click here to get started right away or read our review of Weight Watchers Online here >