Your Continued Monthly Eating Guide...

Most fruits and vegetables are available year-round. Buy in-season, however, and you get produce at its peak of flavor and nutritional value. Here's a guide to what's in season and at its peak for the next few months...

April

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE: Salad greens (radicchio, mache)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Richly colored, non-wilted leaves

REAP THE BENEFITS: A two-cup serving supplies more than 400 percent of for vitamin A, 100 percent of folate, and a wealth of minerals, such as magnesium and potassium

May

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE: Strawberries

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Deep-red fruit, without mushy or spoiled spots; smaller are often sweeter

REAP THE BENEFITS: One cup fulfills your daily vitamin C needs and contains the cancer-fighters ellagic acid and anthocyanins.

June

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE: Apricots

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Rich orange-colored fruit that is slightly soft, indicating tree-ripened

REAP THE BENEFITS: Three apricots pack more than half of the DV for vitamin A, 15 percent of fiber, and tons of potassium.

Boot campers! Welcome to Rialto Boot Camp and to the Nutrition Blog. We try to give you the latest and most informative news about nutrition and how to fuel your body for optimal performance during your workouts. But we are always open to new ideas and, of course, questions. If you have any tips, blog ideas or questions about nutrition, please feel free to post them here. We'll try to get back to you as soon as we can! Good luck in BC!

Breakfast - Why It's The Most Important Meal

Without question, breakfast is the meal that makes champions. Unfortunately, many active people follow a lifestyle that eliminates breakfast or includes foods that are far from champion-builders.

Breakfast for Losing Fat - If you want to lose fat, you should start your plan at dinner, not at breakfast! For example, do not eat a meager bowl of Special K for your "breakfast." You'll get too hungry later in the day and crave sweets.

A bigger breakfast (cereal + toast + peanut butter) can prevent afternoon or evening cookie-binges. An adequate (500 to 700 calorie) breakfast provides enough energy for you to enjoy your exercise, as opposed to dragging yourself through an afternoon workout that feels like punishment. If you are trying to lose fat, you should target at least 500 to 700 calories for breakfast; this should leave you feeling adequately fed. To prove the benefits of eating such a big breakfast, try this experiment:

1. Using food labels to calculate calories, boost your standard breakfast to at least 500 calories. For example, add to your english muffin (150 calories): 1 tablespoon peanut butter (100 cal.), 8 oz. orange juice (100 cal.) and a yogurt (150 cal). Total: 500 calories.

2. Observe what happens to your day's food intake when you eat a full breakfast vs. a skimpy "diet breakfast." The 500+ calorie breakfast allows you to successfully eat less at night and create the calorie deficit needed to lose fat.

Remember: You want to fuel by day and lose fat by night. Successful "dieters" lose fat while they are sleeping; they wake up ready for another nice breakfast that fuels them for another high-energy day.

If you exercise first thing in the morning, you may not want a big pre-exercise breakfast; too much food can feel heavy and uncomfortable. However, you can likely tolerate half a breakfast, such as half a bagel, a slice of toast, or a banana before your workout. Just 100 to 300 calories can put a little carbohydrate into your system, boost your blood sugar so that you are running on fuel, not fumes, and enhance your performance.

You'll likely discover this small pre-exercise meal adds endurance and enthusiasm to your workout. In a research study, athletes who ate breakfast were able to exercise for 137 minutes as compared to only 109 minutes when they skipped this pre-exercise fuel.

Breakfast for the Noon-time, Afternoon and Evening Exerciser

A hearty breakfast is important for people who exercise later in the day. It not only tames hunger but also provides the fuel needed for hard workouts.

Research has shown that athletes who ate breakfast, then four hours later enjoyed an energy bar five minutes before a noontime workout were able to exercise 20% harder at the end of the hourlong exercise test compared to when they ate no breakfast and no pre-exercise snack. (They worked 10 percent harder with only the snack.)

Breakfast works! Breakfast + a pre-exercise snack works even better!

What's for Breakfast?

One of the simplest breakfasts of champions is a wholesome cereal with soy/organic milk, fruit and orange juice. This provides not only carbohydrates to fuel the muscles, but also protein (from the milk) to build strong muscles, and numerous other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, vitamin C, iron (if you choose enriched breakfast cereals) and fiber (if you choose bran cereals).

The Bottom Line

Breakfast works wonders for improving the quality of your health. That is, eating breakfast results in less "junk food" later in the day. Breakfast also enhances weight control, sports performance, daily energy levels and future health.

Sample Grab-and-go Sports Breakfasts

• Craver (Almond, Peanut Butter or Spurlina) Bar


• Small bran muffin plus a sugar free yogurt and a packet of Splenda


• Peanut butter-banana-honey sandwich (add cottage cheese or some type of protein)


• Pita with one to two slices of lowfat cheese plus a large apple


• Baggie of lowfat granola with a handful of raisins (preceded by 8 oz. soy/organic milk before you dash out the door)

Recipe Day!!

Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Avocado Salsa

This recipe serves: 4
Preparation time : 20 minutes
Cooking time : 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the salsa
4 ripe plum tomatoes, chopped or 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño chili pepper, seeded and diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 avocado

For the chicken
1/2 cup non-fat, plain yogurt
1/2 small red onion
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 4 to 6 ounces each salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions

For the salsa:
1. In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, red onion, pepper and cilantro.

2. Chop the avocado and sprinkle it with 2 tablespoons of lime juice to keep it from browning. Add the avocado and remaining lime juice to the bowl and toss to combine. (This can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.)

For the chicken:
1. In a small food processor, puree the yogurt, red onion, lime juice and cilantro to make a yogurt marinade.

2. Transfer the marinade to a shallow bowl or a plastic bag. Add the chicken and coat well with the marinade. Refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 8 hours.

3. Preheat the grill to medium-high.

4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discard the remaining marinade and season the chicken with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken on both sides until it is cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.

5. Serve the chicken with tomato-avocado salsa.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 chicken breast with salsa
Amount Per Serving

Calories 283
Protein 43 g
Total Carbohydrate 16 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Soluble Fiber 0 g
Insoluble Fiber g
Sugar 8 g
Total Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1 g

Prograde Cravers On Sale All Week!

If you love dark chocolate, I have a very big Valentine's Day present for you. Seriously.

You've got to try these things. The taste is out of this world good.

What am I talking about? Prograde Cravers, that's what. They have been dubbed the best tasting healthy snack on the planet for good reason - they taste THAT good.

Plus, they have no preservatives, only 180 calories and they come in three delicious flavors: peanut butter, almond butter and spirulina.

The even better news is they are on sale all this week for Valentine's Day.

Here's everything you need to know:

- Again, because it's Valentine's Day, the sale is 14% off all purchases of Prograde Cravers

- When you checkout you will enter this coupon code to save the 14%: vday0909

- Shipping will take 3-5 days, so while I HIGHLY recommend you jump all over this sale, don't purchase these as a gift expecting them to be there for Valentine's Day itself. Buy them as a healthy gift for yourself or others.

- Sorry, Prograde Cravers are not available overseas

- The offer cannot be combined with others from Prograde and it ends this Saturday, February 14th at 11:59pm EST.

- Prograde Cravers are NOT available in stores anywhere. You can only find them online here: Prograde Cravers (http://rialtowellness.getprograde.com/cravers)

Look, I'm not kidding about how great they taste. They are the EXACT opposite of the bars you are used to that taste like cardboard and chemicals. In fact, if you go to Prograde Cravers (http://rialtowellness.getprograde.com/cravers)and watch the video of a real life taste test, well, I know you will be blown away.

Yours in health!

PS - Remember, it's 14% off all Prograde Cravers purchases this week only. The sale ends this Saturday, February 14th at 11:59pm EST.

Beware of the Weekend Waistline

If you're serious about cutting calories, perhaps you should start your nutrition plan - preferably the Rialto Maximize Your Metabolism Plan - this weekend. A study found that Americans tuck away an average of 82 extra calories each Friday, Saturday and Sunday compared with other days of the week. Adults between the ages of 19 and 50 were especially prone to indulging on their days off, eating an average of 115 extra calories per weekend day.

Although most people in the study got fewer calories from protein and carbohydrates on the weekend, they made up the deficit with large increases in fat and alcohol consumption, says Pamela Haines, associate professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina and an author of the study. Over the course of the year, weekend splurging could result in weight gain of almost five pounds.

That may not seem like a lot, and - of course - everyone needs a break (and needs to reward themselves) every once in a while. But keep in mind that it can add up quickly, so just always try to be mindful of what you're putting in your body.

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Also, if you're wondering what types of meals and snacks a fellow bootcamper is eating, below is a sample day for her. It's interesting to see what other people eat, especially if they are as passionate about the Rialto Maximize Your Metabolism Program. (She journals:-))

Today I've had very a hectic day with a strenuous yoga class first thing in the morning, work (I work from home), an afternoon appointment, more work, and next will be an aerobic workout. Tonight I'll be watching the Biggest Loser. :-) Here's what I've been eating today:

Breakfast: 1/2 Cocoa Crisp, Prograde Cravers bar and a Brownie Batter Smoothie

Snack after yoga: 1/2 Almond Butter Prograde Cravers bar

Lunch: turkey burger (made with almost fat free ground turkey, Tex-Mex spices, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and 1/4 cup hot salsa) topped with hot salsa, a little bit of shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese, a spoonful of yogurt, a couple crumbled corn chips and lots of jalapeno pepper slices (the very HOT kind in vinegar, from a jar); raspberries for dessert

Afternoon snack/pre aerobic workout snack: I just ate 1/2 of a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cravers bar (I loooove these!)

Dinner: (will be) stir fry of tofu, bean sprouts, celery, baby bok choi, onions, carrots, oil, garlic, ginger, scallions and Bragg's

Bedtime snack: undecided

Boot campers! Congrats on making it through Weeks 1 & 2! Be sure to eat well this weekend. Lots of good quality protein combined with low glycemic carbs. See you Tuesday!

Sticking to it in 2009

As 2009 begins, many of us will set out determined to follow our new nutrition and fitness goals. A recent survey conducted by Zone Diet found that more than 55 percent of Americans have made New Year’s diet resolutions in the past, but nearly 6 in 10 (58 percent) said their resolution lasted less than a month with most (76 percent) blaming their failures on a lack of willpower. Additionally, the survey found that more than 66 percent of Americans are open to dieting with a friend, family member or social group, but nearly the same amount (67 percent), think their dieting partner is dishonest about their eating habits.

Here are some New Year’s Resolution Tips for a happy, healthy 2009:

Make a Resolution to be Healthy
Instead of focusing solely on weight loss this New Year, proclaim to live better and healthier in 2009. Simplify the process by choosing a lifestyle program, rather than a diet plan. Find a wellness program that applies a healthy balance of carbs, fats and proteins with exercise and supplements. Many of you are on The Rialto Wellness Maximize Your Metabolism Program, which is a great example of this type of wellness program.

Get Started in a Proven Program
Everyone wants to lose weight quickly. But a smart plan focuses on safety first. Take time to research nutrition programs that are clinically-tested by reputable organizations and medical experts.

Use a 15-Second Solution
Omega-3 fish oil is a wonder supplement and a 15-second solution to support optimal heart, brain, joint and immune function. Taking a daily dose of fish oil can help make up for many dietary “mistakes” that we all make, as well as enhance mental abilities and keep your emotions on an even keel.

Share Recipes and Meals with a Friend
Studies show that nearly 66 percent of Americans are open to dieting with a friend, family member or social group. As you embark on your new healthy lifestyle, it’s important to establish a support system to help you succeed. So why not have some fun and make meals and recipes with your friends and family.

Resolve to Keep Exercising
Make a commitment to yourself and hold yourself accountable to it. Tell friends, family members or co-workers. Affirmations are also a powerful tool to help you remember why you started exercising in the first place and how good you feel about it. Make a list of what you've achieved, whether it's weight loss, increased strength and endurance, or more energy.

Arrive at Restaurants with a Game Plan
Navigating a restaurant menu can be difficult, but there’s no need to deprive yourself. For example, if you want dessert, don’t eat any carbohydrates during the meal and replace any starches or grains with extra vegetables.

Make it a fine 09!