Category: Vitality

Choosing Cuisines Around The World

This chick has been exploring ways to expedite the meal process in her household.  It is enough to make it through the day, but what I truly hate is the thankless question presented to me every night; “Mom, what’s for dinner”?  I reflect on the last grocery run which typically involves a fly by visit on my way home from work.  I usually don’t have a plan, and other customers must smirk when they see me…a lunatic running frantically up and down aisles throwing things into a cart while glancing at the time….tick tock tick tock!  Oh well, I’ve covered the basic food groups and hope for a palatable meal come dinnertime.  This act has been going on for some time, and I have to say it is not sustainable for much longer.  I dread planning meals, I dread the store, I dread unloading, I dread cooking…but the fact is dinner has to happen at least 365 days a year…don’t even talk to me about breakfast and lunch.  So, I have surrendered to the madness, but would like to make it easier for myself.  My biggest problem is coming up with meal plan ideas.  If I could find a systematic way to engage this process, the rest wouldn’t seem so insufferable. 

Just the other week, a light bulb went on.  It has probably already been done, and I’m sure books have been written about it, but what the heck, I’ll tell you anyway.  I have created a daily template consisting of 5 themed meals a week.  The other days are for leftovers or ordering in. :)   My five themes are categories for meal plans, so I can sort ideas based on the theme of the day.  My meal plan looks something like this:

  • Sunday—Casseroles, American Cuisine

  • Monday—Soup day (i.e. chicken noodle)

  • Tuesday—Italian (i.e. baked ziti and garlic bread)

  • Wednesday—leftovers for mid-week break

  • Thursday—crock pot dish (i.e. pot roast)

  • Friday—tends to be my pizza/movie night (see Family Friday Fun blog)

  • Saturday—Mexican or Asian (i.e. tacos or stir-fry)

***When I’m feeling daring, I will switch out a night for another worldly dish, such as Indian (a favorite of mine)!  I am not much of a seafood lover, but if I was, that would be another great category. 

I have compiled recipes that are typically kid friendly and can be rotated through my themed categories.  This way my family doesn’t get bored by too much repetition.  I can pull out recipes per theme from an array of choices, and voila my week is planned.  Now, I just need to get Pea Pod so voila my groceries arrive at my doorstep…but that may be asking too much! 

Zippy Recap:

  • I have no time to plan a meal or the desire!
  • Creating a systematic and themed plan makes decision making a breeze.
  • When I need to I sort my recipes by category and pull out the meal plan for that day. 
  • This makes grocery shopping more manageable and efficient….but I still would prefer having the service delivery option!

Stay Light and Breezy Girls!

Love,

The Zippy Chix

Yogalates-An Approach to Exercising Your Mind and Body

This chick hates to work out!  I’ve often tried to convince myself that exercise is not a necessary part of my health fitness.  This is not to say that I haven’t had moments when I got grooving either through weight lifting or doing “evil” cardio…something I’ve never learned to care for.  All the current research suggests weight loss can not be achieved through exercise, so why bother I say!  I realize this is my resistive nature in action, which is quite convincing at times.  Unfortunately, self-reflection and increasing age have forced me to succumb to the harsh realities of growing older. 

The cure to this is finding an activity that is sustainable, which can only happen if I enjoy it and have time to do it!  Luckily, I stumbled upon something that I really look forward to….drum roll please…..Louise Solomon’s Yogalates full body workout….and it’s only 20 minutes long!

While I appreciate the art of weight lifting and building strong muscles, I am not that enamored with the bulk it produces on my exterior….the last thing I want is to increase mass on this body of mine!  No worries though…I have discovered Solomon YogalatesTM , which is a complete and comprehensive fusion of Yoga and Pilates.  These organized movements stretch and strengthen all the major muscle groups developing a streamlined slenderness rather than bulk…don’t you like the sound of that…slenderness….Ahhh!  I must add though, that 2 of the Zippies lift weights and respond well to this form of activity; however, for this chick Yogalates appears to be the answer.

Louise founded this form of yogalates as a method to heal and strengthen both the body and mind through an emphasis of increasing core stability while releasing stress and tension…part of the charm is listening to her lovely Australian accent and calming voice.  I have enjoyed her 20 minute Total Body Toner workout, which ends in a meditative state.  I find that doing this in the early morning (before the little people awaken) is a great way to start the day.  Louise also promises that after 3 months, I’ll get the body I want.  Well, here’s to hoping!! :)

Zippy Chix Recap:

  • Exercise can no longer be denied when attempting to obtain a healthier and fit body.
  • I hate exercise and I don’t want bulky arms and legs AND MY behind certainly doesn’t need more build up!
  • I have found a relaxing and awesome way to elongate my muscles so that I can slenderize versus plump my muscles.
  • Solomon’s Yogalates incorporates core strength and relaxation at the same time in the 20 minute Total Body Toner workout.
  • Louise states we will get the body we want in only 3 months….I haven’t had the body I want in 6 years, so what’s another 3 months!

Stay Light and Breezy Girls…

Love,

The Zippy Chix

The Three Day Diet

This chick is back on the wagon, but has a new trick up her sleeve.  Thanks to Facebook, I stumbled upon a status update of a FB friend who reported success with her diet plan.  Since I’m always up for a new strategy in hopes that This One will prove to be my triumphant moment, I decided to find out more.

I googled what is called the Three Day Diet, mistakenly called the Cleveland Clinic 3 Day Diet Plan.  What I like about this 1980’s diet is you only have to put up with it for 3 consecutive days, then let-up for 4 and continue this pattern until you get the results you’re looking for.  Although, not supported by the medical community, I found myself quite intrigued by the idea.  The “theory” is you eat a drastically low amount of calories (approximately 1100) for three days followed by eating what you desire, in moderation, for the next four days…the Key is not to binge on these “off” days…learn to listen to your body and stop eating when your hunger subsides.  In other words, you “starve” yourself and then eat enough so that your body doesn’t go into “starvation” mode and hold onto unwanted fat!  The diet includes a meal plan for Days 1, 2 and 3, which keeps me from cheating.  It’s simple, easy, and offers intervals of relief from the never-ending feeling of emotional and physical hunger which I’ve had on other diet approaches…believe me I’ve done many! 

So far, I’ve managed to lose some poundage and look forward to Thursday-Sunday when I can eat without feeling the guilt.  Monday-Wednesday can be challenging, but I’m still holding on….I’ll keep you posted!

Zippy Chix Recap:

  • Dieting sucks! 
  • The 3 Day Diet Plan offers intervals of relief from hunger and eating without guilt.
  • The pounds do come off if you restrain from the urge to overeat on your respite days!

Stay Light (hee hee) and Breezy Girls!

Love,

The Zippy Chix

Antiquing With Grandma – The Old Orchard Ladder

I recently went to my annual family reunion in the mountains of West Virginia.  West Virginia was a second home for me growing up and stepping foot onto those familiar grounds conjures up nostalgic thoughts of days gone by.   The most memorable part of the trip was a stumble into a nearby small town where my grandmother took me antiquing….. First, let me share with you a few thoughts about my not so typical eighty-five year old grandmother.  After the passing of my granddad eight years ago, she remarried again and continued to run her country store.  She has started and sold three successful businesses in the town where she lives.  She loves to wear red, taught me to drive a stick shift and took me to get my ears pierced when I was a little girl.  Age hasn’t slowed her down much.  Two years ago she went to swim with the dolphins and last year she went skydiving.  Two shoulder replacements and a knee replacement later she is still going strong, setting an example for all who know her.

My grandmother’s second husband died earlier this year, and I was worried that this would dim her spirits.  I suppose when you are her age you learn to take life as it comes.  My grandmother has never been much of a talker; rather she likes to share experiences with people in her quiet way.  Over our vacation, she grabbed my mom and me and carted us to several antique shops.  She has a knack for finding interesting pieces.  From across the room I spotted this old orchard ladder.  It was at least eight feet high, asymmetrical and worn.  My watchful g-mom made a “B-Line” over to me and insisted that I must have this eclectic piece for my house.  She details all the character marks in this ladder and describes her vision of the person who once scaled it.

Out I walk with this ladder, feeling excited but bewildered as to where it may fit in my abode which is filled with mismatched toys and furniture… I found a spot in a hallway adjacent to my living room that it fits perfectly.  It has become somewhat of a conversation piece!  What I love most, however, is my grandmother’s regard for the imperfections in this old orchard ladder, which gives it so much personality.  I suppose this old piece is a metaphor for my grandmother’s life, which has been so colorful, but far from flawless.  The ladder reminds me that life is what you make of it and that perspective is everything…. I guess you never know what life lesson is waiting for you.  Thanks Grandmother!

Zippy Chix Recap:

Antiquing With Grandma

  • Blending antiques into to your home can showcase stories of days gone by
  • Antiques can serve as alluring conversation pieces for guest
  • You may even find a lesson in antiques if you look hard enough…appreciate the imperfections

Stay Light and Breezy Girls….

Love,

The Zippy Chix

Recipe Roll Call

Indeed there are thousands of sites offering recipes for all occasions.  We chix thought that it might be fun to exchange fav recipes with our readers.  There is one catch, you can’t look them up!  We are interested in sharing those food formulas that are tried and true; the ones you always use in a pinch when you need to bring something to a potluck and have no time to research something new and fabulous.  These are the recipes that when you stop by the store on your way home, you can purchase the ingredients from memory because you’ve made them enough times that your friends are starting to request them at parties…Do you get our gist?  This chick has two such recipes that she would like to offer the group:  1) Fail Proof Artichoke and Cheese Dip; and 2) Kitchen Sink Quiche, which came from George Stella’s Livin Low Carb book (which has lots of yummy options!!).  WARNING:  These are not low-fat and yes I like them this way!  Here we go…….

Fail Proof Artichoke and Cheese Dip

Ingredients: 

  • 3 jars marinated artichokes (drained)
  • 1 can artichoke hearts (drained)
  • 1/2 cup pepperocinis (deseeded)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup mayo
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Paprika

Use a Cuisinart to finely chop the first three ingredients.  Mix all ingredients in a bake-safe dish (except Paprika).  Heat at 375 for 20-30 minutes until the dip is bubbling.  Sprinkle with paprika.  Serve hot with Triscuits or French bread.  Enjoy!!

Kitchen Sink Quiche

Ingredients: 

  • 8 Eggs
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 tsp of kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp of ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp of ground white pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or other cheese per preference)
  • 1 cup veggies (i.e., mushrooms, broccoli)
  • 1 cup meat (i.e., sausage, ham)
  • Scallions
  • Cooking Spray

Wisk eggs and add whipping cream and spices into a mixing bowl.  Then add cheese, veggies and meat.  Spray 8-inch glass pie pan with cooking spray.  Pour mixture in pie plate.  Bake for 40 minutes at 350.  Let cool 15-20 minutes before slicing it.  Garnish with scallions.

*No, I didn’t forget the ingredients for the crust…. This is crust-free, which makes it taste lighter!  This is a great dish for a brunch or luncheon!

Please share your culinary finds with us….We all like looking good at parties!!

Zippy Chix Recap:

Recipe Roll Call 

  • Fail Proof Artichoke and Cheese Dip and Kitchen Sink Quiche are both tasty options to bring to your next potluck.
  • Please share your much loved recipes with us….the one’s you know by heart! 

Stay Light and Breezy Girls….

Love,

The Zippy Chix

Journal Therapy

Admit it girls, we all get a little moody sometimes….some of us more than others!  Let me set the scene…  Life can be going seemingly well, but when our hubby forgets to put down the lid of the toilet seat, our otherwise lighthearted mood spirals into a fit of bawled up frustration if we are having one of THOSE days!  We are then faced with a few choices:  1) Approach the toilet seat offender with a clearly stated rebuttal that includes the number of times that he has forgotten this nuisance of a task; 2) Swallow your irritation and let it stew for sometime until the offender repeats the crime at which time you blow your lid; or 3) Let it go and move on….Let me remind you that the latter strategy is not an option when we chicks are having one of THOSE days. 

As the first two strategies have never produced an overly positive outcome for this chick, I had to dig deep and find a new tactic to deal with my emotions.  This is where journaling comes in.  Unfortunately, my journal tends to be filled more with negative feelings about various situations than good ones.  However, I find that having a safe place to get my feelings out clears my head, enabling me to step down from that ledge that I was ready to jump off.  Not only does this practice help when my thoughts are on the irrational spectrum (this is hard for me to confess), but it also helps me sort out my thoughts when the issue is more pressing.  I’d like to think that I react perfectly to all situations every time, but I don’t live in a vacuum, and this is not my reality.  Journaling has helped calm the fire breathing dragon that arises in my chest every now and again.  It forces me to analyze situations and helps me to respond in a more composed manner when my head seems to be spinning off of its axis.  If any of you girls can relate to my story and are looking for a way to channel your feelings, journaling may be what the doctor ordered!  Call me crazy….I’m okay with that!   

Zippy Chix Recap:

Journal Therapy

  • Journaling can help you channel negative emotions
  • Journaling is private and safe and helps you get to know yourself better
  • Writing down your feelings may help you analyze various situations and react using more effective strategies

Stay Light and Breezy Girls….

Love,

The Zippy Chix

10 Awesome Finds at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joes (TJ’s) is a “unique” grocery store with 342 locations in 25 states and the District of Columbia.  It is the ultimate location for purchasing fresh organic foods and unusual frozen selections that are tasty and can be made hastily after a long day at the office.  Face it chix, arriving at the door and hearing everyone mutter those 3 lovely words “what’s for dinner?” has the potential to make a grown woman cringe.  Well let me tell you, TJ’s is the answer to your prayers. This “green” grocer is weight watcher friendly, budget friendly and contains an amazing array of incredible products within the confines of its limited square footage. This Zippy Chick adores the store so much that she carves time into the week to travel 21 miles each way to stock up the freezer and the cupboards for her hungry brood.

Upon entering this store take a moment to taste test the selection of the day.  They always have a product or a recipe made with several food items available so that you can sample some of their wares.  If you enjoy what you taste the ingredients are always right there for the taking.

The following is a list of 10 awesome TJ’s finds:

  1. TJ’s Low sodium chicken broth-  stores easily in the pantry, and is a great staple for many recipes
  2. TJ’s Chicken Tikka Masala-  the family loves Indian food and this is the best we have found outside of an Indian restaurant….trust me it is amazing;  also very points friendly
  3.  TJ’s Frozen Naan Bread-  cooks in the oven in 5 minutes; pair it with the chicken tikka massala
  4. TJ’s Lemon Grass Chicken Appetizers-  tasty treats to keep in the freezer for last minute guests…check out some TJ’s dipping sauces to accompany them
  5. TJ’s Lacy Cookies-  awesome toffee crunch cookies that I buy in bulk for my MIL
  6. TJ’s No Guilt Sea Salt Flavored Pita Chips-  less fat than the average pita; tasty and cost efficient
  7. TJ’s Three Layered Hummus-  delicious blend of 3 traditional, sundried tomato and cilantro hummus; my fave 
  8. TJ’s Lite Shredded Three Cheese Blend-  delicious, low in calories, and melts evenly
  9. TJ’s pop chips-  great alternative to potato chips; low cal, crunchy, scrumptious treat
  10. Orange air therapy-  amazing non aerosol spray with long lasting orange scent

Check out some of the above finds, you will not be disappointed. What are some of YOUR fave finds at this Unique Grocery Store?

Just a quick Zippy Chix recap:

Trader Joe’s:

  • Unique grocer with unusual selections of fresh and frozen foods
  • Weight Watcher and budget friendly
  • Check out the taste selection of the day; you will find some of YOUR fave items by doing this
  •  Try some of the above finds and then share some of yours with us!

Stay Light and Breezy Girls…

Love,

The Zippy Chix

The Dish on Dieting

So, when did eating become a guilty form of pleasure???  In my teen years, I remember when I was told I needed to put more meat on my bones….of course, I didn’t realize that all in my life was great because I could stuff my face with all kinds of fun things to eat and not gain a pound!  I was more obsessed with the larger questions in life…Will I find Mr. Right and get married?  Will I have kids?  Didn’t we all think that if these two things were achieved then life would be complete?  I have been blessed with the latter, but not the former….Now I am witness to a form of frustration and disgust that literally EATS at me on a daily basis. 

This has become more evident each decade.  I not only add years to my age, but my body exponentially adds pounds to my waist, my hips, my rear, need I say more?  The poundage refuses to budge, and I must say that it is NOT the BATTLE of the bulge, but more like the WAR of the bulge.  A battle means one diet and you’re done, but I’ve had to wage a full blown war, and it ain’t pretty! I know I’m not alone, but when I attend PTA meetings that have tall, lean, well made-up mothers focused on fund raising and quality education, I can’t help but wonder WHY ME!!  I want to wear long stylish and flowing clothes with stiletto shoes.  I want my hair and make-up to look like I’ve just come out of a salon.  And although, I should be focused on ways to better the school, my mind is focused on all of the size 4 waists that surround me.

To add to the misery, my husband recently decided he would join me…he reported he needed to lose a few pounds.  I thought great, maybe this will be easier with a partner!  Little did I know that my “partner” only had to give up his one glass of wine at night to lose thirty pounds in a mere TWO MONTHS.  I, on the other hand, have had to count points, fast, “detox” my body, work out, avoid “white” carbs, stop eating sugar, limit my coffee drinking, buy a body bugg, meditate, do yoga and watch the scale inch it’s way down only to leap it’s way up during a momentary relapse….and this has been going on for at least TWO YEARS!  Dieting continues it’s cycle of many limitations and restrictions,  often followed by an eventual binge on a gallon of old freezer burned ice-cream hidden behind my 2-point veggie burgers….out of sight, but not out of mind!  Oh well…woman continue to have it harder!  For all the men that have to give up only one item in their day in order to “diet” and lose weight in a short period of time….. I say Congrats!  I will take the higher road and continue looking for a way to beat the bulge…pass the carrots please!! 

Zippy Chix Recap:

  • Aging=no metabolism
  • Dieting is not a battle, but a full blown war
  • Once again, men have it easier than women…but who says I’m bitter?

Stay Light and Breezy Girls….

Love,

The Zippy Chix

GG Crackers

As a life long weight watcher, this Zippy chick is always on the prowl for new food products that are tasty and more importantly filling.  One of my much loved virtual mentors is Lisa Lillian, aka Hungry Girl; I am proud to be known as one of her early subscribers.  Her daily emails are always chock full of amazing products and ideas.  One of my fave healthy products that HG has previously reviewed is the GG Cracker.  

As an avid fiber connoisseur, I recognize that this is the magic ingredient which will ultimately make the product not only healthy, but also satisfying and will definitely stop those afternoon munchies.  The Scandinavian Bran Crispbread also known as the GG is one of my preferred fiber filled snacks. The GG while not so savory sans toppings takes on a new life when paired with other flavorful ingredients. Top it with hummus, Taziki, and the good old laughing cow cheese for an amazing cool snack.  My favorite recipe is to spray the GG with a little spray butter, and then top with shredded cheese and hot sauce; heat this wonderful concoction in the micro or toaster oven for a warm filling treat.  The sky’s the limit when thinking of delectable ingredients that you can pair with your GG.  Creativity is the key!

These tasty building blocks for incredible snacks are a low 12 calories per slice and contain 5 grams of dietary fiber with 2 net carbs. Can’t beat those stats! They are sold by the case or the half case on the GG web site or can be ordered in smaller quantities via Amazon.  However you order it just experiment and enjoy the healthy fiber filled snack with something that you dream up.  If you find a topping that you dig, feel free to share with us so that we can try it also. 

Now for a quick Zippy Chix recap:

GG Crackers:

  • Fiber Filled Snack
  • Toppings Galore will make your GG a savory treat
  • 12 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 2 net carbs
  • Creativity is the key!

Stay Light and Breezy Girls… 

Love,

The Zippy Chix

The Chopstick Diet

Atkins, Weight Watchers, the Zone Diet, and the list goes on!  The chix have tried them all.  Our post-baby bodies are STILL under construction…….$%&* No one told us it would take this long!  However, we chix persevere, and we like to refer to our bods as art in progress. Ahh, attitude is everything!  Our most recent discovery has by far been the most interesting approach to watching our waistlines yet.  Eat what you want, but only dine using chopsticks.  This zany tactic capitalizes on the premise of portion control.  Everything takes longer to eat.  Thus, your brain has more time to realize you’re full before stuffing yourself.

There are some ground rules that one must follow:

  • Don’t stab your food (this is barbaric).
  • Refrain from shoveling food into your mouth.  Picking up morsels of food with your chopsticks is much more refined!
  • If you are overly proficient with using chopsticks, move your fingers to the top of the chopsticks to present yourself with a challenge. 
  • Try using the chopsticks with your non-dominant hand if you are finding it too easy altogether.   

A few weeks into this wacky slim down approach, we discovered some secondary benefits of the plan.  We found some trendy chopsticks that we began using to stylize our dining experience.  Somehow pretty utensils make the food taste better.  We also enjoyed the stares and commentary from friends and onlookers who became amused with our new venture.  Not only did we use them at home, but we took them to restaurants as well.  Lastly, our kids had fun with this dexterous activity.  It made mealtime more entertaining; a welcome diversion for those picky eaters. 

Have fun girls and resist the ordinary.  Dieting doesn’t have to be boring!

Zippy Chix Recap:

The Chopstick Diet

  • Less emphasis on what you’re eating
  • Promotes portion control
  • Fun for kids
  • Unconventional and trend setting approach to watching your weight
  • We’d love to hear your feedback if any of you trial the chopsticks!

Stay Light and Breezy Girls….

Love, 

The Zippy Chix

Suck That Sweet Tooth Away!

The Zippy Chix recently came across a product that has become a staple in our diets.  See’s Gourmet Lollipops have become a must have when a sweet fix is required. These savory treats come in 4 flavors including chocolate, butterscotch, café latte and vanilla.   Only 80 little calories of pure heaven; these hard candies are velvety and smooth and melt in your mouth with every lick.  

SEE’s lollipops are a decadent confection that feel sinful when eating, but do not leave a lasting impression on the physique (aka cellulite dimples).  Depending on the veracity of your sucking style…they can last up to 20 minutes.  This is oh so beneficial for all of us volume eaters.  The price may seem a little steep, but believe it when we say, they are worth every penny! Whether you are a calorie conscious weight watcher or just want to enjoy a delicious sweet treat, See’s Lollipops should not be missed!  We at Zippy Chix central are partial to the chocolate and butterscotch; try them all and then vote on your fave.

Zippy Chix Recap:

See’s Gourmet Lolli’s

  • Come in 4 luscious flavors
  • Only 80 tiny calories
  • Long lasting
  • Portable for on the go guilt-free indulgence

Stay Light and Breezy Girls….

Love,

The Zippy Chix

Margarita’s Minus The Guilt!

Baja Bob is my new hero!!!  He has managed to take that nagging guilt out of enjoying the occasional yummy cocktail.  For all of those weight watchin’ Zippy Chix, Bob’s concoctions are all sugar free, carb free, and calorie free; the trifecta of perfection for the health conscious gal.  The typical marg mix has about 100 calories for 4 ounces while Baja Bob’s Margarita mix miraculously contains zippo calories.   Tequila clocks in at 70 calories an ounce bringing an average margarita using Bob’s mix with 1.5 ounces of Tequila to about 105 calories; use regular mixers and the average margarita is 250 calories.  Bottom line is that Baja Bob will save you half the calories and countless grams of sugar just by using his luscious mixer.

This Zippy Chick recently tested Bob’s margarita mix and found it to be tasty, refreshing and pleasantly tart.  It utilizes Splenda as its sweetener and the testers (my friend and I) agreed that Bob has created a winning recipe.  While taste testing the beverages, my comrade who sacrificed an evening to assist with the complex task, noted that she was promptly going on line to order a case of Bob’s incredible mixer.  Bob’s prices are oh so reasonable and he ships for a mere pittance; furthermore, he also carries an entire line of sugar free mixers to be used with other liquors.  Just think sugar free daiquiris, martinis and mudslides; Happy Hour will never be the same!!!  Oh yeah, if you sign up to be on Bob’s email list, you get free coupons….I signed up lickety split!  Thanks Bob, I just added your site to my list of faves.

A quick Zippy Chix recap:

Baja Bob’s margarita mix:

  • Sugar Free, Carb Free, Calorie Free
  • Refreshing, Delicious and Pleasantly Tart
  • Reasonably priced; cheap fast shipping!
  • Oh so yummy and virtually guilt free

Stay Light and Breezy Girls…

Love,

The Zippy Chix

Popcorn Throwback

Go old school!  Although microwaves have taken over American kitchens everywhere, pan popped corn may transfix memories of days gone by.  Add a dash of salt and take in the nutty flavor of childhood.  Reminisce of the days when you had to get off the couch in order to adjust the TV antennae and change the channel.  Use vegetable or peanut oil.  We recommend Orville Redenbacher kernels as they tend to pop more enthusiastically than other brands. You can either use an old-fashioned Popcorn Popper or crank up the heat in a heavy pan (be sure to use a lid to minimize the flight risk of airborne morsels).  Be sure to promptly pour the emancipated goods into a separate Popcorn Bowl to keep them from burning.  Rediscover the way this hale and hearty snack tasted before the radiation make-over.  We chix fancy this low-fat American tradition as do our teetering waistlines.

Zippy Chix Recap:

Old School Popcorn:

  • Yummy alternative to a nuked popcorn snack
  • Two simple ingredients = Munching pleasure
  • Fiber rich for your healthy diet    
  • Engaging activity for Tots to Teens

Stay Light and Breezy Girls….

Love,

The Zippy Chix

Step It Up For Health

This Zippy Chick has declared “Walk, Hike, Stroll” as her new mantra.  Current research suggests that squeezing in no less than 10,000 steps will put you well on the path to a zestier life.  For those that live in a city or more urban area you will find that this task is as easy as donning your sneaks and using function as your guiding task.  Walk to the store, the park, the post office, or when going out for a meal and you will find your steps exponentially growing.  For those chix that live in the burbs it takes a little more planning, but is definitely manageable.  Schedule a hike with a friend, stroll while your offspring are at sports and music practices, join a gym, or look into purchasing a treadmill for the ultimate in versatility. 

How to calculate those steps you may be asking?  There are a variety of devices with one to fit everyone’s budget.  The obvious is the pedometer which attaches to your waist band and provides you with a daily count.  The Bodybugg also has a pedometer built into its repertoire as well as the Fitbit which is another new product on the market that will give an accurate count of your daily treks.  This Zippy Chick is completely batty for the Bodybugg, almost to the point of addiction, but all of the above options are excellent to facilitate accounting for those steps. 

Michelle Obama, who is the ultimate multitasking diva, is an extraordinary role model when it comes to not only keeping herself fit but also encouraging the vigor and wellbeing of our nation’s youth.  Let’s follow Michelle Obama’s lead and STRIDE our way to improved health while serving as role models for future generations.

Just a quick Zippy Chix recap:

Walk…Hike…Stroll

  • 10,000 steps will put the zip back in your life
  • Account for those daily steps with a measuring device
  • FUNCTION…incorporate as many steps into your daily routines
  • Take your lead from the First Lady and be a role model for future generations

Stay Light and Breezy Girls…

Love,

The Zippy Chix

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