Friday, September 18, 2015

How to Eat {and drink} Healthy on Date Night -- Dinner and Drink Tips

Date nights = TEMPTATION for food and drinks for myself and hubs!!  It’s not often that we get to break away from the kids and reconnect, laugh, and have fun together -- just the two of us. We’ve found that there are ways to still enjoy ourselves and eat yummy foods (and sometimes cocktails) that don’t totally KILL our health / fitness goals. Here are a few tips to cut the calories during your next date night along with some of my personal fav date night healthy options!




Skip the Chips & Salsa and Bread


This one is simple--well sorta! haha  It’s easier to skip the chips when you realize that 4oz of chips at a Mexican restaurant = 600 calories, huh?  And, that small breadstick dipped in 2 TBS of olive oil at your fav italian restaurant adds 340 calories to your meal.  Food for thought!




Keep it Grilled with Veggies


It’s ok to say to the waitress, “I hope you don’t mind we may be a little picky with our order...we are trying to keep things light”.  If you let your waitress know ahead of time, they are usually more than happy to help!  Ask for GRILLED instead of FRIED. Most restaurants can prepare any regularly fried food as a grilled option instead.  Go one step further and ask for no butter or oil to keep it extra lean!


Consider swapping French fries for an extra side of veggies (again, no butter!). Or, swap the mashed potatoes for a plain sweet potato or side salad to keep your calories intake down.


TIP:  Most restaurant meals are FULL of sodium...so, ask for no salt if you want to decrease your morning after restaurant bloat! {drinking extra water will help too!}

Season's 52  Lump Crab Wedge with Veggies
Everything at Season's 52 is under 475 calories and is nutritionally balanced and delish!!  
It's a GREAT Date night spot!



Outback Maple Mustard Chicken with 2 sides of Veggies
Next time I'd order the maple mustard sauce on the side :)
Order veggies with no butter or salt.  Add lemon to veggies for flavor.




Split the Meal


Did you know that restaurants typically serve 2-3 times MORE than a suggested serving size?  YIKES.  Sharing a meal will slim your waistline AND save you some money! If you both want to try something different, ask your server to box half your entrée before it even appears at the table.  Less temptation :)


Read Between the Lines


When looking at the menu, consider a few things to keep you meal low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. Any foods that are fried, scalloped, pan-friend, sautéed, buttered, creamed or stuffed are typically higher in fat and calories. Choose the steamed, baked, grilled or roasted options. Pick a meal that includes seafood, chicken or a lean meat and try to avoid fatty meats. Look for items that are marked “healthy” or “smart choice.” If there aren’t any, consider asking  your server about the ingredients in your meal.
Bonefish Sea Bass with Mango Salsa and Green Beans
Ask for no butter or oil on fish and veggies.



Eat the Appetizers -- Only the healthy ones!


A lot of restaurants have a wide range of healthy appetizers, from seafood to vegetables. Consider skipping a full meal all together and order two appetizers instead. This way, you’ll cut back on calories and get to try the tasty appetizers that you’ve previously skipped to maintain your waistline. One of our favs!

Outback Ahi Tuna 
Skip the creamy dipping sauce and ask for a side of ginger soy sauce.



Choose your Salad Entrees Wisely


Most people assume that ordering a salad as a meal is the healthiest choice when eating at a restaurant. Not always the case.  Contrary to belief, salads loaded with meats, cheese, and croutons are loaded with calories--some even contain more fat, calories, and sodium than a full entree. For example, a normal Caesar salad with chicken and fried croutons {yes, croutons are FRIED!} can add up to 560 calories and 36 grams of fat. The trick is to order the salad: {Skip the cheese, croutons, and creamy dressings -- they add calories and fat!  Load your salad with veggies and a light balsamic dressing -- or oil/vinegar.  If you’re going super light...use lemon as your dressing!} Here are some of my favs!!

Bonefish Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad 
{skip the cheese and ask for dressing on the side}
EXTRA Lean:  Use lemon as dressing, and skip the cheese, beans, and corn.  
Ask for extra roasted red peppers, onions, and tomatoes



Bahama Breeze 
Grilled Chicken and Tropical Fruit on Mixed Greens
{skip the cheese and almonds and ask for dressing on the side}
EXTRA Lean:  Use lemon as dressing, and skip the cheese, and almonds.  
BONUS:  Adding fruit to your salad adds flavor and cuts down on the amount of dressing needed!


Outback Sesame Chicken Salad 
EXTRA Lean:  Order dressing on the side OR use lemon.  Skip the almonds and corn. 
Ask for extra roasted red peppers, onions, and tomatoes.




Choose a Healthier Drink


Instead of choosing a thick beer, try a glass of white wine. Studies show that a nightly glass of wine includes antioxidants that protect the heart and lower cholesterol. The average glass of red wine has 120 calories, while white wine has 110 calories. Light beers have approx 100 calories.  Also note that ciders have the most amount of calories. If you’re into mixed drinks, try choosing one a light or diet option to reduce calories. Many mixes and syrups are loaded with sugar and empty calories. Mojitos, tequila sunrise, mint julep and Tom Collins are all healthy-minded drink choices.  Or, cut the mixers altogether and order a vodka with soda water and extra limes {Don’t choose tonic water--it contains hidden calories}

Extra Lean -- Choose water, or sparkling water!





Check out this awesome website that lists different types of restaurants and offers healthy options at each!

Thursday, September 10, 2015

How to Increase your Confidence and Overall Happiness

I know, mamas...after having babies, our bodies result in so many changes!! Our emotions are HIGH on love, yet sometimes flat with confidence. Feeling beautiful is more challenging than ever before. But, with some guidance, self-discipline and understanding, there are many ways to regain your confidence and become a much happier you!! <3



Reclaim your Body

Yessss...things shift after having kids or as we age. {dun dun dunnn} BUT, with a little energy we can reclaim our body confidence. It’s important to accept your new body. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Learn to love your scars and stretch marks. They gave you the most precious gift.  Focus on HEALTH and how to treat your body the way it should be treated instead of seeking physical PERFECTION. Take five minutes each morning to have a good stretch, followed by a 10- to 20-minute walk. The walk not only burns calories, but fresh air is great to combat stress. Don’t think you have to exercise for hours at a time.  I, personally, choose workouts that are only 30min per day like CIZE, 21 Day Fix, or Chalean Extreme...and, that does the trick for me!!  Take a small amount of time each day, and make it a HABIT just like brushing your teeth!  This will get you feeling happier with your body and give you energy during the rest of your day!!  




Take Control of your Diet and Exercise

Aside from regular physical activity, there are many things related to diet and exercise that can help increase your confidence. Drastic dieting is not a good long term solution, so find simple solutions that continue to give you protein and strength. Think smaller portion sizes, water instead of soda, whole foods instead of processed, and salads with light, homemade dressing instead of sandwiches. Also, consider making time for sex with your partner--yes, ladies...that's important too! It’s a free workout and it’s sure to bring happiness to your self-esteem. :D

Take advantage of joining one of my FREE nutrition groups to help you get started on a healthier path!  Add me at FB.com/Linds.Westbrook and ask via message to be added :)  It's completely FREE :)



Focus on the Positives

Instead of focusing on that "flabby tummy" you don't care for, think about your beautiful legs or anything that you LOVE about you. Stay away from negative thoughts and think of the positive in everything--we are our OWN worst critiques...but, we SHOULD be our own biggest fans <3. Avoid individuals who bring you down, and surround yourself with people who love and support you.  {I've found love and support within my coach community.}  These ladies are always there to lift me up! <3  Instead of focusing on the problems in your life, focus on the positive...the things you CAN control, solutions to make good changes, and think about how you can bless someone else's life.  We RISE by lifting others. <3



Change your Image

By simply smiling more often or straightening your posture, you can FEEL more confident and you can light up a room with confidence.  If you don't believe me...try it.  What we believe about ourselves in our minds becomes our REALITY.  If you tell yourself you are confident and you present yourself that way...you immediately FEEL more confident.  Confidence takes practice just like anything else.  Make direct eye contact with people, smile as they talk. This will help them feel more comfortable around you. Experts believe that those who speak clearly feel more self-confident. Make it part of your day to get ready--do your hair, do your makeup {if that's you're into makeup}, dress however you need to to feel GOOD about yourself. This not only makes you happier with your self image, but helps others view you as a successful, confident person-- because THAT is what you are!

What you believe about yourself becomes your REALITY.
For more inspiration, visit me at FB.com/Linds.Westbrook -- I'd love to connect with you!


Make Time For Yourself

Many experts believe that making personal time for yourself can most certainly boost your confidence and happiness. Go to the park alone and read a book. Make a standing appointment for a pedicure--and, have a glass of wine or a sparkling water!!! Even spend 20 minutes when the kids are asleep enjoying a bubble bath. Taking a little time to focus on YOU has all the assets for better confidence.  YOU are a PRIORITY.  Don't forget that!


CONTACT