Stay in Those Skinny Jeans This Christmas: 6 Healthy Holiday Snacks to Savor

At Body SymmetryMD we know the next few days are about to be some of the most challenging of the entire year, with those upcoming holiday gatherings and especially all that tempting, calorie-laden food...

So while you're busy wrapping last-minute presents or putting the final touches on your festive decor, here are 6 healthy holiday snack ideas from our wellness squad to help you maintain the same pant size throughout your entire week of fun festivities:

1. Slice, slice, baby.
Sliced veggies are a classic yet crunchy bite to eat when you're feeling a bit famished. Plus, they're a hassle-free way to get in your daily recommendation of vitamins and other nutrients. Spruce up your favorite veggies (we prefer sliced bell peppers, cauliflower chunks and celery sticks) with a small serving of low-fat Greek yogurt like Fage 2% and you've got a delish dish without all the added fat or processed carbs!

1. Happy trails to you...
Instead of baking cookies this year, how about fixin' up a nutritious homemade trail mix instead? Our favorite combo is comprised of organic, air-popped kernel corn, gluten-free cereal like Rice Chex, oven-roasted pecans and dried cranberries. Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and Stevia to sweeten your concoction just a bit more and wa-lah... a nutrient-rich holiday trail mix even your kids will love!

3. Enjoy the "big apple" without stepping foot in an airport.
They're not just known for keeping the doctor away... they're known for being chock full of fiber to satiate you much longer in between meals. Yes, we're talkin' bout good, ol' fashioned apples (Fuji apples are our fave). For added protein and extra flavor, slice up your fruit and serve with a big tablespoon of peanut butter (JIF Natural with Honey is our newest greatest discovery).

4. Whip it. Whip it good.
Ever tried the frozen version of light whipped topping as an alternative? If not, then head to the freezer aisle of your local grocery store immediately. Serve up one heaping scoop of the white stuff and top with fresh diced fruit and chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for a cool treat that's amazing with every single bite!

5. Things that make you go humm-us.
What's jam-packed with protein as well as fiber and comes with crispy crunch? Whole wheat pita chips with hummus served inside of bell peppers as bowls! Not only is this small meal low in calories, using red and green peppers adds some festive flare to fare in a snap!

6. H-2-Ohhhhhh!
Chugging down water doesn't have to be boring. You can actually jazz it up without adding in extra calories. How? By infusing your clear-colored beverage with fresh fruit. Our wellness squad loves sliced cucumbers in seltzer water or for an even sweeter treat, sliced strawberries in your favorite flavor of La Croix fizzy water!

So there you have it. 6 quick, easy snacks you can make and enjoy without the guilt (with 100% of the flavorful fun). 

For more great nutrition tips or to find out about our Body SymmetryMD weight loss programs & services CLICK HERE.

Here's to staying in those skinny jeans throughout the end of the year!
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad

O' Christmas Treats: Body SymmetryMD 's Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you think eating healthfully during the holidays is impossible, have we got good news for you...

Here's a yummy and nutritious Christmas favorite from our Body SymmetryMD wellness squad that even Santa will love!

Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies 

Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups almond  meal
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon organic vanilla  extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 eggs

Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Grab a cookie sheet and some parchment paper or aluminum foil.

2. Combine 3 and 1/4 cups of almond flour with a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of baking soda.

3. In a large bowl combine 2 eggs, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1/2 cup of honey.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then add 1 and 1/2 cups chocolate chips.

5. Spoon mixture in to small balls, place them onto parchment paper/foil-covered cookie sheet and pop them into the oven (this recipe makes about 24 cookies, and we usually prepare 2 rounds of 12).

6. Bake cookies for about 8-10 minutes (the tops will start to turn golden brown). 

7. Place a few cookies on a plate. Leave the plate next to a glass of almond (or rice) milk for Santa and enjoy the rest of your delicious, low-calories treats!

Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving: 1 cookie (approx. 26 g)
Calories: 132
Protein: 2.7g
Sugar: 7.9g


For more great nutrition tips or information about our medical weight loss programs at Body SymmetryMD click here.

Here's to a happy & healthy holiday!
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad

Body SymmetryMD 's Patriotic Paleo Parfaits

Celebrate Independence Day with a red, white & blue treat from our Body SymmetryMD wellness squad! For a light and healthy breakfast or dessert, layer fresh strawberries, blueberries & raspberries in these tantalizing Triple Berry Coconut Chia Pudding Parfaits:

Triple Berry Coconut Chia Pudding Parfaits

Ingredients
- 1 (13.5 oz) can of light coconut milk
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 cups raspberries

Directions
1. In a small bowl stir together the coconut milk, honey, vanilla and chia seeds. Set aside in the refrigerator for at least a half hour (you can do this the night before if you'd like).

2. Divide the strawberries among eight glasses or bowls. Top with a couple of tablespoons of the chia pudding.

3. Divide the blueberries among the same eight glasses or bowls. Do this with the remaining coconut chia pudding as well.

4. Top each with several raspberries, dividing equally.

5. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve (makes 8 servings).

Nutritional Info
Calories per serving: 100
Total fat: 3.7g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugars: 7.9g
Dietary fiber: 4.4g
Protein: 1.4g

Wanna look great in that bikini for the Memorial Day? CLICK HERE to learn how you can lose 1-3 inches with just one session of Acoustic Lipo Sculpting at Body SymmetryMD! 

Have a happy & healthy 4th of July! 
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad

That's How We Roll: Body SymmetryMD 's Paleo SpicyTuna Rolls

Who does't love sushi?! This traditional Japanese delight is something that people on the Paleo diet haven't been able to enjoy... until now! 

Our Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad has the perfect recipe for those of us not able to indulge in our favorite sushi roll because of the rice that typically accompanies it. We've substituted cauliflower "rice" to make a delicious, Paleo-friendly recipe for Spicy Tuna Rolls:

Paleo Spicy Tuna Rolls 

Ingredients for the "rice"
- 1 large head cauliflower 144
- Non-stick spray (olive oil flavor)
- salt, to taste

Ingredients for the sushi
- 4 ounces sashimi grade tuna 122
- 2 tablespoons Greek Yogurt 
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- Salt, to taste
- 1 small cucumber 47
- 1/2 avocado 161
- 2 sheets nori
- Pickled ginger
- Wasabi
- Liquid Aminos (you can find this at many grocery stores near the soy sauce)

Directions for the "rice"
1. Preheat oven to 425°
2. Chop cauliflower into pieces small enough to fit into your food processor. Pulse for 2 seconds at a time until the cauliflower resembles rice.
3. Spread onto a aluminum foil lined baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
4. Toast in oven for 30 minutes, stirring about twice for even cooking.

Directions for the sushi

1. Mince the tuna and mix with yogurt, sriracha and salt, to taste.
2. Thinly slice cucumber into long strips.
3. Slice avocado into slices.
4. Place a piece of nori onto your mat or towel and cover with the "rice" leaving a 1 inch gap at the end farthest from you.
5. Layer your toppings onto the end closest to you.
6. Using the mat or towel start to roll the sushi away from you.
7. Once rolled slice into 6 or 8 pieces and serve with liquid aminos, pickled ginger, and wasabi.



Nutritional Info
Serves 2
Calories Per Serving: 257
Total Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 25g*
Sugar: 9.7g
Protein: 21g
Fiber: 11.5g

*Cauliflower is rich in fiber, which is a type of carbohydrate. Of the 15 grams of carbs present in 1 serving of this sushi recipe, 6 of those grams of carbs are from fiber. This is good news when it comes to maintaining a healthy body weight and controlling your blood cholesterol levels.

For more healthy living tips & and recipes CLICK HERE.

Here's to loving yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle! 
-- Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad

That's (Coco) Nuts! 5 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Adopting a healthier lifestyle can be a bit of a challenge when it comes to learning about the most nutritious types of foods out there as well as understanding why we should avoid other kinds of edibles.

With that said... one thing many of us may not already know too much about is coconut oil. 

We know about coconuts as a tropical fruit (and a great adult beverage flavor) and we know about oils such as olive, peanut and canola. But what's all this hype about coconuts & oil rolled into one product?

Here are 5 great benefits of coconut oil our Body SymmetryMD wellness squad thinks are definitely worth knowing about (so be sure to add it to your grocery list right away):

1. It can minimize your mid-section.
Recent research shows subjects who were asked to consume fewer calories, walk daily and eat/cook with just 2 tablespoons of coconut oil a day not only lost weight, they reported a decrease in their waist circumference (belly fat). Those who were observed to have less belly fat also found that their cholesterol levels somewhat improved during this study. Combined with other weight loss techniques (like lowering your carb intake and increasing your protein consumption), results like these could sure add up to some significant inch loss around your mid-section, don't ya think?!

2. It can curb those nagging hunger pangs.

A recent study discovered that subjects who took in small amounts of medium & long chain triglycerides (like what's in coconut oil) consumed up to 256 fewer calories during the day... and those who had their share of fatty acids during breakfast actually ate significantly less at lunchtime. These studies were only conducted over a short period of time, but if this effect were to persist long-term it could definitely make a huge impact on waistlines over time worldwide.

3. It can be great for diabetics.
Anyone who has diabetes will attest to the fact that it's tough to know which foods you can and can't have, based on which ones will do a real number on your insulin levels. Coconut oil, however is NOT one of those foods. Not only can it help control blood sugar levels, this MCT (medium chain triglyceride)-rich ingredient can also improve the body's secretion of insulin and aid in more efficient utilization of blood glucose. Wanna see how our Body SymmetryMD wellness squad cooks with coconut oil? Click here NOW!

4. It can help you burn more calories.
Sure oils can sometimes carry the reputation of being fattening and/or bad for your health, but coconut oil doesn't quite have that stigma. Why? Because using the white stuff (in moderate amounts, of course) can boost your body's metabolic rate by alleviating stress on the pancreas, thereby burning more calories...and resulting in better weight loss results. Who knew something so tasty could also help shrink your waistline?!

5. It's hCG -friendly.
If you're currently on prescription hCG program, you may find it difficult to stay within your allotted amount of calories for the day while eating food that actually tastes like better than cardboard. Well good news-- using coconut oil is approved for hCG weight loss programs (especially if you're following Dr. Simeons's protocol). Cooking your chicken or shrimp in a dash of coconut oil will not only help keep your protein nice & juicy, it will add a tropical twist of fun to your fare. Try cooking with it for dinner tonight... We think you'll love it!

Want more information about prescription hCG weight loss or our other slimming solutions at Body SymmetryMD ? CLICK HERE to visit our web site now.

Here's to a healthier lifestyle that's so tasty, it's practically (coco) nuts!
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad


References:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
http://www.pinterest.com/BodySymmetryMD/
http://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/
http://authoritynutrition.com/coconut-oil-and-weight-loss/

Sticky It To Me: Body SymmetryMD 's Sticky Sweet & Spicy Paleo Chicken

Put a twist of the Far East on your chicken dinner tonight with this great new stick-to-your-ribs recipe from our Body SymmetryMD wellness squad. 

It's high in protein, low in carbs, Paleo -friendly and most of all, big on flavor!

Sticky Sweet & Spicy Paleo Chicken

Ingredients
-1 large head of cauliflower (for the coating) 
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 lb. chicken tenders
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup hot sauce 
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
Cauliflower Crumbs:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 
2. Rice the florets of the cauliflower, using a grater or in food processor.
3. Spread out on a non-stick baking sheet (do not apply thick, because the cauliflower needs plenty of room to breathe).
4. Bake for approximately 1 hour, turning about every ten minutes so the tiny bits don't burn. The cauliflower should just lightly brown and dry out considerably.

Chicken:
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the cauliflower crumbs, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper into a bowl and stir it together. Place the eggs in another bowl with a splash of water and whisk them.
3. Dip the chicken tenders, one at a time, into the flour then into the egg then into the flour again. 
4. Lay the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the chicken for 25 minutes, or until it is crispy and beginning to golden brown.
5. While the chicken is baking prepare the sauce. In a small frying pan over high heat bring the honey, hot sauce and garlic powder to a boil then set it aside.
6. When the chicken has finished baking remove it from the oven and turn the oven to broil. Dip each of the chicken tenders in the sauce then lay them back on the baking sheet. Save the extra sauce.
7. Put the chicken back in the oven for 5 minutes for the glaze to caramelize slightly.
8. Baste the chicken with any extra sauce one they come out of the oven. Serve immediately and enjoy eating Paleo -friendly (makes 4 servings)!

Nutritional Info
Calories per serving: 242
Protein: 29g
Total fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Sugar: 17g
Dietary Fiber: 4.25g

For more great healthy recipes and weight loss tips CLICK HERE

 Here's to "sticky"ing to your diet!
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad

St. Patty’s Day Paleo Pepper Shamrocks with Avocado Dip

It's St. Patrick's Day ... and instead of loading up on calorie-laden beverages & treats (like green beer or fizzy lime sherbet desserts), our Body SymmetryMD wellness squad is going green with this healthful alternative instead. Try this paleo -friendly shamrock snack today!

St. Patty's Day Paleo Pepper Shamrocks with Avocado Dip

Ingredients
- 1 green bell pepper
- ½ an avocado
- ½ tsp lime juice
- salt and pepper

Instructions
1. Wash your bell pepper well, then dry. Slice about ¼-1/2 inch off of the bottom of the pepper.
2. Continue making ¼ inch slices of the pepper. You will get anywhere from 3 to 8 shamrocks depending on the shape and size of the pepper.
3. Use remaining scraps of pepper to slice inch long pieces of "stem" for your shamrocks.
4. Remove avocado from its peel and place in a bowl. Mash with the lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a small dipping bowl.
5. Arrange shamrocks and dip on a plate. This can be served at room temperature or cold. Makes 2 servings.

Nutritional Info 
Calories per serving: 92 
Protein: 3g
Total Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 7g

To learn more about trimming that tummy effectively and keeping the weight off for good CLICK HERE to visit our web site now. 

Here's to sending some LUCK your way on St. Patrick's Day! 
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad