Parmesan Zucchini Chips

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fat-free milk
• 2 1/2 cups (1/4-inch-thick) slices zucchini (about 2 small)
• Cooking spray

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°.
2. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.
3. Place milk in a shallow bowl.
4. Dip zucchini slices in milk, and dredge in breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place coated slices on an ovenproof wire rack coated with cooking spray; place rack on a baking sheet.
6. Bake at 425° for 30 minutes or until browned and crisp. Serve immediately.

You May Not Want to Eat Pizza Ever Again..

You might not want to eat pizza ever again after reading this post. At least, I don't, that's for sure!

Food Babe has recently posted an investigation into the mysteries of what ingredients make up America's favorite classic dish. No, not the hamburger, the other dish! Pizza!

Vani visited a few different pizza chains such as Mellow  Mushroom, California Pizza Kitchen, and Little Caesars to inquire about the actual ingredients used to make their pizza. What did she find out? Well, nothing. The reason being because they simply refused to tell her anything due to their "policies"! So, what would these companies have to hide from the people? The answer may frighten you. Perhaps, some of them did not even know the ingredients themselves.

So what's the hidden ingredient? None other than the imfamous MSG or monosodium glutamate. You mayhave  not even heard of this chemical before, but allow me to explain: MSG is the salt of the amino acid called Glutamic Acid.

You may ask why must companies feel the need to add this chemical into our foods? For very selfish reasons of course. It tricks your tongue into making you think a certain food is high in protein and thus nutritious. It tricks your brain into thinking you want more and more of the food, thus becoming addicted to it. It's no different than nicotine or caffeine in this controlling aspect. The purpose is to help us discern real food from inedible matter.  It changes your perception of not simply taste but the nutritious qualities of what you put into your mouth.

According to MSGtruth.org, "MSG stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin" to keep you feeling hungrier than ever and to keep coming back for more when your blood sugar drops. They explain that "so many diets these days are concerned about the Glycemic Index of foods and yet none of them address the fact that MSG and free glutamic acid stimulate the pancreas to release insulin when there doesn't even have to be carbohydrates in the food for that insulin to act on.  The food industry has found their own "anti-appetite suppressant"

Another reason why companies like adding MSG to their foods is because it is fairly cheap to do so. It enables the food processor to utilize less and less real food in their ingredients. Think of this as a mirage or an illusion for that matter.  In the end, you get ripped off while the big companies make all of the money. Sound fair? Didn't think so!

Are there any side effects of MSG? Absolutely! MSG has been linked to depression, Alzheimer's disease, obesity, headaches, and more. Yikes!! Okay, sorry to get off  of the subject of the actual pizza!

Here is an infographic with some other ingredients containing MSG:

Now, let's get back to it because there are more yucky ingredients in your average pizza than just MSG. GMO Soybean Oil is also found in pizza, which is usually within the crust and sauce. Cellulose is found within the cheese used on pizzas. Butylated Hydroxytoluene, better known as an ingredient in embalming fluid and jet fuel is found in pepperoni which is highly toxic to your organs. The list goes on, but quite frankly, my toes are curling at the moment!

For the safest bet when eating out at a pizza restaurant, Vani recommends that it is good to stick with a veggie pizza without the cheese since so much MSG is typically found in meats. Even at most places, the sauce and crust are still questionable, though. Ask the restaurant if they use soybean oil or soybean products and if they can leave it out. She also recommends skipping any shake-on ingredients such as the Parmesan Cheese(sigh).

Do not fret, there is hope in sight! You can still have your pizza AND eat it too. You hear that, Justin?

Have you ever thought about home-making your pizza instead? Check out Food Babe's homemade pizza recipe and give it a try! Making your own food at home is the best and sure way to know exactly what you are eating and finally have some peace of mind.

Photo Sources: Zagat & Healthy Holistic Living

Juicing Vs. Smoothies

The other day, I saw a question on a health forum asking, "What is best: juicing or smoothies?" I, myself, enjoy both, but it really had me thinking: what is truly better? Well, they each have their advantages and disadvantages so let's get to it!

Juicing: First of all, you need a machine called a juice extractor to juice a fruit or vegetable. When you juice through this machine, it separates the pulp from the juice and stores the juice in a container with the pulp in another container. Most people throw the pulp away while some use it for composting or even in recipes. Juicing, while great for weight loss, is amazing as a supplement to your daily diet. You can also cleanse your body using a juice fast.

Smoothies: These require a blender, which most people are more familiar with than an extractor. It processes the food into a liquid and pulpy mixture so you actually get both. With smoothies, you can also add in other ingredients such as yogurt or peanut butter. Smoothies are great for weightloss as well because you can replace meals using your favorite smoothie recipe!

Advantages of Juicing
Ability to load up on nutrients at a much higher density.
Immediate absorption of vitamins & minerals
Gentle on the digestive system because no food fragments need to breakdown
Healing properties
Detoxifies the liver
Good for weightloss

Disadvantages of Juicing
Juicing removes the fiber, which you need to feel full!
More expensive by volume.
Produces a lot of "waste" from leftover unused pulp
Is not a meal.

Advantages of Smoothies
Adds volume which helps you to feel fuller longer
High in fiber due to the pulp
Cheaper than juicing.
Improves digestion
Sustains energy
Good for weightloss

Disadvantages of Smoothies
Servings of produce are lower.
Can become a sugar bomb if you aren't careful.

I personally love juicing because I am not keen on getting enough veggies in my daily diet. Also, I love the fact that you can disguise the taste of veggies this way by adding a little fruit in the mix.

There you have it! So, do you prefer to blend or juice?

Here's my favorite recipe!

Kissaluvs Diaper Review

Hi ladies!

Today, I am reviewing Kissaluvs cloth diapers. 

Kissaluvs is a family-owned and -operated company dedicated to creating and providing excellent natural family products. Our diapers are enjoyed throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and other areas far and wide. Started in a dining room with a fitted diaper for baby "Kissa," Kissaluvs products are now produced by professional seamstresses with top-notch equipment, fabrics and supplies.

I had the chance to review 4 diapers from the line on my newborn son and I would love to share them with you!

The first diaper up for review is the Kissaluvs AIO newborn diaper. This was my absolute favorite because it's, well, ALL IN ONE meaning the complete package. All kidding aside, it is super cool because there are no inserts to snap in or stuff in which makes things about a thousand times easier when it is 4am and you are half asleep trying to change your baby. If all of my cloth diapers were like these, I would totally be okay with that!

The second diaper that I had the chance to test from the line was the Kissaluvs one sized all-in-one diaper. This one is just like the above but is one sized-so it fits your baby through its growth periods from newborn to usually about 35lbs+. Pretty cool, right? The pro to this diaper is that you end up saving money since it will fit your baby throughout the time he or she needs cloth diapering. The con, however, is that it is not as nicely fitted as "fitted" diapers such as the one above. It honestly depends on the parents and what you guys are willing to do. I personally love both one sized and fitteds! 

So, the neat thing about Kissaluvs' one sized cloth diapers is that they are all in one as well, such as this one. It features an insert that actually pulls itself out in the wash! So there's no pulling out dirty inserts after the diaper is soiled. I do not know of any other cloth diapers that do that yet! When the diaper is washed and dryed, you simply just tuck the insert back in and you are ready to roll!

The third diaper I had the chance to test was the Kissaluvs Newborn One Step Cloth Diaper. This little diaper is simple as can be. It features one insert and all you gotta do is snap that baby in and the diaper is ready to go! I adored the diaper covers on these because they were colorful and so simple.

The fourth diaper I reviewed was the same diaper as the above, but a different color cover. So adorable!!! You guys have got to check out the different prints available.

I also had the chance to review one of the Kissaluvs antibacterial wetbags. A lot of parents tend to freakout about using cloth diapers while traveling or out and about. Their main concern is: POOPY DIAPERS! And what to do with them?

Here is your answer! Wetbags!

You simply store the soiled diaper inside one of these antimicrobial babies and you wont smell a thing. It also won't leak as it has a waterproof inner liner. You can use it for anything! Even wet swim trunks or swim diapers after a day at the beach.

Overall, I was very impressed with Kissaluvs diapers. With their wide selection of cloth diapering needs, I can certainly see myself living off of these brand cloth diapers alone! Also, the customer service team are so lovely to work with and are very prompt with responding to your needs!

To learn more about Kissaluvs and to view their line, visit their:

Main Site

Facebook

Twitter

Disclosure: I was given Kissaluvs products to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Your Guide to an A-List Body from Head to Toe

Let's face it. Having a body of an A-Lister takes a lot of work and money. Some resort to plastic surgery while some actually put in the time, hard work, and effort needed to build an incredible body from head to toe. No matter how they do it, celebs are just like us. But, there's no reason to sit around and wonder just how they did it because, luckily, their personal trainers have spilled all of their secrets to getting their most coveted body parts!

Here is how you can get the body of an A-Lister, too:

Cameron Diaz's Arms

Who wouldn't want killer arms like Cameron Diaz? Her trainer, Teddy Bass, shares an exclusive look into her personal arm routine

• Reverse Flies 

1. Grasp dumbbells, place feet shoulderwide apart, flex knees and hips to lean forward. Keep back straight. Hold dumbbells below chest and keep arms slightly flexed.
2. Raise arms to sides until elbows are slightly higher than shoulders. Keep upper arms perpendicular to body and elbows pointing up. Return and repeat.

• Triceps Kickbacks 

1. Grasp dumbbell with one hand and stand upright. With back straight bend forward by flexing hip and knees. Hold upper arm close to torso, parallel to floor. Let forearms point down. Stabilize position by putting free hand on knee.
2. Extend arm completely. Keep elbows in position Return and repeat. Continue with opposite side.

• Biceps Curls 

1. Grasp dumbbell with one hand and stand upright. Flex hip and knees to bend over. Keep back straight and put hand of supporting arm on corresponding knee. Hold dumbbell below shoulder.
2. Flex arm to raise dumbbell toward shoulder. Return, keep arm slightly flexed. Repeat. Continue with opposite side.

Jessica Alba's Stomach

With two children under her belt, Jessica Alba still has the world wondering how on Earth she got those abs. Her trainer, Ramona Braganza, is the creator of a program called 3-2-1 Baby Bulge Be Gone that Jessica is supposedly a huge fan of. So what's Jessica's favorite secret move to target her abs? The Twisting Plank! This exercise works your obliques and your transverse abdominus.

Here's how to do it:

1. Starting in plank position, have your hands beneath your shoulders, and arms straight.
2. Lie down on your right side, with your elbow under your shoulder.
3. Your hips should be stacked, so that you can now lift up with your hips.
4. Stretch up with your left arm above your shoulder, reaching toward the sky.
5. Now, bring your left arm down, under your body, performing a twist.
6. Repeat, this time using your right arm and lying on your left side.

Miranda Kerr's Butt

There is no denying that this former Victoria's Secret Angel has a booty to die for! What is her secret? In her own words, Miranda says,  ''The focus, for me, is always on lifting my butt, so I do a lot more exercise around that area, with squats and lunges, leg-lifts and resistance training with ankle weights.''  Here are two more of Miranda's favorite exercises to target her booty:

• Side Leg Lifts: 

1. Lie on your side with your legs stacked and your head resting on your arm.
2. Tighten the muscle in the front of the top thigh and lift that leg into the air.
3. Hold for one count, lower to touch the bottom leg and then lift again. You can also use ankle weights or a resistance band.

• Glute Bridges: 

1. Lie down with back on an exercise mat and arms straight at your sides. 
2. Place feet flat on the floor about a foot away from your buttocks (about as close to your butt as is comfortable). This is the starting position. 
3. Next, begin exercise by squeezing your glutes and raising hips up until your body forms a straight line from your knees to your shoulders. Hold for at least 5 seconds, then lower back down. Repeat as necessary.

Jennifer Aniston's Legs

Have you ever seen Jennifer Aniston's legs look bad in an outfit? Yeah, me either! Her personal trainer, Mandy Ingber, shares her top 3 moves to keeping those legs in tip top shape.

• Sumo squat

1. Stand with both feet wider than hips (like a sumo wrestler would stand), and squat down deep into your heels, keeping your back straight and head up.
2.   Hold for three seconds and return to start position.

• Hip extension

1.  Lie on your back, on the floor. Knees are bent, feet flat on the floor.
2.  Draw navel into spine as you squeeze both butt cheeks and begin lifting off the floor until your butt is completely off the floor.  You’re virtually making a bridge with your body. Keep your shoulders and head on the floor.

• Reverse lunges

1. Stand with feet together and draw your navel into your spine. Make sure you’re standing tall.
2. Step back (lunge) with left foot and lower your hips. Make sure you bend 90 degrees at the knee (knee faces the floor).
3. Make sure your stance is parallel and hold for three seconds. Push the left foot off the floor and return it to the start position before performing the lunge on the other leg. Alternate.

Which celebrity asset part would you like to obtain?