May 2010 Tips and Recipe

Fun in the Sun Month

Before getting into the ezine for this month you may be asking yourself why this month's ezine is early. Or perhaps you are wondering what happened to April's ezine. Well, we've made a change in the schedule for sending the e-zine. Instead of being the end of the month we will be sending it on the first Monday of each month. So we've combined Aprils and Mays ezine into one. Don't worry, you get two recipes (double the fun) with this issue.

Weight Loss Tip

Sun Tanning Burns Calories – Fact or Fiction

With the April showers behind us (at least for the most part), we are all anxious to get into the sun. Everyone loves getting out in the sun and of course with the summer shorts just around the corner, we also want a nice tan. You may have even heard that tanning can burn extra calories. Is this fact or fiction?

Fiction – Sun tanning, like any relaxing activity (watching TV, reading a book, etc.) burns calories. That's just your metabolism at work and not the heat of the sun or tanning bed. There is no extra “boost” to your calorie burn for laying in the summer sun or a tanning bed.

Fact: Tanning, rather it be in a bed or out in the real sun light, can increase your risk of skin cancer. Additionally it can speed up the aging process (more wrinkles faster) and can cause discoloration to the skin.

Before you head outdoors remember to put on some sun block and protect your skin. Try using alternative methods of getting that summer glow to your skin. There are many different sunless tanning products and services available today.

If you are looking for ways to boost your calorie burn, try boosting your metabolism naturally. Drink more water, increase your activity and build lean muscles. These are just a few methods to speed up your metabolism.

Playing Outdoors

If you are looking for some fun in the sun and a way to boost your calorie burn (with out the risks of skin cancer and wrinkled skin), try going out for a game of golf. Depending on your age, gender and weight you can burn over 100 calories by golfing with a cart. Ditch the cart and you burn even more calories.

If golf's not your game try tennis, racket ball, horseshoes or even tossing a Frisbee. Even just going outside to play with the kids (or grand kids) or even the dogs burns extra calories. So get outside and enjoy the May sun – and burn those extra calories.

By the way, even yard work burns those extra calories. May is the perfect month to get your yard and garden going. So grab the rake, mow the lawn, plant those seeds and burn those calories.

Cinco De Mayo Recipes

This month we are celebrating Cinco De Mayo with some Mexican flavor. These are grilled recipes (so more fun in the sun) with the zesty taste of Mexico.

Corn and Pepper Jack Grilled Quesadillas

What You Need:

• 3 large ears corn, husks and silks removed
• 4 low-fat burrito-size flour tortillas
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup mild or medium-hot salsa
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

How to Make It:

1. 1.Prepare charcoal fire or preheat gas grill for covered direct grilling over medium-high heat.
2. 1.Place corn on hot grill rack. Cover grill and cook corn 10 to 15 minutes or until brown in spots, turning frequently. Transfer corn to plate; cool until easy to handle. When cool, with sharp knife, cut kernels from cobs.
3. 1.Place tortillas on work surface. Evenly divide Monterey Jack, salsa, green onions, and corn on half of each tortilla. Fold tortilla over filling to make 4 quesadillas.
4. Place quesadillas on hot grill rack. Cook quesadillas 1 to 2 minutes or until they are browned on both sides, turning over once. Transfer quesadillas to cutting board; cut each into 3 pieces.

Number of Servings: 4

Nutrition Information Per Serving

Calories 330; Fat (g) 11; Fiber (g)7; Protein (g)16; Carbs (g)47;

WW Points 7

Grilled Mexican Asparagus

What You Need:

• 1 pound fresh asparagus
• pinch of cumin, chili powder (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make It:

1. Toss asparagus spears in olive oil to lightly coat.
2. Place asparagus spears in aluminum foil boat.
3. Season with cumin and chili powder.
4. Place on the grill and cook 5 minutes.
5. Turn asparagus and cook another 5 minutes or until done.
6. Remove aluminum foil boat from grill.
7. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on asparagus and close foil. Let sit until cheese is slightly melted.
8. Serve with salsa on the side to add for flavor.

Number of Servings: 4

Nutrition Information Per Serving

Calories 52; Fat (g) 2; Fiber (g)2; Protein (g)10; Carbs (g)4;

WW Points 1

Exercise 4 Weight Loss 2 Achieve Fitness and Health

Best wishes from your diet buddy