02 Feb What I Do To Stay Healthy.

No matter how busy I am, these are the five things I do everyday to ensure my health:

1. Wake up and drink 8-10 ounces of water. Why? I’m dehydrated when I wake up and I want to re-hydrate my body. When I’m hydrated my brain functions more efficiently and it also helps to boost my energy.
2. Eat a high protein breakfast. If I have the time I will make a couple of eggs and a piece of toast. When I don’t have time, I might grab a handful of almonds and a piece of fruit or a thinkThin bar.
3. Green tea at 11am. Green tea is very high in antioxidants and has been shown to be powerful in cancer prevention. Also, the caffeine kicks in about 2-3 hours after consumption, meaning this gets me through the afternoon slump.
4. Protein and veggies at 4pm. Every afternoon I have a small plate of hummus, 2 slices of chicken or turkey breast and some chopped veggies. The protein gives my brain and energy a boost. Then, I can exercise after work and I have the energy to do so.
5. Stretch. I used to laugh when I’d read articles about stretching. My philosophy? Why bother taking up my exercise time with something that won’t make my thighs thinner? I’ve since had a change of heart (perhaps it’s that I’m a bit older, wiser and, unfortunately, less flexible).

Bonus tip: Plan on making a fast and healthy dinner. Below is my favorite healthy “go-to” dinner.

Saucy Garlic Chicken:

Ingredients:

• Organic chicken thighs, 5 (5-oz) pieces
• 2 cups of marinara sauce (low or no sugar)
• Onion, chopped, 1 cup
• Garlic, chopped 1/3 cup (I use more, about ½ cup, I love garlic!)
• ¾ cup of pitted kalamata olives, halved
• ¼ cup of chopped flat leaf (fresh) parsley
• 2-3 oz of crumbled Feta cheese

Directions:

In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbs of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until soft. Remove onion/garlic mixture from the pan and set aside. Season chicken with sea salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook about 5 minutes each side.

Add the onion and garlic mixture on top of the chicken, stir and let cook for 5 minutes. Add the marinara sauce and olives; reduce heat to low and cook until chicken is fully cooked. Sprinkle with parsley and cheese.

Spoon chicken and sauce over brown rice or high fiber pasta.

Makes great leftovers!