Best Teas to Drink for Weight Loss

For centuries, tea has boasted a reputation for promoting good health and happiness. Recently, however, experts claim the delicious beverage has even more to bring to the table. In fact, research shows that something as simple as sipping tea can actually help you shed pounds. That’s right—you can actually use weight loss tea to help you in your weight loss journey. Certain teas prove themselves to be easy, natural weight loss remedies, all while delivering a bunch of additional health benefits. Thanks to unique antioxidants called flavonoids, the nutritious beverage can have powerful metabolism-boosting and fat-burning potential. In addition, these properties can also protect your body against free radicals, lowering your risk of cancer and heart disease down the road.

Well, what are you waiting for? It’s time to dust off your teapots, and start sipping your way towards a slimmer you!

1. Oolong Tea

Popular in the far East, this odd-sounding tea has attracted lots of attention recently for its powerful slimming properties. Oolong tea contains catechins, a property that promote’s the body’s ability to metabolize and lipids. Meanwhile, the fat-burning beverage revs up the metabolism, while encouraging the excretion of fatty food.

2. Green Tea

This miracle in a cup has health professionals raving. Green tea contains powerful antioxidants which boost immunity, while its potent properties promote good cholesterol, steady blood sugar levels, and prevent the formation of plaque. Meanwhile, the tea’s catechins boost metabolism and fat burning activity, so you can wave sayonara to those pesky, unwanted pounds!

There are a handful of reasons to sip green tea on the reg besides for weight loss purposes. Check out these  Why Green Tea is a Superfood. 

3. Hibiscus Tea

Besides tasting delicious and brimming with antioxidants, Hibiscus tea contains a powerful enzyme which, according to experts, can help block carbohydrate absorption. Meanwhile, a warm cup of Hibscus tea also contains natural diuretic properties, meaning it can help flush out excess water and prevent frustrating bloating. In turn, this can boost energy levels and motivation.

Shake things up by enjoying this delectable beverage iced! Perfect for hot summer days, this Cool Down Hibiscus Tea tastes just as refreshing as it is nutritious.

4.Tumeric Tea

Your liver plays a critical role when it comes to weight loss, as the organ is essential for fat burning. Damage to the liver can do a number on its fat burning abilities, however. Luckily, turmeric works to detoxify the liver and protect the organ from cell damage caused by pollutants and free radicals. A well-functioning liver can also prevent the build up of bad cholesterol.

Kick your overall health up a few notches with this Immune Boosting Tumeric Tea  

5. Chamomile Tea

Thanks to its ultra-soothing qualities, chamomile boasts a reputation for helping you get a great night’s sleep. A mug of warm chamomile tea before meals will activate the production of gastric juices, which can help with weight loss. Meanwhile, chamomile contains minerals that promote a clean and healthy intestinal tract, and can rid the body of harmful toxins. It also acts as an appetite suppressant, meaning you can wave goodbye to those pesky cravings!

Make Chamomile Tea part of your daily regime, and prepare to reap its many benefits!

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Flour-less Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

When I was growing up, my aunt had a gluten intolerance (before it was trendy.) At that time, producing quality baked goods without flour was nearly impossible.

As a result, I saw years of brave gluten-free cakes, muffins, pie crusts, and quick breads meet their crumbly demise. One year, my aunt’s attempt at a gluten-free carrot cake caved in on itself so badly it resembled a top hat. The top layer rising out of the deflated “brim” the bottom had crumbled into, we nicknamed it “the hat cake.”

Much to my aunt’s chagrin, that name lives on to this day.

Fortunately, gluten-free baking has improved dramatically in recent years. Today, people choose to avoid gluten for a variety of reasons, and there are tons of options for those looking to cut it from their baking.

While many have discovered and perfected the use of gluten-free flour, this blueberry oatmeal muffin recipe takes an even easier approach: cutting flour altogether.

Flour may seem like a non-negotiable staple, but flourless baking is completely possible, and completely delicious. These flourless blueberry oatmeal muffins prove you don’t need white flour for good baking. Whether you’re paleo, gluten-free, or just health-conscious, cutting flour is a great way to lighten up your favorite treats.

Regular enriched flour, the fluffy white stuff you’ve been scooping into your baked goods for years, will just give you a blood sugar spike with almost no nutritional value to show for it. Fortunately, there are plenty of substitutes that make cutting flour easy.

In this recipe, the trick to picture-perfect muffins without the flour is letting the oats and almond milk soak overnight. This process will help you get the texture you want without the flour you don’t.

Meanwhile, these Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins also have a few more tricks up their sleeve. Coconut oil instead of butter helps cut fat and calories from this breakfast baked good. These clean treats also use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness that won’t send you spiraling from a sugar crash. Lemon zest, cinnamon, and, of course, blueberries, help round out the the clean and delicious flavor.

Muffins may not seem like the most health-conscious way to start the day, but with a few substitutions, these blueberry oatmeal muffins are a morning treat you can feel good about. Made with clean ingredients, these muffins will fill you up and fuel your day, not send you crashing mid-morning. Oh, and they also won’t crumble to pieces and earn an embarrassing nickname.

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Flour-less Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

Yields: 1 dozen muffins | Serving Size: 1 muffin | Calories: 122 | Total Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 108mg | Carbohydrates: 19g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Protein: 3g | SmartPoints: 5

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 3/4 cup fresh blueberries

Directions

1. Combine the oats and almond milk in a large mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with muffin pan liners.
3. Gently stir all ingredients, except the blueberries, into the soaked oats mixture. Spoon into the prepared muffin pan, filling about 3/4 full, and place about 1 tablespoon of the blueberries on top.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until tops are golden. Serve warm.

4.4.2.1

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Copyright 2012 Skinny Ms. ® All rights reserved.

For another flourless alternative to a breakfast classic, try our Flourless Banana Pancakes. 

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15 High-Protein Vegan Recipes

You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy vegan meals. Plant-based meals are high in fiber, and they can be high in protein, too. Legumes, such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, and soy are packed with protein. Even some grains, such as quinoa, are a good source of protein, so there are plenty of ways for you to get your protein. These 15 high-protein vegan recipes will fill you up and give you the energy you need to get through your day. Plus, they taste so good that even carnivores will love them!

1. Asian Vegetable Lettuce Wrap with Peanut Sauce

Take a few of these lettuce wraps to work for an easy and healthy lunch. You can make a few servings of the filling and sauce on Sunday, and fill wraps all week long.

2. Chunky Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

Peanut butter is a great source of protein, and this classic peanut butter and banana sandwich makes the perfect protein-packed breakfast or lunch.

3. Quinoa Lentil Burger

Quinoa and lentils are high in fiber as well as in protein, so this burger will fill you up for hours.

4. Quinoa Stuffed Squash

Acorn squash is a hearty vegetable that will warm you up during cold months. Stuff it with quinoa, vegetables, and spices to make it a complete meal.

5. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili

That’s right–pumpkin is delicious in chili. It also adds a hefty helping of vitamin A and fiber.

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Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Crepes

When it comes to breakfast, stuffed crepes are just about the epitome of decadence. However, with the right substitutions, these elegant breakfast treats are actually fairly light! For these strawberry cream cheese stuffed crepes, we’ve used fat-free cream cheese and a tablespoon of honey for the filling. And of course, you can’t beat the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. This recipe uses clean ingredients for a breakfast indulgence that’s actually as light as the delicate crepes themselves.

If you’re more of a flapjacks-on-the-griddle kind of girl who shies away from more complex recipes, don’t let the hype scare you! These crepes are actually super easy to make! Crepes may have a reputation for being pancakes’ elite city cousins, but this “fancy” brunch treat is actually a cinch to whip up. It only takes five simple ingredients and two minutes in the pan to get the paper-thin crepes of your dreams. Meanwhile, this recipe is not only simple, but also healthier than your average breakfast treat. Made with whole-wheat flour and coconut oil, this recipe yields crepes that are light and healthy, inside and out!

Seemingly decadent, these strawberry cream cheese stuffed crepes will wow at brunch. Perfect for a holiday breakfast or Sunday brunch, these light and tasty treats are an indulgence you can feel good about. Serve them up along with some of our other brunch favorites for a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

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Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Crepes

Yields: 4 servings | Serving Size: 1 filled crepe | Calories: 283 | Total Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 314mg | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Protein: 13g | SmartPoints: 11

Ingredients

• For the Crepes:
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• For the Filling:
• 1/2 cup fat-free cream cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey

Directions

1. For the Crepes:
2. Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Batter should be very thin.
3. Heat a skillet (or a griddle) on medium high heat. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter on to the hot pan and use a ladle to swirl the crepe in to a thin circle. Cook for about 1 minutes and the quickly and carefully flip to cook the second side. Cook for another minute and remove from the pan. Repeat with remaining batter.
   For the Filling:
4. Combine all the ingredients and mix until well blended.
5. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons in a line down the middle of a cooked crepe. Roll the crepe into a burrito shape and serve. Enjoy!

4.4.2.1

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5 Ways To Cut Back on Sugar

When cleaning up your diet, one the most important actions you can take is to cut back on sugar. On its own, our body is able to convert carbohydrates into sugar for energy, so consuming sugar is not necessary. However, tons of snacks that we buy and dishes that we consume (especially desserts) contain added sugars. These added sugars don’t supplement our body’s energy source, but, instead, it works against it by slowing us down by stacking on empty calories, contributing to various diseases, and putting our hearts at risk. If you are genetically predisposed to a heart disease or anything similar, it’s even more of a reason to clean out the extra sugars. However, if you are just looking for a healthier lifestyle, this is one of the first changes you should make and here’s how!

1. Check the sugar count on everything.

This may seem like an obvious tip, but it definitely is worth adopting. Make it a habit to check the nutritional label on any and every item that your purchase. Some foods might contain more sugar than you even realize. These hidden sugars can be found in your yogurt, snacks, cereals, and much more. Set an acceptable limit for yourself and make sure nothing you buy exceeds that limit.

2. Swap out processed for natural. 

A lot of added sugars are found in processed foods. Processed foods encompass pretty much everything that we purchase out of convenience such as frozen foods, snacks, and much more. If you can opt for a healthier, more natural alternative, you will be doing yourself a huge favor! Instead of reaching for cookies or crackers, try reaching for an apple or grapes. Fruit may  have sugars, but these sugars come along with many vitamins and other nutrients. If you are feeling really invested, here are some recipes for clean but sweet snacks that are worth making.

3. Find alternative sweeteners. 

This tip is slightly harder to incorporate into your daily diet, because it calls for some bigger changes in taste and recipes. When cooking, try to use alternatives to sugar when a recipe calls for sweetener. You can try a simple option such as honey or you can try something a little fancier such as coconut sugar or agave nectar. Try to slowly ease yourself into using these alternatives and getting accustomed to the taste. It may be hard, but is definitely worth it!

4. Don’t go “diet”. 

Don’t EVER go for the foods that say “diet” on the packages. These foods are notorious for cutting down on calories by adding more sugars. You need to find the best balance for your body when it comes to counting calories and sugar, but adding sugar into your body will physically slow you down as opposed to a good amount of calories, which will give you energy!

5. Cut back slow and steady. 

Like any extreme diet change, nothing should be put into full effect immediately. The human body does not react well to any drastic change that might throw it off balance, so ease yourself into this new lifestyle. You’ll be able to stick with this change for longer, if you take it on slow and steady.

 

If you’re looking for a great way to clean up your diet and give your body an added energy boost cutting back on sugar is the way to go! Let us know how it works for you in the comments down below.

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Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes

I have to admit, as far as the chocolate vs. vanilla debate goes, I almost always trend vanilla.

Yeah, yeah, there are all sorts of hilarious connotations there about me being boring and basic, in the kitchen and in certain other rooms I won’t mention.

That said, I am by no means a chocolate hater (if such a thing even exists.) At the end of the day, I’m a sweet tooth first. And while I may love vanilla, I am not immune to occasional chocolate cravings.

When those cravings hit, nothing hits the spot quite like a chocolate cupcake. Between moist chocolate cake and rich creamy frosting, cupcakes feature chocolate in two of its best forms.

However, like so many of us, I also happen to be a health and figure-consicous sweet tooth. Fortunately, chocolate is one of the easier sweets to enjoy on the lighter side. As you’ve probably heard, chocolate (especially of the dark variety) is naturally rich in antioxidants, which makes this treat a relatively healthy option to turn to when it comes to satisfying cravings.

Moreover, when it comes to baking, chocolate is a great ally to have on your ingredients list. Not only does cocoa powder help reduce the amount of flour you need, but chocolate’s naturally rich flavor means you don’t have to rely as heavily on sugar and other sweeteners.

Finally, people have been enjoying chocolate for a long time, meaning it’s paleo friendly…at least in some of its forms. Milk chocolate truffles your coworker brought to the office? Not paleo. But unsweetened cocoa powder is a guilt-free ticket to paleo chocolate cupcakes.

Like many paleo recipes, these paleo chocolate cupcakes rely on a number of substitutions for typical baking ingredients. But don’t worry, I promise they will come out just as rich and chocolatey as the old-school version.

For this recipe, we’ve used almond flour for a great, grain-free flour substitute. This recipe also uses coconut oil and unsweetened applesauce to substitute for traditional liquid fats like butter. If you’ve never used applesauce in your baking before, this may sound a little weird, but don’t worry. This ingredient, especially when unsweetened, is for texture and consistency purposes only, it won’t affect the taste.

It will, however, provide a slight hint of natural sweetness, which we’ll enhance with coconut sugar. In place of the milk that cupcake recipes usually call for, this recipe suggests strong coffee, which, as any mocha lovers know, makes for a fantastic flavor combination. However, if you haven’t caught the java bug, feel free to just sub in some almond milk instead.

Finally, this recipe uses a rich and creamy three-ingredient frosting. To keep things paleo, I recommend Enjoy Life Semisweet Chocolate Chips.  They’re your best source for non-GMO, vegan and paleo-friendly chocolate. Along with the chocolate, this frosting gets its rich and creamy texture from coconut milk. I recommend Native Forest for a simple, organic canned option.

Whether you’re paleo part-time, full-time, or just generally health conscious, these paleo chocolate cupcakes are a perfect go-to when you’re craving some quality chocolate indulgence.

And if you have more paleo chocolate cravings to satisfy, you’ll love these Paleo Fudge Brownies.

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Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes

1 dozen

1 cupcake

Yields: 1 dozen | Serving Size: 1 cupcake | Calories: 333 | Total Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 109mg | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 25g | Protein: 4g | SmartPoints: 17

Ingredients

• For the Cupcakes:
• 3/4 cocoa powder
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 4 egg whites
• 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee (or 1/4 cup almond milk)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• For the Frosting:
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extra (or substitute any flavor such as orange, vanilla, or raspberry!)

Directions

1. For the Cupcakes:
2. Preheat your oven to 350 and line a muffin pan with paper liners or spray with non stick spray. Set aside.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted coconut oil, honey, applesauce, coconut sugar, eggs, coffee, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet and stir just until combined. If batter is too runny, add additional almond flour as needed. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin liners, about 3/4 full.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean. There should be a few crumbs stuck to the tooth pick.
6. Let cool for 5 minutes and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Let set for about 2 hours or until completely cool.
   For the Frosting:
7. Add all ingredients to a small sauce pan, heat to low, and stir until chocolate chips are melted. Allow to cool before spreading over cupcakes. Store frosted cupcakes in an air tight container in the refrigerator.

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Decadent Chocolate Recipes With 5 Ingredients or Fewer

Chocolate–the universal treat people have craved and indulged in for centuries. Unfortunately, when it comes to healthy eating, chocolate typically doesn’t top your grocery list. Conventional chocolate bars and desserts rely greatly on heavy ingredients like butter, oils, and lots and lots of sugar.

But chocolate itself, without all the extra calorific baggage, actually boasts a great deal of antioxidants and heart-healthy flavonoids your body appreciates. The tasty treat doesn’t have to sabotage your healthy eating habits or weight loss progress. By merging chocolate with clean, nutrient-rich ingredients, you can whip up some scrumptious, show-stopping recipes that your waistline will actually appreciate. Here at SkinnyMs., we’ve rounded up 6 chocolate recipes that use 5 ingredients or fewer. Moreover, these decadent desserts ditch the refined sugars, unhealthy cooking oils, and processed ingredients. Instead, we incorporate simple, lighter alternatives you can actually pronounce. In fact, some of these recipes call for ingredients so clean, you’ll actually feel proud of yourself for indulging!

These super simple desserts require very little prep and cleanup, and are guaranteed to impress a crowd. Well, what are you waiting for? Get your chocolate fix and feel good about it, too!

1. Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter and Banana Pops

A perfect party treat, these lollipop-shaped desserts display a mouthwatering ensemble of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana like you’ve never seen before. The tasty, hand-held treats wont wreak havoc on your waistline, thanks to their 100% clean and wholesome ingredients your body will thank you for.

2. Dark chocolate Nut Clusters

You don’t have to swear off dessert when watching your weight or trying to eat healthier. Indulging in cravings every once in a while keeps you sane and on track to achieving your goals! When it comes to getting your chocolate fix, these decadent clusters certainly deliver. Rich in vitamin E, copper, manganese, and a ton of antioxidants, these creamy and crunchy treats taste heavenly and come with health benefits.

3. Chocolate Covered Strawberries

This elegant, 3-ingredient dessert decorates strawberries until they appear almost too pretty to eat! Besides their lovely presentation, these juicy treats call for 3 clean superfoods: dark chocolate, strawberries, and coconut oil. With healthy alternatives taking the stage instead of butter and sugar used in conventional recipes, this recipe slashes a bunch of calories and fat and puts a healthy twist on the dessert classic.

4. Chocolate Truffles

These tasty truffles are a guaranteed hit at parties and family gatherings. Not to mention, your friends would never know these chewy delights actually boast an impressive nutritional profile!

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Nacho Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Okay, so sweet potatoes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think Mexican food.

However, like most good things, nachos and sweet potatoes really are better together. And these Nacho Stuffed Sweet Potatoes will prove it to you.

I’ve always loved sweet potatoes. When I was a child, sweet potatoes found fame in my household as the only orange food I would eat. (I firmly rejected all carrots and butternut squash.) Today, I love them for being a versatile ingredient that works well in side dishes, appetizers, and even desserts.

Moreover, they happen to be a super healthy alternative to your standard white potatoes. Sweet potatoes are lower in carbs and calories than regular ones. Meanwhile, they also pack tons of vitamins A and C. These health benefits make sweet potatoes a natural potato substitute for any health conscious cook.

However, while I love sweet potatoes, I don’t always think they pull off a flawless swap in all recipes. In my most recent debate on the merits of sweet potatoes vs white potatoes (what, you don’t have those with your friends?), I argued that if you tell me we’re having potatoes, I’ll expect white potatoes. I won’t be disappointed if they’re sweet potatoes, of course. But I may feel a little deceived.

My brother happens to feel the same way. But to a much greater extreme. In fact, he contends that sweet potatoes “are not even potatoes.” Even when I’ve slipped them into dishes as quietly as possible, I can’t fool him for a second.

Imagine my amazement, then, when I made these Nacho Stuffed Sweet Potatoes for our last football party, and he did not say a thing. He just chowed down. I can’t imagine he didn’t know they were sweet potatoes. But I think the flavor combo was just so natural he couldn’t take issue.

So, if you can’t take it from me, take it from him. Sweet potatoes are not just for your Thanksgiving spread. Sure, they’re amazing all on their own, baked, roasted, in pies and casseroles, etc. But they also happen to be a really unique and delicious flavor to add to your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.

Additionally, Mexican dishes happen to be super easy to lighten up. With all the bold flavors and spices, ingredient substitutions and reductions are almost impossible to detect.

Using a lighter, leaner ground meat is the natural first step to lightening up a Mexican-inspired dish. For this nacho stuffing, I recommend using ground turkey. If you’ve never used turkey as a beef substitute before, allow me to gush for a moment. It is the best thing you can do for your cooking. It is less greasy, less fatty, tastes just as good (better, I think) and doesn’t leave you feeling full and bloated. Especially for ground beef, turkey is an almost undetectable substitute because of all the flavors and spices.

So if you take nothing else away from this recipe, please, start swapping out beef for turkey. You’ll thank me, I promise.

But really, sweet potatoes make a surprisingly great and healthy addition to Mexican-inspired flavors. If you’re still skeptical, just give these Nacho Stuffed Sweet Potatoes a try. You’ll probably thank me for that too.

Print

Nacho Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Yields: 4 servings | Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato | Calories: 320 | Total Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 366mg | Carbohydrates: 25g | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Protein: 28g | SmartPoints: 9

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, divided
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup low fat shredded pepper Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Scrub potatoes, wipe dry and place on a baking sheet. Bake 45-55 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop the flesh out of the potatoes and place in a medium-sized bowl. Reserve the skins. With the back of a fork, mash the potato innardsuntil most lumps are gone. Stir in the olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the cumin, Divide the mashed sweet potato evenly between the potato skins. Place on a baking sheet.
4. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking up into small chunks as it cooks. Once cooked through, stir in the garlic, chili powder, remaining cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes.
5. Change the oven temperature to broil. Spoon the turkey mixture into each sweet potato skin on top of the mashed potato fill. Top each with shredded cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Remove from the oven and sprinkle cilantro on top. Serve and enjoy!

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10-Minute Tabata Workout for Arms & Abs

Tabata workouts have become incredibly popular among trainers in recent years because they’re both short and effective. Nowadays, no one has hours to spend at the gym, so a training style that delivers all the health benefits in a fraction of the time is key for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s quick, simple, and effective! This 10-Minute Tabata Workout for Arms & Abs is great for burning fat and building strength. We’ve chosen five of our favorite moves, which you’ll perform 2 times each for 40 seconds.

Grab a mat and get working! Let us know how it went in the comments!

What You’ll Need: a gym timer (free apps are available for download), and a mat or towel to lay on the floor.

What to Do: Perform each move for 40 seconds, resting 20 seconds in between moves. Complete 2 rounds with no break in between.

Below, we’ve included videos showing how to perform each move. Using proper form helps prevent injuries and ensures you’re getting the most out of your workout.

Exercises:
1. Mountain Climbers
2. Reverse Crunches
3. Up & Down Plank
4. Bicycle Crunch
5. Plank Hip Twist

Mountain Climbers

Reverse Crunches

Up & Down Plank

Bicycle Crunch

Plank Hip Twist

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5 Recipes Where You Can Trade Carbs for Veggies

Unhealthy carbs can sink your most dedicated weight loss goals. Instead, replace them with foods low in calories and high in nutrients so you can rock your jeans, bikini, or whatever else makes you feel fab!

If you’re on a journey to lose weight and keep it off, reducing unhealthy carbs will be a big part of your new, improved lifestyle. Bad carbs include refined foods, such as white breads, white rice, white pasta, artificial syrups, many baked goods, processed snacks, and more.

When manufacturers make these refined-carb foods, they strip them of their most valuable nutrients, including fiber. In addition, bad carbs spike blood sugar levels before dropping them hard, resulting in cravings for unhealthy foods. Dig into these 5 recipes where you can trade carbs for veggies!

1. Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed potatoes are high on the go-to comfort food list for many women. However, that traditional recipe is high in carbs and calories. This healthy swap delivers the same creaminess with a dose of superfood benefits and far fewer calories—this version offers just 49 calories per serving.

2. Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Red Pepper Sauce

Trade refined pasta for nutrient-rich zucchini noodles, which are made with a spiral slicer or a julienne peeler. Zucchini on its own has just 33 calories in each serving and also offers fiber, folate, potassium, and more.

3. Baked Parmesan Butternut Chips

Treat yourself to a happy-body snack when you trade carbs for veggies with this recipe. Instead of loading your body with the fat and calories of regular chips, make yourself these tasty veggie butternut squash chips.

4. Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

Taco night just got a whole lot healthier! Ditch the flour tortillas and enjoy tacos in a crispy lettuce shell instead. This simple recipe is a busy night winner that you can feel great about serving.

5. Skinny Bell Pepper Pizza Boats

Say “goodbye” to typical pizza crust carbs and replace them with this antioxidant-filled alternative. This recipe includes lean turkey, mozzarella cheese, and yummy pizza spices spooned into bell peppers. Furthermore, this trade-carbs-for-veggies recipe is versatile—add your family’s favorite toppings, from sun-dried tomatoes to banana peppers to baby spinach.

 

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Get back to basics with our SkinnyMs. 3-Step Weight Loss Program. It shares no-nonsense advice on healthy, clean eating, and fitness so you can reach and maintain your ideal weight.

 

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Baked Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

Thought oatmeal was just something you pour out of a package and microwave? Think again! This Baked Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal is the breakfast upgrade you’ve been waiting for. For one thing, this recipe is taking oatmeal from the microwave to the oven. For another even better upgrade, this recipe uses clean ingredients to start your day off right!

Sweetened with coconut sugar, this baked breakfast packs just enough natural sweetness without undoing your whole day. This recipe also uses coconut oil and almond milk to cut fat and calories. Flavored with vanilla, banana, and peanut butter, this breakfast packs powerful flavor and rich texture. Meanwhile, the oats and peanut butter keep you full and fueled without feeling heavy. Part breakfast, part baked good, this Baked Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal wows in flavor and presentation.

A huge step up from your “just add water” days of breakfast past, this is oatmeal you can slice like cake. And while we recommend it for a super-healthy breakfast, we wouldn’t be surprised if you turn to it for a guilt-free dessert, too. Whether it reminds you of your favorite childhood lunch box staple or you’ve only recently discovered the protein-packed goldmine that is peanut butter and banana, this breakfast brings out the best of the flavor combo. Whip it up for a warm weekend breakfast, or make ahead for on-the-go meals all week long. So forget the microwave, this Baked Peanut Banana Oatmeal is your new breakfast go-to.

Print

Baked Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

Yields: 8 servings | Serving Size: 1 square | Calories: 295 | Total Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 76mg | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Protein: 9g | SmartPoints: 11

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups oats
• 1/3 cup coconut sugar
• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup no-sugar added peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 medium banana, sliced
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees and spray an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. Mix all ingredients, except banana, until well combined and spread in an even layer in the prepared baking pan. Layer the sliced bananas on top. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

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For another easy peanut-butter breakfast on the go, you may also like our 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars. 

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