Flax Chick

Love to Walk...Hate to Run!

2009-11-03T13:28:00.003-05:00

I wish I was effortlessly thin! I had dropped over 80 pounds after I had the twins, and had managed to keep it all off for awhile. Recently I have been enjoying too many "little" indulgences. A piece of one of my kids cookies, a taste or two of their mac and cheese...and why bother to toss out 3 left over french fries. Well it has added up and FlaxChick has to put on her SmartSoles, stop having a munchkin or two as a reward for just being fabulous and account more for her calories again. I have to keep reminding myself that a mani/pedi is a treat and a package of dark chocolate m&m's are not always the answer to the problem.

In honor of all my friends who ran the marathon while I watched it on my couch, I say "High 5". And here's to me taking off the "here's 10" that have accumulated around my middle. The code fit10 gives a 10% off on any item on the SmartThingz site!

Flax Chick Simply Fabulous Margarita

2009-06-29T20:00:00.011-04:00

I LOVE margaritas with salt! I did not realize that ordering one in a restaurant was making a HUGE calorie commitment. An 8 oz. frozen margarita in one of those fun restaurant goblets can clock in at over 500 calories and 50 grams of carbs, and I usually have more than one...ouch!

After a few slightly tipsy practice runs, I have made my own perfect low cal, high octane margarita. There are only 2 Weight Watchers Points per drink, and it's simple to make!

FlaxChick Simply Fabulous Margarita

2 oz Patron Silver Tequila
2 fresh limes
2 packets of Splenda®
4-6 ice cubes

Shake it or stir it...either way works!

Delicious, fabulous and you will still fit into your skinny jeans!

Flax Chick "Skinny" Pizza

2009-06-29T08:31:00.011-04:00

This pizza is yummy, easy to make and shockingly low in fat, low in calories and high in soluble fiber & insoluble fiber. Enjoy with a glass of chilled chardonnay!

Fresh Tomato, Grilled Chicken & Flax Pizza
Makes: 4 BIG Slices

Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
1 tablespoon cornmeal
3 tablespoons FitFlax
1 10-ounce package refrigerated pizza dough
3 medium plum tomatoes
4 ounces thinly sliced grilled chicken
3 tablespoons snipped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

Directions:
1. Coat a 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray and sprinkle with cornmeal.
2. Press refrigerated dough into pan, building up edges.
3. Arrange tomato slices and chicken on dough.
4. Add basil and pepper.
5. Top with mozzarella.
6. Sprinkle the entire pie with FitFlax
7. Bake in a 425-degree F. oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.

Nutrition facts per serving (1/4 of pizza): 295 calories.

This recipe is one of my all time favorite FitFlax Weight Watchers® Recipes. There are 5 Weight Watchers points per each delicious slice of pizza!

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T20:19:00.013-04:00

Today was a sad day. Michael Jackson died at 50. I will never forget the Motown Special where Michael moon-walked across the stage. I have posted the picture of how I personally choose to remember him. I raise a single sequined glove up, and say R.I.P. Michael, you will be missed.

R.I.P. Farrah Fawcett

2009-06-25T13:25:00.006-04:00

As a little girl, I watched Charlie's Angels and thought Farrah was the most beautiful woman in the world. I watched her special recently and was amazed at her inner beauty and strength as well.

Farrah lost her battle with anal cancer today at 62. My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family.

6 FREE 100 Calorie Muffin Tops!

2009-06-23T08:16:00.012-04:00

Vitalicious muffins are so delicious and they are loaded with vitamins, protein and fiber. This yummy muffin was just talked about on Good Morning America. They had a lab analyze both the chocolate muffin and an apple and they showed that this muffin had more minerals, nutrients and fiber than an apple. I love apples, but most of the time, if I had the choice between a peanut butter chocolate muffin and an apple...the apple is going to get kicked to the curb.

Vitalicious is running a sale till the end of the month offering 6 FREE VitaTops with purchase. Flax Chick's personal faves are the Fudgy Peanut Butter Chip VitaTops, the Multi Bran VitaTops, Golden Corn VitaMuffin and the Dark Chocolate Pomegranate VitaBrownies.

I also love that all the muffins, brownies and tops are only one point treat and make a great Weight Watchers Dessert or Weight Watchers Snack.

Yummy Low Carb Desserts

2009-06-22T10:08:00.018-04:00

Even if I have eaten to the point of exhaustion, I always want something sweet after dinner. Most of the time I opt for fresh fruit with flax seeds sprinkled on top, but sometimes you need something ooey-gooey good. Before I share my yummy peanut butter and flax cookie recipe, I have to confess...I am crazy about peanut butter! I used to eat Jif Super Chunk out of the container by the spoonful. Fortunately, I have stopped doing that and now limit myself to one cookie.

Yummy Peanut Butter Cookies

(Weight Watchers Recipe with Flax-2 points)

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons FitFlax™
1 cup chunky peanut butter

1/2 cup coarsely chopped peanuts
1 cup granular Splenda®
1 teaspoon. Baking soda
1 large egg

Directions:

Set aside 1/4 cup of peanuts. Mix all other ingredients together and place small balls on greased cookie sheets. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup peanuts on top of all cookies. Delicious and healthy. Bake at 350º for 10 minutes.

Makes 14 big cookies that each have Weight Watchers POINTS® value 2

These cookies also make great low carb snacks!

George Clooney's Pig Died

2009-06-20T09:11:00.009-04:00

George Clooney's life mate Max, a 300 pound potbellied piggy, died on Friday. Supposedly George let his pig sleep in bed with him (insert your own joke here!). George and Max have been together for 18 years and George had won custody of Max in his breakup from ex-girlfriend Kelly Preston, who later went on to marry John Travolta.

Flax Chick has a thing for both pigs and George Clooney so I could not resist posting this pic. In a tribute to Max, I will post my favorite healthy roasted flax and pork recipe.

FitFlax Rubbed Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients:

1 pork tenderloin

4 tbsp FitFlax

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp coriander

1 tsp oregano leaves

1 tsp brown sugar

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp pepper

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

In a small bowl mix olive oil with seasoning and FitFlax. Pat dry meat with paper towel. Rub mixture evenly over pork. Grill with closed lid 20-25 minutes until thickest part reaches 155 F or 70 Celsius. Turn occasionally. Remove from grill and let sit for 5 minutes, then slice.

This makes 4 Large servings of 280 calories each.

Bye Bye Pizza Hut...Hello The Hut!

2009-06-19T13:38:00.010-04:00

Pizza Hut has announced that they are slowly re-branding themselves as The Hut. Say it's not so! They are also looking at introducing a pizza with a multi-grain crust and natural tomato sauce.

I am happy about the multi-grain crust, as I love my pizza night, and why not have some extra dietary fiber along with the grease! I despise the new logo! I like the old logo; it looks much friendlier. The new logo looks antiseptic and almost mean.

Pizza Hut, oh excuse me, The Hut presently makes a Fit'n Delicious Pizza that is not bad. The chicken, red onion and green pepper choice is only 180 calories. I wish I could stop at one slice though. I find that the appropriate serving size of pizza is 2 slices... one is way too little and 3 is too much.

Hillary Clinton Fractures Elbow in Fall

2009-06-18T11:50:00.005-04:00

Okay the picture is from the sixties, but I could not resist. She always loved sensible shoes!

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton fractured her right elbow during a fall on Wednesday. Clinton was treated at The George Washington University Hospital, just a few blocks from State Department headquarters, and she will undergo surgery to repair her elbow this week.

I would like to suggest to Hillary to eat flax hull lignans as they are not only the richest source of cancer-fighting plant lignans, but also have a positive effect on bone mineral density and protect against calcium loss and muscle damage.

Flax Chick has 1 scoop of flax hull lignans every morning and with running after 2 small kids, running to catch the subway to work and in general being a klutz, I have not broken or fractured any of my bones!

Interesting side note, Clinton had been scheduled to join actress Angelina Jolie this morning at a Washington event marking World Refugee Day. That event has been removed from Clinton's public schedule.

National Lobster Day!

2009-06-15T08:26:00.009-04:00

June 15th is National Lobster Day. Or if you hail from Maine, I should say today is National Lobstah Day!

However you say it, not only is lobster delicious, it is also low in calories and fat, and LOADED with protein. A 6 oz portion of lobster meat has only 160 calories. The calorie and fat issue happens when you start dunking it in melted butter. A much better choice is to dip your lobster in cocktail sauce.

Lobster is more than just a a great source of lean protein. Lobster also contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with good heart health.

I was not even aware of the holiday and had a 2 1/2 pound lobster at Peter Luger's in Great Neck this past weekend. So good. It is a fair amount of work however and you can tell from my shirt (Flax Chick will not do the bib thing!) that I thoroughly enjoyed my lobster!

So treat yourself today, have some lobster...it does a heart good!

Flax Chick tries out for a Reality Show!

2009-06-13T09:38:00.014-04:00

On a dreary rainy Tuesday, I went with my friend Rosalie and my brother for a casting for a reality TV show on women inventor's for TLC. The show is being produced by Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. I presented the SmartSole Exercise Insole. The casting staff as well as a lot of the phenomenal women (and the man in a dress!) in the room loved our product. I made it to the second round, and I will find out in a few months if SmartSole Exercise Insole will be featured on this show.

I talked with a number of smart women that had some interesting products and ideas. One product that I thought was great was an easy to apply temporary tattoo for kids that you could write your number on in case they get lost. You can also write if they have any kind of food allergy too. The product is called SafetyTat and they are beyond cute and my little 2 year old daughters now sport them whenever we go out.

I did not get the opportunity to talk to Kelly Ripa or Mark Conseulos, but let me just say one (okay maybe more than one) thing. WOW! They are both gorgeous! She is in phenomenal shape and looks very toned!

National Donut Day

2009-06-05T13:46:00.013-04:00

Mmmmmmmm Donuts!

So who knew that June 5th was National Donut Day? I know I didn't! In honor of this day Krispy Kreme is giving away one free donut per person all day without any purchase required. Ask for an original glazed as there are only 200 calories. Not a great choice in general, but I loved walking in and getting something totally for free.

I just put on my SmartSole Exercise Insoles and took a brisk walk over and claimed my freebie!

Eat Lignans and Be Healthier and Thinner!

2009-06-03T11:18:00.009-04:00

A new study from Canada shows that women with an increased intake of lignans, have lower BMIs and total body fat mass. Lignans are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in many plants, the most common being flaxseed and sesame seeds. This study tracked 115 women and their lignan intake using a 3-day dietary record and blood tests revealed those women with the highest lignan levels had the least body fat and a better metabolic profile.

Lignans are also a great source of dietary fiber, and protect/reduce risk of many types of cancer. In addition a diet rich in lignans has shown to reduce hair loss and improve skin texture.

My favorite source of lignans is FlaxVibrance which is a combination of SmartLignans™ and Milled Chia . There are only 20 calories in a scoop and you are getting a HUGE amount of Lignans. SmartLignans™ are extracted from the flax seed hull and each 5 gram serving of SmartLignans™ has more lignans than close to 70 grams of ground whole flax!

I drink a glass of juice with one scoop of FlaxVibrance mid afternoon and it gives me a boost, and gets me through my mid afternoon trip to the snack machine. It has a nice taste and my hair is definitely thicker!

Just the Tops!

2009-05-27T08:41:00.000-04:00

Varicose Veins & Spider Veins

2009-05-23T09:17:00.007-04:00

I never had varicose or spider veins until I was pregnant. Let me rephrase that, I never noticed if I had them until I was about midway through my pregnancy and my legs were beginning to swell up like sausages and hurt. As I am vain and love to poke around on any topic relating to how I can improve my health, looks and general fabulousness, I did some research on both spider veins and their more horrible relative, varicose veins.

So What are Spider and Varicose Veins?

Spider Veins are basically capillaries. Spider veins are tiny blood vessels no more than 2 mm in diameter that may appear on the face, legs and ankles. They are bluish, purple or red and often form a web-like netting just below the skin’s surface. Spider veins are generally just an unattractive nuisance, although when they become large they can cause heaviness in the legs, night cramps and itching.

Varicose Veins are veins near the surface of the skin on the legs which have become permanently distended and filled with blood. Veins have valves that are designed to prevent blood from flowing backwards due to gravity. When a valve malfunctions or vein walls weaken, blood collects in the vein, forcing it to bulge. Varicose veins are unsightly, bluish or purple in color and can protrude from the leg. They may cause discomfort such as swelling, throbbing, heaviness, night cramps and long-term complications such as ulcerations or bleeding.

So What Causes Them?

For both varicose and spider veins, heredity is the main cause (of course, great!) The risk of developing these leg vein problems increases for women who are pregnant or using birth control pills because hormones such as estrogen can further weaken vein walls. Obesity and lack of exercise which weaken the system of leg veins are also factors. The risk of developing varicose veins increases with age for both men and women.

The "second heart" is a system of muscles, veins and valves in the calf and foot that work together as a pump to keep blood moving toward the heart against gravity. This system, though strong and capable of carrying tremendous weight and pressure, has a weak link: the venous (vein) system. Like the heart in our chest, the second heart keeps healthy through regular exercise.

How can I help prevent them?

Almost 80 million women and men in this country alone experience leg vein problems, including half of the women over the age of 40. Once spider and varicose veins develop, however, there is no way for the body to cure them. Fortunately, there are simple ways to prevent these problems from spreading and alleviate symptoms (phew!). The sum of these preventive measures is referred to by doctors as the conservative approach. Wearing support stockings with compression and orthotics are the most common type of conservative treatment. Regular exercise promotes healthy circulation within the second heart and also slows the development of new varicose and spider veins. Diet, lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, and other natural alternatives can also compliment the conservative approach. There are other things you can do to promote good leg vein health, including:

- Eat a high fiber diet to prevent constipation (FitFlax is great source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber).

- Don’t wear extremely tight clothing.

- Move more! SmartSoles are a great insole that increases circulation and tones muscles and have proven to aid in preventing additional spider and varicose veins.

- Explore natural alternatives, such as massage and dietary supplements (vitamins C&E may help relieve swelling and other symptoms of poor circulation).

- Avoid crossing your legs.

Following these measures is the best defense against the spread or development of these vein problems. If you are at risk for developing either spider or varicose veins, start these conservative and preventive measures soon.

I found that also getting your partner to massage your legs and feet helps too...or at least it feels good!

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Flax and Chia Seeds

2009-05-15T11:50:00.015-04:00

Happy National Chocolate Chip Day!

(in honor of this day, you can use the code fit10 to get 10% off on FitFlax )

May 15th is National Chocolate Chip Day, and it would be a crime against humanity not to have some form of chocolate chip something today. After much trial and error & maybe a little too much chip sampling, I have a delicious recipe for healthy and delicious chocolate chip cookies with FitFlax. Golden Roasted FitFlax contains both flax and chia seeds and give these yummy chocolate chip cookies and nice nutty flavor.

This recipe makes 28 LARGE cookies that are 200 calories each. These cookies freeze well.

Ingredients:
2 cups chocolate chips
1/4 cup FitFlax
1 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

Directions:
1. Mix shortening and sugars.
2. Add vanilla and eggs.
3. Combine flour, baking soda, choc. chips & FitFlax.
4. Add to creamed mixture.
5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes.

Enjoy! Tastes great with a nice cold glass (2% is my personal choice).

Dietary Fiber: Soluble Fiber vs. Insoluble Fiber

2009-05-11T06:33:00.026-04:00

Yeah, yeah fiber is good you. That I know, and I always try to have about 30 grams of dietary fiber per day, but I never quite got how much of it should be soluble fiber vs. insoluble fiber. I also was unclear as to which is more important for losing weight, what foods are good sources, which dietary fiber is more filling...my question were endless. I then did some research!

Here is what I learned:

There are at least a dozen different compounds that fall under the general heading of dietary fiber, including gums, pectins, lignans, beta-glucans, cellulose, etc. Nutritionists tend to categorize different types of fiber as either soluble or insoluble fiber, depending on whether or not the fibers will dissolve in water (soluble) or not (insoluble). The two have very different functions in the body.

Soluble fiber helps slow down digestion (which keeps you from getting hungry as quickly after a meal) and helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. A diet high in soluble fiber can help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and will help you lose weight. Good sources of soluble fiber include flaxseeds, chia seeds, oranges, apples, carrots, oats and oat bran, psyllium husk, nuts and legumes.

Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, is the type that helps prevent constipation, colon cancer and other digestive diseases. Good sources of insoluble fiber include flax seeds, wheat bran, corn bran, nuts and seeds, dark leafy vegetables, fruit and vegetable skins (for example, apple and potato skins).

The USDA doesn't make a specific recommendations for how much of your fiber intake should be soluble or insoluble. The average American diet contains 75% to 25% insoluble fiber vs. soluble fiber. When making a food choice decision, don't worry about choosing a specific type of fiber. Many foods such as FitFlax, oat, oat brans and psyllium husks are rich in both insoluble and soluble fiber. I think your best strategy is to eat a wide variety of fiber-rich nutrient dense foods to satisfy your total daily requirements, thereby getting the best of both worlds.

A great fiber rich (both soluble and insoluble fiber) breakfast is a cup of oatmeal with 2 tablespoons of FitFlax mixed in and a cup of delicious fresh strawberries. Filling, yummy and a great start to a healthy day!

Kirstie "Butter" Alley

2009-05-09T09:18:00.007-04:00

You got to be kidding me! Kirstie Alley went on Oprah and said that even though she is about 228 pounds, she will be hawking a diet program soon. She went on to further say that a lot of her weight gain was due to consuming vast quantities of butter! Her goal is to be ripped and in a bikini by November. I wish her well, but I have a hard time believing that. I also have a hard time believing that as she has been consuming vats of butter and pasta, she has "discovered" the secret to being skinny again.

C'mon there is no secret! Eat less, move more, burn more calories, and you will lose weight. You are not going to lose weight doing "research" for the magic bullet while still inhaling cookies. I happen to find Kirstie Alley funny, but I think she is delusional! You truly need to walk the walk and talk the talk..and all she is doing is eating the butter and fried Chinese food. I am so curious as to what her diet program is going to be. I know I am a cynic, but having tried most diets, I find it dubious that Butter Chick has developed a truly unique program.

I think everyone needs to find a eating style that work with their lifestyle and never let themselves be deprived. I am always thinking of food. I love my breakfast of rich nutty FitFlax with Greek yogurt and would be miserable if I could not have my Girl Scout cookies or my Cadbury eggs in human amounts!

Don't give me drugstore candy!

2009-05-08T12:48:00.014-04:00

Okay, my husband thinks I have to have an opinion on everything, and he may have a point. For example, I never order straight from a menu. I use the menu as a guideline or a jumping off point. For example, if there is a grilled chicken salad that contains olives, I will ask if I can have extra roasted pepper or avocado instead of the olives. I want my dressing on the side (usually not the dressing they have specified for the salad), and I will take anchovies too if there is no cost. If I am having a chicken or meat dish I will ask for the veggies or potatoes to be on a separate plate so that the different food groups don't touch. I think that gives you a little idea.

So for Mother's Day, I clearly have an opinion as to what is a "good" gift. I do not want my husband running to the drugstore and picking up perfume or a box of chocolates (such a waste of calories...please if I am going to have chocolates I want Godiva truffles!). I don't need a gift. I also don't want him to feel the need to run out and just get me something.

So what is a "good" Mother's Day gift in my book? I would love to have a great glass of champagne (I love Veuve Clicquot!) and take a long bubble bath with my tired toesies in a pair of SmartToes. These cute rubbery gel devices refresh and relax your feet and give you a great "ahhhhh" moment. I want to have an hour of just me in a great big tub of fabulous smelling bubbly water, my SmartToes, a glass (or three) of champagne and some chill music.

Oh yeah, a heartfelt card and a few compliments about what a great mother and how do I manage to do it all while looking so young and fit would be great too!

Cheers and Happy Mother's Day to all of us mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and grandmas!

New Study Shows White Tea Helps Fight Fat!

2009-05-04T08:38:00.009-04:00

I have been reading quite a bit lately about how a cup of white tea or two helps the body to break down fat. Green tea is so yesterday! A study funded by a German health food company suggests Chinese white tea fights obesity by reducing fat cells.

Nutritionist Marc Winnefeld said the white tea extract induced a decrease in the expression of genes associated with the growth of new fat cells and prompted existing adipocytes to break down the fat they contain.

White tea is made from the buds and first leaves of the plants that make green and black tea White tea is named for the white downy fur that covers the unopened bud of the tea leaf. During manufacturing, the buds are lightly steamed instead of being rolled and fermented. This process is a little more costly than that of most garden variety green and black teas.

I find that I also like the taste of white tea as it is quite mellow! My new go to breakfast is a cup of organic white tea (needs no sweetener) cup Greek yogurt and my beloved FitFlax!

Mucho Mango Mojito

2009-05-01T09:11:00.014-04:00

This is my signature cocktail! It is strong, yummy and there is no sugar or simple syrup added. Enjoy one or two and don't operate heavy equipment, use knives or drive after!

In a cocktail shaker mix:

4 fresh mint leaves, slightly mashed
juice of ½ fresh lime
1 ½ oz. of light rum
1 ½ oz. of fresh mango puree
2 ½ oz. club soda
3 ice cubes

For best results, peel and dice a fresh mango and puree in blender.

Give a few shakes, and serve!

This cocktail has under 200 calories and packs a punch!

Ben & Jerry Cookie Dough Ice Cream

2009-04-29T08:55:00.011-04:00

Yesterday was a stressful day for me, and I did not have my normal breakfast. My favorite breakfast is Greek yogurt (sooo thick!) and FitFlax. It is filling, tasty, and it gives me a good start to my day. Well after not having breakfast, I then ran a million errands, showed up like a fool to an appointment on the wrong day and then argued you with a few people...not very fulfilling. I also let myself get way too hungry and felt bad for myself. Self pity is so not attractive! Okay, cutting to the chase, there was a full container of Ben & Jerry's chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream in my freezer which now is no longer there...and I don't feel any better! A scoop of Ben & Jerry's ice cream is a great treat...inhaling a pint is not the best decision.

This brings me to Flax Chick's 7 Golden Rules of how to avoid run ins with ice cream pints, packages of cookies and jars of frosting:

Always have an enjoyable breakfast.
Never go hungry.
Don't let yourself feel deprived.
Have healthy snacks (an ounce of almonds, protein bar, apple, etc) on you at all times.
Don't go more than 4 hours without eating (goes back to rule 2).
Have a portion controlled treat every day (goes back to rule 3).
Take a second to tell yourself that you are fabulous and incredible every day. Positive affirmation truly works!

Healthy Pad Thai with FitFlax

2009-04-27T09:13:00.011-04:00

Just for the record this dish is not extremely low calorie. It is way way less calories and fat than what you would get at a restaurant. In my humble opinion it also tastes better. My Healthy Pad Thai with FitFlax is yummy, healthy and filled with great ingredients. It is also a nice sized portion. No minuscule 3 bites and it's over kinda dish!

Work Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

8 oz rice-flour noodles
4 oz firm tofu, cubed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg + 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/2 lb ground chicken
4 cups bean sprouts
4 medium scallions
2 Tbsp chopped roasted, unsalted peanuts
1 cup cilantro leaves
1/2 cup FitFlax
1/4 cup reduced-sodium fish sauce
3 Tbsp brown sugar
2 1/2 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 Tbsp)
1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
1/2 tsp ground red pepper
1 Tbsp sesame oil

Directions:

1. Soak noodles. Set aside.

2. Whisk together fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, vinegar, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the oil in small bowl. Set aside.

3. Heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil in wok or large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When oil is hot but not smoking, add tofu and cook, turning once, until light brown, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add eggs. When just set, stir and gently push to side of pan.

4. Add chicken to pan and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add sprouts and stir gently until all ingredients are barely combined. Stir in drained noodles, scallions, and fish sauce mixture and simmer just until liquid thickens slightly, 5 to 10 minutes.

5. Serve garnished with the FitFlax, peanuts and cilantro.

There are about 490 calories per each LARGE serving.

Maude!

2009-04-26T07:37:00.003-04:00

I always loved Bea Arthur. She died at 86 yesterday. I was not a Golden Girls fan...way too much pastel clothing and give me a break on the cheesecake chats! But, I did love her from her acerbic wit in Maude and and All in The Family. She also did a great cameo as Larry's mother in Curb Your Enthusiasm. Yeah, I love my TV. My new guilty pleasure is The Cougar, but that is another whole conversation! R.I.P. Bea Arthur, you will be missed!

Pop-Tarts, French Fries and Pizza!

2009-04-20T06:29:00.016-04:00

When I was pregnant with twins, I literally ran up and down the aisles of the supermarket throwing anything I desired in my cart. I went through a few week period that I must have eaten 1/2 a box of chocolate covered Oreos every day (I am not proud!).

I did have two nice sized healthy babies, but was left with 80 plus pounds of extra me that I worked very hard to lose. I love now, when I find a new good food that is delicious and healthy.

Last night, I had seared Ahi tuna which I covered with FitFlax and a little pepper. No need to add salt as FitFlax already has a little salt in it . I dipped it in a little mustard and had it with a big salad. So good, filling and healthy! I live near Chinatown in New York City, and you can buy fresh fish there at great prices. I am definitely going to add this to my menu rotations.

If you use the code fit10 at FitFlax you can get 10% off.

be fit. live healthy. look fabulous!

Flax Chick & Howard Stern!

2009-04-15T09:32:00.015-04:00

Flax Chick is the very first person to post on Howard Stern's wall on Facebook! Woohoo! I always find him interesting, relevant and honest. In honor of him and his honesty about watching what his eats, his "doodies" and his exercise regimen, I am posting a 1o% off special code on FitFlax. The code is fb10

FitFlax is a golden roasted flax and chia blend that tastes nutty, yummy and delicious...and is low carb, low cal and keeps you regular. My new go to breakfast is 2 tablespoons of FitFlax and a 6 ounce container of 2% Total Yogurt with a Splenda. Filling, tasty and keeps me away from those damn Cadbury eggs!

So, Howard, today's post is in honor of you for always keeping it real! Flax Chick will have a little extra spring in her step all day, knowing she was the first to write baba-booey on your wall!

All you need is a little hope in a jar!

2009-04-15T02:27:00.022-04:00

I am all about taking great care of your skin and wearing as little makeup as possible. I think it is far better to spend more time putting on lotions, potions and of course sunblock then to shovel on foundation!

I love this daily moisturizer as my skin just drinks it in and it makes my face look all glowy and smooooth! It has a unique soufflé texture and is loaded with antioxidants. I fell in love with this item before Oprah picked it as one of her yearly favorites.

Hope in a jar is made by a company called Philosophy that has a few products that I go nuts over. This anti-aging cream was originally created for the medical market to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, skin discoloration, rough texture and dehydration.

Hope in a jar is not cheap, but not overly pricey either. I always buy it on sale at Amazon.

I am now going to see if Page Total Yogurt 2% will taste like frozen yogurt if I freeze it. I am going to have that with FitFlax and strawberries for breakfast!

SmartToes for Happy Feet! 15% off coupon!

2009-04-13T08:30:00.017-04:00

I usually run around in a pair of sneakers or my much beloved Frye Boots, but this past weekend I had to get dressed up for a few functions and shoved my hoofs into 3 inch too tight pumps. Ouch! I would have so preferred comfort, but when you have on a LBD (little black dress), sneakies just don't quite convey the proper fashion statement!

Well, I got home and put my toesies in my SmartToes and all I can say is ahhh! SmartToes are a toe separation device similar in design to the foam toe separators that are used when you get a pedi. Instead of using foam for construction, SmartToes are made of a soft squishy medical grade gel and have and extended acupressure base that feels wonderful when you press down on it with your sore feet.

I had previously tried Yoga toes, and they hurt my feet. The gel was too hard and I found them impossible to get on. They also don't have an extended base so you can't walk in them.

SmartToes can be worn while relaxing and putting your feet up at the end of the day...or you can even walk around the house with them on. The separation of the toes is extremely healthy for the feet and relieves the pain in the balls of the feet and in the toes that is caused by wearing cramped shoes. They also help with circulation and make your feet look better as they stretch out your toes so they are better alligned.

One of my favorite things to do is to make sure the kids are sleeping, then pour myself a glass of Riesling (or a vodka a grapefruit juice with a splash of Rose's lime juice) and put on my SmartToes, through my legs up on the couch and catch on some TV on my DVR. I hope my husband and I are not the only ones that love the sitcom "Better of Ted". I would hate for it to be cancelled. Portia De Rossi is fabulous in it.

I have a 15% off coupon for SmartToes. Use CHICK15 for 15% off. This coupon expires 04/30/2009.

Nutty FitFlax Chocolate Matzoh CRUNCH!

2009-04-09T10:28:00.008-04:00

Let's face it, a lot of Passover desserts taste boring and are a little on the dry side. After some trial and error and maybe far too much tasting of the chocolate on my part, I came up with a healthy and delicious dessert/snack for Passover. This product is so tasty and healthy, you will enjoy it even when it's not Passover. It is also simple to make! There about 230 calories per nice sized portion. It is filled with fiber, and rich in antioxidants. Enjoy with a friend and a great glass of red wine.

Ingredients

Serves 4
2 6-by-6-inch whole wheat matzos
4 ounces dark chocolate

1/2 cup chopped almonds

2 tablespoons FitFlax

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and top with a wire rack. Place matzos on top of rack. Drizzle chocolate over matzos until almost covered. Immediately sprinkle evenly with FitFlax chopped almonds and salt. Transfer to refrigerator and chill until set which should be about 15 minutes. Break into pieces. If chocolate softens, return to refrigerator until set. Matzo crunch is best eaten within 2 days of being made.

Go Take a Walk!

2009-04-07T09:03:00.011-04:00

I definitely think I have seasonal affect disorder! I get so much happier when I can start counting the days till the weather is warmer. The winter in New York City this past year was not bad, but obviously it still was not sunny walk down the street in shorts and a t-shirt weather.

This past Sunday I got to do one of my favorite things. I took a walk in the sun, without a jacket and got a Tasti-Delite (medium, half peanut butter, half chocolate, no lid and no toppings...less than 200 calories). I put on my sneakers with my SmartSole exercise insoles and I take a long healthy walk and enjoyed just being!

SmartSoles are 3/4 length insoles that tone muscles, increase circulation and cause you to burn more calories with every step. Just think, you can go shopping and still burn some extra calories! They have a negative heel and positive arch and provide the same motion as MBT Trainers which are funny looking and expensive.

When the weather gets even nicer, I will start running the Brooklyn Bridge with my SmartSoles. (I do not like running until it is at least 80 degrees). They are so cushiony that my feet and calves feel fine after a 3 mile run. I tried once to run once with my double stroller, and I don't understand how anybody does that. Way too hard!

EASY Low Calorie Cole Slaw with FitFlax

2009-04-05T09:53:00.009-04:00

Ingredients
1 bag of shredded cole slaw cabbage ( I usually use Dole Classic)
2/3 Cup Fat free Mayo
3 Tbsp. Cider Vinegar
4 Tbsp FitFlax
1 Tbsp Salt and Pepper to taste
1 Small/Medium onion - Diced

Directions
Mix all ingredients together except the FitFlax in a really big bowl. I divide into two large portions. Put it in two tupperware containers and refrigerate for at least an hour.

I then add either grilled chicken, shrimp or tuna and sprinkle the FitFlax on the top. It is very filling and provides a ton of antioixidants and fiber.

I find if I have this dinner for a few nights in a row and am not a piggy during the day, I will drop a few pounds!

SPECIAL 15% off Code for FitFlax

2009-04-04T08:41:00.007-04:00

Use the code jm15 through April 1o and get 15% off on any item on the SmartThingz site. I have been having FitFlax and my special low calorie/low carb cole slaw salad for lunch or dinner the last 3 days and have lost 2 pounds and have even had a Cadbury creme egg every day.

Don't get me started on those Cadbury creme eggs. I start dreaming about them when Easter starts approaching. They are chocolate eggs filled with a white and yellow creme (to look like an egg!). They are 1.2 ounces of pure heaven.

Back to reality, I will post my special healthy jump start your system flax cole slaw later today!

Hungry, Tired & Don't Feel Like Cooking?

2009-04-02T12:29:00.007-04:00

Sometimes, I just don't feel like cooking. I have worked all day, my kids are dropping animal crackers on the floor or mashing them into the couch or just having screaming contests...it is amazing how loud two 22 month old girls can scream! And just the thought of having a can of spaghetti or tuna is extremely unappealing. That is when I just say screw it and order in.

I have found that it is easy to order in healthy and filling meals: A few of my favorite healthy choices are:

Indian Restaurant - Chicken Tikka or Tandoori

Chinese Restaurant - Steamed chicken w/veggies, brown rice & sauce on the side

American Restaurant - Grilled chicken over salad

Greek Restaurant - Grilled fish with Greek salad

I order through a delivery service called Delivery.com and they have the menus online of tons of restaurants in my zip code and give you points towards rewards with every order. The rewards can be cash or stuff!

Delivery.com also delivers wine, groceries, household supplies, flowers and gifts too!

I Can't Believe They're Good for You Flax Brownies!

2009-04-01T09:13:00.009-04:00

This recipe makes 8 LARGE and delicious brownies that clock in at 175 calories each. I had a ton of fun making them, but my kitchen looks like piggies had a birthday party there!

Ingredients

3/4 cup light margarine,melted
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup egg white at room temperature
2 tablespoons egg whites at room temperature
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons fitflax (yummy golden roasted flax and chia blend)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. With electric mixer, cream together margarine, sugar & vanilla. Add egg whites, a little at a
time, beating well after each addition.

3. In medium sized bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder & salt.

4. Gradually fold flour mixture into sugar mixture, blending well. Do not over mix.

5. Stir in fitflax

6. Spread batter into lightly greased 8"x8" pan.

7. Bake 40-45 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Test with toothpick or knife to check if it is done.

8. Enjoy!

Cookie Diet?

2009-03-29T22:42:00.007-04:00

My closest friend just did the cookie diet and lost 17 pounds in 2 months. Some how I don't get the word cookie and diet together, but she swears by it. She ate 6 cookies a day in addition to as many low starch veggies (oh boy!) as she wanted and one meal per day. She said the cookies had an appetite suppressant, so you were not hungry and did not get the jitters like you do with diet pills. I have been reading a lot about this diet recently. If anyone wants to share their experiences with it, please comment.

My friend who is normally quite bitchy when she diets loves these cookies and was pleasant when she is doing this. She would not even let me try one cookie!

I am all about eating natural and unprocessed food, but heck if a cookie diet can jump start a healthy routine...why not?

More Yummy, Less Tummy!

2009-03-27T09:13:00.009-04:00

Two of my most favorite things are peanut butter and chocolate. My mom used to have to hide the peanut butter jar when I was a kid as I would eat the whole thing (oink!). I have always had issues with portion control. Vitalicious makes the most delicious portion controlled (phew!) muffins, muffin tops, mixes and brownies. Their peanut butter chip chocolate muffin top is beyond delicious, actually good for you..and only 100 calories. There are 6 grams of fiber in each one. Shhhh...I usually eat 2 at a time!

FitFlax!

2009-03-25T10:20:00.036-04:00

My weight had always fluctuated. I don't even want to count the number of times I lost the same 20 pounds! I know in the scheme of things it's not all that important, but in my day to day it was a real annoyance.

Then, two years ago, I gained about 90 pounds when I was pregnant. Yes, it was twins, two beautiful girls, and no they did not weigh 45 pounds each...Thank you very much. I knew then that I finally needed to get serious about healthy weight loss.

I knew flax was good for you, but now what? Flax oil always smelled fishy, and grinding flax seeds was a big nuisance. FitFlax gives me all that I wanted...Full disclosure, I helped create it and my company sells it. Now, let me tell you why it's so fabulous.

It tastes great, it's low cal and low carb and you can eat it straight from the bag! FitFlax contains both golden roasted flax and chia seed. Golden roasted flax tastes nutty and delicious, and it doesn't need to be ground to get the full health benefits. The roasting process makes it easy to chew as well as rich and crunchy. Chia seeds contribute an energy kick and a richer nutty taste.

I added FitFlax to my diet, and I now weigh less than I did before I was pregnant, and I never felt better. Now, if I can get my kids to stop biting each other and screaming, my day to day would be a lot easier!

This blog is all about sharing healthy weight loss tips, discovering great products (food, fashion or fitness) and spreading the good word about Flax.