Simply mentioning some local homegrown favorite foods like fried dumplings, fried okra (okay, fried anything), stews and soups, cornbread, cheese grits, bourbon, and more, can ignite a mouthwatering sensation.

You may think your workout is finished when you’ve completed your last rep, ran your last step, or when you’ve walked out the door of your favorite group fitness class, but there is one important thing left to do. It’s snack time.

Lunch can be a trap that’s waiting to sabotage your weight-loss efforts. Finding a healthy lunch on the go is difficult, and skipping lunch just sets you up for big cravings and hunger pangs later in the day. The best way to stay on track with your healthy lifestyle is to make sure you’ve got plenty of options for nutritious, delicious, and convenient lunches ready to go.

It's true, not all carbs are created equally. Carbs are not evil. Too many of us have been brainwashed to believe that all carbs will make us fat. If eaten in large quantities, sure they can, but then again, the same goes for eating large amounts of any food. The key is choosing the right carb to consume. Eating the right carbs can help you with your weight loss. ___________________________

1. Research suggests that increasing your intake of soluble-fiber (found in carb-rich foods like beans or oatmeal) by 5-10 grams daily could have a 5% drop in LDL or "bad" cholesterol.

2. Carbs promote the production of serotonin, a feel-good chemical in your brain.

3. Swapping refined grains (like white bread and pasta) for whole grains will help you reduce total body fat and belly fat.

4. Eating a breakfast made with “slow-release” carbohydrates, such as oatmeal or bran cereal, 3 hours before exercise may help burn more fat, according to a study from the  Journal of Nutrition.

5. Many carb-filled foods act as powerful appetite suppressants because they contain soluble-fibers that keep you full for longer and satisfy your brain and belly.

These are great reasons you should still incorporate healthy carbs into your diet. Below are 5 nutrient-dense carbs that won't make you fat, and will keep you satisfied and feeling great after every meal.

Join our Personal Trainer and Weight Management Specialist, Jamal Thruston,  tonight for another great 5-week Tools For Change workshop starting tonight! Join Jamal for his Stress & Weight Management class to gain control on emotional eating, acquire tools and resources for stress management and increase your knowledge and confidence!

After a rough winter, we're so glad Spring is here! Along with flowers and lush landscapes, Spring brings us the bright colors of fresh, seasonal produce back to the grocery store; colors and tastes that we miss during the winter months. Here are some of the fruits and vegetables that are in season during the spring. The best part about buying in-season produce is you'll save money when you buy them fresh. Checking out any of the Louisville area, local farmers markets is a great first step. Plus, in-season produce delivers the best flavors. Cheers to no more dry and tough strawberries! Also, don't forget to check out GreenBEAN Delivery. GreenBEAN Delivery is a year-round food delivery service that brings the freshest local &  organic produce and natural groceries right to your doorstep. Be sure to ask about the Milestone discount! 

We know the Easter Bunny is full of sweet and delicious treats. However, this is another holiday that you can celebrate just as joyously without wrecking your diet and falling off of your fitness journey. Challenge yourself and our family to have a healthier Easter this year! We've given you some fun ideas, both edible and non-edible, to help you create a healthy Easter basket this year!

Annie's Homegrown brand has multiple products that are bunny shaped and fun for both kids and adults. Chocolate covered strawberries (or any other fruit!) are always a delicious and juicy treat. Don't feel the need to go cold-turkey and have no candy at all - that's no fun! Try making your own, homemade peanut butter eggs or buying individually wrapped treats, like dark chocolate. If they're individually wrapped, you're less likely to over indulge and you won't be eating handfuls (Hello M&Ms!). You're probably laughing at us for suggesting carrots. But, after all, they do play a part in the commercialized theme of Easter. We know carrots aren't as fun as chocolates. But, throw in a new flavor of hummus to try and you'll have a new healthy snack.

Some non-edible ideas are lip-balm, make-up or toiletries, gift-cards, side-walk chalk (undeniably fun for both kids and adults!), small fitness equipment like a jumprope, and stationery. We all enjoy receiving a hand-written note these days and writing friends can actually help reduce stress.

We hope this helps you think healthy this Easter! Happy Easter!

Do you have any other tips for making a healthy Easter basket? Share with us in the comments below!

If you've taken a peek into our Fitness Coaching office lately, you may have noticed a pretty pitcher of water with lots of colorful fruits! This is the healthy way to flavor your water and likely the best way to get you to drink more of it! Infusing your water with fruit is easy, nutritious and refreshing. Use any fresh fruit (except bananas - they don't work well!), herbs, and spices to turn your once plain water into a delicious, flavored and refreshing drink. Here are some recipes to help you get started!

As seen in the fitness coaching office:


[Left: Lemons and Limes // Right: Cucumbers, Raspberries, Lime, and Mint]
Photos c/o Milestone Personal Trainer, Lauren Burkhardt

Risotto is a delicious grain that pairs well with just about anything. You can throw all types of protein and veggies in with risotto and have a warm, satisfying and well-rounded meal. This Skinny Asparagus Risotto from SkinnyKitchen would be a delicious dinner for a "Meatless Monday!"

Asparagus is great as a detox vegetable and is considered an anti-aging vegetable. It helps to reduced inflammation and is high in folic acid, potassium, fiber, thiamine and vitamins A, B6 and C. Spinach is a power food that is also loaded with vitamins. One cup of fresh spinach (or 1/6 cup of cooked spinach) contains TWICE your daily vitamin K needs. This along with the calcium and magnesium in spinach is essential to maintain healthy bones.

Unlike typical white rice, Arborio rice contains some fiber.  It has 3 grams of fiber for ¼ cup uncooked rice. It does take a bit of attention when making, but it's not difficult and turns out very creamy and delicious...not mushy at all! 

Ingredients

Today's Monday Munchie is brought to you by Milestone Personal Trainer, Jonathan Jansen. For National Nutrition Month, we asked our Personal Trainers to share their favorite snacks, meals, desserts, etc. with you. Jonathan shared with us that his favorite snack is Avocado Chocolate Mousse.  Sounds interesting, right? That's why we had to share more! We promise, you'll have no idea you're eating avocado! Chocolate avocado mousse actually proves that dessert can be good for you! Check out Giada De Laurentiis' recipe below.