Santa Barbara is a beautiful California city, somewhere on the pacific coastline in between Los Angles and San Fransisco, however, this is Not a traveling blog, therefore I would like to mention the real reason why I mentioned Santa Barbara Bay. It is actually the name of a great seafood products company which I am absolutely in-love in their healthy, low fat and low calories Seafood Spread! 

It is delicious and versatile spread, made from high-quality imitation crab with snow crab, bay shrimp, fresh celery, and some spice blend. It is a truly original and unique food product, has some wonderful nutritional benefits and most important thing- I can enjoy having it with some fresh celery sticks and keep up with my daily diet routine!!!

Yummmyy!!!

For Breakfast:

STARBUCKS Perfect OATMEAL- plenty of energy and only 140 Calories and 3 grams of fat!!!

For Lunch:

McDonald’s Hamburger. (Yes, I know… Hamburger!!!)- With 250 Calories and 9 grams of fat you can add a side of salad with low-fat balsamic vinaigrette which adds 60 calories and 3 grams of fat to your meal however makes it DELICIOUS!

For Dinner:

PIZZA HUT EXPRESS: !/2 Personal Pan Cheese Pizza will provide you with 295 Calories and 12 grams of fat. Again, it is not a lot of food, and not the healthiest or most nutritious one, however, since we`r trying to keep it low on-the-g0, that is not so bad of choice!

If there is a favorite part at celebrity Mariah Carey which I simply admire it is her silky looking skin. According to her facialist, Mariah Carey is a huge fan of aromatherapy and anti-aging collagen treatments.  One of her favorite products is Decleor Aromessence Neroli Comforting Concentrate. This cosmetic beauty care product is formulated to treat normal and sensitive skin types. You only need to apply just a few drops of this cocktail of essential oils morning and evening to revitalize skin, like Mariah does. 

The extraordinary, natural nutritional properties of this oil -

1. Restore suppleness and skin tone.

2. Increase the efficacy of all the subsequent skincare products. 

3. provides immediate comfort and radiance and brings out the skin’s natural color!

4. The perfect beauty treatment for radiant results since is a %100 natural and rich in vital elements which decongest and softens stressed skin!

 A definitely must have product!

All peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, but Red Peppers are simply bursting with them plus considered to be a great source of Vitamin B6. This very nutritious vegetable and the antioxidants it contain help preventing cell damage, cancer, and diseases related to aging. Further more, Red Pepper support the immune function, can reduce inflammation like that found in arthritis and asthma, promotes proper blood clotting and strengthens bones.

With all of these great health benefits and nutrition values, I love cooking this Moroccan-style healthy veggie meal since satisfy as steak and tasteful as a gourmet dish:  With 302 calories, 9 grams of protein,  8 grams of fat and 4 grams of fibre per serving, you cannot go wrong with this MUST TRY RECIPE !!!

Couscous-Stuffed Red Pepper W/Yogurt:

Ingrediants:

85 grams of whole wheat Couscous
2 tbsp Raisins
50 ml hot vegetable stock
1 tsp clear honey
1 large lemon- squeez for juice
2 garlic cloves
small bunch flat-leaf parsley
150 ml tub non-fat natural yogurt
2 tomatoes , roughly chopped
2 red peppers , halved, cores removed
1 tbsp olive oil

How to make:

• Pre-heat oven to 400* degrees.

• Place couscous and raisins in a heatproof bowl. Stir stock, honey and lemon juice, then pour over the couscous. Cover and leave to absorb for 5 mins.

• Place the lemon zest, garlic and parsley in a mini food processor and whizz until everything is well chopped.

• Stir 1 tbsp of this mixture into the yogurt, then set aside. Stir the remaining mixture into the couscous with the tomatoes and some seasoning.

• Spoon the couscous mixture into each pepper half, then sit them in a small roasting tin. Drizzle with oil, then bake for 40 mins until peppers are tender.

• Serve with the yogurt and a simple green salad on the side, and- ENJOY!!! 

Nutrition Facts: 2 small cookies contain 115 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, 19 grams of carbs, 1.5 grams of fiber and 10 mg of calcium!

Ingrediants:

• 1 Medium Banana, rip and mashed.

• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar

• 1/4 cup Butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

• 1 large Egg

• 1 and 1/4 cup of all-purpose Flour

• 2 cups old-fashioned Oats

• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda

• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

• 1/2 cup Dark-Chocolate Chips

• Cooking Oil Spray

How to make?!

Preheat oven to 350* degrees.

• Combine banana, sugar, butter and vanilla in a large bowl and beat with mixer at a medium speed until smooth. Add the large Egg and keep beating well.

• In a separate medium bowl combine flour, oats, baking soda and salt, stirring with a whisk. Add flour mixture to banana mixture and beat again with mixer, on medium speed until well blended. Add chocolate chips and stir.

• Coat baking sheet with cooking spray and drop cookies mixture by heaping tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart. Bake cookies for 17-20 minutes, cool down before remove from pan and- Enjoy!!! 

Related Posts:

Read more about: Dark-Chocolate Nutrition Benefits -

Read more about: Banana Nutrition Benefits -

Read more about: Oats and Healthy Dieting-

Baby Oil holds many skin care benefits and you don’t really have to have a baby at home in order to buy and use this skin nutritious product. Baby Oil Locks in up to ten times more moisture on wet skin than an ordinary lotion can on dry skin, it can soothe and relieve dry, rough patches and leave skin glowing, silky and soft all day long.

Baby oil was discovered long time ago and is a staple of many Hollywood makeup artists. They use it to make their client’s skin feel silky and to soften rough knees, elbows and ankles. They use it to make legs shimmer with sun kissed looks, and they use it to make eye sparkle by putting a touch on their eyelids.

Celebrities who are fans of Baby Oil products are Uma Thurman, Nicole Kidman and Gwyneth Paltrow!

Admitting I am totally addicted tvito French Fries, I must say it was kinda hard reducing the amount I used to eat ever since keeping a healthy weight watchers lifestyle and dieting routing. However, I have recently discovered there is a much healthier and even tastier way to enjoy the sense of eating fries! since I love sweets, I really enjoy the flavor you get from Sweet Potatoes. More then that- they are so nutritious, which makes it a smart, healthy choice to make! Sweet Potatoes contain many health benefits such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Both are powerful antioxidants, which may help prevent cancer, and not only they taste like a dessert they are considered very good food for diabetics since help in stabilize blood sugar levels. In addition, Sweet Potatoes are rich in minerals like Calcium, Iron and Potassium. Be sure to add these wonderful naturally sweet vegetables to your meals throughout the year! and not only as fries, since they are some of the most nutritious vegetables around!

Check these nutrition facts for these baked, throw into the oven for 20 min Sweet Potatos Fries, from Trader Joe`s , my favorit brand:  Only 190 calories, 9 grams of fat and 26 grams of carbs and 0 cholesterol!!!  SWEET!!!

My favorite solution for fast, healthy and as fresh as possible meal, when short on time for cooking, is the low fat convenience Contessa Frozen Meals. In less then 10 minuets of preparation and a single pan, I always feel like I had just cooked that  hearty home-style healthy meal. Contessa brand offers customized gourmet foods, including convenience meals for short and simple preparation and a consistency of quality and freshness. I love the fact there are greens and tasteful healthy vegetables included in every bag, plus the sauce is always packed separately for a preferred taste and dietary needs.  Contessa meals are definitely a great healthy fast food solution, and at no doubt for people who appreciate fine food, though have no time or the ability to cook.  Especially once trying to maintain a weight watchers lifestyle and healthy diet, these low-fat and less calories meals from Contessa brand are highly recommended for any occasion!

Don’t you just love chewing cookies plus actually eating right and fresh at the same time?! Another helpful diet secret of mine, or if I may say- a great sweet tooth saver, is keeping a box of Whole Grain baked Figs Newtons Cookies in hand. 2-3 cookies aside my afternoon cup of coffee are healthy, delightful choice for my in between meals craving. Contain only 2 grams of fat , 21 grams of carbs and 110 calories per servings, I cannot resist the real figs fill. Seriously- one of the bests tasty, healthy, real fruits and cookies combination I have ever had! A must try product for any weight watchers, dieting lifestyle or simply healthy living smart choices makers. 

Discover more about the health benefits of figs:

Discover more about Whole Grain health benefits:

Healthy diets almost always contain fish, which have fewer calories and higher nutrition values than other meat sources. It’s also one of nature’s most versatile foods – can be steamed, baked, fried or poached and even great as raw, in the form of sashimi.
Many health institutes recommend eating up to two portions of fish a week, based on several different studies. Eating fish could lowers the risk of death from heart disease by 36 per cent, thanks to the oils in fish, that appear to reduce stickiness of blood, therefore can prevent it from clotting. Fish also contains selenium which thought to have cancer-fighting properties plus omega-3 fatty acids which are believed to raise levels of the brain chemical- Serotonin, which aids in reducing depression. Omega 3 regulate the body’s inflammation cycle as well, which prevents and relieves painful conditions like arthritis and cystitis.

One of the benefits I like the most, from eating fish, is its ability of reducing signs of age! Some dermatologists say that a fish rich diet acts like a facial smoothing-out age lines.
 

Recommended fish: Salmon, Trout, Sardines and Tuna:

Try some of my favorite healthy recipes, taken from MyRecipes.com:

Baked Salmon With Dill Herb:

 
Tuna with Ginger Cream:

Trout with Brown Butter and Pecans:

Sardine and Potato with Romesco Sauce:

I have recently discovered Chex Mix Chocolate Bars product while shopping for groceries. I was right near the cereal section, when could not avoid hearing a young lady taking to her friend while pointing on the shelve, saying “Those Chex Mix bars are impossible to resist…” I had to look at the nutrition facts at the back of the pack, and was absolutely amazed! These chocolate chunks, wheat pretzels and corn cereal bars contain only 140 calories, 3 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbs and more important- 8 grams of whole grains and fiber per serving! I felt like I have just found my ultimate new chocolate craving healthy weight watching solution!!! Got home, tried it and guess what- It DOES AMAZINGLY taste like REAL chocolate! and its healthy! very nice. I was extremely satisfied, considering the fact I used to be addicted to “Snickers” Chocolate Bars, which contains 280 Calories, 14 GRAMS OF FAT (yes ladies and gentlemen! 14 grams of fat in ONE (1) BAR!!!!!!  Hello!!! my `Lean Cuisine` yummy Lunch box does not contain THAT MUCH FAT!!!
 

Awareness, people. That’s all I`m saying. Don’t count calories, but DO check the nutrition facts of those foods you eat! That’s how you can watch your weight and keep a healthy lifestyle!

So what exactly is Tofu and why should we eat more of it as part of our weight watching healthy diet rutine, and substitute it with meat once in a while?! Tofu may looks like feta cheese, however it is non-diery and is made by curdling fresh hot soy-milk with a coagulant. Tofu is rich in high-quality protein, a good source of B-vitamins and iron and is rich in Calcium. It is low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol! Generally, the softer the tofu, the lower the fat content. Tofu is also very low in sodium, making it a perfect food for people on sodium-restricted diets.

In recipes, tofu acts like a sponge and has the miraculous ability to soak up any flavor that is added to it. Crumble it into a pot of spicy chili sauce and it tastes like chili. Blend it with cocoa and sweetener and it becomes a double for chocolate cream pie filling. Cubes of firm tofu can be added to any casserole or soup.

1) Berries (Especially Blueberries)

Berries

2) Artichoke: 

Artichoke

3) Corn:

Corn

4) Broad Green Beans

5) Almonds:

Almonds

6) Apricot:

Apricot

7) Broccoli:

Broccoli

8) Lemon:

9) Dated:

Dated

10) Chiles:

Chiles

11) Garlic:

Garlic

12) Grapes:

13) Mango:

Mango

14) Squash:

Squash

15) Peppers (Especially Red Ones):

Peppers

16) Spinach:

Spinach

17) Carrots:

Carrots

18) Tomatoes:

Tomatoes

19) Green Tea:

Green Tea

20) Pineapple:

Pineapple

21) Red Beets:

Red Beets

22) Pinto Beans:

Pinto Beans

23) Pomegranates:

Pomegranates

24) Sweet Potatoes:

Sweet Potatoes

25) Whole Grain Brown Rice:

Brown Rice

26) Raw Nuts & Seeds

Raw Nuts & Seeds

27) Olive Oil:

Olive Oil

28) Red Wine:

Red Wine

29) Dark Chocolate:

Dark Chocolate

 30) Coffee:

Cup Of Coffee

Some food can benefits our skin in different levels. However, these following ones are at the top list, and are highly recommended if you wish to keep your natural beauty skin as healthy and glowing as possible, before even applying any type of facial creams or anti-aging products. It is simple-  Stay healthy and look great at the same time! Eat more of these foods:

• Wild Salmon: A prime source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce skin inflammation and prevent redness, wrinkles and future sagging

• Yogurt: (and make sure it is a low-fat one, of course) gives bone boosting and more calcium then a glass of skin milk.

• Oysters: Yes, ladies and gentlemens, Oysters are a top source of Zing, which helps build collagen and speed up skin renewal and repair.

• Blueberries: from my Antioxidants  list, blueberries are full of them, and can prevent long term cell damage.

• Kiwifruit: One of my favorite fruits. It is rich in potassium as banana, however add its plenty of vitamin C and you promote glowing, wrinkle free skin! Luv this one!

• Sweet Potatoes: full with Beta-carotene, which helps smooth the skin.

•  Tomatoes: are major source of lycopene, combined with their anitioxidants can protect against sunburn.

• Walnuts: rich with omega 3 and help fight against skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema.

• Dark Chocolate: last but not least, great news for the chocolate lovers: it is full with antioxidants and nutrients cocoa, which helps boost hydration, smoothness and protection against sun exposure.  (choose chocolates with %60 percent cocoa). 

One of the healthier, lighter and low in calories breakfast I can recommend is a simple, yet perfect combination of Bananas, Peanuts, Whole Wheat bread and Skin Milk. With this nutritious concept of natural healthy carbohydrates, potassium, protein and fiber you would feel not only full, but keep your blood sugar steady so then you would gain an all day energy!

Try this healthy, high in nutrition -

Banana-Peanut butter Sandwich: 

Add a small cup of skin milk and get your ALL DAY ENERGY breakfast, with only 450 calories, 9 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber !

Ingredients:
1 tablespoons reduce fat peanut butter
1/2 Banana, sliced 
2 slices whole wheat bread, toasted

ENJOY!

Blueberries are one of the most nutritious and powerful fruit in the world. It has been proven to have certain health benefits such as help regulate blood sugar levels- Important for those who want to slow down their aging process and preventing diabetes, reduce obesity, wrinkles and a host of degenerative diseases. Blueberries are chock-full of antioxidants as well, because of their dark color (most foods with dark colors in them have some of these really protecting antioxidant chemicals.

Click here to learn more about Blueberries: 

Blueberries: Natural Beauty

One of Oprah`s major Diet Secret is not to eat close to bedtime, and another secret is including BLUEBERRIES in her everyday diet routine since they are favorite and most nutritious, anti-aging fruits. 

Discover more about the Secrets Of Blueberries:

I use Light&Fit Dannon Nonfat Vanilla Yogurt which is my favorite choice since its nutrition facts and its flavor. I normally buy the 32 OZ jar since it has basic vanilla flavor and is good for several servings. I can easily say this Yogurt is available in my fridge at all times like any other basics products since it brings a great way to enjoy a light, refreshing meal whenever I need it! With 50% fewer calories than regular low-fat yogurt, 0% Fat. 110 Calories and vitamins A and D  it can be used everydayfor: Smoothies, yogurt parfaits, fruit dips, baking, fruit & yogurt salads or delicious desserts. Dannon Light & Fit also meets the National Yogurt Association Criteria for live and active culture yogurt. 

My secret to control any hunger attack AND to get my boyfriend`s attention was adding some crunchy, rice and wheat flakes with oat and blueberry clusters from “Special K”, plus bunch of fresh blueberries, if available, to the bowl of yogurt.

Kellogg’s® Special K® Blueberry cereal are lightly toasted, lightly sweetened and high in flavor. Recommended for a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and an excellent source of 11 vitamins and minerals, Kellogg’s Special K mixed with Light&Fit yogurt gives me the satisfaction I crave any time of day!

And don’t forget adding some fresh Blueberries!  

To read more about Blueberries click here:

Cherry Tomatoes are available year-round from California, Mexico and Florida. Filled with healthy nutrition like vitamins and minerals, Cherry Tomatoes were first called TV Tomatoes since originally developed in the aim of providing a healthy snack to be eaten while watching TV. With time, the similarity to Cherries determined its final definition as “Cherry Tomatoes”. Filled with vitamins and minerals, however more expensive compare to other types of tomatoes, though totally worthwhile for their size, taste and nutrition and the protection they provide against heart disease and strokes.

In one cup of cherry tomatoes (about 20 of them) there are only 30 calories, 0 fat and 7 grams of carbs!!! You can add them to salads, serve them with dip as an appetizer or enjoy a supper healthy smart snacking choice!  

Discover more about my favorite healthy “Diet Saver” snack:

 Celery sticks dipped in light Ranch dressing:   

Now, it is very much true that even though guacamole is really nutritious, it is still loaded with calories and fat, comparing to most other fruits, however, that is the healthy, mono-unsaturated fat, therefore it can contribute to the nutrient quality of your diet!

 For all of you smart choices makers out there, who are addicted to this delightful fruit, though trying to watch your weight like I do, try this amazing Low Calorie Guacamole Salad Recipe! The key to this much loved dip salad is to bulk it up with other low calorie ingredients, and my secret one is simple hard-boiled eggs!  You can even use the egg-white only if you wish, you will get a great flavour and lower the calories and fat per servings!  I always get compliments on this So simple-to-make dish, and the hottest new thing is serving it with Baked Pita Chips!  

Best, Any-Occasion Low Calories Guacamole Salad:

Ingredients:  (3-4 Servings)

2 large `Hass` Avocados- mashed (Their skin turns from green to purplish-black when it becomes ripe and they are available all year round)

 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped.

½ medium size red onion, chopped.

1 table spoon fresh lemon juice.

Salt, as desired.

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, and serve with Baked whole grain Pita Chips (from Trader Joe`s) and sliced Tomatoes!

Enjoy!

Whole grain bread contains Fiber and Antioxidants (such as Vitamin E and B, Selenium, Iron, Zing and Magnesium) more than ordinary bread. It is hefthier, tastier, and much more nutritious than any other bread. Made from flour that has been milled from intact kernels of wheat, the whole grain bread contains the entire seed or kernel of the plant such as barley, millet, buckwheat, oat, and rye (the “whole grain”) as opposed to refined (white) flour, which has been stripped of the bran and germ.

Remember:  Being brown doesn’t make bread necessary whole wheat or whole grain! In addition, the term “multi-grain” bread, “rye” bread, “5 grain” or “7 grain” bread also doesn’t mean that they always use whole grain in their formulation! In United States and Canada, only bread labeled with “whole wheat” truly uses whole wheat flour in their processing. Other “wheat bread” may simply use a combination of white refined flour and whole wheat flour.

The key word to look for when you are shopping for bead is “whole”!

Boost of Healthy Energy!

Banana is full of fiber, vitamins, proteins and minerals. It is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes and you could benefit from it in so many ways, since it contains all of these great nutrition:

• Three natural sugars combined with fiber- boost of energy.

• Type of protein that the body converts into Serotonin- for relaxation and good mood.

• The vitamin B6 regulates blood glucose levels- help reduce PMS (Premenstrual syndrome)

• High in Iron which can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood- help in preventing anemia.

• B12 vitamin, the potassium and the magnesium this great gift of nature contain, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal- if you are trying to give up smoking.

• A mineral called- Potassium, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance.

Research published in “The New England Journal of Medicine,” concluded that eating bananas as part of a regular diet reduced the risk of death by strokes as much as 40%!
Some cultures see bananas as a “cooling” fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.