TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME, BUT HOLD THE JUNK FOOD!

When I think of summer sports games, heading out on a nice warm evening to Citified to watch the Mets play or going to Yankee Stadium to watch A Rod play, I am excited to be a part of the excitement. There is magic at the ballpark that is contagious and unique to the sport.

But, aside from hotdogs, peanuts, cotton candy and beer, and diet coke, what will I eat or drink for 9+ innings!?!

Do the extra innings mean extra pounds? Or can we enjoy the game and not foul out with unhealthy food?

Recently, with obesity rising, the good news is that even stadium fare has become more health conscious!

I am not going to tell you to bring your own bag of carrots and celery (although bringing your own food is always an option), and half the fun of being at the ballpark is the food you eat while enjoying the game. But, there are healthier options you can choose!

For example, now on many of the menus, grilled veggie sandwiches, sushi, grilled chicken salad and fresh fruit cups are on the list.

When having a sandwich (including a juicy hamburger), load up on fresh tomatoes and lettuce and mustard. Hold the mayo! Choosing between a hamburger and a chicken sandwich? The grilled chicken sandwich is the healthier option. If there is a turkey burger, that’s even better. But again, be aware that the condiments pack on the calories, so either chose the light dressings or plain ol mustard and some ketchup!

What about fried chicken tenders or a wrap? Hands down a chicken, turkey, ham or veggie wrap!

And, who doesn’t eat a hotdog at the game? Did you know that most sold-out stadiums sell as many as 16,000 hot dogs a day! A regular dog with mustard is your best bet. But, be aware of the foot long hotdogs as they double the calories.

And, what about the nachos and cheese? They have more calories and fat than you want to know! Stay away! You are better off eating french fries! If you are at a stadium that sells corn on the cobb, go for that (but without the butter)!

And, at many stadiums, salads are now being served with low-fat dressings, so that’s a healthy option!

If you are a huge fan of pizza at the ballpark, then opt for the traditional cheese rather than pepperoni or sausage!

What about the candy and snacks? Well, cotton candy is just plain ol sugar that’s heated, colored, and spun into threads with added air. While it’s not a lot of calories, it won’t get you too far in the nutrition department! At least the cracker jacks have some protein and fiber! And don’t forget about the peanuts! While the calories and fat add up (the bag is huge!), they are full of magnesium, vitamin E, niacin, folate and heart healthy fats! Popcorn is good too, except only if it’s plain. Soft pretzels are fine, except the size is huge and so if you can only eat a quarter of the pretzel, you’ll be hitting a home run! Speaking of home runs, the all time winner for your sweet treat is the fruit cup!

So, be mindful of what you are eating while you are enjoying your day or nite at the game!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I, like most moms, believe Mother’s Day should be everyday! And why not? We deserve to be recognized! We do a lot! Whether you are a “working mother” (who works outside of the home) or a  “stay at home mother” (who works at home but without a monetary salary, EVERYDAY is a SPECIAL day! It is truly amazing how much we physically and emotionally accomplish in a 24 hour period.

Am I being too grandiose? Should I be more modest? I can’t help it. The women in my life are are truly amazing! And they deserve to be recognized and celebrated by themselves and others for how great they are! It is not one woman, but rather a combination of women including my grandmothers, my mother, my caregiver, my biological aunts and my surrogate aunts, my sisters, my mother-in-law, my girlfriends and my daughter who deserve praise. They have taught me how to multi-task, how to be a confident woman and walk tall and proud, how to love others unconditionally, how to speak up for myself and advocate for others whose voice is not as loud or as clear, and how to be strong and fearless, yet tender and sweet. They have taught me how to climb to the top of the mountain while not stepping on others, and they have taught me to realize that I have the capacity to accomplish whatever it is I want.

There is nothing subtle about the women in my life. They are all like a “bull in a china shop”!!! Strong, willful, passionate, gregarious, thoughtful, kind, and loving.

It is no wonder I like spicy food!

In honor of Mother’s Day, I am attaching a recipe that is strong and robust and made with love!

Sweet and Spicy Chicken

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 5 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)

Combine the first five ingredients; rub over chicken. Coat grill rack with cooking spray for grills or brush with olive oil before starting the grill. Grill chicken, covered, for 4-5 minutes on each side.

You can also bake this chicken (if you don’t have either an indoor grill).

Serve with baked sweet potato and grilled veggies (asparagus are still in season!).

Use any leftover chicken and slice it up over a salad for the next day’s lunch.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

On May 5,1862, underdog Mexico beat the odds and defeated a powerful French army in the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo has since become a celebration of Mexican culture and ancestry, and of course, Mexican cuisine!
Here in America we all love a good fiesta and you may be surprised to find that there's much more to authentic Mexican food than a packet of taco seasoning and a side of guac. Did you know that nachos are rarely eaten in Mexico? Or cheese for that matter?
So, this year as you celebrate Cinco de Mayo, make it a healthy fiesta!  Avocados, tomatoes, peppers are all super healthy for your homemade guac and salsa. Serve with baked tortillas and enjoy a great meal of salmon and pepita's!


Salmon With Pepita-Lime Butter
Lime juice, chili powder and pepitas give this salmon Mexican flair. Serve with wild rice and steamed vegetables.

Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings
Total Time: 20
Prep Time: 20

Recipe Ingredients:
1.2 tablespoons unsalted pepitas
2.1 tablespoon butter
3.1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest
4.2 tablespoons lime juice
5.1/4 teaspoon chili powder
6.1 pound salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 4 portions
7.1/2 teaspoon salt
8.1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Recipe Steps:
1.Toast pepitas (see Tip). Place in a small bowl with butter, lime zest, lime juice and chili powder.
2.Generously coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper, add to the pan and cook until browned and just cooked through in the center, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the salmon to a plate. Add the butter-lime mixture to the hot pan; stir until the butter is melted. Serve the salmon topped with the sauce.