The Secret Has Been Revealed: Quinoa

This little superfood has been popping up everywhere and with good cause. Quinoa is the only meat-free complete protein and that means that it contains all 9 amino acids! It is high in fiber, magnesium, iron, and calcium, can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, protect against osteoporosis, and even help control cholesterol. Also, it's gluten-free for those of you with allergies, it's extremely easy to digest, and it's low in fat for those of you looking for healthier grains.

Can you believe it?!

It has actually become a huge phenomenon and if you look closely you can find that it is incorporated in pastas, cookies, chocolate, pie crusts, and even vodka! Quinoa, or "keen-wah" (if you were having trouble like me), is actually a seed and not a grain like most people assume. However, it is known as a grain because the cooking process is pretty much the same.

Quinoa is a small, brilliant looking bead, with a mild, earthy flavor. This "pseudo-cereal" has a fluffy texture similar to couscous. There are over 1,800 varieties but only 3 are found in stores: white, red, and black. Quinoa is extremely versatile and can be made into anything from side dishes to main courses to desserts.

So how do you make quinoa?

1. Measure and place in a fine mesh strainer. Note: 1 cup of dried quinoa makes about 3 cups cooked.
2. Rinse well in cool water to remove the natural coating, which has a tendency to make the tiny seeds taste bitter or soapy, then drain. Note: most store-bought boxes are pre-washed, but if you have the time it doesn't hurt to give the little guys and second rinse.
3. Place in a small saucepan with liquid. "Liquid" can mean water or some kind of stock (chicken, veggie, fish, etc). I tend to go for stock just because it adds extra flavor. The ratio here is 2:1, or 2 cups liquid and 1 cup quinoa. Bring liquid to a boil and cover, turning the heat down to low. Simmer until all liquid has been absorbed, or about 15 minutes. For a visual reference: you should be able to see a tiny tail (the "germ") separating around the seed. Remove from heat and let stand for about 5 minutes and then fluff with a fork as you would couscous.

How do I store quinoa?

Quinoa stores best in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This amazing superfood will stay fresh uncooked for 6 months, cooked in the fridge for up to 5 days, and frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I use quinoa?

1. Try plain for a healthy and pure protein boost.
2. Use as an alternative to other regularly used grains, such as pasta or rice.
3. Stuff into or mix with veggies--pretty much any and all veggies will pair well.
4. Toss into a salad to make your meal more filling and get some extra protein without adding meat, which can add extra fat or cholesterol.
5. Have it for breakfast. Its high protein content and quick cook time make it great for starting off your day. Try it with maple syrup and vanilla soy milk or with a fried egg on top.

The combinations are endless as you can see, so experiment with flavors and ingredients! Quinoa should now easily become your new favorite, made-in-a-jiffy, whole grain, which might bode well now that school is back in session!

FYI: 1 cup of quinoa is 155 calories, 30g of carbohydrates, 3g of fat and fiber, and 5.5 grams of protein.

Quinoa Salad	Quinoa Mushroom Risotto	Quinoa with Mushrooms and Pasta
Basil and Parsley Quinoa	Cheesy Mexican-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers	Sweet Cinnamon Quinoa

Lovely Little Lentils

Lentils are probably one of the most forgotten veggies. The funny thing is that they are one of the healthiest things you can eat. Seriously, lentils have tons of protein, amino acids, fiber, and vitamin B with almost no fat! This is especially great for vegetarians or for people, like me, who want some extra protein and don't always feel like eating something heavy (like meat can sometimes feel).

There are three varieties of lentils: brown, red, and green. They require no pre-soaking, like some other legumes. This means that they are quick to cook and are paired nicely with rice or in soups or even salads. The only thing to remember is to season them well--bland is never good. It's as simple as that!

So check out our three favorite (and super easy) lentil recipes and start enjoying this easy legume today!

Lentil Soup
Marc's Cheater Lentil Soup	Spiced Lentils and Scallops

Nuts! Go Crazy for Them!

It's funny how something so tiny can make such a difference in our diet. Nuts are giant powerhouses filled with essentials like protein, fiber, calcium, good fats, etc. Now, don't be scared off by their fat content. They can actually do more good for a slimming waist than harm when eaten in the right amounts and are fabulous for improving health on various levels. So let's break it down...

ALMONDS:

Almonds have the most nutrients and are great for the heart. Toasting improves their already fabulous taste and creates a slight texture. Also, throwing sliced or crushed almonds in any simple veggie dish adds a little sass to an otherwise boring side dish. Check out our Red Cabbage Salad.


Red Cabbage Salad

CASHEWS:

Cashews are pretty awesome for those of you watching your waistline and need a little burst of energy or crunch, but not the extra fat. They are also great in Asian-inspired dishes, like our Chicken Stir-Fry.


Chicken Stir-Fry

PEANUTS:

Peanuts are probably the most enjoyed of the nut family. Although contrary to popular belief, they are actually legumes! So, if you're trying to cut down on a bad snacking habit, then peanut butter should surprisingly become your best friend. A tablespoon of peanut butter can actually cut cravings and make you eat less throughout the day because your tummy will be satisfied. Or, if you're not a fan of that idea, then carrying around a bag of yummy trail mix will also do the trick.

PECANS:

Pecans have the highest fat content of all the nuts, but that is what gives them their incredibly smooth and rich taste. This is probably why they are so often used in baking. Try our playful Monkey Bread, or our more sophisticated Brie Apple Pinwheels.

Monkey Bread

Brie Apple Pinwheels

PINE NUTS:

Although pine nuts can be a little pricey, they are quite delicious and are great for making sauces. Try our Artichoke Pesto Pasta, but if you're trying to squeeze your budget like most of us, then you can definitely substitute walnuts for an equally satisfying taste.


Artichoke Pesto Pasta

WALNUTS:

Walnuts are super healthy. You can thank their high Omega-3 fatty acid content for that, but watch out because it also makes them spoil faster. Walnuts are very versatile and can pretty much be used in anything from salads to main courses, like sprinkled on top of our Quinoa with Mushrooms and Pasta, or even desserts. They are also great for reducing strokes and heart attacks.


Quinoa with Mushrooms and Pasta

So, go crazy; go nuts! Add them to steamed veggies, put some crunch in your yogurt, be creative and coat your meat or fish for some extra pizzaz, or simply eat them just as they are!

Glass of Sass

Check out the latest Q&A in our new Glass of Sass column. We know our sassy fans have questions, and we've already poured a glass of wine so we're ready to fire off some answers!

Got a question of your own? Send it in and we will answer it in a future column!


I just read an article that said people on average gain 1-2 pounds during the holidays and another scary article that quoted the number at 7 pounds. Yikes! I know you're not a diet site but do you have some tips?

While we don't focus on dieting, we're flattered you still asked for our advice. Because we love nothing more than spouting out our knowledge after a glass (or two) of wine.

We could probably offer tips until you're blue in the face, but we'll stick to just three recommendations. First, check out our blog post on snacking. You'd be surprised how a little bit of smart snacking can actually help you lose weight. And it's way better than depriving yourself all day.

We also think you should check out Living the Thin Life, a weight loss and maintenance book by FunnySpoon contributor Elle Meyer (now available as an eBook too!). No one wants to feel like they're dieting for life, but realistically even the most in-shape person is going to face challenges that might cause them to put on a few pounds. Her book gives practical tips you might not have thought of before that can help you have a holiday full of joy, not extra weight.

Lastly, we do have a few light & healthy recipes on our site, so check them out for inspiration for your next dinner or holiday appetizer!

Well, it's 5 o'clock somewhere so we're gonna crack open (another) bottle. Happy Friday!

Simple Ways to Get More Water in Your Diet

We all know we should drink more water because EVERYONE tells us all the time. Or, at least it can feel that way when you're not big on drinking water! If you're sick or have a headache, your mom says to drink more water. If you're dieting, you're supposed to drink more water to help you feel fuller. Even if you just had a relaxing massage, you're supposed to drink water to help flush out the toxins that were just rubbed loose. OK GUYS, we get it! More water!

So how do you get it down the hatch if you're just not that into it? Here are 5 quick and easy tips:

1. Just chug it. Use your college days as inspiration and finish the whole glass in one go. Nothing's that bad as long as it's over with quickly, right?

2. Enhance the flavor with a packet of Emergen-C (which is also packed with vitamins) or Crystal Light on the Go. You'll only add a few calories and it will make it taste MUCH more interesting.

3. Allow yourself a soda or alcoholic drink only if you drink water first. Getting through the glass of water will be much easier if you know you have a reward waiting for you on the other side.

4. If you're eating broth-based soup, add in a little extra water. It will only dilute the taste a tiny bit but you'll squeeze in extra water. Tip: start with small doses and build up - you don't want to ruin your soup by adding too much water.

5. Eat fruit. If you simply can't down a glass of H20 then eat an orange or an apple. They're full of water and at least you'll get a little more of the good stuff in your system.

Try one of these tips and let us know how it goes! Or, if you think we're all being a bunch of babies then share your tip on how you get more water in your diet.

You're My Obsession

We're starting a new series about our newest grocery store finds, incredible new shortcuts and, ultimately, our latest obsession.

This week we're spotlighting GREEK YOGURT. This likely isn't a new product to many of you - it's been around for quite some time. It has historically been something you found in health food and all-natural stores. I don't know about you, but that's not where I usually do my frenzied grocery shopping. However, recently it's popping up on the shelves of every grocery store around. There are a few brands from the health food stores (like Chobani) appearing in mainstream groceries and now, even better, our friends at Dannon and Yoplait are getting on the bandwagon, too.

What's the big deal with Greek Yogurt, you ask? Well, it's packed with protein. A typical container of Yoplait yogurt has 5 grams of protein while Greek yogurt contains 12. TWELVE grams of protein! That will keep you filled up and focused for hours.

Greek yogurt comes in tons of flavors (vanilla, honey, strawberry, blueberry, etc) and is perfect with granola and fruit for breakfast, a snack or lunch. And ... my picky 4 year old loves it. As a bonus: Chobani is developing a whole line of 'Carrie-friendly' flavors like chocolate. Whoops, I meant kid-friendly!

So, what are you waiting for? Give it a whirl. I'm sure you'll love it. And if not, you'll at least get a protein-packed snack instead of a handful of M&Ms.

World Cup Update

Bradley's still on vacation (we can't wait to check out his tan!) so Nola Solomon is filling in. Hope you're all still as psyched about the World Cup as we are!
- Vicki

I am sure everyone witnessed the highway robbery that was the USA tie against Slovenia. I hope that ref prepared a bunker to hide out in until the drama blows over. I've already sent out a search team for him. The World Cup has taken an interesting turn and so has the way we watch it. With France eliminated, Portugal racking up seven goal leads, and Germany and Serbia battling to make it out of their brackets, no one is quite sure what to expect in the next round.

I decided to take a break from the raucous bar scene and watch the games from the comforts of my parents' couch. Half-asleep and eating a fresh fruit salad, I watched the 7:30AM games this past weekend. No one else was awake yet and in the quiet I was actually able to hear what the announcers were saying. The late morning and afternoon games were family affairs. We prepared a grilled chicken and avocado salad and settled into the TV room, fighting over the remote, the volume, and who was blocking whom.

Although the World Cup bar scene is hopping, many Americans prefer to watch the games from home, opting to tune in when it's convenient, and simply read the New York Times Sport Section the following morning for the details they missed. Does that make them any less obsessed than the rest of the world? I'd like to think no, except that most aren't willing to drop their lives for 90 plus minutes three times a day.

If you're watching the World Cup at home, try my new recipes and let me know what you think!

We are happy to have Nola Solomon on board as an intern for FunnySpoon.com. As a French-American, she offers unique culinary insight on how to enjoy your food and efficiently plan for a hectic schedule. Give her recipes and tips a try!

3 Olive Oil Quick Tips

My secret ingredient when cooking and baking is olive oil. Here are my three favorite quick-tips:

1. For fish dishes, I brush olive oil on salmon or tilapia, then sprinkle on various combinations of spices – chili powder and brown sugar, Chinese five-spice and ginger, or rosemary and garlic salt. You can get creative and come up with your own combination, too. Bake at 425 degrees for 10-15 minutes (depending on the thickness of the fish) and it's done! The olive oil keeps the fish moist and provides something for the spices to stick to.


2. I also love olive oil for bread dipping. Pour a little olive oil in a small dish or saucer. Then add ready-made seasoning blends or create your own from your spice cabinet. Italian spices are great, such as oregano or parsley. Add Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Any kind of crusty roll or breadstick works well.


3. I also sometimes use olive oil instead of vegetable oil when baking. The tip works best for cupcakes and brownies - just use the same amount of olive oil that the recipe states for vegetable oil. It makes them extra moist and flavorful while making them just a tad healthier at the same time.

What are your favorite ways to use olive oil?

Elle Meyer, author of Living the Thin Life, focuses on healthy and low-calorie cooking. By integrating healthy but tasty tips into all her meals, she can "live the thin life" without feeling like she's dieting all the time. Elle will be regularly contributing simple weight maintenance tips to FunnySpoon.com, which is perfect because "simple" is our middle name.

Lunch for the Week

The saying is that "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day", but lunch is pretty important too. A solid lunch will get you through those tough afternoon hours at the office without snacking on the goodies lying around, and prepare your body for your post-work workout.

For those of us trying to economize, packing your own lunch is the way to go. But who has time to prepare lunch every morning? The solution is simple: prepare your lunch for the week on Sunday night.

Lemon-steamed chicken breast is a wonderful way to go because the chicken soaks up the aroma of whatever you put with it, and it will keep in the refrigerator for the week! Chicken is a lean protein that will keep you feeling fuller longer. Pair it with broccoli for anti-cancer fighting nutrients, fiber, and calcium, or with green beans and zucchini for a twist. Best part is you can buy everything you need for the week for under $10!



Does this type of lunch preparation work for you? Share your tips in the comments!

We are happy to have Nola Solomon on board as an intern for FunnySpoon.com. As a French-American, she offers unique culinary insight on how to enjoy your food and efficiently plan for a hectic schedule. Give her recipes and tips a try!

Bite into World Cup 2010

"Football", "fútbol", "calcio", "soccer" ... however you say it, the event we await with baited breath for four years has finally arrived and the USA is looking strong this year. Whether you come to cheer the mighty Howard in all his goalie glory or the attacking prowess of Dempsey, Donovan, Findley, and Altidore, you will want to partake in the vibrant World Cup bar scene.

True, the USA is a fledgling soccer country, but our fan base is growing exponentially. Soon we will rival the fervent and aggressive fanaticism of the rest of the world. Gone are the days when people wonder what sport soccer is. Now the city streets across the US are lined with bars boasting World Cup action on big screens, surround sound, and stellar beer and food specials (make sure to take advantage).

Anyone who has spent time in Europe or South America during World Cup frenzy can attest to the energy, whooping, and booing, that permeate the streets. Get a taste of it by enjoying the vibrant social scene of watching a match in a bar in between bites of burger and gulps of Bud. Allow the energy (and a little booze) to influence you to yell at the screen as if it will make a difference.

This weekend, take advantage of bar specials and pair it with a good old fashioned American hamburger and fries or chicken wings. Some bars employ a BYOF (bring your own food) policy, and for you health conscious fans, pack a turkey ranch wrap to eat while watching manly men fake injuries.

BIG GAME OF THE WEEKEND: USA v. ENGLAND Saturday, June 12th, 2PM EST

Stay tuned over the next few weeks for tips on game day food, international food and drinks, and World Cup trivia!

We are happy to have Nola Solomon on board as an intern for FunnySpoon.com. As a French-American, she offers unique culinary insight on how to enjoy your food and efficiently plan for a hectic schedule. Give her recipes and tips a try!

10 Foods to Fight Cholesterol

No matter what age we are and no matter what our current health is like, we should all try to watch (at least to some extent) our cholesterol. Our hearts will thank us later!

Here's a great list of cholesterol-fighting foods, along with FunnySpoon's recommendations:

1. Oatmeal
This is the one you probably know about. The soluble fiber in whole grain oats helps lower LDL and total cholesterol. Try topping plain oatmeal with a little dried fruit, a sprinkle of nuts and a hint of maple syrup or honey for some sweetness.

2. Salmon
The omega-3 fats in salmon and other fatty fish such as tuna and sardines help lower triglycerides and increase HDL. Aim for two servings of fish a week.

FunnySpoon it with this recipe for Moroccan Spiced Salmon:

3. Olive Oil
The monounsaturated fats and antioxidants in olives and olive oil help to lower LDL (they don’t really affect HDL levels). Use olive oil for sauteing, marinades and salad dressings. Heads up: oil has 120 calories per tablespoon so watch those portions.

FunnySpoon it with this recipe for Spinach Pita Pizzas:

4. Flax
According to David Grotto’s book 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life, women who eat 50 grams of ground flaxseed a day for four weeks lowered their LDL by 18%. Try adding these omega-3-rich and fiber-filled seeds to salads, smoothies, oatmeal and even baked goods.

5. Plant Sterols
Fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds naturally contain compounds called sterols that block the absorption of cholesterol and help keep LDL low. Along with being in fruits and veggies, you can get more potent doses of these sterols from certain brands of yogurt and yogurt drinks, cereals, granola bars and spreads such as Smart Balance, Promise Activ and Benecol (they all add extra sterols). The downside is that you’ll need a pretty hefty amount (about 2 grams a day) to reap sterol’s cholesterol benefits.

FunnySpoon it with this recipe for Carrot Coins:

6. Oat Bran
Another way to take advantage of the soluble fiber in oats is to bake with oat bran (available at health food stores). Add it to cookies, breads and these multigrain muffins.

7. Almonds
Eating 1.5 ounces a day (about 30 almonds) as part of a diet low in saturated fat can help reduce the risk of heart disease and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Almonds are also high in vitamin E, too — an antioxidant that boosts heart health.

FunnySpoon it with this recipe for Scrumptious Strawberry Salad:

8. Soy
Soy products such as edamame, tofu and soymilk are plant-based proteins, so they’re naturally cholesterol free. Use these foods to replace animal proteins (like swapping soy milk for cow’s milk) — it can help reduce your cholesterol levels.

FunnySpoon it with this recipe for Shrimp Tempura & Rice:

9. Alcohol
There’s research that supports the theory that a few cocktails can actually improve your HDL levels, but don’t hit the booze too hard — too much can raise triglyceride levels. Keep it to a maximum of one drink a day for women and two for the guys.

FunnySpoon it with this recipe for Kir a la Maison:

10. Citrus Fruit
Fruits such as oranges and grapefruit are not only good sources of soluble fiber, but research from the USDA finds that a compound found in orange oil can help to lower LDL. A 2006 study from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that eating a red grapefruit a day resulted in lower LDL and improved triglyceride levels. (Note: Grapefruit juice may interfere with some medications so check with your doctor or pharmacist.)

Spring Salads For Your Special Mama

Of course you know, but just a reminder ... MOTHER'S DAY IS MAY 9!

We know you're busy with work, school, sports & life, so we're taking the stress out of it for you. Treat your mama (and yourself) to a fantastic meal with these simple salad ideas.

Try this easy Italian Artichoke Salad:


Or browse all our salad recipes for easy ideas!

Pssst! This recipe idea was sent straight to the inboxes of our email subscribers, who get tips like this about twice a month from us. Want in? Sign up now!

One-Minute Weight Loss Tips

To gear up for swimsuit season, it nevers hurts to get a few weight-loss tips, does it? Here are 10 "One-Minute Weight Loss Tips", courtesy of Prevention Magazine:

1. Mix a juice spritzer
Combine your favorite juice (half of your usual amount) with plain or sparkling water. You can cut up to 85 calories per glass--and lose 5 pounds or more a year.

2. Walk while you talk
Burn calories while you talk on the phone: Do the laundry (68 calories), set the table (85), or water plants (102).

3. Study the wrapper
At a quick glance, that candy bar appears to contain 220 calories. But a closer look may reveal that it (or a bottle of juice, bag of crackers, or bag of nuts) provides two or more servings--which more than doubles those calories.

4. Sip green tea before a walk
The caffeine frees fatty acids so that you burn fat more easily. And the polyphenols (antioxidant compounds) in green tea appear to work with caffeine to increase calorie burn. (If you have high blood pressure, skip this tip.)

5. Pack a lunch
Dining out more than 5 times a week may make you eat more--nearly 300 calories a day--than if you dine out less frequently.

FunnySpoon tip: Check out these easy lunch recipes to help you stick to this tip!

6. Dip your bread
Use olive oil in place of butter. It's healthier and may also help you eat less. In a recent study, dippers ate a total of 52 fewer calories, on average, than those who used butter.

7. Sprinkle flax on cereal
High-fiber ground flaxseed can help curb your appetite and eliminate calories. Add it to yogurt or muffin and bread mixes--it's available in health food stores.

8. Schedule a blood test
About 1 in every 12 women (most of whom don't know it) has an underactive thyroid, which can slow down her metabolism.

9. Supersize your H2O
Buy the big bottle when it comes to good-for-you stuff such as water: You'll drink more.

10. Eat a chunky salad
Chop carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, zucchini, or other veggies instead of shredding or slicing. It takes more effort to munch bigger pieces; you'll do more chewing and eat less during the main course.

FunnySpoon tip: Check out these easy salad recipes and just be sure to chop your veggies in big chunks!

The FunnySpoon Five: Foods You Should Eat Everyday

Spring is the perfect time to get out of the eating rut we might have gotten in over the winter. That's great! We have tons of easy recipes for you to try out.

However, to stay healthy, according to Shine, you should try to incorporate these 5 foods in your diet every day:

#1 Leafy greens
Medical experts call them one of nature's miracle foods. Leafy greens like Swiss chard and kale are high in nutrients like folate and vitamins A and C that can lower your risk of cancer. Just one cup of dark, leafy greens a day could also prevent diabetes and high blood pressure.

#2 Nuts
Many nutritionists recommend nuts like almonds, cashews and walnuts because they're high in natural fiber. Fiber slows your digestive process, keeping hunger and unhealthy mid-afternoon snacks at bay. Goodbye vending machine runs!

#3 Onions
Studies show that consuming onions on a regular basis may reduce symptoms of asthma and the risk of developing stomach cancer. Add them to soups and stir-fry, and just remember -- the stronger the onion, the greater the health benefit.

#4 Whole grains
Refined grains, like white rice and pasta, have lost 90% of their nutritional value through the refining process. As if that weren't reason enough to choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and whole oats, a recent study showed that a diet rich in whole grains actually flattens your belly by reducing fat storage in your lower abdominal region.

#5 Yogurt
Making yogurt part of your daily eating routine can improve your digestion -- if you're buying the right stuff. Check that the label lists "active cultures" to make sure you're getting healthy probiotics, and pick a yogurt rich in vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis.

Check out our easy recipes and search for one using one or more of these healthy foods!

Meatless Monday: Poorman's Black Bean Chili

This dish is the epitomy of SIMPLE. It's 4 ingredients. Seriously, that's it. And it's got tons of (vegetarian) protein to you start off the week properly.

Remember, there are lots of great reasons for you to go veggie at least one meal per week - it's good for your overall health (weight management, heart-healthy, lower cholesterol) and it's good for the environment This statistic always shocks me: "... eating a vegan diet prevents the equivalent of 1.5 tons of CO2 emissions every year, more than the 1 ton of CO2 emissions prevented by switching from a typical large sedan to a Toyota Prius." WOW! Maybe we can't all switch to a vegan diet, but we can certainly do our share to cut back on our meat consumption.

So, give this Poorman's Blackbean Chili a whirl. We guarantee you & your family will enjoy it. And it just might make you feel happy to do something good for yourselves and the environment!

Pizza Joint Ordering Guide

Our friends at Eat This, Not That shared some great information this week about the do's and don'ts of ordering at a pizza joint and we had to share it with you.

9 Ways to Eat Healthy at the Pizzeria
Here's what every child should be taught in health class: how to order a pizza. After all, the average American gobbles up 23 pounds of this takeout favorite every year. Your pre-emptive plan of attack: Use these nine simple rules to order smart at any pizza joint.

• Choice of Crust
  Your goal here is to minimize the number of empty carbohydrates that go into your pie. Pan crust is by far the worst, and it can easily add 1,000 empty calories to your pie. Thin crust is not only best for you, but it's also the most loyal interpretation of true Italian pizza.



• Personal Pan
  Never fly solo at the pizza parlor, since appropriate portion size is not the sort of consideration that plays into the shaping of most personal pizzas. They're typically sized like serving platters and loaded with 800 calories or more.



• Canadian Bacon
  What makes bacon Canadian? It's not the country of origin. But the fact that it comes from the leaner back of the pig means it delivers twice as much protein with 60 percent less fat than normal bacon.



• Meat Lover's Pizza
  The official "Meat Lover's" moniker is owned by Pizza Hut, but you'll find pizzerias all over the country producing their own iterations of the all- meat pie. The reliance on a slew of greasy meats packs each slice with around 400 calories and 10 grams of saturated fat--double what you'll find in a slice of Hawaiian pie.



• White Pizza
  The absence of fatty meats puts this pie on the lower end of the caloric spectrum, but it's still just bread and cheese. The hallmark of the white pie is that it's served without sauce, and as it turns out, the sauce is the healthiest part of pizza. Besides being loaded with vitamin C, studies show that cooking tomatoes actually concentrates the disease-fighting lycopene found in raw tomatoes.



• Mediterranean Pizza
  This is generally among the most uniquely flavorful pies on any pizza menu. Instead of sausage or pepperoni, it earns its big flavor through a combination of artichokes, olives, sweet peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes--ingredients characterized by their antioxidants and healthy fats. Sub this in for your normal pie and you'll trade calories for flavor and nutrition.



• Calzone
  You can stuff the fat inside, but you can't make it disappear. The pocket-bread approach to pizza construction allows the chef to fold in more grease than you'd ever accept on top of your pie.



• Pastas
  Rarely is pasta better for you than pizza. Surprised? The heaping helping of noodles served by most pizza joints provides hundreds of calories' worth of refined carbohydrates, and the sauce that goes on top is generally peppered with the worst of the pizza toppings (i.e., pepperoni and sausage).



• Garlic Knots
  The cheapest item on the menu for good reason: Each knot consists of little more than a pile of flour and a thick smear of butter or oil. That means lots of quick-burning carbs and lots of calorie-dense fats. You'd be better off eating chicken wings.

Now that you're super hungry I suggest you head over to your local pizza joint ... OR better yet, try one of these fantastic at-home pizza recipes!

Spring Break Eats!

Spring Break is right around the corner! We're excited for the time away from school and work, but even more excited that warm, sunny days will soon be here. Check out our tips below to ensure you have a fabulous week!

Ready for the Beach

These simple meals and tips will help you get bathing suit-ready in a flash:

• Breakfast Burritos, done right, are super low in calories and high in protein. And they're not just for breakfast anymore! Great for the week prior to a beach vacation to help shed a few unwanted pounds.



• Mommy's Mushroom Pizza allows you the guilty pleasure of pizza but won't prevent you from slipping into your shorts!



• Reduce bloat by cutting back on sodium. Sodium hides in many foods we think are low-cal, like diet soda, teriyaki sauce, and pickles. It acts like a magnet to water, leaving you bloated after what you thought was a healthy meal! Get rid of the water weight with these easy tips and you'll feel a lot better on the beach!

Hanging Out With The Kids

Got the kids home for an activity-filled week? For quick meals on go, try these:

• Turkey Wraps are perfect for a day on the go. Make them in the morning and you've got lunch at the ready - tastier than an expensive lunch out and better for you than the hotdog stand!



• Chicken Salad with Melbas are super easy to make! Toss the Tupperware in your bag along with a baggie of melbas and pair with some grapes or an apple. Now you've got a hearty snack to carry you through an afternoon at the beach or zoo.



• These Cocoa Krispie Bites are scrumptious! And fun for the kids to help make, too (read: not too messy)!



• Check out these healthy snacks to keep the kids (and you) fueled up for the week.

Party Time!

No exciting Spring Break plans yet? Have an impromptu party to celebrate spring! These simple recipes will help you throw together a party in less than 30 minutes.

• Fiesta Dip is perfect for a party - great with crackers, veggies or bread. And literally takes 4 minutes to make!



• Make a double batch of these Salami Pickle Wraps because your guests will be back for seconds and thirds!



• The Hula Dancer is the perfect spring party cocktail! It's light, refreshing and makes you wanna dance!

Whatever your spring break plans, we hope you're warm, sunny and feeling healthy!!

Skinny Foods

If your New Year's resolution was to eat healthier, you might be needing a little extra push now that it's the end of February! Below are some recommendations from Joy Bauer on "skinny foods", paired with recommendations for recipes we have on FunnySpoon.com.

Pumpkin Pudding: Decadent, creamy pudding for less than 150 calories--and it helps you lose weight! Just combine a 6-ounce container of nonfat vanilla yogurt with ½ cup canned 100% pure pumpkin puree and a dash of cinnamon. The pumpkin bulks up the yogurt--already a protein-rich, nutrient-packed food--and adds a hefty dose of fiber. This winning combo of protein and fiber expands in your stomach, keeping you full long after you finish, so you're not looking for more munchies an hour later.

The FunnySpoon Way: Pumpkin Fluff

Vegetable Soup: Studies have shown that just by starting a meal with a fiber-rich bowl of broth-based veggie soup, you can reduce your total calorie intake by 20 percent. That's because this "veggie first course" helps to fill you up, so you wind up eating less at the main meal.

The FunnySpoon Way: Carrie's Vegetable Soup

Cucumber Tomato Salad: Thanks to their high percentage of water (95%!), cucumbers are low-calorie, high volume, and top-notch for weight loss! Slice up one whole cucumber plus a medium tomato, then toss with light vinaigrette or unlimited vinegar (balsamic or red wine is delish) plus 1 teaspoon olive oil. The entire salad has only 125 calories!

The FunnySpoon Way: Tomato Basil Salad (you can always add cucumber, too!)

Ginger Green Tea: Nursing a warm mug of tea is a calorie-free way to de-stress after a long day without falling prey to emotional eating. As an added bonus, research suggests that regularly drinking green tea may give you a slight calorie-burning advantage. Steep your tea with a thin slice of ginger root for an extra punch of flavor.

The FunnySpoon Way: Not much of a way to improve on this - just drink a cup a day!

Fiery Chicken Salad: Adding a few dashes of fiery hot sauce to your food slows down your eating big time so you're less likely to eat past the point of fullness. For a simple lunch, whip up a chicken salad with diced chicken breast, 1 tablespoon reduced-fat mayo, hot sauce to taste, and any diced veggies on hand. Serve over a bed of lettuce (and have a glass of water handy!).

The FunnySpoon Way: Chicken Salad with Melba Toast (and spike it with some hot sauce!)

Shrimp Cocktail: At around 8 calories a piece, shrimp are a fabulous source of lean protein, which helps rev your metabolism and keeps you feeling full for hours. Next time you dine out, start your meal with a shrimp cocktail appetizer. When you're eating at home, dunk your shrimp in this could-not-be-easier cocktail sauce recipe: simply combine 1 tablespoon ketchup with 1 teaspoon bottled horseradish.

The FunnySpoon Way: Shrimp Quesadillas

Bon appetit!