Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Healthy Recipe of the Week: Balsamic Berry Parfait

Courtesy of: The Washington Post Online

The elements of this dessert look great as a tall, layered parfait, which should be assembled just before serving.

MAKE AHEAD: The ricotta cream can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. The sliced fruit can be prepared a few hours in advance.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
*1 cup part-skim ricotta
*Finely grated zest of 1 lemon (loosely packed tablespoon)
*1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
*1 pound freshly washed berries yielding 3 cups; stemmed and cut as appropriate
*1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
*Leaves from 2 stems of basil, chopped (2 tablespoons loosely packed)

Directions:

Combine the ricotta, lemon zest and sugar in a medium bowl; mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Combine the berries and balsamic vinegar in a medium bowl, tossing to coat evenly. Let them sit for 15 minutes, then add the basil and toss to incorporate.

Have four glass dishes or parfait glasses ready. Working with one-quarter of the fruit and 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture, assemble the first parfait by creating a layer of berries, then adding a heaping tablespoon of the ricotta mixture, another layer of berries, another heaping tablespoon of the ricotta mixture and another layer of berries. Top with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture; garnish with some of the reserved berries.

Fill the remaining 3 portions, following the same order of layers and using all the remaining ingredients. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 154
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 19mg
Sodium: 78mg
Total Carbs: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 13g
Protein: 8g

Monday, June 8, 2009

NEW 6-WEEK CHALLENGE: BECOME A CURVACEOUS CUTIE

Are you ready to get fitter, leaner, and healthier this summer?

The goals of this challenge are:
~Workout 3 times a week*
~Lower your BMI (or maintain your BMI if 25 or lower)
~Pick one more goal:
*Drink 6 glasses of water a day (8 if you’re able)
*Keep a food diary
*Walk, bike, swim, use home equipment twice a week
*No wine on weekdays
*Limit soda intake (or do not drink any soda)
*Limit desserts
*Workout at Curves 4 times a week
*Weigh yourself everyday

STARTS: June 15, 2009 (make sure to weigh-in prior to the challenge)
ENDS: July 31, 2009 (make sure to weigh-in your third day this week)

*If you go out of town and there are no Curves in your area, discuss with your friendly Curves staff member other alternatives.

And here is your goody for reading this blog: Tell your friendly Curves staff member (starting the week of the 15th) the phrase, summer fit, and you will get a free pass if you happen to miss one day of working out.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Summer Special!

Save $100 AND
Get one month free!*

Join Curves Chevy Chase/Bethesda
And receive this summer special!
6831 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 10815
(301) 215-7959
www.bethesdacurves.com
FREE PARKING!
Located in the same building as Trader Joe’s
*Based on a 12-month contract