In an effort to eat more produce, I'm always exploring new recipes for meal time. But as you know, sometimes kids are picky, and getting them to eat their daily rainbow of fruits and veggies can be difficult. I've found one option that gets gobbled up every time.

The Veggie Taco Salad is a sure winner and my kids love to help me prepare all the ingredients. Here is the recipe for all my RightSize Smoothie friends. Why not try it tonight for dinner?

Veggie Taco Salad
Serves one to two people - share with your friend or one of your kids! Double up if serving a larger group.

Ingredients:
3 ounces cooked white rice
Cilantro
Lime juice
Salt
4 ounces black beans
4 ounces sliced avocado
1 1/2 ounces of sliced green bell peppers
1 1/2 ounces of sliced raw white onion
3 ounces Romaine lettuce, finely chopped
4 ounces fresh chopped tomato
1 1/2 ounces onion
1/4 Serrano pepper, finely chopped
1 to 2 tortilla chips
Oil of your choice
Water

Directions:
Step 1: Veggies
Sautee the sliced green bell peppers and 1 ounce of sliced raw white onion in a frying pan with 2 tablespoons of water and 1 teaspoon oil. Set aside.

Step 2: Lettuce
Place in bottom of serving bowl or plate. 

Step 3: Rice
Take cooked white rice and add chopped cilantro to taste, 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix and add on top of lettuce.

Step 4: Protein
Add black beans and avocado on top of rice.

Step 5: Salsa
Take fresh chopped tomatoes and mix with Serrano pepper and the remaining 1/2 ounce of onion. Chop finely if desired. Add on top of protein.

Step 6: The finishing touches
Add sautéed veggies, crumble corn tortilla chips on top and serve. Enjoy!

Approximately 475 calories total , 23g fat, 14g protein, 19g fiber, 6g sugar 

Every four years we get to experience a leap year - meaning this year we will have an extra day in February. This extra day can be used as a special day to focus on your health. Here is what I have planned.

1. Rise and shine with a brisk walk. I might even add a couple leaps into my walk for extra exercise during this day.

2. Come home and prep the kids for school. I'm going to have a Razzmatazz RightSize smoothie for breakfast - a healthy treat to start my day out right.

3. I head to work and the kids head to school. I am packing healthy brown-bag lunches for us all.

4. After work and school, it's time for some fun with the kids. I think we'll play for a while in the family room before we make dinner together. Maybe we'll play leap frog since it's Leap Day.

5. After dinner, the kids will finish homework and then we plan to have a family movie night.

If you want to make the smoothie I mentioned, the recipe is easy, nutritious and delicious:

Razzmatazz Smoothie
1 scoop of SkinniVanilli 92 kcal
6 oz. skim milk 60 kcal
1/2 cup raspberry sorbet 120 kcal
6 ice cubes
TOTAL: 272 kcal

Happy Leap Day everyone!

Valentine's Day brings with it indulgent candy, savory meals and rich desserts. Apparently, if you're lucky enough to be in love and celebrating Saint Valentine you are going to be eating some tasty treats. For the diet-conscious person, the challenge of Valentine's Day is enjoying these foods but not overeating.

My plan for V-Day is to spend some time with my family. They are the ones who give me the best gift in life: love. We plan to go out to eat at a local restaurant here in town and enjoy some fine food and time together.

If you're heading out to eat for Valentine's Day, stick to your diet plans by indulging in moderation only. If you're having a rich main dish, keep it light for dessert and perhaps order some fresh fruit. If you want a decadent dessert to share with your honey, go light on the meal and opt for water to drink.

Have dinner and movie plans? Eat dinner first so you're not hungry once you hit the theater. That way you can avoid the heavily buttered popcorn and calorie-laden candies. If eating is not in the plan and you just want to see a movie, simply choose one treat and share. Sharing is in the spirit of love after all!

If you exchange gifts this year for Valentine's Day, it might be wise to subtly hint to your significant other that the heart-shaped box of chocolates might be better left on the shelf and instead replaced with a nice bouquet of flowers or simply a card.

End your day with a romantic walk holding hands and reminiscing - no matter what your age, it's an enjoyable activity that will remind you why you love each other so much.

Now, if I can only survive my daughter's Valentine's Day Party! With the right plan, I think I can get through anything, even a cupcake-filled day with second graders!

Do you ever get the snack attacks? Those moments when you have an intense craving that won't go away? I do, and the cravings can range from the need for something crunchy, like chips or crackers, to something super sweet, like candy or cake.

I have some secret weapons against the snack attacks. By giving myself a healthier version of what I want, I satisfy my cravings and give my body the vitamins and nutrients it really needs. Here are three common cravings and the simple solutions:

1. I need something crunchy now!
Oh the crunch of salty potato chips - it's something that goes back to my childhood. But because my metabolism isn't what it used to be, I need a smarter alternative. My solution: crunchy fresh veggies. No matter what time of year it is, you can't beat the fresh flavor and satisfying crunch of vegetables like carrots, cucumber, peppers, celery and cauliflower. For some extra pizzazz I like to add a low-fat dip or some spicy hummus.

2. I need soda now!
Soda is as American as apple pie. Unfortunately those satisfying bubbles are full of empty calories and huge amounts of sugar. If you need to wet your whistle and H2O just won't do, I suggest turning to fresh juice. If you're ambitious, squeeze your own for a flavor that will make your tongue dance. If you're short on time, be sure to choose 100 percent juice options when at the store. Still craving the bubbles? Mix half juice and half seltzer or mineral water for a bubbly treat. 

3. I need a sweet treat now!
Oh the dreaded sweet tooth - it can really take a bite out of any healthy diet  plans. When I need something sweet, I turn to RightSize Smoothies for sweet satisfaction that helps me cut calories while giving me the nutrition I need for the day. Here is one of my favorite recipes for when I need something sweet - make it a meal or have it as a snack and share with a friend: 

Holiday Chocolate Mint Blizzard
Lean Cocoa Bean - 29.1 g. or 1 scoop 97.01 kcal
6 oz. skim milk 60.0 kcal
4 pieces Andes Candies 100.0 kcal
6 ice cubes

TOTAL: 257.01 kcal

With the holidays in full swing, it might feel like you're being bombarded with desserts and treats from all directions! From all the goodies at the grocery store, to the baked goods left in the break room at work, to the array of treats at each holiday party - it can be difficult for even the most strong-willed person to restrain.

Every day there seems to be at least one instance where the holiday cookie monster is trying to tempt me. My solution? I drink a RightSize smoothie. Not only does it satisfy my sweet tooth, but it is designed to replace a main meal. I get to indulge without the calorie overload.

One of my favorite recipes is inspired by the rich and decadent flavors of the holidays. Try the below recipe and you'll feel just like Santa eating cookies and milk, without the worry about an expanding waistline:

   Holiday Cinnamon Cookies for Two
   1 scoop SkinniVanilli - 92.45 kcal
   6 oz. skim milk - 60.0 kcal
   2 graham crackers (31 g.) - 130 kcal
   1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   6 ice cubes
  ---------------------------------------------------
  282.45 kcal TOTAL or 142 calories per person

Remember, any time you're tempted by holiday treats, a RightSize smoothie can help keep you on track so you can reach your health  and fitness goals no matter what time of year it is. You can even customize this recipe - try a different low-calorie cookie or another favorite spice. Feel free to cut the recipe in half if it's just for you, but sharing is caring during the holiday season.

Anyone else have a favorite smoothie recipe to share?

The holidays are such a fun time of year, but for someone watching their weight, it also presents many challenges. From bountiful family feasts to trays of tasty confections, it might seem that the temptations never end. Well, I for one will not be sidetracked. Enjoying the flavors and fun of seasonal foods doesn't mean gaining extra pounds - I simply follow some easy strategies that you too can try at your next holiday gathering.

Twas the hour before the party
Having someone else cook for you might be welcome relief during the hectic holiday season, but going to a party hungry can spell disaster. Before I attend any party where I know there will be food, I'll eat a light, healthy snack that includes some type of protein to curb my hunger. I also try to drink a big glass of water. This helps ensure I don't overindulge at the festivities.

Dashing through the buffet line
Sometimes little tricks really do work, like using a small plate to control how much you eat. If you have a large plate, you're naturally going to fill it up and that can mean eating way too much without even realizing it. I use a small plate to keep my portions in check. I still get to sample the holiday goods, but using a smaller plate ensures I don't go overboard.

Holly, jolly and healthy
Even Santa pairs his not-so-healthy cookies with nutrient-rich milk. I follow a similar rule at holiday functions. If I want to have that tasty-looking cheesecake for dessert, I'm going to double up on veggies during the main course and skip the unhealthy appetizer altogether.

Mingle all the way
A good distraction is the best way to keep your mind off food. When surrounded by family and friends, the excitement of the festivities can easily curb any craving you might have. I keep busy with pleasant conversation and I typically forget about all the temptations surrounding me.

Take cues from Frosty
Food isn't the only temptation at holiday gatherings - celebrating with specialty drinks is quite popular. The problem is these drinks are often full of empty calories. So skip the high-cal cocoa and eggnog and instead follow Frosty's lead by giving your body the hydration it really wants: water. If you simply must toast the celebration, limit yourself to just one beverage or only fill your cup up half way.