Perusing Pinterest is a great way to entertain yourself when you have a few minutes to spare, brainstorm about an upcoming project, or simply need to unwind. There is one important detail to keep mind, the captions tagged to each pin are self written and may be false or misleading.

For example, recipes will be oftentimes self-declared as healthy, before pinning, check it out to see if in fact it is true or if the recipe is modifiable. Once you do go in for the pin, be sure to modify that tag line to say what you think is true, or how you will modify the recipe.

The virtual bulletin board of Pinterest is a great way to gather some amazing spring cleaning ideas for the house. Below are some of our favorites to save time, money, and calories!  

 Don’t forget to check out our other Skinny Gene pins on Pinterest!

PINNED TO SPRING CLEANING

Quick cleaning for the home:

Microwave

Toilet

Garbage disposal

Organize your kitchen cabinets:

Cutting boards

Baking sheets

Organize the closets:

Gift wrapping

Save money with homemade solutions:

Cooking spray

Chip clips

Save Calories:

Asparagus Guacamole

Spaghetti Squash

Kale Chips

Calorie Substitutions

Happy pinning!

March Madness brings out the best of the best teams to compete in head-to-head matchups on the basketball court!  In honor of the march mayhem, Skinny Gene presents the Produce Playoffs!  Just like the big dance, anything can happen on any given day as these super foods go head-to-head!  Whatever the outcome, all of these foods are winners!

SEE RULES AND GIVEAWAYS!

DAY 4 MATCHUP: Outrageous Oranges vs Banging Brussels Sprouts

(voting from April 3rd – April 8th @ Midnight PST)

The next produce playoff is the Outrageous Oranges versus the Banging Brussels Sprouts.  Both of these teams are peaking at the right time for the playoffs.  This is sure to be a match up of the most potent antioxidant players.  Here is the game day breakdown for the two teams:

ORANGES

Season: Phenomenal season, December through April.

Star players:  Vitamin C, Fiber, Phytonutrients 

On the bench: thiamin, folate, Vitamin A, potassium, calcium

Offense:  The offense attack of the oranges relies on the fast break, wash, peel, and eat!  Oranges also can play a sweet role in a spinach or fruit salad.   

Defense:  The oranges ‘go to’ star player is Vitamin C, providing immune defense and cancer reduction.   Fiber plays an important role regulating blood sugars and the bowels.  You will want to keep an eye out for the phytonutrients which can protect the heart function, lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation.

VERSUS

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Season: Long season from December to June. 

Star players: Vitamins K and C, fiber

On the bench: Vitamin A and E

Offense: Brussels Sprouts are best steamed for about 5 minutes, over cooking decreases their nutritional value.  Try roasting Brussels Sprouts to enhance the flavor.

Defense: The defense antioxidant trio of Vitamins C, A, and E decrease inflammation and reduce risks of cancer.  Fiber provides 4 grams per cup, sure to help defend against cholesterol and constipation.

THE WINNER

This was an awesome matchup. Both teams played hard, but there could only be 1 winner. And  it was…. CLICK TO SEE THE ANSWER! 

SWEET POTATO

Here’s how the Sweet Potatoes swept the Zucchinis..

The Sweet Potatoes – the Vitamin A powerhouse was just too much for the out of season zucchini.  Vitamin A had an outstanding game providing 438% of the daily value.  Lights out for Houdini!

Once again, the fan support swayed the game.  By the looks of  it, 75% of the fans in attendance were cheering for the Sweet Potatoes, while only 25%  were rooting for the Zucchinis.

Our FanCam spotted these Standout Supporters!

“How can you go wrong with sweet potatoes! Their current popularity alone gives them the fan base needed to defeat zucchini.”

“Sweat potato baby!!!! Yummy and so ver versatile l!!! The best!”

“While I think Sweet Potato will get the W, I’d like to root (no pun intended) for the Zucchini as it’s a personal favorite. Gooooooo Zucchini!”

“This was the battle royale…in the end…sweet potatoes…gotta love a vegetable that can be dinner or dessert!!!”

“Easy peasy (I hope)…sweet potatoes rock!!”

These fans, and all the other participants who voted for their favorite team in the Zucchini vs Sweet Potato head-to-head matchup, were entered into our favorite fan drawing for a Visa gift card.

VOTING IS CLOSED!

March Madness brings out the best of the best teams to compete in head-to-head matchups on the basketball court!  In honor of the march mayhem, Skinny Gene presents the Produce Playoffs!  Just like the big dance, anything can happen on any given day as these super foods go head-to-head!  Whatever the outcome, all of these foods are winners!

SEE RULES AND GIVEAWAYS!

DAY 3 MATCHUP: Zucchini versus Sweet Potato

(voting from March 27th – March 31st @ Midnight PST)

The next game in the produce playoff is the Houdini Zucchinis versus the ‘not so sweet’ Sweet Potatoes.  Here is the game day breakdown for the two teams:

Zucchini

Season: March may not be their best month, their strongest time of year is in the summer. 

Star players:  Vitamin C, A, and manganese, and other antioxidants

On the bench: pectin rich fiber and omega 3 fats

Offense:  The zucchini offense is as simple as a gentle steam.  This preserves their rich antioxidant properties.  Serve raw with hummus or steamed with seasoning for a quick side.  

Defense:  The Houdini Zucchini will surprise the opponent with their unusual amount of cholesterol lowering pectin in the skin of their veggie.  The pectin also provides protection against diabetes and improves insulin regulation.  As long as they keep their skin on, they are sure to give the sweet potato a good run.     

VERSUS

Sweet Potato 

Season: Lucky for the sweet potatoes, March is their best month!

Star players: No question, the star of this team is betacarotene!  In the shadows is another all star, Vitamin C.   

On the bench: sweet potato extracts that increase the body’s level of andiponectin, as well as fiber, potassium, Vitamin B6, manganese 

Offense: Sweet potatoes are extremely versatile, steam, bake, roast, or sautée and  season sweet with cinnamon and Splenda or savory with onions and garlic.    

Defense: The defense duo of Vitamin A and C provide the anti cancer antioxidants , as well as anti-inflammatory protection.  The increased levels of andiponectin and the fiber content help regulate a healthy insulin response improving blood sugars and reducing risk of diabetes. 

THE WINNER

This was an awesome matchup. Both teams played hard, but there could only be 1 winner. And  it was…. CLICK TO SEE THE ANSWER! 

March Madness brings out the best of the best teams to compete in head-to-head matchups on the basketball court!  In honor of the march mayhem, Skinny Gene presents the Produce Playoffs!  Just like the big dance, anything can happen on any given day as these super foods go head-to-head!  Whatever the outcome, all of these foods are winners!

SEE RULES AND GIVEAWAYS!

DAY 2 MATCHUP: Eggplant versus Beets

(voting from March 25th – March 27th @ Midnight PST)

The next matchup is the battle of the purple veggies, eggplant versus the mighty beets.  Not the most popular veggies, but these two snuck into the produce playoffs to show off their stuff.  Here is a breakdown of the two teams:

Eggplant

Season: Started the season out strong, but they may have hit their peak long before this tourney, August to October.

Star players:  fiber and manganese

On the bench: molybdenum, potassium, antioxidants

Offense:  The eggplant’s offense attack is based on their versatility.  The eggplant can be baked, roasted, or steamed and added to sandwiches, pizza, and lasagna for a low calorie filling.

Defense:  The eggplant’s defense is led by star player fiber, reducing the risk of heart disease, as well as the low calories fighting off the risk of obesity.  

VERSUS

Beets

Season: The beets peaked even earlier than the eggplant, June through October.  This is sure to be a good match up!

Star players: phytonutrients, folate, and fiber 

On the bench: dynamic duo of antioxidants, vitamin C and manganese

Offense: The beets are quick to cook, just steam for 15 minutes until soft.  Beets are a great addition to a salad bowl of greens or an easy side dish.  

Defense: The phytonutrients are the star defense players, providing some valuable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components that are unique only to a few veggies.  The beets also match up well with the eggplants fiber defense.

THE WINNER

This was an awesome matchup. Both teams played hard, but there could only be 1 winner. And  it was…. CLICK TO SEE THE ANSWER!

ASPARAGUS

Great match up, but the antioxidant level and vitamin play of the Asparagus team dominated the Pears.  Fiber played great defense for both teams limiting spikes in blood sugars and keeping the hearts healthy!

Gotta say, the Asparagus fans really showed up for this one!  By the looks of  it, 76% of the fans in attendance were cheering for Asparagus, while only 24%  were rooting for the Pears.

Oh well, Pears; better luck next year!

Our FanCam spotted these Standout Supporters!

“Pears will edge them out because their wide bodies and multi-use skills trump the bland, one-trick pony asparagus.” -Carroll

“Pear, you know I love you (especially Bartletts)….but I had to choose Asparagus even though it makes my pee stink. Go Big Green!“- Katie

“Asparagus for sure! All that green! And, anything that cleans me out enough to make my pee smell funny must be good for me, right!?!“- Christina

These fans, and all the other participants who voted for their favorite team in the Pears vs Asparagus head-to-head matchup, were entered into our favorite fan drawing for a Visa gift card.

VOTING IS CLOSED!

March Madness brings out the best of the best teams to compete in head-to-head matchups on the basketball court!  In honor of the march mayhem, Skinny Gene presents the Produce Playoffs!  Just like the big dance, anything can happen on any given day as these super foods go head-to-head!  Whatever the outcome, all of these foods are winners!

SEE RULES AND GIVEAWAYS!

DAY 1 MATCHUP: Pears versus Asparagus

(voting from March 21st – March 22 @ Midnight PST)

This is sure to be a great matchup to kickoff the Produce Playoffs!  The Aspargus team brings a lot to the table besides their obvious height advantage.  Here are the scouting reports for the two teams:

Pears

Season: Peak from summer to early January, they may have peaked too soon for to make a run in this tourney!

Star players:  Fiber and vitamin C

On the bench: Antioxidants

Offense:  The pears offense is based on their speed.  The quick chopping and dicing allow the pears to be added to so many things!  Our favorite plays are adding diced pears to cereals and oatmeal, and adding slices to fresh spinach salads.

Defense:  The defense attack is led by the Pear’s bench play of the antioxidants.  The threesome of beta-carotene, lutein, and zea-xanthin are super protective against any free radicals reducing risk of colon and other cancers.  The star player, fiber, also provides a defensive edge lowering cholesterol and keeping the bowels moving nicely.

VERSUS

Asparagus 

Season: Lucky for the Asparagus team, they are peaking at just the right time for this match up, February through June!

Star players: Fiber, antioxidants, folic acid and B-vitamins

On the bench: Vitamin foursome – A, C, E, K

Offense: Aspargus is extremely versatile.  On the fast break they can be sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and pepper…a sure slam dunk!

Defense: A great matchup for the pears with fiber, keeping blood sugars stable, lowering cholesterol, and keeping the bowels moving.  Additional defense from the antioxidants and vitamins reducing risk of cancer and reduces inflammation!

THE WINNER

This was an awesome matchup. Both teams played hard, but there could only be 1 winner. And  it was…. CLICK TO SEE THE ANSWER!

HOW TO PLAY

Each week some of our favorite performing produce will go head-to-head. We will give you the scouting reports  for each produce team, including their offensive/defensive lineups. Using the information provided, simply guess which produce in each head-to-head matchup will prevail.  Just know that some produce are prone to pull an upset!   

To make your selection, simply cast your vote using the poll at the bottom of each matchup. Then, tell us who you voted for in the blog comments below.   For each matchup, you can only cast 1 vote, and once the winner is announced the voting for that matchup will be closed. Don’t worry if you miss one, there will be up to 4  matchups each week during March Madness and plenty of chances to earn points and prizes.

POINTS AND PRIZES

– For each head-to-head you guess correctly, you will get one (1) point.

– For each head-to- head, leave us a comment below telling us why you think your chosen produce will take the    prize, and you’ll earn two (2) additional points. {Keep it clean folks, or it won’t count.}

-If your comment is sooo good that we feature it on our Skinny Gene Facebook page, we will give you three (3) more points.

 But, the easiest way to win a prize is to GET SOCIAL!!  Here’s the deal… if your friend wins a prize, so will you.

At the end of the March Madness Produce Playoffs tournament, we will count up all the points. Each point counts as 1 entry in our prize drawing(s).

The more participants we have in our Produce Playoffs, the more prizes we will  give away!  So recruit your friends to play against you in the 2013 Skinny Gene Produce Playoffs.

So far,  UP FOR GRABS are….two (2) $25 Visa Gift Cards – 1 for the winner of the random drawing, 1 for the person who recruited them to the tournament.

Each entry counts as one chance to win.  US Only!  Winner will be announced April 9th. Winner will be chosen AT RANDOM by random.org.

READY TO PLAY!!!

(Click on the links below to pick your produce in the head-to-head matchups or to see the results)

DAY 1 : PEARS vs, ASPARAGUS  – voting is closed. Winner…ASPARAGUS!! See how they pulled it off!

By Emily Barr, MS,RD,CNSC – V.P of Nutritional Services and Co-creator of Ignite Your Skinny Gene Program

Love your mate

Our instinctive nature tells us to shower our loved one with sweet treats or rich decadent meals, all of which are loaded with an unimaginable number of calories, heart stopping saturated fats, and sweetened with sugar that could turn our blood into syrup!  Our goal is to show them our undying love, not poison them with unhealthy, non-nutritive foods!

Ideally we show our love through food every day, not just that special day in February.  In order to love our mates the right way, we need to take a look at the big picture.

Take a look at our special someone’s family history, generations before can provide us with a lot of information of their possible health risks.  Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes all travel down family blood lines.  Identifying the risk is the first step; next we need to modify their diet to help reduce their risk of carrying on the family disease.

• Heart disease – limit saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol
• Cancer – limit saturated fat, alcohol, tobacco, and sun exposure
• Diabetes – limit intake of concentrated sweets and extra calories and fat

Love our mate’s body.  Over the years, extra weight may have snuck its way onto our bodies, extra pounds that may not have been present early on in our relationship.  Weight gain is an indicator that the current diet situation may not quite be on target.  Of course, that doesn’t change the love we have, but we do want to live long healthy lives together, so a change in lifestyle may be necessary!

If you are showing your love in a healthy way every day, then the special occasion splurge is a-okay!

Love your kids

Our instinctive nature with our children is to feed them kid foods, peppy little animal sugary shape snacks, juices in fun containers, chocolaty flavored cereals, and cartoon character endorsed cookies.  As much fun as these foods are, they are not the healthy choices that our little ones need.  Our kids have the same health risks as adults (like you and your spouse), and not to mention the additional risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes growing up in this generation of excesses.

Our goal as parents is to teach our children about healthy food choices and the importance of eating them at every meal and snack time.  This can be a challenging venture, but over time, it only gets easier and easier as it becomes routine.  We need to make healthy habits mandatory in our homes, leaving the junk foods out of the house and filling the refrigerator and your child’s plate with the healthy ones.  Don’t forget that we need to model healthy eating habits.  That means that everyone in the home is eating the same healthy foods, no exceptions.  Of course, it seems harsh, but we are only doing this out of love.

Love your dog

How can we forget to show our four legged companion some love?  Walking the dog is the best reward they need, which is great because it benefits us, as well!

Oh yes, and don’t forget to love ourselves.  Surrounding ourselves with our loved ones is the greatest gift of all.  Knowing we are teaching and providing our families with healthy, nourishing foods will definitely allow us to sleep well at night.   Which isn’t that what we all want anyway?

1. WEIGHT – Yes, your weight plays a major role in your heart health. If your BMI is over 25 kg/m2 (that is the

photo: eatingright.org

overweight/obesity range) and/or if you have extra love around your midsection, you are at a higher risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.  The good news is that you can improve your heart health by losing weight.   To achieve weight loss, try to focus on exercise, food selections, and portion sizes.

2. FAT – Of course fat plays another major role in heart health! Be alarmed if your diet is loaded with higher fat foods, specifically foods high in saturated fat from animals including beef, pork, poultry fat and whole or 2% dairy.

Guidelines: Saturated fat should be limited to 7% of your total calories, due to its contribution to increasing your blood cholesterol. Following the American Heart Association’s guidelines, a heart healthy 2,000 calorie diet should be limited to 65 grams of total fat and 15 grams of saturated fat.

3.  SODIUM– Our bodies need a little bit of sodium (a.k.a. salt), though too much sodium can raise your blood pressure – not in the heart throbbing, good loving type of way – and increase your risk of heart disease including, heart attack and stroke.

Guidelines: The average American takes in 3,800 mg of sodium per day, which is nearly 2 times the recommended intake of ~2,000 mg per day for a heart healthy diet.

Helpful Tips: To lower your sodium intake, be sure to read the labels of any food in a package, jar, or can.  These processed foods have a lot of sodium to help preserve them to sit on the shelf.  Look for foods with reduced sodium label claims, such as “Sodium-free”, “Very Low Sodium”, or “Low Sodium”.  Another route is to go for the foods without packaging, especially the lovely colorful fresh fruits and vegetables!

4. CHOLESTEROL – Increased circulating cholesterol in your bloodstream can slowly make its home on the walls of your blood vessels, narrowing those important passage ways from your heart to your brain, lungs and other important parts of your body.  Our bodies naturally make cholesterol; therefore, it is important to limit the cholesterol in our foods to keep our blood flown properly!

Helpful Tips: One of the most important foods to be aware of when limiting your cholesterol is eggs!  One egg has 213 mg Cholesterol which is enough for your entire day!  Try to substitute those eggs with a cholesterol free egg substitute, just as it claims 0 mg of cholesterol and no fat!  Double heart loving bonus!

 5. FIBER – Fabulous, functional fiber can also help keep that lovable fiber heart of yours healthy.  Specifically soluble fiber, which binds with cholesterol and then takes a lovely ride out of the body, in turn reducing your blood LDL cholesterol (that’s the “bad” one).

Helpful Tips: To maximize the benefits of soluble fiber, include fruits, such as apples, bananas, pears, plums, peaches and citrus fruits, vegetables, such as carrots, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and chick peas, whole grains, such as barley, oats, psylium, and beans in your diet.

Renew your love for your heart and commit to making these heart healthy changes!

Have questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re here to help!

By Emily Barr, MS, RD, CNSC