In search of a holiday gift that will have its recipient tearing the box open to try it out right away? No, it’s not the iPhone 6 plus, although it can be used in conjunction with one! This nifty gadget takes living a healthier lifestyle to a whole new level with its customized set-up and feedback, aesthetically pleasing visuals, easy portability, and unique features.  This item revolutionizes eating healthier, staying fit, and reaching personal goals. The best thing about this product is that you only need one to benefit your entire family! What is it? The Prep Pad by The Orange Chef Co. is essentially, a smart food scale that links to your apple device through Bluetooth using an app called Countertop. It identifies the nutritional density of a food item or meal according to its weight.

Photo by : WIlliams-Sonoma

What does it do?

Objectively, the Prep Pad:

• Provides you with a customized nutrition label for a specific food item or meal based on its weight
• Displays a pie chart that is divided into carbs, proteins, fats and overall calories
• Upon placing an item on the scale and identifying what it is using the smart search, it will tell you the nutritional information for the specific item (including micro-nutrients/vitamins)
• Upon placing an entire meal on the scale, and identifying each item individually, it will tell you the nutritional balance of your meal in accordance to your personal health goals, height, age, weight, gender, and activity level
• Tracks your food intake and saves it to the Countertop app so that you can review, and refer back to it for certain meals or recipes

Subjectively, the Prep Pad:

• Makes you more self-aware and conscious of exactly what you’re putting into your body
• Helps prevent overeating by teaching you proper portion sizes
• Educates you to recognize how much a portion is by the size of an item (also a good way to teach kids how much an ounce is, etc.)
• Helps raise and promote overall awareness of nutrition and what you’re eating
• Makes you mindful of your eating habits
• Will make an awesome holiday gift for someone special!

What else can it do?

 – It can save your meals or individual food items to your “favorites” for future reference and easy access to frequently eaten foods so you don’t have to re-enter or re-weigh it

-It can level out bowls and other containers for bigger items that won’t fit on top of the Prep Pad or for foods with messy consistencies such as sour cream so that they’re not accounted for in the weighing of a food item

– It provides you access to review your nutritional intake at any time (by meal, day, week, etc.)

– It has the option to divide meals into serving sizes by selecting the number of people who will be eating it

– It keeps track of your calorie intake and provides you with a “balance score” (out of 100, with 100 being completely balanced), based on your nutritional health goals along with your height, weight, age, gender, and activity level to help you create balanced meals and stay on track with your goals

– Has a barcode scanner for items that are not in the more than 300,000 item search library

-Has the ability to have multiple different items on it at once and still provide their individual nutrition info, as well as the overall nutrition info for the entire meal by providing the option to change the item as soon as there is a change in weight on the scale. For example, if I put a handful a blueberries on the scale, enter blueberries, and am presented with its weight and nutritional information, I could then put a handful of almonds on the scale and enter almonds, it will give me the nutritional information of the almonds according to the added weight (difference in weight before and after the almonds were added)

– Allows you to share recipes or meals on social media easily or through email/messaging

– Can be used in conjunction with the “Jawbone UP” activity trackers to sync your exercise and suggest meals and recipes for you to replenish your body after a workout based on your health goals

I downloaded the Countertop app on my iPhone and created an account using my email account (you can also use Facebook for convenience or if you plan to share a lot of stuff on social media). After creating my account it then asked me a few questions in three separate categories, and this is what it looked like: “About Me”

1. What’s your name?
2. What’s your height?
3. Are you male or female?
4. What is your birthdate?
5. What is your current weight?
6. What is your weight goal? (lose/gain/maintain)

In the next section, “Activity” it asks you to rate your activity level on a scale of 1 to 5, and here’s how they described the levels

1. Sedentary- No purposeful(or intentional) exercise
2. Light- Exercise equivalent to 4,000 steps a day
3. Moderate- Moderate exercise 3-5 days a week (included activities like Yoga)
4. Heavy- Moderate or more vigorous exercise most days of the week (sports)
5. Exceptional- Intensive training (extreme athletes training for marathons, triathlons, etc.)

The last section titled “Calorie Goal” provides you with a daily calorie goal to follow recommended by USDA based on the information you provided in the previous two sections. It also provides you with the recommended balance pie chart from the USDA that states a balanced meal consists of 50% carbs, 30% fats, and 20% proteins. There is an option to customize your pie chart percentages as well. When I entered my information (Hayley, 5’3, Female, June 18^th 1992 (22 years old), 130lbs, I want to maintain my weight. I do heavy activity), the USDA recommended my daily calorie intake to be 2,505 calories per day. Everyone’s recommended calorie intake is going to be different, depending on the personalized info they entered. Overall this product does a fantastic job promoting a healthier lifestyle. It’s educational, portable, and easy to use. Everyone has something to gain by having a Prep Pad, and it would be a perfect holiday gift for

• Your health conscious friend
• A person you know that is trying to become more health conscious
• Someone you care about that YOU want to become more health conscious
• Visual learners
• Technology hoarders
• Your calorie counting friend
• Athletes
• That one person you know that’s always on a diet
• People with diet restrictions

The Prep Pad is a perfect holiday gift to give right before the start of the New Year when everyone is making strides towards living a healthier lifestyle. It truly is a gift that keeps on giving.

This is a great article from Popsugar that suggests a variety of inexpensive gift ideas for that fit friend or family member in your life. Still need a present for that holiday party’s white elephant game? Pack more punch with a combination of 3 or 4 of these items that will still keep you under the $20 cap and have everyone fighting for what you brought.

Fitness Gifts That Cost Less Than the Almond Latte You Had This Morning

From POPSUGAR

photo from Zazzle

Sometimes big things come in small packages, and when you’re lucky, with an even smaller price tag. Whether you’re looking for a little extra something to add to an existing gift or are on a tight budget, we have more than 15 fitness- and health-inspired gifts that do not go over the $5 mark. With prices like these, you can gift everyone on your list with ease.

ORANGE

Here’s how the Outrageous Oranges outplayed  the Banging Brussels Sprouts..

Unfortunately the Brussels Sprouts had a tough day, they were over cooked, lowering the amounts of their star nutrients allowing the quick attack of the oranges to dominate.  Oranges came through with a strong immune system, GI tract, and heart, while lowering risk of diabetes and cancer.

Once again, the fan support swayed the game.  By the looks of  it, 67% of the fans in attendance were cheering for the Oranges while only 33%  were rooting for the Brussels Sprouts.

Our FanCam spotted these Standout Supporters!

“Mmm. Brussels sprouts. Delicious steamed or roasted…”

“Go Sprouts!”

“Most definitely orange, orange everything!”

“Oranges! Again, I’m going with color!“

“Come on… How can you go against the orange?!!!”

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

VOTING 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 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!

BEETS

The beets beat out the eggplants team with the phenomenal play of the phytonutrients and antioxidants, just too much for the low calorie eggplants to handle!

Once again, the fans support was heavily lopsided.  By the looks of  it, 71% of the fans in attendance were cheering for Beets, while only 29%  were rooting for the Eggplants.

Our FanCam spotted these Standout Supporters!

“Give me “B”…give me an “E”…give me another “E”….give me a “T”….what’s that spell? BEET…go Beets!”

“Anything that can be used to dye easter eggs gets my vote…so yummy beats it is!”

“Beets are the best!!!”

“Can’t give love to the beets so the more versatile, tastier eggplant gets my vote!”

“Down with the beets!”

“I am Russian, must I say more? I love eggplants but feel that they ways need too much oil to cook, while beets just good as they come!”

 

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

VOTING 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!