Author Archives: Cherylanne Skolnicki

SUPERBOWL weekend!


Are you ready for some football?? If you’re like most Americans, your weekend plans include a party this Sunday as friends gather for Superbowl XLV. Whether your interest leans toward the game (my husband) or the commercials and post-game episode of Glee (me) or the chance to run merrily around the house with friends (our children), it’s an awfully nice way to spend a Sunday evening.

Game-day munchies come with the territory, of course, and I’m looking forward to some favorite indulgences just as much as you are. If you’re also interested in adding a few healthier options to the mix, here is a lightened up version of a Superbowl favorite as well as some previously-posted ideas you might consider making for the big day.

Whether you will be wielding a Terrible Towel or wearing a Cheese Head, these are sure to be a hit with your party crowd.  Enjoy the game!


Southwestern Bean Dip

1 16-ounce can nonfat refried beans, preferably “spicy”
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
4 scallions, sliced
1/2 cup prepared salsa
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices, chopped
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack, or Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 medium avocado, chopped
1/4 cup canned sliced black olives


Directions:

1. Combine refried beans, black beans, scallions, salsa, cumin, chili powder and jalapeños in a medium bowl. Transfer to a shallow 2-quart microwave-safe dish; sprinkle with cheese.
2. Microwave on High until the cheese is melted and the beans are hot, 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Spread sour cream evenly over the hot bean mixture, then scatter with lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives.

Other ideas:




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It’s Love Month!

My daughter woke up this morning and declared “It’s Love Month!” Now that’s what I call waking up on the right side of the bed! If you hadn’t thought about it in quite that way before, perhaps it’s time to consider how you’ll celebrate Love Month this year. How will you show love to those around you? And perhaps even more importantly, how will you treat yourself for the next 28 days? (Why does Love Month have to be the shortest one, anyhow?)

If you need a little inspiration, here are a few ideas:

– Begin every day by greeting yourself in the mirror and saying something nice for once.
– Treat yourself to fresh flowers despite the snow and ice scene playing out all around us.
– Schedule date night – with yourself! 
      What movie have YOU been longing to see (Toy Story 3 does not count)? 
      What book have you been meaning to read? 
      What restaurant have you wanted to try? Now’s the time!
– Make yourself an adorable breakfast like the one pictured above.
– Choose the very best food for yourself – at the grocery store, at home, in a restaurant. No scarfing down half-eaten chicken nuggets off your kids’ plates. What do YOU crave?

 

– Listen to great music in the car.
– Find a workout that moves you. Try Hot Yoga…or Pilates…or Zumba…or whatever makes you want to get up and move!
– Make yourself over – get a new haircut or a new lipstick or a new outfit – anything that makes you feel great.


– Stop comparing yourself to others. Love yourself for who YOU are, not for how you stack up vs the competition.
It’s February, friends. All you need is love.
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Upcoming Event – "Beauty from the Inside Out"

Next Thursday, February 3rd, I’ll be speaking at an Image Impact Workshop hosted by Dr. Kurtis Martin. I’ll be talking about my ideas for how to draw beauty from the inside out through the practice of eating well, and then personal trainer TJ Bizzarri will be doing a mini workout demo and Dr. Martin will talk about his practice and his commitment to the holistic health of his patients. If you live in Cincinnati and can join us (or know someone who would like to), here are the details:

Image Impact Workshop
Sponsored by Kurtis W. Martin, M.D.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
6355 E. Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH
7-9PM
Reserve your spot by calling 513-469-0300

I really do believe that beauty begins within. On one hand, you can lose weight by eating fewer calories, no matter where those calories come from. But there is a vibrancy and vitality that is called forth only by eating really good quality food that provides a wide range of nutrients. A low-calorie diet comprised of junk food may take off some pounds, but it simply will never produce that healthy glow we all seek. Do you notice when someone appears to be lit from within? That’s the magic of really high quality food. It proves that the old adage “you are what you eat” is true after all.
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