Love What You Eat

Today (October 20th) is the National Organization for Women's "Love Your Body Day," and what better way to show your body love than take pride in what you eat? Here are my favorite "super foods" for superwomen:

• Low-fat yogurt: let's begin with breakfast, which I NEVER skip! Yogurt has naturally occuring probiotics that really make a difference, trust me; not to mention calcium for strong bones. With the growing fad of frozen yogurt shops that freeze real yogurt rather than the processed fro-yo filled with chemical additives, you can turn this breakfast food into a delicious frozen treat, top with fresh fruit, and you've got a great healthy dessert.


• Spinach: Popeyes had it right - this leafy green really energizes me and can be used in so many ways. From fresh spinach salads topped with fruit, nuts and blue cheese to sauteed spinach paired with any protein, really, spinach is my go-to vegetable for weeknight dinners that never fails to fill me up.


• Fish: the claims that "fish makes you smart" and the good press for omega-3 fatty acids' benefits aside, I love fish because it's a tasty lean protein that leaves me feeling good. Unlike red meat or fried chicken that weighs down on the stomach (and the figure), a nice piece of salmon gives you that needed protein without the cholesterol, and when cooked right can taste down-right delicious. If you think you're not a fish person, start small by trying grilled teryaki salmon - tastes like chicken, I swear - and slowly try other white fish like cod and halibut. You'll be eating sushi in no time!


• Berries: my longtime favorite foods have always been strawberries and raspberries, and add blackberries and blueberries to the mix and you have an incredible source of vitamin C and antioxidants that tastes like nature's candy. Fresh are the best but in winter you can get them frozen and even bake them into muffins and pies ...


• Dark chocolate: Recent research has indicated a small amount of dark chocolate regularly aids the cardiovascular system, even lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. But for me what I love about chocolate is that it triggers endorphins, making you feel good, and contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressent. So give in to the chocolate craving with a small piece of dark chocolate, guilt free - loving yourself means feeling happy.