For a great weekend or weekday lunch,  Five Points has a “menu of simple, rustic yet refined dishes focused on fresh, local and seasonal ingredients”.  Simple, yet delicious.  The fresh ingredients speak for themselves.

Grilled Amish Chicken Salad with local greens, pickled radishes, toasted nuts, golden raisins, yogurt

Late night at work?  Not to worry!  With little time to roast your own chicken at home, pick up an antiobiotic-free, organic rotisserie chicken.  You can find these delicious chickens at Eataly, Whole Foods or Fairway.  Not only are they a huge time-saver, but can be easily incorporated into a quick and healthy meal.

For a quick weeknight dinner, pair your rotisserie chicken (try to discard much of the skin and fat) with a quick vegetable like “Simple Sauteed Kale” (http://www.nutrifynow.com/recipes/simple-sauteed-kale/) and easy-to-cook whole grain like whole wheat couscous.

If you have extra time, try using your delicious rotisserie chicken (or leftovers!) in this  ”Asian Chicken Salad” (http://www.nutrifynow.com/recipes/asian-chicken-salad/) recipe for a yummy weeknight dinner or to bring to work for a tasty lunch.

Check back soon for some healthy eating options in and around NYC!

Facts about your Fall fruits and vegetables!

Did you know that…

• ½ cup of cooked broccoli contributes 70% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C?
• 1 cup of roasted winter squash provides 150% of your daily requirement of Vitamin A?
• 1 apple provides 4 g of fiber, 15% of your daily requirement?

 Fruits and vegetables are at their freshest and most affordable, when purchased in season.  Look for these fall vegetables at farmers markets and in produce departments:

• Kale
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Spinach
• Arugula
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage

 Why Buy Locally Grown Foods?

 YOU’LL GET EXCEPTIONAL TASTE AND FRESHNESS
Local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances from other states or countries.   Local farmers can offer produce varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than for shipping and long shelf life.

YOU’LL STRENGTHEN YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY
Buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your community.

YOU’LL PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Local food doesn’t have to travel far which reduces carbon dioxide emissions and packing materials.

When Mexican cuisine comes to mind, many think of heavy, calorie-laden food.  Don’t let this year’s Cinco de Mayo weigh you down!  Whether you’re throwing a party or cooking a Mexican-themed meal for dinner, Cinco de Mayo recipes can be flavorful and crowd-pleasing!

Click on Nutrify’s recipe tab for some delicious, lighter Mexican inspired recipes including Heart-Healthy Guacamole, a Black Bean Whole Grain Burrito, Pineapple Salsa and a delightful  Sparkling Raspberry Margarita!

Use these tips to make this year’s Cinco de Mayo a healthy one!

• Skip the chips.  Instead, try cut up celery sticks, cucumbers, sliced peppers, jicama or carrots.  If you need chips for your salsa or guacamole, choose ones that are baked and whole grain.

• Hold the high calorie, high fat sour cream and cheese and opt for salsa instead.  It makes an excellent and tasty substitute on your burritos and fajitas.  It’s low in fat and calories, plus, you’ll have the added benefit of  heart healthy lycopenes from the tomatoes.

• Choose corn tortillas over flour for an extra boost of fiber- corn is actually a whole grain!

• Fill your plate with freshly grilled and raw vegetables to boost your antioxidant and fiber intake.

• Use spices for flavoring like cumin, garlic, onions, lemon, lime, chili powder, and oregano to
  flavor your food.  They provide tons of flavor without adding unnecessary calories.

• Choose grilled chicken breast or fish whenever possible.  It will provide a lean source of protein at your meal.

• Watch out for the specialty Mexican alcoholic drinaks. Most are loaded with sugar and calories and are not a good choice- drink a light beer instead.

Feeling too hungry at mealtimes?  Healthy snacking in between meals is a great way to control your portions and keep your energy levels up! Don’t sit down to any of your meals feeling starving.  It will only lead you to overeat!

Tasty snack ideas include:  a small handful of almonds and dried cherries (put in a small ziplock bag for a yummy mid-morning snack), 1 Tablespoon of almond or peanut butter with a serving of whole grain crackers (like Ak-Mak or Triscuits) or a piece of fresh fruit with a 2% string cheese stick.  All are satisfying and delicious choices!

Amanda Schlesinger, RYT

Amanda is a New York City based yoga instructor who completed her 200 hour certification with Yoga Works in 2010, and received a certification in prenatal and postnatal yoga from the Prenatal Yoga Center in 2011. She teaches at several studios and gyms throughout Manhattan, and has a strong private following.

 
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