That's Fit

Going to a Fourth of July bash this weekend? Straight from the Delicious Disney, The Disney Chefs with Pam Brandon book I bring you the most yumtastic side salad ever! Want to look like a fancy pants when you walk through the door at that party? This is the way to do it. I've posted the fairly simple recipe for Papaya, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad in my recipe book at Fitzness.com (page 37) for permanent access. Enjoy!

Assuming you have the time in the morning, as well as a taste for very citrusy (yes, I just made up that word) fruits, adding a grapefruit to your breakfast will help keep you feeling full longer into the day.

With only 72 calories, .2g of fat, and 18g of carbs per serving (not to mention a great deal of vitamin C), grapefruits have long been considered a healthy contribution to a well-rounded breakfast. And, because they contain 15g of pectin per serving, grapefruit helps prevent food cravings by making you feel more full. Best of all, grapefruits also help dissolve fat and cholesterol.

The one downside of grapefruit, however, is that it may have adverse effects on certain medications. In most cases, you'll know this ahead of time, as your doctor or pharmacist will explicitly warn you against eating grapefruit while taking that particular pill. But, it's always best to err on the side of caution, so if you did not receive such warning and are taking medication, check with your doctor before digging your spoon into this healthy treat.

Breakfast is my favorite meal. I can easily feel satiated on about 350-450 calories. I often enjoy a couple of eggs, a piece of toast with butter (two slices on ravenous/workout mornings) and a small serving of fruit.

Recently I've changed up my preferred meal. In order to cut calories and fat I'm often substituting juicy grapefruit instead of toast. Choosing one whole, medium grapefruit over two slices of my favorite 100 percent whole wheat toast spread with two pats of butter saves 170 calories. Here's a nutritional breakdown:

Two slices of my 100 percent whole wheat toast with 2 pats butter: 252 calories, 10 g fat, 34 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 6 g sugar and 8 g protein.

One medium-sized grapefruit: 82 calories, just about no fat, 20 g carbs, 2.8 g fiber, 18 g sugar and 1.6 protein (per CalorieKing).

Comparatively there is more sugar and less protein in sweet grapefruit, but I garner decent protein from my eggs and save significantly overall on both fat and calories consumed. Bon appetit!

There are so many "diet plans" and "weight-loss systems" out there it's no wonder anybody successfully loses any weight, ever. Are you overwhelmed by the options and looking for a simple way to "narrow the field" to just a few choices? Well, if you're the sort that checks your horoscope weekly for love and career advice, you might consider getting weight-loss advice as well through these dieting ideas based on your astrological sign.

Are you a Gemini with social butterfly tendencies? Then Weight-Watchers might be the thing for you because you'll drop pounds while meeting and mingling with new people, and get group support. If you're a Capricorn the suggested plan is The Grapefruit Diet because you've probably got willpower to spare. And if you're an impatient fire-sign, like Leo, the 6-Day Body Makeover could be your ticket to success.

For me the article suggests NutriSystem, which sounds great except I'm not sure if I can afford pre-made meals every night. Is there a category for Cancer, on a budget?