There are as many choices of bars as there are fish in the sea.  Convenience stores have whole sections filled with bars which completely takes the convenience right out of it as you stand there for 15 minutes looking for the perfect bar for you.  The word protein is plastered on the wrapper, or energy, or low calorie.  Beware of bars because most are not much better than a candy bar.  Let's look at four different bars and show what to look for in your next nutrition bar choice. 

I went to my pantry and pulled out 4 bars that happened to be there.  I have kids which means there are kid things in the house which I don't eat.  I'll let you guess which bar is mine.  :)  

We are going to look at nutrition labels and briefly at the ingredients list for examples of easy ways to discard options.  I'll give you quick ways to choose when you're eating on the run.  

Let's take the top two bars in the picture.  The Nugo...

This time of year our garden is going crazy and the first veggies to mature are the squash.  Anyone who's planted zucchini and yellow squash knows you get many, many (sometimes more than you know what to do with) vegetables from each plant.  I'm always trying new ways to prepare these and this is one of my favorite.  I've included a meat filled option for more protein and a vegetarian option for those who prefer.   

You will need:

• cookie sheet
• aluminum foil
• zucchini and yellow squash (I used yellow crook necked)
• olive oil
• salt, pepper, garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese shredded
• ground beef
• mozzarella cheese shredded
• fresh garlic
• onion
• marinara sauce

First: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Then cover cookie sheet with a piece of aluminum foil and set aside.

Next: Cut squash into 3 inch sections and then cut each of those sections lengthwise, creating two halves.  Make a V- cut into center of each half and remove.  Make deeper or wider cuts if you...

We've all jumped on the healthy food band wagon at some point in our life or at least thought about it.  We read or watch something, find inspiration and say, "That's it.  I'm tired of  ______(feeling like crap, losing energy in the afternoon, feeling bloated, fill in the blank). I'm ready to do this!"  Only to peter out two weeks down the road.  Why? Because eating healthily takes planning and is time consuming.  I can make it easier for you.  I'm going to share with you my latest pitfalls and inconsistencies in my own eating to help you avoid making the same mistakes.   

I'm a big fan of journaling.  Writing thoughts on paper brings ideas or realizations into my conscious mind where I can act on them.  I've found a lot of value in this practice which is why I included an area to journal in my Massage Therapist Fitness Planner.  As I was reflecting recently on my eating I identified three areas which always derail my...