How to Find Healthy Options at Tex-Mex Restaurants: Appetizers

Patio season is here and in Dallas/Fort Worth that also means the season of Tex-Mex and margaritas has officially arrived.  But if you're not careful, you can blow your calorie wad on frozen margaritas and chips before you even order your food.

The buzz about "The Tequila Diet" got my little pea brain swirling: how did Tex-Mex get so fatteningly wrong?

Mexican food, at its core, is pretty healthy.  A Mexican diet is full of beautiful produce, seafood and quality meats. Sure there is corn and fried chips but you can forgo them.  I was married in Mexico and actually lost weight the week I was there while enjoying wonderful food from authentic Mexican chefs.  Here is a sampling of what we enjoyed:

Steak, halibut and vegetables

Grilled shrimp with mango salsa

Salad with parmesan crisp

Ceviche 

Tex-Mex takes some liberties with cheese and fried items but I am fully convinced that you CAN find healthy Tex-Mex options and avoid a 1200 calorie meal at MOST restaurants if you look and ask nicely.

Let's start with starters 
I get it.  The fried tortilla chips come on the table and before you even order a drink, you have eaten a basket. You don't even want to know how many calories and fat that are in a basket of chips.

Corn Tortillas
Order non-fried corn tortillas to go along with your salsa and use that as your "starter".  If you really MUST have chips, take five (it's a nice simple number - that's the only reason I picked it) and break the chips in half.  Dunk each one in the salsa and savor it.  Eat slowly and you will enjoy the experience even more.

Guacamole
I order guacamole just about every time I eat Tex-Mex.  It's a wonderful starter.  I usually have that along with tortilla soup or a salad at most restaurants.  With your guacamole, employ the same corn tortilla strategy but tear your warm corn tortillas into quarters.  Top each quarter with some guacamole and salsa.  It's a delicious starter.

Want something even more calorie friendly?  Ask for a sliced tomato and enjoy that with your guacamole.  It's better than you think.

Seafood
Try ceviche.   Fernando's and Mi Cocina both offer great these amazing appetizers.  Mi Cocina's ceviche is a fresh, delicious blend of citrus juices, shrimp, avocado, mango and jicama.  YUM!

Another great starter is the shrimp appetizer so many restaurants serve.  Pepe & Mito's has a nice shrimp cocktail while La Calle Doce makes a delicious shrimp campechana.

Soups
Don't like seafood?  Soups are an outstanding option.  A cup of tortilla soup WITHOUT the cheese and tortilla strips is a great starter.  Matt's Rancho Martinez has a veggie laden tortilla soup that has big chunks of carrots and cauliflower.

The Takeaway
There is no problem indulging in nachos, quesadillas and queso occasionally.  As often as we eat Tex-Mex in Dallas/Fort Worth, it's not smart to indulge that way meal after meal.  Making the produce, seafood and lean meats the bulk of your Tex-Mex diet will help keep your weight in check while enjoying the patio, margaritas and people watching.

Wednesday we'll focus on Tex-Mex entrees.

The Tequila Diet? Really? Maybe.

Oh my.  This could be the diet that is custom made for patio-craving, Tex-Mex fans across the country, particularly in Dallas/Fort Worth.

Patron Silver

A new study has found that agavins, the natural sugar found in the agave plant (the plant that produces tequila) can aid in weight loss and help fight diabetes.

Researchers fed mice a standard diet but added agavins to their water.  The mice that consumed the agavin-laden water ate less and had lower overall blood glucose levels.  The study suggests that regular consumption of agavins, say in a sweetener, could help people battling diabetes and assist in weight loss.

There's no agavin sweetener (these sugars are different from agave syrup), so we'll just have to stick with tequila for now which isn't a bad way to indulge in alcohol.  Why?  Because if you're not doing teenage-style tequila shots, you can't slam it.  Tequila is a sipping cocktail.

A Healthier Margarita
Margaritas can be a full-on fat pill when you drink the syrupy sweet sugar bombs.  Additionally, those pre-made low-cal margaritas, sorry SkinnyGirl fans, are just terrible.  Any time I drink them, I have the worst hangovers.

Make an all-natural margarita, using good tequila, and you will never drink from a pre-made mix again.  All you need is three ingredients:

• 1.5 oz tequila
• 2 tsp agave nectar 
• 1 oz lime juice (approx 1/2 of a lime) 

Mix the ingredients by swirling or stirring, to dissolve the agave nectar.  Add enough ice to your favorite margarita glass.  Serve with a salted rim, if desired, and a lime wedge. 

Clothes That Work Both In AND Out of the Gym

You know my struggle to avoid looking like a sloth at the gym.  Designers are taking note.

Earlier this week, Lululemon announced it's "Function, Meet Fashion" line which offers fashion solutions for our busy lives.  It recognizes that we "don't have time for a wardrobe that keeps forcing you to change".  While I couldn't wear some of these clothes to work, they are perfect for running errands, lunch after a workout and cocktails.

The Here to There Tank top ($58.00) is particularly chic.  It's great for yoga, barre class or pilates and beyond.

Here To There Tank, front view/image via Lululemon.com

Here To There Tank/image via Lululemon 

The tank top is paired with the Here To There Short in blue ($54.00).  It also comes in black.  Adorable. Interestingly, the size 4's in both the tank and shorts are already sold out on Lululemon.com.  Those Lulu lovers are tiny!

Here are a few more looks that offer style and function both in and out of the gym.

Athleta
Athleta is a fashion forward fitnesswear line with a tad higher price point but worth it.  Their clothes are definitely dual-purpose.  They offer free shipping over $50.

Athleta Mix and Mingle Skirt, $59.99

This Athleta skirt is a wonderful versatile option in a breathable "Teelicious" fabric.  It comes in a variety of colors ranging from basic black to an on-trend radiant orchid.  You can wear this on a powerwalk or over yoga shorts after a workout.

Athleta Orinda Top, $44.99

There are some incredibly stylish tops you can pair with the skirt, like this Orinda long sleeve top by Athleta in teaberry. 

Athleta Second Chance Cami, $24.99

If you're looking for something more revealing, how about Athleta's Second Chance Cami Support top in fuschia.  I love so much of what they do.  They design clothes with the modern, fit and busy woman in mind.

Target
Target is bringing it for Spring, too.  They also offer free shipping with a $50 minimum purchase.

C9 by Champion Fit and Flare Tank Top, $19.99

How cute is this C9 by Champion Fit and Flare Tank Top?  It comes in a range of pretty Spring colors and is only $19.99!

C9 by Champion Long Sleeve Yoga T-Shirt, $24.99

You can throw this long sleeve yoga t-shirt over it for some warmth.

C9 by Champion Everyday Fitted Pant, $18.68

Wear the whole look with some sleek black fitted pants like these and I think you're in great shape for almost any casual setting.

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The Dallas Cowboys TwitterView with Gavin Escobar and Jeff Heath

Like any rookies, Gavin Escobar and Jeff Heath had quite the learning curve their first season in the NFL with the Cowboys last year.  Find out what that was AND why Heath could have a future as a TV producer in our Dallas Cowboys TwitterView.

Have a question for a player you would like to see featured in an upcoming Cowboys TwitterView?  Leave a note in the comments section.

This particular story was shot at iFly in Frisco after our first-ever attempt at indoor skydiving.  Read my review of iFly here.

What to Wear to a Mavs Game, St. Patrick's Day Edition

The Mavericks are fresh off a big win over Oklahoma City Sunday night.  YES, the Thunder was without three starters, including Russell Westbrook.  I don't care.  Dallas ended an 11-game losing streak to Kevin Durant and company but there's no time to revel in that victory.  The Mavs are back at the AAC Monday to host the Celtics which presents.....a fashion conundrum.

Dallas Mavericks Women's Solid Slim Fit V-Neck T-Shirt

Think about it: It's St. Patricks Day.  The day we are supposed to wear green.  The Celtics are THE team that was founded on the luck of the Irish!  When you think of them, you envision their green uniforms, the clover and leprechaun.

So what should the St. Patrick's Day-loving Mavs fan wear to a game like this one?  My daughter and I are actually going to the game.  I think this is a great night to break out a Mavericks t-shirt.  The good thing is that there are cute options for even the most sartorial Mavs fan.

Dallas Mavericks T-Shirt Options

Any of those t-shirts would pair well with skinny jeans like these from Rich and Skinny and a cute black blazer like this one from Asos (it's only $53!).

If all else fails and you can't find any colors that work, you can always wear Mavs jewelry.  Sure, some of it is cheesy but I found a cute pendant from Kohl's.

Dallas Mavericks Pendant

It's on sale for $140, still pricey for sterling silver but it's the most stylish one I have seen.   Here's a more affordable version for $24.

What You Need to Know About the Mavs/Celtics Game

• The Mavericks have won six of their last seven games against the Celtics, as well as the last three at the American Airlines Center.  
• Dirk Nowitzki plays really well against Boston, averaging 26.5 points per game in 28 starts against the Celtics.  That is his highest scoring average against any opponent. 
• Boston is terrible with a 22-45 record this season, 8-24 on the road.  The Celtics have lost four in a row, including an overtime loss to New Orleans on Sunday. 
• Dallas is 40-27, 21-10 at home.  The Mavericks are currently 7th in the Western Conference, a half-game ahead of Memphis and just a game and a half ahead of 9th place Phoenix.  Meaning with 15 games left in the season, every game counts.  

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iFly Dallas Indoor Skydiving Review

Have you had the urge to skydive but are too scared to jump out of a perfectly good airplane?  Then iFly Indoor Skydiving might just be your speed.

I had the chance to experience indoor skydiving with Cowboys players Jeff Heath and Gavin Escobar for a story. Shooting the story at iFly in Frisco was actually Jeff's idea and it was a brilliant one.

Candidly, I had no clue what to expect and I thought I might lose my lunch.  Turns out the experience was the most fun four minutes I have had in a long time.

What Exactly is iFly?
The iFly concept delivers true free fall conditions in a huge wind tunnel which is similar to the ones members of military and professional skydivers use for training.

You fly in an enclosed flight chamber which has fans that generate wind speeds in excess of 175 miles per hour and let you experience true weightlessness.
The iFly Dallas Experience 
Before you can fly, you have to go through a thorough, yet simple training session.  None of it is too complicated. Our instructor was engaging and made sure everyone in our training session, which included a child under 10, understood the hand signals and correct body positioning required for our flights.

It shocked me to learn that people as young as three years old can participate.

Jeff Heath, me and Gavin Escobar in "uniform"

Once we gear up in what I must admit are uniforms that do a body no favors, our "class" entered the wind tunnel seating area.  The wind tunnel is quite loud.  You really can't hear anyone if you try to talk.

Jeff Heath flying

Each of us received a flying session with our instructor that lasted about 90 seconds to two minutes.  During the first session, our instructor guided us the entire time.

After everyone flies once, we go again.  Each of us paid for the "high-fly" package which allowed us to fly high up into the tunnel.  In the second go-round we were able to fly unassisted, lying horizontal similar to Superman.

Our photographer, Daniel Royas, flying

We weren't able to do any crazy, acrobatic maneuvers that the flight instructors are capable of performing.  We were just lucky to remain horizontal and not run into the wall.

What It's Like 
In short: it's amazing.  I could not stop smiling the entire time while in flight.  Both Gavin and Jeff thought it was awesome, too.  I never once felt queasy.  It's truly that free feeling of flying with a cool wind blowing in your face. Just spectacular.

The instructor indicated we might be sore the next day because we were using back and abdominal muscles we typically don't engage.  While the flight is a workout, there was no soreness at all.  I felt fine.

The only downside is that the actually flying time is pretty short, roughly less than five minutes. Everyone in my group was a first-timer, so we participated in the First Time Flyer package which included the training session and gear rental. There are also Return Flyer and Experienced Flyer packages.  You can purchase up to one continuous hour of flying time.

The Cost 
Because we were shooting a story, the team at iFly was nice enough to give us a complimentary session.  A First Time Flyer family package for five people (the one we had) is $269.95.  The same package for a single person is $59.95.

I would do this on my own in a heartbeat.  It was the experience of a lifetime that I can't wait to try again.

The Details 
iFly Indoor Skyding is located at 8380 SH 121 in Frisco.  It's right off 121.  You can't miss it.

Three Awesome Exercise Machines You Probably Aren't Using But Should Be

There seems to be a new machine at the gym almost daily.  The thing is, we tend to get in an exercise rut and stick with the machines that we know and love.  Over time, doing the same thing repeatedly doesn't challenge us that much.

Time magazine lists three pieces of gym equipment we aren't using but should be.  Two of these are some of my favorites.

The Rowing Machine - This is a favorite of mine!

A great rowing machine workout guide

You can torch serious calories on this AND tone your back muscles AKA "fight bra fat".  Check out the rowing machine workout guide to get an idea of ways to create and effective program.

The Stair Climber or StairMaster - It's one of my gym go-to's.  You can always ramp up the intensity to get a good interval workout.

StairMaster Stepmill 3

It's a booty kick AND, according to Kansas City exercise physiologist Greg Justice, you can burn more calories on this machine than walking on a treadmill at the same pace because you're using more muscles.

Suspension Trainers - these were just installed in my gym.  Candidly, I haven't even tried to use them because I don't know how.  

Image via Gilt City

According to the article, you can get a nice total body strengthening workout in a relatively short period of time.

The Takeaway
Don't be afraid to try new equipment or a new workout.  It gets you out of your comfort zone, challenges your body and might just reinvigorate you.

Time to follow my own advice and get a TRX Trainer lesson!

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What to Wear to the Gym: Transitioning to Spring

The weather is offering up all sorts of funkiness right now.  It's that transitional time in which winter is still holding strong but spring is fighting to take over.

When it comes to gym fashion, it can be easy to get sucked into the same, boring jacket that I have been wearing for, literally, five years.

Nike Epic Long Crew

I found some adorable layering tops, called the Epic Long Crew from Nike, that can add warmth with style. These come in a variety of colors and can be paired over a pair of leggings if you're hitting the gym and running errands.

I think these would even work with a cute pair of jeans and heels for a fun weekend lunch.

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We're Fat, Sick & Getting Closer to Death. Why?

We're stuck at our desks for eight hours a day, we're not moving our bodies and our diets are made of mainly processed crap.

Well, that sucks.

This is all according to a recent study.  Even more depressing: obese women average about 11 seconds of exercise a day, resulting in about one hour per year while obese men get about 3.6 hours of exercise per year.

In the era of constant streams of information (including blogs like these) telling us that exercise will change our lives and help us live longer, where is the disconnect?  Why are people not getting the message and taking control of their health?

The study's lead author, Edward Archer a nutrition and obesity researcher at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, intimates we're that kind of lazy.

"We've engineered physical activity out of our daily lives and that's causing the health disparities that we have in this country," Archer tells HealthDay.

Think about it, so much of our every day life is automated and engineered to make us lazier: the remote control, being able to control our lives with our laptops and iPads, drive through everything.  You get the idea.

What does the multitude of wonderful technological innovations encourage us to do?  Spend more time at our desks, getting sicker, fatter and closer to death.  It's a slippery slope.

True words

The thing is, exercise is freaking awesome.  No other way to put it.  It's freaking awesome.  Nothing eliminates stress, makes you feel better about yourself and makes you look better than exercise.

Don't have enough time to workout?  Bullsh&%.  You do.  You just don't make it a priority.  It doesn't have to be 90 minutes every day.  You can get in great shape exercising 30 minutes most days of the week while mixing in a longer pilates class, a game of tennis, a round of golf or whatever floats your fitness boat once or twice.

Exercise is truly nature's antidepressant.  Make the commitment to do it five days a week and notice how much better you feel about yourself.  The improved physical appearance is simply a nice bonus.

Be honest: why do you struggle with making a commitment to exercise?

What to Wear to the Gym - Stylish Clothes for Working Out & More

For the sake of growth and evolution, NOT vanity, I'm sharing my fitness fashion choices.  Hopefully this can help serve as affordable inspiration.

I learned that I look like a slob at the gym when I was fashion shamed during a yoga class in January.

I have since ramped up my workout wardrobe and found that you don't have to spend a fortune to look decent at the gym and running the subsequent errands that always seem to follow a workout.

Look #1

This ensemble was my weekend yoga attire.  It features the C9 by Champion Skinny Pant pants from Target I love.  They're $29.99 right now.  I had scored a $5 coupon at checkout and bought them in-store for $24.99.  I swear these make your butt look smaller.

I paired these pants with the Inner Light Top from Lucy I bought years ago.  It's fine for yoga.  If you're going to run in this top, you need a bra.

Lucy Inner Light Women's Workout Top

The bright blue top I wore is no longer available online but you can find adorable options from Zappos.  They're $47.99 but they last a while.  My top is four years old.

Look #2

I wore this Lululemon outfit to work out with my therapist trainer, Steve Burgess, followed by numerous errands on Tuesday.  One of those errands included a stop at the Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch.  I hate visiting there in workout clothes but it was just one of those things I couldn't avoid.

Despite the tight fit of the pant and the top, I never felt inappropriate.  They both delivered great coverage.  The top was a Christmas gift two years ago from Lululemon's Run Swiftly line.

I scored the pants at the Lululemon outlet in San Marcos.  This place is the bomb!  They stock last season's merchandise at a lower price point.  I paid $49 for these running pants and I love them.  They have two pockets, one zipper and one inside the waist band, as well as reflective panels down the leg.   They don't seem to be available online anymore.

You can email them and get photos of items in stock.

The Takeaway
You can spend a small fortune on gym clothes.  There is no need to do that.  Whether you're headed to the gym or brunch afterwards, work the sales and shop the discount stores.  You'll be looking like a fitness fashionista for less in no time.

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Have We Already Given Up On Our 2014 Fitness Goals?

I asked that question this Saturday when I was able to find a parking spot for my 10:30am yoga class at 10:22 at Equinox.  

Stick with me.  This was the first Saturday of 2014 that the parking lot wasn't completely full and I didn't have to arrive at the gym at 10:15 to get a spot for the 10:30 class.  In fact, the class wasn't even nearly full.  I wasn't stuck in the corner near the dirty yoga mats.  I was able to secure a spot smack dab in the middle of the room. 

This got me wondering: Have we already given up on our 2014 resolutions to get in better shape?

Experts say most people give up just after a month.  I know that sticking to a diet and staying committed to an exercise program isn't easy.  It's much easier to cancel a 6am workout in favor of an extra half hour of sleep in or go to happy hour after work versus a hitting the gym on a Monday. 

I am not a doctor, scientist or medical professional but I do have years of "exercise experience" and acquired knowledge.  When you exercise your body releases chemicals called endorphins.  These endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body.  You know that "runner's high"?  Thank those endorphins.  Exercise truly is nature's antidepressant and the fountain of youth.  

Fighting through a barre class!

You do not have to kill yourself exercising, either.  I've said this a million times on this blog but there are a number of ways you can get your heart pumping, burn some calories and do your body some good: 

• Run, walk or bike outside.  Just move. 
• Take a class - I fell back in love with yoga and barre classes in 2014.   
• Work out with a trainer - I started working out once a week with trainer, Steve Burgess, and it has truly changed my exercise game.  I've learned so much. 
• Download the {free!} Nike Training Club app and do one of its workouts. 
• Hula hoop - it's a workout.  Promise.

My workout log

Another trick?  Try logging your workouts.  It's a great way to set goals for yourself and monitor your progress.  I have logged my workouts since college.  There's nothing better than looking back over the past few years, seeing what you did on a particular day and how you felt about it.

The Takeaway
Don't give up on those resolutions to get in better shape.  It's one of the best things you can do for yourself to make you feel better in an instant.   The weight you lose or extra muscle you gain are simply a nice bonus.  

What to Wear to the Gym, Polar Vortex Edition

If you follow this blog with any regularity you know that I am a recovering fashion victim when it comes to the gym.

The thing is, I don't want to spent a fortune on gym clothes!  I'd rather invest in classic, timeless clothes for work or the weekend.  But after having a come to Jesus with myself after being fashion-shamed in yoga last month, I have resolved to look like a gym slob no more.

The cold weather, and my newfound affinity for yoga, has me searching for affordable pants and tops to wear to the gym AND running errands.

Target has some KILLER ones.

C9 by Champion Premium Skinny Pant

I picked up this exact pair of C9 by Champion Premium Skinny Pant this weekend.  They are gathered at the ankle and fit pretty tight.  The thing is, they're so slimming.  I felt like my booty had shrunk wearing these!

C9 by Champion Pullover

These C9 by Champion pullovers are a cute, warm top to pair with the pants.  They come in a variety of colors.

C9 by Champion Cowl Neck Layered Tank

If you are looking for a tank top to work with the pants, these cowl neck layered tanks with a built-in bra are perfect.

C9 by Champion Women's Yoga French Terry Layering Top

I'm also really digging this Yoga French Terry Layering Top.  So great for throwing over a tank top to keep you warm.

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Put Those Fashions in Action
Interested in hitting the gym?  Exhale Spa has a Love Your Body Workshop Series (who doesn't need to love ourselves a bit more?). 

Love Your Butt: This 30 minute butt-burning workshop will help lift and sculpt your backside with a variety of glute-focused exercises.

Love Your Arms: In 30 minutes the focus will be defining and strengthening your arms.

When: Love Your Butt- Saturday, February 8 at 1:15pm | Love Your Arms- Saturday, February 8 at 1:45pm

Pricing: $15 members and $17 non members each session.

Sign up here.

Thanks for Reading!