ConFUZEd

I am not one to drink soda or other sport drinks. I think this past year alone I've had maybe 8 oz of the carbonated drink. I just don't really care for it. Instead I drink coffee in the morning and then water throughout the day followed by wine and/or beer as appropriate, (in moderation, of course).

Recently I was out on the golf course at an outing and there was a booth set up with hip and attractive (and scantly clad) young women pushing FUZE Energy Drinks. I've seen these in the delis but I've never been interested enough to try one. I figure they're full of sugar and therefore calories and who needs that? I'd must prefer to spend those calories on food, of course!

But when I snidely asked, "huh, how many calories are in these things...?" the woman informed me that there were Diet White Tea drinks I could sample with absolutely no calories. Intrigued, I picked up the Pomegranate flavored White Tea bottle and looked at the nutritional guide which, sure enough, indicated no calories, no fat, no sugar, no nothing but a ton of vitamins. Remaining skeptical I imagined it would taste terrible - either it would be too sweet with artificial sweeteners or have no taste at all. I WAS WRONG (hear that all?? I said I was wrong - it may be the last time you see that in print!).

Seriously - I was conFUZEd! This was awesome. I drank it so quickly and I've had one of these diet white teas (in various flavors) ever since! I discovered you can buy them in Costco http://www.costco.com for a very good price - I purchased 15 for $13. Not bad considering they cost nearly $3 for one bottle in a Deli.

The diet white teas and the version called (I know it's a silly name...) "Slenderize" have no or few calories, respectively, and as I've said they're filled with antioxidants, the B-Complex Vitamins, and tons of Folic Acid - all accomplished with no artificial flavors or colors. I'm telling you that I've been reading the label for weeks trying to find the fake out. And I'm waiting for that feeling of massive disappointment followed by horror that "Elaine" experienced in Seinfeld - where she realizes that the "non-fat" yogurt she's been eating in excess really has loads of calories!

Till then, I'll remain conFUZEd as to how they can deliver a healthy and delicious drink with nothing bad for you!

Fuze founder has a great story to tell. Check it out online. http://www.drinkfuze.com

Entertaining: Recipe

If you haven't gone out to buy this book yet (and if you don't already own it), might I entice you with the following recipe...

Mango Daiquiris
serves 4

1 cup ripe mango slices
3 large strawberries
1/2 cup light rum
Juice of 2 limes
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 cups crushed ice

In an electric blender, blend all ingredients until smooth and frothy. Serve in chilled glasses garnished with strawberries.

Breakfast Fruit Smoothie: Recipe

Seems that every Sunday morning I have the intention to make french-toast for the family. I imagine a hot pot of coffee and the delicious smell of cinnamon and vanilla on crusty fried bread. And a good deal of the time that does happen. Lately, however, it seems the kids want something easy to eat while they're watching tv and my husband and I want to remain in our warm bed for just a few more minutes.

Once the kids are up and have had their cheerios or oatmeal or Eggo Waffle, I head off to the gym. When I return the only thing I can think to eat is a heart healthy breakfast. So what's a person to do? I say: hard boiled eggs, a fruit smoothie, and a few whole almonds (and the coffee, of course).

In fact, HB eggs are a great weekday breakfast, as well, for a quick bite before heading out the door. Right before I get into the shower I race downstairs, fill a little pot with water and 2 eggs - one for today and one for the next day (sure you can do more than 2 for the week, etc.) I set the timer for 20 minutes and return when it beeps. Voila - as I'm heading out I simply slice the egg and add fresh pepper and a little Kosher salt. I've eaten it faster than I can type this. Of course, put the other egg away for the next day so I don't need to bother with boiling water again. And of course, eggs are amazing sources of protein and they have little fat but most importantly they allow you to feel satiated till lunch. Try it!

Because I have more time on the weekends, I can enjoy a fruit smoothie which can be made very quickly. So, off I go now to eat my egg, drink my smoothie and sip my coffee.

Fruit Smoothie
(enough for two people)
In a blender, combine 3/4 of a ripe banana with 1 1/2 cup of Dole frozen berries (in the frozen section and a variety of them. I choose "mixed berries" for variety of color and flavor) and about 1/2 cup of water. Puree in the blender and add more water, if needed). It's healthy, quick, and delicious.