So, I am a runner, spinner, tennis player, and I do strength training, but I never know what the true rule is on “to stretch or not to stretch”. I decide to take this question to a pro. I had a talk with Kirk Kaps, a Certified Athletic Trainer at Champion Sports Medicine, who works daily with professional athletes (and small unknown athletes like me.) He told me this, “In the past, we have always heard that is important for us to make sure we stretch our muscles very well before physical activity. Before this could occur, it was told that we must get a good warm-up in order to get a good stretch for the muscle groups when they are considered “cold” muscles. One recent study, performed in 2011, concluded that if you normally stretch and warm up before running, then by all means, continue that. But, if you’re a runner who doesn’t stretch at all, and still gets in a good warm-up, then continue your routine. In essence, each athlete should continue their own routine, but they should continue to get a 3 to 5 minute warm-up before they start their activity.” I hope this helps when you are stumped with this same question.

You can find this study at: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20110217/stretch-before-running-new-twist-on-old-debate

Photo via Pinterest

I have been doing a lot of research, writing and speaking on super-foods, and Kefir is definitely on my list. I am so excited about Frozen Kefir by Lifeway because it has is only 90 calories per 1/2 cup serving, 18 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber. It is also 99% lactose free, all natural and gluten-free. In addition, it is packed with 10 probiotics which rev up your immunity and are great for digestion. My kids absolutely went wild over the strawberry, especially in this Strawberry Kefir Smoothie. With only 3 ingredients, you will have a refreshing and healthy smoothie perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack or light dessert.

I get a lot of questions about probiotics. What are they? Probiotics, which literally mean “beneficial to life,” are live cultures that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Most probiotics include the live active cultures often added to foods like yogurt. Researchers have studied bacteria extensively and considerable evidence indicates that there are several strains of essential good-for-you bacteria that have an ability to promote healthy gastrointestinal functions. Lifeway Kefir contains seven to ten billion CFU’s of 10 strains of bacteria, plus ProBoost, an exclusive pair of clinically proven probiotics to balance your body’s ecosystem, support digestive health and immunity. That’s 12 live and active cultures per cup to produce a wide array of health benefits. You can find Lifeway frozen Kefir at Whole Foods.

I have been on a soup kick this month, and I am so excited to judge this year’s Acoustic Soup in Birmingham, Alabama at Workplay on January 26th. This event will feature soup from talented Birmingham chef’s and restaurants benefitting VSA Alabama, which serves children and adults with chronic disabilities through the arts. Please come and bring your families for great food and a wonderful cause. Here are some of my favorite soup recipes such as my Chipotle Vegetarian Chili (pictured above) and others from my favorite magazines and blogs such as this Tortilla Soup from Sunset Magazine and My Recipes (pictured below).

Beef and Barley Soup from Better Homes and Gardens 

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Roasted Red Bell Pepper Soup from A Spicy Perspective

Healthy Warm Lentil Soup from Ingredients, Inc

 Rustic Roasted Tomato Soup from Family Fresh Cooking

Beef, Potato and Quinoa Soup from Skinny Taste

Roll Tide! I can’t believe an Alabama team is (once again) in the BCS National Championship. You have no idea what it’s like to live in this crazy, passion-filled football state (Alabama and Auburn) where red jeans and houndstooth are at a premium. I have had many, many requests, phone calls and emails for appetizer recipes. Since everyone is trying to get their new years off right, I thought I would share this Spinach Dip with Greek Yogurt recipe which I recently made this on television for NBC 13 “Daytime Alabama”. It’s so easy, and it’s always a hit. It is perfect for any party, Superbowl, or weekend starter with the family. Here are a few other favorites appetizers ideas including  Chicken Chipotle Dip

 Rosemary-Chipotle Spiced Nuts

Lightened Up Mexican Layer Dip

For years, my sister, Julie, always served the best coffee at her house. The funny thing is that she wouldn’t tell us where it came from. Finally, she spilled the beans (pun intended) that she purchased it from Dunkin Doughnuts Coffee in Atlanta (it wasn’t sold in Birmingham at the time). Now, I am so excited that almost any local grocery store in town carries “Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend Coffee”. It’s one of my top picks for coffee brewed at home. This unique mix of 100% Arabica beans has a smooth, delicious flavor with soft, subtle flavors, making it very easy to drink. It’s ideal for that first cup in the morning or paired later in the day with dessert. For more information, visit Dunkin’ Donuts and for coffee promotions, coupons, special offers and more. One lucky winner will receive the Dunkin’ Donuts Prize pack containing one bag of Original Blend, one bag of Decaf, and two Dunkin’ Donuts Mugs. Winner will be chosen, Monday, January 9th at 8 a.m. CST. To enter, do the following:

1. Leave a comment telling my why you want to win this. For more chances to win, do the following:

2. Like Ingredients Inc. on Facebook

3. Follow Alison Lewis on twitter

3. Tweet this link: I entered to win the Dunkin’ Doughnuts Prize pack from @alisonlewis http://www.ingredientsinc.net/2012/01/dunkin-doughnuts-coffee-giveaway/

Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee at Grocery compensated me for participation in this campaign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to drink more Green Smoothies.  I am having so much fun with my Blendtec blender, and I loved this recipe for Green Smoothie. Even my son, Zachary, who is 10 years old, drank an entire glass. If you’re skeptical, just try it. It’s my newest favorite recipe for breakfast or afternoon pick me up.

Check out 10 awesome health benefits of drinking Green Smoothies below:

1. It boosts your energy level

2. Adds fiber to your diet which aids in digestion and eliminates toxins.

3. Reduces mood swings

4. Promotes weight loss

5. Stabilizes blood sugar levels

6. Increased antioxidant intake which helps protect against diseases

7. Helps with healthy, radiant skin

8. Increased intake of fruits and vegetables

9. Reduces unhealthy food cravings

10. Enhances the immune system

If you’re looking for a super easy appetizer for New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl Party or just any occasion, I have one for you. This Chipotle Chicken Dip is one of my newest favorite lightened up appetizer recipes. Take a shortcut by using a rotisserie chicken and add light cream cheese, nonfat Greek yogurt, green chilies, chipotle seasoning. Serve it with your favorite whole grain crackers, pita chips or fresh vegetables, and you’ll have a crowd favorite.

Since I have been obsessed with almond butter for quite some time, I thought I would try my hand at making these Almond Butter Flaxseed Pancakes. You combine almond butter with your favorite homemade or store-bought pancake mix, flaxseed meal (which can be found at most local groceries), banana and even nonfat Greek yogurt. My kids went nuts over these, and I felt great serving them such an incredibly healthy breakfast. They called them, “Banana-Nut Pancakes” which was a great name. These pancakes taste great reheated, and they make a great healthy afternoon snack. Enjoy anytime of the year, but they are perfect for a healthy Christmas break, New Year’s or weekend breakfast.

I first made this recipe for Peppermint Milkshakes on my blog in December of 2008 when I literally threw three ingredients together in a blender for my kids instead of taking them to get peppermint ice cream. Since then, I have been making these religiously for parties and for my 3 kids. It has been one of the most heavenly requested recipes from my children’s friends who have come to my house and tried them. Whenever I’m invited to a holiday party, I typically get asked to make these. This past sunday night, I made them for 28 people, and it was beyond an absolute hit. So many requested me to post the infamous recipe one more time so they can make them for their family Christmas events. Here it is…Enjoy!

If you’re looking for a simple holiday appetizer for Christmas or Hanukkah, look no further. These Pear, Pecan and Gorgonzola Crostini are so fresh, pretty and easy to make. I am making these on television today for a  ”healthy holiday appetizer” show on NBC 13 Daytime Alabama. You can find this recipe and 399 others in my latest cookbook, “400 Best Sandwiches: From Classics & Burgers to Wraps & Condiments” published by Robert Rose.