Magazine-Mar to April 2017

GYM

Healthy choice, healthy life by Robert Hoffman, Gym Manager

Chinese New Year may have been more than a month ago, but Easter in April means more sugary sweets and treats. Rather than going cold turkey, opt for healthier treats this Easter with our simple guide to more wholesome choices. Popcorn balls

Dark chocolate Instead of binging on low quality chocolates, opt for high grade dark chocolate with 70% or more cocoa. Dark chocolate lowers the risk of diabetes as polyphenols in chocolate help regulate blood sugar by improving insulin resistance. The tasty treat also strengthens the heart and promotes healthy blood flow. Healthy trail mix This D.I.Y. mix is perfect for health nuts! Combine a mixture of unsalted and unsweetened nuts like almonds, pecans, walnuts and cashews with dried fruit like sultana raisins, cranberries, apricots and apple slices for a fuss-free midday snack. Chocolate covered fruits Those who find it hard to do a 180 on their diets can ease themselves into healthier eating habits with our handy tip: dip your favorite fruits into some yummy chocolate! Chocolate covered strawberries, bananas or apple slices make for a pretty lunchbox snack.

Popcorn is everyone’s favorite cinema treat, but homemade popcorn balls are healthy and yummy. Make your own popcorn balls with a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkling of cinnamon and dab of honey. Tie them up with pretty pastel strings as a joyful surprise for your kids! Homemade Rice Krispies bunnies Swap store-bought bunny candies for these homemade Rice Krispies delights. Simply stir honey, low-fat butter and organic peanut butter into whole grain rice cereal before using cookie cutters to shape them into adorable bunnies. Dyed hard boiled eggs Tie-dye eggs are all the rage, but add a springtime twist by using pastel dyes. Eggs are full of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and these colorful eggs will making teatime a healthy treat! Keeping healthy doesn't mean one has to stave off all things delicious – with smarter choices, you can have your cake and eat it too.

55 THE AMERICAN CLUB MAR / APR 2017