Scoring BIG on Super Bowl Sunday

The Menu:
Val's "Holy Mole" Guacamole - Baked Chips - Spicy Buffalo Chicken Strips served with Celery & Carrot Sticks along with Blue Cheese Dip - Spinach & Artichoke Dip - Val's Black Bean Soup - Val's Beef & Raisin Chili - Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Super Bowl Sunday isn’t a day associated with healthy eating. In fact, some say that the idea of a healthy Super Bowl Sunday is an oxymoron. The Super Bowl is more than a football event, it has become an eating event. It should come as no surprise that after Thanksgiving, Americans eat the greatest amount of food on Super Bowl Sunday. Let’s keep in mind that when we say “food” we are referring to fried finger treats, hot & spicy buffalo wings, loaded nachos, pizza, and a variety of chips & dips (just to name a few). According to the Calorie Control Council, “the average Super Bowl armchair quarterback will consume 1200 calories and 50 grams of fat”, and that’s just from snacking. Factor in your meals for the super day and you’re not headed for a touchdown or even a field goal, but 2500 calories or more --- not the makings of a MVP.

Everyone knows that the proper execution of any play requires a game plan. Super Bowl Sunday eats are no different. To ensure that the men are satisfied and that the ladies can still fit into their jeans the day after the big game, I’ve put together some tasty Super Bowl recipes that wont threaten your waistline or your mans taste buds. To ensure that everything runs smoothly on Sunday, and that you score big with the crowd, here’s the game plan:

The day before Super Bowl, make the Beef & Raisin Chili and the Black Bean Soup. This way, you’re not stuck in the kitchen during game day. Plus, both of these delicious recipes taste even better the day after they’re cooked. I didn’t think they could taste any better than they already do, but trust me! On Sunday, all you’ll have to do is place your soup and chili on low heat over the stove an hour before the game, and they’re ready to serve. The Black Bean Soup is a perfect option for vegetarians, but I can guarantee that non-vegetarians will love this soup too.

VAL'S BEEF & RAISIN CHILI
Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS
A little over 1 lb of lean ground beef
Vegetable Oil
1 whole red onion
1 cup of sliced mushrooms
2 stalks of celery
1 cup California Raisins (secret ingredient!)
1 - 28 oz. can whole tomatoes
2 - 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
1 small can of sliced olives
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 Teaspoon garlic salt or garlic powder (optional)
3 Tablespoons cumin
3 Tablespoons chili powder
1 Teaspoon of ground clove
Salt


DIRECTIONS
Brown the ground beef over the stove in a little bit of vegetable oil. Be sure to break up the meat so that it browns evenly and cooks thoroughly. In a separate pot on the stove, combine chopped red onion, chopped celery stalks, and sliced mushrooms with a little vegetable oil.

Once the ground beef has browned, drain the excess fat and add to the pot with onions, celery, and mushrooms. Mix in chili powder, cumin, garlic salt or garlic powder (optional), ground clove, sugar (optional), and salt to taste.

Stir in crushed tomatoes with the meat, vegetables and spices. Add the whole tomatoes to your chili pot, making sure to break up the tomatoes as you stir them in. Mix in small can of sliced olives and California Raisins

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce and allow to simmer for at least an hour.




Garnish with shredded cheese (optional) & serve hot









VAL'S BLACK BEAN SOUP

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 (15oz) cans of black beans
1 cup of chopped celery
¾ large onion, chopped
2 cups of water
2 teaspoons of finely chopped jalepeno
2 cloves of garlic, minced
¼ cup of cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 (14.5 oz) can of Rotel (tomatoes with green chili’s)
Red pepper chili flakes
Soy Bac-o-Bits (optional for garnish)


DIRECTIONS
Combine ¾ of the beans with ¾ of the tomatoes, and water in a large non stick pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and use an immersion blender to puree contents in the pot. *if you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer mixture to a blender and pulse until well pureed.

Add the celery, onions, jalepeno pepper, garlic, cumin, along with the remaining beans, and remaining tomatoes. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes. Cover pot, leaving lip slightly ajar to allow the steam to escape, and reduce heat to low.

Simmer 25 to 30 minutes (or until vegetables are tender)

Serve soup while still hot, and top with Soy Bac-o-Bits or real Bacon Bits (optional)














On the day before the game, be sure to also prepare you veggies. Wash & slice the vegetables you'll be serving with your blue cheese dip/dressing and those you'll be serving with the Spinach & Artichoke dip. You can separate your cut up veggies in plastic bags or containers and place them in the fridge until you're ready to set them out the next day. The chicken that you'll be using for your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Strips can be marinated on the day before to ensure that they are juicy and savory when served during Super Bowl. Also, fully prepare your Spinach & Artichoke dip and refrigerate it - on the the day of the game all you have to do is heat it up,add Parmesan cheese on the top and place under the broiler (just enough to melt the cheese). The only item that you'll be preparing on Super Bowl Sunday is the Guacamole, which should take you no longer than 5 to 10 minutes - I'm all about keeping it simple!




SPINACH & ARTICHOKE DIP
Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS
1 can (14oz) artichoke hearts in water, rinsed, drained, and coarsely chopped
4oz reduced-fat bar cream cheese
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, chopped
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 scallions, sliced
1 package (10oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Raw veggies for dipping (red & yellow bell peppers, asparagus, carrots, celery, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower)

DIRECTIONS
Place half the artichokes in a food processor; add cream cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, cayenne pepper, and 3 tablespoons of water. Process until smooth.

Add scallions, remaining artichokes and spinach; pulse briefly. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl.

Top with Parmesan cheese (1 tablespoon) and place under broiler just until cheese has melted.














SPICY BUFFALO CHICKEN STRIPS (Men's Health)
Servings: 2 (we had to taste these... but this recipe will yield more than is pictured below in final photo)

INGREDIENTS
12 chicken tenders
3 teaspoons of honey
3 tablespoons of hot sauce
2 tablespoons of low sodium Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic
1/2 teaspoons paprika
Blue Cheese Dressing, low in fat (Ken's Steak House Lite)


DIRECTIONS

Stir together the hot sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and paprika in a small bowl. Microwave for 10 seconds, stirring if the honey clumps.
Place the chicken and half of the spice mixture in a large ziplock bag and shake until coated. Refrigerate until you're ready to grill.

When ready to cook the chicken, put the coated tenders on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, checking to make sure they're cooked sufficiently inside. Baste with the remaining spice mixture.













VAL'S “Holy Molé” GUACAMOLE

INGREDIENTS
2 large avocados
2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Jalepeno pepper, finely chopped
2 teaspoons Mexican spice
1 teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons salsa
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Juice of ½ to 1 lime


DIRECTIONS
Peel and mash 2 avocados, then add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Garnish with cilantro & serve with baked chips, pita chips, and veggies.













Don't think I forgot about dessert...
Chocolate covered strawberries, and you guessed it, prepare these delectable treats the night before the game.

CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES

INGREDIENTS
16 large strawberries (about 1lb)
2 4oz bars of dark chocolate


DIRECTIONS
Melt the chocolate either in the microwave or by using a double broiler.

Wash the strawberries and make sure they have dried.
Dip each strawberry in the melted chocolate and then place on a cookie sheet that's been lined with parchment paper.

Refrigerate until 1 hour before serving















I hope you enjoy the menu that I've put together for Super Bowl 2009. While you're enjoying these delicious and good for you eats, be sure to pay close attention to the commercials during the game ... the trailer for GI Joe (which features Action Hero Babe, Rachel Nichols) is scheduled to air right before kick off!!

All I want for Christimas ... is a SUPER SEXY BODY!

Why wait to January 1st to get your best body ever? Start now and you can have a jump start on every one else. There are a few things that will assure you are a success.

1. You have to want it, baby!
There is a big difference between wishing you looked better and deciding right now, to get in shape. Make fitness a priority and your body and life will change.

2. Have the right program.
It is obviously frustrating to work really hard, only to find that they program you were following produced little or no results - or worse, it bulked you up! If you like the toned and sexy look, favored by my Hollywood A-listers, then my Red Carpet Ready system is for you. Check out my webshow, RCR TV, and see how two "regular" women get in amazing shape using this program.

3. Get support.
All of us at one time or another need encouragement or guidance to make sure we are on the right track and to cheer us on when we need it most. As part of my Red Carpet Ready system, you get 2 free months in the Red Carpet Ready Club. Here, not only will you find workouts, exercise videos, recipes, and motivation, you will also find a group of women dedicated to being in shape, and willing to help you on your journey.

4. Motivation.
This comes in many forms. I think the biggest is a deadline, real or self imposed. Nothing lights a fire like deadline. Sometimes though, we need mini motivators like a great movie, a new workout outfit, or a new play list.
My current fave play list:

1. Just Dance - Lady Gaga
2. Love Lockdown - Kanye West
3. Because The Night - Cascasda
4. Circus - Britney Spears
5. Let It Rock - Kevin Rudolf (Feat. Lil Wayne)
6. When I grow Up - Pussycat Dolls
7. Live Your Life - T.I. (Feat. Rihanna)
8. Hot & Cold - Katy Perry



5. New equipment.
It is true that the body adapts, so we must continue to shake it up with new exercises. Try the Valslide, which not only will accelerate your results, but give you dozens of new exercises. For more information, visit www.Valslide.com

The 3 Best Butt Exercises You Can Do At Home

Nearly every client I work with wants to know if I can reshape their back side. They either want to pick it up, fill it out, slim it down, or make it rock solid. Fortunately for them, I consider this my specialty. Fortunately for you, I am going to share a few secrets. If you are already doing squats and lunges, then congratulations, you're off to a good start. Compound moves like these not only create size and shape for your butt, they also burn a ton of calories. The problem is, these exercises also develop the quads. That's no problem if that's your goal, but what if it's not?

Before we get into my favorite butt exercises, lets start with some important information.

1. Even the best exercises in the world can't overcome a bad diet. If you have cellulite and/or excess body fat, I am willing to bet that you're eating too many refined carbohydrates. I can't emphasize enough, if you want to have a lean, sexy body (and a great butt!), then stop with the junk!! No fast food, no chips, no cookies, no white flour or sugar! Whew! Glad we got that out of the way...

2. You need to burn the fat. So, I want you to do 3 full body workouts each week to add some muscle and rev up your metabolism.

3. To burn more fat you will also do 3 cardio sessions each week. I outline specifically what to do in my transformation system, Red Carpet Ready, but for now, any cardio will do. Even better if it's intervals.

4. Do special butt shaping exercises.

My 3 current favorites are:

Valband Forward backward marching

Place Valband above your knees. Your feet should be hip width apart and band should be taught. Sit back into a squat and march forward but slightly out to the side, maintaining squat position and resisting the band from pulling your knees together. In the same position march backward to your starting position.

Valslide reverse lunge with kettlebells or dumbbells

Stand with feet together, place the ball of your right foot on the Valslide®. Slide your right foot back; Left leg will bend at 90˚. Slide your right foot up to start position, pulling up with the glute (butt) of your left leg. Finish reps and switch sides. NOTE: be sure to use the stationary leg to return to start, not the sliding leg. Think of the sliding leg as just going along for the ride.
**You will feel this in your glutes and quads

Single leg - 2 arm RDL's

Hold a bodybar or barbell and lift one foot off the ground slightly. Pinch the shoulder blades back together as this helps keep the spine in the proper position. Begin by pushing your hips backward while keeping the non-working leg extended and in alignment with your torso. Continue to push the hips backwards with the working leg and keep a neutral/flat back throughout the movement. Stand back up by squeezing the glutes, pushing the hips forward and standing up straight.

Who's Gonna Win?

Mary Bess and Cody Kennedy are in the fight of their lives. Each has struggled with years of dieting and many failed attempts at reshaping their bodies. Some of these past attempts worked for a while, but always in the end, the scale would beat them back down.

Well, Mary Bess and Cody has been training hard and following the principles of Red Carpet Ready. Now, here they are in the fourth round (week) and they are ready to deliver some knockout blows. See how they do it, LIVE tonight at 5pm PST at www.redcarpetready.tv

Cody's one-two punch of 11lbs gone and a tight flat stomach is going to send the scale to its corner. Mary Bess' commitment to the diet and the conditioning program has her weighing in at 8lbs lighter and makes her a formidable competitor.

Tune in tonight to see how they do it. Learn their secrets to staying with it, and I will be there LIVE to answer any questions you have regarding diet and exercise. 

You too can finally transform your body and live as if your are ready for the Red Carpet. 

Val's Raisin Chili Recipe

When the days are short and the nights are cold, who doesn't enjoy warming up with steaming bowl of chili? To make sure that you stay Red Carpet Ready during the infamous weight gaining Winter months, I'm sharing with you my favorite chili recipe (RCR approved).




INGREDIENTS

A little over 1 lb of lean ground beef
Vegetable Oil
1 whole red onion
1 cup of sliced mushrooms
2 stalks of celery
1 cup California Raisins (secret ingredient!)
1 - 28 oz. can whole tomatoes
2 - 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
1 small can of sliced olives
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 Teaspoon garlic salt or garlic powder (optional)
3 Tablespoons cumin
3 Tablespoons chili powder
1 Teaspoon of ground clove
Salt


DIRECTIONS

Brown the ground beef over the stove in a little bit of vegetable oil. Be sure to break up the meat so that it browns evenly and cooks thoroughly. In a separate pot on the stove, combine chopped red onion, chopped celery stalks, and sliced mushrooms with a little vegetable oil.

Once the ground beef has browned, drain the excess fat and add to the pot with onions, celery, and mushrooms. Mix in chili powder, cumin, garlic salt or garlic powder (optional), ground clove, sugar (optional), and salt to taste.

Stir in crushed tomatoes with the meat, vegetables and spices. Add the whole tomatoes to your chili pot, making sure to break up the tomatoes as you stir them in. Mix in small can of sliced olives and California Raisins

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce and allow to simmer for at least an hour.


Serves about 8

Garnish with shredded cheese (optional) & serve hot

The 3 Best AB Exercises You're NOT Doing

You probably know by now that the Plank is the one of the best exercises for your abs. I agree that it is an important exercise to include in your fitness routine, the problem is, it becomes boring to hold your Plank position past 60 seconds.

You can create a bunch of new variations of the Plank with just 2 inexpensive exercise tools, the Valslide, and an Airex pad. Chances are, you are not familiar with these two excellent exercise tools because many magazines won't feature new equipment (regardless of how amazing it is) unless it can be assumed that at least 70% of people have it or have access to it. I understand that people who buy magazines might be disappointed if they had to spend additional money to do the workout the magazine provides, however, if there is no infomercial, and the magazines don't write about it, how are you supposed to know about it?


By familiarizing yourself with a few variations of the Plank exercise, not only will you avoid the boredom that may occur, you'll also be able to challenge yourself with some new moves in your routine.

Below are my 3 favorite variations of the Plank. You can do these as a circuit (if you're advanced) or mix them into your regular routines.

For these exercises you will need your Valslides and an Airex pad (or other squishy surface).




To download a PDF file of these exercise descriptions with pictures, click here

If you would like to see more of these workouts, make sure to follow me on Twitter.

Parties & Turkeys & Pies, Oh My!

With the holidays around the corner, the opportunity for diet disasters are everywhere. Holiday parties, Christmas cookies, stuffing and pie, it seems temptation is everywhere. Couple that with the stress that many experience from shopping, traveling, or too many commitments, and it is no wonder that people gain weight between now and Super Bowl Sunday. Rumor has it that Americans gain a whopping 7 to 10 pounds during the holiday season, but it doesn't have to happen!!

Not only is it possible to make it through the holidays without gaining weight, but you can actually experience weight loss. More willpower is not the answer, what you need is more effective strategies. Here are a few of my faves:

• Focus on what you can eat, not what you can't.

I will show up at my Dad's for Thanksgiving, looking forward to some turkey, green beans, and a bit of sweet potatoes. I know he will make me try his new brussels sprouts recipe (yuck!) and I will have a small piece of pumpkin pie. I will not feel sad about missing out on the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pecan pie. I would rather be able to still fit in my "skinny jeans" the next day.

• Reduce stress

Stress makes you fat! The best way to reduce stress is to exercise. You need to take that energy and blow it out. Whether you go for a run or to the gym, it doesn't matter, just get moving!

• Have a Plan B
  

Do your best to stick to your regular workouts, but have a backup plan. If you can't make it to the gym, have a few things you can use at home (Valslides perhaps?). If you don't have an hour, do an intense 2o-30 minute circuit training or interval workout.

• Get Support

If you know that you struggle during the holidays, then get support! Find a fitness buddy that will hold you accountable and visa versa, or join an on-line community like the Red Carpet Ready Club. Here you will find inspiring stories, great workouts, and most important, encouraging words.

Also, be sure to check out Red Carpet Ready TV, my live internet reality weight loss program. I am doing to help transform the bodies (and lives) of Cody and Mary Bess using the workouts and strategies that I use with my Hollywood clients. You can follow along (or join in) as I coach them through the next 6 weeks.

You too can make the commitment and be Red Carpet Ready by January!

Red Carpet Ready beings airing LIVE today, November 12th, at 5pm PST (8pm EST) at http://www.redcarpetready.tv/

When you tune in make sure to say hi (there will be a live chat as well). Hope to see you there!!